CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–145th YEAR, NO. 46
Special delivery
by Ruth Isenberg
Whether you call it a shed, a closet, or a station, this new addition to the White Haven Area Community Library that arrived in town on Friday, October 4, adds a visual punch to Towanda Street across from the library. The design is modeled on the old Lehigh Valley train station. (The small item in front was destined for another delivery elsewhere.) Its roomy interior will soon be filled with library equipment.
CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–145th YEAR, NO. 20
GLOW ON THE LAKE: Penn Lake Park Borough had an especially beautiful twilight on Saturday, October 5, as about 75 watercraft of various sorts, adorned with LED glow lights, took to the water for a beautiful display. After the informal regatta, participants and observers gathered at the beach for snacks. More on page 8. Photo courtesy Jill Rosenstock
L&L helping with Helene
Lehigh and Lausanne Volunteer Fire Department is collecting donations for the areas of North Carolina and eastern Tennessee that were affected by Hurricane Helene. Their need is extreme at this time due to all the loss and devastation. Some of their needs are non-perishable food items, water, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items, medical supplies, over the counter medications, clothes, diapers and baby care items and food, paper towels, toilet paper, soap, etc. Donations are being accepted at the fire house on Lehigh Gorge Drive from 12-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Bring items to the back
See HELENE HELP, page 3
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
People in White Haven and Weatherly, and the surrounding townships, were surprised and shocked to receive fund-drive solicitations this past week from Valley Regional Fire & Rescue. Many people worried that something had happened to the White Haven Ambulance, which serves not only the borough, but also Dennison, Lausanne and Lehigh Townships, Penn Lake and East Side. Weatherly residents were confused about who would respond to their calls.
Valley Regional put out a statement on Facebook apologizing, saying they recently sent out their membership drive letters to residents of Foster Township, Freeland, Butler Township and Conyngham, and that “some mailing addresses don’t match the township you may live in.” Foster Township does list Valley Regional as first due, even for the portions of the township that are closest to White Haven, such as Hickory Hills, and those homes do have a 18661 zip code, so that’s a possible explanation. It doesn’t explain Weatherly addresses, though. Weatherly is still served by Lehigh Valley Health Network EMS.
Valley Regional has a billing agreement with White Haven Ambulance. If you are a member of the White Haven Ambulance, but Valley Regional responds to your call, they will accept your membership as they would their own.
Any time you call for an ambulance, the Comm Center will dispatch the company your municipality has designated as first due. If that company is not available, Comm Center will then dispatch the closest available company. Most local ambulance companies work together, and accept one another’s memberships. Keep in mind that White Haven Ambulance is a Basic Life Support service. If an Advanced Life Support service is needed, it’s very possibly going to be Valley Regional.
Support your local ambulance. Keeping them finanically healthy is the best way to make sure they will be around when you need them.
From The Journal-Herald Issue of October 14, 2004
Clara Holder, Publisher
A Phase One study of the Weatherly Steel Plant was about to begin, financed in part from a grant from the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, and in part with funds accumulated by the Weatherly Rotary. Weatherly Borough engineering firm Quad 3 was tasked with the environmental study.
Weatherly Borough Council discussed two properties in the borough in need of repair, one at the corner of Carbon and First Streets, and the other the 1903 annex to the former high school on Spring Street. A photo of the “newer” section of the Eurana Schwab High School building shows broken windows and other structural problems.
A new flag pole was erected at the White Haven Municipal Building on Main Street. The Girl Scouts helped dedicate the flagpole prior to the borough council meeting.
Dennison Township supervisors rejected four bids received to repair the Lake Francis Road. They also accepted a Community Development grant for storm and flood protection, and to revise its subdivision ordinance.
White Haven Volunteer Fire Company celebrated Fire Prevention Week with an open house.
The White Haven Area Community Library began a four-week drive to collect items to send to military members stationed in Iraq.
A photo showed members of White Haven Boy Scout Troop 21 who took a guided bus trip to Washington D.C., whee they visited the Library of Congress, the World War II Memorial, the Viet Nam Wall, the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol and the White House, as well as driving by the Pentagon to see
the renovation completed since September 11, 2001. Highlight of the trip was a visit to Arlington National Cemetery.
Helen Williams was honored on her 50th year as a member of Salem United Church of Christ Choir.
Th Red Roses, a Red Hat Society chapter from White Haven, dined at the Jim Thorpe Inn, then toured the Asa Packer Mansion in Jim Thorpe.
Jack Frost & Big Boulder advertised an Unlimited Pass for $279, available through October 31. After that, the price rose to $379.
A full page ad listed the 21 bands and musicians participating the Jame Below the Dam scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, as well as a long list of vendors, and information about a chili cook-off.
Crestwood Comets field hockey beat both Wyoming Seminary and Lake Lehman, remaining unbeaten for the season.
From The Weatherly Herald October 14, 1954
R.V. Faust, Publisher Archie T. Graham of Lauderburn Avenue was approved as Weatherly Borough Councilman from the Third Ward, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of W.D. Helker, Jr.
Manager Theo Erdman of Eurana Park has announced the first Canteen Dance of the season Friday night, with music by the Swingsters Trio Orchestra of Weatherly, who made a hit last Saturday on the Bright’s Store Radio Show over Lansford Station WLSH.
Weatherly Water Company Secretary Lewis Hamm gave public notice that water was dangerously low and the dams almost empty. All washing of cars and sprinkling, and wasting of water was strictly prohibited.
Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters of Administration have been granted in the Estate of Mary Ann O’Donnell, who died on 12/13/23. 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 Administrators, c/o their attorney:
CYNTHIA S. YURCHAK, ESQUIRE
121 Carbon Street
Post Office Box 49
Weatherly, PA 18255 10/17
Helene help
Continued from page 1
bay door area. Other locations are Buzzy Bee Cafe & Deli on 2nd Street, Forest Hills on Evergreen Avenue, and Weaver Auto Parts in Beaver Meadows.
Fire company members will deliver the first load, which has already been assembled, using a personal pickup truck and the L&L trailer.
Collections will continue after the first load is delivered, and more trips will be made up to November, as the needs will be ongoing.
After the initial post on Facebook, the fire company has received huge donations of clothing, which are greatly appreciated.At this time they are at capacity for clothing donations.
For information contact Chris Sewell through Facebook Messenger or Tony McFadden at 570-990-2097.
Same solicitor, new bank planned by WASB
by Jim Dino
The Weatherly Area School District is renewing the contract for its current solicitor. On the agenda for the October 9 meeting, the board is expected to renew the contract with Slusser Law. The contract was discussed at the October 2 caucus meeting.
School director April Walters said the new, three-year contract will contain the same retainer fee, but the hourly rate will rise from $115 to $135.
“That is still well below what other districts are paying,” said Superintendent Daniel Malloy.
Either Chris Slusser or Jeffrey Rockman attends school board meetings.
The board is transitioning to Mauch Chunk Trust bank. Edward Rarick, the district’s business manager, said that bank provides courier service two to three days a week, instead of district officials driving deposits to the bank in Jim Thorpe.
At the meeting, the board took action to approve Laura Ieraci as the head cook in the district cafeteria retroactively to August 26, at an hourly rate of $14.50, for 5.75 hours per day, 186 days per year to mirror the district school term.
Second road project tabled in Packer Twp.
by Jim Dino
With one major road project done, the Packer Township Supervisors are embarking on another.
At their latest meeting October 1, the supervisors opened a lone bid to install culvert boxes or new walls along Grist Mill Road.
The bid, from Lehigh Asphalt the same firm that did the Ochre Mill Road project was $291,818.
“The project was estimated at $139,000,” said supervisor
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 570-443-9191
Robert Selert. “We have $100,000 from a LSA (Local Shares Account, or gaming) grant. We were going to put $39,000 to it, but we can’t put $190,000 to it.” Selert said the supervisors will have to scale down the project to fit the funding they have to work with. “We will do as many as we can,” Selert said. “Maybe we can do six.”
The supervisors voted to table the bid. “You can hold the bid for 60 days,” said Solicitor Robert Yurchak.
The project to install a new bridge along Ochre Mill Road took about two months, and was completed in July. The project included the installation of a temporary bridge while the permanent bridge was put in place.
“Lehigh Asphalt did a firstclass job,” said Supervisor Terry Davis. “There are 9,000 bolts in that box culvert. Those guys worked in heat. They put up tents to protect themselves.”
On another matter, the supervisors granted permission to use the township municipal building on November 23 for a fund raiser for the Polivka family, who lost two family members recently.
obituAries
RICHARD HAMERSHOCK
Richard Hamershock, 87 years of age, of Lehigh Township, Weatherly, passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, as a guest of Heritage Hill Senior Living Ctr. in Weatherly. He was born Friday, June 11, 1937 in Weatherly, the son of the late Michael, and Catherine Hamershock. He was also predeceased by his siblings, Bernard, Kenneth and Pearl. A Weatherly High School graduate, Richard served honorably in the United States Army and retired from the White Haven Center. Richard was a car collector and loved anything that had an engine.
Richard is survived by caregiver and close friend, Ed “Butch” Miller; niece, Amy Mountain; nephew, Michael Hamershock and his wife Shanna; and great-nephew,
Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Weatherly. Funeral services were held from the funeral home on October 9. Interment with Military Honors will occur at Calvary R.C.C. Cemetery in Drums.
Online condolences can be expressed by visiting www. griffithsfuneralhomes.com
HELEN GERHARD
Helen Gerhard, beloved mother, sister, doting grandmother, and great-grandmother, 95 years of age, of Junedale, passed away on Friday, September 27, 2024, at St. Luke’s Miners Memorial in Coaldale.
Born Friday, May 17, 1929 in
PEARL SUSAN MEYER
Hazleton, she was the daughter of the late Gus and Catherine (Smalley) Bielskie. Helen was also predeceased by husband, Lloyd L. Gerhard; son, Allen W. Gerhard; sisters, Sophie Bezak, Stella Sabulsky, Mary Gallo and Clara Bien; brothers, John and Joseph Bielskie.
Pearl Susan Meyer, beloved daughter, caring mother, doting grandmother, precious sister, 61 years of age, of Freeland, Pennsylvania passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 7, 2024,
Born Saturday, December 15, 1962 in Wilmington, Delaware, Pearl is survived by; mother, Betty (Lanholm) Hirko of Hazle Twp.; daughters, Kelly R. Keiper, wife of David of Tamaqua, and Holly J. Hunsinger of Hazleton; brother, David Doersam and his wife Lynda of New York; sister, Terrilyn P. Parise of Junedale; grandchildren, Sara, Trista, Kaylin, and Jeffrey Jr.; numerous nieces and nephews. Pearl was predeceased by father, James Hirko; brother, William Zimmer III; grandchildren, Brandon
Goralewski, and Melania Kehler. Pearl had a strong work ethic working for Pilot Travel Center in Drums, and for GHG Home Health of Scranton. A proud mother, Pearl looked forward to shopping, trips to the beach with her children, and vacationing to various states with her companion, Lenny Morgan. Pearl was proud of her home, and spent time decorating, and planting flowers while tending to her many plants. Pearl enjoyed the company of her Love Birds, Sea AireTree, and Oliver.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Weatherly.
A Celebration of Pearl’s Life will take place on Monday, October 14, at the funeral home from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Memorials in Pearl’s name to: American Heart Association PO Box 840692 Dallas, Texas 75284-0692
Online condolences may be made to the family at www. griffithsfuneralhomes.com
Surviving are daughters, Cathy J. Lafey, wife of James, Brenda H. Sachleben, wife of Thomas; brother, Walter Bielskie and his wife Bernadine of Hazleton; daughter-in-law, Dolores Gerhard; grandchildren, Jeremy Gerhard and his wife Marge, Shawn Gerhard and his wife Christine, Candace Willis wife of Mark, James Lafey and his wife Nadine, Christopher Lafey, Jacob Sachleben; greatgrandchildren, Kaedance, Haeleigh, and Rhyse Gerhard, Aaron Williamson, James Robert Lafey. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive Helen A member of St. Matthew’s Church of Packer Township, Helen was active in the parish ministry. Helen attended Hazleton schools, worked at Dial Corporation in Hazleton, and at various textile mills in the area. Helen enjoyed crocheting, was a talented baker, and avid reader. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation services of Weatherly.
A Celebration of Helen’s Life was held on October 4, from St. Matthews Church.
Private Interment was in Christ Church Cemetery in Barnesville.
Memorials in her name may be made to St. Matthews Church, 3153 Quakake Rd, Weatherly, PA 18255.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www. griffithsfuneralhomes.com
Visit our website at pocononewspapers.com for in-between-issue stories and events
JOHN F. MAGAGNA
John F. Magagna, an international educator who returned to his Northeast Pennsylvania roots after a distinguished career as a teacher and administrator in Morocco, Iran, and Indonesia, died on Sunday, September 29, 2024 in Wilkes-Barre at the age of 90. Surrounded by his family, he passed away after bravely facing health challenges in recent years with his characteristic determination and perseverance.
A lifelong hunter, fisherman, tennis player, gardener, and music lover who also took up skiing later in life, John had many passions, first among them the wellbeing of his family. He was an active philanthropist in the communities that helped shape him, serving on the boards of Wyoming Seminary, the Northeast Pennsylvania Philharmonic, as well as various other organizations. He often said that as the recipient of acts of kindness and generosity from countless people, he felt obliged to repay and pass on that generosity in any way he could as an expression of gratitude to those who helped him in good times and in bad, especially his family and his teachers at Wyoming Seminary. Those who knew John best loved him for his loyalty, generosity, charisma, sense of humor, intelligence, problem-solving ability, boundless energy, and enthusiasm for life.
John Flock Magagna was born on December 23, 1933, in Augusta, Georgia, to Peter and Muriel Magagna, and grew up in Northeast Pennsylvania. His father ran the family silk business, and moved the family back to White Haven after John was born, settling in the home where John’s paternal grandparents, both immigrants from the Austrian Tyrol, had raised ten children. John would always answer questions about his birthplace by saying, “Well, my mother was like Sherman’s army; she was passing through Georgia when I was born.”
After relocating to Wyoming to revive the silk mill there during the depths of the Great Depression, John’s father sent him to the first of a pair of uninspiring parochial schools, which led to John’s refusal to attend school at all in the fall of his sophomore year while his father was in Japan to help rebuild the Japanese silk industry under General Douglas MacArthur. He spent the majority of those three months in the outdoors of Glen Summit, hunting, fishing, and playing tennis, among the happiest periods of his life.
His life changed forever the following year when, in response to John’s pleas to send him to the only local school with a tennis team, his mother enrolled him at Wyoming Seminary, where he arrived in 1949 with weak academic skills, but found extraordinary teachers who inspired him to become a good enough student to gain admission to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he played on the varsity tennis team. Upon serving his commission as an officer, he returned to Wyoming Seminary with a debt of gratitude to be repaid and taught there as a math teacher for three years before earning his M.A. from the University of Pennsylvania.
After marrying Diane Ringawa in 1963, a Fulbright grant took him to the American School of Tangier in Morocco. Captivated by the thrill of life in Tangier, John and Diane stayed in Morocco for five years, during which time John rose to the position of headmaster, and their three daughters Erica, Rebecca and Jessica were born. In 1968, John and the family moved back to Wyoming Valley to become head of the Wyoming Seminary Lower School, and his son John was born.
In 1975 the family moved abroad once again, this time to Iran, where he became head of the American Community School of Tehran. Although they found Iran and Iranians extremely hospitable and welcoming, by 1978 the revolution against the Shah had become violent and dangerous, and by Christmas most foreigners and thousands
of Iranians had fled. John was one of the last Americans in the country, finally leaving in July 1979 to take up a new position as headmaster of La Jolla Country Day School in California. After John and Diane’s marriage ended, he assumed the headship of Rutgers Preparatory School and moved to New Jersey to be closer to his four children.
In 1984 John went abroad one last time to serve as head of Jakarta International School, one of the world’s biggest and most prominent international schools. In 1985 he married Heeyun Kim, and their son Jamie was born three years later. In 1990 their daughter Sarah was born, and John brought them all back to Pennsylvania the following year.
There, after nearly three decades of leading schools and having found that his best strength and greatest pleasure lay in recruiting outstanding teachers, he started Search Associates, now one of the premier teacher placement firms in international education.
He retired at the age of 85 and returned to Glen Summit where he had built his dream house. From the third floor, he loved gazing out over the woods of Glen Summit where he had hunted as a boy and the rolling hills beyond, surrounded by numerous hunting trophies and cherished memorabilia, including his most prized possession: an F.W. Woolworth Co. hunting jacket worn to shreds through nearly eight decades of wear and tear from the scrub oak of Glen Summit and beating the bush at Lake Catalpa.
In addition to his parents and beloved maternal grandparents Wilson Jacob Hauser and Gertrude Flock Hauser, John is predeceased by siblings Muriel, Peter, and David Magagna, his first wife Diane Ringawa Magagna, his daughter Erica Magagna, and his son John Flock Hauser Magagna.
He is survived by his children Diane Rebecca Sherman, Jessica Magagna Snyder, wife Heeyun Kim and their children James Wilson and Sarah Ellen Magagna, along with seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
John’s family would like to express their deepest gratitude
to everyone who helped care for him in his last year of life, at Geisinger, Wesley Village, Allied Home Health, and Home Instead.
Memorial donations can be made to the John Magagna Charitable Trust at the Luzerne Foundation, which supports Wyoming Seminary Preparatory School and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, among other organizations dear to John’s heart. (Phone: +1 570 822 2065)
A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Wilkes-Barre at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 12. Calling hours will be from 10 a.m. until time of service.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc.
GERALDINE BOKUN
Geraldine Bokun, of Mountain Top, passed away on Friday, October 4, 2024 in Mountain Top Senior Care and Rehabilitation. Born in Brooklyn, NY, she was the daughter of the late Fred and Theresa Balsamo and was employed as a bookkeeper. Geraldine loved vacationing, especially to Disney, knitting for her grandchildren and an occasional trip wine tasting. Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband of 61 years, Frank Bokun; daughter Kathleen (Richard) Maranchick of Mountain Top; son Richard Bokun of Palm Beach, FL; grandchildren Jayson Bokun, Nicholas Brusack , Jeremy Bokun and great-grandchild Gia Brusack.
As per Geraldine’s wishes, there will be no public services.
Arrangements are under the direction of the DesiderioLehman Funeral and Cremation, 436 S. Mountain Blvd. Mountain Top.
Visit our website at pocononewspapers.com for in-between-issue stories and events
Slowing traffic in Dennison aim of supervisors
by Suzanne Winters
Dennison Township Supervisors dedicated the start of the October 2 meeting to discussing traffic issues in the township with White Haven Police Chief Richard Mocafin. There have been a number of complaints of speeding and reckless driving in the township, especially on Route 437. Speeding is also an issue on Middleburg Road, per board chair Sheila Weaver.
They brainstormed on ideas to curb speeding and possible locations where WHPD can sit to observe traffic in the township.
If calling the police department with a traffic complaint, the Chief asked that the caller please try to obtain as much information as possible about the driver, a good description of the vehicle such as make, model and color, the date, time and location of the incident, and most importantly a license plate number. Mocafin said it is difficult to do anything about the complaint without a license plate number. He also noted that for a violation to be heard in court it is necessary that the complainant be present to testify. The police cannot
bring a case with only hearsay evidence.
Township resident Brian Burke updated the supervisors on his ongoing attempts at satisfying the Conservation District’s demands for controlling runoff from his planned driveway. The supervisors had just received the plans from the township engineer immediately prior to the meeting. These were reviewed and supervisor Mike Mack made a motion to give Burke the go ahead to continue with his project. All were in favor of this.
Weaver presented a request from Penn Lake Park Borough for a letter of support in its pursuit of both a state and county LSA grant for its dam project. All were in favor of this. Weaver also suggested the township modify its storm water ordinance, as much of the current ordinance does not apply to most of the township. Mack suggested a work session at some point to begin this process.
A Fire report was not available.
Six zoning permits were approved last month per township secretary Kathleen Stortz. Weaver mentioned that
the zoning permit application and the building permit application were being added to the township website. The zoning fee schedule needs to be reviewed, and Mack suggested meeting at 5:30 p.m. prior to the start of November’s regular meeting to discuss the issue.
Roadmaster Jim Yackiel reported weed cutting and tree limb trimming with the machine, cutting grass at the township building, and cutting branches by hand on Peat Moss and Red Shale Pit Roads. He cleaned roads and moved equipment. He fixed a downed stop sign on Red Shale Pit Road, and put up new signs on Lake Francis Road. Yackiel reported cleaning the township building furnace and that there is a half of a tank of fuel remaining. He said the salt shed is half full, but
can accommodate another load if it is ordered.
Weaver asked if they need to rebid for snow plowing. Mack said he would call to make sure the current contractor plans to continue plowing for the upcoming season.
Weaver said the supervisors need to hold a budget meeting and scheduled one for October 30 at 5:30 p.m.
Atty. Cindy Yurchak
Carbon County Law Office since 1991
•Family Law •Real Estate
•Civil Law •Criminal Defense
Carbon, Luzerne & Schuylkill Counties
570-427-9817
121 Carbon St., Weatherly
SETH DIDN’T SIGHT THIS in person, but he truly appreciated this photo of some of Dr. Katie Leach’s students at Weatherly Area Middle School reading recent editions of The Journal-Herald.
Fall Raffle
planned
Citizens’ Fire Co No 1 of Weatherly is holding its annual Fall Raffle on Friday, November 8 from 8-11 p.m.
Refreshments will be available.
Come out and support your local fire company.
Lots of deer, of course, but we also sighted some does with younger deer no longer fawns, but not full-grown, either. Watch out for them; they are cautious but easily spooked.
comiNg eveNts
SATURDAY, OCTOBER
12—Weatherly Area Museum Cemetery Tour, 1 p.m., Union Cemetery
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12— History Hike, 10 a.m., South D&L Trailhead, White Haven
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13— Harvest Festival, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Main Street, White Haven
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19— Autumn Fundraiser for LOVE Kidder Township, 2-6 p.m., Sunset Green at Split Rock Golf Course, Lake Harmony SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20— Halloween Parade, 2 p.m.,
White Haven
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20— Trunk or Treat, 5 p.m., Forest Hills, Weatherly
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26— Halloween Parade, 2 p.m., Weatherly (rain date Sunday, October 27)
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8— Fall Raffle, 8-11 p.m., Citizens’ Fire Company, Weatherly
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER
30—Christmas at the Museum, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Weatherly Area Museum
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30—Shop Local Celebration, White Haven
Seth is home, and we’ve been taking some rides out and about. Birds are the main sighting. We saw wild turkeys on both sides of the Sandy Valley Road this week, including some that crossed the road in front of us.
Also a susuration of starlings flying en masse from trees to power lines. Groups of birds that fly together like that are also known as murmurations, because of the sounds their wings produce while they fly.
It’s definitely Fall now. The colors are starting to shine, with yellows and golds catching the sunlight, and darker shades glowing during rainy days. We’re enjoying the warm days with cooler nights, and preparing for cooler days as well.
Hurricane Milton on top of Hurricane Helene is not a good combination for those we care about in Florida. Hoping for safety for all.
Glow on the Lake shines in Penn Lake
Need an Extra Copy of this issue? The Journal-Herald is for sale at: White Haven Market, Soapy Bee and 940 Plaza in White Haven, Wawa at the Turnpike in Kidder, Weasel’s in Dennison, and TJ’s One Stop in Weatherly.
Photos courtesy Jill Rosenstock
To commemorate its 75th anniversary, the Greater Weatherly Area Community Chest held a poster contest for students in grades 2, 3 and 4 in the Weatherly Area Elementary School. The children were to depict in their drawing what the GWACC does to aid residents in their time of need. Five students’ posters were picked and given monetary awards of $25, $20, $15, $10 and $10 respectively. Mary Rose Minnick, parade chairperson, presented the awards. Students were, from left, 1st place, Reya Gregory; 2nd place, Grace Gregory; 3rd place, Carrie Blackwell; 4th place, Cheyenne Harker; and 5th place, Jenna Covey. Honorable mentions were Lydia Zink, Theo Zink, Andi Krieger and Charlotte Stallone. They were given $5 each. The 5five winning posters will be on display in the windows of the Weatherly Post Office until October 23.
Memorial books donated to WACL
The Weatherly Area Community Library has received the following donations: The Days I Loved You Most by Amy Neff and The Breakaway by Jennifer Weiner were donated by the Weatherly Area Community Board of Directors and Volunteers in memory of Eleanor Raynock. Eleanor was a beloved active volunteer at the library, and served in the role of librarian for many years.
Joan & Wayne Nagle donated Good Night, Irene by
Luis Alberto Urrea in memory of Eleanor Raynock. They also donated Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks in memory of Laverne Englehart.
Melodie & Gary Heydt donated Joy by Danielle Steel in memory of Joan Tarapchak and Must Love Flowers by Debbie Macomber in memory of Rhonda (Tarapchak) Polivka.
To honor Carol Eroh’s 80 th birthday, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 donated American Flag: An Ency clopedia by John R.
Halloween Parade info
The Weatherly Area Community Chest’s annual Halloween Parade will be held October 26 with a rain date of October 27. This year the Community Chest will be celebrating its 75th anniversary. This year, a Community Chest Queen will be crowned.
Registration will take place at Tweedle Park on High Street, beginning at 1 p.m. Participants are asked not to park in the area in front of the park. Following registration, the parade will form and begin at 2 p.m.
Vile, Why Are There Stripes on the American Flag? b y Martha E. H. Rustad, and Th e Flag We Love by Pam Munoz Ryan.
Story time for children is Friday, October 11 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Please call the library to register, 570-427-5085.
Game night is Friday, Oct. 18, at 6:30 p.m. We will be playing card games UNO & Skip-Oh.
Book club is Thursday, Oct. 24, at 10 a.m. Please call the library for more information.
The route will be onto High Street to Franklin Street; down Franklin Street to West Main Street; down West Main Street to Plane Street and then follow the regular route over the bridge past the old borough building to Eurana Park, where prizes will be awarded, candy distributed and refreshments served.
Organizations wishing to participate need only to show up and register.
The Weatherly Area Community Chest parade is open to the public and encourages anyone, any organization or political representatives, to join in on the fun and take part in the event, whether it be walking, in a car, or on a float.
Any questions contact parade chairperson, Mary Rose Minnick at 570-427-8865.
Breakfast this Sunday at Silver Ridge Hunting Club
Silver Ridge Hunting Club, 2200 East Main St. Weatherly, will hold its all-you-can-eat breakfast from 7 a.m. to Noon Sunday, October 13, at the clubhouse. The wrong date was listed in last week’s paper. 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 are free.
D&L History Hike: White Haven to Lehigh Tannery
Join DLNHC and hike lead Vince Hydro this Saturday, October 12, at 10 a.m. for a 3-mile out-and-back hike along the D&L Trail starting at the White Haven South D&L Trailhead. We will hike south, stopping at lock 28 and then continue on to view the remains
of the Lehigh Tannery. Along the way we will take a look at the Lehigh River from the road bridge. As we walk, you will certainly take in the beauty of the fall foliage all around us.
Rain date is Sunday, October 13.
Golf Scavenger Hunt and Art Show for LOVEKidder
LOVE Kidder Township is hosting a Golf Cart Scavenger Hunt (2-3:30 p.m.) and Art Show and Sale (4-6 p.m.) on Saturday, October 19. There will be works by local artists for sale, and photography and paitings by silent auction, and much more.
Split Rock Golf Course and Sunset Green restaurant will host the party. If you’d like to exhibit and sell your art, or you’re interested in tickets, Kathy Lorigan at 610-217-9889 or klorigan@ptd.net
Help with heating at WHACL
The White Haven Area Community Library invites you to attend a presentation by the Luzerne County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Heating and Utility Assistance Program on October 30 at 10:30 a.m. If you live in Luzerne County, you may qualify for a $290 disbursement. The income guidelines are generous and can be viewed on the library Facebook page. Staff will be available at this time to assist with the application process.
On Saturday, October 19, the library is hosting a Boo Bash Halloween Party from 1:30 – 3 p.m. Children ages 6 through 15 are invited to come and enjoy games, activities, and spooky fun. Costumes are encouraged, but optional.
Remember to stop by the library to pick up your Take and Make craft with all instructions while supplies last. The craft will change monthly. Pictures of the activity are available on the library Facebook page.
The library will host a book sale on October 11 and 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. Many books will be available for sale at great prices. Stop in to find your next great read.
On Tuesday, October 22, from 6:30 - 8 p.m., there will be another meeting for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Childcare will be available if needed and food and light refreshments will be served. Registration is requested, but not required.
Joan Gower will preside over the meeting.
On Saturday, October 26, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. the library will hold a reading of Edgar Allan Poe performed by Bob Maso. Join us for some Gothic Narrative Entertainment. November’s Book Club choice is out. It is The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden, and it is available at the library on Kindles, as well as hardcover. It is a thriller from the author of The Teacher and The Housemaid. The next meeting is November 6 at 6:30 p.m.
Boscov’s Shopping passes are still available at the library for $5. The Boscov’s Friends Helping Friends campaign will take place on Tuesday, October 22, for both online and in store purchases. The shopping pass allows for 25% off most items. The entire $5 is a donation to the library. The library’s annual Gertrude Hawk chocolate fundraiser continues. We are proudly selling all 10 available varieties of Gertrude Hawk Chocolate Bars at both the library and many area businesses for $2. If you are looking for your favorite flavor, and can’t find it, chances are the WHACL will have it for you to enjoy.
Don’t forget to check out the Senior Information Corner which has been updated for October. Stop in to the library and see what’s new and available for Seniors.
As a reminder, the WHACL follows the Crestwood School District for weather related closings. If the school is closed, the library is closed. For weather events on days when school is not in session, the decision to close the library will be made at least one hour prior to its scheduled opening and posted on the library Facebook page. The library welcomes residents of the greater White Haven Community as well as visitors to our area. Computers and free wi-fi are available to everyone. Be sure to check out the library Facebook page for more information on events.
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THEME: WORLD SERIES
ACROSS
1. End of WW2 conference location
6. No longer is
9. Cake with rum
13. *____ Asinoff, author of “Eight Men Out”
14. Invoice qty.
15. Fox crime drama, 2005-2017
16. *Baseball player’s representative
17. Pastrami’s partner
18. With irregular edge
19. *Last year’s World Series winners
21. *Brave contender
23. Certain tray content
24. Fail to mention
25. Nocturnal flyer
28. Team homophone
30. *Last year’s MVP Corey ____
35. Iranian monarch
37. Proactiv target
39. “Superman” star
40. Head of family
41. Button-up or button-down
43. Singles
44. Graduates
46. Symphony member
47. *Number in a baseball lineup
48. Say again
50. Brezhnev’s country
52. PST plus three
53. Mouth off 55. Brewed beverage
57. *Fall ____
61. *Two-time World Series MVP winner in 1970s
65. Two under on one hole in golf
66. Brewed alcoholic beverage
68. Grind down
69. #72 Across, in the olden days
70. *2003 World Series winner or Marvel leader, Stan
71. Plural of #62 Down
72. Eject
73. ____ excellence
74. Noise of contempt DOWN
1. 1984, e.g.
2. Pond plant
3. Right to a property
4. Polynesian kingdom
5. Affirm to be true
6. TV’s “Storage ____”
7. Comedian Schumer
8. Iron setting
9. Bora ____
10. Any day now, formerly 11. Superlative of better
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15. Loud singer
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32. Robin Williams in “Aladdin”
33. 0 and 2, e.g.
34. Set to zero
36. *Touch to score
38. Son of Aphrodite
42. T in Ferrari TR
45. Uses #53 Across
49. ____ Chi
51. Break for Congress
54. Dandruff manufacturer
56. Ohio city
57. ____pit
58. Nordic native
59. Malaria symptom
60. A whole bunch
61. Crowd’s derision
62. Performer’s time to shine
63. Aroma
64. Egg holder
67. Grazing field
Crestwood Football
Comets roll past Hazleton Area for third straight win
Powered by an opportunistic defense and a career-best performance by running back Jacob Jeckell, the Crestwood Comets took another big step forward last Friday night against rival Hazleton Area.
The Comets forced three turnovers, came up big on fourth down all night, and rolled to a 28-2 Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1 home football victory, ending the Cougars’ four-game winning streak.
In the process, the Comets (4-3, 2-0 WVC) notched their third straight win and fourth in five games, moving up to second in the District 2 Class 4A rankings behind Valley View (6-1). It also set the stage for this Friday night’s showdown with Dallas (4-3, 2-0), the only other division unbeaten and on a four-game
win streak of its own.
Against Hazleton Area, the Comets pounced early.
When the Cougars bobbled an exchange on their opening drive, the Comets recovered inside the Hazleton Area 20-yard line and soon scored the game’s first touchdown on a Nate Walsh 12-yard run.
Jeckell, who rushed for a career-high 159 yards, scored the first of his two touchdowns in the second quarter, a 35-yard run that made it 14-0 by intermission.
After a scoreless third quarter, Hazleton Area finally got on the board early in the fourth when it blocked a Comets’ punt in the end zone and Crestwood recovered for a safety.
The ensuing free kick gave the Cougars the football near midfield, but Comets
Crestwood Sports Roundup
linebacker Carter Kennedy negated that opportunity with a game-changing interception. Jeckell delivered a 21-yard touchdown run minutes later, and Lincoln Bibla put a lid on things with a 40-yard touchdown blast with 3:23 to play, capping the convincing win.
The Comets finished with 305 yards on the ground while limiting the Cougars to just 69 rushing yards on 23 carries and six first downs in what was, in effect, a shutout for the defense.
Crestwood will look to continue its momentum and solidify a playoff spot this weekend against redhot Dallas, winners of four straight. Hazleton Area (4-3, 2-1) will try to regroup against Pittston Area.
Nate Walsh, 12 run (Ethan Zabroski
4:37 Second
CRE — Jacob Jeckell, 35 run (Zabroski
5:17 Fourth quarter HAZ — Safety, Crestwood tackled in end zone, 11:48
— Jeckell, 21 run (Zabroski kick), 6:33 CRE — Lincoln Bibla, 40 run (Zabroski kick), 3:23 TEAM STATISTICS
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING — Hazleton Area: Austin Wilson 11-56, Ashton Karlick 6-7, Freddy Corrado 1-(minus-16), Jeffrey Lantigua 3-20, Xavier Heck 1-2. Crestwood: Colin Lazo 12-42, Jeckell 17-159, Bibla 9-78, Jack Rodgers 2-(minus-8), Matthew Bealla 1-1, Walsh 4-11, Gio Barna 3-22. PASSING — Hazleton Area: Wilson 6-16-0-77, Corrado 4-9-1-36. Crestwood: Rodgers 3-6-0-43. RECEIVING — Hazleton Area: Yohansel Moran 3-38, Jack Mariano 4-40, Carlos Gonzalez 3-35. Crestwood: Bibla 1-8, Barna 1-22, Emmett Seyer 1-13. INTERCEPTIONS — Crestwood: Carter Kennedy.
Crestwood teams enjoy stellar weeks as fall seasons wind down
The Crestwood field hockey team scored a pair of wins over formidable opponents last week, beating East Penn Conference power Easton 2-1 in overtime, while notching a 4-0 victory over Lackawanna Trail, last season’s PIAA Class A runner-up.
Crestwood 2, Easton 1 - Alyse Wanchisen’s goal off an assist from Ava McConnell in overtime propelled the Lady Comets to the signature win.
Easton opened the scoring in the first period on Zoe Angelinas’ unassisted goal, but would not score again as the Crestwood defense and goalkeeper Madi Geiger (4 saves) held firm. Meanwhile, McConnell evened the match at 1-1, scoring as time expired in the third period.
Crestwood got off 14 shots to just five for the Red Rovers, and had a 6-4 edge in penalty corners.
Liv Hervla was credited for 11 saves in goal for Easton.
Crestwood 4, Lackawanna Trail 0 -
After a scoreless first half, the Crestwood offense exploded for four second-half goals to take out Lackawanna Trail.
Kasey Obes started the scoring onslaught at 4:50 of the third, before McConnell and Wanchisen scored back-to-back goals in a span of 23 seconds to put the Lady Comets in control.
Kylah Kelly capped the Crestwood scoring with an unassisted tally early in the fourth period.
Alex Geiger and Stella Janosczyk both notched assists for the Lady Comets, who had a 13-2 shots-on-goal advantage and a 13-1 upper hand in penalty corners.
Madi Geiger made two saves for Crestwood.
Girls’ Tennis
Crestwood punched its ticket to this week’s District 2 Class 3A tennis semifinals with a 4-1 quarterfinal victory over Pittston Area last week at Kirby Park.
The top-seeded Lady Comets were to face Wallenpaupack Tuesday in the semifinal round. Abington Heights and Delaware Valley are the other two semifinalists in Class 3A
The team championship match was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. Details will appear in next week’s edition.
In the quarterfinal round,
Crestwood’s Hannah Ziegler and Ella Richards notched singles wins, and the Lady Comets swept the doubles portion of their match with Pittston Area. Zeigler won by 6-0, 6-0 scores, while Richards posted a 6-0, 6-2 victory.
Crestwood’s doubles teams of Paicey Clower and Darin Khuseyn (7-5, 6-0), and Kendall Petrosky and Lucy Malia (6-0, 6-1) closed out the team victory with straight set wins.
Girls’
Soccer
Crestwood 11, Hazleton Area 0 - Sarah Kondraski scored a whopping five goals and assisted on four
others, powering Crestwood past Hazleton Area in WVC play.
Jordan Andrews notched a hat trick of her own with three goals and three assists for Crestwood. Ella Brady, Mattie Divers and Tristyn Divers scored solo goals for the Lady Comets.
Cross Country
The Crestwood boys and girls both went 3-0 in their Wyoming Valley Conference cluster meets last Wednesday, beating Berwick, ColumbiaMontour Vo-Tech and Northwest.
Mason Staude placed third individually to pace the Comets, while Franklin Ritz and Owen Pollock placed 1-2 for Hazleton Area, which also went 3-0 at the cluster meet.
The Crestwood girls were led by the 2-3-4 finishes of Ella Novelli, Kaelyn Barker and Katie Kozich as they rolled to three easy wins.
Milana Daiute was first over for Hazleton Area’s girls, which also went 3-0 at the meet.
Lady Wreckers ace volleyball test with Vikings
The Weatherly Area girls’ volleyball team opened this week with a 3-1 Schuylkill League victory over Williams Valley on Monday evening.
The Lady Wreckers won the first two games of the match by scores of 25-17 and 25-21 before Williams Valley notched a 25-18 win to stay alive.
Weatherly Area put the match away in the fourth game, ending things with a 25-19 score.
The Lady Wreckers got big performances from the trio of Rachel Rosenlund (14 points, 4 aces, 14 assists, 3 kills), Abby Weston (11 points, 5 aces, 9 digs, 2 kills) and Kaiya Kunkle (10 points, 3 aces, 4 kills, 4 digs) in the victory.
Salem Christian 3, Weatherly Area 0 - The Lady Wreckers fell in straight sets to Salem Christian (25-11, 25-19, 25-16) last week.
Rosenlund passed out 13 assists to go with four service points, three aces and a pair of kills for Weatherly Area.
Teammate Abby Binder added five points, three kills and one
ace, while Abby Teodorescu pitched in with three points, one ace, one kill and four digs.
Shenandoah Valley 3, Weatherly Area 1 - In a Schuylkill League match last week, Shenandoah Valley broke free from a 1-1 tie to win the final two games and hold off the Lady Wreckers.
The Blue Devils eked out a 26-24 win in the first game before Weatherly turned the script with a 25-23 win of its own to tie the match.
However, a 25-18 Game 3 win put the Blue Devils in the driver’s seat, and from there they closed things out with a 25-21 Game 4 triumph.
For Weatherly, Rosenlund posted 23 assists, 12 service winners, four aces and two kills. Kunkle contributed eight service points, seven kills and six digs, while Binder had six kills to go with three points, two aces and three digs.
Tri-Valley 3,
Weatherly Area 0 - TriValley continued its dominant season with a convincing 25-10,
25-15, 25-9 sweep of the Lady Wreckers in Schuylkill League play.
Binder (4 points, 2 aces, 3 digs), Rosenlund (2 points, 4 assists) and Kelly Reiner (2 points, 2 digs) paced the Weatherly attack.
Liv Lupole racked up 14 service points, seven aces and five kills for Tri-Valley. Callie Melocheck dished out 22 assists to go with eight service points, and Faith Melocheck had 10 kills at the net.
Boys’ Soccer
MMI Prep 6, Weatherly Area 3Clinging to a one-goal lead at intermission, MMI Prep scored four times in the second half to pull away to the non-league win over the Wreckers.
Angel Reymunde got the Preppers on the board early, with a goal off an Andrew Pedri assist in the opening minute.
Corbin Wagner answered for the Wreckers, scoring an unassisted goal at the 31:59 mark to tie the match.
What happened to the bunt?
by Doug Whiteside
Okay, fans. I have your attention regarding baseball because the postseason is here, and again many more eyes are on the sport. Given that attention, let me use this opportunity to complain about how the game has evolved (make that devolved) as the bunt—an age-old game tool—seems to have gone by the wayside. According to MLB archive stats, 1,367 sacrifice bunts were recorded during the 1988 season, when power numbers were less emphasized than today. Strategies, like moving runners from station to station with less than two outs, were held to a higher standard than relying on the three-run homer
to close a deficit. By 2023, the sacrifice bunt was successfully executed only 429 times, a 69% drop from that memorable 1988 season. Bunting for hits also declined, from 772 in the 2002 season to (get this) 167 in 2024 (-78%).
When the fundamentals of this useful offensive tool are properly applied, the bunt should be a key to a wellbalanced offensive plan. For what seems to be a generation, though, the fundamentals have been taken for granted. How can such superior athletes not know how to apply this task?
The answer is that it is a forgotten element of the game, a skill that no longer gets broken down and applied like a chip shot from the fringe in golf or a layup in basketball. The best of the best seem to suck at bunting on the grandest of stages because it is assumed
About 10 minutes later, Alex Composto scored unassisted to put the Preppers up 2-1, and the score stood through to halftime.
MMI’s Tommy Horvat made it 3-1 with his unassisted tally just over a minute into the second half, only to see Trent Higgins pull the Wreckers back within a goal on his score at the 34:08 mark.
But consecutive goals from Nick Pantages, Pedri and Hasan Arain over a 10-minute span enabled the Preppers to pull away.
The Wreckers’ final score came on an own goal, when the Preppers put it into their own net.
MMI had the upper hand in shots (28-6) and corner kicks (6-4). Michael Davies was in goal for the Wreckers, notching 22 saves.
Ben Drobnock and Jared Santana shared goaltending duties for the Preppers, combining for four saves.
that everyone can do it with ease when called upon. Some players seem to be receiving the sign from the third base coach and reacting like kids being asked to turn away from their tech devices and take out the garbage. They don’t want to do it.
As they should be applied, the fundamentals will look like the hitter properly pivoting their back foot and keeping their front foot closed. Weight should be distributed similarly to how it would be upon the point of contact with a normal, decent swing. The top hand should be placed just short of the barrel in a “gun shape” with the trigger or index finger fully pulled back in alignment with the other fingers. The bottom hand should remain close to the bottom knob of the bat. Following this setup, the batter catches the ball with the bat.
It is unfortunate that this fundamental explanation of “catching the ball with the bat” has been replaced by “swatting,” pushing, and often wrapping all fingers around the bat, where the risk of breaking fingers and hands adds misery to the failed attempt at laying down the sacrifice bunt.
Fundamentals start with conversations, such as discussing the bunt and how to do it properly. That discussion, followed by proper execution, might make a pivotal difference in important games.
A big-time baseball fan, Toronto-based Doug Whiteside writes for The Sports Column. Visit our website at pocononewspapers.com for in-between-issue stories and events
JourNAl-herAld sPorts
On the Sly
MLB playoffs in full swing as baseball mourns loss of Rose
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
It’s an absolute great time to be a sports fan.
Not only are local high school sports heating up as the postseason approaches, but national sports also are hitting on all cylinders right now.
Entering play on Tuesday, all four Major League Baseball best-of-five divisional playoff series were tied at one game apiece.
Philadelphia Phillies fans were certainly breathing a sigh of relief after their team already trailing their series 1-0 came off the mat and rallied past the New York Mets in Game 2 on Sunday. Their walkoff win may be just what the Phils need to wake up and start playing the way they did for long stretches this season.
In what is a wide-open race to bring home a world championship, I’m still feeling it will be the Phillies and New York Yankees in the World Series.
Sadly, the sport of baseball is reeling following the death last week of all-time hits leader Pete Rose. A sure-fire Hall-of-Fame player whose gambling on baseball ultimately cost him a lifetime ban from the game and from the hallowed grounds of Cooperstown. He was 83 when he passed away on Monday. Rose’s all-out play on the field was a throwback to baseball’s early years, endearing him
with fans and earning him the nickname “Charlie Hustle.”
The way he could hit a baseball was, well, nothing short of amazing.
Over a career that spanned three decades, the switch-hitting Rose was a 17-time All-Star who played in more games (3,562), collected more hits (4,256) than any player in history and set a National Record for the longest hitting streak (44 games). He was the National League MVP in 1973 and World Series MVP two years later when he helped lead the famed Big Red Machine in Cincinnati. Between 1970 and ‘76, the Reds won five division titles, four pennants and two World Series.
Rose came to Philadelphia via free agency in 1979 and helped the Phillies to the 1980 World Series title, and got them back there again in 1983, when they fell to Baltimore in five games.
Rose returned to Cincinnati in 1984 as the Reds’ playermanager, and five years later he was out of baseball when it was discovered he was betting on baseball and on the Reds.
I imagine someday Rose may be reinstated and put into the Hall of Fame; whether he is worthy, that is for others to decide.
On the field, he was one of the best to ever play the game, and the best hitter of all time.
NFL THROUGH FIVE WEEKS Each year, surviving members of the 1972 Miami Dolphins gather together, break open bottles
of champagne, and celebrate another year holding onto their spot atop the professional football world.
You see, the ‘72 Dolphins were the last team to go through a complete regular and postseason undefeated. In five-plus decades since, no team has been able to duplicate the feat.
Every year, when the NFL’s last unbeaten team falls, the ‘72 Dolphins toast their accomplishment, and their membership in pro football’s most exclusive club.
Through five weeks of this season, only two teams remain unbeaten: The defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs and the surprising Minnesota Vikings.
Meanwhile, coming off a bye week, the Philadelphia Eagles (2-2) can quiet the nay-sayers by putting together a little winning streak starting this Sunday at home against Cleveland (1-4). The New York Giants (2-3), Cincinnati (1-4) and Jacksonville (1-4) follow, giving the Birds ample opportunity to make hay before their head-to-head matchups with division rivals Dallas (3-2) and Washington (4-1) in November.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Saturday wasn’t the best time to be a ranked team playing an unranked team in college football. Five top-25 teams lost to unranked programs, none bigger than Vanderbilt’s upset of number 1 ranked Alabama in Nashville. After the Commodores ended a streak of 60 straight losses to a top-5 team, the fans stormed Vanderbilt’s FirstBank Stadium Field, pulled out the goalposts, and carried them out of the stadium and down Broadway for more than two miles before dumping them in the Cumberland River.
The celebration set the school back $100,000 in fines by the SEC, but don’t worry, Vandy plans on making the money back. They are selling pieces of the goalposts as souvenirs, with the cost being about $250 per inch.
Closer to home, number 4 ranked Penn State (5-0) climbed into the top-5 after a solid if not unspectacular home win over UCLA, and will hit the road for the first time this season when the Lions face their toughest test yet at USC (3-2), which fell out of the rankings this week after losing to Minnesota.
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