Most Memorable 2014: Boulder Boy

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All week we've been revealing our reporters' picks for the most memorable stories of 2014. This next one is from Bo Koltnow... who updates us on a Schuylkill County boy who had to bounce back from a devastating brain injury.>>BO koltnow Every year i do hundreds of different stories from the terrible to to the terrific. There are some that stick out more than others and one of those is a Pottsville boy who is proving he's as resilient and determined as they come. Check it out.>>I wanted to catch the ball.>>REPORTER:In class Mikey Allen appears to be the typical 2nd grader.>>I like that handwriting it's very nice.>>REPORTER:Who just happens to be giving those around him a lesson in inspiration.>>STEPHANIE spleen i think him not giving up until he's mastered something really shows the efforts he puts into everything and how much spirit he really has. >>12:16:10Bye See you Friday. >>REPORTER:For now the 8 year old Pottsville boy attends class only for an hour and half a day.>>12:19:37 Serenity:How was your day at school buddy?Mikey: Good. >>REPORTER:Just 7 months ago..Mikey struggled out of Good Shepherd Pediatric Therapy Department..>> Good job. Really good job. >>reporter: Mikey had been in a coma after being hit in the head by a runaway boulder while playing at the bottom of a ravine near his home.>>Go ahead and grab on.>>REPORTER: Mikey suffered severe brain trauma. The left side of of his body was paralyzed.>>SHOE step>>reporter: His pt sessions were as much emotional as physical. >>serenity allen We are just really, really thankful and happy.You don't think you'd ever be a part of that but on the other hand we get to be part of a miracle too.>>NAT DICE>>REPORTER:Today..with the help of his family..and two brothers Tejay and Andrew..>>12:49:10 mikey >>reporter: Mikey is on the mend.>>SERENITY Considering for a month and half he left side couldn't do anything, it's phenomenal what he can do. >>nat bouncing or kicking ball. >>reporter: Mikey is about 85% recovered... his left hand still isn't fully useable..but you wouldn't know it watching him and his Mom play after school.>>Bo: Mikey are you competitive do you like to win? Mikey: Yeah. >>reporter: Mikey..who's a fellow Ohio State fan..still has progress to make..But if it's up to me he will continue his battle in Buckeye scarlet and grey. >> That was my Ohio State Jersey when i was your age.This is for you being such a hard worker. Sorry Penn Staters. >>REPORTER:Mikey i think you've earned it.>>O-H-I-O >>REPORTER:Bo Koltnow 69 News.






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Feast of pork, sauerkraut help ring in new year

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Hundreds of people lined up on Thursday afternoon to get a taste of pork and sauerkraut at the Ruscombmanor Volunteer Fire Company in Ruscombmanor Township.


"Good sauerkraut and pork. It is good," said Betty Kegerize of Gibraltar.


"They have the best pork, very good. Best sauerkraut. Everything they have is pretty good," said Susan Voortman of Mertztown.


The fire company started serving the traditional Pennsylvania Dutch style meal in the mid-90s. It is supposed to bring good luck for the new year and it has become a tradition for many families in the area.


"I love it. We have been coming here for years and years and years. It is my son's birthday today and we do it as part of his celebration too," said Linda Unger of Exeter Township.


"Start the new year off right," said Norman Voortman of Mertztown.


But it is quite an undertaking to feed all the people that attend and it takes the help of numerous volunteers from the fire company and the local boy and girl scout troops.


"Over 700 pounds of pork and numerous cans of corn and string beans and sauerkraut and mashed potatoes. Everyone seems to enjoy it year after year," said Assistant Chief Eric Fox, Ruscombmanor Volunteer Fire Company.


Every year, about 700 community members come out to the event, and the fire company said it is one of its main fundraisers.


"We thank everybody for their support today. We thank all the people that helped put this together," said Fox.


All of the proceeds help the Ruscombanor Volunteer Fire Company purchase equipment and maintain it. It is an expense many say they will gladly keep supporting.


"They work hard," said Voortman. "Everybody should come out and support them."


Dozens of people were also enjoying a pork and sauerkraut meal in Robesonia.


The men's fellowship group at St. Paul's United Church of Christ hosted the meal Thursday afternoon. It's been a tradition at the church for 20 years.


"We've kept the same recipe that's been handed down from our founders of our men's fellowship group, Francis Klein, and prepared it the same way he did years ago," said Mike Keffer.


Organizers said they hope to keep the New Year's Day tradition going for years to come.






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For 25th year, polar plungers get 'cold for a cause'

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The bitter cold was not enough to pull the plug on a local polar plunge tradition on New Year's Day.


Hundreds of people from around the region celebrated 2015 for a cold, but good cause. You could say they attended the "coolest" party in town.


"I love coming out here and seeing all the people getting crazy and celebrating and just having a good time," said Jessica Penchard, with Developmental & Disability Services of Lebanon Valley Foundation Inc.


There were costumes, and a lack of clothing by some, during a pre-plunge party at the 25th annual Polar Bear Plunge at Willow Springs Park in Lebanon County.


"It's 11 years running right now," said a group of guys in Speedos who braved the cold. "When you can have a great time and help people who need it, why wouldn't you do it?"


"When you get about past your waist and it hits you in the chest, just don't breathe and go for it," said Leigh Miller, who traveled from Elizabethtown, Lancaster County.


It's a shock to the system, but the whole idea was to raise money for Developmental & Disability Services of Lebanon Valley Foundation Inc.


Devon Yiengst supported her twin boys, who were born premature.


"It helps with the physical therapy and the therapists they have, which are wonderful with the kids," said Yiengst.


Everyone had their own reason for taking the plunge into the chilly 40 degree water.


"My girlfriend's daughter is handicapped and needs DDS quite often, so we're here to help support her and the cause," said Anton Bryan.


The goal was $25,000 on the 25th anniversary.


The plunge has become a tradition for so many, and a cool way for families to ring in the new year.


"We get together with our family, so it's a good way to bring the family in, whether they want to jump in or not," said Miller.






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Changes to Pennsylvania child abuse laws take effect

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The new year brings a new effort to prevent child abuse in Pennsylvania. New laws take effect this week that are designed to protect children across the state.


The new laws are the commonwealth's response to the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal at Penn State in 2011.


The measures look to improve child abuse prevention and detection.


First, lawmakers have redefined bodily abuse. It's now legally characterized as causing substantial pain. Prior to the new law, it was constituted by severe pain and serious impairment.


Legislators are also now holding more people legally accountable for reporting suspicions of child abuse.


Anyone who comes into contact with a child, or is directly responsible for their care and supervision, is considered a mandatory reporter.


They must report the abuse to the state within 48 hours, or they could face legal repercussions.


The law has also stiffened penalties for those who fail to report suspected child abuse. A first offense for not reporting child abuse is now a third degree misdemeanor. It comes with a maximum sentence of one year behind bars.


Under the new law, some mandatory reporters are also now required to seek training and continuing education on detection and reporting procedures. Those programs will be offered through state licensing boards that govern them.


In addition, lawmakers have instituted employment discrimination protections for mandatory reporters who file a suspected child abuse case in good faith.






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Reading Hospital welcomes Berks' 1st baby of 2015

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It wasn't long into the new year before Berks County had its first baby of 2015.


Gregory and Christina Lovell welcomed their son, Caleb Gregory, into the world at 12:13 a.m. Thursday.


Born at Reading Hospital, Caleb weighed in at seven pounds, 15 ounces and measured 19 inches, according to a hospital spokeswoman.


Congratulations to all.






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Health Beat: Smart house for seniors

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Walter Kalaf knows what it's like to feel uncomfortable in his own home, especially after knee surgery.


"As we get older, we need all the help we can get," Kalaf explained. "I felt a little insecure getting in and out of the shower."


Grab bars in the shower made a big difference.


"Not having those to hang on to, I think I might of felt a little bit more uneasy about the possibility of falling," Kalaf said.


That's why engineers at the University of Florida are studying ways of improving independent living and researching what they call a "smart house."


"An important aspect of the smart house is that it has to address entrances doors, hallways, doors. Everything has to be oversized," said Sumi Helal, director of Gator Tech Smart House.


"We have a sensor on the flush simply to know that the person has started their day, and to know that he or she is flushing," Helal explained. "Another feature is a pull down cabinet. You have a grab bar."


Something else that's already in stores is a fast-cooling stove that turns off automatically to prevent burns. And, special knobs monitor and lock water temperature while grab bars around the shower and a walk in threshold are also recommended.


Meanwhile, engineers are researching some futuristic ideas, including a smart microwave that reads the food label and sets the cooking time automatically and an application that senses a person's tosses and turns and measures sleep quality.


Since not all of this technology is available at stores yet, however, researchers said low-tech solutions are a great start to ensure quality of life and independence at any age.


An AARP report shows nine out of 10 people 65 and over would like to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. The organization provides a "Home Fit Guide" to help homeowners stay in their homes as long as possible.


DOWNLOAD and VIEW medical blueprint






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Red Cross helps family after fire displaces 4 in Allentown

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A family of four is out of their home on New Year's Day after a fire damaged their house in Allentown.


The fire broke out around 12:30 p.m. Thursday at 419 N. Spruce St.


The Red Cross is helping the family of two adults and two children.


Officials said the fire started in the back of the second floor and was under control in about 15 minutes.


The cause is under investigation.


No injuries were reported.






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4 families displaced by apartment building fire in Bangor

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Four families will start the new year homeless following a fire that ripped through an apartment unit in Northampton County Wednesday morning.


"I just sat there watching, saying what the hell is happening," said resident Norman Santiago.


The fire broke out around 4:30 a.m. and ripped through four apartments at 28 Market St. in Bangor.


"It appeared to start on the third floor and it worked its way across and onto the roof," Bangor fire Chief Bob Engle explained.


The families will now start the new year without a home. Aside from a guinea pig, no one was reported injured, but Santiago, a father of three, risked his life to save his 10-year-old pit bull after his daughter alerted him the dog was still inside the home.


"So I went back upstairs to get the dog to come out. One of the doors falls down because of the fire. I go down the steps and I see a tenant underneath me. The door is still closed. I kicked the door open, screaming, 'Alexis! Alexis! what Norman? There's a fire! Oh my gosh!' I came down with the dog and two minutes later she came down," Santiago recalled.


The apartments are a total loss, and recent Christmas presents were destroyed. Santiago is grateful his family is safe but wishes he could have saved one more.


"I kick myself a little bit 'cause I got the dog and the cage was by the door, but I wasn't thinking. I got the dog, but oh, the guinea pig," he lamented.


The fire marshal is still working to determine the cause.






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Dozens take the plunge on a frigid New Year's Day

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If it wasn't cold enough for you on New Year's Day--how about adding a level of difficulty with a dip in the Delaware?


Dozens of people in our area got the 2015 off to an exhilarating start by taking a dip in the frigid water.



Folks from ages 4 to 80 took the Polar Plunge at Trout Creek near Harrison Street in Allentown Thursday morning.


Another Polar Plunge was held in the Delaware River near Riverside Bar and Grill in Easton.


And in Richland, Lebanon County, folks took part in the 25th Annual Cold For a Cause Polar Bear Plunge at Willow Springs Park at noon.


The event benefits developmental and disability services of Lebanon Valley Foundation.


According to its website, the foundation provides training and education services to children with developmental delays and adults with disabilities so that they can live as independently as possible for a healthier happier life.






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Volkswagen recalls 38,000 cars due to fire risk

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The Volkswagen Group of America is recalling about 38,000 cars because a fuel leak in the engine may cause a fire.


The automaker said no injuries or accidents have been reported.


The recall covers 2014 to 2015 model years of the Volkswagen Beetle, Jetta, Passat and 2015 models of the Golf and GTI.


The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said drivers might smell gas inside their vehicles. Volkswagen is telling owners who smell gas or see the electronic power control warning light go on to immediately bring the vehicle to a Volkswagen dealer to have the fuel system inspected.


Volkswagen said that it would notify owners of the recalled cars.


There is no cost to owners for the repairs.






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Life Lessons: 6 caffeine-free ways to boost energy

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is...next. >>> jaciel cordoba: Do you find yourself reaching for something with caffeine to give yourself an energy boost? Many of us dobut as WFMZs Nancy Werteen tells us in Life Lessons, there might be another way to feel less tired. >>Nancy: Maybe its first thing in the morning that you reach for caffeine or to cover that afternoon slump but health experts say its better to find natural ways to boost your energy. For example, maybe you need to look at what youre eating as some things can slow you down.And nutritionists say something simple like protein in the morning can get you going without the coffee. >>nancy: coffee can give us that extra push... >>nat sound (ii drink coffee?) (:02) >>nancy: but there are caffeine-free ways to get energized. like chewing gum.chewing gum can increase heart rate, blood flow to the brain and can increase alertness.make sure to grab the minty stuff.mint stimulates nerve fibers keeping you alert longer. another way is to simply eat breakfast! whole grains at






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3 displaced when fire erupts on 1st floor of Reading row home

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Three people were displaced when a fire broke out in their Reading row home early Thursday.


According to fire officials, one person was stranded on a back porch but was rescued by firefighters.


The fire was reported around 6:15 a.m. at 107 Buttonwood Street, and was under control in less than 20 minutes.


Officials said three adults were asleep upstairs when smoke detectors woke them up. They went downstairs, saw the fire in the front of the first floor and tried to put it out with a fire extinguisher.


That didn't work, so two of them got out and called 911, authorities said, and the third got stuck on the second floor porch.


One of the adjacent row homes sustained some smoke damage.


Fire officials said the fire appeared to be accidental, probably electrical in nature.


No injuries were reported.


The Red Cross is helping the family.






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2015 starts off sunny, blustery, cold

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Happy New Year! Today looks blustery and cold with sunshine and high temperatures in the middle 30s.


Wind chills will be in the 20s most of the day and at times it will feel like the teens.


Friday looks quiet with sunshine and clouds with breezy conditions at times.


High temperatures will reach the upper 30s.


A storm system will affect the region from late Saturday into early Sunday.


A wintry mix looks to break out late Saturday before changing to rain Saturday night.


There could be a small snow and ice accumulation on the front end before the changeover to rain occurs.






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Life Lessons: 6 caffeine-free ways to boost energy

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Research shows that the reason why we crave coffee isn’t just because we're tired; its genetics!


Six genetic variants are responsible for coffee cravings, but there are other ways to boost energy without the dark stuff.


Coffee can give us that extra push, but there are caffeine-free ways to get energized.


Chewing gum can increase heart rate, blood flow to the brain and can increase alertness.


Make sure to grab the minty stuff. Mint stimulates nerve fibers, keeping you alert longer.


Another way is to simply eat breakfast!


Whole grains at breakfast will give you a real energy boost and also protein. Just don't go overboard. Overdosing on whole grains triggers a surge of serotonin which can make you feel sluggish. Try to eat less than six servings a day.


Give massaging your ears a try, because all of your body's energy passes through your outer ear.


Applying pressure to your ear may help invigorate your entire body. Simply pinch the rim of each ear between your thumb and pointer finger and rub.


And if the light in your office or room is dim, change it. A brighter light will help keep you focused.


Blue light will give you a calm alertness while a red light bulb will give you an afternoon wake up call.


Now for tips number five and six, if all else fails, exercise.


Exercise is proven to give you the boost you need while also burning calories.


They don’t call it runners high for no reason. But if you don’t have time to run a few miles, try singing out loud.


Music is naturally energizing and researchers have found that singing solo increases energetic arousal and decreases tension.


Or try this: sing while you exercise for a double dose of energy!






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