Every day, a little pile of mail is quietly delivered to the black box near our front door. Every day, that mail is opened and stacked on our kitchen counter. By the end of the week, however, the little pile has grown into a scattered assortment of flyers, bills, credit card offers, bank statements, and other notices containing enough personal information about us to invent a dozen new identities.

So we finally bought our very own paper shredder. This marvelous invention, which was modeled after a hand-cranked pasta-making machine, was first manufactured in Germany during the 1930s and marketed to government agencies. Most of us had never heard of a paper shredder until Col.

Oliver North introduced us to something called Iran Contra in the 1980s. Twenty years have passed and many of us now have our own “document destroyer” that not only eliminates the possibility of someone taking our identity but also assists in my own personal quest of de-cluttering.

This weekend: Saturday, Feb. 7, beginning at 4 p.m., the Watsontown United Methodist Church will serve a Ham Loaf dinner. Cost is $7.50 for adults, $4 for children aged 5-12.

Saturday, Feb. 7, from 8 p.m. until midnight, the Milton VFW will hold an Oldies Dance at 300 Park Avenue. Cost is $6 per person. Snacks will be provided; cash bar.

Saturday, Feb. 7, the North Central Pennsylvania Branch Quality Deer Management Association will hold their Eighth Annual QDMA Reach Banquet. Guest Speaker will be Merlin Brenner, who will discuss modern deer survey methods. Registration is from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., dinner will be served at 5 p.m. at the Watson Inn in Watsontown. You must register in advance for tickets by contacting Doug Garrison by email at ncpbqdma@hotmail.com

Sunday, Feb. 8, beginning at 12 noon, there will be a Sweetheart Basket Bingo held at the Warrior Run Area Fire Department Social Hall, Allenwood. Early bird game at 12:45 p.m., regular games begin at 1 p.m. For tickets call 568-2312 or 568-2253. Proceeds benefit the New Columbia Senior Center.

Tuesday, Feb. 10, 6:30 p.m., Montgomery Borough Council Meeting at the Borough Hall.

Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., the St. John’s (Brick) Church will hold a family-style turkey and filling dinner with all the trimmings. Cost is $8 for adults, $4 for children aged 6 to 10, and children under 6 eat free. Order takeouts by calling 547-6423.

Thursday, Feb. 12, 4:30 to 7 p.m. Clinton Township Fire Company will host a served all-you-can-eat chicken and waffle dinner featuring chicken & waffles, apple sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, and fudge brownie w/ice cream. Cost for adults: $7; children $4.

Wednesday, Feb. 18, Montgomery curbside pickup for recyclables.

Pampered Chef Bingo benefits Seth Bartlett and Travis Kennedy’s trip to Spain, Clinton Township Fire Hall, Sunday, Feb. 22, 2 p.m., 1:45 p.m., Early Bird, Extra and Special Games, $20 for 20 games, Chinese Auction and Drawings, Refreshments.

Coming up in March: Sunday, March 1, 12 noon to 6 p.m. at the Clinton Township Fire Hall, there will be a Spaghetti Dinner and Raffle fundraiser to benefit Max Litzelman, a first-grader at Montgomery Elementary who has been hospitalized since December. Cost is $8 for adults and $4 for children under 10. For more info or to make a donation, please call Denise Gearhart at 570-772-1812.

Saturday, March 7, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., the Montgomery Lions will host a Sauerkraut Meal. Take outs available 4 to 4:30 p.m. Cost is $7.00 adult, $4.00 children. Advanced tickets available for $6.50. Contact Norm @ 570-547-2873 or call the fire station at 570-547-1000.

To place your order for Easter eggs, stop in at the Clinton Township fire station or call 570-547-1000.