Senior news

The Tamaqua Senior Citizens group meets every Thursday, at 1 p.m., at the Tamaqua Community Center, located to the rear of Boyer's Food Mart.Last week's meeting was attended by 72 members and one guest, Eleanor Arner. President Jean Machamer conducted the business session.Vice President Doris Roberts reported sending a sympathy card to Muriel Wehr. Jane Tartar was added to the sick list.One new member, Sylvania Houseman, was welcomed to the group.Anyone 55 or older is welcome to join. The meeting room is handicap accessible.Writer's networkThe Black Diamond Writers' network will meet Jan. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Tamaqua Public Library, 30 S. Railroad St.Guest speaker will be Jason Sander, creative services director for Concur New Media. His topic will be creating vision and writing goals.The public is welcome to attend.For more information concerning the writers' network, call (570) 654-3059.YMCA hockeyThe YMCA is seeking volunteer coaches for its youth hockey program. Interested individuals may email nzigmant@alum.lhup.edu.Registrations are now being accepted from youth wishing to participate.For more information, visit the YMCA in the former Jamesway Shopping Center, or email nzigmant@ymca-berkscounty.org.Deem family reunionDescendants of the Deem family recently held their annual Christmas Reunion luncheon at Knepper's Inn in New Ringgold.Of the 22 people attending, there were four generations from one family.People attended from New Hope, New Tripoli, New Ringgold, Tamaqua, Ephrata, and other areas.Kindergarten registrationThe Tamaqua Area School District is making plans for orientation and registration sessions for kindergarten classes for the 2011-12 school year.An orientation night is scheduled for Feb. 22, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Tamaqua Elementary School.Parents of incoming kindergarten students will be provided with information about what programs the district has to offer, the benefits of different tracts of learning and other general information needed to get students ready for registration and the first day of school.Registration packets will be handed out at the orientation. Registration requests will be accepted beginning Feb. 14.Appointments will then be scheduled for March.Registration will be held March 7, 8 and 9 at Tamaqua Elementary; and on March 10 at West Penn Elementary. Registration hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.Children residing within the Tamaqua Area School District who will reach the age of 5 before Sept. 1, 2011 are eligible.To register, call (570) 668-3306 the week of Feb. 14, from 9:30-11:30 a.m., and from 1-3 p.m. to schedule an appointment.Proof of residency, health records, original birth certificates and original Social Security cards will be required. Children will be evaluated by a classroom teacher, nurse and speech therapist.