The Palmerton Area Democratic Club will hold their opening meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Blue Shamrock Golf Club (formerly Blue Ridge Country Club), 2230 Fireline Road in Palmerton.

The topic of the meeting will be "The PennEast Pipeline: Why Should You Care?" presented by guest speaker environmentalist Dr. Bill Mineo. This program is free and open to the public.Mineo is a member of the board of directors the Lehigh Gap Nature Center and the former Stewardship and Trail Manager for 160 miles from Bristol to Wilkes-Barre for the Delaware & Lehigh Heritage Corridor within the National Depart of Interior."Dr. Mineo will explain the issues involved with the proposed pipeline crossing the Appalachian Trail right here near us on Blue Mountain," said club President Sarina Berlow."Some of the other questions that Dr. Mineo will address include how else will the PennEast pipeline impact on our community, what are the alternatives, and Is it still possible to prevent the PennEast pipeline from coming through Carbon County?"New this year is the option to come at 5:30 p.m. for dinner by ordering off the menu at the Blue Shamrock Golf Club. Please contact Berlow to reserve seating for dinner."Food insecurity is still a problem in our area," noted club Vice President Sandi Peters."Therefore, our Democratic Club will continue to support the Food Bank run by the Community Action Council of Palmerton Area Churches (CACPAC). We would appreciate it if those attending each meeting would remember to bring canned goods to donate for those in need."The area covered by the club is the same as the Palmerton Area School District and includes Palmerton, Bowmanstown, Towamensing Township and Lower Towamensing Township.Meetings are monthly, the second Tuesday of the month, September to May, at 7 p.m. at the Blue Shamrock Golf Club. Newcomers are always welcome.For more information, to reserve for dinner or to join the Palmerton Area Democratic Club, contact Berlow at 610-597-0106 or

sarinaberlow@gmail.com.