Pantry open

It will be a regular pantry day Saturday at Effort UMC's Supplemental Food Resource Center. Hours are from 10 a.m. to noon.Anyone with questions can call the church at 570-629-1890, ext. 109, to talk to co-directors Henry McCormick or Anthony Walker.Family TableSt. Matthew's UCC in Kunkletown will have its 9 a.m. service and the noon Family Table Sunday.VBS conclusionSalem-St.Paul's Lutheran Church will hold the final of its three VBS days on Sunday. This one will be special as more will be learned about Martin Luther, about kids who have changed our world, about bee keeping, and in addition, there will be swimming and a picnic after church and at a private home.Legion RidersThe American Legion Riders have their monthly meeting at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, at the American Legion Post 927, Route 209 and Fairgrounds Road, Gilbert.The American Legion Riders contribute to veterans, the community and enjoy riding.For more information, contact President Everett Shaver at 570-977-8208.Monroe SeniorsThe Chestnuthill Seniors, part of Monroe County Seniors will meet beginning at 9 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Brodheadsville in the Fellowship Hall both Friday and Wednesday of next week.UMW meetsEffort United Methodist Church's United Methodist Women will meet at 7 p.m. Monday in the former day care kitchen. Rosalie Juris will present the program, Mission U.Hostesses are Arvilla Bodemer, Reta Romanco and Ann Sanders.Arvilla Bodemer will also provide the devotions.Special speakerThe Western Pocono Women's Club will be honoring Patricia Dominick of Brodheadsville at the club meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at the Effort United Methodist Church on Merwinsburg Road. Patricia was the club's 2017 representative at HOBY, the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar. She is the daughter of Stephen and Sophia Dominick.Patricia Dominick will be the featured speaker at the meeting.In addition to hearing about Patricia's HOBY experiences, the ladies will be busy finalizing plans for their yearly food stand at the 96th Annual West End Fair in Gilbert, which runs from Aug. 20-26.Kids day programThe West End Park and Open Space Commission is offering free Living Life Kid's Day programs this summer. The next program will be from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday at the Chestnuthill Township Park in Brodheadsville. Highlighted will be music and art, featuring a Music with Amy program and Crafts with Sherry Harding plus healthy snacks. Professional instructors will lead the way to eating right and being active to help kids achieve their dreams. To register, call 570-992-9733 or contact

bkozen@weposc.org.Prayer shawl ministryEffort UMC's Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. The group is dedicated to letting people know someone loves them by donating a prayer shawl wherever there is a hurting person.Newcomers are welcome.Chestnuthill supervisorsAt 7 p.m. Tuesday the Chestnuthill Township Board of Supervisors will meet at the township's municipal building on Route 715 in Brodheadsville.Republican ClubThe West End Republican Club will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Lakeside Restaurant, 5154 S. Hamilton Blvd., Saylorsburg.Republican-minded citizens are encouraged to join the group to socialize, listen, discuss and learn.Those wishing to eat before the meeting are asked arrive by 6 p.m. For additional information or directions, visit

http://www.westendgop.com, or call 443-326-5100.Children's programsThe Western Pocono Community Library Children's Department now hosts two new programs. On the first and third Monday of the month at 1 p.m. the library will hold a program titled Books and Toys. This program is for children from baby to age 3. During Books and Toys the children will hear a story and then bring that story to life with toys provided.On the second and fourth Monday of the month at 1 p.m., the library will host a Block Party for children ages 3 to 6 years old. A block party is a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program for young children, which provides children and parents the opportunity to explore block play and imaginative play.For more information about either of these programs, feel free to contact the library at 570-992-7934.Eldred centerThe Eldred Township Community Center has this ongoing for the month of August: Mondays at noon, musical jam sessions, all interested musicians and listeners welcome;Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., quilting and sewing, folks are invited to drop by to join in or visit the group for help with alterations, etc.; Tuesdays at 7 p.m., crocheting with Dottie Jeker. All interested are welcome; second and fourth Saturday, children's reading, from 9 a.m. to noon; Thrift Store hours, Wednesday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Blood driveCornerstone Community Church on Polk Township Road in Kresgeville is hosting an American Red Cross blood drive from 1 to 6

p.m.Aug. 16. At this drive donors can give blood and Power Red.Princess visitsAt 1

p.m.Aug.16, Princess Belle will be visiting the library to wrap up the Summer Reading Program. Open to all ages.OnAug. 15 andAug. 17 there will be no programs for the Summer Reading Program.For more information about the special programming or the Summer Reading Program, call the library at 570-992-7934.Sub vets meetThe U.S. Submarine Veterans, Pocono Base, meet regularly on the third Wednesday of each month at the Wilson Fisher American Legion, Post 413, Old Route 940, in Pocono Pines. They are a local chapter of the national organization U.S. Submarine Veterans Inc.Submarine veterans from all eras are encouraged to join. This month's meeting will be at 7

p.m.Aug. 16.For additional information and directions, visit

http://poconosubvets.org or call 610-681-2606.Safe Driver classThe four-hour AARP Safe Driving class will again be given at the Chestnuthill Park Building in Brodheadsville beginning at 1

p.m.Aug. 19.That refresher course is only for those who have proof of having taken the course in the previous 36 months.There is a fee for each class. Class size is limited, so advance reservations must be made. A driver's license is needed.For more information or to register, contact instructor Roland Vonderheide at 570-619-40067.Community dinnerThe doors of Zion Lutheran Church, 1919 Route 209, Brodheadsville, will be open for a community dinner from 5 to 6:30

p.m.Aug.16. RSVPs at 570-992-6988 are appreciated but not necessary.The church is also holding a precious junk sale in the parish hall from 10 a.m. to 2

p.m.Aug. 18 and19. Hot dogs, chips, drinks and baked goods will also be available for purchase. The sale will take place rain or shine.Volunteers soughtMonroe County Habitat for Humanity is seeking volunteers this month for its home preservation program.No skills needed, as it is a learn as you go situation. All jobs are supervised by a professional. There is no minimum time commitment. Volunteer as many days as you like.Call volunteer coordinator Guy Patra at 570-216-4390 or email him at

Volunteer@HabitatMC.org for more information.Vespers at fairThe West End Fair main stage will be the site of the annual Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network Vesper services at 5

p.m.Aug. 20. The fair doors open at noon Sunday.Contact Adele Argot at 717-933-4028 or

arargot3@verizon.net. Contact the Times News at 800-443-0377 or

tneditor@tnonline.com.