Holiday help

The Tamaqua Salvation Army will be accepting registrations for families in need of a little holiday help this year. This includes holiday food baskets, Toys for Tots and an Angel Tree.Dates will be Nov. 7, 8 and 9 only, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.Proper identification and proof of need are required. Registrants MUST provide proof of residence, such as a utility bill; Social Security cards for every household member; proof of all household income, including employment/wages, public assistance, food stamps, Social Security/SSI, and any other type of income; official birth certificates for anyone under the age of 12; expenses, such as rent/mortgage, utilities, food, medical, etc.; and a working phone number.Kick off for the annual Christmas Kettle will be Nov. 19, at 10 a.m., at Depot Square Park. Volunteer ringers are needed for the seasonal campaign.The Angel Tree Program will begin Nov. 14. Angel Tree tags include the name, age, gender, clothing sizes and special Christmas needs and wishes of a child.For more information, on any Salvation Army program, call (570) 668-0410.Rush-Ryan seniorsThe Rush, Ryan and Delano Senior Citizens Inc. met Oct. 25 at the Ryan Township Fire Company with 42 members in attendance. President Eleanor Schmerfeld conducted the business meeting.Chaplain Kathleen Valentine offered an invocation. Reports were presented by secretary Florina Martin and treasurer Shirley Becker.Carol Sedlack and Edna Fegley were added to the sick list. Doris Brobst provided nut bread as a treat to those in attendance.Florina Martin, Rhoda Purnell and Shirley Becker provided inspirational readings.The group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at the fire company. Due to Election Day, there will not be a meeting on Nov. 8.Whitewash eventDue to the crazy weather, the Tamaqua Area Senior High School's annual whitewashing event was postponed last week. The event will now be held this Thursday, beginning at 3 p.m.Students will take to the roadway in front of the high school to make their marks in celebration of the event.Motorists will be restricted from travel in the area and should be prepared to take alternate routes.GriefShareBethany Evangelical Congregational Church will host a GriefShare seminar, "Surviving the Holidays," in an effort to help those dealing with the loss of a loved one. The seminar will be held Nov. 20, at 6 p.m., at Bethany EC, 223 E. Broad St.Refreshments will be served.For more information, call (570) 668-2520.Senior citizensThe Tamaqua Seniors met Oct. 27 at the Tamaqua Community Center with 86 members in attendance. President Jean Machamer conducted the business session and provided inspirational readings.Rose Valle provided the invocation, entitled "Someone Loves Us." Secretary Joan Ann Garber and Vice President Doris Brobst provided reports. Edna Fegley was reportedly recuperating at home following a stay in the hospital.The meeting included a Halloween celebration with a costume contest, refreshments and Chinese Auction. Prizes were awarded to Ellie Zakrewsky and Jean Machamer.The group meets every Thursday, at 1 p.m., at the community center. Anyone 55 or older is welcome to join.Every meeting is followed by social and pinochle games.