Orchestras in concert tonight

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Shamokin Area Middle School and Senior High School orchestras, under the direction of Barbara DeGaetano, will present their holiday concert at 7 p.m. tonight in the auditorium.

The concert will begin with two selections performed by the high school string ensemble: "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra hit "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24." The ensemble will be followed by the string orchestra selections "S'Vivon" and the Mannheim Steamroller favorite "Faeries from the Nutcracker."

The high school orchestra will perform selections that include "A Holst Christmas," "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," "A Christmas Hymn," "Sleigh Ride," "Angels We Have Heard on High" and "Holiday Pops Sing-Along."

The public is invited to attend this free performance. The senior high string ensemble will welcome concert-goers with holiday music in the lobby beginning at 7:10 p.m.

Annual train party Saturday

DANVILLE - With puffing steam engines and homemade cookies, the Saturday Trains program at Christ Memorial Episcopal Church will host its eighth annual public Christmas party from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. Everyone is invited.

Christ Church, in its continuing program, also will give 50 free diapers to families needing them.

In addition to the 22-foot model railroad display, there is a continuously running video of steam engines going up and down the Susquehanna Valley during the 1930s and 1940s, along with a library of donated model railroading books, magazines and model train catalogs for visitors to glance through.

Barletta has new office in D.C.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, PA-11, moved into a new office in Washington, D.C., over the weekend, but his phone and fax numbers will remain the same.

Barletta's new office is 115 Cannon House Office Building. He remains in the same building, but moves from the fifth to the first floor.

Constituents can call Rep. Barletta's Washington, D.C., office to express their thoughts on policy and legislation: (202) 225-6511 or toll-free at (855) 241-5144.

Barletta's mailing address is: 115 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515. Constituents are invited to visit or write; note that correspondence and packages sent to the Capitol complex are subject to delays due to security screening.

In the days since the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, local gun shop owners, like those nationwide, have reported a spike in firearm sales.

Sales are so brisk that inventory at one local shop is getting thin, and background checks that normally take five minutes are taking as long as three hours.

Concerns remain high that more gun control will result from the massacre in Newtown, Conn.

"There's an awful lot of people concerned that their gun rights will be infringed upon," said Pat Geiser, owner of Geiser Guns, 170 Lenker Ave., Sunbury. "Those who have been sitting on the fence, wondering if they should buy one, they're saying now is the time to do it."

In fact, Geiser was so busy that he only had time to discuss the topic with a News-Item reporter via phone call for five minutes before he had to return to assisting customers.

Combine the Connecticut tragedy with hunting season and Christmas and it explains the high sales volume, said Bob Kahler, who operates Kahler's Gun Shop along High Road in Helfenstein.

Kahler said he is usually stocked with at least 200 firearms, but he was down to three revolvers, four semi-automatics and 60 long guns, such as shot guns and muzzleloaders, as of Wednesday. And he can't order more because the wholesalers and manufacturers are "overwhelmed," he said.

"I'm getting low on everything. Restocking is tough to do right now," Kahler said.

'Anything, everything'

There were seven people in Kahler's small shop at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. His shelves of ammunition and cases of pistols, which are both usually full, were nearly empty. There was a long row of rifles on the racks that were purchased and reserved by customers since Friday, which Kahler cant' technically sell until the system processes them.

AR-15s in demand

The Associated Press reported assault rifles and high-capacity magazines, like the ones used by the shooter last week, are "flying off gun store shelves."

Kahler agreed. He said "nine out of 10" calls this week have been for people looking to purchase AR-15 semi-automatic rifles, which is what the shooter in Connecticut is believed to have used. He took a call at 3 p.m. Wednesday from yet another individual looking for that rifle.

He doesn't sell them, but he can specially order them.

Kahler said he is a gun collector and even owns assault weapons, but he hasn't used them in at least 15 years.

"I would never condone banning assault weapons. It's their (gun owners) rights to have them," he said.

One of his customers doesn't necessarily agree. Barry Hummel, of Ashland, was selling his .22-caliber pistol to his Ashland friend, Sam Snyder, at Kehler's shop on Wednesday.

Hummel said every American should have a rifle or shotgun for hunting and a pistol for protection, but assault rifles are not needed by the general public.

"That's where I draw the line," he said.

Geiser said his store is sold out of AR-15s, but people are purchasing a variety of rifles, shot guns and other firearms.

"It's been anything and everything," Geiser said.

Lengthy background checks

Kahler and Geiser tell similar stories of longer waiting times to process background checks. They normally take less than five minutes, but are currently averaging 20 to 30 minutes. Kahler said the longest wait for a background check to clear since Friday was three hours, while the max at Geiser's store was 80 minutes.

Hummel and Snyder waited at least 45 minutes before the system pushed through theirs on Wednesday afternoon.

Kahler said the system has shut down several times since Friday, and customers are forced to simply wait if they want to make a purchase.

The Associated Press reported that Colorado set a single-day record for gun background check requests the day after the mass shooting.

'Blood on his hands'

Kahler said most of the potential gun control decisions will likely not affect his business all that much since he mostly sells hunting weapons and equipment.

"I don't know what else they could change to make it better. They'll want less rounds. I'm positive that's where it will go," he said.

While he's in business to sell guns, Kehler appreciates the sensitivity of the situation.

"I had a son who was killed (in a motor-vehicle accident). I feel their pain," Kahler said. "My heart goes out to them."

He's had to withstand some backlash as someone who sells guns. He received a phone call from an angry woman Monday who blamed him for the Sandy Hook killings and told him if she ever saw him in public, she would spit in his face.

"She told me I have blood on my hands," he said.

KULPMONT - The public is welcome to visit the St. Pauline Center, 1150 Chestnut St. (Route 61), Friday morning as the nation recognizes a moment of silence at the one-week anniversary of the massacre in Newtown, Conn.

At the suggestion of an out-of-state donor to the St. Mother Pauline Visintainer Religious Foundation, a large wreath and a sign listing the names of the 26 Sandy Hook Elementary School victims will be placed outside the center, where folks are welcome to gather. The moment of silence is scheduled for 9:30 a.m., but the public is welcome throughout the day, inside or outside, at the center. The wreath and sign may be moved inside depending on the weather, with rain or snow showers forecast.

Those who wish to are encouraged to bring flowers.

Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has declared Friday a day of mourning. In addition to the moment of silence, he has asked those operating houses of worship and government buildings to ring bells 26 times at 9:30, which is about the time Adam Lanza entered Sandy Hook Elementary and began his rampage.

St. Pauline foundation board member Robert Greco said the woman who made the suggestion for the wreath also paid to have it made. She wished to remain anonymous, he said.

The foundation has made children a particular focus, including with its summer diabetes camp, an annual circus sponsorship and a children's theater show. Those and other activities support the foundation's Children's Charities.

There is plenty of space on the wide steps leading into the former church, and there is ample parking at the rear of the building.

MOUNT CARMEL - The following hearings took place Wednesday before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones. Defendants ordered to appear for hearings on Jan. 28 in Northumberland County Court, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

- Joseph M. Staskiel, 20, of 824 Spruce St., Kulpmont, waived two cases to court during his hearing. The first one involved charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a misbranded controlled substance and possession with drug paraphernalia.

He was charged by Kulpmont Police Patrolman Cade Holden following an incident on Sept. 13, 2011, at a Chestnut Street apartment in Kulpmont.

He also waived charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a misbranded substance, possession with intent to deliver drug paraphernalia and possession of drug paraphernalia. Those charges were filed by Kulpmont Police Patrolman Patrick McAndrew following an Oct. 25 incident on Spruce Street, Kulpmont.

- Chad M. Howard, 31 of 338 S. Pear St., Mount Carmel, waived a misdemeanor charge of accidents involving damage to attended vehicle or property and several summary traffic violations in his hearing.

Ralpho Township Police Sgt. Chris Kreisher filed the charges following a Oct. 16 accident at the intersection of Mountain Road and Reading Turnpike Road, Ralpho Township.

- Charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, misbranding of a controlled substance, driving under the influence, resisting arrest and public drunkenness were waived to court by Michael P. Dunphy, 26, of 722 Spruce St., Kulpmont.

He was charged by Kulpmont Police Patrolman Michael Pitcavage following a July 27 incident at Second and Chestnut streets, Kulpmont.

- Michael R. Wisnoskie, 19, of 76 Church St., Locust Gap, Eric T. Fletcher, 18, of Kulpmont, and Bret Casper, 18, of 1013 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, all waived charges of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The charges were filed by Mount Carmel Township Police Patrolman Kelly Campbell following a Nov. 30 traffic stop off of Route 2021, Locust Gap.

- Keri Marie Zimmerman, 22, of 47 N. Eighth St., Shamokin, waived charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, corruption of minors and criminal trespass.

Kulpmont Police Patrolman Patrick McAndrew filed the charges following a Sept. 3 traffic stop at the Veterans Memorial Sports Complex, Kulpmont.

- Charges of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, criminal conspiracy of possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia were waived to court by Ned A. Marcinick, 19, of 105 N. Franklin St., Shamokin.

The charges were filed by Mount Carmel Township Police Patrolman Matthew Filarski following a June 25 traffic stop along Route 54 at the Locust Summit connector.

- Sherry L. Wright, 38, of 1010 Center St., Ashland, waived charges of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property.

She was charged by Mount Carmel Borough Police Patrolman Jason Drumheller following a theft investigation on Aug. 24 in the borough.

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area School Board unanimously agreed Thursday night to retain a school resource officer (SRO) in the district on a month-to-month basis.

After the special meeting, board president Donna James said the decision to keep Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Brian Carnuccio as the district's SRO was influenced by last week's shooting rampage at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., that claimed the lives of 26 people in the school, including 20 children, plus the shooter.

Voting to retain the officer pending entering into a formal contract were James, Dr. Ray Kraynak, Michael Brinkash, Robert Muldowney, Charles Mannello, Ray Kraynak and Michael Rovito. Thomas Ditchey was absent.

Prior to the session, Mount Carmel Township Police Chief Brian Hollenbush, who twice previously served as the district's SRO, met with board members to argue for the importance of retaining the officer.

Funding for the position comes from the school district and Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. A three-year grant from the commission runs out Dec. 31.

When questioned about the SRO issue earlier in the day, Hollenbush said the position initially was funded through a Cops in School grant in 1997. From 2000 to 2003, he said two township officers - one at the high

school and one at the elementary school - were assigned to the district.

He said Carnuccio has served as the SRO since January 2009.

In 2010, Hollenbush said the commission paid 75 percent of the officer's salary with the school district picking up the remaining 25 percent. In 2011, the officer's salary was split evenly between the district and commission. This year, the district was responsible for paying 75 percent of the salary, while the commission paid 25 percent.

Hollenbush said Carnuccio's current salary, excluding benefits, is $39,520 ($19 per hour). His wages will be increased to $20 per hour, or $41,600 per year, in 2013.

The chief said prior to the meeting that if the position was retained, the district will pay $23,543.73 from January to the beginning of June, while the township will pay $18,053.48 during the summer months.

New board member

Joseph D'Andrea of Marion Heights was appointed as an interim school board director through December 2013 to fill the remainder of the term of Nicholas C. Goretski III, who resigned earlier this month at the board's reorganization meeting.

Goretski was the board president until the reorganization meeting and is a former Kulpmont mayor and councilman.

Voting to approve D'Andrea's appointment were James, Dr. Kraynak, Rovito, Brinkash, Muldowney and Ray Kraynak. Mannello, who said he respected all the candidates for the position, cast the lone dissenting vote.

The 48-year-old D'Andrea, a native of Weatherly who has lived in Mount Carmel Area School District for many years, also served as an interim board member from May through December 2011 to fill the unexpired term of Eric Belfanti, who resigned.

He is a local sales manager for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment and just completed a term as president of the Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce.

D'Andrea was among four candidates interviewed for the position.

Kulpmont offices to close

KULPMONT - The borough office and the Kulpmont-Marion Heights Joint Municipal Authority office will be closed Monday and Tuesday in observance of the Christmas holiday.

Hauler changes pickup schedule

MOUNT CARMEL - Customers of Moser Brothers Sanitation who have their trash picked up on Tuesdays will have pickups on Mondays, Dec. 24 and 31.

PA female vets symposium slated

HARRISBURG - The state's first-ever Women Veterans Symposium is planned for March, and all female Pennsylvania active and military veterans are invited.

Co-hosted by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the Pennsylvania Veterans Foundation, the event will be held from March 8 to 10 at Windham Hotel, Gettysburg. Cost is $10 and includes meals, hotel room and the symposium.

The Pennsylvania Veterans Foundation is seeking sponsors, donors, vendors and exhibitors to underwrite the symposium. For more information, contact Barbara Riggs at (717) 861-8452.

For more information about registration, visit www.pawomenvets.org. Registration forms must be received by Feb. 15.

NORTHUMBERLAND - Safety protocol was put into action Thursday after the Shikellamy School District was locked down on threats made against Priestley Elementary School.

All exterior and classroom doors were locked in each of the five district buildings - four elementary schools and the middle/high school, district Superintendent Patrick Kelley said Thursday.

Lights were turned off inside classrooms and students were gathered in an area away from doors and windows.

That's where they were to remain until all was clear, he said.

The lockdown came after police said Jeremy Church, 37, of Middleburg, allegedly threatened by telephone to retrieve his daughter from Priestley Elementary and execute a school shooting.

The report was called in by Church's ex-girlfriend, Valerie Eisenhuth, who told police Church and her were arguing over custody of their daughter when he threatened to murder her, then go to the school.

Police officers secured the scene and Church never made it to the school. He turned himself in to law enforcement roughly one hour after the incident was reported to 911 about 11:20 a.m.

No students, faculty or staff were harmed, and there appears no immediate threat existed.

Parents alerted

"We practice and work with students in regards to these safety plans. If it's a drill, it's reinforced with the students that someday it could happen. If it does occur like it did today, the teachers talk to the students with regard to what happened and why it happened," Kelley said, adding that a school psychologist works in the district.

An Alert Now message was sent to district parents after the lockdown had ended. Many parents of the 452 students at Priestley Elementary signed their children out of school after the incident occurred. "And that's OK," Kelley said.

The superintendent estimated there are 32 teachers and staff who work at the Priestley building. He learned of the incident after receiving a phone call from school Principal Dixie Barth.

'Images' of Sandy Hook

The threats come six days after 20 school children were among 26 people murdered inside Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. The gunman, Adam Lanza, first killed his mother inside her home and then drove her car to Sandy Hook to carry out the murders. It ended after he took his own life.

"The images flash through your mind," Kelley said of the Newtown incident. "You have to follow through with protocol and the way things are supposed to be done.

"We were very fortunate," he continued. "The law enforcement response was almost instantaneous."

District administrators already planned to meet with law enforcement after the holiday break to review safety protocol. Kelley said some notes were made in review of Thursday's district response, but he was pleased with how the safety plan was put into action.

The students are expected to return to school today.

SAHS locker search

COAL TOWNSHIP - A building wide locker search was conducted Thursday morning at Shamokin Area Middle/High School by special officers from a canine unit coordinated through state police and assisted by administration and Coal Township Police.

Administrators believed the search was necessary because of information received over the past several months and "due to our strong commitment to keep drugs out of our school facilities," said a letter sent to parents by Principal Chris Venna.

He said no drugs were found.

"We regret having to take this action," he wrote. "However, we are serious about keeping drugs and alcohol out of the buildings and are willing to use all legal procedures within our authority to ensure that our school is safe and drug-free."

Perfume theft

SHAMOKIN DAM - Women from Coal Township and Selinsgrove were charged with retail theft after allegedly attempting to steal perfume from Kohl's department store at 3:10 p.m. Wednesday.

State police at Selinsgrove said Darlene Pena-Cruz, 37, of Coal Township, and Marisol Colon, 50, of Selinsgrove, entered the store at the Monroe Marketplace and placed clothing and perfume into their shopping bags and went to a changing room, where police say they put the perfume in their purses. They left the changing rooms, put the clothing back on the store shelves and attempted to leave without paying for the perfume.

The charge was filed with Magisterial District Judge John H. Reed, Selinsgrove.

NORTHUMBERLAND - A man accused of threatening to kill his ex-girlfriend over a child custody dispute Thursday morning allegedly told her that he was going to retrieve their daughter from Priestley Elementary School and "do worse than what happened in Connecticut."

The threat, while never carried out, resulted in the Shikellamy School District placing all five of its buildings in lockdown for most of the day, and it led to a tense day for students, staff, parents and police.

Jeremy Michael Church, 37, of 249 W. Market St., Middleburg, who turned himself over to police shortly after the threats were made, was incarnated at Northumberland County Prison Wednesday evening in lieu of $125,000 bail.

"Anytime we would take this seriously, but with recent events, we were hypersensitive, especially since it was children," said Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini, who had requested "substantial bail" for Church.

'Kill you all'

According to an affidavit of probable

cause, Point Township Police Chief Joshua Van Kirk was dispatched at 11:27 a.m. Thursday to the elementary school, 423 Cannery Road, just outside Northumberland not far from Route 147, for threats made involving a mass casualty.

Church's ex-girlfriend Valerie Eisenhuth, of 445 Water St., Northumberland, told police she and Church had ongoing problems and that he said he was going to kill everyone at his daughter's school.

According to police, Church said: "I will (expletive) kill all you. I will kill the counselors, myself, you, and I will get (his daughter) and do what I have to to get her. No one is taking her away. I will do worse than what happened in Connecticut. (Expletive) you, my mom and everyone. I will kill you all."

Eisenhuth told police Church asked his mother for his gun (Church later refers to owning a .30-06 rifle) this past weekend for hunting. It was noted in the police report that there is no current hunting season involving rifles.

Law enforcement from Point Township, Northumberland, Shamokin Dam and Selinsgrove, state police from Selinsgrove and Milton, Northumberland County Sheriff Department and Northumberland County Adult Probation responded immediately to the school and blocked traffic on both sides of the school along Cannery Road.

Van Kirk and Northumberland Borough Patrolman Matt Lauver entered the school for an internal security sweep while the building, and other district buildings, were on full lockdown.

At the same time, other police were investigating the suspect's location. The affidavit says Church lives out of his blue Dodge Neon.

As word of the threat spread, more than two dozen parents and local residents gathered at the intersection of 16th Street and Cannery Road, within site of the school, making frequent phone calls and asking officers what was going on.

At one point shortly after noon, one man asked an officer if anything happened inside the school. The officer responded, "Not at this point."

Meanwhile, the county communications center was able to contact Church via cell phone to identify his location, but he did not cooperate until Van Kirk was patched through to talk to him.

Custody an issue

During the conversation, Church told Van Kirk that he had anger problems and "was so angry today that he could not remember anything he said," police reported.

Church confirmed he was having an argument with Eisenhuth, who he was upset with because she was refusing him custody of their daughter, police reported.

He began to recall his statements and told police he "could have used better words" and "said some things he shouldn't have."

Eventually, he told Van Kirk he was between Port Trevorton and Liverpool and was willing to meet with police at an adult book store near the intersection of Routes 35 and 11/15 at the south end of Selinsgrove in 15 minutes, on the condition an unmarked car was used.

Police took Church into custody at that location without incident.

'Everything's OK'

Police units remained on scene at the school until word was received of the suspect's apprehension.

At approximately 12:20 p.m., Van Kirk, who had not left the scene, walked from the school to 16th Street and Cannery Road and motioned for the media and waiting individuals to approach him. He had a solemn look on his face, but then said, "Let me give you a smile so you know everything's OK."

He said Church, who was not identified at that time, lost his temper and made threats.

"Our police department received a report of a male who made threats to his former partner and then alleged he was going to come to the school here and repeat the acts of Newtown, that he was going to make that look like it was nothing," Van Kirk said at the scene.

"Obviously," he went on, "a statement like that warrants a response like this from law enforcement."

He said the incident was no longer active and a suspect was in custody.

"There were no injuries. The scene was secured. There was no alarm or panic within the school. They followed protocol very well and kept the children comfortable. I don't believe many of the kids knew we were in school today. Most will know sitting down when they watch television tonight," he said.

He advised the parents to allow their children to remain in school the remainder of the day because their knowledge of the incident was limited.

"Some of us (police) will remain here and get things back to normal," he said.

Parents react

"I'm relieved. I was in panic mode," Marti Lee-Bogart, of Northumberland, said at the scene moments later. "I don't want anything to happen to my little girl."

Lee-Bogart is raising her 5-year-old granddaughter, Cole Toten, who is enrolled in kindergarten.

Virginia Weller, of Northumberland, is nearly a month away from adopting Abigail Young, her 9-year-old foster daughter, a third-grader.

"I'm so, so relieved," she said. "If he's going to kill anyone, kill himself, not innocent children."

Abigail's future sister, Esther Ulrich, said it was senseless of Church to get students upset and threaten a school.

"He has no right threatening them. He doesn't need to be copycatting anyone," she said.

She said the police officers were "perfect."

Lee-Bogart called Church a coward and claimed she would "beat his a--" if she ever saw him.

Emotional with police

Church was transported to Point Township Police Department, where he was originally expected to be video-arraigned by Senior Magisterial District Judge Richard Cashman of Milton. However, Cashman was not available, and Church was transported to Magisterial District Judge Benjamin Apfelbaum's office in Sunbury for arraignment instead.

At the township station, police said Church again told them he realized he said things he shouldn't have and understood why such a strong statement like his would create such concern for law enforcement and the public.

He said his statements about Connecticut were wrong, police said.

At first, he told police he didn't like guns and only carries a pocket knife, but later stated that he had a .30-06 rifle at his grandfather's house.

Police said he was emotional during the interview and stated he has been having some "substantial personal problems that led him to basically snap today."

Felony counts

At approximately 5:30 p.m., he appeared in front of the judge on charges of a felony count of terroristic threats to commit violence, a felony count of terroristic threats to cause public inconvenience and a misdemeanor count of terrorist threats to commit violence. The charges were filed by Van Kirk and Northumberland Borough Chief Timothy Fink.

The felony counts each have a maximum sentence of seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine, while the misdemeanor count has a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine, the judge said. He asked Church if he understood the charges.

"Yes, your honor," Church said.

Apfelbaum asked if he had any questions on each charge.

Church answered, "Not at this time, your honor," to the felonies, but said he did not understand the misdemeanor.

Rosini, who was accompanied to the arraignment by Van Kirk and Fink, said the first two charges involved threats to the school and the third charge was against his ex-girlfriend.

"I understand now, your honor," Church said.

Church then asked how he was supposed to find an attorney if he was going to be incarnated. Apfelbaum said he could fill out the paperwork for a public defender or contact a private attorney through a phone call or a letter.

Last delivered pizza

Apfelbaum then asked Church a series of questions to determine his bail.

Church explained he does not have a permanent address - his Middleburg address belongs to his mother, where he sends his mail and takes his children when he has custody of them.

"I stay pretty much wherever I can stay. When I'm with my children, I make sure they have a nice, comfortable place to sleep, which is at my mother's," he told the judge.

Church said he is currently unemployed, and he was last employed as a pizza delivery man for Papa John's Pizza five months ago.

He said he is not married and has another daughter who is 6-years-old. Rosini explained later that Church was never married to Eisenhuth, and his children are not to the same mother.

Church told Apfelbaum he was arrested 19 years ago on theft charges and was on parole for two years, but he showed up for all his court appearances.

"I will not flee the state. I will show up to all my hearings," he said to the judge. "I never intended anything to happen this way."

He said his words were taken out of context and he would never hurt his daughter or his daughter's mother.

Hearing next week

Rosini requested "substantial bail" of at least $50,000 based on the fact that Church has no permanent address or job and he had told an officer he had plans to go to New York in the near future.

"These were threats to children, and they caused stress to children and parents," Rosini said.

Van Kirk and Fink said they agreed with Rosini.

Apfelbaum set Church's bail at $125,000 with no further conditions, and said he would allow a Protection From Abuse (PFA) that will be filed today to establish the conditions in relation to his ex-girlfriend.

Church was incarnated at Northumberland County Prison at approximately 6 p.m.

His preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday in front of Cashman, in whose office the charges were filed by Van Kirk and Fink.

'Proud' police work

Rosini thanked the work of law enforcement throughout the incident.

Van Kirk said it the police work was "exceptional."

"When we have an incident, there are no separate agencies, and we all work together as one. We are really proud of that. There was a lot of cooperation," he said.

SUNBURY - U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-11, will have a district office in Northumberland County, setting up shop at the same place, 106 Arch St., Sunbury, currently operated by U.S. Rep. Tom Marino, R-10.

Redistricting has changed the congressional layout, and Marino no longer represents Sunbury, although his 10th district does include the Northumberland County's northern panhandle. Barletta's 11th district now includes Sunbury and points east and south in Northumberland County.

Barletta will also open district offices in Carlisle, Cumberland County; Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin County, and will maintain his Hazleton office as well.

"I'm very pleased to open these new offices and bring my constituent service to the people of the new 11th District of Pennsylvania. During my first two years in office, my constituent service representatives handled more than 4,500 cases, and they resolved about 95 percent of them," Barletta said. "The redrawn 11th District is very large, and I want to make sure my constituents don't have to travel very far to go into a congressional office."

In addition to Sunbury, where the phone and fax numbers are unchanged at 988-7801 and 988-7805, the new offices will be:

- Cumberland County - 59 West Louther St., Carlisle 17013. This is the office currently occupied by U.S. Rep. Todd Platts, and shared with state Sen. Patricia Vance. The phone and fax numbers of this office will remain unchanged at (717) 249-0190; fax (717) 218-0190;

- Dauphin County - 4813 Jonestown Road, Suite 101, Harrisburg 17109. Phone and fax numbers for this office have yet to be established.

It is expected that these offices will open during the week of Jan. 3. However, they may operate at reduced capacity as contractors install and activate telecommunications services.

"I will continue to partner with state representatives and senators and county and municipal officials to set schedules when my staff can meet with constituents in their areas. I want to bring federal assistance to everyone in the 11th District," Barletta said.

The locations, days, and times of those visits are still being finalized.

Barletta's Luzerne County office remains at 1 S. Church St., Suite 100, Hazleton 18201. Phone 751-0050; fax 751-0054.

Constituents can also reach Barletta's Washington, D.C., at (202) 225-6511 or toll-free at (855) 241-5144.

Barletta's Washington office address is 115 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515. Constituents are invited to visit or write; note that correspondence and packages sent to the Capitol complex are subject to delays due to security screening.

All centers will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 25 for the Christmas holiday.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.

Wednesday - Morning cards and puzzles; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

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

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

Mount Carmel

Monday - Christmas music, 10 a.m.; Christmas Jingo, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bean bag, 12:30 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Wednesday - Sit down dancing, 10 a.m.; brain teasers, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Wii bowling, 9 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Fun and fitness, 9:30 a.m.; chair dancing, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

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

Wednesday - Wii and noodle balloon in the morning; bunco, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Wii and noodle balloon in the morning; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii and noodle balloon in the morning; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Center closed.

Wednesday - Rest and relaxation with cards and bingo.

Thursday - Dinner and a movie.

Friday - Center closed.

Elysburg

Monday - Pokeno, noon.

Wednesday - Bingo, noon.

Thursday - Healthy Steps, 9:30 a.m.

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

Trevorton

Monday - Exercise, 10:30 a.m.; shopping at Walmart, 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Wednesday - Scrabble, 9:30 a.m.; beanbag toss, 10:30 a.m.

Thursday - Scrabble, 9 a.m.; Unlucky 7s and 31, 12:30 p.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise with Amy, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

All Saints

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

Pastor - The Rev. Alfred J. Bashore.

Worship service with word and sacrament - 9 a.m.

Participants - Marsha Karnes, altar guild; Richard Kovach, communion assistant.

Upcoming worship - Dec. 24, Christmas Eve candlelight service, 4 p.m.

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.

Holy Day Divine Liturgy - Feast of Conception of Anne, Sunday, 11 a.m.

Augusta Baptist

Augusta Baptist Church, 1371 Boyles Run Road, Sunbury.

Pastor - Robert S. Commerford.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:15 a.m.

Evening service - 6:30 p.m.

Activities - Sunday, youth group, 6 p.m., Kids Club, 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Bible study and prayer meeting, 6:30 p.m.; fourth Thursday of the month, L.I.F.E. for seniors age 55 and up, noon.

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.

Message - "An Unusual Birth."

Special music - Sandra Dyer. Worship team will lead Christmas carols.

Evening Christmas concert - 6 p.m., Christmas cantata, "Silent Night, Holy Night."

Activities - Dec. 30, Bethany Night of Music, 6 p.m.

Bethany EC

Bethany EC Church, 1238 Market St., Ashland.

Pastor - Mark Brownson.

Sunday school - 9:15 a.m. (adults and children).

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Activities - Wednesday, Bethany Bible club, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., kindergarten through sixth grade, prayer meeting, weekly, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; free clothing closet, every first and third Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bethel Union

Bethel Union Chapel, West Cameron Township.

Pastor - Dave Butler.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m. (All ages).

Children's Christmas Program - 10 a.m.

Evening worship - 6 p.m.

Note - No weekday services.

Calvary Bible

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

Pastor - Ferdie Madara.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Combined morning worship service - 9:30 tp 11 a.m. The children will be presenting their Christmas program entitled, "The Christmas Story."

Carols, Candles and Communion service - 6 p.m.

­Christ's Reformed UCC

Christ's Reformed UCC, Helfenstein.

Pastor - Jerry Schlegel.

Worship - 10:15 a.m. Fourth Sunday of Advent.

Scripture - Romans 15: 4-13, Luke 2:22-38.

Message - "The Gift of Love."

Participant - Jeff Haas, organist; Dorene Choffel, worship assistant.

Note - Christmas Eve candlelight service at St. Paul's, 6 p.m.

Church of Our Lady

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

Pastor - The 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.

Sunday - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday school classes for all ages - 11 a.m.

Clark's Grove UMC

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

Pastor - Billy Frick.

Sunday school for all ages - 9 a.m.

Praise singing - 10:10 a.m.

Worship service - 10:15 a.m.

Activities - Sunday, children's Christmas program during morning worship; Monday, family Christmas Eve service of carols and lessons, 7 p.m., Candlelight Communion Christmas Eve service, 11 p.m.

Divine Redeemer

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

Pastor - The Rev. John A. Szada Jr.

Weekday Masses - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 7 a.m.; Saturday at 8 a.m.

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

Holy Day Masses - 6 p.m. eve of holy days. 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. (Holy Day).

Holy Hour - First Friday of the month, 3 to 4 p.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 - Monday, Miraculous Medal novena after morning Mass; Thursday, St. Jude Thaddeus novena after morning Mass; Saturday, St. Francis novena after morning Mass.

Elysburg Alliance

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

Pastor - The Rev. Chad Froelich.

Morning worship services - 8 and 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Stan Sanger.

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

Children's church - 10:30 a.m. Ages 4 to 12.

Christmas caroling for all ages (meet at the church), 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Activities ­- Wednesday, Collide youth group with Pastor Froelich, 6:45 to 8:15 p.m., adult Bible study, prayer. 7 p.m.; Dec. 23, Sunday school for all ages, 9:15 a.m., combined worship service, 10:30 a.m., (no 8 a.m. service) Christmas Eve service with children's presentation and candlelight service, 6 p.m.

Second and fourth Saturdays, contemporary service, 6:30 p.m.

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 - 10:30 a.m., with nursery provided.

The choir will be performing a Christmas cantata, "Night of

Glory."

Musicians - Debbie Cecco, organist; Eileen Reigel, pianist, and contemporary praise group.

Activities - Monday, Christmas Eve candlelight service, 7 p.m.; Tuesday, Christ, the Savior is born, Merry Christmas.; Friday, Breakfast with Jesus, 8:30 a.m.; Sunday, Dec. 30, Sunday School for all ages, 9 a,m,, worship service, 10:30 a.m.

Elysburg UMC

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

Pastor - The Rev. Michelle Beissel.

Morning worship - 9 a.m. Nursery care provided for children up to four years of age. Children's Sunday school during worship. Adult Sunday school - 10:15 a.m.

Participnts - Scott Rishel or John Yost, head usher; Grace Yost and Joyce Rumberger, greeters; Lisa Shappell, scripture reader; Cooper Rouse, acolyte; John Romanoski, organist; Lynne Homiak, pianist; Joyce Rumberger, shepherding; Nan Weller, choir director.

Activities - Tuesday, prayer circle, 9:30 a.m.; UMW, 10 a.m.; Wednesday, Bible study at EUMC with Pastor Michelle, 7 p.m.

Emmanuel UMC

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

Pastor - The Rev. Betty Ford.

Coffee fellowship - 8 to 9 a.m.

Worship - 9:30 a.m., with children's Sunday school.

Activities - Tuesday and Thursday, exercise class, 6:30 p.m.; third Wednesday of the month, cookie ministry, 5 p.m.; second Saturday of the month, health screening, 8 to 10 a.m.; fourth Sunday of the month, movie night, 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, Shamokin

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

Pastor - The Rev. Samuel Derr.

Church school - 9:45 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:45 a.m.

Choir organist - Judith Pensyl.

The church invites everyone to join in celebrating the birth of the Lord, Jesus Christ. The choir and congregation will join in telling the story of the Lord's birth through song and scripture.

No evening service this Sunday.

Organist - Judith Pensyl.

Activities - Wednesday, choir rehearsal, 6 p.m., prayer, praise and testimony, Bible study, 7 p.m.; Monday, Christmas Eve service, 7 p.m.

First Baptist, Trevorton

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

Pastor - Dan Conklin.

Associate pastor - Andy York.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:40 a.m.

Evening worship - 6 p.m.

Activities - Sunday, youth group, 5:45 p.m., choir practice, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, AWANA, 6:30 p.m., prayer and Bible study, 7 p.m.

First Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church, Sunbury and Liberty streets, Shamokin.

Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Guest speaker - Rev. Ed Minnich.

Participants - Jessica Tumolo and Peggy Spock, Advent readers; Noriene Ladd, organist; Mary Anne Stump, assistant organist; Andrew Ladd, acolyte; Bill Milbrand, choir director; Charlene Lesher, Terry Persing and Wendy Wary, Sunday school; Wendy Wary, secretary; William Persing Sr., sexton.

Candlelight Christmas Eve service - Monday, 7 p.m.

Minister - Rev. Ted Plott.

Participants - Linda Gard, Carole Oxenrider and Bill Persing Sr., ushers and greeters; Lesher family, Advent readers; Gabby Tumolo, Jessica Tumolo, Aubrey Persing, Brianna Wary and Greyson Lesher.

2013 envelopes will be available at the candlelight service.

First UMC, Kulpmont

First United Methodist Church, Ninth Street, Kulpmont.

Pastor - Beverly Petrovich.

Worship - 9:30 a.m., with children's Sunday school.

Activities - Second Saturday of the month, Angels Table luncheon, 11 a.m. All are welcome.

First UMC, Mt. Carmel

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

Pastor - The Rev. Susan J. Roehs.

Worship service - 9:45 a.m.

Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Sermon - "Jesus' Wish List," by Pastor Roehs.

Participants - Sharon Styer, organist; J. Kevin Jones, head usher; Bob Welker, sound director; Ken Purcell family, greeters; Eileen Ramage, liturgist; Olivia Belive, acolyte; Pastor Susan, children's time; Anne Sauger, counter.

Activities - Sunday, The children will do a skit called, "The Christmas Gift," during the worship service; Monday, Christmas Eve A Candle Lighting service to celebrate the birth of Jesus, 8 p.m.

First UMC, Shamokin

First United Methodist Church, Sunbury Street, Shamokin.

Pastor - Zachary Hopple.

Adult and children's Sunday school - 9:15 a.m.

Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Participants - Kay Berry, liturgist; Kay Berry and Judy Lindenmuth, greeters.

Activities - Monday, Bible study, 6 p.m., in parlor.

Good Shepherd

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

Pastor - The Rev. Dana Heckman-Beil.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Grace Chapel

Grace Chapel, 126 Airport Road, Shamokin.

Pastor - Alan Langelli.

No Sunday school, adult Bible study and fellowship this week.

Combined Morning worship - 10 to 11:30 a.m.

No evening worship.

Wednesday Bible study and prayer - 6:45 p.m.

Nursery child care is provided for all Sunday services.

Participants - Judd Seger, Ray Petro, Billy Swank and Jim Zimmerman, ushers; Bill Swank, Bible reading and prayer; praise team; Cathy Klinger, music director, pianist and vocalist; Rob Klinger, drums; Marcy Donmoyer, flute; Emma Donmoyer, keyboard; Edwin Karns, Donna Blue, Diane Seger, Karen Graboski, Lori Langelli, Sandy Thomas and Ed Begis, vocalists; Gary Spotts, sound system; Joe Long, camera, and Steve Carpenter, computer system.

Activities - Today, Shepherd's meeting, dress rehearsal for Christmas program choir, ensemble, musicians and Discovery Station; Sunday, cantata presentation and child dedication; Monday, Christmas Eve service and communion.

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.

Guest preacher - Bishop Robert Driesen of the Upper Susquehanna Synod.

There will be no Sunday school. Classes will resume, Sunday, Jan. 6.

Service of the Word and Sacrament - 10:15 a.m.

Participants - Mark Cupp, worship assistant; Cameron Wayne, acolyte; John Wondoloski, crucifer; Joraskie family, communion bearers; Debbie and Terry Keefer, altar care; Mr. and Mrs. Terry Keefer, greeters; Tonia Adams, nursery; Arthur Martin, Mark Cupp, Gene Faust, Tom Fiorey, Bill Joraskie, J. Richard Miller and Ron Weller, ushers; Walter Boyer, organist; Charlene Pell, choir director and cantor.

Activities - Monday, Christmas Eve Family service, 4:30 p,m,m Christmas Eve Candeligh, Communion Service, 7 p.m.

Grace Lutheran

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

Interim pastor - The Rev. Joan Brown.

Service with Communion - 10;45 a.m. Third Sunday of Advent.

Guest speaker - Bishop Robert Driesen.

Participants - Linda Rubendall, organist; Zachary Hunter, lector; William and Robert Brass, ushers; Charles Barnes, bell ringer; Judy Barnes, secretary.

Grace UCC

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

Pastor - The Rev. Joan A. Brown.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Participants - Bryan Lapinski, organist; Aurora Froutz, acolyte; Renee Apichell and Tammy McAndrew, ushers.

Activities - Sunday, Congregational Christmas dinner, 2 p.m.; Monday, confirmation class, 3:30 p.m., supper club at Harry's, 6 p.m.; Wednesday, mid-week Advent service, First United Methodist, Hickory Street; Dec. 23, Caroling in Town Park, 6 p.m.; Dec. 24, Christmas Eve candlelight service, 8:30 p.m.

Harvest Worship

Harvest Worship Ministries, 2079 Upper Road, West Cameron Township, 850-4280, harvestworshipministries.com

Pastor - Sandy Wary.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

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., clubhouse. Casual dress welcome.

Himmel's Church

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

Pastor - Pastor Jane H. Compton.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:15 a.m.

Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of every month.

Activities - Monday, Band and Bells, 7 p.m., worship with Holy Communion and a visit from St. Nicholas, 7:30 p.m.

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 - Monday, Christmas Eve Masses at 4, 5:30 and 9:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Christmas Day Mass at 9:30 a.m.

Holy Trinity

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

Interim rector - The Rev. Father Kimberly Brooks.

Celebrant - The Rev. Deacon Richard A. Hazzard.

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 - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Johnston City UMC

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

Pastor - Dan Siddle.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Participants - Barbara Cummings and Janette Nute, greeters; Rena Keegan and Jane Klembara, acolytes; June Ramer, Rena Keegan and Janette Nute, ushers; June Ramer, Jane Klembara, Rena Keegan and Myra Golden, liturgists; Jane Klembara, musician.

Miller's Crossroads

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

Pastor - Michelle Beissel.

Worship - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday school - 10:45 a.m.

Participants - Betsy Bradigan, organist.

Ministry of the Water and Spirit

Ministry of the Water and Spirit Church, 110 Church St., Locust Gap.

Pastor - James Bowers.

Sunday service - 10:30 a.m.

Mother Cabrini

Mother Cabrini Church, North Shamokin Street, Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Martin Kobos, O.F.M. Conv.

Parochial vicar - The Rev. Adam Ziolkowski, O.F.M. Conv.

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 - Sunday, Fourth Sunday of Advent. No religious education program classes; Monday, Mass schedule for Christmas, 4 p.m. Children's Liturgy with pageant at 3:30 p.m., Masses at 8 and 10:30 p.m., bingo cancelled, games will resume Jan. 7; Tuesday, Christmas Day Mass, 9 a.m.

Parish office closed Monday through Wednesday for Christmas, will reopen on Thursday.

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 - Micah 5:2-5a and Luke 1:39-45.

Sermon - "Bearing a Special Child."

Participants - Philip Maue, organist.

Activities - Monday, Christmas Eve candlelight service with communion, 6 p.m.

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, church side/back entrance.

Activities - Prayer room open mornings; Saturday, prayer, fellowship and coffee; Dec. 23, Sunday evening praise and Worship service, 7 p.m.

Oak Grove UMC

Oak Grove United Methodist Church, Marley Road, Overlook.

Pastor - The Rev. Zachary Hopple.

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 age 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 Fatima

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church of the East, 110 E. Avenue and Hickory Street, Mount Carmel.

Pastor - Most Rev. Ramzi R. Musallam, bishop.

Confessions - Before Mass and upon request.

Rosary - 2:30 p.m.

Holy Mass - 3 p.m.

Activities - Thrift shop open, Thursday, noon to 5 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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 through Friday, 7 a.m., Holy Spirit chapel.

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.

Peifer's Evangelical

Peifer's Evangelical Congregational Church, Mandata Road, Herndon.

Pastor - Bradley D. Hatter.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship - 10:30 a.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.

Guest pastor - The Rev. Nancy Hardy.

Morning worship - 10:30 a.m.

Lector - Allan Schappert.

Christmas Eve Service, 7 p.m., The Rev. Barbara J. Collins and Irene Rife, lector.

St. John's UCC

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

Pastor - The Rev. Dr. Robert B. Peiffer.

Sermon - "A Pastoral Letter."

Contemporary service - 9 a.m., Fellowship Hall. The Sunday School Association will present their annual "Christmas Tea" program, with Christmas songs and reading of the book "A Cup of Christmas Tea."

Traditional service - 11 a.m., main sanctuary.

Special music - David L. Spotts.

Participants - The Shuey family, lighting of the fourth Advent candle; Margaret Morris, organist; Casey Henninger, pianist; Maggie Jasper, lay reader.

Activities - Sunday, Confirmation class in the pastor's office, 1 p.m., candlelight service rehearsal in the sanctuary, 4 p.m., annual candlelight service in the sanctuary, 7:30 p.m.; Monday, Advent Bible study in the junior Sunday School room, 1 p.m., Christmas Eve service in the main sanctuary, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, prayer group in the sanctuary, 9 a.m.

St. John's UMC

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

Pastor - The Rev. Karyn Fisher.

Lay leader - Paul Stehman.

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

Nursery available during worship for infants and toddlers. Children's church available during worship following the children's message for ages 4 to 11.

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

First Sundays, holy communion; Sundays, confirmation class, 10:30 a.m., junior choir practice, 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Bible study, 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, choir practice, 8 a.m., women's book club, 9:15 a.m.; prayer chain, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

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.

Guest pastor - The Rev. Nancy Hardin.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Lector - Claire Varney.

Christmas Eve Worship Service, 9 p.m. The Rev. Barbara J. Collins and Leslie Fegley, lector.

St. Matthew Lutheran

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

Interim pastor - The Rev. Joan Brown.

Service with communion - 10:45 a.m.

Guest speaker - Bishop Robert Driesen. Members are asked to attend the service led by Bishop Driesen.

Services for the month of December are at Grace Lutheran Church.

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

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

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

Weekend Masses - Sunday, 9 a.m.

Weekday Mass - 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 - Stephanie Boyer, lector; Claire Bonshock and Cindy Henninger, communion assistants; Brianna Wengrenovich, acolyte/crucifer; Walter Boyer, organist and choir director.

Activities - Monday, Family Services, Grace Lutheran Church, 4:30 p.m., Candlelight Communion Service, St. Paul Church, 9 p.m.

St. Paul's Reformed

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

Pastor - Jerry Schlegel.

Worship time - 9 a.m. Fourth Sunday of Advent.

Scripture - Romans 15: 4-13 and Luke 2:22-38.

Message - "The Gift of Love."

Participants - Cliff Artman, organist.

Activities - Monday, Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 6 p.m.

St. Pauline Visintainer

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

"Chapel of the Crucified."

Eucharistic adoration - Friday, noon to midnight, and Saturday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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

Relics on display of Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, spouse of Mary, and St. Peter Apostle.

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.

Guest speaker - Bishop Robert Driesen.

Participants - Linda Rubendall, organist; Carol Buffington, choir director; Linda Sommers, lector.

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.

Religious education classes are held Mondays from 6 to 7:15 p.m.

Holy day liturgies - Vigil of Conception of St. Anne, 4 p.m. today and 9:15 a.m. Sunday.

St. Peter's UCC

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

Pastor - Paul T. Gurba Jr.

Morning worship - 8:30 a.m.

Sermon - "A Special Man: A Special Purpose."

Verse of the Day - "He said (John the Baptist) I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord."

Special service - Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Candlelight service, 7:30 p.m.

St. Stephen's

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

Clergy - The Rev. Kimberly Brooks.

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

Handicapped accessible.

Activities - Second and fourth Saturdays, 6:15 p.m., Holy Eucharist at the St. Stephen Center; Christmas Eve, 6 p.m.; Christmas Day, 10 a.m.

Salem UCC

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

Pastor - The Rev. Jean Eckrod.

Morning worship - 10 a.m.

Participants - MacKenzie Glosek, acolyte; Brian Williams, lay leader; Judie Zabawsky, organist; Presented by Beginners and Junior departments and directed by Julie Updegrove, special programs; Julie Updegrove, beginners class; Barbara Skrivanek, junior class; Larry Diorio, lighting/sound; Susan and Ken Staner and Karen and Brian Williams, ushers; Jane Goguts and Peggy Taylor, greeters.

This if food pantry Sunday. Members are asked to bring non-perishable food items or household goods to be given to Manna for the Many, the local food pantry.

A quiet room for young infants and toddlers is available during the morning worship hour at 10 a.m. Christian education is provided for children 3 to 12 years old immediately after children's time at the beginning of morning worship.

Activities - Monday, Christmas Eve Service, 9 p.m.

Salvation Army

Salvation Army Christian Enrichment Center, 1300 W. Spruce St., Coal Township.

Commanding officer - Maj. Tina Streck.

Holiness meeting (worship) - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday school - 10:45 a.m.

Seibert Evangelical

Seibert Evangelical Congregational Church, Route 147, Herndon

Pastor - Bradley D. Hatter.

Worship - 9 a.m.

Sunday school - 10:15 a.m.

Seventh Street

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

Pastor - The Rev. David Wildoner.

Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

No Bible study Sunday.

Participants - Joseph Rodman, head usher; Benjamin Brudnicki and Alaina Glowatski, acolytes; Bryan Lapinski, organist; Dr. Richard Albright, greeter and servant of the month; Kathy Jeremiah, nursery worker; Jennifer Brudnicki, Children's Church teacher. A nursery is available for children birth to age five during the morning worship service. Children's church is provided for children over age five with a focus on lessons from the Bible.

Manna for the Many items for December are soup, or anything you would like to bring.

Activities - Monday, Christmas Eve candlight service, 6 p.m.; Jan. 6, Bible study, 7 p.m.; Jan. 7, Trustee board meeting, 7 p,m.; Jab, 21, Quartly Conference for Year End Report.

Shamokin Alliance

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

Pastor - Samuel Bellavia.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m. Classes available for all ages.

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

Evening service - 7 p.m.

Offered are small groups and cottage prayer meetings for adults. Contact church at 644-1718.

Shamokin Seventh-Day Adventist

Shamokin Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 7 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin (former Jewish synagogue), 648-7770.

Pastor - John Peters.

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

Saturday worship - 11 a.m.

Activities - Tuesday, family Bible studies, 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, AWANA clubs for children in kindergarten through sixth grade and Word of Life clubs for grades 7 to 12, 6:30 p.m., prayer service, 7 p.m.

Trevorton UMC

Trevorton United Methodist Church, Shamokin Street, Trevorton.

Pastor - The Rev. Al Schell Jr.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:45 a.m.

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

Activities - Thursdays, Bible study taught by Roxanne Klinger, 7 p.m.; second Tuesday of the month, United Methodist Women, 7 p.m.

Trinity Evangelical

Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church, 28 W. Arch St., Shamokin.

Pastor - Brian Betsworth.

Sunday school - 9:50 a.m.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Weekly Advent service with members of the congregation participating.

Trinity Lutheran

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

Pastor - The Rev. David Hauck.

Worship service - 10 a.m.

Participants - Ron Manney, lector and Communion assistant; Jill and Steve Todzia, altar care; Mary Tharp, counter.

Activities - Christmas Eve Service, 7 p.m.

True Grace Bible Ministry

True Grace Bible Ministry, 950 W. Arch St., Coal Township.

Pastor/teacher - Michael Marcheskie.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Main service - 10:30 a.m., with children's study time.

Activities - Tuesday morning, Bible study and prayer service, 10:30 a.m., at the church. For information, call 648-9776.

Union Evangelical

Union Evangelical Free Church, Ashland/Locustdale.

Pastor - The Rev. Larry Coutlee.

Sunday school - 10 a.m. for all ages.`

Junior church available for ages 12 and under.

Morning worship - 11 a.m.

Informal evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Tuesday, Crossfire Youth meeting for boys and girls at Gordon Youth Center, 6 to 9 p.m.; third Tuesday of each month, community hot dog night, 6 to 8 p.m., all welcome, free hot dogs, chips, soda, coffee and juice; Wednesday, devotional and prayer meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Thursday, Fit for the Kingdom, 5:45 p.m., Crossfire Youth meeting for boys and girls at Ashland Youth Center, 6 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Crossfire Youth meeting for boys and girls at Ashland Youth Center, 2 to 5 p.m.

United Presbyterian

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

Minister - The Rev. Ted Plott.

Worship service - 11 a.m. with Communion.

Scripture - Luke 1:39-56.

Message - "Grace in the Life of Everyone."

Participants - Dale Schimpf, organist; Deb Wydra, acolyte; Ellsworth George and Andrew Mekosh, ushers; Calvin and Sandy Evans, greeters.

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.

Zion Primitive

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

Pastor - The Rev. David E. Wildoner.

Worship service - 9:30 a.m.

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

Activities - Monday, Christmas Eve service, 4 p.m.; Jan. 5, Bible study, 10 a.m. (watch bulletin for changes); Jan. 19, quarterly conference for year-end report, time to be announced.

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.

Pastor - Rev. Betty Ford.

Sunday school - 10:30 a.m.

Worship - 11 a.m.

Activities - Wednesday, Bible study, 1 p.m.; first Tuesday of the month, United Methodist Women, 7 p.m.

The following churches have announced special services in conjunction with Christmas.

All Saints

All Saints Evangelical Lutheran Church, 12th and Scott streets, Kulpmont, will hold its Christmas Eve candlelight service at 4 p.m., Monday.

Church pastor The Rev. Alfred Bashore will lead the service. Other participants are communion assistant Richard Kovach, student organist Joshua A. Bashore, acolyte Hannah Bashore and altar guild servant Marsha Karnes.

Grace Lutheran

The community is invited to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child at 4:30 p.m. Monday in Grace Lutheran Church, West Chestnut Street, Shamokin.

The annual Christmas Eve Family Service of Word and Sacrament is held in late afternoon to accomodate families with small children, those who would rather not venture out at night and those who have a conflict of interest and cannot attend the evening service.

The Rev. David M. Byerly, pastor, will preach and preside over the service. Participants are worship assistant Harry Deitz, acolyte Ethan Tharp, communion bearers the Kopitsky family, altar care by Beverly Deitz and ushers Arthur Martin, Mark Cupp, Gene Faust, Tom Fiorey, Bill Joraskie, J. Richard Miller and Ron Weller. Pianist is Casey Henninger with soloist David Kopitsky Sr. and choir director Charlene Pell.

The Nativity of Our Lord will be celebrated at the church at 7 p.m. Monday, with Rev. Byerly presiding over the service of Carols, Candlelight and Communion.

Participants are worship assistants Jeffrey and Kathleen Clutcher, crucifer Eric Joraskie, acolytes Austin Joraskie and Tyler Keiser, Communion bearers the Joraskie family, Diana Cheunes and Diane Schrader on altar care, and ushers Arthur Martin, Mark Cupp, Gene Faust, Tom Fiorey, Bill Joraskie, J. Richard Miller and Ron Weller. Pianist is Casey Henninger with soloist David Kopitsky Sr. and choir director Charlene Pell.

St. Paul Lutheran

The tradition Christmas Eve service of carols, candlelight and communion will be held at 9 p.m. Monday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 4663 Upper Road, Gowen City. The Rev. David M. Byerly is pastor.

Participating in the service are lector Cindy Henninger, acolyte/crucifer Steven Balonis, and communion assistants Claire Bonshock and Cindy Henninger, Walter Boyer is organist and choir director.

St. John's UCC

This year will mark the 79th annual presentation of the candlelight service of St. John's United Church of Christ, 117 N. Eighth St., Shamokin. Since 1933, the adult choir and the young people of the church have gathered on the Sunday before Christmas to play out the birth of Christ in music and pageant. This year's service will be at 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

The choir sings traditional Christmas music as the youth portray the Christmas story in pagentry and beautiful costumes. They bring to life Mary, Joseph, the Wise Men, shepherds, angels and villagers. Portraying these Biblical figures has become a family tradition; at least four generations have participated in this program.

The adult choir is directed by Margaret Morris, who is also the organist and accompanist for the service. The pageant is directed by Susan Haas and Cheryl Sherman. Gary Christ provides make-up services.

Lisa Newton, Cheryl Sherman, Abriel Newton and Caitlin Sherman provide costume and prop services. The spotlight and special lighting will be handled by Mike Newton. William Haas will be the lector for the service. The Rev. Robert B. Peiffer is the pastor.

Adult choir members are sopranos Barbara Durdock, Margaret Morris and Ann Nowaskie; altos Kathi Christ, Maggie Jasper, Carol Lachenmayer and Martha Lynch; tenor Eugene Bougher; bass Thomas Christ and Bob Peiffer and baritone Gary Christ.

The church will have its traditional Christmas Eve service at 7:30 p.m. Monday and will features selections by the youth choir. The pianist for the service will be Maxine Harvey. Acolytes will be Kyle DiOrio and Jazz Levan. Everyone is welcome.

Salem UCC

Salem United Church of Christ, 1300 W. Pine St., Coal Township, will hold its candlelight communion service at 9 p.m. Monday with the Rev. Jean Eckrod officiating.

Assisting Rev. Eckrod are lay leader Suzzette Steinhart, organist Judie Zabawsky with special music Laurie Gluidewell, choir director Judie Zabawsky, lighting and sound by Brian Williams, greeters are Earl and Lori Foura and ushers are John and Darlene Foltz and Brian and Karen Williams.

BLOOMSBURG - While Christmas is only five days away, the 2013 Bloomsburg Fair will open in 275 days.

For the first time ever, fair fans can find admission tickets for the Columbia County event in their Christmas stocking now that tickets can be purchased online, which features a print-your-own-ticket option.

In the past, early admission tickets were only available at either the grandstand or at Giant supermarkets about a month before, but the tickets are available now at the fair's website, www.bloomsburgfair.com.

Online tickets are $7 each, compared to $8 at the gate during the fair, or $48 for a eight-day admission pass. The 2013 fair will run from Sept. 21 to 28.

According to the fair's website, tickets for grandstand shows will also be available to be printed at home and will be announced as shows become available for sale.

The move is expected save the fair labor and postage costs. It will also save time because fairgoers no longer have to wait in line at will-call windows or admission gates.

Last year, more than 415,000 people attended the fair, including a special preview day the Friday before the official opening at a reduced admission price, which helped recoup some of the money lost when the Flood of 2011 flooded the grounds and cancelled the fair for the first time in its history.

Fair officials announced the special preview day for 2013 will be Friday, Sept. 20, opening at 2 p.m. Admission is $3.

Monday, Sept. 23, will be Senior Citizens Day with all attendees 65 and older admitted free and Armed Services Day with all veterans and active duty soldiers admitted free with ID.

Tuesday, Sept. 24, and Friday, Sept. 27, will be Student Days at the fair, with all high school students 18 and under admitted free. All children 12 and under are admitted free to the fair every day.

MOUNT CARMEL - A motion to approve a controversial landlord fee proposed by Councilman Joseph Lapotsky was tabled Thursday night by members of Mount Carmel Borough Council after they agreed to appoint a committee to further study the issue and possibly revise the entire landlord ordinance.

According to borough manager Edward Cuff, Lapotsky made a motion that was seconded by Councilman Clem Plisiewicz to charge borough landlords an annual $25 fee per unit instead of maintaining a flat registration fee of $100 to allow a more "fair and equitable" system for landlords.

Before taking a vote, council members discussed the issue and agreed to appoint a committee comprised of borough officials and landlords to study the matter for two months before making recommendations in March about the proposed fee and landlord ordinance.

A subsidiary motion made by Councilman Gary Hixson and seconded by Councilman Chico Moser to table Lapotsky's motion was then unanimously approved.

Named to the committee to study the landlord issue were Lapotsky, Hixson, Moser and Mayor J. Kevin Jones, and borough landlords Dave Fantini, Paul Vincenzes and Michael Smith.

Also in attendance at the two-hour meeting were council president Tony Matulewicz and Councilman Robert Shirmer. Councilman Robert Barrett was absent.

Contacted Friday afternoon, Fantini said he was "thrilled" that council agreed to further study Lapotsky's proposed fee.

"I think it's the right direction to go because it gives landlords a voice in the matter," he said.

'Nonsense'

During a borough workshop meeting Monday night attended by at least two dozen landlords, Dr. Raphael Adinolfi, of 110 N. Maple St., called any new fees for landlords "nonsense."

Adinolfi, 69, who moved to the borough from Brooklyn, N.Y., 12 years ago, is the owner of 20 units in Mount Carmel. Following Monday's meeting, Adinolfi also called Lapotsky's proposal "counter-productive" and "a personal vendetta" against landlords.

Lapotsky claims the change could help punish landlords who are perpetuating blighted properties.

Fantini said it is not fair to charge the $100 fee, but also said it isn't fair to say the fees are to clean up the town.

"It is not the responsibility of landlords to pay for the blight issue. It is the whole community," Fantini said.

Both Fantini and Adinolfi suggested Code Enforcement Officer Robin Williams needed more help with code enforcement issues because he is overwhelmed with problem landlords.

In other business

Council approved the purchase of a 2013 Ford Police Interceptor for the police department for $39,069.50.

Council also authorized the purchase of a S650 Bobcat Skid-Steer loader for the street department at a cost of $23,152.02, which includes the trade-in of a 1998 Bobcat loader.

On a 5-1 vote, council approved the 2013 Mount Carmel Municipal Authority budget totaling $2,107,400. Matulewicz cast the lone dissenting vote.

KULPMONT - About 15 people gathered outside the St. Pauline Center along Route 61 on a blustery December morning Friday while the nation recognized a moment of silence at the one-week anniversary of the massacre at a school in Newtown, Conn.

A large wreath with 26 stars and a sign listing the names of the 26 Sandy Hook Elementary School victims was placed outside the center for the ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Friday.

Rita Laukaitis made the trip from Elysburg to join in the solemn moment.

"It is a good feeling to do something," she said. "The only way is to honor them with flowers and prayers."

The Rev. Raymond Orloski, Pastor Rose Marquardt, the Rev. Andrew Stahmer and Pastor Beverly Petrovich, four members of the clergy representing the Kulpmont-Mount Carmel Ecumenical Ministerium, and their parish communities, offered prayers. The St. Pauline Center was open throughout the day for prayer and reflection.

Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy declared Friday a day of mourning. In addition to the moment of silence, he asked houses of worship and government buildings to ring bells 26 times at 9:30 a.m., which is about the time Adam Lanza entered Sandy Hook Elementary School and began his rampage.

The suggestion for the wreath and ceremony at the St. Pauline Center was made by an out-of-state donor to the St. Mother Pauline Visintainer Religious Foundation. She paid for the wreath as well.

The foundation has made children a particular focus, including through a summer diabetes camp, an annual circus sponsorship and a children's theater show. Those and other activities support the foundation's Children's Charities.

Below is the schedule for Bishop Joseph P. McFadden through Jan. 20. This includes a Christmas Mass schedule and several parish pastoral visits as well as the dedication for the new Bishop McDevitt High School.

Sunday - Mass and pastoral visit, St. Catherine of Sienna parish, 955 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville, 10:30 a.m.

Monday - Christmas Eve Mass, Church of the Good Shepherd, 3435 Trindle Road, Camp Hill, 5 p.m.

Tuesday -

- Midnight Mass, St. Patrick Cathedral, 212 State St., Harrisburg. Singing of Christmas hymns and carols will begin at 11 p.m.

- Christmas Mass, St. Margaret Mary parish, 2800 Paxton Church Road, Harrisburg, 10 a.m.

Jan. 1 - Mass and pastoral visit with Blessing of El Dulce Nombre de Jesus Statue, San Juan Bautista parish, 425 S. Duke St., Lancaster, noon.

Jan. 4 - Blessing of the altar and chapel at the new Bishop McDevitt High School, 1 Crusader Way, Harrisburg, 11 a.m.

Jan. 5 - Dedication of the new Bishop McDevitt High School, 1 Crusader Way, Harrisburg, 10 a.m.

Jan. 6 - Mass and pastoral visit to St. Joan of Arc parish, 359 W. Areba Ave., Hershey, 9 a.m.

Jan. 13 - Mass and pastoral visit to Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish, 119 S. Prince St., Lancaster, 11 a.m.

Jan. 20 -

- Mass and pastoral visit, St. Francis of Assisi parish, 1439 Market St., Harrisburg, 11 a.m.

- Ecumenical prayer service for Christian unity, St. Stephen Episcopal Cathedral, 221 N. Front St., Harrisburg, 5 p.m.

Township offices closed

COAL TOWNSHIP - In observance of the holidays, the Coal Township municipal offices will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Coal Township Recycling Center will be closed today through Tuesday and will re-open at 10 a.m. Wednesday. The tax office will be closed on Monday, in addition to Tuesday and Wednesday.

Free Prostate Cancer Support

DANVILLE - The next American Cancer Society "Man to Man" Prostate Cancer Support Group will feature guest speaker Mary Owens, of SUN Home Health, who will discuss services offered by SUN Home Health.

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 14, at the Pine Barn Inn.

This group meets on the second Monday of each month and offers prostate cancer survivors and their caregivers a comfortable setting among peers for discussion, education and support through the recovery process.

Families can learn about diagnosis and treatment options as well as coping with cancer in everyday life.

For more information, call (800)227-2345.

HARRISBURG - Scott J. Binsack must spend six months in jail and undergo mental health treatment after the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole (PBPP) determined the Shamokin man violated parole.

In a ruling announced Friday, PBPP also said Binsack must report to a community corrections residency for an undetermined amount of time after he completes his "six months back time" on or after May 5.

The parole board held a violation hearing with Binsack Dec. 13 at State Correctional Institution-Rockview, Bellefonte, where Binsack is already incarcerated after being accused of violating parole. The board's two-page decision this week said Binsack committed three parole violations: leaving the district

without permission, changing residence without permission and failing to report as instructed.

Absconder

Binsack, a former homebuilder, became a household name in the Shamokin area in a matter of months starting in August when he presented a $13 million investment plan to city council. When his criminal history dating to 1999 from New York state and Lackawanna and Monroe counties became public, his involvement in the financial undertaking, which centered on renovation and construction of local homes and businesses, drew the attention of Pennsylvania securities officials.

Binsack is limited in what financial dealings he can partake in as part of his parole from theft and bad check charges in Monroe County. A violation of parole could have sent Binsack back to prison to serve out his maximum sentence from those offenses, which would have been until May 29, 2014.

In late October, Binsack failed to show up for a scheduled meeting with a PBPP hearing officer and fled the state. Binsack, who continued to post taunting messages to law enforcement on the Internet while on the lam, was considered a parole absconder for a month before he was found Nov. 20 by U.S. Marshals in a motel room in Bath, N.Y., a location he called "Narnia" in his online posts.

The fact that he was no longer living in Shamokin, even though he hadn't established another formal address, constituted the change of residence violation, said Leo Dunn, PBPP spokesman.

The parole district to which Binsack was confined includes Bradford, Centre, Clinton, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga and Union counties, Dunn said.

Mental health evaluation

PBPP ordered Binsack to be evaluated for mental health and participate in any treatment determined appropriate while at Rockview. Outpatient mental health treatment is a special condition of his parole supervision "until the treatment source and/or parole supervision staff determines it is no longer necessary," the report says.

Any problems at the prison or residency could result in another parole violation.

Binsack also cannot possess controlled substances, alcohol, drug paraphernalia or ammunition; cannot have checking, savings or credit card accounts in his or another's name unless approved in advance; and cannot establish or become a sole proprietor of any business nor be a partner in any such endeavor.

Binsack has 30 days to appeal.

Chief: No comment

Shamokin Police Chief Ed Griffiths declined comment Friday about the PBPP ruling against Binsack, noting that he is among the defendants in a lawsuit filed by Binsack's lawyer the same day he was apprehended in New York.

Two city councilmen, the city clerk and two PBPP employees are also named in the suit, in which Binsack says his constitutional rights to free speech, assembly, due process and liberty had been violated, that his ability to develop real estate opportunities was "seriously damaged," that his "good name, reputation, honor and integrity" were injured, and that he has suffered emotional distress.

Largely in response to Binsack's offenses prior to him moving to Shamokin, a Scranton area legislator proposed the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act, which was signed into law by Gov. Ed Rendell in 2008.

'Smokin' in Shamokin'

This summer and fall in Shamokin, Binsack responded to the negative publicity of his past by starting the "Something's Smokin in Shamokin" Facebook page and website, on which he posted videos critical of local officials and police. His campaign to root out corruption in the area piqued the curiosity of local social media users and others. He had some supporters, but many people were offended by his tactics and concerned about his reputation.

The Internet activity built up to the release of two hour-long episodes of "Something's Smokin in Shamokin," which Binsack billed as a "reality TV show."

Meanwhile, PBPP began to monitor the mounting tension between Binsack and local officials.

When Binsack fled, he said online he did so because he feared for his life, and that he was being set up for a parole violation even though his business plan was legitimate and he had received approval from PBPP for some of his financial activities.

BY NEWS-Item Staff

SHAMOKIN - Thirty-eight area children went to bed Friday night with big smiles and big gifts after earlier attending the Shamokin and Coal Township police departments fifth annual children's Christmas party.

Coal Township Patrolman Terry Ketchem and Shamokin City Patrolman Jarrod Scandle organized the event held at the Independence Fire Company in Shamokin.

Numerous individuals, organizations and businesses made donations that helped purchase toys, which ranged from Android Tablets to a bicycles. Santa Claus presented the gifts to the children.

Because of the growing support, the party has grown significantly over the years. Several thousand dollars of clothes and toys were given to local children this year. Pizza and beverages were also provided to children and their families.

Donors of time, money and gifts include Shamokin Police Chief Edward Griffiths and fellow officers; Shamokin City Councilman William Milbrand, Coal Township Police Chief William Carpenter, Deputy Chief Christopher Williams, Detective Jeff Brennan and fellow officers; Coal Township Board of Commissioners, road master Bill Kuzmick, police clerk Molly Engle, manager Robert Slaby, clerk Susan Burns, code enforcement officer Chris Petrovich, secretary Joann Dobeck, and tax collector Sharon Castetter; West End and Independence fire companies in Shamokin; East End Fire Company in Coal Township, GDK Development, Carriage House Studio, Joshua V. Bressi Photography; employees of Geisinger Health Plan, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 73 and American Legion Post 73; Scotch Valley Boys Hunting Camp, Shamokin Area Education Association, Northumberland County Career and Technology Center; Shamokin Area Middle/High School cheerleaders, National Honor Society and Indian pride club; Fairview Gun Club, Robert and Becky Brocious, Joan Jeffrey, Dave and Ruth Peck, Kimberly Brennan, Jaelyn Madara, Cameron Wayne, Raven Hornberger, Kim Turlis, Jamie Ruzicka, Heather Bolick, Veronica Moore, Devante King, Meghan Halcovich, Tina Moore, James Ridner, Danielle Wilk, Courtney Shirmer, Leah Mirolli, Jennifer Miller, Nastissja, Krystof and Katianna Lapotsky; Kathleen Wagner, Dorothy Krebs, Abbie Thew, Jim and Carol Scandle, Esther Shinskie, Kiera Griffiths, Kayleen Griffiths, Niko Vernitsky, Chelsea Matos and Dave, David and Patricia Molesevich.