Auxiliary to hold Christmas bazaar

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital Auxiliary will sponsor a Christmas bazaar in the hospital lobby from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday.

Many homemade items will be displayed, including magnets, floral arrangements, angel towels, note paper, Christmas cards, cotton dish cloths and other items suitable for Christmas gift-giving and household use.

The public is invited.

Proceeds will benefit the Geisinger Shamokin campus.

Historical society open

ASHLAND - The Ashland Area Historic Preservation Society, 316-318 Centre St., will be open to the public from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, in participation with Old Fashioned Christmas.

Enjoy the historical displays. Bayberry candles will be on sale, and chances for a wreath with lottery tickets will be sold.

Marriage Licenses

Allen Dale Matthews II, 146 Beecher Ave., Apt. 2, Cheltenham, to Danielle Marie Dagen, 287 Ferry Road, Herndon. Date issued Nov. 29, 2012.

Thomas M. Ziemba to Pamela A. Magee, both of 705 N. Lombard St., Shamokin. Date to be issued Dec. 3, 2012.

James L. Markhorst to Donna M. Reynolds, both of 426 W. Spruce St., Shamokin. Date to be issued Dec. 3, 2012.

Bryan Anthony McSurdy, 405 W. Fifth St., Mount Carmel, to Karen Marie Flail, 306 Preston Ave., Girardville. Date to be issued Dec. 3, 2012.

Property transfers

Marsha H. Miller (individually and heir), Joseph F. Novack (estate), Richard E. Miller Jr., to Chang Tai Pang, Eugenia Kelly Pang, property in Mount Carmel Township, $7,500.

Jennifer A. Kelmelis to Steven D. Ennis, Carolyn E. Ennis, property in Mount Carmel, $300.

Edward H. Guzik, Brenda L. Guzik, to Shannon Allwein, property in Shamokin, $15,000.

James R. Fleming (executor), Hazel M. Fleming (estate), to Samantha A. Fisher, property in Rockefeller Township, $80,000.

Robert D. Greco to Mother Pauline Visintainer Religious Foundation Inc., property in Kulpmont, $100,000.

Carol A. O'Donnell (executor), Edward Suszko (estate), to William G. Golden Jr., Jamie L. Golden, property in Shamokin, $9,000.

Catherine E. May, Catherine E. Haertter, to Carl D. Haertter, Catherine E. Haertter, property in Ralpho Township, no price listed.

Scott W. Dannheimer, Millie D. Dannheimer, to George A. Persing, property in Coal Township, $1,379.70.

Edward A. Gusick, Kathy Gusick, to Michael L. Masciantonio, Alice Masciantonio, Daniel E. Bock Jr., Sherry A. Bock, property in Ralpho Township, $45,000.

Michael P. Maschuck, Angela Maschuck, to Chad Wolfgang, property in Shamokin, $36,000.

Northumberland County Tax Claims Bureau, James K. Moore Jr., Laurie J. Moore, to Pamela Sharp-Colvin, Donna Sharp-Perez, Heather Makal, property in Coal Township, $2,000.

Northumberland County Tax Claims Bureau, Richard Harris Jr., Kristin Harris, to Nathan A. Hinkle, property in Mount Carmel Township, $2,539.78.

Northumberland County Tax Claims Bureau, Genevieve Sacus (estate), Samuel Sacus (executor), to George R. Zelnick, Carolyn R. Wolfe, Alan S. Wolfe, property in Shamokin Township.

Northumberland County Tax Claims Bureau, Elwood T. Kuhn, to Courtney Smith, Vince Wiest, property in Lower Augusta Township, $971.47.

Northumberland County Tax Claims Bureau, Anthony Lentini, Joann Lentini, to Guy Leroy, property in Ralpho Township, $6,198.77.

Northumberland County Tax Claims Bureau, Isabel M. Budick (estate), Peter Budick (executor), to Jennifer Andino, property in Mount Carmel, $2,744.14.

Northumberland County Tax Claims Bureau, Edward A. Lubinski, to Fort Knox Storage, property in Mount Carmel, $1,102.88.

Northumberland County Tax Claims Bureau, Maria L. Bridy, to David Gregory Nowroski, property in Mount Carmel, $1,653.20.

Debra Kwiatkowski, Debra Singleton (individually and executrix), Dickson Singleton, Linda Kwiatkowski, Linda Masterton, John Masterton, Joseph Kwiatkoski, Joseph C. Kwiatkowski, to Frank Marasco, property in Kulpmont, $5,000.

BWH Properties LLC to Jessica Barbeire, property in Mount Carmel, $2,327.15.

Betty Mae Goodman to Jeffrey A. Goodman, property in Coal Township, $1.

Antonette Marion Daniels, Antoinette Marion Daniels, to Lance O. Reedy, property in Mount Carmel, $2,000.

John Shoffler, Redelia Shoffler, to Raymond Shoffler, property in Shamokin, $1.

Amos M. Lapp, Anna Mary Lapp, to Amos M. Lapp, Anna Mary Lapp, property in Jackson Township, $1.

SHAMOKIN - The Cecilian Club held its November meeting at the First Presbyterian Church. Nan Weller, president, conducted the open meeting, which was attended by members and 12 guests.

Marily Stasney shared two readings. The first was a short article by Rhoda Blecker, taken from "Daily Guideposts," which was about autumn and being in the right place to enjoy the beauty of the season. The second, by an unknown author, was "Things to be Thankful For."

The first number in a "Strictly Instrumental" concert was a jazz trio, consisting of Weller on flute, Bonny Klinger on piano, and Rob Ensinger on bass guitar, who played "Baroque and Blue" by Bolling. Noriene Ladd followed with an organ solo, "Shepherd's Pipes" by Harris.

Next was a piano duet, as Grethel Vinup and Klinger played the "William Tell Overture" by Rossini. Carol Ellis played a baritone solo. "The King of Love My Shepherd Is" by Mendelssohn. She was accompanied by Ladd on piano. Mary Anne Miller presented a clarinet solo, "Rondo," with Klinger accompanying on piano.

Philip Maue played an organ solo, "Toccata in D Flat" by Jongen. Next was a piano solo by Margaret Morris, "Praise Medley" by Wyrtzen. Ladd on organ and Irvin Liachowitz on piano played Rachmaninoff's "Theme from 2nd Concerto." The concert portion of the meeting concluded with everyone singing "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah" by Hughes.

Everyone was reminded to support upcoming musical events, including the Choraliers concert today at the Shamokin Area Middle/High School auditorium. In the evening, Elysburg's Community Spirit will present its program. Shamokin Area's senior high choral concert will be held Monday.

The business meeting followed. Members were asked to remember several colleagues who are sick. The club's holiday dinner on Dec. 10 will include an auction to benefit the Young Artists' Scholarship Fund. Club members will be Christmas caroling at the Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital Monday, Dec. 17.

The Shamokin Area Ministerium is planning a musical program to be held at the Career and Arts Center Jan. 20, with a snow date of Jan. 27, to raise funds to benefit Manna for the Many.

The next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 14, at the First United Methodist Church in Shamokin. The public is invited to this program titled "Let's 'C.'" Each number on the program will be in some way connected with the letter "C" - such as in the title or composer.

SHAMOKIN - Welch Art Studios, with locations in Shamokin and Mount Carmel, has announced its winners in the Bloomsburg Fair Art Show, which was held in conjunction with the 157th fair in September. Students compete annually in the fair for ribbons and cash prizes.

This year, Welch Art Studios' three locations won a combined total of 65 ribbons, including five first-place winners.

Winners from the Shamokin studio were:

- Porter Kramer, 6, of Sunbury - third in miscellaneous painting and fourth in mixed media painting.

- Corey Sosnoskie, 8, of Shamokin - honorable mention in mixed media.

- Logan Carpenter, 16, of Sunbury - second in pastel, honorable mention in acrylic and honorable mention in mixed media.

- Eric Zalar, 10, of Shamokin - honorable mention in acrylic.

- Annie Richardson, 12, of Shamokin - third in acrylic and honorable mention in pastel.

- Shannon Knarr, 16, of Trevorton - third in drawing (pencil) and honorable mention in both paper art (collage) and acrylic painting.

- Micah Heitzman, 10, of Paxinos - fourth in paper art (collage).

- Collin Zalar, 16, of Shamokin - fourth in mixed materials and honorable mention in paper art (collage)

- Tricity Frederick, 8, of Paxinos - second in paper art (collage) and second in mixed materials.

- Rebekah Heitzman, 14, of Paxinos - honorable mention in acrylic.

- Abbey Noll, 7, of Shamokin - third in mixed materials and honorable mention in acrylic.

- Miranda Balthaser, 8, of Shamokin - third place in paper art (collage) and honorable mention in mixed media.

- Macey Wynn, 5, of Dalmatia - fourth in mixed media painting and honorable mention in acrylic.

- Carley Wynn, 7, of Dalmatia - second in paper art (collage), second in mixed media painting and fourth in mixed materials.

- Lauren Noll, 7, of Shamokin - first in mixed materials.

- Abbi Nicholson, 11, of Shamokin - third in mixed materials and honorable mention in acrylic.

- Dawson Williams, 13, of Shamokin - second in watercolor and fourth in pen and ink.

- Mary Buckles, adult, of Shamokin - first in paper art (collage), first in jewelry, second in straw work designs, second in Christmas stockings, second in wreaths, third in acrylic, fourth in crocheted Christmas tree trimmings and fourth in crocheted Christmas stockings

Winners from the Mount Carmel studio were:

- Caroline Feese, 9, of Mount Carmel - second in acrylic painting and fourth in mixed media painting.

- Nicholas DeManincor, 10, of Mount Carmel - first in mixed media painting.

Instructor Lisa Welch earned a first-place ribbon in acrylic floral painting, a second in acrylic painting (fruit), honorable mention in color photography, first in crocheted hat and scarf set, second in knitting hat and scarf set and a third in crocheted hats.

The students meet weekly at the Northumberland County Art Studio, Shamokin and at Kindermusik with Ann Czeponis in Mount Carmel.

Eliminating the use of constables in Northumberland County to transport prisoners will cost taxpayers more money, cause manpower problems for police and be detrimental to the criminal justice system, according to law enforcement and government officials.

On a split vote Nov. 20, county commissioners placed the responsibility of paying constable fees and transporting prisoners on the municipalities that arrest them.

Voting in favor of the move were Commissioners Vinny Clausi and Stephen Bridy. Commissioner Richard Shoch opposed the motion, claiming shifting the fees and transportation responsibility to already financial-strapped municipalities will end up costing taxpayers more money.

The change takes effect Jan. 1.

The county currently pays state constables, who are independent contractors, for their services and then must seek reimbursement from the defendants through fines and costs.

Municipal police departments will now be responsible for transporting prisoners, which places an additional financial burden on communities. Unlike the county, municipalities have no legal recourse to recover transportation costs.

State constables are paid on average $45.40 per transport plus 55 1/2 cents per mile. They receive a state rate holding fee of $13 per hour after holding a prisoner for 30 minutes.

The constables will still serve arrest warrants and perform other duties.

Thomas Impink, president of the Pennsylvania State Constables Association, believes not having constables transport prisoners to and from their

arraignments and hearings will not only place a financial burden on municipalities, but also jeopardize the safety of communities.

Impink, who wasn't aware of the move by the county commissioners until contacted by The News-Item, said, "It's a shame the commissioners did that. I know everybody wants to save a buck these days. But all they look at is the bottom line and not the ramifications it will have on police departments and municipalities. Any time you take a cop off the streets to transport prisoners when someone else can be doing that, it jeopardizes the safety of citizens. It's also a burden on the taxpayers because they are paying for police protection."

He said another option for the county commissioners is using deputy sheriffs to transport prisoners to and from arraignments. But he said that alternative would create more costs for the county because additional manpower would need to be hired in the sheriff's office, making the county responsible for more wages, overtime and mileage reimbursements.

He said a statewide fee structure is established for all constables. "Basically, all state constables are paid the same rate for transporting prisoners," he said.

Impink said Northumberland County is losing money by using constables because of the poor collection rate on fines and costs from prisoners, which specifically falls on the court collection system.

"The parole and probation officers need to do a better job collecting money from defendants before releasing them from supervision," he said. "Some judges may not agree with that, but that's what needs to be done to increase the collection rate on fines and costs. Once defendants are released from court supervision programs, you will never get money from them.

"I think it's a bad move for the commissioners to stop using constables to transport prisoners. It will end up biting them in the long run."

Impink, of Wernersville in western Berks County near Reading, has been a state constable for 33 years. He has served as president of the association for four years. He said there are approximately 1,300 certified state constables in the state.

Clausi claims the move will save the county $150,000.

According to Northumberland County Controller Tony Phillips, the county primarily uses four constables - Larry Rompallo, Glenn Masser, Harold "Butch" Showers and Ryan Hays - to transport prisoners to and from legal proceedings.

Phillips said. in 2011, county constable expenses, including time and mileage, totaled $134,478.38. He said revenue (fines and court costs) generated by using constables in 2011 was $29,644.50 last year, leaving a deficit of $104,833.88.

Shamokin Mayor George Rozinskie said, "I think it's a bad idea because we don't have the personnel to be transporting these people."

Rompallo, a 15-year state constable assigned to transport prisoners for hearings and arraignments at the office of Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones in Mount Carmel, said there are a total of seven certified constables in the county who transport prisoners.

He said state constables are elected every six years.

They must pay for their own uniforms, equipment including vehicles, guns, batons and mace, liability insurance ($500 per year) and a couple hundred dollar bonding fee. "We pay for everything. It probably cost me approximately $2,000 to get started as a constable," Rompallo said.

Rompallo said state constables must complete 80 hours of education to become certified by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and an additional 40 hours to obtain firearms certification. Every year, they are required to complete 20 hours each of continuing education and firearms certification.

In addition to transporting prisoners, constables also serve warrants for criminal, traffic and non-traffic offenses, complete paperwork for civil cases and magisterial court, issue notices in landlord/tenant cases, perform evictions or orders of possession, and orders of execution for sheriff sales.

Traffic and non-traffic warrants are served through the offices of the magisterial district judges, while criminal warrants go through the county.

"We can go anywhere in the state to serve warrants," Rompallo said. "That's the advantage of having state constables."

He said there is no regular starting or ending time for constables because they don't know when they are going to be called to pick up defendants or serve warrants.

Rompallo and fellow state constable Glenn Masser are not in favor of losing their transporting duties.

Masser, who has been a constable for 21 years and works out of the office of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III of Shamokin, said, "The commissioners are passing the buck onto the municipalities that don't have the authority to recoup money from defendants."

Rompallo said, "Our fees would be covered if the defendants paid their fines and costs, but I'll have to live with whatever decision they (commissioners) make."

According to figures provided to him by Phillips, Mount Carmel Borough Manager Edward Cuff III said $3,650 and $41,969 was spent in 2010 and 2011, respectively, in Jones' magisterial district, which covers Mount Carmel, Mount Carmel Township, Kulpmont, East and West Cameron townships, Ralpho Township, Marion Heights, Riverside and Rush Township.

Based on those figures and the fact that Mount Carmel and Mount Carmel Township police file the majority of criminal complaints at Jones' office, Cuff estimated the borough would have to budget at least $40,000 in next year's spending plan to cover the cost of having police transport prisoners to and from arraignments and preliminary hearings.

Currently, the borough and other local communities don't pay anything for constable services.

Mount Carmel Police Chief Todd Owens believes the commissioners should reconsider their decision and try to resolve the problem of losing money with another alternative.

"The savings the county will enjoy will be passed onto the taxpayers in individual municipalities 10-fold," Owens said. "The money the county hopes to save in its budget by not having constables transport prisoners is minimal compared to the money municipalities will have to spend. This move directly impacts public safety and will reduce the number of officers who will be available to handle calls."

The borough employs eight full-time officers and four part-timers. Its police budget is approximately $700,000, which is approximately half of the total $1.5 million.

Borough police filed 191 criminal complaints in 2011. So far in 2012, police have filed 126 criminal complaints.

In reference to reports being circulated that police are "double dipping" by spending time at preliminary hearings, Owens responded, "Police aren't double dipping. We are at the mercy of the court, which is sometimes very time-consuming."

Owens believes the commissioners are redirecting the problem to police instead of trying to rectify the collection process of fines and costs from defendants.

"There will be a tremendous backlog of cases and some cases may be withdrawn as a result of the commissioners not using constables to transport prisoners," the chief said. "Everybody needs to come to the table and re-evaluate this decision because municipalities have no recourse to collect fines and costs from defendants, unlike the county, which has the authority to do that. The problem lies in the collection of fines and costs, some of which have been dormant for years."

He said, "Wear and tear on vehicles, wages and manpower all add up in this. Nobody wants to furlough police officers. But that's what it may come to if their decision isn't changed."

Cuff added, "We are in unchartered territory right now. It's going to be detrimental to the borough."

One option for the county or municipalities to save costs in transporting prisoners is the use of new technology that allows magisterial district judges to conduct preliminary hearings from their offices to the prison via video. Some arraignments are already conducted via video by Gembic and Jones.

If the prison becomes equipped with the proper technology, conducting arraignments and hearings would be more efficient, Owens said.

But the police chief noted that defendants have a right to be arraigned and have their hearings personally in front of a judge.

Mount Carmel Township Police Chief Brian Hollenbush agrees with Owens that discontinuing the use of constables to transport prisoners would take officers off the street and place an additional burden on police and their respective municipalities.

He said, "The county is double-taxing the citizens by doing this. Residents will be paying taxes to the municipality and county even though they won't be receiving the services provided by constables from the county."

The township employs six full-time officer and seven part-timers. It has a police budget of approximately $500,000, which is close to half of the overall $1.1 million spending plan.

He estimated that approximately $40,000 would have to be added to the police budget to cover the costs involved with transporting prisoners.

In 2011, Hollenbush said officers in his department filed 107 criminal complaints. Thus far in 2012, 82 criminal complaints have been filed.

According to the township police contract, officers working on the same day, but a different shift, than when hearings are held, get paid overtime for the amount of hours they spend at a preliminary hearing. If an officer is off on the day he attends a preliminary hearing, he receives a minimum of three hours overtime for the amount of time spent at the hearing. If an officer is working the same shift as the hearing is held, he doesn't receive any extra pay.

On average, Hollenbush said it will take about four hours, 40 minutes to transport a prisoner to and from a preliminary hearing.

"First, you have to get a warrant for the prisoner's release, then drive 30 minutes to the prison in Sunbury, wait 20 minutes for the release process to be completed, drive 30 minutes to Mount Carmel for the hearing, wait about two hours for the hearing to be completed (depending on the amount of cases), drive another 30 minutes to Sunbury, wait about 20 minutes for the prisoner to be recommitted, and then drive another 30 minutes back to Mount Carmel Township."

The chief noted that two officers are required to transport female prisoners to and from arraignments and hearings. He said if multiple male prisoners need to be transported, officers are only allowed to transport two at a time, which means if four male prisoners need to be taken to a hearing at the same time, it will require two police officers and two police vehicles.

At a Nov. 21 meeting, Mount Carmel Township Supervisor Chairman Charles Gasperetti referred to curtailing the use of constables for transporting prisoners as a "joke." He added, "To me, it's double-taxing the citizens. The county is taking away services the taxpayers are already paying for, and now they are pushing the burden onto the municipalities, and they might have to raise taxes to meet them."

Shamokin City Clerk Steve Bartos, a former county planning director who was fired from that position at the urging of Clausi, stated, "I understand the cost-saving measures the county is taking in an attempt to survive financially, but I think it's unfair for the commissioners to put this unfunded mandate on the local taxpayers. This won't save the taxpayers any money, only the county. And it will definitely hurt the municipalities, which are already hurting financially."

Bartos expects the city will end up spending an additional $50,000 to $60,000 per year for salaries, benefits, overtime, fuel and vehicle maintenance to transport prisoners to and from arraignments and hearings.

Shamokin Police Chief Edward Griffiths said his officers receive two hours of compensation time for attending preliminary hearings at Gembic's office if they aren't working the shift when the hearings occur. If it's their regular shift, police don't receive any compensation.

Griffiths said police can either take the compensatory time from their duties or cash it in.

"This move is definitely going to be a burden on us and other departments that help each other out," he said. "The problem lies with the county not properly collecting court costs and fines, not with the constables. I believe the taxpayers are getting cheated. We will be spending a lot of time hauling prisoners back and forth instead of patrolling the streets and that will definitely affect public safety. We may need to bring off-duty officers in to just transport prisoners. I don't know how city council will proceed with this. It's a serious issue."

Shamokin Police Department, which has a total of 11 officers including Griffiths, filed 283 criminal complaints in 2011. As of Nov. 1, officers have filed 199 criminal complaints this year.

In addition to their own arrests, Griffiths said his officers also assist other agencies like adult probation and parole and the sheriff's department in transporting prisoners.

The police budget totals $1.2 million, while the overall city budget is $2.5 million.

Jones, who utilizes Constables Larry Rompallo and Patrick Reynolds, said constables provide a valuable service, but also realizes the financial constraints the county faces. "As a former solicitor for the county, I know the county's economy isn't that great. We will deal with the decision made by the commissioners," the judge said.

Gembic reserved comment about the constable issue. His magisterial district encompasses Shamokin, Coal Township, Shamokin Township, Zerbe Township and Snydertown.

Coal Township Manager Robert M. Slaby Jr. said the township's police budget in 2013 is expected to be $916,000 in 2013, excluding all fringe benefits, while the overall budget is estimated at $27.6 million.

"The action taken by the commissioners will definitely cost us more money, but won't cause the township a significant financial hardship," he said.

Due to some unknown variables, Slaby said it was difficult to provide an accurate estimate on how much more money the township will have to budget for police to transport prisoners to and from their arraignments and preliminary hearings.

Under the township police contract, officers are paid two hours overtime for attending preliminary hearings during non-working hours. If they are working the shift when the hearings take place, they receive no compensation.

In 2011, police filed 436 criminal complaints and non-traffic citations. Thus far in 2012, township police have filed 329 criminal complaints and non-traffic citations.

The township has 12 officers, including Police Chief William Carpenter, who was on vacation and unavailable for comment.

On Aug. 15, 2011, the county, citing an effort to optimize efficiency and maintain sound financial controls over the collection of fines and restitution paid for criminal offenses, transferred the criminal cost office from the clerk of courts office at the courthouse to the adult probation department.

The transfer of the criminal cost office has increased revenue through more efficient and prompt cost collections, while expediting the collection of delinquent costs.

The move involved cost collection clerk Sarah Snyder being transferred to the adult probation department to supervise the collection office at an approximate salary of $26,000, and the hiring of Angie Houser as a secretary in the adult probation department at an approximate salary of $22,000.

At a press conference in October 2011, it was announced that the county had not collected $16.8 million in criminal court costs dating back to at least the 1970s.

The uncollected costs at the time included $2,459,000 in Act 35 supervision fees, $10,197,000 in costs and fines distributed equally among the county, state and municipalities, and $4,182,000 in restitution to crime victims.

At last year's press conference, Snyder said lack of resources, including manpower and technology, contributed to the collection problem.

Since there is no statute of limitations involved in collecting the money, it can be recouped as long as the delinquents are alive and can be located.

Clausi, President Judge Robert B. Sacavage and adult chief probation officer Dave Wondoloski expressed confidence last year that a significant amount of the delinquent costs could be recouped through the new county collection office and a government collection service that assists the county at no cost.

The new system of collecting costs is a definite improvement, according to Wondoloski, a retired state policeman.

"We are definitely making more progress in collecting costs," he said. "We've been averaging between 30 and 40 cost contempt bench warrants per month for non-payment of fines, which has generated approximately $10,000 per month."

He added, "Our collection rates have gone up within the last year. We try to locate people who are delinquent in their fines and costs and set up payment plans with them. Serving warrants is our last resort. The government collection agency assists our office in locating some of the delinquents because they have better resources to do that. We are doing the best we can with the resources we have available."

When asked to comment about the decision to stop using constables to transport prisoners to arraignments and hearings, Wondoloski said, "The courts have no control over the constables. That's up to the commissioners. I can't really comment because it's an administrative decision."

MOUNT CARMEL - Our Lady of Mount Carmel Council of Catholic Women and Rosary Altar Society held their monthly meeting Nov. 8 in the parish hall.

President Theresa Conniff brought the meeting to order and began with the council prayers and the Pledge of Allegiance. The secretary and treasurer's reports were then given.

The council's annual Christmas party will be held today in the church hall.

Maria Bridy gave the Rosary Altar news. The Council of Catholic Women will provide Christmas gifts for two children and the Rosary Society for one child for the Lutheran Angelican and Roman Catholic Covenant.

The Rev. Frank Karwacki informed members about the ecumenical Thanksgiving prayer service, which was held at the church Nov. 18. Also, at 7 p.m. Dec. 9, there will be a Lift Your Spirits Christmas concert in the church. All are welcome.

Lois Sejuit moved to adjourn the meeting, and Elsie Bresadula seconded the motion. The meeting was closed with prayers for the active, sick and deceased members and for the Hurricane Sandy victims.

Refreshments were served, followed by bingo games.

SHAMOKIN - There was no snow, but the holiday spirit was still vibrant on Independence Street Saturday afternoon as carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, a fiddler, vendors and Santa Claus himself entertained people of all ages during the fifth annual Downtown Christmas.

The festive event, sponsored by the Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities (NCCAH), kicked off after the 1 p.m. Christmas parade through the busi-

ness district that featured old St. Nicholas riding on the Rotary Sleigh. Santa then met youngsters in the Fun Shop building at Independence and Eighth streets to get their gift lists and pose for photographs. Santa was assisted by elves Tara Venna and Melissa Shingara.

Landon Wary, 16, of Coal Township, enjoyed the festivities while warming himself up on the chilly afternoon with a bowl of bean soup served by Rescue Fire Company.

"I love coming here every year," he said. "It's a wonderful time. The parade was great, and the Christmas trees inside are fantastic. Also, the food is delicious."

Wary's 65-year-old grandmother, Nancy Stryeski, of Coal Township, added, "I look forward to Downtown Christmas and all the community events every year. I never miss any of them. I'm a kid at heart. I believe in never growing up because if you do, you get old."

Jace Stever, 3, a son of Tara and Gabe Stever, of Mount Carmel, who was waiting in line with his family to take a ride in a horse-drawn, white pumpkin carriage, said Santa Claus was his favorite attraction at the four-hour event.

Hunter Bates, 9, of Coal Township, also waiting to take a carriage ride with his mother, Janet Bates, seemed to enjoy all the festivities. "I try to come every year. I enjoyed meeting Santa after the parade, and I can't wait to take the carriage ride because it's my favorite," he said.

Ronald Yost III, 3, of Shamokin, who rode the popular carriage with his grandmother, Angie Yost, and aunt, Jessica Yost, smiled as he told a reporter that Santa was his favorite part of Downtown Christmas.

Jason Mowery, a volunteer firefighter with Maine Fire Company who was helping stir the homemade bean soup at the Rescue Fire Company stand, said business was very good. "We raised $350 by having a bean soup sale at the fire company earlier this year, and we thought it was a good idea to get involved with this great community event."

"This is a wonderful tradition," commented Bruce Heefner of Shamokin. "I try to come here every year. It's good to see friends you haven't seen for a while. The downtown is decorated really nice and it helps bring people here to shop. The festivities benefit the community, and they put you in the holiday spirit."

Jeanne Shaffer, executive director of NCCAH, who has spearheaded the event since its inception, said, "I think it was very successful. There are more people here than last year and we added some new things. There also were more vendors."

Shaffer thanked everyone who assisted and participated in the event and especially commended the Fun Shop and The Center for Movement Arts for providing space.

Sixteen live Christmas trees were on display for judging on the second floor of the Fun Shop building. Carriage House Studio captured first place, while VNA Health System won second place in the tree-decorating contest sponsored by Shawn's Auto Repair. Both businesses received cash prizes.

Various food vendors and crafters had stands on the sidewalks in the surrounding area.

Food and refreshments included traveling tacos, baked goods, ham potpie, rice pudding, halushki, pierogies, kettle corn, hot dogs and hot chocolate. Scentsy, Pampered Chef, artwork, Christmas glitter tattoos, nail art, hair accessories, jewelry, hats, wood-working, afghans, baby sweaters and tote bags were among the items for sale.

Shamokin Rotary Club took pictures of children with Santa that were available for purchase. Talks with Santa were sponsored by Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

The trees, which will be given to families who are in needthis year, were donated by TLC farms in Hegins. There were also six artificial boxed trees, compliments of Aaron's Sales & Lease, that will be given to needy local residents.

Tussie-mussies, small Victorian bouquets, were sold at a flower cart by Victorian ladies Ann Slodysko and Tammy Tweed.

The magical carriage rides were sponsored by Aqua, More Than Just Hair and Medicine Shoppe. Footman Andy Slodysko assisted riders on and off the carriage.

Beverly Conrad serenaded the crowd with her fiddle while strolling through the crowd. Her appearance was sponsored by VNA Health System.

The Kopitsky family, including Dave Sr., Dave Jr., Suzy and Olivia, sang Christmas carols to usher in the holiday season while adorned in Victorian garb.

The Anthracite Heritage Museum was open to the public from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. It will be open again from noon to 3 p.m. today. The museum is located above the Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library and admission is free.

SUNBURY - McCann School of Business and Technology has announced its dean's list and honors list for the summer semester.

Honorees must have a 3.5 of higher grade-point average.

Dean's list

Madyson L. Achy, Danville; Rebekah A. Baker, Danville; Sheridan L. Barnhart, Herndon; Brittany N. Bird, Danville; Lesley A. Carsto, Shamokin; Jennifer A. Caufield, Shamokin; Damian E. Dallabrida, Kulpmont; Amber L. Gehron, Elysburg; Tasha R. Gowin, Danville; Mary A. Greenwood, Danville; Danielle Jenkins, Danville; Paul L. Jeremiah, Coal Township; Tracy L. Jones, Shamokin; Alyssa D. Koshinskie, Coal Township; Jennifer M. Lashomb, Herndon; Lindsay E. Lesieur, Danville; Renee S. Marzeski, Shamokin; Bradley L. Mausteller, Danville; Sarah E. Mullen, Danville; Rebecca L. Novlan, Coal Township; Daniel F. Oberdorf, Danville; Megan E. Phillips, Coal Township; Jody M. Quaca, Kulpmont; Jennifer Snyder, Danville; Brittney L. Strozyk, Shamokin; Kourtney L. Tersavige, Danville; Melissa R. Vesnefski, Mount Carmel; Lynn M. Wallish, Shamokin, and John A. Yeagley, Trevorton.

Honors list

Gary L. Andrews, Danville; Angela L. Bills, Paxinos; Jennifer L. Brady, Danville; Jenna M. Brokenshire, Shamokin; Nicole A. Carr, Dalmatia; Rose Ann E. Cole, Kulpmont; Erin M. Cotner, Herndon; Caitlin M. Curran, Shamokin; Carrie M. Delsite, Danville; Nikki J. Erdman, Catawissa; Heather L. Fernandez, Coal Township; Traci R. Geist, Dornsife; Ashley A. Hatzel, Trevorton; Douglas W. Heimbuch, Danville; Staci L. Herrold, Shamokin; Chanel D. Hetrick, Coal Township; Pamela A. Jaeger, Shamokin; Paula L. Jeremiah, Shamokin; Tiffany L. Karnes, Coal Township; Christina L. Kessler, Danville; Matthew J. Klinger, Paxinos; Sharon L. Kratzer, Danville; Angela A. Long, Herndon; Aaron McAfee, Shamokin; Shelbie L. Mummey, Elysburg; Anjelica M. Oberdorf, Danville; Donald J. Olowski, Shamokin; Linda M. Peifer, Danville; Lorelle A. Podpora, Mount Carmel; Karen S. Remick, Danville; Keely R. Ruiz, Coal Township; Gary J. Shepard, Shamokin; Mary K. Shymansky, Danville; Cynthia O. Stout, Shamokin; Danna L. Straub, Shamokin; Terri L Welliver, Danville; Jeffrey B. Wohnsiedler, Coal Township, and Alicia E. Yerger. Dalmatia.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Erich Meloy, a sophomore at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School, was nominated to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine in Washington D.C. in July.

He is a son of Robert and Traci Beck, of Shamokin, and Mark Meloy, of North Carolina, and a grandson of Linnea Grimm, of Harrisburg, Tom and Linda Wodzak, of Elysburg, and William Meloy, of Florida.

Meloy, an honor student, is a member of Student Ambassadors, Lourdes Singers, Students Against Destructive Decisions, boys service club and science club.

The National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine is an educational opportunity that provides early training and guidance critical to the academic and career advancement of aspiring medical professionals. Students are selected based upon academic excellence, leadership potential and by having an interest in a career in medicine.

Maintaining constables, more aggressive collection of fees, cooperative court scheduling and better use of technology are among the recommendations proposed by police chiefs in Northumberland County as ways of reducing the $11 million owed to the county by criminal defendants.

The police chiefs met at various times to study the ramifications of curtailing the use of state constables to transport prisoners to and from arraignments

and preliminary hearings after the county commissioners rescinded in May their April decision to approve the action. But on Nov. 20, Commissioners Vinny Clausi and Stephen Bridy once again voted to stop using the constables for transporting prisoners, effective Jan. 1. Commissioner Richard Shoch opposed the move.

In a press release, the police chiefs said they believe the action will have far-reaching and dramatic effects on the cooperative law enforcement effort to protect county citizens.

Milton Police Chief Craig Lutcher, who along with Point Township Police Chief Joshua Van Kirk, spearheaded a committee to research the constable issue, stated in the release issued to The News-Item Friday, "Cutting constable services in the county will have an adverse effect on the local municipal budgets and law enforcement services, and bear unnecessary financial strain on the taxpayers. We believe that it is in the best interest of the county residents to maintain the constable services."

Lutcher said the committee was given several months by the commissioners to study the issue and present their findings and recommendations to the board. But according to Lutcher and other police chiefs in the county, that opportunity never arose because they claimed Clausi and Bridy already had their minds made up not to use constables no matter what alternatives the police chiefs came up with.

Lutcher outlined the following ramifications of the move (the police chief's release reported here verbatim, as indicated):

- Current services effective - Lutcher said constables provide prisoner transportation from various secure facilities around the state to local courts and back again when necessary. "This service must be provided. Taxpayers expect all government officials to work together to provide essential services in the most efficient and cost effective manner. The county has a unique opportunity in this case to work with the local government bodies to help protect the taxpayers, and the county has the legal capabilities to assure that the prisoners are paying for their ride instead of the taxpayers. This is accomplished through the permitted reimbursement that the county can charge, whereas the local police departments have no such legal capability, which means the cost would be passed directly to the taxpayers."

- Safety and compounding costs - The task of prisoner transport is not as simple as a drive to the courthouse, prison or magisterial district justice offices and back, Lutcher said. "On many occasions, there is more than one prisoner at a time scheduled for court. On some occasions, these multiple prisoners are co-conspirators and must be separated. This would require multiple police officers for a single court case because the officer who is busy with the court appearance will not be available to guard the other prisoners. This is again compounded by the current court schedules, where all hearings are scheduled at the same time and have left the local courthouses or magisterial district justice offices jammed full of prisoners, victims and witnesses in close quarters."

Lutcher said some police departments require multiple officers on any transport detail. Most police officers receive two hours minimum overtime when attending court. "It was previously expressed by some of the commissioners that two hours would be sufficient to cover a transport detail. If the police agency, prison and courthouse are in close proximity, two hours may cover the detail. Unfortunately, that is seldom the case.

"When considering all the compounding issues just described, departments are already seeing overtime increases from court scheduling alone and this will only get worse if burdened with transport functions. This cost will quickly reach into thousands of additional dollars borne by the taxpayers if performed by a police officer as opposed to the current constable services."

- Constable revenue - Lutcher said the magisterial district judges submit checks to the county on a regular basis that result from constable services, but that would not continue without their services.

- Long-term effect on county criminal justice system - "It is no secret that every government entity has had to make difficult decisions with regards to services due to strained budgets. It is hard to know what the long-reaching effects of this will be on our communities. What is known now is that there are qualified professionals capable of completing required tasks and these resources must be used in the most efficient manner.

He said police are legally qualified and capable of performing constable functions, but constables are not legally permitted to complete many law enforcement functions. "This relationship supports the decision to keep constables active in their current roles. Their removal from this function will result in the minimizing of law enforcement by pulling police officers away from their primary duties. The solution for police departments to overcome this will be more officers, more hours and more money, none of which are currently available."

- Recoverable budget items - When reviewing a four-year history of the county budget, Lutcher said the annual costs for constable services totaled $130,090.90 in 2008, $104,237.84 in 2009, $94,098.25 in 2010, and $80,527.41 in 2011.

"This is an average cost per year of $102,238.60. Considering the overtime pay rate of a police officer with tenure is higher than that of these recoverable constable fees, this total could be double when considering all the aforementioned issues. Whether this figure is $100,000 or $200,000, the fact that it is recoverable when performed by a constable seems to be a guiding factor in maintaining their services by the county."

- Countywide service - Lutcher said some commissioners have made statements regarding municipalities that do not have local police services suffering an unfair burden by having to pay for constable services, warrants, etc. "The reality is that local police departments do not only arrest their own local residents or serve warrants exclusively in their respective territories. Arrest warrants, transports and other processes that are executed by constables may stem from local police services, but often stem from acts perpetrated by criminals from those very communities without local police services. Criminals are often transient and this is why it is widely accepted that the best approach to criminal investigation and apprehension is widespread cooperation by law enforcement."

Recommendations:

- Collections - Lutcher said one immediate solution would be to actively begin collecting the outstanding fees due to the county that currently total nearly $11 million. "We have discussed this issue with different regions in the commonwealth and in many cases, the constables and/or sheriff's office collect these fees. This collection process must be aggressive and timely. Like any other fee or restitution the government handles, it is typical that large amounts of these fees will come in on payment schedules and lag several years behind until paid in full. However, county government will be here indefinitely and as long as the money is coming in year after year, it is dollars that are being sent in by the criminal subjects and not by the innocent taxpayers."

- Court scheduling - Lutcher said the current scheduling has made an immediate impact on police overtime budgets. With regard to constable fees for transports and guarding, some cooperation by the courts in consolidating all hearings with incarcerated defendants into a cluster would allow for less man hours charged in guard fees, he said.

"Additionally, there may be upwards of 30 cases on 'criminal day' at a given magisterial district judge's office. On most occasions, only one or two hearings may occur with most cases being either waived or ending in guilty pleas. We would suggest that some cooperation may occur on a larger scale to have many of the defendants handle their cases ahead of time. If their intention is to waive their case or plead guilty, there is no need for the defendant, victims, witnesses, officers or subject matter experts to waste time and money to attend. This has the potential to save thousands of tax dollars annually, but will require cooperation and perhaps a new line of thinking on how cases are processed."

- Advanced communication technologies - Lutcher said there is a need to explore the opportunities to have incarcerated persons awaiting preliminary hearings and other court functions to attend them via approved simultaneous audio/visual communication. "It is understood that defendants have the right to appear in person, face their accuser, etc. However, they also have the right to waive those rights, possibly as part of a plea agreement, bail considerations, etc. This would not only eliminate the transport fees for those subjects, but would also enhance the public safety of all people crammed in local courts on 'criminal day,' with an average of 25 to 30 cases running simultaneously, by reducing the overall number of people present.

"There have been too many American incidents involving mass casualties in congested areas and we feel an appropriate use of technology is required in a collective approach to minimize this risk to the public."

Potential tax increase - Lutcher said a half-mill county tax increase will currently bring in approximately $375,000 in revenue. He said almost all police officers who work in the county also live in and pay taxes in the county.

"We are very much aware of the public view on tax increases and share those concerns. We understand that it may require a tax increase at the county level to maintain an effective and operational government. However, it would be unfair to say that the constables are the reason for this increase. We are concerned that pushing this tax burden to local municipalities will compound into a much higher tax burden to county residents."

SUNBURY - Northumberland County Commissioner Vinny Clausi plans to conduct a news conference at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at the county administration center to respond to allegations and criticism leveled against him by Commissioner Richard Shoch.

On Friday, Shoch blamed Clausi for ignoring the repayment of a portion of a $365,000 grant the county received from the state Department of Community and Economic Development and federally-mandated upgrades to the county's 911 communications system. Shoch also chastised Clausi for costing the county thousands of dollars in a defamation lawsuit filed by fired deputy sheriffs Joseph Jones and Michael Boris.

Clausi, who is recuperating at home from recent serious surgery, said Friday that he would respond to Shoch's accusations in a couple weeks. But he notified The News-Item Saturday morning that he changed his mind and would hold a news conference Wednesday to address the issues.

PAXINOS - Grant S. Haupt, 81, of Irish Valley Road, passed away Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, at Sunbury Community Hospital, Sunbury.

Born in East Cameron Township, Feb. 4, 1931, he was a son of the late Charles and Florence (Smink) Haupt.

He married the former Eunice Haupt April 18, 1954.

He was educated in the Rising School Elementary School, East Cameron Township.

Grant served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

He owned and operated a farm in Irish Valley and also was employed by Wilson Manufacturing in Sunbury as a supervisor for 25 years.

He was a member of Irish Valley United Methodist Church.

Farming was the love of his life.

In addition to his wife, survivors include a son, Myron Haupt, and his wife, Georgia, of Paxinos; three grandchildren, Leslie, Faith and Thomas, and a brother, Guy Haupt, of Pottstown.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Hilda Thomas and Grace Reitz, and five brothers, Warren, Lloyd, Kimber, Carl, and a brother in infancy.

HAUPT - Grant S. Haupt, 81, of Irish Valley Road, Paxinos. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Irish Valley United Methodist Church. Burial will be in the adjoining church cemetery. Friends may call at the church from 10 a.m. until time of the funeral services Thursday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, Kidney Foundation or his church. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Jerre Wirt Blank Funeral Home, 395 State St., Sunbury.

Monday profiles are published on the first Monday of each month.

BLOOMSBURG - John Gordner says he knew from a young age that he wanted to be a politician.

He didn't have his high school yearbook at his district office on Main Street when interviewed last week, but he knew what it read beneath his senior photo: "You will see in it 'lawyer/politician.' That's what I wanted to do."

Gordner, 50, did just that, first passing the bar and becoming an attorney in his mid-20s before winning his first state House election at the ripe old age of 29.

He has won many more elections after that, serving 11 years in the state House for the 109th Legislative District before joining the Senate for the 27th Senatorial District, which includes Northumberland County, for the past eight years and counting.

In the Senate, he chairs the Labor and Industry Committee and is the majority caucus administrator, a leadership role for the state Republican Party.

Gordner admits the story behind his initial foray into politics is a bit hokey.

A high school freshman, shy and quiet, loses a bid for student council. As a more outgoing junior, he and friends seek office together as a slate. Their goal: upgraded senior yearbooks with color pictures and padded covers.

Thought to be thrown to slaughter in his bid for presidency against Berwick High's football star, he pulled the upset after campaigning for votes.

"It showed me the excitement of running and being part of a slate. And then the challenge was, 'OK, you got elected, now you have to deliver.'"

Together, the Gordner slate raised more money than any other previous senior class. They got their yearbook, color pictures and all.

"That sort of cemented the fact that I wanted to be involved in government, and hopefully be involved in solutions."

From House to Senate

It was an election loss in 1991 that opened the door to his career at the state Capitol.

Gordner was campaigning for district attorney of Columbia County that year and fell just 70 votes shy of victory. He wasn't deterred, since just days before the election, longtime state Rep. Ted Stuban announced he wouldn't seek re-election in the 109th in 1992.

Gordner, at the time a conservative member of the Democratic Party, threw his hat in the ring, and won.

While a state representative, he cited three things he was most proud of: his involvement with the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority, of which he remains a representative for the Senate; working on professional licensure issues and reforming workers compensation law, lowering rates for business owners.

The latter issue, he said, is how he eventually became of interest to the Republican Senate leadership.

In September 2001, Gordner traded in blue for red when he joined the GOP.

His Senate opportunity came much in the way his House opportunity had.

Ed Helfrick, longtime state senator for the 27th Senatorial District, gave up the office in 2003. Gordner took over after a special election and earned his first four-year term the following year.

Leaders laud expertise

This past November, the district's constituents kept him in office for another four-year term in an election in which Gordner ran unopposed. He will remain chairman of the Labor and Industry Committee after having turned down an offer to chair the Commerce, Economic and Recreational Development Committee.

Sen. Joe Scarnati, R-25 and president pro tempore, who appointed Gordner chairman, lauded his colleague for negotiating a tricky bill that passed with bipartisan support this summer, providing solvency to the state's Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund.

"John has done a remarkable job at balancing the needs of business and industry with keeping in mind that those that work in the Commonwealth are important and their issues are important," Scarnati said, noting that at times the needs of labor and industry clash.

Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, R-9, also credited Gordner for his work on unemployment compensation reform.

Gordner's an expert in that field, Pileggi said, and his expertise is valuable when thorny issues arise. And when that occurs, Gordner maintains an even keel, he said.

"His approach is always consistent, even outside committee issues," Pileggi said.

Berwick upbringing

More than simply expertise, Gordner has the right personality for the job, his colleagues said.

"John has never lost his sense of humor and doesn't lost his sense of humor through some of the most complex issues," Scarnati, echoing statements made by Pileggi about his character. "It's not about Harrisburg, it's about where you come from. We see a lot of people lose their way after quite a few years, but John hasn't."

Gordner credits his upbringing in Berwick for that.

"I think I realized right away that it was important to be grounded, and, thankfully, I was raised that way by my parents. ... There's folks that go to Harrisburg and get caught up in Harrisburg. There's a lot of distractions there," he said.

As he tells it, his family life helps keep him grounded, too. And it will keep his political ambitions in check, with Gordner saying state senator is the only job he wants.

Gordner married his wife, Lori, in 1990. The couple had their first child, Allison, in 1994, and their second, son Cole, in 1996.

While in session as a House member, he'd drive from Harrisburg to Berwick each Monday only to return to the Capitol the next day. It's nearly a two-hour drive one way, he says, but well worth having been under the same roof as his wife and children, even if the kids were already asleep.

"He's definitely a person who's achieved a balance in life to dedicating himself to his work and to his family, which is something we all strive for," Pileggi said.

Rockin' on

Now young adults - Allison a freshman and budding trumpeter at Slippery Rock University and Cole a high school junior - Gordner continues to work his schedule to spend time with family.

He volunteers as an assistant cross-country coach and runs at practice with Cole and the team, and he and his wife work to meet up with Allison at college.

He also includes his kids in a certain passion he has: rock concerts. He's been to three shows this year, including Coldplay, and will see The Who this weekend.

Lori had been game many times, but she stays away from the rock shows these days, Gordner said. Blame it on a loud Cheap Trick concert.

"We stood the whole concert," he said before stopping. "I stood the whole concert. Everyone around us stood. My wife eventually sat down. It was loud and she said ... 'if you go anymore, you're taking the kids.'"

As ambitious as he's been, Gordner says the 29th District is enough for him. He has no plans to seek out higher office, despite his growing clout in the GOP. The size of the district and its 260,000 constituents, as well as the term length for a state senator - four years, compared to two for House members - are perfect for him.

"I like a four-year term. I like a manageable district, and I like being active with my family," he said.

John Gordner

Age: 50

Hometown: Berwick

Education: Berwick High School; bachelor's degree, Dickinson College, 1983; law degree, Dickinson School of Law, 1987

Career: state representative, 1993 to 2003; state senator, 2004 to present; continues practicing law on limited basis

Family: wife, Lori; daughter, Allison, 18; son, Cole, 16

Hobbies: Running, rock concerts

DANVILLE - Sunday afternoon's annual gift-giving service sponsored by the Lutheran-Anglican-Roman Catholic (LARC) group that kicks off Advent once again expressed the true meaning for the Christmas season with religious songs, scripture readings, prayers and an inspirational homily that focused on being grateful for the gifts we receive from God and sharing those blessings with others.

"This traditional service is a tremendous expression of generosity and the body of Christ," commented the Rev. Phillip A. Altavilla, pastor of the Cathedral of St. Peter in Scranton who served as guest homilist at the program inside the beautiful chapel at Maria Hall on the grounds of SS Cyril and Methodius Academy.

Altavilla, who also is in charge of ecumenism and inter-faith affairs and Scouting director for the Diocese of Scranton, talked about the importance of being generous to others, but focused his talk more on receiving and appreciating gifts.

"Advent is a wonderful gift to us," he said. "It helps us keep things in focus. There is a lot of love, thought and energy that goes into giving gifts, but I want to focus more on receiving than giving. From God's fullness, we have all received. The greatest gift is God's son, Jesus, our Savior. God lowered himself to become one of us."

The priest added, "We bring different gifts to the table through our ecumenical dialogue and we must learn to accept gifts graciously and say thank you gratefully. We have to recognize our own blessings as individuals and church communities."

Altavilla thanked everyone for attending the service and especially praised the generosity of those responsible for purchasing and wrapping more than 100 gifts for needy children in the area.

He concluded his talk by telling the congregation, "The gift of Jesus encourages and inspires us to greater things."

Presenting scripture readings and prayers during the service were the Rev. Alfred Bashore, pastor of All Saints Lutheran Church, Kulpmont; Frank Stoshack, lay minister with Our Lady of Hope Church, Coal Township; the Rev. Francis Karwacki, pastor of the Church of Our Lady, Mount Carmel, and the Rev. David Byerly, pastor of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Shamokin, and St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Gowen City.

Deacon Richard Hazzard of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Shamokin, and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Mount Carmel, proclaimed the Gospel.

Cantor Sister Maria Theresa led the congregation in reciting the Advent Gospel acclamation and organist Dennis Bobber provided musical selections that included Silent Night in German, Slovak and English.

Children and adults placed gifts in front of the altar during the singing of Silent Night.

Sister Michael Ann, superior general at SS Cyril and Methodius Academy, presented a welcoming address. "This is a beautiful feast of God's greatest gift of love and it's a great way to start the Advent season," she said.

Following the service, refreshments were provided in the cafeteria.

LONDON (AP) — The most widely anticipated pregnancy since Princess Diana's in 1981 is official: Prince William's wife, Kate, is pregnant.

St. James's Palace announced the pregnancy Monday, saying that the Duchess of Cambridge — formerly known as Kate Middleton — has a severe form of morning sickness and is currently in a London hospital. William is at his wife's side.

News of the pregnancy drew congratulations from across the world, with the hashtag "royalbaby" trending globally on Twitter.

The couple's first child will be third in line to take the throne — leapfrogging the gregarious Prince Harry and possibly setting up the first scenario in which a U.K. female heir could benefit from new gender rules about succession.

The palace would not say how far along the 30-year-old duchess is, only that she has not yet reached the 12-week mark. Palace officials said the duchess was hospitalized with hyperemesis gravidarum, a potentially dangerous type of morning sickness where vomiting is so severe no food or liquid can be kept down. They said she was expected to remain hospitalized for several days and would require a period of rest afterward.

"It's not unusual for pregnant women to get morning sickness, but when it gets to the point where you're dehydrated, losing weight or vomiting so much you begin to build up (toxic) products in your blood, that's a concern," said Dr. Kecia Gaither, director of maternal fetal medicine at Brookdale University and Medical Center in New York.

The condition is thought to affect about one in 50 pregnant women but Gaither said less than one percent of women with the condition need to be hospitalized.

The news came just days after the duchess, on a royal appearance, was playing field hockey with schoolchildren at her former school.

Not only are the attractive young couple popular — with William's easy common touch reminding many of his mother, the late Diana — but their child is expected to play an important role in British national life for decades to come.

William is second in line to the throne after his father, Prince Charles, so the couple's first child would normally become a monarch — eventually.

The confirmation of Kate's pregnancy caps a jam-packed year of highs and lows for the young royals, who were married in a lavish ceremony at Westminster Abbey last year.

They have traveled the world extensively as part of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee celebrations and weathered the embarrassment of a nude photos scandal, after a tabloid published topless images of the duchess.

Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine, said the news bookended a year that saw the royal family riding high in popular esteem after celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II's 60 years on the throne.

"We're riding on a royal high at the moment at the end of the Diamond Jubilee year," he said. "People enjoyed the royal romance last year and now there's this. It's just a good news story amid all the doom and gloom."

Speculation about when the couple would start a family has been rife since their wedding.

William's mother Diana got pregnant just four months after her wedding in 1981. Diana also reportedly suffered from morning sickness for months and complained of constant media attention.

"The whole world is watching my stomach," Diana once said.

She gave birth to William in 1982 after 16 hours of labor. At his birth, William was given a baby tag marked 'Baby Wales' and a 41-gun salute was fired in Hyde Park and the Tower of London.

In September 1983, roughly a year after the birth of William, Buckingham Palace announced that Diana was pregnant for a second time. However, within a week, Diana suffered a miscarriage when on holiday at Balmoral, Scotland.

In 1984, she became pregnant again and gave birth to Harry.

American tabloid speculation of Kate's pregnancy has been rampant for months. One newspaper even cited anonymous sources talking about Kate's hormone levels. Others have focused on the first signs of the royal bump.

The palace said the royal family was "delighted" by the news. British Prime Minister David Cameron admitted he got a heads-up about the pregnancy, saying he found the news "quite difficult" to keep to himself and expressing his confidence the duo will make "absolutely brilliant parents."

The leaders of Britain and the 15 former colonies that have the monarch as their head of state agreed in 2011 to new rules which give females equal status with males in the order of succession.

Although none of the nations had legislated the change as of September, the British Cabinet Office confirmed that this is now the de-facto rule.

Those changes make Kate's pregnancy all the more significant for the royal family, according to Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine.

"This is the first child who will be an heir to the throne whatever sex they are," she said. "It's a new beginning."

Graham Smith of anti-monarchy group Republic called Kate's pregnancy a "private, personal matter" for her and William, saying the flood of media coverage was disproportionate

"We've heard today that our future head of state is on the way. It's a pretty bizarre way of choosing someone for public office," he said.

On the couple's tour of Malaysia, Singapore, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu in September, William reportedly said he hoped he and Kate would have two children.

SHAMOKIN — Volunteers are sought to join Shamokin’s 150th Anniversary Committee.
Committee members are vital in organizing and raising funds for the celebration, and anyone with an interest in the city and celebrating its history, whether a current resident or not, are invited to join.
The committee meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall on Lincoln Street, and the public is invited to attend.
A five-day celebration is being planned for Independence Day weekend in 2014, including a fireman’s night, military homage and a parade and carnival.
Several fundraising ideas were discussed at the group’s meeting last month, and plans are being developed to begin raising money in early 2013.
Seven people attended the November meeting, a small but growing body of volunteers, and more are needed to help.
For more information, contact committee Chairman William Milbrand during normal business hours at City Hall at 644-0876.

SUNBURY - A 19-year-old Shamokin male charged with multiple offenses by Shamokin police in connection with July 27 incidents pleaded guilty Monday to possession with intent to deliver marijuana and was sentenced by Northumberland County Judge William H. Wiest to serve up to 18 months on parole.

Ned A. Marcinick Jr., of 105 N. Franklin St., who was given credit for 11 days previously served in county prison, entered the plea and was sentenced immediately.

Marcinick, who is free, was charged by Shamokin Cpl. Bryan Primerano with possession with intent to deliver marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, escape, loitering and prowling at night and underage drinking relating to incidents that began at 9:30 p.m. in the first block of East Independence Street.

All the other charges were not prosecuted under the plea agreement.

Police reported Marcinick possessed three ounces of marijuana in four separate packages for resale and a digital scale containing marijuana residue.

Police, who detected an odor of alcohol on Marcinick's breath upon speaking with him at Shamokin and Commerce streets, said Marcinick fled on foot when they requested permission to search his bag.

Officers located Marcinick on a porch between the 300 blocks of North Shamokin and North Rock streets and took him into custody.

Police reported Marcinick had $387.50 on his possession when apprehended. Police also found his bag in a creek bed near the intersection of Washington and Spurzheim streets. Police said marijuana and drug paraphernalia were found in the bag.

ELYSBURG - The "Save the Ambulance" cookbook is available just in time for holiday gift-giving.

With more than 750 recipes from friends and family of the Elysburg and Ralpho fire departments, the cookbook offers everything from old-time classics to ethnic favorites and everything in between.

One of the best features is a section from the family of Henry Hynoski, New York Giant and Elysburg native. There is also a color photo of Hynoski holding the trophy after he helped the Giants win the Super Bowl in his rookie year.

All the proceeds go directly to the Elysburg Fire Department to supplement the funding for the MICU (Mobile Intensive Care Unit). Due to budget cuts and less money coming in from yearly dues, the department is in need of revenue for the wages of the paramedics and supplies if this vital 24/7 care is to continue.

The cookbook cost is $18. It and can be shipped for an extra $4.95 to cover the padded mailer and postage fees.

Cookbooks are also available at area businesses, including Masser's Restaurant, Paxinos; Dr. Manney, chiropractic, Shamokin; Mattucci's, Mount Carmel, and Berger's Religious Store, Elysburg. The cookbooks can also be ordered at the Save the Ambulance FaceBook page or by calling call 672-1135 .

There are only a few hundred cookbooks left, so order soon to guarantee availability for Christmas.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Dr. Henry Fesniak, a cardiologist at Geisinger Medical Center, recently spent time with the students and faculty of his alma mater, Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School, hoping to bridge the gap between academics and the problem-solving skills necessary for success in the real world. Fesniak plans additional visits to the school during brief vacations from his professional responsibilities.

"The spirit of Lourdes is alive and well," stated Fesniak, a member of the class of 1976. Fesniak spent one day recently teaching biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry and physics at the high school. "Overall, I found these young Lourdes scholars to be organized, polite, attentive and thirsting for challenge," he said.

"The tools to educate and to learn are incredibly advanced compared to 40 years ago, but so are the social obstacles the students must negotiate," Fesniak noted. "What differentiates the learning environment at Lourdes from many others are the values which the school openly embraces. The students stand to be led in prayer several times daily, reminding them of their responsibility to work diligently and to perform well, giving account to their God as well their teachers and families."

A series of lectures are under way at Lourdes emphasizing the necessity of a solid background in mathematics and science, which are relevant to many of the students' career choices.

"The mantra established by the Lourdes faculty is learning through inquiry, and I wholeheartedly support this," said Fesniak. "But I also want to be certain that the students have the skills, tools and mentoring to pursue their areas of interest at a level far above that traditionally achieved in secondary education."

Additional conference topics in health as well as career planning, for both the students and their parents during "after school hours" are under development by Fesniak and his colleagues.

KULPMONT - The following memorials and special intentions have been presented to the Saint Pauline Center:

John "Jack" M. Blase from Gerry and Marty Zarkoski, Gus and Rita Veach.

Jean D. Laskoski from Peggy Yancheski and family.

Charles Parker from Henry Sgro.

Ann Heromin from Rick and Deb Perles family, Frank and Kathy Foris and family, Gus and Rita Veach, MaryAnn and Richard Walker, Burch's Drug Store (Karen), Betty Jax, George and Mary Kroutch.

Patrick G. Komara from Gus and Rita Veach.

Rachael Nestico from Rich and Cettie Jansen.

George Spurr from Nick and Linda Vincenzes.

Donna Ann (Ferrari) Ondrasik from Mr. and Mrs. Richard Subasic, Jack and Rita Laukaitis, Rick and Deb Perles family, Bob Greco and family.

Shirley Larue Scopelliti from Jack and Rita Laukaitis.

Michelle Whyne from Nick and Shirley Gard.

Jean Petrozino from Bob Greco and family, Henry Sgro.

John Kapozello from Burch's Drug Store (Karen).

Sylvia Doyle from Burch's Drug Store (Karen).

Mr. and Mrs. Andy Kovalovich from Burch's Drug Store (Karen).

Loretta Kovalovich from Burch's Drug Store (Karen).

Andrew J. Kovalovich from Burch's Drug Store (Karen).

Edward Scicchitano from Manny & Anetta Gutgolg, Eileen Sassani, Jack and Rita Laukaitis, Maria and Cathy Lacroce.

Baby Gage Xander Weidow from Donna Greco, Rita Laukaitis and Maryann.

Loretta Ann Snyder from Healing Heart of Jesus Society, Nick and Shirley Gard.

Ellen Kovach from Lubow Gluchowski.

Loretta Kovalovich Snyder from Gerry and Marty Zarkoski.

George Clarkie Townsend from Nick and Shirley Gard.

Roger Wolfgang from Brian Yancheski.

Rose Marie Picarelli from Nick and Shirley Gard.

Pat Dispenzieri from Jack and Rita Laukaitis.

Helen Christiano from Henry Sgro.

August Witowski from Bob Greco and family, Henry Sgro.

Deneene Lee Klinger from Coresin, Rosalie and Michael Ziegler family.

Ruth Deeter from Michael, Rosalie and Mary Rosalie Ziegler.

Richard S. Jeffrey from Henry Sgro

Mary Swetleski Dennis from Corinne Klose

Alice M. Concini from Nick and Shirley Gard.

Margaret M. Wasileski from Nick and Shirley Gard.

Juvenile diabetes, Camp Pauline

George Spurr from Nick and Linda Vincenzes.

Diabetic intentions

Martha Sanders, Mrs. E.R. Cagande, Charles S. Frigerio, Phyllis Solimeno, Francis D'Arienzo, Lucinda Samperi, Vincent Leone, Rosanne Giammarino, John A. Andrezik, Cecelia M. Huang, William A. Draper, Joseph Taggart, Testa Beeli, Ann De Simone, John Wolf, Carolyn Gouvion, Angelo Ricci, Mary Pelant, Anne Fitzpatrick, Pierre Tressler, Robert Hunt, Richard Smith, Mary Best, Albert Parisi, Frank Laga, Robert Elwood, Janet Hanna, Vincent Brennan.

Anniversary memorial

Helen and Joseph Serovich from daughter, Gerry.

Birthday memorial

Helen Serovich from daughter, Gerry.