Tamaqua news

Writing lectures

The Black Diamond Writers Network is sponsoring a series of lectures and discussions designed to help aspiring writers get started and how to get published. Interested parties may choose from five dates and times: Feb., 17, 6-7 p.m. at the Panther Valley Library; Feb. 22, 1-2 p.m., at the Palmerton Library; Feb. 23, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Pottsville Public Library; Feb. 25, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Lehighton Memorial Library; or Feb. 25, 7-8 p.m., Tamaqua Public Library.

The group is also sponsoring a writers' conference on April 17, at the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts, Pottsvile.

For more information, or to register, call Kathy at (570) 645-3059 or log on to www.blackdiamondwriters.blogspot.com.

Tax exemptions

The Tamaqua Area School District is accepting Assessed Occupation Tax exemption applications for the 2010-2011 school year. This will cover the 2010 calendar year.

Retired persons and housewives 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, 2010, will be responsible for paying the tax unless exempt by application.

Requests for exemption must be filed with the district by March 1, 2010. Application forms are available at the following locations: school district administration building; local tax collectors' offices; the Tamaqua Public Library; Tamaqua Borough Hall; local post offices; and all local bank branches.

Class of 2010

The Decorating Committee for the Parents of the Tamaqua Class of 2010 meets every Monday, at 7 p.m., on the third floor of the Tamaqua Elks, 301 W. Broad St. Members continue working on decorations for the annual All Night Party.