The next North Catasauqua Police Department Community Crime Watch meeting will be held 6 p.m. Jan. 5 in the basement-level meeting room at borough hall, 1066 Fourth St.

Topics for discussion include crime statistics, public community events overview, community concerns and issues and school bus stopping law overview.

If you have any questions, contact Officer Hazim or Cpl. Santiago at 610-437-5252.

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Hokendauqua Trout Unlimited will have a free eight-week beginners fly-tying course at Northampton Area Middle School, 1617 Laubach Ave.

The course begins Jan. 6 and is scheduled to run 9 a.m.-noon. The course is held for eight consecutive weeks. All materials and tools will be provided at no cost.

For more information, call Dale Ott at 610-262-1600.

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State Rep. Zach Mako, R-183rd, encourages residents to visit the 108th Pennsylvania Farm Show. The event - the country’s largest indoor agricultural exposition under one roof - runs Jan. 6-13 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center, 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg.

This year’s theme is Connecting Our Communities, which aims to bring together those who are fed, nourished and enriched by the agriculture industry to those whose lives and livelihoods depend on it.

As always, the show will feature hundreds of competitions and exhibits, as well as animals and products related to the state’s robust agriculture industry. The annual showcase is a family-friendly event with lots to see and do. Don’t forget to stop by the famous food court for a taste of some Pennsylvania cuisine.

Admission to the show is free, but parking is $15 per vehicle. Shuttle service is provided.

For more information, visit farmshow.pa.gov.

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Catasauqua Garden Club will hold its 2024 planning meeting 2 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Public Library of Catasauqua, 302 Bridge St.

Members are encouraged to bring ideas for meeting topics; horticultural exhibits adjustments, since climate change is affecting what blooms at what time; and suggestions for artistic arrangement themes.

The club is welcoming new members, especially those with a love of flowers. The club usually meets 1 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month at Slovak Center Social Club, 1233 Fifth St., North Catasauqua, and has been in existence for 64 years.

For more information or details on joining the club, email debmellish@gmail.com.

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North Catasauqua Police Department is holding its annual winter coat drive until Jan. 15.

As the weather turns colder, many in our community are in need of warm coats to stay safe and comfortable. The police department is collecting gently used and new coats of all sizes to donate to those in need.

Help the department make a difference and spread warmth this winter. Donations can be dropped off at the police department, 1066 Fourth St., during regular business hours.

The point of contact for this outreach initiative is Officer Hazim, who can be reached at nhazim@ncatapd.org or 610-437-5252.

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The next North Catasauqua Borough Council meeting will take place 7 p.m. Jan. 15 in the basement-level meeting room at borough hall.

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Catasauqua Community Food Bank, 527 Front St., is looking for donations, especially after the holiday season, during the winter months. Items that are needed include grape jelly, pastas, soup, cereal, granola bars, peanut butter and crackers.

If you have questions, call 610-264-8366.

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Catasauqua Community Thrift Shop, 113 Bridge St., is looking for donations.

The thrift shop’s hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The thrift shop is happy to accept donations of good, used, clean clothing, household items and toys during regular store hours. Proceeds from the shop are returned to the community through contributions that support youth and adult programs and services.

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Recycling electronics can be dropped off at DCR Technologies, 2005 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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If you would like something to be included in the North Catasauqua column, submit it to me at least two weeks in advance, especially if a certain date is involved with your submission. I can be reached by email at ncatacentennial@aol.com.

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous new year. Have a great week!