My son loves playing sports, and I love watching him play. I love seeing how he and his teammates develop their skills and grow into better players each season. A few years back, they learned the basics of how to grip a baseball and dribble a basketball. Now, they can throw a baseball accurately and make a jump shot. God willing, they’ll keep moving forward, building their skills and becoming the best players — and kids — they can be.

That growth cannot happen without coaches. My husband is very active in coaching our son, and he loves it. As I support him in this role, I witness the knowledge, commitment, patience and compassion it takes to do it well.

I bet Mary Blaskiewicz noticed and appreciated those traits in her husband, Anthony “Cooper” Blaskiewicz, as he coached and supported youth sports for more than 50 years in Avoca as a founding member of the Avoca Jolly Boys. By spearheading this program, which provides recreational activities for children from Avoca and the surrounding communities, Cooper certainly gave Mary many reasons to be proud of his efforts. Today, I am confident she will be incredibly proud as the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors Cooper’s good works at its annual induction banquet.

Please join me in congratulating the Blaskiewicz family as their late father and grandfather posthumously receives the 2025 Sam Falcone Community Service Award from the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. Cooper was selected to receive this award not only for his pivotal role as a youth sports advocate since the Jolly Boys’ founding in 1966 but also for his more than 50 years of dedication to maintaining the program and serving as the organization’s president and athletic director numerous times. He also served as the point man and organizer for the establishment of the Avoca Jolly Boys’ boys and girls basketball leagues.

Through his wonderful example, youth learned to play sports but they, their coaches and everyone who had the opportunity to know Cooper learned something much more important. They learned the value of good sportsmanship, community pride, goal setting, sacrifice and determination. Those are the lessons coaches teach that make you a success on and off the court. Thanks for everything, Cooper. Your efforts are remembered and cherished by many.

Council meeting

Avoca Council will meet Thursday, June 12, at the municipal building, 950 Main St.

The work session begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the regular monthly meeting.

Queen of the Apostles pro-life fundraiser

Queen of the Apostles Parish’s social concerns/respect life ministry is distributing baby bottles to fill with spare change, cash or checks to support the pro-life work done by the Wilkes-Barre Chapter of Pennsylvanians for Human Life.

Bottles may be placed in the basket in front of the baptismal font during any of the weekend Masses or dropped off at the rectory.

The return deadline is Father’s Day, Sunday, June 15.

Father Phil’s retirement party

Queen of the Apostles Parish will have the final planning meeting for the Rev. Phillip J. Sladicka’s parishioner-sponsored retirement gala at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 17, in the parish hall, 742 Spring St.

The gala, which will begin with a Mass in thanksgiving of Father Phil’s 49 years of priestly service, will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 29, in the church, 715 Hawthorne St., followed by the gala on the parish hall grounds.

All are welcome to attend to share memories with Father Phil.

Food pantry

Avoca Food Pantry will open at 3 p.m. Thursday, June 19, at Bethel United Methodist Church, 532 Main St. The public can pick up food provided by the Commission on Economic Opportunity’s Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank, at the rear entrance of the building. If you can volunteer to unload and distribute food, please arrive at the church at 1:30 p.m. For information, please call Jim at 570-921-9899.

Church cookbook fundraiser

The parishioners of Queen of the Apostles Parish are selling “Father Phil’s Favorites: A Collection of Recipes by the Parishioners and Friends of Queen of the Apostles Parish.” The cookbooks are $10 each and include 255 recipes sorted into appetizers and beverages, soups and salads, vegetables and side dishes, main dishes, breads and rolls, desserts, cookies and candy.

The books will be available after the weekend Masses: 4 p.m. Saturdays and 8 and 10 a.m. Sundays. You can also purchase one by calling the parish office at 570-457-3412.

All proceeds will contribute to covering the expenses for the parish-sponsored retirement gala in honor of Father Phil.

Queen of the Apostles/Sacred Heart linkage

Queen of the Apostles Parish and Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 215 Lackawanna Ave., Dupont, will link effective July 1. The Rev. Thomas J. Petro, J.C.L., KCHS, will be the pastor of both parishes. Beginning July 1, the new Mass schedule will be as follows: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 7:30 a.m., Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish; Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m., Queen of the Apostles Parish; Saturdays: 4 p.m., Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 5:30 p.m. Queen of the Apostles Parish, and Sundays: 8 a.m. Queen of the Apostles Parish, and 10:30 a.m. Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available at 3 p.m. Saturdays at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish.

Religious education classes for children in kindergarten through eighth grade will be held from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. Sundays following the same schedule during the academic year at both parishes.

Bulk collections

Residents are reminded they may dispose of one bulk item on the first Monday of the month with up to three bags of trash. Mattresses and box springs must be wrapped in plastic. Electronics will not be collected. Items should not be placed at the curb until the night before the collection.

Yard waste

Residents are reminded each household may place up to three standard size open containers or paper bags of yard waste curbside for collection every Tuesday. Please do not use plastic bags, oversized containers or containers with attached lids. The containers must not weigh more than 30 pounds each and can only contain leaves, grass clippings, weeds, branches and clippings from bushes and shrubs. Branches must be cut to 3 feet in length and a half-inch in diameter.

Rocks, stone, pet waste and plastic bags will not be collected.

Please place yard waste curbside on Monday night to ensure collection on Tuesday.

Please contact the borough office at 570-457-4947 for information.

That’s about it for this week, my friends.

Thanks for reading and have a great week!

Jackie Borthwick-Galvin writes about Avoca every week. To list an item, email jborthwickgalvin@pittstonprogress.com or call 570-301-2171 two weeks prior to the desired publication date.

YOUNGSVILLE — After a breakout rookie season with the New York Giants, wide receiver Malik Nabers returned to his Acadiana roots to host his first-ever youth football camp — a gesture aimed at giving back to the community that raised him.

Hundreds of kids from across the region gathered at Acadiana Renaissance Charter Academy’s football stadium in Youngsville on Friday for a chance to meet one of the NFL’s rising stars.

The former Comeaux, Southside, and LSU standout didn’t just pose for photos — he ran drills, threw passes, and offered tips on how to improve on the field, creating an unforgettable experience for the next generation of athletes.

Friday’s camp was the first of two scheduled events this weekend.

Nabers will host another session Saturday, June 7, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Clark Field in Lafayette.
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THATCHER, Ariz. — June 5, 2025 — Eastern Arizona College is excited to announce its 2025 Youth Basketball Camp for Girls, scheduled for June 12–13, at the EAC Guitteau Gymnasium. This two-day camp invites girls entering grades 1 through 8 to develop basketball skills and techniques under the guidance of the EAC Women’s coaching staff.

The camp is divided into age-based sessions to provide focused instruction and development:

• Grades 1–4: 9 a.m. – Noon
• Grades 5–8: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Led by Head Women’s Basketball Coach Angelica dePaulo and her staff, the camp offers participants the opportunity to enhance their fundamentals, build confidence on the court, and grow their love for the game. Whether players are just starting or looking to sharpen existing skills, the camp promises a fun and energetic environment tailored to each group’s developmental level.

The cost to attend is $85 per participant. Registration is available online at commerce.cashnet.com/eactic or by scanning the QR code on the camp flyer.

“This camp is a great opportunity for young girls to get quality coaching, learn the game, and have fun,” said Coach dePaulo. “We’re excited to welcome them to our gym and share our passion for basketball.”

For more information, contact Coach dePaulo at angelica.depaulo@eac.edu or 928-428-8405.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Tennessee Titans’ rookie class spent Friday at a youth football camp teaching kids football fundamentals.

The camp, held at Christ Presbyterian Academy, signed autographs and took pictures with more than 100 kids Friday.

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“When I was young — it didn’t matter if you were an undrafted pick or first-round pick or even anything,” safety Kevin Winston Jr. said. “You looked like a superhero to me because you were playing the sport I loved at a high level. It’s good to be able to do that for them and show them I’m just like them.”

Wide receiver Chimere Dike did not have a similar camp growing up. He told News 2 that it was eye-opening when one camper asked for his autograph.

“It’s pretty cool — just being in that position when you’re younger and now you’re in a position where people are asking you,” Dike said. “I think it’s awesome, but it’s also humbling. It comes with the responsibility of having to uphold that standard that they’re looking at.”

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But no player received more attention than quarterback Cam Ward, who threw touchdown passes to several different kids.

While attendees are learning the basics of football, they still have high expectations for Ward and the Titans.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.

Major League scout Taylor Cameron from the Texas Rangers talks to players before the 57th annual Orange County All-Star Baseball Game Wednesday at the Great Park. (PHOTOS: Tim Burt and Jacob Ramos, OC Sports Zone)

Organizers of the 57th annual Orange County All-Star Baseball Game at the Great Park wanted the event to be more than just a game.

Officials with the Ryan Lemmon Foundation, including chairman Guy Lemmon and foundation members Dick Owens (the game director) and Rex Lyon, looks like they accomplished that.

Officials were pleased with the improved attendance figures at the game, estimated at 600. This was the second year that the Ryan Lemmon Foundation ran the game.

The South won its third game in a row over the North, 3-1.

Players took part in pre-game drills which were open to the public, Major League scout Taylor Cameron addressed players before the game, a special award was given to Owens and there was a special appearance by Omaha the Bat Dog who picked up bats during the game and returned them to the dugout.

In addition, members of two youth baseball teams appeared on field for pre-game activities and Irvine city officials attended the game and were on the field for pre-game ceremonies.

A practice at Irvine Valley College started the week.

To see the slide show, click on the first photo:

Dick Owens (middle) of the Ryan Lemmon Foundation was presented a proclamation by Don Wagner, chairman of the OC Board of Supervisors (right). Irvine City Councilman James Mai (left) also praised Owens.

Dick Owens (middle), Don Wagner (left) and James Mai throw out the first pitch.
PHOTO: Jacob Ramos, For OC Sports Zone

Ryan Lemmon Foundation members (from left) Rex Lyon, Dick Owens and Guy Lemmon ran the OC All-Star game with the help of many volunteers.

Youth baseball players from the county joined the all-stars on the field.

The South all-stars line up for introductions.
PHOTO: Jacob Ramos, For OC Sports Zone

The North team before Wednesday’s game.
PHOTO: Jacob Ramos, For OC Sports Zone

The North’s Mikey Patterson of Fountain Valley is introduced.

Fans gather before Wednesday’s all-star game at Great Park.

The Colts youth baseball team takes the field.

North coaches Ricardo Cepeda (red jacket) and Bob Marshall talk to players including Miles Scott of Servite (No. 1) and Trevor Goldenetz of Huntington Beach.

Nico Rodriguez of Brea Olinda (No. 34) was among the North pitchers. Also pictured No. 1 Miles Scott of Servite.

Santa Margarita coach Chris Malec (right) watches practice as Benji Medure of Huntington Beach and Burt Call of Villa Park exchange handshakes.

Aliso Niguel’s Jarett Sabol is congratulated by Dick Owens (left) and Rex Lyon of the the Ryan Lemmon Foundation after being named South MVP.
PHOTO: Jacob Ramos, For OC Sports Zone

Tyler Peshke (left) and Mikey Patterson of Fountain Valley, earlier this week, were named to the North all-star team.

Adam Kunin (left) and Jacob Ramos of OC Sports Zone.

Mr. Baseball Award

Dick Owens, who has also been the tournament director for the Ryan Lemmon Invitational spring tournament since the start, was honored before the game and presented the Mr. Baseball Award. He also threw out the opening pitch.

Don Wagner, chairman of the Orange County supervisors, praised Owen’s years of volunteer work in helping to build baseball in Irvine and Orange County and presented him with a proclamation. Irvine City Irvine Vice Mayor James Mai also praised Owens’ achievements.

“Dick Owens has been a selfless volunteer in the Irvine sports community for over 35 years,” it was noted in the game program. “His contributions have helped teach countless young men and women the values of teamwork, self-reliance and leadership.”

Owens has helped more than 50 schools in Orange County. He’s also been an active member of the Irvine Sports Committee and was instrumental in the development of the Irvine Great Park Sports Complex.

Owens has lived in Irvine since 1984. His wife Rachel was in attendance along with his son Ben Owens, baseball coach at Northwood High School.

“Behind the scenes, Dick has made a huge impact in the Orange County high school baseball community and they are forever grateful,” the program message noted.

Advice from scout

Before the game, Texas Rangers national pro scout Taylor Cameron congratulated the players for being in the game and wished them well in the game. Players from both teams were on hand for the talk.

Big player turnout

Players from Fountain Valley Tyler Peshke and Mikey Patterson along with Santa Margarita players Gavin Spiridonoff, Ben Finnegan and Brennan Bauer were at the game Wednesday. Bauer pitched in the seventh inning for the South.

Fountain Valley and Santa Margarita both lost games in the CIF So Cal Regional Wednesday afternoon but the players wanted to take part in the all-star game that night. Mater Dei players Lawson Olmstead and Brannon Thomas were also there, one day after the Monarchs lost in the regional.

Under CIF rules, players selected for the all-star game could not play if their teams were still competing in the So Cal regionals.

“They wanted to go out and enjoy the experience together and be able to get out there and play a little bit and have a little bit of fun,” said South assistant Chris Malec, head coach at Santa Margarita.

“Our season at Santa Margarita was awesome. The kids went through a lot through the course of the year, some ups and downs but ultimately continued to make an incredible run and play in an incredible atmosphere through the finish and I couldn’t be more proud of who our guys are and how they represented our school and our community.”

Barons represented

Fountain Valley players Mikey Patterson, a second baseman and Tyler Peshke, a pitcher and infielder, said they were honored to be selected for the game.

“Honestly, I’m really excited, it’s a great group of guys out here,” Patterson said in an interview before the game. “I’m real excited to see everybody play and meet new people and I’m super stoked.”

Patterson plans to play at Cerritos College next season.

“It’s obviously an honor with all these other guys out here, there is so much history in the game with all the other guys who have played in the game before me, I’m just excited,” added Peshke.

Peshke will also play at Cerritos College next season.

Reporters’ reflections

Jacob Ramos and Adam Kunin of OC Sports Zone covered their first OC all-star baseball game and shared their thoughts:

Jacob Ramos: “My favorite memory from Wednesday’s OC All-Star Game was being able to celebrate the talent that comes through Orange County baseball every year. Seeing the names and faces on the promotional poster and knowing that so many of the players I had the privilege to cover on Wednesday will go on to have successful careers was an amazing feeling. I loved shooting for the game but also enjoyed talking to Jarett Sabol (Aliso Niguel) about what’s next as he prepares for collegiate baseball at USC.

“Overall, it was an amazing experience and one of my favorites of all-time while working for OC Sports Zone. Baseball and sports are sacred and should be celebrated whenever possible. I’m grateful for the Ryan Lemmon Foundation, the City of Irvine, the OC Riptide and every team/player/program coordinator who allowed the day to come together and and gave us such great access to showcase the talent on-field.”

Note: Jacob, who joined OC Sports Zone in April, is entering his senior year at UCI. He is majoring in criminology, law and society. He has been the beat writer for New U covering UCI men’s basketball.

Adam Kunin: “The on-site staff welcomed us with open arms and made the whole experience enjoyable. My favorite memory from the night was getting to talk to some of the standout players about their experience at the OC-All Star Game.

“After the game, I had the opportunity to speak with South team MVP Jarett Sabol, North team MVP Trevor Goldenetz and Hustle Award winner Miles Scott. They were all well-spoken individuals who treated us with great care and compassion. I have no doubt that they all have bright futures ahead.”

Note: Adam joined OC Sports Zone as a summer intern in May. He will be entering his junior year at Arizona State University, majoring in journalism. He has also covered numerous sports at ASU and is editor in chief of Inferno Intel, a student run publication covering sports.

OC SPORTS ZONE TEAM: Jacob Ramos and Adam Kunin of OC Sports Zone also covered the all-star game. Jacob had an in-depth interview with South MVP Jarett Sabol and took action photos for the main story. Check out post-game interviews on X by Adam, who also provided updates.

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