Faye  R. Lewis - Coaldale Activist Retires..............Times News.....July 3, 2000

Honored on her Birthday - (1940 - Alumnus)

Faye R. Lewis of Coaldale, a retired educator and a church leader and community activist, was honored on her 70th birthday by members of the First Congregational United Church of Christ, Coaldale, and a host of relatives and friends.

Lewis was surprised by the more than 130 persons who attended the birthday party Saturday in the banquet room of the Viennese Villa, Coaldale.

She was lauded for her accomplishments in the field of education but it is her volunteerism with the Coaldale church and her personal kindnesses to local residents that have endeared her to the community.

Bill Gaddes of Lake Hauto, a classmate of Lewis, was the master of ceremonies.

"Faye's contributions to her church, community, and to the citizens of this area are too numerous to mention," said Gaddes.

Lewis' efforts have been recognized by a number of other local civic organizations including the Panther Valley Chamber of Commerce which honored her as "Educator of the Year" in 1998.

Gaddes and Lewis graduated from Coaldale High School in 1948, he said. Lewis continued her education at Susquehanna University and received a B.S in physics. She earned a master's degree in the same field from Pennsylvania State University and completed graduate work at Cornell and other universities.

Lewis, who is the daughter of the late Theodore and Beulah Lewis, taught at Lansford High School and Boiling Spring High School, Reading. Later she headed the mathematics department at Newtown Square High School for a number of years. When she retired, she returned to Coaldale to live and care for her mother. However, she remained active in her profession as a consultant in educational testing criteria and standards for the State of Pennsylvania.

The Rev. Wayne Benack, pastor of the Coaldale church, echoed Gaddes' sentiments and thanked Lewis for her efforts. On behalf of his congregation he presented her with a framed photograph of the interior of the church.

Sharon Benack acknowledged Lewis' work with the church's vacation bible school, youth group, and the choir which offered several selections in her honor.

Lois Rilo gave a humorous presentation on "How Things Have Changed" since she and Lewis were school chums. Betty Miller read a poem and shared reminiscences about their girlhood years as did another lifelong friend, Alice Price

Danny Lewis of Cottage Green, Minn., a nephew of Lewis, congratulated his aunt on behalf of her family.

He and his wife, Tammy and their children, Kyle, Danielle and Aaron, drove 19 hours to Coaldale to join in the celebration.

Also attending were another nephew, Tom Lewis, and his wife Cathy of Camp Wildcat, and their children, Jeff and Michael; Michael's wife, Vicki and their daughter; and another nephew, Billy Lewis and his wife, Jennifer, also of Camp Wildcat, and their daughter, Rachel.

Jody Benack and Amanda Schuetrumpf played a selection on the flute. Jeremy Benack offered the invocation and Jesse Benack gave the benediction.

Church members who planned the affair included: Betty Miller, Mary Fredericks, Lois Rilo, Bill Kellner, Megan Reichelderfer, Ann Derr, Arlene Filer, and Rev. and Mrs. Benack