Senior news

The Jan. 20 meeting of the Tamaqua Senior Citizens was attended by 65 members. President Jean Machamer conducted the business session, offered the invocation, entitled "Night of Love," and offered an inspirational reading. One new member, Linda Davenport, was welcomed.Guest speaker Judy Hoppes offered information concerning cancer and ways the American Cancer Society can assist patients and their families.Reports were offered by Vice President Doris Brobst and secretary Joan Anne Garber. A sympathy card was sent to Jane Tartar and George Hosler was welcomed back to the group.The Jan. 27 meeting was attended by 53 members. President Machamer conducted the business session and offered an invocation entitled "Live Life to the Fullest." Reports were offered by Vice President Doris Brobst and secretary Joan Anne Garber. Ann Menconi and Eleanor Moneta were added to the sick list.Cake and ice cream were served in honor of the December and January celebrants.The group meets every Thursday, at 1 p.m., at the Tamaqua Community Center, located to the rear of Boyer's Food Mart. Anyone 55 or older is welcome to join. The meeting room is handicap accessible.TOPSThe local chapter of Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets Wednesdays in the education room at St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital, Coaldale. Weigh-ins begin at 5:45 p.m., followed by a short business session and a program.Laura Smith, certified nutritionist, will be the guest speaker at the Feb. 16 meeting. Her topic will be the nutrition labels found on today's food and the importance of understanding the nutritional value of the foods we eat.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.SS. Peter and PaulSS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church will hold First Friday observances this week. 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.Feb. 5 will be a Fatima Saturday. Confessions will be heard at 7:30 a.m., followed by a Recitation of the Rosary and Devotions prior to the 8 a.m. Mass.Members of the parish Holy Rosary Society will attend the 8 a.m. Mass on Feb. 6 and receive Holy Communion as a group. A rosary will be said prior to the Mass.Library newsThe Tamaqua Public Library is gearing up for its Spring Storytime sessions. This year's theme will be "See If You Can Guess the Theme for the Day." Sessions are open to children between the ages of 2 and 5.Storytime begins March 7 and will continue for 10 consecutive weeks. Identical programs will be held Mondays and Tuesdays, from 10-11 a.m. Sessions will include stories and crafts.For more information, stop by the library on South Railroad Street, call (570) 668-4660 or visit the website at

www.tamaquapubliclibrary.com.Library hours are Monday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, noon to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.