Tamaqua news
Recycling change
Due to the July 4 holiday next week, there will be a change in Tamaqua’s recycling pickup schedule.
Recyclable material will be collected on Saturday, July 7, rather than Wednesday.
The trash pickup schedule will continue as usual.
Out of the darkness
Safer Streets for Tamaqua’s Little Feet will hold its second annual Out of the Darkness, Into the Light candlelight walk on July 22. This year’s special guest speaker will be Vance Johnson, former NFL football wide receiver.
The event, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Bungalow Park, is part of the group’s efforts to provide awareness and support in the fight against opioid drug addiction. The focus will be honoring those taken too soon and bring awareness of the dangers of addiction, a “disease that is taking lives and destroying communities.”
In addition to Johnson’s motivational talk, there will be food, music, T-shirts, Chinese lanterns and other speakers.
Rain date will be July 23.
Summer quest
The Tamaqua Public Library has summer reading programs for all ages. Summer Quest 2018 has been divided into three age categories, all based on the theme “Libraries Rock.”
There is a preschool program for children up to the age of 5, with sessions held from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
For readers between the ages of 6 and 12, the Summer Quest program is held from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
The 2018 Young Adult Summer Reading program is held every other Friday from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Topics for discussion will include: Hamilton on June 29; comic history on July 13; music on July 27; mental health on Aug. 10; animé and manga on Aug. 24.
For more information, call 570-668-4660.
Bloodmobile
An American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be held at The Tamaqua Salvation Army gym on July 11. Hours will be from 1 to 6 p.m.
Anyone 17 or older, who weighs at least 110 pounds and is in good general health is eligible to donate blood.
Walk-ins are welcome, but to save time, schedule an appointment at 800-733-2767 or www.redcrossblood.org.
The Salvation Army is located at 105 W. Broad St.
Bee friendly
Penn State Master Gardeners, Schuylkill County, are looking for pollinator friendly gardens and landscapes.
Gardeners who show their care for the birds and bees will have the opportunity to register their gardens, through Penn State, online at http://ento.psu.edu. Pollinator friendly gardens are those that provide water, shelter, nectar and pollen, without invasive plants or harsh pesticides.
Sign up before Sept. 1 to be entered into a drawing for a basket filled with gardening supplies.
For more information, call 570-622-4225, ext. 23, or visit online.
Zion Lutheran
A time of fellowship with a patriotic picnic in honor of July 4 will be held following the 5:30 p.m. service this Saturday in Zion Lutheran Church. The service will include communion.
Zion will host a Christmas in July candlelight service at 5:30 p.m. on July 28. The traditional service will be followed by a traditional Christmas dinner and time of fellowship.
The congregational picnic will be held on Aug. 25 at the West Penn Community Park.
St. Peter’s Union
The Rev. Kenneth Buckwalter will officiate at the 9 a.m. worship service this Sunday at St. Peter’s Union Church in Mantzville. The service will include Holy Communion. Sunday school classes meet at 10:15 a.m.
The prayer group will meet at 5 p.m. on Tuesday.
St. John Lutheran
The Rev. Phyllis Wolford will officiate at the 9:15 a.m. Sunday service in St. John’s Lutheran Church. The service will include Holy Communion and Baptism.
Contact Kathy Kunkel at 570-668-1250 or kkunkel@tnonline.com. Contact the Times News at 800-443-0377 or tneditor@tnonline.com.
