Tamaqua news
Snow rules
With the advent of cold winter weather comes the reminder that snow could fall at any time. Tamaqua residents are reminded of borough rules concerning snow removal.Property owners are required to maintain a clear path, at least 3 feet wide, on sidewalks. Snow and ice must be removed from these pathways within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm.Snow, ice and other materials may not be thrown into the streets. Fines of $25 and up may be imposed on anyone caught throwing snow or ice into the street, or who fails to maintain a snow-free pathway.People who plow snow from in front of homes and businesses must remove any piles of snow they create. Anyone piling snow in the street or parking areas could be cited.Residents are asked to refrain from piling snow near fire hydrants or on top of storm drains and are encouraged to clear snow from these areas. Call 570-668-3444 or 570-668-0300 for more information.Health programA new, Christ-centered health program is being formed in the Tamaqua area. Sponsored by the Tamaqua Area Faith and Fellowship Network, the program emphasizes balance in the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual areas of life.An organizational meeting is planned for 7 p.m. Thursdayin founder's hall at Trinity United Church of Christ, 22 Lafayette St., Tamaqua. Tina Kensinger will be the group leader.For more information, contact
dtkensinger2000@yahoo.com.School taxesThe Tamaqua Area School District is accepting Assessed Occupation Tax exemption applications for the 2016-17 school year. This will cover the 2016 calendar year. This year's forms are blue.Retired people and those with no earned income who have previously been exempted do not need to file again unless their status has changed and they are now earning income.Also, those who are disabled or at least 75 years of age who have been specifically notified of their exemption by the district need not file an application.Students who reach the age of 18 by June 30, 2016, will be responsible for paying the tax unless exempt by application.Requests for exemption must be filed with the district by March 1.Application forms are available at the school district administration building, all tax collectors' offices, Tamaqua Borough Hall, the Tamaqua Public Library, and all post offices and bank branches within the district.Free movieThe movie "War Room" will be presented this weekend at New Life Assembly of God Church, 407 Schuylkill Ave. Presentations will be at 1 and 6 p.m. on Saturdayand at 1 p.m. onSunday.The film was produced by the Kendrick brothers and is about the power of prayer.The public is welcome.Calvary LewistownThe Rev. Ed Bean will officiate at the 10:25 a.m. worship service this Sunday in Calvary United Methodist Church in the Lewistown Valley.Also on Sunday, at 6:30 p.m., Carol Stein will lead a Bible study session on the book of Daniel.An hour of praise and prayer is held at 7 p.m. Wednesdays.Primitive MethodistPrimitive Methodist Church is sponsoring a "Running Start Reading Club" which will meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.The program is open to children between the ages of 5 and 10 and is taught by a certified teacher with a master's degree in reading.For more information or to register, call 570-668-2191.Library newsFeb. 6 is "Take Your Child to the Library Day" at the Tamaqua Public Library.The family friendly day will include special readings, every hour, starting at 9:30 a.m. Refreshments and craft sessions will also be included.For more information, or to register, call 570-668-4660.For the entire month of January, the library is offering gently read books for 10 cents each. Regular prices will resume on Feb. 2.The library is located on South Railroad Street.ESRC to meetThe Eastern Schuylkill Recreation Commission will meet at 6 p.m. this Thursday. the meeting will be held at the South Ward Community Center on Penn Street.The meeting will include a discussion on the 2016 adult winter basketball league. Registrations are now being accepted for teams made up of from six to 12 players. Games will be held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Tamaqua Area Elementary and Tamaqua Middle Schools.For more information, or to register, call Sarah at 570-668-2919 or email
esrcrec@hotmail.com.TEPTOThe Tamaqua Elementary Parent Teacher Organization will meet at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 9. Meetings are held in the school library.Tamaqua seniorsThe Tamaqua Senior Citizens met Jan. 14 with 57 members in attendance. President Melody Weicker conducted the business session.Ruthann Feane provided the invocation "On Being Kind." Kathleen Valentine was welcomed back to the group.Members are reminded to bring brown bag lunches during the winter months.The next meeting will be held at 1 p.m. Thursdayat the Tamaqua YMCA, 1201 E. Broad St. The group is open to anyone 55 or older and the YMCA is handicap accessible.Contact Kathy Kunkel at 570-668-1250 or
kkunkel@tnonline.com. Contact the Times News at 800-443-0377 or