COMMUNITY

 INFORMATION 

 2008

NEW BETHLEHEM/SOUTH BETHLEHEM PENNSYLVANIA

     CONTENTS

1.  Important Telephone Numbers                                                                                         

2.  Municipal Services and Responsibilities                              

3.  Schools                                                                                                         

4. Government and Political Offices and Officers                   

5.  Meeting Dates and Events                                                              

6.  Churches                                                                                     

7.  Advertisements of Local Businesses                                              

This information is presented as a community service by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, New Bethlehem Civic Club and the New Bethlehem Area Chamber of Commerce with thanks to our sponsors and local businesses for funding printing costs through their advertisements.  For comments or corrections, please contact nbchamber@alltel.net.  All information presented is believed accurate at the time of collection, but may be subject to change and is not guaranteed.  No liability is assumed for damages incurred directly or indirectly as a result of errors, omissions or discrepancies. 

1.  Important telephone numbers, e-mail addresses or websites.

              Emergency - 911

              Police non-emergency  814-275-1180

              State Police Shippenville, Clarion Co. 814-226-1710, Armstrong Co. 724-543-2011

              Mr. Yuk Pittsburgh Regional Poison Control   1- 412-681-6669

              Disasters          American Red Cross 814-226-7040     Salvation Army 724-543-6662

                                       Clarion Control         814-226-7020       

              Utilities

              Electrical or Street Light Outage - Allegheny Power Customer Service 1-800-255-3443

              Gas Emergency - 1-888-460-4332, Press 2 for gas emergency. (Columbia Gas)

              Water or Sewer - Redbank Valley Municipal Authority

                            Office 243 A Broad Street  814-275-2585

                            Sewage Plant                      814-275-3345

                            Water Plant                              814-275-3366                                  

              Alltel Telephone Service 800-347-1991, 24-Hr. Repair 800-782-6206,  www.alltel.com          “Call Before You Dig” for buried cable locations 1-800-242-1776

              Chamber of Commerce 275-3929,

                         nbchamber@alltel.net, www.newbethlehemarea.com

              Animal Protection - Clarion Humane Assn. 814-226-9192, Armstrong Co.724-548-4520

              Child Abuse  - 911 or Hotline 1-800-932-0313

              Consumer Protection Hotline 1-800-441-2555

              Redbank Valley Municipal Park 814-365-5924

              Street repairs - State Road - 1-888-PennDot or 1-800-FIX-ROAD

                                            New Bethlehem Roads - Dick Shilling, Supervisor 814-275-2003

                                            South Bethlehem - Steven Young, Street Commissioner 814-275-2939

              New Bethlehem  - Borough Office and Garage, 210 Lafayette St. - 814-275-2003

                  - Fire Company - 814-275-3000, 425 Arch Street, 911 for emergencies  

                  - Mayor Thomas Seidle - W  275-2410 Fax 275-1409, redbankchevy@yahoo.com

                  - Council Members and Committee Chairmen - See listing.

                  - Borough Secretary - Richard McGarrity, 814-275-2228

                  - District Magistrate, Daniel P. George 814-275-2322

                  - Clarion County Information 814-226-4000,   www.co.clarion.pa.us. 

              South Bethlehem - Borough Office, Grant Street, 814-275-4079

                 - Mayor Randall Stahlman - H 814-275-3866 or 814-229-2400

                   - Council Members and Committee Chairmen - See listing.

                   - Borough Secretary - Dawn Davis, 814-275-4079, southbethboro@csonline.net

                   - District Magistrate (Rural Valley) Samuel R. Goldstruhm   724-783-6886

                   - Armstrong Co. Information 724-543-2500, www.armstrongcounty.com

Additional numbers can be found in the Civic Section of the Alltel Telephone Directory or in the Clarion County Plus Big Book Telephone Directory.  Area code 814 is not needed for local calls.

2.  Municipal Services and Responsibilities

              A. Animals.  Dogs must be licensed and are not permitted to roam at large.  They must be leashed when not on their owner’s property and must be under their control.  NB licenses may be obtained at the Clarion Co. Court House or in town at Beverly’s Sweet Shoppe. SB  licenses may be obtained at Armstrong Co. Court House or at Bostonia Country Store, 1 mile S. on 28 in Distant.

              Dead animals on state roads can be reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Clarion County division at 1-800-FIX ROAD (1-800-349-7623). This 24-hour monitored number may be used to report hazardous road conditions, including potholes or ice.

              B.  Building Permits/Zoning.  NB building permits should be obtained from the Mayor. Appointments are appreciated (814-275-2410). Permits are required for demolition, street blockages, new construction, additions and/or improvements. Intended construction or uses that do not comply with zoning requirements must be approved by the Zoning Board.  NB Zoning Board members are Georgie Carlson, Chairperson, Steven E. Smith and Donna Shea.  In SB, permits may be obtained from the Borough Secretary, Dawn Davis at 275-4079.

              C.  Children - Clarion County Family Net provides programs and services to improve quality of life for all persons through preventative measures and by making County services more accessible.  Programs include reducing underage drinking, parenting classes and referrals, increasing academic and job readiness, and improving dental health.  Please call 814-223-1590 or see the website at www.clarioncountyspromise.org.   Redbank Valley Family Net is the local agency which can be reached at Box 64, New Bethlehem, PA 16242, or by calling Jack Gareis 814-275-1997 or Bob Singer 814-275-1408.       

              D. Driver’s Licenses.    The nearest DMV office is located at the Clarion Mall.  Please call for hours as they are limited as to day and service provided.  Refer to www.dmv.state.pa.us or call 1-800-932-4600 for current requirements to obtain or renew a drivers’ license as they have become more complicated and require various forms of proof of residency.  New residents who hold a license from another state should obtain their PA driver’s license within 60 days after moving to PA.

              E.  Emergency Sirens and Procedures.

                            1.  Emergency Operations Plan.  New Bethlehem. The local Pennsylvania Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC) is Edward F. Goth at 814-275-3224.  A plan has been adopted by the Council and is updated regularly by the EMC.  The plan provides for a line of command, operations and procedures and available resources in the event of emergencies or natural disasters.  3 mass care centers are designated in the event of disasters: the Fire Hall at 425 Arch Street, the New Bethlehem Presbyterian Church at Penn and Wood Streets and the Methodist Church at Penn and Lafayette Streets.  The Emergency Operations meeting location is the NB Fire Hall, with the Alltel Building as the secondary location.   Alert procedures include siren activation by the fire department, door to door notification, loud speaker notification or other means deemed appropriate by emergency personnel.  In a County emergency, listen to your local radio stations for instructions.

                            South Bethlehem.   The EMC for SB and Redbank Township, Armstrong Co. is Randall Stahlman (814-275-3866).  SB’s plan mirrors NB’s plan as the NB Fire Company and emergency personnel cover both Boroughs.  The plan is currently under review with Armstrong Co. for better coordination of emergency resources.

                            2. Sirens are located on the NB Fire Hall and Municipal Building to call firemen, fire police and emergency medical technicians with a 3-minute long warbling siren for fires, accidents and health emergencies and with a one-tone steady siren to notify the community of dangerous conditions such as tornados or floods.  If sufficient emergency personnel do not respond within 3 minutes, Clarion County sets off a second alarm.   A short burst signifies an all clear signal.

                            3. Test Sirens - A 3-minute test siren is sounded on Saturdays at noon, and on the 2nd Monday of each month at about 7:30 PM for local testing and again at 7:40 for County testing.

              F.   Hospitals.  The New Bethlehem area is served by 3 local hospitals, several in the Pittsburgh area and local medical centers.  Clarion County provides an emergency service (911) which is locally based on Penn Street.  Armstrong County Memorial Hospital (724-543-9500) is located in Kittanning, Armstrong County (24 miles south) and is accessible off the West Hills exit of Route 422 West.  Brookville Hospital (814-849-2312) is located at 100 Hospital Road, 18 miles north off Route 28 in Brookville, Jefferson County.  Clarion Hospital (814-226-9500) is located off exit 9 of Interstate 80 to the left behind the Clarion Mall at One Hospital Drive, Clarion, PA 16214, 18 miles N on Route 66 to Route I-80 West, one exit to the Clarion Exit (old exit 9).  Each hospital offers some free seminars and services, including occasional health fairs and flu shot clinics, including some in New Bethlehem.

              Local doctors’ offices include the Armstrong Primary Care Center, 814-275-2264, at 3615 Star Route 28/66, New Bethlehem, David L. Miller Medical Center, 814-275-1190, at 1323 Brookville St., Fairmount City; Shore Family Healthcare Rural Health Clinic, 814-275-1600, at 82 Town Run Road, Fairmount City; and Hon Yuen Wong, MD, Inc., 814-275-1112, at 856 Rt. 66, New Bethlehem.

              G.  New Bethlehem Public Library is located at 720 Broad Street, 814-275-2870,  Fax: 814-275-2875, e-mail at newbiepl@adelphia.net, web site - http://users.adelphia.net/~newbiepl/default.htm.  The library board meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7 PM in the library community room.  The Community Room is available to the public for meetings and special events for a small fee.   The library is full service, PA certified and is a member of the Clarion Co. and Oil Creek District Library Systems.  Free and expanded library services, including passport services, are provided to all residents of 8 municipalities including NB, Hawthorn Borough, Porter and Redbank Townships in Clarion County and SB, Redbank, Madison and Mahoning Townships in Armstrong County.  Please support New Bethlehem public library. All donations are greatly appreciated and tax deductible. 

              H.  Newspaper.   The Leader-Vindicator is a local newspaper and a source of local information, public notices and meeting dates. It is published on Wednesdays.  The telephone number is 814-275-3131, website is www.thecourierexpress.com/lv.shtml and the e-mail address is leadervindicator@alltel.net. Other local newspapers include The Derrick at http://www.thederrick.com, The Leader-Times and The Clarion News at http://www.theclarionnews.com.

              I.  United States Post Office.  814-275-3303.   The Post Office is located at 451 Broad Street in New Bethlehem.  Parking is available on Broad Street or alongside the building.  Full Service hours are 9 - 5  M - F and 9 - Noon on Saturday.  Self service hours are M - F  6:30 AM - 5 PM, Sat. 6:30 AM - 4 PM  Closed Sundays and Holidays. Boxes are provided for a fee, but are not accessible when the post office is closed. 

              J.  Snow Removal.  Ordinances require that snow be removed from sidewalks within 10 hours after snowfall has stopped or in NB by 10 AM of the following morning.   Failure to remove snow allows the Boroughs to remove the snow from walks at the cost of the owner of the adjoining property.  Please keep walks clear to allow safe passage of pedestrians and school children.  During heavy snowfalls or ice storms, residents on narrow streets and alleys are required to park off-street as a courtesy to street crews and so that snow might be removed and ice treated more effectively.

              K. Social Security.  NB is served by the Cranberry office (Venango Co.) located at 80 Regina Drive, Cranberry.  Hours are 8:30 - 3:30 M - F, 1-800-772-1213 or 814-676-9293.   The Kittanning office (Armstrong County) is located at 159 Butler Road, Highland Business Center, Suite 2B, West Kittanning, PA 16201.  Hours are 9 - 4 M - F, 1-800-772-1213 or 724-548-5666.  The Social Security website is www.socialsecurity.gov.

              L.  Taxes.   NB residents are subject to a minimal personal tax for Clarion County and NB which is due by 6/30 of each year with discounts of 2% offered for payment between 3/1 and 4/30, face value between 5/1 and 6/30, and a 5% penalty if paid after 6/30.   Property owners must also pay real estate taxes based on assessed values to Clarion Co. and NB which are due at the same time as the personal tax with the same discounts and penalties. A school real estate tax based on assessed valuation and a minimal personal  tax for the Redbank Valley School District, based on occupation plus a per capita tax, is due by 7/1 with a 2% discount if paid by 8/31, face value between 9/1 and 10/31 and a 5% penalty if paid after 10/31.   All taxes are paid to Ed McLafferty, Tax Collector at 213 Arch Street, New Bethlehem, PA 16242.  Office hours are T, Th 10 AM - 2PM and Tuesday 6 - 9 PM.  814-275-4567.

              SB residents pay taxes to the Borough and Armstrong County - discount is 2% before 5/10, face amount 5/11 - 7/12 & with a 5% penalty after 7/13 for 2004. Dates may vary in other years.  The per capita tax is County $5 & Borough $10. Last day to pay is 12/31 each year.  Property owners must pay real estate taxes on the same dates as above.  2003 rates were as follows: Co. Real Estate - 10.75 mils, County Debt - 2.75 mils, Borough Real Estate - 5 mils, Fire Protection - .25 mils, Library - .25 mils and street lights - 1.37 mils.  A personal school tax for the Redbank Valley School District, based on a per capita tax of $25 for the employed and $15 for the unemployed or retired, and real estate based on assessed valuation is due by July 1st.   All taxes are paid to Rochelle G. Blake, Tax Collector, 814-275-3721, 410 Chestnut Street; New Bethlehem, PA 16242.  Hours: Tuesday - 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM during discount period. Other hours by chance or appointment.  US Mail appreciated.

              M. Trash Collection.  Chemicals, oil, paint and other hazardous materials may not be disposed of in the municipal collections for the protection of residents, municipal employees, contractors, equipment and the environment. Hazardous materials may be disposed of at County collection sites.  Additional information may be found at 1-800-CLEANUP, 1-800-253-2687 or www.1800cleanup.org. Recycling information is available at (814)226-4000.

              Please keep the Boroughs and properties clean.  Dumping or littering is illegal and attracts vermin.  Title 75, Part III, Ch. 37, Section 3709 of the Vehicle Code provides for a fine of up to $300 for dropping, throwing or depositing any litter, waste or refuse upon any highway or upon any other public or private property or waters without the consent of the owner.    

              New Bethlehem.  Household waste is collected each Wednesday.  Residents should place trash curbside for collection on Tuesday evening after dusk in sealed bags or containers.  Residents should bring in any trash cans promptly after pickup or by no later than the evening of collection.  Residents are billed quarterly in advance so that, for example, the bills for October, November and December are billed and to be paid in October.    Payments should be made payable to New Bethlehem Municipal Authority and may be sent to the address on the bill or dropped off in the mail slot on the Municipal Building located at 210 Lafayette Street.  Residents are limited to 5 bags or equivalent per pickup or may be subject to an additional charge for excess trash. There is no municipal recycling at the present time. Leaves should be bagged and placed curbside for pickup any day except the regular Wednesday pickup.  Bags will be collected periodically through the Fall. Burning of leaves or other trash is not permitted in NB between the railroad tracks and river by town ordinance for safety.

              South Bethlehem.  Household waste is collected very early on Saturday.  Residents should place trash for collection curbside on Friday evening in sealed bags or containers.  Residents should bring in trash cans promptly after pickup or by no later than the evening of collection.  Residents are limited to 2 bags or equivalent per pickup. Residents pay only for excess trash beyond the 2 bag limit.  Additional trash will not be picked up unless arrangements are made in advance with the private trash contractor - David Kirk at 814-275-1612.  Recycling is voluntary and residents may place separated recyclables (plastics, aluminum, steel and glass) except newspaper into separate bags or containers out Thursday evening for early Friday pickup.  There is no regular Fall leaf pickup.  Check with the Borough Secretary or Council Members for instructions.  Leaves may not be burned within the Borough. 

              N. Vehicle Registration.   Vehicles should be registered with PA within 60 days of residency.  Proof of insurance coverage is required.  Vehicles may be registered at some AAA offices and other locations, including the Brookville AAA office at 288 Main St. (814-849-5381) and Sarvey Insurance and Notary Agency, 273 Allegheny Boulevard (Rt. 36), Brookville (814-849-5348).  The DMV in Clarion Mall does not currently provide vehicle registrations.   If you move within the state you must report your address to PENNDOT within 15 days at PENNDOT, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Harrisburg, PA 17104-2516 or at www.state.pa.us. 

              O.  Voter Registration.  NB residents may register at the Clarion Co. Court House, 421 Main Street, Clarion (814-226-4000, ext. 2205) and SB residents at the Armstrong Co. Court House, on Market St. in Kittanning (724-548-3222) or you may register when you get your driver’s license at the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles.  Voting in NB is at the back of the Fire Hall at the entrance off Spruce Street and in SB at the South Bethlehem Apartment House at Allison and Hamilton Streets.  1st time voters in the district must present identification on election day.  Register at least 30 days before an election.

              P.  Water and sewage treatment is provided to NB and SB by the Redbank Valley Municipal Authority.  Billing is monthly.  Bills may be paid at the Municipal Authority Building at 243A Broad Street or by mail to that address. Both Boroughs have been rehabilitating their systems to reduce and segregate rain water runoff from household and business sanitary sewage.  Building rain gutters are no longer permitted to drain into the sanitary sewage system under DEP regulations.  Violations cost us all more in treatment costs and may result in fines.   The RVMA is working to replace the current drinking water plant, the dam and to replace and expand the sewage system.

              Q.  West Nile Virus.   West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) in humans and animals.  Birds can carry the virus. Most people bitten by infected mosquitoes do not get sick, but people over 50 are at the greatest risk.  The symptoms usually appear 3 to 6 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Mild symptoms can include: slight fever, headache, body aches, swollen glands and sometimes a skin rash.  Severe symptoms can include: high fever, intense headache, stiff neck and confusion.   If you have symptoms that concern you, you should contact your physician, health care provider, or hospital if symptoms are severe.  Mosquito larvae can hatch in just a day or 2 so it is important to eliminate standing water and to flush bird baths and plant holders frequently.  People who spend time outdoors should protect themselves by wearing long, loose fitting clothing and by using insect repellent. Information is available at www.westnile.state.pa.us/health.htm or call Armstrong Co. EMA, Vince Cappo, West Nile Agent at 724-548-3429.  In Clarion County, you may call Donna Hartle at 814-226-7000, ext. 2002 to report dead birds, high levels of mosquitoes or standing water.

3.  Schools - Students in kindergarten through grade 6 who are residents of New Bethlehem, South Bethlehem and some surrounding townships attend the New Bethlehem-South Bethlehem Elementary School, located at Water Street in NB, Mahoning ES near Distant in Mahoning Township or Redbank-Hawthorn ES in Hawthorn.  Students in grades 7 through 12 attend Redbank Valley High School at the east end of NB at 920 Broad Street, 2 blocks north from the library.

              The School District’s website is found at redbankvalley.net and includes calendars, contact and resource information. School menus and various activities are announced in The Leader-Vindicator.  Specific school information is found in the Student/Parent Handbook distributed by the schools.  Weather related closings are announced by KDKA TV2/Radio AM 1020, AM 1300, FM 92.7, FM 95.9 and FM 107.3 or on the Internet at www.cancellations.com under Redbank.   

              High School Office                       814-275-2424              Mahoning Elem.  814-275-1550

              Superintendent                             814-275-2426              Redbank-Hawthorn Elementary

              High School Health Room         814-275-2424                            814-365-5141

              New Bethlehem-SB Elementary 814-275-2680

              The School Board usually meets at 7:00 PM in the High School Chorus Room on the 1st Monday of each month with dates and times announced in The Leader-Vindicator.  9 School Board members are elected to 4-year staggered terms.  There are 2 student representatives.  There are 3 members from each of the following 3 regions: Region I (Mahoning and Madison Townships and South Bethlehem Borough), Region II (New Bethlehem and Porter Township) and Region III (Hawthorn and Redbank Townships in both Armstrong and Clarion Counties).  4 members were elected in 2005 for a term beginning the 1st week of December 2005 and ending in 2009 and 5 members will be elected in 2007.  In 2005, 1 member was elected in Regions I and II and 2 members were elected in Region III.  In 2007, 2 members will be elected in Regions I and II and 1 member in Region III.  Vacancies are filled by appointment until the next election at which time the vacancy is filled by vote of the citizens.  Current School Board members are: Region I - Louise Clemens ‘07, Shirley Pastor ‘07, Lou Ann Williams ’09, Region II - Dee Bell ‘07, Glenn Watson‘09, Jeffrey Merwin ‘07, Vice President, and Region III - Ted Minich ‘09, President, Vince W. Markle ’09 and Kimberly Walls ’07.

4. Government and Political Offices and Officers.   New Bethlehem is a borough on the southern border of Clarion Co.  Clarion Co. contains 34 municipalities including boroughs and townships.  South Bethlehem is a borough in northern Armstrong Co. which has 45 municipalities.

              A. Clarion County Commissioners.  3 commissioners constitute the chief governing body of the County.  The Commissioners’ office is located on the 1st floor of the Courthouse, 814-226-4000, fax 814-226-8069. Current members, elected in 2003, are David G. Cyphert, Chairman, x2003, dcyphert@co.clarion.pa.us, Donna Hartle, x2002, dhartle@co.clarion.pa.us, and Donna Oberlander, x2001, doberlander@co.clarion.pa.us.    Commissioners are vested with selective policy-making authority to provide certain local services and facilities on a county-wide basis, including appointment of personnel and fiscal management.  Commissioners are responsible for the adoption of county budgets, assessment of property, levying taxes, and borrowing funds for construction of capital projects. (Information from Clarion County website at www.co.clarion.pa.us.) They are elected for a 4-year term, terms of the 3 commissioners run simultaneously and expire in 2007.  In the primary election, 2 Democratic and 2 Republican candidates are nominated for 3 positions.  The 3 candidates who receive the highest number of votes in the following general election in November are named commissioners, however, residents are only allowed to vote for 2. They take office the 1st Monday of the following January.  A candidate must be a U.S. citizen, a resident for 1 year, at least 18 years old, must present a petition properly signed by 100 qualified residents and cannot hold certain other offices.  Petition request forms can be obtained from the County Board of Elections.

              B.  Armstrong County Commissioners.  Current Armstrong Co. Commissioners are Rich Fink, Patty Kirkpatrick and James Scahill, all elected during the general election of 2003.  The Armstrong Co. Commissioners information is similar to most of the Clarion Co. information.  The Commissioners’ offices are located on the 2nd Floor of the Courthouse Annex on Market St. in Kittanning and can be reached at 724-548-3215.  Further information may be found at www.armstrongcounty.com, www.co.armstrong.pa.us/ or by calling the Armstrong Co. Courthouse at 724-543-2500.

              C.   New Bethlehem Borough Council is comprised of 7 residents elected by voters for 4-year staggered terms.  3 members have terms expiring in 2008 with elections in 2007, and 4 positions expire in 2010 (for those elected in 2005), unless additional vacancies have to be filled. The Council fills vacancies until the next election.  Terms change on the 1st Monday in January of the year following a November election. A candidate must be a registered voter, a resident for 1 year and must submit an application and a petition signed by at least 10 citizens to Chief Clerk/Co. Administrator, Commissioners’ Office, 421 Main St., Courthouse, Clarion, PA 16214-1093 (814) 226-4000, Ext. 2200. Please call for updated procedures and time deadlines.  Write-in candidates must submit their names on a form to the County listing all the possible ways their names could be spelled by voters writing in their names on election day for the votes to be properly counted.   The Council is assisted by an engineer and by attorney William E. Hager, III who currently serves as the Borough solicitor, at 275-3551, 352 Broad Street.  The Borough Code contains the Borough’s laws and regulations.  A copy is available at the library.  It is also governed by the Borough Code in Pennsylvania law which is found in Purdon’s Statutes Annotated.  A copy is available at the Clarion County Law Library in the Courthouse.    Council members serve on at least 1 committee, but may not hold certain other elected or appointed offices or work as an employee of the Borough.  Committees include Police, Street, Solid Waste (SW), Cemetery, Long Range Planning (LRP), Finance and Personnel.  Chairmen are designated by an *.  Council meets 7:30 PM on the 3rd Tuesday at the Alltel Building.  The current members, their terms and committees are:  

Position/Committees                                              Tel. # H/W         e-mail          Term                  Expires

Gary Shea, Pres., St., Personnel, Vacancy 275-2435,  chloeshea@usachoice.net                           1/5/08

Michele Buzard, VP, Finance*, SW, LRP, 275-4002/3224, micheleb@leach-insurance.com  1/4/10

Sandy Mateer, PrProTem, Cemetery*, LRP*, Vacancy 275-1718, scmateer1@adelphia.net  1/4/10

Ed Wasilowski SW*,LRP, Fin., Cem, Pers. 275-3710/2424, ewasilowski@adelphia.net               1/5/08

Eric Johnston     Street*, Police,   275-1139                                                                                          1/4/10

Jim Merwin       Police*, Cemetery, Personnel 275-2496                                                                      1/4/10

Joe Strong Pers.*, Police, St., SW, Fin, Vac.275-3055,   226-6255, jtstrong@usachoice.net  1/5/08

              C.          South Bethlehem Borough Council information generally mirrors the requirements for NB.  For further specific and current information call the Armstrong County Courthouse at 724-543-2500 and request candidate election information.  Council committees include Police & Fire (PF); Street & Sewer (SS); Street Lighting (SL); Building, Grounds & Zoning (BGZ); Finance (F), Solid Waste (SW) and Ordinances (O).  Following are the current members, their positions/committees, contact numbers and term expirations. An asterisk (*) designates Chairmen.

                        Position/Committees                                 HOME #                       Term Expires

Melvin Blake – President                                                  275-3721                               2010

Michael Tharan – Vice President      PF, SS, F, O                 275-1448                          2008

Allen Dawson                                PF, SS, BGZ*, F, O*       275-1835                             2010

Clair Himes, RVPC Rep.             SL, BGZ, SW*, O       275-2044                               2008

Donald Sayers                                 SS*, F*, SW             275-1842                              2010

Jamie (James) Travis, Jr.            PF*, SS, SL*, BGZ        275-3982                              2008

Jim Travis                                    SL, F, SW                     275-3976                              2008

SB Borough Council meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month in the meeting room of the Borough Building located at the terminus corner of Grant and Short Streets in South Bethlehem Borough.

              D.   Mayors.  The mayor is elected by the residents for a 4-year term. The mayor has the right to veto decisions of the Borough Council.  Thomas Seidle (W 275-2410, Fax 275-1409, redbankchevy@yahoo.com) is the Mayor of New Bethlehem with the next election in 2009.

              The elected Mayor of South Bethlehem Borough is Randall Stahlman (275-3866), who in 2003 was recognized for over 25 years of dedicated community service, serving as Mayor of SB.

              F.  Redbank Valley Municipal Authority.  The RVMA is responsible for water and sewage and is composed of 9 members, appointed by their borough councils, who serve 5-year terms expiring Dec. 31st, including 3 residents from New Bethlehem, 2 from South Bethlehem and 1 each from Oak Ridge (Redbank Armstrong), Hawthorn, Redbank Township (Clarion) and Porter Township.   They are assisted by an engineer and an attorney.  Current members and their terms are:                                   Telephone                       Term Expires               Represents

William George, Chairman     275-3034                                          2007                    New Bethlehem

Terry Mateer, Vice Chairman     275-1718                                       2009                    New Bethlehem

Larry Adams                                  275-2852                                       2006                    New Bethlehem

Robert Case                                   275-4828                                       2010                    South Bethlehem

Michael Tharan                 275-1448                                       2008                    South Bethlehem

Larry Brocious                 365-5167                                       2008                    Hawthorn

Adam Nulph                                   365-5546                                       2007      Redbank Tnship (Armstrong)

(vacant)                                                                                                  2010      Redbank Township (Clarion)

Brian McSparrin                           275-3255                                       2006                    Porter Township

              G.  The Redbank Valley Municipal Park, formerly the American Legion Park, Alcola is a 30-acre site.  The park is operated by a board comprised of representatives from each of the municipalities served and is funded through municipal action by the governing bodies of the communities involved.  South Bethlehem participates but New Bethlehem has opted out.  Recreational facilities include a swimming pool and skating rink.  It is the site of the County fair.

5.  Meeting Dates and Events:

              A.  New Bethlehem Chapter of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs - 1st Tuesday at 7 PM   Sept. thru May, or at other times as announced, at the New Bethlehem Presbyterian Church at the corner of Wood and Penn Streets.  

              B.  New Bethlehem Borough Council meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at the Alltel building (next to the Municipal Building) at 214 Lafayette Street at 7:30 PM. 

              C.  South Bethlehem Borough Council meets on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 7 PM at the South Bethlehem Borough Building on Grant Street.

              D.  New Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at Noon in the Social Room of Broadwood Towers located at 400 Broad Street.  The Chamber Office (814-275-3929) is located to the right inside the front entrance of Broadwood Towers.  Hours are 8:15 AM - 2:30 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  

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