Board of health

The Tamaqua Board of Health held its April meeting with Earl Boettger, James Gormley and Shirley Becker in attendance.Health Enforcement Officer James Barron submitted his monthly report, including a general inspection at the "Scoop D'ville" water ice store; and spot check inspections at Pieracini's Market, the Tamaqua Community Center, Citizen's Fire Company, Turkey Hill Minute Mart, Padora's Six Pack House and Schick's Cafe.. He also received and adjusted seven complaints - two concerning dog dirt, two infestations, one broken sewer line and a complaint concerning an eating establishment.There were no cases of reportable diseases for the month.The board reminds residents of borough ordinances pertaining to dog waste.Dog owners are responsible for cleaning up their own properties in a timely manner and anyone who walks their dog is responsible for cleaning up after their pets.Violations should be reported to Tamaqua Borough Hall, (570) 668-3444.Please provide the place, date, time and name of the dog's owner. Citations will then be filed through the office of District Magistrate Stephen Bayer.Citizen awardThe 2012 Joseph M. Plasko Memorial Citizenship Award will be presented during the 62nd Annual Tamaqua Community Dinner, sponsored by the Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce and Tamaqua Industrial Development Enterprises. The dinner and awards ceremony will be held April 25 at the Tamaqua Communty Center.For more information, or to make a reservation, contact the chamber at 570-668-1880 or email

tamaquachamber@verizon.net.Deadline for reservations is April 25.New Ringgold SeniorsThe New Ringgold Senior Citizens group met April 5 at the United Methodist Parsonage in New Ringgold. President Erma Warne conducted the business session.The meeting included an Easter celebration, complete with a dinner.Following dinner, members socialized.For more information about joining the group, call 570-386-5403.St. Peter's UnionThe Rev. Russell Heintzelman will be the guest minister and 9 a.m. worship service this Sunday in St. Peter's Union Church, Mantzville. Sunday school classes meet at 10:15 a.m. and Confirmation class meets at11:30 a.m.Also on Sunday, the church board will meet at 10:45 a.m., Cub Scout committee will meet at 5 p.m. and Daisies, Brownies and Cub Scouts will meet at 6 p.m.Activities for next week will include: Tuesday, Women' Association of St. Peter's will meet at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, prayer group meets at 5 p.m.; Saturday, Queens of Scrap meets from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for a marathon scrapbooking session; DEVO youth group will hike the switchbak trail, beginning at 1 p.m.The choirs rehearse on Thursdays. Next week's schedule will include: 6:30 p.m., cherub choir; 7 p.m., junior choir; 7:30 p.m., senior choir.WP softballThe West Penn Girls Softball Association is accepting applications from girls 16 and under to play for a new team, which will begin action in June.Anyone interested may call Scot at 570-449-6084.