Garden club

The Lewistown Valley Garden Club held its first regular meeting of 2011 in the social hall of Zions Church, Lewistown Valley. The business session was conducted by President June Leiby. Special guest speaker was Dr. Joseph Sabol.Dr. Sabol provided tips for growing and caring for orchids, which are commonly used in corsages, floral arrangements and house plants. In tropical regions, where the plants thrive, flowers are used as decorations in drinks. Not counting hybridized versions, there are more than 35,000 orchid species found worldwide. In colder climates, such as Pennsylvania, the plants need a little extra care to stay healthy and produce blooms.Judy Kellner was presented with the sample orchid brought by Dr. Sabol.Members discussed a variety of gardening tips, including the use of crushed egg shells as a fertilizer for small plants.Arrangement theme for the meeting was "green." First place was awarded to Evelyn Adams, with second place to June Leiby and Mary Bridygham earning third place. Specimen for the meeting was a "forced branch." Judy Kellner was awarded first place and second place went to Mary Bridygham.A luncheon was presented by Grace Ann Gerber and June Leiby.Upcoming events include: South Schuylkill Garden Club Spring Tea on April 19; and a trip to "Grounds For Sculpture" in Hamilton, N.J., on April 23.The Lewistown club will host its annual tea on April 26 in Zion's Social hall. Mary Bridygham, Ruth Gerber and Cindy Sabol will serve as the committee. Pourers will be Evelyn Adams and Louise Flexer. A program will be presented by Debbie Donnon of Guy's Flowers. Set up will be on April 25, at 7 p.m.For more information concerning the club or any of its activities, call (570) 668-4288.Senior newsThe Tamaqua Senior Citizens group met March 31 with 84 members in attendance. One new member, Marlene Bickelman, was welcomed to the group. President Jean Machamer offered the invocation, entitled "Those Living Alone," conducted the business session and offered a reading.Jackie Jones was added to the sick list. Birthday wishes were extended to Shirley Shellhammer, Eleanor Schmerfeld, Edith Verano, Ellie Zakrewsky, Joe Bednarik, Nellie Wenzel, Lorraine Benedict, Phyl Sfarra, Isabel Brode, Mike Rego, Joan Deitrich, Ruth Betz, Eleanor Arner and Sylvia Houseman. Cake and ice cream were served.Pinochle players are still needed for card sessions held following the meeting.The next meeting will be held 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.Ss. Peter and PaulFirst Friday observances SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church will be split this month. Communion calls will be made Thursday, April 7, to residents of Hometown and Coaldale.Stations of the Cross will be held Wednesdays, at 7 p.m., during Lent. Also during Lent, confessions will be heard Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m. and Saturdays, from 4-5 p.m., in conjunction with a holy hour that will include Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The Adult Choir rehearses Wednesdays following Stations.The parish Holy Name Society will meet Thursday. Mass will be celebrated at 7:30 p.m., with the business session scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.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 CareNet Steering Committee will meet at 2 p.m. at the New Life Assembly of God Church on Schuylkill Avenue; monthly service at the Tamaqua ABC High Rise will be held at 6 p.m.Activities for next week will include: Tuesday, 24 hours of prayer begins at 8 p.m.; at 8:30 a.m.; Wednesday, GriefShare, adult Bible study and TYM meet at 6:30 p.m., TYM staff meeting at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Musician rehearsal at 9 a.m., praise practice at 9:30 a.m., quilters meet at 11 a.m.