Ash Wednesday

Effort UMC will offer soup and salad from 5:15 to 5:45 p.m., this evening for Ash Wednesday, followed by a study from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. in Wesley Hall. Immediately after the study, participants will move to the Sanctuary for a Lenten service from 7 to 7:30 p.m.McMichaels UMC will hold a worship service at 7 p.m., with the Imposition of Ashes.Pleasant Valley Presbyterian, Brodheadsville, will a have simple supper at 6:30 p.m. of soup and bread. Anyone bringing soup and bread will be appreciated. The worship service will immediately follow, starting around 7 p.m.Our Lady Queen of Peace, Gilbert, will offer Mass and Distribution of Ashes earlier in the day, as well as 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.Zion Lutheran, Brodheadsville, will offer Ashes-to-Go outside from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and a worship service, with Holy Communion and Imposition of Ashes, at 7:30 p.m.Band parentsPleasant Valley Band Parents will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday.All Sports ClubThe Pleasant Valley All Sports Club will meet at 7:30 p.m., Monday, March 10, at the high school library.Knit & CrochetZion Lutheran's group will meet at 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 11, at the church complex.PVMS parentsPleasant Valley Middle School parents are reminded that at 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 11, there is a seventh- and eighth-grade parent scheduling meeting at the PVMS cafeteria.Blood pressurereadingsSeniors can obtain free blood pressure readings at the Senior Center in Brodheadsville, meeting at Zion Lutheran Church from 10 to 11 a.m. March 12. At 11 a.m. a special program on Catching Z's will be presented.The center is closed if schools are closed due to inclement weather.Programs are free to the public. For more information call 570-420-3746.Lioness boardThe Western Pocono Lioness Board of Directors will meet at noon at Cherry's Family Restaurant in Kresgeville, Wednesday, March 12. All members are welcome.AWESOM donationThe Western Pocono Lioness Club held a collection time for the Animal Welfare Society of Monroe (AWSOM) animal group at the club's last meeting. Donations included blankets and throw rugs; towels, linens, and bath towels; dog toys and dog bowls; copy paper and paper towels; dog food; and cat food.In addition, members wrote checks totaling $150.School tax refundIn the Pleasant Valley School District one's income must be under $18,500 and one must be over 65 to apply for a school tax refund. Application must be completed between Feb. 15 and June 1 at the school district's business office. Call 570-992-5711 for more information and to register. The maximum rebate is $500.Garden newsThe Garden of Giving is in need of donations of supplies and funding to purchase what is needed for the Garden and chickens, a board secretary, help in the office, as well as youth groups for the upcoming growing season and team leaders to guide them. For more information call 570-402-1282 or email the

gardenofgiving@gmail.com for more information.Upcoming blood driveWawa in Brodheadsville will host an American Red Cross blood drive from 1 to 6 p.m., Thursday, March 20.Call 800-RED-CROSS to schedule an appointment.Senior spelling beeMonroe County is having its annual Senior Senior Citizens Spelling Bee on April 22. The first prize winner will receive $100 and the runner up will receive $50.If interested in entering, call the Monroe County Aging Office at 570-420-3735.