Rush taxes

Rush Township tax collector Dolores Walck has set new office hours for 2011. During the months of March and April, the office will be open Tuesdays, from 6-8 p.m., and Wednesdays, from 9-11 a.m. Hours will be extended for the last week of the discount period. In addition to the Tuesday and Wednesday hours, the office will be open, Thursday, April 28 from 10-11 a.m. and from 6-7 p.m.Hours during May and June will be Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9-10 a.m.The office, located at 117 Cumberland Ave., Hometown, will be closed May 24 and 25 and June 14 and 15. Tax bills will be mailed out at the beginning of March.Library newsThe Tamaqua Public Library sponsors a monthly book discussion and review. This month's event will be held Feb. 28, at 6 p.m., at the library. The book to be discussed will be "The Thirteenth Tale," written by Diane Setterfield.A New York Times bestseller, the book features two heroines a famous author and the young unworldly girl who is entrusted with her life story.Interested parties may contact the library prior to the event to ensure enough copies of the book are available.The selection for March will be "Made in the

U.S.A.," written by Billie Letts. Selections are always subject to change.New members are always welcome.The library is also accepting donations of yearbooks from Tamaqua, Coaldale and Marian High Schools Interested donors may call (570) 668-4660.For more information on any library program, visit the website at

www.tamaquapubliclibrary.com.GriefShareA new GriefShare group is forming at Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church, scheduled to begin weekly meetings on March 16. GriefShare is a ministry to anyone grieving the loss of a loved one. The Biblically based, non-denominational sessions will be held Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. for a 13-week time period.Bethany EC is located at 223 E. Broad St.For more information, or to enroll, call (570) 668-2520.First MethodistThe Rev. Marge Kropp will officiate at two worship services Sunday: 9:30 a.m. at Salem United Methodist, and 10:45 a.m. at First United Methodist Church.First Methodist activities for next week include: Tuesday, quilters meet at 9:30 a.m., Worship Committee meeting at 6 p.m.; Wednesday, senior choir rehearsal at 7:30 p.m.The churches have combined forces to offer a new program, the Methodist Outreach Ministry, with Phyllis Carter serving as chairwoman. Several community programs are being planned.Also, a Lenten Christian Development Series, "God Is Closer Than You Think," will begin March 13 and run for six consecutive weeks. The 6 p.m. workshops will be preceded by covered dish socials.First Church is now on Facebook. Church news, schedule changes and motivational thoughts will be available.Plans are underway for the annual Tamaqua-Panther Valley Welsh Songfest, scheduled for March 13, 2 p.m. The event is sponsored annually by First Church.The Herald Biblical Theater Company will present "His Last Days" at First Church on April 8, at 8 p.m.TEPTOThe Tamaqua Elementary Parent Teacher Organization is sponsoring a book fair for Feb. 28 through March 4. It will be open to families on Feb. 28 and March 2, from 6-8 p.m.The public is welcome to attend.