CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–145th YEAR, NO. 11
Weatherly looking to clean up, curb animals
by Seth Isenberg
At Weatherly Borough council’s meeting on July 22, a quality-of-life ordinance is being proposed to address things like junk vehicles, accumulation of garbage, high grass and weeds, putting household furniture or appliances outside, lack of cleanup of animals feces, maintenance of swimming pools, hazardous materials storage, and prompt removal
of snow and clearing of ice from sidewalks. Permits during construction will need to be displayed.
Borough solicitor James Nanovic explained that the ordinance will allow for the code enforcement officer to issue a ticket for a violation, rather than sending out a notice. It’s quicker, so these properties can get cleaned up faster. Fines start at $25 for the first offense, and go to $50 for the second offense,
then $100 for the third in a year. Appeals will likely be handled by a committee established by borough council.
Council voted to advertise the ordinance ahead of approval.
The next order of business was to change the borough’s animal ordinance, restricting farm animals from all but the RA zones, though allowing six egg-laying chickens in all zones. No roosters will be allowed. Neither will goats, horses, pigs,
THOUGH THE FORECAST IS UNCLEAR, the Catfish Derby will be happening this weekend in Linesville Park in White Haven. Rain doesn’t bother the fish, and it doesn’t bother most fishermen and women either, especially when they are competing for prizes. The annual event is a fund-raiser for the White Haven Volunteer Fire Company. There’s an entry fee to fish, but the public is welcome to come out and enjoy the food and entertainment. The entertainment schedule is still tentative because of the weather, but music is planned for both Friday and Saturday nights if possible. JH: File photo
sheep and the like. A permit will be needed for the chickens.
This was prompted by nearly a dozen complaints about animals and their odors. One complaint had health officer Tom Brezinski out looking at a home where there were at least 30 rabbits, 30 ducks, AND 30 chickens out back.
Council member Joe Cyburt urged council members: “Let’s try it. We can change it” later.
See WEATHERLY, page 5
COG may bring tools to WH Police
by Ruth Isenberg
Working with the Mountain Council of Governments may give White Haven Police Department some new tools. Borough manager Linda Szoke reported at the July 22 White Haven Borough Council meeting that through the COG, the police may gain access to a digital fingerprinting machine. Costs would be shared with other communities for the equipment, which may soon be mandated by the FBI to replace manual fingerprinting.
Another potential area of cooperation could enable White Haven police officers to become certified to do truck inspections by working with other member municipalities.
Council tabled updating the Police Department’s policies and See WHITE HAVEN, page 5
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 changes to: THE JOURNAL-HERALD 211 Main Street, White Haven, PA 18661
(JAY E. HOLDER, Co-Publisher 1954-1997; CLARA HOLDER, Co-Publisher 1954-2014)
Seth Isenberg, Advertising Sales
Ruth Isenberg, Editor
Steve Stallone, Sports Editor
Member, Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce Carbon County Chamber of Commerce
If you think things aren’t as good as they were when you were a kid, you may be right. You certainly aren’t alone in thinking that things were better 30, 40 or 50 years ago.
Part of that is just human nature. Most of us remember more of the good things about the past, especially the past when we were kids and didn’t have adult responsibilities and problems to weigh us down. Our parents probably weren’t seeing their day-to-day life as rosily as we look back on that era now.
Lately there have been some social media discussions lamenting the absence of activities and events that the writers remember happily from when they were young. They wonder why events like the town carnival that they had so much fun at don’t happen any more, and even ask why “they” don’t bring the events back.
The problem is that “they” were and are a group of volunteers who worked (and still work) very hard to provide services and entertainment to the communities they live in. The events that happened 30 or 40 years ago were put on by a group of people who have aged out of strenuous activities. Unfortunately, the group of people who have stepped into their shoes is smaller in number, and they are getting older too.
There are other factors, of course. Tastes change. Liability issues make insurance very expensive. Margins are slimmer more work for less return. Most people work longer hours and have less free time to volunteer work.
If you remember the fun events you enjoyed in the past, think about the people who made them happen then become one of those people. There are plenty of great activities and volunteer groups that are making memories for our towns today. The White Haven Car Show, the Weatherly Festival, the HillClimb, the libraries, the fire companies, the Lions, the scouts all could use your help. And all would welcome you with open arms.
Archives
From The Journal-Herald Issue of August 4, 1994 Editors & Publishers Jay and Clara Holder
A Delaware & Hudson freight train derailed on the Bridgeport trestle, dumping a trailer load of K-Mart plastic bags into the river. Local rafting companies have gone out to pick the bags off the riverbanks and wherever they ended up.
Volunteers from the Mrs. C. M. Schwab Revitalization Committee are letting some air into the structure opening about 100 windows most days. Access is permitted only for the volunteers, who pick up a key from the WASD administration office. Grant opportunities are being explored. Among these are whether a Community Housing Development organization would be contacted.
Students from Fairview Elementary School researched and labeled plant found alongside the school’s nature trail, under the supervision of teacher Richard Zimmerman.
Phil Jeffries was among 55 runners who came out for the Hickory Run 5k. The winner set, John Serrao of Tobyhanna, ran the course at 15:41. Scott Coll of Weatherly was second at 16:58. Jeffries ran a respectable 22:38.
The Pocono Cup soccer camp came to Weatherly for five days last week.
Diana Barna’s stack of six baseball caps came in second in the crazy hat contest as part of the Weatherly Recreation Program’s summer schedule.
Ruth wrote this week’s Dine-Out column about a buffet brunch with friends at La Grande Café in Frazer, PA.
Cinema reviewer Pete Chapla provided a fine review of the movie Forest Gump, which he found to be “a charmingly sentimental and exhilarating fantasy.”
From The Herald Issue of May 3, 1934
R. V. Faust Publisher
“Some of the older residents of Weatherly recall the cornerstone laying of Salem Reformed Church on April 30, 1876, fifty eight years ago, when, during the afternoon service held in the open, a terrific snowstorm arose…The storm was so sudden and fierce that by the conclusion of the service, the ground was covered with snow and ice so that no teams could venture out. The choir from Grace Reformed Church and several Hazleton ministers could not get home until Monday morning…”
Representatives from the Pennsylvania Fish Commission were here Thursday and removed fish from the Eurana Park Lake prior to drawing all water from it so the basin may be cleaned. Thousands of sun fish were bailed out and taken to the Ice Lake above White Haven. A half dozen trout were found in the lake, one of them almost 15 inches. These were put in the Quakake Creek.
Supervising Principal R. V. Laudenslager of Weatherly Public Schools announced the honor students in the graduation class of 1934: Ruth Gregory, Ora Goodall, Agnes Englehart and Irene Andrews.
From The Journal Issue of August 3, 1944 Editor W.C.
Taylor
Saint Ann’s Band of Freeland were here Sunday evening to entertain at the Home Coming celebration sponsored by St. Patrick’s Parish.
Through the efforts of the local Lions Club and Hazleton Rotary Club, the former White Haven Printing Company brick building recently vacated by the Bayonne Fur Dressing and Dying Company has been purchase by the McKetrick and Williams Dress Company of New York City, who expect to occupy it early this fall.
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE Zoning Hearing Board of Dennison Townshipwill conduct a publichearing on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 6:30 P.M. at the Dennison Township Municipal Building to act on the following item:
1. The application of Joel Sledziewski, 319 Barrys Road, White Haven, PA, for Parcel ID#13-N10-00A-06B -000, 1643 Honey HoleRoad,WhiteHaven,PA. The applicant is requesting a Variance from Section 305 of the Zoning Ordinance for Unattached Accessory Structures. The subject property is ownedby Joel Sledziewski.The subject property is located in the R-1, Single Family Residential District.
All public comments must be submitted in writing to the Zoning Officer prior to the hearing by mail at the address below or by email to tdow@barryisett.com.
Only public comments submitted in writing before the hearing will be read and considered.
BY ORDER OF:
Tim Dow, BCO#5305 Zoning Officer
Dennison Township 76 Walnut Street White Haven, PA 18661
LEGAL NOTICE
IN RE: ESTATE OF DOROTHY L. MURPHY, a/k/a DOROTHY LINDSEY MURPHY, a/k/a DOROTHY CELINE MURPHY, a/k/a DOROTHY MURPHY, Deceased, late of the Township of Kidder, County of Carbon and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Notice is hereby given that Letters of Administration, c.t.a. have been granted in the Estate of Dorothy L. Murphy, a/k/a Dorothy Lindsey Murphy, a/k/a Dorothy Celine Murphy, a/k/a Dorothy Murphy, who died on the 29th day of March, 2024. All persons having claims against the estate are requested to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to the Administrator, Gerald M. Murphy, 916 Thornton Road, Horsham, PA, 19044, or his attorney:
CYNTHIA S. YURCHAK, ESQUIRE 121 Carbon Street Post Office Box 49 Weatherly, PA 18255 8/22
Freeland Police Report
The Freeland Police Department answered 152 calls during the month of June.
The most numerous type of calls answered during the month were traffic and parking problems, 24; assists to other police agencies, 23; noise/ loud music, 13; animal, seven; harassment, six, and found property, four; patrol action, ambulance assists, disorderly conduct in public places, lost animal, custody, noise/loud music, and neighbor complaint, three each.
There were two each of the following calls: criminal mischief to automobiles, disorderly conduct, traffic court offenses other than DUI, domestic, suspicious person, suspicious circumstance, dog
Lehigh Gorge Notary
Liz Berger has been providing Tag & Title, DCNR, Boat and Fish Commission, and general Notary services in White Haven for over 30 years. As the local community Notary Public with years of experience, there is no question she can’t answer. Find her at Lehigh Gorge Campground, 4585 State Street in East Side, or under the More tab at: lehighgorgecampground.com
bite, check welfare, and 9-1-1 hangup.
There was one incident of the following: armed robbery and hijacking, assault with other than a dangerous weapon, theft of more than $200 from a building, theft of $ 50-$200, fraud, sex offenses other than rape or prostitution, offense against a family-child abuse, lost or missing property, motor vehicle accident, alarm, pedestrian contact, suspicious person, traffic citation, missing juvenile, found juvenile, nonreportable traffic accident, sign down, officer-initiated building checks, house check, notification/police information, and assists to the fire department.
Retirement sessions slated
Pre-retirement seminars have been scheduled for Thursday, September 19, at the Lehighton Rec Center, at 3 and 5:30 p.m.
The hour and a half semniars will include information about Medicare options, premium
reduction programs, and how to navigate the Medicare system to make an informed decision on which plan works best for you Registration is required by calling 610-824-7830.
Property Tax and Rent Rebate payments began July 1
Rep. Doyle Heffley is reminding Pennsylvania senior citizens and adults with disabilities that the first batch of payments through the Property Tax and Rent Rebate (PTRR) Program are being distributed starting this week.
“I am happy to see our senior citizens and adults with disabilities receive these rebates,” said Heffley. “This program and its expansion are necessary, and I am proud to have voted for the expansion of this rebate program because it significantly helps the needs of our most vulnerable citizens.”
Based on a new law that Heffley supported and voted for, the rebate expanded to increase the maximum rebate amount and income limit. Now, an additional 175,000 Pennsylvanians are eligible.
Applicants who submitted their bank account information on their application forms will receive their rebates through direct deposit. Applicants who requested a paper check to be mailed to them should expect to receive their payment in the mail.
The Department of Revenue has already processed and approved 93% of PTRR applications for payment. The remaining claims yet to be
approved either have errors or may require more information –if you receive outreach from the department. Pennsylvanians are encouraged to respond as soon as possible to get their application approved so they can receive their rebate in a timely manner. Those who have already applied can track the status of their rebates by
clicking on “Where’s My Rebate” at mypath.pa.gov.
The Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program is open to eligible seniors 65 and older, widows and widowers 50 and older, and adults with disabilities 18 and older with a household income not exceeding $45,000 (half of Social Security income is excluded).
If you think you may be eligible but have not applied already, the application deadline was recently extended to December 31.
The application is free. For those interested in applying for the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program and need assistance, please call Heffley’s district office at 610-377-6363.
United Way of Greater Hazleton welcomes 2024-25 Board of Directors
“I am proud to introduce the United Way Board of Directors
2024-2025” says Gary Perna, Jr. CEO/President. “The United Way staff, Amorette Barr, Sheryl DiSabella and I sincerely appreciate the time and effort put into the process by our Board.”
He continues “A Board of Directors in a nonprofit organization plays a crucial role in guiding and overseeing the organization’s operation. Remember, board members serve as volunteers and their commitment to fulfilling their volunteer hours is essential to the nonprofit’s success. I am grateful for these people from the community who want to work with us to help their fellow Greater Hazleton residents with their needs.”
Happy Birthday in Heaven
United Way of Greater Hazleton Board of Directors 20242025. Row 1, from left, Leann Fallabel, Vice-Chair; Donna Dougherty-Chair and Gary Perna Jr.-President/CEO; row 2, Sarah Wech, Rosann Gabos, Jace Whitaker-Treasurer, Allison Barletta Antolick, Denise Corcoran; row 3, Alex van Hoekelen, Melissa Curto, Pastor Rodney Murphy, Pat Korb, Candice Pop and Lori Kane. Absent from Photo, Theresa Long.
LehmanFamily FuneralService, Inc.
WhiteHaven,PA PATRICKM.LEHMAN,PRESIDENT
This day is remembered and quietly kept, No words are needed we shall never forget. For those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day. Unseen and unheard, but always near, So loved, so missed and so very dear.
Love, Your Family
Weatherly
Continued from page 1
Member Mike Bellizia agreed, saying “It’s to stop farm animals.”
Council split 4-3 on its approval to advertise, with PJ Hadzick, Jeff Miller, Vince Cuddeford II and Bellizia in favor, and Cyburt, Norm Richie and Theresa D’Andrea opposed.
As part of public comments, resident Beth Parker spoke out about the condition of Eurana Park, asking that with no swimming or summer program, “What is there for kids to do?”
Manager Pudliner explained that the park is getting over a quarter million dollars of improvements, and “It’s going to look torn up” for now. It’s taking time. Mayor Hadzick asked Parker to give (the borough) time to fix up the park.
Among the upgrades paid for by a DCNR grant (applied for two years ago) are a new basketball court, new pickleball court, repaving of walkways, and bench repairs at the bandshell. In other business, solicitor Nanovic was given approval to advertise the LERTA ordinance about the Schwab School property. There was to be a public announcement on the 23rd at the Schwab School
with state senator David Argall and state representative Doyle Heffley coming to announce funding for the renovation of the old school, and a grant to clear away the annex so that an additional building can be erected there, for a total of thirty one and two bedroom apartments. According to developer Alliance Building Communities (ABC), the rents will be affordable (not luxury). The project should get started by the middle of next year.
The next council meeting has been moved to Tuesday, August 27, at 5 p.m.
Spring 2024
grads listed
Kutztown University has conferred degrees for nearly 1,100 students for the 2024 spring semester. Jesse Wilkinson of Weatherly received a Master of Social Work degree. Nearly 1,800 students received undergraduate, masters and doctoral degrees from Pennsylvania Western University this spring.
Kyle Williams of White Haven, who studied at PennWest’s California campus, earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems.
White Haven
Continued from page 1
procedures to match the policies of the District Attorney’s task forces.
Also tabled was a suggestion to vacate the un-named alley between Buffalo and WilkesBarre Streets which Mayor Fred Meier said was “in terrible shape.” Solicitor Don Karpowich will obtain a legal description.
Next month, a public hearing will be held on changing the parking ordinance, mandating one side of the street parking on Northumberland Street on Mondays for garbage collection, and repealing parking limits on Main Street and Susquehanna Street.
White Haven may be in line for a $4,000 grant to obtain the
services of a Master Gardener to beautify a public space in the borough. The borough’s Blue Print Community coach from Penn State is guiding the application process. Areas under consideration are the Honor Roll and the Caboose.
The borough will present a proclamation to St. Patrick’s Parish in honor of its 150th anniversary at their dinner on August 18.
Tax collector Kathy Oross turned in $10,825.05 in current taxes in June, as well as $2,109.45 in local realty transfer taxes, and $923.99 in delinquent taxes.
Present were council members Julie Falon, John Klem, Bob Lamson, Zane Writer and John Zugarek; Charlie Best and Harvey Morrison were absent.
Next meeting is Monday, August 26, at 7 p.m.
The First United Presbyterian Church of Freeland will hold a final worship service and celebration of over 130 years of faithful service on August 18 at 3 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
625 Front St, Freeland, PA 18222
HAZLETON • PHILADELPHIA
comiNg eveNts
FRIDAY, AUGUST
9-SUNDAY, AUGUST 11—
Catfish Derby, sponsored by White Haven Volunteer Fire Company, Linesville Park, White Haven
FRIDAY, AUGUST
9-SUNDAY, AUGUST
11—St. Jude’s Parish Picnic in the Grove, 4-10 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 12-8 p.m. Sunday, Mountain Top
SATURDAY, AUGUST
10—Main Street Market, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., White Haven
SATURDAY, AUGUST
10—Car Show & Cornhole Tournament to benefit Freeland Babe Ruth, 12-6 p.m.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY, AUGUST 23 & 24–Lehigh RiverFest, Whitewater Challengers Campground, North Stagecoach Rd., Lausanne Township
FRIDAY, AUGUST
23-Weatherly Festival, 5-10 p.m., Eurana Park
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24— Weatherly Festival, 12-9 p.m., Eurana Park
SATURDAY, AUGUST 31— Golden Oaks CommunityWide Yard Sale, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Golden Oaks Village, Kidder Township
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER
7—Car Show, Lehigh Park, White Haven
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER
7—Craft, Direct Sales & Flea Market, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., American Legion Post 781, Mountain Top, 570-332-8962
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
15—Cranberry Quilt Guild Quilt Show, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Weatherly Area Middle School Gymnasium, 570-436-1469
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER
29—Boilo & Chili Contest, 2-4 p.m., Tresckow Hosey, 570-578-1539
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4— Weatherly Area Community Library Auction, Packer Township Building
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5— Weatherly Area Community
Library Auction, Packer Township Building
SATURDAY, OCTOBER
12—Main Street Market, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., White Haven
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26—
Halloween Parade, 2 p.m., Weatherly (rain date Sunday, October 27)
seth’s sightiNgs
The Olympics coverage via You Tube has me watching all sorts of sports. This week I added women’s wrestling, ping pong, steeplechase, men’s pole vault, and rowing to the basketball, volleyball and cycling I was already watching. It’s a good time as the You Tube videos are short, allowing me to also get some work done. This past weekend, Ruth and I went to Worcester, MA to see my stepdad and pick up a used car. We made good time on the way north on Friday afternoon in a rental car, riding through a rainstorm at one point and
catching some slow traffic. We returned the rental there and started learning the new one. It’s a 2016 Subaru sedan newer than our Kia with low miles. It has a manual transmission. Both of us have owned manual transmission cars in the past, but it has been decades of automatic transmission cars since. With a little stalling and some funky shifting, we got around town. By Sunday afternoon, we were mostly fine for the road trip back.
Our visit went well. It was nice to be with family, really too short a visit but I needed
by seth iseNberg
to be back on Monday to get a treatment for my cancer. Sunday’s drive was great until we encountered a set of thunderstorms in southern Connecticut, which made for slow to stop and go driving on Interstate 84 until the storm ended and traffic went south to NYC. From there, it was clear driving into the Poconos. We got home not long after dark. Being in the cars kept us cool in the hot and muggy weather. We didn’t sight too many critters the only ones of note were some swans on a lake in New York state and snowy
egrets in Massachusetts. Coming up this weekend is the White Haven Catfish Derby fire company fundraiser at Linesville Park, St. Jude’s Church Bazaar in Mountaintop, the Mahoney Brothers performing at Knoebels, the Parade of Boats fundraiser for Lake Harmony fire and ambulance companies, and Musikfest. What we choose to attend will depend on the weather. The tropical storm will hopefully blow through quickly on Friday to leave us with a nice Saturday afternoon and Sunday. Good health to you all.
Quilt of Valor presented to founder of Sophia Coxe Memorial Foundation
2nd Class Petty Officer
Bryan Dunnigan
The Sophia Coxe House in Drifton was the setting for a Quilt of Valor presentation recently to 2nd Class Petty Officer Bryan Dunnigan of West Hazleton. Marie Shulenski, the group leader of the Hazleton Area Chapter of Quilts of Valor Foundation awarded Petty Officer with his quilt as many family members and friends congratulated him. A reception in the garden was held after the presentation. Dunnigan is the founder and president of the Sophia Coxe Memorial Foundation and Education Center since 2014 and the curator of the Historic Coxe House, circa 1869.
Petty Officer Dunnigan was nominated for this award by Margie Bogash. He served in both the United States Navy and the United States Army-Pennsylvania National Guard. His service in the NavyAviation was from 1968-1974 during the Vietnam War and he was honorably discharged attaining the rank of 2nd Class Petty Officer. His home base was the Naval Air Station in Miramar, California. Petty Officer Dunnigan served two tours in Vietnam with the Fighter Squadron VF-92. His duties were Crew Chief of the F-4 Phantom Aircraft being responsible for the material readiness of the aircraft and the successful launch and recovery during combat operations. He also served on the USS Enterprise Aircraft Carrier CVAN-65 and the USS America CVA66 during the Theatre of Combat Operations in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970. IN 1971 he transferred to Naval Air Station Training Command, Oceana, Virginia, F-14 Pilot Training Center. Many military awards were presented to Petty Officer Dunnigan during his Naval career; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star; Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device; Armed Forces Expeditionary
Displaying the quilt are, at left, Chancey Wesner, who pieced the quilt and Marie Shulenski, group leader of the Hazleton Area chapter of the QOVF.
Medal; Special Navy Unit Citation-1970; and the Good Conduct Medal. He also circumnavigated the globe on a
world tour on the USS America, CVA-66, Naval Aircraft Carrier.
See QOV, page 9
Continued from page 8
His service to our country continued in the United States Army-Pennsylvania National Guard from 1990-1998 during the Cold War with the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a Squad Leader, Unit recruiter and APC-113 Track Commander with the 876th Engineer
Battalion Company C and the 337th Mechanized Engineers, Company A, attached to Army 8th Infantry Division. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army on March 12, 1998 for a total of 14 years of military service.
In 2024, he was awarded the Distinguished Citizen Award with Medal presented by the DAR, Daughters of the American Revolution. As a civilian, he has been Post
Commander and Life Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 8253, West Hazleton; Post Commander and Life Member, Veterans of Vietnam War, Post 66 of Hazleton/ West Hazleton; and former Eckley Miners Village Board Member, tour guide and resident blacksmith. He is also a member of the Civil War Reenactor Association: 81st Pennsylvania Volunteers; US Sharpshooters, 2nd Battalion,
Company C, Civilians of Gettysburg Group and the Blacksmithing instructor at the Sophia Coxe Memorial Foundation and Education Center, Drifton.
This Quilt of Valor was pieced by Chancey Wesner, quilted by Tammy Dean and bound by Marie Shulenski, all members of the Cranberry Quilt Guild. In addition to this quilt he was also awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for his service from the Quilt of Valor Foundation.
Silver Ridge breakfast set
Silver Ridge Hunting Club, 2200 East Main Street, Weatherly, will hold its all you can eat breakfast from 7 a.m. to Noon Sunday, August 11, at the clubhouse.
The menu includes eggs (any style), home fries, bacon, sausage, ham, pancakes, toast and creamed chipped beef. Drinks include coffee, tea, hot chocolate, orange juice, and tomato juice.
Take outs are available. Children under 6 eat free.
Boilo & Chili Contest raising funds for kids’ holiday party
A Boil-o and Chili Contest to raise funds for a Christmas Party for children will be held at the Tresckow Hosey on Sunday, September 29, from 2-4 p.m.
Get your favorite recipe together and put it to the test. There is a $10 entrance fee and a $5 tasting fee. Everyone is welcome to participate. Please come out to vote for your favorite.
For more information, call 570-578-1539.
The Tresckow Hosey is located at 26 East Oak Street in the village of Tresckow near Hazleton.
ALA Happenings this month in Weatherly
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 in Weatherly will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, August 12, at the post home at 6 p.m. Installation of 2024-2025 officers will take place. Light refreshments will be served. All members are urged to attend.
Golden Oaks yard sale
Golden Oaks Village will hold its Labor Day community-wide yard sale on Saturday, August 31, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The sales will be held in the individuals’ driveways.
Receives Elmira College Key Award
Lilli Warner- Senape of White Haven received the Elmira College Key Award for academic and community leadership. A tradition that goes back to 1935, the EC Key Award is presented to outstanding students in their junior year of high school or preparatory school.
This year, the award was given to 831 students in 17 states. Recipients receive an $88,000 scholarship over a four-year period, $22,000 per year, upon enrolling at Elmira College.
“This award is given to students with the potential to excel academically, serve as leaders, and go on to enjoy success in life,” said Charles Lindsay, president of Elmira College. “We hope they will choose to make Elmira College their place.”
Sponsored by the EC Alumni Association, the Key Award recognizes students for high scholastic achievement, leadership, citizenship, and participation in extracurricular activities.
ALA Unit 360 in Weatherly will hold the monthly unbaked pizza sale on Friday, August 16. Pick up is 4-6 p.m. at the post home.
Deadline to order pizza is Friday, August 9. A regular pizza is $12, and additional toppings are $3 each. Toppings include extra cheese, 3-cheese, mushroom, sausage, and pepperoni.
Contact Georgia Farrow directly to order your pizza at 570-427-4527.
Starting in September the
price of a regular pizza will be $13 due to the rising cost of ingredients.
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 in Weatherly invites all veterans to join the St. Luke’s Foundation Victory for Veterans Common Grounds Coffee Club. The Common Grounds Coffee Club offers you the opportunity to meet other veterans, share your experiences serving in the military, and learn about how the Victory for Veterans program can support you.
Starting Friday, September 6, and the first Friday of every month, Post 360 in Weatherly will be opened from 9 a.m.Noon. Free donuts and coffee and a free lunch will be served for all veterans attending this event.
To reserve your spot, contact Georgia Farrow at 570-4274527. To learn more about the St. Luke’s Penn Foundation Victory for Veterans Program contact Jennifer Kuehner at 267-733-3202.
On Monday, July 15, ALA Unit 360, Weatherly sponsored a Red Cross Blood Drive at the Citizens Fire Company #1. They collected 17 pints of blood, enabling the Red Cross to help 51 people with blood needs. This is an annual Service Project for Unit 360. Shown from left are Unit 360 members Georgia Farrow, President; Donna Thomas, Secretary; Theresa D’Andrea, Chaplain; Judy Desrosiers, Sr. Sgt.-atArms; and Carol Eroh, who is also a Red Cross volunteer.
Readers—want your organization’s activities featured in these pages? Send news tips, press releases and photos to the editor at journalruth@pa.metrocast.net, or call 570-215-0204 xt2.
Carbon County Women in Business present National Relaxation Day
The Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) and its Carbon County Women in Business Committee will host National Relaxation Day at Alchemy Lounge in Lehighton on Thursday, August 15, from 5-7 p.m.
Come unwind and rejuvenate. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life as you treat yourself to an evening of ultimate relaxation at Alchemy Lounge’s luxurious oasis. Choose from three relaxing
mini-session service offerings: Salt Room (20 minutes), Vitality Booth (10 minutes) or Massage (hands, feet or neck/back) (15 minutes).
The cost to attend the event is $5 for Chamber Members and $10 for Future/Prospective Members. Salt Room MiniSession-$15, Vitality Booth Mini-Session-$15 and Mini Massage-$20.
Registration is required at the CCEDC website, www. carboncountychamber.org or via phone at 610-379-5000.
Palmerton Community Festival offers family fun
Join us for the 35th annual Palmerton Community Festival, located in Palmerton’s beautiful Borough Park on Friday, September 6 from 5-11 p.m., Saturday, September 7 from
11 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sunday, September 8 from Noon-9 p.m.
Expect a lively atmosphere filled with top-quality entertainment, featuring various genres including country, rock, polka, 80’s, and more. In addition to the free entertainment, there are various activities providing fun for the entire family. Families can enjoy rides, games, Bingo, raffles, and more.
Food lovers will be in for a treat with a vast selection of delicious homemade dishes, from savory snacks to sweet treats, there’s something to satisfy every palate. The booths help support local churches, fire companies, youth groups, and others that support our local community.
Craft enthusiasts can explore the craft tent filled with unique handmade items, perfect for your holiday shopping.
This event will take place regardless of the weather and offers free admission along with free parking. For everyone’s safety, please refrain from bringing pets, bikes, skateboards, or roller skates into the park over the weekend. When entering or exiting, use the macadam walkways and crosswalks. Handicap parking is available. There’s fun for the entire family. For more information, visit www.palmertonfestival. com
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THEME: BACK TO SCHOOL
ACROSS
1. Soothing concoction
5. *The Magic School ride
8. Mama’s husband
12. Dwarf buffalo
13. Moneyed one
14. “M*A*S*H” extra
15. Soon, to Shakespeare
16. Sheltered, nautically
17. *Abacus user, e.g.
18. *School jacketwearer
20. TV classic “Happy ____”
21. What hoarders do
22. Speechpreventing measure
23. *Pencil end
26. Deep regret
30. Indian restaurant staple
31. What cobblers often do
34. Mother Earth, to Ancient
Greeks
35. Embedded design
37. ___ Khan
38. Contending
39. *Don’t forget to cross them
40. Plural of flora
42. Rolodex abbr.
43. Sultry or carnal
45. *Rydell High School movie
47. Defensive one on the gridiron
48. Oodles
50. *Some PTA members?
52. *It involves elements
56. Cuban dance
57. Burkina Faso neighbor
58. Opera solo
59. Boot-shaped European country
60. Oil org.
61. Review a service
62. Say “No!”
63. Animal’s nose
64. Perceives with an eye
DOWN
1. Jezebel’s idol
2. Beheaded Boleyn
3. Plunder 4. Certain rays
5. Plural of #1
Across
6. Part of an eye, pl.
7. Witnessed
8. *Field of education
9. ____ Walker, American Girl doll
10. *Inspiration for circular charts, pl.
11. Acronym, abbr.
13. Zimbabwe’s capital
14. Address to a woman
19. Nail salon file 22. Toothpaste type
23. *Marks in English
24. Hindu queen
25. “Hannah and Her Sisters” director
26. End of line
27. Yogurt-based dip
28. *Opposite side over hypotenuse, pl.
29. Bald symbol
32. *____ monitor
33. Bigheadedness
36. *All-school gettogether
38. Giuseppe ____ of opera fame
40. Temporary craze
41. Parthenogenetic
44. Recant or retract
46. *English homework, pl.
48. *Circle, e.g.
49. Paparazzi’s target
50. Remote control option
51. Middle Eastern sultanate
52. “Follow me!”
53. Genealogy plant
54. Agitate
55. Puppy barks
56. Antonym of keep
by Chad Carpenter
Dog days of August signal start of high school sports practice
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
The dog days of August are upon us.
When I think of that statement, the first things that come to mind are hot, humid conditions, and the allimportant key stretch in a Major League Baseball season.
It also signals the beginning of fall sports practice for high schools across the Commonwealth. This coming Monday is the first official practice date for all fall sports teams with the exception of golf. Golfers have been practicing already, and this week marks the opening matches of the 2024 regular season.
The Weatherly Area High School golf team begins its season on Thursday, with the Wreckers scheduled to host Nativity at White Birch Golf Course. They will face Marian on Friday.
At Crestwood, the Comets open with Tunkhannock on Thursday morning, one of three straight home matches at Blue Ridge Trail Golf Club before they participate at the annual Tryba Tournament on Aug. 19.
The Crestwood football Comets began this week with Heat Acclimatization practices as a prelude to next week’s first day of practice in pads, scheduled for Monday.
The Comets’ football scrimmage will be Saturday morning, Aug. 17 at Wallenpaupack. Crestwood opens the 2024 campaign
at home on Aug. 30 against Wyoming Area.
The Comets’ remaining home games are with Western Wayne (9/13), Hazleton Area (10/4), Dallas (10/11) and Wyoming Valley West (10/25).
Crestwood’s 10-game football schedule also features road games at Valley View (8/30), Tunkhannock (9/6), Nanticoke Area (9/20), Pittston Area (9/27) and Wilkes-Barre Area (10/18).
Crestwood is coming off a 5-6 season, falling to Nanticoke Area 28-21 in the District 2 Class 4A playoffs. The Comets won the district championship and reached the PIAA semifinals in 2022.
The Crestwood boys’ and girls’ cross country teams both reached the PIAA Championships in 2023, and bring a host of experienced
runners back to make another run this fall. The Comet runners begin their season Sept. 4 at Hazleton Area’s Community Park. Their home opener is Sept. 18.
Crestwood’s boys’ and girls’ soccer teams are coming off District 2 Class 3A runner-up finishes in 2023 and open their seasons at home. The boys host East Juniata on Aug. 24, and the girls entertain Pittston Area for their opener on Sept. 3.
Meanwhile, the Crestwood field hockey team is coming off a WVC championship and District 2/4 Class 2A finals appearance and begins its season Aug. 26 on the road at Oley Valley. The Lady Comets scrimmage both Emmaus (8/20) and Lewisburg (8/22) at home this month.
The Crestwood girls’ tennis team will open its season Aug. 19 at MMI Prep, while the girls’
volleyball team begins Aug. 23 at Pocono Mountain East.
At Weatherly Area, the girls’ and boys’ soccer teams will scrimmage Hanover Area on Aug. 21 in preparation for their openers. The Lady Wreckers’ regular season begins Aug. 24 at Marian, and the Wreckers’ season starts Aug. 26 at home against Williams Valley.
The girls’ volleyball team will begin its season schedule at home on Aug. 27 against Williams Valley, and the Wrecker cross country teams start Sept. 4 at home, hosting Schuylkill Haven and Shenandoah Valley.
Starting next week in The Journal-Herald, we’ll begin to preview the Weatherly Area and Crestwood fall sports teams.
Good luck to all fall sports teams and athletes.
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Paris Olympic Games have been must-watch television
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
With the time differential and my own work schedule, I wasn’t sure how much of the Paris Olympic Games I would actually be able to watch.
Fortunately for myself and sports fans from throughout the country, NBC has done a banner job of covering the first two weeks of the 2024 Summer Olympics. I’ve been able to watch men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s gymnastics, men’s and women’s volleyball, track and field, triathlon, rowing and much more already, with a third week still to go as of this writing.
The show that the Olympic athletes and teams have put forth so far has been nothing short of amazing. Photo finishes, record-setting performances and shocking upsets have been the norm, making the 2024 Games already one of the best I’ve ever witnessed.
American swimmer Katie Ladecky and gymnast Simone Biles have led the way for Team USA with their record-setting medal hauls. And American Noah Lyles’ photo-finish win in the men’s 100-meter final has highlighted a thrilling track and field show in Paris.
The men’s basketball team, paced by the ageless Lebron James and all-time Team USA scoring leader Kevin Durant, blitzed through pool play unbeaten (3-0) to reach the medal round, and is favored
to bring home the gold this weekend.
Somewhat overshadowed by the men but by no means taking a back seat to them, the U.S. women’s basketball team also went 3-0 in pool play to enter the knockout round this week. The women are seeking their eighth straight gold medal.
Entering Tuesday’s action, the U.S. leads the total medal count with 79, including 21 golds. Second-place China also has 21 golds and 53 total medals, while host team France has been strong as well, with 13 golds and 48 total medals to stand in third place.
NFL CAMPS IN FULL SWING With NFL camps in full swing and the preseason schedule upon us, things are heating up for another big season of professional football. With all their offseason moves, there are many who feel the Philadelphia Eagles have positioned themselves to return to the Super Bowl for the second time in three years. Of course, the pressure is on head coach Nick Sirianni to get them back there after the Eagles’ free-fall in the second half of last season led to their opening-round playoff loss to Tampa Bay. The team lost six of its final seven games after a 10-1 start.
I’ve already heard “Super Bowl or bust” from many Eagles fans, and Sirianni’s job may depend on it.
The Eagles, who train at Lehigh University, will play the first of three preseason games this Friday, taking on the Ravens in
Baltimore. Their season-opener is Friday, Sept. 6 against the Green Bay Packers, a game that will be played in Brazil. The Eagles’ home opener is the following weekend against Atlanta.
The reigning Super Bowlchampion Kansas City Chiefs host Baltimore Sept. 5 in the 2024 season’s first game, a rematch of last season’s AFC title game.
The Pittsburgh Steelers begin their regular season at Atlanta on Sept. 8.
The NFL preseason began last week, when the Chicago Bears edged the Houston Texans 21-17 in the annual Hall of Fame Game from Canton, Ohio.
MLB RACES HEATING UP With August upon us, the races for division titles and playoff berths are heating up across Major League Baseball.
Closer to home, the concern over Philadelphia’s recent slide has been made well known. The Phillies halted a six-game losing streak on Sunday, have dropped eight of their last 10, and are 5-14 since losing to the lowly Oakland Athletics prior to the All-Star break. While they still held the National League’s best record (66-46) by mere percentage points, they now trail the AL’s Yankees, Orioles and Guardians who own the three best records in baseball.
The Phillies are still up by 5½ games over the second-place Atlanta Braves and 7 by the third-place N.Y. Mets in the NL East, but need to right the ship if they want to secure the division title and head into the playoffs
on the roll they were in during the first half of this season.
LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES
The Little League World Series will return to South Williamsport next week, as the top 11- and 12-year-old players from around the world compete to become the 2024 champion.
The annual tournament runs from Aug. 14-25 and will showcase an expanded field of 20 teams for the third year in a row. While games are televised on ESPN, I would recommend a trip to South Williamsport to catch a few games and experience the amazing atmosphere at Lamade Stadium and Volunteers Stadium.
Pennsylvania’s statechampion team Council Rock-Newtown from the West Chester area opened the MidAtlantic Regional this week with a win over Washington, D.C., and had already advanced to the regional semifinal. The winner of that regional, featuring Pennsylvania, Washington, Delaware and Maryland, moves on to the LLWS.
Meanwhile, this year’s MLB Little League Classic will feature the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees at historic Bowman Field in Williamsport on Aug. 18.
Yankees aren’t what they used to be
by Leslie Monteiro
A few days ago, a popular Clubhouse Cafe patron, Pete, offered this writer an unsolicited take on the Yankees. Pete expressed frustration about the state of his team. He asserted that Aaron Boone isn’t qualified to be a major league manager. Moreover, Pete isn’t happy with Brian Cashman’s job as the Yankees’ general manager and isn’t complimentary of Hal Steinbrenner either. He said the Yankees aren’t good enough to win a championship, a 180-degree turn from a few months ago when he told me this was the year for the Yankees to win championship number 28.
Who can blame Pete for being frustrated? It has become a country club atmosphere where losing and lack of effort are tolerated. The Yankee brand that George Steinbrenner built has become a run-of-the-mill franchise. Nothing special. The good ol’ days are long gone. It’s a mediocre franchise at best.
The buck stops with Hal Steinbrenner. When his father George bought the Yankees, he said it was like owning the Mona Lisa. It did whatever it took to win and live up to a proud standard. Unfortunately, his son doesn’t share the same view. Hal doesn’t seem to get worked up about losing or approach winning as the most essential thing in his life. Like most baseball owners, he is worried about making a profit.
What Hal doesn’t understand is that the Yankees are judged by excellence. He inherited a wealthy franchise and has no idea what it takes to sustain excellence. He would rather keep Cashman than hire someone new because he has no idea who to hire if it gets to that point. He would rather keep the status quo even when change needs to happen.
What about Cashman? He has been a long-time problem. For
starters, when evaluating talent, he gives too much power to his yes men, Damon Oppenheimer and Michael Fishman, rather than utilizing Brian Sabean and Omar Minaya, who are part of the Yankee front office. He makes awful trades, player development has been lacking, and the team hasn’t addressed pitching. He builds his team based on what analytics tells him rather than discovering how good players are. Moreover, players strike out too much because Cashman emphasizes hitting home runs rather than putting the ball in play.
Cashman has been operating the Yankees since 1998, and at some point, he must adapt to today’s game. His worst mistake was firing Joe Girardi, a successful manager, for a puppet in Aaron Boone. Boone is happy to do what Cashman tells him to do since he is getting paid well for it, and he gets a chance to manage the Yankees even though he is not qualified to operate a major league team. Boone’s promoters will cite his nearly 600 wins, two 100-win seasons, and five straight seasons of making the playoffs until last season. However, they fail to acknowledge that the Yankees haven’t made it to the World Series and that Boone has overseen two collapses. In 2022, after a 61-23 start, the Yankees finished 38-40 and then got swept by the Houston Astros in the ALCS. In 2023, the team finished 26-43 to miss the playoffs after a 36-25 start. It seems to be happening again this season: the Yankees are 14-23 after a 50-22 start.
Boone’s problem is that he is not a disciplinarian. He does not hold people accountable like Girardi did and does not lead when there is a crisis. Sure, he is excellent when players are producing, but you can say that about just every manager. However, a manager stands out when he knows how to lead when the players need it, and I have yet to see this from Boone during his tenure here.
That’s why I think Pete is right: I’ve seen nothing about the Yankees to believe they can win it all this year, and that’s
been the same story in the Bronx for the last fifteen years. Excellence starts with the team’s brain trust. But rather than excellence, malaise is there for everyone to see.
Leslie Monteiro covers Metro New York sports at The Sports Column.