Bad neighbors can make your life miserable. Fortunately, Jo Ann and I have been blessed by living with good ones. At the top of the list would have to be my mother, who lived in the other half of the double home where Jo Ann and I lived for the first 14 years of our marriage.

We had great neighbors in our old place, and the same can be said for the people in our current neighborhood. Sadly, a neighbor from each place died in the past few months.

We were shocked to pick up the newspaper and read that Jeffrey Scheuren had died at the much-too-young age of 41 on May 8. Jeff lived directly across the street from us in a home that was occupied for many years by his grandparents, Marshall "Motzy" and Betty Hornberger.

Jeff was a great deal like Motzy, which is the highest compliment that can be paid a neighbor. He always made time to stop and talk. If he saw you working on something, he would volunteer to help. He never complained about his health problems. In all the years we knew him, he never seemed to be in a bad mood, let alone angry.

The world was left poorer in kindness and gentleness with Jeff Scheuren's death.

A week ago, on July 13, we lost a dear neighbor, Mary Catherine Lazarski. The health problems she had been facing so bravely at last proved too much for her.

Coincidentally, just like Jeff, Mary and her husband, Bob, live directly across the street from our home. They were among the first to welcome us to our new neighborhood. When my mother died, Mary brought over a homemade cake. She and Bob had a standing offer that they were there for us if we ever needed anything.

Jo Ann and I knew that she had been a registered nurse, but we learned from her obituary that she also taught remedial math and reading at Mount Carmel Area. Both were professions where she loved to help others.

However, we were not surprised to find several of the people who commented on Mary's online guest book that accompanies her obituary that they thought she was a "very special lady." Quite a few of her former neighbors from Centralia reinforced that view by attending their old friend's funeral Mass.

The world was left poorer in generosity, compassion and friendliness with Mary Lazarski's death.

The deaths of Jeff and Mary left huge holes in the hearts of their family and friends, but the way they lived their lives should assure them a place in heaven with God.

We pray that one day we will be their neighbors once again.

+++

Being a neighbor

is love's labor.

LEWISBURG - The American Red Cross has a new slogan for the summer: "Don't park it. Donate it."

Through its vehicle donation program, there is renewed hope that families, businesses and individuals who may be harboring a jalopy or two could turn them into a monetary donation to support the services provided by the American Red Cross.

SUN (Snyder, Union and Northumberland) Chapter director Tom Szulanczyk said the program is easy and efficient and allows for a tax credit to donors who wish to participate.

"We see this as a great fundraiser for our organization and an easy way for folks to rid themselves of an unwanted car, truck, van, motorcycle or even a boat," Szulanczyk said.

In addition to those vehicles, the Red Cross can also accept tractors, RVs and jet skis. Anyone who has a vehicle to donate can simply call the Red Cross at (855) 927-2227. Information is also available at www.recross.org.

Arrangements will be made for pick-up of the vehicle at a time that works best for the donor and at no cost. Red Cross partners who take care of this aspect of the donation process will then sell it on their behalf and donate the proceeds to the organization. Following the completion of the transaction, donors will receive a receipt for tax purposes.

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization led by volunteers that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from caring individuals and, in part, by contributions given through the United Way.

MANDATA - According to standards set by the federal No Child Left Behind Act, Line Mountain Junior-Senior High School did not make adequate yearly progress (AYP) in the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) testing in 2011-12.

According to the standards set by Dave Campbell, PSSA is unfair.

Campbell, the district superintendent, said the tests should be a tool to help a district - and its students - improve, but not an "end-all, be-all."

Success can be measured in many other ways.

"At Line Mountain, if a kid goes from 'below basic' standards to 'basic,' that is something we will celebrate," he said. "At times, the PSSA tests are unfair to students."

Campbell said the standardization of the tests is the crux of the problem.

"We are not only trying to up the bar with our students, but you also have the test writers upping the test as well," he said. "So if both sides continually go up, how can you ever really catch up?"

Numbers and emotions

Out of all public school districts that serve Northumberland County students, Line Mountain did better than all except Danville, and was tied with Southern Columbia Area for 2011-12, in meeting or exceeded the state average in 18 out of 21 categories, according to Times-Shamrock Newspapers annual Grading Our Schools report. The two categories in which Line Mountain did not meet or exceed the average was in seventh- and eighth-grade reading. (See the bubble chart.)

According to statistics from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Line Mountain Junior-Senior High School failed AYP in its 11th-grade testing in reading, particularly with overall students, those in special education and those who are economically disadvantaged.

That may be, but Campbell, like other educators, cited the difficulty of meeting the AYP proficiency levels, which are climbing each year toward what is to become a 100 percent requirement by 2014.

"With a school district of our size, if you have two or three students who aren't making proficiency, your average drops down below the 90 percent mark," Campbell said.

He said other variables come into play that educators can't address.

"You may have students that will always panic over taking a test. That's a phenomenon they won't get over," Campbell said. "You also have students who may have had a fight with their best friend that day, or broke up with someone, or had a bad night at home. Those are things that can affect students and we have no control over that."

Judging over time

A proactive way Line Mountain looks at the results is judging them "longitudinally."

"We look at the improvement that comes from year to year," Campbell said. "It's more shocking to see a student not make proficiency, and their teachers knowing they can do the work, through the tools that we use in the district. That is when we dig a little deeper and see what is going on."

"What this district and its teachers will do is sit down, analyze all the numbers and look at the improvement we've made from 2012 to 2013 and see where we need to focus our efforts," Campbell said.

He said, with all elementary teachers under one roof beginning this school year, it will be easy to share ideas on what lesson plans will be used across the board to help improve test scores.

"There is a great level of professionalism with our teachers," he said about things like sharing practices with colleagues. "It takes away the variables of not following a common educational system."

Lifelong learners

Campbell said he's not completely against the PSSA tests.

"I like the PSSAs; I think they are good tests," he said. "But I don't like the fact that they make it the end-all, be-all standard and put such a high stakes price on it."

Let the state look at AYP and proficiency. Campbell said he and his staff will continue to look at individual improvement.

"We have a great group of teachers here, and we have a great group of students," Campbell said. "Working together, everyone will become better and help to create lifelong learners, which is every educator's goal."

WEST BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP - A Dornsife couple were transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown Friday afternoon after being ejected from their motorcycle during an accident at the intersection of Brick Hill Road and Route 61 in this Schuylkill County township.

State police at Schuylkill Haven reported Dale A. Williard, 50, and his 49-year-old wife, Lisa R. Williard, suffered moderate injuries in the 1:45 p.m. two-vehicle crash. Mr. Williard, who was operating a 1982 Honda CX500 motorcycle, was transported by ambulance to Lehigh Valley Hospital, while his wife was flown by Medevac helicopter to the same medical facility.

The Williards were listed in stable condition Saturday afternoon, according to a hospital spokesman.

Daniel P. Moffett, 23, of Auburn, who was driving a 1996 Saturn involved in the collision, escaped injury.

Police said Moffett was negotiating a left turn from Brick Hill Road onto Route 61 south when he pulled out in front of the motorcycle traveling north on Route 61. Police said the motorcycle struck the left front side panel of the Saturn, which came to rest at the point of impact facing west.

Dale Williard was ejected approximately 10 feet from the collision and his wife was ejected approximately 20 feet from the point of impact into the left northbound lane of Route 61.

Police said Moffett will be cited for failing to properly turn left.

Assisting state police and Medevac personnel at the scene were firefighters and emergency personnel from Orwigsburg, Schuylkill Haven, Pottsville and Deer Lake, and PennDOT employees.

SHAMOKIN - Jill Britton, of Shamokin, attended The Ithaca College School of Music for 10 days of intensive piano study. The institute was held from June 27 to July 6 on the Ithaca College campus, located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region.

The institute was attended by 32 talented young pianists from as far away as Madrid and Istanbul. The pianists studied under nationally and internationally known Ithaca College faculty members who provided private piano lessons, small group lessons, theory classes, master classes, daily piano ensemble and sight reading, daily lessons, workshops, master classes and supervised classes.

Britton studied under Dr. Charis Dimaras, associate professor for performance studies.

The week ended with two recitals in Hockett Family Recital Hall. At the second recital, Britton performed "Sonata in G Major, Hob: XVI: 27.1, Allegro con brio F. Haydn," on a Steinway and Sons grand piano.

Britton, who is entering the 11th grade at Shamokin Area High School, is a daughter of Jim and Jodi Britton, and a granddaughter of Walter Britton. She studies piano with Kay Hooper, of Selinsgrove.

Brian Eric Hertzog, a 2007 graduate of Shamokin Area High School, recently graduated with his Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Bloomsburg University.

Hertzog graduated top of his 2013 class with an overall cumulative GPA of 3.96, which earned him entrance into the international honor society of Beta Gamma Sigma.

Immediately after graduating, Hertzog relocated to Fort Myers, Fla., to accept a job as an account executive with the world's largest IT research and advisory company, Gartner.

He is a son of Bruce and Diane Hertzog, of Coal Township, a grandson of Wilma and Joe Whapham, of Danville, and the late Jean and Earl Hertzog, who lived in Coal Township, and a nephew of Henry and Sandy Linton, of Coal Township.

Heavy burdens

Trayvon's parents have conducted themselves with great dignity and must be commended. Their pain must be immeasurable. By all accounts, the boy was doing nothing. I would have hated to be a juror. Probably Zimmerman had no intent to harm, it just got out of hand. Both families deserve some prayers. They both have heavy burdens.

Simple solution

With this hot weather, I am feeling very sorry for the trash haulers and garbage men. A simple solution to get rid of bugs and flies is to sprinkle moth balls or moth crystals in your garbage cans.

Not needed

I saw a black man on one of the news stations that they need to get out and demonstrate for the Trayvon Martin case. That is just what we need. More demonstrations, more violence and more people killed. It won't gain anything. Justice was served. Zimmerman was found innocent by self-defense. Let it go.

Use their brains

Bruno Varano is so worried about building a new city hall, but yet they can't even pay their police insurance. I think our Kulpmont councilmen better start using their brains.

Down the tubes

Dear Mount Carmel Municipal Authority: I went to your office at 10 a.m. to pay my sewer bill. The office was locked up and closed. So I went back home and flushed the check down the commode. You can pick it up down at the sewage treatment plant, if you like.

Obamaphone

This call is to the person who keeps calling in about the Benghazi incident. Evidently Mr. Frog cannot tell you why it hasn't been looked into, so why don't you just call the White House yourself?

Cut their losses

I am calling about the Mount Carmel swimming pool. You had people begging and crying, "please keep the pool open," but nobody is going. Less than 25 people a day? How does that cover expenses? The borough should cut their losses now and not wait until next year to close. Shut it down. If they don't want it, they don't need it.

Priorities

The salary for the Mount Carmel Area athletic director is $56,000. I wonder how many teachers make more than that? No doubt where the priorities are at MCA.

Making up for it

For "Texas toast": they have no state income tax, but you better look up all the other taxes they have to make up for it. On owning your own gun, Texas came in at No. 2 in 2011 as murders committed by firearms - 699. California came in at No. 1.

Familiar aroma

The City of Shamokin just cut the grass on Market Street. With all the dog poop there, that's the only thing I can smell after they cut it. People need to start picking up after their dogs. Thank you. You are being watched.

Pool poopers

I just read the article in the paper that the Mount Carmel pool might close next year. I think that is a little ridiculous. First of all, they covered up the baby pool, so what the heck do they expect the mothers to do with their little children? That place used to be fantastic. I had a pass for almost 30 years. Then, you can't take food in and you can take soda in, but yet the concession stand isn't opened.

Still standing

The paper keeps talking about properties not being torn down in Shamokin. How about the houses that burned on Second Street in Mount Carmel that are still standing?

Great photo

This is the Coney Island Lunch calling. I just want to call and tell you that was an amazing photo that your photographer took. He should get an award for that. We would like to thank you very much. Have a great day. Frog's take: Larry sure has a good eye.

ELYSBURG - An American hero was warmly welcomed to his new home Saturday morning.

U.S. Marine Cpl. David A. Noblit Jr., 25, a native of Herndon who lost both his legs and suffered a severe injury to his left arm in an IED blast Oct. 20, 2010, at Patrol Base Fulod, Afghanistan, was honored during a 45-minute ground-breaking ceremony at the site of his future one-story house in Heartland Village just off Route 487.

Homes for Our Troops, a non-profit organization that builds specially adapted homes for disabled veterans, sponsored the ceremony that featured remarks by Noblit, military officials, county and state government leaders and organization representatives. The program concluded with the traditional shoveling of dirt at the Marine's new home where he will live with his 25-year-old wife, Amanda, and their 4-year-old son, Cayden.

Leigh Parker, community outreach coordinator for Homes for Our Troops based in Taunton, Mass., served as master of ceremonies.

Founded in 2004, Homes for Our Troops has built 133 homes in 38 states. Noblit's home at 26 Heartland Blvd., will mark the ninth home constructed in Pennsylvania.

The mission statement for the organization is "Building homes, rebuilding lives."

"Wow," was the first reaction by Noblit as he spoke to a nice crowd of veterans, family members, friends and motorcyclists dedicated to military efforts.

Noblit, a 2007 graduate of Line Mountain High School and a son of Dana and Dave Noblit Sr., Herndon, was overwhelmed with the turnout of well wishers and thanked everyone for attending and providing support to him and his family since he suffered his devastating injuries.

He specifically praised the efforts of Homes for Our Troops, which he described as a wonderful, family-oriented group.

"Some of the veterans who served before me didn't get the same respect I did upon coming home," he said. "I want to thank my new neighbors for welcoming me to their community. I thought my life was over in 2010, but I've learned that life is never over, especially when you've been given a second chance. My message to everyone, especially veterans who have been injured in the line of duty, is to never give up."

Despite being confined to a wheelchair, Noblit still enjoys playing sled hockey on ice, fishing and hunting.

The marine, who served with the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, said his family is excited about moving into their new home, which is expected to take approximately six months to construct.

Noblit and his family are currently living with his in-laws, Pat and Bill Frank, of Selinsgrove.

Sitting in a wheelchair next to Noblit during the ceremony was Army Cpl. Jeffery Williams, who suffered disabling injuries in the line of duty Nov. 19, 2011.

Williams, who is living in a home in Huntsville, Ala., built by Homes for Our Troops, talked about how his new house has provided him with a lot of independence. He applauded the efforts of Homes for Our Troops and said wartime enemies will never diminish the determination and fight that American military personnel possess.

Williams received a loud ovation when he stated, "We are still standing."

He also drew laughter from the audience when he concluded his remarks by saying one day he hopes to join Noblit on his back porch where they'll drink a Corona.

Larry Gill, a veteran liaison with Homes for Our Troops, thanked the military escort, local police and firefighters and residents of Elysburg for providing a patriotic welcome to the community. Numerous signs supporting Noblit as an "American hero," graced the community on the weekend.

Gill, who suffered wounds in Baghdad, Iraq, during his military service and was a patient at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, D.C., thanked Noblit and other disabled veterans for their dedicated service to their country and discussed their love and passion for their work. "They aren't disabled. They are enabled," he commented. "They go hunting, fishing and skiing and give all of us hope."

Lt. Col. Alexander C. Grabiec, deputy commander with the 166th Regiment, Regional Training Institute, Pennsylvania National Guard, also praised Noblit during his brief remarks and presented him with a special military coin.

Brigadier General Andrew P. Schafer, deputy commander of the 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania National Guard, discussed the many sacrifices veterans endure protecting the freedoms of the United States. He praised Homes for Our Troops and everyone who has helped Noblit and other disabled veterans.

Schafer concluded his talk by quoting Benjamin Franklin, "Energy and persistence will conquer all things."

Northumberland County Commissioner Stephen Bridy, of Elysburg, thanked Noblit and all veterans for their service and welcomed the Marine to his new home.

State Rep. Kurt Masser (R-107), of Elysburg, added, "Homes for Our Troops is a wonderful organization with a great cause. I want to welcome Dave (Noblit) to Elysburg. This is a great and growing community and you certainly made a grand entrance today."

State Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-108) of the Sunbury area said she was honored to be part of the program and thanked Noblit for his service.

She said, "Heroes like yourself do what is necessary so we can live free."

Harry Forbes, a representative for Gov. Tom Corbett, also offered brief remarks and Ralpho Township Supervisor Chip Wetzel warmly welcomed Noblit to the community.

The Williamsport Young Marines provided an honor guard at the program and Angela M. Nardini sang the national anthem.

The Rev. Andrew Fitch, pastor of Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Berlin, gave the invocation.

Tom Vaughn of Catawissa VFW Post 8306 presented Noblit with a $1,000 check on behalf of the post.

Volunteers and various sponsors assisted Homes for Our Troops representatives at the program by providing doughnuts, refreshments and lunch. Red T-shirts with black lettering honoring Noblit were given to spectators and participants as tokens of appreciation for attending the program.

Northumberland County Commissioner Chairman Vinny Clausi, who was in attendance, informed the media after the program that he plans to introduce a resolution at a future meeting that will exempt Noblit and his family from paying any county taxes on their new home. Clausi said he also will urge Ralpho Township and Southern Columbia Area School District officials to do the same.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; yoga, pilates, stretch and tone, 9:30 a.m.; crafts, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; high impact power walk, 9 a.m.; lunch at Hannah's Restaurant, 11:30 a.m.; bridge, noon.

Wednesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; VNA blood pressure/blood sugar screening, 9 to 10 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; low impact stretch and tone, 9:30 a.m.; indoor picnic for those who signed up, 11 a.m., menu includes Italian sausage, pasta salad and assorted sides and desserts, cost is $6; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling; bingo, noon.

Saturday - Cards, 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Farmer's Market vouchers are still available. You can pick up checks Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Seniors must be 60 or older this year and meet income guidelines. Total income is everyone living in the home including children. ID is required. If you are picking up for someone, a proxy form must be filled out. If you live in a nursing home, convent or residential facility where food is provided, you are not eligible for voucher checks.

Mount Carmel

Monday - Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; HSIM exercise, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Guest speakers Ellen and Mike from LIFE Geisinger to talk about "Memory," 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - HSIM, 10 a.m.; crossword puzzles, 10:30 a.m.; exercise chair dancing, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Brain teasers, 10 a.m.; search a word, 10:30 a.m.; favorite game show, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle, 12:15 p.m.

Friday - Chair dancing, 10 a.m.; chit chat, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

Monday - Wii in the morning; bean bag, 10:30 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii and noodle balloon in the morning; VNA blood pressure/blood sugar screening, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; cards, noon.

Wednesday - Wii, knitting, puzzles and noodle balloon in the morning; LCR and bunco, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Wii in the morning; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii, puzzles, knitting and noodle balloon in the morning; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

The center will be having the chronic disease self-management program starting Thursday, Aug. 8, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. This is a six-week program, two hours a week, teaching you how to manage your chronic disease through your lifestyle. The program targets and teaches how to manage heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and COPD. If you have not signed up for the program, and you are interested, stop by the center or call any weekday to signup.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Food boxes; cards and games.

Tuesday - Open discussion with Tylee and Kathi: make our center the best it can be.

Wednesday - Stress bingo.

Thursday - Center closed for a gambling awareness presentation at Catawissa Center.

Friday - Center closed.

Elysburg

Monday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; Royal Rummy, 10:30 a.m.; Pokeno, 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; Royal Rummy, 10:30 a.m.; Pokeno, 11:30 a.m.; bingo, noon.

Friday - Crafts, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, noon.

Please remember to renew your membership.

Trevorton

Monday - Making pierogies, starting at 8:30 a.m.

Tuesday - Making pierogies, if needed, starting at 8:30 a.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Wednesday - Beanbag toss, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; movie and snack, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - exercise, 9:30 a.m.; Scrabble, 10:30 a.m., board games, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; blood sugar and pressure screening, 9 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area School District met or exceeded state averages in 12 of 21 categories on state standardized testing in 2011-12, according to Times-Shamrock Newspapers annual Grading Our Schools special report.

The district's youngest students performed the best.

Students in third, fourth and fifth grades were average or better in seven of eight categories. The fourth-grade science test scores were the only ones to fall below. (For a list of the average scores, see the "Details" descriptor above the chart on Page A8.)

A significant drop-off in test performance came at sixth grade and above.

Sixth-graders finished below average in math and reading, the two subjects for which they were tested in 2011-12. Seventh-graders made the average in math but missed it in reading.

Testing expands in the eighth and 11th grades to also include reading and science. In both grades, students made the average in math and writing but missed it in reading and science.

District students also missed the state average for the math and reading portions on the SATs.

Tests administered to 11th-graders are obviously more challenging given the difference in coursework compared to younger students. Superintendent James Zack added that the eldest students' tests are also an aggregate of what they've been taught between ninth and 11th grades versus what students learn in any single school year.

"I think if you look across the IU," he said of schools belonging to Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit, "11th-grade scores are not going to be what seventh- and eighth-grade scores are."

That's holds true for several of Shamokin Area's neighboring schools. Of eight nearby school districts, only scores in Danville Area and Southern Columbia Area held steady from seventh and eighth grade to eleventh grade. Line Mountain actually improved. Milton Area, Shikellamy, Warrior Run and North Schuylkill either experienced a drop or remained the same with below-average scores to begin with.

District met AYP

The state averages referenced above are different from Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) as judged by state standardized testing, the PSSAs. AYP shows the percentage of a school's or school district's students who are deemed to be proficient or above in any one subject.

Shamokin Area as a school district met AYP in 2011-12, the latest statistics available from state Department of Education. Its elementary and middle schools had as well.

For the second year running, the high school failed to do so, and it's now in School Improvement I status by the state. It's likely AYP won't come in 2012-13, either. That's because the benchmarks designated for student proficiency in mathematics, reading and writing are nearing the 100 percent ceiling. As the goals have climbed higher, the benchmarks have reached the point that many school officials statewide have warned about: unrealistic expectations.

In 2011-12, the goals for all schools were 81 percent for reading and 78 percent for math. Those levels soared to 91 percent and 89 percent, respectively, in 2012-13, results for which are not yet publicly available.

Just 60 percent of the state's 500 school districts reached AYP in 2011-12. That number was even lower for individual schools, with less than half, 48 percent, making the grade.

Elementary off 'warning'

Shamokin Area Elementary School met AYP in all categories in both academic performance and test participation, doing well enough to have the warning tag it was given in 2010-11 lifted. The school's students didn't meet the benchmarks in each category; however, they improved enough to satisfy improvement requirements that came with the warning designation.

The middle school met AYP in all categories as well. While it wasn't on warning status but like the elementary, it reached AYP using similar growth model measurements that fall below the benchmarks but satisfy other performance measures.

Plan to improve

The high school missed academic performance across the board, including its economically disadvantaged students - a subgroup that at nearly 60 percent is a majority at the school. It was a warning school after 2010-11 and is now considered on School Improvement I. A plan to improve PSSA test scores has since been submitted to the state.

"We'll have 500 districts on it at some point," Zack said of School Improvement I, pointing to the 100 percent benchmark set for 2014.

Bill Callahan, assistant high school principal, and Ruby Michetti, curriculum coordinator, each said the math scores were better than what they appear to be.

"I think our math scores in the high school have been fine over the years. Our middle school has done really well. I think overall our teachers and kids do an excellent job," Callahan said.

OVERLOOK - Tim Latsha and his son, Ian, of Trevorton, stood in the shadows of an office building at Northumberland County Airport Saturday and watched while hundreds of supporters participated in a unique fund-raising event sponsored by an organization known as "Boys and Their Toys."

The elder Latsha didn't need to say anything. What he was thinking was apparent in the expression on his face, an expression that told everyone he appreciates the concern of those who responded to help support, morally and financially, his 10-year-old son, who was recently diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer.

Despite his illness, Ian, his head bare of hair because of chemo treatments, was able to attend. He was busy talking with others in attendance, thanking them for their prayers and support.

"It's a wonderful feeling," Tim Latsha said. "So many people showed they really care."

The success of the event was credited to Buddy Carl, of Paxinos, one of the organizers, and a large number of volunteers as well as vendors whose sales proceeds will help the Latshas meet expenses for Ian's treatments.

In an earlier news release, Carl said there was a lot of concern for the Latshas. The people's response to the fund-raising effort on Saturday would go a long way in helping meet hospital and therapy expenses for the young boy.

Plane rides for donations

Among the highlights of the day-long event were airplane rides by a network of pilots representing many sections of the nation. Carl hangars his own plane at Northumberland County Airport and made contact with other pilots who volunteered their time and aircrafts to participate in the fund-raising effort. People wanting to take a 20-minute air flights over the area were afforded the opportunity simply by making a donation to the Latsha fund. In addition, there was a small air show by a stunt plane earlier Saturday. Another event was a car show.

People, many with small children, were standing in line waiting to ride on seven varied types of aircraft. They didn't seem to mind the wait. Among the riders were Bill Marquardt and his son, Cole, of Mount Carmel. They were passengers in a a four-seat, single engine plane piloted by Virgil Vogel, of Selinsgrove airport. Marquardt is a paramedic with emergency responders in Mount Carmel. He and his son said they were very pleased with the opportunity to see a part of this area from the air.

The event began at 8 a.m. and, as the day wore on, the crowd grew.

Food of all kinds was available throughout the day. Specialties were home-made ice cream, pulled pork sandwiches and a chicken barbecue. A raffle was held and T-shirts with the "Boys and their Toys" logo were offered for sale.

In addition, a bounce slide was available for the youngsters.

Organizers hope the "Boys and their Toys" will become an annual fundraiser with a new benefactor named each year. They thanked the Northumberland County Airport Authority for use of the facility, the pilots and others for their making this year's event a reality.

"People have heart and they responded," one organizer said.

None of the nine public school districts that educate students from Northumberland County met or surpassed all 21 state averages on standardized tests or the SATs in 2011-12, according to Times-Shamrock Newspapers annual Grading Our Schools (GOS) report. Neither did North Schuylkill School District.

But Danville, Southern Columbia Area and Line Mountain are at or above the state averages in almost every category, and six local districts met or surpassed at least half of the averages.

The report analyzes Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) and SAT test scores for 500 districts and more than 3,000 elementary, middle and high schools statewide, as well as a dozen other key educational factors. GOS includes a comprehensive online database with searchable information on all 500 school districts in the state, available at newsitem.com/gradingourschools.

In the local analysis, Danville Area School District, which covers much of Montour County and students from Riverside and Rush Township in Northumberland County, fared the best, meeting or bettering the state averages in 20 of 21 categories. Line Mountain and Southern Columbia Area also did well, meeting or surpassing 18. Warrior Run met or surpassed 16, Milton Area 13, Shamokin Area met 12 and Shikellamy 11. Mount Carmel Area, by only meeting 8, and North Schuylkill, by only meeting 3, were the two lowest local school districts in comparison to state averages. (See the bubble chart on Page A8.)

The AYP factor

GOS looks at state averages. That's not to be confused with adequate yearly progress (AYP), a measurement of proficiency school districts and each individual school are required to meet under the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. PSSA scores - which are evaluated in GOS - are, however, the biggest component in determining AYP levels, although factors such as attendance and graduation rates are used, too. (While 2012-13 PSSA tests have been taken, those results have not yet been released.)

According to NCLB, all students are required to achieve 100 percent proficiency on math and reading tests next year, but the state's school districts are struggling to meet those goals, and most administrators agree they're nearly impossible to meet.

As of Tuesday, 37 states and the District of Columbia have been granted flexibility with NCLB by the U.S. Department of Education. Pennsylvania and nine other states have requested flexibility and are under review. If it's granted, Pennsylvania officials say they will implement a plan to further improve quality of instruction and outcomes for children.

Districts statewide are also seeing more changes because high school students take end-of-course Keystone Exams (which replaced PSSA tests this school year for 11th-graders) and, beginning with the class of 2017, students will be required to pass exams in algebra I, biology and literature to graduate.

Educators in Pennsylvania and across the nation are also implementing national Common Core standards, which focus on a framework to prepare students to be career- and college-ready.

Not meeting AYP

Of the nine local districts, four - Milton Area, Mount Carmel Area, Shikellamy and North Schuylkill - did not make AYP districtwide based on 2011-12 scores. In fact, almost 40 percent of districts across the state did not make AYP.

It seems meeting AYP is getting more difficult while the required proficiency percentages rise. Consider that three years ago seven of eight local districts made AYP districtwide. (Danville wasn't included in that report.)

Depending on the AYP results, districts may be forced to develop improvement plans, provide tutoring or be taken over by the state. Progressing in severity, the statuses for those that don't make AYP are: making progress, warning, school improvement I; school improvement II; corrective action I and corrective action II. Consequences such as school choice can also be implemented based on AYP levels.

In Milton, the middle school, Montandon Elementary School and White Deer Elementary School made AYP, but the Milton Area Elementary School and high school did not.

The elementary school failed in academic performance in reading for overall students, Individualized Education Program (IEP)-special education and economically disadvantaged, and in math for IEP-special education. The school is in warning status.

The high school failed in one category in graduation, and is considered in School Improvement II status.

At Shikellamy, Grace S. Beck, Oaklyn and Priestley elementaries all made AYP, but Chief Shikellamy Elementary and the middle and high schools did not.

The elementary school failed in academic performance in reading and math for IEP-special education, and is in warning status.

The middle school failed in academic performance in reading and math for IEP-special education and in math for economically disadvantaged. The school is in warning status.

The high school failed in three graduation requirements and all six categories for academic performance in reading and math for overall students, white non-Hispanics and economically disadvantaged. The school is considered in Corrective Action II for the second year.

In North Schuylkill, neither the elementary school nor the junior/senior high school, the district's only two schools, made AYP.

The elementary school failed in academic performance in reading in students overall, white non-Hispanics, IEP-special education and economically disadvantaged and in math for economically disadvantaged. The school is in warning status.

The high school failed in academic performance in reading for students overall, white non-Hispanics and economically disadvantaged and in math for students overall, white non-Hispanics, economically disadvantaged and IEP-special education. The school is considered in School Improvement I.

Line Mountain, Shamokin Area, Warrior Run, Southern Columbia Area and Danville all made AYP overall, but at least one school building in each district did not meet AYP. (Reports and statistics for Line Mountain, Mount Carmel Area, Shamokin Area and Southern Columbia Area are explored more extensively in other stories.)

While Warrior Run's Turbotville Elementary School, Watsontown Elementary School and Warrior Run Middle School all made AYP, the high school did not. It failed in all four academic performance categories in reading and math for overall students and white non-Hispanics. The school is in warning status.

While Danville's primary school, middle school and senior high school made AYP, the district's Liberty Valley Elementary School did not. It failed in academic performance in math for IEP-special education. The school is in warning status.

Levels of proficiency have increased in many districts, but as the 2014 deadline nears, the state expects those gains to be even higher. For example, AYP targets for 2011-12 increased from 67 percent to 78 percent in math and from 72 percent to 81 percent in reading. Many districts, especially in subgroups for students in special education, failed to see such gains.

Street sweeper in Mount Carmel

MOUNT CARMEL - Borough residents are reminded that the street sweeper schedule is in effect.

All vehicles must be moved from 4 to 8 a.m. Failure to move your vehicle by 4 a.m. will result in a fine of $15.

Drainage work planned

LOCUST GAP - A PennDOT maintenance crew is scheduled to make drainage improvements along Route 2021 (Marshall Street) in August.

Marshall Street will be closed for the installation of cross pipes from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily from Wednesday, July 31, through Friday, Aug. 23, weather permitting. In the event of rain, the work could take longer.

A detour will be in effect, using Route 901, Route 4024 and Route 4023.

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area School District didn't meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in 2011-12 in the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) tests and is in warning status as determined by the state Department of Education.

The junior high school did achieve AYP, but the high school failed by only reaching 9 out of 15 categories, failing every category in academic performance for reading and math. The elementary school also failed to achieve AYP by reaching 16 of 17, failing only in math for Individualized Education Program-special education.

While administrators and teachers continue to strive to improve state standardized test results, they say many factors, such as demographics, economics and budgetary constraints, play a role in not reaching AYP.

Superintendent Bernie Stellar and high school principal and curriculum coordinator Lisa Varano commended teachers for preparing students well for the PSSAs, but said reaching 100 percent achievement at every grade level, a requirement by 2014 under the federal No Child Left Behind Act, is unrealistic.

Still, Varano said the district in the new school year plans to implement an activity period at the end of the school day two days per week for approximately 30 minutes each to allow students more time to prepare for PSSAs and do other school work.

"The goals of the activity period are remediation (tutoring) and standardized test preparation," she said "We may include the elementary school in the activity period in the future."

Varano said the district currently offers after-school tutoring in various subject areas, but the in-school activity period will provide help to students who have jobs after school or are involved in sports or other extracurricular activities.

"Our goal here at Mount Carmel Area is to make sure every student succeeds, but attaining 100 percent achievement within the district isn't realistic. Every school district in the state is held to the same standard even though each district is different," she said.

A school district's economy, the number of low-income, special education and transient students, costs per pupil and other budgetary constraints are all factors, Varano said. Almost 60 percent of MCA's students are considered low-income, the 55th highest percentage of the state's 500 public school districts.

"The state is using one test in one way to grade the districts overall, which goes against everything we have been taught about educating students who have different learning capabilities," Varano said.

8 of 21 averages

Mount Carmel Area only met or exceeded eight out of 21 state averages for PSSA testing and SAT scores. The district met or exceeded the state average in math and reading in third grade; math, reading and science in fourth grade, and math in fifth, sixth and seventh grades, but failed to meet or exceed the state average in reading and writing in fifth grade; reading in sixth and seventh grades, and math, reading, science and writing in eighth and 11th grades. (See the bubble chart, page A8.)

Varano believes some of the scores don't fairly represent the academic success of the district and its students. She pointed out that the 2013 graduating class made AYP as seventh- and eighth-graders, but didn't make it as juniors. She also said some students who perform well in the classroom academically just don't do well on tests.

Varano said most students complete their state testing in their junior year in preparation for college, and by the time their senior year rolls around, some don't possess motivation to study as hard.

With the exception of fifth-graders, she said elementary school students have traditionally done well on the PSSAs. Varano said for some reason, fifth-graders throughout the state tend to struggle with the standardized tests, which start in third grade.

Enter the Keystones

The PSSAs will continue to be taken by students in grades three through eight, but the Keystone Exams replaced PSSAs for juniors this past school year.

PSSA results will soon be used as part of an evaluation of both teachers and administrators, and the Keystone Exams will eventually count toward student graduation. The Keystones are end-of-course tests taken by high school students upon completion of certain core subjects, including biology, algebra I and English literature.

"This year was a transition year for us with the Keystones because we had hundreds of students take them as early as eighth grade," Varano said. "If they pass them in eighth grade, they can bank the scores (carry them over) for their junior year and successfully complete the exam that enables them to graduate."

Also, if they fail the Keystone Exams, students can take them until they pass.

She said students at MCA start taking algebra I in eighth grade and biology in ninth grade. English literature is first offered in 10th grade.

Stellar doesn't foresee standardized tests going away anytime soon, citing the importance of accountability in education.

"The Keystone Exams are a positive step in the area of accountability because now the students themselves have a graduation requirement to motivate them to do well on the exams," he said.

However, he added, "unrealistic levels of achievement only serve as a detriment to a school's efforts to effectively educate all learners."

Stellar said the school board took a major step at its meeting Thursday night to help the district meet AYP in the future by hiring a junior high school principal, six special education teachers and several other instructors.

Divorces

Julee Ann Bingaman, 2091 Duke St., Northumberland, from Jeremy James Bingaman, 357 N. Susquehanna Trail, Selinsgrove. Married June 24, 2009.

Heath Barrett Bolam, 512 W. Saylor St., Atlas, from Nancy Renee Bolam, 1228 S. 140th St., Seattle, Wash. Married Sept. 10, 1986.

David A. Burgess, 264 Corcyra Road, Sunbury, from Deborah J. Burgess, 5043 English Creek Ave., Egg Harbor Township, N.J. Married July 6, 1996.

Melissa M. Carl from Jason W. Carl, both of 825 N. Fourth St., Sunbury. Married Sept. 30, 2006.

Anthony J. Greco, 448 1/2 N. Fourth St., Sunbury, from Kathy A. Greco, 302 East Drive, Sunbury. Married Oct. 20, 2001.

Michelle M. Henry, 411 Lynnewood Road, Watsontown, from Edward A. Henry, 56 Lehman Drive, Watsontown. Married June 9, 2007.

Lorena L. Hilner, 241 Vine St., Milton, from James L. Hilner, 2 Cardinal Drive, Milton. Married May 30, 1981.

Joseph F. Kane, 232 Berks Road, Elysburg, from Denise M. Kane, 5250 S. Rainbow Blvd., Apt. 2009, Las Vegas, Nev. Married Nov. 26, 1977.

Steven J. Miller from Diane W. Miller, both of 177 Chris Ron Lane, Northumberland. Married Aug. 18, 1978.

Belinda Musser, 70 Memorial Acres, Sunbury, from Justin Musser, 601 Queen St., Northumberland. Married June 13, 2008.

Gary L. Oberdorf, 272 Old Danville Highway, Northumberland, from Nancy L. Oberdorf, 705 Strawbridge Road, Northumberland. Married May 1, 2005.

Patricia A. Phillips, 809 N. Seventh St., Apt. D, Sunbury, from Scott S. Phillips, 415 Columbia Ave., Milton. Married Sept. 26, 2004.

Melissa A. Santiago, 43 Orange St., Selinsgrove, from Yallil A. Santiago, 1100 Miller St., Sunbury. Married Nov. 12, 1999.

Tara Lea Watkeys, 406 S. 10th St., Sunbury, from Justin D. Watkeys, 638 North St., Lykens. Married Oct. 15, 2005.

Melissa Marie Wolfe from Kerk Leroy Wolfe, both of 338 Fourth St., Northumberland. Married May 31, 2002.

Debra A. Potteiger, 215 S. Oak St., Mount Carmel, from Jeffrey L. Potteiger, 143 S. Maple St., Mount Carmel. Married June 2, 1979.

Mary Beth Royer from Kenneth E. Royer, both of 429 Park Ave., Milton. Married Jan. 16, 1999.

Marriage licenses

Jeremy Paul Renn to Emily Kaye Randall, both of 994 Herndon Road. Issued July 18, 2013.

Jason W. Baker to Cynthia Ann Smerlick, both of 172 Cherry St., Paxinos. Issued July 18, 2013.

Joseph Schmidt to Rebecca Bernadette Trautz, both of 396 W. Center St., Elysburg. Issued July 19, 2013.

Harry G. Holt, 221 Stevens St., Shamokin, to Doris Ruth Jaworowski, 4148 Freeland Ave., Philadelphia. Issued July 19, 2013.

Dustin Allen Troutman, 1938 Klingerstown Road, Herndon, to Loni Ann Faraone, 15 Woodland Terrace, Bloomsbury, N.J. Issued July 19, 2013.

Timothy Edward Barrett Jr. to Tara Lynn Mackey, both of 1538 W. Lynn St., Coal Township. To be issued July 22, 2013.

Joseph F. Kane to Vickie Ann Lushinski, both of 232 Berks Road, Elysburg. To be issued July 22, 2013.

James A. Seker, 1522 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, to Kathleen L. Seker, 340 W. Fourth St., Mount Carmel. To be issued July 22, 2013.

Brian John Pufnak to Stefane Lyn Reigel, both of 619 E. Packer St., Shamokin. To be issued July 22, 2013.

Anthony J. Brandon to Krista Diane Bennett, both of 1437 Cherry St., Paxinos. To be issued July 22, 2013.

Property transfers

Charles Johns III, Marlene Johns, to Dennis A. Kodack Jr., property in Coal Township, $4,000.

John E. Wheary, Constance Wheary, to Bonnie S. Ford, property in Coal Township, $100.

Kelly A. Barkafski, Kelly A. Herb, Christopher C. Herb, to Jeffrey Kays, Jessica Kalcich, property in Mount Carmel, $120,000.

Bruce D. Drumm, Janette E. Drumm, to Troy A. Zellers, Olivia A. Zellers, property in Lower Augusta Township, $1.

Harry K. Munro, Christal M. Snyder, to Harry K. Munro, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

BWH Properties LLC to Tilanga J. Fernandez, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Helen S. Christian (estate), Karen C. Hovey (executrix), Joyce Detter (executrix), to Ralpho Township, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Jean L. Guinther to Jean L. Guinther, Robert E. Muldowney, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Andrzej Szmyd, Agnes Szmyd, to Andy J. Schmidt, Agnes Schmidt, property in Mount Carmel Township, $1.

Samantha Allen, Stephanie Allen, Sabrina Allen, to Jack R. Allen Jr., property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Martin J. Kuznicki, Donita Kuznicki, to Joe Francis Shutt, property in Mount Carmel Township, $32,000.

Gregory J. Sitko, Joan Sitko, Robert P. Pochakilo, to James Yost, Lori Yost, property in Coal Township, $16,000.

Gregory S. Miller (executor), Simon L. Miller Jr. (estate), to Michael C. Gill, property in Ralpho Township, $200,000.

Marvie E. Schock (by agent), Jodie E. Armstrong (agent), to David B. Smucker Jr., Martha K. Smucker, property in Jackson Township, $1.

Robert J. Cooper Jr., Linda Cooper, to David C. Peters, Marianne R. Peters, property in Ralpho Township, $45,000.

Kenneth A. Clark, Linda A. Clark, Robert W. Clark, Karla S. Clark, to Kenneth A. Clark, Linda A. Clark, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Kenneth A. Clark, Linda A. Clark, Robert W. Clark, Karla S. Clark, to Kenneth A. Clark, Linda A. Clark, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Kenneth A. Clark, Linda A. Clark, to Kenneth A. Clark, Linda A. Clark, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Kenneth A. Clark, Linda A. Clark, Robert W. Clark, Karla S. Clark, to Robert W. Clark, Karla S. Clark, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Raymond Bixler (estate), Kenneth Adam Bixler (administrator), to Kenneth Adam Bixler, property in Coal Township, $1.

Shirley V. Mertz (estate), Julia C. Pensyl (executrix), to Brenda J. Martin, property in Coal Township, $1.

Dennis E. Carespodi, Gertrude A. Carespodi, to John C. Witkowski, Jean M. Witkowski, property in Shamokin, $1.

John J. Burke to James J. Burke, Elsie M. Burke, property in Rockefeller Township, $63,663.05.

Northumberland County Tax Claims Bureau, Brenda M. Fite, Bradley T. Long, to Donald Lee Hart, property in Mount Carmel, $2,551.39.

Northumberland County Tax Claims Bureau, Dorothy Miller, to Francis Devizia, property in Shamokin, $1,684.70.

Northumberland County Tax Claims Bureau, Alfred Rogers, Susanne Rogers, to Kalterra Properties LLC, property in Coal Township, $3,300.

Northumberland County Tax Claims Bureau, John P. Stauffenberg, to Kalterra Properties LLC, property in Coal Township, $1,763.68.

Northumberland County Tax Claims Bureau, Catherine Credito, Thomas Credito, Frank Credito, to Guy Leroy, property in Mount Carmel, $6,000.

Northumberland County Tax Claims Bureau, Eric P. Belfanti Sr., Natalie M. Belfanti, to Guy Leroy, property in Mount Carmel Township, $30,000.

Northumberland County Tax Claims Bureau, Mark J. Merlo Sr., to Joseph Pearson, property in Mount Carmel, $1,401.08.

Northumberland County Tax Claims Bureau, Warren Christensen, Korina Christensen, to Junior Fairweather, property in Shamokin, $1,648.48.

Northumberland County Tax Claims Bureau, Ashley Davis, to Kenneth M. Lebo, property in East Cameron Township, $1,587.91.

Tross Realty LLP to William M. Dangler, Erin Dangler, property in Upper Augusta Township, $80,000.

Evelyn Mowery to Sabrina A. Mowery, property in Coal Township, $1.

Eugene J. Fleming, Theresa M. Fleming, to Francis G. Fleming, Michael P. Fleming, Thomas G. Fleming, Ann M. Fleming Weikel, property in Shamokin $1.

Wayside Mountain Limited Partnership to Adrian M. Nestico, property in Coal Township, $1.

Mary A. Klock (by agent), Fred L. Klock Jr. (agent) to Kathryn J. Taglieri, property in Zerbe Township, $1.

William M. Watkins (trustee), Arlene M. Watkins Revocable Living Trust, to Rosemary Buggy, property in Kulpmont, $110,000.

George Logan Cologne (estate), George L. Colon (estate), Carmen Colon (estate), Northumberland County Sheriff, to Northumberland National Bank, property in Coal Township, $1,990.07.

Robert F. Berger, Francis X. Berger, Susan J. Berger, Kathleen Ellen Ferdock, Ronald A. Ferdock, to David Robert Ferdock, Amy Louise Ferdock, property in Ralpho Township, $18,000.

Verna M. Brown to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, property in Upper Mahanoy Township, $1.

Nancy I. Price to Eric Weaver, property in Ralpho Township, $137,800.

Matthew A. Lucas, Jacqueline A. Lucas, to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, property in Upper Mahanoy Township, $1.

Constance C. Laskoski to Camille C. Laskoski, Clement C. Laskoski Jr., property in Kulpmont, $1.

Northumberland County Sheriff, Thea Tafner, to First National Bank of Pennsylvania, Guaranty Bank NA, property in Rush Township, $10,603.77.

Northumberland County Sheriff, Touch of Class Stone and Veneer Inc., to UNB Bank, property in Ralpho and Shamokin townships, $15,316.99.

Melvin Nye, Mandy J. Nye, to Brett Eugene Siegel, property in Shamokin Township, $130,000.

John S. Wheary, Constance A. Wheary, to Bonnie S. Ford, property in Coal Township, $43,400.

Mount Carmel Borough to John Koschoff, property in Mount Carmel, $2,280.

John Koschoff to John Koschoff, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Sankey A. Brumley Sr. to Sankey A. Brumley Jr., Brian C. Brumley, Melody D. Bajin, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

John A. Semian, Janae L. Semian, to Andrea Cheddar, property in Ralpho Township, $233,000.

Barbara Baldasarre, Lucille Shierant, James J. Palovick, John J. Palovick II, to Trinna L. Delia, property in Mount Carmel, $45,850.

P. Richard Farnsworth, Joyce L. Farnsworth to Jeffry M. Long, Madeline M. Nebrotski, property in Ralpho Township, $47,000.

Jonas L. Genth, Janelle Morris, to Jeffrey T. Furlong, Amanda E. Furlong, property in Upper Augusta Township, $55,000.

Bruce E. Poticher (executor), Dolores M. Poticher (estate), to Bruce E. Poticher, property in Coal Township, $1.

Federal National Mortgage Association (by agent), Servicelink (agent), to Harbour Portfolio VIII LP, property in Coal Township, $14,920.

Cynthia Vansickle to Justin J. Klokis, property in Mount Carmel, $85,330.

Mark D. Booz (estate), Paulette M. Nice (administratrix), to Peter B. Cortelyou, Catherine S. Cortelyou, property in Jordan Township, $185,000.

Lucille A. Bidelspach to Douglas E. Bidelspach, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Erhlich is offering praise to a recent retiree who spent 45 years with the pest-control company.

Henry Linton, of Coal Township, started work for Ehrlich on Feb. 20, 1968, as a technician.

Linton said he tried to learn as much as he could from the start.

"I thoroughly enjoyed working with people directly," he said in a company press release.

He was a technician for eight years before being promoted to service specialist. He was then promoted to sales and thrived there for three years before being promoted again, to operations manager/assistant district manager, until 2002. In January of that year, he became district manager of the Shamokin office, which is responsible for 2,500 square miles of east-central Pennsylvania.

Linton was awarded Ehrlich's technical award in 1997. He was especially proud of his co-workers at the Coal Township office for having won "Office of the Year" in 2002.

"We were No. 1 one out of 36 offices," he said.

Linton was also the steward for the Weis Markets accounts.

"Henry would do quality assurance for 140-plus stores as well as manage the behind-the-scenes problems," said Lynn Hill, a regional director for Ehrlich. "If you asked me who's the best salesman or problem-solver, my first answer would, unequivocally, be Henry."

"Henry is special," added Jim Geyer, vice president of eastern operations for Ehlich. "He is unique and, yes, he is an Ehrlich legend."

Linton will certainly stay busy in retirement. He's chairman of the board of the local Salvation Army for the past five years, is a member of the American Legion and is an avid collector. Linton is also spending more time with his wife, Sandra. They will have been married for 46 years in October.

The Lintons have a daughter, Tammy, a school teacher at Shamokin Area School District. Tammy and her husband, Timothy, have a daughter and a son, Alaina, 7, and Tim's son, Timothy, 14.

The Lintons also have a son, Jason. He and his wife, Melissa, have a son, Jalen, 4.

DANVILLE - Geisinger Health System provided $336.6 million in community support in fiscal year 2012 in the form of free, uncompensated care to patients who could not afford to pay, the provision of care for the elderly and the poor not paid by Medicare or Medicaid, allied health, medical residency and fellowship educational programs, healthcare research and community health, and education and outreach programs.

The $336.6 million represents 14.9 percent of Geisinger's total operating expenses and is nearly three times what is required to meet Pennsylvania's standards as a charitable mission. Over the past ten years, Geisinger has provided community benefit totaling more than $2 billion.

"Our mission at Geisinger is to enhance quality of life through an integrated health service organization based on a balanced program of patient care, education, research and community service," said Geisinger president and chief executive officer Dr. Glenn Steele, Jr. "We take this responsibility seriously and are pleased that we are able to benefit the community in such a significant manner."

Geisinger employs more than 19,000 people and serves as a major driver of the economy. The Hospital and HealthSystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) recently reported that Geisinger Health System has an annual positive impact of $6.1 billion on the local, regional and state economy. In addition to approximately $1.2 billion in annual salaries and benefits, Geisinger has also invested more than $1 billion in capital expenditures over the past decade.

"We are proud of our not-for-profit mission and work every day to ensure we meet the healthcare needs of the region for years to come," said Lynn Miller, executive vice president and chief administrative officer of the Geisinger clinical enterprise. "Everything we do is centered on providing quality and value for our patients."

A 2001 Shamokin Area graduate has been named one of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) five Young Professional of the Year award winners.

Ronald Manney, a senior staff engineer with Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, Arlington, Va., was recognized by ACEC in its annual list that was recently released. Other ACEC winners were from Wisconsin, Massachusetts and two from California.

ACEC describes itself as "The voice of America's engineering industry," representing more than 5,000 firms and more than 500,000 employees throughout the country. The council's mission is to "contribute to America's prosperity and welfare by advancing the business interests of member firms."

Manney has worked as a geotechnical engineer for some of the most high-profile projects in the world. These projects have led him to work in more than 10 countries before the age of 30. While on-site in Saudi Arabia, he coordinated geotechnical investigations and provided recommendations for the proposed tallest building in the world, Kingdom Tower, ACEC reports.

Manney has also identified innovative foundation design solutions for U.S. embassies in Morocco, Brazil, Libya, Australia, Iraq, Mexico, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Zimbabwe. Experienced with karst terrain, he oversaw the geotechnical investigation for the development of a 12.5 million-square-meter city in the United Arab Emirates. Manney, who has been with Langan Engineering since 2005, holds a bachelor's degree in civil and environmental engineering from Lafayette College and a master's degree in civil engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

He is a son of Ronald T. Manney, of Coal Township, and Diane Brosius, of Shamokin.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Our Lady of Hope Rainbow Club's monthly meeting was held in the church hall. President Ruth Romanoski led the group in prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance and the Over 50 song.

Birthdays were acknowledged and those who made food donations for the covered dish meal were thanked. Get well wishes were extended to Dolly Yocum, Edna Keister and Rose Tumolo.

Fifty-six members attended a show at Hunterdon Playhouse. The next trip will be to Dutch Apple on Wednesday, Sept. 4. A few seats are remaining. If interested, call for reservations.

Fifty-Fifty winners were Lib Reiprish, Chet Purcell and Marie Cwalina. The attendance award winner was Gloria Shawda.

Ann Koshinskie, Romanoski and Catherine Reed chaired the bingo.

The meeting closed with prayers.

The next meeting will be held at 3 p.m., Aug. 11.

SELINSGROVE - Three area students were recently inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta, the honor society for first-year students, at Susquehanna University.

Gwendolyn Bodner, of Elysburg, is a rising sophomore majoring in English and secondary education. A 2012 graduate of Southern Columbia Area High School, she is a daughter of Benjamin and Victoria Bodner.

Danielle Boyd, of Coal Township, is a rising sophomore majoring in creative writing and Spanish. A 2012 graduate of Shamokin Area High School, she is a daughter of James and Sandy Boyd.

Abriel Newton, of Elysburg, is a rising sophomore majoring in creative writing and French. A 2012 graduate of Southern Columbia Area High School, she is a daughter of Mike and Lisa Newton.

The purpose of this national honor society is to encourage superior scholastic attainment among students in their first year in institutions of higher education, to promote intelligent living and a continued high standard of learning and to assist students in recognizing and developing meaningful goals for their unique roles in society.