Details about activities today and Saturday related to Shamokin's 150th anniversary celebration:

Today

6 to 10 p.m.: Bands Looker and Bunky Hendricks, main 150th parade reviewing stand, south side of Independence Street across from Wendy's. Miss Pennsylvania Amanda Smith welcomed. Independence Street closed between Eighth and Ninth streets during this time.

Saturday

Food and drink vendors will set up throughout the day at Eighth and Independence streets and near the Shamokin Post Office. Independence Street will be closed to traffic all day.

10 a.m.: Drawing for 2014 Chevrolet Camaro convertible, stage near Susquehanna Bank, 300 E. Independence St. Purchaser of winning ticket, to be drawn by Miss Pennsylvania, will serve as grand marshal of parade (or can designate someone). Winner need not be present.

10:30 to 1:30 p.m.: Concert by Mahoney Brothers, stage near bank.

12:30 p.m.: Unveiling of new mural, commissioned by nonprofit Coal City Revitalization and created by coal region artist Shawn McGugan, Irish Isle Provision Co./Pot of Gold beer distributor, 911 W. Arch St., Coal Township.

1:30 p.m. Band Autumn performs hits from the 1950s, reviewing stand near Wendy's.

2 p.m.: Parade begins at Shamokin and Willow streets. Approximately four dozen entrants will travel north on Shamokin to Spurzheim; west on Spurzheim to Lincoln; west on Lincoln to Market; south on Market to Chestnut; west on Chestnut to Sixth; north on Sixth to Independence; east on Independence to Rock. (It is asked that all vehicles be clear from the route by noon Saturday.) Classic car cruise will start before parade officially kicks off.

After parade: live music resumes on both stages. Autumn at reviewing stand and Shoreliners at bank stage, both until 7 p.m.

7 p.m.: Angela Kinder portraying "Queen Elsa" from Disney's hit movie "Frozen," reviewing stand.

7 p.m.: Bean Soup Bunky, bank stage.

7:30 p.m.: Fobias, reviewing stand.

9:40 p.m.: Fireworks from atop Glen Burn culm bank. Bill Radio 95.3 will provide a patriotic fireworks soundtrack beginning at 9:40 along with salutes to Shamokin's 150th.

SHAMOKIN - With around four dozen groups and three mummers bands, the grand parade for Shamokin's 150th celebration will be quite spectacular.

The parade is scheduled to kick off on Shamokin Street in the Fifth Ward at 2:20 p.m. Saturday. It will wind approximately 2.2 miles through Shamokin and end at the east end of Independence Street.

A gaggle of classic vehicles will traverse the streets preceding the grand parade as part of the Independence Street Car Show, which runs from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Miss Pennsylvania Amanda Smith, who will compete in this year's Miss America pageant, will draw the winning ticket for a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro that is being raffled off to pay for the festivities at 10 a.m. on the stage near Susquehanna Bank, Independence Street. The winner may choose to ride in the Camaro as the parade's grand marshal; however, the winner need not be present to win the car. The winner also does not need to be part of the parade and can choose a person to ride in his place.

Smith, who attends Carnegie Mellon University, will arrive this evening and ride in a car in Saturday's parade.

"I'm looking forward to getting to know the town and meeting everybody," Smith said Thursday by phone. "I want to see the parade and walk downtown and see everything."

Honorary marshals Kitty Klebasko and Harry "Chick" Mattis will ride in a convertible. They were selected as honorary marshals due to their longtime commitment to the community through volunteerism. Mattis and Klebasko's involvement includes serving as the chairpersons of the Anthracite Heritage Parade committee.

Mummers a highlight

The three mummers groups attending the parade will travel into town from the Philadelphia area on Catawese Coach Lines buses supplied by William D. Milbrand, owner of the bus company and Shamokin's mayor.

The Avalon String Band, which comprises members between 12 and 60 years of age who play saxophones, banjos, accordions and percussion instruments, performs sing-along music and minstrel standards as well as popular music from the early to mid-1900s, swing and big band.

The Uptown String Band, which is based in Bucks County, will perform with the theme "The Pillage People."

The Polish American String band uses synchronized drill, dancing and scenery in their performances.

Mummers groups, which are recognized for their elaborate costuming, will be one of the highlights, said Bill Dudeck, one of the parade organizers.

"They're not easy to get," said Dudeck. "I'm looking forward to the community having entertainment that's never been seen before in Shamokin."

Also visiting from the Philadelphia area will be the Irish Thunder, which Dudeck said is the top pipe corps on the East Coast. The group's repertoire includes traditional Irish tunes as well as several American songs, such as "Yankee Doodle."

The Nittany Highland Pipe and Drum Band, a central Pennsylvania bagpipe and drum corps with members from State College, Lock Haven, Williamsport, Lewistown and Altoona areas, will also participate, as will the MacKay Pipes Band, of Bethlehem.

Rajah Shrine String Band, a unit of Shriners International that features a 33-member string orchestra pulled by a tractor trailer, will also provide music.

Another division of Shriners International, the Rajah Shrine "Forks of the Delaware" Tin Lizzies, will ride in the parade in miniature antique cars.

In addition to Miss Fifth Ward Jaime Levy, Shamokin Queen Lydia Sandri, Teen Queen Daizy Barrett, Junior Miss Elyse Grace Whitmer and Little Queen Kelsey Olszewski, the parade will feature several dignitaries.

One notable visitor is U.S. Olympian Jayson Terdiman. Originally from Berwick, Terdiman competed in the luge men's doubles and team relay at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Disc jockeys and emcees will be stationed along the parade route to announce what's coming next and to warm up the crowd.

The parade will conclude downtown near Shamokin and Independence streets. The festivities downtown, which include live music and character portrayals, will continue until the fireworks show at 9:40 p.m. A fireworks soundtrack will be played in conjunction with Saturday's display on Bill 95, 95.3 FM.

Auditions set for ACT show

MOUNT CARMEL - Anthracite Citizens Theatre has scheduled an "ACT Review Show!," a collection of numbers from past ACT shows, for 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, at the Mount Carmel Junior-Senior High School auditorium.

Auditions will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at First United Methodist Church, 46 N. Hickory St.

Visit www.actheatre.org look to see a list of past productions. Those auditioning should plan to perform their favorite song.

Rehearsals are planned for 6:30 p.m. Aug. 13 and 15 at the auditorium.

For more information, call 570-276-6603.

Barletta 'Legislator of the Year'

MECHANICSBURG - U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-11, on Tuesday received the "Legislator of the Year" award from the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) for "his work in protecting volunteer fire companies from the Affordable Care Act," according to a press release from the congressman's office.

The award represents Barletta's "success in preventing volunteer fire companies and emergency response agencies from incurring costs and fines under Obamacare that could have caused them to close their doors."

Barletta said the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) had been counting volunteer firefighters as employees for federal tax purposes, which could trigger the Employer Mandate Provision of Obamacare. Barletta introduced HR 3979, the Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act, Dec. 10, 2013, to specifically exempt volunteer firefighters and volunteers providing emergency medical services from the Employer Mandate Provision. The bill has not passed, but Barletta said he would continue to push the cause.

Barletta was presented with the award at the Washington Fire Company in Mechanicsburg by Fairview Township firefighter Bob Timko, who first alerted Barletta to the problem during a parade in 2013.

Barletta said the award proves to him that many of the best ideas do not emanate from Washington, but tend to come from people back home.

"This fight was especially important in Pennsylvania, where 97 percent of fire companies rely either entirely or mostly on volunteers," he said.

SHAMOKIN - The city's 150th anniversary celebration is underway, and not a moment too soon.

Shamokin is teetering on bankruptcy, some infrastructure is falling apart, its tax base is eroding and social ills appear as prevalent as ever.

Its woes are not unique. Municipalities across Pennsylvania are struggling to balance budgets, pay bills and meet the rising costs of pensions and health benefits. But its woes are real, and the city's fiscal solvency remains very much in doubt as it enters a state-run financial recovery program.

A simple stroll through Shamokin makes it evident that jobs are hard to come by, poverty and substance abuse are gripping more and more families and blighted properties overwhelm a landscape where proud owners struggle to keep it together and code and police officers struggle to keep up.

It's been a tough go for Shamokin in 2014, and the same could be said for the city in any number of years past. At 150 years old, now's as good a time as any for city officials, employees and residents alike to shrug off the albatross for a few days, breathe easy and enjoy a celebration for once.

"After 150 years we're still going, and we'll be going another 150," Mayor William D. Milbrand said. "We can still hold our heads high. Even though we're in trouble, we're going to come out of this."

Need money

Shamokin was accepted in June into the Act 47 program, the 21st active member, after the state agreed it met the standards for a financially distressed community. Its application for a $1,163,500 interest-free loan is still pending. The loan is needed quickly: Shamokin is predicted to run out of money by mid-August, and more than $811,000 in bills from 2013 are outstanding.

A financial adviser will be named this summer to help craft a long-term recovery plan. The plan will be made with input from city and state officials. It could include any number of directives, from cutbacks and layoffs to raising all existing taxes to the highest allowable amounts. It could be painful, Milbrand admitted, but he pledged to the city's taxpayers to do whatever it takes for Shamokin to come out of Act 47 stronger than when it went in.

But if Shamokin is going to have any sort of future, Milbrand said new revenue sources must be found. Revitalization is necessary, he said, and it should start in the downtown and spread out - clear lots for new storefronts or single homes. There are plenty of old buildings that could be targeted for demolition, but it will take commitment, and money, from government and private investors.

"If we're going to survive, we need to revitalize this city and we need to make it more attractive for people to want to live here," Milbrand said.

Good people

Councilwoman Barbara Moyer has faith. She sees volunteers with the fire companies, with Citizens for a Better Community, with Manna for the Many, as examples of the good in people who still call Shamokin home.

These types of people continue to seek ways to improve the city as best they can, something that can be passed from one generation to the next.

"It's the people of our community. That's the universal thing that hasn't changed in the last 150 years," the first-term councilwoman said of Shamokin's positive aspects.

When it comes to the city, she said its residents can be proud of at least two local landmarks - the American Legion Building and the Lawton W. Shroyer Memorial Swimming Pool.

The Legion buildings needs work, she admitted. After nearly 90 years, upgrades are necessary. A makeover seemed on the horizon but when talk of grant funding turned into a $2.8 million loan, plans were ultimately scuttled last year.

Moyer has a soft spot for it. Her great uncle, Wayne Bowman, was active after World War I in helping veterans receive benefits. She recalls visiting the Legion building with him, and with others. She continues those visits, specifically to the public library on its first floor.

As for the pool, it's a recreational opportunity in a city where some say there's little of that. She credited employee Larry Strausser with laboring yearly to keep it operational. The cost can be a strain, she said, but it's not worth giving up. It's a gem, she said, and one she hopes will remain for years to come.

In life there are highs and lows, and it goes for people and places. Shamokin's at a low, fair to say. Challenges are plenty. Moyer thinks they can be met over time. As to the highs, anniversary events could be seen as upward movement.

"I think the 150th is a reflection of the upside," Moyer said.

Need a plan

Small steps, that's what it will take. Small steps in the right direction. It could take 20, 30 years, but recovery is possible.

So says Malcolm Farrow, former councilman, current housing authority member. He's co-owner of a family business, Farrow Funeral Home, that's been around since 1876. It's nearly as old as Shamokin itself, which was incorporated as a borough in 1864 and as a city in 1950.

Farrow believes that for Shamokin to shed its existing debt and avoid such debt in the future, nitpicking is necessary. Scrutinize every dollar spent. Sure, it'll be an annoyance, but he calls it a necessary evil. So, too, will be cutting expenses. That could create enemies.

"It's one of those things you just have to do, and you have to keep at it constantly," Farrow said.

A plan is a necessity, and one is expected from the city's enrollment in Act 47. Chart a course, stick with it and bury partisan politics along the way.

The dress factories that had employed thousands in Shamokin are remembered fondly by those old enough to have worked there, or whose relatives did. They're long gone. Industry in this square-mile city is next to nil.

Across the country, manufacturing and warehouses - the types of industries that employ thousands - have set up shop in industrial parks next to major highways. But Farrow believes small industry, the types that employ 50, 100 even, can thrive in a small place off the beaten path. A small place like Shamokin. There's rail links, a good water source. It's possible, but it will take public funding for redevelopment and private investors.

"Shamokin's future, I think it has a future," Farrow said, pointing to the turnaround of Jim Thorpe. "But you need an idea of what the future should be. We haven't done that. Nobody's really codified with what they think we can do and make it grow."

The 'M' word

Six letters, when strung together, will start a conversation like none other in Shamokin: merger.

Shamokin and Coal Township overlap in culture, in demographics and in challenges. The latter's surely aren't as pronounced, and Coal Township has its collective head above water. It also has more potential with its own industrial park, albeit with just one tenant, and space to build single family homes. But the costs to run municipal government - pensions and health care and police and street department equipment - are trending upward in the 17866, too. Mutual savings could result as services are streamlined: one police department, one street department. One.

Of all the questions a merger would bring, "why" is the greatest, as in, "Why would Coal Township want to assume Shamokin's debt?"

It shouldn't, Farrow said. Tom Kearns, longtime operator of Harry's Fine Food in the city, agrees. Both see merger as a natural fit. Both identify many hurdles to leap to make it happen. And both agree a tax structure could be created to prevent township residents from assuming the city's burden.

But if either community is going to thrive in the future, they said there's a better chance of it happening if they come together as one.

"Politicians are missing the best opportunity to set the area up for the future," Kearns said. "It's time this area looks to the future, and you do it by combining Shamokin and Coal Township."

They called a merger a "jointure" back in the 1960s when Shamokin and Coal Township high schools were combined. Animosity still exists, in part because of a football rivalry long dead. Even so, bad feelings have been passed down to generations that know only of Shamokin Area, but look warily across the border into the other side of town.

Farrow and Kearns, interviewed separately, both laugh at the idea that football would still be a wedge in this community nearly 50 years after the final game between the two old schools.

"To hang onto that kind of vitriol that long is just amazing to me. It's one of the things that I think keeps us from reaching our full potential," Farrow said.

'Fell in love'

Kearns still labels himself an outsider. He moved here 50 years ago, the year of the famed centennial celebration. He was 16 years old and arrived from New York City.

"I fell in love with (Shamokin), if only for the fact that, hell, they were partying all the time," Kearns said from behind the bar at Harry's, taking a break before the dinner crowd arrived.

He went to Our Lady of Lourdes, fell for and married his wife, Barbara, and worked at her family's restaurant before the two became co-owners 25 years ago - or if we're measuring in Shamokin celebrations, the 125th anniversary.

The sesquicentennial, 150 years, is now. Kearns looks at a community where the middle class has eroded as jobs disappeared, and senior citizens and people at or near poverty remain on fixed incomes. There hasn't been much going for Shamokin, but there's been a turn, he said.

On the horizon, even if in Coal Township, is the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area. It won't bring a bevy of jobs, but it's something.

"The AOAA is the first positive force where community leaders have a vision. Even if it's just a tourist attraction, at least it will bring people here," Kearns said.

Locals could benefit by taking risks to capitalize on the tourism. Investment could follow.

Fight blight

Someone who has invested already is local Realtor and former appraiser Joe Bressi. He and family operate Earthday Campground and two rental homes on 123 acres outside Gowen City. The property rests between the AOAA and state game land. Bressi originally wanted to subdivide the land. When the idea of the AOAA gained momentum, he held off.

Bressi bought Jack Martin's realty business in 1984. A decade before that, he was a Coal Township commissioner. It's hard to believe for someone who wasn't around then, but he said blighted properties was an even greater problem locally 40 years ago. The township worked with the state to raze buildings, got upward of $40,000 to do so.

But blight is still an issue that needs addressing.

Bressi suggested tightening the screws on absentee landlords. Too often, he said, out-of-towners snatch up dilapidated homes from tax sale, sight unseen. If they figure renovations are too costly, they let it sit until local government again inherits it for back taxes, and it's again up for tax sale.

A better buyer would be a local, someone interested in getting a rundown property cheap and demolishing it to make room for a new garage or a larger backyard, he said.

A better buyer, yet, would be an informed buyer. Entering a property available at tax sale is forbidden. Bressi said that should change. At the least, a building inspector should be allowed to enter an available property to assess the cost to bring it up to remodel, or simply bring it up to code.

Bressi himself once bought a home from tax sale. He spent 1 1/2 years working on it. It needed a new roof, new electrical and heating systems. It was a white elephant, costing him more to remodel than it was worth.

"I think it's the responsibility of the government to educate these buyers because they don't know what they're doing," Bressi said, adding that regulations should also be put in place to allow Northumberland County to be choosy in who's buying at tax sale.

In addressing blight in the city, Bressi said officials should concentrate more on demolition than rehabilitation.

Code officer Rick Bozza and police Cpl. Bryan Primerano have frequently targeted property owners of rundown homes with some success. Problem is, there are too many targets. Bozza has also worked with city council to choose five properties for demolition with grant funds obtained in conjunction with the county's housing authority.

Kearns noted that Bozza is working hard, doing the best he can. He suggests code and police keep an eye on the small stuff, too, violations for broken windows and other nuisances that could keep small problems from getting bigger.

Shamokin took such a step two years ago when it enacted a new ticketing system for nuisance violations - high grass, garbage piles - with fines that start as low as $25.

CATAWISSA - The honor roll for the fourth marking period at Southern Columbia Area High School has been announced.

Distinguished

A marking period average of 95 percent or higher is required for the distinguished honor roll.

Ninth-grade - Phoebe Bridy, Elizabeth Bryden, Alexis Burd, Jessica Derk, Francesca Forti, Miranda Gipple, Claudia Girardi, Jessica Henrichs, Carter Houseknecht, Lauryn Hower, Daniel Hulsizer, Dominick Kandrot, Todd Lane, Lindsay Lindenmuth, Sarah Lupatsky, Kyla Madara, Mary Scopelliti, Angeli Sen, Tricia Shufeldt, Brianna Snyder, Shane Tripp, Isaac Wynn, Marc Yeager and Cameron Young.

Tenth-grade - Jessica Adamski, Lena Becker, Casey Bernhard, Olivia Bodner, Kayla Broscious, Gabriella Delbo, Jackson Dorey, Kaylee Durovick, Emily Eck, Olivia Greene, Mackenzie Haladay, Stephanie Haupt, Aiyona Hayman, Abigail Herr, Nicholas Jessick. Blair Johnston, Zsofia Kandrot, Tyler Keiser, Katherine Koschoff-Rapkin, Haley Levan, Blake Marks, Elyse Noll, Hannah Sage, Mackenna Shively, Ryan Stimer, Rachelle Viruet, Bradley Whyne, Alexys Yannes and Samantha Yeick.

11th-grade - Grayson Belles, Tia Billig, Brandon Ciocco, Samantha Clark, Trent Donlan, Dustin Durovick, Alexandra Evans, Kasey Fabian, Rose-Ellen Fahringer, Lauren Gedman, Natalie George, Samantha Gregorowicz, Rebecca Harder, Connor Houseknecht, Steven Hricenak, Katelin Ivey, Seth Joseph, Michael Klebon, Stephen Knouse, Thomas Marinelli, Ryan Matukaitis, Kyle Mostik, Julia Mudrock, Michael Newton, Brady Petrovich, Luke Rarig, Victoria Ring, Anthony Rodriguez, Samantha Romania, Jacob Ryan, William Schu, Samantha Schultz, Kirstein Sharrow, Alyssa Stavinski, Connor Swank, Vanessa Thomas, Trystanne Toczylousky, Adriana Townsend, Adam Weissert, Lucy Williams, John Wilson and Madison Yocum.

12th-grade - Mackenzie Brouse, Anne Bryden, Mackenzie Clark, Shannon Daubert, Justin Ernest, Jenna Gutekunst, Nathan Hunter, Carissa Jones, Lauren Kerstetter, Katelyn Klinger, Racquel Kreischer, Jensen Kremser, Tegan Kriebel, Nathaniel Leiby, Matthew Lupold, McKenna Lupold, Megan McHugh. Cody Olson, Avory Pantalone, Allen Potter, Gabrielle Scherer, Sabyasachi Sen, Teanna Shutt, Anne Snyder, Garett Sosnoski, Amber Srednicki, Madelyn Stabinski, Andrew Steely, Michael Willhoit and Erin Yoder.

Regular honor roll

A marking period average of 88 to 94.999 percent is required for the regular honor roll.

Ninth-grade - Jacob Bainbridge, Cameron Bauman, Alana Bendas, Devan Beyer, Noah Bloom, Noah Blusius, Leo Bradley, Noah Brecht, Shane Casey, Zachary Consentino, Hailey Cooper, Howard Cowell, Nicholas Fetterman, Matthew Haupt, Elliot Hicks, Samantha Jankowski, Emily Knisely, Ryan Lichtel, Drew Michaels, Curtis Mommo, Julia Moyle, Erika Patrick, Christina Podpora, Wesley Powell, Cassidy Roadarmel, Jacob Santor, Elijah Seidel, Deryn Seltzer, Jesse Semerod, Brian Sevison, Danielle Smith, Brooke Sudol, Ryley Wetzel, Aliyah Wilk and Justin Woods.

10th-grade - Ahmed Abdul-Al, Laken Anderson, Nicholas Becker, Matthew Bell, Tristan Benware, Marc Boyer, Alexandria Brown, Sarah Brown, Dustin Chaundy, Mitchell Croall, Gabriel Delbo, Gregory Delbo, Jadyn Dunkelberger, Abby Fleishauer, Hunter Flore, Shylynn Flowers, Hannah Gratti, Robert Hergan, Gregory Hidlay, Shalyn Kashner, Juliet Kramer, Aaron Kroh, Maggie Kushner, Elizabeth Lieberman, Jansen McDonald, Caitlyn McKinley, Ashley Miller, Hope Miller, Lon Morris, Amara Nazario, Jillian Oley, Natalia Oliveri, Lauren Parsons, Sarah Pollard, Jacob Potter, Madison Purnell, Regan Roadarmel, Jordyn Ryzner, Molly Shoup, Nathan Smith, Matthew Srednicki, Virgil Sudol, Stephen Toczylousky, Mitchell Tyson, Adam Unger and Dayne Wetzel.

11th-grade - Valerie Burkoski, Amanda Burns, Bailey Carl, Mitchell Carl, Kessler Crowl, Dalton Danglovitch, Sarah Gembic, Matthew Gregorowicz, Nicole Hoffman, Allison Honabach, Matthew Jeremiah, Amie Klinger, Kent Lane, Megan Lunger, Anthony McKenney, Adam Mommo, Kailey Morris, Brent Nichols, Bradley Noll, Miranda Payeskie, Julia Podpora, Cole Roadarmel, Ashlyn Shoemaker, Jacob Trathen, Brandon Weaver, Charles Wertman, Austin Wilcox and Lauren Yeick.

12th-grade - Nathan Beagle, Nina Benner, Reba Broadfield, Bailey Bzdak, Amanda Consentino, Alexandra Cove, Aaron Crawford, Brittany Duncan, Janelle Erdman, Adam Feudale, Sarah Fisher, John Gennaria, Sarah Harder, Ashley Hill, Patrik Jarvelin, Samantha Jeffrey, Alicia Kirwin, Kathryn Knause, Jonathan Kofskie, Grayson Krieger, Max Kushner, Ryan Leisenring, Rebekah Lyash, Madalyn Marzeski, Stephanie Myers, Mason Peters, Alexis Piez, Christian Rutkoski, Kara Scull, Brett Shepard, Marjorie Sherwood, Hannah Snyder, John Stanishefski, Beau Tamanini, Samantha Thomas, Joshua Tripp, Celeste Van Horn, Molly Van Wieren, Angela Vought, Jessica Watkins, Kc Welkom and Tristan Williams.

Parking, alcohol restrictions

SHAMOKIN - Chief of Police Darwin Tobias III has announced parking restrictions related to today's 150th anniversary activities.

There will be no parking on the following streets starting at 11 a.m. until the conclusion of the parade, which starts at 2 p.m.: 00 block of North Market Street (west side), full length of Independence Street and the full length of Lincoln Street.

People are also encouraged not to park on other streets included in the parade route. The route starts at Shamokin and Willow and goes north on Shamokin to Spurzheim, west on Spurzheim to Lincoln, west on Lincoln to Market, south on Market to Chestnut (00 block of North Market Street, west side only), west on Chestnut Street to Sixth Street, north on Sixth Street to Independence Street and east on Independence Street to Rock Street.

Liquor laws will be enforced, including the open alcoholic container ordinance, outside the designated area of the 150th festival on Independence Street.

Citizen calls meeting on building

KULPMONT - Bob Chesney, among the most vocal opponents of the borough's plans to build a new borough hall and garage complex, invites residents to a meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at the American Legion building to discuss the issue.

Borough council meets again next on Tuesday.

All Saints

All Saints Evangelical Lutheran Church, 12th and Scott streets, Kulpmont.

Pastor - The Rev. Alfred J. Bashore.

Worship service - 9 a.m. (back from vacation)

Participants - Richard Kovach, lector and/or communion assistant; Marsha Karnes, altar guild and/or communion assistant.

Assumption BVM

Assumption B.V.M. Ukrainian Catholic Church, Paxton Street, Centralia.

Pastor - The Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Hutsko.

Confessions - Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

Divine liturgy - Sunday, 11 a.m.

Augusta Baptist

Augusta Baptist Church, 1371 Boyles Run Road, Sunbury.

Pastor - Robert S. Commerford.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:15 a.m.

Evening service - 6:30 p.m.

Activities - Sunday, youth group, 6 p.m., kids club, 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Bible study and prayer meeting, 6:30 p.m.; fourth Thursday of the month, L.I.F.E. for seniors age 55 and up, noon.

Augustaville Wesleyan

Augustaville Wesleyan Church, 2556 State Route 890, Paxinos.

Pastor - Greg Clendaniel.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, adult Bible study, children's ministry and youth Bible bowl, 7 p.m.

Bethany Bible

Bethany Bible Fellowship Church, 654 Wilburton Road, across from Mount Carmel Estates.

Pastor - Philip Norris.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:45 a.m.

Message - "Watch Out for Counterfeits."

No evening worship.

Activities - Wednesday, children and youth programs and adult prayer and Bible study, 7 p.m.; July 21 to 25, Son Treasure Island vacation Bible school, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Bethany EC

Bethany EC Church, 1238 Market St., Ashland.

Pastor - Mark Brownson.

Sunday school - 9:15 a.m. (adults and children).

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Activities - Wednesday, Bethany Bible club, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., kindergarten through sixth grade, prayer meeting, weekly, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; free clothing closet, every first and third Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bethel Union

Bethel Union Chapel, West Cameron Township.

Pastor - Dave Butler.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m., for all ages.

Morning worship - 10:30 a.m., with junior church.

Special music - Carol Dagen.

Participants - Carol Dagen and Abby, nursery.

Activities - Tuesday, prayer worship, 6 p.m.; Wednesday, Bible study, 6 p.m.

Calvary Bible

Calvary Bible Fellowship Church, 35 S. Second St., Shamokin.

Pastor - Ferdie Madara.

Sunday school for all ages - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship service - 10:35 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m. followed by fellowship meal in the hall.

Church of the Nazarene

Church of the Nazarene, Route 901, Lavelle.

Pastor - Jeremy Smallwood.

Sunday school classes for all ages - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:45 a.m.

Clark's Grove UMC

Clark's Grove United Methodist Church, Irish Valley Road, Paxinos. Handicapped accessible.

Pastor - Billy Frick.

Sunday school for all ages - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:10 a.m.

Youth service - 6:30 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, prayer and Bible study, 6:30 p.m.

Divine Redeemer

Divine Redeemer Church, West Avenue and Poplar Street, Mount Carmel.

Administrator - The Rev. Martin O. Moran III.

Weekday Masses - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 7 a.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.

Weekend Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m. (Sunday obligation); Sunday, 8 and 10:30 a.m.

Holy day Masses - 6 p.m., eve of holy days. 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., holy day.

Confessions - Saturday, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.; after morning novena Wednesday, or any time by appointment.

Novenas - Monday, Miraculous Medal novena after morning Mass; Wednesday, St. Jude Thaddeus novena after morning Mass; Saturday, St. Francis novena after morning Mass.

Elysburg Alliance

Elysburg Alliance Church, 113 W. Alpha Ave., Elysburg.

Pastor - The Rev. Andrew Knisely.

Service - 8 and 10:30 a.m. Pastor Knisely.

Sunday school for all ages - 9:15 a.m.

Activities - Wednesday, prayer ministry and Collide youth group for grades six to 12, 7 to 8 p.m.; July 20 to 24, Basic Elements vacation Bible school, 6 to 8 p.m.; starting Sundays in September, AWANA, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Elysburg Presbyterian

Elysburg Presbyterian Church, 320 W. Valley Ave. (Route 487), Elysburg.

Pastor - Matthew Young.

Sunday school for all ages - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m. Nursery provided.

Message - Pastor Young preaching on "My Scotland Pilgrimage - Biblical and Spiritual Reflections."

Musicians - Debbie Cecco, organist; Eileen Reigel, pianist.

The deacons will hold a food drive for the Elysburg Food Pantry all summer long.

Activities - Sunday, Lifetree Cafe, "When Anxiety Strikes," 7 p.m.; Friday, Fifth Quarter "Water Dodge Ball", 9 p.m. for kids from fifth to 12th grade; July 13 to 15, community vacation Bible school, "Avalanche Ranch."

Elysburg UMC

Elysburg United Methodist Church, 171 W. Center St., Elysburg.

Pastor - The Rev. Michelle Beissel.

Morning worship - 8:30 a.m. with the holy eucharist, no children's Sunday school.

Adult Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Participants - Chuck Yoder, head usher; Myers family, greeters; TBA, scripture reader; Giana Rovito, acolyte; Olivia Bodner, organist; Edna Ehret, shepherding.

Activities - Tuesday, prayer circle, 10:30 a.m.

Emmanuel UMC

Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 328 Center St., Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Betty Ford.

Coffee fellowship - 8 to 9 a.m.

Worship - 9:30 a.m., with children's Sunday school.

Activities - Tuesday and Thursday, exercise class, 6:30 p.m.; third Wednesday of month, cookie ministry, 5 p.m.; second Saturday of the month, health screening, 8 to 10 a.m.; fourth Sunday of the month, movie night, 5 p.m.

Faith Bible

Faith Bible Church, Burnside.

Pastor - Perry Ross.

Pianist - Robert Witmer III.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Evening service - 7 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, Kids Club, Bible study and prayer, 7 p.m.

Faith Community Church

Pastor - Dale Hill, 570-751-5101.

Sunday worship - 10:30 a.m.

First Baptist, Shamokin

First Baptist Church, 10 E. Lincoln St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Samuel Derr.

Church school - 9:45 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:45 a.m.

Choir organist - Judith Pensyl.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Organist - Judith Pensyl.

Activities - Wednesday, choir rehearsal, 1 p.m., prayer, praise and testimony and Bible study, 7 p.m.

First Baptist, Trevorton

First Baptist Church of Trevorton, 510 S. Ninth St., Trevorton.

Pastor - Dan Conklin.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:40 a.m. Ron Brewer will be minister.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Sunday, choir practice, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m.

­First Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church, Sunbury and Liberty streets, Shamokin.

Minister - The Rev. Jim Phillips.

Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Participants - William and Terry Persing, ushers/greeters; Noriene Ladd, organist; Mary Anne Stump, assistant organist; Charlene Lesher, Terry Persing and Wendy Wary, Sunday school/nursery; William Milbrand, choir director; Bill Persing, sexton; Wendy Wary, secretary,

Activities - Thursday, adult Bible study, 6:30 p.m.; July 14 to 18, "Weird Animals" vacation Bible school, 6 to 8 p.m. Children 4 to 12 are welcome. Registration will be at 5:45 p.m.

With the weather being so hot, please feel free to wear shorts.

First UMC, Kulpmont

First United Methodist Church, Ninth Street, Kulpmont.

Pastor - Beverly Petrovich.

Worship - 9:30 a.m., with children's Sunday school.

Activities - Second Saturday of the month, Angels Table luncheon, 11 a.m. All are welcome.

First UMC, Mount Carmel

First United Methodist Church, 46 N. Hickory St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. Susan J. Roehs.

Worship service - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School - 9:45 a.m.

Activities - Tuesday, Brownie troop meeting, 6 p.m., Al-Anon meeting, 7 p.m.; Thursday, New Beginnings O.A., 7 p.m.

First UMC, Shamokin

First United Methodist Church, Sunbury Street, Shamokin.

Pastor - Zachary Hopple.

Adult and children's Sunday school - 9:15 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Participants - Chris Griffith, liturgist; John and Goldie Stehr, greeters.

Activities - Monday, Bible study, 6 p.m. Kristi Waugh and Erika Petrovich will be on nursery duty, ad council meeting, 7 p.m.

God's Missionary Church

God's Missionary Church in the Valley, 768 Bear Valley Ave., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Howard R. McKenzie.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Sunday worship and children's church - 10:45 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Thursday, prayer meeting, 7:30 p.m.

Good News Bible Church

Good News Bible church, 221 Main St., Locustdale.

Sunday worship - 3 p.m.

Guest pastor Keith McCarthy speaking on "Why the Prophets?" based on Isaiah 40:27-31.

Participants - Shirley Brass, prayer chain coordinator; Wes Brassington, deacon; Bob Keener, church ministry coordinator, and Jill Keener, music coordinator.

Activities - Wednesday, prayer gathering and Bible study, 6:30 p.m.

Good Shepherd

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 35 N. Ninth St., Ashland.

Pastor - The Rev. Dana Heckman-Beil.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Grace Chapel

Grace Chapel, 126 Airport Road, Shamokin.

Pastor - Alan Langelli.

Sunday Bible fellowship groups for all ages - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday morning worship - 10:30 a.m.

Sunday evening worship/young couples class - 6:30 p.m.

Nursery care is provided for all Sunday services.

Activities - Every Monday and Thursday, ladies and men's Bible studies; Sunday, Communion Sunday, CLD leaders meeting; Tuesday, business meeting; Wednesday, ladies fellowship; Thursday, men's prayer breakfast; July 13, hot dog roast/outdoor service; July 15, nursery policy meeting; July 16, congregation meeting; July 21 to 23, music/sports camp.

Call the church at 570-648-0372 for info on activities.

Grace Evangelical

Grace Evangelical Independent Church, Locustdale.

Pastor - The Rev. Rose Marquardt.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 11 a.m.

Grace Lutheran, Shamokin

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 10 S. Seventh St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. David M. Byerly.

Worship service - 10:15 a.m. Service of word and sacrament.

No adult Sunday school for the summer.

Participants - Jeffrey Clutcher, worship assistant; Tyler Keiser, acolyte/crucifer; Yoder family, communion bearers; Jeanne Romanic, altar care; Mr. and Mrs. William Joraskie, greeters; Ron Polastre, driver, and Jeffrey Clutcher, William Hoffa, James Shingara, John Strausser, Ron Weller and Frank Yost, ushers; Walter Boyer, organist, and Charlene Pell, choir director.

Activities - Tuesday, Mary Martha Circle, 7 p.m.

Grace Lutheran, Mount Carmel

Grace Lutheran Church, 145 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Alfred Bashore.

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Service with communion - 10:45 a.m. at St. Matthew's (Slovak) Lutheran Church, 301 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel. It will be Food Pantry Sunday.

Guest speaker - Betty Schaffner.

Note - Services for July are being held at St. Matthew's (Slovak) Lutheran Church, and it will be Food Pantry Sunday.

Grace UCC

Grace United Church of Christ, Third and Market streets, Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. Joan A. Brown.

Morning worship - 9 a.m.

Participants - Bryan Lapinski, organist; Aurora Froutz, acolyte; Beverly Cooper and Dennis Stone, ushers.

Activities - Monday, Rally Day planning committee meeting, 6 p.m.; July 13. annual picnic at Ponduce in Numidia at 10 a.m.; Aug. 2, Sight and Sound bus trip, "Moses."

Harvest Worship

Harvest Worship Ministries, 2079 Upper Road, West Cameron Township, 570-850-4280, harvestworshipministries.com.

Pastor - Sandy Wary.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley Community Church, 162 Hidden Valley Lane, Mifflinburg. A non-denominational Bible church.

Pastor - Gary L. Owens.

Pastor Gary can be reached by calling the office at 570-966-1330, or by cell at 570-486-3967.

Himmel's Church

Himmel's Church, 107 Covered Bridge Road, Dornsife.

Pastor - Jane H. Compton.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:15 a.m.

Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of every month.

Activities - July 20, outdoor service in the picnic grove; Aug. 25, outdoor service in the picnic grove.

Holy Angels

Holy Angels Church, 855 Scott St., Kulpmont.

Pastor - The Rev. Andrew Stahmer.

Confessions - Saturday, 4 to 5 p.m.

Weekday Masses - Monday and Thursday, 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m.

Weekend Masses of obligation - Saturday, 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Activities - Sunday, PREP classes, grades 6, 7 and 8 at 9 a.m.; Monday, PREP classes, grades 1 to 5, at 5:30 a.m.; Tuesday, bingo in activity center. Doors open 4:30 p.m. Games begin at 6 p.m.; Wednesday, picnic committee meeting, 7:15 p.m.

Holy Trinity

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 150 E. Lincoln Street, Shamokin.

Clergy - The Rev. Frederic G. Stevenson, rector, and Deacon Richard Hazzard.

Sunday worship - 10 a.m. with holy eucharist. Children's Sunday school during worship. Coffee hour following worship.

Participants - Susan Zaner, greeter and oblations; Elaine Bogetti, lector; Deacon Hazzard, intercessor; Oliver Fesniak and Frank Zaretski, ushers; Grethel Vinup, organist.

Activities - Wednesday, holy eucharist and healing, 10 a.m.

Hope Community Church

Hope Community Church, non-denominational Bible church, 551 W. Fourth St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - Dan Renno.

Christian education for all ages - 9 a.m.

Fellowship time - 9:45 a.m.

Praise and worship service - 10:15 a.m.

Johnston City UMC

Johnston City United Methodist Church, 200 Main St., Ranshaw.

Pastor - Dan Siddle.

Worship service - 10 a.m.

Worship leaders - Barbara Cummings and Janette Nute, greeters; Rena Keegan and Jane Klembara, acolytes; June Ramer, Rena Keegan and Janette Nute, ushers; June Ramer, Jane Klembara, Rena Keegan and Myra Golden, liturgists; Jane Klembara, musician; Pastor Siddle, speaker.

Living Power Ministries

Living Power Ministries, 45 E. Fourth St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor/teacher - Walt Kriskie.

Pre-service prayer - 10 a.m,

Praise and worship - 10:30 a.m., followed by celebration service.

Sunday evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, mid-week Bible study, 7 p.m., refreshments served.

Miller's Crossroads

Miller's Crossroads UMC, 1929 Plum Creek Road, Stonington, Sunbury RR 4.

Pastor - Michelle Beissel.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:15 a.m.

Participants - Betsy Bradigan, organist.

Ministry of the Water and Spirit

Ministry of the Water and Spirit Church.

Pastor - James Bowers.

Sunday service - 10 a.m., pastor's home, 829 W. Pine St., Coal Township.

God's Chuck Wagon is an outreach of the Ministry of the Water and Spirit.

Mother Cabrini

Mother Cabrini Church, North Shamokin Street, Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Martin Kobos, O.F.M., Conv.

Parochial vicar - Adam Ziolkowski, O.F.M., Conv.

Sunday Masses - Saturday, 5 p.m. (time changed due to Shamokin's 150th anniversary parade); Sunday, 7, 9 and 11 a.m.

Confessions - Daily, 7:30 to 7:50 a.m.; Saturday, 3 to 3:45 p.m.

Activities - Monday, bingo canceled, will resume Monday, July 14.

Monthly communion calls to the scheduled parish homebound on Tuesday and Wednesday. Homebound ministers to meet at the parish office at 9 a.m. both days.

Mountainside

Mountainside Assembly of God, 1900 Trevorton Road, Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Richard H. Earl.

Coffee and breakfast snacks for all - 9 a.m.

LIFEQuest Sunday school classes for all ages - 9:30 a.m., with nursery available.

Morning worship - 10:30 a.m. Nursery and children's church.

Youth night - bi-weekly at 5 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, adult prayer and Bible study, Royal Rangers, ages 5 to 18, and girls ministry, 6:30 p.m. Coffee served.

Monthly activities - First Sunday, communion and children's sermon, during 10:30 a.m. service; prayer burst on the first Sunday night of the month, 6 p.m.; second Tuesday, Women of Purpose meeting, 7 p.m.

Mount Zion

Mount Zion Welsh Congregational United Church of Christ, Grant and Church streets, Shamokin.

Pastor - Gerald Lloyd Jr.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Scripture - Psalm 145:8-14 and Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Sermon - "Come to Me."

Participants - Philip Maue, organist.

Sacrament of holy communion is celebrated the first Sunday of every month.

New Life Church

New Life Church of God, 129 W. Second St., Mount Carmel.

Interim pastor - The Rev. John D. Ashbaugh.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m. Junior church and nursery available. Handicapped accessible, wheelchair available, church side/back entrance.

Activities - Prayer room open mornings; prayer, fellowship and coffee, Saturdays, 9 a.m.; July 27, evening praise and worship service, 7 p.m.

Oak Grove UMC

Oak Grove United Methodist Church, Marley Road, Overlook.

Pastor - The Rev. Zachary Hopple.

Worship - 9 a.m.

Sunday school for all ages - 10:35 a.m.

Activities - Monday, Bible study, 6 p.m., at First United Methodist Church; Thursday, free karate classes at church, children ages 5 to 12, 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.; 13 and up, 7:30 p.m.; Open Arms outreach, 6 to 8 p.m., first and third Fridays of the month.

Our Lady of Hope

Our Lady of Hope Parish, Chestnut and First streets, Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Steven G. Frenier, OFM Conv.

Daily Masses - Monday through Friday, 7 a.m., Holy Spirit Chapel.

Weekend Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 7 and 11 a.m.

Holy day of obligation Mass - 5:30 p.m. Vigil Mass and 7 a.m. morning of the holy day.

Sacrament of reconciliation - Saturday, 3 to 3:45 p.m.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 47 S. Market St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. Francis J. Karwacki.

Deacon - The Rev. Mr. Martin McCarthy.

Weekday Masses - 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday.

Weekend Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 8:30 and 11 a.m.

Holy days of obligation - 6:30 p.m. on the eve, 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. on the holy day.

Confessions - Daily 7:30 to 7:55 a.m. including Saturday or any time by appointment; Saturday, 3 to 3:50 p.m.

Peifer's Evangelical

Peifer's Evangelical Congregational Church, Mandata Road, Herndon.

Pastor - Bradley D. Hatter.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church, 599 W. Center St., Elysburg.

Pastor - The Rev. Alfred P. Sceski.

Masses - Weekdays, 8 a.m.; Saturday, 5 p.m.; Sunday, 8 and 10:30 a.m.

Confessions - Saturday, 4 to 4:30 p.m.

Restoration Ministries

Restoration Ministries Church, 525 W. Chestnut St., Shamokin.

Pastor - Paul K. Eby.

Pre-service prayer - 9 a.m.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m. for all ages, JoAnne Long, superintendent.

Sunday worship service - 10:30 a.m. Pastor Paul will speak. The worship team will lead praise and worship. Special prayer will be available. Nursery care will also be available.

Children's church - 11:15 a.m. for ages 4 through 11, directed by Shirley Cintron.

Student Life Ministry youth service - 6:30 p.m. for all teens ages 12 to 18.

Activities - Monday, soup kitchen, 5 to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, cross training youth disciple class, dinner at 3 p.m., class taught by Fran Jones from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, Soul Seekers group for ages 18 and older, 7 p.m.

St. John Lutheran

St. John Lutheran, 29 High Road Danville.

Pastor - Kris Brown.

Sunday school - 9:15 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

St. John's UCC

St. John's United Church of Christ, 117 N. Eighth St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Robert B. Peiffer.

Contemporary service - 9 a.m. in fellowship hall.

Special music - Praise team.

Coffee social hour - 10 a.m. in church parlor.

Traditional service - 10:30 a.m. in sanctuary. Time of 10:30 a.m. is for July and August only.

Children's message - Gene Boughner.

Participants - Margaret Morris, organist; Lisa Newton, lay reader; Michael Newton, acolyte.

Activities - Monday, VBS work session in Fellowship Hall, 5 p.m.; Tuesday, VBS work session in Fellowship Hall, 9:30 a.m., depression and bi-polar support group meeting in the church parlor, 6 p.m.; Thursday, Consistory meeting in church parlor, 7 p.m.; July 12, Parish Planning Day 2 in Fellowship Hall, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WISL1480.com airs "Porch Talk," a St. John's produced discussion program, every Saturday morning at 10 a.m.

St. John's UMC

St. John's United Methodist Church, 1211 W. Arch St., Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Karyn Fisher.

Lay leader - Paul Stehman.

Worship - 9 a.m. Children's church at 9:30 a.m.

Sunday school for all ages - 10:30 a.m.

Activities - Monday, VBS meeting, 7 p.m.; Tuesday, banner buddies, 5 p.m., men's group, 6 p.m.; Wednesday, prayer, praise and study - Letter of James, 6:30 p.m.; Friday, Narcotics Anonymous in lower level, 8 p.m.; July 20-25, SonTreasure Island Vacation Bible School, 6 to 8 p.m.

New member class is forming, please see Pastor Karyn for details. Manna for the Many item for June is canned meat.

St. Joseph's Church

St. Joseph's Church, 11th and Walnut streets, Ashland.

Pastor - The Rev. John W. Bambrick.

Sister Elizabeth Kealy, IHM, director of religious education.

Confessions - Saturday, 3 to 3:30 p.m. Any time by appointment.

Rosary prayed before all Masses.

Mass schedule - Today, 4 p.m. (Vigil for Sunday); Sunday, 8:30 a.m.; Monday and Tuesday, 8 a.m.; Wednesday, adoration all day from 9 a.m., concluding with night prayers, benediction and Miraculous Medal devotions at 4:45 p.m., Mass at 5 p.m.; Thursday, 8 a.m.; Friday, noon; first Fridays Sacred Heart devotions.

St. Ann's Chapel, open each day for prayer. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon; Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

St. Mark Lutheran

St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 225 N. Market St., Elysburg.

Interim pastor - Kris Brown.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Activities - Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Elysburg senior center open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday, AA, 7 p.m.; Thursday, Boy Scouts, 8 p.m.

St. Matthew Lutheran

St. Matthew (Slovak) Lutheran Church, 301 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Alfred Bashore.

Service with communion - 10:45 a.m. Today is Food Pantry Sunday.

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost.

Guest speaker - Betty Schaffner.

Participants - Linda Rubendall, organist; Kenneth Kautter, lector; Thomas Pivarnik and William Snyder, ushers; Joseph Melichercik, president.

St. Michael Orthodox

St. Michael's Orthodox Church, 131 N. Willow St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Very Rev. Michael H. Evans.

Divine liturgy - 9 a.m.

St. Patrick

St. Patrick Church, 331 W. Shamokin St., Trevorton.

Pastor - The Rev. Steven G. Frenier, OFM Conv.

Weekend Mass - Sunday, 9 a.m.

Weekday Mass - 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Sacrament of reconciliation - Wednesday after morning Mass or during the day.

St. Paul Lutheran

St. Paul Lutheran Church, 4663 Upper Road, Gowen City.

Pastor - The Rev. David M. Byerly.

Service of word and sacrament - 8:15 a.m.

Participants - Bill Smith, lector; Cindy Henninger and Holly Kerstetter, communion assistants; Brianna Wengrenovich, acolyte/crucifer; Walter Boyer, organist and choir director.

St. Paul's Reformed

St. Paul's Reformed United Church of Christ, Gowen City.

Pastor - Jerry Schlegel.

Worship time - 9 a.m.

Scripture - Romans 7:15-20.

Message - "In Search of a Conscience."

Participants - Cliff Artman, organist; Virginia McWilliams and Esther Whary.

St. Pauline Visintainer

St. Pauline Visintainer Center, 1150 Chestnut St., Box 115, Kulpmont.

"Chapel of the Crucified."

Eucharistic adoration - Friday, noon to midnight, and Saturday, 6 to 7 p.m.

St. Pauline Visintainer Center, open Saturday, Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

Relics on display of Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, spouse of Mary, and St. Peter Apostle.

St. Peter's Lutheran

St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Aristes.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Alfred Bashore

Service and sacrament of holy communion - 9 a.m.

Guest speaker - Betty Schaffner.

Participants - Linda Rubendall, organist; Carol Buffington, choir director, Matthew Sommers, lector.

SS Peter and Paul

SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Avenue and Beech Street, Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Hutsko.

Confessions - Saturday, 3:15 p.m., and Sunday, 8:15 a.m.

Weekday divine liturgies - 8 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Weekend divine liturgies - 4 p.m. Saturday and 9:15 a.m. Sunday.

Religious education classes - 6 to 7:15 p.m. Monday.

St. Peter's UCC

St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Overlook.

Pastor - Paul T. Gurba Jr.

Morning worship - 8:30 a.m.

Sermon title - "Desperate to Know the Real God."

Verse of the day - 1st Kings 18:21 - "And Elijah came on to all the people, and said, 'how long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him,' and the people answered him not a word."

Organist - Virginia Nefsky.

St. Stephen's

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Fourth and Maple streets, Mount Carmel.

Clergy - The Rev. Frederic Stevenson.

Service 8:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist.

Handicapped accessible.

Second Saturday, 5 p.m., Holy Eucharist at the St. Stephen Center.

Salem UCC

Salem United Church of Christ, 1300 W. Pine St., Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Jean Eckrod.

Morning worship - 10 a.m. with Holy Communion

Participants - Brooke Strausser, acolyte; Sandra Rossnock, lay leader; Julie Updegrove and JudyLynn Weaver, beginners class; Barbara Skrivanek, junior class; council members, communion assistants; Autumn Kehler and Allison Weaver, gifts of the people; Carolyn Weaver, organist; Taylor Kashner and Sophie Rossnock, greeters; Abigail Nye, Michael Toter, George Zalar and Sophie Rossnock, ushers.

A quiet room for young infants and nursery care for infants and toddlers is available during the morning worship hour at 10 a.m. Christian education is provided for children ages 3 to 12 immediately after children's time at the beginning of the worship service.

Activities - Monday, making pigeons and tacos, starting at 8 a.m.; Wednesday, Senior Day going to Red Lobster in Williamsport, leaving the church at 10:30 a.m. After lunch, we will be stopping at the Lycoming Mall.

Visit our website: http://salemucc.tripod.com.

Salvation Army

Christian Enrichment Center, 1300 W. Spruce St., Coal Township.

Commanding officer - Maj. Tina Streck.

Holiness meeting (worship) - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday school - 10:45 a.m.

Seibert Evangelical

Seibert Evangelical Congregational Church, Route 147, Herndon.

Pastor - Bradley D. Hatter.

Worship - 9 a.m.

Sunday school - 10:15 a.m.

Seventh Street

Seventh Street Primitive Methodist Church, 34 N. Seventh St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. David Wildoner.

Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Morning worship and children's church - 11 a.m.

Message - "Our Past Life and Our Future Life."

Participants - Kathy Albright, station steward; Joseph Rodman, head usher; Benjamin Brudnicki, Alaina Glowatski and Jordon McDowell, acolytes; Bryan Lapinski, organist; Betty Maskowski, greeter for July; Art Walburn, servant of the month; Kathy Jeremiah, children's church teacher; Sandy Linten, nursery worker.

A nursery is available for children birth of age 5 during morning worship service and children's church is available for children over 5 with focus on lessons from the Bible.

Manna for the Many item for July is jams and jellies.

Activities - Monday, trustee board meeting; July 16, pot luck church picnic at Knoebels Pavilion H., signup sheet in sanctuary; July 20, snacks for 425 group work campers, special offerings will be taken. Workers needed, see signup sheet in sanctuary.

Shamokin Alliance

Shamokin Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Second and Arch streets, Shamokin.

Pastor - Samuel Bellavia.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m. Classes available for all ages.

Worship services - 8:30 and 10:50 a.m.

Wednesday ministries - 6 to 7:30 p.m. Age range is four to high school senior.

Evening service - 7 p.m.

Offered are small groups and cottage prayer meetings for adults. Contact church at 570-644-1718 for information.

Shamokin Seventh-Day Adventist

Shamokin Seventh Day Adventist Church, 7 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin (former Jewish synagogue), 570-648-7770.

Pastor - John Peters.

Saturday sabbath school - 9:30 a.m., with classes for children and adults.

Saturday worship - 11 a.m.

Tuesday, Bible studies, 5 p.m.

Stonington Baptist

Stonington Baptist Church, Hosta Road, Paxinos.

Pastor - The Rev. J. Douglas Hallman.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Morning worship - 10 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, AWANA clubs for children in kindergarten through sixth grade and Word of Life clubs for grades 7 to 12, 6:30 p.m., prayer service, 7 p.m.

Trevorton UMC

Trevorton United Methodist Church, Shamokin Street, Trevorton,

Pastor - The Rev. Al Schell Jr.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:45 a.m.

Nancy Korenkiewicz, pianist, organist and choir director.

Activities - Thursdays, Bible study taught by Roxanne Klinger, 7 p.m.; second Tuesday of month, United Methodist Women, 7 p.m.

Trinity Evangelical

Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church, 28 W. Arch St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Brian C. Betsworth.

Sunday school - 9:50 a.m.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Activities - Wednesday, prayer and Bible study, 7 p.m. Recovery in Christ, a new Bible-based 12-step support group, 6 p.m., Wednesdays. For more information, call Betsworth at 570-648-1682.

Trinity Lutheran

Trinity Lutheran Church, 65 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. David Hauck.

Worship service - 10 a.m.

Participants - Shannon Levi, lector; Carol Eidam, communion assistant; Corey Levi, cantor; Jan Morrison, organist; Andrew Jones, acolyte; Fred and Sharon Lubnow, altar guild; Carol Eidam, counter.

True Grace

True Grace Bible Ministry, 950 W. Arch St., Coal Township.

Pastor/teacher - Michael Marcheskie.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday service - 10:30 a.m., with children's study time.

United Presbyterian

United Presbyterian Church, 100 E. Fifth St., Mount Carmel.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Message - "Why Worship?"

Scripture - Psalm 105:1-6.

Participants - Dale Schimpf, organist; Deb Wydra, acolyte; Ellsworth George, Andrew Mekosh and Robert Shaw, ushers; Dorothy Snyder, greeter.

Activities - Wednesday, Westminster meeting, 7 p.m.

Victory Bible Church

Victory Bible Church, Snydertown Highway, three miles from Elysburg.

Pastor - Kevin Kline.

Worship - 10 a.m., with Sunday school for youth at the same time.

Evening worship - 7 p.m.

Wilburton UMC

Wilburton United Methodist Church, Wilburton.

Pastor - Rose M. Marquardt.

Worship service - 8:45 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Zion UMC

Zion United Methodist Church, Aristes.

Pastor - The Rev. Rose M. Marquardt.

Worship service - 9:50 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Zion Methodist

Zion United Methodist Church, Trevorton Road, Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Betty Ford.

Sunday school - 10:30 a.m.

Worship - 11 a.m.

Activities - Wednesday, Bible study, 1 p.n., first Tuesday of month, United Methodist Women, 7 p.m.

Details about activities for today's Shamokin's 150th anniversary celebration:

Food and drink vendors will set up throughout the day at Eighth and Independence streets and near the Shamokin Post Office. Independence Street will be closed to traffic all day.

10 a.m.: Drawing for 2014 Chevrolet Camaro convertible, stage near Susquehanna Bank, 300 E. Independence St. Purchaser of winning ticket, to be drawn by Miss Pennsylvania, will serve as grand marshal of parade (or can designate someone). Winner need not be present.

10:30 to 1:30 p.m.: Concert by Mahoney Brothers, stage near bank.

12:30 p.m.: Unveiling of new mural, commissioned by nonprofit Coal City Revitalization and created by coal region artist Shawn McGugan, Irish Isle Provision Co./Pot of Gold beer distributor, 911 W. Arch St., Coal Township.

1:30 p.m.: Band Autumn performs hits from the 1950s, reviewing stand near Wendy's.

2 p.m.: Parade begins at Shamokin and Willow streets. Approximately four dozen entrants will travel north on Shamokin to Spurzheim; west on Spurzheim to Lincoln; west on Lincoln to Market; south on Market to Chestnut; west on Chestnut to Sixth; north on Sixth to Independence; east on Independence to Rock. (It is asked that all vehicles be clear from the route by noon today.) Classic car cruise will start before parade officially kicks off.

After parade: Live music resumes on both stages. Autumn at reviewing stand and Shoreliners at bank stage, both until 7 p.m.

7 p.m.: Angela Kinder portraying "Queen Elsa" from Disney's hit movie "Frozen," reviewing stand; Bean Soup Bunky, bank stage.

7:30 p.m.: Fobias, reviewing stand.

9:40 p.m.: Fireworks from atop Glen Burn culm bank. Bill Radio 95.3 will provide a patriotic fireworks soundtrack beginning at 9:40 p.m. along with salutes to Shamokin's 150th.

SHAMOKIN - The executive director of SEDA-COG's Joint Rail Authority says erosion concerns along the rail bed in Tharptown will quickly be addressed.

"Our railroad operator, the Shamokin Valley Railroad, is working with the (Northumberland County) conservation district inspector to be in full compliance. The railroad did have the area hydroseeded in late spring, but more needs to be done, and will be done ASAP," Jeffery K. Stover, JRA executive director, wrote by email Thursday.

A drainage ditch was regraded and cross pipes either cleaned or installed. An inspection June 24 found that sediment spilled into the creek and that erosion and pollution was a continued risk. The disturbed dirt is unstabilized and susceptible to erosion, especially during rainfall, according to the inspector, who noted several violations of the Clean Streams Law.

The inspection was made in the area where the railroad intersects with John's Estate Road, near Penelope Murphy's Bed and Breakfast, following a citizen complaint. Similar conditions were noted in a November inspection.

According to Peter Symons, of the North Shore Railroad Co., following the inspection, rip rap was added around a new pipe along with stone added outside all pipes. Also, the ground between the railroad and the creek was leveled off.

Symons said a meeting is set for Monday with a company to seed the creek bank. The area between Hospital Road and the railroad had already been seeded.

A follow-up inspection is slated for July 15.

Shamokin Creek overflowed in 2011, flooding residents' basements. Debris from upstream and from eroded creek banks built up in the channel, which township commissioners say increases flood risk.

The township's application for $1.5 million in state funds that would have been used for flood control projects in both Tharptown and Ranshaw was turned down last fall.

SHAMOKIN - Children danced and played ball in the streets where people gathered downtown for an outdoor rock concert on the Fourth of July.

More than 100 people gathered in a two-block area on Independence Street between Eighth and Ninth streets for a special classic rock double bill with the band Looker and the acoustic stylings of Bunky Hendricks.

"We are very happy to be here to help you guys kick off this big weekend for Shamokin's 150th anniversary," said Looker drummer Bernie Stellar.

Young and old enjoyed the rock concert while the celebration rolled on for the 150th anniversary of Shamokin's founding as a borough.

With a cool breeze blowing and blue skies above, the crowd clapped and cheered from the opposite sidewalk. When Looker finished a set, many shifted their chairs to see the balcony at the anniversary parade headquarters where Bunky Hendricks performed several hits, including "A Day in the Life" by the Beatles.

If the bands weren't attractions enough, many in attendance got another close-up look at the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro that will be chanced off today. Those who haven't already done so can buy a chance at the vehicle and the honor of being grand marshal of the 150th anniversary parade before 10 a.m. today.

Many tickets were sold Friday.

"I think I've sold about 100 tickets since we've been out here," Vanessa Dudeck, the ticket seller, said Friday.

The person who will draw the lucky ticket, Miss Pennsylvania 2014 Amanda Smith, arrived in Shamokin Friday evening and greeted the crowd. It was a whirlwind day for the 21-year-old pageant winner because she was part of the Philadelphia Fourth of July parade and festivities earlier in the day.MIKE STAUGAITIS/Staff Photo

SHAMOKIN - The Victoria Theater will be gone 15 years Tuesday, but, like the Fuhrmann and Schmidt Brewery and other landmarks that have disappeared in the Shamokin area, its history has lived on through mementos spared from the landfill.

If you ask someone in Shamokin if they have a piece of "The Vickie," a beer can from the brewery or a photo from Thomas Studio, chances are the answer will be "yes."

Debbie Derck, who has a small piece of marble from the theater, and Rich Zack, who collected a vast amount of F&S memorabilia, are among that group. Like many other people in the community, it's their way of saving a piece of Shamokin's history.

The Vickie

The trapezoid-shaped building was spared no expense when designed by William H. Lee and built in 1917-1918 by L.J. Chamberlain, head of Chamberlain Amusement Enterprises. The 2,500-seat theater opened Jan. 24, 1918, to a sell-out crowd.

At a time when the coal and garment industry were booming, the new theater summed up the state of Shamokin: gold-colored handrails, a mammoth chandelier and a massive blinking sign that hung down one half of the exterior of the building. In later years, the sign was replaced by a bright neon "V," which was placed on top of the marquee. As is sadly the case with many relics, it is unknown what became of the "V," which was taken down before demolition of the building.

Great place to work

The beloved building was approved Sept. 10, 1985, for registration in the National Register of Historic Places. The request for this designation was submitted by the theater's then owner, Karl Bower. He subsequently sold the theater to Jeff Mattox, of Fleetwood. In January 1998, Tom Bush, of New Jersey, bought the theater from Mattox.

Derck, of West Cameron Township, worked at the candy counter inside the theater in early 1990s until the theatre closed, which was demolished by the Rite-Aid Corporation. A parking lot was built at the location to accompany a new store.

"I loved working there, it was awesome," Derck said. "I sold candy and stuff, but then I went in and watched the movies. I met all kinds of people."

Derck recalled one of the funnier memories of the theatre, which involved a young boy who Derck said would always purchase an odd list of snacks: An extra large tub of popcorn with extra butter, two boxes of candy - and then a diet coke.

Derck said the boy was a regular at the theatre, as were several others in the community.

"Regulars were the ones that supported the theater," Derck said.

But even ticket sales from the regulars and from people who attended larger films, like when Batman was released in 1989, was not enough to keep the theater from falling into a state of disrepair.

The theater died despite last-ditch efforts by her admirers, including Derck, to save her. But the once beautiful building had deteriorated to such an extent by the late 1990s that restoration was impossible and public safety concerns necessitated its removal.

"It was a neat place to go. It had the rats and bats," Derck said. "It ripped our hearts out when it was torn down."

F&S 'museum'

Rich Zack never stepped inside the F&S Brewery or drank a beer fresh off the line, but it hasn't affected his strong admiration for collecting items from the former beer company, which was torn down in the 1980s.

Zack's home in Ferndale is filled with hundreds of pieces of F&S products, including metal signs, cardboard advertisements, cans and bottles.

"It started off as a hobby collecting Shamokin items, but I stuck with the beer; that was my favorite," Zack said. "People consider what I have a collection. I consider it a museum."

Rise and fall of F&S

In 1895, Philip Henry Fuhrmann came to Shamokin and purchased Eagle Run Brewery, near Tharptown, from Martin Markle. In 1896, Max Schmidt, born in Schlawe, Prussia (now Germany), moved to Shamokin and formed a partnership with Fuhrmann. They formed the Fuhrmann and Schmidt Brewing Company.

After decades of success, the brewery was sold to Henry F. Ortlieb Brewing Company, a Philadelphia firm, in 1966. F&S was still marketed under the Fuhrmann and Schmidt name, however, the families of Schmidt and Fuhrmann no longer owned the business.

Production in 1966 was 160,000 barrels, a small cry from the millions of barrels some national companies were starting to produce. A lack of technology, the larger advertising campaigns of the bigger breweries and a declining population in the Shamokin area also contributed.

By August 1973, Ortleib had sold the brewery to James D. Verrastro, a Williamsport native who had earned his money in the trucking business. The brewery experienced a huge blow in November 1974 when Verrastro declared voluntary bankruptcy and closed the doors. In the afternoon of Nov. 3, 1975, thousands of spectators watched while firefighters attempted to extinguish a massive arson fire at the brewery.

Display pieces

In the weeks following the fire, several people took advantage of the unsecured property to take boxes and crates that were intended to ship products. As years went by, voided checks, bottle openers and advertisements from the former brewery became display pieces in homes and business throughout the area.

Pieces of Zack's collection were acquired from various sources, including yard sales, auctions and word-of-mouth. His first purchase was a quart bottle from Ebay nearly six years ago.

"I don't know why they do it. I guess they get amazed by it," Zack said of others who collect F&S items. "There's a lot more items out there to find."

Thomas Studio

Memorabilia can come in all shapes and sizes, but in the case of Thomas Studio, those sizes are 5-by-7 and 8-by-10. Area residents can look at photos of what the Victoria Theatre and F&S Brewery looked like, thanks to the work of Myron Thomas and his son, Paul.

Born Aug. 7, 1851, Myron Thomas was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Amos Thomas, who settled in the community in the early 1800s. During his early life, Thomas became interested in the new method of making a photographic image by chemistry. He was self-taught, gaining his early knowledge from the few text books that were available at the time.

Thomas established his first studio in 1876 on the south side of Sunbury Street between Shamokin and Franklin streets. Photography was crude at that time, but Thomas mastered the technique and began what became a highly-respected and prosperous business. After two years on Sunbury Street, Thomas moved his studio to a location on Independence Street, next to present-day Original Italian Pizza.

He retired in 1929 and sold the business to two of his sons, Ralph and Paul Thomas, who continued to operate the studio at the same location.

Family studio

Paul Thomas, the youngest of Myron Thomas' five children, was raised in the photography business like his brothers, Ralph, Richard and Clair, and his sister, Lillian. He learned the fundamentals of the photographic business at an early age and served as an aerial commercial and portrait photographer for the family business.

Thomas served as a naval aerial photographer during World War II. He attended various photographic schools while serving in the Navy and upon his honorable discharge in 1945, he joined the New Haven Railroad, where he was in charge of the photography department. When he finished his last assignment, Thomas returned to Shamokin and assumed ownership of the family studio in 1950. He specialized in portrait and commercial photography, continued to run the studio with his sister until his death in 1984.

Dedicated employee

Joyce Wojciechowski, who had worked full-time at Paul Thomas Studio in various capacities since graduating from Shamokin High School in 1965, took over the business following Thomas' death. Wojciechowshi managed the studio until her death Aug. 2, 1998.

Wojciechowski's death brought an end to the full-time operation of the well-known studio. Bernard "Ben" Wojciechowski, of Tharptown, took over ownership and operation of the historical business in 1998 following the death of his wife.

Until the building was sold in March 2006, Ben was able to maintain the vast collection of nostalgic photographs, negatives and postcards that served as a historical tribute to the once-thriving community and brought back numerous memories for the thousands of people who had their pictures taken at one of the oldest businesses in the area. The studio contained thousands of photos and negatives of various subjects, including weddings, graduations, Edgewood Park and, of course, the F&S Brewery and Victoria Theater.

(Staff writer Mark Gilger contributed to this story.)

Geisinger Health System this spring temporarily froze about 400 open positions, bracing for an estimated $50 million reduction in profitability in fiscal year 2015.

The decision reflects cuts in federal reimbursement payments and the health system's effort to extensively evaluate each opening, officials said.

About 225 positions remain unfilled, with about 30 percent of those jobs located in northeast Pennsylvania, said chief human resource officer Amy Brayford in an emailed statement.

She said the openings span the entire health system, which serves more than 2.6 million residents across 44 counties in central and northeast Pennsylvania. Most of the positions do not provide direct patient care.

Geisinger Health System employs about 21,000 people.

"Many (positions) were open and not actively being recruited, were duplicate positions or were no longer necessary," Brayford said. "This ongoing evaluation prioritizes the positions, which are most important to patient care and clinical operations. Every new position is reviewed prior to posting internally or externally."

Wendy Wilson, associate vice president of corporate communications, said the health system's new procedure requires officials to justify the need for a position and get approval from leadership before moving forward.

She said the health system must focus on managing expenses appropriately.

The cuts in federal payments coupled with an increase in costs equal an expected $50 million reduction in profitability in fiscal year 2015, said Mike Ferlazzo, public relations specialist. Geisinger ended fiscal year 2013 with a $163.3 million operating income, excluding interest expense, according to its 2013 annual report.

Payment reductions stemming from the Affordable Care Act and sequestration will cost Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton $3.5 million in revenue in fiscal 2015. Over the next 10 years, the cuts will equal a $52 million reduction in payments to GCMC.

"We are still hiring new employees following the new procedure and after leadership approval is obtained," Wilson said in a statement.

WILLIAMSPORT - Attorneys for Northumberland County and commissioners Vinny Clausi and Stephen Bridy have filed objections in federal court over a recent decision to allow the lawsuit for outdoor enthusiast David Kaleta to proceed.

The law firm of Lavery, Faherty and Patterson, of Harrisburg, filed the objection in U.S. Middle District Court Wednesday, following a June 18 report by U.S. Magistrate Judge Martin Carlson which recommended that two of Kaleta's claims - that the county violated the Sunshine Act by banning him from the AOAA grounds and that his First Amendment rights were violated by the commissioners' decisions - should be brought to trial.

In the 12-page objection, the county says a report concerning a Sept. 10, 2012, letter from county planning director Pat Mack and signed by Bridy and Clausi rejecting Kaleta's request to use the land for hunting and walking his dog was erroneous.

"(Northumberland County) submit that a newspaper article erroneously mentioning a vote, likely fed to the writer by the Plaintiff himself, and a single poorly worded correspondence, are simply insufficient to create a dispute of fact necessitating trial."

The county also states that if any vote actually occurred, Kaleta would have presented evidence to that fact.

Kaleta, claiming the discussion to deny his permit is a violation of the Sunshine Act, won a preliminary injunction in Northumberland County Court.

Because Kaleta alleged his First Amendment rights were violated, the case was moved to federal court.

The other claim that remains in the suit - that Kaleta's First Amendment rights were violated in retaliation for his criticism of the county's plan to build the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area and the revoking of his lease for the Alaska site that is now part of the trail park - is also without merit, according to the county's attorneys.

"(Kaleta) may have disagreed with the creation of the motorized vehicle facility, desiring instead the land be left inviolate and dedicated to conservation and hunting, but he is not the landowner. The fact that the County did not favor his point of view, nor accede to his demands, simply does not a First Amendment- Retaliation claim state," the objection reads.

It was a Fourth of July holiday more than a few years ago when my wife, Jo Ann, and I paid our last visit to a priest friend.

He was in the last stages of cancer and in a nursing home, but he never once complained about his plight or pain. He lived up to the advice he often gave others not to question God's will; especially with the ultimate, "Why?"

This bittersweet Independence Day memory brought to mind another long-time friend that Jo Ann and I pray for every day. She has spent more decades than I have lived as a cloistered nun, so she is among the priests and religious whose ministry I pray for.

This vocation prayer might seem a bit unusual since our friend is in a facility where she can get the specialized care she needs as she copes with progressive dementia.

However, the nun's life goal has been to lead a life of quiet prayer. Despite being in a cloistered community, she has touched the lives of countless people by her prayers and, just as importantly, the way she lives in God's love.

There is no doubt that God's love flows from this woman to warm the souls of those who help her maintain her dignity. She may not be able to preach a sermon about love. Our friend does not have to.

In conforming her will to God's will, she is as much an example of what true freedom is as when she lived an active life in the service of God and for the benefit of others.

+++

Inflamed by God's love, our life can warm the souls of others.

June memorials

Adele Ososkie from Ron, Chris, Stacy and Courtney Ososkie.

Claude Harper from Madeleine R. Harper.

Howard "Snick" Benfield from J.J. Lokitis Jr.

Mary C. Zuech from Paul and Judy Bartko, Eileen Hirsch, Carl J. Ecker.

John May Jr. from Margaret May.

Mr. and Mrs. John May Sr. and family from Margaret May.

Mrs. Julia McAndrew and family from Margaret May.

Carl Womer from Centralia Fire Company, Helen Hynoski and family, J.J. Lokitis Jr.

Concetta Morgan from Barbara and Joe Hajcak, Mary Anne Leskusky, Linda Lyons, John and Dianne Darrah, Johnny and Rachel Hughs, Mick and Clare Witcoskie, Joseph and Carol Woytowich, friends and co-workers of Harry Morgan at CSO Inc.

Helen Biggio from Mary Rudisill.

John Gross from John and Terry Gross and Russell.

Mr. and Mrs. McGinley from Gross family.

Ted Czelowski from Millie Mushalko and family.

Anna Flynn from daughter, Julie Griffiths.

Health of daughter from mother Evelyn Strike.

Health for Evelyn Strike from L.R.

Edward "Bucky" Reilley from Ted and Jackie Matlow, J.J. Lokitis Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mattucci, Joe and Fran Quirk, Charles and Diane Skurkis, John and Diane Darrah and family, Robert Lazarski and son, Stephen and Susan Puddu, Mary C. Buhay.

Raymond A. Hall from daughter Cecilia Bilder.

John Gross from John and Terry Gross and sons.

Peter Bolick from wife Viola and family.

Frank Siano from daughters, Chris, Michelle and family.

Francis L. Joraskie from daughter, Michele and family.

Anionette and John Gudonis from family.

Health of John J. Gudonis from sister.

Joseph and Catherine Bresadola from Patricia.

Mary Hogan from Thersea Conniff.

Mary Catherine Lazarski from Robert Lazarski and son.

Pat from Gerald and Dorothy Higgins.

Robert B. Fanella from Mr. and Mrs. Mack Menapace.

For health of Danny McGinley from Mary and Patsy Kline.

For health of Lisa Novacoski from friend.

For health of Joe Yost from Patsy Kline.

For health of Mary Siano from Mom, Chris and Michele.

Kortini Ann Kenenitz from Daddy, Kitty and Kenny.

Genevieve Kenenitz from Mr. and Mrs. Edward Kenenitz.

It was a celebration in typical Shamokin style, and the day offered something for everybody - good food, great entertainment, a spectacular parade and, to cap it all off, a dazzling fireworks display.

People arrived on Independence Street early to set up chairs for a concert by the popular Mahoney Brothers. Live music continued at a stage across from Wendy's prior to the parade, with an appearance by the band Autumn.

The Mahoneys kicked off their concert with Neil Diamond's "America," celebrating not only America, but Shamokin as well. They traveled through the 60s with more of Diamond and eventually included the Beatles. The crowd viewing the Mahoneys was not limited to Shamokin citizens, of course.

Neighboring communities, including Mount Carmel, was well represented. Paula and Greg Grebush admitted they were a bit disappointed they didn't win the Camaro that the parade committee chanced off, but they said they were thrilled to help celebrate Shamokin and planned to stay for more music and the parade later.

The Shamokin Rotary was stationed at the car show on Independence Street with Mike Buriak, past president, selling custom-made pillows. The pillows are handmade by a woman from the Selinsgrove area who takes past pictures of the town, such as the Glen Burn, downtown, and the Purple Demon logo and implants them on fabric. Buriak was selling the pillows as part of a fundraiser for the Santa Sleigh and other numerous activities held for the city. The pillows, which cost about $40, can be ordered at any time by contacting Buriak at 570-847-0191.Harry J. Deitz/For The News-Item

The year 1957 has been re-created in a mural commissioned by Coal City Revitalization and painted by Shawn and Nina McGugan, of Shamokin.

The mural, located at Irish Isle Pot of Gold, 911 W. Arch St., Coal Township, was unveiled Saturday afternoon. It provides a stunning flashback to the days of the Majestic and Victoria theaters, Shamokin's first night game under the lights, Edgewood Park, dress shops, F&S Brewery, Jones Hardware store and nuggets of Shamokin's vast history.

The McGugans spent about six months on the 42-foot-long mural. They researched Shamokin's past through phone calls, websites, the public library, memory books and old photos. Coal City helped with research and securing the mural to the concrete, which became more challenging than expected.

Matt Losiewicz, Coal City president, received a phone call hours before the unveiling revealing a vehicle had run into the wall directly beneath the painting. Fortunately, there was no major damage to the mural. Scott Fabrizo and Losiewicz hope to do additional fundraising to further a partnership with area artists to further brighten up the community.

People use different forms of art as a creative outlet. Painters use canvas as a window to show their visions. Musicians express emotion through the instruments in their hands.

Artist and Pottsville native Lewis Achenbach blends the visual and auditory arts in his new exhibit, "Jazz Occurrence, Works by 31 Artists," at the David L. Pierce Art and History Center, Aurora, Illinois. The exhibit, which runs until Aug. 23, is a partnership with the Aurora Public Art Commission.

The exhibit features jazz-inspired work from artists around the United States and world. Achenbach featured works from artists from Pottsville, including Geoffrey Beadle, Michael Mahalchick and Dave Naydock.

"There is some Dave Naydock energy in the room," Achenbach said.

The exhibit opened May 23 with a reception headlined by the Vince Davis Achtet, while Achenbach painted on canvases placed around the band. Achenbach said he paints not only the musicians, but the music and atmosphere of the room.

"The space that's between me and the music is not empty space," he said.

During the event, the artists recorded music and video of the painting, and interviews were conducted for a live-stream and a short film about Jazz Occurrence.

Now a resident of Wheaton, Illinois, Achenbach said he began the project about two years ago. He said he basically goes out to shows, paints the band and posts the work on the Internet. At the Jazz Occurrence opening reception, Achenbach released a self-published book of his work over the past two years, "Hear This Book: Achenbach in Chicagoland."

"I'm part of the band when I do this," he said.

While the exhibit is a showcase for music and art, it also served as a reunion for Achenbach. For the first time in 25 years, his work is displayed next to longtime friends Beadle and Mahalchick.

"Twenty-five years later, (it was) an excuse to get the boys back together," Achenbach said.

The three artists developed a friendship while they were students at Pottsville Area High School. They first showed their work together for an Advanced Placement class taught by Beth Shields.

Shields said the class, designed by the College Board to allow high school students to take college-level courses in high school, was begun for Achenbach, Beadle and Mahalchick.

"In fact, the first year it was offered only as an independent study, kind of on a trial basis. They were the only three students and we did the class after school on our own time at the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts," Shields said.

She said the studio art course had two sections - a portfolio demonstrating the breadth of the artist's skills in their art form and the concentration, which required students to development an idea or concept visually.

"When I first met Lew, Geoff and Mike, I recognized their outstanding talent and felt they could excel with Advanced Placement," Shields said. "The portfolios are scored on a 1 to 5 basis. If I remember correctly, Lew and Geoff each had a 5 and Mike had a 4. Lew's portfolio was chosen as one of the 30 best portfolios in the country."

The course concluded with the three artists holding a show at the Yuengling Mansion called "An Underdeveloped Retrospective."

Beadle, who was born and raised in Pottsville, said he wasn't sure which of his pieces were on display in Aurora.

"I sent three paintings and one drawing but I'm not actually sure what made it into the show. These images were not made specifically for the Jazz Occurrence exhibit, but are representative of the figurative," he said.

Beadle said he lived in Pottsville until he graduated from high school in 1989. After graduation, he attended Temple University's Tyler School of Art, earning a bachelor's degree in painting in 1995. Two years later, he received his master's in painting from Boston University. He currently works at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.

"I began teaching at Edinboro University in 1999 and have been there ever since. I am a full professor and teach painting, drawing, color theory and foundation design," Beadle said, adding he is also serving a third term as assistant chairperson of the Art Department, the university's largest department.

Beadle said he has not been able to visit the Jazz Occurrence exhibit yet.

"I live about eight hours from Chicago and have not been able to get there to see the exhibition," he said.

Throughout the years, Beadle said he and Achenbach have stayed in touch, but he has not spoken with Mahalchick since they were in college.

Mahalchick lives in Brooklyn, New York, and works in the fields of visual art and contemporary dance. He is currently preparing for a workshop on performance art this month in Duesseldorf, Germany.

For Jazz Occurrence, he said he contributed one work titled "Holiday." It is part of a body of work he is making using posters as the jumping off point.

"This particular piece uses a poster of Billie Holiday. Although this work was not made specifically for this exhibition, I had just finished it when Lew invited me to be part of the show and, oddly enough, it fit the jazz theme he had in mind," Mahalchick said.

Like Beadle, Mahalchick said he is currently unable to attend the exhibit, but he said he would "love" to if the opportunity arose.

"Lew did an amazing job assembling some really great artists whose work I admire," he said.

Mahalchick said the three didn't keep in contact much over the years, but like so many other people, they were able to reconnect over the Internet.

"Being able to exhibit once again with my high school art friends after all these years makes me extremely happy as it means that we have all been able to overcome the challenges that come with choosing to pursue art as a life and are all still going strong," Mahalchick said. "Surviving as an artist is difficult and that the three of us have been able to follow our high school hopes without giving up makes me admire and respect them more than ever."

A quarter century later, their art hangs together again. Achenbach said when the art was hung for the exhibit in Aurora, by coincidence, their pieces were placed on the same wall.

"I never doubted that these three had the talent to be successful artists," Shields said. "I think it's wonderful that they are still working in the arts and are exhibiting together again. It makes me feel as though I perhaps made a difference in helping to direct them to a career and a life that is both lucrative and fulfilling."

Shields said she no longer teaches art, having "retired" after the birth of her first child. Currently, she works as a yoga teacher, but said she still paints and makes jewelry. With her youngest child heading to college in the fall, Shields said she hopes to return to more work in the arts.

In Aurora, Achenbach is planning a second Jazz Occurrence performance to be held Aug. 1 at the David L. Pierce Art and History Center. He also plans to move some pieces to the Elastic Arts Foundation, Chicago, in October.

So far, Achenbach said the exhibit has been a hit. He said he will continue to do it as long as there is interest.

"If the musicians weren't playing their souls out, I wouldn't be doing this," he said.

BLOOMSBURG -The former mayor of the Town of Bloomsburg and a long-time member of the local business community has been named director of Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania's Zeigler Institute for Professional Development (ZIPD), effective July 1.

The new director, Mary Lenzini Howe, has served as ZIPD's interim program consultant and director since September after a career in human resources at Geisinger-Bloomsburg Hospital, Bloomsburg Health System and Covenant Clinic, Danville. She was the proprietor of La Groceria, an Italian deli business, for nearly 12 years, served five years as a member of Bloomsburg's town council and one term as mayor.

The Zeigler Institute provides comprehensive educational experiences for all students in Bloomsburg University's college of business. As ZIPD director, Howe will organize, coordinate, execute and manage programming and other activities, including the annual ZIPD business conference. She also will collaborate with faculty from the college of business and staff from the Office of Alumni and Professional Engagement to develop a network of local, regional and national organizational partners and alumni to provide internships and other experiential learning opportunities to all college of business students.

Bloomsburg University is one of 14 universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The university, celebrating 175 years of excellence in 2014, serves approximately 10,000 students, offering comprehensive programs of study in the colleges of Education, Business, Liberal Arts and Science and Technology.

ELYSBURG - William Anskis founded Bill Anskis Company Inc. (BAC) in 1964 as a small contractor business in Shamokin, performing residential and smaller concrete jobs around the area. Later, William was joined by his two sons, Bruce and Mark. The brothers accompanied their father during summer breaks throughout high school and after graduation before joining the family business full time.

Recognizing that BAC needed to grow in order to sustain all three partners and their families, William, Mark and Bruce began reinvesting in the business in order to diversify services. The Anskis team purchased new equipment, opening up capabilities for larger projects.

The team then worked its way up the chain, diversifying into renovations and more involved structural work. Soon, the Anskis team began picking up major clients such as Bell Telephone, Foster Wheeler and Viking Energy. The team also fostered relationships with institutional clients, including the Pennsylvania Department of General Services, Merck & Co., Geisinger Medical Center and several regional schools.

"We became incorporated in June 1986," said Melissa Haggerty, marketing representative for BAC. "We started out doing mostly residential projects and then moved into performing major renovations for a local hospital where our team installed a new surgical wing. We also performed quite a bit of masonry work to construct the front of the building. We soon moved to a larger facility in Elysburg and started doing concrete restoration and repair, as well as bridge rehabilitation projects."

The team continued to diversify over the years. "In 2009, the company landed its first bridge rehabilitation project with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)," Haggerty continued. "Since then, we have completed work for not only PennDOT, but also DCNR and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. For the most part, that is where we focus on. We occasionally still perform masonry work. Many of our projects run at over $3 million." With long-term public customers, including PennDOT, BAC has achieved stability and geographic reach, working on complex projects all over the state.

The difference is diversity

Bill is now retired, but his sons continue to operate the business with younger brother, Dean, who joined the team in the 80s. Haggerty notes that BAC draws strength from experience and dedication as Bruce, Mark and Dean grew up in the business and have witnessed and participated in the full range of the company's capabilities. A six-day work week was typical for the company in the 80s and 90s and, Haggerty notes, "They were always working on Saturday to get ready for Monday. It was just the norm."

BAC offers a broad range of capabilities relative to the company's size. With a staff fluctuating between 20 and 50, depending on the season and ongoing projects, the team is small.

"To be honest with you, we stand out because we are a smaller company that is able to compete with larger contractors for bigger projects. We usually get the job done faster and with less cost," Haggerty explains. "Typically, for our bridge work, we do all of the concrete and any kind of bridge decal repair. The only component we sub out every single time would be landscaping or traffic control. We work with select subcontractors, which are often the same companies, but we watch prices."

The team builds from the ground up, and many long-term team members have been working in underground utilities. Concrete, civil and structural construction.

Putting experience to work

"We also do projects that contain work with epoxy injection, chemical grout and flood restoration," said Haggerty. "We install traffic coating on state highway bridges. At this point, we are doing projects throughout the state of Pennsylvania and parts of New Jersey. We have also been featured in several publications, including a case study published by Cera Tech in which we were commended for our work with one of their products, Pavemend SL, on a project that we were doing for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission; that was a somewhat complex undertaking. We were only closing parts of the highway for small amounts of time, to allow traffic flow to continue. We finished in early December 2012. It was about a $3 million project."

The BAC team is currently undertaking another project for the state's department of transportation. The complex endeavor has been growing steadily since the state awarded BAC the contract.

"Penn DOT is adding more bridges to the work we have already begun. Originally, we were performing work on six bridges, but now we are up to 12. It will be a three-year project and we are one year in," said Haggerty.

Like many contractors, BAC has had to face challenges throughout the last few years. While still stable despite the recent recession, Haggerty mentions a string of heavy floods that interrupted projects throughout the region. Bad weather is an unavoidable disturbance to business, but BAC manages to maintain efficiency, planning ahead in order to stay on target whenever possible. Bruce and his team minimize the risk of other disruptions through building relationships with reliable subcontractors and suppliers.

BAC has been in business for half a century and continues to embrace a culture of quality and safety rarely seen in the business. Staying small allows the business to have quality control over every aspect of its operations. Therefore, from safety to attention to detail, repeat clients such as the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Cherokee Pharmaceuticals have come to rely on the team for solid, durable bridges and other major structures and repairs.

"Our management feels that the ultimate success of the company can be attributed to estimators, project managers, office staff and all our dedicated employees working in the field," Haggerty notes.

Bill Anskis Company Inc. remains a local fixture, representing commitment to a job well-done throughout the Mid-Atlantic states.

For more information about Bill Anskis Company Inc., go to www.anskis.com.