Story time

The Tamaqua Public Library's Spring Story Time is now in session. This year's theme is "Opposites."Story Time will be held from 10-11 a.m., every Tuesday and Wednesday, from March through May 15. In addition to reading stories, participants will sing, make crafts and have snacks.Sessions are open to children between the ages of 2-5 and younger siblings are welcome, with parental supervision.The library is located at 30 S. Railroad St. For more information, call (570) 668-4660.Senior citizensThe Tamaqua Senior Citizens group met March 7, at the Masonic Lodge in Hometown, with 68 members in attendance. President Jean Machamer conducted the business session. The meeting included a pizza party.Jacquie Patrick provided the invocation. Vice President Nancy Gerber and treasurer Antoinette Triano presented their reports. Jayne Myers, who celebrated her 99th birthday in January was welcomed back. A sympathy card will be sent to Pat Langdon, whose sister passed away.Carol Yanalavage was sworn in as the new secretary. Dues for 2013 are now being accepted. Jim Sloboda offered to donate a bookcase to be used as storage. Volunteers are needed to help the picnic committee.The next meeting will include a Chinese Auction, which will begin at noon. Nonperishable items will also be collected and then donated to the Tamaqua Salvation Army's food pantry.The meeting concluded with cards and social games.The seniors meet at 1 p.m. every Thursday, at the Masonic Lodge, located on SR54 (East) in Hometown.Anyone 55 or older is welcome to join. The center is handicap accessible.Honors studentThe name of Calissa Blackwell was omitted from the recent listing of Tamaqua's Elementary School honors students. Calissa is a third-grade student who earned honors for the second marking period.Tax helpTax return assistance is available for low income and senior residents of Schuylkill County through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, sponsored by Schuylkill Community Action. Volunteers are available to help low income residents between the ages of 25 and 65 with their federal, state and local returns.VITA volunteers will be at the Lehigh Carbon Community College Morgan Center, 234 High St., every Wednesday from 5-7:15 p.m.For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call (570) 622-1995.Bethany ECThe Rev. Kevin Roberts will officiate at the 8 a.m. traditional and 10:30 a.m. contemporary worship services Sunday in Bethany Evangelical Congregational Church. Nursery and primary church are offered during the later service. Sunday school classes will meet at 9:30 a.m.Also on Sunday, commission meetings, with the exception of outreach, will be held at 11:45 a.m., to save a life growth group will meet at 6:30 p.m. and the couples sacred marriage growth group will meet at 7 p.m.Activities for next week will include: Monday, Drama growth group meets at 7 p.m.; Tuesday, Good News Club meets at 3:45 p.m., at the South Ward Playground, Homes of Honor parenting session meets at 7 p.m.; Wednesday, community Lenten service at noon at Calvary Episcopal Church, Tamaqua Youth Ministry meets at 6:30 p.m., GriefShare session begins at 7 p.m., TYM staff meets at 8 p.m.; Thursday, encountering Jesus growth group meets at 1 p.m., men's fraternity meets at 6:30 p.m., coffee shop theology growth group sessions begin at 7 p.m.Bethany will participate in the National 24 Hours of Prayer event next Friday and Saturday.Beginning March 24, the 10:30 a.m. worship service will be held at the Tamaqua YMCA, due to the bridge reconstruction project.