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Local News
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| Below is a Press Release - Dated: January 5. 2009 |
| Coaldale to Honor Gold Star Mothers and All Women...Click Here |
 Honor your loved one with an inscribed brick... Click Here |
| Veterans Memorial Garden...Click here |
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 Garden for the war heroesReported on Saturday, November 14, 2009 Coaldale's World War II Memorial Garden, next to borough hall on Phillips Street. The garden features tall granite pillars etched with the names of those who served. The committee that built the garden is completing a Women's Memorial and is seeking donations to finish the work. To contribute, contact Mildred Flyzik at 570-645-9605. |
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No tax increase in Coaldale
Reported on Friday, November 13, 2009 By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com Coaldale property owners are getting an early Christmas gift this year: no tax increase. Borough council on Tuesday agreed to publish a tentative 2010 budget that calls for the tax rate to stay the same, at 20.54 mills. That means the owner of a home with a taxable value of $25,000 would continue to pay $513 in property tax. Council expects to adopt the $1.4 million spending plan on Dec. 8. In other matters Tuesday, council appointed three people to the borough planning commission. Council president Susan Solt to a one-year term; Anne Girard for two years and Debra Hatmaker for three years. Also, council hired Jeremy Talanca, as a part-time police officer at $14 an hour, and agreed to seeks bids for a loader/excavator for the streets department. The borough also is in need of members for the Board of Health. To apply, contact secretary Louise Lill at (570) 645-6310. |
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A garden of memories
Reported on Monday, November 9, 2009 By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com
The ceremony, sponsored by the Coaldale Veterans and Women's Memorial Committee and the Coaldale United Veterans Organization, included the dedication of the Women's Memorial Garden Wishing Well and the presentation of a plaque to Rhoades in her late husband's honor. The Rev. Mathewson of St. Mary's Orthodox Church, offered the invocation and Brittany Erbe sang the Star Spangled Banner. The Rev. William Edwards sang "She Still Cries." Tentylo welcomed the crowd. The Women's Memorial, which, when completed by Memorial Day, 2010, "will be a fitting tribute to all women, not only those served, but those who loved, supported, and prayed for the safe return of their loved ones from harm's way," he said. Tentylo spoke of Rhoades' contributions. Before the ceremony, Gaddes said the committee has raised $152,000 for the Memorial Garden so far, and needs an additional $30,000 to complete the women's memorial and add names to the World War II pillars. The women's memorial, which features a wishing well with a copper roof (installed that morning) and will include a granite statue of a World War II-era mother with her children and granite portraits of local women and their families. The work, with few exceptions, has been done by volunteers.
Faye Lewis spoke of the sacrifices women have made during times of war, and urged parents to teach their children to respect veterans, their flag and their country. She spoke of the "unsung heroes" who have "served our country during the times of its darkest days." Lewis referenced John Milton's words, "They also serve who only stand and wait," and followed the contributions and sacrifices made by women throughout recent history. In the 1940s, mothers watched as their sons "answered their country's call to service and went off to war. Perhaps you were a young wife and mother, forced to take on the full responsibility of your home and children. Added to that burden was the need to work outside the home to provide the necessities of life but also to help the war effort." Women's strength and ingenuity allowed them to make good lives for their families in those times of scarce resources and constant fear. She cited the role of women who served as nurses in time of war and of Gold Star Mothers, and now, of women fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Lewis urged people to improve the world by "creating loving atmosphere in our own small spheres. like a stone thrown into water, we may expand our influence." To do that, "each of us must teach our youth" to stand quietly and salute when a flag passes by, to stand as the Star Spangled Banner is played, and to respect, greet and thank service men and women and veterans. Moreover, we should all "begin each day by thanking the Lord that we have been placed in a country where freedom is not just a word, but a way of life." Argall, who now holds the state Senate seat left empty by Rhoades' death in 2008, encouraged those attending the ceremony to look back - and ahead. "It is up to our society to make sure that the veterans and their families did not make those sacrifices for nothing. Patriotism, love of country, support for democracy - these words may sound foolish or old-fashioned to some people today. But more than a million men and women have died for those ideals," he said. The Army accepted 170,000 volunteers last year. One in 10 United States soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan are women, Argall said. "More women have fought and died in the Iraq war than any since World War II, he said."Men and women, sacrifice and service - these are the hallmarks of military veterans," Argall said. One of every seven soldiers who fought in World War II was from Pennsylvania. The state is home to 1.1 million veterans, he said. "Sometimes, unfortunately, we take those sacrifices for granted," Argall said. He recalled a time 22 years ago, when he was in Rieneck, Bavaria as part of a Boy Scout gathering. He saw a monument to those who died in World War I and World War II. "There, they remembered their veterans from the First World War, their veterans from the Second World War, and the people of Rieneck who had left for the concentration camps and never came home," he said. "That must have been an interesting planning session when they were pulling together that one to honor both sides of that tragic equation." The experience brought home how fortunate he is to have been born in America. "Every day I should get down on my knees and thank God that I was born here in 1958, and not in Salesia, on the German-Polish border, where my mother's family came from," he said. "Had I been born there in 1928 or 1938, how different my life would have been." Argall spoke of the pain of those whose loved ones died in wars.
But another group "prayed just as hard and suffered just as much. I think of the Gold Star Mothers who are honored at this memorial," he said of the Women's Memorial Garden, within the Veteran's Memorial Garden next to Coaldale's borough hall on Phillips Street. Later, Memorial Committee member and garden designer William Gaddes presented a plaque to Mary Edith Rhoades in honor of her late husband. |
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Steve Tentylo, chairman of Coaldale's World War II Memorial Committee, stands next to a plaque on the back of one of the granite pillars bearing the names of those who gave their lives in that war. The plaque lists members of the committee, which organized a Veterans Day ceremony held Sunday. |
Members of Coaldale's World War II Memorial Committee gathered for dinner Sunday at the Viennese Villa after a Veterans Day ceremony. Absent from the photo are Nancy Lorchak, John King, August Gulla, John Maruschak and Richard Marek. |
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Reliving the past
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Women's Memorial Garden to be dedicated Sunday
Reported on Monday, November 2, 2009 By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com Coaldale's annual Veterans Day services will be held at 1 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Memorial Garden next to borough hall on Third Street. The event will feature remarks by state Sen. David G. Argall, the longtime state representative who is serving the post left vacant with the Oct. 17, 2008 death of James J. Rhoades. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held at the Coaldale Complex (the former Coaldale High School), at Phillips and Sixth streets. The day will begin with an ecumenical service at 9 a.m. at Coaldale's First Congregational Church. A joint choir, consisting of the former choirs from St. Cyril and Methodius and St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Churches of Coaldale, will participate. All veterans and their families are encouraged to attend. After the Memorial Garden service, a 2:30 p.m. dinner is planned at the Viennese Villa, 201 W. Ruddle St., to honor Rhoades, who died the day after a car crash in Monroe County, for his support for veterans. Organizers will present a plaque to his family. Sen. Rhoades was instrumental in obtaining both an initial $10,000 grant and a follow-up grant for the same amount. "He was one of our first and most enthusiastic supporters," said organizer Bill Gaddes. "When we started the effort to build the World War II Memorial Wall, we knew that there were at least 900 names to be placed there. That much granite was expensive." The 1 p.m. service is sponsored by the Coaldale United Veterans Organization and the Coaldale Veterans and Women's Memorial Committee. The program includes introductory remarks by Gaddes; an invocation by the Rev. Daniel Mathewson, pastor of St. Mary's Orthodox Church; remarks by mayor Claire Remington; state Rep. Jerry Knowles; and by Faye Lewis, who will speak at the dedication of the Women's Memorial Garden. Brittany Erbe will sing "The Star Spangled Banner," Brandi Strauch will sing "God Bless America," and the Rev. William Edwards will sing "She Still Cries." There will be the placement of a wreath and blessing of the memorial to women by John King and Nick Paraschak with a blessing by Mathewson. The services will close with a rifle honor salute and "Taps" played by bugler Robert Kistler. The benediction will be offered by Mathewson and closing remarks given by Gaddes. |
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Coaldale established winter parking rules
Coaldale Borough has established parking rules for winter. the rules will be in effect from Nov. 1 through April 1. Non-motorized vehicles, recreational vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, boats, campers and trailers must be off borough streets during this time. *From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. during or following a snowfall of 3 inches or more, no parking will be allowed on the following streets: Moser Avenue between Fisher Avenue and 6th Street; Howard Avenue between 2nd Street and 7th Street; Fisher Avenue between High Street and Ridge Street; |
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Thoughts
Reported on Friday, October 30, 2009 By Bob Urban rurban@tnonline.com Halloween! I remember a time when I visited nearly 30 Coaldale bars on Halloween night. And came away cold sober. Of course, I was only 12-years-old, and kids back then quickly learned that trick-or-treating in bars proved to be a most lucrative pastime. The patrons would require the tricksters to perform a song or a dance, then we proceeded to pass the hat around the bar, and it usually came back filled with pennies, nickels, dimes, peanuts and candy bars. Today there's not enough bars remaining in the local towns to make trick-or-treating there worthwhile. But in case you old tricksters who remember those bygone days are contemplating a little trick-or-treat nostalgia trip tonight here's a few thoughts provided by a loyal reader. He may have stolen them from David Letterman, but I'm not sure. You know you are too old to Trick or Treat when: 10. You get winded from knocking on the door. 9. You have to have another kid chew the candy for you. 8. You ask for high fiber candy only. 7. When someone drops a candy bar in your bag, you lose your balance and fall over. 6. People say: "Great Boris Karloff Mask," and you're not wearing a mask. 5. When the door opens you yell, "Trick or..." and can't remember the rest. 4. By the end of the night, you have a bag full of restraining orders. 3. You have to carefully choose a costume that won't dislodge your hairpiece. 2. You're the only Power Ranger in the neighborhood with a walker. And the number one reason Seniors should not go Trick Or Treating... 1. You keep having to go home to go to the bathroom. No matter, have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN anyway. Another reader also provided the following a sampling of what 4-8-year-olds think of love, and "What does love mean?" Their impressions will tug at your heartstrings. The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined See what you think: 'When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love. '. Rebecca, age 8 'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.' Billy age 4 'Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.' Karl age 5 'Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.' Chrissy age 6 'Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.' Terri age 4 'Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.' Danny age 7 'Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss'. Emily age 8 'Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.' Bobby age 7 'If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,'Nikka age 6 'Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.' Noelle age 7 'Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.' Tommy age 6 'During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore.' Cindy age 8 'My mommy loves me more than anybody You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.' Clare age 6 'Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.'Elaine-age 5 'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.' Chris age 7 'Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.' Mary Ann age 4 'I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.' Lauren age 4 'When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.' Karen age 7 'You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.'Jessica age 8 The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, 'Nothing, I just helped him cry'. |
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Coaldate sets Trick or Treat night
Reported on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 Trick or Treat night in Coaldale will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. Residents are asked to keep their porch light on for Trick or Treaters. All children should be accompanied by an adult. |
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Action again delayed on Quick Response Team
Reported on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com A Coaldale man who wants to start a Quick Response Team to handle medical emergencies in the borough was frustrated Tuesday when Council again delayed action on the matter to give its solicitor time to study the legal details. At issue is resident Daniel Bird's request that the borough pay for a QRS team's liability insurance and, perhaps, worker's compensation insurance. Solicitor Michael Greek advised council to wait until he could research the law to find out if borough code would allow such support. "We are, under the borough code, allowed to provide monetary assistance to a community ambulance service. I'm assuming you are along the lines of that, but it's not defined. It says community ambulance service. This is not an ambulance service." The borough might be able to use some of the money it raises through its EMS tax to help support the QRS team. "But you never directed me to check any of that," he told council. Bird had brought with him a bundle of documents outing the proposed QRS team's liability and workers' compensation insurance needs. "Most townships and boroughs provide worker's comp for their volunteer organizations," he said. Bird said that that is usually done as a donation. Greek was skeptical. "Before they do these things, they need to know what the costs involved are other than just getting copies of these documents and getting the costs of liability coverage," he said. Bird said the Lansford American Legion has promised a "significant" donation for equipment and training, but asked the QRS team also provide services to Summit Hill and Lansford in a pinch. Greek was also concerned about that. "I do have concerns if you're paying for the liability and workers' comp when…they are servicing other municipalities," he said. Council appears to support the idea of a QRS team. Councilman Joe Hnat had moved to grant Bird's request for the money before Greek cautioned against it, and Mayor Claire Remington is in favor of the team. Bird first proposed the QRS team in August, after St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital stopped services due to financial concerns. Council in September decided on Lehighton Ambulance to provide Advanced Life Support Services, with Lansford and Tamaqua ambulance associations as Basic Life Support backup. In a related matter, council received a letter from Brenda Hosler, secretary of the board of directors of the Coaldale Community Ambulance Association, saying the group has applied for licensure. The borough switched from the Coaldale Community Ambulance Association to St. Luke's in late 2007 after years of tension between the organization and some borough officials. |
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Coaldale haunts to hit the streets
Reported on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com Coaldale Borough council on Tuesday approved Oct. 31 as Trick or Treat night, and having an extra police officer and fire police on duty to help keep children safe. The next day, little ghosts and goblins will hit the streets for a children's Halloween parade marching from borough hall on E. Phillips Street to the Coaldale complex, where costumed tots can enjoy fun, games and food. The parade, sponsored by the CHOSE organization, starts at 12:30 p.m. Nov. 1. In other matters Tuesday, council approved the promotion to full-time of police officer Charles A. Blesse, who has just successfully completed his probation period. "Having Charlie Blesse on our force is a godsend," said council president Susan Solt. Also on Tuesday, council agreed to: • Pre-purchase heating oil from Radocha at $2.149 a gallon • Apply for $44,000 in Community Development Block Grant money for a new oil burner at the fire company; • Start to collect ashes on Nov. 2. The cans cannot exceed 50 pounds each. • Consider again next year whether to paint parking space lines on E. Ruddle Street between Third and Fourth. Resident Jeff Frable in July asked council to have the lines painted because parking is tight due to too many cars, trucks, motorcycles and trailers. In July, council agreed it was a good idea to paint the lines. However, Frable learned Tuesday that council's Streets Committee had quashed the plan. Committee Chairman Steve Tentylo said the Committee visited the area and decided the lines were not needed. |
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Woodburner fire in Coaldale
Reported on Monday, October 12, 2009 Coaldale Fire Compa Andrew Deibenguth/Special to the Times News |
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C.H.O.S.E. to host 'Renaissance'
The C.H.O.S.E. Recreation Organization "Autumn Masquerade Renaissance" will be held Sunday, Nov. 1 from 1-4 p.m. The Renaissance is open to all children ages 1-12. Children must be in costume and accompanied by an adult. It will begin at the Coaldale Borough Hall at 12:30 p.m. and parade to the Coaldale Complex. In case of bad weather the parade will be canceled and children will come to the Coaldale Complex. The Complex will be turned into a Medieval castle where the children will be treated to lunch. |
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Officials at St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital, Coaldale, have announced the upcoming dates when they will be offering the seasonal flu vaccination to community members. Adults 18 years of age and older are eligible. Medicare will be billed for eligible enrollees. All others will be charged $29. Cash and check are accepted methods of payment.
Scheduled Flu Vaccination Dates: LANSFORD:
NESQUEHONING: Oct. 8, 10 a.m. - noon: Nesquehoning Senior Center TAMAQUA: Oct. 7, 5 p.m.- 7 p.m.: Tamaqua Salvation Army Oct. 21, 10 a.m. - noon: Shafer's Pharmacy HOMETOWN: Oct. 14,10 a.m. - noon: McDonald's, Hometown Oct. 9, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.: St. Luke's Miners Health Center, 253 Claremont Avenue. Oct. 22,10 a.m. - noon,: Flamini's Pharmacy |
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C.H.O.S.E. meeting
The C.H.O.S.E. Recreational Organization will hold its meeting Thursday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. at the home of presiding President Angela Krapf. Plans will be finalized for the upcoming "Autumn Masquerade Renaissance," which will be held Nov. 1. |
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Coaldale fire chief asks for grant money to repair fire house roof
Reported on Thursday, September 24, 2009 By AL DIETZ editor@tnonline.com Coaldale Fire Chief Richard Marek asked for funds from the county's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) fund for repairing the roof on the borough's fire house. The request was made at a public hearing called by the Schuylkill County Commissioners Wednesday at the courthouse in Pottsville. Commissioner Mantura Gallagher, chairman of the board, announced the purpose of the public hearing was to provide an opportunity for citizens to comment on the community development and housing needs of the county which can be funded through the CDBG program. The county anticipates receiving $400,000 this year from the Pennsylvania Small Communities Program for fiscal year 2010. In making the appeal for funding, Marek told the commissioners the fire house is 33 years old and although maintenance has been provided since it was built in 1977, the roof is in disrepair and must be replaced. Also appearing was Councilman John J. Merse, of Tremont, who put in a bid for funds to raze a dilapidated building, repair the parking lot serving the senior center, a child day care and children and youth agency; and also for money toward rebuilding a bridge which links one half of the borough to the other half. Gallagher said their requests will be given full consideration but the commissioners have requests from many other municipalities and it must be decided which needs immediate funding. Applications are being accepted until Nov. 24 this year The range of eligible activities include acquisition of property, resale expenses, public improvements such as streets, curbs, sidewalks, storm and sanitary sewers, water lines, parks, community centers, senior centers, parking lots, fire stations, demolition of dilapidated buildings, renovations of closed school buildings and buildings occupied by low and moderate income families, historical preservation, homeownership assistance, lead based paint hazard evaluation and reduction and to assist nonprofit organizations to undertake economic development and neighborhood activities. Commissioners Gallagher and Frank Staudenmeier presided. Commissioner Frank McAndrew was absent. Mark Scarbinsky, county administrator, and Tom Gallagher, compliance officer, participated. |
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Borough leaders in a budget mode
Reported on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com both Coaldale and Lansford borough councils are beginning to craft 2010 budgets. In Coaldale, the current spending plan is at $1.225 million. As council embarks on a new one, it must keep in mind that a new sanitation contract will need to be negotiated next year. Currently, residents pay $65 a quarter to have their trash collected by Tamaqua Transfer and Recycling. In Lansford, the current budget is $1,382,579.50. As council begins planning, it must build a new budget around at least one change, an increase in the Police Pension MMO of about $32,000. It will likely take months to arrive at budgets that balance revenues with expenses while trying to avoid tax increases. The new spending plans must be in place by Dec. 31. |
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The Morning Call ...........September 2, 2009
Mother Jones - more than a magazine A monument to Mother Jones stands at the corner of Route 209 and First Street in Coaldale, Schuylkill County. Politicians dubbed her the ''most dangerous woman in America'' -- when she was 83. In the coal regions she is remembered somewhat differently. The Coaldale monument (one of those blue highway markers) recalls Mother Jones leading a march of 2,000 wives and mothers from McAdoo to Coaldale in support of striking miners. This unsuccessful strike of 1900 led to the great strike in 1902. Mother Jones worked for better conditions for miners and their families for 50 years. President Theodore Roosevelt had reasons not to care for her: She led a march of children from Philadelphia to his Oyster Bay home protesting child labor. Their placards -- ''We want to go to school, not to the mines'' -- suitably embarrassed the president, but he would not meet with the marchers. They went back to their miserable existence leading mules, operating doors, and sorting coal in the breakers. Mother Jones kept on working for children. Her subsequent children's marches prompted the U.S. Senate to investigate child labor. Up and down the Appalachians, Mary Harris Jones spoke for, was jailed for, and worked for miners seeking improvements in their working conditions that you and I would consider minimal at best. Sometimes, but not often, it was a matter of educating the owners. When she met with John D. Rockefeller after the 1914 Ludlow Massacre, she convinced him actually to visit the mines he owned in Colorado. When he did, he was appalled and made changes immediately. It took until 2002 for Mother Jones to get her blue marker in Coaldale, just a hundred years after she got the title, ''most dangerous woman in America.'' Consider taking a drive on 209 to the Mother Jones marker this fall. Besides taking in the beauties of that road, there might be something to be gained from pondering the miners' struggle. Stop in the coal museum on the way, and Jim Thorpe for contrast. In the last 30 years, the gap between the rich and the poor in the United States has widened enormously. While the rich are temporarily a little less wealthy, poverty continues as strong as ever, consuming the lives a children as surely as did the dark past. I was one of the religious leaders who met with our then-new governor in Philadelphia upon his election. He promised that education was his priority and that our schools were going to change. Those promises have not been kept for the most part, and Pennsylvania still hovers very near the bottom in per-student state spending. Good schools are still for the rich in Pennsylvania, and will remain so as long as property taxes fund education. In their injustice to children, these forgotten promises bring us right back to Mother Jones. Potential new employers look for more than tax breaks: they look for a region with an educated work force. The future for workers in this commonwealth depends on our leaders keeping the promises they make to children. Would Mother Jones be marching for families today? I think so. Those whose families have escaped low-wage jobs and whose children are headed for college often quickly develop amnesia. They forget that many of their ancestors worked for next to nothing, and struggled to get along in a culture that was hostile to them because they spoke another language or were of a strange ethnicity. A few individuals made their own way out, but by and large the masses needed a Moses or a Mother Jones. The same secularism that forgot that Martin Luther King Jr. was a preacher, forgets that Mother Jones was driven from Chicago to the mines in part by the encouragement of her brother, a priest. Although it is slightly anachronistic to put it this way, she stands at the head of the great Catholic workers' movement in this country. Nonetheless Dorothy Day considered herself Mother Jones' disciple. For Mother Jones, putting faith into action meant enduring slander, jail and 50 years of hard work. This month of September, during which we celebrate Labor Day, is a time to ask what our generation will do to increase equality, compassion and education in present-day America. The Rt. Rev. Paul V. Marshall is bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem, 14 counties of eastern and northeastern Pennsylvania. Additional columns and sermons are available at http://www.diobeth.org . |
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Se
 ptember 19, 2009.......Times NewsImpromptu concert AL ZAGOFSKY/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS Members of the Coaldale Revitalization Committee listen to Jay Smar give an impromptu concert in front of the snack bar at the Angela Theater in Coaldale before his Sunday concert. Left to right - Front row are: president Nancy Lorchak, Kathy Ruff. Back row: Tom Keerans, Tom Maruschak and Jay Smar. |
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September 18, 2009................Times News
Cats dumped in Coaldale, police looking for culprit By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com
Coaldale authorities are tracking down the man who dumped off two pet cats, one deaf, leaving them to die of hunger and thirst. A witness watched last Friday morning as the older man in an older-model, blue car stopped at Third and Lehigh streets in the borough and dumped the cats. Both cats are declawed and neutered. The female is white and deaf; her ribs seem sore, probably from being hurt when she was pushed out of the car. The male is a shy gray tabby with white markings. He appears depressed, refusing to eat or drink. He's fearful around men, but purrs and hides his face in the crook of a woman's arm when held. The female is more outgoing and affectionate, snuggling close to Coaldale Council President Sue Solt, who came to borough hall to see the cats. "It just breaks your heart to see animals who just want to give their love, just be dumped like they are trash," she said. The terrified pets huddle close together in the large cage in which they are being kept until they are adopted. The cats need to be kept together. "They seem like they have spent most of their lives together," said Animal Control/Code Enforcement Officer Mark Richards. "Hopefully, somebody will open up their hearts and homes and take these two in." On Tuesday, after bringing the cats back from their checkups at No Nonsense Neutering on MacArthur Road in Whitehall, Richards said they are healthy, and probably at least a few years old. "They were both fixed already, so obviously someone has been taking care of these cats," he said. The man dumped the pets at about 8:30-8:45 a.m. Friday, Richards said. The man stopped the car and "dumped both of these cats out of the car and onto the street, then drove away down Lehigh Street," according to the witnesses, Richards said. A nearby resident rescued the stunned pets and called Richards, who brought them to borough hall. "We noticed right away that the white one was deaf. Both were declawed, so they couldn't fend for themselves, they couldn't hunt for themselves," he said. Especially with winter coming on, "they have no way to survive on their own," he said. "There is no reason for doing this, with all these programs in the borough," Richards said. "All someone would have to do is call me and say 'I can no longer take care of these cats.' I would have picked them up from them and transported them to our local shelter, which is Hillside (animal shelter in Pottsville)." Police Chief Tim Delaney is determined to find the man who discarded the pets. When he is found, he faces animal cruelty charges. "We're going to push this, without a doubt," Delaney said. "You take the defense away from the cat by declawing it, and now you're just leaving it out to try to fend for itself, and this poor thing is deaf? I'm sorry, no." Authorities ask that anyone with information about the incident call Richards at (570) 645-6493 or borough police at (570) 645-3060. |
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Times News.......September 9, 2009
Quick Response proposal stalls A proposed Quick Response Service team that would provide emergency medical services to Coaldale residents has stalled. "We're going to put it on hold until the need arises or the money arises or I can come up with it," Bird said. Council likes the idea of a QRS team in the borough, but before it makes a financial commitment, "We need to see something that makes it real," said Councilwoman Joanne Melloy. The liability insurance is a sticking point. At an Aug. 11 council meeting, members of the Lansford Ambulance Association offered to provide the insurance. But that changed between then and Tuesday, and the reason was unclear. Bird told council that the eastern PA EMS Council told him the insurance wasn't necessary. He said an EMS Council representative told him the insurance "is a good idea, but you don't need it" because "we are all covered under the Good Samaritan Law." The law protects people who provide emergency help from civil liability. Bird said he estimates the insurance to cost about $1,000 a year. Mayor Claire Remington wondered why the borough couldn't "do this ourselves." Solicitor Michael Greek has cautioned council not to take the proposed QRS team on as an entity of the borough to protect the borough from liability. "There is a risk involved," he said. But the borough could donate money to the group, once it's established as a nonprofit organization, he said. Councilman Tom Keerans said the money was not in the budget for this year, but maybe could be for next year. Bird said Tuesday the startup costs, including the insurance, have been gotten "down to below $5,000." He said he has gotten commitments from almost a dozen people, including several emergency medical technicians and two first responders. The QRS team would be licensed and overseen by the state Department of Health. At the Aug. 11 meeting, Bird said the startup costs would be $2,190. On Tuesday, he explained that that would be the cost of buying new equipment. However, he said, he's had offers of donations that would offset that cost and that local ambulance organizations and the EMS Council would contribute money for training, materials, personnel protection and equipment. "The offer (of a QRS team) is still open when the borough decides it needs it," he said. "We'll be there." The idea arose at the Aug. 11 meeting, when council appointed Lansford Ambulance Association as the borough's primary Basic Life Support provider, with Tamaqua Ambulance Association as back up. Lehighton Ambulance Association provides Advanced Life Support services to the borough. The QRS team would be composed of volunteers who live in the borough who would take turns being on call and would be dispatched through 911 calls in advance of the BLS or ALS arrivals. In other matters Tuesday, council learned that the borough is working to resolve a sewer discharge on East Water Street. Council also asked that anyone who notices a problem with street lights call the borough office at (570) 645-6310. |
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Times News..................September 3, 2009
Native son to MC 100th. anniversary celebration St. Mary's Orthodox Church Centennial Committee has announced the acceptance of The Very Reverend Paul Suda, Allison Park, to perform the duties as master of ceremonies at their 100th Anniversary Celebration of Sunday, Sept. 6 to be held at Genetti's, Hazelton. Father Suda is a former member of the Parish. In his youth he was active in the Church School Program and served for many years as altar boy. Son of the late Alexander and Mary Suda, he is a graduate of he former Coaldale High School class of 1957. In school, he was a member of the track team, played trumpet in the marching band and sang in the concert choir. Following graduation he enlisted in the Army Reserve Program serving his tour of duty at Fort Knox, Ky. After his discharge, he enrolled at the Ford Business School, Pottsville, completing his course in 1960. His employment included working for a steel company in Coatesville and Western Electric Co., Allentown. He resigned his position to enter St. Tikhons Theological Seminary; ordained to the Holy Priesthood in May 1966. His first assignment was the Holy Trinity Church in Elwood City and the following year a transfer to the Holy Trinity Church, New Castle. While in Elwood City, Father Paul enrolled in Youngstown State University graduating with a major in liberal arts and a minor in Russian. In 1968, his assignment was to the St. Alexander Nevsky Church on the north side of Pittsburgh. Shortly after, the parish purchased two acres of prime land in North Hills, a suburb of Pittsburgh. A new church was constructed, with an expanding church population a major reconstruction was implemented with modernization enlarging the original structure adding permanent classrooms, a library, elevator, and air conditioning. The interior was also redecorated with many frescos added. The church was granted Cathedral status. Father Paul was named Dean, a titled honor position he is in charge to this day. Father Paul is very active in the community working with the township and school board. His priestly responsibilities have included several trips to Russia, Officer of the Deanery, chaired several All American Councils, administered to Orthodox patients at Aspinwall Veterans Hospital, chaplain at the Kane Regional Center, served 30 years on the Diocesan Council, chairman of the Diocese Finance Committee for 21 years, Metropolitan Council and Administrative Committee of the Central Church, adviser to the Junior FROC Youth Organization and president of Greybrooke Association. A charismatic person and eloquent speaker, he served as toastmaster for the 25th Anniversary of Archbishop Kyril, also for St. Mary's Coaldale Church for the 80th celebration. He is also frequently called upon by various civic organizations. He was honored by his parish in November 2005 for his 40th anniversary in the priesthood. In 1984 he was awarded the Jeweled Cross, the previous year he was elevated to the title of Archpriest. Married to the former Mary Timpko of Coaldale, his high school sweetheart, they are the parents of four grown daughters. |
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AMVETS POST ONE CONTINUES ITS SUPPORT OF THE FAMILIES OF OUR “WOUNDED WARRIORS” AT WALTER REED
AMVETS Post One is in its fourth year of supporting the families of our “Wounded Warriors” at the US Army’s Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC. On Tuesday, August 18, 2009, seven officers and members of the post visited Walter Reed, and presented a check for $4,000.00 to the Chaplain’s :”Helping Hand” Fund. The total monetary gift by Post One over the past four years to the Chaplain’s Office totals $39,600.00.This money is used by the Chaplain to assist the young families of our “Wounded Warriors”, who find it difficult to live in the expensive Washington Metropolitan Area.
AMVETS Post One plans to continue supporting the Walter Reed Chaplain’s “Helping Hand” Fund. Every cent raised goes directly to the fund, and it si administered carefully by the Chaplain’s Office.Those wishing to assist may contact William Gaddes, Post One Finance Officer, at 570-645-2762. |
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August 14, 2009................Times News
A jewel in eastern Schuylkill County St. Mary's of Coaldale to celebrate 100 years By DONALD R. SERFASS dserfass@tnonline.com
But everyone knows it as St. Mary's, a place regarded by many as the jewel of eastern Schuylkill County. Next month, the ornate church will be the center of attention when it hosts the 100th anniversary of the Orthodox movement serving the people of Coaldale. It was September 26, 1909, when the first Russian Orthodox Divine Liturgy was first celebrated in Coaldale, led by Archpriest Alexander Hotovitsky and Father Michael Fekula. Fekula was assigned by His Eminence Archbishop Platon to lead the 200-members as their first priest. On October 11, the church charter was signed by trustees and recorded in the Schuylkill County Courthouse in Pottsville.
Back then, Coaldale's Orthodox services were held in the English Public School on Phillips Street. Later, a church hall was constructed and services moved there for about four years. The parish was built in 1914 and the rectory, 1916. The Rev. Daniel Mathewson, pastor of St. Mary's, holds what is believed to be the parish's original gospel book from 1913. When everything was just right, the church was dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos, Mother of God. A century later, the ornate church remains true to its original design and is one of Coaldale's most popular tourist attractions. Lovingly preserved for decades, St. Mary's retains the unique design plans of architect John Bergenzen, who envisioned a red brick building shaped like a cross. He designed it to have five cupolas, a bell tower, and three choir lofts.
The church is a work of art by any standard, modeled after the great cathedrals of Kiev and demonstrating man's devotion to God. Father Daniel Mathewson, parish priest for the past three years, says it upholds the Orthodox church tradition. "It is typical of them to be ornate and beautiful," says the Lancaster native. Mathewson arrived in Coaldale from Canton, Ohio, and has a special perspective on the Orthodox faith. He converted after having served 20 years as a Protestant pastor. He also is the son of a Protestant pastor. His studies in the development of faith have given him deep appreciation for the history of worship. That perspective makes Mathewson an appropriate choice to lead the local church and its 170 members through the special centennial observance. Visitors come from far and wide to tour the church and take photos, something Mathewson welcomes and encourages. All who enter are amazed at the church's breathtaking beauty. So how did a priceless Orthodox parish come to be built in the blue-collar, working class community of Coaldale? Mathewson says exact details aren't clear. "It probably came about through gifts from Russia, and a lot of people donated their time." In other words, the church is so beautiful because the people of Coaldale wanted to make it beautiful. "It was from the labor of the people here." That same devotion has kept the church, rectory and hall in top condition over the years. For instance, the church was repainted in 1948. Artist Serge Bodashuk of New York City retouched the icons and murals. Local talent was used as well, with Charles Garber of Tamaqua and his workers doing the stenciling and gold leafing. St. Mary's – then called St. Mary's Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church – celebrated its Diamond Jubilee in 1983 under the leadership of the Rev. Paul Borick. Like all small town churches, St. Mary's saw the rise and fall of economic times in the community. And while membership is still strong, many members are not especially active. Such was not always the case. "There was a time when this place was packed, not a seat in the house," says Mathewson. Orthodox churches are organized under dioceses, each independently governed by a bishop, joined together under a council of bishops. The Coaldale church is part of the Frackville Deanery. Orthodox churches do not fall under Papal jurisdiction, having taken a different direction dating back to 1054 A. D. Given so much upheaval and closings among churches, Mathewson said many folks are confused as to the current situation. St. Mary's is not part of the recent closings within the Catholic Church. The Orthodox church is a completely separate entity. "We're still here. People think we're closed. They think we're part of the recent church closings," he said. But that is far from the case. In fact, the church has taken in ten new members since 2007 and has five more on the way. A youth group has been formed and a "Greeting and Welcome Team" has made improvements, including new signage. In addition, new landscaping has been completed around the church and everything is looking spiffy. Volunteers have been working hard for months. "It's a good group of people. They take pride," says member Geri Pohlod King, Coaldale. King's mother-in-law, the late Mary Zenzel King, was the first child baptized in the church. "She would've been 100 this year. Her birthday was Nov. 26, 1909," notes King. King's husband, Russell, is a member of church council. When September 6 arrives, bells will toll and the church will celebrate its vitality by hosting a celebration to mark 100 years of Orthodox faith in the Coaldale area. His Grace, Bishop Tikhon, will arrive in town to celebrate the day, including a special service and banquet. As many as 400 are expected to be on hand for the event. In addition to Acting Rector Mathewson, the church is served by Retired/Attached Rector Very Reverend Paul Ropitsky, along with Wash King as choir director, a dedicated church council and other volunteers. The church welcomes all to come and visit at any time. St. Mary's conducts Vespers service at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Reading of Hours at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday and Divine Liturgy at 9:30. On the eve of its centennial, the jewel of eastern Schuylkill County is alive and well – a jewel that never shined brighter. |
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August 13, 2009......................Times News
Coaldale receives $6,000 grant to deal with feral cat problem By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com Far fewer unwanted kittens will face short, brutal lives thanks to a $6,000 grant from PetSmart Charities to the Borough of Coaldale. Code Enforcement Officer Mark J. Richards applied for the grant. He reported at a public council meeting Tuesday that the money is earmarked for a Trap, Neuter, Release program aimed at keeping the feral cat population down. Richards reported that 12 feral cats were trapped, neutered and released in the past month under the program. According to PetSmart's Website, in "2006, PetSmart Charities funded $4.3 million to spay/neuter initiatives, a majority of which went to capacity building or spay/neuter surgeries for pre-adoption, public low-income or trap-neuter-return programs." In 1987, PetSmart founders made the decision not to sell dogs and cats, rather to promote adoption of those pets already in need of loving homes. To that end, PetSmart, Inc., established PetSmart Charities, Inc., in 1994 as a nonprofit organization committed to supporting animal welfare and animal adoption. It has funded more than $88 million in programs and grants since then. Today, PetSmart Charities assists more than 3,400 animal welfare organizations to help pets throughout the United States and Canada. Whether it's adoption, spay/neuter, home retention, emergency relief or other programs that improve the quality of life for pets, PetSmart Charities is at the forefront of finding innovative solutions. |
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Times News...............August 12, 2009
Lansford Ambulance to provide basic life support to Coaldale By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com
Coaldale Borough Council on Tuesday appointed Lansford Ambulance Association as the borough's primary Basic Life Support provider, with Tamaqua Ambulance Association as back up. In a related move, council also agreed to have its Fire and Safety Committee explore a resident's request to form a Quick Response Service team that would enable local volunteers to respond immediately to medical emergencies. Last month, council signed on with Lehighton Ambulance Association to provide Advanced Life Support services after learning that St. Luke's Miners Memorial Medical Center planned to cease ALS services as of Aug. 4. But that meant council would also need to find an ambulance service to provide Basic Life Support. Tamaqua ambulance chief Joel Essington, and Tom Strauch and Ed Sterling of Lansford ambulance, were among those representing their respective services at the meeting. Strauch said his group has a good track record, missing only one of 390 calls in a year's time. Councilwoman Joanne Melloy moved to appoint Lansford Ambulance as the borough's primary provider with Tamaqua as back up. All of council voted in favor except for Andrew Girard, who abstained because he volunteers with the Lansford organization. Borough fire Chief Rich Marek also spoke, saying he was concerned about Lehighton Ambulance's ability to serve an additional 6,000 to 9,000 people. Lehighton Ambulance Administrator Joni Gestl said her group plans to add personnel and expand the hours of its Jim Thorpe station to ensure coverage. "Coaldale is on our priority list," she said. "We will take care of you." When St. Luke's stopped its service, citing financial issues, Coaldale had little choice in appointing an ALS provider: Lehighton Ambulance, with a station in Summit Hill, is closest. St. Luke's Emergency and Transport Services, which also serves Coaldale, Tamaqua, Rush, Ryan and Schuylkill townships and parts of Walker Township, cited financial shortfalls approaching $700,000-$750,000 since June 2005 when it announced its intention to stop service in May, Kermit C. Gorr Jr., executive director of ambulance services, wrote in a May 4 letter to the municipalities. Even though the borough now has ALS and BLS providers in place, it will consider a request from resident Daniel Bird that a Quick Response Service team be formed. Bird said he canvassed borough residents at the fire station and other venues, and had a good response. The QRS team would be composed of volunteers who live in the borough. They would take turns being on call and would be dispatched through 911 calls in advance of the BLS or ALS arrivals. Bird said the group would operate under the auspices of the borough. Solicitor Michael Greek cautioned that council could not "run" the organization because "the liability would be astronomical." Bird said all the organization wants from the borough is $2,100 in startup costs and would be accountable to the borough. The group would be licensed and overseen by the state Department of Health, Gestl said. Bird said that Lansford, Tamaqua and Lehighton ambulance organizations and the state EMS Council would all contribute for training, materials, personnel protection and equipment. The QRS would do no billing; however, it must operate under the umbrella of another ambulance association in order to have malpractice and other insurances. Lansford ambulance expects to consider offering that protection. Councilman Joe Hnat suggested giving the group one of the borough's four police vehicles. Mayor Claire Remington, who had met with Bird earlier, said the QRS could begin operating without a vehicle; Bird said members could use their own. Bird, who has been an emergency medical technician for 24 years and has been a member of both the Tamaqua and Lansford ambulance associations, said "with all the services having to provide care in other communities, it's leaving a big hole for care. Our intentions are to put a medical responder at your house within one to two minutes after you hang up with 911. If it takes an ambulance 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes or 40 minutes which is not uncommon now to get to your house at least you will have a health care provider there until they do arrive." |
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August 12, 2009.............................Times News
Correction Coaldale adopts exotic pets law When a Coaldale man sent shivers through the community when he strolled down the street recently with a hefty Burmese python draped around his neck, the scales of justice were tipped in his favor: borough Police Chief Tim Delaney could do nothing. "There's no law against walking around with a big snake," he said. While not getting "hissterical" over the matter, council wanted to make sure the adders don't multiply, so it authorized solicitor Michael Greek to draft an ordinance constricting residents' possession of snakes and other exotic pets. Not wanting council to make an "asp" of itself, Greek cautioned that the python would be able to slither through any new law governing exotic pets that already make their homes in the borough because they would be "grandfathered." Code Enforcement Officer Mark J. Richards noted the event in his monthly report to council. "There was an issue with a Burmese python located at 274 Third St. in the borough," he wrote. "There are no local ordinances prohibiting the possession of this animal. It is classified as an exotic animal and does not require a permit or license from the Department of Agriculture." Not that council wanted to put the bite on the snake owner, who Councilman Joe Hnat said was cooperative and promised to keep his pet python indoors. "The man who did it didn't realize he disturbed the whole town," he said. |
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August 12, 2009.....................Times News
Coaldale's energy savings plan is short-circuited By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com Coaldale's plan to generate substantial energy savings through buying its street lights from PPL instead of leasing them has been temporarily short-circuited. Under the plan, the borough would save $213,346 in street lighting costs over the next 20 years by having Municipal Energy Managers of Olyphant, Lackawanna County, negotiate with PPL for Coaldale to buy the lights. PPL would still own the poles and provide the electricity. Municipal Energy Managers would upgrade and maintain the lights for a flat annual fee through 2037. MEM has already begun refurbishing the lights, but council learned Tuesday that work was halted when PPL said it would not negotiate with MEM because it had no documentation that the company was acting on the borough's behalf. Borough solicitor Michael Greek acted immediately to resolve the problem by having council president Sue Solt sign a letter to PPL's Chief General Counsel Paul Russell to "formally express the borough's intent to purchase street lighting facilities" and naming MEM as its agent. However, he said, lawsuits may arise from the situation. He advised council to "wait and see" how the situation goes. The problem will also affect Tamaqua and Nesquehoning, which have also signed on with MEM to buy their street lights. PPL senior legal counsel Damon D. Obie wrote in an Aug. 7 letter to Bob Kearns of MEM that warning him that MEM's work on the lights was unauthorized. Only PPL can authorize the work, Obie wrote. "Unless our concerns are immediately addressed as specified in this letter, PPL will file suit to prevent further unauthorized work on our street lights and recover damages relating to your trespass to PPL's property," Obie wrote. The letter lists 15 municipalities and people, including Coaldale, Tamaqua and Nesquehoning. Efforts to reach MEM principals early Wednesday were unsuccessful. Coaldale, which has been leasing its street lights from PPL for $28,000 a year, signed onto the MEM plan in February, voting to borrow $182,400 from Jim Thorpe National Bank at a 4.45 percent fixed rate to acquire the street lights after listening to a presentation by James Schlesinger of Concord Public Financial Advisors Inc., Reading, and Tim Moran of MEM. Once the $182,400 debt is paid, the borough would own the lights and save about $18,500 a year, given an anticipated 3 percent PPL annual rate increase for leasing the lights. Moran said at the time that the borough's savings are guaranteed under the proposed 20-year contract. Schlesinger said 14 or 15 municipalities, including Bethlehem, have signed on to the plan. |
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Times News......August 4, 2009
Coaldale cyclist killed in Rush Twp. The victim was identified as Lewie A. Zavitsky, 33, of Coaldale. The driver of the sport utility vehicle (SUV) involved was identified as Elaine Wasserleben, 61, of Quakake. |
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August 3, 2009..........................Times News
St. Mary's Day Camp announced St. Mary's Orthodox Church, First and Phillips St., Coaldale, will conduct the Children's Community Orthodox Day Camp on August 12 to 15 for ages K-11. Sessions will run from 9 a.m. to noon each day. The camp will reach out to the children and families of the community and will serve as an introduction to the Orthodox faith. It also will serve to remind everyone that church doors are still open, and that St. Mary's remains an active parish. The day camp will run from Aug. 12 -15, Wednesday through Saturday. From Wednesday through Friday, the camp will offer an introduction to the Orthodox Faith, including stories from the lives of the saints, along with games, crafts, and a lunch served each day. The camp will finish with all children and families invited to the Divine Liturgy on Saturday Aug. 15, with a carnival to follow on Phillips street. The carnival will be geared for children and families, with a bake sale in the parish hall and many other games and activities planned. More information is available at (570) 645-2772. |
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July 31, 2009.................Times News
50-foot flagpole being placed back in service By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com
The Coaldale Veterans Committee and the fire company are restoring the 89-year-old pole, which will display a 10-foot-by15-foot American flag donated by state Sen. David G. Argall.
The work is being done on the pole, erected in 1920, by the James Whitehead Co. and the Coaldale Fire Company at the behest of the Coaldale Veterans Memorial Committee, who will pay the $2,500 cost of restoring the flagpole base and installing additional lighting. Within the week, the committee hopes to hoist a 10 by 15 foot nylon American flag donated by state Senator David G. Argall up the refurbished pole. "We are grateful that our fire company has agreed to use their tower to restore this historic flagpole," said Veterans Committee member William Gaddes, who initiated the restoration. "I look forward to seeing this magnificent flag fly over Coaldale." Gaddes got the idea of restoring the flagpole about a year ago. "I fondly remember the American flag when I attended Coaldale High School," he said. Restoring the flagpole is a big job. The pole, while needing a facelift, is structurally sound. The base needs to be repaired and repainted, the pole painted a bright white and the pulley and rope system replaced. Last Saturday, firefighters Tommy Polischak and Lennie Arner rode the bucket of the fire company's aerial truck to paint the top of the pole. Firefighter James Nichols operated the tower boom. Polischak shrugged off any trepidation about working at the dizzying height. The Coaldale Veterans Memorial Committee and the fire company are restoring the 89-year-old pole, which will display a 10-foot-by-15-foot American flag donated by state Sen. David G. Argall.
"It's nothing out of the ordinary," he said. ''We go up there for fires. I wasn't scared. It's something you have to get used to - it moves around a little bit." The fire company is honored to be involved in the project, said borough Fire Chief Richard Marek. "We are proud to be able to restore this historic flagpole. We look forward to seeing Old Glory flying proudly over the town again," he said. Marek, who is also a member of the Veterans Memorial Committee, said that "Our Veterans Committee believes that Coaldale has the highest per capita in the Nation that served in the military in World War II. Our veterans, and the citizens who supported them, deserve this tribute." Marek also serves as the project manager for the Coaldale Veterans and Women's Memorial, next to the Borough Hall on Phillips Street. Gaddes, who designed the Coaldale Veterans and Women's Memorial, said Argall "has been a staunch supporter of our efforts to honor Coaldale's veterans and women." Gaddes said the "tower being used in the flagpole restoration has an interesting history. In 1996, the Coaldale Fire Company purchased the tower (ladder) from (a dealer on the outskirts of New York City) for about $35,000. They spent over 12,600 man-hours and more than $20,000 restoring the tower to pristine condition. That is a remarkable accomplishment. Coaldale should be grateful for the dedication and skill of the members of their fire company." The flagpole, lighting, and restored base will be dedicated during Coaldale's Veterans Day service on Nov. 8. Those interested in helping to defray the cost of this restoration or the cost of the Coaldale Memorial to Women, may contact Millie Flyzik at 570-645-9605. Inscribed bricks are still available at $50 each. Donation checks may be sent to "WW II Memorial Committee" Box 116, Coaldale. PA 18218. All contributions are tax-deductible. |
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July 17, 2009.....................Times News
Coaldale VFW aids Tamaqua fire victims JOE PLASKO/TIMES NEWS  Coaldale VFW Post 6982 held a DJ benefit on Saturday, June 27 for the victims of a fire along Pleasant Row, North Railroad Street in Tamaqua last month. The benefit raised $250. Participating in the check presentation are, from left, Ronald Whetstone, quartermaster, Post 6982; Stanley Kieffer and Tolan Kunkle of Tamaqua, the fire victims; and Norman Whetstone, senior vice commander for Post 6982. Both Kieffer and Kunkle said they were appreciative of all the support they and their families have received from the community since the fire on June 11.Under the plan, the borough would save $213,346 in street lighting costs over the next 20 years by having Municipal Energy Managers of Olyphant, Lackawanna County, negotiate with PPL for Coaldale to buy the lights. PPL would still own the poles and provide the electricity. Municipal Energy Managers would upgrade and maintain the lights for a flat annual fee through 2037. |
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July 15, 2009....................................Times News
Vehicle repairs prohibited on Coaldale streets These warm summer evenings seem like the perfect time to save some bucks by doing your own car maintenance and repairs, but please don't do them on the streets of Coaldale Borough. Borough council on Tuesday reminded residents that it's against the law to do repair work on the street. Patrolman Charles A. Blesse cited borough code that allows minor fixes, including adding motor oil, windshield washer fluid or antifreeze, or replacing wiper blades, headlights, taillights, interior lighting, or changing tires or batteries. But the code forbids major repairs, which are defined as "all repairs other than those listed as minor repairs." That would include changing the oil, performing engine work and all other repairs. Council president Susan Solt brought up the matter as she recounted driving down a borough street and seeing a man under a car, his head out on the roadway. Councilman Steve Tentylo recalled seeing a man change the oil in his car, allowing the dirty oil to run down the gutter. |
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July 15, 2009
Young ballplayer seeks baseball field in borough Eleven-year-old Tyler Hutta likes to play baseball. In fact, the Coaldale lad plays on the Tamaqua Little League team, where he's an All-Star. But he'd like to play a little closer to home. So, on Tuesday, Tyler, accompanied by borough resident Richard Corkery, asked Coaldale borough council to help in his quest to have a ball field in town, maybe in the Seek section, where an old, long-unused field already exists. "I'll do whatever needs to be done," he said. "I would rake the field when its done and mow the grass." Corkery said there are two prerequisites for a team: a league and a field in which to play. Corkery, who introduced Hutta to council as his "very good friend," said that the West Penn Township Little League has offered to accept a Coaldale team. Now, all they need is a field. The Seek field has an old backstop, but otherwise is in bad shape. Councilman Joseph Hnat said borough Boy Scouts and their parents had cleaned up the field, but the debris piles have yet to be picked up. Council has also considered extending the Black Diamond field for use as a baseball field. The problem comes down to dollars. Times are tight, and council lacks the money to fix the fields. "This is on a wish list for us," said Council president Susan Solt. She said even grants are hard to come by, given the current economic downturn. Councilman Tom Keerans said building a ball field at the Black Diamond could cost a lot of money, but that maybe council should apply for grants. "You mean fundraising?" Hutta asked, envisioning a thriving concession stand, among other amenities. "Right now, we just don't have the money," Hnat said. He suggested Hutta and Corkery take their mission to the Eastern Schuylkill Recreation Commission, which has successfully obtained grants for other projects. "You might just hit a home run with them," he said. |
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July 15, 2009.....................Times News
Coaldale to pursue Lehighton ALS service By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com Coaldale Borough on Tuesday agreed to sign on with Lehighton Ambulance Association to provide Advanced Life Support services. Council voted on the matter because its current ALS provider, St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital, Coaldale, announced earlier it would stop service as of Aug. 4 due to financial concerns. Lehighton is the only other ALS provider in the area. Council hadn't planned on considering the matter, but secretary Louise Lill reported that she had received a telephone message earlier that day from the Lehighton group offering to provide the service. "If St. Luke's pulls out, we have to accept Lehighton," said Councilman Tom Keerans. St. Luke's Emergency and Transport Services, which also serves Coaldale, Tamaqua, Rush, Ryan and Schuylkill townships and parts of Walker Township, cited financial shortfalls approaching $700,000-$750,000 since June 2005 when it announced its intention to stop service in May. Kermit C. Gorr Jr., executive director of ambulance services, wrote in a May 4 letter to the borough that, "In the past few years, insurance reimbursements for paramedic ambulance services have been declining while staffing, fuel and vehicle maintenance costs have been increasing." Coaldale council members attended a Tamaqua Borough Council meeting to discuss the matter, but nothing came of it, council members said. Lehighton Ambulance has a station in Summit Hill that its officials say is manned 24/7. It also has stations in Lehighton and Penn Forest Township. In other matters Tuesday, Coaldale Council agreed to paint white parking space lines on Ruddle Street between Third and Fourth streets at the request of resident Jeffrey Frable. Frable said parking on his block is squeezed tight with cars, trucks, motorcycles and trailers. In other street matters, council learned that a swath of Ruddle Street between Fourth and Fifth streets was damaged by Saturday's heavy rains. The area is cordoned off until the borough can fix it. Also, council accepted, with regret, the resignation effective June 23 of part-time patrolman Tito Loar. Loar, whom council said did an excellent job, accepted a full-time position with the Kutztown Police Department. |
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July 13, 2009..............Times News
Miner's Heritage Festival grows in size and popularity Times News article on the festival Above link, direct link to article
By VICTOR IZZO TN Correspondent tneditor@tnonline.com Event coordinator for the Annual Coal Miner's Heritage Festival, Dale Freudenberger was appropriately attired in the garb of a coal miner complete with a lit lamp on his hat and a shovel on his shoulder.
According to event coordinator Dale Freudenberger, "the event continues to grow in popularity and also in size with more vendors and exhibits than last year. This is an event that we are looking at continuing to grow. Our goal is to have the best Coal Heritage Exhibit in Northeastern PA. That's something that we'll continue to fine tune." A huge day-long throng of visitors descended under clear blue skies on the festival which was held on the grounds of the the No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum in Lansford. While they came to have a great time, they were also learning about the extensive history and the trials and tribulations of the area's coal mining past. There was no lack of things for visitors to see or do as the festival had something of interest for everyone, young and old alike. VICTOR IZZO/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS Crowds of visitors milled around double the number of vendors at this year's festival compared to last year's inaugural run. Exhibits and vendors featured a diverse variety of items such as crafts, artwork, photography, gift items, coal region T-shirts, and local history books. Noted by his father as liking coal, trains, and canals, nine year old John Shucavage of Tamaqua tried his hand at the half ton of coal shoveling. Local history displays were just as diverse in that they spanned the many industries that helped build our area as well as the industrial development of our nation. They covered coal mining, railroads, canals, and even the many local breweries that once served the northeast. With the "sheriff" taking the heat of an argument with a miner's family, the Eckely Players put on skits re-enacting scenes from the lives of coal miners and their families.
According to No. 9 Mine Director Brian Timony, 718 mine tours were taken by the more than 5,000 visitors who came to the Heritage Festival, well exceeding the number of tours taken during last year's festival. All accompanied by old-time fiddle music, polkas and mining songs, music and songs from the Breaker Boys and other strolling musicians all day long. For the kids, there were "coal sack races" and Buster the Clown entertained them throughout the day. The Victorian Hi-Wheelers of Tamaqua were present to put on a display of riding the vintage hi-wheel bicycles of the past. Also on hand to entertain visitors were the Eckely Players who strolled about the grounds in period clothing and put on skits re-enacting scenes from the lives of coal miners and their families. There really was something for everyone at the festival for the people of our region without the need to travel for hours to have a truly enjoyable day out. Talk about hitting the nail on the head, in the words of No. 9 Mine tour guide Jan LeVan, "check out your own back yard". She went on to thank all the volunteer workers, firefighters, and vendors who worked so hard to make the event a success and she particularly wished to thank the public for supporting Anthracite history and helping to keep the No. 9 Mine alive. At day's end, No. 9 Mine & Museum President Dave Kuchta noted that they had set a "new record" in the mine for tours for the day with the over 700 tours taken by visitors to the festival and he acknowledged the extra effort of the tour guides in that accomplishment. He and Director Brian Timony summed it all up quite well when they said "you couldn't ask for a better day". |
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July 6, 2009...................Times News
Coaldale office closed July 10-17 The Coaldale Borough Administrative Office will be closed for vacation from July 10-17. Regular hours will resume on Monday, July 20. PPL senior legal counsel Damon D. Obie wrote in an Aug. 7 letter to Bob Kearns of MEM that warning him that MEM's work on the lights was unauthorized. Only PPL can authorize the work, Obie wrote. |
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July 6, 2009..........................Times News
Coaldale police kept busy Coaldale police have made several arrests in recent days. Angelo Maldonado, 19, of 4689 Waterfall Street, Macungie: possession of drug paraphernalia and public drunkenness on June 29 by Patrolman Charles Andrew Blesse. Dennis M. Deaver, 34, of 226 W. Ridge St., Coaldale: altered, forged or counterfeit documents and plates; operation of a vehicle without official certificate of inspection; two counts of violations of use of certificate of inspection on June 27 by Blesse. Blesse reported in an affidavit of probable cause filed with District Judge Stephen Bayer of Tamaqua, that he was conducting a DUI checkpoint along Route 209, near Erbe's gas station when he saw a white Dodge truck with an inspection sticker that looked altered. He pulled it over, identified Deaver as the driver and found the sticker had been made by copying an official sticker on a computer and altering it. |
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July 1, 2009...............Times News
Second Coal Miner's Heritage Festival July 12 in Lansford "This unique annual event is a celebration of coal region history, culture and the environment," said Dale Freudenberger, secretary of No. 9 Mine and Museum, and coordinator of the event. The festival will be held on the grounds surrounding the museum along Dock Street. "Based on the overwhelming success and popularity of the first event held last year, many more exhibitors and vendors have signed up to be part of this unique event this year" said Freudenberger. Admission to the festival is free. The Coal Miners Heritage Festival celebrates northeast Pennsylvania's rich coal mining heritage, traditions, customs, ethnic foods, music, history, and landscapes. Tours of the 177-year-old No. 9 Coal Mine will be available throughout the day. No. 9 is the world's oldest deep mine having been opened in 1855 by the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company and closed in 1972. The guided mine tours last approximately 45 minutes and are available throughout the day. Visitors will ride into the mine in the safety of mine cars that are pulled by an original mine motor or engine. The nearby No. 9 Coal Mining Museum, housed in the original 1920s era miners wash shanty, houses one of the largest collections of anthracite coal mining artifacts, tools, photographs and memorabilia anywhere in the coal fields. There is an admission fee for the coal mine and museum tour. The D&L Corridor is a supporter of No. 9 Mine and Museum because it preserves, promotes and interprets an important part of the region's mining history. Many unique attractions and exhibits are being planned as part of the July 12 celebration. In keeping with the theme, the Coal Miner's Competition and Demonstration will be educational, as well as fun. The demonstration will include mine timber cutting and debarking as was done by our fathers and grandfathers. There will also be a coal shoveling competition where competitors shovel a half ton of coal in the shortest time. Trophies will be awarded to the winners. Demonstrations of mine timbering, coal cracking, blacksmithing and leather making will be offered. Visitors can also see the latest addition to the museum grounds, a historic mine lokie once owned and operated by Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company in the Panther Creek Valley. Volunteers from No. 9 have recently cosmetically restored the exterior of the locomotive. A large variety of traditional crafts, reproduction items and prints, coal region T-shirts, coal region artists and artwork, and authors of local history books will be participating and selling their goods. Among those are traditional Lithuanian, Polish, and Irish crafts, wood, stained glass, and gemstone jewelry. Works of coal region art in various mediums including charcoal, pen and ink, sculpture, paint, and photography will be displayed by the artists. Included is an exhibit by local artist Renee Novak featuring her first of a series to lifesize paint on canvas titled "Anthrasight." Other artists featured include the WYSO Foundation, Fred Bartlett, Joseph Evanousky and Tom Williams. Author Gene Gomolka will be autographing copies of his book titled "Coal Crackers Son." Other items to be found at the festival include reproductions of coal region maps and photos, cast iron toys, rocks, minerals and fossils, handmade jewelry, wooden whirligigs, local history books, coal souvenirs, railroad and mining songs on CDs and tapes and more. A variety of historical exhibits will be setup outside on the grounds during the festival, which will highlight coal region heritage and culture. The old time "Wash House" will feature the evolution of antique washing machines over the years. Other exhibits include private collections of coal region ethnic and cultural memorabilia, local history memorabilia, antique coal company signs from all over northeast Pennsylvania, a display of antique beer trays from small town breweries in northeast Pennsylvania, World War I Coal advertising posters, coal mining and railroad artifacts and station signs from well known coal towns in the region. There will also be Molly Maguire memorabilia, and an exhibit on 19th century funeral practices in the region, antique coal delivery truck, a huckster wagon, an operable old-time stationary steam engine and mine pump, and other mining equipment featured on the grounds. Also featured will be modern coal fired furnaces and boilers for sale. A variety of music typically found in the coal region will be featured throughout the day including mining folk songs by the Breaker Boys all day, old time fiddle music by Paul Riffon from 1 to 5 p.m., folk musician Jay Smar from noon to 2 p.m., and DJ Shawn playing Polkas, mining and railroad themed music all day. Re-enactors from the Eckley Players will stroll the grounds in their authentic "patch town" outfits, performing skits, telling stories, and sharing tales throughout the day. A wide array of homemade, coal region, ethnic foods and festival favorites will be featured for sale including halushki, pierogies, bleenies, open pit chicken BBQ, pulled pork, BBQ beef, turkey fingers, goat meat, Jerk chicken, fried vegetables, sweet potato fries, funnel cake, hot dogs, hamburgers, fresh lemonade, homemade fudge, strawberry shortcakes, Philly soft pretzels and more. Another popular competition is the "coal sack races" for children and adults. Buster the Clown will also entertain the kids throughout the day. Fire eating demonstrations, a golf game, EGW Wrestling games, balloon animals and face painting will also be available. The "Victorian Hi-Wheelers of Tamaqua" will also be riding their vintage hi-wheel bicycles throughout the festival grounds. Numerous organizations and agencies from all over northeast Pa.'s coal region have already signed up to participate in this unique coal region celebration with exhibits and informational booths. They include the Anthracite Living History Group, Mine Safety and Rescue Unit, Huber Breaker Preservation Society, Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, the National Canal Museum, Switchback Gravity Railroad Foundation, Eckley Miners Village, Anthracite Heritage Museum of Scranton, Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railroad, Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau, Mauch Chunk Lake Park, Lansford Rotary, Lansford Historical Society, St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital, Summit Hill Community Organization, Lansford AMVETS, Appalachian Coal Country Watershed Team, Anthracite Heritage Alliance, OSM-VISTA, Old Forge Coal Mine Project, and the Historical Relic Preservation Society. The Miller-Keystone Blood Mobile will also be on hand allowing visitors to donate much needed blood while they are there. The Carbon County Environmental Education Center will present their "Birds of Prey" program at 11:30 a.m. There will also be displays of nature photography and art. To register as a participant, contact Freudenberger at dale@delawareandlehigh.org or by phone at (610) 377-4063. For general information, phone the No. 9 Mine and Museum at (570) 645-7074 or visit at www.no9mine.com. |
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June 29, 2009..................Times News
Mrs. Elizabeth Pascoe Reed was made of stern stuff. Known for her strong work ethic and tough character, "Gram," as she was known, raised two grandsons and walked to and from her housekeeping job at the then-Coaldale Hospital, never missing a day even when she slipped and fell one icy day, breaking an arm. "She was a tough old broad," said grandson Bill Berry. Reed, who died in March 14, 1991 at the age of 103 – Coaldale's oldest resident – instilled the same strength of character and solid values in her children and grandchildren. Berry is one of those grandchildren. She raised him from age 2, along with his brother, Charlie. Bill Berry grew up a "scrappy" kid, said his cousin, Joyce McLaughlin. He played tackle for Coaldale High School before serving in the U.S. Navy and then going on to George Washington University. But under all the toughness, there was an untapped wellspring of artistic talent in Berry, who took his first art lesson about 50 years ago while teaching school in Virginia. He dabbled at painting, then became a serious artist about a decade ago. "I just always enjoyed it," he said. "It's become part of my life now." Three of Berry's paintings, "Balloon Fest," "Painted Butte" and "Watering Hole," will be displayed in the geriatric unit of St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital, formerly Coaldale Hospital, where his beloved grandmother worked and spent the last 13 years of her life. "My grandmother spent some time on the fifth floor and I guess I just kind of felt like I owed them something," Berry said in a telephone interview from his home in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Berry's generosity is appreciated. "We are so grateful to Mr. Berry for remembering his hometown hospital with his donated artwork," said Micah Gursky, the hospital's director of development. "His colorful paintings with Southwestern themes remind us that what we do here at St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital has a lasting impact on the lives of people all over the county. It's nice to know we have friends near and far whose generosity is helping our local hospital provide the very best care in a warm, inviting atmosphere." The paintings, done in acrylic, evoke the intense hues of the southwest, where Berry and Mary, his wife of 36 years, now live. "We have balloon fests all through New Mexico," Berry said. "Hundreds of balloons go up at one time." The mountains behind the balloons in the painting look like organ pipes. In "Watering Hole," the windmill is "typical of the southwest and cattle ranching and is just part of the atmosphere out here," he said. Not only will the paintings add to the geriatric unit's decor, they will provide some added "extras" to the lives of its guests. The paintings are being sponsored by the Tamaqua Leo Club's Art of Caring program, which sells sponsors for the paintings to raise money for the hospital's geriatric center endowment fund. Sponsors get a small black plaque that is displayed at the bottom of the paintings. The endowment fund provides for items that are not covered by insurance, such as activities and decorations for the community room, outings and entertainment. That Berry would continue to give back to the community that nurtured him is no surprise; Reed raised her grandsons to have the same solid work ethic and values that structured her own life. That strong character was evident early on. Coaldale native Jim McCartney recalls Berry's actions to move him to safety during a raging fire when McCartney was a child. The fire broke out in the Ritz Theater on Second Street in the early morning hours of Dec. 26, 1948. "Temperatures were freezing that night and the streets were covered with snow and ice," McCartney said. "I was only 5 years old at the time, but can remember that night like it was yesterday. I grew up at 109 Second Street, only three houses away from the Ritz. With the intensity of the fire and freezing wind, it was feared that many other homes adjacent to the Ritz would also go up in flames. So, homes close to the fire were evacuated. "Bill Berry was a senior at Coaldale High School at the time, and was a good friend of my brother, George McCartney. He also assisted others to evacuate the fire scene. When the time came to evacuate our house, Bill Berry picked me up in his arms and carried me across the icy street to the other side of Second Street to an apartment owned by my uncle and aunt, Jack and Catherine Hollywood, who lived above the Furey's News Agency. Fortunately, the fire was restricted to the Ritz Theater with minimal damage to homes next to the Ritz building. Several firemen were injured and taken to the Coaldale Hospital." The following year, in June 1949, Berry, now 77, graduated from Coaldale High School. He quickly enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during the Korean War until 1953. Upon mustering out of the service, Berry attended Perkiomen Prep School in Pennsburg, Montgomery County. He transferred to George Washington University in Washington, D.C. in 1954, where he majored in biology and physical education. Berry continued his athletic career at George Washington, playing varsity football, playing tackle. "In 1957, we beat Texas Western in the Sun Bowl," he said. "That was before we had all the Bowl games, so it was a pretty neat deal for us." The game was Berry's first taste of the southwest. After earning his bachelor's and master's degrees, he began teaching and coaching at St. Stephen's Episcopal Boys School in Alexandria, Va., where he also took his first art classes. From 1962 through 1980, Berry taught and coached and was a high school administrator in the Fairfax, Va., public school system. He taught physical education and biology, and coached football, wrestling, and boy's track. Berry and Mary moved to Las Cruces when he retired in 1980. He designed and built their passive solar adobe house. Beginning in the mid-1980s, Berry pushed retirement aside and served as the manager and licensed operator of a small mutual domestic water association on the outskirts of Las Cruces. Since retiring from that job in 2006, Berry has devoted most of his time to painting acrylics, oils, and even painting on glass. In January 2008, he was named "Artist of the Month" by the City of Las Cruces and his works were displayed in City Hall, according to his biography. Berry's cousin, Joyce McLaughlin of Coaldale, is proud of Berry, and said Reed would be, too. "I know she's looking down on him with pride," she said. |
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June 20, 2009.......................Times News
Coaldale police kept busy Coaldale police have been busy lately nabbing allegedly drunk drivers, catching alleged thieves and cuffing alleged assailants. According to a report released by Chief Tim Delaney, here's what's been happening: Shawn McFadden, 20, of 100 Springgarden St., Lansford, was charged with theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and theft from a motor vehicle after allegedly taking a purple purse with a $400 palm TREO cell phone, $20 in cash, credit cards, identification cards, a license, an M&T Bank Visa card, a checkbook, the handle for the rear passenger side door, school keys and car keys and a $250 Garmin GPS unit from a vehicle owned by Mark Comensky. The theft occurred on June 11 at 40 E. Water St., according to Delaney. He wrote that he had been called by a neighbor who saw a man matching McFadden's description take the items from the car. The man asked McFadden what he was doing, and McFadden told him his dirt bike wouldn't start. McFadden then took off, riding a blue dirt bike from the scene along a dirt path between East Ridge Street and Anthracite Street in Coaldale. Desiree M. Wyland, 43, of 302 Ridge Terrace, Coaldale, operating a vehicle without a certificate of inspection and having altered, forged or counterfeit inspection certificate May 18. Delaney said he saw Wyland driving the Jeep on West Ridge Street and noticed it had an expired sticker. Wyland told him she had gotten the sticker from "a guy in Shamokin." The sticker had been altered from 02/09 to 08/09, Delaney wrote. Daniel Louis Schwertfeger, 40, of 114 W. Phillips St., Coaldale, was charged with simple assault and harassment after a May 23 incident at his home. Officer Charles A. Blesse wrote that he was called to the home at 5:40 p.m. because of a fight. He spoke with a Melodie Wright, who told him that Schwertfeger, her former husband, and she had argued and that she threw an iced tea on him and he dumped a beer on her. She told Blesse that she then locked him out of the house and that he kicked the front door out. She said he came back into the home and when they were upstairs, he pushed her and she hit the edge of a wooden bed frame. She told Blesse that when she tried to get back up, he pushed her again. Wright said she screamed for neighbors to call 911. Blesse observed a bruise on her right shoulder and redness at her jaw. While he was talking with Wright, Schwertfeger came out of the house and yelled. Blesse told him to go back inside, and the officer went into the house a few minutes later, Schwertfeger had fled. Christopher M. Hyland, 40, of 255 W. Rowe St., Tamaqua, was charged with driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol after Blesse pulled him over as he drove on SR209 at 1:50 a.m., May 23. Blesse wrote that he saw the Jeep Hyland was driving cross the double yellow lines, weave back and forth in his lane of travel and cross the fog line. Blesse wrote that he smelled a strong odor of alcohol when he spoke with Hyland, and that he had glassy eyes and slurred speech. Hyland told Blesse he had had one beer. After failing a field sobriety test, he told Blesse he had had three beers. He was arrested and told Blesse he had had a "bunch" of mixed drinks. Hyland was taken to St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital, Coaldale, where his blood alcohol ratio was 0.30 percent at 1:50 a.m. May 23. Daniel J. Sabol, 62, of 331 Ridge Terrace, Coaldale, was charged with two counts of DUI. Schuylkill County Sheriff Deputy Charlie Dries stopped Sabol's car at a DUI checkpoint on SR209 in Coaldale at 10:54 p.m., June 5. Sabol failed a field sobriety test. A blood-alcohol test revealed his blood alcohol ratio to be 0.22 percent. Jeffrey A. George, 25, of 313 Market St., Tamaqua, was charged with two counts of DUI and operating a vehicle without a valid inspection sticker following a DUI checkpoint stop on SR209 at 12:30 a.m. June 6. George failed a field sobriety test. His blood alcohol ratio was 0.18 percent. Michael Christopher Gallagher, 29, of 127 Greenwood St., Coaldale, was charged with DUI and driving without a license after police were called to the scene of a disturbance involving a .22 rifle at his home at 1:22 a.m. May 1. Officer Todd Weiss wrote that Gallagher had fled the scene with the rifle. As Weiss spoke with a witness, Charles Erbe, Gallagher pulled up and got out of his car. Weiss asked him where the rifle was, and he said "in the side door on the couch." Weiss wrote that he smelled a strong odor of alcohol on Gallagher and that his eyes were glassy. Gallagher admitted to having been drinking. Weiss went with him to retrieve the rifle. Gallagher was arrested and put into the back of the police cruiser. Weiss spoke with Erbe, who told him he, Gallagher and Gallagher's wife Donna were in the basement drinking when Gallagher and his wife got into an argument. Gallagher threatened to shoot her and went toward the rifle, which was hanging on a wall. Erbe said he grabbed the rifle and was going to take it to his house for the night. Gallagher grabbed it back and ran out the back door. Gallagher's blood alcohol ratio was 0.10 percent. |
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Note this is from a press release on November, 1989
A newspaper article from Florida detailing the death of Kermit Hoffman, class of '64. He was reported missing Aug. 14, 1987, but his remains were discovered Nov. 7, 1989. NEW PORT RICHEY - Pasco County Sheriff's office, with the help of a forensic anthropologist, have determined the identity of a skeleton found in deep woods in Land O"lakes in November. The skeleton was that of Kermit Hoffman, 43, a reclusive man who lived near the site where the body was found and was reported missing 2 1/2 years ago. There were no signs of foul play. Originally from Coaldale, PA, Hoffman lived alone and often camped in the woods. Detectives learned that Hoffman had been reported missing by a neighbor on Aug. 14, 1987 and matched the body's basic description. Fractures to bones and surgeries Hoffman was known to have matched. His body was discovered Nov. 7, 1989 by loggers. |
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June 12, 2009...........Times Ne
 w JOE PLASKO/TIMES NEWS Steve Polischak and Ronnie Arner of the Coaldale |
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June 12, 2009.......................Times News
World War II-era photographs sought for Coaldale Memorial Organizers of Coaldale's Veterans and Women's Memorial Garden are seeking World War II-era photographs to adorn the Women's Memorial Wishing Well. The photographs will be considered for inclusion on one of eight black granite images. The pictures will be returned to their owners. The Veterans Committee is looking for photographs in specific categories: A husband and father in uniform with his family; a World War II nurse in uniform; a uniformed member of the Women's Army Corps, a uniformed member of Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVE); and a woman Marine in a World War II uniform. The group is also seeking other photographs of historical World War II interest. To share a photo, please contact Millie Flyzik at (570) 645-9605, or Linda Miller at 645-6162. Organizers are also asking people to help defray the cost of the Women's Memorial by purchasing an inscribed brick or by providing a donation. The Memorial Garden, designed by William Gaddes of Lake Hauto, is next to the Coaldale Borough Hall at Third and Phillips Street. |
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Times News..................June 11, 2009
@Section Head:COALDALE A Bucks County man who owns rental properties in Coaldale claimed at a public borough council meeting this week that the borough's landlord ordinance is discriminatory because it fails to hold government owned subsidized housing units and owner-occupied homes to the same rules governing permit fees and inspections as privately-owned rental units. Landlord Thomas Peto of Langhorne cited Lansford, which he said gets $3,000 a year in revenue from permit fees it collects from its public housing. Coaldale should impose the fees on its public housing, too, he said. He also said that the ordinance discriminates because it does not require owner-occupied homes to have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Rental units must have the safety devices. Borough solicitor Michael Greek reviewed Lansford's landlord ordinance and found it was the same as Coaldale's. Both ordinances state that units owned by the housing authority are exempt from regularly scheduled borough inspections and the rental housing licensing fee if the Code Enforcement Officer annually determines in writing that the housing authority's inspection program is sufficient. But the housing authority still must obey the other aspects of the ordinance, including rules on evictions. Mayor Claire Remington said the ordinance is "about safety, not money." Councilman Joseph Hnat wondered why, if Lansford is collecting the fees, Coaldale shouldn't follow suit. "He's got a good point there that we should consider," he said. "By not collecting those fees, you're discriminating against me again," Peto said. He also took umbrage at the ordinance's requirements on safety devices and inspections. "I don't mind putting smoke detectors, radon detectors, fail-safe switches in the house. But the neighbors next door, I guarantee you, don't have them," Peto told council. "So I think you people should inspect everybody's house and make it fair." In other matters Tuesday, council agreed to have Kathy Ruff Maruschak as activities coordinator for the borough's revitalization committee. The unpaid title allows her to submit grant applications for parks monies. Council also hired Peter Sanders as a part-time police officer, and considered, but did not decide upon, hiring retired state trooper Joseph Sommers for investigations on an as-needed basis. |
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Coaldale Women's Memorial.........June 10, 2009
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWSThe Coaldale Women's Memorial, designed by William Gaddes of Lake Hauto, is hoped to be dedicated in time for Veteran's Day, Nov. 8, 2009. The memorial, next to Borough Hall on Phillips Street, will include a wishing well and murals by Coaldale artist Sue Frendak. The mural shown is based on the Vietnam Women's Memorial in Washington, DC. The Coaldale World War II Committee is very grateful for the support of Frendak, and of Dave Yelito and his two sons, Louis and Nicholas, who erected the murals. Left to right: Louis Yelito, Nicholas Yelito, Susan Frendak and David Yelito (father of Louis and Nicholas). CHRIS PARKER/TIMES NEWS St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital has received paintings by former Coaldale resident Bill Berry. Holding the paintings, left to right, are director of development Micah Gursky; activities coordinator Catherine Watkins and volunteer Patricia Lorah. |
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June 10, 2009..........Times News
COALDALE Officials seek ways to keep ambulance service By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com Members of Coaldale's Borough Council plan to visit Tamaqua Borough Council's June 16 public meeting to see what they can do to keep St. Luke's Emergency and Transport Services operating in the boroughs. St. Luke's, citing financial shortfalls approaching $700,000-$750,000 since June 2005, has vowed to stop ambulance services to the borough as of Aug. 4. A May 4 letter to the borough from Executive Director of Ambulance Services Kermit C. Gorr Jr. said that "In the past few years, insurance reimbursements for paramedic ambulance services have been declining while staffing, fuel and vehicle maintenance costs have been increasing." St. Luke's has provided the service to Coaldale since June 2005. Similar letters went to Tamaqua, Rush and other municipalities. On Tuesday, Coaldale Fire Chief Richard Marek attended a public council meeting to urge officials to act. He said that billing was the crux of the issue, and that the epicenter of the storm is in neighboring Tamaqua. Marek said that insurance monies are sent to Tamaqua Ambulance Association, which provides Basic Life Support services. St. Luke's provides Advanced Life Support services to Tamaqua, and both BLS and ALS to Coaldale. Tamaqua Ambulance then sends St. Luke's it's share of the collections. "My understanding is that the billing is being done by a third party. All of the monies are being turned over to Tamaqua, and then Tamaqua Ambulance is not turning St. Luke's share over to them," Marek said. Efforts to reach Tamaqua Ambulance Chief Joel Essington were unsuccessful Wednesday morning. According to local news reports, St. Luke's Miners Memorial president/CEO William Crossin recently told Tamaqua Council that the matter involves late, not lack of, payments to St. Luke's ETS. In a telephone interview early Wednesday, Gorr wouldn't comment on Marek's statements. "We have a billing agreement in place. The billing agreement is not benefiting St. Lukes ETS," Gorr said. "That's just one issue of why we're losing money." Placing blame is not going to resolve the matter, he said. "Certainly with the economy, with more people losing jobs and health care insurance, ALS is the last group to get paid," Gorr said. "It's to nobody's fault that the services will not be available. It's just that we can't continue to lose the money we are losing. We are still looking at all our options here. State law requires us to give notice, and that's what we did." Gorr said St. Luke's is "still willing to talk to anybody, and not just Tamaqua" to resolve the problem. He said St. Luke's has proposed several options to Tamaqua, including allowing St. Luke's to transport patients when it is dispatched; a reverse billing arrangement that allows St. Luke's to bill the call if it transports the patient or a flat rate agreement. "That would resolve some of those issues," Gorr said. Locally, St. Luke's ETS covers Coaldale, Tamaqua, Rush, Ryan and Schuylkill townships and parts of Walker Township. Marek said he believes the solution is for Tamaqua Council to appoint a third party to collect the money and have that third party be responsible for making sure each agency directly gets what it is owed, rather than turning it over to Tamaqua Ambulance and having it distribute the funds. "I think that for the sake of the people here, it's an easy solution," he said. Marek's comments sparked discussion among council members about state law concerning collection and distribution of insurance collections. "The BLS association has total control of the money," Marek said. Mayor Claire Remington said she understood that insurance companies will "only cut one check." Marek said the law should be changed. Council agreed. "The state has got to make some changes," Remington said. Borough officials agreed to contact local legislators to get the ball rolling. Councilwoman Joanne Melloy said "that's great, but it doesn't help us now." Marek said he worries about residents' health and safety. "Who's going to come in and pick up the pieces?" if St. Luke's stops service, he asked. Lehighton Ambulance may be able to step in. Lehighton has a station in Summit Hill, but Marek and some council members said that service is already stretched thin. "They've got a big coverage area," Marek said. St. Luke's and Lehighton are the only two ALS services in the immediate area. Marek urged all municipalities served by St. Luke's ALS to get together to resolve the problem. Two Lansford Ambulance members also attended the meeting. Lansford provides back-up services to Coaldale. Remington said St. Luke's has gone above and beyond in its service to the borough, sometimes transporting patients whose insurance coverage had reached its limit. She said she is "desperately concerned" about the situation, especially considering the large numbers of elderly residents in the borough. The decision to contact legislators and attend the Tamaqua Council meeting followed a suggestion by Councilman Joseph Hnat to write to Tamaqua officials in an effort to resolve the problem. |
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June 9, 2009................Times News
Police seek information on shooter Dog shot, wounded in Coaldale By JOE PLASKO jplasko@tnonline.com Coaldale Police are seeking information concerning the shooting of a dog Sunday in a wooded area of the borough. Sue Schafer of Tamaqua Area Animal Rescue reported that the dog, a labrador mix, had gone astray after getting loose from its owner by jumping a fence at the residence. The dog was then shot with a hunting rifle in the woods behind High Street. "The bullet entered the dog's shoulder and exited through its hip," said Schafer, who added that the dog was in the process of undergoing surgery for its wounds, an expense that could range between $2,500 and $5,000 for the owners. Schafer asked that anyone who might have witnessed the incident or who has information regarding it contact Coaldale Police at (570) 645-3060. All callers will be kept anonymous, she added. |
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Around the region............................June 9, 2009 .....................Repulicanhearld.com
St. Mary's Orthodox Church plan for their 100th Anniversary Coaldale: Reservations can be made now for the planned Sept. 6 celebration of the 100th anniversary of St. Mary’s Orthodox Church, 217 First St. The observance will include a 9 a.m. Hierarchical Divine Liturgy by His Grace, the Right Rev. Archimandrite Tikhon, bishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania, assisted by the Rev. Daniel Mathewson, church pastor, the Very Rev. Paul Ropitsky, Frackville, and clergy from the diocese. Responses will be sung by the church choir under the direction of Wash King. A dinner dance will follow at the Genetti/Best Western Inn, Hazleton, with a parish native son, the Very Rev. Paul Suda, pastor of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Pittsburgh, as master of ceremonies. For reservations, contact Helen Sheers at 645-5830."She was a tough old broad," said grandson Bill Berry. |
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June 6, 2009..................Times News
'Bridges, explosions, soldiers and sex' Coaldale art student's creation honored with second state designation By AL ZAGOFSKY azagofsk@ptd.net
An oil painting by Coaldale artist Ryan Hnat will be shown at the Art of the State: Pennsylvania 2009 at the State Museum of Pennsylvania. Hnut's painting, B.E.S.S. – Bridges, Explosions, Soldiers and Sex, was among the 157 paintings chosen from 2,179 entries. The oil-on-canvass was created during 2009 and is approximately three feet by four feet. The entry marks the second year in a row that the 25-year-old art student has received the honor. "Last year I submitted a more abstract work," Hnat said. "This year, I have a work that is abstract but also has aspects of representational imagery. It's an idea that's leaning toward the combination of pop art and abstract art." "The piece is B.E.S.S.," Hnat explained. "That stands for bridges, explosions, soldiers and sex. It is basically a little boy's playground or mindscape." Hnat took images representing each of the letters and layered them one on top of another. "Then, I slowly worked out an abstract design with burnt siena and yellow ocher that you can see in the center," he said. "That's the enigma of all of them coming together." "I was trying to use the color to create a form that would make the eye move around in a dynamic way," he noted. "It all starts with line, then comes into shape and then finally, form." It was Hnat's first experiment with the new form, a form that was inspired by his visit to the 2008 competition. "Last year, there was only six abstract works in the show," he said. "It made me think that I should do something more representational." Hnat has been a professional painter since he was 14-years-old – not a fine arts painter but a house painter. His father, Joe Hnat, owns a paint contracting company and he has had Ryan working in the family business for more than 10 years. "House painting and the fine art painting are related," said Ryan. "When painting a room, I look at the corners, and tape off the straight edges. "My paintings are the same way-process oriented," he said. "I have a set way to go about my movements to create my painting. The only thing that is different is I get to use my imagination on my canvas rather than being paid to paint a room." "When you paint a room, you can slop the paint on, like an abstract expressionist painting, in a sense. You just don't tell your customer that." "Color is amazing," he said. "You go into an old room and put a coat of paint on it and it looks brand new. The same thing with a canvas after you do a fine painting – you put it on the wall and it makes the room so much better." Ryan Hnut's painting, B.E.S.S. was inspired by his post 9/11 visions that composed into "a little boy's playground or mindscape," he said. "I was trying to use the color to create a form that would make the eye move around in a dynamic way."
"I really enjoyed it, changed my major, and transferred to Penn State, main campus," he said. He studied art education and is currently studying for a master's degree at Marywood in Scranton. Ryan is certified to teach art at the K-12 level. "I'll get my masters and be able to teach at university level," he said. "My goal is to become an educator of the arts." Ryan describes his painting style as a twist between a surrealist and an abstract expressionist. "Surrealism came first, then Abstract Expressionism, then Pop Art," he explained. "I'm trying to follow in the progression of the art movements." He loves art because it allows him to be creative. "I like being an artist," he said. "It's like having a God complex – to create something from nothing that becomes a world in itself." For the past three years, Ryan has associated with the Anita Shapolsky Art Foundation in Jim Thorpe and the Anita Shapolsky Art Gallery in New York City. Through a grant received by the Foundation, Hnat will co-teach a class of 9 to 15 years on Abstract Expressionism. The classes will run in June on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon. To enroll, contact Ryan at 570-778-5322 or ryan.hnat@gmail.com. For more information, see: ryanhnat.com. |
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June 5, 2009...........................Times News
Coaldale Lions to meet The Coaldale Lions Club will meet twice during June. The first meeting will be Tuesday, June 9 at 5:45 p.m. in the Viennese Villa in Coaldale, while the second meeting will be Tuesday, June 23 at the same time and place. The June 23 meeting will be the club's last indoor meeting until September. President Robert E. Ames will preside. |
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May 26, 2009......................Times News
Army sergeant re-enlists as part of Coaldale service By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com
U.S. Army Sgt. Amanda Kerr stood quietly among the crowd gathered Sunday for Coaldale's annual Memorial Day services, held at the Veterans Memorial Garden on Phillips Street. As the applause died down following the dedication of a Gold Star Mothers bronze plaque and a large mural of Army nurses comforting a dying soldier – two of a three-phase Women's Memorial project – Kerr stepped forward. Raising her right hand, Kerr, 30, took the oath administered by Capt. Paul Muzopappa, enlisting for another tour of duty. "I love it. It's something I'm good at. It's something I've done for so long, my whole adult life," she said. "I'm going to do it until I can't do it any more." Kerr enlisted for the first time in July 1996, shortly after graduating from Tamaqua Area High School. "I left three weeks after I graduated," she said. "I was active duty, was out for a year and I've been in the Reserves for six or seven years now." She is the Unit Administrator for her unit. A military technician, her service included a stint in Iraq in 2005. She was stationed in Kirkuk, in northern Iraq. She also served in Kuwait in 1999-2000. The daughter of Alan and Ilona Kerr, and the granddaughter of World War II veteran Frank Andel of Coaldale, she enlisted the first time to explore life outside the borough. |
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May 27, 2009......................Times News
Tribute to Army nurses The Rev. William Edwards of Dubois touches a mural painted by Coaldale artist Sue Frendak of Army nurses comforting a dying soldier. Edwards sang "She Still Cries," a song he wrote dedicated to Army nurses, at the borough's Memorial Day services on Sunday. Edwards drew on his experiences at an evacuation hospital in Vietnam as he composed the lyrics. The mural, based on a sculpture at the Vietnam Womens Memorial in Washington, D.C., is part of a Womens Memorial project at the Veterans Memorial Garden on Phillips Street in Coaldale. |
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Coaldale remembers all their sacrifices
By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com
Memorial Day "isn't just the day that marks the beginning of summer, or another day to demonstrate our barbecuing skills," said retired U.S. Navy Commander Anthony D. Konecny. "Without the opportunity presented by Memorial Day ceremonies, these impressive acts of courage would soon be brushed aside, placed in the attics of our collective memories." Konecny, noting that Americans have "freedoms and opportunities that are only dreamed about by others around the world," asked the audience to be grateful and to give back to their community. "The community might be your family, your neighborhood, your town, your church or your country," he said. "It doesn't really matter. Be willing to sacrifice some portion of your time, money or knowledge and seek nothing tangible in return." Konecny quoted Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: "What you have inherited from your fathers, earn over for yourselves, or it will not be yours." Konecny graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1970 as a marine engineer and served as mission commander for 15 Strategic Arms Reduction and Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty inspections in the Soviet Union. His father, Anthony P. Konecny, was the grand marshal of Tamaqua's Memorial Day parade, held Monday. Coaldale Mayor Claire Remington also encouraged the audience to reserve Memorial Day for it's intended purpose. "For some, it's the beginning of a three-day weekend of fun and food," she said. "And it's forgotten that we are remembering those who protected our country, our freedom, and fought for our independence. This day should be theirs and theirs alone." Coaldale's ceremonies were held in the Seek section and later at the Veteran's Memorial Garden on Phillips Street.
And then he dies... And she still cries." The song, written for Veterans Day in October, was inspired by Edwards' experiences in Vietnam. "I had seen the nurses at work" while stationed at Pleiku in 1969. "The 71st Evac Hospital was a very busy place, especially in '68-'69, a lot of casualties, because we were so close to the Cambodian border," he said. One of the nurses he worked with was Diane Evans, who went on to create the Vietnam Women's Memorial Foundation. The memorial, in Washington, D.C., is the sculpted image of two Army nurses comforting a mortally wounded soldier. "She's the one who worked for nine years to get that memorial built," Edwards said. He sang "She Still Cries" at a candlelight service at the memorial. During the service at the Veteran's Memorial Garden, Steve Tentylo, chairman of Coaldale's World War II Memorial Committee, dedicated the first two phases of a three-phase Women's Memorial project, designed by retired airman William Gaddes of Lake Hauto. The first completed phase is a bronze Gold Star Mothers' plaque, which includes a poem by Marsha B. Megehee, "A mother's tears were shed today..." The second completed phase is a large mural by borough resident Sue Frendak that depicts the Vietnam Women's Memorial. Gaddes, who served as Master of Ceremonies, recognized Nesterak and Adams. The ceremonies included prayers led by the Rev. Wayne E. Benack, songs by Brittany Erbe and music by the Panther Valley High School Band. Panther Valley JROTC member Victoria Piscitelli read "Logan's General Orders." Sarah Timmons read "Flander's Field" and Nathan Keer read Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address." Janet Kupec read a list of those Coaldale veterans who have died in the past year. Robert Kistler played Taps, and the Panther Valley JROTC rifle squad fired a salute to the dead. |
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By Renie Workman
May, 2009 People in one part of Schuylkill County gathered the Sunday before Memorial Day to honor local soldiers and their families who sacrificed so much for our country. The annual Memorial Day service was held Sunday afternoon in Coaldale, near Tamaqua. Dozens of people from the community gathered for some very special dedications. Patriotic music filled the streets of Coaldale as people throughout the community came to remember and honor area veterans. "Faith, family, duty, committment, heroism and honor. We are indebted to all those veterans, especially those who have lost their lives defending our freedom," said Coaldale Mayor Claire Remington. Many came to the service as a way to say thank you to the men and women in uniform for all their selfless service. "There's been a lot of sacrifices. Men and women in the military have been sacrificing for a long period of time and a lot of them gave their lives in doing so," said retired Commander Tony Konecny with the United States Navy. A special plaque was dedicated to the area's Gold Star Mothers whose sons and daughters paid the ultimate sacrifice. Mary Nesterak is the last living Gold Star Mother in Coaldale. Her son, Army Captain Norman Nesterak, was killed in Vietnam in 1969. "I think our Normie would be very happy to see this. He was such a good boy," said Nesterak. "It's a wonderful feeling to know that they don't forget us and what our sons did," added Ann Adams of Jim Thorpe. She is a Gold Star Mother with family ties to Coaldale. She lost her son, Army Sergeant A.J. Baddick, six years ago in Iraq. "A.J. received the Soldier's Medal. He jumped into a canal and rescued another soldier from the Kentucky National Guard." Adams said it feels good knowing she has the support of the community. "Overwhelming," she said. "I was just down in D.C. yesterday. My son is buried at Arlington, but we made sure we made it back here." Adams came to be with all those gathered in Coaldale, paying tribute to local heroes. "Remembering those who have fallen is the sole reason Memorial Day exists," said Mayor Remington. The service in Coaldale also included the dedication of a mural honoring women who served in Vietnam. Copyright © 2009, WNEP-TV |
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May 20, 2009.................Times News
2 women's memorials to be dedicated The services, sponsored by the Coaldale American Legion, will be marked by speeches, presentations and a selfless commitment of further military service by a borough soldier. U.S. Army Sergeant Amanda Kerr, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, will formally re-enlist during the program. Kerr's re-enlistment ceremony will follow the dedication of two new Women's Memorials, the "Gold Star Mother" bronze plaque, and an 8-by-12 foot mural of the statue at the Vietnam Women's Memorial in Washington, painted by Sue Frendak of Coaldale. The memorials, plaques and mural will be at the Veterans' Memorial Garden. The main speaker for the Memorial Day ceremonies is Anthony D. Konecny, Cdr., U.S. Navy, (Ret.). A Tamaqua native, Konecny graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1970 as a Marine Engineer. Following nuclear power training and submarine school, he joined the crew of the USS Pintado through 1985. He then served as Radiological Controls Officer in Holy Loch, Scotland, through 1987. Konecny then enrolled in the U.S. Navy postgraduate school in Monterey, California, earning a Master of Science degree in National Security Affairs in 1989. He was assigned as a Navigator and Operation Officer aboard the USS Henry Jackson. From August 1992 through Sept. 1994, he served as Executive Officer aboard the USS Caballa. Konecny served as Mission Commander for 15 Strategic Arms Reduction and Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty inspections in the Soviet Union. He became Deputy Commander to Submarine Squadron 17 in Bangor, Washington, in 1997. His duties included operational and logistics support for eight Trident missile submarines and their sixteen crews. Konecny served as Commanding Officer, Navy Recruiting District, Ohio. He completed his Navy career assigned to Regional Headquarters, Allied Forces Europe, in the Netherlands from Dec. 2000 through Feb. 2003. He is married to the former Corrine Berlin of Ontario, Ohio. The Memorial day program is rounded out by remarks from Mayor Claire Remington and veteran William Gaddes; recitations by students Sarah Timmons, Nathan Keer and Victoria Piscitelli; musical selections by the Panther Valley High School band, "God Bless America" sung by Brandy Strauch, "Wind Beneath My Wings" sung by Brittany Erbe and "She Still Cries" by the Rev. William Edwards. The song was written for the 15th anniversary of the Vietnam Womens Memorial. The Rev. Wayne E. Benack will offer the invocation and benediction, and Janet Kupec will recite the Roll Call of Soldiers Dead. Robert Kistler, U.S. Navy, will play Taps. |
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May 20, 2009...............Times News
Coaldale veterans who have died Coaldale's Memorial Day services, to be held Sunday at 1 p.m. in the Seek section and at 2 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Garden on Phillips Street, will honor those veterans who have died in the past year. They are: DAVE ARNER----EDWARD BLASKO----JOSEPH D. BOYLE |
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May 13, 2009.........Times News
FYI Coaldale Community Memorial Choir rehearsal Anyone interested in participating in the Community Memorial Choir, which will sing at the 9 a.m. service on May 24 at First Congregational Church, Coaldale, is invited to attend one or both of the following rehearsals: 6 p.m. Friday, May 15, or 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 20. The paintings, done in acrylic, evoke the intense hues of the southwest, where Berry and Mary, his wife of 36 years, now live. |
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May 8, 2009....Times News
Miners' Picnic set for May 24 at No. 9 Mine & Museum The No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum in Lansford will be celebrating its annual Memorial Day Weekend, 'Old Fashioned Miner's Picnic' on Sunday May 24 from 11-4. The event is open free to the public and all are welcome. This annual picnic held at the No. 9 Mine & Museum grounds in Lansford is a great family outing in the tradition of the old fashioned miner's picnics which were held years ago throughout the coal region. Many of the original picnics held locally for miners and families of the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company were held at Greenwood Dam, near present day Lake Hauto. Volunteers and staff of the No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum are busy adding new improvements to the picnic pavilion in time for this year's picnic. The picnic, mine and museum tours, and music are meant to offer visitors some good old fashioned coal region hospitality which local communities are known for. The Old Fashioned Miner's Picnic is a great way to celebrate the Memorial Day Weekend with family members. Enjoy our coal region hospitality, spend the day with family and friends, enjoy great coal region ethnic cooking, and learn more about our rich coal mining heritage. For further information, contact No. 9 Coal Mine and Museum at 570-645-7074 or visit their website at www.no9mine.com to learn about other great events being planned for this year. |
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May 4, 2009....................Times News
Kelley's Hole The night the bottom fell out in Coaldale By AL ZAGOFSKY azagofsk@ptd.net AL ZAGOFSY/TIMES NEWS Jim Bonenberger stands at the far left at the location where the home of his mother-in-law, Emilia Tenisci, once stood at 119 East Lehigh Street in Coaldale. Betty Tenisci, standing at the site where the Kelley home collapsed, tells her son, Joseph, and her granddaughter, Emilia Tenisci, about what happened to the neighborhood 45 years ago.
One day Mike Kelley's basement was gone Probably the last thing that Jim Bonenberger remembers of that sequence of events was when Mike and Marguerite Kelley's bath tub crashed through their window and rolled down the hill. For a while, Mike Kelley was happy enough with the crack in his basement floor. It gave him a place to shovel the ashes from his coal furnace. But enough was enough when one evening Mike came down to shovel his coal furnace and his entire basement were gone. "I think I have a problem." Mike thought. That was April 17, 1963. That evening a mine subsidence on East Lehigh Street in Coaldale opened up a hole beneath the double home of Mr. and Mrs. Mike Kelley and Mr. and Mrs. John Pavlich. "He told the community," said Bonenberger. "I guess he contacted the Bureau of Mines." "A miner named Birdie lived on that block," Bonenberger said. "Birdie used to say that he could come home for lunch when he was working. He was digging like 10 feet underneath his house." "When we heard about the hole in Mike's basement, we started looking for an apartment for my mother-in-law," he said. "She lived just three houses away." May 5 was prom night. Bonenberger remembers Pete Petrish taking photos of his daughter outside his house. Bonenberger's mother-in-law, Emilia Tenisci, lived two houses over at 119 East Lehigh Street. East Lehigh Street only hints of the vibrant community that once lived there. The street is in need of paving. The sidewalks are overgrown with moss. Grass and trees have nearly completely covered all signs of homes being there.
"I took a ride to see what was going on," Bonenberger said. "As I went past my in-law's house, at the Petrish's house next door, there was a big cloud of dust and then the whole yard went down. The hole was over 20 feet in diameter." "I turned around to come down the hill," he said. "I got to my brother-in-law, Butch Tenisci, and we got a pickup truck and we started moving mom out." "I remember, she wanted us to save the spaghetti sauce," said Butch's wife, Betty Tenisci. "She was an old Italian lady and she made a terrific spaghetti sauce. She had dozens of jars of sauce and peppers in the cellar. It was more important than her furniture." "After the jars were saved, we returned for the furniture," said Betty. "We took the drawers out and carried the dressers down the stairs and put the drawers right back in again. Jim's son was then in diapers. He slept in a draw." "At the time, I worked for Tony Wargo," Betty said. "He was good enough to send his truck up here." "Everybody helped," Betty said. "A Mr. Gilbert, picked up mom's refrigerator and carried it down a narrow flight of steep stairs from her house and then carried it up another flight of stairs to her apartment by himself. He was a big guy." "They evacuated the entire street," Bonenberger said. "Two days later, we were in the alley and Kelley's house dropped several feet into the hole and the bath tub crashed through the window and rolled down the hill." Bonenberger said that no one was injured and that the State condemned the block. "They gave them some money," Bonenberger said. "Not near the amount the houses were worth." The neighborhood was demolished. Betty remembers that for the better part of a year, trucks were bringing fill to level the site. Betty Tenisci and Jim Bonenberger were both in-laws on opposite sides of the family to Emilia Tenisci-who was in her 60s at the time of the subsidence. They visited the site with Betty's son, Joseph, and granddaughter, Emilia Tenisci. They hadn't been there for many years. They walked along the remains of East Lehigh Street from Third Street to the top of the hill - a location once called Skintown. It was named that because the houses in that patch town covered their windows in goat skin-which gave off a terrible smell during the summer months. After 45 years, the strip of old East Lehigh Street only hints of the vibrant community that once lived there. The street is in need of paving. The sidewalks are overgrown with moss. Grass and trees have nearly completely covered all signs of homes being there. Only a flight of concrete steps, leading to nowhere, remain. |
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Published: Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Laughs aplenty promised Looking for a good laugh? Now, don’t get the wrong idea here. No one is suggesting Coaldale is anything to laugh at. No way. But on May 17, there will be something in Coaldale that, frankly, will make folks laugh. Sponsored by the Coaldale Revitalization Committee, two professional comedians will perform at the community’s Angela Triplex Theater, 113 E. Phillip St. Scott Bruce and Mike Stankiewicz from the Wise Crackers Comedy Club will work to keep the audience in stitches right from the start of the 2 p.m. show. It will be yet another of what seems to be catching on in the region — performances by stand-up comedians. Kathy Ruff, a member of the Black Diamond Writers Network that meets regularly at the Tamaqua Area Public Library, forwarded word about the comedy show. According to Ruff, Wise Cracker Bruce has performed on radio, TV, the stage, at colleges, on cruise ships and even via the Internet. It isn’t likely this guy could have made a living at this for 14 years if he wasn’t funny. Think about it. Stankiewicz — he’s often called “Stank” — has appeared on TV’s “Comedy on the Road” with John Byner and on the Arts & Entertainment channel. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door, based on seating availability, and can be obtained by calling Ruff at 645-3059. |
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the newsleader.com...........April 24, 2009
Virginia football coach George Welsh inducted into the state sports hall of fame RICHMOND — George Welsh shies away from taking credit for making a winner out of Virginia's downtrodden football program despite becoming the career coaching victories leader in the Atlantic Coast Conference. "I'm very appreciative of it," Welsh said in an interview Thursday. "I think it's kind of a reward for a lot of years of hard work, and I always do say this: I had a lot of good players, some great players, and I had a lot of good coaches that stayed with me. "I think the stability here for a lot of years had a lot to do with our success." The class also includes Brian Jordan, who starred in football and baseball at the University of Richmond, and later played both sports professionally; Tom Dolan, an Olympic gold medalist and world-record-setting swimmer; Harry "Red" Caughron, a football All-American at William & Mary and longtime coach at Woodberry Forest School; Tom Duquette, a lacrosse All-American at Virginia later named to the U.S. Lacrosse Hall of Fame; and golfer Jane Mack, who in 2000 was selected as one of the "four aces" of women's amateur golf in Virginia. Bill Cochran, a longtime outdoors editor for The Roanoke Times, is the media honoree. Welsh retired after the 2000 season, and the man that replaced him, Al Groh, arrived in Charlottesville with a unique ability to appreciate what Welsh accomplished at the school. "As a former player, former assistant coach, father of a former player and current coach, that provides full-ranging perspective on the marvelous job that George did here," Groh said. Groh's son Mike was the starting quarterback for Welsh's team in 1994 and 1995. "What did George Welsh do for Virginia football? He brought winning here," Groh said in an interview this week. "There had been a long dry spell without any winning and coach Welsh really put the program on his back and carried it into a whole different level of success." Watching from afar, Groh said, the turnaround in Cavaliers football was "amazing." Once laughingly referred to as the "Cadavaliers" because of their losing ways, Welsh arrived for the 1982 season after nine successful years building a program at Navy. At Virginia, he found a program with poor facilities and an even worse reputation around the state and got to work. By 1984, the Cavaliers went 8-2-2 and beat Purdue 27-24 in the Peach Bowl, their first bowl game. He took them to 11 more bowls in his career, was selected the ACC coach of the year five times and the nation's top coach three times. "I have a great deal of respect for the '84 team," Welsh said. "That changed the whole landscape in this state and neighboring states for recruiting, that we were able to win." Welsh was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004. Looking back, Welsh takes great pride in his role as a coach and molder of young men. "The first thing is we were able to teach these kids how to win. There's a certain knack and I think with the staff and the stability here, I think we did a good job," he said. The other continuing source of pride is hearing from former players that have gone on to do great things, not only in pro football, but also in other walks of life, Welsh said. "Those are the kind of things that mean more to me than anything," Welsh said, adding that he got a letter this week from a former player who admitted to never fulfilling his potential on the field, but thanking Welsh for the lessons that continue to guide him in life. "There's a lot of them that I know of that are in white-collar jobs," Welsh said. Among those planning to attend the banquet at the Renaissance Portsmouth Hotel are Virginia Athletic Director Craig Littlepage, who called Welsh's career at Virginia "arguably one of the best coaching jobs done in college football" and one marked by consistency. Welsh had a 134-86-3 record at Virginia and still ranks as the school's career victories leader. He also led the Cavaliers to their only No. 1 ranking ever, during the 1990 season. Welsh finished third in the 1953 Heisman Trophy race while an All-American quarterback at Navy, and compiled a 55-46-1 record as the coach of the Midshipmen. His 55 victories at the Naval Academy still rank No. 1 overall there, and his career record overall is 189-132-4. |
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George Welsh Named to Virginia Sports Hall of Fame
snip Welsh was responsible for returning two struggling programs—Navy and Virginia—to national prominence during his 28 years as a collegiate head coach. He got his first taste as the head coach at his alma mater, Navy, where he guided the Midshipmen from 1973-81. While there he led his squads to a 55-46-1 record and three bowl appearances before leaving as the school’s all-time winningest coach (a distinction he still holds). Hired by then Virginia Athletic Director Dick Schultz, Welsh came to Charlottesville in 1982 to revive UVa’s sagging football fortunes. Prior to his arrival, UVa managed just two winning seasons in 29 years and won just 33 ACC games since joining the league in 1954. Displaying the ability to get the most out of what he had to work with, Welsh quickly turned the Cavaliers into consistent winners. Following a 2-9 initial campaign in 1982, Welsh’s 1983 squad finished with a 6-5 mark, assuring themselves of a winning record with a 17-14 upset of conference rival North Carolina. In his third year, Welsh directed the Cavaliers to the first bowl game in school history—the 1984 Peach Bowl—where a 27-24 win over Purdue closed out a joyous 8-2-2 season. Following a 3-8 season in 1986, Welsh’s squads proved to be a model of consistency. The Cavaliers won at least seven games every season from 1987-99, a run of success that was rivaled by only Florida State, Michigan and Nebraska. The 1989 season marked several prominent firsts in school history—an ACC championship, a 10-win season and a berth in a New Year’s Day bowl game. The following season, with one of the nation’s most high-powered offenses, Welsh placed the Cavaliers in a position many never thought possible—the number-one team in the nation. They stayed there for three weeks before falling to eventual national champion Georgia Tech 41-38 in early November in one of the classic games in college football history. The Cavaliers claimed their second ACC title in 1995, a season that included another classic game—a 33-28 win over perennial power Florida State in a game that went down to the last play. UVa finished with a 9-4 overall record that season and was ranked 16th in the final Associated Press poll. Welsh’s final season at UVa in 2000 marked the program’s 10th bowl game since 1989, not a bad record for a school that had never been to a bowl game before his arrival. Welsh completed his career 24th in Division I-A history in wins with a 189-131-4 record (.590). He was the winningest coach in ACC history at the time of his 2000 retirement and became the first coach in conference history to win 100 games. His Virginia teams posted a 134-86-3 record (.608) in 19 seasons. His 85 ACC wins and 36 conference road victories were also league records at the time of his retirement. In addition to earning National Coach of the Year recognition in 1989, 1991 and 1998, Welsh was named ACC Coach of the Year a record five times at UVa (1983-84-89-91-95). Welsh was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004. |
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Friday, April 24, 2009
George Welsh's induction past due (Abridged) George Welsh's induction into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame tomorrow night in Portsmouth is longer overdue than Michael Vick's car payments. Welsh has merited the recognition since 2000, when the University of Virginia bull-rushed him into retirement as the Cavaliers' football coach. He is, simply, the most influential figure in state college sports history. More influential than any athlete -- sorry, Ralph Sampson. More influential than any coach -- sorry, Frank Beamer. Before then-athletic director Dick Schultz lured Welsh from Navy following the 1981 season, Virginia football was a crimson-faced embarrassment. The Cavaliers had suffered 12 losing seasons in the previous 13 years, and in 29 seasons of ACC competition had won 33 conference games. That's barely more than one league victory a year. Never had Virginia played in a bowl. Never had Virginia captured the ACC title. Moreover, the notion of either was preposterous. The reversal that Welsh and a staff of assistants that included Tom O'Brien and Danny Wilmer authored was "nothing short of a miracle," Schultz once said. Indeed, in Welsh's 19 seasons, Virginia won 85 ACC games, shared two conference championships and earned 12 bowl invites. For two weeks in 1990, the Cavaliers sat atop the national rankings. Most important, Welsh's program made college football matter in the state. Virginia's exponential progress raised eyebrows at Virginia Tech -- the Cavaliers were 8-4 against the Hokies from 1987-98 -- where the Hokies were treading water. Under Beamer, Tech has since lapped Virginia. But the national aspirations, expanded stadiums and demanding fans that mark both programs are rooted in Welsh's success. So, too, is the state's recruiting dynamic. Long a goldmine of high school talent, Virginia no longer is an easy mark for outside programs -- the best prospects often elect to play close to home. Think about the homegrown talents Welsh and his staff signed. The Barber twins, Chris Slade and Terry Kirby; Marques Hagans, Thomas Jones and James Farrior; Aaron Brooks, Jason Wallace and Antwoine Womack. No telling where they might have headed had Virginia not been a credible option. Welsh's Virginia teams were 134-86-3, and in his last 14 years the Cavaliers had no losing seasons. His record at Navy was 54-46-1. Welsh, 75, a native of Coaldale, Pa., and a former All-America quarterback at Navy, entered the College Football Hall of Fame five years ago. About time the Virginia hall followed suit. |
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April 27, 2009................Times News
Planting a seed for the Seek ballfield
"My brother Keith (now a Coaldale police officer) and I used to play here," said Krapf. "The whole neighborhood played here." Krapf would like his children, Bryan, 7, and Kiarah, 9, to be able to use the field, which is located between Miner Street and Foster Avenue, behind the former St. Patrick's Chapel, now the home of Father Henry Baker Council of the Knights of Columbus. The field can be described as a sandlot. It is owned by the Borough of Coaldale, which cuts the grass and does some maintenance work, but it is not really fit for regular play. There are too many rocks," noted Krapf. Krapf has a dream that the Seek sandlot will once again be used by the kids of the community, and he has sought help from an unlikely source: Kellogg's, the cereal company. Kellogg's Frosted Flakes is sponsoring an online program called Plant A Seed, in which the company will rehabilitate 30 fields across the country. "It was just dumb luck," said Krapf about the nomination. "A friend of mine suggested it, and I did an Internet search for it. I felt it was worth a shot." Krapf received an e-mail notification from Kellogg's that it has received his nomination for the Seek field, which now has its picture and profile posted online at www.frostedflakes.com. The Seek field is now one of many fields that have been entered into a judging period that lasts until April 30. One hundred fields will be selected and then voted for by the general public, which lasts until May 31. These votes will determine the 30 finalist fields that will be rebuilt. Krapf is asking for people to log onto the Kellogg's Frosted Flakes site and vote for the Seek field in order to get it into that final 30 that will be refurbished. "With the economy now, I know it's hard on people, but Kellogg's is a large company, and they can afford this," said Krapf.
Even if the Kellogg's contest doesn't work out, Krapf is hoping that he can attract enough attention to the plight of the Seek field. "Hopefully somebody steps forward," he said. "It's a shame to have it sitting here like this." "It would be tremendous to bring it back," said Sue Solt, Coaldale Council president. "I am glad to see that somebody is interested in keeping this alive. "I see a lot more kids in Seek these days, so there is a need for it." Solt said the Coaldale CHOSE organization, which is involved in recreation in the borough, maintains some equipment at the field and may be interested in doing more there. Coaldale is also part of the Eastern Schuylkill Recreation Commission, which was instrumental in obtaining funding for the borough's new Black Diamond Park. Perhaps ESRC could be another potential source of assistance for the field. Krapf feels that if the field is rebuilt, it might not only be used just by Coaldale, but also has the potential to serve surrounding communities Tamaqua and Lansford, which have youth recreational programs but could use more fields, too. "It could be used for 9-10 Little League or T-ball," he said. "Those towns are strapped for fields." Krapf is hopeful that the Seek sandlot will finally be able to get a new lease on life. "It's been like this for as long as I can remember," he mentioned. "It would be great to fix this up so kids can play on it." For more information, anyone wishing to support the Seek field in the contest should log on www.frostedflakes.com. |
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April 16, 2009 ..............Times New
Flying to Texas Locally made model plane to be displayed at Vietnam War Museum By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com
A quarter-scale flying model of a Vietnam-era military airplane, crafted by the late William "Wash" Martin of Tamaqua, is on its way from Tamaqua to the National Vietnam War Museum in Mineral Wells, Texas. Martin, who died at age 75 on Dec. 10, built the model of a United States Marine Corps OV-10A BRONCO, in 2007 in honor of Coaldale native Col. Bob Stoffey, USMC (ret.), who flew a BRONCO in the war. Stoffey's name is on the plane, as it was on the one he flew as a squadron leader in Southeast Asia in the 1960s. The model will be displayed next to a real OV-10 that saw service in Vietnam, said James Messinger, exhibit coordinator and treasurer of the board of directors of the museum. "We are in the process of restoring a real OV-10 which will be on a stand near our replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall," he said. Stoffey, who has been awarded the Marine Corps medal for Personal Heroism, now lives in Carlsbad, California with his wife Eleanor. He saw the model when he came back east several years ago for a Coaldale High School Class of 1953 reunion. The model, complete with scaled-down pilots, sat in the Viennese Villa restaurant in Coaldale. "Wash had called me some years back and asked me if I had some pictures (of the plane)," Stoffey said. William Gaddes, who grew up near Martin in Coaldale, had made arrangements with Martin to have the model placed in the restaurant for him to discover. "There, as a surprise, was this BRONCO, replicated, with my name on it," Stoffey said. Stoffey flew 440 combat missions during three tours in Vietnam, flying the OV-10 as well as the UH-1G attack helicopter. He is the author of two best-selling books about the Vietnam War, "Cleared Hot" and "Fighting to Leave." Both books detail combat use of the OV-10A BRONCO aircraft in Vietnam. Martin, who enlisted in the Army at age 16 during the Korean War and served in Germany during the height of the Cold War, was exacting. An avid pilot, he knew planes inside and out. The OV-10 model was built to Martin's high standards. It flew in many "War Bird" competitions, winning awards. "Wash was an expert in the restoration of antique aircraft," Gaddes said. "Wash was a marvelous guy. He was probably one of the best radio control aviators in the Northeastern United States." Martin had built several quarter-scale aircraft, he said. He was also an accomplished steel-guitarist and played in several bands. After Martin's sudden death, his brother Jack kept the OV-10 model. Stoffey said Jack Martin and Gaddes coordinated the donation. "I said good, I'll pay for it and you do it," Stoffey recalled. The model is on its way via UPS to Texas and is expected to arrive at its destination by Saturday. "It's a very good replica of the plane," Stoffey said. The model's fuselage is about 10 feet long and the wingspan is about 11 feet. It will be an asset to the museum, Messinger said. "We welcome all donations related to the Vietnam Era," he said. "This one is very interesting as we have real OV-10s, we sell books about OV-10s and of course it was a recognizable part of the Vietnam War. We will be thinking of special ways to tie all of those things together to make an exhibit. It's possible that we can fly this model at some event in the future." The museum is still in its early stages. "We have begun construction with some small displays," Messinger said. "Our first was a memorial garden, The Meditation Garden (about a half acre). We are currently working at building a replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall (about half scale) and will unveil that May 30. We have also had the 52nd Aviation Battalion build us a replica of the memorial wall they built in Vietnam at Pleiku and it is in our second memorial garden, The Contemplation Garden. That garden includes a Huey helicopter on a 20-foot pole." After the May 30 unveiling, the group plans to plant a "forest of Arizona Cypress trees around our Vietnam Wall. We also have just acquired a temporary (2,500-square-foot) visitors center that will be attached to utilities this summer. Our next project is supposed to be our 5,000- to 10,000-square-foot maintenance building, where we can restore our larger artifacts and prepare exhibits," he said. "We do not have a time line on the main building as it is a $5 million facility and we are working hard to find donors at that level," Messinger said. He estimates the complete cost at about $25 million. Founders have raised about $1 million so far. The work, Messinger said, has all been accomplished by volunteers, mostly Vietnam veterans. Donations may be sent to The National Vietnam War Museum, P.O. Box 146, Mineral Wells, TX 76068 or through the Web site:http://www.nationalvnwarmuseum.org/ |
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April 15, 2009...............Times News.
ACS, St. Luke's team up for a Look Good, feel Better program The American Cancer Society and St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital, Coaldale, are teaming up to provide a makeover workshop for area women battling the effects of cancer. The Look Good ... Feel Better workshop will be presented from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, April 20, at the hospital, 360 W. Ruddle St., Coaldale. Women who are actively undergoing cancer treatment will have the opportunity to brighten their day by attending the workshop. During the two hour session, trained cometologists will meet with patients to discuss using makeup and accessories to minimize appearance related side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. The group setting offers cancer educatuion, informatiion and support to participants. Each woman will receive a make up kit, courtesy of the ACS partnershop with the Cosmetics, Toiletry and Fragrance Association and the National Cosmetology Association. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. The workshop and material are free. To register, call 1-888-227-5445. |
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OV-10A BRONCO MODEL DONATED TO NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR MUSEUM NEAR FORT WORTH, TEXAS
A quarter scale flying model of the United States Marine Corps OV-10A BRONCO aircraft has been donated to the National Vietnam War Museum.The museum is located in Mineral Wells Texas, about 40 miles west of Fort Worth. The model will be displayed near an actual OV-10A BRONCO aircraft that saw service in Vietnam. The OV-10 model was built in honor of Robert Stoffey, Colonel, USMC (ret.) Colonel Stoffey, the most highly decorated hero from Coaldale. Flew 440 combat missions during three tours in Vietnam. Colonel Stoffey flew the OV-10 BRONCO aircraft, as well as the UH-1G attack helicopter. Colonel Stoffey is the author of two best-selling books about the Vietnam War. They are entitled “Cleared Hot”, and “Fighting to Leave”. Both books detail the combat use of the OV-10A BRONCO aircraft in Vietnam. The model will be dedicated in honor of Coaldale Marine Colonel Bob Stoffey. The builder and US Army veteran/aviator William “Wash” Martin will be recognized as well. |
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Women's Memorial Garden to honor Gold Star Mothers
By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com
Nesterak is Coaldale's last surviving Gold star Mother. Norman Nesterak died in a helicopter crash while serving in Vietnam. |
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April 4, 2009......Times News
The Mollies through a young girl's eyes Dimmick Library to feature author of Call Me Kate: Meeting the Molly Maguires................Read More....Upon mustering out of the service, Berry attended Perkiomen Prep School in Pennsburg, Montgomery County. He transferred to George Washington University in Washington, D.C. in 1954, where he majored in biology and physical education. |
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April 4, 2009
'A shot and a beer' Costello's was Coaldale miners' stop 76 years ago By DONALD R. SERFASS dserfass@tnonline.com
Stanley Costello built a business when coal was king. The ninety-year-old Coaldale native was part of an era when corner taverns offered a well-earned daily respite for hard-working coal miners. After work, miners routinely stopped at Costello's at 100 High Street to unwind. Seated at the bar, they'd guzzle down a shot of Cobbs Creek whiskey and then a cold Stegmaier to help ease the pain. Whiskey took the edge off, and a cold beer washed down coal dust coating the throat. Coal miners felt the pressure of existence. Maybe for that reason, miners were sometimes irritable. "They were a little on the rough side," says Costello. "They'd get tanked up a little bit and then get into arguments. They were rough and tough." Costello had learned how to adjust to the times and conditions, and how to survive the 1930s Depression. "Whiskey was cheap. It was about 10 cents a drink and we had nickel beers." Actually, the site of Costello's Bar wasn't a bar in its earliest days. It served a different need. "My father bought the place about 1923 or 24," he says. "Back then, there was a shoemaker shop in the basement." Costello's father, Joseph, intended to open a bar, but first had to wait for Prohibition laws to be lifted. "He never lived to see it," says Costello. "He died in 1932. They repealed the law in 1933." Joseph Costello was 56 years old when he passed away after developing pneumonia following a hunting trip. But the family carried on. Costello's mother, the former Anna Harmenick, took action to support the family of five boys and two girls. "My mom took over. She applied for a license," recalls Costello, the youngest, and now the only one remaining sibling. "I was with her as much as I could be."
Aside from helping his mother, Costello attended school in Coaldale, and managed to find time to take violin lessons.
"There was a fellow who came around. For five dollars, they gave you a violin and lessons." Eventually, Costello studied with a group of about 30. Classes took place in a Lansford studio located on the second floor of the My Place Restaruant building. "But I didn't learn much," he says of group instruction. "So I took private lessons from a fellow in Tamaqua. He'd take me out of class and we'd go to my house for one hour of practice for $1." Costello went on to play at holiday events at Sts. Peter and Paul's Church, Lansford. When WWII broke out, Costello joined the Army and served three years in the Mechanized Cavalry, including a two-year deployment in England, France, Germany, Belgium and Holland. While on armored car maneuvers in Turdern, Germany, Costello's vehicle was dangerously close to a direct hit. Shrapnel showered the vehicle. A comrade was killed and Costello suffered a serious shoulder injury. He was hospitalized and eventually recovered, earning a Purple Heart. Costello didn't returned to Coaldale, however, until seven months after the war ended. Back home, he met and married Ann Kidda, whose family came from a section of Seek known as the Number Eleven. "There were a few houses there by the colliery," Costello recalls.
The move into the food business grew out of necessity as the nature of the economy transformed. "The mines closed and things changed," says Costello. "The miners weren't coming for drinks anymore." There were changes at home, too. The Costellos became the parents of three children. (Now grown, Stanley, Jr., lives in Lansford; Marianne, Allentown, and Lillian, Pottsville.) Costello's mother passed away in 1962, just two months shy of her 80th birthday. But Stanley and Anna continued the business, carving out a living serving meals and seafood specialties as Costello's became a Coaldale institution. Today, the tradition continues. The establisment is open Wednesday through Sunday and offers a popular seafood buffet on Friday nights. Many look forward to stopping by just to say hello to Costello. "We come here because of him," says Sara Dalton, Lehighton, on hand with husband John to celebrate John's birthday. "We always bring the family at Thanksgiving, too." Over the years, Costello learned how to get along with everybody. To know him is to like him, they say. "He's a sweetheart," says Janet Zlock, Coaldale. "He'll do anything for you." The food is another attraction. "It's very good. We'll be back," says Beth Zaldaris, Hometown, after she and husband Ray enjoyed the Friday night buffet. On special occasions, Costello still pulls out the old violin and serenades customers, simply part of being the perfect host. "It's the only job I ever had," he says. Costello sees his role not as host, but as restaurant "overseer." He credits wife, Ann, 90, and her love, devotion and fine cooking, with helping him to reach age 90 in good health. Ann cooked at Costello's Restaurant for many years and also worked in Lansford as a hairdresser in partnership with her sister. The couple has seen a lot of changes since the 1930s. Costello acknowledges that "things always change." But he'll never forget the old rough-and-tumble barroom era when miners washed down each day's grit with a shot and a beer. He's grateful for today's more sedate atmosphere and a time which, while not perfect, isn't nearly as bad as the days of the Great Depression. "It's very nice now," he says. Still, his voice carries a tone of respect for the old, hard-working miners whose strength and sweat helped build a nation. Like others of the Greatest Generation, Costello forged his living on the virtues of hard work, the value of good morals, and the victory of knowing how to appreciate each God-given day. It's that common bond that defines his generation - and continues to inspire those who follow |
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April 4, 2009...................Times News
Not closed, and not for sale Mahoning country club owner angry matter is so public The parent company of the Mahoning Valley Country Club came literally minutes away from having a bank take over ownership, yesterday. A&A Associates Inc. of 323 Country Club Road, Lehighton, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection 45 minutes before a sheriff's sale was scheduled. Upon announcement of the Chapter 11 filing, the legal counsel of Lafayette Bank got a court order from Judge Richard Webb to put the sale on next month's docket. It is now scheduled for May 8 at 11 a.m. Oliver Angelus, who says he is the sole owner of A&A Associates, claims there won't be a sheriff sale next month. He says the bankruptcy filing is strictly for the parent company of the country club and not the country club itself, its restaurant, or any of the other business entities. Further, he insists the filing of the bankruptcy is merely a step to reorganizing his corporation, including procuring financing to pay off all the existing creditors. Angelus is angry that the private matters involving A&A Associates have become such a public matter. "I'm a private individual," he said. "I have a lot of problems but that's my business." He added, "I'm not closed. I haven't been closed. I'm not for sale." Questioned about why some golfers were asked by police to leave the premises recently while they were playing golf, he said that the legal team of a bank which is owed money acted improperly. He admits that operating any business is difficult in these economic times. "It's going to be tough," he said. "It's not a bowl of cherries. I wish I had support instead of the majority of people throwing darts." He was especially angry that individuals attended a meeting of the Carbon County Commissioners on Thursday and proposed that the county acquire the property of the country club to convert it into a recreational facility. "I am a private entity," he said. "I'm not a public corporation." Angelus said he had the restaurant closed during the winter months because of the nature of the business. A&A Associates initially filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy on Feb. 10. On Feb. 23, the firm filed a motion to convert the matter to Chapter 11, but the motion was rejected because Angelus was not represented by legal counsel. He has secured the services of Ciardi Ciardi & Astin to serve as legal counsel for the newly filed bankruptcy proceedings. The law firm faxed a letter to the Carbon County Sheriff's office just prior to the start of today's scheduled sheriff's sale. Angelus said weather permitting, the golf course is open 8 a.m. to dark. The restaurant, open to the public, is open from 11 a.m. daily. "People should come out because we have very good food," Angelus said. |
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April 3, 2009......................Times News
Mahoning Vy. Country Club sheriff's sale is called off Group inquires if Carbon is interested in buying landmark for recreational use By AMY ZUBEK azubek@tnonline.com
Oliver Angelus, doing business as A&A Associates, filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in U.S. District Court in Wilkes-Barre this morning, successfully halting the sheriff's sale proceedings. A judge ruled that the sheriff's sale has been rescheduled for May 8. On Thursday, at the weekly meeting of the Carbon County Commissioners, an area organization stated it would like to see the club developed into recreational facilities for county residents if the opportunity ever arises. The club, which closed its doors recently to golfers and restaurant goers, was initially scheduled for sheriff's sale because its owner was unable to pay the $3.2 million mortgage and nearly $200,000 in back taxes. A&A Associates was formed by Angelus and his son, Dante, when they purchased the club for $3.55 million in 2005. During that meeting, Jake Arner of the Mahoning Valley Recreation Commission approached the commissioners to ask whether or not the county would be interested in partnering with the commission to acquire the 244-acre property and develop it for recreational use if it goes up for sale. He added that this request was just for investigational purposes to see if this venture would be possible. Arner explained if a partnership like this would happen, more grants and funding could possibly be available for the project. Commissioner William O'Gurek, chairman, said he spoke with legal counsel earlier in the week, and taking ownership of the property would be "monumental." He added that the business would come with a lot of financial baggage. "There are a ton of issues with the property that need to be resolved," O'Gurek said, noting that some of those include a $3.2 million judgment that was secured by Lafayette Ambassador Bank, Lehigh Valley against A&A Associates for the mortgage; as well as over $300,000 in other judgments and liens that have been secured against the business. This means that before back taxes, the country club's price tag is hovering around the $3.5 million mark. O'Gurek explained the grants that would become available are matching grants, meaning any money would need to be matched dollar for dollar. "I'm always receptive to enhancing the county for the residents," O'Gurek said, "But there's a lot of legal red tape here." He added that he didn't believe the sheriff's sale would take place at this time. The Mahoning Valley Country Club originally opened its doors for private use in 1927 by Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company. It remained private until Angelus purchased the facility and opened it as a public course and club. |
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April 3, 2009................The Morining Call.Com
Mahoning Valley Country Club to go on the block today Owners of the Carbon County golf course have defaulted on mortgage, taxes. By Bob Laylo | Special to The Morning Call April 3, 2009 Mahoning Valley Country Club, which has operated continuously since 1927, is scheduled for sheriff's sale today because of an unpaid $3.2 million mortgage, and Mahoning Township officials say they want to buy the 248-acre property for a public park. Jake Arner of the Mahoning Valley Recreation Committee and township Supervisor John Wieczorek asked Carbon County commissioners Thursday if they would be interested in a partnership. Commissioner Chairman William O'Gurek did not dismiss the idea, but said it would be a ''monumental endeavor.'' ''There's a ton of issues involved with the property,'' O'Gurek said. First is the $3.22 million judgment Lafayette Ambassador Bank secured against club owner A&A Associates for the unpaid mortgage. A&A Associates was formed by father and son Oliver and Dante Angelus when they bought the club for $3.55 million in 2005. O'Gurek also said there is $300,000 more in judgments against the company, which brings the price to $3.5 million. County Tax Claim Bureau records also show A&A Associates owes $193,000 in back taxes on the club. Angelus, without an attorney, filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in February in federal court in Wilkes-Barre. Chapter 13 allows debtors to set up a schedule to pay creditors over three to five years. A&A said in a court filing that it has 100 to 199 creditors. On March 11, Judge Robert Opel rejected the petition, clearing the way for officials to schedule the sheriff's sale. Efforts Thursday to reach Oliver Angelus were unsuccessful. Angelus bought the club, which was founded in 1927 by Lehigh Coal and Navigation Co. and was private, in 2005 and opened it to the public. He had planned to build 300 luxury townhouses on 85 acres of peripheral ground with Ashley Development Co., but couldn't get zoning approval. He updated the bar and a casual dining room in the clubhouse and changed the par-4 ninth hole to a par-3 hole with a pond. Wieczorek said he learned from the township police chief about 10 days ago that the club's owners had been evicted. Wieczorek and Arner, who suggested the county apply for matching grants from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to buy the club for a park, said they would continue to pursue their endeavor. Arner said he's going to approach Carbon County Fair Association, which has been looking to buy property. ''We'll continue to ask questions until we hit a roadblock,'' Wieczorek said. Bob Laylo is a freelance writer. Reporter Kevin Amerman contributed to this story. |
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March 26, 2009...........................Times News
Jim Thorpe National Bank welcomed to Coaldale BILL GADDES/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS |
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March 19, 2009............Times News
COALDALE A West Hazleton company has offered what appears to be the lowest of five bids for work on Coaldale's planned $125,000 streetscape project. Borough council expects to award the contract in May, after its engineers look over the proposals. The work is expected to take about six weeks. Slusser Brothers, also known as Pennsy Supply, said it would do the job installing sidewalks, handicapped accessible ramps, curbing and planting trees along East Phillips Street between Second and Third streets for a base bid of $78,189.65. The company last year refurbished Josiah White Park in Jim Thorpe. Officials opened the bids on Wednesday. "We received more competitive bids than I thought we might," said Dale Freudenberger of the Delaware and Lehigh National Corridor Commission. The commission gave the borough a $20,000 grant to pay for initial engineering and design of the project, which will spruce up the main block of Coaldale's traditional business district. The area is home to enterprises that include the Majestic Theater, Tommy's Pizza and Nesquehoning Savings Bank. Slusser also offered bids for three possible additional project-related jobs. Alternate No. 1: $9,394.80 to replace 70 square yards of sidewalk and 70 feet of curbing on the southeast corner of Third and Phillips streets; Alternate No. 2: $6,579.20 to replace 40 square yards of sidewalk, 42 feet of curb and planting a tree on the northwest corner of Second and Phillips streets; Alternate No. 3: $19,568 to replace 192 square yards of sidewalk,187 feet of curbing and planting a tree on the southwest corner of Second and Phillips streets. The state Department of Transportation, which administered a $125,000 grant for the work from the federal Hometown Streets program, must approve the bid specifications before ground is broken, said Brandy L. Rotz of McCormick Taylor engineers, Harrisburg. The firm represents PennDOT. The state Department of Community and Economic Development also provided a $20,000 grant for the project. In addition to Slusser, companies bidding on the project were: Asphalt Paving Systems, Lehighton, $108,923 base bid; Heim Construction Co., Schuylkill Haven, $92,839 base bid; Hazleton Site Contractors, $91,669.75 base bid; and Barletta Materials Construction, Hazleton, $89,074 base bid. DeKorte Excavating, Andreas, submitted a base bid of $74,810. However, the bid was disqualified because it arrived 20 minutes after the noon deadline. Councilwoman Nancy Lorchak said the project has been in the works for years. On Wednesday, she praised former zoning officer Tom Maruschak and his wife, Kathy, for doing the legwork necessary to get the project rolling. The Maruschaks are members of the borough's revitalization committee. |
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PV's Vavra caps career with 7th PIAA medal
BY LEROY BOYER SPORTS EDITOR lboyer@republicanherald.com Published: Friday, March 13, 2009 LEWISBURG — Thursday could have easily been called "Senior Day" for the area swimmers competing in the PIAA Class AA Swimming Championships. Four local seniors ended their high school careers at Bucknell University's Kinney Natatorium, with varying degrees of success. For Panther Valley's Sami Vavra, her career ended with another state medal. The West Virginia-bound standout was seventh in the 100 breaststroke in 1:07.72, earning her first medal of the two-day competition and seventh state medal of her career. Vavra qualified for the finals by placing eighth in Thursday morning's preliminaries in 1:07.96. In the finals, Vavra got off to a strong start and had a strong swim over the final 25 yards to place seventh. "It's really nice (to finish my career with a medal). It's not exactly the color I wanted," said Vavra, who was presented flowers by teammates Tricia Janowiak, Alexia Follweiller and younger sister Karoline on the medals stand. Karoline finished 24th (1:10.64) in the same event. "Being my last high school race, I knew I was going to get a medal, I just wasn't sure what color. I'm not unhappy with how I did, but I know I could have done better." The state medal was gratifying for Vavra after an 11th-place finish in Wednesday's 200 IM and a ninth-place finish in the 100 breaststroke in 2008. In her four trips to the PIAA Swimming Championships in the 100 breaststroke, Vavra was ninth, second, ninth and seventh. "My sophomore year held a little better things for me, but there also wasn't the competition that there is now," Vavra said. "I had a really nice career, more than some people could say." Abridged from the Republican-HeraldSince retiring from that job in 2006, Berry has devoted most of his time to painting acrylics, oils, and even painting on glass. In January 2008, he was named "Artist of the Month" by the City of Las Cruces and his works were displayed in City Hall, according to his biography. |
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March 12, 2009...........Times News
Firefighters conduct fund drive
Three-year-old Anthony Ciavaglia, giggling with delight, dropped two dollar bills into a fire helmet held by his father, Bob Ciavaglia. Little Anthony's contribution added to the Coaldale Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1's annual Fund Drive. Mailings for the 2009 drive went out mid-February, said Amy Ciavaglia, Anthony's mom and the fire company's financial secretary/lieutenant. The requests have brought in about $9,185 so far. "We're doing a little better" than this period last year, she said. But Ciavaglia hopes the campaign reaps more than last year's $19,000 total. Bob Ciavaglia, the fire company's president and chief engineer, said the money is needed to pay for equipment, upkeep, heat, light, utilities, training and insurance. Among the fundraising events are a spaghetti dinner on Saturday, March 28, from 4-6 p.m. and a Chinese auction and bake sale on Sunday, May 3. a hoagie sale is planned for after Easter, and a car wash in July. Last year, the company answered about 120 calls, the Ciavaglias said. There are about 25 active members, and each set of turnout gear costs about $2,000. "if it wasn't for the volunteers, it would cost the taxpayers" a lot of money to fund a paid department, Bob Ciavaglia said. "We can always use help," Amy Ciavaglia said. "Fire police, social members, getting firefighters water... there's always something to do besides drive a truck or enter a burning building." |
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BREAKING NEWS: Panther Valley swimmer qualifies for PIAA finals .
Published: Thursday, March 12, 2009 LEWISBURG --- Panther Valley senior Sami Vavra has qualified for the 100 breaststroke finals at Thursday's PIAA Class AA Swimming Championships at Bucknell University's Kinney Natatorium. Vavra, a senior, was eighth in Thursday morning's preliminaries with a time of 1:07.96. She'll swim in tonight's championship finals, which begin at 5:30 p.m. Mahanoy Area's Kelly Purcell just missed the championship finals, placing ninth in the 500 freestyle finals with a time of 5:09.72, nearly seven seconds faster than her seed time of 5:16.20. Purcell, a senior who placed eighth in the 200 freestyle Wednesday, fell just .04 seconds shy of eighth-place Caroline Finkbeiner of Trinity. She'll swim in tonight's consolation finals. In other action Thursday morning, Panther Valley sophomore Karoline Vavra was 24th in the 100 breaststroke in 1:10.64 while Blue Mountain senior Claire Harlos was 31st in the 100 freestyle in 57.58. For a complete review of Thursday's PIAA Swimming Championships, read Friday's edition of The Republican-Herald. |
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March 11, 2009..............Times News
Coaldale gets tougher on landlords, tenants Coaldale Borough Council on Tuesday adopted an ordinance aimed at forcing landlords to better maintain their properties and rein-in disruptive tenants. Landlords could be fined $300 for the first violation in a year, $450 for the second and $600 for the third. For each week that a violation persists after a time limit for correction established by the borough's code enforcement officer that has not been appealed is considered a new violation. Also, the owner of the house could be fined $600 per unit for failing to obtain an annual rental license. The licenses cost $30 per dwelling unit, $20 for each rooming house unit and $10 for each sleeping room in a fraternity or sorority. Rental properties must be inspected every two years by the code enforcement officer, unless the tenant has lived there for the last two years, in which case the officer may extend the inspection to once every four years. Included under the ordinance are the following rules: Owners are required to keep their rental properties up to borough code, use rental contracts to minimize disruptive actions by tenants and obtain a residential rental license. If the owner lives 20 miles or more outside the borough, he or she must appoint a manager who lives or works within 20 miles of the borough. The manager's legal name, current mailing address (no post office boxes allowed), and day and night phone numbers must be on file with the borough. The manager must be authorized to accept service of process on the owner's behalf, and the owner must provide the manager's name and contact information to tenants. Owners must take care of their rental properties, shoveling snow, mowing grass and making repairs. If the owner fails to make needed repairs, the borough will and send the owner a bill for the cost of the work plus 25 percent. Owners also must install operating smoke detectors in each sleeping area, the hallways leading to the sleeping areas and at the tops of stairwells. Working carbon monoxide detectors must be installed in the hallways outside sleeping areas. Owners must make sure their tenants keep the place clean, and must allow the code enforcement officer to inspect the premises. Owners or managers must respond to and correct problems within 30 days after a valid complaint is made by a tenant. The ordinance also calls for the eviction of any tenant who is involved in third disruptive conduct violation within any three-year period, or when the tenant has violated any federal, state or local law. Tenants are responsible for their guests' behavior, and if evicted, may not rent in the borough for at least two years. Also, any rental unit cannot be occupied by more than three unrelated people. The borough adopted the ordinance because it has found that there are more upkeep, maintenance and code violations in rental housing, especially when the property is owned by an out-of-town landlord. There are also more domestic disturbances among tenants than among owner-occupied homes, the ordinance states. |
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March 11, 2009.................Times News
Grant money sought to raze 3 vacant borough properties Coaldale is hoping to get a sliver of a $3.92 million federal housing grant pie to raze three vacant homes on Ridge Street. The money would come through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. Pennsylvania's share is $60 million, and expects to award grants through its Department of Community and Economic Development within two months. Schuylkill County Community Action, a private, nonprofit group that helps low-income folks with housing, submitted an application in February for $3.2 million for nine projects in six municipalities, Jeffrey Feeser, the group's Director of Housing and Community Development, told council members on Tuesday. In addition to Coaldale, the projects would be in Girardville, Tower City, Shenandoah, Mahanoy City and Gordon. the projects include 40 parcels, 25 of which SCA would raze to build new homes. Once the houses, which are all abandoned and tax delinquent, are down, the land would be "banked" by SCA. The organization would build new homes on the land and sell them to low-to-moderate income residents. Council expects to further discuss the matter when it meets at 7 p.m. April 14. SCA would counsel the prospective buyers to make sure they are capable of handling the cost and upkeep of a home, Feeser told Council. Money from the sale of the new homes would be funneled back into SCA's funding pool to raze or rehabilitate deteriorated properties in the county. That concerned Councilman Joe Hnat. "It's our property," he said. Feeser explained that the new homes would help replenish the borough's tax rolls. The borough's only cost would be to contribute 25 percent, or $21,500, of the anticipated $86,000 cost of razing the homes. One is at First and Ridge streets and would cost $22,000 to raze; the second, also at First and Ridge and known as the Gould property, would cost $43,000. The third, known as the Black property, would cost $21,000, according to quotes from Peter J. Radocha & Sons of Coaldale. SCA uses local builders and vendors to do the work, so the money stays in the local economy, Feeser said. Feeser said that if the county gets the money it asked for from the program, razing and/or rehabilitation would be "fast and furious." Councilman Tom Keerans asked what, if any, say the borough would have in deciding what kinds of homes would be built. Feeser told him the matter would be up for discussion. There are more than a hundred tax-delinquent homes in the borough, Feeser said. As the economy tanks, more people are abandoning their homes when they fall behind in property tax payments, he said. "People lose their jobs, they are unable to afford to maintain their homes or pay their taxes, and they move out," he said. The borough is left with deteriorating, vacant homes that drag down surrounding property values and create hazardous and unsightly conditions. The Neighborhood stabilization Program money will be used to demolish or rehabilitate deteriorated, abandoned properties so they don't blight neighborhoods. "State and local governments can use their neighborhood stabilization grants to acquire land and property; to demolish or rehabilitate abandoned properties; and/or to offer down payment and closing cost assistance to low- to moderate-income homebuyers (household incomes not to exceed 120 percent of area median income). In addition, these grantees can create "land banks" to assemble, temporarily manage, and dispose of vacant land for the purpose of stabilizing neighborhoods and encouraging re-use or redevelopment of urban property," federal Housing and Urban Development spokesman Brian Sullivan has said. |
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March 11, 2009..................Times News
Coaldale adopts anti-tobacco law aimed at under 18 crowd By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com If you're not old enough to vote, you're not old enough to smoke on public property in Coaldale. And leave the pack at home, too, unless you want to cough up a $50 fine. Borough Council on Tuesday adopted an ordinance prohibiting the possession or use of tobacco products - that includes chew, snuff, cigars and cigarettes - by anyone under age 18 on borough streets, alleys and sidewalks, in parks or any other public areas. But, the ordinance says, the law does not apply to minors using tobacco products in their own homes. The ordinance goes into effect immediately. Coaldale is the latest of local communities to adopt such an ordinance. Growing awareness of the dangers of second hand smoke have prompted antismoking laws from the state level on down. Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell signed into law a prohibition on smoking in workplaces, restaurants and casinos and on public buses, trains and other transportation, effective Sept. 11, 2008. Taverns whose food sales are less than 20 percent of annual revenue and who bar access by those under 18 are exempt from the state law. Private social clubs, such as VFW posts, are also exempt if they have been established for more than a decade and also meet a long list of other criteria. Some volunteer fire companies are asking for exemptions, saying the ban would hurt fundraising events such as Bingo games. Because the fire companies are considered to be private, smoking is permitted at member-only events. Lehighton in September adopted an ordinance barring smoking by anyone on public property. Tamaqua has discussed a similar ordinance prohibiting public tobacco use by juveniles. |
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March 3, 2009..................Times News
Schuylkill County court Coaldale man found guilty of sexual assault on boy By AL DIETZ tneditor@tnonline.com A one day trial ended in the Schuylkill County Court Monday with a jury finding a Coaldale man guilty of several sexual assault charges involving a young boy. Karl A. Otto, 76, of 247 E. Moser Ave., was found guilty of two counts of having involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a seven year old boy, two counts of indecent assault, one count of indecent exposure and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. The charges were brought against Otto by Chief Timothy Delaney, Coaldale police, which were reported to have occurred in July 20007. President Judge Wlliam E. Baldwin deferred sentencing and ordered a presentence investigation (PSI) be prepared by the adult probation office. Also, Otto falls under the provisions of Megan's Law and must be evaluated by the state Sexual Offenders Assessment Board to determine if he is a violent sexual predator and must register for life. Because of the charges he was convicted of, Otto faces a lengthy jail term at the time of sentencing. |
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February 20, 2009............Times News
Coaldale woman charged following incident at VFW A Coaldale woman called a borough bartender a "slut" and a "fat, ugly toothless bh" before throwing a soda can at the barkeep's Jeep and scratching its side, police said. Tamantha Elizabeth Storm, 22, of 43 E. Howard Ave., was charged with criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and harassment after an incident at the Veterans of Foreign Wars social club at 1 E. Ridge Street at 8 p.m. Feb. 11, patrolman Robert E. Minnick reported. According to an interview with bartender Kerry Hoffman, Minnick reported that Storm entered the bar in a "physically offensive condition which served no legitimate purpose" and called Hoffman names. Moments after being advised to leave the bar, Storm called the bar and told Hoffman that she had "left a present on her Jeep for her." Hoffman went out to look and found a soda can had been thrown at the driver's side and the passenger side had been "keyed." Storm admitted doing the damage, which came to $904.18, and making a scene at the bar. Minnick filed the charges with District Judge Stephen Bayer of Tamaqua. |
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Times News.............February 16, 2009
Coaldale man one of two killed in Berks County crash A Coaldale man was one of two persons killed in a one-vehicle crash Friday morning in Berks County. Brandon Blasko, 22, 232 E. High St., died at the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township, at 12:09 p.m. after being flown to the facility by MedEvac helicopter from the crash scene. The crash occurred along Kutztown Road near Crystal Cave Road, which is about a mile and a half west of Kutztown. Also killed in the crash was Scott A. Lieber, 24, of Muhlenberg. He was pronounced dead at the scene. According to reports, the crash occurred about 11:15 a.m. as the car the two were in was speeding and passing other vehicles heading eastbound on Kutztown Road in Richmond Township. The car left the road and struck a utility pole before crashing into a house in the 1500 block of Kutztown Road, partially breaking through a brick wall. No one was in the home at the time. Blasko and Lieber were not wearing seat belts. Both died of head injuries. Police have not determined who was driving. The car, however, was registered to Lieber, police noted. The obituary for Blasko appears on page 4 of today's edition. |
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February 11, 2009...................Times News
Coaldale to acquire street lights By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com Coaldale Borough Council on Tuesday took the first step toward saving $213,346 in street lighting costs over the next 20 years. The borough has been leasing its street lights from PPL for $28,000 a year. Under a plan proposed by Municipal Energy Managers, Olyphant, Lackawanna County, the borough would own the lights. PPL would still own the poles and provide the electricity. Municipal Energy Managers would upgrade and maintain the lights for a flat annual fee through 2037. Council voted to borrow $182,400 from Jim Thorpe National Bank at a 4.45 percent fixed rate to acquire the street lights after listening to a presentation by James Schlesinger of Concord Public Financial Advisors Inc., Reading, and Tim Moran of Municipal Energy Managers. Once the $182,400 debt is paid, the borough would own the lights and save about $18,500 a year, given an anticipated 3 percent PPL annual rate increase for leasing the lights. Moran said the borough's savings are guaranteed under the proposed 20-year contract. Even factoring in the initial investment, the borough stands to save money. For example, in 2010, the borough would pay PPL $29,021. If it signs on with Municipal Energy Managers, it would save $2,983 in that year. In 2011, the PPL lease would cost $29,892; savings under the plan would come to $3,665 for that year. "The program works the proof is in the pudding," Moran said, referring to other municipalities, including Bethlehem, that have saved money through the plan over the past 11 years. He also mentioned that electricity rate caps would be coming off in October, 2010, ushering in substantial electricity cost hikes. Schlesinger said 14 or 15 municipalities have signed on to the plan. Mayor Claire Remington asked whether Municipal Energy Managers would move quickly when repairs needed to be done. Moran said the company would have the lights fixed within three days. "Far better than PPL," he said. Schlesinger said there would be no penalty should the borough pay off it's debt early. Solicitor Michael Greek said he had studied the contract and advised council to sign up with Municipal Energy Managers. "If you look at the numbers, it makes perfect sense," he said. The move brought Coaldale into the fold of several other local municipalities, including Tamaqua and Nesquehoning, that have agreed to or are considering Municipal Energy Managers' proposal. Jim Thorpe Borough is expected to vote Thursday on the proposal. In other matters Tuesday, council discussed the fate of a drug-sniffing dog donated to the borough. The dog is overweight, councilman Tom Keerans said, and has not been trained since December. Why the dog's training stopped was unclear. Keerans said the dog is good at what it does, but needs training and to be worked more often. He suggested selling or giving the dog to the Mahanoy City police department. Remington suggested the Reading police department may be interested in having the dog. "For the dog's sake, we have to get it into the hands of someone who is going to utilize it," he said. Also on Tuesday, Councilman Joe Hnat moved to sell the massive old Coaldale High School, known as the Coaldale Complex. Hnat said the borough can no longer afford to maintain the building, which houses the Carbon County Head Start program. His motion died for lack of a second. Councilman Steve Tentylo suggested having an energy audit done under Act 29, also known as the Guaranteed Energy Savings Act, that allows governments to hire energy providers to determine how to upgrade appliances and utilities and have the cost paid for through the resulting energy savings. Tentylo initiated a similar audit of the Panther Valley schools when he was a school director. Half of the Coaldale Complex is in good shape, he said. Fixing up the other half would set the stage for developing the building into a useful and profitable purpose, perhaps apartments for the elderly, he said. |
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February 5, 2009 Times News
3 arrested for DUI in Coaldale By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com A Coaldale police officer nabbed three men on suspicion of drunken driving. Patrolman Robert E. Minnick was driving east on Route 209 near the ambulance station in Coaldale at about 7:20 p.m. Jan. 24 when the driver of an oncoming sport utility vehicle failed to dim his high-beams. Minnick turned around and pulled over the driver, Greg Yurchak, 44, of 250 Mahanoy St., Tamaqua. When Yurchak rolled down his window, Minnick smelled alcohol and noted that Yurchak's eyes were glassy. Yurchak was cooperative, but slurred his words as he apologized for his high-beams. Yurchak said he'd had "four or five beers" when asked how much he had to drink. Yurchak failed field sobriety tests and was arrested on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance and failing to dim his high-beams. He was taken to the police station, given a breath test that revealed his blood alcohol level was 0.175 percent – more than twice the legal limit of 0.08 percent – and taken home. At 2:49 p.m. the next day, Minnick caught Gary Lee Goodhile, 44, of 208 W. Hazard St., Summit Hill, doing 49 mph in a 25 mph zone in his mini van on West Water Street in Coaldale. Goodhile smelled of alcohol and had glassy eyes. A breath test showed a blood-alcohol level of 0.092 percent. Minnick charged Goodhile with speeding, driving with a suspended license, two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. On Jan. 17, Charles W. Curry, 61, of 249 E. Patterson St., Lansford, drove his pick-up truck, lights out, past Minnick at about 5:30 p.m. on West Water Street. Minnick pulled him over and smelled alcohol and saw that Curry's eyes were glassy. after he failed field sobriety tests and a breath test revealed a blood-alcohol level of 0.104 percent, Minnick charged him with two counts of driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance and driving with his lights off at night. Curry was then released to his wife. |
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February 2, 2009................Times News
Panther Valley schedules kindergarten registration Kindergarten registration in the Panther Valley School District will be held on March 26, 27, and 30, 2009 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. For a child to be registered for kindergarten, the parent must call the elementary school and make an appointment. When a parent calls the school, a specific day and time will be given. No walk-ins will be accepted. Registration is held at the PV Elementary School, 1 Mermon Ave., Nesquehoning. Parents should call the school weekdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at (570) 669-9411. At the time of the call, be prepared to provide the following information to the secretary: parents' name, address and telephone number along with the child's name and birth date. A child must be 5 years old before Oct. 1, 2009 to be eligible for kindergarten. No exceptions. When attending registration, the parent should have a state-issued birth certificate or other acceptable proof of name and age along with immunization records for the child enrolling. The child's social security number is also requested. At their scheduled appointment, parents will meet with the school secretary who will record all pertinent family information, as well as determining the child's bus stop and with the school nurse to record all medical information. The nurse will review immunization requirements and provide information on health related issues. The parents will then as a group meet with Mr. Lombardo, elementary principal for a review of the rules of the school. Finally, the parents will have the opportunity to meet the kindergarten teachers to discuss the kindergarten curriculum and related activities. While the parents are completing these meetings, the children will participate in their own activities. Each child will receive auditory testing, a visual screening test and a readiness test. The entire orientation and testing program will take approximately 45 minutes. The time spent will help both the parent and child to feel more comfortable about beginning school, enable school personnel and families to become better acquainted and make this new experience a special time for the children and their parents. |
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January 20, 2009....................Times News
Spaghetti dinner fundraiser scheduled for Coaldale man Risteter remains in critical condition at the hospital, where he was admitted prior to Christmas. He is the husband of Sarah (Papesh) Risteter. The couple has a three-year-old son Ethan. He is the son of Ed Risteter of Coaldale and Carol Malatak of Nesquehoning. Sponsors of the dinner are asking persons planning to participate to call ahead of time for tickets at 570-778-1182 or 570-778-1850 so that sufficient supplies and accommodations can be made prior to this weekend's event. The fire company is located at 121 W. High St., Coaldale. A fee of $6 per person will be asked and will include spaghetti with meatballs, a salad, rolls, dessert and a drink. The option to dine in or take out is available, as is delivery in the Panther Valley and Tamaqua areas. |
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Times New..........January 19, 2009
Honoring all women
Enlarge Image Now, another garden is growing within the Veteran's Memorial, one that honors the sacrifices of women. The Women's Memorial Garden, to be initially dedicated on Memorial Day, with the completed project to be dedicated on Veterans Day, is being designed by Bill Gaddes of Lake Hauto, a former Coaldale resident and a veteran, who designed the Veterans' Memorial. The memorial will "honor Gold Star Mothers and all women," Gaddes said. "Not only those who served or are serving in the military, but those who loved and waited, and those who provided critical support to our military." The Memorial will feature a "Gold Star Mothers" walkway with the names of 54 borough women whose sons or daughters gave their lives in military service. The likeness of Gold Star mother Mary Nesterak, whose son Norman, a U.S. Military Academy graduate and Army Captain, died in Vietnam in 1969, will be featured on the Women's Memorial. Her image will be engraved on a 20-by-24 inch piece of black granite. Nesterak's image will be among eight that will be part of a wishing well depicting the roles of women in Coaldale and in the history of our country. Norman Nesterak died when a helicopter he was in crashed. Cradling a framed photo of her son, Nesterak, 93, on a recent day recalled the last time she saw him. I'll never forget that. He gave me a hug and a kiss, and he was so sad. He had such a sad look and he waved to me," she said. Norman, affectionately known as "Normie," was an outstanding student at Coaldale High School, graduating with honors in 1963. Mary Nesterak fondly recalled how her son would tutor his classmates before big tests. "About five kids would come to the house before a test, and he would tutor them," she said. The classmates all did very well on the exams, she said. "He was a good kid – they all liked him," she said. Norman also served as an altar boy at St. John's Church and was a football player, a first-string guard, for the Coaldale High School Tigers; the team was undefeated in Nesterak's senior year. Nesterak went on to the prestigious U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he again excelled, graduating in 1967. He was in Germany for a year, then home for an all-too-brief visit before deploying to Vietnam, Mary Nesterak said. "He came home for two weeks or so," she said. "I made nut rolls. He loved them so much that he sat down and took a glass of milk and he almost ate the whole nut roll. Oh Mom, it's so delicious, he said. And I'm so glad – when I think of it, that's the last time he had his nut roll." On Sept. 3, 1969, Norman Nesterak died when the helicopter he was in went down in Vietnam. He left behind a wife, Brenda, whom he wed at St. John's Church, Coaldale, three days after his West Point graduation, and a son, also named Norman. The Women's Memorial will also feature a mural of the sculpture, designed by internationally acclaimed sculptor Glenn Goodacre, that stands at the National Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC. Dedicated in 1993, the bronze statue depicts two women in uniform tending a wounded soldier. The memorial honors the 265,000 women – all volunteers – who served during the Vietnam War. Of those, 10,000 served within combat. The mural, eight feet high and 12 feet long, will be painted by Coaldale artist Sue Frendak, who said she feels honored to be asked to do the work. Frendak also painted a mural depicting the raising of the American flag atop Mount Surabachi on Iwo Jima during WW II that is part of the Veteran's Memorial. The Women's Memorial will also feature a bronze plaque honoring Gold Star Mothers. The plaque was designed by noted military sculptor Andrew Chernak of Philadelphia. The wishing well will be a prominent feature of the Women's Memorial. "The wishing well will contain eight black granite images depicting significant contributions of women to the success of and greatness of our country," Gaddes said. "The roof will contain 12 black granite emblems depicting women's organizations, as well as the military services." A sidewalk with inscribed memorial and honor bricks will be part of the memorial. "This sidewalk, leading to the Wishing Well, will contain names of those women that family members in the region may wish to memorialize or honor," Gaddes said. A section of the walk will be the "Gold Star Mothers Walk of Honor. This section will feature the names of 54 Gold Star Mothers from Coaldale who lost precious sons in the military," he said. The memorial will also have benches and lighting. The Wishing Well will be built by Whitestone Contracting, Inc. The 20 black granite panels with images, special white granite inscribed slabs and other precise granite parts will be done to Gaddes' specifications by Walters Memorials, Summit Hill. "The Rev. William Edwards, a decorated combat infantryman, Vietnam War, who grew up with Captain Nesterak, will perform a song during our services on 24 May 2009. He wrote this song for the Vietnam Women's Memorial in Washington, DC. He sang it during the Veterans Day services held there in November of 2008, and has graciously agreed to perform it at our service," Gaddes said. Gaddes said he knows of no other memorial dedicated to all women. |
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January 19, 2009........................Times News
Inscribed bricks to help pay for Women's Memorial The Women's Memorial Garden being created within the Veteran's Memorial at Third and Phillips streets in Coaldale will be initially dedicated on Memorial Day. To help defray the anticipated $45,000 cost of the project, the Coaldale Veterans Memorial Committee invites the public to purchase inscribed bricks to honor or memorialize loved ones or help with the costs of the mural, lights or benches. The bricks will be placed in the sidewalk leading to the wishing well, or surrounding the well. The person whose name will be inscribed does not have to hail from the borough or be a veteran. To purchase a brick, contact Mildred Flyzik at 570-645-9605 or Linda Miller at 570-645-6162. Forms for the bricks may also be obtained at the Coaldale Borough Hall, Third and Phillips streets. Inscribed bricks are $50. Those wishing to help defray the cost of the Women's Memorial Garden may send checks to: WW II Memorial Committee, c/o Coaldale Borough, Coaldale Borough Hall, and Box 116, Coaldale, PA 18218 |
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January 15, 2009.......................Times News
Bartender charged in Coaldale theft By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com A Summit Hill woman is charged with stealing $200 from the Coaldale Veterans of Foreign Wars post. Coaldale Police Chief Tim Delaney said Thursday that Colleen Wentz, 30, of 37 E. Hazard St., will be charged with theft by unlawful taking. He said Wentz, a bartender at the post, allegedly took the money between Oct. 19-26. The charges will be filed with District Judge Stephen Bayer, Tamaqua. |
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January 13, 2009...............Times News
Coaldale borough offices closed on Mon., Jan. 19 |
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Nesquehoning crash injures one.....December 22 ......Times News
LARRY NEFF/TIMES NEWS At least one person was injured Saturday in a two vehicle crash along Route 209 in Nesquehoning. The crash occurred just before noon on the Wash Shanty Hill. Nesquehoning police report a car |
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December 22, 2008...............Times News
Coaldale borough offices closed for holidays The Coaldale Borough Administrative Office and Tax Collector Office will be closed on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 25 and 26, for the Christmas holiday and on Thursday and Friday, Jan. 1 and 2, for the New Year holiday. Regular office hours will resume on Monday, Jan. 5. |
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December 10, 2008................Times News
Burned down Greenwood Street property subject of complaints By SARA HODON tneditor@tnonline.com Coaldale Borough Council focused on wrapping up some old business at the last regular meeting of the year on Tuesday night. Seek resident Jamie Lee Nicholas voiced concerns over the condition of a property on Greenwood Street that burned down over a year ago. His concern was that the doors and windows have not been boarded up, making the house an easy target for animals or trespassers who venture inside. Mayor Claire Remington suggested having the borough workers block off the house's entrances with plywood, which will limit the access to the house. Borough secretary Louise Lill read a letter that was received from Michael Erbe on behalf of the Coaldale Ambulance Association. In the letter, Erbe requested that the Ambulance Association be put on the borough's books for garbage collection and to send the bill to the association. "I thought that organization was no longer running," Mayor Remington said. Borough solicitor Michael Greek advised that a letter be sent to the organization, requesting a copy of their letter of incorporation to verify their organization's status. In other matters, borough voted on contracts for street materials. Lehigh Asphalt was the low bidder at $73.33 per ton of 9.5 mm tack coat, which was accepted. A bid of $62.16 per ton for 25 mm tack coat, submitted by Eckley Materials, Weatherly, was also accepted. Councilwoman Nancy Lorchak reported that 40 tickets were sold for the first annual Holiday Jazz Celebration at the Angela Theater on Sunday, Dec. 7. The event featured the Willie Mack Quartet and showcased artwork by Lehighton artist Tecu'Mish Munha'Ke and photography by Amy Zubek of Summit Hill. "We had a nice turnout, and maybe in the spring we'll be able to do another performance," Lorchak said. The concert was a benefit for the Coaldale Revitalization Fund. Mayor Remington also thanked Council members for their hard work and dedication for making the community a better place to live. |
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COALDALE'S "MEMORIAL TO WOMEN" PROJECT UNDERWAY.
The Coaldale Memorial to Women will be erected in the near future in the Coaldale Veterans Memorial Garden near the town hall. A photo of the garden area and a preliminary artists' If you'd like to support the construction of the memorial with a financial contribution and/or to purchase an inscribed brick in the sidewalk that will be built near the memorial, please contact Millie Flyzik at 570-645-9605 or the email address is: flycoal@live.com or Linda Miller: The email address is 18218@yahoo.com
Besides the inscribed brick sidewalk, the memorial will consist of: (1) a Wishing Well with 8 black granite images representing the contributions of women during our nation's history, and 12 emblems of women's organizations atop a copper roof; (2) a Mural representing two nurses attending a wounded soldier in the Vietnam Era; (3) two additional light standards; (4) a bench; and, (5) a patio with picnic table. The committee has also requested grants to help finance the construction. If the grants are awarded, as expected, prior to January 1, 2009, the Memorial to Women will be dedicated during Coaldale's annual Memorial Day Services in May, 2009. |
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December 3, 2008....................Times News.
Schuylkill County court Coaldale firm sued By AL DIETZ tneditor@tnonline.com A civil suit has been started against Coaldale Energy, LLC, by a minority stockholder, Bruce Toll, of Palm Beach, Fla., who is asking the court to enter an order summarily requiring the firm to permit Toll to inspect the books and records. In his suit Toll states he is a partner holding 7.69 percent of limited partnership interest in the company acquired in 2006 when he purchased 800,000 Series A Preferred Limited Partnership Interest in the company at $1.25 per interest. He claims under the Pennsylvania Limited Partnership Statute he is permitted to inspect the books. He claims the company has refused his request to furnish its balance sheet showing income and cash flow for each year. |
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November 20, 2008...............Times News
Coaldale cruiser crashes; borough patrolman unhurt Coaldale patrolman Todd Weiss escaped injury early Tuesday morning when he rounded a curve on SR209 at the Lansford Borough line and hit a pick-up truck that had just struck a utility pole. The driver of the pick-up truck, whose identity was not released as of Thursday morning, was taken to a hospital. The police cruiser had minor damage to a headlight and the driver's side tail light, said Coaldale Police Chief Tim Delaney. Lansford officer Chris Ondrus said the accident happened at about 1 a.m. near Dock Street. Rt. 209 was closed for about an hour, he said. |
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November 12, 2008...................Times News
Coaldale to perform street light study By SARA HODON tneditor@tnonline.com Coaldale is the latest in a growing number of local municipalities looking into ways of cutting back on energy costs. At Tuesday's regular meeting, council members accepted a proposed feasibility study to be conducted by Municipal Energy Managers, Olyphant, on the borough's street lights. Robert J. Keerans, a representative from the company, explained that once PPL removes its rate caps in 2010, customers will see a considerable increase in their energy costs. Keerans explained that if the borough decides to sign a contract with MEM, the company would provide the borough with a performance contract, fixed terms on maintenance, and a cost savings account. He said that right now, Coaldale's street lights are technically leased through PPL, and through the agreement with MEM, the borough would have more ownership over the lights. He added that a number of neighboring municipalities have recently entered into agreements with MEM, including Tamaqua. MEM also works with larger metropolitan areas, including Allentown, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre. The feasibility study will be completed within the next month, with the results to be presented to council at the Dec. 11 meeting. In other matters, council members voted to table materials bids that had been received from Lehigh Asphalt, Tamaqua, and Eckley Asphalt, Weatherly, and voted to re-advertise bids for tack coat, a thin liquid ashpalt. Council members voted to approve John Surma as a supervisor with the water authority, with council President Susan Solt abstaining. Councilwoman Joanne Melloy voiced concern that Surma serves as a supervisor with the water authority and also sits on the board. "Is this a conflict of interest?" Melloy asked Surma. Surma said that members of the water authority receive a stipend for their service, and that he abstains from voting on board matters because of his role as supervisor. Revitalization committee chair Nancy Lorchak announced that a Holiday Jazz Celebration will be held at the Angela Theater on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. Advance tickets will be available for $15, $20 at the door. Melloy also announced that the borough's tree lighting will be held on Sun., Nov. 30 at 5 p.m. at the borough hall. |
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'We must never let down our guard'
Korean War veteran warns against complacency during Coaldale ceremony By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com
Clutching their coats tightly around them to ward off a chill wind, dozens of people crowded into Coaldale's Veterans Memorial Garden on Sunday to honor those who had no reprieve from bitter cold, relentless heat and constant fear as they did battle for America. As the sun broke through gunmetal-gray clouds, Korean War veteran William M. Gaddes Jr. thanked those who served, and warned against complacency. "The World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, seem to be fading in the collective American memory," he said. "This is serious, and a threat to the very foundation of our nation as we know it, and the freedoms that we enjoy." He urged people to stay vigilent. "Our country was built upon sacrifices and and upon the ideals of our forefathers. We must cherish and maintain those ideals, and protect them, or we'll perish as a nation," Gaddes said. "We must never let down our guard."
His remarks were part of a Veterans Day ceremony that included a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner sung by Cami Miller, the placing of a veterans memorial wreath by John King and Leonard Zellner and prayers by the Rev. Daniel Mathewson of St. Mary's Orthodox Church.
It also honors those who served in the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, the Korean War, Vietnam and now, the Global War on Terror. Gaddes spoke of the late Eddie Blasko, a member of the 11th Airborne Divsion, who worked with the World War II Memorial Committee. Blasko was active in veterans affairs, serving as commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6982. "Eddie rarely missed a funeral service for veterans of the Panther Valley and the surrounding area," he said. "Eddie was master of ceremonies for many Memorial Day services here in Coaldale." The ceremony closed with Taps, played by Robert Kistler of Bugles Across America, and a prayer led by Mathewson, who also blessed the pillars and plaques marking each branch of military service. The next step for the memorial garden is to build a "memorial to all women," Gaddes said. The memorial would be a wishing well bearing eight images on black granite depicting women's contributions to the nation's history. The images will include that of Coaldale's last surviving Gold Star mother, Mrs. Louis Nesterak, whose son, Army Captain Norman Nesterak, died in Vietnam. In addition to honoring those women who served in the military, the memorial will "honor those who loved and waited, those who lost sons, daughters and loved ones, those who supported our military," he said. The memorial is expected to be dedicated on Memorial Day 2009. |
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Dedication of Korean War, Vietnam War and Desert Storm Memorial
Sunday, November 9, 2008
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COALDALE TO OBSERVE VETERANS DAY WITH SERVICES ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2008
Coaldale will honor all veterans who served or are serving in our armed forces with a ceremony to be held on Sunday, November 9, 2008. Time will be 1:00 PM. The service will be held at the Coaldale Veterans memorial Garden, adjacent to the Coaldale Borough Hall, Third and Phillips Streets, Coaldale, PA. William Gaddes, designer of the Coaldale Veterans memorial, will be Master of Ceremonies. Welcome remarks will be given by Steve Tentylo, Chairman of the Coaldale Veterans Committee. Reverend Matthewson, Pastor of Saint Mary’s Orthodox Church of Coaldale, will provide the Invocation, a blessing of the newly installed granite memorials, and a final prayer for veterans and their families. There will be special music, presented by Ms. Cami Miller, a former resident of Coaldale, and an accomplished vocalist. The Coaldale American legion Honor Guard will provide a rifle volley, and “Taps” will be played by Robert Kistler, a member of “Bugles Across America.”
Visitors are encouraged to view the black granite image of the “SS Coaldale Victory”, Coaldale’s very own WW II Victory Ship. The emblems of our four military services, the Coast Guard, and the WW II Merchant Marine are represented on six black granite disks, 18 inches in diameter. These and the “SS Coaldale Victory” will be dedicated as well. A memorial wreath will be placed honoring all veterans by John King, a veteran of WW II, and by Leonard Zellner, a veteran of the Vietnam War. Both men were wounded in combat and are holders of the Purple Heart. All are invited to participate in this ceremony honoring all those who served or are serving in our country’s armed forces. The Coaldale United Veterans Organization (UVO) will hold open houses at the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts in Coaldale. Contact Mildred Flyzik regarding this release at flycoal@live.com or at 570-645-9605 |
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October 27, 2008
@Section Head:Schuylkill assessment Panther Valley district wins appeals on Coaldale properties By AL DIETZ tneditor@tnonline.com Panther Valley School District appealed the valuation of six properties in Coaldale and the Schuylkill County Assessment Appeals Board held a hearing on Thursday at the Schuylkill County Courthouse. The board has handed down a decision increasing the valuation of the properties. The increased valuation added $48,028 to the assessed valuation of the properties in the school district boundary for 2009 taxes. Decisions were handed down on the properties as follows: Phillip Rabayda, 19 W. High St., market value increased from $41,520 to $64,900 and the assessment from $20,760 to $32,450. Beth Ann Ancharski, 201 E. High St., market value increased from $30,440 to $64,820 and assessment from $15,220 to $32,410. Christopher and Nadine Galloway, 12 E. Ruddle St., market value increased from $26,580 to $27,300 and assessment from $13,290 to $18,650. Mary Watkins, 25 W. Lehigh St., market value increased from $25,370 to $41,780 and assessment from $12,685 to $20,890. Daniel Devitt, 335 Ochre St., Lehighton, on property at 112 W. Philllip St., the market value was increased from $41,280 to $52,440 and assessment from $20,640 to $26,220. Barbara A. Kohler, 230 W. Early Ave., market value increased from $33,290 to $63,410 and assessment from $16,645 to $31,705. |
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October 17, 2008..........................Times New
Coaldale fugitive nabbed A Hazlton man wanted by Coaldale police had been caught. Marco Baker, 50, of 21 N. Second St., was arrested Monday on a warrant for possession of marijuana, failing to appear for a court hearing and driving under the influence of alcohol. Baker was arrested in West Hazleton and jailed in Schuylkill County Prison under $15,000 straight cash bail, said Police Chief Tim Delaney. Baker is also wanted for an aggravated assault incident in Coaldale, Delaney said, but no details were available on that matter as of Friday morning. |
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October 17, 2008..................Times News
Coaldale winter parking rules set Winter parking regulations in Coaldale are in effect from Nov. 1 to April 1. During this time nonmotorized vehicles, RV's, motor homes, ATV's, boats, campers or trailers, may not be parked on borough streets. The following streets will have No Parking in effect from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. during or following any snowfall three inches or greater: Moser Avenue, between Fisher Avenue and Sixth Street; Howard Avenue, between Second Street and Seventh Street; Fisher Avenue. between High Street and Ridge Street; Coal Street, between High Street and Phillips Street; Earley Avenue, between Second Street and Seventh Street; Sixth Street, between Ridge Street and Water Street; Seventh Street, between Ridge Street and Water Street. Vehicles parked on the following streets will park in a northerly direction (toward Route 209): First Street, between Moser Avenue and Water Street; Second Street, between Moser Avenue and Water Street; Sixth Street, between Ridge Street and Phillips Street; Seventh Street, between Ruddle Street and Ridge Street; East Street, between High Street and Phillips Street. Vehicles parked on the following streets will park in an easterly direction (toward Lansford): Ridge Street, between Third and Second streets. Vehicles parked on the following streets will park in a westerly direction (toward Tamaqua): Ridge Street, between Fourth and Fifth Streets. Ordinance #1-1997 Section #2, requires every person (owner, tenant, occupant, lessee, or otherwise) to clear adjacent sidewalks a minimum of 24 inches wide, within 12 hours after the cessation of any fall of snow, sleet or freezing rain. Section #3 prohibits the deposit of snow or ice immediately next to a fire hydrant, sidewalk, street, highway, roadway or loading/unloading areas of public transportation. Section #4, violators are subject to a fine of $600 or 30 days in prison. |
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October 16, 2008.....................Times New
Coaldale kids' Halloween party sold out Reservations for a "Kids' Halloween Renaissance" Halloween party sponsored by Coaldale's C.H.O.S.E. Recreational Organization have all been filled, organizers say. The Medievil-themed party, at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19 at the Coaldale Complex gym for children ages two to 12, will feature fun, food, prizes, music and entertainment. A luncheon – chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, pizza and applesauce – will be served, and a King, Queen, Princess and two jesters will be chosen. |
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October 14, 2008.........................Times News
Coaldale's hot seat Portable potty set ablaze By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com Police said someone set the portable potty, which was in a soccer field, ablaze at about 8:15 p.m. Monday. "We believe there was some kind of accelerant used it melted out the seat and everything else," said Police Chief Tim Delaney. No one was using the potty at the time. He asked that anyone with information about the fire call them at (570) 645-3060. |
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Times News.....................October 9, 2008
Lansford Council questions water authority wages Lansford-Coaldale Joint Water Authority board officials earn a total of $84,800 a year plus full benefits – way too much, Lansford Borough Council members say. Council on Wedbnesday asked solicitor Robert T. Yurchak to look into the matter. According to a Feb. 25 letter to Councilman Tommy Vadyak, the Water Authority board vice-chairman/superintendent earns $47,000 a year; the chairman of the board earns $15,000 a year, the treasuerer and secretary each earn $8,000 a year and the assistant secretary/treasurer earns $6,800 a year. Vadyak said the benefits include medical, life and pension. "Total this all up, you're talking $150,000 a year that customers of the Lansford-Coaldale Joint Water Authority are being ripped off," he said. He said that under municipal code, the officials are entitled to $500 year in base salary and must provide proof of any extra work done. "They are not entitled to any benefit package," Vadyak said. He said that "under the original agreement between the two boroughs, there is no mention of any benefit package." He moved that council ask Yurchak to look at the municipal code and the Joint Water Authority agreement. Water Authority chairman Toby Krajcirik, who is also the borough's maintenance manager, said Vadyak's complaint is an old refrain. The Water Authority sets its wages by following the state Municipal Authorities Act, which provides guidelines for wages. "We've been investigated four or five times through the state Ethics Commission and nothing ever came back to us," he said. He said they had been cleared of any wrongdoing. Krajcirik said the superintendent's job is a full-time, 40-hour week and pays $44,500. The vice-chairman component, which is the board salary, pays only $2, 500. |
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Bringing fire safety to school...............Times News.................October 7, 2008
CAROL ZICKLER/TIMES NEWS
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October 6, 2008 ...............Times New
An old-fashioned Halloween!
Medieval madness will reign as Coaldale's C.H.O.S.E. Recreational Organization hosts its first "Kids' Halloween Renaissance" at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19 at the Coaldale Complex gym. Organizers plan an afternoon of fun, candy, entertainment, prizes and surprises for children ages two to 12. Luncheon – chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, pizza and applesauce – will be served, and a King, Queen, Princess and two jesters will be chosen. Parents must register their children for the event by Oct. 10. You may register at Tommy's Italian Specialty Shoppe in Coaldale or by calling (570) 645-9605 or (570) 645-9575. C.H.O.S.E. president Millie Flyzik said 92 children had been registered as of Monday morning. Children are asked to come in costume. Rainbow's End Theatre Company and RC from T-102 radio will provide entertainment. Organizers recently spent an evening filling candy bags, sorting prizes and working on projects for the event. Chairman Bob Melloy and others will decorate the gym in Renaissance style. "We're transforming the complex into a medieval castle," Flyzik said. Children will be greeted by a pirate with a treasure chest. CHOSE, Coaldale Home Organization School and Environment, was started by Mayor Joe "Chappie" Sharpe in 1956, Flyzik said. She said new members are welcome. For more information, please call (570) 645-9605. |
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October 2, 2008.............Times News
St. Luke's Miners Memorial to offer flu vaccine clinics The staff of St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital, 360 West Ruddle Street, Coaldale, will hold an adult Flu Immunization Clinic on Friday October 21st from 9 am to 2:30 pm. Vaccines will be administered in the Oncology Center, at the 7th and Phillips Streets entrance. Those individuals 18 years of age and above who are interested may reserve an appointment by calling 570-645-2131. Medicare will be billed for eligible enrollees. All others will be charged $30. |
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September 30, 2008..................Times New
Veterans Memorial Garden grows By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com
Coaldale's commitment to honoring those who protect America's freedom continued to be set in stone Monday as three granite pillars, each bearing a scene from the Korean, Vietnam and Desert Storm wars, were gently lowered into place in the borough's Veterans' Memorial Garden. The most recent additions will remain shrouded until Veterans Day, Nov. 11, when they will be unveiled. The Memorial Garden was conceived by World War II submariner Steve Tentylo and built by a coalition of 13, including eight members of the Coaldale United Veterans Organization. Paid for through donations and grants obtained by state Rep. David G. Argall and state Sen. James J. Rhoades, the garden was dedicated in October, 2006, as a World War II Memorial Wall to honor the 1,345 men and women who served from Dec. 7, 1941 through Dec. 31, 1945. The design, created by Lake Hauto resident William M. Gaddes Jr., who grew up in Coaldale and served in the Air Force during the Korean War, features 15 granite pillars etched with the names of those who served. They include the names of Gaddes' uncle, Samuel Zeiser, and Tentylo's name and those of his brothers, Samuel and Joseph. Tentylo showed a visitor the garden, pointing out a plaque depicting the World War II ship, the S.S. Coaldale Victory. The ship, launched on Feb. 23, 1945, carried supplies to Gen. George Patton's Third Army in La Havre, France. Many borough residents served with Patton, two of whom died in action, Tentylo said. The garden, tucked next to Coaldale's Borough Hall, is an oasis of dignity and reverence. Red brick walkways are engraved with names of those who gave donations to the project. A fence bordering the garden is hung with six polished black granite plaques representing branches of military service. Park benches provide places to rest, contemplate and give thanks; old-fashioned street lamps softly illuminate the garden. A large mural of the raising of the American flag at Iwo Jima, painted by Coaldale artist Sue Frendak, adorns a wall behind the memorial pillars. The garden is important, Gaddes said, "because of all the sacrifices of the people of Coaldale in all the country's wars over the years." He believes the borough had the highest number of people per capita serve in World War II than anywhere else in the country.
At the start of World War II, Coaldale was home to 5,900 residents. The number who served in the military in that war came to 22.4 percent of the borough's population, versus about an average of 13 percent of the nation as a whole, Gaddes said. He cites one family, the Skymbas, who sent seven sons to war. "Coaldale was primarily a Catholic town with large families," Gaddes said. "So it was quite common for five members of a family to be in the service at the same time." The area in front of the 15 pillars is paved with red bricks. Called the Walk of Honor, the bricks bear the names of those 51 who died in action: James R. McHugh, Frank Simek, Steven Yurchak, Michael L. Valent, Vincent Shinkosky, Andrew E. Rajnic, Anthony Suda, Frank A. Cempa, Uriel Jones, John Carlin, Edward Shellhamer, Michael Miller, Francis Waice, Michael Grunza and Victor Windus. Also, Michael Priggins, Nicholas Skirchak, Martin Lantosh, Edward J. Derzock, Walter Danchak, Tobea Avino, Bernard P. O'Donnell, Anthony Oswald, Albert L. Ossana, Edward Sicenavage, William P. Hoben, Joseph J. Surina, John Fedora, Joseph Jabbo, Paul J. Martin, Michael Fadorchak, Thomas R. Ceci, Walter Firman, Wash C. Shaffron, Peter Snoich, Edward J. Butts, Herbert A. Boone, George F. Barron, Frank Liska, Joseph J. Navatril, Norman Nesterak, John Katchak, George Strembrosky, Anthony Sachon, Manius J. McLaughlin. Charles J. Zahora, Daniel J. Bonner, John Rimm, Nicholas Zulick, Joseph M. Moravek, Michael Teeno and John Sneddon. The bricks include one for an unknown soldier. On Monday, Tentylo watched as workers from Walters Monument of Summit Hill looped strong canvas straps around each of the three new 1,800 pound pillars, then gently guided them as they were lowered to the ground. The new pillars broaden the scope of the borough's appreciation for those who served, but the garden continues to grow: Organizers are planning a Women's Memorial, in the shape of a wishing well, honoring all women, including those who served in the military and those whose children sacrificed their lives on foreign shores. About 60 borough women served in World War II, most of them nurses, Gaddes said. |
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September 30, 2008.................Times News
First Congregational Church in Coaldale Members of the First Congregational Church's nursing home ministry will visit the geriatric department of St.Luke's-Miner's Memorial Hospital at 11 a.m. and MapleShade, Nesquehoning, at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1. Choir rehearsal will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, followed by adult bible study at 7:15 p.m. On Sunday, Oct.5, the Service of the Lord's Supper will be held during Morning Worship at 9 a.m., followed by Adult Sunday School at 10 a.m. The church board will meet at 7p.m. Monday, Oct.6. Women's Class will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7. Choir rehearsal will be held at 6:30 .m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, with adult bible study following at 7:15 p.m. |
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September 29, 2008.........................Times News
Lions donate to Miner's Memorial  The Coaldale Lions Club has made both a financial donation and a presentation of a drawing by Lion William Gaddes to the Art program for the geriatric and rehabilitation floor of Miner's Memorial Hospital in Coaldale. The drawing depicts five young "Breaker Boys" who toiled in hazardous condition in the Anthracite collieries or "breakers". Robert Ames, president of Coaldale Lions and a member of the hospital board remarked, "We are very proud to be able to assist the art program financially, but to have one of our members donate a very appropriate piece of art. The residents will be able to relate to the drawing of five young "Breaker Boys" from prior to World War I." Micah Gursky, Director of Development for Miner's Memorial, accepted the art on the behalf of the hospital. Shown in the photo, |
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September 20, 2008.................................Times News
Here's a switch Coaldale theater to lower movie prices By DAVE WARGO tneditor@tnonline.com
Current economic conditions are causing many businesses to raise prices on almost everything across the board, but in Coaldale the Angela Triplex Theater will be lowering prices starting this weekend on the admission to their movies. Owners Mike and Deb Danchak are hoping this move will help people looking for entertainment on a shrinking budget have an outlet they can still enjoy as well as give them more flexibility to show more films in the same time period. "We are changing the format starting this weekend to show films that are first run but have been out for a few weeks already," said Danchak this week. He explained that due to the smaller audiences in the cooler seasons the theater usually opens only on weekends and most first run movies require the doors open every evening. "We want to be able to offer the lowest admission we can to our audiences and still offer them first run films." Danchak explained that the theater will still show first run movies that are expected to be blockbusters on their opening weekends as they have in the past, but they will fill in with movies that have been out for a few weeks other times. "When a movie first comes out we are required to show it every day in at least one theater and keep it for two or three weeks at least. The larger multiplexes will show the movie every hour on multiple screens. "After the first week, they are still required, as we would be, to show the movie for at least two or three more weeks, but they only need to keep one print of the film." He said when they give up the additional prints other theaters like the Angela can then obtain them for showing without having to charge opening weekend admissions or keeping them a certain number of weeks. By switching to showing movies on availability, the Angela will be able to show first run films at a lower admission charge while still being able to show the blockbusters on opening weekends as they have been doing. Danchak said this week is the first one that they will be doing this and they will have three recent films including the comedy "Stepbrothers", the smash hit "Mamma Mia" and the recently released "Babylon A.D |
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September 12, 2008.......................Times News
Coaldale man dies from crash injuries James L. Hatmaker, 61, of Coaldale, who was injured Wednesday in a traffic accident at the intersection of SR54 and Tuscarora Mountain Drive in Ryan Township, Schuylkill County, died on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. State police at the Frackville barracks, who investigated the crash, said Hatmaker tried to enter the westbound lane of SR54 from Tuscarora Mountain Drive, resulting in a collision involving his 1989 Chevrolet Astro van and a United Parcel Service 1987 GMC truck driven eastbound by Tara Lindsey, 35, of Berwick. Police said Hatmaker sustained head injuries and was flown in the MedEvac helicopter to the LVH where he died. Lehigh County deputy coroner Wendy Brantley said the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head. Lindsey was not injured. The deceased was the husband of Deborah (Whitehead) Hatmaker. Before retiring, he was employed by Carts of America, Ohio. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, he was a son of the late Iral and Josephine (Powell) Hatmaker. A 1964 graduate of Pottstown High School, he was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War. Surviving in addition to his widow are a daughter Nikki of Lehighton; a son Eric, at home; a brother Arthur of Pottstown; and a sister, Mary McGee in California. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Frank and David. The Zizelmann-Roche Funeral Home, 500 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, is in charge of the arrangements. |
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Coaldale driver injured in crash...........................September11, 2008
LARRY NEFF/TIMES NEWS
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September 11, 2008............................Times News
Behavior of teens at Lansford skateboard park draws complaints from Coaldale officials By CHRIS PARKER cparker@tnonline.com A Lansford skateboard park is giving neighboring Coaldale residents a rough ride, a contingent of council members told Lansford officials Wednesday. The teens who gather at the park use loud, foul language, litter and leave bicycles on walkways, Coaldale Councilman Tom Keerans said. Coaldale Fire Chief Richard Marek Tuesday told Coaldale council the park is on land that is in his borough but "deeded" to Lansford. Keerans on Wednesday asked Lansford to move the park, which is near the Lansford public swimming pool. Lansford council president Bob Gaughan said the placement is temporary and that the borough intends to move it to an area near the tennis courts. Gaughan said Lansford council's Parks and Recreation Committee will review the matter. Council later in the meeting approved rules for park patrons. Keerans attended the meeting with Councilman Joe Hnat and council president Susan Solt. Coaldale officials said they have received many complaints about the behavior of the skateboarders. However, Lansford Councilman Tommy Vadyak was skeptical. Leaving bikes lying around is "normal behavior for kids," he said. Vadyak said he has heard little but "positive feedback" about the park. Gaughan concurred, saying the Parks and Recreation Committee is aware of some issues, but said that he believes "some complaints could possibly be exaggerated." He said the park was created to give the borough a better handle on skateboarders. Officials anticipated about a dozen teens using the park, but were surprised when an average of about 35 routinely show up. Solt acknowledged that her borough has gotten positive comments about the park, too. But the complaints must be addressed. "We want to work together" to resolve the problems, she said. In other matters, Water Street resident Evelyn Babish told council her neighbors leave the garbage cans out all the time, resulting in bad odors and the possibility of vermin. She asked Council if there was an ordinance that could be enforced to compel them to keep the cans out of sight or a Board of Health to address the issue. Gaughan said the borough lacks a health board, mostly because, by state law, it must include a doctor or a nurse practitioner – tough slots to fill in a small town. Another Water Street resident, Diane Walck, is concerned about a man who lives on Abbott Street but parks his large business vehicle on Water Street. The vehicle blocks other large vehicles. Walck said a trash truck recently had problems, and she's worried that oil deliveries, snow plows, fire trucks and ambulances would be hampered. Walck said police have told her there's nothing they can do about the situation. Gaughan said council will look into the matter. |
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September 10, 2008..............Times News...............September 10, 2008
Faulty hydrants tapped during Coaldale fire A miscommunication between the Coaldale Fire Department and the borough's water authority was to blame for the faulty hydrants that were tapped during Saturday's fire at 120 E. Ruddle St. in the borough. At Tuesday's regular Council meeting, Fire Chief Richard Marek said that when a hydrant is out of service, the water authority will normally put a bag over it. There was no bag on the closest hydrant, near the former SS Cyril and Methodius Church on Ruddle Street , or the second closest on Third Street.] "Shame on me ... I assumed they were working, but they were dry," Marek said. "Lansford was already en route, and they ran down to use the hydrant by Radocha's (on Route 209). We only lost about 3 minutes." Marek said that there was water coming out of the hydrant on Ruddle Street, but not as much as they would need to put out the blaze. He said that the borough's updated water supply has very few weak areas, but that trying to get more water out of the weaker hydrants would tax the water system. Marek said that two of the firefighters fighting the blaze suffered injuries. One, George Gilbert, has three broken bones in his foot, and the second, Kyle Zwiesdak, has a fairly serious sprained wrist. "I haven't had an injured man in a long time," Marek said. "Obviously, you never want that. They all did a tremendous job." Marek also addressed Council about the groups of teenagers who have been gathering at the skate park at the East End of Coaldale near the Lansford Pool. "There are groups of 10-15 teenagers hanging around. I think it's peer pressure. Lots of people in Coaldale walk up there, and these kids are up there with foul mouths," Marek said. "They lay their bikes all around and people don't want to walk up there anymore." Marek said that the parcel of land where the park sits is actually deeded to Lansford, even though it sits in the Coaldale borough. Solicitor Michael Greek said that Coaldale's police department has been patrolling the area and citing teenagers following residents' complaints. Councilman Joe Hnat said the park was put together on a trial basis, and that several council members have received complaints from borough residents. "Take the equipment up to Lansford," Marek said. He said that the basketball court on Dock Street, in Lansford's West End near the Sports Zoo, hasn't been used in years and might be a better place for the skate park. "The kids can curse all they want and litter all they want up there," Hnat agreed. Hnat, along with council President Susan Solt and member Tom Keerans, plan to address Lansford's Borough Council about the issues. Council also reached a decision about the bus stop at the corner of Third and Phillips Street in front of Nesquehoning Savings Bank. Bank employees have said that students waiting for the bus in the mornings have been unruly, and Council has been looking at an alternate plan for months. "You have three options¿ eliminate it altogether, move it somewhere else, or do nothing at all," Greek said. After much discussion, Council members decided to move the pickup location to the former Super D Market at 132 E. Phillips St. and the new drop-off location would be across the street, the former Born in the USA garment factory, at 155 E. Phillips St. This would be a third pickup location for students in between the existing stops on East Street and at the Coaldale Complex on Sixth and Phillips St. In other matters, Mayor Claire Remington announced that trick or treat night in Coaldale is set for Fri., Oct. 31 from 6-8 p.m. Residents are asked to turn on their porch lights for the trick or treaters. |
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Coaldale CHOSE to hold Halloween renaissance.............Times News. September 8, 2008
The Coaldale CHOSE Organization, well-known for their past Halloween programs, will hold a "Kid's Halloween Costume Renaissance" on Sunday, Oct. 19. The program will be held at the Coaldale Complex, located at Sixth and Phillips Streets, Coaldale. Time will be 1 p.m. CHOSE requests that each child be in Halloween costume, and be accompanied by a responsible adult. The gymnasium will be transformed into a medieval castle, complete with moat. The walls of the castle will contain hidden prizes and other surprises. The center of the castle will have dancing, as well as a special prize for each child. Lunch will be served with one's favorite food and drinks. "RC"; the famous DJ from "T-102 Radio" will provide entertainment. During lunch a Renaissance-like festival show will be presented by "Rainbow's End". You may register your child by calling 570-645-9605, or 645-9575, or you may "e-mail" your child's name and age to flycoal@live.com. Please register not later than October 14. Any high school student interested in volunteering for this project may call any of the above numbers or contact CHOSE at the e-mail address. |
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September 8, 2008.......................Times News
Coaldale four homeless after blaze By RON GOWER rgower@tnonline.com
Flames raced through a Coaldale home Saturday afternoon, leaving four people homeless. The fire happened at about 4 p.m. at 120 E. Ruddle St. Firefighters gamely fought the smoky blaze and managed to contain it to one half of the duplex, even though the two hydrants closest to the fire scene failed the firefighters. Victims of the fire are Andrew Hellman and Megan Yarnell, and their two children, Nathan, 18 months, and McKenzie, who turned three today. When firefighters reached the scene, choking, black smoke was billowing from the rear and side of the first floor. Flames were consuming a rear porch area. The fire spread to the second floor of the dwelling, destroying virtually everything Hellman and Yarnell own. "We have no renter's insurance," said Megan. A relative added, "They lost everything." Coaldale Fire Chief Rich Marek said he hadn't determined the cause of the fire. He said a state police fire marshall will be asked to investigate. Heavy damage is obvious to dwelling at 120 E. Ruddle St., Coaldale. A fire broke out at the residence Saturday afternoon, with the structure heavily involved in smoke and flames when firefighters reached the scene. Coaldale Fire Chief Rich Marek asked a state police fire marshall to assist in the investigation of the cause of the fire. Marek said the firefighters did their work well despite a handicap. He said there was no water at the closest hydrant at the former SS. Cyril and Methodius Church, nor was there water at the second closest hydrant on Third Street. The chief noted there had been a bag on the hydrant at SS. Cyril and Methodius Church. But the bag was removed so it was felt the plug was operable again. He said an engineer hooked onto the hydrant "and there was no water." A hydrant more than two blocks away along Route 209 provided the water to fight the flames, said Marek. As a result, a section of Route 209 was closed for more than two hours. Initially, "We had to work off tank water," said Marek. "When the first responders came, they worked off tankers," he continued. "They did a hell of a job. Under the circumstances, the building is standing. It didn't extend to the other side except on the back porch roof." There were no injuries. Two dogs and a cat were taken from the house unharmed. The people living in the opposite side of the duplex, who didn't want their names used, said they were watching television when another neighbor banged on their door and told them about the fire. A man, woman, and their 12-year-old child live in that side. They have three dogs and two cats. Reportedly there was little damage done to their side of the structure. Coaldale police officer Bill Longworth said when he arrived, his first priority was to make sure everyone was out of the burning building. He said firefighters were quick to respond. A neighbor, who declined to give his name, said the fire seemed to have a rapid start. He noted that he came out of his home and saw smoke at the Hellman dwelling. "I just happened to walk out on the back deck," he said. Of the fire, he said it appeared the flames were heaviest in the kitchen and then "it blew out the window." He immediately called the fire department, then went knocking on doors to assure everybody was safe. The fire call was one of three for Panther Valley fire departments on Saturday. While fighting the blaze in Coaldale, the Lansford and Summit Hill fire companies were dispatched to another dwelling fire. The call was on Walter Street in Summit Hill. Fortunately, reportedly it was only something burning on a stove and the responders didn't have to leave the scene in Coaldale. Shortly before midnight Saturday, the three departments as well as the Tamaqua Fire Company responded to a dwelling fire on Bertsch Street in Lansford. Reportedly no major damage ensued in the Lansford fire. Female - 14 pants and large shirt. Male - Size 32-34 pants and large shirt. Children - For a 3-year-old toddler and an 18-month-old male. Anyone wanting to contribute to the family, including possibly providing living quarters, should call (570) 952-6159. |
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September 2, 2008 Times News
Event Saturday will raise funds for ailing ex-Coaldale police chief John Tonkin, who served as the chief of police in Coaldale for 25 years until he retired in 1995, is gallantly battling bone cancer. On Saturday, the Marine Corps League Detachment 996, Carbon Mountain Detachment, will be staging a dinner dance to raise funds for him and his family. The event will be at the Viennese Villa in Coaldale, with a social hour at 6 p.m. and dinner starting at 7 p.m. The main speaker will be Cmdr. George "Gunny" Rondeau of the Marine Corp League. Sandra Simmons, a member of the dinner committee, said tickets can be purchased until Wednesday. To obtain tickets, phone 570-645-3595. In conjunction with the event, George Stewart, owner of George Stewart Sanitation, presented a check totaling $1,000 to the Tonkin family on Saturday. In addition, Stewart and a friend said they will help the Tonkin family with a handicap ramp into the house. Stewart said he has had relatives who suffered from cancer. "I saw a lot of people sick," he said, adding that when he heard about Tonkin's ailment he felt inspired to help the family. It was noted that as a child, Stewart sometimes played with friends in Coaldale and remembers Tonkin. "He was there busting my butt," he laughed, regarding the retired chief of police. Accepting the check from Stewart on behalf of the Tonkin family was Tonkin's wife, Kathy. |
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Please Note:
The Guest Book is used, at times, to contact you via email by your classmates or friends. If, by chance, you placed a message in the Guest Book and since then your email changed and wish to be contacted by others, update your email, by leaving a note with your new email address in the Guest Book |
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August 25, 2008 ................Times News
Memorial to 'SS Coaldale Victory' installed
Images of the ship, designed and drawn by Bill Gaddes, has been 'laser-inscribed' on a 20 by 24 inch black granite panel. The history of the ship has been included. The panel has recently been installed adjacent to the Iwo Jima Mural, painted by Susan Frendak. Louis Yelito, owner of Louis J. Yelito Carpentry, and his father David have generously donated their time and construction talents to the Coaldale Memorial project. Louis and David have constructed the roof over the Iwo Jima Mural, framed and installed the "SS Coaldale Victory" panel, and will shortly install six 18 inch balck granite disks representing the four US military services, the Coast Guard, and the WW II Merchant Marine. Design of and construction of the Coaldale Veterans Memorial Garden would not have been possible without the efforts and skills of volunteers like the Yelitos, and the generous contributions of Coaldale "natives". Founded by Coaldale native Steve Tentylo, the next phase of the memorial will include the erection of granite memorials to honor those who served in the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and those who have served or are currently serving in "Desert Storm/Iraqi Freedom/ Enduring Freedom." These memorials should be in place by mid-September. Citizens of the Panther valley and surrounding areas, especially veterans, are invited to visit the Coaldale Veterans Memorial. Visits are secure during both daylight and during evening hours, as lighting and security surveillance are provided. Please contact Steve Tentylo or Mildred Flyzik if you have any questions regarding the memorial, or if you wish to provide financial or volunteer assistance. Steve's phone number is (570) 645-4016, while Millie's is 645-9605. |
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August 22, 2008......................Times News
Water boil advistory in Lansford, Coaldale The boroughs of Lansford and Coaldale are currently under a water boil advisory, effective until Saturday. This is due to an issue that workers experienced yesterday's while working on the $2 million storm separation project, where a problem with a pressure spike in the water system created a drop in water pressure in the two boroughs. The Lansford-Coaldale Joint Water Authority reported that contractors who were working on the project were able to fix the problem quickly, but the authority issued a 48-hour boil advisory, which went into effect at 2 p.m. yesterday, as a precaution and urge residents to boil water until tomorrow. The water authority is currently sampling the water and will inform customers if any further action is needed. The main basis for the storm separation project is to separate storm water from the community's municipal sewage system. Residents in both boroughs were complaining of dirty water flowing from their spigots yesterday and this morning. If customers have any questions, they should contact the Lansford-Coaldale Joint Water Authority at (570) 645-3040. |
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WILL YOU KINDLY HELP OUR U.S. MILITARY'S WOUNDED WARRIORS AND THEIR FAMILIES?
AMVETS Post One of Tamaqua has begun a program to raise funds for our nation's military warriors who have been wounded in the war on terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan and around the world. As of June, 2008, the program has raised nearly $27,000, but more funds are needed. Every cent donated will be sent to the Chaplain's office at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, DC, for further distribution to our wounded warriors and their families. The Commander of AMVETS Post One is Dick Jacobs, who was the main speaker at Coaldale's Memorial Day service on May 25, 2008. Please see: Richard Jacobs Memorial Speaker The Finance Officer of AMVETS Post One is Coaldale High School graduate Bill Gaddes. If you'd like to help, please mail your contribution to Bill Gaddes, Finance Officer, AMVETS Post One, 64 Oak Court, Nesquehoning, PA, 18240. Please make your check out to “AMVETS Post One :Wounded Warriors” You may find more info about the wounded warrior project at: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ |
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On this Day, AUG. 10, 1963................Morning Call
1963 -- Coaldale native and former Naval Academy football star George Welsh takes his first coaching job since being discharged from the Navy when he joins Rip Engle's staff at Penn State as an assistant coach. |
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Creditors file to force LC&N into bankruptcy
BY PETER E. BORTNER STAFF WRITER pbortner@republicanherald.com Published: Wednesday, July 30, 2008 4:29 AM EDT Lehigh Coal & Navigation Co., one of Schuylkill County’s oldest businesses, purportedly owes more than $7 million and has been hauled into bankruptcy court by its creditors. “They entered into transactions involving substantial dollars,” Philadelphia attorney Jeffrey D. Kurtzman said Tuesday about LC&N, Coaldale, against which he filed the involuntary bankruptcy petition. Kurtzman represents four creditors — Primerock Capital LLC, Pittsburgh, Bruce Toll and The Bruce and Robbi Toll Foundation, both of Horsham, and Douglas Topkis, New York City — to whom LC&N owes $7,425,297, according to the petition filed July 15 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Wilkes-Barre. The case has been assigned to U.S. Bankruptcy Judge John J. Thomas. “They’re various presale arrangements involving coal,” Kurtzman said of the claimed debts. Bankruptcy is the best way to collect the claims, Kurtzman said. “An ordinary lawsuit, I think, frankly, is not appropriate,” he said. However, LC&N does not agree that it should be in bankruptcy court. “Lehigh is not in bankruptcy and Lehigh’s Board of Directors intends to contest the involuntary petition,” Sarah Curran Smith, LC&N vice president of industrial relations, said in a written statement. “In the interim, Lehigh will continue to operate as usual.” LC&N has 20 days to file its answer contesting the petition. Smith wrote in her statement that a ruling is at least 20, and perhaps as many as 40, days away. The creditors filed the petition under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and have asked that LC&N be placed under the control of a trustee. Kurtzman said appointment of a trustee could put LC&N in the hands of someone who can make appropriate management decisions. “That seems to be the most obvious way” for the company to acquire sufficient operating capital, Kurtzman said. “There is a disconnect between management and ownership.” Other creditors who have become parties to the case are Anthracite Health and Welfare Fund, Hazleton, and the United Mine Workers of America labor union. LC&N President and CEO Sean D. Curran could not be reached Tuesday for comment on the situation. LC&N and its predecessors have been mining anthracite coal in Schuylkill and Carbon counties since Lehigh Coal Mining Co. was founded in 1792, according to the company’s Web site. The company owns more than 8,000 acres between Tamaqua and Jim Thorpe and recently put its Greenwood breaker back in operation in Coaldale. Republican Hearld .com - Pottsville |
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August 2, 2008......................Times News
Coaldale, West Penn, Rush police join in seat belt check program Municipal Police and the Schuylkill County Sheriff's Department will be conducting nighttime seat belt enforcement and awareness details during the first two weeks of August as part of PennDOT's Buckle Up Pennsylvania program. Among the participating police departments are West Penn Township, Coaldale and Rush Township, all of which will be part of the upcoming Operation Nightlife Mobilization starting Monday, Aug. 4 at 9 p.m. The sheriff's department will be conducting Seat Belt Minicade Details and Informational Sites during the closing weekend of the Schuylkill County Fair. Deputies will be reminding |
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July 31, 2008............................Times News
Suspect in Tamaqua drug cases arrested A Philadelphia man with connections to Coaldale was taken into custody on drug related charges by Tamaqua police. Sam Metellus, 22, who uses addresses of 243 Howard Ave., Coaldale, and 2607 Ellsworth St., Philadelphia, faces charges in two seperate incidents following an investigation conducted by borough police in conjunction with the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force. Metellus was picked up by Coaldale police late Wednesday afternoon on a warrant issued by Tamaqua police. He was then arraigned before District Judge Stephen Bayer, Tamaqua. The first set of charges were filed by Tamaqua Sgt. Richard Weaver and stem from a May 9 incident while the second set of charges were filed by Patrolman Anthony Stanell stemming from a July 25 incident. Charges in both incidents include felony counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, possession with intent to manufacture/deliver and criminal use of a communication facility, as well as misdemeanor counts of possession of a controlled substance. Metellus allegedly sold $300 worth of heroin to a confidential informant on July 25. The transaction took place within 1,000 feet of a school. On May 9 the suspect allegedly sold $190 worth of cocaine and heroin to a confidential informant. Metellus was transported to the Schuylkill County Prison, Pottsville, where he was lodged in lieu of bail. |
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July 28, 2008
Coaldale's pride and joy Pumper/rescue truck dedicated By AMY ZUBEK azubek@tnonline.com
The afternoon began with a fire truck and emergency rescue vehicle parade that weaved throughout the borough. Companies from Tamaqua, New Columbus, West Penn Township, Mahanoy City, Lansford, Hauto, Walker Township, Summit Hill, Tuscarora, Nesquehoning and McAdoo all participated in the parade, which ended at the Coaldale Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 fire house on High Street. At that time, a ceremony was held to dedicate the truck and thank everyone for their support. Members of Coaldale Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 push their new fire truck into the fire house after the dedication ceremony.
He ended his speech by presenting the company with an American flag. Coaldale Mayor Claire Remington then spoke to the people. She thanked the volunteers for all that they do for the people of Coaldale and the surrounding areas. "We're blessed because every time the alarm goes off, we know that these men and women will be there to help us."
"Thank you," she said as she ended her speech. Prior to the blessing of the truck by the Rev. Bitsko, Scranton Assistant Fire Chief James Floryshak and Coaldale Fire Chief Richard Marek took to the podium. Floryshak urged the audience to help lower the number of casualties of firefighters by making sure fire detectors work, having escape plans in place and by supporting these brave men and women who have given so much time to their communities. "I know it's not easy for them to give up a weekend, a day, or a few hours, but what they learn during training can save them. I urge you to support these men and women. I also urge you to remember and pray for all the fallen firefighters and their families." Before Marek began his speech, he noted that the company was thrilled with the truck they purchased from KME in Nesquehoning. The total cost of the vehicle was $325,000. Of that total, $232,750 was from a federal grant; $15,000 was from the sale of a fire truck; and the remaining $65,000 was raised by the members of the Coaldale fire company. Marek then asked the audience, "Who are firefighters?" He proceeded to answer, "Firefighters are brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters. They are lawyers and doctors and construction workers and more. They are all walks of life." Marek noted that the men and women who were standing to his left do not get paid for their time. They do this risky job because they are dedicated and want to help others. "Every volunteer firefighter here would tell you that they do this because they get the satisfaction of knowing they are doing good and helping others. When we hear someone tell us thank you after an incident, (those two words) mean more than anything in the world." He then talked about the late Gene Bonner to whom the new fire truck is dedicated after. Marek said Gene will never be replaced. "Gene was an active firefighter for over 50 years. He made every call he could make and he cried the day he turned his pager in. "We'll never find another volunteer like Gene." The ceremony ended as Gene's wife, Mabel, received the honor of breaking a champagne bottle on the new truck's bumper. The volunteers then pushed the truck back into the garage. |
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July 26, 2008................Times News
Becoming a superhero Panther Valley native writes book based on his childhood experiences By SARA HODON tneditor@tnonline.com
That's the message behind the book Becoming a Superhero: Adventures of An American Superhero by former Coaldale resident William Smith. Smith, who now lives in New Jersey, wrote his first book based on poems he'd written inspired by his childhood in the coal region. The book focuses on the life of its narrator, 10-year-old Billy Smith, who is growing up in Coaldale and Lansford during World War II. More than anything, Billy wants to be a superhero. He learns that heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and that a soldier returning home from the war after defending his country is just as strong and brave (probably more so) than Superman or Batman. Throughout his life, Billy finds other heroes of all kindshis father and grandfather who worked at dangerous jobs in the coal mines, his grandmother who could fix anything, and even some of his teachers. Billy is not a particularly good student, but the lessons he learned from some of his teachers stick with him for the rest of his life. Smith says that he included stories and details from his own childhood in the book. As a professor of education and children's literature, Smith said he has been fascinated by heroes in literature for many years, and wanted to write something about a real life hero. "Billy is not the best student, but I wasn't, either," he said. "Some people have said that he should have been a better student, but that wasn't the message." The message being that a person doesn't need to be a genius or have a wall of important degrees in order to be successful in life. Smith says that although the book is targeted mainly at children, it's the kind of book that adults can, and should, share with their children and grandchildren because of the lessons it teaches. As a child, Smith lived with his parents on Ruddle Street in Coaldale, with his grandparents living nearby on High Street. He went through the Coaldale school system until ninth grade, when he and his parents moved to Lansford. He graduated from Lansford High School in 1953 and joined the Marine Corps two weeks later. He married the former Joan Vitek from Lansford and relocated to New Jersey, where he was a teacher for many years. Smith has made a few brief trips to the area, but says that it's been The book has gotten a warm reception from local residents. Smith included many real-life residents of the Coaldale and Lansford area in the novel, and says that he's gotten a number of emails from people who knew a lot of the same folks. Smith is currently promoting his book in New Jersey, but is hoping to do more appearances and signings in the area. He says he is available for book signings at libraries and presentations at schools. |
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July 25, 2008...............Times News
Coaldale fire truck dedication slated for Sunday Coaldale Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 will be holding a dedication ceremony for the borough's new fire truck on Sunday afternoon. The event kicks off with a parade that will weave through the borough and end at the fire company. The parade begins at 1 p.m., on the Pool Road. It will travel down Phillips Street, turning onto Sixth Street. From there the parade will travel to Ruddle Street, where it will continue down Ruddle until Third Street. Once at Third, the route makes its way to High Street. The parade will then march down High Street and end at the fire house. Following the parade, a formal dedication ceremony for the company's 2008 KME pumper/rescue truck will take place. Speakers for the day include state Rep. David Argall and Congressman Tim Holden. Light refreshments will be served after the ceremony. |
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July 24, 2008
SS Coaldale Victory displayed
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July 24, 2008
 Military emblems to be installed at Coaldale Veteran's MemorialSPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS Six black granite disks, 18 inches in diameter, will be installed on the perimeter vinyl fencing at the Coaldale Veteran's Memorial. The emblems represent the four military departments, the Coast Guard, and the WW II Merchant Marine. In addition, a 20 by 24 black granite image of the "SS Coaldale Victory" will be installed adjacent to the Iwo Jima mural. Shown in the photo holding the emblems representing their respective branch of the service are, see photo. |
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July 24
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS |
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July 19, 2008..................................Times News
Fighting to Leave Bob Stoffey has done it again. The Coaldale native has written another critically acclaimed book about his experiences as a Marine Corps avaitor during the Vietnam War. Fighting to Leave will debut next month 16 years after Bob's first book, Cleared Hot, which is still on the market by St. Martin's Press, was published. After it was first released, Cleared Hot made the New York Times best seller list. If early indications are accurate, Fighting to Leave will be headed in that direction also. Fighting to Leave details the complexity of the last two years of Americans fighting in Vietnam (1972-73), until the end of America's longest war in 1973, when we finally got our POWs home and withdrew, according to Stoffey, a Coaldale High School graduate. "Historically, it enlightens many readers that the American fighting ended in 1973 and the heavily-viewed newscasts of the fall of Saigon and associated evacuation of the American Embassy happened two-years later after all American military were removed from Vietnam in 1975," he explains. "The bottom line," Stoffey added, "is that those, today, who think it's complex to get out of Iraq now, should read Fighting to Leave, which was more complex of a situation because of the requirement to get our POWs home." Stoffey, now retired and living with his wife, Eleanor, in Carlsbad, California, served as a Marine Corps aviator for 25 years and flew 22 different types of airplanes and helicopters. His numerous military decorations include two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Navy-Marine Medal for Personal Heroism, 25 Air Medals, the Bronze Star, the South Vietnamese Medal of Honor, and the South Vietnamese Air Cross of Gallantry. He served three combat tours in Vietnam and during his first two tours, 1965-1966 and 1969-1970, Stoffey flew 440 combat missions out of DaNang and Marble Mountain Airfields in South Vietnam. He was shot down twice. His third combat tour was aboard the USS Oklahoma City as the Marine Air Officer and Assistant Amphibious Warfare Officer on the staff of the Commander, Seventh Fleet. The crucial and complex last two years of the war, following the 1971 withdrawal of major ground-fighting units under President Nixon's Vietnamization policy, are explained from the perspective of the Seventh Fleet, as it floated in the Gulf of Tonkin and South China Sea. As the South Vietnamese battled for survival, the U.S. Seventh Fleet was a significant supporting force; the mining of North Vietnam's waterways, concentrated shore bombardments, and air attacks were instrumental in leading to the negotiated end of America's war in Vietnam and the return of our POWs. In the words of Gen. Walter E. Boomer, USMC (Ret.) and former adviser to South Vietnamese Marines, Col. Stoffey's engaging recollections make Fighting to Leave an "action packed narrative....the only book that wraps up all the complex events that led to the end of our longest war." Advance copies of the book drew rave reviews from some of our country's top military people. "Bob Stoffey has written a truly superb book on the final phase of the Vietnam War," wrote Gen Anthony C. Zinni, USMC (ret.). "It is an insightful, well-written account by someone who lived it. Fighting to Leave is required reading for those who want to understand a war whose lessons are still being learned." Vice Admiral Ed Briggs, USN (ret.) wrote: "It is, foremost, a graphic history of courageous boots on the ground, intrepid aviators, gallant sailors, their innovative leaders of the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps and their Republic of Vietnam comrades. They won the battles, yet the geopolitical structure failed to permit the unfettered offensive actions necessary for decisive victory or winning the peace. This is a book about the past, the present, and the future. We ought to take its message very seriously." "Fighting to Leave is a much needed reminder of our nation's past mistakes. The parallels between the last years of the Vietnam War and the current War on Terror are striking. A must read for the new generation who thirst for high office, if we are to avoid 'Deja vu all over again!" Brig. General David M. Brahms, USMC (ret). "Few have had the range of Vietnam combat experience, and fewer have had the perspective and personal involvement, that allow Bob Stoffey to convey the details of sea, air, and ground events in the final phase of the conflict," wrote Capt. Stu Landersman, USN (ret.). "His descriptions are not from libraries of academia but from those who have been there and done that." After retiring from the Marine Corps, Stoffey worked for Rockwell International Microelectronics and Hughes Semiconductors and was vice president of a laser manufacturer before taking civilian retirement. He and Eleanor still make frequent visits home, the most recent visit when they attended the Coaldale High School reunion last month. |
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Coaldale ordinance goes after trucks' 'Jakes Brakes'
Residents complain of noise generated by engine devices. By Lisa Price | Special to The Morning Call July 11, 2008 It was slow going for a while on Coaldale's proposed ordinance to ban truckers from using loud brake retarders as they drive through town, but it's full speed ahead now. Months after the measure was proposed, Borough Council voted Tuesday to advertise a ''Jakes Brake'' measure and scheduled it for a final vote in August. The proposed law says truckers can't use brake retarders on Route 209 in the borough. The route will be posted with warning signs. Council President Susan Solt said council decided to work on the ordinance in response to residents' complaints about the noise from the trucks. Also Tuesday, council made police Sgt. Keith Krapf and Patrolman Todd Weiss full-time permanent officers, as both have completed a one-year probation. With them, Coaldale now has four full-time officers. Also, Solt said residents have complained about properties with overgrown grass and weeds. Borough Code Enforcement Officer Mark Richards was directed to checking on the properties and cite owners as needed. Lisa Price is a freelance writer. |
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July 14, 2008.................................Times New
Closure of a Catholic Church
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Members gather outside closed church Members of Ss. Cyril and Methodius Church in Coaldale gather outside the church following the final Mass there yesterday. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The last Catholic churches in Coaldale closeRON GOWER/TIMES NEWS All three Catholic churches in Coaldale closed for the final time this --------------------------------------------------------------- Choir members in Coaldale church recessional
----------------------------------------------------------------- Rev. Pavlosky sounded sad in his Coaldale sermon, stating "people have stopped praying for a bountiful garden." He remarked, "It's like the doctor that has a magical pill. If nobody comes to his office, he can't give them the magical pill. "We're being offered an opportunity to get more involved in the Lord in our new situation," he said, adding, "If God didn't want this to happen, there's no way these churches would close." |
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For information regarding how you might honor a loved one, contact Bill Gaddes
at 570-645-2762 or Millie Flyzik at 645-9605. |
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July 7, 2008...............Times News
Two phases remain to complete memorial
In 1941, Coaldale had 5,945 residents. An estimated 1,336, or 22 percent of the population, served in some capacity during World War II. "We think that's a record," Bill Gaddes, a member of the borough's World War II monument committee, said. In 1947, the Coaldale American Legion Post 170 led the effort to design and build a monument that would pay tribute to the Coaldale residents who had served in the war. The first monument, called the Victory Board, was a wooden structure that listed the names of the servicemen on white slats, and the names of the fallen on black slats in white paint. Twenty five names were on black slats. Local businesses donated materials for the monument, which cost approximately $130 to build. "There were approximately 800 to 900 names on it," Gaddes said. The servicemen's names were collected through records at the former Coaldale High School, and Lehigh Coal and Navigation's offices. Years of harsh weather took its toll on the wooden structure, which deteriorated over the years and was finally torn down in the late 1950's. It would be 50 years before plans got underway to build a new monument. In 2005, a group of borough veterans, led by councilman Steve Tentylo and Bill Gaddes, reorganized a monument committee. The group spent a year gathering names of servicemen and raising funds for the new, $120,000 memorial. They were able to secure two grants with the help of Rep. David Argall and Sen. James Rhoades. The committee also sold over 500 inscribed bricks for the walkway around the memorial. Gaddes said that August Gulla, a longtime funeral director in Coaldale, was a big help in doing the research. "He kept good records and had an excellent memory and was really able to help us," he said. The committee was able to collect the names of more than 1,300 men and women who served; 51 of whom perished. |
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William J. “Bill” Berry - Master Artist
-- Friday, January 04, 2008 See: City of Las Cruces The City of Las Cruces Senior Programs has named William J. “Bill” Berry as the January Master Artist for Masters Art Series, "Creativity is Ageless!" Berry’s art specialty is painting. Berry was born in Coaldale, Penn., in 1932. He served in the U.S. Navy and subsequently attended George Washington University, in Washington, D.C., where he played football and helped his team defeat Texas Western in the 1957 Sun Bowl. Berry spent the next twenty-five years employed in the education field where he served as a high school teacher, coach, and administrator for Fairfax County, Va. After retiring as an educator in 1980, Berry and his wife moved to Las Cruces where Berry worked managing a small mutual domestic water association east of town. Berry retired from his second career in 2007. He now spends his time as a devoted artist. |
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WILL YOU KINDLY HELP OUR U.S. MILITARY'S WOUNDED WARRIORS AND THEIR FAMILIES?
AMVETS Post One of Tamaqua has begun a program to raise funds for our nation's military warriors who have been wounded in the war on terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan and around the world. As of June, 2008, the program has raised nearly $27,000, but more funds are needed. Every cent donated will be sent to the Chaplain's office at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, DC, for further distribution to our wounded warriors and their families. The Commander of AMVETS Post One is Dick Jacobs, who was the main speaker at Coaldale's Memorial Day service on May 25, 2008. Please see: Richard Jacobs Memorial Speaker
The Finance Officer of AMVETS Post One is Coaldale High School graduate Bill Gaddes. If you'd like to help, please mail your contribution to Bill Gaddes, Finance Officer, AMVETS Post One, 64 Oak Court, Nesquehoning, PA, 18240. Please make your check out to “AMVETS Post One :Wounded Warriors” You may find more info about the wounded warrior project at: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ |
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May 17, 2008.................Times New
At the garden, one can reminisce and honor family, friends and veterans to whom we owe our freedom. Security surveillance is provided at all times by the Coaldale Borough Hall and the Nesquehoning Savings Bank. Staffed 24-hours-a-day, the police department, under Chief Timothy Delaney, is located immediately adjacent to the memorial garden. The Coaldale World War II Committee is embarking on phase two of the project to honor Coaldale's veterans and their families. In the coming months, granite memorials will be erected to honor those who served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. A third granite column will honor those who served in Operation Desert Storm and those who have served or are currently serving in Afghanistan, Iraq and Operating Enduring Freedom. These memorials will be dedicated on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. The veteran's memorial in the Seek section of Coaldale will also undergo a refurbishment. Three new fiberglass flagpoles will be dedicated during the Memorial Day services to be held in Seek on Sunday, May 25 at 1 p.m. The services at the Coaldale memorial, located at Third and Phillips streets, will begin on that day at 2 p.m. As a fundraiser, the veterans committee is selling an image of the World War II Memorial Wall, which contains 1,330 names. In the form of a wooden block, the rear of the image contains a description of the memorial wall and the contribution by Coaldale soldiers in World War II. This beautiful remembrance is available for $20. Contact Millie Flyzak at (570) 645-9605 or Bill Gaddes at (570) 645-2762 to place an order. Order forms will also be available at the Coaldale Borough Hall. Also, inscribed bricks are still available for placement in the sidewalks in the memorial garden. The cost is $50. Any person's name may be inscribed on a brick. This program is scheduled to end on Monday, June 30. Upon completion of the memorials described above, the committee plans a unique "Memorial to Women." This memorial, in the form of a wishing well, will honor not only those women who served in the military, but also those who lost sons and loved ones, those who loved and waited and those who supported our women in the military. Those wishing to support this unique Memorial to Women can also make the contacts listed above. |
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Coaldale's Veterans Day ceremony at the World War II Memorial Garden Sunday aimed at reminding us to respect, remember and revere those men and women who sacrificed for the freedoms that we all too often take for granted. That message hit home as those attending the service listened to the words of State Sen. David G. Argall, Faye Lewis, William Gaddes, Mrs. Mary Edith Rhoades, whose husband, the late state Sen. James J. Rhoades, was crucial the Garden's creation, and World War II Memorial Committee Chairman Steve Tentylo.
State Rep. Jerry Knowles recalled the impact of the terrorist attacks on America on Sept. 11, 2001. "There's always something good that comes out of something terrible," he said. the events of that day "raised peoples' awareness of the military and to those who have served. I commend you and thank you for your service."
"It's only natural on days like this that we speak of war. But we must also speak of peace," he said. Argall recalled Gen. Douglas MacArthur's words - "The soldier, above all other people, prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war."
World War II veteran John King's Message to America: "To really enjoy your freedom; Your freedom of religion, freedom of speech. Get a good education and make a good life for yourself." "I served with General Patton all the way," John King says with pride as he sits in his immaculate home in Coaldale. On a nearby side table is a model of a Sherman tank, the same kind that carried and protected him during his tour of duty with Patton's 702nd "Red Devils" tank battalion in Europe during World War II. 
ny was called to a small downstairs fire at 544 W. Water St., (Rt. 209) in Coaldale. An older live-in resident and firefighters extinguished the fire quickly before it became worse. Reportedly, wood caught fire when it was too close to a wood furnace. A resident was seen outside coughing as there was a noticeable amount of smoke inside the residence. Tamaqua's Fire Department was also called, but then recalled as the fire was quickly extinguished. No one appeared hurt. Coaldale Fire Police directed traffic around the area for the duration.
CHRIS PARKER/TIMES NEWS Coaldale Borough Council President Sue Solt, right, cradles a deaf, declawed house cat, that, along with her companion cat, was abanoned to starve to death in a wooded area last Friday. At left is Animal Control/Code Enforcement Officer Mark Richards.
Sergeant Joseph Guyton is the son of William Guyton, a former Unit Manager at the FBI’s Academy at Quantico, Virginia. He is a mentor and friend of retired FBI official Al Bostdorf of Lake Hauto. Joe’s uncles and grandfather are all retired FBI officials. Joe is recovering from the loss of his left leg below the knee, and his right leg at the knee. He was severely wounded by a roadside Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Joe had just undergone surgery on Sunday, August 16, 2009. Joe’s spirits are excellent, and he was gratified to have visitors. Joe will receive the finest of care at Walter Reed during his rehabilitation process. Commander Jacobs thanked Joe for his service to our country and for sacrifice. Vice Commander Nesgoda wished Joe a speedy and complete recovery, and promised a repeat visit. Commander Jacobs remarked “It is a very humbling experience to visit with such a fine young American soldier. He willingly went in “harm’s way” to serve our country. We owe him and those like him our eternal gratitude.”
Its proper name is The Nativity of The Theotokos.
DONALD R. SERFASS/TIMES NEWS The ornate iconostasis of St. Mary's Orthodox Church, separating the nave from the sanctuary, was consecrated in 1914.
The Rev. Daniel Mathewson inspects a seven-branch candlestick dating back to 1897. The candelabra was recently replated as the parish prepares to host its centennial celebration on September 6.
CHRIS PARKER/TIMES NEWS Daniel Bird of Coaldale asks council to allow the formation of a Quick Response Service in the borough. The QRS would enable local volunteers to immediately respond to medical emergencies. Also pictured are Councilman Joe Hnat, Councilwoman Joanne Melloy and solicitor Michael Greek.
LARRY NEFF/TIMES NEWS Rush Township police inspect the damage to a motorcycle on SR309 Monday night following an accident in which a Coaldale motorcyclist was killed.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Coaldale firefighter Tom Polischak leans from the bucket of a tower ladder to paint the top of a 50-foot tall flagpole at the Coaldale Complex. 
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Coaldale Fire Company donated use of its tower ladder to allow volunteer firefighters to safely reach the top of a 50-foot tall flagpole at the Coaldale Complex. 
AL ZAGOFSKY/TIMES NEWS Ryan Hnut's painting, B.E.S.S. - Bridges, Explosions, Soldiers and Sex, was among the 157 paintings chosen from 2,179 entries. The entry marks the second year in a row that the 25-year-old art student has received the honor. 
After graduating from Marian High School, Ryan began to study geodetic engineering at Penn State Wilkes-Barre campus. He took an art course.
CHRIS PARKER/TIMES NEWS Sgt. Amanda Kerr of Tamaqua re-enlists in the U.S. Army at Coaldale's Memorial Day ceremonies on Sunday.
CHRIS PARKER/TIMES NEWS
CHRIS PARKER/TIMES NEWS Master of ceremonies William Gaddes speaks at Coaldale's Memorial Day services.
The audience at Coaldale's Memorial day services, held in Seek and later at the Veteran's Memorial Garden Garden, weeps as they listen to the Rev. William Edwards sing "She Still Cries," a song he wrote in honor of Army nurses. Gold Star Mothers Ann Baddick Adams, in white, whose son Andrew Baddick died in Iraq in 2003, dabs her eyes. To her left, in a red jacket, is Mary Nesterak, whose son, Norman Nesterak, died in Vietnam in 1969.
JOE PLASKO/TIMES NEWS Robby Krapf looks over the ballfield in the Seek section of Coaldale. Krapf nominated the field for the Kellogg's Plant A Seed program, which will rebuild 30 fields nationwide.
JOE PLASKO/TIMES NEWS Robby Krapf plays catch with his son, Bryan, at the Seek ballfield, which Krapf is hoping can be rehabilitated.
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS Bill Gaddes and a quarter-scale flying model of a Vietnam-era military airplane.
The ‘one of a kind’ model was designed and built by William “Wash” Martin, of Tamaqua, PA. It was flown in several “War Bird” flying contests, winning several awards. William Martin served during the Korean War with the US Army in Germany, from September of 1950 through June of 1953; during the height of the Cold War. 
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Ann Baddick Adams, left, and Mary Nesterak hold a plaque honoring Gold Star mothers that will be placed in the Women's Memorial Garden in Coaldale.
DONALD R. SERFASS/TIMES NEWS Stanley Costello, 90, plays "Happy Birthday To You" on the violin to help John Dalton celebrate his natal day on Friday. Enjoying the occasion is Dalton's wife Sarah.
DONALD R. SERFASS/TIMES NEWS "Whiskey was cheap. It was about 10 cents a drink and we had nickel beers," says Stanley Costello, reflecting on the 1930s and how the Depression years impacted the bar business.
The newlyweds helped Costello's mother operate the bar business, expanding it in 1948, and then offering food about 1950.
Mildred Flyzik, Secretary of the Coaldale Veterans Memorial Committee, and Mary Hnat welcome Craig Zurn; CEO of the Jim Thorpe National Bank on his first visit to Coaldale' Veterans Memorial Garden. The JTNB recently acquired the Nesquehoning Savings Bank, located next to the memorial at Third and Phillips Streets, in Coaldale. As evidence of Jim Thorpe National Bank's support to the community, Zurn presented a check for $500 to Flyzik. The money will help to defray the cost of the "Gold Star Mother" bronze plaque to be placed in the planned Women's Memorial Garden. In presenting the contribution, Zurn pledged that the JTNB will strive to be a productive, friendly, and supportive financial institution serving the residents of Coaldale and the surrounding area. The first phase of the Women's Memorial Garden will be completed by Memorial Day services to be held at 2:15 PM on Sunday May 24. The "Gold Star Mother" bronze plaque and an 8 by 12 foot Vietnam Women's Mural by Coaldale's own Susan Frendak will be dedicated at that time.
ANDY MATSKO/STAFF PHOTOS Panther Valley's Sami Vavra competes in the girls 100 yard breaststroke at the PIAA swim meet at Bucknell University Thursday morning. More photos 
CHRIS PARKER/TIMES NEWS Anthony Ciavaglia, 3, drops two dollars into a helmet held by his father, Bob Ciavaglia, as his mother, Amy Ciavaglia, looks on. the Ciavaglia family are members of Coaldale's Volunteer Fire Company No. 1.
Gold Star Mother Mary Nesterak cradles a photograph of her son, the late Army Cpt. Norman Nesterak, who died in Vietnam on Sept. 3, 1969. CHRIS PARKER/ TIMES NEWS
operated by Jodi Davis of Nesquehoning apparently spun out while traveling north crossing into the path of a sport utility vehicle driven by William Schuetrump of Coaldale. A passenger in the Davis car, Jacob Sabol of Lansford was injured in the accident and was transported to St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital, Coaldale. Route 209 was closed for about an hour. Nesquehoning police are investigating the mishap.
conception of how the memorial will look is shown.
CHRIS PARKER/TIMES NEWS The Rev. Daniel Mathewson of St. Mary's Orthodox Church, Coaldale, blesses three new granite pillars in the borough's Veterans Memorial Garden honoring those who served in the Korean, Vietnam and Desert Storm wars. The blessing was part of a Veterans Day ceremony held Sunday.
Veterans place their hands over their hearts as Cami Miller sings the Star Spangled Banner during a Veterans' Day ceremony held Sunday at Coaldale's Veterans' Memorial Garden. Left to right: William M. Gaddes Jr., Miller, Steve Tentylo, the Rev. Daniel Mathewson, John King and Leonard Zellner.
World War II Navy veteran Steve Tentylo examines a granite pillar honoring those who are serving in the Global War on Terror. The pillar is in the Coaldale Veterans Memorial Garden, where a ceremony was held Sunday in honor of Veteran's Day.
Leonard Zellner, a veteran of the Vietnam War, and John King, a WW II veteran, place a memorial wreath at the Coaldale Veterans Day service on November 9, 2008. Both men are holders of the Purple Heart, among other combat decorations. Bill Gaddes, Master of Ceremonies, is at the left.
Reverend Matthewson, pastor of Saint Mary's Orthodox Church of Coaldale, presented the Invocation, provided a blessing of the new memorial columns, and provided a prayer for our military and their families during Coaldale's Veterans day ceremonies on November 9, 2008.
Ms. Cami Miller--daughter of Reverend Frank Miller, former resident of Coaldale and present resident of Kissimee, Florida--sang ""The Star Spangled Banner" at Coaldale's Veterans Day ceremonies on Sunday, November 9, 2008.
Phase II of the Veterans Memorial has been completed. Three new granite columns have been erected. These columns, honoring those who served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War will be dedicated. A third column, honoring those who served in “Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom”, and “Enduring Freedom”, will be dedicated as well. All three columns contain appropriate images on black granite. A new brick sidewalk leads to the three memorials. This sidewalk contains approximately 70 inscribed bricks, honoring and memorializing loved ones from the Panther Valley area. 
Nesquehoning Hose Company No. 1 and Coaldale Fire and Rescue Company combined forces to present a fire safety program to approximately 800 students at the Panther Valley Elementary School during National Fire Prevention Week on Monday. According to Nesquehoning Hose Company Fire Chief John McArdle the fire company has been doing this program at the school for the last 26 years. This is the second year that Coaldale firefighters participated. Indoors a video on fire safety was shown and there was a discussion on the importance of smoke alarms and having an escape plan in case of a fire. The students had a chance to go outside on the beautiful Autumn day and view the fire trucks.Taking part in the presentation was Mark Nalesnik, Carbon County EMA director. Assisting from Nesquehoning besides McArdle were Matt Evans, and Matthew Miller. 
Joanne Melloy/Contributed photo Coaldale C.H.O.S.E. members finalize plans for the group's "Kids' Halloween Renaissance" to be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19. Left to right: Ruth Weiss, Lisa Clouser, President Mildred Flyzik, Arlene Potitchko, Lisa Kabana, John Kabana, Lenny Zellner, Laura Lee Zellner, Susan Bortnick, Karen O'Brien, Sandy Richards, Sue Solt, Bernice Moser, Yvonne Stoffey. 
World War II Navy veteran Steve Tentylo watches as three new granite pillars are placed in the Veterans Memorial Garden in Coaldale. The pillars will remain shrouded until their unveiling on Veterans Day.
DAVE WARGO/TIMES NEWS Angela Triplex Theater owner Mike Danchak examines one of the three theater projectors in preparation for this weekend's screenings. Starting this weekend, the theater will begin showing first run movies on availability at the reduced admission prices.
The "SS Coaldale Victory", launched in early 1945 and used to transport supplies to Patton's 3rd Army via Le Havre, France, has been memorialized in Coaldale.
Coaldale Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 dedicated its new 2008 KME pumper/rescue truck on Sunday.
Fire trucks and emergency rescue vehicles helped Coaldale celebrate by participating in a parade in the borough.
"Since 2001, $10.1 million has come to the fire companies in Schuylkill county alone," Holden noted.
Remington noted that during this year alone, the men and women of Coaldale Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 have given countless hours of their personal time to help others.
Heroes are hard to find. They don't always run around saving people, wearing a cape and a mask. Usually, a hero is simply an ordinary person who has done something extraordinary.
"years" since he's stayed for a long period of time. He and his second wife, Maryann, live near the Jersey shore, and Smith keeps busy teaching courses at Ocean County Community College. The Smiths have three children, three step-children, and eleven grandchildren. Although he has been writing poetry for years, Becoming a Superhero is Smith's first attempt at writing a full-fledged book. "About two years ago, a friend of mine said I should turn some of my poems about the area into a book," he said. "So I worked on it, and then spent about a year finishing it and getting it marketed."
During WW II, Coaldale was honored for having a large number of men and women serving in the military by having a victory ship named after the community. The "SS Coaldale Victory" served faithfully with trips to France in support of Patton's Third Army. At least six men from Coaldale served with Patton, and two were killed in action. The black granite image of "SS Coaldale Victory" was drawn by Bill Gaddes. Shown with the image are members of the Coaldale Veterans 
Lions buy bench for Coaldale memorial
August Gulla, 89, a member all his life of SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Coaldale, locks the front door of the church following the final Mass to be held there, yesterday at 12:01 p.m. It was the final of the three Catholic churches in Coaldale to be closed this weekend. Looking on is the Rev. John J. Pavlosky, pastor of the church
weekend. They will merge with three churches in Lansford. Ronald Plocinik carries the Easter candle during recessional at the conclusion of services at SS. Cyril and Methodius Church.
Choir members of SS. Cyril and Methodius Church in Coaldale proceed in the final recessional of the church. The church officially closed yesterday as part of a major restructuring of churches by the Diocese of Allentown.
Coaldale may be a small community with more than 1,500 residents, but it has always been a place that has answered the United States' call in the time of war. Today, 50 years after the borough's first World War II memorial deteriorated so badly it had to be torn down, Coaldale's brand new monument is a fitting tribute to the borough residents who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Glowing tribute to our soldiers Veterans Memorial Garden in Coaldale is a special place
