Kulpmont offices closed today

KULPMONT - The Kulpmont Borough office and code enforcement office will be closed today in observance of the Fourth of July Holiday and will reopen at 8 a.m. Friday.

The Kulpmont-Marion Heights Joint Municipal Authority office will also be closed today.

Patriotic car cruise set for Sunday

SHAMOKIN - Citizens for a Better Community will host a special patriotic car cruise Sunday.

Drivers who want to be a part of the cruise are asked to bring their vehicles to Spangensburg's Drive-In at 3:30 p.m. The classic vehicles will then get on Route 61, traveling to Route 487 and then to Route 54, passing through Natalie to Atlas, and then back on Route 61 through Kulpmont into Shamokin, ending on Independence Street. The vehicles will then be on public display from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

There is no entrance fee, judging or trophies, just the chance for owners to show off their vehicles. Vendors are welcome to participate.

Transportation notice for Line Mtn.

MANDATA - The Line Mountain School District has released its transportation notice for the 2013-14 school year.

Bus changes are in effect for the 2013-14 school year for the Line Mountain School District. If a child's address or address of a sitter has changed, of if the child will need a different bus stop than last year's, parents are asked to notify the transportation office immediately. Changes requested late in August may not take effect until after the school year starts.

Requests may be made by calling the transportation office at 758-2645, extension 6018.

TUSCARORA - The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced Wednesday the Tuscarora State Park Beach, Barnesville is closed until further notice.

Officials closed the beach due to recent results from water quality bacterial test samples. The area will remain closed to swimming until further notice.

DCNR reported in a press release that water testing is continuing and the area will reopen just as soon as the water quality returns to acceptable levels.

SHAMOKIN - The City of Shamokin has been approved for a $2.8 million federal loan to restore the American Legion building in the downtown district.

City Clerk Steve Bartos announced at Wednesday's city council workshop that the $2,827,900 U.S. Department of Agriculture Community Facility Loan was approved Monday. Coupled with the city's contribution of $200,000, a total of $3,027,900 has been obligated toward the Legion restoration project.

Council members agreed with Bartos' recommendation to review the numerous requirements of the loan

package before taking action at August's meeting.

Bartos said entities that utilize the American Legion building, including the Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library, Shamokin Youth Basketball League, American Legion, Anthracite Heritage Museum and Anthracite Railroad Club have agreed to conduct a capital fund-raising campaign to help offset restoration costs.

"It's a huge building with a lot of potential," commented Councilman R. Craig Rhoades. "We would like to restore the building back to its condition when it was built in 1922 and utilize as much of it as possible."

Rhoades commended Bartos and other city staff for their hard work in getting the loan approved for the project, which was initiated in November 2011.

City officials also are looking to secure a tenant for the basement of the building, which has been vacant since the senior action center relocated to the west end of the community a few years ago.

In other business, Henry Linton, finance officer for the local American Legion, requested permission to move a VFW monument from the 200 block of East Independence Street near the Shamokin Post Office to an area on East Lincoln Street where other war and veterans memorials are erected.

Linton said the VFW monument has been vandalized over the years and is not located in an ideal spot. He said veterans groups in the area have agreed to pay for site preparation work if the monument is moved.

Council members agreed to review Linton's request and add it to Monday's meeting agenda.

Council also will consider a request Monday night from Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities Executive Director Jeanne Shaffer to install a "miner" sign recently displayed at the annual arts festival in a lot along Route 61 at the eastern entrance to the city.

Solicitor H. Robert Mattis said the installation of the sign also must be approved by PennDOT since it would be located along a state highway.

During a special meeting prior to the work session, Mayor George Rozinskie, Rhoades and Councilmen Michael Snyder, William Strausser and William Milbrand approved a resolution to borrow $110,000 from Susquehanna Bank to cover costs for the demolition of three properties in the 700 block of North Shamokin Street.

Bartos said the demolition costs totaled $110,000. He said the city paid out $52,000 through its general fund to PPL, Madonna Enterprises Inc., Forester Environmental and Lycoming County Landfill for work associated with the demolition project, but still owes the four companies a total of $58,000.

The city clerk said the loan will be closed out next week.

Bruce Rogers was hired as a part-time assistant code enforcement officer at $10 per hour without benefits. Rogers, who has been an active firefighter and chief for many years, will work between 20 and 30 hours per week.

Council unanimously approved a 50-cent per hour raise for Lawton Shroyer Memorial Swimming Pool employees Paula Gilger and Peggy Ferrari. The raises are retroactive to the beginning of the pool season.

DANVILLE - No one was injured after a handgun accidently fired inside a Geisinger Medical Center emergency room on June 27.

According to a statement from Michael Ferlazzo, public relations specialist for Geisinger Health System, the incident happened at approximately 8 p.m. and occurred inside a trauma bay.

"The handgun fell from the pocket of a trauma patient as the patient was being turned by clinical staff during treatment," Ferlazzo said.

No one was injured and Mahoning Township Police were called in to secure the weapon.

The Press-Enterprise newspaper, of Bloomsburg, reported that the weapon was a .38 caliber handgun, for which the patient had a permit.

The bullet entered the top of a wall near a ceiling, and was stopped by a metal conduit.

A police representative said no criminal charges will be filed in the incident.

Ferlazzo said the hospital's public safety department have been briefed on the incident and the way things were handled for further review.

SHAMOKIN - Demolition of a vacant double home on West Spruce Street that collapsed Monday will begin Friday morning.

During Wednesday night's workshop of Shamokin City Council, community development director Lynn Dixson reported Madonna Enterprises Inc. has been awarded a $21,000 contract to raze 613-615 W. Spruce St.

Dixson said Madonna, which was the low bidder for the project, will begin work Friday and possibly continue through the weekend in its effort to tear down the hazardous property as expeditiously and safely as possible. City Clerk Steve Bartos said the project is scheduled to be completed in about 10 days.

The demolition will be paid for with Community Development Block Grant funding, which has been approved by the state.

Dixson noted the state

waived its usual 10-day waiting period for demolition due to the emergency situation created by the collapsed structure.

Mayor George Rozinskie and Councilmen William Strausser, William Milbrand, R. Craig Rhoades and Michael Snyder approved the demolition contract by telephone Tuesday so work could begin as soon as possible.

Bartos said the 600 block of West Spruce Street will only be open to local traffic during demolition work.

After the second story at the rear of the property collapsed Monday morning, the city declared a state of emergency at the site. On Tuesday morning, the rear of 613-615 W. Spruce St., shifted further against the home of Elaine Kramer at 617 W. Spruce St.

The vacant double home had been owned by Katherine Hovenstine and the late James E. Hovenstine, who died in August 2011. It is now in the stewardship of Northumberland County after property taxes went unpaid in full since 2008.

Kramer and another neighbor, Kelly Lynch, of 619 W. Spruce St., said complaints about the property's condition had been made to City Hall periodically over at least the past three years.

Kramer's home has sustained water damage which she believes is a direct result of being partially attached to 613-615 W. Spruce St.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area School District advised residents that the tax bills they received in the mail last week are in error and should be disregarded.

Taxpayers will be receiving revised bills in the mail that will have the letter "R" printed after the tax bill number. These are the correct bills that should be used when residents are paying their taxes.

Those who have already sent in their payment are asked to contact their tax collector.

Anyone with questions should contact the school district at 339-1500.

Farmers market held each Saturday

ASHLAND - The Ashland farmers market is held from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays through the summer and fall in the 700 block of Centre Street. The market is sponsored by the Borough of Ashland and Ashland Recreation Committee.

Transfig Festival to return this year

SHAMOKIN - Transfiguration Church's annual parish festival will return in 2013; the event will be held from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, and from noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4.

The festival was not held in 2012 due to flood damage in the church hall kitchen. No other establishment was available to make the food.

Entertainment will be provided by "Remember When" from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, "Soundwave" from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, and "Big Al and the Loozers" from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Registration open for Ta-Ta Trot

SUNBURY - The fourth annual Ta-Ta Trot will kick off at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 13, during the Sunbury Celebration on North Fourth Street next to the YMCA.

The event benefits the Geisinger Marie Lamey Fund and Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition.

Live broadcast with Y106.7 will start at 7 a.m., and opening ceremonies start at 7:50 a.m.

A donation of $25 for teens/adults and $15 for children is required for participation.

Performance T-shirts are $15. Pink ribbon recognition signs honoring survivors are $10.

Call 214-5066 or go to www.tatatrot.com to register, get more information or sponsor the event.

COAL TOWNSHIP - A Springfield home was destroyed by fire Thursday morning, displacing a family of five.

The roof above the rear porch at 1262 Chemung St. collapsed on top of three firemen while they worked to douse the flames. They were shaken up but suffered no serious injuries, and all three returned to their duties at the scene, according to Mike Timco, assistant fire chief of Coal Township Fire Department.

The fire was reported at 6:22 a.m. Flames spread throughout the entire first floor and into the second floor so quickly that firefighters were able only to execute an exterior attack.

"The entire first floor was fully involved. There were flames coming out the whole first floor and lapping up into the second floor," Timco said.

"It was too well involved, we didn't want to risk it," he said of choosing not to send firefighters into the home. "It burnt too well for too long prior to us getting there."

The cause and point of origin remain under investigation. Kevin Malukas, the township's deputy fire chief, said the cause doesn't appear suspicious. A state police fire marshal is expected to investigate at the scene this morning.

The home was a double home that has since been converted into a single. It is owned by Joe Bielski and his wife, Linda. They lived there with their three children, William, Kristine and Mariah. Both Timco and Malukas said they were unable to speak at length with the Bielskis since William suffered a burn on his hand and was taken for treatment.

All five were home at the time of the blaze, Malukas said.

Location an issue

The home's location presented challenges to firefighters. There is no alley behind it, and no access for fire apparatus at the home's rear. Also, aerial equipment could not be used.

The deck guns on the engines from the Maine and Brady fire companies were used to knock down the fire from the front. Hose was run to the sides and back.

The siding on neighboring 1268 Chemung St., also owned by the Bielskis, melted from the heat and the house was hosed down to protect it from sustaining further damage. That home is vacant and is under remodel.

Firefighters

Kevin Fisher of Brady Fire Company, Dan Fisher of Uniontown Fire Company and Andrew Hauer of Coal Township Rescue Squad were standing on the back porch of 1262 Chemung St. dousing flames with water when the collapse occurred.

"Thankfully there wasn't a lot of debris and we were able to get them out," Timco said.

Kevin Fisher was taken to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, Coal Township, for evaluation. Dan Fisher and Hauer were evaluated at the scene by ambulance personnel. All three returned to finish the job.

"We had a lot of help," Timco said of the efforts of all of the firefighters on scene. "The guys did a really good job."

The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes and fully extinguished in about two hours. The scene was cleared at 12:23 p.m.

Members from the entire Coal Township Fire Department responded to the scene: Brady, Maine, Fairview, East End, Uniontown and Forrest Hill fire companies and Coal Township Rescue. They were assisted by members of Shamokin's Independence and Rescue fire companies and the Shamokin Rescue Squad. AREA Services and Americus Ambulance, Sunbury, also responded. Kulpmont Fire Department and Atlas Fire Company were placed on standby.

KULPMONT - Plans are set for Sunday's San Marizale Parade through the borough.

Our Boys Band, of Kulpmont, will lead the parade.

The procession, in which members of the faithful carry a statue of San Marizale, the patron of Isca sull' Ionio, Calabria, Italy, collecting donations, will begin at 1 p.m. at Holy Angels Church, 855 Scott St. Those who will participate and march are asked to meet at the church at 12:30 p.m. Participants are invited back to the church picnic grounds after the parade to enjoy food and refreshments.

The event marks the return of the Our Boys Band, which formed originally under the leadership of Angelo Alexander Sr. in 1921 and was turned over to his son, Angelo Jr.

On Sunday, the band will be under the leadership of Bill Milbrand, of Shamokin, with Alexander's blessing.

Five former Our Boys Band members have committed to playing in the San Marziale Parade, including community volunteers and members of the Mount Carmel Area and Line Mountain marching bands. Milbrand expects a full set of musicians to play Italian symphonic marches in the parade.

While the San Marizale statue moves through the borough, money will be pinned on the statue. These donations will be given to Holy Angels Church.

The parade route will leave Holy Angels Church, travel up Ninth Street to Pine Street, from Pine Street to Sixth Street, from Sixth Street to Spruce Street, from Spruce Street to 11th Street, from 11th Street to Poplar Street for two blocks, from Poplar Street to 13th Street, from 13th Street to Scott Street and back to the church.

The event is coordinated and sponsored by Bressi Family Foods, Landscape Services, Holy Angels Church and its Holy Name Society, the Kulpmont Council of the Knights of Columbus and various dedicated individuals and businesses.

Any local businesses or individuals who want to be a named or anonymous sponsor can contact Bressi at 373-9433 or Tom Letcavage at Landscape Services at 274-1508.

LOCUST SUMMIT - A 24-year-old New York man drowned while swimming Thursday afternoon in an abandoned mine pit along Route 901 in Mount Carmel Township, according to Northumberland County Coroner James F. Kelley.

Benjamin Taus, of West Babylon, had jumped into the water from a 20-foot cliff at the mine pit known locally as "The Slopes," according to Patrolman Brian Carnuccio of Mount Carmel Township Police. Witnesses told police that he surfaced for about 20 seconds before submerging again.

They thought he went under to swim but he never resurfaced.

His body was recovered by dive team members about 30 feet below surface.

Kelley pronounced Taus dead at the scene at 5:05 p.m. The cause of death was accidental drowning.

Toxicology testing was performed at Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, Coal Township. Kelley said there will not be an autopsy.

The incident occurred on the Mahanoy Mountain between Locust Summit and Locust Gap. It was reported at 2:50 p.m. Taus was located at 4:40 p.m. and recovered nine minutes later.

Second fatal

A 14-year-old Mount Carmel boy, Randy Zigarski, died in May 2004 at the same mine pit. A cross placed in his memory remains along the state highway at the entrance to the path that leads to "The Slopes."

The land is owned by Reading Anthracite. A gate at the entrance along the state highway was locked and no cars or trucks were at the scene, police said, but there were several all-terrain vehicles.

Township Patrolman Daniel Politza said Taus was with a group of five or six people, including his girlfriend and his brother, whom Kelley later identified as 23-year-old Peter Taus. Both of them are also from New York. Carnuccio said police were told they were at the mine pit with a Lavelle man.

Assisting at the scene were dive team members of Sunbury and Mahanoy City fire departments along with members of Locust Gap Fire Department, Mount Carmel Rescue Squad and Mount Carmel Police.

Kelley noted that Tony Rosini, Northumberland County district attorney, was notified of the drowning.

ELYSBURG - The Grand Carousel at Knoebels Amusement Resort was given a birthday bash Thursday for its 100th year.

The anniversary arrived around the same time the Travel Channel named the park No. 2 in its Top 10 amusement parks across the country, topping such heavies as Walt Disney World, Six Flags and Hershey Park. The affordable prices, family friendly atmosphere and old-fashioned ambiance won it the distinction.

Hundreds of parkgoers stopped to watch a small parade make its way to the carousel, led by Buddy and Dick Knoebel and their sister, Leanna Knoebel Muscato, with mainstay mascot Kozmo and newcomer Dexter in tow.

The Knoebels each shared a bit of their own personal history with the famed carousel.

Buddy called it the "heartbeat" of the park. Leanna agreed, saying "The Grand Carousel will always be the heart and soul of Knoebels."

"When the organ is turned on and is playing the happiest music on Earth, the park seems to come alive," Buddy told the crowd.

Their uncle Grover operated the Grand Carousel and would read the comics to Buddy in between rides. When he grew older, Buddy himself operated the carousel.

Dick recalled hearing of how the 27-ton carousel was delivered on two old trucks in 1941. The ride was so heavy, the front end of one truck lifted off the ground while it attempted to climb a hill. The carousel was set up in 1942, but was left dormant with the rest of the park in 1943 because of World War II. The park reopened in 1944 with the carousel as a main attraction.

The carousel must have been a comforting ride to Dick in his youth. As a child, Dick said he'd wandered off into the park. His family searched high and low and eventually found him asleep inside a chariot on the carousel while it spun around and round.

Birthday cake

Cake was handed to passersby and everyone was invited to ride the carousel at no cost.

Bits of history on the carousel were on display beneath the birthday cake pavilion across from the 100-year-old ride, including some original parts and information on its creator, George William Kremer.

Kremer was a German immigrant who was a glassblower before working in carousel production. Two of his carousels remain in use: the Grand Carousel at Knoebels and the Lakeside Park Carousel in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.

He built the Grand Carousel in 1913 in North Beach, Long Island. It was purchased years later by the Knoebels to replace the park's Gallagher Carousel.

According to Joe Muscato, director of the park's public relations, the carousel has undergone "extensive renovations" over the past three years. Colorful stenciling that had been painted over has returned to the sweeps, and several upper center panels have been repaired and restored. Some original rounding boards were uncovered and refurbished. They were originally painted by August Wolfinger.

Much of the restoration, Muscato said, was completed by Matt Wynn, a son of David Wynn, the ride's primary caretaker.

Trevorton Seniors

The Trevorton Senior Action Center held its monthly meeting Wednesday, July 3, with eight members present. Manager Diana Smeal and Theresa McCabe from Area Agency On Aging also attended.

The meeting was opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. The secretary's report was read and approved as read by Wanda Heath. In absence of the treasurer, there was no financial report for June. Joyce Koppen, a member of the travel committee, gave a financial report and also the up-coming trips being sponsored by the senior center.

The center will be sponsoring a trip to the Sands casino in August and a trip to Ehrharts at Lake Wallenpaupak in October for the fall foliage and a show and dinner. Dates and prices will be announced at the next meeting.

The seniors will be traveling to the Front Street Station Thursday. The sign-up sheet is available. An evening card party will be held at 7 p.m. Friday. Evening bingo on July16 and the Gratz auction July 19 with a members' birthday party to be held at 5 p.m. The center will be making and selling pierogies July 22 and 23, submit orders as soon as possible.

Evening bingo will be held July 23. The VNA will be at the center for blood pressure and blood sugar screenings from 9 to 10:30 a.m. July 26 ; breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m. July 29 with a trip to Walmart from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and an evening card party at 7 p.m. An evening bingo is set for July 30 and the next meeting will be held at noon Aug. 1. There are sign-up sheets for all activities.

A special thank you was offered to the Northumberland County Career and Technology Center greenhouse manager George Stahl for providing the center's members with beatiful plants.

McCabe thanked everyone who attended the agency picnic at Knoebels, a great turnout from all the centers, and she also spoke about the greenhouse and how the agency appreciates its thoughtfulness to all the centers.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:30 p.m. with pinochle and a board game following.

RIVERSIDE - The Backwoodsmen 4H Club recently held a graduation party for its seniors.

Emily Kate Greco, of Sunbury, is a graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes High School.

Emily has been a member of 4H for 10 years. Her projects include horse and leadership. She is a four-time state horse show qualifier. Emily attended the State Leadership Conference at Penn State and held the offices of secretary and historian for the club. Her volunteer activities include rock-a-thon, Christmas caroling and riverfront gardening.

Jolene Stassel, of Riverside, is a graduate of Danville Area High School.

Jolene has also been a member of 4H for 10 years. She has been involved in the horse, leadership, scrapbooking and cooking projects, as well as attending the State Leadership Conference. Jolene held the offices of treasurer and vice president for the Backwoodsmen, and is currently vice president of the Northumberland County council. Her volunteer activities include rock-a-thon, Christmas caroling and roadside cleanup.

Amber Rarig, of Danville, is a graduate of Danville Area High School.

Amber has been a member of the Backwoodsmen 4H Club for eight years. Her projects include horse, veterinarian science, leadership, air pistol and air rifle. She has qualified for the 4H state horse show, attended state leadership conferences and qualified for State Achievement Days, held at Penn State, in air rifle. Amber held the office of club reporter for the past four years and is involved in Northumberland County council. Amber is also a camp counselor at the multi-county 4H camp held at Camp Brule in Sullivan County. Her volunteer activities include rock-a-thon, Christmas caroling, riverfront gardening and roadside cleanup.

Summer is officially here. I love the sounds of summer - lawn mowers, mourning doves, thunderstorms, airplanes overhead, cicadas, sprinklers and children laughing and splashing in the pool. Days full of sun and big white fluffy clouds followed by nights filled with fireflies remind me of my school-free summers full of play and adventures, with the only thing to worry about was getting home in time for dinner. I think summer brings out the kid in us all, so be sure to embrace July and all it offers in the Susquehanna River Valley.

July is chock-full of festivals and shows. We have Lewisburg's Sidewalk Chalk Festival, the Sunbury Celebration, Mifflinburg's Blueberries and Bluegrass Festival, Selinsgrove's Antiques on the Avenue (formerly Antiques on the Isle), Danville's Iron Heritage Festival (Civil War-themed this year), and the qnnual Nature and Arts Festival at the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Arts south of Sunbury. Other must-see events include the amazing Heritage Aviation Days Airshow at the Selinsgrove Airport from July 19 to 21, Cruise-In at the Country Cupboard, Giant Multi-Site Yard Sale and Christmas in July at the Emporium in Mifflinburg. Road trip suggestion - a scenic daytrip to attend Eagles Mere's annual summer antique market.

The only thing better than acting like a kid this summer is being one. July's "Just for Kids" events offer a variety of themed camps and programs. Be sure to check out our website for more information on events at Owens Farms, the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art, the Packwood House Museum's workshops on painting, pottery and nature sketchbooks and the Mifflinburg Buggy Museum's summer history camp.

More live music resonates throughout the Susquehanna River Valley. Enjoy the summer concerts at Shikellamy State Park, Central Oak Heights, Slifer House Museum or in the towns of Sunbury, Milton, Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Mifflinburg and Catawissa - you'll find complete listings of concert days and times on our website. If marching bands get you pumped up, you will not want to miss the Cavalcade of Champions at Bucknell University today. Roadtrip suggestion - head north to Wellsboro and the surrounding area to enjoy thei two-week Endless Mountain Music Festival.

If being outside and enjoying the great outdoors is your favorite type of summer fun, July provides a plethora of choices. Animal lovers will enjoy the butterflies, "Dinosaurs Come to Life" or the new "Island Giants" Komodo dragon exhibits at Clyde Peeling's Reptiland; the wild and exotic animals at T&D Cats of the World, and the favorite and familiar animals found at Owen's Farm outside of Sunbury. Don't miss Sunbury's first annual Light Up the Sky kickball tournament today.

July showcases the Susquehanna River, offering the "Lewisburg Appetizer Kayak Trip," the "Peace of the Susquehanna Kayak Trip," the "McKees Adventure Guided Recreational Kayak Trip," the "Jewel of the West Branch Kayak Trip" or the River Town Paddle for Friends of the Milton State Park.

History and heritage lovers can check out the Gutelius House Museum in Mifflinburg and enjoy the many programs offered by the Union County Historical Society during their Bicentennial. You will not want to miss the Native American Historical River Tour July 29 - first come, first served, reservations required.

For more information on all July events in the Susquehanna River Valley, go to VisitCentralPA.org; sign up for our weekly e-newsletter; call us at 1-800-525-7320; stop by our Visitor Center on Route 15, or download our new mobile apps at www.VisitCentralPA.org/mobile.asp.

(Andrew Miller is the executive director of the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau.)

All Saints

All Saints Evangelical Lutheran, 12th and Scott streets, Kulpmont.

Pastor - The Rev. Alfred J. Bashore.

Worship service with word and sacrament - 9 a.m.

Participants - Richard Kovach, communion assistant and acolyte; Marsha Karnes, altar guild.

Assumption BVM

Assumption BVM Ukrainian Catholic Church, Paxton Street, Centralia.

Pastor - The Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Hutsko.

Confessions - Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

Divine Liturgy - Sunday, 11 a.m.

Augusta Baptist

Augusta Baptist Church, 1371 Boyles Run Road, Sunbury.

Pastor - Robert S. Commerford.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:15 a.m.

Evening service - 6:30 p.m.

Activities - Sunday, youth group, 6 p.m., Kids Club, 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Bible study and prayer meeting, 6:30 p.m.; fourth Thursday of the month, L.I.F.E. for seniors age 55 and up, noon.

Augustaville Wesleyan

Augustaville Wesleyan Church, 2556 State Route 890, Paxinos.

Pastor - Greg Clendaniel.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:40 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, adult Bible study, Faith Weaver Friends and youth Bible bowl, 7 p.m.

Bethany Bible

Bethany Bible Fellowship Church, 654 Wilburton Road (across from Mount Carmel Estates), Mount Carmel.

Pastor - Philip Norris.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:45 a.m.

Guest speaker - The Rev. Alva Cassel.

Message - "Freedom."

Activities - Wednesday, children and youth programs and adult prayer and Bible study, 7 p.m.; July 14, concert by the New Dawn Singers, 10:45 a.m.; July 22 to 26, "SonWest Roundup" vacation Bible school, 6:30 to 8 p.m., call 339-4693 to register.

Bethany EC

Bethany EC Church, 1238 Market St., Ashland.

Pastor - Mark Brownson.

Sunday school - 9:15 a.m. (adults and children).

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Activities - Wednesday, Bethany Bible club, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., kindergarten through sixth grade, prayer meeting, weekly, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; free clothing closet, every first and third Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bethel Union

Bethel Union Chapel, West Cameron Township.

Pastor - Dave Butler.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m. (all ages).

Morning worship and junior church - 10:30 a.m.

Special music - Kerry Segar.

Nursery - Lindsay Schaffer and Tami.

Evening worship - 6 p.m.

Activities - Tuesday, prayer worship, 6 p.m.; Wednesday, Bible study, 6 p.m.

Calvary Bible

Calvary Bible Fellowship Church, 35 S. Second St., Shamokin.

Pastor - Ferdie Madara.

Sunday School - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship service - 10:35 a.m. Praise team and Holy Communion.

Message - "The Deep Things of God."

Activities - Sunday, fellowship meal in the hall.

Church of Our Lady

Church of Our Lady, 47 S. Market St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. Francis J. Karwacki.

Weekday Masses - 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday.

Weekend Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 8:30 and 11 a.m.

Confessions - Daily before 8 a.m. Mass; Saturday, 3 to 4 p.m.

Church of Nazarene

Church of the Nazarene, Route 901, Lavelle.

Pastor - Jeremy Smallwood.

Sunday school classes for all ages - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:45 a.m.

Clark's Grove UMC

Clark's Grove United Methodist Church, Irish Valley Road, Paxinos. Handicapped accessible.

Pastor - Billy Frick.

Early service - 8 a.m.

Sunday school for all ages - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:10 a.m.

Divine Redeemer

Divine Redeemer Church, West Avenue and Poplar Street, Mount Carmel.

Administrator - The Rev. Martin O. Moran III.

Weekday Masses - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 7 a.m.; Saturday at 8 a.m.

Weekend Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m. (Sunday obligation); Sunday, 8 and 10:30 a.m.

Holy day Masses - 6 p.m. eve of holy days. 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. (holy day).

Holy hour - First Friday of the month, 3 to 4 p.m.

Confessions - Saturday, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.; after morning novena Thursday, during First Friday Holy Hour or any time by appointment.

Novenas - Monday, Miraculous Medal novena after morning Mass; Thursday, St. Jude Thaddeus novena after morning Mass; Saturday, St. Francis novena after morning Mass.

Elysburg Alliance

Elysburg Alliance Church, 113 W. Alpha Ave., Elysburg.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Stan Sanger.

Morning worship - 8 and 10:30 a.m.

Sunday school for all ages - 9:15 a.m.

Kids' Konnection - 6 to 7:30 p.m. Ages 4 to 11.

Activities - Collide youth group, 6:45 to 8:15 p.m.; adult Bible study and prayer, 7 p.m.

Elysburg Presbyterian

Elysburg Presbyterian Church, 320 W. Valley Ave. (Route 487), Elysburg.

Pastor - Matthew Young.

Worship service - 9 a.m., with nursery provided.

Sunday school - 10:30 a.m., for all ages.

Message by Pastor Young - "The Fruits of the Spirit Part I - I Believe in the Holy Spirit."

Scripture reading - Galatians 5:22-25.

Musicians - Debbie Cecco, organist; Eileen Reigel, pianist, and contemporary praise group.

Activities - Sunday, Lifetree Cafe, "Coping with Grief," 7 p.m.; Monday, Bear Gap Anchor Group, 7 p.m.; Thursday, women's prayer group, 6:30 p.m.; Friday, Breakfast with Jesus, 8:30 a.m., 5th Quarter, movie "The Life of Pi," on the lawn for students grade 5 through 12, 9 p.m.

Elysburg UMC

Elysburg United Methodist Church, 171 W. Center St., Elysburg.

Pastor - The Rev. Michelle Beissel.

Morning worship - 8:30 a.m, Nursery care provided for children up to four years of age. Children's Sunday school during worship.

Adult Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Participants - Sarah Woodring, scripture reader; Brian and David Manney Jr., head usher; Stephanie Myers, acolyte; Joyce Rumberger and Arlene Gutekunst, greeters; Edna Ehret, shepherding; Olivia Bodner, organist; Nan Willer, choir director.

Activities - Monday, Lydia's Club, 6 to 8 p.m., trustees meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Circle of Prayer, 10 a.m.

Emmanuel UMC

Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 328 Center St., Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Betty Ford.

Coffee fellowship - 8 to 9 a.m.

Worship - 9:30 a.m., with children's Sunday school.

Activities - Tuesday and Thursday, exercise class, 6:30 p.m.; third Wednesday of the month, cookie ministry, 5 p.m.; second Saturday of the month, health screening, 8 to 10 a.m.; fourth Sunday of the month, movie night, 5 p.m.

Faith Bible

Faith Bible Church, Burnside.

Pastor - Perry Ross.

Pianist - Robert Witmer III.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Evening service - 7 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, Kids Club, Bible study and prayer, 7 p.m.

Faith Community Church

Pastor - Dale Hill, 751-5101.

Sunday worship - 10:30 a.m.

First Baptist, Shamokin

First Baptist Church, 10 E. Lincoln St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Samuel Derr.

Church school - 9:45 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:45 a.m.

Choir organist - Judith Pensyl.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Pianist - Redelia Shoffler.

Activities - Wednesday, choir rehearsal, 6 p.m., prayer, praise and testimony, Bible study, 7 p.m.

First Baptist, Trevorton

First Baptist Church, 510 S. Ninth St., Trevorton.

Pastor - Dan Conklin.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:40 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Sunday, youth group, 5:45 p.m., choir practice, 7 p.m.; Tuesday, ladies Bible study, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Wednesday, prayer and Bible study, 7 p.m.

First Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church, Sunbury and Liberty streets, Shamokin.

Pastor - Pastor Jeff Russell.

Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Participants - Noriene Ladd, organist; Mary Anne Stump, assistant organist; Carole Oxenrider and David Boyer, ushers/greeters; Andrew Ladd, acolyte; Terry Persing, Charlene Lesher, and Wendy Wary, Sunday school/nursery; William Persing Sr., sexton; Wendy Wary, secretary.

Activities - Monday, VBS meeting, 6 p.m.; July 21, welcome dinner for Pastor Jeff Russell after worship. Sign up in the back of the sanctuary or call the church and leave a message. Aug. 12 to 16, "Kingdom Rock" vacation Bible school for ages 4 to 12.

First UMC, Kulpmont

First United Methodist Church, Ninth Street, Kulpmont.

Pastor - Beverly Petrovich.

Worship - 9:30 a.m., with children's Sunday school.

Activities - Second Saturday of the month, Angels Table luncheon, 11 a.m. All are welcome.

First UMC, Mt. Carmel

First United Methodist Church, 46 N. Hickory St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. Susan J. Roehs.

Worship service - 9:30 a.m., downstairs social room.

Guest organist - Mark O'Hearn.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Sermon - "The Rock and His Shadow" by Pastor Roehs.

Participants - Jim Weissinger, head usher; Anne Sauger, greeter; Bret Getty, sound technician; Linda Gula, liturgist; Pastor Susan, children's time; Jonas Bettleyon, acolyte; Dolores Klusman, counter.

Activities - Monday, finance committee meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Brownie troop, 6:30 p.m., Al-Anon, 7 p.m.; July 17, summer book club meeting in the parsonage, 6:30 p.m. The book to read is "America the Beautiful" by Dr. Ben Carson.

First UMC, Shamokin

First United Methodist Church, Sunbury Street, Shamokin.

Pastor - Zachary Hopple.

Adult and children's Sunday school - 9:15 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Participants - Carole Hepner, liturgist; Lee and Nan Weller, greeters.

Activities - Ad council meetings are canceled for the summer.

Good Shepherd

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 35 N. Ninth St., Ashland.

Pastor - The Rev. Dana Heckman-Beil.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Grace Chapel

Grace Chapel, 126 Airport Road, Shamokin.

Pastor - Alan Langelli.

Morning worship - 9:30 a.m.

Bible fellowship groups for all ages - 10:45 a.m.

Evening worship, Youth group - 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday Bible study and prayer. - 6:45 p.m.

Nursery care is provided for all Sunday services.

Participants - Ray Petro, Bill Swank, Steve Carpenter and Paul Costa, ushers; Vic Klein, Bible reading and prayer.

Praise team - Cathy Klinger, music director, pianist and vocalist; Rob Klinger, drums; Marcy Donmoyer, flute; Emma Donmoyer, keyboard; Edwin Karns, Donna Blue, Diane Seger, Karen Graboski, Lori Langelli, Sandy Thomas and Ed Begis, vocalists; Luke Donmoyer, sound system; Joe Long, camera; Joe Buczeskie, computer system.

Upcoming events - Sunday and July 21, CLD leaders meeting; Wednesday, ladies fellowship; Thursday, men's prayer breakfast; Friday and July 13, "The Art of Marriage" seminar; July 14, outdoor evening service; July 16, business meeting; July 17, congregation meeting; July 20, youth swim party.

Grace Evangelical

Grace Evangelical Independent Church, Locustdale.

Pastor - The Rev. Rose M. Marquardt.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 11 a.m.

Grace Lutheran

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 10 S. Seventh St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. David M. Byerly.

There is no Sunday school for the summer.

Service of the Word and Sacrament - 10:15 a.m.

Participants - Joan Lineweaver and Roger Giffin, worship assistants; Cameron Wayne, acolyte; Sara Yoder Family, communion bearers; Shelley Faust and Sara Yoder, altar care; Sandee Cupp and Art Martin, greeters; Jeffrey Clutcher, Bill Hoffa, Jim Shingara, John Strausser, Ron Weller and Frank Yost, ushers; Walter Boyer, organist; Charlene Pell, choir director.

Activities - Tuesday, joint stewardship/evangelism committee meeting in fellowship hall, 7 p.m.; Thursday, book discussion group in Pastor Byerly's office, 1:30 p.m.

Grace Lutheran

Grace Lutheran Church, 146 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Joan Brown.

Service with communion - 10:45 a.m.

The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost.

Participants, Linda Rubendall, organist; Zachary Hunter, lector; William Brass and Robert Brass, ushers; Charles Barnes, bell ringer; Judy Barnes, secretary.

Services for June and July will be held at Grace Lutheran Church. Next Sunday will be Food Pantry Sunday.

Grace UCC

Grace United Church of Christ, Third and Market streets, Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. Joan A. Brown

Morning worship - 9 a.m.

Participants - Bryan Lapinski, organist; Aurora Froutz, acolyte; Roy Edmonds and Dennis Stone, ushers.

Activities - July 14, annual church picnic at Ponduce, 10 a.m.; Aug. 11, picnic at Green's Grove.

Harvest Worship

Harvest Worship Ministries, 2079 Upper Road, West Cameron Township, 850-4280, harvestworshipministries.com

Pastor - Sandy Wary.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley Community Church, 162 Hidden Valley Lane, Mifflinburg. A non-denominational Bible church.

Pastor - Gary L. Owens.

Adult Sunday school - 8:45 a.m., under the direction of Tom Welling.

Coffee fellowship - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10 a.m., clubhouse. Casual dress welcome.

Participants - Steve Foster and Eunice Boyer, pianist; Dustin Pfirman, head usher; Bill Wolfe, Galan Beach, Pat McGovern and Earl Bowersox, ushers; Jean Welling, communion steward; Sharon Stamm and Jean Welling, prayer lists and card ministry.

Activities - Today, kids carnival to benefit Operation Heal Our Patriots via Samaritan's Purse, 9 a.m.; July 29 to Aug. 2, vacation Bible school, "Fiesta," for kids up to and including sixth grade, 9 a.m. to noon.

Himmel's Church

Himmel's Church, 1941 Schwaben Creek Road, Rebuck, 425-2200.

Pastor - Pastor Jane H. Compton.

No Sunday school.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of every month.

Activities - July 21, outdoor service at the picnic grove; Aug. 25, outdoor service at the picnic grove; Sept. 8, homecoming/heritage service with speaker Bill Swinehart and communion, covered dish lunch to follow; Sept. 15, social, 9 a.m., Rally Day service with puppets, 9:30 a.m.

Holy Angels

Holy Angels Church, 855 Scott St., Kulpmont.

Pastor - The Rev. Andrew Stahmer.

Confessions - Saturday, 4 to 5 p.m.

Weekday Masses - Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m., Monday and Thursday, 6:30 p.m.

Weekend Masses of Obligation - Saturday, 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Activities - Sunday, St, Marziale procession, 1 p.m.; Tuesday, bingo in Holy Angels Activity Center, doors open at 4:30 p.m., games begin at 6:15 p.m.; Wednesday, picnic committee meeting, 7 p.m.

Holy Trinity

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 150 E. Lincoln Street, Shamokin.

Clergy - Rev. Fred Stevenson and Deacon Richard Hazzard.

Sunday worship - 10 a.m. with Holy Eucharist. Children's Sunday school during worship. Coffee hour following worship.

Participants - Susan Zaner, greeter; Carol Hazzard, lector; Joe Dobrzyn, intercessor; Sunday school children, oblations; Joe Dobrzyn and Chester Wolfe, ushers; Joshua Bashore, Hannah Bashore and Kyrsten Kinneman, altar servers; Grethel Vinup, organist.

Activities - Wednesday, Holy Eucharist and healing, 10 a.m.

Hope Community Church

Hope Community Church, non-denominational Bible church, 551 W. Fourth St. (formerly Lazarski's Banquet Hall), Mount Carmel.

Pastor - Dan Renno.

Christian education for all ages - 9 a.m.

Fellowship time - 9:45 a.m.

Praise and worship service - 10:15 a.m.

Irish Valley UMC

Irish Valley United Methodist Church, Irish Valley Road, Paxinos.

Pastor - Beverly Petrovich.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Johnston City UMC

Johnston City United Methodist Church, 200 Main St., Ranshaw.

Pastor - Dan Siddle.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Worship leaders - Barbara Cummings and Janette Nute, greeters; Rena Keegan and Jane Klembara, acolytes; June Ramer, Rena Keegan and Janette Nute, ushers; June Ramer, Jane Klembara, Rena Keegan and Myra Golden, liturgists; Jane Klembara, musician; Pastor Siddle, speaker.

Living Power Ministries

Living Power Ministries, 45 E. Fourth St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor/teacher - Walt Kriskie.

Pre-service prayer - 10 a.m.

Praise and worship - 10:30 a.m., followed by a celebration service.

Sunday evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Every Wednesday, mid-week Bible study, 7 p.m., refreshments served.

Miller's Crossroads

Miller's Crossroads UMC, 1929 Plum Creek Road, Stonington, Sunbury RR 4.

Pastor - Michelle Beissel.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:45 a.m.

Participants - Betsy Bradigan, organist.

Ministry of the Water and Spirit

Ministry of the Water and Spirit Church, 110 Church St., Locust Gap.

Pastor - James Bowers.

Sunday service - 10:30 a.m.

Mother Cabrini

Mother Cabrini Church, North Shamokin Street, Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Martin Kobos, O.F.M. Conv.

Parochial vicar - The Rev. Adam Ziolkowski, O.F.M. Conv.

Sunday Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 7, 9 and 11 a.m.

Confessions - Daily, 7:30 to 7:50 a.m.; Saturday, 3 to 3:45 p.m.

Recitation of the Rosary - Monday through Friday, 5 p.m., in the church. Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Activities - Monday, bingo in church hall, 6:15 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, communion calls to the scheduled parish homebound.

Mountainside

Mountainside Assembly of God, 1900 Trevorton Road, Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Richard H. Earl.

LIFEQuest breakfast for all - 9 a.m.

LIFEQuest classes for all ages - 9:30 a.m. with nursery available.

Morning worship - 10:30 a.m.

Evening activities - 6 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, SUPERKids for ages 5 to 11 and adult discipleship, 6:30 p.m.

Mount Zion

Mount Zion Welsh Congregational United Church of Christ, Grant and Church streets, Shamokin.

Pastor - Gerald Lloyd Jr.

Guest pastor - Shirley Yolton.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Scripture - Luke 10:1-11, 16-20.

Sermon - "Freedom in Christ."

Participants - Philip Maue, organist.

New Life Church

New Life Church of God, 129 W. Second St., Mount Carmel.

Interim pastor - The Rev. John D. Ashbaugh.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m., with junior church and nursery available.

Handicap accessible, wheelchair available, church side/back entrance.

Activities - Prayer room open mornings; prayer, fellowship and coffee, Saturday mornings, 9 a.m.; July 28, evening praise and worship service, 7 p.m.

Oak Grove UMC

Oak Grove United Methodist Church, Marley Road, Overlook.

Pastor - The Rev. Zachary Hopple.

Worship - 9 a.m.

Sunday school for all ages - 10:35 a.m.

Activities - Monday, Bible study, 6 p.m., at First United Methodist Church; Thursday, free karate classes at church, children ages 5 to 12, 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.; 13 and up, 7:30 p.m.; Open Arms outreach, 6 to 8 p.m., first and third Fridays of the month.

Our Lady of Hope

Our Lady of Hope Parish, Chestnut and First streets, Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Adrian Gallagher, O.F.M. Conv.

Daily Masses - Monday through Friday, 7 a.m., Holy Spirit chapel.

Weekend Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 7 and 11 a.m.

Holy Day of Obligation Mass - 5:30 p.m. Vigil Mass and 7 a.m. morning of the Holy Day.

Sacrament of Reconciliation - Saturday, 3 to 3:45 p.m.

Peifer's Evangelical

Peifer's Evangelical Congregational Church, Mandata Road, Herndon.

Pastor - Bradley D. Hatter.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church, 599 W. Center St., Elysburg.

Pastor - The Rev. Alfred P. Sceski.

Masses - Weekdays, 8 a.m.; Saturday, 5 p.m.; Sunday, 8 and 10:30 a.m.

Confessions - Saturday, 4 to 4:30 p.m.

Restoration Ministries

Restoration Ministries Church, 525 W. Chestnut St., Shamokin.

Pastor - Paul K. Eby.

Pre-service prayer - 9 a.m.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m. for all ages, JoAnne Long, superintendent.

Sunday worship service - 10:30 a.m. Pastor Paul will speak. The worship team will lead praise and worship. Special prayer will be available. Nursery care will also be available.

Children's church - 11:15 a.m. for ages 4 through 11, directed by Shirley Cintron.

Student Life Ministry youth service - 6:30 p.m. for all teens ages 12 to 18.

Activities - Monday, God's Grub for the community, 5 to 7 p.m.; Tuesday, cross training youth disciple class, dinner at 3 p.m., class taught by Fran Jones from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, Soul Seekers group for ages 18 and older, 7 p.m.

St. John Lutheran

St. John Lutheran, 29 High Road Danville.

Interim pastor - Bruce Amme.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

St. John's UCC

St. John's United Church of Christ, 117 N. Eighth St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Dr. Robert B. Peiffer.

Contemporary service - 9 a.m., Fellowship Hall.

Sermon - "The Beloved Community Welcomes All Tribes."

Special music - Praise team.

Coffee social hour - 10 a.m., Fellowship Hall.

Sunday school classes do not meet during the summer months.

Traditional service - 10:30 a.m., sanctuary.

Sermon - "How Much More?"

Special music - Margaret Morris.

Children's message - Maggie Jasper.

Participants - Margaret Morris, organist; Casey Henninger, pianist; Karen Peiffer, lay reader, and Brittany Bendas, acolyte.

Activities - Monday, new members class in the pastor's office, 6 p.m.; Tuesday, Worship Band rehearsal, 6 p.m., Fellowship Hall.

St. John's UMC

St. John's United Methodist Church, 1218 W. Arch St., Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Karyn Fisher.

Lay leader - Paul Stehman.

Worship - 9 a.m.

Nursery available during worship for children up to age 5. Children's church available during worship following the children's message for ages 6 to 10.

Sunday school for all ages - 10:15 a.m.

First Sundays, holy communion; Sundays, youth fellowship with Kool Kids for ages 4 to 9 and Lifesavers for tweens and teens, 5:30 p.m.; Monday, men's work group, 6 p.m.; Wednesday, Bible study, 6:30 p.m.; Friday, Narcotics Anonymous, 8 p.m.; Saturday, choir practice, 8 a.m., "Book and Breakfast" women's fellowship, 9:15 a.m.

Confirmation class forming for the fall.

St. Joseph's Church

St. Joseph's Church, 11th and Walnut streets, Ashland.

Pastor - The Rev. John W. Bambrick.

Sister Elizabeth Kealy, IHM, director of religious education.

Confessions - Saturday, 3 to 3:30 p.m. Any time by appointment.

Rosary prayed before all Masses.

Mass schedule - Today, 4 p.m. (Vigil for Sunday); Sunday, 8:30 a.m.; Monday and Tuesday, 8 a.m.; Wednesday, adoration all day from 9 a.m., concluding with night prayers, benediction and Miraculous Medal devotions at 4:45 p.m., Mass at 5 p.m.; Thursday, 8 a.m.; Friday, noon; first Fridays Sacred Heart devotions.

St. Ann's Chapel, open each day for prayer. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon; Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

St. Mark Lutheran

St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 225 N. Market St., Elysburg.

Interim pastor - Bruce Amme.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Activities - Wednesday, AA meeting, 7 p.m.

St. Matthew Lutheran

St. Matthew (Slovak) Lutheran Church, 301 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Joan Brown.

Service with communion - 10:45 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 146 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel, during June and July.

St. Michael Orthodox

St. Michael's Orthodox Church, 131 N. Willow St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Very Rev. Michael H. Evans.

Divine Liturgy - 9 a.m.

St. Patrick

St. Patrick Church, 331 W. Shamokin St., Trevorton.

Pastor - The Rev. Adrian Gallagher, O.F.M., Conv.

Weekend Masses - Sunday, 9 a.m.

Weekday Mass - 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Sacrament of reconciliation - Wednesday after morning Mass or during the day.

St. Paul Lutheran

St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4663 Upper Road, Gowen City.

Pastor - The Rev. David Byerly.

Service of Word and Sacrament - 8:15 a.m.

Participants - Claire Bonshock, lector; Holly Kerstetter and Carol Shinskie, communion assistants; Spencer Balonis, acolyte/crucifer; Walter Boyer, organist and choir director.

Activities - Tuesday, joint stewardship/evangelism committee meeting, Grace Church fellowship hall, 7 p.m.; Thursday, Book Group in Pastor Byerly's office, 1:30 p.m.

St. Paul's Reformed

St. Paul's Reformed United Church of Christ, Gowen City.

Pastor - Jerry Schlegel.

Worship time - 9 a.m. with Communion.

Scripture - Psalm 133

Message - "Mountain Dew and Sweet Perfume."

Participants - Cliff Artman, organist.

St. Pauline Visintainer

St. Pauline Visintainer Center, 1150 Chestnut St., Box 115, Kulpmont.

"Chapel of the Crucified."

Eucharistic adoration - Friday, noon to midnight, and Saturday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

St. Pauline Visintainer Center, open Saturday, Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

Relics on display of Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, spouse of Mary, and St. Peter Apostle.

St. Peter's Lutheran

St. Peter's Evangelical Church, Aristes.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Joan Brown.

Service and Sacrament of Holy Communion - 9 a.m.

Participants - Linda Rubendall, organist; Carol Buffington, choir director; Gloria Klemas, lector.

SS Peter and Paul

SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Avenue and Beech Street, Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Hutsko.

Confessions - Saturday, 3:15 p.m. and Sunday, 8:15 a.m.

Weekday Divine Liturgies - 8 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Weekend Divine Liturgies - 4 p.m. Saturday and 9:15 a.m., Sunday.

Religious education classes - 6 to 7 p.m. Monday.

St. Peter's UCC

St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Overlook.

Pastor - Paul T. Gurba Jr.

Morning worship - 8:30 a.m.

Organist - Virginia Nefsky.

St. Stephen's

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Fourth and Maple streets, Mount Carmel.

Clergy - Rev. Frederic Stevenson.

Service - 8:30 a.m., Holy Eucharist.

Handicapped accessible.

Activities - Second and fourth Saturdays, 6:15 p.m., Holy Eucharist at the St. Stephen Center.

Salem UCC

Salem United Church of Christ, 1300 W. Pine St., Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Jean Eckrod.

Morning worship - 9 a.m. Sacrament of Holy Communion will be celebrated.

Participants - Ashley Shamblen, acolyte; Judie Zabawsky, lay leader; Julie Updegrove, beginners class; Barbara Skrivanek, junior class; Carolyn Weaver, organist; Sherry Glosek and Lisa Scicchitano, community assistants; MacKenzie Glosek and Sadie Komara, gifts of the people; Gail Abromitis, Sadie Komara and Judie Zabawsky, greeters; Kate Glosek, Lindsay Glosek, Taylor Kashner and Brooke Strausser, ushers; Dwayne Scicchitano, lighting/sound.

Special ministry - This is Spare Change Sunday. Members are asked to bring and donate their spare change to be used by the Worship and Music Committee for special events and to spruce up the sanctuary.

A quiet room for infants and nursery care for intants and toddlers is available during the morning worship at 9 a.m. Christian education is provided for children 3 to 12 years old immediately after Children's Time at the beginning of morning worship.

Activities - Monday, making pigeons starting at 8 a.m.; Wednesday, Senior Day at Carmen's Italian Restaurant, Danville, leaving the church at 11:30 a.m.

Salvation Army

Salvation Army Christian Enrichment Center, 1300 W. Spruce St., Coal Township.

Commanding officer - Maj. Tina Streck.

Holiness meeting (worship) - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday school - 10:45 a.m.

Seibert Evangelical

Seibert Evangelical Congregational Church, Route 147, Herndon.

Pastor - Bradley D. Hatter.

Worship - 9 a.m.

Sunday school - 10:15 a.m.

Seventh Street

Seventh Street Primitive Methodist Church, 34 N. Seventh St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. David Wildoner.

Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Morning worship and Children's Church - 11 a.m. Speical offering to help the family of the Rev. George Kropp (Helping Hand Fund).

Message - "Communion"

No Bible study Sunday evening for the summer.

Participants - Kathy Albright, station steward; Joseph Rodman, head usher; Benjamin Brudnicki and Alaina Glowatski, acolytes; Bryan Lapinski, organist; Betty Maskowski, greeters for July; Art Walburn, Servant of the Month; Kathy Albright, children's church teacher; Maggie Moore, nursery worker.

A nursery is available for children up to five years during the morning worship service. Children's church is provided for children over five years.

Manna for the Many item for July is salad dressings.

Activities - July 15, planning meeting for the church's 140th anniversary; July 17, church picnic at Knoebels Amusement Resort.

Shamokin Alliance

Shamokin Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Second and Arch streets, Shamokin.

Pastor - Samuel Bellavia.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m. Classes available for all ages.

Worship services - 8:30 and 10:50 a.m.

Evening service - 7 p.m.

Offered are small groups and cottage prayer meetings for adults. Contact church at 644-1718.

Shamokin Seventh-Day Adventist

Shamokin Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 7 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin (former Jewish synagogue), 648-7770.

Pastor - John Peters.

Saturday sabbath school - 9:30 a.m., with classes for children and adults.

Saturday worship - 11 a.m.

Activities - Tuesday, Bible studies, 5 p.m.

Stonington Baptist

Stonington Baptist Church, Hosta Road, Paxinos.

Pastor - The Rev. J. Douglas Hallman.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Morning worship - 10 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, AWANA clubs for children in kindergarten through sixth grade and Word of Life clubs for grades 7 to 12, 6:30 p.m., prayer service, 7 p.m.; July 28 to Aug. 1, vacation Bible school, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Children pre-K to Sixth grade can register by logging onto the VBS website, www.groupvbspro.com/vbs/hl/stonington.

Trevorton UMC

Trevorton United Methodist Church, Shamokin Street, Trevorton.

Pastor - The Rev. Al Schell Jr.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:45 a.m.

Participant - Nancy Korenkiewicz, pianist, organist and choir director.

Activities - Thursdays, Bible study taught by Roxanne Klinger, 7 p.m.; second Tuesday of the month, United Methodist Women, 7 p.m.

Trinity Evangelical

Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church, 28 W. Arch St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev Brian C. Betsworth.

Sunday school - 9:50 a.m.

Worship service - 11 a.m. A congregational meeting will be held following the worship service.

Activities - Wednesday, prayer and Bible study, 7 p.m.

Trinity Lutheran

Trinity Lutheran Church, 65 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. David Hauck.

Worship service - 10 a.m.

Participants - Ned Moser, lector; Carol Eidam, communion assistant; Jan Morrison, organist; Don and Sue Ponatoski, altar guild; Carol Eidam, counter.

True Grace

True Grace Bible Ministry, 950 W. Arch St., Coal Township.

Pastor/teacher - Michael Marcheskie.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday service - 10:30 a.m., with children's study time.

Activities - July 14, Friend/Family Day picnic, all are welcome.

United Presbyterian

United Presbyterian Church, 100 E. Fifth St., Mount Carmel.

Minister - The Rev. Ted Plott.

Worship service - 11 a.m. with Communion.

Message - "Siblings Sharing Burdens."

Scripture - Galatians 6:1-5.

Participants - Dale Schimpf, organist; Deb Wydra, acolyte; Ellsworth George, Andrew Mekosh, and Robert Shaw, ushers; Deb and Nick Wydra, greeters.

Activities - Wednesday, Westminster meeting, 7 p.m.

Victory Bible Church

Victory Bible Church, Snydertown Highway, three miles from Elysburg.

Pastor - Kevin Kline.

Worship - 10 a.m., with Sunday school for youth at the same time.

Evening worship - 7 p.m.

Wilburton UMC

Wilburton United Methodist Church, Wilburton.

Pastor - Rose M. Marquardt.

Worship service - 8:45 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Zion UMC

Zion United Methodist Church, Aristes.

Pastor - The Rev. Rose M. Marquardt.

Worship service - 9:50 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Zion Methodist

Zion United Methodist Church, Trevorton Road, Coal Township.

Pastor - Rev. Betty Ford.

Sunday school - 10:30 a.m.

Worship - 11 a.m.

Activities - Wednesday, Bible study, 1 p.m.; first Tuesday of the month, United Methodist Women, 7 p.m.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; yoga, pilates, stretch and tone, 9:30 a.m.; crafts, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; high impact power walk, 9 a.m. shopping at Boscov's, arrive at destination at 10 a.m., depart for home at 1 p.m.; bridge, noon.

Wednesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; bridge lessons, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; low impact stretch and tone, 9:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, nickel bingo, noon.

Saturday - Cards, 7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m.

Mount Carmel

Monday - Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; HSIM exercise, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bean bag, 12:30 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Coffee and the news, 9:30 a.m.; chit chat, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Chit chat, 10 a.m.; HSIM exercise, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Coffee and gab, 9:30 a.m.; favorite TV show, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle, 12:15 p.m.

Friday - Chair dancing, 10 a.m.; HSIM exercise, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

Monday - Wii in the morning; bean bag, 10:30 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii and noodle balloon in the morning; commodity food pickup; cards, noon; Bible study, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Wii, noodle balloon, puzzles and knitting in the morning; LCR and Bunco, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Wii in the morning; guest speakers Ellen Popson and Mike Smith from LIFE Geisinger on what they have to offer, noon; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii, noodle balloon, puzzles and knitting in the morning; lunch at Bonanza, 11 a.m., cost of trip is $2; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

We will be having the chronic disease self-management program starting Thursday, Aug. 8 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. This is a six-week program, two hours per week, teaching you how to manage your chronic disease through your lifestyle. The program targets and teaches how to manage heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and COPD. If you have not registered, please stop by the center or call any weekday to sign up.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Pinochle and other games.

Tuesday - Crime prevention presentation by Jeanine of the attorney general's office; chair exercises.

Wednesday - Trip to the Catawissa center for Back Porch Rhythms.

Thursday - Food bank pantry; share your heritage.

Friday - Center closed.

Elysburg

Monday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; Royal Rummy, 10:30 a.m.; Pokeno, 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; Royal Rummy, 10:30 a.m.; Linda Walker from Focus Health speaking on "Seniors who bully," 11 a.m.; Pokeno, 11:30 a.m.; bingo, noon.

Thursday - Trip to the Wayside Inn.

Friday - Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, noon.

Trevorton

Monday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; card games.

Tuesday - Exercise, 9:30 a.m.; Sequence, 10:30 a.m.; cards, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Bean bag toss, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; movie and snack, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Exercise, 9:30 a.m.; Scrabble, 10:30 a.m.; trip to Front Street Station, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.; evening card party, 7 p.m.

SHAMOKIN - The start of the demolition project to raze a partially collapsed West Spruce Street property that was expected to begin Friday didn't happen.

Rick Bozza, city code officer, said the state's permission to begin tearing down 613-615 W. Spruce St. couldn't be given before the city received a bid bond from Madonna Enterprises Inc.

"We got it roughly an hour ago," Bozza said about 10 a.m. Friday. "(Madonna) said he's able to start within 24 hours."

"It's all in the contractor's hands now. As far as we know, he's starting first thing (this) morning," he said.

Vince Madonna confirmed that indeed is the plan. He had a piece of heavy equipment en route to the site early Friday afternoon, adding that demolition would begin today.

Elaine Kramer, of 617 W. Spruce St., was happy to see the equipment arrive and placed along Penn Street behind her home. "I'm so glad. I just hope he tears this part out before it hits more of my house," she said.

A bid bond is insurance meant to guarantee that a contractor uphold contract terms. "I had to jump through some hoops to get it," Madonna said.

It was provided to him Wednesday, he said. City Hall was closed Thursday for Independence Day, so the Port Carbon firm turned it over to the city early Friday morning.

Madonna Enterprises submitted the lowest qualified bid of $21,000 to demolish the dilapidated double home that partially collapsed last week. There was talk by city officials that the contractor would begin work Thursday and later projected it to begin Friday.

The state has already waived a 10-day waiting period for the demolition to begin, and also approved the use of Community Development Block Grant fund the project.

A reborn relic of the area's past will be adding to this year's fireworks displays set for this Saturday.

WISL1480.com will broadcast a stream of patriotic music that will complement the displays in both Shamokin and Mount Carmel through its Internet radio site beginning at approximately 9:40 p.m., according to station general manager John J. Treese Jr.

"Anyone with a computer or using their smartphone or tablet can listen to our online stream," Treese said. "We are very excited about being a part of this event and hope everyone will tune in."

Shamokin

This year's display in Shamokin, provided by Fire Art Corporation and sponsored by Citizens for a Better Community (CBC), will feature a number of new sequences and varieties of color in the 20-minute display and the return of the "fireball finale."

Throughout Saturday, volunteers will be stationed at various locations collecting donations for the 2014 display.

"The more people give, the better the displays will get," said CBC president Rich Jilinski.

Collection stations can be found on Route 61 by Pool World, at Sixth and Dewart streets by Len's Automotive and on Second Street by the playground.

Mount Carmel

Following the display in Shamokin, those still needing a fireworks fix can travel to Mount Carmel, where the Clover Hose Fire Company will offer a "small but awesome" display, beginning at 10:15 p.m.

The display will be the climax for the fire company's annual picnic, which began with a parade on Thursday.

Donations are welcome and encouraged to defray the cost of the display.

Fireworks will also be set off over Sunbury on July 13 as part of Sunbury Celebration 2013.

Car cruise

The Independence Day weekend festivites don't end on Saturday; CBC will host a car cruise Sunday.

Participants are asked to bring their vehicles and a canned good to Spangenberg's Family Drive-In at 3:30 p.m. Sunday. All canned items will be donated to Shamokin's Manna for the Many food pantry.

There will be no judging for fees, just a chance to get together and show off and be proud of classic vehicles.

The vehicles will travel on Route 61 through Weigh Scales to Paxinos, where they will turn onto Route 487 to Elysburg. At Elysburg, vehicles will turn right onto Route 54, traveling through Bear Gap, Natalie and into Atlas. The cruise will then turn right onto Route 61, traveling through Kulpmont and Coal Township to Independence Street, where they will be on display from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Any vendors interested in setting up in the downtown area can do so at no cost, and can set up from 3:30 p.m. through the end of the show.

Royalty throughout the ages has had some decidedly mixed results when it comes to coining their nicknames. On the plus side, you have England's Richard the Lionhearted and Louis XV, France's "Sun King." Some did not fare as well. There was the Holy Roman Emperor Charles the Fat, Louis V the Do-nothing of France and let's not forget Bulgaria's Invailo the Cabbage.

Some saints also had a nickname, but perhaps the most appropriately named one was St. John Chrysotom. The Catholic Church father was such a gifted preacher, speaker and writer, he received the epithet of the Greek word "chrysostomos." That translates as "golden-mouthed."

I came across a prime example of his eloquence in Mike Aquilina's book "The Fathers of the Church."

"An intelligent, discreet and pious young woman is worth more than all the money in the world. Tell her that you love her more than your own life, because this present life is nothing, and that your only hope is the two of you pass through this life in such a way, that, in the world to come, you will be united in perfect love." St. John Chrysotom.

I don't have the word skills to express to my wife Jo Ann how much I love her, and how much it means that we share a love of God. I tell her that I love her, but I don't phrase myself very well.

Another well-known John, the apostle and evangelist, wrote, "Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love" (1 John 4: 7, 8, New American Bible).

Maybe, I'll try to memorize one or both quotations. Then, I may be called Walt the Copycat. But that's fine with me.

When it comes to the love of your life and the love of God as the creator of eternal life, love does not have to be original - only sincere.

+++

One's supreme love is love of the Supreme One.

(Kozlowski has just published his second book, "God's People: They Walk by Faith." It features over 100 stories of people of all ages and from many walks of life, and the inspiration and faith their lives provide.)

COAL TOWNSHIP - Joe Bielski lived at 1262 Chemung St. all his life.

It was the home of his father, his grandfather and his great-grandfather.

While the sun rose Thursday, Independence Day, a devastating fire spread throughout the home's second and third stories.

After 56 years at one address, Bielski is left to find a new place to live for him, his wife, Linda, and their three children, William, Kristine and Mariah.

"On the day I was born, they were knocking out the living room wall to make one big room," he said of his family converting the double home into a single.

Not suspicious

A state police fire marshal who investigated the scene Friday didn't rule conclusively on the cause. Joe said his son discovered the fire near a stove in the second-story kitchen at the four-story home.

The fire marshal said the home owner's information was "consistent" with what he discovered.

The cause is undetermined, Trooper Kirk Renn said, but it is not suspicious.

Joe and his brother, Carl, 49, sat across from the Chemung Street home Friday morning while Renn and Kevin Malukas, Coal Township's deputy fire chief, worked at the scene. A contractor was on hand to provide a demolition estimate. The home was insured and Joe was waiting to get in touch with his agent.

Glass lay broken on the front sidewalk. The second story was completely charred on the outside, and the third and fourth stories didn't fare much better. Siding on 1268 Chemung St., also owned by the Bielskis, was melted away.

A football autographed by the 1966 NFL Champion Green Bay Packers was placed in the bed of a pickup. Malukas pulled the prized possession out of the home on Friday and handed it over to Bielski. It was covered in soot.

"I'm tempted to wipe the soot off, but I'll leave it alone until I can find someone who knows what they're doing," Joe said.

Wife smelled smoke

The fire was reported at 6:22 a.m. Thursday. It was so far along when firefighters arrived that they kept to an exterior attack, opting not to enter the structure.

Joe was in Sunbury driving home from work at the time of the blaze. His wife smelled smoke and awoke their son to check around the house, he said. William, 22, burned his hand in the process. The Bielskis' daughters were asleep at the time. They were awakened and all four escaped.

William was treated at Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital. Joe said his son would receive further treatment at Lehigh Valley Hospital's burn center.

Firefighters

Three firefighters escaped serious injury after the roof above the rear porch collapsed onto them. They were evaluated - two on scene and one at the hospital - and went back to work.

The second and third stories sustained severe fire, smoke and water damage. The attic had smoke and water damage. The first floor took on water, too, and a little smoke.

Renn and Malukas were inside to investigate and the trooper himself acknowledged the danger.

"It's at the point where it might (collapse)," he said. "It's soaked with water."

The family is staying with a relative in the Fifth Ward of Shamokin. Joe said it is too early to say where they'd seek a new home. The plan for their property at 1268 Chemung St. hasn't changed, he said. He wants to fix it up and either rent or sell the property.

Joe thanked the firefighters, volunteers from the local chapter of the American Red Cross and his family, friends and neighbors. He also thanked a waitress at Maurer's Dairy and Ice Cream Shoppe on Market Street in Shamokin.

After the fire was out late Thursday morning and William was treated, Joe said the family was hungry. The waitress noticed William's hand wrapped and they told her about the fire.

The breakfast, she told them, was on the house.