Safety Program

Volunteers are needed for the proposed Green Dot Program (see Dec. 27, 2013 TIMES NEWS), which is designed to provide people from all walks of life with the skills needed to combat violence. Training provided by the Sexual Assault Resource and Counseling Center of Schuylkill and Lebanon Counties will focus on a bystander intervention program, offering awareness, education and skills-practice.An intensive four-day training session is scheduled to begin March 17 at the Morgan Campus of Lehigh Carbon Community College in Tamaqua. The first day will include an overview.Interested persons may contact Stephanie Barron at

sbarron@sarccschuylkill.org.Senior citizensThe Tamaqua Senior Citizens group met Jan. 9 with 55 members in attendance. President Melody Weicker conducted the business session. Jacque Patrick provided the invocation "A Friendly New Year."Reports were offered by secretary Ruth Ann Feane and treasurer Penny Schlorf. An increase in monthly dues was suggested. A vote was taken and the new dues fee will be $2 a month. Dues for 2014 are now being accepted. Member Jayne Myers was congratulated on her 100th birthday. She was presented with a bouquet of roses and a paid up life time membership.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.Bethany ECThe Rev. Kevin Roberts will officiate at the 8 a.m. traditional service this 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 this Sunday, the monthly service at the Hometown Nursing Center will be held at 2:30 p.m.Activities for next week will include: Tuesday, prayer time at 8:30 a.m.; Wednesday, Tamaqua Youth Ministry meets at 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, musician rehearsal at 8:30 a.m., praise practice at 9 a.m.