Senior citizens

The Tamaqua Seniors met Sept. 13 at the Tamaqua Community Center with 80 members in attendance. Nominations for officers for 2013 were accepted. The 2012 slate of officers agreed to serve another term.President Jean Machamer conducted the business session and provided an inspirational reading. Secretary Joan Ann Garber and Vice President Nancy Gerber provided their reports.Rose Vallee provided the invocation, entitled "God's Creations." Upcoming events were discussed, including the availability of flu shots at the Sept. 20, in coordination with the Tamaqua Rite Aid Pharmacy; Sept. 27, celebration of members' August and September birthdays.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.South WardThe South Ward Neighborhood Committee will meet at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 20, at the South Ward Community Center.Special guests will be the Tamaqua Borough Housing and Neighborhood Committee members, who will be interested in hearing residents' concerns.Polycythemia updateThe Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry will conduct a public open house on Polycythemia Vera research projects. The open house will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Sept. 20, at the Tamaqua Public Library.The public is welcome to attend and receive updates concerning on going projects.Ministerium newsThe Tamaqua Ministerium will meet at 9 a.m. next Tuesday, Sept. 25, at First United Methodist Church, 124 W. Broad St.Bethany ECThe Rev. Kevin Roberts will officiate at the 8 a.m. traditional and 10:30 a.m. contemporary worship services Sunday in Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church. Sunday school classes and the junior membership classes will be held at 9:30 a.m.Also on Sunday, the Tamaqua Youth Ministry staff will meet at 11:45 a.m.Activities for next week will include: Monday, "Forgiveness" study for the women's group begins at 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Tamaqua Youth Ministry meets at 6:30 p.m., GriefShare begins at new session at 6:30 p.m., "The Story" growth group meets at 6:30 p.m., praise practice at 8 p.m.; Thursday, Men's Fraternity meets at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, workday at Rega's from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.First MethodistThe Rev. James Cavallero will officiate at the 10:45 a.m. worship service this Sunday in First United Methodist Church. The service will include a children's message offered by Marge Kropp. Sunday school will be held following the message.Activities for next week will include: Tuesday, the quilters will meet at 9:30 a.m.; Wednesday, the chancel choir will rehearse at 7 p.m.On Oct. 21, First Church will host an organ recital, at 2:30 p.m., presented by Audrey Christ. A reception will be held following the concert.