Tamaqua news for Jan. 23, 2019

Grandparents support

A new support group for grandparents who find themselves parenting for the second time around is being formed and will meet monthly at the Hope and Coffee Shop in Tamaqua.

Organizers look at the group as a way for grandparents to share their experiences and support each other through the struggles and triumphs.

Children are welcome as activities for them will be provided by Raiders STEP-Up.

The first meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Feb. 12. The group will then meet the second Tuesday of each month, at 7 p.m., at Hope and Coffee, which is located at 137 Pine St., Tamaqua.

Mayor’s events

Tamaqua Mayor Nathan Gerace has two upcoming events scheduled for February — the first meeting of the new group “THRIVE” and Coffee with a Cop.”

THRIVE stands for Tamaqua Has Residents Invested In a Vibrant Environment. The initial meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at Tamaqua Borough Hall, 320 E. Broad St.

The second in a series of “Coffee With a Cop” events will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Feb. 23 at the Hope and Coffee bistro, 137 Pine St., Tamaqua.

Everyone is welcome to attend, and Gerace encourages all to bring a friend to both events.

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, but there are opportunities for those without clearances.

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

Tamaqua seniors

The Tamaqua Senior Citizens met Jan. 17 at the Tamaqua YMCA with 40 members in attendance. President Melody Weicker opened the meeting with the reading of “Love God With All Your Heart.”

Marlene Randig and Mary Ann Kupetz were added to the sick list. One new member, Cynthia Hinkel, was warmly welcomed.

Membership dues for 2019 are now being accepted.

The group is open to anyone 55 or older, meeting at 1 p.m. every Thursday at the YMCA.

Bethany EC

The 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.

Also this Sunday, the care and connection, Christian education and global outreach and kitchen and social commissions will all meet at 11:45 a.m.

Activities for the next week include: Monday, Celebrate Recovery women’s training at 5 p.m., Celebrate Recovery men’s training at 5:15 p.m., Celebrate Recovery meets at 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, TYM Remix meets at 6:30 p.m., worship practice is at 8 p.m.; Thursday, coffee and conversation at 7 p.m., at Hope and Coffee, membership meeting at 7 p.m.; Saturday, church work day begins at 9:30 a.m.

St. John Lutheran

The Rev. Phyllis Wolford will officiate at the 9:15 a.m. Sunday service in St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Sunday school and Confirmation classes will meet at 10:30 a.m.

The choirs will rehearse next Thursday — angel choir at 6 p.m., shepherd choir at 6:30 p.m. and chancel choir at 7:30 p.m.

The bell choir will rehearse at 8 a.m. on Feb. 3.

Primitive Methodist

Pastor Rick Clemson will officiate at the 10:45 a.m. worship service this Sunday in American Primitive Methodist Church.

Sunday school classes are held at 9:30 a.m.

Hope in the Mountains NFG are held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays. This is a Narcotics Anonymous group for families. For more information, call Mark at 570-952-5098.

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