Youth and adults from St. John's United Church of Christ, 1415 Rising Sun Road, Laurys Station, gathered before 7 a.m. on a recent Saturday to undertake a highway clean-up project.

Wearing bright safety vests and gloves, the crew divided into small groups to work along Route 145 from Clearview Road to Route 329.

By 10:30 a.m., more than 50 bags of trash had been collected, along with a bed, boxspring and mattress.

Participants report the highway looks beautiful once again and they urge everyone to not litter but to keep the roadside clean.

St. John's UCC is planning to start a breast cancer support group open to anyone in the community.

The first gathering will take place 7 p.m. July 16.

A goal is to provide the emotional support, which plays a large role in recovery, healing and continued health.

If you are a breast cancer patient or survivor, consider joining the group.

If you know someone who could benefit, consider recommending the organization to her or to him.

At the first get-together, plans for the support group will be determined by the needs of those who are involved.

Call 610-262-8061 for more information.

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The Auxiliary of Northern Valley EMS, NOVA, is taking reservations for a chicken barbecue dinner noon-6 p.m. July 18.

Menu includes half a chicken, Newhard's corn-on-the-cob, baked potato, pickled cabbage, roll and butter and dessert.

The meal may be enjoyed in the air-conditioned social hall or taken out.

Tickets must be reserved ahead of time.

Call Julie at 610-262-7749 for information.

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The food pantry benefit auction at Agape New Testament Fellowship Church is re-scheduled to 1 p.m. July 11, rain or shine.

Organizer Dennis Atiyeh reports additional vehicles and equipment are still coming in.

Household goods will be auctioned at 3 p.m.

True Value Hardware has contributed brand new patio furniture, lawn equipment, and miscellaneous items.

In case of rain, the event will be held inside.

Auctioneer John Pfeiffer will have items organized for indoor bidding of the outdoor equipment in case of bad weather.

The auction inventory includes farm equipment, dump trucks, snow plow, various large storage containers and much more.

Proceeds will go to the Food Pantry at Agape and possibly other Second Harvest sites.

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Neffs United Church of Christ preschool is having a special event in the grove 9:30-11:30 a.m. on July 30.

Children ages 3-5, who will not be attending kindergarten, are invited to come for activities, games, crafts and story time.

This is an opportunity to try a day at pre-school. In case of rain, the program will be take place indoors.

Registration is requested by July 23. Call 610-767-5327 or email preschool@unionucc.org.