PINE GROVE — Dave Kintzel does more looking than painting, he will tell you.

That attention to detail was evident Wednesday when the Pine Grove native wildlife artist held his premiere exhibit at Sweet Arrow Lake Clubhouse.

Kintzel said he was strongly influenced by the work of the late wildlife artist Ned Smith, Millersburg, whom he met at Smith’s home in 1983.

“I called him and talked to him, when he found out I had done some work for Pennsylvania Game News,” Kintzel said.

Kintzel, who was a young, self-taught artist, took some of his pieces to Smith for advice.

“He liked my pen and ink style. He said, ‘It’s unique. Don’t change it. But your paintings could use some work,’ ” Kintzel said. “He was probably the most knowledgeable artist and naturalist I’ve known and I looked up to him.”

Today, Kintzel’s work has been featured not only in Pennsylvania Game News, but also in The Press Herald (now South Schuylkill News), The Lebanon Daily News, The Trapline Journal, The Browseline, Deer and Deer Hunting, and Hawk Mountain Sanctuary publications.

Kintzel grew up around the lake, followed the events at the county park and thought it would be the perfect location for his show once he had completed enough pieces.

“I was baptized in Sweet Arrow Lake,” he said, noting he was a member of Schuylkill Church of the Brethren.

The scene for his painting of a bald eagle flying over the lake was captured at the water’s edge below the church, he said.

He’s been drawing since he was a child and his late mother, Marie, recognized his talent.

“When I was a little boy, my mom said all she had to do was make sure I had some crayons and some paper. My mom always encouraged me to draw,” he said.

The cardinal he painted, a part of the collection, is dedicated to her. He had giclee prints of his original paintings on display and for sale as well as pen and ink drawings. Joining him was his wife, Sheliah.

Kintzel’s painting of a red fox was one of the originals that his wife wanted to keep. She wouldn’t allow him to sell it. Kintzel does not do commissioned pieces, partly because of what he learned from Smith, he said. Kintzel said Smith was commissioned to do a series and told Kintzel, “You can paint what inspires you.”

Craig Morgan and his wife, Kim, attended the exhibit. Craig, who graduated with Kintzel in 1973 from Pine Grove Area High School, said he remembers his friend’s fine artist skills even as a student.

“He used to do a lot of pen and ink and used to draw horses,” Craig, Pine Grove, recalled.

Kim, meanwhile, knew Kintzel from booking his band, Reckless, as entertainment at the Schuylkill County Fair.

Craig’s favorite work from his classmate: “The chipmunk, that to me is spectacular.”

Meanwhile, Dave Peterson and his wife, Julie, Valley View, also came to show support. Dave Peterson is a vocalist and lead guitarist with Reckless, while Kintzel is a vocalist and bassist.

“We love his work. It’s gorgeous,” Julie Peterson said.

Deb Brixius and Robert Behm, both of Pine Grove, said they knew Kintzel’s wife but hadn’t seen the artist’s collection before. Brixius ad-mired the artist’s style and said her favorite piece was the bald eagle flying over the lake.

“I like them all. That strutting turkey and that elk that’s blowing the hot air, they all have such detail,” she said.

Denise M. Donmoyer, president of the Sweet Arrow Lake Conservation Association and naturalist, said the park was lucky to have Kintzel’s work. The event was part of the Sweet Arrow Arts in the Park Program and is free and open to the public.

“The detail and quality of his work is truly great,” Donmoyer said.

Visitors who missed Kintzel’s exhibit Wednesday will have another opportunity to view his work from 5 to 9 p.m. today at the clubhouse. The Carbon County Environmental Education Center will also present a free program at 7 p.m. today featuring two species of live eagles, a bald eagle and a golden eagle, Donmoyer said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Ashland

The Ashland Rotary Club will distribute dictionaries to all third-graders at North Schuylkill Elementary Center, Fountain Springs, and Trinity Academy in the Father Walter J. Ciszek Education Center, Shenandoah. The dictionaries have arrived and arrangements for distribution will be made with the schools, according to the Rotary bulletin. The annual Halloween parade for Ashland area children will be held at 3 p.m. Oct. 29 starting at 19th and Centre streets. Costumed children, accompanied by their parents or guardians, will march down Centre Street to the post office on Ninth Street, where treats will be distributed, Rotarians said during a recent meeting.

Girardville

Rangers Hose Company, 6 E. Ogden St., will have a wing night beginning at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 16. Wings are $8 a dozen, fries are $3 and fries with any wing sauce, $4. Wing flavors include hot, mild, honey mustard, ranch, spicy ranch, hot garlic, barbecue, garlic parm and teriyaki. Beverages will also be available. Patrons may eat at the firehouse or take wings out. To order or for more information, call 570-276-1406.

Pottsville

Richard F. Wojciechowsky, the city’s chief of police, lauded the “tireless efforts” of Pottsville’s 23 police officers when he recently addressed members of the Pottsville Lions Club. The officers, he said, make the city “one of the safest in Pennsylvania,” according to the Lions bulletin. He also recognized the combined efforts of the city council and mayor with the officers in making Pottsville an “exceptional city in which to live, work, recreate and most importantly, raise a family.” There is no particular section of the city, he said, that is especially prone to crime or at which the police must concentrate. The police officers, he said, can be seen and found throughout the city and quickly follow up calls made to 911 when needed. Major concerns with which the department finds itself in most days, Wojciechowsky said, are reported drug deals, domestic violence and traffic issues. Illicit drugs, including medication abuse, addiction and illegal sales, are daily concerns, with most reported abuse involving people between the ages of 18 and 47. However, the city has seen a significant number of reversals of addiction because of its involvement in the county’s drug and alcohol treatment programs. He also said that through a grant received by the city, all 23 officers will be equipped with body cams, many of which are now being field tested to ensure they work and are accurate in what they record. Each officer, he said, is educated on how to use the camera and at the end of the shift, to download whatever is recorded for review by an independent group to ensure there is no tampering with whatever is recorded on the camera. “Most, if not all, of our officers are recognized and known to the people throughout the city, which makes fighting crime a little easier,” he said, according to the bulletin report. Wojciechowsky is a graduate of Bloomsburg University and has spent the past 26 years since graduation working the force initially as an intern, then a full-time officer and now as chief. He also said the city police are involved with local nonprofits and community service groups, especially Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Schuylkill County.

Pottsville

Knights of Columbus Council 431 will hold a startup meeting for its annual Thanksgiving Day meal project at 7 p.m. Sept. 14 in the new council chambers at 1840 West End Ave. Anyone interested in participating is asked to attend. For more information, call Ronald Whalen at 570-294-6337, David Donlin at 570-573-1841 or Tom Kurtek at 570-617-1714. People may also call the council headquarters at 570-628-3333 and leave a message with name and phone number where they can be reached.

Tamaqua

The Needlebugs knitting and quilting group gathers from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Monday at the Tamaqua Salvation Army center, 105 W. Broad St. New participants are welcome. For more information, call 570-668-0410.

ORWIGSBURG — Orwigsburg Center residents and their families and friends were out Thursday to support the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

More than 30 people walked in support of the cause during the third Walk to End Alzheimer’s at the nursing facility and rehabilitation center.

“I think this is a little more than we had last year,” Luann Boudreaux, admissions/marketing director for the center, said.

Residents and staff also held several fundraising events, including bake sales, gourmet hot chocolate bar and dress down days. More than $750 was donated to the Schuylkill County chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

“We believe that by working in partnership with our residents, families, employees and community we can collectively make strides in areas of advocacy, research, education and programing,” according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Orwigsburg Center resident Vivian Clark, 91, had a father and brother who had the disease, which has no cure and is exemplified by loss of memory function and difficulty with routine tasks.

“It just comes up too quickly, too suddenly,” Clark said.

Clark’s daughter, Sue Trotter, 68, of Orwigsburg, said she has fond memories of her uncle.

“He was vibrant man. He was one of my favorite uncles,” Trotter said.

Alva Luckenbill, 105, was also one of the participants Thursday. She has taken part in the effort each year it has been held at Orwigsburg Center. Margaret Luckenbill, 71, Alva’s daughter, said they want to do their small part to bring awareness and a possible cure.

Bruce Correll, 68, who recently become a resident of the center, walked in his socks and walker because he wanted to bring awareness and make a change.

“It’s for everybody,” he said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease. In 2014, the latest data available, more than 93,500 Americans died due to the disease.

The 2017 Schuyllkill County Walk to End Alzheimer’s is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Bubeck Park in Schuylkill Haven. The event is hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association — Greater PA Chapter, according the Facebook page for the event.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

M inersville residents will celebrate their community this weekend, highlighted by a presentation for gold-medal achievements.

The 22nd annual Spirit Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday on North Street, from Second to Fourth streets. The event will feature entertainment and vendors, including school organizations, booster clubs, civic groups, crafters and businesses. It is organized by the Minersville Spirit Day Committee, which is made up of Amy Eades, Ann Marie Zeth and Jerry Sitkus.

The main attraction will be a presentation honoring the Minersville Area High School girls’ basketball and softball teams, who both won state championships this year. The ceremony will begin at noon on a stage in front of the high-rise apartment complex. Shawn Fitzpatrick will serve as master of ceremonies. Local officials and dignitaries scheduled to attend to honor the teams are state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Township, and state Reps Mike Tobash, R-129, Pottsville, and Neal P. Goodman, D-123, Mahanoy City, as well as Schuylkill County commissioners Chairman George F. Halcovage. The booster clubs will also be present selling state championship T-shirts.

Following the ceremony, the Big and Bad Rockabilly Cats will take the stage until 3 p.m., followed by Steven Masser Acoustics until 5 p.m.

Entertainment will be held all day on Third Street highlighting local youth talent. Marybeth’s Gymnastics will kick off the event at 10 a.m., followed by the Minersville Area High School Band at 11 a.m. and the Artists in Motion Performing Arts at noon. The Crimson Academy for the Performing Arts will make their debut at 1 p.m., with the Broesler School of Irish Dance to perform at 3 p.m.

Eades said they had 35 vendors as of Wednesday. She said the organizers will find room for anyone looking to participate until Saturday. Spaces are $15 and are available to school organizations, booster clubs, civic groups, churches, crafters, hobbyists and businesses. Interested groups should email themdenstore@comcast.net for a registration form or call or text Eades at 570-292-9895 for information.

As with any outdoor event, weather can play a factor, although it appears Minersville Spirit Day will get a break from the week’s wet weather. According to the National Weather Service, sunny skies are expected with a high near 70.

For up-to-date information, visit the “Minersville Spirit Day” Facebook page.

Contact the writer: epeddigree@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6003.

POTTSVILLE — Former Pottsville Area School District Business Manager Stephen C. Curran has a chance to clear his record after a Schuylkill County judge admitted him Thursday into a special program that could lead to dismissal of the driving under the influence charge against him.

Curran, 51, of Minersville, entered the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program instead of going to trial in the DUI case.

Judge John E. Domalakes, who had been scheduled to preside over Curran’s nonjury trial, admitted him into the program for 12 months. Domalakes also ordered Curran to pay $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $520 restitution to the Lehigh Valley Health Network, and perform 10 hours community service.

“If you successfully complete” the program, the charge will be dismissed, Domalakes told Curran. Curran then could petition the court to expunge the record of the case, Domalakes said.

Prosecutors withdrew charges of disregarding traffic lane and careless driving.

Compliance with the terms of the program includes payment of the costs of participation and obeying directives from the court and the county Adult Probation and Parole Office.

State police at Schuylkill Haven had alleged Curran was DUI on July 3, 2015, in Reilly Township. Curran had a blood alcohol level of 0.159 percent, prosecutors said; the legal limit for driving in Pennsylvania is 0.08 percent.

The district hired Curran in April 2013 as its business manager, and he was given a five-year contract in June 2016.

However, the school board suspended Curran in November 2016, and he resigned his position in May after reaching a settlement with the district. Under the agreement between the parties, Curran received $181,517.90, plus 10 1/2 months of health insurance.

Also under the terms of the settlement, each side agreed not to make any negative comments about the other in regular or social media. Neither the district nor Curran has indicated the nature of the dispute between them that led to the settlement.

Curran filed a writ of summons on May 8 in the county court to start a lawsuit against the district, It does not contain any specifics on his possible claims against the district.

First Assistant District Attorney John T. Fegley and Sudhir R. Patel, Pottsville, Curran’s lawyer, each declined to comment on the case.

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

Whether it’s facing the man in the mirror, letting emotions take them over or doing it their own way, tribute artists have plenty of stories to tell about their journey to embodying their idols.

The Theater at North, 1539 N. Main Ave., Scranton, brings many top impersonators to town this season for shows filled with classic pop, folk, R&B and big band hits. The season kicks off Saturday with “Summer Breezin’/Stand Bac,” tributes to Seals & Crofts, America and Fleetwood Mac, and homages to such stars as John Denver, Frank Sinatra, the Bee Gees and Michael Jackson follow throughout the year.

“People have incredible connections to the music of their lives,” said Carrie Colaiezzi, director of theater operations. “Our vision was to offer our community popular, time-honored music that spans several generations.”

“It is going to be a time travel,” said John Acosta, who performs as Barry Gibb in “Bee Gees Gold,” set for Oct. 14. “It’s something where I want people to close their eyes and remember a time that that generation had great music. Of course, even if there is a crowd of the new generation, they get a chance to know what the ‘Saturday Night Fever’ experience was all about.”

Acosta’s show lasts about 90 minutes and runs through the best parts of the Bee Gees’ career, he said, starting with the early stages in the 1960s when the group sounded “very British, very Beatles-ish,” before the brothers Gibb transformed themselves into “disco dance gods with the falsetto, the look and hair.”

“These songs stood the test of time because of the ingredients, the integrity and the writing of that time,” Acosta said.

Forged from a different time and place, Michael Firestone relives the hits of the King of Pop during his “I Am King” tribute to Michael Jackson, set for Nov. 11.

“I’m just trying to hit every single iconic look and different eras,” Firestone said of his 90-minute program, which features backup dancers and a full band plus top-of-the line costumes.

He’s been impersonating Jackson for almost 20 years but said the show he brings to Scranton is his best yet.

“There are some artists put here to do this, and (Jackson) was born a great artist,” Firestone said. “He was meant to be, and in 50 years, people will still be trying to sound like him. His music will last forever.”

For Cary Hoffman — star of “My Sinatra,” scheduled for Sept. 16 — finding success as his version of Ol’ Blue Eyes means the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

“As a kid, it’s all I wanted, was to be him and sing like him. That’s what the show is about: why?” Hoffman said. “Some people say that it has to do with my losing two fathers. I made (Sinatra’s) voice a kind of father figure. The moment I heard Sinatra, my life was different forever. The sound immediately entranced me.”

Music was already in Hoffman’s blood thanks to his singer mother and uncles who served as studio musicians for the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Tormé and even Sinatra. Hoffman spent countless hours in his teenage bedroom practicing his Sinatra impersonation, he recalled, and joked that he later was the only kid in history to receive a standing ovation for singing at his own bar mitzvah.

“Right then was affirmation that I could croon,” Hoffman said with a laugh.

His show blends his takes on Sinatra classics from the late ’50s through ’70s while also recounting his own love for the music and anecdotes that include meeting the star in the 1960s. Hoffman’s storytelling transcends simple mimicry like a wedding singer might do, he noted, and aims to transport his audience for a bout of joyful escapism.

“Sinatra was kind of more than a singer. He represented a kind of freedom and looseness,” Hoffman said. “He told us you can be yourself and anything you want. Sinatra personified rebellion before rock ’n’ roll.”

No matter which tribute plays to one’s tastes, the shows promise to bond multigenerational audiences.

“Musical tributes offer a way to bring a sense of familial connectedness through live performances that modern technology just cannot deliver,” Colaiezzi said. “It evokes memories and emotions that are shared with one another.”

Contact the writer: pwilding@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5369

Police release

checkpoint results

The Pennsylvania State Police conducted a traffic study checkpoint on Schuylkill County roads beginning Aug. 17 and continuing through Tuesday.

At a Sobriety Checkpoint conducted on Friday on Route 924 in Shenandoah, 51 vehicles were stopped resulting in one DUI arrest, 22 summary traffic citations issued and 26 warning notices handed out to drivers.

The goal of the checkpoints is to reduce the number of alcohol- and drug-related fatal and serious crashes and to reduce the number of DUI drivers on area roadways.

Driver in hit, run

fled in Ryan Twp.

BARNESVILLE — State police at Frackville investigated a hit-and-run crash that occurred about 2 p.m. Saturday on Route 54, just south of Barnesville Drive in Ryan Township.

Police said Larry L. Eidem, 46, of Summit Hill, was driving a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado on Route 54 when he applied his brakes and was struck from behind by a Jeep being driven by an unidentified person.

The driver of the Jeep then backed into the Barnesville Post Office parking lot and fled toward Grier City without providing information to Eidem as required by law.

Anyone with information is asked to call state police at 570-874-5300.

Shenandoah store

faces liquor citation

SHENANDOAH — A Shenandoah business was cited by the state police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement after an incident on Feb. 23.

Police said Wednesday that Shenandoah One Stop Shop, 33 N. Main St., was cited for selling or permitting the sale of alcoholic beverages of a visibly intoxicated person.

The charges will be brought before an administrative law judge who has the authority to impose penalties ranging from $50 to $1,000 for minor offenses or up to $5,000 for more serious offenses.

In addition, the judge can also impose a license suspension or revocation of the license based on the severity of the charge and also mandate training for the licensee in an effort to educate them on the requirements of holding a liquor license.

Lykens man not hurt

in crash into pole

MILLERSBURG — A Lykens man escaped injury when the 2003 Ford Focus he was driving crashed about 1:55 a.m. Aug. 31 on Route 25 in Upper Paxton Township, Dauphin County.

State police at Lykens said Jason M. Brown, 22, was driving east when he fell asleep in the area of 1317 State Route 25, went off the right side of the road and struck a mailbox and a utility pole before coming to a stop in a yard.

Police said Brown will be cited for not driving on roadways laned for traffic as a result of the crash. Millersburg firefighters assisted at the scene.

NY woman not hurt

when car hit deer

MOUNT PLEASANT — A 51-year-old New York state woman escaped injury when the 2016 Kia Sorento she was driving struck a deer about 12:20 p.m. Thursday in the southbound lanes of Interstate 81.

State police at Frackville said Mary R. Huxley, Forestport, was driving south in the area of mile marker 114.7 in Foster Township when she struck the deer that jumped onto the highway directly into her path.

Police said Huxley was unable to avoid a collision and struck the animal, causing damage to her vehicle, including a punctured radiator and body and trim damage.

Possible shooting

under investigation

POTTSVILLE — Pottsville police are investigating a suspicious incident that occurred between 8 and 9 a.m. Tuesday in the area of Temple and Walnut streets.

Police said a 24-year-old Valley View man reported seeing a man getting out of a car with what he believed to be some type of gun.

The Valley View man then ran from the area and, while doing so, heard what could have been a gunshot, police said.

In relation to this incident, investigators are trying to identify a light-colored small four-door car with a dark strip from front to back on both sides. The car was being driven by a white man and was in the area around the time of the suspicious incident, police said.

Anyone with any information on the incident who has not already spoken to police is asked to call 570-628-3792.

The caller’s identity will be kept confidential if requested, police said.

Police: Man, 66,

assaulted by woman

POTTSVILLE — A city woman was jailed after being arrested by Pottsville police after officers responded to a report of a disturbance about 6:10 p.m. Wednesday in the area of 219 N. Centre St., Apt. 1C.

Police said their investigation revealed that Mary Smith, 35, of Pottsville, was having an argument with a 66-year-old Pottsville man outside of the garage of the apartment building.

During the argument, police said, Smith picked pieces of wood and a broom and swung them at the man and then pushed him down the steps resulting in a large piece of wood falling on him.

Smith then threw two full two-liter bottles at the victim while he was laying on the steps, police said.

The man complained of pain to the abdomen and suffered a minor swelling on the right side of his forehead.

He was treated at the scene by Schuylkill EMS.

Police said their investigation revealed that the man acted as a foster parent for Smith for about 20 years.

As a result of the incident, Patrolman Joel Methven charged Smith with domestic violence simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and harassment.

The woman was arraigned by on-call Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi, Tremont, and committed to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $5,000 bail, police said.

PSP at Lykens

releases July report

LYKENS — State police at Lykens reported receiving 710 calls for assistance during the month of July.

In the crime division, there were 164 criminal offenses reported, 158 determined to be valid and 90 cleared with 83 arrests made.

In the patrol division, troopers investigated 38 crashes and 10 hit-and-run crashes, resulting in a total of 14 people injured.

Patrol troopers also made 20 DUI arrests, issued 299 traffic citations and 103 warning notices.

PSP at Frackville

releases Aug. report

FRACKVILLE — State police at Frackville reported handling 878 incidents during the month of August.

In the crime section, police reported 80 criminal offenses were received and 76 determined to be valid. The investigations resulted in 42 cases cleared and 33 arrests made.

In the patrol section, police reported investigating 52 crashes and six hit-and-run crashes resulting in 15 injuries and no fatalities.

Police reported making four DUI arrests, investigating one DUI-related crash and issuing 355 citations and 72 warning notices.

POTTSVILLE — People in the Schuylkill County Drug Treatment Court program took the chance Thursday at its weekly session to discuss the tools they use to help them overcome their problems, with many saying anything that helps reduce the temptation to use drugs is helpful.

“Work is actually a very useful tool for me,” Jordan told Judge James P. Goodman and the other participants.

Joyce agreed that she looks for help wherever she needs to do so, including in meetings and with her family.

“My tool of recovery is to remember the consequences of my addiction,” she said.

Schuylkill County officials started the drug treatment court program this year to try to combat the widespread drug addiction problem, using a carrot-and-stick approach to the process. Other counties in Pennsylvania also have instituted drug treatment courts.

People in that 14-month program must undergo substance abuse treatment, make regular court appearances, submit to random drug testing and home visits, meet with probation officers, and comply with directives from the court and those officers. Participants must complete all five phases in order to graduate from the program; graduation is the carrot, resulting in dismissal of the charges against them.

However, since the defendants enter guilty pleas to the charges against them, failure to complete the program is the stick, resulting in them being sentenced, quite possibly to time in a state correctional institution. Only one person so far has been dismissed from the program and sent to prison.

There are 33 people in the program.

Don likes to call his sponsors to help resist the temptation to give in to his addiction.

“Tools, to me, are something that you use” to fight triggers that can lead back to drugs, he said.

Joshua also said daily calls to her sponsors are helpful.

Amy said meetings with anti-addiction groups are tools to help her recovery.

“I will only get out of the program what I put in,” she said.

Kelcie said coping skills, getting involved and counseling are the tools she uses to help with her recovery.

“A tool is an object that helps you get the job done,” she said.

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

RINGTOWN — On Easter Sunday, a transformer fire ignited a hedgerow on South Race Street and turned it into a wall of flame.

It was near homes including 106 Race St. And the children who live there, Vivian Swartz, who was 10 at the time, and her brother Paxton, 9, spent that afternoon helping their parents extinguish the burning bushes out by scooping buckets of water from the family’s above-ground pool.

“I learned that many things can happen in five seconds, or a minute,” Vivian, now 11, said Thursday night when describing the incident that occurred at 3:16 p.m. April 16.

“You just have to take action and do whatever you can to just help,” Vivian said.

“I mostly learned about firefighting from my dad,” Paxton said Thursday night at the headquarters of Ringtown Valley Fire & Rescue Company, 46 W. Main St.

He was referring to Matthew M. Swartz, who is a career firefighter with the Washington, D.C., Fire Department, Engine 20, and a volunteer with the borough fire department.

On Thursday night, the borough fire chief, Raymond J. Dunsavage, recognized the children for their efforts with certificates and $25 gift cards for Walmart.

“They pretty much saved the day,” the chief said.

The children’s parents, Matthew and Lara Swartz, were also there.

“We give awards every year to our volunteers for most hours of training, most hours on-call and most hours on fundraisers. But as far as just citizens or children, we don’t give out awards too often. And I wanted to do something for them. They should be commended for it,” the chief said.

Before the fire company’s monthly meeting, the chief honored the children.

“We appreciate everything you guys did,” the chief said as he gave each of the children a Certificate of Appreciation for “your courage and knowledge.”

“Your effort on assisting with extinguishing a fire is appreciated,” according to the certificates, which were signed by the chief.

According to Matthew, when the transformer caught fire on April 16, it sent embers more than 3 inches long flying down onto 106 S. Race St. and the home next door, 108 S. Race St., owned by James E. and Judith A. Veghte.

“It happened literally between our properties. The transformer exploded on top. And the pieces of wood on top of the power line were shooting embers down,” Matthew said.

At the time, the Swartz family was inside.

“She heard the bang,” Matthew said, referring to Lara.

“Paxton was the one who ran around the house and he smelled it,” Matthew said.

“I smelled the smoke and then I ran around the house to see if the house was on fire,” Paxton said.

“And he’s the one who found it burning up top,” Matthew said.

“I looked up and saw burn marks on the transformer. Then I looked up even further and the top of the pole was on fire. I went in and got my dad,” Paxton said.

“He came in. He got me. We went out. I called 911. I gave them the pole number. And that’s when the embers shot off, hit the ground and lit everything on fire,” Matthew said.

There’s a row of arborvitae trees between the homes.

“They’re about 8 to 10 feet high,” Matthew said.

And they caught fire.

“In seconds, it was a wall of fire. It went up like a matchstick, the dry leaves and the mulch and then it just went,” Matthew said.

“There’s also four smaller bushes there,” Vivian said.

They burned too. And the fire spread to the grass and was blowing toward 108 Race St., Matthew said.

“Part of our deck was singed,” Lara said.

“And our lawn furniture got singed,” Matthew said.

His wife grabbed a garden hose and took it around the house to fight the flames. But it wasn’t long enough.

“It just snapped off,” Lara said.

“It was a 50-footer at least. But it had to get from the other side of the house all the way around the back to where the fire was,” Matthew said.

Vivian came out with a dry-chemical extinguisher and handed it to her father.

“It didn’t do very well. It was only a small household one. It didn’t do much against the 20-by-10 foot wall of fire,” he said.

So Lara grabbed a bucket and headed toward the kitchen sink.

But Vivian suggested they use the pool.

“She said ‘Mom, I think we’ll do this out of the pool. We’ll get more water,’ ” Lara said.

Meanwhile, embers were burning holes in the cover of the family’s 18,000-gallon above-ground pool.

“I was panicking. She stopped me, calmed me down, then ran out to the pool,” Lara said.

Vivian found two buckets, headed toward the pool, pushed back the cover and started filling them up. Soon, her brother and her mother came out to help.

“I helped her fill them up a bit. She filled them up the most,” Paxton said, referring to Vivian.

“And the were holes in the pool cover that were burnt as she’s standing there trying to get buckets of water out of the pool. The fire was still blowing over onto our property,” Lara said.

“It was really windy. That’s what made it so bad. There were embers on our roof that were smoking a little bit,” Matthew said.

But they dealt with the wall of fire first.

“So they started running to our pool, filling buckets of water, they started handing them to me and I started throwing them on,” Matthew said.

“It took a lot of buckets of water to get it out,” Vivian said.

She said they filled up the buckets more than 20 times.

“And the neighbors were running with garbage containers filled with water, neighbors coming from all over,” Lara said.

When the fire company arrived, most of the fire was out, Matthew said.

“We didn’t have it completely out. But we stopped it from catching on the house. If we didn’t take any action, our neighbor’s house would have been on fire,” Matthew said.

In his notes, the chief had some information about the incident: “On scene, crews found a transformer on a pole involved, power lines down, a yard burning, hedges and trees involved. The fire just got to a wall of one residential with some discolor to wall and wooden deck. One 1.75-inch hand line placed in service from 30-10 (the number of the fire truck). About 600 gallon used to extinguish fire and cool wooden deck.”

Contact the writer: spytak@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6011

VALLEY VIEW — A new Valley View car wash could open next month or November, according to the Pine Grove developers who are expecting to spend more than a half million on the project.

“We are ahead of schedule, not withstanding all of the rain,” Dave Frew said Thursday. Frew and his brother, Mark, own Hembiere Group LLC, which was granted a variance request in February from the Hegins Township Zoning Hearing Board for the property at 1171 W. Main St.

The block building features three self-service bays, a soft-touch automatic wash bay and vacuum cleaners. Frew hasn’t decided on a name yet, but said it could possibly be called “Valley Car Wash.” Although prices are not finalized, Frew estimated the automatic wash will start at $5 and go up as options are selected, like dryer and undercarriage wash. Self-serve will start at $1.50. There will be vending machines for air fresheners and other items.

The site — at the corner of Main Street, which is Route 25 and Gap Street — was a car wash previously operated by the late John Harman and his family. Frank Krammes razed the old building and the Frews did their own excavation.

“My brother and I have always made our kids work over the summer, so they were very involved here. A large portion of the building of a car wash is not seen. The infrastructure of plumbing and heated floors is time consuming and slow, but when the roof goes on, it seems to move faster. We used local contractors, Smuckers Masonry and Central Penn Roofing, for these portions of the job. I love the Amish; no language barrier since we speak Pennsylvania Dutch,” Frew said.

Water used on-site will be recycled.

“Since there is no sewer, we have full reclaim, this is used for the wash cycles, and fresh water is used for rinse and wax cycles. Cars take about 30 percent of the water with them, so the fresh water is needed to keep the process current,” Frew said.

Sidewalks were not part of the original plan, but the Frews chose to add them.

“Based on how our approval was granted through zoning, it could have continued without them. However, after seeing what it looked like after the building was located, we decided to change course and install them. It was just something we decided had to be done to make it look right for the community, regardless of the additional cost,” Frew said.

Forrest Herb, a neighbor to the car wash at 104 Gap St., had expressed initial concerns about the facility to the zoning hearing board.

“I expected something like what was there before, with old buildings. But it’s been built very well and they cleaned up everything and have done a good job so far,” Herb said Thursday. Herb initially thought he wanted a buffer zone or a line of trees put up between the car wash and his home. Now, he said he prefers it open.

“I asked them to just forget the buffer zone. Now the view is much better and I can see the mountain. I don’t know how the other neighbor is, and I don’t know if he wants a buffer zone or not. I’m well pleased,” Herb said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

TAMAQUA — A project to repair the Wabash Creek culvert is costing more than expected.

Borough Manager Kevin Steigerwalt told the borough council this week that seven more areas needing repairs were recently discovered by project engineer Alfred Benesch and Co.

To make the repairs, it will cost $40,500, he said.

Benesch engineers also recommended waiting to replace an I-beam located in the culvert near the Tamaqua Public Library.

Steigerwalt said that the recommended changes bring the project’s total cost to $174,050. It was originally bid at $133,500.

Despite the jump, Steigerwalt said the bid was substantially less than bids received from other firms.

The council voted to approve the changes.

As for the I-beam, Steigerwalt said it will be replaced when the Railroad Street bridge is rehabilitated. Engineers believe removing the beam now could cause a “domino effect” of problems.

In other business, the council:

• Allowed temporary parking restrictions on streets near the Tamaqua Area School District’s stadium for the Oct. 7 Land of the Running Water band adjudication festival.

• Approved a request from Corey Smolar, owner of Hiller’s Hideaway, to block the 500 block of East Union Street from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 7 for a bike run and basket raffle to help the family of Cassidy Derr, the 17-year-old girl who died last month while walking home from an outdoor gathering with friends.

• Permitted the Tamaqua Police Department to scrap a vehicle and direct money received for it into a narcotics investigation fund. Police Chief Rick Weaver said the vehicle was donated to the department and no longer runs.

Contact the writer: jwhalen@standardspeaker.com

Ashland

The Ashland Public Library, 1229 Centre St., is having a mum sale Mondays through Saturdays September through October. Costs are from $10 to $18 with tickets available at the library. Mums may be picked up at Lynch’s Landscaping along the Ashland-Gordon road. For more information, call 570-875-3175.

Ashland

St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church will host “Living as God’s Beloved,” a study of the Gospel of St. John, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Sunday in the parish hall, 1115 Walnut St. The classes will continue Sept. 17 and 24 at the same time for the three-week study. The classes will be presented by John Kessler, a retired North Schuylkill literature teacher. The first class will focus on the author, St. John the Apostle, and his reasons for writing the book of the Bible’s New Testament. Those interested in attending should call the parish office at 570-875-1521 to register.

Ashland

The Ashland Elks Lodge will stage a gun/cash bingo from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Fountain Springs Fire Company, Route 61. The cost is $40 for bingo, specials, doors prizes, food and beverages. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-590-3459.

Gilberton

American Hose Company No. 2, 2315 High St., in the borough’s Mahanoy Plane section will sponsor the third annual motorcycle run from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday. Registration will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m., with kickstands up at noon. Food and refreshments will be available following the run. The cost is $25 per rider and the rain date is Sunday. The event is for people 21 and older. For more information, call 570-590-5713.

Mahanoy City

The Mahanoy Township High School Alumni will meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday at American Hose Company, Mahanoy Avenue and Eighth Street. Participants will discuss plans for the multi-class reunion to be held in fall 2018. The meeting is open to anyone who attended the former high school. For more information, call Pat at 570-668-6707.

Minersville

Mountaineer Hose Company, Third and South streets, will have a breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to noon Sunday featuring an open menu. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-544-2313.

Port Clinton

A Schuylkill On the Move hike is slated for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 16 at “The Pinnacle,” featuring “gorgeous views from the top of Blue Mountain” led by naturalist Robin Tracey. Hikers will meet Tracey at the state game lands parking lot near Port Clinton at 9:20 a.m. and carpool to the fire tower. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed and get along with people and other dogs. Participants should bring a lunch. The 10-mile hike is rated difficult. For more information, call Tracey at 570-467-2506.

Pottsville

Schuylkill Valley Sports, which has an outlet in Fairlane Village mall, Route 61, has announced its support of the Salvation Army in the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. Schuylkill Valley, in press release, said it is accepting monetary donations at all 15 retail locations through Sunday. “All locations will be accepting customer donations for the Salvation Army in their continued relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey,” Schuylkill Valley officials said in the release, adding, “any customer making a donation will receive a discount on their purchase at that time.” No purchase is necessary to make a donation. For more about Schuylkill Valley, go online to www.svsports.com.

Schuylkill Haven

A golf tournament sponsored by Penn State Schuylkill is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 24 at Mountain Valley Golf Course, 1021 Brockton Mountain Drive, Barnesville. The cost is $80 per golfer and $320 per team. The four-person scramble event will benefit the Penn State Schuylkill Alumni Scholarship Fund and athletic programs at the local campus. To register or for more information, call Patty Shoener at 570-385-6262.

SAINT CLAIR — Saint Clair police identified a woman who shot herself inside her vehicle Wednesday in the parking lot at Walmart.

Police Chief William Dempsey said Nadine Wessner, 56, of 1118 W. Market St., Apt. 3, Pottsville, suffered an apparent “self-inflicted gunshot wound.”

Dempsey said officers were called to the store parking lot at 500 Terry Rich Blvd. about 6:10 p.m. for a report of shots fired.

At the scene, the chief said, officers, assisted by officers from surrounding communities, discovered the woman inside a black Subaru suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Wessner was treated at the scene by Schuylkill EMS, taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill E. Norwegian Street and then transferred to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, Allentown.

As of Thursday afternoon, Dempsey said the woman remains a patient at the Lehigh Valley trauma center.

Dempsey said officers responding to the scene quickly realized the situation was under control, that there was no threat to the public and that no one else was involved in the incident.

Dempsey said the area where the woman’s vehicle was parked was in Row 6 of the lot near the store’s Home & Pharmacy entrance.

Assisting Saint Clair police at the scene were officers from New Philadelphia and Minersville.

Dempsey said that officers cleared the scene about 7:40 p.m.

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

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — About 150 quilts are on display this weekend at the Walk In Art Center for the Schuylkill County Quilters Guild’s Quilt Spectacular.

The event features an extensive display of bed quilts, wall hangings, demonstrations, vendors, prizes, auctions and lunch. It is being held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Walk In Art Center, 110 W. Columbia St. Admission is $5.

“There are so many personalities making these and there is such a variety of quilts,” Sue Paul, event chairwoman, said Friday.

“And we quilt from the heart,” Barb Schoenauer, guild member, said.

The guild currently has 81 members and the Quilt Spectacular serves as the organization’s only fundraiser. Formed in 1989, the guild held its first show in 1993. They previously showed off their work with annual shows but decided to put on larger events every other year at the Walk In Art Center starting in 2015.

“We decided to move it into this kind of quilt show and having this facility was key,” Paul said. “We do it in the opposite year of the Berks County Quilters Guild so we can go to their show and they can come to ours.”

Three large quilts will be raffled off, and some guild members are selling their quilts. The grand prize being raffled off is a sewing machine donated by Dan Kauffman’s Sewing Machines, Temple. There will also be various vendors and handmade items and quilting supplies for sale, as well as homemade food.

The fundraiser, along with club dues, allow the guild to award $75 scholarships to a student at each of the 13 schools districts in the county every year. They also donate quilts to a variety of causes and organizations throughout the year.

“There is great pride in quilting,” Paul said. “It’s a love that is definitely passed through family.”

For others looking to learn how to quilt, guild members started sponsoring classes this year at the Walk In Art Center. They have three more presentations before the end of the year. The next one will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 7. Participants will learn how to use personal pictures to make art quilts. The class is $20.

The other Quilting 101 classes are $30 and will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 19 and Nov. 2.

“It’s a missing piece we didn’t have here and felt that it was important part of folk art specifically to the people in our area,” Lisa Robinson, executive director of the Walk In Art Center, said. “Quilts tell a story and hold a memory.”

Paul said people interested in becoming a member of the Schuylkill County Quilters Guild are invited to attend their meetings held at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of every month at the First United Methodist Church, 420 Saylor St., Schuylkill Haven. For more information, follow the Schuylkill County Quilters Guild on Facebook.

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

POTTSVILLE — A blighted house at 317 S. Centre St. was damaged by fire Friday afternoon.

All seven fire companies from the Pottsville Fire Department and the Schuylkill Haven Rapid Intervention Team responded to the house fire.

The online Schuylkill Parcel Locator lists the property owner as Arthur A. Johns.

Bill Dewald, Pottsville assistant fire chief, said firefighters were dispatched at 12:34 p.m. to a working structure fire. Pottsville police were also on scene as were Schuylkill EMS.

A supervisor with the Schuylkill County Communications Center said they received “multiple calls” about the fire.

“We had heavy fire on the first floor,” Dewald said.

On arrival, crews found fire shooting out of the south side of the building. At one point, the fire made its way up the stairs but was stopped before it got to the second floor. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in about 10 minutes. Smoke was still visible from the eaves of the roof at 1:06 p.m. Firefighters were checking hot spots at 1:30 p.m. Dewald said he didn’t hear any working smoke alarms in the building.

The house is uninhabitable from the fire and smoke damage. A damage estimate was not available.

“It’s under investigation,” Dewald said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

Penn State Schedule

S2 vs. Akron, W 52-0

S9 vs. Pittsburgh, 3:30 p.m.

S16 vs. Georgia State, 7:30 p.m.

S23 at Iowa, TBD

S30 vs. Indiana, TBD

O6 at Northwestern, Noon

O20 vs. Michigan, TBD

O27 at Ohio State, 3:30 p.m.

N4 at Michigan State, TBD

N11 vs. Rutgers, Noon

N18 vs. Nebraska, TBD

N25 at Maryland, TBD

Deeds

Coaldale, Pottsville and Tamaqua — Street Stage Inc. to Quality Heating and Renovations Inc.; five properties; $1.

Mahanoy City — Quisqueya Reynoso to Camron Gregg and Samantha Rebelo; 27 W. Maple St.; $2,050.

Thomas J. and Diane M. Maziekas to Nathaniel Segura; property on West Railroad Street; $1,250.

Thomas J. and Diane M. Maziekas to April Segura; 632 and 634 W. Railroad St.; $2,500.

Thomas J. and Diane M. Maziekas to April Segura; property on West Railroad Street; $1,250.

Port Carbon — JPMorgan Chase Bank NA to Atanos Jarrah LLC; 228 N. Coal St.; $6,000.

Rush Township — Tamaqua Associates LP to AutoZone Development LLC; 45 Plaza Drive, Hometown; $175,000.

Saint Clair — Gregory A. and Michelle A. Hueston to Michelle A. Hueston; 36 N. Morris St.; $1.

Schuylkill Township — Milton D. and Geraldine M. Drum to Mark P. and Adriane Drum; 119 N. Main St., MaryD; $1.

ALTAMONT — On Tuesday, construction officially began on the more than $400,000 waterline replacement and road reconstruction project on Altamont Boulevard and portions of Mall Road in West Mahanoy, Ryan and New Castle townships.

While the project will reinforce the existing water distribution system there, and vastly improve the road, it will also add a new connection point to encourage industrial development in the area, according to Patrick M. Caulfield, executive director of the Schuylkill County Municipal Authority.

“As far as the timing and scheduling, as I stand here today, the 1,200 linear feet of line is in. Starting Monday, Schuylkill Paving, as part of the West Mahanoy Township contract, will come in and essentially demolish and rip out the existing roadway. And the roadway will be reconstructed in its entirety from curb to curb,” Caulfield said Friday at a press conference in the construction zone, near the entrance to State Correctional Institution/Frackville.

“It will take two to three weeks,” Joseph J. Smith, SCMA utility manager, said.

In summer 2016, SCMA started making plans to replace 1,200 feet of aging 10-inch water pipe under that stretch of Altamont Boulevard with a new 12-inch coated ductile iron pipe.

It delivers the primary water supply to the prison.

“And it will ultimately be another feed point for what we call our Mount Laurel Service Area,” Caulfield said.

Then SCMA, West Mahanoy Township and NorthPoint Development, Riverside, Missouri, the owners of the Schuylkill Mall, worked together on a plan to replace the surface of the road, Caulfield said.

“West Mahanoy Township owns Altamont Boulevard to the township line,” Caulfield said.

“This roadway was a total mess for several years which could have ended up costing the township a lot more than what has developed here today with working in partnership together with everybody,” David “Lucky” Lukashunas, chairman of the West Mahanoy Township supervisors, said at the press conference.

The rest of the roadway in the project area is privately owned by NorthPoint.

“NorthPoint stepped up to the plate and agreed to pay for their portion of repaving at the same time on their private portion of the road,” Caulfield said.

“NorthPoint graciously agrees to partner in this project as we recognize that infrastructure investment is a significant key to successful economic development,” Brent Miles, NorthPoint vice president, said in the release.

Contracts were awarded to Doli Construction, Chalfont, for the waterline project at a cost of $272,906, and Schuylkill Paving for the road reconstruction at a cost of $171,000, Caulfield said.

State Rep. Neal P. Goodman, D-123, Mahanoy City, and state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Township, made efforts to secure grants to assist with the financing, Caulfield said.

On Dec. 6, 2016, West Mahanoy Township received $100,000 through the Department of Community and Economic Development Multimodal Transportation Fund to reconstruct the roadway, add additional stormwater drainage structures and regrade shoulders.

On March 29, SCMA received $200,000 from the DCED Small Water and Sewer Projects Program, administered through the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

Representatives of SCI/Frackville present at the press conference Friday included Jamie Sorber, the prison’s deputy superintendent.

“We just appreciate the work that these men have put in and the planning that they’ve done to make some vital repairs to the infrastructure and maintain the road and access point to our facility,” Sorber said.

“This project and this repaving is going to be crucial, not only to the existing customers and the existing users in the area, but ultimately it will provide additional opportunity for future development and job creation down the road,” Caulfield said.

“This is the first step to what I see as long-term job creation,” Goodman said at the press conference.

NorthPoint is planning to demolish the Schuylkill Mall in the near future and in its place build two industrial buildings, one 890,000 square feet and the other 360,000 square feet, Caulfield said in a press release.

“Both of those will support substantial job opportunities and that will be taking place within the next 12 months. This water line is a key component of that, as is the access road,” Frank J. Zukas, president of the Schuylkill Economic Development Corp., said at the press conference.

“The proposed plans by Northpoint Development, parent company to NorthPoint, are an appropriate repurposing of the mall site given the continuing demand on the I-81 corridor for both logistics and multi-tenant manufacturing space of this size and configuration. The local support by the New Castle Township Supervisors, the Saint Clair Area School District and the county commissioners in adopting the LERTA program as an incentive for attracting private sector occupants for these facilities will provide a competitive advantage to this development,” Zukas said in the release.

The new waterline will serve as a connection point for a future line that will one day be installed across both northbound and southbound lanes of state Route 61. That will happen in conjunction with state Department of Transportation State Route 61 Reconstruction Project from Frackville to Saint Clair planned for 2019-20, Caulfield said.

Contact the writer: spytak@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6011

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Andrew Johnson wants people to know how important Schuylkill United Way has been in helping him become a better Boy Scout and a better person.

“Because of the Schuylkill United Way’s support of Boy Scouts, boys like me have a chance to earn, grow and experience the world,” Johnson, 17, of Orwigsburg, told about 60 people assembled Friday for the Schuylkill United Way Kick Off Breakfast at Penn State Schuylkill. “I learned and grew through all these challenges.”

Johnson, a Life Scout with Troop 621, Orwigsburg, discussed his trip to Alaska with the troop, and how it turned into an opportunity to work with Northern Lights High Adventure in the Land of the Midnight Sun. He described one hike through Gates of the Arctic National Park near the Arctic Circle.

“There were no trails, and we didn’t see anyone up there,” Johnson said.

Johnson said the experience changed his life.

“I met a lot of great people,” he said. “I improve my communications skills. I made memories that will last a lifetime.”

The Hawk Mountain Council, of which Troop 621 is a part, is one of the 14 human services agencies that receive help from Schuylkill United Way. Those agencies serve 118,000 people from Andreas to Ashland and Mahanoy City to Molino, county commissioners Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr. said.

Schuylkill United Way’s campaign to benefit those agencies started with Friday’s breakfast and runs through Nov. 17. Its fundraising goal is $1,100,081; Executive Director Kelly K. Malone said the group already has raised $321,659, or 29 percent of its goal.

A significant portion of that amount raised comes from the Pacesetters group, comprised of people who donate at least $500 to the campaign. Joseph H. “Jay” Jones Jr., who co-chairs the group with Bob Weaver, said the group includes 130 people and already has raised $132,000.

“We’re off to another great start,” Jones said.

Director of Community Relations Allie Andrews said 2017 has shown how many ways the group can unite the county.

“(The year) 2017 was a year of new experiences, new events,” including the Capt. Jason B. Jones Memorial Day of Caring, a letter-writing campaign that resulted in more than 14,000 pieces of mail being sent to military personnel, the 15th Stuff the Bus drive that led to more than 1,500 backpacks being distributed and the first High School Football Challenge, which Schuylkill Haven Area won.

Campaign Chairman Andrew D. Smarkanic, retired superintendent of the North Schuylkill School District, looks forward to the challenge of leading the effort.

“It’s truly an honor and a privilege to be (the campaign chairman),” he said. “There are a tremendous amount of individuals in the county who rely on our services.”

Chris Cohoon will join Smarkanic as the chairman of the Tamaqua Area division of the campaign. The Tamaqua Area goal is $135,081.

Smarkanic said he cannot be the only one striving for success.

“We reach our goal only if we all do our part,” he said.

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

Frackville

The community pool committee of Frackville Public Spaces Inc. will meet at 7 p.m. Monday in the borough council meeting room at the Frackville Municipal & Community Center, Center and Oak streets. The meeting is open to the public and new volunteers are welcome to help with the project to construct a new community swimming pool. The FPS is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization created to raise money for the pool.

Mahanoy City

Post Q Anthracite Region, Travelers Protective Association of America, was among three TPA posts statewide that participated in the annual Labor Day Coffee Break, aimed at providing relief for travelers heading home following the holiday weekend. Post members provided free coffee, iced tea, lemonade, water, doughnuts, cookies and bananas for travelers on Sept. 3 at the Interstate 81 south rest area after the Grantville exit. Edwin Miller, Post Q secretary and Pennsylvania Labor Day chairman, said in a press release the annual coffee breaks “have been a welcome relief” for travelers. Post members manned their stand from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and provided more than 500 cups of coffee, 400 cold drinks and other items. They also distributed TPA safety literature. The post also lauded businesses that made the coffee break possible, including: Bill’s Produce, Schuylkill Haven; Brok-Sel, Pottsville; BG’s Value Market, Kings Village, Minersville; Boyer’s Market, Pottsville; Weis Market, Pottsville, and Giant Market, Pottsville and Cressona. All donations given at the coffee break will go toward the TPA’s Hearing Impaired Fund and Homer T. Wilson Fund. Post Q meets at 6 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month in the Good American Fire Company Hall, East Mahanoy Avenue. New members are always welcomed.

Minersville

The Minersville Area Historical Society will host a session about the political history of the area at 7 p.m. Sept. 21 in the Mountaineer Hose Company Hall, South Third Street. Admission is free. The program will be presented by William Hanley. For more information, call 570-544-9482.

Shenandoah

The annual Father Walter J. Ciszek Day will be marked on Oct. 15 with a 2 p.m. Divine Liturgy in the St. Casimir Sacred Worship Site of Divine Mercy Roman Catholic Parish. St. Casimir Church is at 29 N. Jardin St. The late Ciszek, a native son of St. Casimir Church, is a candidate for sainthood in the Catholic Church. In 1941 he was arrested for alleged espionage for the Vatican, imprisoned and then detained in the former Soviet Union for more than 20 years, during which he prayed, celebrated Divine Liturgy, heard confessions and otherwise administered to the faithful despite risk to his own safety. He was finally released in 1963 in exchange for two Russian spies. He returned home to a widely heralded Mass of Thanksgiving in St. Casimir Church and then worked at the John XXIII Center at Fordham University in New York. He died on Dec. 8, 1984, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, and is buried at the Jesuit Novitiate, Wernersville. The main celebrant for the Oct. 15 service will be Monsignor Ronald C. Bocian, Divine Mercy pastor, and the homilist will be Jesuit Father Brian Van Hove, according to The A.D. Times, the newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Allentown. Van Hove, as a young Jesuit at Fordham in the 1970s, knew Ciszek. A social in St. Casimir Hall will follow the liturgy. The new Father Walter J. Ciszek Prayer League Center at 218 W. Cherry St. will be open to visitors from noon to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 15.

Shenandoah

The Shenandoah Area Free Public Library’s fall dinner will be held Oct. 1 at Francesco’s Ristorante, 10 N. Main St., with cocktails at 1 p.m. and dinner at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and all proceeds will benefit the library. The deadline for reservations is Sept. 26. For reservations or more information, call the library at 570-462-9829 or the office of the revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc. at 570-462-2060. The library, at the Washington and Main streets municipal complex, services Shenandoah borough as well as the West Mahanoy Township villages of Shenandoah Heights, Weston Place, Brownsville, Raven Run, Lost Creek, William Penn and Lost Creek No. 2 as well as the Mahanoy Township village of Yatesville, a total population of well over 7,000.