Senior citizens

A new year means a new meeting place for the Tamaqua Senior Citizens group, which met Jan. 10 at the Masonic Lodge in Hometown. The first meeting of 2013 was attended by 81 members and three guests Joan Camerini, Maryann Laughlin and Bob Betz.Vice President Nancy Gerber conducted the business session and provided her report. Jacquie Patrick provided the invocation, entitled "For the New Year."Secretary Joan Anne Garber provided her report. Mike Trubilla and Antoinette Triano were added to the sick list. Members were reminded to bring brown bag lunches for the remainder of January as well as the February meetings.The meeting concluded with cards and social games.The seniors meet at 1 p.m. every Thursday, at the Masonic Lodge, located on SR54 (East) in Hometown.Anyone 55 or older is welcome to join. The center is handicap accessible.Snow rulesWith the constant possibility of winter weather looming, Tamaqua residents are reminded of borough rules concerning snow removal.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 of $25 and up 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 and are encouraged to clear snow from these areas.Further information is available by calling (570) 668-3444 or (570) 668-0300.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 TYM staff will meet at 11:45 a.m.; the care and connection commission will meet at 11:45 a.m.; and the monthly service at the Hometown Nursing Center will be held at 2:30 p.m.The Tamaqua Youth Ministry will meet at 6:30 p.m. next Wednesday. The meeting will include preparations for a pork and sauerkraut dinner on Friday. The dinner will be held from 4-7 p.m. For more information, email

drywallpaul@verizon.net. or call (570) 668-5854.Musician practice is held Saturdays at 8:30 a.m., followed by praise practice at 9:30 a.m.St. John LutheranThe Rev. Phyllis Wolford will officiate at the 9:15 a.m. worship service this Sunday in St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. Sunday school classes will meet at 10:30 a.m.Activities for next week include: Thursday, angel choir rehearsal at 6 p.m., shepherd choir meets at 6:30 p.m., chancel/adult choir rehearses at 6:30 p.m.