9-11 service

The Tamaqua South Ward Playground will once again sponsor a 9-11 Community Remembrance Service, honoring those lost that fateful day, the military personnel who protect our freedom, and their families. While much of the program will be based on previous years' remembrances, this year's event will be held in a different location, the Hometown Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Lafayette Avenue (SR54), Hometown, and an earlier time, 2 p.m. The change in location will enable 25 veterans who reside at the center to take part in the ceremony.Former Tamaqua Mayor Richard Hadesty will serve as master of ceremonies. Currently scheduled to join in are: U.S. Congressman Tim Holden; State Rep. Jerry Knowles; Schuylkill County Commissioner Frank Staudenmeier; Schuylkill County District Attorney James Goodman; Schuylkill County Clerk of Courts Stephen Lukach; District Judge Stephen Bayer; current Tamaqua Mayor Chris Morrison; Tamaqua Council President Micah Gursky; Tamaqua Salvation Army Major Sharon Wispell; Iraqi War veterans Andrew Leibenguth and Clint Delvalle; and veteran Peter Frye. Judy Mattson will lead the musical selections.The public is welcome to attend.Recovery help"Celebrate Recovery" sessions are held every Friday, 7-9 p.m., at New Life Assembly of God Church, 407 Schuylkill Ave. Anyone who needs help recovering is welcome to attend.For more information, contact Phil at (570) 645-4453 or Drew at (484) 629-3025.First MethodistThe Rev. James Cavallero will officiate at two worship services this Sunday: 9:30 a.m. in Salem United Methodist Church; and at 10:45 a.m. in First United Methodist Church. The services will include Holy Communion.The Quilters continue to meet every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. and the Senior Choir rehearses Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. in First UM.The churches have combined to offer an outreach ministry to U.S. troops serving abroad by purchasing "Biblesticks," a digital audio device preloaded with an entire New Testament.For more information, or place an order, call (570) 668-3653.Also at FUM, the Second Annual Summer Film Festival continues this Sunday, at 7 p.m., with a presentation of "Winn Dixie." The film festival offers free admission and free refreshments.For more information, call (570) 668-3344.