MOUNT CARMEL - The burial of the time capsules in honor of the 150th anniversary celebration of the borough is all about community, said state Sen. John Gordner (R-27) Saturday afternoon in the borough Town Park.
"It's the fire halls, it's the churches, it's the libraries, it's the clubs, the legions, the VFWs. It's in the neighbors checking on neighbors. That's what you want to celebrate for the 150th anniversary - the community that Mount Carmel has always been, is and will continue to be," he said to a group of more than 40 community members and leaders gathered for the ceremony.
The 2012 time capsule holds various books, photographs, pamphlets and business cards from churches, organizations and individuals across the borough, said borough Mayor J. Kevin Jones.
Also included were football statistics from the 2012 season of the Mount Carmel Area Red Tornadoes, several letters from various organizations, glasses from the 1962 centennial and a July 1, 2012, edition of The News-Item detailing the 150th anniversary celebration in July.
The capsule was placed into a red vault in honor of the local school district colors with past time capsules, including still-sealed capsules from July 6, 1976, the nation's bicentennial; Aug. 20, 1983, from the Edison Celebration of Lights, and two from Mount Carmel's quasquicentennial in 1987.
The 1962 capsule was water damaged, and some of the items were replaced. The 1972 time capsule could not be found, Jones said.
Once the vault was closed, it was lowered into the ground and buried, and a granite stone marks the spot in the park.
The vault was made by Smith Burial Vault/Excavation, of Kulpmont, and the granite stone was made by Fratinni Monuments, of Mount Carmel, Jones said.
Both Gordner and state Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107) were there to offer their congratulations to the borough.
"I wish you all the best in your future years and the events to come," Gordner said.
Masser said the rich and vibrant history of the borough allows the people to have a well-placed pride in where they live.
"I look forward to being a part of it for the years to come as you move forward, and I wish you many, many more years in the history of Mount Carmel," Masser said.
The Mount Carmel Borough Sesquicentennial Committee and contributing individuals included Ellen Dow Albertini, David Berezovske, Michelle Connolly, James Darrup, Louis Dondero, Dr. Frank Ferrari, Kate Grybos, Jones, District Judge Hugh A. Jones, Mary Anne Langton, Wendy Marshalick, Frank J. Sawicki, Ricky Schnee, Rachel Shovlin, Melissa Katch, Ron Shopinski, Sue Wilson, Barbara Zaborny and Frank Zaleski.
The committee will be dissolved on Dec. 31, 2012, Jones said.
The Rev. Joan Brown, pastor of Mount Carmel's Grace United Methodist Church of Christ, The Rev. Frank Karwacki, pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Mount Carmel, former Northumberland County Commissioner Frank Sawicki and the Mount Carmel Joint Veterans were also part of the ceremony Thursday.