Middle school orientation

Christopher Czapla, principal of the Tamaqua Area Middle School has announced an orientation session will be held Aug. 8, beginning at 6:30 p.m.Parents of sixth graders, as well as seventh and eighth graders new to the district, are welcome to attend.Information will be presented on student schedules, activities, facilities and discipline.Individuals will meet in the school district auditorium, then have the opportunity to tour the building, accompanied by student guides.Homeroom assignments will be posted on the school's front/main door as of Aug. 1.Rush-Ryan seniorsThe Rush, Ryan and Delano Senior Citizens Inc. met July 12 at the Ryan Township Fire Company with 37 members in attendance. One guest, Zachary Beavers, was welcomed.President Eleanor Schmerfeld conducted the business meeting.Chaplain Kathleen Valentine offered an invocation. Reports were presented by secretary Florina Martin and treasurer Shirley Becker. Becker reported sending get well cards to Aida Robertson, Margaret Matsago and Doris Brobst.Birthday wishes were extended to Shirley Becker, Florina Martin, Rhoda Purnell, Bob Clouser, Jim Valentine and Dolores Walck. Martin and Becker provided inspirational readings.The group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of every month.The next meeting will include the annual picnic at the Grier City Playground, with lunch to be served at noon. Anyone 50 or older is welcome to join.SW neighborsThe South Ward Neighborhood Committee will meet Thursday, at 7 p.m., at the South Ward Community Center, located at the South Ward Playground. Anyone interested in improving the South Ward is welcome to attend.Senior citizensThe Tamaqua Seniors met July 14 at the Tamaqua Community Center with 88 members and one guest, Yvonne Rarick, in attendance. President Jean Machamer conducted the business session.Rose Valle provided the invocation, entitled, "A Part of Me." Reports were offered by vice president Doris Brobst and secretary Joan Anne Garber. Alice Miller and Doris Brobst were added to the sick list.Upcoming events include possible trips to the Yuengling Brewery and Grandma's Restaurant; and a birthday celebration at the July 28 meeting for members with birthdays in June and July.The group meets every Thursday, at 1 p.m., at the community center. Every meeting is followed by social and pinochle games.