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Newsletter Archives April 2, 2024 March 3, 2024 February 26, 2024 February 2, 2024 |
In the NEWS
VISION hands the shovel to Schuylkill Haven Borough
Read full press release: VISION hands the shovel to Schuylkill Haven Borough
570 GO Project Aims To Get Schuylkill County Residents Outdoors
Read full article: 570 GO Project Aims to Get Schuylkill County Residents Outdoors - Coal Region Canary
Schuylkill County's VISION Launches 570 GO Challenge to Encourage Outdoor Activity
Read full article: Schuylkill County's VISION Launches 570 GO Challenge to Encourage Outdoor Activity (skooknews.com)
Schuylkill County's VISION announces yearlong 'get outdoors' challenge
Read full article: Schuylkill County's VISION announces yearlong 'get outdoors' challenge | News | republicanherald.com
Safe Routes Partnership Selects Schuylkill County’s VISION to Help Improve Local Park Access
Read full article: Safe Routes Partnership Selects Schuylkill County’s VISION to Help Improve Local Park Access (skooknews.com)
Shenandoah named one of four Safe Routes to Parks Activating Communities in state
Read full article: Shenandoah named one of four Safe Routes to Parks Activating Communities in state – The Shenandoah Sentinel (shensentinel.com)
October 30, 2022: Costumes, autumn weather highlight 10th annual Spooky Schuylkill 5k
Read full article: Costumes, crisp autumn weather highlight 10th Spooky Schuylkill 5K run | News | republicanherald.com
See more pictures: Sunday-October 30, 2022 - Republican Herald (smugmug.com)
See more pictures: Sunday-October 30, 2022 - Republican Herald (smugmug.com)
WNEP: Good Things are Happening
VISION's Spooky Schuylkill "Good Morning Pennsylvania" spot on WNEP
Discover Schuylkill Haven: Schuylkill County's VISION's WalkWorks
To read the full article: Schuylkill County's Vision: Walk Works (discoverschuylkillhaven.com)
January 28, 2021: Schuylkill County's VISION launches virtual scavenger hunt
To read full article: Schuylkill County VISION launches virtual scavenger hunt | Access NEPA
December 3, 2020- Schuylkill Haven Area High School biology club students participate in Spooky Schuylkill Zombie 5k
To read the full article: https://www.readingeagle.com/news/south-schuylkill-news/schuylkill-haven-area-high-school-biology-club-students-participate-in-spooky-schuylkill-zombie-5k/article_de23f8f2-2f1e-11eb-83ed-03071a7d5375.html
August 11, 2020 - Schuylkill County nonprofit starts listening sessions to promote change
To read article and watch video: Schuylkill County non-profit starts listening sessions to promote change | PAhomepage.com
July 28, 2020 - A VISION for sustainability and less plastic in Schuylkill County
May 19, 2020 - "Schuylkill Gives" raises over $67,000 for area nonprofits
To read full article: https://www.skooknews.com/2020/05/schuylkill-gives-raises-over-67000-for.html
May 14, 2020 - "Schuylkill Gives" launches online initiative
To read full article: https://www.pahomepage.com/top-stories/schuylkill-gives-day-donations-to-benefit-non-profit-organizations/
November 8, 2020 - Schuylkill County residents work to establish NAACP branch
To read full article: https://www.republicanherald.com/news/schuylkill-county-residents-work-to-establish-naacp-branch/article_9b65e081-2f13-50ec-832f-690255dff033.html
October 29, 2020 - Fighting Racism in Schuylkill County
To read full article: Fighting Racism in Schuylkill County | Anthracite Unite
October 17, 2018 - Groups encourage youth involvement, contribute to community, help those in need
To read the full article highlighting Healthy Mahanoy's work please click here www.republicanherald.com/news/groups-encourage-youth-involvement-contibute-to-community-help-those-in-need-1.2398240
October 4, 2018 -Trauma, recovery discussed at Hope Through Healing event
To read full article: https://www.republicanherald.com/news/trauma-recovery-discussed-at-hope-through-healing-event-1.2393370
June 17, 2018 - OUTDOORS: Schuylkill on the Move lists hiking schedule
Late winter and early spring are invigorating times to shake those cobwebs off and get outdoors to reconnect with nature. Schuylkill County offers many opportunities to walk on a variety of trails that are well-groomed to wild and woolly ones filled with rocks that give your boots a good workout.
A consortium of agencies and organizations has created the hiking group called Schuylkill On The Move. This group is a project of Schuylkill County’s VISION, which is an organization that promotes health and wellness and collaborates with the Schuylkill County Historical Society, Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau, Schuylkill County Conservancy and the Schuylkill Conservation District to provide these hikes.
Members of this consortium bring something to the table in creating the hike schedule. Each hike that is offered through Schuylkill On The Move provides an interpretation of local history, natural history and a chance to connect with like-minded folks who also enjoy the outdoors in this fashion.
By 'Porcupine' Pat McKinney to read the full article click here www.republicanherald.com/sports/outdoors-schuylkill-on-the-move-lists-hiking-schedule-1.2348789
June 3, 2018 - Schuylkill, Berks, Carbon artists show off at festival
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — The third annual Folk Art & Culinary Heritage Festival on Saturday was indeed a festival of celebration of folks, arts involving food, art, craftsmanship and music.Held in the main gallery of the Walk In Art Center in Schuylkill Haven as a project of the Folk Art Alliance of Berks, Carbon and Schuylkill Counties, the festival showcased some of the best of the best in the diverse genres of folk arts and culinary cuisine.
In addition to what vendors were featured in the main gallery, the artist studios were opened since the festival coincided with the monthly First Saturday Open House, which allows the public to meet with the artists and discuss their works. This month featured Elaine Soltis with “Slow Dancing in My Mind” in the main gallery, studio artist Kim Fritzges, artist association member Marg Wolfe and Philip Christman in the Community Gallery.
By John Usalis to read the full article please click here republicanherald.com/news/schuylkill-berks-carbon-artists-show-off-at-festival-1.2345106
In addition to what vendors were featured in the main gallery, the artist studios were opened since the festival coincided with the monthly First Saturday Open House, which allows the public to meet with the artists and discuss their works. This month featured Elaine Soltis with “Slow Dancing in My Mind” in the main gallery, studio artist Kim Fritzges, artist association member Marg Wolfe and Philip Christman in the Community Gallery.
By John Usalis to read the full article please click here republicanherald.com/news/schuylkill-berks-carbon-artists-show-off-at-festival-1.2345106
May 13, 2018- Different art forms on display at Bubeck Park
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Art takes on many different forms, and those forms were on display Saturday at the Art in the Park event at Bubeck Park.
According to Jordan Fees, event coordinator at the Walk In Art Center, the nonprofit organization joined forces with the Schuylkill Haven Recreation Center and Schuylkill County Vision to bring Art in the Park alive. The event was scheduled for last spring but inclement weather forced a cancellation. Since November 2017, much marketing, money and effort has been put toward promoting the event, so the event was going to be held rain or shine.
By David Barr- To read the complete article please go to republicanherald.com/news/different-art-forms-on-display-at-bubeck-park-1.2336675
According to Jordan Fees, event coordinator at the Walk In Art Center, the nonprofit organization joined forces with the Schuylkill Haven Recreation Center and Schuylkill County Vision to bring Art in the Park alive. The event was scheduled for last spring but inclement weather forced a cancellation. Since November 2017, much marketing, money and effort has been put toward promoting the event, so the event was going to be held rain or shine.
By David Barr- To read the complete article please go to republicanherald.com/news/different-art-forms-on-display-at-bubeck-park-1.2336675
April 22, 2018- Community gardens prepared in Mahanoy City
MAHANOY CITY — Volunteers with Healthy Mahanoy Area provided a much-needed and welcome sign of spring on Saturday as they prepared a community garden for planting to begin next month.
About a dozen people came to the Mahanoy City Community Garden at Fifth and Market streets in Mahanoy City to loosen the dirt and add new garden materials for planting on 30 garden plots. Participating in the prep work were volunteers from Home Depot at the Coal Creek Commerce Center in Saint Clair and others who will be planting their favorite produce like lettuce, cucumbers and tomatoes.
The garden is a project of Healthy Mahanoy Area, which is sponsored by Schuylkill County’s VISION. Funding for the garden project has been received through donations from the Home Depot Community Foundation, Herman Yudacufsky Foundation and FABCON Inc.
Article by John Usalis
To read the complete article click here republicanherald.com/news/community-gardens-prepared-in-mahanoy-city-1.2328627
About a dozen people came to the Mahanoy City Community Garden at Fifth and Market streets in Mahanoy City to loosen the dirt and add new garden materials for planting on 30 garden plots. Participating in the prep work were volunteers from Home Depot at the Coal Creek Commerce Center in Saint Clair and others who will be planting their favorite produce like lettuce, cucumbers and tomatoes.
The garden is a project of Healthy Mahanoy Area, which is sponsored by Schuylkill County’s VISION. Funding for the garden project has been received through donations from the Home Depot Community Foundation, Herman Yudacufsky Foundation and FABCON Inc.
Article by John Usalis
To read the complete article click here republicanherald.com/news/community-gardens-prepared-in-mahanoy-city-1.2328627
April 20, 2018- Annual 3-day festival set for next weekend
Pottsville - A three-day festival celebrating art on mediums for every sense will grace the city and its businesses in an effort to drum up patronage and give local artists a chance to display their work next weekend.
The 2018 Block of Art will be held April 27-29 in Pottsville’s perpetually revitalizing downtown, according to Kay Jones, chairwoman of the Block of Art Committee, which is a strategic partnership with Schuylkill County’s VISION, where she is program director. Everything is free and open to the public.
The Block of Art, which began as a few artists’ idea to help local artists while driving businesses downtown, is “an opportunity to come to downtown Pottsville and really just enjoy it,” she said. “Even just the architecture downtown is art. It’s a beautiful city, a city that’s on the verge of this wonderful revitalization. Artists always have been a big part of and will continue to be a big part of it. And you get to meet a lot of people.
Article by Daniel Prosick
To read the full article please click republicanherald.com/news/annual-3-day-festival-set-for-next-weekend-1.2327569
The 2018 Block of Art will be held April 27-29 in Pottsville’s perpetually revitalizing downtown, according to Kay Jones, chairwoman of the Block of Art Committee, which is a strategic partnership with Schuylkill County’s VISION, where she is program director. Everything is free and open to the public.
The Block of Art, which began as a few artists’ idea to help local artists while driving businesses downtown, is “an opportunity to come to downtown Pottsville and really just enjoy it,” she said. “Even just the architecture downtown is art. It’s a beautiful city, a city that’s on the verge of this wonderful revitalization. Artists always have been a big part of and will continue to be a big part of it. And you get to meet a lot of people.
Article by Daniel Prosick
To read the full article please click republicanherald.com/news/annual-3-day-festival-set-for-next-weekend-1.2327569
November 19, 2017- Vigil in Pottsville held on Suicide Survivors Day
POTTSVILLE — The holiday season for many people is a time of joy and excitement. For others it is a time of struggle not only for those considering suicide, but also for the survivors who have experienced the loss of their loved ones.
The ninth annual candlelight remembrance vigil was held Saturday evening at Yuengling Bicentennial Park and Gardens in Pottsville to bring together those left behind and celebrate memories of loved ones they have lost through suicide and offer support to each other. The vigil was held on International Suicide Survivors Day, which is held the Saturday before Thanksgiving Day.
Those who attended the vigil brought photos, poems, mementos and, most importantly, what could not be seen — the love and memories in their hearts.
The vigil was held in conjunction with the Schuylkill County Suicide Prevention Task Force, whose mission is to prevent suicide through public education and awareness, community action and local grassroots advocacy, and Schuylkill County HALOS (Hope After a Loved One’s Suicide). The task force is a strategic partner with Schuylkill County’s VISION.
By John E. Usalis
Read the full article at republicanherald.com/news/loved-ones-lost-to-suicide-remembered-at-candlelight-vigil-in-pottsville-1.2269955
September 20, 2017- To bike or not to bike: Healthy Haven sets up poll on bike-sharing program
A bike share program could be coming to Schuylkill Haven.
Healthy Haven has set up a poll online to gauge interest in a bike sharing program. Healthy Haven, part of Schuylkill VISION, encourages people to be more active in their communities by using community resources.
Exact details of where any bikes would be located has yet to be determined.
“The proposed bike share program would have one location for pickup and drop off in Schuylkill Haven,” according to the poll’s website.
The bike program would be managed by the Schuylkill Haven Recreation Department. The Schuylkill River Heritage Area would support the program. Dubbed “Bike Haven,” bikes would be available to those 16 and older after providing a driver’s license or valid state identification; those 16 and younger would be permitted to use a bike with an adult present. The poll’s deadline is Nov. 30.
The online poll, at , asks six questions:www.surveymonkey.com/r/HavenbikeshareLNXVLNL
Read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/healthy-haven-sets-up-poll-on-bike-sharing-program-1.2244858
Healthy Haven has set up a poll online to gauge interest in a bike sharing program. Healthy Haven, part of Schuylkill VISION, encourages people to be more active in their communities by using community resources.
Exact details of where any bikes would be located has yet to be determined.
“The proposed bike share program would have one location for pickup and drop off in Schuylkill Haven,” according to the poll’s website.
The bike program would be managed by the Schuylkill Haven Recreation Department. The Schuylkill River Heritage Area would support the program. Dubbed “Bike Haven,” bikes would be available to those 16 and older after providing a driver’s license or valid state identification; those 16 and younger would be permitted to use a bike with an adult present. The poll’s deadline is Nov. 30.
The online poll, at , asks six questions:www.surveymonkey.com/r/HavenbikeshareLNXVLNL
Read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/healthy-haven-sets-up-poll-on-bike-sharing-program-1.2244858
August 7, 2017- Mahanoy City community garden grows
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MAHANOY CITY — The Healthy Mahanoy Community Garden Project has experienced growth since it was started in May.
There are plots there where tomatoes, lettuce and pumpkin plants are growing. More may soon be added to the garden at Herman’s Community Park on the southeast corner of Fifth and Centre streets. “Right now, we have 14 plots. We’re hoping to put in 16 more, for a total of 30,” Jeanne B. Elberfeld said Tuesday. She became executive director of Schuylkill County’s VISION on July 1. Also there on Tuesday were the garden managers, Gavin and Jessica Billbe, Mahanoy City, and their three children, Austin, 10, Sicarious, 7, and Leviathyn, 1. The Billbe family also has a plot there filled with bean, garlic, lettuce and potato sprouts. So, too, does the ACTION Youth Group in Mahanoy City, according to Natalie Morrison, one of its advisers. By Stephen J. Pytak Read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/mahanoy-city-community-garden-grows-1.2227231 |
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July 14, 2017- New leader of Schuylkill County's VISION seeks growth
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Jeanne B. Elberfeld said Tuesday that her diverse background in medicine, counseling and education will help her serve as executive director of Schuylkill County’s VISION, a position she assumed July 1.
“You sum all that up and you have VISION,” she said during an interview at VISION’s new headquarters at 11 E. Main St., the former home of Pflueger Insurance Agency Inc.
Furthermore, she wants all local citizens to know the value of VISION in their lives as an agency that empowers both individuals and communities to improve lives.
“Its role in the county is to create partnerships that bring resources, both human and material, to specific needs,” Elberfeld, 55, of Orwigsburg, said. “We’re presented a challenge, an opportunity to make a difference, and then we gather what we need to make that happen.”
By Peter E. Bortner
Read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/new-leader-of-schuylkill-county-s-vision-seeks-growth-1.2218847
“You sum all that up and you have VISION,” she said during an interview at VISION’s new headquarters at 11 E. Main St., the former home of Pflueger Insurance Agency Inc.
Furthermore, she wants all local citizens to know the value of VISION in their lives as an agency that empowers both individuals and communities to improve lives.
“Its role in the county is to create partnerships that bring resources, both human and material, to specific needs,” Elberfeld, 55, of Orwigsburg, said. “We’re presented a challenge, an opportunity to make a difference, and then we gather what we need to make that happen.”
By Peter E. Bortner
Read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/new-leader-of-schuylkill-county-s-vision-seeks-growth-1.2218847
June 6, 2017- Mahanoy Area FCCLA students to compete in Nashville
MAHANOY CITY — Two students from Mahanoy Area will be heading to Nashville in July to compete at a conference hosted by the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America.
Prizes will include scholarships, Bethany Pepe, the adviser of Mahanoy Area’s FCCLA club, said Monday.
The students are Mahanoy Area freshmen Haley Jones and Lois Johnson, both 15. In March, they were awarded gold medals at a state conference for a project started in December 2016.
“It was the first time we competed. We tried it just to see how we would fare. They were exceptional,” Pepe, a Mahanoy Area teacher, said.
Their project is called the Mahanoy Area FCCLA Adopt-A-Grandparent Program. It’s an effort to improve the health and welfare of local senior citizens. Once a month, the students visit the Mahanoy City Senior Center at 138 W. Centre St. and give presentations. They will be there for a presentation at 10:30 a.m. Thursday.
By Stephen J. Pytak
Read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/mahanoy-area-fccla-students-to-compete-in-nashville-1.2202354
Prizes will include scholarships, Bethany Pepe, the adviser of Mahanoy Area’s FCCLA club, said Monday.
The students are Mahanoy Area freshmen Haley Jones and Lois Johnson, both 15. In March, they were awarded gold medals at a state conference for a project started in December 2016.
“It was the first time we competed. We tried it just to see how we would fare. They were exceptional,” Pepe, a Mahanoy Area teacher, said.
Their project is called the Mahanoy Area FCCLA Adopt-A-Grandparent Program. It’s an effort to improve the health and welfare of local senior citizens. Once a month, the students visit the Mahanoy City Senior Center at 138 W. Centre St. and give presentations. They will be there for a presentation at 10:30 a.m. Thursday.
By Stephen J. Pytak
Read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/mahanoy-area-fccla-students-to-compete-in-nashville-1.2202354
May 24, 2017- Healthy Mahanoy starts community garden program
MAHANOY CITY — With packets of spinach and sweet basil seeds in hand, a Penn State Extension Schuylkill master gardener helped to kick off the first phase of Healthy Mahanoy’s Community Garden Project.
“Who can tell me what plants need?” the master gardener, Jen Clinton, New Ringgold, asked a group of 13 who came out to Herman’s Community Park on the southeast corner of Fifth and Centre streets Tuesday evening for an educational workshop, Gardening 101.
“Water,” one said.
“Sunshine,” another said.
Clinton said soil and nutrients are also very important, and it’s OK to talk to your plants.
“There have been studies showing the extra carbon dioxide when you breathe out can make them grow a little bit better,” she said.
“It’s going to be a community garden. It’s not our garden. They have to build it. They have to own it. They have to want it,” Jeanne Elberfeld, director of community programs at Schuylkill County’s VISION, said.
A family recently stepped up to become “garden managers,” she said.
They are Gavin and Jessica Billbe, Mahanoy City, and their three children, Austin, 9, Sicarious, 7, and Leviathyn, 1.
“We like to give back to the community,” Jessica Billbe said at the park Tuesday.
“And we want to improve the area in which we live,” her husband said.
Others there Tuesday included Peg Grigalonis, president of the Mahanoy Area Historical Society, and Carl Kramer, Helfenstein, who is a wellness ambassador for Rite Aid, Shenandoah.
By Stephen J. Pytak
Read the full article republicanherald.com/news/healthy-mahanoy-starts-community-garden-program-1.2196975
“Who can tell me what plants need?” the master gardener, Jen Clinton, New Ringgold, asked a group of 13 who came out to Herman’s Community Park on the southeast corner of Fifth and Centre streets Tuesday evening for an educational workshop, Gardening 101.
“Water,” one said.
“Sunshine,” another said.
Clinton said soil and nutrients are also very important, and it’s OK to talk to your plants.
“There have been studies showing the extra carbon dioxide when you breathe out can make them grow a little bit better,” she said.
“It’s going to be a community garden. It’s not our garden. They have to build it. They have to own it. They have to want it,” Jeanne Elberfeld, director of community programs at Schuylkill County’s VISION, said.
A family recently stepped up to become “garden managers,” she said.
They are Gavin and Jessica Billbe, Mahanoy City, and their three children, Austin, 9, Sicarious, 7, and Leviathyn, 1.
“We like to give back to the community,” Jessica Billbe said at the park Tuesday.
“And we want to improve the area in which we live,” her husband said.
Others there Tuesday included Peg Grigalonis, president of the Mahanoy Area Historical Society, and Carl Kramer, Helfenstein, who is a wellness ambassador for Rite Aid, Shenandoah.
By Stephen J. Pytak
Read the full article republicanherald.com/news/healthy-mahanoy-starts-community-garden-program-1.2196975
May 16, 2017- Youth Summit: Students Float Ideas for Changes in County
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — More than 100 high school students gathered Monday at Penn State Schuylkill with one goal: make Schuylkill County better.
That’s how Commissioner Gary J. Hess described the fifth annual Youth Summit, which was postponed until Monday due to the March snowstorm.
“I think there are some fantastic ideas coming from the students,” Hess, who spearheaded the project five years ago, said. “They are on top of the main issues in the county today and they want to make a change.”
Nearly 3,000 students identified the four areas they wanted to concentrate on this year through an online survey late last year. They were asked to rank 12 quality of life topics based on importance to them.
They decided those issues were housing, public safety, education and the environment and came up with projects Monday focusing on the topics.
“The students are amazing and they are pleased to see that the adults are listening to them and they are finding that being involved in the community is very fulfilling,” Kay Jones, executive director of Schuylkill County’s VISION and event facilitator, said.
By Mark Gilger,
Read the full articlerepublicanherald.com/news/youth-summit-students-float-ideas-for-changes-in-county-1.2193248
That’s how Commissioner Gary J. Hess described the fifth annual Youth Summit, which was postponed until Monday due to the March snowstorm.
“I think there are some fantastic ideas coming from the students,” Hess, who spearheaded the project five years ago, said. “They are on top of the main issues in the county today and they want to make a change.”
Nearly 3,000 students identified the four areas they wanted to concentrate on this year through an online survey late last year. They were asked to rank 12 quality of life topics based on importance to them.
They decided those issues were housing, public safety, education and the environment and came up with projects Monday focusing on the topics.
“The students are amazing and they are pleased to see that the adults are listening to them and they are finding that being involved in the community is very fulfilling,” Kay Jones, executive director of Schuylkill County’s VISION and event facilitator, said.
By Mark Gilger,
Read the full articlerepublicanherald.com/news/youth-summit-students-float-ideas-for-changes-in-county-1.2193248
May 11, 2017- Healthy Shenandoah, BB&T improve parks in borough
SHENANDOAH — In an effort to improve three public parks in the borough, representatives of Healthy Shenandoah and BB&T Bank put on gardening gloves this week and went to work with pickaxes.
“Thanks to BB&T, we’re planting perennial gardens in three parks,” Jeanne Elberfeld, director of community programs at Schuylkill County’s VISION, said Tuesday.
That morning, eight employees of BB&T Bank were turning over the soil on a section of the lawn at Bicentennial Park on the south side of the borough.
Healthy Shenandoah — a coalition of borough residents and local organizations working to promote healthy lifestyles — has been hard at work to improve three parks in the borough: Bicentennial Park, Vine Street Park and Girard Park.
Last year, the project received some financial assistance through a $10,000 Active Living by Design Action Grant awarded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Elberfeld said.
By Stephen J. Pytak. To read the full article republicanherald.com/news/healthy-shenandoah-bb-t-improve-parks-in-borough-1.2191421
“Thanks to BB&T, we’re planting perennial gardens in three parks,” Jeanne Elberfeld, director of community programs at Schuylkill County’s VISION, said Tuesday.
That morning, eight employees of BB&T Bank were turning over the soil on a section of the lawn at Bicentennial Park on the south side of the borough.
Healthy Shenandoah — a coalition of borough residents and local organizations working to promote healthy lifestyles — has been hard at work to improve three parks in the borough: Bicentennial Park, Vine Street Park and Girard Park.
Last year, the project received some financial assistance through a $10,000 Active Living by Design Action Grant awarded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Elberfeld said.
By Stephen J. Pytak. To read the full article republicanherald.com/news/healthy-shenandoah-bb-t-improve-parks-in-borough-1.2191421
May 7, 2017-Families Participate in Stomp Out Suicide
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — With every suicide, family and friends are left behind.
On Saturday, hundreds of those “suicide survivors” in Schuylkill County participated in the fourth annual Stomp Out Suicide to remember their loved ones and let others know help is available.
“We do it to get the information out there and to connect the community,” Susan Moyer, event organizer and member of the Suicide Prevention Task Force, said. “For people who lost someone to suicide, they realize there is comfort in the community.”
The Schuylkill County Suicide Prevention Task Force was created in 2004 as a subcommittee of the Schuylkill County’s VISION’s Mental Health Committee.
The annual event is free and featured many of the county agencies and organizations that offer assistance for those struggling with depression and other mental health diagnoses. People walked around the gym in memory of a loved one and there were plenty of activities for children. Food and T-shirt sales helped raise funds so the task force can continue offering education programs for schools and other organizations.
“Schuylkill County has a very high suicide rate,” Moyer said. “There were 33 last year. We want to get the word out that there is help available.”
By Mark Gilger, read the full article at republicanherald.com/news/families-participate-in-stomp-out-suicide-1.2189969
On Saturday, hundreds of those “suicide survivors” in Schuylkill County participated in the fourth annual Stomp Out Suicide to remember their loved ones and let others know help is available.
“We do it to get the information out there and to connect the community,” Susan Moyer, event organizer and member of the Suicide Prevention Task Force, said. “For people who lost someone to suicide, they realize there is comfort in the community.”
The Schuylkill County Suicide Prevention Task Force was created in 2004 as a subcommittee of the Schuylkill County’s VISION’s Mental Health Committee.
The annual event is free and featured many of the county agencies and organizations that offer assistance for those struggling with depression and other mental health diagnoses. People walked around the gym in memory of a loved one and there were plenty of activities for children. Food and T-shirt sales helped raise funds so the task force can continue offering education programs for schools and other organizations.
“Schuylkill County has a very high suicide rate,” Moyer said. “There were 33 last year. We want to get the word out that there is help available.”
By Mark Gilger, read the full article at republicanherald.com/news/families-participate-in-stomp-out-suicide-1.2189969
April 26, 2017- Joseph H. Jones Sr.
Joseph H. Jones Sr., 92, of Pottsville, passed away Monday morning in Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill E. Norwegian Street.
Born in Shamokin, Northumberland County, on July 9, 1924, he was a son of the late Joseph Hayward and Anna Elizabeth Lippiatt Jones. - See more at: www.legacy.com/obituaries/schuylkill/obituary.aspx?n=joseph-h-jones-sr&pid=185208476#sthash.8KrGVwOF.dpuf
Born in Shamokin, Northumberland County, on July 9, 1924, he was a son of the late Joseph Hayward and Anna Elizabeth Lippiatt Jones. - See more at: www.legacy.com/obituaries/schuylkill/obituary.aspx?n=joseph-h-jones-sr&pid=185208476#sthash.8KrGVwOF.dpuf
April 11, 2017- Pottsville Area students form Blight Club, plan park project
POTTSVILLE — The blight task force that the city assembled in April 2012 has inspired a group of students from Pottsville Area School District to put together their own neighborhood improvement initiative.
“We’re calling it the Blight Club,” Angela Eckert, a junior at Pottsville Area, said at the city council’s April meeting Monday at City Hall.
“It is actually the Schuylkill County Youth Summit group,” Adrian Portland, head teacher in the Pottsville Area High School science department, said.
“This is Pottsville Area’s project for the Schuylkill County Youth Summit. It’s a group of about 20 to 25 students,” Eckert said.
Portland, Eckert and another Pottsville Area junior, Noah Robertson, made a presentation about it at the city council’s meeting.
By Stephen J. Pytak, read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/pottsville-area-students-form-blight-club-plan-park-project-1.2178870
March 30, 2017- Block of Art in Pottsville is set for April 28 - 30
South Schuylkill News by Johnathan Paroby
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March 28, 2017- State, local health officials seek to improve rural health care
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — More than 100 state and local officials met Monday to discuss ways to provide better health services in the region, and help people battle obesity and drug addiction.
What some learned at the event — Public Health 3.0: Moving Health Forward, a program set up by the state Department of Health and held at Penn State Schuylkill — is that one of the keys to success is knowing what resources are available.
“Concerning education and awareness and prevention, how and what can you do? There is nothing that I’m aware of in the county right now for, like, any kind of education and awareness programs,” Mary Beth Dougherty, staff assistant to state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, said at the forum, held at the campus Health and Wellness Center.
“Actually, that’s what I do,” said Diane Rowland, prevention services coordinator for Schuylkill County Drug and Alcohol Program, Pottsville.
By Stephen J. Pytak read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/state-local-health-officials-seek-to-improve-rural-health-care-1.2173168
What some learned at the event — Public Health 3.0: Moving Health Forward, a program set up by the state Department of Health and held at Penn State Schuylkill — is that one of the keys to success is knowing what resources are available.
“Concerning education and awareness and prevention, how and what can you do? There is nothing that I’m aware of in the county right now for, like, any kind of education and awareness programs,” Mary Beth Dougherty, staff assistant to state Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, said at the forum, held at the campus Health and Wellness Center.
“Actually, that’s what I do,” said Diane Rowland, prevention services coordinator for Schuylkill County Drug and Alcohol Program, Pottsville.
By Stephen J. Pytak read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/state-local-health-officials-seek-to-improve-rural-health-care-1.2173168
March 11, 2017- Youth Summit Postponed
The Schuylkill County Youth Summit was canceled Friday and will now take place May 15.
The fifth annual event at Penn State Schuylkill was postponed due to weather conditions and delays at several area school districts.
More than 100 students from 16 schools will meet at this year’s event to discuss quality of life topics and plan projects for their communities from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the auditorium on campus. Over the last five years, students have started numerous projects in their communities. They range from eliminating blight and fundraising to making sure students are prepared to get behind the wheel of a car.
By Mark Gilger, Jr. read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/youth-summit-postponed-1.2166639
The fifth annual event at Penn State Schuylkill was postponed due to weather conditions and delays at several area school districts.
More than 100 students from 16 schools will meet at this year’s event to discuss quality of life topics and plan projects for their communities from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the auditorium on campus. Over the last five years, students have started numerous projects in their communities. They range from eliminating blight and fundraising to making sure students are prepared to get behind the wheel of a car.
By Mark Gilger, Jr. read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/youth-summit-postponed-1.2166639
February 28, 2017-Schuylkill County Youth Summit enters 5th year
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — The fifth annual Schuylkill County Youth Summit will be held March 10 in the auditorium at Penn State Schuylkill.
More than 100 students from 16 schools will meet to discuss housing, public safety, education and the environment, and plan projects for their communities from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Commissioner Gary J. Hess said.
“We wanted to engage the students and we have definitely done that,” Hess, who spearheaded the program five years ago, said last week. “I think they know what issues are out there in the community, how change occurs, that change doesn’t occur overnight, and if you see a challenge and you work together that things can change. Through this summit, it definitely got the students to talk about their concerns with the leaders in the community. There is still some work that needs to be done.”
By Mark Gilger Jr. read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/schuylkill-county-youth-summit-to-enter-5th-year-1.2160648
More than 100 students from 16 schools will meet to discuss housing, public safety, education and the environment, and plan projects for their communities from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Commissioner Gary J. Hess said.
“We wanted to engage the students and we have definitely done that,” Hess, who spearheaded the program five years ago, said last week. “I think they know what issues are out there in the community, how change occurs, that change doesn’t occur overnight, and if you see a challenge and you work together that things can change. Through this summit, it definitely got the students to talk about their concerns with the leaders in the community. There is still some work that needs to be done.”
By Mark Gilger Jr. read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/schuylkill-county-youth-summit-to-enter-5th-year-1.2160648
February 27, 2017- Pa. Department of Health sets regional meeting in Schuylkill
In an effort to improve health services in the area, the state Department of Health is planning to meet with regional health care and community leaders in Schuylkill County.
A presentation, Public Health 3.0: Moving Health Forward, will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 27 at the Health and Wellness Building at Penn State Schuylkill, Schuylkill Haven.
Representatives of six counties — Carbon, Columbia, Northumberland, Schuylkill, Snyder and Union — will participate, April L. Hutcheson, press secretary for the state Department of Health Office of Communications, Harrisburg, said Wednesday.
“This is something new,” Kay Jones, executive director of Schuylkill County’s VISION, said Monday.
By Stephen J Pytak read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/pa-department-of-health-sets-regional-meeting-in-schuylkill-1.2159933
A presentation, Public Health 3.0: Moving Health Forward, will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 27 at the Health and Wellness Building at Penn State Schuylkill, Schuylkill Haven.
Representatives of six counties — Carbon, Columbia, Northumberland, Schuylkill, Snyder and Union — will participate, April L. Hutcheson, press secretary for the state Department of Health Office of Communications, Harrisburg, said Wednesday.
“This is something new,” Kay Jones, executive director of Schuylkill County’s VISION, said Monday.
By Stephen J Pytak read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/pa-department-of-health-sets-regional-meeting-in-schuylkill-1.2159933
February 12, 2017- Healthy Shenandoah to dedicate Bicentennial Park in June
SHENANDOAH — The Healthy Shenandoah initiative was discussed Tuesday at a meeting of people involved in working to help make the borough healthy through physical activities.
A major focus of the meeting was a discussion of the improvements and enhancement at Bicentennial Park at the south side of the borough. The park formerly known as Babe Ruth Field has been undergoing improvements through a $10,000 Active Living by Design Action Grant awarded in 2015 through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
According to its website, Active Living by Design supported comprehensive approaches to increase physical activity in 25 diverse communities across the nation with a low-dollar, high-touch approach to grant making and technical assistance. Based on an integrated “5P” model — preparation, promotions, programs, policies and physical projects — the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s $15.5 million investment increased opportunities for active living and created sustainable community change.
Director of Community Programs Jeanne Elberfeld of Schuylkill County’s VISION led the meeting, which included community members and Community Wellness Coordinator Jennifer Wagner of Diakon Community Services.
By John E. Usalis read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/healthy-shenandoah-to-dedicate-bicentennial-park-in-june-1.2154112
A major focus of the meeting was a discussion of the improvements and enhancement at Bicentennial Park at the south side of the borough. The park formerly known as Babe Ruth Field has been undergoing improvements through a $10,000 Active Living by Design Action Grant awarded in 2015 through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
According to its website, Active Living by Design supported comprehensive approaches to increase physical activity in 25 diverse communities across the nation with a low-dollar, high-touch approach to grant making and technical assistance. Based on an integrated “5P” model — preparation, promotions, programs, policies and physical projects — the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s $15.5 million investment increased opportunities for active living and created sustainable community change.
Director of Community Programs Jeanne Elberfeld of Schuylkill County’s VISION led the meeting, which included community members and Community Wellness Coordinator Jennifer Wagner of Diakon Community Services.
By John E. Usalis read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/healthy-shenandoah-to-dedicate-bicentennial-park-in-june-1.2154112
February 3, 2017- Around the Region
In Pottsville: Schuylkill On the Move has announced its 2017 walk schedule is available. Hikes are scheduled throughout Schuylkill County and include Landingville Marsh, Bake Oven Knob, Frog Hollow and the Senator Rhoades Nature Trail. “Our schedule is made possible through the talent of our hike volunteers that include Judge John Domalakes, Mike Centeleghe, Tom Pesock and state park education specialist Robin Tracey,” Patrick “Porcupine Pat” McKinney, environmental coordinator for the Schuylkill Conservation District, said in a press release. SOM, he added is “a special project of Schuylkill County’s VISION that is co-sponsored by the Schuylkill County Conservancy, Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau, Schuylkill County Historical Society and the Schuylkill Conservation District.” Walks are schedule in every month of the year, officials said in the release, adding that the schedule lists the hike length and degree of difficulty. “We’ve had participants ranging in age from 4 years old to their 90s in attendance,” McKinney said. “The best part is that the hike leader shares knowledge of the natural history and cultural history along the path, too.” All hikes are free and open to the public. To get a copy of the schedule, email McKinney at [email protected]. For more information, call McKinney at 570-622-4124, ext. 113.
Read the full article at republicanherald.com/news/around-the-region-feb-3-2017-1.2150299
Read the full article at republicanherald.com/news/around-the-region-feb-3-2017-1.2150299
January 31, 2017- Would-be entrepreneurs learn more details about LionLaunch
SHENANDOAH — A public informational meeting was held Monday for would-be entrepreneurs to learn more about the Penn State Schuylkill LionLaunch initiative, particularly the upcoming Business Plan Competition.
Laura Hoppes, LionLaunch coordinator at the Schuylkill campus, presented the information to about 20 people in the second-floor meeting room of the Schuylkill Historical Fire Society. Attending with Hoppes were Shannon Del Conte, Penn State Schuylkill continuing education coordinator, and Kent Steinmetz, president of the J.W. Cooper Community Center in Shenandoah.
The LionLaunch program is a community-based entrepreneurship program that provides funding and mentorship to assist and encourage local entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses and new innovative products. LionLaunch also provides community competition wherein winners receive startup funding, training and mentorship from industry, faculty and economic development professionals.
By John E. Usalis
Read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/would-be-entrepreneurs-learn-more-details-about-lionlaunch-1.2148638
January 19, 2017- New Year of Walking with Schuylkill County on the Move
Start the new year with a choice to be a more healthy you.
Walking with Schuylkill On the Move is a great way to take control of your body, mind, and spirit. You get the opportunity to enjoy the company of like-minded folks of all ages and you can better appreciate Schuylkill County, too.
By 'Procupine Pat' McKinney, South Schuylkill News. To read the full article porcupine_pat_sch_on_the_move.pdf
Walking with Schuylkill On the Move is a great way to take control of your body, mind, and spirit. You get the opportunity to enjoy the company of like-minded folks of all ages and you can better appreciate Schuylkill County, too.
By 'Procupine Pat' McKinney, South Schuylkill News. To read the full article porcupine_pat_sch_on_the_move.pdf
January 10, 2016- Around the region
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In Pottsville: Schuylkill On the Move has announced its 2017 walk schedule is available. Hikes are scheduled throughout Schuylkill County and include Landingville Marsh, Bake Oven Knob, Frog Hollow and the Senator Rhoades Nature Trail. “Our schedule is made possible through the talent of our hike volunteers that include Judge John Domalakes, Mike Centeleghe, Tom Pesock and state park education specialist Robin Tracey,” Patrick M. “Porcupine Pat” McKinney, environmental coordinator for the Schuylkill Conservation District, said in a press release. SOM, he added, is “a special project of Schuylkill County’s VISION that is co-sponsored by the Schuylkill County Conservancy, Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau, Schuylkill County Historical Society and the Schuylkill Conservation District.” Walks are schedule in every month of the year, officials said in the release, adding that the schedule lists the hike length and degree of difficulty. “We’ve had participants ranging in age from 4 years old to their 90s in attendance,” McKinney said. “The best part is that the hike leader shares knowledge of the natural history and cultural history along the path, too.” All hikes are free and open to the public. To get a copy of the schedule, email McKinney at [email protected]. For more information, call McKinney at 570-622-4124, ext. 113. Read the full section here republicanherald.com/news/around-the-region-jan-10-2017-1.2140384 |
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December 18, 2016- Gillingham plans Bunker Hill beautification project
According to Nicolle M. Hutchinson, Gillingham’s CEO and director of education, a group of its students are planning to beautify a section of the city’s Bunker Hill section.
“The students participating in the Youth Summit have been asked by the commissioners to come up with ideas to make a difference in the county. They also survey them every year to see what are the needs based on the eyes of the youth,” Hutchinson said Thursday at a meeting of the charter school’s board of trustees.
She was referring to the annual Schuylkill County Youth Summit.
“Our Youth Summit team is going to beautiful Bunker Hill because we use it so much. And we’re going to see if other classes want to help with that and help the Youth Summit team,” Hutchinson said.
by Stephen J. Pytak
Read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/gillingham-plans-bunker-hill-beautification-project-1.2131595
“The students participating in the Youth Summit have been asked by the commissioners to come up with ideas to make a difference in the county. They also survey them every year to see what are the needs based on the eyes of the youth,” Hutchinson said Thursday at a meeting of the charter school’s board of trustees.
She was referring to the annual Schuylkill County Youth Summit.
“Our Youth Summit team is going to beautiful Bunker Hill because we use it so much. And we’re going to see if other classes want to help with that and help the Youth Summit team,” Hutchinson said.
by Stephen J. Pytak
Read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/gillingham-plans-bunker-hill-beautification-project-1.2131595
December 2, 2016- Thank you for support
I would like to send a huge thank you to everyone involved in the Saturday night vigil for National Suicide Survivors Day.
Angela Nardini for singing and being such a key point in the service. For the strong shoulder and support of my husband, Don. For Stephen Pytak, the reporter, and David McKeown, photographer, for several years in a row of faithful coverage of this event. The support of the Schuylkill County Suicide Prevention Task Force for backing me. Most of all to the 34 attendees to the vigil, all because we have lost a loved one to suicide. One attendee, Don and myself recognized from the vigil later at a local diner, was overly gracious by paying for our dinner also!
My heart goes out to all of you, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Karen Spencer Facilitator for HALOS (Hope After Loved Ones Suicide)
Angela Nardini for singing and being such a key point in the service. For the strong shoulder and support of my husband, Don. For Stephen Pytak, the reporter, and David McKeown, photographer, for several years in a row of faithful coverage of this event. The support of the Schuylkill County Suicide Prevention Task Force for backing me. Most of all to the 34 attendees to the vigil, all because we have lost a loved one to suicide. One attendee, Don and myself recognized from the vigil later at a local diner, was overly gracious by paying for our dinner also!
My heart goes out to all of you, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Karen Spencer Facilitator for HALOS (Hope After Loved Ones Suicide)
December 2, 2016- Penn State helps adults become entrepreneurs
A few years ago, Mariann T. Young, Pottsville, learned to make jewelry out of seed beads and Swarovski-brand crystals.
Now, Young is working to turn her hobby into a business, and for guidance, she recently enrolled in the first Lion Launch program at Penn State Schuylkill, an effort to inspire entrepreneurs of all ages.
“What I’ve found, in just the couple weeks we’ve been into it already, is a treasure-full of information. It gives you a lot of information about starting your own business. I’m hoping that when I retire it will be a little something for me to pursue. I go to craft shows and I have a little following. And I do enjoy it,” Young, 59, a staff assistant at Penn State Schuylkill, said Monday.
“Lion Launch is open to anyone over 18, including faculty and staff and students and anyone from the public,” Laura E. Hoppes, the Lion Launch coordinator, said.
Two years ago, the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce and Penn State Schuylkill introduced an program to inspire middle school and high school students to become entrepreneurs. Now in its third year, it’s called the Schuylkill Young Entrepreneurs Academy — YEA!
by Stephen J. Pytak
Read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/penn-state-helps-adults-become-entrepreneurs-1.2125214
Now, Young is working to turn her hobby into a business, and for guidance, she recently enrolled in the first Lion Launch program at Penn State Schuylkill, an effort to inspire entrepreneurs of all ages.
“What I’ve found, in just the couple weeks we’ve been into it already, is a treasure-full of information. It gives you a lot of information about starting your own business. I’m hoping that when I retire it will be a little something for me to pursue. I go to craft shows and I have a little following. And I do enjoy it,” Young, 59, a staff assistant at Penn State Schuylkill, said Monday.
“Lion Launch is open to anyone over 18, including faculty and staff and students and anyone from the public,” Laura E. Hoppes, the Lion Launch coordinator, said.
Two years ago, the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce and Penn State Schuylkill introduced an program to inspire middle school and high school students to become entrepreneurs. Now in its third year, it’s called the Schuylkill Young Entrepreneurs Academy — YEA!
by Stephen J. Pytak
Read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/penn-state-helps-adults-become-entrepreneurs-1.2125214
November 16, 2016- Youth Summit participants distribute teen driver advice cards
Schuylkill County high school students have not given up on preparing fellow young drivers before they get behind the wheel.
A few years ago, students participating in the annual Schuylkill County Youth Summit made getting drivers’ education back in all the schools their priority. However, they were limited by lack of funding for such a project.
Students involved in this year’s Youth Summit have found a way to help prepare new drivers for their first accident by putting that information on cards they can keep with their license.
“When you get into an accident, it is very overwhelming,” Tyler Zimerofsky, a senior at Nativity BVM High School and member of the Youth Summit executive committee, said. “This puts the things you need to do on paper and gives you concrete steps to take.”
by Mark Gilger, Jr.
Read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/youth-summit-participants-distribute-teen-driver-advice-cards-1.2118302
A few years ago, students participating in the annual Schuylkill County Youth Summit made getting drivers’ education back in all the schools their priority. However, they were limited by lack of funding for such a project.
Students involved in this year’s Youth Summit have found a way to help prepare new drivers for their first accident by putting that information on cards they can keep with their license.
“When you get into an accident, it is very overwhelming,” Tyler Zimerofsky, a senior at Nativity BVM High School and member of the Youth Summit executive committee, said. “This puts the things you need to do on paper and gives you concrete steps to take.”
by Mark Gilger, Jr.
Read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/youth-summit-participants-distribute-teen-driver-advice-cards-1.2118302
November 14, 2016- Suicide rate up in county; group offers outreach, events
The Schuylkill County Suicide Prevention Task Force want people to know that it is OK to ask for help this month with several events and an awareness campaign highlighting resources available in the county.
“It is OK what not to do, but know that there is help out there,” Kelly Reno, a therapist with the Psychiatric Association of Schuylkill County, said Thursday.
Suicide rates have increased each year both nationally and in the county.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States with 42,773 suicide deaths each year.
In 2006, there were 14 suicides reported in Schuylkill County. In 2015, there were 33. That is one for every 11 days.
There has already been 33 suicides this year as of September.
“It’s a real issue everyone needs to realize and it needs to be addressed,” Kay Jones, executive director of Schuylkill’s VISION, said.
by Mark Gilger
Read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/suicide-rate-up-in-county-group-offers-outreach-events-1.2117519
“It is OK what not to do, but know that there is help out there,” Kelly Reno, a therapist with the Psychiatric Association of Schuylkill County, said Thursday.
Suicide rates have increased each year both nationally and in the county.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States with 42,773 suicide deaths each year.
In 2006, there were 14 suicides reported in Schuylkill County. In 2015, there were 33. That is one for every 11 days.
There has already been 33 suicides this year as of September.
“It’s a real issue everyone needs to realize and it needs to be addressed,” Kay Jones, executive director of Schuylkill’s VISION, said.
by Mark Gilger
Read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/suicide-rate-up-in-county-group-offers-outreach-events-1.2117519
October 27, 2016- Proposed entrepreneur center in Shenandoah could be 'transformative'
SHENANDOAH — An entrepreneur center in the planning stage in downtown Shenandoah could be something that is “transformative” to the borough and region as described during a town meeting held Wednesday evening.
The center, also identified as an “innovation center,” is a project of Downtown Shenandoah Inc., the borough’s revitalization organization, and would be located on the 100 block of North Main Street across the street from DSI headquarters.
The town meeting was held by the Pennsylvania Downtown Center and moderated by PDC Executive Director Bill Fontana in the Shenandoah Valley High School auditorium. He was accompanied by Assistant Executive Director Julie Fitzpatrick.
About 70 people attended the meeting, many representing different organizations and companies...
By John Usalis
Read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/proposed-entrepreneur-center-in-shenandoah-could-be-transformative-1.2109482
The center, also identified as an “innovation center,” is a project of Downtown Shenandoah Inc., the borough’s revitalization organization, and would be located on the 100 block of North Main Street across the street from DSI headquarters.
The town meeting was held by the Pennsylvania Downtown Center and moderated by PDC Executive Director Bill Fontana in the Shenandoah Valley High School auditorium. He was accompanied by Assistant Executive Director Julie Fitzpatrick.
About 70 people attended the meeting, many representing different organizations and companies...
By John Usalis
Read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/proposed-entrepreneur-center-in-shenandoah-could-be-transformative-1.2109482
October 21, 2016- Lifelong skills come from youth summit
To the Editor:
It has been a few years that the Youth Summit has been in operation as a product of Schuylkill County’s VISION and county Commissioner Gary Hess. A question that may arise is, of what benefits are these programs for the youth involved?
The Youth Summit engages youth from middle and high schools to identify topics of concern to them about their school or the community and to research the topic and identify some possible options that can be implemented by them, the youth of today.
One topic of concern was inexperience in driving and fatal results of this. Students made a request of their schools to reinstitute driver education and learned the practicality or impracticality of this when it was presented to school systems. Another topic of interest to students is the blight found in many communities. What can be done about neglect of houses and upkeep of lots? The toll of drugs and alcohol in the lives of youth is another topic of great interest.
By Jane Kruse
Read the full editorial here republicanherald.com/opinion/letters/lifelong-skills-come-from-youth-summit-1.2106732
October 18, 2016- Schuylkill County VISION reminds teens to practice safe driving habits
Schuylkill County teens are being reminded to be safe when they drive.
This week is Teen Driver Safety Week.
“It’s one of the biggest responsibilities for them growing older,” Carol Alonge, traffic safety project coordinator for the North Central Highway Safety Network, said Monday.
The network is helping to get the word out about the importance of good driving habits by partnering with Schuylkill County VISION and others to distribute information to teenagers. Students in 11 high schools in the county received business cards that say “Don’t let your last text become your last words.” The cards also says it is hard to concentrate on more than one thing while driving, when a person’s attention should be focused on the road. On the back of the card is a list of apps available to download from AT&T, Sprint, Verizon and LifeSaver to help prevent distracted driving.
By Amy Marchiano
Read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/schuylkill-county-vision-reminds-teens-to-practice-safe-driving-habits-1.2105286
This week is Teen Driver Safety Week.
“It’s one of the biggest responsibilities for them growing older,” Carol Alonge, traffic safety project coordinator for the North Central Highway Safety Network, said Monday.
The network is helping to get the word out about the importance of good driving habits by partnering with Schuylkill County VISION and others to distribute information to teenagers. Students in 11 high schools in the county received business cards that say “Don’t let your last text become your last words.” The cards also says it is hard to concentrate on more than one thing while driving, when a person’s attention should be focused on the road. On the back of the card is a list of apps available to download from AT&T, Sprint, Verizon and LifeSaver to help prevent distracted driving.
By Amy Marchiano
Read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/schuylkill-county-vision-reminds-teens-to-practice-safe-driving-habits-1.2105286
October 17, 2016- Suicides increase in Schuylkill County
Thirty-three people have died by suicide in Schuylkill County so far this year, one more than last year.
“It’s difficult to understand what drives someone to take their own lives,” Deputy Coroner Deb Detweiler said Friday.
County coroner data show of the 33 people who took their own lives, seven were female. The age range of those who died by suicide was 19 to in the 70s. Nine of those who died were in their 50s, accounting for the largest age group. Seven were in their 40s; six in their 30s; five in their 20s; 4 in their 60s; one was 19; and one was in their 70s, county coroner data show.
By Amy Marchiano
Read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/suicides-increase-in-schuylkill-county-1.2105013
“It’s difficult to understand what drives someone to take their own lives,” Deputy Coroner Deb Detweiler said Friday.
County coroner data show of the 33 people who took their own lives, seven were female. The age range of those who died by suicide was 19 to in the 70s. Nine of those who died were in their 50s, accounting for the largest age group. Seven were in their 40s; six in their 30s; five in their 20s; 4 in their 60s; one was 19; and one was in their 70s, county coroner data show.
By Amy Marchiano
Read the full article here republicanherald.com/news/suicides-increase-in-schuylkill-county-1.2105013
October 7, 2016 High school students create video with anti-bullying message
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MAR LIN — High school students in Schuylkill County are talking to younger students about bullying through a video they made that will be available for area middle schools.
As part of the county’s Drug and Alcohol Junior Advisory Board, the high school students made a video to raise awareness about suicide in 2011 and then updated it a few years later. Last year, they made the video about bullying and are looking to get local schools to show it to their middle school students as October is National Bullying Prevention Month. By Mark Gilger, Jr Read the full article here: republicanherald.com/news/high-school-students-create-video-with-anti-bullying-message-1.2100842 |
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September 30, 2016 Emergency planning committee focuses on getting to know members
The Schuylkill County Local Emergency Planning Committee has been recruiting new members from agencies, businesses and organizations throughout the county to join its mission of preparing everyone for all types of emergencies.
The LEPC and county emergency management agency joined forces this month to launch their own campaign as part of National Preparedness Month to inform residents about preparedness and types of emergencies. The campaign’s theme is “Know, Connect and Prepare.” This week, the campaign focuses on getting to know the members of the LEPC and the local emergency responders and organizations that work with them towards preparing the county for emergency.
By Mark Gilger, Jr
Read the full article here: http://republicanherald.com/news/emergency-planning-committee-focuses-on-getting-to-know-members-1.2097967
The LEPC and county emergency management agency joined forces this month to launch their own campaign as part of National Preparedness Month to inform residents about preparedness and types of emergencies. The campaign’s theme is “Know, Connect and Prepare.” This week, the campaign focuses on getting to know the members of the LEPC and the local emergency responders and organizations that work with them towards preparing the county for emergency.
By Mark Gilger, Jr
Read the full article here: http://republicanherald.com/news/emergency-planning-committee-focuses-on-getting-to-know-members-1.2097967
August 9, 2016 Mahanoy City Police to Ticket Good DeedsThe Schuylkill County Suicide Prevention Task Force and Mahanoy City police are partnering to make a positive impact on the youth of the borough during the remainder of 2016. In an effort to get important information such as contact numbers for the police and various youth counseling services to young people in the community, a proactive public service program called “Get Caught Doing Something Good” has been implemented. Christine Wiekrykas with the Suicide Prevention Task Force of Schuylkill County said the program kicked off Aug. 2 during the National Night Out Observance and will run through October. She said small information “tickets” have been designed to help provide information to any young person who may be having difficulty with bullying, drug and/or alcohol abuse or any other personal problem that could have been made better by the intervention of a professional. By Frank Andruscavage Read the full article here: http://republicanherald.com/news/mahanoy-city-police-to-ticket-good-deeds-1.2076158 |
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May 28, 2016 'Get Caught Doing Something Good' campaign to start in Pottsville
Pottsville police have teamed with the Schuylkill County Suicide Prevention Task Force to launch a pilot program in the city called “Get Caught Doing Something Good.”
The aim of the program is to promote opportunities for positive reinforcement interactions between juveniles and police officers while simultaneously providing contact information for agencies available to help them with any problems they, a family member or a friend may be dealing with.
Police Chief Richard F. Wojciechowsky said that this particular program allows uniformed Pottsville police officers to initiate effective discussions with juveniles in a relaxed setting, as opposed to a time of crisis when they have been called to a high-stress environment in which the child is involved either primarily or tangentially.
By: Frank Andruscavage
Read the full article here: http://republicanherald.com/news/get-caught-doing-something-good-campaign-to-start-in-pottsville-1.2047999
May 9, 2016: Campaign shares 5 facts to raise awareness of drug, sexual abuse
Schuylkill County’s VISION has teamed up with various agencies to raise awareness about drug use and sexual violence five facts at a time.
The county mental health committee, which is a strategic partnership of VISION, recently started its Five Facts Campaign to raise awareness, provide education and inform county residents about locally available resources. As part of the campaign, VISION distributed the “Five Facts” cards to schools, medical offices, organizations, mental health clinics and other locations.
“The whole idea is to just grab your attention and then get you to look at the issue and then you turn the card over and there are local resources you can turn to for help right in your community,” Kathy Quick, mental health committee chairwoman and coordinator for the county Child and Adolescent Service System Program, said Monday.
By: Mark Gigler Jr.
Read the full article here: http://republicanherald.com/news/campaign-shares-5-facts-to-raise-awareness-of-drug-sexual-abuse-1.2040227
The county mental health committee, which is a strategic partnership of VISION, recently started its Five Facts Campaign to raise awareness, provide education and inform county residents about locally available resources. As part of the campaign, VISION distributed the “Five Facts” cards to schools, medical offices, organizations, mental health clinics and other locations.
“The whole idea is to just grab your attention and then get you to look at the issue and then you turn the card over and there are local resources you can turn to for help right in your community,” Kathy Quick, mental health committee chairwoman and coordinator for the county Child and Adolescent Service System Program, said Monday.
By: Mark Gigler Jr.
Read the full article here: http://republicanherald.com/news/campaign-shares-5-facts-to-raise-awareness-of-drug-sexual-abuse-1.2040227
May 1, 2016: Hundreds gather to stomp out suicide at Mahanoy Area Alumni Field
MAHANOY CITY — Their bright orange shirts emblazoned with a photo of the late Travis Schuller made Schuller’s family hard to miss.
There were 27 members of his family present at the third annual Together We Can Stomp Out Suicide Walk on Saturday at Mahanoy Area Alumni Field. More than 250 attended the program coordinated through the Suicide Prevention Task Force of Schuylkill County, a strategic partner with Schuylkill VISION.
“I heard about it on Facebook and a friend had sent information about it to me,” Travis’s mother, Pauline Schuller, Saint Clair, said. “It took a while for me to recover, but I see a lot of support here today.”
Orange was Travis’ favorite color, she said.
“He wore his heart on his sleeve, but he wouldn’t tell us what was going on,” Pauline Schuller said of her son, who was distraught over his relationship with his girlfriend and died as a result of suicide at age 24. “One of my son’s friends also took his life. It’s so sad. I don’t understand why they can’t work through it.”
By: Vicki Terwillinger
Read the full article here: http://republicanherald.com/news/hundreds-gather-to-stomp-out-suicide-at-mahanoy-area-alumni-field-1.2037459
There were 27 members of his family present at the third annual Together We Can Stomp Out Suicide Walk on Saturday at Mahanoy Area Alumni Field. More than 250 attended the program coordinated through the Suicide Prevention Task Force of Schuylkill County, a strategic partner with Schuylkill VISION.
“I heard about it on Facebook and a friend had sent information about it to me,” Travis’s mother, Pauline Schuller, Saint Clair, said. “It took a while for me to recover, but I see a lot of support here today.”
Orange was Travis’ favorite color, she said.
“He wore his heart on his sleeve, but he wouldn’t tell us what was going on,” Pauline Schuller said of her son, who was distraught over his relationship with his girlfriend and died as a result of suicide at age 24. “One of my son’s friends also took his life. It’s so sad. I don’t understand why they can’t work through it.”
By: Vicki Terwillinger
Read the full article here: http://republicanherald.com/news/hundreds-gather-to-stomp-out-suicide-at-mahanoy-area-alumni-field-1.2037459
April 11, 2016: Youth Summit wins Local Government Excellence award
The Schuylkill County Youth Summit has won the Governor’s Award of Local Government Excellence.
During Local Government Week every April, the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services has hosted a Local Government Day celebration, featuring the presentation of the Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence to recognize local officials for their successes in undertaking innovative initiatives to improve the quality of life in their communities, according to a press release from county officials.
The Building Community Partnerships award went to the Schuylkill County Youth Summit, which has the goal of engaging, equipping and supporting the youth to build their own future in Schuylkill County.
By: Mark Gilger Jr.
Read the full article here: http://republicanherald.com/news/youth-summit-wins-local-government-excellence-award-1.2029412
During Local Government Week every April, the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services has hosted a Local Government Day celebration, featuring the presentation of the Governor’s Awards for Local Government Excellence to recognize local officials for their successes in undertaking innovative initiatives to improve the quality of life in their communities, according to a press release from county officials.
The Building Community Partnerships award went to the Schuylkill County Youth Summit, which has the goal of engaging, equipping and supporting the youth to build their own future in Schuylkill County.
By: Mark Gilger Jr.
Read the full article here: http://republicanherald.com/news/youth-summit-wins-local-government-excellence-award-1.2029412
March 11, 2016: Schuylkill Youth Summit to tackle blight
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Schuylkill County’s high school students are working on projects to tackle blight in their communities.
More than 100 students came up with projects Thursday as part of the fourth annual Schuylkill Youth Summit in the John E. Morgan Auditorium at Penn State Schuylkill. Blight was chosen as the theme at last year’s event.
Before developing their projects with classmates, the students received guidance from community members.
Micah J. Gursky, Tamaqua borough councilman and executive director of the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership, was featured as the guest speaker for the event. He talked to the students about the revitalization efforts in the borough over the past 30 years. Gursky said that everyone told him he had to leave the area to be successful, but he wanted to come back after graduating college and help improve the area.
“I knew a lot of things needed to be fixed, but I also knew growing up in the area that there are a lot of good people doing really good things,” Gursky said.
Gursky showed the students before and after pictures of blight projects in the borough.
“This is the community I remember growing up in ... and this is the community so many people worked so hard to create to give people a choice,” Gursky said. “You don’t have to stay in Schuylkill County, but it could be nice place.”
He said the solution to blight is not just demolition, but it also includes rehabilitation of properties. That was the case with the train station in Tamaqua that will soon feature a reopened restaurant and the borough’s historical district.
By: Mark Gilger Jr.
Read the full article here: http://republicanherald.com/news/schuylkill-youth-summit-to-tackle-blight-1.2017802
More than 100 students came up with projects Thursday as part of the fourth annual Schuylkill Youth Summit in the John E. Morgan Auditorium at Penn State Schuylkill. Blight was chosen as the theme at last year’s event.
Before developing their projects with classmates, the students received guidance from community members.
Micah J. Gursky, Tamaqua borough councilman and executive director of the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership, was featured as the guest speaker for the event. He talked to the students about the revitalization efforts in the borough over the past 30 years. Gursky said that everyone told him he had to leave the area to be successful, but he wanted to come back after graduating college and help improve the area.
“I knew a lot of things needed to be fixed, but I also knew growing up in the area that there are a lot of good people doing really good things,” Gursky said.
Gursky showed the students before and after pictures of blight projects in the borough.
“This is the community I remember growing up in ... and this is the community so many people worked so hard to create to give people a choice,” Gursky said. “You don’t have to stay in Schuylkill County, but it could be nice place.”
He said the solution to blight is not just demolition, but it also includes rehabilitation of properties. That was the case with the train station in Tamaqua that will soon feature a reopened restaurant and the borough’s historical district.
By: Mark Gilger Jr.
Read the full article here: http://republicanherald.com/news/schuylkill-youth-summit-to-tackle-blight-1.2017802
Jan. 25, 2016: Shenandoah Shuffle walk set for Valentine's Day
SHENANDOAH — Valentine’s Day is a time for lovers, but it will also be a day for walkers who participate in the Shenandoah Shuffle as part of Schuylkill On The Move.
The Sunday urban winter hike will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 14 along Rotary Way at the Shenandoah Valley School District campus on West Centre Street. It will be led by John E. Domalakes, a local walking and history enthusiast from Frackville who is a county court judge.
The hike is dedicated to the late Shenandoah Valley Superintendent Stanley G. Rakowsky, who passed away in 2015. Rakowsky was instrumental in the creation of the walking path through his “Town and Gown” initiative to better connect the community and school district.
The Rotary Way was created through the partnership of the Shenandoah Rotary Club and the school district in cooperation with Healthy Schuylkill Communities.
The secure walking path is open daily for walkers and joggers. The 1,830-yard groomed path goes around the campus, along Stadium Road to the athletic fields and back. There are no stairs along the path. The hike trail is rated as easy.
“That was my idea,” Domalakes said. “I’m a volunteer hike leader and (Porcupine) Pat contacts me and another hike leader, Mike Centeleghe, every December and we meet at a restaurant and plan out the hikes for the year. We try to move them around in the county. I had the idea last year that we should do an urban hike because some of our hikes in January and February have run into some pretty bad weather.”
Domalakes said an urban hike was held last February in Tamaqua, and despite a snow storm the day before, 36 people came out to take the 3 1/2-mile hike. The success led to putting urban hikes on the schedule.
He said the first hike of the year is called “Mahanoy City Meander,” to be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 31. Hike leader Paul Coombe of the Mahanoy Area Historical Society will explore the “Town on the Level.” The group will meet at North Main Street near the former Kaier Brewery building.
“In February we decided to do the Rotary Way walk, which was dedicated last May and the brainchild of Stan Rakowsky,” Domalakes said. “It’s a short walk around the school grounds, but as Stan said to me in May, at least you know that since it is on school grounds, it will be clear and passable. It’s really a dedication to Stan and to let people know that it is there so that people from Shenandoah and Frackville and Mahanoy City who on any day want to get out, stretch their legs and see something new.”
A project of Schuylkill County’s VISION, Schuylkill On The Move is a countywide grassroots organization of individuals and organizations who have an interest in promoting health and fitness through walking, according to the VISION website. The goals include:
• Assisting local communities with establishing walking programs for their residents
• Advocating for walkable communities
• Encouraging people to take positive steps toward good health
Schuylkill On The Move hikes continue year-round.
By: John Usalis. Read the full article here: http://republicanherald.com/news/shenandoah-shuffle-walk-set-for-valentine-s-day-1.1999145. For information on hikes and directions, contact McKinney by email at [email protected] or 570-622-4124, Ext. 113. Email is recommended.
The Sunday urban winter hike will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 14 along Rotary Way at the Shenandoah Valley School District campus on West Centre Street. It will be led by John E. Domalakes, a local walking and history enthusiast from Frackville who is a county court judge.
The hike is dedicated to the late Shenandoah Valley Superintendent Stanley G. Rakowsky, who passed away in 2015. Rakowsky was instrumental in the creation of the walking path through his “Town and Gown” initiative to better connect the community and school district.
The Rotary Way was created through the partnership of the Shenandoah Rotary Club and the school district in cooperation with Healthy Schuylkill Communities.
The secure walking path is open daily for walkers and joggers. The 1,830-yard groomed path goes around the campus, along Stadium Road to the athletic fields and back. There are no stairs along the path. The hike trail is rated as easy.
“That was my idea,” Domalakes said. “I’m a volunteer hike leader and (Porcupine) Pat contacts me and another hike leader, Mike Centeleghe, every December and we meet at a restaurant and plan out the hikes for the year. We try to move them around in the county. I had the idea last year that we should do an urban hike because some of our hikes in January and February have run into some pretty bad weather.”
Domalakes said an urban hike was held last February in Tamaqua, and despite a snow storm the day before, 36 people came out to take the 3 1/2-mile hike. The success led to putting urban hikes on the schedule.
He said the first hike of the year is called “Mahanoy City Meander,” to be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 31. Hike leader Paul Coombe of the Mahanoy Area Historical Society will explore the “Town on the Level.” The group will meet at North Main Street near the former Kaier Brewery building.
“In February we decided to do the Rotary Way walk, which was dedicated last May and the brainchild of Stan Rakowsky,” Domalakes said. “It’s a short walk around the school grounds, but as Stan said to me in May, at least you know that since it is on school grounds, it will be clear and passable. It’s really a dedication to Stan and to let people know that it is there so that people from Shenandoah and Frackville and Mahanoy City who on any day want to get out, stretch their legs and see something new.”
A project of Schuylkill County’s VISION, Schuylkill On The Move is a countywide grassroots organization of individuals and organizations who have an interest in promoting health and fitness through walking, according to the VISION website. The goals include:
• Assisting local communities with establishing walking programs for their residents
• Advocating for walkable communities
• Encouraging people to take positive steps toward good health
Schuylkill On The Move hikes continue year-round.
By: John Usalis. Read the full article here: http://republicanherald.com/news/shenandoah-shuffle-walk-set-for-valentine-s-day-1.1999145. For information on hikes and directions, contact McKinney by email at [email protected] or 570-622-4124, Ext. 113. Email is recommended.