9-11 service

The Tamaqua South Ward Playground will sponsor a 9-11 Community Remembrance Service, honoring those lost that fateful day, first responders and the military personnel who protect our freedom. Special honoree this year will be Thomas "Oakie" Schlorf, retired Tamaqua Fire Chief.Former Tamaqua Mayor Richard Hadesty will serve as master of ceremonies. Currently scheduled to join in are: state Rep. Jerry Knowles; Schuylkill County Commissioner District Attorney Karen Byrnes-Noon; Tamaqua Mayor Chris Morrison; Tamaqua Council President Micah Gursky; Tamaqua Salvation Army Major Sharon Whispell; the Rev. Ed Noftz; military veterans Andrew Leibenguth and Col. Robert M. Balcavage (USA); Paul Zona of the American Legion Riders; and Mariann Shilko. Dollinda Linkhorst will lead the musical selections.The playground is located at the intersection of Penn and Oak Streets. The public is welcome to attend.Band festivalThe 17th Annual Land of the Running Water Marching Band Adjudication, hosted by the Tamaqua Area Raider Marching Band, will be held Sept. 21 at the Tamaqua High School Sports Stadium. This year's event will feature more than a dozen participating local high school marching bands, including: Annville-Cleona, Bangor, Emmaus, Exeter Township, Mahanoy Area, Minersville, Nativity BVM, Panther Valley, Pottsville Area, Shenandoah Valley, Southern Lehigh, Tri Valley and Wilson.Gates will open at 5 p.m. and the competition will begin at 6:30 p.m.Senior citizensThe Tamaqua Senior Citizens group met Sept. 5 with 71 members and one guest in attendance. President Jean Machamer conducted the business session. Jacque Patrick provided the invocation.Installation of officers will be held on Nov. 14. With the exception of the president, all current officers will maintain their positions. Melanie Weicker will be the new president.Reports were presented by the vice president and secretary. Grace Moser and Helen Clausius were added to the sick list. Mary Greager was congratulated on reaching a milestone her 99th birthday.The bus trip to Shady Maple will be held on Sept. 9. Pick up time will be 10 a.m. A representative from Rite Aid will be at the Sept. 19 meeting for flu shots. Forms will be available at meetings until that date.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.Calvary EvangelicalThe Rev. Dr. Edward Bean will officiate at the 10:25 a.m. worship service this Sunday in Calvary Evangelical Methodist Church in the Lewistown Valley. Sunday school classes will meet at 9:15 a.m.Also on Sunday, a time of praise, worship and Bible study will be held at 6:30 p.m.An hour of prayer and praise is held at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays.