MOUNT CARMEL - Rebecka Jane Morales, 7, a daughter of Edward and Melissa Morales, of Mount Carmel, has been chosen as a state finalist in the National American Miss Pennsylvania Pageant. The National American Miss pageants are held for girls 4 through 18, and have five different age divisions.

Rebecka participates in the junior preteen age division. The winner of the pageant will receive prizes, including an all-expense paid trip to compete in the national pageant to be held in Hollywood, Calif., which includes a tour of Hollywood and two VIP tickets to Disneyland.

Rebecka enjoys dance, piano, and spending time with her family. She will be attending the second grade this fall at Mount Carmel Area Elementary School.

Shamokin-Coal Township

Monday - Morning cards, 8:30 a.m.; yoga, 9:30 a.m.; cards and puzzles.

Tuesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; high Impact power walk, 9:30 a.m.; lunch at the Independence Fire Company, 11:30 a.m.; bridge, noon.

Wednesday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; pinochle and Pokeno, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; low impact power walk, 9:30 a.m.; nickel bingo, 12:30 p.m.

Friday - Morning cards and puzzles, 8:30 a.m.; yoga, 9:30 a.m.; nickel bingo, noon.

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

Mount Carmel

Monday - Wii bowling, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bean bag, 12:30 p.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Tuesday - Morning coffee and the news, 9:30 a.m.; game shows, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Unlucky 7s, 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday - Chit-chat, 10 a.m.; free blood pressure screening, 10 to 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; bingo, 1 p.m.

Thursday - Coffee and gab, 9:30 a.m.; favorite TV show, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; pinochle, 12:15 p.m.; trip to Olive Garden.

Friday - Exercise/games, 10 a.m.; crossword puzzle, 11 a.m.; lunch, 11:45 a.m.; Pokeno, 1 p.m.

Kulpmont

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

Tuesday - Wii and noodle balloon in the morning; lunch at the End Zone, 11:30 a.m.; cards, noon; Bible study, 12:30 p.m.; commodity food pickup.

Wednesday - Wii in the morning; LCR, 12:30 p.m.

Thursday - Wii in the morning; second week of the chronic disease self-management program, 1 p.m.

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

Centralia-Wilburton

Monday - Stretch each day for good health.

Tuesday - Chair exercise with Carol.

Wednesday - Bring a friend day.

Thursday - Center closed, hosting Catawissa center in Ashland park.

Friday - Center closed.

Elysburg

Monday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; Royal Rummy, 9:30 a.m.; Pokeno, noon.

Wednesday - Healthy Steps, 8:30 a.m.; Royal Rummy, 9:30 a.m.; VNA blood pressure/blood sugar screening, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; bingo, noon.

Thursday - Center going to Vintage Knolls for a picnic lunch and bingo. If you plan on attending, please let the center know by Monday.

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

Wii Fitness is available at the center for anyone who wants to use it. The center is open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Trevorton

Monday - Wii games, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 10 a.m.; cards, 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday - Exercise, 9:30 a.m.; Sequence, 10:30 a.m.; board games, 12:30 p.m.; evening bingo, 6 p.m.

Wednesday - Bean bag toss, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:30 a.m.; cards, 12:30 p.m.

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

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

COAL TOWNSHIP - Anyone in the area of Mac's Hoagies Saturday morning or early afternoon was in for a doubly sweet treat when they stopped by the lemonade stand located outside the popular hoagie spot.

Not only did they get a refreshing cup of lemonade and a cookie, they met Brooke Jenks and Ava Showers.

Eight-year-old Brooke, a third-grader at Line Mountain, set up the stand to raise money for her 18-month-old cousin, Ava, who was born with Down syndrome. The money she raised will be given to the Down Syndrome Society of the Susquehanna Valley for its annual Buddy Walk Sept. 14 at Midd-West High School in Middleburg.

The girls' grandparents, Jim and Kate McElwee, and their aunt and uncle, Jacqueline and Kalin Showers, of Coal Township, were close by.

According to her family, Brooke came up with the idea of the lemonade stand herself because she wanted to help her beloved cousin.

"It is amazing to see an eight-year-old who wants to help raise awareness of Down syndrome," Jacque-

line Showers said. "No one in our family has a disability. Ava is the first one."

"She is really sweet and she likes to smile," Brooke said of her little cousin. "She is so cute."

"I felt like it was a good thing to do," Brooke added as to why she wanted to have the lemonade sale.

"It is just our way of celebrating this beautiful child we were given," Kate McElwee said. "Having her helps teach Brooke about compassion, how to take care of someone and how to teach other children and friends," she added.

The family was pleased with the success of the lemonade stand. "Some people were just coming up and handing us donations; they didn't even want lemonade," Jim McElwee said.

Brooke is a daughter of Shawn Jenks and Paul and Jessica Troup. She is also a great-granddaughter of the late Nancy McElwee.

For more information or to donate to the Down Syndrome Buddy Walk, call 658-7687 or go to www.DSSSV.com.

SHAMOKIN - The Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library remains committed to providing quality service to the community, but a significant decrease in funding is making that goal much more challenging.

Thais Gardy, library director, said the public should be aware that the library has experienced a drop in financial support from major funding sources.

"So far, we have been able to provide the services people have been asking for," Gardy said. But, she said, the financial situation has got-

ten to the point where the library has to make difficult choices.

Fortunately, there has been no need to cut staff or reduce hours, Gardy explained. So far, the financial crunch has mostly impacted the library's ability to buy new books, including anticipated best-sellers, It's also become more difficult to add to the library's existing collections of children's materials, periodicals and books on tape.

"We have reached the point where we can pay for the library's operation, but not purchase any new materials," Gardy said. If however, a patron comes in and requests a particular new title, the library will make every effort to purchase that particular work.

The library's biggest problem is the continuing decline in state support over the last decade or so. In 2002, Gardy noted, the state allocated $55,150 to the Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library. For the 2012-13 fiscal year, the allocation was $36,000.

"Over a 10-year period, the state aid has dropped every year little by little," Gardy said. The good news, she added, is that no additional cuts have been instituted for 2013-14. The library will receive the same amount from the state this year as it did last year.

"It's not just us in this position," Gardy said, noting that the cutbacks have affected practically all public libraries in Pennsylvania.

Another major setback was the loss of funding from the Shamokin Area School District. In 2003, Gardy explained, the district gave $7,500 per year to the library. This was subsequently reduced to $3,000, and last year, the appropriation was eliminated altogether.

The library does receive substantial aid from three municipalities, and for that, the library is grateful, Gardy said. The city of Shamokin gives $8,000 per year and Coal Township $10,000; both allocations are funded through special library taxes. Shamokin Township appropriates $1,500.

Another major source of funding has always been the library's memorials program, and Gardy noted these memorial contributions continue to come in at a healthy pace. Most likely because of economic conditions, however, many of the specific memorial amounts are not as high as they once were.

"We certainly don't fault people if they find they have to give less," Gardy stressed. "We're grateful to them for any donation they make."

The library has long maintained a Century Club for people who donate $100 or above, but there have only been two new Century Club members since May. In the past, it was normal for the library to receive three Century Club donations, on average, each month.

The annual fund drive has traditionally been one of the library's most successful fundraisers, and Gardy hopes such is the case again this year. In the past three years that Gardy has served as librarian, the drive has averaged about $12,000 to $15,000 per year. The fund drive letter for this year's campaign will be mailed this month to library users, businesses and professional people.

The library has also benefited from fundraisers such as the annual Christmas tree lighting, afghan raffles and the $1-per-bag book sale.

Gardy continually investigates opportunities for grants, but the process is a highly competitive one. Most grant awards, she pointed out, require local matching grants and must be designated for specific purposes. The library has received welcome help in the past from the Walmart Foundation, among other organizations.

The decline in financial resources has been compounded by normal increases in operating costs. For example, the cost of books has gone up, Gardy noted. A work of fiction typically costs $25 to $30, non-fiction, $35 to $45, and books on tape, $125. Large-print books are even more expensive.

There have been many reader requests for e-books, but Gardy explained the library can't offer the service at present because of the expense involved in investing in a new bibliographic utility for checkout of electronic materials.

Gardy is proud that so many people - of all ages - continue to use the library. One of the most popular services is the microfilm readers which enable patrons to access old newspapers and do genealogy research. The recent summer reading program was extremely well attended, she said, with approximately 100 children at each session.

One of Gardy's long-range goals is to employ a children's librarian to plan, implement and conduct year-round activities for children. Because of current budgetary constraints, that is not practical right now. She also would like to one day inaugurate a book club at the library where people can discuss classic works of literature.

The library staff and its board of directors remain committed to providing the public with the best possible services. Gardy again reminded people that because of limited funding, it's not possible at the present time to purchase many new materials.

"We would also ask that anyone who can help in any way to please consider making a contribution," she added.

Coming soon: How the Mount Carmel Area Public Library is coping with funding challenges.

Auditions for Talent Showcase

SHAMOKIN - Open auditions for Talent Showcase 2013 will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27, at the Northumberland County Career and Arts Center auditorium, Arch and Eighth streets.

The auditions are open to all ages. There will be a limited amount of spots available for the show, which will be held Sunday, Oct. 20, in the auditorium.

Proceeds from the show will benefit the Northumberland County Council for the Arts and Humanities and Citizens for a Better Community. There will also be a special food drive at the show, with the collection going to Manna for the Many.

Singers should bring a CD, if applicable, for their audition. Piano will be available for those who want to use it.

Fire lane signs posted at Lourdes

COAL TOWNSHIP - For the start of the 2013-14 school year, new "Fire lane - no parking" signs will be placed in the front of Lourdes Regional School, a move suggested after fire and police personnel expressed safety concerns.

Parents may stop their vehicles and drop children off in the area, but should not exit the vehicle to bring them to school.

Road core samples scheduled

MONTOURSVILLE - A PennDOT maintenance crew will close a section of Cider Press Road in Upper Mahanoy Township next week to take core samples for a future bridge replacement project.

The work will be performed at the state-owned bridge (SR 2027) over a tributary to Schwaben Creek between Valley Road and Route 3010 (Schwaben Creek Road).

Cider Press Road will be closed from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. starting Monday and continuing for approximately three days.

There will be a red-arrow detour using Schwaben Creek Road, Pauls Road and Valley Road.

SUNBURY - As one of the Northumberland County Historical Society's Living History Days, Colonial Crafts Demonstration Day Saturday featured skilled cratfspeople from central Pennsylvania and southern New York who displayed their work and demonstrated the crafts of the 18th century daily life.

Woodworking, powder horn making, blacksmithing, tinsmithing, lace making, fraktur, spinning, weaving and basket making were represented, and a gardener, seamstress, trader and several soldiers explained their roles and demonstrated methods used during the same time period.

Society volunteers also staffed the Fort Augusta museum, the genealogical research library and bookstore. Visitors were able to view the two remaining Fort Augusta features on the property - the well and the powder magazine, and the Hunter-Grant cemetery. In cooperation with the Susquehanna River Valley Heritage Alliance's efforts to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, the society mounted a temporary exhibit of Civil War artifacts and Abraham Lincoln items. The event was free and open to the public.

TREVORTON - The memory of Doris Latsha will live on in Trevorton every time a child plays on the jungle gym or perches upon a balance beam at the Zerbe Township Recreation Center.

Arlo Latsha, her husband of 62 years, and family members dedicated the new playground equipment Saturday afternoon at the former Foundry and pool house in honor of the 80-year-old lifelong Trevorton resident who passed away in December 2010.

"She always took the grandchildren and great-grandchildren to the playground whenever they visited," her daughter, Donna Sherwood, said. "I think she'd be thrilled to see them and other kids in town having a good time."

At the playground Saturday, Arlo Latsha and Sherwood were joined by two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, who were all enjoying the colorful equipment.

Latsha said he wanted to donate something to the township in memory of his late wife, and approached the supervisors and recreation committee for suggestions. Township officials pointed out there wasn't any equipment for children between the ages of six and 12.

Latsha agreed, picked out the equipment with the help of a consultant and donated the money to fund the installation.

The equipment, which was install-

ed in late June by Jerry Bulchie, Bill Breinich and Ed Reed of the township street department, consists of a jungle gym dome, parallel bars, a balance beam and a multi-faceted structure with a sky wheel, climbing wall and monkey bars.

The small area around the former pool and foundry has seen revitalization in recent years with other new playground equipment and community activities, said Supervisor Mike Mazer.

"It's great to see families come here, for children to use the equipment. Since it was built, we've doubled our rentals for the area," Mazer said.

Supervisor Michael Schwartz said they are hoping to have more people use the pool hall and expand the area for more use to include paved tennis and sand volleyball courts.

Marriage licenses

Ronald David Miller, of 551 W. Third St., Mount Carmel, to Susan L. Perry, of 526 Fourth St., Sunbury. Issued Aug. 8, 2013.

Jordan Keith Gibson, of 1365 Clifford Drive, Emmett, Idaho, to Karen Sue Hoffman, of 908 Holly Road, Paxinos. Issued Aug. 10, 2013.

William David Smith Sr. to Jill Elizabeth Masser, both of 1305 Chestnut St., Kulpmont. Issued Aug. 10, 2013.

John M. Gasperetti II to Noelle E. Peco, both of 1026 Scott St., Kulpmont. Issued Aug. 12, 2013.

Divorces

Tia M. Reidinger, 520 E. Sportsman Road, Trevorton, from John R. Reidinger Jr., 1627 Trevorton Road, Coal Township. Married April 29, 2006.

Matthew W. Brouse, 45 Boyd Station Road, Danville, from Angela M. Brouse, 145 S. Awl St., Sunbury. Married June 18, 2005.

Carin Bobber, 107 Clinton St., Emerson, N.J., from John C. Bobber, 2 E. Barton Ave., Elysburg. Married July 5, 1969.

Julie A. Kirby, 325 N. Oak St., Mount Carmel, from Eric M. Kirby, 1432 W. Walnut St., Coal Township. Married May 19, 2001.

Jennifer A. Willier, 1320 W. Gowen St., Coal Township, from Matthew C. Willier, 913 N. Vine St., Shamokin. Married Sept. 13, 2008.

Deanna Race, 131 N. River Ave., Sunbury, from Joseph Race, 16 Vine St., Apt. B, Kreamer. Married June 21, 2009.

Randy Bloom, 115 Third St., Northumberland, from Yuping Guo, 207 Burns St., Charlevoix, Mich. Married Oct. 9, 2009.

Christopher M. Drumheller, 115 Reagan St., Sunbury, from Shiloe R. Drumheller, 60 Blue Springs Terrace, Danville. Married Nov. 20, 2004.

Property transfers

Renee Blugis to Patrick Bendas, property in Kulpmont, $1,000.

Robert W. Milbrand to Zachary Commerford, property in Coal Township, $45,000.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau and Shamokin Area Industrial Development Authority to Guy Leroy, property in Coal Township, $210,000.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau and Joseph A. Dascani to Robert Gusick II, property in Shamokin, $1,696.51.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Kenneth R. Boyer, Sarah M. Boyer and Anita D. Boyer to Robert Gusick II, property in Rush Township, $3,200.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Robert Schoffler and Barbara Weikel to Robert J. Hartman and John P. Krebs, property in Coal Township, $2,235.57.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Gary L. Adams Jr. and Sharon M. Adams to Robert F. Nolan, property in Coal Township, $2,121.05.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, John T. Zoeller and Mary R. Zoeller to Samuel L. Fleming Jr., property in Shamokin, $1,401.22.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau and Beneficial Consumer Discount Company to Scott M. Pancher, property in Mount Carmel, $1,272.94.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau and Fraternal Order of Police Anthracite Lodge 6 (trustee) to Vernon Hoke, property in Shamokin, $1,742.33.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau and Patrick R. Flynn to Vernon Hoke, property in Shamokin, $2,000.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Frank Alexander Ringes and Mary J. Ringes to Vernon Hoke, property in Coal Township, $1,429.54.

Northumberland County Tax Claim Bureau, Paul C. Goldman and Sharon M. Goldman to Vernon Hoke, property in Shamokin, $2,075.68.

Archie A. Passmore (agent), Penny Dollar and Dorothy A. Passmore to Maurice James Gautsch and Patricia A. Yeager Gautsch, property in Snydertown, $35,000.

Alyssa A. Marquette to Ann E. Marquette, property in Zerbe Township, $28,000.

Angela N. Snyder, Angela N. Stutzcavage and Michael Stutzcavage to Michael J. Snyder and Judy L. Snyder, property in Coal Township, $19,000.

Mary Carol Kaslavage (executrix), Barbara Ann Griffiths (executrix), Barbara A. Locke and William S. Whitmore (estate) to James E. Stank and Gloria T. Stank, property in Shamokin, $68,500.

Helen L. Smith to Lloyd B. Zimmerman, Nevin E. Zimmerman, Merle M. Zimmerman and Lloyd B. Zimmerman and Sons Farms, property in Rush Township, $700,000.

Joseph E. Bradley, Patricia E. Bradley, Christina Simpkins and Gregory Simpkins to Maine Fire Engine and Hose Company No. 1 of Silver Hill, West Coal Township and Maine Fire Engine and Hose Company No. 1, property in Coal Township, $18,500.

Elizabeth Sweely to Sue Ann Stauffer, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

Christopher E. Derr and Kelly L. Derr to Christopher E. Derr, property in Rockefeller Township, $1.

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

Guy Leroy to Richard McPeak, property in Mount Carmel, $11,000.

Roy M. Kahler and Shirley R. Kahler to Gary M. Kahler, property in Upper Mahanoy Township, $1.

Todd C. Bonawitz and Mindy L. Bonawitz to Patricia A. Dunkelberger, propety in Zerbe Township, $1.

Lloyd B. Zimmerman and Verna G. Zimmerman to Wilma M. Luna and Rosario Luna, property in Rush Township, $1.

Francis Devizia to William Applegate, property in Mount Carmel, $1,825.

Mostapha S. Zohni to Souria A. Zohni to Reagent Chemical and Research Inc., property in Coal Township, $70,000.

Irene M. Howerter, Irene M. Eichelberger and George S. Eichelberger to Amanda L. Yucha, property in Mount Carmel, $14,000.

Patricia M. Snarski (by agent) and Raymond M. Snarski (agent) to John Henninger and Jamie Henninger, property in Mount Carmel, $4,000.

Lawrence A. Coutlee Jr. and Rebecca L. Coutlee to Susan M. Simpson, property in Zerbe Township, $25,000.

Valley Gun and Country Club to Pennsylvania State Sportsman Association, property in Ralpho Township, $1.

William J. Watkins and Diane Watkins to Paul Bartlow, property in Shamokin, $2,500.

Michael M. Breskiewicz Jr. and Michael M. Breskiewicz III to Michael M. Breskiewicz III and Molly R. Breskiewicz, property in Shamokin Township, $1.

Michelle A. Drager and James M. Drager to Keith R. Miller, property in Coal Township, $1.

Elizabeth Betty Koletar (estate), Elizabeth Labofsky Koletar (estate) and Patricia Pancoski (executrix) to Country Boys Rentals LLC, property in Coal Township, $18,000.

Eugene A. Pancoski (executor), Joseph Pancoski (executor) and Charlotte E. Weimer (estate) to Country Boys Rentals LLC, propety in Coal Township, $40,000.

Francis Devizia to Felix Sota, property in Coal Township, $6,200.

Federal Home Loan Mortgage (by agent) and Daniel A. McGovern (agent) to Andrew W. Schulein and Jodi A. Schulein, property in Shamokin, $5,600.

Jesse Vaughn and Melissa Sue Vaughn to James G. Craig Jr., property in Shamokin, $7,800.

Northumberland County Sheriff, Frank H. Snyder and Georgine Snyder to Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., property in Coal Township, $1,358.48.

Northumberland County Sheriff and Heather Yucha to Federal National Mortgage Association, property in Little Mahanoy Township, $958.73.

The following landlord/tenant claims and judgments were filed in magisterial district court:

Office of John Gembic III, Shamokin

- Brett Russell, of Sunbury, against Evelyn Hughes and Sara Hughes-Goff, of Atlas, for $12,000, filed Aug. 5. A hearing is scheduled for Aug. 14.

- Beatrice Gruneberg, of Coal Township, against Crystal Hogan, of Coal Township, for $2,050, filed Friday. A hearing is scheduled for Aug. 26.

- Beatrice Gruneberg, of Coal Township, against Jim Fabian, of Coal Township, for $4,750, filed Friday. A hearing is scheduled for Aug. 26.

- Conduit Estates LLC., of Shamokin, against Shannon Kehler and Amanda Kurtz, of Shamokin, for $2,200, filed Thursday. A hearing is scheduled for Aug. 22.

- Pedro Valdes, of Winfield, against Larry and Ann Watkins, of Paxinos, for $2,645, filed Thursday.

- William Maher, of Kulpmont, against Andre Stone, of Shamokin, for $800, filed Tuesday. A hearing is scheduled for Aug. 19.

- Kerri DaCosta, of Orangeville, against Samantha Bell, of Shamokin, for $1,500, filed Aug. 5. A hearing is scheduled for Aug. 19.

Office of Hugh Jones, Mount Carmel

- Apartments and Acquisitions LP, of Mount Carmel, against Tim Shirk, for $1,200, filed Thursday. A hearing is scheduled for Aug. 22.

JACKSON TOWNSHIP - One person is dead and another hospitalized at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, following a head-on collision between a car and a motorcycle in Snyder County at 3:40 p.m. Sunday.

Trooper M. Brown of the Selinsgrove State Police barracks identified Cole E. Rice, of Mifflinburg, as the 46-year-old man who died at the scene of an accident at Route 204 near Salem Road.

Frederick R. Frost, 79, of Selinsgrove, was traveling north in a Buick Lucerne while Rice was traveling south on a Yahama V-Star when Frost traveled into Rice's lane and struck the motorcycle head on, police said.

Both Rice and his passenger, Lorie K. Oberdorf, 41, of Mifflinburg, were not wearing helmets, police said.

Frost was not injured, but Oberdorf was transported to the Danville hospital via Life Flight for serious medical injuries, police said.

Oberdorf was listed in critical condition by a nursing supervisor later Sunday night.

State police are still investigating the accident.

SHAMOKIN - Mayor George Rozinskie returned home Saturday following almost three weeks of hospitalization after falling down a flight of 15 stairs in his home.

"You can't keep a good old man down," the 78-year-old Rozinskie said Sunday via a telephone interview with The News-Item.

Although he sounded weary, Rozinskie was in good spirits and was joking during the interview, but also said he was tired and sore.

The mayor said the fall, which occurred after midnight July 23 when he was looking for the bathroom, broke a few ribs and his collar bone and cracked his spine.

His wife, Georgette Rozinskie, drove him to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, Coal Township, before he was transferred to the main Geisinger campus in Danville, where he spent the next two weeks and four days.

"I'm doing alright now, but I'm sore," he said.

While he isn't in a cast or bandages any longer, he does have a walker until he's strong enough to move around without it. He's been told by doctors to stay off his feet until he feels better.

Rozinskie said he will be visiting the hospital for physical therapy over the next couple months, and will also be having frequent visits from the nurses during the week at his home. His next appointment is today at 3 p.m.

To pass the time, he said he's been reading and sitting on the porch.

He said he's not sure when he'll be able to return to his mayoral duties, but noted he'd like to stop by city hall next week to talk to the employees and see what's happening.

"If it was up to me, I'd be there already," he said.

Before the fall, Rozinskie and Steve Bartos, city clerk, were scheduled to travel together to Philadelphia on Tuesday for business.

As a result of the fall, a special meeting was rescheduled for lack of a quorum. Councilmen R. Craig Rhoades and Michael Snyder also were unavailable.

With the mayor on leave, Councilman William Strausser, finance director and vice mayor, will lead council.

Rozinskie was a city councilman before being elected mayor, beginning a four-year term in 2010. He is not seeking re-election in this year's election.

AARP driver safety class planned

HERNDON - St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 1473 Urban Road, will host an AARP Driver Safety Class. The course, conducted by certified volunteer instructor Vince Lamenza, will run from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Sept. 9 and 10.

The program is designed for drivers 55 years old and older. Attendees will learn how to deal with aging issues and will improve their ability to cope on highways as well as local roads. Pennsylvania residents with clean driving records who complete both four-hour sessions are eligible for a 5 percent discount on their auto insurance for three years. To be eligible for the discount, all drivers on the insurance policy must take the course.

The cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members, and checks should be made out to AARP.

To register, call Elaine Balum at 758-1554 or Dennis Lesher at 425-3164 as soon as possible. The class is limited to 25 participants.

Culver plans senior expo

SUNBURY - State Rep. Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-Northumberland/Snyder) will host her 2013 Senior Expo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at Shikellamy High School. Culver invites all residents who are age 55 and older and living in the 108th District to attend the expo.

RSVP is optional, but not required, and there is no admission fee to attend this event.

More than 60 vendors from county, state and federal agencies, as well as local businesses and services, are expected to attend this year's expo. A full list of vendors can be found on www.LyndaCulver.com. Additionally, seniors will be able to take advantage of free blood pressure, strength, carotid artery, vision, stroke, bone density and auditory screenings, as well as body mass index calculations and back assessments.

Several local entertainers, including acoustic guitarist Zachary Herbster; musical group Undivided; vocalist Rebecca Yocum, and performers, Glenn Stuck and the Country Twirlers, will be performing throughout the expo.

Light refreshments and door prizes will be available. For more information, or to RSVP for Culver's 2013 Senior Expo, please contact her district office in Sunbury by calling 570-286-5885. More information can be found at www.LyndaCulver.com or www.Facebook.com/RepCulver.

MOUNT CARMEL - The owner of a building that experienced a partial collapse Sunday afternoon said the pile of wood and brick that fell upon South Locust Street and the sidewalk will be cleaned up today.

Mike Adzema, owner of Bob's Autocare Sales at 450 E. Fifth St., said the debris fell from the east side of the building facing South Locust Street at approximately 1:30 p.m.

The three story building at the corner of South Locust and East Fifth streets has been owned by Adzema since 1979.

Harry Hartopp, who lives at 212 S. Locust St. next to the auto store, said the collapse happened with "a loud thud and a big cloud of dust."

Adzema said, "Thank God" no on was walking beneath it at the time.

The wall near the roof had been bowing out for several months, and crews from H & P Construction Inc. in Kulpmont were already scheduled to start fixing it today, he said.

"Instead of us taking it down, it came down by itself," he said.

The west side of the building is the public portion of Adzema's business, and the east side, which is where the partial collapse took place, is used for storage, he said.

Robin Williams, the borough's code enforcement officer, was unable to be reached Sunday for comment, but Adzema said the police and fire crews checked the building for further problems and found none.

Caution tape and cones were set up around his business to protect the public from wandering too close to the debris.

Hartopp, who has been expecting the wall to eventually fall, said he overheard conversations Adzema had with emergency personnel to confirm his plans with the construction crew.

He has had no problems with the business owner, he said.

DANVILLE - The third annual Susquehanna Valley Undergraduate Symposium was held Aug. 6, at Geisinger Medical Center's Henry Hood Center for Health Research.

Jointly sponsored by Geisinger Health System, Bloomsburg University and the Bucknell University Institute for Public Policy, the symposium showcases research and projects by central Pennsylvania undergraduates, including Geisinger interns.

A record 67 research abstracts were submitted by area undergraduates, many with multiple authors, for inclusion in the symposium, which was attended by approximately 150 participants.

Prize winners were: Lillian McKinley, Geisinger (oral talks, clinical translational); Aulin Dincer, Bucknell (posters, clinical translational); Mahder Etuma, Bucknell (posters, natural sciences); Bradley Witcoskie, Geisinger (audience favorite); Beckey Boucher, Bucknell (oral talk, social sciences); Charles Cole, Bucknell (oral talk, natural sciences); Christine Sharp, Geisinger (audience favorite), and Caleb Meyers, Bloomsburg (poster, social sciences).

Cash prizes were awarded for the best posters and oral talks in the clinical translational, natural sciences and social sciences categories respectively, with two being chosen in the audience favorite category.

MOUNT CARMEL - The Our Lady of Mount Carmel Council of Catholic Women and the Rosary Altar Society held their monthly meeting on Aug. 1 in the parish hall.

President Theresa Conniff brought the meeting to order with the prayer to Our Lady of the Rosary, and Our Lady of Good Council, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

The secretary's report was given by Dianne Darrah and Debbie Gownley gave the treasurer's report.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church will be hosting the next Northumberland Deanery meeting at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, in the parish hall. New officers will be installed.

A Mass and celebration will be held in honor of those celebrating 25 years or more of marriage at 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. The Northumberland Council of Catholic Women is sponsoring this celebration, and dinner will follow the Mass.

The appreciation dinner for the religious and clergy will be held Oct. 9 at the Wayside Inn, and the Pilgrim Statue will be at Divine Redeemer Church Nov. 14. Maria Bridy reported on the Rosary Altar Society.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, Sept. 5.

The meeting closed with 10 Hail Marys for the active, sick and deceased members. Rosemarie Koronkiewicz moved to adjourn the meeting and Midge May seconded the motion. Refreshments were served, followed by bingo.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Carley Dabulis, of Coal Township, was named to the dean's list at Shippensburg University for the spring semester with a 3.6 grade-point average.

Dabulis is majoring in psychology. She is a member of the psychology club and Psi Chi, the psychology honor society.

She is a granddaughter of Tom and Diane Dabulis and a granddaughter of Thomas and Jennie Dabulis, of Coal Township, and the late John and Ann Delorso, who lived in Coal Township.

WILLIAMSPORT - Pennsylvania College of Technology has presented student achievement awards to its August graduates.

Among the award recipients was Stephanie Autumn Yost, of Dornsife, who graduated with a major in applied health studies, with an occupational therapy assistant concentration.

Yost received the Occupational Therapy Assistant Major Award, which is presented to the graduate of the occupational therapy assistant major who demonstrates the most improvement and professional growth.

FRACKVILLE - The 99th annual Lithuanian Days had a very special guest on Sunday with the visit of Žygimantas Pavilionis, the Lithuanian ambassador to the United States of America and to the United Mexican States.

Pavilionis attended the celebration following an invitation by Marion Wydra, Mount Carmel, a member of the Knights of Lithuania Anthracite Council No. 144, which sponsors Lithuanian Days in the Schuylkill Mall.

When he arrived at center court and before he was scheduled to speak, Pavilionis had some fun when he was invited to dance with the Gintaras Children's Dance Group, a group of children learning the art of Lithuanian folk dancing under the direction of Jo Ann (Kegolis) Filiziani. Knights Secretary Paul Domalakes, who was the emcee, invited Pavilionis and Schuylkill County Commissioner George Halcovage to join in, and both were good sports in participating with the children and others from the audience who participated.

The ambassador was introduced to the crowd by Schuylkill County Judge John E. Domalakes, also member of the Knights of Lithuania. Domalakes presented Pavilionis' biography before the ambassador spoke to the crowd.

"I am really truly honored to welcome Little Lithuania, but it is 'Big Lithuania' in essence because of your heart and everything that you did," said Pavilionis. "It is because of people like you that people like me have a good job. If not for Americans and your fight for our independence, we would never be able to be free, and we are grateful for it."

Pavilionis spoke of learning about the festivals from his predecessors at the embassy in Washington.

"I heard a lot about your festivals here from different predecessors, and what resounds in my head is struggle, community, faith and sacrifices, and also victory," said Pavilionis. "When I say sacrifices, I remember all those Lithuanians who suffered a lot because of occupations, because of different regimes over our head, and we should be proud that we've been able to resist it all. Author George Weigel wrote about the territory Lithuania was situated and saying that it was the most unfortunate territory because we had about 60 million lives lost in the region during the Second World War. When you count the victims of communism, it's about 100 million."

Pavilionis is looking to have Aug. 23 declared as "Black Ribbon Day" to mark the pact between Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin "that killed states and nations afterward." He was referring to the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a non-aggression pact between Nazi German and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics that was signed on Aug. 23, 1939. Included in the pact was a secret protocol that divided territories of Romania, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Finland into Nazi and Soviet "spheres of influence." The pact led to Germany invading Poland on Sept. 1, 1939, which began World War II.

Pavilionis said Lithuania has made great strides since freedom from the Soviet Union more than 20 years ago, and he said the national pride can be seen in the crowd at the Schuylkill Mall.

"What I observe here is that you have the heart - a real strong Lithuanian heart," said Pavilionis. "You have this community feeling. You have the ability of sharing it with charity. You have something that we still need in Lithuania. We need to create different kinds of networks and shared programs. Maybe we can share programs between your high schools and high schools in Lithuania. It's nice that you are celebrating the 99th anniversary, but what can you share as an example to Lithuania. I need that example there. My state will be strong when my citizens are strong, and you are the example of it.

"Looking to the future, let's build those bridges," he continued. "You have it inside. It helped you to maintain your identity for 100 years here. If you're not able to come back or to visit, think about the way how you can transport your heart to Lithuania through different forms - schools, universities, businesses, anything you can consider. Lithuania is strong, but we need to make our citizens stronger."

After his speech, Halcovage presented two proclamations from the board of commissioners. The first proclamation was to recognize Lithuanian Days as a major ethnic tradition in the county and was presented to the Knights of Lithuania.

The second proclamation from the commissioners honored Pavilionis and declared Aug. 11 as "Ambassador Zygimantas Pavilionis Day" in Schuylkill County. The proclamations were followed by the presentation of a sheet cake to the ambassador, who ceremoniously cut the first slice.

According to www.allgov.com, Pavilionis is a career diplomat who became ambassador of Lithuania to the United States in August 2010.

Born on August 22, 1971, in Vilnius, Pavilionis grew up with parents who prized higher education - his father, Roland Pavilionis, being an academician and his mother, Mary Pavilionienė Venus, a professor. He attended college at Vilnius University, where he earned a master's degree in philosophy and postgraduate diploma (Ph.D) in political science (international relations). Pavilionis' language proficiency includes: Lithuanian, Russian, French, Italian and English, and he is learning German and Spanish.

In 1993, Pavilionis joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and worked in the Western European Division, with the rank of third secretary, where he was instrumental in achieving Lithuanian accession into NATO and the European Union.

He was assistant director of policy from 1994-1995, before moving to the Ministry of European Integration, Department of Political Cooperation. He worked in Brussels, Belgium, at the Lithuanian Permanent Mission from 1999-2002. Pavilionis was then promoted to lead the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' European Integration Department from 2002-2004.

Most recently, he served as ambassador-at-large and chief coordinator for Lithuania's presidency of the Community of Democracies, as well as chief coordinator for the Transatlantic Cooperation and Security Policy Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Pavilionis and his wife, Lina Pavilioniene, have four sons.

The Lithuanian embassy is located in Washington, D.C. Its website is http://usa.mfa.lt/index.php?3512515989.

Sunday's celebration began with The Sensations band, followed by welcome and introductions. Major Aleksandras Radzius of the Lithuanian Partisans Living History Group, who provided background of the partisans fighting the Soviet Union in Lithuania after World War II, along with explaining the different uniforms that the partisans wore, using those uniforms worn by the re-enactors.

State Sen. David G. Argall presented a proclamation from the Pennsylvania Senate about Lithuanian Days. Later in the afternoon, members of the Lithuanian folk group Varpelis performed and held a sing-a-long. The Malunis Dance Group from Baltimore performed twice, Lithuanian pop star Augis performed on stage, and at 2:30 and 4 p.m., and the Zilvanis Dance Group from Philadelphis performed. The Sensations returned near the end of the day, followed by drawing of prizes, announcement of the results of the boilo tasting contest, and closing ceremonies.

COAL TOWNSHIP - Shamokin Area Middle/Senior High School announced the seventh grade orientation will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, in the school auditorium.

The program will begin with Chris Venna, principal, welcoming the parents. Bill Callahan, assistant principal, will provide information for both students and parents/guardians about their school day.

The students will be sent to their homerooms to receive their locker number and combination. Students will have time to practice opening their lockers and listen to their homeroom teachers discuss homeroom procedures.

Meanwhile, parents/guardians will remain in the auditorium to hear Callahan speak about attendance and truancy, James Dressler about the anti-bullying club, Matt Weller, guidance counselor, about guidance services and the STOP Team, Mindy Lagerman, food service director, in reference to the Café-Trac system, and Sandra Zurick, school nurse, with an overview of medical responsibilities.

Students can bring money to put in their Café-Trac account. Later, parents/guardians will meet with students in their homerooms to get important back-to-school information and forms. These forms must be returned on the first day of school.

Also, students will receive their schedules and be able to walk around the school to locate their classes. The middle school and high school National Honor Society members will be there to help students find their classes.

The school district urges all seventh-graders and their parents/guardians to attend the orientation.

SUNBURY - Hours after a jury was selected for the bribery trial of Shamokin landlord Barry Getchey, the defendant decided to enter a no-contest plea in the case this morning.

The 69-year-old Getchey turned down a guilty plea offer Friday morning from Assistant District Attorney Michael Seward and appeared adamant about taking the case to trial after telling Northumberland County Judge Charles Saylor that he was "not guilty of anything."

A trial was scheduled for Thursday morning before President Judge Robert B. Sacavage and a jury of seven women and five men was selected Monday. But Getchey, who was planning to represent himself because he couldn't afford to hire an attorney and was ineligible for a free public defender, changed his mind about seeking a trial late Monday afternoon.

When contacted Monday, Getchey said he entered a plea in the case because he didn't want to waste any more of the court personnel and jurors' time by having a trial. "With all the real crime in the county going on, I didn't want people getting bogged down on a bribery charge," he said.

He is now scheduled to enter a no-contest plea at 11:45 a.m. today to a misdemeanor of obstructing administration of the law in exchange for the withdrawal of the felony bribery offense.

By pleading no contest, Getchey is not admitting nor denying guilty, but acknowledges enough evidence could be presented at trial to convict him of both charges.

Getchey will most likely be assessed a fine by the court and avoid any jail time.

The defendant was charged by Trooper Kevin Kearney of state police at Stonington on April 16, 2012, with bribery and obstructing administration of the law in official and political matters. The charges relate to an incident on Nov. 16, 2011, in which Getchey allegedly offered $300 to Shamokin Housing Authority board chairman Raymond G. Splane if he would help the landlord get back federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) money withheld from him by the authority.

Getchey has maintained the money offered to Splane was not a bribe, but a thank-you gift if Splane agreed to help.

The Shamokin landlord has accused the authority of withholding more than $10,000 in federal rental assistance funds between November 2011 and January 2012. However, the authority claims Getchey violated his HUD contact by not having a functioning heating system in September and October 2011 and not remediating a mold problem and other safety issues in his North Sixth Street apartment building.

Getchey initially sought acceptance into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program in hopes of having the bribery charge expunged. But in October, he withdrew his application for the ARD program and decided to take the case to trial following a last-minute objection to his participation in the program by authority members.