J
the
ournal-herald THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 • Volume 43 – No. 14 ©2023, THE JOURNAL-HERALD. All Rights Reserved
CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–145th YEAR, NO. 1
SINGLE COPY– 75¢ (USPS 277440)
CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–144th YEAR, NO. 27
WASB reorganizes Wednesday Welcomes new members by Seth Isenberg
The Weatherly Area School Board will meet on December 6 to reorganize, and to caucus ahead of the December 13 voting meeting. The Board welcomes three ‘new’ members, Ty Harris and Gerard Grega (who tied in election voting), and Bonnie Barbush. Grega and See WASB, page 5
No WH tax hike by Ruth Isenberg
HOLLY JOLLY HAPPINESS: Main Street in White Haven was full of lights, music, shoppers and Santa on Small Business Saturday. Holiday music filled the air, and stores offered special sales and events. Above, the newly painted caboose serves as the perfect background for Santa and his admirers, while the giant Christmas tree is covered with ornaments sponsored by members and friends of the Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce. Earlier in the day, Santa visited stores on Main Street, and avoided the Grinch—he was eventually saved by a child from the Grinch’s evil clutches. For more photos of Small Business Saturday in White Haven, please turn to page 8. JH: Sue Therriault
White Haven Borough property owners will not face a tax increase, at least for this year, if the budget adopted on the first reading at the November 27 council meeting gets final approval on December 18. Borough manager Linda Szoke noted that the $1.34 million budget is balanced. She also noted that next year the borough will be bidding out garbage collection, so future budgets See WHITE HAVEN, page 5
PAGE 2 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023
THE JOURNAL-HERALD (USPS 277-440) Published weekly at 211 Main Street, White Haven, PA 18661
Telephone (570) 215-0204 Subscription Price—$40 per year in Luzerne & Carbon Counties, Pennsylvania, payable in advance. $45 per year elsewhere, payable in advance. Periodicals postage paid at White Haven, PA 18661. POSTMASTER, send address change to:
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, White Haven Chamber of Commerce Carbon County Chamber of Commerce Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce White Haven Economic Development Association THE JOURNAL-HERALD is printed with U.S. made soy inks on part-recycled newsprint. © Copyright 2023, The Journal-Herald
Editorial Happy Birthday Journal – Now 145 years old by Seth Isenberg In early December of 1879, business owners in White Haven came together to establish a weekly newspaper for the thriving town. The venture was successful enough that the newspaper could hire a pressman, Walter C. Taylor. Over the next few years, Taylor took on more duties until he was also the editor, and then he bought The Journal. Since then, The Journal has been in the Taylor family. His four daughters worked at the paper in various roles. Clara Holder was Taylor’s granddaughter. She and her husband Jay took over the newspaper in the mid-1950s. In 1980, the Holders acquired the Weatherly Herald, started in 1880, from the Milan family, who had acquired it from the Faust family. In the early 1990s, the Holder’s son-in-law Seth Isenberg became General Manager. A couple of years after that, the Holder’s daughter Ruth joined her husband in the business. The Isenbergs added other newspapers to the business, starting the Journal of the Pocono Plateau and the Journal of Penn-Kidder, and buying the LAKE NEWS of Lake Harmony five years ago. And here we are at year 145, back in the printing business and still putting The Journal-Herald out on the street. Here’s to the next 25 years. Thank you for being our readers.
Archives
From The Journal-Herald December 2, 1993 Editors & Publishers Jay and Clara Holder
The White Haven Municipal Authority began a regular harvesting of trees on its properties. This year, 53 acres in Kidder will be timbered with an estimated $5,000 generated from sales. The harvest is done in the presence of a forester. No young trees will be cut to provide for future harvests. Kidder Township taxes will rise 1 mil (to 8), after a 3-2 vote at their November 30 meeting. A flooding Nor’easter blew through the area Saturday night into Sunday bringing up to 5″ of rain, High water in the Lehigh River and releases from the Walter Dam caused the temporary construction dam at the pumping station project in Rockport to wash away (setting the project back about three months). Writer Richard Funk pointed out that the area got lucky, in that if the storm had come at a colder time, the area would have been blanketed with about four feet of snow. Hemlock Farms invites all to come select your own Christmas tree from the Bill Weider Farm — cut or dug. Christmas trees and wreaths were also for sale at Cloverdale Farms and Gerry & Mike’s Nursery. This issue included photos from area pre-schools’ Hallowe’en gatherings The Marian Colts will take on undefeated South Williamsport this Saturday
in the PIAA Class A Eastern Regional final. Steve Stallone had a tough week picking football game winners, 4-5. He predicts a Marian win this week, by a TD. Fan buses leave Marian at 10 a.m. on Saturday at a cost of $8 per seat. Wayne Wagner’s column about Weatherly Youth Basketball featured two undefeated teams — the Storks who went buzzer to buzzer leading big in their win, and the Hinkle Roofing team, which needed a strong defensive effort to hold their opponent to just three second half field goals for the win. Phil Engman rambled on Florida State, West Virginia and bowl game choices. He attended the finals of the pre-season NIT at Madison Square Garden. Dan Simon also went to Madison Square Garden to attend the Virginia Slims Championships featuring the 16 best (healthy) women tennis players. Phil Jeffries penned a salute to Doctor George Sheehan. A down-home family meal at Sitko’s Barn was the dining review. From The Journal December 2, 1943 Publisher W. C. Taylor A top covering of amicite was put on that section of the White Haven-Bear Creek highway in the vicinity of the stone quarry over the past See ARCHIVES, page 5
THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023— PAGE 3
Public Notices LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Nina J. Falvello, of Silver Spring, Maryland, in the Estate Marie Falvello a/k/a Marie C. Falvello, late of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, who died on September 19, 2023. All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment and those having claims or demands to present the same without delay to the Executrix named or to: Conrad A. Falvello, Esquire THE FALVELLO LAW FIRM, P.C. 641 State Route 93 Sugarloaf, PA 18249 11/30
PUBLIC NOTICE
White Haven Borough Council has adopted the 2024 budget on the first reading. It will be on the agenda for final adoption at the regular borough council meeting on Monday, December 18 meeting. The budget is available at the borough office, 312 Main Street, White Haven, during regular business hours, or at The Journal-Herald, 211 Main Street, White Haven, by appointment. The meeting on December 18 will begin at 6 p.m. with a work session with PA Representative Mike Cabell. Linda Szoke Borough Manager
The American Legion Family Post 360 and Unit 360 in Weatherly is shown presenting Weatherly Area School District psychologist Tiffany Huff and WASD superintendent Daniel Malloy with holiday desserts and food gift cards. Thanks to the generosity of local veterans and pizza customers, the Legion Family was able to provide food for 10 families of the school district. Shown from left are treasurer of Post 360 Paul Bray, president of Unit 360 Georgia Farrow, Huff, Chaplain Unit 360 Theresa D’Andrea, District President of Carbon, Lehigh, Monroe and Northampton Counties Georgeann Herling, and Malloy.
Mountain Top Historical Society offering holiday gifts The Mountain Top Historical Society has items for sale that might make special Christmas gifts for out of town and local family and friends: Railroads Through Mountain Top (soft cover) $25; Mountain Top Business Directory $14; History of Glen Summit (hard cover) $40; Hometown Hero Banner book $25; and Story of the Caboose book. Other items available are: Fairview Alumni Book $20; Crestwood High School 19621972 (hard cover $35, soft cover $25); Crestwood High School 1973-1982 $35; Images of Mountain Top $20 made by local historian Joseph Kubic; 2021 MTHS Cookbook $10; postcards of Mountain Top 6/$5 or $1 each; magnets $2;
Christmas ornaments $5; and caboose banks $30. Newest additions are the 2024 MTHS calendar that features the stunning artwork of local artists, Anita Herron and Robert Gaetano, and license plates that depict the original Mountain Top sign and the words “A great place to live, a great place to visit.” Both can be purchased for $15 at the Triangle Pharmacy. All proceeds go towards the MTHS and its building fund. Contact Steve McGinnis, 570 474-6942 or Eric Aigeldinger, 570 578-4943 to purchase or order or come to a MTHS meeting the fourth Monday of every month (except December) at the Ice House Pub at 6 p.m.
PAGE 4 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023
Obituaries
EDWARD RADJAVITCH
EVANGELINE RYANNE RAMBARAN With great sadness we announce the birth and passing of our precious daughter Evangeline Ryanne Rambaran on Wednesday November 22, 2023 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Allentown. Evangeline is the precious daughter of Dr. Ryan N. and Bette (Seigendall) Rambaran, treasured sister of Noelle, and Aurelia; beloved granddaughter of Maternal grandmother Jill Seigendall, and paternal grandparents Marianne, and Noel Rambaran; and maternal great-grandmother, Betty (Gregory) Seigendall-Henry. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Weatherly. Our lives were touched by the joyful surprise that we got to know her at all. Please keep us in your thoughts as we prepare for coming to
Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services A Branch of Holmes – Griffiths F.H., Inc. 211 First Street, Weatherly, PA 18255
570-427-4231 E. Franklin Griffiths III F.D. Philip J. Jeffries F.D./Supervisor www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com A new approach to funeral and cremation care. Looking forward to serving White Haven, Dennison, Lehigh, and Foster Townships. All arrangements and consultations from the comfort of your home.
Guiding families through difficult times.
terms with our lives here without her. Funeral services were November 29, from Zions Evangelical Lutheran Church, Weatherly, the Rev. Janell Wigen officiating. Interment was in Union Cemetery, Weatherly. Memorials in Evangeline’s memory to Zions Evangelical Lutheran Church, 353 3rd Street Weatherly, PA 18255. Online condolences may be made to the family at www. griffithsfuneralhomes.com
On November 22, 2023, Edward Radjavitch, 78, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Concord, North Carolina. Ed’s legacy is one of dedication, love, and a passion for the simple joys of life. A funeral mass was held November 29, at St. James “The Greater” Catholic Church, officiated by Father Glenn Parker, with burial following at the St. James Catholic Church Cemetery.
NEPA Civil War speaker at December Roundtable The Wyoming Valley Civil War Round Table will meet on Thursday, December 14, at 7 p.m. in the lower level of the Daddow-Isaacs American Legion, 730 Memorial Highway, Dallas. The program for the evening will be presented by E.J. Murphy. Murphy is an educator and historian from Scranton. He teaches social studies at the Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligence Charter School and is a tour guide for the Waverly Community House’s Destination Freedom: Underground Railroad Walking Tour of Waverly. E.J. has also written as a
guest contributor to the Pennsylvania in the Civil War blog as well as the blog for the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, is the co-host of the podcast Been Lit: The Hidden History of the Electric City, and has lectured about the Civil War era throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. Murphy will be speaking on the Civil War era in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The program is open to the public. A $3 donation will be accepted for non-members. New members are always welcome. For information contact John at (570) 675-8936.
Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc. White Haven, PA
PATRICK M. LEHMAN, PRESIDENT RUSSELL C. TETER, JR., SUPERVISOR
Serving White Haven, Weatherly and surrounding communities
www.LehmanFuneralHome.com Branch of Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc.
(570) 443-9816
Following the burial, a reception was held at St. James Catholic ChurchGeiger Hall. Ed was born on January 14, 1945, in White Haven, to the late Julia Sowa Radjavitch and Edward Radjavitch. He was preceded in death by his sister, Judy Koch. Ed was a graduate of Weatherly High School in Weatherly, Class of 1962. He dedicated many years of his life to maintaining the comfort and cleanliness of Weatherwood-Carbon County Home for the Aged in Weatherly. He is a veteran of the New Jersey National Guard. Ed took great pride in caring for his yard and home, ensuring they were always in immaculate condition. He enjoyed activities like shopping, cooking, and playing golf. Another passion was Lionel Trains. In Pennsylvania, he had an entire room dedicated to his collections of trains. Ed also found immense joy in spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary Ann Brody Radjavitch; his daughter, Heather Halbach, and husband Michael; and his grandchildren, Allyson Halbach and Jake Halbach. Ed’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. May his soul find eternal peace and may his legacy of passion and love continue to inspire us all. He will be dearly missed and remembered with profound affection. Memorials may be made to St. James Catholic Church, 139 Manor Ave SW, Concord, NC 28025 or to Catering to Dogs and Cats, PO Box 43567, Charlotte, NC 28215.
THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023— PAGE 5
WASB
Continued from page 1 Barbush have served on the Board in the past. They join Nancy Mulvaney, Barbara Sipler and Ken Jacoby III, who were elected in 2021 to four-year terms. Completing the Board are top vote getter and current Board vice president Bill Knepper, and current Board president April Walters, who were both re-elected for four-year terms, and Tom J. Connors who was re-elected, this time to a two-year term. Meetings are at 6 p.m. in the Middle School. The public is encouraged to attend.
Archives
Continued from page 2 weekend. This completes the highway (eliminating) two old washed-out bridges and two dangerous curves. (Editor’s note from 1993: considering those that remain, we wonder what the two dangerous curves were like.) Chairman of the local Scrap Drive committee Fred E. Williams says there will be a general round-up of all Scrap: iron and metals of all kinds, tin cans, and waste paper, next Tuesday…So get your Scrap ready for a general pick-up by the school children and trucks that day and date.
retention policy. White Haven records The Greater White Haven
Weatherly Cncl meets Thursday
will depend on what kind of bids are received. Voting to adopt the general fund, liquid fuels, and trash/recycling budgets as presented were council members Charles Best, Tim Janosco, John Klem, Bob Lamson, Zane Writer and John Zugarek; Harvey Morrison was absent. Atty. Sean Logsdon reported an executive session was held prior to the meeting for personnel matters. On his recommendation, council approved a comment letter requested by Aqua Pennsylvania regarding their application to relocate the wastewater treatment plant discharge point. The pipe will be on the same parcel, but raised above the typical river flow level, to make it easier to sample and reduce clogging. They also propose building a small staircase to provide access to the pipe. The borough’s letter is not an approval of the project; that comes from the Department of Environmental Resources. The agreement with East Side Borough for fire protection has been reviewed and executed by all parties. Manager Szoke reported that the December 18 council meeting will begin at 6 p.m. work session with State Representative Mike Cabell. Council adopted a resolution to destroy documents based on the state
The Weatherly Borough Council meeting scheduled for November 28 has been moved to Thursday, November 30, at 4 p.m.
Continued from page 1
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
Chamber of Commerce and downtown businesses were applauded for activities on Small Business Saturday, including the tree lighting, Santa, decorations and music. Tax collector Kathy Oross reported current taxes collected for the month of October, $1,755.53; local realty transfer tax for October, $97.51; and delinquent taxes for October, $60.32. Mayor Fred Meier recommended developing a schedule for servicing of the police vehicles. The contract with new Chief of Police Joanna Jinks was approved. The 5-year contract for FOP officers was also approved, provided the FOP does not come back with proposed changes. Council approve a new part-time, temporary position of police administrator, naming former chief Tom Szoke for 3 months at $29.50/hour to assist with the transition of the department. The building and grounds committee offered a thank you to everyone who helped with the new monument. The strategic planning group is applying for the borough to become part of the Blue Chip Communities program. This 18-month state program provides training to help communities develop economically. Only two communities are selected every three years. A 10-member committee of experts in various fields will work with state officials and departments. The 200th Birthday store is open for holiday sales of T-shirts, blankets, calendars and more. Details about parking for the January fireworks display are still being worked out.
Legion to meet American Legion Post 360 in Weatherly will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, December 4, starting at 6 p.m. at the post home. All members are welcome to attend.
ALA news American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 in Weatherly will not hold a December business meeting. The first meeting of 2024 will be held on Monday, January 8, 2024, starting at 6:00 p.m. at the post home, all members are welcome to attend.
Lehigh OKs 2024 budget by Ruth Isenberg Lehigh Township supervisors approve a general fund budget of $227,576 at the November 6 meeting, along with a highway aid budget of $79,400.27, and a garbage fund budget of $94,913. Final adoption will be at the December 4 meeting. Supervisors approved seveal per capita tax and garbage fee exonerations. The sewage enforcement officer investigated a complaint about a washing machine connected to water under pressure discharging onto the ground on Leslie Run Road. The property owner was given 48 hours to correct it or face penalties including fines or prison.
PAGE 6 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023
Santa comes to Penn Lake by Suzanne Winters The Penn Lake Community House was warm and welcoming on a chilly, rainy, day Sunday, where the neighborhood children and family members gathered to see Santa Claus. There were sparkling lights, crepe paper streamers and a beautiful Christmas tree, as well as cookies, hot chocolate and candy canes to enjoy. The kids made cut-out snowflakes and hung them from the ceiling. They also made ornaments and decorated the tree outside of the Community House. After the tree was decorated and lit, everyone gathered around to wait for Santa to arrive via the White Haven Fire Company Engine, lights flashing and sirens blaring. Santa was followed into the Community House by many eager youngsters who lined up to sit on his lap and tell him their Christmas wishes, while parents, grandparents and family members snapped pictures. The event was sponsored by the Penn Lake Association, and drew quite a crowd, all of whom seemed to enjoy the afternoon of Christmas magic.
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THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023— PAGE 7
Seth’s Sightings I am thankful for family, and over Thanksgiving we were blessed to share in two family gatherings. The first was on Thanksgiving Day in Annapolis, Maryland. We drove in for the event, and then stayed overnight. We were part of a group of 15. There was a couple from New Orleans, and then the next farthest were New Yorkers. We were arrived and settled in time for the removal of the turkey from the oven, watching it just fall off the bone as it was carved. It was a very traditional meal, and a very nice gathering. The next day we enjoyed brunch with many of the family members before heading off toward home. (Some were already away.) I treated Ruth with a trip over the Bay Bridge on our trip home. We passed under some floating seagulls as we made it towards the eastern shore — close enough to almost touch. We drove in light traffic along Maryland’s Eastern Shore and reached Delaware to take advantage of gas prices at $2.99.9 per gallon. We only encountered traffic on I-95 and were happily home mid-evening.
Ruth enjoyed a frenetic Small Business Saturday, having fun making the rounds of White Haven businesses. She reported festive decorations, happy shoppers, and holiday music, adding up to a bustling atmosphere. At 12:30 we headed south back to Maryland for a family gathering near Ellicott City. This Thanksgiving weekend tradition on the Alpert side of my family brought members from as far away as Boston and New York City. It took the group from New Jersey the longest to get there, encountering holiday weekend traffic that turned their 3-hour ride into 6. We encountered volume delays where I-81 and I-78 come together, and then again on the Baltimore beltway, but arrived on time. This gathering had 29 people, from ages 1 to the mid-70s. The no-turkey gathering featured salmon and rockfish, lots of salads and breads. As always, it was fun to see the littlest of the family. The youngest had just begun to stand and talk. We chose to head home at night in order to beat the Thanksgiving Sunday traffic.
Breakfast with Santa Sunday, December 3
by Seth Isenberg
We encountered no traffic on an easy ride home. Our Sunday was a chance to recover, doing a little yard work, and a little shopping but keeping close to home to listen to the end of the Eagles game. A thrilling ending for another win, it’s an exciting year. Next up — the 49ers so the team needs to get healed up and be ready. Penn State easily beat Michigan State, and now awaits bowl selection. We heard most of the game as we travelled — a solid win that showed the team’s versatility and depth of talent. Coming in to work on Tuesday, we encountered an
area that had a pretty little dusting of snow in Lehigh and Foster Townships. As we passed over the Interstate, we could see PennDOT trucks parked at the ready for whatever the afternoon would bring. The snow should help the hunters track their prey. The cold days this week and regular cold nights have Jack Frost Mountain ready to open this Friday (way to go snowmakers!). Welcome Skiers. Welcome also to Christmas music season. May this season bring you healing and continued good health.
Coming Events SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2—Quilt & Craft Show, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., White Haven Area Community Library & The Victorian Connection SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3—Breakfast, 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m., Albrightsville Fire Company SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3—Marine Corps League Breakfast, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., St. Patrick’s Parish Center SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9—Tree Trimming Contest & Open House, 12-4 p.m., Heritage Hill Senior Community, Weatherly SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10—Christmas in the Park, Eurana Park, Weatherly SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16—Holly Jolly Christmas Dinner Show, 5-8 p.m., Woody’s Restaurant, Freeland, 570-636-3333 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17—Breakfast with Santa, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., VFW Post 6615, White Haven
SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024—Winterfest 200th Birthday Fireworks Celebration, 6:30 p.m., Linesville Park, White Haven SATURDAY, MAY 26, 2024—Family Fun Day/ Memorial Day Parade & Celebration, 1-4 p.m., Lehigh Park, White Haven FRIDAY, JUNE 26-SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 2024—200th Birthday Summer Street Festival, Main Street, White Haven
HOSTS: Alex & JoAnne Zidock THURS. 9:30 PM
Replays: FRI. 8:30 AM & 9:30 PM SAT. 12:30 PM • SUN. 1 AM & 11:30 AM MON. 12 AM & 6 AM • TUES. 7:30 AM
ALL OUTDOORS • WILDLIFE HUNTING & FISHING CONSERVATION • ENVIRONMENT
PAGE 8 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023
Small Business Saturday rocks in White Haven
THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023— PAGE 9
Toys for Tots program earns MCL award
The Marine Corps League received a Commander’s Award Certificate for recognition of their efforts supporting the annual Toys For Tots program in White Haven. White Haven’s Detachment #1039 has organized the local drive for the past 22 years. Shown from left are MCL members Randy Richardson, and Denise Janosco, Major Nicole Holt, who is assisting in the national coordination of the program from Washington, and MCL member Tim Janosco.
Library Corner
WHACL
Photos by Sue Therriault and Ruth Isenberg
The White Haven Area Community Library’s annual Quilts and Crafts Show will take place this Saturday, December 2 from 10-3 in the Engine House, and at The Victorian Connection at 231 Wilkes Barre St. Tickets for the show are $5 and available at the library. The Cranberry Quilters will provide the quilts, and will be joined by many of
our favorite crafters from the past, as well as new ones. A bake sale and a basket raffle will also take place. Basket Raffle tickets are available at the library. The cost is $1 for one or 20 for $10. Tot Time will be held on Saturday, December 9 from 10:15 until 11 a.m. Bring your toddlers in for a craft activity. In the afternoon, The Polar Express will pull into the
library. Children aged 6 and up are invited to come aboard. The Polar Express movie will be shown, and there will be crafts and snacks plus a visit from Santa! This event is from 1 PM until 4 PM. The movie is rated PG. Commemorative 2024 Calendars celebrating the 200th anniversary of White Haven are available for purchase. Inside are pages featuring old and new pictures as well as interesting historical tidbits telling the story of White Haven. Stop by the library or call 570-443-8776 to order. The calendars are $20 and proceeds benefit the library. Be sure to check out our Facebook page for up to date offerings and events.
PAGE 10 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023
It was country first for NFL great Roger Staubach by Matthew Paris
While Staubach’s name is etched among all-time NFL greats, it’s important to know that the NFL had to wait for him to take the field. A service commitment in Vietnam came first. Before becoming a star quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, Staubach made a name for himself at the United States Naval Academy. 1963 was his best year when he passed for more than 1400 yards, completed nearly 70% of passes attempted, and led his #2 team
to a 9-1 regular-season record, losing to #1 Texas in the 1964 Cotton Bowl. Staubach was named an All-America for his play that year, won the Maxwell Award as the nation’s best quarterback, and captured the coveted Heisman Trophy. Later, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. But the Vietnam War was raging, and Staubach didn’t go into the NFL immediately following graduation. Instead, he served in Vietnam from 1964-69. Staubach was assigned to the Supply Corps at the Da Nang Air
Base, near where the first waves of U.S. troops landed in March 1965. While the NFL would have to wait, the league was eager to have Staubach committed to a team. He was the 129th pick in the 10th Round of the 1964 Draft. The low pick was because Staubach could only play once his tour of duty ended. Once he hit the field, Staubach had a Hall of Fame career. Playing for legendary coach Tom Landry, the Cincinnati native passed for nearly 23,000 yards, rushed for another 2,300 yards, won two Super Bowls, went to
six Pro Bowls, and was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Roger Staubach was a great football player, and he is a national hero, too, putting his football career on hold to serve his country. _____ Houston-based Matthew Paris enjoys writing about sports personalities. You can read his work at The Sports Column.
Carbon County property transfers through Nov. 12 Banks Township
Melissa Kasarda to Jesus Ernesto Rodriguez, 4 E. Maple St., Tresckow, property at 4 E. Maple St., $199,900. Carol A. Berger to Kasandra Melendez, 4 E. Main St., Junedale, property at 4 E. Main St., $89,000. Gary J. Andrasi to Ronald M. Kasarda, P.O. Box 435, Tresckow, property on Oak Street, $120,000. Mark A. Witcofski to Luke Hunsinger, 74 E. Hickory St., P.O. Box 169, Tresckow, property on Hickory Street, $1. Mark A. Witcofski to Mark A. Witcofsky, 55 E. Oak St., P.O. Box 39, Tresckow, property on East Oak Street, $1. Gerald M. McGuire to Pennsylvania Postal Holdings, LLC, Cedarhurst, New York, property on Market Street, $90,000. Ronald M. Kasarda to Elbanery Lora, Brooklyn, New York, property at 10-12 S. Chestnut St., Tresckow, $35,000.
Beaver Meadows
Alyssa Pourmonir to 56 New St., LLC, 56 New St., Beaver Meadows, property at 56 New St., $110,389.50.
Kidder Township
Jeffrey M. Albrecht to Jacqueline Guaman Belleville,
New Jersey, property at 6 Sage Road, Lake Harmony, $310,000. Mountain Laurel Resorts Holdings, LLC, to Laurel Hospitality, LLC, Lakewood, New Jersey, property at 81 Treetops Circle and 382 State Rt. 940, Lake Harmony, $10,000,000. Catherine Voorhees to Kenneth Stolte, 23 Midlake Drive, Unit 101, Lake Harmony, property at 23 Midlake Drive, Unit 101, $360,000. Cygnus NCP Loans, LLC, to Gary Fucaloro, P.O. Box 122, Lake Harmony, Lot H-11, Section H, Wolf Hollow Road, lake Harmony, $55,000. John Bielarski to Corey Eyerman, 15 Lakeside Lane, Albrightsville, property at 15 Lakeside Lane, $325,000. Mary Schaeffer Turtzo to Jason Pohlkotte, Lebanon, property at 64 Greenwood Road, Lake Harmony,
Jireh’s
Pizzeria & Restaurant 416 Main Street,White Haven
570-443-7000 Take-Out or Delivery
www.JirehsPizzeria.com Open 11 a.m. Mon.-Sat., Closed Sun.
$300,000. Ghazalah Malik to David Rayburn, Flemington, New Jersey, property at 56 Red Fox Court, Lake Harmony, $300,000. Kelly Michael to Jose F. Saucedo, New York, New York, property at 34 Blue Spruce Road, Albrightsville, $120,000. Karen Y. Weaver to William Joseph Andreoni, Eagleville, property at 323 Moseywood Road, Lake Harmony, $535,000. PA Property Portfolio, Inc., to Three Caramel Flowers Properties, P.O. Box 371, Lake Harmony, property at 515 Moseywood Road Lake Harmony, $50,000.
Scott T. Harvey to OJI Properties, LLC, west Chester, property at 360 Wolf Hollow Road, Lake Harmony, $1,349,000. C. William Smith Jr. to Jocelyn Eberle Weidner, Horsham, property at 113 Pocono Road, Albrightsville, $185,000.
Weatherly
Matthew James Ruch to Andrea Singh, 319 Yeakle St., Weatherly, property at 319 Yeakle St., $170,000. Michael B. Treffeisen to Michael S. Treiffeisen, 245 Lauderburn Ave., Weatherly, property at245 Lauderburn Ave., $1.
Weatherly Country Inn Restaurant & Catering
570-427-8550
Dine-In or Take-Out
Tuesday through Saturday, 4 - 8 p.m. Funeral Luncheons | Parties by Reservation Leave the prep and serving to us Located 6 Miles from White Haven, 1 Mile from County Home in Weatherly on Lehigh Gorge Drive (Weatherly-White Haven Highway)
www.weatherlycountryinn.com
THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023— PAGE 11
Weatherly Area High School Basketball Previews
2023-24 WRECKERS - The Weatherly Area boys’ basketball team has been preparing for the upcoming season, and its home and season-opener against Panther Valley on Saturday afternoon. Team members include, kneeling from left: Austyn Lamonica, Zane Lare, Corbin Wagner, Dominick Kokinda, Ian McKeegan and Alex Ortiz. Standing: Head coach Luke Medico, Jacob Hinkle, Chance Stauffer, Isaiah Williams, Tyler Hinkle, Matt Adler, Niko Saldukas, Sebastian Williams, Brandon Davis and assistant coach Rob Bryan. Missing from the photo is team member John Donish. Photo by Steve Stallone
2023-24 LADY WRECKERS - The Weatherly Area girls’ basketball team has been gearing up for the upcoming season, and its home and season-opener against MMI Prep on Saturday morning. Team members include, kneeling from left: Kaylee Gaydoscik, Abby Weston, Bethany Houser and Jillian Russell. Standing: Head coach Jason Kane, Kelly Reiner, Taylor Davidovich, Bria Gordick, Brianna Pugh, Courtney Snyder and assistant coach Chris Gaydoscik. Missing from the photo is team member Anastasia Bloom.
Photo by Steve Stallone
Wreckers ready to ‘rise above’ challenges in 2023-24
Lady Wreckers hoping to build off last season’s momentum
It’s on their basketball sweatshirts this season, and on their minds always. “Rise Above.” The Weatherly Area boys will face a number of obstacles before they even step on the court this winter, and they are ready to embrace those challenges head-on together with first-year head coach Luke Medico. “These guys are going to rise above stuff,” Medico, the one-time Wrecker basketball standout, said. “I went over it with them. You’re small. You’re one of the smallest public schools in the state. You won one game last year. We only play three or four Class A teams all year. We play Panther Valley twice, they’re quad-A next year. All these things are against us. That’s life. Things are going to
A coaching change early last season failed to derail the 2022-23 Weatherly Area girls’ basketball season. The Lady Wreckers rose up, won four of their final seven regular-season games, got playoff experience, and were the District 11 Class A runners-up. Jason Kane, now in his first full season as head coach after taking over for Brian Billig six games into last season, is hoping the team will build off that momentum. “Knowing what it’s like to play in playoff games, play at Martz Hall, the girls are eager to get the season started and get things rolling,” said Kane, who noted that the learning process for him and the team is an ongoing process. “I think Brian did a fine job while he was here,” Kane said.
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
happen. “The variable is what do we do. Do we cower to it, or do we find ways to rise above it?” Medico, a 2000 WAHS graduate, four-year starter and 1,000-point scorer, takes over following the resignation of Corey Gerhart, who guided the Wreckers to two playoff appearances in five seasons at the helm. He inherits a team that won just one game a year ago, and with two-thirds of its players either sophomores or freshmen. There are only three six-footers on the roster, and the tallest is 6-foot-2. Just more challenges for the young Wreckers, who will likely have five underclassmen in the starting lineup when they host Panther Valley in Saturday afternoon’s home and season opener. “We do not have a big See WAHS BOYS, page 12
By Steve Stallone Sports Editor
“I put my twist on things, kept some plays intact, and slowly got away from some of the plays that weren’t working early in the season. It’s still a learning process.” What makes the learning curve harder is the loss of graduated starters Emma Kane and Abby Paisley, and a roster that is short on numbers (10) and experience. “We don’t have a true point guard. We don’t have a big. We’re not a big team. We’re not a quick team. We have a short bench, and some of them are freshmen. So it’s going to be tough,” Kane warned. “The five seniors are filling that leadership void that those two brought. Now we’ve got to find an offense that fits our identity.” One thing’s for sure, that offense will center around senior point guard Bethany Houser, now in her fourth year as the See WAHS GIRLS, page 13
PAGE 12 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023
WAHS Boys Continued from page 11
team, and we do not have an experienced team,” Medico stressed. “We do have a team that loves playing basketball, and plays very well together, unselfish basketball, and they’re quick and they can run. So that’s how we’re developing our year. We’re going to have to run. “I’ve always not been a system guy, meaning I have a system and you guys have to play my system. I’m working with what I have in front of me,” he continued. “We’re going to have to put pressure on the ball, get some steals, and fast break. It’s the way these guys play best. We’re probably going to get pressed by most everyone we see. We’re working on breaking the press. We’ll have halfcourt sets that we’ll run, but for us to excel this year, that’s what we’re going to have to do.” A trio of sophomores represent the Wreckers’ three returning letterwinners, and those three will be in the starting lineup. Ian McKeegan will man the point, Corbin Wagner will join him in the backcourt, and Niko Saldukas will be an inside presence at forward. McKeegan is the team captain as a sophomore. “He’s 5-4, but he plays like he’s 6-2, and he’s not afraid of anything,” Medico said of McKeegan. “Dribbling-wise, he has one of the best handles I’ve seen. He plays extremely hard
and creates opportunities for his teammates and himself. He’s phenomenal.” The 5-foot-6 Wagner also plays much bigger, boasting the wingspan of a six-footer. “He’s a good defensive player, he shoots the 3 very well and can take it to the basket,” Medico said. “He’s our shooter and he can create his own shots off the ball.” At six-foot, Saldukas has a slender build but is a strong player in the paint and will be tasked with guarding taller players in most games. “He can slash, he can run, he’s a good defensive player and he’s smart,” Medico said. “Niko’s going to be a hybrid type. He can bang down low with the big guys, but he can also come outside and shoot the 3.” Alex Ortiz, one of three seniors, got some limited varsity experience a year ago, and is also expected to be in the playing rotation. He can play either guard position. “He’s a great defender and plays old school/hard-nosed team ball,” Medico said. “He plays well with the guys and is a sneaky leader.” Freshman Chance Stauffer (5-10), who Medico calls “one of the fastest and strongest players on the team,” appeared to nail down one of the starting spots at forward. Lourdes Regional transfer and senior guard Austyn Lamonica (5-10), freshman forward Matt Adler (6-0), and sophomore Brandon Davis (5-9) also figure into the Wreckers’ deep rotation,
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as does 6-2 forward John Donish, frosh guard Dominic Kokinda (5-8), Hinkle brothers Tyler (5-11) and Jacob (5-8), Williams brothers Sebastian (5-10) and Isaiah (5-11), and soph Zane Lare (5-8). Although they are not overly big, Medico plans to match up with their opponents, nonetheless. “Defensively, I’m a big proponent of man-to-man defense, because it teaches all the principles of it, and it teaches accountability,” he said. “From there you can drop into a man help, which is a zone on steroids, that’s the way I look at it.” Rob Bryan, who played for Tony Antinozzi’s Wreckers in the 1990s, is Medico’s assistant, while a number of former Wrecker players are manning the middle school coaching staffs as both paid and volunteer coaches. Medico is banking on that solid foundation to move the program forward. “We have people all around the program. And now we’re getting involved in the biddy program,” Medico said. “We’re making kids excited about playing basketball again. We want those little kindergarten kids coming to watch our guys play, and say ‘Oh, I want to do that.’ “It keeps people in town and not leaving for other schools, and keeps them excited about things. It’s really building the environment and the culture where kids want to be a part of it, where it becomes exciting.”
Medico has no prediction on how his first season as head coach of his alma mater will go, but he can’t wait for it to start. “I don’t have any expectations on the year in terms of number of wins; I always felt that was a silly goal. You want to win every single game you play,” he said. “Is that realistic? Probably not, for any coach. But you have to have that mindset. That’s how we’re going to go into it. I fully expect our team to compete at the highest level each night we take the court. We are not only playing for the love and joy of the game, but also to win. “The kids are really pumped for the season. I’m really pumped for the season. Rob and I are going to be on the sidelines, coaching the high school team we played for. It’s going to be a surreal experience,” he promised. “They’re ready, and we’re all ready for it.” ROSTER Seniors: Tyler Hinkle (5-11), Alex Ortiz (5-5), Austyn Lamonica (5-10). Juniors: Sebastian Williams (5-10), John Donish (6-2). Sophomores: Niko Saldukas (6-0), Ian McKeegan (5-4), Corbin Wagner (5-6), Isaiah Williams (5-11), Zane Lare (5-8), Brandon Davis (5-9). Freshmen: Chance Stauffer (5-10), Jacob Hinkle (5-8), Matt Adler (6-0), Dominick Kokinda (5-8). 2023-24 SCHEDULE December: 2 - Panther Valley; 4 - Lincoln Leadership Academy; 7 - at Shenandoah Valley (x); 11 - at Mahanoy Area (x); 14 - Northumberland Christian; 18 - Marian (x); 27-28 - at CMVT Holiday Tournament. January: 4 - at Nativity (x); 5 - at Panther Valley; 8 - Shenandoah Valley; 11 - Lourdes Regional (x); 13 - at Schuylkill Haven (x); 16 - at Tri-Valley (x); 19 - Schuylkill Haven (x); 23 - at Williams Valley (x); 26 - Mahanoy Area (x); 30 Minersville (x). February: 2 - at Marian (x); 3 - Northwest Area; 6 - Nativity (x); 8 - at MMI Prep. (x) - Schuylkill League Division II-III game
THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023— PAGE 13
WAHS Girls Continued from page 11
starter at the point — even though it’s not her natural position despite her 5-foot-1 stature. “I think Bethany feels more comfortable when the ball is not in her hands, but she has to be our point guard.” Kane said. “She’s going to be a huge part of things this year. Everything’s going to be run through her.” Houser is the team’s leading returning scorer at about 9 points per game and is approaching 700 career points for the Lady Wreckers. She is also one of the team’s top perimeter threats. “She’s going to be huge on the 3-point line and the foul line,” Kane predicted. “She’s a really good foul shooter, so she can pick up some of her points at the foul line, and also put teams in foul trouble.” Kane is also hoping for more big things from sophomore Kelly Reiner, who made a significant splash as a freshman with more than 150 points. The 5-foot-9 Reiner can play any position on the court but will be needed inside to help shoulder the load in the paint. However, she may also spell Houser at the point to free her up for a spot on the wing. “I told her she’s pretty much going to take over for Emma, because that’s what Emma was. She was 1 through
5, wherever we needed her,” Kane said. “She can handle the ball, she can post up, she can play one of their bigs. She’s going to have a big impact this year, I think, as a sophomore.” Kane will look to steady returning seniors Kaylee Gaydoscik and Taylor Davidovich to provide leadership, defense, and hopefully a little scoring. Davidovich is a 2-guard, while the 5-foot-4 Gaydoscik can bang inside and is one of the team’s top rebounders. Former player Brianna Pugh, another senior, returned to the team and will be a big part of the rotation as well. “She looks strong and is definitely going to help us defensively and driving to the basket,” Kane said. “She’s a streaky outside shooter, but when she gets in those streaks, she can hit three or four in a game. As a team we’re streaky shooters, too.” Abby Weston, a 5-foot-4 second-year sophomore, gives the Lady Wreckers an athletic forward to help inside. Sophomore Bria Gordick (5-8), who didn’t play last year, provides rebounding and defense. The team’s fifth senior, Anastasia Bloom, is out for the team for the first time since she was a freshman. She adds tough rebounding and defense to the attack. Freshmen Courtney Snyder (5-11) and Jillian Russell (5-2) add depth and will be tasked to learn on the job as the Lady Wreckers will not field a
junior varsity team this season due to lack of numbers. Kane is hopeful the team will be more aggressive on offense this season. “As a team, we want to drive to the basket more, especially with the new foul rule. Hopefully it will help us and not hurt us,” he said. “I don’t like settling for 3-pointers all the time. We did a lot of that last year.” Defensively, look for the Orange and Black to look similar to the Orange — at Syracuse University, that is. “We changed from a 1-2-2 to a 2-3 zone on defense last year. It’s our spin on Syracuse’s 2-3 zone,” Kane said. “We tried it and it seems to be working, with some tweaks here and there. We don’t play much man-to-man because we don’t match up with teams very well size-wise.” The Lady Wreckers will once again have to navigate through a difficult Schuylkill League schedule that will feature the likes of Marian, Minersville, Nativity and a gauntlet of strong teams night in and night out. “We’ll play the normal powerhouses, the Marians and the Minersvilles. They’re always going to be tough. There’s no way around it. The Schuylkill League is always tough,” noted Kane, who is being assisted by Chris Gaydoscik. He hopes the Lady Wreckers can make the most of a favorable non-conference schedule and pick up some league wins along the way in
order to position themselves for another postseason appearance this season. “We want to keep games close,” Kane said. “If we can do that and be in the games until the end, that’s all I can ask for, win or lose.” The Lady Wreckers open their season Saturday morning at 11 with a nonconference home game against neighboring MMI Prep. ROSTER Seniors: Taylor Davidovich (5-4), Kaylee Gaydoscik (5-4), Bethany Houser (5-1), Brianna Pugh (5-9), Anastasia Bloom (5-5). Sophomores: Kelly Reiner (5-9), Abby Weston (5-4), Bria Gordick (5-8). Freshmen: Jillian Russell (5-2), Courtney Snyder (5-11). 2023-24 SCHEDULE December: 2 - MMI Prep; 4 - Lincoln Leadership Academy; 8 - Shenandoah Valley (x); 12 - Mahanoy Area (x); 14 - Northumberland Christian; 19 - at Marian (x); 28 - Schuylkill Haven. January: 5 - Nativity (x); 6 - at Lincoln Leadership Academy; 9 - at Shenandoah Valley; 12 - at Lourdes Regional (x); 13 - at Wyoming Seminary; 15 - Tri-Valley (x); 18 - at Schuylkill Haven (x); 22 - Williams Valley (x); 25 - at Mahanoy Area (x); 27 - at Salem Christian; 29 - at Minersville (x). February: 1 - Marian (x); 3 - Bethlehem Christian; 5 - at Nativity (x); 8 - at MMI Prep. (x) - Schuylkill League Division II-III game
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PAGE 14 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023
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PAGE 16 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023
Destiny brings Medico back to WAHS as coach Former standout player to guide Wreckers this season
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor Are you a believer in fate, of being in the right place at the right time? Luke Medico certainly is. And if he was destined to be a head basketball coach, why not at his alma mater, where the 2000 Weatherly Area High School graduate dominated the hardwood for the Wreckers nearly 25 years earlier? Perhaps it was destiny that brought Medico to this point in his life, right when the young Wrecker program was in search of a new coach to show them the way. “This job opened at 100 percent the perfect time, like it was meant to be. I truly believe that,” Medico explained last week. “The day that it came open, and I didn’t even know it was open, I woke up that morning at 4:30, and I told my wife ‘I think I’m going to call (then-coaches) Corey (Gerhart) and Matt (vonFrisch) and ask if I can help as an unpaid assistant. And then at 3 o’clock that afternoon, somebody sent me a message that the job was open, and I was geared up. I had to brush up my resume.” Gerhart stepped down as head coach after five seasons and a pair of playoff berths, opening up what the 41-year-old Medico considers a dream job for him at this time in his life. “I’ve always had a draw to come back here,” Medico said. “I live in Mountain Top. If the Crestwood job came open, not that I don’t care about where I personally live, I wouldn’t care. There’s no pull to it. This was like a must. I have to at least try.” Medico inherits a program that got just one win last season and hasn’t won a playoff game since the Wreckers’ runner-up finish in District 11 back in 2006. Weatherly’s last district title came in 2002. Although he is eager to help the Wreckers back to better times and more championships, Medico’s main objective is to bring the community and the
LUKE MEDICO, a 2000 Weatherly Area High School graduate and 1,000-point scorer during a four-year varsity career, is the new head coach of the Wreckers.
Photo by Steve Stallone
program together and use his own life experiences in the sport to help the next generation of basketball players in the Orange and Black. “I was fortunate enough to get hired, and then I realized there’s a lot to do. I’m excited about that,” Medico said. “I want to bring back...maybe it was just in my head because I was a kid, but I had a big sense of pride playing basketball here and being a part of the community. I want to instill that in these kids and improve upon it. I want to use basketball as a vehicle to bring the community together again and get people excited about stuff. I want to show that with all the ‘problems’ in a small town, there’s still some great stuff here. I think it’s amazing. “I’m not going to say basketball is secondary, it just works. I get to work with a sport that I love - it was the first love in my life - but most importantly I get to be around these 15 kids and help them develop as men for later on in life. I’m looking at it as doing my part, doing what comes natural.” Medico endured a lot of highs and lows during his basketball career, moments that shaped his life and brought him to
this point. One of the biggest lows was the sudden death of Wreckers’ basketball coach Tony Antinozzi just five days before the start of Medico’s freshman season. “I just bought into what he taught, and I never questioned anything he put out there. If you want me to run until I puke, it will happen. You want me to come off the bench, that’s what’s gonna happen. You want me to start...I trusted him implicitly,” Medico said. “His passing was tough. There was a strong bond there. I was young and was not able to process all that. That was 27 years ago almost to the day.” Although he went on to start for four seasons and scored 1,066 points as a Wrecker, Medico said there were dark days as well. “I had everything under the spectrum. I had everything from great opportunities to a lot of bad stuff I wouldn’t want to wish on anyone playing basketball. Good or bad, it stuck with me for a long time,” he said. “I believe the stuff that happens to you in life is pushing you in a certain direction, and you become a certain person. And what you do when you become that certain person, the job’s not over. You’ve got to go back, because there’s people like you young people - but they’re going to go through the same stuff. “If I can come and step in here with these guys and kind of course-correct and help them out, guide them, be a good ear for them, be a good mentor, I can save them many years of sadness. That’s the bigger reason why I came here,” he added. “I’m trying to highlight the good parts of this experience with these kids, and remove the other stuff.” Following high school, Medico attended Shippensburg University. His intramural basketball team won the championship and even beat the men’s varsity team in a game, but Medico never played collegiately for at Ship. He tried out as a junior and made it to the final cut before removing
himself from consideration, partly because he needed to continue working to pay for his college and would likely have seen little playing time as the last player on the bench. He moved to Philadelphia after school and dabbled in coaching. “I’ve coached a bunch of youth stuff,” he explained. “I coached at camps, I coached at St. Joseph’s University basketball camp back when I was in college, and a bunch of small schools in Philadelphia. My last teaching job at a charter school in Philadelphia, I created a middle school basketball program. We didn’t have one. I also coached the jayvee team at a private high school.” The arrival of a daughter and then a son put his coaching days on hold, though he eventually became a coach with his daughter’s youth basketball team, and his son’s T-ball team. “When we moved back six or seven years ago, my interest level for coaching wasn’t there at the time,” he said. “My kids were young, but now that they’re a little bit older, the time has kind of worked itself out, and it’s been on my mind for about a year.” Medico also picked up a basketball again during that time and found that to be therapeutic. “I got back into playing about a year-and-a-half ago, and I just remembered how much fun I had,” he said. “When I’m playing, my mind shuts off, and to me it just helps with mental health. Like I tell these guys, no matter what’s going on in your life, you can come out here on the court and leave it all out here, and get it all out of you.” On Saturday, the 2023-24 Wreckers and their first-year head coach will take to the court in the Weatherly Area Middle School gym, eager to take the next step in their journey. Together. “It all was a perfect trajectory to where I am in life, and that’s why I’m here,” Medico said. “This is where life brought me to for a reason. Weatherly is where I want to be.”