What's Happening

To have your school, church or nonprofit social event in "What's Happening," send the information in 50 words or less to The Pocono Times, c/o Community News Group, 149 Penn Ave., Scranton, PA 18503; e-mail: poconotimes@timesshamrock.com; fax 207-3448. Exact dates must be listed. NO EVENTS TAKEN BY PHONE. EVENTS ARE PRINTED ON A SPACE AVAILABLE BASIS. Deadline - noon on Friday for the next Wednesday publication. All phone numbers are in the 570 area code unless otherwise indicated.

THRU JANUARY

The Pocono Environmental Education Center will hold a cross country skiing event every Saturday morning from 9-11 a.m. and Sunday from 1-3 p.m. Cost is $20 adult; $10 child. Skis and boots provided. Register with your shoe size to guarantee a spot. For more information or to pre-register for the program, call 629-3061 or visit mcconservation.org.

- The Monroe County Environmental Education Center will sponsor a snowshoe hike on Fridays, Jan. 27 and Sunday, Feb. 5 at Skytop beginning at 1 p.m. Join environmental educator Karen N. Boyle and Skytop activities director Kimberly Matthew for a two-hour excursion. Cost: $8/non-members, $5/EE members and children younger than 12. Snowshoe rental: $10; $6/child. Dress in layers. Pre-registration is required by Thursday prior to the program date, and for February program, February 3. Call (800) 345-7759.

- The Monroe County Environmental Education Center will sponsor winter walks for adults at Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary Wednesdays through Jan. 25, 1-3 p.m. Join environmental educator Karen N. Boyle on a stroll through the 166-acre wildlife sanctuary. Dress to be outside for the entire time. Each hike will take place on a different part of the property. Cost: $5/non-members, $3/EE center members. Pre-registration required by the Tuesday preceding each program. For more information or to pre-register for the program, call 629-3061 or visit mcconservation.org

- The Monroe County Environmental Education Center will sponsor Friday eagle watches through Feb. 10, Join environmental educator Brian Hardiman for field trips to the Upper Delaware River in search of the spectacular bald eagle. Meet at MCEEC at 8:30 a.m. and return approximately 5:30 p.m. Cost: $20/non-member, $14/EE member, which includes van transportation. Pre-registration and payment are required and limited. Refunds will be given only if notification is made at least one week prior to the trip. Participants should pack a lunch and binoculars and dress appropriately for the weather. Stops will be made for coffee and snacks. Call 629-3061 or visit mcconservation.org.

THRU FEBRUARY

The Pocono Arts Council will offer the following classes during the month of February. Classes, unless otherwise noted, are held at the Pocono Arts Cultural Center, 18 N. Seventh St., Stroudsburg. To register call PoconoArts at 476-4460 or register online at www.poconoarts.org.

Ongoing adult classes:

Oil Painting - Instructor John McAllister

Weekly Sessions, four sessions per month, Thursdays 6:30-8:30 p.m., Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23

This ongoing workshop focuses on the individual, helping them to develop their own personal style and technique working with the oil medium. Learn how to develop your painting by understanding drawing and composition, light and shadow, color, preparation of materials and the application of paint. Working at your own pace, you pick the subject while the instructor guides you through the painting process.

Tuition: members $72/non-members $80/seniors $60

Materials list

Acrylic Painting - Instructor Will Daskal

Weekly Sessions, 4 Sessions per month, Mondays 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

February classes: Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27

This class will focus on increasing fundamental painting skills, including composition, use of color and value, a basic understanding of the Color Wheel and how to achieve desired effects using acrylic paints. Students may utilize photographs, reproductions of other

Paintings or set up their own still life.

Tuition: members $110/non-members $120/seniors $90

Materials list

Adult classes/workshops:

Watercolor Painting - Instructor Will Daskal

Four weeks, Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27, Mondays 6:30-8:30 p.m.

This is a hands-on, creative course for beginners who want to learn how to produce impressive watercolor paintings. No previous drawing ability is required. You will learn to use your innate, fundamental drawing skills to sketch out a pleasing composition, which will be the basis for your painting. Learn to develop simple techniques that will result in exciting ways to express your artistic ideas.

Tuition: member $72/non-member $80/seniors $60

Drawing Workshop - Instructor John McAllister

Four weeks, Feb. 1, 8, 15 and 22, Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Develop your own basic drawing skills while learning about light, form and composition.

Starting with three dimensional objects and pencil on paper, students will gain a greater understanding of form while developing hand/eye coordination through practice and observation.

Tuition: members $72/non-members $80/seniors $60

PoconoArts classes fill on a first come, first serve basis. Placement in a course is secured when payment in full is received. If PoconoArts must cancel a class due to low enrollment, students will be notified prior to the scheduled start date of the class and full refunds will be issued. Tuition refunds will be honored if received ten days prior to the beginning of the class/workshop. PoconoArts will not refund or reduce any class fees for missed classes or late enrollment. Families who register more than one member of a single residence in the same course or session receives a 15% discount on the less expensive course. The PoconoArts Council is a local arts service organization serving Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties.

- Designed exclusively for children, Zumbatomic classes are packed with specially choreographed, kid-friendly routines, fun games and music. Zumbatomic increases students' focus and self-confidence, boosts metabolism and enhances coordination. Classes are offered by specific age groups. Zumbatomic Lil' Starz for kids aged 4-7, Big Starz for ages 8-12, and Zumbatomic Families for parents and kids together.

Age-specific one-day workshops will allow parents and kids to get more information and try Zumbatomic before signing up for classes. Workshops will be held on Saturdays in February from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. at Northampton Community College's Fountain Court location. Each workshop is $10. The Lil' Starz (4-7) workshop will be held on Saturday, Feb. 4, Big Starz (8-12) on Saturday, Feb. 11, and Families on Saturday, Feb. 25.

For more information or to register by phone, call 1-877-543-0998.

- Eastern Pennsylvania Animal Alliance (EPAA) Spay/Neuter Clinic is offering discount spay and neutering for pitbulls.

The cost for a female to be spayed would be $75. The cost for a male to be neutered would be $50. Call 994-5846 to schedule an appointment.

EPAA also has dog and cat food available to anyone who needs it. Stop by EPAA office, back of Rainbow Plaza, Rt. 209, Brodheadsville.

- Stroud Region Open Space and Recreation Commission announces a new partnership with the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society to offer discounted amusement park, zoo, aquarium, ski resort and other local attraction tickets.

Available now, tickets are on sale at the Day Street Community Center in East Stroudsburg from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday to the following local ski resorts: Big Boulder/Jack Frost, Blue Mountain, Camelback, Shawnee and Sno Mountain. Cash sales only and all sales are final.

For more information, including ticket types and pricing, visit www.srosrc.org or call 426-1512.

THRU MARCH

Upward Basketball League, for boys and girls in kindergarten through grade 6, will run 10 weeks January through March. Cost is $54 if registered by Friday, Nov. 18, $60 after. Call 421-0617 for more information.

THRU MARCH 9

To open the spring semester, East Stroudsburg University's (ESU) Madelon Powers Gallery will present two exhibits from Feb. 1 through March 9.

Storm Cycle - an artist's response to Hurricane Katrina by Thomas Mann, a Lehigh Valley native and alumnus of ESU, will be shown on the main floor of the gallery. Mann's sculptures, featuring his signature collage style, were created in the wake of the hurricane which devastated New Orleans, his adopted home of many years.

The mezzanine will feature Design Ignites Change - art and design for social entrepreneurship and change by Mark Randall, principal at Worldstudio.

Hours for the gallery, located in the university's Fine and Performing Arts Center, Normal and Marguerite streets, are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.

A reception for Thomas Mann will be held from 5-6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8, in the gallery. Mann will give a gallery talk in the Smith-McFarland Theatre of the university's Fine & Performing Arts Center from 6:45-8 p.m. The exhibits, reception and gallery talk are open to the public at no cost.

Mann has been an active participant in the contemporary American craft movement for the past forty years as an artist, gallery owner and lecturer. He describes himself as an artist working in the medium of jewelry and sculpture.

In his pieces Mann works with a variety of metals, thinking of them as painters think of their palettes with each metal having its own color and luster. By incorporating parts from many things - machines, electronic instruments, costume jewelry, old postcards, photos - he gives his works its storytelling quality and theatricality.

After years of experimenting with the idea of incorporating 20th-century collage and assemblage techniques into jewelry making, Mann's developed his primary design vocabulary, Techno Romantic, which combines industrial aesthetics and materials and with evocative romantic themes and imagery.

Mann's works are in the permanent collection of the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Institute, the Historic New Orleans Collection , AT&T Corporate Headquarters in Dallas, Texas, and the American Craft Museum in New York City. His works have been exhibited extensively throughout the United States and Europe, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

For more than 15 years, Mark Randall has been principal of Worldstudio, the New York City marketing and design agency that serves major clients in the for-profit and not-for-profit worlds, from Adobe Systems and Reed Elsevier, JPMorgan Private Bank and Estée Lauder Companies, to the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, True Majority, The Metropolitan Opera and the City of New York.

Worldstudio's unique area of expertise is in creating and implementing programs and projects for corporate clients that support their social responsibility platform, and for colleges and universities and industry conferences such as HOW and AIGA, Randall has taught at Parson's School of Design and Fordham University in New York City and at Hartford University, Connecticut.

For more information on the exhibit or reception, contact the Fine and Performing Arts Events Line at 422-3483.

THRU MAY

Looking for something for your preschool age child to do this winter? Why not have them come to one of the Explorer classes we are offering at Middle Smithfield Presbyterian Church Preschool. Each session will be on Wednesday afternoons at noon and end at 2:30 p.m. and the cost will be $50 per session. Call Bonnie at 223-7510 to register. Bring your lunch too.

THRU MAY 15

- The Friends' of the Eastern Monroe Public Library are now collecting donations of good-condition used books, audio tapes, CDs and videos until May 15. Donations can be dropped off at the Hughes Library circulation desk in Stroudsburg during normal business hours. Encyclopedias, textbooks, poor condition books and magazines will not be accepted. Donated books will be sold to benefit the library during their annual book sale to be held in June.

JAN. 27

The Church Women United of Monroe County will hold a business meeting at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27. Meet in the library room at St. John's Lutheran Church, 9 N. 9th St., Stroudsburg. Use back entrance. Call 629-0649 for more information.

- The Monroe County Environmental Education Center will host a snowshoe hike at Skytop on Friday, Jan. 27. This two-hour excursion will begin at 1pm. Participants meet at Skytop at 12:45 p.m. Cost: $8/non-members, $5/EE center members and children younger than 12. Skytop snowshoe rental is $10/adult, $6/child. Dress in layers. Pre-registration is required by Thursday, Jan. 26. Call the office for cancellation questions and to pre-register.

- The West Park and Open Space Commission will host a bingo night Friday, Jan. 27, at 6:30 p.m. at Chestnuthill Township Park, Route 715, Brodheadsville. Half of the game money collected will be paid out. $15 for four boards. Door prizes, specials, pull tabs. Refreshments will be sold. Call 992-9733 or visit www.weposc.org.

JAN. 28

An all-you-can eat donation only spaghetti dinner will be served from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28, at McMichaels United Methodist Church, Rt. 715 and White Church Road, McMichaels. This donation only dinner will consist of meatballs, pasta, salad, bread, beverages and desserts.

- The Pocono Environmental Education Center will hold an eagle watching program from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28. The cost is $25. Those attending will make a stop at the Eagle Institute and look for eagles soaring, feeding and nest guarding. Bring a lunch and dress in warm layers. Call by Saturday, Jan. 21 to reserve a seat in the van. Call 828-2319 for more information.

- Find out if cross country skiing is for you. Join educator, Jenifer Rituper and guest instructor, Maddy Constantine, program director at ESU's Stony Acres, from 10 a.m. to noon for an introductory course on cross country skiing. Learn about the history, also the equipment and clothing needed to start out and nearby places to ski. If there is snow, attendees will try skiing on some of the flatter trails at Kettle Creek Wildlife Sanctuary. Participants must be at least 12 years old. Pre - registration is required by Wednesday, Jan. 25. Cost: $5/non-members, $3/EE center members. Participants wishing to ski must rent their own equipment ahead of time. Call the center at 629-3060 for rental information.

JAN. 29

A dance social to benefit the West End Regional Park sponsored by the Pocono Area Dance Association will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29, at the Chestnuthill Township Park. Casual attire. Admission is $10 with all proceeds go to West End Park and Open Space Commission.

- The Pocono Environmental Education Center will hold an introduction to ice fishing from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29. Cost is $10. Learn the basics of ice fishing and then try your luck on our ponds. We provide all of the equipment. Dress in warm layers. Supervised children only. No fishing licenses required. Spaces limited. Call 828-2319 to reserve your spot.

- The high school youth group of Our Lady of Victory church, on Cherry Lane Road, Tannersville, and is one mile east of Route 611, is sponsoring "A Taste of Italy" international dinner on Sunday, Jan. 29, noon to 5 p.m. Come and enjoy a freshly made dinner including chicken parmigiana, baked ziti, sausage and peppers. Your dinner will be served by our special waiters and waitresses. Tickets are $7; $4 for kids; kids younger than 5 will eat free. Call 629-4572 for more information.

- Designer handbags and one-of-a-kind baskets at the West End Rotary fifth annual Vera Bradley/Longaberger Basket Bingo, Sunday, Jan. 29. Doors at the West End Fire Hall open at noon and the competition starts at 1 p.m. There will be prizes, raffles, lunch and desserts available throughout the afternoon. Admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Call 280-6476 or yocum@fnb-corp.com for more information.

FEB. 3

The Monroe County Conservation District is offering seedlings in bulk prices for quantities of 250 or more. The three and four year old bare root seedlings range in size from 9-24 inches, are hardy and ready to plant when you receive them. The four varieties available are: Colorado Blue Spruce, Scotch Pine, Frasier Fir, Balsam Fir Hybrid and Concolor Fir. All varieties will grow in Northeastern PA and make good windbreaks, ornamentals and Christmas trees. All bulk orders will be ready for pick-up from Thursday, April 19 through Saturday, April 21. The ordering deadline for bulk orders is Friday, Feb. 3. Orders in quantities of less than 250 trees will also be accepted beginning in March. For more information or to pre-order, call the center at 629-3061, Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

FEB. 8-9

East Stroudsburg University Art Department and the Pocono Chapter of the PA Guild of Craftsmen present "Thomas Mann: Design for Survival," a presentation and workshop on design thinking, entrepreneurship and small business at ESU on February 8 -9. Mann's sculpture, "Storm Cycle: An Artist's Response to Hurrican Katrina," will be on display in the Madelon Powers Gallery, Feb. 1 to March 9. For further information, email oyebenintende@gmail.com or phone 422-3216.

- East Stroudsburg University's Department of Art and the Pocono Chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen will present Design for Survival, a presentation and workshop on design thinking, entrepreneurship and small business, Wednesday, Feb. 8 and Thursday, Feb. 9 at the university's Fine and Performing Arts Center, Normal and Marguerite streets, East Stroudsburg.

The two-day workshop was developed by Thomas Mann, an internationally-recognized jewelry-crafter and sculptor, to answer a continuing demand from artists for access to small business management know-how. The content of the workshop and lectures is applicable to artists working in all media. The first day series of lectures is open to all. Participation in the second day is limited to a smaller group of first day participants.

Mann, a Lehigh Valley native and ESU alumnus, has been presenting the workshops continuously since 1989 for schools, universities, guilds, art councils and art centers all around the U.S. and Canada.

The Wednesday, Feb. 8 presentations include three lectures of approximately two hours each: Design Vocabularies: What Are They And How To Use Them; De-Mystifying Public Relations; and Pricing your Work: the Pivot Point of Success. Presentations begin at 9 a.m. and run through 4 p.m.

The second day of the program, Thursday, Feb. 9, will feature a small workshop for up to 35 participants. A limited number of participants, 10-12, will be selected to make presentations of their own work and business practices and then will receive a positive critique from Mann and fellow workshop participants. The day also begins at 9 a.m. and runs through 4 p.m.

Registration is required for the lectures and for the workshop. People can register for one, two or all of the lectures.

For the February 9 workshop, members of the Pocono Chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen and East Stroudsburg University students/faculty will have priority selection. Up to 20 observers can be accommodated in addition to the presenters.

The lectures and workshop are free to the East Stroudsburg University community and members of Pocono Chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen. For all others, there is a charge of $10 per lecture and $50 for the small workshop.

For more information or to register, email joyebenintende@gmail.com (preferred) or phone 422-3216 and leave your name, address, and e-mail address.

The event is funded by East Stroudsburg University Art Department through a grant from the PA Council on the Arts Partners in Art regrant program, administered in Monroe County by the Pocono Arts Council and the Pocono Chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen.

FEB. 10-12

Pocono Mountain Bible Conference (PMBC) will hold a youth retreat Friday through Sunday, Feb. 10-12. The theme for the youth retreat is "Got It?". The speakers for the youth retreat are Wayne Morgan and Jason Castelli with Transformed performing the drama and acting as camp counselors. The Christian band, LU, will entertain the campers for the weekend. PMBC welcomes all youth, ages 12-18 regardless of race, sex or religious affiliation. The cost is $90. PMBC is a Bible-based Christian camp located in Clifton Beach/Gouldsboro. Call 842-9746 or visit www.camppmbc.com for more information.

FEB. 12

The Community Sunday Supper Team will provide a free community sunday supper for neighbors who have fallen on hard times and are in need. The group serves the West End, Kunkletown, Kresgeville and Blakeslee areas. The supper will be held from 3-4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12, in McCawley Hall. Cub Scout Pack No. 98 is sponsoring this event. For reservations call the church office at 610-681-6137.

FEB. 18

Pocono Medical Center welcomes the community to the National Day of Dance for Your Health event at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18. The social event will be held at Terraview at Stroudsmoor Country Inn in Stroudsburg.

Many health benefits may result from dance if it is done on a regular basis as a form of exercise. The benefits include weight maintenance or weight loss, blood pressure and cholesterol management (lowering), increased energy, decreased sadness and depression, increased coordination and muscle strength, and an overall sense of well-being. Individuals can learn more about the admission fee, registration process, and the event by visiting PoconoHealthSystem.org.

- Pocono Greyhound Adoption will hold a meet and greet at Tractor Supply Company, Blakeslee Boulevard, Lehighton, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18.

To learn more about this event, or about adopting a greyhound, please visit www.poconogreyhound.com, or phone 856-0377.

FEB. 19

The Italian American Heritage Club of Monroe County enrolls Americans of Italian birth or descent and all other Americans who appreciate, understand and respect the Italian culture. Meetings are held at 2 p.m. on the third Sunday of the month, Feb. 19, at the Chestnuthill Township Park Building, Rt. 715, Brodheadsville.

The group is hosting a "Mardi Gras Party" with food, fun and games. Costumes are optional. For more information contact 992-5022.

- Safe Haven Pet Rescue will hold an adoption day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19, at Tractor Supply, Route 209, Brodheadsville. Safe Haven will have many young dogs available. Safe Haven requires a pre-adoption application with references and a home visit prior to adoption.

For more information about Safe Haven and to find a list of dogs available for adoption and adoption applications, visit www.SafeHavenPa.org.

FEB. 21

Safe Haven Pet Rescue will have a volunteer meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Cherry's Restaurant, Route 209 near Route 534, Kresgeville.

If you are an animal lover, come and meet the volunteers and have a bite to eat. Safe Haven is a small group of animal advocates who rescue dogs from high kill and overcrowded shelters and find them loving homes. All dogs are in foster care until their permanent homes are found. Safe Haven has rescued more than 500 dogs so far.

Safe Haven always welcomes volunteers and foster families. Volunteers are needed for adoption days, dog transport to veterinary and grooming appointments, fundraising, clerical help, home visits and more. Foster homes are needed in order to save more dogs.

If you are interested in volunteering or fostering, come to the meeting or visit www.SafeHavenPA.org for volunteer and foster applications and to see the available dogs. For more information email SafeHaven@epix.net.

MARCH 3

The Monroe County Environmental Education Center is promoting its' Sponsor-A-Maple Tree program. For $25, a tree can be sponsored which includes many benefits: receipt of a certificate of sponsorship, a map of the sugarbush showing the location of your tree, a pint of our own pure maple syrup and free admission for up to four people to the annual Public Maple Sugaring Day on Saturday, March 3. If given as a gift the recipient will be sent in a complete gift notification packet in time for the holidays.

This fundraising program, sponsored by Monroe County Conservation District's Environmental Education Center, helps offset costs for the maple sugaring educational program that has benefited students throughout Monroe County for more than 30 years. The center always tries to keep costs to the students affordable, but due to the overwhelming interest in our program the expenses have increased.

Sponsor a maple tree today for yourself, or perhaps as a gift. For more information call the center at 629-3061, Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or visit www.mcconservation.org to download a sponsorship form.

CONTINUING

Attention Fairview seniors ages 50 and older, plan to meet every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at Chestnuthill Park Building in Brodheadsville. Card, games, bus trips, speakers and holiday lunches are just some of the activites the group engages in. There is also a bowling group on Wednesday in Wind Gap that meets at noon at Blue Valley Lanes. For more information call 629-6757.

- The Monroe Animal League (MAL) can now be contacted via email at monroeanimalleague@gmail.com. MAL sells Shoprite And Weis Markets gift cards in many denominations and receives 5 percent from each gift card sale. Also, MAL collects Weis Markets and Kinsley's Shoprite register tapes and Dad's proof of purchase seals and receives 1 percent as proceeds of tape total (you must send complete tape in order for credit). Proceeds collected from gift card sales and register tapes help us raise funds for the spay/neuter, emergency vet care and feral cat programs. MAL is also in need of new members/volunteers. Meetings are the last Tuesday of every month (except August and December) and begin at 7 p.m. For monthly meeting locations and to order gift cards, contact 476-8444.

- The Barrett Township Historical Society is planning to display a World War II exhibit at the Cresco Station Museum. Veterans and families with the following: memorabilia, artifacts, uniforms, weaponry, newspaper articles and letters, are asked to consider aiding the society with this exhibit. All items loaned will be safeguarded and returned at the end of the exhibit season. Items donated may also be used for permanent exhibit and/or to loan/donate or would like more information, please contact either our Curator, Joanne Seese, at 595-2694, email joannes@ptd.net or 839-9122, email: Leeanne@uplink.net.

- Monroe County's 175th anniversary book is now on sale at the Monroe County Archive Office and the Treasurer's Office for $10. Call 517-3102 for additional information.

- The 2012 Safe Haven Calendar is now available for purchase. The proceeds from this calendar will help Safe Haven rescue and care for dogs from overcrowded and high kill shelters.

Send a check for $16 for each calendar ordered, plus shipping and handling charge of $2 for one, $3 for two, $4 for three and $5 for four or more to Safe Haven Calendar, RR1, Box 289-A, Effort, PA 18330. For more information, email SafeHaven@epix.net.

- Northampton Community College's (NCC) is now selling its 2012 Dine-Arounds?

The upcoming year's Dine-Arounds include events at restaurants Asia, Sogo Fusion Lounge, The Farmhouse, and NCC's own Hampton Winds. There are also tours of Bethlehem's chocolatiers, ice cream parlors and organic eateries.

NCC gift certificates are available from the Bursar's office at Main Campus or the Monroe campus office and can be purchased using cash, check, money order, or major credit card. Certificates can be purchased in the amount of your choice and are valid towards any credit or noncredit course at NCC.

To learn more about 2012 Dine-Arounds, go to www.northampton.edu and click search courses. For more information about gift certificates, call 1-877-543-0998.

- Eastern Pocono Animal Alliance (EPAA) is a Spay/Neuter Clinic located in Brodheadsville and is in need of volunteers.

EPAA could use someone to come in one day a week to check in clients, answer phones and schedule appointments. The person would need to arrive by 8:15 a.m. and be able to commit to being there every week. EPAA also has volunteer positions available to help with vaccination clinics and substitute desk work. Stop in to the EPAA office in back of Rainbow Plaza, Route 209, Brodheadsville or visit www.epaaonline.com or call 994-5846.

- The Poconos Chapter of the Holistic Moms Network meets twice a month at the Hughes Library in Stroudsburg. For membership information, visit www.holisticmoms.org or contact Jen at HMNmonroepa@gmail.com or by phone at 872-7140. The Holistic Moms Network strives to connect parents, create supportive communities and help parents and others to learn about holistic, natural and green living.

- A Noon Day prayer is held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Full Gospel Holiness COGIC, 169 Summit Ave., Pocono Summit, (one block from Salvation Army). Pastor is Dr. Leanon Trawick. Call 839-8170 for more information.

- Are you a follower of Thomas Merton's work? An interfaith study group is being formed in the Stroudsburg area. The dates, times and meeting location will be determined by the participants. There is no cost. If you are interested, send your name, phone number and email address to Mel at oneoftheone99@yahoo.com.

- The Kunkletown Volunteer Fire Company will hold bingo on Monday nights at 6:45 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. There is a $1,000 jackpot with progressive numbers. Food will be available. For more info, call 484-357-3248 or 610-381-2674.

- Operation Touch of Home is seeking the names and addresses of area troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan to be recipients of the fall 2011 essential's shipment.

Family members or friends with this information should contact touchofhome@hotmail.com.

- Monroe County Bible Clubs of "BCM international" will conduct inter-denominational "Released Time Bible Classes" for Monroe County public school children in grades kindergraten through seven.

Free parental permission slips (with schedules and times) to attend are now available for these one hour weekly Bible classes that are held at a church facility near the school. Transportation is provided by approved local volunteer drivers.

These required permission slips, and more information are available by calling Jim Ecker at 421-9968, or emailing jimeckerbcm@verizon.net

- The Italian American Heritage Club of Monroe County welcomes Americans of Italian birth or descent and all other Americans who appreciate, respect and understand the Italian culture. The group is dedicated to serving the community.

Forty members recently attended a baseball game at Coca Cola Stadium in Bethlehem. Member, John Piaggione threw out the first ball. The group will collect food items for the Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network and is planning its annual toy collection for Monroe County Children and Youth.

Meetings are held on the third Sunday of the month at The Chestnuthill Township Park Building on Route 715, Brodheadsville.

- Pocono Mountain Bible Fellowship Church will host a free Bible Study each Sunday evening beginning at 6:30 p.m. Childcare and activities for children will be provided. There will be a short time of worship and prayer followed by a Bible study and discussion. The topic is "Biblical Themes from the Book of Romans." All are invited. There will also be a time of question and answers on any Biblical topic, theme, or question you would like to discuss. The church is one and a half miles south of Mount Pocono. For information, call 839-6922 or visit www.pmbfc.org.

- Evening Adult Bible Study every Tuesday night from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Bring PP your Bible. McMichaels United Methodist Church, Route 715 and White Church Road, McMichaels. 629-1136 for more info.

- Stroudsburg United Methodist Church, 547 Main St., offers a new evening bible study to be held in the church lounge each Wednesday from 8:05 to 9:05 p.m. The study is geared for ages in high school through adult. To register or for more information, contact Pastor Bob at bobshank@stroudsburgumc.com or call the church at 421-6020.

- TOPS - Taking Off Pounds Sensibly - Chapter No. 1113 meets every Thursday night at Pleasant Valley Presbyterian Church on Pilgrim Way off Route 115 in Brodheadsville. Meetings start at 7 p.m. with weigh-in 5:45 to 6:45.

Membership is $26 a year and dues are only $5 a month.

- Pocono Parents of Down Syndrome - PPODS - family support and community networking group meets on the fourth Thursday of every month from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the D.E.S. building, 796 Lindbergh Ave., Stroudsburg. Childcare provided by East Stroudsburg University Special Education students. For more info, call Betty Kiesling (Spanish and English) at 476-1269 or Sue Armitage (English) 992-4886 or visit www.theppods.org.

- The Slate Belt Band meets every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Roseto American Legion. There are no dues, and uniforms are provided for performances. All ages and skill levels welcome. For more info, call 234-8745 or visit www.slatebeltband.com.

- The Forwardian Arts Society will hold In Writing Gatherings on the first Saturday of every month at 1 p.m. at the Tapestry Corner at 779 Main St., Stroudsburg. All genres, styles and topics welcome. For more info, contact forwardian@hotmail.com or visit www.theforwardianartssociety.com.

- The Forwardian Arts Society will hold Film and Chat Night on the first Friday of every month at 4 p.m. at the Pocono Community Theater in East Stroudsburg. For more info, contact forwardian@hotmail.com or visit www.theforwardianartssociety.com.

- The Italian American Heritage Club of Monroe County meets on the third Sunday of the month at 2 p.m. at the Chestnut Hill Township Building on Route 715 in Brodheadsville. New members of Italian decent and all those who respect and enjoy the Italian culture are welcome. For more info, call president Joe Pini at 992-2678.

- Mt. Pocono Area Monthly Lupus Support Group meeting every third Tuesday at 7 p.m. at St. Mary of the Mount Church, 27 Fairview Ave., Mt. Pocono. Separate teen and adult groups; free and no reservations required. For more information, call 241-9369 or the Lupus Foundation at 1-888-995-8787 or visit www.lupuspa.org.

- The Golden Travel & Social Club Membership will not meet in January, February or March. Meetings at the Bushkill American Legion every second and fourth Thursday of the month at noon will resume in April. Cost to join is $8 per year -- July through June. Several trips are planned this year. For more information, contact Jean Thompson at 972-6434 or Phil Cozzi at 588-0555.

- Shawnee Tabernacle, 16 Carriage Square, Tobyhanna, will distribute bread on Wednesdays and Sundays. People may show up on Wednesday from 7:30-9 p.m. or Sunday at noon, or call the church at 894-9650 on Monday through Friday after 6 p.m. or all day Saturday and Sunday. Shawnee Tabernacle also has a helping hand ministry that is attempting to feed the hungry.

- The West End Ceili and Set Dancers host Irish dance classes on Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, Route 209, Gilbert. New members are welcome. Lessons are $3 per person; first lesson is free. Teachers are Jean and Mike Cunningham: 610-691-8658. For more information, visit www.weiaaceilidancers.com.

- Vietnam Veterans of America is a national Organization seeking new member brothers and sisters from all conflict eras. Visit www.vva678.net for membership info. The Associates of the Vietnam Veterans of America (AVVA) is open to spouses, children, grandchildren or anyone who shares our vision and wishes to accomplish our mission.

- Monroe County Bible Classes will be conducting non-denominational "Released Time Bible Classes" for Monroe County public school children in grades 1-7. Home schoolers are also welcome. Parental permission slips are available for these one-hour weekly classes held at a church facility near the school. Transportation is provided by Bible Club-approved local volunteer drivers. For more information call Jim Ecker at 421-9968 or e-mail jimeckerbcm@verizon.net.

- SVPA, 544 Main St., Stroudsburg is holding weekly salsa dance classes and a Latin dance party every fourth Saturday. For more information, call Jesus Nieves at 856-5067 or Cecilia Goncalves at 620-6432.

- The Order Sons of Italy in America West End Pocono Lodge No. 2725 hold meetings on the first Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. at the Chestnuthill Park & Senior Center on Route 715, a half-mile north of Route 209. New members are welcome. Anyone who can claim Italian ancestry by birth or marriage is eligible to apply for membership. Anyone interested in becoming a member should Joseph Falotico at 242-2761. For more information, visit www.sonsofitaly.net.

- The East Stroudsburg Elks Lodge on Washington Street holds breakfast on the third Sunday of every month from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Cost is $6 for members and $7 for non-members. For more information, call 223-8486.

- Unity Coalition meets on the second Monday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Poconos, 940A Ann Street, in Stroudsburg. Visit poconounitycoalition.org for more information.

- American Legion Auxiliary Post 346 meets on the first Thursday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Legion Post at E. 5th St. in East Stroudsburg. For more information, call 424-1112 or 897-6442.

- Holistic Mentorship Network meets on the second Tuesday of each month at the Massage Academy of the Poconos, 753 Phillips St., Stroudsburg. The Holistic Mentorship Network supports holistic professionals by providing space to network, build a referral base, mentor and support their businesses, and develop, grow and promote community awareness of alternative services and products. For more information, contact Ellen Suazo at 877-875-9634 or PoconoHMN@gmail.com, or visit www.HolisticMentorshipNetwork.com.

- Women's Resources of Monroe County has Domestic Violence Support Groups avilable by calling 421-4200.

- Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered 12-step recovery program based on the eight principles in the Beatitudes to help participants with hurts, habits and hang-ups meets each Thursday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Stroudsburg Wesleyan Church located at 915 N. Fifth St. in Stroudsburg. For information, call Dana at 421-0750 or e-mail dana@stroudsburgwesleyan.org.

- Amputee Support Group meets on the second Saturday of each month from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Pocono Medical Center on Brown Street in East Stroudsburg. The group meets in the Stroud Room. RSVP by calling 588-3027 at least three days before each meeting. There is no charge to attend.

- Professional actor Alberto Vazquez will teach acting classes for ages 20 and older in the Sherman Theater annex at N. 5th St. and Main Street in East Stroudsburg. Classes begin March 29 and are held on Tuesdays from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Cost is $100 per month. Training in the Strasberger, Meisner and Eric Morric techniques. For more information, call 917-331-3850 or visit www.actoralbertovazquez.com.

- Pabríque in Shawnee-On-Delaware will donate a percentage of sales from its Thoughtful Moments pillow collection to Girls Quest, a non-profit organization that helps girls ages 8-17 become strong, productive and caring contributors to their communities. For more information, call 410-804-1696.

- Polk Township Volunteer Fire Company hosts bingo on Thursday nights. Doors open at 5 p.m.; games start at 6:45. There is a progressive hit or miss, and a $400 jackpot. Refreshments available. For more information, call 610-681-4370.

- The Eglise Evangelique De La Renaissance Food Bank is open on every first and third Saturday of the month. For more information, call 895-2344. The church is located on Route 314 Upper Swiftwater Road, off Route 611.

- Modeling classes available for ages 8-16. Dominique, model and CEO of R2S Management, will teach the runway and provide a start up portfolio for each member as well as community fundraising for charity and a management company casting. For information, location and registration, email r2smgmt@aol.com.

- American Legion Wilson Fisher Post No. 413 on Old Route 940 in Pocono Pines hosts bingo each Friday. Doors open at 5 p.m. with games starting at 7 p.m.

- American Legion Wilson Fisher Post No. 413 on Old Route 940 in Pocono Pines holds an all-you-can eat breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon on the first Sunday of each month. Menu includes scrapple, sausage, pork roll, eggs, pancakes, French toast, cream chipped beef, home fries, toast, juice, coffee and tea. Cost is $7 for adults; $5 for children ages 5-12, and children younger than 5 eat for free.

- The Pocono Mountain Chapter of the Riders Motorcycle Touring Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. for dinner with a meeting at 7:30 at Billy's Diner, Route 611, Tannersville. The group also meets on the third Sunday of each month at the diner for breakfast at 8:30 a.m. and a meeting at 9:30. For more information, visit www.poconoriders.com or call 629-1946 or 897-5402.

- The Garden of Giving is seeking talented and committed individuals to serve on its board of directors for two or three-year terms. Prior board experience is a plus, but not required. What is necessary is a commitment to the community and a desire to improve the lives of Monroe County residents. Contact Tammy Graeber at 402-1282.

- The Polk Township Fire Co. holds a breakfast every third Sunday of the month, 7-11:30 a.m. Menu includes eggs, bacon, ham or sausage, French toast, chipped beef on toast, home fried potatoes and toast, coffee, milk, chocolate milk and juice. Call in orders and takeout are accepted.

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