The Schuylkill County commissioners' board room was filled with young members of the community Thursday as the commissioners proclaimed April 22 to 28 as "The Week of the Young Child" and recognized two Eagle Scouts.
The proclamation recognizes the Community Engagement for Early Childhood Education Team, Head Start providers, PA Pre-K Counts providers, Keystone STARS Child Care providers, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, school districts and other local community partners.
"As commissioners, we present quite a few proclamations a year and this is absolutely one of my favorites," commissioners Chairman Frank J. Staudenemeier said. "We have always said that children are our most valuable resource. What you people do each day is outstanding and we appreciate your services."
The commissioners also gave out seven "Certificates of Achievement Awards" to children in attendance.
The board also recognized Nathanael Christian Marino and Anthony R. Kaledas as they advanced to the rank of Eagle Scout.
In other business, the board approved the reappointment of several members to Luzerne/Schuylkill Workforce Investment Board Inc.
They are Karen Kenderdine, vice president of the First National Bank, Pottsville, who is vice chairwoman, serves on the executive committee and is active in the finance committee; Darlene J. Robbins, president of NEPA Manufacturers and Employers Association, who is the chairwoman of the performance and evaluation committee and serves on the executive committee; Christopher Snyder, representative for United Schuylkill County, who is co-chair of the Youth Council Committee; Paul Straka, assistant county administrator, who is the treasurer and serves on the executive and finance committees; Kristine Verba, Wegman's human resources manager, who serves on the performance and evaluation committee; and Frank Zukas, president of Schuylkill Economic Development Corp., who serves as co-chair of the planning and development committee.
On a separate motion, the board approved to appoint John Powers, Pottsville, as a member of the Workforce Investment Board for a three-year term beginning Thursday.
The board also approved the appointment of Larissa Russell to a three-year term on the Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board.
The commissioners approved to solicit bid proposals for medical surgical supplies for Rest Haven nursing home. Bids are due in the controller's office by June 4 and will be opened during the commissioners' work session June 6. The tentative award date is June 27.
The resignation of Jason Gherghel, Orwigsburg, as a member of the county Transportation Authority was approved as well as the appointment of Robert Carl Jr., Orwigsburg, to finish his term that expires Dec. 31.
During the salary board meeting, Lori Cascarino, Barnesville, was appointed to per diem activities director at Rest Haven and Anith Keller, Saint Clair, and Gloria Wolfe, Frackville, were appointed to part-time licensed practical nurse. Michael Collins, Schuylkill Haven, retired as building superintendent for the county courthouse and Michelle Hueston, Saint Clair, was appointed as per diem deputy coroner/investigator.
In the district attorney's office, Janice Huth, Frackville, was promoted to victim-witness project director, Patricia Joseph, Mahanoy City, was promoted to victim-witness coordinator, and Andrew Serina, Tamaqua, resigned as assistant district attorney.