A multi-event celebration was held Friday (Feb. 28, 2014) at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center (TCAC) to showcase recent renovations to the center and to praise the hard work and dedication from many individuals, organizations and businesses who have come together to make the center into a growing arts and entertainment venue.
Recent renovations to the concert hall included a wall-to-wall stage, 12′ deep, professional stage lighting, pews replaced with 66 revitalized theater seats and pub tables with bar stools, central air conditioning, new wall-to-wall carpeting, fresh coat of paint, renovated bathroom and so on.
 In early 2012, the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership purchased the former Salem United Methodist Church building at 125 Pine Street in Tamaqua with hopes of making it a center for creative community activities.
Two years later, the center is used almost daily for various activities – ranging from arts, crafts, education, entertainment and community functions.
Hundreds of guests and visitors attended the multi-event celebration at the center on Friday.
The start of the event involved a Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce catered membership mixer; which included words from speakers who talked about the challenges of the center, as well as improvements since being founded.
“I am really surprised with how much local talent we have in the arts, performing arts and fine arts,” said Micah Gursky, center director, and executive director of Tamaqua Area Community Partnership (TACP). “This is a really nice showcase that really matches up with the quality of talent that we have in our community.”
During the mixer, a number of people, businesses and organizations were recognized for their dedication and support.
Some mentioned included L & S Electrical Construction of Summit Hill, Hy-Grade Building Systems of New Ringgold, Steve Matalavage, Mark Conville, Josh Esposito, Pete Smulligan, Ziegler’s Towing and Auto Repair of Hometown, Hope’s Towing and Collision of Tamaqua, Shafer’s Pharmacy, McKinley Carpet of Hometown, the estate of Ted Giltner, Morgan Foundation, Pennsylvania Arts Council, Pennsylvania Power and Light (who made a $50k pledge), Open Society Foundations, Jump Street (of Harrisburg), Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), .
Gursky gave highest credit to numerous volunteers and their families who contributed thousands of man-hours that went into making the center what it is today.
In addition, Gursky praised other incentives of the TACP and program partners at the center, to include the Tamaqua Safety Initiative, Tamaqua League of Literaries (LOL), Coal Cracker Barbershop Chorus, Tamaqua Area Community Theatre, Paint and Sip instructor Phillip Krivenko, Black Diamond Pottery Studio instructor Craig Bulger and other arts classes.
Also recognized were TACP directors Lee Shafer (chairman), Linda Yulanavage, Ken Dunkelberger, Maureen Donovan, Jason Boris, Jason Boris, Serge Chrush, Michael Fegley, Pat Freeh-Stefanek, Dale Freudenberger, Judy Hoppes, Keith Hoppes Esq., Carol Makuta, Tressa McLaughlin, Sally Neumann, Anthony Odorizzi Esq., Michael Prock, Ed Redding, Dr. Joe Urenovitch, and Georgine Wentz.
“All of the renovations were made possible by private contributions,” said Gursky, who continued saying that no grant or borough money was used in the project. “It is all people opening up their wallets and helping out with financial donations.”
“It has really been a collaborative effort and a wonderful thing to be apart of,” said Gursky. “Its really a dream come true.”
 “The center honors the legacy of the former church that once operated here,” said Jack Kulp, Chairman, Center’s Board of Directors. “This center will grow to serve as the best live music venue in the tri-state area.”
“All of this was a vision of the community,” said Leona Rega, center coordinator. “It could not have been here tonight without all of you.”
Rega spent time talking about numerous programs held at the center. “All the programs are brought to you by volunteers,” said Rega.
Also speaking was Ken Dunkelberger, who spoke on behalf of the Banditelli family and their beloved Christopher Banditelli, 42, who passed away in December of last year. The family donated 4 guitars and an amplifier to the center.
“On behalf of the Banditelli family, I would like to thank the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership and Community Arts Center for allowing them to take part in this special evening,” said Dunkelberger. “I’m lucky enough to have known Chris for over 20 years. During this time, one thing became evident. His love for music was unmatched. Anyone that knew Chris realized how important music was to him. It became his life and each time he strapped on his guitar – it put a smile upon his face.”
“Tonight, the Banditelli family’s donation is a testimony to Chris’s love for music, as well as their love for Chris,” said Dunkelberger. “Their generosity is important because it keeps a venue like this open while helping others to reach their goals. So once again, on behalf of Carol, Tom, Tommy, Roxanne, Jake and Dominic, we thank the Community Arts Center for allowing us to have a way to remember Chris’s legacy while keeping his love for music alive.”
“I believe the Community Arts Center inspires people to always follow their dreams,” said Tamaqua High School junior Daisy Valentine, who served as a guest speaker and was taught to play the guitar via a class as the center. “When my emotions are mixed up, I pick up my guitar and jam. By playing different tones, I express my feelings through my music.”
“The arts center and this new performance venue creates so many possibilities to all of us. Not just for those who are involved right here, but to the entire community, including you as business owners,” said Linda Yulananage, Executive Director, Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce, during the mixer. “Every event, concert, class or seminar that happens here attracts new people. By working together and getting involved, you can bring those prospective customers to your businesses.”
The finale of the mixer event involved a ribbon cutting to celebrate recent major renovations at the center. Valentine cut the ribbon.
The second part of the event included free entertainment by bands “Justus” and “Rock Street Park”; which lasted well into the night.
To volunteer or for more information about the center, visit them on Facebook, via the center’s website at www.TamaquaArts.org or by calling (570) 668-1192.
Click HERE to view the TamaquaArea.com pre-story about the event.)
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TamaquaArea.com video: (Fast forward to 23:00 to view the program.)

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