Tamaqua news
Sorority news
The Preceptor Alpha Upsilon chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority toured the newly renovated Tamaqua Historical Society building on Feb. 8. Members learned the background information on many of the exhibits and were given a list of the upcoming activities sponsored by the historical society.Dinner was then held at Luigi's Brick Oven Pizzeria, where an exchange of "hands to hearts" gifts took place.The second meeting of the month was held Feb. 22 at two Kings Pizza in Hometown. The theme was Mardi Gras, with a program presented by Patti Burke. The program included a presentation on the holiday's history and meaning.Sorority officers include: Susan Hummel, president; Lori Schmerfeld, vice president; Mary Machay, recording secretary; Patti Burke, treasurer; and Helen Walters, corresponding secretary. Preceptor is one of three Beta Sigma Phi Sorority chapters serving the Tamaqua area.Tamaqua seniorsThe Tamaqua Senior Citizens met March 2 with 57 members in attendance. President Melody Weicker conducted the business session and the chaplain provided the inspirational reading "God Made This Day."New member Paula Confer and returning members Nancy Hess, Norma Baker, Joan Wall and Joe Bednarik were given warm welcomes. Faye Sweeney was added to the sick list.Easter wreaths, donated by Diane Gould, were presented to Edna Fegley and Antoinette Triano. The club received a $45 donation.The group is open to anyone 55 or older. Meetings are held at 1 p.m. Thursdays at the Tamaqua YMCA, 1201 E. Broad St.Zion LewistownPastor Jim Williams will officiate at the 10:30 a.m. worship service this Sunday in Zion Church of Lewistown Valley. Sunday school will meet at 9:15 a.m.This Thursday, March 9, the consistory will meet at 6:30 p.m. and Valley Christian preschool will host an Open House from 6 to 8 p.m.The fundraiser committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. on March 14, followed by a meeting of the preschool board at 7:30 p.m.Bethany ECThe Rev. Kevin Roberts will officiate at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. worship services this Sunday in Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church. Sunday school classes meet at 9:15 a.m.Activities for next week include: Tuesday, prayer gathering at 8:30 a.m.; Wednesday, Tamaqua Youth Ministry meets at 6:30 p.m.; Thursday, worship team practices at 7 p.m., worship leaders meet at 8 p.m.AuditionsThe Tamaqua Area Community Theatre group will hold auditions for its production of "Avenue Q" on April 7, 8 and 9. Performances are scheduled for June 9 and 10.The show, an adult comedy with suggestive language and themes, will be directed by Jonathan Blackwell-Rodgers and features music and lyrics by Jeff Marx and Robert Lopez. It is based on a book written by Jeff Whitty.Auditions will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on April 7; 8 a.m. to noon on April 8; with call backs from 2 to 4 p.m. on April 9 at the Tamaqua Community Art Center, 125 Pine St., Tamaqua.Be prepared to sing and read a monologue for the auditions. Some roles will require learning the art of puppetry.For more information, call 570-668-1192.Rush-Ryan seniorsThe Rush, Ryan and Delano Senior Citizens Inc. met Feb. 28 at the Ryan Township Fire Company with 56 members in attendance. President Bill Morrison conducted the business session. The inspirational reading "Loving Is" was given by the chaplain.A moment of silence was held in memory of Shirley Becker.Three new members, the Rev. David and Carolyn Shoobridge and Arlene McGeehan, and returning members Gerry Kondrat, Pat Brown, Melody Weicker, Penny Schlorf and Merle Andescavage were given warm welcomes.Rose Vallee and Faye Sweeney were added to the sick list.Upcoming events include: May 4, Branson Fever at Penn's Peak; June 27, anniversary dinner at Capriotti's; July 25, picnic at St. Peter's Grove, catered by Hess Catering.The group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at the Ryan Township Fire Company in Barnesville. The next meeting will be held March 14, weather permitting.Anyone 55 or older is welcome to join.Calvary ECThe Rev. Phillip Sabas will officiate at the 10:25 a.m. worship service this Sunday in Calvary Evangelical Methodist Church in the Lewistown Valley. Sunday school classes meet at 9:15 a.m.Also on Sunday, a service of praise and singing will be held at 6:30 p.m.The March 15 midweek Lenten service will be held at 7:30 p.m. in Calvary with the Rev. Jeff Stoneseifer as speaker. This will be preceded by a hymnsing beginning at 7:15 p.m.St. John LutheranThe Rev. Phyllis Wolford will officiate at this Sunday's 9:15 a.m. worship service in St. John's Lutheran Church. Sunday school and Confirmation classes meet at 10:30 a.m.Also on Sunday, the bell choir will rehearse at 8 a.m.Next week, midweek Lenten services will be held at 7 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church; choirs will rehearse on Thursday - angels at 6 p.m.; shepherds at 6:30 p.m., chancel choir at 7:30 p.m.Also next Thursday, the property committee will meet at 7 p.m.Contact Kathy Kunkel at 570-668-1250 or
kkunkel@tnonline.com. Contact the Times News at 800-443-0377 or