MOUNT CARMEL - In the summer of 1967, Paul Williard was introduced to organic chemistry, and he was "absolutely hooked."

That life-changing experience came when Williard participated in the National Science Foundation (NSF) Summer Science Training Program at Bucknell University. He began his senior year of high school with two goals: He wanted to attend Bucknell after graduation and he wanted to become an organic chemist.

Williard, who was valedictorian of Mount Carmel Area High School's Class of 1968, embarked on an exciting and fulfilling career as a researcher and educator. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees at Bucknell and a doctorate at Columbia University and, since 1979, he has been on the chemistry faculty at one of the most prestigious universities in the country - Brown University in Providence, R.I.

In addition to teaching undergraduate and graduate students and conducting scientific research, Williard, over the past four decades, has authored approximately 150 papers for peer-reviewed journals and has been a frequent speaker at international conferences. At 64, he has no intention of slowing down.

Next summer, he is headed to France for a fellowship as a Fulbright Scholar. While there, Williard will be based at the University of Rouen in the Normandy region. The Fulbright Program, which operates in 155 countries, is designed to increase mutual cooperation between the people of the U.S. and other nations. It is named for the late U.S. Sen. William J. Fulbright, who introduced legislation in 1946 to sponsor the program.

"I will work on a research project in collaboration with Profs. Jacques Maddaluno and Hassan Oulyadi to develop a rapid, simple and universally applicable method to determine the aggregation state, solvation state, formula weight and non-covalent interactions of organic, organometallic and nano materials," Williard explained. "These materials are basic building blocks of more sophisticated molecules that are used as pharmaceuticals and as catalysts for carbon dioxide mitigation and fuel production. The method proposed for development can also be used to study phamaceutical drug interactions with biological molecules in solution."

Comprenez-vous all that? Probably not. You'd need far more than a high school chemistry class to understand Williard's description of research. But although it seems at times like he's speaking another language, there is no mistaking his enthusiasm.

In addition to the life-changing opportunity provided by the NSF experience in 1967, Williard said he was privileged to be among the Mount Carmel Area graduates who were able to attend Bucknell through a scholarship bequeathed by late attorney Joseph Deppen. After earning his Ph.D. at Columbia, he was a postdoctoral research associate for the National Institute of Health at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He came to Brown in 1979 and has been a full professor since 1992. He also served a six-year stint there as chairman of the chemistry department.

Williard typically teaches a second-year organic chemistry class for upwards of 200 students, a freshman-only seminar on the historical development of x-ray diffraction analysis and graduate-level classes to Ph.D. students. He also supervises Ph.D. students; advanced students in his research lab have come from all over the world, including Japan, Estonia, Spain, China, Germany, India, the United Kingdom and India.

Willard's academic travel has taken him to Pakistan, Russia, Australia, Japan, Italy, Czechoslovakia, Sweden, Switzerland and China. "In my wildest dreams as a kid growing up in Mount Carmel, I never thought about traveling to places like these," he said.

Williard has fond memories of past sabbaticals in which he worked on projects of mutual interest with colleagues in Japan, Germany, China and Spain. "This could be my last sabbatical leave before I retire, and who in their right mind could turn down the opportunity to live and work in France about an hour from Paris for six months?"

The exact dates for the trip have not yet been determined, Williard said. The program must be completed between September of this year and August 2016.

While in France, Williard will visit several universities to reunite with colleagues he met at other scientific meetings. He will also spend time working with collaborators for the project who are based at the University of Paris VI, Pierre and Marie Curie University, the Sorbonne and the University of Paris Sud in Orsay.

Williard is particularly looking forward to visiting World War II-related sites in Normandy and conducting genealogical research; he traces paternal ancestors to the Alsace region of France.

Williard is a son of the late Ray and Vicci Williard. He met Faith Joan, his wife of 35 years, when he was a Ph.D. student at Columbia and she was a classical music student at Manhattan School of Music near there. His twin daughters graduated from Brown in 2011. Anne, a middle school teacher in a public school on Manhattan's Upper West Side, is pursuing a graduate degree in writing. Hope is in the third year of a fellowship Ph.D. program in medieval history in Leeds, England.

Since he has been on the faculty at Brown, Williard has kept track of any students from the Coal Region who enroll there. Gary Howanec was there in the 1970s, well before Williard's arrival, and while there he knew William Cole, who was a student in the early 1980s, and Marie Ripa.

Williard, who said he keeps in touch "from afar"with happenings in his hometown and, especially, his high school alma mater, is proud of what he described as his "small contribution" to Mount Carmel Area's undefeated cross country teams in 1965 and 1967. This athletic experience at MCA inspired him, he said, to compete in marathons in New York, Boston and Honolulu.

If there is one message Williard wants to convey to present-day high school students, it's that although athletics are important, "academics matter, too, as do all other enrichment activities." Williard said all the good things he experienced at Mount Carmel Area provided a solid foundation for his future success.

The annual EconomicsPennsylvania Stock Market Game Challenge for area high school and middle school students is now under way.

In the Stock Market Game, sponsored by Sunbury Motor Co. and The News-Item, students are given a virtual cash account of $100,000 and are encouraged to create the best-performing portfolio using a live trading simulation.

Participating schools are Shamokin Area, Mount Carmel Area, Line Mountain, North Schuylkill and Our Lady of Lourdes.

Students work together in teams, practicing leadership, organization, negotiation and cooperation as they compete for the top spot. In building a portfolio, students research and evaluate stocks and make investment decisions based on what they've learned. Teams trade common stocks and mutual funds from the NYSE and NASDAQ exchanges, earn interest on cash balances, pay interest if buying on margin and pay a commission on all trades. To determine why certain stocks perform the way they do or why the broader market has moved up or down, they need to understand how the economy works, and to calculate their returns, they need to do the math.

Since 1977, more than 14 million students have participated in the Stock Market Game program

Sunbury Motors, a true example of the spirit of entrepreneurship, began in 1915. Ten years later, J.O. Mertz began the Ford dealership in Sunbury. The KIA franchise and Sterling heavy trucks were added in 1998, and the Lincoln Mercury franchises were added in 2002. The most recent addition has been the Hyundai franchise in November 2007. Sunbury Motors Co. now has locations in Sunbury and Hummels Wharf.

EconomicsPennsylvania is a not-for-profit organization specializing in K-12 economic and financial literacy programs across the state. Its overall mission is to promote and encourage understanding of economic and financial concepts through education. Other EconomicsPennsylvania include Youth Entrepeneurship Day and the High School Business Plan Competition.

In each Sunday edition, for the 10 weeks of the competition, The News-Item will announce the top three teams from high school and middle school competition.

Listed are total equity, the school's name, and adviser:

High school

- $102,547, Mount Carmel Area, Robert Scicchitano.

- $101,299, Shamokin Area, David Kopitsky.

- $101,198, Line Mountain, Karrie Bowman.

Middle school

-$99,995, Mount Carmel Area, Aaron Domanski.

- $99,961, Line Mountain, Karrie Bowman.

- $99,628, Shamokin Area, Stephen Keller.

Alicia Mercuri and Cameron Gettel took a sip of wine. A sweet white from the Finger Lakes, New York.

Behind them, Stephanie Premich, co-owner of Mud & Maker, Pottsville, prepared for the upcoming pottery class. She was gathering molds and designs the class could use to decorate their projects.

This was the first pottery class for Mercuri and Gettel but they had a plan. The couple, who are preparing to get married in the spring, wanted to make a chip and dip bowl. An early start to their newlywed dish collection.

"It's fun to branch out and do new things we have never done before. That's why I like it," Gettel, Hershey, said.

The couple were two of 16 people at Wheel and Wine on Feb. 13 at the city art studio, 6 S. Centre St. According to the Mud & Maker website, www.mudandmaker.com, "participants are welcome to BYOB (bring your own beer) while you learn how to make your very own pottery."

"I'm all about supporting our local businesses, so this is really exciting for us," Mercuri said.

Premich said the studio hosts two public Wheel and Wine classes a month and private sessions upon request. She said they average three or four private classes a month, ranging from bachelorette parties to office team building exercises.

Classes cost $25, which includes materials, instruction and two sessions - the night of the event where participants make their projects and a follow-up to glaze the pottery after it is cooked. Registration is available on the studio's website.

Premich said the public classes, which seat between 14 and 16 people, usually sell out. Two classes in February sold out and the first class this month, scheduled for March 14, only has four seats remaining, according to the website.

The Wheel and Wine classes are part of an increasingly popular trend of events that mix drinking and art.

Premich said she brought such classes to Schuylkill County about four years ago. She held the classes at Oak Hill Inn, Orwigsburg, before she opened Mud & Maker.

"I started doing the Wheel and Wines just to do something that was a little bit more of an adult feel to it. Something that was a little bit more exclusive for adults to come do that they could come to a class and unwind and have a nice date night," she said.

The classes are open to people age 21 and older, and they are only allowed to bring wine or beer.

"Most people understand that it is supposed to be casual," Premich said.

However, she added that alcohol is not required as people have opted to bring bottled water or coffee instead.

Over the four years of holding these classes, Premich said she has never had an issue with people drinking too much or acting uncontrollably.

"Most people behave. It's never an issue of that natural," she said.

On Feb. 13, Wayne Lutsey and his wife, Carol, were making bowls for their grandchildren. It was also their first time at a Wheel and Wine event.

"We are being patriotic so we brought some Yuengling, and some wine," Wayne said.

The Lutskys were attending the class with two other couples. Wayne said they were celebrating Valentine's Day, joking the men were "taking one for the team."

Premich said the classes usually have a good gender mix, also joking that it's "a lot of women and lots of good husbands."

But she said men not only have a good time, they make great art.

"There definitely are guys who are very, very creative that come. They have awesome projects because they come and they are ready to go," Premich said.

Premich said people from out of the region, such as Scranton, Philadelphia and New Jersey, have participated in Wheel and Wine classes. She said some participants have built a weekend trip to the county around the class, staying with family or friends.

"People love to be creative and I think the popularity of Pinterest is a pretty big part of that," Premich said, referring to the collection and storage website. "Everyone wants to be crafty but they need someone to show them how to do it. When you go to one, you are hiring a professional that knows what they are doing to teach you how to do a project."

She believes the classes also draw a crowd because the projects can be used in everyday life, such as bowls, plates and mugs.

"That's why I think the Wheel and Wines are really popular because there is a functuality to it, too," Premich said, adding projects have the potential to be food, microwave and dishwasher safe.

As for whether she thinks there is a connection between art and alcohol, Premich said it might help people come out their shells.

"As far as the general public kind of tipping their toes into a project, it certainly loosens them up a little bit," she said.

MOUNT CARMEL - A open house today will kick off a month of fundraising for an animal rescue organization while helping to educate the public.

Willow Creek Plaza, located at 601 E. Fifth St., Mount Carmel, will host the open house from 1 to 3 p.m. today . The event will showcase the plaza and the classes available there and also the organizations they will be helping this month.

During March, the group will have yoga classes, a paint and party event and crafty kids lessons. A portion of all proceeds from the classes will be donated to Mommy and Me Rescue animal organization in Shamokin.

Co-owners Lura Wasilewski-Good and Eileen Frank selected this month's cause because of it being very close to their heart. Between the two owners, they have eight rescue animals.

"We hope that through this open house, we can educate the public about the classes that we offer here, and inform everyone about this organization," Good said.

In addition, Mark Sassani, who hosts "paint and party" events at Willow Creek every Wednesday for children and special parties for adults, created a special pen and ink painting of a bison that will be chanced off with proceeds going to Mommy and Me. Chances are available at Willow Creek Plaza for $1 each.

Mommy and Me Rescue is a no-kill rescue and foster home network servicing the Central Pennsylvania area. The group is dedicated to rescuing dogs in need of homes, no matter the reason.

A collection barrel will also be set up for items to be used by Mommy and Me. Supplies needed include Purina Puppy and Dog Chow brands, paper towels, Clorox Cleanup Spray, dishwashing liquid, pet towels, latex gloves, Lysol spray, waterless dog shampoo, dog chew toys, six-foot nylon dog leads and dog beds.

For more information on the programs available at Willow Creek Plaza, call Lura at 570-274-6169, Eileen at 570-205-9539, through their Facebook page or by email at willowcreekplaza@yahoo.com.

Red Cross partners with company

LEWISBURG - The American Red Cross will partner with Middleswarth Potato Chips for a fundraising program to support the organization's efforts in Central Pennsylvania.

The Red Cross logo will be displayed on 40,000 Middleswarth Potato Chips weekender bags from March 1 to 8, benefiting the American Red Cross serving Central Pennsylvania. A total of $10,000 or $0.25 per each bag sold will support American Red Cross programs.

"On behalf of Middleswarth Potato Chips, we are pleased and honored to help support the efforts of the American Red Cross. We hope this donation aids in supporting any future endeavors," said Audrey Goff on behalf of Ira Middleswarth and Son, Inc. "We would also like to personally thank Labels by Pulizzi Inc. in Williamsport for donating the 40,000 stickers for us to use on our Weekender bags. Their contribution of the American Red Cross stickers helped make this donation possible.

Patrons are invited to "like" Middleswarth's Facebook page and post a picture eating Middleswarth Potato Chips and be entered to win a Red Cross prize.

Candidate files petitions

SUNBURY - The following candidate has filed nomination petitions with the Northumberland County Board of Elections:

- George Malakoski, Democrat, Kulpmont Borough Council.

The deadline for candidates to circulate and file nomination petitions is March 10.

SUNBURY - Northumberland County Children and Youth Services is dealing with many challenges caused by 23 new laws that have gone into effect this year to improve child abuse prevention and detection.

"It's been overwhelming and very time-consuming for our staff, especially the intake department," Children and Youth Administrator Jenifer Willard-Miller said Friday. "In February, referrals for child protective services and general protective services increased from 99 to 151 (52 percent) compared to last February. Everyone in our office has been very busy since the new laws went into effect.

"This has been the most profound change to our system," added Miller, who has worked for Children and Youth since 1992, and has served as administrator for three years.

Northumberland County District Attorney Ann Targonski, whose office also must adjust to the new laws, said the intent is to uncover more cases of child abuse that were previously not being reported or didn't meet the previous definition of abuse.

"Although it will mean more work and time for our office and other agencies, the laws have been expanded with the hope of keeping our children safer," she said.

More must report

Miller said there are six or seven different computer systems throughout the state's 67 counties that feed into one statewide system known as CWIS (Child Welfare Information Solution).

In addition to numerous applications to state agencies by people working with children who are seeking required criminal history and child abuse clearances, Miller said more individuals are now legally required to report cases of suspected child abuse or neglect, and there is a need to train potential reporters about the new laws.

"The majority of our agency staff (approximately 75 workers), which includes myself, 37 caseworkers and multiple directors and supervisors, require these clearances, but now they are only good for 36 months," Miller noted.

She also said teachers, coaches, police and other law enforcement personnel must comply with the stricter regulations.

Miller would like to have more staff to efficiently deal with the new regulations, but she realizes that's not going to happen in the near future. She said she's still waiting to have three vacant positions filled.

Rising numbers

She said the number of child abuse cases has risen over the years in Northumberland County, which she attributed primarily to poverty and overall poor economic conditions.

In 2014, Miller said her agency handled 281 child protective services referrals that resulted in 25 indicated cases of abuse, including three for physical abuse, 21 for sexual abuse and one for physical neglect.

Last year, Targonski said her office received 167 child abuse referrals. She said 28 cases were prosecuted for physical abuse. Additional cases involving juvenile offenders and sexual abuse crimes also were prosecuted, but those statistics weren't available.

Among the new laws is a separate statute for false reports involving child abuse that is a misdemeanor of the second degree that carries a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment and $5,000 fine.

Coming forward

Targonski said child abuse cases have increased over the years because more referrals are being made to Children and Youth Services and other agencies.

"People are more willing today to report child abuse," the veteran prosecutor said. "In times past, such situations were handled within the families themselves, but in more recent years, people have come forward to protect the children because they recognize the seriousness and long-lasting effects on the victims."

When a child abuse referral is made to a screener or intake worker at Children and Youth, that person collects all the information about the allegations before forwarding it to a supervisor. Depending on the nature of the referral, the response time on the call can range from immediate to 10 days.

Referrals can be made to the agency at the Human Services complex in Sunbury from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday by calling 570-988-4237. On-call staff is available during non-business hours at 1-855-313-4387. Referrals also can be made through the 24-hour, 7-day per week ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313.

Although the new laws mean a heavier workload for Miller and her staff, she's hoping people will become more educated on reporting child abuse and take advantage of the help that is available to them.

For the first time, requests for clearances and child abuse referrals can be made electronically. To make referrals, mandatory reporters can use www.reportabusepa.pitt.edu. Miller encouraged mandatory reporters - individuals who through their employment or occupation come into contact with children and have reasonable cause to suspect abuse - to include as much information as possible when making referrals.

Sandusky connection

The new laws were recommended by the Pennsylvania Task Force on Child Abuse Prevention following the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse scandal in 2011. Sandusky, a former longtime assistant football coach at Penn State, was sentenced to 30 to 60 years in prison after being convicted of 45 counts of sex abuse in June 2012.

Among the major changes are the state's definition of child abuse and who are considered mandatory reporters and alleged perpetrators of abuse.

Bodily abuse was previously defined as "severe pain" and "serious impairment." But now, it's legally defined as causing "substantial pain." The lower threshold for abuse has brought more cases to Children and Youth, Miller said.

Anyone who comes into contact with a child or is directly responsible for their care and supervision is considered a mandatory reporter. Those who file a case of suspected child abuse in good faith are now protected by law from employment discrimination.

Previously, teachers and anyone employed in a school setting were not considered perpetrators of abuse. Any allegations had to go through an internal review at the school and then the case would be referred to law enforcement. Criminal charges would then lead to the involvement of Children and Youth.

But that whole protocol has been eliminated, Miller said.

As a mandatory reporter, any suspicions of abuse must be reported to the state within 48 hours. Failure to report suspected child abuse now carries harsher penalties. A first offense is a third-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison.

Child abuse can also be the result of a caretaker's failure to act, and now includes things like preventing a sibling from injuring a child.

The definition was broadened to include "intentionally, knowingly or recklessly" failing to prevent injury.

The definition of an alleged perpetrator also was expanded to include anyone responsible for the welfare of a child. Prior to the new regulations, some people who did not live with the child could be prosecuted for assault, but were not placed on the state's child abuse registry.

All mandatory reporters are required to have three hours of state-approved training and continuing education on detecting child abuse and reporting procedures.

As of earlier this month, the state Department of Human Services (DHS) had received 57,000 requests for child abuse clearances since Dec. 31, of which 30,000 were done electronically. Hitches have been reported with individuals setting up user accounts to access the system, but improvements are expected as the year progresses.

More information about child abuse procedures can be found at KeepKidsSafe.pa.gov.

I can't believe I'm writing this column. If my parents were still around, I can only imagine their reactions. My father would make a serious effort to look stern, but a grin would be itching to come out. My mother, on the other hand, would be highly and quite visibly mortified and humiliated.

I grew up in a first generation German-Austrian household where certain topics were never mentioned. Anything, in any shape, form or the slightest insinuation, to do with sex was absolutely, unequivocally verboten. The story was that babies were brought by storks. Those storks were very busy at my friend Maureen's house as new babies arrived almost every year. When I asked my mother why the stork visited Maureen's house so frequently and not ours, I was told, "They're Irish." No further explanation was forthcoming, and I knew not to ask any more questions.

Sex fascinates and sells. Billions of dollars are spent annually on pornography. What is rather curious is that the consumers of pornography are usually men, but that seems to have somewhat changed with the trilogy "Shades of Grey" which is on The New York Times best seller list, and still going strong. Now there is the movie.

What is most surprising is how openly women are discussing their opinions about these books. Given all the existing books on pornography, why have these particular books caught fire? Traditionally, women are not turned on by pornography, so what is it about these books that have made them best sellers with women?

The books are not even good literature. The heroine, who is comically naïve, calls her lover "hot" on practically every page. I have questioned female readers of all ages as to what there is about these books that they really like. They all like the soap opera characters, and easily identify with the leading lady, Anastasia. She is smart, kind and somewhat insecure, a good girl with a bad girl just waiting to emerge.

She finds herself immersed in an exaggerated soap opera with all the romance, treachery and lechery. Throw in the beautiful designer clothes, limos, private jets, yachts, mansions and lots of passion. Oh yes, there is the Red Room of pain which is a chapter from the writings of the Marquis du Sade. Our heroine becomes deeply involved with the dark, very dark, character of the drop dead gorgeous Christian Grey. Now why would all these intelligent women want to read this smut? Because, my friends, it is an escape. An escape from the often humdrum mundane tasks of everyday life. It is the stuff of soap operas and romance novels on speed.

We joke about these twisted tales but, in reality, there exists a dark side in the world of pornography. There are those who become addicted to pornography, and this addiction often blurs fantasy with reality, crossing into abusive depictions of women and children.

Women are reading these books to escape into a world of romance and thrills. There exists, and always has, an old boys club where males hang out, tell bad jokes and share a camaraderie. Females have friendships, but not in the same way as males do. Reading and laughing about "50 Shades" provides a female bond, something akin to the one that guys have in the locker room.

(Dr. Donna Pinter is the founder and director of Psychological Services, of Bloomsburg, Danville and Sunbury. "Slice of Life" appears on this page the first Sunday of every month.)

Marriage licenses

Edward F. Ososkie to Dana M. Rutkowski, both of 1735 Trevorton Road, Coal Township. Issued Feb. 26.

Scott L. Michael Jr. to Cassandra Marie Yocum, both of 2650 State Route 225, Herndon. Issued Feb. 26.

Michael Houston to Peggy Sue Zerbe, both of 446 Melrose St., Marion Heights. Issued Feb. 26.

Eric Quintero to Tristia R. Bowers, both of 106 N. Maple St., Mount Carmel. Issued Feb. 26.

W. Patrick Dunn O'Neill, of 931 W. Chestnut St., Coal Township, to Mary Alice Wilson, of 15 Aspen St., Elysburg. To be issued March 2.

Divorces

Mathlene L. Campbell from Dennis J. Campbell, both of 500 W. State St., Shamokin. Married June 9, 2006.

Gary V. Hynoski Jr. from Hollie A. Hynoski, both of 706 Bear Valley Ave., Shamokin. Married Aug. 20, 2004.

Jose Miguel Tejada, 601 Bear Valley Ave., Apt. 2, Shamokin, from Leslie Pichardo, Villas Las Confluencia, Apt. 201C, Dominican Republic. Married April 23, 2001.

Diane C. Collier, no address listed, from Joseph C. Collier, 253 Collier Road, Shamokin. Married June 17, 1989.

Patrice A. Debach, 25 Cameron Drive, Elysburg, from Wayne J. Debach, 501 S. Market St., Shamokin. Married July 20, 1998.

Tana L. Gottshall, 466 S. Main St., Herndon, from Jackie L. Gottshall Jr., 1026 Line Mountain Road, Dornsife. Married May 6, 2000.

George C. Heiser, 124 W. North St., Marion Heights, from Crystal Heiser, 820 Scott St., Kulpmont. Married July 17, 1993.

Connie Martz from Curtis Martz Sr., both of 121 Wise Lane, Herndon. Married June 28, 1986.

Shannon A. Siko, 1000 W. Water St., Coal Township, from Raymond J. Siko II, 515 Webster St., Ranshaw. Married Oct. 17, 1992.

Property transfers

William J. Eisele aka William J. Eisele Jr. estate and Margaret Anne Polinski aka Margaret Anne Eisele (executrix) to David B. Rudon and Sandra M. Rudon, property in Zerbe Township, $69,000.

Stanley C. Kessler (by agent) and Lynn R. Kessler (agent) to James E. Michaels, property in Lower Mahanoy Township, $110,000.

John L. Dunkelberger to Stone Financing LLC, property in Ralpho Township, $143,500.

Kevin Mekosh to Gun Two LLC, property in Mount Carmel, $105,000.

Betty L. Latsha estate and Jo Anne Bosler (executrix) to Cherie Greer, property in East Cameron Township, $2,160.

Betty L. Latsha estate and Jo Anne Bosler (exectrix) to Paul Latsha, property in East Cameron Township, $28,080.

Emerson A. Reitz (by agent), June E. Reitz (by agent) and Roger A. Reitz (agent) to Gregory A. Reich, property in Upper Augusta Township, $129,000.

Walter N. Herman and Geraldine M. Herman to Emerson A. Reitz and June E. Reitz, property in Upper Augusta Township, $250.

Emerson A. Reitz (by agent), June E. Reitz (by agent) and Roger A. Reitz (agent) to Gregory A. Reich, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

Michael L. Engle and Jordana A. Engle to Richard C. Bowling Jr. and Tara M. Bowling, property in Coal Township, $69,800.

Badal Roy to Robert T. Neidig Jr., property in Shamokin, $5,000.

Megan Homer to Stacey Traver, property in Shamokin, $34,000.

Mary T. Melichercik to Megan Homer, property in Mount Carmel Township, $22,500.

Stephen D. Hoffman and Dorothea Joy Hoffman to Barry E. Hoffman, Daniel D. Homman, Jonathan J. Hoffman, Joel N. Hoffman and Mark A. Hoffman, property in Rockefeller Township, $1.

Jonathan J. Hoffman to Barry E. Hoffman, Daniel D. Hoffman, Joel N. Hoffman and Mark A. Hoffman, property in Rockefeller Township, $1.

Dennis A. Kodack Jr. to Leann Belle Barcavage, property in Shamokin, $8,500.

Joseph C. Michetti Jr. and Ruby M. Michetti to Angelina M. Michetti and Marc C. Scott, property in Lower Mahanoy Township, $1.

Jeremiah R. Long (administrator) and James R. Long estate to Jeremian R. Long, property in Jackson Township, $1.

Connie S. Getz and William D. Getz Jr. to William D. Getz Jr. and Connie S. Getz, property in Lower Augusta Township, $1.

Terry L. Lahr and Jane L. Lahr to David W. Stoltzfus and Naomi L. Stoltzfus, property in Lower Mahanoy Township, $375,000.

Brian E. Delong, Heather L. Renn and Heather L. Delong to Dennis C. Brown, property in Lower Augusta Township, $65,000.

R. Warren Brubaker and Patricia A. Brubaker to Donald Brubaker (trustee), Amy Stuck (trustee), and the Reuben Warren and Patricia Ann Brubaker Family Protection Trust, property in Rockefeller Township, $1.

Jean Belskie to Louise Belskie, property in Coal Township, $1.

Kathy L. Slodysko (individually and executrix), Kathy L, Leonovich (individually and executrix) and George I. Leonovich estate to Kathy L. Leonovich, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Maralyn L. Campbell to Randy L. Campbell Sr., property in Kulpmont, $1.

House Flex LLC to Brian R. Bucher and Ashley Gregis, property in Mount Carmel Township, $10,000.

Therese H. Kleinschmidt to Margaret T. Kleinschmidt, property in Shamokin, $1.

JR&R LLC to Eric J. Blackwell and Michelle Blackwell, property in Shamokin Township, $1.

Shoop and Burd Company to William E. Rosini, property in Shamokin, $18,000.

James A. Perkins, Lois L. Perkins, Ronald L. Perkins to Ronald J. Perkins, property in Lower Mahanoy Township, $1.

Treina L. Mariano, Thomas Albert and Barbara A. Albert to Treina L. Mariano, property in Coal Township, $1.

Bridget A. Grybos estate and Patrick E. Grybos (executor) to Roger D. Bass Sr., property in Mount Carmel, $33,500.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Despite a sluggish economy and sliding kettle collections nationwide, the local Salvation Army Advisory Board heard an upbeat report on Christmas activity during its February meeting held at the Salvation Army headquarters, 1300 W. Spruce St.

Maj. Tina Streck, commanding officer, reported kettle collections were up approximately $1,000 this year over last year's total despite the dismal economy. She said a cadet spent two weeks at the area headquarters as a training exercise and helped with the collections.

Judy Orner, social services director for the army, reported 426 families were assisted with Christmas food baskets, which included 486 food orders. Recipients received a chicken, ham or turkey with all the trimmings for a complete holiday meal.

Orner said although there were fewer families applying for assistance this past Christmas, it seemed there were many larger families. There were 22 single men assisted and 38 single women.

There were 1,124 toys distributed and 587 clothing items, some of which were brand new. Eleven clothing vouchers were also distributed. During December, there were also 588 interviews and 43 referrals.

Orner said there were numerous calls for financial assistance with heating oil purchases, but said funding is "very limited." She said those seeking help must have purchased at least one oil delivery prior to the request. Orner said the army must know at least the families are trying to help themselves.

Orner noted that Bloom Heating of Tharptown has worked closely with the organization in fulfilling the oil requests.

The social services director said she is also working with the Pennsylvania Food Bank and is able to order more food for less money.

Streck extended her appreciation to all the individuals, clubs, groups and school organizations that helped make the kettle collections such a success. Ned Sodrick, board member, helped organize the kettle drive in the Ralpho area. Streck also thanked the businesses that allowed the kettles at their locations.

John "Skip" Rabuck, advisory board member, said thanks also go out to businesses that allow the kettles to be placed at their establishments year-round.

Henry Linton, board president, said there is a dire need for additional volunteers to man the kettles. He said board members will discuss methods of attracting more bell ringers during the summer and fall months. He asked board members to come up with ideas for the March board meeting.

Streck said an audit of funds was completed recently and the local army received a good report.

Army expenses were discussed at length and a finance committee will be reactivated in the near future.

Linton said board member Jack Murdock is heading a group of directors who will work on corporate donations, through contacts with out-of-the area companies.

Bill Bowers, manager of the Salvation Army Thrift Store on Independence Street in downtown Shamokin, attended the meeting and was congratulated by boards members and administrators on the store's 10th anniversary.

"For a business to last 10 years in this region is quite an accomplishment," Bowers remarked. He said a number of improvements are being made in the store to keep it updated and more pleasing for shoppers.

Bowers said there is a big need in the community for the thrift store. He said more and more people from outlying communities are shopping at the Shamokin store for various reasons, such as lower prices, better displays and the large variety of clothing and other items.

Linton said shoppers realize that money made at the thrift store stays in Shamokin and surrounding area.

Bowers said cadets from Northwestern Academy are scheduled to begin assisting at the store on certain dates. He said the young men would learn to tag clothing and assist with various chores, while acquiring social skills.

While discussing future fundraising projects, Ron "Buddy" Knoebel reported on the success of the first duck drop held at the water log flume at Knoebels Amusement Resort and said hopes are to have this summer's event even bigger and better.

Board members commended Knoebel on his efforts and said the first event was well received by the participants and those in attendance.

The next board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at the army headquarters.

Attending the meeting in addition to Streck, Orner, Linton, Rabuck, Knoebel and Bowers, were Bill Richie, Janice Kotwica, Harry Deitz and Paul Metrocavage.

The following landlord/tenant claims or judgments were filed in magisterial district court:

John Gembic III, Shamokin

Shamokin Housing Authority against Albert Small, of Shamokin, for $130, filed Feb. 24. Hearing is scheduled for March 5.

R. Jay Geiger, of Allentown, awarded $268.25 Feb. 26 in rent and court costs from Joseph Bryson, of Shamokin.

JNJ Investment Properties LLC, of Allentown, and remitter Bressi and Martin Real Estate, of Shamokin, awarded $2,659.75 Feb. 26 in rent, property damage, and court costs from Justin and Leah Herman, of Shamokin.

Judgement awarded to defendant Marie Bortz, of Shamokin, Feb. 23 in her case filed by Julia Giovannetti, of Harrisburg.

Hugh A. Jones, Mount Carmel

Billy W. Clark Jr., of Shamokin Dam, against David Boone, of Mount Carmel, for $1,550, filed Feb. 23. Hearing is scheduled for March 5.

Janet J. Schoppy, of Danville, against Patricia Inacio and Alex Armstrong, of Shamokin, for $1,174, filed Feb. 23. Hearing is scheduled for March 5.

SHAMOKIN - Growing up in the rough-and-tumble Fifth Ward in the 1950s and early '60s, Andy Moyer learned early on how to defend himself. However, it was a black-and-white television show about karate masters that sparked his interest in karate and eventually led him to devoting the past 45 years to the study and teaching of martial arts.

"I recall being interested in karate while in grade and high schools," he said. "I would order courses and books by mail and try to train myself. My father, Andrew J. Moyer, looked for a karate school in our area, but only a judo school was around. You have to realize that this was around 1955 to 1964 and no real karate school was in our area. A show on TV showed karate masters performing and this got my attention."

Once karate got Moyer's attention, it kept it. As a result of decades' worth of daily training, he himself could be classified as a master of Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do. Sensei (Japanese for teacher) Moyer was promoted several years ago to nanadan (7th-degree black belt) and to teacher's rank of kyoshi (a teacher of samurai) by his own sensei H. Tadao Imoto, a 9th-degree black belt with teacher's rank of hanshi (one who sets the example for samurai).

Both men earned their advanced ranks by developing their knowledge of martial arts, attitude and extensive training in karate-do. They also had to exercise patience and self-discipline in physical and mental efforts as they developed the trinity of martial arts - body, mind and spirit.

Trained with the best

Moyer started his lifelong journey formally in 1970 when he began training in a non-traditional style. "After four years or more, I searched for a real traditional style and chose Goju-Ryu Karate-Do, the original style of karate," he explained.

"I was lucky to have trained with some of the best Goju-Ryu masters in the world, and attended clinics by them as well as other masters."

He and Sensei Imoto both trained under Master Chuck Merriman of Karate International, and later with Master Frank Van Lenten in Master Masanobu Shinjo in Okinawa Goju-Ryu Shobukan. They have trained with masters who link back to the founder of Goju-Ryu Master Chojun Miyagi.

In addition, Moyer competed in AAU karate events and was an alternate for an AAU team. He was also a certified judge for the center and all other positions in AAU events.

Daily training

Moyer opened his school or dojo in Shamokin in 1974. It has been its present location on the second floor of 40 N. Market St. for about 30 years.

The skills and proficiency Moyer has attained do not come automatically. "No one person is perfect and only by training daily for years do you really become able to understand the style, precepts of Master Miyagi and how to apply them," he said. "That is why you get promoted to the level I am.

"I train every day for no less than 1.5 to 2 hours and many more hours as time permits. Every morning, key katas (the forms that are the essence of karate) are performed and specific physical training to start the day take about 30 to 45 minutes depending on my chosen area of training.

"I train two to four times a day. The key to Goju-Ryu is daily train body, mind and spirit."

Moyer is only talking about karate training. Okinawan weapons such as a bo (6-foot staff), sais (pointed metal batons with two curved prongs) and nunchakus (two sticks connected by short chain or rope) are not karate, so are practiced separately.

Used in self-defense?

One question comes to mind when you talk with someone who has achieved so much in martial arts: Have you ever had to use martial arts to defense yourself?

"It is hard to explain this to someone who does not fully understand martial arts," Moyer explained. "In karate, as in every kata, the first movement is passive, defensive and trying to avoid. So, I use my karate every day for mental applications.

"However, to explain one physical use that happened in Shamokin was when someone almost hit my car by driving recklessly. He stopped on a back street, got out and tried to overpower me. By using his force against him, he had trouble making use of his power.

"On the second pass, I pulled on his nose and rubbed his eye! On the next pass, he looked, stopped and got in the car and left when he realized he could have gotten a broken nose and lost an eye at the same time."

When asked what he enjoys most about karate, Moyer replied, "You get to know yourself more and get to understand how to deal with the world around you. In addition, you can train in karate your whole life and try to get better and each day you see things you never saw when you started.

"In Goju-Ryu there are three phases - hard, soft and hard-soft - and it takes years to harmonize these phases. The mixed martial arts individuals probably never get out of the hard phase, from a karate master's view, since they miss a lot of training they think is useless."

Powerful gentleness

Moyer passes along what he has learned to his students. "You must understand your students," he said. "All students are not the same. Each student has different mental and physical limitations which you must consider. Not every person can teach, as we are learning from our schools. It is rewarding to see students of all levels learn the martial arts I am instructing, from the fundamentals to advanced parts of karate, progress and become able to meet the requirements of the world around them."

Testimony to Moyer's teaching is that he has two students who have each trained with him 33 years, two others with more than 20 years and another with 15-plus.

"Goju-Ryu is interpreted as 'hard-soft' style or 'powerful-gentleness.' A person should always know when to be hard and when to be soft or be able to endure in the universe. The philosophy can be summed up by saying, 'Be as hard as the world makes you be and as soft as it will let you be.'"

The karate masters that caught the imagination and interest of young Andy Moyer nearly 60 years ago are long gone. However, karate is alive and well in the Shamokin-Mount Carmel area thanks to Sensei Andy Moyer.

ARISTES - The score ended up "coyotes 49, hunters 1."

While 50 hunters signed up for the Aristes Fire Company's first coyote hunt fundraiser, only one hunter was able to shoot a wild coyote, winning the first prize money for the hunt.

Daniel O'Donnell, a firefighter and the owner of Daniel's Taxidermy reported at $20 per hunter, it was good turnout for the first year for the event.

"We wanted to try something new as a fundraiser," O'Donnell said. "Times are tough right now, but we drew in hunters from around the state to be a part of the hunt."

The coyote hunt was perfect since there is no closed season for the animals, which are listed as the state's fourth most-prevalent predator, behind the cougar, wolf and black bear, according to a 2013 study.

"As long as you have a license for any hunting season, you can hunt coyotes," O'Donnell said.

The hunt began at midnight Saturday and ran until noon Sunday, giving hunters 36 hours to bag their animals. Coyotes can be killed in any part of the state, as long as they were brought back to the fire house by the weigh-in cutoff time of 4 p.m.

Steve Houser, of Beaver Township, Columbia County, was the first hunter to show up in Aristes with a coyote, a 29.5-pound animal.

"I was hunting in the woods behind my house, finding a blind that was close to a coyote den," Houser said.

Houser said there were two coyotes in the den he watched. He ended up bagging the smaller one, a female.

As time ticked by, the prospects for anyone to beat or even match Houser's haul grew slimmer.

One hunter who came into the fire house believed the weekend's cold temperatures and Sunday snow had a lot to do with the lack of success.

"They are just not out there," the hunter said. "They must be huddled into their dens for now because of the weather."

With no other successful entrants, Houser was named the winner of the first Aristes Fire Company Coyote Hunt and awarded approximately $300 in prize money. He may also have the animal professionally stuffed and mounted by O'Donnell.

The event raised about $600 for the fire company.

"Overall, I would say it was a success in that we helped the fire company," O'Donnell said. "It's a great launching pad when we do the event next year."

SHAMOKIN DAM - Merit Dental in Shamokin Dam provided nearly $1,500 in free dental care to children Feb. 6 as part of the annual Give Kids a Smile Day sponsored by the American Dental Association (ADA).

Dr. John Lazur and his team at Merit Dental were happy to donate their time to this important cause.

"Our team members are giving of their time for Give Kids a Smile because they are committed to providing dental care access to all children in the community we serve," said Lazur. "It is extremely rewarding to put a happy, healthy smile on a child who may not otherwise have that opportunity."

Give Kids a Smile is the centerpiece of February's National Children's Dental Health Month, when the dental health community focuses on children whose families may not have direct access to regular dental care. Merit Dental worked closely with local public health agencies, area schools, Head Start programs, nonprofit agencies, and youth and community organizations to identify children in need.

Snow emergency declared

KULPMONT - Mayor Bernard P. Novakoski announced a snow emergency will be in effect in the borough beginning at 9 a.m. today.

Parking is prohibited along Chestnut Street until the snow stops and is plowed back to the curb by PennDOT. Violators will have their vehicles ticketed or towed at the owner's expense.

Lifetree to discuss societal divisions

SHAMOKIN - How to overcome economic, racial and other divisions will be considered at 7 p.m. Thursday at Lifetree Café at Antioch Place, 531 N. Market St.

The program, titled "Coming Together: Finding Common Ground When it Seems Impossible," features a screening of the lighthearted, award-winning South African short film "Kanyekanye." The film follows the romance of a young man and woman who live in an imaginary town divided by a disagreement about what color apple is best.

Participants will consider what issues divide their own families and community and explore practical ways to overcome these divisions.

Admission to the 60-minute event is free. Snacks and beverages are available. For more information, contact Kathy Vetovich at 570-672-9346 or kvetovich@gmail.com.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Samuel Schiccatano, of Coal Township, has announced his candidacy for Northumberland County commissioner.

Schiccatano, a Republican, graduated from Shamokin Area High School in 1972 and Lycoming College in 1976 with a degree in sociology and elementary education. He was a member of the Lycoming College Warrior football team for four years.

Schiccatano received a master's equivalency certificate from the Pennsylvania Department of Education in 2005. He is a lifelong resident of Northumberland County and has worked in many different areas of the county where I have met many of the diverse people that make up our region.

Schiccatano, a retired educator, taught for the Shamokin Area School District for 37 years. He coached numerous sports and noted he worked to make youth a number one priority. He coached football at Shamokin Area. Our Lady of Lourdes, Shikellamy and Milton high schools. He said that as a coach, he worked with many residents and organizations in Northumberland County in programs that stressed discipline and family.

Schiccatano is a member of the Fairview Gun Club and Mother Cabrini Parish. He was president of the Shamokin Area Education Association for six years and vice president for one year. He helped negotiate the last two contracts that the school district is currently working under.

"Northumberland County, with its growing senior citizen population, needs to offer more programs and activities for our elder citizens and use their knowledge and wisdom for the betterment of our area," he said.

"Our younger population needs to be given more opportunities, which will not only keep them off of the streets, but will make them have a positive impact and contribute to the good things that happen in our area.

"Also, we should recruit businesses to our county where we can demonstrate the many assets that we have to offer and the advantages that their companies would gain by relocating here.

"I will work with fellow commissioners, row officers, department heads and county employees and will convey mutual respect in our county government."

He is married to Kathy Kasinowski Schiccatano and is the father of three children.

With a strike date just four weeks away, Southern Columbia Area teachers and school district representatives will meet this week for a negotiation session toward a new contract.

Superintendent Paul Caputo seemed encouraged Monday by the meeting.

"From what I've observed, the negotiations have been positive," he said. "They seem to have found the middle road on health care; now it's just a matter finding the right plan."

Southern Columbia is just one of three local districts negotiating new deals. Teachers at Line Mountain and Shamokin Area also continue to work under terms of long-expired contracts.

Session Thursday

At Southern, where the contract expired June 30, the Southern Columbia Education Association (SCEA) in January authorized a strike date of March 31.

But with a new negotiation scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday, there is hope that a strike could be averted.

"As always, we are hopeful for a positive resolution to these negotiations," SCEA president Chris Gengler said, "but despite our best

efforts, the last session with the board was fruitless."

Charlie Porter, a member of the school board's negotiation committee, said health care and salaries remain the two biggest stumbling blocks.

"The district can only offer so much; our resources are limited," he said Monday.

"So far we have made sacrifices and concessions in our proposal, only to have the board's proposals regress and draw further away from us," Gengler retorted.

Since November, 30 or more members of SCEA have been attending board meetings in a united front. In a statement read in November, SCEA Vice President Michael Venna said educators felt they were "not valued as classroom teachers."

He challenged the school board to meet with them in productive negotiation sessions to hammer out a new contract.

Porter said that has happened, but yet they are still at an impasse.

"Our finances have been an open book and we've been transparent about health care," he said. "We have gotten cost projections on different plans, but the teachers have said they won't accept a plan with a health savings account in it.

Porter said as costs are presented to the district by its insurance broker, they are immediately passed on to teachers.

"We all saw them the same day," he said.

"Finding the solution to this requires that both sides work together. This Thursday will be our next opportunity to make that happen," Gengler said.

Gengler reiterated that, barring resolution of this contract prior to March 31, the strike will begin on that date, as previously announced.

Caputo said that if the strike occurs, they will go to the Pennsylvania Department of Education to set a strike calendar, determining how long teachers can be out on the picket lines.

According to State Act 88, unions can have two strikes in a school year. The first cannot prevent a district from holding 180 school days by June 15. After the first strike, both sides must enter arbitration. Should the arbitration award be rejected, a second strike is permitted, but it must not prevent 180 school days by June 30.

Based on a school calendar on the district's website, revised because of numerous snow days, the longest the first strike could last at this point is five days.

"Based on the existing law, I think they will be out for a short time," Caputo said.

Line Mtn., Shamokin

Line Mountain teachers in the fall had issues a strike date of Nov. 5, but the union on Oct. 29 agreed to an offer from the school board of nonbinding arbitration.

If the two parties do not come to an agreement through the arbitration process, the union may still choose to strike. School board officials said the arbitration process began Feb. 2.

Shamokin Area teachers are also working without a contract for more than one year.

Mark McDade, the Pennsylvania State Education Association representative for unions in all three districts, declined to comment Monday when asked for updates on the negotiation process at the three schools.

LEWISBERRY - Dr. Jeffery J. Dunkelberger, of Lewisberry, was recently re-elected to serve on the board of trustees of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association (POMA), a statewide organization for physicians holding the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree.

Dunkelberger, a graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School, is a son of Regina Dunkelberger, of Mount Carmel, and the late Ronald Dunkelberger.

Board certified in family medicine and osteopathic manipulative medicine, Dunkelberger is a family physician at Family Practice Center, RedCedar Office, Lewisberry, and a team physician for East Pennsboro Area School District.

He is a past vice chairman of POMA's District 5 and a delegate to POMA, the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians. He is also a member of the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Family Physicians Society and Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association.

Dunkelberger is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, University Park, and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed an internship at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, and a family medicine residency at Community General Osteopathic Hospital, now PinnacleHealth Community Campus, in Harrisburg.

Headquartered in Harrisburg, POMA is the official voice for over 8,000 licensed osteopathic physicians in Pennsylvania.

HARRISBURG - Artist Chet Davis, of Paxinos, was recently invited by the Cultural Enrichment Fund of the Harrisburg area to be one of 15 central Pennsylvania artists featured in their second annual Red Carpet Soiree Arts Gala and Showcase.

This year's event, which was once again presented by PNC Wealth Management, took place Saturday on the grounds of the Pennsylvania Capitol complex.

The creative team, led by The JDK Group, once again transformed a unique, never-before-used venue while treating guests to top-notch service, unique auction experiences and showcase performances and art by noted regional artists. The event sold out quickly.

The Cultural Enrichment Fund (CEF) is the capital region's united arts fund. Its mission is to advance and sustain a vibrant and diverse arts and cultural life. This is achieved by: leading an annual united arts fundraising campaign; investing the funds raised in strong, accountable, arts organizations that directly serve the community; promoting innovation and collaboration among arts and cultural organizations; and by working in and with the community to advocate for the arts.

Davis was also invited to exhibit in last year's event that was held at the Harrisburg International Airport. This year, his entry was an acrylic painting "Lighted Path." The title and subject of the work have biblical references: "And no man, when he hath lighted a lamp (candle), cover it with a bushel" (Luke 8:16-18). The painting's style is a tribute to the surrealistic manner of artist Rene Magritte's "Empire of Light" series of paintings.

HARRISBURG - The Senate on Monday unanimously approved legislation authored by Sen. John R. Gordner (R-27) to ban the practice of persons sentenced to community service to be able to purchase gift cards in lieu of performing the service. Senate Bill 130 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Gordner said he introduced the legislation after learning of the practice in Northumberland County, as well as in at least one other county in the state.

"When a judge orders someone to perform community service, there is a reason for that, and the sentence should be served," Gordner was quoted in a statement from his office. "A defendant should not be able to 'buy' a way out of performing the service."

Between 2002 and 2008, the Northumberland County Probation Department implemented the program, which allowed defendants to purchase gift cards, which were then given to the department and donated to local charities. However, in 2014, approximately $4,000 in unused gift cards was discovered in a safe in the probation department. Northumberland County President Judge William H. Weist, who was not president judge when the program was implemented and was unaware it was occurring, then ordered a halt to the practice.

"When researching this issue, we determined that there was nothing in law to prevent this practice," said Gordner. "While I commend the judge for halting the practice, it is important to place this prohibition into law to prevent future occurrences."

"This practice benefited those who could afford gift cards over defendants who may be of lesser means, and gave rise to the potential for official abuse, given that over $4,000 in unused cards, of which few were aware, were recently found," he added.

Similar legislation passed the Senate near the close of session in 2014, and the House of Representatives did not have time to take up the bill before the session expired.

Gordner said he expects "positive consideration" by the House in the near future.

NORTHUMBERLAND - Admission will be free at the Joseph Priestley House in Northumberland this Sunday afternoon for the celebration of Priestle's birthday.

Every year the volunteers who operate the Georgian manor house and scientific laboratory as a museum make it a point to observe the birthday of Joseph Priestley, the renowned British scientist, political thinker and dissenting clergyman who settled in Northumberland in 1794.

Volunteers will serve visitors slices of chocolate cake baked according to an 18th century recipe of Martha Washington. That's an appropriate gesture because her husband, George, was president of the United States when Priestley and his wife, Mary, arrived in this country in self-imposed exile from England.

The house will be open between 1 and 4 p.m. Ronald Blatchley, a retired chemistry teacher who portrays Priestley, will perform 18th chemistry demonstrations in the Pond Building on the grounds at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. A professional musician, Beverley Conrad with perform period fiddle pieces throughout the afternoon.

Visitors may tour the museum at their own pace, with guides in vintage costume to greet them and answer questions.

Born in England March 13, 1733, Joseph Priestley was 61 and world-famous for discovering oxygen when he came to Northumberland, then a rural village of mostly log houses. He had to send to Philadelphia for carpenters who knew how to build with frame and clapboard. Priestley eventually died - Feb. 6, 1804 - in the house they built.

Priestley and thousands of other Europeans seeking freedom of thought and worship came to Pennsylvania because, in founding Pennsylvania in 1681, William Penn had established a policy of religious tolerance. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, which owns Priestley House, has designated Sunday as Charter Day to commemorate the 334th anniversary of the colony's founding.

The non-profit Friends of the Joseph Priestley House operates the museum, which is owned by the museum commission.

Priestley House will then be open for the 2015 season from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (except Easter) with tours at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. Tours at other times can be arranged by calling 570-473-9494 or by email at info@josephpriestleyhouse.org.