Two local students were recognized duringJuniata College’sannual Spring Awards Convocation in May.

St. Mark Lutheran Church will host a block party at 5 p.m. Saturday, with a children’s carnival from 5 to 7 p.m.

The Fourth of July is my favorite national holiday. It is the ritual of our country’s birthing, a cause to celebrate.

President Obama’s recent fly-swatting episode on national television provoked a response among some regarding the rights of animals. Shortly afterwards I heard the comment that there seems to be those who are more concerned for the rights of insects than for the right to life for unborn children.

Three weeks ago, my son was playing in a basketball tournament and went to the free throw line to shoot a one-and-one with the score tied and 3 seconds left. He missed the shot, the game went into overtime and his team ended up losing.

The Rev. Tyson Ferguson

In its penultimate sentence, the Declaration of Independence declares “that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved; and that, as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do.”

Q:What’s the best way to preserve a Mardi Gras mask that is made of feathers?

The Centre County United Way board has approved allocation of $1.56 million raised in the fall campaign among its 40 member agencies.

Jody Agostinelli, a daughter of Edward and Linda Agostinelli, of State College, received a Juris Doctor degree from the City University of New York School of Law on May 15.

In State College, the Central PA 4th Fest might be the highlight of Independence Day, but the traditions are different on the other side of Skytop.

U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Howard Township, has announced thatHobart K. Kistler,of Centre Hall, has

Army Pfc. Olivier Habimana, a son of Samuel Gasimba and Therese Kamanayire, of State College, has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

Q: What is the Pennsylvania Department of Aging Medicaid waiver program?

The annual Twilight Dinners, a community-based fundraiser, netted $17,265 this spring for the Centre County Women’s Resource Center — more than ever before.

Visit any public library in the county and you will find children who want to “Be Creative!” — the theme for the 2009 summer reading club.

You may not be familiar with the Cancer Survivors’ Association, but you should be. One in three women and one in two men in Centre County will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society statistics for 2009.

The Bellefonte Area School District would like to thank the employers who participated in Cooperative Education during the 2008- 2009 school year. We truly appreciate your generosity, kindness and willingness to train the youth of today.

Belated Greetings

Joan Reish, of State College, celebrated her birthday Friday.

The Lyons family would like to thank the Bellefonte Senior Institute and the community for showing their support by participating in the fundraiser for our son, Mitchell. A wonderful taco dinner was held at Faith United Methodist Church on Mitchell's first birthday, and we wouldn't have wanted his birthday to be celebrated any other way.

The following applications for marriage licenses recently were filed in the Register of Wills and Clerk of the Orphans Court in the Willowbank Building, 414 Holmes St., Suite 2, Bellefonte: