Schuylkill County's new congressman announced Thursday that his staff will include a senior economic development specialist from Pottsville who worked for his predecessor.

U.S. Rep.-elect Matt Cartwright, D-17, said William Hanley will be in charge of special projects, including grant writing.

Shane Seaver, communications director for Cartwright, said Thursday that Hanley will be working in an office in his hometown.

"We definitely will be opening a Pottsville office," Seaver said.

Hanley has worked for U.S. Rep. Tim Holden, D-17, since he was elected in 1992 to what was then the Sixth District. Redistricting moved Holden, Saint Clair, into the 17th District in 2002.

Cartwright, Moosic, defeated Holden, who was the senior member of the state's congressional delegation, in the April 24 Democratic primary election and then topped Republican businesswoman Laureen Cummings in the Nov. 6 General Election. A lawyer, Cartwright will take office Jan. 3, 2013.

The 17th District includes all of Schuylkill County and parts of Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe and Northampton counties.

Seaver said Hanley has done a lot for the 17th District, especially with respect to bringing in grant money, and should continue to do so.

"It's a big advantage, not only for Schuylkill County ... but also the rest of the district," Seaver said. "He'll be working on the grants for local municipalities and local emergency services groups throughout the district. The main focus there is to work closely with local elected officials to move the economy along."

Cartwright on Thursday announced that his first office will be located at 226 Wyoming Ave., Scranton.

Seaver said Cartwright's other offices will be located in Easton, Pottsville and Wilkes-Barre.

"In the next couple of weeks," Cartwright will be announcing the locations of his other three offices, Seaver said. "We are planning to have all of our offices open by the end of January or the first week of February."

Hanley could not be reached Thursday or Friday for comment.

n Ashland: Due to the upcoming holidays, trash pickup in the borough will change in the next two weeks. Collection will be held Wednesday through Friday and Jan. 2 through 4. Ash pickup on Fridays will remain the same. Borough hall will be closed Tuesday and Jan. 1. Office hours will be 8 to 11 a.m. Monday and Dec. 31.

n Gordon: Christ United Lutheran Church, 437 Airport Road, will hold a "Blue Christmas" service at 3 p.m. Sunday. "The joys of Christmas often only compound the grief of those who have lost a loved one," the Rev. Dr. Kim L. Lengert, pastor, said in a release. "Decorations, happy music and family gatherings emphasize the one who is missing: The chair that death has left empty. 'Blue Christmas' is a service of comfort for those in mourning, whether it be due to the death of loved one, an absence, or other event that causes the joy of Christmas to leave them 'blue' " The service, Lengert continued, grew out of the congregation's ministry with those grieving. A grief committee, through personal contact and sharing of resources, seeks to provide comfort and support to families of people who are seriously ill or have died, he said. The CULC Parents' Grief Support Group consists of parents who have suffered the death of child. The group is open to any parent regardless of church affiliation, meets at 6:30 p.m. the last Monday of the month at the church.

n Lansford: The Navy Club of the United States, USS Carbon County Ship 260, which also covers Coaldale and Tamaqua, meets at 7:30 p.m. the last Monday of the month in the Lansford AMVETS, 201-203 W. Ridge St. The unit is looking for new members. Officers are Stanley Jaroszewski, commander; Robert Siesputowski, chaplain; Edward Clausius, senior executive officer, and Scott Reinhart, junior executive officer and shipswriter. John Williams is master at arms. The club is open to all active duty, reserve and honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Dues are $15 a year. For more information, call 570-645-3643.

n McKeansburg: Congregational Free Church of Christ, 81 McKeans Ridge Road, will stage its annual homemade sub sale Jan. 17. Advance orders are due by Jan. 13. Varieties include ham and cheese, turkey and cheese and Italian at $4.50 each. Orders can be picked up at the church or at 367 St. Wayne St., Orwigsburg, across from Boyer's Food Market. To order or for more information, call Mary at 570-366-2286 or Anna at 570-366-2049.

n Shenandoah: The Columbia Hose Company, Centre Street and Stadium Road, will hold a spaghetti dinner from 11 a.m. to sellout Jan. 6 at the firehouse. Dinners are $8 for adults and $6 for children. Meals include spaghetti and meatballs, bread, salad and dessert. Patrons may eat in the firehouse or take meals out. Free local delivery will be available. Everyone is welcome. The company will also feature acoustic music by Thunder Nugget at 8 p.m. Jan. 19. The cover will be $3, the bar and kitchen will open at 6 p.m. and happy hour will be from 6 to 8 p.m.

n Shenandoah: The Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society, 201 S. Main St., has items for sale, including the 2012 ornament featuring the old Home Brewery that once stood at the site that now houses the St. Casimir Roman Catholic Parish playground, Main and Washington streets. The society's 2011 ornament, featuring the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society Museum & Headquarters at 105 S. Jardin St., also is available, as well as older ornaments. Society spokeswoman Andrea Pytak said the society also has cookbooks for sale. Anyone interested should contact any society member or the 116 N. Main St. headquarters of the revitalization group Downtown Shenandoah Inc.

n Summit Hill: St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church sponsors breakfasts from 8 a.m. to noon on the third Sunday of the month at the church, 462 Ludlow St. The cost is $7 per person and the all-you-can-eat buffet menu includes eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, ham, pancakes, an omelette station, Belgian waffles, toast, breakfast sandwiches, cake, coffee, juice and tea. Everyone is welcome.

A Pottsville man returned to prison Monday after a Schuylkill County judge revoked his parole.

William A. Wallace Jr., 22, must remain in prison until at least March before applying for parole again, Judge Charles M. Miller ruled.

Wallace originally pleaded guilty on June 22, 2011, to theft, receiving stolen property, conspiracy and criminal mischief. At that time, Miller accepted his plea and sentenced him to serve three to 23 months in prison, pay costs, $50 to the Criminal Justice Enhancement Account and $11,161.21 restitution, and submit a DNA sample to law enforcement authorities.

State police at Frackville had charged Wallace with committing those crimes on May 1, 2010.

Wallace admitted violating his parole by failing to report to his supervising officer, moving without permission, drinking alcohol and not making payments on his costs and restitution.

Also in the county court, prosecutors on Friday dropped charges against defendants in two theft cases.

John Jones, 31, of Miles City, Mont., had been charged with theft. Tamaqua police had charged him with committing the theft on Aug. 19, 2009, in the borough.

Robert J. Meinzer, 52, of Dunmore, had been charged with theft and theft by deception. East Norwegian Township police had charged him with committing those crimes on Nov. 16, 2011, in the township.

President Judge William E. Baldwin allowed prosecutors to drop the charges but directed the defendants to pay the costs of each case.

In other recent county court action, Baldwin accepted guilty pleas from, and, pursuant to agreements between prosecutors and defendants, imposed the indicated sentences on, these people:

Robert C. Miller, 35, of Tower City; unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and driving under suspension; 44 days to 23 months in prison and $400 in fines, with sentence effective at 8 a.m. Jan. 4, 2013. Prosecutors dropped charges of driving without a license and seat belt violation.

Matthew R. Oshman, 23, of Mount Carmel; criminal trespass and theft; time served to 23 months in prison, $100 fine, $50 CJEA payment, $3,460 restitution and 20 hours community service. Prosecutors dropped a charge of receiving stolen property.

Victor M. Rivera Jr., 43, of Middletown; driving under the influence and failure to keep right; 72 hours to six months in prison, $1,025 in fines, $100 payment to the Substance Abuse Education Fund, $50 CJEA payment, $551 restitution and 10 hours community service. Prosecutors dropped a charge of careless driving.

Robert D. Rotkiste, 55, of New Ringgold; DUI and disregarding traffic lane; 15 days house arrest with electronic monitoring, 45 days strict supervision, four months probation, $1,025 in fines, $300 SAEF payment and 20 hours community service.

Joseph D. Ryan, 46, of Pine Grove; false identification to law enforcement and driving without a license; 12 months probation, $300 in fines and 15 hours community service.

Through three weeks of negotiations, Pottsville and union officials have come up with a plan to save four of the five jobs slated to be cut in the proposed 2013 budget, Mayor John D.W. Reiley said Friday.

"Everything we could possibly do, we've done," Brian Kotzmoyer, president of Pottsville FOP Lodge 44, said Friday.

According to the plan, only one full-time police officer will be laid off, Reiley said.

"And we didn't raise taxes. That was our one pledge. That affects everybody in the city when you raise taxes," the mayor said.

The proposed changes will be approved when City Council gives final approval to the 2013 budget at 4:30 p.m. Thursday in the council chambers on the second floor of City Hall.

On Nov. 29, when the council presented its tentative budget for 2013, a $8,038,888 spending plan, it announced it was planning to lay off five full-time workers - three police officers, a street worker and a tax office employee.

City employees who have been around since the 1980s said there has never been the threat of layoffs before.

Inflation has the city in its clutches, City Administrator Thomas A. Palamar said previously. Anticipated expenses in 2013 will include a 7-percent increase in health care, a 21-percent increase in insurances and a 22.7-increase in pension contributions.

In an effort to save those jobs, city officials met with representatives of Pottsville AFSCME Union 2835 on Dec. 10 and FOP representatives Dec. 6, Dec. 13, Dec. 18 and Friday.

"You couldn't get any more gray hairs," Reiley said, describing the number-crunching and quest to find revenue in piles of gray, number-laden spreadsheets.

In the 21 years he's worked in public office for the City of Pottsville - nine as a councilman and 12 as mayor - Reiley said he's worked on 21 budgets.

"And out of the 21, this was the hardest one," he said. "But all the meetings were very amicable. There was no shouting or hollering. There wasn't even a raised voice."

"I think us being very proactive and trying to work with the city as best we can, to the best of our ability, saved two jobs," Kotzmoyer said.

Police

On Friday afternoon, representatives of the FOP met with Reiley in his office. They included Kotzmoyer; Brian Reno, the lodge's vice president; Gino Yourey, the lodge's secretary; and FOP member James Joos, who is a city police officer.

"I wasn't sure that was going to happen. Coming in today and talking to city officials, it didn't look good," Kotzmoyer said.

"It was a give and take on both sides," Reiley said.

Their meeting lasted 45 minutes. Afterward, Kotzmoyer said the city and FOP had managed to save two police jobs in a few ways.

First, one full-time officer, Sgt. Bill Daywald, has decided to retire, Kotzmoyer said.

"We worked it out with the city to agree to an early retirement," Kotzmoyer said.

The city hired Daywald full-time May 9, 1988, Reiley said.

"Daywald already submitted his letter. The pension board got together in a hurry and accepted the letter and so on," Reiley said.

To save the other position, the FOP made a few concessions to add revenue to the budget. Among them was giving up a "uniform allowance" for 2013, Kotzmoyer said.

"That's a monetary concession the FOP gave up. That's the biggest thing we gave up. It's funds for clothing including boots, shirts, pants. It can be used for anything pertaining to work-related equipment," Kotzmoyer said.

Kotzmoyer would not say how much that allowance was per officer.

When the city decides on layoffs in the police department, seniority determines which employees will be affected. The officer with the least amount of tenure is Patrolman Paul Olson, who was hired March 3, 2008, Reiley said.

"I'm glad we had the opportunity to save two. I'm sad that we couldn't save all three," Kotzmoyer said.

When Olson is laid off later this month, this will leave the city with 23 full-time officers, according to Kotzmoyer.

If the city has an opportunity to hire another full-time officer, Reiley said Olson will be strongly considered.

"We'd be happy to have him back," the mayor said.

Kotzmoyer prepared a statement regarding the budget situation, speaking on behalf of the FOP: "We've done all we can and have exhausted all avenues that the city will allow us to explore to prevent the reduction of police officers. These are dark days in the city when those that we elect to look out for our best interests fail to make public safety their top priority. In lieu of all the tragedies this country has been facing, we have to think about what our children's lives are worth. What would we give to have these first responders there if there's a threat to the lives of those we love or our own lives? Less police equals longer response times. These critical seconds can make the difference between life and death. The FOP has always been proud to serve the community and we'll do what we can to continue to do so to the best of our ability."

Kotzmoyer isn't holding out hope that the economy will improve overnight. Looking ahead, Kotzmoyer said, "one of the things the FOP has discussed with the city is to have at least quarterly meetings with council, so we can go over where we can possibly save for the next budget year. Instead of worrying about it in December, if we start early in the first quarter."

"We're here. We'll meet with them anytime. We don't mind meeting with the FOP or AFSCME, even if the employee doesn't belong to a bargaining unit, the door's open," Reiley said.

Tax office

Revenue from the city's garbage account was used to save the full-time job in the tax office, City Clerk Julie D. Rescorla said Friday

"There's some money in there to pay for viable business expenses," Rescorla said.

Streets

Dan Kelly, city superintendent of streets, said the streets department had 14 full-time employees in 2012.

The city budget proposed cutting one-full time position but instead of laying off a full-time worker, Kelly said a veteran truck driver, Ron "Whitey" Heffner, agreed to retire early, according to Reiley.

Heffner has been working full-time for the city since the 1980s. Kelly wasn't sure when Heffner was hired.

"Ron has more than 30 years in and if he retires, he'll save a younger man's job. I haven't had anything set in stone. We're waiting until the final budget to see is this is how it's going to go," Kelly said Friday.

The proposed budget only allows for 13 full-time street workers and three full-time parks department workers in 2013, Kelly said.

"We're going to be curtailing some services. You know with the parks department, no summer help is coming on. They keep the grass cut around the playgrounds," Reiley said.

Personnel costs in the parks department were reduced by $42,000. The 10 jobs for part-time summer workers, who were typically high school students, have been cut.

On Nov. 26, during a public meeting regarding the development of the 2013 budget, Councilman Michael P. Halcovage, who heads up the council's finance committee, gave the council it's ultimate goal - no tax increase in 2013.

The 2012 budget was $8,058,299. According to the Schuylkill County website, the millage rate was 18.47 mills, or $18.47 for every $1,000 of assessed property value. There is no tax increase in the city's tentative 2013 budget.

The city put a 2.5-mill increase in its 2011 budget. Prior to 2011, the city's last tax increase was a 1-mill increase for the 2009 budget, Rescorla said previously.

RINGTOWN - With a flurry of snowflakes in the air, candles in their hands and Christmas spirit in their hearts, borough residents gathered at St. John's Lutheran Church on Friday night to spread holiday cheer by caroling up and down Main Street.

"We thought it would be a fun thing to do," the Rev. Jay Serafin, pastor, said as people gathered in the church hall.

Serafin and the church organized the event but invited everyone from the community to join, not just the congregation. There were about 70 carolers of all ages carrying candles and a sheet of music as they walked a few blocks for about an hour before coming back to the hall for hot chocolate, cookies and a Christmas movie.

"We are trying to do as many things as a congregation and community that we can," Serafin said. "Ringtown is such a wonderful community and we thought it would be nice to walk together and sing carols to spread the Christmas cheer."

Linda Shoup, Ringtown, said it was her first time caroling Friday.

"It just gets us to enjoy our congregation and Christmas together," she said.

There were also some veteran carolers.

"It helps spread Christmas cheer," said Nancy Terry, Ringtown.

Terry said years ago, it was an annual tradition at the church to go caroling after Christmas Eve Mass. She said she would like to have caroling become an annual tradition for the congregation again.

"This is what the Christmas season is all about, spreading the message of Jesus and peace on Earth," Terry said.

Serafin said the idea has been talked about for a while within the congregation.

"We think it helps bring things back to the way they used to be around Christmas time. It's just such a wonderful time of the year and because it is such a special time, we want to get as many people in the spirit that we can. If we can do something to make just one person smile, it is worth it."

According to an article from the TLC channel on www.tlc.com, there is no definitive history behind Christmas caroling as it was an oral tradition passed through generations before becoming popular in 19th-century Europe during the Victorian Era, along with many other modern holiday customs.

There are several different theories, however.

One claim is that caroling got its start in feudal societies when the poor would sing for food.

A different theory is that they traveled to homes because they were not originally allowed to perform in churches. Another credits the concept of singing for food with Anglo-Saxon peasants during the 16th century.

The article also refers to a common legend that the term "Christmas Caroling" was named after Carol Poles, an English girl who went missing in London during the holiday in the late 19th century. While there is no historical facts supporting the legend, it claims people searched door-to-door, singing to show their honest intentions.

Pottsville auto dealer Bob Weaver said Wednesday he's expanding his GM service center with a $2.1-million addition and renovation project.

"Being in business is kind of like rowing up stream. If you stop paddling, you go backward. There's no such thing as standing still. You're either moving forward or you're moving backwards. There's no in between," Weaver, owner and president of the corporation, said.

His dealership takes up an entire block on the city's west side. It includes the Bob Weaver Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram at the former Pope Motor Co. building at 2100 W. Market St., and the Bob Weaver GM Superstore at 2174 W. Market St.

"It took us 10 different real estate purchases over 28 years to put that together. Today, we have about 80 employees," Weaver said Wednesday.

Worked out in the summer, Weaver's plan is to upgrade the GM Superstore, a 15,000-square-foot property, by adding another 15,000 square feet to it.

"The footprint of the dealership will double and we're going to add a state-of-the-art service facility," Weaver said.

According to the building permit application Weaver filed in City Hall on Aug. 30, the building project will cost $1,125,000 and the contractor is L&K Construction, Pottsville.

"But we're also going to remodel the original 15,000-square-foot building and the interior renovations and addition of new equipment will probably run us another million," Weaver said.

L&K Construction started construction of the new addition in September and it's 20 percent complete.

"This week, they've been erecting the steel frame," Weaver said.

He believes the new addition will be built by March 1, and that week, renovation of the original 15,000-square-foot wing will begin.

"Our goal is to make it look like it's a brand-new building, and we're hoping to have our grand opening the week of the Great Pottsville Cruise, which is the second week of August," Weaver said.

In April, Weaver will celebrate his 29th year in business. He credited the success of his business to his faith.

"We've been blessed by God. For whatever reason, God has chosen to bless us here and it's an amazing thing. The year of General Motors bankruptcy, which was in 2009, was our most profitable year ever, and that makes no sense because sales were down 40 percent at our dealership and nationally. It was our most profitable year ever to that point. Since then, our most profitable year has been 2011," he said.

FRACKVILLE - The Schuylkill Mall was crowded Sunday afternoon as shoppers still had to pick up a few gifts on their Christmas lists.

Cindy Powanda, Mechanicsville, Nicole Cornell, Port Carbon, and Bonnie Williams, New Philadelphia, had a shopping cart filled with gifts and other things for themselves as they were "hopefully" finishing their holiday shopping.

Powanda said the stores have restocked their shelves for one last shopping rush before Christmas and there were crafts and other gift stands scattered throughout the mall.

"The center of the mall has a lot of attractions," Cornell said. "There's a lot of special deals, too."

Williams said Sunday was the first time she was able to pick up gifts without her husband there.

"There's even some better deals than there was on Black Friday," Williams said.

Cornell said they like to shop locally and support the businesses.

"I just wish it was snowing. That would make it more interesting," Williams said.

Janet Rarick, Hometown, was shopping Sunday at The Bon-Ton with her son, Tyrone.

"Time has been a problem," Rarick said. "We're usually done really early."

Rarick said Sunday was the first time she could shop with Tyrone because he is always working with his dad.

"I'd rather be working," Tyrone said as he was holding shopping bags.

Janet Rarick said lines have been long at some stores but the mall was less hectic than in Hazleton.

"That's why we like coming here," she said.

Michael and Ashley Flickinger, Port Carbon, were also at The Bon-Ton on Sunday with their 3-week-old son, Jaxon, who was wearing a reindeer outfit. The couple said they had most of their shopping done already and they were just looking for some smaller gifts Sunday for their children.

"We are actually good planners," Ashley Flickinger said.

She said the worst part about the last-minute shopping was the parking.

"It's not something we want to do again," Ashley Flickinger said.

"I hate it," Michael Flickinger said.

"As a younger family, we are still learning these things," Ashley Flickinger said.

According to a holiday study by the National Retail Federation, the average person has completed 56.5 percent of their shopping, up from the 46.5 percent this time last year and the highest percentage in the survey's 10-year history. Still, just 11.3 percent of Americans said they have completely wrapped up their lists.

Marriage licenses

Donald B. Hoffman, Hegins, and Heidi L. Lengle, Hegins,

Mark S. Brooks, McAdoo, and Patricia L. Copeland, McAdoo.

Aaron L. Binkowski, Pottsville, and Spring M. Bottle, Pottsville.

John R. Ashman, Ringtown, and Janice L. Long, Ringtown.

Robert Champion, Saint Clair, and Shirley B. Geisweit, Saint Clair.

Joseph M. Liptok, Pottsville, and Catherine A. Gownley, Pottsville.

Ronald L. Geise, Shenandoah, and Melissa L. Imschweiler, Shenandoah.

Leonardo Rivera Santos, Shenandoah, and Kiara E. Tapia, Shenandoah.

Ernest E. Bachert, Orwigsburg, and Karen L. Swingle, Orwigsburg.

Ricky L. Schannauer, Tower City, and Maryann Varano, Mount Carmel.

Fred W. Klock, Ashland, and Carol S. McQuillan, Ashland.

Todd P. Tyson, New Ringgold, and Beth A. Lech, New Ringgold.

David C. Madison, Pine Grove, and Vickie A. Michaels, Pine Grove.

Divorces

Janet Fields, Auburn, from Raymond Fields, Auburn.

Daniel P. Gaughan, Girardville, from Deborah H. Gaughan, Berea, Ky.

n Minersville: The 28th annual Minersville Area Food Drive is under way and will run through Feb. 28, Chairman Edward M. Butler said in a press release. The purpose, he said, is to "provide disadvantaged individuals of the Minersville area with food during the holidays season and into the new year." Donations of nonperishable items can be made by calling 570-544-2739. Monetary donations can be mailed to: Minersville Area Food Drive Committee, 529 Lytle St., Minersville, PA 17954. Food will be packaged and distributed Dec. 14 and volunteers are needed to help with the process, Butler said. Last year, more than 21,000 cans, packaged food and other nonperishable items including turkeys and other meats were collected and distributed at Christmastime, he added. "All this was made possible because of the generosity and caring of individuals in the Minersville area," Butler said in the release. For more information about the drive, call Butler at the aforementioned phone number.

n Mar Lin: Parents who have children 13 to 21 with disabilities and who want more information about the transition process and transition section of an IEP - Individualized Education Plan - should attend one of three sessions scheduled by Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29, according to Ashley N. Felker, educational consultant. Each session is for 6 to 7 p.m. as follows: Jan. 14, Pine Grove Area High School, and March 18, Tamaqua Area Middle School. To register, contact Felker at 570-544-9131, ext. 1258 or email to felka@iu29.org.

n Nuremberg: The Black Creek Township Recreation Committee is selling Sheetz coupon books. The cost is $10 and the value of the book is $25. For more information, call Lori Webster at 570-384-3674.

n Pottsville: The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce has announced that the Schuylkill Leadership Class of 2013 is forming, with the first class to be held Jan. 22. Schuylkill Leadership is a program designed and sponsored by the chamber, in cooperation with the Schuylkill Leadership Association, "to ensure that new, able, resourceful and vigorous leadership will be continuously added to our community to understand the problems and opportunities we face in deciding the future of Schuylkill County," according to a chamber release. For more information on the Schuylkill Leadership Class of 2013 contact Becky Wagner at 570-622-1942 or, toll-free, at 800-755-1942 or email rwagner@schuylkillchamber.com. The 2013 class dates are as follows: Jan. 22, Feb. 5, Feb. 19, March 5, March 19, April 2, April 16, April 30, May 14 and May 28.

n Tamaqua: Volunteers dressed up the South Ward Playground in holiday attire for the Dec. 16 arrival of Santa, who distributed gifts to children. Four bicycles were given away during the event. Youngsters also enjoyed refreshments and a variety of activities. However, the playground is now locked and playground officers said they hope the public will understand the need to close the gates especially in light of the vandalism that occurred to last year's Christmas decorations.

n Tamaqua: One hundred members attended the Dec. 6 meeting of the Tamaqua Senior Citizens held in the Tamaqua Community Center. President Jean Machamer conducted the business session, after which the group held its Christmas party, catered by Christy Joy, Pottsville. The festivities concluded with card playing and social games. The group meets at 1 p.m. every Thursday at the center, which is accessible to the handicapped. Anyone 55 or older is welcome to join.

n Tamaqua: The art exhibit by local students at the Tamaqua Community Arts Center, 125 Pine St., will continue through Thursday. A public reception was held Dec. 13. For more information about the center call, 570-668-1192 or email leona@tacp.org. All current offerings at the center are listed online at www.tamaquaarts.org.

ASHLAND - At a time when textile manufacturing is moving overseas, operations are booming in Ashland.

Chris Olberding, vice president of sales for Gitman Bros., which is based in New York City, said Thursday that the business, better known as Ashland Shirt Factory, is seeing growth thanks to worldwide sales.

"We can't even take orders on for production because we're full for capacity until mid-April," Olberding said. "People now are working overtime."

The company employs 90 people and has a showroom in New York City.

Olberding said the business was started in 1932 as Ashland Shirt & Pajama Co. by Max Gitman from Brooklyn, N.Y., who moved to Pennsylvania since the area was known for its textile factories.

Ashland Shirt & Pajama Co. were contractors, making products for others under their name.

Gitman died in the late 1960s and Alfred and Sheldon Gitman took over, then the business became Gitman Bros. in 1978.

Gitman Bros. is now owned by Individualized Apparel Group, which has owned the company for 20 years.

It also owns about eight other manufacturers in the U.S., makers of suits, shirts and more.

Olberding said Gitman has made clothing for big brands in department stores and for Burberry and Paul Stuart.

"Within the last four years, there's been a resurgence of a heritage brand," he said.

According to Olberding, people are looking for products made in the United States, trying to keep jobs in the country.

Gitman came up with the brand division called Gitman Vintage where each season it goes back to its archives to bring back fabrics from an earlier year.

"It's fabrics remade with old labels and old buttons, but reinterpreted with a modern fit," Olberding said. "This is our ninth or 10th season. This really took off."

While many textile factories are moving overseas to China, where labor is cheaper, and another Schuylkill County garment factory, FesslerUSA, closed in November after being in business for 112 years, Olberding owes Gitman's success to it having its own branding and to selling much of its clothing overseas.

For the new division of Gitman, Gitman Vintage, the U.S. makes up only 32 percent of sales and its biggest market is Japan, which is looking for the classic American button-down shirt.

Olberding said for that brand, 35 percent of the sales are in Japan and 33 percent in Europe.

Gitman's clothing is also sold in 30 other countries around the world.

"People want this product," he said. "You need to have people who see the product differently and see how it is seen by people who don't live in the U.S. Japan never forgot about it."

With Gitman clothing in the larger department stores in Tokyo, it has been an entryway into the men's fashion industry.

"Most people from the fashion capitals of the world are going to Tokyo, which is kind of the mecca," Olberding said. "People see a certain product and take note. That's how we really started to build the business, concentrating on major stores in London, Paris, Copenhagen and Stockholm."

So far "the sales have been great" and the business's production is split up as 45 percent to the regular Gitman Bros. brand, making conservative shirts sold in North America, 45 percent is Gitman Vintage sold internationally and the small remainder is for private labels.

Although Gitman is currently growing and hiring, it hasn't always been this lucky. Olberding said the 2008 financial meltdown brought some layoffs.

"You would be hard-pressed to find any company that didn't lay people off," he said.

Cathy Zerbe, finishing department supervisor in Ashland, said Tuesday that while there were layoffs a few years ago, the company is doing better and as far as she's seen, closings in the textile industry haven't affected the workers at Gitman.

"We're picking up," she said. "Work's picking up and morale's pretty good."

Frank Scalisi, director of quality control in Ashland, also said Tuesday that sales have been great.

"Production is on a steady incline," Scalisi said.

Zerbe, who started at the factory in 1979 and left at one point to raise a family, said that while it has changed quite a bit over the years, the biggest change she's noticed is the technology.

"When I first started here, we had gas irons," Zerbe said. "That's how we pressed the shirts, gas irons and water spray."

Now a machine is used that presses it, with employees only having to make sure it is straight on the board.

Olberding hopes that in the future, the company will continue to see growth and can hold on to the sewing industry, which people around the world consider Gitman's shirts "a world's best product."

"A lot of those things aren't acknowledged in Ashland," Olberding said. "In my industry, it really resonates and is a really well-respected product and it's still made there, which I'm very proud of."

There are many traditions in many cultures for Christmas Eve, including attending services and Mass and, for many, sitting down to a special meal, referred to by many as the "Holy Meal" or "Holy Supper."

For people in some eastern European countries, the Christmas Eve meal is a reminder of faith, culture, ethnicity and nationality that links the past with the present.

For Lithuanian, Polish, Ukrainian and Russian cultures, the Christmas Eve supper is a 12-dish event, with each meatless dish representing one of the 12 apostles. In Lithuanian, the supper is called "Kucios"; in Polish, it is "Wigilia" or "Wieczerza wigilijna"; in Ukrainian, it is "Sviata vecheria"; and in Russian, it is "Sochevnik" or "Solchenik." In some parts of Poland, the Christmas Eve supper consists of 13 dishes.

Those holy day eve traditions came to the United States during the major immigrations in the latter 19th and early 20th centuries, and in many homes the meals are as important as going to a Midnight Mass or a Christmas Divine Liturgy to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

For members and friends of the Knights of Lithuania Anthracite Council No. 144, the Kucios is celebrated ahead of time each year. This year's holy supper was held Dec. 9 in Annunciation BVM Church hall, Frackville. Although it is held early in December, the dinner reminds those who grew up with the Christmas Eve tradition of its importance, while providing the younger generations with a lesson in the celebration with the hope that it will be carried on for generations to come.

Schuylkill County Court of Common Pleas Judge John E. Domalakes, Frackville, is well-versed in the Kucios tradition, having celebrated it throughout his life.

"Kucios is something that is celebrated in Lithuania. It's not something like boilo, which they never heard of in Lithuania, although they do have honey-based drinks," Domalakes said. "It has ethnic and religious aspects. The tradition is that on Christmas Eve, you are not supposed to eat anything until the first star comes out."

After seeing the star and a toast, the youngest Lithuanian in the room brings a figurine of the baby Jesus to be placed in the manger in the Nativity scene under the Christmas tree.

"There is straw underneath the linen tablecloth that represents the straw in the manger."

Each table had a large Christmas wafer called "plotkeles." Made of bread and water similar to a Communion host, the wafer is passed around the table, with each person breaking a piece from it. The head of the family begins the meal with a prayer of thanksgiving for past blessings and a wish that the family would remain intact for the coming years. When the plotkele is passed around, each person wishes each other good luck and health.

Then it is time to eat, with the 12 different foods served, all which must be sampled.

"Everyone at the dinner are supposed to partake of the 12 different types of food, each of which has some symbolic importance," Domalakes said. "There is an empty chair at the table for the dear departed. After the saying of grace, the head of the household acknowledges the empty chair and those family members who participated in past Kucioses who are no longer with us. Then, the plotkeles are distributed and a piece is broken off while saying 'Linksmu Kaledu' (Merry Christmas in Lithuanian)."

When the meal begins, everyone should at least taste each of the dishes for good luck.

Some of the dishes served are:

- Salty herring, for the distasteful things to come.

- Dry peas in the shape of tears, for the sad things in life.

- Prunes, representing the rough and difficult road everyone must travel.

- Bread, to signify plenitude of sustenance.

- Fish (usually whiting, haddock or other white fish), to signify Christ as represented by the first Christians in the catacombs.

- Boiled potatoes, to signify the humble and uneventful lives everyone must be ready to lead.

- Sauerkraut, representing the good and bad all must accept.

- Sweet wine, for the sweetness and joy experienced by the coming of Christ.

- Red beet soup, though served warm rather than cold.

- A fruit compote .

- A porridge of oat flour, mixed with water and the crust of rye bread, called "kisielius." Cranberries can be added to give color and flavor.

- Poppy seed milk called "aguonu pienas," which is served with small, round balls of dough.

There are some variations to the menu, depending on the preferences in different areas of Lithuania. One popular addition is Lithuanian farmers cheese.

"We usually serve lettuce with shrimp and cocktail sauce," Domalakes said, referring to a family tradition. "The meal ends with cookies and toasts with boilo."

After the Kucios, each member of the family places a piece of straw for every kind deed or gracious word said during the holidays into a cradle, which is put under the Christmas tree.

Anna Klizas Wargo, Saint Clair, has been enjoying the annual Kucios with her family as long as she can remember. Wargo, 87, learned the tradition when she was growing up and has continued it ever since.

"We still have one at home," Wargo said. "All my grandchildren, nieces and nephews will be here. That's about 14 this year, though sometimes there are 16. We start the dinner with the traditional prayer and plotkeles, then we get into the food. I've been doing this all my life. My mother was the one who did it and after she passed away, I took over."

When asked about the most important part of Kucios, Wargo immediately said it is "family." "It's a family thing. It just has to be," Wargo said. "As long as I'm living, it will be here at my home."

An effort to provide quilts to those affected by Superstorm Sandy has a local connection.

Becki White has made quilt blocks, squares of fabric material for a quilt, cut them to fit and used a sewing machine to finish the quilt top. When completed, the quilts will be given to affected residents in New Jersey. Others have a hand in finishing quilts.

Shortly after power was restored to her residence in Port Carbon after the storm in late October, White looked for a way to contribute to those in need. She read about the quilt effort by Erin Hutchinson, Vesuvius, Va., and wanted to help.

"A quilt is a very comforting thing to have," White said as she showed the quilt she pieced together using donations from others sent by mail. White had sent about 35 blocks to Hutchinson but then offered to assist further.

White has made quilts before. She will also finish a second quilt top. A quilt consists of three layers - the quilt top, the batting (the inside of the quilt) and the back. Binding, edges of the quilt, can also be added.

Hutchinson, 41, said by phone Wednesday she was inspired to show her concern for others by watching the news and having a personal connection to the affected areas.

She was born in New Jersey and her first house was in Hoboken.

"People are losing homes, living in shelters, needing quilts to keep them warm," she said.

So far, she has delivered five quilts to New Jersey and one in New York. Her contact in New York said they were not accepting any additional quilts.

"A lot of people could relate in wanting to do something," she said about wanting to provide for the people who lost homes and their sense of normalcy.

When she wrote that she was making the quilts, she asked others if they wanted to donate. A list on her blog, vesuviusmama.blogspot.com, has more contributions from Pennsylvania, Texas and other states in the United States. Supporters of the cause even originate from New Zealand, Nova Scotia, the United Kingdom, British Columbia and Panama.

"I had no idea that it would get this big. I'm thrilled," she said.

So far, she has 1,372 blocks, or enough for 32 quilts. Each quilt is 72 by 84 inches, about the size for a twin or double bed, she said.

If you're interested in helping the cause, you may visit her blog or email her at ehutchinson@wlu.edu.

Blocks, quilting supplies and monetary donations are accepted. A Paypal account is available if you wish to donate, she said. Deadline is Jan. 15. Finished quilts will be given to the BlankieDepot, Keyport, N.J. For more information, please visit blankiedepot.org.

SAINT CLAIR - Shoppers going to Wal-Mart on Sunday morning were met by an unusual sight: a state police emergency clandestine lab drug team processing a vehicle housing a mobile methamphetamine lab.

Saint Clair police discovered the lab about 5 a.m. while investigating a hit-and-run crash in the store's parking lot.

As a result, Saint Clair police Chief Michael Carey said Felix Ferrer Jr., 39, of 1039 Penn St., Apt. 3R, Reading, was taken into custody while sleeping inside the Ford Windstar van that was struck by the hit-and-run driver.

Carey said Ferrer was committed to Schuylkill County Prison on a detainer for multiple bench warrants from Berks County on drug-related charges.

He will now face felony drug charges by Saint Clair police, as well as the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force.

Carey said the lab was discovered by Patrolman Chad Seitzinger, who was investigating a crash where another driver struck the van in which Ferrer was sleeping.

A look inside the van found an operational methamphetamine lab.

"We had the evidence, you could see the items and smell the product," Carey said.

After being read his Miranda Rights, Carey said Ferrer admitted to having the lab and making the illegal drugs.

Knowing some of the drugs were already mixed and posed a danger, Carey said it was decided to call the state police Clandestine Laboratory Response Team based in Bethlehem.

"The items were in plain view and from our training, we knew they can be hazardous," Carey said.

An area outside the food court entrance to the store was marked off with yellow police tape as state police troopers and technicians removed the hazardous materials from inside the van.

About 8:30 a.m., the CLRT arrived, donned hazardous material suits and began to remove the hazardous chemicals.

At Wal-Mart, it was business as usual with customers just being kept a safe distance from the van as they walked to and from their vehicles.

Carey said charges against Ferrer stemming from Sunday's meth lab discovery will be filed with Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon.

Teen accused of

theft from home

WILLIAMSTOWN - A 17-year-old Williamstown teenager was arrested July 4 after stealing a gun and alcohol from a home.

State police at Lykens arrested the teen after they say she entered the home of Wendy Lee Miller, 35, and Ronald Darwin Miller, 47, at 245 Vine St. through an unlocked window. The teen found the key to the gun cabinet and stole a 9 mm Star pistol, police said, along with several bottles of wine and about half a case of beer.

Hamburg man

faces charges

HAMBURG - State police at Hamburg are investing a domestic disturbance that occurred between midnight and 9:30 a.m. Saturday on Strausser Road, Windsor Township.

Police said they filed charges of simple assault and harassment against a 44-year-old Hamburg man at the Berks County Courthouse. Police said the victim was a 43-year-old Hamburg woman.

No further information was available from police.

MINERSVILLE - Borough residents now have a new place to go for their prescriptions.

Carmen DiCello Sr., Pottsville, owner of Towne Drug and Yorkville Drug Store in Pottsville, said Friday that his new pharmacy, Minersville Pharmacy, opened for business Nov. 29.

Minersville Pharmacy, on the site of the former Wynn-Ann Restaurant, 100 Sunbury St., recently completed construction of a one-story building with a drive-through window and a 10-vehicle parking lot.

DiCello said he decided to open the pharmacy because he has a connection to the borough.

In his younger days in the 1950s, he used to pick up buns from a baker in Minersville and bring it to Charlie's Pizza & Subs for his father to use while making subs.

"It was part of my interest about owning my own business is connected with my father at Charlie's Pizza shop, and coming here to Minersville was a connection with Minersville from Pottsville," DiCello said.

DiCello has been the owner of Towne Drugs since 1961 and Yorkville Drug Store since 1997.

He began the search for a suitable location in Minersville for three years and eventually found that many of the buildings in the borough needed a lot of work and ended up purchasing three separate properties to make the single space the pharmacy is now on.

While the pharmacy was supposed to open in 2011, it saw multiple setbacks, such as finding the right property, billing requirements and state Department of Transportation requirements, among others.

The pharmacy is planning to hold a grand opening sometime in February around Valentine's Day.

"The response from the community has been fantastic and that was so encouraging to continue to go forward with it," he said. "Even in churches, they were even saying a prayer, hoping that Minersville Pharmacy would be opening sooner rather than later."

DiCello said that with his pharmacy now open in the borough, Minersville once again has a community pharmacy, and the last remaining community pharmacy, RxD Pharmacy, closed in 2008.

Minersville Pharmacy is open to help people with all their prescriptions needs and also sells greeting cards and other medicines and items.

For the inventory at the pharmacy, they looked at what they was sold in Pottsville, but DiCello said they are going to take suggestions from customers for what they should sell.

"We're going to have a suggestion box for things that we're not carrying that people would like to see us carry," he said.

The pharmacy has a connection with a wholesaler and can get it in within 24 hours, whether it be medication or another item.

"Anything we don't have, we can have it in the next day," said Carolyn Kushwarra, pharmacy manager. "We don't have the stock that Rite Aid does but we can have it in the next day."

With one of the biggest draws of the new pharmacy being the drive-through, DiCello said it's helpful for people who have children to either pick up or drop off a prescription, especially in the cold winter months.

He had plans to try to add a drive-through to Yorkville Drug Store but decided not to once he was building the Minersville Pharmacy.

Minersville Pharmacy is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, although it is on call for emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, with an answering service.

Kushwarra said with a strong connection to the other pharmacies, if someone calls in when they are closed, they could pick up the prescription at Towne Drugs if needed during the weekend, which is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

Other services that Minersville Pharmacy provides is free delivery up to 10 miles, laboratory compounding of special medications for people and pets, custom packaging of medications to help people take them correctly and contacting doctors for refills.

For more information about the pharmacy or to transfer prescriptions to the location, call 570-339-5488.

A family that lives on Peach Mountain Road in Norwegian Township is spreading Christmas cheer by decking out their home for the holidays with lots of homemade and refurbished decorations.

Marsha Dudash, 1102 Peach Mountain Road, said most of the decorating is thanks to her youngest son, Jack, who is 6 years old and made many of the decorations last year.

"We're trying to do it the green way, the best way that we can every year," she said. "We try to get more of the LED lights for them. He's only 6 and he put a lot of work into them."

Outside their home, she said it was all stuff that was going to be thrown out, such as a deer decoration in which the motors weren't working.

They then wrapped the deer in tinsel and colored lights and the reindeer were looking brand new.

"A lot of the stuff that we have and we use is salvaged stuff," Dudash said.

A large, colored tree outside their home once had 1,000 white lights but many didn't light, so they took it apart and put colored LED lights on it.

They have a Santa Claus from a yard sale, giant Christmas tree balls made from "hippity-hops" that they "glamorized up a bit," and candy made from cardboard, Styrofoam and ribbons.

"We're actually collecting milk jugs and next year, we want to make a giant igloo," she said.

On the inside of their home, they have seven Christmas trees - Dudash said seven is a biblical number - along with a Christmas village with miniature houses, antique decorations, dolls and Santa Claus and numerous other decorations.

All of the trees are fake because Dudash said she won't cut down a real tree, being a "treehugger," and the only time she will cut one down is if someone needs it off their property.

Jack hasn't experienced a live tree in their home yet, although Dudash wants him to experience it at least once.

Some of the decorations inside, such as a giant Christmas ball and ornaments, were displays being thrown out by area stores that they gave to her for free.

Even with all of these decorations, she said Jack wasn't satisfied and wanted to keep getting and making more.

She told him that once he has his own house someday, he can put up as many decorations as he wants.

"I'm really proud of him," Dudash said.

He even has his bedroom permanently in a winter theme, with a winter mural on the wall since he loves this time of the year.

Dudash said that they started decorating for Christmas right after Halloween and they light the decorations Thanksgiving night.

"We have a lot of people that pull over and you can hear the kids say, 'Mommy, look at that,' " Dudash said. "It's great."

Another tradition for the family is to put the manger set out closer to Christmas and leave it out all through January.

Schuylkill Health System, which operates Pottsville's two hospitals, has sued two manufacturers of hospital supplies, charging that they engaged in monopolistic practices that drove up the costs of their products.

In a 21-page antitrust complaint filed Dec. 18 in U.S. District Court in Philadelphia, the system alleged that Cardinal Health Inc., Dublin, Ohio, and Owens & Minor Inc., Mechanicsville, Va., conspired to maintain artificially high prices for medical and surgical items, most notably sutures and endomechanical products.

"Through the exclusionary and anticompetitive conduct ... (Cardinal and O&M) have unlawfully maintained dominance in the U.S. markets for sutures and endo(mechanical) products, and thereby artificially inflated prices to (Schuylkill Health System)," the complaint reads in part.

Schuylkill Health System demanded a jury trial in the case and asked the court to allow the lawsuit to become a class action, declare the defendants' conduct unlawful, and that it be awarded costs, attorney fees and, as authorized under federal antitrust law, triple the money it lost from the alleged overcharging.

The system operates Schuylkill Medical Center-East Norwegian Street, the former Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, and Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street, the former Pottsville Hospital and Warne Clinic.

In its complaint, the system alleged that O&M and Cardinal have a combined share of 72 percent of the U.S. market for medical and surgical products and have similar dominance of the distribution of those products throughout the country.

That is especially true for sutures, which are devices used to hold body tissues together after surgeries or injuries, and endo products, which are devices used in laparascopic and other minimally invasive surgeries, the complaint reads in part.

Cardinal and O&M violated antitrust law by conspiring to dominate the market at the expense of Suture Express, Overland Park, Kan., which sought to compete with them, according to the complaint.

The two companies did so by forcing hospitals to sign exclusionary contracts that require them to buy sutures and endo products, along with other supplies, from Cardinal and O&M, the complaint reads in part. Hospitals that do not want to buy sutures and endo products must, under the terms of those contracts, pay a distribution fee for the items they do buy from the two companies, according to the complaint.

"(Cardinal and O&M) unlawfully bundle the sale of sutures and endo products to the sale of other (medical and surgical) products," the complaint reads in part.

The distribution fee, which ranges from 1 percent to 5 percent of the total purchase price, is actually a penalty that hurts hospitals, according to the complaint.

"The penalty is economically prohibitive because the savings an acute care provider (hospital) realizes by purchasing sutures and endo products from (Suture Express) are overwhelmed by the penalty the acute care provider must pay an all other (medical and surgical) products," the complaint reads in part.

In the complaint, the system alleged the penalty is anticompetitive, and the fact that Cardinal and O&M each impose it shows that they are acting in concert in violation of antitrust law. The effect has been to foreclose competition and allow both companies to charge higher prices, according to the complaint.

"Absent (the scheme), barriers to entry to the sutures and endo products markets would have been lower, which would have made it easier for existing or new competitors to enter or expand their positions in the markets," the complaint reads in part.

U.S. District Judge Juan R. Sanchez is presiding over the case.

Susquehanna Bank has stepped up to support an annual event to recognize local drama students with a cash donation.

The bank, based in Pottsville, donated $1,500 to the Majestic Theater Association in support of the Majestic Awards, Amy S. Burkhart, executive director of Pottsville Area Development Corp., said Friday.

PADCO manages the Sovereign Majestic Theater, Pottsville. The theater's board of directors organizes the Majestic Awards, an annual event that began in 2006.

"This is the first time Susquehanna Bank has stepped up to be the main sponsor of the awards. The money will go toward support of the awards. Being the largest event we have each year, the production costs $3,500. That largest expense is the trophies. We budget $1,250 for them. Renting the sound system will cost between $850 to $1,000 and printing will be about $700. The remainder will be used for supplies for the awards and judges, applicable facility fees and technician expenses," Burkhart said Thursday.

The rest of the program is financed through ticket sales and sales of ads in the event program, Burkhart said.

"And we try to keep ticket prices low - $5 per person," Burkhart said.

"We are thrilled to be able to take part in this great community event. Part of our mission at Susquehanna is to be a partner in the community, and this is a great opportunity to be able to support artistic excellence in our region's youth," Catherine Lintner Wolfe, Susquehanna Bank branch relationship manager, said last week.

The Majestic Awards are an initiative for the Schuylkill County high school arts community, recognizing and rewarding excellence in high school musical and theatrical productions.

This year, the awards ceremony was held in May at North Schuylkill High School Auditorium, Fountain Springs, and 10 schools participated.

The next event is tentatively slated for May 23 also at North Schuylkill Jr./Sr. High School Auditorium, Burkhart said.

"The Majestic Theater is grateful for the support demonstrated by Susquehanna. We truly consider the awards to be our flagship of high school theater programming, and hope all the participants enjoy the process. It is by far the best event that we run during the year," Vanessa Mihoda, president of Sovereign Majestic Theater, said last week.

SAINT CLAIR - Always with a smile on her face and a bell in each hand, Susan Della Monica puts everyone leaving Wal-Mart in the holiday spirit as she wishes them a "Merry Christmas" from the Salvation Army kettle in front of the store.

"Christmas is a beautiful time of year," Della Monica, 46, of Pottsville, said Friday. "I love being outside and seeing a lot of happy faces and smiling children."

Despite being allowed to ring the bells inside, Della Monica said she has always preferred being outside for the past five years that she has been volunteering.

"My mom did it when she was a very young girl. I do this in memory of her," Della Monica said.

She said her mother, Elizabeth Louise Cook, Pottsville, died in 2006 and had been involved in every Salvation Army program for many years.

In one hand, Della Monica rings the bell that her mother used when she volunteered. She also has other holiday decorations around the kettle that belonged to her mother and father, including a dancing Santa Claus and a bell that plays Christmas music. She said her mother collected bells and other holiday decorations.

"I pray for every person I see each morning just to bless them and their loved ones," Della Monica said.

Della Monica said she just loves helping people and was a nurse's aide for many years before having several medical problems.

"I like giving back, paying it forward and helping people," she said. "This is my way of giving back now."

Della Monica said people are always generous this time of the year to the Salvation Army and this week has been especially busy.

"They all say how much they love the Salvation Army. I hear stories all the time about how they helped them out in all kinds of different situations," she said.

Margaret Laurette is also a volunteer for the Salvation Army. She has been ringing a bell and wishing a "Merry Christmas" to everyone going in and out of Redner's Warehouse Markets in Shenandoah for the past three years.

"I love it," Laurette said Wednesday.

Laurette, 62, is a lifelong Shenandoah resident. She said the Salvation Army does a lot for people and she wanted to be a part of it.

"I meet a lot of people," she said. "I love seeing the kids and there are a lot of nice people."

Laurette and many other volunteers spend all day at their locations, taking breaks when needed. She said she sits inside the entrance to Redner's from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

"We don't work on Sunday. That's the Lord's day," Lourette said.

The Salvation Army kettle campaign dates back to 1891 and assists more than 4.5 million people in the country during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, according to the organization's website at www.salvationarmy.com.

Capt. Adam Hench of the Pottsville Salvation Army said there are always plenty of volunteers each year. This year, Hench said there are about 20 to 25 volunteers at 10 locations outside businesses throughout the county.

"A lot of our volunteers do no have a lot of money and they want to give back," Hench said Thursday. "This is one of the ways for them to give back."

Hench said this year's goal is to raise $75,000.

"We are on target to hit that goal but it has been slow and steady so far this year," Hench said.

The goal is the same as last year, when $82,000 was raised.

"We haven't seen a drop with the economy over the past several years," Hench said. "People always have change and people are always giving. The people in Schuylkill County are great."

Hench said the annual kettle drive is the largest fundraiser of the year for the organization, making up 15 percent of its budget. Most of the funds are used for the holiday assistance program.

"It really surprises me just how much that change adds up," Hench said.

Hench said the largest single donation this year was a $700 check about a week after Thanksgiving. During his eight years with the Pottsville organization, he said there have been a few people donating large sums of money.

Just a few years ago, there was a $3,000 donation by someone who had just won the lottery. Shortly after that, Hench said a long-time volunteer, now deceased, donated $3,100 to hold the record for largest donation.

He said most people making large donations wish to remain anonymous.

"We send them 'thank yous,' but people tell us that it's not necessary (to be recognized) and just want to help other people in the community," Hench said.

If there's a window into every world, then Williams Valley art students have made patrons' outlook a little jollier at one local eatery.

About 28 high school students in grades 9 through 12 recently joined for the traditional holiday window painting at the Pine Grove McDonald's.

For nearly 20 years, Viking artists have been lending their talent to decorate the restaurant for most seasons - including Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

"They love it, and we get so many comments from our customers," said Julie Green, McDonald's swing manager, who coordinates the school painters' visits with Williams Valley art instructor Andria Doud.

"The students clean up, and are so respectful. The patrons really enjoy it," Green said.

In addition to the compliments, the students also receive a free lunch for their participation.

Doud said each student creates a preliminary sketch for their design. The creation must include either a McDonald's character, or symbol, and must feature McDonald's colors. She said students selected for the painting outing must be in good academic standing. The artists use Tempra paint to complete their designs, which can be easily wiped clean once the season's over.

"It's good for them to hear the feedback," said Doud, noting each design must then be created to scale to fit on the window. The artists learn to do that scaling free-handed, which can be a challenge.

"That's a good skill to learn," Doud said.

Senior Travis Crider said this was his first year participating in the window painting. He designed a holiday wreath, featuring Ronald McDonald in the center. At school, he enjoys working in several media, including colored pencils and charcoal.

"It's been fun and I like that we can show off our art," said Crider, Tower City.

Meanwhile, fellow senior Samantha Mione, Clarks Valley, is planning an artful career. She wants to attend Pratt in Brooklyn, N.Y., to major in sculpting. Mione designed her window, along with her collaborator, Ashley Carl, Wiconisco, to show two snowmen with coffee mugs. One of the snowmen is humorously depicted in a melted state from the coffee steam.

Senior Tawny Gilbert said she was glad she joined in for the painting session.

"It was my first time doing this and I knew it was my last chance. It was really fun," said Gilbert, Joliett.