TAMAQUA AREA
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
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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
Courtesy of TIMES NEWS: http://www.tnonline.com/node/73658 <-----Click link to view photos of wanted 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.
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
TAMAQUA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 2010-2011 REGISTRATIONS
The Tamaqua Area School District will hold orientation and registration for kindergarten for the 2010-11 school year.
An orientation night is scheduled for March 1 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Tamaqua Elementary School. Parents of incoming kindergarten students will be provided with information about what programs the district has to offer, the benefits of different tracts of learning and other general information needed to get students ready for registration and the first day of school.
Registration packets will be handed out at the orientation.
Registration will be held March 15-16 at Tamaqua Elementary; and on March 18 at West Penn Elementary. Registration for Rush Elementary will be held at the Tamaqua Elementary School on March 17. Registration hours are from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children residing within the Tamaqua Area School District who will reach the age of 5 before Sept. 1, 2010 are eligible.
To register, call (570) 668-3306 the week of Feb. 15, from 9:30-11:30 a.m., and from 1-2 p.m. to schedule an appointment. Proof of residency, health records, original birth certificates and original Social Security cards will be required. Children will be evaluated by a classroom teacher, nurse and speech therapist.
Reference, Times News Newspaper: http://www.tnonline.com/node/66822
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
2010 TAX EXEMPTIONS AVAILABLE
The Schuylkill County and Tamaqua Borough Per Capita and Occupation Tax Exemption Forms for the year 2010 are currently available for Borough of Tamaqua residents. The exemption forms can be obtained at the Tamaqua Municipal Building, 320 E. Broad Street, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Forms will also be available at the 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. 29, 2010.
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.
"VA is adapting to meet the financial needs of our Veteran-students who are on campus," Shinseki said. "They should be focusing on their studies, not worrying about financial difficulties."
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.
FIRE PREVENTION PROCLAMATION CREATED FOR TAMAQUA
2009:
Tamaqua Mayor Christian Morrison (center) proclaimed the week of Oct. 4-10 as Fire Prevention Week throughout the Borough of Tamaqua. "I urge all the people of Tamaqua to protect their homes and families by heeding the important safety messages of Fire Prevention Week 2009 and to support the many public safety activities and efforts of Tamaqua's fire and emergency services," he said. Representatives from each of Tamaqua's four fire departments were on hand to accept the proclamation. They were Mark Bower, Captain, South Ward, Jay Hollenbach, Jr., Captain, American Hose, Tom Hartz, Chief, Citizens, and Mark Boyle, Chief, East End.
YMCA FALL SWIM LESSONS
The Tamaqua YMCA is now accepting registrations for its fall swim lessons and Jack and Jill preschool classes.
For more information, call (570) 668-2903 or stop at the Y's headquarters, located in the former Jamesway Shopping Plaza.
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.
For information, call Beth at (570) 668-3272.
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