Thanksgiving meals

American Legion Post 927, Gilbert, is hosting a free community Thanksgiving dinner from noon to 4 p.m. Contact Eileen McGuire at 908-220-4756.

McMichaels UMC has announced it is serving a free Thanksgiving meal to anyone in the community, beginning at 2 p.m. Thursday. Reservations must be made by calling 610-597-1030. There will be no takeout meals.

Public bingo

The American Legion Post 927 will again host Monday Night Bingo with card sales beginning at 6:30 p.m. and calling beginning at 7 p.m.

Knit & Crochet

Zion Lutheran’s Knit & Crochet will meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday. Newcomers are welcome.

SAL meeting

Sons of the American Legion Post 927, Gilbert, will meet for its regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

WE Republicans

The next regularly scheduled meeting for the West End Republicans is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, at Cherry’s Family Restaurant in Kresgeville.

Attendees planning to eat at the restaurant or socialize are asked to come at 6 p.m.

The club includes interested Republicans, and others who share the Republican values, from Chestnuthill, Eldred, Polk, Hamilton, Jackson Township, and other areas.

Holiday help

The Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network will accept Toys for Tots program sign-ups through next Thursday.

Certain documentation is needed to apply; proof of address for current month (lease or property tax information); birth certificate and/or custody paperwork per child being registered; proof of household income for current month (pay stubs, cash assistance if applicable) must include all members of the household.

Registered children need 3 wishes & clothing/shoe sizes. There is a $50 limit per gift. Gift cards will not be accepted.

Contact PVEN at 570-992-3136 with any questions from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Mondays and Fridays.

Wreath workshop

Quiet Valley will have a wreath-making workshop on Dec. 1, from 6 to 8 p.m.

There is a cost. Contact QV for more information at 570-992-6161.

Ross tree-lighting

The annual Ross Township tree-lighting ceremony will be held Saturday, Dec. 2.

It will include a visit with Santa Claus from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Lions at UN

Local Lions and Leos can attend the annual Lions and UN working together to “achieve world peace through Environmental stewardship” on March 1, 2024.

For more information go to ldun@roar.lionsclubs.org.

Old-time Christmas

On Dec. 2 and 3, 9 and 10, Quiet Valley will present its 33rd Old-time Christmas from 2:30 to 7 p.m., with public tours every 15 minutes.

The presentations include a live Nativity, carols in the School House, Christmas Tales of Yore, PA German holiday traditions, a visit from the Belsnickel, handcrafted holiday gifts, and tasty treats. There is a cost.

For more information call 570-992-6161 or visit www.quietvalley.org/old-time-christmas.

Family Christmas

Effort UMC has announced its Family Christmas celebration will be held on Dec. 2.

The children will be portraying the Christmas story in the Sanctuary. Santa, Rudolph and a few of their winter friends will join in on the celebration in Wesley Hall (after dinner). Christmas carols and music will be included in the event. The church asks that each family bring an unwrapped toy for donation to PVEN for the outreach program.

The church’s seating capacity in Wesley Hall is 125 and as of the most recent notification 105 have been reserved.

Anyone with questions is asked to call the church secretary at 570-629-1890 or contact her at eumc103@ptd.net or Brenda Mitchell at eumced@ptd.net This event is sponsored by the Missions Committee who is asking for donations of cookies to share.

Kunkletown X-mas

On Dec. 2, beginning at 6 p.m., the Kunkletown Christmas will be celebrated at St. Matthew’s UCC. One can join RJ Cramer, Gina Serrano, Brian Dean Moore, St. Matthew’s choir and more to celebrate the holidays.

Habitat repairs

Monroe County Habitat for Humanity has announced it is looking “to partner with homeowners in Monroe County who need home repairs or improvements, like new energy efficient appliances, replacing a water heater, new windows or doors, weatherization and more.”

For application and what is involved, contact Habitat check the Habitat website or call 570-216-4390.

Annual meeting

St. Matthew’s UCC, Kunkletown, will hold its annual meeting after the Sunday morning service on Dec. 3.

It promises to be a time of sharing information about St. Matthew’s and vote for new Council members and the 2024 Budget.

Free Christmas dinner

Beginning Dec. 4, Zion Lutheran, Brodheadsville, is accepting reservations for either a ham or turkey dinner with all the holiday trimmings. Drive-through pickup times will be assigned which start at 1 p.m.

Call the church office to make reservation at 570-992-6988.

Sensory Santa

Chestnuthill Parks & Recreation will host a Sensory Santa from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Dec. 5.

An invitation to the event is being extended to individuals with divers abilities and their families to meet Santa at Chestnuthill Park in a sensory-friendly environment.

This Santa meet and greet will avoid bright lights and loud music.

Preregistration is required.

Complimentary cookies, cocoa and gifts are being provided.

There will also be opportunities for photos with Santa.

Anyone interested is asked to email athieling@chestnuthilltwp-pa.gov or call 570-992-7247.

Santa’s coming

On Dec. 9, Santa will be back at the Chestnuthill Park in Brodheadsville. He is making a grand entrance on a firetruck at 10 a.m.

Those attending will be serenaded by Sax to the Max, a talented local high school saxophone group, which will be performing live to add a touch of magic to the atmosphere.

This event will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. No need for preregistration. Attendees are urged to bring a camera to capture the magic with a photo alongside Santa.

And, while supplies last, folks can indulge in complimentary cookies and hot chocolate.

Winter day camp

Monroe County Conservation District’s Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center is offering Winter Day Camp on Dec. 28.

It will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and is a full-day winter experience at Kettle Creek, for ages 7-11.

There will be outdoor and indoor environmental activities that are fun and educational, led by experienced staff.

Payment is due at time of registration, which has a deadline of Dec. 21.

Attendees should bring to camp: lunch, snack, reusable water bottle, backpack, extra clothing, hiking shoes or boots.

To register or with any questions, call the center at 570-629-3061, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and some Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or visit www.mcconservation.org.

Contact Adele Argot at 717-933-4028 or arargot3@verizon.net or the Times News at 800-443-0377 or tneditor@tnonline.com.