Toucan/parrot sought

Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Brodheadsville, has sent out an appeal for a parrot/toucan to exhibit at its July 27-31 Vacation Bible School, themed Rainforest Falls.

The parrot/toucan is needed for just one day of VBS.

If you can help, contact B. Krzan by calling 570-855-2010 or emailing krzan.vbs@gmail.com.

Free dinner today

Zion United Lutheran Church, Brodheadsville, will be hosting its monthly free community dinner today. Drive through between 5 and 6 p.m. and pick up a meal of turkey barbecue, a roll, vegetable rice medley and dessert.

Meeting tonight

Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Brodheadsville, reminds all flea market volunteers that there will be a meeting at 6 p.m. today for anyone interested in volunteering.

Thrift Store

As per a Facebook posting, the Kunkletown Thrift Store’s summer clothing will be set up in the gym this week.

Also, on Thursday, the store will open until 7 p.m.

No donations will be accepted on Friday, but the store will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Recognizing Lowe’s

Habitat for Humanity is holding its second annual Community Breakfast from 8-9:30 a.m. May 27 in the ballroom at Camelback Resort in Tannersville.

Lowe’s Home Improvement will be recognized for its comprehensive support, according to Habitat’s executive director, Scott Fabian, citing Lowe’s help over the years.

“All members of the community are invited to join us as we honor our past, build for our future and celebrate Lowe’s commitment to Monroe County Habitat for Humanity and the people it serves,” Fabian said.

For ticket prices and information about how to purchase them, visit www.habitatmc.com or call 570-216-4390.

Garden of Giving

The Garden of Giving is underway. But much help is requested.

“The Garden will only be open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays in June and July, due to a staffing situation. This makes it vitally important for more volunteers to step in to help the board to continue the mission of the Garden of Giving. If anyone from a Garden Club would like to lend a hand, it would be much appreciated.”

Some help could be used to stake tomatoes and peppers, and the harvesting of cold weather crops continues well into June.

Also, people are urged to save the dates of July 9 and Aug. 13.

July 9 will feature rock painting, for children of all ages, with Christine Schoeller.

Aug. 13 will feature be a story time with face painting, following a tour of the garden, for children ages 4-10. There is a fee for each child.

The garden is near McMichaels on Route 715.

For more information, call 570-402-1282 or email:gardenofgiving@gmail.com.

Fish for free

State Rep. Jack Rader notes that, “On Sunday, May 24, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will host a Fish for Free day to allow anyone (resident or nonresident) to legally fish on all Pennsylvania waterways. No license is required, but all other fishing regulations still apply.”

A second day of free fishing has been set for Independence Day, July 4.

Polk celebration

As part of the PA250 celebrations, the Polk Township Veterans Memorial Commission is hosting an Old Fashioned Community Picnic on Sunday from 2-5 p.m.

The picnic will be held at the Polk Township Walking Park in Kresgeville.

Folks should bring chairs, blankets, coolers. Small pop-ups are OK. No tobacco or alcohol. Bring your own food or food will be available for purchase,

The fun family event will include games, crafts, music and a cake walk. Some visitors from 1776 will also be there.

Before the picnic, the annual Memorial Day event will be hosted at the Polk Memorial at Trach Road and Route 209. This year a new Remembrance Wall at the memorial will be dedicated.

Attendees should bring chairs. The event begins promptly at 12:30 p.m. Parking will be available at Salem-St Paul Church.

Salem schedule

Salem-St. Paul Lutheran Church, Kresgeville, has announced that there is no Sunday school this Sunday. The next Sunday school is June 14.

Also, bake sale donations are needed for the Old Fashioned Community Picnic at the Polk Township Walking Park this Sunday from 2-5 p.m.

“Please bring your yummy baked goods to church that morning or drop off at the park 1:30 p.m. at our church table,” bakers are asked. If it’s a hot day, bakers should consider making cookies, brownies or muffins due to potential melting.

PVEN fundraiser

On May 27, the Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network is holding a fundraiser at Vault 636 Restaurant at 636 Main St. in Stroudsburg from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The restaurant will donate 10% of its food profits to PVEN.

At 6 p.m. folks can join Trivia Night for “a night of fun and a chance to win cool prizes.”

Fireman’s Festival

The West End Fairgrounds, Gilbert, will be the site of the Fireman’s Festival on May 28-30.

It offers three nights of food, music and family activities for the community. Highlights include live music from Mystery City on May 28 and Steel Creek on May 29.

On May 30 there will be a “Touch a Truck” experience for kids; entertainment by Chris Eckert MC and the Brian Dean Moore Band; and a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.

The event supports local volunteer fire companies Blue Ridge, Kunkletown, Polk Township and West End. Visitors can enjoy food, fun and a strong sense of community.

Additional information, including vendor and sponsorship opportunities, is available on the brhl.org website.

Safety reminder

Fines, instead of warnings, will be in effect in Pennsylvania for using handheld devices while driving as of June 6, according to a reminder from state Rep. Jack Rader.

He noted that “according to PennDOT, more than 11,000 crashes were the result of distracted driving, leading to 65 deaths and 6,700 injuries in 2023. Pennsylvania joins 28 other states with hands-free laws.”

Free kids meals

The Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network on Route 209 in Sciota is offering its Free Summer Meals for Kids Program, which will begin June 11 and run through Aug. 13, from 8-11 a.m. every Thursday.

Families will receive five days worth of shelf-stable breakfasts and lunches for each child up to age 18.

Young people over 18 who are enrolled in school programs for students with disabilities are also eligible, according to PVEN.

There are no residency or income requirements.

Anyone with questions may call the PVEN office at 570-992-3136.

Help the helpers

The Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network has various current needs and is requesting donations of the following:

Food Pantry — Canned tuna, peanut butter, canned pasta and cereal; and cat and dog food as well as pet treats.

Clothing Closet — Bras and sport bras (all sizes); personal care items (all types;, blankets, sheets and towels; and baby toiletries.

Diaper Pantry — Baby formula and baby food; baby wipes; bladder protection pads; adult-sized pull-ups.

Anyone with questions may call the PVEN office at 570-992-3136.

Did you know?

The Monroe County Historic Markers Trail Passport, part of America250PA, encourages exploring local historical sites through 2026. People scan a QR code at each marker to “stamp” their passports.

People can visit all 18 markers to be entered to win a $250 gift card. Those who visit 12 markers, including the Sullivan’s March marker at Brinker’s Mill, will receive a print of the 1975 painting by Frederick Beaver.

People can sign up for free at https://monroe.brightrtravel.com/.

Day camps

Monroe County Conservation District’s Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center offers summer day camps.

Campers should choose one week. The camps are:

• Get in Touch with Nature for ages 7-10 — June 22-26, July 6-10 or Aug. 3-7.

• Adventure Camp for ages 11-13 — July 6-10, Aug. 3-7 or Aug. 17-21.

Camps are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with early care and late pickup available for an additional fee.

Applications can be found at www.mcconservation.org/educational-services. Register online, call 570-629-3061 or email dflint@monroecountypa.gov for an application or to pay by credit card over the phone.

For more information, call 570-629-3061 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, visit www.mcconservation.org or email dlederer@monroecountypa.gov.

Grief support

The Western Pocono Community Library, Brodheadsville, hosts a monthly bereavement support group, as facilitated by St. Luke’s University Health Network.

The next gathering is scheduled for 1-2:30 p.m. June 24.

Virtual Good Grief Workshops also are available, including one tonight from 6-7:30 p.m.

Call 484-526-2499 for more information.