Rush-Ryan seniors

The Rush, Ryan and Delano Senior Citizens Inc. held its annual Christmas party on Dec. 13 at the Ryan Township Fire Company. The event was attended by 45 members, with Christy Joy providing the catering.Vice President Rhoda Purnell offered welcoming remarks and Chaplain Kathleen Valentine provided an invocation.During a short business session, treasurer Shirley Becker reported sending a get well card to Dolores Walck. Birthday greetings were extended to Eleanor Friend, who celebrated her 98th birthday.Table decorations included poinsettia plants, donated by Hub and Shirley Becker.The group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at the fire company.Dog licensesSchuylkill County treasurer Jackie McGovern reminds residents that 2012 dog licenses are now available.Dogs 3 months of age or older must be licensed by law.Licenses may be obtained at the county courthouse in Pottsville, by mail, online at

www.padoglicense.com or at a variety of licensing agents.Locally, those agents include AAA at 202 E. Broad St.; Tom's Auto and Marine, Greenwood Street and Mountain Avenue; and Koch's Farm Service in the Lewistown Valley.For more information, call McGovern's office at (570) 628-1433.Senior citizensThe Tamaqua Seniors met Dec. 15 at the Tamaqua Community Center with 77 members in attendance. President Jean Machamer conducted the business session.Rose Vallee provided the invocation, entitled "Here Comes Christmas." The secretary's and treasurer's reports were offered by President Machamer. A donation to the Salvation Army was approved.The meeting included installation of officers, with Lillian Tomsho serving as installation officer. Officers for 2012 will be: Jean Machamer, president; Nancy Gerber, vice president; Joan Anne Garber, secretary; and Antoinette Triano, treasurer.Due to the holidays, the next meeting will be held Jan. 5, at 1 p.m., at the community center. Anyone 55 or older is welcome to join.Bethany ECThe Rev. Kevin Roberts will officiate at the 10

a.m.worship services this Christmas Sunday in Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church.Activities for next week will include: Wednesday, Prayer time at 8:30 a.m., Tamaqua Youth Ministry Christmas meeting at 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, musician rehearsal at 9 a.m., Praise practice at 9:30 a.m.Christmas Eve services will be held at 3 p.m. (traditional) and 7 p.m. (contemporary).St. Peter's UnionThe Rev. Cheryl Moore will officiate at the 10 a.m. worship service Christmas Sunday in St. Peter's Union Church, Mantzville. This is a later time than usual.Christmas Eve services are scheduled for 2 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.Calvary UMThe Christmas Day worship service in Calvary Evangelical United Methodist Church will be held at a special time, at 8:15 a.m. The Rev. Brian Reading will officiate.SS. Peter and PaulFather William Linkchorst has released the Christmas schedule for SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance) will be available on Dec. 23, from 4 to 4:30 p.m. and from 7 to 7:30 pm.Christmas Masses will be celebrated at 7 and 9 p.m. on Christmas Eve and at 8 and 10:30 a.m. on Christmas DayNew Year's Masses will be held at 5 p.m. on New Year's Eve and at 8 and 10:30 a.m. on New Year's Day.