NORTHUMBERLAND - Priestley Chapel Associates will present an informal program of words and music Sunday at the Joseph Priestley Memorial Chapel to recognize a U.S. poet laureate.

Randall Jarrell, who served as U.S. poet laureate from 1956-1958, was born in 1914 in Nashville. His first book of poems, "Blood for a Stranger," was published in 1942, the same year he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He soon left the Air Corps for the Army and worked as a control tower operator, an experience which provided much material for his poetry.

Jarrell's reputation as a poet was established in 1945, while he was still serving in the Army, with the publication of his second book, "Little Friend, Little Friend," which bitterly and dramatically documents the intense fears and moral struggles of young soldiers.

Following the war, Jarrell accepted a teaching position at the Woman's College of the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, and remained there, except for occasional absences to teach elsewhere, until his death in 1965.

Even more than for his poems, Jarrell is highly regarded as a peerless literary essayist, and was considered the most astute (and most feared) poetry critic of his generation.

The music portion of the program features Charles Phelps playing the historic John Wind organ and piano.

The event will be held from 9:30 to 10:10 a.m. Sunday in the chapel at 380 Front St.

For more information, go to www.priestleychapel.org.

SUNBURY - Three felony counts of aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol will not proceed to trial in a case against a former Shamokin Area teacher accused of driving into a group of teens in March before fleeing the scene, according to Erin Odell, a law clerk in the office of Northumberland County Judge Charles H. Saylor.

The charges against Victor E. Swaboski III, 39, of 320 S. Beech St., Mount Carmel, were dropped Thursday afternoon following a four-hour pre-trial motion hearing in front of Saylor.

The judge found no evidence serious bodily injuries were suffered by Chelsea Troutman, 14, Seanna Zimmerman, 14, who was 13 at the time, and Jarret Schultz, 17, relating to the March 28 accident on Locust Gap Highway in Beaverdale near Mount Carmel Area Elementary School.

According to the vehicle code, a serious bodily injury is defined as "any bodily injury that creates a substantial risk of death, or causes serious, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ."

Saylor is not saying the teens were not injured or that their injuries were not caused by Swaboski, only that the injuries did not meet the code's requirements to be considered serious bodily injuries, Odell said.

Other charges stand

Charges of aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol in relation to Tyler

Wondoloski, 18, and Andrew Campbell, still stand and will precede to trial.

Campbell was also flown to Geisinger after suffering a fractured pelvis that required plates, screws and numerous stitches. He also suffered other injuries, including lacerations on his back.

Wondoloski, who was transported by ambulance to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, suffered broken vertebrae in his back and possibly torn muscles.

Witnesses said Swaboski, who officially resigned from his teaching position May 4, fled the scene after striking the teens, who were walking and biking near the road. They said he drove into Mount Carmel to avoid apprehension. A bike was lodged under his vehicle, causing a shower of sparks as he drove, witnesses said.

Zimmerman was flown by Life Flight helicopter to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville after suffering leg, foot and back injuries. Troutman and Schultz were taken by ambulance to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital to be treated for various injuries.

Swaboski was also charged with felonies of flight to avoid apprehension and accidents involving death or personal injury (five counts); misdemeanors of driving under the influence of alcohol and recklessly endangering another person (five counts), and summaries of failure to provide information and render aid, reckless driving, failure to drive in a single lane and restrictions on alcoholic beverages. The charges were filed by Mount Carmel Township Chief of Police Brian Hollenbush and Patrolman Daniel Politza.

Testimony

Thursday's hearing started at 9:15 a.m. and ended at 1:45 p.m. and included two short breaks, Odell said.

Since it is the responsibility of the Commonwealth to provide evidence, the prosecution called each victim, six law enforcement officers - Hollenbush, Politza, Mount Carmel Patrolman Justin Stelma, Mount Carmel Township Patrolman Kelly Campbell and adult probation officer Dan Shoop - and three additional witnesses, Odell said.

Swaboski was represented by Attorney Arlen "Rick" Day II, of Pottsville. Swaboski, who was present, did not provide any testimony during the hearing.

No other changes to Swaboski's charges were made Thursday.

Free on bail

In June, Day had filed a pre-trial motion that claims Swaboski was arrested without a warrant and probable cause, which made the arrest unlawful while violating the defendant's rights.

Day's motion pertains to charges of aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol, flight to avoid apprehension, reckless driving, recklessly endangering another person and restrictions on alcoholic beverages (open container of alcohol).

He also claims the commonwealth failed to present sufficient evidence to establish all necessary elements for the other charges, and the results of chemical testing of his client's blood that he believes the commonwealth will provide as evidence at the defendant's trial are tainted and violate Swaboski's rights.

Swaboski was taken into custody by police minutes after the accident when officers said Swaboski attempted to hide in the woods near his home. Police said Swaboski was in possession of two beer cans when he was caught, one of which was opened.

Swaboski was released from Northumberland County Prison in Sunbury after posting $50,000 cash bail following his preliminary hearing. His bail had been reduced that day from $100,000, which was set the night of the crash.

'An Ornamental Ordeal'

SHAMOKIN - Coal City Revitalization will present "An Ornamental Ordeal" from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library. Children are invited to help make ornaments to decorate two trees being donated to the Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and the Coal Township High Rise. All supplies will be provided. This free event will feature snacks (cookies), hot chocolate and coffee. Santa will also be on site, so kids are encouraged to bring their wish lists. The decorated trees will be donated immediately following the event. Everyone is invited to come along and watch the trees light up the lives of those who will enjoy them.

Christmas dinner

Trevorton Community Ambulance is serving up its fifth annual Christmas dinner at noon Saturday, Dec. 8. This eat-in or take-out meal will consist of baked ham, potatoes, vegetables, macaroni and cheese, fresh baked bread and apple or peach crisp for dessert. Home delivery will be available to elderly and disabled residents of Zerbe, East and West Cameron and Little Mahanoy townships. Call 797-4951 to request home delivery.

LARRC seeks volunteers

Members of Lower Anthracite Regional Recreation Committee (LARRC) are working toward constructing a recreation area near Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, including two soccer fields, batting cages, a walking track and a playground. The group is hoping to break ground this fall. Volunteers are needed to donate time, machines, craftsmanship and any other services. For more information, contact George Zarick at 850-3087, Jerry Waugh at 394-4327 or Coal Township manager Rob Slaby at 644-0395.

2013 Anthracite Coalympics

The "2013 Anthracite Coalympics" is a fundraiser set for May 4 in Shamokin. Admission is free. Event registration is $15. Adult events include a 2k race, horseshoes, ultimate frisbee, obstacle course, homerun derby, hot dog eating conest, beer pong and tug-of-war. Children's events are free, but donations are welcome. They include a race, scavenger hunt, beanbag toss, long jump and obstacle course. There will be entertainment for children as well as live music and adult beverages for those of age. Vendors and volunteers are needed. Anyone interested in helping out should contact Shamokin Coal Township Community Cares Project on Facebook, email coalregionpride@yahoo.com or call 898-5229.

(The News-Item is looking to highlight some of the things to which people can contribute time in the area. We provide the information weekly in Friday's edition. We invite you to submit ideas and existing projects to living@newsitem.com or give us a call.)

PORT CARBON - The green thumb behind an elaborate marijuana-growing operation uncovered by firefighters early Wednesday is behind bars, according to representatives of the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force.

Officers from the task force charged Dean Vermeersch, 53, with running the hydroponic marijuana operation on the second floor of 233 Coal St., according to documents filed in the office of Christina E. Hale, Frackville, the on-duty magisterial district judge who conducted the video arraignment Wednesday night.

The investigation, however, is still continuing, Schuylkill County First Assistant District Attorney Bill Reiley said Thursday.

"I had my doubts there was anybody else involved from the very beginning but, just to make sure, we're going to run down whatever leads we have," Reiley said.

Electrical fire

According to a criminal complaint filed at 8:14 p.m. Wednesday, Vermeersch was charged with three felonies, one count each of possession with the

intent to deliver a controlled substance, manufacturing a controlled substance and causing or risking a catastrophe; seven misdemeanors, one count each of operation of a drug manufacturing establishment and being a public nuisance and five counts of possession of a controlled substance, and one summary violation of disorderly conduct.

Bail was set at $50,000 straight cash. Unable to pay it, Vermeersch remained in Schuylkill County Prison on Thursday afternoon, according to a prison spokesman.

The preliminary hearing will be held at the office of Magisterial District Judge David A. Plachko, Port Carbon, but the date for that hearing had not been set Thursday, according to a secretary at Plachko's office.

Borough firefighters discovered the elaborate pot garden containing more than 75 plants while battling an electrical fire at the home Wednesday morning.

An electrical circuit overload occurred at Vermeersch's home, 233 Coal St., a two-story apartment house, about 6 a.m. Wednesday, causing a fire that spread to 231 Coal St., a three-story home owned by Lamar E. Staller, 44, and his wife, Katrina M., 43. They lived there with their daughter, Becky, 14, and six cats.

The Stallers' six cats died in the blaze. A cat that lived at 233 Coal St. escaped the house, but suffered burns and remained in critical condition Thursday afternoon at Schuylkill Veterinary Hospital, 1170 Route 61, Pottsville, according to Cathy Lishman, the hospital's manager.

"We have located the owner," Lishman said Thursday but she would not release the owner's name.

Elaborate system

The blaze gutted both homes, making them unlivable, according to borough Fire Chief Michael E. Welsh.

It took firefighters and police more than two hours Wednesday to remove the remains of the marijuana-growing operation from the second floor of 233 Coal St. It included marijuana plants in gallon-sized buckets, an irrigation system made up of 55-gallon drums, chemicals, hoses, lights and packaging material like plastic bags.

While borough police Chief Jon J. Bowman was in charge of the drug investigation Wednesday, it became a joint investigation when the criminal complaint was being typed up Wednesday night.

According to the criminal complaint, the prosecuting officers were Bowman and county Detective Gregory S. Meisner.

"Numerous clear glassine bags containing green vegetative matter were found in the kitchen freezer," according to the criminal complaint.

All of those field-tested positive for marijuana, according to the criminal complaint.

Bowman referred all questions about the case to Reiley on Thursday.

Vermeersch bought 233 Coal St. on March 30 from Dale J. Smith for $14,000, according to the online Schuylkill Parcel Locator.

ROCKEFELLER TOWNSHIP - There was a moment during U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nathan Hallman's year-long deployment in Afghanistan that made it feel like home.

By coincidence in September, the 1997 graduate of Sunbury Christian Academy learned his younger brother, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Micah Hallman, a 2004 graduate of Sunbury Christian Academy, was passing through near where the elder brother was stationed in Kandahar Province.

The two brothers were granted permission to hang out and play pool before the younger Hallman had to leave for his mission.

"Everybody knows, if you have a brother or someone coming in, and we're in this crappy place, you go find him. It helps as far as morale," Nathan Hallman said. "It's a war zone. If you got family, they bend over backwards to try to get you guys together."

Micah Hallman, an 8th EAMS Air Transportation joint inspector, was "forward deployed" with a join inspection team to remote Forward Operating Base (FOB) Chakhcharan Sept. 17 to help with the inspection and movement of a downed UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, according to an article on the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing website.

Chakhcharan is a town and district in central Afghanistan, which serves as the capital of Gwhor Province. Chakhcharan is a NATO controlled FOB that is operated by the Lithuanian Army.

Home again

Hallman, 34, returned Nov. 10 to his Rockefeller Township home near Sunbury, where he lives with his wife of nine years, Jacinta, their four children, Caleb, 9, Bailey, 6, Max, 4 and Keira, 1, and their pitbull, Princess.

Hallman joined the Army in February 1998 as a reservist, and has only been deployed once before to Kuwait for 15 months in 2003.

Hallman said it takes time to readjust once home again.

"When you're going through it (deployment), you don't know what's changed about you until you get back. I've only been back two weeks, and it takes a while to figure out what about you is different and how to fit in again," he said.

As a reservist in the 358th Engineer Co., New Cumberland, Hallman is on active duty two weekends a month and two weeks a year. When he's home, he works as a corrections officer at a local prison.

He joined the military nearly 15 years ago for reasons he can't quite put a finger on.

"I always wanted to be in the Army. I don't know why. I don't know where it came from. I just always thought it was cool," he said.

He was deployed last year with the Army Corp of Engineers at Kandahar Province Air Field in Afghanistan where he specialized in carpentry and masonry.

"Our main mission was to build roads. We were out there where nothing existed so we could get stuff out there. The guys liked to call us the tip of the spear," Hallman said.

Better Internet

Most of the transportation in Afghanistan is done using donkeys or motorbikes, and the roads are dirt paths, he said.

They were busy "24/7 most of time we were there," and it was hot and miserable, Hallman said.

Depending on where they were, Hallman said some places were rough with nothing and some places were nice with everything - indoor showers, big screen televisions, X-Box consoles and Internet service with personal laptops.

In fact, he said, since his home in the township is a deadzone and does not have Internet access, the connection in Afghanistan was better than at his house.

This means he was able to communicate with his family at least once a week by phone or Facebook and keep up with the daily life through pictures.

This was actually how he found out his brother, Micah, was going to be near his area - by seeing a Facebook post and talking to his sister-in-law, Tysha Hallman, about it, only to learn he had an hour before his younger brother was scheduled to arrive.

"I didn't know where to find him. He has no cell phone. I walked into the terminal, and he was standing there, waiting for his ride. Luckily, his ride didn't show up on time," Hallman said.

He said a fellow airman noticed Nathan Hallman's nametag before Micah saw him.

'Let's see'

To communicate with his wife and kids, Hallman said he had to wake up at 4 a.m.

He said it was rough on the family for him to be away for a year, and his daughter was hesitant to play with him when he was on leave for 14 days earlier this year.

"I don't know if she knows I live here yet," he joked.

Hallman recently signed up for another six years in the reserves, which would put his total service at 21 years. After that, he's not sure what the future holds.

"Let's see what happens at 21, and see what kind of shape I'm in," he said.U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nathan Hallman and his wife, Jacinta, live in Rockefeller Township with their three children, Max, 4, Caleb, 9, Bailey, 6, and Keira, 1. Caleb, 9, Max, 4, and Bailey, 6, are the three sons of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nathan Hallman and his wife, Jacinta. Rockefeller Township resident and U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nathan Hallman, right, unexpectedly met up with his brother, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Micah Hallman in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. Both men are graduates of Sunbury Christian Academy. They were standing in front of Nathan Hallman's Light Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV), which Hallman describes as "something like a dump truck" that weighs 2 1/2 tons.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Two weeks prior to Thanksgiving, the Pre-K Counts class at Shamokin Area Elementary School held its own Thanksgiving feast and based the event on two stories they learned.

The stories - "Turkey Trouble" by Wendi Silvano and "A Turkey for Thanksgiving" by Eve Bunting - helped shape how the students celebrated.

The students were given a paper turkey to disguise as in the "Turkey Trouble" story. These turkeys were displayed on the back of chairs around the Thanksgiving table.

They also invited a turkey to dinner. The turkey was seated at the table with the children, as occurred in "A Turkey for Thanksgiving."

The students all chose whether they wanted to be a pilgrim or Native American at the feast, and they all made costumes depicting their choice.

When it came to preparing the meal, the students helped make applesauce, biscuits and butter and pumpkin pie.

They watched as the apples were turned into sauce and helped by using a sieve to separate the skins and seeds from apple flesh.

For the biscuits, they helped measure and pour the ingredients and mix the dough before scooping it onto cookie sheets.

Biscuits are best served with butter, and the students chipped in by vigorously shaking heavy cream to turn into butter while dancing and singing to songs from the "I Am Moving, I Am Learning" initiative supported by First Lady Michelle Obama.

The students made homemade pumpkin pie in a bag for dessert.

The class sponsored a dress-down day throughout the entire Shamokin Area School District, raising $188 that was donated to The Shepherd's Table, whose volunteers cook meals for the community's less fortunate.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nathan Hallman and his wife, Jacinta, live in Rockefeller Township with their three children, Max, 4, Caleb, 9, Bailey, 6, and Keira, 1. Caleb, 9, Max, 4, and Bailey, 6, are the three sons of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nathan Hallman and his wife, Jacinta. Rockefeller Township resident and U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nathan Hallman, right, unexpectedly met up with his brother, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Micah Hallman in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. Both men are graduates of Sunbury Christian Academy. They were standing in front of Nathan Hallman's Light Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV), which Hallman describes as "something like a dump truck" that weighs 2 1/2 tons.

SHAMOKIN - The Rotary Club of Shamokin will once again operate the famous Santa Sleigh, which will wind its way throughout the area this holiday season.

This year's activities will kick off by bringing Jolly Old Santa Claus to town at 1 p.m. Saturday during the Shamokin parade. The Rotary Club will also take pictures with Santa after the parade during the Downtown Christmas activities above the Fun Shop until 6 p.m. The public is reminded that the Fun Shop building is not handicap accessible.

A donation of $3 is requested, but no child will go away without a picture with "Jolly Old St. Nick."

The sleigh will begin its 6 to 9 p.m. neighborhood visits Tuesday. Pictures will also be taken at that time.

Here is the schedule of Santa Sleigh appearances for 2012:

Tuesday - Market Street, 6 to 6:45 p.m.; Bear Valley Avenue, 6:50 to 7:15 p.m.; Raspberry Hill, 7:25 to 8 p.m.; corner of Chestnut and Marshall streets, 8:10 to 9 p.m.

Wednesday - Walnut Street, 6 to 7 p.m.; Stetler Drive, 7 to 8 p.m.; Arch Street, 8 to 9 p.m.

Thursday - Ferndale (West of Second Street).

Friday - Ranshaw, 6 to 6:30 p.m.; Wal-Mart, 6:45 to 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 11 - Dewart Street Playground, 6 to 7 p.m.; Uniontown and Center Street Motors, 7:15 to 8 p.m.; Center Street Car Wash, 8:15 to 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 12 - West of Market Street to Second Street (from Sunbury to Mulberry streets)

Thursday, Dec. 13 - Kulpmont Town Park.

Tuesday, Dec. 18 - Shamokin Street, Mother Cabrini Church, 6 to 6:45 p.m.; Fifth Ward and Springfield.

MOUNT CARMEL - An 18-year-old borough man who led police on a 25-minute foot pursuit earlier this month was arraigned on five separate cases Wednesday, including one involving his flight from police.

Brandon Chapman, 18, of South Walnut Street, Mount Carmel, was placed in Northumberland County Prison following Wednesday's arraignment before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones, of Mount Carmel. His cases, all filed by Mount Carmel Borough Police patrolman David Donkochik, are scheduled for a preliminary hearing Dec. 5 before Jones.

On Nov. 2, Chapman led officers on a 25-minute chase through several properties in the northeast section of the borough after Donkochik attempted to arrest him on a warrant issued earlier that day for a parole violation.

After encountering Chapman at Fourth and Chestnut streets, Donkochik explained to Chapman there was a warrant for his arrest.

"When I went to put handcuffs on him, he ran," Donkochik said.

Chapman was caught on a culm bank north of Midway Field within a half-hour after constable Larry Rompallo and officers from Mount Carmel, Mount Carmel Township, Ralpho Township and Kulpmont surrounded the area.

The Mount Carmel teen was charged Wednesday with resisting arrest, escape and flight to avoid apprehension in the case.

Stolen iPod, coins

Chapman also faces charges of receiving stolen property and giving false reports to law enforcement authorities following an Oct. 27 incident when he and another individual, Richard R. Workman, 19, of 317 E. Columbia Avenue, allegedly sold a stolen iPod mp3 player to the GameStop store in Coal Township for $68.80.

Chapman reportedly told police he never had any type of device and was not at the store during the time of the incident. Store surveillance footage showed Workman and Chapman at the store. Chapman then told police a juvenile male gave him the iPod and used Workman's identification to sell it.

Workman was charged with receiving stolen property. He was arraigned and waived his preliminary hearing Wednesday and was released after posting his signature as bail.

The iPod crime occurred a few hours after Chapman waived his preliminary hearing on charges of theft and receiving stolen property concerning the Sept. 19 theft of several coins owned by his mother, Angela Chapman.

Vehicle theft

Brandon Chapman was also arraigned Wednesday on charges of criminal conspiracy to commit theft, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and a related criminal conspiracy charge, and possession of a small amount of marijuana, following a vehicle theft on South Hickory Street on Oct. 22.

Donkochik charged Chapman after the teen allegedly rode around Shamokin with two other individuals in a vehicle stolen in Mount Carmel before abandoning the vehicle in a lumber yard. The three allegedly were smoking marijuana at the time.

Chapman was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia after he was allegedly found in the area of South Oak Street on Sept. 5 with a wooden smoking pipe containing burnt residue.

Stolen GPS

He also faces charges of theft from a motor vehicle and receiving stolen property. According to court documents, Donkochik said Chapman was standing near Jones's office Sept. 27 when police approached him to serve a warrant. A search of a backpack he was carrying found a GPS unit inside with no power cord.

Chapman allegedly told police he removed the unit from an unlocked vehicle on North Locust Street, and he was in the area to steal items from vehicles, according to court documents.

When asked what happened to the GPS unit, Chapman told police that his mother picked up his bag with the GPS unit inside from the Magistrate's office while he was taken into custody. After getting out of jail 10 days later, Chapman said he discarded the device in a dumpster to avoid police catching him with it.

Army Sgt. Mathew S. Young has arrived for duty at the Chicago Army Recruiting Battalion at Crystal Lake Army Recruiting Station, Ill., to serve as an Army recruiter.

Young has served in the military for 12 years.

He is a son of Beverly and Joe D. Young Jr., of Packer Street, Sunbury.

Young is a 1998 graduate of Shikellamy High School.

SHAMOKIN - The following hearings took place Wednesday before Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III. Defendants ordered to appear for hearings on Monday, Jan. 14, in Northumberland County Court, Sunbury, can plead guilty or no contest, or seek a trial by pleading not guilty.

n Matthew Muscella, 32, of 124 Oak Creek Drive, Royersburg, waived charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and failure to drive in a single lane.

Mount Carmel Township Police Patrolman David Stamets Jr. filed the charges following a Sept. 30 traffic stop on Route 61 in Atlas.

n Richard Reese Workman Jr., 19, of 317 E. Columbia Ave., Apt. B, Mount Carmel, waived charges of identity theft, access device fraud, forgery, criminal conspiracy, theft of lost or mislaid property and receiving stolen property.

Workman was charged by Cpl. Christopher Buhay of the Mount Carmel Borough Police for allegedly using a stolen debit card to make $123.31 in purchases throughout Mount Carmel on Sept. 29.

n Charges of driving under the influence of a controlled substance, driving under the influence of a combination of drugs, possession of a small amount of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, careless driving and driving without a license were waived to court by Jacobe G. Lyash, 20, of 470 Overlook Blvd., Shamokin.

Lyash was charged by Kulpmont Police Patrolman Joshua Pastucka following a traffic stop on Route 61 near Vista Motors on Sept. 2.

n Brenda L. Spicer, 46, of 557 W. Girard St., Mount Carmel, waived charges of theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and possession of a controlled substance.

Spicer was charged by Mount Carmel Borough Police Patrolman Kevin Katch following a Sept. 22 incident on South Poplar Street.

n Paul A. Fuller, 53, of Route 901, Locust Gap, was ordered to pay a fine and court costs totalling $454 after pleading guilty to a charge of harassment.

Mount Carmel Township Police Patrolman David Stamets Jr. filed the charges following an incident at his residence on Sept. 1.

Charges of simple assault and disorderly conduct were waived in the case.

n Two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, careless driving, driving on the wrong side of the road and two counts of possession of a controlled substance were waived to court by Jodi Lyn Hoats, 35, of 806 State Route 61, Sunbury.

She was charged by Ralpho Township Police Patrolman Chris Dailey following a traffic stop in Elysburg on March 28.

n Joseph M. Delorso, 23, of 504 S. Hickory St., Mount Carmel waived charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, hit and run, reckless driving and failure to give immediate notice of an accident to police.

He was charged by Patrolman David Stamets Jr. of the Mount Carmel Township Police in connection with a Sept. 30 accident at the intersection of Route 54 and Brennan's Farm Road known as the Strong Connector.

n Dawn Yentsch, 36, of 209 E. Water St., Mount Carmel, waived charges of driving under the influence of alcohol, a lighting violation and restrictions on alcoholic beverages,

Mount Carmel Township Police Patrolman David Stamets Jr. filed the charges related to the Sept. 25 incident along Route 61 near Choice Cigarette Discount Store.

n Two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, careless driving and driving on the wrong side of the road were waived to court by David E. Kraynak, 23, of 131 W. Clermont St., Marion Heights.

The charges relate to a Sept. 26 traffic stop in the 600 block of West Fifth Street and were filed by Mount Carmel Borough Police Patrolman Shane Reamer.

Reorganization meeting set

COAL TOWNSHIP - A meeting of the Shamokin Area School Board will be held for reorganization and general purposes at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the library of the Northumberland County Career and Technical Center.

Santa breakfast in Mount Carmel

MOUNT CARMEL - The first annual Breakfast with Santa, sponsored by Mount Carmel Downtown Inc., will be held Saturday, Dec. 8, at Sheila's Deli, with seatings at 9 and 11 a.m.

The $5 tickets can be purchased at Sheila's Deli or the Academy Sports Center. The breakfast includes french toast sticks, two sausage links and a choice of orange juice, white milk or chocolate milk. Children will also receive a Christmas goodie bag from Mount Carmel Downtown Inc. and a framed picture with Santa, which are included in the ticket price.

Art contest deadline extended

HARRISBURG - PennDOT has extended the deadline for elementary school students to submit entries for its aviation art contest until Wednesday, Dec. 19, recognizing that Hurricane Sandy resulted in school closings in some regions of the state.

Sponsored by PennDOT's Bureau of Aviation, the contest encourages students to display their talents and learn about aviation.

This year's contest theme is "50 Years of American Space Flight." Entries will be judged in two divisions: first through third grades, and fourth and fifth grades.

Artwork should be submitted on 8.5-by-11-inch or 9-by-12-inch paper, unframed, unmatted and unlaminated. All work must be done by hand (there is an exception for children with physical challenges).

Permitted formats are acrylic, oil paint, felt-tip pens, indelible ink, soft ballpoint pens, watercolor or crayons. Formats that are not permitted are non-permanent media such as pencil or charcoal, computer-generated artwork and collage work using photocopies.

The back of each submission should include the student's name, teacher's name, grade level, county and school address and phone number. Entries will not be returned. Winners' schools will be notified by telephone.

Send entries to Bureau of Aviation, c/o William Sieg, 400 North St., Harrisburg 17120 or P.O. Box 3457, Harrisburg 17120-0064.

Navy Seaman Recruit Brandon P. Tasker, a son of Aubrey B. Tasker, of Paxinos, completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Tasker completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.

The capstone event of boot camp is "Battle Stations." This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. "Battle Stations" is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Its distinctly ''Navy'' flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a sailor.

ST. ALBANS, Vt. - William C. Bray Jr., of Millersburg, formerly of Shamokin, graduated with the highest honors from the Stratford Career Institute, St. Albans, Vt., with technician certification in motorcycle/ATV repair. He finished his classes with a 98 percent class average.

SHAMOKIN - The Lower Anthracite Region United Way has officially begun its 2012 campaign.

Last year, LARUW raised $67,652, $17,000 more than its intended goal. This year, the organization hopes to beat its goal again.

LARUW funds international agencies such as the American Red Cross and small, local agencies such as Manna for the Many.

The United Way flourishes from individuals and small businesses who continually donate every year. According to the 2010 Census, there are 33,741 residents in the areas that the United Way serves. If each person donated $5, LARUW could raise more than $168,705. A $5 contribution could help families get back on their feet after a fire, provide a Thanksgiving dinner to a family in need or match a young child with a mentor.

Donations can be sent by cash, check or money order to The Lower Anthracite United Way, 2 E. Arch St., Shamokin.

LARUW serves part of Northumberland County, including Shamokin, Coal Township, Elysburg, Mount Carmel, Kulpmont, Paxinos and Trevorton.

All of the campaign funds are donated to charitable organizations in the lower anthracite region. Currently, LARUW supports Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Central Susquehanna Sight Services, Manna for the Many, The American Red Cross, The ARC, Susquehanna Valley, The Girls Scouts of America, The Boy Scouts of America, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Avenues and the VNA.

The Lower Anthracite Region is on the second floor of the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center.

LARUW appreciates all donations.

SUNBURY - Northumberland County Commissioner Richard Shoch reported Friday that the county must pay back at least $200,000 of a $365,000 state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) grant intended for low-income families that reportedly was distributed by county Adult Social Services and the planning department to unqualified individuals.

In addition to claiming fellow Commissioner Vinny Clausi ignored the problem after reportedly being made aware of it in January and receiving numerous e-mails from Shoch about last month's deadline to pay back the money, the minority commissioner also said Clausi governs in a "secretive, belligerent, self-absorbing style," costing the county excessive and unnecessary costs.

Shoch said he was notified during a meeting with DCED and county officials in Harrisburg Wednesday that the county will be responsible to pay back between $200,000 and $250,000 for the significant mistake made in its distribution.

The commissioner said DCED plans to extend last month's deadline and will soon notify the county informing them of what potential penalties the county faces if the money is not refunded.

Shoch previously reported the county must pay back a minimum of $18,000 to DCED, and noted the deadline to pay back the money was the middle of November.

Fixable, avoidable

Shoch accused Clausi of trying to keep the issue a secret and minimizing the amount the county owed.

In an e-mail sent to The News-Item Friday night, Shoch said in June, he raised concern in a public meeting over the county's possible payback to DCED of funds it administered as part of a HUD-funded grant program.

Shoch said, "Mr. Clausi denied that there was any issue, and so I mentioned that Mr. Clausi had apparently left a message earlier in the year with DCED regarding this issue that was so belligerent, he was no longer allowed to contact that employee directly. Mr. Clausi responded by screaming that I was a joke, and was quoted in the newspaper as saying that I needed a psychiatrist.

"I had to make a records request directly to DCED in order to verify the extent of the problem with the grant," Shoch wrote. "As a result of that records request, I obtained a copy of Mr. Clausi's belligerent voicemail left on the phone of a DCED employee in January of this year.

"In the voicemail, Mr. Clausi acknowledges his understanding that DCED is demanding repayment of funds. Inexplicably, he proceeded to hide this information from me, and likely the other commissioner (Stephen Bridy), rather than make us aware of it so it could be rectified.

"The failure rate on the files in connection with the grant exceeded 70 percent, and the county has been advised that, with no appreciable time left to fix the problem, it will have to repay between $200,000 and $250,000," Shoch wrote.

Shoch said all but approximately $18,000 of the amount had been fixable and avoidable, and blamed Clausi for only allowing the commissioners 2 1/2 months to fix the problem when they could have had more than 10 months.

'Self-serving negligence'

Shoch said most of the employees associated with the matter downplayed the issue. The commissioner said he was informed in April by county officials that DCED recommended the county stop administering funds through the program because of the complexity of the program.

"I am demanding that Mr. Clausi place $200,000 in escrow with the county to cover its losses," he said.

Shoch provided The News-Item a digital file of the alleged voicemail left by Clausi to the DCED employee and various e-mails allegedly supporting his claim that Clausi ignored the DCED grant issue.

He added, "While I recognize that the increase in county costs in many areas, coupled with the county's existing debt burden, necessitates an increase in taxes, I cannot in good conscience vote for any budget that results in an increase in both our taxes and our debt burden until Commissioner Clausi reimburses the county's taxpayers for the excessive and unnecessary costs associated with the secretive, belligerent and self-absorbed style of governance that he has subjected this county to for the last five years. We cannot continue to have taxpayers foot the bill for Mr. Clausi's self-serving negligence in the conduct of his office."

Legal fees

Shoch also claims Clausi is responsible for costs associated with defamation lawsuits filed by fired deputy sheriffs Michael Boris and Joseph Jones and their former attorney, Gregory Stuck.

He said, "These defamation lawsuits resulted from Mr. Clausi's statements made at a public meeting that served no purpose other than to allow Mr. Clausi to see his name and picture in the newspaper. In Mr. Clausi's sworn deposition testimony from April 7, 2011, he admitted that then-Commissioner Frank Sawicki warned him ahead of time not to discuss the issue in the public meeting as it would subject the county to a lawsuit. In order to feed his own ego and need for attention, Mr. Clausi ignored this advice."

To date, Shoch said the county has paid at least $57,390 for legal representation in the lawsuits. He said additional legal fees will be incurred by taxpayers in the future. He said Stuck has demanded $500,000 in damages, while Jones and Boris are seeking unspecified amounts.

"I am demanding that Mr. Clausi immediately repay the county for the $57,390 in legal fees, and place $1.5 million in escrow with the county to cover potential payouts to the claimants," Shoch said.

911 system

He also chastised Clausi for failing to take action to meet a federal mandate that requires the county to make expensive upgrades to its 911 communications system.

"Back in September 2010, then-Commissioner Frank Sawicki raised a motion at a public meeting to begin the process of obtaining RFPs (requests for proposals) from consultants to implement the federally-mandated, narrow-banding upgrade to the county's 911 communications system," he said. "In response, Mr. Clausi threw one of his increasingly common tantrums, yelling objections and throwing his pen and pad in a rage. Sawicki correctly predicted that, if the county did not move forward with the process, the system would cost the county significantly more in the future."

Shoch said the county's current consultant has advised the commissioners that at this late date, cheaper analog frequencies are likely not available anymore.

He said, "Other municipalities whose commissioners don't throw such tantrums have already bought them up in order to ensure that they will not have to overly burden their taxpayers with an expensive digital system. The additional cost to taxpayers will be approximately $5 million. In addition, the local municipal police departments and volunteer fire departments will likely have to pay more for digital equipment that is compatible with a digital system."

He added, "I demand that Mr. Clausi place $5 million in escrow with the county in order to cover these likely additional costs."

In closing, the commissioner said, "It is my opinion that the taxpayers of this county should not have to bear the burden for Mr. Clausi's indiscretions. It is time for him to put his money where his mouth is and, when you have a lot of mouth, that takes a lot of money."

Clausi responds

When contacted Friday night at his Coal Township home, where he is recuperating from recent surgery, Clausi called Shoch's claims "stupid" and accused his fellow commissioner of attacking him while he is ill.

Clausi, who denied receiving e-mails or other correspondence from Shoch pertaining to the issues, said, "He knows I'm sick and recuperating from surgery. Every time I'm not around, he comes out with another allegation about me. I'm not going to sneak around like him. I plan to hold a news conference in the next couple weeks after I recuperate and answer all his allegations."

He added, "Every one knows he's a troublemaker. I think there's something wrong with Mr. Shcoh. I never expected this from an attorney. He is so unprofessional making these allegations. This is non-sense.

I promise the taxpayers of Northumberland County that I never stole a dollar. I helped trim the county budget from $93 million in 2008 to $73 million in 2013. That's $20 million in five years and I'm proud of my record. Mr. Shoch has no record to stand on."

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans Committee held its 436th Changing of the Colors flag ceremony Sunday, Nov. 25, in honor and memory of a veteran of the Vietnam War at the Susquehanna Bank flag pole.

David Peter Barvitskie was born Oct. 3, 1949, the son of John and Theresa (Halgash) Barvitskie. He was a 1967 graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School.

Barvitskie entered the Marine Corps Oct. 29, 1968, at Wilkes-Barre and was honorably discharged as a corporal Oct. 10, 1971, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.

A field radio operator with Battery I, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, he received the following medals: Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, 1st Award, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm and frame, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device and the Rifle Expert Badge.

He served in Vietnam from June 28, 1969, to June 23, 1970. Total service to his country was three years, one month and nine days, of which, foreign service was one year. Following his tour of duty, he was transferred to the Marine Corps Reserve Forces, Kansas City, Mo.

On Sept. 21, 1974, Barvitskie married the former Bernadette Kelly at St. Stephen's Protomartyr Church, Coal Township.

He was a graduate of Williamsport Area Community College and Susquehanna University, where he earned an associate degree in business management. He was last employed as a draftsman with Metso Minerals, Danville.

Barvitskie was a member of Mother Cabrini Church, Shamokin.

Barvitskie passed away Sept. 29, 2012, and is buried in All Saints Cemetery, Bear Gap. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, two grandchildren, two brothers and a sister.

The flag that was flown for the past month was in honor and memory of Robert G. Smith, who served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. Taps was played on the bugle by Ann Ray Begis as the flag was lowered by Anthony Candelora. The flag was folded by William Begis, Walter Summers and Candelora, and was presented to Smith's wife, Venitta, by Summers.

The Barvitskie flag was escorted to the service by Andrew Lukoskie. The flag was presented by Barvitskie's grandson, Mason Barvitskie, to Summers who raised the flag as the National Anthem was placed. David Berezovske read the military records of both veterans. Summers lead everyone in reciting the Lord's Prayer. The ceremony ended with a silent salute to all veterans. Summers thanked the families and friends of both veterans in attendance for their participation in the ceremony.

Charles Noskoviak carried the American flag and the rifle escort was provided by James Kealy and Andrew Bubnis. Connie Andrews provided traffic control.

The next flag ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, at Second and Oak streets, when the flag will be raised in honor and memory of William S. Whitmore, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Area veterans and the public are invited to attend.

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 - Marsha Karnes, communion assistant and altar guild.

Dec. 24, Christmas Eve candlelight service, 4 p.m.

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.

Holy day Divine Liturgy - Entrance of the Theotokos, Wednesday, 9 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, Mount Carmel.

Pastor - Philip Norris.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:45 a.m.

Message - "The Lord's Supper."

Special music - Jim and Elaine Ketner.

Activities - Sunday, congregational meeting, fellowship meal and carol sing after the morning worship service, no evening service; Wednesday, children and youth programs, 6:30 p.m., adult prayer and Bible study, 7 p.m.; Dec. 9, Christmas cantata, "Silent Night, Holy Night," 10:45 a.m., Christmas concert with the Rempel/Hodgson Quartet, 6 p.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. Everyone is welcome to attend any of the ministries.

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.

Message - "On Time."

Special music - Ted and Arlene Erdman.

Nursery - Jamie Lenker and Erin Wetzel, 10:30 a.m..

Junior church - Opal Lenig and Audrey Ditty, 10:30 a.m.

Evening worship - 6 p.m.

Activities - 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. Praise team.

Special music - "Black Creek."

Evening prayer service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Sunday, AWANA children's program, youth group for grades 7 to 12, 5:45 p.m.

­Christ's Reformed UCC

Christ's Reformed UCC, Helfenstein.

Pastor - Jerry Schlegel.

Worship - 10:15 a.m.

Scripture - Matthew 5:1-12.

Participant - Jeff Haas, organist; Dorene Choffel, worship assistant.

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.

Sunday - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday school classes for all ages - 11 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.

Praise singing - 10:10 a.m.

Worship service - 10:15 a.m.

Activities - Sunday, youth group for grade 6 and up. 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, intercessory prayer time, 6:30 p.m., mid-week Bible study on 1 Corinthians," 6:45 p.m.

Divine Redeemer

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

Pastor - The Rev. John A. Szada Jr.

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.

Pastor - The Rev. Chad Froelich.

Morning worship services - 8 and 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Stan Sanger.

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

Children's church - 10:30 a.m. Ages 4 to 12.

Kids Konnection (grades pre-K to 5), 6 to 7:30 p.m.

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

Worship service - 10:30 a.m., with nursery provided.

Pastor Young will preach from Luke 21:25-36.

Message - "When Things Get Crazy."

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

Activities - Sunday, Community Spirit concert, 7 p.m.; Monday, Bear Gap Anchor Group, 7 p.m.; Tuesday, Stephen's Ministry, 6 p.m.; Wednesday, choir practice, 6:30 p.m., bell choir practice, 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, women's prayer group, 5 p.m., Liturgy of Lights, 7 p.m.; Friday, Breakfast with Jesus, 8:30 a.m., junior high youth group lock-in, 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.; Dec. 8, men's prayer breakfast, 7:45 a.m.; Dec. 9, congregational meeting, 11:45 a.m., junior high youth group, 4 to 6 p.m., senior high youth group, 6 to 8 p.m.

Elysburg UMC

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

Pastor - The Rev. Michelle Beissel.

Morning worship - 9 a.m., with Hanging of the Greens and children's Sunday school. Coffee fellowship following service. Nursery care will be provided for children up to four years of age.

Adult Sunday school - 10:15 a.m.

Participants - Scott Rishel and John Yost, head ushers; John and Grace Yost, greeters; Lucy Bidelspach, scripture reader; Emily Myers, acolyte; John Romanoski, organist; Lynne Homiak, pianist; Edna Ehret, shepherding; Nan Weller, choir director.

Activities - Tuesday - Circle of Prayer, 10 a.m., Garden Club dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Thursday, SPRC meeting, 6:30 p.m., charge conference, 7:15 p.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

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.

Organist - Judith Pensyl.

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.

Associate pastor - Andy York.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:40 a.m.

Evening worship - 6 p.m.

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

First Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church, Sunbury and Liberty streets, Shamokin.

Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Guest speaker - Ron Weller.

Participants - The Jones family, Advent readers; Noriene Ladd, organist; Mary Anne Stump, assistant organist; Andrew Ladd, acolyte; Bill Milbrand, choir director; Charlene Lesher, Terry Persing and Wendy Wary, Sunday school; Wendy Wary, secretary; William Persing Sr., sexton.

Activities - Monday, deacons meeting, 6 p.m.; Tuesday, dinner club meeting at Brewser's; Thursday, choir practice, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 9, mission Christmas tree dinner, 5 p.m., Please bring a gift for under the tree; Monday, deacons meet, 6 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 12, session meets, 7 p.m.;

Pointsettia orders are due Sunday. Give orders to Bill Persing.

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 - 9:45 a.m.

Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Sermon - "Expect a Miracle," by Pastor Roehs.

Participants - Sharon Styer, organist; Jim Weissinger, head usher; Bob Welker, sound director; Anne Sauger, greeter; Sherry Brosius, liturgist; Jillian Maurer, acolyte; Barbara Malick, children's time; Dolores Klusman, counter.

Activities - Sunday, congregational open house at the parsonage, 3 to 7 p.m.; Monday, trustees meet in boardroom, 6:30 p.m., ad board meets downstairs, 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Brownie Troop, 6:30 p.m.; Al-Anon, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Ministerium Advent Service at Holy Angels Church, Kulpmont. 6 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 - 10:30 a.m.

Participants - Ruth Paul, liturgist; Eric, Laura and Vincent Herman, greeters.

Activities - Monday, ad council meeting in parlor, 7 p.m.

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.

Sunday school, adult Bible study and fellowship - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:30 a.m.

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

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

Nursery child care is provided for all Sunday services.

Participants - Billy Swank, Judd Segar, Ray Petro, and Jim Zimmerman, ushers; Duane Donmoyer, 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, and Joe Buczeskie, computer system.

Sunday, "Courageous," four-week Bible study, 6:30 p.m. service; Dec. 7 and 8, used clothing giveaway; Dec. 10, ladies fellowship; Dec. 11, business meeting; Dec. 12; men's prayer breakfast; Dec. 14, Christmas caroling; Dec. 16, children's church Christmas presentation and appreciation dinner.

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.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

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

Participants - Tonia Adams, worship assistant; Andrew Claycomb, acolyte; Tyler Keiser, crucifer; Joraskie family, communion bearers; Diana Cheunes and Diane Schrader, altar care; Mr. and Mrs. Barry Schleig, greeters; Suzy Kopitsky, nursery; Arthur Martin, Mark Cupp, Gene Faust, Tom Fiorey, Bill Joraskie, J. Richard Miller and Ron Weller, ushers; Walter Boyer, organist; Charlene Pell, choir director and cantor.

Activities - Sunday, LARC Gift Giving service, Maria Hall, Danville, 2 p.m.; Monday, Brownies, Fellowship Hall, 5 p.m.; Tuesday, Tulpehocken Pastors Conference, 10 a.m., Grace council at Hoffa home, 6 p.m. Wednesday, joint hymn committee meeting in pastor's office, 1:30 p.m., Daisies/Brownies in primary room, 6 p.m., Selinsgrove Center Christmas party, 6 p.m.; Thursday, Pastor attends LAMPa meeting in Harrisburg, Shamokin Area Ministerium, 10 a.m., Girl scouts in fellowship hall, 7 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. First Sunday of Advent and Food Pantry Sunday.

Guest speaker - Harry Deitz.

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

Grace UCC

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

Pastor - The Rev. Joan A. Brown.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Participants - Bryan Lapinski, organist; Aurora Froutz, acolyte.

Activities - Monday, confirmation class, 4:30 p.m., consistory meeting, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, mid-week Advent service, First United Methodist Church, Kulpmont.

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.

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

Himmel's Church

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

Pastor - Pastor Jane H. Compton.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:15 a.m.

Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of every month.

Holy Angels

Holy Angels Church, 855 Scott St., Kulpmont.

Pastor - The Rev. Andrew Stahmer.

Confessions - Saturday, 4 to 5 p.m.

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

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

Activities - Sunday, PREP Grades 6, 7, and 8, 9 a.m., breakfast buffet in the activity center, 9:30 a.m. to noon; Monday, PREP grades 1 to 5, 5:30 p.m.; Tuesday, bingo in Holy Angels activity center, doors open at 4:30 p.m., games begin at 6:15 p.m.; Wednesday, youth choir practice, 4:15 p.m., adult choir practice, 7 p.m.; Thursday, Golden Angels Christmas dinner, 4 p.m., parish council meeting, 7:15 p.m.; Friday, Vigil Mass of the Immaculate Conception, 7 p.m.

Holy Trinity

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

Interim rector - The Rev. Father Kimberly Brooks.

Celebrant - The Rev. Deacon Richard A. Hazzard.

Worship - 10 a.m.

Handicapped accessible. Church school for children. Nursery care available.

Hope Community

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 - 9 a.m.

Participants - 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.

Miller's Crossroads

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

Pastor - Michelle Beissel.

Worship - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday school - 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.

Rosary - Monday through Friday, 5 p.m., in the church.

Activities - Sunday, religious education program classes, 10:15 a.m.; First Communion parent meeting in the church hall, noon; Monday, bingo in the church hall at 6:15 p.m.; Tuesday, choir practice at 5:45 p.m., Secular Franciscan Order Greccio celebration, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, RCIA at the Pauline Center, 6:30 p.m.; Friday, First Friday of the month, communion calls after 9 a.m., slipper sock gift wrapping by the confirmation candidates for the annual Christmas visit to Mountain View residents, Vigil Mass for the Immaculate Conception, 7 p.m.

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.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion will be celebrated.

Scripture - Jeremiah 33:14-16 and Luke 21:25-36.

Sermon - "Things To Come."

Participants - Philip Maue, organist.

Activities - Dec. 24, Christmas Eve service, 6 p.m.

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.

Prelude - 10 to 10:30 a.m., flute solo.

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; Saturday, prayer, fellowship and coffee; Dec. 23, Sunday 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, women's Bible study, 7 p.m.; Thursday, free karate classes at church, children age 5 to 12, 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.; 13 and up, 7:30 p.m.; Bountiful Blessings outreach, 6 to 8 p.m., first and third Fridays of the month.

Our Lady of Fatima

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church of the East, 110 E. Avenue and Hickory Street, Mount Carmel.

Pastor - Most Rev. Ramzi R. Musallam, bishop.

Confessions - Before Mass and upon request.

Rosary - 2:30 p.m.

Holy Mass - 3 p.m.

Activities - Thrift shop open, Thursday, noon to 5 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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.

Office hours - Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 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 in the social room, directed by Shirley Cintron.

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

Activities - Monday, God's Grub in church social hall 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 in prayer room, 7 p.m.

St. John Lutheran

St. John Lutheran Church, 29 High Road, (3 miles from red light in Elysburg, on Route 54, turn right on High Road), Danville.

Guest pastor - The Rev. Nancy Hardy.

Morning worship - 10:30 a.m.

Lector - Cindy Miller.

St. John's UCC

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

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

Sermon - "Christ Came, Christ is Coming."

Guest speaker - Jonathan Henning, executive director of Bethany Children's Home in Womelsdorf, speaking on the work and mission of Bethany Home, at both services.

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

Special music - Worship band.

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

Sunday school - 10:10 a.m., classes for children, teens and adults.

Traditional service - 11 a.m., main sanctuary.

Special music - Adult choir.

Participants - Margaret Morris, organist; Casey Henninger, pianist; Carole Young, lay reader.

Activities - Sunday, conformation class meeting in pastor's office, 1 p.m.; Monday, Cub Scout dens, Bears, Webloes and Wolves, 5:30 p.m., Boy Scouts meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Cub Scout Tiger den meeting, 5:30 p.m., pastoral relation committee meeting in the pastor's office, 5:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Advent Bible study in fellowship hall, 1 and 7 p.m., Sacrament of Holy Communion, 2 and 8 p.m.; adult choir rehearsal in Lark Chapel, 7 p.m.; Thursday, Girl Scouts, 6:30 p.m., worship band rehearsal in fellowship hall, 6 p.m., youth choir rehearsal in Lark Chapel, 4:30 p.m., consistory meeting in the church parlor, 7 p.m.; Dec. 8, prayer group meeting in the sanctuary, 9 a.m.

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 up to age 4).

Nursery available during worship for infants and toddlers. Children's church available during worship following the children's message for ages 4 to 11.

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

First Sundays, holy communion; Sundays, confirmation class, 10:30 a.m., junior choir practice, 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Bible study, 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, choir practice, 8 a.m., women's book club, 9:15 a.m.; prayer chain, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

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.

Guest Pastor - Rev. Nancy Hardy.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Lector - Leslie Fegley.

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.

Services will be held for the month of December at Grace Lutheran Church, and today is Food Pantry Sunday.

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 - Roger Henninger, lector; Claire Bonshock and Holly Kerstetter, communion assistants; Steven Balonis, acolyte/crucifer; Walter Boyer, organist and choir director.

Activities - Sunday, LARC Gift Giving Service at Maria Hall, Danville, 2 p.m.; Tuesday, Tulpehocken Pastors Conference, 10 a.m.; Wednesday, joint hymn committee at Grace Church, 1:30 p.m., Selinsgrove Center Christmas party, 6 p.m.; Thursday, pastor attends LAMPa meeting in Harrisburg.

St. Paul's Reformed

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

Pastor - Jerry Schlegel.

Worship time - 9 a.m.

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 Lutheran, Aristes.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Joan Brown.

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

Guest Speaker - Harry Deitz.

Participants - Linda Rubendall, organist; Carol Buffington, choir director, and Carol Snyder, 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 Liturgy - 8 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

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

Religious education classes are held Mondays from 6 to 7:15 p.m.

Activities - Tuesday, Holy Day Mass for Entrance of the Theotokos, 6 p.m.

St. Peter's UCC

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

Pastor - Paul T. Gurba Jr.

Morning worship - 8:30 a.m. Special Hanging of the Greens service.

Sermon - "Tis the Season to Celebrate Jesus!"

Verse of the Day - Jeremiah 23:5b, "A King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and justice in the earth."

St. Stephen's

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

Clergy - The Rev. Kimberly Brooks.

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 - 10 a.m. Sacrament of Holy Communion will be celebrated.

Participants - Taylor Kashner, acolyte; Earl Foura, lay leader; Judie Zabawsky, organist; Sherry Glosek and Gerry Woland, communion assistants; Lindsay Glosek and Sadie Komara, gifts of the people; Julie Updegrove, beginners class; Barbara Skrivanek, junior class; Dwayne Scicchitano, lighting/sound; Kate Glosek, Landon Koch, A.J. Wetzel and Eric Zalar, ushers; Grant Wetzel and Corinne Foltz, greeters.

A quiet room for young infants and toddlers is available during the morning worship hour at 10 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 and Tuesday, making pumpkin rolls, starting at 8 a.m.; Thursday, Bible study in the all purpose room, 6 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.

Worship service - 11 a.m. Advent begins.

Bible study - 7 p.m.

Sermon - "A Gift Beyond Description."

Participants - Benjamin Brudnicki and Alaina Glowatski, acolytes; Bryan Lapinski, organist; Linda Yost and Kaye Vern, greeters; Art Walburn, servant of the month; Kathy Albright, nursery; Tammy Glowatski, children's church teacher.

A nursery is available for children birth to age five during the morning worship service. Children's church is provided for children over age five with a focus on lessons from the Bible.

Manna for the Many items for December are canned vegetables.

"The Fire is Not Quenched" drive is still going well. Notice how the flame is changing color. Monday, trustee board meeting, 6 p.m. with election of church officers, 7 p.m.; Dec. 16, open house at the parsonage before caroling at 5 p.m.; Dec. 24, Christmas Eve Service will be at 7 p.m.;

Christmas memorials may be given to Pat Albright; they are due Dec. 17 so they can be listed in the bulletin Dec. 23. Bring in cards for Christmas card program; cost is 25 cents per card. All monies raised will go to missions.

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 God's Missionary

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

Pastor - Jim Richards.

Adult Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Children's church - 10:45 a.m.

Sunday worship - 10:45 a.m.

Sunday evening worship - 6 p.m.

Van available to pick up church-goers.

Parsonage phone - 644-1156. Pastor's cell - 541-2768.

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

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, family Bible studies, 7 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 - 7 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.

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 - Brian Betsworth.

Sunday school - 9:50 a.m.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Weekly Advent service with members of the congregation participating.

Activities - Sunday, Hanging of the Greens following worship. No Bible study Wednesday.

Trinity Lutheran

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

Pastor - The Rev. David Hauck.

Worship service - 10 a.m.

Participants - Beverly Brosius, lector; Earl Brosius, communion assistant; Jill and Steve Todzia, altar care.

True Grace Bible Ministry

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

Pastor/teacher - Michael Marcheskie.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

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

Activities - Wednesday night Bible study and prayer service, 6:30 p.m., at the church. For information, call 648-9776.

Union Evangelical

Union Evangelical Free Church, Ashland/Locustdale.

Pastor - The Rev. Larry Coutlee.

Sunday school - 10 a.m. for all ages.`

Junior church available for ages 12 and under.

Morning worship - 11 a.m.

Informal evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Tuesday, Crossfire Youth meeting for boys and girls at Gordon Youth Center, 6 to 9 p.m.; third Tuesday of each month, community hot dog night, 6 to 8 p.m., all welcome, free hot dogs, chips, soda, coffee and juice; Wednesday, devotional and prayer meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Thursday, Fit for the Kingdom, 5:45 p.m., Crossfire Youth meeting for boys and girls at Ashland Youth Center, 6 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Crossfire Youth meeting for boys and girls at Ashland Youth Center, 2 to 5 p.m.

United Presbyterian

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

Minister - The Rev. Ted Plott.

Worship service - 11 a.m. with communion.

Scripture - II Thessalonians 3:6-13.

Message - "Discipleship."

Participants - Dale Schimpf, organist; Deb Wydra, acolyte; Ellsworth George and Andrew Mekosh, ushers; Calvin and Sandy Evans, greeters.

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 Primitive

Zion Primitive Methodist Church, 33 N. Market St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. David E. Wildoner.

Worship service - 9:30 a.m. Advent Begins.

Participants - Elizabeth Broda, Stan Broda, Ken Angeli, Cy Kufu and Gene Leatherman.

Sermon - "A Gift Beyond Description."

Activities - Bible study continues Saturdays at 10 a.m. in church; Sunday, Advent begins; Dec. 24, Christmas Eve service, 4 p.m.

Memorials for the bulletin for Christmas Eve are due to Joan by Dec. 16.

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, 9:30 a.m.; Walk a Mile with Amy, 10:30 a.m.; shopping at Boscov's, be at destination at 9:30 a.m., go home at 1 p.m.; nickel bingo, noon; executive board meeting, noon; member's meeting, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; Wii competition with Kulpmont SAC visiting; bridge lessons, 9:30 a.m.; bridge, noon.

Wednesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; Linda Walker from Focus Health speaking on "Bullying," noon; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards and pool, 8:30 a.m.; Laurie Thomas speaking on "Organizating Life," noon; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards and pool, 8:30 a.m.; Wii competition with Trevorton SAC visiting; nickel bingo, noon.

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

Mount Carmel

Monday - Christmas Word Games, 10 a.m.; balloon toss, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bean bag, 12:30 p.m.; pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii bowling, 9 a.m.; puzzle time, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Christmas Reminisce, 10:30 a.m.; exercise chair dancing, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:30 a.m.; members meeting followed by bingo, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Grab and Go breakfast for those who signed up, 9:30 a.m.; sing-a-long, 9:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Search A Word, 1 p.m.

Friday - Chit Chat, 10 a.m.; Christmas Jingo, 10:30 a.m.; HSIM Exercise, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

Monday - Wii in the morning; Vo-Tech demo, you will arrive at the vo-tech at 9:30 a.m.; bean bag, 10:30 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii and noodle balloon in the morning; pinochle-cards, noon.

Wednesday - Wii and noodle balloon in the morning; bunco, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Wii and noodle balloon in the morning; Christmas party with bingo to follow, noon.

Friday - Wii and noodle balloon in the morning; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Shopping at Walmart.

Tuesday - Christmas ball painting.

Wednesday - Advisory board meeting.

Thursday - "Nutrition Jeopardy" with Bev Sybert.

Friday - Center closed.

Elysburg

Monday - Pokeno, 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday - Healthy Steps, 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday - Bingo, noon.

Thursday - Healthy Steps, 9:30 a.m.

Friday - Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, noon; members meeting, noon, and this will be Donut Day.

The center Christmas party will take place Fri., Dec. 14, at Masser's Restaurant. Cost is $13. Menu will be fresh fruit cup, salad, breaded pork chops, filled chicken breast, glazed carrots, scalloped potatoes and cheesecake.

There will be a special soup and sandwich lunch Wed., Dec. 19. Menu will include chicken noodle soup, ham salad sandwich, five bean salad and chocolate cake.

Deadline to sign up for both events is Fri., Dec. 7.

Trevorton

Monday - Exercise, 9 a.m.; cooking demonstration at Northumberland County CTC, 9:30 a.m.; Unlucky 7s and/or 31, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - UNO, Flinch and/or Phase 10, 9:30 a.m.; movie and snack, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Scrabble, 9:30 a.m.; shopping at Weis Markets, 12:30 to 2 p.m.

Thursday - Golden Living Mansion Program, 11 a.m.; members meeting, 12:30 p.m.; getting ready for Chinese Auction Sat. Dec. 8.

Friday - Wii bowling Team 2 to Shamokin/Coal Township SAC, 9 a.m.; exercise with Amy, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Saturday - Chinese auction, 2 p.m., doors open at 10 a.m.

Conyngham supervisors to meet

WILBURTON - The Conyngham Township Board of Supervisors will hold a meeting for general purposes at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec, 27 at the township office.

They will also hold their reorganization meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2, at the Aristes Fire Company.

Thanks from Kulpmont Legion

KULPMONT - The Kulpmont American Legion thanks all donors for participating in the American Red Cross Blood Drive on Nov. 26. Special appreciation is given to the following volunteers: auxiliary president Elizabeth Chapman, secretary Carol Patton and legionaire Ace Puddy.

Resident recovering

SHAMOKIN - Lorraine Wurster, a resident of the Harold E. Thomas High Rise, Shamokin, is currently recovering as a medical patient at the Mount Carmel Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Mount Carmel.

Indiantown Gap candlelight service

ANNVILLE - The Indiantown Gap National Cemetery Memorial Council will hold its 16th annual outdoor holiday candlelight service at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, rain or shine, in the Pennsylvania Veterans Memorial on the grounds of the National Cemetery. The memorial is handicapped accessible.

The program provides an opportunity for veterans and/or family members of deceased veterans interred at Indiantown Gap to share memories and testimonies about their loved ones and friends. The Rev. William J. McEllory, Jr., Council chaplain, will serve as the master of ceremonies. A retired Presbyterian pastor and Navy chaplain, the Rev. Dr. Ted Kelley, of Camp Hill, will deliver the homily. Musical selections will be provided by the 25-voice Milton Hershey School Varsity Choir Ensemble under the direction of Cristal Sheaffer, VFW Post 23, Lebanon, will serve as the color guard and Joe May of Bugles Across America will render Taps to conclude the service.

All are welcome to participate. Glow sticks will be provided and ample parking is available. For more information, contact McEllory at (717) 228-2071 or at 838-1171.