Back to school

The Tamaqua Area Faith Fellowship Network will continue its successful "Back to School" project, which was initiated last year. The group is collecting school supplies as well as new or gently-used clothing items meeting the dress code policy of the Tamaqua Area School District.Last year, more than 180 students from 80 families were helped by this project.Donated items may be taken to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mauch Chunk Street, Mondays and Wednesdays, noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.Items will be distributed in early August.TASD newsTamaqua Area School District students participating in sports and/or any extracurricular activity, or who have a school parking permit are subject to random drug and alcohol testing, as established in 2010. Random drug testing of non-participating students is also available if the district receives a parental request. Students must provide a signed parental consent form before participating.For the 2013-2014 school year, initial registration/ testing will take place on July 31 in the athletic center locker rooms of the middle school. Male students may register from 8-10 a.m. and female students may register from 10 a.m. to noon. The make up date will be Aug. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon.Any student who cannot attend on the dates provided should contact Mike Hromyak, athletic director at (570) 668-1901 or mhromyak@tamaqua.k12.pa.us for other arrangements.Becoming part of the random selection process is necessary before participating in any activities.More information is provided on the school district website,

www.tamaqua.k12.pa.us, under athletics.Calvary MethodistThe Rev. Dr. Edward Bean will officiate at the 10:25 a.m. service Sunday in Calvary Evangelical United Methodist Church in the Lewistown Valley. Sunday school for all ages will be held at 9:15 a.m.The Auburn Camp meeting is being held from June 21-30, with evening services at 7 p.m. Sunday service will be at 6 p.m.The Lumberton River Quartet, from North Carolina, will present a mini concert at 7 p.m. on July 2, at the Lewistown Valley Tabernacle, 614 Valley Road.On July 25, also at 7 p.m., the Dixie Echoes from Pensacola, Fla., will present a mini concert at the tabernacle.The public is welcome to attend.Zion LutheranBeginning on July 6, Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 101 N. Greenwood St., will offer a Saturday worship service. The contemporary style service will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the church social hall.Sunday worship services are held 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.Church Bible study will be held from 6-8 p.m. on July 3.