The holiday season is upon us as people prepare for Hanukkah, Yule, Christmas, Kwanzaa or just enjoy a secular holiday. Resolve to cultivate tolerance, peace and gratitude during this special season of thanksgiving and love.

Coplay Mayor Steve Burker shared this holiday quote:

“Take time to enjoy the memories you will create and the past memories you remember and cherish.” - Anonymous

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Leaves will continue to be picked up through Dec. 16.

There is a drop-off location for grass and yard waste at 1 Bridge St. Drop-off hours are set for 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

If you have a street department question, call Paul at 610-262-8378.

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Explorer Post 101 has open house events showing its elaborate model railroad exhibit, set for noon-4 p.m. Dec. 17 and 18 on the second floor of Coplay Borough Hall, 98 S. Fourth St.

Contact Michael Busch at 484-633-6581 for information.

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Ironton Rail Trail Oversight Commission has its next public meeting 7 p.m. Dec. 20 in council chambers at borough hall.

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Coplay Food Bank is seeking donations for the holiday season. Much-needed items are canned sweet potatoes, canned fruit, Jell-O mixes, cereal, peanut butter, jelly and canned foods like SpaghettiOs, ravioli, etc.

Drop off items at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 18 S. Third St.

The food bank, located in the lower level of the municipal building, is open 9:30-10 a.m. the second Tuesday of every month.

If unable to attend the scheduled Tuesday morning time frame, call Jodi at 610-262-0928 to make other arrangements.

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Coplay Saengerbund, 205 S. Fifth St., is planning its New Year’s Eve celebration - the Silvester Feier - for 3-7 p.m. Dec. 31.

There will be a hot buffet meal, beer, wine and cake and coffee after 5 p.m.

Musical entertainment will be the Emil Schanta Band.

Ring in the New Year 6 p.m., which is midnight in Vienna, Austria.

The event is open to all members and their guests.

Seating is limited, so call Cathy at 610-262-8372 to make a reservation.

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St. John’s Lutheran Church is planning a chicken potpie pickup dinner Jan. 21, 2023.

The church is assembling a yearlong celebration for 2023 as the church celebrates its 150th year anniversary.

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American Club of Coplay, 300 Cherry St., has restarted its monthly hoagie sales. Hoagies (regular or tuna) and sandwiches (ham and cheese or tuna) are available.

Call 610-261-2884 for the cost and to order, or order online via email to americanclub@rcn.com.

Also, the club is planning a steak and cash raffle for Feb. 5, 2023.

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Coplay Recreation and Welfare Association is seeking new members.

Contact Rick Hess at 610-844-4282 for more information.

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The police department’s office number is 610-262-2288.

The nonemergency number is 610-437-5252. This connects you with Lehigh County Communication Center.

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Recycling electronics can be dropped off at DCR Technologies, 205 Main St., Northampton, by appointment only. Visit drc-tech.net for a list of items accepted and any related costs.

Call 610-502-0854 to arrange a drop-off.

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Coplay Athletic Club is seeking 2023 new and renewal memberships - $90 per year and $80 for renewals. The gym is located on the second floor of the municipal building.

Email coplayac@gmail.com for information.

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Coplay American Legion Post 426 has a special mailbox in front of the Post, 134 S. Second St. Worn-out American flags can be deposited there for the Post to properly retire the flags.

To join the Legion, call 610-262-7556.

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To have an announcement or to share something in this column, email billleiner@aol.com or text 610-751-2745.