Garden club

The Lewistown Valley Garden Club held its first meeting of 2015 on March 24 with 14 members in attendance. President Kathy McGee conducted the business session.Louise Flexer presented a program on "sugar scrub." Evelyn Adams and Mary Bridygham tied for first place in the arrangement category, while June Leiby won third place.Members discussed invitations to attend two upcoming events: the South Schuylkill Garden Club Tea on April 21, and the Weatherly Garden Club meeting on May 7. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 570-467-3400.The Lewistown club's tea will be held at 6:30 p.m. April 28. Kathy Rizzoto will be the guest speaker. Her topic will be "sheep to shawl." Evelyn Adams will be in charge of the head table arrangements. Carol Kohn and Pam Klitsch will serve as pourers. The committee will include Cindi Sabol, Mary Bridygham, Flexer and Adams. Setup will be done at 9 a.m. that day.Library newsWhile spring is in the air, the Tamaqua Public Library is gearing up for its summer reading program. As part of the program, participants will be sending letters to military troops and veterans.Addresses for military members are needed and may be emailed to

tamaqualibrary@yahoo.com, dropped off at the library or submitted on the library's Facebook page.Donations of postage stamps would be greatly appreciated.The library is also looking for donations of craft items such as food coloring, magnetic roll tape, elastic cord, construction paper, Popsicle sticks, cardstock, tissue paper, foam sheets, felt, clean 2-liter and 20-ounce or smaller plastic bottles, clean egg cartons, glue sticks, etc.For more information, stop in during regular hours or call 570-668-4660.Over 50 fitnessThe Tamaqua Salvation Army has partnered with Diakon to provide gentle fitness exercise classes for those age 50 and older. Sessions are held at 10:30 a.m. every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at the Salvation Army, 105 W. Broad St.Sessions begin with a casual 20 minutes of aerobic movement through walking, then incorporates a variety of fitness genres, including yoga and tai chi, which help to increase balance, flexibility, strength and energy. Most routines can be done standing or sitting based on the individual's comfort level.Registration is free and walk-ins are welcome.Bethany ECThe Rev. Kevin Roberts will officiate at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. worship services this Sunday in Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church. Sunday school will meet at 9:15 a.m.Also on Sunday, creative writing group meets at 1 p.m., Song of Solomon teen growth group meets at 6 p.m., monthly service at the ABC Tamaqua Hi-Rise at 6 p.m.Activities for next week will include: Tuesday, prayer time at 8:30 a.m.; Wednesday, sew much more growth group meets at 1 p.m., Tamaqua Youth Ministry meets at 6:30 p.m., GriefShare meets at 7 p.m.; Thursday, Psalm study growth group meets at 1 p.m. at the Majestic House, lead beyond our walls group meets at 6:30 p.m.; Friday, TYM FOGON at 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, musician rehearsal at 8:30 a.m., praise practice at 9:30 a.m., art of marriage growth group meets at 6 p.m.