Sorority news

The Preceptor Alpha Upsilon Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority met Sept. 22 at the home of Patti Confer. Members constructed hoagies and received copies of recipes from the Beginning Day recipe exchange program.A discussion was held concerning a clothing drive for spring and the October fundraiser.Patti Confer provided a program on proper ways to set a table for casual, informal and formal occasions.The next meeting of the chapter will be held at 7 p.m., Oct. 6, at the home of Donna Sterling. This will include a Model meeting for new member Pat Kibbler.TOPSThe local Chapter of Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets every Wednesday in the education room at St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital, Coaldale. Weigh ins begin at 6 p.m., followed by a short business session and a program.TOPS is a weight loss support group for men and women of all ages. Members learn sensible nutrition, portion control and lifestyle changes that promote lifelong health. Visitors are welcome to attend their first meeting without obligation, free of charge.For more information, stop by a meeting or call Kathy Ruff at (570) 645-3059. Information is also available on the Web at TOPS.org.SS. Peter and PaulFirst Friday, Fatima Saturday and Rosary Sunday will be observed this week in SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.First Friday communion calls will be made on Thursday for residents of Hometown and Coaldale. All others will begin Friday at 9 a.m. First Friday confessions will be heard at 7:30 a.m., followed by Mass and devotions at 8 a.m.A recitation of the Rosary and devotions will be held Fatima Saturday, prior to the 8 a.m. Mass.Members of the parish Holy Rosary Society will meet before the 8 a.m. Mass this Sunday for a Recitation of the Rosary. The group will attend Mass and receive Holy Communion as a group.First StepsFirst Steps, a support group for mothers, will have its monthly meeting from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 5, in the social room at Primitive Methodist Church, 55 Hunter St., Tamaqua.Participants will share a home-cooked meal and make fabric pumpkins.The sessions are free and open to the public. Child care for all ages will be provided free of charge. New members and volunteers are welcome.For more information, call Linda Murphy at (570) 668-2972 or e-mail to

firststepmom@msn.com.RecyclingWednesday is the day for curbside recycling pickup for all residents of Tamaqua.All recyclable items must be placed in the containers issued to each borough household. Any other containers, such as plastic bags and cardboard boxes, will be emptied and left behind.Anyone who needs a recycling container may contact borough hall at (570) 668-3444.Collection bins for cardboard have been moved to the Tamaqua Transfer Station on Sewage Treatment Plant Road.Collection bins for newspaper can be found at the Tamaqua Borough Garage on East Broad Street.