HARRISBURG - A provocative question posed often by the late Gov. Robert P. Casey still exerts a strong pull on his son.

"What did you do when you had the power?" is the saying that Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., brings up when recalling his father's career in public office.

To this day, answering that question poses a very tough test for every individual holding public office, he said.

Sen. Casey discussed his father's three-decade career as a governor, state auditor general and senator representing Lackawanna County during a talk Friday at the State Museum. He read passages from his father's 1996 autobiography, "Fighting for Life." The talk is part of a series on recent governors sponsored by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Gov. Casey's creation of the state CHIP program to provide health insurance to children of low-income families during his second term as governor is one example of how he met the test of public office, the senator said. Casey was intent on using the powers of government to help children and others who are powerless and vulnerable to harm, he added.

In his early days in public office as a state senator in the 1960s, Casey took on another cause to help children, the senator said. He won passage of a law requiring that babies be tested for the presence of PKU, a birth defect linked to food ingestion that can cause mental retardation if undetected and necessary diet changes aren't made. Even after he left the governor's office, Mr. Casey considered the PKU test law as one of the best things he did, the senator added.

He regards his father's understanding of human suffering and belief in a better life for the next generation as two key motivations that drove his actions in public office.

The senator said his father's upbringing in the anthracite region spurred his interest in environmental programs, including making Pennsylvania one of the first states with a comprehensive trash-recycling program.

Casey's ability to cope with the incurable disease of amyloidosis, survive a rare heart-liver transplant in 1993 and still complete his term as governor was recalled.

"It is a remarkable story of overcoming all those obstacles to come back as governor," the senator said.

SHAMOKIN - Rebuilding lives - and communities.

That's the theme of the YouthBuild Program, which helps young people rebuild their lives while developing the skills to rehabilitate or build affordable housing in their communities.

On Friday morning, the proud work of YouthBuild students was on display at rehabilitated houses at 118 S. First St., Coal Township, and 48-50 Adams St., Shamokin, where open houses were attended by officials from Northum-berland County Housing Authority, Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development Corporation (CPWDC), the City of Shamokin, Coal Township and Northumber-land County.

The students, who are high-school dropouts, were praised by officials for their work on the properties, which were purchased by the county during a judicial sale and will be sold through the county housing authority's first-time homebuyers program.

The property on South First Street is a single home, while the structure on Adams Street was converted from a half-double to a single dwelling. Both properties have been eyesores for years.

Under the direction and supervision of building instructor Chip Cowher, the 15 students, most of whom reside in the Shamokin-Mount Carmel area, completed carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting, weatherization and landscaping work during the program, which also includes classroom instruction and community service. Rehabilitation

work started in November.

'Wise' use of tax dollars

Edward Christiano, executive director of the Northumberland County Housing Authority, welcomed everyone and commended the students, teachers, program officials and the "local match" financial commitment from the city, township and county to help CPWDC obtain the YouthBuild grant. The housing partnered with CPWDC to launch the program.

Max Elsman, program manager for workforce training and employment with the Home Builders Institute in Washington, D.C., who has 30 years of experience in workforce development, called the program a "wise investment of taxpayers' dollars."

In addition to commending his students, Cowher praised the housing authority and CPWDC for providing the proper tools and materials to complete the work.

Also offering comments at the open houses was Rachel Smith, assistant director for CPWDC.

She stated, "Our goal is to have trainees graduate from YouthBuild with credentials that will make them more marketable in the construction field, with a clear direction for their life and with electrical, finishing and other construction skills that will have value regardless of their career path."

Smith said the program also helps participants develop a sense of ownership in their lives and within their community.

'Cool thing to do'

Robert Beury, 22, of Atlas, one of the students who worked on the homes, said he was grateful for the opportunity to enroll in the YouthBuild program and plans to become an electrician. He also praised Cowher and his classroom instructor, Dan Kelly, for their leadership and experience.

"They are great to work with and really made us feel special," he said.

Another student, Tiffany Dehoutaint, 19, of Ranshaw, added, "I entered this program because I want to try something new and make a better life for myself. I've had a rough past, and YouthBuild has not only taught me construction skills, but has helped me meet new friends. It's just a cool thing to do."

Dehoutaint hopes to go to school to become a veterinarian assistant.

National program

The national YouthBuild program was initiated in Harlem, N.Y., in 1970, and has served more than 92,000 young people and produced more than 19,000 affordable housing units in 45 states. In fiscal year 2009, the U.S. Department of Labor provided $120 million in funding for programs operating multiple years.

The Central Pennsylvania YouthBuild program, which is one of 273 in the country, is based at the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center in Shamokin.

In a press release issued to The News-Item, Steve Roush, chairman of the Northumberland County Housing Authority, stated, "For each new building project we initiate, we buy all of the materials locally in an effort to support the local economy. We're improving the housing stock, while at the same time serving as a training ground for at-risk youths."

Program participants include people between 18 and 24 years old who have dropped out of school and lack the necessary education and skills to participate in the labor market. To be one of the 20 to 22 individuals selected for YouthBuild, trainees must pass an interview process as well as a two-week Building Adult Skills for Youth in Construction orientation program.

30 hours per week

Once selected, trainees spend 30 hours per week for six months working toward the program's graduation requirements. Students divide their time in the classroom participating in GED preparation and other academic skills, and training and learning construction skills while rehabilitation or building homes in Shamokin and Coal Township.

Trainees also complete group and individual service-learning projects to find additional ways to serve their communities, and have the opportunity to earn their career readiness certificate powered by Workkeys.

The following is a list of community service projects that the group has completed during the past year:

- Delivered "Toys for Tots" packages in the Shamokin area.

- Assisted the Northumberland County Adult Day Care program and interacted with clients.

- Worked with Habitat for Wildlife to clean up vacant land and helped further develop two sites by laying railroad tie barriers, installing gate posts, clearing rocks for cultivation and building a rain-catching pond for wildlife.

- Poured concrete for a pavilion at the Exchange community park.

- Cleaned trash and debris from Shamokin Creek for the benefit rubber duck race.

- Worked with Habitat for Humanity in constructing a new home for a family in New Columbia.

- Assisted in the maintenance of Shamokin Cemetery.

Three Central Pennsylvania YouthBuild programs will be offered during the grant period. Young adults interested in January classes should contact YouthBuild at 644-6575 for more information.

SHAMOKIN - "FIX ME," the spray-painted message begged.

And now the wishes of the creative public protester - and plenty of others in Shamokin - will be granted.

Covered by metal plates and barricaded at Rock and Water streets, the collapsed sewer culvert that's caused confusion for motorists since last September will be repaired beginning the middle of next week, state Sen. John Gordner, R-27, said Friday.

Gordner made fresh calls to UGI-Utilities this week after white sheets with the words "FIX ME" sprayed-painted in fluorescent pink letters were draped across four of the five wooden barricade "horses" at the site on Sunday. They were removed early Monday morning, but a photograph in Tuesday's News-Item sparked renewed cries for a remedy.

Gordner has been told by Mike Love, a vice president for UGI, that a final part the company has been waiting for is expected soon, and that will allow repairs to begin, probably Wednesday. Gordner's been told the work, estimated at up to $25,000, will be

done "quickly," but he couldn't say exactly how long it will take.

UGI and the Shamokin-Coal Township Joint Sewer Authority have debated who is responsible for the repairs since the top of the culvert collapsed in and around the gas line last year.

The fact that the repairs hadn't been made came as a bit of a surprise to Gordner when his office received a call from city officials on Wednesday, prompted by the newspaper photograph and a subsequent editorial.

He said he's been working with the city on the issue since the first week of June when he was first contacted by Shamokin Mayor George Rozinskie, city manager Dave Kinder and solicitor H. Robert Mattis Jr.

Gordner provided a timeline of events:

- When first contacted, Gordner inquired with the state Public Utility Commission to determine if they could be of help. He abandoned that approach when given details of the PUC's lengthy complaint process.

- He made contact with UGI indirectly on June 17 and directly, with Love, on June 24. Gordner was told of the company's position and its difference of opinion with the authority, but Love said he would consult with others at UGI and get back to him.

- A day or two later, Love's superiors at UGI said, while still not thinking it was fully their problem because it is in the authority's right of way and similar conditions have existed for years, they would "shoulder the responsibility" and fix the culvert, Gordner said.

- Gordner then contacted Rozinskie, Kinder and Mattis and told them UGI would supply the materials and manpower to fix the problem, and that they'd need to meet with authority officials to further discuss the work.

- On July 19, officials from UGI, the authority and the city met in the city to determine what parts needed to be ordered.

- On July 20, UGI confirmed that the materials had been ordered, and estimated it would take three or four weeks for them to arrive. At that point, Gordner said he told those involved to let him know if there were any further problems, but he didn't hear anything until Wednesday.

- That led to a new round of phone calls, and Friday's confirmation with Love that the work should start next week.

Gordner said UGI has asked that the authority keep the lines of communication open as it completes the massive combined-sewer overflow project in the coming years, hoping to avoid duplication of efforts when streets are dug up for repairs.

MOUNT CARMEL - A Mount Carmel man went on a spending spree after allegedly stealing a bank bag from a local business two weeks ago.

Mount Carmel Borough Police charged Brandon Bucher, 22, of 244 E. Avenue, with a number of crimes after he allegedly stole the bag, containing cash and uncashed checks totaling $8,760, from Varano's Warehouse on Monday, Aug. 23.

Store owner Kevin Varano told police that morning he carried a larger bag containing three bank bags from his vehicle and placed them in his office. He removed two of the bank bags and put them in a safe, not realizing a third one remained in the duffle bag.

Also that day, Bucher came to the warehouse office and visited with Varano and his niece, an employee. It was during this time that Varano went downstairs to check on his drivers, and when he came back, Bucher had left.

Later that day, the owner realized he didn't make a bank deposit and unlocked the safe to retrieve the bank bags. It was then he discovered he had just two, and couldn't locate the third.

Three days later, a confidential source reported to police that Bucher was in a local bar, displaying a large amount of cash and buying multiple rounds of drinks for patrons. Bucher allegedly bragged that he won $10,000 with a lottery ticket.

Later that day, police questioned Bucher, and he told police he was at Varano's Warehouse during the morning hours on Aug. 23 because he usually goes running past the business and sometimes stops and says hello.

He then told police he won $1,000 with a lottery ticket and that's why he was buying drinks. However, he quickly corrected himself and said he had to fill out the back of the ticket and send the ticket to the address on the back, and that he hadn't received the winnings, according to police.

Another witness gave a statement that Bucher showed him a large amount of money in a money bag and said he won $10,000 on a lottery ticket, and that he purchased handguns, tobacco, gas and food, and spent several nights at different bars, including a gentlemen's club in Whitehaven. He told that witness the money came from a settlement with his ex-girlfriend.

Police placed Bucher into custody. Police Chief Brian Shurock and Officer Joshua Sulick went to a home Bucher was staying at in Wilburton and found a money bag from Union National Bank, two handguns, a cell phone, three blocks of wrapped $500 bills and $1,500 in $20 bills, wrapped in blocks of $500. The items were shown to Varano, who identified the money and bank bag as his, police said.

Bucher was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Hugh Jones of Mount Carmel and charged with felony counts of theft by unlawful taking and receiving stolen property. He was placed in Northumberland County Prison on $100,000 bail and will have a preliminary hearing at a later date.

LEWISBURG - Joel Snider, the man accused of murdering Sudharman, 70, a New Berlin yogamaster, was incarcarated in Union County Jail, Friday.

State police transported Snider, 33, who was fighting extradition from a Baltimore County, Md. jail up until two weeks ago.

Sudharman, whose real name was Joe Fenton, died of multiple gunshot wounds according to Milton state trooper Matthew Burrows, one of the troopers who transported Snider back to Union County.

According to The Daily Item, when Snider arrived at Union County Courthouse, he refused response to reporters' questions.

His attorney, Bill Miele, of Williamsport, answered "yes," for Snider when asked if he understood the charges that were read to him.

His next court date is scheduled for 1:30 Friday.

SUNBURY - The Northumberland County Juvenile Court Services Advisory Board has announced its intent to honor an adult community volunteer.

These efforts will culminate with the awarding of the Fred Piermattei Youth Service Awards at the annual Juvenile Court Services Banquet on Thursday, Oct. 21.

The Fred Piermattei Youth Service Award is given yearly to a Northumberland County resident who has significantly and positively impacted youth in their community through volunteer and other activities.

Fred Piermattei was active in serving the youth of the county for a number of years before his untimely passing. He was a foster parent for both the Juvenile Court and Children & Youth Services agencies, and impacted on the lives of approximately 120 youth to whom he served in this capacity. He was a founding and active member of the Northumberland County Juvenile Court Services Advisory Board and Foster Parent Association, serving as treasurer for both, and on the Board of Directors of Project 10-4, the precursor to Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

Fred was a kind, gentle and loving man who unselfishly gave of his time to the youth of Northumberland County.

The 2009 Fred Piermattei Youth Service Award winner was Ron Tanney of Mount Carmel. Tanney was selected for his work with special needs people and his commitment to the youth of the area. Almost 20 years ago, Tanney co-founded and organized the Mount Carmel Celebration for Special Athletes.

The organization recognizes the need to provide an event that displays, recognizes, and honors the abilities of youth and adults with special needs. For the past five years, the organization provided a fishing derby and an Easter egg hunt for youth and their families. With the help from friends, the organization began operating the Mount Carmel Celebration for Special Athletes as a day of activities for those with special needs and their families.

Additionally, Tanney is very active in the Boy Scouts of America and has been a coach for both Little League baseball and CYO basketball.

The Juvenile Court Services Advisory Board strongly encourages local governmental entities, school districts, service and fraternal organizations and individuals to make nominations of deserving adults to receive this award. The winner will be feted at the annual Juvenile Court Banquet, at which time they will be recognized publicly and receive their awards as the highlight of the night's activities.

Nominations for the Fred Piermattei Youth Service Award must be received by Friday, Oct. 1, and can be sent to the Northumberland County Juvenile Court Services, 316 N. Second St., Bldg. 320, Sunbury, 17801; or contact William Rossnock, chief juvenile probation officer, at 495-2174.

SUNBURY - A city police officer was injured Thursday night during the apprehension of a resident at Chestnut Street Tower, who fired one shot from a gun prior to being taken into custody.

Police responded to the building at 725 Chestnut St., owned by Sunbury Housing Authority, shortly after 7:30 p.m. for a report of an alleged emotionally disturbed person with a loaded weapon. Police then summoned assistance from officers in multiple counties before initiating negotiations with the suspect.

State police at Stonington reported that the victim, Dorothy Krouse, 68, of Strawbridge Road, Northumberland and the suspect, Donald L. Sarvis, 72, of the apartment building, became involved in a verbal altercation when at some point Sarvis retrieved a rifle and threatened suicide. Krouse was able to disarm Sarvis, but he soon obtained another rifle.

Police evacuated the residents of the fourth floor, where Sarvis was located, and took cover positions after the gunman barricated himself in a bedroom closet. Sunbury City Police officers Travis Bremigen and Brad Hare began negotiations with Sarvis, but they reached a point that they believed Sarvis was going to kill himself.

Police employed mitigation tactics to preclude further danger to highrise residents and officers, with Bremigen and Hare entering the closet Sarvis was in with a .22 caliber rifle. A struggle ensued and Sarvis was able to fire one shot in the struggle. The bullet exited the closet wall, which was adjacent to the living room. No one was injured by the shot, but Bremigen received a slight injury to his right hand as a result of the struggle.

Sarvis was taken into custody and transported to Sunbury Community Hospital, where he was evaluated and admitted for mental health issues.

In a non-related incident, police reported another resident at Chestnut Street Tower was transported to Sunbury Community Hospital for medical reasons.

The scene wasn't secured until 11:44 p.m.

He said police will confer with the Northumberland County District Attorney's Office to determine if charges will be filed against Sarvis, who remains in custody.

Sandy Ressler, executive director of Sunbury Housing Authority, reserved comment about the incident because it remains under investigation.

State police said in their release that Bremigen and Hare should be commended for their action in this tense and difficult situation.

Noteworthy

MCA alumni and friends celebration

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Area Education Foundation will host the second annual alumni banquet Sunday at Lazarski's Banquet Hall. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at Community Pharmacy. The evening will include dinner with refreshments. The Dave Dall Band will be playing from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Recycling Center closed for holiday

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Coal Township Recycling Center will be closed on today. All Coal Township departments and offices will be closed on Monday for Labor Day. The Tax Office will be closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

AFSCME retirees meeting

MOUNT CARMEL - The monthly meeting of the Pennsylvania Retirees Subchapter 8601 of AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) Council 13 will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, at the BPO Elks Lodge, 128 N. Oak St., Mount Carmel.

Historical society open house

ASHLAND - The Ashland Area Historic Preservation Society will hold an open house during the Labor Day weekend. The society museum at 316-318 Centre St. in Ashland will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday. Admission is free. Check out the various historical artifacts showing the history of Ashland, including the Ashland Boys Association (ABA) Room. Light refreshments will be served. The society will also hold a yard sale. Chances at $1 each will be sold for the chance to win a wooden rocking chair as first prize. The second prize is a quilted blanket.

Hospice volunteers needed

NORTHUMBERLAND - SUN Home Hospice, a not-for-profit agency delivering services to patients throughout Central Pennsylvania, is seeking hospice volunteers in Snyder, Union and Northumberland counties.

Volunteers are needed for the in-home hospice program as well as in the SUN Home Hospice Care Center located in Sunbury. The Hospice Care Center is an inpatient setting for patients in need of pain/symptom control or respite care.

Functions performed by the hospice volunteers include writing letters for and reading to the patient and family, teaching crafts, preparing light meals, running errands, making phone calls and decorating for holidays. Volunteers are not responsible for personal care of the patient or any procedure usually performed by nursing staff. Volunteers are needed typically once a week.

Complimentary volunteer training will be held early in October at SUN Home's corporate office, 61 Duke St. For more infomation, contact Maggie Henderson, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, at 1-800-634-5232, extension 2475 or at mhenderson@sunhomehealth.com.

MCA Yearbook Now Available

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area Jr./Sr. High School's 2010 Carmelite yearbooks are now on sale in the high school TV Studio on school days from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $65 per book. Call Mrs. Rovito at 339-1500, extension 3134 to purchase a book.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Sunday - Wii bowling and cards, 2 p.m.

Tuesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; Shopping at Boscov's, van leaves at 9 a.m., cost is $2; bridge, 12:15 p.m.

Wednesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.; 41st Anniversary Party at the Wayside Inn, with entertainment by Billy D. and Rosie, dinner served at 6 p.m., tickets $15.

Thursday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon.

Saturday - Wii bowling and cards, 7 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Mount Carmel

Tuesday - Wii Sports and fitness, 9 to 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Wii Sports and fitness, 9 to 11 a.m.; Exercise HSIM, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Wii Sports and fitness, 9 to 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle, 12:30 p.m.; "Unlucky 7's", 1 p.m.

Friday - Wii Sports and fitness, 9 to 11 a.m.; Exercise HSIM, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

Tuesday - We will be going to Mountain Care to bowl, van leaves center at 10 a.m.; Pinochle-cards, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Trip to Mohegan Sun Casino, bus leaves center at 8:45 a.m. and leaves the casino at 5 p.m. Cost for trip is $20 with riders receiving $30 in free play and a $10 food voucher.

Thursday - Wii in the morning; Tara Venna from the VNA will be speaking on "Flu Facts," noon; bingo with build a sundae at break time, 12:30 p.m.; evening cards, 5 p.m.

Friday - Wii in the morning; lunch at the Independence Fire Compnay, van leaves center at 11 a.m., cost $2; nickel bingo with cards to follow, 12:30 p.m.

Activity winners - Pinochle: Aug. 17 - Betty Menapace, Charles Saweikis, Harry Shankweiler, Helene Niglio, Helen Whyne, Linda Shankweiler, Dixie Richardson, Anna Mae Piaseczny, Anna Bartko, Gertrude Snyder, Paul Niglio and Alice Zyskoski. Aug. 19 - Roger Wolfgang, Charles Saweikis, Anna Bartko, Dixie Richardson, Anna Mae Piaseczny, Alice Zyskoski, Paul Niglio, Gertrude Snyder, Ellie Romanoski, Helene Niglio, Tony Niglio and Mary K. Politis. Aug. 24 - Ellie Romanoski, Helen Whyne, Gertrude Snyder, Linda Shankweiler, Dixie Richardson, Charles Saweikis, Craig Shankweiler, Anna Bartko, Alice Zyskowski, Betty Menapace, Paul Niglio and Tony Deromedi. Aug. 26 - Mary K. Politis, Anna Mae Piaseczny, Dixie Richardson, Tony Niglio, Gertrude Snyder, Jack Finnegan, Helene Niglio, Alice Zyskoski, Harry Shankweiler, Adeline Tloczynski, Tish Shinski, Paul Niglio, Anna Bartko, Linda Shankweiler, Betty Menapace, Charles Saweikis.

Bean Bag: Aug. 23 - Katherine Mekosh, Dorothy Klokis, Anna Bartko, John Woytovich, Mary Else, Jean Dallatore, Gloria Magagna, Alice Wertzs and Rita Stewart.

Wii bowling: Aug. 23 - Pat Pipp, Harry Shankweiler, Anna Mae Piaseczny, Linda Shankweiler, Gloria Magagna and Pat Worhoch.

Elysburg

Tuesday - Healthy Steps, 9:30 a.m.; line dancing, noon; Shopping at Wal-Mart.

Wednesday - Representative from Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on "Paraffin Wax Therapy," 10:30 a.m.; bingo, noon.

Thursday - Healthy Steps, 9:30 a.m.; line dancing, noon.

Friday - Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, 10 a.m.

Trevorton

Tuesday - Wii bowling, 9 to 11:30 a.m.; Chair Dancing through the Decades, 11 a.m.; shopping at Weis Markets, noon to 1:30 p.m., $2 co-pay; beanbag toss, 12:30 p.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Wednesday - Wii Fit on your own, 8:30 to 10 a.m.; Scrabble, 10 a.m.; games on the Wii, 10 to 11:30 a.m.; movie, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Wii bowling, 9 to 11:30 a.m.; bean bag toss, 10 a.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Friday - Chair Dancing through the Decades, 11 a.m.; bingo, noon; evening card party, 7 p.m.

All centers will be closed on Monday for the Labor Day holiday

MAHANOY CITY - The Mahanoy City branch of the U.S. Postal Service will hold a special stamp cancellation ceremony at Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Church, 614 W. Mahanoy St., Tuesday, to celebrate "Mother Teresa Day" in Mahanoy City. Mayor Nancy Petritsch will proclaim the day in honor of Blessed Mother Teresa. There will be a short ceremony at 9 a.m. in the church with borough postmaster James Mayberry attending with a supply of the commemorative stamp honoring the 100th birthday of the founder of the Missionaries of Charity, which was Aug. 26.

The stamps will be available for purchase, along with a special cancellation postmark to honor Blessed Mother Teresa.

In addition to Petritsch, other community leaders will be present, along with state Sen. David G. Argall, state Rep. Neal P. Goodman, and U.S. Rep. Tim Holden. The Rev. Kevin Gallagher, pastor, invites everyone to attend in this celebration to honor Blessed Mother Teresa. Coffee and cake will be served in the hall afterward.

HAZLETON - Plans have been prepared for the 33rd Annual Polish American Heritage Ball will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17, at the Genetti Best Western Inn and Suites, according to the officers and board of directors of the Greater Hazleton area Polonaise Society. The group, for the past 33 years has joined Polonia throughout the United States and Canada in October to celebrate their culture, traditions and heritage brought to these shores by their immigrant ancestors from Eastern and Central Europe. It serves to remind them of the hardships and struggles endured by their grandparents, parents and other family members who came to Northeastern Pennsylvania to work in the dangerous anthracite coal fields.

The ball will feature the Hazleton Philharmonic and the 15-piece "Big Band" directed by robert Lagana who will preform during early dinner and later for dancing from 5 to 7 p.m. Other ball details and committees will be announced in the near future.

All attendees at the ball will receive a pen commemorating deceased chaplain the Rev. Louis S. Garbacik.

A year ago today, my family celebrated my mother's 82nd birthday - her final birthday.

Perhaps, "celebrate" might not be the proper word to describe the subdued occasion held in my mother's room in the long-term care unit of a local medical center. The ice cream that she ate was the only element that would be found at a normal birthday party. I don't think we even sang "Happy Birthday."

Instead, my brothers Phil and Dave, sister Mary Jo and her husband Holden, and my wife Jo Ann and I grouped around our bed-bound mother as we watched the screen of Phil's laptop computer to see a 10-minute slide show featuring many dozens of pictures of her life.

There she was as tiny tot, a schoolgirl, a young wife, a radiant mother, an eager volunteer, a good friend and a person of deep faith. There were even photos of the surprise family party we held to mark her 70th birthday and the joyful family gathering to celebrate her 80th.

Little more than two months later, we were watching the same photo slide show on the same laptop computer set up at a funeral home. So, this year is the first without a birthday celebration for our mother.

We do not have a birthday to celebrate, but we do have her life of faith, hope and love to rejoice in. All we can do is to hope and pray that we may one day celebrate a second birth that leads to life eternal and a celebration without end.

+++

God's love transforms

death into life.