Middle school concert

The music department of the Tamaqua Area Middle School will present its annual "Holiday Music Program" today, in the school auditorium.The evening will feature selections by the sixth grade band, under the direction of Marsha Rodgers; the Middle School General Chorus and the Middle School Select Chorus, both under the direction of John Buglio.Accompanists will include Hannah Betz, Cailyn Joseph, Sirra Petrucci and Faith Roberts.Doors will open at 6:45 p.m. and the music is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.The public is welcome to attend. There is no admission fee.Senior citizensThe Tamaqua Seniors met Dec. 6 at the Tamaqua Community Center with 100 members in attendance. President Jean Machamer conducted the business session. The meeting included the annual Christmas party, catered by Christy Joy.The festivities 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.Student art showThe Tamaqua Community Arts Center will sponsor an art exhibit featuring local students during the weeks of Dec. 10 through Dec. 27. A public reception will be held Dec. 13, from 5:30-8:30 p.m.Individual school's arts program will select two representatives for the exhibit. The artwork will be hung on Dec. 9, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.The arts center is located at 125 Pine St., Tamaqua.For more information, or to register a school, call (570) 668-1192 or email

leona@tacp.org.All current offerings at the center are listed at

www.tamaquaarts.org.Library newsThe Tamaqua Public Library will offer its Christmas story time session from 6-7:30 p.m., Dec. 13.The session is open to preschool children between the ages of 2 and 5, but older and younger siblings are also welcome. The evening will include crafts, books, snacks and a special visit from a resident of the North Pole.Pre-registration is required. To register, or for more information, call (570) 668-4660.The library is also conducting its semi-annual used book sale from now through Dec. 17.SS. Peter and PaulThe choirs of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church rehearse every Wednesday. The children's choir meets at 6 p.m. and the adult choir practices at 7 p.m.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. Nursery and primary church are offered during the later service. Sunday school classes will meet at 9:30 a.m.Also on Sunday, the monthly service at the Hometown Nursing Center will be held at 2:30 p.m.Activities for next week will include: Tuesday caroling to shut ins at 1 p.m.; Wednesday, Community Advent service, noon, at New Life Assembly of God Church, Tamaqua Youth Ministry meets at 6:30 p.m., GriefShare meets at 7 p.m.; Saturday, musicians rehearsal at 8 a.m., praise practice begins at 9 a.m., followed by the individual group practices.