VBS under way

St. Peter UMC's Vacation Bible School is under way this week. Coming in August is the VBS at Effort UMC, from Aug. 5 -9, from 9 a.m. until noon. The theme is: Kingdom Rock.For more information call the church at (570) 629-1890.Equilibrium guestThe Western Pocono Lions Club will host a representative from Equilibrium at its monthly dinner meeting tonight at The Old Mill Pizza on Route 209 in Sciota. The club gathers at 6:30 p.m.; the meeting begins at 7 p.m.Blood drivesWestern Pocono Community Library, Brodheadsville, is hosting a blood drive from noon to 6 p.m., each Wednesday this month on July 17, 24 and 31.To schedule an appointment call Deb Otto at (610) 691-5850, ext. 1227 or email

dotto@hcsc.org.Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Gilbert, is hosting an American Red Cross blood drive from 1-6 p.m., Wednesday July 31.Visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to schedule an appointment.West End Rotary ClubThe West End Rotary Club will host Rotary District Gov. Irene Carey at its July 18 meeting.The AM club meets at 7:30 a.m. most Thursdays at the Western Pocono Community Library, Route 115 in Brodheadsville. The PM Fellowship Club meets at 7:30 p.m. most Thursdays at Cherry's Sunset Restaurant, Route 209, in Kresgeville.For more information, contact WERC President Debbie Borger at

dborger@rileyandcompany.com or call (570) 350-4169.Chestnuthill anniversaryThe next event planning meeting of the Sept. 7 celebration of Chestnuthill Township's 250th anniversary is at 7 p.m., July 18, at the Chestnuthill Township Municipal Building.Citizens can volunteer to help for that, and at the anniversary event, by calling Norm at (610) 681-7561 or Dave at (570) 992-7247. Help is also needed the day before and the day after.PV School BoardThe Pleasant Valley School District's Board of Education is slated to meet at 8 p.m., Thursday, July 18, in the district office in Brodheadsville.Youth travelsEffort UMC's youth and adult advisers, totaling 25 folks, are leaving Saturday for a REACH work-camp in Johns Island, S.C. The group includes new as well as seasoned members.Special eventMusical Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Drum Circle Event Friday will take place at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church on July 19, beginning at 10 a.m. in the Chapel.The schedule includes: 10-10:30 a.m. will be the family adoration singing of the Divine Chaplet followed by the drum circle at 10:30-11 a.m.A drum circle is a circle of percussion instruments played in synchronization and geared toward families with children to aid them in their family prayer. Participants are all invited to a picnic after, but are reminded to bring something to share.Driver refresherA four-hour AARP driver refresher course is being offered at the Chestnuthill Park Building this Saturday, beginning at 1 p.m.To register or for more information, call (570) 619-4066.Participants in this reduced-time class must have proof of having had the eight-hour course within the past three years.Lioness meetThe Western Pocono Lioness Club will meet Tuesday, July 24, beginning with a social time at 6 p.m. and the meeting at 7 p.m., at the American Legion in Gilbert. The theme is: Picnic. Those attending are reminded to call club President Ruth Smith at (610) 381-4274 to designate what picnic food the individual is bringing.