PALO ALTO — Flames ripped through an unoccupied house in the borough early Friday morning, bringing area firefighters out into single-digit temperatures.

Palo Alto Fire Chief William Buckingham said firefighters were called to 634 W. Bacon St. around 1 a.m. for a report of a house fire and found heavy fire to the rear of the single home.

“The place was a fireball when we got here,” the chief said. “It was fully involved.”

Buckingham said crews from Palo Alto and surrounding communities worked in frigid temperatures for about 2 1/2 hours to bring the blaze under control.

Due to the magnitude of the fire, Buckingham said he decided to have crews battle the flames from the outside, choosing not to send firefighters into the burning structure.

At one point, firefighters had a problem with water pressure, prompting the call for tanker trucks from surrounding communities.

“We lost water pressure. There was a water main break in Pottsville that may have played a part,” Buckingham said.

The building is owned by John Vandermeer, who lives a short distance east of the gutted house.

Vandermeer said he purchased the home in July and was in the process of renovating it so his daughter can move in and stay close to home.

“I guess those plans didn’t work out,” he said.

Vandermeer said the building was insured, and had electricity and other utilities in operation at the time of the fire.

Buckingham said a state police fire marshal from Troop L, Reading, was contacted and will be assisting in determining the cause of the fire.

Firefighters from Palo Alto, Pottsville, Port Carbon, Saint Clair, Mount Carbon and Schuylkill Haven battled the blaze while New Philadelphia firefighters were relocated to the Palo Alto fire station in the event another emergency call would come in.

Buckingham said that when the water pressure dropped, a tanker task force was activated bringing tanker trucks from Schuylkill Haven, Landingville and other communities to the scene to shuttle water.

He said Rapid Intervention Teams from Pottsville and Schuylkill Haven were at the scene as well as Schuylkill EMS.

No injuries were reported and West Bacon Street was closed for several hours while crews worked to extinguish the blaze.

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

TAMAQUA — Free hats, gloves and scarves are available at The Giving Tree in Depot Square Park.

This is the second year for the Giving Tree after the idea started when members of Safer Streets for Tamaqua’s Little Feet noticed some people in the borough didn’t have appropriate winter attire.

“There is definitely a need,” Tammy Sienkiewicz, treasurer of Safer Streets for Tamaqua’s Little Feet, said.

The organization was established by John and Tammy Sienkiewicz, Tamaqua, parents of Alexandria “Alex” Sienkiewicz, who died from acute fentanyl toxicity April 2, 2016.

Items are free to take from the tree. There are items for men, women and children.

The items are replaced about every other day. So far, 400 items have been placed on the tree. Donations make the effort possible.

“It is a no-questions-asked tree,” she said.

Sometimes people might not seek the help they need because they feel embarrassed or ashamed, she said.

This year, Sienkiewicz estimates 1,500 items will be placed on the tree.

There is another tree inside the Tamaqua Salvation Army, 105 W. Broad St., during regular business hours. Additional assistance is available at the Salvation Army building.

Last year, there were three trees for people to remove winter accessories from. About 3,000 items were donated.

“The community has been very supportive with donations,” Sienkiewicz said.

Donations can be dropped off at the Tamaqua Salvation Army building during normal business hours, Sienkiewicz said.

More information is available on the Safer Streets for Tamaqua’s Little Feet Facebook page. A GoFundMe page has also been established to help with the effort and is available at The Giving Tree Safer Streets.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6028

MAHANOY CITY — The frigid cold may have canceled the morning celebration of the Feast of the Theophany at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church, but the spirit of the important feast day was still observed at the afternoon Divine Liturgy.

The Very Rev. James Carroll, pastor, canceled the 9 a.m. Divine Liturgy due to the unforgiving cold and winter conditions and had also canceled the celebration of the feast day’s vigil Divine Liturgy on Friday at his other parish, St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Church in Brockton.

Theophany is a major feast day in eastern Christian churches throughout the world that is celebrated on Jan. 6, which is also the Feast of the Epiphany in western Christian churches. The visit of the Magi to Jesus when he was a small child is part of the Theophany feast.

Theophany comes from the Greek word, “theophania,” which means “appearance of God” or “manifestation of God.” Theophany is the first feast in the Christian church before Christmas was introduced as a separate feast, according to St. John Chrysostom.

The main focus of Theophany is the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by St. John the Baptist, which was the first manifestation of the Holy Trinity in the three persons of the Father, who spoke from Heaven, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit, who descended in the form of a dove.

In addition to Jesus’ baptism, Theophany traditionally includes other manifestations of God in the Nativity, the wedding feast at Cana, the visit by the Magi and the presentation of Jesus in the Temple as a child, all of which indicate in some way the manifestation of God on Earth.

Carroll began the Divine Liturgy for the vigil of the Sunday after Theophany, which istoday, with the Jordan Water blessing prayers normally used at the end of the Theophany Divine Liturgy.

Carroll, assisted by altar boy Isaiah Kupchinsky, blessed the water with the traditional prayers using one trikiri, which is three candles connected to each other at the base. The lighted trikiri was dipped three times into the water one candle at a time, extinguishing the flames. As part of the ritual, Carroll blew over the water in the sign of the cross and also used his hand to make the sign in the water.

After the water was blessed, he walked through the church and sprinkled the Jordan water on everyone using a brush made of hyssop.

The spirit of Theophany was explained in the church bulletin:

“This first public manifestation of Christ Jesus has two aspects: humility and glory. By publicly submitting to John’s baptism of repentence, Christ reveals his humility. John’s testimony and the divine witness of the Father and the Spirit reveal Christ’s glory. Take note: Every manifestation of Christ Jesus, both in history and in the inner life of each of us, is simultaneously a manifestation of both glory and humility. Whoever tries to separate the two commits an error, which falsifies the whole of spiritual life.”

During his homily, Carroll spoke of the combining of the feast and the Saturday vigil liturgies.

“We have during this liturgy a little bit of today and a little bit of tomorrow,” Carroll said. “It seems like that ever since Christmas, time has just flown past. It has dragged a little bit these last few days because of the cold and thinking when is this going to end. Yet, we’re still called to the grace and the light and the spirit of God that continue to warm hearts, continues to remind us that it is baptism for each and every one of us that we have in common as citizens of heaven. We have become members of the household of God and that it is Christ who dwells in each of us.”

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, people came up to the Jordan water to fill containers to take home with them. They also were able to use small cups to drink the water there, which is a tradition, and were anointed with blessed oil by Carroll and could eat a piece of blessed, not consecrated, bread.

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

Schuylkill County District Attorney Michael A. O’Pake and county detectives are asking for the public’s help in finding a man wanted for failing to appear in Schuylkill County Court for jury selection.

Robert Francis Seigel, 53, failed to appear at the courthouse on Aug. 15, 2017, for jury selection on his original charges of two felony counts of conspiracy-possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, three felony counts of possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and misdemeanor offenses of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Seigel is described as being white, about 6 feet tall and weighing about 150 pounds. He has a last known address of 309 E. Centre St., Mahanoy City, detectives said.

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

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

In addition, anyone who may see or come in contact with Seigel should call the Schuylkill County Communications Center or their local police department immediately.

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

On Wednesday, fugitive Harold Fowler was apprehended by county detectives and Frackville police.

He was featured as Fugitive of the Week on Nov. 19, 2017.

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

Welcome to stargazing in 2018!

January nights are the best of times, but can also be the worst of times for stargazing. It’s certainly not for the cold weather faint of heart! But if you bundle up and especially keep your feet and hands warm, you’ll be rewarded with the best celestial show of the year over Pottsville as far as I’m concerned!

It’s a great time to break-in that new Christmas telescope, but even with binoculars or your naked eyes you’ll definitely be star struck! Just make sure your face isn’t struck by frostbite! By the way, you can check out my Starwatch column from Dec. 24 to help you get the most out of a new telescope and some great first light celestial targets.

We’ve already had our first full moon of January on Monday, but that’s not the only full moon. We’ll have another full moon on Jan. 31. Since we have a full moon every 29.5 days, two full moons in one month aren’t very common. A rare second full moon in a calendar month is traditionally called a “Blue Moon” but on Jan. 31 the moon will actually be turning blood red as we’ll have a nearly total lunar eclipse

The next 2 1/2 weeks will be great for chilled stargazing without a bright moon in the sky. Give yourself at least 15 minutes to get used to the darkness and also the cold! Then, armed with your night vision, look in the low northeastern sky for the Big Dipper, standing up diagonally on its handle.

Even though the Big Dipper is the most recognized star pattern in the sky, it is not an official constellation. The Big Dipper is actually the rear end and tail of the Big Bear, known more formally as Ursa Major. The entire Big Bear is a little difficult to see right now because it’s still pretty low in the sky, and you’re forced to look through more of Earth’s blurring atmosphere.

Nonetheless, look to the upper right of the pot section of the Big Dipper for a skinny triangle of three slightly dimmer stars that outline the head of the celestial bear. Below and to the right of the Big Bear’s head look for two moderately bright stars, Talitha and Al Kaprah, which together mark Ursa Major’s front paw.

The fainter Little Dipper, otherwise known as Ursa Minor or the Little Bear, is hanging by its handle, or tail, above the Big Dipper. At the end of the Little Dipper’s handle is Polaris, otherwise known as the North Star.

By no means is Polaris the brightest star in the night sky, but it’s an important one. It’s what I call the “lynchpin of the heavens.” That’s because it shines directly above the Earth’s North Pole. As a result, all of the stars and planets, the sun, the moon and anything else in the sky seem to revolve around Polaris once every 24 hours as the Earth rotates on its axis in the same period.

The main stage in the January sky show is definitely in the eastern half of the sky, where Orion and his Gang are setting up celestial camp. Surrounding the constellation Orion are the brilliant constellations Taurus the Bull, Auriga the Chariot Driver, Gemini the Twins and Orion’s hunting dogs Canis Major and Canis Minor. I love this part of the sky! Orion’s brightest stars are Rigel at his knee and Betelgeuse at his armpit. In fact, Betelgeuse is an Arabic name that roughly translates to “armpit of the great one” in English. Other shining jewels of Orion are the three stars in a diagonal row that outline the belt of the celestial hunter. From the lower left to upper right the stars are Alnitak, Alnilam and Mintaka. Nowhere else in the sky will you see three bright stars lined up so nicely!

Unfortunately, there are no bright planets available in the evening sky this month but if you’re up early Jupiter and Mars are putting on quite a show in the low southeastern sky between 5 to 7 a.m.

The two planets are in a very tight conjunction this weekend, what I like to call celestial huggings. Right now they’re way less than a degree apart, less than the width of your finger held at arm’s length. Jupiter by far is the brighter of the two. In fact, Jupiter is by far the brightest star-like object in the early morning sky right now. Even without binoculars or a telescope, Mars has a definite reddish hue to it.

Jupiter and Mars are physically nowhere near each other, though. They’re just in the same line of sight. Jupiter is actually more than 550 million miles away and Mars is more than 180 million miles from Earth. These type of conjunctions of planets actually happen quite often as our Earth and the rest of the major planets in our solar system orbit the sun in nearly the same mathematical plane.

Through the rest of January, from morning to morning, Mars and Jupiter will gradually separate. Try to catch the Jupiter/Mars show this weekend or at least early this coming week. As an added incentive the waning crescent will be joining Jupiter and Mars in the southeastern predawn sky on Thursday.

By the way you’ll be hearing a lot more about Mars this summer as Mars and Earth will making their closest approach to each other since 2003. That will be the biggest astronomical happening of 2018. Stay tuned!

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

HARRISBURG — Although Jeni Fey has competed in rodeos since she was five, this year was the first time the Hegins teen attempted to battle at the state farm show in Harrisburg.

Fey, atop her 11-year-old quarter horse Charlie, competed Saturday in the Pennsylvania High School Rodeo Association Championships at the 102nd Pennsylvania Farm Show.

“I might be a little nervous running in front of a lot of people, but I’m usually so focused on my run that I think I’ll be OK,” Fey said.

She decided to compete this year, knowing it was the last year she was eligible as a high school student and that other friends had participated and enjoyed it. The Tri-Valley senior competed in three events — goat tying on Friday, which was not open to the public, and barrel racing and pole bending on Saturday. An average of 50 riders usually take part in the rodeo events, she said.

The precision timing needed between horse and rider drew her to the sport, especially in the pole bending event, which is her favorite.

“I like the pole bending because it’s more challenging. You have to be working together,” Fey, 17, said.

Fey just got Charlie in October.

“He was trained when I got him and so far we’ve been doing great,” she said.

She uses Charlie for barrel racing and pole bending, and her other horse, Teo, a 21-year-old quarter horse, for goat tying.

“I’ve had him since I was 10,” she said.

In pole bending, the rider races the horse straight down alongside a series of poles, turning and weaving through them, then turns at the end of the row and weaves back through the poles. They then race alongside the poles back to the starting area to complete a run.

In barrel racing, the rider/horse team goes around three barrels in cloverleaf fashion. In goat tying, the rider and horse catch up to a goat, the rider jumps off the horse and ties two back legs and one front leg of the goat with rope. The fastest time wins in all of the events.

Jeni’s parents, Jesse and Lisa Fey, and sister, Jessica, were in the barns with her Saturday afternoon in the North East Hall and watched her performances in the Large Arena. Jeni and her horses arrived Friday.

Watching her daughter can be “nerve-racking,” Lisa admitted.

Interest in equines has been a family tradition. Lisa had been a barrel racer but no longer competes, and Jessica competes and is a farrier. The family owns eight horses.

Jeni said she’d like to study equine dentistry or possibly medical coding. She is treasurer of the Tri-Valley Future Farmers of America Chapter and is slated to receive her Keystone Degree at the FFA Mid-Winter Conference on Monday at the Farm Show. On Saturday, she also assisted at Fan Fair, where fans could greet the rodeo performers in the Large Arena.

Fey said she won’t know the final results of the rodeo for several days. Based on point standings at the end of the rodeo season, the top four rodeo participants will be selected to compete in the national high school rodeo event in Wyoming in July, she said.

In barrel racing, her time was 17.5 seconds; in goat tying, 12 and 13 seconds; and in pole bending, 23.5 seconds.

Fey practices in fields near her home and also at least once a week in an arena in Annville. She’s competed in rodeos in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio and Maryland.

“I’ve been riding ever since I can remember,” she said.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

The state Department of Transportation has several projects planned for Schuylkill County roadways this week, according to Sean A. Brown, safety press officer for PennDOT District 5, Allentown.

• Brush cutting from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday on Burma Road in Ryan and Blythe townships between Morea Road and Saint Clair with lane restrictions and flagging.

• Inspection from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday on Interstate 81 in Pine Grove Township between Exit 100 (Route 443) and Lebanon County line with southbound lane restrictions.

• Crack sealing from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday on Interstate 81 in Butler and West Mahanoy townships between Exit 119 (Highridge Park Road) and Exit 124 (Route 61) with lane restrictions in both directions.

• Shoulder work/widening from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday on Lofty Road in Kline Township between Route 339 and Main Street with lane restrictions and flagging.

• Brush cutting from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday on Route 443 in West Penn Township between Route 309 and Route 895 with lane restrictions and flagging.

• Crack sealing from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday on Route 61 in West Brunswick Township between Schuylkill Haven and Deer Lake with lane restrictions.

• Brush cutting from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday on Route 924 in East Union Township between Route 339 and Sheppton with lane restrictions and flagging.

• Bridge inspection work from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday on Interstate 81 in Pine Grove Township between Lebanon County line and Exit 100 (Route 443) with lane restrictions in both directions.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 825 traffic cameras. The 511PA service is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices by calling 5-1-1 or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website. Follow regional PennDOT information on Twitter at www.twitter.com/511PAAllentown.

Geisinger Medical Center, Danville

To Phillip and Melissa Weand Strouse, Mahanoy City, a son, Dec. 26.

Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill S. Jackson Street

To Kevin and Sarah Klinger Witmer Sr., Pine Grove, a son, Dec. 24.

To Matthew Spece and Suzan Reber, Saint Clair, a son, Dec. 28.

POTTSVILLE — Two people admitted Wednesday to a Schuylkill County judge that they disobeyed protection from abuse orders that had been entered against them.

Caleb L. Derr, 23, of Tremont, and Jolene R. Drust, 38, of Schuylkill Haven, each pleaded guilty to indirect criminal contempt, which is contempt committed outside the courtroom, in unrelated cases.

Senior Judge D. Michael Stine accepted the pleas and sentenced each defendant to pay costs and a $300 fine. In Drust’s case, he also extended the order against her for another six months.

State police at Schuylkill Haven alleged Derr violated the order against him by leaving his vehicle during a custody exchange on Dec. 12, 2017, in Tremont.

Schuylkill Haven borough police alleged Drust violated the order against her by sending text messages to the victim, thereby violating a provision barring any contact, on Dec. 10, 2017, in the borough.

Prosecutors withdrew charges of driving under the influence and disregarding traffic lane they had filed against Joseph J. Piazza, 59, of Orwigsburg. Penn State University police had alleged Piazza was DUI on April 6, 2017, in Orwigsburg.

President Judge William E. Baldwin signed an order on Dec. 28, 2017, allowing prosecutors to withdraw the charges and directing Piazza to pay the costs of the case.

Also, a Bethlehem man must return to state prison after a Schuylkill County judge sentenced him on Friday for corrupting the morals of a teenage girl.

Brad M. Stevens, 28, must serve four to 24 months in a state correctional institution, Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin decided. Dolbin imposed the sentence, which also requires the defendant to pay costs and undergo sex offender treatment, after revoking Stevens’ probation.

Stevens originally pleaded guilty on June 18, 2014, to corruption of minors, with prosecutors withdrawing a charge of statutory sexual assault. At that time, Dolbin sentenced him to serve 11 1/2 to 23 months in prison, plus three additional years on probation, pay costs and $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account, and have no contact with his victim.

State police at Frackville alleged Stevens corrupted the morals of the victim, a 15-year-old girl, on June 26, 2013, at the skate park in Coaldale.

On Thursday in the county court, Judge John E. Domalakes revoked the parole of Carly Jo Fairchild, 24, of Coaldale, and recommitted her to prison to serve the rest of her sentence, which ends May 17.

Fairchild, who admitted violating the terms of her parole, originally pleaded guilty on June 17, 2015, to possession of drug paraphernalia. At that time, Domalakes placed Fairchild on probation for 12 months, and also sentenced her to pay costs, $100 to the Substance Abuse Education Fund and a $235.50 bench warrant fee.

Coaldale police charged Fairchild with possessing paraphernalia on Oct. 14, 2014, in the borough.

However, Domalakes revoked Fairchild’s probation on June 14, 2016, and sentenced her to serve 82 days to 12 months in prison.

Also Thursday, Judge James P. Goodman dismissed a charge of harassment against Shayla M. Rivera, 18, of Orwigsburg, when the alleged victim did not appear in court.

Pottsville police alleged Rivera harassed the alleged victim on July 24, 2017, in the city. Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville, had found Rivera guilty on Sept. 25, 2017, but the defendant appealed that ruling on Oct. 20, 2017.

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

Hegins man faces harassment charge

HEGINS — Hegins Township police filed charges against Ryan Sibel, 32, of 423 Deep Creek Road, Hegins, relating to an incident that was reported on Dec. 29, 2017.

Sibel was charged with one misdemeanor count of prohibited offensive weapons, one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia, and one summary count of harassment.

It was reported to police that Sibel threatened to harm his grandfather, police said. A subsequent search of the residence discovered metal knuckles and drug paraphernalia, according to police.

Charges were filed with Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi, Tremont.

Police: Dirt bike stolen in Valley View

VALLEY VIEW — Sometime between October and December 2017, a blue Yamaha TTR250 dirt bike was removed from a shed at 317 W. Main St., Valley View, Hegins Township police said.

Anyone with information on this incident should call Hegins Township police at 570-682-3133.

BARNESVILLE — The 2018 reorganization meeting of the Ryan Township supervisors was held Jan. 2 with the supervisors retaining their offices and most township appointments remaining the same.

Supervisor David R. Morgan remains as board chairman, with Clyde “Champ” Holman re-elected as vice chairman and Franklin R. Fetter as secretary.

The following appointments/reappointments were made:

• Treasurer: Cathy Riotto

• Solicitor: Christopher M. Riedlinger

• Road foreman: Theodore Romanick, who replaced retired foreman John “Jack” Blew

• Consulting engineer: ARRO Consulting Inc.

• Chief of police: Richard Sinton

• Tax collector: Mary Peca

• Deputy tax collector: Ann Pascavage, who will assist Peca as needed

• Code enforcement officer: William N. McMullen of ARRO as primary officer

• Sewage enforcement officer: McMullen as primary officer. Alternates are William C. Brior, Bruce Dobash and Samantha Brior

• North Schuylkill Landfill Association delegate: Franklin Fetter. Alternate is Holman

• Emergency management coordinator: Joseph “Blackie” Kufrovich

• Right to Know Officer: Franklin Fetter

• Vacancy Board chairperson: Linda Fetter

• Roadmaster: Holman

• Fire chief: Matthew Morgan

• Bank depository: Mauch Chunk Trust Co.

• Collector of amusement tax, occupational privilege tax and delinquent taxes: Berkheimer Tax Bureau of PA

• The supervisors raised employee salaries by 25 cents per hour across the board

• The accounting firm of Lettich & Zipay, CPAs, Pottsville, was retained to conduct the township audits. The firm provides the professional accounting services instead of the township board of auditors

The reorganization meeting closed and the supervisors entered the regular monthly meeting, which included a discussion on the continuing collection of delinquent garbage accounts.

“We are going to vigorously pursue those who do not pay their garbage bills,” Holman said.

Holman said the supervisors turned over the delinquent garbage collection efforts to the township treasurer more than a year ago. The largest and longest delinquent accounts were the first to be contacted by letter, with follow-ups by Riedlinger.

“After six months to a year, we’re going to pursue them with our lawyer and eventually there will be sheriff’s sales on their homes because it is not fair to the 95 percent who are paying,” Holman said. “We’re not going to let that keep going on.”

The supervisors are also preparing a personnel policy that may be approved at the Feb. 12 regular meeting. The township does not have a formal policy in writing, and as new employees are hired, it became prudent to have the official policy, Holman said.

“Basically, for years we had a general policy, but we don’t have policies for things like that if you’re here for so long you get a certain amount days off after five years or 10 years,” Holman said. “This way we’ll have a more prudent policy in writing.”

The supervisors will continue to meet at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of the month in the municipal meeting hall. There is no meeting this Monday.

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

A Hollywood stunt woman who has appeared in movies like “Ghostbusters” and “Para-

normal Activity 2” along

with television shows such as “Orange is the New Black” and “Gotham” got her start in acting here in the Wyoming Valley.

Currently stunt performing on NBC’s “Blindspot,” Kingston, Luzerne County, native Heidi Germaine Schnappauf has been building her career since the age of 14 when she began acting with the Music Box Theater.

“I just loved the idea of entering a different world for awhile and becoming someone else,” Schnappauf said.

A professionally trained actress who studied at New York University, Schnappauf always knew her place was going to be on a stage somewhere. In 2000, Schnappauf started an acting company called the Misfit Players which was run by teenagers. Teens produced, directed and acted in the plays which were staged in local theaters which donated their spaces to the young theater troupe.

“There was just no other option. (Acting) was what I was good at,” Schnappauf said.

While attending NYU, Schnappauf kept busy learning every facet of the theater as well as film making. Schnappauf said that while she loves acting, she wanted to learn everything she could. Citing her interest in behind-the-scenes work on stage shows and movies, Schnappauf began learning about camera work as well as staging falls and fights during productions. Her background as a fitness trainer helped in coordinating on-stage fights, too.

After graduating from NYU, Schnappauf continued to act in short films and web series. Following a health scare in the mid 2000s, her mind shifted to long-term career goals. She said the scare made her reevaluate what she found important and forced her to hone in on what path her career should take her on.

“I love acting but I just didn’t want to be in the spotlight all the time,” Schnappauf said.

Schnappauf said she was watching a behind the scenes documentary about the movie “Tomb Raider” when all of the sudden everything she had work toward clicked. Watching Angelina Jolie’s stunt double perform seemingly death defying acts, Schnappauf said, “It all made sense. The acting, learning all the behind-the-scenes stuff, my fitness training ... I was like ‘this is what I want to do.’ ”

Getting to work right away, she found Kahana Stunt School in Groveland, Florida. It was during her time at this school where Schnappauf learned to focus her efforts on being a stunt performer.

“One of the most valuable lessons I learned came from an instructor at the stunt school. He said if I wanted to excel at something I needed to choose. Choose one thing I wanted to do and focus on that. It made a lot of sense and it helped me realize I was spreading my efforts over too many different areas,” Schnappauf said.

After her training, Schnappauf began auditioning for stunt roles. She acknowledged that she is lucky but she also said hard work played a huge part in her success.

“I mean, you have actors who are super talented but hardly work, then you have actors who are somewhat talented and work a lot. The difference is how hard someone chooses to work. You work hard and when opportunities present themselves, you can take them,” she said.

In 2015, Schnappauf auditioned for a role in “Blindspot,” a drama series on NBC. At first she played a one-off character, but later ended up as the stunt woman for starring actress Jaimie Alexander. The two often train together and Schnappauf said she works hard to emulate Alexander’s body movements and gestures.

When asked if she ever gets hurt during stunt scenes, Schnappauf said there is a difference between being hurt and being injured.

“Every stunt person gets hurt. That’s the nature of the job. Being injured is different. That’s something that can put you out of commission,” Schnappauf said.

So far she’s been lucky and only suffered one moderate injury to her neck that required some time off from her work. She brings her own equipment to work (as do most other stunt people) and she is in charge of keeping Alexander safe.

Recently, Schnappauf has become a coordinator who is in charge of safety and stunts, one of only three female coordinators in the industry.

Schnappauf said she also has a passion for helping others. Since creating the Misfit Players as a sophomore in high school, Schnappauf has donated time and money to veterans groups and other charitable organizations. She hopes to inspire young actors and actresses to use their talents to do good for others as well finding their own community.

“The great thing about theater is you find other people like you. Its an outlet to be OK. You can say, ‘I’m weird and so are these other people,’ ” Schnappauf said.

She encourages people who are pursuing their passions — no matter what it is — to keep moving forward and don’t get discouraged. Schnappauf believes that hard work leads to opportunities and you should never be discouraged from what it is you are pursuing.

“What you choose to put your energy into is where you blossom,” Schnappauf said.

POTTSVILLE — Schuylkill County legislators believe the new state law easing restrictions on bingo games will help local nonprofit organizations that host them.

“I strongly supported it,” state Rep. Neal P. Goodman, D-123, Mahanoy City, said about the new law. “Bingo is very popular in the Coal Region. There are a lot of people who look forward to it.”

Goodman said the legislation will help area organizations that need as much financial support as they can get.

“I know that my (district’s) churches and firehouses depend on it as a fundraiser,” he said.

The legislation, House Bill 411, which Gov. Tom Wolf signed into law, not only raises prize limits on the games, but also allows those prizes to be advertised in the newspapers.

Support for the new law, which will take effect on Feb. 20, cut across party lines, with the county’s Republican legislators joining Goodman in backing the measure as a good way to help community groups.

State Rep. Mike Tobash, R-125, Pottsville, said the changes are the first to the law since 1982.

“It’s bringing up prize limits,” he said. “Thirty-five years is a long time.”

Goodman said the new law allows a top prize of as much as $500 and a total prize package of $8,000.

State Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-124, Rush Township, also said those increases should aid the local churches and fire companies that regularly hold bingo games.

“Expanding the prize limits, it makes it better for them. Anytime that I can vote for legislation that will assist civic organizations ... I’m more than willing to do so,” he said. “It will be good to continue their bingo so that they can pay their bills and can keep their doors open.”

According to the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, which supported the law, the games are regulated to ensure that organized crime does not influence them. Only nonprofit organizations that have been in existence for more than one year can apply for a license to conduct the games, according to the association.

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

HARRISBURG — Gov. Tom Wolf and state Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding announced Saturday that a new strategic plan for agriculture is on the way, as they offered opening remarks at the 102nd Pennsylvania Farm Show.

U.S. and state dignitaries with Pennsylvania’s congressional agriculture committees and hundreds of visitors gathered at the Lancaster Farming Stage in the Exposition Hall for the ribbon-cutting ceremony that kicked off this year’s event with the theme “Strength in Our Diversity.”

“To help guide us, we are excited to roll out a strategic plan for agriculture this week, a future that we believe will be even stronger and more diverse. Governor Wolf recognizes the strategic importance of agriculture. He views agriculture as a resource, both an economic and a natural resource,” Redding said.

Joining them were U.S. Sen. Bob Casey; U.S. Rep. Dwight E. Evans, D-2, Philadelphia; U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-5, Howard Township; U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Greg Ibach; former state Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolff; Lt. Gov. Mike Stack; state Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera; Col. Tyree Blocker, commissioner Pennsylvania State Police; and other state officials.

Nathan Moyer, president of the state Future Farmers of America association for 2017-18, and Andrea Repetz, president of Pennsylvania 4-H Council, shared master of ceremonies duties. Rachel Duke, 2017 Pennsylvania Fair Queen alternate and 2016 Clearfield County Fair Queen, sang the national anthem.

Redding said to meet the demands of consumers at home and around the world, we need to invest in the industry.

“We can do that, but we need to invest in the producers and the businesses, systems and technology that allows us to demonstrate the diversity necessary to achieve that goal. Governor Wolf has done that.

Thanks to him and the administration, Pennsylvania has invested in agriculture. From helping new farms get started, seasoned farms expand and preserving our prime farm land, a renewed commitment to agriculture education programs at the K to 12 level, to restoring funding to Penn State University College of Agricultural Sciences, from tax credits to purchase equipment, to grants for food processing and hydroponic operations in Pennsylvania. The governor wants Pennsylvania to be a place where every person who wants to take on the noble task of feeding themselves and their neighbors, has the resources and tools to do it. Regardless of whether they’re on a 1,000-acre farm in Lancaster County or on a vacant lot in Pittsburgh,” Redding said.

Agriculture has evolved considerably in the face of changing demands, changing land use, changing population and evolving technologies, according to Wolf.

“I know firsthand the transformative power of agriculture and I’ve said this many times, I think I’m the only governor in the history of Pennsylvania who’s ever been an agriculture extension worker,” Wolf said, receiving a round of applause.

He said he worked in extension, with a specialty in high-yielding rice.

“When you’re able to grow your own food, and empower yourself, you can build wealth and strengthen your community and your nation. Agriculture has that same potential, that same power here in Pennsylvania, which is why we’ve been working so hard under my administration to invest in produce industry,” Wolf said.

“Over the past three years, we’ve invested more than $50 million in grants, loans, tax credits to help beginning farmers start new operations and help other producers upgrade their equipment, install conservation techniques and practices, preserve their farms. We’ve increased the Department of Agriculture’s operating budget by 23 percent. We’ve increased funding for farm land preservation by 45 percent. We’ve increased funding to the college of agricultural sciences at Penn State by more than $6 million over the past three years,” Wolf said.

He signed historic legislation that has created new markets and lowered tax burdens, he said.

“This week we’re going to unveil the first truly detailed assessment of agriculture’s economic impact on Pennsylvania. Because of that, we have a better handle on just how important this industry is to our economic vitality. Pennsylvania’s food and agriculture industries account for 18 percent of our state’s economy — $135.7 billion. That’s the economic impact of agriculture. It accounts for nearly 580,000 jobs in the state and total wages of nearly $27 billion a year. Those are hard-earned dollars that are going to our families, keeping our communities strong. But if we want to maintain that degree of impact, we cannot be complacent. Agriculture is an ever-changing industry,” Wolf said.

Further complications include the uncertainty we all face today — uncertainty over trade policies, uncertainty and implications of our immigration policy, uncertainty around falling commodity prices, uncertainty caused by a growing number of natural disasters, from droughts to rain events, the governor said. There’s also uncertainty caused by greater reliance on technology and automation.

“If we want to stay ahead of these curves, we need a plan,” Wolf said. The plan will offer strategic recommendations about where agriculture is headed.

“We want these kids to be able to look at farms and say, ‘I want a career in agriculture. I want a career in farming,’ ” he said.

The audience again applauded the governor.

“I want Pennsylvania to be a place where agriculture continues to thrive. Where everyone, regardless of your background, regardless of your ZIP code, everybody has a chance to succeed. By working together, by leveraging our strengths and embracing our diversity, we can set Pennsylvania agriculture on a really exciting, new path,” Wolf said.

Casey, meanwhile, shared remarks on the Farm Bill. He explained the Farm Bill is developed every couple of years. There’s a 2008 Farm Bill and a 2014 Farm Bill.

“We hope to get the 2018 bill done this year, and that will be one of the rare times it was done on time. We’re grateful for leadership on both sides of the aisle in both houses,” Casey said.

Unlike a lot of issues in Washington, the Farm Bill tends not to partisan. It tends to be regional, he said.

“The dairy safety net at the federal level is critically important to the country. So many people have told us of the shortcomings of the dairy margin protection program from the last farm bill. We have some work to do on that. We need to make significant changes to that policy, and some of the work on that has already begun. We know the Senate Appropriations Bill for 2018 provides an additional $500 million for dairy farmers, makes changes to that margin protection program and (keeps) enrollment at meaningful levels by reducing premiums.”

“The house has passed legislation that removes a $20 million cap on livestock insurance policies in order to make more room for dairy policies, so that’s a good development.

“I’ve joined, as many have, with Congressman Thompson, Congressman Evans and others in the Pennsylvania delegation to call on the department, the USDA, to administrative move to consider milk as an agricultural commodity in its own right, removing it from the cap altogether. That would be a good step forward, as well.”

“I want to also work on taking the success of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System, so called PASS, to the national level. Governor Wolf and Secretary Redding have shown great leadership in supporting local farmers and food banks through the PASS program. We want to make sure the nation benefits from that kind of program as well.

“Let me raise some real concerns that could raise some real fights. First and foremost, I was disappointed with the last farm bill for conservation programs that didn’t get the job done. I’ll work to oppose additional cuts to conservation spending in this year’s farm bill. These programs provide essential support for producers, especially those in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

I will oppose, aggressively, some of the cuts that have been proposed to the nutrition programs,” Casey said.

The farm show runs through Jan. 13 and is free, but parking costs $15. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 13. One of the new features this year is the Agricultural Artistry in the Family Living area of the Main Hall. It displays pieces of crop art created for last year’s Dillsburg Farmers Fair.

Paul Tucker, vice president of the Dillsburg Farmers Fair, said his fair has had two-dimensional crop art for the last 15 years and three-dimensional crop art for the past eight years. “Someone showed me pictures of crop art at the Minnesota state fair and when I saw it, I thought Dillsburg should do this too,” Tucker said.

He thought the effort artists took to make their creations should be seen by others, so Tucker asked the state farm show organizers if he could exhibit them in a state venue and was approved. His fair is also celebrating its 102nd year. Tucker, and his wife, Kimberly, manned the booth at this year’s farm show, which displayed a variety of artists’ works using seeds like mustard, poppy, sesame and sunflower; or black pepper, red quinoa, corn, kidney beans and spinach. Artists used tacky gel glue to stick the seeds and materials onto their base. One detailed image depicts Princess Leia from “Star Wars” and another featured Rick Moranis from “Spaceballs.”

“Most people have come by and say, ‘What is that?’ Or they recognize Rick Moranis,” Tucker said. Other creations featured landscapes, kittens, rabbits and mice.

A schedule of events can be found at www.farmshow.pa.gov.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007

Coaldale

A blood drive by the Miller-Keystone Blood Center is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 17 at St. Luke’s Hospital-Miners Campus, 360 W. Ruddle St. For more information, call 570-645-8271. Miller-Keystone, a nonprofit, is the sole blood provider for the Lehigh Valley Health Network including LVHN Hazleton and Schuylkill as well as for St. Luke’s University Health Network including St. Luke’s Hospital-Miners Campus, Coaldale. It also is the sole provider for the hospitals in Lehighton and Palmerton.

Frackville

The South End Field and Stream Club’s annual winter rabbit hunt at Whippoorwill Dam, Morea Road, is set for 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 20. The entry fee is $5; food and refreshments will be available. For more information, call Joe at 570-205-5527.

Shenandoah

Knights of Columbus Francis Cardinal Brennan Council 618 based at Cherry and West streets sponsors bingo games two Sundays a month in Divine Mercy Roman Catholic Parish’s St. Stephen Hall, Main and Oak streets. Doors open at noon and games begin at 2 p.m. with food and refreshments available. The hall is accessible to the handicapped. Bingo dates for 2018 are as follows: Today and Jan. 21, Feb. 4 and 18, March 4 and 18, April 8 and 22, May 6 and 20, June 3 and 24, July 9 and 22, Aug. 5 and 19, Sept. 9 and 23, Oct. 7 and 21, Nov. 4 and 18 and Dec. 2. All are welcome. For more information, call 570-590-3270 or 570-590-1188.

Tamaqua

A blood drive by the Miller-Keystone Blood Center is set for 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Tamaqua Masonic Lodge F&AM 238, 7 Shawn Ave. For more information, call 570-668-3852. Miller-Keystone, a nonprofit, is the sole blood provider for the Lehigh Valley Health Network including LVHN Hazleton and Schuylkill as well as for St. Luke’s University Health Network including St. Luke’s Hospital-Miners Campus, Coaldale. It also is the sole provider for the hospitals in Lehighton and Palmerton.

Tamaqua

The culinary team at Zion Lutheran will have a pre-Super Bowl hoagie and homemade soup sale with orders due by Jan. 29. Soups offered include chili, chicken noodle, ham and bean, broccoli and cheese. Soups and hoagies can be ordered online at www.ziontamaqua.com or by calling 570-668-4451.

Tamaqua

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security — Federal Emergency Management Agency is accepting applications for the Assistance to Firefighter Grants program. The application period deadline is 5 p.m. Feb. 2. Grants are available to eligible fire departments, nonaffiliated Emergency Medical Services organizations and state fire training academies to assist in funding critically needed resources, according to a release. Eligible applicants should apply for AFG funding online via the e-Grants application at https://portal.fema.gov. For more information, applicants should review the 2017 Assistance to Firefighter Grants open application period announcement. System for Award Management (Sam.gov) registration is required of all AFG program applicants and awardees.

Tamaqua

The volunteer Tamaqua Remembers Committee will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Tamaqua Community Art Center, 125 Pine St. The committee, according to a release, is working on making the 2018 observance of Memorial Day a month-long community event. The Tamaqua Borough Council has approved renaming and the rededication of one block of South Nescopeck Street to happen on May 1 and the observance finale, which will include a fireworks display, on May 28. Other planned activities will include a patriotic wreath-making class at the at center on Feb. 28, a home and business decorating contest, a quilt raffle, a pallet-painting fundraiser, cemetery walk highlighting the final resting places of local residents who gave their lives defending the nation, an old-time radio show, a lecture by Col. Ralph Peters, a community mixer and a parade, memorial service. Christopher Fulmer and Joseph Nihen are compiling a list of all local residents who were killed in action and Joseph Krushinsky is creating a video series about those American heroes. Anyone interested in volunteering their time and ideas is welcome to attend the meeting.

David A. Plachko

PORT CARBON — An Ashland man charged with stealing a vehicle in Norwegian Township on Nov. 9, 2017, waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko.

Nicholas R. Harman, 25, of 933 Brock St., was arrested by state police Trooper Robert Kluge of the Schuylkill Haven station, and charged with one felony count each of robbery, receiving stolen property and theft and one misdemeanor count each of receiving stolen property, theft and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

By waiving his right to a hearing, Harman will now have to answer to all of the charges against him in Schuylkill Court.

Kluge charged Harman with going to a home on Brier City Road, ringing the doorbell and asking the resident to use the telephone saying he had just crashed his vehicle.

Kluge said Harman took $15 from a counter along with the resident’s wallet and car keys. Harman then left the home and stole the owner’s 2013 GMC Terrain that was later linked, along with Harman, to a Nov. 13 robbery at a Tower City business, Kluge said.

Other court cases included:

Jonathan M. Carvajal, 23, of 15 Cornish St., Pottsville — waived for court: fleeing or attempting to elude police, reckless driving and driving at an unsafe speed.

Joseph G. Gibas, 48, of 124 Furnace St., New Philadelphia — withdrawn: recklessly endangering another person.

Shannon Meyer, 36, of 166 Cadbury St., Palo Alto — held for court: retail theft.

Joshua Renner, 24, of 1037 E. Market St., Mahanoy City — waived for court: retail theft and conspiracy.

Trevor J. Gibas, 24, of 317 Bobb Alley, Cumbola — waived for court: retail theft.

Martina Mazloom, 24, of 57 Valley St., New Philadelphia — waived for court: retail theft and receiving stolen property.

Stephen J. Bayer

TAMAQUA — A borough man charged with an incident at Boyer’s Food Market on Cedar Street on Oct. 15, 2017, waived his right to a preliminary hearing before Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer.

Blaine Smith, 36, of 150 W. Spruce St., was arrested by Tamaqua police Patrolman Christian Deangelo and charged with one count each of theft of property lost, mislaid or delivered by mistake, receiving stolen property and criminal mischief.

By waiving his right to a hearing, Smith will now have to answer to all three charges against him in Schuylkill County Court.

According to Deangelo, Christina Zver left her cellphone near a checkout card reader after which Smith, who was next in line, picked up the phone, put it in his pocket and left the store.

Smith then removed and disposed of the SIM card from the phone, Deangelo said.

Other court cases included:

James Neff, 34, of 22 High St., Coaldale — waived for court: flight to avoid apprehension, trial or punishment and resisting arrest.

Russell Nelson, 37, of 401 Pine St., 2nd Floor, Tamaqua — waived for court: possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and retail theft.

Angela L. Stahl, 47, of 229 Orwigsburg St., Tamaqua — waived for court: bad checks.

Justin V. Able-Lewis, 29, of 1319 W. Market St., Pottsville — waived for court: possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance and criminal use of a communications facility.

Jordan Funk, 21, of 558 State Road, Barnesville — waived for court: retail theft.

Kevin J. Seigfried, 24, of Rear 535 S. Kennedy Drive, McAdoo — held for court: theft.

Deeds

Ashland — Zayne Counce to Charles W. Dunn Jr. and Robert L. Brookman Jr.; 1301 Race St.; $12,500.

Butler Township — Roy C. and Stacie Green to Roy C. and Stacie Green; 56 S. Paul St.; $1.

Frackville — Howard C. Smith and Christina E. Hale to James W. Mentzer; 333 W. Frack St.; $31,000.

David J. Rossi

TREMONT — A Pottsville man is headed to Schuylkill County Court after a preliminary hearing Thursday in which prosecutors produced evidence he had indecently assaulted a preteen child in February 2009 in Barry Township.

Earl B. Simmons, 66, faces three counts of aggravated indecent assault, two of indecent assault and one each of unlawful contact with a minor-sexual offenses and corruption of minors.

After the hearing, Magisterial District Judge David J. Rossi ruled prosecutors had produced sufficient evidence to support all seven charges and ordered them held for court. He allowed Simmons to remain free on $25,000 unsecured bail pending further court proceedings.

State police at Schuylkill Haven alleged Simmons assaulted the child on Feb. 21, 2009.

Other defendants whose cases Rossi considered on Thursday, the charges against each one and the judge’s dispositions of the matter included:

Michael R. Angelo, 46, of 556 Maple St., Pottsville — two counts of simple assault and one of harassment; charges withdrawn.

Kaitlyn Ann Bertasavage, 23, of 34 Spruce St., Pine Grove — driving under the influence, disregarding traffic lane, careless driving and seat belt violation; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge of careless driving withdrawn, other charges bound over for court.

Cody A. Eby, 23, of 46 S. Tulpehocken St. Apt. 1, Pine Grove — simple assault and harassment; charges held for court after preliminary hearing.

Zachary P. Fidler, 32, of 80 Darkwood Road, Pine Grove — two counts each of simple assault and harassment; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Kelly Finney, 46, of 1323 W. Maple St., Valley View —unauthorized use of a motor vehicle; charge held for court after preliminary hearing that Finney did not attend. Rossi asked the court to issue a bench warrant for Finney.

Richard A. Olt, 24, of 36 High St., Pottsville — aggravated assault, strangulation, terroristic threats, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person, resisting arrest and harassment; charge of resisting arrest held for court after preliminary hearing; all other charges dismissed.

William L. Stevers Jr., 49, of 620 W. Main St., Valley View — DUI, failure to drive at a safe speed and disregarding traffic lane; right to preliminary hearing waived, charges bound over for court.

Justin L. Tielman, 33, of 53 Mill St., Tower City — four counts each of terroristic threats and bomb threats; charges held for court after preliminary hearing.

Robert J. Vesay, 46, last known address of 528 Oak Grove Road, Pine Grove — two counts of hindering apprehension and one each of burglary, criminal trespass and public drunkenness; right to preliminary hearing waived, charge of burglary withdrawn, other charges bound over for court.

Andrew M. Weaber, 29, of 310 Tremont Road, Pine Grove — improper possession or display of documents, stop sign violation, operating vehicle with out valid inspection, driving unregistered vehicle, driving under suspension-DUI related and driving without a license; charge of improper possession or display of documents withdrawn. Weaber pleaded guilty to all other charges; Rossi sentenced him to serve 60 days in prison and pay costs and $650 in fines, with sentence effective on Feb. 10.

SAINT CLAIR — It was a joyful Sunday for the faithful of St. Michael the Archangel Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church as they celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ in their church decorated with a large manger scene, Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands and lights.

The greeting of “Merry Christmas” was heard as people entered the church. The traditional exclamation of “Christ is born!” or “Christos Razdajetska!” in Rusyn was also heard. The response to the joyful greeting was “Glorify Him!” or “Slavite Jeho!”

The St. Michael Choir sang hymns, carols and prayers in English and Rusyn prior to and during the service.

The celebration of the “Nativity of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” in the Divine Liturgy included the words of the Troparion that described the wonder of the day:

“Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has shone to the world the light of wisdom! For by it, those who worshiped the stars were taught by a star to adore Thee, the Sun of Righteousness and to know Thee, the Orient from on high. O Lord, glory to Thee!”

The Rev. Jeff L. Zias, pastor, celebrated the Divine Liturgy. He came out of the Royal Doors of the iconostasis (icon wall), which he blessed with incense, and then walked down the center aisle twice to incense the congregation. At the rear of the nave, he incensed the icons of Jesus Christ and Mary, the Theotokos (“God-Bearer”), and the icon of St. Michael, the patron of the parish.

Many Orthodox churches have adopted the Revised Julian Calendar, which coincides with the Gregorian Calendar so that both Christmas is celebrated on the same day. The American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox churches, of which St. Michael’s in Saint Clair is one, use the original Julian Calendar, which shows yesterday as Dec. 25, 2017. The day is referred to by many as “Russian Christmas” or “Greek Christmas.”

Acolyte Joseph T. Yarashus, who is the parish council president, stood in the center aisle holding a group of three connected lighted candles called a trikiri during the reading of the Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians and that of the Gospel according to Matthew about the visit of the Magi to the Holy Family.

As is the tradition, Zias read the Christmas Archpastoral Letter from Bishop Gregory, Titular Bishop of Nyssa, Primate of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of the USA. Bishop Gregory directed that the letter be read as the sermon in all diocesan churches.

Beginning with “Christ is Born! Glorify Him!”, Zias read the bishop’s words:

“Dear Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“As we celebrate this joyous Feast of the Nativity in the flesh of our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ, I wish to share with you one of my favorite Christmas homilies from the Church Fathers concerning this day. St. John Chrysostom spoke on the Incarnation with these words:

“I behold a new and wondrous mystery!

“My ears resound to the shepherd’s song, piping no soft melody, but loudly chanting a heavenly hymn! The Angels sing! The Archangels blend their voices in harmony! The Cherubim resound their joyful praise! The Seraphim exalt His glory!

“All join to praise this Holy Feast, beholding the Godhead herein … on earth and man in heaven. He Who is above now, for our salvation, dwells here below; and we, who were lowly, are exalted by divine mercy.

“Today Bethlehem resembles heaven, hearing from the stars the singing of angelic voices and, in place of the sun, witnessing the rising of the Sun of Justice!”

Zias continued reading, “Since, therefore, all rejoice, I too desire to rejoice! I too wish to share the choral dance, to celebrate the festival! But I take my part, not plucking the harp nor with the music of the pipes nor holding a torch, but holding in my arms the cradle of Christ! For this is all my hope!

“This is my life! This is my salvation! This is my pipe, my harp!

“And bearing it, I come, and having from its power received the gift of speech, I too, with the angels and shepherds, sing: Glory to God in the Highest! And on earth peace to men of good will. Amen.”

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

HARRISBURG — Two Auburn sisters developed a recipe for success Sunday at the 102nd Pennsylvania Farm Show, learning the ups and downs of state competition with their beef animals, Starbucks and Peaches.

Meanwhile, professional chef and Food Network host Alex Guarnaschelli offered a dash of humor to a crowd gathered in the farm show complex’s Culinary Connection Stage to see her prepare a dish with mushroom and cauliflower.

Madalyn and Sara Gruber showed three of their animals in the Junior Beef Breeding Cattle Show held in the Equine Arena. They were both coming off wins in the open beef show Friday, in which youth exhibitors compete against adults and other youth.

Madalyn, 14, won first in class and division champion Friday with her 1 1/2-year-old Maintainer heifer named Starbucks. Sara, 12, garnered first in class and division champion with her Chi breed heifer Peaches. The elder sister also showed a younger Maintainer named Littles.

“There were close to the same number of competitors in the open show (as in the junior show). I was surprised at the high level of competition and how nice they all looked,” Madalyn said, who also garnered best in her class Sunday. Sara did not place Sunday with Peaches.

Lukas Ziegler, Clarendon, Texas, judged the Hereford, Simmental, Maine Anjou and Maintainer breeds, while Brad Winegardner, Lima, Ohio, judged the Angus, Limousin, Shorthorn and all other pure breeds in the junior show.

Before each event, Sara said, “I try to make sure they (beef cattle) don’t act up and try to show them the best that I can.”

Both young ladies have state experience under their belts — Madalyn with six years and Sara with three years competing at the farm show. Madalyn earned reserve champion during her first time showing in the all other breeds category six years ago. Their family, including their parents, Matthew and Heather Gruber, and siblings, Megan, 10, and Ben, 7, arrived at the show complex Thursday with their animals. Their friend, Rebecca Danko, Reading, joined them Sunday.

Showing is labor intensive. The animals require grooming with baths, clipping and brushing, and a specialty diet of grains, hay and water.

“You’ve got to do your homework,” Heather Gruber, whose family runs Six G’s Angus farm, said.

Starbucks, who is due to have her calf in August, weighs more than 1,600 pounds.

“She’s been on her feet since 6 this morning and it’s 1:30 p.m. now. She felt that. When she came back, she was tired,” Heather Gruber said Sunday as Starbucks took a nap in her stall following competition.

The family will take their beef cattle home, but will return to the farm show Wednesday to compete with five Nigerian dwarf dairy goats. On March 23-25, the Grubers will return to the complex for the Pennsylvania Spring Spectacular, where cattle from throughout the nation compete.

At the Culinary Connection Stage on Sunday, the seating area quickly filled in the Main Hall while hundreds of fans stood at least five-people deep to catch a glimpse of Guarnaschelli at work. She answered questions from the audience while preparing a vegetarian dish that involved marinating cauliflower steaks in red pepper flakes, coriander seeds and coconut milk. She drew repeated laughs from the crowd as she fielded questions about making mistakes, getting nervous while being on television, becoming an Iron Chef and her career path.

After she studied art history in college, she said her father told her to select a career in something that she liked to do.

“I said ‘I like to make lasagna,’ ” Guarnaschelli said.

When someone asked what was the most difficult ingredient to work with, she responded, “People.”

Actually, she said a food called 1,000-year eggs, which are hardboiled, was probably the toughest food to work with because of its odor.

Guarnaschelli is a host on Food Network shows “Chopped” and “Iron Chef.” She is chef and executive chef of New York City’s Butter restaurant and author of several books including “Old-School Comfort Food: The Way I Learned to Cook,” and “The Home Cook: Recipes to Know by Heart.”

The farm show continues through Saturday. A schedule of events can be found at www.farmshow.pa.gov.

Contact the writer: ; 570-628-6007