Tag: Nanticoke

Aug. 23—NANTICOKE — This year, it’s all about the gridiron

Luzerne County Community College announced the theme of its 29th “The history of Northeastern Pennsylvania” Conference, set for Oct. 1, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m at the Nanticoke Campus’s Educational Conference Center. The theme this year: “Football in Northeast Pennsylvania.”

LCCC President Thomas Leary will begin the program at 9 a.m., followed with opening remarks from Associate History Professor William Kashatus and Luzerne County Historical Society Director Mary Walsh. The keynote session is titled “The Pottsville Maroons and the Stolen NFL Championship of 1925,” presented by Schuylkill County Historical Society director Diane Prosymchak and Vincent Genovese, author of a book with the same title. That presentation is set to run from 9:15 a.m. to about 10:15 a.m.

As the Roman numerals in this February’s Super Bowl (LV) suggest, in 1925 there was no Super Bowl, or any NFL championship game. The title went to the team with the best record, and the Pottsville Maroons claimed that distinction. But the league president disqualified the team and rescinded it’s NFL rights, giving the title to the Chicago Cardinals (later St. Louis, now Arizona Cardinals).

At 10:15 a.m., the conference will have author George Paulush present “Zeus and the Boys: Wilkes College Football, Coach Rollie Schmidt and Their Historic Winning Streak,” followed by John Zimich on “covering the High School Gridiron” at 11:30 a.m.

The afternoon involves a panel discussion dubbed “National Football League — Past and Present,” with panelists including Greg Skrepenak, Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, Carolina Panthers: 1992-1997; Matt McGloin, Oakland Raiders, Houston Texans: 2013-2017; and Bill Bradley, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, St. Louis Cardinals: 1969-1977.

Free and open to the public, the conference is sponsored by the LCCC social science/history department and the Luzerne County Historical Society. For more information Janis Wilson Seeley at LCCC at…

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Lisa Baurys Haywood, 57, of Camp Hill, passed away at home surrounded by loved ones Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, after a tough four-year battle with mucosal melanoma cancer — she never gave up fighting it. Lisa was born in Nanticoke on April 15, 1964, to Eugene and Maxine Paveletz Baurys.

She graduated from Greater Nanticoke Area High School, Class of ’82, earned her BA in communications at Mansfield University and her master’s in education at Penn State University. For the past eight years until the time of her passing, Lisa found great joy in teaching English, history and geography at Harrisburg Academy, where she was beloved by her students and fellow teachers.

Lisa was a teacher, but she also considered herself a lifelong student and was always determined to learn from others. Prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom for 17 years, she worked in public relations and communications at numerous firms. Lisa performed professionally at Open Stage of Harrisburg and Gamut Theatre for a number of years. Lisa loved being with her family and friends. She was passionate about reading, dancing, acting, running, hiking, biking and camping. She also led Zumba classes at the West Shore YMCA. Lisa was tireless and full of energy and brought joy, beauty and laughter to the lives of all who knew her.

Lisa is survived by her husband, Mark; daughter, Kathryn; son, Lucas; parents; sister, Jennifer Levering and husband, Daniel; nephews, Derek Ezra, Andrew Zook and Matthew Zook; and nieces, Jacki Ezra and Sydney Levering.

Memorial services will be held privately with her family. A public celebration of Lisa’s life will be announced and held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, Lisa’s family requests that donations be made to the Lisa Haywood Memorial Scholarship Fund at Harrisburg Academy — donations may be made out to “Harrisburg Academy”…

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Listen to this

A job advertisement appeared in the Wyoming Herald newspaper in Wilkes-Barre on Aug. 7, 1829, seeking 200 “stout, able-bodied” laborers to construct the Nanticoke Dam.

The job ad sought “steady, sober and industrious men.”

A week earlier, the Board of Canal Commissioners met in Harrisburg on July 30, 1829, to discuss the construction of the Nanticoke Dam inquiring if the dam would be strong enough to withstand the mighty Susquehanna River.

The Nanticoke Dam was built seven feet height extending across the river between West Nanticoke and Nanticoke, with the pool of water used to fill the yet-to-be constructed North Branch Canal from Nanticoke to Wilkes-Barre. The canal was built along the river shore and snaked through Wilkes-Barre where it exited back into the river at today’s location of the Luzerne County Courthouse.

A guard lock was built just north of the dam to control water levels in the canal.

Once the canal opened in 1831, arks and barges began transporting coal from collieries, lumber from mills and produce from farms in the Wyoming Valley to the bigger cities.

“A journey hence to the city of New York or Philadelphia will be a matter as familiar as a joy to the Nanticoke dam,” the Republican Farmer and Democratic Journal reported Jan. 23, 1833.

With the dam forming a deep pool of water on the river, landowners along the river were quick to realize their properties increased in value. Many sold their lands to mine companies and railroads.

“For sale a tract of land in Plymouth Township, Luzerne County, containing 47 perches. A mine has been opened upon the property at a vein 18 feet thick. The opening of the mine is three-quarters of a mile from the pool formed by the Nanticoke…

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Margaret Cirko of Hanover Township was given a jail sentence and must pay $30,000 in restitution.

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — The woman accused of purposely coughing on fresh food inside a grocery store was sentenced on Tuesday in Luzerne County.

We still didn’t know much about COVID-19 at the time when Margaret Cirko purposely coughed and spit all over the food displays inside a Gerrity’s supermarket in Hanover Township while saying, “I have the virus, now you’re all going to get sick.’

“People were really, really scared,” said Joe Fasula, a co-owner of Gerrity’s. “We had a lot of employees that really got freaked out by the whole thing. But people kept showing up to work, and I think the customers saw that we took it very seriously, and it actually gave them some confidence that we were going to be a safe place to shop.”

Fasula was in court when Cirko was sentenced. She pleaded guilty to a felony weapons of mass destruction charge in June.

“I was kind of relieved the whole thing is over. I do feel bad for her. It seems like she really has a lot of issues, and she needs a lot of help,” Fasula said. “I’m just glad that this sets a precedent to anybody else that might think of doing something like this, that there’s repercussions.”

Those repercussions include jail time. Cirko was sentenced to one to two years in jail plus eight years of probation. She has to pay back nearly $30,000 to Gerrity’s insurance company for all the food the store had to throw away.

“I think that’s appropriate. I think she needs to learn her lesson. And for the short period of time she’s going there, I think that’s a good rehab project for her,” said Dr. George Cheponis.

“She…

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Layman L. Jackson, 95, of Millsboro went home to be with the Lord Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, at home. He was born Feb. 13, 1926, to the late William W. and Sarah Jannie Jackson in Millsboro. He was a member of Harmony United Methodist Church.

Layman also known as “Pop” to many, resided in Millsboro his entire life. He received his education at the Nanticoke Indian School and is a member of the tribal association. As one of the eldest members of the Nanticoke Tribe, his jovial demeanor, funny stories and jokes brought many smiles to people all over. Layman, “He Who Makes You Laugh,” could be found at almost any tribal event.

He was a U.S. WWII Naval Officer veteran and a member of the Oak Orchard/Riverdale American Legion Post 28. In 2017 NABVETS Delaware Chapter #94 recognized him as a Native American WWII Navy veteran who served our country with pride and dignity. During the ceremony he received a tribute from the Office of the Governor and Office of Representatives for his selfless acts of protecting life and defending our nation.

He was a truck driver for most of his life. After retiring, he and his wife started Irene’s Cleaning Services. He enjoyed camping, fishing, crabbing, bowling, going to the Powwow and never wanted to miss BJ’s Auction night, owned by Arnold Huffman who for 37 years thought of him as a father. He was an avid fan of boxing, NASCAR racing and those old-time western movies. He enjoyed sitting outside by his shed hoping someone would stop and visit, and if not, he’d grab his hat and we’d ask, “Dad where are you going?” He’d reply, “just taking a ride around the block.” He wanted to see if anyone else in the neighborhood would be outside, and…

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Justine Chernikovich, 82, affectionately known as Tina, passed away Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, at her home surrounded by her loving husband and daughters.

She was born Dec. 15, 1938, a daughter of the late Joseph and Annetta Yarmel Laburda. She resided in the Hanover section of Nanticoke most of her life and was married to Paul Chernikovich, with whom she would have celebrated 60 years of marriage on Oct. 14.

Tina was employed by RCA in Mountain Top for many years and later became a housekeeper to many families who called her their own. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who loved her husband, children and grandchildren dearly as they were her greatest joy. A long-time member of St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Tina served as the first female parish president. She was an integral part of all the fundraising, bazaars and church activities for many years. Her faith was unshakable, as she read her bible daily.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Dolores Sheldon; and brothers, Joseph and Bill Laburda.

Surviving are her husband, Paul; daughters, Kimberly Bonham and husband, Kevin, Bear Creek Village; and Karen Tomalis and husband, Gary, Dallas; grandchildren, Kaia Bonham and Braden and Adelyn Tomalis; a sister, Irene Miller, Bear Creek Twp.; brother-in-law, Joseph Chernikovich and his wife, Jamilia, Delaware; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Tina was known for her wonderful cooking and baking skills — particularly her paska bread — which she enjoyed sharing with family and friends. Tina delighted in the simple pleasures of life. These included watching the Mets on TV with her husband and family, sharing meals she had prepared for them and laughing often, as she had a gentle sense of humor. She was sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Tina was selfless, hardworking…

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The Nanticoke Indian Powwow will move to Hudson Fields for its September gathering. Photo by Brian Leonard

The Nanticoke Indian Tribe’s annual powwow is returning this year — and changing sites.

After being cancelled in 2020 due to COVID restrictions, the event will take place at Hudson Fields in Milton from Sept. 10 through Sept. 12. 

Previously, the event has been held on tribal grounds near the tribe’s museum and community center in Oak Orchard. 

Organizers believe Hudson Fields will provide more open space and so open the powwow and its traditions to a whole new audience/ 

“Our powwow is a cultural event, and it’s a gathering of Native Americans to renew and refresh their spirits,” said Chief Natosha Norwood Carmine. “It’s a time of gathering, coming together, remembering and honoring our ancestors and our elders, and teaching our youth and the generations to come.”

Carmine said that while they will miss the ambiance of the trees native to their ancestral grounds, hosting the powwow at Hudson Fields also will allow for more distancing in light of the COVID delta variant. 

The powwow will feature traditional activities like crafts, dances and songs, as well as the beloved annual pig roast. 

“There are so many local people in Sussex County who have never been to the powwow and hopefully this will allow them to come share in our culture, witness our dance, partake of some of our native foods, and to visit the vendors who work very hard making their crafts and wares,”…

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BOWER, Christopher — Harveys Lake. Funeral services, 4 p.m. Friday, Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home Inc., routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek. Visitation, 2 to 4 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

ELKO, William P. — Dupont. Mass of Christian Burial, 9:30 a.m. Friday, St. Nicholas Church, 226 S. Washington St., Wilkes-Barre.

ELMY, Robert W., Sr. — Slocum Twp. Memorial service, 6 p.m. Monday, Nebo Baptist Church, 75 S. Prospect St., Nanticoke. Friends, 5 p.m. until the time of the service Monday at the church.

GDOVIN, John P. “Slimmer” — Wilkes-Barre. Funeral services, 10 a.m. Friday, Parish of St. Andre Bessette, 668 N. Main St. Assemble directly at church by 9:45 a.m. Friday to receive the family. Visitation and shared remembrances, 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, John V. Morris Family Funeral Home Inc., 625 N. Main St. Masks and social distancing required.

HOLMGREN, Thornwald “Bud” — Newton. Memorial visitation, 8:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, St. Nicholas Church, 226 S. Washington St., Wilkes-Barre, with a memorial Mass of Christian Burial to follow.

JENNINGS, Margaret Joan — Franklin Twp. Funeral services, noon Thursday, Metcalfe Shaver Funeral Home Inc, 504 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming. Friends, 11 a.m. until service time Thursday at the funeral home.

KONNICK, Jean Ann — Plains Twp. Funeral services, 9 a.m. Friday, Yeosock Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial, 10 a.m. Friends, 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

MORAN, Manus “Mike” — Wilkes-Barre. Funeral service, 10 a.m. Saturday, Lehman Family Funeral Service Inc., 689 Hazle Ave., Wilkes-Barre. Visitation, 9 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the funeral home.

MRUGAL, Martin T. — Plymouth. Mass, 11 a.m. Friday, All Saints Parish, Plymouth.

PANKO-WARNER, Sandra L. — Funeral, 11 a.m. Thursday, Yeosock Funeral Home, 40 S. Main St., Plains Twp. Friends, 10 a.m. until the time of services.

QUINN, Martin Albert “Marty” — White Haven….

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The 43rd Annual Nanticoke Indian Powwow will be held Friday to Sunday, Sept. 10 to 12, at a new location, Hudson Fields, 30045 Eagle Crest Road, Milton. 

“It is exciting,” said Chief Natosha Norwood Carmine. “There are so many people looking forward to this.”

Hudson Fields had planned to host the powwow in 2020, before it was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. Carmine said she is enthusiastic about the large space the fields provide so people can spread out for a day of safe fun. Tribe members are also hoping the new location, next to Route 1, will open the powwow and its traditions to a whole new audience, she said.

“We want to share our voice and share our customs and traditions,” she said. While members of the tribe request that people ask permission before taking photos of individuals, they very much encourage people to ask questions. “This is the time people can hear it from our mouths,” said Carmine.

She said children of the tribe have been practicing for months to present native dance in conjunction with professional Native American dancers from around the country.

Vendors for food, music, jewelry, souvenirs, arts and crafts, beadwork, leather and regalia supplies are expected. A kids’ corner will have face painting and make-and-take crafts. Host drums will be from Red Blanket of New Jersey and Stoney Creek of North Carolina.

There will be several new features to the powwow this year, said Avery Johnson, a tribal council member and powwow coordinator. Those additions include a car show organized through Delaware Street Rod Association; expanded dancing to include Aztec dancers; an interactive exhibition of birds with the Delaware Museum of Natural History and Animal Behavior & Conservation Connections; a tribute to 9/11 with native flute; and a children’s area being presented through…

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When Natosha Norwood Carmine was growing up in Millsboro, she can’t remember ever having heard conversations about being Native American or a Nanticoke. Decades later, she’s the chief of the Nanticokes, having first been elected head of the tribal association in 2015.

We’re walking in the gentle surf along Lewes Beach early on a quiet morning. “We were a river people,” Carmine said, explaining how the tribe was centered along what was later named the Indian River near Millsboro. 

I ask her what she sees as she looks out over the bay beach.

“Peace. Calming. Refreshment. Clearing the mind. Water taking you up the state of Delaware.” She pauses. “To me, this is us.”

The beach in Rehoboth, in contrast, makes her think of ‘the elders’ and a time not to be proud of. That was when the state closed the three Native American one-room schools (her grandmother taught in one of them), and concerned parents sent their children to the Indian school in distant Lawrence, Kansas, carrying “a cardboard suitcase with everything they owned.” She remembers her father selling pecks of tomatoes to townsfolk, because “My mother couldn’t go in the restaurants.”

Carmine is the first woman to head the tribe. She hadn’t realized or even thought about that until reporters started calling and asking how it felt to be the first female chief. Her response: “Compared to what?”

The indigenous people ‘discovered’ by Capt. John Smith in his 1608 exploration called themselves Kuskarawaok; they would later be known to colonists by their Algonquin language word as Nantaquak, “people of the tidewaters.” They were one of the largest tribes on the Eastern Shore, 200 warriors and their families. 

The language became extinct in the mid-1800s with the death of the last fluent speaker, but per Thomas Jefferson’s order in…

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