Freshman

orientationStephen Toth, principal at Tamaqua Area High School, has announced that freshman orientation for the 2014-2015 school year will begin at 7 p.m. on Aug. 13, in the school district auditorium.Parents and new students will be provided information on student schedules and activities, facilities and discipline.Tours will not be given that evening, but may be scheduled by calling 570-668-1901, between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday.Summer concertsThe next event in the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce's Summer Concert Series will be held on July 31 and will feature the Christopher Dean Band playing rhythm and blues. Concerts are held from 6 to 8 p.m., on select Thursdays, on the platform at the Tamaqua Train Station throughout the summer season.For more information, contact the chamber at 570-668-1880 or email

tamaquachamber@verizon.net.For more information about chamber activities, visit online at

www.tamaqua.net.Be a clownIf you've ever thought of running away to join the circus, here's your opportunity to be a "karny" while staying safe at home.The Tamaqua Salvation Army is recruiting volunteers to help with its Kidz Karnival, which will take place from 2 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 5, as part of Tamaqua's National Night Out activities. It will be held at the North Railroad Street parking lot.A meeting for potential volunteers will take place at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Tamaqua Salvation Army, 105 W. Broad St.There is also the opportunity to be a sponsor, purchasing tickets for children unable to afford their own, or donate a needed item, such as a tent shelter.For more information, attend the meeting or call Dina Depos at 570-668-0410.Senior citizensThe Tamaqua Senior Citizens group met July 24 with 69 members in attendance. President Melody Weicker conducted the business session. A thank you card was received by Pearl Davis.A trip to Shady Maples is scheduled for June 28. The annual picnic will be held on Aug. 14 at the West Penn Rod and Gun Club's grove. The meeting concluded with cards and social games.The group meets at 1 p.m., every Thursday, at the Masonic Lodge, located on Route 54 in Hometown. Anyone 55 or older is welcome to join. The center is handicap accessible.Movies in the parkThe East End Playground Association will have "Movies in the Park" at 8:30 p.m. Thursday with a presentation of "Parental Guidance."The concession stand will open at 7:30 p.m.Bring a blanket or a lawn chair as seating is extremely limited.Bethany ECThe Rev. Kevin Roberts will officiate at the 8 a.m. traditional service Sunday in Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church.A contemporary service will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Tamaqua YMCA. Sunday school classes, for all ages, will meet at 9:15 a.m. at the church.Activities for next week will include: Tuesday, prayer time at 8:30 a.m.; Wednesday, TYM at 6:30 p.m and a TYM staff meeting at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday, musician practice at 8:30 a.m., praise practice at 9 a.m.