Hello neighbors! Hard to believe it's June. Grab your shorts, kids, family, friends, bug spray and sunglasses and explore the Susquehanna River Valley. We hope you'll make the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau your vacation resource for summer fun. The month of June is jam-packed with history, kid-friendly fun, fairs, music and food!

History buffs will enjoy Civil War themed events that include the Buggy Museum's exhibit Union County Civil War Veterans, Civil War memorabilia at the Montgomery House in Danville, the Pennsylvania Civil War Roadshow at the Warrior Run Church in Watsontown, the Battle of Chamber's Ridge re-enactment at the Mifflinburg VFW Fairgrounds, plus the exhibit 'The Central Susquehanna River Valley Goes to War, 1861" at the Packwood House Museum.

And you won't want to miss the "Simon Snyder Citizen and Governor" exhibition at Susquehanna University or historical walking tours in Mifflinburg and Selinsgrove. Also in Selinsgrove, enjoy the exhibit 'Art and Industry: Furnishings and Decorative Objects of the Early 19th Century.'

June is all about kids! School is out and there is a ton of fun to be found at a variety of summer camps throughout the area. Attend summer day camps at the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art or one of many camps offered by the Lewisburg Recreation Authority. I was amazed at the types of camps available where kids can attend Victorian history camp, ecology camp, "animal keeper" camps at T&D Cats of the World, fine arts camp, claymation camp, robotics camp, kids cave camp, chemistry camp, and even a superhero camp!

Other kid fun includes "build your own buggy" at the Mifflinburg Buggy Museum or taking lessons on jujitsu, martial arts, or tennis, not to mention a huge variety of amazing classes offered by the Lewisburg Area Recreation Authority that include scuba lessons, medieval combat, art, rowing, ballet, soccer, softball, wilderness survival or rock climbing. And don't miss the open house at the Little League Museum or Watsontown's "Walker Brothers Circus"!

What better way to kick off summer than enjoying our fairs and festivals? Don't miss the Open House and Craft Fair at Hunters Valley Winery the first weekend in June, the Strawberry Festival at Warrior Run Church in Watsontown on June 12, or the Union County Veteran's four-day long Hometown Independence Celebration June 23 to 25 and 29. Be sure to mark your calendar for Northumberland's 39th Annual Pineknotter Days July 3 to 8.

June offers a variety of locations for music lovers of all kinds. Enjoy live music at Skeeters, Front Street Station, Shikellamy State Park Overlook, the Ned Smith Center plus Music in the Park in many of our downtowns, plus the music of Stephen Foster in Selinsgrove on July 3.

June is full of outdoor adventure. Canoe and kayak lovers will not want to miss the McKees Adventure Guided Kayak trip, North Branch Susquehanna River Sojourn, West Branch Sojourn, or Lewisburg Appetizer Guided Kayak trip. Enjoy outdoor fun at the garden tours of Lewisburg and Mifflinburg; wagon rides, flower picking and farm tours at Owens Farm in Sunbury; and enjoy animals of all kinds at the dinosaur and butterfly exhibits at Clyde Peeling's Reptiland and during the "Animal Enrichment Weekend" at T&D's Cats of the World.

And don't forget our nearby attractions: Lincoln Caverns in Huntingdon, Penns Cave in Centre Hall, Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine in Ashland, or Woodward Cave in Woodward. And what's a summer without a trip, or many trips, to Knoebels Amusement Resort?

These are just a few of the many things to do in the month of June. Check our web site for more information on all these events in the Susquehanna River Valley plus many more things to discover and enjoy. Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter. Discover your own backyard at www.VisitCentralPA.org or give us a call toll-free at 1-800-525-7320.

(Miller is the Executive Director of the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau. )

by justin strawser

The Northumberland County unemployment rate increased slightly from March to April, according to information released by the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) last week.

The figures show that the county had a rate of 8.2 percent in April, up .2 percent from March's rate of 8 percent.

The 8.2 percent is lower than April 2009's rate of 9.5 percent and April 2011's rate of 9.6 percent.

The rate had crested at 10.6 percent in October 2009.

The county rate remains between the seasonably adjusted national and state levels of 9 percent and 7.5 percent, respectively.

Jobless rates in neighboring counties are Montour, 5.9 percent; Juniata, 6.3 percent; Dauphin, 7.1 percent; Columbia, 7.1 percent; Union, 7.4 percent; Lycoming, 7.5 percent; Perry, 7.5 percent; Snyder, 7.7 percent; and Schuylkill, 8.8 percent.

Of the nine counties, only Columbia, Dauphin and Juniata counties saw a decrease. Columbia was the largest of the group with .6 percent change.

Bradford County, at 5.1 percent, has the lowest jobless rate in Pennsylvania. Cameron County, at 11.2 percent, has the highest.

Two counties, down from January's 12, are above a rate of 10 percent.

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS - Emotions ran high Thursday night for Valedictorian Danielle Snyder as she delivered her address during the commencement ceremony for North Schuylkill's Class of 2011.

In her speech titled "Time," she told all in attendance that in her years at North Schuylkill, the most important thing she learned was that time can never be outsmarted.

"Time goes on without us, whether we like it or not," she said. "With this new beginning, realize that time is what you make of it."

Breaking down halfway through the speech, she also quoted lyrics from the song of the same title, "Time" by the world-renowned British rock band Pink Floyd.

"So I ask you, Class of 2011, did we miss the starting gun or are we at the finish line?" Snyder asked. "In our next steps, will we miss the starting gun?"

Snyder was among 159 students who graduated in Spartan Stadium, and she joined three other students who addressed the class - Salutatorian Laura Misiewicz, National Honor Society President Kaitlyn McSurdy and Student Council President Edward Pavalko.

Misiewicz told students to do what makes them happy and not to let themselves be controlled by others, while Pavalko said that the values and beliefs learned in high school will propel them to a successful future.

"When we began our journey, we were three separate groups of timid students - 'the Ringtown kids,' 'the Frackville kids' and 'the Ashland kids.' But now, we are united and ready to make an impact on the future as the Class of 2011," McSurdy said.

Before diplomas and awards were presented to the graduates, Principal Sharon J. Snyder gave her remarks about the class, which was also her final public appearance as high school principal.

Snyder said that when she started her tenure in the district, the class was just starting first grade, but they really started to show their uniqueness when they were in 10th grade.

While commending the students on their achievements, she also congratulated the parents and grandparents for their commitment.

"Much of their success is a result of your success as parents," she said.

Snyder said that a quarter of the students were graduating with an "A" average and those who struggled had persevered, as they also received a diploma, calling all of the students "truly awesome."

She also recognized the 10 teachers and a guidance counselor who are retiring this year with a combined total of 320 years of education. Synder said they gave much support to a vast number of students, including many in the 2011 class.

"Never forget your roots and may God bless each and every one of you," Snyder said.

MOUNT CARMEL - After their second work session concerning the 2011-2012 budget, members of the Mount Carmel Area School Board hope a tax increase will not be needed this year. That good news, however, may come with some tough decisions.

The board approved a $17,702,743.44 proposed final budget on May 19, which included the administration's recommendation for a 5-mill increase for residents in Northumberland County and a 2.54-mill increase in Columbia County. At the time, the board said they hoped to either eliminate or reduce the tax increase if state funding increased when Pennsylvania's budget is passed.

The tax increase would raise $350,000, but the district is facing a $2 million deficit, brought on by a $1.4 million dollar decrease in funding from the state.

Since passing the preliminary budget, the board has met for weekly work sessions, with progress being made.

"We are looking at every possible way we can to cut the budget and we hope to do so with the least amount of impact to our students," board President Rose Marquardt said at the end of the meeting.

Superintendent Cheryl Latorre listed several measures the board will be taking in order to balance the budget.

"We will be looking at cutting programs, furloughing teachers and checking into the contract of every service that is provided to the district," Latorre said. "We will be in contact in the near future with the state Department of Education seeking approval to close some programs."

The board also mentioned a pay freeze for all staff members, except for teachers. All administrators had accepted a one-year pay freeze earlier this year, but the education association voted it down.

With all the cuts in place, board members said Thursday night they are hopeful they can balance the budget without needing any tax increase, whether they receive an increase from the state or not.

At the start of the meeting, the board discussed the benefits of keeping the school's swimming pool open, meeting with building and grounds director David Fegley and assistant maintenance supervisor Sam Ryan.

After Fegley gave a report of money spent on equipment replacement and how much the pool is utilized, the board discussed the pros and cons of keeping the aquatic area open.

A suggestion was made to close it for a year, but Fegley said that if that happens, the pool would suffer costly damage.

"You drain the pool, you don't have the pressure on the walls, and then you have cracking. You don't have the water running through the pipes and the seals will dry out. The room is heated by a dehumidifier, and without the water, you can't heat the space, so it can't be used as a classroom," he said.

Board member Nicholas Goretski III, an opponent of the pool in the discussion, did not see the merits of swimming.

"My son, through participation in football and track and field, earned a partial scholarship to college," he said. "You don't see that here with swimming, or anyone training for the Olympics."

Donna James defended the program.

"You have people from outside the area coming in that love competing here and plan their days and meals around it. Look outside of the area for a second and you would see that," she said.

"We are working for the school here," Goretski said. "We are a school district, not a community center."

Marquardt tried to reach common ground.

"I don't like baseball or softball, and I don't swim, but I would not deny a child that wanted to play a sport or participate in a program. Swimming is a sport where any handicapped child can participate in," Marquardt said.

Board member Dr. Raymond Kraynak said the district has been "living in a dream world" as if the school had unlimited funds.

"For every sport you want to keep around, you have to come up with an educational program that has to be cut because the money isn't there. We've dumped millions into this pool over the years and it's living beyond its life," he said.

Following the discussion, the board met behind closed doors for more than an hour to discuss possible litigation and personnel issues, possibly related to the proposed furloughs.

The next work session will be held at 5:30 p.m. June 16 in the district office. The next regular meeting will be held at 7 p.m. June 22 in the district office. The board is expected to pass the budget at the regular meeting.

MOUNT CARMEL - Police say a borough woman stole a blank prescription from her doctor and attempted to use it to buy narcotics at a local drug store.

Cassandra Marie James, 23, of 236 S. Oak St., Apt. 5, was charged with theft and forgery by Patrolman Kelly Campbell of Mount Carmel Township Police and Christopher Grow of Ralpho Township Police in relation to the incident, which occurred March 10.

At approximately 1 p.m. that day, Ralpho Township Police said they responded to a call from Burch's Drug Store in Elysburg for suspicion of a forged prescription for 60 8-milligrams pills of Dilaudid, a schedule II narcotic.

Police said James had presented the prescription to an employee at Burch's, and owner Karen Boltinghouse was suspicious that doctor's signature had been forged. She contacted the office of Dr. Matthew J. Kraynak D.O., Kulpmont, and was told that Kraynak had written a prescription that day for James for Klonopin, a muscle relaxant, but not Dilaudid. He also viewed a faxed copy of the Dilaudid prescription and said it did not resemble the one he wrote.

Ralpho Township police were contacted, but James had left the store to get money for the transaction. When she came back about 2:15 p.m. to pick up the prescription, Sgt. Chris Kreisher from Ralpho Township police was called back to the drugstore.

Mount Carmel Township police were notified that afternoon by Kraynak's office of the stolen prescription. Kraynak said he had left the room "for a moment" during his examination of James and that his prescription pad was on the counter. Police allege James stole at least one prescription slip.

Police said they learned later that James took the Klonopin prescription to be filled at the Rite Aid in Mount Carmel.

James was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Hugh A. Jones of Mount Carmel on May 26, and she was placed in Northumberland County Prison on $10,000 bail, where she remained as of Thursday.

Two people formerly from the Shamokin area are in custody in Virginia in connection with a Christmas Day murder in Texas.

Duane Allen Haley, 47, a registered sex offender, and Judy Britton, 43, who was charged last fall with stealing from her Shamokin employer, are charged with killing Hamadi Swei, 51, a Libyan national, at his Fort Worth apartment.

According to a story in Thursday's (Fort Worth) Star-Telegram and a press release from the city's police department, Swei was stabbed after Haley and Britton allegedly went to his apartment to rob him. Britton had worked with Swei, according to police.

Swei's decomposing remains were found Jan. 30 in the enclosed porch of his apartment after an apartment consultant smelled a foul odor and looked over a wall to see the man lying facedown.

According to the Star-Telegram, a police report states that a box cutter was found under Swei's leg and a kitchen knife near his right hand. Also, a broken bottle was next to his head and there were glass fragments on his body.

The pair were arrested, according to the press release, after homicide Detective Tom Boetcher received information on May 25 that Haley and Britton were discussing Swei's slaying in Warsaw County, Va. Boetcher and detective Tom O'Brien traveled to Virginia, and warrants for capital murder were obtained for the two suspects.

Sgt. Thomas J. Molnar from the Virginia State Police told The News-Item on Thursday that a joint investigation involving the Westmoreland Sheriff's Office, the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Richmond Field Office and the Fort Worth Texas Police Department resulted in the charges being filed.

Molnar said Britton was arrested without incident Wednesday by special agents with the Virginia State Police and deputies from the Westmoreland Sheriff's Office. Haley had been incarcerated in the Northern Neck Regional Jail on charges of failing to register as a sex offender after being arrested by the Virginia State Police Sex Offender Investigative Unit Friday, May 27.

The Star-Telegram reported Haley and Britton are both being held at the Northern Neck Regional Jail as of Thursday with bond set at $500,000 each.

Criminal history

Haley is listed on the Pennsylvania Megan's Law website as a sex offender. According to the site, he was convicted of rape in November 1987, a crime that was committed and/or charged outside of Pennsylvania. The last address listed for Haley on the website is 739 Ash St., Apt. A, Kulpmont, which he had reported as his home in October.

Also, Haley was listed with an East Chestnut Street address in Shamokin in 2008 when he was charged with simple assault and harassment for assaulting and injuring Donna Haley, identified at the time as his wife. Police said the assault had occurred Dec. 10, 2007, at their residence.

In November, Shamokin police had charged Britton, listed at that time with an address of 838 Cliff St., Apt. A, Coal Township, with theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property after she allegedly stole $2,689 while employed at Rob's Six Pack Shack on Market Street.

Britton allegedly removed a large amount of cash from the register and placed it in the front pocket of her hooded sweatshirt at approximately 12:10 a.m. Nov. 6 while closing the business for the evening. She then removed a large amount of money from inside a microwave and placed it in the pocket of her sweatshirt, according to police. Video surveillance obtained by police showed Britton taking the money from the register and microwave.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Sunday - Wii bowling and cards, 2 p.m.

Monday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon to 1:15 p.m., executive board meeting, noon; members meeting, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; Shopping at Boscov's, van leaves at 9 a.m., cost is $2; bridge, 12:15 p.m.

Wednesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; Linda Walker of Focus Health, will speak on "Changes, Stress and Sauerkraut," with pinochle and Pokeno to follow, noon.

Thursday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; ham hoagie sale today, noon; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon.

Saturday - Wii bowling and cards, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Mount Carmel

Monday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; Exercise HSIM, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bean bag, 12:30 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle and Unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; Family Medical blood pressure/blood sugar screening, 10 to 11 a.m.; Exercise HSIM, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii bowling, 9 to 10 a.m.; Exercise HSIM, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; strawberry shortcake function with Pokeno to follow, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

Monday - Bean bag with Wii to follow, 10:30 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii in the morning; Family Medical blood pressure/blood sugar screening, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; pinochle-cards, noon.

Wednesday - Wii in the morning; nickel bingo with cards to follow, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Wii in the morning; Kelly Morrison from SACH to speak on CPR, with bingo to follow, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii in the morning; lunch at the Independence Fire Company, van will leave the center at 11 a.m.; nickel bingo with cards to follow, 12:30 p.m.

Activity winners - 500 Rummie: First game winners were Patricia Pipp, Marie Canerino, Mary Else and Anna Mae Piaseczny. Second game winners were Mary Else, Diane McAndrew, Marie Canerino and Patricia Pipp.

Pinochle: Tuesday winners were Betty Menapace, Jackie Wanzie, Dixie Richardson, Betty Jarosewicz, Len Sahonick, Alice Zyskoski, Ellie Romanoski, Anna Bartko, Helene Niglio, Paul Niglio, Mary Rita Socoloski and Charles Saweikis. Thursday winners were Tish Shihinski, Tony Deromedi, Mary K. Politis, Roger Wolfgang, Cecelia Ayers, Anna Mae Piaseczny, Mary Rita Socoloski, Jackie Wanzie, Harry Shankweiler, Anna Bartko, Charles Saweikis, Len Sahonick, Ellie Romanoski, Adeline Tloczynski, Berry Jarosewicz and Linda Shankweiler.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - After lunch, shopping at Wal-Mart, must pay to go.

Tuesday - Diane Grieser to hand out "Farmer's Market Vouchers," must be 60 or over, have photo ID and meet income guidelines, 12:30 to 2 p.m., call for more information.

Wednesday - Beverly Sybert to play "Food Jeopardy," 10:30 a.m. Open to the public.

Thursday - Food bank, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday - Center closed.

Elysburg

Monday - Pokeno, noon.

Tuesday - Healthy Steps, 9:30 a.m.; line dancing, 11 a.m.

Wednesday - VNA blood pressure/blood sugar screening, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; bingo, noon.

Thursday - Healthy Steps, 9:30 a.m.; line dancing, 11 a.m.

Friday - Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, noon.

Trevorton

Monday - Games on the Wii, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.; trip to Lake Tobias Animal Farm and Wooden Nickel, van leaves at 10 a.m., $2 co-pay; Unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - VNA blood pressure/blood sugar screening, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; shopping at Weis Markets, 12:30 p.m., $2 co-pay; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Wednesday - Center Wii Tourmanent, 9 to 11 a.m.; Scrabble, 9 a.m.; movie with snacks, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Wii bowlers to Sunbury SAC, 9 a.m.; bowling, 9:30 a.m.; bean bag toss, 10:30 a.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Friday - Games on the Wii, 8:30 to 11 a.m.; $1 bingo, noon; card party, 7 p.m.

TREVORTON - Two men smashed a front door to gain entry and stole an undetermined amount of cigarettes and Lottery tickets overnight at the Sunoco A-Plus convenience store here.

Two state police troopers from the Stonington barracks and another pair from the Troop F Forensic Services Unit out of Montoursville were at the Zerbe Township store after 8 a.m. Friday collecting evidence, including samples of what appeared to be blood drops on the concrete sidewalk near an ice machine about 20 feet from the front doors.

The bottom half of one of two glass front doors was smashed, resulting in a hole large enough for someone to crawl through.

State police list the owner of the store as Kanu Patel, Corona, Calif.

Manager Bobby Patel said he was alerted at about 3 a.m. to the fact that the alarm had sounded at the building. The store was closed at the time, he said.

Friday morning, in between waiting on customers, he was taking inventory trying to determine exactly what had been taken.

Police listed the time of the incident as 3:15 a.m., and said the actors were Caucasian.

As troopers carried out their on-scene investigation Friday morning, the store was operating. Both front doors stood wide open as customers came and went amid two state police cruisers, an unmarked police car and the forensic unit van.

Trooper Robert Brown sat on the sidewalk outside the front doors surrounded by packs of cigarettes and other items from the store as he did paperwork and filled up evidence envelopes. His partner from the forensic unit, Trooper Mark Rider, was using Q-Tips to collect the apparent blood evidence and was also heard discussing obtaining fingerprints off of a display case.

All Saints, Kulpmont

All Saints Evangelical Lutheran, 12th and Scott streets, Kulpmont.

Pastor - The Rev. Alfred J. Bashore.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Participants - Perry Adams or Marsha Karnes, communion assistant; Shirley Tomtishen and Marsha Karnes, altar guild.

Assumption BVM

Assumption BVM Ukrainian Catholic Church, Paxton Street, Centralia.

Pastor - The Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Hutsko.

Confessions - Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

Divine liturgy - Sunday, 11 a.m.

Augusta Baptist

Augusta Baptist Church, 1371 Boyles Run Road, Sunbury.

Pastor - Robert S. Commerford.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Augustaville Wesleyan

Augustaville Wesleyan Church, 2556 State Route 890, Paxinos.

Pastor - Greg Clendaniel.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:40 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, adult Bible study, Faith Weaver Friends and youth Bible bowl, 7 p.m.

Bethany Bible

Bethany Bible Fellowship Church, 654 Wilburton Road (across from Mount Carmel Estates), Mount Carmel.

Pastor - Philip Norris.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:45 a.m. Following the service, there will be a fellowship dinner, followed by a short devotional.

Message - "Courage to Speak Up!"

Special music - Samuel Cassel.

Activities - Wednesday, King's Kids, adult prayer and Bible study, 7 p.m.

Bethel Union

Bethel Union Chapel, West Cameron Township.

Pastor - Dave Butler.

Sunday school - 9;30 a.m. (all ages)

Morning worship - 10:30 a.m.

Special music - Dave Wells.

Nursery - Kerry Segar and Ruth Butler.

Junior church - Donna Reitz and Carol Degan .

Evening worship - 6 p.m.

Activities - Tuesday, prayer worship, 6 p.m.; Wednesday, Bible study, 6 p.m.

Calvary Bible

Calvary Bible Fellowship Church, 35 S. Second St., Shamokin.

Pastor - Ferdie Madara.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship service - 10:35 a.m. Praise team. Message by Pastor Madara. Graduates of the church will be honored.

Evening Prayer Service with Communion - 6 p.m.

Activities - Vacation Bible School will be held June 13 to 17.

Catawissa Circuit

Pastor - Anna Fyock.

Bethel United Methodist, 168 Bethel Road, Catawissa.

Worship - 8:15 a.m.

Sunday school - 9:15 a.m.

Fisherdale, 268 Fisherdale Road, Elysburg.

Worship - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday school - 10:30 a.m.

St. Paul's (Easter Furnace UMC), 83 Easter Furnace Road, Catawissa.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship - 10:45 a.m.

Christ's Reformed UCC

Christ's Reformed UCC, Helfenstein.

Pastor - Jerry Schlegel.

Worship time - 10:15 a.m. with Communion.

Scriptures - Joshua 1:1-16.

Message - "All The Way With God."

Participants - Dorene Choffel, worship assistant; Jeff Haas, organist; Ed and Rose Klauger, communion assistants.

Church of Our Lady

Church of Our Lady, 47 S. Market St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Very Rev. Francis J. Karwacki.

Weekday Masses - 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday.

Weekend Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 8:30 and 11 a.m.

Confessions - Daily before 8 a.m. Mass; Saturday, 3 to 4 p.m.

Church of Nazarene

Church of the Nazarene, Route 901, Lavelle.

Pastor - Rick Newman.

Worship service - 9:30 a.m. with Sunday school for all ages.

Activities - Wednesday, adult Bible study, "Ashes to Fire." for Lent, 10 a.m.; Children's Teen Activities, 6:30 p.m.

Clark's Grove UMC

Clark's Grove United Methodist Church, Irish Valley Road, Paxinos. Handicapped accessible.

Pastor - Susan J. Roehs.

Prayer time - 8:30 a.m.

Sunday school for all ages - 9 a.m.

Worship service with nursery care - 10:10 a.m.

Youth group for grades three and up - 6 p.m.

Divine Redeemer

Divine Redeemer Church, West Avenue and Poplar Street, Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. Robert A. Yohe Jr.

Weekday Masses - Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 7 a.m.

Weekend Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m. (Sunday obligation); Sunday, 8 and 10:30 a.m.

Confessions - Saturday, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.; after morning novena Thursday, during First Friday Holy Hour or any time by appointment.

Novenas - Tuesday, Miraculous Medal novena after morning Mass; Thursday, St. Jude Thaddeus novena after morning Mass; first Saturday of month, St. Francis novena after morning Mass.

Elysburg Alliance

Elysburg Alliance Church, 113 W. Alpha Ave., Elysburg.

Pastor - The Rev. Guy R. Thompson.

Assistant pastor - The Rev. Chad Froelich.

Sunday combined service - 10:30 a.m. "Children's Sunday," The Rev. Thompson

Sunday school for all ages - 9:15 a.m.

Activities - Wednesday, Collide Youth Group (junior and senior high), from 6:45 to 8:15 p.m.; adult Bible study prayer, Sanctuary, and Kids Konnection (grades 3 to 5), both 7 p.m.; Saturday, June 4, Contemporary celebration service, 6:30 p.m., Rev. Froelich.

Elysburg Presbyterian

Elysburg Presbyterian Church, 320 W. Valley Ave. (Route 487), Elysburg.

Pastor - Matthew Young.

Sunday school for all ages - 9 a.m.

Worship service - Early worship at 8 a.m. and formal worship service at 10:30 a.m. with nursery provided. Pastor Young will be preaching from Acts 1: 1-11.

Participants - Debbie Cecco, organist; Eileen Reigal, pianist; contemporary praise group.

Activities - Sunday, jr. high youth group, 4 to 6 p.m., sr. high youth group, 6 to 8 p.m.; Monday, Bear Gap Anchor Group, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Bible study on Romans 12, 7 p.m.; Thursday, women's prayer group, 5 p.m., Young Guys Discipleship Group, 8 p.m.; Friday, Breakfast with Jesus Bible study, 8:30 a.m.; Fifth Quarter - movie on the lawn, "Voyage of the Lawn Treader," by C.S. Lewis, 9 p.m.; Sunday, June 12, jr. high youth group, 4 to 6 p.m., sr. high youth group, 6 to 8 p.m.

Elysburg UMC

Elysburg United Methodist Church, 171 W. Center St., Elysburg.

Pastor - The Rev. Ivan Alberts.

Morning worship - 9 a.m. liturgy. Pastor Alberts will be at annual conference this week. John Yost will deliver the morning message. Nursery care is provided for children up to four years of age.

Participants - Tom Wodzak, head usher; Dean and Judy George, greeters; Homer Woodring, scripture reader; Anuroop, acolyte; John Romanoski, organist; Lynne Homiak and Jeanie Crowl, pianists; Edna Ehret, shepherding, and Nan Weller, choir director.

Activities - Sunday, 9 a.m. worship service. Children's Sunday School during worship. Confirmation class after worship, 10:15 a.m., Adult Sunday School.

Emmanuel UMC

Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 328 Center St., Coal Township.

Co-pastors - The Revs. Al Schell Jr. and Betty Ford.

Worship - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Adult Sunday school - 10:30 a.m.

Activities - Tuesday and Thursday, exercise class, 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Bible study, 1 p.m.; cookie ministry, third Wednesday, 5 p.m.; movie night, fourth Sunday, 5 p.m.

Faith Bible

Faith Bible Church, Burnside.

Pastor - Perry Ross.

Pianist - Robert Witmer III.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Evening service - 7 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, Kids Club, Bible study and prayer, 7 p.m.

Faith Community Church

Pastor - Dale Hill, 751-5101.

Sunday worship - 10:30 a.m.

First Baptist

First Baptist Church, 10 E. Lincoln St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Samuel Derr.

Church School - 9:45 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:45.

Church organist - Judith Pensyl.

Evening worship - 6 p.m.

Organist - Judith Pensyl.

Activities - Wednesday, choir rehearsal, 6 p.m., prayer, praise and testimony, Bible study, led by Ron Evans, 7 p.m.

First Baptist

First Baptist Church, 510 S. Ninth St., Trevorton.

Pastor - Dan Conklin.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday morning worship - 10:40 a.m.

Sunday evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, choir practice, 6 p.m.; prayer and Bible study, 7 p.m.

First Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church, Sunbury and Liberty streets, Shamokin.

Pastor - Rev. Dr. Carrie L. Stine.

Adult Sunday school - 9:15 a.m.

Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Participants - Noriene Ladd, organist; Mary Ann Stump, assistant organist; Andrew Ladd, acolyte; William Milbrand, choir director; William Persing Sr. and David Boyer, ushers and greeters; Charlene Lesher, Terry Persing and Wendy Wary, Sunday school and nursery; Carol Culton, adult Sunday School; William Lentz, sexton; Wendy Wary, secretary/treasurer; Charlene Lesher, clerk of session.

Activities - Today, spring fling, 3 to 6 p.m., Raspberry Hill Playground.

First UMC

First United Methodist Church, 46 N. Hickory St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. Daniel Siddle.

Worship service - 10 a.m.

Sermon - "In His Name" by Pastor Siddle.

Sunday school - 10:15 a.m.

Participants - Sharon Styer, organist; Iver Facer Sr., head usher; Shawn Sheptock family, greeters; Bob Welker, sound director; Ralph Hindmarch, liturgist; Taylor Getty, acolyte; Pastor Dan, children's time; Anne Sauger, counter.

Activities - Today, Youth Group rummage sale, church basement, 9 a.m.; Sunday, the youth group will meet at 6 p.m.; Monday, quilting at 10 a.m.; Tuesday, Al-Anon meets at 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Bible study, 7 p.m., board room; Thursday, NA woman's group meets, 6 to 7 p.m.

First UMC

First United Methodist Church, Sunbury Street, Shamokin.

Pastor - Zachary Hopple.

Adult Sunday school - 9:15 a.m.

Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Participants - Sharon Williams, liturgist; Sharon and Jane Williams, greeters.

Activities - Monday, Bible study, 6 p.m., in parlor, Ad Council meeting, 7 p.m.

Good Shepherd

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 35 N. Ninth St., Ashland.

Pastor - The Rev. Dana Heckman-Beil.

Worship service - 9 a.m. Sixth Sunday of Easter.

Sunday school - 10:15 a.m.

Grace Chapel

Grace Chapel, 126 Airport Road, Shamokin.

Pastor - Alan Langelli.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:30 a.m.

Evening worship - 6:30.

Wednesday prayer - 6:45 p.m.

Upcoming events - Today, Ladies of grace; Sunday, Outdoor PM service; June 8, Ladies' fellowship; June 11, new member class; June 14, Business meeting; June 16, Anniversary Committee meeting; June 26, communion and baby dedication.

Grace Evangelical

Grace Evangelical Independent Church, Locustdale.

Pastor - The Rev. Rose M. Marquardt.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 11 a.m.

Grace Lutheran

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 10 S. Seventh St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. David M. Byerly.

The Service of Word and Sacrament at 10:15 a.m. During the service,

There will be no Sunday School classes until September.

Participants in service - Jeffrey Clutcher, worship assistant; Charlene Pell, cantor; Andrew Claycomb, acolyte; Tyler Keiser, crucifer; Diane Schrader and Diana Cheunes, communion bearers; Diane Schrader and Diana Cheunes, altar care; Bruce and Jeanne Romanic, Nancy and Bill Joraskie, Joan Lineweaver and Roger Giffin, Elgie and Barry Schleig and Beverly and Harry Deitz, ushers; Diane Calhoun, organist; Charlene Pell, choir director.

Activities - Monday, Pastor Byerly returns to the office, Shamokin Area Baccalaureate, 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Tulpehocken Pastors Conference, 10 a.m., Joint Council meeting, Fellowship Hall, 7 p.m.; Thursday, SAHS graduation, 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 11, Set-up for Joint Pentecost/Confirmation Dinner, Fellowship Hall, 10 a.m.

Grace Lutheran

Grace Lutheran Church, 146 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Joan Brown.

Service and Eucharist, 10:45 a.m.

The Seventh Sunday of Easter.

Guest speaker - Jodi Ellis.

Participants - Linda Rubendall, organist, Diann Marie Repko, lector; William Brass, usher; James Reiner, bell ringer and usher; Judith Barnes, secretary and altar preparer.

Church services for St. Matthew's (Slovak) Lutheran Church, 301 West Avenue, Mount Carmel, will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 146 West Avenue, Mount Carmel, during the month of June.

Grace UCC

Grace United Church of Christ, Third and Market streets, Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. Joan A. Brown.

Morning worship - 9 a.m.

Participants - Bryan Lapinski, organist; Aurora Froutz, acolyte; Sandra Beaver and Alverna Moleski, choir directors; Renee Apichell and Mary Sebastian, ushers.

Activities - Monday, Consistory meeting, 7 p.m.; Thursday, choir rehearsal, 6:30 p.m.

Harvest Worship

Harvest Worship Ministries, Upper Road, West Cameron Township, rear of the old elementary building.

Pastor - Sandy Whary.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

For information, call 850-4280.

Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley Community Church, 162 Hidden Valley Lane, Mifflinburg. A non-denominational Bible church.

Pastor - Gary L. Owens.

Worship service, 10 a.m. in clubhouse. Casual dress welcome.

Himmel's Church

Himmel's Church, 1941 Schwaben Creek Road, Rebuck, 425-2200.

Pastor - Pastor Jane H. Compton.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of every month.

Activities - June 19, Homecoming in the church grove at 10 a.m. with Holy Communion followed by a covered dish lunch.

Holy Angels

Holy Angels Church, 855 Scott St., Kulpmont.

Pastor - The Rev. Andrew Stahmer.

Confessions - Saturday, 4 to 5 p.m.

Weekday Masses - Monday and Thursday, 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m.

Weekend Masses of Obligation - Saturday, 5:30 p.m., Sunday, 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Activities - Tuesday, bingo at the activity center, doors open 4:30 p.m., games begin 6:15 p.m.; Wednesday, picnic committee meeting in the activity center, 7 p.m.; Thursday, Golden Angels meeting in the activity center, 5 p.m., parish council steering committee meeting in the rectory, 7:15 p.m.

Holy Trinity

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 150 E. Lincoln St., Shamokin.

Celebrants - The Rev. Ronald R. Lausch, rector, and the Rev. Richard A. Hazzard, deacon.

Worship - 10 a.m.

Handicapped accessible. Church school for children. Nursery care available.

Hope Community Church

Hope Community Church, non-denominational Bible church, 551 W. Fourth St. (formerly Lazarski's Banquet Hall), Mount Carmel.

Pastor - Dan Renno.

Christian education for all ages - 9 a.m.

Fellowship time - 9:45 a.m.

Praise and worship service - 10:15 a.m.

Irish Valley UMC

Irish Valley United Methodist Church, Irish Valley Road, Paxinos.

Pastor - Beverly Petrovich.

Sunday school - 9:15 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Johnston City UMC

Johnston City United Methodist Church, 200 Main St., Ranshaw.

Pastor - Beverly Petrovich.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Participants - Barbara Cummings, greeter; Daniel Petrovich, ushers; Janet Fellin, pianist.

Living Power Ministries

Living Power Ministries, 45 E. Fourth St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - Walter Kriskie.

Praise and worship - 10:30 a.m., children's church.

Evening worship - 6 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, Bible study, 7 p.m. Children and teens welcome.

Miller's Crossroads

Miller's Crossroads UMC, 1929 Plum Creek Road, Stonington, Sunbury RR 4.

Pastor - John Parker.

Worship - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday school - 10:30 a.m.

Participants - Betsy Bradigan, organist.

Ministry of the Water and Spirit

Ministry of the Water and Spirit Church, 324 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin.

Pastor - James Bowers.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, Bible study and hymn praise song, 6 p.m.

Mother Cabrini

Mother Cabrini Church, North Shamokin Street, Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Martin Kobos.

Parochial vicar - The Rev. Adam Ziolkowski.

Sunday Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 7, 9 and 11 a.m.

Confessions - Daily, 7:30 to 7:50 a.m.; Saturday, 3 to 3:45 p.m.

Recitation of the Rosary - Monday through Friday, 5 p.m., in the church.

Activities - Today, St. Anthony Novena begins after the 8 a.m. Mass; Seventh Sunday of Easter. Religious Education Catechist Appreciation Dinner, 2 p.m., at Brewser's; Monday, bingo at church hall, 6:15 p.m.; Wednesday, RCIA at St. Pauline Center, 6:30 p.m.; Picnic food prep, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. at the Vine Street kichen; Novena to St. Anthony of Padua, Monday through Friday, after 8 a.m. Mass. Communion calls to the parish homebound, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, after 9 a.m.

Mountainside

Mountainside Assembly of God, 1900 Trevorton Road, Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Richard H. Earl.

LIFEQuest breakfast for all - 9 a.m.

LIFEQuest classes for all ages - 9:30 a.m. with nursery available.

Morning worship - 10:30 a.m.

Evening activities - 6 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, SUPERKids for ages 5 to 11 and adult discipleship, 6:30 p.m.

Mount Zion

Mount Zion Welsh Congregational United Church of Christ, Grant and Church streets, Shamokin.

Pastor - Gerald Lloyd Jr.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Scripture - Acts 1: 6-14; John 17: 1-11.

Sermon - "Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven."

Participants - Phil Maue, organist.

Holy Communion will be celebrated.

New Life Church

New Life Church of God, 129 W. Second St., Mount Carmel.

Interim pastor - The Rev. John D. Ashbaugh.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Prelude - 10 to 10:30 a.m., flute solo.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m., with junior church and nursery available.

Handicap accessible, wheelchair available.

Prayer room open every day, 8 a.m. to noon, church side/back entrance.

Oak Grove UMC

Oak Grove United Methodist Church, Marley Road, Overlook.

Pastor - The Rev. Kay Painter.

Worship - 9 a.m.

Sunday school for all ages - 10:35 a.m.

Activities - Monday, women's Bible study, 7 p.m.; Thursday, free karate classes at church, children 5 to 12, 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.; 13 and up, 7:30 p.m.; Bountiful Blessings outreach, 6 to 8 p.m., first and third Fridays of the month.

Our Lady of Hope

Our Lady of Hope Parish, Chestnut and First streets, Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Adrian Gallagher, O.F.M. Conv.

Daily Masses - Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 7 a.m. in the parish center chapel, except on days where a funeral Mass is celebrated.

Weekend Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 7 and 11 a.m.

Holy Day of Obligation Mass - 5:30 p.m. Vigil Mass and 7 a.m. morning of the Holy Day.

Sacrament of Reconciliation - Saturday, 3 to 3:45 p.m.

Parish office hours - Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Activities - Today, Parish festival at parish hall and surrounding grounds, 5 to 10 p.m.; Tuesday, charismatic prayer group meets at St. Patrick, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Bible study at Mrs. Zyla's, 2 p.m.

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church, 599 W. Center St., Elysburg.

Pastor - The Rev. Alfred P. Sceski.

Masses - Weekdays, 8 a.m.; Saturday, 5 p.m.; Sunday, 8 and 10:30 a.m.

Confessions - Saturday, 4 to 4:30 p.m.

Restoration Ministries

Restoration Ministries Church, 525 W. Chestnut St., Shamokin.

Pastor - Paul K. Eby.

Pre-service prayer - 9 a.m.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m. for all ages, JoAnne Long, superintendent.

Sunday worship service - 10:30 a.m. Pastor Paul will speak. The worship team will lead praise and worship. Special prayer will be available. Nursery care will also be available.

Children's church - 11:15 a.m. for ages 4 through 11 in the social room, directed by Shirley Cintron.

Student Life Ministry Youth Service - 6:30 p.m. in the Youth Life Center for all teens ages 12 to 18.

Activities - Monday, God's Grub in church social hall for the community, 5 to 7 p.m.; Tuesday, Cross Training Youth Disciple Class, dinner at 3 p.m., class taught by Fran Jones from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, Soul Seekers group for ages 18 and older in prayer room, 7 p.m.

St. John Lutheran

St. John Lutheran Church, 29 High Road, (3 miles from red light in Elysburg, on Route 54, turn right on High Road), Danville.

Pastor - The Rev. Christoph Teille.

Sunday school - 9:15 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

St. John's UCC

St. John's United Church of Christ, 117 N. Eighth St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. John W. Silliman.

Contemporary service - 9 a.m., fellowship hall.

Participants - Worship band, music; Margaret Morris, organist; Casey Henninger, pianist; David Spotts, lay reader.

Sunday school/Coffee hour - 10:10 a.m.

Traditional service - 11 a.m., sanctuary.

Participants - Youth Choir, music; Margaret Morris, organist; Casey Henninger, pianist; David Spotts, lay reader; Ned Welker, shuttle driver.

Activities - Tuesday, Book Study, 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Strawberry Festival, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

St. John's UMC

St. John's United Methodist Church, 1218 W. Arch St., Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Navin Satyavrata.

Lay leader - Paul Stehman.

Worship - 9 a.m. (Nursery up to age 4).

Sunday School for all ages - 10:15 a.m.

First Sunday: Holy Communion.

First Sundays, Holy Communion, prayer walk, 10:30 a.m. (April to November); Sundays, youth fellowship, (October to May), 5:30 p.m.; First and Third Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m. Healing Service, parish hall; Wednesday, Bible study, 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, choir practice, 8 a.m. (September to May).

Prayer chain, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Upcoming events - Sunday, Prayer Walk, 10:30 a.m.; June 12, Community Prayer Gathering (Shamokin Alliance Church), Theme: Repentance; July 3, Prayer Walk, 10:30 a.m.; July 17, Methodist United Meeting (Miller's Crossroads UMC), 1 p.m.; July 18, United Methodist Men's meeting (Clark's Grove UMC), 6 p.m.; July 24 to 29, Vacation Bible School, 6 p.m.; Aug. 7, Prayer Walk, 10:30 a.m.: Sept. 3, choir practice resumes after summer, 8 a.m.

St. Joseph's Church

St. Joseph's Church, 11th and Walnut streets, Ashland.

Pastor - The Rev. John W. Bambrick.

Sister Elizabeth Kealy, IHM, director of religious education.

Confessions - Saturday, 3 to 3:30 p.m. Any time by appointment.

Rosary prayed before all Masses.

Mass schedule - Today, 4 p.m. (Vigil for Sunday); Sunday, 8:30 a.m.; Monday and Tuesday, 8 a.m.; Wednesday, adoration all day from 9 a.m., concluding with night prayers, benediction and miraculous medal devotions at 4:45 p.m., Mass at 5 p.m.; Thursday, 8 a.m.; Friday, noon; First Fridays Sacred Heart devotions.

St. Ann's Chapel, open each day for prayer. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon; Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

St. Mark Lutheran

St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 225 N. Market St., Elysburg.

Pastor - The Rev. Christoph Teille.

Worship service - 9 a.m. CCC (coffee, church and conversation) every third Sunday of the month.

St. Matthew Lutheran

St. Matthew (Slovak) Lutheran Church, 301 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Joan Brown.

The Service and Eucharist - 10:45 a.m.

Seventh Sunday of Easter.

Guest speaker - Jodi Ellis.

Church services for St. Matthew's will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 146 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel, during the month of June.

St. Michael Orthodox

St. Michael's Orthodox Church, 131 N. Willow St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Very Rev. Michael H. Evans.

Divine liturgy - 9 a.m.

St. Patrick's

St. Patrick's Church, 331 W. Shamokin St., Trevorton.

Pastor - The Rev. Adrian Gallagher, O.F.M., Conv.

Weekend Masses - Sunday, 9 a.m.

Weekday Masses - 8 a.m., Wednesday.

Sacrament of reconciliation - Wednesday after morning Mass or during the day.

St. Paul Lutheran

St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4663 Upper Road, Gowen City.

Pastor - The Rev. David Byerly.

Service of Word and Sacrament - 8:15 a.m.

Participants - Roger Henninger, lector; Brianna Bonshock, acolyte/crucifer; Claire Bonshock and Carol Shinskie, communion assistants; Walter Boyer, organist and choir director.

Activities - Monday, Pastor Byerly returns to the office, SAHS Baccalaureate, 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Tulpehocken Pastors Conference, 10 a.m., Joint Council meeting, Grace Church, Fellowship Hall, 7 p.m.; Thursday, SAHS graduation; Saturday, June 11, Set-up for Joint Pentecost/Confirmation Dinner, Grace Lutheran, Fellowship Hall, 10 a.m.

St. Paul's Reformed

St. Paul's Reformed United Church of Christ, Gowen City.

Pastor - Jerry Schlegel.

Worship time - 9 a.m. with Communion.

Scriptures - Joshua 1:1-16.

Message - "All The Way With God."

Participants - Cliff Artman, organist; Virginia McWilliams and Esther Whary, communion assistants.

St. Pauline Visintainer

St. Pauline Visintainer Center, 1150 Chestnut St., Box 115, Kulpmont.

"Chapel of the Crucified."

Eucharistic adoration - Friday 6 p.m. to Saturday 7 p.m.

St. Pauline Visintainer Center, open Saturday, Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

St. Peter's Lutheran

St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran, Aristes.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Joan Brown.

Service and Sacrament of Holy Communion - 9 a.m.

SS Peter and Paul

SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Avenue and Beech Street, Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Hutsko.

Confessions - Saturday, 3:15 p.m. and Sunday, 8:15 a.m.

Weekday Divine Liturgy - 8 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Weekend Divine Liturgies - 4 p.m. Saturday and 9:15 a.m., Sunday.

Activities - Monday, religious education classes, 6 to 7 p.m.

St. Peter's UCC

St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Overlook.

Pastor - Paul T. Gurba Jr.

Morning worship - 8:30 a.m.

Sermon Title - "Evil Intended: Mission Accomplished."

Verse of the Day - Genesis 37:27a. "Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our had be upon him..."

Organist - Virginia Nefsky.

St. Stephen's

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Fourth and Maple streets, Mount Carmel.

Celebrants - The Rev. Ronald R. Lausch, rector, and the Rev. Richard A. Hazzard, deacon.

Lectors - Faith Kirchhoff and Donald Phillps.

Service - 8:30 a.m., Holy Eucharist.

Handicapped accessible.

Activities - Wednesday, 8:45 a.m., Holy Eucharist and healing service; second and fourth Saturdays, 6:15 p.m., Holy Eucharist at the St. Stephen Center.

Salem UCC

Salem United Church of Christ, 1300 W. Pine St., Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Jean Eckrod.

Morning worship - 9 a.m.

Assisting - MacKenzie Glosek, acolyte; Darlis Tasker, lay leader; Judie Zabawsky, organist; Larry Diorio, lighting/sound; Julie Updegrove, beginners class; Bill and Gerry Woland, greeters; Larry Diorio, Helen Martin, Suzzette Steinhart and Deb Weaver, ushers.

Special note - A quiet room for young infants and nursery care for infants and toddlers is available during the morning worship hour at 9 a.m. Christian Education is provided for children 3-12 years old immediately after Children's times at the beginning of morning worship.

Activities - Wednesday, Senior Day, going to Olive Garden and Hiawathia Boat Trip in Williamsport, leaving church at 10:15 a.m.

Seventh Street

Seventh Street Primitive Methodist Church, 34 N. Seventh St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Robert F. Smith.

Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

A nursery is available for children birth to age 5 during the morning worship service. Children's church is provided for children over age five with a focus on lessons from the Bible.

The water jug is back and we will be again raising funds for the school in Guatemala. There is a need at the school for computers.

Shamokin Alliance

Shamokin Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Second and Arch streets, Shamokin.

Pastor - Samuel Bellavia.

Worship services - 8:30 and 10:50 a.m.

Baby and toddler nurseries and children's church available.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Sunday worship service - 7 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, Kidz Klub for Jesus, Alliance Boys for Christ and teen ministries, 6:45 to 8:15 p.m., transportation for ages 5 and up, call for pickup; small groups and cottage prayer meetings available, contact church at 644-1718 for days, locations and times.

Shamokin God's Missionary

Shamokin God's Missionary Church, 768 Bear Valley Ave., Shamokin.

Pastor - Jim Richards.

Adult Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Children's church - 10:45 a.m.

Sunday worship - 10:45 a.m.

Sunday evening worship - 6 p.m.

Van available to pick up church-goers.

Parsonage phone - 644-1156. Pastor's cell - 541-2768.

Activities - Wednesday, Bible study, 7 p.m.

Stonington Baptist

Stonington Baptist Church, Hosta Road, Paxinos.

Pastor - The Rev. J. Douglas Hallman.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Morning worship - 10 a.m.

Evening service - 7 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, prayer service, 7 p.m.

Stonington Wesleyan

Stonington Wesleyan Church, 2113 Hosta Road, Route 61, Stonington.

Pastor - The Rev. Robert A. Jones Jr.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:30 a.m. Junior church available.

Evening worship - 6 p.m.

Children's ministry - 6 p.m., all ages welcome.

Activities - Wednesday, adult prayer and Bible study, 6:30 p.m.

Three Angels

Three Angels Message Outreach, 7 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin (former Jewish synagogue).

Pastor - John Peters.

Saturday sabbath school - 9:30 a.m., with classes for children and adults.

Saturday worship - 11 a.m.

Activities - Wednesday, family Bible studies, 7 p.m.

Trevorton UMC

Trevorton United Methodist Church, Shamokin Street, Trevorton.

Pastor - The Rev. Kay Painter.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:40 a.m.

Participant - Nancy Korenkiewicz, pianist, organist and choir director.

Trinity Evangelical

Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church, Arch and Anthracite streets, Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Mark Brownson.

Sunday school - 9:20 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m., held in regular church.

Worship - 7 p.m.

Activities - Tuesday, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Trinity Bible club; Wednesday, prayer meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Trinity Lutheran

Trinity Lutheran Church, 65 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin.

Worship service - 10 a.m.

Interim pastor - The Rev. David Hauck.

Assisting minister - Mary Tharp.

Participants - Jan Morrison, organist; Ned Moser, lector; Jared Jones, acolyte; Carol Eidem, altar guild; Don Ponatoski and Ron Manney, counters.

Activities - Today, dance class, 9:30 a.m.; Monday, Baccalaureate Service at Shamokin Area High School, 7 p.m.

Union Evangelical

Union Evangelical Free Church, 601 W. Fifth St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - Larry Coutlee.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Morning worship - 10 a.m. Missionary Dean Overholt will preach the morning message.

Informal Evening Service, 6 p.m.

Activities - Tuesday, Women's Ministries will be having a luncheon at Latorre House, Elysburg; Wednesday, prayer meeting at the church, 6:30 p.m.; Thursday, Fit for the Kingdom will be held at the home of Jill Keener, 100 Broad St., Ashland (across from hospital), 6:45 p.m.

Those needing transportation to any of the services, call 339-4043.

United Presbyterian

United Presbyterian Church, 100 E. Fifth St., Mount Carmel.

Minister - The Rev. Ted Plott.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Participants - Dale Schimpf, organist; Jennifer Evans, acolyte; Ellsworth George and Andrew Mekosh, ushers; Dorothy Snyder, greeter.

Victory Bible Church

Victory Bible Church, Snydertown Highway, three miles from Elysburg.

Pastor - Kevin Kline.

Worship - 10 a.m., with Sunday school for youth at the same time.

Evening worship - 7 p.m.

Wilburton UMC

Wilburton United Methodist Church, Wilburton.

Pastor - Rose M. Marquardt.

Worship service - 8:45 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Participants - Laurie Steinhilber, organist; Synice Lindenmuth, children's Sunday school; Brylee Walter, acolyte; Tim Brosius, Keith Brosius and Jacqueline Kobilis, ushers.

Zion Primitive

Zion Primitive Methodist Church, 33 N. Market St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. Robert F. Smith.

Worship service - 9:30 a.m.

Participants - Elizabeth Broda, Stan Broda, Ken Angeli, Cy Kufu, Gene Leatherman and Beverly Cooper.

Activities - Saturday, Bible class, 10 a.m., studying the Book of I Samuel. Everyone welcome.

Zion UMC

Zion United Methodist Church, Aristes.

Pastor - The Rev. Rose M. Marquardt.

Worship service - 9:50 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Zion Methodist

Zion United Methodist Church, Trevorton Road, Coal Township.

Co-pastors - The Revs. Al Schell Jr. and Betty Ford.

Sunday school - 10:30 a.m.

Worship - 11:15 a.m.

In September 1992, the 100th anniversary of its founding of Holy Cross Church by Lithuanian immigrants was celebrated with a special liturgy followed by a wedding reception-like banquet. A meal held at the same hall in June 1995 resembled a funeral dinner after the last Mass was celebrated at the Mount Carmel church before the parish was consolidated with four others.

Other than the somber looks that replaced the congregation's celebratory smiles of three years previous, pictures taken at the anniversary and closing Mass depict the same church interior. Well, it was almost the same.

As part of the centennial activities of 1992, the church commissioned gold letters to be installed behind the altar, stating, "Because by your holy cross, you have redeemed the world."

For one reason or another, the letters ordered by Father Joseph D. Bowler, O.S.F.S, pastor, were not installed in 1992.

In the midst of all the changes in the next few years, the letters were forgotten. That is they were until Father Bowler received a call in the week before the church was to be closed.

The person hired to install the lettering wanted to do so - despite the fact that they would only be seen on the church's last weekend.

Father Bowler agreed and so those who attended the final Masses were greeted and bid good-bye by the words, "Because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world."

The sign installer learned, just as did the Good Thief crucified next to Jesus discovered, that it is never too late for redemption if we rely on the sacrifice of the holy cross.

+++

God forgives our failures if we try to do the right thing.

BLOOMSBURG - State police have not yet concluded their investigation into the death of suspended state police trooper David Alan Lynch, who was found dead in the Roaring Creek Tract of Weiser State Forest in February.

Bloomsburg State Police Commander Sgt. Mark Fulton said this week that toxicology reports are complete; however, experts need to be consulted to determine what the results mean.

Fulton said previously there was no indication of foul play, and that the 34-year-old resident of Locust Township, Columbia County, likely froze to death.

In a letter to the editor, Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini had referenced the possibility that Lynch had been using the designer drug "bath salts" at the time of his disappearance, but investigators have not offered that information.

Lynch's body was discovered about 5 p.m. Feb. 2 on forest property in Conyngham Township, Columbia County. The Columbia County line is about four miles from Route 54 and the area where his pickup truck was discovered two days earlier.

Lynch began his career as a state trooper in 2006, but he ran afoul of the law and had been slated to go to trial on charges that included resisting arrest and DUI related to a domestic disturbance in 2009. Court documents showed Lynch had threatened to kill himself. Another trial involving a DUI from March 2009 was also scheduled.

An all-state football player at Mahanoy Area, he earned a scholarship to play football at Division I Duke University, where he graduated with a degree in history.

HAMBURG - A 44-year-old Hamburg man was arrested Thursday and charged with sexually assaulting a juvenile over eight years, according to state police.

State police in Schuylkill Haven arrested Daren Levan without incident at 1:10 p.m. Thursday in Hamburg.

Levan is charged with three counts of sexual abuse of children, four counts of endangering the welfare of children, 10 counts of corruption of minors, six counts of unlawful contact with a minor, eight counts of indecent assault, 10 counts of indecent exposure and 10 counts of open lewdness, according to state police. The acts allegedly took place at Aspen Drive in South Manheim Township, Schuylkill County, troopers said.

The alleged acts ocurred from Feb. 20, 2003, to April 19, 2011, between midnight and 1 a.m., troopers said.

Levan waived extradition to Schuylkill County and was transported to District Justice James Ferrier's office. Levan was sent to Schuylkill County prison. Bail was set at $100,000.

Police are still investigating.

One of two former Shenandoah police officers sentenced Wednesday in federal court for obstructing the investigation of the fatal beating of an illegal Mexican immigrant filed an appeal Thursday of his conviction and sentence.

Former Lt. William Moyer is asking the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn his Jan. 27 conviction of lying to the FBI and the three-month prison term imposed Wednesday for that crime by Senior U.S. District Judge A. Richard Caputo.

The one-sentence notice of appeal filed by Enid W. Harris, Kingston, Moyer's lawyer, does not contain an explanation of the reasons for the appeal.

A jury convicted Moyer after a 13-day trial of the lying charge, but acquitted him of four others. Federal prosecutors said Moyer, former Chief Matthew R. Nestor and former Officer Jason Hayes obstructed the probe of the July 12, 2008, beating of Luis Eduardo Ramirez Zavala on West Lloyd Street near the Vine Street Park in Shenandoah.

Ramirez, 25, of Shenandoah, died two days after the beating at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

The same jury convicted Nestor of filing a false police report but acquitted Hayes of both charges filed against him. On Wednesday, Caputo sentenced Nestor to 13 months in prison. The former chief has not yet filed an appeal.

Dog passes; bake sale canceled

COAL TOWNSHIP - A story in Thursday's edition regarding the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce Plant Exchange scheduled today at Rock-N-Block mentioned a bake sale fundraiser to benefit Silvio, a 3-year-old dog with cancer owned by a Rock-N-Block employee. Unfortunately, Silvio has passed away, so there will be no bake sale.

Celebration of Special Athletes today

MOUNT CARMEL --- The Mount Carmel Celebration of Special Athletes Committee will hold its 17th annual Day of Events at the Silver Bowl today. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the opening ceremony begins at 9:45 a.m. The ceremony will feature speeches from Northumberland County Commissioners Frank Sawicki and Merle Phillips and special presentations from the The Marine Corps League Black Diamond Division the Motorcycle Club A.B.A.T.E.

Refreshments and lunch will be provided free of charge. The rain date for the event is Sunday.

Reward offered for missing dog

ELYSBURG - An Elysburg family is offering a reward for the safe return of their female golden miniture poodle that went missing in the area of 339 W. Center St. Friday afternoon.

The dog, named Daisy, was wearing a colorful, polkadot color, but has no tags. She weighs approximately 12 pounds and has very short hair. Anyone with information is asked to call Chelsie Houer at 898-1099.

BY LARRY DEKLINSKI

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Although three Mount Carmel Area student teams who traveled to the Odyssey of the Mind (OM) World Finals returned without gold medals Monday, they returned with the experience of a lifetime.

The teams traveled to the University of Maryland last week to compete against teams from several countries and all 50 states in a program that teaches students creative problem-solving methods while having fun in the process.

"Full Circle, Team A" finished 11th out of 52 teams with a score of 295.12 out of a possible 350 points. Team members were seniors Christine Mrozek, Kelsey Kraynak, Amy Besser, Mariah Beaver, Kayla Bressi, Rachel Fletcher and Sami Spieller. They were coached by Aaron and Kelly Domanski for eight years.

In addition to their recent accomplishment, the team has qualified for the state tournament five times and placed sixth at last year's finals. They were also the only Pennsylvania team this year to achieve a perfect score in all problems and divisions at the state competition in Williamsport.

"Words can't describe how great they are," Aaron Domanski said. "You can't find students like this everyday, and to find seven and have them on one team; it's a coaches dream."

Domanski said it was a bittersweet moment for him and Kelly to be involved with the team's last performance, but said they couldn't have asked for a better group of students, who will now be attending college in the fall.

"Team B"

"Full Circle, Team B" finished 12th with a score of 292.15. In the long-term problem section of the tournament, the team placed second with a score of 191.86 out of a possible 200 points. Team members consisted of Kevin Mekosh, John Mazurkevich, MaryRose Latorre, Jillian Mazurkevich, Rosey Sandoval, Michelle Sandoval and Eric Joraskie. They were coached by Superintendent Cheryl Latorre, Nancy Joraskie and Melissa Muldowney.

"For sophomores and juniors, we are just extremely proud of our team," said Latorre.

"Extreme Mousemobiles"

Mount Carmel Area's Extreme Mousemobiles team finished 20th out of 47 teams with a score of 243.49. Team members were sophomores Lexie Danilowicz, Danny Fletcher, Cathy Fletcher, Joe Zanella, Bryson Purcell, Kristen Duceman and Mike Swatsky. They were coached by Jesse Wagner and Melissa Purcell.

Domanski said teams in that problem performed in a ballroom with a floor that made it more difficult for the students to control their vehicles, which were designed and built using mousetraps as the only source of energy. While several teams did not complete any of the five mandatory challenges, Mount Carmel Area completed four of five.

"Hats off to them for making it so far in their first year," Domanski said. "It was a challenge for them to compete, but they did a great job."

Ceremonies

All three teams attended the opening and closing ceremonies at the Comcast Center. Students wore specific colors and hats to identify they were from Pennsylvania. The theme worn by the Mount Carmel Area teams was Wizardry: purple shirts, wizard hats and orange lighted glasses. After the closing ceremony, teams trade shirts and hats so that their creativity is spread to different areas across the globe.

The event was streamed live on the Internet. The Mount Carmel Area teams were often seen during the broadcast.

OM start

Domanski said the achievements off all three teams was possible thanks to retired Mount Carmel Area teacher Phil Becker, who started the OM program in the school district nearly 30 years ago.

Also paramount, he said, were the numerous sponsors who helped pay for the students' transportation, hotel accommodations and meals, and the friends and families of team members who were supportive of the program.

"You almost have to see it to know what the program offers," Domanski said. "You see a lot of intelligent people coming together to solve problems. It gives students an outlet to challenge themselves from elementary through high school. The competition is at the highest level possible."

In addition to the unforgettable experiences of competing in a world competition, the students also expanded their minds by visiting the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History and Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C.

SHAMOKIN - The following had luminaries planned for dedication at the 2011 Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts. The ceremony was canceled because of weather.

In Honor of:

U.S.A. Armed Forces by Garth Hall; Chrystal Hall by Garth Hall; Dorothy Burke by Gary and Tracy Burke; Mary Ellen Fronczak by Gary and Tracy Burke; Dolly Yocum by Dolores Splane; Deb Mathinos by Dolores Splane; Aaron Persing by Dolores Splane; Mr. and Mrs. Alphonse Zielinskie by Gloria and Francis Zielinskie; Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Kolonoski by Gloria and Francis Zielinskie; Stanley and Agnes Zyla by Ron and Kathy Zyla

In Memory of:

Garth Hall by Garth Hall; Joseph and Sara Hall by Garth Hall; Capt. Robert C. Sheetz, Jr. by Garth Hall; Sgt. Matthew J. Sandri by Garth Hall; Florence Shelbelsky by Garth Hall; John R. Rivett by Dolores Splane; Mrs. Joanne Carr by Bob Carr; Mr. and Mrs. William Carr; Mr. and Mrs. Al Lada by Bob Carr; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Lada by Bob Carr; Jane Korbich by the Korbich family; Dolly Checkheskie by the Korbich family; deceased loved one of the Holland family; deceased loved one of the Slodysko family; Sam Cherry by Rob and Norie Kealey; Leonara Cherry by Rob and Norie Kealey; Ronald Kealey by Rob and Norie Kealey; Leona Burke by Rob and Norie Kealey; Rose Dougherty by Rob and Norie Kealey; Joe Bressi by his wife; John Halcovich by his wife; Hank Smink by his wife; Debbie Smink by Mom; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Fedorko by Beverly and Susan; Joseph Chekanski by Beverly and Susan; Joe Labosky by Mary Ann Levins; Mr. and Mrs. Roman Nemetz by Mary Ann Levins; Mr. and Mrs. Leon Cheslock by Mary Ann Levins; Richard Sharp by Mary Ann Levins; Lloyd and Lucille Ritzman by Daniel Ritzman; Clarence and Anna Feese by Daniel Ritzman; Irvin and Nora Ritzman by Daniel Ritzman; Shirley Ritzman by Daniel Ritzman; M/Sgt. John H. Feese USAF by Daniel Ritzman; Debra Shicora by Arnold D. Shicora; loved ones of the Kessler family by Bob and Barbara Kessler; Loved ones of the Hoy family by Bob and Barbara Kessler; William P. Zurick by Cecilia Zurick; Anne T. Zurick by Cecilia Zurick; Gertrude Eckman by Rhonda and Tom Eckman; Dennis Eckman by Rhonda and Tom Eckman; Harry and Helen Brehm by Ron and Kathy Zyla; Mark Falck by Helen Falck; Betty Dombroski by Helen Falck; Donald and Vera Martin by Helen Falck; Jean Dombroski by Helen Falck; Shirley Dombroski by Helen Falck; Andrew Dombroski by Helen Falck; Laura C. Podobinski by Joanne and Bob Templin; Joseph Templin by Joanne and Bob Templin; Robert P. Engle by Pat Engle; Robert E. Engle by Pat Engle; Leonard Stroh by Pat Engle; William M. Moyer by Norma Moyer; Florence and Marlin Kramer by Norma Moyer; Eric Trocki by Stacy Trocki and family; Francis "Skeeter" Trocki by Stacy Trocki and family; Owen Francis Derk by Jeanne Shaffer; No. 40 Aaron Ziegler by Michael and Rosalie Ziegler; Edward Kurtz by Arlene Letcavage.

WILBURTON No. 1 - Joseph Katchick, 75, of 306 E. Third St., died Friday, June 3, 2011, at home after a four-year illness.

Born in Wilburton, June 6, 1935, he was a son of the late Costy and Anna (Scherva) Katchick.

He graduated from Concen High School, in Aristes, in 1954 and received food sanitation training with the USNTC. He served with the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1958.

On April 24, 1958, in St. Michael's Orthodox Church, he married the former Alma Guinther, who survives. In addition to living in Wilburton, he also lived in Locustdale.

He was retired from Danville State Hospital and also worked summers at Knoebels Amusement Resort.

He was a member of St. Michael's Orthodox Church, a social member of the Clover Hose Company and a life member of the Wilburton No. 1 Hose Company.

He was an avid high school sports fan, supporting all local teams, and he also was a Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He even tried out for a semi-professional baseball team in Philadelphia.

In addition to his wife, Alma, he is survived by a son, Joseph Katchick and his wife, Veronica, of Mount Carmel; two grandchildren, Jennifer Seedor and Matthew Katchick, both of Mount Carmel; a sister-in-law, Josephine Katchick, of Kulpmont, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was the youngest and last member of his family of ten children. He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers and three sisters, Walter, Anna, Paul, Sam, John, Steven, Mildred, Lewis and Mary.

////

KATCHICK - Joseph Katchick, 75, of 306 E. Third St., Wilburton No. 1. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday in St. Michael's Orthodox Church, 131 North Willow Street, Mount Carmel, with Archpriest Michael Evans, officiating. A viewing will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday with Parastas at 8 p.m. and from 8:30 to 9:30 Tuesday in the C.J. Lucas Funeral Home Inc, 27 N. Vine St., Mount Carmel. Burial will be in St. Michael's Orthodox Cemetery, Mount Carmel Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Michael's Orthodox Church, 131 North Willow Street, Mount Carmel 17851 or to the American Cancer Society, 1948 East Third Street, Williamsport 17701. To send condolences to the family go to www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com.

SHAMOKIN - City code enforcement officer Barry Stoud said his hands are tied when it comes to an apartment building that partially collapsed in 2009 and still waits to be repaired. That's because the owner, who last year was found guilty on 21 counts for failing to repair the building, is no longer responsible for it.

Despite a gaping hole more than two-stories high at the rear of the building at 28-32 N. Market St., Stoud said he can no longer cite Orlando Development Inc., or its owner, Orlando Mirarchi, for violating the Building Official Code Administrators (BOCA) code because the building was offered at Northumberland County's upset sale in September.

Stoud referenced a 2002 Court of Common Pleas ruling that found the owners of a Central City, Somerset County, home to no longer be the trustees of a property that had been offered, but unsold, at the county's upset sale. That overturned a ruling by the Court of Common Pleas of Somerset County that found them guilty of summary violations of the Borough of Central City's Safe Property Maintenance Ordinance.

The opinion by Senior Judge Doyle stated that, "At the time that the citations in this matter were issued, they may have been the owners of record, but the subject property had been previously offered at an upset tax sale and title property had, therefore, passed to the bureau, as trustee."

Such is the situation with the building in Shamokin. The vacant building, which contains 17 apartments, was listed in The News-Item on Aug. 21, 2010, by the Northumberland County Tax Claims Bureau for notification that it would be part of a county upset sale on Sept. 22, 2010, because of unpaid taxes in the amount of $9,718.43. Orlando Development owned the building since 1987. No one had lived in it since 2000.

The building was offered, but not sold. It is now scheduled as part of the county judicial sale on Aug. 15.

"Because of this case, we (City of Shamokin) don't have the authority to cite the recorded owner," city solicitor H. Robert Mattis said. "The case basically says that when the gavel falls on an upset sale the tax claim bureau holds it (property) as trustee for the three taxing bodies, but the owner is no longer responsible."

On Friday, Mattis, Mayor George Rozinskie Jr. and Councilman William Milbrand, who serves as director of public safety, viewed the property.

"What we want to do is sit down with a representative of the county, so we can have a plan of action for properties, such as this," Mattis said after viewing the property. "It's frustrating for city officials, as it is for neighbors who are subject to neighboring homes subject to tax sales. It's not fair to them, but unfortunately that's what happens."

Past violations

Before the sale, Mirarchi and his company were charged with violating 21 counts of the (BOCA) code for not fixing the building after the collapse.

In July, the city denied Mirarchi's original appeal, saying he had not done enough to renovate the dilapidated property. The case went before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, who ruled in favor of the city, prompting Mirarchi's appeal to county court.

On Nov. 22, Northumberland County Judge William H. Wiest ruled against them in their appeal. In addition, Wiest found Mirarchi guilty on all counts and was ordered to pay approximately $4,000 in fines and court costs.

Mirarchi represented himself and his company during the hearing.

KULPMONT - When the Sisters of St. Casimir of Chicago came to the area on Friday, it was like they were returning home. As they entered the St. Pauline Visitainer Center in Kulpmont, they were greeted with hugs, handshakes and smiles from people they have never met before.

"This is too much for words, thank you," said Sister Immacula Wendt, General Superior of the order.

The Sisters of St. Casimir visited the area to see where Mother Maria Kaupas - a founding member of the order who is on the road to beatification - once lived, taught and worshiped as a member of the congregation at Holy Cross Parish in Mount Carmel.

In 1907, Mother Maria completed her religious training to become a nun in Scranton and founded the first Lithuanian Sisterhood, The Sisters of St. Casimir, in the United States. Upon completion of her training, she relocated to Holy Cross Church in Mount Carmel, where she helped establish its school and maintaining the church. The order later moved to Chicago, where Kaupas continued to serve as the Superior General. In 1940, Mother Maria died of cancer, and in 1943, the Archbishop of Chicago requested she be considered for sainthood. On July 1, 2010 Pope Benedict XVI recognized the heroic virtues of Mother Maria Kaupas, which brought her one step closer to becoming a saint.

Wendt, Sister Margaret Petcavage, Sister M. Lourdine Ramoska and Sister Therese Banach met with former parishioners of Holy Cross Church and representatives of the Mother Pauline Visitainer Center Friday. The center's committee members recently donated a section of the center to be used to honor Kaupas, where various artifacts are on display, including an 18-foot cross and two candles originally used in the Holy Cross Church.

Mother Pauline was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002. Her cousins, Lou and Al Visitainer, helped establish the center in Kulpmont.

International affair

Mother Maria not only founded the sisterhood in the United States, but also in Lithuania as well. In 1933, the government of Lithuania bestowed its highest decoration, the Order of the Grand Duke Gediminas, upon Mother Maria in recognition of her work in both the United States and her native country.

Brigadier General Frank Sullivan of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, who oversees the partnership between the Pennsylvania National Guard and the Lithuanian military, and Master Sergeant Ronda Fawber, program coordinator between the Pennsylvania National Guard and Lithuania, also drove from Fort Indiantown Gap to Kulpmont to meet the Sisters of St. Casimir.

Sullivan presented a plaque and a flag to the sisters, thanking them for their support to spread Mother Maria's story.

"Pennsylvania and Lithuania have formed strong bonds," said Sullivan. "Pennsylvania has always had great hospitality for those of the Lithuanian delegation who came to visit and opened their homes to them. Everywhere they went, they were presented with a token of appreciation. That's how Pennsylvania does it."

Honorary Tornadoes

Greg Sacavage, former parishioner of Holy Cross Church and current athletic director of Mount Carmel Area High School, presented the sisters with a plaque, giving them the title of honorary Red Tornadoes. "We want to thank the sisters for their contributions to the Catholic faith and education in our area," said Sacavage. "As Mother Maria completes her journey toward sainthood, she has left one of her many footprints in Mount Carmel."

Following the presentation of awards at St. Pauline Center, Sacavage took the sisters to see where Kaupas first began her journey at Holy Cross Church and School in Mount Carmel.

Ordinary heroes

As Vice Postulator for the Cause of Venerable Maria Kaupas, Petcavage has been one of many who have been promoting the beatification of Mother Maria Kaupas.

"People need heroes, and Mother Maria and Mother Pauline are two of your everyday heroes," she said. "They were regular people doing great things, and that gives people hope."

TREVORTON - Two men smashed a front door to gain entry to the Sunoco A-Plus convenience store on Route 225 and stole an undetermined amount of cigarettes and Lottery tickets early Friday morning.

Two state police troopers from the Stonington barracks and another pair from the Forensic Services Unit out of Montoursville were at the Zerbe Township store after 8 a.m. Friday collecting evidence, including samples of what appeared to be a blood drop on the concrete sidewalk near an ice machine about 20 feet from the front doors.

A rock about the size of two fists was on the ground near the blood drop.

The bottom half of one of store's two glass front doors was smashed, resulting in a hole large enough for someone to crawl through. Police were overheard discussing the use of an ax.

State police list the owner of the store as Kanu Patel, of Corona, Calif.

Manager Bobby Patel said he was alerted at about 3 a.m. to the fact that the alarm had sounded at the building. The store was closed at the time, he said.

Friday morning, in between waiting on customers, he was taking inventory, trying to determine exactly what had been taken.

A press release from Trooper J.L. McCormick Jr., who investigated the incident overnight, listed the time of the incident as 3:15 a.m., and said the actors were Caucasian. McCormick was unavailable for comment later Friday as to whether a witness or surveillance video had told police that the robbers were white males.

As troopers carried out their on-scene investigation Friday morning, the store was operating. Both front doors stood wide open as customers came and went amid two state police cruisers, an unmarked police car and the forensic unit van.

Trooper Robert Brown sat on the sidewalk outside the front doors surrounded by his equipment, packs of cigarettes and other items from the store as he did paperwork and filled evidence envelopes. Trooper Mark Rider, also from the forensic unit, was using a Q-tip to collect the apparent blood evidence, and was also heard discussing obtaining fingerprints off of a display case.