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the
ournal-herald THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 • Volume 43 – No. 16 ©2023, THE JOURNAL-HERALD. All Rights Reserved
CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–145th YEAR, NO. 3
SINGLE COPY– 75¢ (USPS 277440)
CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–144th YEAR, NO. 29
New Leadership for WA School Board by Seth Isenberg New School Board members tipped the balance as the Weatherly Area School Board reorganized on December 3. After the swearing in of new and returning members, two names were presented for board president, incumbent April Walters and member Ken Jacoby III. The first vote, to seat Walters, split 4-4 with
William Knepper, Barbara Sipler, Walters and Jacoby in favor; Thomas Connors Jr., Nancy Mulvaney, Tyree Harris and Bonita Barbush opposed; and member Gerard Grega not present. On the second vote, Jacoby added his own vote in his favor, with Knepper, Sipler and Walters opposed for a 5-3 decision. Jacoby took his seat at the
See WASB, page 5
SEEING SANTA EVERYWHERE: That’s how it felt this past weekend. Above, he and his elves welcome people to Breakfast With Santa at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in White Haven. Santas elsewhere inside. Photo by Rebecca Therriault
Dennison adopts 2024 budget, tax resolution by Suzanne Winters The first order of business at the December 2023 Dennison Township Board of Supervisors meeting was to adopt resolutions to enact the 2024 budget and set the tax rate for 2024. The tax rate for general purposes for 2024 is set at .5 mils, or .005 cents of each dollar assessed. James Yackiel gave a brief road report, which included removal of tree debris from several township roads, mower
maintenance, work around the township building and picking up some equipment. The Fire report was read by township secretary Kathleen Stortz. In October, there were 10 calls, 30 ½ hours of service, 10 ½ hours of training and 4 hours of maintenance. There were also 88 hours of fundraising. November had 8 calls, 27.25 hours of service, 14 hours of training and 4 hours of maintenance.
See DENNISON, page 4
MAKING WEATHERLY MERRY AND BRIGHT: From left, Barbara Wagner, Carol Fackler, Nancy Miller, Jill Seigendall, Elva Dargay, and Georgia Farrow, all Weatherly Flower Club members, prepare the boughs to be placed in the flower boxes on the bridge in Weatherly for the holiday season. All the greens were donated by Sernak Farm of Weatherly.
PAGE 2 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023
THE JOURNAL-HERALD (USPS 277-440) Published weekly at 211 Main Street, White Haven, PA 18661
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Seth Isenberg, Advertising Sales Ruth Isenberg, Editor Steve Stallone, Sports Editor
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Editorial
A time of celebration by Seth Isenberg Chanukah and Christmas are about a week apart this year, making for a true festival of lights hereabouts. Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to decorate for the season — with an extra ‘shout out’ to those who have repurposed their Hallowe’en decorations for Christmas. Those red Santa hats do come in handy… It’s snow season, including at the ski areas. This week’s snowflakes added to the beauty of the lights, especially at sunset. These cold nights have been ideal for snowmaking, and so this weekend Big Boulder opens, joining its sister resort Jack Frost in hosting skiers. This Monday, it snowed to some accumulation in Hazleton and Freeland, Blakeslee and Mt. Pocono…just not here. We can wait. Snow will come soon enough. For now, let’s enjoy our season of lights, and peace hereabouts. Look around us — we are blessed.
Rumour has it… by Ruth Isenberg …that the former PNC Bank building on Main Street has been sold, and it’s going to be… all kinds of things. Actually, the building has been sold, confirmed through the transfer tax list received by White Haven Borough. As to what it will become, the new owner hasn’t applied for an occupancy permit yet, and isn’t ready to make an announcement, though reportedly a lease is in the works for a tenant. The ATM is staying, though there’s a possibility it will be moved to become a walk-up instead of a drive through. That’s good news. It’s also good news that a vacant Main Street building is being put back into service. Empty buildings benefit no one.
Archives From The Journal-Herald Issue of December 16, 1993 Editors & Publishers Jay and Clara Holder “It appears all hopes for voluntary cooperation between the White Haven Council and the White Haven Concerned Citizens Committee have been shattered…” Saint Nicholas Church in Weatherly and the Presbyterian Church in White Haven will each host a Christmas Cantata this Sunday. Outgoing White Haven Mayor Jay Holder, in his final report, noted that “Despite some differences, I have enjoyed working with you …” He recommended that the borough establish a full-time police department. Fairview Elementary students will enjoy a roller-skating night next Wednesday at the Skate-Away on Blackman Street in Wilkes-Barre. Cost is $1 if bought at the school, $1.50 at the door… Carbon County officials shoveled ceremonial scoops of dirt at the site of the soon to be constructed Carbon County Prison. Rabbi Lewis Bogage of Beth Israel in Hazleton wrote a pastor’s corner about Chanukah in context with the Christmas season, and ending with “We can look to the time of ‘Peace on Earth, Good-will among all people.’” The Rev. Laurie McNeil was called by the White Haven Presbyterian Church to be their Pastor. White Haven’s Colin Ackerman led the Comets to a third-place win over Weatherly Area in the Anthracite Hall of Fame Basketball Tournament in Weatherly.
Wayne Wagner’s column about Weatherly Youth Basketball feature another undefeated team — in the Senior League, where the Legion team has defeated all of its opponents so far, though its last game was a 40-39 victory over a determined Citizens Fire Co. team. Phil Engman commented that some of the football played this past week was just horrible, including a 3-0 win by the Jets over the Redskins. He noted that Sports Illustrated had recently run an article on how to make the NFL games more exciting. Approx. 125 young people attended the dance at Eurana Park on Saturday featuring music by D.J. Bobbie O. Weatherly Hardware has set up its Christmas store, with “Lights, Lights, Lights… stars wreaths, garlands, ribbon, bows, artificial trees, Christmas stockings…” Lunch at The Pipersville Inn in Bucks County was the dining review — with the review devoted in part to how lousy the service was. The food was good, but we had to chase down the maître d’ in order to get our order placed… with a delay between each course. From The Journal Issue of December 16, 1943 Publisher W. C. Taylor The holiday rush is on at the Post Office. Buy your stamps in quantities and hand your packet of letters in at the window. For speedy service, have them faced all one way… The local post office will be open all day Saturday, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Advertisers in this issue included Jacoby’s Pharmacy, Schafer’s Market, Adam L. Knies Insurance Agency, The Central Railroad of New Jersey, Hess Brothers and Stegmaier’s Beer.
THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023— PAGE 3
Public Notices PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that East Side Borough Council will reorganize and hold their January regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 6:30 P.M. in the White Haven Area Community Library, 121 Towanda Street, White Haven, Pa. 18661 Carol Ann Lenahan, Secretary
LEGAL NOTICE
Estate of Donald E. Snyder a/k/a Donald Snyder Late of Weatherly Borough, Carbon County, Pennsylvania Letters Testamentary in the above estate have been granted to the undersigned, who requests all persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment, without delay to: Carol M. Cipperley 4384 Haines Ave. San Jose, CA 95136 or to her Attorney: THOMAS S. NANOVIC, ESQUIRE NANOVIC LAW OFFICES 57 Broadway, P.O. Box 359 Jim Thorpe, PA 18229-0359 12/21
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters of Administration have been granted by the Register of Wills of Luzerne County, PA, on October 10, 2023, in the Estate of Linda Jean Dianese, a/k/a Linda Dianese, late of Hazleton City, who died September 21, 2023, to Sandra A. Hoppey, Administratrix. All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment and those having claims to present them immediately to: SENAPE & ASSOCIATES James V. Senape, Jr., Esquire Catherine A. McGovern, Esquire Michael B. Senape, Esquire 612-614 Main Street, P. O. Box 179 Freeland, PA 18224-0179 570-636-3133 12/28
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Board of Directors of the Weatherly Area School District, at their Reorganization Meeting on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, approved the following meeting schedule for 2024: 2024 MEETING SCHEDULE CAUCUS MEETINGS REGULAR MEETINGS Wednesday, January 10, 2024 Wednesday, January 17, 2024 Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Wednesday, February 14, 2024 Wednesday, March 6, 2024 Wednesday, March 13, 2024 Wednesday, April 3, 2024 Wednesday, April 10, 2024 Wednesday, May 1, 2024 Wednesday, May 8, 2024 Wednesday, June 5, 2024 Wednesday, June 12, 2024 Wednesday, August 7, 2024 Wednesday, August 14, 2024 Wednesday, September 4, 2024 Wednesday, September 11, 2024 Wednesday, October 2, 2024 Wednesday, October 9, 2024 Wednesday, November 6, 2024 Wednesday, November 13, 2024 Wednesday, December 4, 2024 Wednesday, December 11, 2024 The Weatherly Area School District Board of Directors Reorganization Meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the Middle School LGI Room. All Caucus Meetings and Regular Monthly Meetings will be held in the Middle School LGI Room at 6:00 p.m. The Board may take official action at any of the above scheduled meetings on any matter of business properly presented to it.
Toys for Tots at the Tavern
PUBLIC NOTICE
PENN LAKE BOROUGH will have a reorganization meeting on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. at the Penn Lake Community House. This meeting will be followed by the regular January work session and regular January monthly meeting. The regular January meeting previously scheduled for January 11 is canceled.
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Lehigh Township Supervisors will hold their 2024 Reorganization Meeting and January 2024 Regular Monthly Meeting on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 beginning at 1:00 P.M. at the Lehigh Township Municipal Building, 1741 S. Lehigh Gorge Drive, Weatherly, Pa.. In the event of inclement weather, both meetings will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. in the same location. Carol Ann Lenahan Secretary
Coming up this Saturday, December 16, is Customer Appreciation Day and Toys for Tots at the Tavern on the Trail in White Haven. Buffet will start around 4 p.m. The cost is $12 for the buffet and the money directly goes to Toys for Tots. Donations of new toys will also be accepted. In addition, KRZ will be having their Dysfunctional Christmas Party at the Tavern Saturday as well, featuring Santa, the Easter Bunny, and a gorilla.
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
FOCUS LIBRARY: Paul Bray (center) representing the American Legion Family in Weatherly, both Post 360 and ALA unit 360 each donated $100 to a new lending library for OT/fidget aids. Erin DiGennaro (left) faculty member at the Weatherly Area School District is working to build the library, which all faculty at the school will be able to utilize to help students focus. The library can help every learner be as successful as possible in the classroom setting. Looking on is WASD Superintendent Daniel Malloy.
PAGE 4 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023
Obituaries
Dennison
Continued from page 1
MONICA “MONKA” L. (MRISS) EICHHORN Monica Eichhorn entered nephew went above that of an into eternal life on December aunt and they often just referred 2, 2023, to her as “Mom.” She loved to surrounded host parties and get togethers by those for the holidays. she loved. Monica worked at Mountain She was the Laurel Resort as a bartender wife of the from 1986 until she retired in late William 2015. She loved getting to know Eichhorn; her customers and they loved they were her for her funny stories and married zest for life. December 24, 2015. She was a member of Zion Born on August 17, 1946, she UCC in Lehighton. was the beloved daughter of She leaves behind her nieces, the late John and Margie Mriss Cassandra of South Carolina, and she grew up helping out the Alanya Kuntz wife of Randy family business the Dixie Cup of Lehighton, Heidi Mriss of Drive-In. Schuylkill Haven and Tiffany Monica’s true love was Bill. Macaulay of Palmerton; She often said they were “two mother-in-law, Celine Nauman; peas in a pod.” They loved to sisters-in-law Marie Monday, travel over the 31 years they Garner NC, Beth (Jake) Stallone, were together. They had a love Lansford, Elsie (Jeff) Putnam, for Ocean City, MD and LBI, White Haven; brother-in-law New Jersey. Danny Eichorn, White Haven; Monica loved her family and many cousins, great-nieces, and her 6 fur babies greatly. great-nephews. She had a passion for good She was preceded in death food, great company, and a by her loving parents, husband good ice cream sundae. Her William Eichhorn, sister Tanya favorite pastimes were cooking Mriss, nephew Troy Dubois, and baking the best chocolate Jimmie Eichorn and Lisa cake. Her love for her nieces and Holzwarth. A funeral service was held December 8 at Zion UCC in Lehighton with Reverend Dean Frey officiating. The Committal will be held at the convenience of the family. Online condolences may be made at schaefferfunerals.com In lieu of flowers consider donating to https:// lehightonstfrancisah.com c/o Angie’s cat fund.
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.
The Zoning report noted there were two zoning permits issued for Brian Burke for a house and a garage at 0 Dixon Lane. Concerning the zoning permit application for Anthony DeAngelo, it was noted that no permit was needed and he can just remove the building. Attorney Hoegan has advised the Zoning Officer that no permits should be issued to the owner of 57 Walnut Street until the fines of $12,000 have been paid. He also advised the township not to accept any new zoning applications for this property until the fine has been paid. Supervisor Bruce Thomas asked that this advice also be provided in writing. A request for a reverse subdivision was received for the Balas property on Peat Moss Road. There was a request from the residents of 424 Route 437, asking for road signs alerting drivers to their school bus stop. The owner would need to contact PennDOT. Supervisor Sheila Weaver said the township should request this. Emergency Management Coordinator Chris Zwiebel advised the Supervisors the area is at risk of losing the services of the White Haven Ambulance. It has been getting harder to find and keep qualified volunteers. There is consideration of going to a regional ambulance service, which would increase response times. He thanked the board for its donation, and reported the White Haven Ambulance is financially solvent at this time. He said he will also be advising the other area municipalities affected by these current
Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc. White Haven, PA
PATRICK M. LEHMAN, PRESIDENT RUSSELL C. TETER, JR., SUPERVISOR
Serving White Haven, Weatherly and surrounding communities
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(570) 443-9816
conditions. The secretary noted the reorganization meeting for 2024 will be on January 2, as the first Monday, January 1, is the holiday. The meeting will be scheduled for 6 p.m., with the regular meeting immediately following. Supervisor Bruce Thomas announced this was his last meeting as a supervisor, and thanked everyone for their support over the years. There was a complaint from a resident concerned about the recent tree trimming on Towanda Street in the township. He stated the area was left a mess. It appears this was done by Breezeline. Supervisor Mike Mack said they would need to advise PennDOT. Weaver said the township has yet to review their franchise renewal, so she would contact Breezeline.
Congresswoman Susan Wild office hours in Weatherly today Cong. Wild’s team of constituent advocates hosts mobile office hours across her district: a chance for those who can’t make it to her Allentown, Easton or Lehighton offices to get in-person help with federal agencies like the IRS, Social Security, VA, and more. Locally, there are hours for Cong. Wild this Thursday, December 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Weatherly Borough municipal building. Get help with passports, IRS, VA, postal service, social security, immigration, Medicare or any federal agency. If you can’t make it to a regional mobile office hours tour stop, you can always reach out to any of Cong. Wild’s offices: Allentown (484) 781-6000, Easton (610) 333-1170 or Lehighton (570) 807-0333. The Wild team is here to help you access the assistance you need and to make the government work better for you.
Visit our website at pocononewspapers.com for in-between-issue stories and events
THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023— PAGE 5
Fire protection pact for Packer unresolved by James Hunter The Packer Township Supervisors voted to approve a new three-year agreement with the Borough of Weatherly and its Citizens Fire Co. No. 1 to provide fire protection for the next three years. But the other side has not approved the agreement, which expires December 31. And no new negotiations are planned yet. No matter, says Weatherly Mayor Paul J. Hadzick, he won’t see Packer go without fire protection, contract or no contract. At their latest meeting December 5, the Packer Township supervisors discussed the contract negotiations held thus far. In August, the supervisors said a three-year offer of $2,413.96, $2,515.35 and $2,631.05 was made by the borough. An offer to extend the agreement to 2033 included a minimum 2% increase per year, based on the Social Security Administration’s Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). “The supervisors were not comfortable signing on with this
WASB
Continued from page 1 president’s spot. He then took nominations for vice president. Connors was nominated, and then elected on a 7-1 vote, Walters opposed. Barbush was elected to be treasurer, 8-0. Appointments are Knepper for the PA School Board Association representative; Walters to the Carbon County Tech board as an alternate; Mulvaney to the county Tax Collection Committee as the voting delegate and Harris as the TCC alternate. Meetings will be the first and third Wednesdays of each month except January when meetings are the 10th and 17th, with July off. The caucus meeting followed. The agenda for the voting meeting on the 13th was reviewed. To be voted on is adding Jennifer Grega to the substitute teacher list, to
contract due to the uncertainty of the COLA for the next ten years,” read Supervisor Susie Gerhard from a prepared statement. “Fire protection is of the utmost importance to our residents, but we also have to take into consideration we have an elderly population, and do not want to burden them with increasing our fire tax yearly.” Supervisor Bob Selert said Packer Township countered with a ten-year offer that would have the township paying $41,798 annually by 2033. The percentages annually over the last seven years would have been 4.4, 4.6, 4.5, 4.7 and 4.7, a total of 43.1%. But that offer was turned down. On November 30, Packer officials presented the same three-year contract Weatherly had originally proposed, but it was rejected. “We prefer to sign a contract for three years, as presented by the borough, and at the end of 2026, meet with the borough with the possibility of signing on with a ten-year contract depending on the status of the economy,” Gerhard read. Hadzick said contract or no approve a land use agreement with Penn State University for a potential weather station, to rent two postage machines, and approve a homestead reduction for a local taxpayer of $352. A staff member is seeking a leave of absence for the week of January 8 to 12. Also on the agenda are the first reading of updates for policies on school facilities use, use of computers and the internet and filtering of the internet, network responsibilities and plans, and suicide awareness, prevention, response and suicide crisis response guidelines. Food Service Director Jeanine Snyder presented her report on a busy November. Twenty to thirty more lunches are being served at the Elementary/ Middle School. There was also an increase in the number of birthdays celebrated — with ice cream parties. Over a hundred parents and guardians attended “Lunch with Someone You Love” and another big turnout made for a great Thanksgiving
contract, there should not be an interruption in fire service to the township. “I will not see the township go without fire protection,” Hadzick said, “I was fire chief back in the ‘70s. Our job is to protect lives and property. We have young children, adults, elderly and properties to protect and serve. A perfect example is the state or federal government. They have no budget, but they are still running. I would actually walk off council if they decided to pull the rug out from the township.” Hadzick said he and councilman Vincent Cuddeford II are the only council members negotiating who have been volunteer firefighters, No other members of the fire company are on the negotiating committee.
“All the borough does is subsidize the fire company, about $93,000. That’s as far as it goes. The fire company is a private entity. We can’t tell them what to do.” The key to ending the impasse is continue negotiating, Hadzick said.
Weatherly Rotary winners Winner of the wheelbarrow of cheer in the recent Weatherly Rotary raffle was Margie Sterner. Other winners were Beer Basket- Steve Sernak, New Year’s Basket- Jim Sernak, Lottery Board- Henry Sernak, and Gift Basket- Paula Mengle.
Christmas play at Faith Church Weatherly Faith Church will hold a Chrildren’s Christmas Play this Sunday, December 17. All are welcome to watch, listen and laugh along. A Christmas Eve Eve Candelight service will take place December 23. The Reverse Feast — complete with a visit by a costumed Thanksgiving Turkey. December 19 is Breakfast with Santa for the K-2 classes, who are now looking for the elves on the shelves. This month’s holiday meal is planned for the 18th. Dec. 13 is National Cocoa Day and coming soon is National Pancake Day. Maintenance Director Kenneth Mehlig reported he got the drain in the back of the parking lot fixed — “It’s working perfectly.” He repaired a boiler himself after it stopped working. He is also looking at coils in the HVAC system — one to replace over the high school gym, and another in the “massive” rooftop unit above the middle school. Two coolers in the cafeteria needed adjustment. TRANE came in with their techs and adjusted the HVAC system, ad replaced some parts. Mehlig would like to hire some parttime custodians. The board will look into how to find money for additional custodian hours.
Advent for the Food Pantry will be due then. Weatherly Faith Church is located at 202 Carbon Street, right next to Enzo’s Pizza in the shopping plaza. Services are at 10 Sunday mornings, with live worship music in a welcoming atmosphere. The Kids Clubhouse is open at the same time for all kids ages Pre-K - 5th grade, and there is a nursery available. Life Groups meet Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Men, women, children and youth all meet separately for fun, fellowship and learning. Thursday evenings Celebrate Recovery is at 6 p.m. Doors open 5:30. Celebrate Recovery is for anyone with hurts, habits and hang-ups. Living in a broken world we all deal with life’s hurts, hang-ups, and habits. No one has the ability, nor should they attempt to face their hurts on their own. Celebrate Recovery is a beautiful community of strugglers who courageously enter this safe and beautiful space to get honest about our pain, and the negative ways we may see ourselves, God and others. In this process we come to accept that some of the habits we may have developed to escape our pain have caused destruction in our life and those close to us.
PAGE 6 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023
Christmas in the Park—inside It was rainy and cold—not the kind of weather for horsedrawn carriage rides or outdoor activities. But Sunday was still a great night for Weatherly’s Christmas in the Park. Due to weather conditions, this year’s event was modified to an indoors-only schedule.
Inside the Eurana Park pavilion, hundreds of people, children and adults, enjoyed two Christmas-themed movies, and a sing-a-long with Elsa and Anna from Frozen. Highlight of the event was of course the arrival of Santa Claus, and chance to visit him and
meet and greet the princesses. Other activities included a tricky tray basket raffle, letters to Santa with the Weatherly Area Community Library, popcorn from Forest Hills Rehabilitation, a soup sale by
Faith Church to support African missions, kids’ ornaments by the Weatherly Art Club and the Cub Scouts, who also sold baked goods, grilled cheese and tomato soup by the Boy Scouts, hot chocolate provided by the Weatherly Recreation Committee and served by local Girl Scout troops.
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THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023— PAGE 7
Seth’s Sightings We were able to pry loose some free time and used it for a dash to the Green Valley Book Fair in Virginia. We were getting each other some holiday gifts. The GVBF offers a wide variety of books at up to 80% off. We timed our arrival at the GVBF so that the Book Fair’s event with Santa Claus that morning would be clear. We left with four bags brimming with books, mainly mysteries and sci fi. While down there we were able to meet with a friend and had a nice lunch. We also enjoyed some driving off the interstate, discovering some nooks and crannies of the Shenandoah Valley. Our plan to extend our trip was foiled by this past Sunday’s storm, but our
decision to head home early to avoid the promised heavy rain led to the discovery of a fine classic German restaurant in downtown Hagerstown, Maryland: Schmankerl Stube Bavarian Restaurant. There, we feasted before returning to our drive home. On the drive, we bought gas at $2.93.9 in Virginia. We arrived home just after midnight, and turned in for sleep just as the rain started to turn to sleet. Sunday’s storm brought snow to Hazleton and the Blakeslee area, not as much to Weatherly and White Haven. The storm drove some of Weatherly’s Christmas in the Park activities indoors, but turnout was good. We came by to assist with the Letters to Santa table and to take some pictures.
Library Corner
The White Haven Area Community Library recently acquired many new Young Adults books including the following titles: Middle School is Worse Than Meatloaf – A Year Told Through Stuff by Jennifer Holm, The Giving Snowman – A Children’s Bedtime Story About Gratitude by Julia Zheng and When Dinosaurs Came with Everything by Elise Broach. Come down to the library
to check out the expanding collection of books for kids who love to read. The library is currently working on an On-Line Catalogue that will be available to patrons to see what books are currently available for loan. Staff training is underway, and more information will be available soon. Commemorative 2024 Calendars celebrating the 200th
by Seth Isenberg
In football, Sunday was another bad day for the Eagles, and also for the Steelers, who lost to the Patriots. The Patriots’ win didn’t stop them from being eliminated from the playoffs. The Eagles can win out and still get a shot at the Super Bowl, but they have to get their offence in gear again. The local Penguins played Wednesday, and return home this Saturday to host the Rochester Americans. This should be a good game. The team then hits the road until the 29th and 30th when Charlotte comes to play back-to-back games. Also keep January 6 and 7 open for Lehigh Valley and Hartford contests. Sightings this week have been mainly wet deer. As we drove through Virginia, we sighted
anniversary of White Haven are still available for purchase. Inside are pages featuring old and new pictures as well as interesting historical tidbits telling the story of White Haven. The calendar would make a great Christmas gift for anyone calling White Haven their home. Stop by the library to purchase one. The calendars are $20 and proceeds benefit the library. Scrabble Club will not meet on December 7. It will resume on January 4 at 6 p.m. Be sure to check out our Facebook page for up to date offerings and events.
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.
loads of calves at the farms we passed. This weekend is local, though we are going for a visit to Philadelphia to enjoy lunch with friends. On another positive note… a local radio station has rediscovered Snoopy and the Red Baron Christmas (Christmas Bells O Christmas Bells, ringing through the night, bringing peace to all the land …) Amen to this and enjoy the tune. Chanukah wraps up on Friday, leaving us readying for Christmas family gatherings, and looking ahead to New Year’s celebrations. The change of weather has both our local ski areas open as of Friday so ‘Welcome Skiers.’ For all of us, a wish of healthy holiday weeks and … snow shovels at the ready.
Benefit to aid Neidlinger is Sunday
A benefit this Sunday at St. Patrick’s Parish Hall in White Haven will have a special holiday guest, as well as a bake sale, 50/50 drawing, and tricky trays for adults and kids. The event, from 2 to 6 p.m., will help pay miscellaneous and medical expenses related to her breast cancer treatment. Neidlinger is well known in this area for her work as a nurse, massage therapist, personal trainer and owner of River Run Center for the Healing Arts. Organizers note that she has dedicated her life to helping others, and now needs our help; they invite the community to come out and show their support.
Visit our website at pocononewspapers.com or find us on Facebook for more photos, news, and features.
PAGE 8 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023
Trimmed trees take center stage at Heritage Hill by James Hunter There were 13 trees. There were a dozen crafters and tricky trays.
There was complimentary chicken soup, hot dogs, cocoa and cookies. Everything to get you into the Christmas mood. It was the annual Tree Trimming Contest at Heritage Hill Senior Community in Weatherly on Saturday.
“We are asking the public to vote for their favorite tree,” said Rachael Timm, Heritage Hill’s marketing director. “When they submit their ballot, they are entered to win a $100 Wal-Mart gift card.” The trees ranged from the traditional to Dr. Seuss. There were a dozen crafters, everything from jewelry, to keychains, to soap, to Christmas decorations, to knitted items. Leann Fallabel traveled from
Drums to show off her Shine by Leann line of jewelry, which includes necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings and hair clips. “Everything is $5,” she said. “I’m on Facebook every Monday and Wednesday. I have customers all over the United States.” Carol Faino of Weatherly was there to show off her line of knitted items, ranging from blankets, to Christmas tree hats, and hat and scarf sets.
“I give discounts to military and senior citizens.” Faino said.
THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023— PAGE 9
Hickory Hills held a Christmas Party for all residents on Saturday, December 9. HHPOA president Chris Reppert stepped up to be Santa. It was a fun time for little kids and big kids with food, music, and gifts. The kids made a pinecone decoration using biodegradable glitter, thanks to Mary Lemerise. Photos by Donna Fererro & Alice Lachewitz
the perfect holiday dessert —beautiful & delicious Order a decorated Ice Cream Cake from Wood’s Ice Cream, White Haven, for your holiday celebration Many in stock in our freezer — call 570-443-9868 to order by December 22 Holiday Cakes $22.99 to $24.99
Also serving lots of other delicious treats for Santa’s Helpers
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PAGE 10 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023
Journal-Herald Sports
Bibla leads Comet wrestlers into the future The Crestwood wrestling team is sporting a new look at the top this season, although the Comets’ new head coach is no stranger to Crestwood sports. Martin Bibla, a former Comet football standout and NFL player, is the Comets’ new wrestling head coach. Bibla succeeds Jim Costello, who moved on as an assistant at Wilkes-Barre Area after being named the Wyoming Valley Conference Officials’ Coach of the Year with the Comets in 2022-23. Bibla was Costello’s assistant the past three seasons. Although numbers aren’t where he’d like them to be, Bibla is hoping those will rebound and the sport will gain traction again, not only at Crestwood, but across the region and the state.
“Wrestling is the hardest sport you can do and it only appeals to a few kids with hearts of a lion. If it were easy we would have 100 kids in the room,” Bibla said during the preseason. He’s focused on a weighttraining program for those Comets who are in the wrestling room to help push them to the next level. That’s a level Bibla’s son, Magnus reached as a four-year standout wrestler for the Comets. The 2023 graduate was a two-time District 2 Class 3A champion, two-time Northeast Regional runnerup and a PIAA placewinner who now wrestles at the University of Buffalo. The cupboard at Crestwood is by no means bare, however, as Magnus’ younger brother Lincoln returns after placing
third at 189 pounds at districts and fourth at regionals last winter as a sophomore. Other veterans who return with varsity experience include Nick Webb (114 pounds), Sam Jeckell (127), Anson Jumper (123), Ethan Zabroski (145), Thomas Stavitski (152), Nate Wisniewski (189) and Kyle Draina (285). “We are expecting a great veteran-led season,” Coach Bibla said. “These kids have wrestled together for over five years, and we feel they have been primed for great things. “The wrestling culture is drastically improving here at Crestwood, even though our numbers don’t currently reflect in that equation. (The) elementary (room) is full, the junior high (room) is full,
and with our success and representation at regionals and states doubling, it has made an impact on young minds.” The Comets were scheduled to host Dallas on Wednesday in their Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1 opener. Meanwhile, as girls’ wrestling begins to take hold as a PIAA sport in Pennsylvania, eight girls at Crestwood High have come out to wrestle, and will compete in an exhibition schedule. 2023-24 SCHEDULE December: 13 - Dallas; 20 - Nanticoke; 28 - at Bob Rohm Memorial Tournament. January: 3 - at Hazleton Area; 6 - at Wyoming Valley Conference Tournament; 10 - Pittston Area; 13 - at Berwick Duals; 17 - Wilkes-Barre Area; 1920 - at Coal Cracker Invitational; 24 - at Wyoming Valley West; 31 - at District Team Duals. February: 3 - at District Team Duals; 8 - at West Scranton; 14 - Berwick; 23-24 - at District 2 Class 3A Individual Championships. March: 1-2 - at Northeast Class 3A Regional Tournament.
Crestwood field hockey duo makes All-State Crestwood’s Kylah Kelly was a repeat first-team selection, and Lady Comets teammate Madi Geiger joined her on the Class 2A first team as the Pennsylvania High School Field
Hockey Coaches Association All-State Teams were announced last week. Kelly and Geiger helped power Crestwood to the District 2-4 Class 2A Subregional championship game
Crestwood boys basketball
Comets ‘Wright’ on track, roll past Nanticoke Chaz Wright poured in a game-best 19 points, and the Crestwood boys’ basketball team overpowered visiting Nanticoke 56-28 on Monday night. Ten different players reached the scoring column for Crestwood, which led 18-6 after one quarter and never looked back. Derek Johnson scored eight points, while Ayden Agapito and Matt Sklarosky had six each for the Comets, who emptied their bench by the fourth quarter.
Nanticoke was led by Jaidyn Johnson with 10 points.
NANTICOKE (28) – Ball 0 0-0 0, Brovan 1 0-2 2, Remley 0 1-2 1, Spencer 0 3-8 3, Pearson 0 0-0 0, Mullery 2 0-0 5, J. Johnson 4 1-6 10, Stachowick 1 0-0 2, Mitchell 2 0-0 4. Totals 10 5-18 28. CRESTWOOD (56) – Sechleer 0 0-0 0, Porro 2 0-0 4, Czapla 1 0-0 3, D. Johnson 3 2-4 8, Sklarosky 2 2-2 6, Wright 7 4-8 19, Jennings 2 0-0 4, Feisel 1 0-0 2, Agapito 3 0-0 6, Biscotti 0 0-0 0, Nulton 1 0-0 2, Amend 0 0-0 0, Canela 1 0-0 2, Grevera 0 0-0 0, Rodgers 0 0-0 0. Totals 23 8-14 56. Nanticoke.......6 5 3 14 - 28 Crestwood.....18 11 13 14 - 56 3-pointers: Johnson 3, Remley, Mullery. Wright 2, Czapla.
and a second-place finish that left the Lady Comets as District 2 2A champions. Crestwood’s Aubrey Macri and Ava McConnell were both named second team All-State in Class 2A. Wyoming Valley West’s Olivia Yelen was also a repeat first-team selection - in Class 3A
- after helping the Lady Spartans to a District 2 Class 3A title. In all, there were five first-team repeaters from the Wyoming Valley Conference and District 2, as well as 15 first-team choices, 16 secondteamers, and 13 honorable mention selections from the WVC.
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THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023— PAGE 11
Not Since Jeremy Lin has New York seen an athlete like Tommy DeVito by Leslie Monteiro Enter Tommy DeVito, the third-string Giants quarterback who’s starting now with Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor out with injuries. While Taylor may be eligible to return to active duty and start, DeVito has led the Giants to two wins in a row. So it’s hard to believe he won’t be starting against the Green Bay Packers next Monday night, even if Giants head coach Brian Daboll has been noncommittal. With a month to go in the NFL season, metro New Yorkers have been searching for a reason to be invested in the NFL. It’s crazy to say that DeVito, the little-known University of Illinois product (after transferring from Syracuse), is the fulcrum of hope, but Giants fans can always dream. In three games, he has demonstrated impressive savvy and self-control under center. He takes plenty of hits - he was sacked six times in the Giants’ last game, a 10-7 victory against the New England Patriots. Yet DeVito displays toughness by keeping his team in the game. He does not turn the ball over and helps his team sustain drives by extending plays. There’s another thing. DeVito has a calming effect that says everything will be okay with him under center. He takes charge of the huddle. He displays arm strength, too. Results follow. He threw three touchdowns on the road against the Washington Commanders for his first NFL win and then tossed the Giants’ lone touchdown to Isaiah Hodgins against the Patriots. Overall, this undrafted rookie has thrown six touchdowns and just one interception as a starter. DeVito certainly has Giants fans wondering if he can keep this going. Of course, they know what happened recently in Minneapolis. Josh Dobbs replaced the injured Kirk
Cousins and lit up the Twin Cities...at least at the beginning. But after throwing four INTs against the Bears in the Vikings’ last game, it looks like the Twin Cities has experienced its own version of Linsanity. Eventually, defenses figure out backup quarterbacks and make necessary adjustments, and you can bet the Packers are watching a film of the Giants’ folk hero. After all, the Pack is on a roll, having beaten top teams the Lions and Chiefs in succession, and Green Bay has its own QB sensation in Jordan Love. But we all love a good sports story, especially when a guy comes out of nowhere. In a football season with much to forget in New York, we can be thankful for small things like Tommy DeVito. And, who knows? He just might end up being a big thing. _____________
Sports Column.
Leslie Monteiro has been covering New York metro sports for over a decade. He’s now writing for The
National Honor Society members seniors Kaylee Gaydoscik and Erin Prete count some the socks that were donated by the students for the American Legion Auxiliary’s Warm Tootsies Contest. Members of Unit 360 returned to the Weatherly Area School District to collect the totes they had placed in the elementary and middle schools on November 1 for their Warm Tootsies Contest. The students were asked to donate pairs of new men’s white crew socks that will be distributed to veterans at the VA hospital, the local assisted living and nursing home, Valor House and homeless shelters. The socks were counted by two senior members of the National Honor Society. The students donated 937 pairs of socks. The classroom donated the most socks was Mr. McGee’s 6th grade room. They were treated to an in-school pizza party in December.
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PAGE 12 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023
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30. Grow larger 32. Explanation 35. Blush 36. Snarl 38. Grabbed a chair 39. Out of practice 40. Deeply impressed 43. Previously owned
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PAGE 14 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023
Big Boulder to open Friday
Big Boulder Resort will open for the 2023/24 winter season at 3 p.m. Friday, December 15. In celebration of Opening Day, a traditional banner break will be held, there will be a DJ, and free walking tacos for the first 150 people.
Big Boulder’s anticipated Opening Weekend terrain is Edelweiss, Tannenbaum, Little Boulder, Carbon Way, Coal Chute, Merry Widow, and the Ski School Beginner Area for lessons. Skiing and riding will be serviced by Harmony and Blue Heron.
Skiers and snowboarders at Jack Frost and Big Boulder (JFBB) resorts will continue to enjoy improved terrain accessibility, reduced wait times, and more reliable lift service thanks to last year’s Epic Lift Upgrades. The replacement and consolidation of five lifts between Jack Frost and Big Boulder with fixed-grip fourperson chairs greatly increased uphill capacity and access to multiple slopes throughout the mountains. At Jack Frost, the Pocono, the Tobyhanna, and the Paradise replaced the B & C lifts, the E & F lifts, and the East 1 and 2 doubles. At Big Boulder, the Blue Heron and the Harmony replaced the Merry Widow 1 and 2 doubles and the Edelweiss Triple. Coming soon is an
updated bubly Tubing Park at Big Boulder. Additional improvements include new trail signage. Big Boulder is planning a full roster of events this year: Slope Days after school ski school, and après ski scene and dining experiences including a new Taqueria featuring fresh Mexican and South American flavors. Regular Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday: 3-8 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, and Holiday Mondays: 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Holidays (Including holiday Mondays and the week of 12/261/1): 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Big Boulder is closed 12/24. Big Boulder is open 12/25, 12-8 p.m.
Why youth sports are important by Roger Barbee
Everybody starts somewhere, usually by just trying, being present, and going on to become better, maybe not great, but just better. As a former coach, I’ve thought a lot about those words over the years. Recently, those words were reinforced as I observed a fourteen-team youth wrestling tournament, the first competition for the new season of 2023-24. The Hall was packed with wrestlers of all sizes and wrestlers of young ages, both sexes, and with coaches, parents, trainers, and school staff. The baby-faced boy walked past me as I watched the wrestling on Mat 1. As he skirted between me and the action on Mat 1, his headgear with his school’s logo slipped from his hand. An older teammate strode to him.... While folkstyle wrestling in high school has changed since I practiced it over fifty years ago, it is also the same. While we never had a tournament with fourteen teams, we never wore headgear, and we never had wrestling shoes. We did have matches of three two-minute periods, and each wrestler tried to defeat the opposition.
Some sports fans enjoy comparing today’s athletes with those of the past, but that seems like comparing an orange with an apple. They have some similarities, but they are two different fruits. I wrestled in the 1960s much like those boys and girls did in the Hall, but in my opinion, any other comparison is pointless. The wrestlers today, even the average ones, know and can execute and counter more moves than those of us who wore tennis shoes for matches and practiced on canvas mats. But there is still one similarity. While the skill of those boys and girls at that tournament could have been better, their desire and determination were outstanding. Yes, there were wrestling moves that needed to be executed
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correctly and countermoves that were, well, just wrong. There were glaring errors in the correct starting positions, and the officials had to “coach” a wrestler more than once. However, those students were on the mats and trying. To paraphrase the words of President Roosevelt in his famous “The Man in the Arena” speech, they were “young athletes in the ring,” and no one outside that ring had the right to criticize him. As I kept watching, I thought of some great American wrestlers and wondered if Dan Gable, John Smith, Kyle Snyder, Tom Ryan, or others had ever competed in a tournament like this. Of course, they did. Everybody starts somewhere. ...when the older teammate
strode to the baby-faced boy who had dropped his headgear, he showed him how to slip the shoulder strap of his wrestling singlet through the headgear chin strap to allow it to dangle next to his hip. When the younger boy had done it correctly, the more experienced boy patted him on the shoulder and said, “Now you’re a wrestler.” A wrestler, indeed. _____________ Roger Barbee, a longtime former high school wrestling coach, resides in Virginia. You can find his writing at Southern Intersections and The Sports Column.
THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023— PAGE 15
Wreckers still looking for first basketball victory Mahanoy Area has burst out of the starting blocks on a four-game win streak to start its season. The red-hot Golden Bears started equally hot in their Schuylkill League Division III basketball game with visiting Weatherly Area on Monday. Brady Alansky scored eight of his 18 points during a 26-9, first-quarter dash that powered the unbeaten Golden Bears to an 81-35 victory in Mahanoy City. The Golden Bears placed five players in double figures. In addition to Alansky’s 18, Jace Yedsena had 14 points, Chris Cuff added 11, and Tanner Zawada and Colm McGroarty each hit for 10.
Corbin Wagner scored a game-high 19 points in a losing cause for the Wreckers (0-4, 0-2), who are still trying to get rookie head coach Luke Medico his first win. Matt Adler added 10 for Weatherly, and both he and Wagner had a pair of 3-pointers. Mahanoy Area won the junior varsity game, 67-20. Brandon Davis scored eight points for the Wreckers. WEATHERLY AREA (35) — Adler 4 0-0 10, Davis 0 0-0 0, Stauffer 1 0-2 2, Donish 0 0-0 0, McKeegan 1 0-0 2, Saldukas 1 0-0 2, Wagner 6 5-5 19, Lamonica 0. Totals 13 5-7 35. MAHANOY AREA (81) — Mayberry 1 0-0 3, Yedsena 5 3-8 14, Cuff 5 0-0 11, Zawada 4 0-0 10, Oblas 1 1-1 3, Alansky 9 0-0 18, Styka 3 2-4 8, Manley 0 0-0 0, McGroarty 5 0-0 10, Zilker 2 0-0 4, Gallagher 0 0-0 0. Totals 35 6-13 81. Weatherly Area.....9 5 6 15 — 35 Mahanoy Area.....26 26 24 5 — 81
3-FGs: Wagner 2, Adler 2, Zawada 2, Mayberry, Yedsena, Cuff.
Shenandoah Valley 67, Weatherly Area 57 - Last week in Shenandoah, Brayden Maksimik and John Silvestre each scored 16 points to power Shenandoah Valley to the Schuylkill League Division III opening win over Weatherly Area. The Blue Devils (1-3, 1-0) gave head coach Josh Dombrosky his first victory. The Wreckers’ Ian McKeegan led all scorers with 23 points.
SV girls top Lady Wreckers in league opener Maddie Wasser scored 11 of her game-high 23 points in a 15-2, game-opening run as visiting Shenandoah Valley topped Weatherly Area 43-16 last week in the Schuylkill League Division III girls’ basketball opener for both teams. Ava Menjivar added eight points for Shenandoah Valley (3-2 overall, 1-0 league), which shot 11-for-14 from the foul line and limited the Lady Wreckers
to just five field goals. Bethany Houser paced Weatherly Area (1-2, 0-1) with 10 points. SHENANDOAH VALLEY (43) — Menjivar 1 5-6 8, Monaghan 1 0-0 2, Aftuk 1 0-0 2, Labotsky 3 0-0 6, Wasser 8 6-8 23, DeAngelo 1 0-0 2. Totals 15 11-14 43. WEATHERLY AREA (16) — Gaydoscik 1 0-0 2, Binder 0 0-0 0, Houser 3 3-6 10, Russell 0 0-0 0, Davidovich 0 0-3 0, Reiner 1 2-2 4, Weston 0 0-0 0, Pugh 0 0-0 0, Gordick 0 0-0 0, Synder 0 0-0 0. Totals 5 5-11 16. Shenandoah Vy........15 9 15 4 — 43 Weatherly Area.........2 6 1 7 — 16 3-pointers: Menjivar, Wasser, Houser.
WEATHERLY AREA (57) — Adler 1 0-0 3, Stauffer 1 0-0 2, Donish 1 0-0 2, McKeegan 9 3-3 23, Saldukas 3 0-2 6, Wagner 2 1-1 5, Lamonica 5 2-3 14. Totals 22 6-9 57. SHENANDOAH VALLEY (67) — Boris 2 1-4 6, Monaghan 2 4-6 8, Maksimik, 7 0-0 16, Taylor 0 3-3 3, Reyes 1 0-0 2, Salguero 2 1-2 5, Silvestre 6 3-4 16, McCole 1 1-1 4, Tector 1 1-1 3, Rivera 0 0-0 0, Burke 1 2-2 4. Totals 23 16-23 67. Weatherly Area.....18 11 14 14 — 57 Shenandoah Vy.....20 16 19 12 — 67 3-pointers: McKeegan 2, Lamonica 2, Adler, Maksimik 2, Boris, Silvestre, McCole.
Junior High Basketball Roundup Boys
Weatherly Area Girls’ Basketball
Austyn Lamonica netted 14 for the Wreckers. The Blue Devils posted a 53-38 junior varsity win in the night’s opener.
Eighth Grade Weatherly Area 45, Lehighton 24 - Vincent Cuddleford III rimmed a game-high 14 points, Mitchell Knock added 10 more, and the Wreckers (1-1) rolled over host Lehighton Monday for their first win of the season. For the Indians, Landan Steigerwalt scored a team-best 11 points. St. Clair 37, Weatherly Area 32 Colton Oswald’s game-high 22 points powered St. Clair over Weatherly Area in last week’s season opener for both teams. Mitchell Knock and Kolton Reiner each scored nine points to lead the Wreckers.
Seventh Grade
Lehighton 31, Weatherly Area 19 - Carl Linghan scored nine points,
Jake Albert tallied eight and the Indians eased past the visiting Wreckers Monday. Jaxon McKeegan’s nine points led Weatherly. Eddie Feiling scored four. St. Clair 27, Weatherly Area 24 - Dan Trezise hit for 11 points as St. Clair held off Weatherly Area. Levi Aneskevich scored 12 points and Jaxon McKeegan followed with eight for the Wreckers.
Girls Eighth Grade Lehighton 29, Weatherly Area 14 - With Sophia Wise scoring 10 points and Brielle Parliman hitting for nine, Lehighton eased past Weatherly Area on Monday. Katie Knock topped the Lady Wreckers with eight points and Maci Kane followed with four.
Puzzle Answers
PAGE 16 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023
Supporting military families with Trees for Troops On Wednesday, December 6, members of the Pennsylvania National Guard arrived by truck to Lehigh Gorge Nursery in Lehigh Township to pick up donated trees to be distributed around Pennsylvania. Lehigh Gorge Nursery, owned by Bruce and Becky Gregory and managed by Evan Gregory, was informed of this program, PA TREES FOR PA HEROES through the Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association (PCTGA). Lehigh Gorge Nursery has been a sponsor of TREES FOR TROOPS by donating trees for many years. “It is a great pleasure and such a wonderful feeling of satisfaction that our farm and employees can in this way thank our military service men and women for their service and dedication to our nation and our freedom,” said Becky Gregory. PA TREES FOR PA HEROES is part of the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation’s TREES FOR TROOPS program which was founded in 2005
Shown along with the National Guardsmen are Evan Gregory, Bruce Gregory, Zane Klynowsky, Ryan Hoffman, Steve Klynowsky and Zack Baucum. to provide free, farm-grown Christmas trees to service members of all branches and their families around the country. The PA TREES FOR PA HEROES distribute real Christmas trees donated by local Christmas tree growers to our own Pennsylvania
troops and their families in need of assistance. The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA),
who indicated they had a need were vetted by their respective chain of command to ensure their level of need.
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representing more than 700,000 veterans, and the Pennsylvania National Guard (PNG) representing more than 16,850 soldiers and airmen, identified almost 200 Pennsylvania veterans and National Guardsmen experiencing financial hardship to purchase a real Christmas tree. The members of the PNG
Weatherly Rotary Club 2023 Daily Number Calendars Now Available for $20
Your Pic 3 # will play every day For purchase or info call John @ 570-427-4659