Garden club news

The Lewistown Valley Garden Club held its annual Christmas party on Dec. 27 in the social hall of Zions Church, Lewistown Valley. In lieu of a gift exchange, members donated to a local charity.The event included a pot luck dinner and installation of officers for 2012. Kathy McGee served as installation officer. Officers are: June Leiby, president; Kathy McGee, vice president; Louise Flexer, secretary; Cindy Sabol, assistant secretary; Evelyn Adams, treasurer; Linda Leiby, chaplain; Joan Fritz, sergeant at arms; and Mary Bridygham, historian.Rita Kazakavage presented a program on bow tying, from creating large bows from scratch to finishing tips for a neat, professional looking product.Arrangement theme for the meeting was flowers and greens, including some type of recycled material. First place was awarded to Evelyn Adams with June Leiby earning second place and Mary Bridygham with third place.A meeting to plan for the upcoming year will be held Jan. 23 at the home of June Leiby. The next regular club meeting will in March.Sorority newsMembers of the Preceptor Alpha Upsilon Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority met Dec. 14, at the home of Diane Pruett, for the annual Secret Sister Christmas party. Kerry Pruett, envoy, provided members with bowls of chili.A program on the history of gingerbread was presented by Diane Pruett, who also provided samples of different types of gingerbread. In addition to the Secret Sister gift exchange, members received a gingerbread house scent warmer and birthstone necklace.Service chairperson Sue Hummel updated members on the mailing of cookies to U.S military troops in Afghanistan and the Toys for Tots donations, which were given to the Tamaqua Salvation Army.The next regular meeting will be held Jan. 11, at 7:30 p.m., at the home of Mary Machay.Snow rulesWith the possibility of winter weather, Tamaqua residents are reminded of borough rules concerning sidewalks.Property owners are required to maintain a clear path, at least three feet wide, on sidewalks. Snow and/or ice must be removed from these pathways within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm.Snow, ice and other materials may not be thrown into the streets. Fines may be imposed on anyone caught throwing snow or ice into the street or who fails to maintain a snow-free pathway.In addition, individuals who plow snow from in front of homes and businesses must REMOVE any piles of snow they create. Anyone piling snow in the street/parking areas could be cited.Residents are also to refrain from piling snow near fire hydrants or on top of storm drains.Further information is available by calling (570) 668-3444 or (570) 668-0300.Senior citizensThe Tamaqua Seniors will meet at 1 p.m., Jan. 5, at the Tamaqua Community Center. Anyone 55 or older is welcome to join the group.