TimesLeader.com

AVOCA

October 5
AVOCA

Do you remember working with your parents on a safety evacuation plan for your home in case of an emergency? I do. My dad always taught our family which exits from the house would be the safest to use depending upon which type of emergency we found ourselves in.

Thank God, we never had to use any of the plans, but they were excellent to have and created a strong sense of safety within our home.

Not only are many of us blessed to have families to keep us safe, but we also have an excellent fire and emergency services department in town who are constantly working to keep us safe. In their continuous promotion of our safety, the members of the Avoca Fire Department remind everyone that National Fire Prevention Week begins today.

The members encourage everyone to visit their website www.avocafire.net, where you can find a link to the National Fire Protection Association’s website. It contains life saving information regarding fire prevention and safety that are easy to understand especially for children much like the ones I learned as a child.

The fire department is also participating in WNEP’s Operation Save a Life program. Anyone who needs a smoke detector can contact the emergency services building at 457-2894. The detectors are free, but there are a limited number available.

They will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.

Perfect Birthday

It looks like Penn State and Notre Dame are off to good starts this season. And with so many fans of each school in our town, I knew somebody would come through and send me a note about their adventure to a big game.

This week, West Avoca resident Tom “Red” Patterson dropped me a line noting he and many of his family and friends ventured to South Bend last weekend to celebrate his birthday at the Purdue game. Needless to say, the Irish’s 38-21 victory proved to be a great gift!

Just a few members of the crew that attended the game included Mike Patterson, Brian Berlew, Mike and Lisa McAndrew, Marty Quinn, John Joyce, Billy Joyce, Matt McAndrew, Evan Joyce, Ed Finnan, Bill McAndrew, and John and Danielle McGlynn.

Flu Shots

Flu Shots will be distributed Wednesday, Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Family Prescription Counter, 335 Main St., Duryea. Individuals with Medicare and First Priority insurances can obtain the shots for free.

Individuals who do not have either of these insurances can get the shot for $30.

By the Way

Speaking of Avoca residents who have something to celebrate … as many of you know I am getting married this Saturday to Avoca resident Jim Galvin Jr. We will be united in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony Saturday, Oct. 11 at 2 p.m. by our pastor and friend, the Rev. Phillip J. Sladicka.

If you get the chance, stop by the church to see us. If not, please continue to keep us and our families in your prayers that we may continue to grow as a couple and become reflections of Christ’s love to one another.

Daughter Born

Congratulations to Billy and Susan (Brogan) Thornton on the birth of their daughter, Emily Brynn, who was born September 12. Emily has a sister, Erin Kathryn, who celebrated her second birthday September 29. The family resides in Orange County, Calif.

A special happy birthday greeting is sent to Helen Brogan who will celebrate her 60th birthday October 8 with her daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughters in “the O.C.”. The family will mark all of their birthdays with a party at Disneyland.

Everyday Heroes

Congratulations to the Avoca Lions Club and the members of the Bethel and Brick United Methodist Church who were honored as “Everyday Heroes” by the International Lions Club for their dedication to helping people in need.

Open on the fourth Thursday of each month, members of both groups meet at the church to prepare for their food bank project. Food items are secured through the Commission on Economic Opportunity and The Weinberg Food Bank. The volunteers unload, inventory, package, and distribute the food items to those less fortunate. Between 385 and 400 families are provided food each month.

Participants from the group include George Rosser; Sandy Rosser; Mary Orluk; Mary Ann Ruane; Brian Leffler; Mary Ann Tigue; Walter Bechtold, district governor; and Patty Warwick, vice district governor.

CCD Classes

Today, St. Mary’s CCD classes will begin with an 8 a.m. Family Mass. All parents and students are invited to attend. The third grade class will lead the rosary. Classes will take place from 9-10 a.m. Choir practice for Mass and Christmas will take place from 10-10:15 a.m. and students can be picked up between 10:20-10:30 a.m. Classes will not take place next weekend in observance of Columbus Day.

Holy Hour Today

The parishioners of St. Mary’s Church invite the community to a special Holy Hour today from 2-3 p.m. in deference of Respect Life Sunday. The special service will include exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, recitation of the rosary, prayer of the hours, and benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

Church Meeting

SS. Peter and Paul’s Church youth group meeting has been rescheduled from today to Sunday, Oct. 12 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the church auditorium, which is located in the lower level of the church, 1000 Main St. Plans will be discussed for a trip to Dracula’s Forest and a haunted hayride.

Tax Reminder

Avoca residents are reminded Tax Collector Therese Wrubel’s office will be closed until October 6. It will re-open Tuesday, Oct. 7.

Yard Waste

Avoca Borough will have yard waste collections Tuesday, Oct. 7 and 21. In addition to collecting grass clippings and leaves, the borough workers will also collect shrubs, hedge clippings, and tree limbs. Please note that grass clippings and leaves may be placed in the same container but other yard waste must be placed in a separate container. The tree limbs should not exceed three feet in length and one-half inch in diameter. Please note that rocks, stones, dirt, and animal waste are not acceptable forms of yard waste and will not be collected.

A maximum of three open containers, not exceeding 30 pounds, will be allowed per collection. Please do not put your collection items in plastic bags. They will not be collected. Collection items should be placed in their designated containers and set at the curbside of your home by 8 a.m. on the collection date. Please note that the recycling center will not accept grass clippings and leaves that are combined with yard waste.

Council Meeting

The members of the Avoca Borough Council will have their regular work session and monthly meeting Thursday, Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the Avoca Municipal Building, 752 Main St. The public is invited to attend.

Movie Night

St. Mary’s Church will sponsor a movie night Sunday, Oct. 12 at 5 p.m. in St. Mary’s School Auditorium, 742 Spring St., for all youth and religious education students from the parish. A parent or guardian should accompany any child 8 years old or younger. Please feel free to bring something soft to sit on. Popcorn and refreshments will be served. Admission is free. This event is the first in a series of youth activities sponsored by St. Mary’s.

Centennial Committee

SS. Peter and Paul’s Church Centennial Committee will meet Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the church auditorium, which is located in the lower level of the church, 1000 Main St. The committee will have scanning services available in the church hall October 18 and 19 preceding and following the weekend Masses for anyone who has photographs and documents to copy electronically for use in the Centennial Book. Please stop by if you have any memorabilia they can use or if you can identify individuals shown in some of the photos they have already received.

Night at the Races

It’s back! St. Mary’s Church will have a Night at the Races Saturday, Oct. 18 in St. Mary’s School hall, 742 Spring St. Admission is $5 which includes all you can eat and drink the entire night. Horses are $10 each. Racing forms can be obtained by calling the rectory at 457-3412. The sponsor of the winning horse will win $50 and does not need to be present to win.

Day of Prayer

St. Mary’s and SS. Peter and Paul’s Churches will participate in a Diocesan Day of Prayer Sunday, Oct. 19 at 4:30 p.m. at SS. Peter and Paul’s Church, 1000 Main St., to pray for the Diocesan Planning Commission as they formulate responses for upcoming changes throughout the diocese.

The service will include evening prayer with Solemn Exposition and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

Halloween Party

SS. Peter and Paul’s Church will have a children’s Halloween Party Sunday, Oct. 26 at 1 p.m. Tickets are free and can be obtained from any CCD teacher.

Al Anon Meetings

Al-Anon, a support group offering hope and help to families and friends of alcoholics, meets Mondays at 7 p.m. in the basement meeting room of St. Mary’s Rectory, 715 Hawthorne St., and Thursdays at 7 p.m. in the basement meeting room of the Brick United Methodist Church, 935 Foote Ave., Duryea. Anyone who has been impacted by someone else’s drinking can find solutions that lead to serenity in the Al-Anon fellowship.

Until Next Time

That’s about it for this week! Drop me a line or e-mail me your latest news by Thursday at noon. You can e-mail me at avocanews@verizon.net, or you can call me at 457-3351. Please be sure to include your name and phone number with any correspondence in case I need to reach you.