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Diamonds to American Red Cross blood donors (the first-timers and the faithful). Contributions of life-sustaining blood and blood products, including platelets, typically nosedive during the summer. That’s partly because vacations and other warm-weather activities – picnics, sporting events, reunions – interfere with regular donors’ schedules. Help to fill the void. Make an appoint to donate. Upcoming drives are scheduled in Luzerne County communities ranging from Harveys Lake to Greater Hazleton, West Wyoming to Wilkes-Barre. Call 1-800-733-2767 or visit www.redcrossblood.org/2015-summer.

Coal to Magisterial District Judge Martin Kane’s office. A state audit faulted District Court 11-2-01 in Wilkes-Barre for delays and lapses in issuing certain warrants. Of 49 instances examined by the state Auditor General’s Office, nine warrants “were not issued timely and three were not issued at all,” according to its report released Wednesday. The audit covered a three-year span ending Dec. 31, 2013. Kane, who intends to retire in January after three decades in the post, pinned the problem of tardy paperwork on a staffing shortage. But you know what they say about “justice delayed.”

Diamonds to foster grandparent extraordinaire Rose Mason. At nearly 92, she continues to work with special needs individuals at the White Haven Center, as a participant in The Foster Grandparent Program sponsored locally by the Area Agency on Aging for Luzerne/Wyoming Counties. Mason marked her 30th year with the program in May and shows no signs of slacking. “If I don’t come in, the girls look for me,” she said, “so I’ll continue to go until I can’t go anymore.” To learn about foster grandparenting opportunities in this area, call 570-822-1158.

Coal to reckless motorcyclists. They can be seen, or heard, revving over Wilkes-Barre’s Market Street Bridge at seemingly unsafe speeds. Or they’re spotted performing stunts and foolish maneuvers on thoroughfares such as the Cross-Valley Expressway and Interstate 81. The risk-taking of a few dunderheads potentially puts other motorists in jeopardy and could necessitate the need for an ER visit and even more blood (See Diamonds No. 1).

Diamonds to Forty Fort’s handy police officers. Concerned about the condition of the borough’s police headquarters, especially its perceived safety weaknesses, three men have opted to act as after-hours fixer-uppers. The officers recently ripped out walls, starting a significant station renovation. The makeover has been spearheaded by Chief Dan Hunsinger and supported by community contributions and grants. Forty Fort Mayor Andy Tuzinski said: “There are people in life who sometimes prefer to sit and complain, and then we have people who look for solutions. Our police officers are the type who look for solutions.”

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