The Northampton Recreation Center will soon add a free service to benefit all citizens.

Borough council at last Thursday's meeting was informed free blood pressure screenings will soon be available.

"Jason Kremus has informed me that a group of nurses that work out in the center will be doing blood pressure screenings free of charge in the near future to anyone who would like to have this service," borough Manager Gene Zarayko said.

Kremus recently was named recreation center director upon the retirement of Robert Weinhofer.

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In other business, preparations are under way for the annual marathon scheduled for Nov. 3.

Sponsored by the Delaware & Lehigh Heritage Trail Commission, it typically attracts hundreds of runners. The race will begin at the borough's recreation site off Horwith Drive.

Zarayko also reported Council President John Yurish has been invited to RCN's studio to tape a holiday greeting from the borough which will be aired on cable during the month of December.

Also, council will be briefed on the projects undertaken by the Northampton Borough Municipal Authority at the NBMA's annual dinner meeting Oct. 23 at the Northampton Memorial Community Center. NBMA provides water service to borough residents and hydrants for fire trucks. The organization also serves the communities of Coplay, Allen Township, North Catasauqua and parts of Whitehall and North Whitehall townships.

Council additionally granted permission to parents of students in the Northampton Area High School Big "N" Band to use two pavilions at the municipal park in May 2014 for a fundraiser. Council waived "all fees" for the use of the pavilions.

Permission was also given to the borough fire department to participate in the Oct. 24 Jack Frost Parade. Zarayko said council was required to approve the fire department participating in the parade for insurance coverage reasons.