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Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, Union Township, presents its "Iron Plantation Christmas" and stroll on Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free event depicts Christmas as celebrated during the 19th century at Hopewell Furnace. The program will be presented rain or shine.
Activities include making gingerbread ornaments, creating decorations out of greens and other natural sprigs, writing holiday letters and cards plus discovering the customs, foods, and traditions of the holiday season from an early American perspective. Visitors will also get to meet Der Belsnickel, a mischievous character similar to Santa Claus.
Car seat checks
The state police Reading barracks, 600 Kenhorst Blvd., will be offering free car seat checks on Thursday, Nov. 14, from 2 to 8 p.m. and Friday, Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. No appointment is necessary
Troopers announced that In conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, they will be strongly enforcing any violation of the commonwealth's seat belt and child passenger restraint laws. Vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death, with most of those fatalities being attributed to unbelted motorists.
The Click It or Ticket enforcement campaign runs from Nov. 11 to Dec. 1.
Garden workshop
The Wyomissing Area Garden Club is presenting a free "Woodland Critters" workshop on Nov. 12, at 1 p.m. in the Wyomissing Library, 9 Reading Blvd.
Natural materials will be provided as well as examples of woodland creatures. Bring a glue gun if you have one, otherwise organizers will share what they have on hand.
Trolley program
On Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m., Paul Druzba will present "The Rise and Fall of the Trolley Car" at the West Lawn-Wyomissing Hills Library, 101 Woodside Ave., West Lawn. The program tells the story of the trolley from its beginnings as a horse-drawn wagon or stagecoach to an electric-powered trolley. No registration required. Contact the library at 610-678-4888 for more information.
"Spongebob" musical
Exeter Junior High School will present "The Spongebob Musical" Friday and Saturday, Nov. 15 and 16, at 7 p.m. at the school, 151 E. 39th St., Reiffton.
The show, based on the popular cartoon series, features original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, They Might Be Giants and more.
Tickets cost $8 in advance at exeterjhs.seatyourself.biz or $10 at the door.
Purchase Party
Collecting decisions for museums has historically fallen into the hands of a select few. The Reading Public Museum aims to change that with its annual Purchase Party, where the community is invited to vote for the next item to join the permanent collection.
This year's party will be held Thursday, Nov. 14, at 5:30 p.m. The theme is Latino artists. Four works have been selected as possible acquisitions.
All the options are displayed for attendees to inspect and ponder. There will be refreshments and an opportunity to socialize. At the end of the night the item with the most votes is announced and purchased. Within days, it will make its debut on the museum's walls.
To register, go to www.readingpublicmuseum.org or email Individuals unable to attend are encouraged to go to the museumwebsite to vote for their favorite work.
Fundraising breakfast
The Lower Susquehanna Synod Disaster Response Ministry will host an all-you-can-eat breakfast on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 7 to 10 a.m. at Swamp Lutheran Church, 275 Swamp Church Road, Reinholds. The menu will include eggs, home fries, creamed chipped beef, pancakes, meats and pastries.
Funding will be used for people to travel to North Carolina or Florida to assist in rebuilding from the storms of 2024. People unable to attend can make contributions to the North Lancaster Conference Dean's Fund.
For additional information, contact the church at 717-336-2849.
Gap open house
The Pennsylvania National Guard invites the public to Fort Indiantown Gap for an open house Saturday, Nov. 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This free event will feature demonstrations, flyovers, displays of military equipment and vehicles, food trucks, music, an appearance by Miss Pennsylvania and resources for veterans and military families.
The event will take place along Clement Avenue, near the Fort Indiantown Gap Community Club and on the southern portion of Muir Army Heliport. Visitors should plan to enter Fort Indiantown Gap through the main access control point near the intersection of Fisher Avenue and Biddle Drive.
Drivers will need to show a driver's license or government issued photo ID to enter the installation. Learn more at www.ftig.ng.mil/Community/2024-Open-House/ .
Craft show
The Gov. Mifflin Music Association has scheduled a holiday craft show Saturday, Nov. 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gov. Mifflin Middle School, 130 E. Lancaster Ave., Shillington. Handmade items for sale include wood carvings, ornaments, jewelry, clothing and more from 120 vendors. Food, drinks and baked goods will be available for purchase. No admission fee.
Theater performance
The Penn State Berks theater department will present "8 at Eight" — a collection of eight lighthearted, eight-minute plays at 8 p.m. Nov. 13-16 in the Perkins Student Center Auditorium on the Spring Township campus.
Admission for Penn State students, faculty and staff with ID is $5; admission for the general public is $10. For more information, email bazaar
A Christmas bazaar is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Calvary United Church of Christ, 1231 Route 100, Barto. The event includes a bake sale, crafters, basket raffle and indoor flea market.
Painting class
Muhlenberg Community Library presents "Give Me Color," an adult painting class on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Jim Dietrich Farmhouse. Paint a Christmas owl and enjoy small bites. BYOB.
Price is $35. Register by calling 610-929-0589 or in person at the library, 3612 Kutztown Road, Laureldale. Proceeds benefit the library.
Study sessions
A book discussion group continues its study of "Zorba the Greek" with an examination of Zorba's view on freedom, women, and human nature in general, at St. John's United Church of Christ, 257 W. Walnut St., Kutztown, on Thursday, Nov. 14, at 9:30 a.m. The discussion will be facilitated by Craig Bennett, a retired professor.
Contemplative Spirituality follows at 10:30 with the Rev. James A. Skelton's program on "Spiritual Intelligence – Part Two." Skelton is to discuss questions about the ultimate meaning of life and the ability to integrate relationships between self and the world we live in.
All are invited and there is no charge. For more information, contact Dr. Harry L. Serio at event
The Lancaster Medical Heritage Museum, 410 N. Lime St., has scheduled its annual Arts and Crafts Fair and Free Museum Day on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The event offers an opportunity to explore the museum's exhibits on the history of medicine in Lancaster while supporting local artists and vendors selling crafts, artwork and other unique items.
The museum will be offering free admission for the entire day.
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