Standard-Speaker from Hazleton, Pennsylvania • Page 8

Tuscarora Playground gets grant 8 Hazleton Standard-Speaker, Tuesday, June 23, 1998 Northern Schuylkill Standard-Speaker HAZLETON, PA. -4: "set AUN 1 Nlr' 1 State Rep. David Argall, R-124th, announced a $24,428 grant was awarded to the Eastern Schuylkill Recreation Commission to improve Tuscarora Playground. With the grant, the commission plans to buy playground equipment and crumb rubber that will be used as a protective cover on the playground base. The rubber bedding should greatly reduce injuries by children who use the playground.

The grant is offered through the state Department of Environmental Protection Waste Tire Recycling Recreational Grant Program. The program was started as a result of the Waste Tire Recycling Act which became law in 1996. Argall was the primary sponsor of this act, which encourages the recycling and reuse of waste tires through regulatory restrictions and financial incentives. Six scholarships presented WIN ATHLETIC AWARD Jennifer Denehak and David Howard, 1998 graduates of North Schuylkill High School, each received the U.S. Army Reserve National Scholar Athlete Award for the academic and athletic excellence.

Zion Church gets anniversary grant benefit the most from it." Argall said he was impresses that the commission was able ti. secure the money for such i. cause and believes the money will be put to good use. "Thi-placement of rubber bedding the playground is a great idei and it will certainly help to kee our children safe while they en joy themselves at this wonderful playground. "This grant signifies the effort extolled by a group of dedicated individuals, they made this project a reality." The commission's director, Keith Hoppes, said he is glad his work on the application produced positive results, and he hopes the commission can build on the success.

"To receive this grant is a big plus for the commission and what we are trying to accomplish Our goal is to continue developing strategies that will offer the people of this area better recreational opportunities," Hoppes said. The commission was formed through an inter-municipal agreement signed by five municipalities in the eastern end of Schuylkill County. Schuylkill Township is a member of the commission, and Argall was quick to point out that townships and other local governments have plenty to gain from these types of cooperative arrangements. "As is evidenced by the grant received for the Tuscarora Playground today, the establishing of partnerships is important to local municipalities and their mutual cooperation on different projects can yield tremendous benefits," he said. task force meets for the region's future.

I was pleased with the turnout and participation." Representing a cross section of businesses, schools, churches, local governments and civic organizations, participants identified and prioritized issues facing the Panther Valley. Aside from the business and shopping areas, other priorities were: establishing libraries, keeping youth in the region, bringing new manufacturing firms into the region, increasing employment through tourism, with an emphasis on heritage tourism, and preserving and reusing historic buildings and facilities. "Panther Valley residents have taken the important first step in defining what their priorities are for the future," McCall said. "By working together, we will make positive improvements throughout our region." A steering committee was formed during the June meeting, which will continue to provide a forum for people to meet and constructively discuss and recommend what can be done to improve the area. The Panther Valley Renaissance steering committee's first objective is to analyze the results of the first workshop and identify task forces to begin addressing the issues.

Task force meetings will be open to the public, and members are encouraging people to attend and participate. During the next meeting, the group is expected to discuss establishing a work plan and creating a timeline to realize the community vision. Sponsoring the June 11 workshop were McCall, the Panther Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Summit Hill Business and Professional Association, Miners Museum, Lansford Borough Council, the Lansford Historical Society and the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. Nesquehoning McDonald's donated refreshments. Temple to launch law program for Chinese PHILADELPHIA (AP) Temple University will launch the first foreign degree-granting law education program for Chinese lawyers, officials announced Monday.

"It is historic because it is the first time in China's history that a foreign university's law degree is being offered to students in China," said Temple president Peter J. Liacouras. The program will begin next spring in partnership with China University of Political Science and Law. During a June 5 meeting with Liacouras in Beijing, China's President Jiang Zemin said his country "has a great need for legal professionals during the course of market-oriented economic reform." Tamaqua RushTwp. Panther Valley "This is very rewarding to see the people I represent benefit directly from legislation I drafted," he said.

"In using the crumb rubber, they are not only improving the quality of one of our local playgrounds, but they are also playing a part in contributing to the recycling of waste tires." Argall congratulated all who are working to make the playground a better recreational facility. "By obtaining this grant we will be able to make a good playground a great playground this money is a great resource project and the children will Rev. William H. Carter; and Sarah Watson, St. John Neumann School, Palmerton, awarded in memory of Rev.

Andrew Polaha. Watson will be attending Allentown Central Catholic School, and the other recipients will be attending Marian Catholic High School. The Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies' Ancient Order of Hibernians organizations are Catholic-Irish groups that seek to promote faith, unity and Christian charity, and also promote the music and culture of the Irish in America. Panther Valley More than 130 citizens turned out for the first meeting of the Panther Valley Renaissance, announced state Rep. Keith McCall.

"During the meeting, we identified the top future priorities in community growth. They were improving downtown businesses and shopping areas," McCall said. "The workshop was designed to help the community develop a road map, or vision, June meeting Award was presented to Christine Paisley, a member of the Mahanoy Area High School Class of 1998. Bonnie McDonald, coordinator of the Hospice at Pottsville Hospital, presented the program for the evening. The hospitality committee, under the direction of Grace Richmond and Helen Harlor, included Margaret Blackwell, Donna Garze, Beatrice Schietrumpf, Anna Schrepple, Margaret Shemansik and Charlotte Smigo.

Block party, race set The West End Fire and Rescue Mahanoy City, will sponsor its annual block party Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the company headquarters on West Mahanoy Avenue. A fire engine parade will be held Friday, and fun, food and drinks will be available. Entertainment will be provided by "Toolshed Jack" on Friday, "Small Town" on Saturday and "Strawberry Jam" on Sunday. In conjunction with the block party, the second annual "5K Hun Run" will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday.

Registration will begin at 4 p.m. and an entrance fee of $10 will be charged. Before the race, there will be a "Hun Fun Run" for children under age 10. Children who participate will receive a ribbon and $2 in tickets. Trophies and medals will be presented in seven categories for male and female runners.

BINGO SLATED Mahanoy City's West End Fire and Rescue Co. sponsors bingo games every Tuesday at the company banquet hall, 700 W. Mahanoy Ave. The kitchen opens at 4 p.m. and doors open at 3 p.m.

Early bird games start at 6:15 p.m. followed by regular games at 6:30. Bus service is available and all are invited. For information call 773-0870. CAR SHOW PLANNED Mahanoy City's West End Fire and Rescue Co.

will sponsor a car show and craft fair from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 4 at the company banquet hall on West Mahanoy Avenue. Food and drinks will be available and the public is invited. Mahanoy City Shenandoah JUBILEE CELEBRATION Restoration Fellowship Ministries in Shenandoah will host "Israel's Jubilee," a celebration of 50 years in the land, on Sunday.

The event will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by a banquet meal at 12:30 p.m.. A service will be held at 3. According to the Rev. Angie and Gene Carls, the guest speakers will be Samuel and Janice Baumstein of the Beth Yeshua Congregation, Philadelphia; Rabbi Glen David Blank, Beit Simcha Congregation, Lehigh Valley; evangelist the Rev. Robert and Shelly Leshner, Nazareth; the Rev.

Barry Taylor, Liberty Ministries, Fort Mill, S.C.; and the Rev. Esther Dorflinger, Jerusalem, Israel. For information contact Carls at 889-3039 or 462-0374. SCHOOL SUMMER HOURS Summer hours at Father Walter J. Ciszek Elementary School, Shenandoah, are Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m.

to 2 p.m. The school is closed Fridays through the summer. BLOCK PARTY SLATED Annunciation BVM Church, Shenandoah, will hold its annual block party on West Cherry Street Friday and Saturday from 4 to 11 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. The kitchen opens Friday at 11 a.m. CLASS OF 1953 PLANS REUNION The Class of 1953 of J.W.

Cooper High School will hold its 45th reunion Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. in St. Michael's Church hall, Oak and Chestnut streets, Shenandoah. There will also be an informal get-together picnic Sept.

5 at noon at Glover's Hill Athletic Club in the 900 block of West Coal Street. Plans for the reunion were put together at a recent meeting of a committee which includes Tony Grodzki, chairman; Louise (Pulaski) Canavan, secretary; Carmella (DeLuca) Fonslick, treasurer; Ronald Gennarini, entertainment; Charles Chernesky and Joseph Sawka. The committee is looking for these classmates: John Gatavasky, Thomas Gicas, Albert Kulkowsky, Edward Matalavage, Elizabeth Mickoseff; Felicia Nanartowicz, Gregory Olshefsky, Marcella Semenowich (Mrs. Albert Ortega), Dorothy Shustack (Mrs. John Freda), William Straughn, Edwin Wacchaus and Dorothy Yeskonis.

Relatives or friends knowing the whereabouts or addresses of these class members are asked to call Canavan at 276-1073, Grodzki at 462-9321, or Sawka at 462-3442. DINNER WEDNESDAY The "hump day" dinner fundraiser at Father Walter J. Ciszek Elementary School will be held this and every Wednesday during the summer. The menu for this week is baked ziti with meat and cheese, tossed salad, bread, dessert and beverage. Dinners cost $6 and are available from 3 to 6 p.m.

ST. MARY'S BLOCK PARTY St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church in Mahanoy City will hold its annual Slavic Festival July 10-12 on West Pine Street. Featured will be homemade ethnic foods such as pirohi, halushki, halupki, bleenies and baked goods, plus funnel cakes, hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage sandwiches, bean soup, pizza, French fries and more. These polka bands will perform: July 10, 7:30 p.m., Joe Stanky and The Cadets; July 11, 7:30 p.m., Kryger Brothers; July 12, 2:30 p.m.

The Dutchmasters, and John Stanky and The Coal Miners at 7 p.m. A Moleben Service will be held in the church July 12 at 5:30 p.m. with the Rev. Edward Higgins, pastor, as celebrant. HONORS GRADUATE Rachel Taryn Majetsky, the daughter of Allen and Sandra Majetsky and the granddaughter of Frank and Dorothy Souchak, Trenton, graduated magna cum laude from Albright College, Reading, on May 24.

An English history major, Majetsky was a member of the Jacob Albright English and history honor society, and received the English Department Faculty Award. She also received the Dean's Academic Achievement Award. She is a 1994 graduate of Marian High School. The 125th Anniversary Committee of Zion Lutheran Church, Frackville, has received a $1,000 grant from Aid Association for Lutherans to help the congregation celebrate its anniversary in October. Based in Appleton, AAL is a fraternal benefit society of 1.7 million Lutherans joined for insurance, investment, educational and volunteer opportunities.

The society awarded McAdoo Refrain from burning With the summer approaching and more windows being opened, the Kline Township Supervisors are requesting residents to refrain from burning in containers. According to the supervisors, the township has an ordinance banning open burning. Although there is not an ordinance forbidding burning in containers, the supervisors suggest that it be done only if there is an absolute need and that fires be put out completely and not left to smolder. The supervisors thank residents for their cooperation. DEADLINE EXTENDED The Kline Township Supervisors extended the garbage collection fee deadline from June 30 to July 13.

Failure to pay by the later date will result in an automatic $25 penalty and the total due after midnight July 13 will be $120. Delinquent accounts will be turned over to the township solicitor for collection, which can result in more charges. Payment of $95 before July 13 be made by check or money order to the Kline Township Board of Supervisors and mailed to Anna Marie Sacco, James Street, Kelayres 18231. ASH COLLECTION Kline Township residents are advised that because of the holiday, ash collection for July 4 has been changed to July 3. Please place ashes out accordingly.

LIONS TO MEET The McAdoo Lions Club will meet Wednesday at 6:15 p.m. at the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church patio. Andrew Butala will give his final remarks as club president for 1997-98 and pass the gavel to president elect Beverly O'Grodnick. Members are asked to attend to help plan the summer program. HOAGIE SALE The McAdoo Little, Minor and T-ball leagues will hold a hoagie sale Saturday.

Hoagie papers must be handed in at the field Wednesday between 6 and 8 p.m. Anyone having questions should contact Jeff Demshick at 929-3171. Frackville the grant through its Milestone Program, designed to help congregation members increase the awareness and appreciation of their heritage, and help them celebrate their anniversary. The funds will be used to defray costs of the celebration, which will be observed with a community service Oct. 7 at 7 p.m., and a Service of Celebration Oct.

11 at 10 a.m., followed by an anniversary banquet. Zion Lutheran Church was organized in 1873, with the Rev. John Gruhler, pastor at Shenandoah, providing pastoral services. The first resident pastor was the Rev. John Nicum in 1875.

The original church was a wooden structure on Lehigh Avenue, which was replaced by the current granite structure at Oak and Nice streets in 1925. REX OPENS STORE AT SCHUYLKILL MALL REX Stores Corp. continued its store expansion program by opening a store at the Schuylkill Mall near Frackville. The company is a leading specialty retailer of consumer electronics products and appliances and operates stores in 35 states primarily in the Midwest and Southeast under the trade name REX. Mall management expressed excitement with another addition to the mall.

"The momentum is really going strong with Bath and Body Works, REX and Cracker Barrel," marketing director Kimber-ly S. Beery said. "Our customers just love it. We are glad to be able to give them a wide variety of stores for a great shopping eperience." Ringtown ST. PAUL'S EVENTS St.

Paul's United Church of Christ in Ringtown is preparing for its annual parish picnic July 12. There will be lots of food and socializing throughout the day. The menu inlcudes hot dogs and barbecue platters, baked beans, baked goods and soda. The picnic will be held at the church grounds from noon' to 7 p.m. The public is invited.

The church is also helping gather items for welcome kits to benefit Schuylkill Women in Crisis. For June, donations of deodorant are being requested. Donations may be dropped off at church. The Women's Guild is selling tickets for its Chinese auction Oct. 11.

The prizes are: first, $100 Wal-Mart gift certificate; second, Toastmaster bread bakery; third, CD player; fourth, $50 Boyer's Food Market gift certificate; fifth, a hand-made afghan. Tickets are available from guild members. Six area eighth-grade graduates were awarded scholarships by the Carbon County divisions of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies' Ancient Order of Hibernians during recent graduation ceremonies. The faculty and administration of each of the six Catholic elementary schools in Carbon County selected one graduating student who will be attending a Catholic high school and who best exemplified "faith, unity and Christian charity," the Hibernians motto. Each was awarded a $100 scholarship.

The winners are Scott Morse, St. Joseph Regional School in Jim Thorpe, awarded in memory of Bettianne O'Donnell; Stephanie St. Michael's School, Lansford, awarded in memory of Rev. Paul J. Lisicky; Amanda McCall, Our Lady of Grace School, Nes-quehoning, awarded in memory of Rev.

Msgr. Francis Haley; Theresa M. Collier, Ss. Peter and Paul School, Lehighton, awarded in memory of Mrs. Stella Poremba; Janine Boyle, McAdoo Catholic Elementary School, awarded in memory of Women hold The Mahanoy City Woman's Club met June 8 at the First Presbyterian Church featuring a covered-dish dinner enjoyed by the 52 members attending.

Rose Clews, president, conducted the business part of the meeting and announced that the Mildred R. Kline Scholarship SCI worker honored Superintendent Martin L. Dragovich announced that Freda Grantham was selected as SCI Mahanoy's employee of the month for June. Grantham's career with the state began about 20 years ago when she accepted a position as clerk typist at the Allentown Community Corrections Center. She continued in that position until 1994 when she transferred to SCI Mahanoy as a Corrections Officer 1.

Her transfer into uniformed security ranks was the next step in her career as she had frequent contact with inmates while at the center and was often called on to perform duties of Center Monitor, which she did without question. In March 1996, Grantham was commended for discovering contraband drugs that a visitor tried to get into jail. Recently, she was certified and qualified to teach sexual harassment, cultural sensitivity and professionalism and ethics. These courses, are mandatory training classes for staff and viewed extremely important to all employees. Grantham, of Barnesville, is on the bowling and softball teams, and is a member of SCI Mahanoy's Employee Recreation Association.

YARD-BAKE SALE SET The Mahanoy Elderly High-Rise will sponsor a yard sale and a food and bake sale July 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds. The proceeds will benefit CAM, the Community Area Ministries, for its work with area youths. Call 773-0980 or 773-2512 for more information.

RECEIVES DEGREE Richard Van Horn, the son of Lois Van Horn, Park Place, graduated from Muhlenberg College with a bachelor of arts degree in communications. He lettered four years in football and was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He is a 1994 graduate of Mahanoy Area High School. MnTirrp HELEN'S FLORAL GIFT SHOP Will Officially Close Its Doors On Friday, June 26. Helen is retiring after a long and successful career.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my loyal customers who supported me over the years. It was a pleasure serving you. HELEN ROSLEVEGE.