The state Department of Transportation has issued the following advisory concerning roadwork in Schuylkill County this week.

All work will be done from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. There will be lane restrictions.

•Cressona: Workers will do mechanical patching on Route 183, between routes 61 and 901.

•Barry Township: On Route 901, between Lavelle and Interstate 81, pothole patching.

•Union Township: On Route 924, between Shenandoah and the Luzerne County line, storm repairs.

•Tamaqua: On Route 209, between Route 309 and the Carbon County line, spray patching.

Motorists can check conditions by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website. Follow regional PennDOT information on Twitter at www.twitter.com/511PAAllentown.

Pots, planters and even plastic storage boxes dot JoAnn Brown’s landscape, their greenery overflowing with colorful blooms and edibles.

The mother of three grown kids always wanted a garden, but she faced a size constraint in the backyard of their Dunmore, Lackawanna County, home. It wasn’t until about eight years ago that someone suggested to her that she might fulfill her dream with a container garden using milk crates. She started with four containers and today has dozens that hold everything from impatiens to beans to rosemary.

“I went from milk crates to like big, big, big buckets,” Brown said with a laugh. “It just keeps getting bigger and bigger, and it works.”

Container gardens are an option for people like Brown who have little or no ground space in which to grow plants. While she has a few tomato plants growing in the earth along her fence, Brown has relegated the remainder of her greenery to containers. Some sit side-by-side next to her back porch, while several floral ones hang along the fence, providing some color and decoration to the yard. And to the side of her house, Brown has artfully arranged a collection of containers in which she grows such herbs as basil.

Each winter, Brown brings indoors a hibiscus that she “rescued” from a flower tent and nursed back to health. She saves seeds from her crop and dries them out, then plants them indoors in February before moving them outdoors when the weather warms. Other plants she picks up from gardening centers later in the spring and usually has the garden planted by around Memorial Day, careful to note where each will get the proper amount of sun.

Brown puts the harvest to use in her cooking, making everything from pasta sauce to zucchini stew. A new addition to her garden this year, chocolate mint, gave its unique flavor to a cake Brown made, which she said turned out well. And she loves her garlic, saving every bit of the small crop for her family and putting it in a lot of their dishes.

“There’s nothing like homegrown garlic. ... Fortunately, my family loves garlic, too,” Brown said.

This year’s overly wet weather has posed some challenges for gardeners, who say their plants just aren’t growing as well as they usually do. A few of Brown’s plants failed this year, whether from all the rain or from biological issues, such as bugs.

For the most part, though, Brown’s garden has thrived this summer. Her beanstalks reach toward the sky, crawling upward next to her house, and her flowers — including her favorite, the white and navy osteospermum, aka African daisies — offer pops of color throughout the yard.

Others are amazed that Brown can do what she does in the garden just with buckets, she said, and they do require some slightly different care from a traditional garden, particularly in terms of water. The soil in container gardens tends to dry out more than the ground would, Brown said, so she must water the plants more than usual.

Usually, Brown just skims off the top of the potting soil in each container every spring, but since a few plants didn’t do so well this year, she plans to empty each bucket and replace all the dirt next planting season. And as usual, she’ll top it off with manure. She buys about four bags of the fertilizer each year, and while it makes her car stink temporarily, it helps her plants thrive.

She stays away from pesticides, too, since her family consumes so much of what she grows. Instead, she mixes Dawn dish detergent and water and sprays that on the plants to keep bugs at bay.

“I do give them some food now and then,” she said. “I don’t do it a lot. I think just talking to them helps. ... They love when you talk to them.”

More than anything, Brown said she enjoys “just watching it all grow.”

“It’s challenging and rewarding,” she said.

Contact the writer: cwest@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100, ext. 5107

Meet JoAnn Brown

At home: A Dunmore resident, she is married to Spencer and has three children, Zachary, 27; Marlana, 25; and Jacob, 22.

In her garden: Flowers: Hydrangea, daisies, hibiscus, geraniums, petunias; herbs: basil, rosemary, chocolate mint, spearmint; vegetables: beans, lettuce, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, cherry peppers, bell peppers, long hot peppers

Tip: If you don’t have room for a garden, there’s always a way. Growing plants in pots takes a little more care because the soil dries out more than it would in the ground. Plants therefore will require more water than usual.

During Labor Day at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, 1700 Hawk Mountain Road, Kempton, visitors can learn to identify hawks and other raptors, watch how researchers track birds, become familiar with the basics of binoculars and see raptors up close.

The raptors up close programs will be at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. in the outdoor amphitheater.

Trapping and tracking talks are set for 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. near South Lookout.

Binocular basics are scheduled for 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and also will be near South Lookout.

Name that raptor gatherings will be held at Laurelwood Niche at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Programs are included with trail fees, which are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors 65 and older and $5 for children.

Anyone can fish in Pennsylvania on Labor Day for $2.90.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission offers the special price for a one-day license on Labor Day, when the agency also holds a mentored panfishing day for young anglers who fish with an adult.

Licenses are available through the Outdoor Shop at the commission’s website or at 900 stores and other businesses that sell licenses year round. The special Labor Day price is the same for nonresidents and residents.

To take part in mentored panfish day, anglers younger than 16 who fish with a licensed adult can keep any panfish they catch, even those shorter than the legal limit, if they are at any of 19 lakes, including Bradys and Gouldsboro Lakes in Monroe County and Upper and Lower lakes at Promised Land State Park.

The young people require a free permit to participate in the panfish program, or they can buy an optional youth license.

Adults who purchase a one-day license for Labor Day cannot fish for trout and salmon unless they buy a trout and salmon stamp, which costs $9.90.

The commission continues to stock trout in the fall, so anglers who buy the stamp and regular license that costs $22.90 and is good for the rest of the year will find fishing opportunities.

To encourage autumn fishing, the commission joined with vacation bureaus and Bass Pro Shops to offer “Fall into Fishing” giveways that include first prizes of weekend get-aways and second prizes of kayaks.

People can enter the contest at www.gonefishingpa.com.

For sure the days are numbered, but it’s still summer and there are still plenty of summer constellations dancing across the night sky.

What’s really nice is that your stargazing adventures can start earlier in the evening now as daylight hours are dwindling.

As soon as it gets dark, around 8:30 to 9 p.m., look in the really low south-southwestern Pottsville sky for the three brightest stars you can see. They’re actually the planets Jupiter, Saturn and Mars. As September starts, Mars is still the brightest of the three, shining away with its orange-red glow. In late July, Mars was the closest it’s been to Earth in 15 years, and even though Earth and Mars are beginning to pull away from each other, Mars is still less than 42 million miles away which is close for our Martian neighbor.

Normally, Mars is the only planet in our solar system where you can see the surface through a telescope. Even with a small to moderate telescope, it’s possible to see some surface features on Mars, like its polar ice caps. However, this summer there’s been a massive dust storm that’s completely engulfed Mars and is hiding the surface. The storm is gradually subsiding, but in all honestly as bright as Mars is about all you’re going to see through even a larger telescope is big orange red ball. Coupled with the dust storm is the fact that as close as Mars has been to the Earth right now is that it’s not rising very high in the sky, at least not in these northern latitudes. Because of that, the blurring effect of Earth’s atmosphere is also playing havoc on telescope visibility.

A little below and to the left of Saturn in the low southern sky this month is one of my favorite constellations. It’s called the Teapot because that’s what it actually looks like. The Teapot is more formally known as Sagittarius, a centaur shooting an arrow at its next-door neighbor Scorpius. If you can see Sagittarius as a half man-half horse with a bow and arrow, you are kidding yourself! I’ll stick with the Teapot.

The Teapot is located in the direction of the center of our Milky Way galaxy, a little more than 25,000 light-years away. If the sky is dark enough where you are, you’ll see a milky white band of light that runs all the way across the sky, from the Teapot in the southwest to the northeast horizon. You’re looking at the combined light of billions of distant stars that make up the main plane of our galactic home.

Nearly overhead is another signpost of summer, the Summer Triangle. Just look for the three brightest stars you can see around the zenith and that’s it. All three stars are the brightest stars in each of their respective constellations. Vega is the brightest star in the constellation Lyra the Harp. Altair is the brightest in Aquila the Eagle, and Deneb is the brightest star in Cygnus the Swan, also known as the “Northern Cross.”

There’s nothing really all that “summer” about the Big and Little Dippers since they’re visible every night of the year, but summer is a great time to spot them. That’s especially true for the Big Dipper since it’s proudly hanging by its handle high in the northwest. The fainter Little Dipper is standing on its handle to the right of the Big Dipper with Polaris, the North Star, at the end of its handle.

In the northeast sky, look for the sideways “W” that outlines the throne of Cassiopeia the Queen. Just to the upper left of the queen in the northern sky look for the faint upside-down house with the steep roof, which is supposed to be Cepheus the King.

One of the prime autumn constellations, Pegasus the winged horse, is on the rise in the eastern sky after sunset. Look for the big diamond of stars that outlines the torso of Pegasus. This is called the “Square of Pegasus,” but because of the way it’s positioned in the sky this time of year it’s also known as the “Autumn Diamond.”

(Lynch, an amateur astronomer and professional broadcast meteorologist, can be reached at mikewlynch@comcast.net)

POTTSVILLE — A North Carolina man happily left Schuylkill County Court on Wednesday after a jury acquitted him of all three charges stemming from his alleged possession of a gun in June 2017 in Pottsville.

William R. Warwick, 25, of Louisburg, North Carolina, is not guilty of prohibited possession of firearm, receiving stolen property and carrying a firearm without a license, the jury decided after deliberating approximately an hour.

The verdict ended a two-day trial over which President Judge William E. Baldwin presided.

Pottsville police had charged Warwick with possessing the gun in the early morning hours of June 29, 2017, at a traffic stop in the city.

In his closing argument, Assistant District Attorney Claude A.L. Shields said Warwick was legally prohibited from owning a gun but definitely had constructive possession of it.

“He’s sitting on top of this gun. We have a stolen firearm,” he said.

However, jurors accepted the closing argument of Eric M. Prock, Pottsville, Warwick’s lawyer, who said they would have to guess if the defendant or another person had put the gun in the car.

“There’s no forensic evidence linking Billy to that gun,” he said.

Furthermore, four other people had been in the car and they were neither interviewed by police nor called as witnesses, Prock said.

Prock was happy with the result.

“My client and I are very pleased with the jury’s verdict,” he said. “Billy has been waiting over a year for his day in court, and we are thankful to the jurors for being attentive throughout the trial and for their thoughtful deliberations. We believe the jury got it right.”

Also on Wednesday, Judge Charles M. Miller accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and the defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, the following people.

Daniel S. Aregood, 27, of Orwigsburg; possession of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation consecutive to current sentence and $100 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of endangering the welfare of children.

Stacey L. Bordner, 47, of Schuylkill Haven; criminal mischief; time served to 12 months in prison with immediate parole and $50 payment to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account.

Danielle Hamel, no age given, Girardville; disorderly conduct; $25 fine. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

William W. Hopkins III, 48, of Summit Station; theft and criminal mischief; 12 months probation, $100 fine, $50 CJEA payment and $1,406.68 restitution. Prosecutors withdrew charges of criminal trespass and defiant trespass.

“Get that restitution paid,” Miller told Hopkins.

Charlene S. Keita, 45, of Reading; two counts of retail theft; three to 23 months in prison concurrent with defendant’s Berks County sentence, $100 in CJEA payments and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities, with sentence effective at 10 a.m. Sept. 28.

State police at Schuylkill Haven charged Keita with stealing $106.89 in merchandise from the CVS pharmacy in Cressona on July 12, 2017, and $91.02 of merchandise from the Goodwill thrift store in Cressona Mall on Feb. 3.

Joseph G. Klinger Jr., 40, of Shenandoah; simple assault; 15 days to 12 months in prison with immediate parole and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of harassment.

All defendants who were sentenced must pay costs as a part of their sentences.

Contact the writer: pbortner@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6014

BARNESVILLE — With stints in California and Idaho, two Schuylkill County foresters returned home after responding to a wildland firefighter shortage across the nation this summer.

“As of now, we are still at a national preparedness Level 5, which means the regions across the country will still be ordering whatever resources they can get. This means there will still be a need for Pennsylvania firefighters well into September,” Steven Ziegler, state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources District 18 service forester for Schuylkill, Carbon and Columbia counties, said Thursday. Level 5 is the highest level for federal and state employees’ fire mobilization, as determined by the National Multi-Agency Coordination Group.

Ziegler was assigned as a public information officer to the Lions Fire, located on the Inyo and Sierra National Forest, just south of Yosemite National Park. Part of his job was to educate the public about the fire’s location and fire safety, and update the website www.inciweb.nwcg.gov, Ziegler said. He served in California, near Mammoth Lakes, from July 30 to Aug. 24.

Jake Novitsky, a DCNR District 18 fire forester, was assigned to Pennsylvania Crew 6 that worked on the Copper Mountain Fire and the Cougar Fire. Both blazes were in Idaho, with the Copper Mountain Fire burning into part of Canada. He served Aug. 4 to 25. Ziegler’s and Novitsky’s sites were both fires started by lightning strikes. Most crews worked in shifts, as needed, sometimes logging 16 hours on and eight hours off. Usually, they worked 13- to 14-hour days.

In his office Thursday, Novitsky showed some of the equipment used in battling forest fires.

“Communication is really important,” he said, as he demonstrated a Bendix King Radio. The BK radio allows firefighters to program frequencies in the field, in accordance to the incident management plan. Ground to air communications, for instance, can ensure a pilot knows where supplies — called a sling load — or fire retardant are needed to be dropped and where crew members are located on the ground.

“Everyone on the fire line has these, called an Incidence Response Pocket Guide, that shows you a picture of the helicopter and gives us the shape of a clock. I can say, ‘I’m two o’clock high,’ and he can see a lot of things up there. The only thing they can’t really see is terrain. I’ll say I need you to go to your three o’clock, three rotor widths up, and that’s how you call them in,” Novitsky, who’s certified to handle sling loads, said.

His backpack can weigh between 45 and 60 pounds. Items inside usually include: a one- to two-gallon bladder bag of water; ear plugs; a compass that has a citing mirror which can also be used to signal a helicopter; vinyl panels to mark a drop zone; headlamp; poncho; tools; lighter; extra shoelaces; pens and paper; hand-held guides showing maps, instructions about pumping, how to program radios and how to calculate sling load weight; food; extra socks and mole skin patches that can be placed over blisters or hot spots on feet; and pink flagging material.

“This pink is for your escape routes. When you’re on a line, you let everybody know if things start going south and we need to get everybody out, follow the pink flagging. So you bump out to your escape route to your safety zone,” Novitsky said.

Everyone working on a fireline must also carry a “Red Card,” which lists that person’s national certifications and a fire shelter.

They do not carry an air pack.

Novitsky had a sample of an out-of-date fire shelter, which he unpacked as a demonstration. Each fire shelter, which weighs about eight or nine pounds, is made of woven silica, and newer models have handles on them. The use of a fire shelter is a last resort and everyone on the fireline has to carry one.

“They expect you to get in there within 20 seconds. It’s really there to help protect you from that radiant heat. The more air you have around you, the more insulation you have,” Novitsky said. Neither has had to use a fire shelter in real life, only during training, they said.

The U.S. Forestry Service has a special contract agreement with district forestry staff to respond. District 18 has sent personnel to seven states — Utah, Nevada, Texas, California, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. Pennsylvania has sent nearly 200 individuals, including seven 20-person crews, three engines containing three to four people, and various command and general staff, according to Ziegler.

Experience gained on the out-of-state assignments can be brought back to local fires and other emergencies, Ziegler said.

“With our fire season being in the spring, it allows us the chance to go out and help in the summer months when they need all the resources they can get in the west,” Ziegler said, who had 12 hours notice before his departure.

Levi Gelnett is the wildfire operations specialist in the central forestry office in Harrisburg who collects information about which firefighters may be available for dispatch nationwide.

To be qualified as a wildland firefighter, you have to have basic wildfire training, called S130, and wildfire behavior training, called S190. You also need Incident Command System classes 100, 700 and 800. It’s what the government agencies, like the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Forestry Service, use to teach about the chain of command.

“Everyone knows their role and who their leadership is, so information moves smoother and faster,” Novitsky said.

Trainings are all federally regulated. Fire crews getting training in California or Florida receive the exact training personnel in Pennsylvania would get, Ziegler added, so there’s consistency in response and communication.

Ziegler and Novitsky are both certified wildland firefighter instructors. Classes will resume at the start of 2019. Anyone interested can call the district forestry office for more details at 570-875-6450.

Although Pennsylvania has sent its crews west this year, in 2016 when there was a fire in the Pocono region called the 16-Mile Fire, crews from New Mexico were called here to assist, Ziegler said.

A national incident management situation report, as of Thursday, showed there were still 81 active incidents. Those incidents alone spanned 2.2 million cumulative acres and required 827 engines, 135 helicopters and 18,674 personnel, including wildland fire crews and military responders. The Mendocino Complex Fire, now south of Potter Valley, California, is one of the state’s largest, covering more than 459,000 acres with costs already at $174 million, the report showed.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Ashland

The borough hall will be closed Monday in observance of Labor Day. There will be no affect on the garbage collection schedule, which will remain the same for the week, according to a borough press release.

Auburn

A dedication for the new playground that has been installed at the Auburn Memorial Park, Fifth Street, is set for 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 7. All are welcome. For more information, email tlgraybill@verizon.net.

Barnesville

The Tuscarora State Park naturalist will lead a hike at the Roaring Creek Watershed, north of Mount Carmel, at 10:30 a.m. Saturday. The 8.5-mile hike is rated moderate difficulty and passes two large reservoirs. Participants will meet at the Roaring Creek parking lot along Route 42 below Aristes. For more information, call naturalist Robin Tracey, environmental education specialist, at 570-467-2506. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and get along with other pets and people. Participants should bring lunches. The walk will be held shine-only.

Frackville

Elks Lodge 1533 will have a pork chop supper beginning at 4 p.m. Sept. 19 at the lodge. The cost is $9. All are welcome. U.S. military veterans will eat for free with proper IDs. For more information, call 570-874-2500. The lodge will also host a rock dance with Sakes Alive to benefit the Frackville Downtown Economic Development Program. Admission is $10. For tickets or more information, call 570-590-3370.

Frackville

The borough hall will be closed Monday in observance of Labor Day. The recycling/garbage collection schedule will change. Recycling pickups will be on Wednesday and trash pickups will be on Thursday.

Mahanoy City

The Sakes Alive classic rock band will perform at 8 p.m. Sept. 15 at Elks Lodge 695, East Centre Street. The cover is $5; the event is for people 21 and older. Photo IDs will be required. For more information, call 570-773-0692.

Pottsville

The Pottsville Area High School Class of 1954 will meet at Roman Delight, Route 61, Orwigsburg, from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. All class members are invited. For more information, call Marian Miller at 570-622-6668 or Charlotte Stoudt at 570-617-6538.

Saint Clair

Saint Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church will have its annual food fair and flea market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the church, Mill and Hancock streets. Admission is free and all are welcome. The event will include homemade ethnic and American food, baked goods, a flea market, 50/50 chances, lottery boards, crafts and religions items.

Schuylkill Haven

An event titled “Can’t We All Just Get Along? Valuing Differences Between Generations,” is set for 12:15 p.m. Sept. 12 at Penn State Schuylkill Campus. It is the beginning of the 2018 Wellness Series presented by Amber Hedemann, MA, CDP, and Stephanie LaManna, BA. CDP. The session, according to a press release, “will help participants recognize and value the differences between generations.” It is free and open to the public. Participants are encouraged to bring lunch. To register or for more information, call Susan Faust at 570-385-6226 or email sdf18@psu.edu. RSVPs are due by Sept. 10.

Shenandoah

The Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society will feature local historian Andy Ulicny’s Jeopardy game with local trivia at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the 201 S. Main St. history center. Admission is free, refreshments will be served and the public is welcome. For more information, email ampytak@netzero.net.

POTTSVILLE — Schuylkill County District Attorney Michael A. O’Pake and the Schuylkill County detectives are asking for the public’s help in finding a man wanted for failing to appear in court as required earlier this year.

Detectives said David Jonathan Alsing, 27, failed to appear March 27 at the Schuylkill County Courthouse for jury selection.

The original charges against Alsing were felony strangulation-applying pressure to the throat or neck and misdemeanor simple assault.

Alsing is described as being white, about 6 feet tall and weighing about 170 pounds, detectives said, adding that Alsing has a last known address of 260 Clay St., Tamaqua.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Alsing or on any other fugitive in Schuylkill County is asked to call the district attorney’s office at 570-628-1350 or Schuylkill County Tip Line at 570-624-3988.

Information can also be submitted by email to dadd@co.schuylkill.pa.us.

In addition, detectives said that anyone who sees or comes in contact with Alsing should call the Schuylkill County Communications Center or their local police department immediately.

All information received will remain confidential.

A list of Schuylkill County bench warrants is available on the Schuylkill County website at www.co.schuylkill.pa.us, detectives said.

Detectives said fugitive warrants served from Aug. 1 to Aug. 31 totaled 107, bringing the total warrants to date in 2018 to 797.

Contact the writer: fandruscavage@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6013

McADOO — Bid specifications are being developed to fix a wall in the borough garage.

The borough council recently tabled a motion to hire a contractor to repair the wall, which was discovered to be in poor condition back in April when the garage was being prepared to get a new roof.

Joe Madochick, the borough’s streets foreman, got a quote from a contractor, and a way to shore up the wall. But two other contractors balked at using that method of repair.

“That’s going to be a sizable job,” Councilman Ed Bielen said. “Everybody has a different idea.”

So Joe Baranko, the borough solicitor, recommended formal bid specifications be developed and advertised.

The council had two price quotes in hand and last month wanted to get a third bid by telephone. However, Baranko said contractors have to bid on the same job.

“Any bid has got to be responsive to the bid specs we provide,” Baranko said. “I don’t know if we’re doing it backward. We have to rely on our people in-house, to tell us what steps they need to shore up this wall. We’re going out and saying, ‘You tell us what we need to do.’ ... If we’re soliciting bids, it’s got to be a uniform bid package that they are each bidding on, to be competitive.”

Madochick said the wall’s mortar joints have deteriorated.

“Half to three-quarters” of the concrete joints in the wall are deteriorated, he said. Although the blocks in the wall are sound, the wall is devoid of concrete, “hollow all the way through,” Madochick said.

When the council drafted its 2018 budget, $17,000 was earmarked to put a new, A-frame roof on the garage and to install an entrance door estimated at $1,100.

“I don’t want to spend $9,000 or $10,000 and it doesn’t work,” Councilwoman Marion Debalko said.

The council voted 6-1, with Councilman William Slovik voting no, to purchase the garage’s entrance door.

Officer’s kindness

Mayor Dane Watro lauded borough police Patrolman Fred Lahovski for a recent act of kindness of which the mayor became aware.

“I got a phone call a couple of weeks ago,” Watro told the council. “Normally we are hearing negative things about the police.

“The call was about an officer outside the borough building yelling at a group of kids in a positive way, saying when I count to four, you grab as much candy as you can possibly grab. This went on for a period of time, and then the officer went over to talk to a citizen and let her know what was happening. I just thought it was such a positive thing to hear,” Watro said. “This is a guy that doesn’t like to be patted on the back. When I contacted him, he said this kind of thing goes on all the time. I decided to write a letter of appreciation about Officer Lahovski for his (personnel) file.”

Contact the writer: jdino@standardspeaker.com 570-501-3585

HEGINS — They gave a hearty nod to everything related to wine, while remembering area service members, too.

The 10th annual Schuylkill County Wine Festival at Hegins Park on Sunday celebrated a decade of local vintners sharing their trade. This year’s event also took on a patriotic tone, with the table decorating contest theme of “Red, Wine and Blue.”

An estimated crowd of several thousand wine fans filled the park, getting samples of their favorites from 11 wineries.

“People have been so gracious and patient,” Sarah Troxell of Galen Glen Vineyards & Winery, Andreas, said. “Riesling is our best seller at the winery and we’ve brought some here today. … This is our last festival of the season. Monday, we start to harvest.”

Denine Stutzman with Red Shale Ridge Winery, Hegins, reported Strazzberry, a sweet strawberry and raspberry wine, and their award-winning Fredonia, a sweet red, were among top requests.

Meanwhile, Mike Masser with Benigna’s Creek Vineyard and Winery, Klingerstown, offered samples of Sunshine Sangria, made with their award-winning Vidal, and Sunshine and Delight and Sprite, made with Delight, a blood orange and cherry rose.

Kim Davis won the table decorating contest for the second year in a row.

“We wanted it to be very respectful,” Davis, of Mountain Top, Luzerne County, said.

Her display featured photos of service members who were friends or family members — Matthew King, her nephew, a Navy Corpsman; Derek Sartini, Army; Shad Heffinger, Army; and Mark Heffinger, Marines.

A large flag belonging to her late father, David “Derff” Glowacki, who did not serve, was displayed, along with a walkway, military boots and patriotic-painted wine corks.

Friends Becky Horn and Jess Henninger, both of Hegins, and Stephanie Ziegmont, of Ashland, set up their display, calling themselves the “Wine Ambassadors.”

They traveled to 10 of the 11 wineries participating in this year’s festival from April through June, took a video of their trip and collected donated wine for the festival gift baskets and prizes.

“We got a wonderful reception from everyone,” Horn said.

“There were different things, from the views to the wines to the people at each winery that made each one special,” Ziegmont said.

On their last wine visit, they also brought along their husbands, Dr. John Horn, Dave Henninger and Carl Ziegmont. Dr. John Horn is currently deployed to Kuwait with the Army Reserves. Their display, “Stars, Stripes and Selfies,” won second place.

The 2018 Greater Pottsville Winter Carnival Snowflake Princess Mikaela Tobash, Snowdrop Princess Kali Grochowski and Queen of Snows Alexandra Mullin served as judges. Event coordinator Mary Tobash said she was pleased with the turnout.

Three other wineries from Schuylkill County that participated include Stone Mountain Wine Cellars, Pine Grove; Long Trout Winery, Auburn; and Fieldwood Winery, Schuylkill Haven.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

POTTSVILLE — A Tamaqua man went to prison Thursday after a Schuylkill County judge sentenced him in two theft cases.

Cody J. Deetz, 23, must serve three to 23 months in prison and undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation, Judge James P. Goodman ruled.

“Do you have a drug problem?” Goodman asked Deetz.

“Yes,” Deetz answered.

“The big thing is, you’ve got to address that drug situation,” Goodman, who imposed the sentence after revoking the defendant’s probation in each case, told Deetz, who sat through Thursday’s hearing wearing a prison jumpsuit.

Deetz originally pleaded guilty on Sept. 13, 2017, to theft of leased property and receiving stolen property in one case and theft, receiving stolen property and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in the other. Prosecutors withdrew one additional count each of theft and receiving stolen property and a charge of driving without a license.

At that time, Goodman sentenced Deetz to serve 54 days to 12 months in prison and 12 months on probation, and pay costs, $100 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, $100 in bench warrant fees and $1,823.88 restitution.

Rush Township police charged Deetz in the first case with committing the theft on July 3, 2015, in the township, while Tamaqua police charged him in the second case with committing the theft on Feb. 3, 2016, in the borough.

Also on Thursday, Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin revoked the probation of Justin D. Purcell, 30, of Minersville, and sentenced him to serve six to 12 months in prison.

Purcell, who admitted violating his probation by failing to report to his supervising officer, not making payments on his costs and fees and not successfully completing rehabilitation, originally pleaded guilty on May 3, 2017, to possession of drug paraphernalia, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of public drunkenness.

At that time, Dolbin placed him on probation for 12 months, and also sentenced him to pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, a $50 CJEA payment and a $50 bench warrant fee.

Minersville police charged Purcell with possessing paraphernalia on July 23, 2015, in the borough.

Also in the county court, Judge Charles M. Miller on Wednesday accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, the following people.

Karyleen E. Bumberger, 46, of Pottsville — driving under the influence and failure to keep right; six months in the intermediate punishment program. Prosecutors withdrew charges of driving on sidewalk and careless driving.

Mared J. Chojnacki, 30, of Trenton, New Jersey — possessing instrument of crime; 12 months probation, $100 fine, $50 CJEA payment and no contact with the victim. Prosecutors withdrew charges of terroristic threats, simple assault and harassment.

Thomas Cooney, 41, of Burlington, New Jersey — three counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and one of possession of a controlled substance; time served to 12 months in prison with immediate parole, 12 months consecutive probation and $300 in SAEF payments. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Scott Dietrich, 23, of Middleport — criminal use of a communication facility, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia; time served to 23 months in prison with immediate parole, $100 SAEF payment, $50 CJEA payment and submission of a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Prosecutors withdrew charges of delivery of a controlled substance and possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance.

Dylan M. Evans, 21, of Auburn — possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal mischief; 12 months probation, $100 SAEF payment and no contact with the victim. Prosecutors withdrew charges of possession of a small amount of marijuana and disorderly conduct.

Terry L. Gasaway, 47, of Tower City — driving without a license and careless driving; $225 in fines. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of DUI.

Katelynn Herbia, 22, of Port Carbon; simple assault — 18 months probation and $50 CJEA payment. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of strangulation.

Jennifer Kocela, 52, of Lansford — failure to use low beam; $25 fine. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Nikki Lindsay, 41, of Pottsville — DUI; 72 hours to six months in prison, $1,000 fine, $300 SAEF payment and $520 restitution to Lehigh Valley Hospital Network. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of improper left turn.

“Stay away from drinking and driving,” Miller warned Lindsay.

James M. McAnamey, 29, of Pottsville — three counts of possession of a controlled substance and one of possession of drug paraphernalia; one to 12 months in prison, 12 months consecutive probation, $100 SAEF payment and $50 CJEA payment, with sentence effective at 9 a.m. Sept. 13.

Pottsville police charged McAnamey with possessing methamphetamine, two prescription drugs and paraphernalia on Sept. 22, 2017, in the city.

William L. Miller Jr., 36, of Port Carbon possession —of drug paraphernalia; 12 months probation and $100 SAEF payment.

Kristen A. Myrtle, 27, of Scranton — possession of drug paraphernalia; time served to 12 months in prison with immediate parole, $100 SAEF payment and $50 bench warrant fee. Prosecutors withdrew a charge of possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Angela L. Stepp, 47, of Tamaqua — bad checks; $50 CJEA payment.

Michael J. Tracy, 32, of Hazleton — theft and receiving stolen property; 12 months probation, $50 CJEA payment and $50 bench warrant fee.

All defendants who were sentenced must pay costs as a part of their sentences.

Contact the writer: pbortner@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6014

Exercise and a healthy diet are what doctors prescribe to keep children from becoming overweight, but not every child can follow the prescription, a Hazleton native honored internationally for her research on childhood obesity said.

Dr. Laura Lucia Hayman asks how anyone can blame children for gaining weight if their families are poor, if no markets sell healthy food near their homes or if neighborhood crime makes staying indoors their safest option.

“Childhood obesity exemplifies the disparities that exist in this society,” she said. “I look beyond the level of the individual.”

A professor of nursing at University of Massachusetts Boston, Hayman was inducted July 21 into the International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame.

She and her husband, Richard, traveled to Melbourne, Australia, to attend the induction ceremony with 19 others from seven countries who were chosen from the 135,000 members of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

The honor caps a career that started when Hayman graduated from Hazleton High School in 1965 and headed to the University of Pennsylvania. After graduating from Penn, she served for a time as the youngest school nurse in Philadelphia and later worked at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, jobs that focused her on children’s care before she returned to the university for her master’s and doctoral degrees.

She joined faculties at Penn, Case Western Reserve in Cleveland and New York University before settling at UMass Boston in 2007.

Teachers, nurses and researchers trying to curb obesity among children need policymakers’ help, she said, praising what Philadelphia accomplished between 2006 and 2013. The city partnered with businesses such as corner stores and Chinese restaurants to promote access to healthy food. Setting nutritional standards at city agencies changed food available at after-school programs, prisons and office vending machines. Schools taught nutrition, banned deep fryers and sugary drinks and followed a wellness policy that included fitness courses. As a result, the obesity rate for students dropped 6.5 percent.

“Policies guided by research are critical,” Hayman said. “They need to be orchestrated at the national level.”

She worries that the next generation will be less healthy and at greater risk for heart disease and other factors that go with obesity.

“We have all this research ... and we haven’t moved the needle,” said Hayman, herself an author of 200 articles, chapters and books. “I’m really an advocate for the health of the future. If I were retired, I’d be knocking on doors, saying, ‘Get out and vote for those who are going to make this happen.’ ”

Growing up in Hazleton, where traditional ethnic foods from lasagna to pierogies have padded waistlines for generations, she also knows the role that culture plays in what people eat.

Cooks can remove some extra calories from traditional foods.

“You can have great Italian food without sugar, fat and salt,” he said.

Her mother, Philomena “Minnie” Santopoli Lucia, had the knack. Instead of fried foods, she favored vegetables, salads, olive oil and fish, similar to the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet that Hayman has made a staple at the dinner table for her husband and their son, David, a college student.

Although Hayman’s mother died when she was 16, her father, Joseph Lucia, who ran Lucia’s tavern on Alter Street and was active in service clubs such as UNICO and the Lions, encouraged her educational goals.

“Every generation was expected to do better than the next,” said Hayman, adding that high school friends shared an interest in education and advocating for people in need. “Those of us raised there — we always value what we got from Hazleton.”

Contact the writer: kjackson@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3587

Deeds

Pine Grove — Barbara Deabenderfer to Robert Sowers Jr.; property; $10,400.

Pottsville — DNGP Enterprises Inc. to Pottsville Hospitality LLC; 101 S. Centre St.; $2,100,000.

G.F. Real Estate Developers Inc. to Pottsville Real Estate Development Inc.; 228 Fairview St.; $10.

G.F. Real Estate Developers Inc. to Pottsville Real Estate Development Inc.; 528 E. Norwegian St.; $10.

7-Eleven Inc. to Realty Income Trust 6; 2 S. Claude A. Lord Blvd.; $2,898,929.29.

Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill; property on Mauch Chunk Street; $1.

G.F. Real Estate Developers Inc. to Pottsville Real Estate Development Inc.; property on Laurel Boulevard; $1.

Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill; property on Mauch Chunk Street; $1.

Rush Township — Dennis and Lisa M. Confer to James Coty Stanley; 4 E. Main St., Quakake; $15,000.

Terry and Karen Kupres to Randy R. and Susan M. Kupres; property on Lincoln Street, Hometown; $1.

Ryan Township — Sharon Donnelly, Ashley Nefos Longo and Christopher Nefos to Sharon Donnelly and Ashley Nefos Longo; 137 Church St., Barnesville; $1.

ENGLEWOOD — From “Crazy Corn” to “Vince’s Famous Cheesesteaks” and “Death by Chocolate” waffle desserts to buffalo chicken mac n’ cheese bowls and “Screamer” burgers, vendors at Schuylkill County’s second annual Food Truck Festival brought it all.

Those with adventuresome palates lined up Sunday at Friendship Fire Company No. 1 in the Englewood section of Butler Township for the benefit.

“When I saw there was a food truck here, I said ‘We have to go,’ ” said Irene Casalino, formerly from Queens, New York, who now resides in New Ringgold.

“We moved to Pennsylvania last year, and I just love it here,” she said. “Yes, we’ve got food trucks in New York.”

Her son, Joe Casalino, joined her at Bernville vendor The Smith Homestead’s Kitchen, while waiting for a mac n’ cheese bowl. The Brasil on Wheels was another of their favorite vendors, Joe Casalino, a former Long Island volunteer firefighter, added.

Friendship Fire Company Chief Ed Beneshus and volunteer Zach Chernewski served as event coordinators. A similar event held in Reading sparked them to host their own fundraiser and community celebration last year.

“We got a big turnout and every year it keeps getting bigger,” Chernewski said, noting the celebration’s gone from an inaugural eight trucks up to 12 trucks and 20 vendors this year. Friendship Fire Company volunteer Frank McGurl offered up Frank’s Famous Funnelcakes, and the fire company also sold beverages.

Community nonprofits could set up a booth for free, Chernewski said. They also collected donations of money and non-perishable food items for the Frackville Food Pantry.

Rosann Markish, of Frackville, waited with her husband, Rich, who sought out a cheesesteak.

“He gets one every year at the Bloomsburg Fair,” Rosann said, noting Vince’s is a vendor there too.

Adam Smarr waited in line at Ziggy’s Roaster for a cajun and Old Bay seasoned ear of corn.

“This is my first time here. My buddies came here last year and said what a good time they had, and it’s for a good cause,” Smarr, of Tuscarora, said.

Paul Schneider, Ziggy’s owner, was a vendor at the inaugural event. He said “Crazy Corn,” which features a cob smothered in mayonnaise, cajun spices and Parmesan cheese is a top seller.

“Once we start, we’ll have a line the whole day,” Schneider said of the steady flow of customers.

Meanwhile, Robyn and John Sincavage, of Mahanoy City, attended the event for the first time and said they like supporting the local fire department.

“It’s absolutely delicious,” Robyn Sincavage said after sampling a buffalo chicken mac n’ cheese bowl.

Other food vendors included Willy’s Q Shack, which offered pulled pork and beef brisket; The Grilled Cheese Cafe 2, providing combinations of cheesy options between bread; and J&K Waffle Hut, serving up sweet, ice-cream and fruity treats on homemade waffles.

Vendors John and Kim Resovszky, of J&K’s, were glad they could be a part of the event because they were already booked last year and were unable to attend.

“Anything we can do to help the fire company, we will. People don’t realize what these guys do,” John Resovszky said.

Among the craft vendors were Denise McGurl, Jennifer Neye and Teri Geiger.

Hidden River Credit Union sponsored the event.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Ashland

Zion’s Reformed United Church of Christ will sponsor a roast beef dinner beginning at 3 p.m. Sept. 18. Meals are $10 each and also include mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots, applesauce, beverage and dessert. People may eat at the church or take meals out. For more information, call 570-875-2700. The church will also have its soup-and-sandwich lunch beginning at 11 a.m. Sept. 19. It sponsors the community lunches regularly on the third Wednesdays of the month. Call the aforementioned number for more information.

Auburn

The Auburn Area Historical Society will host an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 7 in conjunction with the Auburn Memorial Park’s new playground dedication ceremony at the Auburn Community Building, 451 Pearson St. Open house activities will include door prizes, small gifts for the first 100 visitors, a dime-toss-for-dishes booth, 10 contests for gift cards, Chinese and silent auctions and other attractions. Open house is free and the public is encouraged to attend, organizations said in a press release. For more information, call 570-754-7991.

Minersville

The Minersville Area Historical Society’s program at 7 p.m. Sept. 20 will involve the history of the Kear family presented by Dr. M. Irvil Kear at Mountaineer Hose Company No. 1. Admission is free and all are welcome. For more information, call Dora Santarelli at 570-544-9482.

Orwigsburg

The Orwigsburg Area Free Public Library, 216 W. Independence St., will have a “blow-out book sale” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot, rain or shine. People should park on Independence Street, according to a release. Proceeds will benefit the library’s children’s reading programs. The library will also have a flu shot clinic from 10:30 a.m. to noon Sept. 18 hosted by Rite Aid with insurance accepted at the site. The library also will benefit “all day” from a dine-out at Valenti’s on Sept. 19.

Pottsville

St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church will have a theme basket and prize auction with a shop-and-drop from noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 22 and the drawing at 2 p.m. Sept. 23 at the parish center. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-622-1802.

Pottsville

Members of the Pottsville Rotary Club recently heard about the Schuylkill Technology Centers from representatives Dr. Gregory Koons, Gretchen Witman and student ambassadors Brady Day and Hailey Snyder. STC, they said, is an optional school for high school students from the county, according to the Rotary bulletin. Participating students attend one semester per year at STC and one at their home school. The STC vocational programs prepare students for higher education or for immediate entry into the work force, they said, adding recent studies indicate that 80 percent of America’s future jobs require skills taught in vocational education. Students can enroll in vocational courses and still meet entrance requirements for colleges and universities. STC has two campuses, a North campus near Frackville and a South campus at Mar Lin. It offers a wide range of programs including automotive, business management, carpentry, collision repair, computer information systems, cosmetology, criminal justice, culinary arts, diesel technology, diversified occupations, early childhood care and education, electronics, emerging health professional, health careers, masonry, plumbing and heating, pre-engineering, precision machining, residential/industrial electricity, small engine technology and welding. Programs, according to the representatives, are at either the North or South campuses while culinary arts is offered at both sites. After a minimum of two semesters in a program, the student is prepared to take the state certification test in that program. STC also has recently launched at student ambassador program to educate the community about STC. For more information about STC, go to its website at www.stcenters.org.

Ringtown

Ringtown Valley Fire/Rescue, 46 W. Main St., will have an all-you-can-eat breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. Sept. 9. The cost is $9 for adults, $4 for children 12 and younger and free for children 4 and younger. There will be a full breakfast menu. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-889-3245.

Kline Township supervisors and the township authority are working together to improve water services for the McAdoo area.

One example is the recent installation by the authority, with help from the township’s streets department, of approximately 1,500 feet of 6-inch water main for residents in Haddock, along with two new fire hydrants.

Kline Township Municipal Authority has been providing water and sewage services to Kelayres and McAdoo Heights, and water service to Haddock, McAdoo, Audenried, Beaver Brook and Tresckow since the township bought the then-beleagured Honey Brook Water Co. 18 years ago.

Since then, because of its small size and limited capabilities, the authority often has needed to hire outside contractors to perform major work. But earlier this year, the board approved a plan to make the authority do its own work.

The authority is managed by a five-member board of directors appointed by the supervisors — including supervisors Dale Wesner and Matthew Corra as two of its new members.

Beginning in 2017, the new board created new positions, and hired new employees.

“With these changes have come new ideas and new philosophies,” said Wesner, who is the authority’s vice chairman. “The vision is to make the authority more capable to perform maintenance repairs in a timely manner at a significant savings to the customers of the authority. The transition plan involves examining all business policies, procedures and processes, and comparing them to the best business practices of other authorities, current Pennsylvania and federal laws and lessons learned over the past 18 years.”

One of the first steps the board took was to modernize its financial practices. Over the last eight months, the board invested in updating its accounting software. The finance officer, John Puza, now oversees a much more trackable and user-friendly system while an external accounting service assists the authority in performing daily maintenance of accounting records.

Personnel and duties at the authority have changed, Wesner said. The board has created the position of general manger, who manages the day-to-day operations. Aaron Debalko, the GM, doubles as authority chairman, who not only oversees the office staff but is also in the field performing daily system maintenance.

A new assistant operator recently was hired to ensure around-the-clock maintenance availability to cover all the systems. This additional manpower also will support major projects planned for the future.

Wesner said the board closely reviewed organizational finances with an immediate goal of reducing its monthly costs. Each bill was reviewed for possible reduction or elimination. Expenditures like office cleaning by an outside company — in favor of authority personnel doing the cleaning — were eliminated to reduce costs.

Phone and internet services were consolidated and a new provider was selected that offered monthly savings.

“This is just one item that saves us thousands of dollars now,” Debalko said.

Recently, the board chose to restructure the way parts and materials were ordered, and assigned that responsibility to the general manager. This change gives the GM spending oversight and inventory control, and has already saved thousands of dollars.

Within the last few months the authority purchased a new Ford F-550 service vehicle, F-550 dump truck, a second backhoe loader and an additional residential waterline frozen pipe thaw machine.

Now, with all the new equipment, new personnel and leadership support, the authority is ready to take on larger projects, Wesner said.

Projects

The new Haddock water main line project began when a resident purchased a parcel of land with the intention of building a home. Unfortunately, he discovered an old water line in the ground where he planned on placing the home. The property owner notified the authority of the problem and after research, the authority decided this would be a good project to take on without much contractor support.

“Normally, a project this size and scope would have been outsourced to a contractor,” Debalko said.

Wesner said the money saved by not outsourcing the work can be used to fund additional equipment and hire more staff to maintain the water and sewer systems.

The board drafted a scope of work, determined equipment and workforce required and set a timeline. The project also got an in-house engineering and legal review.

A five-member team worked for five and a half days to dig, fit, install and backfill the waterline, with an additional three days for final grading, grass planting and cleanup, Wesner said.

Debalko said the new pipe has been disinfected, tested and is fully usable. The authority can now cap the old water line where the new home will be built and connect a few homes at the end of the road through the existing pipe being back fed to ensure full coverage of all properties in that area.

“The next phase may be an extension to Lofty Road, where there are three more customers that are interested, and add another hydrant,” Wesner said. “It shows that we’re both small, but working together, we can help each other and save a lot of money so we don’t have to go out on bids and pay the contractor price. For a very small amount, over five days, five people put in a line. It was a good success story.”

Meanwhile, the authority recently applied to the state Department of Transportation for a 90 percent grant to replace water lines on Kennedy Drive in McAdoo. While most grants are for PennDOT to assist with 75 percent of the project costs, authority directors asked for 90 percent and it was approved. The board asked for 90 percent because the current water lines were just installed about 10 years ago but due to PennDOT’s scope of work in rebuilding Kennedy Drive, the authority water lines needed to be replaced.

Another proposed project is in Tresckow, where the authority is seeking to improve water pressure, water quality and add fire hydrants. The authority and Banks Township supervisors applied a few months ago for a grant to fund the project. Notification is expected soon.

Customer accounts

Over the past eight months, every water and sewer customer account has been reviewed with an eye to those that are delinquent and owe $500.

“The person that manages our administrative office has been updating records and accounts to make our financial systems more accurate,” Debalko said. “We have some accounts for homes that no longer exist with a long-time outstanding debt. We are putting each property through a legal process to update the account and then update the balance sheet.”

Debalko also said some customers have fallen behind on paying their bills.

“We try to work with customers that have had a short-term hardship,” Wesner said. “The authority allows customers to take advantage of a one-time structured payment plan to bring the account current. The actions of updating these account records is important because this data is linked to the overall financial position of the authority and used to help the board make decisions on which future projects the authority can afford.”

One project the board would like to undertake is the expansion of the authority garage on Market Street in Kelayres with an addition of a three-stall vehicle garage and large storage room for parts.

The existing garage would be available for office space, since more than half of the current garage was already remodeled with a bathroom, map room, break room and operator’s office and has water, sewer and heat.

Board members estimate it would only take a few weeks of construction to make the space operational.

By taking this action the authority board would no longer need to rent office space, thus reducing monthly costs, and the new location has more parking available.

“What is nice about these improvements and making the authority more capable to handle operations is that it comes with no rate increases, just a team effort of everyone at the authority focused at making business decisions that make good sense for the customer,” Debalko said.

Wesner said when the new location is operational, the board can consider opening the reservoir area from sunrise to sunset “to allow residents to see the beauty of the wildlife at the reservoir and maybe just sit at a peaceful spot to eat or read a book.”

The supervisors said the township can provide benches and a picnic table for residents to enjoy the natural beauty of the reservoir. Wesner said fishing is another option the board might consider.

Contact the writer: jdino@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3585

GREENBURY — More than 100 people gathered for the 13th annual outdoor Labor Day Mass at the Castle Green Grotto to remember all who came to the former Greenbury Chapel when it existed at the site.

The Mass was also celebrated for the anthracite coal miners who worked hard and sacrificed much, including their lives, to support their families, their churches and their communities.

The annual celebration of labor and culture began in 2006 after local residents began making improvements on the site that held the Greenbury Chapel, which served the St. Kieran Roman Catholic Church, Heckscherville. The chapel was razed in 2003, prompting Robert “Bob” and Mary Anne Mulhall, who lived next door to the site, to get local residents involved in creating a tribute at the former worship location.

“This place is so peaceful,” Mary Anne Mulhall said.

While the chapel building is gone, people visit the beautifully landscaped site for quiet time and prayer near a shrine for the Blessed Virgin Mary or at the large Celtic Cross Monument with lumps of anthracite coal embedded in it, which was created by Martin Heffron and placed in 2004 in memory of the Rev. Patrick O’Connor, a defender of coal miners’ rights in the second half of the 19th century.

The grotto, located along the Minersville/Heckscherville Highway, is maintained by the Castle Green Grotto Association to be a place of rest and prayer.

The Rev. Christopher M. Zelonis, pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, Minersville, was the main celebrant of the Mass. The Rev. Paul L. Rothermel, pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church, Ashland, was the concelebrant. Zelonis and Rothermel have regularly participated in the annual Mass in recent years.

“We’re so lucky to have them both,” Mulhall said.

Assisting as altar server was Joseph “Hap” Anthony.

Before the Mass began, members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians John F. Kennedy Division No. 2 did their traditional march to the grotto. Leading the parade was Aidan Corby, 9, of Saint Clair, holding an American flag, with all marching to a bagpipe recording of “Amazing Grace.” Tom Symons Sr. provided the sound system.

“Our Lady has shined on us today with this lovely weather,” Zelonis said as Mass began. “We’re grateful to God and so the greatest act of gratitude to almighty God that we can offer is this sacrifice of the Mass. We do it specifically on Labor Day mindful of how God has labored on our behalf and how we labor for God.”

The first and second scripture readings and the prayer of the faithful were presented by Mary Ann Lubinsky and Lucy Campion Nettles. Mary Rose Burns played the organ. After the reading of the gospel by Rothermel, Zelonis gave the homily.

Zelonis said Labor Day honors work but adds that there needs to be dependence on God.

“So this day is dedicated to the honor of working. And not just the burden of it, but the honor and privilege of expending ourselves for the glory of God and for the betterment of man,” Zelonis said. “What a day to be able to do that with the liturgy, which is Greek and means ‘our work for God’ or ‘God’s work for us.’ It actually can be translated either way. The sacred liturgy is God’s work on our behalf, which I would say primarily because God is always the first agent, but then it is our work for God, our return to him as we hear in the Psalms. What can I do for the Lord for all that he has done for me. I will take up the cup of salvation. The bread of life and the cup of salvation will be offered, the bread and wine will become the body and blood of Christ, and we join to the bread and wine our prayers, our works, our joys and our sufferings.”

Zelonis gave a small lesson on what work is: Work equals force times distance. It can be translated to what happens when people left their cars to walk to the grotto, and the setting up of all music and chairs and other items in preparation for the Mass.

“Everybody does something and everybody participates in the creative plan of God,” Zelonis said. “And among all the creatures of the Earth, we, as human beings, can exert force over distance with purpose, with meaning. That is the deeper distinguishing factors of human labor. Not that we can just move rocks from one place to another, but that we can act for a reason to an end and that we can do so for the creation around us. What a privilege it is to be human and what a privilege it is to be able to exert ourselves for God and others.”

Zelonis continued, “Of course, as human beings, we do it with some measure of worry and concern, and that’s why our Lord speaks to us today against worry. That as human beings we alone among creation are capable of worry. We’re not in the present when we worry. We’re in the future. What’s going to happen? Sometimes we worry about the past. What happened and what could I have done better or differently? All those things, Jesus says, distract us from the present moment where God is and where we are. Jesus says don’t worry.”

County commissioners Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr. sang during the distribution of Holy Communion, and Nettles sang her traditional rendition of “Our Lady of Knock.”

Light refreshments were served after Mass.

Contact the writer: jusalis@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023

Ashland

The Ashland American Legion Bernard J. Dolan Post 434 will have an officer induction ceremony at 6 p.m. Thursday during the monthly meeting. Mark Berlile, 13th District commander, will officiate. Officers include Commander Dan Weikel, Vice Commanders Ron Wallace and Gill Devine, Adjutant Fred Klock, Finance Officer Harry Hause, Service Officer Tom Dando, Judge Advocate Francis Kehler, Sgt. at Arms Art Savage. The bar will be open and refreshments will be served after the meeting.

Coaldale

The second annual “Coal Crackin’ Rock the Block” festival will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Coaldale Complex and fire company properties between Fifth and Sixth streets and Phillips and High streets. The event will include amusement rides for all ages, games, local organizations selling a variety of food, local vendors, a theme basket raffle and other attractions. The Friday kickoff will begin at 5 p.m. sponsored by the JTNB. Saturday events will feature a chili cook-off and fire truck parade at 5 p.m. followed by a tower truck dedication at 6 p.m. Sunday will be Family Day sponsored by St. Luke’s Hospital-Miners Campus and will include “Touch a Truck,” according to a release. Entertainment at 7 p.m. Friday will include the Legends band followed by Toolshed Jack on Saturday and a local disc jockey at 3 p.m. Sunday. Volunteers are needed and food donations (shredded lettuce, tomato and taco sauce, potatoes, burger buns, Pepsi products, condiments, napkins, plates, cups, bowls and similar fare) will be appreciated.

Frackville

A flea market and bazaar will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Zion Lutheran Church, Oak and Nice streets. People must use the entrance on South Beech Street. All are welcome. For more information, email zionfrack@gmail.com.

Orwigsburg

The Orwigsburg Area Public Library, 216 W. Independence St., has a Saturday morning program lineup as follows: First Saturday, 10 a.m. building block party; second Saturday, 10 a.m. children’s storytime; third Saturday, Tweens, teens/adults crafting beginning at noon, with different featured crafts every month, free to low cost to cover supplied material; fourth Saturday, 10 a.m. crafts for elementary-age children. The library will have Disney Family Trivia at 6 p.m. Sept. 26 hosted by the Media Madness Club, for which advance registration would be “a plus,” according to the release. For more information, email orwigsburglibrary@comcast.net or see Claudia Gross, library director.

Pottsville

St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church will offer an Allentown Diocesan Protecting God’s Children Workshop from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 27 in the parish center, 313 Mahantongo St. To register, call Debbie at 570-622-1802.

Saint Clair

An autumn food fair and bake sale will begin at 10 a.m. Sept. 22 at Saint Clair Wade United Methodist Church, 23 N. Front St. It will include homemade food and baked goods. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-429-1951.

Schuylkill Haven

The Schuylkill Haven Senior Citizens organization will not meet at the senior center, 340 Haven St., on Monday due to the trip to Mackinac Island and the Upper Peninsula in Michigan. The next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 24, during which Linda Covert will entertain by singing and playing the guitar. The group will collect items for the Hillside SPCA at its Oct. 8 and 22 meetings. For more information, call 570-385-5323.

Schuylkill Haven

The Schuylkill Haven High School Class of 1960 will meet for lunch at noon Oct. 25 at Valenti’s, Orwigsburg. Class members and guests are welcome. For more information, call 570-385-5323.

William Penn

The William Penn Fire Company, Mount Olive Boulevard (Route 54 just west of Shenandoah), will have an advance-order-only “Almost Armondo’s” unbaked pizza sale, with a Sept. 17 order deadline. The cost is $10 for plain, $12 for pepperoni and 75 cents extra for hot sauce. Pizza can be picked up after 3 p.m. on Sept. 21. There will be no walk-in sales or deliveries. To order or for more information, call 570-462-0338. The company will also sponsor a horseshoe tournament with registration beginning at 10 a.m. Sept. 22 following by the event at 11 a.m. Call the aforementioned number for more information.

SHENANDOAH HEIGHTS — The poor condition of Raven Run Road in West Mahanoy Township has the supervisors looking for assistance from the state for repairs.

The stretch of Route 4032 that runs on the south face of Locust Mountain between Route 54 in William Penn and Raven Run is in very poor condition with potholes and crumbling roadway at many locations.

The supervisors discussed the matter at their Aug. 21 meeting. They have been in contact with state Rep. Neal P. Goodman, D-123, Mahanoy City, to assist in prompting the state Department of Transportation to do repairs.

Goodman updated the supervisors in a letter explaining that he has been in contact with PennDOT maintenance manager Thomas Rogal for Maintenance District 5-6, which is Schuylkill County, to discuss the road condition. The township is awaiting a response from PennDOT on Goodman’s outreach.

In other business, the state Department of Labor & Industry informed the township that its application for certification of its workplace safety committee has been approved, effective July 31. The approval entitles the township to a 5 percent discount on its workers’ compensation premium.

“It will save us approximately $1,500 on the premium,” township Secretary/Treasurer Michael B. Michalik said.

Residents and businesses impacted by flooding during the week of Aug. 13 were reminded that they can report damages directly to the county by going to www.scema.org/flood-survey-information-form.

The supervisors approved the Schuylkill County Tax Claim Bureau repository sale of vacant land on East Wylam Street, Altamont, to Acorn Estates LLC, Mount Carmel, for $2,234.

A resignation letter from Edward Stefanowicz of the township Planning and Zoning Hearing Board was accepted. Township residents interested in serving on the board should send a letter to the municipal office stating their desire to be considered for the position.

Contact the writer: jusalis@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023