Published December 17. 2025 02:45PM
A concert to benefit the Carbon County veterans mental health programs, “Together with Veterans” and “Vietnam Veterans Coffee and Camaraderie,” was held in November at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 319 South Ave., Jim Thorpe.
The proceeds, along with donations, totaled $7,000.
The performers featured were the BQE Strings, a professional quartet from New York City; Randall D. Perry, maestro of the Bach and Handel Chorale; Claudia Handlovic, soprano, and Johnathan McCullough, baritone. The artists performed a variety of music including patriotic songs, religious, contemporary and nostalgic.
All veterans received free admission.
A “Sweet Treats” bake sale at the reception afterward raised $1,100 and was organized by Jessica Strohl, church member.
Sponsors of the concert included Milan Printing, Pencor Services, the Mauch Chunk Trust Company, the Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank, the Mauch Chunk Rod and Gun Club, Bear Mountain Real Estate LLC, the Treasure Shop and the Old Jail Museum.
Henry Desrosiers, former director of Carbon County Veterans Affairs, organized the color guard that was present.
Christine LeClair, director of Veterans Affairs in Carbon County, second from right, receives a check from Irene Remmel of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Jim Thorpe. The church presented a benefit concert in November to honor Carbon County veterans. Pictured are, from left, Randall D. Perry, maestro of the Bach and Handel Chorale and performer at the concert; Bonnie Hoffman, concert co-organizer; Irene Remmel, concert co-organizer; and LeClair and Henry Desrosiers, former director of Veterans Affairs in Carbon County. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO