Alternate schedule

Eldred Township is operating on an alternate schedule this week, with the secretary not being available.

The treasurer was scheduled to be in on Monday and is slated to be there today until 4 p.m.

The zoning office was planned to be open Tuesday and will be open from 2 to 4 p.m. again Thursday.

The office will be totally closed on Friday and reopen Monday when the secretary returns and normal office hours resume.

Regional planning

The Chestnuthill-Jackson-Eldred-Ross-Polk Regional Comprehensive is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, at the Chestnuthill Township Municipal Building.

WE Democrats

As of the latest information, the West End Democratic Club will meet at 7 p.m., Thursday at the West End Fire House 715 in Brodheadsville.

Vegetables needed

Effort UMC’s food pantry, the SFRC, is in need of canned vegetables such as corn, green beans, peas, mixed vegetables, carrots, etc.

All donations may be dropped off at the church, but it is suggested that one call first to ensure someone is there to receive the donation.

Middlecreek Fusion

Saturday will see Fusion taking place at the Middlecreek Christian Church. However, it will be in a somewhat different format due to the social distancing requirements.

The family event will be limited to Saturday only. It will begin at 2 p.m. and have events into the evening. Then the group will meet Sunday on the hillside for the morning worship service, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Anyone with questions can call the office at 570-629-4066, or email the church at mcchurch@ptd.net.

It is located at 343 Dorshimer Road, Kresgeville.

Effort services

Although tentative, Effort UMC hopes to have its Sunday worship service on this Sunday outside in the church’s pavilion both at 8:30 and at 11 a.m.

Worshippers are asked to bring their own chair, wear a mask, sanitize their hands and follow social distancing.

Those planning to attend are asked to fill out a Contact Tracing and Liability form ahead of time and bring it along to the first service being attended, unsigned.

For those not comfortable in returning at this time, a recorded service will be available on the church webpage effortumc.org on Sunday mornings.Anyone having questions, can contact the church office at 570-629-1890.

Weekend Masses

Our Lady Queen of Peace Church is now offering public weekend Masses at 5 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday, with seating up to 180 people.

Worshippers are asked to wear a mask and follow usher directions.

Daily Mass will be in the pavilion at 12:10 p.m., Monday; and at 8 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Confessions will be in the Pavilion from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Mondays and from 4 to 4:45 p.m. Saturdays.

Parish events are canceled until further notice.

Polk Supervisors

The Board of Supervisors for Polk Township is slated to meet at 7 p.m., Monday, at the municipal building in Kresgeville.

PVEN collecting

The Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network is still collecting items for its Back to School Extravaganza for West End children, according to Colleen Walsh, operations manager.

Items needed include: new black and white socks; new underwear, including boxer briefs for boys and young men; new school supplies and backpacks, but pencils are not needed; new black or white sneakers; and feminine hygiene products.

No used clothing is being accepted at this time.

All donations can be dropped off on Mondays or Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon at 2334 Route 209, Sciota.

For other days/times, call 570-992-3136 to make an appointment.

Paddling adventure

Monroe County Conservation District’s Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center has announced a Paddle at Brady’s Lake in Monroe County for July 29, beginning at 9 a.m.

This wilderness lake, miles from civilization, features beavers, osprey, bald eagles, herons, kingfishers, ducks and lots of fish. The trip includes exploration, observation and discussion of the plants, animals, and history of the lake.

It is suitable for those over 14 years old. Participants must bring water, snacks and sunscreen.

One must provide one’s own boat and paddle. PFDs and launch permit required.

All are to meet at the Brady’s Lake boat launch area at 9 a.m.

Registration is required and limited for this excursion. Donations are accepted.

For more information, call the center at 570-629-3061,

Blood drive

Cornerstone Community Church, 388 Polk Township Road, Kresgeville, currently has several openings for the American Red Cross blood drive the church is hosting from 1 to 6 p.m., Aug. 12.

Appointments are needed. Schedule online or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

The next Miller-Keystone visit to the Western Pocono Community Library on Aug. 5, also has several available appointments at this time.

For more information, call 610-691-5850.

WE Republicans

The West End Republican Club has announced a regular meeting for 7 p.m. Tuesday at Cherry’s Family Restaurant in Kresgeville.

Those wishing to eat dinner on site are asked to arrive at 6 p.m.

Also announced is a picnic from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 30 at Stroudsmoor Country Inn at the pavilion as hosted by the Monroe Council of Republican Women.

For cost of tickets and to make a reservation one can contact mrrwpa@gmail.com.

Photographs sought

As previously announced, two entities are seeking pictures pertaining to their respective areas of interest.

Eldred Township is holding a photo contest. Pictures of all types must be taken within the township and submitted to the township office by Sept.14.

For additional information contact the township secretary at a.velopolcek@eldredtwp.org or 610-381-4252 ext. 2.

Prizes will be awarded.

Monroe County Conservation District Environmental Education Center is sponsoring its third annual Amateur Photo Contest.

Folks are invited to send in photos that showcase Monroe County’s finest natural resources. Submissions may earn a spot in both the art gallery and a 2021 MCCD calendar.

Submissions are due Sept. 25, 2020.

For official rules and to submit a photo, visit www.mcconservation.org/mccd-photo-contest.

For more information, call the Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center at 570-629-3061.

For more information on other programs offered visit the website at www.mcconservation.org.

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