Senior citizens

The Tamaqua Seniors met Jan. 5 at the Tamaqua Community Center with 83 members in attendance. One new member, Ruth Anne Feone, was welcomed.President Jean Machamer conducted the business session and presented the treasurer's report. Rose Vallee provided the invocation, entitled "God's Gifts." Reports were also offered by Vice President Nancy Gerber and secretary Joan Anne Garber.Alice Miller is presently residing in Weatherwood, Mary Draper continues recuperating at home and Dutch Roberts was added to the sick list. A discussion was held concerning possible inclement weather and the cancellation of either the weekly meeting or social games. A group of volunteers has agreed to set up a phone chain to notify members of any cancellations. Announcements will also be made on radio station WLSH - AM1410.The meeting concluded with a pizza party, card and social games.The group meets every Thursday, at 1 p.m., at the community center. Anyone 55 or older is welcome to join. The center is handicap accessible.West Penn softballIt's time to think about softball season, according to the West Penn Girls Softball League. A meeting to discuss the upcoming season will be held at 7 p.m., Jan. 15, at the West Penn Township Municipal Building.The meeting will include election of officers and discussions about registration dates, indoor practices and more.For more information, call Scot at (570) 386-2818.Growth groupsBethany Evangelical Congregational Church is offering the community the opportunity to make an impact through a series of small, Bible based "Growth Groups." There will be a total of 13 different groups, each meeting one night each week, beginning in February. Some of the sessions require a small fee for materials.While some of the series are geared for specific age groups or gender, there are also sessions open to everyone.The series designed for students in grades 6-12, "Song of Solomon," will begin Feb. 12, then meet every Sunday, at 6:30 p.m., for six weeks. There is no fee associated with this session, but parental permission is required.The sessions deal with dating, romance, emotions, sex and marriageFor more information, or to register, visit

www.bethanyec.org and click on the "growth groups" tab.St. Peter's UnionThe Rev. Cheryl Moore will officiate at the 9 a.m. worship service Sunday in St. Peter's Union Church, Mantzville. Sunday school classes will meet at 10:15 a.m.Also on Sunday, the church board will meet at 10:45 a.m. and the Confirmation class will meet at 1 p.m.Activities for next week will include: Monday, deadline for newsletter items; Tuesday, Women's Association of St. Peter's will meet at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, prayer group meets at 5 p.m., preschool board meeting is at 6 p.m.; Saturday, youth group sleepover begins at 6 p.m.The choirs rehearse on Thursdays. Next week's schedule will include: cherubs at 6:30 p.m., junior choir at 7 p.m.; senior choir at 7:30 p.m.