Today we pause to acknowledge the people and groups who make the Central Susquehanna Valley a better place to call home. Readers may nominate individuals for recognition by e-mailing the identity of the nominee and a brief description of his or her outstanding action. Write to: jfinnerty@dailyitem.com.

A tip of the hat to organizers of the Hill Neighborhood Night Out, held last week in Sunbury.

The struggle of the municipal government to cope with financial problems associated with shrinking tax bases and rising costs, coupled with a spate of alarming crime gave the city a pair of black eyes. Those challenges ought not completely overshadow the city's charms. Residents of the Hill section of Sunbury know first-hand that the city has several family-friendly neighborhoods because they live in one of them. A good way to fight an image problem is draw attention to the virtues of a community. The night out accomplished that nicely. Such social events are a start, but they are only the tip of the iceberg of the goals of neighborhood organizers. Hill Neighborhood Council President Bob Lagerman said the group hopes to secure $250,000 in state grant money by the end of the year for projects ranging from facade restoration for homes to sidewalk improvements.

... and to the board of supervisors and residents of East Buffalo Township, Union County, who volunteered their time to develop a plan to make the roads safer for those who travel without the aid of motors. Elected officials in the municipality say they will enact ordinances to address concerns raised by a committee representing the interests of pedestrians and bicyclists. Travelers across the region know that rural roads are often winding and rarely lined by sidewalks. Increased interest in physical health has spurred more people to hit the highway for exercise. The combination of factors creates a dangerous situation that more elected officials may need to tackle. East Buffalo Township deserves credit for jogging out to the lead.

... and to Evangelical Community Hospital, AAA and the AARP for drawing attention to the need to help senior citizens remain safe drivers.

The hospital and the organizations combined forces for a Car Fit event to help drivers use practices that could help protect them during crashes. Organizers noted that in 22 years there will be 50 million senior citizens on the road.