AccuWeather reports a storm passing through the Northeast riding a tidal wave of frigid air will evolve into a blizzard over New England before departing during the Valentine's Day weekend.

The worst of the storm will target the central and northern New England coast tonight into Sunday with wind-driven snow.

Areas far removed from the center of the storm in the mid-Atlantic - including central Pennsylvania - can experience life-threatening cold and the risk of power outages from high winds, AccuWeather reported.

The local forecast from the National Weather Service calls for show showers today, mainly after 8 a.m., that could be heavy at times and accumulate 1 to 2 inches. A south wind of 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph, is predicted.

Tonight's low is forecast at 1, with wind chill values as low as -20, and the snow showers are expected to continue, accumulating as much as another inch.

Bands of snow

Prior to the storm hitting New England, the leading edge of a blast of arctic air will trigger one or more bands of heavy snow that will sweep southeastward from the Great Lakes to the mid-Atlantic coast today.

According to AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist Henry Margusity, "The arctic front will behave like a squall line, but instead of bringing heavy rain, it could bring a brief period of heavy snow."

As this band of snow rolls along like a wall of white, it can create dangerous conditions for those traveling at highway speeds.

"The squall line of snow and the sudden drop of temperature with strong wind gusts can make wet roads slippery in a matter of a couple of minutes and catch motorists off guard," Margusity said.

Motorists should pay close attention to the weather and be on the lookout for rapidly changing road conditions throughout the Interstate 80, I-81 and I-95 corridors on today.

More snow west to east

While the storm moves off the New England coast, it will strengthen rapidly and deliver blizzard conditions from eastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island and eastern Connecticut to southeastern New Hampshire, coastal Maine, Nova Scotia and southeastern New Brunswick this weekend.

The snowfall accumulation will ramp up from west to east across New York state and New England with only the northernmost areas, western Long Island and the New York City metro area being spared heavy snow.

Parts of eastern New England coast to Atlantic Canada will receive a foot or more of snow from the storm.

However, winds and plummeting temperatures caused by the strengthening storm will make for dangerous conditions to be outdoors throughout the Northeast.

Winds may gust past 60 mph in New England and past 50 mph in parts of the mid-Atlantic. As a result, power outages, downed tree limbs and minor property damage may not be limited to New England. Some people could be left in the dark and cold in part of the mid-Atlantic.

A cold Sunday

NWS said there will be areas of blowing snow Sunday, with a high near 7 and wind chill values as low as -23 from a northwest wind that will whip at 21 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 39.

Sunday night's low will be about -7.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area Elks Students of the Month for December have been announced. Senior student of the month is Kevin Nolter, a son of Ed and Jean Nolter, of Kulpmont. He is in the chemistry club, the National Honor Society and is on the distinguished honor roll. Kevin is a previous Merit Award recipient and in his free time he enjoys bowling, watching sports and spending time with his friends and family. After high school, Kevin plans to attend college to study the sciences.

Junior Student of the Month is Leah Nicola, a daughter of Robert and Bonnie Nicola, of Kulpmont. Her activities include winter and spring track, TV studio, stage crew, National Honor Society, School Counts and Future Teachers of America. She is vice president of the TV studio, is on the distinguished honor roll and is a previous Student of the Month winner. She enjoys athletics and TV production. She plans to attend a four-year college to major in a science-related field and participate in collegiate sports.

Teenager of the Month is freshman student Hannah Nolter, a daughter of Ed and Jean Nolter, of Kulpmont. Hannah is an altar server at Holy Angels Church, is on the girls' basketball team, is a member of news reporting and was a previous Junior High Pride winner. Her hobbies include writing, playing sports and spending time with her friends and family. Hannah's future plans are to become a pediatrician.

Junior Teen of the Month is seventh-grade student Bryson Zvoncheck, a son of Jeffery and Lorrie Zvoncheck, of Kulpmont. He is currently on the honor roll and is a previous Student of the Month winner. Bryson's activities include playing baseball for the Kulpmont Wildcats, Mount Carmel Clovers and the Schuylkill County Breaker Boys baseball team. He enjoys baseball, hunting and fishing. Bryson hopes to become a professional baseball player.

A piece of Ashland history that was in storage in the attic of a borough home was recently donated to the local historical society to add to its collection.

That piece of history is the wooden case of a Waterbury Clock Co. regulator (pendulum) wall clock that hung on the wall in the P.L. Loeper Jewelry Store at 935 Centre St.

The clock mechanism is long gone, but the case is about 36 inches tall and 15 inches wide. The clock face would have been 12 inches in diameter. The regulator clock, a more accurate version time-wise of a standard pendulum clock, was rewound about every eight days with a key, which was stored in the case. The glass cover over the lower half of the clock showed "P.H. Loeper, Leading Jeweler. Ashland, PA."

Patricia "Pat" Monaghan, Ashland, remembers seeing the clock case when her family moved into the home in 1954 when she was 5 years old.

"I remember when I would go into the attic and see it in the corner," Monaghan said. "I've always wondered why it was in the corner and why would they leave it here. We bought the house from Dr. Mulroy. When I was a kid I was always in the attic. It had no clock in it. I don't know why I didn't toss it."

It was only recently that Monaghan thought about donating the clock case to the society.

"I began cleaning my attic out, saw it, and thought that I should ask Adam (Bernodin) if the society would want it. It was of no use to me," she said. "It was really loaded with dirt and dust and I cleaned it to make it more presentable."

"When I went over to her house to look at it, I thought it was great," said Bernodin III, a member of the Ashland Area Historic Preservation Society.

Bernodin took the offer of the clock to society historian James "Jim" Klock, who gratefully accepted the treasure.

"That's when I found out about the jewelry store," Monaghan said.

"As soon as I saw it I was sure I saw it somewhere before," Klock said. "When I was in high school, or maybe even in junior high, the jewelry store was just selling out. He (Loeper) died in 1950.

"The business was taken over and became Schwartz's Jewelry Store. That business was only there for a few years and they had a going-out-of-business sale. I went in there to see what kind of cheap ring I could get. I swear I saw that clock before and could have been there."

Hhow the clock case ended up in the Mulroy home is not known.

"I don't know if there was a connection between the Loepers and the Mulroys," Klock said. "I have no idea."

The Waterbury Clock Co. was in existence from 1854 to 1944, when it was purchased by what became the Timex Corp., now Timex Group USA.

According to Wikipedia, in 1854, Waterbury, Connecticut-based brass manufacturer Benedict & Burnham created Waterbury Clock Co. to manufacture clocks using brass wheels and gears.

The clock company was legally incorporated on March 27, 1857, as an independent business with $60,000 in capital. The American clock industry, with scores of companies located in Connecticut's Naugatuck Valley, was producing millions of clocks, earning the region the nickname, "Switzerland of America."

The Waterbury Clock Co. was one of the largest producers for both domestic sales and export, primarily to Europe. Today, its successor, Timex Group USA Inc., is the only remaining watch company in the region.

The company produced a large variety of clocks, including mantel clocks, with many styles being solid woods and ornate carvings.

The clock case donated to the society is the "Crane" model and is solid oak in a dark finish.

"This is a valuable moment," Bernodin said. "It's a prime example of history being lost and somebody coming forward to save history like this."

"Someone said to me that people in Ashland don't realize what they have in their attics," Monaghan said.

"And can you imagine how many attics have valuable things that are just sitting there, or about those items that were there and were tossed in the past?" Bernodin said.

"I hope people learn from this. Just don't throw things away. Ask historical society members about them. We just don't want to lose certain things that are valuable to this town."

Klock pointed out that the society headquarters at 316-318 Centre St. had an interesting connection to the story.

"Peter Loeper actually lived in this house," Klock said. "It was Peter and his brother, Anton, that started the Hotel Loeper."

The hotel later became the Marko Townhouse, which is now the Ashland High Rise, owned and operated by the Schuylkill County Housing Authority.

According to information provided by Klock, Peter Loeper had a barbershop at 935 Centre St. during the late 1800s. About the turn of the century, he went into the jewelry business, which lasted until his death.

A four-sided public clock, erected by Loeper in 1919, stood at the store for many years. The clock remained there after the building was sold and became Batdorf Cleaners, but the clock fell into disuse over time. The clock was destroyed after being hit by a truck in March 1964.

The clock was an inspiration for the four-sided clock at the Ashland Mini-Park at Fifth and Centre streets that was placed in 2011 by Ashland Downtown Inc.

There are no specific plans for where the Loeper clock will be placed for display, but Klock and Bernodin said that it would fit very well at the Station House, which is the society's other location at Fifth and Chestnut streets, which was the former borough hall and is being refurbished by the society.

Joint Ash Wednesday service

SHAMOKIN - The community is invited to join the congregations of Grace and St. Paul Lutheran churches for a joint Ash Wednesday service at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Grace Lutheran Church, West Chestnut Street. The Rev. David M. Byerly, pastor of both congregations, will preside and preach. He will offer ashes to all who wish to receive them.

The Service of Word and Sacrament will mark the beginning of the Lenten season. Participants in the service include Ron Weller, worship assistant; Shelley Faust, cantor; Ethan Tharp, acolyte, crucifer; Mr. and Mrs. William Hoffa, communion bearers; Jeanne Hoffa, Beverly Deitz, Nancy Joraskie, Treva Madison, Susan Marsh, Jeanne Romanic and Joanne Templin, ushers; Walter Boyer, organist, and Charlene Pell, choir director.

'Missionary Journeys' focus of study

MOUNT CARMEL - The Missionary Journeys of St. Paul Bible study will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 19 and 26 and March 12, 19 and 26 in Our Lady of Mount Carmel hall, 41 S. Market St.

The presentation will include a PowerPoint presentation, videos of the places St. Paul visited and maps of the journeys. Religious education teachers (CCD) can get credits from the Diocese of Harrisburg for taking the course, but all are invited to attend.

Any questions, call the Rev. Frank Karwacki at 570-339-1031.

SHAMOKIN - A couple from Florida made their first trip to the city this week to retrace the footsteps of family who resided here until the early part of the 20th century.

Monica Higgins has researched her family history, including looking at old photographs and church records from Shamokin, in an effort to gather more information about her great-grandparents and grandmother, who lived in the city in the late 1800s to around 1910.

She had always talked about traveling to the area to discover more about her ancestors, but Wednesday was the first time she, along with her husband, Joe, stepped foot in Shamokin. The trip involved searching for the location of her great-grandparent's home and her great-grandfather's grave site.

The couple, who consider themselves permanent RV'ers, flew from Florida to Philadelphia, where they met with family and friends, before driving to Shamokin for their one-day visit.

This isn't the first time members of Monica's family have visited Shamokin. She said her sisters brought her 87-year-old mother, Martha Wojnar, to Shamokin before, but were unable to visit St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Springfield, where Monica's great-grandfather, Thomas Stelmach, is buried.

"This is very important for Monica and her family to get more information (on her relatives)," her husband said. "This was on her bucket list."

St. Stan's connection

Monica said her family's history in Shamokin dates to at least 1874, when Stelmach helped build St. Stanislaus Church at Race and Vine streets in Shamokin. Stelmach, who came from Poland to work in the coal mines of Shamokin, married Catherine Szemryk, Monica's great-grandmother, in the church Jan. 12, 1875.

The former church, which has changed hands twice since the 1995 consolidation of Catholic churches in the Shamokin area, was one of the first stops for the couple.

They took plenty of photos of the exterior of the former house of worship and also searched for the cornerstone, but were unable to locate it. They concluded the marker had been covered by past renovations. The elusive stone was the first of several setbacks on an otherwise great trip, they said.

They also could not find the location of her great-grandparents' home. Monica's grandmother, Martha Rykaczewski, was the last person from her family born there, and the family left the area around 1910.

The only clues indicating where the home was located are from stories passed down and a real-photo postcard that shows her family standing outside a two-story wood-frame home with a mountain or hill barely visible in the background.

"I wish I knew exactly where it was located," Monica said. "My grandmother told my mother that the outhouse was located by a creek."

The couple could also not locate Thomas' grave site in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. They said snow cover, faded tombstones and lack of a grid map hindered their search.

Shamokin landmarks

With their intended stops completed, the couple paid a visit to several popular Shamokin landmarks, including the former Shamokin High School, the area where the J.K. and C.K. Eagle Mill once stood and Fisher's Boston Pierogies, where they purchased sauerkraut and potato-and-cheese-filled pierogies.

"We were driving up and down the streets all day," Joe said with a laugh. "People probably thought we were up to no good."

They also took an interest in Mother Cabrini Church, which is the former St. Edward Church, and the Glen Burn Bank. They were amazed to learn that St. Edward was the first church in America to be lit by electricity, and that the Glen Burn is known as the "largest manmade mountain" in the world.

'Spirits are here'

Monica said she will take the photos and information they compiled during their short trip to her mother and rest of the family. She said they'll enjoy learning more about their family history.

"My family has some really cool history. I wanted to come to Shamokin and experience it," she said. "I feel like their spirits are here. To be able to walk the same streets they did is just awesome."

ELYSBURG - Steppin' Out, a walk/jog/run program for women, will begin a new season and celebrate the start of its fifth year Tuesday, March 10.

The 14-week program was developed and continues to engage, encourage and motivate women age 12 and older to become more fit and motivated, to achieve healthy goals and to have fun. It is held at 6 p.m. each Tuesday through June 16 at the Elysburg Community Park, site of the All Home Days celebration. Strollers are welcomed, although due to safety and liability reasons, the program does not allow pets or the use of "ear buds" during the workouts.

The Steppin' Out program adheres to a mission of promoting and supporting those who want to achieve a personal goal of improved health, fitness and/or overall well-being. It offers a positive and affordable program that allows participants to create their own fitness goals and achieve them, coupled with tools to create lifelong changes in their overall health and well-being.

This spring, participants will be offered a free heart health screening and will benefit from other various speakers on health topics. The Steppin' Out Program continues to build strong collaborative relationships with many other professionals and businesses that support community health. The Steppin' Out program is privileged to partner with the All Home Days Association who makes the Steppin' Out location possible to supports community well-being.

Registration for the program is limited to 130 applicants on a first come. first serve basis. The cost for the 14 week program is $25. You may get the "Early Bird" rate of $20 if the registration is received by March 3. Registration forms are available online by visiting "Steppin Out" on Facebook or by requesting a registration form via email at steppinoutwalkrun@gmail.com.

For further information or registration forms, contact any one of the Steppin' Out leadership committee members with questions: Cindy Wedde at 570-350-4964, Sherry Romanoskie at 570-898-2270, Tara Maurer at 570-933-4014, RuthAnn Helfrick at 570-259-4857, via Steppin' Out email at steppinoutwalkrun@gmail.com, or via Facebook on the "Steppin' Out" page.

Marriage licenses

Robert Douglas Headley to Robin Marie Bennett, both of 808 N. Front St., Sunbury. Issued Feb. 14.

Mark Howard Cashner to Tanya Rae Yerger, both of 954 Reagan St., Sunbury. To be issued Feb. 16.

Shane Mckay Brosious to Alicia Marie Trego, both of 1057 Scott St., Kulpmont. To be issued Feb. 17.

Bryan Michael Lees to Kristine Marie Clark, both of 125 Terrace St., Northumberland. To be issued Feb. 17.

Property transfers

Robert John Kemper (estate), Richard C. Kemper (individually and administrator), Karen Kemper Hirschi, to Joseph C. Scheponik, property in Kulpmont, $18,500.

Willis Richard Reed, Debra Le Reed, to Nicole D. Hood, Jeremy Kurtz, property in Herndon, $80,000.

Woodrow W. Peifer (estate), Gary D. Christ (executor), to Gary D. Christ, property in Shamokin, $1.

Joan L. Mrowka, Joan L. Muskey, to Michael J. McLaughlin, Jennifer A. McLaughlin, property in Shamokin, $1.

Carol Trombley to Chris A. Share, Nicole A. Share, property in Mount Carmel, $23,519.

Kyle J. Mirolli to Mikal Properties LLC, property in Zerbe Township, $1,000.

Eleanor F. Barni to Donald M. Boyer, property in Mount Carmel, $61,800.

Keith A. Persing, Tracey D. Persing and Tracey D. Socko, to Keith A. Persing, Tracey D. Persing, property in Coal Township, $1.

Richard A. Lindenmuth (estate), Charles E. Lindenmuth (administrator), to Donald B. Fourspring, Kathleen S. Fourspring, property in Mount Carmel, $14,000.

Laura E. Schweitzer (estate), Nancy L. Saga (executrix), to Kyle W. Lytle, property in Coal Township, $14,500.

NEPA Homes LLC to Lisa M. Vacula, property in Mount Carmel, $8,000.

Barry E. Scheetz, Carolyn L. Scheetz, to Daniel M. Bressi, Joseph S. Bressi, property in Coal Township, $28,000.

Joseph R. Jeffrey, Tracey Willard, to Joseph R. Jeffrey, property in Coal Township, $1.

Nancy E. Moore to David W. Moore, Michael M. Moore, property in West Cameron Township, $1.

Daniel L. Ross to Jeffrey A. Klock, Audrey Klock, property in Rockefeller Township, $1.

Lititz Properties LLC to William E. Rosini, property in Shamokin, $13,500.

Shamokin Area Community Hospital, Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, to Geisinger Medical Center, property in Coal Township, $10.

Sandy M. Fox to Jameson P. Shaffer, Carissa M. Shaffer, property in Lower Mahanoy Township, $8,500.

Lee B. Eberly, Karleen J. Eberly, to R. Craig Rhoades, Pamela S. Rhoades, property in Shamokin, $10,000.

Lester A. Schiccatano (trustee), Margaret S. Schiccatano (trustee), Lester A. Share Schiccatano, Margaret S. Share Schiccatano, Lester A. Schiccatano and Margaret S. Schiccatano Living Trust, to Cayrow Properties LLC, property in Coal Township, $24,000.

MONTOURSVILLE - Cheryl Bailey, maintenance unit secretary, has been named PennDOT District 3 Employee of the Year for 2014.

Bailey is an excellent secretary who supports the district's maintenance and traffic units, PennDOT officials said.

She coordinates unit travel arrangements and performs a wide range of clerical work. She produces letters for signing, files documents, answers phones and directs calls to the appropriate personnel, covers the receptionist desk, processes mail, oversees calendars, schedules meetings, takes meeting minutes, creates and sends emails and reviews district memorandums.

Bailey also coordinates responses to customer concerns directed to the maintenance and traffic units. That is a substantial work load, as those units receive the largest number of customer concerns in the district.

Officials said she can be counted on to provide assistance to other units, including county offices, construction, human resources and the district executive's office. She often volunteers for special assignments and district committees.

She recently served as the chairperson for the District 3-0 Employee of the Month and Group of the Quarter Committee, demonstrating her understanding and support of the importance of recognizing outstanding employees.

Bailey is well-versed in clerical procedures and couples this with excellent interpersonal skills and "team player" attitude, which makes her an outstanding asset to the district, her supervisor added.

As a result, she regularly receives notes of appreciation from her co-workers and managers and deserves to be recognized for her ability, attitude and efforts.

A nearly three-year PennDOT employee, Bailey lives in Sunbury with her husband, Brian, a son, Vinny, and daughters, Brooke and Callie.

Recylcing canceled due to weather

KULPMONT - Kulpmont Borough curbside recycling pick up will be canceled for Tuesday due to weather conditions.

Comedy show

NORTHUMBERLAND - Peterson Toscano of Sunbury, who has done comedy throughout North America, Europe and parts of Africa, will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at the Front Street Station in Northumberland.

The performance is being sponsored and organized by Susquehanna Valley Progressives.

Toscano finds humor in the oddest places - places that we are sometimes afraid to face. But with Toscano and the many wacky characters he has created, audience members will be warmed, comforted and cheered.

Not only is the performer hilarious, he is insightful, thought-provoking and takes on big issues in the most unexpected ways.

He has appeared on the Tyra Banks Show, been featured in People Magazine, interviewed on NPR's Morning Edition and was recently interviewed for WIVA's ArtScene with Erika Funke.

He is the host of the Climate Stew Show and is currently touring with his newest play, "Does This Apocalypse Make Me Look Fat?"

Bridge at Ralpho Township Library

ELYSBURG - Bridge play at the Ralpho Township Public Library will resume Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. starting March 3. There is no charge.

Call the library at 570-672-9449 to sign up.

The library is located in the municipal building in Elysburg at the intersection of Routes 54 and 487. Entrance to the library parking lot is off Route 487 across from sheetz.

ELYSBURG - At 6 p.m. Sunday, March 29, Lift Your Spirits Performing Arts (LYSPA) will present "Born for This" at Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church in Elysburg.

By attending the show, you will experience an event that will truly bring the meaning of Easter to life inside of you and your entire family as you journey each step along the road to Calvary and witness the events as you never have before.

The production written by CJM Music of England is based on the Gospel of Mark and is filled with powerful music, moments of reflection and a special format presenting the journey of the Passion in a most memorable way for all ages.

Based in Ashland, LYSPA is a non-profit 501c3 organization and is the only group performing the production in the United States.

Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased by calling the church office at 570-672-2302, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

For additional information, contact Dan Thomas, director of LYSPA, at 570-590-2368.

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

John Gembic III, Shamokin

R. Jay Geiger, of Allentown, against Joseph Bryson, of Shamokin, for $1,825, filed Feb. 13. Hearing is scheduled for Feb. 26.

JNJ Investment Properties LLC, of Allentown, against Justin and Leah Herman, of Shamokin, for $2,805, filed Feb. 11. Hearing is scheduled for Feb. 26.

Julia Giovannetti, of Harrisburg, against Marie Bortz, of Shamokin, for $760, filed Feb. 10. Hearing is scheduled for Feb. 23.

Shannon Piper, of Sunbury, awarded $1,008.75 Feb. 9 in rent and court costs from Jamie Gledhill and Tim Piper, of Coal Township. Shamokin.

Kathren Shaw, of Coal Township, awarded $738.25 Feb. 9 in rent and court costs from David and Chanda Hine, of Coal Township.

Janet Schoppy, of Danville, awarded $1,509.61 Feb. 12 in rent and court costs from Anthony Ceisnolevicz, of Mount Carmel.

SHAMOKIN - A few inches of snow, frigid temperatures and 40 mile per hour winds that hit the area Saturday night and early Sunday morning led to treacherous driving and walking conditions.

But the storm did not cause any extensive power outages and only contributed to four reported motor vehicle accidents in Northumberland County.

According to meteorologist Kevin Fitzgerald at the National Weather Service forecast office in State College, the lowest temperature reported in the area was 23 degrees below zero in Trevorton at 5:10 a.m. Sunday. In Shamokin, overnight temperatures ranged between 5 and 10 degrees below zero.

Fitzgerald said the average wind speed in the area Saturday night and Sunday morning was 40 miles per hour, which led to snow drifts and white-out conditions on rural roads and highways.

The forecast for the Shamokin area Sunday night was clear with temperatures reaching a low of five degrees below zero and diminishing winds. Today's high temperature was expected to reach the middle teens with much lighter winds before dropping to zero in the evening.

Fitzgerald said another storm system was approaching from the south that could result in light snow in the Shamokin area tonight.

State police at Stonington are continuing their investigation into a three-vehicle accident at 8:25 p.m. Saturday on Route 61 between Reading Turnpike and Valley Road near Durdach Bros. Inc. Two people suffered injuries and were transported by ambulance to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, where they underwent emergency room treatment before being released.

Details of the accident, which occurred during the peak of Saturday's snowstorm, have not yet been released by state police.

Assisting police at the scene were firefighters from Elysburg and Stonington, Elysburg Ambulance and AREA Services personnel. The highway was shut down in both directions for approximately 40 minutes.

As of Sunday evening, only three other weather-related accidents were reported between Saturday night and Sunday afternoon in the county. None of those crashes involved injuries.

A dispatcher at Northumberland County Communications Center said a two-vehicle accident occurred at 6:40 p.m. Saturday at Front and Hanover streets in Northumberland. He said a car hit a stop sign in the parking lot of Brewser's Sports Bar and Grille in Coal Township at 12:34 a.m. Sunday, while a vehicle slid off Snydertown Road at Olive Road in Shamokin Township at 12:52 p.m. Sunday.

BY LARRY DEKLINSKI

A pivotal moment in the history of area Catholic parishes occurred on this date 20 years ago, when the Diocese of Harrisburg formally announced plans to form new territorial parishes under a reconstruction plan, effective July 1, 1995. The plan affected 20 parishes in the Shamokin-Mount Carmel area, all of which ceased to exist at the end of June.

Many church buildings and rectories not chosen to become new places of worship were sold to private individuals or businesses. The status of each building varies, and all but a few are still standing, albeit a shell of their former selves.

Nicholas Dattilo, who served as bishop from 1990 until his death in 2004, had revealed his intent to reconstruct the diocese in the fall of 1994. He explained the purpose of the mergers was to "renew life of the church" and to take it to the 21st century. After months of speculation, Dattilo revealed his plan Feb. 16 by sending letters to area parishes.

We do everything together, except "we don't pray together," he said the day of the announcement.

The changes

In Coal Township, St. Joseph and St. Stephen combined to form a new territorial parish, using St. Joseph (now Our Lady of Hope) as a place of worship.

St. Mary's, St. Edward, St. Michael and St. Stanislaus in Shamokin and St. Anthony in Ranshaw combined to become a new territorial parish, using St. Edward (now Mother Cabrini) as a place of worship.

Our Lady of Perpetual Hope in Marion Heights and St. Mary's and St. Casimir in Kulpmont combined, using St. Mary's (now Holy Angels) as the place of worship.

Divine Redeemer Church was formed from a merger of Holy Cross, St. Peter, Our Mother of Consolation and St. John the Baptist parishes in Mount Carmel and St. Paul in Atlas. The new parish used the former Our Mother of Consolation Church as its place of worship.

St. Joseph and Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Mount Carmel, St. Ignatius Loyola in Centralia, St. Joseph, Locust Gap, and St. Joseph, Locust Dale, formed a new parish that used Our Lady of Mount Carmel as a place of worship and retained the name.

Appeals made

The news for many was difficult to digest. Prior to the merger, several parishes decided to challenge the plan, vowing to take the fight all the way to the Vatican. Some people wanted to halt the plan all together, while others just wanted an explanation as to why their church was chosen to close over another.

Around 130 parishioners from St. Casimir attended a meeting to discuss the appeal process. They decided to establish a bank fund to pay for cannon lawyer. A spokesman for the group said they were "looking for fairness" and were "not rebels or looking to over throw the Diocese of Harrisburg."

Parishioners, mostly from St. Casimir, held signs and candles during a silent protest in front of Our Lady of Mount Carmel rectory while Dattilo was in town for a confirmation ceremony in March.

At St. Edward, 400 parishioners signed a petition to keep the St. Edward name. At the same time, a steering committee was formed to help ease the transition.

During a meeting at St. Anthony Church, 100 parishioners expressed concern and decided to appeal the merger with St. Edward.

The diocese and the Congregation of the Clergy in Rome turned down every appeal.

SHAMOKIN - Betty Maskowski has been shopping at the Salvation Army Thrift Store for about five years, stopping in two to three times a week for clothing, utensils and toys and books for her grandchildren.

"This is my favorite store," the Shamokin woman said. "You can get nice, clean items cheaper than anywhere else."

Maskowski apparently is not alone. The thrift store, at 141 E. Independence St., will mark its 10th anniversary Feb. 22, going strong in satisfying a need while also helping support the charitable work of the Salvation Army Church in Shamokin and Coal Township.

Bill Bowers has been manager since August 2005, getting the job when the previous manager left.

"I was the piano player at the church when (then) Maj. Thomas Fanton called me and asked me about running the store," Bowers said. "I asked him when he wanted an answer by and he said, 'Well, I need one now.' I said yes."

Major Tina Streck, current pastor of the Salvation Army church, said the store supports the church.

"Normally a thrift store is opened to support a Salvation Army adult rehabilitative center," Streck said. "Since we don't have one of those centers, proceeds from the store help to pay the bills here at the church and provide services for those who need it."

Affordable, 'retro'

To survive in a struggling downtown as a non-chain retail store is "a real accomplishment for us," Bowers said.

"We have strived to keep our prices affordable and be not just a store, but a service to the community," he said.

Bowers said people are coming from miles around to shop in the Shamokin store.

"There are people who travel from Sunbury to shop here, even when they have bigger thrift stores in their area," he said, noting customers from Valley View, also.

He attributes some success as well to a younger generation looking for something unique.

"The 'retro' look is something that has come back into style," Bowers said.

Jack Spade, of Shamokin, is a fixture at the store, popping in nearly every day to shop or at least shoot the breeze with Bowers, who said calling him a loyal customer is an understatement.

"I'm a tie man," Spade said. "I come in to check out the ties. Sometimes I buy two, three or four," adding to his collection of approximately 250.

"They get a lot of customers, especially when they have their sales," Spade said.

A sale is just what's planned to recognize the anniversary. It's slated for Friday, when everything will be 50 percent off.

The store is open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays.

There to help

Streck gives much of the credit for the store's longevity to Bowers.

"It is very rare that a store manager is knowledgeable about the Salvation Army church, but Bill has been a member here for years," she said. "He is always ready to go above and beyond for shoppers."

Bowers thanked his staff of 14 volunteers for their help in keeping the store stocked and accessible.

"They are such a blessing to me and it's great to have such help," he said.

Customers, including Maskowski, appreciate that the store has survived.

"You never know what you are going to find," she said. "Everyone is friendly, and if you can't find something, they will help you."

SHAMOKIN - The first of two fundraisers helping a local organization "Raise the Region" will take place today.

Brewser's SportsGrille, Coal Township, will donate 20 percent of every check from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. today to Central Susquehanna Opportunities (CSO) Inc. It is part of the third annual "Raise the Region" online fundraising event, sponsored by The First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania, in partnership with Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships, Wal-Mart and the Larson Design Group.

CSO is a charitable organization offering workforce development services and addressing poverty in working to move individuals and families to self-sufficiency.

Another event in March

Rob's Good Time Grill, Shamokin, will also help CSO's Raise the Region tally. On March 6 and 7, Rob's will donate $1 from every regularly priced meal from $4.99 to $9.98 and $2 from every meal $9.99 and up.

At both restaurants, a coupon must be used to make the contribution. They are available by going to CSO at 2 E. Arch St., Suite 313 or www.censop.com; calling 570-644-6575, extension 101, or faxing 570-644-6580.

Raise the Region will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, and will run until 11:59 p.m. Thursday, March 12. Last year's event, with a $125,000 matching gift from the Blaise Alexander Family of Dealerships, and several other incentive prizes, raised $1,002,673.38. CSO's take of that was approximately $13,000.

Nonprofit participation in Raise the Region is available to all 501c3 organizations in good standing with the IRS that primarily serve one of the following counties: Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, or Union counties, and pre-registration is required by Friday.

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

MOUNT CARMEL - A bid on an engineering contract for the demolition of a fire damaged property drew raised eyebrows at the Mount Carmel Borough Council's work session Monday.

Council will vote Thursday to accept a bid of $4,700 by KPI Technology, of Elysburg, for pre-demolition engineering work at 244 E. Second St., a bid several councilmembers questioned as high.

But Jamie Shrawder, project coordinator for community development with SEDA-COG, said the bid was about average for the work.

Because Community Development Block Grant money will be used to raze the home, Shrawder said, a fair bidding process must take place to find the contractor that will do the work. The pre-demolition engineering firm will create a checklist that will be used to ensure all contractors are pricing the same work.

Shrawder estimated the cost for the demolition at between $12,000 and $15,000, not including the $4,700 for the pre-demolition engineering work.

A Nov. 8, 2012, fire destroyed 244 E. Second St. alongside three other homes. Two other homes were damaged in the blaze.

CATAWISSA R.R. - The well is running dry at Southern Columbia Area - literally.

A report given by Building and Grounds supervisor Tim George indicated a problem with the G.C. Hartman Elementary School's 387-foot deep water well, one that was dug when the school was originally built.

"We burned out a motor and while they were testing the new motor, found (the well) was starting to run dry," George said. "We are pumping about 8.5 gallons a minute and there was very little recovery in the well."

George attended Monday's school board meeting for approval to look for solutions to the problem. Their first step is to find a hydrogeologist and a civil engineer with sanitary qualifications to work together on the matter.

George said a conservative estimate on the cost of the project would be between $30,000 to $50,000. However, the cost is not the only problem.

"With it being an older well, we were sort of grandfathered into the regulations with DEP," George said. "With a new well comes new regulations, with the potential that this could change our entire system."

For now, George said they will take water from the high school well, of which there is plenty, and divert it to the elementary school.

"We can manage and we have a good snow pack that can help us," George said. "We are looking at possibly drilling in the spring."

The board gave George permission to begin the process, but asked him to consider the option of either drilling a new well or possibly drilling as much as 500 feet deeper in the old well.

"We need an engineer and a hydrogeologist either way," George told the board. "All the DEP permits must be signed by an engineer. Things have changed quite a bit since we first drilled."

Roth to retire

In the personnel portion of the meeting, the board voted to accept the resignation for retirement of Jim Roth from his position as physical education teacher.

Roth, who also serves as head football coach and athletic director, has been a member of the faculty since 1980. When asked after the meeting about Roth's future at Southern Columbia Area, superintendent Paul Caputo said nothing else would change.

"Jim has indicated to us that he intends to stay on as coach and would like to continue to serve as athletic director," Caputo said Monday.

Caputo said Roth is currently consulting with the state Public Schools Employees Retirement System (PSERS) about his options.

"He told us that he was ready to retire as an educator, but does not want to leave Southern Columbia Area," Caputo said.

Roth has been the coach of the SCA football team since 1984 and has been athletic director since May 2010.

LAVELLE - A community Lenten service will be presented this year at Grace Evangelical Independent Church, Locustdale; Church of the Nazarene and Christ Evangelical Congregational Church, Lavelle; Zion United Methodist Church, Aristes, and Wilburton United Methodist Church.

The theme will be "By My Hand For My Sake," by Arden W. Mead.

"In his hands, in his very own hands, God scooped up a mound of clay from a river's edge and shaped it into his own image. There, on the banks of that river, God breathed his own breath ... his own Spirit ... into that dirt-man's lungs, and whoosh, he became a living, breathing being."

The good news of Lent is that one man did have the courage to raise his hands. One man did have the wherewithal to object to the evils in the world - evils like sin, corruption, selfishness and death. One man raised his hands and was himself raised, to draw all people to himself.

It would have been easy for God to turn his back on humanity, to have reduced Adam and Eve to ashes way back in the Garden of Eden. But God didn't wash his hands of them, of us.

Schedule

This week, a combined Ash Wednesday service will be held at Grace Evangelical Independent Church, Locustdale. From there on, all services will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesdays by this schedule:

Feb. 24: Grace Evangelical Independent, Locustdale. Meet Nicodemus.

March 3: Christ Evangelical Congregational Church, Lavelle. Meet Judas.

March 10: Christ Evangelical Congregational Church, Lavelle. Meet Barabbas.

March 17: Church of the Nazarene, Lavelle. Meet Pilate.

March 24: Church of the Nazarene. Meet the Thief's Father.

April 3: Good Friday service, 7 p.m., Church of the Nazarene. Meet Peter and the Centurion.

Cold at home

The News-Item, through Facebook and other means, asked readers to tell us the lowest temperatures they saw at their homes Monday morning. Here's a sampling of what we were told:

-5, Elysburg

- 7, Bloomsburg

- 8, Mount Carmel

57, California (well, we didn't say it had to be local!)

-7, Trevorton

-5, Locust Gap

-9, Mount Carmel

1, Harrisburg

-3, Elizabethville

-7, Ashland

-7, Frackville

-3, Excelsior

-2, Danville

-2, Sunbury

-2, Shamokin

-8, Wilkes-Barre

10, New Jersey

-8, Hazleton

-6, Ranshaw

-2, Selinsgrove

-4, Kulpmont

-12, Irish Valley

-6, Numidia

-2, Milton

-5, Trevorton

-4, Springfield

-4, Herndon

(Note: A -23 reported in Monday's edition for Trevorton was a wind-chill reading, not a temperature.)

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area Ministerium will present community mid-week Lenten services starting Wednesday. The theme this year will be "Living Lent - The Animals Tell The Story." Each week we will encounter the living Christ through such humble creatures.

On Wednesday, Feb. 25, we meet the fox, who reveals a homeless Savior. "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head" (Matt. 8: 20). Holes are for hiding, for those who, like foxes, need a place to hide. We also meet the donkey, who reveals a peaceful Savior. "The king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey." (Matt. 21: 5b). A donkey is an animal of sturdy gentleness, self-possessed, unwavering amid all the hustle and bustle.

On Wednesday, March 4, we meet the dove, who reveals an angry Savior. "….he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves" (Matt. 21:12). We know that the dove is a symbol of peace. We wonder what pushed Jesus over the edge that day in his Father's house. On Wednesday, March 11, we meet the camel who reveals a warning Savior. "You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel" (Matt. 23:24). There are archaeologists who say there was a gate in the city wall of Jerusalem that was so low and so small, it was called the Needle's Eye. A camel could get through it, but only without its pacts or burdens. If we leave our self-righteousness behind, turn from our sins and believe God's promise of forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ, the gate is open for us to enter the kingdom of heaven.

On Wednesday, March 18, we meet the hen who reveals a grieving Savior. "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing" (Matt. 23: 37). Of all the animals, the Savior calls himself a hen, a mother chicken. But on the farm a hen is a brave animal, protecting her chicks with her very life.

On Wednesday, March 25, we meet the vulture who reveals a coming Savior. "Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather" (Matt: 24: 28). Christ knew it was close to the end when he saw the vultures circling overhead. We know of vultures in our own midst, predators after easy prey.

All services will be held at 6 p.m. Soup and sandwiches will be served.

Schedule

Wednesday: Ash Wednesday, 7 p.m. Each church conduct its own service. Kulpmont UMC and Grace United Church of Christ will hold a combined service at Grace, Third and Market streets, Mount Carmel.

Feb. 25: Our Lady of Mount Carmel social hall, Mount Carmel. "The Fox and The Donkey." The Revs. Frank Karwacki, Richard Hazzard, Andrew Stahmer and Beverly Petrovich.

March 4: Holy Angels Social Hall, Kulpmont, "The Dove." Straher and the Rev. Rose Marquardt.

March 11: Kulpmont United Methodist Church social hall, "The Camel." Petrovich and the Rev. Joan Brown.

March 18: Grace United Church of Christ, Mount Carmel, "The Hen." Brown and the Rev. Susan Roehs.

March 25: First United Methodist Church social hall, Mount Carmel, "The Vulture." Roehs and Hazzard.

April 3: noon to 3 p.m. Good Friday community service, "The Seven Last Words," Presbyterian Church, Fifth Street, Mount Carmel.