The newest center part of the Panther Valley summer program opened in the Lansford Townhouses this summer.

Frank Tongue, a resident of the Townhouses for the past 18 years, started the program up and is the monitor, and has help from a few local volunteers."When I first moved in, no one did stuff for the kids," Tongue said.He then got a group of people together to help with the program, and went around to the parents and urged them to bring their kids to the program.Every week, Tongue has a different activity for the kids. On July 4, the kids painted American flags on T-shirts, andanother day they made friendship bracelets. There is also a small playgroundoutside the office building in the Townhouses.Tongue said they get about 30 kids each day 18 and under who all get a meal, and may take food and other items home if they choose to."My favorite part is the food," says Emily Shook, who was at the program recently.Krimmer's Cafe & Catering provides the meals each day. One day the kids got mac and cheese, watermelon, milk and Tongue said he was planning to give them each a pudding cup at the end of the day."I do it for the kids," Tongue said.To raise money they hold dinners, have food donated, and also do something for Easter and Christmas. If there is enough money, each child will get a $10 gift card for Christmas.At the end of the summer, Tongue is hoping to have a picnic with food, games and prizes for everyone who participated in the program and in the Townhouses.Barb Richardson, who is the site supervisor, says "I love the kids." This is her first year helping with the summer food program.Amber Locher, whose daughter participates in the program, said it is "something to keep her active." She also helps to clean up.Among the other volunteers are Sam Anthony and Kaitlyn Lauer.