President Chris Ondrus and Vice President Bob Silver of Lansford Alive presented the Black Diamond Award to the Lansford Little League at the American Legion 123.

Lansford Alive is a nonprofit organization that is committed to the revitalization of downtown Lansford and bringing the community together to improve the quality of life.The organization honored the Lansford Little League for its accomplishments over the years and its dedication to the sport.The league's efforts to get youth involved is important in the community, Ondrus said."It is remarkable to see the same faces today that were there when some of the residents played as children."Michael Turrano, president of the Lansford Little League, thanked all the volunteers, local businesses, and Little League board members for their continued effort and support to give the Little League a generational, respectable and successful place in the community.The Lansford Little League was founded in 1957. Turrano has been a coach with the organization since 1980 and became president in 1992, holding that position ever since.Turrano said, "It's been an honor and a privilege for me to belong to this organization, it's something that I love dearly, it's been close to my heart."It's not something that is a chore for me. I have enjoyed it over the years and I've always hoped that we've had an impact on the youth in our town. We've always been complimented on the way the facilities appear, and the way it's been run."I get such a heartfelt warm feeling seeing guys 35, 40 years old come back to coach, who played little league for me," he said."Hopefully it will spread through out the community and everybody will be willing to do their best to make the town better, the community better, not just the Little League."To get children involved in Little League, or to volunteer, contact Turrano at 570-778-0589 or

mikesturrano@hotmail.com.