We’re more than halfway to April and we’re rapidly closing in on one of my favorite times of the year. Every year in late March or early April, I take an afternoon and I transfer my wardrobe. I put away all of my heavy sweaters. I put the winter T-shirts in the attic and bring down the summer T-shirts. There’s a difference. Winter T-shirts are more subdued, more solid colors. Summer T-shirts have crazier designs sometimes, like my tie dyes and most of my multitude of Grateful Dead T-shirts. They all come down.
Spring is a wonderful time to clean our closets and get rid of articles of clothing and other things that we may no longer want or need. If you are looking to find a new item or two to add to your wardrobe but are on a tighter budget this spring, then you may consider going to the First United Methodist Church of Wear Pittston. The church will be holding a women’s clothing boutique from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 25, and Saturday, April 1. You could shop a variety of new and gently used women’s clothing, purses and even shoes. The price range for most pieces will be between $3 and $10. So stop by. Who knows, you may find your new favorite outfit.
Corpus Christi news
Corpus Christi Parish announces the following:
— During Lent, the parish is offering the following special programs: Mass is held daily at 5:30 p.m. in Immaculate Conception Church. Soup and Scripture will be held immediately following the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Tuesdays in Immaculate Conception Church hall. A simple Lenten meal of soup and sandwiches will be served followed by reflections from a different guest speaker each week. Also, on Monday evenings during Lent, as part of the Diocese of Scranton’s The Light is On for You program, Monsignor John Sempa will be in the confessional from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. March 13 at Immaculate Conception Church, 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. March 20 at Immaculate Conception Church, and 6 to 7 p.m. March 27 at Holy Redeemer Church.
— Corpus Christi Parish Holy Name Society is hosting a family brunch in Immaculate Conception Church Hall following the 10:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, April 23. The guest speaker is Mark Hiller from WBRE. Tickets are $12 for adults over 16 years of age, $8 for children 6 years to 16 years old and free for children 5 and younger.
— Corpus Christi Parish is in the process of filling its food shelves for Easter giving. If you can help, the parish is colleting donations of all non perishable foods. Monetary donations also will be gladly accepted and will be used to buy hams and/or grocery gift cards. Donations may be left in the churches’ vestibules .
— The parish also is helping local families with Easter baskets for their children, ages 12 and younger. The parish is looking for donations of individually wrapped candy, chocolates, small toys, coloring and painting books, bubbles, tablets, chalk any items appropriate for kids ages toddler through 12 years. Donations may be dropped off at the rectory or left in the vestibules of the churches.
— Sacraments of first reconciliation and first Eucharist will be celebrated in Corpus Christi Parish on Saturday, May 6. Boys and girls in second grade and older who are registered in the religious education program in Corpus Christi Parish or St. Barbara Parish are eligible to receive these sacraments. Students attending a Catholic school do not have to attend religious education classes, but please contact Joyce at 570-654-2753 or email jcecconi50@gmail.com to register your child to receive these sacraments.
— The sacrament of confirmation will be celebrated Sunday, May 21, in St. Anthony’s Parish. Monsignor John Sempa, pastor, will be the celebrant. Eighth grade students and older who are registered in the religious education program in Corpus Christi Parish or St. Barbara Parish are eligible to receive this sacrament. Students attending Catholic schools do not have to attend religious education classes, but please contact Joyce at 570-654-2753 or email jcecconi50@gmail.com to register to receive the sacrament of confirmation.
— Twilight Bingo will be held Saturday, March 25, in Immaculate Conception Church hall.
First UMC news
West Pittston First United Methodist Church services are held at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday. All are welcome.
The church operates a food pantry from 9 a.m. to noon the first and third Wednesday of each month and from 9 a.m. to noon on the third Saturday.
Valley Alliance news
Valley Alliance Church conducts Sunday worship from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Junior church occurs concurrently with the Sunday service. Nursery is available.
Prayer and Bible study are held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays.
History Day
West Pittston Historical Society’s West Pittston History Day will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 18. Please stop at the West Pittston Library at any time between noon and 3 p.m. on March 18 to see a display of borough memorabilia from the society’s collection.
Visitors also are invited to bring old photos, slides, school items and memorabilia they think will contribute to continuing the legacy of West Pittston’s history. Scanners will be available on site to digitize the pieces and all photos and items will be returned that day.
Visitors are encouraged to search their homes for historical artifacts to share with future generations.
Those who are unable to attend can still share their photos by emailing the historical society at: westpittstonhistory@gmail.com.
Cherry Blossom meeting, banner sale
The West Pittston Cherry Blossom Committee will meet at 6p.m. Sunday, March 19, at the Moose Lodge in West Pittston. All committee members must attend and new members are welcome.
The West Pittston Cherry Blossom Committee is having its banner fundraiser again this year. The banners are $150 for the initial year with the renewal fee of $50. If interested in supporting the sale you can send a check payable to the West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival to Toni Valenti, 316 Damon St., West Pittston, PA 18643. Toni can also be contacted at 570-430-4006 or Tvalenti@comcast.net. The committee would appreciate the support.
The festival will be held May 6-7.
Council meetings
West Pittston Council meets the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers at 555 Exeter Ave. Any person with a disability requiring special accommodations to attend should notify the borough secretary at 570-655-7782 as early as possible prior to the meeting.
Paper recycling
The Department of Public Works building, 505 Delaware Ave., will be open from 8 a.m. to noon the first and third Saturday of each month to drop off cardboard, newspaper and junk mail only.
Library news
West Pittston Library announces the following activities:
Pajama Party — 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, March 22. Don your favorite PJs, grab a pillow and head to the library for the best anti-sleepover party around. Build forts, play games, watch a movie and leave after a bedtime story.
American Red Cross Blood Drive — 2:15-6:30 p.m. Friday, March 24. Register at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time
John Bubul writes about West Pittston every week. To list an item, email jbubul@pittstonprogress.com or call 570-301-2187 by Monday.