PVEN free lunch

The Free Summer Lunch Program is returning to the Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network, beginning Thursday and running through Aug. 14, from 8-10 a.m.

It is being held at the PVEN Food Pantry and Clothing Closet at 2334 Route 209, Sciota.

Families will receive five days’ worth of shelf-stable lunches for each child up to 18 years of age. Young people over 18 who are enrolled in school programs for people with disabilities are also eligible to receive meals.

There are no residency or income requirements; just get in line and let PVEN people know how many children you have.

For more details or answers to questions, call the PVEN office at 570-992-3136.

Knights to meet

The Knights of Columbus at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Brodheadsville, will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Pizza pickup

Folks who ordered pizzas from St. John’s Lutheran Church, Effort, are reminded to pick up their orders and pay — cash only — from 4-5 p.m. Friday.

Music bingo

The West End Memorial Legion, Post 927, Gilbert, is holding Music Bingo, beginning at 7 p.m. Friday.

Breakfast plus soup

McMichaels UMC is hosting a donation-only breakfast from 8-10 a.m. Saturday. A soup sale will follow, from 11-2 p.m., that will feature soups like chicken rice, beef stew, chicken potpie, etc.

Flag Day ceremony

At 11 a.m. Saturday, the American Legion Post 927, Gilbert, will hold a Flag Day ceremony.

In the evening, from 6-8 p.m., there will be music by Joe Nagele.

On Monday, it’s Bingo Night at 6:30 p.m. And on Tuesday, there are two specials: the Military Share Program, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and the VALOR PTSD support monthly meeting from 7-8 p.m.

Donations helpful

Our Lady Queen of Peace Church reminds folks there is a need for some supplies for the church’s flea market bake sale, including Crisco sticks, flour and pie fillings (apple, cherry, blueberry and peach). Bring items to the church kitchen by this Friday.

Church’s movie night

Pleasant Valley Assembly of God Church, Brodheadsville, is hosting a “Hollywood Premier Theme Night” featuring a special presentation of “The King of Kings” on Friday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

There is an admission cost for children. That includes a photo booth area (to take your own pictures), games, raffle tickets for prizes and a popcorn bar.

Dress up fun and fancy for this special event or wear your favorite PJs to get comfy. Don’t forget to bring a blanket. A parent or guardian is asked to accompany any child age 6 and under for the duration of the night. Families are welcome to attend together. Parents and guardians do not need to pay admission.

To register, go to https://pleasantvalleyag.churchcenter.com/people/forms/978205.

Hoagie sale

McMichaels UMC is holding a hoagie sale through June 19. Pickup of orders is June 26.

Township meeting

Polk Township Supervisors will meet at 8 a.m. Thursday for a general meeting at the township building in Kresgeville.

Breakfast served

The Polk Township Volunteer Fire Company, Kresgeville, is holding its next breakfast benefit from 7-11 a.m. Sunday.

Various menu options are available.

Strawberries and cars

St. Matthew’s ECC, Kunkletown, is holding its annual Strawberry Fest and 21st annual Car Show on Sunday, Father’s Day. Registration is from 8 a.m. and continues until noon.

Breakfast will be available from 8-10 a.m. A worship service will be held at 10 a.m. Foods will be offered beginning at 11 a.m. through 4 p.m. Items include barbecue, hot dogs, hamburgers, salads, assorted beverages, strawberries, ice cream and short cake.

The Brian Dean Moore Band will play from 1-4 p.m. Activities for children begin at 1 p.m. Trophies will be awarded at 3 p.m.

A portion of the car show proceeds will be donated to Monroe and Carbon counties for their respective Meals on Wheels program.

For additional information, contact Glenn Snyder at 610-762-9887.

Special music

St. Peter’s UMC will welcome the Penn View Singers at its 9 a.m. worship service this Sunday.

Nutrition vouchers

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers for $25 will not be mailed this year and must be picked up.

The pickups are scheduled as follows: Chestnuthill Senior Center at Zion Lutheran Church, Brodheadsville, 9 a.m.-noon Thursday; Hamilton Manor, 1:30-3:30 p.m. June 18; Eldred Township Community Center, Kunkletown, 9 a.m.-noon, June 26.

Anyone needing more information can contact the Monroe County Area Agency on Aging at 570-420-3735.

Youth mission trip

On June 20 there will be a burst of activity at Effort UMC as the trailer leaving for the Ohio youth mission trip is being packed.

Kidsfest held

Penn State Extension Master Gardeners is hosting a Buzz ‘n Bloom event on June 21 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Western Pocono Community Library in Brodheadsville.

This is a free event and open to kids ages 5-12. Space is limited to 15. Call 570-420-7015 to register.

Scam alert posted

From Rep. Jack Rader’s office came this warning message: “The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) is advising the public to stay vigilant against a recently reported text message scam involving the Pennsylvania court system.”

The messages claim “records show that as of today, there is an outstanding traffic ticket” that must be paid via a scam URL. The text goes on to outline fictitious actions and penalties if the ticket is not paid.

The AOPC does not call or send text messages to anyone soliciting payment by credit card, gift card or any other means of electronic funds transfer for any reason.

Should anyone receive such a text, Rader advises people to contact state and/or local police as well as the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection, at 1-800-441-2555, or scams@attorneygeneral.gov.

Garden event

Youth events at the Garden of Giving off Route 715 are open to the public for youths ages 8 and up and their adults. Discover the charm of the small farm as you learn essential skills like planting, harvesting and trellising while participating in fun garden-themed activities from 9:30 a.m.-noon June 26, July 26 and Aug. 21 for a small cost per youth. Supplies are included. Registration is required through https://gardenofgiving.org/.

Director sought

A new director for Effort UMC’s food pantry will be sought after current director John Ostovich steps down from the position he has held for seven years.

Contact Pastor Scott Kuhnle if interested.

Senior meals

Not only can local seniors join the Chestnuthill Seniors group, which meets at Zion Lutheran Church in Brodheadsville from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, but one can also eat at the Monroe Campus of St. Luke’s University Health Network in Stroudsburg, at 100 St. Luke’s Lane, from 4-6 p.m. for a small fee, seven days a week.