SCI employees help their fellow staff members

The Corrections Officers Assistance League (C.O.A.L.), a group of employees from the State Correctional Institution at Coal Township, is holding a May 10 benefit run to assist staff members in financial need.
Here’s the background of the fund raiser: in early 2000, two correctional employees were stricken with illnesses requiring a long recovery time. During their recuperation, they depleted the leave they had accumulated and were no longer getting paid.
Knowing this, and wanting to help their fellow staff members, another group of employees formed what is now C.O.A.L. Every year since, C.O.A.L. has sponsored a motorcycle ride called the “SCI Coal Township Big House Benefit Run.”
Over the years the “Run” has helped out several staff members at a time when they were not receiving any income.
C.O.A.L. has enjoyed great success in year’s past with this event, due in part to business donations. Donations are still being accepted for tomorrow’s event. The donations will be placed in a raffle area, where tickets for the raffle will be sold.
This year’s event starts 10 a.m. (with registration before hand) at SCI Coal Township, 1 Kelley Drive, Coal Township, and ends at the Lake Glory campground outside of Catawissa.

Sandy Winhofer, director of The Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, is asking those who want to be in the parade for the Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts on Friday, May 23, to contact her at 2 East Arch Street, Suite 313A, Shamokin PA 17872. Phone: 570-648-4675 or fax to: 570-648-0679.
“We are hoping to put together a parade that rivals those of the past,” she said. “Numerous entries are representative of the community pride that does exist in the coal region.”
The theme of this year’s parade is “Heritage through the Ages,” a broad celebration of coal region history and ethnic heritage.
The parade forms on Water Street at 5 p.m., May 23, and begins at 6 p.m. A tentative parade route will travel West on Independence Street from Shamokin Street to Market Street. The Chamber is seeking individuals, groups, businesses and organizations who want to build floats or walk in the parade.
Trophies and $100.00 cash prizes will be given in four winning categories: Most Patriotic, Best Use of Theme, Most Creative and Most Entertaining.
Registration for the parade is simple, Winhofer said. “Just fill out the enclosed form and forward to: Anthracite Heritage Festival Parade, Attn: Sandy Winhofer, 2 East Arch Street, Suite 313A, Shamokin PA or fax to: 570-648-0679.

Chamber news: at Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2008 Annual Award Dinner, Jeanne Shaffer, Northumberland County Council for the Arts was presented with the Member of the Year Award. Senator John R. Gordner (R-27, Berwick) was named Elected Official of the Year. Kathleen Hoffman, of Family Medical, accepted the award for Small Business of the Year. Thomas Harlow, president, CEO, Shamokin Area Community Hospital, accepted the Large Business of the Year Award. And Father Raymond Orloski accepted the 2008 Community Pride Award on behalf of the St. Pauline Visintainer Religious Center.

Arden Miller, who is often seen coaching Northumberland-Snyder County Special Olympians at the Shamokin Middle/High swimming pool, said the Special Olympics organization needs volunteers. For more information, write P.O. Box 303, Hummels Wharf 17831, check out their web site at www.ns-sopa.org or call Miller at 374-5369.

Around our towns:
-- Golf tournament: Today, at the Second Annual Brush Valley Regional Chamber Golf Tournament at KnoebelThe Mount Carmel Lions Club holds their 11th Anniversary Oak Street Festival, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 10. Enjoy arts and crafts, food, entertainment, amusement rides, games and concessions at the event.
-- Spring concert: May 12, 7 p.m., the annual Mount Carmel Area School District concert at the Richard F. Beierschmitt Auditorium. Featured performers are the Mount Carmel Area Junior High School Band and Chorus.
-- New Business: The Brush Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce is having a Business After Hours get together at the New Life Geisinger in Kulpmont, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., May 14.
-- Benefit exhibition hoops: The Harlem Wizards perform May 15 at Shikellamy High School Field House, 7 p.m., with portions of the proceeds going to support Northumberland-Snyder Special Olympics. Advance tickets $8; at the door $10. For more information: 339—5588 or 286—2705.
-- Yard sales: Ralpho Township’s annual community yard sale is Saturday, May 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine.

May 08, 2008 02:19 pm