WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Tom Marino, D-10, expressed serious concerns after President Obama announced plans to withdraw 30,000 surge forces from Afghanistan within the next 15 months.

Marino, in a statement issued by his office, said his biggest objection was that the decision seemed to be based on growing discontent with the near decade-old conflict and not on a clear military strategy.

"If the military leaders on the ground say that this is the right thing to do, then I will accept that," Marino said. "But I don't think that's the case, especially after having spent time with the troops and military leaders just a few months ago."

Marino's March trip to Afghanistan and his work on the House committees on Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs convinced him that the war on terror was being won and that a responsible transfer of security was within sight.

"I saw the success our surge forces have made and the progress our troops have made in training the Afghan forces," Marino said. "But it will all be for naught if we pull out our troops prematurely.

"No matter what you feel about the war, we are there. And we've got to be in it to win."

Marino said that Afghanistan is a strategic imperative for the United States because the Taliban protected the al-Qaida terrorists who were responsible for the 9/11 attacks on the United States.

COAL TOWNSHIP - The North Central Highway Safety Network's Regional DUI Enforcement Group and the Coal Township Police Department will conduct roving patrols or sobriety checkpoints through July 4 on Route 61, Route 225, Route 125, Route 54, Route 487, Route 901 and Route 147 or other connecting roadways and municipalities. Travelers are reminded to report drunk drivers by dialing 911. To report underage drinking, call 1-888-UNDER-21.

The patrols and checkpoints are funded through the PennDOT and the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Community yard sale

KULPMONT - The Kulpmont Borough Community Yard Sale will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. today with a rain date of July 2.

Community service group meet today

COAL TOWNSHIP - Anyone participating in Magisterial District Judge John Gembic III's community service program is asked to meet at the Coal Bowl at 9 a.m. today.

Spots open in maintenance program

HARRISBURG - PennDOT will again sponsor a winter maintenance program for 2011 for a variety of positions to supplement the permanent workforce, Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-108) said.

Positions will be available for temporary equipment operators, mechanics, trades helpers, clerks and typists from September through April. The majority of positions are transportation equipment operators (TEO). Applicants must have a CDL with the airbrake restriction lifted and six months experience operating and maintaining single-chassis trucks with the ability to operate a manual transmission. Applicants will be tested during the interview process.

All potential candidates for TEO and mechanic classifications are subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Regulations that require pre-employment drug test and random drug and alcohol tests. In addition, driving records will be checked. All interested applicants must apply online by the close of business Wednesday, June 29. For more information or to apply, visit LyndaCulver.com and click on "PennDOT Winter Maintenance Program."

HAZLETON - A global automotive replacement parts company will locate its East Coast distribution center in Humboldt Industrial Park.

Through the move, Affinia Group Inc. of Ann Arbor, Mich., expects to create at least 150 jobs over the next 12 months, officials said.

"We are pleased to welcome Affinia to the Hazleton area," said Kevin O'Donnell, president of CAN DO Inc., Greater Hazleton's economic development agency. "The company brings with it a substantial number of jobs for the residents of the Hazleton area, which is great news in any economic climate, especially in these times when few projects are being started."

Affinia will lease the former Haworth building, a 289,000-square-foot facility at 62 Green Mountain Road in East Union Township.

Starting in July

Work has begun on a 61,000-square-foot addition and Affinia expects to begin shipping products from the site in July, a company official said. The majority of the activity is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2011, officials said.

The facility will be used primarily as a distribution center for the company's brake products.

According to information from the office of Gov. Tom Corbett, state economic development efforts played a role in bringing the company to the area.

"Affinia's decision to move to Schuylkill County is a great example of state government partnering with local economic development organizations to attract well-paying jobs to the region," Corbett said in a press release. "My administration is committed to improving our business climate and making smart investments to make sure those jobs continue coming to Pennsylvania."

The project was coordinated by the Governor's Action Team, a group of economic development professionals who work directly with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania. The company received a $744,950 funding offer from the Department of Community and Economic Development.

Patsies Senior Adult Ministry

The Patsies Senior Adult Ministry met Monday at St. Patrick's Church hall.

The meeting was called to order by Rose Marie Kopyschanski, president, and the Over 50 Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance were recited. There were 22 members present and two new members, Catherine Reed and Barbara Leah, were welcomed. Other new members who could not attend Gladys Dorusah, Ernie Leah, Joan Miller, Netty Padrone, J. Wert and Linda Wert.

Birthday celebrants for the month of June are Steve Ardan, Helen Delorso, Edith Fisher, Helen Hollenbach, Kathryn Lebo, Kathryn McBride, Marlene Reck, Joe Savidge and Shirley Treon. Secretary and treasurer reports were read and approved. Joyce Koppen, travel committee representative, gave a report on upcoming trips. Anyone who would like to attend future trips should contact Joyce at 797-3695.

A sympathy card was sent to Eleanor Long for the loss of her husband, Russell Long.

A covered dish social and meeting will be held July 18 at the Shikellamy Marina. Lunch will be served at 11 a.m.

The August meeting has been moved to 1 p.m. Aug. 22. Members are asked to spread the word to friends and families.

The annual Senior Adult Ministry Mass and Banquet at the Cardinal Keeler Center with Bishop McFadden in Harrisburg will be held Oct. 9. The cost is $15 and a small fee for the bus. Please call Rose Marie at 648-3065 because tickets are limited.

The Octoberfest covered dish luncheon will be held Oct. 17 and the Christmas banquet with Vic Boris entertaining will be held on Dec. 19.

50/25/25 winners were Joyce Koppen and Mary Ryan. Door prize winners were Barbara Leah, Anita Gurski, Helen Delorso and Stanley Kalejta.

The meeting was closed with the Over 50 Song. Bingo and cards followed the meeting.

The Mount Carmel Area Joint Veterans Committee held its 419th "Changing of the Colors" flag ceremony on Sunday in honor and memory of a veteran of the Korean War Era.

Harold G. Morgan Sr. was born on Feb. 9, 1928, in Mount Carmel, a son of the late John Gillis and Mary (Mudry) Morgan. He was a 1946 graduate of Mount Carmel High School.

Morgan enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on Aug. 17, 1948, at Mount Carmel, and was honorably discharged on July 16, 1952, at Carswell Air Force Base, Forth Worth, Texas, as a staff sergeant. He received the Good Conduct Medal. His total service to his country was three years, 11 months.

On Feb. 7, 1953, he married the former Concetta A. Padula at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, Kulpmont.

Morgan retired as a Pennsylvania State Inspector for the Department of Highways, Forest and Water and Environmental Resources. He was a member of St. Joseph Parish, Danville, and American Legion Post 91, Mount Carmel.

Morgan died March 12, and is buried in All Saints Cemetery, Bear Gap. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, three grandsons, three granddaughters and a great-grandson.

The flag that was flown for the past month was in honor and memory of Daniel Fessler who served in Company I, 151st Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. "Taps" was played on the bugle by Ann Ray Begis when the Fessler flag was lowered. The flag was folded by William Begis, Andrew Bubnis and Walter Summers and was presented to Teresa Clark by Summers.

The Morgan flag was escorted to the ceremony by Summers and presented by Morgan's son, Michael, for raising. The national anthem was played during the raising. Bubnis lowered and raised both flags. David Berezovske read the military records of both veterans. Summers led those present in reciting The Lord's Prayer and the ceremony ended with a silent salute to all veterans.

Charles Noskoviak carried the American flag to the ceremony. The rifle escort consisted of Ronald Halcovich and Dennis Koprowski. Traffic control was provided by James Kealy. Summers thanked all those in attendance.

The next flag ceremony will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 24, when the flag will be raised in honor and memory of Walter A. Berezovske, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

SHAMOKIN - A one-man show by native artist Wasil Bakowicz will open at the Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities Fine Arts Gallery Friday.

The show, "Wasil," will start with a grand opening reception from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday at the gallery on the first floor of the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center, Arch and Eighth streets.

"Wasil" will mark the first time that Bakowicz has had a solo show in the gallery. He participated in last year's "Local Landmarks: An Exhibition of Artists' Rendering of Noted Places," and May's "Coal Region Pride and Heritage" Artist Invitational show.

Bakowicz graduated from San Francisco State University, San Francisco, with a Bachelor of Arts and received his Master of Fine Arts from John F. Kennedy University, Berkeley, Calif., in 2004. A native of Shamokin, it was religion, he says, that helped inspire his art.

"As an altar boy growing up in the small town of Shamokin, I spent a lot of time in church. The Ukrainian Greek Catholic church, with its bright Byzantium gold and high design line took on great meaning for me. The intoxicating otherworldliness fragranced with frankincense and myrrh drew me to line. Line gives me a sense of movement, which metaphors the movement of life. I get a sense of logic, my own logic," Bakowicz said.

In that way, Bakowicz finds working as an artist uplifting.

"Through my life experience and formal training as an artist, I continue to develop a personal spiritual experience, from the most profound levels of human consciousnesses. This I find is the foundation for truly significant artwork. I believe in art's ability to transform, inspire and be fun."

The show will run until Aug. 4. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. More information about Bakowicz can be found at www.wasilasart.com

ELYSBURG - The words "physics" and "fun" are not usually found in the same sentence.

But in a summer course taught by Michael R. Gallis, the two words together become an amusement ride - literally.

An associate professor of physics at Penn State Schuylkill, Gallis provided a unique learning experience to 24 junior and senior high school students for this year's Science Scholars Program. The course, titled Physics and Extreme Thrills, introduced the students to applying the laws of physics to amusement park rides.

The two-week course that ended Friday included three hours of daily classroom instruction, along with two field trips to Hersheypark and Knoebels Amusement Resort.

On Thursday, Gallis took the class to Knoebels, where some students worked monitoring devices to measure different ride aspects, including how the speed, g-forces and even heart rate affected them.

Gallis said one student decided to brave the intense ride "Power Surge" to get the data recorded through an electronic device worn in a vest.

"This is an opportunity to ride an exciting ride where their heart rate will go up," Gallis said. "This particular student told me that she is terrified of this ride, but she said she would do it for science."

Elizabeth Calvin, a Minersville Area High School student, took on the challenge accompanied by Pottsville Area High School senior Kelsey Holland. Calvin wore the heart monitor, and when she finished the intense ride, her hands were shaking.

"I was terrified of this ride, but I did this for science," Calvin said. "This is the second time I was on it."

Gallis and Calvin reviewed the data, which showed that there were times her heart rate reached 200 beats per minute and how the increased rate related to the various g-forces and other factors.

"It's not just the g-forces that are the exciting part of the ride. There is also the visual impact, falling and rising," Gallis said.

Calvin said she will never go on it again.

"She is definitely a trooper," Gallis said.

Gallis and the students arrived at Knoebels prior to the rides' opening. Assisting Gallis were Ryan Chesakis, a physics major who completed his first year at Penn State Schuylkill, and Louise Hartman, who works in the campus' continuing education office. The classes normally run from 9 a.m. to noon, but the students stayed at Knoebels for an two extra hours.

The first stop was the bumper cars. Each ride has its own unique physical forces that can be measured.

"The students went en masse on the bumper cars," Gallis said. "They had the little angle accelerometers, and from the angle they get, they can calculate what the acceleration is, though I don't know if they paid enough attention to taking measurements. They were having a lot of fun bumping into each other."

Students then took on "Downdraft," another intense ride of high speeds combined with rising and dropping. After "Galleon," which swings riders back and forth on a galleon-style ship, the students split into small groups to try different rides and take measurements.

"Tomorrow we'll recap, go over what data we have and how it checks with our theoretical models," Gallis said Thursday.

Data gathered from the electronic devices, along with video recordings, were analyzed by Gallis and the students Friday before the final exams were taken.

Each student completing the course earns three college credits. The course is funded by the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program and a scholarship offered by Penn State, making it tuition-free. Students were charged an information technology fee, plus $100 for course materials.

In the classroom, the students received traditional instruction from Gallis, interspersed with computer simulations. Students in small groups worked with the simulations designed by Gallis to design simple amusement park rides and measure how changes affect the many forces inherent in each design.

North Schuylkill senior Michael Anthony, Frackville, found the course interesting, even though he never had physics before and he plans to become a history teacher.

"This is pretty interesting with all the simulations he has. It really shows the physics hands-on," said Paul Caputo, from North Schuylkill. "On the road trips, we get to experience physics."

"I love this course with all the ways things relate to each other," said Schuylkill Haven Area senior Ian Hower. "Just the general idea of learning how people build these amusement rides is broadening the horizons for all of us. I have given it a thought after taking this course in considering a career in this field."

Tri-Valley senior Rayne Newswanger, Hegins, also enjoyed the course, even though she had no background in physics.

"The guidance counselor asked me about it because I want to go into life sciences, possibly marine biology, when I go to college," Newswanger said. "I like it. It's fun ... it's interesting working with the models and see how everything works."

Shannon Wabby, continuing education program coordinator at Penn State Schuylkill, said the summer program, which began in 2008, is an outstanding opportunity for the students.

"The students are really into it," she said. "This is something they can relate to. They've all been there and seen and been on the rides."

Gallis said many of the students don't have backgrounds in physics, but even with their diverse backgrounds, they do have one major thing in common.

"They may not be future engineers or scientists, but they like this stuff and figuring out how things work. That has made a wonderful experience for me as a teacher," he said.

Northumberland County, including the eastern end, is back as an option for the location of a free-standing veterans' clinic.

Three years ago when the clinic was proposed, the Department of Veterans Affairs said it was considering putting the clinic in Snyder County, where it would also serve Northumberland County's veterans.

This week, however, Vince Riccardo, Wilkes-Barre Veterans Affairs Medical Center spokesman, said no decision on a location has been made, and that the chosen site would be based on the interested parties that apply.

"It's totally up in the air," he said.

Any organization that believes it can provide the service needed while meeting the criteria as a provider is welcome to apply, said Riccardo.

That would include Shamokin Area Community Hospital (SACH), as the VA expects hospitals and other current health care providers will be interested in hosting a clinic.

Early stages

Local leaders have been pushing for a nearby clinic, saying a ride to the closest one at Frackville was impractical for many veterans.

They were critical of the VA in 2008 when it announced it was targeting the Shamokin Dam area, and wondered why a facility such as SACH couldn't be considered.

Riccardo said plans remain in the early stages, and any formal announcement won't be made until later this year. Even then, it will involve the solicitation of a community provider, which could be a variety of different organizations, such as a group practice or a hospital.

"We are working hard at establishing outpatient clinics for the area and we will continue to do so," he said.

Veterans are interested in having services close to home, and there is a need for it, said Riccardo.

The VA considers the distance veterans travel, the number of veterans in an area and their classification of needs when determining where to build a new clinic.

Long drive

There are currently no clinics in Northumberland County, and veterans must drive to outpatient clinics in Berwick, Williamsport, Frackville or Pottsville or one of the larger medical centers in Lebanon and Wilkes-Barre to seek medical attention at a VA facility, often traveling at least 25 miles one way.

There are approximately 10,000 to 11,000 veterans living in Northumberland County. Approximately 1,700 use the VA clinics, said Riccardo.

A clinic would provide primary health care, including preventive health services, patient education, immunizations, lab work, EKGs, chest, abdominal and skeletal radiographs, emergency services, medically necessary prescriptions, telemedicine and mental health services.

Upon hearing the news that Northumberland County may still be in the running for the clinic, state Rep. Kurt Masser was ready to start networking.

"The first chance I get, I will be talking to Congressman Tom Marino about this subject as well as county officials and (Shamokin Area Community Hospital CEO) Tom Harlow," he said from the state house floor. "For Northumberland County veterans, it would be great to have a clinic close to home for them."

U.S. Rep. Tom Marino (R-10) understands the Department of Veterans Affairs is in the process of soliciting proposals for a primary care service provider to serve the thousands of veterans in the Central Susquehanna Valley.

Marino said in a statement that he has no preference as to a location or a provider within Northumberland and Snyder counties and is just pleased that the veterans will not have to travel to Luzerne County for outpatient care.

"Hopefully the establishment of this clinic will alleviate a lot of the undue stress that our veterans must endure just to make the long trip to the VA Hospital in Wilkes-Barre," Marino said. "Many of our veterans are too sick to travel long distances, do not have transportation or have to cancel appointments because of inclement weather. Getting to a medical appointment shouldn't be a worry. The announcement that this long-awaited project is moving closer to reality is great news."

Harlow said, as a community-based hospital, it is their mission to provide needed medical and health services for area residents.

"If our community expresses an interest in a veterans' outpatient clinic here at Shamokin Area Community Hospital, by all means we will revisit the possibilities and re-evaluate the feasibility of the situation. However, we have not been approached on this matter," he said.

Local doctor pleased

The original solicitation in 2008, similar to what is expected later this year, did not produce a provider that met the appropriate criteria, said Riccardo, so alternative options were sought.

In Snyder County, a fee arrangement with Dr. Rodney Companion at the Family Practice, 3057 N. Susquehanna Trail, Shamokin Dam, was set up by the VA to provide basic health care to about 100 veterans in that county.

Most receive medication or referrals, but some receive primary care, Companion said. He said he has about 400 visits a year.

"We started it two years ago. We had an increase, but it leveled off," he said.

Companion agreed to the arrangement in part because he is a Vietnam-era veteran.

Only Snyder County veterans can get care in the Shamokin Dam office, so Companion said he is pleased a clinic is otherwise being proposed.

"The VA has limited our ability to care for folks outside the county. I would rather see all veterans get care," he said.

DANVILLE - Geisinger Medical Center's Hospital for Advanced Medicine was the backdrop for a surprise wedding Memorial Day weekend between two longtime Geisinger employees.

Jeffrey Persavage, a registered nurse, and Debbie Persavage, a unit desk clerk, both of Trevorton, had been dating for six years when Jeffrey, suffering from a life-limiting hereditary disease, was hospitalized. Shortly before his hospitalization, Debbie was diagnosed with a serious illness.

Unsure of the amount of time they had left together, the two told their co-workers how much they wished they could be married before they became too ill.

With Jeffrey's condition serious, the couple's colleagues immediately went to work. Within 24 hours, the lobby on the seventh floor was transformed into a small wedding chapel, complete with decorations quickly fashioned out of hospital bed sheets.

Nurses also secretly contacted as many of Jeffrey's and Debbie's family members as they could and invited them to see the couple recite their vows in front of Danville Mayor Ed Coleman.

"It was amazing," Debbie said. "I couldn't believe what they had done for us, especially in 24 hours. Not a wedding detail was missed."

As no wedding is complete without a reception, the nurses also supplied food and brought gifts for the newlyweds.

"Words cannot express how surprised and moved we were to see what our co-workers did for us," Jeffrey said. "With my illness, and then Debbie's, we truly did not know if a wedding was in our future, but our co-workers made sure that it was."

Though Jeffrey and Debbie are currently unable to work, Jeffrey was recently released from the hospital.

"We may not know what the future holds for us," Jeffrey said, "but we're so happy to be able to move forward together as husband and wife."

SHAMOKIN - A local pharmacy technician voiced her approval of a bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Tom Marino, R-10, that would give independent stores more leverage to compete with large drugstore chains.

HR 1946, the Preserving Our Hometown Independent Pharmacies Act would exempt independent drugstores from antitrust laws that prohibit them from banding together to buy medication. Currently, large drugstore chains can offer lower prices to their consumers by negotiating better deals with pharmaceutical companies for bulk quantities, something the smaller companies have trouble doing.

"It's not a level playing field," Marino said Monday afternoon as he announced the introduction of HR 1946 at Cook's Pharmacy in Kingston. "This bill sets out to level that playing field, that's all.

"It would not cost the federal government or anyone else a penny," he added. "As a matter of fact, it would actually lower the prices for independent pharmacies and they, in turn, would pass it on to the consumer."

Jean Olcese, pharmacy technician at Tom Olcese Pharmacy on Spruce Street, was happy to hear about Marino's bill.

"This is definitely going to help, not only price wise, but for the good of the patients," she said. "I feel that the state representatives are dedicated to the small pharmacies and there are several other bills still waiting to be passed that will help as well."

HR 1946 was introduced by Marino on May 23; it's the second bill he has introduced since being sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives in January. The bill was referred to the House Judiciary Committee, of which Marino is a member.

In addition to amending the antitrust law, it would give independent pharmacies more leverage with insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers.

"This allows independent pharmacies to fairly negotiate prices and to get better deals," he said. "Corporations have that advantage now."

Marino said he has experienced the personal service offered by neighborhood pharmacies. The congressman is a two-time cancer survivor and his 16-year-old daughter Chloe has cystic fibrosis.

"My daughter takes a great deal of medication on a daily basis," Marino said. "My pharmacist is always there. He knows us on a first-name basis. There have been situations when we have gone away and either forgotten or ran out of a prescription. We just call our pharmacist and he makes the arrangements and we are taken care of wherever we are."

HR1946 has been endorsed by the Association of Community Pharmacists Congressional Network.

There are more than 23,000 independent community pharmacies in the United States, providing approximately 300,000 jobs. This is a near-50 percent drop from 1980 when there were 40,000 independent pharmacies in the nation, according to the National Community Pharmacists Association.

ASHLEY - The supply of type O negative blood at the American Red Cross has dropped to critically low levels. Type O negative blood is always in high demand because it can be transfused to patients with any blood type, especially in emergency situations. Type O negative donors are needed now to help prevent the type O negative blood supply from declining further.

"The American Red Cross is extending blood drive hours in some locations and reaching out to eligible blood donors, sponsors and community leaders to ask them to help recruit type O negative blood donations to help meet the needs of patients in our community," says Donna Morrissey, spokesperson for the American Red Cross Blood Services, Northeast Division.

While all blood types are needed during the summer months, the Red Cross urges those eligible donors with type O negative blood to make and keep appointments to help restore the blood supply.

A shortage of type O negative blood often occurs during the summer months when fewer donors are giving because of summer vacations and schools approaching summer break are hosting fewer drives.

Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to give blood. Please bring your Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when you come to donate.

Eligible blood donors are asked to call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to find a blood drive and to make an appointment.

Sashell Nalani Pottorff graduated from Luzerne County Community College with a certificate of specialization dental assistant during a commencement ceremony May 26 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre. She attained dean's list with a 3.6 grade-point average.

Pottorff graduated from Shamokin Area High School in 2005. She also graduated from Schuylkill Institute of Business and Technology as a certified therapist.

She is the daughter of Leeann Pottorff and the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Zielinskie and Mr. and Mrs. Hank Wong of Honolulu, Hawaii.

Pottorff is now working for Dr. Nataupsky, of Kingston, as a dental assistant.

SELINSGROVE - Ten local students were named to Susquehanna University's dean's list for the spring semester.

The dean's list recognizes students who achieve a grade-point average of 3.4 or higher out of a possible 4.0 for the semester. To qualify, students must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours.

- Bryon Chowka, of Coal Township, a rising junior majoring in political science, is a 2009 graduate of Shamokin Area High School and a son of Bryon and Stacy Chowka.

- Hunter Hoffman, of Dornsife, a rising sophomore majoring in biochemistry, is a 2010 graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes Regional High School and a son of Kenneth and Diane Hoffman.

- Amber Hughes, of Kulpmont, a rising senior majoring in elementary education, is a 2008 graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School and a daughter of Donald and Deidre Hughes.

- Rebecca Krieger, of Elysburg, a rising junior majoring in history, is a 2009 graduate of Southern Columbia Area High School and a daughter of Martha and William Krieger.

- Adam Krushinskie, of Shamokin, a recent graduate of Susquehanna, majored in political science. He is a 2007 graduate of Shamokin Area High School and a son of Steven and Judith Krushinskie.

- Lewis Land, of Herndon, a rising senior majoring in creative writing, is a 2008 graduate of Line Mountain High School and a son of Marlin and Constance Land.

- Michael Latorre, of Kulpmont, a recent graduate of Susquehanna, majored in business administration with an emphasis in finance. He is a 2007 graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School and the son of Steve and Cheryl Latorre.

- Kenneth Schetroma, of Elysburg, a rising junior majoring in liberal arts open, is a 2009 graduate of Southern Columbia Area High School and a son of Amelia and Kenneth Schetroma.

- Krystin Shadle, of Coal Township, a 2011 graduate who majored in mathematics and economics, is a 2007 graduate of Shamokin Area High School and a daughter of Karen Zartman and Bruce Shadle.

- Kyle Stavinski, of Elysburg, a rising senior majoring in psychology, is a 2008 graduate of Southern Columbia Area High School and a son of Corey and Greg Stavinski.

Michelle Tarlecki, formerly of Mount Carmel, graduated cum laude from the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law on May 27 with a Juris Doctorate.

While attending law school, Tarlecki was a member of The Journal of Contemporary Health Law and Policy. She interned with Judge Robert B. Sacavage in Sunbury, the Department of Treasury in Washington, D.C., and the state attorney's office in Frederick, Md.

She is the daughter of Michael and Carol Tarlecki, of Mount Carmel, and the granddaughter of June and the late Harold Smith, of Mount Carmel, and Mary Theresa and the late Robert Tarlecki, of Aristes.

Tarlecki graduated from Mount Carmel Area Junior-Senior High School in 2001 and received a bachelor's degree in international politics from Pennsylvania State University in 2005. She will take the Maryland Bar Exam in July.

Tarlecki plans to practice tax law in the Washington, D.C., metro area.

Marcus Wasilewski, of Den Mar Gardens, has been named to the dean's list at the University of Maine with a grade-point average of 3.74.

He is majoring in pre-medicine and kinesiology.

A graduate of Mount Carmel Area High School, he is a son of Mark Wasilewski and the late Lisa Wasilewski.

Matthew M. Yeomans has received the "Outstanding Freshman for Mechanical Engineering Award" with the highest grade-point average at Harrisburg Area Community College. He has also been named to the dean's list.

Yeomans is a 2010 graduate of Cumberland Valley High School.He plans to study both mechanical and electrical engineering at either Penn State University or RIT in Rochester, N.Y.

He is the son of Michael and Karen Neely Yeomans, of Camp Hill. His maternal grandparents are Anne Gillespie Neely of Pine Street, Coal Township, and the late Arthur R. Neely. His paternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Yeomans, of Camp Hill.

JACKSON TOWNSHIP - Barry Norman Snyder, 68, of 209 Derl Road, died when the lawn tractor he was operating rolled down an embankment and trapped him underneath.

A complete report will be published in Sunday's edition of The News-Item.

SUNBURY - Heather Fogarty, of Middleburg, a clerical staff member at VNA Private Duty, is the recipient of the prestigious Academy Achievement Award from Philips Lifeline.

Fogarty was presented the award for the work she does on behalf of seniors in the community.

Winners must exhibit exceptional qualities including having an exceptional growth mindset and being an active advocate for seniors in their community.

Philips Lifeline is a medical alert service, which in the event of an emergency or fall, provides access to help at the push of a button. Since October 2007, VNA Private Duty has been offering seniors the Lifeline service that gives them, for a little more than a dollar a day, the confidence to continue to live independently at home.

Through the help of volunteers and by educating seniors and professional caregivers in the community, the VNA Private Duty Lifeline program has been able to grow its subscriber base, allowing it to over the years serve more than 150 seniors in Northumberland, Snyder, Union, Columbia and Montour counties.

"I am proud to be honored this way," said Fogarty. "By offering Philips Lifeline, we give seniors in our community a meaningful and needed service, allowing them to have the confidence to continue to live in the homes they love, knowing that help is available at a push of a button."

(The News-Item welcomes "Personnel" items from local businesses and organizations for publication on the Sunday business page. Send to 707 N. Rock St. or to editorial@newsitem.com)

Property transfers

Cynthia Kozar Rebuck and Cynthia Kozar to Deborah Etzel, property in Kulpmont Borough, $1.

Joseph M. Drumm and Aleexe J. Drumm, to Joseph M. Drumm, property in Northumberland Borough, $1.

John J. Elgin to Ricky Yeager and Mary Yeager, property in Mount Carmel Township, $9,500.

Malcolm W. Burns, Jean D. Burns and Cathy Jean Burns to Cathy Jean Burns, property in Mount Carmel Borough, $1.

Walter J. Slavinsky and Tina M. Slavinsky to Carol A. Vasko, property in Riverside Borough, $214,900.

Robert Lee Reynolds and Elizabeth A. Reynolds to William Dale Reynolds, Elizabeth A. Reynolds and Robert Lee Reynolds, property in Delaware Township, $130,000.

Lawrence H. Ross to Edward L. Ross, Brenda S. Herrold and Cathy I. Stehr, property in Lower Augusta Township, $1.

Lawrence H. Ross to April J. Welker and Justin R. Welker, property in Lower Augusta Township, $1.

Shawn M. Kalman and Heather L. Kalman to Joseph D. Kaszuba, property in Shamokin, $25,236.95.

Susan G. Williams to Mark A. Williams and Susan G. Williams, property in Little Mahanoy Township, $1.

John E. Foust Jr. to TLC Properties Inc., properties in East Chillisquaque Township and Turbot Township, $45,000.

Fannie Mae and Federal National Mortgage Association to John D. Burgess, property in Sunbury, $22,050.

Timothy A. Campbell and Tina M. Campbell to Clifton W. Olds Jr. and Karen A. Olds, property in Upper Augusta Township, $52,000.

Mildred Wilkins (estate), Margaret Garancheski, Eugene Garancheski, Marilyn G. Swartz, and Edward Swartz to Michelle Tracy and Anna M. Garacheski, property in Shamokin, $20,000.

Joy A. Bartholomew to Valley Properties LLC, property in Sunbury, $5,000.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (by agent) and Laura Davis (agent) to Valley Properties LLC, property in Sunbury, $20,000.

Northumberland County Sheriff, Matthew R. Allabach and Janell L. Allabach to Secretary of Veterans Affairs, property in West Chillisquaque Township, $2,113.36.

Northuberland County Sheriff, Brett E. Sipe and Ronni S. Felix to Colonial Savings F.A., property in Delaware Township, $929.63.

Northumberland County Sherriff, Cliff Palm and Blanche Palm to Americhoice Federal Credit Union, West Chillisquaque Township, $5,638.11.

Edward Sabornie (estate) and Rose Ann Sabornie Davidson to Harold Prue, property in Shamokin, $10,900.

Scott A. Gross and Mercy E. Gross to Aleece J. Drumm, property in Northumberland Borough, $110,000.

Nicholas C. Cuff to Stacy A. Cherry, property in Mount Carmel Borough, $81,000.

Scott A. Gross, Mercy E. Gross and Marcy F. Gross to Scott A. Gross and Mercy E. Gross, property in Upper Augusta Township, $1.

Johnney Susnoski to Ashley M. Pyle, property in Mount Carmel Borough, $1.

Isabelle L. Davis (estate), Preston L. Davis (individually and executor) and Laurende W. Davis (executor) to Preston L. Davis and Margaret W. Davis, property in Milton Borough, $1.

Adam J. Winters, Mychal L. Winters to Kevin W. McGuire, property in Milton Borough, $1.

Linda Malinowski (by agent), Christopher Malinoski (agent and individually) and Linda Malinowski to Marsy B. Schoch III, property in Coal Township, $53,000.

Alda F. Mull (estate) and Leroy J. Mull (executor) to Leroy J. Mull, property in Point Township, $1.

Mary Henrietta Ulrich AKA M. Henrietta to Keith E. Ulrich and Lynn E. Ulrich, property in Delaware Township, $1.

John Y. Hostetler and Veronica S. Hostetler to Marvin D. Hostetler and Dorothy J. Hosteter, property in Lewis Township, $110,000.

Irene F. Bickel (estate), Thomas E. Bickel (executor), Larry E. Bickel (executor), Debra A. Bickel (executrix) and Debra A. St. Claire (executix) to Debra St. Claire and John L. St. Claire, property in Delaware Township, $65,000.

Albert M. Raybuck Jr., Phillip P. Scicchitano AKA Phillip P., Mildred Scicchitano and Anthony J. Scicchitano to Philip P. Scicchitano and Anthony J. Scicchitano, property in Coal Township, $90,000.

60 Industrial Park L.P. and 60 Industrial Park LLC to Code ID Milton PA LLC, property in Milton Borough, $10.

Melissa A. Sienkiewicz, Melissa A. Herman, Jeffrey Herman, Judith Ann Hoover and Irvin W. Ramer to Irvin W. Ramer, property in East Cameron Township, $1.

Lester K. Waugh and Dolores V. Waugh to Lee K. Waugh, property in Coal Township, $1.

Stacy A. Cherry, Stacy A. Grego and Christopher J. Cherry to Erica C. Janoka, property in Kulpmont Borough, $42,500.

Glenn F. Weller and Lana M. Weller to Glenn F. Weller and Lana M. Weller, property in Snydertown Borough, $1.

Carol Ann Altomare to Carol Ann Altomare, Mount Carmel Borough, $1.

Matthew Scicchitano and Mandy Scicchitano to Cheryl J. Ziemba, property in Mount Carmel Borough, $27,500.

HK Classic Inc to KJE Holdings Inc., property in Milton Borough, $62,900.

Michael E. Bird and Christine L. Bird to Michael F. Bird, property in Coal Township, $1.

Peggy Anne Teitsworh to Jason Kelley and Katie Sue Kelley, property in Riverside Borough, $150,000.

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to Craig T. Wheeland and Nathan M. Tate-McCann, property in Milton Borough, $32,500.

Robert J. Whary to John Ney, property in Sunbury, $1.