Back to school

Classes in the Tamaqua Area School District, for the 2013-2014 school year, will begin on Aug. 26. The Tamaqua Elementary Schools will conduct "Back to School Night" events at Rush and West Penn Elementary Schools in preparation for the new school year.The Rush Elementary School event will be held this Thursday, from 6 to 8 p.m. The evening will include an orientation session for incoming kindergarten students and their parents. The morning kindergarten session will begin at 6:30 p.m., while the afternoon classes session will be held at 7:30.Additionally, teachers of the first grade classes will be conducting informational sessions, beginning at 7 p.m. These sessions will provide a review of the curriculum and an explanation of routine procedures.West Penn Elementary School will also have kindergarten orientation this Thursday, with the morning session meeting at 6:30 p.m. and the afternoon session at 7:30. The West Penn school will conduct an Open House for students in grades one through five in September, at a date to be announced.Students are encouraged to accompany their parents for the sessions.Meet the RaidersThe Tamaqua Area School District's Meet the Raiders Night will be held today, beginning at 7 p.m., at the Tamaqua Sport Stadium. All fall sports' participants, cheerleaders and coaches will be recognized, as will the Raider Marching Band. The band will perform its field show.There is no charge for admission.Rain date will be Aug. 28, same time and place.Playground partyThe North and Middle Ward Playground Association will hold its annual "Back to School" party and dance on Aug. 24.The event will be held from 5:30 to 10 p.m. at the playground, located on Washington Street.Music will be provided by DJs Brad and Kathy Murphy from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The band Flip Kick will provide live music from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Admission is free.Rush-Ryan seniorsThe Rush, Ryan and Delano Senior Citizens Inc. met Aug. 13 at the Ryan Township Fire Company with 50 members in attendance. President Eleanor Schmerfeld conducted the business session. Three new members were welcomed: Lorraine Lupko, Norma Lee Burke and Diane Gould.A moment of silence was held in memory of deceased member Sis Mengel.Reports were offered by treasurer Shirley Becker and secretary Gloria Gerhard. Birthday wishes were extended to Sylvia Garcia and Kathleen Valentine. Shirley and Hubb Becker were congratulated on the celebration of their 44th wedding anniversary.Upcoming events include trips to Country Cupboard on Aug. 19 and the Bloomsburg Fair on Sept. 23. refreshments were served by Betty Brobst, Paul Kunkle, Betty Kunkle and Ruth Grube.The group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at the fire company. Anyone 55 or older is welcome to join.St. Peter's UnionSunday worship services are held at 9 a.m. in St. Peter's Union Church, Mantzville. This week's service will include the installation of Sunday school teachers and officers. Summer Sunday School will be held at 10:15 a.m.Activities for next week will include: Monday, play practice at 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Called to Care Committee meets at 6 p.m.; Thursday, prayer group will meet at 4:45 p.m., senior choir practice at 7:30 p.m.