Rush-Ryan seniors

The Rush, Ryan and Delano Senior Citizens Inc. met Nov. 11 at the Ryan Township Fire Company in Barnesville with 52 members attending. A special tribute was offered to those members who served in the military in honor of Veterans Day.The business session was conducted by President Eleanor Schmerfeld. Ruthann Feane offered the invocation, "God's Wondrous Blessing."Reports were offered by the secretary and treasurer. Birthday greetings were offered to members celebrating their special days in November. Anniversary wishes were extended to Jackie and Pat Fredericks, who celebrated 30 years together.The Christmas party will be Dec. 9.The group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at the fire company. Anyone 55 or older is welcome to join.Self-defenseThe McCann School of Business and Technology's Pottsville campus will host a free self-defense class from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday.The class is open to the public and will include basic self-defense moves taught by a martial arts specialist.For more information or to register, contact Amelia Hopkins at 570-391-3050 or email

Amelia.hopkins@mccann.edu.Holiday helpThe Tamaqua Salvation Army, 105 W. Broad St., is conducting its annual Angel Tree program to help those in need. 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. Dec. 10. Tags may be found at a number of locations throughout the borough.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.St. John UCCThe Rev. Kevin Duffy Guy will officiate at the 9:30 a.m. worship service this Sunday in St. John United Church of Christ. The service will be followed by a time of fellowship. Sunday school will begin at the end of the junior sermon.Activities for next week include: Tuesday, Bible study session at 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, choir rehearsal at 7:30 p.m.St. John LutheranThe Rev. Phyllis Wolford will officiate at the 9:15 a.m. worship service this Sunday in St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church. Sunday school class will meet at 10:30 a.m.Also on Sunday, a congregational meeting will be held following the worship service and the Allegro bell choir will rehearse after the meeting.Activities for next week will include: Thursday, property committee meets at 7 p.m., angel choir meets at 6 p.m., shepherd choir practice is at 6:30 p.m., and the chancel choir will rehearse at 7:30 p.m.