Sorority news

The local Preceptor Alpha Upsilon and Xi Beta Epsilon Chapters of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority celebrated a Ritual of Jewels Degree March 2 honoring Pat Kibbler. Preceptor Chapter President Lori Schmerfeld conducted the ceremony.Following the ceremony, a brief business session was held. Members discussed the annual Community Easter Egg Hunt, which will be held April 16 at the Howard Buehler Memorial (Bungalow) Park. This free event is open to children, up to the age of 12, who reside within the Tamaqua Area School District. The hunt will begin at 11:30 a.m. Also discussed was a clothing drive, scheduled for June 3-4. The drop off point will be the American Hose Company on Mauch Chunk Street. Items to be collected include clothing, bedding, toys and shoes. All items must be placed in plastic garbage bags. Toys and shoes should be bagged separately.The Preceptor chapter will meet March 16, hosted by Patti Burke. The time and place will be announced closer to the meeting date. The meeting will include an election of officers and voting for Founder's Day awards.Honor rollThe name of Mason Dolinsky was omitted from the recent list of Tamaqua Elementary School students earning honors status for the second marking period of the 2010-2011 school year. Mason is a fourth-grade student who earned high honors.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 85 members and one guest, Joan Brown. Two new members, Pat Langton and Ruth Betz, were welcomed.President Jean Machamer conducted the business session and offered readings. Eleanor Roberts offered the invocation, entitled "The Unchanging God."Vice President Doris Brobst, treasurer Dolores Walck and secretary Joan Anne Garber provided their respective reports. Pinochle players are still needed for card sessions held following the meeting.Anyone 55 or older is welcome to join. The meeting room is handicap accessible.Bethany ECThe Rev. Kevin Roberts will officiate at the 10:30 a.m. worship service this Sunday in Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church. Nursery care is provided. Sunday school for all ages is held at 9:30 a.m.Also on Sunday, the monthly worship service at the Tamaqua ABC Hi Rise will be celebrated at 6 p.m.Activities for next week will include: Monday, Arcadia Hospice In Service begins at 6 p.m.; Tuesday, prayer time at 8:30 a.m., Men's Fraternity meets at 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Community Lenten service at noon, GriefShare, adult Bible study and Tamaqua Youth Ministry meet at 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, Musician rehearsal at 9 a.m., praise practice at 9:30 a.m., quilters meet at 10:30 a.m.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.Guest speaker Joseph Paluck, wellness coordinator at St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital, will offer his expertise and suggestions on the importance of regular exercise.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.St. John's LutheranThe Rev. Phyllis Wolford will officiate at the 9:15 a.m. worship service this First Sunday of Lent in St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. The service will be followed by a coffee fellowship hour. Confirmation and Sunday school classes meet at 10:30 a.m.Activities for next week include: Monday, Congregational Council meeting at 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Finance Committee meeting at 7 p.m.; Wednesday, mid-week Lenten service at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, Constitution Committee meeting at 3 p.m., Chime Choir meets at 5:30 p.m., Angel Choir rehearses at 6 p.m., Shepherds at 6:30 p.m. and Praise Choir at 7:30 p.m.Rush bicentennialThe Rush Township Bicentennial Committee will meet this Thursday, at 6 p.m., in the township municipal building. All residents of the township are welcome to attend and help plan events celebrating the 200th anniversary of the founding of the township.