POTTSVILLE - A Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer's documentary on the 2008 beating death of Luis Eduardo Ramirez Zavala in Shenandoah is slated to be screened in Pottsville.

"Shenandoah: The Story of a Working Class Town and the American Dream on Trial" will be shown at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at Sovereign Majestic Theater, 209 N. Centre St., Pottsville. The film's director and producer, David C. Turnley, Michigan, will be on hand for a question-and-answer session, according to Amy S. Burkhart, executive director of Schuylkill Economic Development Corp., which manages the theater.

It's a 224-seat venue and so far about 100 tickets have sold, Burkhart said Tuesday.

Tickets are $10 each and available at the PADCO office on the second floor of 1 S. Second St., Pottsville, Burkhart said.

"It is particularly unusual to have this high of a ticket sale this far in advance. I think this screening will sell out," she said. She is considering the possibility of holding a second screening.

This will be the first time the 97-minute film has played in a theater in Schuylkill County.

'Well made,' 'balanced'

Burkhart and Steve Durkin, a member of the theater's board of directors and a city police captain, wanted to see the film prior to booking it.

"We didn't know the full content of the film and because it's about events which happened in our community and these are very dramatic events, we wanted to make sure that the film itself was weighted well and wouldn't create a bad sentiment for the community as a whole," Burkhart said.

"The film itself is well-made. I thought it was balanced," Durkin said Tuesday.

"It's a well-made film for a very difficult subject matter. It will, for anyone who sees it, provide them a catalyst to have some real meaningful conversation about the events which occurred," Burkhart said.

It was released in 2012 and has been screened at film festivals in Atlanta, New York and Los Angeles, according to Turnley.

"The film has been well-received in all of these communities. We will be screening it in the coming weeks in Arizona, North Carolina, Ann Arbor, Mich., and Fort Wayne, Ind., as well as in Pottsville," Turnley said Monday.

Turnley, 57, who was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Ind., is an associate professor at the University of Michigan, School of Art and Design.

"I began working on this film in August of 2008 and we have only completed it in the last several months," Turnley said.

According to the film's website at shenandoah-film.com, it's "an epic feature documentary about a coal mining town with a fiery immigrant heritage, once pivotal in fueling America's industrial revolution and today in decline and struggling to survive and retain its identity, soul and values - all of which were dramatically challenged when four of the town's white, star football players were charged in the beating death of an undocumented Mexican immigrant named Luis Ramirez."

Three still in prison

The incident occurred about 11:30 p.m. July 12, 2008, on West Lloyd Street near the Vine Street Park in Shenandoah.

Prosecutors said Derrick M. Donchak and Brandon J. Piekarsky were motivated by racism when they, Brian Scully and Colin J. Walsh assaulted Ramirez.

Two days after the assault, Ramirez died, and his death was ruled homicide from blunt force trauma.

Scully was charged as a juvenile. His case was handled by Schuylkill County juvenile authorities and he was placed on probation and house arrest until he turned 21 in 2012.

In April 2009, Walsh pleaded guilty to punching Ramirez. In April 2011, U.S. District Judge A. Richard Caputo ordered Walsh to serve four years and seven months in federal prison. Walsh is serving his term at FCI/Elkton in Ohio, according to the online inmate locator for Federal Bureau of Prisons.

In February 2011, Caputo sentenced Donchak and Piekarsky to each serve nine years in a federal correctional institution. Donchak is serving his sentence at FCI/Otisville, New York, while Piekarsky is serving his at FCI/Beckley, West Virginia, according to the inmate locator.

Police served time

Meanwhile, two former Shenandoah police officers were convicted of hindering the FBI's investigation.

Shenandoah police Chief Matthew Nestor, Lt. William Moyer and Officer Jason Hayes were charged as part of an alleged coverup in the case. Hayes was acquitted of all charges.

In June 2011, Caputo sentenced Nestor to serve 13 months in prison, followed by two years on supervised release. Nestor was released from prison in May 2012, according to the inmate locator.

Moyer was sentenced to three months in prison, followed by one year on supervised release. Moyer was released from prison in September 2011, according to the inmate locator.

"I am hopeful that this portrait of Shenandoah at this time of history is appreciated for its intent of allowing all of us to think about our values as a society with compassion and open hearts. I am happy that the people in Schuylkill County will have a chance to see the film, and am very appreciative of the graciousness of the people of Shenandoah who let me into their lives," Turnley said.

by peter e. bortner

FOUNTAIN SPRINGS - The owner of the building that housed Saint Catherine Medical Center Fountain Springs wants to sell the property, and believes he can do so in spite of the bankruptcy of the company that operated the hospital - a view not shared by the operator's trustee.

"I am confident that we're going to sell it," Robert Lane, a member of the board of Saint Catherine Healthcare of Pennsylvania LLC, said Thursday about the 101 Broad St. property just outside Ashland. "We're trying to market the building through a professional marketing firm."

Lane said the sale is completely separate from the fate of Saint Catherine Hospital of Pennsylvania LLC, which operated the facility until filing for bankruptcy April 9, 2012.

"They're separate legal entities," with different boards of directors, Lane said.

This effort to sell the property puts Saint Catherine Healthcare on a collision course with William G. Schwab, of Lehighton, the trustee in bankruptcy for Saint Catherine Hospital, who asked U.S. Bankruptcy Judge John J. Thomas on Nov. 5 to rule that the hospital building - which occupies more than 160,000 square feet and the more than 20 acres on which it sits - belong to his entity.

"The trustee's review ... reflects that (Saint Catherine Hospital) and (Saint Catherine Healthcare) operated as a single business enterprise," Schwab's Nov. 5 complaint, on which Thomas has not yet ruled, reads in part.

Schwab could not be reached Thursday for comment on the efforts by Saint Catherine Healthcare to sell the property.

In its bankruptcy petition, Saint Catherine Hospital asked the court to allow it to reorganize. It originally filed the petition as a Chapter 11 reorganization case but Thomas on April 18 converted the case to a Chapter 7 liquidation case.

Strong interest anticipated

The state Department of Health has revoked the 107-bed hospital's license and its approximately 150 employees have been left out of work.

Founded as the State Hospital for Injured Persons of the Anthracite Coal Region at Fountain Springs by the state Legislature in 1879, the construction of the original facility began in May 1880 and was completed in 1882.

Lane said Saint Catherine Healthcare has hired Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, New York City, which he called "an experienced health care real estate firm," to market the property.

"We are excited to represent Saint Catherine Healthcare and anticipate strong interest in the property," said Todd Perman, executive managing director of the global health care group that also has offices in King of Prussia and Philadelphia.

Saint Catherine Healthcare wants to keep the property as a health care facility but not necessarily a hospital, according to Lane. The property has a number of assets that should make it marketable, Lane said.

"The property has a great location. It's a good-sized facility," he said. "There has been some strong community support. The business climate locally is a positive one."

Lane declined to say what entities have expressed interest in buying the property.

"Each party we have spoken to has signed a nondisclosure agreement," he said.

He said Saint Catherine Healthcare has not had the property appraised but might do so.

"That would help determine what a fair price would be," Lane said.

Lane is not bothered by potential opposition from Schwab.

"He is not required to give his consent" because the entities are separate, Lane said. "Mr. Schwab is arguing otherwise."

In his Nov. 5 complaint, Schwab alleged that there is no real difference between Saint Catherine Hospital and Saint Catherine Healthcare.

Both were created at the direction of Lane in connection with his purchase of the property and hospital, and there was no difference made in their operations, with a "deliberate blurring" of any corporate distinction between them, according to the complaint.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; CSO Vita Taxes will be at the center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to do state and federal taxes for seniors only; yoga, 9:30 a.m.; Walk A Mile, 10:30 a.m.; arts and crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; bridge lessons, 9:30 a.m.; bridge, noon; aquacize, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling; guest speaker from Friendly Nursing Home on "Information about Nursing Homes," noon. Chicken Noodle Soup sale, for those who pre-ordered, $5 a quart, $3 a pint.

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

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

If you have a note from your doctor, you can come in any weekday and use the treadmill.

Membership dues for 2013 are $7 and are now due. You can come in any weekday between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and pay dues.

Mount Carmel

Monday - Crossword puzzles, 9:30 a.m.; balloon toss, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bean bag, 12:30 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Chit Chat, 10 a.m.; Living well, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Sit down dancing, 10 a.m.; aromatherapy, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Wii bowling, 9 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Word search, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Trivia, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

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

Tuesday - Wii, knitting and noodle balloon in the morning; pinochle-cards, noon.

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

Thursday - Wii, knitting and noodle balloon in the morning; exercise with Amy Zalar, noon; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii and noodle balloon in the morning; Janet Pauling from Central Susquehanna Sight Services will be doing vision screenings, noon; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Self image game/Talk by Bobbie; food bank.

Tuesday - Exercise with Carol Burton.

Wednesday - Blood pressure screenings by Tammy.

Thursday - Bingo and cards.

Friday - Center closed.

Elysburg

Monday - Pokeno, noon.

Wednesday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; bingo, noon.

Friday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; crafts, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, noon.

Trevorton

Monday - Free members breakfast, 8:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; card games; evening card party, 7 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii bowlers traveling to Milton SAC, leave by 9 a.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Wednesday - Scrabble, 9:30 a.m.; speaker on Golden Living Mansion, 10:30 a.m.; movie and snack, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Scrabble, 9 a.m.; shopping at Lycoming Mall, van leaves at 9 a.m.; beanbag toss, 10:30 a.m.

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

MOUNT CARMEL - Borough Council approved two steps Thursday night in getting the Anthracite Steam Fire Company's ladder truck back to its home after two years of house at the Mount Carmel Rescue Squad.

A highway occupancy permit was unanimously approved by council and borough manager Edward Cuff III was directed to sign all the documents.

According to the plans, the entrance to the Anthracite truck room would be level with the street and have a 1 percent slope, which requires a permit by PennDOT.

Council members also approved the execution of a land use questionnaire, which is a form the engineer and Cuff must fill out in reference to the property.

No one realized Anthracite's 2011 KME Aerialcat - which, at 11-feet, 8-inches tall and including a 100-foot ladder, was built to 2010 National Fire Protection Agency standards - wouldn't fit in the existing building on Market Street adjacent to town park until it was too late.

Because of that, the truck has been sitting in the rescue squad truck room for two years, which has been inconvenient for all parties involved and has damaged rescue squad property. Anthracite members have been working on a solution since the arrangement was made.

A $188,000 plan, designed by Mid-Penn Engineering, Lewisburg, is to take out the steel beams in the basement below the Anthracite truck room, fill in the basement and lower the truck room floor by 2 feet. That would leave approximately 6 inches between the ceiling and the top of the truck.

Construction is expected to begin by late April or early May.

In other borough fire company news, council members directed Cuff to organize the paperwork for West End Fire Company to either sell or renew its liquor license.

Councilman Robert Shirmer, who is also a member of the West End, said since a decision has to be made by March 31 in accordance with the state Liquor Control Board, a fire company meeting will be held in March to determine its status.

It will likely be put into safe keeping, which means the organization hands the license over to the LCB until it is ready to use it again.

The West End building was put up for sale in October 2011, and the firefighters have been operating out of the American Hose Fire Company.

In other business, council approved:

- To renew an agreement with Catawese Coach Lines Inc. to provide bus drivers for the Lower Anthracite Transportation System (LATS).

- The use of town park on April 27 for Bargains in the Park from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m, and on May 18 for the inaugural Mount Carmel Police Department Community Day from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

MOUNT CARMEL - As a way to increase the transparency of the borough, Mount Carmel Council President Tony Matulewicz plans to display employee salaries and spending plans on a website.

Matulewicz took it upon himself to purchase mountcarmelborough.com for $90 a year, but has not yet started to upload information.

"It's the people's money. They should have access to it. What better way to give them that than to put everything on the Internet?" he said.

The initial goal is to provide the salaries and benefits of each employee position - including council members, street departments and police departments - but eventually, he will include the current year's spending plan, copy of bills, minutes, agendas, permitting information and ordinances.

The financial information would include a breakdown of employee pensions and health care: what the employees put in versus what the borough puts in.

The idea was inspired by pennwatch.pa.gov, a state website that advertises as "an open window to your state government."

Because it's taxpayer money, each person can "keep tabs on the state budget, spending, revenue, employees and performance," according to the state website.

Matulewicz said there were many borough residents who were unaware and surprised by the amount of money being paid to current tax collector Christopher Grayson from the borough.

Last month, council reduced the tax collector compensation rate by approximately $20,000. In 2012, the borough paid Grayson $19,480.64 for real estate bills, $4,253 for occupational assessment bills and $412.03 for per capita bills. Since there's also 7.65 percent on the real estate bills for Social Security and Medicare that goes to Grayson, the borough's total bill to the tax collector was $25,636.07 in 2012.

Matulewicz wants to make information like this readily available so taxpayers can check this information any moment of the day at their convenience.

Not to mention, the information would be available for every council member in the same way, and more eyes on the budget means more mistakes could be caught, he said.

"The people deserve to know where their money is going," he said.

Matulewicz wants to formally present his plan at a future borough council meeting and introduce an ordinance for the website's maintenance.

SHAMOKIN - Take talent, mix it with being in the right place at the right time and sprinkle in the ability to see what others won't see, and that's the recipe for a good photographer, like Melissa White.

For an example, consider White's "Latching On," which she discussed at the opening exhibit of "Journey Through Nature" at the Northumberland County Council for the Arts Fine Art Gallery Friday.

Walking onto a patio, she saw a mosquito clinging to a vine and she snapped a photograph. The final result shows a unique design on the insect's wings.

"I love vivid colors and vivid details. I'm always getting in personally," the 44-year-old Kulpmont woman said.

The exhibit features not only 33 pieces by White, but also 35 pieces by her mother, Patricia White, who was unable to attend the opening night.

Patricia's primary subjects are nature and wildlife through photographic images. Melissa demonstrates details of nature through photographic processed and digital art manipulation.

Around the room at the gallery, visitors can see photographs of parrots, dogs, birds and flowers.

White said 80 percent of the photographs come from their garden in Kulpmont, and the rest come from their travels.

"I like finding shadows, I like finding faces, and sometimes there are different shapes. I like stopping nature still," she said.

White graduated from Kutztown University in 1990 with a bachelor of fine arts degree in graphic design and works as a professional framer at a craft store.

Gallery director Claude Harrington said every piece is beautiful.

"They're all my favorite. I wish I could buy them all," she said.

The gallery is located inside the Northumberland County Arts Center (the former Shamokin High School) at Eighth and Arch streets.

The exhibit runs through March 18. The gallery is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Show and tell program planned

ASHLAND - The Ashland Area Historic Preservation Society will hold a "show and tell" at its next meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at its headquarters, 316-318 Centre St.

Bring an item of historical interest. The meeting will also include election of officers. Light refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome.

Wildlife presentation set for today

PAXINOS - A free presentation on wildlife, "Right Place: Right Time," will be given at 5 p.m. today at St. Peter's United Church of Christ at Blue Church and Airport roads.

Featured guest will be Ray Roth and his 188-inch Kansas whitetail, plus other trophy deer. The Rev. Paul Gurba, a triple-trophy hunter and wildlife photographer of 27 years, will present a PowerPoint display of more than 300 slides and video clips of turkey, bear and trophy buck. Ray Petro, of Monster Rack Adventures, will be on hand with his own trophy display.

A spaghetti dinner will be served at the conclusion of the program. Donations are greatly appreciated. The indoor event will be held regardless of weather.

Wednesday will be Act 80 day

COAL TOWNSHIP - Wednesday will be an Act 80 Day with early dismissal for Shamokin Area students. The elementary school will dismiss classes at 12:45 p.m. and the middle/high school will dismiss at 12:18 p.m. K-4 PM students will have classes.

HARRISBURG - Diocese of Harrisburg Bishop Joseph P. McFadden celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving for the ministry of Pope Benedict XVI on Friday, the first of a number of activities related to the resignation the pope and the election of his successor.

Throughout the Diocese of Harrisburg, priests will include special prayer intentions for the pope and his successor at all Masses.

"All during this period Catholics are being asked to say devotional prayers of every sort, especially the Holy Rosary," said a statement from the diocese. "These should be offered for Pope Benedict, the Cardinal electors and the future pope. The practice of praying the Our Father, the Hail Mary and the Glory be to the Father, outside the celebration of Mass, for the intentions of the Holy Father is encouraged, especially for his health and well-being. Prayers explicitly for the pope are also encouraged."

During the final days of Pope Benedict XVI's reign as Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Church, parishes and other institutions within the Diocese of Harrisburg are asked to set aside the three days prior to the Holy Father's time of renunciation (February 26, 27, 28) to celebrate the Mass for the pope.

All levels of educational institutions and other institutions within the Diocese of Harrisburg are being encouraged to arrange, in addition to a Mass, if possible, occasions for the Liturgy of the Hours or a Liturgy of the Word or Eucharistic Exposition or devotional prayer to pray for Pope Benedict XVI. It is hoped that this will be done in the three days prior to the Holy Father's time of renunciation.

During the Sede Vacante, or time of a vacant seat when there is no pope, the following is being planned at St. Patrick Cathedral, Harrisburg. On Tuesday, March 12, Bishop McFadden will offer the noon Mass for the election of a new pope. All are welcome to this Mass. Parishes and other institutions within the Diocese are asked to select a suitable occasion soon after March 1, other than a Sunday of Lent, to celebrate the Mass for the election of a new pope.

Canon lawyers Dr. Carol L. Houghton and Msgr. William J. King will offer a 40-minute presentation on the norms and procedures for the election of a pope at 10 a.m. Sunday at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Upper Allen Township, near Mechanicsburg. Houghton, a tribunal judge and chancellor of the diocese, and adjunct professor of canon law at Mount Saint Mary's Seminary in Emmittsburg, and King, pastor St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish and adjunct professor of canon law at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., will review the canon law norms governing the election of the Roman pontiff.

For directions, see the parish website at steas.net or call the parish office at 717-697-2614. The public is welcome.

Saint Catherine Laboure Parish, 4000 Derry St., Harrisburg, will have two large scrolls available in the narthex of the church this weekend for parishioners to sign with their greetings, support and prayers for the Holy Father. There will be two special Masses offered for the Holy Father: Wednesday, February 27 at 5:30 p.m. and Thursday, February 28 at 9:00 a.m. with the school children. The scrolls containing the signatures will be blessed at the Mass on February 28. It will then be sent to the Vatican for the Holy Father.

SHAMOKIN - A Shamokin woman has been charged with filing false reports to police following an accident involving a rental car on Feb. 16.

Jennifer Leonard, 43, of 219 S. Shamokin St., was charged Thursday by Shamokin City Police Patrolman Raymond Siko II with making false reports to incriminate another person and making false reports.

Siko said Leonard initially told police the car was stolen, even though she knew her husband, Nathan P. Leonard, 40, had taken it. The officer said Jennifer Leonard reportedly "panicked" after realizing her husband, who has a suspended license, was driving the car.

About five minutes after the car was reported stolen, Nathan Leonard crashed it along Route 2026 between Coal Run and Sagon, but was able to free himself from the wreckage despite suffering head, arm and leg injuries, police said.

A passing motorist gave Nathan Leonard a ride to Marion Heights, where he told the driver to drop him off. Upon reaching the borough, police said Leonard borrowed a cell phone from a concerned citizen and called his wife to pick him up.

He said his wife later drove him to a hospital in Harrisburg, where he underwent emergency room treatment for multiple serious injuries before returning to Shamokin, police said.

At first, Jennifer Leonard denied lying about the stolen car, but later admitted in an interview with police that her initial story was a hoax.

During an interview with Siko Wednesday morning, Nathan Leonard, who admitted using the car in the past, said he took the car at about 12:45 p.m. Saturday and stopped at M&T Bank to withdraw $200. He then drove along Route 61 before turning onto Route 2026. Leonard said he lost control of the car while attempting to throw out a cigarette. Leonard said he recalled the car hitting a pole, causing him to be thrown against the front window. Leonard said he crawled up an embankment and was offered a ride by an elderly man, who dropped him off near the Marion Heights ballfield.

Siko said an employee from State Farm Insurance Company told him Wednesday Jennifer Leonard called the insurance company and initially reported the vehicle was stolen. She called back and claimed her brother-in-law took the vehicle and wrecked it.

Siko said the true facts surrounding the incident were provided to the insurance company and EZ Rent A Car.

The charges against Jennifer Leonard were filed with Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, of Shamokin. Coal Township Police are currently investigating the accident and are expected to file charges against Nathan Leonard in the near future.

"You brought shame to my house."

That certainly was a novel conversation starter when I picked up the phone at my desk in the newsroom. Since the caller spoke in heavily accented English, I had to ask her to repeat her opening line. Sure enough; it was the same: "You brought shame to my house."

It turned out that one of the town's ne'er-do-wells gave this poor lady's address when he was arrested and that information appeared in the Police Blotter. It was not uncommon for people being arrested to give a false address.

This knowledge did not make the caller feel any better. She had probably lived there for seven or eight decades, and no one in her family had ever been in trouble with the law. Now, her house itself bore the disgrace. We ran a correction and we changed the newspaper policy to not list the house number in a police report.

I still don't think you can bring shame to a particular address, but I can see the lady's point. What we do can reflect favorably or unfavorably on our family, as well as ourselves. It's relative. Most of us are proud of our family name and live lives that do not harm it. Others not only don't care; they go on daytime talk shows and boast of their misdeeds.

The same holds true for people who consider themselves devout followers of God. They strive very hard not to smear God's name by their actions.

They seek God's grace and not disgrace. If successful, they do not bring shame to their Father's house. They earn glory.

+++

Live to give glory to God.

All Saints

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

Pastor - The Rev. Alfred J. Bashore.

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

Participants - Marsha Karnes, communion assistant, acolyte and altar guild.

Assumption BVM

Assumption BVM Ukrainian Catholic Church, Paxton Street, Centralia.

Pastor - The Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Hutsko.

Confessions - Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

Divine Liturgy - Sunday, 11 a.m. Sorokousty services immediately following.

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., 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, Mount Carmel.

Pastor - Philip Norris.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:45 a.m.

Message - "The Eternal State."

Evening worship - 6 p.m.

Message - "Fulfilled Prophecy."

Activities - Sunday, Senior Saints Lunch Out at OIP Shamokin, 1 p.m., choir practice, 7:15 p.m.; Wednesday, children and youth programs, 6:30 p.m., adult prayer and Bible study, 7 p.m.; Saturday, men's conference, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., call 339-4693 to register.

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).

Morning worship - 10:30 a.m.

Special music - Ted and Arlene Erdman.

Nursery - Jen Christian and Lindsay Schaffer. (10:30 a.m.).

Junior church - Opal Lenig and Audrey Ditty (10:30 a.m.).

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Tuesday, prayer worship, 6 p.m.; Wednesday, Bible study, 6 p.m., King's Kids, 6:30 p.m.; Thursday, ladies Bible study, 6:30 p.m.

Calvary Bible

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

Pastor - Ferdie Madara.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship service - 10:35 a.m. Message by Pastor Madara. Praise team service.

AWANA children's group and youth group - 5:45 p.m.

Evening prayer service - 6 p.m.

­Christ's Reformed UCC

Christ's Reformed UCC, Helfenstein.

Pastor - Jerry Schlegel.

Worship - 10:15 a.m.

Second Sunday in Lent.

Scripture - John 2:1-11.

Message - "The Road to Cana."

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

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.

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.

Kids' Konnection - 6 to 7:30 p.m. Ages 4 to 11.

Activities ­- Wednesday, Collide youth group with Pastor Froelich, 6:45 to 8:15 p.m., adult Bible study/prayer, 7 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.

Pastor Young will preach part five of an eight-part "Winter Series on Stewardship." Sunday's title, "Spiritual Gifts."

Scripture - I Corinthians 12: 4-11.

Message - "God Meets Our Needs in All Circumstances."

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

Activities - Sunday, junior high youth group, 4 to 6 p.m., senior high youth group, 6 to 8 p.m.; Wednesday, choir practice, 6:30 p.m., bell choir practice, 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, women's prayer group, 6:30 p.m., sessions meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Friday, Breakfast with Jesus, 8:30 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. Coffee fellowship following worship; adult Sunday School, 10:15 a.m.

Participants - Richard Swank, head usher; Carole Swank, scripture reader; George and Nancy Nesbitt, greeters; Greg Rishel, acolyte; Lynne Homiak, pianist; Marilyn Crowl, shepherding; Nan Weller, choir director.

Activities - Monday, PPRC meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Circle of Prayer, 10 a.m., Rotary, 6 p.m.; Wednesday. Lenten service at Trevorton UMC, 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.

Evening worship - 6 p.m.

Organist - Judith Pensyl.

Activities - Wednesday, choir rehearsal, 6 p.m., prayer, praise and testimony, Bible study, 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 - Ron Marcheskie.

Participants - Noriene Ladd, organist; Mary Anne Stump, assistant organist; William Milbrand, choir director; Andrew Ladd, acolyte; Kelly Jones and Carole Oxenrider, ushers and greeters; Charlene Lesher, Terry Persing and Wendy Wary, Sunday school; Wendy Wary, secretary; William Persing Sr., sexton.

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 - "A Message from the Gideons," by Timothy Kniss.

Participants - Sharon Styer, organist; Jim Weissinger, head usher; Kevin Styer, sound technician; Linda Gula, liturgist; Olivia Bellve, acolyte; Pastor Susan, children's time; Sherry Brosius, counter.

Activities - Today, youth group will meet for fun, food and fellowship, 6 p.m. "Sundaes on Saturday Night." All youth welcome, bring a friend; Monday, finance committee, 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Brownie troop, 6:30 p.m., Al-Anon, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, mid-Lenten service at Our Lady's Church, 6 p.m., in social hall, refreshments before the service.

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 - Susan Shoop, liturgist; Maude Harrhy and Arlene Seedor, greeters.

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

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.

Sunday school, adult Bible study and fellowship - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:30 a.m.

Evening worship, youth group and Discovery Kids - 6:30 p.m.

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

Nursery child care is provided for all Sunday services.

Participants - Judd Seger, Tim Blue, Bill 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; Steve Carpenter, computer system.

Activities - Sunday. Easter choir rehearsal begins; March 7, men's Bible study; March 10, guest speaker Mitch Triestman; March 12, business meeting; March 13, ladies fellowship; March 14, men's prayer breakfast.

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.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

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

Participants - Shelley Faust, worship assistant; Ethan Tharp, acolyte; Eric Joraskie, crucifer; Mr. and Mrs. William Hoffa, communion bearers; Judy Shade and Jeanne Romanic, altar care; Paula Hardin, nursery; Jeannie Hoffa, Tonia Adams, Beverly Deitz, Fran Hand, Nancy Joraskie, Trev Madison, Jeanne Romanic and Kimberly Tharp, ushers; Walter Boyer, organist; Charlene Pell, choir director, and Shelley Faust, cantor.

Activities - Monday, Brownies, 5 p.m.; Tuesday, property committee, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, community Lenten soup and sandwich, Grace Lutheran Church, 6 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. The Second Sunday in Lent.

Guest speaker - Jodi Ellis.

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

Services for February will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, Mount Carmel.

Next Sunday's services will be held at St. Matthew's Slovak Lutheran Church, and it will be Food Pantry Sunday.

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; Don Hildenbrand and Carol Tarlecki, ushers.

Activities - Monday, confirmation class, 3:30 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.

Holy Angels

Holy Angels Church, 855 Scott St., Kulpmont.

Pastor - The Rev. Andrew Stahmer.

Confessions - Saturday, 4 to 5 p.m.

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

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

Activities - Sunday, PREP Classes, grade 6, 7 and 8, at 9 a.m.; Monday, PREP classes for grades 1 to 5 at 5:30 p.m.; Tuesday, bingo at Holy Angels Activity Center, doors open at 4:30 p.m., games begin at 6:15 p.m.; Wednesday, adult choir practice, 7 p.m.; Thursday, First Penance for students of the First Communion Class, 7:15 p.m.; Friday, Stations of the Cross, 2 and 7 p.m. fish dinner at Holy Angels Activity Center, 4 to 6 p.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 and nursery care.

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.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Fellowship - 10 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Worship leaders - 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; Pastor Siddle, speaker.

Miller's Crossroads

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

Pastor - Michelle Beissel.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 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, Second Sunday in Lent, religious education classes, 10:15 a.m., Shamokin Street religious education building; Monday, Bingo in the church hall at 6:15 p.m., First Penance practice at 6 p.m. for all parish second-graders; Tuesday, Palm Sunday youth choir practice at 5:15 p.m., choir at 6 p.m.; Wednesday, RCIA at Pauline Center, 6:30 p.m.; Friday, First Friday visits to the scheduled homebound after 9 a.m., Stations of the Cross, 7 p.m.

Mountainside

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

Pastor - The Rev. Richard H. Earl.

LIFEQuest breakfast for all - 9 a.m.

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

Morning worship - 10:30 a.m.

Evening activities - 6 p.m.

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

Mount Zion

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

Pastor - Gerald Lloyd Jr.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Scripture - Philippians 3: 17 - 4:1,, Luke 13: 31-35.

Sermon - "Citizens of Heaven."

Participants - Philip Maue, organist.

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.

Evening praise and worship service - 7 p.m.

Handicap accessible, wheelchair available.

Activities - Prayer room open mornings; prayer, fellowship and coffee, Saturday mornings, 9 a.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, Bible study, 6 p.m., at First United Methodist Church; Thursday, free karate classes at church, children ages 5 to 12, 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.; 13 and up, 7:30 p.m.; Open Arms 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, directed by Shirley Cintron.

Student Life Ministry youth service - 6:30 p.m. for all teens ages 12 to 18.

Activities - Monday, God's Grub 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, 7 p.m.

St. John Lutheran

St. John Lutheran, High Road Danville.

Interim pastor - Bruce Amme.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Participants - 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 - "Strong and Tender."

Contemporary service - 9 a.m., Fellowship Hall. Special music by the worship band.

Coffee social hour - 10 a.m.

Sunday school - 10:10 a.m., with classes for children, teens and adults.

Traditional service - 11 a.m., Lark Chapel. Special music by the adult choir.

Participants - Margaret Morris, adult choir director and organist; Casey Henninger, pianist; Maggie Jasper, lay reader; Chloe Frost, acolyte.

Activities - Sunday, R2V team to meet following the 11 a.m. service, confirmation class, 1 p.m., pastor's study; Monday, Cub Scouts Blue and Gold banquet, 5:30 p.m.; Tuesday, prayer group, 1 p.m., church parlor, coupon swap, 6 p.m.; Wednesday, Boy Scouts, 6:30 p.m.; Thursday, Bible study group, 1 and 7 p.m., youth choir rehearsal, 4:30 p.m., worship band rehearsal, 6 p.m., Girl Scouts, 6:30 p.m., adult choir rehearsal, 7 p.m.; Saturday, prayer group, 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.

Interim pastor - Bruce Amme.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Participants - Judy Wary, 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. First Sunday in Lent.

Guest speaker - Jodi Ellis.

Services for February are held at Grace Lutheran Church.

Next Sunday's services will be held at St. Matthew's Slovak Lutheran Church. It will be Food Pantry Sunday.

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 - Carol Shinskie, lector; Claire Bonshock and Stephanie Boyer, communion assistants; Steven Balonis, acolyte/crucifer; Walter Boyer, organist and choir director.

Activities - Wednesday, community Lenten soup and sandwich at Grace Lutheran Church, 6 p.m.

St. Paul's Reformed

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

Pastor - Jerry Schlegel.

Worship time - 9 a.m.

Second Sunday in Lent.

Scripture - John 2:1-11.

Message - "The Road to Cana."

Participants - Cliff Artman, organist.

Manna for the Many donations Sunday.

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 Church, Aristes.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Joan Brown.

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

Guest speaker - Jodi Ellis.

Participants - Linda Rubendall, organist; Carol Buffington, choir director; Diane Wetzel, 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. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

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

Lenten hours - 8 a.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

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

Activities - Monday, Stations of the Cross, 6 p.m., religious education classes, 6 to 7:15 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday, Divine Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts, 6 p.m.; Saturday, Sorokousty service immediately following 8 a.m. liturgy.

St. Peter's UCC

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

Pastor - Paul T. Gurba Jr.

Morning worship - 8:30 a.m.

Sermon - "Reacting to Temptation II."

Scripture - Mark 8:11-12a - "And the Pharisees came forth, and began to question with him, seeking of him a sign of heaven, tempting him. And he sighed deeply in his spirit and saith..."

Organist - Virginia Nefsky.

Activities - Today, special wildlife presentation and spaghetti dinner with featured speakers Ray Roth and Paul Gurba, 5 p.m.; Wednesday, Lenten service, 7 p.m.

St. Stephen's

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

Clergy - Rev. Frederic Stevenson.

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.

Salem UCC

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

Pastor - The Rev. Jean Eckrod.

Morning worship - 10 a.m.

Participants - Taylor Kashner, acolyte; Judie Zabawsky, lay leader; Carolyn Weaver, organist; Julie Updegrove, beginners class; Barbara Skrivanek, junior class; Dwayne Scicchitano, lighting/sound; Alice Elliott, John Foltz, Andrea Koch and Allison Wetzel, ushers; Mary Lou Sacona, greeters.

This is Food Pantry Sunday, Members are asked to bring non-perishable food items or household goods to be given to Manna for the Many, our 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 - Today, gift card bingo, doors open at 12:30 p.m. Bingo starts at 2 p.m.; Sunday, making Easter eggs starting at 2 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., with communion.

Bible study - 7 p.m.

Participants - Kathy Albright, station steward; Joseph Rodman, head usher; Benjamin Brudnicki and Alaina Glowatski, acolytes; Bryan Lapinski, organist; Jennifer Brudnicki and Kathy Albright, greeters of the month; Dr. Richard Albright, servant of the month; Linda Yost, nursery worker; Tammy Glowatski, 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 for the month is rice.

Activities - Wednesday, Lenten service at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, soup and sandwich at 6 p.m. with service to follow; March 4, trustee board meeting, 7 p.m.; March 6, Lenten service at St. John's UCC, soup and sandwich at 6 p.m. with service to follow; March 13, Lenten service here, soup and sandwich at 6 p.m. with service to follow; March 28, Maundy Thursday service with communion, 7 p.m.

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.

Trinity Lutheran

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

Pastor - The Rev. David Hauck.

Worship service - 10 a.m.

Participants - Jon Hoover, lector and communion assistant; Mindy Deppen, supply organist; Mary and Syd Tharp, altar guild; Don Ponatoski, counter.

True Grace Bible Ministry

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

Pastor/teacher - Michael Marcheskie.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

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

Activities - Tuesday morning, Bible study and prayer service, 10:30 a.m. 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.

Scripture - Psalm 27:4.

Message - "Our One Desire"

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

Victory Bible Church

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

Pastor - Kevin Kline.

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

Evening worship - 7 p.m.

Wilburton UMC

Wilburton United Methodist Church, Wilburton.

Pastor - Rose M. Marquardt.

Worship service - 8:45 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Zion Primitive

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

Pastor - The Rev. David E. Wildoner.

Worship service - 9:30 a.m. with communion.

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

All of February will be Souper Sundays. Bring a can of soup or other groceries for food pantry.

Activities - Today, Bible study, 10 a.m.; Wednesday, Lenten service at Our Lady of Mount Carmel church, 6 p.m.; March 24, Palm Sunday; March 28, Maundy Thursday service with communion, 5 p.m.; March 31, Easter Sunday.

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.

MOUNT CARMEL - The following hearings took place Wednesday before Magisterial District Judge Hugh A. Jones. Defendants ordered to appear for plea court on Monday, March 25, in Northumberland County Court, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Rochelle M. Stief, 48, of 117 E. Fourth St., Mount Carmel, waived charges of driving under the influence.

She was charged by Mount Carmel Borough Police Patrolman Jason Drumheller following a traffic stop at Avenue and Poplar Street at 4:33 a.m. Jan. 9.

n Charges of forgery, theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property were waived to court by Stacy Lynn Malkoski, 38, of 39 N. Locust St., Mount Carmel.

She was charged by Mount Carmel Township Police Patrolman Kelly Campbell following the investigation into a Nov. 19 theft of a check from a vehicle at Boyer's Food Market.

n Michael A. Filipczak, 49, of 147 Oak Lane, Mount Carmel, pleaded guilty to a charge of harassment, and was sentenced to pay fines and court costs totaling $455.50 by Jones.

He was charged by Mount Carmel Township Police Patrolman David Stamets Jr. following an incident at his residence on Feb. 15.

Charges of simple assault and disorderly conduct were withdrawn.

n Shawn A. Lutz, 25, of 240 S. Chestnut St., Shenandoah, waived charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment and resisting arrest.

He was charged by Ralpho Township Police Patrolman Chris Dailey following an incident with police at Sheetz at 5:18 p.m. Feb. 17.

n Charges of possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia were waived to court by David J. Slaby, 21, of 1229 Poplar St., Kulpmont.

Mount Carmel Township Police Patrolman David Stamets Jr. filed the charges following a traffic stop on Oct. 27 in the area of Route 61 near the Strong Connector.

n Joshua M. Barwicki, 22, of 1138 Poplar St., Kulpmont, waived charges of driving under the influence, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and general lighting requirements.

He was charged by Mount Carmel Township Police Patrolman David Stamets Jr. following a traffic stop on Oct. 27 in the area of Route 61 near the Strong Connector.

HARRISBURG - State Growing Greener grants will allow the Northumberland and Montour County conservation districts to undertake five projects to abate stream bank erosion and control manure runoff at local farms, according to state Sen. John Gordner, R-27.

"As a continuing commitment to meet the objectives of the Chesapeake Bay strategy, these projects will improve water quality by preventing erosion as well as farm runoff into area streams," Gordner was quoted in a statement issued by his office Wednesday.

The Northumberland County Conservation District (NCCD) will receive $356,000 for projects along Schwaben Creek, in the Rebuck-Leck Kill Area, and Hallowing Run, which feeds into the Susquehanna River midway between Sunbury and Herndon. The Montour County Conservation District, meanwhile, has targeted three projects along the Chillisquaque Creek with the $288,000 it will receive.

All projects involve stream bank fencing to prevent farms animals from entering the streams, as well as physical improvements to the farms' manure collection systems. The individual farms will also contribute to the projects.

Judy Becker, district manager at the NCCD, said she's excited about the announcement of the funding, and that the district got nearly all of the $371,000 for which it applied.

She provided more details on the county projects.

One involves a livestock operation, and the funds will be used to install a roofed concrete barnyard with a manure storage, roof gutters and downspouts to prevent clean water from contacting manure and installation of a watering system. The farm operation is also going to contribute by fencing out the stream and installing crossings to limit access to a Schwaben Creek tributary, she said.

The second project, involving a dairy operation, will involve implementing a roofed concrete barnyard with manure storage, installing roof gutters and downspouts to prevent clean water from contacting manure and putting in a collection tank with a manifold pipe system to discharge all milkhouse waste and any silage leachate into a designated vegetated area.

"Just these two projects alone will have a significant impact," Becker said, noting estimates of a combined reduction of approximately 15,318.8 pounds of nitrogen per year, 5,633.1 pounds of phosphorus per year and 2,131 tons of sediment per year.

The district anticipates having both projects complete by the summer 2015.

Growing Greener is the state's largest environmental fund and has provided assistance for watershed restoration and protection, farmland preservation, and abandoned mine reclamation since its inception in 1999. The program is currently funded through dedication of municipal waste disposal fees.

SHAMOKIN - A city man already charged with an arson fire that destroyed a triple home on Sunbury Street in January has now been charged with setting two fires that destroyed several other buildings in Shamokin in the past five months.

James L. Neidlinger, 21, who is in prison on $200,000 bail, is now the suspect in three of four arson fires in the city since September. As for the fourth case, police said Friday an arrest is imminent - but the suspect in that case is not Neidlinger.

Patrolman Ray Siko II charged Neidlinger, whose last known address is 203 E. Dewart St., with arson and related charges stemming from blazes at 717 N. Shamokin St. on Sept. 5 and at the former Hardshell Cafe and an adjacent building in the 400 block of North Shamokin Street on the evening of Jan. 24.

Neidlinger has been in prison since Jan. 29 on charges he set a fire Jan. 28 that destroyed a three-story apartment building in the 600 block of Sunbury Street (Route 61), the third two-alarm fire that day after earlier, non-suspicious fires in Kulpmont and Coal Township.

The new charges were filed Thursday.

Witness comes forward

Fire broke out inside the rear of 717 N. Shamokin St. on Sept. 5, and quickly spread to other abandoned structures at 719, 721, 721-A, 723 and 725 N. Shamokin St. The buildings at 717 and 719 N. Shamokin St. sustained the most damage, but all the damaged properties were condemned.

According to court documents filed by Siko, the investigation into September's fire was dormant until Jan. 31, after Neidlinger was arraigned for the Sunbury Street blaze.

A witness, Russ Dindorf, told police he saw Neidlinger several hours before the Sept. 5 fire trying to enter the front door at 717 N. Shamokin St.

Siko said he visited Neidlinger in prison on Feb. 6 and asked if he understood why he wanted to talk to him again. Neidlinger replied, "It's about the other fires," Siko said.

Asked what other fires, Neidlinger replied, "the fires by Lee's garage and the yellow house near the gas station on Shamokin Street."

Neidlinger told Siko he went to the "yellow house" at 717 N. Shamokin St. to see if there was anything of value inside. He attempted to enter through the front door, but couldn't. He told Siko he found a partially open door around back and went inside. He told Siko he found nothing worth taking, the officer reported, but he gathered some papers in a middle room and lit them. He left the building when the blaze started to grow.

Neidlinger described for Siko a similar situation on Jan. 24, when he entered the former Hardshell Cafe at Shamokin and Shakespeare streets, across from David's Distributing, or "Lee's garage," as Neidlinger said. He entered through a rear door, found nothing of value to take, gathered papers together in the basement, lit them and left, Siko said he was told.

That fire not only damaged the former cafe, but also the adjacent structure at 420 N. Shamokin St., keeping emergency crews on the scene for approximately three hours.

'Don't want to lie'

In both cases, Neidlinger was able to provide specific information about the interior of the buildings, including where doorways led, items inside, where steps were located and other details, Siko said.

At the end of the interview, Siko asked Neidlinger why he wanted to come clean about the fires. "I know you caught me and I don't want to lie to you," was his response, the officer reported.

Siko told the prisoner he appreciated his honesty and thanked him. Neidlinger thanked Siko for treating him "like a human."

Concerning the Jan. 28 blaze, Neidlinger had told police he set it after walking around the city contemplating suicide. He said he was angry and frustrated over fights with his girlfriend.

Arraignment Tuesday

In both new cases, Neidlinger was charged with felony counts of arson and related offenses endangering persons; arson and related offenses endangering a building; arson of an uninhabited or unoccupied building; arson of an uninhabited or unoccupied building causing more than $5,000 damage; burglary; criminal trespass-entering a structure; risking a catastrophe and criminal mischief-damaging tangible property.

He is expected to be arraigned Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III, Shamokin. He remains in Northumberland County Prison on a probation detainer and the $200,000 bail for the Sunbury Street fire charges.

As for the fire earlier on Jan. 24, which damaged a vacant three-story brick apartment building at 725 N. Shamokin St. Siko reported the "imminent" arrest Friday afternoon.

MOUNT CARMEL - The rescue of a litter of puppies and their mother from the Silver Bowl was a group effort.

Some involved in the rescue contacted The News-Item on Friday to share more of the story.

The pregnant dog was spotted in the area of the Silver Bowl over the course of several weeks, and food was put out for her to eat. She was again spotted earlier this week inside the stadium, charging at a woman from beneath a set of bleachers.

"Thanks to (Melissa Ann Mekosh) we had an idea where pups were probably located," Ann Swartz, of Mount Carmel, wrote on a Facebook posting that she later shared with The News-Item.

It was a school district maintenance man, Sam Ryan, who went to the stadium to open its gates the night of the rescue, and not Dave Fegley, maintenance director, which was reported in Friday's edition.

Swartz said Tony Matulewicz, Mount Carmel borough council president, crawled under the bleachers and found the pups.

"Ronda Hawk Balonis of Mostly Mutts was there immediately when it was known pups were under bleachers. Ronda Hawk Balonis assessed the age of pups and made (the) decision to take pups to shelter," Swartz wrote.

Ryan and another man picked up a humane trap from Mostly Mutts to catch the mother. Joan Jeffery Ryan, Michelle Pauzer, Debbie Davis, Tommy Ditchey and Dave Donkochik were at the stadium for hours trying to catch the mom, to no avail.

The next day, Joan Jeffery Ryan, Sam Ryan, Balonis and Frankie Brosh helped capture her, she said.

Brosh drove her to Mostly Mutts, "where she was reunited with her puppies."

"Without all you guys this would have never happened!" Swartz wrote.

Greg Sacavage, an administrator at Mount Carmel Area School District, relayed what he knew of the story to The News-Item on Thursday night. His niece did come across the rescue at the Silver Bowl, but it was incorrectly reported that she had discovered the canine family.

6 boys, 3 girls

Cheryl Hill, of Mostly Mutts, a no-kill dog shelter in the rural Sunbury area, said Friday the 3-week-old puppies are healthy. There are six males and three females. The mother is on antibiotics for a breast infection. When the 10 dogs are ready, they'll be put up for adoption.

The puppies have generated a lot of interest.

"The phone has been ringing off the hook," Hill said Friday morning.

Two adoption applications have been submitted. She expects many more will follow in the coming days. Those looking to adopt can expect at least a five-week wait.

Students at Mount Carmel Area will be asked to name the puppies, she said, using monikers related to the stadium or the history of the Mount Carmel area. Sacavage had previously said a school fundraiser would help raise money for supplies for the puppies and their mother.

Both Hill and Sacavage credited all involved in the rescue.

"I don't want any credit. I just want the dogs taken care of," Sacavage said, apologizing for any potential hard feelings some may have had with his original account of what he was told occurred. "My intention of the whole thing is to make sure the dogs get adopted."

SHAMOKIN - Smoking will be forbidden inside the Harold Thomas Highrise effective March 1.

The Shamokin Housing Authority board voted 5-0 Thursday night to adopt a no-smoking policy after presenting the policy to residents last month and allowing a comment period.

"I received no written comments," said Ronald Miller, executive director for the authority, which owns and manages the building. "I've gotten a few verbal ones, but I don't want to repeat them at a public meeting."

The idea for a smoking ban gained momentum after a Dec. 13 trash compactor fire at Harold Thomas, an 11-story building at the corner of Sunbury (Route 61) and Dewart streets. Authorities said the fire started when a lit cigarette made its way down a garbage chute and into the compactor, where it smoldered and caused some damage. The fire was doused with a garden hose, but city firefighters did respond.

Under the new policy, smoking is banned in the apartments and common areas of the highrise. Residents can smoke outside, but must be at least 10 feet away from the building. A gazebo on the grounds facing Sunbury Street has been designated as a smoking area.

Those disobeying the policy will be given a verbal warning on a first offense, then a written warning. If there's a third offense, the tenant will be evicted, the policy states.

"We realize that this is an addictive habit, and that people will open up their window and smoke or find other methods," said authority Chairman Raymond G. "Jerry" Splane.

Nonetheless, he said he visited the building recently and found most people in favor of the ban.

Some tenants may want to move Madison Court, the former Center City Apartments building at Shamokin and Commerce streets that the authority recently acquired. The authority will continue to allow smoking at that building, Splane said.

Pamala S. Rhoades made the motion for the policy. It was seconded by Robert Wolfe and approved with yes votes from James Picarelli, Splane and Suzanne Kopitsky.

Averting threats

The authority adopted a second policy Thursday night to counter occasional threats to employees and board members from landlords or tenants with whom the authority has agreements, or others.

Miller spoke of a situation during which an out-of-town landlord said he is coming to town to dispute an authority decision and that he is going to "punch" someone.

"If there is even the littlest threat of that happening, 911 will be called and the person will be terminated from our programs," Miller said.

A motion to add the abuse clause was made by Kopitsky and seconded by Picarelli, and passed 5-0.

Madison Court

Also Thursday, Miller gave an update on Madison Court Apartments, noting new locks have been being placed on all exterior doors and residents have been given new keys.

"There were keys to the building floating all around Shamokin," Miller said. "That has changed."

He said security cameras and monitoring equipment will have to be installed to replace the previous system, which was removed, possibly by the former owners. Repair or replacement of the intercom system is planned, too.

Meanwhile, there is a new laundry system and repairs have been made to the hot water heaters and the furnace, Miller said.

"The biggest problem we have is the fire response and sprinkler system. It is passable for 1989 standards, so we will have to bring it up to code," he said.

Blueprints for the building are in the hands of the authority architect, and recommendations will be made to see how much is needed and what it will cost to bring the building up to code and make it more energy-efficient.

"After that, we will be going to PHFA (Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency) to see how much funding we can get from them" for such work, Miller said. It was the PHFA that gave the authority the mortgage on the building, part of a 3 1/2-year legal battle the authroity waged with the building's former owner, Red Gold Enterprise. That battle ended late last year when Red Gold owner Eugene Picarella filed for bankruptcy and opened the door for the authority's takeover.

SUNBURY - The Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way Board announced Friday it will be placing discretionary funding for the Susquehanna Council of Boy Scouts of America on "pause" while the national Boy Scouts of America organization concludes its review of a policy of "not granting membership to open or avowed homosexuals."

The action, which was unanimously approved Tuesday by the board, was taken in response to recent discussion at the national level of

the Boy Scouts of America and the withdrawal of support for the Boy Scouts of America by large corporations that have a long history of working with the United Way.

The decision also follows inquiries and discussion with both donors and regional Scout executives regarding the United Way's requirement that funded agencies have non-discrimination policies which disavow discrimination on the basis of several characteristics, including sexual orientation.

"I'm very hopeful the policy will change," Keri Albright, president and CEO of Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way, said Friday. "Once upon a time, slavery was the rule of the day, women couldn't vote and 'separate but equal' was okay. There comes a day when we have to change our policies that are exclusionary."

The board decided it was appropriate to set aside any additional funding pending the internal review by the Scouts at this time, she said.

Susquehanna Scouts executive Jon Brennan said Friday the local Boy Scouts chapter and the United Way have always had a strong relationship and he looks forward to continuing to have that relationship in the future.

Brennan said that since the local chapter is part of the national organization, it will adhere to whatever decision is made by the BSA's National Council at the annual meeting in May.

"I applaud that they're reviewing it. They're being forward thinking and progressive," said Brennan, who reserved further comment.

Decision in May

Last year, The United Way allocated $25,200 to local Scouts. Of that total, $8,200 came from private individuals donating to the Scouts through the United Way, which the organization will still deliver if specifically designated for the Boy Scouts, as they would for any other agency, Albright said.

However, the 2013 amount, which will not be made public until March 15, was placed in escrow until a decision is made.

Albright said the board has not made a decision on what to do with the funds if the national Boy Scouts organization continues to ban the membership of homosexuals. That decision will be discussed during a meeting in June, if necessary.

"That review is supposed to be concluded in early summer. If it goes the way most people in our region expect, United Way and Boy Scout policies should be fully aligned and all the funds will be shared," she said.

Based on long associations and personal affiliations with local Scouting, several members of the United Way board expressed appreciation for the leadership of the Susquehanna Council of the Boy Scouts of America and confidence that the local Boy Scouts council was completely inclusive.

'Do what's right'

Based on conversations Albright has had with local Boy Scouts leadership, she said the private policy of the Susquahanna Council is not to ask about or guess a person's sexual orientation, but she noted they still follow the national discriminatory practices publicly.

Not publicly welcoming gay adults and children is the same as not welcoming them, she said.

She said she understands there may be some criticism from those who support the current policies of the Boy Scouts, but she insisted the United Way must stand firm.

"We have to do what's right. I think it's wrong fundamentally and deeply insulting," Albright said.

She also noted that they will gain support if the Boy Scouts openly accept homosexuals; there are organizations and individuals who will not support the United Way because of the Boy Scouts current policy.

Your opinion counts

In the meantime, the national Boy Scouts of America organization is accepting and analyzing public input during the policy review through email at feedback@scouting.org.

Brennan said he has not heard any similar announcements from Lower Anthracite Regional United Way or Clinton County United Way, both of which provide support like Great Susquehanna Valley does.

Also, he said, "I haven't had anyone reach out to us to say 'yea' or 'nay.' We haven't had an outpouring of the community one way or another. Most people recognize it is a nationally-based organization and it will be a national decision."

Local input

Of the 1,400 voting members of BSA's National Council that will decide on a resolution regarding "membership standards," three of those members will be from the Susquehanna Council.

Brennan would not provide their names, but their vote will be based upon the feedback they receive from the local area.

There is no pressure or official policy from the leaders of the local chapter to vote any certain way, he said.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Jeep Jamboree USA's event at the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) was so popular last year, the group is returning in 2013.

Twice.

The early August Coal Mountain trail ride sold out in less than one hour, so the California-based organization booked a second event for early June.

The Coal Mountain ride is one of six sellouts among JJUSA's 31 rides planned nationwide. With upward of 500 people on a waiting list leftover from the sellouts, it's expected the June event at AOAA will fill up fast, too.

"I could guarantee it with my best pair of shoes," Glenda Gau, a Jamboree official, said this week of the potential for a second AOAA sellout.

Registrations in city

Jamboree officials are working with Shamokin's City Hall to host the public at registration for both events at Claude Kehler Community Park, Arch and Third streets. City Clerk Steve Bartos has spoken of the initiative, describing a block party-style atmosphere with vendors and entertainment.

Barry Yorwarth, one of five members of the AOAA Authority board, said JJUSA returning for a second visit within one summer speaks for itself. The group is roughly four-decades old, is nationally known, and is a partner with the Jeep brand.

"When you get a company of their stature to come to your area and have just one event, it's quite a task," he said.

The two Jamboree events are among four rides planned so far for this summer at the 6,500-acre park, which is hosting events while it remains under development by Northumberland County. The Valley Forge Trail Riders Hare Scramble will return in May and the Hummer Club Northeast Nationals will be there in late June. A Land Rover club is also considering visiting AOAA.

Ninety vehicles are registered for the Aug. 1 to 3 Jamboree. Eighty-one vehicles drove the coal hills south of Shamokin during the Jeep event last summer, attracting some 210 participants and guides, Gau said.

She expects similar numbers for the June 6 to 8 event, dubbed the Pirate Coal Mountain Jeep Jamboree.

The fact that the AOAA, still in its infancy - with plans for a welcome center only formally announced this week - is being sought out is a positive, said Yorwarth. The key is that AOAA has the one thing off-roaders want: great riding trails.

"That was just unbelievable that they came when that's all we have to offer them (so far)," Yorwarth said.

JJUSA describes the AOAA as offering trails from a range of 3 to 9 in difficulty. That means everything from moderately demanding trails thought to be a challenge for beginners, to demanding trails with deeper-steeper-larger obstacles, to very demanding trails where, as the group's website puts it in tribute, "the likelihood of getting stuck is high."

All the better for off-road enthusiasts, to which the local riders can attest.

Where to stay?

When the Jeep Jamboree returns, its participants will be staying at a hotel in Frackville. Of all the positive reviews AOAA got last year, the drawbacks for the visitors was a lack of local lodging. Gau said she's been seeking out local campgrounds as possibilities for interested participants. Some of last year's participants reportedly stayed at Knoebels Amusement Resort.

If the park is fully developed and becomes an attraction, there's long been speculation it would spur service-sector development.

"They want to do more things than just come here, play on the mountain and go home," Yorwarth said.

Gau sees the potential for economic development, calling the opportunity at AOAA a "huge" one. She's fielded phone calls from supporters and local entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on the development.

At Tuesday night's authority meeting, local Realtor Joe Bressi discussed his development of a campground on land between Trevorton and Gowen City, a project spurred by the AOAA.

Gau also acknowledged the undercurrent of opposition among some area residents. That was clear by a smattering of signs displayed last summer protesting the park, including one that said, "Riders go home."

"People resist change. I think we're comfortable with what we know," she said. "A lot of residents in that area are used to going out and riding the terrain without having to ride with permit fees and regulations."

Susquehanna University

SELINSGROVE - Thirteen local students were named to Susquehanna University's dean's list for the fall 2012 semester.

The dean's list recognizes students who achieve a grade point average of 3.4 or higher out of a possible 4.0 for the semester. To qualify, students must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours.

Students named to the list are:

Gwendolyn Bodner, of Elysburg, a freshman English and secondary education major. She is a 2012 graduate of Southern Columbia Area High School and a daughter of Benjamin and Victoria Bodner.

Danielle Boyd, of Coal Township, a freshman creative writing major. She is a 2012 graduate of Shamokin Area High School and a daughter of Jim and Sandy Boyd.

Bryon Chowka, of Coal Township, a senior political science major. He is a 2009 graduate of Shamokin Area High School and a son of Bryon and Stacy Chowka.

Courtney Conrad, of Coal Township, a senior biology major. She is a 2009 graduate of Shamokin Area High School and a daughter of Jeffrey and Sandra Conrad.

Joshua Druckenmiller, of Paxinos, a junior music major. He is a 2010 graduate of Shamokin Area High School and a son of Robert and Diana Druckenmiller.

Brad Fegley, of Elysburg, a freshman business administration major. He is a 2012 graduate of Southern Columbia Area High School and a son of Dave and Beth Fegley.

Maria Getchey, of Coal Township, a junior early childhood education major. She is a 2010 graduate of Lourdes Regional High School and a daughter of Robert and Susan Getchey,

Casey Henninger, of Coal Township, a senior music and psychology major. She is a 2009 graduate of Shamokin Area High School and a daughter of David and Annmarie Henninger.

Hunter Hoffman, of Dornsife, a junior biochemistry major. He is a 2010 graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School and a son of Kenneth R. and Diane Hoffman.

Rebecca Krieger, of Elysburg, a senior history major. She is a 2009 graduate of Southern Columbia Area High School and a daughter of William and Martha Krieger.

Abriel Newton, of Elysburg, a freshman creative writing and French major. She is a 2012 graduate of Southern Columbia Area High School and a daughter of Mike and Lisa Newton.

Kenneth Schetroma, of Elysburg, a senior elementary education major. He is a 2009 graduate of Southern Columbia Area High School and a son of Kenneth and Ameila Schetroma.

John Slater, of Ashland, a sophomore biology major. He is a 2011 graduate of Tri-Valley High School and a son of John and Donna Slater.

TV group president to speak at BU

BLOOMSBURG - A Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania alumna, now president of the ABC-Owned Television Group, will share her observations on "The Future of TV," at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, in BU's Carver Hall, Kenneth S. Gross Auditorium.

Rebecca Funk Campbell, class of 1983, was appointed president of the ABC-Owned Television Stations Group in May 2010 and is responsible for the company's local TV stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Houston, Raleigh-Durham and Fresno. Based in Burbank, Calif., she also oversees other businesses within the group, including ABC National Television Sales, The Live Well Network and the syndicated series, "Live with Kelly and Michael."

In addition to her lecture, Campbell will meet with mass communications students and faculty and tour the campus. For information, contact BU's College of Liberal Arts, (570) 389-4410. The event is free and open to the public.