ASHLAND - Families around Schuylkill County will be holding reunions this summer, where generations will meet generations and the past will collide with the present.

For an Ashland family, the reunion will be a journey that began more than 150 years ago on a boat from Europe. It is a story with its roots planted firmly in the small Schuylkill County borough that has branched around the United States and Canada, but continues to grasp its origin.

"Grossers were in Ashland since Ashland was named Ashland and probably before Ashland was named Ashland," Matthew "Matt" Grosser, a borough resident and member of the International Grosser Family Reunion committee, said.

Grosser, 31, a special education teacher at Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29, Mar Lin, for seven years, said more than 100 family members will attend this month's reunion at some point during the three-day event. Activities are scheduled to be held at Groody's Catering Hall and Higher-Ups Park.

It is a return home for the Grosser family. While some members like Grosser still live in the borough, the Grossers have not gathered in their homestead in about 50 years.

Into the West

The long road home began two years ago at a farm more than 2,700 miles away.

The Grosser family reunion was held annually at Higher-Ups Park for the better part of three decades from the 1930s to '60s, before the connections faded.

Grosser said the disconnect continued until he signed up for ancestry.com, a website dedicated to family history. It was there he met Deborah Grosser Lindsay, a cousin from Georgia, who informed him of a family reunion developing at Wilcox Farms in Roy, Wash. Matt decided to make the trip to the 1,500-acre farmland and into his family's history.

"I was the only Grosser with the surname Grosser at Wilcox Farms in Washington state," Grosser said.

Among the many family members he met, it was an encounter with two cousins that led the family back to Ashland.

First, Jim Wilcox, president of Wilcox Farms, asked Grosser to lead an "investigation" into holding a reunion on the East Coast.

Second, Grosser joined forces with a Charles "Chuck" Schmidt, a cousin from Ashland he had never met before the trip to Washington. Schmidt attends the University of Virginia studying for a doctorate in biophysics.

Together with Judy Anderson, another cousin from Washington, the trio set out on a two-year mission to find and connect the family's pieces.

From the beginning

On Sept. 7, 1854, Frederick and Henry, sons of Magdalena and Johann George Peter Grosser, arrived from Kleinneundorf, Germany, by way of Philadelphia. More than half a year later, on May 24, 1855, Magdalena Grosser and seven of her other children - George, Wilhelmina, Charles, Bernhard, August, Ernestine and Theresa - made the trip to the United States with a niece, Rosine, and a great-nephew, August.

Johann George Peter is believed to have been the last family member to arrive in October 1856. According to immigration records, he listed himself as George Peter.

Grosser said family attending the reunion are descendants of three of the children - Bernhard, Frederick and George. Grosser said that he and Chuck are descendants of Bernhard, while Anderson is related through Frederick's bloodline.

Another key family member who played a role in developing the family reunion is Andreas Rauch, a resident of Kleinneundorf and member of the German army. He is a cousin whose grandmother was a Grosser.

Along with Schmidt and Anderson, Rauch is a genealogical researcher responsible for finding the family members invited to the reunion.

"I'm not to be given credit for all of this," Grosser said. "They deserve a lot of the credit."

Together, the four created the International Grosser Family Reunion committee, with Anderson and Rauch as researchers, Schmidt as vice president and researcher and Grosser as president.

"If the family would have hired someone to do this, it would have been priceless," Grosser said.

Family milestones

The Grosser family history will be spread out all over Higher-Ups Park and Groody's Catering Hall. The impact the family had resonates throughout the region.

Grosser's grandfather, Raymond "Tony" Grosser I, was a painter for about 65 years in Schuylkill County. Some of his prominent work took place on the steeples of churches around the county, including St. Mauritius Roman Catholic Church in Ashland. He also perfected the art of wood graining, some of which was also seen in the borough.

"He was a real artist, he really was," Grosser said.

Matt Grosser's great-grandfather, Charles Edward "Bucky" Grosser, had a history of building relationships with unique individuals, including movie star Tom Mix. A native of Pennsylvania, Mix was a pioneer of the Western genre. Grosser said Mix asked his great-grandfather to join him in the movie industry but he declined.

Bucky also formed a special relationship with Chief Manabozho, a Kickapoo Indian from Oklahoma. Manabozho, which means "swift runner," went on to perform on Broadway in the 1919 production of "The Whirlwind" in the role as the driver. While in New York City, the chief remained loyal to his friend in Lavelle, keeping contact by hand-written letter.

Bucky's nephew was Romeo W. Hornung, the first man to fly a plane in Schuylkill, Northumberland and Columbia counties. Hornung's feat was more impressive by the fact that a gunshot wound left him physically disabled from the waist down at 17.

Hornung went on to operate the first Ford dealership in Lavelle and the county. In relation, he is known to have been the first man to operate an automobile around Lavelle.

The family also had members fight in wars.

Sgt. William Frederick August Grosser served during the Spanish-American War and served as President William McKinley's color bearer in a parade to mark the end of the war in 1898.

Charles Grosser, son of Magdalena and Johann, was killed during the Battle of Alladoona Pass in Georgia in 1864 during the Civil War.

"Yes, it is a family reunion but it's history," Grosser said. "It's American history, German history. It is world history."

Back home

Grosser said family will be converging in Ashland from British Columbia, Canada, and all corners of the United States including Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Virginia Washington and Pennsylvania.

For Grosser, there is excitement not only for the family members, but what these people might bring that may shed more light on his history.

"I have no idea what they are bringing," he said.

For the visitors, it is an opportunity to see where the original family lived, worked and died. Some of the Grosser family is buried in Ashland's Brock Cemetery.

"They can walk right up from Higher-Ups Park to the cemetery to the Pioneer Tunnel. It's all right there," Grosser said.

Messiah

The following area students were named to the dean's list for the spring semester at Messiah College, Grantham:

Elise Bordner, Lykens, a senior music education (K-12) major; Sarah Dietrich, Lykens, a senior psychology major; David Fish, Orwigsburg, a senior accounting major; Zachary Kantner, Hamburg, a senior business information systems major; Jennifer Shenk, Hamburg, a senior sociology and anthropology major; Shaun Soliday, Tower City, a senior business administration major; Natasha Webster, Lykens, a senior nursing major; Aub-rey Werley, Auburn, a sophomore education certification, grades preK-4, major; Kristy Wise, Hegins, a junior psychology major.

Clarion

The following area students made the dean's list for the spring semester at Clarion University:

Kurt Weres, Pottsville; Danielle Savitsky, Frackville; Bridget Holohan, Orwigsburg; Mackenzie Mayes, Pine Grove; Michael Ferguson, Schuylkill Haven; Jennifer Linkchorst and Jacqueline Welsh, both of Barnesville.

King's

Dr. Nicholas A. Holodick, vice president for academic affairs at King's College, Wilkes-Barre, announced the following local students who made the spring dean's list:

Kirsten Wetzel, Ashland; Candace Fegley and Amanda Ketusky, both of Barnesville; Brandyn Snyder, Gordon; Loretta Bushick, Mahanoy City; Erin Seliga, McAdoo; Brenton Eades, Minersville; Megan Amey, Gabrielle Lech and Michael Toth, all of New Ringgold; Alicia Dombroski, Orwigsburg; Adrian Albertini, Pottsville; Tyler Hartranft, Schuylkill Haven; Kellyn Gimbel, Tamaqua; Sebastian Woolbert, Zion Grove.

DeSales

The following area residents made the dean's list for the spring semester at DeSales University, Center Valley:

Clint A. Badger and Emilie A. Baker, both of Pottsville; Matthew J. Clay, Minersville; Kressa E. Dowling, Lansford; James R. Edling, Ashland; Mindy M. Gruver, New Ringgold; Julia L. Moyer, Pottsville; Catherine T. Nadeau, Saint Clair; Shawn P. Owens, Schuylkill Haven; Maria Yankus, Mahanoy City.

Delaware Valley

The following local students were named to the dean's list for the spring semester at Delaware Valley College, Doylestown:

Gabrielle Montone, Schuylkill Haven; Avery Corondi, Auburn; Mariah Beaver, Mount Carmel;

Peter Stanakis, Mahanoy City; Rachael Tempest, Barnesville; Emily Gerhard, Auburn; Kristen Klusman, Mount Carmel; Emmarose Boyle, Andreas; Kayla Romberger, Pitman.

Kutztown

Gregory A. Haney, Cass Township, a sophomore majoring in secondary education with a concentration in German, was named to the dean's list for the spring semester at Kutztown University with a 3.6 GPA.

He is a 2011 graduate of Minersville Area High School, and a son of Glenn and Marybeth Haney, Cass Township, and a grandson of Joseph Baruka, Minersville.

Millersville

The following local residents made the dean's list for the spring semester at Millersville University:

Olivia Brill, Pine Grove; Benjamin Daum, Orwigsburg; Derick Duffy, Ashland; Justin Fegley, Pine Grove; Kianna Fiscus, Pottsville; Joshua Hay, Hamburg; Emily Kaledas, Saint Clair; Tiana Kelly, Tower City; Edward Kimmel, Ashland; Matthew Koppenhaver, Tremont; Marie Lynagh and Tracy Rogers, both of Or-wigsburg; Aubrey Schwalm, Sacramento, Max Shirey, Pottsville, Chicory Snyder and Kaitlyn Stanton, both of Pine Grove; Jennifer Steffy, Schuylkill Haven; Denise Williard, Hegins.

Alvernia

Allison E. Muncy, a sophomore majoring in occupational therapy at Alvernia University, Reading, was named to the dean's list for the spring semester.

She is a daughter of Victor and Mary Hartz Muncy, Orwigsburg.

Susquehanna

Derek Tarconish, a freshman communications broadcasting major at Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, made the dean's list for the spring semester with a 3.55 GPA.

A 2012 graduate of Pottsville Area High School, he is a son of Michael and Pamela Tarconish, Middleport.

Lock Haven

Nicholas Malloy, a junior majoring in criminal justice, was named to the dean's list for the spring semester at Lock Haven University with a 3.54 GPA.

A 2010 graduate of Nativity BVM High School, he is a son of David and Melissa Malloy, Frackville, and a grandson of Winifred Mohutsky, Shenandoah Heights, and Thomas Malloy, Frackville.

Danielle Nicole Polansky, a freshman in the physician assistant program at Lock Haven University, made the dean's list for the fall and spring semesters.

A 2012 graduate of Minersville Area High School, she is a daughter of Lisa Polansky, Minersville, and the late Daniel Polansky.

Shippensburg

Ciara Mateyak, Mahanoy City, a sophomore psychology major with a minor in biology at Shippensburg University, was named to the dean's list for the spring semester with a 3.94 GPA.

A 2011 graduate of Marian High School, Ciara is a daughter of Tammy Casserly, Mahanoy City, and granddaughter of Louise Casserly, Mahanoy City, and Sally and Charles Mateyak, Tamaqua.

Misericordia

The following students were named to the dean's list for the spring semester at Misericordia University, Dallas, Luzerne County:

Nora Chan, Auburn; Alana Clarke, Ringtown; Peter Conforti, Andreas; Jennifer Cory, Pottsville; Jennifer Divirgilio, Zion Grove; Tori Dziedziak, Shenandoah; Ashley Hale, Pine Grove; Kayla Hope, Tamaqua; Tina Hutchison, McAdoo; Jennifer Kondertavage, Coaldale; Vanessa Koshmieder, McAdoo; Noelle Lesisko, New Ringgold; Lauren Malick, Ringtown; Allison Mcintyre, Ashland; Jacqueline McMullen, Tamaqua; Christina Parry, Frackville; Dana Rinaldo, Minersville; Alexandra Schuller, Friedensburg; Angela Slovik and Patrick Smith, both of McAdoo; Jenna Strubhar, Tremont; Kelsey Swoyer, Auburn; Kelsey Thompson, Summit Station; Joseph Winter, Pottsville; Erin Zeigler, New Ringgold; Kendall Cooper, Sarah Davenport, Nicole Rhody and Yvonne Staller, all of Schuylkill Haven.

Lebanon Valley

Sarah J. Harleman, a sophomore biology major at Lebanon Valley College, Annville, was named to the dean's list for the spring semester with a 3.6 GPA.

A 2011 graduate of North Schuylkill High School, she is a daughter of Mark and Tammy Harleman, Ashland.

Lafayette

Area students named to the spring semester dean's list at Lafayette College, Easton, include: Michael Ryan, Pottsville, a graduate of Pottsville Area High School; Victoria Corbit, Auburn, a graduate of Exeter Township Senior High School; Jon Keller, Orwigsburg, a graduate of The King's Academy, Mohrsville, Berks County.

Penn College

Carmen Cicioni, a freshman at Pennsylvania College of Technology, Williamsport, majoring in automotive restoration, was named to the dean's list for the spring semester with a 4.0 GPA.

A 2012 graduate of North Schuylkill High School, he is a son of Dino and Karen Cicioni, Ringtown.

Villanova

Mariah Cicioni, a junior at Villanova University majoring in biology/pre-med, was named to the dean's list for the spring semester.

A 2010 graduate of North Schuylkill High School, she is a daughter of Dino and Karen Cicioni, Ringtown.

Moravian

Christina M. Hardock, a senior nursing major, was named to the dean's list for spring semester at Moravian College, Bethlehem.

She is a daughter of Denny and Nancy Hardock, Pottsville, and a granddaughter of Wally and Mary Mistishen, Saint Clair.

Christina is a 2010 graduate of Pottsville Area High School.

East Stroudsburg

Johnna Cappel, a freshman majoring in speech language pathology at East Stroudsburg University, made the deans list with a 3.8 GPA.

A 2012 graduate of North Schuylkill High School, She is a daughter of Brian and Gina Cappel, Frackville.

Penn State

Kimberly M. Kalovcak, a freshman science major at Penn State University, Harrisburg campus, was named to the dean's list for the spring semester.

A 2012 graduate of Minersville Area High School, she is a daughter of John and Donna Kalovcak and a granddaughter of Robert and Carol Artz, Pottsville, and the late John and Elizabeth Kalovcak, formerly of Seltzer.

Greensboro

Megan Patricia Baranko, McAdoo, was named to the dean's list for the spring semester at Greensboro College, Greensboro, N.C.

Delaware

Bryan Schaeffer, Shaun Schaeffer and Kelsey Schwenk, Schuylkill Haven, were named to the dean's list at the University of Delaware for the spring semester.

Wilkes

The following local students made the dean's list for the spring semester at Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre:

Dana Achenbach, Frackville; Jamie Barlow, Shenandoah; Maura Bernosky, Ashland, Johanna Brocious, Gordon; Heather Bush, Tower City; Ryan Cicioni, Frackville; Eliza Daubert, Pine Grove, Samantha Davidson, Shenandoah; Amanda Dougherty, Hamburg; Timothy East, Schuylkill Haven; David Garcia, Delano; Christopher Grube, Orwigsburg, Molly Hinkel, Auburn; Jesse Kabana, Tamaqua; Michael Kessock, Shenandoah, Grace Lorence, Cumbola; Thomas Matern, Ashland, Courtney Matina, Pottsville; Maggie Mattu, Orwigsburg; Jennifer Menzies, Lansford; Jordan Mroczka, Mahanoy City; Kathryn Pellish, Pottsville; Robert Schappell, Pottsville; Nadine Shickora, McAdoo; Trevor Strenchock, Mahanoy City; Zachary Sullivan, Pottsville; Kate Thomas, Schuylkill Haven; Justin Troutman, Lavelle; Angeline Urban, Mahanoy City; Shaina Welikonich, Frackville; Brandon Whiteash, Pottsville; Jeremy Wiest, Lykens; Brittany Wills, Orwigsburg.

In the early days of television, Allen Funt created and produced a show entitled "Candid Camera." First broadcast in 1948, it was so successful that the last show was aired in 2004. The premise was simple, and often hilarious, consisting of hidden cameras rolling while playing practical jokes on unknowing bystanders. Ordinary people doing ordinary things who were confronted with unusual situations. A man, walking his dog, is dropping some letters in the mailbox on the corner when, suddenly, the mailbox starts talking to him. "Hey, Bud, I really like that sweater - it matches your eyes." The joke was then revealed when Allen Funt appeared and said, "Smile, you're on Candid Camera."

Smiles are innate. Babies smile, as do people who are born blind. A recent article in Psychology Today, ("American Cheese," May/June 2013) gives a historical perspective on smiling, claiming that being an American in the 21st century means "…either you smile or there's something wrong with you," citing that in 2013, smiles dominate the 3500 Facebook photos which are uploaded every single second.

Researchers divide smiles into two categories - fake smiles, also known as Botox smiles, and real smiles which are known as Duchenne smiles. The latter is named after the French physician Guillaume Duchenne who observed , in the 1800s, that when some individuals are fake smiling, only certain muscles (zygomatic) move which pull the corners of the lips upward. When a person is genuinely smiling, the muscles at the corners of the eyes (orbicularis oculi) crinkle up with the eyebrows dipping downward a little at the ends.

Paul Ekman, who is a world renowned researcher of facial expressions, notes that most of us are not very good in telling the difference between a phony smile and a genuine one. It does not seem to matter too much if your smile is genuine or not, as even a forced smile can reap positive results. Social psychologist James Laird discovered that forcing ourselves to smile makes us feel better. Psychologist Dan Hill, who is president of Sensory Logic, tells us that smiling helps bring more oxygen into our lungs and makes us more relaxed.

A smile is a silent universal language. Neuroscience research demonstrates that when you smile, others observing are more likely to remember your name ("…the Rewarding Power of a Smile," Tsukiur & Cabeza, 2008, Neuropsychologica, 46).

Dr. Ramani Duruasula (California State University) speaks of smiling as a silent connection which can help alleviate language barriers when traveling to foreign countries. When I read this, a very old memory of my being in Hong Kong looking out at some Chinese boats (called junks) anchored in the harbor came to mind. There was a woman standing in the deck of one of the boats with a small child at her side; I also had my two year old son standing next to me. She and I looked at each other and smiled. That image is forever with me. I wonder if it is the same for her.

In the smile article of Psychology Today, psychotherapist Nancy Irwin is quoted as saying "Indeed, a smile from a stranger can change a person's entire mood." Dale Carnegie wrote his highly successful book How to Win Friends and Influence People in 1936 and his seminars are still going like gang busters. His message is to be positive in dealing with people and always smile.

Sometimes we just don't feel like smiling, which is okay, but smiling can be helpful in getting us out of our funk. My hero, Mark Twain, wrote, "Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been." How about the Chinese proverb, "Every smile makes you a day younger." Who can argue with the Boy Scouts who in 1908 put into Scout Law, "A scout smiles and whistles under all circumstances."

And finally for those of a more skeptical nature:

"Keep smiling - it makes people wonder what you are up to." (Author Unknown).

(Dr. Donna Pinter vis founder and director of Psychological Services, Bloomsburg, Danville and Sunbury "Slice of Life" appears on this page the first Sunday of every month.)

Motorists in seven municipalities will encounter road work on their daily commute this week.

Drivers in New Castle, North Manheim and Mahanoy townships, and the boroughs of Gordon, Cressona, Shenandoah and Minersville will be affected.

Roadwork will take place in those areas from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Rain could cause the work to be prolonged in some of those municipalities, according to a press release from the state Department of Transportation.

Lane restrictions will be in effect with flaggers and drivers are warned to expect delays. Motorists are urged to use caution when driving on the roads.

PennDOT maintenance workers will do the work.

The scheduled work includes:

- Brush cutting on Darkwater Road in New Castle Township between Route 61 and Mount Laffee Road. Shoulder work and widening will also take place in the township between Valley Road and Darkwater Road.

- In Gordon on Main Street/ Biddle Street, milling and paving will occur between Airport Road and Valley Hill Road.

- On Route 183 and Sillyman Street in Cressona Borough and North Manheim Township between routes 61 and 901. Ron Young, district press officer for PennDOT, District 5, Allentown, said Friday he did not know what that work involves.

- In Shenandoah and Mahanoy Township, maintenance workers from PennDOT will patch potholes on Route 54/Main Street between Route 924 and Gilberton Road.

- Work is also scheduled for Seltzer Road between Route 901 and Brier City Road in Minersville where crack sealing will occur.

ORWIGSBURG - This week, county residents will have the chance to see a popular musical based on a book by Pottsville native John O'Hara.

Actors from the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts are presenting "Pal Joey" on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Schuykill Country Club, Orwigsburg. Dinner starts at 6 p.m. followed by the show. Tickets are $45.

Members of the cast were practicing their lines Sunday at the country club.

"Are you OK?" director Lucille Fala-Brennan asked Jeremiah James after his character, Joey Evans, was "punched" in the stomach by another character.

"I'm fine," James said.

About 17 people are in the play.

As is typical of a director, Fala-Brennan was instructing the actors about how to improve their performance.

"You're in the mood. Feel the mood," she said to James as he was rehearsing a scene with Cassidy-Rose Munley, 17, of Saint Clair, who plays Linda English.

The director said she had a surprise in store for the audience.

"I'm changing the ending. Don't roll over in your grave John O'Hara," she said.

Chelsea Lucas, 20, of Pottsville, plays Gladys Bumps.

Lucas said she auditioned for the part and is enjoying the time preparing for the role.

"She's very sassy. She knows her way around. She's very confident and intelligent,' she said of her character.

Rehearsals were held about three days a week at LA Dance Studio, Saint Clair, and at the Strawberry Playhouse in Tuscarora, Lucas said.

Tim Zaspel, 27, of Pottsville, is playing Ludlow Lowell, a con-artist, he said.

Zaspel said he auditioned because he likes to act.

Fala-Brennan said the audience will have a good time attending the play.

"Hopefully the women will enjoy the ending," she said.

For more information, call 570-622-0360.

Not even a downpour could stop people from listening to a patriotic concert by the Anthracite Philharmonic on Sunday in Pottsville.

"Absolutely terrific concert," Dave Guro, Coppersburg, said as he was leaving Yuengling Mansion Gardens just after 7:30 p.m.

He was one of many who decided to brave the rain to listen to the music.

For $10, people were able to enjoy melodies such as the "1812 Overture," the "Armed Forces Salute," the song "Band of Brothers" and others. Proceeds benefit the Anthracite Philharmonic, a group of musicians from the Schuylkill County and beyond.

Although the rain caused a delay, it couldn't silence the music. As rain fell people stood under the porch of the mansion or inside. Some later wiped off chairs to sit outside. Umbrellas were opened about 6:49 p.m. when the rain again decided to come down.

This was the third year for the concert at the mansion, dubbed a Star-Spangled Banner Patriotic Concert.

Last year it also rained and the event had to be held inside.

"Obviously, they want this or they would not come in the rain or the heat," said Linda Kriner, president of the philharmonic board of directors.

The music started at 6:30 p.m., a delay of 30 minutes. The evening ended with the music of John Philip Sousa.

Philharmonic director Mark P. Thomas said there are 41 people in the orchestra playing a wide variety of instruments, including violins, flutes, clarinets, french horns, percussion instruments and others.

"It's really become a yearly event for the community," he said.

Thomas was appreciative of the audience. "Thank you for staying," he said. "We'll see how it goes here."

Kriner spoke briefly before the orchestra played.

"You're going to experience something like what they have in Boston," she said speaking about the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops, but on a smaller scale.

Darla Fabiani, 55, of Minersville, her husband, Vincent, 61, and her nephew, Thomas Reed, 11, came to enjoy the music.

"It's such a comfortable way to watch a concert," she said, adding that deciding not to come didn't occur to her.

Taking shelter on the porch, Joan Behrenes, Chicago, Ill., and her mother, Mary Hirsch, Mount Carmel, enjoyed their first time listening to the musicians.

"We like patriotic music. That's why we especially came," Behrenes said, adding they were glad they stayed through the rain.

Near the end of the program, Thomas asked the audience if they wanted to hear the "1812 overture." They did. The orchrestra played it for about 17 minutes.

At one point near the end, six people from Saint Paul's Lutheran Church, Orwigsburg, played handbells.

The effort drew a big round of applause.

Joan Koslosky, a member of the philharmonic board, said at least 200 people attended the concert.

n McAdoo: The McAdoo Community Civic Association will hold its annual yard sale Saturday. Applications can be picked up at the Linda Hoats residence, 106 S. Kennedy Drive, or at Mary Labert's home by calling 570-929-3658. Residents of Kelayres and Kline Township interested in participating should call Karen Wallace at 570-929-1774. The fee is $5, which covers the cost of advertising, signs, balloons and related expenses.

n McAdoo: The 12th annual Southside Days Community Festival is set for Friday through Sunday at the Holy Trinity Church grounds, Route 309. It will feature vendors, entertainment, food and a variety of activities. A free teen dance is set for 6 to 9:30 p.m. Friday with disc jockey John of The Strand. The ninth annual car cruise will begin at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Dash plaques will be given to the first 75 cars registered. Two trophies will also be awarded, Anthracite Region Ladies Choice and Southside Community Partnership Choice. From 7 to 10 p.m., the band Remember When will perform its oldies show. Rainbow the Clown will be available from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday with face-painting and balloon-shaping. From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., the band Kartune will perform. Southside Days is organized by the Southside Community Partnership Inc., a volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in McAdoo borough and Kline and Banks townships. New members are welcome. For more information, call Marion at 570-929-1628.

n Orwigsburg: The Orwigsburg Veterans Memorial Task Force will host its first Derby Day on July 20 to raise funds for the restoration of the Orwigsburg Veterans Memorial Building. The task force, according to a press release, is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) foundation, formed to accomplish the restoration. The day will begin with 9 a.m. registration for a home run derby that will go from 10 a.m. to noon at the Little League and Teener fields adjacent to the memorial building. The Reading Fightin' Phils mascot, Screwball, will make an appearance. There will be an open house at the building in the morning and early afternoon so people can see the restoration progress. In the evening, there will be an adult-only Down & Derby semi-formal at the Schuylkill Country Club featuring live entertainment, Kentucky Derby-style cocktails and cuisine, thoroughbred horse racing and silent and live auctions. All veterans attending the semi-formal will have a 50-percent discounted ticket price, courtesy of a private donation. The building restoration, according to the release, is to honor all veterans. Area residents and businesses can donate to the event through a variety of sponsorships and auction items. Donated goods, services, event tickets and other fare are needed for the silent and live auctions. Monica Walborn, event chairwoman, and her committee will answer questions or accept registrations via email at mmwalborn@comcast.net. More information also is available at www.orwigsburgmemorial.org. Tickets for both events are also available at Schaeffer's Harley-Davidson.

n Pottsville: The Pottsville Free Public Library recently acknowledged the following honor donations: For Colin Haffey from Sharon Haffey; for Emily P. Peron from Frank Peron Jr.; for Justin Watchen from Virginia Adams; for John and Teresa Zvorsky from Ann Marie Zvorsky. The library also acknowledged the following memorial donations: For Rose M. Tucci Garbetti from Edna Frie, Paula and Tom Ney, Richard and Denise Stabingas, Tom and Kate Hoffman, Harold, Cindy and Scott Seltzer; for Dorothy Gibbons from Linda and Ronald Pellish; for Ronald Kriner from Betty Shuman and family; for John (Jack) Walsh from Lois Walsh; for Joseph Yourshaw from Marge Yourshaw.

n Saint Clair: Pocono Greyhound Adoption will hold a meet and greet session from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Tractor Supply Co. in the Coal Creek Commerce Center, Route 61. For more information about the event or about adopting a greyhound, to visit www.poconogreyhound.com or call 570-856-0377.

SHENANDOAH - No one was injured when fire gutted a Shenandoah home early Sunday morning and damaged at least two adjoining properties.

Firefighters were called to 634 W. Penn St. at 2:28 a.m. when a neighbor initially reported seeing flames inside second-floor windows of the home.

Borough fire Marshal Rick Examitas said numerous calls were made to the Schuylkill County Communications Center reporting the fire following the initial report.

Shenandoah police patrolmen Christopher Zubris and Travis Bowman got to the scene quickly but by the time they arrived flames were already shooting out two front windows on the second floor of the home.

A family living in the home - Willie Velazquez and possibly five others, according to reports - were initially believed to be inside but police and firefighters quickly learned they were away, possibly on vacation, Examitas said.

He said the family was unable to be contacted Sunday so the exact number of people living in the home was not available.

As firefighters arrived, Bowman and Zubris banged on a door at 636-638 W. Penn St. and were able to evacuate Dominic and Doris Cartella, who moments before heard three popping sounds and were then called by a neighbor and told about the fire.

"They apparently didn't even know there was a fire right next door," Zubris said.

Prior to learning the family at 634 W. Penn St. was away, Bowman said he went into the home to alert the occupants but was quickly forced out.

"I made it halfway up the stairs but it was too hot I couldn't make it any further," Bowman said.

Under the direction of fire Chief Russell Schumack, crews managed to contain most of the fire to the home at 634 W. Penn St., where it apparently started.

The blaze was declared under control about 4 a.m., Examitas said.

The home at 636-638 W. Penn St. had moderate damage to the roof and floors while an unoccupied home at 632 W. Penn St., owned by Douglas and Kumi Hershey, had light damage.

Examitas said another home at 630 W. Penn, owned by Harry and Joyce Foresman, had minor damage, as did a home at 628 W. Penn St. owned by Charles Fowler.

A state police fire marshal from Troop L, Reading, was at the scene Sunday morning to assist in determining what sparked the blaze. As of Sunday afternoon, no official cause was released.

Crews from Shenandoah, Shenandoah Heights, Frackville, Butler Township and Mahanoy City responded to the fire along with Shenandoah ALS and EMS units from Frackville, Lost Creek, and Mahanoy City.

Examitas said that additional EMS and fire units were called to the scene for additional manpower and rehabilitation due to the heat conditions.

Borough fire police assisted with traffic and crowd control.

All of the occupied properties were equipped with smoke detectors, some of which were heard going off by firefighters arriving at the scene.

MAHANOY PLANE - Many communities have problems with the illegal use of all-terrain and other motorized vehicles not licensed for state and local roads, and the Gilberton Borough Council will try to deal with its own problems in this area.

The subject was raised by Councilman Michael VanAllen during the June 27 borough council meeting. Noise is a major problem with the use of the recreation vehicles.

"I've received complaints about older individuals driving their quads through the town," VanAllen said.

VanAllen cited a specific problem in the village of Mahanoy Plane dealing with a type of vehicle other than ATVs.

"I have a minor driving a motorized go-cart like a bat out of hell, going wherever he wants," he said. "My neighbor almost hit him. It's going to be a liability to some innocent driver. Since it is a recreational vehicle, it should be limited to the owner's property."

VanAllen said that driving illegal on public streets is not the only issue.

"He's going up and down the streets and it's very loud," he said. "It's waking up sleeping children and the parents are complaining. The noise is all day long."

VanAllen said that Mayor Mary Lou Hannon has spoken to the parents but the problem continues to exist. The excessive noise would be covered through the nuisance ordinance, and the use of those recreation vehicles would be covered under the state vehicle code.

Council Vice President Eric Boxer remarked that these problems need to be addressed by the police.

"I don't know why we're even discussing this here at borough council meetings," Boxer said. "This should be called to (borough police Chief Mark Kessler) and the state police on the spot."

"State police won't come," Councilman Robert Wagner said.

"Then call Mark, and if he's not on duty, we'll wait until he's is on duty and issue citations immediately," Boxer said. "And if the parents don't want to comply with this, then we'll hit them with citations for driving a motorized vehicle on the streets. It's as simple as it gets."

VanAllen said that the go-cart issue is a new complaint, with ATVs complaints being discussed at past meetings.

"It's the same thing," Boxer said. "There are things going on in this borough that cannot continue. They cannot continue. We need to put our foot down on this and get it taken care of. So let's start citing them for everything that we can until the parents realize it. If they don't want to listen, then we'll hit them in the pocket. Doesn't that make sense?"

"Well, if they've money to put gas in the go-cart, then they have the money to pay a fine, I guess," Wagner said.

"I don't want some innocent driver backing out of his own garage and killing the kid," VanAllen said. "From now on, we call Mr. Kessler right away and let's see about following up with the state police. They have jurisdiction down here just like the town cop."

"And if they're on the railroad tracks, you call the railroad police, and if they're on (Jack) Rich's property, they have their own security force," Wagner said. "The company can check if they (riders) have permission to be there."

Christina E. Hale

FRACKVILLE - A Girardville man charged with assaulting a Girardville police officer who was trying to take him into custody June 11 had charges against him held for court during a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Christina E. Hale.

Alex Long, 23, of 322A W. Main St., was charged with one count each of aggravated assault, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and harassment. Hale determined the commonwealth proved a prima facie case and ordered all four offenses held for Schuylkill County Court.

John Borchick, Girardville police officer in charge, charged Long in connection with an 8 p.m. incident at the man's home involving an argument with his grandmother, Irene Long.

When Alex Long was asked for a statement, he left the home and was asked to go back inside but refused, Borchick said. Alex Long then came off of a porch and pushed the officer and continued to yell at his grandmother.

Alex Long was eventually taken into custody but not before he resisted again, Borchick said.

David A. Plachko

PORTCARBON - A Brockton man arrested by Saint Clair police after an incident at 134 N. Second St. on May 15 had charges against him held for court during a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko.

Kyle J. Delpais, 27, of 314 Mine St., Box 71, was arrested by Patrolman Joseph Leskin and charged with unlawful restraint, simple assault, terroristic threats, criminal mischief and harassment.

Plachko determined the commonwealth proved a prima facie case and ordered all charges against Delpais held for Schuylkill County Court.

Leskin charged Delpais with going to the home of his ex-girlfriend, walking in and refusing to leave. Leskin alleged Delpais subsequently assaulted the woman by kicking her, hitting her and throwing her to the floor. For several hours the woman tried to leave but Delpais would pull her away from the door and throw her onto the floor or sofa, Leskin said.

Delpais threatened the woman, struck her numerous times in the head and face and choked her before taking the child the couple has together and leaving the residence, Leskin said.

Other court cases included:

Trevor J. Gibas, 19, of 108 Water St., New Philadelphia - waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance.

Paula Marberger, 43, of 642 John O'Hara St., Pottsville - waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Thomas F. Steranko, 36, of 606 N. Second St., Minersville - waived for court: simple assault and harassment.

Cody John Gaumer, 25, of 605 W. Market St., Pottsville - waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

ECKLEY - Visitors to Eckley Miners' Village during Patchtown Days toured the museum, walked past historic homes and churches of miners and saw an art exhibit, but they missed performances by the Eckley Players.

The players, garbed as miners and villagers, have acted out skits from Eckley's past for years at the annual Patchtown Days, but they skipped this year's event on June 15 and 16 because of a dispute with the museum's new director, Dr. Bode Morin.

"The new director, on first impression, didn't give us too much opportunity to see what we had to offer and we've been giving to the village for 10-plus years," said Barbara Kundrik, one of the players, who are volunteers.

The absence of the players unsettled Peter Malak, who has lived and worked in Eckley and still returns for events even though he now lives in Virginia.

"Volunteers are the backbone of Eckley. They're the ones that keep the place going. It seems to me he's chasing them out," Malak said after writing a letter to the editor expressing worry about Eckley.

In 2009, volunteers rallied to keep Eckley open when the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission planned to close the museum following state layoffs.

An educator and three custodians/tour guides have been dropped from the payroll in recent years. Maintenance was scaled back and the Pennsylvania Conservation Corps that helped with upkeep currently assigns no workers to Eckley.

Morin said he doesn't expect the state budget approved June 30 to provide funding for new employees at Eckley, either.

The budget increases funding for the museum commission to $19.29 million from $17.8 million, but $2 million of that is for grants for private museums.

While the commission gains $643,000 for general operations, that sum primarily will cover increased pension expenses that the commission and other state agencies will take on this year, Howard Pollman, the commission's spokesman, said.

Flat funding means that Eckley needs new strategies, the new director said.

"That's the kind of challenge I've been facing," Morin said. "You have to reinvent the museum. We're doing that across the board at the PHMC. Unfortunately, when you make changes, they express their displeasure."

Morin envisions a group of costumed volunteers, including the Eckley Players, who can interpret history at the museum. They also would appear in schools and community events to draw visitors to Eckley, he said.

Formed as a coal mining village or patch town in the 1850s, Eckley became a state living history museum after serving as a setting for the 1970 motion picture "The Molly Maguires" starring Sean Connery and Richard Harris. People still live in homes restored to look as they did during the heyday of mining.

Morin wants to recruit more residents, but said regulations requiring Eckley to advertise for bids for every new renter lengthen the time needed to fill empty homes. He has offered a different home to long-time resident George Gera, 86, whose rental home burned last month.

Regarding the Eckley Players, Morin said the group developed its own skits traditionally, but he asked them to submit their plans before Patchtown Days.

"I've never got any requests ahead of time," he said.

Kundrik said the players had trouble making planning meetings so they didn't get back to Morin about their plans.

"Really there wasn't a lack of interest. They just needed to contact us," Kundrik said.

She said the players are so experienced that they don't need to spend a lot of time getting ready for events.

"We don't need a script. Everybody can put on a nice performance," Kundrik said.

The Eckley Players won't be part of the next event at the village, a World War II weekend scheduled for July 27 and 28. During the weekend, Severin Fayerman, who survived Nazi concentration camps, is scheduled to speak. Volunteers will wear uniforms and other costumes from the 1940s in the village and at a dance scheduled for July 27 at the pavilion of Freeland Public Park.

"I think there is a misconception that we've lost volunteers. People do leave (but) we do get people in," Morin said.

Pasco Schiavo, a long-time member of the board of directors at Eckley, said the board seeks to address complaints raised by volunteers.

He said the village looks well kept and Patchtown Days was a success, with an exhibit by an artist of the anthracite fields, Frank Wysochansky, also called "Wyso."

"I think it's working very well considering we have minimal staff," Schiavo said.

Kundrik doesn't know what is in store for the Eckley Players, but she hopes they will be part of the Civil War re-enactment scheduled for Aug. 17 and 18 at Eckley.

"We love that period. I'm hoping we can come together and have some performance put on," she said. "There's a bunch of ideas that could be presented in a play."

Two Roman Catholic churches in Northern Schuylkill County will continue as independent parishes.

Father James Torpey, pastor of both parishes, shared the news with parishioners at St. Mary, Ringtown, and St. Joseph, Sheppton, on Saturday and Sunday during Mass.

A letter from the Most. Rev. John O. Barres, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown, told of the decision.

A copy of the letter was provided to The Republican-Herald.

"Moved by the overwhelming desire to provide for the spiritual care of the faithful, and desiring to address the ability of the faithful to fulfill their duty to proclaim the Gospel, and after consulting with the Diocesan Pastoral Council and the Council of Priests, I happily write to you today to inform you that Saint Mary and Saint Joseph Parishes will remain independent parishes under the care of one pastor or administrator. This presents a truly unique situation for your parishes. This decision has been made after much deliberation. Throughout the process from 2005 (the initial work for the Second Synod of Allentown) until now, a large number of persons have been involved gathering and analyzing information, surveying parishioners, and looking at the present and future needs or Ringtown and Sheppton parishes," the letter from Barres reads in part.

It goes on to say that circumstances have changed since 2008 when parishes in the diocese were consolidated.

At that time, no decision was reached regarding the two parishes.

"Saint Mary and Saint Joseph Parishes may see a growth in the number of parishioners because of the restructuring of the neighboring parishes, the expansion of the Humbolt Industrial Park, and the implementation of the long-awaited plan to build a large cargo airport in the area; the successful outcome of the recent parish capital campaigns; the renovations that have been done or have been proposed for both Saint Mary and Saint Joseph Churches; and finally, the stable financial status of both parishes," the letter reads.

Barres also wrote to the parishioners to remain vibrant in their faith so they may continue to promote the gospel.

Torpey posted information on a parish website, stmary-stjoseph.net, telling members he had something to share from the bishop before giving the message.

"Some of them arrived and they were anxious. They were not sure," he said.

Torpey who has been the pastor for two years at the parishes said, "I am happy for them, and I want them to love the Lord Jesus and his church."

Deeds

Mahanoy City - George F. Androsavich and Mildred Dziedziak to Peter and Dale Saaybe; 1102 E. Market St.; $4,500.

George F. Androsavich and Mildred Dziedziak to Kassandra Troxell; 1100 E. Market St.; $4,500.

Pottsville - Mildred H. Pfeil Broughton to Douglas A. and Mildred H. Broughton; 4 York Farm Road; $1.

Douglas A. Broughton to Douglas A. and Mildred H. Broughton; 2 York Farm Road; $1.

Douglas A. and Mildred H. Broughton to Douglas A. and Mildred H. Broughton; 2-4 York Farm Road; $1.

Reilly Township - Paul S. and Lorraine Lucas to Craig and Bonnie Witman; property on New Hill Street; $1.

Rush Township - Chad J. and Carol Louise Trubilla to Tara Ann and Kerry Smith; 187 Ye Old Hauto Road, Hometown; $1.

Marc B. Depew, administrator of the Estate of James Edward Depew Sr., to Marc B. Depew and Joseph P. Moravek and Victoria L. Moravek, guardians of the Estate of Adam James Joseph Depew; 39 Wayne Ave., Hometown; $1.

Doris L. Russo to Matthew L. Stephens and Beth A. Swankoski; 46 Rymin Road, Hometown; $140,000.

Schuylkill Haven - Charles Ebling and Melissa B. Ebling to Charles Ebling; 152 Pennsylvania Ave.; $1.

Charles Ebling and Melissa B. Ebling to Charles Ebling; 105 Center Ave.; $1.

Charles Ebling and Melissa B. Ebling to Charles Ebling; property on Center Avenue; $1.

Shenandoah - George F. Jr. and Debra L. Leib to Juan Rivera, Gilbert Vasquez and Miquel Vasquez; property on North Union Street; $10,500.

South Manheim Township - Mary Lou Oram and Lorraine Pauley, individually and as joint first successor trustees of the John M. Oram and Margaret A. Oram Revocable Living Trust, and Raymond Oram to Mary Lou Oram; 2420 Running Bear Cove, Lake Wynonah; $1.

Tamaqua - Global Real Estate Solutions LLC to Barry L. Ruth; 143 Penn St.; $20,000.

Wayne G. Leibenguth and Karen L. Leibenguth to Karen L. Leibenguth; 109 Lombard St.; $1.

Terry and Christina M. Ahner to Terry S. and Karen A. Kupres; 224 Green St.; $22,000.

Robert H. and Margaret M. Stahler to Robert H. and Margaret M. Stahler and Lisa M. Mason; two properties; $1.

West Mahanoy Township - Joseph N. Fecko and Kelly J. Fecko to Joseph N. Fecko; property on Virginia Avenue, Shenandoah Heights.

West Penn Township - Donald K. and Carol J. Ritschel to Mark D. Ritschel and Nancy J. Diskiewicz; 2360 West Penn Pike; $165,000.

Police: Driver

pointed gun

SELTZER - A man driving a gray Honda SUV allegedly pointed a gun at another man Saturday morning in Norwegian Township, police said.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said the incident occurred at 3:08 a.m. at 207 Maurer St. as a man drove by at a high rate of speed past Jason Davis, 35, of Pottsville.

Police said Davis yelled at the man, telling him to drive slower, and the man turned his vehicle around and got out and pointed a pistol at Davis. The two spoke for a short time, and the man left and headed southeast toward Pottsville, police said.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police at 570-739-1330.

Ringtown man

injured in crash

RINGTOWN - A Ringtown man allegedly fell asleep at the wheel and was involved in a one-vehicle accident Saturday, police said.

State police at Frackville said Thomas Stauffer, 23, was northbound on Route 924 at 3:30 a.m. when he fell asleep at the wheel and failed to drive a left curve in the road. Police said his vehicle traveled off the road, hit a guide rail and continued traveling northeast.

Police said Stauffer's vehicle went airborne off a dirt embankment and its front end hit the tree. The vehicle stopped against several trees on its passenger side on a steep embankment, police said.

Police said Stauffer fled the scene and failed to report the crash. He was not wearing a seat belt, police said.

Stauffer will be charged with careless driving, failure to stay in his lane, failure to report the crash and a seat belt violation. Those charges will be filed through the office of Magisterial District Judge Anthony J. Kilker, Shenandoah, police said.

FORESTVILLE - Something simple you have around your house could mean a world of difference to another.

Katie Trapani thought that about three pairs of crutches she found in her attic after she cleaned it with her mom a couple months ago.

"We didn't see the point in throwing them away. We're not a wasteful family," she said Saturday as she sat at her kitchen table with her mother, Suzanne, 47.

After some research, the 18-year-old Minersville Area High School graduate decided to start a crutch drive to help.

"I'm not only looking for crutches, but walkers, knee or ankle braces, canes," she said.

She requests the items be in good condition.

The donated items will go to Crutches4Kids, a nonprofit organization based in New York.

The organization pairs with volunteers and humanitarian organizations to provide necessary items for the less fortunate.

Drop-off locations are in New York and New Jersey. Items collected by Trapani will be driven to New York.

Melody Woolford, chief operating officer, said in an email that the organization has donated more than 3,000 crutches, canes and walkers to children and young adults that need them. Most are shipped overseas to places like Haiti, Ghana and Nicaragua, she said. Some items even went to victims of Hurricane Sandy.

A friend of Katie's, Kassidy Hoban, 18, a graduate of Minersville Area, also is helping in the effort.

The crutches Katie had in the attic for about a year have not gotten much use recently. She used the crutches in fifth grade and then about two years ago after she sprained her ankle. A wooden pair of crutches were left from a previous owner, she said.

The soon-to-be Eastern University, Philadelphia, nursing student felt it was her duty to help others.

Katie said she wanted to inspire other people by letting them know that they could make a difference.

"I think people in this country don't understand how poor some countries really, really are and what a difference you could make in somebody's life with something as simple as a pair of crutches. I mean this person might not be able to move enough to even get water to drink," Suzanne Trapani said.

"They can't move. They can't live," Katie Trapani said.

In addition to the drive, Katie and other volunteers are hosting a car wash and bake sale later this month.

A car wash will be held at the Fuel Up gas station in Minersville from noon to 4 p.m. July 27 and 28. Cost is $5 per car and $6 per truck. The bake sale is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. July 27 and 28 at BG's Value Market, Mar Lin, and Fuel Up on July 28.

"You really got to think of more than just your next door neighbors. Everyone in this world is your neighbor," Katie said.

Her mother said contributing to the cause can have implications you likely will not see but it's worth it.

"This doesn't take a lot of effort. It doesn't take a lot of money and it's something that can make a huge difference in somebody's life," Suzanne said.

"You may not see it but you could have saved a child's life by giving those crutches," Katie said.

HEGINS - Music fans and food lovers alike will have an opportunity to enjoy a day at Hegins Park during the 37th annual Community Day on Saturday.

The free event features a slice of American culture - bluegrass, barbershop, pop and patriotism. The festivities highlight talented local musicians and vocalists, Re-Creation's 38th edition and the first appearance at Community Day by the Morgan Family from Northumberland County.

Re-Creation has been a staple of entertainment at the park event. The Port Trevorton-based group presents vocal renditions of America's best-loved songs and enlivens the stage with intricate, disciplined dance and choreography, along with glittering costumes.

Re-Creation was founded in 1976 and has performed in all 50 states. Credits include appearances at some of the nation's most prestigious fairs and festivals, corporation banquets and conventions and major resort areas. The performers are booked for more than 300 concerts each year.

Admission to the event is free but donations will be accepted to aid Re-Creation in their visits to veterans in VA hospitals across the nation.

"That's the reason we do this, to help Re-Creation get to those veterans in the hospital each year," said Leon Eshelman, Hegins, who coordinates the annual Community Day event with his wife, Valeria.

Making its Community Day debut, the Morgan Family includes parents, David and Mary; daughters, Maggie, Jessie, and Abbie; son, Henry; and Tim "Uncle Bean" Albright, a family friend. The group has appeared on the Shotgun Red Variety Show in Branson, Mo., the Gratz Fair, the Klingerstown Carnival, Sunbury RiverFest and many Line Mountain Arts Council events.

Entertainers making a return to the Hegins stage this year will be Achording to Dad, a barbershop quartet featuring Ken Paulhamus and his sons, Brian, Adam and Jeff. Achording to Dad is part of the Mid-Atlantic District of the Barbershop Harmony Society.

Food stands open at 3 p.m., with several local organizations offering a variety of fare. Hegins Fire Company will be selling chicken barbecue, the Hegins-Valley View Rotary will offer hamburgers and hot dogs, Tri-Valley Lions Club will have french fries and the Pitman Boy Scouts will be selling soda and ice cream.

In the event of rain, the entire program will be moved to Tri-Valley High School, Route 25 (Main Street), Hegins. Re-Creation will attend worship service at Friedens United Church of Christ, Chestnut Street, Hegins, at 10:30 a.m. Sunday and will offer their musical, sacred program at 1:30 p.m. at the church.

James K. Reiley

Two Pottsville men charged with a May 13 robbery in the city appeared for preliminary hearings before Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville.

Drai F. Miller, 22, of 14 Yorktown Road, waived his right to his hearing on charges of robbery, conspiracy, aggravated assault, burglary, theft, receiving stolen property, recklessly endangering another person, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Miller will now have to answer to all of the charges against him in Schuylkill County Court.

The second man, Damian L. Watson, 18, of 623 W. Arch St., chose to have a hearing and had charges of conspiracy, burglary, theft, receiving stolen property and recklessly endangering another person held for court after Reiley determined the commonwealth proved a prima facie case.

The judge dismissed two additional charges against Watson, robbery and aggravated assault.

Pottsville police Patrolman Joseph Welsh charged the men with an incident at 406 W. Race St. where they approached Samuel Pullins, 47, who was sitting on his porch, and demanded money.

Pullins told officers that Miller pointed a handgun at him while Watson showed him a handgun he had in his waistband.

Welsh said that Pullins then turned over a 32-inch Samsung television from the home to the two men who fled but were taken into custody a short time later.

The stolen television set was recovered at that time, the officer said.

Other court cases included:

Joseph Hogendobler, 56, of 518 W. Market St., Pottsville - waived for court: DUI and DUI-highest rate.

Adam Cook, 27, of 332 S. Market St., Elysburg - waived for court: bad checks.

Elizabeth Ann Fox Norris, 41, LKA 500 E. Norwegian St., Apt. 2D, Pottsville - waived for court: conspiracy, theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.

Luis A. Haddock, 21, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville - held for court: simple assault and harassment.

Michael P. Obrien, 29, of 235 Union St., Pottsville - waived for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving without a license.

Chad R. Myers, 30, of Box 644, Pottsville - held for court: simple assault and harassment.

Alisa Rose Steffie, 25, of 122 E. Market St., Apt. 3, Orwigsburg - held for court: DUI and illegal parking on a sidewalk.

Kelly M. Bevan, 48, of 61 New St., Pottsville - waived for court: theft from a motor vehicle and receiving stolen property.

Alicia S. Hibbler, 34, of 319 Atlantic St., Shenandoah - dismissed: theft and receiving stolen property.

Raquel F. Jackson, 44, of 403 E. Norwegian St., Pottsville - waived for court: open lewdness, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.

Kevin M. Mabry, 27, of Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville - waived for court: burglary, theft, receiving stolen property and criminal mischief.

Joseph M. Provaznik III, 29, of 1965 Crest Drive, Coatesville - waived for court: forgery, criminal attempt to commit forgery, theft, receiving stolen property, procuring drugs for use by forgery and possession of a controlled substance.

Dionell J. Anderson, 35, LKA 121 N. George St., Pottsville - waived for court: possessing instruments of crime, burglary, conspiracy, theft and receiving stolen property.

Robert Lee Miller, 33, of 103 E. Snyder Ave., McAdoo - waived for court: bad checks.

Michael T. Casper Jr., 18, of 6 Pine Terrace, Schuylkill Haven - held for court: possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Archie M. Moore, 31, of 1830 West End Ave., Box 785, Pottsville - dismissed: simple assault.

Brittany M. Zweizig, 25, of 605 N. Seventh St., Pottsville - waived for court: simple assault.

Joshua Tassone, 23, of 605 N. Seventh St., Pottsville - waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Kelly F. Webber, 44, of 1035 E. Norwegian St., Pottsville - waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Ashley Donald Adams, 27, of 511 Fairview St., Pottsville - dismissed: simple assault.

George E. Jones, 26, of 609A N. Second St., Lykens - waived for court: DUI-controlled substance, possession of marijuana and driving without a license.

Joseph Etherington, 30, of 144 Main St., Mount Carbon - held for court: DUI-controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving with a suspended or revoked license and driving an unregistered vehicle.

Mark A. Burns, 50, of 4631 Scarlet Oak Place, Allison Park - waived for court: DUI, DUI-highest rate and driving the wrong way.

Elizabeth Nojunas-Cavallo, 21, of 112 Lee Mine St., Apt. 5, Nanticoke - waived for court: fraudulently obtaining food stamps or assistance.

Ernest A. Rosemond, 35, of 319 W. Market St., Apt. 3, Pottsville - held for court: receiving stolen property.

Carisa Sue Rhoads, 33, of 339 W. Spruce St., Mahanoy City - withdrawn: simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct.

Stephen J. Bayer

TAMAQUA - A 23-year-old woman charged by Tamaqua police with taking jewelry from a woman at a home at 270 Van Gelder St. on March 24 waived her right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer.

Erica N. Sillers, whose last known address was 332 Clark St., was arrested by Patrolman Thomas Rodgers and charged with theft and receiving stolen property, both felony offenses.

By waiving her right to a hearing, Sillers will now have to answer to both charges in Schuylkill County Court.

Rodgers said Sillers and a man, Martin Borosh, 29, of 1013 Laurel Blvd., Pottsville, went to visit Sharon Keich at her home, and when the two left jewelry items valued at $3,475 were missing.

Keich later received a letter from Sillers saying she was stealing the items and that the man who was with her that day had nothing to do with it, Rodgers said.

Rodgers said on March 26, Keich found items in a bag on her front porch but none of those items belonged to her.

In connection with the case, Borosh waived his right to a hearing on charges of conspiracy and receiving stolen property and also appear in Schuylkill County Court.

Other court cases included:

Stephen T. Welsh, 23, of 124 E. Fell St., Summit Hill - waived for court: retail theft and receiving stolen property.

Christopher C. Jandrisevitz, 37, of 125 Penn St., Tamaqua - waived for court: DUI, DUI-highest rate and disregard for single traffic lane.

Charles Natale, 62, of 413 E. Grant St., McAdoo - waived for court: violation of use of Certificate of Inspection and fraudulent, altered, forged or counterfeit title, registration or insurance.

John A. Miller, 19, of 63 Orchard Road, Barnesville - waived for court: DUI-controlled substance, disregard for single traffic lane and no rear lights.

Rachel Lee Rebarchick, 19, of 531 Rose St., Hazleton - withdrawn: conspiracy. Waived for court: tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and prohibiting text-based communications.

April L. Miller, 35, of 63 Hunter St., Apt. 1, Tamaqua - waived for court: possession of drug paraphernalia.

Levi G. Warren, 30, of 616 Old Route 209 Road, Tamaqua - waived for court: DUI, DUI-highest rate, accidents involving damage to unattended vehicles or property and disregard for single traffic lane.

Brian Woods, 48, of 259 W. Rowe St., Tamaqua - withdrawn: threat to unlawfully harm to influence violation of legal duty and threat to unlawfully harm or influence judicial process. Waived for court: possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, threat to unlawfully harm to influence violation of legal duty, public drunkenness, brown bag/open container ordinance and scattering rubbish.

Ramon A. Frias, 51, of 689 Hayes St., Hazleton - withdrawn: driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked. Waived for court: DUI, disorderly conduct, no rear lights and careless driving.

Brian Lee Filer, 46, of 6 Cherry St., Tamaqua - withdrawn: disrupting or delaying operation of train or facility. Moved to non-traffic citations: defiant trespass, scattering rubbish and disorderly conduct.

Frederick King, 41, of 600 W. Market St., Mahanoy City - waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and criminal use of a communications facility.

Donald A. Moyer Jr., 48, of 107 S. Sheridan St., McAdoo - held for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jeremy B. Mirabito, 20, of 11756 Pocono Mount Lake Forest, Dingmans Ferry - waived for court: driving the wrong way and DUI-controlled substance.

Daquawn B. King, 24, of 333 Lafayette St., 2 1B, Brooklyn, N.Y. - possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and criminal use of a communications facility.

Carmelo Trinidad, 20, of 225R W. Blaine St., McAdoo - waived for court: possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Samantha Wagenhurst, 30, of 17 Third St., Kelayres - held for court: theft, conspiracy and driving while operating privileges are suspended or revoked.

Carlos Martinez, 29, of 17 Third St., Kelayres - held for court: theft and conspiracy.

Minh V. Nguyen, 27, of 33 Freedom St., Box 166, Latimer Mines - waived for court: DUI, restrictions on alcoholic beverages, careless driving and improper child restraints.

After five years of work, Schuylkill Community Action is planning to complete a project to develop a public park on North Centre Street in August, City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar said Monday.

"We have a group of volunteers coming in, about 60, to add the finishing touches," Jeffrey A. Feeser, director of housing at Schuylkill Community Action, said Monday.

Known as "Pocket Park," the shady area with the pergola and natural spring at the 500 block of North Centre Street will be dedicated as "Mike McGeever Memorial Park" on Aug. 9.

"I don't have a time yet. I'm thinking somewhere around 7 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.," Feeser said.

Michael G. McGeever, who served as Elm Street manager from March 2007 until his death in February 2009, came up with the concept for the park.

Work to establish it began in 2008 when the city demolished run-down buildings at 521-523 N. Centre St. The park was developed on the remains of a stone foundation once occupied by those blighted buildings.

"Pocket Park was a nickname that DCED (state Department of Community and Economic Development) used to describe the small area park," Feeser said. "Suggestions for an official name have been tossed around for several years. Mike was the person who got this all together starting as far as the acquisition of the properties and the plan of what the park should look like."

City officials and representatives of Schuylkill Community Action recently made the decision to give the park its name, Feeser said.

Since 2008, Schuylkill Community Action used more than $35,000 in grant funding from DCED to develop it, Feeser said. Volunteers and local businesses also made contributions, Feeser said.

Of those volunteers were teenagers from New Jersey representing the Jesus Unites Neighbors Everywhere, or JUNE project.

JUNE project representatives, teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18, will return to Pottsville to work at the park the first full week in August, Aug. 4 through 10.

"We're about 95 percent complete. We're going to be laying some additional river rock around the spring house area. And we're going to lay brick for a seating area and doing some and mulch work," Feeser said. "We're also going to be staining the pressure treated lumber at the pergola."

Schuylkill Community Action hired Aungst Signs, Schuylkill Haven, to make a sign identifying the park as Mike McGeever Memorial Park. It will be a 3/4-inch PVC sign board and it cost "a couple hundred dollars," Feeser said.

Once it's dedicated, the Schuylkill YMCA, which is across the street at 520 N. Centre St., will become its caretaker, Feeser said.

"By the August dedication, there should be an agreement in place," he said. "Right now, Schuylkill Community Action is taking care of it." Wayne R. Stump, Schuylkill YMCA chief executive officer, was out of the office and could not be reached for comment Monday afternoon.

In a related matter, Schuylkill Community Action is looking to finish development of another park in the city, the City of Pottsville's Joan S. Fanelli Overlook Park. It is behind the "Welcome to Pottsville" sign just off Route 61 on the city's north side, developed on a half-acre which was owned by Fanelli Brothers Trucking.

In 2009, Louis J. Fanelli, Orwigsburg, donated the land to the city. The park was named after Fanelli's wife, who died Aug. 29, 2005. More than $20,000 in DCED funding was used to develop the park, Feeser said.

"It's about 90 or 95 percent complete," Feeser said.

Volunteers from the JUNE project will also work there the first week of August. While work on Overlook Park might be completed that week, a dedication date will be set for a later date, Feeser said.

Pottsville City Council is attacking blight with slide show presentations at its monthly council meetings, introducing to the public the worst properties while shaming the people who own them.

In June, the council unveiled its top 10 most blighted properties in the city. On Monday, it projected images of the next 10 worst. Meanwhile, city officials are developing action plans to deal with the problems, such as the property that holds the No. 1 spot, 674 N. Second St., owned by Said Attalla of Canada.

"This is something we're going to do at council meetings for the foreseeable future. We'll present 10 properties, then send letters to the people who own those properties," city Administrator Thomas A. Palamar said Monday.

Since the June meeting, the owners of four of the properties in the top 10 have contacted the city to discuss their options. If owners of blighted properties receive a letter from the city and don't make contact, the city will use all means necessary to deal with the situation, Palamar said.

"If it's with the owner's input, we'll probably give them a little bit of leeway and a little bit more time to work out the situation. If it's without the owner's input, then it's going to be all punitive," Palamar said.

In other matters at its July meeting, the council decided to apply for state Department of Community and Economic Development Keystone Community designation.

If the city is accepted into the program, the state will give the city and the nonprofit Pottsville Area Development Corp. funding to start a five-year program to initiate a "strategic plan and revitalization goals" for the city, Palamar said.

"The program designates and funds communities that are implementing Main Street, Elm Street, Enterprise Zone efforts or other community development efforts by supporting physical improvements to designated and/or other communities that are undertaking revitalization activities within the community," according to the program's website at newpa.com

If the city is accepted into the program, the five-year revitalization plan will be orchestrated by PADCO, which has a 21-member board that "oversees a loan portfolio of over $1.9 million," according to the plan's cover sheet.

Its goals include filling vacant storefronts, encouraging business development and expansion, improving the appeal of the community's entry points and improving marketing and communication efforts for the downtown, according to the plan.

Palamar was not sure how much of a grant was available, but believed a local match would be required.

Concerning the city's 2013 street maintenance and improvement program, Councilman James T. Muldowney said the city will spend $75,000 in state liquid fuel funding to repair and repave a series of streets from August to October.

"The largest challenge that we face is making needed repairs with the amount of funds that are available," Muldowney said.

Palamar said $75,000 in state liquid fuels funding was given to the city in 2013 and that's what will be used to fund the repairs. Muldowney, who chairs the city streets committee, said the city crew will do the work.

In 2012, the city had 14 full-time workers on the crew. In December 2012, city council cut one of those positions to balance the 2013 budget, reducing the streets department to 13 full-time positions.

"Based upon the funds available, and the priority ranking, a potential listing of street projects was developed and presented to PennDOT for review and approval," Muldowney said.

The targeted streets include: Adams Street from Jackson to George and Wolf to Edwards; Centre Street from Wallace to the city line; Cherry Street from Fisher to 16th Street; Cottage Hill West from East Circle including the cul de sac; Elk Avenue from 18th to 19th; Greenbriar from Overlook to Timber Road; Jackson Street from Race to Farnum and Norwegian to Greenwood; Jones Street from 18th to 20th; Laurel Boulevard from Lengle School Drive to 16th; McBarron from 18th to 19th; Morgan Avenue from 3rd to 5th; Nichols Street from Mill Creek Avenue to the city line; Pine Street from Railroad to Front Street; Queen Street from Elk Avenue to West End Avenue; Ravine Street from Railroad to the dead end; Ridge Avenue from Fleet to Jackson; Seneca Street from 10th to the dead end; Wallace Street from Centre to Clarence Avenue, from Clarence Avenue to Ravine and from West Railroad to the dead end; and Westwood Road from Market to Woodglen and from Woodglen to the city line.

"In addition, 300 feet of drainage pipe will be installed from Woodglen to the city line to alleviate ongoing water problems in the area," Muldowney said.

Muldowney and Palamar said they were under the impression there were 44 miles of streets in the city until a new map from the PennDOT revealed there area actually 57.3 miles of streets in the city.

SHENANDOAH - The cause of a fire that gutted a borough home and damaged four others early Sunday morning has been ruled accidental.

A state police fire marshal at the scene hours after the blaze determined the fire started as the result of an overloaded electrical outlet in a second-floor front room at 634 W. Penn St., owned by John Wicker, Shenandoah.

The family living at the home was away on vacation, and police were able to get a couple from an adjoining home at 636-638 W. Penn St.

Rick Examitas, Shenandoah fire marshal, said records filed with the borough list the occupants of 634 W. Penn St. as Willie Velazquez, Dominic Velazquez, Destiny Velazquez, Megali Serrano, Amanda Ramos and Ashley Ramos.

The home at 634 W. Penn St. sustained extensive damage to the interior and exterior as flames shot through second-floor windows and out into Penn Street.

The home of Dominic and Doris Cartella, 636-638 W. Penn St., sustained damage to the roof as well as lesser amount of exterior and interior damage, Examitas said.

An unoccupied home at 632 W. Penn St. owned by Douglas and Kumi Hershey sustained light damage, as did an unoccupied home at 630 W. Penn St. owned by Harry and Joyce Foresman.

There was light damage to a fifth home at 628 W. Penn St. owned by Charles Fowler, Examitas said.

Crews from Shenandoah, Shenandoah Heights, Frackville, Butler Township and Mahanoy City responded to the fire along with Shenandoah ALS and EMS units from Frackville, Lost Creek and Mahanoy City.

Examitas said fast action by fire crews contained the majority of the fire to the 624 W. Penn St. home, thus keeping fire damage to a minimal to other homes on the block.

He added that additional EMS and fire units were called to the scene for more manpower and rehabilitation due to the heat conditions.

Borough fire police assisted with traffic and crowd control.

All of the occupied properties were equipped with smoke detectors, some of which were heard going off by firefighters arriving at the scene, Examitas said.