A town-hall meeting in Tamaqua in late March spotlighted an increase in heroin and opiate drug abuse.

By bringing the problem to the public, the forum fostered a lot of discussion for days afterward.But, then what?A group of concerned people from all walks of life wanted to keep the momentum going, to take back the streets and the lives of addicts. They met in small groups, including a June 13 meeting with Diane Rowland of the Schuylkill Alcohol and Drug Agency.Here, they agreed to work on areas that residents can actually have an impact - prevention education, treatment, support and enforcement.As with any initiative, success can and will be measured in steps, which fits in with the initiative's name - the Tamaqua STEP-Up Program.STEP is an acronym for the four sides of the issue - Support, Treatment, Enforcement and Prevention - and small groups of concerned citizens will focus on each individual side, or step. New members are actively being sought for each group and a public meeting is being planned to keep the initiative moving forward. Rowland, who will serve as a consultant, notes "an effective anti-drug group has representatives from every demographic, including community-based organizations, health care providers, businesses, recreation venues, schools, parents, youth and faith communities, just to name a few."The core group will serve as the campaign's board of directors and includes Todd Zimmerman, the Rev. Darryl Kensinger, Cathy Miorelli, Christine Kostecky, George Taylor and Rowland.The group has already made some big plans, in addition to a public meeting. Plans are underway to join forces with the Schuylkill County Drug and Alcohol Treatment program to possibly create Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous groups in Tamaqua, share testimony on Skook Recovers, create sober events, support the concept of a county drug court and work with adult probation to create life skills classes.A Comedy Night will be held at the Tamaqua Community Art Center on July 15. The headline act will be Liz Russo, a recovering alcoholic who isn't afraid to make fun of herself. She is quick to point out all of her material is inspired by her own imperfections - the awkward, uncomfortable and embarrassing moments of life.Her show "One Night Stand with Liz Russo" was a long-running hit at Caroline's on Broadway."Humans all struggle at some points during their lives. Once you find the humor within the pain, you realize you can survive it," she told RecoveryComedy.Also on stage will be Glen Tickle, who bills himself as a writer, comedian and awkward dad, who recently completed his debut comedy album and is a writer for "The Laughing Squid"; and Jason Brown, a Tamaqua graduate who has appeared on the "Howard Stern Show" and Comedy Central.Tickets are $3 and the show will begin at 7:30 p.m.The art center is located at 125 Pine St., Tamaqua. For more information, call 570-668-1192 or visit the arts center website at

www.tamaquaarts.org.The group "Safe Streets for Tamaqua's Little Feets" has also been created and will sponsor an "Out of the Darkness, Into the Light" candlelight walk on July 30, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Bungalow Park on Catawissa Street. Organizers John and Tammy Sienkiewicz created the nonprofit group following their daughter's death from a heroin overdose.The walk will be held rain or shine and participants are encouraged to bring photos of their loved ones who have fought or are fighting a drug abuse problem. Candles, drinks, educational material, compassion and support will be provided.Tammy Sienkiewicz says the walk is designed to "bring a light to this devastating epidemic, to educate family and friends on ways to get them help. We want our town back, to spread awareness to our community and to show all those affected by this disease where to find the help they so desperately need and hope."To register, call Sienkiewicz at 570-527-9277 or Michelle Mehallic at 570-952-1042.The group's next public meeting will be at 7 p.m. July 18 at Trinity United Church of Christ, 22 Lafayette St., Tamaqua.