Newspaper drive

The men and boys of St. John's Lutheran Church will hold their monthly newspaper drive on Saturday, Feb. 5. There will be one sweep of the Palmerton, Aquashicola, and Little Gap areas beginning at 8 a.m.Papers should be bundled and placed within sight of the collectors. They are collecting papers only, no magazines. The shiny inserts are acceptable. They also are in need of brown paper grocery size bags.Persons missed, or those wishing to dispose of papers throughout the month, may take them to the garage across from the church on Fireline Road, which is always open. In case of bad weather, the drive will be held the following Saturday.Community mealA free community meal will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8, at St. John's United Church of Christ, 891 Columbia Ave., Palmerton. All are invited to share a meal and fellowship.Adult book clubAn adult book club meets the third Monday of each month from noon until 1:15 p.m. On Monday, Feb. 21, the club will meet to discuss "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. Stop in or call the Palmerton Area Library at (610) 826-3424 for more information. The club meets at the library.Miller-Keystone BloodmobileThe Miller-Keystone Blood center is scheduled to have its first community bloodmobile of 2011 on Thursday, Feb. 10, at the First United Church of Christ, next to Palmerton Borough Hall.Registration will open at 11:30 a.m. and close at 5:30 p.m. However, there will be a one-hour interruption in registration between 2 and 3 p.m. because of new Miller personnel rules.Previous donors can expect to receive e-mail and/or phone reminders. New donors are always needed, particularly at this time of year when accidents and illnesses may increase the need for blood, and bad weather may force the postponement or cancellation of some blood drives.Donors must be at least 17 years old (no maximum age), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in general good health. First-time donors should bring photo ID, such as a driver's license. Previous Miller donors, please bring your Miller card.To make an appointment, or for more information, please call George Ashman at (610) 826-2097.There will also be a Miller bloodmobile at Palmerton High School on Tuesday, Feb. 8, for students and school staff only.Students are reminded that the school (not Miller) requires a signed parental permission slip.Students may donate at the Feb. 10 community bloodmobile without the permission slip.