Celebrating My Second Decade of Cancer Survival

On November 29th, 2002, I woke up with symptoms that would lead to my eventual diagnosis and treatment for Stage II colon cancer in 2003.  I had colon resection surgery on December 6th, 2002 followed by a two week hospital stay.  The results of the biopsy were revealed to me that I had Stage II colon cancer.

In honor of celebrating the start of my second decade of cancer survival, I am having 2 fundraising events for the 2013 Shamokin Relay for Life.  I agreed with relay chairwoman, Kathy Masser, that I would emcee the event in June.  The first fundraiser is listed above and modest goal of raising $500.

The second fundraiser involves a little help from some family and friends.  I am asking my friends through Facebook and on here to donate toward one or two baskets of cheer (the more the merrier) and a lottery tree.  Tickets will be sold and chanced off on December 23rd, 2012, the date I received my diagnosis.

I am in the process of negotiating a time and venue that will be announced shortly for the rest of the fundraiser. 

All donations will benefit the Shamokin Relay for Life and American Cancer Society.

"Perfect Storm" Clouds on the Horizon

The world of crazy weather gave us a brutal hurricane in Sandy last month where a hurricane combined with a nor'easter to wreak havoc on the east coast.  Called the "perfect storm" this term comes from the Sebastian Junger novel of the same name made into a famous movie starring George Clooney.

In less than one week after the 2012 Presidential Election, the country has turned it's eyes to the "fiscal cliff" that stares down the country on January 1st, 2013.  It is a combination of spending cuts and taxes increases that are supposed to take place in the first quarter of the year.  Many economists believe this will have unemployment back up over 9% along with triggering a recession.

This is the federal part of the storm and no matter what side of the aisle you are on, one has to a balanced approach to taxes increases and spending cuts.  It like trying to conduct a major league baseball game without balls or fans. 

Here in good old Pennsylvania, the General Assembly and Governor ignored the coming pension crisis and instead worried about keeping people from voting. In 2013, most public schools are facing budget shortfalls including my district which is staring down a 3 million dollar deficit. 

A possible contribution to future revenue shortfalls for PA, HB2626 was fast tracked in the General Assembly.  From introduction to the governor's desk, it took less than two months.  Here is the reason for the warp speed bill.

This is why it is bad for the taxpayer.

The electorate would like you to believe that we are spending too much when they are actually creating their own shortfalls.  Yes, we would like to have Oracle move some jobs to PA and take advantage of workforce.  No, we don't want Oracle to move jobs to PA and take advantage and dupe the taxpayer.

Hold on to your checkbooks in 2013

Southern Columbia District Championship Preview

Jim Roth talks about the District IV Championship game with South Williamsport. Southern Columbia won by through the "mercy rule" in the first meeting.

Amity the Calamity

The old Amity House

A view from 6th St. with Weis in background



 

 

 

This week demolition started on the building that once housed the Amity House restaurant.  The building was most recently occupied by a video rental business that closed in 2010.  Since then the building has sat vacant. According to the News-Item, the only plans as of now are for a parking lot according to Weis Markets who are the owners of the property.


There was much commentary on social media outlets this week regarding the use of the building and memories from the long-time business of the Amity House.  As of Friday, Weis Markets is a 1.07 billion dollar company. Razing the structure will save some tax money by not having a structure on the property, but in the scheme of things it is less than specs of pennies in their operation. 


I am sure over the last two year, the business and the landlord class have approached Weis with offers for the building in property.  Walnut and Sixth Street in Shamokin is a major way of getting through town both east and west and also north and south.  It is prime location.


There is one thing when old dilapidated buildings are torn down in a depressed area.  They have seen their time and the citizens are glad to see them go.  Maybe I'm wrong, but the last time Shamokin said goodbye to something iconic was Nash's Bakery in last 2007.  We are sad to see them go, but we still have their memories.  With a healthy building surrounded by major commerce, it is gut wrenching and soul searching to know just another parking lot is on the way.  To the Amity House, thanks for the memories.

No Apology for Record

No apologies!!!