Tamaqua news for Jan. 18, 2018
Library news
The Tamaqua Public Library has big plans for 2018, scheduling a variety of events and activities throughout the year.
The library has its own children’s section featuring appropriate books, comfy chairs and creative learning toys. The popular story time sessions, for ages 2 to 5, will begin in the spring.
There’s also a young reader’s section, where patrons can quickly check for books that fit local schools’ requirements for the Accelerated Reader programs in elementary and middle school. Teens and young adults also have their own book club, meeting monthly to discuss different books. In addition to the book discussions, there’s food, fun and games.
Adult book discussions are held the last Monday of each month. January’s book is “Night,” written by Elie Wiesel about his experiences in the German concentration camps in Auschwitz and Buchenwald. It’s only 100 pages long, but has been described as a heartbreaking memoir. Wiesel is a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. The next book discussion session will be held at 6 p.m. Jan. 29.
For more information on any library program, call 570-668-4660.
The library is located at 30 S. Railroad St., Tamaqua.
Chamber mixer
The Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce will hold an evening mixer for current and prospective members on Jan. 25. The event will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Tamaqua Station Restaurant, 18 N. Railroad St.
RSVP to 570-668-1880 or email chamber@tamaqua.net by Jan. 23.
Tamaqua seniors
The Tamaqua Senior Citizens met Jan. 9 at the Tamaqua YMCA with 41 members in attendance. President Eleanor Schmerfeld conducted the business session after opening the meeting with the invocation “Prayer of St. Francis.”
A moment of silence was held in honor of James Valentine and Betty Bablo.
January birthdays were celebrated, honoring Doris Yeager, who was visiting, Betty Kunkle and Mae Bittner. Joe Stonge was thanked for remodeling the bingo machine.
Upcoming events were discussed, including Jan. 16 trip to Mohegan Sun in Wilkes-Barre; and a May 1 trip to Penn’s Peak for Branson Fever.
Brown bag lunches will be the refreshments until further notice.
The group is open to anyone 55 or older, meeting at 1 p.m. every Thursday at the Y.
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 on Sunday, junior membership classes begin at 9:15 a.m., monthly service at the Hometown Nursing Center will be at 6 p.m.
Activities for next week include: Monday, Celebrate Recovery men’s training at 5:30 p.m., Celebrate Recovery meets at 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Celebrate Recovery women’s training at 10 a.m., TYM REMIX meets at 6:30 p.m., PRC at Tink’s at 7 p.m.; Thursday, musician practice at 7 p.m., worship leaders meet at 7:30 p.m.
School tax exemptions
The Tamaqua Area School District is accepting Assessed Occupation Tax exemption applications for the 2018-19 school year. This will cover the 2018 calendar year. This year’s forms are pink.
Retired people and those with no earned income who have previously been exempted do not need to file again unless their status has changed and they are now earning income.
Also, those who are disabled or at least 75 years of age who have been specifically notified of their exemption by the district need not file an application.
Students who reach the age of 18 by June 30, 2018, will be responsible for paying the tax unless exempt by application.
Requests for exemption must be filed with the district by March 1, 2018.
Application forms are available at the school district administration building, all tax collectors’ offices, Tamaqua Borough Hall, the Tamaqua Public Library, and all post offices and bank branches within the district.
Hunger walk
Tamaqua’s 2018 Hunger Weekend will be held May 4, 5 and 6, ending with a Hunger Walk on May 6. A combined effort of the Tamaqua Area Faith and Fellowship Network and the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership, the three day event will benefit Tamaqua’s three food pantries — Primitive Methodist Church, Trinity United Church of Christ and the Tamaqua Salvation Army.
It’s not too early to think about ways to raise funds, collect nonperishable food items or organize a walking team.
For more information, contact Paul Dodson at 570-668-0289 or email dodsonp@verizon.net.
Calvary Evangelical
The Rev. Philip Sabas will officiate at the 10:25 a.m. worship service this Sunday in Calvary Evangelical Church in the Lewistown Valley. Sunday school classes meet at 9:15 a.m.
Also on Sunday, an evening will be held at 6:30 p.m., including congregational singing and the sharing of faith.
A free family movie night will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 20. The film presentation will be “Woodlawn.”
The next prayer meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 24.
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. Sunday school classes meet at 10:15 a.m.
Also on Sunday, the Confirmation class meets at 11:15 a.m., Cub and Girl Scouts will meet at 6 p.m.
Next week’s activities include: Tuesday, prayer group meets at 5 p.m., called to care committee meets at 6 p.m.; Wednesday, junior choir rehearses at 7 p.m., senior choir meets at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, apple dumpling pickup at 2 p.m.
Primitive Methodist
Pastor Rick Clemson will officiate at the 10:45 a.m. worship service on Sunday in American Primitive Methodist Church.
Hope in the Mountains NFG will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Jan. 25.
St. John Lutheran
The Rev. Phyllis Wolford will officiate at this Sunday’s 9:15 a.m. worship service in St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Also on Sunday, bells will meet at 8 a.m., Confirmation class and Sunday school meet at 10:30 a.m.
The shepherd choir will rehearse at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 25.
Zion Lewistown
Pastor Jim Williams will officiate at the 10:30 a.m. service this Sunday in Zion Church, Lewistown Valley. Sunday school will be held at 9:15 a.m.
Also this Sunday, a congregational meeting will be held following the worship service. A covered dish luncheon will follow.
The guild will meet at 7 p.m. on Feb. 1.
Contact Kathy Kunkel at 570-668-1250 or kkunkel@tnonline.com. Contact the Times News at 800-443-0377 or tneditor@tnonline.com.
