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November 2009

Turkey dinner for families in need

Monday, November 30, 2009
MARY TOBIA/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
MARY TOBIA/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS

The Ladies Auxiliary of the R.W. Fritzinger VJW Post 7215 of Slatington's 6th annual food drive was a success greatly in part to: left to right, Kathleen Grammes,Trustee; Crystal Kreidler, Auxiliary member; Pat Ohl, treasurer; Miriam Mack, senior vice president; Karen Bonsi, president and District 20 president; Sue Borits, auxiliary member; Carol Resh, Gold Star Mother and auxiliary member; Crystal Butz, chaplin. Eight deserving families in the Slatington Area were presented a turkey and all the trimming for their Thanksgiving meal compliments of the members of Ladies Auxiliary.

Christmas concert

Monday, November 30, 2009

Singing and Ringing in Lehighton

A Christmas Concert of Singing and Ringing will be held at Ben Salem UCC, 1965 Church Hill Rd., Lehighton, at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6.

Featured will be the men's gospel quartet, Lost and Found, and the Ben Salem Handbell Choir.

The concert is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served following the concert.

Summit Hill woman celebrates 100 years

Monday, November 30, 2009
Mary Mustacchio
Mary Mustacchio

Mary Mustacchio, formerly of Summit Hill and currently a resident of Weatherwood in Weatherly, recently celebrated her 100th birthday.

Mary was born on Nov. 27, 1909 in Mahoning Valley to the late Josephena and John Lutsko of New Columbus. In 1925 she married E. Abbie Mustacchio. They were married for 47 years, until his passing in 1972.

An autumn farming ritual

Monday, November 30, 2009
RON GOWER/TIMES NEWS
RON GOWER/TIMES NEWS

Eighty-five year old Ambrose Rex of Mahoning Township husks the corn on his nearly 300 acre farm. Despite his age, Rex works on all phases of farming. Husking occurs every fall after the cooler weather has ended the growing season. Rex said he has no intention of retiring.

Local student serves in honor guard

Monday, November 30, 2009

Cathrine Schoch, a senior nursing major from Lehighton, served in the student honor guard for the inauguration of Carmen Twillie Ambar as the 13th president of Cedar Crest College in October.

The honor guard dressed in academic regalia lined the procession route as the president and others processed, and followed the president as she entered Lees Hall auditorium for the ceremony.

Schuylkill woman found intoxicated

Monday, November 30, 2009

A Schuylkill County woman was found walking in a middle of a road under the influence of alcohol.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said Michelle L. Schneck, of Old Forge Road, in Pine Grove Township, was found walking in the middle of the road above about 2:19 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28, in a intoxicated condition.

Troopers said she was cited for public drunkenness.

Completes Navy basic training

Monday, November 30, 2009

Navy Seaman Recruit Michael J. Koch, son of Jeanne M. and David K. Koch of Tamaqua, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Koch completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.

Pet Store Universe carries a complete line of supplies

Monday, November 30, 2009
Gail Maholick/TIMES NEWS Janice Coles, owner of Pet Store Universe, 450 Interchange Road, Suite 101, Route 209 in Franklin Township, has stocked the store with a selection of premium wholesome pet foods that will add healthy years to your pet's life. The store is in the same building as All Lit Up.
Gail Maholick/TIMES NEWS Janice Coles, owner of Pet Store Universe, 450 Interchange Road, Suite 101, Route 209 in Franklin Township, has stocked the store with a selection of premium wholesome pet foods that will add healthy years to your pet's life. The store is in the same building as All Lit Up.

Shopping for your pet has never been easier.

Discriminating pet owners who seek healthy, all natural, holistic pet foods for their pets are invited to let Pet Store Universe at 450 Interchange Road, Suite 101, be their one-stop pet shopping spot.

Pet Store Universe is located next to All Lit Up lighting store along Route 209 in Franklin Township.

Janice Coles, owner, has stocked the store with a selection of premium wholesome pet foods that will add healthy years to your pet's life.

Several hurt in SR895 crash

Monday, November 30, 2009
LARRY NEFF/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
LARRY NEFF/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS

State police at Frackville investigated two crashes along SR895, five-tenths of a mile south of SR443, in East Brunswick Township, Schuylkill County, that occurred moments apart and included a pedestrian being hit who stopped to aid persons injured in the initial crash. Troopers said about 1:35 a.m. Scott Reed, 24, of Orwigsburg, was driving a 1998 Ford Explorer southbound when he lost control while negotiating a left curve. The Ford first entered the north lane, then Reed counter-steered to the right causing the vehicle to go off the road and strike an embankment.

Woman facing theft charge

Monday, November 30, 2009

A Schuylkill County woman is facing a charge of theft by deception.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said Donna Brady, 49, of Pottsville, wrote a check for 150 gallons of home heating oil to H.B. Steele & Son Inc., West Brunswick Township, on Nov. 9 at 3:02 p.m. The check was written on a closed account, troopers said.

Offensive line was strong point for Bulldogs the entire season

Monday, November 30, 2009
BOB FORD/TIMES NEWS Northern Lehigh's Mike Buresh (left) and Nick Hartman (72) get set to block North Schuylkill's Kody Flail.
BOB FORD/TIMES NEWS Northern Lehigh's Mike Buresh (left) and Nick Hartman (72) get set to block North Schuylkill's Kody Flail.

High school football games are won and lost on the line of scrimmage.

Northern Lehigh's play on the line of scrimmage was a big reason it won 10 games this season and earned a spot in the District 11 title game.

The Bulldogs' have the Colonial League's leading rusher and the top ball carrier in the Times News area in Cody Remaley. The junior running back ran for 2,155 yards on 354 carries this year thanks in part to the line in front of him, which featured 12 years of experience among the five interior linemen.

Hitting the heights

Monday, November 30, 2009
KEITH HUANG/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS Writer, lyricist, composer and performer Greg Portz, a Tuscarora native, will launch a theatrical run off-Broadway starting in February.
KEITH HUANG/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS Writer, lyricist, composer and performer Greg Portz, a Tuscarora native, will launch a theatrical run off-Broadway starting in February.

Tuscarora native gets big break off-Broadway

A man with local roots will get a big break in the Big Apple now that the renowned People's Improv Theatre has announced their plans to produce a show written and performed by a Tuscarora native.

Greg Portz, son of Greg J. and Deborah Portz, has learned that his work, "In Polynesian Mood," has been selected for production by the famous off-Broadway comedy venue. Portz teamed with Ashley Rebecca King to create the show, which is part concert, part monologue, and follows the pursuits of two cover band artists trying to make their way to a South Pacific resort without much success.

Completes basic combat training

Monday, November 30, 2009

Army Pvt. Joseph A. Zaprazny has graduated from Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier studied the Army mission and received instruction and training exercises in drill and ceremonies, Army history, core values and traditions, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, rifle marksmanship, weapons use, map reading and land navigation, foot marches, armed and unarmed combat, and field maneuvers and tactics.

Eldred column

Monday, November 30, 2009

PVEN wish list

Pleasant Valley Ecumenical Network is always in need of food. But currently, St. Matthew's UCC is holding a drive for new packaged underwear and socks for men, women and children. You can bring your donations to the church Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and Sundays from 8-11:30 a.m. The deadline is Sunday, Dec. 13.

Birthday wishes

Housing woes hit first-time buyers

Monday, November 30, 2009
STACEY SOLT/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS Laura Kennedy stands outside of her parents' home in Summit Hill, where she has been living as she attempts to purchase her first home. Kennedy is trapped in housing limbo, unable to close on the home she wants but, unwilling to walk away and lose the money she's invested so far.
STACEY SOLT/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS Laura Kennedy stands outside of her parents' home in Summit Hill, where she has been living as she attempts to purchase her first home. Kennedy is trapped in housing limbo, unable to close on the home she wants but, unwilling to walk away and lose the money she's invested so far.

When Laura Kennedy set out to buy her first home this year, she did everything right. Kennedy, 25, saved up a down payment, earned a solid credit score, and found a home that she could afford.

Now Kennedy is trapped in housing limbo, unable to close on the home she wants but unwilling to walk away and lose the money she's invested so far. The Tamaqua house she is attempting to buy is worth less than the seller's mortgage, which means that the seller's bank must accept a "short sale" or risk the house going into foreclosure.

On this date

Monday, November 30, 2009

November 30, 1975

Boroughs throughout the state, such as the 12 in Carbon County, now have the right to appropriate funds for fire protection to fire companies which serve the borough, under legislation now served into law by the governor. The new law permits boroughs to levy a special tax to cover the cost of fire protection but limits it to three mills. Should the borough wish to raise the tax above the three mill limitation, the issue would have to be submitted to the voters of the borough for approval.

Tamaqua news

Monday, November 30, 2009

Spirit of Christmas

Tamaqua's Annual Spirit of Christmas Festival will be held this weekend at a variety of venues in the downtown area.

Festivities will begin with a candlelit walking tour of the historic district. Participants will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, at the Tamaqua Historical Society Museum, 116 W. Broad St.

Lehighton Area High School choirs present 'Disney Christmas Celebration'

Monday, November 30, 2009
Special to the TIMES NEWS The Concert Choir of Lehighton Area High School will join the Music Express of the school for a concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4. The concert precedes a trip by the two school groups to Disney World from Dec. 8 to 13.
Special to the TIMES NEWS The Concert Choir of Lehighton Area High School will join the Music Express of the school for a concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4. The concert precedes a trip by the two school groups to Disney World from Dec. 8 to 13.

The Lehighton Area High School Choirs will be presenting "A Disney Christmas Celebration" on Friday, December 4, at 7:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

This marks their 54th Annual Christmas Choral Concert and will feature the voices of the Concert Choir and "Music Express".

The concert will feature all of the music that they will be performing in the Walt DisneyWorld Resorts December 8-13.

A minimum admission fee is charged. All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society Carbon/Tamaqua Unit and Holiday Educare.

St. Jerome students aid kids in different ways

Monday, November 30, 2009
ANDREW LEIBENGUTH/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS
ANDREW LEIBENGUTH/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS

Two students at the St Jerome Regional School in Tamaqua organized a local food drive in support of the Tamaqua Salvation Army Christmas food distribution. St Jerome Regional School student Mission Representatives Annette Ritzko and Olivia Agosti held their drive at their school this month as a community assistance project they are tasked to do each month via the Holy Childhood Association, a Catholic mission society for children in kindergarten through grade eight.

Birth: Johnstone

Monday, November 30, 2009

A son, Zephaniah William Johnstone, was born at 1:02 p.m. on Nov. 11, 2009 at Pottsville Hospital to Jennifer Johnstone-Keich of Tamaqua.

He weighed 6 pounds, 11 1/2 ounces and measured 20 1/2 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Williams Johnstone Sr., Girardville, and the late Mariane Johnstone. Maternal great-grandparents are Peter and Marion Teresavage, Jr., also of Girardville.

Tamaqua woman celebrates 97th birthday

Monday, November 30, 2009
Anna T. Trudich
Anna T. Trudich

Anna T. Trudich recently celebrated her 97th birthday. She was born in Lansford on Nov. 27, 1912 and lived in Summit Hill, West Virginia and White Bear, but for the majority of her life, lived in the Tamaqua area.

She has enjoyed many hobbies, including sewing, embroidering, cooking, baking, and gardening. She is a member of St. Peter and Paul's Church, Tamaqua.

Assists in party for children

Monday, November 30, 2009

Lycoming College student and Alpha Xi Delta sister, Kristina Maurer, assisted with the 5th Annual Monster Mash Baseball Bash, a Halloween party for children ages 13 and younger held at the Peter J. McGovern Little League Museum in South Williamsport.

Maurer, a sophomore biology and environmental science major, is a resident of Jim Thorpe and a graduate of Marian Catholic High School.

Christmas Cantata

Monday, November 30, 2009

Faith Alive United Methodist Church

Faith Alive United Methodist Church invites the public to its Christmas Cantata, "There is peace in the world tonight," at 7 p.m. Saturday Dec. 12, or 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13. Everyone is welcome to attend this free choral event.

Faith Alive United Methodist Church is located at 678 Pine St., Bowmanstown. For more information call (610) 852-2805.

Twelve enter guilty pleas

Monday, November 30, 2009

Twelve people entered guilty pleas recently in the Schuylkill County court and were sentenced by Judge John E. Domalakes as follows:

4 area residents among 12 entering guilty pleas

Monday, November 30, 2009

Four area residents were among 12 who entered guilty pleas last week in the Schuylkill County court and were sentenced by President Judge William E. Baldwin

They include:

Bruce Lee Smith, 24. of 332 Hazle St., Tamaqua, on a charge of theft from a motor vehicle was placed on strict probation for 23 months, pay $50 to Criminal Justice Enhancement Account (CJEA) fund and make restitution of $95 to the victim. Smith was cited by Patrolman Matthew Bynon, Tamaqua police.

Children's nature program scheduled

Monday, November 30, 2009

The monthly meeting of the Ranger Rick Club has been scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 5, from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Carbon County Environmental Education Center, Summit Hill. Meetings are open to children in grades K-6.

The club meets once a month throughout the school year, with each meeting focusing on some aspect of the natural world. The topic for December's meeting will be "Indoor Fun."

The program is free to CCEEC members. A $5 per child donation is requested of non-members.

The center is located at the west end of Mauch Chunk Lake Park, along the Lentz Trail highway.

Live nativity slated for Dec. 12

Monday, November 30, 2009

Christ United Church of Christ, 309 Main St., Walnutport, will present a live nativity to re-enact the birth of Jesus Christ on the first Christmas Day.

It will feature actors and live animals.

The performance will be in front of the church on Saturday, Dec. 12, with performances at 3, 3:30, 4 and 4:30 p.m.

Panther Valley HS lists honor students

Monday, November 30, 2009

The Panther Valley High School Honor Roll for the 1st marking period of the 2009-2010 school year as announced by the Principal, Mr. George C. Gillespie.

Distinguished honors - (Major subject average of 95; no grade lower than 83)

Seniors: Miranda Altemose, Joshua Faenza, Matthew Galgoci, Wajiha Gillani, Denielle Kennedy, Abigail Markovich, Joel Maruschak, Maria Motika, Kayla Nunemacher, Jennifer O'Brien, Demi Ogozalek, Kyle Picht, Emily Rehrig, Katarina Rohlfing, Nicolette Scheitrum, Logan Stano, Stephanie Stoffa, Andrew Tucker, Katelyn Zulic.

Air conditioning unit stolen in Monroe

Monday, November 30, 2009

An air conditioning unit was stolen from a construction site in Monroe County.

State police at Fern Ridge said the Goodman GSH1060 unit was taken from 4 Country Meadow Lane, in Chesnuthill Township, where a new home is being built. The unit was outside the residence and is valued at $3,200. Target Homes is the listed victim. The theft occurred sometime between Nov. 20-24.

Troopers also reported on two criminal mischieft incidents.

Driver is injured in Lynn Township crash

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Gerald T. Wolf Jr., 50, of Allentown, sustained moderate injuries in a one-vehicle crash at 1 a.m. Nov. 20 at the intersection of routes 309 and 143 in Lynn Township, Lehigh County.

State police at the Fogelsville barracks said he sustained head injuries and was treated at the scene and transported to the hospital by the Northwestern Ambulance.

Franklin Elementary staff, students prepare community meal

Saturday, November 28, 2009
Gail Maholick/TIMES NEWS
Gail Maholick/TIMES NEWS

Approximately 100 people with low incomes enjoyed a ham and mashed potatoes meal at Zion United Church of Christ, Second Street, Lehighton, sponsored by the staff and students at Franklin Elementary School. The staff members prepared and served the meal. Among the families attending the meal were the Bollinger family from Palmerton, from left, Steven, Autumn, Noah, Amy and baby Jaxton. The school raised the funds to pay for the meal by holding a craft fair, used book sales and bake sale.