Back to school

The Rush and West Penn elementary schools are planning Back To School Nights before the beginning of the 2014-2015 school year.Teachers will conduct informational sessions for individual classes, reviewing curriculum and procedures.West Penn's night will be held on Wednesday. The school will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. Parent sessions will be: kindergarten, 6 and 7 p.m.; first grade, 6:15 and 7:15 p.m.; second grade, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.; third grade, 6 and 7 p.m.; fourth grade, 6:15 and 7:15 p.m.; and fifth grade, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m.At the school in Rush Township, Back to School Night will be held on Aug. 21. The school will be open from 6 to 8 p.m. Parent sessions will be held at: morning kindergarten, 6 p.m.; kindergarten plus, 6:30 p.m.; first grade, 6:30 p.m.; afternoon kindergarten, 7 p.m.Volunteers neededThe Tamaqua Community Arts Center is looking for volunteers to help distribute fliers throughout Tamaqua. The only requirements are to be able to walk or drive through to deliver printed fliers to local businesses.Public service hours are available for those who need to complete community service.For more information, send an email to

rose@tamaquaarts.org or call or text 570-778-0917.YMCA newsThe newly expanded Tamaqua YMCA will host an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 5. The Y has expanded its floor space and added cardio equipment with state of the art technology, as well as adaptive equipment for rehabilitation and therapy.For those unable to attend on Sept. 5, the open house will continue through Sept. 12.In other YMCA news, registrations are now being accepted for Jack and Jill Pre-School and Fall swim lessons.The first Tamaqua YMCA and DnA Bike Rodeo will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 5. The event will include bike registrations, check ups and safety tips.St. Peter's UnionSunday worship services are held at 9 a.m. in St. Peter's Union Church, Mantzville. Sunday school classes are held at 10:15 a.m.Activities for next week include: Monday, board meeting at 6 p.m.; Tuesday, prayer group meets at 5 p.m., and the Called to Care committee meets at 6 p.m.An outdoor service will be held at 9 a.m. on Aug. 24 and will include installation of Sunday school teachers and officers.Zion LewistownThe Rev. Jim Williams will officiate at the 10:30 a.m. service this Sunday in Zion Church in the Lewistown Valley. Sunday school will meet at 9:15 a.m.The annual church picnic will be held on Aug. 24 at Leiby's Grove. A worship service will be held at 10:30 a.m., followed by a time of fellowship, food and games.