PVIAA elects officers

Bill O'Gurek Jr., Summit Hill, center, was elected president of the Panther Valley Irish-American Association for 2010 during a recent reorganizational meeting. The association is planning its 63rd annual St. Patrick's Day Banquet for Wednesday, March 17, to be held in the Grand Ballroom of Kelly's Irish Pub, Lansford. O'Gurek succeeds Tom McCarroll Sr. of Tamaqua as president of the association. Joining him are, from left, Tim Hoben, Coaldale, second vice president, Tim Kurchak, Lansford, third vice president, John Tracy, Tamaqua, secretary, and Tim Sweeney, Coaldale, sergeant-at-arms. Other officers are Robert Ames, Coaldale, treasurer, and Daniel McAndrew, Summit Hill, first vice president.