Assumption BVM

Assumption B.V.M. Ukrainian Catholic Church, Paxton Street, Centralia.

Pastor - The Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Hutsko.

Confessions - Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

Divine Liturgy - Sunday, 11 a.m.

Augusta Baptist

Augusta Baptist Church, 1371 Boyles Run Road, Sunbury.

Pastor - Robert S. Commerford.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:15 a.m.

Evening service - 6:30 p.m.

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

Augustaville Wesleyan

Augustaville Wesleyan Church, 2556 State Route 890, Paxinos.

Pastor - Greg Clendaniel.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, adult Bible study, children's ministry and youth Bible bowl, 7 p.m.

Bethany Bible

Bethany Bible Fellowship Church, 654 Wilburton Road, across from Mount Carmel Estates.

Pastor - Philip Norris.

Sunrise service and breakfast - 8 a.m.

Message - "He Lives!"

Morning worship service and cantata "Because He Lives." - 10 a.m.

Message - "Christ's Resurrection Does Make A Difference."

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Message - "Opposition to the Gospel."

Activities - Wednesday, Children and Youth programs, and adult prayer and Bible study, 7 p.m.

Bethany EC

Bethany EC Church, 1238 Market St., Ashland.

Interim pastor - Marlin Lafferty.

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

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Activities - Wednesday, weekly Bible study, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; free clothing closet, every first and third Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. to noon.

Bethel Union

Bethel Union Chapel, West Cameron Township.

Pastor - Dave Butler.

Sunrise Service - 6:30 a.m.

Singers - The Clark Family.

Morning worship - 9:30 a.m. with communion.

Singers - Bethel choir.

No evening service.

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

Calvary Bible

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

Pastor - Ferd Madara.

Combined morning worship service. Children will present their Easter musical - 9:30 to 11 a.m.

No evening service, AWANA Club or youth group.

Church of the Nazarene

Church of the Nazarene, Route 901, Lavelle.

Pastor - Jeremy Smallwood.

Sunday school classes for all ages - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:45 a.m.

Clark's Grove UMC

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

Pastor - Billy Frick.

Sunday school for all ages - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:10 a.m.

Youth service - 6:30 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, prayer and Bible study, 6:30 p.m.

­Divine Redeemer

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

Pastor - The Rev. Martin O. Moran III.

Weekday Masses - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 7:30 a.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.

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

Holy day Masses - 6 p.m., eve of holy days. 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., holy day.

Confessions - Saturday, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.; after morning novena Wednesday.

Novenas - Monday, Miraculous Medal novena after morning Mass; Wednesday, St. Jude Thaddeus novena after morning Mass; Saturday, St. Francis novena after morning Mass.

Elysburg Alliance

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

Pastor - The Rev. Andrew Knisely.

Service - 8 and 10:30 a.m., with a message from Pastor Knisely.

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

Activities - Sunday, Easter breakfast, 9 a.m., AWANA for children age 4 to fifth grade, 6 to 7:30 p.m., junior high youth for grades 6 to 8, 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.; Wednesday, prayer ministry, 7 to 8 p.m., youth group for grades 9 to 12, 7 to 8 p.m.

Elysburg Presbyterian

Elysburg Presbyterian Church, 320 W. Valley Ave. (Route 487), Elysburg.

Pastor - Matthew Young.

Sunday school for all ages - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m. Nursery provided. Resurrection Sunday.

Scripture - John 20:1-18.

Message - "Risen!"

Musician - Eileen Reigel, pianist.

Activities - Sunday, Lifetree Cafe, 7 p.m.; Monday, Bear Gap Anchor Group, 7 p.m.; Tuesday, Bible study at McDonald's, 10 a.m.; Wednesday, choir practice, 6:30 p.m., bell choir practice, 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, staff meeting, 3:30 p.m.; Friday, Breakfast with Jesus Bible study, 8:30 a.m.; April 11, small group Bible study at EPC, 8 a.m.; April 12, spring congregational meeting, noon to 1:30 p.m.; April 17, Fifth Quarter, 9 to 11:30 p.m.; April 19, Transitions, Faith and College luncheon following the worship service; April 26, Sunday school meeting and mission team meeting after the service at 11:45 a.m.

Elysburg UMC

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

Pastor - The Rev. Michelle Beissel.

Easter Sunday morning worship - 8:30 a.m. with Holy Eucharist. No children's Sunday school.

Adult Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Participants - Chris Rovito, head usher; Dave and Sue Manney, greeters; Emily Myers, acolyte; Alicia Rovito, scripture reader; Edna Ehret, shepherding, and Olivia Bodner, organist.

Activities - Thursday, Elysburg food pantry, 10 a.m. to noon.

Emmanuel UMC

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

Pastor - The Rev. Betty Ford.

Coffee fellowship - 8 to 9 a.m.

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

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

Faith Bible

Faith Bible Church, Burnside.

Pastor - Perry Ross.

Pianist - Robert Witmer III.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Evening service - 7 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, Kids Club, Bible study and prayer, 7 p.m.

Faith Community Church

Pastor - Dale Hill, 570-751-5101.

Sunday worship - 10:30 a.m.

First Baptist, Shamokin

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

Pastor - The Rev. Samuel Derr.

Church school - 9:45 a.m.

Easter service - 10:45 a.m. Join the church in celebration of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Choir organist - Judith Pensyl.

No evening service this week.

Organist - Judith Pensyl.

Activities - Wednesday, choir rehearsal, 1 p.m., prayer, praise and testimony and Bible study, 7 p.m.

First Baptist, Trevorton

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

Pastor - Dan Conklin.

Combined Easter Sunday service - 10 a.m. with a truth egg hunt for the children.

Special music - Choir.

Activities - April 25, Ladies' spring seminar. To register, please call 570-797-1627 before April 19.

First Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church, Sunbury and Liberty streets, Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Jim Phillips.

Worship - 10:30 a.m. with Communion.

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

Easter lillies can be taken home after worship.

Activities - Monday, deacons meeting, 6 p.m.; Wednesday, Session meeting, 7 p.m.

First UMC, Kulpmont

First United Methodist Church, Ninth Street, Kulpmont.

Pastor - Beverly Petrovich.

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

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

First UMC, Mount Carmel

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

Pastor - The Rev. Susan J. Roehs.

Worship service - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday school - 10:30 a.m.

Sermon - "Wrap Your Arms Around Something Good for Easter."

Participants - Sharon Styer, organist; Marilyn Steinhart and Chester Heisey, greeter; Jim Weissinger, head usher; Bret Getty, sound technician; Anne Sauger, liturgist; Olivia Bellve, acolyte; Jim and Sherry, counting team; Pastor Susan, children's time.

Activities - Sunday, Easter sunrise service in Town Park, 6:30 a.m.; Monday, Trustees meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Thursday, OA meeting, 7 p.m.; Friday, AA meetings, 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

First UMC, Shamokin

First United Methodist Church, Sunbury Street, Shamokin.

Pastor - Zachary Hopple.

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

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Participants - Chris Griffith, liturgist; Red and Chris Griffith, greeters; Sharon Williams, nursery duty.

Activities - Monday, Bible study in the parlor, 6 p.m., ad council meeting, 7 p.m.

God's Missionary

God's Missionary Church in the Valley, 768 Bear Valley Ave., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Howard R. McKenzie.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Sunday worship and children's church - 10:45 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Thursday, prayer meeting, 7:30 p.m.

Good News Bible

Good News Bible Church, 221 Main St., Locustdale.

Sunday worship - 3 p.m.

Guest speaker - Pastor Keith McCarthy on "Resurrection Peace" based on John 20:19-22.

Blessings to You, a free clothing ministry, has begun distributing clothing from the church basement. There is clothing for infants, boys and girls, men and women, all ages and all sizes. There are a few other items, such as toys. Hours are 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday and noon to 3 p.m. Friday on the second and fourth weeks of the month.

Participants - Shirley Brass, prayer chain coordinator; Bob Keener, church ministry coordinator; Jill Keener, music coordinator, and Angie Ratzlaff, coordinator of Blessings to You.

A prayer gathering and Bible study, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Good Shepherd

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

Pastor - The Rev. Dana Heckman-Beil.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Grace Chapel

Grace Chapel, 126 Airport Road, Shamokin.

Pastor - Alan Langelli.

Sunday Bible fellowship groups for all ages - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday morning worship - 10:30 a.m.

Nursery child care is provided for all Sunday services.

Evening worship, young couples/young adults class, youth group and Discovery Station - 6:30 p.m.

Activities - Today, Service at the Cross,; Sunday, Easter Sunday service; Wednesday, ladies' fellowship; Thursday, men's prayer breakfast; April 14, business meeting; April 15, congregation meeting; April 19, annual child protection training meeting; April 25, Shepherd's meeting; Every Monday, ladies' Bible study; every Thursday, ladies' Bible study and men's Bible study.

Grace Evangelical

Grace Evangelical Independent Church, Locustdale.

Pastor - The Rev. Rose Marquardt.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 11 a.m.

Grace Lutheran, Shamokin

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 10 S. Seventh St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. David M. Byerly.

Service of the word and sacrament - 10:15 a.m.

There will be no adult Sunday school on Easter Sunday.

Participants - Pamala and Craig Rhoades, worship assistants; Austin Joraskie, acolyte/crucifer; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fiorey, communion bearers; Mr. and Mrs. Nick Keiser, greeters; Jeanne Hoffa, altar care; Dave Kopitsky Sr., driver; Bill Joraskie, Mark Cupp, Willie Marsh, Dave Kopitsky Jr. and J. Richard Miller, ushers; Walter Boyer, organist, Charlene Pell, choir director and cantor.

Activities - Sunday, sunrise service, St. Paul's Cemetery, Gowen City, 6:30 a.m. (If raining, the service will be held in St. Paul Church, Gowen City); coffee and donuts, St. Paul Social Hall, following sunrise service; Monday, Brownies, fellowship hall, 5 p.m.; Tuesday, Grace Council, Lamar Grow Classroom 7 p.m.; Thursday, table tennis practice, fellowship hall, 6:30 p.m. Pastor Byerly begins backpacking trip.

Grace Lutheran, Mount Carmel

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

Interim pastor - The Rev. Alfred Bashore.

Guest speaker - The Rev. Dr. Ronald Shellhamer.

Services during April will be held at St. Matthew's (Slovak) Lutheran. It will be Easter Sunday and Food Pantry Sunday.

Grace UCC

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

Pastor - The Rev. Joan A. Brown.

Morning worship - 9 a.m.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Participants - Bryan Lapinski, organist; Noah Berkoski, acolyte; Joe Stone and Dave Yeager, ushers.

Activities - April 6, consistory meeting, 7 p.m.

Harvest Worship

Harvest Worship Ministries, 2079 Upper Road, West Cameron Township, 570-850-4280, harvestworshipministries.com.

Pastor - Sandy Wary.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley Community Church, 162 Hidden Valley Lane, Mifflinburg. A non-denominational Bible church.

Pastor - Gary L. Owens.

Pastor Gary can be reached by calling the office at 570-966-1330, or by cell at 570-486-3967.

Himmel's Church

Himmel's Church, 107 Covered Bridge Road, Dornsife.

Pastor - Jane H. Compton.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:15 a.m., with communion the first Sunday of every month.

Activities - Sunday, Easter sunrise service at 6:15 a.m., breakfast at 7 a.m., worship service with pew communion, 8:30 a.m.

Holy Angels

Holy Angels Church, 855 Scott St., Kulpmont.

Pastor - The Rev. Andrew Stahmer.

Confessions - Saturday, 4 to 5 p.m.

Weekday Masses - Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 a.m.

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

Activities - Today, blessing of Easter foods, 1 p.m., Easter vigil, 8 p.m.; Sunday, Easter Sunday masses, 7, 9, and 11 a.m.; Tuesday, bingo in Holy Angels Activity Center, doors open at 4:30 p.m., games begin at 6 p.m.; Thursday, Golden Angels meeting, 5 p.m., finance council meeting, 7:15 p.m.

Holy Trinity

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

Clergy - The Rev. Frederic G. Stevenson, rector, and Deacon Richard Hazzard.

Sunday worship - 10 a.m., with Holy Eucharist. Children's Sunday school during worship. Coffee hour following the service.

Participants - Esther Bashore, greeter and lector; Linda Riley, intercessor; Iris Chowka, oblations; Oliver Fesniak and Frank Zaretski, ushers; Joshua Bashore, Hannah Bashore and Kyrstin Kinnaman, altar servers; Grethel Vinup, organist.

Activities - Wednesday, Holy Eucharist and healing, 10 a.m.

Hope Community

Hope Community Church, non-denominational Bible church, 551 W. Fourth St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - Dan Renno.

Christian education for all ages - 9 a.m.

Fellowship time - 9:45 a.m.

Praise and worship service - 10:15 a.m.

Living Power

Living Power Ministries, 45 E. Fourth St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor/teacher - Walt Kriskie.

Pre-service prayer - 10 a.m.

Praise and worship - 10:30 a.m., followed by celebration service.

Sunday evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, mid-week Bible study, 7 p.m., refreshments served.

Miller's Crossroads

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

Pastor - Michelle Beissel.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:15 a.m.

Participants - Betsy Bradigan, organist.

Ministry of the Water and Spirit

Ministry of the Water and Spirit Church, 915 High Road, Helfenstein.

Pastor - James Bowers.

Sunday service - 10 a.m.

God's Chuck Wagon is an outreach of the Ministry of the Water and Spirit.

Mother Cabrini

Mother Cabrini Church, North Shamokin Street, Shamokin.

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

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

Sunday Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 7, 9 and 11 a.m. Fifth Sunday for Lent.

Confessions - Daily, 7:30 to 7:50 a.m.; Saturday, 3 to 3:45 p.m.

Activities - Today, Easter egg hunt set up 10 a.m., Easter vigil liturgy 8 p.m.; Sunday, Easter egg hunt for children ages 2 to 10 in the church hall following the 11 a.m. Mass, no religious education classes this week, classes will resume for grades 5 to 7 April 12; Monday, parish office closed, bingo cancelled, will resume April 13; Tuesday, Secular Franciscan Order meeting, 7 p.m.

Communion calls to the scheduled parish homebound after 9 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.

Mountainside

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

Pastor - The Rev. Richard H. Earl.

Coffee and breakfast snacks for all - 9 a.m.

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

Morning worship - 10:30 a.m. Nursery and children's church.

Youth night - 5 p.m. every other Sunday.

Activities - Wednesday, adult prayer and Bible study, Royal Rangers, ages 5 to 18, girls ministry, 6:30 p.m. Coffee served.

Monthly activities - First Sunday, communion and children's sermon, during 10:30 a.m. service; second Tuesday, Women of Purpose meeting, 7 p.m.

Mount Zion

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

Pastor - Gerald Lloyd Jr.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Scripture - I Corinthianss 15:1-11 and Mark 16:1-8.

Sermon - "The Resurrection of Christ."

Participants - Philip Maue, organist.

Sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of every month.

New Life Church

New Life Church of God, 129 W. Second St., Mount Carmel.

Interim pastor - The Rev. John D. Ashbaugh.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m. Junior church and nursery available. Handicapped accessible, wheelchair available.

Activities - Prayer room open mornings; prayer, fellowship and coffee, Saturdays, 9 a.m.; April 26, Evening praise and worship service, 7 p.m.

Oak Grove UMC

Oak Grove United Methodist Church, Marley Road, Overlook.

Pastor - The Rev. Zachary Hopple.

Worship - 9 a.m.

Sunday school for all ages - 10:35 a.m.

Activities - Monday, Bible study, 6 p.m., First United Methodist Church; Thursday, free karate classes at church, children ages 5 to 12, 6:30 to 7:15 p.m., 13 and up, 7:30 p.m.; First and third Fridays, Open Arms outreach, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Our Lady of Hope

Our Lady of Hope Parish, Chestnut and First streets, Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Steven G. Frenier, OFM Conv.

Daily Masses - Monday through Friday, 7 a.m., Holy Spirit Chapel.

Weekend Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 7 and 11 a.m.

Holy day of obligation Mass - 5:30 p.m. Vigil Mass and 7 a.m. morning of the holy day.

Sacrament of reconciliation - Saturday, 3 to 3:45 p.m.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

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

Pastor - The Rev. Francis J. Karwacki.

Deacon - The Rev. Mr. Martin McCarthy.

Weekday Masses - 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday.

Weekend Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 8:30 and 11 a.m.

Holy days of obligation - 6:30 p.m. on the eve, 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. on the holy day.

Confessions - Daily 7:30 to 7:55 a.m. including Saturday or any time by appointment; Saturday, 3 to 3:50 p.m.

Peifer's Evangelical

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

Pastor - Bradley D. Hatter.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church, 599 W. Center St., Elysburg.

Pastor - The Rev. Alfred P. Sceski.

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

Confessions - Saturday, 4 to 4:30 p.m.

Restoration Ministries

Restoration Ministries Church, 525 W. Chestnut St., Shamokin.

Pastor - Paul K. Eby.

Pre-service prayer - 9 a.m.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m. for all ages, JoAnne Long, superintendent.

Sunday worship service - 10:30 a.m. Pastor Paul will speak. The worship team will lead praise and worship. Special prayer will be available. Nursery care will also be available.

Children's church - 11:15 a.m. for ages 4 through 11, directed by Shirley Cintron.

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

Activities - Monday, soup kitchen, 5 to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, cross training youth disciple class, dinner at 3 p.m., class taught by Fran Jones from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, Soul Seekers group for ages 18 and older, 7 p.m.

St. John Lutheran

St. John Lutheran, 29 High Road Danville.

Pastor - Kris Brown.

Sunday school - 9:15 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

St. John's UCC

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

Easter Sunday sunrise service - 7 a.m. at Soldier's Circle in the Shamokin Cemetery. Anyone attending should meet in the church parlor by 6:45 a.m. In case of inclement weather, service will be held in Lark Chapel.

Coffee hour/fellowship time in church parlor - 9:15 a.m.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m., and 9:45 a.m. for early elementary students ages 2 to 9.

Blended worship service - 10:30 a.m., main sanctuary, with Holy Communion.

Guest speaker - The Rev. Sally Dries.

Message - "Beginning Anew!"

Participants - David Spotts, lay leader and children's message; Margaret Morris, choir director/organist; Geof Levan, guitarist/soloist; Maxine Harvey, pianist; Alexandra Campbell, acolyte.

Activities - Tuesday, Cub Scouts/Tiger and Bear dens, 5:30 p.m., Boy Scouts, 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Cub Scouts/Wolf den and Webelos, 5:30 p.m., Adult Choir rehearsal, 7 p.m.; Thursday, Bible study, 6 p.m., consistory meeting, 7 p.m.

St. John's UMC

St. John's United Methodist Church, 1211 W. Arch St., Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Karyn Fisher.

Worship - 9 a.m. Palm Sunday worship service.

Children's church - 9:20 a.m.

Sunday school for all ages - 10:30 a.m.

Activities - Sunday, Youth group, 5:30 p.m.; Monday, "Soup for the Soul: 24 hours that changed the world" study, 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Northumberland County Early Intervention Program in lower level nursery, 10:30 a.m.; Thursday, Holy Thursday service, 7 p.m., Narcotics Anonymous meeting in lower level, 7 p.m.; Friday, Community Good Friday service at Salem United Church of Christ, noon to 3 p.m. St. John's will be open for prayer and meditation, Narcotics Anonymous meeting in lower level, 8 p.m.; Saturday, choir practice, 8 a.m., annual Easter egg hunt, 11 a.m. to noon; April 5, St. John's Easter sunrise service, 7 a.m., fellowship and continental breakfast, 8 a.m., traditional Easter worship, 9 a.m.

St. Joseph's Church

St. Joseph's Church, 11th and Walnut streets, Ashland.

Pastor - The Rev. John W. Bambrick.

Sister Elizabeth Kealy, IHM, director of religious education.

Confessions - Saturday, 3 to 3:30 p.m. Any time by appointment.

Rosary prayed before all Masses.

Mass schedule - Today, 4 p.m. (Vigil for Sunday); Sunday, 8:30 a.m.; Monday and Tuesday, 8 a.m.; Wednesday, adoration all day from 9 a.m., concluding with night prayers, benediction and Miraculous Medal devotions at 4:45 p.m., Mass at 5 p.m.; Thursday, 8 a.m.; Friday, noon; first Fridays Sacred Heart devotions.

St. Ann's Chapel, open each day for prayer. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon; Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

St. Mark Lutheran

St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 225 N. Market St., Elysburg.

Worship leader - Pastor Kris Brown.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Activities - Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Elysburg Senior Center open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday, AA, 7 p.m.; Thursday, Boy Scouts, 8 p.m.

St. Matthew Lutheran

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

Interim pastor - The Rev. Alfred Bashore.

Guest speaker - The Rev. Dr. Ronald Shellhamer.

Participants - Linda Rubendall, organist; Kenneth Kautter, lector; Joseph Melichercik, president; Thomas Pivarnik and William Snyder, ushers.

Services for April will be at St. Matthew's, and this is Easter Sunday, The Resurrection of Our Lord, and Food Pantry Day.

St. Michael Orthodox

St. Michael's Orthodox Church, 131 N. Willow St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. Theophan Marckey.

Divine Liturgy - 9 a.m.

St. Patrick

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

Pastor - The Rev. Steven G. Frenier, OFM Conv.

Weekend Mass - Sunday, 9 a.m.

Weekday Mass - 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Sacrament of reconciliation - Wednesday after morning Mass or during the day.

St. Paul Lutheran

St. Paul Lutheran Church, 4663 Upper Road, Gowen City.

Pastor - The Rev. David M. Byerly.

Service of Word and Sacrament - 8:15 a.m.

Participants - Cindy Henninger, lector; Claire Bonshock and Stephanie Boyer, communion assistants; Jack Tobias, acolyte/crucifer; Walter Boyer, organist and choir director.

Activities - Sunday, Sunrise Service, St. Paul Cemetery, 6:s0 p.m. (If raining, service will be held in St. Paul Church) Coffee and donuts, St. Paul Social Hall, following sunrise service; Thursday, Pastor Byerly begins backpacking trip.

St. Paul's Reformed

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

Pastor - Jerry Schlegel.

Worship time - 9 a.m. Palm Sunday.

Scripture - Matthew 21:1-11

Message - "The End of the Journey."

Participants - Cliff Artman, organist.

St. Pauline Visintainer

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

"Chapel of the Crucified."

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

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

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

St. Peter's Lutheran

St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Aristes.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Alfred Bashore.

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

Guest speaker - The Rev. Ronald Shellhamer.

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

SS Peter and Paul

SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Avenue and Beech Street, Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Hutsko.

Confessions - Saturday, 3:15 p.m., and Sunday, 8:15 a.m.

Weekday Divine Liturgies - 8 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

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

Religious education classes - 6 to 7:15 p.m. Monday.

St. Peter's UCC

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

Pastor - Paul T. Gurba Jr.

Morning worship - 8:30 a.m.

Sermon title - "God's Not Dead: I Do Believe!"

Verse of the day - Luke 24:6: " He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake to unto you when he was yet in Galilee."

Organist - Virginia Nefsky.

St. Stephen's

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

Clergy - The Rev. Frederic Stevenson.

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

Handicapped accessible.

Second Saturday, 5 p.m. Holy Eucharist at the St. Stephen Center.

Salem UCC

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

Pastor - The Rev. Jean Eckrod.

Worship - 10 a.m.

Participants - Sadie Komara, acolyte; Earl Foura, lay leader; Julie Updegrove and JudyLynn Weaver, beginners class; Barbara Skrivanek, junior class; Grace Stank, pianist; Jeremy Young, director; Council members, Communion assistant; sSalem Choir, anthem; Allison and A.J. Wetzel, Sherry Bogush, greeters; Jackie and Pam Collier, Corinne and John Foltz and Eileen and Frank Garrigan, ushers; Grace Stank, lighting/sound.

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

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

Activities - Wednesday, Senior Day; April 11, trip to Washington D.C., leaving the church at 6 a.m.

Salvation Army

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

Commanding officer - Maj. Tina Streck.

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

Sunday school - 10:45 a.m.

Seibert Evangelical

Seibert Evangelical Congregational Church, Route 147, Herndon.

Pastor - Bradley D. Hatter.

Worship - 9 a.m.

Sunday school - 10:15 a.m.

Seventh Street

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

Pastor - The Rev. David Wildoner.

Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Morning worship and children's church - 11 a.m.

Message - "The Story That Must Be Told - Easter."

A nursery is available for children from birth to age 5. Children's church is available for children over 5.

Participants - Kathy Albright, station steward; Kathy Jeremiah, children's church teacher; Joseph Rodman, head usher; Benjamin Brudnicki, Alaina Glowatski and Jordon McDowell, acolytes; Bryan Lapinski, organist; Marlin and Maggie Moore, April greeters; Dr. Richard Albright, servant of the month; Jennifer Brudnicki, nursery worker.

Manna for the Many item this month is spaghetti and other pasta.

Easter goal this year is $2,500.

Activities - April 11, District Conference at Seventh Street PMC; April 13, Trustee Board meeting, 7 p.m.; April 27, Quarterly conference, 7 p.m.

Shamokin Alliance

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

Pastor - Samuel Bellavia.

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

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

Wednesday ministries - 6 to 7:30 p.m. Age range is four years to high school senior.

Evening service - 7 p.m.

Offered are small groups and cottage prayer meetings for adults. Contact church at 570-644-1718 for information.

Shamokin Seventh Day Adventist

Shamokin Seventh Day Adventist Church, 7 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin (former Jewish synagogue), 570-648-7770.

Pastor - John Peters.

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

Saturday worship - 11 a.m.

Tuesday, Bible studies, 5 p.m.

Stonington Baptist

Stonington Baptist Church, Hosta Road, Paxinos.

Pastor - The Rev. J. Douglas Hallman.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Morning worship - 10 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

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

Trevorton UMC

Trevorton United Methodist Church, Shamokin Street, Trevorton,

Pastor - The Rev. Al Schell Jr.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:45 a.m.

Nancy Korenkiewicz, pianist, organist and choir director.

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

Trinity Evangelical

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

Pastor - The Rev. Brian C. Betsworth.

Worship service - 10:45 a.m. at Antioch Place.

Activities - Wednesday, Recovery in Christ, a new Bible-based 12-step support group, 5:30 p.m., prayer and Bible study at Antioch Place, 7 p.m.; Thursday, Maundy Thursday communion service, 5 p.m. at Antioch Place; Friday, Good Friday service at Salem UCC, noon to 3 p.m., Pastor Brian and Russ Griffiths participating; April 5, Easter Sunday worship service, 10:45 a.m. at Antioch Place.

Trinity Lutheran

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

Pastor - The Rev. David Hauck.

Worship Service - 10 a.m.

Participants - Jon Hoover, lector and communion assistant; Corey Levi, cantor; Andrew Jones, acolyte; Jan Morrison, organist; Jill and Steve Todzia, altar; Mary Tharp, counter.

True Grace

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

Pastor/teacher - Michael Marcheskie.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

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

United Presbyterian

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

Minister - The Rev. Ted Plott.

Worship service - 11 a.m. with Communion.

Message - "The Day of New Creation."

Scripture - Ezekiel 37:1-14.

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

Victory Bible Church

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

Pastor - Kevin Kline.

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

Evening worship - 7 p.m.

Wilburton UMC

Wilburton United Methodist Church, Wilburton.

Pastor - Rose M. Marquardt.

Worship service - 8:45 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Zion UMC

Zion United Methodist Church, Aristes.

Pastor - The Rev. Rose M. Marquardt.

Worship service - 9:50 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Zion Methodist

Zion United Methodist Church, Trevorton Road, Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Betty Ford.

Sunday school - 10:30 a.m.

Worship - 11 a.m.

HUMMELS WHARF - Retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Thomas C. Lynch will be the featured speaker at the fourth annual EconomicsPennsylvania and Sunbury Broadcasting Corporation-sponsored financial symposium set for Wednesday, April 15, at the Susquehanna Valley Country Club beginning at 11:30 a.m. with a meet-and-greet autograph signing reception.

Lynch retired after a distinguished 32-year naval career, which included command of the Eisenhower Battle Group during Operation Desert Shield and service as superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy. Since then, Lynch held senior executive leadership positions at Safeguard Scientifics, CompuCom Systems and The Staubach Company, and has served as a director of several private and publicly held companies. He currently serves as chairman of NewDay U.S.A., a nationwide VA, FHA and reverse-mortgage lender that services homeowners with military service.

Lynch, who is vice chair of the EconomicsPennsylvania state board of directors and also serves on its executive and finance committees, will speak on "Ramifications of Current Events on the Global Economy" and will conduct a question-and-answer session following his comments.

Also, former Pittsburgh Steelers star linebacker, Andy Russell, will attend and participate in the luncheon. Russell is also a vice chair of EconomicsPennsylvania.

The luncheon is open to the public, but only a few seats remained as of Friday. Contact Rachel Hummel at 570-372-9997 or visit www.economicspa.org.

PAXINOS - At least 6,429 customers in Marion Heights, Kulpmont and Mount Carmel boroughs and Ralpho and Shamokin townships lost power Friday afternoon when a construction vehicle disrupted power lines.

The outage began at 1:50 p.m. when a large dump truck raised its lifts, knocking out power lines, said Melinda Stumpf, a representative with PPL.

Stumpf said the company used a Smart Grid device to remotely switch power back on for 4,400 customers within 30 minutes.

The remaining 2,000 customers had power restored at 3:15 p.m., Stumpf said. These customers were in Shamokin Township and Marion Heights.

GORDON - As he prayed the spirit gum he dabbed onto his costume beard would stick, Jeffrey Nemeth, Frackville, said reprising the role of Jesus for a community Good Friday event is an honor.

"It's such a privilege to portray the greatest man who's ever walked the earth. And to see the look on the people's faces as I go by, it really means a lot to them and the whole town," Nemeth, 42, said a few minutes before the start of the 37th annual Trek of the Cross in the borough.

More than 20 people participated Friday, including others in period costume who followed Nemeth as he walked through the borough under overcast skies, carrying a wooden cross, reenacting the walk of Jesus Christ to Calvary.

"It brings the message of Good Friday to people who can't get out to church or don't want to get out to church. That's why it was started, to bring the message of Good Friday to the community," Rose Yost, 81, of Gordon, whose late husband, Elmer Yost, started the tradition in 1979, said.

"I think it's to renew everybody's faith, bring them back to reality, that is what we're about," Charlene Wolfgang, 68, of Gordon, said.

"I've walked in it every year, whether we had rain or snow. Today, we have a nice day," Wolfgang said.

Rose Yost said she only missed the event one year, in 1986.

"I was in the hospital with a broken leg," she said.

Just before starting the trek Friday, she said she wondered if she'd be able to participate in the walk in the future: "The way my legs feel this morning, this year might be my last. I don't know. At 81 1/2, what can you expect? Then again, my mother lived to be 92."

In 1979, Elmer Yost did the first trek himself.

"The first year, it rained. It poured," Rose Yost said as she gazed skyward at overcast skies.

But it didn't rain on Friday's event.

At the community's second cross trek in 1980, Elmer Yost tried to make the event more of a production. He had a friend from Allentown dress up as a Roman soldier. By the third year, he had two costumed soldiers in his cast.

"I remember one year it snowed, and my husband walked it barefoot, and his legs were red all the way up to the knees," Rose Yost said.

Elmer Yost had planned to do the trek for 12 years - a year for each Apostle - and hoped that it would continue on after that. Shortly after the 10th trek, Yost passed away. In order to complete the intended 12 treks, Ed Labie, Girardville, Yost's nephew, picked up the cross in 1989 and portrayed Jesus for a total of 21 treks, his last in 2009. In 2010, Nemeth, Labie's nephew, picked up the cross to continue the community and the family tradition.

"Ed mentioned to me one day about how he thought he looked more like Moses than Jesus, and I said 'You know, I can grow a beard.' And that's how it started. This is my second year doing the fake beard. I used to grow my hair out for this, but now it's gray," Nemeth said as he worked to apply the costume facial hair in a bathroom mirror.

The cast got into character in a home next door to Simpson United Methodist Church, Biddle Street.

The 37th annual Trek of the Cross started at 12:30 p.m. Friday at the church, headed east on Biddle Street, turned left onto Hobart Street, then moved to McKnight Street and back to Biddle Street and the church for a Good Friday service.

Marriage licenses

Kyle N. Haas, of 4389 Upper Road, Shamokin, to Samantha Jean Kaminskie, of 226 E. Market St., Trevorton. Issued April 2.

Joseph Clay Stehr to Amanda F.M. Luberecki, both of 10 N. Sixth St., Shamokin. Issued April 2.

Rodney Lynn Murphy II to Emily Ann Dettmer, both of 604 N. Seventh St., Sunbury. Issued April 3.

Gregory Scott Stankiewicz to Sheyna Sue Snyder, both of 1329 W. Mulberry St., Coal Township. Issued April 4.

William Earl Moll IV, of 127 Birch St., Shamokin, to Breana Nicole Pietkiewicz, of 904 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin. Issued April 4.

William Richard Anderson to Erin Alicia Christine Long, both of 215 S. Franklin St., Shamokin. To be issued April 6.

Divorce filings

Jeremy L. Reichenbach, of 330 W. Arch St., Shamokin, from Cathy Ann Reichenbach, of 1501 W. Arch St., Coal Township. Married Feb. 14, 2000.

Mark D. Madara from Nichole M. Madara, both of 448 Reading Turnpike Road, Paxinos. Married Jan. 18, 2003.

Regina M. Becker from Michael R. Becker, both of 7 Horizon Drive, Elysburg. Married Oct. 26, 1996.

Ronald D. Spangler from Kelly J. Spangler, both of 1200 Oak St., Kulpmont. Married Oct. 18, 1997.

Property transfers

Elmer E. Riehl to Michael S. and Ruth Ann Riehl, property in Shamokin Township, $1.

Karolyn A. Baxter to Justin Blessing, Kristina Fangmann, property in Sunbury, $1.

Irene Bilek to John Mazur Jr., George Mazur Jr., property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

John and Kathleen Jeremiah to Brian Lawton, property in Coal Township, $25,000.

Thomas A. Birster to Matthew C. Malone, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

Ronald J. Hess to Eugene C. and Barbara J. Christine, property in Coal Township, $1.

Nancy L. Lindenmuth to Waldemar R. and Maria H. Komanski, property in Little Mahanoy Township, $20,000.

George P. Conbeer to Dawn C. Conbeer, property in Coal Township, $16,300.

Jeffrey M. and Angela M. Miller to 1337 Holdings LLC, property in Sunbury, $1.

Lawrence W. Troutman estate, Beverly A. Troutman, Katie M. Shaffer to Aaron T. and Heather E. Troutman, property in Washington Township, $77,143.

Geraldine B. Collier, Geraldine Beverly Shoup, Dorothy Marie Dauber, Henry Shoup to James W. and Doris K. Grohuski, Jessica L. Kerner, property in Mount Carmel, $7,000.

Donald G. Jr. and Brenda J. Edwards to Stephen Kradlack, property in Coal Township, $8,500.

Heartland Village Inc. to Joseph D. and Allison A. Blyler, property in Ralpho Township, $43,700.

Anthony Frank Giuffrida to Priscilla and James Morton Houliston, property in Mount Carmel Township, $20,000.

Darwin T. Jr. and Sheri R. Tobias to David J. Nagle Jr., property in Shamokin, $2,200.

Raffey's 21 LLC to Zachary and Cindy Swinehart, property in Herndon, $17,357.48.

Barbara Reinoehl estate, Charles A. Klaben to Cachet Schaffner, property in Little Mahanoy Township, $42,500.

Daniel E. Keller to Daniel E. and Evelyn E. Keller, property in Sunbury, $1.

Ronald E. and Nancy E. Heim to Ryan E. Heim, Heather L. Kieffer, property in Lower Mahanoy Township, $1.

Robert E. Musser Jr. Revocable Trust, Robert E. Musser Jr. to Robert E. Jr. and Bonnie L. Musser, property in Lower Augusta Township, $1.

Joseph W. Knapick to Joseph B. Picarelli Sr., property in Shamokin, $1.

PAXINOS - The Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 250 was honored during Saturday's annual Easter service at the cross atop the Paxinos mountain.

Michael Shevitski has led the troop since 2006, taking over at a time when it appeared the troop would fold, said Kevin Shervinskie, a former Scoutmaster. Before that he was a Cub Scout leader.

The troop grew to between 15 and 20 Scouts, with five becoming Eagle Scouts. Under Shevitski's leadership, the mountaintop was excavated and bleachers were built at the foot of the "Old Rugged Cross," and roads were created at the cross site, Shervinskie said. He also took Cub Scouts to Gettysburg, and Boy Scouts

to Niagara Falls and the National Scout Jamboree.

Shevitski was presented citations from both the Pennsylvania House and Senate, along with a proclamation from the Northumberland County Commissioners. The Shamokin Township supervisors dubbed Saturday "Mike Shevitski Day."

Shevitski, with his wife, Brenda, by his side, thanked the Scouts he's led over the years, along with their parents, and the Clark's Grove United Methodist Church, Paxinos.

"It's not just me, it takes a troop. It takes a lot of people to run a troop," Shevitski said.

More than 200 people attended Saturday's service high above Route 61, the 29th held at the site.

The original cross was erected at the site in 1961 by a group of Boy Scouts, some of whom continue to attend the service each year. A new cross replaced the weather-beaten original in 1986, and Boy Scouts continue to maintain the site.

Chris Bingaman, elder of the Sunbury City Church, was guest speaker. He is a cancer survivor, details of which he shared in his book, "The Promise of God's Presence." He told of his near-death experience, and the bone marrow transplant that saved his life. The marrow was donated by his sister, and was the second transplant he endured. The first using his own marrow was unsuccessful.

Standing near the cross, he said the site reminded him of the hill near Jerusalem where Jesus Christ was crucified.

"This is a reminder," Bingaman said, "not just on Easter Sunday but throughout the year about just what the cross means."

LOYALTON - Although walls were historically built to keep invading enemies out, the sculptures Upper Dauphin Area Elementary students are creating celebrate cooperation and inviting others in.

Professional sculpture artist Melissa Sholley, Mechanicsburg, has been working with UDA fourth-graders creating a permanent sculpture garden for the school's courtyard as part of an "Artist in Residency" project.

"I'm so glad that we got enough money that she could come here and I can't wait to start in the courtyard," Isaac Hepler, 10, of Gratz, said.

Jump Street

Sara Jarrett, UDA Elementary art teacher, applied for, and received, a $2,000 grant for the district. The grant was provided through Jump Street, an arts organization located in Harrisburg, allowing UDA to host a professional artist for 20 days to work directly with fourth-grade students. Pupils are learning about planning, designing, building and completing a finished sculpture.

Jarrett said the theme of the sculpture garden is "Wonders of The World." Students have researched three specific wonders: The Great Wall of China, The Moai Statues on Easter Island and Chichen Itza in Mexico.

"This is an amazing opportunity for our students to work with a professional artist on a large scale project. It immerses them in an experience they may never have again," Jarrett said.

Presentations

Recently, fourth-graders from Laura Michael's homeroom presented designs on their research of The Great Wall of China.

Desteny Keiser, 9, of Elizabethville, explained her group's wall sculpture included inspiration from artist Andy Goldsworthy, and the stacking of natural materials.

"We had this list of items that we could choose from . . . I really enjoyed when we went up to speak," she said.

Sholley shared with students a number of items they may see stacked, including pancakes, sandwiches, wood, books and handmade paper.

Marcus Tapper, 9, of Pillow, was part of a group that designed "The Amazing Beacon." He said he had fun putting the clay on their design.

"I was happy and excited," Tapper said, of learning there would be a permanent sculpture of students' artwork in the courtyard.

Cooperation was a skill Hepler said he used during his team's creative process.

"One of the biggest challenges was keeping everyone together. I tried to stay out of it for a while, and just sat back and stayed quiet, but then we finally got it together - even though we had some different ideas," he said.

Cloe Dauberman, 9, of Lykens, said building with sugar cubes was her favorite activity. She said Sholley's been a great help and she's glad she's in her school.

"She's awesome! She's shown us how to draw a lot of things."

Opportunity

Sholley, who earned her degree in 3-D sculpture from Messiah College, said her professor, Sean Matthews, heard about the Jump Street grant and got her interested in pursuing her first residency. She was introduced to UDA students during an assembly in January, but began working directly with them in Jarrett's art room last month.

"I like to see them decide who's doing what, and to see how others work with them," Sholley said. "I want to help them understand the work and know how to defend it and explain it to other people," she said.

Sholley and Jarrett designed their lesson plans together. They encouraged pupils to use recycled materials to build their model sculptures, which relate to the three "Wonders."

"I really hope to instill in them to respect the process. I also want to be sure to integrate math and science into it," Jarrett said.

Timeline

It's hoped the permanent sculpture will be completed before the end of the school year. Jarrett provided a brief timeline of how the project was designed to progress:

- February - Artist visits the school to work with students to build miniature models of the sculptures.

- March - Artist demonstrates sculpture techniques using a variety of sculpture tools.

- April - Artist works with core group to build the main sculpture "The Great Wall of China." She also keeps entire school updated with progress through Skype and videos.

- May - Artist visits school and works with core group of students to finish and install sculptures into courtyard. Students will also participate in a schoolwide critique and discussion once installed.

- May 20 - Art Show and Courtyard Open House in the evening for all community members to view and meet the artist.

Support

Jarrett said the district appreciates all the support it received from many sources for the project. Students helped raise about $3,000 for the effort by selling their own artwork through a company called, Square One.

Pupil's artwork was displayed on mugs, coasters, magnets, shirts, keychains and other products that their family members could purchase. Square One then donated a portion of the proceeds to the art program at school.

Assistance also came from seven area businesses which donated supplies or monetary contributions. The elementary staff also donated, and held a "Jeans (dress down) Day" to raise money for the project.

Observation

Jamie Dunlap, director of Arts in Education division, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts; and Christine Glover, Education Program director of Jump Street, both of Harrisburg, observed the residency program in action at UDA at the end of February.

"We were there to observe the experiences of the artist, teacher and students. Further, I look for the level of student engagement and their level of understanding and mastery of the content," Glover said, noting she watches if students are able to correctly use vocabulary words, and if they can explain the process that they've used to create the piece.

"I also look for evidence of planning and preparation - a demonstration that the artist and teaching are collaborating. Ideally, they will both learn from each other in a lasting way that will impact their interactions with students for years to come. At the end of the residency, both will provide us with additional feedback about the overall process," Glover said.

At Jump Street, Glover said, they use the data to report not only to their fund supplier, the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, but to other potential supplier/donors. Jump Street helps the host site identify and secure third-party funds to support artist residencies.

The data helps them show the benefit of, and need for, artist residencies. Similarly, they use the data to gain interest from other artists, teachers and administrators.

"They, too, need to see the possible benefits for students," she said.

New project

This residency is new because Jump Street is a relatively new Arts in Education Partner on behalf of the PCA (just about three years).

"Further, I just took over as the regional coordinator in September," Glover said. "This is the first artist residency that has been done at Upper Dauphin Elementary School. This is Mrs. Jarrett's first residency as a teacher. It is also Ms. Sholley's first residency as a teaching artist ... a lot of firsts going on here."

Through the AIE Partnership, the PCA provides guidance and support to 13 regional partner organizations. The PCA funding is used to support this infrastructure as well as provide matching funds to schools, community centers, senior centers, etc., to conduct artist residencies. According to Dunlap, this allows the PCA, a state agency, to conduct artist residencies in all 67 counties of Pennsylvania through its regional partners.

Progress

To follow students' progress with the Upper Dauphin project, visit the UDAES page direct link: http://sarajarrett.udasd.org, or the Art Club Blog at http://udaesartclub.blogspot.com or the UDAES Smart Art Projects direct link at: http://udaesartroom.weebly.com. Visitors can see videos of student presentations at school, as well as Sholley working in her art studio.

To learn more about Sholley's work, visit www.behance.net/melissasholley.

SHAMOKIN - Overdose deaths in Northumberland County nearly tripled from 2012 to 2014.

Northumberland County Coroner James F. Kelley confirmed 20 overdose deaths in 2014. There were seven such deaths reported in 2012, according to

state data.

The deaths were due to drugs and alcohol, or a combination of both, Kelley said. Some involved heroin, and others prescription drugs.

There are slightly more male victims than females, Kelley said. The oldest victim was 55, and the youngest 18.

"It's just a waste of life, when you see these younger ones especially," he said.

Last year's total figure for Northumberland County is actually higher than 20, Kelley said. However, he couldn't access toxicity records prior to May 1 due to a computer glitch.

During a drug awareness press conference last spring, Kelley confirmed five overdose deaths through May 19 and estimated the total at eight pending toxicology testing.

Kelley joined the coroner's office as a deputy in 1990, and was first elected coroner in 2002. The office dealt with one overdose annually on average in the 1990s. Overdose cases ranged from four to five between 2000 and 2003 and spiked to eight on average between 2004 and 2012.

Most county coroners, not just in Pennsylvania but across the country, have experiences similar rises, Kelley believes.

KULPMONT - The front door of the Chesney family home is wide open on Holy Saturday. Every other door is, too.

In an area full of traditions - family, ethnic, religious - it's a welcoming sight for an all-inclusive event like none other.

"Anybody could show up," Bob Chesney says, turning his head over his shoulder as another friend joins a dozen others in his basement. "You don't know who will come at any time."

They come to the Chesneys' home in the 900 block of Pine Street for a party - to eat and drink and laugh, and to celebrate the end of the 40-day Lenten sacrifice. And they come to cross the street.

An explanation is necessary.

'The crossing'

Bob gave up beer for Lent, which he does yearly. He attends Mass almost daily during this time, and says he's more conscious of being kind to others. His wife, Claudia, gave up games she plays on her iPad. It's a similar story for most everyone else at the house. On Holy Saturday, the 45 or so people who ultimately gather all welcome these things back into their lives. "Happy Crossing," they tell each other.

As noon approaches, half the crowd lines the north side of Pine Street. They face the other half on the south side. Bob speaks briefly about the tradition and about the Easter holiday,

and the song "Tradition" from "Fiddler on the Roof" is cued on a portable stereo.

"Happy Easter. Lent is over!" Bob exclaims.

Each group walks into Pine Street and meets in the middle, raising cups and candy and a single iPad to the sky as they greet each other with "Cheers" or "Nostrovia." The groups then continue in opposite directions to each side of the street, only to repeat the process once more, the sun shining down as they again meet in the middle - smiling and laughing and acting as if any of this is new.

"Health and happiness to everyone! Inside to eat and drink!" Bob calls out. The crowd ducks back into the basement as the sun ducks behind the clouds.

'Nothing better'

The tradition began with Bob and his neighbor across the street, Joe Meyer. Bob figures they've been doing the crossing for 20 years. He corrects himself: 25 years.

"It's close to 30 years," Claudia says when asked. "He forgets we're married 40 years."

Meyer's son, Terry, was the cross-bearer for the second consecutive year. The job is simple: hold a wooden cross, the marker where the crowd meets in the street. When he was a kid in the 1980s, he says he was only strong enough to hold candlesticks.

"Cross-bearer two years in a row, I'm moving up," he says.

The few in attendance unfamiliar to the event need only look at a homemade program created for the post-Lent celebration. On the back is a basic series of three graphics showing how to cross the street: stick figures walking from a curb, shaking hands midway. The directions are laughable and endearing and charming and is all about enjoying life's simplest moments.

"It's a great excuse for a party, and to have family around, there's nothing better," Claudia says. The Chesneys have three adult sons.

Tradition all its own

Tables in the basement are steeped in ethnic food - pierogies, kielbasa, Easter pie, soupie, cheese, peppers and more. Beer and soda are chilled in a cooler.

Many of the guys on hand played football for Bob when he coached at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional. Some are now doctors, lawyers, family men. Bob proudly points this all out. And he gestures to the women in the room nearby, and all the children playing. They're gearing up for an egg hunt. The sights all around him make the proud man smile.

The crossing coincides with the end of Lent and the beginning of the Easter season, but the event itself isn't holy. It isn't based on some Old World ritual. It's based on friendship, and it's a tradition all its own.

Crossing the street is never as much fun as it is on Holy Saturday in Kulpmont's 900 block of Pine Street.

Scholarship application process

HAZLETON - The Pennsylvania-Anthracite Section of Society of Mining Engineers announces the 2015-16 John Kaminski Memorial Scholarships for mining-related engineering or science majors for Pennsylvania students.

The grants are for enrollment and attendance in an engineering or science program related to mining at a school in the state.

Scholarships, each valued at $500, are presented to a graduating high school senior and to a college or university undergraduate. The graduating senior scholarship is a one-time only grant issued for freshmen attending their first semester this fall. The college scholarship is for high school senior scholarship winners and current undergraduate students and may be renewed upon application if satisfactory progress, 3.0 or higher grade-point average, toward an appropriate degree is maintained.

Information about the scholarship grants can be obtained from school guidance counselors or by contacting Pennsylvania Anthracite Section SME/AIME, care of John R. Ackerman, scholarship chairman at jrackerman@twinoaks.biz. Deadline is May 15.

The scholarships are presented at the organization's annual meeting and dinner in late June. The students and their parents will be guests of the society.

Earth Day plans announced

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - Plans have been announced for an Earth Day event, April 22, sponsored by Penn State Schuylkill and the EPICS Comittee (Envision, Plan, Implement, Change, Sustain).

A Spring Eco-Fair will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Campus Mall Walk. Attendees can stroll down the mall walk to learn about the environment and sustainability from local companies and organizations.

A Sustainability Forum in the John E. Morgan Auditorium will include presentations by:

- Dr. Harold Aurand and Cindy Drazenovich, "Understanding the Coal Region Landscape," 2 p.m.

- Dan Lynch, Pennsylvania Game Commission, "Renewable Natural Resources: Hunting and Habitat Management," 3 p.m.

A community garden ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the grassy area north of the Ciletti Memorial Library.

"Porcupine Pat" will conduct an interactive presentation, "Ways of Wildlife," at 6 p.m. in the John E. Morgan Auditorium. The entire family can enjoy learning about the local environment.

BLOOMSBURG - Kirsten Anne Sinopoli, a junior at Bloomsburg University, has been selected for induction into the honor society, Phi Kappa Phi, by the university chapter.

Students with the highest scholastic standing are awarded membership. Only 7.5 percent of the juniors in each college are invited for membership. The initiation ceremony will be held April 19.

Sinopoli has also been selected for induction into Beta Gamma Sigma, Bloomsburg University chapter. Selection criteria is based on ranking in the top 10 percent highest grade point average of the junior class. Because of Sinopoli's outstanding academic achievement, she will now become a lifetime member in the international honor society, Beta Gamma Sigma. This is the premier honor society for "the best students" in business programs accredited by AACSB International. The College of Business award/induction ceremony will be held May 8.

In the College of Business, Sinopoli is a business management major. She maintains an overall 3.6 grade-point average. She is involved in the Greek life sorority Phi Iota Chi, where she holds the position of vice president. She is also an active member of Bloomsburg University Phi Beta Lambda, Future Business Leaders of America, and have been named four times to the university dean's list.

After graduating in December, Sinopoli plans to pursue a master's degree in business administration at Bloomsburg University.

She is a daughter of Robert and Raelene Sinopoli, of Kulpmont.

SHAMOKIN - The SUN Area Dairy Promotion team seeks contestants for Dairy Princess, Misses and Maids.

Eligible females must be between the ages of 8 and 23 years old by June 1, and also live in Snyder, Union, Northumberland and Montour counties. Contestants can't be married or get married during their reign, and also can't be mothers or expecting.

Girls ages 8 to 12 are eligible for Dairy Misses, 13 to 16, or whenever they run for Princess, are Dairy Maids, and 16 to 23 for Dairy Princess.

Members don't have to live on a dairy farm, but do have to have some relation to the dairy industry. It could be a relative who had a dairy farm, who works in the industry, or who raises their own dairy animals like cows, heifers or goats.

The Dairy Princess is expected to promote the dairy industry in the four-county area at schools, non-dairy meetings, dairy meetings, booth promotions, special events and in the media. Dairy Misses and Maids will help the Princess when they are available.

The Dairy Princess must attend a seminar July 7 to 10 at Elizabethtown College and State Dairy Princess Pageant Sept. 17 to 19 at Radisson Penn Harris in Camp Hill. The alternate Princess is to attend the seminar with the Princess or mini-seminar with the Misses and Maids.

Dairy Princess contestants are required to perform a 3 to 5 minute speech and skit at the SUN Area and Pennsylvania State Dairy Princess Pageant. Dairy Maids perform a similar speech or skit at the SUN Area Dairy Princess Pageant, which is optional for the Dairy Misses.

The Dairy Princess has to complete a scrapbook for the Pennsylvania State Dairy Princess Pageant.

To sign-up or for more information contact Ashley Wetzel at 570-539-8625 or 570-541-5298. Visit the SUN Area Dairy Princess Promotion on Facebook or at www.sunareadp.webs.com.

Editor's note: Monday Profiles are published the first Monday of each month.

MOUNT CARMEL - On a make-shift stage in the Mount Carmel Area Junior/Senior High School gym, Cassandra Niglio reaches down and presses the start button on a laptop she has programmed to play an upbeat tune. The 21-year-old from Mount Carmel has spent weeks preparing for what is next.

She makes her way to the center of the platform and stands in front of nearly 200 elementary and high school students who have gathered on a fall Saturday afternoon. Within moments, she leads the students in a group dance. The students, smiling and laughing, follow her every footstep.

The scene will play out frequently over the next 12 hours during a dance marathon Niglio co-orgranized to raise money for sick children. Just as important is the effect the Mount Carmel alum has had on the community, especially students.

Dozens of fourth- through 12th-graders have given countless hours to assist Niglio in raising funds and cancer awareness. Around a dozen upperclassman have also volunteered to serve as "student leaders," who assist Niglio where needed. There are jobs for everyone: coloring signs, collecting admission fees and more. Regardless of the role, the students believe in Niglio's cause and the willingness to help is catching like wild fire.

Niglio may not have expected such popularity when her effort began, but at that point it didn't matter. She was simply trying to honor her mother and help others going through similar situations.

'Here for them'

Niglio was 13 years old on Oct. 6, 2006, when her mother, Denise, passed away from squamous cell cancer of the liver. Her mother had been told she had six months to live, but fought courageously for 18 months.

After her mother's death, Niglio felt the need to start helping others. She joined a Relay For Life team. Then in 2010, she and classmates Karissa Cichon and Bridget Greco co-organized a talent show held at the high school in honor of Denise and Lisa Wasilewski, who also lost her battle with cancer. The event raised $3,000 for the American Cancer Society.

"I decided to do it so I could give money to families who are suffering, and to also let them know we are here for them," Niglio said. "I never want people to experience what my father (Frank) and my family had to go through."

After an increase in community support following two more successful talent shows in 2011 and 2012, Niglio floated the idea of holding a 12-hour "mini-THON," similar to Penn State's highly successful THON. Her former classmates and close friends Sami Spieller, Rachel Niglio and Cassie Mace jumped on board.

Fundraisers were held throughout the year leading up to the inaugural marathon. More than $12,000 was raised for the Four Diamonds Fund, which supports pediatric cancer research. More fundraisers were added in 2014, including an alumni football game. A total of $17,131.76 was raised for Geisinger Janet Weis Children's Hospital's ThinkBIG Pediatric Cancer Fund. Both marathons have included guest speakers, luminaries and activities for adults and students.

"I had hoped, but never really thought, it would become a reality," Niglio said of the success of the marathons.

The year-round effort is not an easy task for Niglio, who is a junior communications major at Bloomsburg University. She is on an event planing team and is a basketball and football cheerleader, for which she will be a captain next season.

Niglio said it can sometimes be challenging to balance school and organize community events, but said she enjoys doing it and likes to keep busy. Student leaders have taken some of the burden off her shoulders. Finding helpers is easy to come by, she said.

In 2014, six students collected $2,000 at Shamokin's 150th anniversary celebration parade. This year, more than 25 students signed-up to collect at the St. Patrick's Day parade in Girardville.

True passion

Ana Ditchey, a fourth-grade teacher at Mount Carmel who coached Nilgio in track in middle and high school, said Nilgio's passion has trickled down through the school. Many of her students who have attended the marathons and fundraisers have expressed interest in helping, even if it means just attending an event.

"I see it in my fourth-grade students. They definitely have a passion for the event (marathon), too," Ditchey said. "Everyone came to school that Monday after the first marathon and that's all they talked about. They said they couldn't wait for the next one, and the same thing was said after last year's event."

Ditchey, who has volunteered at the marathons and many of the fundraisers, said the student leaders are "completely devoted," and graduates are returning home from college so they can continue to help. She said everyone involved knows the marathon will be a day they will remember for a long time.

"That first marathon was just a trial event, and no one knew what to expect," Ditchey said. "Everyone found out how much fun it was and what the event ended up being: helping out children and helping the cause."

Ditchey said Niglio has been devoted to helping others since her mother passed away. She has built relationships with students and has worked closely with staff, teachers and administrators to achieve her goals. Niglio's work has caught the attention of people outside the district, who are starting to attend the events, Ditchey said.

"Everything that Cass can help with she is going to do it to the best of her ability," Ditchey said. "She is one of those people who honestly have changed the community for the better. Her mom is definitely smiling down on her because of that."

Looking to the future

Niglio said she is unsure what the future holds for her once she is done with college, but said she would like to keep the event in Mount Carmel and wants to be involved in the effort as long as she can. She points to Spieller, who is now living in Philadelphia, but still plays a big part in organizing and holding the dance marathon.

"I am willing to do this as long as I can," Niglio said. "I don't think I am ready to give it up yet."

The third annual marathon is set for Saturday, Oct. 24. For more information on fundraisers search for "MCA's 2015 ThinkBIG Dance Marathon" on Facebook.

Name: Cassandra Niglio.

Age: 21.

Occupation: College student.

Hometown: Mount Carmel, originally from Den-Mar Gardens.

WILKES-BARRE - Marisa Farronato, of Kulpmont, was honored recently as a member of an award-winning public relations account team at Wilkes University.

Farronato, a senior communications studies major, was a member of Zebra Communications' "Need Knows No Season" fundraising campaign to benefit the Wilkes-Barre Salvation Army.

Along with eight other members of Zebra Communications, Farronato received the first place "Bell Ringer" award at the Wilkes-Barre Salvation Army's volunteer appreciation luncheon. Zebra Communications, the student-run PR agency at Wilkes University, raised more than $2,490 to support the Salvation Army in a field of over 60 community volunteer groups.

Farronato was responsible for event planning and media relations in Zebra's semester-long fundraising campaign. She is a member of the executive board of Zebra Communications, where she currently serves on Embrace a Child and the communications studies account teams. She is also vice president of the Wilkes chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America.

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

John Gembic III, Shamokin

Christopher Jacob Fedder, of Millsboro, Del., against Bruce Bradshaw and Co., of Trevorton, for $1,430, filed March 31. Hearing scheduled for April 13.

Geoffrey Mako, of Shamokin, against Andrea Klebert-Baez, of Coal Township, for $12,000, filed March 30. Hearing scheduled for April 9.

Casey Drogalis, of Sunbury, against Nicole Snyder, of Shamokin, for $2,511, filed April 1. Hearing scheduled for April 13.

Brian Kinn against David Gulba, both of Trevorton, for $1,425, filed March 30. Hearing scheduled for April 9.

Shamokin Housing Authority awarded $268.25 on March 5 from Albert Small, of Shamokin.

Thomas Gulba against Jessica Kruleski, both of Shamokin, withdrawn.

Hugh A. Jones, Mount Carmel

Tammy Smith-Eister, Eugene Eister, of Pensacola, Fla., against Joseph Brodie, of Kulpmont, for $2,500, filed March 30. Hearing scheduled for April 9.

Apartments & Acquisitions against Thomas Beltrand and Christina Perez, all of Mount Carmel, for $1,300, filed March 30. Hearing scheduled for April 9.

Kristan N. Kessler, of Elysburg, against Michelle Lynn Revinski, of Mount Carmel, for $3,580, filed March 30. Hearing scheduled for April 14.

Billy W. Clark Jr., of Shamokin Dam, awarded $1,394.70 on March 5 from David Boone, of Mount Carmel.

Janet J. Schoppy, of Danville, awarded $1,117.30 on March 5 from Patricia Inacio and Alex Armstrong, of Mount Carmel.

HARRISBURG - The Wolf Administration says Pennsylvania businesses will see a significant cut in workers' compensation insurance rates while benefit levels for injured workers will be maintained.

Insurance rates dropped 5.99 percent, effective April 1, reducing a key expense for many companies and saving Pennsylvania businesses an estimated $140 million this year.

"A constant concern for business owners is reducing costs while supporting employees' health and livelihood," Wolf said in a press release. "These rate reductions will go a long way towards ensuring business owners can continue to create and support jobs that pay in Pennsylvania."

The rate reduction follows the Insurance Department's approval of the Pennsylvania Compensation Rating Bureau's annual loss cost filing. These loss costs are used to determine the premiums businesses pay for workers' compensation insurance. The premium savings for an individual employer will vary based on the employer's risk classification, claims experience and other factors. Not all employers will see a decrease.

This is the fourth consecutive workers' compensation insurance cut in as many years, and brings the cumulative savings to $550 million for the past four years. Workers' compensation insurance covers the cost of medical care and rehabilitation for injured workers, lost wages and death benefits for the dependents of those killed in work-related accidents.

More than 10,530 state-certified workplace safety committees have been established since March 1994, protecting more than 1,396,306 workers. Additionally, employers with certified workplace safety committees have saved close to $524.3 million in workers' compensation premiums. These savings in insurance costs are due solely to the five-percent premium discount provided to businesses that have these committees.

"We are proud of the role our Bureau of Workers' Compensation Health & Safety division plays in the keeping our workers safe," Acting Labor & Industry Secretary Kathy Manderino said in a press release. "It's clear that employer safety programs produce tangible benefits and cost savings. Coupled with the reduction in premium rates, employers with safety committees get a win-win in savings and safety."

Employers should contact their insurance company or agent for more information about how their workers' compensation premiums are affected.

COAL TOWNSHIP - A collective groan is bellowed early Saturday inside an exercise room at Shamokin Area Middle/High School as the first training session of the Shamokin Triathlon Club is underway.

The response was to Jordan Rickert's command that a group of 15 people peddling spin cycles increase the resistance level to 17. They work their way up to 20 before cooling down.

"Don't worry, it's good for you," Rickert says.

After a half-hour on the bikes, with some peddling 10 miles or more, the men and women walk to the school's pool to swim laps. Miranda Petrovich stays behind, still peddling.

"I want to get to 12 miles. I'm at 11.8," she says.

The group, all adults on this day, are there for exercise, to socialize, and to try something new. All of them have completed 5K runs, and some have done marathons. Few have competed in a triathlon. That will change this summer. Club members are aiming for an event in Danville in June, and another in Lewisburg in August. Both are events sprints, Rickert says - 300 yard swim, 15 mile bike ride, 3.2 mile run.

The club is unique. Students and the public are invited to join. It's open to anyone of any fitness level.

Rickert is joined by Rich Kashnoski and Jason Dunkelberger in leading the club. Kashnoski is a swimming coach for the district, Rickert is the girls head basketball coach, and Dunkelberger is an experienced triathlon athlete.

Club members themselves have diverse backgrounds. There's a dentist, a dietician, a nurse, an athletic trainer and a police officer. Cost to join is $50 for community members, and $25 for district staff. Students join free of charge. Portions of the proceeds will be used to create an annual scholarship award.

Nearly 50 students expressed interest in joining the triathlon club, Kashnoski said, but none were training Saturday morning. He and Rickert agreed they'll need to work to get teenagers involved. For her part, Rickert's hoping some of her basketball players will join.

Club members will practice twice weekly, and perhaps more down the road once their stamina is built up. They'll stagger exercises: one day for swimming and running, another for biking and swimming, and so on.

"There's so much negativity all the time. We're trying to do something positive," Rickert says.

Cynthia Gallagher, of Elysburg, finishes swimming laps and towels off. She's completed three marathons before, but swimming is a new challenge. She swam 400 yards Saturday.

"This is my first time swimming. I'm a swimming virgin," Gallagher says with an exhausted laugh.

Gallagher enjoys working out with a group, and the club offers that. It also offers opportunities to learn different techniques and exercises.

"People like this kind of stuff. They need direction and guidance and an actual crew of people with experience," Dunkelberger says.

To join the Shamokin Triathlon club or for more information, email shamokintriathlonclub@yahoo.com or visit the club's Facebook page.

SUNBURY - A Northumberland County judge sided with Shamokin and Coal Township last week in the municipalities' attempt to gain control of 14 blighted properties.

Judge Charles H. Saylor ruled that public notice can be placed in local newspapers and the county's legal journal of the municipalities' intent to obtain conservatorship of the properties owned by Helene, Russell, Esther and Pauline Kolody.

The ruling comes after a 45-day stay in the case expired, and a failed attempt to serve the Kolodys. No one from the family has responded to certified letters and hearing notices, and haven't shown up to court.

Vince Rovito, township solicitor, previously told the court that the relatives have evaded local officials for years concerning code violations, and believes the same regarding the motion for conservatorship.

The municipalities said in court petitions the Kolodys are incapable of caring for the properties in question - nine in Coal Township and five in Shamokin. The properties have fallen into disrepair, and that without court intervention public safety remains at risk, the petitions state. If granted conservatorship, Coal Township and Shamokin will demolish the buildings.

Conservatorship is comparable to a legal guardianship for real estate. Ownership doesn't change. Should a county judge rule in favor of Coal Township and Shamokin, the Kolodys would retain title to the properties.

Early demolition estimates total $117,900. The figures were tallied without full inspections of the properties. Demolition would be funded with state Keystone Communities grant money. Liens can be placed on the lots to recover demolition costs, or the properties could be sold free and clear to a third party.

It's the first attempt by either municipality to use the provision provided by the state's Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act of 2008.

Parishioners to wear orange ribbons

MOUNT CARMEL - The Rev. Frank Karwacki, pastor, will bless orange ribbons at this weekend's Masses at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 47 S. Market St., for parishioners to wear as a reminder to pray for Christians who are facing violence, captivity, persecution and brutality by ISIS and other radical terrorists. A prayer will also be distributed to be said by those wearing the orange ribbons.

Karwacki said the Rev. Patrick Mahoney, of Washington, D.C., came up with the idea because ISIS places people in orange jump suits for their beheadings or burnings and therefore, "Orange is the new color of martyrdom." Karwacki noted that thousands of innocent people have been killed for their Christian faith.

There will also be a benediction ceremony at 3 p.m. Sunday, with the Divine Mercy Chaplet prayers for those persecuted by terrorists.

Losing loved ones discussed at Lifetree

SHAMOKIN - Strategies for surviving the death of a loved one will be shared at 7 p.m. Thursday at Lifetree Café at Antioch Place, 531 N. Market St.

The program, titled "Surviving the Death of a Loved One: Finding Peace in Your Time of Loss," includes a film featuring Susan Burton, a woman who lost an infant child to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

Burton will discuss what proved helpful as she moved through grief and found peace and healing.

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.

JACKSON TOWNSHIP - A three-alarm fire destroyed a barn early Sunday morning.

Alicia Hamburger, of 1463 Herndon Bypass Road, Jackson Township, said her dog woke her up at around 12:30 a.m. Sunday. She looked outside to see her barn fully engulfed in flame.

"It's not something we wanted to wake up to," she said.

Hamburger said the barn is a total loss. Farming equipment stored inside, including a tractor and a mower, were also destroyed.

No animals were living in the building and everyone is fully accounted for, she said.

Hamburger's barn is insured.