SUNBURY - Northumberland County District Attorney Ann Targonski praised one of her assistants for spearheading efforts to collect approximately $20,000 in confiscated drug money from county police departments in the past several months. The money will be used to fund the Northumberland-Montour Drug Task Force.

Assistant District Attorney (ADA) Tony Matulewicz, hired in July, was assigned the duty of looking into and processing forfeiture claims from drug arrests, Targonski said Thursday.

"He has a lot of experience in civil actions of a similar type," she said. "As solicitor for the sheriff's department, he oversees sheriff sales, and that procedure is analogous to the procedure involved with drug forfeitures."

She added, "Tony is young and energetic and he is aggressively going after the money with the assistance of other office staff."

Targonski said approximately $18,000 of the seized drug money has come from arrests by Milton police, with the remainder stemming from narcotics cases in Point Township and Sunbury. More than $1,800 in confiscated drug money and several vehicles are pending from cases in Shamokin, Coal Township, Mount Carmel and Mount Carmel Township.

She said a county drug bust last month netted approximately $20,000, but the DA doesn't expect to see any of that money soon.

"This has been an issue for quite some time, and we needed to get moving on collecting this money," she said. "Now that we have additional staff and one particular ADA assigned to it, we hope to seize as much money as possible in the future to support the task force."

The county salary board, comprised of Commissioners Vinny Clausi, Richard Shoch and Stephen Bridy and Controller Chris Grayson, approved an additional secretary, part-time ADA and part-time detective for the DA's office. Targonski has received public praise from Clausi and Bridy for making good use of her additional staff.

Targonski said police departments aren't intentionally keeping the money or doing anything wrong. The money, considered evidence, has to be kept in their possession throughout the duration of a case, and defendants need to be notified if and when the money is officially forfeited. It's a process with a lot of paperwork that takes a long time.

Confiscated items cannot be reallocated until each case is completely resolved.

"After conviction and the appeal process, the minimal time to forfeit property is eight weeks," she said.

She pointed out that delays in the process often occur in attempting to notify defendants who have completed their sentences and relocated that their confiscated money or property no longer belongs to them. She said notifying defendants is required and sometimes they fight the county to get their property back.

Targonski and Montour County District Attorney Rebecca Warren handle funds seized in their respective counties.

The money goes toward manpower, training and equipment involved in making drug arrests.

The Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office annually reviews all county task forces, forfeitures and spending and releases annual reports for each county, Targonski said.

Targonski said her office will continue to aggressively pursue the collection of confiscated property from each county police department.

SUNBURY - Beginning Saturday, Nov. 1, criminal offenders who are more than $1,000 delinquent in restitution, reparations, fees, costs, fines and penalties to victims and the courts of Northumberland County will have 60 days to make payment arrangements with the county cost collections office.

Following that 60-day window, the probation department and Prothonotary Justin Dunkelberger will work jointly to file civil judgments against the delinquents. In addition to the judgments, bench warrants will continue to be issued daily.

Since the middle of July, Dunkelberger said the county's new cost collections task force has collected nearly $500,000 in reparations, fees, costs, fines and penalties, plus restitution to crime victims. In addition, almost $1.8 million in new payment plans have been agreed to, representing $1.2 million in restitution to victims.

However, Dunkelberger said, much more can and will be done.

"The task force will see that collection efforts last longer than any single administration as these judgments will be part of the permanent record," he said. "Delinquents who do not attend to their obligations in the next 60 days face potential falling credit scores, an inability to borrow money, an inability to sell property and issues with estate settlements."

Dunkelberger said delinquent cost collections dating to 1970 currently total $19.2 million.

Open swim beings Monday

COAL TOWNSHIP - An open swim program for the general public resumes Monday at the Shamokin Area Middle/High School pool. It will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays.

Cost is $3 for children and $4 for adults. Participants do not have to be residents of Shamokin Area.

There is a lifeguard on duty.

Cost of trash bags to increase by $1

ATLAS - The price of blue bags for garbage pick up in Mount Carmel Township is increasing to $14 per pack of five beginning Nov. 3.

The board of supervisors said the price had not increased in four years and the increase is necessary to cover costs.

The bags are available for purchase at the municipal building weekdays during regular office hours. Garbage pickup is every Wednesday unless otherwise noted.

Black Mill Road paving to start

MONTOURSVILLE - Weather permitting, a PennDOT maintenance crew in Northumberland County will pave Route 4009 (Black Mill Road) in Upper Augusta Township Monday.

The work is expected to be completed in about four days. A lane restriction will be in place from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day during the project.

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 700 traffic cameras.

Act 80 early dismissal Wednesday

COAL TOWNSHIP - Wednesday is an Act 80 early dismissal day for Shamokin Area students.

The middle/high school will dismiss at 12:18 p.m., and the elementary school will dismiss at 12:45 p.m. K-4 afternoon students will have class.

SUNBURY - The fugitive who eluded police for more than two months before being apprehended Wednesday in a Kulpmont bar remains in Northumberland County Prison on a probation detainer.

James H. Latshaw, 48, of 126 E. Arch St., Shamokin, appeared Friday before Northumberland County President Judge William H. Wiest. He was shackled at the ankles, and four sheriff's deputies stood guard during a brief bench warrant hearing.

The detainer will remain in place until an as-yet-unscheduled bail revocation hearing is held.

Three bench warrants were lifted by Wiest. They were issued after he failed to appear for plea court on theft, trespass and related charges in three separate cases.

Latshaw was inside End Zone Bar & Grill, seated at the bar with a beer in front of him, when police and probation officers tracked him down. A telephone call did him in. He used the bar's landline to call his girlfriend's cell phone. But Jennifer Geiser, 38, also of 126 E. Arch St., Shamokin, was already in police custody. Officers traced the call.

A low-speed chase ended earlier when Latshaw jumped from Geiser's vehicle and ran into the woods near Den-Mar Gardens. He was wanted by Coal Township police after he allegedly held a knife to Geiser's throat and threatened to kill her Oct. 2 in Coal Run. He escaped apprehension the next day during a chase through backyards in the 400 block of West Chestnut Street. Charges are pending.

Latshaw was spotted again inside Geiser's vehicle on Oct. 5, and again he fled into the woods, this time near the Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital. He's accused of kicking Shamokin Patrolman Nathan Rhodes during the escape. Charges are pending in this incident, too.

Another set of criminal charges are expected to be filed by Mount Carmel Township police related to Wednesday's incident.

Despite allegations of threats and abuse, police believe Geiser assisted Latshaw in avoiding apprehension. She is charged with hindering apprehension or prosecution and obstructing the administration of law.

COAL TOWNSHIP - An inspiring talk by a former foster child and presentation of the Michael Kivko Memorial Youth Scholarships and Fred Piermattei Youth Service Award highlighted the 23rd annual Northumberland County Juvenile Court Banquet Thursday night at Northumberland County Career and Technology Center.

Mount Carmel native Christopher Chmielewski, 35, owner-editor of Foster Focus Magazine, discussed his experiences, including a few humorous incidents while growing up with a loving foster family.

He entered the foster care system at age 15 and remained there until 19. He thanked his foster parents, Dick and Maxine Black, of Watsontown, for providing needed stability and guidance. He said their kindness and understanding played an important role in the parenting he provides to his three children - Noah, Layla and Eva.

He and his wife, Trisha, are currently exploring foster care adoption and are working with different agencies.

Chmielewski, who attended Mount Carmel Area and Our Lady of Lourdes Regional high schools, said his background in journalism at Penn College helped him develop Foster Focus Magazine, which provides an in-depth look at the foster care industry.

He said a lack of information and a void in the foster care system prompted him to develop the first monthly magazine devoted to foster care.

"My foster parents allowed me to be a kid," said the Watsontown resident, who travels across the country giving talks about foster care. "They let me make mistakes that teens make and treated me like their own kids when they made mistakes. I knew exactly how much I could get away with, but I also got grounded when I went over the line. They prepared me for the day I would leave foster care and always told me they would only be a phone call away if I ever needed them."

The Fred Piermattei Youth Service Award was presented by Piermattei's son, Fred, to longtime Scout leader and Shamokin native Daniel Dombroskie.

The late Fred Piermattei gave of his time unselfishly to serve the youth of the county and was a kind, gentle and loving man who was very much loved for his volunteer service.

Dombroskie, who resides in Kratzerville, has served in almost every capacity in his 47 years in Scouting. He is in the process of establishing a Scouting program in Selinsgrove for the intellectually disabled and special needs people.

Other nominees for the award were John and Angela Arnold and Pastor Paul Eby, all of Shamokin.

Attorney Robert E. Diehl, who is in his 53rd year of practicing law, presented the Michael Kivko Memorial Youth Scholarships in memory of his grandfather, who was a county judge and assistant district attorney.

The scholarships were created to provide educational opportunities for any individual whose involvement in Northumberland County Juvenile Court or Children and Youth Services resulted in a positive adjustment. The student award winners must further their education at a post-secondary school.

The fund also provides support to individuals not involved in the juvenile court system who wish to pursue a court-related career.

Cortney Koschoff, a Mount Carmel Area High School graduate who is currently studying at Penn State University at Harrisburg, received a $1,000 award. She was nominated for the award by county juvenile probation officer Molly McCarthy.

Brittany Johnson, a senior at Milton Area High School, received a $750 award. She was nominated by Lisa Caruso, youth leadership mentor.

Tristian Comfort, a junior at Shikellamy High School, received a $500 award. He was nominated by Shikellamy School District transition coordinator Michele Erdman and Shikellamy Elementary School guidance counselor Craig Specht.

William J. Rossnock, deputy chief juvenile probation officer, presented Jeremie Thomas, a community-based probation officer, with the Juvenile Court Employee of the Year Award. Thomas has been with juvenile court services for 16 years. Thomas began his employment as the day treatment coordinator in the CLANCY alternative education day treatment program. In addition to his current post, he has held the positions of truancy officer, first-time offenders officer and treatment court officer.

He handles all expungements and cost collection hearings and has been described by his co-workers as dependable, cooperative and caring. He has developed a good rapport with juveniles under his supervision.

Northumberland County District Attorney Ann Targonski presented Trooper Philip Davis of state police at Milton with the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award. He was nominated by Sgt. Frederick Dyroff III, commanding officer at the state police station at Milton.

Davis, who has been a state policeman for more than 20 years, coached the Milton Panthers U-18 softball team to a national championship this summer. He also has been an assistant basketball coach in Milton School District and currently serves as an assistant football coach in Mifflinburg School District.

He has been a positive influence on hundreds of youth he has coached in Northumberland County.

Dorothy "Dottie" Randler, a dental health technology instructor at SUN Area Technical Institute, New Berlin, was named Educator of the Year. Randler, who has been an educator for 23 years, was nominated by Judy Sharer, assistant administrative director at SUN Area. She was presented the award by juvenile court advisory board treasurer Linda Meckley.

Randler, who is dedicated, caring and understanding, serves as an adviser for a youth club known as Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and encourages her students to compete in state and national competitions. She also works with local dentists who sit on her occupational advisory committee.

She assists her students in many community service projects and fundraising events.

Pastor Mark Gittens, president of the juvenile court advisory board, served as master of ceremonies.

Meckley offered a blessing at the beginning of the program and benediction.

All the award winners received a standing ovation from the crowd as did students in Jim Schiavoni's culinary arts class at the career and technology center who provided dinner.

Although he was not present to hear the verdict, John J. Micklesavage is free after a Schuylkill County jury on Thursday acquitted him of all nine charges resulting from his alleged sexual abuse of a girl.

Micklesavage, 48, of Ashland, who had testified earlier in the day that he was innocent, is not guilty of four counts of indecent assault, three of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and one each of corruption of minors and endangering the welfare of children, the jury ruled.

The jury of seven men and five women deliberated about 1½ hours before reaching its verdict, which ended the one-day trial over which Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin presided.

Ashland police had charged Micklesavage with molesting the girl at various times over the course of about 1½ years, beginning early in 2012, in his home.

"He would ask me to do him a favor," the girl, now 15, testified.

The girl said Micklesavage would often hit her if she did not do what he asked.

"Sometimes, he would just push me around," she said.

She also testified that, at first, Micklesavage told her not to tell anyone what occurred. She said she eventually told a friend, Gabrielle Bironas.

Bironas, Shenandoah, testified that the alleged victim told her what had occurred and that Micklesavage would not take no for an answer.

"She'd say 'no' and he'd get mad," was what her friend said, according to Bironas.

However, Micklesavage said he did nothing to the girl.

"Did you commit the crimes you have been charged with?" Andrew B. Zelonis, Barnesville, Micklesavage's lawyer, asked his client.

"No," Micklesavage answered. "It's devastating. I didn't do anything."

Also, the girl's mother testified for Micklesavage.

"Did you question John about these accusations?" Zelonis asked her.

"Yes. He cried," and said there was no truth to them, the girl's mother answered.

In her closing argument, Assistant District Attorney Debra A. Smith said jurors should believe the girl.

"She has no reason to lie," Smith said.

No one would publicly testify about such events if they did not actually occur, Smith said, emphasizing that Zelonis could not point to any inconsistencies in the girl's testimony.

"She's a victim. She was 12 years old when this started," Smith said.

However, jurors accepted the closing argument of Zelonis, who said his client was facing unjustified accusations.

"I believe this is absurd," he said. "It would be atrocious to find that man guilty.

HARRISBURG - The last of eight defendants is awaiting sentencing in a 2012 "bath salts" case that saw a Ranshaw mini-mart raided by federal agents during Operation Rubber Ducky.

Kulwinder Singh Grewal will be sentenced Dec. 2 by U.S. Middle District Judge Yvette Kane. He pleaded guilty in February to two misdemeanor counts of introduction into interstate commerce of misbranded drugs. He must forfeit $4,912 that was seized as part of the investigation.

The eight defendants were accused of operating a "bath salt" ring at multiple mini-marts in Dauphin, Cumberland, Lebanon, Northumberland, Mifflin and Lancaster counties.

Law enforcement initially seized $6 million, and the defendants faced a maximum of 52 years in prison and fines up to $2.75 million. The indictment sought the forfeiture of $1,000,000.

Their punishment ultimately was much less severe. Of the seven defendants previously sentenced, just two received prison terms. More than $509,000 was forfeited by the defendants and at least one relative, who was not charged in the case. The vast majority of the money was linked to bank accounts, but the account holders were not identified in a forfeiture order.

The Ranshaw men involved - Slimane Belabbas and Jaswinder Fatra - each received probation.

Belabbas pleaded guilty April 10 to introduction into interstate commerce of misbranded drugs. All other charges were dismissed. He received two years probation and ordered to pay $525 in fines and costs.

Fatra pleaded guilty May 6 to the same charge. He also received two years probation and was ordered to pay $100.

Belabbas and Fatra operated the Mount Royal Mini-Mart in Ranshaw, a Sunoco station. It was raided in November 2011. Federal agents say the men sold Methcathinone and MDPV, also known as "bath salts," and synthetic marijuana dubbed "spice" or "potpourri" at the store. Bath salts were banned by the state in 2011.

Amarjit Singh Grewal pleaded guilty June 26 to distribution and possession with intent to distribute synthetic drugs. He began serving a 33-month sentence on Aug. 4 at Moshannon Valley Correctional Center, Philipsburg. He must also serve three years supervised release, and was ordered to pay $600 and forfeit $5,062.

Jesse Roldan was given 12 months and 1 day after pleading guilty April 10 to use of a communication facility to facilitate drug trafficking. He's currently held at Manchester Federal Corrections Institution in Kentucky. He must also serve one year supervised release, and was ordered to pay $100 and forfeit three handguns.

Baljeet Singh pleaded guilty May 2, and Inderjit Jassal pleaded guilty June 5. Both pleaded to introduction into interstate commerce of misbranded drugs, and each received two years probation. Singh must pay $1,100, and Jassal $10,100.

Steven Accardi received one year probation after pleading guilty April 16 to introduction into interstate commerce of misbranded drugs. He must pay $1,025.

Operation Rubber Ducky was run by the U.S. Department of Justice's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force. Coal Township police was among the municipal departments that assisted.

ARISTES - A Lavelle man was stabbed late Friday night at a home in this Columbia County village.

Mount Carmel police, who assisted with the emergency call, said Christopher Mullen, 41, suffered stab wounds to his upper chest and arm pit at 10:53 p.m. at 32 Lily Road. According to a nursing supervisor, Mullen was in serious condition Saturday night at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.

The investigation was initially handled by Conyngham Township police before being turned over to state police at Bloomsburg.

A brief press release issued by state police described the incident as "aggravated assault" and did not identify the victim or any suspects.

Documentary on K of C founder

MOUNT CARMEL - The Rev. Francis Karwacki and Bishop Lawrence F. Schott Council 628 will present a documentary on the life of the Venerable Michael J. McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus, at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Mount Carmel Senior Action Center.

Born in Connecticut of Irish immigrant parents, McGivney (1852-1890) grew up at a time when millions of Catholic immigrants were struggling to overcome poverty and prejudice. As a parish priest at Saint Mary's Church in New Haven and emboldened to care for families threatened by the death of the breadwinner, McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882, a mutual benefit society that today remains the world's largest Catholic lay organization. From defending the persecuted church to protecting widows and orphans, the documentary celebrates the triumphs and tribulations of Father McGivney.

The showing is open to the public and all those interested in learning more about a man who may very well be America's first canonized parish priest. Knights, former Knights and those interested in becoming a Knight are urged to attend.

MOUNT CARMEL - Saturday's ThinkBIG Dance Marathon eclipsed last year's event in money raised and participants, once again showing how a group of young adults can inspire people of all ages to come together for a great cause.

The 12-hour event in the Mount Carmel Area High School and Mount Carmel Area Elementary School gyms raised $15,528 for Geisinger's Janet Weis Children's Hospital in Danville.

Three hundred students, teachers and friends danced throughout the day and were supported by 60 adult volunteers plus various donors who contributed money, food and beverages.

Last year's marathon generated more than $12,000.

The marathon, which began at 9 a.m., was the brainchild of Mount Carmel Area graduates Cassandra Niglio, her cousin Rachel Niglio, Sami Spieller and Cassie Mace, who organized a popular mini-thon last year that benefited the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital.

Cassandra Niglio, whose mother Denise (Mirarchi) Niglio passed away from cancer eight years ago, helped create a talent show that raised $7,518 in three years for the American Cancer Society when she was in high school.

Through hard work and determination, all four girls who are in their 20s incredibly found a way to surpass last year's great effort.

Ana Ditchey, a fourth-grade teacher at Mount Carmel Area who assisted with the marathon, said, "This is absolutely awesome. It shows the pride and goodness of our students to raise money for such a great cause."

Chase Balichik, 8, who was one of the younger dancers, added, "I like it a lot. My best part was the basketball tournament."

Even Father Martin Moran, pastor of Divine Redeemer Church, Mount Carmel, got into the swing of things by showing the younger generation his dance moves.

Jared Maciejewski, a 2013 graduate of Mount Carmel Area, said, "I came here to show my support. I think it's phenomenal that these girls can put all this together for a great cause. They enjoy doing something good for others."

Volunteer Nancy Kaminski added, "This is wonderful. I'm proud of their efforts and I'm glad I could help out."

Kaminski was among a group of football players' mothers and other adults who donated their time at the marathon.

Megan Scicchitano said, "It's really nice that we were able to surpass last year's event in money raised and participants."

Cassandra Niglio said, "This has been an amazing day. I'm speechless."

She credited the event's outstanding success to creating more activities during the day, greater promotion and superb generosity displayed by donors.

Rachel Niglio's parents, Paul and Stephanie Niglio, who assisted in the event, thanked all the participants and businesses that donated food and beverages including Scicchitano Buono Pizza, Shickey's Wings and Things, Burger King, Dunkin' Donuts, Turkey Hill Minit Market, Hollywood Pizza and Reinhart FoodService.

Holy Angels Church in Kulpmont, Ed and Eveann Shamus, the Niglios and Diane Dallabrida also received special praise from organizers for their contributions.

Organizers switched focus this year to helping Geisinger and its Janet Weis Children's Hospital for a special reason. In December 2006, Nate McFadden, 11-year-old brother of Bryan McFadden, a classmate of the girls, died after a battle with cancer. He underwent extensive treatment at Geisinger's Janet Weis Children's Hospital and the girls wanted to help other local children in need.

Throughout October, The Republican-Herald has regularly printed articles about hunting, and now that antlerless deer season is under way and turkey season about to begin, this seems the right moment for me to add one more, a look at hunting in France.

I'm a city-dweller and I've never hunted, although nothing says I might not like to give it a try. On Oct. 19, throughout all of France, the National Federation of Hunters was looking for people like me. In Fontainebleau Forest, members of local chapters welcomed all those wishing to learn more about what it means to be a hunter in France today. The forest, once the hunting ground of French kings, is 40 miles from Paris in the Jura Mountains and the Alps that form the border with Switzerland, along Atlantic and Mediterranean shores.

In the Jura Mountains, among forests, mountains and fields that remind me of those of Schuylkill County, hunters welcomed non-hunters in a typically French way: the day began with coffee and croissants. Then, after having donned a blaze orange vest, participants were assigned a mentor, an experienced hunter, who, along with his dogs, accompanied them for a morning hike.

In a region where deer, roe deer and wild boar are the favored game, hunters explained how they track their prey, using dogs to flush the animals while they wait, poised to shoot, posted in strategic spots.

After a morning spent outdoors, where participants also learned about small game, waterfowl and game birds, they finally got to sit down to a meal of local game and wines, offered by the hunters, a perfect finishing touch.

On that day, all over France, many people had their first contact with hunting. Some will surely take the next step: they'll begin preparing for the national exam required to obtain a French hunting license, which to the eyes of a non-hunter like me, seems no easy task.

To start with, as in Pennsylvania, there's an application to fill out, followed by written notification of an exam date at an exam center in the region where the candidate resides. On the day of the exam, he or she will be tested on practice and theory, with emphasis placed on safety, physical ability and good common sense.

For example, candidates must climb over a fence or a ditch while carrying their (unloaded) arm. While in a simulated hunting situation, they must avoid shooting in the direction of hedges, which may hide homes, or in that of a human decoy dummy representing other hunters or hikers who share the same terrain.

In France, when transporting a firearm, it must be stored, unloaded, in a special case and the prospective hunter must show he has installed one in his vehicle. Most importantly, he must demonstrate he can shoot. Hunting rifle in hand, he has six chances to test his skills, as six clay disks are projected into the sky, with the added challenge that in one or two cases, he must also prove he knows when not to fire: at a red clay disk, representing a bird belonging to an endangered species, or at a disk flying into the air at the same moment a human decoy suddenly springs up. In either case, a shot means an immediate fail.

If he makes it through the skeet shoot, the candidate can move on to aim and fire at a moving ground target. Then, after having taken his rifle apart, unloading it and loading it again, he'll sit down for the theoretical test, 10 questions chosen from a list of 414 based on hunting safety, wild game and animal habitat.

To give an example, candidates are asked if a deer loses its antlers once a year, once every three years or never. I'm sure I don't have to tell Schuylkill County hunters the answer to that one. They may be shown the photo of the wing of a game bird, such as the partridge, and asked if it belongs to the hen or the cock family. There are also questions that lead to an immediate fail, even if the candidate has already passed the practical exam, such as this true/false example: "It is legal to hunt with a compressed air rifle." If the candidate answers 'true,' it is an automatic out.

It seems to me this test requires a lot of preparation, a lot of skill and a lot of knowledge (I've read over all 414 questions!). I'm not sure how it compares to the one Pennsylvania hunters have to take, but I'm convinced safe hunting requires great skill and great respect for nature and for one's fellow hunter.

In fact, the National Federation of Hunters of France chooses to call hunting an "art," and in its charter, it lays out the values its members share: active participation in the conservation of nature; a willingness to interact with all those who enjoy contact with nature, including those who do not hunt; and an ongoing commitment to improving safety for hunters and non-hunters alike.

In the United States, the rules and regulations of hunting are established at the state level, by state game commissions. In France, there is a national office of hunting and wild game (ONCFS). As on the site of the PA Game Commission, the French site provides practical information as well as access to the most recent legislation concerning hunting. There is also a link to each "departement" in France, an administrative unit somewhere between a county and a state, where hunters can find the dates for hunting seasons in their region. They can also find accident reports for the last three years.

France has long been a country of hunters and many men and women continue to share that passion today. They have also kept alive traditions going back to the Middle Ages, such as hawking and "par force" hunting, where, before the kill, the prey is exhausted by a relay of dogs. Although painstakingly difficult to train, falcons and sparrowhawks are still used to hunt rabbits and small game birds.

In France, "par force" hunting can take two forms: there is the fox hunt on horseback, much as it is practiced in England. There is also a literal "running with the hounds," where unarmed hunters run or ride mountain bikes, following a team of dogs. In this kind of hunting, where the goal is not to capture or kill, hunters, lead by first-class hunting dogs, are in it for the chase, which is only one letter away for the French word for hunting: la chasse.

And to all of you hunters or chasseurs, in Schuylkill County or in France, I wish happy hunting during the 2014-15 season.

(Honicker can be reached at honicker.republican herald@gmail.com)

NORTHUMBERLAND - In an effort to recognize those who have served our country in the armed forces, state Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-108) will host a veterans breakfast at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, at the Front Street Station.

"With Veterans Day being only a couple weeks away, I am looking forward to hosting this breakfast to meet with area veterans and thank them for their service," Culver said. "These men and women served our country and protected our freedoms, and they deserved to be recognized not only on Veterans Day, but every day.

Culver asks those attending to RSVP by Tuesday to Culver's district office by calling 570-286-5885.

SHAMOKIN - The Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities has announced the winners of its third annual juried art show.

Photography

First place - "Last Train to Virginia City," Daniel White, color photography.

Second place - "Mount Rushmore," Lisa Welch Knecht, black and white photography.

Third place - "A Flowering Maize," Erica Schaeffer, color photography.

Honorable mention - "Look Here," Michael Zielinskie, black and white photography.

Art

First place - "Paris 19 Eme," Claude Harrington, acrylic.

Second place - "St Edward's Church," Gloria Zielinskie, acrylic.

Third place - "On Display: Cebu Market," Nicole Polanichka, oil.

Honorable mention - "Danny's Diner," Dorothy Kranzel, acrylic.

Art, student division

First place - "Lagoon," Shannon Knarr, acrylic.

Second place - "Australian Beach," Macey Wynn, acrylic.

Third place - "Philadelphia, " Carley Wynn, acrylic.

Honorable mention - "China," Miranda Balthaser, acrylic.

Honorable mention - "Egypt," Corey Sosnoskie, acrylic.

Honorable mention - "Tahiti," Kennedy Snyder, acrylic.

The theme of this year's show was "Places Near and Far." Regional artists and photographers and student artists were invited to submit works within that theme for consideration and display. Fifty entries were received this year. Work will be on display in the gallery until Friday.

This year's adjudicators were husband and wife team Bob and Julia Doucette, of Millville. Both are experienced artists and jurors. Bob judged the photography and Julia judged the two-dimensional artwork.

The gallery is located inside the Arts Center at 2 E. Arch St. Guests should use the lower handicapped entrance in the rear of the building and follow the signs once inside. There is parking in the rear of the building as well as some street parking. The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For questions about the juried show, contact Lisa Welch Knecht at 570-847-0033, email lisawelchknecht@gmail.com or visit the gallery's facebook page (search NCCAH Gallery).

For questions about the arts council, contact Jeanne Shaffer at 570-851-9121 or jeannes@ptd.net.

BURNSIDE - Around 130 people attended Monster Moto's Halloween Hunt Scavenger Ride at the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) Saturday. Daniel Brocious, co-founder of Monster Moto Enterprises, had anticipated that as many 800 would attend.

Still, organizers and members of the AOAA authority said the new event and perfect weather made for an excellent day of riding. The event concluded with a costume contest judged my Tom Kuzta.

SHAMOKIN - Giving back to the community while preserving history was the theme for Saturday's ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house at the Kallaway Center for the Arts, an architectural diamond that further enhances Shamokin's cultural appeal.

The former dentist office and home of Dr. John "Cab" and JoAnn (McCloskey) Kallaway at 144 E. Lincoln St. was dubbed a "Christmas miracle" by Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities Executive Director Jeanne Shaffer when it was bequeathed to the council by the Kallaway family in late December 2012. Now, that "miracle" has become the official epicenter of the city's art and cultural revitalization.

Dr. Kallaway died May 2, 2013, at age 86. He was a well-respected dentist during his 48 years in the profession. His wife, a registered nurse, preceded him in death March 28, 2011, at age 76.

Cindy (Makowski) Hetrick, of Akron, Ohio, a first cousin to Mrs. Kallaway and executrix of the Kallaway estate, spoke to the visitors about her aunt and uncle and their love for the arts prior to cutting the ceremonial gold ribbon on the front steps of the ornate three-story brick building.

She was accompanied by her husband, Tom, whom she commended for assisting her in bequeathing the building. Hetrick, a native of Danville, said her family decided to donate the building to the arts council rather than sell it for a song. By doing so, Hetrick said her family knew the home would be preserved and play an important role in the community.

"It's such a pleasure to be able to give this house to an arts council," she said. "It is an honor and comfort to know that the Kallaway legacy will endure in this grand old house as the Kallaway Center for the Arts. Best of blessings on this house, the arts council and the City of Shamokin."

Hetrick, who has relatives still living in the area, said she was very close to her cousin, whom she described as a very talented artist. She said, "JoAnn was like a sister and hero to me. She was a nurse and I became a nurse. She taught me how to knit and have an interest in arts and crafts. She was my matron of honor in our wedding."

She recalled some of the many memories she has from visiting the home, including getting a smallpox vaccine at the top of the stairs near the kitchen from John Kallaway's father, Dr. Sydney Kallaway.

Hetrick talked about how her cousins beautifully remodeled the home and treated her two children like grandchildren when they spent vacations in Shamokin.

The large home, built at the turn of the 20th century, will host art classes and activities, public events and other more intimate gatherings such as Christmas teas. Shaffer said efforts are being made to have a baby grand piano serve as the centerpiece in the former living room. The piano will be used for music classes.

Four rooms inside the three-story structure have been named for benefactors who have given a combined $30,000.

The home contains many rooms, including living and dining areas, a kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms. It also has fireplaces, French doors that open out onto European-style balconies, plush carpeting and exquisite architecture.

Garth Hall, a local historian and active member of the council, donated $10,000 for a front room on the second story in memory of his parents, Joseph and Sara (Wiest) Hall.

John and Bonnie Miles donated $10,000 for a room on the first floor near a side entrance in memory of their daughter and nephew, Anne Miles and Russell "Beau" Klinger.

The Irvin and Lillian Liachowitz Room on the first floor was established through a $5,000 donation from longtime Shamokin businessman Irvin Liachowitz.

Another first-floor room is dedicated in memory of James Zack through a $5,000 donation by his wife, Bernie Zack, and family.

Other rooms are still available for benefactors.

Shaffer was elated about Saturday's official grand opening that drew a nice crowd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

She praised the Kallaways, Hetricks, benefactors, members of the arts and humanities council and everyone else who have made a significant difference in the future of the community.

"The Kallaway Center for the Arts will provide children and adults a chance to climb to their full potential while being introduced to all forms of art," Shaffer said. "Only with the support of the community will we survive and, in turn, make a difference to all who cross our paths. Thank you all for touching the lives of all who pass through these doors."

Shaffer said donations from the benefactors enabled the council to change the heating system inside the building, cover overhead expenses and refurbish the lighting and walls.

Saturday's festivities were also very special to Sherri Keefer, 45, of West Cameron Township, who served as a receptionist from 1986 to 1996 for Dr. John Kallaway.

"I spent a lot of time in this house," she said. "The Kallaways were like second parents to me and treated my two boys very well."

Keefer recalled several funny stories while she worked for the dentist, including her daily encounters with the family's cute little dog that snipped at her feet.

She said, "This is my first time back to the home since I worked here and it brings back a lot of memories. I believe it's a wonderful idea to have this house become an arts center. It's great for the community because so many other historic buildings around town have been torn down or abandoned."

Keefer, whose sister-in-law, Christine Keefer, provides Wilton cake decorating classes at the center, said her two sons, Caleb, 18, and Ethan, 13, have been involved in the arts and band in Line Mountain School District. Caleb graduated earlier this year, while Ethan is in eighth grade.

When asked about the new arts center, Hall said, "We need this. It's a beautiful building. It's a step back in history and an opportunity for local talent to shine."

Hall recalled his late longtime friend Dick Morgan telling him that for Shamokin to regain its past prominence, it must be rebuilt brick by brick. The Shamokin resident duly pointed out that the arts center is a brick building and a terrific start to revitalizing the community.

He commended Shaffer for her excellent work with the council and her congenial personality.

Bernie Zack said she was happy to be one of the benefactors and give back to the community.

"My husband built bridges for 44 years and there's going to be a mural of a bridge above his plaque that will signify bridging the gap. I'm glad to be able to do this."

Shamokin City Councilwoman Barbara Moyer, a retired teacher from Shamokin Area School District, congratulated everyone who contributed to making the arts center a reality.

"This is fantastic. The center will be an asset to the community," Moyer said.

Annamae Kanuchok, a retired librarian from Shamokin Area School District, added, "It's wonderful to have benefactors who allow the dedication of this beautiful building to happen. It's great to preserve history."

Rooms throughout the building were decorated with art from local artists and many of the works are available for purchase.

Light refreshments donated by Shamokin Rotary Club were served. Frosted delicacies crafted by members of the Wilton cake decorating course were also enjoyed by visitors.

Shaffer said the possibilities with the building are "endless."

In addition to the Wilton cake decorating course, classes in fly fishing, basic guitar, garden bead art and a kids workshop are held at the Kallaway Center for the Arts.

For more information on upcoming events at the Kallaway Center, go to the Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities page on Facebook or call 570-850-9121.

The council for the arts and humanities operates an art gallery on the ground-level floor at the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center at Arch and Eighth streets, and sponsors various art, music and theatrical programs for children and adults.

Divorces

Kay M. Williams, 1026 W. Walnut St., Coal Township, from John W. Williams, 401 N. Rock St., Apt. 1, Shamokin. Married May 7, 2004.

Marriage licenses

Justin Scott Satteson, 348 Walnut St., Sunbury, to Theresa Louise Noll, 354 Walnut St., Sunbury. Issued Oct. 23.

Troy Daniel Shoemaker to Tera Lee Rowe, both of 460 N. Seventh St., Sunbury. Issued Oct. 23.

Jon Michel Zimmerman to Christen Mykala Long, both of 1115 Packer St., Sunbury. Issued Oct. 23.

Keith David Price to Laurie Lynn Bordner, both of 1050 E. Chestnut St., Sunbury. Issued Oct. 23.

Ian Michael Adrian to Jeanette Erica Michael, both of 115 Lenker Ave., Sunbury. Issued Oct. 25.

Kathryn Elizabeth Kessler to Jessica Feliciano, both of 608 Market St., Sunbury. To be issued Oct. 27.

Joseph Victor Payne to Jenifer Kelly Witkowski, both of 916 E. Chestnut St., Shamokin. To be issued Oct. 27.

David Paul Mershon to Robyn Ann Yoder, both of 1018 W. Lynn St., Coal Township. To be issued Oct. 27.

Property transfers

Sandra L. Mackert to Edward L. Mackert III, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

Rosemarie Troutman, Robert Troutman, to Robert Troutman, property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

James C. Fenstermacher, Joyce L. Fenstermacher, to Cindy L. Snyder, Gail L. Rebuck, Kathy L. Bidelspach, property in Rockefeller Township, $1.

Brent A. Merena, Kelly L. Merena, to Brent A. Merena, property in Shamokin Township, $1.

Barry L. Seiler, Darlene J. Seiler, to Barry L. Seiler, Darlene J. Seiler, property in Shamokin Township, $1.

William J. Faust (trustee), Blair W. Faust (estate), to William J. Faust, property in Coal Township, $1.

Robert B. Buckles, Ruth E. Buckles, to Earl W. Buckles, Melissa A. San Felice, property in Snydertown, $122,000.

Jeffrey D. Hampton, Ilyse Hampton, to Raymond J. Kraynak Jr., property in Mount Carmel, $130,000.

James M. Buggy, Loretta L. Buggy, to Joseph M. Buggy, Stephen P. Buggy, property in Coal Township, $1.

Glenn D. Wolfgang to Charles Long, Tammy Long, property in Jordan Township, $1.

Northumberland National Bank to Kevin K. Startzel, Pamela A. Startzel, property in Upper Augusta Township, $150,525.

R. Thomas Lynch, Martha J. Lynch, to George M. Clarke, Tina M. Clarke, property in Coal Township, $185,000.

D&S Properties LLC to Dustin M. Kohl, property in Sunbury, $38,000.

Theresa A. Heim (by agent), Sheila Foye (agent), to Brient A. Wiest, Louise A. Wiest, property in Zerbe Township, $30,000.

Kenneth L. Newman (trustee), Kenneth Newman Realty/Income Only Trust, to Kenneth L. Newman (trustee), Kenneth L. Newman Irrevocable Realty and Income Trust Agreement, property in Jordan Township, $1.

Sunbury City, Sunbury City Redevelopment Authority, to Heather Bohn, property in Sunbury, $21,000.

Alison Wascavage (by agent), Michaelyn Reichwein (agent), to Kevin K. Ramp, Amy C. Santelli-Ramp, property in Marion Heights, $74,000.

Richard J. Ulrich, Maria Urick, to Randolph J. Yasenchak, Christine J. Yasenchak, property in Shamokin Township, $1.

Justine Klingler, Justine Oburn, Rex Oburn, Guidyne Little, James S. Little, Bobbi Hancock, Bobbis Yuskalis, Brian Yuskalis, Daniel Klingler, to Richard Eckbold, Betty J. Breed, property in Mount Carmel, $6,000.

Alicia M. Nowroski, Thomas D. Nowroski, to George F. Pavelko, Stacey A. Shingara, property in Shamokin, $16,900.

Northumberland County Sheriff, Rowel L. Casari, to Federal National Mortgage Association, property in Mount Carmel Township, $1,486.87.

Anthony Fiorenza to Lawrence Glazik, Mary A. Glazik, property in Shamokin, $2,000.

Corey D. Hoffman, Jeffrey D. Hoffman, CDJ Farms, to CDJ Farms LLC, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Corey D. Hoffman, Jeffrey D. Hoffman, CDJ Farms, to CDJ Farms LLC, property in Jordan Township, $1.

Porat M. Erlich, Amy L. Steffey, to Thomas R. Wickham, Suzanne R. Wickham, property in Rush Township, $105,000.

Fannie Mae, Phelan Hallinan LLP, to Kenneth T. Moser, Amanda L. Moser, property in Ralpho Township, $193,000.

John R. Weiser, Donna M. Weiser, to Michael R. Weiser, Monica L. Weiser, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

Sunbury City, Sunbury City Redevelopment Authority, to Lee Crossley, property in Sunbury, $1,000.

Kathryn Klock (estate), Carl R. Klock (executrix), Janet A. Neidig, to Carl R. Klock Jr. (executrix), property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

CENTRALIA - A college student's senior film project inspired a cleanup of the town on fire Saturday and the making of a feature-length documentary, "Centralia, America's Lost Town."

"We were driving around here to get some interviews in April and saw all the tires and trash laying around, so I said, 'Why don't we get together and clean it up?' " Joe Sapienza, film and television graduate from Drexel

University and executive producer of the documentary, said Saturday.

The cleanup was organized by Sapienza and the Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation.

Two main sections of the town, one by the Odd Fellows Cemetery and the other off Railroad Avenue toward the backwoods, were taken by volunteers.

The effort began at 9 a.m. and was scheduled to last until 3 p.m. with a lunch break at noon, held at the municipal building.

Students from Wilkes University were a few of the 40 to 50 volunteers at the cleanup.

"We always do something for Make-a-Difference Day each year and thought this was a cool idea," sophomore Lara McQue, 19, said.

"Centralia has such a long history and we want to make it known for what it used to be, not what it's known for today," sophomore Troy Carey, 19, said.

Among the trash that the students cleaned up were about 100 old tires.

"I think a lot of people drive through and just dump their trash here," Carey said.

Carey said he was excited to be in Centralia because the town holds an iconic place in history.

"You just hear about how it's an old abandoned, creepy place so it's a cool place to see firsthand," Carey said.

The cleanup was coordinated in relation with the documentary Sapienza hopes to complete by late spring 2015.

A 17-minute cut of the film was created by Sapienza for his senior project at Drexel University this past spring.

"I was limited to 17 minutes because it played in a senior show with a ton of other senior film projects ... All of them together took, like, six hours to play," Sapienza said.

The short film came in second place at the senior film show and earned Sapienza an 'A plus" on the project, as well as a recommendation from the dean. Sapienza graduated with a film and television major from Drexel University in June.

The idea behind "Centralia, America's Lost Town," is to tell the story of Centralia from the 1800s until today, Sapienza said.

"Centralia is only thought of as the city with the mine fire, but there's a lot of history that happened before the fire," he said.

Sapienza already interviewed some residents and state officials but is looking to interview a few more residents before he is satisfied with his film content.

"I intend to tell their story of what really happened," he said. "A lot of residents don't know me so they don't want to be interviewed because of the way the media portrayed them, in which their story was kind of ignored and state officials' interviews were used."

Sapienza has about four or five hours of film already but plans to make the documentary about an hour and a half long, he said.

Sapienza is using a combination of his own equipment and equipment from Drexel University that is available to alumni.

"I'm funding the film on my own, but I'm hoping to find grant money," he said.

Among the people Sapienza interviewed Saturday was former town resident John Comarnisky, 60, of Frackville, who was running in Centralia on Saturday.

Comarnisky stood in front of the lot where his home once was, reminiscing over the times he spent there.

"Me and my mom planted that tree over there when I came back from the Navy," he said, pointing to a tree that now towered over the field of weeds.

Comarnisky's story, along with commentary on the demolition of homes that made property look like they were filled with sinkholes, were captured by Sapienza and his crew, Ed Kzepski, audio technician, and Austin LoCicero, camera man, on Saturday.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; poker, 9:30 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; world news, noon; Unlucky 7's, noon.

Tuesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; walk-a-mile, 9:30 a.m. game show, 11 a.m.; bridge, noon.

Wednesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; Mary Barrett answering questions individually on the health care open enrollment period, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., appointments requested; bridge, noon.

Thursday - Morning cards and games, 8:30 a.m.; walk-a-mile, 9:30 a.m.; lunch prepared by Northumberland County Career and Technology Center (NCCTC) students, 11:30 a.m., menu available upon request, signup required, $6; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards, puzzles and shuffle board, 8:30 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; bingo, noon.

Saturday - Cards, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Mount Carmel

Monday - Coffee and gab, 10 a.m.; exercise/games, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Coffee and gab, 9 a.m.; Halloween party, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; guest speaker on adaptive equipment and uses, 12:30 p.m.; pinochle, 1 p.m.; Unlucky 7s, 1 p.m.

Wednesday - Coffee and gab, 9 a.m.; board games and donuts, 9:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:40 a.m.; bingo, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Coffee and gab, 9:30 a.m.; Wii activity, 10 a.m.; NCCTC luncheon at Shamokin Senior Action Center, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle, 12:30 p.m.; Unlucky 7's, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Coffee and gab, 9 a.m.; pumpkin carving, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

Monday - Coffee and gab in the morning; bean bag, 10:30 a.m.; Wii, 11 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Puzzles, hand held games and gab in the morning; Wii, noon; cards, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Exercise in the morning; bean bag, 10 a.m.; Wii, 11 a.m.; LCR, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Do your own thing in the morning; Halloween party, noon, costumes optional; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Handheld games, music and gab in the morning; Mary Barrett discussing health care and prescription open enrollment individually, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., appointments required; cheese omelet, potatoes and hot spiced apples for lunch, 11:30 a.m., signup required.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Coffee and snacks, 9 a.m.; current events, 10:30 a.m.; trivia, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Center closed. Trip to Mohegan Sun casino.

Wednesday - Tell your funniest story day; coffee and donuts, 9 a.m.; CRL, 10:30 a.m.; funny stories, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Coffee and chatter, 9 a.m.; CRL, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Halloween party, games and refreshments, prize for the best original costume.

Elysburg

Monday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10:30 a.m.; Pokeno, noon.

Wednesday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10:30 a.m.; Linda Walker speaking about shingles, 11 a.m.; bingo, noon; center Halloween party, covered dishes, costumes optional.

Friday - Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; line dancing, 9:30 a.m.

Trevorton

Monday - Members breakfast, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; shopping at Walmart, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; card party, 7 p.m.

Tuesday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; Scrabble, 10:30 a.m.; pinochle, 12:30 p.m.; evening bingo, 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; Halloween party.

Thursday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; culinary luncheon at Shamokin-Coal Township Senior Action Center, 11 a.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; pumpkin decorating, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, noon.

MOUNT CARMEL - Lucy Ianelli, of Australia, who was an exchange student at Mount Carmel Area High School more than 40 years ago, said her wonderful time spent in the coal region as a teen influenced her decision to become a diplomat.

The 60-year-old, who retired in June after 42 years working for the Australian government, considers Mount Carmel her second home and recently returned to the borough to visit families who hosted her as an exchange student through Rotary International from January 1972 to January 1973. She also has met several of her former teachers and administrators.

The native of West Wyalong, who now resides in Canberra, the capital of Australia, shared some of her many memorable moments while living in Mount Carmel with Hap and Alice Bookman, Mary Jane and Joseph Bradley, Ben and Maggie Heil, and Dr. David and Peggy Sccichitano.

Ianelli, who arrived in Mount Carmel Thursday, is currently staying with Mary Jane Bradley. She previously visited Peggy Scicchitano for a week in New Port Richey, Fla., and plans on leaving the area Wednesday.

"All my hosts were great to me," she said during an interview Sunday at the Mount Carmel home of Carmine Scicchitano, one of David and Peggy Scicchitano's seven children. "I graduated with the Class of 1972 and then went back to school here until January 1973. I loved going to the football games and remember the Red Tornadoes winning the Eastern Conference championship during my stay. I was here during the borough's centennial celebration, visited Niagara Falls in Canada and dressed up as the Statue of Liberty during a dance program televised by the local station."

As for coming back to the area, Ianelli said, "I came here to catch up with my old friends and see the fall colors in Pennsylvania. I didn't come as a tourist."

She said the community remains familiar to her, although the downtown has fewer businesses from when she was an exchange student.

She added, "I consider Mount Carmel my second home. My time here as an exchange student gave me the urge to work in a profession that involved a lot of traveling. I'm fortunate to have traveled all over the world."

In addition to her hosts, Ianelli said former teachers George McFee, Joseph Swatski and Helen Carroll served as great role models during her one-year stay. She also praised former high school principal Robert Varano, whom she met by chance during lunch Sunday.

"They were all outstanding mentors," she said.

As an exchange student, she fondly recalls her many hours spent with the "Gang" comprised of the Snyder, Jones, Heil, Buchman and Rothermel families.

Ianelli said members of the "Gang" went on to have successful careers despite their escapades as teens.

She said her experience as an exchange student heavily influenced Hugh Jones to spend a year in Sweden as an exchange student.

Jones, a longtime attorney and historian, currently is the magisterial district judge in Mount Carmel. His brother, J. Kevin Jones, served as the borough's mayor for many years.

Ianelli, who has returned to Mount Carmel several times since 1973, has stayed with the Jones family on various occasions.

Mary Jane Bradley said it was wonderful to see Ianelli again. She said the exchange student fit right in with her own children and other teens she met during her initial visit.

She recalled her husband calling the Australian "Gasoline" for her penchant for running to the car to be the first one inside when the family went anywhere.

While staying with the Bradleys, Ianelli was able to secure a brick from the old high school on Third Street as a souvenir that she had difficulty getting onto a plane upon returning to Australia.

Peggy Scicchitano, who was contacted by telephone Sunday, also talked very highly of Ianelli while sharing some memories of her exchange student days.

The Floridian said, "She's a delightful person. "I'm thrilled she came to see us in Florida. I loved having her. I was proud to help her when she stayed with us as an exchange student. We have stayed in touch ever since. She was just like another daughter to me."

Carmine Scicchitano, who has kept in touch with Ianelli since high school and visited her in California, Rome, Italy, and Washington, D.C., said, "It's always a trip when we get together. She's such a great person."

Ianelli, who has two daughters, Marissa, 22, and Adriana, 20, both of Australia, joined the Australian government after graduating from high school. She initially worked for the Department of Immigration before joining the Department of Foreign Affairs as a diplomat, a position she held for 37 years. She was last employed as a consul in Chile and Argentina.

In addition to Chili and Argentina, her work took her to other countries including Denmark, Ghana, South Korea, Hungary and Italy.

As for her retirement, Ianelli said, "I plan to travel and maybe get a casual job to keep the old brain occupied. I also plan to come back here anytime I have the opportunity."

COAL TOWNSHIP - Quick response by township firefighters Sunday afternoon kept damage to a minimum after a dryer caught fire in the basement of a home in the 1700 block of West Mulberry Street.

The 1:15 p.m. fire caused minor smoke and water damage at the residence of George Weaver, 46, and his 76-year-old mother, Goldie Weaver, of 1741 W. Mulberry St.

George Weaver said he had put clothes in the washer and dryer in the basement when his mother told him she smelled smoke. Upon investigating, Weaver said he discovered the basement was filled with smoke and quickly called 911.

He praised firefighters for responding quickly, pulling the dryer out of the basement and extinguishing the fire within minutes.

Coal Township Fire Chief Russ Feese, Assistant Fire Chief Michael Timco, firefighters from Maine, Forest Hill, Union and East End fire companies, Coal Township Rescue Squad and AREA Services responded to the scene.