Lions International has awarded the Coaldale Lions Club the Club Excellence Award. Past District Governor Bob Neumoyer of West Penn Lions Club presented the award to Coaldale club president Bob Ames on Feb. 8.

The award, for 2009-2010, is given to those Lions Clubs that excel in community service, support to those who require extensive vision care, and support to Lions International objectives and world-wide vision programs.Also on Feb. 8, Bill Moyer, president of St. Luke's Miners Memorial Hospital,Coaldale, and hospital Director of Development Micah Gursky, Director of Development at the hospital, accepted a $2,000 check from Ames . the check was the third payment of a $10,000 donation from the club for the hospital's new, state-of-the-art intensive care unit.Moyer outlined for club members the progress the hospital has made in the past year, stressing his intention of providing outstanding patient care and respect. Moyer also described how the hospital will implement the latest in medical communications, including remote diagnosis. He stressed the use of the latest diagnostic tools and technology, an area of specialty of his.Moyer has local roots: His grandmother, Stella Perambo, lived on Howard Avenue in Coaldale, and would remind Bill to put on his hat, scarf, and gloves when he went to play on the old hospital grounds.Gursky described St. Luke's association with the Temple University Medical School, explaining the hospital's success in recruiting young physicians. Gurslky also said St. Luke's has hired a new "hospitalist," Dr. Mark Kender. Kender will specialize in the care of patients whose doctors do not visit the hospital. He will work closely with these doctors to ensure that the patient receives optimum 'in-hospital' care."If you see the new doctor in the halls at the hospital, ask him about his dog," Gursky joked.Gursky also talked about the hospital's new dialysis machine, which will permit patients; especially those in critical care, to receive this medical procedure without having to travel to an off-site location.