theJournal-herald
©2025, THE JOURNAL-HERALD. All Rights Reserved
CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–146th YEAR, NO. 20
Luzerne County admin visits White Haven
by Ruth Isenberg
“We want every single town [in Luzerne County] to know that we care for you,” said Luzerne County Council chair John Lombardo, during his remarks on April 16, when the Luzerne County administrative team came to White Haven. The John Murphy room at the White Haven Area Community Library was full, as county manager Romilda Crocamo introduced her team of division heads, so they could explain “all the work that we do.”
Crocamo, and several members of the team, expressed familiarity with, and fondness for, the White Haven area. They all emphasized care and concern for all parts of the county. Each divison head talked briefly about the services offered by their departments, and the
need to collaborate with local and state officials.
First to speak was Michele Sparich, Interim Head of Operations. Sparich is interim head, Crocamo said, only because the county charter required division heads to be county residents, and Sparich is a Weatherly resident in Carbon County. Crocamo praised her work highly; in fact, she praised each division head, and highlighted their contributions. Among Operations’ responsibilities is roads and bridges, over 300 bridges and 120 miles of roads, and buildings owned by the county. Much maintenance work on roads and bridges is needed, both Sparich and Crocamo agreed. This year, the closest road project to White Haven is
See COUNTY MEETING, page 7
75¢
THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025 • Volume 44 – No. 35 (USPS 277440)
CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–145th YEAR, NO. 48
Weatherly
Isenberg
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has committed $2.8 million to the rehabilitation of a retaining wall along Hudsondale Street and Hazel Creek, drainage upgrades, guiderail upgrades, and barrier upgrades in Weatherly Borough. Work was originally scheduled to take place in early 2026, but as shown in the photo above, traffic has already been re-routed to keep vehicles away from the worst areas, and at least one electronic sign is already in place by the Weatherly Area Community Library to warn of construction ahead.
See WALL WORK, page 7
Photos & story by Ruth
MEET THE TEAM: Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo, center, introduces division heads, from left, Michele Sparich, Paula Radick, Harry Skene, Mary Roselle, Jim Wilbur, Megan Stone, and Jim Rose. JH: Ruth Isenberg
THE JOURNAL-HERALD
(USPS 277-440) Published weekly at 211 Main Street, White Haven, PA 18661
Telephone (570) 215-0204
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(JAY E. HOLDER, Co-Publisher 1954-1997; CLARA HOLDER, Co-Publisher 1954-2014)
Seth Isenberg, Advertising Sales
Ruth Isenberg, Editor
Steve Stallone, Sports Editor
Member, Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce Carbon County Chamber of Commerce
Pocono Mountains Chamber of Commerce © Copyright 2025, The Journal-Herald
editoriAl
Save the Schwab School
by Ruth Isenberg
The Weatherly Area School Board is being asked to make a decision. They are being asked to determine the fate of the Schwab School building in the heart of Weatherly.
The property has been empty over 30 years. It has steadily deteriorated. Grand promises were made by previous owners that didn’t pan out. Efforts to raise money for its preservation stalled. Weatherly borough owns the school and annex now.
An experienced company has come forward with plans to fix the main structure, tear down the annex, and create apartments. As a 501C3 non-profit, they have access to funding through the PA Housing Authority. To get it, they must show a positive cash flow for 10-years. To do that, they are asking for a LERTA 10 years of tax relief by the borough, county and school district.
The borough has said yes, and is ready to hand the property over to be developed. The county is waiting until the district decides, but will most likely agree. At a recent meeting, school directors and members of the public expressed doubts and discomfort.
Board members did not like the way the matter was handled; they felt they had not been respected. They are probably justified but they shouldn’t let that determine the outcome.
Some felt giving up potential tax revenue was not fair. The ordinary home or business owner doesn’t get 10 years of tax relief.
That’s true, but absolutely no tax revenue is being generated now on an empty structure owned by the borough and won’t be, as long as it sits empty. It’s a fire hazard, and would cost a lot if it had to be torn down.
Restoring the Schwab school to productive use would be the best way to say thank you for the gift bestowed on the community when Charles Schwab made the original donation in honor of his wife so many years ago. A yes vote on LERTA might not be popular with everyone, but it also might be the only way the community can keep this historic gem that was once, and could be again, a source of pride.
Archives
From The Journal-Herald April 28, 2005
Clara R. Holder, Publisher
Zions Lutheran Afterschool/ Noschool Program in Weatherly attained a Star One rating the Keystone Stars System. The program received a certification and a check for $1,250, used to purchase equipment for the program.
White Haven Borough Council adopted an ordinance allowing the borough police force to provide limited protection to Dennison Township, on a monthto-month basis, to become effective January 1, 2006.
An artist’s rendering of the White Haven Area Community Library’s stabilization of the old engine house was on the front cover. The library received an additional $50,000 from the Luzerne County Commissioners, who held a meeting in Freeland, which was well-attended, and somewhat contentious.
Four teachers announced their intention to retire at the end of the school year from the Weatherly Area School District.
Crestwood School District teamed up with Luzerne Vounty Community College, Wilkes University, and the Hazleton Area School District to offer up to 15 college credits toward an engineering degree, by students first taking pre-engineering courses at their high school, then earning an associates degree at LCCC, and moving on to Junior year standing in the Wilkes U. engineering program, where they would graduate with a BS degree in engineering.
Mark Strohl was elected Commander of the White Haven VFW. Installation was set for May, at a ceremony open to the public.
Penn Lake residents complained about disruptions to traffic as a result of the borough’s sewer project, as well as heavy equipment ripping up the roads.
White Haven Borough scheduled street sweeping, noting that White Haven Police would be available to aid in removing vehicles from posted streets.
The Weatherly Area High School Class of 2005 Senior Parents are chancing off a Longaberger 2011 classic Pumpkin Patch basket, signed by three members of the Longaberger family. Proceeds will toward to all-night party.
There were more election announcements. Gerald Feissner was seeking his fifth term as District Magistrate for Freeland, White Haven, Jeddo, Foster Township, Dennison Township, and Penn Lake Park Borough. Elaine Maddon Curry and Steve Hahn both announced that they were seeking re-election to the Hazleton Area School Board. Steven R. Serfass ran an ad for Carbon County Judge.
From The Weatherly Herald April 28, 1955
R.V. Faust, Publisher
Administration of the Salk vaccine for the prevention of polio began in the local schools this Thursday morning. A total of 131 pupils in the First and Second grades will receive the treatment. The local school physician, Dr. John Kerestes, assisted by the School Nurse, Mrs. Dorothy Frable, is handling the work here. Twenty-two children of St. Nicholas Parochial School were inoculated Tuesday morning by Dr. Kerestes, assisted by Mrs. Mary Reese, state nurse.
At Allentown last weekend the first demonstration of nationwide dialing was given, and many people dialed, phone to phone, friends in various parts of the United States.
On Friday evening the Senior Class of Weatherly Area High School presents “Father Knows Best,” a comedy in three acts adapted from the radio program of the same name. The play will be under direction of Miss Jennie Hamm.
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at the next regularly scheduled Penn Lake Park Borough Council Meeting to be held on Thursday, May 8th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Penn Lake Community House, a proposed Ordinance shall be considered and proposed for enactment and passage, and public comment is solicited. Said proposed Ordinance is entitled as follows: AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF PENN LAKE PARK, LUZERNE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
AUTHORIZING THE TEMPORARY INCREASE IN THE MONTHLY SEWER FEE
The provisions of the said proposed Ordinance are summarized as follows: The Borough has determined that it is necessary to establish a new schedule of rates and charges to produce sufficient revenue to pay the expenses of maintenance and operation, and to provide funds for necessary replacements and improvements to the sewer system in support of safe and efficient sewer and therefore effective June 1, 2025, the monthly sewer fee for all users shall be increased to $96.05 per month per residential user. The new sewer rate shall be effective June 1, 2025 and go through February 2026. Beginning March 1, 2026, the new reduced rate of $79.00 per residential user shall take effect.
Copies of the proposed Ordinance have been posted on the outside of the Penn Lake Community House and on the Borough website at pennlake borough.com/news. Copies of the proposed Ordinance have also been provided to the newspaper of general circulation in which this legal notice is being published.
The Borough Council shall conduct a vote on the proposed Ordinance at its duly advertised monthly meeting on May 8, 2025 at 7:00 P.M.
5/1
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at the next regularly scheduled Penn Lake Park Borough Council Meeting to be held on Thursday, May 8th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Penn Lake Community House, a proposed Ordinance shall be considered and proposed for enactment and passage, and public comment is solicited. Said proposed Ordinance is entitled as follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE BOROUGH OF PENN LAKE PARK, LUZERNE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
AUTHORIZING AN INCREASE IN THE APPLICATION FEE TO THE ZONING HEARING BOARD
The provisions of said proposed Ordinance are summarized as follows: The Borough has determined that the current schedule of rates and charges for the application to the Zoning Hearing Board has been reviewed and found insufficient to cover the costs incurred by the Borough. The Borough has determined that it is necessary to establish a new scheduled rate to pay the expenses associated with applications to the Board.
Effective June 1, 2025, the application fee for all residents shall be increased to $1,000.00.
Copies of the proposed Ordinance have been posted on the outside of the Penn Lake Community House and on the Borough website at pennlake borough.com/news. Copies of the proposed Ordinance have also been provided to the newspaper of general circulation in which this legal notice is being published.
The Borough Council shall conduct a vote on the proposed Ordinance at its duly advertised monthly meeting on May 8, 2025 at 7:00 P.M.
Visit our website at pocononewspapers.com for in-between-issue stories and events
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters of Administration have been granted to John Rabbitz, Sr. of Hazleton, Pennsylvania, in the Estate of John Rabbitz, Jr., late of Drums, Pennsylvania, who died on January 21, 2025. All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment and those having claims or demands to present the same without delay to the Administrator named or to:
Alexis C. Falvello, Esquire
THE FALVELLO LAW FIRM, P.C. 641 State Route 93 Sugarloaf, PA 18249 4/24
PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Dennison Township Board of Supervisors will convene a public hearing on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 5:30 P.M. at the Dennison Township Municipal Building, 76 Walnut Street, White Haven, Pennsylvania 18661. The purpose of the public hearing shall be to consider a Conditional Use Application submitted by the YMCA for the property located at 382 Camp Kresge Lane, White Haven PA. The YMCA seeks to construct an addition of approximately 5,610 square feet to this property for the proposed use as a Dining Hall. Section 503.4 of the Dennison Township Zoning Ordinance provides any structure and/or development which equals or exceeds 5,000 square feet shall require approval as a Conditional Use.
Notice is further given that the Dennison Township Board of Supervisors shall consider rendering a decision on this Conditional Use Application at their monthly meeting scheduled to convene on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 6:00 P.M.
A copy of the full text of the application and any supporting material are on file and available for public inspection at the Dennison Township Municipal Building, 76 Walnut Street, Dennison Township Pennsylvania 18661 by appointment by contacting Township Secretary, Kathleen Stortz at (570) 443-8190.
Ms. Kathleen Stortz Township Secretary 5/1
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Margaret Lou Little of Luzerne, Pennsylvania, in the Estate of Philip J. Storz, late of Kingston, Pennsylvania, who died on February 14, 2025. All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment and those having claims or demands to present the same without delay to the Executrix named below:
Margaret Lou Little 568 Miller St. Luzerne, PA 18709
LEGAL NOTICE
5/8
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters Testamentary have been granted by the Register of Wills of Luzerne County, PA, on April 17, 2025, in the Estate of Michael J. Yencho, late of Freeland Borough, who died March 20, 2025, to Mary A. Yencho, Executrix.
All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment and those having claims to present them immediately to:
SENAPE LAW
James V. Senape, Jr., Esquire
Catherine A. McGovern, Esquire
Michael B. Senape, Esquire 612-614 Main Street, P. O. Box 179 Freeland, PA 18224-0179 570-636-3133
5/8
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters of Administration have been granted by the Register of Wills of Luzerne County, PA, on April 3, 2025, in the Estate of Elaine S. Thomas, late of Butler Township, who died March 12, 2025, to Leo Thomas, Administrator.
All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment and those having claims to present them immediately to:
SENAPE LAW
James V. Senape, Jr., Esquire
Catherine A. McGovern, Esquire
Michael B. Senape, Esquire 612-614 Main Street, P. O. Box 179 Freeland, PA 18224-0179
570-636-3133
4/24
obituAries
JESSE C. TOM
Jesse C. Tom, a proud veteran, community activist, and loving patriarch, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2025, at Heritage Springs in Muncy, surrounded by, and in the loving embrace of his family. At 95, Jesse leaves a legacy of resilience, service, and deep commitment to his heritage.
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Jesse was the son of the late Yau Kan and Julia (Hipa) Tomand the last surviving of 12 siblings. His childhood in Puʻu nui above Waikiki was shaped by the attack on Pearl Harbor, a moment that defined his lifelong story of courage and endurance.
He enlisted in the Army after graduating from King Kamehameha High School, serving with the 11th Airborne Division during the Korean War and setting up radio operations behind enemy lines.
In 1953, Jesse married Ethel Mae (Levan) Tom, sharing more than five decades together until her passing in 2005. The couple moved to the mainland in 1959, eventually settling in Weatherly and Beaver Meadows, creating a home filled with love, cherished traditions, and a strong sense of family.
Surviving are their “Hapai” (biological) children: Jesse Kuana (Melanie), John Ku’uipo (Lou Ann), Paul Moana “Sumo”, and Sharlene Puanani (Walter) Wishwanick; and “Hanai” (Fostered/Adopted) children: Sargent K. Majors, Jayme K. Majors, Anthony K. Majors (Sue). Their legacy spans 34 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
A devoted community leader, Jesse worked as a tradesman instructor, co-founded the Weatherly Knee-Hi Football
program, and helped established Weatherly Area High School’s football program.
A talented musician, he passed his love for music to his own children, who have each continued in their father’s love of music. Jesse also dedicated himself to scouting and youth development as a Scout Leader and 4-H advisor, inspiring cultural pride and community service.
In retirement, Jesse became a fixture in the stands at Susquehanna University, cheering on volleyball matches with his son Kuuipo as head coach. His booming voice and calls of “Bam” were unforgettable gym moments. Jesse’s unwavering faith, rooted in his Mormon beliefs, and his steadfast love for family and community touched countless lives.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home, Weatherly, with services on Friday, April 25, at 11 a.m., preceded by a viewing at 9 a.m. Entombment will follow at Calvary R.C.C. Cemetery in Drums.
The family requests attendees honor Jesse’s Hawaiian heritage by wearing bright island attire. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Pauahi Foundation,supporting Kamehameha Schools. Online donations: https://pauahi.org/ donate.
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360, Weatherly donated Gatorades, Powerades, assorted Kind bars and cereal bars to firefighters battling the large fire on Bear Mountain in Jim Thorpe.
Spaghetti
supper set
Faith Followers Youth Group will be hosting a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser on May 18 at 5 PM at Silver Ridge in Weatherly. All proceeds will go to Speed The Light.
To purchase a $15 ticket contact Andrew Dotzel at 570-902-9738.
LehmanFamily FuneralService, Inc.
WhiteHaven,PA
PATRICKM.LEHMAN,PRESIDENT RUSSELLC.TETER,JR.,SUPERVISOR
ServingWhiteHaven,Weatherlyandsurroundingcommunities www.LehmanFuneralHome.com BranchofLehmanFamilyFuneralService,Inc. (570)443-9816
ABranchofHolmes–GriffithsF.H.,Inc. 211FirstStreet,Weatherly,PA18255 570-427-4231
E.FranklinGriffithsIIIF.D. PhilipJ.JeffriesF.D./Supervisor www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
Anewapproachtofuneraland cremationcare.Lookingforwardto servingWhiteHaven,Dennison, Lehigh,andFosterTownships. Allarrangementsandconsultations fromthecomfortofyourhome. Guidingfamiliesthrough difficulttimes.
READY FOR PLANTING: The area just north of the Caboose in the White Haven Market parking lot has been prepped, and is ready to house a Pollinator Garden. This Saturday, two sessions will be held to get the garden underway, and inspire home gardeners to plant for pollinators themselves.
JH: Ruth Isenberg
Learn how to Plant for Pollinators this Saturday
by Ruth Isenberg
A vacant patch of ground in White Haven is about to become an oasis for birds and bees. Thanks to a collaborative effort, one of the first things people who enter White Haven after crossing the Lehigh River bridge will see is a beautiful garden, planted with native species and designed to create pollinator habitats and increase biodiversity.
Penn State University Master Gardeners will provide information on plant knowledge and technical skills during a lecture from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the White Haven Area Community Library. Starting at 2 p.m., participants will be
able to get their hands dirty and assist in planting the garden at the Caboose.
The garden and the lecture are both happening through a Department of Environmental Protection Environmental Education Grants Program. Working together to implement the grant are White Haven Borough, the White Haven Blueprint Community, the Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce, Bear Creek Organics, and Hickory Run Lavender Farm.
You can attend one or both sessions, and there is no cost. Registration deadline is April 24, and registration is online at extension.psu.edu/ restoringtheearth25
Penn Lake increases fees for sewer and zoning
by Suzanne Winters
Penn Lake Council voted to advertise two new ordinances at the April 10 meeting. Ordinance #1 of 2025 increases the borough’s sewer fee to $96.05 per month for each customer. This is up from $79.
Councilmember Corey Beltz indicated during the review of the March minutes there should be a correction made to the projected date of the sewer fee rollback. The rollback will be in March 2026, not December 2025 as was noted.
Ordinance #2 increased the fee for a zoning hearing to $1,000, up from $500. The borough can then cover the administrative fees involved with a Zoning Hearing Board without passing those costs on to the property owner, which the borough has not been doing.
Resolution #1 of 2025 was also adopted, appointing Beltz as borough liaison to Berkheimer Associates.
Kislan Trucking will do the Carter Drive stop sign repair in the next three or four weeks according to Beltz. He also noted the lawn maintenance bids are due in May, and that more sewer line flushing was to be done on April 17, requiring a partial road closing.
Bids for the pothole filling are due May 6, per Councilmember Dan Eustice. He said he has received a few calls of interest.
Borough Secretary Karen Burden had no petitions or complaints this month, but did receive a text from resident
Charlotte Carter saying the inlet bridge needs some cleanup. Beltz said he would take a look at it.
Borough Solicitor Dan Mulhern reported he was able to get the borough signed on to the ARPA portal. He was attending a webinar through the portal on April 15.
The solicitor also met with the Dam Advisory Group (DAG) regarding possible future property easements that may be necessary, and was present while the group reviewed the comments on the borough’s dam improvement application. DAG member Dan George said the majority of these comments appear to be mostly cosmetic in nature. He noted DEP will not allow the borough to use a cofferdam, so the lake will have to be drained. This will save the borough $700,000, but it also means they will lose all the fish. George also noted during the meeting the projected cost of the dam project is now $7,000,000.
No zoning permits were issued per the secretary.
The secretary asked council about egg addling to prevent overpopulation of geese. Beltz said he would follow up on this. There are eight Short Term Rental permits issued in the borough, and all fees have been collected per council member John Burden.
In her recreation report, council member Sue George said the Porta Potty will be in place at the ballpark May through October this year. She has inspected the playground, which looks good, but it does need a fresh layer of mulch. George signed up for a Playground Safety course May 22 in State College, and she would like to hold off on ordering mulch until she attends the course to be sure she is ordering the proper material.
Weed spraying is still on hold until there is clarification on the start date for the dam project, per Eustice.
Hickory Hills celebrates Easter with kids’ party
Photos by Alice Lachewitz
Wall Work
Continued from page 1
Purpose of the project is to maintain safe travel on Hudsondale Street. The existing retaining wall, consisting of concrete gravity walls, is in poor condition.
Approximately half the length of the existing wall will be replaced due to instability. A rehabilitated section of the retaining wall will include concrete spall repairs, concrete aprons, and reconstructed top sections of the wall. New guide rail will be installed along the curb line of Hudsondale Street. Other improvements will include full depth roadway reconstruction behind the wall replacements, mill and overlay of the roadway behind the wall section being rehabilitated, new concrete curb, and drainage improvements.
County Meeting
Continued from page 1
the road through the Mountain Top Industrial Park.
Judicial Services & Records
Division Head Paula Radick, Esq., described a new county program in the Recorder of Deeds office where a property owner can register to receive notice if anyone files anything against the property. She also said the office is getting a lot of inquiries about Real ID.
Chief County Solicitor Harry Stene, Esq., explained that his department deals with civil litigation, contracts, and land title issues. His first assistant in now the county’s chief AI officer. Mary Roselle, division head of Budget & Finance, oversees a total budget of over $400 million for the county. She expressed satisfaction that this year, the county had not needed to take out a tax anticipation
JOURNAL-HERALD SERVICE DIRECTORY
$85 Hr + Materials
Licensed, Insured, w/ Local References 570-760-6176
note, saving the county several thousand dollars in interest.
Director of Correctional Services Jim Wilbur reported that the county houses approximately 550 men and women daily in its aging facility. He praised the county’s GED program, as well as the Dress for Success project that upgraded the prison’s aging library, and the county’s drug treatment program.
Human Services division head Megan Stone mentioned the opening of a new Veterans Affairs facility on May 9. She also noted that many county offices, including Children, Youth & Families, which is part of her department, has hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Hazleton City Hall. She emphasized that the goal of the department is to keep families together. To that end, the now fully-licensed department operates a food pantry that has served more than 2,500 families. An on-going project is the million dollar conversion of
an existing brownstone building into a facility with a home atmosphere for any children that must be removed from their homes; currently those children need to stay in the county office buildings if no foster families are available.
The Area Agency on Aging is also under Stone’s division. She spoke highly of the programs it offers, a topic that sparked interest with White Haven officials present.
Head of Administrative Services Jim Rose oversees many county departments, from tourism to elections The new county website was developed by his department.
District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce also spoke. The DA’s office is in charge of criminal prosecutions—more than 6,000 per year. He commended Crocamo for her leadership, and spoke briefly about the effect of a surge of retirements in area police departments.
What a gorgeous weekend! Saturday, especially, was a day to spend outside. We walked an abandoned roadway at the old entrance to Nescopeck State Park, and saw leaves, flowers, and lots of signs of Spring. We all came home tired from that excursion—dogs and people.
Easter Sunday felt cold by comparison, but it was still warm enough for a walk on the Orchard Trail at Hickory Run State Park. It’s clean, and it’s quiet. We sighted one grouse, one groundhog, and one other person, also with two dogs. We’ll go back when the laurel blooms.
Cranberry Quilt Guild April meeting to feature Longarm info
Cranberry Quilt Guild will hold its April meeting on Monday, April 28 at Faith United Church of Christ, Hazle Township. Light refreshments begin at 6p.m. and the meeting at 6:30. The program for the evening will feature Debi Giordano of Queen Bee Quilting. Debi has 30 years of quilting experience and is a longarm quilter. Her topic will be ‘Getting your quilt ready for the Longarm.’ Quilters are often faced with many questions on the preparation of a quilt for this important step. Debi will take members through the process for a perfect result.
Members will also get instructions on the Bingo project and a future quilter’s ‘yard sale.’ A new Block of the Month quilt, He loves me, he loves me not’ is being offered for the 2025 season. Instructions for the project will be sent to those who have signed up. Members can bring in trauma bears or baby quilt service projects to any meeting. Fat quarter color of
the month is spring prints, and pastels. New members, or guests of members are welcome.
Lisa Stuart, Cranberry member from Penn Lake displays a charming scrappy baby quilt that she pieced and machine quilted.
Poster winner Lydia Zink featured in ALA national magazine article
Lydia Zink, a 3rd grade student in the WASD and Junior member of ALA Unit 360 was featured in an article in the American Legion Auxiliary’s National Magazine’s May 2025 issue.
Lydia was one of 12 winners in Pennsylvania last year in the America250 Poster Contest to win a Dream Field Trip.
America250 is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States. America250 held a contest for students in grades 3 to 12 to share their perspectives on what America means to them with the chance to travel to some of the country’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.
For her poster, Lydia drew a portrait of herself, making sure to include her long blonde hair and blue eyes, with a thought bubble coming from her head.
Inside the thought bubble were drawings of different careers like President, judge, astronaut, doctor, architect, lawyer, scientist, teacher and detective.
On the artwork, she wrote, “America means freedom to anything when I grow up.”
“I wanted to show how a girl like me could grow up to have any career she wants,” Lydia said.
Lydia chose a trip to Yellowstone National Park as her prize.
Shepherd House
Weatherly Shepherd House Food Distribution will be held on May 3 from 10 a.m. to Noon at the side door of Zions Evangelical Lutheran Church, located at the corner of 3rd and Fell Street. If you are having a food emergency, please contact Keri Darraugh, 570-436-4598, or Eva Labanoski, 570-751-6323.
Run for the Roses/ Kentucky Derby Night planned at WHACL
Some call it The Run for the Roses, some call it the most exciting two minutes in sports, many just call it the Kentucky Derby. The White Haven Area Community Library will hold a special Kentucky Derby program on Friday , May 2, at 6:30 p.m. Every first Saturday in May, 20 3-year-old thoroughbred race horses charge down the stretch along the famous twin spires of Churchill Downs racetrack and try to win the most famous horse race in America and possibly the world. A library member and horse racing enthusiast will highlight some of the race’s unique history and lore along with current entries, odds, and some simple betting strategies. A few races will be shown on You Tube that reflect the excitement and pageantry of the 150-year-old race that is so much a part of American sport. Legendary thoroughbreds that won the Derby and sometimes the Triple Crown like Citation, Secretariat, American Pharaoah and Philadelphia’s own little horse that could, Smarty Jones, will be discussed. Horse racing’s colorful terms will be explained along with how to briefly understand the Daily Racing Form and Beyer Speed Figures.
Legendary jockeys and trainers from the past and present (Arcaro, Cauthen, Bailey, Shoemaker, Lucas, Pletcher, Baffert, etc,) will be recognized. Some fun racing questions will be answered: why do jockeys lose their bug and why is Kentucky blue grass blue ? More problematic issues like doping, drugs, and inadequate treatment for horses , jockeys, and workers that have presented themselves lately and in the past will also be discussed, with some reflections and possible solutions to this venerable, exciting and sometimes dangerous sport. Ladies and gentlemen alike will be welcome with or without their stylish hats and will thrill to the bugler’s call to post, the nostalgic strains of “My Old Kentucky Home” and the track announcer’s final exciting call as the horses turn for home ...”and down the stretch they come!!” You won’t want to miss it.
Carrie Blackwell, left, and McKenze Kaufman (ALA Juniors) are shown with the boxes they helped pack at the first meeting of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 Juniors in Weatherly . In the back row, from left, are Jackie Van Gieson, Karen Andrews, Georgia Farrow, Donna Thomas, and Tina Zink, all members of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360. The boxes were sent to deployed servicemen and servicewomen, both in the United States and overseas. The group also made goodie bags which were taken to Veterans Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre and given out at the bingo that the ALA Unit 360 sponsored. The next American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 Junior meeting will be held Sunday, May 18, starting 2 p.m. at the post home in Weatherly. All Junior members of the ALA Unit 360 are welcome to attend.
Weatherly Area Community Library News
Honor and Memorial Book
Donations:
Fanfares and Finesse: A Performer’s Guide to Trumpet
History and Literature by Eliza Koehler, donated by Claude E Scott & Carol E Furmanchin in honor of Charles E. Scott
Johnny Cash: The Life in Lyrics by Johnny Cash, donated by Lucille & Terry Hill & Family in Memory of Joan Hittinger Lethal Prey by John Sanford, in honor of Rev. & Mrs. Robert von Frisch’s 50th Anniversary.
Upcoming Events:
May 18 - Spring Tea — The Weatherly Area Community Library will be hosting a Spring Tea on Sunday, May 18,
beginning at 2 pm. The cost is $15/person. The deadline to sign up is May 12; payment is required when signing up. There is a limit of 24 people. Come and enjoy an afternoon of fun, served up with a variety of teas, finger sandwiches, and pastries. Hats are optional.
May 22 - Book Club at 10 a.m. The book is “The Lies that Bind” by Emily Giffin
Story time will not be held in May.
The Summer Reading Program is scheduled for July 28 – 31.
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Fairview
6th Grade Honor Roll
Kevin Seyer, Principal, has announced the following sixth grade students have achieved Principal’s Honors at Fairview Elementary School for the 3rd Quarter of the 2024-2025 school year. The Crestwood School District Elementary Honor Roll (6th Grade) reflects that the student has attained an A in all courses offered. Inclusive are English Language Arts, Math, Social Studies and Science. Honor roll students are: Hayden Au, Aaliyah Barna, Grayson Bunnell, Vienna Deluca, Emily Fritz, Mia Giordano, Hannah Hook, Riley Iracki, Rory Keating, Adriana Kucuk, Caiden Marino, Wyatt Marion, Anna McLaughlin, Gavin Menghini, Shawn Ogin, Kayla Stec, Braxtyn Wenzel, and Emma Woolbert.
Weatherly Area Elementary Students of the Month for March: Front row, from left, First Grade-Natalie Nyer and Gianna Long, Second Grade-Elle Graver and Jace Rossi, back row Third Grade-Mason Fotchman and Evelyn Herling, Fourth Grade-Hunter Hoffman and Norah Petch, Fifth Grade-Jack Croman and Greyson Hoffman.
Heritage Hill named Best Assisted Living and Best Memory Care by US News
U.S. News & World Report recognizes nearly 1,900 communities nationwide in its 2025 Best Senior Living ratings.
Heritage Hill Senior Community proudly announces its selection as a “Best Assisted Living” and “Best Memory Care” community in the U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Senior Living Ratings.
The 2025 edition names 1,894 senior living communities nationwide for excellence in one or more care service categories. Heritage Hill marks its fourth consecutive year achieving Best Assisted Living and Best Memory Care statuses. Since launching its Best
Senior Living Ratings in 2022, U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in health care rankings and consumer advice, has helped seniors and families identify independent living, assisted living, memory care, or continuing care retirement communities that align with their needs.
The ratings reflect survey responses from nearly 450,000 residents and family members across more than 3,800 senior living communities nationwide. The survey asked participants
to rate satisfaction with safety, caregiving, activities, management, staff, dining, value, and other aspects of community life.
In addition to its “Best” recognition, Heritage Hill earned “High Performing” accolades for management and staff, caregiving, activities and enrichment, and feels like home. The Memory Care community received an added accolade for outstanding performance in the food and dining category. U.S. News
granted this distinction to communities that scored in the top 25% of evaluated communities nationwide for caregiving, activities and enrichment, management and staff, food and dining, and homelike environment and met other certain criteria.
“We are honored to be named Best Assisted Living and Best Memory Care by U.S. News & World Report,” said Lisa Perla, executive director of Heritage Hill. “This recognition reflects our team’s unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care and a true sense of community for our residents and their families.”
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THEME: FILL-IN-THE-BLANK
ACROSS
1. Little rascal
6. Center of activity
9. d’Ivoire lead-in
13. Tree, in Latin 14. *Common ____ or ____ of Good Feelings
15. Supreme Teutonic god
16. Large violin family member
17. *Gravely ____ or ____ at ease
18. Speak up 19. *Holiday ____ or ____ weather
21. *Butter____ or ____ tape
23. Zeppelin lead-in
24. *Batman’s ____ or ____ Cod
25. What, in Oaxaca
28. Whimper
30. Smells
35. Defender of skies
37. Like debatable point
39. *Stem to ____ or ____ parent
40. *Ill at ____ or ____ up
41. Famous fabulist
43. Brain wave
44. Opposite of digest
46. “Will be,” to Doris Day
47. *Kitchen ____ or ____ or swim
48. *Willie ____ or ____ Mandela
50. To, archaic
52. Had a meal
53. Voyeur’s glance
55. Anger management issue
57. *Passenger ____ or ____ post
60. *Grammatically ____ or ____ answer
64. Past participle of bear
65. Go wrong
67. Empower
68. Assumed name
69. Barn sound
70. Fair attractions
71. Catch one’s
breath
72. Coniferous tree
73. Baker’s raiser
DOWN
1. Bursas
2. *Rowing ____ or ____ cut
3. *Willing and ____ or ____-bodied
4. Relating to mole
5. Temporarily, Latin (2 words)
6. *Rightful ____ or ____ apparent
7. Dot-com address
8. Craft wood
9. Native Egyptian, in Roman times
10. Related to ear
11. Hyperbolic tangent
12. Opposite of WSW
15. Suitors
20. Possible allergic reaction
22. Tax person’s designation, acr.
24. Shut down (2 words)
25. *Dancing ____ or ____ bee
26. Cell phone bill item
27. Art class support
29. Things to lament
31. Singer-songwriter Redding
32. The press, e.g.
33. Are not
34. *Garter ____ or ____ eyes
36. Come clean, with up
38. *Tattered and ____ or ____ apart
42. Outdoor entertainment area
45. Pith helmets
49. Not paleo
51. Solar system model
54. Japan to U.S., in WW2
56. “Sesame Street” regular
57. *The North ____ or ____ dancer
58. Van Gogh’s famous botanical subject
59. Flying biter
60. *Eat ____ or ____ to pick
61. Cocoyam
62. Prompt box comments
63. Multiple choice challenge
64. *Raise the ____ or ____ none
66. Beluga yield
Crestwood Sports Roundup
Crestwood girls claim track and field invitational; Comet boys place third
Four individual first-place finishes helped power the Crestwood girls to a team victory last Thursday evening at the Walter J. Godek Twilight Invitational held at North Pocono High School.
Katie Kozich showed the way for the Lady Comets, winning the 1600-meter run in a time of 5:17.65, and capturing the 3200 in 11:09.53.
The Lady Comets also received firsts from Hope Kline in the javelin (117 feet, 1 inch) and two-time state medalist Grayce Grazio in the high jump (5 feet, 2 inches).
Kaelyn Barker was also strong for Crestwood, placing second to Kozich in both the 1600 and 3200.
The Lady Comets finished with 83 team points, easing past runner-up Delaware Valley (53) and third-place Wyoming Area (49) for the team title at the invite, which featured 21 schools.
Meanwhile, the Dunmore boys scored 70.3 points to beat out runner-up Pittston Area (56) and third-place Crestwood (55) for the boys’ team championship.
Gino Pirolli hurled the discus 154 feet, 6 inches to place first for the Comets. Teammate Anson Jumper captured the pole vault at a height of 12 feet.
Pittston Area sprinter Jalen Moore won the 100 (11.71) and 200 (22.95), and placed second in the 400 (50.53) to pace the Patriots.
SOFTBALL
Crestwood 16, Scranton 5 - Madison Mendrzycki went 3-for-3 with a triple and two singles, driving in five runs as Crestwood ran away from Scranton for the nonleague road victory last week.
Leading 3-2 after one inning, Crestwood broke things open with a four-run second inning and a seven-run third. The Lady Comets’ lead was 16-2 before Scranton scored three times in the home fifth. The game ended there via the 10-run rule.
Lenahan struck out six and walked three in the circle for Crestwood. Only four of the Patriots’ 10 runs were earned.
GIRLS’ LACROSSE
Crestwood 17, Wyoming Area 6 - Gia Caporuscio poured in five goals and Hannah Ziegler added four more scores as Crestwood defeated Wyoming Area last week.
Jackie Gallagher and Jordan Andrews added three goals each, and Addie Knorr had two. Lexi Zabrosky stopped eight shots in goal for the winners.
Jules Gonzales scored three goals for Wyoming Area. Lyla Rehill had two and Addison Beyers had one.
Crestwood 19, Wilkes-Barre Area 3 - Gia Caporuscio scored the 100th goal of her career, one of her four goals on the afternoon as Crestwood eased past WilkesBarre Area last week.
Hannah Ziegler and Jackie Gallagher also put in four goals each for the Lady Comets. Elizabeth Pachucki scored two of the Wolfpack’s three goals.
Celia Stahlnecker laced a triple and drove in a pair of runs for Crestwood, and Jorja Snyder also drove in two runs. Ella Richards and Emilie Stofko also contributed two hits apiece in the victory.
The Lady Comets finished with 14 hits in support of winning pitcher Brooke Lenahan, who helped her own cause by going 2-for-2 at the plate and driving in a pair of runners. In the circle, she pitched the first two innings, striking out five without a walk, before giving way to a pair of relievers to finish things up.
Pittston Area 10, Crestwood 4 - The two Wyoming Valley Conference rivals were tied at 4 through seven innings, before Pittston Area scored six times in the top of the eighth to secure the extrainning victory at Crestwood last week.
Crestwood led 2-0 in the first, Pittston tied it with two in the fourth, and the Lady Comets went ahead 4-2 with a two-run sixth. However, Pittston Area scored twice in the top of the seventh to force extras, then won it with its big eighth inning.
Samantha Herbert, Marina Antal and Gabby Gorzkowski all clubbed home runs for the Patriots, with Herbert driving in three runs. Meanwhile, Gabby Roman doubled in two runs, Mikaila Sarf had a runscoring triple, and Julianna Cocco drove in a pair.
Madison Mendrzycki had two hits and drove in two runs for Crestwood, and Jorja Snyder singled, doubled and drove in a run. Brooke Lenahan contributed a double, and Ella Richards had a run-scoring single.
BOYS’ LACROSSE
Crestwood 13, Lake-Lehman 2 - Ashton Amend scored four goals and picked up three assists as the Comets roared past Lake-Lehman on Senior Night last Monday.
Jack Augustine also scored four goals and teammate Gianni Piccolotti had two. Kevin Schlude, Christopher Schlude and Colin Lazon rounded out Crestwood’s balanced scoring with solo goals.
Blair Academy 11, Crestwood 4 - Last Friday, the Comets traveled to New Jersey and came up on the short end of the non-conference matchup.
Jack Augustine notched two goals and an assist for Crestwood. Kevin Schlude also scored twice, while goalie Ethan Zabroski recorded 10 saves.
Crestwood pitcher Brooke Lenahan recorded her 100th career strikeout in a game against Hazleton Area earlier this month. She struck out 10 batters in that game, and added 10 more strikeouts to her career total last week in a pair of games against Scranton and Pittston Area.
Photo by Bob Gaetano
Wreckers, Lady Wreckers earn non-league victories last week
Last Monday, the Weatherly Area softball team ended a fivegame slide in a big way, blasting Lincoln Leadership Academy 18-0 in a non-league game played in Allentown.
The Lady Wreckers took control with a 13-run second inning, and ended things after a five-run third.
Weatherly collected 12 hits, with Cortney Snyder showing the way by going 3-for-3 with a double, two singles, three RBIs and three runs scored. Olivia Marasco tripled, singled and drove in three runs.
Winning pitcher Rebecca Caldwell held Lincoln Leadership without a hit over three innings, and helped herself at the plate with two singles, three RBIs and three runs scored.
Tri-Valley 18,
Weatherly Area 0 - TriValley put things away early, plating 13 runs in the opening inning before ending things after three innings.
Alina Leonard struck out all nine batters she faced to pick up the no-hit victory.
College Notebook
Liv Winter and Mya Schwalm hit back-to-back home runs in the first, and combined for five hits and seven RBIs as TriValley improved to 7-2 overall and 3-2 in Schuylkill League play.
Shenandoah Valley 12, Weatherly Area 10 - This back-and-forth Schuylkill League tussle went down to the wire, with Shenandoah Valley holding off visiting Weatherly last Thursday.
The Blue Devils inched out to a 4-2 lead through three innings before Weatherly answered with a four-run top of the fourth to move in front 6-3.
Shenandoah Valley scored six times in the home fourth and twice more in the fifth to move back in front 12-7, then had to withstand Weatherly’s three-run seventh to finally secure the win.
Zoey Zulkowski, Maria Castro and Kay Lynn Sheehan all drove in two runs to pace Shenandoah Valley (4-8 overall, 2-7 league).
Rachel Rosenlund drove in two runs, Abby Weston scored three times, and Kiley Holman
had a single and two runs scored for the Lady Wreckers, who ended the week with a 3-8 overall record and slipped to 1-7 in league play.
BASEBALL
Weatherly Area 16, Lincoln Leadership Academy 4 - The Wreckers snapped a nine-game winless streak with a four-inning runaway win over Lincoln Leadership Academy last Wednesday.
The Wreckers left no doubt with a 12-run first inning, then added three more runs in the second and another in the fourth. The game was stopped after four innings due to the ercy Rule.
Joey Esposito led Weatherly’s eight-hit attack, going 3-for-4 with a double, four RBIs and two runs scored. Michael Davies and Kolton Reiner each singled in two runs, and Raymond Montz added a single and three runs scored for the Wreckers.
Jeremiah Donadi got the mound win, holding LLA to just three hits.
Mahanoy Area 11, Weatherly Area 1 - An eight-run first inning set the tone and fueled Mahanoy Area’s Schuylkill League win over the visiting Wreckers last Tuesday.
Mikey Obias and Owen Ogrodnick each drove in two runs for the Golden Bears.
Kameron Jacoby had a pair of hits, and Joey Esposito picked up a pair of stolen bases for the Wreckers. Esposito, who pitched the first three innings, was saddled with the loss.
Shenandoah Valley 15, Weatherly Area 0Brayden Maksimik, Chase McCole and Landon Monaghan all had three hits, part of the Blue Devils’ 16-hit assault in last Thursday’s Schuylkill League win over the visiting Wreckers.
The Blue Devils (8-4 overall, 5-2 league) seized control with a nine-run first, and ended the game after three innings by the Mercy Rule.
The Wreckers (2-10 overall, 0-7 league) received singles from Bradlee Connors, Niko Saurez and Kolton Reiner.
Weatherly Area grads Solonoski, vonFrisch shine this spring
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
Kutztown University senior Jacob Solonoski turned in another strong performance at the recent Coach Pollard Invitational at Moravian University.
The Weatherly Area High School graduate placed first in the hammer throw, beating out 22 other competitors with a PSAC-qualifying mark of 53.89 meters, or 176 feet, 9.5 inches. That throw is the sixth-best in Kutztown program history.
Solonoski also placed 10th out of 26 competitors in the
shot put, with a throw of 13.33 meters (43-8.75 feet).
Kutztown is slated to compete in the three-day Penn Relays Thursday through Saturday at Franklin Field in Philadelphia. Some of the team members will also be at the Paul Kiser Invitational at Shippensburg University on Saturday.
Solonoski and the team are preparing for the upcoming PSAC Outdoor Championships, slated for May 8-10 at Slippery Rock University.
0-0-0
Weatherly Area High School grad Madisyn vonFrisch is enjoying a solid sophomore
season with the King’s College women’s softball team.
The right-handed pitcher has seen action in 13 games, including seven starts in the circle. She entered the week with a 4-4 record and 2.54 ERA, with six complete games to her credit.
In 69 innings, vonFrisch has allowed 86 hits and 25 earned runs, with 37 strikeouts and 13 walks. She has not surrendered a home run or triple this season.
In her most recent outing, vonFrisch went all seven innings in an 8-1 setback to Misericordia University. In that one, she struck out three and walked one. Just four of the eight runs were
earned.
The Monarchs (12-22 overall, 2-10 MAC) close out their regular season this week with double-headers at Wilkes University on Wednesday and at DeSales University on Saturday.
Lady Comets’ Jackie Gallagher named to All-State Basketball Team
After a record-setting run and a season of firsts for the Crestwood girls’ basketball program, the Lady Comets added another honor last week when one of their own was named All-State.
Sophomore Jackie Gallagher, who led the Lady Comets’ balanced scoring attack, was chosen to the Pennsylvania Sports Writers Class 5A All-State Team. She was named to the third team following a statewide vote of writers.
A 5-foot-11 guard who can score inside and outside, Gallagher averaged a team-best 14.4 points per game and nailed 62 3-pointers during the Lady Comets’ magical season.
Gallagher’s play and that of her teammates helped Crestwood to a 24-5 season that featured the program’s first-ever District 2 5A title, three consecutive state playoff
sophomore guard Jackie Gallagher, left, shown here competing against Strath Haven in the state playoffs, was named to the Pennsylvania Sports Writers Class 5A All-State Basketball Team last Thursday. Gallagher paced the Lady Comets in scoring and 3-pointers, and helped lead the team to a record 24 wins, its first-ever district championship and the deepest postseason run in program history. Photo by Bob Gaetano
victories, and a top-four finish in the state. Crestwood’s five losses came to Class 6A power Hazleton Area (3 times), state-qualifier Scranton, and defending Class 5A state champion Archbishop Wood in the PIAA semifinal round. Gallagher was one of five Wyoming Valley Conference players to earn All-State honors. Pittston Area senior and WVC Division 1 Player of the Year Daniella Ranieli (21.6 ppg) was named first team in Class 5A; Hazleton Area sophomore Kaitlyn Bindas (17.3 ppg, 61 3FG) was a second team pick in Class 6A; Lake-Lehman senior Ella Wilson (17.2 ppg) a third team choice in Class 3A; and Wyoming Seminary soph Ella Stambaugh (21.2 ppg, 6.2 rpg) a third-team pick in Class 2A.
Competitive Sports Teach Us to “Stay in the Present”
by Roger Barbee
Every sport has slogans designed to induce a winning attitude, which coaches use to help their athletes win frustrating close games or overcome tight moments. One such wrestling phrase is “Build muscle memory,” which tells wrestlers to drill and drill a particular move until no thinking is required. The wrestler’s body reacts appropriately, and every coach likely has a story(s) to illustrate how athletes can overcome a challenge. But every athlete, no matter how physically fit, has a mind that is also present on the mat, field, course, or wherever. The body demands to be trained, but so does the mind.
In the recent NCAA Division 1 wrestling championship 141 finals, two familiar foes faced each other. Two weeks prior, at the Big 10 Championships, Brock Hardy of Nebraska defeated Jesse Mendez of Ohio State in the semifinals by
one point. In the NCAA finals, Hardy scored a quick takedown and back points. Mendez quickly escaped but was losing 5-1.
Out of bounds, they returned to the mat’s center. Bam! Mendez scored a takedown, locked in a deep armbar to score back points seven in all and now led 8-5. He went on to win his second national title.
“The battle was with my mind and staying in the present; my battle today was with myself.” Those words could have come from Jesse Mendez after his match. After all, imagine how he must have felt after losing a takedown and back points to a wrestler who had defeated him just weeks before. But they aren’t Mendez’s words. Rory McIlroy is the speaker, and he said those words on Sunday after winning the Master’s golf tournament.
“Don’t beat yourself. Trust your training,” and other words uttered by all who compete are great until, so to speak, you face the back nine holes on Sunday afternoon. As the pundit observed, that is when a Master rises, and on Sunday, McIlroy did just that.
On the 18th that day —the last hole of 72 tournament holes McIlroy missed a 5-foot putt. That miss forced a playoff with his Ryder Cup teammate Justin Rose. Then, McIlroy didn’t beat himself and trusted his training.
“The battle was with my mind and staying in the present; my battle today was with myself.” In the ensuing playoff, McIlroy made par on the same hole (the 18th) where he had missed that putt only minutes earlier.
Of his extraordinary quotation above, I like “staying in the present” best because he explains how to rise and not let doubt or fear rule the day in that verb
phrase. He had missed a putt that should have cinched the championship, just as eventual champion Mendez was losing his match 5-1 and then came back to win 8-5.
It goes on and on, but the past has passed, and McIlory tells us to let it go, be present in the present, and concentrate on the now. That’s sound wisdom in golf, wrestling, and most of all in life.
Virginia-based Roger Barbee is a former wrestling coach. Now retired, he writes social and sports commentaries. You can read his work at Southern Intersections and The Sports Column.
Crestwood