Halloween happiness

The Pleasant Valley Leo Club's annual Halloween Costume Drive was a success, with over 300 costumes donated. The individuals who came out expressed their extreme gratitude toward the generosity of the members of the school district and the surrounding community.Children who arrived at the PVHS's Community Night without costumes were quickly fitted with one of their choice. All those that remained were utilized by the PVHS Clubs in order to make the local children's experiences a bit more whimsical.Trunk or TreatWest End Fire Company in Brodheadsville will hold a Trunk and Treat night on Wednesday, Oct. 31 from 5-8 p.m. for free treats.PV Band ParentsPleasant Valley Band Parents will meet at 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 1, at the high school in Brodheadsville.Permission slips duePleasant Valley Middle School students, who plan to participate in the school's ski club are reminded to have permission slips and monies to Rob Petit-Clair no later than Nov. 2 for club outings to Blue Mountain Ski Resort.Free Flu shot clinicOur Lady Queen of Peace is hosting a free flu shot clinic from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday in McCawley Hall for adults 18 and over.One should call or email to register. The number is (570) 426-2820 or email

events@pmchealthsystem.org.Driver safety refresherA four-hour AARP Driver Safety Program will be offered at the Chestnuthill Park Building in Brodheadsville from 1-5 p.m. Saturday. One must have had the eight-hour course within the past three years and register for the course at (570) 619-4006.Veterans do not need to pay the normal fee for the course taught by trained volunteers. They are offered the course for free during November in honor of their service. For more information call 1-888-227-7669 or go to

www.aarp.org/drive.Blood driveZion United Lutheran Church is hosting a Miller-Keystone blood drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the church in Brodheadsville. Miller-Keystone Blood Center is the only blood supplier to 25 hospitals in the region.Turkey Drive for food pantryThe Supplemental Food Resource Center of Effort United Methodist Church is having a Turkey Drive to supplement the pantry items provided for their clients' Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Those wishing to donate a coupon for a free turkey or a turkey may contact the church at (570) 629-1890 for more information. The food pantry is open Saturday's between 10 a.m. and noon for drop offs. The church is located off Route 115 on Merwinsburg Road in Effort.Western Pocono LionessWestern Pocono Lioness Club celebrated Halloween a week early, with costumes and special desserts. The various committee reports indicated the September Fashion Show was a success. The theme for next year's show, which will be held at Hideway Hills, Kresgeville, is already decided. Ruth Smith and Maryann LaLumia will serve as co-chairs for the event.The next meeting will be Nov. 27, and is a harvest celebration. Members will bring soup, chili, bread and dessert.Diabetes presentationThe Chestnuthill Senior Center, which meets at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, will host Bright Star Care for a program on diabetes at 11:30 a.m., at Zion Lutheran's Fellowship Hall in Brodheadsville.Individuals planning to eat at the center must call the center manager as per usual.PVMS productionThe Pleasant Valley Middle School will present its drama production at 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 9, and again at 2 and 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 10.Lions serveAs a community service the Western Pocono Lions Club takes senior citizens from several nursing homes for a ride in the mountains to see the fall foliage. Approximately 50 guests from Brookmont Health Care, Mrs. Bush's, Getz Personal Care and Wesley Rehabilitation enjoyed the scenery again this year.Western Pocono Lioness President Virginia Lamendola and Barbara Hoffman provided the cookie assortment that was distributed to the four senior facilities for their guests and employees.Vehicle drivers were Lions members: Tom Kresge, Mike Piersa, Donald Gower, Eugene Bilodeau, Fred Klein, Dave Rowan, PDG Robert and Adele Argot, Sharon Sweeney, Jeff and Linda Hinton, President Charles Rush, Cindy Rodenbaugh and Past State Council Chairman Christopher Sweeney.This program for World Lions Day began 35 years ago through the efforts of Chris Sweeney, who reports that the Lions have provided rides for about 1,500 seniors during this time.