TAMAQUA AREA
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
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TAMAQUA AREA SETS SCHOOL UNIFORM STIPEND AT $25
Times News Newspaper story: http://www.tnonline.com/node/123995
SOUTH WARD PLAYGROUND ASSOCIATION CHILDREN'S FUN DAY SCHEDULED
The South Ward Playground Association will sponsor its annual Fun Day for children on Saturday Aug. 21, from noon to 4 p.m. The fun-filled activities will include a moon bounce, a water slide, games, prizes and food. Activities are free for the children who attend.
The playground is located in the 200 block of Penn Street.
SMOKE DETECTORS AVAILABLE VIA TAMAQUA FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Tamaqua Fire Department is giving away a limited number of free smoke detectors to interested borough residents. All residents are eligible, but priority will be given to homes with children under the age of 18 and/or elderly residents. The only stipulation is that all free detectors must be installed by a representative of the Tamaqua Fire Department. The free detectors are available thanks to a grant administered by the state fire commissioner's office and the Schuylkill County Fire Chiefs Association. For more information, or to schedule an installation, contact Chris at (570) 527-6141.
HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULES AVAILABLE
Schedules for Tamaqua Area Senior High School students will be made available prior to the first day of school. Freshmen schedules will be made available the week of Aug. 9, while all other classes will be able to acquire their schedules the week of Aug. 16.
The schedules will be in the guidance office, Monday through Wednesday. Counselors will also be on hand to provide information and/or provide tours of the building.
RECYCLING
Wednesday is the day for curbside recycling pickup for all residents of Tamaqua.
All recyclable items must be placed in the containers issued to each borough household. Any other containers, such as plastic bags and cardboard boxes, will be emptied and left behind. Anyone who needs a recycling container may contact borough hall at (570) 668-3444.
Collection bins for cardboard have been moved to the Tamaqua Transfer Station on Sewage Treatment Plant Road.
Collection bins for newspaper can be found at the Tamaqua Borough Garage on East Broad Street.
TAMAQUA AREA HIGH SCHOOL MANDATORY DRUG TEST INFORMATION
The Tamaqua Area School District has announced the following schedule for mandatory drug testing for all students in grades 7-12 intending to participate in any athletic activity, non-athletic club, national charter, and/or requesting driving/parking privileges during the 2010-2011 school year.
All particpating male students, grades 7-12, must report to the high school between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on either Monday or Tuesday, August 2 or 3. All participating female students, grades 7-12, must report to the high school between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on either Wednesday or Thursday, August 4 or 5. Make up date for all students will be Monday, August 9 between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
No student will be able to participate in a co-curricular activity or drive/park on school property during the 2010-2011 school year prior to testing. Parents and students will be required to sign a consent form and a release of information form prior to the testing date. Forms are available in the high school, middle school, and district offices.
An information session for students and parents will be held in the Tamaqua Area School District Auditorium on Wednesday, July 28 at 6:00 p.m. Attendance is encouraged.
TAMAQUA AREA HIGH SCHOOL ‘RAIDER’ BAND SUMMER REHEARSALS
Mr. John F. Potlunas, TAHS Raider Band Director announces the following dates of summer band rehearsals to prepare for the 2010 Summer Band Camp.
Two summer band rehearsals will be held on Tuesday July 20 from 9am - 11am at the school district band room and Tuesday July 27 also from 9am - 11am at the band room.
In addition to these rehearsals there will be the annual New and Old Band Members Rehearsal on Tuesday August 3 with the following schedule:
4pm - 5:30pm: All New Members and Drum Majors, Officers and Captains.
6:00pm - 8:00pm: All Playing Members should attend to prepare the music and marching techniques for the upcoming season.
New members and Drum Majors, Officers and Captains will be treated to a Pizza Party between the two rehearsals.
All students not working or on vacation are highly encouraged to attend all or as many of these preparatory sessions as possible to prepare for the upcoming daily Band Camp 2010 rehearsals which begin Monday August 9 at 8am until 3pm.
TAMAQUA AREA HIGH SCHOOL PARKING PERMITS
Applications for senior parking permits for the 2010-2011 school year will be available in the high school office beginning Tuesday, July 6, 2010, Monday through Thursday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The form must be completed and returned no later than Tuesday, July 27, 2010.
There will be 69 parking spaces available this year, which will be assigned according to a lottery on July 28th 2010. The permit will be issued on August 2, 2010 in the senior high office between 8:00 and 3:00. The non-refundable payment of $10.00 will be due at that time.
If a student attains the privilege to park on school grounds, they will become subject to the districts drug testing policy. Please note that testing dates will be forthcoming.
BUNGALOW POOL PASSES AVAILABLE
Applications are now available for season passes to the H.D. Buehler Memorial (Bungalow) Pool. Opening day will be June 5, at 11:30 a.m. No season or daily passes will be available that day.
Steeply discounted rates for Tamaqua Area School District residents are made available through the generosity of the John E. Morgan Foundation. Rates have been increased for out of district residents.
Applications are avaliable at Tamaqua Borough Hall, 320 E. Broad St.; the Tamaqua office of the TIMES NEWS, 200 E. Broad St.; the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce, 114 W. Broad St.; the Tamaqua Public Library on South railroad St.; Fegley's Mini Mart; and Our Family Mini Mart. Completed applications are to be taken to the borough hall. To ensure having your pass by opening day, have your application completed before April 30.
Forms can be completed anytime.
Vandals Struck Tamaqua Citizen’s Fire Company, Wachovia Bank, Train Station, and Trinity Church
$500 REWARD OFFERED.
Vandals struck four Tamaqua locations within a square block late Monday night or early Tuesday morning by spraying orange, and pink graffiti on walls, windows, doors, and other areas.
Some of the buildings hit by the vandals were the Citizens Fire Company, Wachovia Bank, Trinity Church, and Tamaqua Train Station. Vandals made and used stencils to spray on the images.
Tamaqua Volunteers, a local volunteer initiative group, is posting a $500 reward for the first person that provides a court-used testimony that results in the arrest and conviction of any of the vandals. Tamaqua Volunteers President Andrew Leibenguth said, "There is no gang, just some idiots trying to get recognized. These vandals don't realize how severe their actions are. They painted a fire company, a church, and popular Tamaqua landmark. These vandals will be caught and held severely accountable."
Members from the Tamaqua Volunteers will be spending time over the next few days removing the graffiti. Tamaqua police are still investigating. Call police at (570) 668-5000 with any information regarding the vandalism.
Times News Story: http://www.tnonline.com/node/92999
Streetscape Construction Project Continues in Tamaqua
Times News Story: http://www.tnonline.com/node/90809
A New Business Opened On Mauch Chunk Street
The business is called “Lizzy Browns”. It is a gift shop and emporium. Lizzy has candles, incents, oils, candy, balloons, signs, books, and other cool stuff. She also makes special balloons, candy, incents, invitations, other specialty oils. Please visit Lizzy and see what she has.
Lizzy Browns Emporium, 27 Mauch Chunk St., Tamaqua PA 18252
FMI: (570) 668-4645 or lizzybrowns@verizon.net
Business Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM.
Times News Story: http://www.tnonline.com/node/91138
Always Have A Watchful Eye, Crime/Neighborhood Watchers Needed
Vandals and litterbugs have struck parks in Tamaqua over the past few weeks. If you see someone suspicious, keep an eye on that person. If you see someone littering, tell them or report them. Littering can be just as bad a vandalism. Help us keep Tamaqua a beautiful place by reporting vandals and litterbugs. Crime watch is a good way to help as well. Call me at (570) 668-1234 or stop by the borough hall for registration forms or for more information.
Strewn Shopping Carts in Tamaqua
Strewn shopping carts have become more visible throughout the Tamaqua area over the past months. Members of the Tamaqua Volunteers community initiative group state these shopping carts are strewn all over Tamaqua, including parks. One volunteer said, "If you are going to take a shopping cart, at least have the decency to return it, instead of throwing it on the sidewalk or piling them at a community park." One official said, "Someone has to pick these carts up and its time consuming. If you have to take a cart off the store's property, at least bring it right back."
Times News Story: http://www.tnonline.com/node/91156
New Tamaqua Group Helps With All Types Of Addictions
A new 12-step addiction group called Celebrate Recovery will be held every Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. starting Friday April 16 at the New Life Assembly of God Church located at 407 Schuylkill Avenue in Tamaqua.
The program helps with any type of addiction and is instructed and coached by community volunteers and some prior addicts.
Recover head coach Phillip Rabayda states, "The program we are offering is called Celebrate Recovery. Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered and Bible-based 12-step Recovery Program with the purpose of focusing God's healing power through fellowship with others."
Anyone in need of recovery of any type of addiction can participate in Celebrate Recovery. The program is free, non-denominational, and anyone can start at any time. Rabayda and a few other coaches were once addicts themselves. They succeeded the Celebrate Recovery program themselves and furthered themselves by going through a one-year long in-patient training and teen challenge training.
Drew Strohl, co-recovery leader and past addict, stated, "There is nothing like this around. We are offering people a broader scope of recovery." We are people helping people." Vanessa Rabayda said, "This is a passion of ours. We don't want this to happen to anyone else." Phillip added, "This tried and proven system uses the traditional methods of groups, sponsors, accountability partners, and special events to build recovery for those struggling with addictive habits, codependency, and other life experiences that affect or control us."
For more information about this program contact the recovery leader at cr_tamaqua@yahoo.com or call 570-805-4054 or 570-668-4059 and leave a message. Rabayda added, "Addiction has its seasons, you will realize you are powerless over it. Get help while you still have power over it."
Tamaqua Museum Is Open On Tuesdays
The Tamaqua Museum is now open on Tuesdays from 7 PM to 9 PM. Other days and times by appointment. Volunteers are always welcome as well!
Census Jobs Still Available, Great Pay
Census Jobs website: http://2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs/
Did You Mail In Your Census Forms Yet?
Don’t forget to mail in your census forms. These forms result in many local, state, and government benefits for Tamaqua.
Currently (as of today - Thursday, April 29th) the Tamaqua mail surrounding participation rates are:
Tamaqua = 70%
South Tamaqua = 78%
Coaldale = 79%
Hometown = 80%
Tuscarora = 79%
New Ringgold = 78%
West Penn = 83%
Andreas = 83%
(Schuylkill County average = 78%)
(Carbon County average = 69%)
(Luzerne County average = 75%)
(Berks County average = 80%)
(National Average = 72%)
Click here: http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/ to see how we rate versus other local communities in regards to sending in the forms.
Times News Story: http://www.tnonline.com/node/80015
Great New Book Released About Tamaqua, Called “Iron Steps”
Times News Story: http://www.tnonline.com/node/86084
The author is Don Serfass, a local well-known author and Times News feature story writer who lives in Tamaqua.
Feel free to stop by the Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce to buy the book. If you buy it there, you don’t have to pay shipping and the proceeds go to the Tamaqua Historical Society. Only $20.
If you live out of the area, click here to buy the book https://www.createspace.com/3439790 or email the author at ironstep@ptd.net.
Tamaqua Resumes Street Cleaning Schedule
The warmer temperatures allow the Borough of Tamaqua to continue its annual Spring street cleaning operations. Wednesday's work will begin at 7 p.m., but Thursday's and Friday's operations will resume their regular weekly schedule, beginning at 5 a.m. each day.
Wednesday's schedule will be: Bowe, Orwigsburg to Mahanoy; Green, Anthracite Avenue to Spruce; Coal, Mahanoy to Orwigsburg; Gay, Lafayette to end; Washington, Rose to Lafayette.
On Thursday, the schedule will include: south side of Broad, Maff Motors to west borough line; South Railroad, Broad to Spruce; Center, Broad to south SR309 bridge; North Railroad, Broad to north SR309 bridge; Penn, Hamilton, Lafayette toJerome; Pitt, Lafayette to West Elm; Lincoln, West Union to Rose; North Elizabeth, East Elm to Willing; North Columbia, North to end.
Streets scheduled for cleaning on Friday are: north side of Broad, Maff Motors to west borough line; Mauch Chunk, Broad to Pine; Berwick, Broad to Rowe; Nescopec, Hegarty Ave. to Cottage Ave.; Pine, Cedar to north SR309 bridge; Sycamore, Pitt to Nescopec; Franklin, Pitt to Washington; Race, Bowe to Catawissa; Brew, Walnut to Locust.
Streets will be posted in advance and parking will be prohibited. Vehicles not moved from posted streets at least two hours before the sweeper starts operations are subject to ticketing and towing.
For further information, call (570) 668-3444.
Times News Story: http://www.tnonline.com/node/86083
Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce Summer Concert Series to start in June
Free event held Thursdays at 6 PM outside the Tamaqua Train Station. Starts in June.
June 10 - Steve Brosky & Jimmy Meyer.
June 24 - Fred Douglas.
July 8 – KJ Rimm.
July 22 - The Fat Cats.
August 5 - Forward Thrust.
August 19 - KJ Reimensnyder-Wagner.
September 2 - Bluzin’.
September 16 – Christopher Dean Band.
Sponsors needed. Please call the Chamber at (570) 668-1880 for more information.
Volunteering - A Fun Way To Feel Good
When most people hear the word “volunteer”, they usually cringe. You shouldn’t feel that way. Tamaqua has so many charitable organizations and everyone of them needs your help. You don’t have to give a lot of your time. Just show up at any event and offer your help. I guarantee the organization won’t turn you away. If you ever want to help out and have fun, view my Tamaqua Volunteers calendar: www.TamaquaArea.com/TamaquaVolunteersCalendar.aspx
If you see an event on the calendar you like, just simply show up for it. Your time is greatly appreciated by all the charitable organizations throughout are area. Besides, volunteering is fun.
RESIDENTS WARNED TO WATCH OUT FOR SCAMS
Rush Township Police Department has received several calls in reference to a scam from someone claiming to be representing Proctor and Gamble Corp. The person calling is stating that the person has won a large sum of money (usually $2.2 million). They request that the person wire money (usually $695) to process the check. They give a number which comes back to Jamaica.
Upon speaking with Proctor and Gamble Corp., they stated that they absolutely do not offer such a contest. The Rush Township Police Department would also like to remind residents not to give out any of their information over the phone such as their bank account information, social security number, credit card numbers, etc. Nesquehoning police are also warning borough residents of another apparent telephone scam. Police Chief Sean Smith reported he received several calls from residents about a male by the name of John Weaver, of American Money Corporation, calling residents and claiming they won $350 million but they have to send him a personal check or give a credit card number for $499, which is claimed to be a processing fee. Police warn residents not to give any personal information over the phone to an unreliable source. The calls were reportedly received during the period of Feb. 28 to March 1.
Coutesy of the TIMES NEWS: http://www.tnonline.com/node/76555
POLICE SEEK HELP FROM COMMUNITIES TO FIND THIEVES
On February 18, 2010, between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m., some individuals walked onto the Gnaden Huetten Campus of Blue Mountain Health System, Lehighton, and stole several purses belonging to employees.
Within an hour, credit cards from the purses were utilized to purchase $1,300 worth of items at Wal-Mart, Giant Food Market, Giant Gas Station, and Rite Aid, all in Mahoning Township.
Mahoning Township Chief of Police Ken Barnes said he is requesting assistance from the public in apprehending the individuals responsible.
Cameras in the stores where the cards were used captured images of the suspects.
Chief Barnes said besides the merchandise bought in Mahoning Township, additional credit card fraud was committed in other areas outside of Mahoning Township.
He added that the suspected individuals responsible are three black females and one black male, driving a silver vehicle - possibly a GM product.
Besides the credit cards, the police chief said the purses contained other items including the identification of the victims.
Both the Lehighton Borough Police Department and the Mahoning Township Police Department are involved in the investigation.
Anyone with information should contact Mahoning Police at 570-386-2241.
Chief Barnes said it is not believed these are the same individuals who committed thefts at the CVS Drug Store in Nesquehoning on January 26, 2010.
In Nesquehoning, police said three black females came into the store at 5:11 p.m. Tuesday, January 26, 2010 with a device capable of deactivating security bar codes on various items. Two of the females each filled a red carrying basket with products, and one filled a black duffel bag with a purple heart on it.
Quakertown and South Whitehall police reported having the same actors involved in thefts in their respective areas at CVS stores as occurred in Nesquehoning.
Please contact you local Police if you have any information that can help.
Courtesy of TIMES NEWS: http://www.tnonline.com/node/73658 <-----Click link to view photos of wanted thieves.
FY2010 CENSUS JOBS AVAILABLE
The Census Bureau wants to hire local people for the upcoming 2010 Census.
These are good opportunities for local people.
Below story/references courtesy of theTimes News Newspaper, http://www.tnonline.com/node/68164:
Although the Schuylkill County jobless rate continues to rise the U.S. Census Bureau is finding it difficult to hire people to work in the county at $14.25 per hour plus 50 cents per mile for travel expense. At a meeting of the Schuylkill County 2010 Census Complete Committee held at the courthouse in Pottsville Tuesday it was disclosed the bureau seeks to hire 600 enumerators in the county and still has a long way to go.
Twenty applicants took exams Tuesday at Boscov's store. People interested can obtain an application by calling a toll free number, 1-(866) 861-2010. The work is expected to last into June. People who now work full time also can apply because they can work evenings or on weekends. There also will be 20 assistance centers opened in the county, including Tamaqua and McAdoo. People will be hired to work in these offices to render help to any one who seeks it. The bureau is now recruiting crew leaders, assistant crew leaders and enumerators.
The meeting was chaired by Charles Ross, executive director of the Schuylkill County Planning Commission, who was appointed by the county commissioners. Peter Pron, a recruiting assistant for the U.S. Census Bureau, addressed some 15 people present interested in conducting the census, which is an operation designated by U.S. Congress every 10 years to get an official count of the country's population.
The importance of everyone be counted was emphasized by the speakers. Ross pointed out federal and state monies are given to counties based on population. He also pointed out Schuylkill County is in danger of becoming a fifth class county if its population falls below 145,000. It has been steadly dropping over the past decade and down to around 146,000 and 147,000.
April 1 is called Census Day. Letters bearing questionnaires asking only 10 questions will go to every household. Households which do not return the questionnaire will be visited by an enumerator who will offer to help fill out the needed information and the committee hope they are welcomed and not rebuffed when they come to your door.
Those chose to work for the census bureau will be asked to work 20 to 40 hours per week and be able to work when people are home. The tests include clerical, reading and number skills, interpreting information and evaluating alternatives and organizational skills.
Call (866) 861-2010 to inquire.
Fritz Spokas, US Census recruitment, can be reached locally at (570) 668-3689 or (570) 778-9945 for more recruitment information.
Click HERE to view or print flyer. Or goto www.2010censusjobs.gov
2009 ELECTION RESULTS
TIMES NEWS Online:
- Election Results: (Wednesday, November 4, 2009) --> http://www.tnonline.com/node/43496
- Tamaqua School Board Election Results: (Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009) --> http://www.tnonline.com/node/43484
COUNTERFEIT BILL GIVEN AT LOCAL BUSINESS
A counterfeit $50 was passed at a local business in early November. Be on the lookout for counterfeit bills. Call the Tamaqua Police ASAP, (570) 668-5000, if you come across any of these bills.
LIHEAP 2010 INCOME GUIDELINES ARE LOWERED
Household sizes and income limits for the 2009-2010 LIHEAP season: 1. $16,245. 2. $21,855. 3. $27,465. 4. $33,075. 5. $38,685. 6. $44,295. 7. $49,905. 8. $55,515. (For each additional person add $5,610) | Last year's income guidelines: 1. $23,110. 2. $30,221. 3. $37,332. 4. $44,443. 5. $51,554. 6. $58,665. 7. $59,998. 8. $61,332. 9. $62,665. 10. $64,200. (For each additional person add $5,400) |
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare
LIHEAP Online: http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/servicesprograms/liheap/
FREE 2010 THANKSGIVING DAY MEAL
The Tamaqua Salvation Army will be providing free Thanksgiving Day meals from 11 AM to 3 PM on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday November 25, 2010. Anyone and everyone is invited. No RSVP needed! Just show up! For more information, call (570) 668-0410.
POLL CHANGES FOR TAMAQUA'S SOUTH DISTRICT
Voters in Tamaqua's South District will see a change in polling place for the November election. Instead of the South Ward Playground, voting will now be held at the South Ward Fire Company on Van Gelder Street.
Details of the change have been mailed to all registered voters in the district.
2010 TAMAQUA SALVATION ARMY THANKSGIVING
AND CHRISTMAS/TOYS FOR TOTS REGISTRATIONS
The Tamaqua Salvation Army will be holding registrations for food baskets and holiday toys for both Thanksgiving and Christmas/Toys For Tots on November 3rd, 4th, & 5th, 2010 from 10 AM to 3 PM daily.
YOU WILL NEED:
Proof of Household Income (social security & paycheck).
Social Security Card.
Birth Certificate of all children (12 and under only).
Photo Driver's License.
All Bills.
Please inform all your friends and family concerning these registration dates, as no later registrations can be accepted.
The Tamaqua Salvation Army phone number is (570) 668-0410.
If you missed the latest Tamaqua Salvation Army registration or live in Carbon County PA, please visit:
www.SchuylkillCarbonMarineCorpsLeague.com/ToysForTotsRegistrations.aspx
VETERANS CAN APPLY ONLINE FOR EMERGENCY EDUCATION FUNDS
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki today announced further outreach to Veteran-students eligible for a special emergency payment of their education benefits. Veterans can now apply online beginning Oct. 2. Veteran-students can also request courtesy transportation to VA regional benefits offices.
"Our Veterans went the extra mile for their country," Shinseki said. "One of our top priorities in transforming VA is to be, first and foremost, the advocate for Veterans."
Last week Shinseki announced that on Friday, Oct. 2, VA's 57 regional benefits offices will begin providing on-the-spot emergency payments up to $3,000 to students who have applied for their education benefits but who have not yet received a government payment.
Citing the distance many Veterans would have to travel to apply in person at a VA benefits office, Shinseki announced Veterans can also apply online at www.va.gov, starting Oct. 2. The online application will guide Veterans through the process to supply needed information. Shinseki noted that online applicants will receive their emergency payments through the mail after processing.
Students without their own transportation can also request free van service, provided by volunteers, to carry them to the nearest benefits office. To obtain this service, Veterans would have to call their nearest VA medical center and ask for the "Volunteer Transportation Coordinator." Transportation will be on a first-come, first-served, space-available basis. Veterans can find a map and list of medical centers at http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/division_flsh.asp?dnum=1.
Whether traveling by personal vehicle or volunteer van, VA officials suggest students check their mail boxes and banking accounts before leaving home, since some Veterans will find their checks have already arrived. VA would like to recognize the volunteers and Veterans Service Organizations for partnering with the Department to ensure that Veterans' needs are met.
The emergency checks are an advance on each student's education benefits, and the amount will be deducted from future benefits payments. Checks will be written at the regional offices for Veterans who bring a photo ID and evidence of their enrollment. VA officials emphasize that $3,000 is the maximum payment, with many Veterans receiving smaller payments based upon their likely monthly education benefits.
A map and list of the participating VA regional benefits offices is available on the Internet at http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/division_flsh.asp?dnum=3. The most updated information regarding VA issuing emergency checks will be available at VA's web site www.va.gov starting today.
Applications from approximately 25,000 Veterans are currently being processed for Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefit payments to students or schools.
TAMAQUA BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH ANNOUNCED
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Tamaqua Mayor Christian Morrison issued a proclamation announcing Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the borough. Residents are urged to wear pink in awareness of the victims of the disease and the research being done to find a cure. Participating in the proclamation at Tamaqua Borough Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009 were Jolene Barron, representing the Carbon-Tamaqua Unit of the American Cancer Society; Sharon Oravec, representing the Oncology Department of St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital, Coaldale; Mayor Morrison; and Rita Morrison, the mayor's mother, who has personally battled breast cancer.
SCAM ARTIST ALERT (July 3, 2009)
Tamaqua Police are alerting local businesses and residents about a scam artist reportedly working within the borough. According to police, the white male is approaching businesses, claiming to be soliciting for the American Cancer Society, asking for donations. ACS officials have confirmed the man is not affiliated with the society. Anyone who is approached by someone asking for cash donations should contact Tamaqua police at (570) 668-6100.
NEW TAMAQUA STOP SIGNS (July 1, 2009)
Four new stop signs are placed along Schuylkill Avenue in Tamaqua in an effort to slow traffic and improve safety. Tamaqua Police are monitoring the area and are issuing warnings and tickets to motorists who fail to see the signs. Motorists should take heed of the changes. Most Tamaqua people aren't used to seeing signs on Schuylkill Ave, so please inform all your friends and family about these news signs, to prevent them from receiving a ticket or getting into an accident.
TAMAQUA CRIME WATCH
Times News article:
Tamaqua's Crime Watch program has been given new life thanks to almost two dozen new recruits who volunteered to be involved in their community. The newly reinvigorated program had its second meeting last Thursday and volunteers are set to begin routine patrols as of July 1.
Volunteers received applications, informational brochures and street maps of the borough. Tamaqua Patrolman Michael Hobbs provided an overview of the program, as well as tips on how to be "effective eyes and ears of the community. Residents who remain alert to suspicious activity are the biggest help a police department can have."
Members were cautioned about approaching suspicious persons or putting themselves at risk. "We want you to just observe, note details and report your suspicions to police," offered Tamaqua Mayor Chris Morrison. "If it's an emergency, dial 9-1-1. If it's something that you think needs to be reported, don't be nervous about calling 668-6100. That's a non-emergency line to the Schuylkill County Communications Center. It's monitored 24 hours a day and dispatchers will contact police with your concerns."
New program coordinator Andrew Leibenguth is in charge of contacting individual members concerning scheduled shifts and suggested patrols "contact police or the comm center when you start your shift. That way officers will know you are out there." Past organizer Mr Tertel also suggested members will be provided with identification cards or stickers.
As part of the overall program, placards will also be made available to residents who offer to provide "safe havens," places where children can go if and when they feel alarmed about suspicious behavior.
Crime Watch applications are available at Tamaqua Borough Hall, the Tamaqua office of the TIMES NEWS, Hope's Mini Mart and the Tamaqua Public Library.
REFERENCES:
Tamaqua Borough Office
Tamaqua Police Department