A Great Place to Live, Work and Play

The Borough of Orwigsburg is small town America. One of our major strengths as a community is our small-town charm in a fast-paced environment. With only 3106 residents, many families have known each other for generations. The local economy is strong, and local crime is low. Infrastructure is maintained and operational with a proximity of a roads network to PA Route 61, Interstate 78 and Interstate 81. 

Orwigsburg is a great Pennsylvania community. It has a strong and dedicated workforce, the residents are caring and supportive of each other, and it seems that even Father Time moves at a more relaxed pace.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The ORWIGSBURG BOROUGH ZONING HEARING BOARD will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 6:00 PM (prevailing local time) at the Orwigsburg Borough Hall, North Warren Street, Orwigsburg, PA 17961. The purpose of the hearing is to consider the following:
Application of David Hannum – Variance Hearing – Case No. 1 Applicant proposes construction of a garage at 404 North Warren Street, Orwigsburg, PA, located in an R-2 (Medium Density Residential) district. Applicant seeks a variance for relief from the setback requirements and clear sight requirements set forth in Sections 10.06.A.2 and 10.06.A.4 of the Ordinance Applicants are required to attend. All interested parties are invited to attend ORWIGSBURG ZONING HEARING BOARD
JEFF FANELLI, Chairman

Summer Newsletter

Embracing the Warmth and Vibrancy of the Season

As the days lengthen and the sun shines brighter, we are thrilled to bring you the summer edition of our newsletter. Packed with exciting updates, stories, and tips, we hope to make your season even more memorable.

Community Highlights

This summer, our community will be buzzing with activity. From local festivals to neighborhood gatherings, the spirit of togetherness is stronger than ever. Here are some highlights:

• OABPA Farmers Market will continue until September 25th – Center Square the last Thursday of each month.
• OABPA Summer Salsa Night will be held July 17th – Center Square.  There will be salsa judging, special events for the kids and live music.
• OABPA Heritage Day will be held September 6th from 10A-3P – Center Square. Enjoy Orwigsburg History, local artisans, family-friendly activities, food, and fun!  Free parking and shuttle from 900 West Market Street
• OAPBA Center Square revitalization is in full swing.  This project will significantly enhance the center of town.  We thank the business association and their donors for their work.
• Annual Fishing Rodeo at Fishers Dam

Health and Wellness Tips

Summer is the perfect time to focus on health and wellness. Here are some tips to help you stay active and healthy during the warm months:

• Stay Hydrated: With rising temperatures, it's essential to drink plenty of water. Aim for at least 8 glasses a day to keep yourself hydrated.
• Protect Your Skin: Always apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before heading outdoors. Reapply every two hours, especially if you're swimming or sweating.
• Eat Fresh and Light: Take advantage of the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables available in the summer.  Opt for light meals that are easy to digest and rich in nutrients.
• Stay Active: Engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, or swimming (remember our 7 parks). Not only will you stay fit, but you'll also enjoy the beautiful summer scenery.

Travel and Adventure

Summer is synonymous with travel and adventure. Whether you're planning a vacation or a day trip, here are some regional destinations and activities to consider as a day trip:

• Beach Getaways: Did you know we are just a little over 2 hours from the Jersey Shore.  Pack the kids and picnic basket and enjoy the Atlantic Coast.
• Mountain Retreats: For those who prefer a cooler climate, mountain retreats offer breathtaking views and serene surroundings. Consider visiting the Pocono’s, Hawk Mountain or the Adirondacks.
• City Explorations: Explore the rich culture and history of urban destinations. Cities like Allentown, Philadelphia, Baltimore and New York have a lot to offer in terms of museums, restaurants, and entertainment.  All can be done as a day trip.
• Parks: In addition to the 7 parks in Orwigsburg, there are three others within a close drive.  They include Sweet Arrow Lake County Park, Tuscarora State Park and Locust Lake State Park.
• Local Adventures: Sometimes the best adventures are close to home. Discover hidden gems in your own backyard, from hiking trails and nature reserves to local cafes and shops.  Some additional day trips to consider include Hershey Gardens, Peddlers Village, New Hope, Lititz, Indian Caverns, Pioneer Tunnel, Crystal Cave, Jim Thorpe and of course amusement parks (Hershey, Knobel’s and Dorney).

Summer Recipes

The summer season brings an array of delightful flavors. Here are some refreshing recipes to try:

• Watermelon and Feta Salad: Combine juicy watermelon cubes with crumbled feta, fresh mint, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a refreshing and savory salad.
• Grilled Veggie Skewers: Marinate a mix of colorful vegetables in olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then grill them to perfection for a healthy and delicious side dish.  Fresh vegetables are available at the Farmers Market or local road side shops.
• Lemonade Spritzer: Mix freshly squeezed lemonade with sparkling water and a splash of cranberry juice. Serve over ice with a lemon slice for a cool and fizzy drink.
• Berry Yogurt Popsicles: Blend your favorite berries with Greek yogurt and a touch of honey. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for a sweet and healthy treat.

Environmental Awareness

Summer is a great time to connect with nature and promote environmental awareness. Here are some ways to make a positive impact:

• Reduce Plastic Use: Opt for reusable bags, bottles, and containers to minimize plastic waste. Participate in local community or park cleanups to help keep our environment clean.
• Conserve Water: Be mindful of your water usage, especially during dry spells. Fix any leaks, use water-saving fixtures, and water your garden during the cooler parts of the day.
• Support Local Wildlife: Create a bird-friendly garden by planting native flowers and providing bird feeders and baths. Avoid using pesticides that can harm beneficial insects and animals.

The borough crew has jumped into patching potholes.  We will continue throughout the spring and summer to address the roads throughout the borough.

Thank you for being a part of our vibrant community. We wish you a joyful and sunny summer filled with warmth, laughter, and wonderful memories.

Sincerely,

Bill Reppy, Borough Manager

DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley on behalf of Governor Josh Shapiro has issued a Drought Warning for Schuylkill and Berks Counties. In a drought warning, we should be seeking to reduce water use by about 10-15% through voluntary conservation measures. See below for water conservation tips.

Orwigsburg Borough Council passed Ordinance 462 at their June meeting. This ordinance addressed the speed limit within the borough, lowering it to 25 MPH. New speed limit signs, signifying the reduced speed limit, are now in place throughout the borough. For the safety of all of citizens and guest please follow the posted speed limit signs.

Water Conservation Tips:

Please use water wisely and reduce your water usage by 10 to 15%

- Car Wash - Avoid washing your car at home is a great way to save water. If your car needs a bath, going to our car wash will accomplish both - save water and a clean car. Car washes use less water than a "driveway" wash

- Run the Dishwasher and washing machine less often

- Water your garden in the cooler evening or morning hours

- Water your lawn only if necessary

- Check for and repair household leaks

- Set up a rain barrel to be ready to repurpose rain when it does fall

Learn more at www.dep.pa.gov/drought or https://www.epa.gov/watersense/start-saving 

Sanitary Sewer: Things you always wanted to know but never asked.

We all have questions about our sewer system, but never ask. We are hoping to share some helpful facts about one of our most important resources.

A sanitary sewer building lateral is the extension from the building sewer outside the inner face of the building wall and extending to the public sewer or other place of disposal. The building lateral belongs to the owner of the property, making it the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain. When a home is constructed, the builders must connect the building lateral to the sewer main which is known as “tapping”. The process of tapping also has an associated fee which is meant to pay for and secure a portion or share of the sewage and/or water capacity needed in the collection, conveyance, and treatment facilities. It is considered a “buy in” to the sanitary sewer system and payment for facility costs not funded by user rates.

The Borough receives several calls annually about sewage back-ups into property owner’s homes. The most common reason for these back-ups can be traced to tree-roots. Roots of plants, shrubs, etc. will seek out a water source, particularly in dry weather, and in many cases will intrude into the building lateral. Significant tree root intrusions can cause sewer back-ups on your property as well as blockages in the Borough’s sewer mains. The Borough maintains these sewer mains, but the building laterals are the homeowner’s responsibility. It is a common misconception that the property owner’s responsibility ends at the house/building trap (a device fitting normally found up to 5 feet outside the inner face of the building wall that prevents circulation of air and/or noxious gases from the building sewer to the building drain). However, this is not the case as the homeowner’s responsibility is on both sides of the trap and extending out to the property line.

Many homes in the Borough have building laterals made of tera-cotta (or vitrified clay) pipes. Tera-cotta was a very common industry standard pipe component used during the time of installation for the Borough’s sanitary sewer system. These pipes, by their very nature, have joints that over time can allow easy access for roots to enter and grow into the pipe. Once the roots enter and become established the “root-balls” grow as more and more water and nutrients are absorbed. Almost anything flushed down a toilet, or disposed of down a sink, can get hung up leading to a clog that could force sewage back into the home.

To prevent these potential clogs from happening there are several items that should never be disposed of down a sink or toilet including tissues, paper towels, sanitary napkins and tampons, baby wipes, personal hygiene wipes, etc. In addition, never pour oil or grease down the sink. While it may go down the drain as a liquid, this grease will thicken and harden as soon as it encounters the cold pipes underground This hardened grease will adhere to the inner walls of your building lateral causing a restriction in flow which could also lead to sewer back-ups.

There are times when the Borough discovers large quantities of grease in the sewer main. This build-up can cause numerous issues within the Borough’s sewage collection system. To help combat this issue, commercial establishments in the Borough are required to install and maintain grease traps. Residents are also asked to do their part to prevent blockages and encouraged not to pour oils and greases down the drain.

Tori Morgan, LO 

Director of Funding, Regulatory Relations & Compliance Entech Engineering

2025 Budgets

2025-01 General Fund Budget Draft.pdf

2025-03 Fire Fund Budget Draft.pdf

2025-04 Recreation Fund Budget Draft.pdf

2025-06 Water Fund Budget Draft.pdf

2025-08 Sewer Fund Budget Draft.pdf

2025-09 Sanitation Fund Budget Draft.pdf

Trash & Recycling Issues

The hauler has changed to Anthracite Waste Management.

The days for pick-up have remained the same except a small portion of Market Street.