Tamaqua news for Jan. 17, 2019

Volunteers needed

The “Art of Escape” rooms created by a cooperative effort of the Tamaqua Community Arts Center, Raiders STEP-Up and gifted students at the Tamaqua Area Middle School are just about ready for their limited engagements during weekends in February. While finishing touches are being done to the “Escape the Past” and “Escape the Wabash” rooms, organizers are looking for volunteers to help staff the project.

The rooms will be open from 2 to 9 p.m. on Fridays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and from 12:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sundays. A minimum of 13 people are needed every day, but more volunteers mean shorter hours for everyone involved.

Due to the interaction with children, Pennsylvania clearances are needed for most volunteers.

Anyone willing to help out for an hour or two on any weekend in February may contact Leona at 570-668-1192.

Tickets for the escape room experience are now available at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center, 125 Pine St., Tamaqua.

Rush-Ryan seniors

The Rush-Ryan-Delano Senior Citizens met Jan. 8 at the Ryan Township Fire Company with 37 members in attendance. President Robert Neifert conducted the business session after opening the meeting with the invocation “All Needs Are Met.”

Members voted to increase the cost of membership for new members. Current members will continue to pay a reduced fee.

Bill Morrison, Larry Bower, Annamae Yushinsky along with Paul and Marlene Randig, were added to the sick list. Birthday wishes were extended to Doris Yeager. Alice Tite was welcome back after an absence.

A bus trip is being planned for Jan. 21 to the Mohegan Sun Casino in Wilkes-Barre.

The group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at the Ryan Township Fire Company in Barnesville and is open to anyone 55 or older.

Snow rules

Winter weather is predicted for this weekend, bringing with it the possibility of heavy snow. Tamaqua residents are reminded of borough rules concerning snow removal.

Property owners are required to maintain a clear path, at least 3 feet wide, on sidewalks. Snow and ice must be removed from these pathways within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm.

Snow, ice and other materials may not be thrown into the streets. Fines of $25 and up may be imposed on anyone caught throwing snow or ice into the street, or who fails to maintain a snow-free pathway.

People who plow snow from in front of homes and businesses must remove any piles of snow they create. Anyone piling snow in the street or parking areas could be cited.

Residents are asked to refrain from piling snow near fire hydrants or on top of storm drains and are encouraged to clear snow from these areas. Call 570-668-3444 or 570-668-0300 for more information.

Soup social

Trinity United Church of Christ, 22 Lafayette St., will continue its free, monthly soup social during 2019. The first social of the new year will be held on Feb. 2.

Free soup and fellowship will be available from 4 to 6 p.m.

Participants are asked to use the lower parking lot entrance to the church social hall.

St. Peter’s West Penn

Wes Poole will lead the 9 a.m. worship service this Sunday in St. Peter’s Church in West Penn. Sunday school classes meet at 10:15 a.m.

Also on Sunday, the junior choir will rehearse at 11 a.m., Girl Scouts will meet at 6 p.m. and the church board will meet at 6:30 p.m.

Next week’s activities include: Tuesday, prayer group meets at 5 p.m.; Wednesday, Confirmation class meets at 5 p.m.; Thursday, apple dumpling pickup from noon to 5 p.m., senior choir rehearses at 7:30 p.m.

The annual congregational meeting will be held during the worship service on Jan. 27.

Contact Kathy Kunkel at 570-668-1250 or kkunkel@tnonline.com. Contact the Times News at 800-443-0377 or tneditor@tnonline.com.