SHENANDOAH - Firefighters were called out to an early Sunday morning blaze in a vacant home at South Chestnut and West Atlantic streets that was quickly extinguished.

The fire call came at 3:56 a.m., with fire units responding to 111-113. S. Chestnut St. from the Shenandoah Fire Department, Shenandoah Heights Fire Company and West End Fire and Rescue from Mahanoy City. Shenandoah and Lost Creek ambulances were also on scene.

The fire was involved at the rear of the home at its southwest corner along Atlantic Street and across the street from the rear of Trinity Academy, the local Roman Catholic elementary school. The home is also across from the rectory of St. Michael Ukrainian Catholic Church on the Chestnut Street side.

"When we arrived at the scene, there was heavy fire to the back corner of the house," Richard Examitis, fire marshal, said. "It was pretty well going when we got there. The fire was going up the wall and then went inside."

Examitis said that even though there was electrical service, no one lived in the home.

"The house has been vacant for years, according to neighbors," Examitis said. "The owner is Arthur Charles Fedder, according to the county parcel locator."

Examitis said the fire was under control within 45 minutes.

"The source of ignition is undetermined; however, it appears that it started outside the property with some trash," Examitis said. "There were two garbage cans there. One didn't light up and is still there, but there was one next to it and it's gone. We know it started with the trash but we can't determine the source of the ignition itself. It was a trash fire that spread to the building."

Examitis said no injuries were reported.

William and Ann Lehman live about a half block away at 220 W. Atlantic St. and were awakened by the fire sirens and the smell of smoke.

"The fire whistles went off about 4 o'clock," Lehman said. "We could smell smoke and my husband (William) came downstairs and opened the door and said the place was on fire."

Lehman's account agrees with Examitis' determination that it probably started in a garbage can.

"You can tell that it started in the garbage can. Someone had to have thrown something in the can because when the flames started, they went up the building from there," Lehman said. "The fire then went up to the roof and going over the shingles."

The wind conditions had Lehman and others concerned along Atlantic Street.

"The wind was blowing so bad that the whole alley was filled with smoke," she said. "My husband knocked on the neighbors' doors to have them get the cars out before the fire trucks came. It was scary because of the embers blowing over the houses and onto the street.

"It's scary. You never know," Lehman added.

Janet Baginski, who lives at 109 S. Chestnut St., was not aware of the fire until she received a knock at her door.

"I heard a knock on my door and it was a police officer asking me to leave the house just in case," Baginski said. "He also handed me my newspaper. I didn't know about the fire because I couldn't see any smoke or fire from this side."

Baginski watched across the street for a time, and when the fire was out, she quickly went back to her home because it was cold and she wasn't wearing a jacket.

Following the tragic fire which killed two adults and four children in Pottsville May 12, fire Chief Todd March learned there were no working smoke detectors in the home.

"Working smoke alarms could have made a difference," March said Friday of the fire at 235 Pierce St.

In the days following the fire, the city fire department contacted a smoke alarm manufacturing company, Kidde Fire Safety, Mebane, N.C., and asked if the company would donate 300 of its smoke alarms to the families of children who attend Pottsville Area's John S. Clarke Elementary Center.

One of the fire victims, Joy Marie Brown, 8, was a student.

At 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March and representatives of the fire department will give a fire safety presentation at the school and make arrangements for local firefighters to install the alarms in students homes.

"In response to the tragedy, we're trying to do something positive," March said.

"The fire chief contacted us last Friday and asked for help to donate these smoke detectors and I said 'Chief, we will help you in any way, shape or form,' " Superintendent Jeffrey S. Zwiebel said Friday.

There are 973 students in kindergarten through fourth grade at the school, elementary Principal Jared A. Gerace said Friday.

In an effort to determine which families would need smoke detectors, Gerace said he and March developed a survey which the students took home May 20. The surveys were due back Friday.

"It asked them if they had a working smoke alarm in their home and if they didn't, would they be willing to accept one for free," Gerace said.

While Kidde was scheduled to deliver the 300 detectors to the school on Friday, Gerace said the students would not be taking them home on Tuesday.

The names of the families who express interest in them will be given to the fire department. Gerace said the total number of requests hadn't been tabulated as of Friday afternoon.

"I have a feeling these 300 will be depleted," March said.

"Volunteers from the Pottsville Fire Department will come around and install them correctly in their homes," Gerace said.

"I think we'll be able to install them within a week," March said.

March said the smoke alarms are quality models with sealed 10-year lithium batteries.

"I think they sell for $20 or more in stores. It's a nice donation," March said Friday.

While the Pottsville Fire Department makes efforts to keep smoke detectors in stock for needy families, the department ran out of them shortly after the May 12 fire, March said Friday.

"If we have them, we give them to people," March said.

There are no income requirements, he said. "If they can't afford them or they just want one, we never question that," March said.

In October, during Fire Prevention Week, Kidde donated two dozen to the city.

"We're going to see if we can get some more. As tragic as this situation was, it may wake some people up who'll say 'Hey, I want one.' We need to get more in. There's no doubt about it," March said.

Anyone interested in acquiring a smoke alarm, can contact March for information at City Hall at 570-622-1234.

In a related matter, March said the cause of the May 12 fire remains undetermined and is still under investigation.

"We're hoping to have something soon. I talked to the state police the other day. They're still waiting for samples to come back from the lab We're going to meet with them next week again. It's progressing, but it's slow. And we want to make we get it right," March said.

MAHANOY CITY - The Mahanoy Area United Veterans held its annual Memorial Day program Sunday afternoon at the Veterans Memorial, honoring the memory of the men and women of the Mahanoy City area who served in all wars.

The program's guest speaker was Joseph A. Cocco Jr., who currently serves as commander of the American Legion Department of Pennsylvania.

The 2 p.m. program was preceded by a half-hour concert of military music by the Upper Schuylkill Marching Band, which also performed throughout the regular program.

"Today, as Mahanoy City celebrates 150 years of being around, we dedicate this program to all National Guard and Reserve troops, along with our present active military now serving in Afghanistan and throughout the world," William "Bill" Paul, United Veterans president, said in his opening remarks.

The Rev. John Reid, pastor of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Mahanoy City, provided the invocation and offered the benediction. The annual program has included two Mahanoy Area High School students reading different poems and/or speeches. Senior Amber Wagner read a poem, "A Lonely Day in May," followed by senior Eric Williamson reading President Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address."

Paul introduced Cocco, a Shenandoah native who resides in Ringtown and is the grand marshal for today's parade in Mahanoy City. He served in the Navy and Naval Reserve from 1962 to 1997, retiring as the battalion command master chief of the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion at Lakehurst, N.J.

"It has been an honor and privilege for me to serve as the state commander for the past 10 months," Cocco said. "No matter where I go throughout the state and the country, everybody asks me where I come from in Pennsylvania, and I say that I'm very proud to be a coal cracker from Schuylkill County."

Cocco spoke of Sgt. William Stacy, who was killed in action by an improvised explosive device on Jan. 31, 2012, during his fourth tour of duty in Afghanistan. Stacy had written a letter to be read by his parents before he was killed, and Cocco read the letter as follows:

"My death did not change the world; it may be tough for you to justify its meaning at all. But there is a greater meaning to it. Perhaps I did not change the world. Perhaps there is still injustice in the world. But there will be a child who will live because men left the security they enjoyed in their home country to come to his. And this child will learn in the new schools that have been built. He will walk his streets not worried about whether or not his leader's henchmen are going to come and kidnap him. He will grow into a fine man who will pursue every opportunity his heart could desire. He will have the gift of freedom, which I have enjoyed for so long. If my life buys the safety of a child who will one day change the world, then I know it was all worth it."

Cocco commented on the letter, saying, "I agree that the sacrifice that Sgt. Stacy and the countless other American heroes have changed the world. There is a simplistic and naive belief that war doesn't solve anything. I suppose that's true, unless you consider America's independence, the preservation of the Union, the elimination of slavery, the toppling of fascist, imperialist and terrorist regimes. We owe it to Sgt. Stacy and the nearly one million other men and women who have died defending America since our nation's founding."

Cocco concluded, "Sgt. Stacy believed his sacrifice was worth it. It's up to us to prove him right. God bless them all."

The program continued with a salute to the deceased with the placing of the monument wreath by Joseph Moyle, commander, American Legion Post 74, and Ray Miller, commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1420.

The United Veterans honor guard provided the rifle salute, followed by the playing of taps. As taps concluded, 20 doves were released. David Truskowsky of Doves of White said there were black doves that were in remembrance of all POWs/MIAs.

Mayor Nancy Petritsch spoke briefly, focusing on the symbolism of the red poppy as an internationally recognized symbol of remembrance.

"This vivid red flower has become synonymous with the great loss of life in war," Petritsch said.

Parade coordinator Mary Zelonis, a United Veterans member, reported on today's parade, explaining that Cocco and other Legion Riders will participate in the parade with their motorcycles. This will be the first time that the Legion Riders will participate in the Mahanoy City parade. The parade begins at 11 a.m.

MINERSVILLE - About 40 people attended the ninth annual Festival of Lights at St. Matthew the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church on Sunday to pay tribute to loved ones and veterans in honor of Memorial Day today.

The observance started at 6 p.m. and lasted about 30 minutes. In all, 500 candles were lit and several will remain lit over a two-month span.

This year's speaker was James Holban, commander of AMVETS Post 180, Pottsville, and president of the Joint Veterans Council.

He spoke about the relevance of veterans to the daily life of Americans, the significance of the American flag and the role the members of the military play, said Ed Butler, president of the church's St. Vincent de Paul Society.

The Rev. Leo J. Maletz also conducted a prayer service, that lasted about 15 minutes.

Taps was also played.

The Festival of Lights was started to commemorate the 100th anniversary of St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, the church's former name.

Butler had said it would also be a good idea to have it once a year to show support to loved ones and veterans. Thus, it continues.

"We started it outside for the first few years," he said, adding that the service would take place in a cemetery. The weather played a factor in the decision to have the festival inside.

People who do not belong to the church also attended the service, Butler said.

FRACKVILLE - The New York Bagel Cafe and Deli may be coming to the Schuylkill Mall.

A letter of intent was signed about May 7, said Jack Intrator, master broker for New York Bagel Cafe and Deli.

"The letter of intent is the first step to getting a lease," he said May 20.

He would like to have a franchise "within the next 90 days."

Intrator said the approximate 1,890-square-foot former Chick-fil-A site was chosen for several reasons, according to a press release.

Chick-fil-A closed in December 2009, according to Repubican-Herald archives.

The layout and the new design for the business being among them.

Sizes of the business can vary from about 1,000 to 2,300 feet, he said.

"We feel fracking is going to be taking place in the surrounding communities and we believe it will be a destination mall," he said.

Hydraulic fracturing also known as fracking is the process of injecting materials into the earth to release gas.

He also sees the area rebounding economically with the improvements to the mall such as The Pearl Stadium 8 theater.

Schuylkill Mall Manager Elaine Maneval was not available for comment May 20.

There are 19 locations for New York Bagel Cafe and Deli, according to the site slectionsource.com.

Those locations are in Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.

A menu posted on the website includes breakfast items like fresh bagels, egg sandwiches, breakfast wraps and even sandwiches, salads, soups and bagel burgers.

VALLEY VIEW - One mission trip to Haiti has forever changed Jennilyn Weber's life and has given her the drive to continue visiting places around the world where she feels she can make a difference.

Weber traveled to Haiti from March 2 to 9 with her best friend from Ursinus College, Christie Lehman, and several others from school.

Weber was originally scheduled to travel to Zambia, Africa, with a different organization but due to a construction and governmental issues in Africa, that trip was postponed.

Her parents, Vicky and Bob Weber, family and friends from the Tri-Valley area held fundraisers and had already earned the money for Weber to travel, so she found another mission trip.

"I truly feel this was God's plan to put me in Haiti," Weber said.

"My best friend was planning this trip and I was able to connect with her. A group of us from Ursinus began meeting every week for five or six weeks. Since this trip was not being organized by a larger organization, we were basically on our own and my mom was freaking out because Haiti is considered a Fifth World country because conditions there are so bad."

There was a group of 13 of us from the inner varsity fellow Christian community who made the trip to Mission of Hope in Haiti. Mission of Hope has three campuses where Weber and her group stayed.

"There is a huge orphanage at Mission of Hope, but the kids aren't adoptable," Weber said. "In Haiti, since the people are so poor and conditions are so bad, parents don't really care about or bother with their children until they reach the age of 14 or 15. They don't get attached because you never know if they will survive. The babies are taken to a baby house, while the toddlers go to a different building and the bigger kids are in their own space."

Mission of Hope teaches the children how to survive on their own and take care of themselves.

"The coolest thing is the sustainability," Weber said. "They don't give the children the fish, they teach the child how to fish. They want the kids to learn how to live on their own."

Weber and her friends collected used baseball and softball equipment prior to her trip for the orphanage. The organizers give the equipment out as rewards.

The founders and directors of the orphanage bring the children to church every Sunday.

"This was an experience in itself," Weber said. "The service is three hours long and there is lots of singing and dancing and there were about 5,000 people in attendance."

It was during the church service when Weber realized how different lives are in Haiti.

"I was sitting next to this little girl who laid her head on my lap and was drawing hearts on my leg and next thing you know she puked all over me," Weber said. "I picked her up and left the area with her and tried to comfort her and next thing I knew her mother ripped her from my arms and stormed away. I was very upset and crying, I didn't know what I did wrong or what was going on. An older Haitian woman came to me and comforted me and helped to clean me up and explained to me that the child puked because she is starving. I was devastated, I had food in my backpack, but wasn't able to share with her because they must learn to take care of themselves. This was an eye opening experience for me."

As Weber and her group toured the villages they were told to evangelize to the people.

It was in the streets of Haiti where Weber first experienced racism and in her own words, "it sucked," she said.

"As we walked through the streets some people would yell 'blonks, just blonks.' I didn't realize right away that they were calling us that because we were white and the minority. Racism truly sucks."

She recalls her most memorable moment was her time teaching a young girl a handshake.

"This eight-year-old girl had a deformed nostril and scar and she was treated as an outcast," Weber said. "She was standing in the weeds and I went over to her and started teaching her one of those handshakes things with the little song and clapping. We did that about 100 times and then she taught it to her sister. These kids just want to be loved and given attention. The kids would remember us from day to day and they would just flock to our sides."

Jennilyn has graduated from Ursinus College and this weekend she threw a few belongings and a suitcase of clothes in her car and headed for sunny Florida where she will study to become a Doctor of Pharmacy at Lake Erie College of Medicine, Bradenton Branch.

She has her eyes set on a trip to Bangladesh to see how she can change the world there and she says she definitely wants to return to Haiti someday.

"My life has been forever changed and I am extremely grateful to everyone's support in helping me to experience this."

MAHANOY PLANE - The Gilberton Borough Council is considering a requirement for contractors working in the borough to get a permit and supply liability insurance information.

The council discussed the idea of adopting an ordinance at Thursday's meeting, but after a lengthy discussion took no action in order to explore what requirements and specifics would need to be addressed.

"We discussed at the work session the issue of permits. How does the body feel? Do we continue with it and pass an ordinance to do this or eliminate it completely?" council President Daniel Malloy asked.

"Can we do something as simple as rules and regulations without having to go through the permit ordinance?" Councilman Robert Wagner asked.

"If you want to be able to enforce a permit, such as if someone doesn't get one and you take him to a magistrate, you need to do it by ordinance," borough solicitor Karen Domalakes said.

"The only thing we seem to agree on was that any outside contractors have their own insurance, and have that license number from the state of Pennsylvania," said Wagner.

"It's just to keep track of the contractors," said Malloy. "If they damage anything in the borough, we know who's here."

Domalakes said a potential ordinance has been drafted.

"My only hesitation is do you want anything else in the ordinance," she said. "Is there anything else you want to monitor?"

"How does that work if you do the work yourself?" Councilwoman Susan Schmerfeld asked.

"It's only for the contractor," Mayor Mary Lou Hannon said. "Just because somebody puts a ladder on their truck and they call themselves a contractor, and it's not fair to the licensed contractors who pay for insurance."

Councilman Michael VanAllen asked if the contractor or homeowner obtains the permit. Domalakes said the contractor would, due to the need to provide proof of insurance.

"But we want to put some bite in the ordinance to not only penalize the contractor, but also the person who hired them if they allowed the contractor to work without getting the permit," Domalakes said.

The discussion went into different situations and exemptions, such as having a licensed landscaper cutting grass on a regular basis at a home who would be required to get a permit, and if so, would that also require a local teenager being hired to do the same job for pay.

"We have to be careful so we don't open Pandora's box," Hannon said.

Asked whether the permit would apply to a teenager cutting grass, Domalakes said, "I think that's an interesting question. Obviously, they won't have a license for that."

Domalakes said the draft ordinance has a list of exemptions, and she would provide a copy to all council members for review.

"I think we should thing about this a little bit," said Schmerfeld.

After the meeting, Domalakes said the permit in question requires contractors to prove to the borough they have insurance, but is not used as a building permit.

In other business, council Vice President Eric Boxer asked about the progress on a property on Main Street in Maizeville that had its water shut off. At last month's meeting, the council approved having its engineering firm, Arro Engineering and Environmental Consultants, do an inspection of the property. If no water service exists, the house would be considered uninhabitable and the residents would need to leave.

Hannon said before anything can be done about an eviction, the property owner must be notified, and since the property is on two parcels of land owned by different persons, there has been a delay due to notification to only one owner so far.

"He (engineer) has to notify all owners of the property," said Hannon.

"He has to go inside the house to condemn it?" Boxer asked.

Hannon said the engineer, acting in the capacity of a health officer in this case, is following proper procedure in order to lead to the eviction.

During the April meeting, the council and Hannon discussed placing security cameras at the borough building, but took no action. Hannon raised the issue again Thursday, with the council approving the cameras' purchase and installation.

n Ashland: A benefit concert called "Reasons to Sing" in memory of Claire Krapf will be presented by Lift Your Spirits Performing Arts at 6 p.m. June 9 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 35 N. Ninth St. Admission is free, but freewill offerings will be accepted to benefit the students and church that Krapf served and loved. Donations will be shared between the Claire Krapf Memorial Scholarship at North Schuylkill High School and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, according to a release.

n Millersburg: The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art has extended the submission deadline for its 20th annual youth art contest. Submissions will be accepted until June 17. This year's theme is "Wildlife of the World." Aspiring artists grades 1-12 are encouraged to enter, Alexis Dow Campbell, the center's director of creative programming, said in a press release. All entrants will receive a Ned Smith Center Signature Series patch. All artwork must represent wildlife of the world in its natural habitat. All subjects depicted in the artwork must be identified - scientific and common name - and listed on the entry form. There will be four age categories. Certificates and ribbons will be awarded at the Ned Smith Center Nature and Arts Festival on July 27. All entries must be submitted with an official entry form, available for download on the Ned Smith Center's website at www.nedsmithcenter.org/youthartcontest. The rules also are available at the website. Questions should be directed to Beth Sanders, director of education, at 717-692-3699 or via email at anders@nedsmithcenter .org.

n Saint Clair: A trip the Hollywood Casino, Grantville, to benefit St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church is set to depart at 9 a.m. June 10. The cost is $20. Participants will receive $25 free play and a $5 voucher for the Epic Buffet. There will be bus pickups in Saint Clair and Frackville. For more information, call 570-429-2255.

n Schuylkill Haven: Kids' crafts events at The Arts Barn, 3 Berry Road, are set for 10 a.m. to noon June 15 and July 20. Children ages 5 through 12 will participate in a morning or artistic creations, according to a release. Kids will learn how to make their own clay millefiori beads and pendants to string into bracelets, necklaces and other decorations. The cost is $10 per child, which includes material and snacks. The Arts Barn will also have a Make Your Own Windchime event from 5 to 7 p.m. June 15. Artist Kathy Reinert will demonstration and teach her technique for constructing musical windchimes. The $10 fee will include light refreshments. Another program, Beginner Basket Weaving, is set for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 11. Toby Allender will take participants through the process of weaving a melon basket. The cost of $15 per person includes material. Fused Glass: Coaster Creations will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. July 19. Artist Amy Weidensaul will teach the basics of fused glass and give a demonstration on how to design and create a coaster. The fee of $45 per person includes all material, tools and snacks.

n Shenandoah: The Columbia Hose Company will hold its annual block party on the firehouse grounds, Centre Street and Stadium Road, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 7 and noon to 11 p.m. June 8. There will be a truck parade at 7:30 p.m. June 7. Disc jockey Grady will entertain June 7 and disc jockey Mush will take the stage June 8. There will be a moon bounce, face painting and games plus the fire company's "famous bleenies," according to a release.

n Shenandoah: The Bernardine Franciscan Sisters and Associates pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet and recite the rosary at 3 p.m. every Friday in the Father Walter J. Ciszek Chapel, 231 N. Jardin St., and the public is invited to participate. The chapel is adjacent to St. Casimir Roman Catholic Church, the native parish of Father Ciszek, who is a candidate for sainthood in the Catholic Church.

Veterans and citizens throughout Schuylkill County held or participated in Memorial Day ceremonies on Monday remembering America's fallen war dead and veterans who risked their lives for the freedom Americans enjoy.

The Pottsville Joint Veterans Council headed the observance in the city and the Veterans of the Vietnam War Post 29 lead services at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Schuylkill Haven. Girardville American Legion Post 309 played roles in ceremonies held in Girardville and the Maizeville section of Gilberton borough.

But ceremonies were held in practically every county municipality.

In Pottsville, a parade began at 10 a.m. at 12th and Market streets and ended at Garfield Square, where several speakers offered comments.

A police motorcycle led the way, followed by people carrying flags and city leaders including Mayor John D.W. Reiley.

The parade included the Pottsville Area High School Band, Pottsville's Third Brigade Band, Gilligham Charter School students, the 2013 Greater Pottsville Winter Carnival royalty, Schuylkill County Fair royalty, city fire trucks and even a truck from the Middleport Fire Company.

Children waved small American flags in the 600 block of Market Street. A girl clapped when she saw a fire truck along the route.

Standing near 12th street, two sisters, Kathy Hughes and Pat Roos, said they have attended the parade since they were young.

"We came to support our veterans," Hughes said.

Doreen Devitt, 49, and her friend, Colleen Yeager, 47, both of Pottsville, said they also attend annually.

"I appreciate the sacrifice," Devitt said of those who have served and are serving in the armed forces.

Four dachshunds accompanied them.

Margie Heffner, 71, wore patriotic colors for the day. From her socks, with little American flags, to her white capri's and blouse with stars and a red jacket. "I'm very patriotic," she said.

The service in Garfield Square started at 10:47 a.m.

Robert Bedford, president of the Pottsville Joint Veterans Council, welcomed the crowd of about 200.

James Muldowney, member of city council and candidate for mayor, was the master of ceremonies. He thanked veterans for their service.

Pottsville police Chief Joseph Murton V, who also is a church pastor, offered the invocation and the benediction and commented, "I ask that we do not forget what this day is all about. "Our country is free. Freedom does not come cheap."

Mayor John D.W. Reiley said everyone had gathered "to pay tribute to all the veterans."

Before the featured speaker, Theresa Santai Gaffney, Schuylkill County register of wills and clerk of the orphans' court, spoke, Lexi Tobash recited The Gettysburg Address. She is the daughter of state Rep. Mike Tobash, R-125.

Santai Gaffney, a veteran, spoke of those who answer the call to duty to serve the nation.

"The service members we honor today came from all walks of life, but they shared a special heritage ... a common bond ... the same values. They possess courage, pride, loyalty, respect, dedication to duty and integrity - all the qualities needed to serve a cause larger than one's self."

As Dylan Palamar, a junior at Nativity BVM High School and son of Pottsville Administrator Thomas Palamar, read the poem "In Flanders Fields," the Third Brigade Band played. The ceremony also included a roll call of deceased city veterans.

Bedford and Grand Marshal Mark Atkinson placed a wreath at the Civil War Soldiers and Sailors Monument in the square. Atkinson is a city council member and adjutant of Catholic War Veterans Post 105.

Vietnam memorial

Verna Dewald, Cressona, said she became emotional Monday after listening to taps played at the Schuylkill County Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Schuylkill Haven.

Her brother, Harold J. Kissinger 21, a Spec. 4 in the Army, died in Vietnam Sept. 17, 1968. His name is on the memorial along with others from the county who died.

"He was trying to save somebody else and he got shot," she said.

Dewald, 69, said she attends the service every year to honor Kissinger.

"He was the greatest brother anybody could ever want," she said, adding she was about 24 when he died.

Along with other family members from Michigan, she visited his grave Sunday at Mount Laurel Cemetery, Pottsville.

She was among some 200 on hand Monday for the annual Memorial Day program at Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The program is hosted by Veterans of the Vietnam War Post 29.

Guy Wiederhold, commander of the post, thanked the veterans on hand for their service. Speakers included students from the Schuylkill Haven Area High School Veterans Committee, Schuylkill County commissioners Gary Hess and George Halcovage and Schuylkill Haven Mayor Mike Devlin.

The Rev. Shawn D. Van Dyke, of First United Church of Christ, Schuylkill Haven, offered a prayer.

The program also included the National Anthem, the Pledge of Allegiance, song and a poem.

One of the songs was by Janet Enders, 57, of Pottsville, who sang, "Thank You is not Enough," in which she conveyed her feelings for those who serve our country. Proceeds from the song will go to the Wounded Warrior Program.

Hess said Memorial Day "remains one of America's most cherished and patriotic observances. It remains a day that we remember and honor those who gave of themselves ... Our task today is that we never forget that the price of freedom is not free."

Two wreaths were placed in front of the memorial.

at 2:09 p.m., taps would be played and a 21- gun salute.

Devlin said the flag had been placed at half mast to "honor ... all Americans who gave their life for this country while serving in the United States Armed Forces. They put their life on the line ... so we may enjoy the freedoms we so willingly use every day.

"We sometimes live our day-to-day lives by taking our freedom for granted. Today is the day we remind ourselves of the sacrifice they not only gave for us but for other countries as well so those people could experience the same freedom we enjoy."

Girardville, Maizeville

Girardville American Legion Post 309 did double duty on Memorial Day by conducting two ceremonies on Monday morning, the first in the Maizeville section of Gilberton borough.

The post began holding programs in Gilberton last year, with the first one held at the Veterans Memorial in the Mahanoy Plane section. The Legionnaires moved to the Maizeville Veterans Memorial this year and next year plan to hold the ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in the Gilberton section.

The backdrop for Monday's ceremony was the refurbished memorial, thanks to help from John W. Rich, president of the Gilberton Coal Co. Gilberton Mayor Mary Lou Hannon voiced appreciation for the donated work.

"The back area was crumbling," said Hannon before the program. " The guy came and cemented what needed to be done. I know that it's going to last another 100 years."

As the program started, the bells at the nearby St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church began to ring. The Rev. Roman Pitula, pastor, provided prayers for the invocation and benediction.

"I want to remind everyone today that Memorial Day is more than picnics and parks," Hannon said in her welcoming remarks. "We have to reflect and look back over the years to what our service men and women have done for us. If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be standing here today. We owe them a great debt of gratitude."

Post 309 Commander William "Bill" Gower provided the Memorial Day address.

"We're here today to honor our heroes and remember their achievements, their courage and their dedication and to say thank you for their sacrifices," he said.

Post 309 Judge Advocate Brian Gower offered a Memorial Day tribute post Adjutant Louise Canavan read, "In Flanders Fields."

Post Sergeant-at-Arms Michael Grady and Gold Star Brother Raymond Kostick place the wreath at the memorial in honor of Kostick's brother, Army Sgt. Paul Francis Kostick, who was killed in action on Aug. 25, 1969, at age 21.

The Girardville Legionnaires then moved a few miles west to Girardville for the Memorial Day parade and program. The parade traveled the length of Main Street to the Veterans Memorial with the North Schuylkill High School Marching Band, fire trucks from the Rangers and Girard hose companies, borough police and ambulance, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Girardville Little League and members of Shenandoah Boy Scout Troop 721. The borough fire police provided traffic control.

The invocation was presented by the Rev. Edward B. Connolly, pastor of St. Joseph and St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic churches, Girardville. The program closed with the benediction offered by the Rev. Mindy Heppe, pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Girardville.

William Gower welcomed the large crowd that attended the ceremony and gave his address. Gold Star Mother Sally McMonegal read "In Flanders Field. McMonegal and Michael Grady placed the wreath at the memorial, which has a plaque honoring her late son, Marine Corps PFC John Joseph McMonegal Jr., who was killed at age 19 on Aug. 29, 1967 in Vietnam when his jeep ran over a land mine. Louise Canavan read the oath a service men and women take when entering the military.

William Gower presented the "American Legion Certificate of Honor" and lapel pins to Shawn and Erin Meier, Girardville, in honor of their son, who recently entered the Marine Corps and is training at Parris Island.

Memorial Day continued on Main Street near the Legion post with a special display honoring service men and women who served in the country's history, with special focus on the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War.

The display was sponsored by the Girardville Historical Society and designed and created by member Rosalie Kuzma. Storyboards were hung on a fence, many containing newspaper clippings, especially from World War II, showing the large number of Girardville residents who were in uniform.

The man charged with seven felonies and two misdemeanors Saturday in connection with a house fire at 305 Howard Ave., Pottsville, had been using methamphetamine, police said.

"He admitted to using a controlled substance," said Pottsville police Capt. Richard Wojciechowsky on Monday about Stephen S. Campion, 20, of Pottsville.

Campion has been charged with seven felonies, criminal attempt-criminal homicide, aggravated assault, arson-danger of death or bodily injury, causing a catastrophe, arson endangering property-reckless endangerment of inhabited buildings, criminal mischief-damage property intent, reckless or negligence and two misdemeanors, terroristic threats with intent to terrorize another and simple assault, according to court documents.

He was arraigned at 6:42 p.m. Saturday by Magisterial District Judge Stephen J. Bayer, Tamaqua, and sent to Schuylkill County Prison unable to post $250,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is set for 9 a.m. Wednesday at the office of Magisterial District Judge James K. Reiley, Pottsville.

A 19-year-old woman was allegedly attacked by Campion with a machete and taken to Schuylkill Medical Center-South Jackson Street and to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest. Police did not release her name. Her condition could not be obtained Monday. Wojciechowsky said Monday that he thought she was still in stable condition. She suffered burns and injuries from the machete attack.

Wojciechowsky said the fire looked like it may have been started using lighter fluid but the lab tests are still outstanding.

A 17-year-old girl was taken by Campion. She later was returned to her residence.

Wojciechowsky said the investigation into the 17-year-old's still ongoing.

A call to George Stefnic, city assistant fire chief, about a damage estimate for the fire, was not returned Monday.

The Pottsville Fire Department, the Pottsville Police Department, the Schuylkill Haven Rapid Intervention Team, the Pottsville-Schuylkill Haven Area EMS and fire police responded to the scene.

GIRARDVILLE - Robert "Robbie" Krick has helped his community and beyond in many ways over several decades.

Now he needs help in order to save his life.

The borough man needs a heart transplant, but the costs of a transplant, along with large medical expenses he and his wife, Teresa, have incurred in the past few years are beyond what either can afford.

Luckily, Krick has many friends who have stepped up to start fundraising efforts. Krick recently met with some of those friends in borough hall to discuss his situation. Leading the fundraising efforts are local contractor David Kramer, former borough councilwoman Mary Beth Dougherty, and borough fire Chief Frank Zangari.

A special brainstorming session will be held at 7 p.m. today at St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church parish hall, Second Street and Mahanoy Avenue. Everyone interested in helping with fundraising efforts or other support ideas is welcome to attend.

Krick, 61, is well-known in Girardville as the owner of Krick's Automotive repair shop, along with more than 20 years serving on the borough council. He is a founding member of the Mahanoy Creek Watershed Association, an organization whose mission is to clean the waterway that runs though northern Schuylkill County, including the middle of Girardville and of the Girardville Historical Society.

Problems start

Krick's health problems began in August 2010.

"Three years ago I had my heart attack, and Frank (Zangari) saved my life," Krick said. "I was sitting in the truck and Frank asked, 'Are you OK?' I said that I was OK."

Zangari went home, but still had a nagging concern for Krick. He went back to see Krick.

"By the time I got back, he was very disorientated at the steering wheel. He was conscious, but very week," Zangari said.

Zangari took Krick to the former Saint Catherine Medical Center Fountain Springs. Krick was flown to Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, where he learned that he had taken a heart attack.

"I had a stent put in and was there for 10 days," Krick said. "I ended up back either in October or November that year and they diagnosed me with having heart failure.

"Before I was told about the heart failure my doctor came in and he said, 'You'll be dead in three years unless you get a transplant.' Maybe that was his way of saying 'Good morning.' I was thinking, 'Couldn't you be a little bit more subtle?' At first, I was angry, but later I'm grateful he did that because it made me realize that this wasn't going to be an easy fix."

Krick went to Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, for a consultation with a transplant surgeon. He was told that he wasn't bad enough for a transplant at that time, but learned he would be eligible in two or three years.

Late last November, Krick wasn't feeling well and went to Geisinger, where he passed out in the waiting room.

"I don't remember most of it. I was in a room with ventilators in me and my doctor telling me he was sending me to Penn (University of Pennsylvania Medical Center)," Krick said.

"When you were in Geisinger, I was told that you 'coded' three times and brought you back three times," Kramer said.

Krick stayed at Penn for about two months, followed by three weeks in rehabilitation.

"I was 150 pounds when I was at Penn. I couldn't roll over in bed," Krick said. "I couldn't stand. It was pretty ugly."

Five days after leaving Penn in February, Krick went back for another medical issue. He was placed on the transplant list, having strengthened enough physically to be able to survive a transplant procedure.

Krick has a device in his chest to assist his heart until he has a transplant.

"If the batteries go dead, I'm done. I keep them charged," Krick said with a laugh. "I have extra ones in the truck."

Paying the bills

Krick said the bills are substantial. It costs $1,000 for an ambulance to take him from Penn to the rehabilitation center.

"The total bill for my stay at Penn was $988,000, and I think it was more than $200,000 at Geisinger," he said. "The doctor fee per visit was $170. I've been pre-approved by the insurance company for the transplant, but that paperwork doesn't say they're going to pay for everything."

Due to the medical issues, Krick has not been able to work at his business, but gets assistance from his son, Nigel, when he can.

"One unique thing about Robbie is he never knew how to say no," Zangari said, referring to Krick at his business. "No was never in his vocabulary no matter what you asked him for.

"I felt the same way about him on council. He was the 'go-to guy' that you could take things to and get some civil answers. Even if he couldn't fix what you were trying to fix, he was willing to take a shot at exploring the issue and trying to find some results."

Kramer said Krick has been an instrumental part of the watershed association.

"Robbie is a founding member and on our board of directors," Kramer said. "Robbie is such a vital part. When we've had cleanups along the creek, he's been there to help. Like Frank said, he's a guy that never says no. He's an asset to whatever organization he belongs to. We've decided to do whatever we can to help."

Dougherty served on the council most of the years Krick did, and said he did a lot of things that people didn't know about to help the borough.

"He did a lot a behind-the-scenes stuff that people don't know about," she said. "He would stop at the school on his way home from the garage in the dark to make sure the furnace was running and there was oil to make sure there would be heat for the biddy basketball games the next night. He would take time from his job to come over to the borough building for meetings or talk to an engineer who stopped. He would drop what he was doing to come over and always be available for the borough."

In addition to Tuesday's meeting, anyone interested in helping financially can send a donation to the Rob Krick Heart Fund, c/o Warren "Nick" Lane, 938 Centre St., Ashland, PA 17921.

The Girardville Knights of Columbus is also holding a hoagie sale. Deadline for orders is June 17, with delivery to the Sheridan Room at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Girardville, on June 25. Order forms are available in the back of St. Joseph and St. Vincent churches.

For additional information, go to the Rob Krick Heart Fund on Facebook.

How to help

· A brainstorming session for fundraising and other support ideas for Robert "Robbie" Krick will be held at 7 p.m. today at St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church parish hall, Second Street and Mahanoy Avenue, Girardville.

· Send donations to the Rob Krick Heart Fund, c/o Warren "Nick" Lane, 938 Centre St., Ashland, PA 17921

· The Girardville Knights of Columbus is holding a hoagie sale. Order deadline is June 17, with delivery to the Sheridan Room at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Girardville, on June 25. Order forms are available in the back of Girardville's St. Joseph and St. Vincent churches.

· Visit the Rob Krick Heart Fund page on Facebook.

HARRISBURG - A flashpoint is emerging over a proposed rewrite of the state open records law concerning how to deal with record requests that governments consider "unduly burdensome."

The new legislation by Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, R-9, Chester, offers several changes to the 2008 law that set a legal presumption for the first time that records of government agencies are considered public documents.

Pileggi said the time is right to consider changes to the open records law because of recent decisions handed down by state appeals courts and unanticipated events such as the high volume of commercial and prison inmate-filed requests. The role of the state Office of Open Records, which decides whether a record is a public record, is addressed in the legislation, too.

But testimony at a recent Senate hearing highlighted differences in opinion over a bill provision allowing governments to petition the court for a protective order against burdensome requests for records made by the public.

The Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors said it is aware of problems with Right to Know Law requests filed by people upset with a citation relating to an enforcement action or compliance with an ordinance.

"Townships are seeing the Right to Know Law used as a hammer to harass the municipality or a neighbor," said PSATS President Lester Houck. "Some of these requestors submit voluminous, weekly requests simply to cause problems because of a gripe with the neighbor or township."

That same provision struck Ernie Schreiber, executive editor at Lancaster Newspapers, as ill-conceived.

"It is an automatic out for any agency that wants to avoid accountability," he said. "When a request is filed, the agency can simply file a petition to the court, a proceeding that would deter many requestors who do not have the legal resources to go to court."

Terry Mutchler, director of the open records office, said the provision would enable governments to bypass dealing with her agency and go to the courts instead.

The independent status of the OOR would be reinforced under the legislation. A provision would enable the office to review actual documents in private to see if they should be released.

The OOR should also be given power to enforce its rulings that grant access to records, said Kim de Bourbon, executive director of the Pennsylvania Freedom of Information Coalition.

The current law allows an agency to do nothing in response to an OOR ruling that it must release records, she said.

HEGINS - The Tri-Valley School District received two grants from the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

EI Associates, the district's architectural firm, announced the grants at the school board meeting held earlier this month.

The grants, awarded through CFA's Alternative and Clean Energy Program, will provide financial assistance to develop and construct alternative and clean energy projects at the district's two elementary schools to reduce energy costs.

Mark Snyder, Tri-Valley superintendent, said the upgrades are needed at the elementary schools.

"These funds will enable us to achieve high performance buildings while providing our students with a 21st Century educational environment," Snyder said. "Though the Hegins-Hubley and Mahantongo Valley Elementary Schools have each served us well for over 50 years, their electromechanical systems have far surpassed their life expectancy and are failing. These grants will enable us to perform the necessary renovations to these two facilities while significantly defraying the cost to our taxpayers."

Local officials applauded the grant award, saying it will help the district make important renovations.

Specifically, Hegins-Hubley and Mahantongo Valley elementary schools received $565,000 and $320,000, respectively, to put toward building renovations.

At Hegins-Hubley Elementary, the grant, matched by local funds, will be put towards a new ground-source geothermal HVAC system, installation of energy-efficient lighting and building thermal envelope upgrades. The district anticipates saving 370,583 kilowatts annually. The district also expects to save more than 218,000 gallons of water, or 40 percent, annually with the installation of new low-flow water.

Using similar renovations at Mahantongo Valley, the school will save more than 101,500 gallons of water, or 68 percent, annually. The project will eliminate fuel oil as an energy source, reducing energy consumption by 230,776 kWh annually.

When the renovations are completed, both schools will achieve the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold certification.

Solicitor Paul Datte, the districts bond counsel, attended the meeting to discuss the borrowing arm of the project. He said the district would borrowing $1,250,000, and Gratz National Bank offered the district a 0.69 percent on taxable basis for one year.

Datte said the borrowing resolution to accept the bond anticipation note can be approved at the June 12 meeting. This will also be the meeting where PlanCon F will be ap-proved and the project will be re-leased for bidding.

EI Associates gave the district a schedule, noting that bids should be accepted and begin construction at the Sept. 11 meeting, with the project complete by December.

FRIEDENSBURG - Pine Creek Country Gardens is planning a "Pink Weekend" - and business owners aren't just talking about plants.

A portion of proceeds from the sale of select items Friday through Sunday - including annuals, hanging baskets and pink plants - will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

A monetary goal has not been set.

"I think it's going to be a big success," said Greg Glunz, who co-owns the full-service garden center with his brother, Jimmy Glunz, at 1425 Long Run Road.

This marks the first time the business is holding the event, and Greg Glunz said it might become an annual one.

Chelcey Behm, assistant annual grower, said the event originated when Eddie Glunz, general manager, read something about the idea in a garden growing magazine.

The store will have extended hours Saturday and Sunday. It will be open for regular hours, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

In addition to sale prices, those attending can buy tickets for a raffle featuring gift cards and gift baskets, with tickets costing $1 each. A bake sale is planned, and Nuthin' Fancy BBQ, Pine Grove will have chicken and other food for sale Saturday and Sunday.

On Sunday, visitors can sample wine from Stone Mountain Wine Cellars Sunday and enjoy music by local musician Sterling Koch.

Mud & Maker, Pottsville, will be on site for children and adults Saturday and Sunday to build a terrarium. There is a small cost involved.

The weekend will be held rain or shine. For more information, call 570-739-1140.

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - Schuylkill Haven Area High School's 92 seniors did a lot to make it to Rotary Field for commencement Friday evening.

"We've worked hard, played hard, studied even harder and earned the privilege of being here today," Amanda Renae Tokarick, class president, said.

Salutatorian Matthew Adam Seltzer thanked family, friends and teachers for their support and time and turned his attention his classmates in closing.

"Thank you for making these 13 years memorable. I am proud to be graduating with you all here tonight," he said.

Valedictorian Jordan Christopher Russial acknowledged the parental sacrifice that got his classmates to this point.

"They loved our chubby cheeks in elementary school, put up with us in high school and now can't wait to get us out the door at the end of high school," he said.

Russial expressed hope for the school district's future.

"I'm thankful for our close-knit Haven community," he said. "We're there to pick each other up when we're down, and cheer for one another when we succeed. That spirit of fellowship was embodied in us by the community we grew up in, and I know all in attendance here this evening share in the hope that the school board, administration, teachers, and community can come together to solve the budgetary issues the district is facing."

Rising costs have forced the district to consider furloughing teachers and raising taxes.

Schuylkill Haven attorney James Caravan, Schuylkill Haven's valedictorian in 1972, bestowed "greetings from the future" and several pearls of wisdom upon the seniors.

"There is one truism that applies to all graduates," he said. "Your families are extremely proud of you. You cannot imagine the sense of exhilaration and relief that they are experiencing at what you have accomplished. Consequently, this would me a most opportune time to ask them for money."

Caravan asked that the graduates plan for living their lives to expect the unexpected and be adaptable to whatever occurs in life.

"All of you will continue learning for the rest of your lives," he said. "Change will happen. I urge you to embrace the experience. Avoid stress as much as possible. Set a goal and work toward it. You may be surprised to find that one day you have indeed achieved what you set out to do. But you must begin by resolving to try."

In his closing, Caravan quoted the Doors' Jim Morrison and gave students "the best advice that I can give you from the future. This is the dawn of your adult life. Let it not be wasted."

A lack of adequate seating for the teachers attending Friday's ceremony prompted ushers to hurriedly carry more chairs to the field during the processional.

3 escape injury in

two-vehicle crash

MAR LIN - Three people escaped injury in a two-vehicle accident on the Minersville-Pottsville Highway, Route 901, in Norwegian Township Thursday morning, state police at Schuylkill Haven said Friday.

At 10:43 a.m. Thursday, James A. Ponter, 49, of Pottsville, was driving a 2004 Dodge Durango north on Route 209, Bunting Street, at the intersection of Route 901. With him was Evan J. Ponter, 21, of Pottsville, police said.

Rose T. Horan, 89, of Pottsville, was driving a 2003 Kia Spectra east on Route 901 in the left travel lane.

Ponter attempted to pull into the intersection as Horan passed the construction zone and turned into the right lane. The vehicles collided. The left front end of Ponter's vehicle hit the right front of Horan's, police said.

Ponter will be charged with a stop sign violation, police said.

Following the accident, both vehicles were able to pull off the road, police said.

WILLIAMSTOWN - Students wore blue and white on Gerald Stauffenburg Field at Viking Stadium one last time Friday evening as Williams Valley High School said farewell to its 84 seniors at its commencement ceremony.

"Luckily for us, Mother Nature has allowed us to be here tonight rather than in the gymnasium," William Schaeffer, senior class president and salutatorian, said during his oration. "So many memories were built on this field: From coming to football games as kids in elementary school, we couldn't wait for our turn to play on this field; From playing in our last soccer matches to the last football games on here. It is only fitting that we end our careers here at Williams Valley between these historic pines."

Jolene Smith, senior class advisor, said it was a dream of the senior class to bring graduation back to the football field after many years in the gymnasium.

"They are not the first group to ask to do this, but they are the first to see it through. They are the ones that came up with the chairs that they needed, the sound system they needed, and overcame the obstacles so that they could do this," Smith said before introducing the senior to retrieve their diplomas.

High School Principal Tracey Weller presented seniors with their academic awards during the ceremony. Thirty-four of the 84 students graduated with honors.

Class Valedictorian Marilyn Geist drew inspiration from the British science fiction television show "Dr. Who" for her oration.

"In life, we likewise face challenges. The question is not if we will meet challenges, but when and how we will respond to them that determines our success," Geist said. "The Doctor relies heavily on his sonic screwdriver to fix the problems he faces. We also have tools to assist us: friends, family, mentors and sometimes pie. Learn to rely on the people who love you for guidance and director and don't be afraid to ask for help when you really need it."

Dennis Jansen, student council president, and Ashley Machamer, National Honor Society president, also shared a few words with their fellow classmates and those in attendance before the students went their separate ways.

As the 48th class to graduate from the Williams Valley School District, Superintendant Dr. Donald Burkhardt said the Class of 2013 is now a part of history at the school.

"You had a year to remember," Burkhardt said. " 'Don't tell me the sky is the limit when there are footprints on the moon.' That is your motto. Well you have lived up to your motto."

n Ashland: The annual joint installation of officers for the Rotary clubs of Ashland, Frackville, Mahanoy City, Ringtown, Shenandoah and Tamaqua will be hosted by the Mahanoy City club at Mahanoy City Elks Lodge, East Centre Street, on June 19, according to a report at a recent meeting of the Ashland Rotarians. Sharon Benner, according to the Rotary bulletin, will be installed as Rotary District 7360 governor for the 2013-14 Rotary year. Installation festivities will be held at the Country Cupboard, Lewisburg. The Ashland club will sponsor two outdoors concerts this summer. The Shoreliners will perform on July 18 in the parking lot at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and The Cressona Band will perform on Aug. 14, at Eureka Park. The latter concert will be preceded by the club's annual chicken dinner. Both concerts are free and open to the public. The Hegins-Valley View Rotary Club will celebrate the 75th anniversary of its chartering on June 15 at The Cedar Lodge, Route 147, Millersburg. Dinner will be served at noon, followed by other events. When the Ashland Community Flag Committee needed a sponsor some years ago, the Ashland Rotarians took on the challenge, according to the bulletin. Several members have been active in placement of the American flags throughout community's main streets for national holidays throughout the year. Some new flags have been purchased to replace weathered flags. Money is needed to cover the expense. All citizens are urged to support the flag project by donating funds. Checks can be made payable to the Ashland Rotary Community Flag Committee and sent to Jim Gruber. Rotarians also said the local food pantry needs donations of packaged food that is not outdated to help people who are experiencing difficulties.

n Frackville: At a recent meeting of the Frackville Rotary Club, Rotarian John E. Domalakes, chairman of the club's Schuylkill Keep It Pretty cleanup effort, thanked fellow Rotarians John Tarson, Noreen O'Boyle, Karen Domalakes and Bob Savitsky for their participation in this year's campaign. He also said four students who participated were credited with community service hours. Past District Governor Noreen O'Boyle and club President Suzanne Domalakes attended the district conference held May 18.

n Gordon: The combined, multi-class Gordon School Reunion and Homecoming will be held Aug. 10 in the social hall of the Gordon Municipal Building. It will be the 12th such reunion and have an additional guest list to include all who reside and those who have resided in Gordon. Anyone with a family member, neighbor or friend who has not been contacted is asked to contact the organizing committee and provide addresses for the committee to make contacts, especially to people who are out of the area and may wish to attend. For more information, contact the following committee members: Betty Lou Bridal, 570-875-2958; Susan Hocking, 570-875-1389; Lynn Korn, 570-875-0289; Bruce Mervine, 570-875-1481; Faythe Mervine, 570-875-1273; Pat Monroe, 570-544-8156; Cathy Troutman, 570-875-0548: Helen Wolfgang, 570-590-3446; Rose Yost, 570-875-2801; and Joanne Young, 570-875-2586.

n Mahanoy City: Post Q Anthracite Region, Travelers Protective Association of America, will honor high school students for their involvement in their schools and communities via the presentation of Altruism Awards at 6 p.m. June 5 in the Good American Fire Company Hall, 738 E. Mahanoy Ave. Ten graduating seniors from the following high schools will be honored: Mahanoy Area, Marian, Tamaqua Area, North Schuylkill, Shenandoah Valley, Pottsville Area, Nativity BVM, Blue Mountain, Schuylkill Haven Area and Minersville Area. Since the Pottsville Post O and Mahanoy City Post Q joined to form Post Q, Anthracite Region, the post has expanded its Altruism program from two schools to 10 to honor more students for their work in their communities, post President Bill Kern Jr. said in a press release. "We hope to see a lot of our members attend this prestigious ceremony,'' Kern added.

n Shenandoah: The Diakon Senior Community Resource Center, 116 N. Main St., will have a yard sale from 8 a.m. to noon today in American Legion Memorial Garden in the 100 block of North Main Street.

HEGINS - Tri-Valley High School bid farewell to a class of competitors, who excelled both in athletics and academics.

The 58th annual commencement was held in the football stadium Friday evening, and 83 members of the Class of 2013 received their diplomas.

Joseph W. Dietrich, president of the Class of 2013 greeted those in attendance. He expressed the classes sincere gratitude to all the teachers that helped the class along their way - specifically referring to one of their favorites, ninth-grade English teacher Michael Snyder.

"Mr. Snyder referred to studying like eating a banana," Dietrich said. "He said if you put too much in, you will choke and puke and the same goes for trying to eat an entire banana in one swallow, you will choke and puke."

As the audience chuckled, Dietrich said he knows Snyder's theory is not correct because fellow classmate Dustin Miller proved him wrong. Dietrich said he is the only person that he ever saw actually put an entire banana in their mouth and eat it in one swallow.

Dietrich said the class was very competitive, right down to the final, very tight race for class valedictorian.

Courtney Lyn Radel, daughter of Ron and Janet Radel, both teachers in the district, was named valedictorian. She plans to further her education at Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, to major in creative writing.

"This is a moment of change," Radel said. "With every change, there is a goodbye. Tonight we say goodbye to the people here at Tri-Valley, and now look ahead and prepare for the next step in our lives.

"We aren't our parents' little girls and little boys any longer, but we will always remember everything our parents, teachers and staff did for us while growing up and being a student at Tri-Valley. The memories will tie us together."

Coral Marie Chiaretti, daughter of Alisa and Leo Chiaretti, was salutatorian. She plans to attend Lycoming College, Williamsport, and major in mathematics.

Class secretaries Hailey Nicole Deibert and Leena Irelynn Reilly accepted the diplomas and asked the class to join them in turning their tassels.

"This is the moment you have all been waiting for, now you can friend request all your former teachers on Facebook," said Reilly.

A musical selection was offered by seniors Vince Cody Fritz, Robyn Janae Wehry, Reilly and Deibert.

Guest speaker was Evan Terwilliger, valedictorian of Tri-Valley's Class of 2009. He encouraged the class to determine what they would give up their life for, what they will do with that and what they are becoming with that. He told the class, "service is love made visible."

ORWIGSBURG - Chris Cable told the Blue Mountain Class of 2013 to be willing to adapt to changing circumstances, "make an impact" in what they do and find what their passion is.

"If you can find something you love doing 75 percent of the time, I think you're in a great place. I would challenge you to strive for that," he said.

Cable, a 2003 graduate who lives in Manhattan and is a certified public accountant, was the guest speaker at Friday night's commencement at the Eagles' Nest where 241 seniors graduated.

Cable compared the world today versus what it was when he left his alma mater 10 years ago, noting that Facebook, Twitter and the iPhone didn't exist yet and gas was cheaper.

"Whatever it is you do, whether through public service, through mentoring others, through outstanding leadership or through simply being sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, make an impact. Leave every organization and every relationship you partake in with the mark of your character and you will have made that impact."

Superintendent Robert Urzillo urged the graduates to challenge themselves.

"Success will only come from within yourself. Push yourself from the easy to the difficult. Listen to criticism. Set aside vanity and learn from your mistakes. Adapt to changing circumstances and play to your inner strengths. There are no guarantees on this earth. There are only opportunities.

Take advantage of the opportunities which are afforded and mold and shape those opportunities and the pattern will assure you success."

Salutatorian Rebecca Lukasak said the graduates worked hard to get to this point in their lives.

"Blue Mountain was the place where we started to shape who we are," she said.

Valedictorian Jacqueline Boran said her classmates should not stop learning.

"No matter what path you make take, seize the opportunity to learn," she said.

Before school board President Mary Jo Moss gave out diplomas at about 6:54 p.m., high school Principal Kevin Berger spoke of athletes who failed but kept trying including Mickey Mantle, Michael Jordan, Vince Lombardi, and Wayne Gretzky.

"Motivation and perseverance were the keys to their success," he said.