Zion's Seniors

The Senior Citizens group at Zion Lutheran Church in Brodheadsville will meet at 11 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 18. The invitation to join is open to those 50 and older. Members are reminded to bring a lunch. Beverages are provided.This group is separate from the Monroe Seniors who come to lunch at Zion on Wednesdays and Fridays, though attendance may overlap.West End RotaryChef Edmund O'Connell will be the featured speaker at the West End Rotary Club's next meeting, Thursday Aug. 18. The club will meet at 7:30 a.m. at the Western Pocono Community Library.Busy PV complexMore events are happening this week at the Pleasant Valley complex in Brodheadsville as the start of school comes closer. Senior portraits are being taken Aug. 18-19 at the high school, kindergartners are being welcomed for their orientation and bus ride at Chestnuthill Aug. 18, and at the PV Middle School, there is a welcome and breakfast for new students on Aug. 18 as well.Star gazing nightWest End Park and Open Space Commission is hosting a free star gazing night with astronomer Rich Grebb on Saturday, Aug. 20, at the West End Regional Park. Participants should meet at the Chestnuthill Park Building, Route 715, Brodheadsville at 7:45 p.m. Star charts will be included for this intimate look and telescopic view. Bring lawn chairs.To preregister call (570) 992-9733 or email

bkozen@weposc.org.Special blessingYouth of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church are invited to a back pack blessing and a gift for children from preschool through eighth grade, while ninth through 12th graders are invited for a special key chain blessing and gift at Mass this coming weekend.Great needsPleasant Valley Ecumenical Network Community Service Center supplies are very low.Needed are: boxes or cans of soup; tuna fish; boxed potatoes, scalloped or mashed; canned vegetables, but not corn; canned meat; pork and beans; peanut butter; jelly; cereal; and rice.No opened or expired items should be donated.There is also a need for nonfood items such as new underwear and bras (any size) and blankets and sheets (queen and king size).These items can be brought to to PVEN on Tuesday mornings.New pastorPleasant Valley Presbyterian Church in Brodheadsville has had a new pastor since late June. She is the Rev. Alexandra M. Hendrickson.The church offers a worship service at 10:15 a.m. on Sundays. Children's church and nursery care is provided. Sunday School will resume in September.The church can be reached at (570) 992-0158.