The Journal-Herald, Thursday, December 15, 2022

theJournal-herald

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022 • Volume 42 – No. 16 (USPS 277440) ©2022, THE JOURNAL-HERALD. All Rights Reserved

CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–144th YEAR, NO. 3

Last bank standing leaving Weatherly

by Ryan Schertrumpf & Ruth Isenberg

News that Truist Bank, Weatherly branch, is closing in March has been the topic of much conversation over the past week. If no bank takes Truist’s place, it will be the first time in 140 years that Weatherly does not have a bank/money service. There have been many names attached to the finan-

cial institutions that served Weatherly over those years. In the interest of maintaining an accurate record, the material originally compiled by Jack Koehler in the Weatherly Area Museum proved invaluable.

First is the history of the Anthracite Building and Loan. It was formed in January of 1883 and was located at 102 Carbon Street. The See WEATHERLY BANKS, page 5

CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–143rd YEAR, NO. 29

JH: Seth Isenberg

No Dennison tax increase

by Suzanne Winters

The 2023 Budget Resolution was up for review and approval at this month’s Dennison Township Supervisors’ meeting. There was some additional discussion over what to budget for the White Haven Police Department protection. It

was decided to budget for a 3% increase. The 2023 Township Budget Resolution was passed with these modifications.

The Tax Resolution for 2023 was also passed with See DENNISON, page 4

SUNDAY’S SNOW enhanced the festive atmostphere at Christmas in the Park at Eurana Park in Weatherly. Find more photos on page 6. JH: Seth Isenberg

TIME TO GET TO KNOW YOU: PA Senator David Argall checks his watch as he starts an hour and half meeting with White Haven Borough officials. Sen. Argall now represents White Haven and took time on Tuesday to discuss community issues and concerns. Shown clockwise from left are White Haven council members Charlie Best and John Zugarek, Chamber of Commerce president Linda Miller, White Haven council member Bob Lamson, borough manager Linda Szoke, senatorial aide Brad Hurley, Sen. Argall, and consultant John X. Gower.

THE JOURNAL-HERALD

(USPS 277-440) Published weekly at 211 Main Street, White Haven, PA 18661

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(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 2022, The Journal-Herald

Editorial

Bereft of banking

by Ruth Isenberg

The news that the Truist branch in Weatherly will close at the end of March brought a certain sense of deja vu. Just around this season two years ago, PNC announced that it was closing its White Haven branch in the spring of 2021.

Banking is an industry that has been transformed by the internet and electronic communication. Some parts of that transformation are unquestionably positive. It’s far easier to transfer funds from one place to another, and far faster. Consumers can handle lots of banking details for themselves, from the comfort of their homes or businesses.

That ease spelled the doom for some of conventional banking, however. Why pay tellers, when your customers can do most of their work themselves? Why maintain buildings, when most banking is done online? To big out-of-town banks, those cost factors far outweigh the value of personal relationships between bankers and local business people, bank tellers and the friends and neighbors they have served for generations.

As times change, business institutions like banks change too. Smaller banks may step in to fill the gap left when large multi-state banks move on. It hasn’t happened in White Haven, in part because the former bank building is not available to other banks. Let’s hope that is not the case with Weatherly.

A true hometown bank, employing local people, would receive a warm welcome.

Archives

From The Journal-Herald

December 10, 1992

Editors & Publishers

Jay and Clara Holder Nancy Pilecki will continue as president of the Weatherly Area School Board. George Schneider will also continue as vice president.

Crestwood School Board has a new president, on a vote of 6 to 3 Michael Sinco was chosen over previous Board president Emilia Kramer.

Superintendent Gordon Snow had his contract renewed for another three years. Tim Grazio, former basketball coach at Bishop Hafey and at area colleges, was appointed to fill the vacant boys basketball coach position for the season. Coach Al Clocker resigned just before the season was to start.

Over 150 people attended a town meeting in White Haven at the Community Center. Discussion was heated around the White Haven Municipal Authority and its project to add a well and deal with pollution of the water supply in Woodhaven. There were questions on the rising cost of water. An audit committee was suggested to be formed to look for ways to reduce spending.

State representative Keith McCall attended. McCall, who already represents Carbon County, will represent White Haven as well starting in 1993.

Writer Linda Migneco took her husband, Frank,

along to the Great Brews of America event at Split Rock Resort that was held just before Thanksgiving. They has a fun time, with Frank discovering Stoudts’ Beer of Adamstown PA outstanding among the 15 breweries in attendance. There’s also a funny description about Velcro wall jumping where The Pocono Record’s reporter managed to stick himself to the wall upside down.

Thelma Pike, a former Broadway star, will appear on stage to speak to the audience and cast of Gypsy (at the Sunday matinee performance at the Hazleton Philharmonic Center) at the invitation of show producer Bob Sacco.

A photo page was devoted to the upcoming Holiday House Tour.

Ed Gower contributed a column on the start of the White Haven Youth Basketball season getting underway at the White Haven Center gym.

Phil Engman writes a Monday Night Football matchup that looked like a backyard game played by a bunch of little kids. “It had to be the worst football game I have ever seen.”

The Crestwood Wrestling Club is sponsoring its 9th annual Mountaintop Invitational tournament this Friday and Saturday. Fourteen teams are slated to attend.

In Wayne Wagner’s column about Weatherly Youth Basketball, the Storks won again, 22 to 17 over Dr. T’s

Aces, led by Austin Gregory’s 12 points. The Lions remain the only undefeated team of the Senior League, beating Gerhard Roofing 35-24. Of note, the J&E IGA team won its first game in overtime, 37 to 32 over the Fire Company sponsored team.

Big Boulder ski area opened for the season December 5.

This issue’s ads included Charlie’s Clothing Store in Freeland, Lenny Steward Florist, Farmer’s Dairy for Egg Nog, Bankus Gifts of Blakeslee, Video Unlimited, Pearle Vision, Star Gas, Gebhardt Billiard & Games, AL Fashions, R&A Coin, Bonnie’s Cutting Edge, Tina’s Tanning, Lazzari Pizza, Shenanigans and the American Red Cross.

Ruth wrote a review of a dinner at Damenti’s in Mountaintop. She enjoyed a beautiful rack of lamb while I had Atlantic Char in a dill sauce. (Re-reading the article made me hungry…)

From The Journal

December 10, 1942

Publisher W. C. Taylor

Well-known local entertainer Lee Jones is busy these days arranging and installing his annual Christmas display for the entertainment of children and grown-ups too. Many new patriotic features are to be added, along with flags of the Allied Nations.

The White Haven High School seniors are presenting a romantic comedy in three acts this Thursday

Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Auditors of Lehigh Township, Carbon County will reorganize on Tuesday, January 4, 2023 at 5:00 P.M. in the Township Municipal Building located at 1741 S. Lehigh Gorge Drive, Weatherly, PA 18255.

Lehigh Township Board of Auditors

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Lehigh Township Supervisors will hold their 2020 Reorganization Meeting and January 2023 Regular Monthly Meeting on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 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 4, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. in the same location.

Carol Ann Lenahan Secretary

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters of Administration have been issued in the Estate of Joanne Carol Wheeler a/k/a Joanne C. Wheeler a/k/a Joanne Wheeler, late of the Township of Lausanne, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, who passed away on the 15th day of October, 2022 by the Register of Wills of Carbon County to Kimberly A. Wheeler, 245 Company Field Road, Weatherly, PA 18255. All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment and those having claims should present the same without delay to the Administrator or to:

Casey A. Gillespie, Esquire Gillespie Miscavige & Ferdinand, LLC

3 E. Butler Drive, Suite 102 Drums PA 18222 (570) 788-7440 Ext. 114 12/22

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that East Side Borough Council will hold their January regular monthly meeting on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 6:30 P.M. in the White Haven Library, 121 Towanda Street, White Haven, PA.

Carol Ann Lenahan,

Secretary

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS GIVEN that Letters Testamentary have been granted in the Estate of Edna Mae Randis, late ofButler Twp.,LuzerneCounty,PA (Dateof death: October 10, 2022). All persons indebted to said estate are required to make payments and those having claims or demandstopresentthesamewithoutdelayto theExecutrix;LynnBostic, 173E.Foothills Dr., Drums, PA 18222, or: Donald G.Karpowich, Esquire 85 Drasher Road Drums,PA18222 12/22

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters Testamentary have been granted in the Estate of Thomas R. Titus, late of the 5488 Quakake Road, Town of Weatherly, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, who died on October 27, 2022. All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment and those having claims or demands against the Estate are to present the same without delay to: Judith A. Veglia, Executrix c/o Peter O’Donnell, Esquire 305 South Church Street, Suite 175 Hazleton, PA 18201 12/22

WASB approves agreement with WAE support personnel

by Seth Isenberg

The Weatherly Area School Board approved the agreement with the Weatherly Area Education Support Personnel union at their December 7 caucus meeting on an 8-0-1 vote, member Chrissie Houser abstaining. The union had already voted to approve the agreement, so this vote sealed the deal.

Malloy asked the Board to approve this year’s senior class trip to New York City May 20 to 22, 2023. Board member Matt von Frisch explained that the class voted on the trip. Malloy also asked the Board to allow use of the elementary school December 14 and 15 for the Pre-K Holiday Show on the 15th.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Board of Directors of the Weatherly Area School District, at their Reorganization Meeting on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, set the following dates for their 2023 meetings: 2023 MEETING SCHEDULE

CAUCUS MEETINGS

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Wednesday, March 1, 2023 Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Wednesday, November 1, 2023 Wednesday, December 6, 2023

REGULAR MEETINGS

Wednesday, January 18, 2023 Wednesday, February 8, 2023 Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Wednesday, April 12, 2023 Wednesday, May 10, 2023 Wednesday, June 14, 2023 Wednesday, August 16, 2023 Wednesday, September 13, 2023 Wednesday, October 11, 2023 Wednesday, November 8, 2023 Wednesday, December 13, 2023

REORGANIZATION MEETING

The Weatherly Area School District Board of Directors Reorganization Meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at 7:00 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 7:00 P.M. The Board may take official action at any of the above scheduled meetings on any matter of business properly presented to it.

Robert Kachurak Business Manager Secretary, Board of Education

Members of the negotiating team including Board member Christy Minor were praised for their hard work by Board vice-president Bill Knepper.

Student representative Michael Berger gave his report, noting concerts performed December 1 and 2, and that basketball season has started and along with that, cheerleading. He also noted that Weatherly Area’s Scholastic Scrimmage team has competed and asked all to watch WVIA when it’s broadcasted. December 19 through 22 will be Spirit Week district-wide. He also noted that Winter Keystones (tests) are being held.

Superintendent Daniel

Business manager Robert Kachurak reported that the 2023-24 budget will NOT exceed the PA indexed amount of a 5.5% increase.

In reports, member Tom Connors Jr. shared that contractors are looking at the District’s fields to make recommendations, with prices. He also has companies looking at the District’s HVAC systems. In Connors’ report on the CCTI, he noted that there is now a wait list for students to become part of the Food Service program, and also for Cosmetology and he hopes to see the board there “take care of the wait list” as soon as possible.

More about this meeting in next week’s Journal-Herald.

the tax rate the same as last year at .5 mils.

Deep Woods LLC’s hold harmless agreement was discussed. It needs some modification to include adding a signature block for Blooming Dreams and an area for a notary signature. This document will be reviewed again after these changes are made, and it will then be executed.

Zoning Officer Jack Varaly reported that no zoning permit was issued for 16 Norman Lane, as variances are still required and not all requirements have been satisfied as of yet.

A zoning permit was issued for 13 E. Nescopeck Creek Lane. The property owner desires to put on an addition, but there are concerns about the property being in a flood plain. It was determined that the property is not in a flood zone.

The request for a zoning

permit for 121 Creasey Creek Lane was approved, with the written response from Varaly that the property is not to be used as an Airbnb. The property owner seeks to build a large addition on the property.

Roadmaster James Yackiel reported cleaning of culverts and drains, removing trees that had fallen on roadways, maintenance on equipment, and moving salt into the salt shed. The downed stop sign at 2nd and Walnut Streets was put back in place.

It was also noted that 160 trees in the Township have been marked for removal when the 2023 Tree Project gets underway. Trees, marked with a white “X,” are dead or obstruct sight distance on township roads. Most of these trees are not in front of homes. The project will be bid in early 2023, with tree removal continuing until leaves appear, then will be suspended until fall after the trees have lost their leaves when the remainder of the trees will be removed.

Dennison Township Volunteer Fire Department reported 6 calls, 13½ hours of service, 5 hours of training and 12 hours of maintenance. There were 2 vehicle accidents, 1 pole down, 2 EMS assists and 1 false alarm. One incident was in Nuangola, and the rest in Dennison. The department has a surplus Jaws of Life

they have been trying to sell, but have been unsuccessful. Their set is becoming obsolete due to newer technology. Both response vehicles are now equipped with newer battery-operated equipment. The department will try to find somewhere they can donate this older equipment. The board agreed with this plan.

Bills totaling $165,088 were approved for payment. Total income for November was $129,648.

The Act 57 of 2022 resolution regarding delinquent taxes, discussed at November’s meeting, was passed as required.

It was also noted that the township’s new bathroom construction project is underway.

Emergency Management Coordinator Chris Zweibel sent a letter of resignation, to be effective the first of the year. The requirements of the position are no longer compatible with his other job. He is trying to find a replacement.

A Thank You letter was received from the White Haven Area Community Library for the township’s donation.

Dennison supervisors’ 2023 reorganization meeting will be held Tuesday, January 3 at 6 p.m., with the regular meeting held immediately afterwards.

Lehman Family Funeral

JR , SUPERVISOR Ser ving White Haven, Weatherly and surrounding communities www.LehmanFuneralHome.com Branch of Lehman Family Funeral Ser vice, Inc (570) 443-9816

Weatherly holiday home decorating judging Monday

The Weatherly Recreation Committee is sponsoring a holiday home decoration contests for residents of Weatherly Borough, and Packer, Lehigh and Lausanne Townships. Three winners will be chosen. To enter, you must register by send -

ing a private message to the Weatherly Recreation Facebook page, or call/ text Jen at 570-582-9298 with your name, phone # and address (please specify township).

Houses should be lit on Monday, December 20, for judging.

Heritage Hill named Caring Super Star of 2023

Heritage Hill senior living community in Carbon County is the only location from the area to receive Caring.com’s Caring Stars 2023.

Caring.com is a leading senior living referral service and a top site for senior care reviews.

Heritage Hill, which provides personal care and memory care services, is top-rated for excellence in senior living and care.

The senior living community is also a seven-time recipient, therefore considered a Caring Super Star for having earned the Caring Stars award in three or more years.

“We are honored to have again earned this special award that reflects the quality and high standard of care we provide to our residents daily. We thank our families for recognizing the care that our wonderful staff provides,” said Lisa Perla, executive director of Heritage Hill.

Caring Stars 2023 includes 329 senior living

communities in 39 states. In Pennsylvania, there are 18 Caring Star communities named over 11 counties.

Caring Stars started in 2012 as the first “best senior living” award in its industry, with winners determined based on consumer ratings and reviews.

December 20

Michael E. Dias Birthday Memorial

You are not forgotten, loved one Nor will you ever be

As long as life & memory last We will remember thee

We miss you now, our hearts are sore

As time goes on, we miss you more.

Your loving smile, your gentle face

No one can fill your vacant place. Your loving family

Weatherly Banks

original board was President A.J. Lauderburn, Charles Cassler, J.F. Davis, Dr. J.B. Tweedle, E.P. Williams, Daniel Rouse, W.W. Buck, and Thomas Dunn Jr.

This bank moved across the street in 1953 to 105 Carbon Street. In 1975 they built the building which is the Truist bank today (140 Carbon Street). In 1987 Anthracite Building and Loan merged with Security Savings Association and kept the same name—Anthracite Building and Loan Divi-

sion of Security Savings Association.

In 2000 First Federal bought Security Savings and the name became First Federal. In the mid 2000s it became KNBT as the result of a merger. It was sold again

and became BB&T, and is currently Truist as the result of another merger, between BB&T and Sun Trust.

The First National Bank of Weatherly was built in 1902, and was located at 22 Carbon Street. First President and Director was Elmer Warner. He served for 36 years. The bank was added on to in 1929 to look as it does today.

In 1942 the bank became the Hazleton National Bank, Weatherly Branch. In the early 1990s the bank became First Valley, then in 1996 became Summit Bank.

In 2001 Summit merged with FleetBoston Financial Corp., and finally in 2004 Fleet merged with Bank of America. The Bank of America branch in Weatherly closed in December of 2011 and no bank has been in the building since.

Truist is scheduled to close its Weatherly doors at noon on March 28; the ATM is reportedly not being retained. The nearest branch scheduled to remain open is 3 E. Broad Street in Hazleton.

Since the closing of PNC Bank in White Haven in March of 2021, that community has also been without a bank, but the ATM at that location on Main Street is still active.

Photos by Seth & Ruth Isenberg

Seth’s Sightings

After Sunday’s little snow, it feels and looks more “the season.” The snow added a special flavor to this past weekend’s Christmas in the Park in Weatherly. One of the young participants even took time to build a respectable snowman. The rest of us enjoyed warm food and company.

I look at gatherings that bring out families as a chance to see how the kids grow. A former basketball star now has a little boy. Young people who were in college a little while ago now are growing careers, and families. And so on. I’m also enjoying hanging out with some recent retirees people my age.

Even fighting cancer, I’m content to keep working. I don’t feel my age most days, but sometimes all the pills gang up on me and I’m reminded. What

I am most P-O’d about is the cold, tingling fingers. I’m told this will fade with time. I had hoped it would be gone nope. Now I get outside to the cold, where my cold hands get colder, and stay cold. I’ll manage, since my last test shows the chemicals beating the cancer.

Among my response to my situation is getting some physical therapy mainly a gym session with a guide. It’s mostly fun, and I’m getting stronger from it. At my session last week, I watched a bit of “Home Alone 2.” This last session had “Frosty and Rudolph.” Before that, it was World Cup Soccer.

If the snow is as forecast, I’ll get extra exercise this weekend shoveling.

As for watching videos, Ruth and I binged on the Wednesday series on

by Seth Isenberg

Netflix. Such fun the Addams Family and monsters…Now we’re looking for another for out TV nights.

A shout-out goes to the YouTube contributors Good Simple Living in Northern Idaho, who raised $60,000 to give to the Spokane Children’s Hospital cancer care team, and gave children’s color and activity packs, whose viewers filled a mediumsized car trailer with toys. How awesome…

I’m sighting vees of geese, who now seem to believe a flight south might make sense. Of course these geese may not be far enough if the snows come on Thursday as forecast. In other sightings, the birds around our home and office seem to be busy with berries and seeds, perhaps a clue on what’s to come.

Our local Penguins have played well of late. Last weekend was a satisfying win over the Monsters. This weekend is a bear as in Hershey’s Bears, as we

have them here Friday AND Saturday. Come on out as this Saturday is also the Teddy Bear Toss to fill the toy trailer at the Tobyhanna Depot with new, unwrapped stuffed toys for needy kids in Northeast PA.

Pittsburgh’s Penguins are the hottest team in the NHL right now. It’s fun to tune into their highlights. Former local Penguin rookie defenseman PierreOlivier Joseph scored his first goal of the season this past game.

Football included a nice Eagles win, and even one by the Patriots. The Bucs went down to defeat, and it’s looking like a tough end of season for them. The Carolina Panthers (my brother’s cheering interest) are looking like something new, so look out opponents.

In college football, the University of the Incarnate Word (Go Word) won a fantastic run and gun

game versus Sacramento State in California by four points, with the two teams each scoring over 60 points. Word is now going to face the very good, playoff experienced North Dakota State team in the Fargodome this Friday at 7 p.m. (Could be worse could be outside…) If UIW wins, they play for the 1-AA championship back home in Texas (at Frisco) on January 8.

At our first Christmas party of the year, I came home with a bird feeder. It’s going up this weekend.

We’re making one last run to Heckman Orchard for an apple and cider restock before they close. Saturday is the White Haven Community Library Christmas Party then hockey. Sunday is open for some unscheduled fun and perhaps some gift shopping.

To all of you, warm wishes, happy shoveling, and of course, good health.

50¢ for adults and 25¢ for children, dessert and coffee included.

and Friday evenings … under the direction of Miss Evelyn Haiges. The play is entitled “Lindy Lou” …

Opening Hours

Wednesdays 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Thursdays 12 p.m.–7 p.m.

Fridays 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Saturdays 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Sundays 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Closed Mondays & Tuesdays

The cast will include Mary Frances Broskoski, Hope Brown, Marian Getz, Lucille Richards, Frances Wall, Janet Williams, Kermit Geiss, David Hosier, Martin Kresge, John Quigg and Russell Shupp.

The spaghetti supper at the Methodist Church this coming Wednesday cost

The Economy Store’s safe at the L. Searfoss Feed Mill was burglarized last Saturday evening shortly after the 6 o’clock closing hour. Cash and checks in the amount of $200 were taken, and apparently nothing else was taken or disturbed.

The Novena to Our Lady of Victory for our boys in the service is every Sunday evening at 7 at Saint Patrick’s Church. “It is being attended by large numbers of Catholics and non-Catholics.”

Veterans Corner

Commentary by John Kearns, USCG Ret., chiefkearns@gmail.com

Our American troops, sailors, and airmen have always had to be away from home and at war on Christmas. But history shows there were some horrible places to be at war on Christmas. There is no good time to be away from home and loved ones; Christmas may be the worst.

Valley Forge (1776-7) On Christmas Day, 1776, Washington led his troops across the Delaware River and won a decisive victory at the Battle of Trenton. When Washington marched that same army into Valley Forge on December 19, 1777, the 12,000 Continentals were weary, underfed, and under-equipped. Only about one in four still had shoes after the long marches had worn them right off their feet. The weather was also bitterly cold, which, combined with the other problems facing the army, led to over 2,500 soldiers dying due to starvation, disease, and exposure.

The Winter Line (1943) Central Italy may not be known to most for terrible winters. But for the American and Allied troops facing the German Winter Line at the end of 1943. Fighting in the Italian Alps during Christmas during World War II was hell. Pelting hail, rain, and freezing temperatures were maiming more of our soldiers than the Germans. To make matters worse, a storm had moved in dumping snow on the weary troops and dropping visibility to near zero, halting air support. They endured six days of

freezing, starving, losing fingers and toes, and dying from hypothermia. Despite the weather conditions, the personal agony, and determined German resistance, the men of the 36th Infantry Division, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, and the 1st Special Service Force fought particularly well on Christmas Day when the 1st Special Service Force captured a strategic hill on the Winter Line with heavy casualties.

Bastogne (1944) When American troops think of a terrible Christmas, this one usually tops the list. The Battered Bastards of Bastogne (the 101st Airborne Division, elements of the 9th and 10th Armored Divisions, and other support elements) had arrived to hold the critical crossroads against the German onslaught just in time for Christmas 1944. As the Battle of the Bulge progressed, the paratroopers and soldiers were surrounded, short of supplies and desperately lacking in winter gear to battle the freezing temperatures they had to endure. Despite the conditions they faced, when the Germans requested the Americans’ surrender, Gen. Anthony McAuliffe responded with “Nuts!” After fending off a German attack on Christmas Day, the defenders were relieved by elements of Patton’s Third Army.

Historians regard the Battle of Chosin Reservoir (1950) as the most brutal in modern warfare of violence, casualty rate, weather conditions,

Coming Events

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17—Holiday Party with live music, 5–7 p.m., White Haven Area Community Library

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21—Winter Solstice Night Light Walk Around the Lake, 4:30–7:30 p.m., Nescopeck State Park,

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28—Cornhole Tournament, 11 a.m., VFW Post 6615, White Haven, sign up by Jan. 21, 570-443-3333

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18—Cornhole Tournament, 11 a.m., VFW Post 6615, White Haven, sign up by Feb. 11, 570-443-3333

SATURDAY, MARCH 11—Northeast Chamber Music Society concert in the round, John Murphy Room, White Haven Area Community Library

and endurance. Over fourteen days, the United States awarded 17 Medals of Honor (Army and Navy) and 78 Service Cross Medals (Army and Navy). Rifles froze and would not work, equipment froze in place, and so did our soldiers and Marines. In the bizarre scenes of the battle illu-

minated by artillery, human statues had frozen in place. All counted, 6000 US Marines and Army, and Korean defenders were killed, and 2000 wounded. These troops were scheduled to go home for Christmas before the Chinese crossed the border and attacked.

Build a gingerbread house with HAL

The Hazleton Art League is hosting its second annual Family Night Out program on Friday, December 16, from 7 to 9 p.m. We will be making Gingerbread Houses out of milk cartons, graham crackers, icing and all types of candy.

All ages are welcome to participate, parents and children alike. Please register by Wednesday

December 14, although walk-ins are welcome. The fee is $10 per house. This program is generously sponsored by Amazon.

The Hazleton Art League is located in the Hayden Family Center for the Arts, 31 West Broad St in Hazleton. Call 570455-3333 or visit www. hazletonartleague.org for more details.

WHACL hosting holiday party

A holiday party will be held at the White Haven Area Community Library on Saturday, December 17 from 5-7 p.m. Live music will be provided by B & P Music, a guitar and violin duo who play various genres, including Celtic, jazz, rock and blues.

Light refreshments and beverages will be served.

The party is free of charge but seating is limited. Call the library at 570-443-8776 for reservations.

The library’s fund raising committee will also be drawing the winning tickets from the holiday basket raffle the night of the party.

TOYS FOR TOTS Drive at Weatherly School District: Shown from left are co-chairs Sarah Hamm (second grade teacher) and Amy Sweeney (Kindergarten teacher), and Richard Welker, USMC.

Crestwood girls’ basketball

Marian outlasts Crestwood in early season showdown

by Steve Stallone Sports Editor

Last Wednesday night, two basketball girls’ teams with plenty of hopes for the postseason met in an early-season showdown that would show just where they stood with their respective programs.

Stepping up in class to face Class 5A Crestwood, visiting Marian Catholic overcame considerable foul trouble and a game Lady Comets squad for a 59-51 non-league victory that was anything but easy. “I was very proud of our effort and the way we competed up here. I thought our girls just fought it out,” Marian head coach Damian Fritz said after watching his team improve to 2-0. “We prepared all summer for what we’re doing this season. We played a lot of big schools in the summer to prepare us for moments like this when we’re going to play bigger schools, and it’s only going to make you better. In this situation and in this environment, I felt it was great for our girls to come up here and really control it. I felt we were in control the whole game, and it was good to see.”

Junior forward Carly Minchhoff showed the way with a game-high 20 points and six rebounds for the Class 2A Fillies. Senior floor general Ashley Pleban of Weatherly contributed 17 points, while sparking the defense with five steals and three charges.

“Carly Minchhoff had a great night, and Ashley too, just being a leader,” Fritz said. “And I think Frankie Martinelli (5 rebounds, 4 steals), she might not have been in the

scoring column much tonight, but just her ability to get us into offense, and secure those possessions, that was big.”

Marian evened the score on Crestwood after losing to the Lady Comets 36-33 in Hometown early last season. “That’s a good team. They’ve improved a lot since we played them last season,” said Crestwood head coach Don Hopkins. “They’re a well-rounded team. They’re as good as any team in our league (WVC).”

Pleban remembered last season’s loss to Crestwood vividly. “Last year they beat us by three on our home court, but we still competed. We just worked so hard in the summer, and we knew we’d come up here and give them a run.”

After spotting their hosts a 3-0 lead on the first of four Julia Glowacki 3-pointers, the Fillies ran off 14 of the next 18 points to seize control. Pleban knocked down back-to-back 3s in the early run, while Minchhoff scored six points and Marian led 14-7 after one quarter.

The Fillies continued to pull away, as Martinelli’s spin move in the lane and Kerrigan Digris’ deep 3 made it 19-9 early in the second. Crestwood showed its fight, clawing back with a 7-0 spurt capped by another Glowacki triple, to get within 19-16.

Pleban answered for the Fillies with her own 3-pointer, Fatikha Tikhtova scored down low and Minchhoff nailed a jumper as the Marian lead went back to eight (26-18). But the Lady Comets ended the half with a 5-0 push, when freshman Keira Dougherty’s

spin move in a crowd, and late jumper brought her team back to within 26-23 by intermission.

Marian came out strong in the third quarter as Pleban tossed an alley-oop to Tikhtova for two, and then Tikhtova went end to end for a three-point play and a 31-24 cushion. Glowacki responded for Crestwood, knocking down two 3-pointers that got her team back to within a point (31-30) with 3:38 left in the third.

“I’m proud of my girls’ effort against that team. They never quit,” Hopkins said.

The Lady Comets would get no closer, however.

Digris’ 3-pointer from the wing ignited a 10-1 quarter-ending run for the Fillies, capped by Minchhoff’s 3-pointer from the top of the key that made it 41-31 heading to the fourth.

With fouls starting to pile up on Marian, Crestwood was able to keep things close. Digris was called for her fifth foul with 5:54 left in the fourth, and the Lady Comets were in the double-bonus the rest of the way.

And although they got 15-of-21 free throws to drop in the fourth quarter, the Lady Comets could never get closer than seven points.

Tikhtova also fouled out with 1:16 left, and Pleban turned an ankle with just under a minute to play as Marian was down three starters at the end. Freshman Addison Fritz stepped up with back-to-back baskets to help keep Crestwood at arm’s length, and Minchhoff and Pleban combined

for 13 of the Fillies’ final 18 points to lock up the win.

“There were moments where we were poised, kept our composure, and really executed beautifully,” Coach Fritz said. “Then there were moments where we just got sped up for whatever reason and enabled them to get back in the game.

“For the most part, we’re a second half team. I thought we came out in the second half and that run in the third quarter kind of set the tone,” he continued. “Yes, they came back a little bit, but I felt what we were doing defensively, we were in complete control in the second half.”

He also lauded the play of his reserves. “Aliya Tikhtova and Addison Fritz come in there. We’re seven deep, and seven strong deep. We’re very comfortable with that rotation. So when we do get into foul trouble, or when someone gets hurt or needs a break, I don’t think we really miss a beat when we go to our bench.”

“We really have that nextperson-step-up mentality,” added Pleban, who doesn’t expect to miss time with her sprain. “When two people have a bad day, two people step up and help us, and that’s what’s really unique about this team.”

She said the Fillies took plenty from Wednesday’s win that they can apply moving forward. “We learned how to keep our composure, and we also learned that we can compete with schools that are 5A, 6A, and we’re a lot better than sometimes our mentality tells us.”

Crestwood won the junior

varsity game 36-32.

Marian opened its Schuylkill League Division III schedule two days later at Nativity, where Pleban hit a pair of 3-pointers in a 60-35 victory. One day later, a flu-ravaged Marian team went to Allentown Central Catholic and dropped a 46-21 non-league game to slip to 3-1 on the season. Pleban scored three points in the game.

Crestwood (1-1) was off for a full week until a Wednesday game with Williamsport. Details will appear in next week’s edition.

MARIAN (59) - A. Tikhtova 1 0-0 2, Fritz 2 0-0 4, Minchhoff 7 5-6 20, F. Tikhtova 3 1-2 7, Pleban 4 6-8 17, Thomas 0 0-0 0, Martinelli 1 1-4 3, Digris 2 0-0 6. Totals: 20 13-20 59.

CRESTWOOD (51) - Collins 1 6-7 8, Bozinko 0 2-2 2, Glowacki 4 0-0 12, Andrews 0 0-0 0, Petroski 0 2-4 2, Hiller 3 4-9 10, Banford 0 0-0 0, Pasternick 3 1-2 7, Dougherty 3 3-4 10. Totals: 14 18-28 51.

Marian.......14 12 15 18 – 59 Crestwood...7 16 8 20 – 51 3-pointers: Pleban 3, Digris 2, Minchhoff. Glowacki 4, Dougherty.

Crestwood 47, Valley View 39 - Jordan Andrews scored all six of her points in the fourth quarter, including 4-fo-4 from the foul line, as the Lady Comets rallied past Valley View to win their season opener last week.

Cadence Hiller paced Crestwood with 13 points, 10 coming in the second half. Camryn Collins added nine points and Julia Glowacki chipped in eight for the Lady Comets, who trailed 32-29 after three quarters.

VALLEY VIEW (39) - Evangelista 2 3-4 7, Zabielski 0 0-0 0, Costa 3 3-3 9, Loftus 0 0-0 0, Cooper 0 0-2 0, Barrett 2 2-2 6, Pegula 0 2-2 2, Murphy 4 22- 12, Rebar 1 0-0 3. Totals 12 12-15 39.

CRESTWOOD (47) - Collins 2 4-7 9, Bozinko 1 1-2 3, Glowacki 2 2-2 8, Andrews 1 4-4 6, Petrosky 0 0-0 0, Hiller 6 1-3 13, Banford 1 0-0 2, Pasternick 2 2-4 6. Totals 15 16-22 47. Valley View ......6 15 11 7 – 39 Crestwood .....10 6 13 18 – 47 3-pointers: Murphy 2, Rebar, Glowacki 2, Collins

Lots of creativity on display at Heritage Hill Festival of Trees

Photos by Seth & Ruth Isenberg

A WIDE VARIETY of themes, from under the sea to way out west adorned the trees on display at Heritage Hill Senior Living Community during their Festival of Trees on Saturday. In addition to artistic talent, those who drove through the display also received hot dogs, hot chocolate, and Christmas treats. John & Shirley Noonan won the big screen TV. Tree winners will be listed on Facebook.

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Lady Wreckers off to strong start

The Weatherly Area girls are off to a solid start to their basketball season, beating MMI Prep (45-13) to improve to 2-0 in non-league play before falling at Shenandoah Valley (52-25) in their Schuylkill League Division III opener.

Shenandoah Valley 52, Weatherly Area 25 - Ava

Menjivar scored 16 points, leading a trio of Lady Devils in double figures as they opened league play with a victory over the visiting Lady Wreckers. Maddie Wasser scored 14 and Hannah DeAngelo added 11 for the Lady Devils, who broke open a tight game with a 21-point third quarter.

Emma Kane paced Weatherly Area (2-1, 0-1 league) with 12 points.

WEATHERLY AREA (25) - Kane 2 6-10 12, Binder 0 0-0 0, Gaydoscik 1 0-0 2, Houser 2 2-4 7, Davidovich 1 0-0 2, Reiner 1 0-0 2, Paisley 0 0-2 0. Totals 7 8-16 25.

SHENANDOAH VALLEY (52) - Davis 0 0-0 0, Menjivar 5 3-8 16, Aftuk 2 1-1 5, Wasser 5 3-4 14, Sheehan 0 0-0 0, DeAngelo 5 0-0 11, Selbi 2 2-2 6. Totals 19 9-15 52.

Weatherly Area.....5 8 11 1 – 25 Shenandoah Vy...10 7 21 14 – 52

3-pointers: Kane 2, Houser. Menjivar 3, Wasser, DeAngelo

Weatherly Area Boys’ Basketball Roundup

Weatherly Area 45, MMI Prep 13 - The Lady Wreckers raced to an 18-2 lead after one quarter enroute to their second non-league win, beating the Lady Preppers in Freeland. Emma Kane scored 10 of her game-high 14 points in the opening quarter. Teammate Bethany Houser finished with 11.

Bria Kringe topped the Lady Preppers with 11 points.

WEATHERLY AREA (45) - Kane 5 4-4 14, Binder 1 0-0 2, Gaydoscik 1 0-0 2, Houser 5 1-1 11, McGill 0 0-0 0, Davidovich 2 0-0 4, Reiner 3 0-0 6, Weston 1 0-0 2, Paisley 2 0-0 4. Totals: 20 5-5 45.

MMI PREP (13) - Jimenez 0 0-0 0, Kringe 3 5-9 11, Allen 0 0-0 0, Abdulrahman 0 0-0 0, McDermott 0 0-0 0, Paniagua 0 0-0 0, Solgama 0 0-0 0, Washko 1 0-0 2, Young 0 0-0 0. Totals: 4 5-9 13.

Weatherly Area.....18 14 9 4 – 45 MMI Prep.............. 2 1 3 7 – 13 3-pointers: None.

Wreckers fall to SV in league opener

Brian Rivera powered his way to a game-high 26 points, and Shenandoah Valley turned back Weatherly Area 48-33 in their Schuylkill League Division III boys’ basketball opener last Thursday night in Weatherly. Rivera scored 14 of his team’s 20 first-half points as the Blue Devils inched out to a 20-15 halftime lead.

With Rivera scoring eight and Kaleb Maksimik five, the Blue Devils (2-2, 1-0 league) used a 17-9 third-quarter

push to gain separation.

Ian McLaurin scored 17 points for the Wreckers (0-3, 0-1).

Shenandoah Valley made it a clean sweep with a 31-28 junior varsity win.

SHENANDOAH VALLEY (48) - K. Maksimik 3 0-0 7, Cano 1 0-0 3, B. Maksimik 1 2-2 4, Taylor 0 0-0 0, Nickerson 0 2-3 2, Najda 1 0-0 2, Hernandez 0 0-0 0, McCole 0 0-0 0, Rivera 11 3-7 26, Burke 0 0-0 0, Silvestre 2 0-1 4. Totals: 19 7-13 48.

WEATHERLY AREA (33) - Parker 2 1-2 5, Hoffman 0 0-0 0, McLaurin 8 0-0 17, Berger 0 0-0 0, McKeegan 1 0-0 2, Saldukas 1 1-2 4, Wagner 2 0-1 5, Buck 0 0-0 0. Totals: 14 2-5 33.

Shenandoah Vy.....10 10 17 11 – 48 Weatherly Area.......4 11 9 9 – 33 3-pointers: K. Maksimik, Cano, Rivera. McLaurin, Saldukas, Wagner.

Northwest Area 53, Weatherly Area 35 - Northwest Area broke out to a 25-9 firstquarter lead, gaining the non-league win over the visiting Wreckers. Josh Minor scored 13 points and Zac O’Day 11 for the Rangers.

Weatherly Area outscored Northwest 25-10 in the second half. Ian McLaurin led the Wreckers with 16 points. Corbin Wagner and Niko Saldukas each scored eight.

Weatherly won the junior varsity opener 42-40.

WEATHERLY AREA (35) - Parker 0 0-0 0, Hoffman 0 0-0 0, McLaurin 7 2-4 16, Berger 0 1-2 1, McKeegan 1 0-0 2, Saldukas 3 0-0 8, Wagner 2 3-8 8, Puzzetti 0 0-0 0. Totals: 13 6-15 35.

NORTHWEST (53) - Yaple 2 1-1 6, Hufford 1 2-2 3, J. Minor 5 0-0 13, R. Minor 2 1-2 6, O’Day 4 2-2 11, Pierontoni 2 1-2 5, Shea 0 0-1 0, Foley 0 0-0 0, Gmiter 0 0-0 0, McCoy 1 0-0 3, Crawford 3 0-0 6, Patterson 0 0-0 0, Johns 0 0-0 0. Totals: 20 6-10 53.

Weatherly Area...... 9 1 12 13 – 35 Northwest Area.... 25 18 3 7 – 53

3-pointers: Saldukas 2, Wagner. J. Minor 3, R. Minor, Yaple, O’Day, McCoy.

Crestwood Boys’ Basketball Roundup

Crestwood boys make it three straight wins

The Crestwood boys picked up a pair of basketball wins to run their win streak to three, beating Lake-Lehman 44-27 and Shamokin 57-44 in nonleague games last week.

Crestwood 44, Lake-Lehman 27 - The visiting Comets (3-1) held Lake-Lehman to single digits in each quarter but

the second on the way to their third straight win.

Drew Sechleer and Chaz Wright provided the bulk of Crestwood’s scoring with 14 and 13 points, respectively.

Corey Bean accounted for 17 of the Black Knights’ points. He also made six of their 11 field goals, including four from beyond the 3-point arc.

Unico rosters released

CRESTWOOD (44) - R. Sechleer 0 0-0 0, Czapla 2 0-0 5, Johnson 1 0-0 2, Sklarosky 3 0-0 6, Wright 5 2-2 13, Hilpp 0 0-0 0, Tejeda 0 0-0 0, Jennings 0 0-0 0, D. Sechleer 5 2-2 14, Burbank 1 2-2 4. Totals: 17 6-6 44. LAKE-LEHMAN (27) - Kaiser 1 0-0 2, Ramschak 2 0-0 4, Hammett 0 0-0 0, C. Bean 6 1-3 17, Shishoskin 0 0-0 0, S. Bean 0 0-0 0, Lee 0 0-0 0, Dabshah 1 0-0 2, Dowling 0 0-0 0, Jones 1 0-0 2, Smith 0 0-0 0, Davis 0 0-0 0.

Totals: 11 1-3 27. Crestwood......... 17 15 10 2 – 44 Lake-Lehman......4 13 5 5 – 27 3-pointers: D. Sechleer 2, Czapla, Wright, C. Bean 4

Crestwood 57, Shamokin 44 - Drew Sechleer poured in a career-high 29 points, and teammates Brandon Burbank (10) and Chaz Wright (9) combined for 19 more as Crestwood pulled away to the non-conference home win. Sechleer scored 12 first-quarter points as the Comets soared to an 18-10 lead that

they never relinquished. Hile scored 16 to lead Shamokin.

SHAMOKIN (44) - Price 1 0-0 2, Hile 6 0-0 16, Mattern 0 1-2 1, Delbaugh 1 0-0 2, Annis 2 0-0 6, Litchy 3 2-3 8, Shuey 4 0-0 9, Leiby 0 0-0 0. Totals: 17 3-5 44.

CRESTWOOD (57) - R. Sechleer 2 0-0 5, Czapla 0 0-0 0, Johnson 0 0-3 0, Sklarosky 1 2-4 4, Wright 3 2-2 9, Hilpp 0 0-0 0, Tejeda 0 0-0 0, D. Sechleer 9 8-9 29, Feisel 0 0-0 0, Burbank 4 1-4 10, Nulton 0 0-0 0. Totals: 19 13-22 57.

Shamokin......10 15 9 10 – 44 Crestwood.....18 17 8 14 – 57

3-pointers: Hile 4, Annis 2, Shuey. D. Sechleer 3, R. Sechleer, Wright, Burbank.

Three Crestwood field hockey players first team all-state

The Wyoming Valley Conference was again well represented when the Pennsylvania High School Field Hockey Coaches Association released its all-state team recently. Thirty-eight players from the conference were selected all-state, led by Wyoming Seminary and Lake-Lehman, who each landed six players on the teams.

Overall, 14 WVC players were named to the first team.

Lake-Lehman and Wyoming Seminary each had three first-teamers in Class 1A, Crestwood had three in Class 2A, and Wyoming Valley West and Honesdale each had one in Class 3A.

Crestwood placed Isabella Caporuscio, Emma Guydish and Kylah Kelly on the first team. Named to the second team were Crestwood’s Ava McConnell, and Madison Zalewski from Abington Heights

Wyoming Area, the Class 1A state runner-up, had five players selected, Bianca Pizano and Alexys Moore to the first team; Nina Angeli and Alyvia Yatsko to the second team as well as Lyla Rehill being named honorable mention.

Ella Barbacci, Maddie Olshemski and Emma Watchilla from Wyoming Seminary; Lake-Lehman’s Isabella DeCesaris, Rachel Galasso and Faye Post were also named to the Class 1A first team as was Carolena Ryon from Lackawanna Trail.

Named to the Class 1A second team were Nanticoke Area’s Allie Brown and Grace Reed; LakeLehman’s Callie Dieffenbacher and Sophia Lenza; and Wyoming Seminary’s Laine Cabell, Ellie Parra and Izzy Pisano.

In 3A, Honesdale’s Claire Campen and Valley West’s Olivia Yelen were picked for the first-team. Honesdale’s Rozlyn Maciejewski and Valley West’s Georgia Tsioles were selected to the second team.

Named honorable mention in Class 3A are Gabriella Bedbenner, Hazleton Area; Kendall Krzywicki, Wilkes-Barre Area; Laia Zdancewicz, Valley West; and

Weatherly Area Jr. High Boys’ Basketball

Weatherly Area 32, St. Clair 20 - Chance Stauffer knocked down 13 points and Dominick Kokinda had 10 to lead the Wreckers. Josh Kimber topped the Saints with 13 points. The seventh-grade game ended in an 18-18 tie.

Honesdale’s Rachel Collins and Rozalyn Mikulak.

Crestwood’s Aubrey Macri and Wallenpaupack’s Jillian Tait were named honorable mention in Class 2A. Lackawanna Trail’s Nora Evans and Lauren Fahey were named to the Class 1A honorable mention team as was Ava Klopp from Lake-Lehman.

Film on Gertrude Ederle scheduled to be released next year

by Mathew Paris

Gertrude Ederle, the daughter of German immigrants. settled in Manhattan, where Henry Ederle ran a butcher shop. “Trudy” (what most people called her) developed a love for the water, and her dad taught her how to swim. Ederle trained at the Women’s Swimming Association (WSA), paying three dollars to swim in

tiny Manhattan indoor pools.

Over time, Ederle became one of the world’s best competitive swimmers. At the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, Ederle won a gold medal for the U.S. in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay. But the feat for which she is best known was yet to come.

Trudy had always wanted to swim the English Channel. The Women’s Swimming Association sponsored

Helen Wainwright and Ederle to make the swim, and Trudy hired a coach, Jabez Wolffe, who tried twenty-two times herself to make that swim. The trick, Wolffe told Eberle, was to slow the pace because swimming faster won’t get the prize. But working with Wolffe didn’t go well, and the situation culminated in August 1925 when Ederle was disqualified after Wolffe ordered another swimmer to

Arcangeli will coach Unico all-star team

The annual Unico all-star football game featuring the top senior football players from the Wyoming Valley Conference and from Wyoming Seminary will be Saturday, June 3 at Wyoming Area High School.

Crestwood head coach Ryan Arcangeli, who guided the Comets to the PIAA Class 4A semifinals this season, will coach the Miners team. Pittston Area coach Nick Barbieri will coach the Pioneers.

Teams are broken down by school. Players from Crestwood, Berwick, Hanover

Area, Hazleton Area, Nanticoke Area, Wilkes-Barre Area and Dallas will play for the Miners. Players from Pittston Area, Wyoming Area, Tunkhannock, Lake-Lehman, Wyoming Seminary, Wyoming Valley West and Holy Redeemer make up the Pioneers’ roster.

Selected to play for the Miners are Crestwood’s Magnus Bibla, Brendan Dennis, Josh Hilpp, Aiden Jardine, John Jones, Cole Kakalecik, Robert Knight, Nick Miscavage, Noah Schultz, Zach Sheloski and

Chris Smolenak.

That group of Comets seniors will be joined on the Miners roster by: Jace Chopyak, Aiden Fennell, Colby Klinetob and John Scherer, of Dallas; Ian Bednar, Dan Horgan, Gannon Redding, Jace John, Guilbert Gonzalez and Evan Corcoran of Wilkes-Barre Area; Jake Vigorito and Sean Dooner of Hanover Area; Jaylin Collins, Ashton Brozusky and Alex Fine of Nanticoke Area; Spencer Kishbaugh, Drey Wilk, Matt Lonczynski, Trysten English, Rowan Slabinski and Alex Hacker of Berwick; and Hazleton Area’s Matt Buchman, Matt Cusatis, Connor Shamany, Ryan Matyas, Qayvon Minor, Sam Poro, Jean Valdez and Juan Fabian.

Named to the Pioneers squad were: Kevin Lockett, Rob Barbieri, Harry Pugliese, Josh Pierre, Drew Menendez, David Sudo, John Barchi-Crich, Nick Sciandra, Jaidin Morgans and Jake Mills of Pittston Area; Jeff Kozerski, Jacob Hunter, Zach Perta, Josh Wesneski and Jake Griffin of Holy Redeemer; Javon Borger, Aiden Gaus, Chad Honeywell, Mason Lee and Gavin Wallace of Lake-Lehman; Ben Chilson, Colin Madan, Gavin Montross and Garrett Yuhas of Tunkhannock; Logan Dwyer, J’Von Gamble, Hunter Pries, Devon Suda, Nick Giza, John McLaughlin, and Jason Pearson of Valley West; Ethan Speece, Joe Marranca, Riley Knaub, Garret Pocceschi and Justin Francis of Wyoming Area; and Wyoming Seminary’s Antonio Gallo and Owen Kibbee.

recover her from the water.

Trudy declared that she was not in trouble; she was conserving her energy. Wolffe said she didn’t think any woman could swim the Channel, but some people felt Wolffe didn’t want Ederele to succeed. Undeterred by Wolffe’s intransigence, Ederle hired another swimming coach, Bill Burgess, who had successfully swum the Channel over a decade earlier. Ederle learned an important tactic from Burgess, who used motorcycle goggles during his Channel swim to protect his eyes from the salty water.

The relationship with Burgess and using his tactic worked. A year after being retrieved from the water, Ederle’s dream became a reality. In August 1926, Ederle came ashore, swimming the 26 miles with a time of 14 hours and 34 minutes--the first woman ever to make the swim. Ederle was greeted with a ticker-tape parade upon return to the States as two million-plus fans lined the streets.

Gertrude Ederle’s story has been told many times in print, and now it will be told Hollywood-style. Jerry Bruckheimer will produce Young Women and The Sea, with Daisy Ridley playing Ederle. Based on the book written by Glenn Stout, look for the Paramount/Walt Disney Production in 2023.

Matthew Paris, a columnist at The Sports Column, loves to write about the sports-Hollywood connection.

in Blakeslee