Dog walk

The Tamaqua Area Animal Rescue group will host its Fourth Annual Dog Walk on May 7, following along the Schuylkill Valley Heritage Trail.The walk will begin at the Newkirk Tunnel Environmental Education Area along SR209, just west of Tamaqua. Participants will head west for one mile, then return to the registration area.Registration will begin at 11 a.m. with the walk starting at noon. Registration is required.Pledge forms are available at the Citi Financial office, located in the former Jamesway Mall, the TIMES NEWS Tamaqua office and Tamaqua Borough Hall. For more information, call (570) 668-0323.Rain date will be May 14.Writing lecturesThe Black Diamond Writers Network is sponsoring a series of lectures and discussions designed to help aspiring writers get started and get published. The next session will be held March 31, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at the Tamaqua Public Library. That same day, sessions will be held at the Lehighton Area Memorial Library, 6-7 p.m.; and the Pottsville Free Public Library, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. An additional sessions will be held April 5, from 6-7 p.m., at the Minersville Public Library.The group is also sponsoring a writers' conference on April 16, at Genetti's Best Western in Hazleton.For more information, or to register, call either library, (570) 325-2131 or (570) 668-3059. For more information on the BDWN, call Kathy at (570) 645-3059 or log on to

www.blackdiamondwriters.blogspot.com or

www.tamaquapubliclibrary.com.First MethodistThe Rev. James Cavalerro will officiate at two worship services Sunday: 9:30 a.m. at Salem United Methodist, and 10:45 a.m. at First United Methodist Church. Sunday school classes are held at First Church. the adult class meets at 9:30 a.m. and the children's class meets immediately following the children's sermon.Also on Sunday, a pot luck supper will be held at 6 p.m., followed by a Bible study program at 7 p.mFirst Methodist activities for next week include: Monday, trustees meeting at 6 p.m., Jesus in the Steps addiction recovery program at 7 p.m., Administrative Board meeting at 7 p.m.; Tuesday, quilters meet at 9:30 a.m.; Wednesday, senior choir rehearsal at 7:30 p.m.The Herald Biblical Theater Company will present "His Last Days" at First Church on April 8, at 8 p.m.First Church is now on Facebook. Church news, schedule changes and motivational thoughts will be available.St. John's LutheranThe Rev. Phyllis Wolford will officiate at the 9:15 a.m. worship service this Sunday in St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. Confirmation, First Holy Communion and Sunday school classes meet at 10:30 a.m.Activities for next week include: Wednesday, midweek Lenten service at 7:30 p.m., at St. John's Lutheran Church; Thursday, Constitution Committee will meet 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.BloodmobileThe next American Red Cross Bloodmobile visit to Tamaqua will be on March 30. The Salvation Army gym will be turned into a blood collection center. Hours will be from 1-6 p.m.Anyone 17 or older, who weighs at least 110 pounds and is in general good health is eligible to donate blood. Donor cards or proper identification will be required.Appointments for donors can be made by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.