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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 • Volume 41 – No. 22 ©2020, THE JOURNAL-HERALD. All Rights Reserved
CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–142nd YEAR, NO. 5
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CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–141st YEAR, NO. 31
2012 work to form base for East Side grant application by Ruth Isenberg
tasks for 2021 will be getting letters of support from borEast Side Borough Council ough residents. is beginning the process of The meeting was held in applying for grants to build a the John Murphy room of the community building. At the White Haven Area CommuDecember 3 meeting, council nity Library. Council voted president John Marotta said to schedule all of its 2021 that he and secretary/treasur- meetings for that space, and er Carol Lenahan had started to make a donation of $75 per looking at what was submitted month to the library. in 2012; the borough was not Council member Liz Berger funded that year. One of the See EAST SIDE, page 9 2020 REVISITED: A look back at a most unusual year, through photos. This week and next, we will be featuring some of the photos that told the story of 2020, a year that started out much like any other year, but ended up far different. Turn to page 8 for more.
Weatherly Council readies for 2021 by Seth Isenberg On Monday, Weatherly Borough council wrapped up 2020 with a short meeting to finish the year’s business. With no tax increase, the 2021 budget was approved and the tax ordinance as well. Resolutions on the borough’s annual contributions to the Police Pension and Non-Uniform Pension funds were passed. It was agreed to modify two loans, to extend their payments to the end of 2022 — a regular tax anticipation loan for $85,000, and the $750,000 revenue anticipation loan relating to the new borough building construc-
tion. Each loan is from Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank. The larger of the pair was borrowed to match or qualify for grants. Expenses of $168,525 from the general fund, $219,989 from the electric fund, $25,267 from the water fund, and $54,142 from the sewer fund were approved. Income was $146,196 to the general fund, $138,424 to the electric fund, $16,101 to the water fund and $24,142 to the sewer fund for November. See WEATHERLY, page 8
PAGE 2 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020
THE JOURNAL-HERALD (USPS 277-440) Published weekly at 211 Main Street, White Haven, PA 18661 Telephone (570) 215-0204
Subscription Price—$40 per year in Luzerne & Carbon Counties, Pennsylvania, payable in advance. $45 per year elsewhere, payable in advance. Periodicals postage paid at White Haven, PA 18661. POSTMASTER, send address change to:
THE JOURNAL-HERALD 211 Main Street, White Haven, PA 18661 (JAY E. HOLDER, Co-Publisher 1954-1997; CLARA HOLDER, Co-Publisher 1954-2014) Seth Isenberg, Advertising Sales Ruth Isenberg, Editor Steve Stallone, Sports Editor Member, White Haven Chamber of Commerce Carbon County Chamber of Commerce Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce White Haven Economic Development Association
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© Copyright 2020, The Journal-Herald
Editorial Better days are coming by Ruth Isenberg
Preparing for this issue involved an extensive trip through the photo archives. It felt as though some of the photos from last year were taken much longer ago than 11 or 12 months — in some ways, almost a lifetime ago. 2020 has been a year of change, a year when everything seemed different. Pictures from January, February and early March of 2020 are much like pictures from the same period in previous years — snowstorms, skiing, hockey games, social activities. Mid-March, all that changed. Pictures in 2020 weren’t of early spring activities or Easter egg hunts, they were of empty store shelves, and people in masks. There were no pictures of school activities or check presentations. Social distancing became the norm, and we began to adjust. Graduations happened, and even though they were different than those of previous years, they were just as meaningful to the graduates and their families. Memorial Day was still a time of remembrance, even if the participants were masked and at a distance. (You’ll see some of those pictures this issue and next.) We adapted. We learned to Zoom. We invented new pastimes and ways of staying in touch with each other. Neighbors went out of their way to help each other, donating to food drives, contributing to charities, figuring it out day by day. That spirit of adaptation is the reason we will get through this pandemic, the reason we will get through this period of social and political unrest. 2020 hasn’t been easy, but it has probably been good for us. If we heed its lessons of perseverance, patience and hope, we can look forward to a better 2021 and beyond.
From the Archives From The Weatherly Herald December 31, 1970 James P. Faust and Cletus Milan, Publishers Happy New Year This issue was 6 pages. Carl Wagner, Weatherly Borough manager for the past three years, submitted a letter of resignation to be effective January 22. The letter “brought a storm of protest from several members of council… Council made it clear that they did not wish to lose the services [of Wagner].” Wagner has lived in Weatherly for 24 years. It was decided to table the resignation until January, pending future consultations with Wagner. Weatherly borough council adopted the 1971 budget on a split vote, working to hold the line on taxes for another year. Ann Raynock of RD2 was named first prize winner in the annual Lions Club Christmas Lighting Contest. Second prize went to John Hartzog of Edgewood Lane, and third to Ronald Knorr of Sixth Street. Judges this year are members of the Weatherly Flower Club, who were transported over nearly 50 miles of local roads by Lion president Otto Barbush. Carbon County Commissioners voted to have township and borough police cases processed before the new magistrates, asking that this begin January 1. This is the latest in a series of moves to have criminal cases and arrests for other violations funneled through the offices of district justices — not the “holdover” justices of the peace whose terms have not expired. The magistrates, who
were elected last year, are paid salaries to handle such cases. Commissioner John Angst is pressing to penalize municipalities who do not use the magistrates. With 4 ½ inches of solid ice topping the lake at Eurana Park, Weatherly Borough announced that the lake is now available for skating. Carbon County paid $6,464 for an Olivetti Corporation computer for the Assessment Bureau. Best Wishes for a Happy New Year ads were placed by Lauderbach’s, Weatherly Garage, 1st Federal Savings, Fellin’s, Cunningham’s Store, Village Furniture Mart, and Hazle Drugs. In an ad, Elmer Hinkle thanked all of his customers for their patronage at his store, which closed today. “I greatly appreciate all your kindnesses.” The Weatherly Wreckers Junior High Varsity won their first game of the season on Tuesday, defeating the St. Gabriel’s team 70-48, here. Barry Barbush had 27 points, and Ronnie Duser 26. Slatington’s Bulldogs JV and Varsity teams, on their visit to Weatherly, each beat the locals on Monday. The varsity game was close, with a Weatherly comeback falling short, 61 to 67. From The Sidelines, by Don Garber Atop his column, Garber shared a picture of visiting Jim McGrath, of Gratersford, who brought his sons and their friends here to hunt on the Broad Mountain. They
brought a camper, and set up along the Plane Road. Garber thinks that the narrow loss to Slatington was due to the team being rusty after a long layoff between games, due to the game versus Pleasant Valley being cancelled. Foul shooting overshadowed the loss — the Wreckers hit only 11 of 21, though the Bulldogs did worse — 11 of 24. The Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show will be held February 8 to 13, with an open Archery Tournament again this year. “The time just seems to fly by, and we hardly had time to look back, but we’d like to wish everyone a Happy New Year.” He adds, if you are having one for the road tomorrow night, “let the road have its own highballs and that is one way of making sure that we’ll see you again with us on the sidelines.” From The Journal-Herald December 20, 1990 Clara and Jay Holder, Publishers There was no issue published between Christmas and New Year’s Day in 1990, so these items come from the same publication as last week’s. Officers of the Dennison Township Volunteer Fire Company for 1991 were chosen at the December meeting. They will be Eleanor Earnhart, president, Barry Searfoss, v.p., Cheryl Graaf, secretary and Grace King, treasurer. Herb King is fire chief, Pat Clifford assistant fire chief, pumper captain is Mike Mack, brush truck captain is Ed Jarick. Fire police captain is Ken Earnhart, Sr., and Jim Gearhart is lieutenant. See ARCHIVES, page 3
Public Notices LEGAL NOTICE
IN RE: ESTATE OF GREGORY D. HUDOCK, a/k/a GREGORY DAVID HUDOCK, a/k/a GREGORY HUDOCK, Deceased, late of the Borough of White Haven, County of Luzerne and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Notice is herby given that Letters of Administration have been granted in the Estate of Gregory D. Hudock, a/k/a Gregory David Hudock, a/k/a Gregory Hudock, who died on the 18th day of July, 2020. All persons having claims against the estate are requested to make known the same, and all persons indebted to the decedent to make payment without delay to the Administrators Doreen Cannon, 1124 Foster Avenue, White Haven PA, 18661, or Kelsey Hudock, 11 Roosevelt Street, Apt. 1, West Hazleton, PA 18202, or their attorney: CYNTHIA S. YURCHAK, ESQUIRE 121 Carbon Street Post Office Box 49 Weatherly PA 18255 12/31
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Archives…
THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECCEMBER 31, 2020 — PAGE 3
Among the businesses wishing readers Merry Christmas and other holiday greetings Continued from page 2 were Swartz’ Carpet Workroom, The White Haven Bakery, Free93 people attended the land Shur-Save (who advertised Weatherly Senior Citizens’ their outdoor fish and seafood Friendship Club for their last sale — through Christmas eve), meeting of the year. The Rev. Meier Auto Repair, Community Willard Rabert of St. John’s News, Bobby D’s, Kunkel LumUnited Church of Christ, Freeber, David T. Novitsky, Wilmot land, performed as Joseph, Engineering, Security Savings, earthly father of Jesus. (The Doc & Ann Ravina, Lechauwak Rev. Rabert has done first perOutdoor Store, Duda’s Counson dramas since 1978.) Polly try Store, Garber & Drasher Marusak and Ed Hensel sang “Star of the East,” accompanied Financial, Pocono CATV, J.R.’s Tavern, First Eastern Bank, on piano by Alberta Richie. Ira Berger & Sons, East Side Inn, Pocono Mountain Lodge, By a vote of 6 to 2, Joseph Central Garage, J&E SuperKrivak was elected president market, Miller’s Plumbing & of the Crestwood School Heating and Fuel Oil, Steve’s Board at their reorganization meeting. William Haverly, the Service Station, John W. Afriformer president, was voted to ca Dentist, Kidder Township be v.p. Heinz and Paula Zahren and their staff at the Weatherly Country Inn wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season. They will be closed for Christmas vacation through to January 1, reopening that day. The women of 60+ held their Christmas Party on Thursday, December 27, at the Ugly Mug.
Volunteer Fire Co. #1, EMCEE, the White Haven Thriftway and its staff, local boroughs and townships, and more. Businesses still here in 2020 offering holiday greetings include Suitch Insurance Agency, Mengle’s Coal & Oil, Murphy’s Lumber, Paul Urenovich Insurance, The Powerhouse, Cloverdale Farms, WhiteWater Challengers, Joseph Lehman Funeral Home, G&A Hardware, White Haven Ambulance Association, Larry Skinner D.C., Phillip Jeffries Funeral Home, Arby’s, White Haven Fire Company #1, and American Legion Post 592. Hanna’s Ugly Mug offered New Year’s Eve dinner specials including shrimp cocktail, soup, salad, vegetable, coffee, dessert and “compli-
mentary Bubbly.” Among the choices were prime rib with a 6 oz. lobster tail for $18.95, to veal Cordon Bleu for $13.95. A countdown party will be held with prizes, party favors and more.
PAGE 4 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020
Obituaries
Chris J. Blackwell, beloved husband, father, son, brother, patriot, of Brenkman Drive, Weatherly, passed away on Saturday, December 26, 2020, at home while in the loving care of his wife Tracy (Coll) Blackwell at 53 years of age. Chris succumbed to cancer contracted during his deployments abroad serving in the Air National Guard fighting in America’s Operation Enduring Freedom Campaign. He was born Friday, June 9, 1967 in Vero Beach, Florida. Chris is also survived by his father, John Blackwell; daughters Carrie Ann Blackwell,
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CHRIS J. BLACKWELL Gabriella Hernandez, Abigail Hernandez, and Alianna Hernandez; sister, Darlene Childers wife of Danny; and brother, Michael Blackwell. Chris is also survived by his loving cousins, the Malski family, friends and co-workers. A graduate of Freeland MMI, Chris entered the Air Force Air National Guard and joined the 201st RED HORSE Civil Engineering Squadron located at Fort Indiantown Gap in July 1985. RED HORSE stands for Rapid Engineering Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron. He completed Basic Training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas as a heavy equipment mechanic at Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois. He was a heavy equipment mechanic until 1995 when he crossed-trained and completed training at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas as a heavy equipment operator. Chris has worked as a mechanic and concrete mixer driver as well as a heavy equipment operator in his civilian career. In 2010 he was hired full time as a federal technician at the Air Force Regional Equipment Operator Training Site (REOTS) located at Ft. Indiantown Gap as a heavy equipment instructor. He instructed Military Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve and Civilian Military Personnel from around the world on all types of heavy construction equipment to include cranes and tractor trailers. Chris was activated and deployed three times in support of the Global War on Terror. First deployment was in 2002
to Qatar. Second deployment was in 2005 to Iraq. Third deployment was 2009-2010 again to Iraq. Some shorter deployments include Germany, Italy, Honduras, Canada and Guam, as well as many deployments within the continental United States, including support of the U.S. Border Patrol along the U.S.-Mexico border during his 35 years of service in the National Guard. Chris was a proud American. He took great pride in sharing his incredible knowledge and skills with his fellow members of the military all around the world. Chris was never one to sit idle. He enjoyed working around his home, tinkering on his Mopar race cars, and did his share of homework duty. As a dad to four girls, Chris taught them all some basic car knowledge, and mechanics. They all knew how to change a tire, and navigate their way through their dad’s tool box. Chris enjoyed watching Abigail play basketball, and he looked forward to going to Graziano’s restaurant. Private funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Weatherly. Memorials in his name to: Salem U.C.C. 330 First Street Weatherly, PA 18255 or Weatherly Area High School where a scholarship fund will be established to benefit graduating seniors matriculating to trade school. Interment with military honors in Union Cemetery, Weatherly. Online condolences may be made to the family at www. griffithsfuneralhomes.com
FLORENCE PIETROSKI tinations like Dollywood Florence Pietroski, 98, of and Thousand Islands, two Hickory Hills, White Haven went peace- of her favorites. Her social groups also got together to fully to her eternal rest build friendships, celebrate on Monday, birthdays, and dine out just to share time and stories December together. 28, 2020. Most important to Florence Florence was her ever-growing family. was born Florence is survived by her December children Geraldine Michaleko 17, 1922 in and Edward Pietroski; her Wilkes Barre to parents Jograndchildren Lawrence seph and Stella Myzick. Florence was preceded in death by “Chuck” Michalesko, Rebecca Mehnert, Kristyn Off, her brother Leo Myzick, and Edward Pietroki III, Keri her loving husband, Edward Anne Stortz, Matthew Pietroski. Pietroski and Meredith Baron; During World War II, and nine great-grandchildren. Florence worked in FurnFlorence’s great-grandchilbah’s Factory making silk dren adoringly call her Babcie. for parachutes used in the war, a job in which she took Babcie had a never-ending love for her family and will be great pride. During the dearly missed by all. 1950s and 1960s, she and Due to COVID-19, a her husband worked sideprivate family Mass of by-side running the family Christian Burial will be bakery, Pet’s Pies, in Lee celebrated on Saturday, Park. Throughout her life, January 2, in St. Patrick’s she continued to make the Church. Interment will folmost amazing desserts for low in St. Mary’s Cemetery, family and friends, with an overflowing array of cookies Hanover Township. Please hold Florence in your every Christmas. thoughts and prayers as the Florence was active in Angels carry her into Heaven’s Saint Patrick’s Church, aleternal glory. ways making sure the altar The family wishes memorial linens were neatly pressed contributions be made to St. and the flowers were fresh. Patrick’s Church, White HavShe led social groups in her en. A sincere thank you to all community, including the the caring and compassionate Women of Saint Patrick’s staff at Mountain Top Health and Sixty Plus. Always up Care, for taking such gentle, for adventure, she planned exceptional care of Florence. many group trips to des-
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Obituaries
THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECCEMBER 31, 2020 — PAGE 5
ALBERT J. WAGNER Albert J. “Boots” Wagner, 61 years of age, of Weatherly passed away peacefully on HARRIET LITHKOUSKY Tuesday, December 22, 2020. ing Home of Mountain Top, Harriet (Drumbor) LitBorn Friday, October 9, 1959 and for St. Luke’s Pavilion in hkousky, 79 years of age, of in Hazleton, he was the son of Hazleton. She enjoyed scrapWeatherly, died on Sunday, the late Carl E. Wagner, Sr., and December 27, 2020, at Lehigh booking, and ceramics. Muriel H. (Richards) Wagner. Private funeral arrangeValley Hospital-Hazleton. Surviving are brother, Carl ments entrusted to the Philip Born Thursday, September E. Wagner, Jr.; sisters, Connie J. Jeffries Funeral Home & 25, 1941 in Weatherly, she Feaster and Sandra Bishop; Cremation Services of Weath- and many nieces and nephews. was the daughter of the late erly. William and Arletta (Eroh) Albert attended Weatherly Interment will be in Union Drumbor. She was also preHigh School, and worked for deceased by husband Bernard Cemetery, Weatherly. Feaster Excavating of WeathOnline condolences may be Lithkousky; sisters Mary Corerly. An avid outdoorsman, he rigan, Anna, and Ruth Drum- made to the family at www. liked hunting, mountain biking, griffithsfuneralhomes.com bor; and brother William camping, riding his motorcycle, Drumbor. and the solitude that nature Surviving are sons Leonard presented. Albert loved the ELAINE MYERS J. Lithkousky and his wife companionship of his Huskies, Elaine Myers of White Hav- and the peacefulness of cruisDebi of Weatherly, with whom en passed away December 29, ing in his ’69 Camaro. He was she resided, and Bernard 2020, at home. Lithkousky of New York; and a member of Zions Evangelical Arrangements are being figrandchild Jason Barker and Lutheran Church of Weatherly. nalized for a funeral Monday, his wife Sequia. Private funeral arrangeJanuary 4, under the direction ments have been entrusted to A member of Zions Evanof the Lehman Family Funeral the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral gelical Lutheran Church Service, White Haven. of Weatherly, Harriet had Home & Cremation Services A complete obituary will be of Weatherly, www.griffiths worked in the dietary deprinted next week. partments of Smiths Nursfuneralhomes.com
LAWRENCE J. SKLANEY known in the community in Lawrence J. “Larry” Sklaney, 79, of White Haven, multiple dart leagues, where passed he earned many trophies. away on He is survived by his lovWednesing wife, Kathy Tyburski day, DeSklaney; son, Lawrence cember 23, Sklaney Jr and his wife, 2020 in Mingjie of St. Paul, MN; the Wildaughter, Suzanne Sklaney kes-Barre of Bloomsburg; four grandGeneral children, Anthony and Talia Hospital. Sainclair, and Benedict and Born in Newport TownWyatt Sklaney; and sister, ship, he was the son of Laverne Gzemski and her Joseph and Helen Vinarski husband, Casmir of MillSklaney. Larry was a gradtown, NJ; many nieces and uate of Newport Township nephews. High School, Class of 1959. Due to COVID, a celebraHe earned his Bachelor’s tion of life will be held at a degree from Kings College, later time and date to be anWilkes-Barre, and his Masnounced. ter’s degree from Marywood Memorial contributions can University, Scranton. be made out to: Larry was a social workFox Chase Cancer Center er employed as a probation 333 Cottman Ave officer for SCI in Frackville Philadelphia, PA 19111 and earlier at the Youth ForArrangements are by Lehestry Camp at Hickory Run. man Family Funeral Service, He was an avid reader and Inc. White Haven, www. enjoyed listening to music LehmanFuneralHome.com and fishing. Larry was well
Commentary: A Pastor’s Reflections on 2020 by Pastor Brook Selby Mountainview Community Church, White Haven
leave with my head spinning, thinking, “I can’t believe that’s what they believe!” There was often tension and disappointment for me, feeling somehow farther away from people There has been a lot of pain this year. There has been a re- I’d felt much more lined up markable amount of confusion with before. But after going through that separation anxtoo. It’s been hard to sort out what is true and fake, right and iety multiple times, I started noticing a few things that wrong, safe and dangerous. prompted me to make some I remember a time when I life-changing decisions. could basically assume that As a pastor, I spend a lot my beliefs were on the same of time thinking about what page as the guy across the should come out of my mouth street. My assumption of this and what shouldn’t. I began to was even stronger with other notice that some of the things Christ-followers. Most of the time we lined up pretty closely I’d labeled as most important on the things I thought of as weren’t worth arguing for. I’d good and bad. In 2020 that all never want someone searching for meaning in life to miss out went out the window for me! on anything I might have to Almost weekly, I’d be in conversation with a friend and add to that search because I’ve
made myself the spokesperson for the Seattle Seahawks, for example, instead of the love of God. So the first decision I made in 2020 was that nothing else matters besides that most important thing. Something else happened for me about halfway through the year. When people I care about would passionately argue opinions opposite to my own perspective, I decided I needed to pause and start listening carefully to them. I know I often really think I’m right about things. And so do they! Since I love these people and believe God has put them in my world for a reason, I started assuming that there must be something in their perspective that was meant for me. And there was. Many times, underneath what started
out sounding loud and crazy were deep values, and deep concerns, and new perspectives that I needed. The scriptures call believers to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Following this direction has been an enormous gift to me. Lastly, much to my surprise, I found that those who have opinions that appear to be absolute polar opposites from each other are often much closer than they realize. Like how the ends of a horseshoe bend in towards each other, unlike the ends of a ruler. Often, both sides vehemently argue something like: Don’t they see how such and such is leading people away from the good of society, a secure future, Biblical values, etc.? Both sides are deeply con-
cerned about these things. This is beautiful. Certainly, there have been polarizing issues this year, like never before. But there is a way that these issues have also moved many of us from complacency to action. And I’ve come to believe that the secondary issues matter much less than hearts that are desperately seeking after what is good. I’ve found that God often uses painful events to lead willing hearts to deeper peace with him and others. As painful and often confusing as 2020 has been, I’m grateful beyond measure to end the year with a deeper appreciation of God’s love, and to extend that to those around me. May the same be true for all of us in 2021.
PAGE 6 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020
WH Ambulance elects 2021 officers White Haven Ambulance Executive board recently held its December meeting at the ambulance building. At this time nominated officers for
2021 were voted into office. President is Dave Quinn; vice-president, George Wood; secretary, Donna Woodring; and treasurer, Chrissy Gower.
Also at this time officers for the active crew were presented, voted on and appointed for 2021. Captain is Adam Burke; co-captain, Chris Harger;
lieutenant, Charles Humbolt; vehicle and building maintenance, Jarrod Ellis, Andy Ochs, Mike Sarno, and Jonathon Rice.
Veterans Corner
Commentary by John Kearns, USCG Ret., chiefkearns@gmail.com
HAPPY 2021 - The Year of “America’s Awakening.” Friday night at midnight, a new year will shine in as we are all celebrate in lock down, both political parties’ members are suffering financially and some medically. The sick and elderly are missing important medical treatment. Small businesses are struggling, and some are going under. But you know who is not suffering? Politicians, billionaires, and social media giants. We all agree the proposed $600 check some might get is crumbs, but they are our (taxpayers’) crumbs. It will help most of us. Some of our leaders say the $2,000 per person is not sustainable. There are billions to bail out crooked state governors and city mayors. Foreign Aid they are sending is just a political money laundering scheme that enriches politicians. Why we ask, do all Congress and Senate members start at a base salary, and end up millionaires? Without the pork in this aid bill, there would be plenty to give needy Americans, as much as $6,000 each, plus continue the unemployment payments and small business assistance. We elect talking heads for their ability to lie and convince us they will do the right thing, not on their record of what they have not done for years.
When did lies and corruption become part of an election process with no consequence? When did the news media choose sides? The “I gave up generation” are willing to lie down like sheep, mocking the older generation’s anger. At least the older generation would have been massing like wolves to fight against lies and corruption we all know is going on. Can anyone imagine what the American people suffering shortages and rationing during WWII, or the returning veterans of WWII would have
done to political hacks who use our tax dollars to enrich foreign nations? What would the proud American women who kept a home, raised the family and worked a job, then standing in line with a ration card, think of the Speaker of the House standing in front of her $18,000 freezer with rows and rows of $16 a pint ice cream, telling them to “suck it up.” The great women of that era who fought to live daily would have been racing each other to see who would be the first to “kick her ass,” then
stuff her in that big freezer. Back in the day, a Senator who got caught lying, or stealing would never be reelected, or forced to resign. The Covid-19 pandemic is a biological war where millions now have been killed by an invading army. Our own government officials are using it as a power grab. If all Americans are too blind to see our future, then we have none. I close with the old theme of 2016 to 2021, “Time to take America Back” or lose our freedoms forever.
The ambulance continues its food drive. Donations may be dropped off at the ambulance building. Any amount you can contribute will help in this time of need. All donations will go to the food bank/local churches to give out to those in need.
THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECCEMBER 31, 2020 — PAGE 7
Seth’s Sightings Our dreams of a white Christmas were washed away by a very impressive early winter rain storm. You all know that we were lucky that the storm came as rain, because had it snowed instead, we’d probably have added three feet to what was already on the ground. It was too much rain, but it would have been far too much snow. There was so much rain that the springs beneath our house pushed through the cracks in our basement floor. I’ve spent the last week drying things out, as even the normally dry spots got wet this time. The very low lake behind the Francis Walter Dam last week took in a lot of water during and after the storm. The Army Corps shut the gates during the deluge. Sunday at moonrise, just after dark, we took a drive over the dam and were gifted by the sight of a series
of reflections along the edge of the renewed lake, almost like there were people with lights along the shoreline. We realized what we were seeing was the moon reflecting off the ice, as the lights faded in one spot and new “lights” appeared as we moved across the top of the dam. Water had been let out from the high point, so the highwater mark could be seen by the ice that was left behind. That ice, in big chunks, was what we saw reflecting the brilliant, almost-full moon. As we headed home later that evening, clouds were coming in ahead of the next weather change. And as I write this, another change is coming, possible ahead of an ice storm on New Year’s. The deer around here seem to be a bit more relaxed, grazing once more along roadsides and on rural lawns and
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farm fields. The big bucks are scarce — so, good job hunters. We encountered only one set of deer dashing across the road as we made our way to Jim Thorpe on Saturday (fewer than normal). Christmas Day was a quiet time for us. Planned presents hadn’t arrived, but it was enough to relax and enjoy a day off. Later we had a fun meal with friends, then a no winner by choice set of card games. A friend’s recommendation guided us and our dogs to the beautiful West End Park on Saturday afternoon. Over the years there have been many articles about the park in our Journal of the Pocono Plateau, so after shopping in Lehighton, we drove to Effort to find the park and give the dogs a run. The weather was cold, but not raining, sleeting, nor snowing, so it was not a bad day to take the dogs to the park. We discovered the hiking trail entry first, and made note that we should be back when the weather is more pleasant. The dog park was about a mile and a half farther by road, located on
the southern edge of the big property. Once there, we found a gorgeous dog park with a large fenced space for large dogs and two other enclosures. We were alone and immediately went about playing ball. After about 15 minutes, with Bull, our German Shorthair Pointer just getting warmed up on retrieving his ball, a family brought two Labs and a small mixed breed in. Like Bull, the Labs were there for their own ball game. Our little Spookie had an admirer in their little dog, but for the most part their dogs kept to themselves. A couple of times balls would cross paths, and there was a bit of sharing, but with such a large space we learned to toss in different directions, and it was fun to see ours galloping off in one direction, and theirs in the other. Temperatures were in the low 20s, and our hands started to get numb. The family and their dogs left first, and we soon followed. The park is off Evergreen Hollow Road east of Effort, and the dog park’s parking lot and entry is off Merwine Hilltop Road.
Coming home on trash night this week showed the kinds of Christmas presents people got this year. Santa gave a couple of families office chairs for the holidays. We’re still driving around to check out holiday decorations. We continue to look for different types of lit or inflatable decorations, and are beginning to see items that date back to the 1950s. These loved vintage decorations can often appear right next to an LEDlit item or one of the seemingly hundreds of inflatables that are the thing lately. Pro football showed us who is ready for the playoffs — not the Eagles, not the Giants, probably not the Washington team, and certainly not the Patriots. This weekend featured some really bad football. Congrats to the Steelers, though. One more week of this regular season to suffer through. We’ve three weeks to go until the National Hockey League gets its season’s start. The Wilkes-Barre Penguins are due to start their season in early February. I am waiting for the first news on home games to share with you. Looking ahead, we’ll raise a toast to 2021 on Thursday night, at home quietly, then watch an episode of The Mandalorian. If the ice storm is not bad for New Year’s, we’ll likely go back to the West End dog park, then go off to tour back roads. Otherwise, we have some books to read. We are counting the days to when restaurants reopen for inside dining — January 4. Happy New Year — 2021 is going to be better than 2020, so here’s to a good start for all of us.
PAGE 8 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020
2020 revisited — places that changed during an odd year
Weatherly Continued from page 1
The Weatherly Police Department reported 253 incidents in November, 86 of these traffic tickets, with 26 criminal cases. Mayor P. J. Hadzick offered thanks to borough manager Harold Pudliner for his handling of all the challenges of 2020. He also thanked Pudliner for the hard work he and his team put in to bring in a budget for 2021 with no tax increase. Council members Joe Thomas and Norm Richie gave special thanks to the borough roads crew for their “excellent job” with the big snowstorm. The meeting closed with wishes to all of a Happy New Year.
THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECCEMBER 31, 2020 — PAGE 9
Lehigh names ZHB alternate by Ruth Isenberg
Lehigh Township Supervisors named Ernest Davis as alternate to the Zoning Hearing Board during the December 7 meeting. The 2021 budget was adopted, with no tax increase.
East Side… Continued from page 1
reported she had completed on-line courses on hazard mitigation and flood plain issues. Only two responses were received for accounts in local banks; council member John Cepiel was attempting to get another one. The proposals received so far require the use of online banking to avoid fees. East Side does not have a dedicated computer, and Lenahan expressed concern about keeping borough records on her personal computer. Audience member Eric Siglin suggested purchasing a computer for the borough, but then the issue becomes where that computer is to be kept. No action was taken. Zavada & Co. was approved to do the annual audit of borough funds, at a cost of $3,000. Council will meeting next on Thursday, January 7, at the White Haven Area Community LIbrary.
PAGE 10 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020
WASD releases Middle School honor roll The following is the honor roll list from the Weatherly Area Middle School for the first marking period which ended November 8.
raugh, Kiley Holman, Izabel Jones, Molly Kislan, Vincent Paisley, Rachel Rosenlund, Ava Sahaida
PRINCIPAL’S HONOR LIST
The criteria for students to earn First Honors is to attain an average grade of 90 or better in major subjects with no grade below an 85 in any subject taken: 6TH GRADE Carmen Aurisano, Emily Ceron, Wade Eroh, Willem Grant, Charles Grier III, Shane Hoffman, Mary Portell, Cortney Snyder 7TH GRADE Abigail Binder, Keira Culp, Hannah Fisher, Kellyanne Kennelly, Raymond Montz, Corbin Wagner, Abigail Weston, Amanda Whale, Ai-
The criteria for students to earn Principal’s Honors is to attain an average grade of 95 or better in major subjects with no grade below 90 in any subject taken: 6TH GRADE Rebecca Caldwell, Aiden Foley, DeAnna Pugh, Liam Savakinus 7TH GRADE Sofia Evans, Kayla Kennelly, Vaughn Nun, Grace Portell, Kelly Reiner, Niko Saldukas 8TH GRADE Ryan Breslosky, Ethan Dar-
FIRST HONORS
sha Zuberi 8TH GRADE Angelina Aurisano, Abigal Best, Andrew Dotzel, Brooke Hamlett, Melissa Houser, Alexander Rosenlund. Ivan Wilkinson
SECOND HONORS The criteria for students to
earn Second Honors is to attain an average grade of 85 or better in major subjects with no grade below an 80 in any subject taken: 6TH GRADE Matthew Adler, Kassandra Hibbler, Gianna Miller, Madeline Rhodes, Jake Strizak
7TH GRADE Jasmine Bresnak, Corban Leininger, Christian Masterson, Christopher Masterson, Mason Veasie 8TH GRADE Hayden DiGennaro, John Donish, Cole Foley, Madyson Kuntz, Evan Miller, Louis Sypeck
Safety is topic for Caring for the Caregiver Are you caring for a loved one living with memory impairment? Join senior care experts from Heritage Hill via Zoom for Caring for the Caregiver, a free educational series featuring insightful topics to help family caregivers, with the next session to be held on Tuesday, January 12, at 2 p.m. As Alzheimer’s progresses,
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THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECCEMBER 31, 2020 — PAGE 11
Crestwood player All-State
Comets’ Arnold named All-State by PFN The Crestwood Comets reeled off eight straight wins to start the season, captured the program’s second District 2 championship, and didn’t put away the pads until a PIAA opening-round playoff loss to eventual Class 4A state runner-up Jersey Shore. Senior linebacker Logan Arnold
was a big part of the Comets’ stingy defense, which pitched a pair of shutout and surrendered just 12 points per game. Arnold was rewarded for his part in Crestwood’s 8-1 season by being named to the first team defense on the Pennsylvania Football News Coaches Select Class 4A All-
State Football Team. A 6-1, 215-pounder, Arnold was in on 38 tackles, including seven for loss, and also had four passes defensed for Crestwood, which was back in the state playoffs for the first time since 2014. Earlier this month he was named to the Wyoming Valley Conference
Division I All-Star Team. High school football head coaches statewide were asked to nominate players to be selected for this year’s second annual PFN Coaches Select All-State teams. For the second year in a row, over 200 coaches participated in the nomination and voting. For a
complete list of all players selected in Classes 1A to 6A, go to pafootballnews.com.
Centenary opens New Year’s Eve Centenary United Methodist Church, Carbon St Weatherly will be open Thursday, New Year’s Eve from 2-3:30 p.m. The community is invited and welcome to come and go throughout this time to sit in the quiet and beauty of the sanctuary to pray, unwind and feel the peace for the Holy Spirit at this special time of year. As 2020 ends and another year is about to begin, please take a few moments to be thankful for all God’s goodness and pray for a future filled with love, joy peace and hope! Weekly in person Sunday services continue at 11 a.m., or live services can be viewed on YouTube as well as a shortened version on the Centenary Facebook page. Visit the church website at weatherlycumc.org for more information.
PAGE 12 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020
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PAGE 14 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020
Local teams make big-time memories in 2020 by Steve Stallone Sports Editor It’s virtually impossible to look back on the 2020 year in sports without first thinking how the coronavirus pandemic affected it. Games and entire seasons were either postponed or cancelled altogether. The NCAA Basketball Tournaments were the first to go, followed by the cancellation of the entire spring sports season by the NCAA. After long delays, the NBA, NHL and finally Major League Baseball moved into “bubbles” for playoffs to conclude their interrupted seasons. The 2020 NFL season was delayed, but has managed to move forward despite several COVID-19 hurdles along the way. The start of the new 2020-21 NBA and NHL seasons were delayed as well. Closer to home, scholastic and youth sports also were greatly affected by the pandemic. The PIAA basketball and swimming championships were halted in March and never completed. The spring sports seasons were never held, costing those athletes an entire sports season.
As practices and games began at the youth sports level in the summer, the PIAA was back up and running in the fall, with many of the schools participating in at least partial seasons. With the uptick of the virus in recent weeks, the scholastic winter sports season has been placed on hold. Schedules will be whittled down to just league games when teams do return to play, hopefully by mid-January. Yes, it’s been a difficult year for athletes and teams. Yet the way they have risen up to overcome disappointment and the many obstacles in their path is what has been truly inspirational about 2020. Locally, when athletes were able to return and compete in the fall, they did so in amazing fashion. Three teams at Crestwood High School and another at Weatherly Area put together championship runs and reached heights never before seen in their programs’ history. At Crestwood, the field hockey, boys’ soccer and football teams were lifting the district championship trophies, while at Weatherly Area the boys’ cross country team went on a run that didn’t end
Crestwood’s Mallory Moratori (1) challenges Hazleton Area’s Jill Kringe during a game this season. Moratori and the Lady Comets captured the District 2 Class 2A championship, their first since 2015. Photo by Bob Gaetano until the Wreckers were in Chocolatetown. We highlight the four district team champions as we look back on a very memorable season for their players, coaches and fans.
Stickers return to top The Crestwood field hockey team brought back memories of the “Big Red Machine” on its way to putting another championship plaque in the school’s trophy case. Mallory Moratori scored the game-winning goal in overtime as the Comets edged Wyoming Valley West 2-1 for the District 2 Class 2A championship. It was an unforgettable moment for Moratori and the
third-seeded Comets, who were an afterthought earlier in the season after starting 0-4-1. “My heart was breaking before the season even started,” stated Moratori. “I was so excited for it to start - you know, it’s my senior season - and it just felt like it wasn’t going to happen. I’m so grateful that it happened and I’m so grateful that we got the win tonight.” Valley West had beaten Crestwood 5-1 to start the 2020 season. This time around, the game was tied 1-1 until the end of the 10-minute, 7-on-7 overtime period when Crestwood earned a corner attempt. Crestwood’s Lauren Schmude sent the insert pass to Moratori, who instantly ripped the shot home for the
win. “When luck meets opportunity,” head coach Patsy Moratori said. “It takes a little bit of luck, a little bit of opportunity. Either of us could have scored at any time.” By knocking off the defending state champions and four-time defending District 2 champs, Crestwood (12-51) earned the right to move on to the state tournament. However, less than 48 hours before their scheduled PIAA quarterfinal game against Southern Lehigh, the Comets were forced to forfeit. Crestwood athletic director Dean Ambosie confirmed a COVID situation was the cause. “I just feel truly grateful that we were See 2020 SPORTS, page 16
THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECCEMBER 31, 2020 — PAGE 15
Big Ten Football: Season in Review by Frank Fear and Pat Burns It isn’t easy to plan for something you’ve never experienced. And not since 1918 has college football and the Big Ten faced what it faced this year. The reason was the same - a pandemic - flu then, COVID-19 today. Back then, conference teams played a patchwork schedule - Indiana played as few as four games, Chicago as many as ten. The same thing happened this year. And even though schools did their best, the disease always had the upper hand. When the dust settled, Ohio State won the East as expected, and surprise team Northwestern took the West. It was a mighty feat for a NU team that finished 3-9 last year and won only one conference game. The Buckeyes beat the
‘Cats to take the crown. They got a College Playoff spot, too. Their reward is a contest with mighty Clemson on New Year’s Day. What did we like most about Big Ten football 2020? Spunk, we say. Two teams took a punch, fell to the mat, dusted themselves off, and arose victoriously. We’re talking about Iowa (Big Ten West #2: started 0-2, finished 6-2) and Penn State (Big Ten East #3: started 0-5, finished 4-5). What they accomplished took character, leadership, and sustained effort - the stuff of which films are made. Hurray, too, for upstart Indiana. The Hoosiers had a recent history of coming close but not winning, with so many close games and just as many excruciating losses. But IU persisted. Great coaching, smart recruiting, solid game
plans, and tough defense paved the way. And, oh, those skill players, including a great quarterback and nifty receivers. But for every team that excelled, some teams disappointed. We pick three Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan. We thought the Badgers and Gophers would contend in the West, but it didn’t turn out that way–not by a long shot. Our hunch is that the Badgers’ downturn will be short-lived with an upswing tied to Graham Mertz’s development at quarterback. We’re not so sure about the Gophers. The running game helped at the season’s end (Mohamed Ibrahim gets a ‘Wow!’), but this team doesn’t have a championship look–at least not yet. As for Michigan, 2020 was another disappointing campaign. The season highlight was beating the Gophers in the opener. It was downhill from there. And while we know some fans won’t like reading this, we believe the conference is not the same with Michigan as an also-ran. And that’s what the Wolverines have been - not just year, but for a number of years. We suspect the UM brass will eventually press the restart button and bring in a new coaching staff. A Humpty-Dumpty-like metamorphosis is needed in Ann Arbor. Then there’s a perplexing team, a squad that started strong and fizzled out. We’re talking about Purdue (Big Ten West #6: started 2-0, finished 2-4). And it’s not easy to pinpoint why the Boilers fell flat. We suspect that last-minute turmoil at Minnesota contributed to its malaise. Late
in the 4th, Purdue couldn’t score after taking over inside the Gophers’ 40, and then, the Boilers had the winning TD called back by a phantom pass interference call. Purdue lost to Rutgers the following week at home, and on the road to the Huskers a week later. But make no mistake about it: the season could have gone the other way. Purdue lost one game by three, two games by seven, and one game by ten. Then, there are teams with issues and uncertain futures, Nebraska, Illinois, Rutgers, and Maryland. We think Rutgers (great head coach) and Maryland (exciting QB) are on the rise. For Nebraska, nobody in Huskerland wants the future to be like its recent past. Fans want NU to recapture the glory days of Devaney and Osborne. That’s not what they’ve been getting. We think 2021 will tell the tale, and good news may be looming. Rivals.com ranked the Huskers in the Top 20 in recruiting each of the last three years (4th in the Big Ten each year) and just out of the Top 20 (21st) in 2018. Those outcomes could lead to good times for Nebraska. As for Illinois, well, you know what happens when it’s out with the old coach and in with the new coach. Rebuilding is what follows. But we’re still scratching our heads that the Illini turned over the keys to Brett Bielema. We give Michigan State a pass, and here’s why. New coach Mel Tucker arrived after Signing Day and under other unusual circumstances, too. Then, COVID struck. Beating archrival Michigan and division champ Northwestern were highlights. Getting beat-
en up by Iowa and Indiana were not. But that’s par for the course – ups and downs/good days and bad days are what you see in first-year programs. And while MSU ended up better than many people predicted (we’re among them), the Spartans still finished in the East Division basement. And let’s end where we started by celebrating the best of the best. We give Northwestern an A+. The team played well together, doing just what it did in 2018, that is, it came off a losing season to nab the West Crown. It’s difficult for a private school with high standards to find a winning football formula, but Coach Pat Fitzgerald has found it. The lyrics in NU’s fight song ring true: “Spread far the fame of our fair name.” Then there’s Ohio State. For all the negative words that have been written about the term ‘football factory,’ we prefer a positive take, namely, that any good factory produces reliable and quality outputs year after year. That’s what the Buckeyes do, and it makes OSU the conference’s wannabe team. But what are the odds that any team will become like the Bucks? And let’s be clear: that not only means winning the Big Ten, it also requires sustaining excellence at the national level. When you think of what it takes -- big-time resources, the importance of football to the institutional brand, and persistence, only two schools come to mind –Michigan and Penn State. _________ Frank Fear and Pat Burns write about Big Ten football at The Sports Column.
PAGE 16 — THE JOURNAL-HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020
WHC
Continued from page 14 able to have a season,” senior Taylor Yeager said. “With everything being up in the air with COVID, I didn’t think it was going to happen. I had lost hope at one point.” While the Comets were unable to chase the field hockey team’s sixth state championship, they could take solace in the fact that they put the “Big Red Machine” atop the district for the first time since 2015.
round.”
Crestwood D2 football champs
With each passing week, the excitement and the pressure kept building for the Crestwood football team. The Comets never flinched. They opened their season with an 18-10 victory over Hazleton Area, the start of an 8-game winning streak that didn’t end until the state tournament. In between, they dominated teams with a swarming defense that allowed just 12 points per game, Comets make it and used a balanced offense 4 straight that featured any number of At this point, you can prob- players stepping up on a given ably refer to the Crestwood night. The defense pitched boys’ soccer program as a dis- two shutouts, including a 35-0 trict dynasty. Michael Zaleswhitewash of rival Berwick. ki’s two goals, Cole Kranson’s The Comets also edged deplay in goal, and Crestwood’s fending PIAA Class 3A chamoutstanding defense enabled pion Wyoming Area 14-13 in a the Comets to overpower Week 6 showdown. Valley View 4-0 to claim the After taking out previousprogram’s fourth straight ly-unbeaten Lake-Lehman District 2 Class 3A champion- 20-17 in a Week 7 overtime thriller, the Comets rolled past ship under head coach David defending district champ and McFarland. state finalist Dallas 34-14 for Having beaten Dallas in the District 2 Class 4A crown, 2017-18 and Wyoming Valley their second district title in six West in 2019, Crestwood years. “It’s unbelievable,” sesolidified its place in local soccer lore. “It’s fun to see the nior running back/linebacker guys come in as freshmen and Jimmy Hawley said. “We were 2-8 two years ago, and I never develop them and work hard every day, and to progress and thought we would be here. It become better soccer players,” is just unbelievable.” Although the Comets came McFarland said. The Comets carried a 14-0-2 up short in the PIAA playrecord into the PIAA opening offs, falling to eventual state round, and got two goals from runner-up Jersey Shore 26-14, their 8-1 season and secTrey Zabroski and another ond-ever appearance in the from Nico Schwartz. Howstate tournament will be a ever, Selinsgrove scored the walk-off goal for a 4-3 victory, solid foundation for the future ending another stellar season of Crestwood football. in Crestwood. Wreckers make history “Overall, I’m happy with what I saw as a coach. ObviAs Scotty Zoscin’s teamously, the result isn’t that we mates smiled and celebratwere hoping for,” McFarland ed next to him, the Weathsaid. “I’m real disappointed, erly Area senior crouched especially for the seniors, bedown like a baseball catcher. cause they deserved a second Zoscin’s left hand touched the
Weatherly Area’s Scott Zoscin competes at the PIAA Class A Cross Country Championships in Hershey in the fall. Zoscin placed 40th, and helped lead the Wreckers to their first-ever district championship and appearance at states as a team.
Photo by Bob Gaetano
ground at Blue Mountain Ski Resort for balance. His right hand cradled the District 11 Class A championship trophy, hugging it so tightly the trophy pressed against his forehead. And he wept. Overcome by what the Wreckers had just done, Zoscin wept tears of joy. Years in the making, Weatherly Area climbed to the top of the mountain, dominating the Class A field at the District 11 Cross Country Championships to capture the team title and the place in the PIAA Championships that goes with it. The Wreckers easily outdistanced defending champion and runner-up Moravian Academy (39-70). “I’m just unbelievably proud of all of these guys,’’ Zoscin said. “Once I felt that trophy,
I just thought of all of these guys and all of the work they put in. It’s just unbelievable to see it all come into a district championship, an undefeated record and the best team in school history.’’ Zoscin placed third overall in 19:05, with sophomore teammate Michael Berger finishing fifth in 19:29. Junior Frankie Willis finished ninth in 19:35, followed closely by sophomore Jacob Parker, who took 11th in 19:41. Junior Ricky Ray rounded out the Wreckers’ top five with a 15thplace effort in 20:13. “It feels wonderful,’’ Berger said. “We were putting work in all season, and it feels so great to finally have that work pay off ... and to have the trophy as a team.’’
The following week in Hershey, the Wreckers competed at states for the first time, placing eighth among 11 teams. Zoscin placed 40th in 18:14. The Wreckers finished the best season in school history with a 17-0 record, won the district title and made their first trip to states as a team. “I told the guys that no matter what the outcome is, just think of this as a victory lap,’’ Zoscin said. “We did what the school has never done. ... Just feel it. Not many people from around Weatherly get to do this. So just feel blessed and enjoy every moment of it. “Forever in Weatherly history we’re going to have a mark and we’re going to have a legacy.”