The "Dear Tamaqua" project, which ended last August with a multimedia display highlighting the borough's past, present and future, continues to benefit the community, according to results of a recent survey conducted by Penn State University.

PSU's College of Agricultural Sciences conducted the survey, a replica of one done in 2011, to see what, if any, changes had been made to residents' opinions of their community. The results were surprising, according to survey coordinator Jeff Bridger."I was a bit surprised by the results because, in general, residents seem more optimistic than they were when we first conducted the survey. That's not what we usually see."The 2011 survey results were all about doom and gloom, as residents' responses indicated a high level of distrust, negativity and frustration. Those answers spurred community leaders and concerned residents to work harder to improve the public's perception of the borough. Through those efforts, the Tamaqua Community Art Center was established, the Tamaqua Safety Initiative was created and the "Dear Tamaqua" project was born.There has been no time to look back at their accomplishments as volunteers keep moving forward at a sometimes dizzying pace.But the PSU survey does provide an opportunity to look back, as well as providing evidence that all the volunteer work has not been in vain.Responses to the survey were much more favorable this time around.While there are still mixed opinions about the quality of life in Tamaqua, more people are optimistic about the community's future and their individual ability to make a difference. There seems to be more trust and shared values, as well as support for community events. Several respondents remarked on increases, in recent years, in events and activities geared toward improving the community and creating a better quality of life.One commented, "I've lived in many places and our town has a lot of room for improvement. But, guess what? It is happening! Tamaqua has come a long way and outsiders have told me they notice it, too."The other most prominent positive comments focused on the character of the residents and the small-town quality of life.As one said, "People in Tamaqua are friendly for the most part and many are willing to help when problems arise."The negative comments continue to focus on four main areas - drugs and crime, lack of good jobs, declining property values and the lack of a senior community center. These are problems found throughout the state, Bridger said, not something exclusive to Tamaqua.Organizers of the "Dear Tamaqua" project hope to build on its success, with several new events in the planning stages, all designed to get and keep the community involved.Coordinator Leona Rega said, "The efforts of our community over the past several years are impressive. These changes have occurred due to an increase of residents who are actively participating in initiatives. We no longer grumble about all that we dislike about our community; we get out there and seek opportunities to be part of the change; and with that comes other who aspire to do the same."'Dear Tamaqua' was instrumental in garnering that open dialogue. It was what we needed to identify that when a community comes together, great things do happen."