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AVOCA

February 8

AVOCA

As many of you know, the Avoca Lions Club conducts many events throughout the year. Whether they are assisting people in need at their monthly food bank, raising funds for the visually impaired, or decorating the town with holiday lights for Christmas, the Lions work together on these and many other projects to make a positive impact in our community.

Although they asked me to extend their thanks to the community for the donations they received for their annual Christmas light project, I think it’s more fitting to thank the Lions for their good deeds! But, as I promised them, I will honor their request to thank the community on their behalf. So to make it official, the Avoca Lions Club would like to thank the community for their donations to the group’s Christmas light project which made it a huge success.

They would also like to thank the Avoca Fire Department for their assistance hanging and removing the lights throughout town.

Speaking of the Lions Club … the Avoca Lions will meet Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 6:15 p.m. at the Avoca V.F.W. Post 8335, 915 Main St. New members are welcome.

Happy Birthday

Happy belated birthday to Millie Stancavage who celebrated her special day January 29.

Happy birthday to Chrissy Ryzner and Danielle Kampas, and to my twin cousins Corey and Cailey Ware, who will celebrate their special days Saturday, Feb. 14.

Youth Group

The members of SS. Peter and Paul’s Youth Group would like to thank the community for supporting their bake sale last weekend.

Raffle Winners

The winners of SS. Peter and Paul’s Razzle Dazzle raffle this week are Bill Sledgeski, Avoca; Sean and Patricia Durkan, Dunmore; Nichole Oliveri, Avoca; and Joan Wincovitch.

Throat Blessing

In deference to St. Blaise, the Catholic patron saint of throat ailments, the Rev. Phil Sladicka, pastor of St. Mary’s Church, will offer a sacramental throat blessing following the 8 and 11 a.m. Masses today at the church, 715 Hawthorne St.

Finance Council

SS. Peter and Paul’s Parish Finance Council will meet Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the rectory, 912 Vine St.

Council Meeting

The Avoca Borough Council will have its regular monthly meeting and work session Thursday, Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Avoca Municipal Building, 752 Main St. The public is invited to attend.

Festival Meeting

St. Mary’s Church Fundraising Committee will have a Festival 2009 planning meeting Thursday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. in the rectory, 715 Hawthorne St. The festival will take place July 16, 17, and 18. The public is invited to attend and join in the planning process.

First Penance

SS. Peter and Paul’s First Communion Class will receive their First Penance Sunday, Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. at the church, 1000 Main St.

Sledding Party

SS. Peter and Paul’s Youth Group will meet Sunday, Feb. 15 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the church hall, which is located in the lower level of the church, 1000 Main St. They are planning an afternoon of sledding Sunday, Feb. 22 from 4:30-6 p.m. on the grounds of Pittston Area High School followed by a dinner. Attendees should bring their own sleds and dress warm. For more information or to make a reservation, please call the rectory office at 457-2483.

Night at the Races

It’s back! St. Mary’s Church will have a Night at the Races Saturday, Feb. 21 in St. Mary’s School Hall, 742 Spring St. The doors open at 6 p.m., and the races begin at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 which includes all you can eat and drink the entire night. Horses are $10 each. Racing forms can be obtained at St. Mary’s Church following the weekend Masses (Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and Sunday at 8 and 11 a.m.) or 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.

Anyone who would like to donate food, such as hoagies, pizza, sausage and peppers, salads, or desserts is encouraged to call the rectory at 457-3412.

Garbage Stickers

The 2009 Avoca Borough garbage stickers can be purchased from Therese Wrubel at the Avoca Municipal Building, 752 Main St., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-11 a.m. and Fridays from 6-7 p.m.

The fee schedule for purchasing the window sticker in order to have up to three bags collected weekly is as follows: $150 if purchased by February 21; $155 if purchased between February 22 and March 21; $165 if purchased between March 22 and April 21; $175 if purchased between April 22 and May 21; and $185 if purchased between May 22 and June 21. Residents who are unable to stop by the municipal building to purchase a garbage sticker, can mail a check with a self-addressed stamped envelope to Avoca Borough c/o Therese Wrubel, 129 Factory St., Avoca, PA 18641.

If you have any other questions please call Therese at 457-4891. Please note that delinquent accounts will be referred to District Court after June 21.

Essay Contest

The Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation is sponsoring an essay contest for students in grades 7-12. The topic of the pro-life essay should be about abortion, infanticide, euthanasia, or stem cell research. The word limit is 500 for students in grades 7-9 and 750 for students in grades 10-12. Essays should include a cover page with the student’s name, address, phone number, grade, and name of their school. Essays should be mailed to the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation, 4800 Jonestown Rd., Suite 102, Harrisburg, PA 17109 by March 1. Winners will receive cash prizes and have their essays printed in the organization’s newspaper, Lifelines.

Eucharistic Adoration

Eucharistic Adoration takes place Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. at SS. Peter and Paul’s Church, 1000 Main St. The public is welcome to come and spend some time in quiet reflection and meditation. In case of inclement weather, a decision to cancel adoration will be made during the day. For more information please call Ken and Ann Francis 457-8241 or the rectory office 457-2483.

Census Jobs

Any individual who is interested in obtaining a temporary position conducting the 2010 Census for the United States Census Bureau is invited to call 1-866-861-2010. Most hiring will take place February through May 2009. Qualified applicants must pass a basic skills test (which can be scheduled by calling the toll free number listed) and have a valid form of identification. For more information visit www.2010censusjobs.gov.

Duryea Bingo

Duryea bingo takes place every Monday at the Germania Hose Company, 430 Foote Ave., Duryea. The doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the games begin at 6:30 p.m. There is a guaranteed $1,000 jackpot every week! Free bus transportation is available by calling 457-3062 to make a reservation for pick-up.

Taylor Bingo

Bingo also takes place every Friday and Sunday evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Taylor Hose Company, 614 Union St., Taylor. The fun includes 20 regular games with prizes of $100 each, four specials, progressive bonanza, and a guaranteed jackpot of $1,000 every Friday and Sunday. Need a ride? Call 562-3191 or 351-6911 to make a reservation.

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.

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 avocahappenings@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.

Have a great week!