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On the inside . . .No Third Party Complaints ........ Pg. 2Borough Services & Events ......... Pg. 4PGA Business & Community ..... Pg.. 8Operation Hugs & Kisses ............ Pg. 10Swiftreach – We Need Info ......... Pg. 16

Tree Ordinance Enforcement to Resume Sept. 1

Tree Commission to Remove Stumps, Plant Trees

Protecting Public Health, Safety and Welfare

Property Standards Enforcement Begins October 1

TTHEHE E EVERGREENVERGREENHistoric Pine Grove . . . Early Settlers

Noted the Area's “Fine Stand of Pines”Vol. V, No. 3 – Issued Quarterly BOROUGH OF PINE GROVE, PA August 2011

(STC). It promulgated rules and regulations for the protection of public trees and granted authority to the commission to set forth additional rules, regula-tions, and standards. It provided for enforcement of the requirements of the ordinance including the imposition of fines for violations.

In recent years, lack of attention to the require-ments set forth in this ordinance have resulted in safety and visual concerns of the borough’s streetscape. A fully staffed Shade Tree Commission will now begin active enforcement of the ordinance effective September 1 of this year.

The ordinance gives the STC exclusive custody and control of the shade trees in the Borough, and

The ordinance covers five major areas of safe-ty: General Requirements; Light, Ventilation and Occupancy Limitations; Plumbing Facilities and Fixture Requirements; Mechanical and Electrical Requirements, and Fire Safety Requirements.

General RequirementsThis section of the ordinance controls exterior

property areas such as sanitation, grading and drain-age, sidewalks and driveways, weeds, rats, exhaust vents, and motor vehicles.

Exterior structure requirements control painting, street numbers, foundation walls, roofs and drainage, stair and walking surfaces, porches, balconies, chimneys and towers, handrails, window and door frames, insect screens, doors and basement hatchways and windows.

Ordinance 259 was adopted in September 1981 to establish and provide for a Shade Tree Commission

The Pine Grove Borough Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 383 at its regular meeting held August 14, 2008. Beginning October 1 this year, it will be actively enforced.

This is an ordinance “To protect the public health, safety and welfare in all existing structures, residential and nonresidential, and on all existing premises by establishing minimum requirements and standards for premises, structures, equipment, and facilities for light, ventilation, space, heating, sanita-tion, protection from the elements, life, safety, safety from fire and other hazards, and for safe and sani-tary maintenance; fixing the responsibility of owners, operators and occupants; regulating the occupancy of existing structures and premises; and providing for the administration, enforcement and penalties.”

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– Continued on Page 9

Autumn Stroll Oct. 15

HOT SOUP ON A FALL DAY – Enjoy a full day Saturday, Oct. 15 in Pine Grove at the annual Autumn Stroll, Lions Classic Car Show, and the Holiday Classic Parade.

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Message from the Borough Council President

At the July regular meeting of the Pine Grove Borough Council, the issue of third-party complaints was discussed. At issue was a series of official complaints made to borough coun-cil for action, but not submitted by the person who lodged the original complaint against someone else.

In 2008, as an outgrowth of the then volatile police situation, borough council developed an official complaint form to provide a mechanism for reporting a com-plaint to borough council before the situ-ation developed into a full-blown crisis. This form is available to all in the lobby of the municipal building.

Any resident wishing to file a com-plaint against another resident, a borough employee, or the borough council and other elected officials sim-ply needs to complete the form and give it to office staff. The form must be filled out completely to be considered for investigation and/or action, including the complainant’s name printed and signed.

The required information includes: date of com-plaint, name and address of the person originating the complaint, and a telephone number where the person can be reached for further information. This information is strictly confidential and will be known only to the intake person who handles the complaint, the president of borough council who receives all complaints, and the committee person who is asked to investigate and resolve the complaint. Additional required information is the name of the “Person of Concern” and his/her address. This information is required in order for an investigation to take place.

There is a space where the person making the complaint may describe the nature of the problem. It is based upon this information that a decision will be made on whether or not to investigate the complaint and to whom it will be assigned for resolution.

Why no third party complaints?Recently, borough council’s complaint process had

become corrupted by the submission of complaints that were submitted by the mayor and other third-

party persons. This removes the person who knows most about the complaint from interaction with the

investigator. It also places the investiga-tor in a position of attempting to resolve an issue with only partial information.

The mayor claimed she fully investi-gated the verbal complaints she received and determined whether or not to submit a formal written complaint to borough council. Borough council is solely empow-ered to act on the complaint forms that the council developed and implemented.

The rationale offered for this third-party process was that the citizens “are afraid” to address issues to council direct-ly for fear of retribution. This is nonsense.

Borough council members strive to treat all people equally. The members of borough council do not offer their services to the community and work many long hours in order to exact retribution on the citizens. In fact, were any council person wishing to threaten a citizen, he or she would have no mechanism to do so.

One point made by councilman Robert Wolfe was a case in another town where the council did act on a third party complaint. The incident resulted in Children and Youth services removing children from a home. When the investigation was fully completed, the issues cited in the complaint were found to be untrue. As a result the borough council was sued.

Councilperson Jeanie Hepler noted the Borough Health Inspector will not investigate third party com-plaints because they can lead to misunderstandings and are sometimes malicious.

At the July meeting, on a motion by Hepler and a second by Larry Dubbs, borough council voted 5-2 to not accept third party complaints because they can’t be verified. Council members Chris Morgan and Lynne Umbenhauer voted no.

If any resident has a legitimate complaint against another person or a situation, they should feel free and confident that their complaint will be held in confidence and that it will be fairly and thoroughly investigated.

– Kenneth Lehman, Council President

Why We Won’t Act on Third Party Complaints

KEN LEHMAN

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is authorized to plant, remove, maintain and protect shade trees on its streets and highways. In conjunc-tion with the Curb and Sidewalk Ordinance 254, the STC also controls shrubs on public walkways.

The STC is composed of three individu-als who serve staggered terms. For the past several years, due to lack of interest, the STC has been under-utilized due to the inability to attract interested citizens to serve on the commission. The commission now has its full three members who plan to plant some trees this fall along the areas that do not have any or where trees were removed and not replaced.

First, however, the STC is planning to remove seven stumps along streets and public walk areas of the borough. These stumps should have been ground below surface within a year of the removal of the tree; but, due to a lack of ordinance enforcement, this was not done.

The Shade Tree Commission was inactive for some years and the time during which the stumps were to be removed had passed. In some cases, the houses were sold with the stumps existing. Responsibility for removing the stumps died with the transfer of the property. In an effort to clean up our sidewalks and remove a safety hazard, the STC is doing a one-time removal of these hazards.

Ordinance to be enforcedBeginning September 1, anyone who removes

trees under the authority of the Shade Tree Ordinance must remove the stump within one year of the

removal of the tree. This requirement shall be strictly enforced. The requirement to remove the stump is clearly stated on the application to remove a tree in the public walkway.

In addition, the commission will be monitoring mature trees for proper height from the street and sidewalk. Pedestrians

must be allowed free passage without hin-drance by drooping branches over the sidewalk. Section 511, subsection (b) of the ordinance

states: “Mature trees shall be trimmed to 10 feet above street or sidewalk.” The commission has sent some letters to property owners requiring them to trim their trees. The members will be looking at other streets to determine whether other trees need to be brought into compliance. Enforcement of the height requirement will be accomplished one street at a time.

Currently, members are identifying places to plant trees along our streets. It has been many years since the commission purchased trees for planting. The STC has identified two or three places to plant trees. If you are interested in having a tree planted on your prop-erty, contact borough hall at 345-3555. Members of the commission will contact you and determine if the proposed site fits the specifications of the ordinance.

Pine Grove Shade Tree Commission– Continued from Page 1

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CLOSEDWed. and Sun.

BOROUGH OFFICIALSMayor

Kimberly Brown-Zerbe – 345-9282

Borough Council PresidentKen Lehman – 345-8766

Borough Council Vice PresidentLarry Dubbs – 345-2799

COUNCIL MEMBERSDonald L. Adams – 345-2379

Jeanie Hepler – 345-2654Chris Morgan – 345-8027

Lynne Umbenhauer – 345-5418Robert Wolfe – 345-8829

SolicitorChristopher W. Hobbs – 622-3355 • Fax 622-5147

Secretary/TreasurerJudi Kassab – 345-3555 • Fax 345-0445

EngineerBCM Engineers – Water

570-636-3343 • Fax: 570-636-3345Alfred Benesch & Co. - Engineer – 570-622-4312 The Council of the Borough of Pine Grove meets the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Pine Grove Municipal Building located on Snyder Avenue.

Borough Hall – (570) 345-3555One Snyder Avenue, Pine Grove

Borough Services Update . . . And Events!Fall community events

The Pine Grove Lions Club will sponsor or co-sponsor several activities this fall. Community resi-dents and visitors are invited to enjoy.

A dance will be held September 17 at the Hose, Hook & Ladder #1 social hall from 6 to 11 p.m. Country dance band “Reckless” will provide the live entertainment. Food and door prizes will be included. A cash bar will also be available. All net proceeds will benefit the Holiday Classic Parade to be held in October.

Pine Grove’s annual Autumn Stroll celebration will take place October 15 at Veterans Memorial Park and Union Canal Park. Sponsored by the Pine Grove Bicentennial Committee, activities kick off at 10 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m. Crafts, food, and demon-strations will be part of the Stroll. Paddle boats will also be available.

During the Autumn Stroll on October 15, an Antique and Classic Car & Truck Show, sponsored by the Pine Grove Lions Club will be held in the same parks from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Lions Club annual Holiday Classic Parade, typ-ically the first regional parade of the Halloween sea-

son, will step off at 7 p.m. on October 15. The parade forms at the Pine Grove Area High School at 6 p.m.

For additional information on any of these events, call Charlie at 570-345-7446.

Lions holiday house decorating contestIt’s not too early to think about decorating for

the holidays! Sponsored by the Pine Grove Lions Club, residents from Pine Grove Borough, Pine Grove Township, and Washington Township are eligible. Judging will be by the Tree Lighting Committee with monetary prizes awarded – $100 first place, $50 sec-ond place, and $25 for third place. Submit an entry with your name, address, phone, signature and date and send to: Pine Grove Lions Club, 1 Veterans Memorial Park, Pine Grove, PA 17963 by December 3, 2011. Judging begins the week of December 12. Lights must be turned on to be judged. Contact Vernon Strouphauer at (570) 345-3469 for additional informa-tion.

Bicentennial time capsuleAs part of the Schuylkill County’s bicentennial cel-

ebration, the Schuylkill County Bicentennial Steering

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CALL NOW!!! MUST MENTION “NEWSLETTER SPECIAL”

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Call (570) 385-3120*Classifi ed line ad up to 20 words;

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deadline Monday 5 p.m. for Thurs. publication.

Vol. I thru Vol. VIIEach has 52 accounts of local history

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960 E. Main Street • P.O. Box 178 • Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972Ph: (570) 385-3120 • Fax: (570) 385-0725

E-mail: news@southschuylkill.net • www.SouthSchuylkill.netOFFICE HOURS: Mon. thru Thurs. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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Borough population increasesThe Schuylkill County Planning and Zoning

Commission recently released the results of the 2010 census. As usual for the past many decades, the coun-ty has seen a drop in population. In the most recent census, Schuylkill County lost 1.36% of its population since 2000.

In some cases, the population shifted from the towns to the townships. Tremont and Washington Townships enjoyed double-digit increases in popula-tion and Pine Grove Township gained enough popu-lation to achieve “entitlement status.” By growing its population to above the 4,000 mark, Pine Grove Township now qualifies for at least ten years of spe-cial funding opportunities from the Federal govern-ment.

Pine Grove Borough, one of only six in the county, showed an increase in population, ending many decades of population loss. The borough’s popula-tion increased by 32, bringing it to 2,186. Other bor-oughs gaining population were Cressona, Deer Lake, McAdoo, Mt. Carbon, and Port Clinton.

Boroughs suffering the largest losses in popula-tion were “north of the mountain.” They are Ashland, Frackville, Girardville, Mahanoy City, and Shenandoah.

Music concertsThe Pine Grove Lions Club continues to feature

Committee is planning to fill a time capsule to be buried on the grounds of the courthouse where “Courthouse Commons” is being built. The commit-tee has asked every one of the 67 munici-palities to offer one item that represents that munici-pality.

The time capsule will be filled at a public celebra-tion on October 2, 2011. The committee will fill the time capsule, provide self-guided tours of the court-house, and is planning a reception.

The time capsule filling and courthouse open house/tours are free and open to the public. Plans are to start at 2 p.m. with the time capsule followed by the tours. The reception, at a cost for those attending, will be held from 4 to 6 p.m.

Pine Grove Borough is soliciting ideas from resi-dents for inclusion in the time capsule. Suggestions, a description, photo, or the item can be dropped off to Judi Kassab at the municipal building. Questions regarding the time capsule and ideas for inclusion, call Kenneth Lehman, borough council president, at 345-8766.

Suggestion deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 7. The chosen item must be turned over to borough hall for the filling of the time capsule by Friday, Sept. 30.

Borough Services Update . . . And Events!

– Continued on Page 6

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Wal-Mart Doesn’t Support this Newsletter!

960 E. Main Street • P.O. Box 178 • Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972Ph: (570) 385-3120 • Fax: (570) 385-0725

E-mail: printing@southschuylkill.net • www.SouthSchuylkill.comOFFICE HOURS: Mon. thru Thurs. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

SOUTH SCHUYLKILLPRINTING & PUBLISHING

The Borough, local businesses, community organizations, and all of the residents of Pine Grove who rely on its content make this newsletter a valuable communication tool and promoter of a better life for us all.

For fi ve years South Schuylkill Printing & Publishing has produced this newsletter FREE OF CHARGE to the Borough. Our expenses are paid solely by local business advertisers who welcome Pine Grove residents into their stores and support the local economy. If you value the future of this newsletter to promote your group’s activities and to provide timely information, two things must happen:(1) Readers – please think of our advertisers fi rst before going to the BIG BOX store.

Let our advertisers know you value and want them to stay in our community.(2) Business Owners – Thank you to those who support this newsletter. BUT, more Pine

Grove businesses must advertise in order to keep this newsletter viable. Call us.

Borough Services Update . . . And Events!Pine Grove Lions Club meets the second Thursday

of each month at the Lions Den on Spruce Street, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

The Pinegrove Historical Society holds its board meeting the first Thursday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Hikes Homestead on North Tulpehocken Street. Historic society programs are held the second Thursday each month beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the American Legion, Tulpehocken Street. The public and prospective new members are always welcome.

Other social and service organizations are invited to list meetings and contact persons in future issues of The Evergreen. Contact Borough Secretary Judi Kassab at 345-3555 to submit this information.

Food PantryThe Pine Grove Food Pantry is open the last

Saturday every other month from 10 to 11 a.m. in the church school building at 200 School Street. Eligible residents of Pine Grove Borough, Pine Grove and Washington Townships may apply. For additional informa-tion call 345-3401.

No outdoor burningBorough ordinance prohibits any outdoor burning

of trash within the borough limits. Over the years,

its music nights at the Lions Den every second and fourth Friday through September. The live bluegrass, old country and gospel jams will be heard from 6 to 10 p.m. with the doors opening at 4:30 p.m. Food and door prizes will be available. Music night events will take place August 26, September 9 and September 23.

Meeting dates to rememberThe following municipal and social club

meetings are open to the public. Holidays and special events could alter some meet-ing dates, but in general, these groups meet on a regular monthly basis accord-

ing to the following:Pine Grove Borough Council meets

the second Thursday of each month in the conference room of the municipal building, 1 Snyder Avenue, at 7 p.m.

Pine Grove Joint Treatment Authority meets the third Tuesday of each month in its conference room at 115 Mifflin St., beginning at 7 p.m.

Pine Grove Area School District Board of Directors meets the third Thursday of each month in the middle school library at 6:30 p.m.

Pine Grove Area Senior Citizens meet the sec-ond and fourth Tuesday of each month at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, S. Tulpehocken St. at 1:30 p.m.

– Continued from Page 5

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How would you know?Routine, seasonal and emergency announcements

from the Borough of Pine Grove are broadcast on tele-vision Channel 7 of Comcast Cable. Nonprofit groups and fire companies can also announce their events on channel 7 by calling borough secretary Judi Kassab at 345-3555.

Borough office holidaysRemaining legal holidays this year observed by Pine

Grove Borough offices are Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, one half day before Christmas, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Historical societyThe Pinegrove Historical Society accepts dona-

tions of historic or local inter-est, as well as financial dona-tions. If you have some-thing to donate, let the society know by calling to discuss your intend-ed donation. Call either 570-345-0157 or 570-691-6708. This change is due to new federal paperwork requirements for societies to accept the donation.

For more information, phone 570-385-6252 or E-mail sl-admissions@psu.eduVisit the Web site at www.sl.psu.edu

200 University Drive, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972

Borough Services Update . . . And Events!this ordinance has proven its worth by cutting the number of brush fires in Pine Grove to almost zero. Enjoy the summer days ahead and stay safe.

Leaf cleanupWhat do you do with all those falling leaves and

yard waste? The borough provides pickup of bagged leaves every Thursday during the fall season. You must bag the leaves and have them at the curb before 8 a.m. This will continue through the fall season. Leaves must be bagged. Piles of leaves will not be collected.

The borough maintains a com-post site where residents may take leaves, grass clippings, and other yard vegetation waste. The cost is $10 per year and is for resi-dents only. The compost site operates from March through the fall season, and is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Permits are available at the borough municipal building.

Water bill paymentsWater bill payments are due on the following

dates: February 5, May 5, August 5 and November 5. After these dates, a late fee will be assessed.

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Building a library . . . building a community

The Paraclete FoundationP.O. Box 67

Pine Grove, PA 17963

Visit our Pre-Owned Bookstoreat the Paraclete Office63 Tulpehocken Street

www.paracletefoundation.com

Newsletter Particulars“The Evergreen” is a quarterly newsletter of the

Borough of Pine Grove distributed to 1300 house-holds within the Borough.

The newsletter is designed and printed bySouth Schuylkill Printing & Publishing

960 E. Main St. • Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972Ph: (570) 385-3120 • Fax: (570) 385-0725

E-mail: info@southschuylkill.netwww.SouthSchuylkill.com

Publication date for the next issue isNovember 18, 2011

News SubmittalsNon-profit and community organizations

within the Borough are invited to submit news items for consideration. Written submittals must be received by Borough Secretary, Judi Kassab, in the Borough offices, three weeks prior to the publication date.

AdvertisingBusinesses wishing to reach every household

in the Borough of Pine Grove are invited to ad-vertise in future issues. Contact South Schuylkill Printing & Publishing for more information. Call Madelyn @ 366-2791. All advertisements must be received at least three weeks prior to the publica-tion dates. Ad content is subject to approval and acceptance by the Borough of Pine Grove.

Members of the Pine Grove Area Business and Community Association (PGABCA) hold monthly meetings the second Wednesday of each month in the Pine Grove Lion’s Den, 103 Spruce Street, Pine Grove, beginning at 7 p.m. The association is comprised of local business persons, community organization rep-resentatives, politicians, and members of the commu-nity, all working together to make area communities the best they can be.

Currently 25 members strong, the PGABCA repre-sents and supports Pine Grove and Tremont boroughs and their surrounding townships. Meetings are open to any community minded individual and new pro-spective members are encouraged to get involved. For more information visit our Facebook site or e-mail pgabca@yahoo.com.

Bob Evanchalk, parks and recreation director at Sweet Arrow Lake Park, will be the featured speaker at the group’s September 21 meeting. Attorney J.T. Herber, with the law firm of Williamson, Friedberg, and Jones, LLC will speak at the meeting October 19.

Upcoming community eventsThe PGA Business and Community Association

is proud to promote the following summer and fall events and urge residents and visitors to enjoy these community activities.

• The Tremont Craft show will be held August 27 beginning at 9 a.m. Dozens of crafters and food

stands will line Main Street in Tremont for this street festival. A free band concert will take place at the Tremont Veteran’s Park starting at 10 a.m.

• Pine Grove’s annual Autumn Stroll will be held Saturday, Oct. 15 at Union Canal Park. This event is packed with crafters, antique and classic cars and trucks, great food, and entertainment. It all begins at 10 a.m.

• That same evening, Saturday, Oct. 15 beginning at 6 p.m., the annual Lions Club Holiday Classic Parade will begin forming along School Street and in Legion Acres. One of the largest holiday parades in the area and featuring many floats, bands, emergency response equipment, and community marchers, the parade will step off at 7 p.m. and wind through Pine Grove Borough.

• On Sunday, Oct. 16, many of the same floats, rolling equipment, and marchers will do it again in Tremont with its annual Halloween parade.

Take Pride in Our Area

PGA Business and Community Association

BICENTENNIAL PRIDE – Union Canal Park is a gem in the Borough of Pine Grove. The park, complete with walking/jogging path was a proj-ect of the Bicentennial Committee and is still maintained by that group.

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NEW PATIENTS WELCOMEFAMILY DENTISTRY – SCHUYLKILL HAVEN

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Protecting Public Health, Safety and WelfareFull details are available

This is just a rough outline of the requirements of Ordinance 383. To obtain information on the full requirements of the ordinance, it can be reviewed at the Municipal Building, One Snyder Avenue. A copy of the ordinance is available for a modest fee.

The borough will begin to enforce the ordinance effective October 1.

The enforcement mechanism rests with the borough code enforce-ment official — current-ly the staff from Alfred Benesch & Company. The code official is authorized to enter the structure or premises at reasonable times to inspect, subject to constitutional restrictions on unreasonable searches and seizures. If entry is refused or not obtained, the code official is authorized to pursue recourse as pro-vided by law.

Code officials will not be going door to door look-ing for violations. However, they will respond to legiti-mate, and signed, first party complaints.

This ordinance is necessary to maintain the integ-rity of the borough’s housing stock and to ensure buildings maintain minimum standards for health and safety.

Other areas that are controlled by this section cover interior structures, rubbish and garbage, and extermination of vermin.

Other sectionsThe Light, Ventilation & Occupancy Limitations

section governs the minimum conditions and stan-dard for light, ventilation and space for occupying the structure.

The section regarding Plumbing Facilities and Fixture Requirements governs the minimum plumb-ing facilities and plumbing fixtures. This includes the connection to the water system and the sanitary drainage system.

Mechanical and Electrical Requirements governs the minimum requirements for these important sys-tems. This includes minimum heating requirements of 65 degrees for rental buildings during the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. of each day and not less than 60 degrees during other hours. It also requires minimum standards for electrical equipment in occu-pied buildings.

The section on Fire Safety Requirements governs the minimum conditions and standards for fire safety relating to structures and exterior premises. A person shall not occupy as owner-occupant or permit another person to occupy any premises that does not comply with the requirements of this chapter.

– Continued from Page 1

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If Your Group Is Going By Bus

Call Us345-3834

100 Rock RoadPine Grove

Operation Hugs & Kisses was formed in response to several row home fires in 2010 and incorporated as a Pennsylvania non-profit in 2011. The Group’s goal is to give back and promote local communities.

Operation Hugs & Kisses, since formation, has helped the following organizations: Pine Grove Business & Community Association’s Disaster Relief Fund, Comfort Bears to comfort children in traumatic situations, co-organized the Pine Grove Community Day with the Pine Grove Lions Club, held a backpack and school supply drive, and have provided donations of prizes or gift baskets to ACES, Boy Scout Troup 611, Relay for Life and various fundraisers in the com-munity. In the first year of operation, Operation Hugs & Kisses was able to give back more than $28,000 in Pine Grove and surrounding communities.

Meetings are held the first Monday of each month beginning at 7 p.m. in the Pine Grove American Legion. Due to the Labor Day holiday the next meeting will be held September 12. Interested people are always wel-come and Operation Hugs & Kisses is always seeking new members.

Night of comedy and musicA night of Comedy, Memories and Music will fea-

ture comedian and radio host at 105.7 – The X, Earl David Reed, at the Hose, Hook & Ladder #1 social hall on October 22. Reed will have two additional comedians open the show prior to his performance. DJ Rockin Robin will follow the comedy show. Net proceeds will go to the Pine Grove Disaster and Relief Fund.

Get your tickets early and enjoy an evening of laughs, memories and music to benefit a very worthy cause. Doors open at 5:30 and the

comedy will begin at 8 p.m. An open cash bar will be provided until the comic show begins and then will reopen afterwards. Tickets at $20 in advance will go on sale shortly. Purchasing at the door will cost $25. Call (570) 640-2962, (570) 624-6058, or (570) 573-0775 for additional information and to secure tickets.

Photographer Kelly Stine will be available from 6 to 8 and after the comedians to capture your memo-

ries of the evening. Raffle baskets and lottery ticket trees will also be available.

2012 Benefit AuctionThe second annual Benefit Auction to benefit

Operation Hugs & Kisses will be held April 12, 2012. Organizers are reaching out early to begin gathering auction items earlier allowing for better publicity and to generate a high level of excitement locally and in the broader community for the fantastic items being auctioned.

Despite an untimely ice storm, the inaugural Benefit Auction last February raised more than $9,000 that was then donated to nine volunteer fire com-panies serving our area. The 2012 auction has been moved to April to avoid any weather issues and has expanded its focus to include ambulances organiza-tions serving our communities. These volunteers are the first called for all emergencies, putting their per-sonal safety and families second to serve their com-munities. It is important to support these vital organi-zations especially when federal, state and individual funding has been hit so hard in the current economy.

Individuals and businesses are asked to donate whatever they can as early as possible. No donation of products or services is too small as our members have become very gifted in creating attractive theme baskets by combining donations from various parties increasing the value for the bidders and drawing larg-er bids. We are thankful for all donations and grate-fully acknowledge all donations by listing donors in the auction program.

Please mark your calendars now for this excit-ing auction, April 12 at the Hose, Hook & Ladder #1 hall. For additional information and to donate auc-tion items, contact Missy (570) 294-2503, Kathy (570) 617-2323, Joanne (570) 617-3417 or Brenda (570) 640-0126.

Upcoming eventsOperation Hugs & Kisses is collecting backpacks

for students in need now to the start of school. Consider donating lightly used and no longer wanted/needed backpacks or purchase a new one to help youngsters from our school who need one. Contact any of our members.

Operation Christmas Shopping will be held November 27 at the Pine Grove VFW. The event will include home demonstrators and party plans. Details are still being finalized. Watch your local papers and the November issue of The Evergreen.

The organization will be very visible during upcoming community events, including Trick or Treat night, Autumn Stroll, and the Halloween Parade.

E-mail and Facebook In addition to the phone numbers noted ear-

lier, Operation Hugs & Kisses has an e-mail address 2010xoxo@comcast.net and you can also find the organization on Facebook.

Huggable Bears are still for sale! Contact us or see us at the upcoming events.

Operation Hugs & Kisses

EARLDAVID REED

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WALK-IN CENTERParkway & Market Sts. • Sch. Haven

TAKING CONSIGNMENTSTues. – 10 a.m.-3 p.m.Wed. – 3 p.m.-7 p.m.

OR BY APPOINTMENT

Call or E-mail(570) 385-3325(570) 764-4169

Fax (570) 593-8566

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MEMBER:

PA Auctioneer# AU005656 • Reg. Auction Co.# RY000987 • Auction House License AH001925

The month of June brought a flurry of activi-ty in the state legislature. A number of significant mea-sures were signed into law by Governor Tom Corbett, most notably the first on-time state budget in eight years. The 2011-12 state budget cuts spending and includes no new or increased taxes for the people of Pennsylvania.

It was only the third time in the last four decades law-makers adopted a budget that

actually spends less than the prior fiscal year’s plan. I realize such cuts are not painless, and many citizens and lawmakers pushed for additional spending based on modest increases in state revenue collections. But the Commonwealth is in significant debt – $4 billion in unemployment compensation debt alone – that must be repaid. It is time to take a step toward right-sizing state government, and I believe these actions ultimately will pay dividends for our citizens, job creators and the economy overall.

Following the governor’s initial budget proposal in March, we worked hard to successfully restore some of the funding the governor had proposed to cut from public schools and higher education. Overall, the state invests more than one-third of its annual state budget in education.

Certainly, this is an important investment in our future, but we also must take steps to improve the jobs climate to protect that investment. Too many young people are forced to leave the area or the state because there aren’t sufficient job opportunities here.

We need to strive for quality and cost-effective education to help facilitate job growth.

Affordable and marketable edu-cation that is focused on the

needs of business is a fundamental building block of a thriving economy.

Education funding restorations were made possible by cuts of

about $400 million to the gover-nor’s proposed welfare budget.

Some of those cost-savings will come from a series of welfare reforms

incorporated into the budget plan, including requir-ing the Department of Public Welfare to run a 19-point check to determine an applicant’s eligibility for benefits, requiring drug testing for convicted drug felons applying for or receiving benefits and stopping welfare recipients from “shopping around” for benefit rates higher than those in the county in which they live.

Other laws adopted by the General Assembly and signed by the governor in June include:

News from PA Representative Tobash

• Bath Salts Ban (Act 7) – Bans so-called “bath salts” and other dangerous chemical compounds being abused by drug users.

• Castle Doctrine (Act 10) – Reinforces a person’s right to defend himself or herself in the face of an attacker without first having a duty to retreat.

• Fair Share Act (Act 17) – Curbs lawsuit abuse by reforming the doctrine of joint and several liability to be fair to taxpayers and employers by ensuring a defendant is held liable only for his or her fair share of damages in a lawsuit.

• PennWATCH (Act 18) – Aims to improve govern-ment openness and transparency by creating a comprehensive, searchable online database of state budgeting and spending information.

• School Property Tax Referendum Requirements (Act 25) – Limits the circumstances by which a school district, under Special Session Act 1 of 2006, may increase property taxes without ref-erendum approval by voters. Lawmakers also adopted five mandate relief measures to help school districts address financial challenges.

• Cancer as Occupational Disease for Firefighters (Act 46) – Designates cancer as an occupational disease for firefighters for the purposes of work-ers’ compensation.

It’s Been a Busy Budget Season in Harrisburg

MIKE TOBASHState Rep.

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Pampered Chef BingoThe Paraclete Foundation will hold its annual

Pampered Chef Bingo event on Sunday, Sept. 25. This year the event will be held at the Tremont Fire Hall located at 21 Middle Creek Road, Tremont. Middle Creek Road is located just off Clay Street. The tele-phone number for the firehouse is 570-695-3915. As in previous years, the event begins at 1 p.m. on Sunday and will conclude approximately 4 p.m. Doors open at noon with food and beverages for sale by the firehouse volunteers before game play and during intermissions. Members of the Paraclete Foundation will sell desserts.

The prizes, purchased by the sponsors of the bingo will consist of Pampered Chef items, a com-pany that provides high quality kitchen products and tasty recipes. In addition to the funds raised by the bingo games, Pampered Chef and local representative Wanda Pennypacker offer rebates from their sales.

The Paraclete Foundation will offer a few special bingo games, including one for a gift certificate to O’Neal’s Pub in Pine Grove. A small game of chance in the form of 50/50 tickets will also be offered.

Mark the date! This event has always delivered a great time and it draws folks from all parts of Schuylkill County and even from out of state. Hope to see you there!

If you need directions to the Tremont Fire Company social hall: from the Tremont exit of I-81, continue to the traffic light in Tremont, take the first left after the light onto Clay Street. Continue to the top of the hill. The fire house is on the left. If you are coming from the east on Route 125 from Pottsville, take the right hand fork off Route 125 and then make the first right onto Clay Street.

Grant/loan funding?The Paraclete Foundation’s loan/grant from the

U.S. Department of Agriculture is still captive to the dysfunctional congressional budget process. Now that the debt ceiling issue has been concluded, per-haps progress will be made. Stay tuned!

Paraclete Foundation – Creating a Library

Want More News?For the most complete weekly news cov-

erage of Pine Grove and Pine Grove Area Schools, subscribe to the area’s premier com-munity newspaper. Call – 385-3120 today!

SSouth outh SSchuchuyylkill lkill NNewsews

BEAUTY IN OUR MIDST – A butterfly garden planted and maintained by the South Schuylkill Garden Club and local girl scouts can be found and enjoyed at the southwest end of Union Ca-nal Park.

READY FOR PLAY – New playground equipment in bright orange, purple and green colors was installed earlier this year, thanks to the fundrais-ing efforts of the Pine Grove Lions Club and the Borough Recreation Committee.

Enjoy Union Canal Park!

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For nearly seventy years, seniors have counted on Social Security for income security in their golden years. Today, 54 million Americans receive a Social Security check every month to help maintain them through retirement. In Pennsylvania, 55.8% of older citizens rely on Social Security as the principal source of income; and for more than 22% of older Pennsylvanians, Social Security makes up more than

90% of their income. As your congressman, I stand ready to take the

steps necessary to assure that Social Security is there for future generations. I disagree that these steps must include the introduction of private accounts, such as IRAs, into the Social Security system. Privatization forces benefit cuts, increases risk, and removes the guarantee that Social Security will be there for all Americans. Both current and future beneficiaries would face a significant reduction in their guaran-teed benefit, including beneficiaries who choose not to participate. Unlike the guaranteed benefit of the

We are helping to shape a vibrantcommunity that attracts young people andis recognized as a leader in economic development.

Visit the all new www.schuylkillvision.com

Vision PartnerInformationLearn about the progress beingmade by Vision Partnerships.

Real-TimeInformationStay on top of everythingconcerning Schuylkill County.

Headline Feeds toArea NewspapersBe informed of news highlightsevery time you refresh the page.

Social NetworkingGet connected with everyonewho shares your interests.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT · EDUCATION · GOVERNMENT · INFRASTRUCTURE · HEALTHCARE · ENVIRONMENT · ARTS & CULTURE

From the Office of U.S. Congressman Tim Holden

current Social Security system, private accounts are a risky gamble dependent on the fluctuations of the stock market while the transition costs of moving to private accounts would be more than $1 trillion over the next ten years.

Social Security serves as the bedrock of a secure retirement, unshaken by the ups and downs of the economy or the timing of one’s retirement. I pledge to do everything I can to prevent the dismantling of Social Security as we know it, and work to maintain and improve the system for Pennsylvania’s retirees.

Social Security Must Be There in Time of Need

TIMOTHY HOLDENU.S. Congressman Steinert SPCA

RISING FROM THE ASHES – Ruth Steinert Memo-rial SPCA volunteers working on demolition and repairs to the burned structure that formerly housed the office and small animal quarters. The shelter’s cat house was reopened in early July. The dog kennels and runs are expected to be opened this fall.

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MARTIN CARPENTRY INC.Well Established – Prepared to Serve You

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Call for a free estimate from a friendly staff member

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With so many things going on this summer, family activities and focus will soon change, get-

ting ready for Back-to-School. Schedules will remain hectic with fall school, sports and the upcoming holiday season. While enjoying these events, keep in mind a few basics to keep every-one safe.

Please lock your vehicles, storage, garage and residence doors to help deter theft and vandalism. There have been a rash of incidents during the summer months involving items stolen from vehicles parked along borough streets. In the majority of these thefts, prop-

erty owners made it easy by leaving doors unlocked. Those days when we could leave property unat-

tended in our own neighborhood are long gone. If you see something happening at your neighbors’ house that doesn’t seem right, call the police. We all should be more aware what goes on in our neighbor-hoods, get involved, and stop looking the other way.

The lack of rain during July gave us all a break from grass mowing. Now that it is growing again, remember to keep your lawns mowed and clean throughout the year. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to keep the sidewalks clean and grass/weed free up to the curbing of the roads within the Borough. Our borough street crew will maintain the road from curb to curb.

Sidewalks throughout many areas of the Borough are being neglected. This should become a part of your yard routine and, once caught up, will not cause a lot of extra work done regularly…and you just might enjoy a conversation with the neighbors while working out front. Ordinances require the property owner to maintain the sidewalks and enforcement will be refocused in this direction.

The Shade Tree Commission is back. Although the rules are lengthy and the commission runs most of that, I would like to warn everyone that there is a rule

Message from the Mayor

in there that says the trees on the sidewalks are not to have branches lower than 10 feet. This is obviously not the case in many areas right now and this is just

a heads up to have those branches taken care of before you get a notice from the tree com-

mission. Again, this is easy maintenance and once it’s done, the upkeep

is minimal. You can get cop-ies of the other Shade Tree Commission rules regard-ing tree stumps, tree remov-al and an assortment of other “green rules” at the Municipal Building, One

Snyder Avenue, if you are unsure.

Please know that for any ordinanc-

es enforced by the police department, you will receive a notice with a time to fix the problem before any official documents are filed. The notices are not necessary in all cases, but the police department and I feel it is only appropriate to keep a friendly relationship with the residents by working with them to give them a heads up allow-ing time to fix something before pushing the issue. Please don’t try to stretch the violation correction too long, but if there is a reasonable circumstance and you contact the person on the citation, there are options available allowing the police department to work with you to provide a reasonable extension or explain the alternative remedies available.

I love this town!I have tried to do a few little things this summer

throughout the Borough to encourage community togetherness and pride, but have been confronted with threats of lawsuits, union grievances and other complaints. I have accepted the fact that not everyone is going to like me, but I refuse to give up on this little borough.

To those local residents and business owners who have helped me with the little projects or even just brought me a soda or water while I was out on a project, “Thank You!” It is because of you that I will continue to fight for the rights of all the little people in this town and will continue to do what I can to make everyone else see what potential this borough has. I was brought up in a time when Pine Grove was a family and not a business. Those who remember those days need to stand up and help us get back to those times.

Good luck to those students returning to PGA and best wishes to those venturing away from home for their further educational goals. To the parents and families of all, remember our schools can only teach so much; you must teach respect, integrity, responsi-bility, honor and pride.

Only WE can make this Borough a better place, no one else is going to do it for us!

Remember Community Pride and Safety

KimberlyBrown-Zerbe

Mayor

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PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDTower City PA

17980Permit No. 35

ECRWFF Postal CustomerPine Grove, PA 17963

A Friendly & Historic Community . . . Serving Its Residents • Welcoming Its Visitors

Borough of Pine Grove1 Snyder Avenue • Pine Grove, PA 17963

Official Matterof Pine Grove Borough

Halloween

Parade &

Autumn Stroll

Oct. 15

THEHE E EVERGREENVERGREENHistoric Pine Grove . . . Early Settlers

Noted the Area's “Fine Stand of Pines”

Swiftreach – Getting You Critical Info Fast!In late March, all residents should have received

a letter explaining a new service that allows the Pine Grove Borough to notify residents quickly and effi-ciently in the event of an emergency or need to con-vey critical information.

The PA Department of Environmental Protection mandated all water systems are required to notify customers quickly when a situation with the water system arises. From time to time, we have had to con-tact our customers when our water system was com-promised and issue a Boil Water Advisory. In years past, we have relied on newspapers, news stations, radio stations, police announcement over a loud-speaker, and word of mouth to accomplish this task.

Pine Grove Borough has contracted with Swiftreach Networks, Inc. to contact our customers and resi-dents. Swiftreach is a Public Notification System using cutting-edge technology to swiftly contact our resi-dents via telephone or e-mail. Now when a Boil Water Advisory is necessary, or any time the Borough needs to be in contact with its residents, we can do so in a matter of minutes. This would also include states of emergency, disaster announce-ments, road closures, parking restrictions, and other announce-ments as necessary.

Working the bugs outOn July 16, there was a water

boil advisory issued for customers on East Pottsville Street between Spruce and Laurel Streets. The advisory was lifted on July 20. Unfortunately, neither announce-ment was delivered via the Swiftreach system. Borough office

Pine Grove Borough • Water Customer Information SystemContact Name:

Mailing Address:Please check the line for your preferred method of notifi cation.

❑ Primary Phone Number:

❑ Cell Phone Number:

❑ Email Address:Please return the information sheet to the borough offi ce atPine Grove Borough: One Snyder Avenue, Pine Grove

personnel must add the “geo-codes” – longtitude/lati-tude information – for the location of each property connected to the borough water system. This work will be completed as quickly as possible so the next time we send an announcement through Swiftreach it will quickly notify affected residents.

We need your help!In order to make Swiftreach work, information

regarding you, including your address, phone num-ber, cell phone number, e-mail address, and your preferred method of notification is necessary. If you have not sent this to date, complete the form and mail it in, deliver in person, call or e-mail your information today!

Mail or deliver to Pine Grove Borough; One Snyder Avenue; Pine Grove, PA 17963. You can also call 570-345-3555 with the information or e-mail us at pgbor-ough@comcast.net.

Property owners with apartments should provide information regarding their tenants. Tenants should also complete the form to assure optimum notification.