(Friday, August 20, 2010)

Wave after wave of friends, firefighters, family, and community members came to bid farewell Saturday afternoon to the late Thomas "Tom" Hartz Sr., 52-year active Tamaqua firefighter, remembering him for his willful mind, sense of humor, knowledge, and life-long dedication to the Citizen's Fire Company. Hartz, 70, of Tamaqua, died March 24.

Saturday's funeral procession started off with a grand departure from the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home on East Broad Street in Tamaqua with more than 40 firefighters in their dress uniforms saluting, escorting, and surrounding Tom's casket while also carefully raising it onto the back of a black bunting-covered Citizen's Fire Company fire truck.

More than 60 vehicles, including 25 fire trucks originating from as far away as West Hazleton and Pottsville, joined the Citizen's truck as it slowly proceeded through Tamaqua on its way to the Sky View Cemetery in Hometown.

Half way through Tamaqua, the Citizen's Fire Company set off its station's whistle in honor of Hartz. Fire Police and other fire companies from surrounding departments were strategically stationed throughout Tamaqua and Hometown to stop or detour traffic during the lengthy mobile procession, whichwas then greeted by two raised ladder trucks from Coaldale and McAdoo, with Garrison flag, as well as saluting firefighters, as it turned east onto SR54 from SR309 north in Hometown.

Fellow firefighters stressed their great respect for Tom's wife of 47 years.

Hartz' civic concern led him to a storied tenure as a volunteer fireman and 50-year member of the Citizens Fire Company, Tamaqua. Holding both social and line officer duties, he served as a trustee, captain, recording secretary, safety officer, and for many years was the company's fire chief. In conjunction with his constant dedication to fire company responsibilities, he was first assistant to the chief of the Community of Tamaqua during the tenure of Chief Robert "Bip" Delay. Hartz belonged to the Six-County Fireman's Association, Schuylkill County Fireman's Relief, and the State Fireman's Association. He helped to organize many community-sponsored parades.

Members of the Citizen's Fire Company stated their respect for Tom, also known as "Old Man," by telling hundreds of stories related to all that he had done since he started with the fire company 52 years ago, such as: Besides being a father and grandfather to everyone, Tom would speak his mind and didn't care what anyone thought, while also earning respect through knowledge; Hartz's staple was his cigar. He always had it in his mouth; Tom could tell you engaging stories that would keep your undivided attention because he was here 52 years.

A number of events are planned in remembrance of Hartz's lifelong dedication to the Citizen's Fire Company, as well as his wife's shared support and dedication.

Tom Sr. is also a part of a family legacy of dedicated firefighters and hard workers. Surviving in addition to his wife are three daughters, Andrea "Candy" Hartz, Lynn Ann (Hartz) Navratil, and Jennifer Hartz of Tamaqua; four sons, Thomas H. Hartz Jr.(Chief of the Citizen's firefighter), Michael Hartz, Jeffrey S. Hartz(firefighter), and Jason G. Hartz(Captain of the Citizen's Fire Company), all of Tamaqua; two sisters, Jeanette (Hartz) Kline, and Paula (Hartz) Mertz of Tamaqua. Christopher Hartz serves as the Chief Engineer of the Citizen's Fire Company.

The funeral service at the cemetery ended decorously with the playing of bagpipes and "last call", in which all pagers and scanners went off and the Schuylkill County Communication Center broadcasted: "Tamaqua Fire Department. This is the last call, last call for firefighter Tom Hartz Sr."

(Story/Photos/Video by volunteer Andrew Leibenguth)

(Thursday, February 21, 2010)

This story is still in the developing stages. Please check back later for more info.

Below is a partial email correspondence received from S.T.S. Discount Fuel Oil's attorney on Feb. 19, 2010:

More Media Coverage Links:

1.  ( Monday, February 15, 2010 WBRE TV Story )

2.  ( Wednesday, February 17, 2010 WBRE TV Story )

3.  ( Sunday, February 21, 2010 Morning Call Newspaper Story )

ABOUT PHOTO:

  Diane Gould from Coaldale shows a credit ticket for $855.54 of undelivered pre-paid (pre-buy) fuel oil from S.T.S. Discount

Fuel Oil of Tamaqua. Diane, a widow and nurse, had to pay other local fuel companies to fill her empty fuel tank.

As of March 1, 2010, STS Discount Fuel Oil has only made one delivery to Diane since November of 2009. 

(Story/Photo by Andrew Leibenguth) (All Photos)

(Thursday, February 11, 2010)

Local Fire Departments in the Tamaqua and surrounding areas always encourage residents to keep all fire hydrants clear of

snow as well as provide a path from the street to the hydrant. In most communities in our area, local volunteer firefighters or

town workers usually take on the time-consuming task of removing snow from around all fire hydrants. Seconds count when

responding to a fire or disaster. Plow trucks and snow blowers may unintentionally cover fire hydrants with snow even

after they’ve already been shoveled. Even in small snow storms, fire hydrants become hidden under mounds of snow

or have ice accumate on them. This will drastically slow down a fire companies response time. Fire hydrants and

small clearances around them are city property. That fact shouldn’t stop anyone from removing snow even if the fire hydrant

is not on their property.

Some neighborhoods and communities help the town workers by rotating the responsibility of making sure their street

hydrants are snow and ice free. Firefighters respond with a limited number of volunteers and everyone’s function is vital in

the first few minutes of a fire. The longer it takes to provide water onto the fire, the longer it will take to provide other vital

operations. Spend the extra few minutes and make sure your closest fire hydrant is clear of snow. You never know;

the next fire could be yours or your neighbors.

ABOUT PHOTO:

Pictured is Tamaqua resident Joe Ciambruschini taking initiative by shoveling out a path to a fire hydrant.

(Story/Photo by Andrew Leibenguth)

(Thursday, December 24, 2009)

Santa Claus and his elves arrived a day early in Tamaqua at the new home of a large family that lost most of its

belongings and two pets to a tragic fire that occurred December 23, 20009 on Washington Street in Tamaqua.

Santa's sleigh, reindeer, and elves were replaced with police vehicles, fire trucks, police officers,

firefighters and local volunteers.

Various charity organizations, police departments, local news media and churches came together within

24 hours of the fire to help the affected family, including eight children, rebound from the disaster.

On the day of the fire, police officers, Schuylkill County 911 dispatchers, and volunteers spent many hours

buying, collecting, and wrapping presents for the family, then delivered hundreds of wrapped gifts, clothing,

furniture and various donations during the day on Christmas Eve.

Michelle Valentine, mother, and David Valentine, father, and their children met Santa and all the volunteers

with joyous smiles at the front door of their new home on West Rowe Street in Tamaqua.

In addition to the police, dispatchers and fire companies, other caring organizations that pulled together as

one to help the Valentine family included the American Red Cross, Tamaqua Salvation Army,

Tamaqua Girl Scouts, local churches, and many others.

Surrounding police departments, consisting of Tamaqua, Coaldale, Rush Township, and Kline Township,

combined efforts only hours after the fire to organize a toy and donation drive for all the children.

Local businesses and individuals also promptly stepped up to help.

Tamaqua Police Chief Dave Mattson reportedly also provided $100 and toys for the family. Jeff Reigel

of Reigel Fuel Oil LLC in Tamaqua, who was also one of the volunteer firefighters at the fire, has

donated 100 gallons of fuel oil to the family.

The family's landlord provided an immediate new place to stay.

The Hometown Wal-Mart contributed gift cards. Many other people, organizations, and businesses also

provided monetary, clothing, and other donations to the Tamaqua Salvation Army for the Valentine family.

A Salvation Army volunteer stated, "The immediate and immense outpour of donations and support for the

Valentine family is truly a miracle of both community and God. Local news media, like the TIMES NEWS,

also took a great part in helping the fire victims by quickly alerting the public of the tragedy and ways to help.

Thank you tremendously for all the help in making the Valentines' Christmas a better one."

Monetary donations for the Valentine family, no matter how small, can be dropped off or mailed to

the Tamaqua Salvation Army, 105 West Broad St, Tamaqua PA 18252. Put "Valentine Family,

Dec. 23, 2009 Fire" in the comment line.

Monetary donations for any local family affected by fire can also be mailed to the Tamaqua Salvation Army.

ABOUT PHOTO:

Many organizations came together just 24 hours after a tragic fire to help the Valentine family, which lost its

belongings to a fire in Tamaqua Wednesday. Some of the volunteers providing donations to the family include,

from left, Coaldale Police Officer Keith Krapf, fire victims Michelle Valentine, Daisy Valentine, 13, Carl Valentine, 8,

David Valentine, 11, Santa Claus, Schuylkill County 911 dispatcher Brian Murray, Coaldale Police

Officer Charlie Blesse, volunteer Angela Krapf, and Coaldale Police Officer Scott Kramer.

(Story/Photo by Andrew Leibenguth) (All Photos)

(Thursday, December 23, 2009)

Many local and regional organizations in and around Tamaqua came together in only a matter of hours

to help the large family displaced by the fire Wednesday on Washington Street in Tamaqua.

The Schuylkill and Eastern Northumberland Chapter of the American Red Cross and

the Tamaqua Salvation Army are both assisting the family.

The Schuylkill Emergency Communications Dispatch Center, ACCESS services, and the

Tamaqua, Coaldale, West Penn, and St. Clair police departments have also banded together to help

the eight children of this fire by collecting hundreds of same-day toys and over $500 in monetary donations.

Members and volunteers from Schuylkill Communications Dispatch Center, police departments,

and other emergency organizations also organized a same-day toy wrapping event at the St.

Clair Ambulance Building late Wednesday night to handle all the gifts they collected.

Marines from the Marine Corps Reserve Unit in Reading also hand delivered Toys For Tots

and eight pairs of children's winter boots for the family.

Ed Quirin, of the Minersville Marine Corps League Coal Cracker Detachment Toys For Tots, also

donated new toys to the police departments' toy campaign for the family.

Officer John Morgan, ex-Frackville police chief and current part-time officer in Tamaqua, donated

furniture to the families via the police departments' assistance drive for the families.

Jeff Reigel of Reigel Fuel Oil LLC in Tamaqua donated 100 gallons of fuel oil to the

new location where the family is currently staying.

The Tamaqua Salvation Army Corps is taking donations for the family. Monetary donations, no

matter how small, can be dropped-off or mailed to the Tamaqua Salvation Army, 105 West Broad St.,

Tamaqua PA 18252. Put "Dec. 23, 2009 Fire Victims" in the comment line. For ages and clothing

sizes of all the children, visit TamaquaArea.com/HelpFireVictims.

The St. John United Church of Christ, 150 Pine St., Tamaqua, will hold a Christmas Eve toy and

clothing drive to benefit the Tamaqua fire victims from 8 a.m. to noon.

Hometown Wal-Mart also donated a $250 gift card to give to the fire victims.

Many community organizations have come together as one to help the family, but much more is still

needed as the family has lost almost all its household belongings in the fire. Contact volunteer Andy

Leibenguth anytime at (570) 668-1234 to donate furniture, beds, and appliances, or for more ways to help.

ABOUT PHOTO:

Police officers, Schuylkill County 911 Dispatchers, and other volunteers spent more than four hours late Wednesday (Dec. 23, 2009)

into Thursday (Dec. 24, 2009) at the Veterans Memorial Ambulance building in St. Clair wrapping the hundreds of toys they

purchased or collected for the Tamaqua fire victims. Pictured behind some of the donations they collected and wrapped are, from

front left, volunteers Mary Kramer, Austin Kramer and Tiffany Talanca; and Coaldale Police Officer Jeremy Talanca. Pictured from

back left are Schuylkill County 911 Dispatchers Kris Fessler, Kevin Dillman, St. Clair Ambulance Shannon Martin, Schuylkill

County 911 Dispatcher Brian Murray, and Coaldale Police Officer Scott Kramer.

(Story/Photo by Andrew Leibenguth)

(Sunday, December 20, 2009)

Around 2 a.m. on Sunday December 20, 2009, the Tamaqua Area Water Authority started repairs on a

water main break located about 100 feet parallel to Rt. 209 near Hart Metals at the east end of Tamaqua.

A week ago, they discovered a smaller leak when they saw water shooting out of the ground.

In preparation for the water main leak repair, the water authority spent the past week cutting down

trees and laying stones to create a 12 foot wide 400-foot long path through the woods and brush for their

heavy equipment to reach the water main break. Because businesses located at the Jamesway Plaza

would be affected, they delayed the start of the work until early Sunday.

While they were attempting to finish these repairs, the water main completely burst around 3 a.m.

They then requested the quick assistance of Pioneer Construction Company, near Dallas, to help with the repair.

Pioneer Construction Company has successfully helped with other Tamaqua water main breaks in the past.

Residents in Dutch Hill can expect to have low water pressure for the duration of the repair,

which are estimated to be completed by early Monday (Dec. 21, 2009) morning.

Cold temperatures have caused a 20-foot high patch of thick ice and icicles to form on an embankment

adjacent to the water main break. An ice dam leading from the water main break to a parallel creek has also formed.

The Tamaqua Area Water Authority and the Tamaqua fire company have connected gas-powered water pumps

to fire hydrants in Dutch Hill to help improve pressure for the residents of Dutch Hill while they repair the water main.

Tamaqua Area Water Authority Supervisor Rob Jones worked with fellow water authority workers and Pioneer

Construction contractors late Sunday (Dec. 20, 2009) into Monday (Dec. 21, 2009) morning and hopes to have the

water main repaired by this morning. A water boil advisory is in effect until further notice for Dutch Hill in Tamaqua.

ABOUT PHOTO:

Tamaqua Area Water Authority Supervisor Rob Jones, pictured wearing a hunters cap, provides instructions prior to

final repairs on the water main break. Pictured behind the water main break is a twenty-foot high patch of thick ice

and icicles that have formed on a high embankment behind the water main break

(Story/Photo by Andrew Leibenguth) (All Photos)

(Thursday, December 10, 2009)

The coldest day of the season didn't stop Caribbean Santa from visiting downtown Tamaqua

December 10, 2009. The three-day free public event, ending Saturday, was hosted by the Tamaqua

Tire Pros and benefits the Tamaqua Salvation Army food bank and Schuylkill Carbon Marine

Corps League Toys For Tots Campaign. Visitors were drawn to the collection event by four giant

rotating spotlights that Tire Pros shined bright and high into the sky above downtown Tamaqua.

Caribbean Santa arrived at Tire Pros with his green gift sack wearing only a Caribbean shirt,

shorts, towel, and flip-flops. In addition to taking holiday wishes from children while sitting in a

lawn chair, Caribbean Santa also spent time outside in the cold taking monetary, food, and new-toy

donations from walking passerbys and drivers. Tire Pros was filled with holiday-lit palm trees and

Caribbean themed decorations. They also projected Toys For Tots and Salvation Army commercials

onto a very large projection screen facing the street. Photos with Caribbean Santa were taken free

of charge to the public. Gift bags, cookies, candy, and hot chocolate were also provided at no cost to

children and visitors. Tamaqua Salvation Army and Toys For Tots volunteers also stood outside in the

cold taking donations from passerbys and drivers. Mike Estojak, owner of Tire Pros, encourages people

to stop by and visit Caribbean Santa, as well as give a donation to the Salvation Army or Toys For Tots

while they are there. The collections continued over the next few days.

Story and Photos By TamaquaArea.com creator Andrew Leibenguth. (All Photos)

(Tuesday, November 24, 2009)

Two students at the St Jerome Regional School in Tamaqua organized a local food drive in

support of the Tamaqua Salvation Army Christmas food distribution. St Jerome Regional

School student Mission Representatives Annette Ritzko and Olivia Agosti held their drive at

their school this month as a community assistance project they are tasked to do each month via

the Holy Childhood Association, a Catholic mission society for children in kindergarten through

grade eight. HCA asks Catholic children in the United States and around the world to be

missionaries by sharing their love, caring, and faith in Jesus with children at home and all over

the world. Last month, they helped the Ronald McDonald House Charities. In December, they

are helping the Schuylkill Carbon Marine Corps League Detachment 626 Toys For Tots Campaign.

ABOUT PHOTO:

Pictured from left are Dylan Blashock(grade 1, age 7), Nicholas Onea(grade 3, age 8), Emma Coccio(grade 2, age 8),

Jacob Triano(grade 4, age 10), Tyler Wackley(grade 6, age 12) Ian Myers(grade 5, age 11), HCA

mission representatives Annette Ritzko(grade 7, age 13), and Olivia Agosti(grade 8, age 13).

(Story/Photo by Andrew Leibenguth)

NORTH & MIDDLE WARD PLAYGROUND CLEANUP, TAMAQUA

(Sunday, November 22, 2009)

Over 40 volunteers spent most of the day helping the North and Middle Ward Playground Association

cleanup and rake their playground on Sunday November 22. Some of the many volunteers that

helped with the cleanup were Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA troop No 1211, Tamaqua Middle

School students, Tamaqua Middle School National Honor Society students, Lionesses,

community neighbors, Kevin Steigerwalt, local youth, and many others. The playground association

also provided food and refreshments to all the volunteers. Volunteer Kevin Steigerwalt made

four trips with the Tamaqua borough dump truck to the borough's compost pile to dispose of all

the leaves. North and Middle Ward Playground Association President Kim Snyder was surprised

and very appreciative for the amount of support provided by the community. Anyone wanting to

help or join the North and Middle Ward Playground Association is encouraged to call Kim at (570) 668-1171.

ABOUT PHOTO:

TAMAQUA DRAMA CLUB CARNIVAL CABARET VARIETY SHOW

(Friday, November 20, 2009)

The Tamaqua Area High School Drama Club staged a Carnival Cabaret Variety and Music Show

called “Under The Big Top” at the Tamaqua School District Auditorium Friday November 20, 2009.

The show was filled with an entertaining variety of old and new dance, character, music, vocal,

instrumental, visual, and comedy-themed performances. The cabaret variety show began with a

dancing parade through the center of the audience ending with the audience being surrounded by all the

drama club members performing various forms of dance, gymnastics, twirling, and choreography to the

tune of “Under The Big Top” as circus style spotlights were showered over the audience. The stage was

also draped in red and yellow stripes to resemble a large circus tent. The event continued with an introduction

and members of the Tamaqua High School Quartet singing “I’m Sitting On Top Of The World.”

“The Joker”, portrayed by director and student Ryan Miorelli, was the intermittent entertainment and

narrator in between each act. Student Drew Bonner sang and played the piano a number of times

during the show. Nicolai Kabana performed many types of juggling acts involving bowling pins, glowing

circles, balls, spinners, hammers, and lighted sticks. A number of comedy-themed acts and skit routines were

spread out during the show. A silent black and white comedy film, directed by Ryan Miorelli, was also projected

and played onto a big screen for the audience.  Ryan’s silent film portrayed students acting out a western

comedy-style gun-slinger story recorded in downtown Tamaqua. The Tamaqua High School cheerleader clowns

were also an attraction. A majority of the drama clubs skits were comedy-themed and always resulted with the

attending audience clapping and laughing. Another form of entertainment provided was a visual performance

consisting of Jerome Betz performing martial arts by breaking boards and concrete blocks with his arms

and feet. Dustin Wentz and Robert Craigle also displayed their martial arts hitting skills. Batman, portrayed

by Matthew Wink, occasionally showed himself at various times, as to provide comedy and to annoy

“The Joker” between each skit. The Tamaqua Jazz Musicians also performed a number of character and

musical acts. The show’s finale consisted of 34 drama club students coming together on the stage

and singing “Who Will Love Me As I Am”, with Drew Bonner on the piano. Jon Rodgers, of Lehighton,

has recently taken over the Tamaqua Drama Club and will be directing the drama club’s next spring musical.

ABOUT PHOTO:

LONGHI FINANCIAL HOSTS SOCIAL SECURITY SEMINAR

(Monday, November 16, 2009)

Longhi Financial of Hometown hosted a public Social Security seminar at the LCCC Morgan’s

campus in Tamaqua November 16, 2009. Various speakers talked about Social Security retirement

benefits and financial planning. William “Bill” Coyne, technical expert from the Pottsville Social

Security Administration office, showed a PowerPoint presentation and talked about Social Security

retirement benefits to a filled-room. Coyne stated, as of February of this year, over 51 million

people were on Social Security. He stated that about 11 million people were on social security in

1946. Coyne also pointed out that about 74 million people will be on social security by the year

2034, which will be about 19 percent of the U.S. population. By 2016, Social Security is estimated

to pay  more in benefits than is collected for it in taxes. Social Security retirement benefits are

determined by the highest 35-years of earnings. You have to have paid into Social Security a

minimum of 40 accumulative quarters, or 10 years, to receive Social Security retirement benefits.

The more total earnings you have, the better your Social Security retirement benefit will be. He also

stated that some people choose to work while receiving Social Security to help with high medical costs.

Coyne also spoke about APPRISE, a non-profit group who talks with seniors about the ins and outs of

health insurance. APPRISE’s phone is (800) 783-7067. William Coyne also talked about lump sum

death benefits, widows benefits, calculating benefits, and related Medicare benefits. Widowers are eligible

for benefits at age 50 and are encouraged to contact the Social Security office to discuss benefits. Coyne

also stressed the many things that can be done and tools available on the internet via the Social Security

Administration website at www.socialsecurity.gov. Stanley B. Warner III, CPA, MBA and Juliann Longhi,

CFP, both of Longhi Financial, talked about the added benefits of financial planning in addition to social

security benefits. They pointed out facts and gave numbers to explain the benefits of financial planning. Mr

Warner stated that the Social Security benefit you receive is based on your earnings averaged over your

working career, and it is also affected by the age at which you retire. If you retire at age 62 (the earliest

possible age for receiving normal Social Security retirement benefits) your benefits will be lower than if you

wait until “full retirement age” or later. In 2009, the maximum monthly benefit for someone retiring at age

62 is $1,769. This compares with $2,323 for someone retiring at full retirement age (currently, age 66)

or $3,054 for someone starting benefits at age 70. Although 63 percent of baby boomers expect to

work for pay in retirement, only 25 percent of today’s retirees have actually done so. Mr. Warner

also talked about tax exempt investing in relation to Roth IRAs and municipal bonds. Anyone wanting more

information concerning Social Security retirement benefits is encouraged to visit the Social Security

Administration website at www.socialsecurity.gov or by calling (800) 772-1213.

ABOUT PHOTO:

ST LUKE'S HOSTS SALVATION ARMY DINNER AND SEMINAR

(Tuesday, November 10, 2009)

The St Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital, with cooperation with the Tamaqua Lions Club,

Tamaqua Rotary Club, Tamaqua Elks, and Tamaqua Salvation Army Bequest and Endowment

Committee, hosted a dinner and bequest and endowment seminar to benefit the Tamaqua

Salvation Army Tuesday November 10, 2009 at the Tamaqua Elks Lodge.

The dinner consisted of guest speakers who spoke of estate and charitable giving, as well as

planned giving and the differences between charitable and normal investment planning.

The event was put together by the Tamaqua Salvation Army Bequest and Endowment Committee.

Event toastmaster was Tamaqua Lions Club president Steve Bayer.

Speaker Micah Gursky, Director of Development for St Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital,

Coaldale, talked about how people can help by using charitable planned and estate giving as a

way to maximize the good of their charitable giving while also providing a way of providing a

good return via their charitable endowments or investments. He also spoke and showed images

about recent St Luke's Hospital developments and patient appreciations.

Speaker Eric M. Mika, Esq., certified elder law attorney, from Pottsville, spoke about many things

concerning planned giving, estate, and long term planning, as well as tax and legal information

regarding safe planning. Eric stated many useful investment, planning, legal, and tax facts.

In 1900, 47-50 percent of people died at home; most of which died of heart attacks and

infections. People suffer longer now and require adequate long term care planning.

People with charitable inclinations should have an effective power of attorney and make sure

the right language and charitable wishes are in their will and to also avoid complications from

privacy laws. The Pennsylvania Intestacy Law dictates who gets your assets when there isn't a

legal will. The law states that the first 30K goes to spouse. The remaining balance

is then divided in half between the living spouse and children.

He also stated the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax is based

on the relationship between the beneficiary and the deceased. Spouses and charitable donations

result in a inheritance zero percent tax, while children pay 4 percent tax, brother and sister pay

12.5 percent tax, and anyone else pays a 15 percent tax. Mica also pointed out that most charitable

gift annuities, to include deferred annuities, give capital or assets to entities, or charities, as well

as immediate tax deductions resulting in a fixed income stream return versus variable commercial

annuities. Currently, the 2009 Federal Estate tax currently taxes assets totaling less than 3.5 million,

has no federal estate tax in 2010, and by 2011, 45 percent of assets above $1 million will be taxed.

A lot of times, you don't have to pay taxes or file a return concerning estate donations.

Sharon Somers, Salvation Army Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Divisional Headquarters Planned Giving

Representative, talked about planned giving with the Salvation Army through retirement plans and bequests.

Floyd Zimmerman, Tamaqua Salvation Army board member and Bequest / Endowment Committee

chairman, talked about the many activities and programs the Tamaqua Salvation Army provides to

people and communities in Eastern Schuylkill and Western Carbon County. Floyd also explained

that the Salvation Army endowment fund has been effectively running since 1941 and will benefit

both the community, as well as the charitable investor. Other Tamaqua Salvation Army board

members also assisted with this event. For more information on Salvation Army bequests and endowments,

please call the Salvation Army at (570) 668-0410 or visit their website at www.TamaquaSalvationArmy.com

ABOUT PHOTO:

REP KNOWLES’ EMERGENCY SERVICES SEMINAR HAS FULL HOUSE

(Thursday, November 5, 2009)

PA Rep Jerry Knowles (R-Berks/Schuylkill) hosted an Emergency Services seminar to a filled

New Ringgold Fire House Thursday November 5th, 2009. The seminar gave many local and surrounding

emergency service workers and volunteers the opportunity to listen to state and county emergency service

officials about varying emergency service matters that affect them. It also gave the large crowd of emergency

service volunteers an open chance to ask questions and state their concerns.

Various state, county, and local officials spoke about various topics related to emergency services. PA State

Fire Commissioner Ed Mann spoke about the new legislation that pushes for residential automatic

sprinkler systems and the benefits they would provide to fire responders. He also stated that new legislation

recently passed determines that adequate local fire and emergency services are primarily determined by their

local government. He also stated Schuylkill County has more fire companies, per capita, than any county in PA.

Bureau of Emergency Medical Services director Joseph W. Schmider stressed his enthusiasm concerning the

rewrite of the Emergency Medical Services Act of 2009 that was just passed in August. He stated the 108

page EMS Act of 2009 is opening up the system for many new beneficial rules and regulations to go into effect

by February 2012. He also stressed the upcoming advanced H1M1 vaccine sites. Since 79.5% of all people

infected by H1M1 are ages 5 to 24, emergency service workers will probably be next-in-line to receive the

H1M1 vaccines. Schmider also pointed out the options of purchasing equipment via state surplus and COSTARS,

the commonwealth’s cooperative purchasing program. PA House of Representatives Research Analyst Sean Harris

talked about distribution of fire relief monies, the PA Fire and Emergency Services Institute, and tuition reimbursement.

Harris also spent time explaining that the Fire Police Act gives Fire Police more defined powers, as granted by the

PA Commonwealth to all mayors and executive committees to give to their fire police. In addition, Harris also

brought up possible legislation to provide tax credits to employers of emergency service volunteers, such as

firefighters. Schuylkill County Emergency Management Services director Arthur Kaplan spoke about the benefits of

Incident Command Systems Management training and how county EMS works in partnership with local emergency

officials to assist mini-IMAT teams. Berks County Emergency Services Deputy director Brian Gottschall talked about

(NIMS) National Incident Management System compliance. Some speakers also talked about the 2009-10

Volunteer Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program, as the state-wide program only

provides for about $23 million to volunteer fire companies and only about $3 million to local EMS. Volunteers and

speakers also stated their distaste over the $100 volunteer tax credit "single tax return" policy. Volunteers who filled

out a joint federal tax return could not receive this tax credit without submitting an additional separate single PA tax

return. Representative Knowles, who previously was a part of the Tamaqua South Ward Fire Company, spoke

about varying topics, but stressed the importance of each local emergency service to lobby for what they need.

He pointed out that lobbying gets more attention and better results. Rep Knowles also spoke of the pursuit of

emergency service programs and other related grants.

C.H.O.S.E. AUTUMN MASQUERADE RENAISSANCE

(Sunday, November 1, 2009)

The C.H.O.S.E. (Church, Home, Organization, School, Environment) Recreation Organization

in Coaldale held their free 7th Annual CHOSE "Autumn Masquerade Renaissance" parade and celebration in

Coaldale on November 1, 2009 for children up to age 12. It began with a parade departing from the

Coaldale Borough Hall and ended at the Coaldale Community Complex, which was turned into a scary

Medieval castle where nearly 90 costume-wearing children were treated to lunch, music, games, prizes, dancing,

and contests. The inside of the Complex was surrounded from head-to-toe with Medieval props, Masquerade

apparel, and Halloween themed characters. A Royal Court from Duke and Duchess to Jesters

were also selected. DJ Romig provided music.

ABOUT PHOTO:

Pictured, from left, C.H.O.S.E. President Angela Krapf with her daughter “girl Jester” Myla Krapf, 2; “Duke” Jason Nelson, 10;

“King” Joshua Horvath”, 8; front “boy Jester” Jase Horvath, 2; front “Prince” Brian Hay, 6; back “Queen” Sara Markovich, 7;

and Angela Doerr holding her daughter “Princess” McKayla Doerr, 4. The “Duchess” was Lexie Kerestes, 12, not pictured.

(Story/Photos by Andrew Leibenguth) (All Photos)