Victorian customs

The Tamaqua Historical Society will present a free program about Victorian-era death, mourning and burial customs today, from 7-8 p.m., at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center, 125 Pine St. Costumes are welcome and refreshments will be available.Senior citizensThe Tamaqua Senior Citizens group met Oct. 24 with 77 members in attendance. President Jean Machamer conducted the business session. Jacque Patrick provided the invocation "A Blessed Autumn." The meeting concluded with cards and social games.This week's meeting will include a celebration of Halloween. Members are welcome to come in costume. Hot dogs will be served and prizes will be awarded.Installation of officers for 2014 will be held Nov. 14.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.Trick or treatTamaqua Mayor Chris Morrison has set 6-8 p.m., Oct. 31 as Trick or Treat Night in the borough. Residents willing to welcome ghouls and goblins are reminded to turn on their porch lights.Safe Trick or Treat events are being planned by the South Ward Playground Association/SWNC as well as the Tamaqua Area School District.The event at the playground will be held from 6-8 p.m., while the event at the Tamaqua Senior High School will be from 7-9 p.m. The school event is being organized by a variety of high school clubs and organizations.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.A Rally Day celebration will be held Nov. 3. A special presentation will be made at 10:30 a.m. by the Sunday school class. Nancy and Terry Snyder will perform at 6:30 p.m.A hymn sing will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 17.The annual Thanksgiving and Harvest Home service will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 24 with music, skits, old fashioned attire, fun and fellowship. National Bible Week will also be celebrated. The public is welcome to attend.SS. Peter and PaulSS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church will celebrate All Saints' Day, a holy day of obligation with Masses at 7 p.m. Thursday and 8 a.m. Friday.First Friday will be observed on Nov. 1 with confessions at 7:30 a.m., followed by Mass and devotions at 8 a.m. Communion calls will begin at 9 a.m., with the exception of parishioners in the Tamaqua ABC Hi Rise, Coaldale and Hometown. Communion calls will be made to those areas on Thursday morning.Nov. 2 is All Souls' Day and a Fatima Saturday. Confessions will be heard at 7:30 a.m., followed by a Recitation of the rosary and Devotions before the 8 a.m. Mass.Members of the parish Holy Rosary Society will attend the 8 a.m. Mass this Sunday, Nov. 3, and receive Holy Communion as a group. A rosary will be said before the Mass.