SUNBURY - City police are asking for the public's help for information on two break-ins involving businesses in the last week.

The latest burglary came at 3:05 a.m. Thursday when officers responded to an alarm at Nye's Body Shop, 132 S. Front St. Police arrived to find the building had been broken into and items stolen.

Authorities are also investigating a break-in at Bradyn's Bargain and Variety Store. Police arrived on scene at 9:52 a.m. March 26 and found the front door of the business had been broken into. The owner reported to police that several items were taken from the business, and it is believed to have been burglarized between 1 and 3 a.m. on that date.

Anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the area during the dates and times of the burglaries, or has any information about the crimes is asked to contact Sunbury Police at 570-286-4587 or 570-988-4539.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Coal Township commissioners announced plans to demolish five blighted properties.

Funding from a Keystone Communities grant and a Community Development Block Grant will be used to demolish 1633 Pulaski Ave., 1600-1602 Pulaski Ave., 1516 Pulaski Ave., 1104 Race St. and 1101 W. State St.

A demolition package is being prepared and bids will be sought from contractors, township manager Rob Slaby said after Thursday's board meeting.

In other business, Commissioner Paul Leshinskie said negotiations continue with the township police union on a new contract. The police union contract expired in January 2014, and the department is operating under the former terms while a new pact is negotiated.

A gate blocking access beyond the Second Patch along Bear Valley Road is nearing installation, Leshinskie said. The metal gate has been constructed and must be painted yellow before being installed. It is meant to curtail illegal dumping that's littered the patch areas with household and construction debris for years, along with illegal access to the coal lands.

Commissioners voted to provide a letter of support to the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area Authority, which is seeking grant funding from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the purchase of between 160 and 200 acres of land. Slaby said the land is located on the west side of Route 125, and referred questions to the authority.

Commissioners also voted to:

- Install a stop sign at Webster and Water streets, stopping westbound traffic on Webster Street.

- Adopt a resolution retroactive for 2013 and 2014 stating that members of the police pension plan didn't have to make a member contribution as state in the union contract in place at the time.

SHAMOKIN - Knights of Columbus Shamokin Council 458 hosted an Exemplification of the Third Degree at their social hall on Independence Street on March 1.

Twenty-five candidates in District 54 from Kulpmont, Shamokin and Elysburg and councils in Ringtown, Montoursville, Danville, Selinsgrove and Hazleton received full honors of the order and were "knighted." More than 25 observers, with dignitaries including state Secretary James Bailoni, took part.

Following the official procedure, attendees were treated to a reception and catered meal by Sir Knight Joseph Candelora.

Privileges of Third Degree membership include the ability to serve as a local council officer, admission to state and Supreme Council business meetings and right of entry to the level of Fourth Degree in the order.

The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic fraternal service organization, with more than 1.8 million members.

Founded in 1882, it is named in honor of Christopher Columbus and was formed to protect the financial future of Catholic families in the event of the tragic death of a breadwinner and to provide charity to those on the margins of society. Membership is limited to "practical Catholic" men aged 18 or older.

Contact a local council or a member of Shamokin Council 458 for more information or to apply.

Host Grand Knight Andy Stefanowicz and District 54 Deputy Michael Adams thanked the Shamokin Casey Club for use of the facilities, the council degree committee, registration chairpersons and the third degree team, including Ben Kozlowski, for assisting.

SUNBURY - Two former staff members of the Northumberland County Prison are facing criminal charges after a three-month investigation revealed they brought tobacco into the jail multiple times between last fall and January.

District Attorney Ann Targonski said in a press release issued Thursday that former correction officer Troy M. Tafner, 19, of Strong, and former contract food service employee Susan T. Studenski, 32, of Sunbury, face one misdemeanor charge of obstructing administration of law or other government function for bringing tobacco into the prison.

Neither are currently employed by the county prison system, Targonski said.

Studenski told Detective Degg Stark she brought tobacco in between 40 and 50 times to six different inmates, and in return received compensation, the press release said. Tafner allegedly brought tobacco into the facility but did not receive compensation, he told investigators.

The charges are filed through Magisterial District Judge Benjamin J. Apfelbaum's office in Sunbury.

Targonski said an investigation into additional potentially corrupt members of the county prison staff is ongoing and asked anyone with additional information to contact her office.

SUNBURY - In addition to structural repairs at the historic Northumberland County Courthouse, veteran court administrator Brandy Yasenchak believes heating problems at the facility have forced employees to work in an uncomfortable and unhealthy environment at times.

Yasenchak took a News-Item reporter on a tour of the courthouse Wednesday morning to illustrate some of the problem areas.

She pointed out cracks in the tile, which are slanted downward in some areas of a narrow second-floor hallway outside Courtroom No. 1, next to a stairwell leading to the third floor. Also, there are tiles that are recessing near the steps leading to the second floor, and there is ceiling and stairwell dam-

age in the foyer of Courtroom No. 1 at the front of the courthouse, which has kept the stairwell closed for several years.

The cracks in the tile on the first and second floors and the uneven floors that have surfaced during the past year concern Yasenchak the most, she said, because they indicate the building must be shifting or otherwise settling.

Those structural concerns are what county Commissioner Chairman Vinny Clausi cited last month when he expanded the county's consideration of construction of a new prison to include talk of a new courthouse, too.

The county prison was destroyed by fire Jan. 14, and Clausi has proposed building a new prison, a pre-release center and courthouse at the former Knight-Celotex plant owned by Moran Industries in Sunbury.

In the next two or three weeks, Clausi said the commissioners will make an announcement on which direction they will proceed in terms of the prison proposal. Clausi said a feasibility study by CGL Companies of Columbia, S.C., to determine the appropriate options and solutions to the prison crisis should be completed next week.

'Fire trap'

Yasenchak showed area sof the fourth-floor attic that have been damaged by water over the years and other upper sections of the courthouse, which was built in the mid-1860s.

She said extensive flooding in the basement over the years has caused damage, too.

"The attic is a fire trap," she added. "The whole building could go up and we could lose valuable records stored up there. There are electricity and heating problems throughout the entire building. Some of the wiring is very old and needs to be replaced."

She claims poor circulation has caused allergy problems for employees.

"Some of the offices keep the air conditioning on year round due to the temperature not circulating properly, while other offices keep their windows open because it gets to be 90 degrees at times," she said. At other times, temperatures in some offices reach 40 to 50 degrees, causing employees to wear coats while they work. The temperatures differ from floor to floor."

When she plugs in a space heater in her office to combat the cold, Yasenchak said it trips an electrical circuit.

County director of maintenance Dale Henry questioned Yasenchak's complaints and said improvements have been made recently to correct heating and electrical problems.

He said pipes have been insulated and a new natural gas heating system was installed in the basement approximately two years ago to make the building more energy efficient. He admitted the circulation of heat and air throughout the building has been a problem in the past.

Yasenchak said toxic mold was discovered in the main district attorney's office several years ago, while water gushed through the ceiling in an assistant district attorney's office two years ago.

Build a new one

Yasenchak said she realizes some of the problems are attributed to the age of the building and that repairing them could prove costly, which convinces her to support construction of a new, more efficient courthouse.

"I'd like to see the county build a new one, but I also would like to have the current courthouse maintained as a museum or storage building for records," she said.

Clausi agrees with Yasenchak's concerns about the structural problems and other issues, but believes county officials shouldn't waste their time making expensive repairs to the structure.

He said CES Engineering of Mechanicsburg, which was hired to inspect the courthouse, estimated that it would cost $250,000 to make proper repairs to problem areas.

"I abide by the engineer's estimate," he said. "I don't think we should fix up the courthouse. I think we should build a new courthouse as part of the new prison and pre-release center. God forbid we have a fire at the courthouse. It's more than 150 years old and it would burn down in a minute. I don't think we should waste taxpayers' money or play politics."

He said the prison issue must be voted on very soon and the project put out on bid.

Shoch: Slow down

Commissioner Richard Shoch doesn't have a problem with the engineer's estimate for repairs at the courthouse, but is far from convinced building a new one is the best solution, a step he called premature.

"The estimate addressed making all the repairs and not just the ones involving safety issues," he said. "I believe we can make some of the repairs for a couple hundred dollars and budget the money for additional repairs over time instead of putting the county in more debt by sinking $250,000 into the project at one time."

He said even the prison situation deserves further study.

"We can keep it where it's at by building a new wing and refurbishing the front of the building or we can relocate it to the Moran Industries site," he said.

There has been some debate as to whether the damaged prison could be repaired. Clausi has said it can't.

Shoch, who agreed with Yasenchak that issues at the courthouse need to be addressed, did a walk-through of the courthouse last month with Sunbury Code/Zoning Officer Michael Rhoads and building inspector John Marino. He said the inspection determined that the deficiencies in the building didn't warrant shutting the courthouse down and can be corrected at a much lower cost than $250,000."

Burden on taxpayers

Commissioner Stephen Bridy, who also was seeking a second opinion on the cost estimate for courthouse repairs, said he contacted Robert Lack, an architect from Lewisburg, who agreed to inspect the building at no cost.

"I think we should consider consolidating the courthouse with the new prison and pre-release center," Bridy said. "The energy savings alone would pay for a new building. I love history and I hate to see historic buildings become vacant, but if it becomes a burden on the taxpayers, then I think we should build a new courthouse."

Bridy said improvements have been made to the courthouse in the past three years, including reinforcing stairwells, refurbishing the front steps and installing a gas heating system.

"My greatest concern about the courthouse is a fire," Bridy said. "There's still some old wiring in there and the structure is made mostly of wood. If it would catch fire, the building would go up in flames fast."

Bloomsburg grads

BLOOMSBURG - The following local students earned degrees during winter commencement exercises at Bloomsburg University.

- Joseph P. Wightman, 233 W. Pine St, Shamokin, Bachelor of Science in business administration, business administration/management.

- Megan E. Kane, 37 S. Ninth St., Ashland, Bachelor of Arts, criminal justice.

- Cayla E. Ney, 24 Mattern Hill Road, Dornsife, Bachelor of Science in business administration, business administration/accounting.

- Lauren E. Oliveri, 324 Pine St., Catawissa, Bachelor of Science in business administration, business administration/management and economics.

- Charles H. Sienkiewicz, 125B Ideal Park Road, Catawissa, Bachelor of Arts, languages and cultures.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Twelfth-grade student Tara Blom and eighth-grader Lauren Wagner have been selected as students of the month for January/February at Shamokin Area Middle/High School.

Tara is a daughter of Brenda and Eric Blom, of Sunbury. She is a distinguished honor roll student and a member of the Backwoods 4H Club. Her activities and hobbies include horseback riding, archery and air rifle, and in her spare time she job shadows at the Sunbury Animal Hospital.

Lauren is a daughter of Brian and Jessica Wagner, of Shamokin. She is a distinguished honor roll student and a National Junior Honor Society member. Lauren's activities and clubs include cross country, junior high track and soccer. She is a member of Students Against Bullying club and the stock Market Game, and was a stage crew member for the spring musical. Her hobbies include reading, baking and crafts.

Student of the month is sponsored by the Shamokin Area Parent-Teacher-Student Association.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Catholic Council of Catholic Women of Our Lady of Hope Church held its March meeting, conducted by Margaret Forbes, president.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayers. The secretary's report was read and approved. Violette Feudale reported on the group's finances.

Dues envelopes for the year were handed out at Masses on March 29. The envelopes can be placed in the church collection baskets.

Plans were discussed for a bakeless cake sale and a sale of carnations for Mother's Day.

The annual convention will be held April 20 in Harrisburg. Bus service will be provided. Our Lady of Hope will donate a money tree to be auctioned at the convention. Marlene Watson will be guest speaker at the convention. Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. followed by a banquet. The theme for this year is "Moving Forward with Faith, Hope and Love."

The meeting was closed with 10 Hail Marys and a roundtable of special prayers. Refreshments were served.

SHAMOKIN - A Shamokin man who reportedly lied to police about having prescription pills stolen from him at knifepoint faces criminal charges, as does his friend whom he falsely accused of robbing him.

Cpl. Bryan Primerano reported Chad C. Zerby, 19, of 121 W. Montgomery St., and Stephen Kruskie, 20, of 208 W. Third St., Mount Carmel, have been charged with drug offenses.

Zerby also will be charged with making false reports to police. Police said he falsely claimed that Kruskie and a female robbed him at knifepoint of prescription medications at about 8 p.m. Wednesday in the skate park on Rock Street. After police questioned him about the robbery, Zerby changed his story by claiming Kruskie pulled a knife on him while they were in a vehicle in Shamokin.

Police said no robbery ever occurred.

The adult female with Kruskie was not identified by police because she wasn't charged. Police said the female claimed she didn't know anything about a drug transaction arranged by Kruskie and Zerby.

After being read his Miranda rights, Zerby told Primerano the truth about the incident involving his prescribed medications of Adderall (amphetamine) and Narco (hydrocodone).

Zerby said he had the prescriptions filled Wednesday at CVS and Rite Aid pharmacies in Shamokin and made arrangements with Kruskie to sell the drugs in Mount Carmel. Zerby said Kruskie picked him up outside his home and the pair traveled to an apartment in the borough to complete the drug transaction.

Zerby said he gave Adderall and Narco to Kruskie with the intent to sell them for $450. Upon exiting the building, Kruskie claimed someone robbed him at gunpoint of the drugs, which prevented him from obtaining the $450.

Zerby said he and Kruskie then rode back to Shamokin.

Sometime later, Zerby decided to file the false robbery report with police.

After receiving the robbery report from Zerby, Mount Carmel police briefly detained Kruskie, who was operating a vehicle in the borough.

Police said Kruskie later agreed to be transported to Shamokin Police Station to sort out the issue and tell police what really happened.

Kruskie admitted to conspiring with Zerby to sell Zerby's prescription drugs in Mount Carmel. Kruskie said he entered the apartment building and flushed the drugs down a toilet before telling Zerby that someone robbed him of the drugs.

Zerby is charged by Primerano with felonies of delivery of Adderall and Narco, possession with intent to deliver Adderall and Narco, criminal conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility, and misdemeanors of unsworn falsification to authorities and false reports incriminating another person.

Primerano charged Kruskie with felonies of possession with intent to deliver Adderall and Narco, criminal conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility, and a misdemeanor of possession of Adderall and Narco.

The charges were filed Thursday afternoon at the office of Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III.

SUNBURY - A railroad company claims the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority violated the state's open meetings law in an alleged effort to sway board members' votes.

The Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad seeks a court injunction to prevent the authority from continuing its current process of awarding a contract to a freight service operator. It asks that the Northumberland County Court mandate that the authority adhere to the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act and nullify prior votes regarding the contract process, and that defendants in the lawsuit be fined.

The Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad, based in Schuylkill County, was among five rail companies that submitted proposals to operate the authority's short line system beginning in 2017. However, it scored the lowest and was left out of the running.

In a lawsuit filed Wednesday, the railroad company claims the authority's executive director, Jeff Stover, along with the authority solicitor and a consultant deliberately coached nine board members during three separate "group sessions" on the scoring process "to maintain the status quo."

The "group sessions" were not advertised and not open to the public, the lawsuit claims. It also says the voting process during a subsequent public meeting was botched, and that an improper closed-door executive session was held, further violating the law.

"These meetings were conducted in private to provide opportunity for the executive director and solicitor to exert influence over the individual board members, and directly or subtly control the outcome of the (Request For Proposals) voting," the lawsuit states.

The Sunshine Act says a majority of the governing agency must attend to make official action and deliberate business at a public meeting. No more than five members attended any one "group session," according to the lawsuit.

The Joint Rail Authority is a municipal authority based in Lewisburg. Its board has 16 members - two each from each of the eight counties it serves. Six members recused themselves from voting because of conflicts of interest, the lawsuit states, leaving the decision on a service contract to the remaining 10.

Northumberland County's representatives are county Commissioner Stephen Bridy and Don Purcell, both of whom are named in the lawsuit. Other members sued by the Reading, Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad are board chairman Jerry Walls of Lycoming County, Thomas Herman of Montour County, John Spychalski and Russ Graham, both of Centre County, John Gummo of Clinton County, Robert Postal of Mifflin County, and vice chairman John Showers of Union County. Columbia County is also served by the authority.

Bridy said Thursday that he couldn't speak directly on the litigation. He's a member of the board's committee on Requests for Proposals, and said the committee is guided by a solicitor every step of the way.

"We're doing everything within the letter of the law," Bridy said.

The North Shore Company currently operates the Authority's system. It consists of 200 miles of lines, and more than 70 customers in eight counties, the lawsuit states. North Shore along with Carload Express, Stonepeak and Genesee & Wyoming companies also seek the authority's operator contract.

American Legion Auxiliary

KULPMONT - American Legion Auxiliary Unit 231, Kulpmont, held a meeting Jan. 27 with Flo Willard, Jamie Bordell, Bernie Foulds, Rosalie Ziegler, Betty Chapman, Maria Savinsky, Reggie Poplaski and Carol Patton in attendance.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. There were no minutes to read because the last meeting was in November. The treasurer's report was read.

For the auxiliary Christmas party, attendees donated food for Manna for Many, and Eugene Boughner, a representative of Manna for Many, came to pick up donations. A thank-you card was sent from them and read at the meeting.

The Six County Convention was held in Millville March 5. It was a memorial service for deceased members from the past year. Six women have passed away: Mae Delvecchio, Mildred Pochakilo, Teresa Feddock, Irene Laurnaitis, Gertrude Nolan and Agnes Avellino. Each received a carnation, placed in a beautiful vase.

When an auxiliary woman passes away, a Mass card is sent to the family. Members of other faiths will receive a donation made to their church. Sympathy cards are also sent to families.

A St. Patrick's social took place March 21. All members were sent $10 in tickets and a drawing was held at the social. A beautiful afghan was donated and will be chanced off at a later date.

The third annual Easter egg hunt will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday. A sign-up poster will be on the bulletin board. Kids age to 10 will be permitted.

Memorial Day will be celebrated May 25. Details will be announced later. It was suggested to put an ad in the newspaper for Flag Day and July 4. All approved of this.

Joint Easter service

GOWEN CITY - Grace Lutheran Church, Shamokin, and St. Paul Lutheran Church, Gowen City, will hold a joint sunrise service at 6:30 a.m. Easter Sunday in the St. Paul Cemetery. Service will be in St. Paul Church in the event of rain. Coffee and doughnuts will be served after the service in the church social hall. The regular Easter service will be held at 8:15 a.m. at St. Paul, and the Easter Service of word and sacrament will be at Grace Church at 10:15 a.m. The public is invited to attend.

SHAMOKIN - A Celtic cross dangled from a necklace hung on the rearview mirror of William Moll IV's Dodge Avenger parked outside his family's home on the 100 block of East Birch Street.

Moll, a soldier with the U.S. Army, returned home to marry his fiancee today. A locket held a vial with his grandfather's ashes, and Moll wore it throughout boot camp and advanced training. His parents gave it to him before he left for the military.

On Wednesday night, it was believed to be snatched from the vehicle by a group of thieves rummaging through cars parked in Shamokin's Academy Hill section.

"It was only there a day and it was stolen," said Moll's father, William III. "He was pretty upset. That's what he had of his pap."

Two blocks away on the first block of North Marshall Street, surveillance cameras caught four people - two males, two females - attempting to open driver-side doors on several parked cars shortly after 10 p.m. before finding an unlocked Jeep Wrangler owned by Bill Gheen.

A female finds that the Jeep is unlocked before appearing to tell the rest of the group. A tall thin male dressed in a hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans uses a light on his cell phone to search through the vehicle as the other three slink off camera, trailed by their shadows.

The male made off with a key to the Jeep's ignition and nothing else. They regrouped a few doors down as one of the girls took a long look inside another vehicle. They then turned the corner and walked out of sight, west on East Chestnut Street.

About 1 minute of footage was shared on Facebook and racked up nearly 12,000 views, with people speculating about the perpetrators' identities and the root cause of their actions. A 6 minute version with two camera angles has since been uploaded to YouTube in the hopes of identifying the suspects.

Moll reiterated what many commenting on the Facebook video wrote, that he thought drugs were likely at the root of the suspects' actions. His son's necklace has already been replaced, and more of his grandfather's ashes taken from an urn to fill a vial inside the locket.

"He doesn't feel it's the same because that part of his pap's ashes went with him in the military," Moll said. "It felt more important to him."

Shamokin police were provided the footage and a number of names. Patrolman Nathan Rhodes said none of the suspects have been identified. Only one theft from a vehicle was reported, although area residents say at least three unlocked vehicles were entered.

The incident remains under investigation. Rhodes asks that anyone with information on the incident, or if someone believes their car was entered, to call Shamokin police at 570-648-5708.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The township's street sweeping is scheduled to start next week. Here's the schedule:

West End

Monday: north side of Walnut Street from First to Locust, morning; south side of Walnut from First to Locust, afternoon

Tuesday: north side of Walnut from Locust Woodlawn Avenue, morning; south side of Walnut from Locust to Woodlawn, afternoon.

Wednesday: north side of Arch from First to Locust, morning; south side of Arch from First to Locust, afternoon.

Thursday: north side of Arch from Locust to Woodlawn Avenue, morning; south side of Arch from Locust to Woodlawn, afternoon.

Friday: both sides of Water Street and Clinton Avenue from Woodlawn to Jackson, morning; both sides of Woodlawn Avenue from Independence to Lynn, afternoon; both sides of Jackson from Clinton Avenue to Park Avenue, afternoon.

East End

Monday: south side of Tioga Street from Hakes to Thomas, morning; north side of Tioga from Hakes to Thomas, arternoon.

Tuesday: south side of Pulaski Avenue from Lombard to Chemung, morning; north side of Pulaski from Lombard to Chemung, afternoon.

Wednesday: south side of Pulaski from Chemung to Thomas, morning; north side of Pulaski from Chemung to Thomas, afternoon.

Thursday: south side of Hemlock Street from Lombard to Sherman, morning; north side of Hemlock from Lombard to Sherman, afternoon.

Friday: south side of Hemlock from Sherman to Meade, morning; north side of Hemlock from Sherman Street to Meade, afternoon.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Poker game, 8:30 a.m., new players welcome; game show, 11 a.m.; world news, noon; unlucky 7s, noon, new players welcome.

Tuesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; walk-a-mile, 9:30 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; aquacize at YMCA, noon; bridge, noon.

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

Thursday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; walk-a-mile, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10:15 a.m.; Linda Walker of Focus Health speaking on Life Lessons by Mac Gee, noon, nickel bingo will follow.

Friday - Morning cards, puzzles and shuffleboard, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon.

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

Mount Carmel

Monday - Board games, 9:30 a.m.; working on Earth Day planters, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Trip to Red Lobster, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; last day to sign up for vo-tech luncheon; lunch, 11:45; unlucky 7s and pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Morning news and coffee, 9 a.m.; board games, 9:30 a.m.; blood pressure checks by Family Medical, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; guest speaker from UNB Bank, 12:30 p.m.; nickel bingo, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Wii games, 9 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pizza party, noon; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Friday - Closed.

Kulpmont

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

Tuesday - Exercise and music in the morning; Family Medical checking blood pressure and blood sugar, 9:30 to 10 a.m.; Wii bowling, noon; cards, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Puzzles and hand held games in the morning; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; LCR, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Coffee, music and gab in the morning; Wii bowling, 11 a.m.; Tara Venna speaking on a better night's sleep, noon; members meeting, 12:30 p.m., bingo will follow.

Friday - Wii bowling and bean bag in the morning; hand held games, 10 a.m.; Janet Pawling from Central Susquehanna Sight Services doing vision screenings, 11:30 a.m., $1; Linda Walker teaching hands only CPR, noon; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Coffee and current events, 9 a.m.; puzzle, 10:30 a.m.; shopping at Walmart Supercenter, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Coffee and cookies, 9 a.m.; chair exercise with carol, 10:30 a.m.; reminiscing on the cost of food, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Bookmobile; coffee and snacks, 9 a.m.; pinochle, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Food pantry and food bank boxes, 9 a.m.; left, center, right game, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Fun Friday! Open activities.

Elysburg

Monday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10 a.m.; Pokeno, 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10 a.m.; bingo, noon.

Friday - Center closed.

Trevorton

Monday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.; last day to order soup and sandwich for April 16.

Tuesday - Blood pressure checks, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; Scrabble, 10:30 a.m.; movie and snack, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - VNA screening blood pressure and blood sugar, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 9:30 a.m.; board games, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; members meeting; last day to sign up for culinary luncheon on April 15; evening bingo, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday - Trip to the state capital in Harrisburg for those that signed up, leaving Center at 8 a.m., traveling home at 2 p.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

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

"Saturday's Spirit" first appeared in The News-Item April 1, 1995. The fact that I am still writing it 20 years may just be the ultimate April Fools' Day prank. It is definite proof that God can make use of just about anybody to spread the Word, Jesus Christ.

Very few daily newspapers devote two pages to church news, so I was blessed that this newspaper allowed me to use a portion of those pages.

There was a popular book during World War II called "God Is My Co-Pilot." It could be truthfully be said that when it comes to this column that the Holy Spirit is my co-writer. The Holy Spirit gets credit for all the columns that have touched the hearts and souls of readers. I am responsible for the ones that fall flat.

Over the past 20 years, I have written about good people who have left this temporary life for an eternal one. This group has included my mother and dad, and my wife Jo Ann's dad, as well as beloved aunts, uncles, neighbors, friends, priests, nuns, ministers, acquaintances and people I never had the pleasure of meeting.

Of course, many good people who are still with us have also appeared in this column. Old memories might be the topic one week and new discoveries the next. Inanimate objects have also been featured, ranging from the majestic Pennsylvania Grand Canyon emblazoned in full fall foliage to an ice-covered weed poking out of a sidewalk.

One point has come through crystal clear in co-writing this column for the past two decades - God is everywhere and in everyone. Another recurrent theme has been that God is with us in the best and worst times this life has to offer.

We just have to look with hearts in faith, with hope and out of love.

If we do, we will be filled with the Spirit of Jesus - and not just on Saturdays, but every day.

+++

If we feel God's love in us, we will see His love all around us.

SHAMOKIN - The Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) Authority is exploring ways to open access for off-road vehicles to its land-locked west side.

The authority is seeking to purchase an estimated 200 acres and lease an additional 250 along Route 125 across from the existing trailhead, according to authority chairman Jim Backes.

The AOAA has 6,500 acres, split almost evenly east and west. The east side has seen the most action thus far, with the west side acreage surrounded by privately owned land, and occasionally only available through limited access. Additional acreage would open the area, bridging east and west, and offer more to AOAA visitors.

"Just listening to customers, through the years many have ridden on the west side. With the anticipation of the crowds growing this year, spreading them out will make the trails less crowded and less dusty," Backes said, adding that it would also offer more points of interest to which riders could venture.

Matching grant funds are sought from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the purchase from Brian Pedrick, principal owner - and a holder of a season pass at the AOAA. A majority of the land, 160 acres, is on the west side. Another 36 acres is on the east side and would link two parcels the authority already owns.

The authority currently leases the 200 acres from Pedrick for $1,000 annually, Backes said. The area will be appraised to gauge its value.

The 250 acres sought for lease is owned by Blaschak Coal Corp., which has granted access to AOAA customers in the past to ride designated trails during special events. Negotiations are ongoing for a "more permanent arrangement." This parcel would offer more direct access to the west side, Backes said.

"It really makes a nice riding area," Backes said of the parcels.

The additional acreage approaches 109 acres the authority currently leases from Girard Estates near the Whaleback rock formation, but it wouldn't serve as a direct link. Another swath of land, also privately held, separates the parcels, and Backes said the authority has its collective eye on that property.

Opportunities to tie-in the village of Trevorton in Zerbe Township and create a second trailhead are sought. Reading Anthracite owns much of the land in that area, and negotiations aren't currently active, Backes said.

"We will continue to acquire property to tie all 6,500 acres together and grow it out from there," Backes said.

There are cleanups scheduled at the AOAA on April 11 and 12, and a community benefit ride on April 25, which includes a loop on the west side. The AOAA's one year anniversary of opening to the public, after a few years of special events only, will be celebrated the weekend of May 16.

LEWISBURG - "Reinventing American Healthcare," a documentary profiling Geisinger Health System's 100-year history and transformation from a small, rural hospital to a nationally recognized health system, will have a central Pennsylvania premiere at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Weis Center for the Performing Arts at Bucknell University, Lewisburg, before debuting on WVIA-TV.

The television broadcast of the documentary will premiere at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23 on WVIA-TV.

Encore broadcast presentations will be shown on WVIA-TV at 5 p.m. Sunday, April 26; 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 28; 8 p.m. Thursday, April 30; and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 3.

WVIA Public Media produced the documentary, which is written and narrated by Susan Dentzer, senior policy adviser to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Reinventing American Healthcare focuses on the issues troubling the U.S. healthcare system and Geisinger's solutions to improve patient care while lowering costs.

President Barack Obama opens the documentary, praising Geisinger Health System for tackling some of the last century's greatest healthcare challenges. Geisinger innovators, physicians, nurses, administrators and patients, as well as other healthcare leaders, then tell the story of how Geisinger's care model is reinventing healthcare in the U.S. The film features original footage of surgeries performed at Geisinger, as well as footage from Life Flight's three decades in the air.

"Throughout our 100-year history, we have transformed health care through continuous innovation," said Glenn D. Steele, Jr., M.D., Ph.D., president and chief executive officer, Geisinger Health System. "By advancing patient care through education and research, Geisinger developed an integrated health service organization that is widely recognized for delivering a new model of health care in this country."

"The Geisinger story deserved to be told because they have continued to lead by example instead of following other health care systems across the country," said Tom Curra, president and chief executive officer, WVIA Public Media. "WVIA is proud to partner with Geisinger to educate the public with this impactful film."

"Geisinger is leading the charge in creating innovative programs that focus on patients' wellbeing," said Dentzer. "The value-driven, quality health care the system provides is setting the standard for transformative change in the industry."

The documentary features interviews with Dr. Steele; Ralph Pascualy, M.D., chief executive, Swedish Medical Group and senior vice president, physician services, Swedish Health Services, Seattle, Wash.; Reed Abelson, reporter, The New York Times; and George Yancopoulos, M.D., Ph.D., president and chief scientific officer, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals; as well as Geisinger patients and their families.

"Reinventing American Healthcare" is part of Geisinger's Centennial Celebration throughout 2015.

(See the trailer at http://bit.ly/1Cdwe0A.)

MILLVILLE - While the Line Mountain School District prepares for its next teachers contract arbitration session, scheduled for Tuesday, the Millville Area School District has seen both its board and teachers union reject an arbitrator's recommendations for a contract.

Millville has the same representatives battling over the contract as the Line Mountain School District - Benjamin Pratt representing the school board and Mark McDade for the teachers union. Though two districts have selected different arbitrators, they have similarities in several key areas of their proposed contracts.

Like at Line Mountain, the teachers union at Millville requested a payroll percentage pay increase while the district offered an increase to the value of each pay "step."

Under the union's proposal, teachers would see raises of between 3.14 and 3.95 percent, with the payroll growth rate decreasing as the contract elapsed. The district asked for a wage freeze for the retroactive contract year 2012-13, a $500 "bonus" for 2013-14, and step rate increases of $1,600 to $1,700 for the remaining three years. The district also requests teachers remain on the same salary step for the final two years of the contract.

The neutral arbitrator, Walt De Treux, and his panel of association-appointed arbitrator John Holland and district-appointed arbitrator John G. Audi ruled in favor of the union. But the assessment shows Line Mountain's arbitrator, William Caldwell, may not make the same decision.

The commentary on the issue cites a need to balance an increase in healthcare costs against a salary increase. Millville teachers requested teachers pay 1 percent for a single person and 2 percent for a family of the premium cost of the healthcare plan. The district wanted teachers to pay 20 to 23 percent of the healthcare premium. The district also proposed a move to a high-deductible plan, with teachers picking up a percentage of the deductible through a health savings account (HSA).

In providing teachers with high salaries, the panel hoped to offset granting the district a lower health insurance costs by forcing the teachers to cover more of their plan costs.

At the Line Mountain School District, the payroll increase is drastically higher, while the difference in the two parties' healthcare proposals is much slimmer.

Teachers at Line Mountain seek payroll increases of 3.5 to 5 percent, much higher than Millville's 3.14 to 3.95 percent. And while the Line Mountain school board's proposed $500 step rate increase is significantly smaller than Millville's $1,600 to $1,700 step rate increase, Line Mountain's board requires no step freezes - including the step increases, the average yearly increase for all teachers under the proposal is $2,170.

And while the disparity between the teachers and board's proposed pay raises is larger at Line Mountain than Millville, healthcare is more aligned at Line Mountain. The difference in cost on the proposed PPO plan for the board and the union is just $10 per month for an individual and $20 per month for a family.

To make a more direct comparison, the Line Mountain board is asking for teachers to pay 10 percent of the premium while the Millville board wanted 20 to 23 percent.

Though Line Mountain's board also wants to move to a high-deductible plan - a move that the teachers union approves - the board proposes to cover all but $250 for an individual and $500 for a family through an HSA if the insured person or persons complete a wellness program. The union wants the board to cover the deductible in its entirety.

Though all of the decisions in the report were supported by a majority of the panel, both partial arbitrators dissented in at least one issue. Holland dissented in his approval of the arbitration findings over "healthcare issues." Audi also dissented, citing "retroactivity" as his reason.

The Millville board and union ultimately decided to reject the results of the nonbinding arbitration. As a result, Millville's teachers may strike.

By entering into nonbinding arbitration, Line Mountain's board and teachers hoped to avoid a strike initially scheduled to begin in November.

Assumption BVM

Assumption B.V.M. Ukrainian Catholic Church, Paxton Street, Centralia.

Pastor - The Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Hutsko.

Confessions - Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

Divine Liturgy - Sunday, 11 a.m.

Augusta Baptist

Augusta Baptist Church, 1371 Boyles Run Road, Sunbury.

Pastor - Robert S. Commerford.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:15 a.m.

Evening service - 6:30 p.m.

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

Augustaville Wesleyan

Augustaville Wesleyan Church, 2556 State Route 890, Paxinos.

Pastor - Greg Clendaniel.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

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

Bethany Bible

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

Pastor - Philip Norris.

Sunrise service and breakfast - 8 a.m.

Message - "He Lives!"

Morning worship service and cantata "Because He Lives." - 10 a.m.

Message - "Christ's Resurrection Does Make A Difference."

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Message - "Opposition to the Gospel."

Activities - Wednesday, Children and Youth programs, and adult prayer and Bible study, 7 p.m.

Bethany EC

Bethany EC Church, 1238 Market St., Ashland.

Interim pastor - Marlin Lafferty.

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

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Activities - Wednesday, weekly Bible study, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; free clothing closet, every first and third Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. to noon.

Bethel Union

Bethel Union Chapel, West Cameron Township.

Pastor - Dave Butler.

Sunrise Service - 6:30 a.m.

Singers - The Clark Family.

Morning worship - 9:30 a.m. with communion.

Singers - Bethel choir.

No evening service.

Activities - Tuesday, prayer worship, 6 p.m.; Wednesday, Bible study, 6 p.m., King's Kids, 6:30 p.m.

Calvary Bible

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

Pastor - Ferd Madara.

Combined morning worship service. Children will present their Easter musical - 9:30 to 11 a.m.

No evening service, AWANA Club or youth group.

Church of the Nazarene

Church of the Nazarene, Route 901, Lavelle.

Pastor - Jeremy Smallwood.

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

Worship service - 10:45 a.m.

Clark's Grove UMC

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

Pastor - Billy Frick.

Sunday school for all ages - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:10 a.m.

Youth service - 6:30 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, prayer and Bible study, 6:30 p.m.

­Divine Redeemer

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

Pastor - The Rev. Martin O. Moran III.

Weekday Masses - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 7:30 a.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.

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

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

Confessions - Saturday, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.; after morning novena Wednesday.

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

Elysburg Alliance

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

Pastor - The Rev. Andrew Knisely.

Service - 8 and 10:30 a.m., with a message from Pastor Knisely.

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

Activities - Sunday, Easter breakfast, 9 a.m., AWANA for children age 4 to fifth grade, 6 to 7:30 p.m., junior high youth for grades 6 to 8, 6:15 to 7:15 p.m.; Wednesday, prayer ministry, 7 to 8 p.m., youth group for grades 9 to 12, 7 to 8 p.m.

Elysburg Presbyterian

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

Pastor - Matthew Young.

Sunday school for all ages - 9 a.m.

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

Scripture - John 20:1-18.

Message - "Risen!"

Musician - Eileen Reigel, pianist.

Activities - Sunday, Lifetree Cafe, 7 p.m.; Monday, Bear Gap Anchor Group, 7 p.m.; Tuesday, Bible study at McDonald's, 10 a.m.; Wednesday, choir practice, 6:30 p.m., bell choir practice, 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, staff meeting, 3:30 p.m.; Friday, Breakfast with Jesus Bible study, 8:30 a.m.; April 11, small group Bible study at EPC, 8 a.m.; April 12, spring congregational meeting, noon to 1:30 p.m.; April 17, Fifth Quarter, 9 to 11:30 p.m.; April 19, Transitions, Faith and College luncheon following the worship service; April 26, Sunday school meeting and mission team meeting after the service at 11:45 a.m.

Elysburg UMC

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

Pastor - The Rev. Michelle Beissel.

Easter Sunday morning worship - 8:30 a.m. with Holy Eucharist. No children's Sunday school.

Adult Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Participants - Chris Rovito, head usher; Dave and Sue Manney, greeters; Emily Myers, acolyte; Alicia Rovito, scripture reader; Edna Ehret, shepherding, and Olivia Bodner, organist.

Activities - Thursday, Elysburg food pantry, 10 a.m. to noon.

Emmanuel UMC

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

Pastor - The Rev. Betty Ford.

Coffee fellowship - 8 to 9 a.m.

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

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

Faith Bible

Faith Bible Church, Burnside.

Pastor - Perry Ross.

Pianist - Robert Witmer III.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Evening service - 7 p.m.

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

Faith Community Church

Pastor - Dale Hill, 570-751-5101.

Sunday worship - 10:30 a.m.

First Baptist, Shamokin

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

Pastor - The Rev. Samuel Derr.

Church school - 9:45 a.m.

Easter service - 10:45 a.m. Join the church in celebration of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Choir organist - Judith Pensyl.

No evening service this week.

Organist - Judith Pensyl.

Activities - Wednesday, choir rehearsal, 1 p.m., prayer, praise and testimony and Bible study, 7 p.m.

First Baptist, Trevorton

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

Pastor - Dan Conklin.

Combined Easter Sunday service - 10 a.m. with a truth egg hunt for the children.

Special music - Choir.

Activities - April 25, Ladies' spring seminar. To register, please call 570-797-1627 before April 19.

First Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church, Sunbury and Liberty streets, Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Jim Phillips.

Worship - 10:30 a.m. with Communion.

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

Easter lillies can be taken home after worship.

Activities - Monday, deacons meeting, 6 p.m.; Wednesday, Session meeting, 7 p.m.

First UMC, Kulpmont

First United Methodist Church, Ninth Street, Kulpmont.

Pastor - Beverly Petrovich.

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

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

First UMC, Mount Carmel

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

Pastor - The Rev. Susan J. Roehs.

Worship service - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday school - 10:30 a.m.

Sermon - "Wrap Your Arms Around Something Good for Easter."

Participants - Sharon Styer, organist; Marilyn Steinhart and Chester Heisey, greeter; Jim Weissinger, head usher; Bret Getty, sound technician; Anne Sauger, liturgist; Olivia Bellve, acolyte; Jim and Sherry, counting team; Pastor Susan, children's time.

Activities - Sunday, Easter sunrise service in Town Park, 6:30 a.m.; Monday, Trustees meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Thursday, OA meeting, 7 p.m.; Friday, AA meetings, 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

First UMC, Shamokin

First United Methodist Church, Sunbury Street, Shamokin.

Pastor - Zachary Hopple.

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

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Participants - Chris Griffith, liturgist; Red and Chris Griffith, greeters; Sharon Williams, nursery duty.

Activities - Monday, Bible study in the parlor, 6 p.m., ad council meeting, 7 p.m.

God's Missionary

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

Pastor - The Rev. Howard R. McKenzie.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

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

Evening service - 6 p.m.

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

Good News Bible

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

Sunday worship - 3 p.m.

Guest speaker - Pastor Keith McCarthy on "Resurrection Peace" based on John 20:19-22.

Blessings to You, a free clothing ministry, has begun distributing clothing from the church basement. There is clothing for infants, boys and girls, men and women, all ages and all sizes. There are a few other items, such as toys. Hours are 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday and noon to 3 p.m. Friday on the second and fourth weeks of the month.

Participants - Shirley Brass, prayer chain coordinator; Bob Keener, church ministry coordinator; Jill Keener, music coordinator, and Angie Ratzlaff, coordinator of Blessings to You.

A prayer gathering and Bible study, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Good Shepherd

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

Pastor - The Rev. Dana Heckman-Beil.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Grace Chapel

Grace Chapel, 126 Airport Road, Shamokin.

Pastor - Alan Langelli.

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

Sunday morning worship - 10:30 a.m.

Nursery child care is provided for all Sunday services.

Evening worship, young couples/young adults class, youth group and Discovery Station - 6:30 p.m.

Activities - Today, Service at the Cross,; Sunday, Easter Sunday service; Wednesday, ladies' fellowship; Thursday, men's prayer breakfast; April 14, business meeting; April 15, congregation meeting; April 19, annual child protection training meeting; April 25, Shepherd's meeting; Every Monday, ladies' Bible study; every Thursday, ladies' Bible study and men's Bible study.

Grace Evangelical

Grace Evangelical Independent Church, Locustdale.

Pastor - The Rev. Rose Marquardt.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 11 a.m.

Grace Lutheran, Shamokin

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

Pastor - The Rev. David M. Byerly.

Service of the word and sacrament - 10:15 a.m.

There will be no adult Sunday school on Easter Sunday.

Participants - Pamala and Craig Rhoades, worship assistants; Austin Joraskie, acolyte/crucifer; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fiorey, communion bearers; Mr. and Mrs. Nick Keiser, greeters; Jeanne Hoffa, altar care; Dave Kopitsky Sr., driver; Bill Joraskie, Mark Cupp, Willie Marsh, Dave Kopitsky Jr. and J. Richard Miller, ushers; Walter Boyer, organist, Charlene Pell, choir director and cantor.

Activities - Sunday, sunrise service, St. Paul's Cemetery, Gowen City, 6:30 a.m. (If raining, the service will be held in St. Paul Church, Gowen City); coffee and donuts, St. Paul Social Hall, following sunrise service; Monday, Brownies, fellowship hall, 5 p.m.; Tuesday, Grace Council, Lamar Grow Classroom 7 p.m.; Thursday, table tennis practice, fellowship hall, 6:30 p.m. Pastor Byerly begins backpacking trip.

Grace Lutheran, Mount Carmel

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

Interim pastor - The Rev. Alfred Bashore.

Guest speaker - The Rev. Dr. Ronald Shellhamer.

Services during April will be held at St. Matthew's (Slovak) Lutheran. It will be Easter Sunday and Food Pantry Sunday.

Grace UCC

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

Pastor - The Rev. Joan A. Brown.

Morning worship - 9 a.m.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Participants - Bryan Lapinski, organist; Noah Berkoski, acolyte; Joe Stone and Dave Yeager, ushers.

Activities - April 6, consistory meeting, 7 p.m.

Harvest Worship

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

Pastor - Sandy Wary.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Hidden Valley

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

Pastor - Gary L. Owens.

Pastor Gary can be reached by calling the office at 570-966-1330, or by cell at 570-486-3967.

Himmel's Church

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

Pastor - Jane H. Compton.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:15 a.m., with communion the first Sunday of every month.

Activities - Sunday, Easter sunrise service at 6:15 a.m., breakfast at 7 a.m., worship service with pew communion, 8:30 a.m.

Holy Angels

Holy Angels Church, 855 Scott St., Kulpmont.

Pastor - The Rev. Andrew Stahmer.

Confessions - Saturday, 4 to 5 p.m.

Weekday Masses - Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 a.m.

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

Activities - Today, blessing of Easter foods, 1 p.m., Easter vigil, 8 p.m.; Sunday, Easter Sunday masses, 7, 9, and 11 a.m.; Tuesday, bingo in Holy Angels Activity Center, doors open at 4:30 p.m., games begin at 6 p.m.; Thursday, Golden Angels meeting, 5 p.m., finance council meeting, 7:15 p.m.

Holy Trinity

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

Clergy - The Rev. Frederic G. Stevenson, rector, and Deacon Richard Hazzard.

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

Participants - Esther Bashore, greeter and lector; Linda Riley, intercessor; Iris Chowka, oblations; Oliver Fesniak and Frank Zaretski, ushers; Joshua Bashore, Hannah Bashore and Kyrstin Kinnaman, altar servers; Grethel Vinup, organist.

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

Hope Community

Hope Community Church, non-denominational Bible church, 551 W. Fourth St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - Dan Renno.

Christian education for all ages - 9 a.m.

Fellowship time - 9:45 a.m.

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

Living Power

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

Pastor/teacher - Walt Kriskie.

Pre-service prayer - 10 a.m.

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

Sunday evening service - 6 p.m.

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

Miller's Crossroads

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

Pastor - Michelle Beissel.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:15 a.m.

Participants - Betsy Bradigan, organist.

Ministry of the Water and Spirit

Ministry of the Water and Spirit Church, 915 High Road, Helfenstein.

Pastor - James Bowers.

Sunday service - 10 a.m.

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

Mother Cabrini

Mother Cabrini Church, North Shamokin Street, Shamokin.

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

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

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

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

Activities - Today, Easter egg hunt set up 10 a.m., Easter vigil liturgy 8 p.m.; Sunday, Easter egg hunt for children ages 2 to 10 in the church hall following the 11 a.m. Mass, no religious education classes this week, classes will resume for grades 5 to 7 April 12; Monday, parish office closed, bingo cancelled, will resume April 13; Tuesday, Secular Franciscan Order meeting, 7 p.m.

Communion calls to the scheduled parish homebound after 9 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.

Mountainside

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

Pastor - The Rev. Richard H. Earl.

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

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

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

Youth night - 5 p.m. every other Sunday.

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

Monthly activities - First Sunday, communion and children's sermon, during 10:30 a.m. service; second Tuesday, Women of Purpose meeting, 7 p.m.

Mount Zion

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

Pastor - Gerald Lloyd Jr.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Scripture - I Corinthianss 15:1-11 and Mark 16:1-8.

Sermon - "The Resurrection of Christ."

Participants - Philip Maue, organist.

Sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of every month.

New Life Church

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

Interim pastor - The Rev. John D. Ashbaugh.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m. Junior church and nursery available. Handicapped accessible, wheelchair available.

Activities - Prayer room open mornings; prayer, fellowship and coffee, Saturdays, 9 a.m.; April 26, Evening praise and worship service, 7 p.m.

Oak Grove UMC

Oak Grove United Methodist Church, Marley Road, Overlook.

Pastor - The Rev. Zachary Hopple.

Worship - 9 a.m.

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

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

Our Lady of Hope

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

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

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

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

Holy day of obligation Mass - 5:30 p.m. Vigil Mass and 7 a.m. morning of the holy day.

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

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

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

Pastor - The Rev. Francis J. Karwacki.

Deacon - The Rev. Mr. Martin McCarthy.

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

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

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

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

Peifer's Evangelical

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

Pastor - Bradley D. Hatter.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary

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

Pastor - The Rev. Alfred P. Sceski.

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

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

Restoration Ministries

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

Pastor - Paul K. Eby.

Pre-service prayer - 9 a.m.

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

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

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

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

Activities - Monday, soup kitchen, 5 to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, cross training youth disciple class, dinner at 3 p.m., class taught by Fran Jones from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, Soul Seekers group for ages 18 and older, 7 p.m.

St. John Lutheran

St. John Lutheran, 29 High Road Danville.

Pastor - Kris Brown.

Sunday school - 9:15 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

St. John's UCC

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

Easter Sunday sunrise service - 7 a.m. at Soldier's Circle in the Shamokin Cemetery. Anyone attending should meet in the church parlor by 6:45 a.m. In case of inclement weather, service will be held in Lark Chapel.

Coffee hour/fellowship time in church parlor - 9:15 a.m.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m., and 9:45 a.m. for early elementary students ages 2 to 9.

Blended worship service - 10:30 a.m., main sanctuary, with Holy Communion.

Guest speaker - The Rev. Sally Dries.

Message - "Beginning Anew!"

Participants - David Spotts, lay leader and children's message; Margaret Morris, choir director/organist; Geof Levan, guitarist/soloist; Maxine Harvey, pianist; Alexandra Campbell, acolyte.

Activities - Tuesday, Cub Scouts/Tiger and Bear dens, 5:30 p.m., Boy Scouts, 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Cub Scouts/Wolf den and Webelos, 5:30 p.m., Adult Choir rehearsal, 7 p.m.; Thursday, Bible study, 6 p.m., consistory meeting, 7 p.m.

St. John's UMC

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

Pastor - The Rev. Karyn Fisher.

Worship - 9 a.m. Palm Sunday worship service.

Children's church - 9:20 a.m.

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

Activities - Sunday, Youth group, 5:30 p.m.; Monday, "Soup for the Soul: 24 hours that changed the world" study, 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Northumberland County Early Intervention Program in lower level nursery, 10:30 a.m.; Thursday, Holy Thursday service, 7 p.m., Narcotics Anonymous meeting in lower level, 7 p.m.; Friday, Community Good Friday service at Salem United Church of Christ, noon to 3 p.m. St. John's will be open for prayer and meditation, Narcotics Anonymous meeting in lower level, 8 p.m.; Saturday, choir practice, 8 a.m., annual Easter egg hunt, 11 a.m. to noon; April 5, St. John's Easter sunrise service, 7 a.m., fellowship and continental breakfast, 8 a.m., traditional Easter worship, 9 a.m.

St. Joseph's Church

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

Pastor - The Rev. John W. Bambrick.

Sister Elizabeth Kealy, IHM, director of religious education.

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

Rosary prayed before all Masses.

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

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

St. Mark Lutheran

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

Worship leader - Pastor Kris Brown.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Activities - Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Elysburg Senior Center open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday, AA, 7 p.m.; Thursday, Boy Scouts, 8 p.m.

St. Matthew Lutheran

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

Interim pastor - The Rev. Alfred Bashore.

Guest speaker - The Rev. Dr. Ronald Shellhamer.

Participants - Linda Rubendall, organist; Kenneth Kautter, lector; Joseph Melichercik, president; Thomas Pivarnik and William Snyder, ushers.

Services for April will be at St. Matthew's, and this is Easter Sunday, The Resurrection of Our Lord, and Food Pantry Day.

St. Michael Orthodox

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

Pastor - The Rev. Theophan Marckey.

Divine Liturgy - 9 a.m.

St. Patrick

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

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

Weekend Mass - Sunday, 9 a.m.

Weekday Mass - 8 a.m. Wednesday.

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

St. Paul Lutheran

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

Pastor - The Rev. David M. Byerly.

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

Participants - Cindy Henninger, lector; Claire Bonshock and Stephanie Boyer, communion assistants; Jack Tobias, acolyte/crucifer; Walter Boyer, organist and choir director.

Activities - Sunday, Sunrise Service, St. Paul Cemetery, 6:s0 p.m. (If raining, service will be held in St. Paul Church) Coffee and donuts, St. Paul Social Hall, following sunrise service; Thursday, Pastor Byerly begins backpacking trip.

St. Paul's Reformed

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

Pastor - Jerry Schlegel.

Worship time - 9 a.m. Palm Sunday.

Scripture - Matthew 21:1-11

Message - "The End of the Journey."

Participants - Cliff Artman, organist.

St. Pauline Visintainer

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

"Chapel of the Crucified."

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

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

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

St. Peter's Lutheran

St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Aristes.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Alfred Bashore.

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

Guest speaker - The Rev. Ronald Shellhamer.

Participants - Linda Rubendall, organist; Carol Buffington, choir director; Matthew Sommers, lector.

SS Peter and Paul

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

Pastor - The Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Hutsko.

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

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

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

Religious education classes - 6 to 7:15 p.m. Monday.

St. Peter's UCC

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

Pastor - Paul T. Gurba Jr.

Morning worship - 8:30 a.m.

Sermon title - "God's Not Dead: I Do Believe!"

Verse of the day - Luke 24:6: " He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake to unto you when he was yet in Galilee."

Organist - Virginia Nefsky.

St. Stephen's

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

Clergy - The Rev. Frederic Stevenson.

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

Handicapped accessible.

Second Saturday, 5 p.m. Holy Eucharist at the St. Stephen Center.

Salem UCC

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

Pastor - The Rev. Jean Eckrod.

Worship - 10 a.m.

Participants - Sadie Komara, acolyte; Earl Foura, lay leader; Julie Updegrove and JudyLynn Weaver, beginners class; Barbara Skrivanek, junior class; Grace Stank, pianist; Jeremy Young, director; Council members, Communion assistant; sSalem Choir, anthem; Allison and A.J. Wetzel, Sherry Bogush, greeters; Jackie and Pam Collier, Corinne and John Foltz and Eileen and Frank Garrigan, ushers; Grace Stank, lighting/sound.

This is Food Pantry Sunday. Members are asked to bring non-perishable food items or household goods to be given to Manna for the Many. our local food pantry.

A quiet room for young infants and nursery care for infants and toddlers is available during the morning worship hour at 10 a.m. Christian education is provided for children ages 3 to 12 immediately after children's time at the beginning of the worship service.

Activities - Wednesday, Senior Day; April 11, trip to Washington D.C., leaving the church at 6 a.m.

Salvation Army

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

Commanding officer - Maj. Tina Streck.

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

Sunday school - 10:45 a.m.

Seibert Evangelical

Seibert Evangelical Congregational Church, Route 147, Herndon.

Pastor - Bradley D. Hatter.

Worship - 9 a.m.

Sunday school - 10:15 a.m.

Seventh Street

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

Pastor - The Rev. David Wildoner.

Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Morning worship and children's church - 11 a.m.

Message - "The Story That Must Be Told - Easter."

A nursery is available for children from birth to age 5. Children's church is available for children over 5.

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

Manna for the Many item this month is spaghetti and other pasta.

Easter goal this year is $2,500.

Activities - April 11, District Conference at Seventh Street PMC; April 13, Trustee Board meeting, 7 p.m.; April 27, Quarterly conference, 7 p.m.

Shamokin Alliance

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

Pastor - Samuel Bellavia.

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

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

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

Evening service - 7 p.m.

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

Shamokin Seventh Day Adventist

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

Pastor - John Peters.

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

Saturday worship - 11 a.m.

Tuesday, Bible studies, 5 p.m.

Stonington Baptist

Stonington Baptist Church, Hosta Road, Paxinos.

Pastor - The Rev. J. Douglas Hallman.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Morning worship - 10 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, AWANA clubs for children in kindergarten through sixth grade and Word of Life clubs for grades 7 to 12, 6:30 p.m., prayer service, 7 p.m.

Trevorton UMC

Trevorton United Methodist Church, Shamokin Street, Trevorton,

Pastor - The Rev. Al Schell Jr.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:45 a.m.

Nancy Korenkiewicz, pianist, organist and choir director.

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

Trinity Evangelical

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

Pastor - The Rev. Brian C. Betsworth.

Worship service - 10:45 a.m. at Antioch Place.

Activities - Wednesday, Recovery in Christ, a new Bible-based 12-step support group, 5:30 p.m., prayer and Bible study at Antioch Place, 7 p.m.; Thursday, Maundy Thursday communion service, 5 p.m. at Antioch Place; Friday, Good Friday service at Salem UCC, noon to 3 p.m., Pastor Brian and Russ Griffiths participating; April 5, Easter Sunday worship service, 10:45 a.m. at Antioch Place.

Trinity Lutheran

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

Pastor - The Rev. David Hauck.

Worship Service - 10 a.m.

Participants - Jon Hoover, lector and communion assistant; Corey Levi, cantor; Andrew Jones, acolyte; Jan Morrison, organist; Jill and Steve Todzia, altar; Mary Tharp, counter.

True Grace

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

Pastor/teacher - Michael Marcheskie.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

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

United Presbyterian

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

Minister - The Rev. Ted Plott.

Worship service - 11 a.m. with Communion.

Message - "The Day of New Creation."

Scripture - Ezekiel 37:1-14.

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

Victory Bible Church

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

Pastor - Kevin Kline.

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

Evening worship - 7 p.m.

Wilburton UMC

Wilburton United Methodist Church, Wilburton.

Pastor - Rose M. Marquardt.

Worship service - 8:45 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Zion UMC

Zion United Methodist Church, Aristes.

Pastor - The Rev. Rose M. Marquardt.

Worship service - 9:50 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Zion Methodist

Zion United Methodist Church, Trevorton Road, Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Betty Ford.

Sunday school - 10:30 a.m.

Worship - 11 a.m.