Holiday help

The Tamaqua Salvation Army, 105 W. Broad St., will be accepting registrations for families in need of a little holiday help this year. This includes holiday food baskets, Toys for Tots and an Angel Tree.Dates to register will be Oct. 21, 22 and 23 only, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A makeup date, for food assistance only, is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 29.Proper identification and proof of need are required. Registrants MUST provide proof of residence, such as a utility bill; Social Security cards for every household member; proof of all household income, which includes employment/wages, public assistance, food stamps, Social Security/SSI, and any other type of income; official birth certificates for anyone under the age of 12; expenses, such as rent/mortgage, utilities, food, medical, etc.; and a working phone number.The Angel Tree Program will begin Oct. 29. Angel Tree tags include the name, age, gender, clothing sizes and special Christmas needs and wishes of a child. Deadline for items to be turned in will be 4 p.m. on Dec. 10.Thanksgiving food baskets will be distributed from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 25. Christmas food baskets, angel tree and toy distribution will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 18.For more information on any Salvation Army program, call 570-668-0410.Senior citizensThe Tamaqua Senior Citizens group met Oct. 9 with 69 members in attendance. Guests Carol and David Faust were given a warm welcome, while Nancy Gerber, Jayne McLaughlin and Phil Price were welcomed back to the group.President Melody Weicker conducted the business session. Jacque Patrick provided an inspirational reading, "Glorious."The meeting included an election of officers. Weicker will remain as president for 2015. Other officers will be: Nancy Gerber, vice president; Ruthann Feane, secretary; and Penny Schlorf, treasurer.The meeting concluded with cards and social games.The seniors meet at 1 p.m. every Thursday at the Masonic Lodge on Route 54 (East) in Hometown. Anyone 55 or older is welcome to join. The lodge is handicap accessible.Bethany ECThe Rev. Kevin Roberts will officiate at the 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services Sunday in Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church. Sunday school will meet at 9:15 a.m.Also on Sunday, a grand reopening and celebration service is scheduled for 4 p.m.Activities for next week include: Tuesday, prayer time at 8:30 a.m., Good News Club meets at 3:45 p.m. at the South Ward Playground, Hometown Nursing Center service at 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Psalms Growth group meets at 1 p.m. at the Majestic House, Tamaqua Youth Ministry meets at 6:30 p.m., GriefShare meets at 7 p.m.; Saturday, men's breakfast at 7 a.m., musician rehearsal at 8:30 a.m., praise practice at 9 a.m.