The Journal-Herald, Thursday, January 18, 2024 by canwinjournal

the

CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–145th YEAR, NO. 8

SINGLE COPY– 75¢ (USPS 277440)

CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–144th YEAR, NO. 34

White Haven Bicentennial kicks off with a bang

Photo courtesy Chuck Stoffa, Bella Gallery, stoffa.c@bellagallery.art, 570-500-0123, www.bellagallery.art, Proudly Veteran Owned

by Ruth Isenberg How do you celebrate 200 years of history? White Haven is embarking on a year-long party to do just that. White Haven’s Bicentennial celebration kicked off on a cold and windy Saturday evening, with a grand fireworks display taking place January 13 at Linesville Park. Despite the frigid temperature, the event drew hundreds of spectators,

who enjoyed not only the pyrtechnics, but also bonfires, music, food and friendship in the hours leading up to showtime at 7 p.m. The S’mores sold by the White Haven Ambulance were popular, with groups gathered around three small bonfires to toast the treats. The large bonfire originally planned was cancelled because of safety concerns, given the high winds. Also cancelled in the name

of safety was a lantern launch sponsored by the White Haven Lions. Lions president John Zugarek said that after consulting with the White Haven Volunteer Fire Company personnel on scene to sell their firehouse chili and hot dogs, the decision was made not to go forward with the project. The Lions had planned to sell 200 lanterns to be released in memory of loved ones at the end of the evening. Zugarek said the

lantern project will still happen, just not on a cold and blustery night, perhaps as part of the community’s Memorial Day event. Wood’s Ice Cream’s truck offered hot chocolate (very popular with adults and kids)

See FIREWORKS, page 6

PAGE 2 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2024

THE JOURNAL-HERALD (USPS 277-440) Published weekly at 211 Main Street, White Haven, PA 18661

Telephone (570) 215-0204 Subscription Price—$40 per year in Luzerne & Carbon Counties, Pennsylvania, payable in advance. $45 per year elsewhere, payable in advance. Periodicals postage paid at White Haven, PA 18661. POSTMASTER, send address change to:

Archives From The Journal-Herald Issue of January 13, 1994 Editors & Publishers Jay and Clara Holder Earl Kresge was re-elected mayor of East Side 4-1-1.

THE JOURNAL-HERALD 211 Main Street, White Haven, PA 18661

Dennison Township will keep Sam Macurak as chairman with Russell Miller as vice chairman.

Seth Isenberg, Advertising Sales Ruth Isenberg, Editor Steve Stallone, Sports Editor

Kidder Township selected Jeffrey Jones as chairman and newly elected Kord Spielman as vice chairman. Harry Klotz was selected to be roadmaster.

(JAY E. HOLDER, Co-Publisher 1954-1997; CLARA HOLDER, Co-Publisher 1954-2014)

Editorial Winter wonderland woes by Ruth Isenberg Winter sure is pretty. Snow makes everything look clean and crisp, especially when viewed from inside a nice warm house. Ice on trees glitters and gleams. But pretty is as pretty does, and some of what winter does is not pretty at all. This past week’s storm caused some serious damage. The tree shown below that came down at the bottom of 2nd Street in Weatherly knocked out power for several hours. Residents of Penn Lake and Dennison Township were also without electricity, and had to take advantage of warming facilities. Those were people with shelter. Give some thought to those who are living rough, in their cars or in the woods. Winter can be brutal for them. Think also of the elderly and homebound. Winter can isolate them, trap them inside. Offer to help if you can. Your aid can make winter warmer for them.

The Weatherly Community Chest stepped up to help Ernie and Vee Davis and their three children, Annette and Mike Wickkiser and their four children, and apartment roommates John Coxe and John Davis; and John and Dolores Sorochak who lost their homes and belongings in fires last week. Work is underway to secure new housing, and to get those furnished. John Davis was treated for burns and smoke inhalation. Weatherly Police Chief Brian Cara entered the burning Candlelight Inn building to rescue Mike Wickkiser who went back into the building in search of car keys. The hall of Saint Nicholas Church was opened by the Rev. William Shields to provide a warm place and hot coffee in the cold temperatures. The fire was brought under control in about two hours with the help of Mutual Aid companies from White Haven, L&L, Beaver Meadows, Freeland and West Hazleton. State Police Fire Marshall Kerry Welsh said the fire was started in the first-floor apartment by an extension cord running underneath a carpet. White Haven council member Ray Ward proposes to sell toy Union Pacific cabooses to help fund a repainting of the White Haven caboose. A photo with the article shows District Magistrate Gerald Feissner administering the oath of office to mayor Fred Meier, council members Ray Ward, John Yackiel, and Debra Leipfert, along with tax collector Julia Deal.

A Tree of Life memorial was installed in the Salem United Church of Christ in memory of Ruth (Reed) Minnick. Back-to-back snowstorms blanketed the region, with more on the way. Ruth and I enjoyed a warm and quick midweek three-course meal at the Ugly Mug – soup… excellent, broiled Mahi-Mahi and Apricot chicken for entrees – “we finished every bite,” and a piece of homemade raspberry pie split between the two of us. Meals and drinks cost under $27. The issue featured the fourth story in a series about the short trip Ruth and I made to Florida over Thanksgiving. On Day 4, we were in Universal Studios for the day. We started with the E.T. ride, which was fun. Next we got a front seat on the Jaws ride boat – no one else wanted it. We enjoyed a good scare on this. Next we took in the Beetlejuice Rock & Roll Review – fun. We also took in the Ghostbusters show. We ended our full day with a ride to meet King Kong, and then saw the Dynamite Nights stunt show before we tuckered out. A photo in this issue shows an 827-lb. black bear taken in 1992 by Keith Boyer in the area of the Francis Walter Dam. The bear will be on display at the Early Bird Sports Expo at the end of this month. From The Journal Issue of January 13, 1944 Publisher W. C. Taylor Harry E. Davenport of White Haven has arrived at a port in Florida after completing 50 combat missions as a Flight Officer of the United States Air Force, stationed in the Italian theater of war. Harold Teel and his wife, the 5 and 10 owners, were on a buying trip to New York City the first of the week. More than half of the States have adopted the one-tag system for motor vehicles this year. Pennsylvania is one of them.

THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2024 — PAGE 3

Weaver to chair Dennison Twp.

Public Notices PUBLIC NOTICE

Packer Township Zoning Hearing Board will hold a reorganization meeting at the Packer Township Building, 2234 Hudson Dr. Weatherly, PA on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 5:00 PM. Stephanie Stolpe Packer Township Zoning Hearing Board Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT There will be a Meeting of the Packer Township Zoning Hearing Board on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 5:15 P.M. at the Packer Township Municipal Building, 2234 Hudson Drive, Weatherly, PA 18255 to hear the following new applications: The application of Donna & William Gentile, 469 Quakake Road, Weatherly, PA, 18255. The applicant seeks a Variance to Zoning Ordinance Section 501.6.C regarding the minimum Front Yard and Section 501.6.E regarding the minimum Side Yard. The property in question is located at 469 Quakake Road, Weatherly, PA 18255, in the A-1 Zoning District. Tax Parcel ID: 112-45-A53.01. BY ORDER OF: Chip Stalega, Zoning Officer Packer Township Hudson Drive Weatherly, PA 18255

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Dennison Township Board of Supervisors will hold their 2024 regular monthly meetings at 6:00 pm in the Dennison Township Municipal Building, 76 Walnut Street, White Haven, PA on the following dates: February 7, 2024 March 6, 2024 April 3. 2024 May 1, 2024 June 5, 2024 July 3, 2024 August 7, 2024 September 4, 2024 October 2, 2024 November 6, 2024 December 4, 2024 Kathleen Stortz Secretary

by Suzanne Winters

PUBLIC NOTICE

WEATHERLY BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2024 Meetings will be held at 5:00 pm in the Municipal Building on the following dates: Monday, January 29, 2024 Monday, February 26, 2024 Monday, March 25, 2024 Monday, April 22, 2024 Wednesday, May 29, 2024 Monday, June 24, 2024 Monday, July 22, 2024 Monday, August 26, 2024 Monday, September 23, 2024 Monday, October 28, 2024 Monday, November 25, 2024 Monday, December 19, 2024

D&K Home/Yard Services •Yard Work •Landscaping •Snow Removals •Odd Jobs Klaus Eroh (570) 728-6187 Dante LoBellow (570) 710-4060

Dennison Township Supervisors held their reorganization meeting, followed by its regular monthly meeting, on January 2. During the reorganization meeting, positions were filled, salaries set and hours and meeting dates were set. Sheila Weaver was appointed Chairman, and Mike Mack Vice Chairman. Kathleen Stortz remains Secretary/Treasurer. Regular monthly meetings will be on the first Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m., unless the first Wednesday is a holiday; then the meeting will be held the following Wednesday. Office hours will be on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. to Noon. Resolution #1-2024 was adopted at the regular meeting appointing Darrin Gallagher to the Zoning Hearing Board. Resolution #2-2024 was also adopted, setting the township sewage fee schedule. The supervisors voted to approve the Belles reverse subdivision as submitted. There was nothing to report from engineering, zoning or roads. The fire report noted 8 ¾ hours of service, 6 hours of training and 4 hours of maintenance. The next meeting is February 7 at the township building.

1/18

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PAGE 4 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2024 DANIEL HERGERT JR.

Obituaries BETTY JANE ANDREWS Betty Jane Andrews, beloved mother, grandmother, 98 years of age, of East Main Street, Weatherly, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 14, 2024, at Lehigh Valley Hospital Hazleton campus. Born Thursday, November 19, 1925 in Hazleton, she was the daughter of the late Charles Gicking, and Anna (Hartz) Gicking-Sensenbach. Betty was predeceased by her husband Charles F. Andrews; step-father, Harry Sensenbach; brother, Charles Gicking; daughter-in-law, Donna Andrews. Surviving are her sons, Dan C. Andrews and his wife Karen, and Richard C. Andrews; grandchildren Kathryn Kaufman and husband Russell, Steven Andrews and wife Julia,

Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services A Branch of Holmes – Griffiths F.H., Inc. 211 First Street, Weatherly, PA 18255

570-427-4231 E. Franklin Griffiths III F.D. Philip J. Jeffries F.D./Supervisor www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com A new approach to funeral and cremation care. Looking forward to serving White Haven, Dennison, Lehigh, and Foster Townships. All arrangements and consultations from the comfort of your home.

Guiding families through difficult times.

WILLIAM TODD

and Neil Andrews and wife Kristie; great-grandchildren Cole Kaufman, McKenze Kaufman, Gracie Andrews, and Wyatt Andrews. A graduate of Weatherly High School, Betty and her husband owned and operated Andrews’ Florist in Weatherly in the early 1950s to the early 1960s, while being a homemaker and mother. A member of the Salem U.C.C and the Weatherly Legion Auxiliary, Betty was an avid bridge player and enjoyed making flower arrangements. She had a passion for reading, and spent many hours knitting and crocheting. Her greatest joy was time spent with her family. Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to the Philip J. Jefferies Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Weatherly. Graveside Services will be held on Tuesday, January 23, at 11 a.m. from the Union Cemetery, Weatherly. Memorials in her name to: American Legion Post 360 Ladies Auxiliary 360 Veterans Lane Weatherly, PA 18255 or Weatherly Area Community Library PO Box 141 1518 Brenkman Drive Weatherly, PA 18255 Online condolences or a fond memory of Betty may be made to the family at www. griffithsfuneralhomes.com

William Todd, 86, of White Haven, died on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at home. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late William B. and Lydia Woehr Todd and served his country proudly in the United States Army. Bill was employed as a communications engineer and enjoyed hunting, gardening and fishing. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Pauline Wieczerzak Todd; two sons, Warren and Richard Bintliff; and sister, Elizabeth Todd. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Kathy Merritt and her husband, Skip of Quakertown, William Todd Jr. and his wife, Roberta of Blakeslee; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren with the 12th on the way; sister, Lydia McLean of Delaware; nieces and nephews. His wishes were to have no public services. Arrangements are being finalized under the direction of the Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc. 403 Berwick St. White Haven. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 100 William St., Dunmore, PA 18510.

Visit our website at pocononewspapers.com for in-between-issue stories and events

Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc. White Haven, PA

PATRICK M. LEHMAN, PRESIDENT RUSSELL C. TETER, JR., SUPERVISOR

Serving White Haven, Weatherly and surrounding communities

www.LehmanFuneralHome.com Branch of Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc.

(570) 443-9816

Daniel Hergert Jr., 62, of White Haven passed away Monday, January 15, 2024 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Hazleton. Born in Denville NJ he is the son of Daniel and his wife, the former Joyce (Harris) Hergert Sr., and his mother, the late Jane (Hughes) Hergert. He was a 1980 graduate of Weatherly Area High School, where he was their quarterback and catcher. He enlisted in the Marines immediately after high school and was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal. He later attended Oklahoma University, studying architecture. Danny loved his cat Mandu, enjoyed watching the Pittsburgh Steelers, taking his Mustangs to car shows, woodworking, cooking, especially ribs, and his candle shop, Pond Creek Candles. He never let an automobile accident while in the Marines stop him from anything. He was a member of the High Rollers, drove with the help of hand controls, played tennis, competing in a triathlon wheelchair games, and skiing with the help of a sled. Surviving in addition to his father are brothers Jeff Harris and his wife Jackie, Bruce Harris and his wife Linda, and Sean Harris and his wife Heather; nephews Ian, Jude, and Nathaniel, and niece Julie Harris. Military services will be accorded 11 a.m. Saturday, January 20, at the McNulty Funeral Home, 494 East Butler Drive, Freeland. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. Private burial service will be in Ft. Indiantown Gap Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Marine Corps League #1039, 300 Lehigh St., White Haven PA 18661.

THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2024 — PAGE 5

Trinity McCutcheon is WAHS Senior of the Month for Dec. Trinity McCutcheon, daughter of Rebecca and Thomas Biles, Weatherly, and Myles McCutcheon, Cressona, has been named Senior of the Month for December at Weatherly Area High School. Trinity serves as co-president of the Kindness Club, vicepresident of Interact, secretary of the Yearbook Club, and treasurer of FBLA and the Drama Club. She is also a member of Kufro’s Closet, the Scholastic Scrimmage team, SGA, and the Weatherly Area High School chapter of the National Honor Society. In the community, Trinity has volunteered her time with the Weatherly Hillclimb, and is also involved with the Student Action Committee of the CAN-DO program, serving as a student ambassador. Trinity is employed by Woods Ice Cream, in Weatherly and Jim Thorpe. Sponsor for the month of December is Sernak Farms, Inc., in Weatherly.

Flying Aces fundraiser to aid fire victim, cancer patient Amanda Neidlinger

Early the morning of Monday, January 15, Lehigh & Lausanne Rural Vol. Fire Co. was dispatched to a dwelling fire at 3907 Buck Mountain Road, along with Citizens Fire Co. of Weatherly, and Beaver Meadows Fire Co., Freeland Ladder Truck, Hazle Twp. for RIT, White Haven, and multiple tankers from throughout the area. The home is that of Amanda Neidlinger and her son. Both were hospitalized. Amanda, the owner of River Run Healing Arts, is wellknown in the community. She is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. A Go Fund Me page is actively accepting donations. https:// gofund.me/1fae6eb6 The Flying Aces Motorcycle Club is donating the proceeds from its monthly breakfast on January 28 to the cause, and putting together a tricky tray for the same day from 7 a.m. to Noon. The breakfast buffet is $10 for ages 16 and up, $5 for those 7-15, and free for kids 6 and under.

Coming Events

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3—Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner, 4-6 p.m., St. Paul’s Evengelical Lutheran Church, White Haven, 570-706-0863 THURSDAY, MARCH 21—Come Celebrate Big For the Arts, 5:308:30 p.m., Hazleton Art League, Hazleton SATURDAY, MAY 26—Family Fun Day/Memorial Day Parade & Celebration, 1-4 p.m., Lehigh Park, White Haven FRIDAY, JULY 26-SATURDAY, JULY 27—200th Birthday Summer Street Festival, Main Street, White Haven

WA School Board returns Ryan Binder to board by Seth Isenberg

the others being former board member Christie Minor and The Weatherly Area School businessman Al Kislan. Board now has a complete set The vote for Binder was 7-0, of members. Former Board all except member Barbara member Ryan Binder was Sipler who was out sick. selected from three applicants, Binder then took his seat to participate in January 10’s Caucus meeting. The only other vote for this evening was to accept Donna M. Thomas as a substitute nurse for the 2023-2024 year. The annual budget for CCTI, the Carbon County District Judge Joe Homanko congratulates Vo-Tech, was Ryan Binder after swearing him in to office. presented JH: Seth Isenberg and analyzed.

District Business Manager Robert Kachurak presented a report he prepared with highlights of key numbers. Members who wanted the CCTI budget as a printout each received a large book. The board will take its time to review the numbers and develop questions for future meetings on things such as waiting lists for certain programs, and managing the CCTI fund balance. Dr. Brian Pipech presented an overview of school activities from Lunch with a Loved One to Coffee with a Counselor. Planning is underway for Read Across America in March. A program is being planned to sing to patients at the Forest Hills Rehab and Nursing Home this spring. A winter program was cancelled. Pipech also noted that the District had gotten the results of last year’s Special Education audit. “There are things we need to fix,” he remarked.

The School Board was treated to a recognition dinner by Food Service before the meeting. Principal Anthony DeSpirito shared that the Fish in the Classroom program working with the PA Fish Commission is back this year. There was a successful Books are Fun program where each kid involved received two books of their own. He noted that 9 Future Business Leaders from Weatherly Area have qualified to compete at the FBLA state convention in April. Teachers and administrators are working on their ’24-’25 budgets. He finished by saying there is an effort to use Facebook to provide more information about what is going on in classrooms. The voting meeting of the WASB will be January 17. Alexis Colecio is up for approval to become a substitute teacher for this year. Abigail Hernandez is on the agenda to be approved as a substitute cleaning aide.

PAGE 6 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2024

Fireworks

Continued from page 1 and birthday cake with ice cream (more popular with kids than adults, but it did look good). The 200th Anniversary Committe had a spot selling hats and blankets, sharing the kitchen shelter with the fire company. A few of those blankets were spotted providing warmth to spectators as they waited. Music was provided by Robert Spadell of Phat Kid Productions from the gazebo. Promptly at 7 p.m., he played Happy Birthday. As the chords faded away, they were replaced with the boom of fireworks, set off from the far corner of the first field nearest the parking area. The show lasted a half hour, and drew not only oohs and ahs from the crowd, but also a share of horns honked from trucks on Interstate 80, who got to enjoy at least part of the show. Next up is the Memorial Day weekend parade and community festival on Sunday, May 26. Photos by Chuck Stoffa and Ruth Isenberg.

Luzerne County Council member Jimmy Sabatino dropped by, shown here with White Haven council member John Zugarek.

Need an Extra Copy of this issue? The Journal-Herald is for sale at: White Haven Market, Fuel-On, and White Haven Exxon in White Haven, Wawa at the Turnpike in Kidder, Weasel’s in Dennison, and TJ’s One Stop in Weatherly.

THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2024 — PAGE 7

Seth’s Sightings

It’s nice to see more evening daylight as we put the winter solstice behind us. This past weekend, fireworks lit up the night ski in White Haven as the borough begins its celebration of its 200th year. It was a fine display. We had a prime spot to watch, just on the outer edge of the fine flurry of paper that fell. At the end of the show, the fall of paper was joined by a nice fall of fat snowflakes. We’re looking ahead to other great events as the celebration will last all year. Thank you to all who have kept their Christmas lights on during these dark evenings, or

better yet have made Valentine’s Day displays. Let’s keep our light shows going through March 10 when Daylight Savings returns. Sad to see the Eagles and Steelers lose their playoff games. The Eagles, when all was working right, should have run up the score on the Buccaneers. On Monday, it looked like their electricity was gone — they were just spent. This week, Ruth and I will cheer for the Bills. Next week, who knows. The local Penguins are playing better, winning two of the last three, plus a tie ending in a loss. Next up for the guys are games

by Seth Isenberg

on Wednesdays the 17th and 24th, and Sunday the 21st. Kids are free with a paying ticket on Sundays. In basketball, the UConn Lady Huskies are up in the power rankings. They climbed to #8 as of the writing of this column. They’ll need good health to make a run deep into the NCAAs but so far have lost a handful of players to injuries. Also, the UConn men’s team have been ranked #1 this week. I expect more snow these next two weeks. I have shovels at the ready at our office and at home. It’s snowing now as I write this.

Between these snows and the cold weather, the ski areas put a good product out on the slopes. It’s nice to see the skiers around. Congratulations to Trent Poole of Vail who was promoted from GM of JFBB ski areas in Lake Harmony to run Hunter Mountain in the Catskills of New York. (I loved to ski Hunter as a college student.) Tony Santora is the new GM, promoted from Hidden Valley Ski Resort in Missouri… A snowstorm this week will welcome Tony. To all my readers … shovels ready and good health to you all.

Eckley Miners’ Village awarded Willary Foundation grant to design research and lodging facilities Eckley Miners’ Village has been awarded a $17,000 Willary Foundation grant to design an interdisciplinary research center and overnight lodging in two of the historic site’s 19th-century homes. The project is part of an initiative to preserve Eckley’s historic structures by selectively adapting them for contemporary uses. Jacobs Wyper Architects completed initial designs for the 2,500-foot research

center in July 2023. The plans describe laboratories, classrooms, conference space, and other facilities that would accommodate work in a range of academic disciplines including archaeology, earth sciences, public history, and geography. Nearby lodging would house research partners on site during field schools and long-term projects, encouraging deeper engagement with the village, its visitors, and its surrounding

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communities and landscapes. The lodging will also prototype a new revenue model for the village that could be replicated in additional historic homes. Improved research facilities will benefit Eckley’s exhibits and programs by fostering innovative thinking about the anthracite region’s cultural and environmental legacies, strengthening the museum’s relationships with nearby educational institutions, and involving current and future generations of students in the preservation and study of Northeastern Pennsylvania’s important heritage.

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The Willary Foundation grant will partially match a $48,000 National Endowment for the Humanities award that the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC), Eckley’s parent organization, received in June 2023. The Pennsylvania Heritage Foundation, PHMC’s non-profit partner, is assisting with ongoing fundraising efforts. For information on how to support this project, please visit eckleyminersvillage. com/support_us. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this announcement do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Eckley Miners’ Village is one of 24 historic sites and museums administered by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission as part of the Pennsylvania Trails of History. Eckley Miners’ Village preserves and shares the story of anthracite coal mining, the history of patch towns and their residents, and the evolution of regional culture. Visit Eckley Miners’ Village online or follow us on Facebook or Instagram.

PAGE 8 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2024

Weatherly Area Middle School 7th grade civics classes had a special visitor on December 18. State Representative Doyle Heffley came to speak to students about the House of Representatives and the process of a bill becoming a law. The students really enjoyed his visit. He brought a book about Pennsylvania for every student in Civics. Pictured are Rep. Heffley with the two classes.

The Weatherly Area High School Interact Club held a collection for the holiday season for the residents of Forest Hills. Through many student and teacher donations, they were able to make the season brighter for all the residents of Forest Hills. Various community organizations also participated including the local Rotary International Club and Cub Scout Pack #007. A special thank you to all those who donated and to the Forest Hills Activities Department.

THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2024 — PAGE 9

Library Corner

Weatherly Area Community Library News Please call the library to register for Storytime and Book Club, 570-427-5085, so we can let you know if there is a weather cancellation or postponement. January Book Sale - $2 per bag. The book sale room is open during the library’s normal times of operation. We provide the bag, you get to fill it. Book Club - January 25 The Recovery Agent by Janet Evanovich, 10 a.m. February Mystery BooksTry a “Blind date” with a book. Romance books will be wrapped

in paper, you will only be able to see a small description of the contents. See if you will fall in love with the story. Storytime - February 9 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Book Club - February 22 - Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani, 10 a.m. Library hours for 2024 Monday and Tuesday 6 - 8 p.m. Wednesday 1:30 - 5:30 p.m. Thursday 3 - 5 p.m. Friday 9 a.m. - Noon Saturday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Pat Ward receives ACS Gans Award Clemie Yamona, ACS Telethon co-chair, seated at left, presented the Joseph S. Gans Sr. Award to Pat Ward, center, during the 45th Annual American Cancer Society Telethon-Hazleton on Saturday, November 18. Co-chair Jane Dougherty, right, offered her congratulations. “We congratulate Pat,” said Yamona. “We appreciate his service to the community and to us, most especially, in helping us as an on-air host for 44 yearsalmost the full time existence of the event.” The Gans award is in memory of Joseph Gans and his wife

Irene, who along with Henry and Leona Kreisl, were the originators of the local telethon event. “We think they all would be delighted that their original idea is still going on today to continue in the local battle against cancer,” said Dougherty. “However, we also know that they would be saddened to learn that despite great advances, cancer is still with us and a local telethon is still needed.” “I am very humbled to accept this honor,” said Ward, “and I thank the American Cancer Society-Hazleton for recognizing my efforts.”

Members of ALA Unit 360 presented Good Deed Awards to senior members of the National Honor Society, Kaylee Gaydoscik and Erin Preate, who assisted in counting 937 pairs of socks donated by students in the Weatherly Area Elementary/Middle School for veterans in VA hospitals and homes. From left are Theresa D’Andrea of Unit 360, Kaylee Gaydoscik, ALA district president Georgeann Herling, Erin Preate, and Tina Zink of Unit 360. Members of Post 360 and Unit 360 honored a local business with a Certificate of Appreciation for their participation in PA Trees For Pa Heroes. PA Trees For Pa Heroes is part of the Christmas Spirit Foundation’s Trees For Troops Program. Lehigh Gorge Nursery has been a sponsor of Trees For Troops for many years. Shown from left are ALA district president Georgeann Herling, Paul Bray of Post 360, Bruce Gregory and Becky Gregory, owners of Lehigh Gorge Nursery, Unit 360 president Georgia Farrow, and Post 360 Commander Harry Shellhamer. Missing from the picture is nursery manager Evan Gregory.

PAGE 10 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2024

Journal-Herald Sports Crestwood Boys’ Basketball Roundup

Comets parlay stingy defense into pair of WVC wins With their rugged man-toman defense showing the way, the Crestwood boys ground out a pair of Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1 boys’ basketball victories last week. The Comets pounded Berwick 45-28, and followed with a 52-28 runaway against Tunkhannock, improving to 9-3 overall, and a still-perfect 4-0 in conference play. Crestwood 45, Berwick 28 - Ayden Agapito sparked the Comets’ offense

with 18 points and Crestwood’s defense did the rest in the win at Berwick. Teammates Derek Johnson and Ryan Sechleer added eight and seven points for the Comets, who remained tied for first with Wilkes-Barre Area heading into this week’s play. Billy Hanson was the lone Berwick player to reach double figures with 16 points and four three-pointers. CRESTWOOD (45) — Sechleer 3 0-0 7, Porro 1 0-0 2, Czapla 0 0-0 0, Johnson 3 0-0 8, Sklarosky 2 0-1 4, Wright 3 0-3 6, Jennings 0

0-0 0, Feisel 0 0-0 0, Agapito 9 0-0 18. Totals 21 0-4 45. BERWICK (28) — Hanson 5 2-3 16, Marquez 1 1-2 3, Hickman 2 0-0 5, Guzman 1 0-0 2, Howle 1 0-0 2, DeGrait 0-0 0, Powers 0 0-0 0, Seely 0 0-0 0. Totals 10 3-5 28. Crestwood......9 11 10 15 — 45 Berwick..........6 4 8 10 — 28 3-pointers: Johnson 2, Sechleer. Hanson 4, Hickman.

Crestwood 52, Tunkhannock 28 - The Comets broke open the game with a 22-0 second-quarter burst in its win at Tunkhannock. Derek Johnson sparked the run with 10 of his game-high 15 points for the Comets, who also

received 10 points from Ayden Agapito and eight from Matt Sklarosky. CRESTWOOD (52) — Sechleer 2 0-0 5, Porro 0 0-0 0, Czapla 0 0-0 0, Johnson 7 0-0 15, Sklarosky 4 0-3 8, Wright 3 1-2 7, Jennings 0 0-0 0, Barna 1 0-0 2, Feisel 1 0-0 3, Agapito 5 0-0 10, Biscotti 0 0-0 0, Nulton 1 0-0 2, Scotti 0 0-0 0, Canela 0 0-0 0, Grevera 0 0-0 0, Rodgers 0 0-0 0. Totals 24 2-6 52. TUNKHANNOCK (28) — Berkhimer 1 0-0 3, Airgood 1 0-0 3, Moore 1 2-2 5, Siedel 0 0-0 0, Gregory 0 0-0 0, Lukasavage 1 0-0 3, Miller 1 0-0 2, Spudis 1 0-0 3, Michaels 3 0-1 6, Newswanger 0 0-0 0, Ransom 1 1-2 3. Totals 10 3-5 28. Crestwood..........9 22 12 9 — 52 Tunkhannock.....7 0 10 11 — 28 3-pointers: Sechleer, Johnson, Berkhimer, Airgood, Moore, Lukasavage, Spudis

Weatherly Area Girls Basketball Roundup

Lady Wreckers have tough week on the road On the road for three consecutive games last week, the Weatherly Area girls’ basketball team was defeated by Lincoln Leadership Academy (50-26), Lourdes Regional (60-16) and Wyoming Seminary (49-11). A recap of the Lady Wreckers’ week follows. Lincoln Leadership 50, Weatherly Area 26 - Alania Ortiz scored 14 points, leading a balanced scoring attack as Lincoln Leadership (7-3) pulled away for the non-league victory in Allentown. Bethany Houser scored a team-high seven points and Kaylee Gaydoscik added six for the Lady Wreckers. WEATHERLY AREA (26) — Gaydoscik 3 0-0 6, Binder 0 0-0 0, Houser 1 5-6 7, Russell 0 0-0 0, Davidovich 2 0-0 4, Reiner 1 0-6 3, Weston 0 0-0 0, Pugh 1 2-4 5, Gordick 0 0-0 0. Totals 8 7-16 26. LINCOLN LEADERSHIP ACADEMY (50) — Rosario 0 0-0 0, Taylor 4 0-0 8, Fuentes 2 0-0 5, Marshall 3 4-8 10, DeJesus 3 0-0 8, Hamilton 0 0-0 0, Fields 1 0-0 2, Jimenez 0 0-0 0, Zapata 1 0-0 3, Ortiz 7 0-0 14. Totals 21 4-8 50. Weatherly Area............5 6 12 3 — 26 Lincoln Leadership.....17 5 16 12 — 50 3-pointers: Houser, Reiner, Pugh. DeJesus 2, Fuentes, Zapata.

Lourdes Regional 60, Weatherly Area 16 - Masie Reed and Leah Kosmer scored 15 points apiece to power the

Red Raiders to the Schuylkill League Division II-III crossover win in Coal Twp. Lourdes bolted out to a 21-0 lead and never looked back while improving to 8-4 overall, 3-3 in league play. Bethany Houser tallied nine points - including a pair of 3-pointers - to top the Lady Wreckers (1-9), who dropped to 0-5 in the league.

WEATHERLY AREA (16) — Gaydoscik 0 0-0 0, Binder 0 0-0 0, Houser 3 1-2 9, Russell 0 0-0 0, Davidovich 0 0-0 0, Reiner 1 1-2 3, Pugh

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1 1-2 3, Gordick 0 0-0 0, Snyder 0 0-0 0. Totals 5 4-10 16. LOURDES REGIONAL (60) — Reed 6 1-1 15, Marcheski 0 0-0 0, Gonzalez 0 0-0 0, Moyer 4 0-0 8, Grimes 2 0-0 4, Barnes 0 0-0 0, Lokitus 2 2-3 6, Keer 2 2-4 6, Kosmer 5 5-5 15, Macaluso 0 0-0 0, Shingara 0 0-0 0, Reiprish 2 0-0 6, Dusendschine 0 0-0 0. Totals 23 10-13 60. Weatherly Area......0 2 10 4 — 16 Lourdes................21 15 12 12 — 60 3-pointers: Houser 2. Reed 2, Reiprish 2.

Wyoming Seminary 49, Weatherly Area 11 Wyoming Seminary opened on a 22-6 run and cruised to the non-league home victory.

Kelly Reiner paced Weatherly Area (1-10 overall) with seven points. WEATHERLY AREA (11) — Gaydoscik 0 0-0 0, Binder 0 0-0 0, Houser 1 0-0 2, Russell 0 0-0 0, Davidovich 0 0-0 0, Reiner 3 1-3 7, Pugh 1 0-0 2, Gordick 0 0-0 0, Synder 0 0-0 0. Totals 5 1-3 11. WYOMING SEMINARY (49) — Marinello 1 0-0 2, Poruah 0 0-0 0, Eidan 0 0-0 0, Groll 0 0-0 0, Senchak 0 0-0 0, Lichtenstein 3 0-0 7, Luksic 1 0-0 2, Griffin 2 0-0 4, Stambaugh 10 1-1 24, Kersey 1 0-0 2, Smeraldi 1 5-6 7, Durra 0 1-2 1. Totals 19 7-9 49. Weatherly Area..............6 1 2 2 — 11 Wyoming Seminary......22 13 11 0 — 49 3-pointers: Stambaugh 3. Lichtenstein.

THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2024 — PAGE 11

Pearsons and their NFL son on Cloud 9 after Packers’ upset victory Foster Twp. home has been a retreat, of sorts, for family to grieve and to celebrate life by Steve Stallone Sports Editor In two years time, the Pearson family’s lives have been turned upside down, again and again. From the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, they have leaned on one another for support and comfort, in both tragedy and triumph. Through it all, they have turned to their Foster Township home as a retreat of sorts. The property they purchased two years ago off of Lehigh Gorge Drive between Weatherly and White Haven has been a place to escape, to grieve, reflect, bond and celebrate all that life has

thrown at them. On Sunday, it was all about celebration. When the Green Bay Packers pulled off a stunning 43-32 upset of the heavily-favored Dallas Cowboys, the Pearson family was on Cloud 9. What is their tie to the Packers, you ask? Henry Pearson, the youngest child of Margaret and Scott Pearson, is a first-year player for the Packers. And their joy on Sunday could be heard and felt from Foster Township all the way to Wisconsin and Texas. “It really did surprise us. We honestly thought this is as far as it goes,” Margaret Pearson

said, one day after the underdog Packers shocked the NFC’s Number 2 seed and dealt Dallas its first home field loss in two years. “On Sunday, like everyone else, it wasn’t that likely we’d win. Everybody was saying Green Bay didn’t have much of a chance. So it was very exciting,” the mother of three said. “I was cooking in the kitchen, and my husband kept screaming ‘You’ve got to see this!’ It was definitely exciting, and we were texting with Henry. I have an older son too (Charlie), and we were sort of on a group text going crazy! “They are a new, young team which is unpredictable. You don’t know what they’re going to do.”

New Jersey roots

The Pearsons’ story began not in Pennsylvania, but in Ho-HoKus, New Jersey, a small town 25 miles outside New York City. “My husband has a company, a family business located in Berwick,” Margaret explained. “We manufacture truck bodies for the tire industry. His father

Green Bay Packers rookie fullback Henry Pearson, center, is flanked by his parents Scott and Margaret, following a game earlier this season at Lambeau Field in Wisconsin. Scott and Margaret have a home in Foster Township. PEARSON FAMILY PHOTO

started it in 1965. We were raised in New Jersey, and then we raised our family in New Jersey. Once or twice a week my husband did have to come out to the factory (in Berwick). The corporate headquarters was always in New Jersey, but he’d make this trip out twice a week, coming out and staying overnight, staying in a hotel. “Once our youngest was out of the nest, so to speak, we decided to get a second place out here because that way, if he wanted to, my husband could just stay there. We ended up doing that right before COVID, and then COVID hit and we ended up staying out here, and we loved it. We were in Bloomsburg, we had a little place there and a place in New Jersey. We kind of outgrew that place in Bloomsburg, but we had always been looking at this other property, and then it came back up, it showed back up on the realtor things.” Enter Luke Medico. The Weatherly native and first-year varsity boys’ basketball coach at the high school is a realtor by trade. “He was the realtor of this

See PEARSONS, page 14

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PAGE 14 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2024

Pearsons

Continued from page 11 kind of magical property that we thought was completely out of our reach and completely a dream,” Margaret said. “We ended up pursuing it. Actually, I just wanted to tell Luke please stop calling, we’re never doing this, it’s too big of a job, and my husband was traveling. And then I fell in love with the property. Long story short, we end up with this large, beautiful piece of property near Weatherly. We just loved it.”

Football takes Henry south Meanwhile, Henry had taken his considerable football talents south. A three-star prospect as a tight end out of Paramus Catholic High School, Henry’s services were sought after by a host of NCAA Division I programs. “Henry had about 15 offers on the lower level of Division I. He had offers from Rutgers, Kent State. We went to most, we went to a lot of different schools,” his mother explained. “When we were down doing the North Carolina route, doing UNC, Duke, N.C. State, he wanted to go over and see Appalachian State. He made the call and said to the coach I’m in town, can I come get a tour. That’s what we did. We moved our trip, went over there, and they offered him on the spot that day. He just loved it. “If you’ve ever been to Boone, North Carolina, it’s a slice of heaven. It just called to him.” During his five seasons at the

D-I school, Henry played in 59 games with 43 starts at tight end. An All-Sun Belt second team pick as a fifth-year senior, he finished his career with 74 catches for 897 yards and 11 touchdowns, and put himself on the radar of several NFL teams. Midway through his fourth year at Appalachian State, however, the unthinkable happened.

Tragedy strikes

“Within six months of buying the property, we had an incredible tragedy. Our daughter, who was on her way out to visit us from Brooklyn because she loved it here so much, was in a horrible accident and ended up losing her life,” Margaret said. “She was hit and run over by a box truck.” Molly was just 24 years old. “That was six months in, but I’ll tell you, the place saved our lives,” Margaret continued. “Just being able to go into the middle of the woods, with our grief and everything else. This property holds an incredibly special place in our hearts.” Although Henry missed part of that season to return home to be with his family, his dream of playing football beyond college was still very much alive.

Following a dream

“My son always had this dream of going to the NFL,” Margaret said. “He was a 6-foot-3 tight end, and that’s pretty small for an NFL tight end. We just went along with him, and he made all his own decisions and he just followed this passion. “It was his senior year that my daughter lost her life, and he was out of football for a few weeks. He came home, and as

Puzzle Answers

From left, Charlie, Molly and Henry Pearson pose together after one of Henry’s high school football games at Paramus Catholic High School in New Jersey. PEARSON FAMILY PHOTO

you can imagine, it just rocked our world,” Margaret noted. “But they offered him a fifth year because the D-I schools gave you a COVID year, so it didn’t cost him anything. He thought, you know what, I missed half a year because of that, I’ll just go back. I said why rush, why go into the workforce. You’re going to work the rest of your life. “So that’s what he did.” Margaret said that fifth season was therapeutic for her and Scott, too. “The only thing we really did was get on planes to go watch him play. That was sort of our escape during that time,” Margaret said.

NFL comes calling

Henry’s fifth season at Appalachian State was his best, with 25 receptions, five touchdowns, and one of the top blocking grades of all Sun Belt tight ends, helping the team rank nationally in rushing and scoring. His 9-yard touchdown catch proved to be the gamewinner in a 17-14 win over Texas A&M. “He ended up doing the Pro Day at school. Draft day came, and he came out here (to Weatherly) and we spent it on the property, and kind of just went along,” Margaret recalled. “There was talk that he may get drafted, and he had been talking to a lot of different teams at that

point. But he was probably going to be an undrafted free agent. As soon as the draft was over, the guys from Green Bay called and said we want you, so they picked him up as an undrafted free agent.” At 6-3 and 249 pounds, the Packers wanted him as much for his blocking as his pass-catching ability, and signed him as a fullback. “He went out to Green Bay a few weeks later and then ended up doing the whole preseason. He was going to hopefully get on the 53-man roster but he got hurt in the second preseason game. So he ends up on the practice squad, and that’s where he’s been.” Margaret said she has never missed a game Henry has played in since elementary school and wasn’t about to start now. They flew to Green Bay to watch his first game at Lambeau Field, the preseason opener against Cincinnati. Healthy and ready to contribute, Henry was activated from the practice squad to the 53-man roster for Weeks 12 and 13, making his NFL regular-season debut against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Thanksgiving Day. The Packers won that week and the following week against Kansas City at Lambeau, starting a late-season

See PEARSONS, page 16

THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2024 — PAGE 15

Jr. High Basketball Eighth Grade

Seventh Grade

Williams Valley 55, Weatherly 21 - The Little Wreckers were led by Mitchel Knock’s eight points and Vincent Cuddeford’s six in the loss to Williams Valley.

Williams Valley 31, Weatherly Area 23 - Eddie Feiling scored 15 points for the Wreckers against Williams Valley.

Crestwood Girls Basketball

Lady Comets get bounceback win over Berwick Coming off a tough loss at Hazleton Area earlier in the week, the Crestwood girls regrouped with a 35-28 Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1 girls basketball win over Berwick last week in Wright Township. Keira Dougherty and Charlie Hiller paved the way for the Lady Comets (8-5 overall, 4-1 league) with 14 and 13 points, respectively. Dougherty scored eight points in the third quarter as Crestwood gained some separation. Jackie Gallagher

had four of the team’s 10 fourthquarter points to help secure the win. Alysa Lewis had 11 points and three triples to lead Berwick (3-10, 1-4). BERWICK (28) — Andreas 2 0-0 5, Ochs 0 1-2 1, Fraind 0 0-0 0, Lewis 4 0-0 11, Switzer 1 0-0 3, Al. Knorr 0 0-0 0, Robbins 1 0-0 2, Starr 2 2-3 6. Totals 10 3-5 28. CRESTWOOD (35) — Vieney 0 0-0 0, Hiller 6 1-1 13, Petrosky 1 0-0 2, J. Gallagher 1 2-4 4, Andrews 0 0-0 0, K. Gallagher 0 2-2 2, Dougherty 5 2-5 14. Totals 11 7-12 35. Berwick..............7 6 7 8 — 28 Crestwood.........13 2 10 10 — 35 3-pointers: Lewis 3, Andreas, Switzer. Dougherty.

Weatherly Area Boys Basketball

Wreckers fall in road game at Lourdes Regional Lourdes Regional charged out of the gate with a 25-11 first quarter, and the Red Raiders rolled to a 61-43 Schuylkill League Division II-III crossover win over the visiting Weatherly Area Wreckers last week in Shamokin. Trebor Moore led four doubledigit scorers with 17 points for Lourdes (6-7, 1-5), which won its first league game of the season. Owen Sandri added 15, Brighten Scicchitano scored 14 and Billy Rishel checked in with 12 for the Red Raiders. Corbin Wagner was the Wreckers’ scoring leader with 15 points, while Niko Saldukas (12) and Ian McKeegan (11)

joined him in double figures for Weatherly (2-10, 1-5). The Weatherly Area junior varsity team picked up its first win of the season in the opener, beating Lourdes 42-30. Dominic Kokinda scored 14 points and Chance Stauffer had 12 in the Wrecker victory. LOURDES REGIONAL (61) — Scicchitano 6 2-5 14, Baronosky 0 1-2 1, B. Rishel 6 0-4 12, O. Sandri 4 6-11 15, Moore 8 0-0 17, J. Rishel 0 2-4 2, E. Sandri 0 0-0 0, Shegenski 0 0-0 0. Totals 24 11-25 61. WEATHERLY AREA (43) — Kokinda 1 0-1 3, Adler 1 0-0 2, Davis 0 0-0 0, Ortiz 0 0-0 0, Stauffer 0 0-0 0, Donish 0 0-0 0, McKeegan 3 4-6 11, Saldukas 5 1-2 12, Wagner 4 6-6 15, Lamonica 0 0-0 0, T. Hinkle 0 0-0 0, J. Hinkle 0 0-0 0, Lare 0 0-0 0. Totals 14 11-15 43. Lourdes Regional..... 25 8 14 14 — 61 Weatherly Area.........11 8 8 16 — 43 3-pointers: O. Sandri, Moore, Kokinda. McKeegan, Saldukas, Wagner.

Pugh hits game-winner for red-hot Fillies Deanna Pugh’s steal and layup with 12 seconds left broke a tie and propelled the Marian girls’ basketball team to a 49-47 win over Minersville in a battle of Schuylkill League unbeatens last week in Minersville. Pugh, from Weatherly, scored a team-high 14 points and had

several steals for the Filles (12-1 overall, 6-0 Division III), who rode that defensive effort to their 12th win of the season and sixth in the league. It was the first league loss for the Division II Miners, who dipped to 10-2 overall and 5-1 in league play.

Remembering Frank Ryan, NFL Champion, and more by Matthew Paris

Former NFL champion quarterback Frank Ryan, 87, passed away on New Year’s Day. Ryan first gained attention in the mid-1950s while playing quarterback for Rice University in Houston. Known as one of the best quarterbacks in the school’s history, Ryan led his team to a Southwest Conference championship in 1957. Ryan began his NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams in 1958, but fame didn’t follow him there. It did after he was traded to the Cleveland Browns. There, he won an NFL championship in 1964, shutting out the favored Baltimore Colts. Cleveland returned to the NFL championship the following year but fell to the Green Bay Packers. During his career, Ryan was named to the NFL All-Pro team three times and threw for 16,000+ yards. Not only a great football player, Frank Ryan was also

intellectually capable. A physics major at Rice, he later went on to earn a doctorate in mathematics. Ryan taught at Case Western University during his Browns’ playing days, and after football, he taught at Yale and served as the school’s athletic director. Later, he returned to Rice and served in various roles, including as a professor, vice president of external affairs (fundraising), and a member of the school’s board of governors. Frank Ryan was an exceptional football player who made many contributions during a distinguished career in higher education. ________________ Matthew Paris loves recounting stories of Houstonarea sports personalities. He writes regularly for The Sports Column.

PAGE 16 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2024

Pearsons

Continued from page 14 push that enabled them to make the playoffs. Henry played in both games on special teams, and also was in on about 10 offensive snaps as the team’s only rostered fullback. The Thanksgiving Day game was special to the Pearsons for many reasons. “The Detroit game was fun because it was the Thanksgiving game, and Thanksgiving also happened to be Henry’s birthday, and that was his first NFL game. That was pretty exciting,” Margaret beamed. “It was also his 24th birthday, and for me that was extremely emotional, because he would now be the same age as his older sister. When someone’s age stops turning, and you have other children, for a mom it is a very emotional time. It took all of that sadness away, and just filled it with excitement. I couldn’t help but think my daughter had a part in it.”

Magical ride continues

Henry’s short time with the Packers has already been special, his mother noted. “He loves it,” she said, stressing that although he is on the practice squad and has only been active for two regular-season games, Henry is definitely a big part of things in Green Bay. First-year starting quarterback Jordan Love makes sure of that. “They do have a special relationship,” Margaret said. “Jordan Love is an incredible leader. He has an open-door dinner every Monday night for the offense. They all have dinner together at his house, and they watch a little film, and he’s just a super nice guy. From my son’s point of view, it has been the most positive experience, being on the team. “Being on the practice squad, no one treats you differently. You are just as much a part of the team as anyone else. Maybe that’s because it’s a young team, I don’t know, but he’s very involved.” Henry’s magical first season with the Packers continues this weekend with another chance for a historic upset. Green Bay, seeded last in the NFC, is set to

take on the top-seeded 49ers in the divisional round Saturday night, in San Francisco. As of early in the week, it was not yet known if Henry would be activated to the live roster for the game, or if he would make the trip with the team. If he was going to the Bay Area, you can bet his parents will be there as well. “When he travels or when he plays, we go. I have not missed a game of his since he started in first grade, so I’m on a pretty good roll,” Margaret said. “He was not active against the Cowboys. I think they really pushed the flight back. They were going to take him and the other inactives to the game, but it is my understanding that because of the weather, they were taking only who was necessary. “As for this week, the games that he’s played, it’s usually a 24-48 hour game-time decision on who they’re bringing up, who they need. I never realized the whole engineering of these practice squad vs. the 53, who’s playing, who can play. It’s a very complicated thing. For a traveling mom and dad — especially over Thanksgiving — to have two days to travel or to make your plans was always (stressful). So hopefully we’ll have more time for San Francisco.”

Thankful to be here

Margaret said that the past two years, in many ways, have seemed like an out-of-body experience for her and her

NFL Green Bay Packers fullback Henry Pearson (44) celebrates with teammates during a practice this season in Wisconsin. Pearson is a first-year player for the Packers, who upset the Dallas Cowboys over the weekend, and are moving on to the divisional round of the NFC playoffs Saturday night in San Francisco. PEARSON FAMILY PHOTO family. “Surreal is absolutely the perfect word,” she said. “What happened to Molly, that stuff happens on the news. That stuff happens to other people. “As unreal as Molly’s death was, is how I feel about Henry in the NFL. It’s a great feeling, but the same unreal feeling, like what is happening here? This is happening? It’s surreal, it’s wonderful, and it’s kind of.... nothing balances it, but you wonder how can two of the most amazing things, one bad and one good, happen in the course of two years?” One thing’s for sure. The Pearsons know they were placed here for a reason, and that their

“adopted home” in Pennsylvania has helped them through the most difficult time in their lives. And they don’t plan on leaving. “We love Weatherly, we love the whole area,” Margaret said. “At one time, we thought ‘What are we going to do here? What are we going to do now?’ My boys and my husband and I have all agreed that this place has saved us. “We would really love to do some sort of grief retreat at some time when we can manage it. We would love to share the peace and serenity and nature that we have been given out here with someone else who’s going through it. Maybe it will help them.”