Fitness party

The North and Middle Ward Playground Association and St. Luke's Hospital-Miners Campus have combined forces to offer a Fitness Day and DJ Dance party this Thursday, at the playground. The event, which will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., will feature musical entertainment, activities, games/sports competitions for all ages, as well as informational kiosks, healthy foods/drinks and free health screenings.Admission is free and the public is welcome to attend.Senior citizensThe Tamaqua Senior Citizens group met May 30 at the Masonic Lodge in Hometown, with 76 members in attendance. President Jean Machamer conducted the business session.The Rev. James Cavallero provided the invocation. April and May birthdays were celebrated, with everyone in attendance receiving cake and ice cream.Dee Neifert, Helen Trimmel and Lillian Mackavy were added to the sick list. On June 18, farmers market vouchers will be distributed to those who meet the eligibility guidelines. Other upcoming events include: June 27, at 11:30 a.m., a representative from the Attorney General's office will provide information on identity theft; July 11, Chinese auction.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.Veterans helpA representative from the Disabled American Veterans will be available once a month at Tamaqua Borough Hall to offer free veterans' claim service for veterans as well as widows and dependent children of veterans. Information and assistance will be provided for service-connected disability claims, low income pension, health care claims for service-connected disabilities and low income veterans and other questions concerning veterans' benefits.The representative will be at Tamaqua Borough Hall, 320 E. Broad St., on June 10 and July 8.The DAV is committed to better lives for all veterans and their families.Bethany ECThe Rev. Kevin Roberts will officiate at the 8 a.m. traditional service this Sunday in Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church. Rev. Roberts will also officiate at a contemporary service at 10:30 a.m., at the Tamaqua YMCA. Sunday school classes will meet at 9:15 a.m. at the church.Also on Sunday, the Baptism class will meet at 9:15 a.m.; the Vacation Bible School staff will meet at 1 p.m.; and the monthly service at the Tamaqua ABC High Rise will be held at 6 p.m.Activities for next week will include: Tuesday, Playground Pals at 11:30 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., TYM staff meet at 8 p.m.; Saturday, musician practice at 8 a.m., praise rehearsal at 9:30 a.m.