Sorority news

Preceptor Alpha Upsilon chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority met March 17 at the Restaurant at the Station for refreshments and a program on the ghosts associated with the station. The program was presented by Donna Sterling. The group then adjourned to Sterling's home for the business session and an exchange of Secret Sister Easter gifts.During the business session, members reviewed plans for the Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt, which will be held March 27, at noon, at the Bungalow Park. Children up to the age of 10, who reside within the Tamaqua Area School District, are welcome to attend. The Easter Bunny will make a special appearance.Also discussed was a used clothing drive, to be held on May 15. Proceeds will benefit the chapter's community service projects.The next meeting will be held April 7 at the home of Cathy Santee.Chapter officers include: Lori Schmerfeld, president; Donna Gerber, vice president; Donna Sterling, recording secretary; Marie Umbriac, treasurer; and Diane Pruett, corresponding secretary.TOPSThe Tamaqua Chapter of Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets every Wednesday, from 6-8 p.m., in the Tamaqua Salvation Army Community Center, 105 W. Broad St. The meeting includes a short business session and a program.For more information, stop by a meeting or call Nancy Barron at (570) 668-4651 or Bernie Kunkel at (570) 645-7702. Information is also available on the Web at TOPS.org.Anyone interested in learning more may attend the meeting without obligation.SS. Peter and PaulStations of the Cross will be held on Wednesday, at 7 p.m., in SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Also on Wednesday, the choir will rehearse at 7:30 p.m.Holy Week observances will include: Palm Sunday, Masses at 8 and 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday, Mass and Holy Communion at 8 a.m., Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m.; Holy Thursday, Mass of the Lord's Supper at 7 p.m.; Good Friday, celebration of the Lord's Passion at 3 p.m.; Easter Vigil saturday, blessing of Easter baskets at 1 p.m., Vigil Liturgy at 8 p.m., followed by High Mass; Easter Sunday, Masses at 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.Help will be needed to strip palms this Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m., in the social hall.Community serviceThis week's Community Lenten Service, sponsored by the Tamaqua Ministerium, will be held at the St. Jerome's Catholic Church, 266 W. Broad St. The service will begin at noon and will be followed by a light luncheon.The public is welcome to attend.First MethodistThe Rev. James Cavallero will officiate at the 10:45 a.m. service on Palm Sunday in First United Methodist Church.A Bible study class on the "Parables of Jesus," will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m.Upcoming events include: Tamaqua-Panther Valley Welsh Songfest, April 25, at 3 p.m.; United Methodist Women's chicken barbeque at the Hometown Fire Company on May 8; and the Heidleberg Handbell Choir performance, May 16, during the 10:45 a.m. worship service.Holy Week observances will include: Maundy Thursday service, 7 p.m.; Good Friday community service, noon, at Trinity United Church of Christ; Easter Vigil, Saturday, noon to 3 p.m.; and Easter Sunday worship service, with Holy Communion, at 10:45 a.m.