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
downtowntamaqua@verizon.net
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: chamber@tamaqua.net
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
chamber@tamaqua.net.
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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 jack_kulp@yahoo.com, or call at 570-778-0624.
For performing rates and booking confirmation, e-mail Stan at
spiasko@netscape.com, 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: southwardneighbors@hotmail.com
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
esrcrec@hotmail.com
(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: tamaquahistoricalsociety@tamaqua.net
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