All of the schools are now out for summer, please drive with extra caution. There are a lot of young folks on bikes, skateboards and yes, driving the roads all hours of the day. Watch out for that child darting out from between two parked vehicles. If you see a ball come into your line of vision slow down because a child may be chasing it. Most of all be aware of the greatest distraction of today, the line of vision being interrupted by that cell phone or earbuds pumping music, this goes for both pedestrians and drivers. Please get your attention focused on safety.

There is much needed construction on area highways and bridges going on in every community. Give our highway workers a break, pay attention and slow down. They have a very difficult job to begin with. Pay especially close attention to that flag person and those working when passing through. Sometimes attention can get focused on the job at hand or maybe affected by working all day in that hot summer sun. Like my Dad always told me “Drive defensively and anticipate the unexpected.” The important thing is to avoid the tragedy no matter who is at fault. One other note — remember work zones are still deemed active whether or not work is taking place and especially on Sunday. Slow down and avoid a ticket that could leave your vehicle parked along the side of the highway.

Keep the children active this summer. Give all electronic devices a user time limit. There is so much good going on for young folks, make sure they take advantage of all that is being offered. From day camps, athletic camps to music and summer art programs. Most can be found within the pages that follow.

One event that jumped out to me is Loyalsock head basketball coach Ron Insinger’s CI’s Basketball Camp. I attended the camp, I worked the camp, and I sent both my sons to CI’s summer hoops camp. Jimmy worked the camp. So it shouldn’t be, but it is hard for me to believe that this year celebrates the 40th season of CI’s Basketball Camp.
I want to know where CI has that fountain of youth that seems to keep him young as we all age around him. With CI’s players working the camp over the years, it creates a great bond with the younger campers and the current players of today. Obviously it’s about making the camper a better ballplayer but it’s also about fun and enjoying friendships created through basketball.

The campers are divided up by age and/or ability, so no one is ever left out. Everyone gets a camp t-shirt and there are plenty of competitions for trophies and awards. For 120 bucks there is probably not a better bargain in the state. PA’s all-time winningest coach, 30 hours of instruction and games and fun to be had by all! Great job CI and congrats on your 40th season! I hope to write about your 50th.

Staying in the township — Anytime you’re still playing baseball after graduation it’s been a great season. Tip of the cap to rookie manager — head baseball coach Zac Martin, assistants Ryan Orgitano, Mike Faust, his son Isaac and my son Jimmy when he could be there. What a fantastic job they did with the Lancer baseballers this season. A League crown, district championship and state final four appearance.

Coach Zac Martin is just a young fellow with a great baseball pedigree that includes his playing days for head coach Jon Shehan at Millersville University, which has become a national power at the Division II level. Coach Martin has an outstanding approach to the game — which begins with you always behave like a gentleman — which is great to see in today’s world. He is a believer in hard work and discipline and it paid great dividends for the Lancers.

I must also tip my LT cap to the ballplayers and say thank you to the seniors, Andrew Malone, Larry Van Stavoren, Ryan Fink, Michael LaPoint, Alden Mileto, Aaron Raemore and Davis Lytle. I’m going to miss you boys. Great job and good luck on your future endeavors.

Now it’s time to talk a little carp. And no I did not spell that wrong. I recently got to know Mr. Albert DiMassimo. He was doing some concrete work for me. Incidentally he does a great job if you’re looking for a guy. “Buck” as he is known by, is an avid fisherman, hunter and outdoorsman. Him and I got talking fishing and he told me about Big Al’s Carp Tournament which he organizes each year.

The 19th annual event was recently held on the North and West Branches of the Susquehanna River and its tributaries. All rules follow PA Fish Commission guidelines. You would not believe the carp taken by local anglers!

There’s a five carp limit per two person team. Total weight wins the competition, prizes and awards for the top spots and also the heaviest lone carp caught.

This year’s first place went to Justin and Wyatt Robinson 144 pounds. Timmy Scott and Buck were runners up at 98 pounds. Gregg Kirch and Nate Demmien took third with 94 pounds. The lunker of the day was Justin Robinson’s 31 pound carp. Wow! I wonder if Green Giant corn is the bait of choice?

I will have more on this for next year’s 20th Annual Big Al’s Classic. The event is always held the first Saturday of June. Tip of the fishing cap to you, Buck.

God Bless America.