Rush-Ryan seniors

The Rush, Ryan and Delano Senior Citizens Inc. held its annual Christmas party on Dec. 14 at the Ryan Township Fire Company, Barnesville, with 46 members in attendance. President Eleanor Schmerfeld offered opening remarks. The event was catered by Christy Joy and included a gift exchange. Favors were provided by Betty Brobst and Eleanor Schmerfeld, while Hub and Shirley Becker donated Christmas lollipops.Vice President Rhoda Purnell was welcomed back following an extended absence.Congratulatory wishes were extended to Eleanor Friends on her 97th birthday. Shirley Becker reported sending a get well card to Sylvia Garcia.The group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. Anyone 50 or older is welcome to join.TOPSThe local chapter of Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets Wednesdays in the education room at St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital, Coaldale. Weigh-ins begin at 5:45 p.m., followed by a short business session and a program.TOPS is a weight loss support group for men and women of all ages. Members learn sensible nutrition, portion control and lifestyle changes that promote lifelong health. Visitors are welcome to attend their first meeting without obligation, free of charge.SS. Peter and PaulSS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church will celebrate Christmas with Masses on Christmas Eve, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. and Christmas Day Masses at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.Confessions will be heard Thursday, Dec. 23, from 4 to 4:30 p.m. and 7 to 7:30 p.m.Mass will be celebrated at 7 p.m. on New Year's Eve and at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on New Year's Day.St. Jerome'sThe St. Jerome's Christmas confessional schedule will include: Dec. 18, 3-3:45 p.m.; Dec. 21, 22 and 23, from 4-5 p.m. and 7-8:30 p.m.; Dec. 24, 1-2 p.m.Christmas Masses will be celebrated Christmas Eve at 4 p.m. (children's Mass), at 6 p.m. and at midnight; Christmas Day at 10 a.m.Sunday Masses on Dec. 26 will be at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. There will be no Mass on Saturday evening.Tax exemptionsThe Schuylkill County and Tamaqua Borough Per Capita and Occupation Tax Exemption forms for the year 2011 are currently available for Borough of Tamaqua residents.The exemption forms can be obtained at the Tamaqua Municipal Building, 320 E. Broad St., Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Forms will also be available at tax collector Alan Keer's office, the Tamaqua Area School District Administration building, the Tamaqua ABC High Rise, Majestic House Apartment Complex, the Tamaqua Public Library and the Tamaqua Post Office.Residents must complete the form each year to qualify for the tax exemption.Exoneration forms must be submitted by Friday, Jan. 28, 2011.Ryan auxiliaryThe Ladies Auxiliary of the Ryan Township Fire Company held its annual Christmas party on Dec. 18 with 15 members in attendance. The event was held at Rut's Cafe in Mahanoy City, with a family style catered meal.President Nancy Godanis conducted a short business meeting.