News-Item File Photo Frederick F. Reed is shown conducting a tour of the Shamokin Cemetery as part of the second Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts is 2007.

County asked to rename center in Reed's honor

SHAMOKIN - Officials of the Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities have proposed that the Career and Arts Center in Shamokin be named for the late Frederick "Fritz" Reed, who served for almost 30 years as county register and recorder.

Jeanne Shaffer, director, and Garth Hall, committee member, asked county commissioners Wednesday to consider honoring Reed because of his longtime service to the county and to Shamokin. They proposed that the building be renamed the "Frederick 'Fritz' Reed Community Center."

"His services to Northumberland County and the Shamokin-Coal Township community were exemplary and were reflected in all aspects of his life," Shaffer said. "'Fritz' had ties to the building through his many years of city and county service and both he and his wife, the former Marian Thomas, graduated from Shamokin High School, which now serves as the career and arts center."

Shaffer, who attached the numerous organizations and positions Reed was involved in to a letter presented to the commissioners, said renaming the building after Reed would not cost the county any money since a committee has been formed to raise money for signage and other work connected with the project.

Commissioners Vinny Clausi and Rick Shoch said they appreciated Reed's service to the county and the Shamokin area and would like to see the project become a reality, although they noted it could take a few months before the request can be granted.

"We have to further discuss this," Clausi said. "Mr. Reed was a very nice man whom I had a lot of respect for. I want to see this go through, but it may take two or three months."