CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–146th YEAR, NO. 38
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT was celebrated in Weatherly on Tuesday, August 5. Several community organizations set up booths around the Police Station and American Legion Post, many of them geared to children, safety, and back to school. Above, shown from left are Officer Sophia Hantz, Officer Ed Kubert, State Representative Doyle Heffley, Officer Michael Eyer, and Officer Nico Palermo. Turn to page 6 for more pictures from the event, courtsey of Georgeann Herling.
Walsh to host Town Hall on school property tax elimination proposal
Rep. Jamie Walsh (R-Luzerne) is hosting two town hall meetings on Wednesday, August 20, on a legislative proposal that would eliminate school property taxes in Pennsylvania.
“Property taxes continue to place a heavy burden on residents across much of the Commonwealth,” said Walsh. “A new legislative proposal has been introduced in the House of Representatives and these town halls will provide an opportunity to explain the legislation and get your feedback.”
Walsh will be joined by Rep. Wendy Fink (R-York), Sen. Dawn Keefer (R-Cumberland/ York) and former Rep. Frank Ryan.
Both town hall meetings will be held on August 20. The first one will be held at 2 p.m. at Beech Mountain Lakes, 1 Burke Drive in Drums, and the second one will be held at 6 p.m. at Sweet Valley Church of Christ, 5439 Main Road in Sweet Valley.
You can get an idea of how your taxes would change under House Bill 1649 by visiting www. noprop.tax/the-plan/estimatetaxes. You will need to know your annual income, property taxes paid annually and your retirement income.
To register to attend one of the town halls, please RSVP by calling 570-675-6000 or 570359-2138. Doors will open 30 minutes before each event.
CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–146th YEAR, NO. 12
Condtions of neighbor disturb Valley Gorge MHP
by Ruth Isenberg
Residents of Valley Gorge Mobile Home Park in White Haven are frustrated. They don’t like looking out their windows at the property of their back neighbor, Ovy Trucking, and
seeing what they call unsightly conditions. Kerry Ernst, owner of Valley Gorge MHP, and several residents attended the July 28 White Haven Borough Council meeting to voice their complaints.
See VG COMPLAINT, page 9
Members of the community quilters group met at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Parish Hall on Wednesday, August 6 to finish 4 quilts the group had made to be sent to Lutheran World Relief. These quilts and many other quilts will be shared with people in need of comfort and warmth throughout the world. The group meets in the Marie Haas Quilting Room in the parish hall every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is open for any interested person to join. They are always grateful for donations of material and batting to help complete their projects. Shown seated from left are Elaine, Deb, Shirley, and Charlotte. Standing are Ginny, Marge, Laura and Pastor Janelle.
THE JOURNAL-HERALD
(USPS 277-440) Published weekly at 211 Main Street, White Haven, PA 18661
Telephone (570) 215-0204
Subscription Price—$40 per year in Luzerne & Carbon Counties, Pennsylvania, payable in advance. $45 per year elsewhere, payable in advance.
Periodicals postage paid at White Haven, PA 18661. POSTMASTER, send address changes to: THE JOURNAL-HERALD 211 Main Street, White Haven, PA 18661
(JAY E. HOLDER, Co-Publisher 1954-1997; CLARA HOLDER, Co-Publisher 1954-2014)
Seth Isenberg, Advertising Sales
Ruth Isenberg, Editor
Steve Stallone, Sports Editor
Member, Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce Carbon County Chamber of Commerce
Weatherly Borough Council has finally come up with a plan about how to charge for fishing in the lake at Eurana Park. The proposal of $10 for the first rod, with a limit of two catches, and $5 for an additional line, allowing an additional two catches, sounds fair and workable.
At the July meeting, council suggested the program might be ready to open by mid-August. That would be good, giving kids a week or two to participate before the opening of school. A later start would make it primarily for retirees during the week, with multi-generational use on the weekends.
On social media people are still lamenting the loss of swimming in the lake. Much of that commentary is based on nostalgia—in my day, there was a sliding board and a platform, and diving boards. Lots of those comments come from people who haven’t gone swimming for many years.
The borough’s decision to stop offering swimming is based on two main factors. Costs for insurance, lifeguards, and chemicals have continued to rise over the years, making pool operation an expensive proposition. Add to that the statistics about the number of people who were actually using the pool in recent years, and the borough was paying out a lot of money for the enjoyment of a small number of people.
Devoting that money to improving the park for everyone is a better idea. The current state of Eurana Park is a result of restrictions on the grant the borough obtained to make improvements. Bids have not come in at a level that would allow the work to be completed as planned. While council continues to try to rework the plans to use the grant money, it may be time to start coming up with an alternate plan that will restore the park to its former beauty, accessibility and usefulness for all.
Archives
From The Journal-Herald
August 11, 2005
Clara R. Holder, Publisher
The Sports section featured a long story by sports editor Steve Stallone about Erin Brady landing an assistant women’s basketball coaching job at Loyola College. It outlined her career, starting as a point guard on Weatherly Area’s unbeaten junior high team of 1994, through her role as an all-state playmaker at Marian High School, and then at American University and St. Joseph’s University. She also played professionally in Ireland for the Bausch and Lomb Wildcats of Waterford.
From The Journal-Herald
August 18, 2025
Clara R. Holder, Publisher
Camp Jeep 2005 set up a weekend of Jeep-sized fun at Jack Frost Mountain, including the Jeep King of the Mountain professional bike race, and concerts and shows all three days. It attracted almost 5,000 Jeep owners from all over North America.
Packer Township announced plans for the annual Packer Township Day on the grounds on Route 93. The Quakake Valley Lions Club was assisting, providing games for the kids and chicken wings for sale. Lots of other food, produce, and a moonwalk for kids were also planned.
Weatherly Borough Council discussed reports that a property owner was encroaching on land that was part of Eurana Park. A suggestion to sell part of the park to the property owner was met with the objection that it was part of a gift for use as recreational purposes, and also that it would have to be put out on bid. Cost to survey the area could be as high as $5,000.
The Friendship Club of Weatherly announced trips to Lily Langtree’s Ultimate Variety Show, a multi-day trip to Nashville, and a sold-out bus for the Christmas Show at American Theatre.
Crestwood School District announced that it had signed up for a new website, through Edline. Students and their parents could sign up for accounts to provide all kinds of information about the district.
Re-Creation, a group of 10 dynamic young people presenting religious and familyoriented music, was scheduled for a return engagement at the White Haven United Methodist Church.
The Lehighton Band announced the program for its third and final Concert in the Park to be held in Eurana Park as part of the community’s Picnic in the Park celebration.
Participants in the Weatherly Area Community Library’s summer reading model rocketry program were set to launch their rockets during the Picnic in the Park at the ballfield.
From The Weatherly Herald
June 2, 1955
R.V. Faust, Publisher Last evening the annual commencement exercises (of Weatherly High School) were held with District Attorney Wm. E. Young, Weatherly native and graduate of the local schools, now of Cloudersport, giving a most excellent address, and these graduate presenting orations: Adele Reytar, James Evans, Richard Hamershock and Sandra Koch.
The Drum & Bugle Corps of (American Legion) Post 360 participated in the Memorial Day parade at White Haven on Monday afternoon.
Concerning Weatherly’s Memorial Day exercises and the speakers: “As has been the case for many years, many people in the crowds were more interested in reunions with friends and the exchange of greetings and recalling the happenings of other days.”
Public Notices
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Sealed proposals for the Collection, Removal and Disposal of Garbage, Municipal Waste, Refuse, Ashes and Riffraff are invited by Packer Township, 2334 Hudson Drive, Weatherly, Pa 18255.
Sealed proposals shall be submitted on the form furnished by the Township for each contract clearly identified as a bid, and alternative number as listed below and shall be received at the Packer Township Building, 2334 Hudson Drive, Weatherly, Pennsylvania 18255, no later than 5:00 P.M. September 2, 2024. Proposals must be delivered only by United States Postal Service to the Municipal Building at the above address unless prior arrangements are made with the Secretary.
Project and description: Collection, Removal and Disposal of Garbage, Municipal Waste, Refuse, Ashes and Riffraff of Packer Township.
Alternative Bid Contracts:
Alternative No.1: One (1) year term–January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026.
Alternative No. 3 Three (3) year term–January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2028.
Alternative No. 5 Five (5) year term–January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2030
All Information pertaining to bid instructions, to include bid performance bonds and requirements and selection criteria shall be included within the bid package.
Packages of specifications for the contract may be obtained at the office of Packer Township, Township Building, 2334 Hudson Drive, Weatherly, Pennsylvania 18255. Contact the Township Secretary Stephanie Stolpe at (570)427-8969 or by email packersups@ pa.metrocast.net.
Bids will be opened at the Packer Township Office on September 2, 2025 at 6:00 PM EDT, at 2234 Hudson Drive, Weatherly, Pennsylvania 18255.The Township reserves the right to reject any and all bids, as well as the right to waive all irregularities, informalities or defects in awarding a contract in the best interest of Packer Township.
Traffic Switch starts Monday on I-80 Bridge Project
Motorists are advised that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) in coordination with Bridging Pennsylvania Developers I (BPD-I) will implement a traffic switch as part of Stage 1, Phase 3 of the I80 Lehigh River Bridge Project.
Beginning August 14, and continuing through August 28, traffic on Interstate 80
eastbound will be shifted to a single-lane configuration, with only the left lane open. The single-lane restriction is expected to be lifted before Friday August 29 for the Labor Day Holiday weekend.
Motorists should expect potential delays, follow all posted signage, use caution and allow extra travel time when passing through the area.
CACE registration is open; online options expanded
The Crestwood Area Community Education (CACE) Program is pleased to announce that registration for the fall is now open. New this semester is the ability to pay online, in addition to online registration introduced last semester.
Payment by check or money order is still accepted, however payment is now made to CACE. Waivers are required by Crestwood for all students, and can now be signed online when registering.
Paper brochures are available at the White Haven library, post office and G&A Hardware.
Just a sampling of our fall offerings include Beekeeping, the Magnificent Butterfly, Colored Pencil Drawing, Herbal Skincare Make & Take, Macrame Wreath, Beginner Photography and many more. Any material fees, if applicable, are paid directly to the Instructor in cash or money order the first day of class.
Basketball is also offered Monday and Thursday evenings.
We have expanded our “You & Me” offerings, which are classes that are offered to children at a reduced cost, when accompanied by an adult student. These offerings are indicated in the class title, Classes begin the week of September 15, so register early, as some classes fill up quickly. Follow the CACE Facebook page for class updates and notifications.
Find the registration form at https://forms.fillout.com/t/ m91JMTCkhMus or use the QR Code below:
Coffee Club for area veterans
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 in Weatherly will host the Veterans Coffee Club on September 5, from 9 a.m. until Noon at the post home. Common Grounds Coffee Club offers you the opportunity to meet other veterans, share your experiences serving in the military, and learn more about how the Victory for
Veterans program can support you.
This event is free and open to all veterans. Coffee and donuts will be served plus a free lunch. Contact Georgia Farrow at 570-427-4527 to register or if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you.
obituAries
FRANCIS H. MILLER, SR.
Francis H. Miller Sr., 82, of White Haven, passed away August 4, 2025 at home from injuries sustained in an accident. Born in Hereford, PA, January 12, 1943, he was the son of the late Harvey and Elmira (Weidner) Miller. He spent the past 53 years in White Haven after moving from Berks County. Francis was a maintenance mechanic for Mack Trucks, Allentown, for 30 years before retiring. He was a member of White Haven Presbyterian Church, White Haven. He was also a member of the Masonic Laurel Lodge #467, White Haven/Freeland. He was a jack of all trades, always keeping himself busy, never turning down a job, selflessly giving of his time.
He was preceded in death, in addition to his parents, by his brothers Tony Miller, Carl Miller and Harvey Miller, and sister
Surviving are his wife of 62 years, the former Nancy Mae Mowery, to whom he was married on October 26, 1962 in White Haven. Also surviving is son Francis H. Miller Jr, Weatherly; two daughters, Kristine Ney and husband Fred, White Haven, and Tabatha Brynok and husband Frank, Middleburg, White Haven; six grandchildren; six greatgrandchildren; sisters, Eleanor Kline and Diane Beeber; brother Kenneth Miller; and many nieces and nephews; also his beloved schnauzer pup Toby. A family Remembrance will be held at the Miller Cabin in Glenn Oaks at a later date. Harman Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc. (East), 669 West Butler Drive, Sugarloaf, is assisting the family with the arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the White HavenFreeland Free Masons. Online condolences can be entered and more information is available at www.harmanfuneral.com
Atty. Cindy Yurchak
John Toft Jr., age 87, of Norman, Oklahoma, passed away on August 6, due to complications related to Parkinson’s disease, an opponent he faced with characteristic wit, courage and faith.
John was born on November 5, 1937, to John and Gladys Toft in Exira, Iowa. He graduated from Exira High School in 1956, and while the town he loved was small, his dreams were big.
A lifelong learner and firm believer in the power of education, John attended the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English and French. He also studied at the Sorbonne in Paris, which he always mentioned with just the right amount of Midwestern humility. He later earned a master’s degree in Linguistics from the University of Northern Iowa.
John began his career teaching English and French, then transitioned into educational publishing, where he left his mark at Harcourt Brace in Chicago, Houghton Mifflin in Boston, and several other companies across Ohio, California, Minnesota, and Oklahoma. He eventually retired as a vice president at McGraw Hill, though “retired” may be too strong a word, since he kept showing up to serve on boards and lead community projects well after stepping away from the corporate world.
John was a musician at heart. He played piano and drums, and even performed with the University of Iowa marching band. In later years, he sang in church choirs, where his deep bass voice was deeply appreciated.
Faith was central to John’s life. A devoted member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, he taught Sunday School, served on church councils, sang in choirs, and enthusiastically participated in just about every church activity available, often whether or not he had been asked.
In his “retirement” in Pennsylvania, John somehow found time to serve as president of the Weatherly Area School Board, a board member of the White Haven Area Community Library, and as part of his homeowners association. It’s possible he misunderstood the word “rest.”
John was also a lifelong distance runner and jogged well into his seventies. He loved biking and skiing with his family and traveling the world with his beloved wife, Mary.
John is survived by Mary (Lund), his wife of 67 years. They married in 1958, but he would proudly tell anyone who’d listen that he met her when he was just 7 years old; a love story in long form.
He is predeceased by his parents, John and Gladys Toft, and by two older sisters who doted on him (and probably made sure he behaved): Evelyn Mae Fay and Lucille Fay. John is the proud father of four very lucky daughters: Jane Livecchi (John), Candace Allen (Bryan), Elizabeth Hammack (Don), and Martha Hanik (Mark).
He also leaves behind eight grandchildren and one greatgrandchild: Rebecca Ibarra (Krisnan), Alison Smith, Jared Allen, Forest Smith, Jack Livecchi, Thomas Livecchi (Danielle), Noah Hanik, Natalie Hanik, and Enrique Ibarra.
John is also survived by a wide circle of beloved nieces and nephews, all of whom inherited at least one good story from Uncle John. He will be remembered for his kindness, his curiosity, his sense of humor, and his firm belief that words and people matter.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the church.
JOHN TOFT JR.
obituAries
IRENE J. SABOL
Irene J. Sabol, 85, of Mountain Top, passed away peacefully at home on Friday evening, August 8, 2025, with family by her side.
Born in MountainTop, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Bertha Wolon Jeckell. She was a graduate of Fairview High School. She worked as a cook in several local restaurants, prior to retirement; was a faithful parishioner of St. Jude’s Church in MountainTop and member of American Legion Post 781. On weekends, she could often be found at flea markets with her companion, selling treasures. Irene had an appreciation for music— especially polka and country. She enjoyed the occasional trip to a local casino or a getaway to Atlantic City and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers Fan.
Irene’s kindness and strong sense of family will be remembered by all who knew her. She remembered and cared for everyone in her life, never forgetting a birthday or anniversary. She always had a card in the mail to celebrate a special day.
Happy Birthday in Heaven
JOHN A. DIAS
This day is remembered and quietly kept, No words are needed we shall never forget. For those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day.
Unseen and unheard, but always near, So loved, so missed and so very dear.
Love, Your Family
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Frank and Raymond Jeckell, and sisters, Frances Sirochman and Agnes Gasper. Left to cherish her memory is her loving companion of over 40 years, Frank Gombeda; beloved children, William “Bill” (Donna) Sabol of WilkesBarre, Doreen (Ken) Pavese of Galloway, NJ, Nicholas (Paula) Sabol of House Springs, MO; cherished grandchildren, Randy (Andrew) O’Connor, Emily Sabol, Lexie Born, Billy Sabol, Kristen (Lauren) Lonergan, Nicholas Sabol IV; two adored great-grandchildren, Kayleigh and Ryan O’Connor; siblings, Bernard (Barbara) Jeckell, Ronald (Cheryl) Jeckell, and Mildred Jeckell; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews.
Funeral service were conducted August 13, from the Desiderio-Lehman Funeral and Cremation, Mountain Top with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Jude’s Church, Mountain Top. Interment followed in Albert Cemetery, MountainTop. Visit www.MountainTopFH. com for additional information.
The Weatherly Area Community Library had a wonderful Summer Reading Program. Thanks to Rayelle Hughes and Amy Hughes from Amazon’s Avp1 team, each child who attended the program received a book to keep, along with a bag to carry all the arts and crafts completed during the week. Amazon also paid for all the supplies needed during the week. “Color Our World” was the theme for this year, and Christine Peiser and Maddie Zink were the directors of the program for the library. The library is very thankful for Amazon’s contributions and all the work Mrs. Peiser and Mrs. Zink did for a great summer program. Above from left are Christine Peiser, Rayelle Hughes, Amy Hughes, MaddieZink. Below, kids show off their new books.
National Night Out in Weatherly, 2025
seth’s sightiNgs
This week’s Sightings features a photo collage of flowers blooming around our yard. We get a mix of our plantings and wildflowers the best of the best. The photo of the Oregano patch also features busy bumblebees enjoying the purple flowers of these plants.
And about insects, I’ve been hearing the buzz of a Junebug, high and wavering, and it reminds me of my summers on
Cape Cod at summer camp. I was hoping to engage in a conversation when I wrote about this being the time that we should go colonize the moon and reach out to Mars. I’m still waiting for a response from a fellow dreamer.
by seth iseNberg
My only other sightings this week are more doe and their fawns. We were able to get pretty close to a mama and her two fawns to try to get a good picture as they were grazing in the parking lot of the state park in White Haven.
Ruth and I had a chance to get out and enjoy the 80th anniversary of the L&L Fire Company at their Homecoming event this past Saturday. We enjoyed some good food, especially the strawberry shortcake, and got to mingle with various friends, although not necessarily able to talk with them, as the band was playing loudly.
The next opportunity for folks to enjoy an event like the Homecoming is the Weatherly Festival on the 22nd and 23rd (we get a weekend off in between). Also upcoming is the beginning of this year’s Penn State football games. The Nittany Lions will take on Nevada for their first contest this season at home in State College. There should still be tickets available. So get out your banners and flags, and Go Penn State!
Enjoy this beautiful weather and the waning days of summer. Stay healthy!
Seth
While her parents, Sarah and Kyle Minnick were holding a garage sale one recent weekend, their daughter Rylee was holding a sale of her own, only it was lemonade. The young entrepreneur decided to host a lemonade stand for the shoppers, in hopes of raising money for the Citizens Fire Company #1 in Weatherly. Her enthusiasm paid off, raising $80 for the fire company.
Centenary Hoagie Sale deadline nears
Weatherly Centenary United Methodist Church will hold a Thomson’s hoagie sale Thursday, August 28.
Varieties are cold cut, with or without peppers or onions, ham and cheese, turkey, roast beef, tuna, and vegetable. Cost is $7 each, payable when picked up at the Church
between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Orders are due August 17. To order call Ruth at 570-427-8173, Phyllis at 570-427-4305, Wayne at 570-582-5154, Stephanie at 570-582-5507, Lisa at 570-4014128, or Donna at 570-4274094. At Evergreen Apartments contact Georgeann.
At the Weatherly Police Department’s 3rd annual golf tournament at the Mountain Valley Golf Course, the members of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 were honored with a plaque for the service and dedication to the Weatherly Police Officers Association. Shown in the first row, from left, are Georgia Farrow, Unit 360, Theresa D’Andrea, Unit 360, and Georgeann Herling, President Unit 360. Behind the are Paul Bray, Post 360, Officer Michael Eyer, WPD, Officer Ed Kubert, WPD, Officer Sophia Hantz, WPD. Harry Shelhamer, Commander Post 360, Deb Colarusso, Unit 360, and Judy Moon, Unit 360.
Return to Gnadenhutten is theme of upcoming Native American Festival and PowWow
The Native American organization, The Wyoming Trail Council of Pennsylvania’s Native Americans, will be hosting a Native American Festival and PowWow on September 13 and 14 on the grounds of The Hofford Mill, 500 Bridge St, Weissport.
This event, The Return to Gnadenhutten Intertribal Native American Festival and PowWow, will allow us to remember the Gnadenhutten Massacre that took place in what is now modern-day Lehighton.
The event is open to the public and will run from 10 a.m. till TBD on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, with
grand entry at Noon both days. American Indians of many tribes will be representing their style of ancient and modern dance while wearing the beautiful regalia associated with the various dances and tribal customs.
Grand entry begins with all dancers entering the dance arena led by flag bearers carrying the American flag, POW/MIA flags and Native American staff of the Wyoming Trail Council of Pennsylvania’s Native Americans. Following the flags will be the head male and female dancer who lead all the dancers.
The second dance of grand entry is a flag song with the
purpose of saluting or honoring the flags, and the final song of grand entry is the veterans dance honoring all veterans of all races throughout all the conflicts in American history, as well as first responders. At the start of this dance all veterans, followed by first responders from the public are invited into the circle to be honored at this time.
At the conclusion of grand entry, the entire day’s dancing will commence with many different dances performed, some of which are old traditional style, some social dances, and many throughout the day in which the public is invited to participate.
VG Complaint
Continued from page 1
Valley Gorge residents have been to Foster Township Supervisors’ meetings with their concerns, but were sent back to White Haven. Ovy Trucking is located in Foster Township. The land where it is located is zoned agricultural. Ernst believes
All around the dance circle will be Native American vendors selling their beautiful hand crafts, which usually include blankets, furs, jewelry, knives and art, and a tricky tray tent.
Proceeds of the event will benefit the Wyoming Trail Council.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket. For more information or to make donations, contact Robin Summerbird Hoffman at 570436-2390 or Bonnie Becker at 484-892-0148. Donations can also be mailed to WSM at 292 Buck Mt Rd, Weatherly, PA 18255.
Make checks payable to WSM.
Foster is not following its own zoning ordinance regarding fencing and property buffers to a residential area.
Borough solicitor Sean Logsdon suggested the mobile home park seek its own legal counsel, but agreed to look into the situation. Believed Foster is not following their own ordinances re: fencing and property buffers to a residential area.
For Wreckers’ AD Scott Zoscin, Weatherly is all about family
Educator, athletic director discusses the state of the athletic program and much more by
Steve Stallone Sports Editor
As Scott Zoscin prepared to begin his 19th year as Weatherly Area’s athletic director and his 28th year in education, he agreed to sit down with me for a Question and Answer session.
Last week we sat in the classroom he has called home here at Weatherly Area High School for two decades, talking about everything from the state of the athletic program to his most memorable moments.
A West Hazleton graduate and former football standout for the Wildcats, Zoscin cut his teeth in coaching in Baltimore County, Maryland before returning to Northeastern Pennsylvania in 2005 with his wife Kellye and young family by his side.
Two years later, he added to his duties as a special education teacher, taking over as athletic director following the retirement of Ron Sandt.
Since that time, Zoscin has been plenty busy. And, despite some long days and school years, he has treasured his time in the Weatherly community, and seen some of the Wreckers’ most amazing athletic accomplishments.
In marking his past 20 years with the Weatherly Area School District, we have 20 questions for Scott Zoscin...
Journal-Herald: Take me back to the beginning here at Weatherly. When did you join the school district, and when did you become the athletic director?
Scott Zoscin: Teaching was 2005 as a special educator, which I still am. 2007 was my first year as athletic director, following up Ron Sandt.
J-H: Ron Sandt was the AD here for many years. What things did you learn from Ron, and was the transition into your new role an easy one?
SZ: He was a great resource
for me early on as far as advice, which was key. College doesn’t prepare you for this job. You don’t realize how much scheduling is involved. Buses, eligibility lists, all the small stuff behind the scenes that you don’t see at a small school, that you don’t think about. Even with the Weatherly Hall of Fame. You get involved with the Hall of Fame, and he was like this is something you’re going to have to continue to do. He took me through a lot of those stressful things that people don’t see, and it helped me transition in.
J-H: How does your own background in athletics help you in your role as Weatherly’s AD?
SZ: Fortunately I was coaching at my wife’s high school. I spent seven years in Baltimore (Md.) County and I had some great mentors down there. Playing and then managing a sports program are two different things. Playing’s easy. But dealing with parents, playing time. I was brought through by a legend in Maryland who’s in the Bucknell (University) Hall of Fame, Tom Dean. He actually worked for the Baltimore Colts a little bit. I met him through a football coach’s meeting and he wanted to mentor a young coach, and no one took him up on it. I did. Long story short, he had known Joe Paterno and he mentored me. He said after I’m done with you, you’ll be able to coach anything. That really helped me transition from player to coach. My last year of Kellye’s high school (Chesapeake High School) I was head football coach, assistant boys’ basketball coach, and head baseball coach. That’s where I got my start. I had a history degree, I was working at a Bally’s gym, and by chance Kellye’s department head that she had as a teacher in high school, by chance, came in for a gym membership. I told him I didn’t see myself staying long-term, and he said
Weatherly Area teacher and athletic director Scott Zoscin goes over some scheduling at his desk in the high school. Zoscin is preparing for his 21st year as a special education teacher at Weatherly, and his 19th as the school’s athletic director. Journal-Herald
we’re always looking for subs at Chesapeake High School, and I got home and Kellye said that’s my high school. Baltimore County had 23 high schools, so it was a great experience. Two years before I got there, there were 13 football players. When I finished - and not just me, we had a great staff - we ended up with over 50 kids in uniform and we competed and made the state playoffs down there. It was a great experience at a young age, and I learned a lot.
J-H: I know you’ve always wished Weatherly could restart its football program, which folded back in the 1980s due to lack of numbers.
SZ: Football’s my love. I obviously want it, but I know that our school is small. We’re averaging between 14 and 18
boys’ soccer players. You can’t compromise other sports. We had a co-op with Jim Thorpe and then that ended. In my heart yeah, I’d love to, but we need about 100 more students to compete.
J-H: From the time you took the reins as AD until the present, how have things changed in regard to how you do your job, and what is demanded of you from the position?
SZ: I think it’s been pretty consistent here. I’m a teacher first and foremost. I’m a special educator, and that role’s first for me. And then athletic director since the 2007-08 school year. The enrollment has gone down a little bit; as of late we’ve had a couple small classes, but our
photo by Steve Stallone
Zoscin Q&A
Continued from page 10
enrollment is going up in the lower levels right now. Across the board you don’t see as many jayvee teams, not just at our school but anywhere. That’s one of the things I’ve seen change, I’ve seen numbers decrease. Our kids are spread thin. They do participate, but we have a low enrollment. We feel it a lot more than say a big school would. Thankfully, on the other side, referees. There was a shortage of officials over the years, but I think it’s coming back. The PIAA promoted it enough now through that Junior Program they have, I think you’ll see it coming back. Travel sports has gone crazy since I started. As far as my job, it’s the same thing, and I enjoy every day of it. I love it.
J-H: Your responsibilities include arranging transportation, lining up game officials and others needed to make the event happen, postponements, and lots more. Can you discuss some of the behind-the-scenes things that this job entails, and the daily grind?
SZ: I don’t have an assistant. It’s just me. And it does get stressful, but again it’s rewarding. I wouldn’t trade it. And I do have help. Our secretaries here are awesome. They fulfil many roles, but
they’re helpful in getting phone calls and certain things behind the scenes that no one sees. Our maintenance staff has always been great, prepping fields, getting the gymnasium ready. The current administration, the school board, and previous administrations have always been good to the program. You could work with them, it’s like a family atmosphere here. Everybody’s willing to lend a hand.
J-H: Weatherly is one of the smallest public school districts in the state. Can you talk about the challenges any small school district faces in regards to athletics, from the number of athletes needed to field a program and the ability to compete athletically?
SZ: In today’s age, kids are getting pigeon-holed into one sport. We can’t do that. The kids here I give a lot of credit. They’re in every sport. And not only the sports, but the clubs, band, chorus. They do everything here, and it’s challenging. We know things are going to go in cycles. You get a special group that comes through, but we’re in a tough league to win. Kids are spread thin, they’re playing three sports. You can’t monopolize a kid as a coach, so all the coaches have to be willing to work together. At times it’s challenging, but not much. Our coaches are fantastic. We don’t get 30 or 40 applicants for one position, but when they come in they grow as coaches, and
they are even better people. The people we have coaching know, and through the years, have been incredible people.
J-H: The challenges the baseball program has faced in recent years are very real, from player numbers, to coaching changes, and the ability to compete on the field. Can you talk about that program specifically, what was done to save it, and what needs to be done to return it to solid footing?
SZ: We’ve taken major lumps, and I give the kids so much credit. There have been individuals that have fought to keep that program alive, and thank God they did. I think the future is bright. Our Little League program this year made a run, the Babe Ruth program is back after it went away for a couple of years. I think that is key. And track has really grown here, so you’re sharing athletes in the spring. Being only so big, you can only get so many kids to play sports. We haven’t had a new coach board-approved as yet. As soon as the school year starts we’re going to discuss where we’re going to go as far as the coaching position’s concerned. I think it’s recoverable and we’re going to be ok.
J-H: The numbers in other programs have been down as well, and the girls’ basketball program was also in danger of not fielding a team this past season. What was done to save the Lady Wreckers’ basketball season in 202425, and what is being done to keep it moving forward?
SZ: Numbers are still going to be a challenge this year. Our junior high programs, our numbers are very healthy and they had very successful seasons, both seventh and eighth grade. We’ve kind of got to keep things afloat and if we can get to those 7-9 girls and be competitive again this year, reinforcements are coming. Our group from last year battled, and there were times when we only had four girls. Without those kids fighting through the tough times, there’s no program. I tell them that’s going to build your character in a lot of ways that you don’t know
right now. They’re going to have to fight through again this year. With (junior high coaches) Kayla Durham and Rachel Witner on the lower end, they’ve stabilized things there, and we have youth. The numbers we’re healthy, and I think you’re going to see that come back down the road.
J-H: How important is coaching continuity in general, and particularly here at Weatherly, where several coaches have been in their respective roles for a number of years?
SZ: It’s super important, because it’s hard to fill. You’re not getting a ton of applicants for open positions here. We’re at a disadvantage because our staff is small. I can’t just hand-pick from the staff. All over the place it’s hard to find coaches. You’re not compensated big-time, so you better be doing it for the love of it. But there’s been continuity as far as the quality of people we’ve had here. I’ve been blessed in a lot of ways. We’re getting some alumni coming back that are vested, because they went here, and I feel that’s important.
J-H: Former Weatherly athletes are now coaching at all levels, keeping with and teaching that Wrecker tradition. How important do you think that is for the athletic program?
SZ: It’s huge, because I taught my own kids that. There is history before you, and they have won here. I got close to Mr. Duser, we spoke a lot. I think the people who now are involved bleed Black and Orange. There’s Weatherly alumni here that are vested and I think that’s super critical. It showed last year. Luke Medico and the boys’ basketball team beating Marian, making the Schuylkill League playoffs, getting a district playoff victory. Junior high, and the success we had there, we have Kayla (Romig) Durham and Rachel (Selert) Witner coaching, and they transferred that into youth softball and made it to states. Erica (Kane) Poweski in volleyball, and now Paul Eckert in boys’ soccer. Jeremy Witner in junior high basketball. They all played here. There’s youth
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THEME: BACK TO SCHOOL
ACROSS
1. *Report ____
5. One on the beat
8. Put on the payroll
12. Fan sound
13. Buckeye State
14. Indy entrant
15. Table mountain 16. 2021 movie
“The Harder They ____”
17. Carry away, in a way
18. *____ Readers 20. Weary walk
21. Basketry stick 22. *____ time for preschoolers
23. Plums and cherries genus
26. Allegiance
30. Crew propeller
31. Rh in Rh disease
34. Your majesty
35. Miss of the Muppets
37. Band event
38. Asci, sing.
39. Olympic castaway
40. *Didn’t fail
42. Frozen H2O
43. Took a penny-farthing, e.g.
45. *Punctuation marks for famous words
47. Maltese or Havanese, e.g.
48. *Use Play-Doh
50. Cheap trinket
52. *3+x=10, e.g.
55. Soviet place of exile
56. Curtis, to friends
57. Beehive state
59. *Olden-day notebook
60. Honey-producing facility
61. Sushi restaurant soup
62. Location of altar
63. Type of poem
64. Sing like Ella Fitzgerald
DOWN
1. Mountain basin
2. Attention grabber
3. Reduced Instruction Set Computer
4. Hiccup’s Toothless, e.g.,
5. Irritate by rubbing
6. Persian Gulf ship
7. Multi-
8. *”Get out of classroom” permit (2 words)
9. International Civil Aviation Organization
10. Retired, shortened
11. Bard’s before 13. Lacking cordi-
ality
14. Settle a debt
19. Unethical loaner’s practice
22. Us, in Mexico
23. Temporary store
24. Reason to strike
25. Prodded
26. Totes or tugs
27. Permissible
28. Cease-fire
29. Many affirmatives
32. “Good grief!”
33. Bro’s counterpart
36. *School alum
38. Next step for juvenile
40. Margaret, for short
41. Describe as similar
44. Elks’ hangout
46. Poppy derivative, pl.
48. Marine cephalopod
49. *Grading arch
50. Big one at 7-Eleven
51. Regrettably, exclamation
52. Sound reflection
53. Auditory
54. U.S. space agency, acr.
55. Geological Society of America
58. *Van Halen’s “____ for Teacher”
Zoscin Q&A
Continued from page 11
and energy, and they want to be successful.
J-H: A lot of Weatherly’s non-league opponents are private schools. Come playoff time, do you feel public schools are on an even playing field as private schools, or should private schools have their own separate district and state tournaments?
SZ: My personal feeling is they should have their own district and state tournament. Not to take away from them in any way, but you have charter schools and private schools with no boundaries. It’s tough because we don’t have the opportunity to do that. Not to take anything away from the championships they’re winning, I just think they should have their own separate championship.
J-H: What happened to the Co-Op, and are athletes still utilizing this for sports that Weatherly doesn’t offer?
SZ: Right now football would be the only one. We’ve explored some different avenues over the last year-and-a-half, but we have to be real careful where we’re at to initiate a football co-op not to jeopardize our other teams like soccer. If I lose 2-3 soccer players to football, now we don’t have our own soccer team. It might be re-visited once the numbers start going up a little bit, but football would be the big one. Numbers have been concerning, and it’s always
concerning at a small school. We probably have only 160 students physically in this high school 9 through 12, that’s not many. Our numbers are going up in the lower grades.
J-H: A lot of contributions behind the scenes that people don’t see, including scorekeepers and timekeepers that help keep things going. Specifically, the Selert family has been a big force behind the athletic programs, from playing, to coaching to scorekeeping.
SZ: Nicole Selert and Bob Selert, they do everything. Nicole’s awesome. She was obviously volleyball coach for us, was named coach of the year when they had a great run and made playoffs, and she has transitioned from there to helping with all the scheduling. There’s a lot of other people involved. Mr. McKeegan, he and Bob do most of our volleyball. Missy Isom does our soccer, Beth Dolinsky, Stacy Ray, Ryan Kately does the clock. Nicole Hinkle when she can help out. They always come through, they’re super dependable. I don’t know what I’d do without them. They contribute in their own way to keep things going.
J-H: You and your wife got the chance to see your children Emily and Scotty grow, compete, and then succeed at a very high level while here at Weatherly. How cool was that?
SZ: Blessed. You don’t know what to expect when they start, but then when they’re finished and you’re able to reflect on what they did, I get a little emotional. District titleists and All-State in both sports,
Puzzle Answers
and to see the work they both put in. Scotty and Emily are relentless workers, but class. Doing it with class. I always told them to respect the history here. There were great players before you, and there’s going to be great players after you. But while you’re here, make an impact. Every game try to make an impact. It wasn’t me. I didn’t score any of those 3200 points. It wasn’t because of my role as AD that they succeeded. My wife’s very competitive, and she has a fire. Without her supporting me through this job, that wouldn’t have happened. What Emily did in basketball, two district championships. Kevin Kringe built an amazing program and that group was special. And then for her to go on and do it in track, without a track, back-to-back 100-meter championships. Emily drove Scotty, I think, once she won that first title. To see Scotty finally busting through and winning that district cross country title coming down the home stretch at DeSales, I’ll never forget that moment. I always told them your legacy is what happens after you. You running through the streets of Weatherly, kids followed that. It was special.
J-H: Over the years, you’ve been able to see some other amazing accomplishments from Wrecker athletic teams and athletes. In addition to what we just mentioned, if you had to narrow them down to just a handful, do you have your own list of most memorable?
SZ: I don’t want to slight anybody. Jared Hinkle going to states in cross country. Nicole Selert’s run with the volleyball team, special. Division championship for softball in 2021. Madisyn vonFrisch All-State, record number of strikeouts. The district titles in girls’ basketball, the cross country championships. Last year’s boys’ basketball team, beating Marian, Schuylkill League playoffs, winning a district playoff game. Ashley James and Gracie Miller and the girls’ basketball team beating Marian after those championship runs. The junior high girls’ cross country team
finishing second last year at the Schuylkill League Meet. Marge Brown’s incredible run with the softball program, I was part of that. We’ve had some great people here coaching. Aside from my own children, it’s a special place here.
J-H: New sports continue to pop up, the latest being girls’ wrestling and girls’ flag football. Can you talk about that and other new sports that may be on the horizon, and whether or not Weatherly will be in the discussion to add new sports?
SZ: Because of our numbers, that would be a challenge. The flag football is in the spring, and with us having track and softball, it would present a challenge. Not that we’d never think about it; I’m always open. When Mike Miller was here he was cross country coach, and he asked if we could start track. We said absolutely. You always have to listen and be open, and see if there’s an avenue to do it and create more opportunities for kids. With the numbers on the rise, you never know.
J-H: Is the future of Weatherly Athletics a bright one?
SZ: Sure thing. The youth programs now I think are stabilized and stronger. I think it is important at a young age to want to be successful and want to win. Whether you’re going to win or lose, I used to tell my kids, when you’re done with it, every event you go to when you look in the mirror, did I give 110 percent? I think that’s being instilled again, I know it is. The youth softball and the Little League was incredible what those groups did this year, and I want to recognize those. When I see that stuff, I feel good about it because I don’t know how long I’m going to be here. I want that tradition to continue because there’s going to be more Emily’s and more Scotty’s and that’s what you want to see. You want success. I think it’s going to be good, I really do.
J-H: What does the future hold for you, and do you expect to continue
Continued from page 14
doing what you love here in Weatherly?
SZ: This is year 28 in education, and year 21 here and 19 as AD. I go year to year. I try to give my best year to year. I foresee myself, God willing, to go to 60 years old. I’d have 34 years in. And beyond that, I don’t know if AD’s still going to be in the cards and I’m not ready to go. I consult with Kellye too, because it’s 65-80 events a year. I have game managers at times, but I try to be at 95 percent of those events. I try to support the kids as much as I could, so that’s a conversation we have every year. Are you ready for another year? I’m not a full-time AD who comes in later in the day. I’m here at 7:05, and I’m here on basketball nights until 9:30. It’s a grind. My philosophy is I try to be my best one year at a time.
J-H: What makes the Weatherly Area schools and the Weatherly Community so special to you?
SZ: Family. We’re a family. It’s a special place, it really is. I wouldn’t trade any of my years here. I thank God every year I start that I’m here. The support, the faculty, the administration, the school board, previous administration. We’re small, but we are family. People come here new as teachers, new as coaches, and they see that they’re welcome. We’re tight. You have your chirpings, that happens. But all in all, when it’s a time of need here, people help each other, whether it’s inside the school building or outside the school building. I think that’s what makes it special.
Weatherly Golf Preview Interest on the rise as Wreckers continue building golf program
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
The numbers are up in the Weatherly Area High School golf program, with more than a dozen golfers representing the Wreckers this season. With those numbers on the rise, head coach Brian Kaminski is confident the scoring numbers will continue to drop.
“It’s still early but we are seeing results from the work,” Kaminski said on the eve of their season-opener last week. “Scores are lower than the end of last year so things are looking promising. We’ve just got to keep working.
“We have13 golfers and many underclassmen coming back with experience,” the veteran coach continued. “I’m glad to see the kids enjoying it and hope it continues to grow.”
While things have been literally heating up for the season, the Wreckers have been putting in the work at White Birch Golf Course in Barnesville, where they will again play their home matches. Temperatures in July and August have been well into the 80s and even the 90s, with heat indexes reaching triple-digits at times.
“We have the kids go play at the course during the summer on their own and it seems to get them ready for the season,” Kaminski noted. “During the first practices we always have water and just pace them so they don’t get too overwhelmed.
“So far they have played well in practices and (the heat) has had little to no effect on their performances.”
White Birch is home to several other scholastic teams this season, including Marian Catholic.
“White Birch has been nothing but amazing for us.” Kaminski said. “The hospitality for the schools has been nothing short of amazing. They really work with the kids and the course keeps getting better each year.”
The Wreckers have a solid group, with a mix of returning golfers and newcomers. They will be led by the junior foursome of Matt Adler, Brad Connors, Jacob Hinkle and Chance Stauffer, the latter who returns to the program after playing as a freshman two seasons ago.
While that will be his top four early on, Kaminski is excited with how some of the younger golfers are performing.
“Right now, freshmen Eli Brown and Jameson DeLaureitis are the young golfers that have cracked the early-season lineup,” Kaminski said.
Senior McKenna Gerhard, juniors Joey Esposito and Kameron Jacoby, sophomore Mya Binder, and freshmen Shawn Gerlich, Brandon Antolic and Levi Aneskevich round out this year’s squad.
“Most of the kids have been able to play White Birch often and have gone on their own since April,” Kaminski said,
giving a team with just one senior that added experience necessary to make inroads in the Schuylkill League this season and beyond.
“Our goals are to better our record from last year and to continue to get scores lower in order to compete in all of the matches this year,” he added.
ROSTER
Senior: McKenna Gerhard
Juniors: Matt Adler, Brad Connors, Jacob Hinkle, Chance Stauffer, Joey Esposito, Kameron Jacoby
Sophomore: Mya Binder
Freshmen: Eli Brown, Jameson DeLaureitis, Shawn Gerlich, Brandon Antolick, Levi Aneskevich
SCHEDULE
August
7 - at Nativity; 8 - Marian Catholic; 11 - at Mahanoy Area; 12 - Minersville; 18 - Pine Grove; 19 - at Schuylkill Haven; 21 - Nativity; 26 - at Marian Catholic; 28 - Mahanoy Area
September 2 - at Minersville; 4Schuylkill Haven; 8 - at Panther Valley; 9 - at Pine Grove
* - Home matches at White Birch Golf Course
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White Haven Lions Club announces Reindel Memorial Golf Tournament winners
The White Haven Lions Club has announced the winners of its 35th Annual Joe Reindel Memorial Golf Tournament, held Aug. 4 at Sand Springs Country Club.
The foursome of Josh Dinko, Marty Biasi, John Timko and Darrin Young shot a 57 to capture the Championship Flight, winning by three strokes over the runner-up team of Mike King, Mike Hudock, Sam Macurak and John Simoson, which shot a 60.
The team of Mike Kendra, Brian Klapat, Ed Ciocco and Ryan Ciocco came in a close third with a score of 61.
The Second Flight winner, with a round of 65, was the team of Randy Richardson, Stan Halas, Mark Georgetti and George Pollock. Second
place in the Second Flight came down to a match of cards, with the team of Greg Jones, Shawn Gallager, Wayne Baer and Kevin Gimble (68) edging out the foursome of Eddie Gower, Jim Case, Greg Evans and Kevin McQuaide (68) in the tiebreaker.
The Third Flight went to the team of Fred Graber, Tim Ball, Jack Walner and Bob Lombard, with a 71. Second place also came down to a match of cards, with the Brynok Team of Steve Brynok, Frank Brynok, Stephen Brynok and Tyler Brynok claiming that spot after shooting a 72 and winning the tiebreaker with the third-place team of Joe Hallock, Rob Au, Dave Duragne and Dave Yak. In the Skills Contests, Dave Yak claimed Most Accurate Drive; Mike Hudock was
Closest to the Pin (4 feet, 1 inch); Steph Grazio had the Women’s Longest Drive; and Skip Kennedy had the Men’s Longest Drive.
The Dinko Team recorded an eagle on the par-4 9th hole; the team of Randy Pilecki Sr., Randy Pilecki Jr., Bill Kresge and Dave Dornheim eagled the par-4 11th; and the foursome of Kevin Wrenn, Dave Sartori, Colby Jones and Matt Macurak posted an eagle on the par-5 15th hole.
The White Haven Lions Club, chartered in 1938 thanks all players, sponsors, Sand Springs Country Club staff, and volunteers for making the tournament so successful again in 2025, and invite all to next year’s tournament, scheduled for Monday, Aug. 3, 2026.
Scholastic Schedule
Thursday, Aug. 14
Golf
Crestwood at Wilkes-Barre Area
Friday, Aug. 15 No events scheduled
Saturday, Aug. 16 No events scheduled
Monday, Aug. 18
Golf
Crestwood at Tom Tryba Tournament, Fox Hill CC Pine Grove at Weatherly Area
Tuesday, Aug. 19
Golf
Weatherly Area at Schuylkill Haven
Wednesday, Aug. 20
Golf
Holy Redeemer at Crestwood
Thursday, Aug. 21
Golf
Nativity at Weatherly Area
Friday, Aug. 22
Football
Valley View at Crestwood
Weatherly Area golfers tee it up against Nativity, Marian to open season
The Weatherly Area golfers joined with others across the state in opening their 2025 high school season last Thursday.
The young Wreckers began at Nativity, where the host Hilltoppers posted a 348-402 victory at Schuylkill Country Club.
The following day, Weatherly and Marian Catholic hooked up
at White Birch, with the Colts notching a 316-364 Schuylkill League win.
Nativity 348, Weatherly Area 402 - The Wreckers travelled to Schuylkill Country Club to face the Hilltoppers, who rode the medalist performance of Trey Keating to the season-opening win.
Keating followed a 37 on the front nine with a 40 on the back for a sizzling round of 77. He was joined in the scoring by teammates Steve Karinch (83), Ryan Grabowski (92) and Andy Smith (96).
The Wreckers were led by junior Chance Stauffer, who went 44-48 for his round of 92. Stauffer is returning to the lineup after spending last season away from the sport.
Classmate Matt Adler went
51-48 for a 99, freshman Eli Brown scored a 53-49 for a 102 in his first varsity competition, and junior Jacob Hinkle (102) rounded out the match scoring.
Marian 316, Weatherly Area 364 - The Wreckers’ scores went down considerably on Day 2, when they took on Marian Catholic at White Birch Golf Course.
But it was the Colts’ 1-2 punch of Carter and Brayden Grant that proved too much on Friday. Carter Grant shot the low round with a 73, and Brayden Grant backed him with a 78 as Marian got the convincing win.
Sam Farrone’s 81 and Collin Yurkan in’s 84 completed the Colts’ winning lineup.
Eli Brown had a strong home opener, as the freshman paced the Wreckers with a consistent
round of 90, shooting 45 on both the front and the back nine. Juniors Brad Connors (47-44-91) and Matt Adler (4843-91) were right behind, with classmate Jacob Hinkle (46-4692) one stroke back of them.
