Deeds

Port Carbon — Michael J. and Janell M. Bowers to Stephanie Phan; 243 Pike St.; $50,000.

Pottsville — Roxanne Jones, executrix under the Last Will & Testament of Michael Palko Jr., to Roxanne Jones; 1608 West End Ave.; $1.

SJB Inc. to Meier Investments LLC; 1212 Howard Ave.; $135,000.

Joseph G. and Jean M. Clarkson to David 55RE LLC; 806 and 808 Water St.; $20,000.

Reilly Township — Richard J. and Patricia A. Withelder to Richard J. and Patricia A. Withelder; 20.38531-acre property on Route 209, Newtown; $1.

Rush Township — Ronald G. Ebenstein and Diane Rose Stockmal to Ronald G. Ebenstein and Diane Rose Stockmal; 0.283-acre property on Oak Court, Lake Hauto; $1.

Saint Clair — Robert Schoennagle and Kathleen M. Brennan to Kathleen M. Brennan; 219 S. Third St.; $1.

Schuylkill Township — Ann M. Smith to Robert M. Smith; 315 Mulberry St., Tuscarora; $1.

South Manheim Township — Federal National Mortgage Association to Melanie A. and Lee H. Miller; 2218 Wynonah Drive, Lake Wynonah; $71,000.

Tamaqua — Federal National Mortgage Association to Tamaqua Investments LLC; 422 Arlington St.; $16,500.

Tower City — Chris A. and Leeanne M. Felty to Christopher and Beth White; 32 E. Grand Ave.; $20,000.

Wayne Township — Kelly J. and John R. Daley to Kelly J. and John R. Daley; 0.608-acre property at Route 183 and John’s Road; $1.

James R. and D. Gaylene Krause to James R. and D. Gaylene Krause and Jason G. Krause; 242 Mohave Drive, Lake Wynonah; $1.

James R. and D. Gaylene Krause to James R. and D. Gaylene Krause and Jason G. and Michele L. Krause; Lot 247, Lake Wynonah; $1.

West Mahanoy Township — Dallas Bradley Hoff to Dwight A. Williams Jr.; 1132 W. Centre St., Brownsville; $2,000.

TOWER CITY — Williams Valley will welcome a new music teacher this school year.

The school board Thursday approved hiring Matthew Paul Haas, of Palmyra, to the position of high school instrumental music teacher and as marching band director.

His effective start date is Aug. 19. The board selected Kasey Campbell as his mentor.

A few people attended the board meeting and said they were interested in the status of the school’s music program. One woman asked about Haas being hired as a “temporary professional employee.” Superintendent Diane R. Best explained that’s the terminology used for a teacher who does not yet have tenure. It does not mean that the position is temporary.

Best and several board members said they were excited to see Haas get started with the district.

Directors Daniel Stroup and Michael Minnich were absent.

In other business, Stephen Barner, head baseball coach, and Scott Barry, trap club coach, offered end-of-season reports to the board. Dwayne Reitenbach, also with the trap club, attended to answer any board questions.

Barner described the season as “outstanding,” with the varsity team going 16-7 and making it to the district finals before losing to Schuylkill Haven. He said he was happy for the senior graduates because when they started as freshmen, the team’s record was 3-17. The team was able to experience playing at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown. He recognized several Williams Valley players for their accomplishments. The JV baseball team recorded an 8-2 season, he said. Only three players graduated, so Barner said the “future is bright.”

Board directors congratulated Barner on the team’s performance.

Barry said in the second year of the trap club, there were 32 registered in the program. The team had students participating from six school districts, including Williams Valley.

Generous donations from several sources, including the Wild Turkey Federation, the Hegins Trap Club and the National Rifle Association, have enabled the team to provide free shells to participants, as well as pay for state registration.

Students participated in competitions in Elysburg and Muncy and at nationals in Ohio. The team placed 24th out of 119 squads in the national competition, according to Barry. He recognized several students for their individual accomplishments.

Barry said he appreciated the school board’s support in offering the sport and said “the kids are loving it.”

John Mika, board vice president, thanked Barry, Reitenbach and the team for doing such a good job of building friendships among the other district students and for getting them to work together.

The board approved several mentor teachers, coaches and event staff. They also gave the nod to job descriptions for an assistant superintendent, speech and language therapist, certified occupational therapist, and special subject area personnel in art, guidance, instrumental music, physical education, computer, PSSA preparation and library.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Editor’s note: First in a series of stories about local residents who attended the Woodstock festival Aug. 15-18, 1969, in Bethel, New York.

I was 19, from Gordon, and had just finished my first year at Penn State. A good friend from Ashland had finished her first year at Bucknell and she had a boyfriend with a Volkswagen minibus.

We left Pennsylvania on Thursday afternoon. By Thursday evening as we got closer to Woodstock, there was a major traffic jam; everyone was heading to the event, and traffic came to a standstill. People were getting out of their vehicles — I remember people going around talking to kids from other vehicles, passing joints, a guy sitting on the hood of a car playing a guitar. It was a good feeling of togetherness with other young people. We didn’t know there were so many of us, and we were coming together. I started to get the feeling that this was going to be something amazing.

Because we got there Thursday night, we actually got onto the farm, parked in a field about a five-minute walk from the stage area and pitched a tent. We were fairly well prepared with camping gear, which we were glad for when the rains came later. Many didn’t come with any gear and slept in the rain and mud.

We walked over to the stage area; they were selling tickets. We had three-day tickets, but the fence wasn’t finished and people were just walking around it. Eventually the fence came down and tickets weren’t needed.

Escaping sadness

at home

Just after I finished my first year at Penn State in June of 1969, my mother committed suicide. She hanged herself in the garage of our home. I didn’t have any siblings and my father didn’t talk about what had happened. After the funeral was over, he would go to work and when he came home, he ate dinner and mostly just sat and stared out the window. I just wanted to get out of the house. I tried to put my mom’s death out of my mind but it was so sad and so lonely at home. I went to stay with my friend from Ashland living near Bucknell, and then we decided to go to Woodstock.

My friend and her boyfriend were really into being with each other, so I went off by myself to listen to the music. The best music acts were there and it was amazing! I remember Santana, Janis Joplin, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Joan Baez and so many other.

Looking at the endless crowd was mind blowing. There were little stands in the wooded area selling food, drugs, drinks, some hippie-style arts and crafts; incense was wafting through the air along with marijuana smoke. Joints were being passed around and if you wanted to smoke, you sat next to someone with a joint and it was passed your way.

There was this amazing feeling that we were all together, we were against the war in Vietnam, our friends were dying there and no one could understand what we were fighting for. We all wanted peace and love and to enjoy and feel the best music of our time played live with a half-million other cool kids like ourselves. I talked to people sitting or standing near me, but I felt like I was there alone, observing an amazing event. The music was incredible!

And then it began to rain. I think on Saturday, after the rain, there was a lot of mud (no paved roads on the farm). I walked barefoot after that because the mud was ankle-deep in a lot of places and sandals just got stuck in the mud. I remember it was gross, but you got used to it and it was part of the whole unique experience.

Helicopter ride to the hospital

By Sunday afternoon, the music was still playing, but we decided to head home. I was sitting in the back of the VW minibus on the floor (the seats were out). We picked up a couple of hitchhikers to give them a ride to their car parked out on the paved road. After they got out, I guess they didn’t close the side doors right. The double-doors opened by swinging outward and I was leaning against the doors. We had just hit the paved road and were picking up speed, going about 30 mph, when the doors opened and I rolled out along the road. My legs and arms had the skin scraped off them and there were little tiny stones stuck in the wounds. I was in a lot of pain.

My friends got me back into the VW and headed back to the event site. The medic tent was set up right behind the stage area and I remember hearing the music again playing so loud and great, but I was in pain. The Army had flown in helicopters to help evacuate the sick or injured that couldn’t be treated right there. They put me on a stretcher and the Army guys put me into a small open-sided helicopter! I remember the Army guys were wearing jumpsuits. The one in the back with me leaned over me to keep me from sliding out the open sides. As we banked to take off, we went right over the crowd. I will never forget that view as we took off right over the stage area. I was in a lot of pain, but the helicopter trip was a memorable part of my experience!

I was taken to a make-shift hospital that was set-up in a junior high school gym in Monticello, New York. There were canvas Army cots lined up in the gym for the casualties of the event. A nun nurse wearing a habit worked on removing the embedded debris from my legs and arm with peroxide and tweezers. I slept there that night on an Army cot and my friends stayed outside in their VW bus. I remember the guy on the cot next to me and I talked into the night. They sent me off the next day all bandaged and we headed back to Pennsylvania.

‘Existential experience’

At Woodstock, I knew we were a part of something new and exciting — that we were going to change this world and make it a better place. The music was such a huge part of it; it brought us together. I remember so many of the acts, the best musicians of our time and the music uniting us. Due to the death of my mother two months earlier and the painful accident I had falling out of the van, I didn’t really have fun, but I observed, loved the live music and just took it all in. I knew I was witness to something uniquely existential.

Postscript: When my mom died, I didn’t cry, I went kind of numb about it. We had a funeral, people told me they were sorry for my loss, but no one “talked” about stuff back then and no one talked to me about it. I wanted to be part of “the Summer of Love” and somehow put what had happened out of my consciousness. My way of dealing was to go off and become a hippie, a spiritual seeker. I went to live in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury a few months after Woodstock. It wasn’t until many months, even years later, that I broke down and cried over my mother’s suicide, and allowed myself to mourn.

(Seitzinger lives in Raleigh, North Carolina.)

The After Hours Bid Band performed Sunday at the outdoor summer concert and picnic at Friedens Lutheran Church in Llewellyn.

Founding member Herman Ulsh was recognized by the band during the performance. 

The event was part of the church's 200th anniversary celebration.

POTTSVILLE — A Lehigh County man is headed to state prison after admitting this month to a Schuylkill County judge that he committed three gun-related crimes in December 2018 in Pottsville.

David T. Gaskins, 31, of Allentown, must serve 30 to 60 months in a state correctional institution, pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities, Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin ruled.

Gaskins pleaded guilty to prohibited possession of offensive weapon, carrying a firearm without a license and possessing instrument of crime. Prosecutors withdrew charges of two counts each of simple assault and recklessly endangering another person and one of violation of firearms ordinance.

Pottsville police charged Gaskins with possessing the firearm on Dec. 9, 2018.

In another recent case, Edward H. Higginbotham, 29, of Pottsville, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft, with prosecutors withdrawing two counts of receiving stolen property and one of driving without a license.

Dolbin sentenced Higginbotham to serve one to two years in a state correctional institution, pay costs, a $50 CJEA payment and $269 restitution, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities. Dolbin made the sentence effective at 10 a.m. Sept. 3.

Pottsville police charged Higginbotham with committing the thefts on Dec. 9, 2018, in the city.

Also in the county court, President Judge William E. Baldwin revoked the probation of Corin L. Reed, 36, of Pottsville, and recommitted her to prison for 45 days to 12 months.

Reed originally pleaded guilty on Dec. 7, 2018, to intimidation of witness or victim, with prosecutors withdrawing three counts of harassment. At that time, Baldwin placed Reed on probation for 12 months, and also sentenced her to pay costs and a $50 CJEA payment.

Pottsville police had charged Reed with committing her crime on May 7, 2018, in the city.

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

Ashland

A free community soup-and-sandwich lunch will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 21 at Zion’s Reformed United Church of Christ, 2400 Centre St. The lunches are held on the third Wednesday of the month. For more information, call 570-875-2700. The church will also have a roast beef dinner fundraiser from 3 to 6 p.m. Sept. 10. The cost is $10 and meals will include roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots, applesauce, beverage and dessert. For tickets, call the church office at the aforementioned number.

Frackville

The fifth annual designer bag charity bingo hosted by Elks Lodge 1533, 307 S. Third St., will be held Saturday. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and bingo will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 the day of the event. The kitchen will be open with a limited food menu. Proceeds will benefit the Pennsylvania Elks Home Service Program. For more information, call the lodge at 570-874-2500. The lodge will also present the group Merely Players from 9 p.m. to midnight Aug. 23. There will be no cover charge, with the lodge asking for donations instead to benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand, a foundation to fight childhood cancer. A cash bar will be available.

Friedensburg

Wayne Township Community Day will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Friedensburg Fire Company, 1357 Long Run Road. Attractions will include a Chinese auction, vendor fair, food and beverages, entertainment by Rhythm & Brews, a bounce house, games and other activities, rain or shine. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-739-2963. In a release, organizers urged people to “come out and support your local volunteer fire department.”

Orwigsburg

A weeklong ice cream dine-out at Twisted Sisters, 217 E. Market St., beginning today and going through Saturday, will benefit the Orwigsburg Area Free Public Library with Twister Sisters donating a portion of its proceeds to the library. On Friday, Splash the Clown will be on hand from 5 to 7 p.m. to entertain and create balloon animals. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-366-1638.

Orwigsburg

A free end-of-summer block party will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Aug. 25 at Salem United Methodist Church, 133 S. Liberty St. It will include live music, food, games and activities. All are welcome. For more information, go online to www.SalemUM.com.

Pottsville

The Messiah College faculty will present “an eclectic program of music from many nations and cultures” from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 200 S. Second St. A reception, during which people will be able to meet the artists, will follow the performance. All are welcome; free-will offerings will be accepted. For more information, call 570-622-8720.

Pottsville

Master Gardener Jen Clinton will discuss Alternative to Traditional Lawn at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Pottsville Free Public Library, 215 W. Market St. The program is free and all are welcome. It is recommended people call to save a seat. For more information, call 570-622-8880.

Schuylkill Haven

The 13th annual Island Park Festival is on for 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday featuring music, other entertainment, food and a variety of activities at the park. Proceeds will be used for continued improvements at Island Park. All are welcome. General admission is $5; free for children 4 and younger. For more information, call 570-385-2841 or go online to www.facebook.com/events/2457464810954446.

Shenandoah

A fundraiser called Good Eats at the Gazebo in American Legion Memorial Garden, North Main Street, will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday to benefit the Shenandoah Area Free Public Library. Offerings will include hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue and pickled eggs. All are welcome. For more information, call the 116 N. Main St. office of the revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc. at 570-462-2060 or email dsi@downtownshenandoahinc.com.

ORWIGSBURG — Mike Devlin thought he had early retirement figured out.

In a few years, the 57-year-old Schuylkill Haven man would hang up his electrician’s belt after nearly four decades of running cables, installing switches and bringing power to buildings. Then he and his son would huddle in his garage and restore his 1931 Model A Ford.

That changed abruptly when the Geisinger-St. Luke’s joint venture hospital project was announced for nearby Orwigsburg, the first partnership of its kind in Pennsylvania. Devlin was intrigued immediately, according to a news release issued Monday.

“I wasn’t looking to leave my employer that soon, but I really enjoy a new challenge,” he was quoted. “I knew and liked St. Luke’s from working at their Miners hospital for four years.”

Within a few months of applying for the job, he was hired as the hospital’s first director of facilities. He hanged up his tool belt and slipped on a business suit and tie (and sometimes a hard hat). Now, he is busy hiring staff and readying the facility for its first patients coming in September.

According to St. Luke’s, Devlin will be responsible for the day-to-day safety and security at the 80-bed acute-care hospital and medical office buildings on the campus, along with environmental services and physical plant maintenance.

“I’ll basically keep the place running from a nonmedical perspective,” he said.

He’ll also continue the part-time job as mayor in his hometown. He said he thrives on the relationships he’s built through his civic activities and 38 years as a commercial-industrial electrician.

As the opening of the Geisinger-St. Luke’s campus nears, Devlin’s days are filled with details and duties, including safety drills, supplies ordering, inspections by the state and township.

“It’s like putting a puzzle together, piece by piece,” he said.

Editor’s note : Latest in a series of stories about local residents who attended the Woodstock festival Aug. 15-18, 1969, in Bethel, New York.

In the summer of 1969 while recovering from surgery at the Pottsville Hospital, I was informed that I was restricted from driving for about a month. For a 19-year-old, that meant the rest of the summer was ruined.

At the hospital, I listened to WMMR’s late-night progressive rock show, “The Marconi Experiment,” which promoted the “Woodstock Aquarian Exposition.” Soon, I ordered the $18 three-day tickets for me and three friends. I notified Dr. Leon Scicchitano to postpone my one-month follow-up due to a “scheduled trip to New York.” He thought I was going to see the Mets play, for 1969 was their winning year. Little did he or I know what was about to occur.

When we arrived, it was as if we fell down Lewis Carroll’s rabbit hole. We certainly were ill prepared. We abandoned the car along the road and set up our tent about a mile from the site. The owner of the land we camped on was unknown. We were trespassers but it did not sink in. We brought scant food and water and no warm clothes for the cold and damp nights. We trekked back and forth between the tent and festival those three days. The residents were quite hospitable to the invading forces. One family even permitted me to use their bathroom facilities — a random act of kindness.

The Hog Farm

commune

Often I would wander away from the festival site, which was filled with an ocean of humanity, into the nearby shaded woods to walk the peculiarly named trails, such as Groovy Way, High Way and Gentle Path. These trails that recalled Tolkien’s Middle Earth were filled with various vendors hawking all sorts of arts, crafts, incense, posters, water pipes and wares, as well as some illicit drugs (no “hard drugs”).

All trails led to the Hog Farm commune, an impromptu small music venue, the medical triage, a tent organized by the followers of Indian mystic Meher Baba who had died in January, and Swami Satchidananda’s encampment. It was at the Hog Farm, hosted by underground performer Wavy Gravy, that I ate a meal of brown rice and diced vegetables. My other caloric intake the whole weekend was limited to watermelon, a few peanuts, an ear of corn, apples, water and Boone’s Farm apple wine that circulated communally among the crowd.

Despite all the media hype, nudity was not rampant but isolated and sporadic. I was unaware of the existence of the swimming hole where the skinny dipping occurred that made the news. Dr. Scicchitano would have certainly frowned upon such a venture during my recovery.

Woodstock Nation

Richie Havens opened the show with his powerful and soulful folk/rock. Carlos Santana, however, got the show into the stratosphere; Santana played a 12-minute “Soul Sacrifice” that brought everyone to their feet with the thunderous and primitive Afro-Latin congas, drums and piercing guitar, backed by a jazz organ. I never heard music like that before and, while on my feet, I got a chance to look over the breadth of the crowd. A woman did remove her clothes and danced by herself a few yards in front of me. I knew then that I wasn’t in Schuylkill County anymore. I wasn’t in any recognizable place anymore. I was in Woodstock Nation, but did not realize it. Now looking at some film clips of the gigantic crowd, I notice the lack of overweight attendees. The obesity epidemic we are facing is real and getting bigger (no pun intended).

Other standouts that weekend included Joe Cocker, Alvin Lee, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and legendary guitarist Johnny Winter. I was able to hand out programs during Winter’s performance. The closest I got to the stage was during the rainy performance of the spastic Joe Cocker. The major disappointment was the Grateful Dead, playing an annoying, never-ending “Turn On Your Love Light,” which caused me to trek back to the tent and miss many great acts.

I had hopes of seeing Janis Joplin and The Who, but I was asleep when they performed. I did catch The Who perform in Washington, D.C., before drummer Keith Moon died. I had tickets to see Joplin perform but the show was cancelled due to her premature death.

A respite from war, riots

Woodstock was not political, as it was a respite from the endless Vietnam war, urban riots, assassinations, etc.; 1969 was the year with the largest number of American troops engaged in Vietnam.

While Joan Baez and Country Joe McDonald performed anti-war songs to great reception, the only grassroots political activity I saw was at the Free John Sinclair booth, publicizing the 10-year sentence imposed upon the manager of the MC5, a Michigan rock band, for possession of a small amount of marijuana. He served 2 1/2 years before being released on appeal. I remember signing a petition on his behalf. Politics as we know tends to divide, but music unites. A rumor circulated through the crowd that Bob Dylan would make an unannounced appearance. That never occurred, but the crowd remained hopeful throughout.

Despite all the hype, Woodstock ranks low in important American events. It did not match the joy and spontaneity of the mid-August VJ Day nor the revolutionary passion of the Boston Tea Party — now those were historic parties! It was more akin to the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party hosted by the Pied Piper of Hamlin while under siege by Mother Nature. Yes, it did have cultural significance. It lived up to its billing as three days of peace and music despite the grave adversities. Without any rules, regulations and very little comfort in the state-declared disaster zone filled with heavy rain, thunder and lightning, it could have easily degenerated into a vicious “Lord of the Flies” scenario, but it remained a peaceful, free-spirited, anarchistic weekend, with everyone energized by the awesome power of rock and roll. I saw no fights and heard no arguments. I saw no police. Everyone was helpful to one another. This music that helped integrate American society would later hasten the end of the endless Vietnam War and help bring down the Iron Curtain. For these reasons, Woodstock, which focused on rock and roll, remains a significant symbol.

From peace to death

On the negative side, realizing the potential of an untapped gold mine of such a large youth market, rock music got co-opted by corporations with higher ticket prices, large stadium venues and less creativity. Peace and love was followed by the Manson murders, which happened in California almost simultaneously, and later in December 1969, the disastrous Altamont Festival, noted for violence and death, occurred. Hendrix, Joplin, “Pigpen” McKernan, Tim Hardin, Keith Moon, Jerry Garcia and other Woodstock performers died prematurely of drug overdoses. The anti-materialistic ethic prevalent at Woodstock slowly evaporated, replaced by consumerism and self-absorption. Of course, there was the large amount of trash and debris left behind as there was nowhere to discard the waste.

Long live rock

Can Woodstock be recreated? My response is a Buddhist quote, “no man steps into the same river twice.” Woodstock can’t be replicated. It was a moment in time when the ethos was one of camaraderie in the midst of social upheaval. Would I go to such a large outdoor concert again? No, especially not after the evil of the 2017 Las Vegas concert massacre and the subsequent mass shootings. We now live in an age in which we have accepted the slaughter of innocents as collateral damage to the preservation of the Second Amendment and increase in the profitability of both the gun lobby and manufacturing industry, so I will opt out. However, large summer music festivals will remain a staple of our culture — Coachella, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo. People attending those will have a good time, but none will repeat Woodstock.

I have no photographs or souvenirs of Woodstock. Very few people brought cameras. Today, most attendees would be interested in amassing hundreds of selfies and photos on their smartphones, posting them immediately on social media, with a goal of gathering numerous “likes.” The focus would be on the “me” rather than the “we.” It seems that mindfulness of the present moment today is ignored, replaced with a goal of pleasing others on social media and “looking good.” Apparently, many believe that one’s existence is now affirmed only if social media gives its approval.

My Woodstock tickets and programs were later stolen at college. I bought the three-disc Woodstock soundtrack at Jasper Collura’s Music Store, which was on North Centre Street in Pottsville, as soon as it was released. I listened to it for years before tiring of it. That was long ago. I still listen to rock and roll on Spotify and I guess I am somewhat stuck in the classical rock genre, as I prefer listening to Van Morrison, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Talking Heads and Velvet Underground. My last three concerts were Eric Burdon, David Byrne and Tommy James.

Long live rock and roll.

(Zane lives in Pottsville and has a law office, Zane, Rossi, Conville & Harley, in Schuylkill Haven.)

ELYSBURG — One of the most important prelates of the Catholic Church visited Elysburg on Monday to celebrate Mass, confirm three young people and officiate at the clothing ceremony, raising a postulant to novice in the Discalced Carmelite community of religious women.

Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke arrived at the Carmel of Jesus, Mary and Joseph monastery in the morning by invitation to celebrate a Solemn Pontifical High Mass in the chapel.

Prior to the Mass in the Extraordinary Form (Tridentine Latin Mass), Burke officiated at the clothing ceremony for the new novice.

The ceremony is when a postulant is accepted into the Carmelite order and dons the habit for the first time, rising to a novice, according to the monastery’s Director of Development Catherine M. Bauer.

A few days prior to the visit, she was asked about the upcoming visit by the cardinal.

“Cardinal Burke is coming for two reasons,” Bauer said. “We invited him and we are so honored he’ll be offering this Mass. Two, he himself finds great solace in coming to the monasteries, and he’s also a very great supporter of the Latin Tridentine/Extraordinary Form.”

The day, which was the Feast of St. Clare of Assisi, according to the Extraordinary Form liturgical calender, began with the clothing ceremony. Since the nuns are cloistered, the ceremony was held in the chapel with Burke positioned in the public part of the chapel in the sanctuary and the postulant and other nuns behind a screen to the right side of the chapel. Burke officiated face to face with the postulant through a window in the screen. He read the prayers in Latin and several times he blessed the postulant with holy water. When the ceremony was completed, the window was closed.

Burke was then vested to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation.

“Christ rose from the dead and is always in the Church. We are about to witness his life in our midst through the sacrament of the outpouring of Pentecost gift of the Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation,” Burke said.

Born in 1948 in Richland Center, Wisconsin, Burke attended seminary in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Washington, D.C., and Rome, where he was ordained a priest by Pope St. Paul VI in 1975. Ordained a bishop in 1995 by Pope St. John Paul II, he served for almost nine years as bishop of La Crosse, where he founded the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and more than four years as Archbishop of St. Louis.

He was named a cardinal in 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI. Burke has written and spoken widely on Roman Catholic canon law, the Holy Eucharist, devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe and the sanctity of human life. He is a member of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, where from 2008 to 2014 he served as its head as prefect.

According to the Carmel’s website, the Carmel of Jesus, Mary and Joseph is a papally enclosed Discalced Carmelite community in the farmlands of Elysburg. In communion with the Roman Catholic Church and approved by their diocesan bishop, the Most Rev. Ronald Gainer, of the Harrisburg Diocese, the cloistered nuns live lives of solitude, prayer and sacrifice. Their monastery is thriving and their numbers continue to grow.

The primary mission of the Carmelite Order is to pray and offer oblation for the Church and the world. The use of the Extraordinary Form of the Mass and Divine Office sets this monastery apart and their observance of the rule and constitutions is part of an unbroken tradition stretching back from Mexico to Spain to Mount Carmel itself in the Holy Land. They wear the full, traditional Carmelite habit.

They are affiliated with the Carmel of JMJ in Fairfield, Pennsylvania. To learn more about that location, please visit FairfieldCarmelites.org.

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

Not only is it beautifying downtown Lansford, a recently finished mural of a coal breaker is a glimpse into the borough’s past.

“The mural is a real eyecatcher for those who pass through Route 209,” said Lansford Alive! President Chris Ondrus. “It is also a great way to show off our rich coal mining history.”

The nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the borough worked with Lansford officials and Ryan Hnat of Northeast Art Project, Scranton, to bring the mural to the 100 block of West Patterson Street.

Hnat, a Coaldale native, said discussions began a year ago.

“They mentioned something about the design, that they wanted something historical,” Hnat said. “I went to them and they gave me some ideas.”

While the No. 9 Mine and Museum is in Lansford, Hnat said the No. 9 breaker was located within Coaldale borough limits.

So, Ondrus suggested the No. 6 coal breaker.

“That was located in Andrewsville,” a patch town on Lansford’s eastern end, Hnat said. “It was more of Lansford’s breaker.”

When the original site for the mural was scrapped, Hnat had to rework the design. Hnat changed the color scheme to orange and yellow — reminiscent of a vibrant sunset. He also added a greeting.

“It’s really nice to come through town and see, ‘Welcome to Historic Lansford,’ ” he said. “It really catches your eye.”

Hnat had worked at Hnat Painting, Coaldale, with his father, Joseph, before moving to Scranton last year.

“I traded in house painting to focus on the mural arts,” he said.

Since then, he and other artists with Northeast Art Project have completed murals in Scranton, Dickson City and surrounding areas.

“I would like to do a lot more down in that area,” he said, referring to the Panther Valley region. “I would like to bring other artists there, fundraise or partner with someone to raise money to help execute projects whether they are private projects or community projects.

“Scranton is my home base, where a lot of my artists are. But we are more than excited to take a trip to anywhere in Northeast Pennsylvania.”

Ondrus said Lansford Alive! doesn’t want to stop at one mural.

“We received many positive comments about the mural and hope to paint more in town in the near future,” he said.

Contact the writer: jwhalen@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3592

Mahanoy City

The St. Teresa of Calcutta Golden Age group is accepting new members, people 55 and older. The group meets twice monthly in the church hall for fellowship, lunch and bingo, leaders said in a press release. Dues are $5. For more information, call 570-773-1753.

Minersville

A St. Matthew the Evangelist theme basket and gift raffle will be held Wednesday and Thursday in the parish center, Oak Street, behind the church. There will be a shop-and-drop from 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday and 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday with the raffle drawing at 2 p.m. Food will be available; all are welcome.

Pottsville

Humane Fire Company, 200 Humane Ave., will have the sixth annual crab fest from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 14 featuring all-you-can-eat crabs, corn on the cob, hamburgers, hot dogs and clam chowder with draft beer or soda. The cost is $35 in advance and $40 at the door. The cost for takeout is $25. For more information, call 570-622-5891. People may go to the company’s Facebook page and “Like” for more information and additional contacts.

Primrose

The St. Nicholas Parish yard sale will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Aug. 23 and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 24 at St. Nicholas Hall, Route 901. The event will feature “great items … good deals,” Connie Brophy said in a press release. All are welcome. For more information, all 570-544-4581 or email church@stnickpa.com.

Ringtown

St. John’s Lutheran Church will feature beef brachiole from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 11, sponsored by the church social ministry. The cost is $10 for the takeout-only meal, which includes stuffing wrapped in beef, baked potato, veggie, coleslaw, roll/butter and dessert. People may buy tickets from committee members or by calling the church office at 570-889-5203.

Schuylkill Haven

A Carnival of Hope to advance breast cancer awareness will be held at Penn State Schuylkill, 200 University Drive, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 9 on the campus mall walk. There will be a dunk tank, pie-in-the-face contest, carnival of games, prizes, basket raffles and other activities. It is free and open to the public. All money raised will benefit the Pennsylvania Breast Coalition, according to an event release. For more information, call 570-385-6059.

Schuylkill Haven

The Schuylkill County Quilters Guild will stage its 2019 Quilt Spectacular from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 7 and noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Walk In Art Center, 220 Parkway. Admission is $5; parking is free. The event will include a merchants mall, “quiltique,” demonstrations and door prizes. All are welcome. For more information, email sewcool5@yahoo.com.

Shenandoah

An old-fashioned ice cream social with homemade lemonade will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday in the hall of St. Casimir Church, 229 N. Jardin St. St. Casimir Church is a sacred worship site of Divine Mercy Roman Catholic Parish. Patrons will be able to enjoy a sundae, banana split or Belgian waffle ice cream sandwich with a choice of toppings. “Relax and listen to our live entertainment while enjoying the beautiful scenery in our church hall,” organizers said in a bulletin announcement. Tickets are $10 each and will be sold before and after Masses. For tickets, people may also call Maria Rittle, parish office manager, at 570-462-1968.

Wilburton

An event called Thunder Wine Fest is set for 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Wilburton Fire Company, 103 Smith St. It will be sponsored by the fire company and TNT Cheer Wine Fest and feature the band Looker. It will be an indoor and outdoor fest with no outside food or drinks permitted. It will include wineries, distilleries, brewers and vendors. For more information, call 570-233-5119. The cost is $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill E. Norwegian Street

To Richard Buhl and Rebecca Herring, Barnesville, a daughter, Aug. 5.

To Dennis Berger and Cheryl Kane, Mahanoy City, a daughter, Aug. 7.

POTTSVILLE — The hole on Progress Avenue caused by water from Norwegian Creek pushing the lid off the stone arch during flooding last August could be fixed in the near future.

The city council voted Monday to authorize Alfred Benesch & Co., Pottsville, to develop bid documents to repair the damage estimated at $1.3 million. A deadline was not provided.

“A safe bet certainly would be spring, but I would hope we would get started before then,” City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar said.

He said the city wants to be prepared to go out for bid when they receive the federal grant funds.

“They (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) are still processing all of our documentation. We believe we are getting closer to the end of the process,” Palamar said, adding he talks to someone from the agency on a weekly basis.

President Donald Trump issued a major disaster declaration Nov. 27, 2018, for flooding that inundated parts of the county from Aug. 10 to 15, paving the way for federal grant money. Entities eligible to receive the aid include local governments, authorities, school districts and nonprofits. Applicants can receive up to 75 percent of costs for expenses due to the flooding. Eligible work includes debris removal, emergency protective measures and restoring areas damaged by flooding to their prior condition, according to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. Emergency protective measures could include evacuation, demolition and security in the affected areas.

The flooding in the city on Aug. 12 and 13 caused basements to flood and road closures. Anywhere from 5 inches to 3 to 4 feet inundated basements.

The rain also caused numerous road closures in Pottsville: Second Street from Market to Norwegian streets, Fourth Street from Market to Arch streets, Arch Street from Third to Fourth streets, and a section of Peacock Street. Progress Avenue also flooded.

The city’s flood damage estimate is $1,479,000. Along with the repair of Progress Avenue, which includes repairing the hole and fixing the road, the city has three other projects: the opening of the stone arch in the parking lot of Fanelli Warehouse; an area near a small concrete bridge off Fox Street; and an area of the road off Water Street that was damaged.

A fence blocks off the area with the hole on Progress Avenue near the Giant Food Store.

Mayor James T. Muldowney thanked Giant for being good neighbors by permitting motorists to use the parking lot to access the rest of the road not closed off. He urged the public to be patient.

“Good things take time. If we have the million dollars in hand to fix it, we would have done it,” Muldowney said by phone Monday.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

NEWTOWN — A Tremont man died in a one-vehicle crash Sunday night.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said Keith E. Eichert, 50, was driving a 1991 GMC Sonoma south on Route 209, just north of the intersection with Route 125 in Reilley Township, when the crash happened around 9:10 p.m.

Police said for some reason Eichert’s vehicle went off the road, traveled 158 feet and struck a large tree.

After impact with the tree, police said, the back of the vehicle rotated counterclockwise 30 degrees before coming to a stop facing east.

Eichert was pronounced dead at the scene by a Schuylkill County deputy coroner, police said.

Assisting at the scene were firefighters from Donaldson, Newtown, Branchdale and Minersville.

What the heck does the famous Woodstock festival of 1969 have to do with Schuylkill County history?

Well, after Woodstock, concerts sprang up everywhere. Schuylkill County would not be left out. A few weeks later on Aug. 29, according Lisa Von Ahn, attorney Cal Friedberg and his wife, Mabel, hosted a party they dubbed “Woodstock in Orwigsburg” in their backyard. It featured a performance by the Philadelphia-based Edison Electric Band, whose members included their son, Dan Friedberg, later widely known as a polished musician called Freebo. He would go on to have a stellar career in rock music as a bassist for Bonnie Raitt, Neil Young, Dr. John and many others.

Party on the

Gordon Nagle

The following year, on June 27, 1970, Schuylkill County had its own first rock festival. I was at that one, also. It was on the Seiders property, which hosted an unsightly tire dump along the Gordon Nagle Trail, currently the home field of Pottsville Youth Soccer. Originally it was to be held at the old Cass Township Stadium.

Tickets were $4 to hear groups such as Steam Machine with lead guitarist Vince Morgan from Seven Stars, Leather Witch, Minersville’s The Other Side, Frackville’s Jordan Brothers, Jerry Harris (who sang often at the Rokosz Hotel in Minersville with Mod Sound), Pottsville’s Ian Lipton, The Whazoos from Luzerne County, Pottsville’s Honeysuckle Explosion and others. Rumors that the nationally known Brooklyn Bridge band would make an unannounced appearance never materialized.

The main promoter of the event was Joseph Willinsky, of Minersville, who would later become the Minersville chief of police. He was also a successful coach for Minersville high’s football team, with his background playing guard in the American Football League for the Boston Patriots, followed by two seasons in the former Continental Football League for the Philadelphia Bulldogs.

For this 1970 rock concert venture, Willinsky had assistance from The Other Side’s drummer, Charlie Kerschner, who was the son of the Schuylkill Haven mayor.

Rowdy youth feared

Festival profits were to be divided among Willinsky, the Independent Hose Company of Minersville and Cass Township. The fire company backed out after opposition was organized by Primrose resident John Berzowski and others. J. Donald Purcell, of South Cass Township, condemned the promotion and insisted it be canceled, telling The Pottsville Republican that the festival would fill Cass Township with undesirables and troublemakers.

“Our young people will be saturated with 10 hours of rock and roll and it will take a good police force to get them back to normal,” he was quoted. Other opponents believed that young people would come to Cass Township to smoke pot and drink beer, then loot stores and damage homes.

2,000 party into the night

About 2,000 people attended the concert without incident on the Gordon Nagle Trail, next to an unsightly tire dump. The festival was supposed to end by midnight, but delays and encores kept the show going until 2:30 a.m.

It was one day of peace and love in Schuylkill County.

(Zane is president of the Schuylkill County Historical Society.)

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — A woman and two juveniles were charged by state police at Schuylkill Haven with dumping at least 330 tires at a vacant motel in North Manheim Township that was set on fire in March.

Police said they were called around 8:15 p.m. Saturday to the former Days Inn and Buffet House, 1468 Route 61, for individuals disposing a large amount of tires onto parking lots from a large U-Haul truck.

June Kuzowski, 61, of Schuylkill Haven, and two 15-year-olds loaded the tires from an automotive garage and took them to the former motel location with the intention of illegally dumping them, police allege. They said the three were seen unloading the tires.

Kuzowski was charged with scattering rubbish and corruption of minors and each of the juveniles was charged with scattering rubbish.

The charges against all three were filed with Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier, Orwigsburg.

Investigators ruled that a March 15 fire that gutted the south building on the complex was arson. Both the north and south buildings had been deemed blighted prior to the fire.

The 8-acre property is for sale.

POTTSVILLE — For the 2019 Labor Day holiday, police officers in Schuylkill County are partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to get drunk drivers off the roads and help save lives.

The high-visibility national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, begins Wednesday and will run through Sept. 2.

Local law enforcement said they will show zero tolerance for drunk driving. Also, it is hoped that increased state and national messages about the dangers of driving impaired, coupled with enforcement and increased officers on the road, drastically reduces drunk driving on roadways throughout the nation.

Death every 48 minutes

Statistics prove that a lot of work is needed to do to put an end to drunk driving, said David Everly, regional coordinator for the North Central Regional DUI Enforcement Program.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, 10,874 people were killed in drunken driving crashes in 2017. Statistics for 2018 are not yet available.

On average, 10,000 people were killed each year from 2013 to 2017 and, in 2017, one person was killed in a drunken driving crash every 48 minutes.

“That’s the equivalent of 20 jumbo jets crashing each year with no survivors,” Everly said.

That’s why police in Schuylkill and Columbia counties are working with the NHTSA to remind drivers of the life and death consequences of drinking and driving.

376 fatalities last year

Everly said there were 376 crash fatalities nationwide in 2017, and 44 percent of those fatalities involved drivers who had been drinking.

He said 36 percent of the fatalities involved drivers who were drunk, having a blood alcohol level of 0.08-percent or higher, and that 26 percent involved drivers who were driving with an alcohol level almost twice the legal limit, 0.15 percent or higher.

In addition, age is a particularly risky factor, he said. Among the drivers between ages 18 to 34 killed in crashes over the 2017 holiday, 42 percent were legally drunk.

Everly said that drug-impaired driving is also an increasing problem.

“If drivers are impaired by any substance, alcohol or drugs, they should not get behind the wheel of a vehicle,” he said. “Driving while impaired is illegal, period.”

The bottom line, Everly said, is if you feel different, you drive different.

“Drive high, get a DUI. It’s that simple,” he said.

Plan ahead

According to Everly, police are making zero exceptions for drunk driving.

“There are just no excuses,” he said.

Police and the transportation administration recommend safe alternatives to drinking and driving. It starts with planning for a sober ride home before heading out to a party. Or, use public transportation or ride sharing.

Everly urges drivers to download NHTSA’s SaferRide mobile app, available on both Google Play for Android devices and the iTunes Store for IOS devices.

Citizens are also urged to call 911 if they see a drunk driver.

“Have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely,” Everly said.

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

No one was injured in a blaze at a Dauphin County recycling company Monday that drew more than a dozen fire companies to respond from Dauphin and Schuylkill counties, according to Terry Sherman, chief of Lykens Liberty Hose Company No. 2.

Crews were called at approximately 3:30 p.m. to One Stop Recycling at 1855 Pottsville St., Lykens, Sherman said. Although the fire’s cause is unknown, Sherman said there were approximately 20 junk vehicles on fire when firefighters arrived and no buildings were damaged. Sherman did not know the facility’s owner. One Stop Recycling has a Lykens mailing address, but is located in Wiconisco Township.

Battling the fire was a challenge, due to Monday’s hot temperatures and the volume of water needed to put it out. It took three hours to extinguish.

“We had six or seven tankers, we made 40 trips, and used more than 110,000 gallons of water,” Sherman said. Water was drawn from a hydrant in Wiconisco.

“It took a lot of personnel, because we had to rotate them in and out. People were bringing us drinking water and someone brought ice, so we really appreciated that,” Sherman said.

Wiconisco was the first fire company on the scene, according to Sherman. In addition to Wiconisco and Lykens, other fire departments involved included Elizabethville, Berrysburg, Gratz, Millersburg, Fisherville, Williamstown, Muir and Joliett. The Colonial Park department assisted with transfers and the East Pennsboro department also provided coverage. Pine Grove’s aerial truck came to Lykens borough to cover, because Lykens had its equipment on site.

Williamstown EMS responded, providing special attention to firefighters by checking their blood pressures, providing a misting fan and making sure they were hydrated.

It wasn’t the first time firefighters have responded to One Stop Recycling. About five years ago, there was a blaze involving even more vehicles, Sherman said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Island Park Fest eyes 13th run

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — The 13th annual Island Park Festival is on for 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday featuring music, other entertainment, food and a variety of activities at the park.

Proceeds will be used for continued improvements at Island Park. All are welcome.

General admission is $5 and free for children 4 and younger.

For more information, call 570-385-2841 or go online to https://www.facebook.com/events/2457464810954446.

Physician joins LVPG Cardiology

POTTSVILLE — Dr. Ghulam Akbar has joined Lehigh Valley Physician Group Cardiology-Claude A. Lord Boulevard. He is accepting new patients, who may call 888-402- 5486 to schedule an appointment, according to a Lehigh Valley press release.

Akbar earned his medical degree from Nishtar Medical College, Multan, Pakistan. His post-graduate training includes an internship and Internal Medicine residency at Raritan Bay Medical Center, Perth Amboy, N.J., a Nephrology fellowship at Lankenau Medical Center, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, and a Cardiovascular Disease fellowship at Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Akbar, according to the release, holds numerous certifications including National Board of Echocardiography, American Board of Internal Medicine-Nephrology and American Board of Internal Medicine. He has participated in numerous research studies, medical presentations and has published works.

He is a member (Fellow) of the American Society of Echocardiography, American College of Cardiology and American Society of Nuclear Cardiology. He has been active in community service projects throughout his career.

Lehigh Valley Health Network includes eight hospital campuses, including three in Allentown, one in Bethlehem, one in East Stroudsburg, one in Hazleton and two in Pottsville, as well as 26 health centers in seven counties, according to the release.

For more information, go online to LVHN.org or following LVHN on Facebook and Twitter.

Pioneer Day pegged for 17th

ASHLAND — Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine & Steam Train will host its 27th annual Pioneer Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

This year’s event will be a celebration of Pioneer Tunnel’s 57th anniversary as a tourist attraction.

In addition to its coal mine tours and steam train rides, the event will include entertainment by the Breaker Boys and other live performers.

People will be able to enjoy food, crafts and games provided by vendors. Organizers in a release invited people to “bring a lawn chair and enjoy the day.”

Shenandoah set for Heritage Day

SHENANDOAH — The revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc. has plans in place for the 21st annual Shenandoah Heritage Day and 20th annual Parade of Nations to be held Aug. 24 in downtown Shenandoah with parade lineup on North Jardin Street beginning at 9:30 a.m. and the parade launching at 10 a.m.

The parade will go south on Jardin Street to Cherry Street, east on Cherry to Main and north on Main through the heart of the downtown district to Washington Street.

More than 20 nations that have made up the Shenandoah mosaic through the years will be represented with participants marching in costumes or colors under their ethnic flags. The parade will also include floats.

Afterward, there will be an ever-increasing variety of ethnic food and music, arts/crafts, myriad vendors and others offering fare of all types on North Main Street.

The festival will also include a wide variety of entertainment throughout the day, including the Shenandoah All-Star Polka Band.

Traditionally, the Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society’s history center at 201 S. Main St. and the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society’s museum and headquarters at 105 S. Jardin St. are open during the celebration as attractions for scores of visitors.

Again this year, DSI is sponsoring a house decorating contest in conjunction with Heritage Day.

In a release, DSI officials said homes must be decorated in an ethnic theme, in the 17976 zip code and registered in order to win. Three prizes will be awarded. Judging will be at 7 p.m. Monday and winners will be announced during Heritage Day festivities Aug. 24.

To register, call 570-462-2060 or 570-462-0883.

All are welcome to participate in Shenandoah’s celebration of its history. For more information, go to the DSI website at www.downtownshenandoah.com.

Partnership

celebration

SHENANDOAH — People are invited to a “Partnership Celebration” at 1 p.m. Aug. 20 organized by the Shenandoah Senior Living Community and The Alzheimer’s Association, at 101 E. Washington St.

The event, according to a Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce flier, will include a plaque presentation in honor of the senior living community’s dedication to habilitation therapy.

Lunch will be provided.

People must RSVP to Desiree Dunleavy by calling 570-462-1908.

PennDOT opens rail grant period

HARRISBURG — The state Department of Transportation has opened the application period for the 2019 Rail Transportation Assistance Program and the Rail Freight Assistance Program, according to an announcement from Secretary Leslie S. Richards.

“PennDOT is committed to serving Pennsylvania communities by efficiently moving goods and services across the state,” Richards said in a release. “Our goal is to stimulate a vibrant rail freight network which serves as an economic catalyst, creates jobs and improves the economy.”

Pennsylvania, according to the release, ranks first in the country in the number of operating railroads, with 65, and ranks near the top in total track mileage, with more than 5,600 miles.

In the 2018 grant period, PennDOT awarded $23 million for 27 rail freight projects. PennDOT manages two grant programs, RTAP, a capital budget grant program funded with bonds, and RFAP, which is underwritten through the state Multimodal Fund created by Act 89 of 2013.

Eligible organizations, such as freight railroads, freight railroad-served shippers and economic development entities may apply for funding through either program. Applications for both programs are available on the bureau’s application website, www.dotgrants.penndot.gov/RailFreight/Welcome/Index, until 4 p.m. Aug. 30. Program information is available on the “Rail Freight & Ports” section of “Doing Business” at www.penndot.gov. Application questions should be directed to Bureau of Rail Freight, Ports and Waterways at 717-787-1211.

Comcast expands ‘Internet Essentials’

POTTSVILLE — Comcast has announced its “12th and largest ever” expansion of eligibility for its Internet Essentials program, which “provides low-income Americans home Internet service for $9.95 per month, including a WiFi router; the option to purchase a home computer for $150 and written, online or in person digital literacy training,” according to a Comcast press release.

“While young families with students in the National School Lunch Program remain the largest focus, we have now expanded the program to all low-income residents in our service areas,” according to the release.

Comcast provided a list of programs it is accepting, including the expansion: National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance including Section 8 vouchers, veterans pension, Head Start or Early Head Start plus (all new) Medicaid Federal Healthcare Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Security Income, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Women, Infants and Children and Tribal Assistance including TTANF and FDPIR.

Since the program began in 2011, Comcast officials said in the release, the firm has connected two million households nationally or about eight million low-income Americans.

“This is the largest broadband-adoption program in the U.S.,” officials said.

In Pennsylvania, Comcast has connected 170,000 households, 70 percent of those (119,700) in the past three years.

In Schuylkill County, it has connected 500 households, including 200 last year and in Pottsville, it has hooked up 300 households, including 170 during the past two years.

Robert Grove is the vice president of communications for the Comcast Keystone Region. He can be reached via email at Robert_grove@comcast.com.

Food safety

certification

POTTSVILLE — Starting in 2020, the Pennsylvania Food Code will require that the person in charge of a food service operation be a certified food protection manager — and such a person must be onsite at all times during operating hours, which means that at least one employee on each shift must become certified, according to a release from the Penn State Extension.

To help food establishments meet the requirement, Penn State Extension is offering a ServSafe Food Safety Manager Course at Penn State Extension Schuylkill County office, 1202 Ag Center Drive, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 5 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 12. The certification exam will begin at 11 a.m. Sept. 12.

These in-person trainings, taught by certified ServSafe instructors, will help participants learn how to prevent contamination of food by properly receiving, storing, preparing, cooking, cooling and serving the food as well as proper methods of sanitizing foodservice facilities, according to the release.

After completing the course and passing the multiple-choice exam with a 75 percent or higher score, participants will receive a ServSafe Food Protection Manager certificate, good for five years.

The course fee of $185 covers the cost of the most recent edition of the ServSafe Manager book, exam, answer sheet and learning materials. To register, go online to extension.psu.edu/servsafe or call 877-345-0691. For more information about the course, call Andy Hirneisen at 610-378-1327. For information on more ServSafe courses offered in the area, visit extension.psu.edu/servsafe.

Hirneisen said the release that Penn State Extension educators all hold advanced degrees and have received extensive training in food safety. He added, “By taking a course through Penn State Extension, you have access to our wide system of community educators and science-based educational resources.”

Penn State Extension serves individuals, businesses and communities, helping them address problems and realize opportunities through educational programs, products and services, according to the release.

POTTSVILLE — The Schuylkill County Coroner’s Office is seeking help from the public in finding the next of kin of a deceased woman.

Deputy Coroner Al Barnes said June Manhart, 74, died Aug. 2 at Ridgeview Healthcare, Shenandoah, where she was a resident.

The coroner’s office asks that anyone with information on Manhart’s next of kin call Barnes at 570-691-6698.