The executive board of the Preceptor Alpha Upsilon sorority met July 12 to begin planning the 2017-2018 sorority year. In addition to selecting meeting dates, The board also approved the committee assignments and decided to hold a Summer meeting at 7 p.m., Aug. 2, at Skipper Dippers in Still Creek.

Also discussed were various ideas for service and fundraising projects.The annual beginning meeting is scheduled for Aug. 20, featuring a family picnic at Lake Hauto.Summer concertsThe Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce continues its 11th Annual Summer Concert Series this Thursday with an appearance by Big and Bad Rockabilly Cats, sponsored by the Tamaqua Station RestaurantConcerts are held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on select Thursdays throughout the summer months with all events to be held on the platform of the Tamaqua Train Station.Additional concerts will be: Aug. 3, Billy T Acoustically, sponsored by LCCC; Aug. 10, Diaspora, sponsored by the Schuylkill County Visitor's Bureau; Aug. 24, Christopher Dean Band, sponsored by Schuylkill County District Attorney Christine Holman.Spirit of ChristmasTamaqua's Spirit of Christmas committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 24, at the Tamaqua Community Art Center.Anyone interested in helping make plans for the annual festival is welcome.The art center is located at 125 Pine St.Tamaqua seniorsThe Tamaqua Senior Citizens met July 13 with 54 members in attendance. President Melody Weicker conducted the business session and provided the inspirational reading "Each Morning."Joan Wall was added to the sick list.The group discussed a July 17 trip to the Mohegan Sun Casino in Wilkes-Barre; and the annual summer picnic, which will be held Sept. 14 at the West Penn Rod and Gun Club in Clamtown. Activities will begin at noon.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.Cressona bandThe Cressona Band will present a concert at the East End Playground on July 26.The music will begin at 7 p.m. at the park, which is located on Mountain Avenue.Concertgoers are welcome to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets. The refreshment stand will be open.Bethany ECThe Rev. Kevin Roberts will officiate at the 8 a.m. worship service this Sunday in Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church.Also on Sunday, setup for Vacation Bible School will begin at 11:45 a.m. and the monthly service at the Hometown Nursing Center will be held at 2:30 p.m.Activities for next week include: Monday through Friday, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Vacation Bible School; Tuesday, prayer gathering at 8:30 a.m.; Wednesday, Tamaqua Youth Ministry meets at 6:30 p.m.; Thursday, worship leader practice at 8:30 p.m.; Friday, VBS closing ceremony at 7 p.m., cleanup at 8 p.m.Calvary UMAll services and activities for Calvary Evangelical United Methodist Church in the Lewistown Valley are being held at the Lewistown Valley Tabernacle, 614 Valley Road, through Labor Day.The Rev. Phillip Sabas will officiate at the 10:25 a.m. worship service this Sunday. Sunday school classes will be held at 9:15 a.m.Also on Sunday, an evening service will be held at 6:30 p.m. under the direction of Rev. Sabas, followed by pie for everyone to share.The Dixie Melody Boys will present a concert at 7 p.m. on July 27 and the Sunday school picnic will be held following the worship service on Aug. 6. For food planing help, call 570-668-3359.Contact Kathy Kunkel at 570-668-1250 or

kkunkel@tnonline.com. Contact the Times News at 800-443-0377 or

tneditor@tnonline.com.