My father loved the holiday movie "It's a Wonderful Life." We would stay up most of Christmas Eve watching the movie as it ran for 24 hours, similar to what "A Christmas Story" does now. It is the story of how one man's life affects so many others.

What struck me most after this year's viewing was the contrast between a Bedford Falls and Pottersville. What a community can or cannot be without the efforts of its residents. It reminded me of our hometown of Tamaqua. What do you see when traveling through the streets of Tamaqua? Do you see a Bedford Falls or a Pottersville?We are now 16 years into the 21st century. Many changes have been observed, not only in our little town, but in our country and throughout the world. The good and the bad, but sometimes the bad seems to win. It seems the whole world has become a Pottersville.When I look around Tamaqua, I still see a Bedford Falls. I see a place where small business can still thrive and make our community unique. I see the efforts of countless volunteer organizations coming to fruition. I see downtown building facades being renovated into what was once their glory. I see neighborhood parks being fixed up, painted or new equipment being installed for our children's enjoyment. I see our beautifully renovated Train Station and Depot Square Park welcoming visitors or those just passing through.In 1994, a community coalition was formed to initiate a plan for revitalization for Tamaqua and plans into the 21st century. We are now 12 years beyond that effort, and we still continue to see the positive effects of this initiative in our community.Many positive changes happened in Tamaqua over the past few years. The opening of the Tamaqua Community Arts Center has brought wonderful programs to the Tamaqua Area. In 2015, The Dear Tamaqua presentation, gave a historical and present perspective of life in Tamaqua and was well-attended and loved by many. Tamaqua was designated only one of three CRIZ communities in Pennsylvania. This will enable new tax dollars generated in Tamaqua to flow back into the community.The Tamaqua Historical Society is completing its museum renovation project and is slated to reopen in early spring. The Tamaqua Area Community Partnership continues to develop and market vacant downtown spaces as artist studios and havens. Artists Joe Marioni and Steven Bennett have taken advantage of the Tamaqua Artist Relocation Program and set up studios.As we move into 2016, I see Tamaqua on the verge of a cultural and economic explosion of revitalization. Many new businesses have already begun to pop up in the downtown and surrounding areas. The Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce will continue to support the efforts of these individuals and other community organizations. We will continue to promote and administer the Main Street Program for downtown Tamaqua.We will be reopening our office on Monday at 114 W. Broad St. Hours will be Monday 9-4, Wednesday 9-3, and Friday 9-4. Our membership drive will begin mid-January. Remember, anyone can join the chamber; it's not just for businesses, it is a community-based organization. It is a great networking tool to meet others in our community and find ways we can together make Tamaqua a Bedford Falls. Please consider joining the chamber.Our Chamber Chatters weekly newsletter will be starting up again in the New Year. Any chamber member or organization can have events listed in the newsletter. You do not have to be a member of the chamber to receive the newsletter. Stay up to date with what is happening in the Tamaqua area.If you wish to be added to the list or want something published in the newsletter, please forward that information to

chamber@tamaqua.net.Our next breakfast seminar will be held at 8 a.m. Jan. 13 at LCCC in Tamaqua. This event is being sponsored by Integrated Insurance. They will be presenting a seminar on upcoming changes in Medicare. To register, please email or call the chamber at 570-668-1880.The Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors wants to wish everyone a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.