Passing the reporter's notebook

After more than three decades chronicling the happenings in Nesquehoning and the Panther Valley, TIMES NEWS freelancer Carol Zickler will retire on Oct. 8.

Replacing her will be Sheri Ryan of Lansford.

"After 30 some odd years, I think it's time," said Zickler when asked why she was retiring.

While her husband, Ed, is not retiring, Zickler is looking forward to traveling when he is able to take time off from his job at KME.

Zickler got her start many years ago when one of the executive officers of Pencor, the parent company of the TIMES NEWS, asked her husband if she might be interested in working for the newspaper. A young wife and mother at the time, she said she was.

Since the late 70s, with just a short break after the birth of one of her children, she has covered borough council meetings in Nesquehoning, school events throughout the Panther Valley, penned a regular community column, and much more.

TIMES NEWS publisher, Fred R. Masenheimer, is grateful to Zickler for her commitment over the years.

"It is almost unprecedented to have a freelance writer and photographer, who is so devoted to her community, that she would spend more than 30 years contributing stories and photographs for publication about her friends and neighbors. But, that is what Carol did," said Masenheimer.

"She did it with professionalism and dedication to make sure over all those years her community was well-represented in the pages of the Times News. I'd like to express our gratitude to Carol for the work she did for the paper and wish her the best in her retirement," he added.

"We will miss having her as part of our team."

TIMES NEWS editor, Bob Urban, echoed Masenheimer's thoughts, noting that Zickler has touched many lives during her time with the newspaper.

"Carol has been the eyes and ears of Nesquehoning, and the Panther Valley School District, for so many years, it's going to be difficult knowing she's no longer going to be contributing to The TIMES NEWS," Urban said. "Carol's pleasing personality and her willingness to go out and cover events in her community and school district will be greatly missed. Many of the events and people she has written about have touched individuals in a very personal way.

"All of us who have worked with Carol these many years wish her a happy and healthy retirement."

When asked to reflect on the past 30 years, Zickler says the first thing that comes to mind, is taking photographs.

When starting out, she used a Polaroid Instamatic camera. Soon after, she switched to shooting with film. That process was time-consuming, she recalled.

"I'd have to go to the TIMES NEWS (which was in downtown Lehighton at the time) and get the film processed," explained Zickler. "Then go back and pick it up. Then go home, pick out the photos, label them, and send them back.

"Digital is so much easier," she said of the new technology.

What was her favorite part of the past 30-plus years?

"I enjoyed meeting different people," she said quickly. "You meet a lot of different people from different walks of life."

One of her favorite memories was taking photos of a professional male model, who lived in Lake Hauto.

"That was the most nervous I ever was, but he knew how to pose, and he was so handsome," she added with a smile.

"I have a lot of good memories, and there were a lot of nice people."

Zickler and her husband have three grown children. Her daughter Jacqui Morgans is a teacher at Panther Valley Elementary School. She resides in Nesquehoning with her husband, Rick and their two children, Brendan and Blake. Her son Bryle is a human services program specialist for the Department of Welfare in Harrisburg. He and his wife Courtney reside in Harrisburg. Daughter Kira also lives in the state capitol and is employed as a legislative assistant to state Rep. Jennifer Mann.

Ryan, who began working with the TIMES NEWS a few weeks ago, has some big shoes to fill, but will work hard toward a smooth transition.

"I am really looking forward to being part of the TIMES NEWS team," says Ryan, "and for the opportunity to meet new people in the area."

Those who have items to put in the Nesquehoning Community Column may contact Ryan at (570) 645-4215 or by email at sryan@windstream.net.