Hunger walk

The Tamaqua Area Faith Fellowship Network will sponsor a "Hunger Walk" on May 18 in an effort to help local families in need. The walk will be the culmination of Hunger Weekend (May 17 and 18), when organizations, businesses, church groups and individuals will be encouraged to collect food and funds to benefit the food banks at the Tamaqua Salvation Army and Trinity United Church of Christ.The walk will begin and end at St. Luke's Tamaqua Family Practice parking lot on South Railroad Street. Walkers will leave the lot, headed north to Broad Street. They will then turn left (west) and walk to Catawissa Street (Odd Fellows Cemetery), then turn right to Lafayette Street and walk two blocks to Nescopec Street. Then it's back to Broad Street and return to the lot. Participants will be looking for sponsors.For more information, or to offer suggestions on other activities for the weekend, contact Paul Dodson at 570-668-0289.Senior citizensThe Tamaqua Senior Citizens group met March 13 with 57 members in attendance. President Melody Weicker conducted the business session. Jacque Patrick provided the invocation "An Olde Irish Blessing." The group celebrated Vern Balliet's 91st birthday with refreshments and cake.Reports were offered by secretary Ruth Ann Feane and treasurer Penny Schlorf. Members were asked to donate paper products for the group's use.The meeting concluded with cards and social games.The seniors meet at 1 p.m. every Thursday, at the Masonic Lodge, located on Route 54 (east) in Hometown. Anyone 55 or older is welcome to join. The center is handicap accessible.Playground rebirthA small group of adults has stepped up to ensure the North and Middle Ward Playground continues to remain open. The group will hold a public meeting at 7 p.m. on March 20, at the Tamaqua Community Art Center, 125 Pine St.Anyone interested in keeping the playground open is welcome to attend.Fitness programA free exerette fitness program, designed for the young at heart, will be offered at the Tamaqua Salvation Army, 105 W. Broad St., every Tuesday and Thursday. The sessions will be held from 9:30-11 a.m. and will feature gentle exercises designed to enhance posture, improve balance and increase flexibility.For more information, contact Dina at 570-668-0410.Bethany ECThe Rev. Kevin Roberts will officiate at the 8 a.m. traditional service this Anti Bullying Sunday in Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church. A contemporary service will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Tamaqua YMCA, including nursery and primary church. Sunday school classes, for all ages, will meet at 9:15 a.m. at the church.Also on Sunday, congregational meetings will be held at 9 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.Activities for next week will include: Tuesday, prayer time at 8:30 a.m., Good News Club meets at 3:45 p.m. at the South Ward Playground, music commission will meet at 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Community Lenten service, noon, at Bethany, Tamaqua Youth Ministry meets at 6:30 p.m., TYM staff meeting at 8 p.m.; Thursday, study of the Book of James, 1 p.m., at the Majestic House, membership class meets at 7 p.m.; Saturday, musician rehearsal at 8:30 a.m., praise practice at 9 a.m.SS. Peter and PaulStations of the Cross are held every Wednesday during Lent, at 7 p.m., in SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Before Stations, there will be an hour of prayer, recitation of the rosary and confessions, beginning at 6 p.m.The choir will rehearse after Stations on Wednesdays.