Sorority news

The Preceptor Alpha Upsilon chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority met Dec. 12 at the home of Wanda Keefer, who presented an informative program on the possible harmful ingredients sometimes found in daily care products. Members learned what to look for on the labels of items including hand lotions, lipsticks and shampoo.Following the business meeting, a Secret Sister gift exchange was held, followed by a buffet meal provided by the hostess and her daughter, Brie.A holiday get together and dinner buffet were held Dec. 14 at Schick's Cafe in Tamaqua. Following the meal, the group participated in trivia games.The next meeting of the chapter will be held at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 8 at the home of Mary Machay.School taxesThe Tamaqua Area School District is accepting Assessed Occupation Tax exemption applications for the 2014-2015 school year. This will cover the 2014 calendar year. This year's forms are orange.Retired persons and housewives with no earned income, who have previously been exempted, do not need to file again unless their status has changed and they are now earning income.Also, those who are disabled or at least 75 years of age, who have been specifically notified of their exemption by the district, need not file an application.Students who reach the age of 18 by June 30, 2014, will be responsible for paying the tax unless exempt by application.Requests for exemption must be filed with the district by March 1. Application forms are available at the school district administration building, local tax collectors' offices, the Tamaqua Public Library, Tamaqua Borough Hall, local post offices and all local bank branches.TAHS alumniThe athletic department of the Tamaqua Area School District is interested in forming a Tamaqua Area Athletic Alumni Association. An organizational meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday in room 108 of the senior high school.All former athletes, coaches and friends of TAHS athletics are welcome to attend. The first 40 people in attendance will receive a free TAHS thumb drive.For more information contact Mike Hromyak, TASD athletic director, mhromyak@tamaqua.k12.pa.us.Zion's Stone ChurchThe Rev. Michael Frost will officiate at the 9 a.m. worship service Sunday in Zion's Stone Church in West Penn Township. Sunday school classes are held at 10:30 a.m.A Bible study session is held from 10:30 a.m. to noon, every Thursday.Bethany ECThe Rev. Kevin Roberts will officiate at the 8 a.m. traditional service this Sunday in Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church. A contemporary service will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Tamaqua YMCA, including nursery and primary church. Sunday school classes, for all ages, will meet at 9:15 a.m. at the church.Also this Sunday, the annual congregational meeting and luncheon will be held at 12:30 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, prayer time at 8:30 a.m.; Wednesday, Tamaqua Youth Ministry meets at 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, musician rehearsal at 8:30 a.m., praise practice at 9 a.m.