COAL TOWNSHIP - For the third year in a row, Shamokin Area High School has been awarded a bronze medal in U.S. News & World Report's Best High Schools rankings. The award means the magazine considers Shamokin Area High School in the top quarter academically of schools nationwide.

The annual rankings are based on the performance of least-advantaged students against other comparable students, state test scores and the percentage of student that pass Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exams.

Shamokin Area High School has held its place on the list since 2012 after many years of not making the cut.

"The biggest thing is changes in curricula and the teachers following through," said Shamokin Area High School Principal Chris Venna.

As reported Wednesday, Southern Columbia Area High School was also awarded a bronze medal on this year's list.

Investment of dollars, time

Altering the curriculum to provide a better education at Shamokin Area was not as easy as ordering a new textbook or making new lesson plans; teachers needed to be retrained to use different methods to help students understand more complicated ideas at earlier ages.

"The school board invested millions of dollars into the curricula and the teachers have invested thousands of hours into training," said Ruby Michetti, curriculum coordinator for Shamokin Area School District.

The changes affected the English, math and reading curriculum for students of every age.

Improving these three areas indirectly influenced students' abilities in other subjects, such as science and social studies.

"Math and reading are such core areas that you find them throughout other areas," said Michetti.

As part of the changes, students in elementary school learning what was previously taught to older students.

"Fifth-grade math is now taught in third grade," said Michetti.

Michetti said the younger students easily adapted to the changes and the effects are now apparent through higher exam scores.

Catching up with tutors

Because close to half of the student body is considered economically disadvantaged, a group that often lacks the extracurricular educational opportunities of their peers, the school introduced methods of targeting students who need extra help.

"A big factor for our students is that when they enter our district they are several million words behind, per student," said Michetti.

A tutoring program providing students with the one-on-one attention has helped raise math scores. Within classes, breaking students into groups based on ability has also allowed teachers to target struggling students.

"Differentiated instruction meets the needs of individual students instead of teaching one box, cookie cutter," said Michetti.

Materials taught in class have been reworked to correlate more strongly to the skills students will need following graduation. Michetti said one example of this is the introduction of more nonfiction into the reading curriculum.

"It extends to the real world because everything you read is nonfiction," said Michetti.

Venna said the ambitions of the students in seeking out Advanced Placement and Luzerne County Community College classes also factored in to the school's bronze award.

"Many of our kids are graduating with 24 college credits under their belt," said Venna.

Venna and Michetti agreed that the award was the result of a team effort of the students, administration, teachers and school board.

"Our teachers make it happen and the school board supports that," said Michetti. "That's where the credit needs to go."

SUNBURY - The county district attorney is requesting Judge Charles Saylor dismiss a previous motion filed by Miranda Barbour's attorney to quash aggravating circumstances in the murder case.

In his brief filed Tuesday in the prothonotary's office, District Attorney Tony Rosini said evidence exists that supports the aggravating circumstance of the commission of homicide during the course of a robbery and that the case is properly designated as "capital one."

In addition to asking for county chief public defender Edward Greco's motion to be dismissed, Rosini requests that court to find that a prima facie case has been established on all charges filed by Sunbury police against Barbour, 19. Rosini also claims Greco's spousal privilege argument doesn't apply to the statements in the case because no confidential communications between Barbour and her husband and co-defendant, Elytte Barbour, 22, were admitted into evidence.

The Barbours, who moved from North Carolina to Selinsgrove shortly before the murder, are charged in the Nov. 11 slaying of Troy LaFerrara, 42, of Port Trevorton, whose body containing 20 stab wounds was found the next day in the back yard of a home in the 200 block of Catawissa Avenue.

In his brief, Rosini said the commonwealth has submitted the transcript from Miranda Barbour's preliminary hearing, which includes the defendant's admission to committing homicide and taking the victim's wallet. The transcript states the cause of death was multiple sharp force injuries with strangulation likely involved, and includes testimony regarding the investigation and how Miranda Barbour was identified as a suspect.

The transcript also includes Elytte Barbour's statement regarding his involvement with his wife and a video of the two defendants together shortly after the homicide purchasing cleaning supplies to clean their vehicle.

The testimony was supplemented at an April 1 hearing with Miranda Barbour's statement at Northumberland County Prison where she admits to planning the murder and committing it, with her husband's assistance, and also taking of the victim's wallet, Rosini said.

Greco previously filed a motion to quash aggravating circumstances in the case in which he claims an autopsy report doesn't contain information to support the commonwealth's assertion that the homicide was committed by means of torture, which is one of the aggravating circumstances necessary to seek the death penalty.

Rosini previously said the homicide was committed by means of torture and in the commission of a robbery, which is another felony offense. Torture and robbery are both aggravating circumstances.

Saylor has not ruled yet on Greco's motion to quash aggravating circumstances in the defense attorney's attempt to prevent the commonwealth from seeking the death penalty.

LEWISBURG - The Central Susquehanna LPN Career Center has announced the names of honor roll students in its practical nursing program for the semester ending April 17.

Distinguished honors are awarded to those who have achieved a final grade of 95 percent or above in each subject at the end of the semester. Honors are given to those who have achieved a final grade of 90 percent or above in each subject at the end of the semester.

Among the honorees are:

Distinguished honors

Laura McGary, of Catawissa, and Caitlyn Williard, of Coal Township.

Honors

Casey Renninger, of Herndon, and Melissa Sulick, of Shamokin.

WILBURTON - Police said a driver who ran off the road and collided with two trees Thursday fell asleep at the wheel.

Matt Milbrand, 21, of the Shamokin area, was driving west near 431 Wilburton Road in Mount Carmel Township around 5 p.m. when the white Chevrolet Corsica LT he was driving veered from the road, striking one tree and slamming head-on into another.

A passenger, identified to police by Milbrand as Skip Metzger, was extracted from the vehicle by firefighters approximately five minutes after the accident occurred. Milbrand and Metzger were taken by ambulance to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital where they were treated and released, according to a nursing supervisor.

The crash left debris, including several beer cans that had been in the car, strewn across the road.

Police did not believe alcohol was involved, but said the crash is still under investigation.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Break out the cowboy hats and boots.

Nos'Trovia, Maple and Willow streets, will hold a line dancing event from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday to raise money for the Wounded Warriors Project. It will be hosted by Denny Starr.

Dancing instruction is available from 6 to 9 p.m., and an open dance will close out the night from 9 to 10 p.m.

Mary Lenig, owner, said line dancing in the former Polish Cadets building has been growing in popularity, and it was Starr and some of the dancers he teaches who gave her the idea for the benefit.

Admission to Saturday's event will be a donation of the participant's choosing, with all proceeds donated to the Wounded Warriors Project, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and enlisting the public's aid for the needs of injured service members. There will be food and drinks available for purchase.

"No matter what anyone's dancing level is, or even if they want to just sit and spectate, come on out to have a great time," Lenig said.

While country music is usually preferred for line dancing, many forms of music will be heard Saturday. Lenig said the basic steps will be taught at the start, followed by more advanced moves, including circle dances for couples.

"No one has to worry if they are just learning. The experienced dancers really help out the newbies," she said.

She said dancers ranging in age from 15 to 80 and from as far away as Williamsport have come to Nos'Trovia to participate and praise the old wooden floors and open space.

"We had some people rent out the hall for ballroom dancing, and they were so happy because they didn't have to put cornmeal down on the old floor to make their feet slide better," Lenig said.

SHAMOKIN - The following memorials were presented to the Pregnancy Care Center in memory of Audrey Olvany:

Edward and Judy Linkus, William and Chrystal Hall, Stanley Jr. and Vera Zbiski, Calvin and Pearl Swank, Donald Jr. and Marian Myers, Joseph and Sandra Carabini, Richard and Janice Fisher, Ralph Victoriano, Fire Dex, Mary Edith Heitzman, Becky Broscious, David and Laurie Knoebel, Jeffrey and Kathleen Kurtz, The Farmer's Fire Insurance Co.,

Shamokin Post Office employees, Ronald and Sara Lentz, Debbie Carabini, Eilene Baranoski, Willie Marsh and Susan Portzline.

SHAMOKIN - The Cecilian Club will present its final concert of the season at 7 p.m. Monday at Mount Zion Welsh Congregational Church on Grant Street. The concert will feature highlights of this season's monthly concerts.

The concert will start with a vocal ensemble composed of Carol Ellis, Margaret Schlader, Grace Stank, Mary Hollingshead, Kathi Christ, Carolyn Weaver, Tom Christ and Rob Ensinger, accompanied by Mary Anne Miller, singing "Everything's Coming Up Roses" from "Gypsy" by Sondheim. This will be followed by Bonny Klinger's piano solo of Mozart's "Fantasia Number 1."

Margaret Morris, accompanied by Nan Weller, will sing "As If We Never Said Goodbye" from "Sunset Boulevard" by Webber. Ensinger and Valerie Rheude will play a French horn and tuba duet, "Duet for Horn and Tuba" by Ensinger. Susan Shoop, accompanied by Miller, will sing "In My Own Little Corner" from "Cinderella" by Rodgers.

Nedra Templar, accompanied by Klinger, will sing "In the Mood" by Garland. Grethel Vinup will follow with a piano solo, "Butterfly" by Grieg. Ellis, accompanied by Klinger, will sing "These Precious Things" by Mayerl. Weller, accompanied by Klinger on piano, will play a flute solo, "Lullaby of Birdland" arranged by Stromgren.

Chris Wetzel, accompanied by Morris, will sing "Sabbath Prayer" from "Fiddler on the Roof" by Bock. Miller, accompanied by Vinup on piano, will play a clarinet solo, "Country Garden" by Grainger. A vocal quartet will follow as Morris, Hollingshead, Bonnie Alleman and Merle Kashner, accompanied by Shoop, sing "Mr. Sandman" by Ballard, arranged by Lojeski. The concert will conclude with a piano/organ duet as Noriene Ladd on organ and Irvin Liachowitz on piano play excerpts from "Concerto in D Minor" by Tschaikowsky.

The public is invited to join the club for this concert which is free of charge. A time of fellowship and refreshments will follow.

SCRANTON - Legislative proposals to reform Pennsylvania's severely underfunded pension system would not provide a long-term fix, but only "punt" costs to future generations, according to a pension expert.

Richard Dreyfuss, an actuary and senior fellow with the conservative Commonwealth Foundation, a Harrisburg think tank that has called for pension reform, met Wednesday with the editorial board of the Times-Tribune, a sister paper of The News-Item in the Times-Shamrock Communications family.

His five-step plan for pension reform includes:

- Instead of existing "defined benefit plans" that provide guaranteed payments to retirees regardless of the plans' investment performances, establish "defined contribution plans" similar to 401(k) plans in the private sector. Defined benefit plans are "chronically overpromised and underfunded" and assume overly optimistic 7.5 percent annual returns on investments, he said. One legislative proposal calls for "hybrid" defined benefit plans, but Dreyfuss contends that would not resolve the underlying "toxic" political issues of current defined benefit plans and would only "punt it (the problem) down the road."

- Continue prohibiting pension obligation bonds outlawed in 2010. Another legislative proposal calls for borrowing $9 billion in pension obligation bonds to refinance a portion of the nearly $50 billion long-term debt for the State Employees Retirement System and Public School Employees Retirement System. Dreyfuss strongly opposes such pension loans, which he says transfer debt from one source to another and gives further incentives to underfund pensions.

"We have not put in the proper (pension contribution) amounts and there's really no appetite to do so" in Harrisburg, he said.

- Adopt funding reforms consistent with Government Accounting Standards Board requirements requiring unfunded liabilities to appear on employers' balance sheets.

- Modify "unearned" pension benefits by redefining early and normal retirement benefits, increasing member contributions, eliminating annual cost of living adjustments and deferred benefits, and revising other post-employment benefits such as retiree health care.

- Consider other reforms only after the prior four steps are achieved, preferably without increasing taxes or through new borrowing.

Dreyfuss also is an associate of the Pennsylvania Economy League, which is an Act 47 distressed municipalities coordinator for the state. He also spoke Wednesday at Genetti Hotel in Wilkes-Barre at a PEL Northeast Issues Forum titled "Pennsylvania's Public Pension Crisis: Causes, Costs, Challenges and Solutions," and co-sponsored by the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry.

"It's very easy to look at this, as some do, as 'the taxpayer against the union,' but my point is that the pension system is an institutional problem," Dreyfuss said. "There's a lot of people who invest money, a lot of people who do consulting for this, and there's a lot of elected officials and judiciary who are in these same pension systems. The union is part of the thing; we fully acknowledge that. But that's not the full dimension of what we're talking about here."

All Saints

All Saints Evangelical Lutheran Church, 12th and Scott streets, Kulpmont.

Pastor - The Rev. Alfred J. Bashore.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Participants - Richard Kovach, lector; Marsha Karnes or Richard Kovach, communion assistant; Marsha Karnes, altar guild.

Augusta Baptist

Augusta Baptist Church, 1371 Boyles Run Road, Sunbury.

Pastor - Robert S. Commerford.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:15 a.m.

Evening service - 6:30 p.m.

Activities - Sunday, youth group, 6 p.m., kids club, 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Bible study and prayer meeting, 6:30 p.m.; fourth Thursday of the month, L.I.F.E. for seniors age 55 and up, noon.

Augustaville Wesleyan

Augustaville Wesleyan Church, 2556 State Route 890, Paxinos.

Pastor - Greg Clendaniel.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, adult Bible study, children's ministry and youth Bible bowl, 7 p.m.

Bethany Bible

Bethany Bible Fellowship Church, 654 Wilburton Road.

Pastor - Philip Norris.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:45 a.m.

Message - "God's Shepherds."

Evening worship - 6 p.m.

Message - "Not So, Lord."

Activities - Tuesday, Senior Saints fellowship at Pine Burr, 10 a.m.; Wednesday, children and youth programs and adult prayer and Bible study, 7 p.m.; Saturday, men's prayer breakfast, 9 a.m., and Mother's Day tea, 5 p.m.

Bethany EC

Bethany EC Church, 1238 Market St., Ashland.

Pastor - Mark Brownson.

Sunday school - 9:15 a.m. (adults and children).

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Activities - Wednesday, Bethany Bible club, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., kindergarten through sixth grade, prayer meeting, weekly, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; free clothing closet, every first and third Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bethel Union

Bethel Union Chapel, West Cameron Township.

Pastor - Dave Butler.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m. (all ages)

Morning worship - 10:30 a.m.

Special music - Audry Ditty.

Participants - Janice Rubuck and Faith Leiser, nursery (10:30); Opal Lenig and Audrey Ditty, junior church (10:30 a.m.).

Evening worship - 6 p.m.

Activities - Monday, ladies fellowship, 6 p.m.; Tuesday, prayer worship, 6 p.m.; Wednesday, Bible study, 6 p.m.; King's Kids, 6:30 p.m.

Calvary Bible

Calvary Bible Fellowship Church, 35 S. Second St., Shamokin.

Pastor - Ferdie Madara.

Sunday school for all ages - 9:30 a.m.

Morning worship service - 10:35 a.m., with praise team and message by Pastor Madara.

AWANA clubs, youth group. - 5:45 p.m,

Evening prayer service - 6 p.m.

Guest speaker - Maria Gusmaio, missionary to Brazil.

Church of Our Lady

Church of Our Lady, 47 S. Market St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. Francis J. Karwacki.

Deacon - The Rev. Mr. Martin McCarthy.

Weekday Masses - 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday.

Weekend Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 8:30 and 11 a.m.

Holy days of obligation - 6:30 p.m. on the eve, 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. on the holy day.

Confessions - Daily 7:30 to 7:55 a.m. including Saturday or any time by appointment; Saturday, 3 to 3:50 p.m.

Church of Nazarene

Church of the Nazarene, Route 901, Lavelle.

Pastor - Jeremy Smallwood.

Sunday school classes for all ages - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:45 a.m.

Clark's Grove UMC

Clark's Grove United Methodist Church, Irish Valley Road, Paxinos. Handicapped accessible.

Pastor - Billy Frick.

Sunday school for all ages - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:10 a.m.

Youth service - 6:30 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, prayer and Bible study, 6:30 p.m.

Divine Redeemer

Divine Redeemer Church, West Avenue and Poplar Street, Mount Carmel.

Administrator - The Rev. Martin O. Moran III.

Weekday Masses - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 7 a.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.

Weekend Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m. (Sunday obligation); Sunday, 8 and 10:30 a.m.

Holy day Masses - 6 p.m., eve of holy days. 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., holy day.

Confessions - Saturday, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.; after morning novena Wednesday, or any time by appointment.

Novenas - Monday, Miraculous Medal novena after morning Mass; Wednesday, St. Jude Thaddeus novena after morning Mass; Saturday, St. Francis novena after morning Mass.

Elysburg Alliance

Elysburg Alliance Church, 113 W. Alpha Ave., Elysburg.

Pastor - The Rev. Andrew Knisely.

Service - 8 and 10:30 a.m.

Activities - Sunday, Kid's Konnection for ages 4 to 11, 6 to 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Collide youth group for grades 6 to 12, 6:45 to 8:15 p.m., prayer ministry, 7 to 8 p.m.

Elysburg Presbyterian

Elysburg Presbyterian Church, 320 W. Valley Ave. (Route 487), Elysburg.

Pastor - Matthew Young.

Sunday school for all ages - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m. Nursery provided.

Music Sunday - A musical proclamation of the Word by the EPC choir.

Musicians - Debbie Cecco, organist; Eileen Reigel, pianist.

Activities - Sunday, no youth group today, Lifetree Cafe, "To Heaven and Back," 7 p.m.; Tuesday, deacons meeting, 5 p.m.; Wednesday, choir practice, 6:30 p.m., bell choir practice, 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, women's prayer group, 5:30 p.m., staff meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Friday, Breakfast with Jesus Bible study, 8:30 a.m., Fifth Quarter, 9 to 11:30 p.m.; May 17, Ralpho Township community yard sale, starting at 9 a.m.

The parenting class will start a new series Sunday, "The Five Love Languages for Teenagers."

Elysburg UMC

Elysburg United Methodist Church, 171 W. Center St., Elysburg.

Pastor - The Rev. Michelle Beissel.

Morning worship - 8:30 a.m. Children's Sunday school during worship.

Adult Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Participants - David Manney, head usher; Woodrings, greeters; Jen Myers, scripture reader; Marissa Levan, acolyte; Olivia Bodner, organist; Lucy Bidelspach, shepherding.

Activities - Monday, Lydia's Club, 6 to 8 p.m.; Wednesday, prayer circle, 10:30 a.m.

Emmanuel UMC

Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 328 Center St., Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Betty Ford.

Coffee fellowship - 8 to 9 a.m.

Worship - 9:30 a.m., with children's Sunday school.

Activities - Tuesday and Thursday, exercise class, 6:30 p.m.; third Wednesday of month, cookie ministry, 5 p.m.; second Saturday of the month, health screening, 8 to 10 a.m.; fourth Sunday of the month, movie night, 5 p.m.

Faith Bible

Faith Bible Church, Burnside.

Pastor - Perry Ross.

Pianist - Robert Witmer III.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Evening service - 7 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, Kids Club, Bible study and prayer, 7 p.m.

Faith Community

Pastor - Dale Hill, 570-751-5101.

Sunday worship - 10:30 a.m.

First Baptist, Shamokin

First Baptist Church, 10 E. Lincoln St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Samuel Derr.

Church school - 9:45 a.m.

Morning worship - 10:45 a.m.

Choir organist - Judith Pensyl.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Organist - Judith Pensyll.

Activities - Wednesday, choir rehearsal, 1 p.m., prayer, praise and testimony and Bible study, 7 p.m.

­First Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church, Sunbury and Liberty streets, Shamokin.

Minister - The Rev. Jim Phillips.

Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Participants - Carole Oxenrider and David Boyer, ushers/greeters; Noriene Ladd, organist; Mary Anne Stump, assistant organist; Andrew Ladd, acolyte; Charlene Lesher, Terry Persing and Wendy Wary, Sunday school/nursery; William Milbrand, choir director; William Persing Sr., sexton; Wendy Wary, secretary,

Activities - Tuesday, deacons meeting, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, PEP Club meeting, 7 p.m.; Thursday, Bible study, 6:30 p.m.; July 14 to 18, "Weird Animals" vacation Bible school, 6 to 8 p.m.

First UMC, Mt. Carmel

First United Methodist Church, 46 N. Hickory St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. Susan J. Roehs.

Worship service - 9:30 a.m. Fourth Sunday of Easter.

Sunday School - 9:45 a.m.

Sermon - "He Knows Us By Name."

Participants - Sharon Styer, organist; Rick Schnee, head usher; Betty Darrup and Audrey Betty, greeters; Kevin Styer, sound technician; Sherry Brosius, liturgist; Jonas Bettleyon, acolyte; Cathy Welker, counter; Barb Malick, children's time.

First UMC, Shamokin

First United Methodist Church, Sunbury Street, Shamokin.

Pastor - Zachary Hopple.

Adult and children's Sunday school - 9:15 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Participants - Peggy Morris, liturgist; Wyatt, Abigail and Heather Brady, greeters.

Activities - Monday, Bible study in the parlor, 6 p.m.

God's Missionary

God's Missionary Church in the Valley, 768 Bear Valley Ave., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Howard R. McKenzie.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Sunday worship and children's church - 10:45 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Thursday, prayer meeting, 7:30 p.m.

Good News Bible

Good News Bible church, 221 Main St., Locustdale.

Sunday worship - 3 p.m.

Lay speaker Bob Keener will speak on "The New Earth, Christ's Victory Over the Fall," based on Isaiah 65:17.

Participants - Shirley Brass, prayer chain coordinator; Wes Brassington, deacon; Bob Keener, church ministry coordinator, and Jill Keener, music coordinator.

Wednesday, prayer gathering and Bible study, 6:30 p.m.

Good Shepherd

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 35 N. Ninth St., Ashland.

Pastor - The Rev. Dana Heckman-Beil.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Grace Chapel

Grace Chapel, 126 Airport Road, Shamokin.

Pastor - Alan Langelli.

Sunday Bible fellowship groups for all ages - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday morning worship - 10:30 a.m.

Sunday evening worship/youth group/discovery station - 6:30 p.m.

Nursery care is provided for all Sunday services.

Activities - Every Monday and Thursday, ladies Bible study; Sunday, Mother's Day banquet; Thursday, men's prayer breakfast; May 17, young couples' family fellowship at Knoebels; May 18, CLD leaders meeting; May 31, shepherd's meeting.

Grace Evangelical

Grace Evangelical Independent Church, Locustdale.

Pastor - The Rev. Rose Marquardt.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 11 a.m.

Grace Lutheran, Shamokin

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 10 S. Seventh St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. David M. Byerly.

Worship service - 10:15 a.m. Service of word and sacrament.

Adult Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Participants - David Kopitsky Sr., worship assistant; Tyler Keiser, acolyte/crucifer; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Linn, communion bearers; Joan Lineweaver, altar care; Mr. and Mrs. James Shingara, greeters; Sandy Wayne, nursery; Ron Polastre, driver, and Adam Swift Jr., Lamar Grow, Terry Keefer, Nick Keiser, Ron Kerstetter and Bruce Romanic, ushers; Walter Boyer, organist, and Charlene Pell, choir director and cantor.

Tuesday, Mary Martha Circle, 7 p.m.

Grace Lutheran, Mount Carmel

Grace Lutheran Church, 146 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Alfred Bashore.

The Fourth Sunday of Easter.

Service with communion - 10:45 a.m. at St, Matthew's Slovak Lutheran Church.

Guest speaker - The Rev. Robert Logan.

Grace UCC

Grace United Church of Christ, Third and Market streets, Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Rev. Joan A. Brown.

Morning worship - 9 a.m.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Participants - Bryan Lapinski, organist; Aurora Froutz, acolyte; Rich Mauray and Ray Rothermel, ushers.

Activities - May 21, Dorcas class, 6 p.m.

Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley Community Church, 162 Hidden Valley Lane, Mifflinburg. A non-denominational Bible church.

Pastor - Gary L. Owens.

Pastor Gary can be reached by calling the office at 570-966-1330, or by cell at 570-486-3967.

Himmel's Church

Himmel's Church, 107 Covered Bridge Road, Dornsife.

Pastor - Jane H. Compton.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:15 a.m.

Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of the month.

Holy Angels

Holy Angels Church, 855 Scott St., Kulpmont.

Pastor - The Rev. Andrew Stahmer.

Confessions - Saturday, 4 to 5 p.m.

Weekday Masses - Monday and Thursday, 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m.

Weekend Masses of obligation - Saturday, 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Activities - Sunday, PREP classes for sixth to eighth grades, 9 a.m.; Monday, PREP classes for first through fifth grades, 5:30 p.m.; Tuesday, bingo in activity center. Doors open 4:30 p.m. Games begin at 6 p.m.; Thursday, parish council meeting, 7:15 p.m.

Holy Trinity

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 150 E. Lincoln Street, Shamokin.

Clergy - The Rev. Frederic G. Stevenson, rector, and Deacon Richard Hazzard.

Sunday worship - 10 a.m. with holy eucharist. Children's Sunday school during worship. Coffee hour following worship.

Participants - Susan Zaner, greeter; Deacon Hazzard, intercessor; Linda Riley, lector; Ron and Mary Slovick, oblations; Frank Zaretski and Chester Wolfe, ushers; Joshua Bashore, Hannah Bashore and Kyrstin Kinnaman, altar servers; Grethel Vinup, organist.

Activities - Wednesday, holy eucharist and healing, 10 a.m.

Hope Community

Hope Community Church, non-denominational Bible church, 551 W. Fourth St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - Dan Renno.

Christian education for all ages - 9 a.m.

Fellowship time - 9:45 a.m.

Praise and worship service - 10:15 a.m.

Johnston City UMC

Johnston City United Methodist Church, 200 Main St., Ranshaw.

Pastor - Dan Siddle.

Worship service - 10 a.m.

Worship leaders - Barbara Cummings and Janette Nute, greeters; Rena Keegan and Jane Klembara, acolytes; June Ramer, Rena Keegan and Janette Nute, ushers; June Ramer, Jane Klembara, Rena Keegan and Myra Golden, liturgists; Jane Klembara, musician; Pastor Siddle, speaker.

Miller's Crossroads

Miller's Crossroads UMC, 1929 Plum Creek Road, Stonington, Sunbury RR 4.

Pastor - Michelle Beissel.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship service - 10:15 a.m.

Participants - Betsy Bradigan, organist.

Ministry of the Water and Spirit

Ministry of the Water and Spirit Church

Pastor - James Bowers.

Sunday service - 10 a.m., pastor's home, 829, W. Pine St., Coal Township.

God's Chuck Wagon is an outreach of the Ministry of the Water and Spirit.

Mother Cabrini

Mother Cabrini Church, North Shamokin Street, Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Martin Kobos, O.F.M., Conv.

Parochial vicar - Adam Ziolkowski, O.F.M., Conv.

Sunday Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 7, 9 and 11 a,m.

Confessions - Daily, 7:30 to 7:50 a.m.; Saturday, 3 to 3:45 p.m.

Activities - Sunday, May crowning at the 9 a.m. Mass; Monday, bingo in the church hall, 6:15 p.m.; Tuesday, choir practice, 6 p.m.

Monday through Friday, telephone orders for cottage cheese pierogi at the parish office.

Mountainside

Mountainside Assembly of God, 1900 Trevorton Road, Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Richard H. Earl.

Coffee and breakfast snacks for all - 9 a.m.

LIFEQuest Sunday school classes for all ages - 9:30 a.m., with nursery available.

Morning worship - 10:30 a.m. Nursery and children's church

Youth night - bi-weekly at 5 p.m. (lower level).

Activities - Wednesday, adult prayer and Bible study, Royal Rangers, ages 5 to 18, and girls ministry, 6:30 p.m. Coffee served.

Monthly activities - First Sunday, communion and children's sermon, during 10:30 a,m. service; prayer burst on the first Sunday night of the month, 6 p.m.; second Tuesday, Women of Purpose meeting, 7 p.m.

Mount Zion

Mount Zion Welsh Congregational United Church of Christ, Grant and Church streets, Shamokin.

Pastor - Gerald Lloyd Jr.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Scripture - Psalm 23; John 10:1-4.

Sermon - "Jesus is the Good Shepherd."

Participants - Philip Maue, organist.

Sacrament of holy communion is celebrated the first Sunday of every month.

New Life Church

New Life Church of God, 129 W. Second St., Mount Carmel.

Interim pastor - The Rev. John D. Ashbaugh.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Junior church and nursery available. Handicapped accessible, wheelchair available, church side/back entrance.

Activities - Prayer room open mornings; prayer, fellowship and coffee, Saturday, 9 a.m.; Sunday, evening praise and worship service, May 25, 7 p.m.

Oak Grove UMC

Oak Grove United Methodist Church, Marley Road, Overlook.

Pastor - The Rev. Zachary Hopple.

Worship - 9 a.m.

Sunday school for all ages - 10:35 a.m.

Activities - Monday, Bible study, 6 p.m., at First United Methodist Church; Thursday, free karate classes at church, children ages 5 to 12, 6;30 to 7:15 p.m.; 13 and up, 7:30 p.m.; Open Arms outreach, 6 to 8 p.m., first and third Fridays of the month.

Our Lady of Hope

Our Lady of Hope Parish, Chestnut and First streets, Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Steven G. Frenier, OFM Conv.

Daily Masses - Monday through Friday, 7 a.m., Holy Spirit Chapel.

Weekend Masses - Saturday, 4 p.m.; Sunday, 7 and 11 a.m.

Holy day of obligation Mass - 5:30 p.m. Vigil Mass and 7 a.m. morning of the Holy Day.

Sacrament of reconciliation - Saturday, 3 to 3:45 p.m.

Peifer's Evangelical

Peifer's Evangelical Congregational Church, Mandata Road, Herndon.

Pastor - Bradley D. Hatter.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Church, 599 W. Center St., Elysburg.

Pastor - The Rev. Alfred P. Sceski.

Masses - Weekdays, 8 a.m.; Saturday, 5 p.m.; Sunday, 8 and 10:30 a.m.

Confessions - Saturday, 4 to 4:30 p.m.

Restoration Ministries

Restoration Ministries Church, 525 W. Chestnut St., Shamokin.

Pastor - Paul K. Eby.

Pre-service prayer - 9 a.m.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m. for all ages, JoAnne Long, superintendent.

Sunday worship service - 10:30 a.m. Pastor Paul will speak. The worship team will lead praise and worship. Special prayer will be available. Nursery care will also be available.

Children's church - 11:15 a.m. for ages 4 through 11, directed by Shirley Cintron.

Student Life Ministry youth service - 6:30 p.m. for all teens ages 12 to 18.

Activities - Monday, soup kitchen, 5 to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, cross training youth disciple class, dinner at 3 p.m., class taught by Fran Jones from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, Soul Seekers group for ages 18 and older, 7 p.m.

St. John Lutheran

St. John Lutheran, 29 High Road Danville.

Pastor - Kris Brown.

Fourth Sunday of Easter.

Sunday school - 9:15 a.m.

Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Participants - Pat Burlone, lector; Connie Shulski, organist; Pastor Kris Brown, worship leader.

St. John's UCC

St. John's United Church of Christ, 117 N. Eighth St., Shamokin

Pastor - The Rev. Robert B. Peiffer.

Guest speaker - Michael Gibbs.

Message - "Broken Dreams."

Contemporary service - 9 a.m. in fellowship hall.

Special music - Praise team.

Coffee and fellowship time - 10 a.m.

Sunday school - 10:10 a.m.

Traditional service - 11 a.m. in sanctuary.

Children's message - Sherry Romanoskie.

Special music - Youth choir.

Participants - Margaret Morris, organist; Maxine Harvey, pianist; Lisa Newton, lay reader; Chloe Frost, acolyte.

Activities - Monday, Cub Scouts/Bear den, 6 p.m.; Tuesday, Cub Scouts: Webelos, 5:15 p.m., Wolf den, 6:30 p.m., Boy Scout troop, 6:15 p.m., family night dinner, 6 p.m.; Wednesday, Cub Scout/Tiger den, 5:15 p.m., Bible study, 6 p.m., holy communion, 7 p.m.; Thursday, youth choir rehearsal, 5:30 p.m., praise team practice, 6 p.m., adult choir rehearsal, 7 p.m.; Saturday, WISL1480.com airs "Porch Talk," a St. John's produced discussion program, 10 a.m.

St. John's UMC

St. John's United Methodist Church, 1211 W. Arch St., Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Karyn Fisher.

Lay leader - Paul Stehman.

Worship - 9 a.m. Children's church at 9:20 a.m. following the children's message for ages 6 to 10.

Sunday school for all ages - 10:30 a.m.

Activities - Sunday, youth fellowship, 5:30 p.m.; Monday, vacation Bible school meeting, 7 p.m.; Tuesday, men's group, 6 p.m. banner buddies; Wednesday, mid-week prayer and Bible study, 6:30 p.m.; Friday, Narcotics Anonymous in lower level, 8 p.m.; Saturday, choir practice, 8 a.m., book and breakfast women's fellowship. 9:15 a.m.

St. Joseph's Church

St. Joseph's Church, 11th and Walnut streets, Ashland.

Pastor - The Rev. John W. Bambrick.

Sister Elizabeth Kealy, IHM, director of religious education.

Confessions - Saturday, 3 to 3:30 p.m. Any time by appointment.

Rosary prayed before all Masses.

Mass schedule - Today, 4 p.m. (Vigil for Sunday); Sunday, 8:30 a.m.; Monday and Tuesday, 8 a.m.; Wednesday, adoration all day from 9 a.m., concluding with night prayers, benediction and Miraculous Medal devotions at 4:45 p.m., Mass at 5 p.m.; Thursday, 8 a.m.; Friday, noon; first Fridays Sacred Heart devotions.

St. Ann's Chapel, open each day for prayer. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Wednesday, 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon; Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

St. Mark Lutheran

St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 225 N. Market St., Elysburg.

Interim pastor - Kris Brown.

Fourth Sunday of Easter.

Worship service - 9 a.m.

Participants - Pastor Brown, worship leader; Connie Shulski, organist.

Activities - Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Elysburg senior center open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday, AA, 7 p.m.; Thursday, Boy Scouts, 8 p.m.

St. Matthew Lutheran

St. Matthew (Slovak) Lutheran Church, 301 W. Avenue, Mount Carmel.

Interim pastor - The Rev. Alfred Bashore.

Service with communion - 10:45 a.m.

Fourth Sunday of Easter.

Guest speaker - The Rev. Robert Logan.

Participants - Linda Rubendall, organist; Kenneth Kautter, lector; Thomas Pivarnik and William Snyder, ushers; Joseph Melichercik, president; Donna Lindenmuth, treasurer.

Services for May are being held at St. Matthew.

St. Michael Orthodox

St. Michael's Orthodox Church, 131 N. Willow St., Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Very Rev. Michael H. Evans.

Divine liturgy - 9 a.m.

St. Patrick

St. Patrick Church, 331 W. Shamokin St., Trevorton.

Pastor - The Rev. Steven G. Frenier, OFM Conv.

Weekend Mass - Sunday, 9 a.m.

Weekday Mass - 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Sacrament of reconciliation - Wednesday after morning Mass or during the day.

St. Paul Lutheran

St. Paul Lutheran Church, 4663 Upper Road, Gowen City.

Pastor - The Rev. David M. Byerly.

Service of word and sacrament - 8:15 a.m.

Participants - David Henninger, lector; Holly Kerstetter and Carol Shinskie, communion assistants; Brianna Wengrenovich, acolyte/crucifer; Walter Boyer, organist and choir director.

Activities - Monday, St. Paul Council, 7 p.m.

St. Paul's Reformed

St. Paul's Reformed United Church of Christ, Gowen City.

Pastor - Jerry Schlegel.

Worship time - 9 a.m.

Scripture - Matthew 20:20-23.

Message - "A Mother's Love."

Participants - Cliff Artman, organist.

St. Pauline Visintainer

St. Pauline Visintainer Center, 1150 Chestnut St., Box 115, Kulpmont.

"Chapel of the Crucified."

Eucharistic adoration - Friday, noon to midnight, and Saturday, 6 to 7 p.m.

St. Pauline Visintainer Center, open Saturday, Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

Relics on display of Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, spouse of Mary, and St. Peter Apostle.

St. Peter's Lutheran

St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Aristes.

Service and sacrament of holy communion - 9 a.m.

Participants - Linda Rubendall, organist; Carol Buffington, choir director, Brianna Boyer, lector.

SS Peter and Paul

SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Avenue and Beech Street, Mount Carmel.

Pastor - The Very Rev. Archpriest Michael Hutsko.

Confessions - Saturday, 3:15 p.m., and Sunday, 8:15 a.m.

Weekday divine liturgies - 8 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Weekend divine liturgies - 4 p.m. Saturday and 9:15 a.m. Sunday.

Religious education classes - 6 to 7:15 p.m. Monday.

St. Peter's UCC

St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Overlook.

Pastor - Paul T. Gurba Jr.

Morning worship - 8:30 a.m.

Sermon title - "Making Mom Happy on Mother's Day."

Verse of the day - Proverbs 30:11, "There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother."

Organist - Virginia Nefsky.

St. Stephen's

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Fourth and Maple streets, Mount Carmel.

Clergy - The Rev. Frederic Stevenson.

Service 8:30 a.m. Holy eucharist.

Handicapped accessible.

Second Saturday, 5 p.m., holy eucharist at the St. Stephen Center.

Salem UCC

Salem United Church of Christ, 1300 W. Pine St., Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Jean Eckrod.

Morning worship - 10 a.m. Sacrament of holy communion will be celebrated.

Participants - George Zalar, acolyte; Eileen Garrigan, lay leader; Julie Updegrove and JudyLynn Weaver, beginners class; Barbara Skrivanek, junior class; Carolyn Weaver, organist; Brooke Strausser and Michael Toter, greeters; Dwayne Scicchitano, lighting/sound; MacKenzie Glosek, Abigail Nye, Sophie Rossnock, Brooke Strausser, and Michael Toter, ushers; Taylor Kashner, Abigail Nye and Sophie Rossnock, Communion assistant; Craig and Rachel Kerstetter, gifts of the people.

A quiet room for young infants and nursery care for infants and toddlers is available during the morning worship hour at 10 a.m. Christian education is provided for children ages 3 to 12 immediately after children's time at the beginning of the worship service.

Activities - Tuesday, canasta club meeting, 12:30 p.m.; Wednesday, senior day at the Lewisburg Farmers Market and lunch at the Bull Run Inn, leaving the church at 9 a.m.

Salvation Army

Salvation Army Christian Enrichment Center, 1300 W. Spruce St., Coal Township.

Commanding officer - Maj. Tina Streck.

Holiness meeting (worship) - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday school - 10:45 a.m.

Seibert Evangelical

Seibert Evangelical Congregational Church, Route 147, Herndon.

Pastor - Bradley D. Hatter.

Worship - 9 a.m.

Sunday school - 10:15 a.m.

Seventh Street

Seventh Street Primitive Methodist Church, 34 N. Seventh St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. David Wildoner.

Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Morning worship and children's church - 11 a.m.

Message - "A Mother's Prayer."

Participants - Kathy Albright, station steward; Joseph Rodman, head usher; Benjamin Brudnicki, Alaina Glowatski, Jordon McDowell, acolytes; Bryan Lapinski, organist; Art Walburn, greeter; Art Walburg, servant of the month; Jennifer Brudnicki, children's church teacher; Cory Maskowski, nursery worker.

A nursery is available for children birth of age 5 during morning worship service and children's church is available for children over 5 with focus on lessons from the Bible. Manna for the Many item for May is rice and boxed dinners.

Activities - Sunday, Mother's Day with men leading the service; May 13 to 15, Primitive Methodist leadership summit, Sandy Cove, Md.; June 1, Primitive Methodist International Day of Prayer and Fasting.

Shamokin Alliance

Shamokin Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Second and Arch streets, Shamokin.

Pastor - Samuel Bellavia.

Sunday school - 9:45 a.m. Classes available for all ages.

Worship services - 8:30 and 10:50 a.m.

Wednesday ministries - 6 to 7:30 p.m,. Age range is four to high school senior.

Evening service - 7 p.m.

Offered are small groups and cottage prayer meetings for adults. Contact church at 570-644-1718 for information.

Shamokin Seventh-Day Adventist

Shamokin Seventh Day Adventist Church, 7 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin (former Jewish synagogue), 570-648-7770.

Pastor - John Peters.

Saturday sabbath school - 9:30 a.m., with classes for children and adults.

Saturday worship - 11 a.m.

Tuesday, Bible studies, 5 p.m.

Stonington Baptist

Stonington Baptist Church, Hosta Road, Paxinos.

Pastor - The Rev. J. Douglas Hallman.

Sunday school - 9 a.m.

Morning worship - 10 a.m.

Evening service - 6 p.m.

Activities - Wednesday, AWANA clubs for children in kindergarten through sixth grade and Word of Life clubs for grades 7 to 12, 6:30 p.m., prayer service, 7 p.m.

Trevorton UMC

Trevorton United Methodist Church, Shamokin Street, Trevorton,

Pastor - The Rev. Al Schell Jr.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Worship service - 10:45 a.m.

Nancy Korenkiewicz, pianist, organist and choir director.

Activities - Thursdays, Bible study taught by Roxanne Klinger, 7 p.m.; second Tuesday of month, United Methodist Women, 7 p.m.

Trinity Evangelical

Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church, 28 W. Arch St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. Brian C. Betsworth.

Sunday school - 9:50 a.m.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Activities - Wednesday, prayer and Bible study, 7 p.m. Recovery in Christ, a new Bible-based 12-step support group, 6 p.m., Wednesdays. For more information, call Betsworth at 570-648-1682.

Trinity Lutheran

Trinity Lutheran Church, 65 E. Sunbury St., Shamokin.

Pastor - The Rev. David Hauck.

Worship service - 10 a.m.

Participants - Linda Leschinskie, lector; Shannon Levi, communion assistant; Corey Levi, cantor; Jan Morrison, organist; Andrew Jones, acolyte; Jon Hoover, altar guild; Levi and Jones families, special music; Carol Eidam, counter.

True Grace

True Grace Bible Ministry, 950 W. Arch St., Coal Township.

Pastor/teacher - Michael Marcheskie.

Sunday school - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday service - 10:30 a.m., with children's study time.

United Presbyterian

United Presbyterian Church, 100 E. Fifth St., Mount Carmel.

Worship service - 11 a.m.

Participants - Dale Schimpf, organist; Deb Wydra, acolyte; Ellsworth George, Andrew Mekosh and Robert Shaw, ushers; Dorothy Snyder, greeter.

Victory Bible Church

Victory Bible Church, Snydertown Highway, three miles from Elysburg.

Pastor - Kevin Kline.

Worship - 10 a.m., with Sunday school for youth at the same time.

Evening worship - 7 p.m.

Wilburton UMC

Wilburton United Methodist Church, Wilburton.

Pastor - Rose M. Marquardt.

Worship service - 8:45 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Zion UMC

Zion United Methodist Church, Aristes.

Pastor - The Rev. Rose M. Marquardt.

Worship service - 9:50 a.m.

Children's Sunday school - 10 a.m.

Zion Methodist

Zion United Methodist Church, Trevorton Road, Coal Township.

Pastor - The Rev. Betty Ford.

Sunday school - 10:30 a.m.

Worship - 11 a.m.

Activities - Wednesday, Bible study, 1 p.n., first Tuesday of month, United Methodist Women, 7 p.m.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards, puzzles and board games, 8:30 a.m.; poker, 9:30 a.m.; Barry Hallman, tai chi instructor for 40 years will be giving his introduction for his 6 week tai chi program, 9:30 a.m. Tai Chi classes will be held every Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. for one hour. The fee for the six week session is $25, payable at registration.

Tuesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; walk a mile, 9:30 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; Lunch at Harry's Grill, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; world news, noon; bridge, noon.

Wednesday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; bridge lessons, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; world news, noon; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.; soup and sandwich for those who signed up.

Thursday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; walk a mile, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon.

Friday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; Yoga, 9:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; game show, 11 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon.

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

Mount Carmel

Monday - Coffe and gab, 10 a.m.; exercise/games, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bean bag, 12:30 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Morning cup of coffee, 9:30 a.m.; favorite game show, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; CSFP re-registration and food box pick-up, noon to 3 p.m.; pinochle, 12:15 p.m.; Unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Coffee and gab, 9:30 a.m.; Lari from CSO will be talking about identity theft, 10 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Free blood pressure screening, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; book club in the lounge, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle, 12:15 p.m.

Friday - Morning cup of coffee, 10 a.m.; exercise/games, 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m. Last day to sign up for "Spring Fling" dinner dance.

Kulpmont

Monday - Gab and coffee; bean bag, 10:30 a.m.; Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Wii in the morning; movie and refreshments, noon. Commodity food pickup and recertification: call the center to come pick up your box to make sure the boxes arrived.

Wednesday - Music and exercise in the morning; LCR, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Hand held games and puzzles in the morning; soup and sandwich, 11:30 a.m., menu is beef barley soup, chicken salad, pickled beet salad, juice and fresh apple, sign-up required; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Gab and coffee in the morning; Ellen Popson speaking on TBD topic, noon; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Shopping at Walmart, 12:30 p.m.; Mother's Day dinner, homemade spaghetti and meatballs.

Tuesday - Exercise with Carol Burton, 10 a.m.; trivia contest.

Wednesday - Francine Morrison from Family Home Health; bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Left, right, center game, 10 a.m.

Friday - Open activities.

Elysburg

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

Wednesday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; royal rummy, 10 a.m.; bingo, noon; soup and sandwich, menu is beef barley soup, chicken salad, pickled beed salad and fresh apple.

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

Trevorton

Monday - Exercise, 10 a.m.; board games, 10:30 a.m.; Mother's Day celebration, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Scrabble, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; evening bingo, 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Trip to the Mohegan Sun; exercise, 10:30 a.m.

Thursday - Exercise, 9:30 a.m.; pinochle, 10:30 a.m.; mahjong, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 12:30 p.m.; members' birthday party, 5 p.m.

SHAMOKIN - A fundraising effort organized by Northumberland County Commissioner Chairman Vinny Clausi has raised $18,601 that will be used to help children in the Dissinger family.

A committee has been formed and a bank account is being established so the money can be issued toward needs of the children over time, Clausi said.

Clausi and those he asked to serve as members of the committee - Beth Eby and Fran Jones, of Coal Township, and Colleen Fessler, of Mount Carmel Township - met at The News-Item Friday morning. Clausi turned the money over for deposit at that time.

Daniel Gage Dissinger, 13, Gavin Arthur Dissinger, 7, and Arthur Willis Dissinger, 2, were killed in a fire April 4 at their home near Snydertown. The cause has been ruled undetermined.

Kristin Dissinger, 14, and her 10-year-old brother, Ryan, jumped out a window and ran to a neighbor's house, and another sibling, Angel Dissinger, 4, was staying with a family friend that night. The mother of the six children, Christine A. (Hontz) Dissinger, was working at the time. Her husband, Arthur W. Dissinger, the father of all the children except the 2 year old, died in 2010.

Clausi launched the fundraising effort with his own contribution of $10,000, part of which paid for funeral expenses. Another $5,500, including single contributions of $2,500 and $1,000, was raised by friends and family of the commissioner.

Shamokin and Coal Township officials gave permission for fire company volunteers to raise money with a door-to-door effort in those communities April 15 and 16. They raised another $3,101.

The committee hopes to arrange a meeting with Christine Dissinger in the near future.

The commissioner said he was touched by a story relayed by the fire companies of a young boy who came out with his piggy bank and shook out its contents to give toward the cause.

"I want to thank that child who emptied his piggy bank," Clausi said.

Street milling planned

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Coal Township Street Department will be milling all of Webster Street in Ranshaw from Railroad Street to 6th Street from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. All vehicles must be moved or they will be towed at the owner's expense. Final paving will then take place in early June.

Yard waste pickup scheduled

COAL TOWNSHIP - The Coal Township Street Department will be picking up yard waste from May 19 to June 3.

The following limitations apply: No excessive amount will be picked up; no entire trees will be picked up; limbs must be shorter than 4 feet in length and no more than 3 or 4 inches in diameter; Leaves must be bagged and waste must be placed curbside, but not in the street.

Info session on pipelines set

MILLVILLE - Residents interested in learning more about pipeline infrastructure related to natural gas industrialization are encouraged to attend an information session from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at the Greenwood Friends School, 1509 state route 254. The event is sponsored by Dickinson College's Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM), the Mountain Watershed Association (MWA) and the Shalefield Organizing Committee (SOC).

This session will outline the pipeline construction process, associated environmental impacts, landowner rights and regulatory oversight. The permitting process for interstate and intrastate pipelines will be reviewed, as will opportunities for citizens to submit comments.

Advanced registration is required. To register or learn more, contact Kathryn Hilton at 724-455-4200 or kathryn@mtwatershed.com.

HARRISBURG - In recognition of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch joined representatives of motorcycle riding and training communities, as well as the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), to urge riders and motorists to be safe around motorcycles.

"Both motorcycle fatalities and crashes dropped last year from the year before and overall crash fatalities are at historic lows," Schoch said. "The continuing support of the riding community, along with legislation regarding motorcycle safety, provides important tools we can use to help ensure the safety and survivability of riders here in Pennsylvania."

Adding their messages of support for safety and training for experienced and novice riders were PSP Commissioner Frank Noonan and representatives from the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education and the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP).

"One of the most difficult tasks of a state trooper is to inform a family member that a loved one was suddenly and tragically killed in a fatal crash," Noonan said. "Sadly, some of these crashes may have been prevented, had the driver exercised responsible driving practices. I encourage you to be properly licensed, know your driving capabilities, and most importantly, ride within your limitations and do your part to be safe when riding."

This year marks 30 years since passage of the 1984 legislation that established the PAMSP. Gov. Tom Corbett has built on that legacy with two motorcycle safety laws, Act 84 of 2012 and Act 126 of 2013.

Act 84 of 2012 applies all young driver rules, with the exception of driving at night and in inclement weather, to individuals under the age of 18 seeking a motorcycle license. This means the individual must hold a motorcycle learner's permit for six months and complete 65 hours of skill building on a motorcycle, including taking and successfully completing the Basic Riders Course offered through PAMSP in order to receive their motorcycle license. The Basic Rider Course consists of 15 hours of training and counts toward the 65 hour skills building requirement.

Under Act 126, after securing their first motorcycle learner's permit, people may reapply for another up to three times in a five-year period. The law is aimed at preventing the practice of continually extending the permit without retaking the knowledge test or ever taking the skills test and obtaining a motorcycle license.

Act 126 prohibits PennDOT from renewing a person's motorcycle learner's permit. Once the person's motorcycle leaner's permit expires, the individual may retake the knowledge test and reapply for a new one. If a permit holder is unsuccessful in obtaining a motorcycle license after the third permit reapplication, they must wait the entire five years from the initial issuance of the permit to get another one.

Nearly 3,500 crashes involving motorcycles occurred on Pennsylvania roadways in 2013, 500 fewer than in 2012. Those crashes resulted in 181 motorcyclist fatalities, as opposed to 210 deaths in 2012. The number of registered motorcycles in Pennsylvania decreased in 2013 by just over 3,800, while the number of licensed motorcyclists increased by nearly 6,000.

For more information on free motorcycle training for Pennsylvania residents with a motorcycle license or permit or to enroll in a course, go to www.pamsp.com or call 1-800-845-9533.

The following Memorials have been presented to Divine Redeemer Church, Mount Carmel, for April.

In Memory Of

Constance Weissinger from Dora and Joan DiFrancesco.

Cecelia Gaughan from Ronald Coleman.

Benjamin R. Frank from Glenn and Tina Meredith and family; Martha Meredith; Ronald Coleman; Krisa Moncavage and Anne McAndrew, and Frank and Mary Sawicki.

Deceased members of the Antico family from Lina Rossi.

Dorothy Kort from Bob and Barb Whispell Sr.

Robert E. Marinelli from Sam and Ann Spears; Ed and Shelly Stellar; Hank amd Loretta Witkoski; Marcella Conetta and family; Jack and Toni Sommers; Maria Scicchitano; Barbara Iwanski; Tim and Eleanor Santomieri, and Mary Thul.

Thomas A. Albert from Mary M. Rudisill; J.D., Shelly and Jared Shutt; Wally, Anne and Megan McAndrew; Arlene Letcavage; Ron and Debbie Kuzo; Susan Cimino, and Mary Thul.

Maria Commodari from Marietta and Gina Miriello.

John Thomas from John and Sandy Bradley.

Joseph Mariano from John and Sandy Bradley.

Joseph Hanlon from Dora and Joan DiFrancesco.

Stella Kashuba from JoAnn and Walt Kozlowski.

Mary C. Zuech from Rita M. Pizzoli.

Thank you to all our generous benefactors.

The booming impact of the natural gas industry in Pennsylvania will reach Northumberland County if a proposed new pipeline becomes reality.

The "Atlantic Sunrise Project" planned by Williams, a natural gas pipeline company in Tulsa, Okla., would connect the natural gas fields of the northern tier to the existing Transco pipeline, which already distributes natural gas from Pennsylvania to southern states.

Across Upper Road, 901 and 61

Earlier this year, field surveys were done in the areas where the pipeline is proposed. Coal Township received a one-page letter April 17 from the company announcing its intentions, said township manager Rob Slaby.

According to a preliminary map that Williams submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) April 28, part of the 178 miles of new pipeline the company will install will enter Northumberland County from the south in East Cameron Township through State Gameland 84. It would cross Upper Road, before going over the mountain and into Coal Township.

The pipeline will cross Route 901 and an access road for Reinhart FoodService before crossing Route 61 about 600 feet from the Walmart Supercenter and the Plaza at Coal Township (see map on page 12).

"That is a different location from our map," Slaby said. "The map we got looked like it was running in the area of the Kulpmont-Marion Heights Sewage Treatment facility, but it appears that has changed." The treatment facility is less than a mile from Walmart.

The map shows the pipeline continuing north across Route 2026 in the Sagon area before going over another mountain and passing near the Weiser State Forest before crossing into Ralpho Township about 1,600 feet from Timber Road.

The pipeline crosses Schoch Road and curves into Cleveland Township, Columbia County.

It appears few residential areas in East Cameron and Coal Township will be affected, but the map clearly shows the pipeline going through farms and homesteads in Cleveland Township.

Feedback wanted

To help understand the route and process better, the company will hold a series of open houses - one in every Pennsylvania county the pipeline will run through - to give the public the opportunity to meet project personnel, review the maps, learn more about the regulatory process, ask questions and share feedback.

Northumberland County's meeting will be held Wednesday, June 4, at the Wayside Inn, Paxinos. Columbia County's meeting will be Thursday, June 5, at the Bloomsburg Fire Department Social Hall, 911 Market St., Bloomsburg. Schuylkill County's meeting will be held Monday, June 9, at the Tremont Fire Company. All meetings will be from 6 to 8 p.m.

"Williams is dedicated to working with communities to identify facility location that minimize impacts on the community and the environment, while balancing the needs of customers," according to a company press release. "Early involvement from the community helps the company identify and address issues related to project design and location."

In a frequently asked questions section of the project's website - atlanticsun.wpengine.com - the company claims landowners whose property affected by the proposed route will receive a letter and/or personal contact from a Williams land representative notifying them about the surveys.

Once the pre-filing process is started, all potentially affected landowners will receive an information packet from FERC and Williams, which will include the dates and locations of public meetings and instructions for obtaining more information.

Summer of 2016

Before any expansion, pipeline operators must receive a federal Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, along with various state permits. Williams is anticipating filing its application with the FERC in early 2015 and, if approved, construction could start in the summer of 2016 with completion targeted for the latter part of 2017.

Abundant resource

The company says that because of its environmental advantage, natural gas fuels one-third of electric power generation and heats half of all U.S. homes and the numbers are climbing.

"Although the price of natural gas has fallen to historic lows in some regions of the U.S., a lack of sufficient pipeline infrastructure has prevented most consumers from realizing the full economic advantages of this abundant, domestic resource," according to the website.

The Atlantic Sunrise Project is designed to add 1.7 million dekatherms per day of pipeline capacity to the Transco system, enough natural gas to meet the daily need of more than 7 million American homes.

One dekatherm is 1,000 cubic feet of gas and is approximately enough to meet the natural gas needs of an average home (space-heating, water-heating, cooking, etc.) for four days, according to the American Gas Association.

No land purchases

According to Williams, the company will not be looking to purchase any land but to acquire easements with fair compensation for the landowner for the right to construct and operate the underground pipeline.

In fact, the company has established a land office on Schoolhouse Road, Danville as a base of operations for this area, with other project land offices set up in Harrisburg and Wilkes-Barre.

If there is an existing easement already in place, Williams said they would need an additional 25 feet of permanent easement for operation and maintenance.

"In areas where there isn't an existing Transco pipeline easement, the width of the new permanent right of way will be limited to 50 feet." Williams said on the site.

The website addresses eminent domain and condemnation and says the company will seek a court order if a landowner doesn't want the pipeline on his land, assuming it is granted federal approval.

"Contrary to the condemnation process that the landowner might experience for a highway, park or other public structure, your land would not be 'taken' from you," according to the website. "The courts would merely grant the right for Williams to construct, operate and maintain the pipeline. The landowner would retain ownership and surface rights of the land as if an easement was granted and the courts would determine fair market value."

Mike Staugaitis

LAVELLE - After a long, hard winter, Rick and Barbara Bolinsky of Valley Nursery & Greenhouses are happy to bring the colors of spring into their customers' lives.

The month of May is their "Christmas season" as Rick puts it with Mother's Day and Memorial Day on tap.

Rick, a third generation gardener and landscaper, started the nursery from scratch forty years ago by selling geraniums from a wheel barrow with his late first wife, Patricia, on the side of the road just across from where his operation now stands.

Valley Nursery & Greenhouses pride themselves on being a family-oriented and "home grown" business. Rick and Barbara have a tight knit group of family and friends that work there.

The business has grown over the decades to include five greenhouses and a large gift shop that opened in 2011.

They grow and sell a wide variety of both annual and perennial flowers, plants and vegetables. They also sell seeds, mulch, top soil, stone, fertilizer and everything else for your home gardening needs.

Delivery is available for bulk products such as mulch and topsoil.

The gift shop offers many unique gift ideas for any holiday or occasion including candles, lawn ornaments, country crafts and everything in between.

Valley Greenhouse & Nursery is located at 507 High St., two miles west off Route 901 near Rolling Meadows Golf Course.

Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.

For more information, call Rick and Barbara at 570-985-1606 or visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/ValleyNursery.

Senior spring fling planned

MOUNT CARMEL - The Mount Carmel Senior Action Center will hold its annual spring fling Thursday, May 22. Everyone 55 and older is welcome.

Doors open for the event at 4:45 p.m., and a spaghetti and meatball dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. Music and dancing to 50s and 60s music will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The cost for the dinner and dance is $8 and reservations will be accepted until Friday. To reserve a place, call Nicole at 570-339-4457.

Street sweeper coming to Locust Gap

ATLAS - The Mount Carmel Township Board of Supervisors asks village residents to remove their vehicles from the streets for the street sweeper.

The street sweeper will operate Thursday on the playground side and Friday on the firehouse side.

All cars not removed from the street on the designated day will receive a $15 ticket.

Registration for Pre-K set

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area School District is taking appointments for registration for its 2014-15 Pre-K program being held Thursday at the Shamokin Area Elementary School.

Call the elementary school office at 570-648-5721, extension 2900, as soon as possible to make an appointment.

Children must be 4 years old by the first day of school, tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 2, to qualify.

Rabies clinic available

NUMIDIA - The Locust Township Police Officer's Association is hosting a rabies clinic for dogs and cats in cooperation with the veterinarian and staff from the Ringtown Valley Veterinary Hospital.

The clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the police station, 1223A Numidia Drive. The cost is $10 per pet. Other vaccines will also be available upon request. All dogs must be on a leash and all cats must be in a pet carrier.

For more information, call the police at 799-5806 or e-mail a.breach@locustpd.com with any questions or to confirm how many shots are needed. Additional updates on the event will be posted on the police department's Facebook page.

MOUNT CARMEL - For a few hours on Saturday, three blocks of Oak Street in Mount Carmel were a bazaar of crafts, food and entertainment when the Mount Carmel Lions hosted its 17th annual street festival.

Mount Carmel Lions treasurer and festival committee chairman Warren Altomare was pleased to see the turnout this year, from both the public and the vendors.

"We have had some rough weather during past festivals, but today, it's a warm day with a little wind, and the people are enjoying themselves," Altomare said.

"It's been a good sunny day, with good crowds," said Dave Nowroski, of Financial Services LLC, one of the vendors at the festival.

While many vendors took the opportunity to sell food or crafts to make some extra money, many of the vendors used Saturday's festival to raise money and awareness for their causes.

One such stand was an Odyssey of the Mind team from the Mount Carmel Area School District, trying to raise money for its trip to the World Finals in Iowa later this month.

"We competed in the driver's test category, in which we had to build a vehicle that performed three tasks but with no battery, gas or pedal power," student Ben McFadden said.

What they created was a vehicle powered by a rechargeable power drill and made from PVC pipe, cardboard and hula-hoops.

The team held a bakesale to help fund its trip.

In addition to the shopping, festivalgoers enjoyed lively music from such groups as Pet Rock and Billy Dee and Rosie, a dancing performance from the Motivation Station and a demonstration from the Susquehanna Trail Dog Training Club.

In addition to providing a fun-filled day for the community, Altomare said the festival contributes to Mount Carmel by donating proceeds to fund the Lions community projects.

Funds will go toward many needs in the community, including Meals on Wheels and programs at the Wightman's Dam Nature Preserve.

Marriage licenses

Brian Bernard Horan to Catherine Ann Koronkiewicz, both of 14 W. Fifth St., Mount Carmel. Issued May 8.

Mark Allen Getz to Angela Kay Klick, both of 200 S. Coal St., Shamokin. Issued May 8.

Steven Michael Kowalchick, of 220 S. Market St., Elysburg, to Megan Louise Hockenbroch, of 1986 Old Reading Road, Paxinos. Issued May 9.

Jerald Scott Langley to Catherine Maschal, both of 340 W. Saylor St., Mount Carmel. To be issued May 12.

Travis William Dorman to Richanna Lea Good, both of 363 Treva Road, Mount Carmel. To be issued May 12.

Nathan Gene Weaver to Raylene Ann Malkoski, both of 124 S. Poplar St., Mount Carmel. To be issued May 12.

Brian Elliott to Alisha Ann Herb, both of 319 N. Vine St., Shamokin. To be issued May 12.

David Wayne Mertz, of 120 Cherry St., Paxinos, to Cheryl W. Rice, of 108 N. 11th St., Sunbury. To be issued May 12.

Daniel Decker to Donna Jean Heim, both of 132 S. Market St., Shamokin. To be issued May 12.

Peter Lee Klinger MR to Tammy Lea Evans, both of 310 S. Maple St., Mount Carmel. To be issued May 12.

Property transfers

Farnsworth Family Limited Partnership, Gary R. Farnsworth and Janice K. Farnsworth to Brent J. Kelchner and Maria E. Kelchner, property in Ralpho Township, $55,000.

Richard J. Brennan and Harry W. Brennan to Richard Kotwica and Linda Kotwica, property in Mount Carmel, $76,000.

Robert J. Krakowski to South Willow Street LLC, property in Mount Carmel, $14,000.

Jean Cress (by agent) and John W. Wolfgang (agent) to Kathleen J. Honecker, property in Mount Carmel Township, $12,000.

Frank A. Zimmerman, Naomi Zimmerman, Susan I. Shebelsky, Robert A. Shebelsky, Shelly Rumberger Bolton, Ronald C. Bolton, Gary R. Rumberger, Teresa D. Rumberger, David J. Semar and Jennifer Semar to Tammy D. Shepperson, property in Shamokin, $25,000.

Shane E. Wetzel to Herndon Reload Company, property in Jackson Township, $250,000.

Francis DeVizia to Danese Boob and Andrew L. Boob Jr., property in Shamokin, $1,626.

Derek V. Willoughby and Jamie L. Willoughby to Jamie L. Willoughby, property in Rush Township, $1.

Mabel S. Radel to Robert D. Radel and Sheila F. Radel, property in Lower Augusta Township, $1.

James H. Wehr to Antoinette Scicchitano and Damien A. Scicchitano, property in Shamokin, $10,000.

Alicia Nowroski and Thomas Nowroski to Cindy Lu Adams, property in Shamokin, $1,000.

Percy Troutman and Pauline Troutman to the Troutman Irrevocable Residential and Income Trust (by trustee), Percy Troutman and Pauline Troutman (trustees), property in Upper Mahanoy township, $1.

James D. Reiner and Sandra A. Reiner to the Reiner Irrevocable Residential and Income Trust (by trustee), James D. Reiner and Sandra A. Reiner (trustees), property in Upper Mahanoy Township, $1.

James D. Reiner and Sandra A. Reiner to the Reiner Irrevocable Residential and Income Trust (by trustee), James D. Reiner and Sandra A. Reiner (trustees), property in Jackson Township, $1.

William M. Hess (co-executor), Christi T. Rhine (co-executrix), and Connie K. Hess estate to William H, Hess and Christi T. Rhine (trustees) and the Residuary Trust under the Last Will and Testiment of Connie K. Hess, property in Zerbe Township, $1.

PHH Mortgage Corporation to John P. Jankowski and Thomas L. Jankowski, property in Ralpho Township, $47,000.

Franklin A. Renner and Cheryll A. Oestreich to Franklin A. Renner and Cheryll A. Oestreich, properties in Upper Mahanoy Township and Jordan Township, $1 each.

Lawrence Santiago and Sonia Santiago, to 331 West Seventh Street LLC, property in Mount Carmel, $2,000.

Deanna Heihart (administratrix), Jeanette E. Derr estate and Delroy J. Derr to Maryann Golden, property in Shamokin, $1,000.

James B. Moore to Kathryn M. Shaw, property in Coal Township, $4,000.

Sarah R. Radomski to Michael Robinson and Sarah R. Radomski, property in Shamokin, $8,000.

Sara R. Radomski to Michael Robinson and Sara R. Radomski, property in Shamokin, $500.

Saturday the Movie LLC to Anthony M. Venturino, property in Shamokin, $200.

Amy Wands to NEPA Homes LLC, property in Mount Carmel, $2,500.

Matthew Hochstrausser to Anthony M. Venturino, property in Shamokin, $100.

Fannie Mae to Samantha Ruiz, property in Shamokin, $30,000.

John J. Snyder, Lisa M. Snyder, Gracie Eileen Grimes, Gracie Eileen Hill and Dale Edward Hill, to Alexander J. Deppen and Holly M. Deppen, property in Shamokin, $125,000.

Dianna L. aka Diane L. Pulaski and Gregory Pulaski to Matthew G. Pulaski and Larua K. Pulaski, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Ronda Pollock to Kimberly A. McWilliams, property in Shamokin, $40,000.

Fannie Mae (by agent) aka the Federal National Mortgage Association (by agent) and Udren Law Offices PC (agent) to Daniel Decker and Donna J. Hein, property in Coal Township, $65,000.

Daniel Decker and Donna J. Hein to Daniel Decker and Donna J. Hein, property in Coal Township, $1.

Theresa Powell to David Oakum, property in Coal Township, $1.

Kyle W. Lesher to Daniel L. Glick, property in Little Mahanoy Township, $1.

Northumberland County Sheriff's Department and Michael B. Toter to First Columbia Bank and Trust Company, property in Marion Heights, $1,040.38.

Northumberland County Sheriff's Department and Iris N, Kleman to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, property in Coal Township, $1,754.60.

Hospitality Systems Inc. to GDK Management Inc., property in Coal Township, $150,000.

Northumberland County Sheriff's Department and Rick A. Wolkoski to UNB Bank, property in Mount Carmel, $3,996.63.

Northumberland County Housing Authority to Veronica Gruneberg, property in Coal Township, $65,065.

Milligan Group LLC to Lone Sky Macloud, property in Mount Carmel, $2,200.

Bonita Polomski and Robert L. Miskell to Bonita Polomski and Robert L. Miskell, property in Mount Carmel, $1.

Bonita Polomski and Robert L. Miskell to Bonita Polomski and Robert L. Miskell, properties in Mount Carmel and Mount Carmel Township, $1 each.

Milligan Group LLC and Weston Milligan to Brett Bilski, property in Mount Carmel Township, $2,025.

Terry J. Anselmo and Charlene Anselmo to Charlene Anselmo, property in Rockefeller Township, $1.

MOUNT CARMEL - Mount Carmel Area Elks announces its Students of the Month for March.

Student of the Month

Student of the Month is senior Lauren Hause, a daughter of Harvey and Sandy Hause, of Kulpmont. Hause participates in track and field and cross country, and is a two-year captain of both. Hause is also listed in Future Nurses of America and the Interact club. She is a member of the National Honor Society and previously won the Rotary Student of the Month and Elks Junior Student of the Month awards and was this year's homecoming queen. Her future plans are to attend Misericordia University for nursing.

Junior Student of the Month

Junior Student of the Month is junior Caitlyn Curran, who resides with her grandparents, Robert and Bonnie Smith, of Mount Carmel. She is a captain of the color guard, participates in TV studio and powder puff football and attended the Lock Haven Math Competition. Curran is also in the chemistry club, Tech Ed club and developmental studies. Additionally, she participates in Odyssey of the Mind. She was a previous Junior High Pride Award winner, and is secretary of the Big Red Marching Band. Some of her interests include film photography, fishing, woodshop and color guard. Her future plans are to attend a two-year undergraduate study in pre-pharmacy and then attend a four-year pharmacy program.

Teenager of the Month

The Teenager of the Month is freshman Lane Tanney, a son of Angela and Edward Tanney, of Locust Gap. Tanney is a former Pride Award winner. Outside of school, he enjoys playing football, baseball and wrestling and also enjoys hanging out with friends and going to the movies.

Junior Teen of the Month

The Junior Teen of the Month is seventh-grade student Bradley Shurock, a son of Brian and Melissa Shurock, of Den Mar Gardens. Shurock activities include football, baseball and basketball. He was a former winner of the school board merit award. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games, playing sports and hanging out with friends. His future plans are to become an orthodontist.