Board of Health

The Tamaqua Board of Health held its August meeting with Shirley Becker, Earl Boettger, James Gormley and Health Officer Judith Hadesty R.N. in attendance.A report detailing the July activities of Code Enforcement Officer Joshua Esposito was reviewed. Esposito reportedly issued 37 health licenses this year. The total number of licenses issued so far this year is 37. Seven properties failed their health inspections.He also received and adjusted 30 complaints: one leaking sewer; two buildings condemned as unfit for human habitation; two dog waste; and 25 trash complaints. There were no cases of reportable diseases for the month.High school orientationTamaqua Senior High School Principal Stephen Toth has announced the date for orientation for incoming freshmen and new students.Orientation will be held tonight, Aug. 14, beginning at 6:30 p.m., in the school district auditorium. Tours of the high school will not be available that evening.To schedule a tour, call the school office at (570) 668-1901, between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.Ecumenical celebrationThe Tamaqua Area Faith Fellowship Network is sponsoring an ecumenical evening of music, message and fellowship on Aug. 17 at the Tamaqua Train Station. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. Music and messages will be provided by members and clergy of several Tamaqua area congregations.Free ice cream will be served at the conclusion of the program.Rain date will be 6 p.m. on Aug. 18.Senior citizensThe Tamaqua Senior Citizens group met Aug. 8 at the Masonic Lodge in Hometown, with 74 members in attendance. President Jean Machamer conducted the business session and offered the invocation titled "Standing Still in One Spot."Reports were presented by the vice president, treasurer and secretary. Guest Louis Belovich received a warm welcome.Final preparations were made for the Aug. 15 picnic. Participants were reminded to bring a tray, a pen and a bingo dabber. Christy Joy Catering will begin serving at noon. Nominations of officers will be accepted at the Sept. 12 meeting.The meeting concluded with cards and social games.The seniors meet at 1 p.m. every Thursday, at the Masonic Lodge, located on SR54 (East) in Hometown. Anyone 55 or older is welcome to join. The center is handicap accessible.St. Peter's UnionSunday worship services are held at 9 a.m. in St. Peter's Union Church, Mantzville. Summer Sunday School will be held at 10:15 a.m.Activities for next week will include: Thursday, prayer group will meet at 4:45 p.m.Clothing project canceledDue to a lack of donations, the Tamaqua Area Faith Fellowship Network's project to provide gently used school clothing to children in need has been canceled.Last year's project served more than 80 families and 180 students. The TAFFN plans to conduct a clothing drive during the Summer of 2014 and hopes residents will either put aside such clothing until then, or donate such items to the Tamaqua Area School District.