Clothing drive

The Tamaqua Blue Raider Swim/Dive Team Boosters will sponsor a used clothing/toy drive this weekend, Feb. 11 and 12. The drop off location will be the former Maff Motors Building, 900 E. Broad St., Tamaqua. Hours will be: Friday, Feb. 11, 3-7 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 12, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.Items which may be donated include: wearable and usable clothing; shoes, belts and handbags; coats, hats and gloves; bed and bath linens; stuffed animals and toys. All items must be packaged in plastic garbage bags.Furniture, CDs, DVDs, etc. will not be accepted.Senior newsThe Feb. 3 meeting of the Tamaqua Senior Citizens was attended by 47 members. President Jean Machamer conducted the business session, offered the invocation, entitled "Blessings You Gave," and offered an inspirational reading.Reports were offered by Vice President Doris Brobst and secretary Joan Anne Garber. Representatives were on hand to conduct registrations for STS cards for 2011.This week's meeting will include a Valentine's Day celebration and pizza party.The group meets every Thursday, at 1 p.m., at the Tamaqua Community Center, located to the rear of Boyer's Food Mart. Anyone 55 or older is welcome to join. The meeting room is handicap accessible.Writer's networkThe Black Diamond Writers' network will meet Feb. 19, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Tamaqua Public Library, 30 S. Railroad St.Guest speaker will be J. Stuart Richards, author of four non-fiction historical books. He will provide insight and information on gathering information, research methods, and the use of official documents and photos. Richards, a long time resident of Orwigsburg, also maintains four blogs and is in the process of writing two more books.The public is welcome to attend.For more information concerning the writers' network, call (570) 654-3059.SS. Peter and PaulThe Holy Name Society of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church will meet on Thursday, at 8 p.m. Prior to the meeting, a Mass will be celebrated at 7:30 p.m.Dog licensesSchuylkill County Treasurer Jackie McGovern reminds residents that 2011 dog licenses are now available. Dogs 3 months of age or older must be licensed.Licenses may be obtained at the county courthouse in Pottsville, by mail or at a variety of licensing agents. Locally, those agents include AAA at 202 E. Broad St.; Tom's Auto and Marine, Greenwood Street and Mountain Avenue; and Koch's Farm Service in the Lewistown Valley.For more information, call McGovern's office at (570) 628-1433.