WILLIAMSPORT - A federal judge dismissed a Coal Township tow operator's lawsuit against Magisterial District Judge John Gembic, several police chiefs and their respective municipalities.

In a filing Thursday in U.S. Middle District Court, Judge Lawrence J. Stengel dismissed a 2011 suit from Alfons Keefer, owner of A&G Towing and A&N Auto Salvage, Coal Township, in its entirety with prejudice, due to failure to prosecute pursuant to Rule 41(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Stengel asked to the clerk of courts to mark the case closed for all purposes.

Keefer filed suit in U.S. Middle District Court in Williamsport, claiming his civil rights to operate his business were violated. Named as defendants were Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III; Coal Township, Shamokin and the municipalities' respective police chiefs, William Carpenter and Edward Griffiths, and the business Anthracite Towing and Recovery LLC and its owner, Michael Garcia.

On Sept. 30, U.S. District Court Judge Lawrence F. Stengel dismissed with prejudice Keefer's claims of substantive due process, free speech and equal protection rights, meaning they cannot be refiled. He also dismissed, but without prejudice, claims of First Amendment and equal protection clause violations. "Without prejudice" means Keefer could have filed an amended complaint within 20 days of the judge's order to "cure the defects" the court identified in dismissing the First Amendment and equal protection claims.

Despite the 20-day deadline, no action was filed on the case until December when the defendants filed a motion to dismiss for failure to prosecute pursuant to Route 41(b). On Jan. 13 and 21, Keefer filed motions for extensions of time, until Jan. 27, but no response or refiling has been made up to this date.

On Oct. 2, Keefer's attorney and former state Auditor General Don Bailey had his state law license suspended for five years by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

The court's decision to suspend Bailey's license followed a similar recommendation by the state Disciplinary Board in the spring.

According to reports by the Patriot News of Harrisburg, Bailey had come under fire for, among other things, falsely accusing federal judges of malfeasance.

The suspension comes three years after Bailey was hit with more than $50,000 in federal court sanctions for making unfounded claims of fraud and judicial misconduct in a case.

That factor was one of the several Stengel talked about in his memorandum ordering the dismissal.

"If his attorney was not able to continue to represent the plaintiff, then the plaintiff could have found replacement council, or petitioned the court to represent himself," Stengel wrote in a memorandum. "To date, the plaintiff has chosen neither option. The docket showed that Attorney Bailey continues to represent the plaintiff. Under these circumstances, I must conclude that (Keefer's) failure to prosecute is willful."

Stengel also wrote that the plaintiff is solely responsible for the prosecution of this action, and has done nothing; that the defendants have been prejudiced by the plaintiff's failure to file and amended complaint; that Keefer has failed to amend the complaint and that there are no pending claims against the defendants, so there are not reasonable alternative sanctions by dismissal of the case with prejudice.

Since 2005, almost $120 million has been cut from a federal program that helps local police departments hire new officers, and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey said he wants to reverse that money flow.

In a letter sent Thursday to the Senate appropriations committee by Sen. Robert Menendez and co-signed by Casey, the Democrats asked for an increased allotment for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) hiring grant program, as well as more cash for one that provides funding to local departments to buy bulletproof vests.

These programs "have been underfunded for years," Casey said Thursday in a conference call with reporters. "We simply cannot afford to ignore the problem any longer."

About $180 million for the COPS hiring program and $22.5 million for vests have been set for the 2014 fiscal year federal budget, which began Oct. 1. The senators are asking for $247 million and $30 million, respectively, in the upcoming budget.

Nearly $300 million was budgeted for COPS, and $30 million for vests in 2010.

The increases have a "good chance" of appearing in the final budget, Casey said, because of their bipartisan appeal and the relatively small amount of money needed.

"This is not even a rounding error in a federal budget," he said.

The COPS hiring program, which pays 75 percent of a new officer's salary for three years, has added 3,667 law enforcements officers to Pennsylvania's streets.

Shamokin's last two efforts to obtain COPS funding have failed. It was not selected for a COPS grant in 2009, when only 14 percent of applicants were awarded funding, and the application effort last year failed amid controversy.

Pre-K registration at Shamokin Area

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area School District is now taking appointments for registration Thursday, May 15, at the Shamokin Area Elementary building, for the 2014-15 Pre-K for 4-year-olds program.

Parents are asked to call the elementary office at 570-648-5721, extension 2900, as soon as possible to make an appointment. To qualify, children must be 4 years old by the first day of school, which is tentatively Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Clover Hose egg hunt Sunday

MOUNT CARMEL - The annual Clover Hose Company Easter egg hunt is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday at the Mount Carmel baseball fields, Railroad and Hickory streets, for all local children up to 10 years of age.

The event is open to people of the Mount Carmel area every year as a way of expressing appreciation to the community for supporting local fire departments and emergency personnel. The event includes a visit from the Easter Bunny and the Clover's mascot, the Green Gator.

Children will roam through the baseball field to collect eggs. Every child who attends the egg hunt will receive a gift.

When driving into the complex, please use the Market street entrance by the Mount Carmel Swimming Pool. Also remember to watch for children and allow for passage of the fire apparatus when parking.

Despite some remnants of the season's biggest snow storm from two weeks ago still lying around, spring and close to early-summer-like weather will come to the area this weekend.

The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts sunny skies today with high temperatures reaching the mid-60s. Sunday will be partly sunny and warmer. High temperatures are predicted to reach 73 degrees Sunday and Monday with a chance of rain to start the workweek.

Based on weather data from the cooperative weather station at the Aqua Pennsylvania water treatment plant in Bear Gap, Sunday will mark the first time the mercury has risen above the 70-degree mark in the area since Oct. 17, according to Tony Mach, meteorologic technician for the NWS office in State College.

Temperatures will be above average for this time of year. The average high is 60 degrees in Harrisburg according to the NWS website, with average lows of 40 degrees.

Warm at last

The welcome change in the weather comes just two weeks after a March 30 surprise snow storm left between 8 and 12 inches of snow across eastern Northumberland and southern Columbia counties.

The storm caused several traffic accidents, snapped trees and shut down power lines throughout the area. By April 2, temperatures climbed into the 50s, melting most of the snow.

While the old saying goes that "April showers bring May flowers," farmer Gary Truckenmiller, of Watsontown, a board member for the Northumberland County Conservation District, is thankful to see some sunshine coming the area's way.

"We are only about a week or so behind in the growing season, but the hay and the winter crops, like the wheat and barley are finally starting to grow. The pastures are starting to come back to life," Truckenmiller said.

The dairy farmer is not looking to grow his crops, but needs grass to feed his dairy cows.

"We need the heat to bring things out of winter dormancy, so the sun will give us a break so that we can get things started here," he said.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Shamokin Area High School Symphonic Band will present its annual "Rhythms of Spring" concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, in the high school auditorium.

The band is under the direction of Kevin B. Styer. Styer will be assisted by Katie Battle, student teacher from Susquehanna University.

The repertoire for the evening will include "A Slavic Farewell" by Vasilij Agapkan, "Into the Storm" by Robert W. Smith, "Fate of the Gods" by Steven Reineke, "Chant and Jubilo" by W. Francis McBeth, "Deep River" arranged by James Swearingen, "Flourish for Wind Band" by Ralph Vaughn Williams, "The Wizard of Oz Meets the Wiz" arranged by Victor Lopez, and "Barnum and Bailey's Favorite March" by Karl L. King.

The senior students will be recognized at the concert as well as the students that participated in various honor festivals.

District and regional band participants are Marielle Miller, Heather Elliot, Adam Richardson and Graeme Shappell. Shappell also successfully auditioned for placement in the PMEA All-State Orchestra.

The concert is free to the public, and all are invited to spend an enjoyable evening of fine music.

MILTON - Nearly 80 students in the Mount Carmel Area and Shamokin Area school districts have been kickin' it with karate after school.

The TIES II (Teens in Innovative Educational Structures) afterschool programs partnered with the Greater Susquehanna Valley YMCA's branch in Sunbury to offer martial arts for students in third to sixth grades.

Grand master Larry Fletcher and master Bill Abers worked with the students, teaching them the history of the sport and stances and techniques used in competitions.

TIES II afterschool programming provides individualized academic support, career exploration and service learning experiences that are not available during the regular school day. Programs are available for students who reside in the two school districts.

A 21st Century Community Learning Center grant program funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, TIES II is administered by the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit.

All Saints

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

Pastor - The Rev. Alfred J. Bashore.

Worship service - 9 a.m., with the procession of palms

Participants - Richard Kovach, lector; Marsha Karnes or Richard Kovach, communion assistant.

Assumption BVM

Assumption B.V.M. 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 - 10:30 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, adult Bible study, children's ministry and youth Bible bowl, 7 p.m.

Bethany Bible

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

Pastor - Philip Norris.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:45 a.m. Children's Easter program.

Message - "Recognizing His Authority."

Evening worship - 6 p.m.

Message - "Peter: The Bold Preacher."

Activities - Sunday, choir practice, 7 p.m.; Friday, Good Friday service and communion, 7 p.m.: April 20, sunrise service and breakfast, 8 a.m.; Easter worship service and cantata, "The Day He Wore My Crown," 10 a.m.

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 - 10:30 a.m.

Special music - Choir - Bethel Chapel (10:30).

Participants - Jaymie Lenker, Sandy Wills, nursery; Opal Lenig and Audrey Ditty, junior church.

Palm Sunday.

Evening worship - 6 p.m.

Activities - Monday, ladies fellowship, 6 p.m.; Tuesday, prayer worship, 6 p.m.; Wednesday, Bible study, 6 p.m.; King's Kids, 6:30 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., with praise team. Message by Pastor Madara.

Evening prayer service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Sunday, AWANA clubs, youth group, 5:45 p.m.

Church of Our Lady

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

Pastor - The Rev. Francis J. Karwacki.

Deacon - The Rev. Mr. Martin McCarthy.

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

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

Holy days of obligation - 6:30 p.m. on the eve, 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. on the holy day.

Confessions - Daily 7:30 to 7:55 a.m. including Saturday or any time by appointment; Saturday, 3 to 3:50 p.m.

Church of the 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.

Sunday school for all ages - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:10 a.m.

Youth service - 6:30 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, prayer and Bible study, 6:30 p.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 and Friday, 7 a.m.; Saturday, 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.

Confessions - Saturday, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.; after morning novena Wednesday, or any time by appointment.

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

Elysburg Alliance

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

Pastor - The Rev. Andrew Knisely.

Sunday school for children and youth - 9:15 a.m.

Services - 8 and 10:30 a.m.

Activities - Sunday, Kids Connection for ages 4 to 11, 6 to 7:30 p.m., and free Easter egg hunt for children 11 and under, 6 to 8 p.m.; Wednesday, Collide youth group for grades 6 to 12, 6:45 to 8:15 p.m., prayer ministry, 7 to 8 p.m.

Elysburg Presbyterian

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

Pastor - Matthew Young.

Sunday school for all ages - 9 a.m.

Palm Sunday Worship service - 10:30 a.m. Nursery provided.

Message - "King Jesus Makes His Entrance."

Scripture readings - Matthew 21:1-11.

Musicians - Debbie Cecco, organist; Eileen Reigel, pianist.

Activities - Sunday, conversation in cafe with the pastor, noon, junior high youth group, 3 to 5 p.m., senior high youth group, 5 to 7 p.m., Lifetree Cafe, "Living With Autism," 7 p.m.; Tuesday, trustees meeting, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, choir practice, 6:30 p.m., bell choir practice, 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, women's prayer group, 5:30 p.m., Maundy Thursday service, 7 p.m.; Friday, Good Friday ecumenical, Elysburg UMC, noon; Good Friday tenebrae service, 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 19, Easter egg hunt, 1 p.m., Knoebels parking lot.

Elysburg UMC

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

Pastor - The Rev. Michelle Beissel.

Morning worship - 8:30 a.m. Children's Sunday School during worship.

Adult Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Participants - Chris Rovito, head usher; Martha Weikel and Ruth Wiehe, greeters; Alicia Rovito, scripture reader; Cooper Rouse, acolyte; Olivia Bodner, organist; Lucy Bidelspach, shepherding.

Activities - Monday, Lydia's Club, 6 to 8 p.m.; Tuesday, trustees meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, prayer circle, 10 a.m., United Methodist women, 10;30 a.m.; Thursday, Maundy Thursday service at Elysburg UMC, 7 p.m.; Friday, Good Friday service, noon, Elysburg UMC.

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 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.

Organist - Judith Pensyl.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Organist - Juddith Pensyl.

Activities - Wednesday, choir rehearsal, 1 p.m., prayer, praise and testimony and 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, choir practice, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, kids club, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.

First Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church, Sunbury and Liberty streets, Shamokin.

Minister - The Rev. Jim Phillips.

Worship - 10:30 a.m.

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

Activities - Thursday, Bible study, 6:30 p.m.

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.

Sunday School - 9:45 a.m.

Sermon - "Hosanna to the King, Today," by Pastor Roehs.

Participants - Sharon Styer, organist; Jim Weissinger, head usher; Dolores Klusman and Lynn Erney, greeters; Kevin Styer, sound technician; Deb Beck, liturgist; Jillian Maurer, acolyte; Dolores Klusman, counter; Pastor Susan, children's time.

Activities - Monday, SPRC meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Brownie troop meeting, 6:30 p.m., Al-Anon, 7 p.m.

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 - Laura Herman, liturgist; Margaret Heath and Darlene Schweitzer, greeters.

Activities - Monday, Bible study in the parlor, 6 p.m.

God's Missionary Church

God's Missionary Church in the Valley, 768 Bear Valley Ave., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Howard R. McKenzie.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Sunday worship and children's church - 10:45 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Thursday, prayer meeting, 7:30 p.m.

Good News Bible Church

Good News Bible Church, 221 Main St., Locustdale.

Worship - 3 p.m. Holy communion will be observed.

Lay speaker - Bob Keener will speak on "The Lord's Guest Room and Supper," based on Mark 14:12-25.

Participants - Wes Brassington, deacon; Shirley Brass, prayer chain coordinator.

Activities - Wednesday, prayer gathering and Bible study, 6:30 p.m. Bible studies in April will focus on witnesses to the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. This coming Wednesday, the focus will be on Salome and Mary Magdalene.

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.

Bible fellowship groups for all ages - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:30 a.m.

Evening worship and youth group, Discovery station - 6:30 p.m.

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

Nursery care is provided for all Sunday services.

Activities - Every Monday and Thursday, ladies Bible study; Today, VBS workday; Sunday, children's Easter program; Wednesday, congregational meeting; April 19, Easter service at the cross; April 20, Easter/communion service; April 26, shepherd's meeting; April 27, free-will donation spaghetti dinner.

Grace Evangelical

Grace Evangelical Independent Church, Locustdale.

Pastor - The Rev. Rose Marquardt.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 11 a.m.

Grace Lutheran, Shamokin

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

Pastor - The Rev. David M. Byerly.

Worship service - 10:15 a.m. Service of word and sacrament. Palm crosses and branches will be distributed.

Adult Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Participants - Judith Shade and Ron Weller, worship assistants; Tyler Keiser, acolyte/crucifer; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fiorey, communion bearers; Jeanne Hoffa, altar care; Cynthia Williams, greeter; Nancy Joraskie, nursery; Jeff Clutcher, driver, and Arthur Martin, Mark Cupp, David Hand, Bill Joraskie, Dave Kopitsky Jr. and J. Richard Miller, ushers. Walter Boyer is organist and Charlene Pell, choir director. Shelley Faust is cantor.

Activities - Monday, Brownies, 5 p.m.; Tuesday, renewal of vows, 10;30 a.m.; Thursday, Living with Grief, 10:30 a.m., joint service of word and sacrament, St. Paul, Gowen City; Friday, community Good Friday service, First United Methodist Church, noon; joint Good Friday service, Grace Church, 7 p.m.

Grace Lutheran, Mount Carmel

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

Interim pastor - The Rev. Alfred Bashore.

Sunday of the Passion, Palm Sunday.

Service with communion - 10:45 a.m.

Guest speaker - The Rev. J, Robert Snyder.

Participants - Linda Rubendall, organist; Zachary Hunter, lector; William Brass, president and usher; Charles Barnes, bell ringer and sexton.

Services for April will be held at Grace Lutheran.

Activities - Good Friday service, 7 p.m., at Grace Lutheran.

Grace UCC

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

Pastor - The Rev. Joan A. Brown.

Morning worship - 9 a.m.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Participants - Bryan Lapinski, organist; Aurora Froutz, acolyte; Robert Beaver and Dave Yeager, ushers.

Harvest Worship

Harvest Worship Ministries, 2079 Upper Road, West Cameron Township, 570-850-4280, 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.

Pastor Gary can be reached during the winter break by calling the office at 570-966-1330, or by cell at 570-486-3967. Pastor Gary will continue to do his home and hospital visitations.

The first church service in the barn for the season will be Palm Sunday.

Himmel's Church

Himmel's Church, 107 Covered Bridge Road, Dornsife.

Pastor - Jane H. Compton.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:15 a.m.

Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of every month.

Activities - Maundy Thursday, soup/sandwich meal in social hall, 6 p.m., Stations of the Cross service with communion, 7 p.m.; April 19, egg hunt, 2 p.m.; April 20, Easter sunrise service, 6:15 a.m., breakfast at 7 a.m., worship service with pew communion, 8:30 a.m.

Regular worship service will resume April 27 and until further notice.

Holy Angels

Holy Angels Church, 855 Scott St., Kulpmont.

Pastor - The Rev. Andrew Stahmer.

Confessions - Saturday, 4 to 5 p.m.

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

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

Activities - Sunday, Holy Name Society spaghetti dinner, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Monday, PREP classes for grades 1 to 5, at 5:30 p.m., Bible study, 6 p.m.; Wednesday, adult choir practice, 7 p.m. Holy Thursday, prayer, 8 a.m., Mass of the Lord's Supper, 7 p.m. Adoration until midnight; night prayer, 11:30 p.m.; confessions after the evening Mass; Good Friday, prayer, 8 a.m., Celebration of the Lord's Passion, 3 p.m.; confessions, 7 to 8 p.m.; Holy Saturday, prayer, 8 a.m., blessing of Easter food, 1 p.m.; confessions, 4 to 5 p.m.; Easter Vigil Mass, 8 p.m.

Holy Trinity

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

Clergy - The Rev. Frederic G. Stevenson, rector, 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; Barbara Kessler, lector; Esther Bashore, intercessor; Elaine Bogetti, oblations; Chester Wolfe and Oliver Fesniak, ushers; Joshua Bashore, Hannah Bashore and Kyrstin Kinnaman, altar servers; Grethel Vinup, organist.

Activities - Wednesday, holy eucharist and healing, 10 a.m.; Maundy Thursday, agape meal, 6 p.m.; holy eucharist, 7 p.m.

Hope Community Church

Hope Community Church, non-denominational Bible church, 551 W. Fourth St., 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 - 10 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 celebration service.

Sunday evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - 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 a.m.

Worship service - 10:15 a.m.

Participants - Betsy Bradigan, organist.

Ministry of the Water and Spirit

Ministry of the Water and Spirit Church

Pastor - James Bowers.

Sunday service - 10 a.m. in the pastor's home, 829, W. Pine St., Coal Township.

God's Chuck Wagon is an outreach of the Ministry of the Water and Spirit.

Mother Cabrini

Mother Cabrini Church, North Shamokin Street, Shamokin.

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

Parochial vicar - 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.

Activities - Sunday, religious education classes, kindergarten through seventh grade, 10:15 a.m., Easter egg hunt preparation in the church hall, 2 p.m., Holy Thursday liturgy practice for all parish second graders in the church, 6 p.m.; Monday, bingo canceled, will resume Monday, April 28; Tuesday, choir and Easter choir practice, 6 to 7 p.m.; Thursday, Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper, 7 p.m.; Friday, Good Friday, Passion Service at 3 p.m., Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m.

Mountainside

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

Pastor - The Rev. Richard H. Earl.

Coffee and breakfast snacks for all - 9 a.m.

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

Morning worship - 10:30 a.m. Nursery and children's church

Youth night - bi-weekly at 5 p.m. (lower level).

Activities - Wednesday, adult prayer and Bible study, Royal Rangers, ages 5 to 18, and girls ministry, 6:30 p.m. Coffee served.

Monthly activities - First Sunday, communion and children's sermon, during 10:30 a,m, service; prayer burst on the first Sunday night of the month, 6 p.m.; second Tuesday, Women of Purpose meeting, 7 p.m.

Mount Zion

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

Pastor - Gerald Lloyd Jr.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Scripture - Psalm 31:9-16, Matthew 26:64-75.

Sermon - "I Don't Know Him."

Participants - Philip Maue, organist.

Activities - Sacrament of holy communion is celebrated the first Sunday of every month.

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.

Junior church and nursery available. Handicapped accessible, wheelchair available, church side/back entrance.

Activities - Prayer room open mornings; prayer, fellowship and coffee, Saturday, 9 a.m.; April 27, 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. Steven G. Frenier, OFM 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, soup kitchen, 5 to 6 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.

Pastor - Kris Brown.

Sunday school - 9:15 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m. Sunday of the Passion/Palm Sunday.

Participants - Allan Schappert, lector; Connie Shulski, organist.

Activities - Sunday, Re-Creation at 6 p.m. at St. Mark Lutheran Church with a social hour to follow; Monday, council meeting, 7 p.m.; Thursday, Maundy Thursday service, 7 p.m.

St. John's UCC

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

Pastor - The Rev. Robert B. Peiffer.

Sermon theme for Palm Sunday - "This Lonesome Valley."

Contemporary service - 9 a.m. Music by the praise team.

Coffee hour and fellowship time - 10 a.m.

Sunday school - 10:10 a.m.

Traditional service - 11 a.m.

Children's message, Sherry Romanoskie; special music, adult choir; adult choir director and organist, Margaret Morris; lay reader, Lisa Newton; acolyte, Abbey DiOrio.

Activities - Sunday, small group Lenten study, "Where is that in the Bible?" at 10:15 a.m., and blood pressure screening, following the second service; Monday, Cub Scouts/Bear den, 6 p.m., and small group Lenten story, "Monday Night Munchies," 7 p.m.; Tuesday, Cub Scouts, Webelos at 5:15 p.m. and Wolf den at 6:30 p.m., and Boy Scout troop, 6:15 p.m.; Wednesday, small group Lenten study, "What Happens When Women Say Yes to God?" at 1 p.m., and Cub Scouts/Tiger den, 5:15 p.m.; Thursday, Maundy Thursday service and Order of Tenebrae, 6 p.m.

St. John's UMC

St. John's United Methodist Church, 1211 W. Arch St., Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Karyn Fisher.

Lay leader - Paul Stehman.

Palm Sunday worship - 9 a.m.

Children's church at 9:20, following the children's message for ages 6 to 10.

Sunday school - 10:30 a.m.

Maundy Thursday worship, 7 p.m.; community Good Friday service at First United Methodist Church, noon to 3 p.m.; April 19, Easter egg hunt, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; April 20, sunrise service at 7 a.m. and traditional service at 9 a.m.

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 - Kris Brown.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Participants - Frank Martz, lector; Connie Shulski, organist.

Activities - Sunday, Re-Creation performance at 6 p.m., with a social hour to follow; Monday, Wednesday and Friday, senior center open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday, AA meeting, 7 p.m.; Thursday, Boy Scouts, Maundy Thursday service at St. John's, 7 p.m.

St. Matthew Lutheran

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

Interim pastor - The Rev. Alfred Bashore.

Service with communion - 10:45 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, Mount Carmel.

Sunday of the Passion. Palm Sunday.

Guest speaker - The Rev. J. Robert Snyder.

Services for April are being held at Grace.

St. Michael Orthodox

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

Divine liturgy - 9 a.m.

St. Patrick

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

Pastor - The Rev. Steven G. Frenier, OFM Conv.

Weekend Mass - 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 Lutheran Church, 4663 Upper Road, Gowen City.

Pastor - The Rev. David M. Byerly.

Service of word and sacrament - 8:15 a.m., Palm crosses and branches will be distributed during the service.

Participants - Bill Smith, lector; Stephanie Boyer and Cindy Henninger, communion assistants; Brianna Wengrenovich, acolyte/crucifer; Walter Boyer, organist and choir director.

Activities - Tuesday, renewal of vows, 10:30 a.m.; Thursday, joint service of word and sacrament, 7 p.m.; Friday, community Good Friday service at First Methodist Church, noon, joint Good Friday service at Grace Church, 7 p.m.

St. Paul's Reformed

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

Pastor - Jerry Schlegel.

Worship time - 9 a.m. Palm Sunday. Manna for the Many donations today.

Scripture - Luke 19:28-44.

Message title - "The Triumphal Entry."

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 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 Lutheran Church, Aristes.

Service and sacrament of holy communion - 9 a.m.

Guest speaker - The Rev. Robert Logan.

Participants - Linda Rubendall, organist; Carol Buffington, choir director, Brianna Boyer, 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, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Weekend divine liturgies - 4 p.m. Saturday and 9:15 a.m. Sunday.

Religious education classes - 6 to 7:15 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.

Sermon title - "Blessed is the King: A Palm Sunday Message."

Verse of the day - John 12:13b, "Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord."

Organist - Virginia Nefsky.

Special services at 7 p.m. Wednesday in observance of Lent.

St. Stephen's

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

Clergy - The Rev. Frederic Stevenson.

Service 8:30 a.m. Holy eucharist.

Handicapped accessible.

Second Saturday, 5 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 - 10 a.m.

Participants - Taylor Kashner, acolyte; Darlis Tasker, lay leader; Julie Updegrove and JudyLynn Weaver, beginners class; Barbara Skrivanek, junior class; Carolyn Weaver, organist; Salem choir, anthem; Jeremy Young, choir director; Brooke Strausser and Michael Toter, greeters; Frank Garrigan, lighting/sound; MacKenzie Glosek, Abigail Nye, Sophie Rossnock, Michael Toter and George Zalar, ushers.

A quiet room for young infants and nursery care for infants and toddlers is available during the morning worship hour at 10 a.m. Christian education is provided for children ages 3 to 12.

Pennies for Sergio will be received this Sunday. Members are asked to bring pennies to support our sponsored child from Guatemala.

Activities - Sunday, Palm Sunday breakfast, starting at 8 a.m., Easter egg hunt immediately after Sunday worship; Tuesday, canasta club, 12:30 p.m.; Wednesday, council meeting, 7 p.m.; Thursday, Maundy Thursday service, starting at 7 p.m.; Friday, three hour services will be held at First United Methodist Church, Ninth and Sunbury streets, noon to 3 p.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.

Message - "More Than a Sunday Ride - Palm Sunday."

No Bible study for April 13, 20 and 27.

Participants - Kathy Albright, station steward; Joseph Rodman, head usher; Benjamin Brudnicki, Alaina Glowatski, Jordon McDowell, acolytes; Bryan Lapinski, organist; Marlin and Maggie Moore, greeters; Dr. Richard Albright, servant of the month; Kathy Albright, children's church teacher; Kathy Jeremiah, nursery worker.

A nursery is available for children birth to age 5 during morning worship service. and children's church is available for children over 5 with focus on lessons from the Bible. Manna for the Many item for April is rice.

Activities - Friday, Good Friday service at First UMC, noon to 3 p.m.; April 20, Easter service, 11 a.m.; April 28, Manna for the Many banquet; April 29, quarterly conference.

Monetary Easter memorials to Pat Albright by Sunday.

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.

Wednesday ministries - 6 to 7:30 p.m,. Age range is four to high school senior.

Evening service - 7 p.m.

Offered are small groups and cottage prayer meetings for adults. Contact church 1t 570-644-1718 for information.

Shamokin Seventh-Day Adventist

Shamokin Seventh Day Adventist Church, 7 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin (former Jewish synagogue), 570-648-7770.

Pastor - John Peters.

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

Saturday worship - 11 a.m.

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.

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.

Nancy Korenkiewicz, pianist, organist and choir director.

Activities - Thursdays, Bible study taught by Roxanne Klinger, 7 p.m.; second Tuesday of 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.

Activities - Wednesday, prayer and Bible study, 7 p.m. Recovery in Christ, a new Bible-based 12-step support group, 6 p.m., Wednesdays. For more information, call Betsworth at 570-648-1682.

Trinity Lutheran

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

Pastor - The Rev. David Hauck.

Worship service - 10 a.m.

Special music - Jones and Levi families.

Participants - Shannon Levi, lector; Darian Jones, communion assistant; Corey Levi, cantor; Jan Morrison, organist; Andrew Jones, acolyte; Carol Eidam, altar guild, Mary Tharp, counter.

Activities - Thursday, Maundy Thursday service, 7 p.m.

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.

United Presbyterian

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

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Lay minister - William Ronald Dixon.

Message - "Who Comes Here?"

Scripture - Luke 19:28-40.

Participants - Dale Schimpf, organist; Deb Wydra, acolyte; Ellsworth George, Andrew Mekosh and Robert Shaw, ushers; Dorothy Snyder, greeter.

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 - The Rev. Betty Ford.

Sunday school - 10:30 a.m.

Worship - 11 a.m.

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

We cannot feel someone else's pain. As much as we pray for that person and as much as we love that person, we cannot know what that person is going through. Or can we?

A while ago, Jo Ann and I heard that a friend had sustained a very painful injury, one that would require hospitalization, complicated surgery and a long recovery. The friend immediately became part of our daily prayers, but those prayers became more intense and frequent when we met his wife shortly after his surgery.

Her husband's intense pain was reflected in her face. His pain was hers - even if she could not know exactly what it felt like. Whatever hurt him, hurt her.

This should not be surprising. I know for certain that Dad or Mother would have gladly suffered any pain my siblings or I had if we could have been spared. They could not, but they suffered along with us. Either of my cousins would have accepted their son's terminal brain cancer without giving it a second thought.

Love is the common denominator in all these instances. Jesus' sacrifice on Good Friday is the ultimate example of selfless love.

As others have noted, the Son of God became the Son of Man. He allowed himself to undergo the most painful death imaginable on the cross in order to kill death itself and give us the opportunity for life eternal.

Our loved ones share our pain; God knows exactly how it feels. Ultimately, He banishes pain and suffering for those He loves and those we love.

The pain of those we love has also been removed from the empty tomb illuminated by the joy of Easter.

+++

No life is without pain, but with God's love no life is without hope.

PAXINOS - The public is invited to attend an annual Easter service at the "Old Rugged Cross" on the mountaintop overlooking Route 61 at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 19.

This year marks the 53rd anniversary of the cross being on the mountain and the 28th year of services there.

This year's guest speaker is Pastor Alan Tucker, of Lewisburg. Tucker is a 1966 graduate of Valley Forge Christian College in the Theology and Pastoral Preparation Program. He went on to Eastern Nazarene College and majored in religion and philosophy and graduated in 1968.

He was the pastor of the First Assembly of God Church in Columbia from 1968 to 1980 and led two building programs: the church and the Breezy View Christian School.

He was an associate pastor in Lancaster for two years while also owning and managing a business for 17 years.

He also held a position of adult Bible teacher for the Christian Life Assembly in Camp Hill from 1995 to 2012, and at the same time, worked at WDAC Christian Radio Station, Lancaster.

He also hosted a live call-in radio show, "News and Current Events from a Biblical Perspective."

In 2012, he accepted the pastorate position at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in Lewisburg.

In his spare time, he still enjoys most of the sports of his teen years, including outdoor activities and playing golf. He has also been known to drive a race car.

This year, Ed Heitzman, co-owner of Heitzman's Radiator, Glass and Parts, Inc., of Shamokin, will again provide special music.

Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at Clark's Grove Church, Irish Valley, at 1:30 p.m. and follow John Miller, former explorer advisor, to the cross. Fellowship and a hot dog roast over an open campfire will follow the service.

About the cross

Miller helped his Scouts place the first cross on the mountain in 1961. Miller has never missed an Easter service at the cross and also takes frequent hikes up the mountain. The cross stood for 25 years until the weather took its toll on the wood and it had to be replaced.

In 1986, Scoutmaster Harvey Buriak and his Scouts replaced the original cross. That year, they used a generator to create electricity for floodlights to illuminate the cross.

Every year since 1986, Boy Scout Troop 250 of Clark's Grove United Methodist Church, Irish Valley, which has taken responsibility for maintaining the cross, holds a weekend camp out on the mountain, closing with the public service held the Saturday before Easter.

In 1995, highly reflective material was affixed to the front of the cross. In 2007, a wall was installed to make a level area for the guest speaker to stand.

In 2011, 10 sets of bleachers were installed, allowing for seating of approximately 200 people.

Jeff Probst built a frame to keep the purple cloth that adorns the cross from blowing around in the wind.

In 2012, a transporter ATV was acquired to take physically challenged visitors to the service. In 2013, the parking lot was enlarged and a new access road was created to a nearby campsite, which was renamed "Camp David" in memory of David Stefanovige, who volunteered much of his time to keep the area clean and present the Easter service. Stefanovige also acquired a sound system for the service coordinated with WQSU 88.9 FM to provide a live broadcast. Stefanovige died in September 2011.

Last year, 375 people attended the service. Past guest speakers include state representatives, doctors, television personalities, reverends, missionaries, lay speakers and gospel singers.

COAL TOWNSHIP - For the second time in nine days, state officials took a bus tour of Shamokin and Coal Township Friday to see blighted properties and hear from local officials what's being done to address the issue.

The tour began in the Edgewood and Ferndale sections of the township's west end, and the bus stopped to let its passengers off long enough to take photos of blighted homes and take in the problem firsthand.

Like a bus on a normal route, it traveled east to city hall and let off a handful of township officials to make room for a few from the city. It was off again, this time to Bear Valley Avenue and then the former Shamokin Dress Company building on Bunker Hill.

The tour later made stops at the former St. Anthony School in Ranshaw and a row of homes on Girard Street in Atlas, Mount Carmel Township.

Edward Christiano, executive director of Northumberland County Housing Authority, helped lead the tour, directing the bus driver to stop at properties involved or sought by the city and township for the municipalities' respective blight remediation programs.

The county housing authority was awarded $500,000 by the state Department of Community and Economic Development. It redirected portions of the funding to Coal Township, Mount Carmel, Shamokin, Sunbury and Ralpho Township, all of which pledged the use of up to 30 percent of Community Development Block Grant funds to bolster their shares. Additional matching funds through the county's own CDBG program as well as the county housing trust fund brings the total to more than $1 million.

The story is the same, but it's importance is enough to city council members, township commissioners, county commissioners and state legislators to impress upon DCED officials in attendance the importance of funding such an initiative.

The goal is blight remediation - acquisition followed by demolition or rehabilitation.

C. Champ Holman, DCED deputy secretary for Community Affairs and Development, said the demolition of a blighted property can raise property values as high as 20 percent in some neighborhoods. If the remaining parcel of land is sold and a new home constructed, it brings new revenue to a municipality's tax roll.

A Schuylkill County native, Holman is familiar with the issue of blight. In his position, though, he travels across the state and has learned the issue isn't only unique to the coal region. Blight is a problem in many pockets across Pennsylvania, he said, including the Pittsburgh area and Moon Valley.

Peter J. Zug, DCED executive director of the Governor's Center for Local Government Services, said much the same, adding that the department will look to study the efforts of a dozen municipalities in remediating blight, using the results to create a statewide mechanism to get a handle on the problem.

Craig Fetterman, chairman of the township commissioners, pointed out that Shamokin and Coal Township once had a combined population of more than 40,000. The combined population today is less than half, approximately 17,500, but the infrastructure for the larger population remains, some of it falling into disrepair.

"It's just simple math. Everyone is gone," Fetterman said.

"Now's the time to take a look at it and fix the old infrastructure and to make it conform to what the population is now," Holman said.

State Rep. Kurt Masser and Sen. John Gordner attended, both of whom Holman credited with bringing attention in the Legislature to the issue of blight.

Others in attendance included Paul Leshinskie, township commissioner; Rob Slaby, township manager; Bill Milbrand, Shamokin mayor; Lynn Dixson and Rick Bozza, Shamokin's community development officer and code enforcement officer, respectively, and the new city clerk, Robert M. Slaby. Also attending were county commissioners Steve Bridy and Rick Shoch, and Pat Mack, the county's director of planning and industrial development.

SUNBURY - Jeff Greenawalt, of Mechanicsburg, will present "First in Our Hearts" a first-person interpretation of George Washington at a meeting Thursday of the Northumberland County Historical Society at the Hunter House, 1150 N. Front St.

The presentation will follow a brief business meeting which begins at 7 p.m.

"First in Our Hearts" is not a word-for-word script. Greenawalt works from the information he's gathered while extensively researching Washington's life. Portions of the portrayal will include items of local interest as he depicts Washington's relationship with Captain Andrew Montour, a scout for the Fort Augusta garrison in 1756.

Greenawalt, an actor and a musician with an avid interest in American history, will portray George Washington. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in theater from Temple University and has always enjoyed interacting with historical interpreters at Colonial Williamsburg and other historic sites. Several years ago, he decided to combine his acquired acting skills and his interest in American history to develop his own historical character interpretation of George Washington.

Greenawalt has always been fascinated by the life of our nation's first president, and his goal in creating "First in Our Hearts" is to leave his audience feeling as though they have actually met Washington and gained an understanding of the experiences and character traits that transformed him into the Father of Our Country.

A reception will follow Greenawalt's presentation. For more information on the program, call 570-286-4083.

Air National Guard Airman Nicole K. Artz graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

Artz is a daughter of Mary and Thomas Artz, of Dalmatia.

She is a 2013 graduate of Millersburg Area High School.

Artz airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

MILTON - The penny. The quarter. The $1 bill.

Each is different by design, but together they share one common feature: The words "In God We Trust."

James Pollock, a native of Milton, is credited with creating the spiritual - and sometimes controversial - phrase that now appears on all U.S. currency and was adopted as the national motto in 1956.

Pollock was a successful businessman, lawyer and politician, but one of his greatest contributions to society came when he was director of the Philadelphia Mint from 1861 to 1866. During that time, he was instructed to create a religious motto to satisfy the request of devout Christians that God be acknowledged on currency.

To honor his achievement, The Improved Milton Experience, a community-based, nonprofit organization that facilitates Milton's Main Street Program, has begun a fundraising campaign to raise $150,000 to purchase the former Milton National Bank on South Front Street in downtown Milton to create the James Pollock "In God We Trust" Museum.

The two-story, 6,000-square-foot building would feature galleries dedicated to Pollock and former presidents Abraham Lincoln and Dwight D. Eisenhower, who signed key legislation that allowed the phrase to be included on currency.

Origin of phrase

Before taking the position at the Mint, Pollock was a Northumberland County district attorney (1836-1838), U.S. congressman (1844-1849) and the 13th governor of Pennsylvania (1855 to 1858). He was also co-founder and first president of the Milton National Bank.

The original bank building was destroyed by fire in the 1880s, but the fact that Pollock had ties to the bank where the museum is planned holds special meaning for George Venios, Milton's Main Street manager.

"When we found out that Pollock was the co-founder, we knew we had to buy the building," Venios said Wednesday while standing inside the historic building.

Venios, co-author of the book "In God We Trust," said a similar phrase first appeared in the fourth stanza of "The Star Spangled Banner," written in 1812 by Francis Scott Key. The stanza includes the line: "And this be our motto: 'In God is our trust.' "

Venios has researched materials at the Library of Congress and archives at Penn State University to determine who coined "In God We Trust." He discovered that in 1861, the Rev. Mark R. Watkinson wrote a letter to Salmon Chase, secretary of the United States Treasury, proposing that a motto be created recognizing the existence of God.

This is where Venios' account of history differs from the government's.

According to a website for the U.S. Department of Treasury, in a letter dated Dec. 9, 1863, Chase approved Pollock's designs, but with the exception that the motto on the side with the shield be changed to "In God We Trust."

"The research at Penn State University and Library of Congress always points to Pollock being the originator of the phrase," Venios said. "I researched Chase, but no where does it mention about his work on the motto."

According to Venios, Pollock was quoted before he died stating he was the one who came up with the phrase, not Chase.

Pollock died April 19, 1890, in Lock Haven, at age 80. He is buried in the Milton Cemetery. On his tombstone reads: "James Pollock 1810-1890. In God We Trust."

Anniversary celebration

Venios said the bulk of the $150,000 still needs to be raised in order to purchase the former bank building from the Milton Public Library, which moved out several years ago.

The building still contains most of its original amenities, including light fixtures, marble floors and two walk-in safes. Phase II of the campaign would fund the acquisition of artifacts, exhibits and displays, and the establishment of an operations endowment fund.

In coordination with a street fair, a celebration recognizing the 150th anniversary of "In God We Trust" will take place from noon to 4 p.m. April 27 on Center Street in Milton. At 1 p.m., a program will take place at the Veterans Memorial Walkway. Scheduled to appear are state Rep. Lynda Schlegel-Culver (R-108) and state Sen. John Gordner (R-27).

For more information on how to donate or for more information on Pollock, visit www.ingodwetrustmuseum.com.

MOUNT CARMEL - People were dancing in the aisles, clapping their hands and stomping their feet Saturday night when the popular Mahoney Brothers presented their annual concert that took music fans back to the fabulous 50s and sensational 60s and 70s while raising money for area youth programs.

The fourth annual event sponsored by the Kulpmont Cruise Association in the Richard Beierschmitt Auditorium at Mount Carmel Area Junior-Senior High School attracted a large crowd and featured two new attractions.

Approximately 50 classic and antique cars and street rods lined the parking lot before the show while the young Keystone Kids Starmakers from the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre area got the audience in the mood by singing favorites from the golden age of rock 'n' roll in the lobby before later joining the Mahoney Brothers in the auditorium.

"What a crowd!" exclaimed concert organizer Joe Cesari, of Kulpmont, just prior to the two-hour show. "The Mahoney brothers are happy to be here and the weather was beautiful for the car show. People come from all over to hear this fantastic group and we had car owners from Williamsport, Scranton and the local area who brought different vehicles from the 1940s, 50, 60s and 70s."

Cesari said audience participation really makes the group's Juke Box Heroes show special.

"The audience has the pleasure of hearing their entire show in one setting," he said.

Cesari said more than 500 tickets were sold in advance for the show that keeps getting bigger and better each year.

He said proceeds benefit area youth programs and playgrounds.

'Fantastic'

Cesari said band and baseball boosters raised funds for their respective organizations by selling food and drinks in the lobby.

"We create the crowd for other people to make money for good causes," he concluded.

"I'm really looking forward to the show because I've never heard them play before," said Colleen Yechimowicz, of Hunlock Creek, who was assisting the Keystone Kids Starmakers.

Mary Balonis, of Kulpmont, added, "I come every year. The Mahoney Brothers are fantastic, and my favorite is their Neil Diamond impersonations."

Tom Hill, of Oak Ridge Estates, Mount Carmel, also hasn't missed a show in Mount Carmel and is particularly proud of his wife, JoAnn, who wears a poodle dress and dances in the aisles every year. "She's a dancing machine," Hill said.

The Mahoney Brothers, who are billed as the "world's greatest musical impersonation show," are based in New Jersey and have performed at Knoebels Amusement Resort for approximately 20 years. Their show Saturday paid tribute to the Everly Brothers, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, The Beatles, The Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffet.

They use replica instruments of those used by the original performers and groups.

The group, which has one of the premier Beatle tribute acts in the world, includes Tim, Brian and Mike Mahoney, Jay Swanson and Dan Seeth.

During the winter months, the Mahoney Brothers perform on cruise ships in Finland and Scandinavia, and their 50th year Beatles performances in Pennsylvania and New Jersey casinos have been played to standing-room-only crowds.

Keystone Kids Starmakers

The Keystone Kids Starmakers, who also performed during the show's intermission, featured entertainers ranging in age from 6 to 16 with girls dressed in poodle dresses and boys in black leather jackets and slicked back hair.

The non-profit group has made more than 30 appearances since May 2011 at various festivals, arts shows and car cruises in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. It is a revival of the original youth entertainment troupe known as The Jersey Kids Starmakers established in 1992.

Another cruise

The Kulpmont Cruise Association will sponsor its 12th annual car cruise in Kulpmont Sunday, June 22. Other association officers are Rich Mychak, vice president, and Patty Mychak, secretary/treasurer.

HARRISBURG - The rules for distressed Pennsylvania municipalities could be more rigid under a proposed revision of Act 47, a Senate panel was told this week.

Under the bill, a governor could declare a state of financial emergency if an Act 47 municipality adopted a budget at odds with the recovery plan, said Gerald Cross, executive director of the Pennsylvania Economy League Central Division.

That declaration could pave the way to state receivership, as the city of Harrisburg experienced until recently. The recovery coordinator would launch the process under the bill by determining that a municipal budget isn't consistent with a recovery plan.

"There is little the coordinator can do to force compliance other than the counterproductive withholding of state funding," said Cross. "The amendment makes municipal officials much more accountable and forces them to give more than lip service to difficult plan requirements."

Shamokin and Act 47

"Act 47" is a phrase that's been tossed about in Shamokin since at least 2008, when the notion of bankruptcy was discussed amid the city's dire financial situation.

Concerned with a growing deficit that had reached $2.7 million by the end of 2007, the city applied for the Pennsylvania Economy League's early intervention program in January 2008. A subsequent report from PEL in August 2008 projected the deficit would grow to $5.7 million by the end of 2012 if the city didn't take action to reverse its out-of-balance spending and revenue.

Act 47 consideration is present again in 2014. Mayor William D. Milbrand said a few weeks ago he fears the state, which has been providing ample assistance to the city to manage its finances, will push Shamokin toward enrolling in Act 47 if it doesn't obtain a loan to cover more than $811,000 in unpaid bills from 2013.

The state would potentially gain expansive oversight over Shamokin's attempts at fiscal recovery, including forcing the city to follow a state-approved plan and perhaps appointing an adviser to guide financial decision-making. Milbrand said it could also open up the city to changes in existing collective bargaining agreements and a potential reduction in temporary or permanent staffing.

Not a panacea

Cross testified at a hearing of the Local Government Committee on legislation to rewrite Act 47, which right now governs 20 municipalities that have been declared fiscally distressed, including Scranton, Nanticoke, West Hazleton and Plymouth Township in northeastern Pennsylvania.

The measure seeks to change the relationship between state government and Act 47 municipalities and follows the recommendations of a special task force, but it's not intended as a panacea for all the ills affecting local governments, said Sen. John Blake, D-22, Archbald, a committee member.

However, representatives of several local government associations said they want lawmakers to tackle other issues, too, involving an outdated municipal tax structure, tax-exempt property and labor contracts.

The bill provides that a municipality could be under Act 47 for only five years, instead of unlimited duration, and then face a three-year exit plan that would result in fiscal solvency, receivership, bankruptcy protection or disincorporation, in rare cases.

That timetable drew support from Cross and Stephen Fehr, a researcher with Pew Charitable Trusts, who helped write a report last year examining the role of the states in helping their distressed cities.

But Amy Sturges, an official with the Pennsylvania Municipal League, said a five-year limit is arbitrary and may not fit all distressed municipalities.

Court-OK'd tax hikes

As part of an exit plan, Act 47 towns could petition county court to levy on a temporary basis either a higher earned-income tax on residents and nonresidents, an increased local services tax on residents and commuters or a payroll tax on businesses. A town could only petition for one tax option under the bill.

Cross suggested that all municipalities, distressed or not, should be allowed to at least double the local services tax as a permanent revenue source.

"A higher LST (local services tax) rate would address the reality that local services, which are the crux of the tax, are becoming increasingly expensive," he said.

Acting on a recommendation from PEL, Shamokin first sought court approval to raise its real estate millage 5 mills above the 25-mill maximum allowed by the Third Class City Code in 2009. It has received that same court approval for six consecutive years.

For 2014, the higher millage is estimated to bring in an extra $120,000 in tax revenue, city officials have said.

(Information from past News-Item coverage was included in this report.)

Shamokin Area board meeting

COAL TOWNSHIP - The regular monthly meeting of the Shamokin Area School District Board of Directors will be held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the board conference room.

Road sweeping planned

MONTOURSVILLE - Motorists in the Shamokin and Trevorton areas of Northumberland County are advised that PennDOT plans to sweep the shoulders of Route 225 from Route 61 in Coal Township through Trevorton in Zerbe Township Wednesday.

No parking signs will be posted, and a parking ban will be in effect from approximately 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The short section of Route 890 in Trevorton will be swept from Route 225 to the playground at the bottom of the hill.

Marriage licenses

William Joseph Saweikis to Vanessa Michelle Katalinas, both of 2249 Upper Road, Shamokin. Issued April 11, 2014.

Remington Tradd Hupp to Autumn Regina Klusman, both of 343 E. Center St., Mount Carmel. To be issued April 14, 2014.

Patrick Robert Fetterman to Laura Jean Gemberling, both of 1237 W. Arch St., Coal Township. To be issued April 14, 2014.

Property transfers

Adele D. Ososkie (estate), Donna Mowery (administratrix), to Darryl Griffin, Carol Griffin, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Lois M. McCormick to Federal National Mortgage Association, property in Coal Township, $1.

Jennifer L. Minnig, Jennifer L. Stephens, Todd M. Stephens, Danielle M. Minnig, to Linda S. Lonsdale, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Fern B. Renner (trustee), Fern B. Renner Revocable Living Trust, to Franklin A. Renner, Cheryll A. Oestreich, property in Upper Augusta Township and Jordan Township, $1.

Fern B. Renner (trustee), Fern B. Renner Revocable Living Trust, to Franklin A. Renner, Cheryll A. Oestreich, property in Upper Mahanoy Township, $1.

Fern B. Renner (trustee), Fern B. Renner Revocable Living Trust, to Franklin A. Renner, Cheryll A. Oestreich, property in Upper Mahanoy Township, $1.

Rose M. Pope (estate), Michael E. Pope Jr. (executor), to Michael E. Pope Jr., Jill Pope, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

Rosemarie P. Troutman, Joan M. Daniels, to Francis J. Troutman Jr., property in East Cameron Township, $1.

Mary Ann Gratti to Tammy Leeman, property in Shamokin, $12,500.

Gratz Bank, Gratz National Bank, Herndon National Bank, to James Austin Yocum, property in Lower Augusta Township, $1.

Dorothy Stoops, Catherine C. Stoops, Catherine C. Spargal, Robert P. Spargal, to Rose Yeager, property in Coal Township, $12,000.

Aaron D. Hertzog, Rebecca A. Hertzog, Kathryn A. Hertzog, to Anthony Ricena, property in Mount Carmel, $57,000.

Joseph M. Odorizzi to Michael D. Honicker, Jennifer L. Honicker, property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

Marilyn F. Baumert, Corinne N. Rebuck (agent and individually), Earl L. Rebuck, Pauline Verna Lahr (by agent), to Corinne N. Rebuck, Earl L. Rebuck, property in Zerbe Township, $1.

Arlene F. Geise to Ryan D. Geise, Rachael L. Geise, property in Lower Augusta Township, $1.

Lindsay N. Bradley, Lindsay N. Thomas, Stephen L. Thomas, to Lindsey Haines, Richard H. Haines, property in Shamokin, $26,500.

Andrew J. Klembara, Tara M. Klembara, to Vincent S. Hoover, Crystal L. Hoover, property in Coal Township, $154,000.

Nancy Frank, Christa Frank, Christa Frank High, Robert W. High, to David Miller, property in Mount Carmel, $28,000.

Mark D. Carl, Sharon M. Carl, to Sharon M. Carl, property in Coal Township, $1.

Tehani Shingara, Daniel Shingara, to Christal L. Searles, property in Ralpho Township, $1,000.

Susquehanna Trust and Investment Company (executor), John J. Ruback Jr. (estate), to Marilyn V. Ruback, property in Coal Township, $1.

Helen M. McRea, David McRea, Lamar P. Kerstetter, Carrie Kerstetter, Howard L. Kerstetter, Betty Kerstetter, to A. Frank Kerstetter, Sara Kerstetter, property in Shamokin Township, $400.

A. Frank Kerstetter, Sara Kerstetter, to Scott Kerstetter, Mike A. Kerstetter, property in Shamokin Township, $400.

Robert Yarger, Peggy Yarger, to Rodney Allen, property in Shamokin Township, $1.

Mary L. Zimmerman, Mary L. Zimmerman (clerk of the orphans court), to Laura Siko, Rachel Siko, property in Marion Heights, $1.

Dale A. Koch, Cheryl A. Koch, to Dylan Blum, property in Shamokin, $120,000.

Mark C. Smith, Barbara A. Smith, to Mark C. Smith, Barbara A. Smith, property in Coal Township, $1.

David P. Snyder, Dena M.R. Snyder, to Steven A. Lahr, Connie J. Lahr, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

David W. Geary to David W. Geary, Larry J. Geary, property in Rush Township, $1.

SHAMOKIN - Pastor Paul Eby of Restoration Ministries Church and members of his congregation, who are known for helping the needy in the area in various ways, got into the Easter spirit Sunday by delivering 500 food baskets to the elderly at highrises and homes in Shamokin, Coal Township and Kulpmont.

The "Day of Blessing" project involved approximately 50 church members and friends volunteering their time to deliver truck and car loads of various food items. Packaging of the products began Saturday at the church at Chestnut and Third streets while delivery started at noon Sunday.

"We do things like this to give glory to God," commented Eby in the lobby of Coal Township Elderly Housing at 101 N. Ash St., where the first delivery took place.

Eby said he was inspired by God through a dream to help the less fortunate during the Easter season, particularly the two generations that preceded him. "I know that elderly in our area really struggle at times and we just wanted to honor them by providing food baskets to make their days more enjoyable, he said. "My parents and grandparents generations are an awesome group of people and deserve all the help we can provide."

In addition to delivering food, Eby and other church members prayed for the recipients and others at every stop.

All of the recipients appreciated the kindness expressed by Eby and his flock.

Jackie Carl, who has lived in Coal Township Elderly Housing for four years, said, "I think it's wonderful what they are doing. I appreciate the food and their prayers."

Eby said the church, which was established in 1996, has conducted other community-oriented programs such as spaghetti dinners and gas giveaways.

The pastor said he hopes his church can make the Easter season project an annual event.

The following landlord/tenant claims and judgments were filed in magisterial district court:

Hugh A. Jones, Mount Carmel

Michael R. Kaleta Jr., of Mount Carmel against Bobby Lee Peters, of Atlas, for $400, filed April 11. Hearing scheduled for April 23.

William Maher, Barbara Maher and William Henry, all of Kulpmont, against Frank Kruleski, of Kulpmont, for $2,500, filed April 7. Hearing scheduled for April 16.

John Gembic III, Shamokin

Zeus' Rentals LLC, of Northumberland, against Michelle Martinez and Jennifer Geesey, of Shamokin, for $2,600, filed April 11. Hearing scheduled for April 24.

Zeus' Rentals LLC, of Northumberland, against Jennifer Lowry, of Shamokin, for $4,775, filed April 11. Hearing scheduled for April 24.

Michael and Gloria Kalman, of Coal Township, against Traci Shaw, of Coal Township, for $3,812, filed April 10. Hearing scheduled for April 22.

Brett Russell, of Sunbury, against Angela Baylor and Jose Leon, of Coal Township, for $11,590.38, filed April 8. Hearing scheduled for April 21.

Philomena R. Williams, of Valley View, against John Reibsome and Wanda Reibsome, of Shamokin, for $5,000, filed April 8. Hearing scheduled for April 21.

Conduit Estates, LLC, Shamokin, against Jenna Schickley and Aaron Bixler, of Shamokin, for $2,000, filed April 7. Hearing scheduled for April 21.

Douglas E. Neidig, of Middleburg, awarded $1,079.60 on March 31 from Christopher and Nancy Derck, of Shamokin, for unpaid rent and court fees.

Michael I. Diehl, Milton

Michael and Gloria Kalman, of Coal Township, against Matt Thomas, of Coal Township, for $1,862, filed April 8, Hearing scheduled for April 22.

LPN Career Center to hold wellness fair

LEWISBURG - The public is invited to attend a wellness fair at the Central Susquehanna LPN Career Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday.

Stress management, summer safety, bullying, social media safety and other health-related issues will be featured as part of the annual fair.

Practical nursing students set up booths and activities that provide health information and services to their peers and members of the community.

Highlights of the fair will include arts, crafts and games for children, as well as healthy snack ideas and samples. Stations will also be available for visitors to have their blood pressure and blood sugar checked. Visitors to the fair will have the opportunity to tour an ambulance.

The LPN Career Center is located at 1339 St. Mary Street, Suite 2, in Lewisburg.

Miracle run/walk signup starts

DANVILLE - The Miracle 5K Run and Walk benefiting Children's Miracle Network at Geisinger will take place at Geisinger Medical Center Saturday, April 26. The out-and-back race will begin at the Hospital for Advanced Medicine at 9 a.m. with registration at 8 a.m.

Pre-registered participants can sign up before April 18 for $20 or $50 for a family of five, including two adults and three children under 15. T-shirts are included for pre-registered runners only. Race-day registrants will not receive a T-shirt.

Awards will be given to the top overall fundraising individual and group, as well as the overall male and female winner and the top three finishers in each age group.

Runners and walkers can register by calling 1-800-322-5437 or online at events.geisinger.org. Checks can be made payable to Geisinger Health System Foundation.

Low-cost eyeglass program

SHAMOKIN - North Western PA Optical Clinic, a privately funded program that provides income-eligible persons with eyeglasses for a low-cost of $40, will come to Central Susquehanna Opportunities, 2 W. Arch St., from 9 to 11 a.m. April 29. The clinic will be at Sunbury Career Link, 225 Market St., Sunbury, from 1 to 3 p.m. the same day.

Income guidelines are: One person, $21,032; two people, $27,992, and increases by $6,960 for each additional person in the household.

The low cost options include bifocals. No-lines are available at an additional cost.

Eligible persons select frames from the many that are in stock and have them measured for their lenses. Glasses are paid for at this time in cash or money order. They are shipped to the lab for assembly and then set back by U.S. mail directly to their home.

For other dates and locations, call 1-800-901-1912.