Sorority news

Members of the Preceptor Alpha Upsilon chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority have been busy this winter.The group met Jan. 9 at the home of Mary Machay, where guest speaker Theresa Houser presented tips on cake baking and decorating. Everyone had the opportunity to try a technique using icing to make a cake look like a basket.Wanda Keefer was the hostess for the Jan. 23 meeting. Keefer's daughter, Brianne presented a program on scarf knitting, with members attempting to create their own scarves.A Valentine's Day party was held on the fifth floor at St. Luke's University Hospital-Miners Campus in Coaldale on Feb. 13. Activities includes snacks, games and the crowning of a Valentine's Day King and Queen. Party favors included a supply of personal hygiene products.Chapter members attended the annual Comedy Night at the American Hose Company on Feb. 16.The Feb. 27 meeting was held at Knepper's Restaurant, where plans for the annual Community Easter Egg Hunt were discussed. The event will be held April 12 at the Howard D. Buehler Memorial Park (Bungalow).The next meeting will be held March 12 at the home of Donna Sterling.Tax officeTamaqua Tax Collector Pam McCullion has new hours for her office at 6 S. Lehigh St.From March through October, the office will be open from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Mondays; from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; and from 9 a.m. until noon the last Saturday of each month.There are no Friday hours.For more information or directions, call 570-668-6220.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.Senior citizensThe Tamaqua Senior Citizens group met March 6 with 65 members in attendance. President Melody Weicker conducted the business session. Jacque Patrick provided the invocation "A Dog's Winter Prayer." One new member, Bobby Winemirer, was welcomed to the group.Reports were offered by secretary Ruth Ann Feane and treasurer Penny Schlorf. Leona Machay, Pearl Bailey and John Fredericks were added to the sick list.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 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, the monthly worship 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., Good News Club meets at 3:45 p.m. at the South Ward Playground; Wednesday, Community Lenten service, noon, at the Salvation Army, 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; Saturday, musician rehearsal at 8:30 a.m., praise practice at 9 a.m.