Rush-Ryan seniors

The Rush, Ryan and Delano Senior Citizens Inc. met Feb. 22 at the Ryan Township Fire Company with 29 members in attendance.Treasurer Shirley Becker conducted the business meeting. Jane Springer offered an invocation. Reports were presented by secretary Florina Martin and treasurer Becker. Get well cards were sent to James Valentine and Gayle Wall.Martin and Becker provided inspirational readings.The group meets the second and fourth Monday of every month. Anyone 50 or older is welcome to join.Senior newsThe 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 73 members. President Jean Machamer conducted the business session and offered readings. Eleanor Roberts offered the invocation, entitled "Your Guardian Angels."Vice President Doris Brobst, treasurer Dolores Walck and secretary Joan Anne Garber provided their respective reports. Alice Miller is recuperating at home and Rosetta Folk has been hospitalized. Pinochle players are still needed.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.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 PaulFirst Friday observances will be held this week in SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Communion calls will be made Thursday to 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.Fatima Saturday will be celebrated March 5. Confessions, a recitation of the Rosary and devotions will be held before the 8 a.m. Mass.Members of the parish Holy Rosary Society will attend the 8 a.m. Mass this Rosary Sunday, March 6. Members will receive Holy Communion as a group.School recordsThe Tamaqua Area School District destroys the records of special education students seven years after a student graduates, moves out of the district or drops out of school. Parents/guardians who would like copies of their child's records may make arrangements by calling (570) 668-2566. Copy fees will be charged, at 25 cents per single side page. A compete notice is posted on the TASD website at

www.tamaqua.k12.pa.us.St. Jerome'sThe St. Jerome's Regional School Board will meet tonight at 7 o'clock.Communion calls are made to the homebound on the second and fourth Sunday of the month.Rehearsal for Confirmation will be held March 27, following the 11 a.m. Liturgy. Confirmation will be celebrated March 29 at 4:30 p.m.The Office of Adult Formation will hold its next public session on Feb. 27, from 9-10 a.m., in the alumni room. A coffee and donut social will be included. This month's topic will be "Finding Our Purpose in Life and Helping Children Find Theirs."Library newsThe Tamaqua Public Library is gearing up for its Spring Storytime sessions. This year's theme is "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

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.