Many people still remember the large celebration that occurred in Lehighton for the borough's centennial celebration in 1966.

As a result, some are hoping for a similar event when the town notes its sesquicentennial in 2016.This week, the council granted Courtney Van Fossen of Jamestown Drive permission to begin planning a 150th anniversary event.She will be coordinating her efforts with Lehighton Borough Manager Nicole Beckett.Van Fossen said she knows that the event is three years away but she feels planning should get under way.Among the first priorities, she said, will be fund-raising.Beckett praised Van Fossen for "taking a step forward and doing something positive" for the borough.The manager also told Van Fossen that the borough will devote a link on its Web page to the event.Council member John Bird recalled the centennial, noting he still has memorabilia from it.Another council member, Darryl Arner, said to Van Fossen, "I feel we should give you all the support we can."Arner also remembers the 1966 celebration, stating there were Brothers of the Brush and Sisters of Swish units formed, a parade, and there was a hardcover book published on it.Beckett said there will be announcements made when additional formalities occur.In other borough matters:• The council granted conditional approval for the Dollar General land development plan. A Dollar General store has been proposed on the site of the Kovatch Property on North First Street.• The Lehighton Area Lioness/Lions Club was approved to hold a festival at the Community Grove and Community Center on June 6, 7, and 8, 2014.• Beckett reported that construction on the addition to the Lehighton Fire Department station is about 40 percent complete. It is anticipated the building will be ready for occupancy by the end of the year.• In an update on the plans for an addition to the Light and Power Department Building on Bridge Street, Beckett said the most feasible option appears to be demolishing the former sub station and putting the addition on that site.• Councilman George Kogut said he is still working on a community spirit program. A fitness and fun program, featuring athletics and academics, is planned for the fall and will include all ages.