CONTINUING: THE WHITE HAVEN JOURNAL ESTABLISHED 1879–146th YEAR, NO. 52
WAHS girls volleyball team members, first row from left, Krisna Lucero, Kendra Moyer, Raven Biles, Melina Ayala, Jillian Esposito and Abby Weston; back row, assistant coach Stephanie Kurtz, Abigail Binder, Lisa Marie Halecky from LVHN, head coach Erica Kane-Poweski, patient Pollyann Maduro, Mya Binder and Kelly Reiner. JH: R. Isenberg
CONTINUING: THE WEATHERLY HERALD ESTABLISHED 1880–146th YEAR, NO. 26
Dig pink digs deep; donates to Topper Center’s Wig Boutique
by Ruth Isenberg
The Weatherly Area High School’s girls volleyball team has a cause —one they’ve supported since 2011, when it started as a senior project. Each year since then, they’ve raised funds to help those fighting cancer.
Usually, the recipient is battling breast cancer, and 2025 was no exception, with $1,800 donated to their Dig Pink recipient.
But every year, the total amount raised has increased. This year, with $2,300 generated through sales of T-shirts and , Krispy Kreme donuts and Renée’s Hoagies, bake sales at
the stand, and generous giving to the cause, the team was also able to also donate $500 to the Wig Boutique at the Topper Cancer Center at LVHNJefferson Hazleton.
The Wig Boutique is the brainchild of LVHN community/media relations manager Lisa Marie Halecky, who came up with the idea the year she was serving as Hazleton Rotary’s president in 2022-23.
“I decided to create the boutique for those in our community who were going through their cancer journey,” Halecky said. “For many women, looking their best while they go
See DIG PINK, page 2
WH Garden Club closes out 2025, plans for 2026
The White Haven Garden Club ended 2025 with a gourd painting event at the White Haven Area Community Library. Those who could attend had lots of fun getting creative with gourds, decorating them and some chose to drill holes to make bird houses. They all came out beautifully. The painting was followed by a delicious lunch at the Soapy Bee Café in town.
There are already many plans for 2026. Monthly meetings will resume in February at the Library, the third Thursday at 1 p.m. Events and outings will be scheduled independently on a weekday or a Saturday.
This is a casual group; members simply enjoy sharing their garden experience, learning new things and having fun. The list below is a preliminary look at what might be coming in 2026.
• February: Seed swap and clay pot give-away. Perhaps a presentation from a local native plant enthusiast.
• March: Visit a maple syrup producer, Pocono Mountain Maple in Newfoundland, (approximately a 50 minute drive). Reservations need to be made early as they fill up.
• April: Longwood Gardens to see the tulips and the new Conservatory.
• May: Plant/seedling swap/ give-away, and perhaps a visit to the Kirby Episcopal House in Mountain Top for a picnic in their Japanese Garden area.
• June: Visit Kore Coffee & Flowers, located in Allentown.
• July: Visit a lavender farm (either the one in White
Haven or Paradise in Cresco).
• August – October: Still to be discussed.
Membership is open. To be added to the distribution list, please text or call Denise Weiss at 570-550-7489.
GARDEN CLUB members at work, above. At left, the finished products.
Submitted photos
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
While we are grateful that Pennsylvania’s double jeopardy situation of a failure to adopt a state budget on top of a federal government shutdown ended last week, there is no cause for celebration.
The PA budget was adopted six months after it was due. While Pennsylvania budgets are historically adopted after deadline, this year’s delay caused significant hardships for school districts, charter schools, and social service agencies. In some cases, it was necessary for them to borrow money just to function.
The federal shutdown was even worse. People who rely on assistance to provide food for their families were cut off from SNAP. Air traffic controllers and other essential government workers were required to continue to work without being paid; non-essential workers were given an unwanted vacation without paychecks.
Legislators on both the state and federal level, and of both parties, showed a callous disregard for the well-being of the people they are supposed to serve. Refusing to work across the aisle, and treating compromise as an evil to be avoided, has created a political climate that prizes ideology above practicality.
The situation is temporarily back to “normal.” But the drama isn’t over. Health insurance premium assistance has not been addressed, and people are finding out just how much more they will have to pay next year if they want to continue having insurance. The continuing resolution adopted by Congress only lasts until late January, so we’re liable to see much of the same shenanigans again very soon.
Sadly, we are the ones ultimately responsible for this mess. We are the people who elected representatives who are unwilling or unable to work with each other to benefit their constituencies. We need to do better.
Archives
From The Journal-Herald November 10, 2005
Clara R. Holder, Publisher
A crew of the Reading, Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad was pictured doing track crossing repair work at Lehigh Tannery.
Eckley Miners’ Village hosted a program about music and letters of the American Civil War. It showed how mid-nineteenth century ideas and images of the home and family shaped the Union soldier’s approach to everything from military discipline to battlefield bravery. They served in companies recruited from the same communities, and they wrote letters reporting on each other’s performance conscious that their own behavior in the army would affect their reputations back home.
The Weatherly Area Elementary and Middle School students took part in a food drive for Shepherd House, sponsored by the Middle School Student Government Association.
The WAHS sophomore Class of 2008 reported that it had inherited the annual Chinese auction fundraiser from the Class of 2005, and began soliciting for
Dig Pink…
Continued from page 1
through treatment is essential to their self-esteem. It has been well received and those who financially cannot afford to purchase a wig for themselves now have this option.” Staff at the Topper Center guide patients who are interested through the process.
At the check presentation last week at Weatherly Area High School, cancer patient Pollyann Maduro talked about how much having a quality wig changed her cancer journey. “You feel like
items to be raffled off at Wrecker home basketball games.
From The Weatherly Herald November 3, 1955
R.V. Faust, Publisher
A Carbon County Jury awarded $8,500 land damages to Mr. and Mrs. J.A. (Mom and Pop) Wagner of Hudsondale against the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The award was made following an appeal by Mr. and Mrs. Wagner from a decision of a board of viewers. The Wagners contended that their restaurant property at Hudsondale was reduced in value because of relocation of a highway which was changed from in front of their property to the back.
From The Journal November 4, 1976
Jay & Clara Holder, Publishers
“Hunting season is upon us, and we have heard reports of guns being fired much too close to homes and other buildings… The fact that the area between the river and the railroad bed is wooded, or semi-wooded, makes no difference; up to the Dennison Township line it lies in the White Haven Borough limits, and discharging firearms for any reason is prohibited.”
yourself,” she said, and having a wig that made her feel confident and normal also made her feel better as she went through treatment.
Team member Kelly Reiner was glad the team’s donations could help cancer patients feel that they aren’t alone in their journey. Team captain Abby Weston agreed. “I like being able to give back, seeing that they feel supported.”
Coaches are already talking about how the team can top this year’s efforts. The program is committed to digging even deeper for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October of 2026.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Brian Schell, of Cherryville, Pennsylvania, in the Estate of Lorraine Edith Schell, late of Mountain Top, Pennsylvania, who died on May 30, 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 11/20
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters Testamentary have been granted to Elizabeth Caltabiano, of Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania, in the Estate of Patricia Walser, late of Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania, who died on September 25, 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 11/20
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the proposed 2026 Budget for Lehigh Township, Carbon County has been prepared and is available for inspection in the windows of the municipal building located at 1741 South Lehigh Gorge Drive, Weatherly PA 18255. The budget, which totals $390,055.84 will be considered for adoption at a public meeting to be held on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. at the same location.
Please be further advised that the following tax and garbage fee resolutions will be considered for adoption at the same time:
A tax on all property within Lehigh Township in the sum of forty seven hundredths (0.47) mills on each dollar of assessed valuation.
A tax of 1% on salaries, wages, commissions and other compensation earned during the Year 2026 by residents and non-residents of the Township of Lehigh for work performed or services rendered within Lehigh Township.
A Per Capita Tax of $5.00 on each and every resident and inhabitant of the Township of Lehigh.
A Real Estate Transfer Tax of 1% on the selling price or value to be paid by the transferor on the transfer of real property situated in the Township of Lehigh.
An Amusement Tax of 5% on admissions to amusements within the Township of Lehigh.
A Local Services Tax of $10.00 on individuals for the privilege of engaging in an occupation within the limits of the Township of Lehigh.
A Mechanical Device Tax of $50.00 upon the privilege of using for profit within the Township of Lehigh, juke boxes or mechanical amusement devices.
A garbage fee of $380.00 per year, payable in four (4) equal installments of $95.00. There is no increase in the garbage fee for 2026.
Carol Ann Lenahan, Secretary Lehigh Township
NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION have been granted to RAYMOND C. MYLET of the Estate of Mary E. Mylet, a/k/a Mary Ella Chernansky Mylet, deceased and late of Sugarloaf, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, who died on November 5, 2010. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make payment, and those having claims, present same to:
Susan Sernak-Martinelli, Esquire Law Office of Susan Sernak-Martinelli 199 North Church Street Hazleton, Pennsylvania 18201 12/4
NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY have been granted to REBECCA J. HOLMES of the Estate of Joan L. Sorrels, deceased and late of Weatherly, Carbon County, Pennsylvania, who died on October 7, 2025. All persons indebted to said Estate, please make payment, and those having claims, present same to:
Susan Sernak-Martinelli, Esquire Law Office of
Susan Sernak-Martinelli 199 North Church Street Hazleton, Pennsylvania 18201 12/4
PUBLIC NOTICE INVITATION TO BID
SEALED PROPOSALS will be received by Carol Lenahan, Secretary, East Side Borough 100 N. Sheaman Road, White Haven, Pa. until 12:00 Noon on Thursday, December 4, 2025 for the following: SNOW REMOVAL SERVICES
DESCRIPTION: Vendor to supply snow removal services for the Borough of East Side, beginning January 1, 2026 and ending December 31, 2026, with the option of renewing the contract for an additional 2 - 1 year periods. Bid to include the cost of equipment with operator(s) for the following:
Truck with snow plow and rock salt spreader
Wheeled front end loader
Estimated cost for rock salt, including hauling
Bidders must be able to provide rock salt. Location of storage area must be noted on bid proposal.
Bidders must provide proof of liability insurance coverage in the amount of $500,000 and Workman’s Compensation Insurance (if applicable) when submitting bid proposal.
Proposals must be upon the forms furnished by the Municipality. Forms can be obtained from the Secretary, Carol Lenahan, 100 N. Sheaman Road, White Haven, Pa. 18661. Phone Number: 570-4437011.
Bids will be opened and publicly read at the regular monthly meeting of East Side Borough Council scheduled for 6:30 P.M. on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at the White Haven Library, 125 Towanda Street, White Haven, Pa.
East Side Borough Council reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or portions thereof.
Carol
Ann Lenahan, Secretary 11/20
obituAries
BEVERLY F. ACKERS
Beverly F. Ackers, age 87, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her entire family, on November 11, 2025. She was born, raised, and remained her entire life in White Haven. She grew up in the Tannery and later began her married life in town with her husband, Gordon “Gordy” Ackers. In their retirement, Bev and Gordy returned to the family homestead in the Tannery to enjoy the home she treasured along with the neighbors, both long-time and new.
She was the daughter of the late Charles and Grace (Stemple) Sterner. Preceding her in death was her husband Gordy in 2019, and brother, Charles. Beverly is survived by her son, Gordy (Doreen) Ackers of White Haven, and daughter,
Cindy (Dwight) Derolf of Buck Township; grandchildren Jake (Danielle) Derolf of Elizabethtown, PA, Chandler (Briley Marchetti) Ackers of Gilbertsville, PA, and Hannah Ackers also of Gilbertsville, PA; and great-grandsons Duncan and Russell Derolf and Miles Marchetti. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Elaine Smith, Mary Alice Quinn, Janet Ackers and Alyce Sterner, along with several nieces & nephews. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren and now her great-grandsons. She was devoted to them and proud of every stage of their lives. In recent years, she did her best to master FaceTime, and on the happy occasions she connected, it was the highlight of her day. Throughout her life she enjoyed nothing more than crocheting a new afghan for anyone who asked for one and countless craftmaking projects for herself and others. At the holidays she treasured cookie making, especially when one of her grandchildren was by her side.
She was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and strong in her faith. In lieu of flowers, the family asks to remember and honor Beverly’s life that memorial contributions be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 414 Berwick Street, White Haven PA 18661.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 22, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in White Haven at 10:45 a.m. The family will be greeting friends & family beginning at 10 a.m. at the church.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Lehman Family Funeral Service, Inc. of White Haven.
SALLY ANN TRIMMER
Sally Ann Trimmer, 82, of White Haven, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 7, 2025 at Allied Services Hospice Center in Wilkes-Barre. Sally was born on April 5 to Henry and Sara (Gower) Fulk. She was the last living member of her family.
Sally attended Weatherly High School, graduating in 1961. After high school she worked at Victoria Fashions at the old Tannery school house. After
many years of taking care of her mother, she was employed by Split Rock Lodge in the housekeeping department. In addition to playing solitaire, she loved playing the bingo cards at the Tannery Social Club.
Sally is survived by her “boyfriend “ of 40+ years, Roger Stolpe Sr.; daughter-in-law Jodi Trimmer; granddaughter Jennifer, and grandson Matthew. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her only child, son Ronald James Trimmer; brother Gerald Fulk; sisters, Carol Leyfert, Shirley LaRock, Audrey Meckes and Nancy Fulk.
As Sally wished there will be no viewing . Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
Obituary Policy: The Journal-Herald does not charge for the publication of obituaries. They are treated as news articles, and edited to fit our requirements, as are all news items. Pictures may be included when available. Obituaries with special wording may be published as Tribute advertising, at regular rates. Call 570-215-0204 xt2 for more information.
Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
The proposed 2026 Budget for East Side Borough, totaling $569,025.05, has been prepared and is available for inspection in the windows of the Municipal Building, 170 Centre Street, East Side Borough.
Also scheduled for adoption is Resolution 2026-1 which relates to the following taxes and fees for 2026:
A tax on all property within East Side Borough in the sum of three (3) mills on each dollar of assessed valuation.
An Earned Income Tax of 1% on salaries, wages, commissions and other compensation earned during the Year 2026 by residents of East Side Borough and for work done or services performed or rendered in the Borough by non-residents.
A Per Capita Tax of $5.00 on each and every resident and inhabitant of East Side Borough.
A Real Estate Transfer Tax of 1% on the selling price or value to be paid by the transferor on the transfer of real property situated in East Side Borough.
An Amusement Tax of 5% on admissions to amusements within East Side Borough.
An Occupational Privilege Tax of $10.00 on individuals for the privilege of engaging in an occupation within the limits of East Side Borough.
A garbage fee of $260.00 per year, payable in four (4) equal installments of $65.00.
The proposed budget and tax/garbage fee resolution is scheduled for adoption at a public meeting to be held on December 4, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. in the White Haven Public Library, 121 Towanda Street, White Haven, Pa.
Carol Ann Lenahan, Secretary 11/20
PUBLIC NOTICE
Penn Lake Park Borough had a 1st reading of the 2026 budget at the 11/13/2025 borough meeting. The 2026 budget will be voted on at the 12/18/2025 meeting. A copy of the budget is available for review by emailing the borough secretary at plborosecretary@ yahoo.com, or by visiting the Penn Lake website at http:// pennlakeborough.com/news/. Penn Lake Park Borough Council
Weatherly Area Museum shares holiday plans
The Weatherly Area Museum will celebrate Christmas on November 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Santa will arrive at 11:15 a.m. and will start seeing visitors for pictures at 11:30 a.m.
Photographs with Santa are free of charge.
There will be hot cocoa and cookies. This event is free; donations always appreciated.
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 360 members, shown from left, Carol Eroh, Noelle Rambaran, Aurelia Rambaran (Miss Poppy), and Betty Henry getting ready to deliver five bushel baskets of aluminum can tabs to Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital in Danville. The can tabs are used to raise funds to support projects at the hospital. ALA Unit 360 is asking the public to support the program and collect aluminum beverage can tabs only. They can be left at the building on the bench or dropped off at the post home at an event.
since 1991
librAry corNer
WHACL Elf Parade
The White Haven Area Community Library, together with the Soapy Bee Café, is hosting a Children’s Christmas Party on Saturday, November 29. Please join us at the Library from 1 to 3 p.m. for cookie decorating, holiday games, snacks and an Elf Costume Parade judged by Santa himself. The event is free for all area children, and no registration is required.
Our regular Book Club will meet on December 3 at 6:30 p.m. This month’s read is Five Tuesdays in Winter by Lily King. Join us in your jammies for a cozy holiday feel while participating in a White Elephant gift exchange.
Please bring a wrapped gift valued at $15 if you’d like to participate. As always, the book is available in the library or you can choose to borrow one of the library’s Kindles, with the book pre-downloaded.
On Thursday, December 4 there will be a special Santa Tot Time from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Children 8 years old and younger are invited to hear a story and complete a simple craft.
The annual Quilt and Craft show will take place on Saturday, December 6. The cost is $5, and tickets are available at the library during regular hours. A basket raffle will take place. All proceeds will go to supporting library programs such as Kid’s Summer Camp, weekend and
JOURNAL-HERALD SERVICE DIRECTORY
evening children’s activities, the Book Clubs, and more. Raffle tickets will be available at the library front desk during regular library hours, as well as during the event.
Save the date for the Library Holiday Open House, to be held on Friday, December 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Join us for light bites and refreshments, as well as music by Frank Balon.
Please remember to look for and purchase delicious Gertrude Hawk Chocolate bars at many area merchants as well as at the library desk. Every bar purchased helps us to plan more exciting events for our community.
We would also like to remind everyone that the library follows the Crestwood School District for weather related closings. If the school is closed, the library is closed.
For weather events on days when school is not in session, the decision to close the library will be made at least one hour prior to its scheduled opening and posted on the library Facebook page.
WACL Puzzle Contest
There are three tables left for the Puzzle Competition at the Weatherly Area Community Library on Saturday, November 22, at 10 a.m. at the library.
Sign up your team of up to four people to complete a 500piece puzzle before any other team and your team will win a $20 gift certificate for iHOP in Wilkes Barre. Puzzle is rated for ages 14 and older. Call the library, 570-427-5085, to register your team.
CCTI honors veterans
Students at Carbon Career & Technical Institute paid tribute to all veterans during an assembly on Tuesday, November 11. Members of the National Technical Honor Society organized the program. The ceremony featured members of the American Legion posts 304 in Jim Thorpe and 123 in Lansford.
CCTI Director Dave Reinbold recognized all the veterans in attendance and also the veterans employed at the school. Keynote speaker, District Attorney Michael Greek, spoke about his family’s time in the military and
the importance of honoring our veterans.
National Technical Honor Society advisor Sue Ann Gerhard, said “What veterans have given our country is beyond our power to fully repay.”
CCTI’s principal Michele Connors thanked all the veterans, saying “Thank you again for preserving our freedom and keeping us safe.”
Veterans participating were honored with certificates and served brunch by the students in the Culinary Department at CCTI.
Thanksgiving, more community worship services planned
The White Haven Ministerium, the organization of all churches in the White Haven area, met last week, and has announced several upcoming community holiday services. Sunday, November 23, 4 p.m.
White Haven Thanksgiving Service White Haven United Methodist Church 900 Buffalo Street
Pastors and Elders from each of the churches will be celebrating this ecumenical service. The collection will benefit the White Haven Food Pantry. There will be a choir performing the song “Give Thanks.” If you are interested in participating with the choir, please be at the church at 3:30 p.m. for rehearsal.
Sunday, December 21, 4 p.m.
White Haven
Blue Christmas Service
Presbyterian Church of White Haven 305 Berwick Street
Reverand Jack from the White Haven United Methodist Church designed this service for those experiencing or who have experienced a loss during the holiday season. Pastors and Elders from White Haven area churches have designed the service to uplift the spirits of those for whom the holidays may not be a jolly period of time. The offering will benefit the White Haven Food Pantry.
Plans for 2026
Plans are developing for midweek services during Lent. Each church will take a Wednesday service between Ash Wednesday and Holy Week.
There will be another community ecumenical service on the Saturday of Jam Below the Dam weekend.
Please watch as information develops.
Candlelight Christmas
In addition to the events from the Ministerium, the Presbyterian Church of White Haven will hold its Candlelight Christmas Eve Service and Communion on Sunday, December 21, at 11 a.m.
Everyone is invited to attend any of these services.
Printing issues last week meant The Journal-Herald wasn’t distributed in stores until Monday afternoon. If you missed picking up a copy and would like one, email journalruth@gmail. com or call 570-215-0204 xt2 and we’ll hold one for you to pick up.
Christmas concert in Freeland
The Most Wonderful Christmas, a classic Christmas music dinner show featuring local vocalist Jack James, will take place Sunday, December 7, at 1:30 p.m. at Woodie’s Restaurant, 632 Centre Street in Freeland. A delicious homemade Christmas dinner will be served with your choice of entrees and desserts.
Included are plenty of door prizes and a Christmas carol sing-along. It’s sure to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. For tickets please phone (570) 454-8000.
Cranberry Quilters to celebrate, meet
Cranberry Quilt Guild will host its November meeting at Faith United Church of Christ off Airport Beltway in Hazle Township on Monday, November 24. Doors will open at 5.30 p.m. for setup.
The meeting will celebrate a themed covered dish social, Italian Christmas. During the business portion of the meeting, the slate of officers for the 202627 term will be elected.
The guild will participate in the White Haven Area Community Library quilt
show to be held on December 6. Members are asked to register their quilts with Marie Shulenski, chairperson, as soon as possible, and bring them in that evening. Each quilt must be in a pillowcase, clearly marked with the owner’s name and phone number.
Donations for the group’s annual holiday project, Heartwood Center, can be brought in that evening as well. Fat quarter raffle color is winter or holiday fabrics, and show and tell will be held.
Sharpe Family Singers headline next GHCS concert
The Sharpe Family Singers will headline the fourth concert of the 2025-2026 Greater Hazleton Concert Series, Inc. season on Saturday, November 22, at 7:30 p.m. at Hazleton Area High School Auditorium, 1601 W. 23rd Street, Hazleton. The Sharpe Family, hailing from Basking Ridge, NJ, is a musical ensemble with Broadway roots, fueled by their deep love of music and performance. The group consists of a mother and father, along with their four incredibly talented children. Their successful appearance on the America’s-Got-Talent stage solidified their commitment to bringing their music to the world.
comiNg
Comprised of Ron (dad), Barbara (mom), and siblings Samantha, Logan, and twins Aidan and Connor, the Sharpe Family Singers are rising to stardom with their original, witty and creative musical content on TikTok. Their captivating harmonies and modern charm make them a must-see act. The 2025-2026 Greater Hazleton Concert Series offers entertaining, professional performances to subscribers. Individual tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for students. For concert information or tickets call, Cynthia at 570-436-6615, or Shirley at 570-384-1226. For more information on all GHCS concerts, visit www. hazletonconcertseries.org or visit our Facebook page.
eveNts
Friday, November 21—Turkey Raffle, 7-10 p.m., Lehigh & Lausanne Volunteer Fire Company, Lehigh Township
Saturday, November 22—Jingle & Mingle Shopping Event, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., St. Patrick’s Parish Center, White Haven
Saturday, November 29—Small Business Saturday, White Haven
Saturday, November 29—9th annual Christmas Event, Weatherly Area Museum
Saturday, December 6—Quilt & Craft Show, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., White Haven Area Community Library & the Victorian Connection
Saturday, December 6—Tree Trimming Contest & Holiday Open House, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Heritage Hill Senior Community, Weatherly
Sunday, December 7—The Most Wonderful Christmas concert, 1 p.m., Woodie’s Restaurant, Freeland, tickets 570-454-8000
2026
Saturday & Sunday, July 25 & 26—Jam Below the Dam, White Haven
Saturday, September 12—Car Show, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Lehigh Park, White Haven
Patchtown Christmas at Eckley offers something for everyone
Eckley Miners’ Village Museum will host its annual Christmas at Eckley event on Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7. Visitors can experience the festivities at Eckley like they haven’t before with crafts vendors, music, art, and more — all in the holiday spirit.
From photos with St. Nick in our historic mansion to Ukrainian carolers, from performances on our historic organ to folk art by regional artist Robert McCormick, there’s something for everyone. Children can enjoy a variety of crafts, including card-making, and adults can also enjoy our craft market that includes a variety of gifts. There will be stained glass, handmade candles and skincare, woodworks, wine
and cider by Wild Elder Wine & Cider Co, metalsmithing, and more. We will also have our ever-popular raffle with items like restaurant gift certificates from Cooper’s Seafood House, museum tickets, baseball tickets, and more.
Site administrator Bode Morin says, “We are delighted to offer our annual Patchtown Christmas to celebrate the holidays our grandparents and greatgrandparents forged from oldcountry ways into Pennsylvania anthracite traditions. Visit Eckley this December to see the new programs, crafts, and music.”
Event hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. More information is available at https://eckleyminersvillage. com/programs/.
WAES STUDENTS OF THE MONTH:
Weatherly Area Elementary School September Students of the Month: First row, from left, First Grade Taylor Howton and Kayden Sabella, 2nd Grade Everly Berrios and Joshua Connors. second row, Third Grade Kerrigan Kahley and Maverick Minnick, Fourth Grade Noah Graham and Glenn Hoffman, 5th Grade Kyle Gaydoscik and Cassidy Witner.
Jim Kaat’s long road to Cooperstown
by Chris Brunozzi
Jim Kaat played MLB baseball for 25 seasons. After he retired, it took him that long—plus 15 more years—to turn his stellar career into a spot in Baseball’s Hall of Fame.
Born in Zeeland, Michigan, Kaat excelled at baseball and basketball during his high school years. He continued to play baseball in college at D-3 Hope College, where he studied speech
and journalism, and then signed with the Washington Senators in 1957, before making his MLB debut with the Senators in 1959.
The Senators moved to the Midwest and became the Minnesota Twins in 1961, and Kaat established himself as a big league pitcher almost immediately. In 1962, he won 18 games and posted an American League-best five shutouts. Kaat then gained national prominence during the 1965
Give back on the ice at open skate for Toys for Tots
Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza, managed by Legends Global, is delighted to invite the community to its 20th annual Toys for Tots Open Skate event on Wednesday, December 3. This special event offers a unique opportunity for the public to skate on the arena’s American Hockey League regulation ice while supporting the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.
This annual Open Skate is the only day each year that Mohegan Arena, home of the WilkesBarre/Scranton Penguins, opens its ice to the public. Children are encouraged to share in the gift of giving by bringing along a new, unwrapped toy to contribute to the arena’s Toys for Tots collection. From 6 to 8 p.m., guests who bring a new, unwrapped toy or make a $5 contribution to Toys for Tots are welcome to participate.
“This event continues to inspire compassion and generosity while giving families the rare opportunity to skate on the same ice as their favorite Penguins,” said Justin Topa, director of marketing and community engagement at the Mohegan Arena. “It’s a meaningful tradition that brings our community together and helps support local children who need it most.”
Light refreshments will be available for purchase, with partial proceeds benefiting Toys for Tots. Attendees will have the chance to win exciting
prizes, including tickets to upcoming events at Mohegan Arena. The Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton Penguins’ Igloo team merchandise store will also be open for hockey fans to purchase holiday gifts. Participants must bring their own skates, as rentals will not be available at the arena. Rentals are available at the Toyota SportsPlex (Community Ice Rink) on Coal St. in WilkesBarre. Rentals require a photo ID and credit card. More information on rentals can be found at toyotasportsplex.com. For additional details about the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program, please visit toysfortots.org.
World Series when he went up against another southpaw, Sandy Koufax of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers won the Series in 7 games.
Kaat’s best season came in 1966. He led the league with 25 wins, had 19 complete games, and pitched over 300 innings. Still, he didn’t win the AL Most Valuable Player Award, finishing fifth. Kaat continued playing with the Twins until 1973, when he was traded to the Chicago White Sox.
There, Kaat had back-to-back 20-win seasons in 1974 and 1975, and that success paved the way for his next stop—with the Philadelphia Phillies. Kaat achieved there as well, appearing in the postseason three times with the Phillies — losing in the NLCS to the Reds in 1976 and back-to-back to the Dodgers in the 1977 and 1978 NLCS.
It wasn’t his last stop either. Kaat spent 1979 and 1980 with the New York Yankees, and then migrated to the St. Louis Cardinals. In his 24th season, he notched two saves to help the Cardinals win the 1982 World Series. Kaat retired after the 1983 season.
Overall, Kaat appeared in 898 games, won 283 games, pitched 4,530 innings, had 2,461 strikeouts, and was a three-time All-Star. The length of his MLB career set a record in this way; he played during
the administrations of seven U.S. Presidents, spanning from the Eisenhower to the Reagan administrations.
After playing baseball, Kaat had a brief coaching career as the pitching coach for the Reds in 1984. He then turned to broadcasting with the Yankees and Twins, widely known for his insightful analyses and distinctive Midwestern dialect. In the 1990s, Kaat shifted from local to national broadcasts, working with CBS, NBC, ESPN, ABC, the MLB Network, and TBS. In addition to working during the Major League Baseball season, he worked the ALCS, the World Series, and the College World Series. He also covered the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
In 2022, Kaat had his number 36 jersey retired by the Twins. A few days after his Twins jersey was retired, Kaat was finally honored by the Baseball Hall of Fame, elected by the Golden Days Era Committee. Kaat was 83 years old at the time.
Jim Kaat is one of baseball’s all-time greats, and, finally, he is being recognized as such.
Philadelphia-based Chris Brunozzi loves recounting the ways his sports heroes have contributed to the sports they played. You can read his work at The Sports Column at https:// www.thesportscol.com/ category/taking-another-look/
Crestwood has four selected to WVC Girls Volleyball All-Star Team
Crestwood was represented on the 2025 Wyoming Valley Conference Girls Volleyball All-Star that was announced last week.
The Lady Comets’ Claire Savner and Kady Schreiner were chosen for the second team, while Crestwood’s Lilah Barrett and Zoe Meckes were awarded honorable mention status. That group helped lead Crestwood to a 17-3 record and a third seed for the District 2 Class 3A tournament, where the Lady Comets advanced to the
semifinal round before falling to undefeated Abington Heights in four sets.
Berwick, which went on to defeat Abington Heights for the District 2 3A championship and advance all the way to the PIAA semifinals, placed four players on the first team including Grace Robbins, Angelina Colone, Julia Rauch and Zoey Force.
Bella Boylan, who helped power Holy Redeemer to the District 2 2A title, was named the WVC’s Most Valuable Player, and joined teammate Elizabeth
How will the Eagles do the rest of the season?
by Ethan Barilla
The defending Super Bowl champions Philadelphia Eagles have had a good season but with some struggles.
Dating back to the off season in the NFL Draft, the Eagles picked up two key pieces for the defense in Linebacker Jiahaad Campbell and safety Andrew Makuba. They also signed running back Saquon Barkley to a longer contract and star linebacker Zach Baun to a 3-year deal.
They started the season with a win over the Cowboys 24-20. Then they beat the Chiefs 20-17 in a rematch of Super Bowl LIX. In week 3 they beat the Rams 33-26 in a thriller where the Eagles blocked a game winning field goal and returned it for a TD to win.
They beat the Bucs in week 4, 31-25 with a strong first quarter. The struggles were in weeks 5 and 6 when they lost to the Broncos 21-17 and the Giants 34-17. That caused some controversy with wide receiver A.J Brown with tweets on X. The tweets included statements that Brown wanted to get the ball thrown to him more.
They got back on track with wins over the Vikings and
Giants. Then in the Monday Night Football game against the Packers the offensive struggles showed. They still came out with the win but the defense was the only good part of the win.
The defense really showed how good they are against the Lions where they held the starstudded team to just 9 points in a win.
Currently, the birds are 8-2 with a mediocre schedule coming up. That schedule includes games against the Cowboys, Bears, Chargers, Raiders, Commanders, Bills, and the Commanders again to finish the season.
I think the Eagles finish the season 14-3 and have a good shot at the Super Bowl. As a fan, I hope they get it done for a second straight Super Bowl.
Bilbow on the first team.
Rounding out the WVC first team were Hazleton Area’s Kali Eberts, Delaware Valley’s Paris Machado, Tunkhannock’s Maya Gunderson and Wyoming Area’s Taylor Gashi.
Tunkhannock’s Kenny Young was named the Coach of the Year after guiding the Tigers to a 12-4 record and a district playoff berth.
The complete WVC all-star team, as selected by the conference coaches, is as follows:
WVC Girls Volleyball All-Star Team
Most Valuable PlayerBella Boylan, Holy Redeemer Coach of the Year - Kenny Young, Tunkhannock First Team
Bella Boylan, Holy Redeemer; Grace Robbins, Berwick; Julia Rauch, Berwick; Kali Eberts, Hazleton Area; Angelina Colone, Berwick; Paris Machado, Delaware Valley; Maya Gunderson, Tunkhannock; Elizabeth Bilbow, Holy Redeemer; Taylor Gashi, Wyoming Area; Zoey Force, Berwick.
Wyoming Area - Kenzie Galenty, Sara Pealer. Wyoming Valley WestEmma Sudnick, Vega Bevan, Ashley Mena
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THEME: NURSERY RHYMES
ACROSS
1. Type of haircut, pl.
5. Tiny helper
8. *What rain does in famous nursery rhyme
12. What accomplices do
13. Ring like a bell
14. Sign of life 15. Lascivious look
16. Pretentiously artistic
17. Tiny island
18. *Bring her back! (2 words)
20. Nicholas II of Russia, e.g.
21. Inmate with life sentence 22. *One for Sorrow (Two for ____)
23. Melville’s “Pequod,” e.g.
26. More fancy
30. Request for tailor
31. Encoded message
34. Land measure
35. Omit
37. *Hush-a-bye, baby. ___ still”
38. Take a base
39. Hokkaido native
40. Veal serving
42. Beehive State native
43. What Cupid did (2 words)
45. *Tip me over!
47. Lt.’s inferior
48. Plant louse
50. “Pay as you earn” tax system
52. *How do your ears wobble? (3 words)
56. Sacha Cohen’s middle name
57. Render speechless
58. Medley
59. Apathetic
60. Not tanned
61. Nearly
62. Bird’s groomer
63. It’s open to interpretation
64. #57 Down, pl.
DOWN
1. It’s soothing
2. Do as directed
3. British Broadcasting Corporation, colloquially
4. Take a leisurely walk
5. Chill-inducing
6. Procrastinator’s word
7. *What the old lady swallowed
8. *She’s been to London to visit the Queen
9. Paella pot
10. ____-friendly
11. Expose to moisture
13. One way to cook fish
14. Mountain climber’s spike
19. Brother’s daughter
22. *Who stole the cookie from the cookie ____?
23. Semolina source
24. Sunny prefix
25. Kind of acid
26. Perceive by touch
27. Frost over (2 words)
28. One of the Muses
29. Find new tenant
32. *What Jack Horner pulled out
33. Not miss
36. *____ of ____, he had ten thousand men
38. Beer garden mug
40. Post-Soviet Union alliance, acr.
41. C2H6, flammable gas
44. With regard to, archaic
46. Software plugins
48. Rose oil
49. Young chicken
50. Window glass
51. Geometric calculation
53. Buy and resell
54. Baltic capital
55. Sounds of amazement
56. Baby’s apron
57. Self-care resort
Puzzle Answers page 14
Winter sports season is here as local teams begin practicing for 2025-26 openers
by Steve Stallone Sports Editor
The arrival of winter-like weather to the area over the past week came just in time, as the official practices for the scholastic winter sports season began on Friday throughout the state.
Locally, boys and girls basketball teams at Weatherly Area and Crestwood, and the Crestwood wrestling teams will be allowed two weeks of practice time and two scrimmages leading up to their season-openers.
The first games of the 2025-26 season are set for Friday, Nov.
28, and the regular season runs until Feb. 21 of 2026. District tournaments begin in March.
The Weatherly Area boys and Crestwood girls are both coming off big basketball seasons in 2024-25, and both have most of their core players back from those teams.
The Wreckers went 14-12 and won a district playoff game for the first time in nearly two decades, and are eager to continue their turnaround with third-year head coach Luke Medico.
The Wreckers are scheduled to scrimmage at Jim Thorpe on Nov. 22 leading up to their season tip-off Nov. 29 at home
against Panther Valley.
The Weatherly Area girls will also scrimmage Jim Thorpe, at home on Nov. 22, before opening their regular season at MMI Prep on Dec. 1.
Up the line in Wright Twp., the Crestwood girls put together the best season in school history, winning the District 2 Class 5A championship and three PIAA playoff games on their way to a 24-5 record and a state semifinal appearance.
The Lady Comets are slated to scrimmage at Dunmore (Nov. 22) and at Wilkes-Barre Area (Nov. 25) leading up to their season-opener Dec. 1 at Scranton.
The Crestwood boys, who reached the district playoffs a year ago, have home scrimmages against Mid Valley (Nov. 23) and Valley View (Nov. 25) to prepare for their home opener Nov. 29 against West Scranton.
The Crestwood boys and girls wrestling teams begin their seasons together at Hanover Area on Dec. 3.
Previews, rosters and schedules on all of the Crestwood and Weatherly Area winter sports teams will appear in the coming weeks.
SALUTING OUR FALL SPORTS TEAMS, ATHLETES - I would be remiss if I didn’t salute the area’s fall sports teams and some of the standout athletes who enjoyed great success over the past few months.
At Crestwood, the field hockey team laid claim to the Wyoming Valley Conference and District 2 Class 2A championships, the latter being their sixth consecutive district title. The Lady Comets then knocked off Northern 1-0 in the opening round of states before falling to Mount Saint Joseph 3-1 in the PIAA quarterfinal round, closing out a sensational 18-3-2 season.
Kudos also to the girls soccer team, which won Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1 and posted a sparkling 16-1 regularseason record in gaining the top seed for the District 2 Class 3A tournament.
The Lady Comets beat Dallas 2-0 in the semifinal round but could not overcome No. 2 seed Abington Heights in the final, dropping an 8-4 decision to see their season end at 17-2.
WVC Division 1 MVP Jordan Andrews became the program’s all-time leading goal scorer during her final season with the Lady Comets.
Crestwood’s girls volleyball team also put together a strong fall campaign, soaring to a 17-2 mark during the regular season to earn the third seed for the District 2 Class 3A tournament. The Lady Comets opened districts with a win over North Pocono before falling to thenundefeated Abington Heights in four sets in the semifinal round.
The Crestwood cross country teams enjoyed another stellar
See ON THE SLY, page 15
Puzzle Answers
On the Sly
Continued from page 14
season, as the girls placed second at the District 2 Class 3A Meet and the boys were fourth in 2A.
Individually, senior Mason Staude successfully defended his District 2 2A title, winning the district meet by 22 seconds over his closest competitor. He went on to place 11th at the PIAA Championships for his first state medal after placing 29th a year ago. Sophomore teammates Rowan Dietrich (162nd) and Ethan Deivert (172nd) joined him at states and performed well on the big stage.
Meanwhile, the Crestwood girls sent three runners to the PIAA 3A championships after strong performances at the district meet.
Crestwood senior Katie Kozich led the way with a third-place finish, senior Mollie Kozich was fourth and junior Adrienne Shebelock sixth to punch their ticket to states. Crestwood’s Riley Ruch (12th) also placed and won a district medal, but came up two spots shy of a state berth in the ultra-competitive 3A field.
At states, Katie Kozich earned her first state medal by placing 23rd overall. Mollie Kozich finished in 72nd place and Shebelock was 163rd.
The Crestwood football team went 5-5 during the regular season to earn a District 2 Class 4A playoff spot.
Travelling to top-seeded and undefeated North Pocono for the semifinals, the Comets rallied from a 28-0 deficit to make it 28-14 in the third quarter before the Trojans pulled away to a 42-21 win.
North Pocono (now 13-0) went on to beat Dallas for the district championship, and is still alive in the state quarterfinals after knocking off Bishop Shanahan in their PIAA opener.
All six of Crestwood’s football losses came at the hands of playoff teams, including district champions North Pocono (4A) and Wilkes-Barre Area (6A).
Highlighting the fall sports season at Weatherly Area were young cross country runners Alex Best and Alexia Kehler.
Best, a sophomore, came on strong at the end of the regular season and then placed ninth overall at the District 11 Class A Meet to qualify for his first PIAA Championships.
At the state finals, Best placed a respectable 176th out of a field of 257 runners.
Kehler, just a freshman and the lone member of the girls team at Weatherly this fall, won several dual meets before placing 10th in her first district meet to become the first Lady Wrecker in program history to reach the PIAA Championships. She went on to finish 206th out of 250 runners in the girls Class A race, and will bring that experience back as a sophomore next season.
PIAA CLASSIFICATION
CHANGES - With 379 boys enrolled in grades 9-11 for the upcoming 2026-27 school year, the Crestwood football team will remain in Class 4A for the next two-year cycle as the PIAA released its latest classification numbers recently.
However, the Comets will have three newcomers who will join the 4A ranks: Berwick (349 students), Hanover Area (285) and Carbondale Area (285). Those three schools will jump up
from 3A to 4A.
That said, the number of teams in District 2 Class 4A for football will increase from seven teams to 10. The PIAA enrollment numbers set for Class 4A range from 282 to 412.
Crestwood has the most students in District 2 Class 4A, followed by North Pocono (362), Berwick (349), Wallenpaupack (345), Nanticoke Area (316), Dallas (315), Honesdale (305), Valley View (295), Hanover Area (285) and Carbondale Area (285).
MY PAUL SKENES
ROOKIE CARD was just moved from a protective sleeve on a shelf to my locked safe.
Last week the Pittsburgh Pirates pitching sensation was named the National League’s Cy Young Award winner by a unanimous vote, this after winning the National League Rookie of the Year Award in his MLB debut season in 2024.
Skenes became the first pitcher since Dwight Gooden to win those two awards back-top-back.
Although Skenes’ record was just 10-10 this past season, he could hardly be blamed while pitching for the last-place Pirates, who went 71-91. Skenes led all of baseball with a 1.97 ERA and struck out 216 batters in 187-plus innings.
Skenes was dominant even though he received little run support during his starts. The Pirates scored no runs in five of his 32 starts and just one run in another five.
Skenes has started for the National League in the AllStar Game in both of his two seasons of big league ball, the first pitcher in MLB history to accomplish that.
NITTANY LIONS ROAR
AGAIN - After a free fall in which Penn State lost six straight football games and saw its longtime head coach fired, the sun is shining again in Happy Valley.
On Saturday, the Nittany Lions ended their six-game skid with a 28-10 victory at Michigan State in what was a matchup of 3-6 teams each on six-game losing streaks.
New quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer threw a pair of touchdown passes to Devonte Ross, and Kaytron Allen ran for a career-best 181 yards and two scores as Penn State (4-6) gave interim head coach Terry Smith his first coaching victory.
The Nittany Lions also kept their bowl hopes alive, needing wins over Nebraska and Rutgers to become bowl eligible.
Two days after Penn State’s season-saving win, its former head coach found a landing spot.
James Franklin, who was relieved of his duties one month ago after 12 seasons in Happy Valley, was named the next head coach at Virginia Tech.
Franklin went 104-45 at Penn State, but won just one Big Ten title and went 4-21 against Top10 teams during his tenure.
He will be tasked to rebuild a Virginia Tech program that has fallen on hard times recently, having six losing seasons since legendary head coach Frank Beamer retired in 2015.
Franklin follows Brent Pry, his former defensive coordinator at Penn State, who was canned three games into the season after going 16-24 in three-plus seasons with the Hokies. Philip Montgomery has been the interim coach at Virginia Tech since, going 3-4 since Pry’s firing.
‘The Godfather’ Dave Moody named as keynote speaker for EMPA convention
When the Eastern Motorsport Press Association (EMPA) holds its 2026 convention January 16-18 at the Holiday Inn in Wilkes-Barre, one of the most respected and recognizable voices in motorsports, Dave Moody, will be attending as keynote speaker.
Moody began his motorsports broadcast career in 1978 at age 17, working as a short-track public address announcer under the guidance of his mentor, former CBS-TV motorsports anchorman and EMPA Hall of Fame inductee Ken Squier. For the next 30 years, he manned the PA microphone at one of the country’s most successful short tracks, Thunder Road International Speedbowl in his native Vermont.
“I learned at the feet of the master,” recalls Moody. “Ken taught me everything I know about the sport. I would announce a couple of Street Stock heats every week, then report to Ken’s office the next morning for a thorough review of my performance and tips on how to improve. It was an amazing opportunity, and I have made a career from what he taught me.”
The EMPA convention is a yearly gathering of individuals from within the media side of motorsports.
Founded in 1969, EMPA is an organization of professional writers, broadcasters, announcers, videographers, and photographers working within the industry.
“We’re thrilled to have Dave Moody joining us at our 53rd annual convention,” stated EMPA president Dino Oberto of Hazle Twp. “Dave is a true legend in this sport, and we are indeed honored to host him at our January gathering. His accomplishments from behind the microphone make his visit valuable for our organization and what we stand for at EMPA.”
From his start at Thunder Road International, Moody expanded his horizons to include weekly stints on the microphone at Vermont’s Catamount Stadium and Bear Ridge Speedway, the Lee USA
Speedway in New Hampshire, Maine’s Oxford Plains Speedway and the Airborne Park Speedway in New York. He also served as the voice of the NASCAR North and American-Canadian Tour Late Model Series for more than two decades, traveling throughout the northeastern United States and eastern Canada.
“It was a lot of work, but I can’t think of a better way for a young announcer to learn the trade,” recalls Moody. “It was standard operating procedure for me to work at a different track every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day. At last count, I had worked at more than 100 different speedways in the United States, Canada and Mexico. At the height of my short-track days, I had more than 600 drivers, cars, hometowns and sponsors memorized for instant recall.”
Moody also has a long history with traditional “stick and ball” sports. A multi-time Associated Press Vermont Sportscaster of the Year, his resume includes as many football, basketball and hockey broadcasts as auto races, if not more.
“I loved my years in small market radio,” he said. “When I went out to cover a game, I was the engineer, play-by-play man, color commentator and statistician; all in one. I worked five or six nights a week broadcasting high school and college basketball and hockey, some years as many as 120 games in a single season. It was a great environment to polish my craft, and I made some lifelong friends along the way.”
Moody made his national debut with the Motor Racing Network in 1984 and has been a full-time member of MRN’s national broadcast team since 1993, serving as lead turn announcer for the network’s NASCAR Cup, Xfinity and Camping World Truck Series race broadcasts.
“It’s an amazing job, the best in the world,” said Moody. “I get to travel the country and
watch the most talented stock car drivers on the planet. I’ve witnessed some of the most memorable moments in NASCAR history, and you never know when there’s another one just around the corner.”
The most recent addition to Moody’s motorsports resume came in 2003, when he was named to host “Sirius XM Speedway” on Sirius XM Satellite Radio. Tabbed “The Godfather,” Moody has made the show can’t-miss radio for fans, competitors, and industry insiders alike, earning numerous awards for his interviews and commentary. His “Sirius XM Speedway Legends” – a series of long-form interviews with pioneers from the early days of motorsports – have been hailed as one of the sport’s most comprehensive and historic documentaries.
Moody is also an accomplished writer, having earned multiple print awards from EMPA, National Motorsports Press Association and Associated Press. He is a frequent contributor to Dick Berggren’s Speedway Illustrated magazine and has earned numerous NMPA honors for breaking news coverage, columns, and commentary. He was named to the NASCAR Hall Of Fame Voting Committee in 2011, casting one of just 53 votes to determine each year’s inductees to the Hall.
In 2010, Moody earned NMPA first-place awards in both print and radio, making him the only individual ever to be honored in two different media categories in the same year.
EMPA’s annual three-day convention in January begins with a Friday evening Salute to the Champions and membership welcoming. A select group of local and regional driving titlists will be on hand to network with the press.
Saturday consists of press conferences, workshops, and award presentations. The formal Hall of Fame dinner and awards ceremony takes place later that evening.
