Wreaths auction to benefit MCHA

Amy Leiser, executive director of the Monroe County Historical Association, left, and Halle Smith, museum assistant with the association, hang a wreath on the wall of the Smithfield Township Municipal Building. The wreaths will be sold off during a silent auction on Dec. 17 in support of the historical association.



Wreaths of every description, Christmas carols sung to the accompaniment of the Pocono Dulcimer Club and free refreshments will be featured during a Smithfield Township fundraiser Friday for the Monroe County Historical Association.

About 50 handmade wreaths — some made of evergreen, some artificial, one a quilt depicting Monroe County's upcoming 175th anniversary, one made of slate and one made of mountain laurel — will go to the highest bidders in a silent auction.

The event at the Smithfield Township building on Red Fox Road is open to the public free of charge. It takes place from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

"Come here and have some cider and eat some cookies," said Jackie Ocker, Smithfield Township secretary-treasurer. "When we run out of cookies we're going to sing."

Wreath sale proceeds will benefit the historical association, which operates a museum at the Stroud Mansion in downtown Stroudsburg and maintains historic records and artifacts. The association, which operates on an annual $120,000 budget, lost a $10,000 state grant last year due to budget problems in Harrisburg.

"Their archives contain the history of this county going back to the beginning," Ocker said. "We have done many things together and we are always happy to support them."

The wreaths are made by volunteers including local businesses, Girl Scouts and township employees.

There also will be a raffle of earrings, valued at $895, donated by Findings Jewelry in Stroudsburg. Tickets entitling you to a chance at winning the earrings will sell for $5 each.

— David Pierce
Pocono Record