Summer food program starts Monday

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area School District is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all children without charge. Acceptance and participation requirements for the program are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service.

Meals will be provided from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Mount Carmel Area Junior Senior High School, 600 W. Fifth St., weekdays beginning Monday through July 25. In observance of Independence Day, summer food service will be closed July 3 and 4.

Flag retirement ceremony today

TREVORTON - The Trevorton VFW Post 7813 and Post 92 Trevorton American Legion will hold a flag burning ceremony at 6 p.m. today at the Trevorton Foundry War Memorial. All are welcome to attend.

MC Elks Students of the Year

MOUNT CARMEL - The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of Mount Carmel Lodge 356 recently announced the Mount Carmel Area Elks Students of the Year for the 2013-14 school year.

Student of the Year

Student of the Year is senior Luke Duceman, a son of Chris and Dot Blase, of Mount Carmel, and Rich Duceman, of Aristes.

Luke is the president and drum major of the marching band and is in the symphonic, jazz and pep bands. He is the vice president of the chorus and takes part in the spring musical. He is an anchor, reporter and assistant editor of the news reporting class at school. Luke is president of the Spanish Club and was Haunted High student advisor.

Outside of school, Luke works as a waiter at May's Drive-In in Ashland, and is a musician at Knoebels Amusement Resort. His honors and awards include PMEA District Eight Band, PMEA Region Four Band and the PMEA District Eight Jazz Band. He also participated in the Susquehanna University Honors Band. Duceman was awarded the Mount Carmel Area Marching Band Rookie of the Year and Outstanding Musician awards in past years, and was awarded the Outstanding Musician Award and the Robert Sowa Dedication Award this year. He was a previous Elks Junior Student of the Year and is in the National Honor Society.

In his free time, Luke enjoys listening to, playing and writing music, singing, reading, writing and spending time with family and friends. His future plans are to attend Susquehanna University to major in music education.

Junior Student of the Year

Junior Student of the Year is sophomore Luke Darrup, a son of Julie Darrup, of Kulpmont, and Joseph Darrup, of Mount Carmel.

Luke is on the distinguished honor roll, is in the National Honor Society, and is president of the sophomore class. He is a past winner of the Junior High Pride Award and both Elks Teen of the Month and Elks Junior Student of the Month awards. He also has the distinction of placing first at the post level and second at the district level in the VFW's Voice of Democracy writing contest, and third place in the Patriot's Pen contest in past years.

Luke plays the saxophone in marching, symphonic, jazz and pep bands and is a band librarian. He is also part of the Interact Club, senior high chorus, competes in Odyssey of the Mind, and both altar serves and lectors at Divine Redeemer Church in Mount Carmel. Luke is an anchor and reporter for the school's morning news, MCALIVE, and participates in the school musicals, this year, portraying leading male Emmett Forrest in "Legally Blonde."

Luke works at Knoebels and enjoys music, video games and learning new things. His favorite sports teams are the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Dodgers. Besides the saxophone, he also plays piano and drums. After high school Luke plans on attending college to enter the medical field.

Teen of the Year

Teen of the Year is Carl Darrup, a son of Jim and Anne Darrup, of Mount Carmel.

Carl's activities include marching, symphonic, jazz and pep band. He is president of the freshman class and is in the Interact Club and Odyssey of the Mind. He is also an altar server at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Mount Carmel.

Carl is a former Elks Student of the Month and Junior High Pride Award Winner, and is a distinguished honor roll student in addition to being a part of the National Honor Society.

Carl likes to listen to music, read, play the baritone and guitar, and support the girls' soccer and basketball teams. His future plans are to attend a four-year college.

Junior Teen of the Year

Junior Teen of the Year is seventh-grade student Ava McGee, a daughter of John and Elizabeth McGee, of Mount Carmel.

Ava is on the junior high cross country and basketball teams, plays AYSO soccer and participates in gymnastics and Odyssey of the Mind. She is a previous Merit Award winner and is on the distinguished honor roll.

Ava's interests include art and spending time with her friends and family. She intends to pursue a career in the medical field in the future.

SHAMOKIN TOWNSHIP - A problem with a state purchasing program is threatening to set back Shamokin Township's roadwork for the upcoming months.

Roadmaster Jon Clements reported at the township's board of supervisors meeting Wednesday that they are not able to buy materials, such as pavement preservation material Fibermat and road chippings, under the Costars contract. Costars is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's cooperative purchasing program administered by the Department of General Services (DGS) Bureau of Procurement.

"At this point, we have to join up with Upper Augusta Township and put our projects out on bid now to get any roadwork done this year," Clements said.

In the past, the township has purchased the materials and done the work themselves. Clements asked that the township ask PennDOT to prepare a bid package and put it out for bid. If the issue with Costars is resolved, the bids will be rejected and business will continue as usual.

Greg Rachau, board chairman, made the motion to open bids at a tentative special meeting July 23; Paul Rapp seconded. The motion was approved on a 2-0 vote with supervisor John Klinger absent.

Moths

Former supervisor Tom Carl said the township's trees are infested with gypsy moth caterpillars.

"We already have an issue with defoliating trees this year, so we have to get on track for next year or else the trees will die," Carl said.

Carl said this is the first time Shamokin Township has seen an infestation of the gypsy moth since 2001, and because of that, the township has not been on a spraying schedule. Sprayings can only be done from mid-April to mid-May.

Supervisors made a motion to direct the township's solicitor, Jim Bathgate, to write a letter to various county and state agencies to get back on the spraying list.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; poker, 9:30 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; world news, noon; crafts, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; walk-a-mile 9 a.m.; tai chi class with Barry Hallman, instructor, 9:30 a.m.; blood pressure and blood screening by Family Medical, 10 to 11 a.m.; lunch at Hannah's, 11:30 a.m.; bridge, noon.

Wednesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; bridge lessons, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; Attorney Varano will speak on the topic "Legal Matters," noon; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; walk-a-mile, 9:30 a.m.; picnic, 11 a.m., cost $5, desserts and side dishes needed; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards, puzzles and board games, 8:30 a.m.; yoga, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, noon.

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

Mount Carmel

Monday - Coffee and gab, 10 a.m.; exercise/games, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bean bag, 12:30 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Morning coffee and the news, 9:30 a.m.; favorite game show, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle, 12:15 p.m.; Unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Center closed for church function. Mount Carmel members are invited to the Elysburg Center for nickel bingo, transportation available.

Thursday - Center closed for church function. Mount Carmel members are invited to the Kulpmont Center for quarter bingo and "make your own sundae," transportation available.

Friday - Center closed for church function. Mount Carmel members are invited to the Shamokin/Coal Township center for nickel bingo, transportation available.

Kulpmont

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

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

Wednesday - Coffee and do your own thing in the morning; LCR, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Music and gab in the morning; bean bag, 9:30 a.m.; Wii, 10:30 a.m.; Kulpmont Borough public safety presentation by Chief Pitcavage; bingo, 12:30 p.m; computer lessons with Brea, 12:30 p.m.; make your own sundae at break time, $2.

Friday - Chair exercises in the morning; Wii, 10 a.m.; Attorney Varano question and answer session, noon; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Current events, 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday - Exercise with Carol Burton, 10 a.m.; Father's Day dinner.

Wednesday - Trip to Hometown Farmer's Market.

Thursday - Picnic at Ashland Park.

Friday - Open activities.

Elysburg

Monday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10 a.m.; Pokeno, 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10 a.m.; bingo, noon; center birthday party; VNA blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Friday - Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; line dancing, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, noon; trip to Olive Garden.

Trevorton

Monday - Exercise, 10:30 a.m.; card games, 12:30 p.m.

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

Wednesday - VNA blood sugar and pressure screening, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; Father's Day lunch, 11:30 a.m.

Thursday - Exercise, 9:30 a.m.; shopping at Lycoming Mall, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; pinochle, 10:30 a.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; fire safety program by the American Red Cross 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Working together toward a common goal.

That's the mission of the inaugural Coal Region Relay for Life featuring 21 teams and more than 200 participants that kicked off Friday morning and concludes at 10 a.m. today at Kemp Memorial Stadium.

Judging by the turnout of walkers, an increase in volunteer workers and money raised, the mission was accomplished.

Joe Phillips, co-chair of the relay that brought together teams from Shamokin, Mount Carmel and surrounding communities, said he was pleased with the overall success of the event that had raised $19,000 by noon Friday. The goal of the relay is $48,000.

All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society in its ongoing fight against cancer.

The theme for this year's relay is "Mining for a Cure."

Linda Reed, of Trevorton Road, was the honorary cancer survivor.

Phillips said the 21 teams represent the largest participation at the relay in many years.

"We've had a lot more help and support organizing the relay this year due to the decision to merge with Mount Carmel," Phillips said. "There was a core group of only five or six people who put together the relay in recent years, but this year, we've had many more volunteers step forward, which has allowed us to have many separate committees."

Phillips, who noted organizing the event is a year-round project, urged everyone to continue to support the local relay. "You don't have to have cancer or have a relative or friend with cancer to participate," Phillips said, "Everyone is welcome to support the fight against cancer."

In addition to walking laps and raising money, Phillips and his co-chair, Heather Fernandez, said the relay brings people from neighboring communities together to have fun while raising awareness about the deadly disease.

Phillips and Fernandez thanked everyone who participated or contributed to the relay and especially praised Shamokin Area School District for allowing the event to once again be held at the spacious, well-maintained stadium.

This year's relay featured four live bands, radio broadcasts, disc jockeys, food stands, a performance by Motivation Station, a luminaria service, an opening lap for all teams, survivors and caregivers lap and dinner, Zumba, free oral screenings by Shamokin dentist Dr. J.C. Owens, kids' games, a Ms. Relay contest, a butterfly release honoring the memory of loved ones, and closing ceremony in which participants take their final lap.

The annual Bark for Life event that raises money for the relay will be held in Mount Carmel Town Park at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 21.

Relay teams include Helen's High Rollers, Mighty Masser's, Linda's Crew, John's Building Blocks, Patsy's Petunias, Notary Shop, Eric's Brew Crew, Shamokin LCCC Trailblazers, Mountain View of Hope, Bubbie's Boobies, Johnney's Angels, Owens Dentistry, LCCC Kulpmont Nursing Class of 2015, Cancer Slayers, Veterans Against Cancer, MCA Cops for a Cure, Karen's Crew, The Curesaders, Lemongrass Spa, Northwestern Academy and Breast Friends.

Committee members include Phillips, Fernandez, Earl Reed, Lisa Phillips, Jeff Hampton, Norie Kealey, Tina Katalinas, Our Town Radio, Kathy Masser, D.J. Arbogast, Melissa Katch, Tammy Leach, Missy Dressler, Shirl Malett, Cierra Eby, Tommy Eby, Val Malett, Terry Faust and Ilyse Hampton.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The "Berkheiser Boys," who have operated K&S Distributors along Trevorton Road for more than four decades, are retiring and looking to sell the business that has been a local staple for appliances, televisions, stoves and plumbing and electrical supplies.

"We've had a pretty good run," said Jake Berkheiser, 68, of Trevorton Road, who with his brothers, Ron, 75, and Tom, 70, both of Paxinos, have worked at the business for 42 years and owned it since 1980. "We never pressured anyone into buying our products and we sold them what they needed. We did it all here and always lived by the motto - If we don't have it, you don't need it."

Ron added, "We had a lot of good customers over the years who were also our friends, and we'll definitely miss serving them. But it's time to retire. Like Jake said, we've had a good run, but we can't run anymore. That's why we are quitting."

Who are 'K' and 'S'?

The Berkheisers began working at K&S Distributors in 1972 when it was owned by Fred Renn, who passed away in 1979. The brothers purchased the business in 1980 from Renn's widow, Cleta.

"We basically decided to buy the business because we were out of a job when Fred died," Jake said.

He said the business, which opened in the early 1960s, was named after its original owners, Howard Krebs and Frank "Red" Sanzotto.

"Howard and Red sold barometric coal stokers when they started the business and we've expanded the products over the years to appliances, TVs, electrical and plumbing supplies, furnaces and more," Jake said. "We've served three generations of families."

K&S Distributors, which a few years ago still had the largest selection of General Electric and Hotpoint appliances in the area, has sold, delivered and installed dishwashers, water heaters, garbage disposals, cooktops, built-in ovens, an assortment of televisions, Reading and Keystone stoker stoves, coal boilers, oil boilers, hot air furnaces, water softeners, STA-RITE pumps, pump tankers, oil nozzles and filters, Argo baseboard copper, plastic pipes, fittings and other accessories at discount prices.

Ed Kotwica, who operates Ed's Appliances in Shamokin, has done the service work for K&S Distributors for many years.

"We not only sold a wide variety of products, but we also gave our customers a lot of free advice over the years," Ron said. "We're old school when it comes to operating a business and our customers have appreciated that approach for many years."

Selling off inventory

Ron said many customers have come into the store recently and wished the brothers good luck in their retirement. "They're happy for us, but they don't want to see us go," Ron said.

Jake and Ron, who talked about several of their loyal customers and recalled some entertaining moments throughout the business' successful history, said they still have a few appliances, electrical and plumbing supplies and furnace controls for sale.

"We're trying to sell all our inventory before we close," Jake said. "We don't have an exact date for going out of business, but it will definitely be in the summer."

The Berkheisers have sold their warehouse across Route 225 from K&S Distributors, which has always been at its current location, and are accepting offers for the business or property. Anyone interested in purchasing the store can call 570-648-6801.

The Berkheiser brothers have worked well with Peter's Home Appliances on Market Street in Sunbury over the years and refer customers to that business.

"This business has been good to us over the years," Jake said. "We've always offered personalized service because we care about our customers. If they had a problem, we always tried our best to solve it."

In addition to being well known for operating K&S Distributors, Jake, Ron and Tom have played in several musical groups for many years with their 62-year-old brother, Dave, who operates K&S Music in Paxinos.

As for their future plans, the Berkheiser brothers plan to play more golf and do some traveling.

Family get-togethers are not only fun; they are also educational. That was the case a few weeks ago when relatives got together to celebrate the high school graduation of my cousins' granddaughter. I learned how my cousin Alex chose his college and I was reminded about something about my Dad.

Alex recalled that when he was a high school student, he was asked where he planned to go to college. "Well, where did Uncle Joe go to school," he asked. "Uncle Joe was the smartest guy I knew." Alex's brothers Bobby and Chris echoed the same opinion. That's how Alex ended up at Bloomsburg State College (now Bloomsburg University).

It's been many years since I had to figure out algebra or the angles of geometry, but whenever I think about them I can't help think about Dad's love of and aptitude for learning.

The mathematical part of his brain functioned at a whole other level than mine. For goodness sake, he would do calculus problems and read physics books for fun. I even gave up asking him for help with my algebra homework. He would show me three or four ways to solve a problem and my math teacher only knew one.

Decades after he ended his career as a high school teacher and administrator, his former students tell me how smart a guy Dad was. It took Alzheimer's to diminish that intelligence.

However, as much as Dad loved education, teaching and learning, he loved God even more. He was a regular attendee at daily Mass for decades. Even more importantly, though, he lived his faith. He and Mother did not have to preach sermons. They demonstrated what they believed by how they lived their lives.

Dad was indeed the smartest guy I knew, but I think the smartest thing he did was to give top priority to loving God, loving his family and loving others.

I'm not nearly as smart as Dad was, but I am smart enough to try to follow Dad's example in making sure that my life is centered on God and family.

+++

The Father's greatest lesson is love.

King's College

WILKES-BARRE - Anthony S. Anonia, of Paxinos, was named to the dean's list at King's College for the spring semester with a 3.9 GPA. He is a freshman enrolled in the 3+2 engineering dual degree program with the University of Notre Dame.

He recently completed his freshman year majoring in both chemistry and chemical engineering. He has earned dean's list honors for both semesters, with a cumulative 3.9 GPA.

Anonia is a 2013 graduate of Shamokin Area Middle/High School, and is a son of Mark and Christine Anonia, of Paxinos, and a grandson of Dr. Francis and Barbara (Quinn) Anonia and the late Albert and Virginia (Moore) Scicchitano.

SHAMOKIN - The license of a Shamokin dentist is temporarily suspended after state officials found that he may have put patients at risk of infection by not properly sterilizing his dental tools.

It's unclear how many patients of Dr. Vincent J. Paczkoskie, 74, who practices at 315 N. Shamokin St., could be at risk, or for how long. Originally issued in June 1965, his license was renewed in April 2013. An inspection is required with each renewal.

According to the state Department of Health, there have been no reports of disease transmission or illness to date. However, all current or former patients are recommended to be tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

"We strongly encourage patients who have concerns to get tested to help ensure their safety and well-being," Secretary of Health Michael Wolf said in a press release posted Friday to the department's website.

The temporary suspension was issued Friday by the State Board of Dentistry, a result of a joint investigation by the departments of health and state.

A home phone number listed for Paczkoskie, of Snydertown, was not in service, and there was no one at his office Saturday.

Dental examiner at SASD

Paczkoskie is a longtime dental examiner for the Shamokin Area School District. His appointment was last renewed in August. Ron McElwee, school board director, was unaware of the state investigation when contacted Saturday. He immediately spoke with Superintendent James Zack, who said not all students receive dental exams through the school district, which are offered at $1.50 each.

The district would research which students may have been examined by Paczkoskie and contact them accordingly, McElwee said.

Patients with health insurance are urged to contact their primary care physician or their insurance provider. Those with ACCESS/Medicaid should call the Department of Public Welfare at 800-440-3989.

Call 1-877-PA-HEALTH and select 9 for information and assistance in finding testing options, between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Any patients of Paczkoskie's seeking their medical records should contact his office.

Schools

House Bill 2124 would revamp the system for state financial reimbursement for school construction projects. The House approved the measure 109-86 and sent it to the Senate. A yes vote supported the measure.

Voting yes: Reps. Matt Baker, R-68, Wellsboro; Karen Boback, R-117, Harveys Lake; Rosemary Brown, R-189, Middle Smithfield Twp.; Lynda Schlegel Culver, R-108, Rockefeller Twp.; Doyle Heffley, R-122, Lower Towamensing Twp.; Jerry Knowles, R-124, Tamaqua; Sandra Major, R-111, Bridgewater Twp.; Kurt Masser, R-107, Ralpho Twp.; Mike Peifer, R-139, Greene Twp.; Tina Pickett, R-110, Towanda; Mike Tobash, R-125, Pottsville; Tarah Toohil, R-116, Butler Twp.

Voting no: Reps. Mike Carroll, D-118, Avoca; Frank Farina, D-115, Jessup; Marty Flynn, D-113, Scranton; Neal Goodman, D-123, Mahanoy City; Sid Michaels Kavulich, D-114, Taylor; Gerald Mullery, D-119, Newport Twp.; Phyllis Mundy, D-120, Kingston; Eddie Day Pashinski, D-121, Wilkes-Barre; Mario Scavello, R-176, Mount Pocono.

Did not vote: Rep. Kevin Haggerty, D-112, Dunmore.

Revenge

House Bill 2107 would make it a crime to disseminate an intimate sexual image intended to cause distress or so-called `revenge porn' of another person. The House approved the measure 195-0 and sent it to the Senate. A yes vote supported the bill.

Voting yes: Reps. Baker, Boback, Brown, Carroll, Culver, Farina, Flynn, Goodman, Heffley, Kavulich, Knowles, Major, Masser, Mullery, Mundy, Pashinski, Peifer, Pickett, Scavello, Tobash, Toohil.

Did not vote: Rep. Haggerty.

Military

Senate Bill 803 would reinstate an exemption from paying the local income tax for active-duty military pay. The Senate approved the measure 49-0 and sent it to the House. A yes vote supported the bill.

Voting yes: Sens. David Argall, R-29, Tamaqua; Lisa Baker, R-20, Lehman Twp.; the bill sponsor; John Blake, D-22, Archbald; Lisa Boscola, D-18, Bethlehem Twp.; Pat Browne, R-16, Allentown; John Gordner, R-27, Berwick; Gene Yaw, R-23, Williamsport; John Yudichak, D-14, Plymouth Twp.

Compiled by The Times-Shamrock Harrisburg Bureau

Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School

COAL TOWNSHIP - The following memorials were presented to Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School for March and April.

Thomas Albert from Mary Ann Balonis.

Antoinette Bach from Mary Jean Wolf, Eleanor Witt, Anthony Varano, Frank J. Varano, Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. Timco, Dorothy Starego, Lawrence Splitt, Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Rosini, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Reiprish, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Nolan, Judith Polites, Carmine J. Picarelli, Mark J. Padula, James and Kathleen Nolan, Mr. and Mrs. John McKay, Kathy Masser and Angelica, Stephen J. Maciejewski, Mr. and Mrs. John S. Maciejewski, Joseph M. Litchko, Walter Kozlowski, Mr. and Mrs. David J. Komara, Daniel and Jacqueline Kerris and family, Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Hauer, Julie Griffiths, Anna Gentile, Joseph Galitski, Dr. and Mrs. William Forti, Mary A. Fetterolf, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Ecker, Eileen Coyle, Mr. and Mrs. Edward P. Christiano, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Christiana, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Choplick, Joanne Chesney, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Chervanick, Mr. and Mrs. William Bradley, Rose Bechtel, Mary Teresa Komara and family, James Bach, Christine Anonia, Helen Winhofer, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Zyskoski, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bergonia, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Proctor, Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Sitko, Jill and William Swank, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Prusch, Corey Proctor, Jennifer M. Madden, Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Mirarchi, Mary Ann Dudeck, James F. Kealy, Anne K. Pizzoli, Dr. and Mrs. Sudhir Khanna and family, Mr. and Mrs. John Ryniak, Lisa Angelo, Mary Ann Glowaski, Rose Witrosky, Connie Fabrizio, August and Bernadine Witowski, Teresa and David Hasuga, Kyle and Beth Snyder, Peter Lentini, Alice O'Donnell, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Drumheiser, Ann Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Trell and family, Mr. and Mrs. Nick Politi, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Zarkoski, Mr. and Mrs. Jason Dampman, Mr. and Mrs. John Hladun, Ken and Tizianna Albert, John and Pam Bucanelli, Kenneth J. and Patricia Splitt, Anthony R. Bressi, Marlin and Donna Hodge, Linda Latsha, LeeAnna Talisesky, Patricia Janovich, Sister Teresa Vincent, IHM, Anna Flynn, Mary Kay Bartol, Denise and Eugene Welsh Jr., Ann S. Martino, Lorelei Duke, Diane and Paul Boyle, Lisa Marie Coyne, Lentini Family, David and Jennifer Forti, Tina Johnson, Nan Weller, Christopher and Karen Leonard, Marcy Reidinger, Theresa Kraynak, Bernie Zack, Maria Dombroski, Stefan Adamcik, Helen Daniels, Stanley and Theresa Rusesky, John and Holly Barrett, Mildred Smith, Laurie Hartman and family, Charles and Lucille Kaminsky, Janice and Joey Parker, Joseph and Marsha Codispot, Joe Tomedi, Hillside, Bernice and John Petock, James and Christine Goodwin, Leonard and Patricia Miller Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Richard Carroll, Larry A. Rohland, Kathryn and Steven Mertz, Donna Rusinko, Mary Wagner, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Bolick, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Pecaitis, Michael J. Fantanarosa.

Victoria Bednar from Joannie and Don Yuricich.

Helen Brennan from Barbara A. Yuricich.

Tanya Scandle Broscious from Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fleming, Theresa Fleming.

Antoinette "Nettie" Clifford from Adeline and Ed Zyla, Mike and Linda Sowash and family.

Anna Marie Corcoran from Mr. and Mrs. Bob Griffiths and Anna Flynn.

Stephen J. Dormer from Mr. and Mrs. Gene Garancheski, John and Diane Fabrizio.

Eugene Fleming from Joan Kelley, Joannie and Don Yuricich, Mr. and Mrs. Jason McCarthy, Vince and Sue Yurick, Gary and Ann Hynoski, Mr. and Mrs. Rocco Roma, Maureen and Steve Zarick, J.D.. Shelly and Jared Shutt, Dante and Jeanette Mirarchi, Antoinette Mirarchi, Joseph and Barbara Varano, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fleming, Pat and Paul Metrocavage, Chris, Karen and Kayla Leonard, Mr. and Mrs. Bogutski, Jim, Kathy, Carla and Laura Nolan, Kathy and Angelica Masser, Grace and Ken Piaseczny, AFSCME Local 2151, Mr. and Mrs. James Wasakoski, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Reiprish, Mr. and Mrs. John McKay, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Brokus and family, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Pawelczyk, Mr. and Mrs. John Brennan Sr., Leo and Mary Mulhall, Theresa Fleming, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Weikel and family, Leonard and Gloria Strenkoskie, Vincent Mirack, Mr. and Mrs. Greg Fabrizio, Mountain View Rehab, Mrs. Irene Mirack, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Dunleavy, Gregory Maresca, Atty. and Mrs. Frank Konopka, Atty. and Mrs. Vincent Makowski, Charles and Irene Mirack, Susan and Dale Bird, Mr. and Mrs. Reynold Elliott Sr., Connie Fabrizio, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Wurster Sr. and family, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Wurster Jr. and family.

Ronald Garancheski from Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Garancheski.

Francis "Motto" Gurski from Connie Fabrizio, Joe, Judy, Adriana and Christopher Brokus, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wurster, Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Reiprish, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Reiprish, Mr. and Mrs. Wurster, Leo and Mary Mulhall, John and Joanne McKay, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Madden, Klacik and Associates, PC, Mr. and Mrs. Leon Krushinski, Kathy and Angelica Masser.

Leonard Hackenburg from Mary Ann Balonis.

Michael Haverty from Joannie and Don Yuricich.

Jim Heins from Joannie and Don Yuricich.

William Holland from Chris and Karen Dutchess.

Leonard "Hooter" Huxta from Mary Ann Balonis.

Mary Jarvis from Jeffrey Beaver.

Cecilia Kieski from Arlete Letcavage, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Phillips, Rita Albert and family, Susie Pufnak, Pat and Paul Metrocavage, Mr. and Mrs. Ken Albert and family, Phyllis Barrett, LeeAnn Smith and family, Gale and John Everett, Jane Marie Yocum, Carol Ann Myrter, Barbara Reiprish, Sewalk family, Margaret Bilder, Kathy and Angelica Masser, William and Virginia Korbich, Shumacher Engineering, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Maycott, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Gilger and family, Alice O'Donnell, Joseph Litchko, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Bradley and family, the Komara family, the Holleran family, Ann and Jim Mains, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Bucanelli, Chris and Karen Dutchess, Ann E. Jones, Claire Bucanelli and Chuck, Mr. and Mrs. Bud Rolko and Mr. and Mrs. William Rickert.

D.J. Lux from Mrs. Betty Gilger and family.

Robert E. Marinelli from Knights of Columbis 628.

Joseph McBride from Kathryn McBride.

Elizabeth "Betty" Morgan from Violette Feudale, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Wurster Sr. and family, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Wurster Jr. and family, Jim Flanagan, and Marion and Chet Stesney.

Alfred Nezerski Sr. from Joannie and Don Yuricich.

Alfred Nezerski Jr. from Joannie and Don Yuricich.

Nellie Nezerski from Joannie and Don Yuricich.

Stanley Olszewski from Connie Fabrizio.

Mary C. Pochekailo from Mrs. Edward Sickora, Mary Sickora and Howard and Theresa Sandri.

Kyle Joseph Prezlomski from Kathy and Angelica Masser.

Joseph Rado from Mr. and Mrs. John McKay.

Mary Roma from Theresa Fleming, Connie Fabrizio.

Josephine Rosini from Mr. and Mrs. Bob Griffiths.

Elizabeth Scicchitano from Howard and Theresa Sandri.

Mary Sedlock from Barbara A. Yuricich, Joannie and Don Yuricich.

Harry Shuman from Kathy and Angelica Masser.

Marjorie Sinkovich from Joannie and Don Yuricich.

Mary Ann Slaby from Howard and Theresa Sandri, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Garancheski and Christine Hudson.

Kevin W. Spade from Joannie and Don Yuricich.

Elizabeth "Betty" Stauffenberg from Ann Weikel, Theresa Fleming, Connie Fabrizio.

Rita (Kirsic) Varano from Joannie and Don Yuricich.

Donna Van Shura from Mr. and Mrs. Ron Zyla, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard McAllister, Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Zarick, Kathy and Angelica Masser, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Picarelli, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Kalinowski and family, Mr. and Mrs. John Fabrizio, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Waugh, Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Laughlin and family, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ozga, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wurster, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Albert, Mr. and Mrs. James Yurick, Judith (Zukowski) Urick '68, Dennis and Michael Delorso, Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Reiprish, Gene and Karen Yablonski, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Reiprish, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Komara and family, Howard and Theresa Sandri, Christopher Reiprish, The Nguyen family, Friends of the Independence Fire Association, J.F. Holland, Mr. and Mrs. James Catino and family, Independence Over 40 Pool Team, John and Mary Stello and family, Mr. and Mrs. Rocco Roma, Baksi and Reuter families, May Esther Van Shura, Mr. and Mrs. David Ross and staff, the Housing Authority of the City of Shamokin Board of Commissioners and staff, Joannie and Don Yuricich, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Madden, Constance Fabrizio, Uncle Raymond Nesler, Rita E. Patynski and Norman Suchomajcz, Mr. and Mrs. Jay Dampman and family, Christine, William and Elizabeth Hudson, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Meyer, Anne H. Fulton, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mirarchi and sons, Studio 207 Wine Club, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Barber, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Moreno and Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Dunleavy.

James "Jimmie" Wasakoski from Mr. and Mrs. John Golumbfskie and the Wasakoski family.

Catherine Yuricich from Barbara A. Yuricich and Joannie and Don Yuricich.

Dominic Yuricich from Barbara A. Yuricich and Joannie and Don Yuricich.

Mariann T. Zarkowski from Steph Weikel, Kathleen Seid family, Kathy and Angelica Masser, Phyllis Barrett, Mary Sickora, Barbara Reiprish, Roseann Chesney and Donna Wywadis.

Mary Zuech from Mary Altomare.

My last name is Italian. Unfortunately, that's all I really knew about the Italian side of my family.

Most of my Italian ancestors died a long time ago, and my family wasn't in touch with those still living. My father once tried to research our family tree, but reached a dead end with my great-grandparents, who both died before 1950.

This past semester, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy, which made me want to learn more about my Italian heritage.

So, I decided to search the Internet for any information on my ancestry. On Ellisisland.org, an online database with records of those entering the United States at New York's Ellis Island, I discovered my great-grandfather Ralph's real name was Raffaele.

However, the manuscripts on the site vary in quality from good to bad. Some have little to no information or are almost impossible to read, so it made the search a little more difficult. For Raffaele Bressi, I was able to find the name of his parents, where he was going and where he was from. Raffaele's first trip to the United States was in 1912, at the age of 8. He was going to Shamokin to live with his parents, Giuseppe and Marianna.

I was also able to find listings for his parents and siblings. Every relative I found came from the same town in Italy - Isca Sullo Ionio, Calabria, a region in southern Italy.

With that knowledge in hand, I wanted to find out more about my genealogy in the town's records, so I decided to book a flight. I was nervous about my trip, because I couldn't verify my research. The dates, names and locations seemed to fit, but I wasn't certain. Was I chasing someone else's ancestors, rather than my own? I just didn't know how much I would find, but I was going.

On April 10, I arrived in Calabria and took the only bus available in the morning - at 5 a.m. - to Isca, where, upon my arrival, I met a Bressi! I don't believe we were related, but I figured it was a good sign. Everywhere I went, I met friendly people who offered to help, whether I needed a ride, information or even just a cup of coffee.

Immediately, I made friends in Isca who helped me navigate the Civil State offices and its record books, some of which were more than 200 years old. I was able to find birth records, death records and marriage records of my ancestors. I was able to track my Italian ancestry to the late 1700s. Unfortunately, the record books in Isca don't go back any further.

I didn't find everything I wanted; I simply didn't have enough time. Yet, I had the most amazing experience. I gained insight into my ancestry and Italian heritage. I even met a distant relative who moved from the United States to Badolato. She showed me a picture of my great-great-grandfather, Giuseppe Bressi. She also cooked a delicious pasta carbonara.

I felt strangely at home despite trying to understand Calabrese, the Calabrian dialect. Isca and Badolato are little, hilltop towns that overlook the ocean. They were quaint and small, but beautiful, and I found myself imagining what life might have been like a century ago for my ancestors. It was definitely an adventure of a lifetime.

(Bressi, Mount Carmel, is a journalism student at Syracuse University.)

Kutztown University

ENOLA - Nick Rumberger, a son of Scott and Lou Rumberger, of Enorla, will be attending Kutztown University to study accounting. Nick is a graduate of Pennsboro Area High School and was a member of the National Honor Society, football and tennis teams. He was awarded a Kutztown University Academic Scholarship. Rumberger is a grandson of Tom and Gail Rumberger, of Gowen City.

Shippensburg University

SHIPPENSBURG - Kaitlyn M. Schultz, of Shamokin, received the Ivin S. and Virginia D. Bear Scholarship and the STEM Scholarship at Shippensburg University. She recently graduated from Shamokin Area Middle/High School and will major in mathematics.

Marriage licenses

James Charles Nestico and Jena Ann Oley, both of 323 W. Center St., Elysburg. Issued June 13.

David Schaeffer and Sherry Ann Stank, both of 608 N. Second St., Shamokin. Issued June 14.

Jacob A. Bowman and Kimberly A. Weinreich, both of 651 Pine St., Kulpmont. To be issued June 16.

Bryan William Gushen and Marie Rosalie Ziegler, both of 123 Montana Drive, Kulpmont. To be issued June 16.

Amy Jo Mudry and Joseph Francis Varano, both of 321 W. Fifth St., Mount Carmel. To be issued June 16.

Divorce filings

Debbra A. Rosa, of 419 McCarty St., Sunbury, from Robert Rosa Jr., of 1759 Mohawk St., Coal Township. Married June 10, 2003.

Property transfers

J. Robert and Patricia M. Snyder to Ashleigh Thomas, property in Lower Mahanoy Township, $122,000.

Boyd E. Pick to Colby W. Rothermel, property in Rush Township, $140,000.

Francis Devizia to Joel E. Contreras, property in Shamokin, $1,500.

John K. and Lucinda J. Siegrist to John K. and Lucinda J. Siegrist, property in Rockefeller Township, $1.

David A. and Elaine M. Baksi to David S. Baksi, Alison E. Reuter and Adrienne E. Baksi, property in Marion Heights, $1.

Ann Louise and Forrest J. Curran to Regina E. Wachowski, property in Shamokin Township, $2,000.

Robert Gusick II to Robert W. Evely and Sharon Snyder, property in Rush Township, $15,500.

Kyle A. and Matthew R. Hickey to Brandon M. and Emily J. Fordham, property in Riverside, $165,000.

Earl V. Comfort to Earl V. Comfort Jr. and Sheila E. Leitzel, property in Shamokin Township, $1.

James W., Sandra J., Sandra I. Bohner to James W. and Sandra I. Bohner, property in Lower Mahanoy Township, $1.

Percival Properties Group LLC to Robin Lynn Yiaski and Alan Johnson, property in Shamokin, $14,000.

Patrick M. McGinn, Adrienne C. Karon to Mark Costa, property in Kulpmont, $25,000.

Joshua T. and Katarzyna A. Hampton to Nicole J. Bressler, property in Riverside, $169,500.

Vaughn E. and Alice E. Wintersteen to Kevin L. and Marcie C. Wintersteen, property in Rush Township, $1.

Kathleen M. and Jonathan R. Else to Kathleen M. and Jonathan R. Else, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Jason P. Mills to Leon R. Schriver, property in Mount Carmel, $19,000.

Lawrence R. and Vickie A. Hare to Lawrence R. and Vickie A. Hare, property in Rush Township, $1.

James Yost, Lori Yost, Lori A. Yost to James and Lori A. Yost, property in Coal Township, $1.

Elwood and Margaret Swank to Margaret Swank, properties in Shamokin Township, $1 each.

Northumberland County Sheriff, Amanda J. Thorpe to US Bank NA, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, property in Coal Township, $1,102.94.

Linda J. Shoop to Matthew D. Walcott, property in Ralpho Township, $110,000.

Joseph I. and Rachel Baker to Christopher M. Breen, property in Riverside, $159,000.

John T. and Marilyn L. Blessing to Charles R. and Glendeane M. Almond, property in Sunbury, $150,000.

Judith A. and Craig E. Inns to Jeremy Cale and Pami Jo Clark, property in Sunbury, $115,000.

Thomas Q. Jr. and Kay E. Bordner to John R. Graybill, property in Lower Augusta Township, $20,000.

Randy L. and Cynthia A. Eby to Jonathan M. Dupnock, Joanna M. Bowers, property in Shamokin Township, $199,000.

Gertrude O. Gano estate, Joseph A. and Peter W. Gano, Joyce A. Bartholomew, executors, to Arlene F. Geise, property in Sunbury, $1.

S&S International Property Group LLC to Gina M. Nejedly, property in Coal Township, $11,000.

Editor's note: Andrew and Robert Wislock, of Shamokin, provided this latest story of their hiking adventures and the sharing of time between father and son in honor of Father's Day.

They keep you coming back.

The White Mountains of New Hampshire have a strange allure that invites you back for more challenges to hike their slopes. Like we did last year, we arrived near North Conway in mid-May and discussed some possible treks with seasoned hikers in town. They advised us to stay with the hiking treks in the southern part of the White Mountain National Forest and not to venture in the northern section; many of the northern mountains still had significant snow and ice on their trails. In fact, Mount Washington in the Presidential Range had snow down its slopes, and it had snowed the week before on this mountain.

A second reason to pursue the southern mountains was that their slopes are more gentle, and with the long winter, one's conditioning and endurance needs to be built up over a period of time.

The first mountain we attempted to hike was White Ledge on a sunny day with temperatures in the mid-70s. White Ledge near Iona Lake is a 2,010 foot high mountain and is a moderate hike which is four miles in length. After crossing two small brooks at the trailhead, the mountain ascends upward to a constantly rising grade. Suddenly, after one mile, the trail descends rapidly to level ground. This second part of the trail is very confusing because one expects the trail to keep rising.

This mountain surprised us again when we began to ascend the mountain upward for another mile. The mountain then opens up into large granite fields with excellent views of the nearby mountains and valleys.

After having lunch on the summit and enjoying the panoramic views, we began to descend the western side of the mountain, which was very rocky and steep. This early hike in the season certainly challenged our abilities and the lessons learned from last year.

With warm temperatures and steep slopes, the need to carry enough water and food to stay hydrated and keep your energy up throughout the trek and to use hiking poles to stabilize yourself are essential. In addition, the ability to enjoy hiking is to convince yourself that it is not a race to the top, to take necessary breaks on the trail and to enjoy discussions with your fellow hiker and the changing views of wildlife and plant life.

A trip to Maine's shore

To rest our legs for a day, we traveled 60 miles southward from North Conway to the city of Portland located on the Maine coastline. After enjoying an early lunch of a lobster roll, we took the ferry to Peaks Island on Casco Bay which is a 20-minute ride from the city.

This small island is dotted with quaint and beautiful homes along a rocky island coast. The island is home to bird sanctuaries and also antiquated World War II outposts guarding the harbor's entrance. The views of the Atlantic Ocean are magnificent with rolling waves over the large rocks.

Renting inexpensive bikes, we rode the paved and level streets along the shimmering blue waters of the bay and the ocean and relaxed at various rest stops along the way.

While we ferried back to Portland, the scene of Portland Head Lighthouse, which was built in 1790, stood out with its majestic tower peering out over the open Atlantic Ocean.

Returning to North Conway early the next day, we decided to hike two connecting trails and mountains in the Green Hills Preserve. This overall hike in the preserve was 5.1 miles in length.

The first mountain, known as Middle Mountain, is approximately 1,857 feet to the summit and it has a continuously rising trail. One of the outstanding features of this trail is the rushing and clear brook that runs from near the top of the mountain down to its trailhead. The excellent views from the summit allow hikers to see into the various valleys and mountains to the south, east and west

Coming midway down this trail, we connected with the Peaked Mountain Trail which led us to the summit of Peaked Mountain, which is 1,739 feet high. This trail climbs moderately uphill and then opens up into open mountain ledges with excellent views of the Presidential Mountain Range to the north. The Presidential Range consists of the highest mountain ranges in New Hampshire.

The mountains of New Hampshire and the coast of Maine do provide lasting impressions. But some of the most relaxing and peaceful moments are the simple things that you experience when you sit on a mountain ledge and look out over valleys. Seeing the waves continually crash over the rocky shores or riding a bike with your son with a gentle breeze blowing in your face: those are times that are meaningful and priceless.

Lock Haven University

LOCK HAVEN - Rachel H. Niglio, a daughter of Paul and Stephanie Niglio, of Kulpmont, graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in health sciences at Lock Haven University May 10.

She plans to further her education at Drexel University in the fall of this year. She is a granddaughter of Paul and Helene Niglio, Kulpmont, and the late Stephen and Josephine Nemchick.

Future plans

COAL TOWNSHIP- The guidance office of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School, reported the future plans of members of the 2014 graduating class.

McCann School of Business

GIRARDVILLE - William Bittner, of 1 Wildcat Road, will major in computer networking and security at McCann School of Business.

William is a son of Kathleen Gilfert and Alan Gilfert, Dave Bittner Sr., and a grandson of Edward and Barbara McDonald, Linford Bittner Sr., and William and Donna Gilfert.

He is a member of the Eagle Scouts, and church youth group. His activities at Lourdes included, Boys Service Club, SADD and Respect Life.

Embry Riddle

COAL TOWNSHIP - Anthony Catino, of 1215 W. Spruce St., will major aeronautical science.

Anthony is a son of Wendy and Michael Catino, and grandson of Angela Wilkinson, Keith Troutman and Lorraine Catino.

He is a member of St. Patrick Church where he serves as an alter boy.

His activities at Lourdes included student council president, SADD officer, Boys Service Club officer, varsity soccer, math club and science club.

Bloomsburg University

MOUNT CARMEL - Riley Feese, of 21 S. Maple St., will major in computer science at Bloomsburg University.

Riley is a son of Amy and Todd Feese, and grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Dale Feese, Judith Polites, and the late Edward Polites.

He is a member of Divine Redeemer Church where he is a parish volunteer.

His activities while attending Lourdes include Boys Service Club, Respect Life, French club vice president, robotics club, choir, Lourdes singers, band, varsity soccer, math and science club, SADD, district jazz band and performing arts.

Lebanon Valley College

SHAMOKIN - Michael Gilger, of 137 S. Franklin St., will attend Lebanon Valley College undeclared.

Michael is a son of Mark and Paula Gilger, a grandson of the late Paul Polifka and Rose Polifka, and the late William Gilger and Elizabeth Gilger.

He is a member of Mother Cabrini Church where he served as an alter boy.

His activities at Lourdes include SADD, class president, captain of Our Lady of Lourdes basketball team and team captain of Mount Carmel Area football team.

SHAMOKIN - Aaron Greager, of 336 S. Diamond St., is a son of Leroy and Nancy Greager, and grandson to Lorraine Greager and the late Roy Greager, and the late Joseph and Jadwidge Petroski.

He is a member of Mother Cabrini Church.

Activities at Lourdes include SADD, Boys Service Club, robotics club, Respect Life, track and field and captain of the boys soccer team.

Luzerne County Community College

SHAMOKIN - Edward Harry Kurtz III, of 543 S. Seventh St., will attend Luzerne County Community College.

Edward is a son of Edward Harry Kurtz Jr. and Brandy Lee LaForme, and a grandson of Edward and Marie Kurtz, and Terry and Lisa LaForme.

His activities at Lourdes include band, chorus, SADD, district band and Respect Life.

SHAMOKIN - Daniel Kevin Menapace, of 1217 N. Pearl St., will major in surgical technology at Luzerne County Community College.

Daniel is a son of Ronald and Patricia Menapace, and grandson of Ann Latsha.

He is a member of Mother Cabrini Church where he helps at parish picnics and also helped with Manna for the Many.

His activities at Lourdes include SADD, student council treasurer, Boys Service club, sophomore class president and Respect Life.

Kutztown University

DORNSIFE - Wyatt Kenneth Hoffman, of 1419 Cherrytown Rd., will attend Kutztown University majoring in business or accounting.

Wyatt is a son of Kenneth and Diane Hoffman, and grandson of Eleanor Kunz and the late Gerald Kitz, and the late Charlotte and Woodrow Hoffman.

He is a member of St. Monica Church where he attended chicken BBQs and cleaned the church.

His activities at Lourdes included football, soccer, Student Council secretary, senior and junior class secretary, SADD, Respect Life and Boys Service Club.

He was a volunteer at Down's Society and Manna for the Many.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Cody Rothermel, of 1137 W. Willow St., is a son of Donna and Donald Rothermel, and the grandson of Henrietta Przekop and Charles Rothermel.

He is a member of St. Patrick Church.

His activities at Lourdes include SADD, Boys Service Club and Respect Life.

He often helped at the Manna for the Many.

Pennsylvania College of Technology

COAL TOWNSHIP - Alexia Wheary is attending Pennsylvania College of Technology.

Alexia is a daughter of Denise Wheary and Tim Purcell, of Coal Township, and granddaughter of Dorothy and Lawrence Morata.

She is a member of Holy Angels Church where she was in the youth and adult choir.

Her activities at Lourdes include SADD, Girls Action League officer, class officer, Respect Life, soccer and basketball.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Gabriella Richelle Long, of 1636 W. Lynn St., will major in radiology at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

Gabriella is a daughter of Peter and Kelly Long, and granddaughter of Wayne and Donna Reed, Mike and Kathy Long, Joe and Cindy Carta, and great-granddaughter of Carol Meisberger, and the late Pete and Betty Brown.

She is a member of Our Lady of Hope Church.

Her activities at Lourdes include basketball, softball, soccer, SADD, Girls Action League, Respect Life, math and science clubs.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

MOUNT CARMEL - Kelsey Williams, of 314 S. Locust St., will attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she hopes to major in health and human services.

Kelsey is a daughter of Melissa and Jack Williams, and granddaughter of Jack and Marilyn Williams, and Charles and Rose Venna.

She is a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.

Her activities at Lourdes include SADD, Girls Action League officer, Respect Life, soccer and cheerleading captain.

George Mason

KULPMONT - Angelique Pennypacker, of 1324 Poplar St., will major in nursing at George Mason University.

Angelique is a daughter of Henry and Annette Pennypacker, and granddaughter of the late Glenn and Helen Pennypacker, and Joseph Scicchitano and the late Ann Scicchitano.

She is a member of Holy Angels Church where she attended parish picnics.

Her activities at Lourdes include science, math, robotics and art clubs, class vice president, volleyball, softball and basketball.

SHAMOKIN - White picket fence syndrome, that's partly what helped Stacy Huber keep secret her addiction to pain pills.

A wife, a mother, a nurse - that's who she was, but not all of who she was. She hid another part of herself away.

She was also a drug addict.

That would be the hardest part for people in her life to deal with, she says, that she had them fooled.

Not everyone was fooled. Not on Dec. 5, 2011. She'd written a prescription herself from a pad she had stolen from her boss. She'd forged 21 others just like it, feeding an addiction to oxycodone. Chasing a high had left her feeling like an end was near. It came with a pharmacist's suspicion. She'd been caught.

"I knew then that this was going to end badly," said Stacy, now 29, of Shamokin.

Two days later, Stacy checked herself into rehab for 28 days. After that, she turned herself over to the Mount Carmel police. She spent about four months in jail.

She's confronted her addiction each day since, leading her back, in a way, and, in another way, leading her far beyond where this story first started.

A wife, a mother, a graduate of Northumberland County's drug court, an aspiring drug rehabilitation counselor. Also, Stacy awakes today as a graduate of Gaudenzia's drug treatment program.

Addiction

The birth of Stacy's only son, Jax, in 2010 occurred with complications. She was given a prescription for pain medication. She'd struggled with addiction before. It didn't take long for her to become hooked again.

She was arrested six months after her son's birth on two felony counts related to forgery and possession, a precursor to the 12 felonies - 34 counts in all - that would be filed against her one year later.

That happened in 2011 after she stole a prescription pad from Newton Psychiatric Clinic, Mount Carmel. She'd written nearly two dozen prescriptions in her name and that of her husband, David, for whose involvement she takes the blame. They got 1,527 medications in a little over four months. She says she was taking a handful of pills as a time and up to 30 a day. No one was questioning her, no one really knew.

Guilt

Stacy struggled with guilt at rehab. She felt ashamed, felt that she had ruined her life.

She pulled the plug on her relationships, completely cut herself off from family and friends. She wouldn't accept letters or phone calls. Visits were off. She focused solely on recovery. The silence upset her family and she says now that it was selfish, but it's what she felt was best at the time.

After leaving rehab, she went to the Mount Carmel Police Department and turned herself in. Once in court, she pleaded guilty.

Having kick-started her recovery with the inpatient rehab, Stacy continued counseling inside Northumberland County Prison. That's where she met Julie Albright, an addictions counselor with Gaudenzia.

"I think Stacy's one of the exceptions to the rule. Most people don't have it together the way Stacy did and still manage to maintain an addiction," Julie said.

"She was very successful and very good at hiding her addiction. I'm sure when people found out she was arrested, people were like 'what?' She was able to live that double life for awhile."

In many ways, Stacy was just like Julie, a recovering alcoholic. When Julie was drinking, like Stacy, she had a husband and a family. She had gotten a promotion at her job, the whole nine yards. But it took her a long time to accept her reality. She believes it came more quickly for Stacy.

Stacy agrees. She was ready for change, welcomed it. Drugs were snuck into the jail, but she resisted. If she couldn't stay clean in there, why bother?

"Why should I even waste everybody's time at home? I'd be spitting in everybody's face," she said.

Getting out

Stacy's family stuck by her. Visitors came weekly, her son among them. Her father came, too. John J. "Taxi" Hutnick believed in her, wanted her out of jail. He lobbied for her to get enrolled in drug court.

Todd Owens, Mount Carmel police chief, had nominated her, put in a good word, and she was accepted.

"She was in a dark place in her life. She was a functioning addict. ... It wasn't like she was burglarizing houses at night or stealing from convenience stores," Owens said. "She admitted she needed help. That's the one thing we'd like to hear more often, but we don't."

John's influence couldn't have been ignored. He called probation officials so often that, when she left jail, they asked her to be sure and tell him he needn't call any longer.

Stacy counts her release from jail among her happiest days. Julie worried that the short window between release and her enrollment in Gaudenzia's intensive outpatient program would lead to a slip up. It didn't. She made it to counseling and continued those sessions, group and individual, several times a week.

Count intelligence among Stacy's character traits. She's stubborn, also. Julie picked up on that early. She laughs, saying she knew the counseling was working when Stacy started to argue a little less.

Sober mom

Parents of young children gush about Christmas, especially when their children reach a certain age. Stacy was in rehab when Jax first reached that age. She missed him tearing the wrapping paper from his presents for the first time. She'd miss his second birthday; the everyday milestones, too. It's a guilt she still deals with.

When she returned home after five months away, she not only had an addiction to control, she had a son to raise. For the first time, she was doing it sober. Jax clung to Stacy. She says simply dealing with his normal childhood behavior was frustrating.

"I wasn't a (sober) mom yet. I didn't even really know how to experience all these things without drugs," she said.

Her secret had long been revealed. Her crime made the news. People talk, of course, and she was open about it. But she was too embarrassed to pick Jax up from day care. Others filled in for months before she worked up the courage. She remembers how panicked she felt when she arrived. She was shaking. A day care worker hugged her, heard her out and eased her fears.

"It was really hard in the beginning because I felt like I had to prove myself, not just to him, but to everyone who was in contact with him," she said.

Coping

Stacy had picked up running as a hobby. She weighed 270 pounds when she left jail and vowed to get fit.

When Stacy is happy, she's running. When she's stressed, she's running. She's completed half-marathons, and belongs to a running group in Elysburg. She's dropped more than 100 pounds since she committed to exercise.

"It has become my way now to deal with life's problems," Stacy said.

The problem life dealt her in January was almost too much to bear.

Toward the end of her stint in jail, Stacy learned her father was terminally ill. He was suffering from end-stage COPD and emphysema. He lived to see her release and was there while she recovered. But on Jan. 4, more than two years into Stacy's sobriety, he passed away. Stacy isolated herself at her parent's house.

"I didn't know how I would ever live without my dad," she said.

Her behavior worried her, so she emailed Julie, told her where she was, what she was doing. Julie told her to put on her shoes and coat and go to a meeting. Stacy trusted the advice, and it helped.

No hiding

It's not clear yet to Stacy what impact her addiction has had on her son. When she was locked up, relatives told her little about Jax outside of small talk. He was OK, they said.

Between jail and rehab, she was gone about five months. Mentally, she was checked out even longer, she says, about 1 1/2 years.

Other challenges remain. Money is tight and she no longer has a career in nursing. She lost her driver's license, and as a felon, struggled to find work.

There may come a time when Jax asks about what his mom went through. Stacy prides herself on being honest. Addiction is a disease, and it can be passed on from parent to child. She doesn't want Jax thinking experimenting with drugs is acceptable. When he's ready, she'll tell him.

"I don't have anything to hide anymore," she said.

'It can work'

Stacy is a house manager at Gaudenzia's Fountain Springs location. She helps the clients in their daily routines: cleaning the house, feeding their children, disciplining their kids when they act out of line - all these things that can get away from someone struggling with addiction.

Relating to the clients' troubles comes naturally. It's been helpful, too, to experience addiction from a different perspective. She hopes to lead by example. Judging by some words she recently overheard at work, it's working.

Stacy was dressed for her graduation interview last month. A client mentioned her clothing to another and was told why she was dressed up. She made the connection that Stacy had already graduated from drug court. She saw that Stacy was taking the next step.

"'See, it can work,'" Stacy recalls the client having said.

"That was my only goal, to let one person see that it does work, and she said it," Stacy said, flashing a smile like the one she said she couldn't get rid of that day on the drive home from work.

Julie was immediately impressed by Stacy's openness. It's a rarity among addicts, something that should prove useful as Stacy works to become a counselor herself.

Julie thinks her former client will make a great counselor. It's an emotional job, it's difficult, but it's rewarding. She knows it first hand, and she expected to shed a tear at Saturday's graduation ceremony.

"You can see the passion in her. She wants people to have what she was given. She wants people to get back," Julie said. "When you see a success story, somebody like Stacy, it makes it worthwhile."

Thomas Jefferson University

PHILADELPHIA - Ashley Donn, a daughter of Barbara and the late Robert Donn Jr., has been named to the dean's list for the fall 2013 and spring 2014 semesters at Thomas Jefferson University with a 3.75 GPA. Donn is a nursing major and is involved with the Student Nurses Association of Pennsylvania and is vice president of the Global Nursing Club. She is also a member of the Philadelphia Medical Reserve Corps. Donn plans to further her education and obtain a Master of Science in nursing to become a nurse practitioner.