If you dream of making a living as a writer or photographer, learn how to turn that dream into a reality with a two-hour hands-on workshop 1 p.m. March 8, at the Northampton Area Public Library, 1615 Laubach Ave. The workshop will be presented by Johanna Billings, editor of the Northampton Press, Whitehall-Coplay Press and Catasauqua Press.

In addition to 15 years in the newspaper industry, Billings spent 10 years earning a living as a freelance writer. She wrote articles and provided photos for multiple markets, including newspapers, magazines and books. She also authored two books on antique glass and several on local history with her husband, Sean.

Her presentation will cover generating salable ideas, pitching those ideas to newspapers, magazines and book publishers, selling an idea to more than one market, securing assignments editors want (and need), the basics of copyright law and how to use it and basic protocols, such as how to communicate with editors, format submissions and generally make editors' jobs easier.

This program is free and open to the public. Registration is preferred but not required; call 610-262-7537 or stop by the library to sign up.

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The Friends of the Northampton Area Public Library are having a Vera Bradley Bingo Sunday, April 6.

Doors open at 11 a.m., and the games begin at 1 p.m.

In addition to bingo, there will also be approximately 20 Chinese auction items, a bake sale, door prizes, consolation prizes and a 50/50 drawing.

Organizers are seeking sponsors for the prizes. Those donating will have their name printed in the program. Baked goods, monetary donations and Chinese auction items are also needed.

For more information, contact the library at 610-262-7537.

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The St. John's Friendly Fifties group will meet Monday, Feb. 10, 1 p.m., in the church's social hall, 1343 Newport Ave.

Ultimate Sound will entertain.

If Northampton schools are closed due to inclement weather, the meeting will be rescheduled for Monday, Feb. 17.

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The Northampton Area Public Library is seeking volunteers to help with its Teen Cyber Space, an afterschool program that provides teens with their own area within the library where they can study, socialize and learn. The library also provides laptop and tablet computers for their use.

This space is open Monday through Thursday, 2:30-4:45 p.m. Volunteers are needed to monitor the room to help things run smoothly. No computer skills are necessary.

If interested in helping, contact Melissa Hawk at mhawk@northamptonapl.org.

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Holy Trinity Slovak Lutheran Church, 14th Street and Washington Avenue, is holding a soup sale. Varieties include vegetable beef, chicken noodle and ham and string bean. Pints and quarts are available. Orders placed Feb. 9 can be picked up Feb. 15. Call Edna Balent, 610-261-4035, or Maryann Moravek, 610-837-0953, to order.

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Send in your news! Does your church, Scout troop or civic organization have an event coming up? Email the information to tklutter@ptd.net, and I'll include it in an upcoming column.