Tamaqua news
Stop smoking
St. Luke's Miners Campus is offering a Tobacco Cessation Support Group to help people stop using tobacco products. Sessions will be held at the Panther Valley Elementary School but are open to all local residents.Participants will learn how to create a plan to quit; receive self-help, problem solving and prevention measures; be part of a resource group for patients and families; share mutual problems and accomplishments; and receive encouragement.For more information concerning the group and meeting dates and times, call 570-645-1966.Pajama partyZion Lutheran Church is sponsoring a free, family oriented "Polar Express" Pajama party onDec. 17. The party will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at the church, Mauch Chunk and Greenwood streets.Participants are encouraged to wear their most comfortable pajamas while they enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, a train display with photos with the conductor, Christmas story time and a holiday craft.Everyone will be able to take home treats and be entered for a family prize drawing.For more information, call 570-668-2180 or email
zionlcof@verizon.net.Owl Creek ChristmasTamaqua's Owl Creek Reservoir Commission will host its annual "Owl Creek Christmas" on Saturday. The event will be held at the reservoir on Owl Creek Road, Tamaqua, from noon to 4 p.m. Santa will make an appearance and children in attendance will be eligible for toy and bike giveaways. The kitchen will be open and there will be a fire for roasting marshmallows. Rain date will be Sunday,same time and place.High school concertThe Tamaqua Senior High School Music Department will present its annual holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. todayin the school district auditorium. The concert will feature selections by the concert choir, jazz chorale, senior high wind ensemble and Raider concert band.Doors open at 6:45 p.m.Zion LewistownPastor Jim Williams will officiate at the 10:30 a.m. worship service this Sunday in Zion Church of the Lewistown Valley. Sunday school meets at 9:15 a.m.Also on Sunday, the Guild will have its Christmas party immediately following the service.Activities for next week will include: Tuesday, fundraiser committee meets at 6:30 p.m., preschool board meets at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, OWLS Christmas party at 11 a.m.St. Peter's UnionSunday worship services are held at 9 a.m. in St. Peter's Union Church in Mantzville. This week's service will include a congregational meeting and election of church and cemetery board members. Sunday school classes meet at 10:15 a.m.Also on Sunday, the youth group will go caroling at 12:30 p.m.; Cub Scouts meet at 4 p.m.; Girl Scouts meet at 6 p.m.Activities for next week include: Tuesday, prayer group meets at 5 p.m., worship and music committee meets at 6 p.m.; Wednesday, retirees meet at 10 a.m., retirees Christmas party at 1 p.m. at Blondie's; Thursday, Confirmation class meets at 6:30 p.m., cherub choir rehearsal at 6:30 p.m., junior choir meets at 7 p.m., senior choir practice at 7:30 p.m.Contact Kathy Kunkel at 570-668-1250 or
kkunkel@tnonline.com. Contact the Times News at 800-443-0377 or