Senior citizens

The Tamaqua Seniors met Aug. 2 at the Tamaqua Community Center with 88 members in attendance. One new member, June Krell, was welcomed to the group.President Jean Machamer conducted the business session and provided an inspirational reading. Vice President Nancy Gerber, treasurer Antoinette Triano and secretary Joan Ann Garber provided their reports.Rose Vallee provided the invocation, entitled "Summer's Gold." Nancy Messerschmidt was welcomed back and a card was received from Philomena Sfarra.Extra events for August include the annual picnic on Aug. 9 and a trip to the Sands Casino.The meeting concluded with cards 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.Freshman orientationStephen Toth, Tamaqua Senior High School principal, has announced that orientation for freshmen and students new to the district will be held Aug. 9.The session will begin at 6:30 p.m., in the district auditorium, located between the senior high and middle schools.Parents and students are welcome to attend.While tours of the building will not be conducted that evening, they are available by appointment by calling (570) 668-1901, between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday.Cross countryThe Tamaqua Cross Country teams will begin practice on Aug. 13.Students in grades nine through 12 are to meet at 8 a.m. at the steps in front of the senior high school.The entire team will meet later that day, at 6 p.m., also on the school steps.A team picnic will be held Aug. 19, from 1-5 p.m., at Lake Hauto.For more information, or directions, contact Sara Tite at (570) 645-3117.Ss. Peter and PaulThe Holy Name Society of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church will meet Thursday, at 7:30 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at 7:30 p.m.The society's annual picnic will be held Aug. 19 at the West Penn Grove.Calvary EvangelicalAll services connected with Calvary Evangelical United Methodist Church will be held at the Lewistown Valley Tabernacle, 614 Valley Road, through Labor Day.Sunday services are held at 10:25 a.m., with the Rev. Dr. Edward Bean officiating.Also on Sunday, the annual Sunday school picnic will be held following the worship service.The picnic will conclude with a 6 p.m. service, music and a campfire service.An hour of prayer and praise will be held Wednesday at 7 p.m.The annual Tabernacle services will begin Aug. 24 and continue through Labor Day evening. Evening services will be held daily at 7 p.m.Special guests will be evangelist and song leaders, the Rev. Larry and Tamla Leckrone of Kurtz, Ind.; and missionaries Rod and Jan Dormer on Aug. 29.Special music will be presented by the Wehry Family on Sept. 2 and Larry Moore on Labor Day, Sept. 3.Bethany ECJim Stoves will be the guest speaker at the 8 a.m. traditional and 10:30 a.m. contemporary worship services this Sunday in Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church. Sunday school classes will be held at 9:30 a.m.Activities for next week will include: Monday, Acts of Worship-Drama group meets at 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Prayer time at 8:30 a.m., Playground Pals at 11:45 a.m., at the South Ward Playground; Wednesday, Waterside Whistle Stop at 2:30 p.m., at the Bungalow, Tamaqua Youth Ministry meets at 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, musician rehearsal at 8:30 a.m., praise practice at 9:30 a.m., Racing Fuel for the Spirit group meets at 11 a.m.