Calendar of events

Send events to Megan Chec, mchec@berksmontnews.com by Friday at noon.

December
Sunday, December 30, 1:30 p.m.

HOLIDAY WALK IN THE WOODS - MONOCACY HILL

Don’t let the cooler weather keep you indoors this winter. Bundle up and join us for a walk on the trails at the Hill. Hike begins from the parking lot on Geiger Road, Douglassville. All activities are weather permitting. For more information or directions visit www.monocacyhill.org.

January
Wednesday, Jan. 2, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
The Bereavement Support Group will meet each Wednesday, through Feb. 13. Please call Sister Rose Dvorak for additional information and to register.

Saturday, Jan. 5, 5 to 8 p.m.

STEAK AND SHRIMP NIGHT
The event is being hosted by the Monarch Fire Company at 50 Pennsylvania Avenue, Monocacy. Call 610-385-3310 for more details.

Sunday, Jan. 6, 7 to 11 a.m.
AYCE BREAKFAST BUFFET

Will be hosted by the Geigertown Fire Company, 3433 Hay Creek Road. There is a charge for anyone over the age of 6-years-old. For information, call 610-286-6481. The fire company needs and appreciates your support.

Wednesday, Jan. 9, 1:30 p.m.
PAGODA PLEATERS MEETING

Pagoda Pleaters is the SAGA chapter in the Reading-Berks area of Pennsylvania. We meet on the second Wednesday of the month at the Exeter Library. All levels of smockers are welcome to attend. For information, contact flutterbeeflys@yahoo.com.

Wednesday, Jan. 9, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

PREPARATION FOR BREASTFEEDING
This class will be held in the Cardiac Waiting Room of St. Joseph’s. This class is designed to help get breastfeeding off to a great start by dispelling myths, teaching evidence-based current information and some practical tips for the family. A doll would be helpful to bring to class. There is a fee. For more information, contact Karen Sponagle, RN, Clinical Coordinator, at 610-378-2003. To register, call Central Scheduling at 610-378-2100.

Thursday, Jan. 17, 7 p.m.
THE WOMEN’S CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

Will meet at the American Cancer Society office, 498 Bellevue Avenue, Laureldale. For additional information, call Lisa Spencer, M.Ed, BSRT(T), CBPN-IC, Certified Breast Care Patient Navigator at St. Joseph Medical Center at 610-378-2959. The Women’s Cancer Support Group meets the third Thursday of each month.

Thursday, Jan. 17, 7 p.m.
CANCER SURVIVOR SUPPORT GROUP FOR WOMEN

Will meet the third Thursday of every month at the American Cancer Society office, 498 Bellevue Ave., Reading. The group, which had been comprised solely of breast cancer survivors, is expanding to include all women who are cancer survivors. A cancer survivor is defined as someone from a point of diagnosis. The meetings alternate between a general support group meeting and a featured topic and speaker. The group’s facilitator is Lisa Spencer, patient navigator at St. Joseph Medical Center – Cancer Center. The 2013 meeting/speaker schedule can be mailed or emailed to you by contacting 610-921-2329.

Saturday, Jan. 26, 1 to 6 p.m.

USMV/MC CHILI COOK-OFF
Will be held at the VFW Post 9045, located at 225 W. Wyomissing Ave., Mohnton. Admission includes entertainment and beverages. Cooks will be competing for cash prizes in best overall chili and chili eating contest. There is a registration fee for contestants. Contestants: Complete and return application before 22 January 2013. You MUST arrive before 11 a.m. on the day of the cook-off with two gallons of piping hot chili. Please provide your own crock pot or sternos. For info, contact Cam at 856-373-1949/610-777-9106.

Monday, Jan. 28, 7 p.m.
KIDS KONNECTED

Is a support group at St. Joe’s for children with a parent who is being treated for cancer. The group meets in the Bern Township facility on the fourth Monday of each month. It is open to all children, regardless of where the parent is being treated. For more information, call 610-378-2602 or go to www.kidsconnected.org.

Ongoing
Exeter Community Library Fall Storytime schedule

Pre-school Storytime, for children between the ages 3 and 5 years old - every Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 2 p.m. The theme is “The Alphabet.” Runs through Dec. 20.

Storytimes are free and open to the public with no registration required! For info: 610-406-9431 or visit www.berks.lib.pa.us/sxt.

FIRST TO SERVE: BERKS COUNTY AND THE PATH TO CIVIL WAR

Historical Society of Berks County honors the 150th anniversary of the Civil War with its inaugural Civil War exhibit. Exhibit continues through June 8, 2013; 940 Centre Ave., Reading, PA. For information: 610-375-4375 or visit www.berkshistory.org.

Hope UMC’s Prayer Time
Hope UMC is inviting everyone to the last Friday of each month for Prayer Time 7 to 8 p.m. This is an open invitation for anyone to come and join in for a casual and relaxing time of spontaneous prayers. A time to pray together or by ourselves for all kinds of prayers, some of which may be for ourselves, friends, family, our community, our church, our schools, and current world events. There is no format for the prayer services as each service is lead by the Holy Spirit. The church is at 117 North Monocacy Creek Road in Douglassville. For more information, call 610-385-7141 or e-mail admin@hopechurchamity.org.

STORIES AND SNACKS FOR KIDS
Stories and snacks for pre-schoolers every Wednesday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Gently Used Books, Douglassville Shopping Center, Douglassville. An adult must be present with each child that attends. No charge. For information call 610-385-0766.

FREE BEAD NIGHTS AND JEWELRY MAKING CLASSBeing offered year round at Buttercup Beads! Free community Bead Soiree nights twice a month, from 6 to 8 p.m. Huge variety of jewelry making classes also available for novice and/or experienced beaders. Check Web site for dates and details at www.buttercupbeads.com. Buttercup Beads, 2151 E. High Street, Pottstown. For more information call 484-524-8231.