Local guests

When the District 14U Lions District convention was held last weekend, three local Lions groups were represented. Attending for the Effort Lions Club were Marvin and Joyce Aylsworth, Jim Hannon and Art Ponstingle.Representing the Western Pocono Lions Club were Past Council Chair Christopher Sweeney and his wife Rita, a member of the Stroudsburg Lions Club and the Western Pocono Lioness Club; Past District Governor Bob Argot and his wife, a Lion, and also a member of the Western Pocono Lioness Club; and Past District Governor Bob Kelsey.Rotary SpeakerMonroe County Commissioner Charlie Garris will be the speaker at the April 18 breakfast meeting of the West End Rotary Club, when it meets at 7:30 a.m. at the Western Pocono Community Library, Pilgrim Way, Brodheadsville.Academic FairPleasant Valley High School will hold its Academic Fair from 6:30-8:30 p.m., Monday, April 22.Knit & CrochetZion Lutheran's Knit & Crochet Group will meet at 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 23.Senior MomentsThis group at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church will meet at 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 24, in McCawley Hall to play bingo. They meet the fourth Wednesday of each month.Items neededThe Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network helps feed hundreds of families each month. Its Service Center, located in McIlhaney near the Chestnuthill Diner in the old Methodist church, needs coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and cereal as well as nonfood items such as gently-used (or new) blankets, comforters, towels and wash cloths.Donations can be taken to the PVEN FSC Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon and Friday mornings.For other times one can arrange a drop off time with the office by calling (570) 992-3136.Free Safety FairGFWC Western Pocono Women's Club, a service organization in the West End for over 40 years, is co-sponsoring its second annual free Child Safety Fair with the West End Park and Open Space Commission.This event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, May 4, at the Chestnuthill Township Park, Route 715, Brodheadsville. The PA State Police will be present to fingerprint children. West End Ambulance and West End Fire Company will be present so folks can tour their vehicles and trucks.A Fire Safety House or simulated Smoke House from Tobyhanna Army Depot will be available to demonstrate safe ways to escape a house fire. Pocono Medical Center will have representatives there to check blood pressure, inspect infant car seats, provide Trauma and Safety Education Awareness, and share other information.Safe/Healthy Snacks for Kids is new this year and will be shared by Lindsay Vaughn, dietitian from Kinsley's ShopRite. Boy Scout Troop 98 will have food for sale.Free information regarding car seats, school bus safety, etc. will be available inside the Chestnuthill Park Building during the fair.For more information email the Western Pocono Women's Club at

wpwomensclub@gmail.com.Young Art FestThe preschool at St. Peter's UMC in Saylorsburg will hold its annual Pre-School Art Festival at 7 p.m., Monday, April 29.Teachers Miss Georgene and Miss Lisa will host the event and invite school families and friends to come see what the children have worked on since September.VBS announcedSt. Peter's UMC will hold its Vacation Bible School from July 15-19. The theme will be: Kids Rock ... Where Kids Stand Strong for God. More information will be forthcoming.