I am a 42 year old chemistry teacher at Lake-Lehman High School which is about 10 miles northwest of Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania. I have been teaching there for the past 19 years. I have been interested in anthracite coal mining since my grandfather sat me down on his knee and told me about his 31 years of coal mining the northern fields of Pennsylvania. When he passed away he left me all his old mining equipment. My other grandfather was crippled in the mines when a piece of slate fell and broke his back. All of my great grandfathers were also coal miners of the northern fields. I guess you can say I have coal mining in my blood. I got involved with UGM/AMR about 5 years ago when some of my former students (Eric B. and Zack P.) introduced me to Chris, Banks, and Mike A. I guess the rest is history. I have spent the last 2 winter seasons working down the No. 9 coal mine where I have learned much from Chris, Mike A, Banks, and everyone else that volunteers about underground work. I hope to continue with that in upcoming years. I really enjoy this website and the activities that all of you have introduced me to. I am an active collector of mining equipment as my wife and 12 year old daughter could tell you. They both think I am a little nuts when it comes to coal mining and collecting mining equipment. I also enjoy hunting and fishing in the great outdoors of Pa. I look forward to the many activities that this group does especially if its underground or has to do with keeping the history of anthracite coal mining alive.