The Carbon County Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees chapter's Fall General Membership Meeting was held in October at the Mahoning Valley Country Club in Lehighton.

Several individuals were honored.President Janet Hall said the meeting was similar to awards presentations of greater scope, like the Emmys or the Oscars, but no less important to the Carbon PASR Chapter. To honor the "red carpet" recipients, she rolled out a "red carpet" (long tablecloth), and escorted recipients to the podium to receive awards and accolades. Mary Ann Ashner continued the theme by first "thanking the academy."Phyllis Seems, Past Region 2 director, conducted the installation of new officers, who assume their roles in January, serving their 2015-16 term of office. Officers include Cindy Sabol, president; Molly Phillips, president-elect; Mary Ann Ashner, vice president; Rebecca Zehner, secretary; and Jay Hoffman, treasurer.Honorees included Ron Long of Lehighton, who was chosen as the "Volunteer of the Year." He and his wife are coordinators for the food pantry at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Lehighton, where he also serves as co-chair of the social ministry committee, is an usher, and helps with the altar guild.When possible, he also tutors. Long has volunteered almost 1,000 hours in several categories, including social services, religious service, and services to youth.Another member who was recognized was Connie Kistler, who received the "John J. Dillon Award" for her service to the chapter. Kistler came forward at a time of great need to take over the duty of publishing the newsletter. In the process, she taught members many skills needed to function within the world of computer technology. Kistler has also done much work with the chapter's community and social service projects. Even while rebuilding her home after a disastrous fire, she refused to discontinue the cutting of coupons for Keystone Soldiers, and practicing carols for the visits during Christmas season.In continuing its goal to support the creative efforts of teachers within Carbon County, several Educational Grants were awarded.From Panther Valley High School, Pauline Davis, a seventh-grade reading teacher, will use her grant to purchase a software program to promote literacy using posters. Business teacher Kayla Field was awarded a grant to help start up a waffle shop with her classes, in order to teach the process of a business plan, as well as aid in raising funds for school activities.With the goal of developing healthy food choices, Janel Binikos, a K-6 Health and P.E. teacher in the Jim Thorpe Area School District will use grant money for a class trip to Weis Markets.Bobbie Ann Kafro, a Family and Consumer Science teacher in Weatherly Area School District, will use the grant to help purchase an interactive doll for her parenting class.