2009 - tamaqua area chamber of commerce
Transcription
2009 - tamaqua area chamber of commerce
2009 TAMAQUA AREA COMMUNITY PROGRESS REPORT Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce Tamaqua Industrial Development Enterprises The Beyrent Agency, Inc. 246 East Broad Street Tamaqua, PA 18252 (570)668(570)668-0327 Your One Stop Insurance Agency We Cover Today’s Needs And Tomorrow’s Dreams Our continued support Behind you 100% and Beside you all the way TAMAQUA AREA COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP CONGRATULATIONS TO RANDY GORMLEY 2009 CITIZENSHIP AWARD WINNER 46th Annual Citizenship Award Recipient Randy Gormley Tamaqua, PA The Citizenship Award is presented to a resident of the Tamaqua Area School District, 18 years of age or older, who has shown dedication to the betterment of the community through their volunteer endeavors. Nominations are taken from civic organizations and the public at large, and the winner is selected by an independent panel chaired by the Tamaqua Chamber President. This award is often presented to one of the area’s unsung heroes, and that is a perfect description of this year’s winner, Randy Gormley. Helping people and asking nothing in return is what made Randy a perfect fit for the award. For over 30 years, Randy has dedicated his time and support to several groups to help make this a better community for everyone. He is the son of the late Frank and Olivia (Creitz) Gormley and is a 1953 graduate of the former Lansford High School. He began working in the construction department for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s District 5-0 office in Allentown, a career that spanned 38 years until his retirement in 1991. During that time, he also served a two-year stint of service in the U.S.Navy. Randy, and his wife of 54 years, Doris, reside in Tamaqua’s North Ward. When he settled in Tamaqua, Randy became very involved in civic affairs. He has been a long time member of the Tamaqua Borough Board of Health, serving as its president for nine years and has also served on the Tamaqua Planning Commission. Randy has been a member of the Tamaqua Elks Lodge 592 for over 45 years, serving as an officer and a trustee. The lodge holds his efforts in high esteem and has made him a recipient of its Elk of the Year Award. He has been delivering meals and providing fellowship to Tamaqua Area Meals on Wheels clients for over 18 years, and currently serves as president of that organization’s board of directors. As a volunteer for Horses and Horizons, Randy serves as a side-walker for therapeutic horseback rides. Randy’s many hours of volunteering with the Red Cross Bloodmobile has provided the “gift of life” to thousands of people over the years. Randy is an active member of the First United Methodist Church, in Tamaqua, where he serves as a trustee. Randy’s dedication to our community and his “helping people and asking nothing in return” attitude has made him a humble servant and unsung hero to thousands of people throughout the Tamaqua area. It is with great pleasure that we honor him with this award. Thank you, Randy, for all that you do for our community. Serge Chrush, President Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce TAMAQUA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2008-2009 REPORT It is hard to believe that another year has come and gone. The Chamber continues to make positive changes that allows us to better serve our members, our businesses and the entire community. Our board is actively engaged in the operations of the Chamber and we have several working committees which have added to our membership growth, involvement within all of the Tamaqua area communities, and ongoing successes. The Chamber serves as the initial contact point for those looking to relocate to the Tamaqua area, as well as referrals for all of our members. Our professional staff, consisting of Linda Yulanavage, our Executive Director, and Eileen Barron, our Administrative Assistant, provides valuable information to walk-in visitors and tourists as well as responding to all business inquiries. Our Chamber is very unique in that we provide management and implementation of the Borough of Tamaqua’s Main Street program, with our Executive Director serving as the Main Street Manager. This program provides façade improvement projects, off-street parking in the downtown and management and maintenance of Depot Square Park. Our office also serves as the headquarters for TIDE, the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership, Downtown Tamaqua, Inc., the Tamaqua Art Center Gallery, and the Tamaqua Historical Society. The Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce serves as the initial contact point for those looking to relocate to the Tamaqua area and provides business referrals for our members. We provide many benefits to our members and our professional staff continues to look for new opportunities to upgrade these services and benefits. One major addition to these services was the development of our website, www.tamaqua.net. We are working closely with Lehigh Carbon Community College to provide educational seminars for our members and local business community. The Chamber is proud to continue the tradition of presenting the top commercial seniors at both Tamaqua Area and Marian Catholic high schools with the Charles “Sam” Ghares award. It is also an honor for us to present the Ella Ray Mundy award to a Tamaqua Area senior and the John Earley Award to a Marian Catholic senior. In addition to the wide variety of member services and benefits we provide to our members, our Marketing Committee organizes several events throughout the year to promote our members and improve the quality of life for everyone throughout the Tamaqua area. One of the most popular events is the Outdoor Summer Concert Series. These concerts provide a variety of free musical entertainment in historic downtown Tamaqua. The Chamber, with the help of the Borough of Tamaqua continues to provide Christmas lighting to the downtown area. This service is made possible through the generosity of our business and community partners. The dazzling light display at Depot Square Park is designed by Frank Fabrizio of Remember When Video in Brockton, who also provides the “jumbotron” for the New Year’s Eve celebration and ball drop each year. Our strong working relationship with TIDE, the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership, Downtown Tamaqua, Inc., the Blueprints Community team, and the Borough of Tamaqua allows us to continue forward with our mission to promote the economic, industrial, professional, cultural and civic welfare for the Tamaqua area. The officers, board of directors and staff of the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce thanks everyone for their continued support of our efforts on behalf of our members. Serge Chrush, President Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce At Air Products, social responsibility is all about caring for the environment and communities in which our employees, their families, friends and neighbors live and work. We are deeply involved in helping our communities, both because it is the right thing to do and because it’s also the right way to do business. That’s why we are proud to be named to Business Ethics Magazine’s list of the “100 Best Corporate Citizens.” After all, being a good corporate citizen is really all about people helping people. And we are proud to support the people and organizations that are making our community a better place to live. CHAMBER OFFERS BUSINESS SEMINARS The Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce continues to provide the best in services and information to both its members and to the community through educational seminars throughout the year. Here, Kurt Kushner of Nationwide Financial Network addresses attendees on the topic of "Avoiding the Six Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Business and Your Future". Also facilitating the presentation were Barry Gangwer and Ralph Snyder of Tobash Insurance, Lucy Murphy of Murphy CPA, and attorney Jeffrey Bowe of Bowe, Lisella and Bowe. Participants had the opportunity to assess how well their own businesses and personal assets are protected. SAFE SENIORS PROGRAM With the help of the Tamaqua Police Department and Shafer’s Pharmacy, the Chamber provided valuable information to senior citizens about ways to avoid identity theft, mail scams, and prescription drug safety. Lee Shafer and Tamaqua Police Officer Rick Bekesy presented info on identity and prescription safety to seniors at the ABC Tamaqua HiRise Building.. DOWNTOWN TAMAQUA, INC. Tamaqua’s Main Street Organization 114 West Broad Street Tamaqua, PA 18252 (570)668-6899 Fax (570)668-0826 [email protected] OFFICERS Joseph M. Plasko, President Maureen Donovan, Vice President Judy Johns, Secretary Donald Serfass, Treasurer BOARD OF DIRECTORS Pat Freeh-Stefanek Dale Freudenberger Rich Gibson Micah Gursky Linda Heigele Ann Kline Sally Neumann Kay Rottet Jim Zigmant MAIN STREET MANAGER Linda J. Yulanavage ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Eileen Barron The Borough of Tamaqua’s Main Street program is managed by the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce. The program continues to provide management and funding for Façade improvements , Depot Square Park, South Railroad Street Parking Lot, Mauch Chunk Street Parking Lot, and the Pine Street Garage, as well as promotional and economic restructuring activities in downtown Tamaqua.. TAMAQUA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 114 West Broad Street Tamaqua, PA 18252 (570)668-1880 Fax (570)668-0826 Email: [email protected] Website: www.tamaqua.net OFFICERS Serge Chrush, President Todd Miller, Vice-President Maureen Donovan, Treasurer Susan Fegley, Secretary BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tom Banditelli Sr. Attorney Jeff Bowe Serge Chrush Maureen Donovan Susie Fegley Pat Freeh-Stefanek Barry Gangwer Micah Gursky Mary Jane Horvath Gar Thomas Jerry Knowles Jack Kulp Todd Miller Ann Ostergaard Joe Plasko Jim Zigmant EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Linda J. Yulanavage ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Eileen Barron BREAKFAST MIXERS are held every other month for members and guests of the Tamaqua Chamber. An interesting mix of guest speakers provide valuable information. Below—Former Penn State and NFL fullback, Mike Guman, now a VP in the mutual fund industry, gave Chamber members insight into his football career, along with advice on the challenging economic conditions facing business owners. HEALTHY TIPS was the subject of a Chamber breakfast mixer, when Dr. Joann Calabrese, DO, spoke on the effect that diet, stress, and lifestyles have on everyone. Some simple solutions were offered by Dr. Calabrese.. The Chamber provides the opportunity for its members to sponsor and speak at its bi-monthly breakfast mixers. Shafer’s Pharmacy 11 Center Street Tamaqua, PA 18252 Phone: (570)668-0290 www.shaferpharm.com Your community-minded independent pharmacy Law Offices of Gary D. Marchalk, LLC 204 East Broad Street Tamaqua, PA 18252 570-668-5321 www.marchalklaw.com Family Law Divorce Custody Support Wills/Trusts/Estates Real Estate Criminal Defense DUI Traffic Citations Accident Cases Civil Litigation Landlord/Tenant Employment Law Corporate Law Taxation Gary D. Marchalk, Esquire M. Lee Albright, Esquire Keith Hoppes, Esquire Affiliated with Northeast Pennsylvania Abstract, LLC and the handling of real estate closings www.nepaabstract.com CHAMBER’S EVENING NETWORKING/SOCIAL MIXERS In addition to our breakfast programs, the Chamber offers the opportunity for our members to relax and network, during our bi-monthly evening mixers. The mixers are sponsored by our members. Member hosts provide light food and refreshments for the evening. Liz & Bruce Confer (left) hosted an evening mixer at The Golden Spike Inn, which was sponsored by Bowe, Lisella & Bowe, and Hope’s Towing & Collision and Our Family Mini Mart. CHAMBER’S OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Above, Chamber member Liz Krewson and her family enjoy dinner outdoors at The Restaurant at the Station during one of the Chamber’s outdoor summer concerts. The Summer Concerts are a project of the Chamber’s Marketing Committee, chaired by Jack Kulp. Free concerts are held every other Thursday evening on the platform of the Tamaqua Railroad Station and feature a wide variety of musical entertainment from all over Northeastern Pennsylvania. The concerts are held from June through September, weather permitting. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the sweet sound of music in historic downtown Tamaqua! Concert schedule is online at www.tamaqua.net CHAMBER’S SECOND ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT at Villas Crossing was a big success thanks to our community sponsors. The money raised brings more services to Chamber members, including educational seminars, website services, mixers and more. Mike Cranston and his winning Team WalMart ——————————————————————John Yuschock—New Horizons Vacations MARK YOUR CALENDARS FRIDAY, 09/18/09 FUN—FOOD—PRIZES TAMAQUA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 3rd ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT VILLAS CROSSING GOLF COURSE Sponsorships Now Available! Teams/Individuals welcome! Call Serge Chrush (570)778-2277 Nick Zigmant and the Villas Crossing lunch delivery crew! Donovan Roberts performs on the platform of the Tamaqua Railroad Station during one of the Chamber’s outdoor summer concerts. A full schedule of eight performances is scheduled from June through September 2009. Information on the performers can be found online at www.tamaqua.net and www.myspace.com/tamaquaconcertseries Music lovers enjoy a free outdoor concert on a warm summer evening in historic downtown Tamaqua, courtesy of Tamaqua Chamber Marketing Committee. TAMAQUA AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2009 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES A warm summer night, sweet blues in the air, and the beauty of Depot Square Park – the perfect combination for a great night of fun and entertainment in Tamaqua. Bring your lawn chairs and join us on the platform at the Tamaqua Train Station for Relaxing evening of free musical entertainment. June 4, 2009 Jay Smar June 18, 2009 Lester Hirsh July 2, 2009 Bluzin’ (Bev Conklin & Wayne Smith) July 16, 2009 Sarah Ayers July 30, 2009 Forward Thrust August 13, 2009 Donovan Roberts August 27, 2009 The Fat Cats September 10, 2009 KJ The Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce 2009 Summer Concert Series A project of the Chamber’s Marketing Committee Provided through the generosity of our community sponsors. Since 2005 when the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh designated Tamaqua as one of only 22 “Blueprint Communities” in Pennsylvania, Tamaqua’s Blueprint Communities Team has worked implement a plan to improve the Tamaqua Area. The team identified the following areas to be addressed: • Sustain Tamaqua’s successful Main Street Program • Improve the strength and role of the Tamaqua Area Chamber • Designate Tamaqua’s South Ward as a Pennsylvania “Elm Street” community to achieve neighborhood improvements similar to the improvements in the downtown • Involve the youth in marketing the quality of life in Tamaqua • Develop affordable housing while preserving our historic resources • Implement a plan to encourage the use of the Upper Floors of Tamaqua’s Downtown Tamaqua Efforts Considered “Best Practices” and will be featured at Conference in Montana On June 1, 2009, rural communities will gather in Kalispell, Montana to hear how leading communities are re-inventing, revitalizing and sustaining themselves. Tamaqua’s efforts in economic development, downtown revitalization, recreation, neighborhood improvements, historic preservation, education and health care will be highlighted. This honor comes as a result of Tamaqua being designated as one of only two rural “Sustainable Communities” in the country by the renowned national non-profit, Rural LISC (Local Initiative Support Corporation). Micah Gursky of the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership will lead a panel discussion which will focus on the challenges and successes Tamaqua faces in its revitalization efforts. For more information go to www.rurallisc.org. Rural LISC supports several Tamaqua efforts including the redevelopment of upper floors in Tamaqua’s Downtown and Service Learning at Tamaqua Area High School. DOWNTOWN TAMAQUA’S UPPER FLOORS— VALUABLE REAL ESTATE AVAILABLE FOR DEVELOPMENT As Tamaqua’s downtown continues to improve, the vacant and under-utilized real estate on the second third and fourth floors has been identified as an asset. In 2008, the Blueprint Communities Team partnered with Rural LISC and the Alliance for Building Communities to complete a Market Study of Tamaqua’s Downtown Upper Stories. The study called for effective polices that address the obstacles to properly developing the upper floors including parking, elevator access and utility billing practices that discourage commercial and residential investment in the downtown’s “upstairs.” The Upper Floors are no longer an after thought in downtown revitalization. The unique views and architectural features make this space a resource that can add valuable residential and commercial space. These photos provide an example of the space that is available in the upper floors in historic downtown Tamaqua for residential and commercial development. LOOKING UP: A CALL TO RECOVER THE UNDERUSED UPPER STORIES IN DOWNTOWN TAMAQUA (VIDEO AVAILABLE ONLINE) The Tamaqua Area Community Partnership recently commissioned the production of a short video to highlight the potential for development of the upper stories of our commercial buildings in downtown Tamaqua. The video features the commercial and residential development that has been completed at the Flat Iron Building by the Miller family. The Chamber's Executive Director, Linda Yulanavage, along with Todd Miller, owner of the Flat Iron Building, Kerry Barr, a residential tenant in the building, and Les Wargo, owner of Atlas Structural Steel, a commercial tenant in the building, provide insight on the possibilities and advantages for development of the building stock in downtown Tamaqua. Producer, Ed Redding, provided the editing of this production. The still photos are part of the Upper Story Market study that was recently completed by Schroeder & Schroeder Consulting of Barnesville for the Community Partnership, You will be amazed at the possibilities that are available for development of market rate housing, and commercial space in Tamaqua's downtown. You can view the video on the Chamber’s website at www.tamaqua.net, simply click on Economic Development. For further information on the development possibilities, contact the Chamber of Commerce office at (570)668-1880, or [email protected]. I will not fear the future. Tamaqua / Nesqhehoning Aspire Yuowant anedcuationthat erf syoutopruseuyoruder am.sAnedcuationthal easdt oan opotr unit -yif l edf tu r e.LC Cof er sdzoensfo derges adnpr ogr ams. Thet iut onisaf or dalbe, ienvarscothl u,dgwy.ilsreob www.lccc.edu LISA JANE SCHELLER STUDENT CENTER OPENS What was once Tamaqua’s South Ward Fire Company, is now home to the brand new $400,000 Lisa Jane Scheller Student Center on the Tamaqua campus of Lehigh Carbon Community College. The new center, which includes a study area, lounge, game room and bookstore, provides a place for students to enrich their college experience. The Scheller family, which founded Silberline Manufacturing Company, Hometown, helped fund the center in honor of their daughter, Lisa Jane. $1.5 MILLION DOLLAR SCHELLER SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT was also announced by the Scheller family for students who seek to pursue higher education beyond LCCC at four-year schools, including Bloomsburg, Kutztown and East Stroudsburg Universities. Graduates of Tamaqua Area High School are already able to attend LCCC free of charge for two years through the scholarship program established by the John E. Morgan Foundation, which was funded by the late Morgan, founder of the former J.E. Morgan Knitting Mills, Hometown. Bloomsburg University is also offering a four-year degree program in elementary education at LCCC, which means students can seek that degree and not have to leave the area. The Scheller scholarship can also be used toward that program and the college is looking to extend it to a business degree program. Student Housing Proposed for Downtown Will Tamaqua be a college town? Since the establishment of the Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) John & Dorothy Morgan Center for Education, college students from throughout the region have traveled to Tamaqua for classes. These students, plus the Tamaqua Area graduates taking advantage of the Morgan Scholarships, means hundreds of people of all ages are taking classes at LCCC Tamaqua. And with the new Lisa Jane Scheller Student Center, Tamaqua is now home to a genuine “campus.” This campus growth and Tamaqua’s focus on encouraging investment in the upper floors downtown inspired developer Frank Atkinson to undertake the development of student housing in his four-story building at 43-45 West Broad Street. Development plans include mixed use with commercial space on the first floor and student housing and non-student units. ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS RESULTS The Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance recently conducted an analysis of the potential economic impact resulting from the spending on goods and services by ten people residing at such a facility in Tamaqua. These ten people would support an estimated 1.2 jobs in the Schuylkill County economy. There would also be an estimated $125,906 in economic activity and an estimated $77,526 in total value added. These estimated impacts are in 2004 dollars and number of jobs. 18 N. Railroad Street Tamaqua, PA 18252 570-668-5020 Breakfast Sat. 8am – 11am Sun. 8am – 1pm Lunch Wed – Sat 11am3pm Dinner Wed – Sat 4pm9pm NEW! Saturday Breakfast 8AM -11AM Extended Lunch Hours 11AM to 3PM WITH FREE DELIVERY TO DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES We specialize in Club & Organization meetings & parties, Business Luncheons, Corporate Wine Dinners, Funeral Dinners, Rehearsal Dinners Upcoming Events include: Beer Tasting Dinner, Murder Mystery Dinner and much more. Sign up for our free Events Newsletter at our website! The Tamaqua area is a vital market filled with opportunities and a superior quality of life. Location Located in the northeast region of Pennsylvania, within the I-81 Corridor, the Tamaqua area is ideally situated for businesses wishing to serve a densely populated portion of the country, all along the East Coast and to the west. The Tamaqua area is strategically located with access to most major markets. •Within a 500-mile radius of 40% of the nation's population and 60% of Canada's population. •20 minutes from I-80 for east/west/northern tier markets •55 minutes from I-84 for the New England markets Labor Force Excellent availability of experienced, well-educated and skilled laborers. Employees offer a strong work ethic and high productivity standards. Education & Training Northeastern Pennsylvania has a strong system of higher education, featuring an extensive network of colleges, universities and technical schools. Our institutions will customize training programs to meet employers needs. Cost of Operating Considerably lower operating costs as compared to major metropolitan markets including Philadelphia and New York City. Incentives Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce and Tamaqua Industrial Development Enterprises (TIDE) will partner with the Commonwealth to tailor an attractive financial incentive offer. Real Estate A wide array of options for lease or purchase for offices, industrial, commercial, retail, and mixed-use in our downtown and our mixed-use business park. Utilities A highly reliable electric delivery service that operates on a different grid other than the one servicing Manhattan with service provided by PPL Utilities. Utilities in place in Tidewood East Industrial Park include: water, sewer, rail, electric, and fiber optics. Quality of Life Low crime rates, coupled with short daily commute times, and lower cost of living An abundance of leisure activities for all ages Majestic scenery First class educational opportunities, including 2 years free college at LCCC for Tamaqua graduates A Pennsylvania Blueprint Community Commercial Opportunities The Borough of Tamaqua is a Pennsylvania Main Street Community— a commercial revitalization program, managed by Downtown Tamaqua, Inc., through the Chamber of Commerce. The Borough of Tamaqua is a Pennsylvania Elm Street Community a neighborhood revitalization program, managed by the South Ward Neighborhood Committee. Visit us online at www.tamaqua.net COMMUNITY SYMBOL RETURNS HOME—After being destroyed by vandals 82 years ago, the Tamaqua Indian statue has been returned to a permanent home in front of the Tamaqua area school auditorium. The large Indian fountain-type statue was rededicated following the remanufacture of the Native American monument and restoration of the original, five-ton granite base on which it stood. the statue was originally donated to the Tamaqua School Board in 1919, by the legendary Dr. Katrina (Kate) Freudenberger, one of the first women doctors in Pennsylvania. Historic preservation funding, obtained with the help of Rep. Dave Argall, along with community donations from Walters Monument and Soley’s Garage and Towing made the restoration possible. The original base was found on a farm in West Penn Township, in 1960 that was purchased by Eileen & Richard Meiser. The Meiser family donated the original base to the community to complete the restoration.. VOLUNTEERS KEEP DEPOT SQUARE PARK BEAUTIFUL YEAR ROUND Boy Scout Troop 777, Tamaqua, lay down a layer of mulch around the trees and plants in Tamaqua's Depot Square Park, located at the Five Points Intersection of Routes 209 and 309. The scouts were able to purchase eight yards of mulch thanks to a grant from Thrivent. Depot Square Park is managed and maintained by a volunteer committee that is part of the Downtown Tamaqua Main Street Program. The Main Street program is managed for the Borough by the Executive Director of the Tamaqua Chamber of Commerce. Tamaqua Brownie Troops 1296 and 1297 and Daisy Troop 1210 celebrated Earth Day with a project in which they planted pansies and perennials near the John E. Morgan Memorial Fountain in Depot Square Park. The Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce donated four trays of pansies to the project and Lowe's store number 292, West Hazleton, donated an additional 225 flowers. . BARLETTA MATERIALS & CONSTRUCTION, INC. PAVING & ASPHALT MATERIALS SAND & STONE PRODUCTS 1314 EAST BROAD ST. P. O . B O X 5 5 0 The Tamaqua Historical Society’s annual Summerfest and Heritage Festivals brings thousands of visitors to downtown Tamaqua. Scenes from Tamaqua’s past are reenacted during the festivals. Scenic passenger train excursions take passengers from the 1874 Tamaqua Train Station, through the historic Tamaqua tunnel enroute to the Historic High Bridge, in Rush Township. The Summerfest is held on Father’s Day and the Heritage Festival is held on the second Sunday in October each year. Tamaqua was named as Schuylkill County’s Best Walkable Community by Schuylkill On The Move and the Schuylkill Conservation District. Tamaqua Council President, Micah Gursky, accepts the award during the 2008 Summerfest in downtown Tamaqua. Edward R. Rummel, who served his country as a Tech 5th Class in the 2nd Armored Division, 4th Army, during World War II, Tamaqua participated in the National Bell Ringing Ceremony with the ringing of the colliery bell at the borough's Depot Square Park. Members of C.H.Berry American Legion Post 173 provided the color guard and gun salute. The ceremony honors the 13 original colonies who signed the Declaration of the Independence. Congratulations to Randy Gormley from Don & Bettsy Hadesty. DIRECT MAYTAG Home Appliance Center A trusted local retailer for 36 years! Maytag, Jenn-Air, Amana, Whirlpool, Estate We sell the BEST…and service the rest! 1130 E. Broad Street Don, Bettsy & Chris Hadesty Tamaqua, PA 18252 (570) 668-3456 www.directmaytagtamaqua.com CLASSIC ROCK FOR ADULTS LIVE MUSIC PERFORMED BY FIVE SEASONED MUSICIANS THAT WON’T RUPTURE YOUR EARDRUMS! JACK KULP – LEAD/BACKUP VOCALS & BLUES HARP ED MICHALIK – PERCUSSION MIKE PIASKOWSKI – LEAD/BACKUP VOCALS & ACOUSTIC GUITAR STAN PIASKOWSKI – BASS GUITAR, ACCORDION, KEYBOARDS, BACKUP VOCALS PAUL RUMBEL – LEAD GUITAR, MANDOLIN http://www.myspace.com/coalholesoul For available dates, e-mail Jack at [email protected], or call at 570-778-0624. For performing rates and booking confirmation, e-mail Stan at [email protected], or call at 570-889-3825. SOUTH WARD NEIGHBORHOOD TAMAQUA’S ELM STREET PROGRAM The Pennsylvania Elm Street Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Downtown Center on behalf of the Department of Community and Economic Development, assists municipalities in rejuvenating residential and mixed-use areas adjacent to their central business district. The Elm Street Program is based on the successful Main Street Program, which targets downtown commercial districts, linking the central commercial areas and the neighborhoods that surround them. In Tamaqua, the program is managed by the South Ward Neighborhood Committee, headed by the Elm Street Manager, Kathy Kunkel. The South Ward Neighborhood Committee is dedicated to working with and supporting existing community organizations in efforts to promote home ownership, reconnect with Downtown Tamaqua and address neighborhood safety issues. The Committee works with current and former neighborhood residents and community organizations to improve the neighborhood park, assist neighbors and make improvements to make the neighborhood a better place to live, work, play and raise a family. CONGRATULATIONS RANDY! Lynn Zimmerman Financial Advisor 139 West Broad Street Tamaqua, PA 18252 (570)668-6854 “MAKING SENSE OF INVESTING” SOUTH WARD NEIGHBORHOOD COMMITTEE Tamaqua’s Elm Street Organization BOARD OF DIRECTORS Louise Howells, Chair Micah Gursky Michelle Mehallic Steve Tertel Bill Willing Harold Kunkel ELM STREET MANAGER Kathy Kunkel Mailing Address 230 Race Street Tamaqua, PA 18252 Phone (570)668-4804, 668-1250 Email: [email protected] Website www.southwardtamaqua.org Tamaqua’s South Ward Committee volunteers were kept busy in 2008 as the group worked towards its goal of making the neighborhood a safer, more attractive place to live, work, play and raise a family. In addition to two clean up/litter campaigns, the group launched a campaign to raise awareness of litter problems related to cigarette butts. The façade grant program went into full swing, with seven property owners receiving grants to improve their homes. Additional funding is being sought for the program, which now has a waiting list for future home improvements. The pocket park at Spruce and Hunter Street was cleaned and restored with supplies donated by Weicker’s Home Improvement Store. CONGRATULATIONS AND THANKS! RANDY FOR MAKING OUR COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE FOR ALL OF US! Linda & Eileen RANDY GORMLEY 2009 The South Ward Playground was a hub of activity, as usual. In addition to providing children of all ages a safe place to gather and play, numerous events were held throughout the year, including a free summer lunch program, Fun Day, a 9-11 Memorial service, a Spooktoberfest in October and a visit with Santa in December. The SWNC also launched a campaign to preserve the unique heritage of the ward. Volunteers visited with long time residents, gathering memories of days gone by to preserve for the future. The first “Spruce Up Campaign Award” was presented to long time resident Jeannie Woodward of South Railroad Street. The Carriage Street Pedestrian Stairway Project received PennDOT approval late in 2008. The project was put out for bids and construction will begin sometime in 2009. The SWNC’s website is up and running. Information concerning all of the group’s events is found at www.southwardtamaqua.org. The office is located at 230 Race St. Office hours vary and Manager Kathy Kunkel is also available at 570-668-4804 or 668-1250. DOWNTOWN TAMAQUA’S FIRST HISTORIC EASEMENT PROJECT Upper levels of the historic building, now housing LaDolce Casa, on West Broad Street, in downtown Tamaqua, have undergone a major transformation. The project is made possible through the efforts of the borough’s Main Street program. Under the Historic Easement program, Downtown Tamaqua, Inc., will own the rights to the building’s façade and those rights are a permanent part of the deed. Current and future owners are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep in accordance with standards set by DTI. The project will continue with the restoration of the first floor façade. Similar projects are planned for the future. Eastern Schuylkill Recreation Commission Since 1998, the Eastern Schuylkill Recreation Commission (ESRC) has been working to increase the recreational opportunities in the Tamaqua area and Eastern Schuylkill County, with an emphasis on park and trail development and rehabilitation. The ESRC consists of the Borough of Tamaqua, the Borough of Coaldale, the Borough of Middleport, Rush Township, Schuylkill Township, Walker Township, West Penn Township, the Tamaqua YMCA, and the Tamaqua Area School District. The formation of the ESRC is considered a real progress in inter-municipal efforts in a region that had previously been known for being divisive and mistrustful. The ESRC’s importance cannot be over-stated and its work over the years has exemplified public/private partnerships and synergy with government agencies, private partners, and non-profit organizations. Over the past twelve years, the ESRC has been successful in both securing funding for projects and running successful programming for the residents of Eastern Schuylkill County. From assisting with acquiring land for public parks to rehabilitating playgrounds, from developing trails to constructing fully usable recreational facilities, the ESRC has been instrumental and extremely active in improving and increasing our area’s recreational opportunities. Examples of projects that have become possible due to inter-municipal cooperation through the ESRC are: the Lehigh & New England Rail-Trail, the Schuylkill Valley Heritage Trail, the Newkirk Tunnel Environmental Education Area, the acquisition, planning and development of the West Penn Park East, the development of the Rabbit Run softball field, the Bungalow baby pool, the North and Middle Ward Playground basketball court, the lighting of the Tamaqua Area School District’s soccer field, the development of the Mary-D Fire Company Sports Complex, the development of the Black Diamond recreation area in Coaldale, and the development of Richard E. Miller Park in Hometown. In addition, the ESRC runs a wide range of programs through the summer and winter months, including basketball and volleyball leagues, bike races, youth activities, weekend tournaments, etc. These programs target a wide demographic area of men, women, and children of all ages. Since 1998, the ESRC has helped bring in over $1.5 million in recreational funding to the Tamaqua area and have catered to thousands of people with its vast array of seasonal programming opportunities throughout the year. EASTERN SCHUYLKILL RECREATION COMMISSION Executive Director—Jason Boris Office Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Monday-Friday) Office: Tamaqua Area School District Administration Building 138 West Broad St., 3rd Floor Tamaqua, PA 18252 Mailing Address 320 East Broad St., Tamaqua, PA 18252 [email protected] (570) 668-2919 Fax: (570) 668-6850 ESRC Commission Members John Trudich – Tamaqua Borough John Handler – Tamaqua Borough Tom Rottet – Tamaqua Area School District Mike Hromyak (Treasurer) – Tamaqua Area School District Joe Plasko (Secretary) – Tamaqua YMCA Steve Simchak – Rush Township Joe Pinkey – Rush Township Linda DeCindio (Vice-Chairman) – Schuylkill Township Dan DeCindio – Schuylkill Township Dave Price – Walker Township Robert Hope – Walker Township Al Martinez – West Penn Township Jim Akins (Chairman) – West Penn Township Sue Solt – Coaldale Borough Beth McClure – Middleport Borough John DiFilippo – Middleport Borough John Kabana—Coaldale Borough Middleport Borough Joins ESRC On January 1, 2009, the Borough of Middleport became the ninth participating member of the Eastern Schuylkill Recreation Commission. Middleport (population of 435) becomes the smallest municipal entity in the ESRC and the newly formed partnership marks the first municipal expansion since the Borough of Coaldale joined the regional recreation commission in 2002. Beth McClure and John DiFilippo will serve as Middleport’s representatives on the ESRC Board. One of ESRC’s top priorities for the Borough of Middleport is to help secure funding to facilitate the restoration and rehabilitation of their borough playground, which was heavily damaged and lost in the flooding of 2006. Mary-D Fire Company Sports Complex Schuylkill Township In 2004, the ESRC secured a $25,000 Grant for Schuylkill Township to rehabilitate the old Mary-D ball field. Two years later, the ESRC partnered with the Schuylkill Headwaters Association in turning that initial rehabilitation project ($25,000) into the development of a brand new $450,000 multi-use recreation area. With the help of 18 other project partners, the Mary-D Fire Company Sports Complex was unveiled in June of 2008. This state-of-the art facility features a fenced-in baseball/softball field, a fenced-in soccer field, an expanded parking area, a paved walking path along the entire perimeter of the project, and an ice skating area for the winter months. The Tamaqua Area Baseball Association and the Tamaqua Area Youth Soccer Association will be the primary tenants of the new facility, which according to ESRC Executive Director Jason Boris, is the largest and most successful project undertaken by the ESRC in its twelve-year history. Bungalow Playground Borough of Tamaqua In the fall of 2008, the Bungalow Park (Howard Buehler Memorial Pool) received a much-needed recreational upgrade with the development of a new playground area. The new playground, which is adjacent to the current pavilion, was made possible through a DCNR development grant obtained through the ESRC. In addition to remediating some on-site drainage issues, the funding helped purchase a multi-purpose modular play unit, several swings, spring riders, bounce buttons, benches, safety surfacing and ADA access/parking. In previous years, the ESRC has assisted the Borough of Tamaqua in upgrading other areas of the Bungalow Park, including the construction of a new baby pool and the rehabilitation of the basketball court. Park and Playground Development and Rehabilitation Borough of Tamaqua, Rush Township, Walker Township Over the past three years, the ESRC has successfully obtained $105,000 in funding to be used towards three different park and playground projects encompassing the Borough of Tamaqua, Rush Township and Walker Township. The Borough of Tamaqua has received two separate grants (totaling $30,000) for start up funding for the Owl Creek Community Park. Earth work and site preparation has already begun on a parcel of land adjacent to the Owl Creek Reservoir, which will eventually house a basketball court and a small playground area. The ESRC also helped obtain a $35,000 DCNR Small Communities Grant for Rush Township for the rehabilitation of the Quakake Playground. The current park has been stripped bare and all of the deteriorating playground equipment on site has been removed. With the funding, the Township is planning on rehabilitating its basketball court, building a new parking area, and adding one or two new pieces of playground equipment to the site. Walker Township has also been the beneficiary of a $40,000 DCNR Small Communities Grant to be used towards improvements at Wildcat Park (next to the Township Municipal Building). Plans include the renovating of one tennis court and the relocation of the park’s basketball court (which currently doubles as the township building’s parking lot) to ensure the safety of its users. The new court will be surrounded by fencing and will replace one of the two existing tennis courts on site. K&K Oil Company Post Office Box 65 Weatherly, PA 18255 (570)657-0056 1(800)964-6451 Looking Ahead Borough of Tamaqua and West Penn Township Two projects that look to get underway later this year are the first phase of the Tamaqua Riverwalk and the development of West Penn Park East. The ESRC received a $96,000 DCNR Grant through the Pennsylvania Recreational Trails program for the Borough of Tamaqua for the first phase of construction of a Riverwalk project to be placed alongside the Little Schuylkill River running from Willing Park and the Tamaqua Community Center to Cedar Street. The Riverwalk is eventually slated to run to Broad St. as more funding becomes available and will be a welcomed linkage between the downtown, Boyer’s Food Store, Willing Park and the Tamaqua Community Center. The ESRC also helped obtain three Grants (through the late State Senator Jim Rhoades, former State Representative Dave Argall, and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) for the development of West Penn Park East (located just off Route 443 on Cold Spring Road). This project will feature the construction of one youth baseball/softball field, one soccer/all-purpose field and a crushed stone parking area. West Penn Park East will help fill a recreational void within the township and supply local youth sports organizations a safe place to gather and play. PROGRAMMING REPORT In 2008-2009, the ESRC saw increased participation in all of its major recreational programming. The summer basketball league is the largest and most competitive in Schuylkill County and features 14 teams. The summer volleyball league has doubled from four to eight teams over a ten year span. The ESRC also runs a successful adult winter basketball league which consists of nine teams, and a co-ed youth basketball program which features over 100 children in grades 3-6. Other ESRC programming includes, but is not limited to, bike races, recreational/sports leagues and tournaments, and Breakfast with Santa in conjunction with Tamaqua’s Spirit of Christmas Festival. 2008 2008 114 West Broad Street Tamaqua, PA 18252 (570)668-6899 The Gallery continues to bring a wide variety of visual art to the Tamaqua Area. A volunteer Art Guild manages the exhibits at the Gallery, which is a project of the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership. The Gallery shares space with the Chamber’s office in downtown Tamaqua. The Gallery’s “from the Streets to the Gallery” exhibit featured 20 amateur photographer’s (from kids to adults) views of the Tamaqua Area. Each participant was given a disposable digital camera and asked to record their favorite images from throughout the entire Tamaqua area. The event has become annual community event. Some of the photos from the exhibit are now being featured on Tamaqua area postcards that are now offered for sale in the Gallery. Exhibits featuring local artists are scheduled throughout the year at the Gallery. Congratulations, Uncle Randy! Jason, Jill and Jimmy LEHIGH ASPHALT PAVING & CONSTRUCTION CO. PAVING & ASPHALT MATERIALS SAND & STONE PRODUCTS 1314 East Broad Street P. o. Box 549 Tamaqua, PA 18252 Telephone (570)668-4303 Fax (570)668-5910 EDWARD’S FLOWERS 501 W. BROAD TAMAQUA (570)668-0480 FTD SERVICE SAME DAY DELIVERY 263 Lafayette Street Tamaqua, PA (570)668-3901 Stop in and enjoy great food and drinks with Pete Smulligan and Stacy Hollen- Lois Breiner, Tamaqua, adjusts the hands of the rare McClintock stained glass clock which she has donated to the Tamaqua Historical Society so that it can be returned to its former location on the front fa- çade of the society museum on West Broad Street. Breiner’s father managed to save the valuable clock from destruction almost 50 years ago. The society hopes to restore the clock to working condition and have it re-installed on the front of the building where it once hung. The clock was originally installed in 1915. The society is currently seeking funding for the restoration. M & S True Value Hardware Expands Downtown With the new addition, the Miller family, who have owned the business since 1964, now has a total of 12,500 square feet of retail space in its complex, including the main building and the second floor, as well as the seasonal shop on South Railroad Street. The hardware store has been located at the current location of 10 West Broad since 1895. The expansion occupies the site of the former Tamaqua Hotel, which was razed by a fire in 1991. The Millers are committed to maintaining their presence in historic downtown Tamaqua. Todd Miller was the 2008 Citizenship Award recipient.. 2008—2009 TAMAQUA INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ENTERPRISES PRESIDENT’S REPORT I have just completed a year as the President of TIDE and it was a great learning experience that I really enjoyed. I especially enjoyed working with the people in TIDE, the Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) and the Chamber of Commerce. These people are a group of very dedicated individuals committed to bringing quality jobs to the Tamaqua Area. A major blow to the Tamaqua Area and TIDE during the past year was the closing of the HanesBrands facilities that caused a loss of 155 jobs (44 of them from the facility in TIDE Industrial Park). These facilities are now being marketed with TIDE’s assistance by CBRE, a major commercial real estate broker. There has been serious interest exhibited by one company in the TIDE Park facility. The six companies that are operating in TIDE Industrial Park and the products and services they produce are: • Trans Western Polymers, Inc.(see below) • Highwood USA, LLC (see below) • Silberline Manufacturing Company, Inc.(special effect performance aluminum pigments) • Fox Transportation Inc. (refrigerated truck distribution of deep-frozen foods and standard truck distribution of many other products) • Gellner Industrial, LLC (water based polymers for printing inks and industrial coatings), • Veolia Water North America-Central, LLC (clean-up of water based by-product material under contract to Air Products). The number of employees working in the Park is 439. The total investment in plant and equipment by the companies is $66 million. In spite of the very negative economic climate in the country during the past year, very positive accomplishments have been made by several of the companies in TIDE Industrial Park and within the TIDE organization. Accomplishments in the TIDE Organization Engineering Studies in Tide Industrial Park Prodesign Plus, P.C. under contract from TIDE has completed 80% of the engineering studies for a Land Development and Storm Water Management Plan for the available acreage in the Park. This is required to meet the new DEP regulations for storm water treatment. KOZ Designation for Undeveloped Lots in TIDE Industrial Park Negotiations are being carried out with all the proper taxing authorities to obtain KOZ designation for all the undeveloped lots in the Industrial Park TIDE Web Site A TIDE web site is being developed by a project team consisting of Suzie Fegley as project manager and team members Bill Yost and Tom Mullahey. They are doing an excellent job and the web site is 75% complete. All TIDE literature is being updated and published as TIDE web site pages on the Tamaqua Chamber web site. TIDE literature on a web site will allow updating as needed with very little cost as compared to the cost of publishing brochures. Remaly Manufacturing TIDE continues to work with Remaly to formulate a development plan to expand their existing operation. Remaly and TIDE continue to explore all possible options. TIDE Industrial Park Clean-up and Beautification Program The Industrial Park frequently becomes littered with bags and other litter from Hometown Commons retail stores and some people have also been using the Park as a dumping ground. A committee has been formed to develop a permanent solution to Park clean-up and maintenance and to develop a beautification plan for the Park. The committee consists of Mary Jane Horvath as committee chair and members include Bob Fox, Shawn Gilbert, and Gerry Heffner. An Earth Day clean-up was carried out by TIDE people and employees from the Park’s companies. Accomplishments of Companies in TIDE Industrial Park Trans Western Polymers, Inc. Trans Western Polymers continues to grow and is a great success story. They are the largest employer in the Park employing 240 people and they are looking to hire a number of new people. They operate a 120,000 sq ft facility and manufacture plastic trash bags for private label customers. In spite of the poor economic climate, their business according to the Management Team at the plant is in a growth pattern. They have increased output during the past year and are projecting to continue this growth into the near future. Highwood USA LLC Highwood USA also continues to grow and is another success story in the Park. Highwood celebrated a 40,400 sq ft expansion of its manufacturing plant this past July and has grown from 28,000 sq ft when it started in 2004 with 8 employees to 68,400 sq ft with 45 employees at the present time. The expansion will lead to the creation of 50 new jobs when all the new production lines are completely installed. Highwood produces the best, most realistic synthetic wood products available today. Highwood is budgeting a sales increase for 2009 which will be accomplished mainly through new products and new markets. Silberline Manufacturing Company, Inc. During the past year Silberline’s Ernest Scheller III Center for Technical Functions & Advanced Manufacturing which is located in the Industrial Park received two significant awards. One is for innovative application of technology in manufacturing and the second is for nanotechnology research. Nanotechnology deals with things that are extremely small. The head of a pin measures one million nanometers. At the nanolevel, materials have unusual electromagnetic, physical and visual properties. TIDE Industrial Park Sign TIDE has been negotiating with Zamias (the developer of Hometown Commons) since March 2008 for Zamias to pay, as they agreed, for the replacement of the TIDE sign at the northern section of the TIDE Park entrance. This sign is very important to the TIDE organization and for the six operating companies in the TIDE Industrial Park. It is needed to provide directions into the Park for delivery personnel and business visitors to the companies and to prospective TIDE clients who travel south on Route 309. TIDE finally received payment in April of this year. A beautiful new sign has been designed and it is expected to be installed by this summer. TIDE Board of Directors Six new, very capable people with wide experience will fill positions on the Board of Directors. The new members are: • Shawn Gilbert (Rush Township Supervisor) • James Mason (Silberline) • Connie Ligenza (Tamaqua Area School District) • Brian Connelly (Tamaqua Borough Council) • Maureen Donovan (Lehigh Carbon Community College) • Mike Prock (Mauch Chunk Trust). I want to express my thanks to all the members of the TIDE Board and its Executive Committee (Jerry Knowles, Jeff Bowe, Serge Chrush, and Jim Zigmant), the Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation (Frank Zukas and Gerry Heffner), and the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce (Linda Yulanavage and Eileen Barron) for all the help and guidance they have given me this past year. Joe Urenovitch TIDE President Congratulations, Randy! M & I DELI 535 N. Railroad Tamaqua, PA Homemade Cooking Hoagies—Soups—Salads—Sandwiches—Platters Haulshiki—Halupki and Desserts Many of your ethnic favorites! Party trays, Sympathy trays, Fund raisers and catering for all occasions! (570)668-4669 15,000 SQUARE FOOT TAMAQUA YMCA OPENS The fully equipped, state-ofthe-art Tamaqua YMCA recreational complex and fitness center opened in December, in the former Jamesway Department Store, on US Route 209, in Tamaqua. Private funds and a capital campaign raised $850,000 to pay for the facility The YMCA has operated for 97 years within the community and this is the organization’s first full operational facility. The recreation and fitness center includes top of the line hardware such as treadmills, universal gyms, weights, cardiovascular equipment, pool tables, table top soccer games, bumper pool, table top hockey games and play and learning areas, including miniature versions of Tamaqua landmarks the Texas Lunch, Tamaqua Fire Department, along with a little schoolhouse and JEMS Little Nursery. The site includes an interactive youth center, gymnasium, preschool center, child watch area and meeting/conferences rooms. The center offers rentals of the gym and meeting room, party hosting, summer adventure camp, Tamaqua Jack & Jill Preschool, and a nursery. Programs offered include Cardio Kickboxing, Aerobics Step Interval, Youth Floor Hockey, Water Aerobics, lap swim and swim lessons. The Y’s water activities are held at the Tamaqua High School pool. The YMCA is affiliated with the Reading/Berks County YMCA. The Executive Director, Nick Zigmant, can be reached at (570)668-2903. TAMAQUA AREA MOURNS Senator Jim Rhoades 1941-2008 Thank you, Senator, for your unsurpassed support of all our efforts throughout the entire Tamaqua area. In Memory of † James Bowe John Kellner Elbur Purnell † Thank you for all you contributed to make the Tamaqua area a better place to live, work, learn and play! WHAT’S HAPPENING IN TAMAQUA? Tamaqua offers a wide range of activities and events throughout the year to appeal to all ages and interests. Here are a few just a few: Downtown Farmer’s Market—Saturdays from June to October Tamaqua Summerfest—June 21, 2009—Car show, street fair, free musical entertainment, working blacksmith shop, trolley rides. Sidewalk/Community Yard Sale—August 1, 2009 Tamaqua Heritage Festival—October 11, 2009—Large Street festival, car shows, free entertainment, ethnic foods, historical re-enactments, crafts, Scenic passenger train excursions Haunted Hayrides at Owl Creek—October, 2009 Tamaqua’s Halloween Parade—October, 2009 Ghostly Spirits of Tamaqua Tour—October 2009—Meet and greet our “spirits” as you relive some of Tamaqua’s most interesting history. Tamaqua’s Spirit of Christmas Festival—December, 2009 Santa parade, breakfast with Santa, guided Victorian house tours, crafts, musical entertainment, Victorian Tea, Festival of trees, kid’s activities. Christmas at Owl Creek—December 2009 New Year’s Eve Ball Drop—December 31, 2009 at the ABC Tamaqua HiRise, see the “Broad Street Jumbotron”, refreshments, free entertainment. For information on what’s happening throughout the Tamaqua Area, be sure to check the online calendar of events at www.tamaqua.net ANOTHER HISTORIC FAÇADE RESTORATION COMPLETED Work is finally completed on the façade of the American Hose Company. The newly installed truck door was funded by a grant from Downtown Tamaqua, Inc., Tamaqua’s Main Street program. The Main Street program implements projects that encourage economic development and historic preservation throughout the commercial corridor of the Borough of Tamaqua. BOWE, LISELLA and BOWE Attorneys Jeffrey P. Bowe and Thomas R. Lisella General Practice—Personal Injury—Wills/Estates Corporate Law—Real Estate—Bankruptcy Law 109 West Broad Street—Tamaqua, PA 570-668-1241 TAMAQUA’S SUCCESS APPLAUDED A Blueprint Communities advisory group, including officials of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh and other Blueprint Communities partners toured Tamaqua on a fact finding mission. The group was seeking an update on how Tamaqua’s initiatives are progressing, as well as ideas on ways to make the Blueprint program more beneficial. Koch’s Turkey Farm & Retail Store 416 Valley Road Tamaqua, PA 18252 (570)668-2089 (800)247-7300 **All natural** No animal by-products or antibiotics Products also available at the Hometown Farmer’s Market Wednesdays 8 am to 8 pm Located in Lewistown Valley VOTE Jerry Knowles State Representative On May 19th PETALS & GREENS 230 Pine St. Tamaqua (570)668-5600 LET US BE YOUR FIRST CHOICE! Special thanks to Deb for the beautiful arrangement for tonight’s dinner! St. Luke’s Miners Memorial Hospital’s new Health Center, located along Route 309, in Rush Township, brings the area access to health care service to residents needing health screenings, lab work, immunizations, wellness checkups and attention to those feeling ill, along with a variety of other services. Kane Lumber Co. Inc. 500 West Cottage Ave. Tamaqua, PA 18252 ℡570-668-1910 Proud to Serve Tamaqua and the Surrounding Communities for 30 + Years HISTORY OF TRANS WESTERN POLYMERS The history of Trans Western Polymers is one of innovation, technology, and corporate responsibility. While this is our past, it also represents our vision for the future. Founded in Northern California in 1983 by Joon Bai, Trans Western Polymers is a manufacturer and distributor of plastic products, including disposer bags, food contact bags and wrap, reclosable bags, and plastic cutlery and tumblers. Not only does Trans Western develop products that consumers feel comfortable using in their homes and institutions, we are also focused on providing bags that are durable, yet environmentally correct. The TWP and “Private Label” disposer bag program was developed to meet these objectives, producing better products with less plastic. Trans Western is able to deliver thinner bags that perform better through a combination of state-of-the-art equipment and resin developed in conjunction with suppliers. These partnerships and the utilization of technology have allowed us to produce new and truly superior products. The Tamaqua, PA. facility was established in 1997. This plant operates in order to better service our customers in the Midwest and the Eastern United States. The TWP Yanbian facility was established in 2003 and is located in the North East region of China in the Jilin Province. This facility was built to service our customers in the Western United States. *Auto Club *Insurance Agency *Travel Agency Pottsville 622-4991 Tamaqua 668-1003 aaa.com Compliments of Senator Dave Argall Paid for by the Volunteers for Argall THE SUCCESS OF TAMAQUA’S MAIN STREET PROGRAM Business leaders and Main Street managers from sixnorthern Schuylkill County towns toured historic downtown Tamaqua, looking for ideas and guidance to take back to their own community programs. The success of Tamaqua’s Main Street program has drawn many visitors here over the past 11 years. One of the most visible project is the downtown streetscape that was completed last year. Façade improvements in downtown Tamaqua have been completed on over 60 properties—both commercial and residential— within the commercial corridor. The Main Street program is successfully managed for the Borough by the Executive Director of the Tamaqua Chamber, a unique situation in the state. Community support makes this possible. TAMAQUA HISTORICAL SOCIETY PLANS MAJOR MUSEUM RENOVATIONS PHASE ONE COMPLETED IN 2008 Tamaqua Historical Society has completed Phase One of a major museum restoration project with the aim of creating a safe and attractive atmosphere for preserving and exhibiting their collection of historical memorabilia from Tamaqua and the surrounding area. It has been a longtime goal of the Society to be able to afford to renovate the exterior and interior of the former bank building at 118 West Broad Street, which was last renovated in 1960. Following completion of a project assessment report by Daniel Schroeder, Historic Preservation Consultant, the Society began fundraising 2006 and 2007 for the renovation project and was successful in raising $120,000 towards the project. Funding came from a variety of sources, including private dollars raised by the Society, CDBG funds contributed by the Borough of Tamaqua, a Legislative Initiative Grant from Rep. Argall through PA Department of Community and Economic Development and a PA Heritage Park Grant from the Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area. In 2008, construction plans were completed and work began on first renovating and repairing the exterior of the Historical Society Museum building with the funds which had been raised. The work included rebuilding and replacing two large roofs on the building, all new storm water management, and sealing up areas that were exposed to the elements at the top and rear of the property. Email: [email protected] In 2009, the Society is back to raising funds again so that renovations of the museum interior can get underway in the next few years as more funds and grants are secured. The Society has to restore the architectural details of the ornate interior of the former bank while updating all HVAC, electrical, lighting, and climate control systems. If funds allow, the Society hopes to purchase more new display cases to better preserve all the artifacts. The museum has begun to reopen on a limited schedule each week to allow visitors a chance to come in and view the artifacts, exhibits and collections belonging to the Society. The museum is now open Monday evenings and may expand those hours as summer progresses and volunteers become available. The Society continues to provide the public with opportunities to view some of their vast photographic collections during their popular “I Spy” programs. During these events, the public is invited to look through old photos and to help identify the people, places and events that are a part of the history of the Tamaqua area. In addition, the Society organizes two major festivals each year—the Summerfest and the Tamaqua Heritage Festival. Each of these events brings crafts, ethnic food, musical entertainment, historical tours, car shows, and much more to the thousands of visitors who attend. When available, the Society sponsors the ever popular passenger train excursions offered by Reading, Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad. Tax deductible donations towards the renovation project can be sent to the Tamaqua Historical Society, 114 West Broad Street, Tamaqua, PA 18252. For more information, contact Dale Freudenberger, President, at (610)597-6722. Help us preserve our Tamaqua area heritage! HANG LOOSE BAR & GRILLE 300 East Broad Tamaqua, PA Great Food Live Music Outdoor patio & deck Private room for party rentals (570)668-2952 www. tamaqua. net TAMAQUA CITIZENSHIP AWARD WINNERS 1964 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1965 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1966 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1967 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1968 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1969 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1970 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1971 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1972 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1973 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1974 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1975 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1976 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1977 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1978 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1979 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1980 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1981 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1982 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1983 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1984 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1985 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1986 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1987 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1988 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1989 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1990 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1991 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1992 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1193 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1997 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1998 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. Ella Ray Mundy (Deceased) Gordon Pfeil (Deceased) Mrs. Ruth Kropp (Deceased) George Seligman (Deceased Rev. M. E. Detterline A. A. “Brig” Young (Deceased) Anthony J. Maff Willis R. Parnell (Deceased) Paul L. Wagner (Deceased) Oscar S. Werley, Jr.(Deceased) Dr. Harry W. Bailey (Deceased) John Lindemann (Deceased) Jacob Rimbach (Deceased) William G. Guy (Deceased) Chester A. Hoffman(Deceased) E. Franklin Griffiths (Deceased) Charles “Sam” Ghares (Deceased) William A. Moser (Deceased) Mrs. Elizabeth Purnell (Deceased) Rev. F. Peter Muhr Robert J. Pitts Dr. Mary Malishaucki (Deceased) Raymond Ripko (Deceased) John Kellner (Deceased) Dorothy”Tillie” Ghares (Deceased) William H. Fegley, Sr. Linda Yulanavage George Wenzel Junior Zehner (Deceased) Constantine “Gus” Depos (Deceased) Sheldon Shafer Ruth Essington Nicholas J.Young Paul Scherer Floyd Zimmerman Herman Lutz Dr. H. Bruce Geiger Robert Evans Dale Freudenberger Pat Freeh-Stefanek Judy Hoppes Curtis J. Bailey Sally Ann Neumann Jerome P. Knowles Todd Miller CONGRATULATIONS RANDY From the TAMAQUA AREA COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP Continuing to work with all of our partners to improve the quality of life in every community throughout the Tamaqua Area Pat-Freeh Stefanek, Chair (570)668-1880 114 W. Broad St., Tamaqua, PA 18252