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Local News
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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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July 14, 2008
Hopes dim on appeal to retain parish By RON GOWER rgower@tnonline.com The extreme restructuring of Catholic Churches by the Diocese of Allentown netted numerous appeals. All the appeals were struck down by the diocese. On Sunday, some individuals hoping to carry their appeals all the way to the Vatican had their hopes dimmed. A meeting with a Boston attorney specializing in Canon Law was scheduled to be held in Bethlehem. About 150 people attended that session. For appeals to be made to the Vatican, they must be done in Latin. Robert Brennan, a member of SS. Cyril and Methodius Church in Coaldale, who is involved in the appeal to keep that church open, attended the meeting. He said the lawyer never showed up. A phone call was made to the attorney and a speaker phone conference was held. Brennan said those attending were informed there is a three-step process to appealing a church closure. One is to write a letter to the Bishop. This was done and met with a denial. The second step is to write to the Papal Nuncio in Washington D.C. Brennan said he is in the process of such a letter. If this fails, an appeal in Latin must be made to the Ecumenical Council at the Vatican. The cost for this appeal would be $7,000 to $10,000. Brennan said, referring to the Diocese, "They stuck a fork in us and we're kind of done." He said he doubts the local church members will raise this kind of money, especially with chances being slim of winning the appeal. Five members of SS. Cyril and Methodius attended that meeting in Bethlehem. Brennan admitted regarding the potential of keeping the church open, "As far as I'm concerned, it doesn't look good." |
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July 9, 2008..........................Times New
Town official pushes for four-day school week By SARA HODON tneditor@tnonline.com Coaldale Councilman Dick Corkery's radical idea could have area students jumping for joy. At Tuesday's borough council meeting, Corkery told council members that he proposed that the Panther Valley School District cut back to a four-day week. Corkery said he expected a mostly negative response, but was pleasantly surprised. "The idea was received very well," he said, adding that a number of schools in Vermont, Utah, and Alabama have already adopted a four-day week. Many businesses have also considered cutting back their work week in order to reduce some of their rising fuel and energy costs. Corkery said that Panther Valley business manager Kenneth Marx had worked out some rough figures, and that the district could expect to save more than $200,000 over the course of the school year by eliminating one day a week. The biggest concern for board members was the fact that Panther Valley provides transportation and meals for the local Catholic schools. The Catholic schools and the public schools each have their respective holidays that don't always fall on the same day. "The Catholic schools would adopt public school holidays, and be off on the same days," Corkery said. In other matters, borough solicitor Michael Greek addressed the issue of fireworks being set off within borough limits. He explained that the typical sparklers or fireworks that are sold in most stores are legal to use in town, but any kind of explosive device requires the user to have a permit. "There needs to be an ordinance about this," he said. "It's the Fourth of July and everyone likes them, but we don't want it to get out of control." Council also approved the purchase of a new N-RAD wireless system for the police department at the cost of approximately $3,000. This system would be a more efficient way for the police to catch speeders. |
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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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July 2, 2008..................Times News
Vavra turns in career-best swim By EMMETT MCCALL emccall@tnonline.com  Allysa Vavra turned in a career-best performance during her final event at the United States Olympic Swim Trials on Tuesday afternoon.Competing in the 200 meter individual medley at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Nebraska, Vavra turned in a time of 2:18.14 during the preliminary round competition. Although the time fell short of qualifying her for Tuesday night's semifinals, it gave her an impressive 29th place finish out of 114 swimmers who took part in the prelims. It was a huge improvement over her trials placement for Vavra, who entered the event seeded 65th. "I'm definitely happy with how I swam," Vavra told the TIMES NEWS just hours after finishing her race on Tuesday. "I was hoping to get a career-best mark and I was really pleased with the time I turned in. "It was a good way to finish up the Olympic Trials." Vavra, a Coaldale resident and 2008 Panther Valley graduate, swam in the 9th of 15 heats. Her performance was nearly a full second better than her qualifying time of 2:19.12, which had been her career best until yesterday. Katie Hoff's 2:12.02 was the top time in Tuesday's prelims. Kristen Smith was the 16th and final swimmer to qualify for the semifinals with a time of 2:15.68. Kristen Shickora of Hometown, who fell just short of reaching the finals in Monday's 100 meter backstroke, will compete in the 200 meter backstroke preliminaries on Thursday. |
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July 5, 2008................Times News
Coaldale 'diamond in the rough' New recreation area dedicated By JOE PLASKO jplasko@tnonline.com JOE PLASKO/TIMES NEWS Present for the dedication of the new Black Diamond Park on E. Phillips Street in Coaldale were, front row from left, Eastern Schuylkill Recreation Commission (ESRC) volleyball league captains Jason Millard, T.J. O'Connor, Kyle Zehner, Michael Towle and Ryan Hnat. Back row, Jason Boris, ESRC executive director; Coaldale Council members Sue Solt (president), Joe Hnat (vice president), Tom Keerans, Andy Girard, Nancy Lorchak and Steve Tentylo; Michael Radocha, of Peter J. Radocha and Sons, contractor; Linda DeCindio, ESRC vice president; and Steve Agosti, ESRC summer program director. Every Tuesday and Thursday evening during the summer, Coaldale's newest recreation area is alive with activity. It was then that the ESRC decided to develop the Coaldale park as its new volleyball headquarters. Michael Radocha, of Radocha and Sons, was the low bidder on the project, even though he had never built a volleyball court before. The firm of Spotts, Stevens and McCoy, Whitehall, was the engineer for the project through Joseph Pinkey, an ESRC commission member representing Rush Township, who is employed by the company. "It took a little while to come into fruition, but the results were worth the wait," said Boris. The court is adjacent to the Ridge Terrace Housing Complex. It includes a parking area, to take advantage of the loss of on-street parking on E. Phillips Street. Drainage, seeding to the all-purpose field already on site, and landscaping were all part of the initial phase of the project. "Without Michael's generosity, the project wouldn't have materialized the way it did," said Boris. "This is all we wanted, plus more." |
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Times News....June20, 2008
New hair salon opens in Coaldale By CAROL ZICKLER tneditor@tnonline.com The spacious salon, decorated in hot pink and black with touches of chrome, was transformed from one of the Griffith's front rooms into the chic salon. Thanks to the talents of Marie's husband Scott, her son Dustin, her daughter's boyfriend Jay Reis, and a friend Bill Hook, construction was under way. The last step was state approval to open the salon. Marie is a Tamaqua High School graduate and received her training in cosmetology at Jo-Mar Beauty School in Hazleton. During the school year she works as a cosmetology instructional assistant at Carbon County Training Institute in Jim Thorpe. Working in that capacity she found how much she enjoyed working with clients and decided she wanted to go into business for herself. In fact, her business cards and salon sign were designed by students in the graphic design class at CCTI. The mother of three children, Dustin and Sasha Kranch and Sindle Griffiths, she is an assistant coach in the Panther Valley School District's track, cross country, and swimming programs. Now that everything is in place, Marie is accepting appointments. She cuts and styles hair with various prices for women, men, and children (under 10). She said she loves doing colors and highlights, and offers conditioning treatments and perms. Formal updos are on her list for those special events. She uses all Matrix hair products. In another corner of her salon, Marie has a special chair for facial waxing. Hours are by appointment by calling Marie at (570) 645-2938 |
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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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June 12, 2008
Heat forces road repair in Coaldale |
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June 11, 2008..........................Times News
Coaldale seeks grant for recycling bins Coaldale Borough Council is looking into the possibility of obtaining a grant through Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection that would allow the borough to purchase more recycling bins for residents. Councilman Tom Keerans met with two representatives from DEP to learn more about the conditions of the grant. One of the stipulations is that yard waste would not be accepted as recycled material. Residents would need to convert any yard waste into mulch, or else the borough would need to provide a drop-off location specifically for that type of waste. Keerans reported that the borough spends approximately $26,000 and 144 man hours on recycling per year, but that there are still a number of businesses and residences who do not follow the recycling ordinance. By receiving the DEP grant, the borough would be able to purchase bins and sell them on an as-needed basis rather than purchase brand new bins to give to every household. "We would not receive the money until 2010, and the grant would not be offered after 2011, so this is literally the last year we have to apply for this," he said. Keerans also said that the borough could piggyback onto other existing programs in order to receive the funding, and would look into possible partnerships for a report at a future meeting. In other matters, Council President Susan Solt announced that Coaldale CHOSE would be holding Breakfast in the Park on Sunday, June 22 at the Coaldale Complex field. The breakfast will be held rain or shine starting at 8 a.m. A $7 donation is requested. |
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St. Cyril & Methodius, closing...........June 2, 2008..............Time News
RON GOWER/TIMES NEWS St. John the Baptist, St. John the Baptist Church in Coaldale is closing, part of the consolidation plan of the Diocese of Allentown. The congregation will become part of the St. Katharine Drexel Parish to be located at what is now the St. Michael Parish in Lansford. St. John the Baptist was founded in 1914. St. Mary's, closing |
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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 30, 2008
Swinging in the park  CAROL ZICKLER/TIMES NEWSNeil Venable of Coaldale is smiling like the sunshine overhead and enjoying the warm temperatures with his mother Rochelle at Ashton Hill Park playground in Lansford. The unique play equipment was installed by the borough last year through grants. The park is divided according to age groups. In the background Tom Evans, Lansford swimming pool supervisor, prepares the concession stand for the first day of swim season, scheduled for June 4. |
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May 27, 2008
Patriotism abounds at Memorial service Coaldale's Memorial Day Service featured speaker Richard Jacobs. By SARA HODON tneditor@tnonline.com
This year's service, sponsored by the Coaldale United Veterans Organization, was dedicated in memory of James H. Bynon, a highly decorated veteran of combat in Vietnam, earning the Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Badge for heroism. Staff Sgt. Bynon, who passed away from cancer earlier this year, worked tirelessly on behalf of veterans and was active member of the Summit Hill American Legion and Adjutant of Coaldale VFW Post 6982. The program began with the Star Spangled Banner, sung by Whitney Bailey, a senior at Panther Valley High School. Steve Tentylo, president of Coaldale's World War II Memorial Committee, thanked the audience and veterans' organizations for their support of the monument, whose first phase of construction was recently completed. The monument now bears 1,535 names of Coaldale residents who were killed during World War II. "It's one of the most fitting and beautiful monuments in America," he said. Plans are also underway for a women's monument, to be completed in 2009. "It will honor the women who served and those who waited on the homefront," Tentylo said. A dedication service will be held on Veterans Day in November 2008. The World War II committee is involved in a few other projects in the community, including the refurbishing of the 50 foot flagpole that stands at the Coaldale Complex field. The pole itself will be painted, and the Coaldale Volunteer Fire Company will be refurbishing the the pulleys. State Representative David Argall donated a 10 by 15 foot flag that will be flown once the flagpole is completed. That project is scheduled for 2010. Brandi Strauch, a senior at Panther Valley High School, opened the program with "Song of the Unsung Hero". Jeffrey Gangaware, a fifth grade student at Panther Valley, recited "Lincoln's Gettysburg Address", Sarah Timmons, a junior at Panther Valley High School, recited the poem "In Flanders Fields", and Victoria Piscatelli, also a junior at Panther Valley, read "Logan's General Orders." Brittany Erbe, a freshman at Panther Valley, performed "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" prior to the close of the program. Members of the Panther Valley High School Marching Band, under the direction of Jim Bynon, performed a selection of patriotic songs. Members of the Panther Valley JROTC's firing squad were also in attendance. The program's main speaker was Mr. Richard Jacobs, a graduate of Nesquehoning High School and currently a resident of Lake Hauto. Jacobs served in the United States Air Force as a navigator of C-124 aircraft. He earned the rank of captain, and accumulated more than 2,200 hours as a senior navigator, including service in the Beirut airlift. During his speech, Jacobs mentioned that Coaldale has always been a community that has answered the call of the United States. "Coaldale has served in all of the major conflicts that America has been involved in," he said, adding that 450 Coaldale residents fought in World War I and over 1300 in World War II, with many more currently serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other nations abroad. "The threat of war is real," he said. "We must recognize the threat from radicals from Muslim nations¿we must remain prepared and be proactive. We must stay ever vigilant, enhance our homeland security and our military preparedness." He also stressed the importance of supporting the troops, despite how we might feel about the reasons why they are overseas. "The average age of the wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital is 18 and 19 years old," he said. "The veterans, and especially those currently serving, need our support." The program concluded with Nicholas Paraschak, Adjutant of the Coaldale VFW Post 6982, reading the Honor Roll list of 41 veterans who have passed away since Memorial Day 2007. Paraschak said that the number of surviving World War II veterans is rapidly decreasing, with approximately 1,000 veterans passing away each day. |
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May 27, 2008
Corkery addresses Memorial program Richard Corkery addresses the crowd at Seek's Memorial Day services Sunday. By SARA HODON tneditor@tnonline.com
The ceremony was dedicated to the memory of Millie Tomasovich, a Coaldale resident who was active with many community organizations. Following an invocation by Rev. Father Daniel Matthewson, priest at St. Mary's Russian Orthodox Church, Coaldale, Brandi Strauch, a senior at Panther Valley High School, opened the program with "Song of the Unsung Hero". Mayor Claire Remington then recited a poem entitled "Memorial Day", which was written by Michelle Keim, Commander of VFW Post 6341 in Royersford, PA. "As we stand here looking / At the flags upon these graves / Know these flags represent / A few of the true American brave," the poem read. "Take home with you a sense of pride / You were here Memorial Day. / Celebrating the way Americans should / On this solemnest of days." Jeffrey Gangaware, a fifth grade student at Panther Valley, recited "Lincoln's Gettysburg Address", Sarah Timmons, a junior at Panther Valley High School, recited the poem "In Flanders Fields", and Victoria Piscatelli, also a junior at Panther Valley, read "Logan's General Orders." Brittany Erbe, a freshman at Panther Valley, performed "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" prior to the close of the program. Members of the Panther Valley High School Marching Band, under the direction of Jim Bynon, performed a selection of patriotic songs. Members of the Panther Valley JROTC's firing squad were also in attendance. The ceremony's main speaker was Coaldale resident Richard Corkery, who is well-known locally as the co-host of the WLSH radio program "The Dutch Trader." "We are here to honor and appreciate what the servicemen and women have given to all of us," he said, adding that Coaldale has consistently had the highest percentage of military involvement of any community in the United States. "In 1941, Coaldale had 5,945 citizens. Of those, 1,336 of them served in the military," he said. "That's 22 percent of the population." In closing, he remarked that "a love of country, a respect for ideas, and a firm understanding of right and wrong are the foundations of our future and our country." The program concluded with Nicholas Paraschak, Adjutant of the Coaldale VFW Post 6982, reading the Honor Roll list of 41 veterans who have passed away since Memorial Day 2007. |
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Ex-Coaldale resident is SH Memorial Day speaker................Times News
Lt. Col. Allen Rabayda Former Coaldale resident Air Force Lt. Col. Allen Rabayda will be the speaker at the Summit Hill Memorial Day ceremony, performed by the Summit Hill American Legion Post 316. In March 1997, Rabayda earned a master of science degree in meteorology at the Air Force Institute of Technology's School of Engineering, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. He has served with the fourth infantry division in Fort Carson, Colo.; the 48th fighter wing, Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England; the Air Force Combat Climatology Center in Asheville, N.C.; and as a flight commander with the 56th fighter wing, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. Since August 2006, Lt. Col. Rabayda has been stationed at Headquarters Air Force as a staff member at the Pentagon. He is married to the former Christine Lynne Wagner of Reading. They have three children, Daniel, Adam and Sarah. He is the son of Daniel and Patricia Rabayda of Summit Hill. |
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May 21, 2008...............Times News
Richard Corkery to speak at Seek Memorial Service
The service will begin at 1 p.m., at the intersection of Rt. 209 and Bull Run Street, Seek. Corkery, orginally from Philadelphia, has been a resident of Coaldalefor the past few years. Dick Corkery is a member of the staff of the WLSH radio station, Lansford. He is best known as as the co-host of the station's very popular "Dutch Trader" program. Corkery is a retired accountant. Dick graduated from Father Judge High School in Philadelphia, and attended Saint Charles Seminary for four years. He served for more than twenty years at the University of Pennsylvania as the accountant responsible for student accounts, totaling morethan 550 million dollars per year. Dick's retirement from the University of Pennsylvania culminated a career of more than thirty years of management, financial, and accounting responsibilities for industry, major hospitals, and educational institutions. During the period 1976 through 1978 Mr. Corkery was the head accountant for the International Telephone and Telegraph (ITT) Corporation facility at Sondstrom Air Force Base, Greenland. This facility, a major element of the United States Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line of massive phased array radars, was a key element of the defense of the United States and Canada at the height of the Cold War. Dick's financial and managerial responsibilities included the payroll and expense accounts of more than 250 American and DAnish employees of ITT abd Dutch firm FSI. From 1956, Dick Corkery has spent a lifetime in athletics program management, administration, and coaching of children and young adults. During 1958 and 1959, Dick was an assistant scout for the Washington Senators of the American Baseball League. He also served as an umpire for many years. The activities included coaching baseball, swimming, football, and basketball. He also served as an administrator and commissioner of several athletic conferences. Dick also served as the Director of several boys and girls clubs and CYO organizations. Most of Dick'a involvement and dedication to athletic programs for children and young adults has been on a volunteer basis. Dick has influenced the lives of thousands of children in a remarkable way through athletics. He is to be commended for his unselfish and unwavering dedication in this crucial area of development of our youth. |
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May 21, 2008....................Times News
Coaldale plans annual Memorial Day service 
Capt. Richard JacobsThe members of the Veterans of Foreign Post 6982, and the American Legion Post 170, of Coaldale will hold their Annual Memorial Day services Sunday 25 May 2008. The services will start at 9:30 AM, when Rev. Mathoson officiates a Mass in the Russian Orthodox Church. The service in Coaldale will begin at 2 p.m. Joining the verterans groups for the program will be Panther Valley High School Band and cadets from the districts Junior ROTC. William Gaddes USAF retired will be the Master of Ceremonies and the program will begin with the National Anthem, followed by the Pledge of Allegance and Invocation. Coaldale Mayor Claire Remington will offer remarks, also Sen. James Rhoades will speak, and Steve Tentlo, President of WWII Memorial Committee will offer remarks. Jeffery Gangaware will recite the Gettsyburg Address, Sarah Timmons will recite Flanders Field, and Victoria Pisciltelli will recite Logans General Orders these are students of Panther Valley School. Brandi Strauch will sing "Song of the Unsung Hero" and Brittany Erbe will sing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." The Roll Call of the dead will be read by Nicholas A. Paraschak Adjunct VFW Post 6982 and a salute will be fired by members of the ROTC, "Taps" will be played by Robert Kistler. The main speaker for Coaldale services will be Richard Jacobs Captain USAF retired. Benediction will be offered by Rev. Mathoson and a final selection will be performed by the band. Jacobs, of Lake Hauto, is a graduate of Nesquehoning High School and Franklin and Marshall University, where he is very active in fundraising. Jacobs is a retired IBM senior executive. He held several key executive management positions at the IBM group and corporate level. From 1977 through 1985, he held executive positions in personal and human resources for several IBM divisions. He also was responsible for Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action programs for more than 300,000 IBM employees in 127 countries. In 1985 Dick became Group Director of Management Services for IBM's Information Systems and Technology group. He was responsible for Personal and Human Resource programs for 38,000 domestic IBM employees. In 1987, Dick established and was the Director of the Center for Advanced Human Resource Studies at Cornell University. Dick directed this unique human resources program at Cornellas the executive in residence until 1989, when he retired from IBM. Dick joined the Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Maryland in 1989 as President of Human Resources. During the period 1990 through 1999, Dick was a consultant in Human Resources for several major corporations. Dick served his country in the United States Air Force from 1955 through 1959. He attained the rank of Captain while serving as a navigator in the C-124 "Globemaster" aircraft. Dick compiled more than 2,200 hours as a senior navigator, including service in 1958 during the Beruit airlift. During the period 1962 through 1964, Captain Jacobs served as a navigator in the USAF reserve at Stewart AFB, New York. Dick is a member of American Legion Post 173 in Tamaqua. Her served as Finance Officer for the State of Pennsylvania AMVETS. Dick is presently the Commander of AMVETS Post One of Tamaqua, where for the past two years he has headed highly successful efforts to assist our "Wounded Warriors" at the Walter Reed Army Hospital, Washington, D.C. The deceased Coaldale veterans since Memorial Day 2007 are: John L. Seitzinger, Robert C F. Wolfe, Stephen J. "Norm" Dobash, John F. "Jack" Herron, Michael Tolby, Robert J. "Bob" Wehry, Bernard J. Sharpe, Michael "Putz" Protinick, Clifford J. Christ, Peter Harahush, Samuel G. Melnick, David J. Jeffries, George F. Lutchkus, George T. Bottomley, Sr., Robert G. Zeird III, Charles J. McHugh JR., Robert C. "Chevy" Clavaglin, James F. Melley, George J. "Mattie" Matukonis, Sr. Also\, Francis F. Fabizio, Russell J. Finley Sr., Norman J. Johnson, Lester Gangaware, Michael W. Vano, Galvin S. Mock, Daniel H. Miller, Thomas J. Sharpe, William E. Houseman, Peter Wyshosky, James H. Bynon, Robert P. Morevak, Frank E. Ruff, James F. Halderman, Lawrance J. Nicolodi, Louis J. "Carpy" Carpwncy, Nicholas Demyanovich, William J. Urban, William A. "Bill" Gehres, Francis J. "Frank" Voyack, and Nicholas Pantella. |
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May 21, 2008......................Times News
Coaldale to dedicate service to James Bynon Bynon, who died of cancer earlier this year, had a long history of assisting veterans and participating in verteran's affairs and organizations. Most recently he was Adjutant of Coadale VFW Post of 6982. James was also an active member of Summit Hill American Legion Post. |
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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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May 17, 2008.........................Times News
Rescue from strip mine pit stresses need for volunteers By AMY ZUBEK azubek@tnonline.com But in today's society, a firefighter does more than just fight fires, they must be well-rounded in all areas of rescue. That's because these brave men and women risk their lives at fire scenes, during search and rescue missions, rope rescue missions, carbon monoxide and hazardous material calls and more on a regular basis. According to the Coaldale Volunteer Firefighters, a volunteer must be dedicated to serving his or her community and willing to give up time with family and friends to help others in need. Fire Chief Rich Marek said that anyone can become a volunteer, but they must be willing to learn and help people. "They have to have it in them somewhere to want to give their time to the community," he stated. "There are days, weeks, months that we spend more time with each other than with our families." Marek used the example of three incidents where rope rescue was imperative, one being the recent rope rescue that the firefighters helped with. This illustrated the team's dedication to their communities and support of each other. Kevin Steber, first assistant fire chief, who is certified in rope rescue, explained that the fire company's rope rescue program began in 1997 after two children fell into a strip mine. At the time, no such rescue team existed so firefighters had to try and create a stable support system so members could easily repel down into the pit to rescue the children. After that, the high angle rope rescue program evolved and currently, 12 members of the 25 active member company are trained in basic rope rescue, having completed the necessary Pennsylvania Fire Academy courses. They also practice by repelling through a trap door in the ceiling of the fire department. This knowledge, Steber explained, helped last month, when a man was pushed into a strip mine in Coaldale. The team, with only basic rope rescue equipment, were able to help Coaldale police, emergency medical personnel and other rescue teams because of their training. Marek said that if it wasn't for everyone at the scene pulling together to help make this rescue, the volunteers who risked their lives repelling down into the mine to help the victim, wouldn't have been able to do it as efficiently as they did. "It not only takes three to four qualified rescuers to complete the rope rescue," he added. "It takes a whole team to help with the support pulley system to help pull, not only the men up, but also the victim and the basket that the victim is in up out of the pit. "It was a joint effort from everyone (police, EMTs, other rescue squads) that was involved in the rescue. Everyone did a fantastic job." Besides rope rescue, volunteer firefighters must continuously train so they are prepared for whatever emergency occurs. They also provide back-up support to other fire companies, participate in parades and other community events, do fundraising events, and provide educational courses to children. Another program they offer to kids ages 14 to 18 is the junior member program. During the four years as a junior member, these volunteers are trained in the basics of firefighting. They can then take this knowledge with them to the volunteer firefighter level when they turn 18. Many of the current volunteers utilized this program when they were younger. To become a junior member of the fire department, a volunteer firefighter or just a volunteer, Marek said to come by the firehouse and fill out an application. It will then go to a committee for approval. He added that if the person becoming a volunteer would rather do fundraising efforts instead of firefighting, that is also welcome. "There is always some place to fit them in." |
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May 14, 2008................Times News
Ex-Coaldale hotel a treasure trove By LIZ PINKEY tneditor@tnonline.com Robert Perrin presented Coaldale Council with a variety of items recovered from the demolition of an old hotel at Tuesday's council meeting. Robert Perrin presented Coaldale Borough Council with a collection of items that he had recovered from the building at Tuesday night's borough meeting. Calling the old hotel "a treasure trove," Perrin listed various transit tokens from old trolley lines that connected Coaldale to Mauch Chunk, Hazleton, and Pottsville, coins from around the world, and Lehigh Coal and Navigation badges, among the items found in the abandoned building. Describing other local treasures he has accumulated over the years, including an extensive collection of local bottles, Perrin added that he has received many offers for the items, "but they should stay here, in the borough." Additionally, Perrin has contacted several local citizens in an effort to begin a Coaldale historical society. Councilwoman Nancy Lorchak added that the revitalization committee has discussed starting a Web site for the borough. "A lot of historical things come from here," she added. Several council members agreed that there is a need to create a storage area for the "treasures" before they are lost or thrown away. "When you get an historical society, you have a chance to save these buildings, and preserve them," Perrin said. The matter was referred to the revitalization committee. The current state of many roads throughout Coaldale was also the matter of some discussion. Ken Hankey, the street department foreman, prepared a proposal for this year's street resurfacing project, including the intersection of Fifth and Ruddle streets, sections of Miner Street, Fourth Street, Howard Avenue, and Greenwood Street. The initial project, which would be paved under the Shared Service Paving agreement, was estimated at $18,600. Noting that council had originally budgeted $30,000 for paving, Hankey introduced additional work that received a low bid from Alicia Paving, at $9,953, bringing the total street work to $28,553. Councilman Steve Tentylo asked why the entire allotment from the state liquid fuel fund of $51,000 was not being used to repair streets. "That money should come to the streets," he said, "We've got to do this now, or we'll never do it." Tentylo stated that necessary roadwork has been put off to the point that some roads may be in danger of collapse. According to borough solicitor Michael Greek, the money that the borough has received through the program has always been used properly. "They audit these things, so they know where that money goes," he said. Councilwoman Joanne Melloy stated that the additional $21,000 has already been accounted for elsewhere in the budget. Council also voted to award a bid for repairs to the borough garage's roof to K&M Builders of Coaldale, who submitted the low bid for the project. On advice from the solicitor, the borough also determined that it would not be feasible for the police department and the borough to begin maintaining their own impound lot for cars that are towed by the police. Questions were also raised concerning the health of the borough's K9 officer, Apollo. According to Lorchak, who presented the police committee report, Apollo has had a positive examination for ehrlichiosis, a tick-borne disease that can be fatal if not treated. Apollo has had antibiotic treatment for the disease and is not currently exhibiting any symptoms. Lorchak stated that the kennel that Apollo had come from had offered to cover any veterinary bills associated with the treatment. Councilman Joe Hnat asked if she had gotten that agreement in writing. "We've put a lot of time into that dog, everyone knows that dog," he said. Tentylo questioned the borough's decision to keep the dog. "We don't need that dog, if we need the dog, we go to Jim Thorpe or West Penn; We had this same cycle before, the dog went here the dog went there; we had no luck with dogs," he said. Melloy fired back that the dog has successfully been utilized by the police department on at least two occasions that have resulted in drug busts. "The dog has been on cases, it's found drugs, it's doing its job," she said. |
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May 9, 2008.................Times News
$50,000 Coaldale fire being probed larry neff/times news A firefighter is pictured at the second floor window of 227 W. Ruddle St., Coaldale, where a fire broke out early Thursday evening causing extensive damages. The fire has been ruled an arson.
A fire that caused an estimated $50,000 damages to a Coaldale home on Thursday was deliberatedly set, according to a state police fire marshal. The fire was reported about 6:13 p.m. at 225-227 W. Ruddle St. Trooper J.F. Burns said the fire originated in 227 W. Ruddle and was intentionally ignited. He said multiple points of origin were identified. Reportedly, the home is owned by Jeffrey Schaller, but he was not home at the time of the blaze. The adjoining home at 225 W. Ruddle was not occupied. Firefighters are pictured in front of 225-227 W. Ruddle St., Coaldale, where a fire was discovered about 6:13 p.m. Thursday in the second floor of 227. Fire officials have ruled the blaze an arson. Damages were estimated at $50,000.
By the time firemen arrived on scene the home was engulfed in flames. Firefighters acted quickly and had it under control in about 30 minutes. Damages were termed heavy to the second floor at 227 with water and smoke damage to the first floor. The home at 225 sustained smoke and water damage. Assisting Coaldale firefighters were volunteers from Summit Hill, Lansford and Tamaqua, as well as police, fire police and ambulance personnel. No injuries were reported. |
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Carbon County Hall of Fame
banquet will be held May 25 The Carbon County Sports Hall of Fame will hold its 2008 banquet and induction cermeony on Sunday, May 25 at Memorial Park in Jim Thorpe. Doors open at 1:50 p.m., cocktails will be available until 2:45 p.m. and dinner will be served at 3 p.m. The awards ceremony will take place at 4:15 p.m. Tickets for the banquet can be purchased from any of the following people: Danny McGinley 570-325-3550; Tony Choy 610-826-4068; Art George 610-826-2830; Jim Wentz 610-377-4608; Joe Thear 570-325-3329; Emmett McCall 570-645-2093; Tom Pilla 570-669-6666; Angie Konstas 570-645-9813. Posted on Times News on April 17, 2008Jeffrey Gangaware, a fifth grade student at Panther Valley, recited "Lincoln's Gettysburg Address", Sarah Timmons, a junior at Panther Valley High School, recited the poem "In Flanders Fields", and Victoria Piscatelli, also a junior at Panther Valley, read "Logan's General Orders." Brittany Erbe, a freshman at Panther Valley, performed "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" prior to the close of the program. Members of the Panther Valley High School Marching Band, under the direction of Jim Bynon, performed a selection of patriotic songs. Members of the Panther Valley JROTC's firing squad were also in attendance. |
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CNN Senior Producer
CNN Senior Producer Sasha Johnson traveled to Coaldale, Pennsylvania, to talk to voters, including some members of her extended family, about how a typical small town like Coaldale might vote in 2008 and what issues are on their minds. 
Coaldale Mayor Claire Remington and her husband, Otis, talk politics in their kitchenCOALDALE, Pennsylvania (CNN) -- Coaldale is a borough of 2,200, nestled in the anthracite-rich mountains in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania. It's exactly the type of place Sen. Barack Obama referenced last week when he said some Pennsylvanians were "bitter" over their poor economic situation. Obama said he regretted the word choice but continued to argue that some voters feel desperate. After spending a day talking with Coaldale voters, it seems to me the anger Obama described in his now controversial comments might not have been too far off the mark. "People can't afford food. I'm paying for oil for the restaurant out of my own Social Security check." Ruth and her husband, Tommy, describe their small pizza and sub restaurant on East Phillips Street as a "country store," a place where the regulars can gather to talk, share a meal or -- as is the case lately -- sip a cup of coffee. "This is my business, but people can't afford it," said Ruth. She detailed the myriad of problems she and others are facing -- rising gas prices, increased taxes, out of control food and prescription costs. It is no wonder, she said, people can't afford lunch or dinner at the restaurant they've owned for 25 years. I did not find Coaldale's quiet streets by accident. My Russian Orthodox grandmother was born here and some family still lives in and around the house on Fisher Avenue where she and her nine siblings grew up while their father worked the mines. Coaldale, like many other small Pennsylvania communities, has seen better times. Back in the 1930s, when the surrounding hills were bustling with anthracite mining, around 7,000 people lived here. By the 1950s, the mines were closing. In the 30 years that followed, the garment factories in and around town shut down. Today, many of Coaldale's residents are elderly and on fixed incomes. The cost of living is low, so there is the occasional new neighbor, but the shrinking population and tough economic times could force the closure of several churches, forcing people to worship elsewhere. Without a grocery store or a single stoplight, my great-uncle John Zenzel frequently jokes, "Coaldale is more boring than Mayberry." Coaldale and the '08 election Claire Remington, Coaldale's mayor since 2001 and lifelong resident, said her constituents are "tightlipped" about who will get their vote in the primary. On a drive through town, only a "Ron Paul for President" yard sign could be found. Remington says the town is roughly split between Democrats and Republicans, a change from past elections. Historically, Coaldale -- like Schuylkill County at-large -- has leaned Republican. This election season, however, the county has mirrored trends across the state -- more voters switching to the Democratic Party and more new voters registering as Democrats. "I'm a die-hard Republican, but I have to say this year things are going to be a little different for me," said Remington, who is part of the town's tight-knit Russian Orthodox community. "The party is going to be upset with me, but I feel that we need a change." At this point Remington plans to cast a write-in vote for Obama in the primary. She joins her husband, Otis, in supporting Obama. "This time around I'm dead set against voting for Hillary Clinton," said Otis, a longtime Democrat and retired Navy reservist. "As far as Barack goes, he's young, he's inexperienced, he's new, but I think given a chance he could be a good president." Claire said she is reluctant to advertise her support for Obama in the form of a yard sign because she fears her neighbors would think she is supporting him because Otis is African-American. Claire is white. The two conceded race is an underlying factor in voters' decisions, and both cited the state's rainbow of immigrant ethnic groups and Gov. Ed Rendell's comment that an African-American might have trouble winning statewide. "I do think he's right," she said. "I hope he's wrong, though." Both Otis and Claire describe a visceral reaction to Clinton. They say they can't shake the memories of Whitewater or the belief that President Bill Clinton could have done more for the military during his time in the White House. Back down the hill at Tommy's, Ruth and Tommy Weiss will gladly cast their primary ballot for Clinton. Tommy says Obama is an unknown and believes Clinton will be a "good start, although we don't expect her to do everything." They are both comforted by the fact that Bill Clinton would play some role in his wife's administration -- but they want her to have the final say. "She'll hold him at bay when she needs to," said Tommy. Neither of the Weisses could say for sure they would vote for Obama if he were their party's nominee in November. John Zenzel, a World War II Navy veteran, has been waiting "a long time" to vote for Clinton. He believes she deserves "another chance" to revamp health care, something he is banking on as his yearly health insurance costs approach $3,000. The last time Zenzel remembers a White House aspirant coming anywhere near the borough was in 1960 when John F. Kennedy drove through nearby Hometown and Tamaqua. Zenzel remembers waiting on the street and jumping through the crowd to shake Kennedy's hand. E-mail to a friend |
 March 20, 2008Coaldale fire quelled LARRY NEFF/TIMES NEWS Fire companies from four communities responded to a fire Wednesday in Coaldale. The fire was first reported at 141 East Ridge Street just after 1 p.m. Reports from the scene were the fire started in an interior wall and spread. Quick response by area fire fighters saved the three story wood frame dwelling. Fire companies from Coaldale, Lansford, Summit Hill and Tamaqua were called to the scene as well as the Coaldale ambulance. No injuries were reported in the incident. |
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Coaldale eyesore being demolished
By GAIL MAHOLICK gmaholick@tnonline.com  Gail Maholick/TIMES NEWS
A building at 137 Second St., Coaldale is being demolished and everyone involved in working toward the goal met to watch. From left are, Andrew Girard, Nancy Lorchak and Joanne Melloy, Coaldale council members; State Rep. David Argall; Clyde "Champ" Holman, Chief of Staff to Senator James J. Rhoades; Steve Tentylo, Coaldale Council; Dan Grow, Schuylkill County solid waste and demolition and recycling coordinator; and Dennis Brennan and Kyle Linkchorst of AMC Enterprises of Girardsville.
The project to tear down the blighted brick-fronted building at 137 Second Street was a joint funding effort among Rep. David G. Argall (R-124), Schuylkill County government and Coaldale Borough Council. The demolition started Friday morning following a brief news conference, where Argall, Coaldale Council members Steve Tentylo, Joanne Melloy, Andrew Girard and Nancy Lorchak, Clyde "Champ" Holman, Chief of Staff to Sen. James J. Rhoades; and Dan Grow, Schuylkill County solid waste and demolition and recycling coordinator, gathered to see how their hard work was paying off and to discuss past successes and future demolition projects. "This is an effort to renew this community," Argall said. "We all have worked together to tear this building down so we can build our community up." The work is being done by AMC Enterprises of Girardsville at an approximate cost of $44,500. The cost was split between a $67,000 grant obtained by Argall through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and funding from Schuylkill County and the Borough of Coaldale. In addition to this demolition project, the grant, in part, will pay for demolition of buildings at 201 E. Blaine St. in McAdoo and 5 E. Phillips St. in Coaldale and 188 Haddock Road and 19 Treskow Road, both in Kline Township. A handful of neighbors watched the building start to come down. All were ecstatic to see that project has finally begun. Nancy King, who lives next door to the building said that she was happy to see the building razed. "We can't sit outdoors on the porch because of the smell," she said. "It smells bad like mold, mildew. There is moss and grass growing inside the building." King said she believes that it has been at least six or seven years since someone has lived in the home. The interior of the home at 137 Second St., Coaldale, has suffered water damage that has caused the home to deteriorate to the point it is structurally unsound.
Kyle Linkchorst of Amc Enterprises said that the home should be down in about three weeks. Rhoades and Argall are longtime champions of efforts to demolish blighted buildings that drive down property values for surrounding homeowners and pose a safety risk for neighbors and their children. "Dilapidated properties hurt neighborhoods," said Holman. "There needs to be legislation that has more teeth so that communities can move faster to have these buildings taken down." Grow said that if the building had been standing alone, the cost would have been a lot less. "Buildings that are attached to other homes cost more," said Grow. "If a building is attached it's another $5,000 and if it's attached to the other side, add another $5,000, because now you have to rehab the exposed sides because you have to weatherize them for the people who are still living there." The top floor had to be taken down by hand because other homes are close by. Argall said that the plans to have dilapidated buildings taken down throughout Schuylkill County started modestly with a $250,000 grant from the Department of Community and Economic Development, but that through other granting sources and local communities kicking in part of the funds that close to $3 million has been spent in Schuylkill County to make communities safer. Argall noted that once the structure is down, that the empty lot is often reclaimed by neighbors who might use the lot as a yard and in some cases it is sold and reused as a building lot. Grow added that the decision to raze a building is determined by whether the home is worth renovating or not. "It the cost to renovate is more than what the building would be worth, it is a simple decision to make. It has to come down." Coaldale Council members are still hoping to have the building taken down on East Phillips Street. That project stalled because of legal issues with the owner. |
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February 1, 2008...................Times News
Regional police could save $93,309 Lansford, Coaldale and Summit Hill have the right demographics, study reveals Police officers from Coaldale, Lansford, and Summit Hill attend meeting which presented a synopsis of a police regionalization for the three municipalities, held in Lansford Community Center. From
A preliminary regional police study involving three Panther Valley towns – Coaldale, Lansford, and Summit Hill – shows that a morphosis into such a unit could net a combined savings for the involved municipalities of $93,309. Stern told the gathering regarding the regionalization concept, "Our recommendation is that this is a feasible option for you to go." He said the demographics of the three municipalities are similar enough that regionalization would work. He said currently the three communities have a combined 10 full-time police officers and a number of part-time officers. The combination of full-time and part-time officers "provided enough hours of service to bring the total full-time and part-time authorized coverage to equal about 20 1/2 full-time officers, he explained. It is recommended in his report that a regionalized police agency could function with 12 full-time officers and up to four part-time officers working 20-32 hours per week. Included in the full-time roster would be a chief, two sergeants, and one full-time criminal investigator. Stern presented four potential methods for allocating the budgets of a regional police department. The one he recommends is based on 50 percent population, 25 percent road miles, and 25 percent crime. This formula would mean an $80,121 increase in police costs for Lansford, a $132,868 decrease for Coaldale, and a $39,961 decrease for Summit Hill. A different formula would produce a $151,227 increase for Summit Hill, a $162,051 decrease for Coaldale, and an $82,485 decrease for Lansford. This would distribute the costs based on 50 percent population, 25 percent population density, and 25 percent road miles. All four of the scenarios depict a major decrease to Coaldale for police protection from the present budget. James Straus, Lansford's chief of police, said he would support the regionalization concept. "I'm in favor of the regionalization," he said. "I think most of the police involved are. But it's up to the councils." Conducting meeting which detailed a police regionalization study for Coaldale, Lansford, and Summit Hill, held in the Lansford Community Center, are, Ron Stern, local government policy specialist with the Pa. Department of Community and Economic Development; Bill Heim of Reading, peer consultant on the project; and Robert Gaughen, president of Lansford Borough Council. Summit Hill police chief Joe Fittos remarked, "It's not up to me, it's up to the elected officials. It can work if all things are done properly." Police officers said this isn't the first time regionalization has been considered. Lansford reportedly was involved in two prior regionalization efforts. Fittos said Summit Hill once was involved in a regionalization proposal involving Mahoning Township, Lehighton, Jim Thorpe, and Franklin Township. Elected officials in some of those municipalities rejected the concept. Joseph Weber, president of Summit Hill Council, was reserved in making an opinion on the proposal. "It's just way too early to comment," he said. He had a copy of the report handed out to council members and said, "Without being able to fully read it, it's really not fair to say pro or con." He did offer one observation: "To work, the towns would have to save money." Also speaking at the session was Bill Heim, a Reading police official who was the peer consultant on the project. Heim noted that he had been the chief of a regional police department for a few years. He said the first step to regionalization would be for each municipality to appoint a study committee, preferably one member from each town. This committee would study the information in the feasibility study and make recommendations to the respective town councils. "You've got a lot of work to do," Heim told the officials present. He said the report which was presented last night must still be tweaked. Stern explained that various government grants are available to help a regionalized police department begin functioning. Of the regionalization proposal that was outlined last night, Heim said, "We're not giving you the Cadillac. And we're not giving you the Volkswagen. We're giving you the middle of the road." Robert Gaughen, president of Lansford Borough Council, moderated the meeting. He said the public will be kept abreast of any future actions or developments regarding the regionalization concept. |
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January 8, 2008.........................Times News
4 sworn in to Council; 2008 budget finalized By SARA HODON tneditor@tnonline.com 
Coaldale Mayor Claire Remington swears in new council members (L-R) Steve Tentylo, Andrew Girard, Tom Keerans, and Nancy Lorchak at Monday night's reorganizational meeting.
Four new members of the Coaldale Borough Council were sworn in during a special reorganization session held prior to the regular council meeting on Monday night. Mayor Claire Remington voiced her frustration with residents who continue to throw snow into the borough's streets, even though there are signs posted and an ordinance was passed prohibiting such activity. The snow quickly turns to ice, which often causes plow breakage and other hazards. Councilman and street department committee chair Steve Tentylo presented a bill for $1,700 for repairs to the borough's snowplows. "We went through four plows this year," Remington said, adding that residents need to have a path of 2 feet on their sidewalks. "We need to do something about this," she said. Two residents of Phillip Street voiced similar complaints and said that the police department needs to continue to cite residents who violate the ordinance of throwing snow in the streets or on fire hydrants. Police chief Tim Delaney said that a resident can either file a complaint with the police department or with the local magistrate's office. Council meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month. The next regular meeting will be held on February 12 at 7 p.m. |
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.
Members of the Eastern Schuylkill Recreation Commission's summer volleyball league play on the new sand court at Coaldale's new Black Diamond Park. See Photo.
All three Catholic churches in Coaldale are closing under the restructuring plan of the Allentown Diocese, including St. Cyril & Methodius, founded in 1920.
The Borough of Coaldale proudly displayed its patriotism during Sunday's annual Memorial Day Ceremony.
Sunday's Memorial Day Ceremony in the small community of Seek paid tribute to both veterans who have served in past military conflicts abroad, and those men and women who are currently serving our country in conflicts abroad.
Richard P. Corkery, a resident of Coaldale, will be the featured speaker at the Memorial Day services to be held in Seek on Sunday, May 25, 2008.
Glowing tribute to our soldiers Veterans Memorial Garden in Coaldale is a special place
left are Jack Soberick, Lansford; Chief Tim Delany, Coaldale; John Turcmanovich, Lansford; Chief James Strauss, Lansford, and Chief Joe Fittos, Summit Hill.
