The Journal-Herald, Thursday, April 4, 2024

theJournal-herald

CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–145th YEAR, NO. 19

Returning to his roots

Madigan new EMS Captain for WH Ambulance

by Ruth Isenberg

Chris Madigan grew up around the White Haven Ambulance and Fire Department, tagging along with his father, George Madigan. As soon as he was old enough, he signed on as a junior firefighter. Those experiences influenced his career choices. He’s spent 31 years in the fire service, and was certified as an Emergency Medical Technician in 1998, and as an Emergency Responder three years before that.

He’s worked other places, including in construction, but last October returned to the White Haven Ambulance part-time. He went full-time in December.

In February, the White Haven Ambulance Board named him EMS Captain. Madigan explained that this title allows him to take EMS command at the scene of an accident, as compared to an operations manager, more of an

See AMBULANCE, page 5

SINGLE COPY– 75¢

CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–144th YEAR, NO. 45 THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2024 • Volume 43 – No. 32

They already had a plan, now they have a Blueprint

by Ruth Isenberg

Chuck Stoffa is very happy about White Haven’s designation as a Blueprint Community, not least because he and the rest of the team no longer have to keep the news under wraps. The strategic planning committee of the Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce has known about the community’s inclusion in this year’s cohort since November, but couldn’t announce it until it was officially announced.

Over the last year, Stoffa said, “We were preparing for

it, not even realizing we were preparing for it.” Originally, the strategic planning committee was made up of about six people. It’s grown to about 20, and now in addition to Chamber members and local elected officials, includes citizens, state and federal officials, meeting monthly to map out a path for the White Haven area’s development. “We started to do it on our own,” he said, noting as chair of the group he was just using his military background for strategic planning, building on programs and concepts already in the works.

See BLUEPRINT, page 5

Georgia Farrow, American Legion Auxilliary Unit 360 president, stands with Charley Matthews, Air Force veteran and founder of Cards for Soldiers, holding her service dog Lily. In front, ALA Department of Pennsylvania president Ruth Zellers and Department of Michigan president Kim Champion show the cards they made for Cards for Soldiers at the Weatherly Post on March 26. For more, turn to page 8.

editoriAl

A question of trust

by Ruth Isenberg

We are always ready to mistrust strangers. We’ve been taught as children not to speak to people we don’t already know. The “other” makes us uncomfortable.

That’s one of the reasons people are willing to jump on the “election integrity” bandwagon. We know our own poll workers and poll watchers. They are our neighbors, and we’re always happy to see them and chat when we go to vote. We know they aren’t manipulating the voting machines or hiding ballots.

We’re willing to extend that trust to election officials in our neighboring boroughs and townships. We probably know them too. We see them in other public service volunteer roles. We’re confident that they are good people doing the right thing.

On the county level, things get a little more distant. In many places, the same women and men have worked over the years, so if we know who they are, we generally trust them. But when those people retire, or move on to another better paying position, and new people come in, maybe we aren’t so sure. Throw in a couple of embarrassing mis-steps like not having enough paper for the voting machines, or finding a box of absentee ballots along the road, and doubts about competency begin to come up. But except for a few conspiracyminded individuals, most of us still think election officials are doing their best.

It’s when we begin to talk about other regions, other states, that we suspect that all may not be well. We don’t have proof, except for websites and publications that are trying to stir up trouble for political gain, but we don’t know those people. Who knows what they may be capable of?

They are capable of doing hard work on election day for far less money that they could earn elsewhere. They are men and women who do their jobs well, without complaint, and increasingly under attack from anyone who doesn’t like how the election turns out. In too many places, election officials are being harassed, even threatened. This year, when you go to vote, say thank you to these women and men who care about democracy, and put their words into action by serving the public at the polls. Without them, elections would be far less secure.

From The Journal-Herald Issue of March 31, 1994 Editors & Publishers

Jay and Clara Holder

The front page photo was a group shot of children at the Regional Orchestra performance in Weatherly. Inside, the Rev. William Hosking wrote a fine review of the performance, and of the event hosts, the Weatherly Area School District.

Developers Jack and Carolyn Basler proposed that a golf course be built in Penn Lake Park.

White Haven Concerned Citizens will try again to hold a town meeting seeking to reduce the per household cost of sewage treated at a new White Haven sewage treatment plant.

A group who seeks to create a library in Weatherly took a tour of the Kirby Library in Mountaintop to learn about their beginnings.

Carbon County Commissioner Tom Gerhard wrote a column urging tax reform.

The Worthington Chocolate Shoppe of Mountaintop has the finest homemade fudge, hand molded figures and pre-made and custom Easter Baskets.

Freeland Deli & Pastry Shop has holiday rolls Poppyseed and Nut, Prune, Apricot, Coconut and Cherry Coconut.

The Pastor’s Corner this week was by the Rabbi Lewis Bogage of Beth Israel Synagogue in Hazleton, on the topic of Passover.

White Haven Postmaster

Ted Szydlowski announces that the White Haven Post Office is having a spring coloring contest, with prizes for ages 2 to 6 years old, and 7 to 12.

Steve Stallone took pictures and wrote stories introducing the new Weatherly Area High School baseball and softball teams. He saw pitching as the key to winning this season.

Phil Engman Rambled On about NCAA basketball.

This is the weekend of the 33rd annual Philadelphia Antiques Show.

Ruth and I took a road trip to New England to see family, and made a road stop at a Boston Chicken store our first visit to one. We enjoyed a chicken pot pie, and the manager’s special of half a chicken, with sides and an apple pie slice for dessert. It was a good stop, especially instead of the usual fast food at the highway exit.

From The Journal Issue of March 30, 1944 Editor W.C. Taylor

Ralph Marks announced he has associated himself and will operate the Nauman’s Café during Nauman’s term in the U.S. Service.

Wilmot Engineering has been admitted to membership in the Gray Iron Founders’ Society, a national association of manufacturers of engineering gray irons.

The new Federal Taxes going into effect Saturday, April 1st affect many items including theater admissions, and local first class mail, air mail, C.O.D.’s and money orders.

Telephone service is increased five per cent. Many electrical accessories such as bulbs and radio tubes will have a considerably increased tax. All places of amusement, as well as beer and liquor are subject to the new tax.

Theater patrons face a tax of one cent for every five cents of established admissions.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters Testamentary have been granted by the Register of Wills of Luzerne County, PA, on March 12, 2024, in the Estate of Anne L. Boder, late of Butler Township, who died December 21, 2023, to George B. Boder, Executor.

All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment and those having claims to present them immediately to:

SENAPE & ASSOCIATES

James V. Senape, Jr., Esquire

Catherine A. McGovern, Esquire

Michael B. Senape, Esquire

612-614 Main Street, P. O. Box 179

Freeland, PA 18224-0179 570-636-3133 4/11

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters Testamentary have been granted by the Register of Wills of Carbon County, PA, on March 13, 2024, in the Estate of Rose Boni, a/k/a Rosa Boni, late of Mahoning Township, who died December 9, 2023, to Lorena L. Zebert, Executrix.

All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment and those having claims to present them immediately to:

SENAPE & ASSOCIATES

James V. Senape, Jr., Esquire

Catherine A. McGovern, Esquire

Michael B. Senape, Esquire

612-614 Main Street, P. O. Box 179

Freeland, PA 18224-0179 570-636-3133

Kidder Warehouse gets conditional OK

by Suzanne Winters

Another large crowd was on hand for the Kidder Township Board of Supervisors meeting on March 26. Many could not find a spot in the meeting room and remained standing in the foyer.

Before beginning the meeting, a special award presentation was made by Lake Harmony Fire Chief Ralph Lennon to the five Pocono Mountain Regional Police officers who, being first on the scene, rescued a woman from her burning vehicle on February 26. She had crashed off Route 940 in Kidder Township, just past the county line. The officers were each given a plaque. Challenge Coins were also presented from both the Fire Chief and the Kidder Township Police Chief Matthew Kuzma. The honored officers were Officer CJ Dickinson, Officer Scott Dunlap, Sergeant Robert Miller, Officer Carmine Saprona and Officer Adam Bond. The rescued woman is still recovering from her injuries.

All but one of the 11 public comments prior to the start of the meeting pertained to the Blue Ridge Real Estate plans for another trucking depot in the township.

Arguments and research findings against the proposal were presented, citing concerns over the environment, noise, light pollution, air pollution and crime.

Some speakers requested a new traffic study, saying the last one was in 2019, and so much has changed in the township with the addition of these large trucking facilities that a new study is warranted.

Other concerns were for water quality, stating that the plans proffered do not adequately address storm water and run off. It was alleged that Francis Walter Dam Road does not have the infrastructure to handle the offsite drainage.

All supervisors voted for an extension to May 28 for Camptel Poconos (Maison Hotel LLC) to remove unauthorized structures.

Raylene Eckley again asked about using the Albrightsville School House as headquarters of the Historical Society. The issue was inadvertently left off of the agenda, but board chairman Raymond Gluck said they would get it on the agenda next month.

Following public comments, Mike Malloy, attorney for Blue Ridge Real Estate (BRRE), made his presentation to the Board as to why they should grant conditional approval to the requested project waivers. He referred to how much they have already done to meet township requirements and denied accusations that BRRE would be turning the township into an industrial area. He claimed the public presents “red herrings” and “misinformation” in opposition to the project.

He said there is no need for a new traffic study, and they have consulted with DEP and PennDOT.

He concluded by saying BRRE has met all written requirements and the Board should approve the requested waivers according to their own rules.

Chairman Gluck noted that several conditions have not been met, and requested BRRE notify the Board each time a condition is met. He said the Planning Commission had already reviewed the plan, and supervisors will take action based on their recommendation.

Supervisor Noel Torres addressed the audience concerns, saying he had looked into a great deal of information and ordinances and believed it would be an “injustice if we vote against it.” He felt a judge would rule against the township should they deny it and the issue be argued in court. He assured that this approval does not give “carte blanche” for BRRE to move ahead with their plans, saying that all projects will be scrutinized, but at this juncture a vote against conditional approval and then a court battle would not be a good use of taxpayer dollars.

Conditional approval for the BRRE project waivers was unanimous. It was noted several times that this is not a final approval and that there is a long way to go until that might occur.

Pocono Mountain Regional Police officers who rescued a woman from her burning vehicle off Route 940 were given a plaque and a challenge coin. She crashed just over the county line in Kidder Township on February 26. PMRPD was dispatched and found the vehicle on fire. Honored officers shown from left are CJ Dickinson (accepted by his dad, Chuck Dickinson), Scott Dunlap, Sergeant Robert Miller, presenter Lake Harmony Fire Chief Ralph Lennon, Carmine Saprona and Adam Bond, and presenter Kidder Township Police Chief Matthew Kuzma. JH: Suzanne Winters

obituAries

GEORGE E. DAVIS

George E. Davis, husband, father, poppop, brother, 91 years of age, of Lehigh Township, passed away on Friday, March 29, 2024, as a guest of Forest Hill Nursing & Rehabilitation Ctr. in Weatherly.

Born Friday, August 19, 1932 in Weatherly, he was the son of the late George E. Davis, Sr., and Elva (Schnaufer) Davis. George was also predeceased by his brother, Earl Davis.

Surviving are his beloved wife of 67 years, Theresa (Perini) Davis; sons, Ernie Davis and his wife Danelle, and Paul Davis and his wife Michelle; daughter, Georgine Sickels and her husband Kevin; grandchildren, Kyle Sickels, Ashley Gestl and her fiance Nathan Love, Paul Davis and his partner Myn Martotana; great-grandson, Noah Love; siblings, Mary Howard, Betty Jane Kunkel, and

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Robert Davis. Many nieces and nephews also survive George.

A Weatherly High School graduate, George served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean war. George retired from Conrail having worked as a track inspector and supervisor. George served as a Lehigh Township Supervisor, and Past Master of the Free & Accepted Masons Azalea Hazel Fellowship Lodge #327. George was a member of Salem U.C.C. of Weatherly.

He took great pride in his home, gardening, caring for his many apple trees, and making cider seasonally, which neighbors, and family looked forward to sampling. He enjoyed picnics in the yard celebrating family occasions from births, graduation, and weddings celebrated underneath his cherished Catalpa tree. He also enjoyed hunting and tinkering in the garage.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Weatherly.

Funeral service is Saturday April 6, at 11 a.m.. from the funeral home, Rev. Sharon Fry to officiate. Friends may call on Saturday morning at the funeral home from 9:30 until the time of worship.

Masonic services will be held at 10:45 a.m.

Interment with Military honors bestowed will be in Union Cemetery Weatherly.

Online condolences or a fond memory of George can be expressed by visiting www. griffithsfuneralhomes.com

Barbara Jean (Brogan) Fisher, age 81, of Penn Lake Park passed away peacefully at River View Hospice surrounded by her family on March 29, 2024.

Born December 5, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Dr. William T. and Marjorie Pollard Brogan of Norwood, PA.

Barbara is survived by her four children, Jean Marie Bell (Stephen) of Fayetteville NC, Kelly Anne Fisher of Austin TX, Michael Winfield Fisher (Kristen) of Coopersburg, and Marjorie Rose Fallon (Tom) of West Islip, NY; her brother, William Brogan of Norwood; and her loyal and loving long-time partner of 32 years, James Wilkinson of Penn Lake.

“Barb” as she was affectionately known, was a graduate of Notre Dame High School, Moyland, and Fitzgerald Mercy Nursing School, Philadelphia. She was happily married in 1963 to Eugene Francis Bernard Fisher, until his death in 1979. Surrounded by an enormous, close-knit extended family, together they raised their beautiful family in Folsom.

Barb adored her grandchildren, Jason and Benjamin Bell (Amanda), Cameron, Jackson and Luke Fisher, and Thomas, William, and James Fallon, who brought immense joy to her life. She was also blessed with her great-grandchildren, Allison and Ava Bell.

Barb’s career from beginning to end was always focused on caring for others – from nursing at Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital to teacher’s aide in the special education department at

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Lakeview Elementary School to patient care advocate at White Haven Center, where she retired in 2005. That sense of nurturing was also abundantly present in her personal life – warm, loyal and welcoming to all.

Barb’s life centered around her family, lifelong friends and her beloved Penn Lake where she resided for most of her life. She found the greatest joy in entertaining family and friends on her deck, overlooking the serene beauty of the lake. Her home was always filled with love, laughter, good food, the sound of music and holiday lights, creating lasting memories for all who were fortunate enough to share in her company.

Deeply involved in her community, Barb sat on the Board for the Penn Lake Association for many years. She was instrumental in organizing and hosting various events, including Bingo and Night At The Races, which brought together neighbors and friends for fun-filled gatherings. Barbara’s dedication and contributions were recognized by the Penn Lake Community, who honored her with the naming of “Barb’s Kitchen,” a testament to her warmth and hospitality.

Whether you called her Barb, Brog, Mom, Babs or Mom-Mom, her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and community spirit that will be cherished forever.

Funeral arrangements are by the Lehman Family Funeral Home in White Haven.

A visitation with the family will be held at St. Patrick’s Church in White Haven at a day and time to be announced with a service immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, you can memorialize Barb with a donation in her name to the American Diabetes Association or Magee Rehabilitation Center in Philadelphia.

Her family would like to thank the amazing medical staff at Riverview Nursing Facility and Compassionate Care Hospice. More importantly, they are grateful to all of the Fisher family friends, neighbors and Penn Lake Community for their unwavering love, care, and support.

Rest in peace, Barb/Mom/ Mom Mom. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

BARBARA JEAN FISHER

obituAries

DOROTHY C. MURPHY

Dorothy C. Murphy, 92, of White Haven, passed away on Friday evening, March 29, 2024 in Allied Meade Street, Wilkes-Barre.

Born in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late John and Marie Reese Devlin and was a graduate of Little Flower High School. Dorothy was a member of St. Patrick’s Church, White Haven. She enjoyed spending time with family and traveling to Germany and Ireland with her husband.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, James Lindsey Sr in 1983; son James Lindsey; and seven siblings.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband Jack Murphy; three daughters, Monica (Barry) Snitzer of Albrightsville, Karen (Robert) Hettel of West Berlin, NJ, and Juliet (James) Heuser of White Haven; six grandchildren, Lindsey Neduchin, William Snitzer, Luke Lindsey, Robert Hettel, James Heuser, Erica Hettel, Jerry Murphy, and Sean Murphy; several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 3, at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick’s Church, White Haven. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc. White Haven.

JANE A. BEZICK

Jane A. Bezick, 70 years of age, of Junedale, passed away on Monday, April 1, 2024, at Lehigh Valley Hospital Muhlenberg Campus.

Born Saturday, February 27, 1954 in Hazleton, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Jane (Kehoe) Deshisky. Jane was also predeceased by sister, Susan Bruno.

Surviving are her beloved husband of 49 years, Michael M. Bezick; son, Michael J. Bezick and his wife Holly of Schnecksville; daughter, Shannon Lanzo, wife of Dominick; grandchildren Emily Grace, and Evelyn Marie Bezick.

A graduate of the former Bishop Hafey Catholic High School, Jane worked as a travel agent for Laputka’s Travel, and served as office manager for their insurance agency for many years. A member of Annunciation Parish of Hazleton, Jane enjoyed traveling, and the companionship of her dogs Brea and Keele. Jane’s cherished time spent with her family and adored her granddaughters.

Private arrangements entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Weatherly.

Memorials in her name to: Hazleton Animal Shelter PO Box 481, Hazleton PA 18201

Online condolences may be made to the family at www. griffithsfuneralhomes.com

Blueprint

Continued from page 1

Staffers from PA Senator David Argall’s office got involved with the committee. “They knew we working hard already,” he said, and urged an application to the prestigious program.

The first step in this18-month program is a 2-day workshop in Harrisburg, April 29 and 30, with all the Pennsylvania communities that have been selected to participate this year. In the months that follow, there will be on-site and local training.

Stoffa said he firmly believes they were already creating a good plan, but “I hope that we’re going to get some insight and increase our speed, get there sooner.” The process should expose the group to resources they weren’t aware of, and help them make contacts in state and federal programs.

The Blueprint team is made up of nine members with specific qualifications and relationships:

Ambulance

Continued from page 1

administrative post. Administrative functions like billing and Patient Care Reports are the responsibility of Lieutenant Gina Tombasco, who signed on with White Haven Ambulance in December.

At present, Madigan and Tombasco are the only full-time employees, working triple 24-hour shifts. “Staffing is our biggest issue right now,” Madigan said, explaining that they are in desperate need of EMTs.

White Haven Borough is helping out by processing payroll for the ambulance. Once set-up is complete, the Ambulance will be able to withhold taxes and issue W-2s to employees, which Tombasco hopes will make employment by the ambulance more attractive.

They are busy. The ambulance has already responded to 117 calls this year, and is averaging between one and nine calls a day. One day last week, they received three calls in 30 minutes, responding to the first one and relying on mutual aid for the second and third.

Primary coverage area includes

• FHLBank Member Financial Institution: Ashley Stevens , ESSA Bank & Trust

• Local Government Official: Linda Szoke, White Haven Borough

• Community-based Organization: John Zugarek, Lions Club

• Real Estate Developer/ Specialist: Mike Tuskes, Tuskes Homes

• Economic Development Professional: Frank Migneco, NEPA Alliance

• Real Estate Professional: Julie Fallon

• Business: Chuck Stoffa (Team Leader), Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce

• Business: Linda Miller, Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce

• Arts Organization: Rick Markham, Legion Theatre Group

Stoffa noted that “There are a lot of people behind us, not all from White Haven borough, all volunteers, all committed to making this a success.”

White Haven, East Side and Penn Lake Park boroughs, and Foster, Dennison, Lehigh and Lausanne Townships. They also respond to mutual aid calls outside of those areas. They work well with other ambulance services in the area, including Valley Regional, Lehigh Valley, Mountain Top and Plains.

Community support has been great. Memberships are coming in, and they are getting comments about a willingness to support “their town ambulance.”

At the same time, money is still an issue. “It’s an underpaid profession,” Madigan says, with 12-hour shifts. There are grants for equipment and debt relief, but not for payroll, so the ambulance relies on support from the communities and individuals it serves.

Billing is up-to-date, Tombasco said. The ambulance uses the Cornerstone system, and she can fill in reports on her tablet on the way to the hospital. Reports are submitted within 24 hours, and Cornerstone handles all related dealings with the insurance companies and Medicare.

Madigan says he would love to staff two trucks, like in the old days. His goal is to bring it back up to the way it used to be, “make my Pop proud.”

WASB Business Manager

Leanne Sites resigns

by Seth Isenberg

Weatherly Area School District business manager

Leanne Sites will resign her position and take another in the business office of the Pleasant Valley School District in Brodheadsville. She remains at Weatherly Area School District until May 21 due to a 60-day notice clause.

Sites’ tenure as Weatherly Area’s business manager lasted three weeks prior to her accepting the higher paid position as an assistant business manager for the PVSD for $88,000. The pay for Weatherly Area business manager is

$67,000 plus benefits.

When called for comment, Sites e-mailed that “WASD is my home, but I must spread my wings. This is a personal decision that was made.”

The search for a new business manager for Weatherly Area was reopened. Interviews are to begin in early April.

The School Board will be appointing Shari Gerhard to be the assistant business manager at the April 3 caucus meeting. Her salary will be $45,000 plus benefits.

Also on the Board agenda is approval of the resignation of Sites, with her last day of work as May 21.

SATURDAY, APRIL 6—

Weatherly Area Museum season opening, 1-4 p.m.

SUNDAY, APRIL 7—

Weatherly Area Museum season opening, 1-4 p.m.

TUESDAY, APRIL 9—Annual Membership Meeting, 6:30 p.m., White Haven Area Community Library

FRIDAY, APRIL 12—

Celebration of the Military Child, 5-7 p.m., American Legion Post 360, Weatherly

SATURDAY, APRIL 13— Main Street Market, 8 a.m.3:30 p.m., White Haven

SATURDAY, APRIL 20— Earth Day Cleanup, 8-10 a.m., meet at the Caboose, White Haven

Front Street in Freeland

SUNDAY, MAY 26—Family Fun Day/Memorial Day Parade & Celebration, 1-4 p.m., Lehigh Park, White Haven

SATURDAY, JUNE 1—Trout Festival, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., White Haven Area Community Library

SUNDAY, JUNE 2— Weatherly Area High School Baccalaureate Service, 6 p.m., Our Lady of Lourdes

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JUNE 8 & 9—Weatherly HillClimb

SATURDAY, JUNE 8—Trail Fest & Main Street Market, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Main Street, White Haven

FRIDAY, APRIL 26—“I Hate Shakespeare” Drama Club performance, Weatherly Area High School gym

SATURDAY, APRIL 27— Community Purse Bingo to benefit Community Lunch Program, 2 p.m. (doors open 12:30 p.m.), St. Patrick’s Parish Center, White Haven

SATURDAY, MAY 4— Cemetery Walk, sponsored by Weatherly Area Museum, 1 p.m., Union Cemetery

SATURDAY, MAY 11—Main Street Market, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., White Haven

SATURDAY, MAY 25— Memorial Day Car Show,

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JUNE 15 & 16—Patchtown Days, Eckley Miners’ Village

SATURDAY, JULY 13—Main Street Market, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., White Haven

FRIDAY, JULY

26-SATURDAY, JULY 27—200th Birthday Summer Street Festival, Main Street, White Haven

FRIDAY, AUGUST

9-SUNDAY, AUGUST 11— Catfish Derby, sponsored by White Haven Volunteer Fire Company, Linesville Park, White Haven

SATURDAY, AUGUST 10—Main Street Market, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., White Haven

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7—Car Show, Lehigh Park, White Haven

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 & 15— Weatherly HillClimb

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14—Cranberry Quilt Guild Quilt Show, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Weatherly Area Middle School Gymnasium, 570-436-1469

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER

14—Main Street Market, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., White Haven

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15—Cranberry Quilt Guild Quilt Show, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Weatherly Area Middle School Gymnasium, 570-436-1469

SATURDAY, OCTOBER

12—Main Street Market, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., White Haven

seth’s sightiNgs

I hope readers who celebrate enjoyed a happy Easter weekend. There were many homes in The Journal-Herald area where Easter family gatherings were sighted.

Déjà vu for this week, as more wet and rainy days lead up to a possible small bit of snow here. So, snow shovels on stand-by for Thursday, per Accuweather. Again the storm ends with feet of snow in the mountain areas of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. More good luck for the big ski areas. Some of the local Vail team members are lending their work time select northern Vail ski areas.

Local critter sightings were light this week, just some foxes in Foster and Lehigh Townships, and skunks in Weatherly.

It’s week number two for my sister Elise’s visit with us just in time for cold, wet and maybe snowy. It’s 20 degrees or more cooler here.

March Madness means the Frozen Four for men’s ice hockey. Boston College took four overtimes to beat last year’s national champion Quinnipiac. Their opponent will be Michigan. Boston U. faces Denver in the other quarter-final on April 11.

In basketball, the UConn and Iowa women have made it to the final four and have drawn each other for 9:30 p.m. match this Friday. The other game is South Carolina versus the surprising NCState at 7 p.m. that night.

Baseball is battling the cold and rainy weather. Both the Yankees and the Pirates must like it, as they are each 5-0.

The big Penguins are enjoying a win streak that might propel them to a low playoff spot. The next few games will be the proof.

The local Penguins also are winning. Two more wins in the final eight games will

by seth iseNberg

earn the team a playoff spot. There’s a home game this Friday versus Cleveland a beatable opponent, and another Sunday afternoon versus the Phantoms also beatable. The team road trips to Bridgeport on Saturday, so it’s likely we’ll get our wins these games. Let’s Go Pens.

Gas prices eased up a bit. Tuesday, I was able to buy gas for $3.37.9 in Blakeslee, less my Exxon discount. I hope for even lower, but fear some oil-related international bad news will make prices leap again.

Springtime returns with fifty degrees plus weather starting Sunday, but in real force from Monday on. So after Thursday, it’s back to spring cleanup and lawn raking.

Good health through this changeable week.

WASB meetings

Weatherly Area School District Board of Education has the following April meetings scheduled:

Budget Meeting - Wednesday, April 10, at 5:30 p.m., MS LGI Rm.

Regular MeetingWednesday, April 10, at 6 p.m., MS LGI Rm.

CCEEC holds invasive plant seminar

The Carbon County Environmental Education Center is planning a seminar on invasive plant species for Saturday, April 6, at 10 a.m.

Volunteer Naturalist Mike Gogal will begin with a virtual tour of some of the area’s most damaging invasive plants. Participants will learn to identify common species, as well as how and when to best remove them.

“If it were as simple as just pulling weeds, these plants wouldn’t be a problem,” said CCEEC’s Susan Gallagher. “There are different times and techniques that work best for different plants. You need a strategy and that’s what this program offers.”

After the lecture, participants who wish to do so will explore the trails near CCEEC for hands-on experience, removing invasives and benefiting surrounding habitats.

Work gloves and pruners will be available or participants may bring their own. Light refreshments are offered afterwards. The program will be rescheduled in case of rain.

To register or for more information, call CCEEC at (570) 645-8597.

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

Cards for Soldiers event draws crowd in Weatherly

On March 26th, the members of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 held a Cards for Soldiers event at the Post home in Weatherly.

Cards for Soldiers was founded by Air Force veteran Charley Matthews of Michigan. Its purpose is to make a variety of different occasion cards to send to deployed military to send home to their loved ones, as they are frequently stationed where there is no place to buy or get cards for their loved ones.

Approximately 70 people attended the event and spent the day making homemade cards and signing cards that will be sent to deployed military personnel. Attendees enjoyed delicious food, an Easter raffle and friendly conversation. The event produced over 1,500 signed cards and a very large number of homemade cards.

Accompanying Charley Matthews on the trip from Michigan was her service dog, Lily, and friend Kim Champion, the ALA Department President of Michigan. It was a day of collaboration between the states of Michigan and Pennsylvania to benefit our military and their families.

Cathy Olker, President Unit 922, Canadensis, Georgeann Herling, District PresidentCarbon-Lehigh-Monroe-Northampton Counties, Judy Desrosiers. Unit 360 (organizer of the event at Unit 360), Ruth Zellers, ALA Department of Pennsylvania President, Kim Champion, ALA Department of Michigan President, Charley Matthews, Air Force Veteran and Founder of “Cards for Soldier,” Georgia Farrow, Unit 360, Weatherly. Missing from the photo was LaRue Fritz, President Unit 314, Lehighton.

Cranberry Quilt Guild recently held a reveal of their 2023 service project. 16 quilts will be donated to those suffering illness or loss of a loved one as a source of comfort within local communities. Shown at the event from left are Chris Gresh, Judy Lutz, Guild president Debbie Kessell, Cindy Hilfiger, and Steve Mead, community service project coordinator.

The Piano Man coming to GHCS

Jim Witter: The Piano Man Concert will headline the sixth concert of the Greater Hazleton Concert Series season Tuesday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m. at Hazleton Area High School Auditorium, 1601 W. 23rd Street.

Jim Witter has been entertaining crowds for over 30 years. Whether it be his original music, the music of Billy Joel and Elton John, or many other artists he pays tribute to, Jim’s versatility has allowed him the opportunity to reach out and share his music and his infectious personality with audiences of all ages across Canada, the United States, the U.K, Dubai, and the Netherlands.

Utilizing spectacular visuals on a giant screen behind Witter and his band, we return to the newspaper headlines, the automobiles, the people, the events, the toys and even the TV shows that shaped a decade. Along the way, the sounds of My Life, Candle in the Wind, Rocket Man, Just the Way You Are, and many more classic hits create an evening that’s so much fun, you won’t want it to end. With Witter at the grand piano and his incredibly talented band mates, the music is not an attempt to recreate or mimic the evening’s long list of familiar hits. Instead, Witter unleashes his golden tenor on hit after hit to recreate fully-formed mental and emotional return visits to specific landmarks in a pop culture timeline.

If you can remember where you were when Elvis died, this show’s for you. If you can smell the interior of your 1973 VW Beetle, you’ll recognize every song. If you watch re-runs of Gilligan’s Island or Green Acres, you’ll find yourself singing along. And if you still have your bell-bottom jeans and Puma running shoes, then you probably need more help than Witter can provide.

Underwriters for this concert are Victor & Lorraine Baran, and Robert & Janice Moisey. Individual tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for students. For concert information or tickets call, Cynthia at 570-436-6615, or Shirley at 570-384-1226. Visit www. hazletonconcertseries.org or on Facebook.

CCTI inducts new members into NTHS

The Carbon Career and Technical Institute (CCTI) held its annual membership induction and installation ceremony and banquet for the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) at the school campus in Jim Thorpe.

NTHS is an honor society for outstanding career and technical students of workforce vocational education institutions in the United States. NTHS began in 1984 as the National VocationalTechnical Honor Society. Induction into the National Technical Honor Society is one the highest accomplishments that can be bestowed upon a Career and Technical Education student.

After the Induction and Installation Ceremony, members of the National Technical Honor Society, family, friends and school officials enjoyed a banquet prepared by the school’s Culinary Arts Department under the direction of their instructor Ashleigh Rehrig. Sue Ann Gerhard is the NTHS Advisor. New inductees are: Carpentry - Lily Dickson, Palmerton Area School District: Computer Information Technology –Technical Instructor - Noah Bryfogle, Palmerton Area School District; Drafting

Design Technology – Technical Instructor - Samantha Muthard, Palmerton Area School District; Graphic Design – Technical Instructor – Marissa Blasko, Panther Valley School District; Isabel Wentz – Lehighton Area School District; MarketingJalin Burns, Palmerton Area School District.

Second year members are: Frangil Colon, Cosmetology, Weatherly Area School District; Julia Romankow, Graphic Design, Panther Valley School District; Jordyn Drumbore, Cosmetology, Panther Valley School District; Jada Saldukas, Cosmetology, Weatherly Area School District; Zack Anthony, Electrical

Distribution and Automation, Palmerton Area School District; Angelika Gines, Auto Service Technology, Panther Valley School District; Guadalupe Gonzalez, Health Medical Assistant, Lehighton Area School District; Gracie Heintzelman, Digital Marketing & Design Technology, Panther Valley School District. National Technical Honor Society members show excellent community service throughout the school year such as holiday

greeting cards to local nursing homes, Veteran’s Day Assembly at the school campus, Toys for Tots, collecting over 200 toys for Christmas, visiting Heritage Hill Senior Living Center, Weatherly and presenting residents with snacks and blankets, collecting items for the Army Reserves through the Jim Thorpe American Legion and American Cancer Society telethon, where they will be making a donation to the ACS.

First row from left, new inductees Jalin Burns, Marissa Blasko, Samantha Muthard, Noah Bryfogle, Isabel Wentz, and Lily Dickson. Back row, second year members Zack Anthony, Gracie Heintzelman, Jordyn Drumbore, Jada Saldukas, advisor

Sue Ann Gerhard, Frangil Colon, Julia Romankow, Angelika Gines, and Guadalupe Gonzalez.

Erin Prete is March WAHS Senior of the Month

Erin Prete, daughter of Tara and Joe Prete, Weatherly, has been named Senior of the Month for March at Weatherly Area High School.

Erin is captain of the girls’ soccer team, and also a member of the Kindness Club, SGA, and the Weatherly Area High School chapter of the National Honor Society.

In the community, Erin has volunteered her time with the Weatherly Area Community Library, St. Luke’s Pavilion, the Weatherly Hillclimb, the Weatherly Festival, and various NHS-sponsored activities.

Sponsor for the month of March is Heritage Hill, in Weatherly.

CORN DELIVERY: From left, Judy Desrosiers, Donna Thomas, Betty Henry and Georgia Farrow of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 in Weatherly, which collected 120 cans of whole kernel corn and delivered them to the VALOR Foundation Clinic just in time for their Easter food distribution for veterans and their families. Each family had a breakfast meal, a lunch meal, and a dinner meal delivered to them personally for the Easter holiday. These meals are also given out for Thanksgiving and Christmas. To learn more of the VALOR Foundation Clinic and Paul’s House log on to: https://valorclinic.org or call 570-664-6468. Please help to make a difference in the lives of veterans.

Rolando Corpus featured at Hazleton Art League

The Hazleton Art League’s April art exhibition opens with a reception Friday, April 5 from 5-8 p.m. at the Hayden Family Center for the Arts. Featuring Media, PA-based artist Rolando Corpus, the solo art exhibition is titled Beyond Horizons, Paintings of Natural and Urban Landscapes. Corpus’ paintings play on the light and shadows, reflections and color that are a part of our everyday experience. According to the artist, “My paintings offer a glimpse of these transient moments that are worth remembering and celebrating.”

Sunday, April 7 from 1-3 pm is Coffee Talk—an opportunity to meet Corpus and hear him talk about his works, methods, and inspirations. Sunday, April 28, from 1-3 pm is Acoustic Jam, with local musicians playing in the Main Gallery.

Rolando Corpus: Beyond Horizons, Paintings of Natural and Urban Landscapes runs from Friday, April 5 through Sunday, April 28. Admission for these events is always free.

Gallery hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday-Sunday 1-4 pm, closed Mondays and holidays. For Information on classes, programs, and other events follow us on Facebook, Instagram (hazletonsartleague), and Twitter (HALfortheArts).

Individual membership in the Art League is $25 for the year, and sustaining memberships are as low as $10 a month. The Hazleton Art League, Hayden

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Weatherly Area Sports Roundup

Marian collects Schuylkill League openers against Weatherly Area

The Weatherly Area girls are no stranger to Morgan Kelly.

The hard-throwing right hander and four-year ace has been hurling fastballs at the Lady Wreckers for four seasons now and is at the top of her game.

Last Tuesday, Kelly pitched a five-inning perfect game to lead Marian to a 15-0 victory on opening day for the Schuylkill League Division III softball schedule.

Kelly fanned 13 of the 15 batters she faced and held the host Lady Wreckers without a hit.

The Fillies spotted Kelly an eight-run cushion in the top of the first, and ended the contest after five innings via the 15-run rule. Marian picked up 10 hits in all.

Emily Upanavage showed the way with three singles, and teammate Anna Grabosky stroked a double and single.

Marian improved to 3-0 with the win (1-0 league), while the Lady Wreckers dipped to 1-3.

Marian...................801 24 — 15 10 0

Weatherly Area..... 000 00 — 0 0 6

Kelly and Grabosky; Strohl and Caldwell. W — Kelly. L — Strohl.

Baseball

Marian 14, Weatherly Area 0 — Lachlan Segedy belted a home run, doubled and drove in a pair

of runs to power the Colts to the Schuylkill League Division III opening win in Weatherly last Tuesday. The Colts (2-2 overall) collected 15 hits in support of winning pitcher Cole DeFrancisco, who hurled a twohit shutout over five innings. The game ended there via the

15-run rule.

Jack James had a pair of singles, and pitched the first four innings for the Wreckers (0-2).

Marian.....................252 14 — 14 15 0

Weatherly Area....... 000 00 — 0 2 5

DeFrancisco and Labenburg; James, Donodi (5) and Eroh. W — DeFrancisco. L — James.

Scholastic Schedule

THURSDAY, APRIL 4

Baseball

Mahanoy Area at Weatherly Area

Pittston Area at Crestwood Softball

Mahanoy Area at Weatherly Area

Girls’ Lacrosse North Pocono at Crestwood

FRIDAY, APRIL 5

Baseball

Weatherly Area at Lincoln Leadership Softball

Wyoming Valley West at Crestwood

Track and Field

Weatherly Area at Tamaqua

Invitational

Boys’ Lacrosse Delaware Valley at Crestwood

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

Baseball

Weatherly Area at Shenandoah Valley

Boys’ Lacrosse

Selinsgrove at Crestwood

Girls’ Lacrosse

Lake-Lehman at Crestwood

Track and Field

Crestwood at Haverford

Invitational

MONDAY, APRIL 8

Baseball

Tunkhannock at Crestwood

Boys’ Lacrosse

Crestwood at North Pocono

Boys’ Volleyball

Wyoming Valley West at Crestwood

TUESDAY, APRIL 9

Girls’ Lacrosse

Pittston Area at Crestwood

Track and Field

The Weatherly Area track and field teams had their Schuylkill League and season-opener last week against Panther Valley postponed due to the weather. The dual meet has been rescheduled for April 18 at PV.

Track and Field

Crestwood at Wyoming Valley West

Boys’ Volleyball

Crestwood at Dallas

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10

Track and Field

Weatherly Area at Mahanoy Area

Baseball

Crestwood at Dallas

Boys’ Lacrosse

Crestwood at Holy Redeemer

THURSDAY, APRIL 11

Baseball

Schuylkill Haven at Weatherly Area

Softball

Schuylkill Haven at Weatherly Area

Girls’ Lacrosse

Hazleton Area at Crestwood

Track and Field

Crestwood at Pittston Area

Boys’ Volleyball

Hazleton Area at Crestwood

Crestwood Sports Roundup Lady Comets notch two softball victories in busy week

An Easter weekend shutdown and a few raindrops didn’t stop the Crestwood girls’ softball team from getting three games in last week, and logging victories over Hanover Area and Honesdale.

A recap of the Lady Comets’ week, and some of the other Crestwood springs sports teams, follows...

Softball

Crestwood 19, Wyoming Seminary 4The Lady Comets needed just five innings to put away Wyoming Seminary for the nonleague victory.

Crestwood bashed 13 hits and broke the game open with a sixrun second inning.

Winning pitcher Brooke Lenahan helped herself at the plate, going 2-for-2, driving in two runs and scoring twice for the Lady Comets. Jorja Snyder and Alexa Toniatti both tagged three-run home runs for Crestwood.

Crestwood.................269 1 1 — 19 13

Wyo. Seminary......... 040 00 — 4 5

Lenahan, Daisey (4) and Carter. Ritondo, Fasula (5) and Para. W - Lenahan. LRitondo.

Crestwood 15, Honesdale 1 - Crestwood scored all its runs in the first three innings en route to the five-inning non-league victory.

Alexa Toniatti homered and drove in four runs to power the Crestwood offense. Celia

Stahlnecker also homered and finished with two RBI, while Jorja Snyder went 4-for-4 with a double and three RBI. Madison Mendrzycki also drove in a pair of runs.

Brooke Lenahan struck out four and allowed one hit over three innings to pick up the victory.

Crestwood.........438 00 — 15 13

Honesdale.........100 00 — 1 2

Lenahan, Daisey (4) and Carter. Carrick, Salzmeda (2) and Chee. W - Lenahan. L - Carrick.

Wyoming Area 7, Crestwood 2 - Addison

Gaylord had two doubles as part of a 3-for-4 day as Wyoming Area defeated Crestwood. Renee Haddock was also 3-for-4 for the Warriors. Maggie Hallman had two RBI, Kaia Brown and Morgan Slusser each had two singles and Arianna Gaylord doubled.

Jorja Snyder had two of Crestwood’s seven hits.

Celia Stahlnecker and Kayla Wisniewski each stroked a double.

Crestwood..............101 000 0 — 2 7

Wyoming Area.......130 20 x — 7 14

Lenahan and Snyder. Gasek and Haddock. W - Gasek. L - Lenahan.

Girls’ Lacrosse

Pleasant Valley 14, Crestwood 7 - Devon Bush and Olivia Landoli each scored four goals to lead the Bears over Crestwood in a non-conference game last week.

Gia Caporuscio and Hannah

Ziegler both tallied three goals for the Lady Comets. Jackie Gallagher pitched in a goal and an assist and Jordan Andrews added an assist for Crestwood.

Winning goalie Abygail Borger made six saves. Crestwood’s Morgan Koons stopped 12 shots.

Crestwood 18, Holy Redeemer 5 - Gia Caporuscio fired in five goals and assisted on two others in Crestwood’s WVC rout of Holy Redeemer.

Jackie Gallagher helped with four goals and two assists and teammates Hannah Ziegler, Jordan Andrews and Ella Novelli netted two tallies apiece. Kate Gallagher. Samantha Solderich and Olivia Pesta each had one goal.

Ziegler also had two assists and Solderich, Lucy Malia, Sydney Magda and Mary Kate Banford all assisted on goals. Winning goalie Morgan Koons made six saves.

Boys’ Lacrosse

Crestwood 17, Lakeland 2 - Ashton Amend (4), Gianni Piccolotti (3) and Kevin Schlude (3) teamed for 10 goals as the Comets opened their season by running past Lakeland in a match played at Keystone College.

Osten Grigas, Jack Augustine and Ty McConnell pitched in with two goals apiece for the Comets. Logan Lawson added one score, and Christopher Schlude contributed two assists.

Boys’ Tennis

Crestwood 3, Holy Redeemer 2 - Crestwood won two out of

the three singles’ matches to hold off host Holy Redeemer and pick up the Wyoming Valley Conference victory.

Tommy Biscotti and Spencer Young both won singles matches with Young winning a threesetter over Redeemer’s Lukas Runde by scores of 7-6 (7-4), 1-6, 6-2. Biscotti rolled past Mateo Runde 6-4, 6-1.

The Comets’ second doubles squad of Aaron Kogoy and Will Savner clinched the team win, beating Alex Martin and Kyle Antinnes 5-7, 6-4, 6-3.

Crestwood 5, Pittston Area 0 - The Comets swept past the Patriots, failing to surrender a point in the three singles matches. Both doubles matches were won by forfeit.

Sean Rossi beat Zhi Lin, Tommy Biscotti topped Tyler Hutchins, and Spencer Young blanked Nick Jones, all by 6-0, 6-0 scores, to lead the Crestwood attack.

Baseball

Crestwood 4, Nanticoke Area 2 - Caleb McManus hit a solo home run and Mason Czapla drove in a pair of runs as Crestwood defeated Nanticoke Area.

Robert Duffy pitched four innings for the win. Jaxon Fedak threw the final two scoreless innings for the save, striking out a pair. Derek Miller singled and had Nanticoke Area’s only RBI.

Puzzle Answers

Annual Moses Senior All-Star Classic will tip off Friday

The annual George P. Moses Senior All-Star Basketball Classic will be held on Friday night at Wilkes-Barre Area High School. The double-header pits the top basketball seniors from the Wyoming Valley Conference against one another in a final high school game for their decorated careers.

The girls’ game will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the boys’ game at around 8.

Proceeds from the wellattended event benefit local charities.

The 3-point shootout competition began on Monday, with the finals of those set for halftime of the respective games on Friday.

While the young Crestwood girls’ basketball team returns its entire squad next season and will not be represented on this year’s rosters, the Crestwood boys will.

Crestwood seniors Chaz

Wright and Derek Johnson are on the roster for Team Brogan, which will also feature players from Hazleton Area, Holy Redeemer, Tunkhannock, Wilkes-Barre Area and Wyoming Seminary.

Comets head coach Mark Atherton will assist Hazleton Area’s Pat Brogan in coaching Team Brogan. Atherton will also get to coach his son, Mark, who is a senior at Holy Redeemer.

The following are the rosters for both the boys’ and girls’ allstar games:

BOYS ROSTERS

Team Brogan

Crestwood: Derek Johnson, Chaz Wright; Hazleton Area: Luke Gennaro, Sam Guzman, Joe Marshall; Holy Redeemer: Mark Atherton, George Sabatini; Tunkhannock: Devin Airgood, Owen Berkheimer, Ethan Ergott; Wilkes-Barre Area: Kaprie Cottle, Evan Laybourn-

Boddie; Wyoming Seminary: Alex Aiello, Louis Michaels, Jack Novelli.

Coaches: Hazleton Area’s Pat Brogan and Crestwood’s Mark Atherton.

Team Macario

Berwick: Jace DeGroat; Dallas: Mikey Cumbo, Zach Paczewski, Nick Williams; Hanover Area: Steve Florek, Lael Hayward; MMI Prep: Brendon Brobst, Reed Floryshak, Ryan Sones; Nanticoke Area: Jaidyn Johnson, Liam Mullery, Gavin Turak; Pittston Area: Ciaran Biulbow; Wyoming Area: Brady Noone, Matt Rusinchak, Dane Schutter, Tyler Sciandra.

Coaches: Wyoming Area’s Anthony Macario and Nanticoke Area’s Zach Pientka.

GIRLS ROSTERS

Team Ferenchick

Berwick: RaeAnna Andreas, Alyssa Lewis, Gabby Starr, Lubbi Switzer; Hazleton

Area: Haley Yost; LakeLehman: Brenna Hunt, Molly

Jenkins; MMI Prep: Bria

Kringe; Pittston Area: Rowan Lazevnick; Tunkhannock: Aliyah Staff; Wyoming Valley West: Gabby Marsola, Mackenzie Perluke, Alissa Laudenslager, and Kiersten Rinehimer.

Coaches: Wyoming Valley West’s Gary Ferenchick and Amanda Hurst.

Team Rapson

Hanover Area: Izzy Curcio, Alana Hughes, Maggie Murphy; Holy Redeemer: Angelina

Corridoni, Theresa Khoudary, Lucie Racicky; Nanticoke Area: Claire Aufiero; Wilkes-Barre

Area: Katie Keating, Emma

Krawczeniuk, Mahogany

Robinson; Wyoming Seminary: Lexy Lichtenstein, Ellie Parra, and Hayley Smeraldi.

Coaches: Wilkes-Barre Area’s Dale Rapson and Josh Pstrak and Nanticoke Area’s Ed Grant.

Before Catlin Clark and Angel Reese grabbed headlines, there was the Cavinder Twins

by Matthew Paris

The 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is in full gear, with the Finals starting tomorrow, and it’s a good time to reflect on the years past. One of the most interesting stories involves the Cavinder twins, Haley and Hanna.

The twins made headlines when they posted videos on TikTok and Instagram during the COVID pandemic. Done to pass the time when face-toface interactions were limited, the twins soon found that many folks were watching them millions it came to be over the years buoyed when Haley and Hanna led the Miami Hurricanes to the 2023 women’s NCAA Elite Eight. Haley was the leading scorer on the team, while sister Hanna was 2nd on the team in free throw percentage and 5th on the team in assists. The two had transferred to the East Coast school from Fresno State, where they had

begun their college careers.

The twins evolved into basketball stars and social media celebrities, and Sports Illustrated reported that they were among the first student-athletes to sign major endorsement deals through NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness). That signing also included an NCAA penalty for the Hurricanes (one year on probation) when it was learned that their head coach linked the twins with a local businessman she knew (NCAA coaches aren’t permitted to get involved in players’ financial transactions).

Playing at Miami ended Hanna’s college basketball career, but Haley had different plans. She decided to play her final year for the TCU Horned Frogs (even though she has yet to play in a game), and Hanna moved with her to Fort Worth, TX. Hanna told GQ that their bond “is stronger than being basketball players. We have to do life together.” That

life includes being business partners. The twins run a clothing company called “Baseline Team.”

Women’s college basketball used to be a sport of interest primarily to hard core fans. Today, as an entertainment option of a national scale, the Cavinder twins symbolize that evolution.

Matthew Paris enjoys following and writing about athletes after their playing days are over. His work is published at The Sports Column.