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Issue Home October 22, 2002 Site Home

HEADLINES:
50th Anniversary!
A Real Celebration
Bennett Family Reunion Supports Local Project
Day On A Dairy Farm Draws Large Crowd
Guess Who's Coming To Dinner Tonight?
H/GB Lions Host Awards Dinner
Wedding Announced Hine - Battle
Lynette Bedford Is Outstanding 4-H'er
Starrucca Borough Installs Signs
Summer Theater Keeps Shining On
Blue Ridge Senior Center Update
It's A Girl!
Lenoxville Senior Center Update
Searching For A New Library Site
PARSE #15 Meets
 

50th Anniversary!

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Chicosky of Lake Havasu City, AZ, formerly of Lake Como, PA are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. They were united in marriage at St. John’s Catholic Church, Susquehanna, PA on October 25, 1952.

Mrs. Chicosky is the former Mary Alice Nagel, daughter of the late Fred and Marion Nagel, Susquehanna.

Mr. Chicosky is the son of the late John and Elizabeth Chicosky, Lake Como.

On July 28, 2002, while on their annual visit to PA, the couple was honored with a surprise dinner party at the Fireside Restaurant, Honesdale, PA.

The dinner was given by their three children and families: Stephen Chicosky, Jr. and son Stephen, III of Lake Como; Sharon Nebzydoski, husband, Tom and children, Melissa and Nicholas, of Pleasant Mount, PA; Susan Griffis, husband, Vince, children, Josef, Alex and Danielle, of Honesdale.

Steve and Mary Alice have made their home in Arizona since 1998.

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A Real Celebration

This double celebration, four-generation picture was taken at the baptism and first birthday celebration of Abby Isabella Hobart. Pictured (l-r) are: seated – great-grandmothers, Gwen Hadden and Anna Hobart (holding Abby); standing – maternal grandmother Janet Harris; mother, Joleane (Haley) Hobart; paternal grandfather, Ellis Hobart; father, Ken Hobart. Ken, Joleane and Abby live in Massena, NY.

Abby was baptized by her "papa," Rev. Robert W. Harris in the garden of the Harris residence at Foxton Lake. The water was poured into the bowl by her great-grandmothers. A reading was read by her grandmothers, Elaine Hobart and Janet Harris.

Following the baptism there was a birthday party at the Foxton Lake Clubhouse, attended by her grandparents, relatives and friends.

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Bennett Family Reunion Supports Local Project

Members of the Bennett Family Reunion recently donated $700 to the Susquehanna County Civil War Monument Project in memory of their ancestor, Erastus Bennett who was killed in the Civil War. His name is found on the monument’s Herrick Township tablet. Commissioner Lee Smith accepted the donation for the committee, saying, "The County thanks you for your generous support of this project and for your appreciation of the history of the county."

Family members on hand for the presentation were: Donna Williams, President; Dennis Bennett, Vice-president; Lisa Feddock, Secretary; Melissa Berish, on behalf of her mother, Carole Belcher, who is treasurer of the Association; and Melissa’s daughters, Tess and Alaney. They credited Janet Bennett Haulton for joining them together through her genealogy work on the Bennett family.

Pictured (l-r) are: Dennis Bennett, vice-president, Bennett Family Reunion; Lisa Feddock, secretary; Ellen O’Malley, monument project manager; Commissioner Lee Smith; Donna Williams, president, Bennett Family Reunion; Melissa Berish; Alaney Berish; Betty Smith, Curator Susquehanna County Historical Society.

The Bennett Family holds their reunion each August. Each year, members donate a white elephant object for a mystery auction to raise money for a worthy cause. In choosing the Civil War Monument restoration project, Donna Williams, notes "Our family reunion preserves history for the younger generation. We like to think that those coming generations will be able to visit the Susquehanna County Civil War monument and gain an appreciation of their ancestor, Erastus Bennett." Donna relates that Erastus Bennett was born in Herrick Township in 1822, of a pioneering family. He was about 40 years old in 1862 when he answered President Lincoln’s call for volunteers. He left a wife, Martha Coon Bennett and nine children, when he died in 1864, following two years of service to the Union. According to family records, at the time of his death, Sergeant Erastus Bennett was a member of Company B 17th Cavalry, 62nd Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was mustered in Sept. 21, 1862. Captured briefly by Confederate forces, Bennett made his way back to Union lines and died in Washington, DC, on August 23, 1864. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

The November issue of the Susquehanna County Historical Society Journal of Genealogy & Local History will contain a full listing of names of the soldiers on the monument, along with available information on their regiments and circumstances of death. To order a copy, contact the Susquehanna County Historical Society at 278-1881, or e-mail: susqpulib@epix.net for more information.

Donations for the restoration of the Civil War Monument are being accepted by the committee at Susquehanna County Civil War Monument Restoration Fund, Susquehanna County Court House, PO Box 218, Montrose, PA 18801. For more information, call (570) 278-4600, ext. 558, or e-mail susqded@epix.net.

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Day On A Dairy Farm Draws Large Crowd

Over 400 people, young and old came out on a cool and breezy, yet sunny fall afternoon to enjoy the first "Day on a Dairy Farm" event sponsored by the Susquehanna County Dairy Promotion Court.

Folks from as far away as England and Alaska came to enjoy the day. The event was held at the Evergreen Lane Farm of Mark and Cindy Tompkins and their children, Trevor and Mariah, located near Montrose. Commissioners Cal Dean and Lee Smith came to show their support for the dairy industry.

Barn tours with an explanation of how milk gets from the farm to the consumer highlighted the day. Following the tours, given by the Dairy Princess and her court, participants had the opportunity to take part in horse-drawn and tractor driven hay rides, a chance to compete in a "kiddy tractor pull," pick a Halloween pumpkin and see modern and vintage farm tractors.

Visitors to the Dairy on a Dairy Farm event load up for a hay ride at the Tompkins Farm.

The two teams of horses were provided by Reuben and Beth Beth Everitt and Bruce and Edith Conklin.

Food for the day was prepared while you waited by the Dairy Promotion Committee. Over 100 toasted cheese sandwiches and over 100 cheese dogs were served along with lots of free milk and cheese and crackers.

A basket full of milk chocolate goodies was raffled off. The winner was Cindy Hamby of Lawsville.

The Susquehanna County Dairy Court credits the success of this event to Mark and Cindy Tompkins. Their generosity of opening up their farm to the public made it all possible. Members of the Court include Dairy Princess, Rebecca Place; Ambassadors, Amanda Miner, Alyssa Sprout, Ashley Franklin, Abbey Puzo and Amy Roe; Maids, Jenna Sprout, Jessica Roe, Alicia Roe, Abbey Hewitt, Lydia Carlin and Karin Mowry.

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Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner Tonight?

This mother black bear showed up at our Lanesboro, PA home with her four little ones this summer. She came faithfully, off and on all summer, but sad to say her babies were no longer with her after this picture was taken.

We didn’t feed her on purpose, but we didn’t care either that she ate when she could. We respected her, and she respected us.

Mother Nature is an awesome gift that God has given us, to be enjoyed by everyone. We just wanted to share the picture so others could enjoy it as well.

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H/GB Lions Host Awards Dinner

Hallstead–Great Bend Lions Club held their annual awards dinner at Dobbs Restaurant on September 4. Every year, Lion members are recognized for their achievements within the club. As a volunteer organization, members commit many of their free hours to performing community services and fundraising to provide for the needy.

The installation of officers and induction of new members ceremonies were performed at this dinner by the present District Governor, Jack McGoldrick and District Vice Governor, William Tarby. The new Lion members inducted are Janet Dayton and Jason Miller.

Pictured (l-r) are: District Governor Jack McGoldrick; Jason Miller; Janet Dayton; District Vice Governor William Tarby.

Worldwide, Lion Clubs belong to a designated district. Hallstead–Great Bend, along with the Susquehanna Stonebridge and Montrose clubs, belong to District 14-H, which consists of Lackawanna, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming Counties, comprising approximately 41 clubs. It is an honor that District Governor Jack McGoldrick of Great Bend, is the first Lion member from that club to hold this office. This is a time-consuming job for Lion Jack, in that he oversees all the clubs in the District 14-H and attends numerous Lion functions.

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Wedding Announced Hine – Battle

Saint Mary of Mount Carmel was the setting, August 3, 2002 for the wedding of Karee Michelle Hine, Thompson and Charles Christopher Battle, Dunmore, PA.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Hine, Thompson.

The bridegroom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Battle, Jr., Dunmore.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles (Karee) Battle

The Rev. David R. Betts officiated at the 2:00 p.m. ceremony.

Lynn Battle, Dunmore, sister of the bridegroom, was maid of honor. Bridesmaids were: Stacy Oakley, Thompson, niece of the bride; Wendy Oakley, Thompson, and Jackie Randall, New Milford, sisters of the bride; Sarah Robinson, Waymart, sister-in-law of the bride.

Courtney Randall, New Milford, niece of the bride, was flower girl.

Mark Bennett, Clarks Summit, cousin of the bridegroom, was best man. Ushers were: Ray Reynolds and Brian Giumento, Dunmore, friends of the groom; David Hine, Waymart, brother of the bride; Paul McMynne, Scranton, friend of the groom.

Michael Muracco, Dunmore, godchild of the groom, was ring bearer.

The reception was held at Runco’s, Dunmore.

The bride is a graduate of Mountain View High School and is employed at Santana Products, Scranton as a Regional Manager Liaison.

The bridegroom is a graduate of Dunmore High School and is employed at Borton-Lawson Engineering, Wilkes-Barre, as a Mechanical Designer.

Following a wedding trip to Kauai, Hawaii, the couple resides in Jessup, PA.

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Lynette Bedford Is Outstanding 4-H’er

Lynette Bedford (pictured), Susquehanna received Susquehanna County’s 2002 Outstanding 4-H’ers award at achievement night, October 12, 2002. Lynette has participated in 4-H for 11 years, under the leadership of Rhaylene Britten and Evelyn Gerchman with the Jackson Pin Thimblers Club. Lynette is the daughter of Linda Fabrizi and James Bedford, Susquehanna. She is attending College Misericordia, Dallas, PA, pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy.

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Starrucca Borough Installs Signs

Starrucca Borough Council is happy to announce the completion of the Stream Identification Signs installation. The signs were part of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission Stream Signage Grants. Signs are located at bridges over the Shadigee Creek and Starrucca Creek, located on State roadways. The purpose of the SRBC's Stream Signage Grant program is to raise awareness, connect people to their watersheds and to protect their water resources.

Pictured (l-r) are Council Members Paul Downton and Andrew Bennett.More information on the Susquehanna River Basin Commission can be found at www.srbc.net.

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Summer Theater Keeps Shining On

Summer came early this year for Susquehanna County theater-lovers, when the Endless Mountains Theatre Company kicked off its season with a late March performance of locally-written, one-act farce "The Can of Yams." Now, seven months down the road and with Daylight Savings Time about to end, EMTC is keeping the summer alive, as it prepares for two encore performances of the sell-out, interactive dinner-theater comedy "Tony n' Tina's Wedding."

The mother of the bride [June Wootton] takes a break from supervising the wedding to give her son, Joey [Bob DeLuca] some motherly advice.

"We're first and foremost a summer-stock company," explains EMTC Chair Bob DeLuca, "but we've been finding more and more opportunities to expand our role beyond just the summer months." DeLuca notes that while the Company's two major productions traditionally occur in July and August, smaller-scale outreach performances and other special events have been happening all over the calendar for EMTC.

Endless Mountains Theatre Company was founded in 1999 by Andrea Lang and others, with the goal of enriching the Susquehanna County community through volunteer-driven, professional-quality productions. The Company has grown each year. "This was our biggest season so far," beams DeLuca, "And it's not over yet."

For more information call 570-434-2422.

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Blue Ridge Senior Center Update

The summer is behind us and fall is on the way. Going back to August - I have so much to tell you.

First the quilt was finished. Several pictures were taken of the quilt and of those who worked so hard to make it. The quilt ladies are Goldie Small, Betty Goff, Janet Moser, Alice Smith, Ruth Clift and Mary White. We are now using the quilt for a raffle and it went to the Harford Fair where tickets were sold, and again at People's National Bank. The quilt is as always beautiful - this year the colors are patriotic, red, white and blue. Chances are still be sold.

Had a barbecue. The chickens were prepared by the folks at the Country Lounge, and since it was such a hot day, we decided not to go to the park, but enjoy the chicken and the covered dishes right here at the center. Everyone enjoyed!

We went out for lunch another day, to Clifford and the restaurant there. Quite a few went; we always like going out to eat.

Betty K. quizzed us one day about entertainers on the radio during the 40's and I have to admit not many answers were forthcoming. Guess we aren't old enough to remember way back then. Ha, Ha!

The center was closed on Labor Day, but opened the next day. One of our many activities during the month was a soup and sandwich day. Betsey Elbrecht prepared delicious, homemade tomato soup and we had a variety of sandwiches. There were also homemade pies and we sure did enjoy them.

Had information and help with food stamps. A representative came from the program and told us about the income levels, how to apply and where to apply; our government at work.

There is a Sunday in September called "Grandparents Day." At the Great Bend Methodist Church a tribute in song was presented to all grandparents, and Maxine Cramer brought the poem in and sang the words to the tune of "MY FAVORITE THINGS." You really had to be there to appreciate it, I wish I had the room to copy all the words here, but let me tell you some of them: Maalox, walkers, cataracts, false teeth, leaks, creaks, bunions and more. I have a copy here, and if anyone would like the complete words I would be more than willing to share them with you.

It was time for another 55 Alive Driving Course, and Helen and Bill Wagner once again instructed many here for two afternoons.

Once again a number of us -over 20 traveled to Forest City and enjoyed the afternoon with the Seniors there. We always have a wonderful time when we join them, also some from Lanesboro Senior Center joined for the food and fun. Bingo was played and door prizes presented. It was an okay day.

We learned about bees, the honey making process and how the hive continues and the role of each different bee. Mr. Richard Chapin of Lake Chrisann spent some time with us one afternoon and told us all this - had pictures - and even brought some live bees. We do appreciate having guests - one is never too old to learn. Thank you, Richard for the informative afternoon.

Now I know you all are aware that we have a "hugger" in our group. Yes, I am talking about Mary White - she gives those big old hugs to one and all. Well Mary and Doris Florence did more than hug a while ago, they made visits. Yes, they called on many folks who can no longer be with us, they went to SNF at Barnes/Kasson Hospital and also residential homes. Time well spent, a visit means so much to someone who can no longer get out.

We continue our regular daily activities, such as cards, dominoes, exercise and now we have added a "dart competition," it will continue for several weeks.

Now a request, we are in NEED of some more volunteers to help with serving and a little kitchen work. If you have two or three hours that could be spent with some fun people and helping out others call Betty Kegleman at 879-2896 or come in to the Center in Great Bend, any weekday about 10 a.m.

Take care, till next time.

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It’s A Girl!

A daughter, Grace Marian, was born to David and Michaela Steele (Babuka), Laurel Lake, PA, October 5, 2002. Grace was six pounds, ten ounces at birth.

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Lenoxville Senior Center Update

October 3 - Our bright October weather wasn’t so bright today. Nevertheless, we had a very cheerful gathering. Of course it was council meeting time; and again all is well in our group. Also the first Thursday of the month and birthday and anniversary recognition time. In birthdays we have: Mary Allen, Norbert Valentine, Madelyn Pereritus and Donald and Doris Bartholomay. Anniversaries included: Norbert and Anne Valentine and Adam and Dianna Konopka.

On Thursday, October 10, we had vision screening by the North Central Sight Services and "Peppi" exercises returned, led by Adam Konopka.

Good friends, Mac and Gladys Rosenkrans are finally home from five weeks in Alaska and we were happy also to see Dorothy Franko, Helen Mazurkowicz and Mildred Krisauskas, who is recovering from knee surgery. Mono Carpenetti reports that his brother, Angelo is back in the hospital - we miss his cheerful presence and wish him well.

It has certainly been visitor time. Last week Louise Bayless was accompanied by her daughter, Phyllis Taylor and Faye Marcho introduced her brother, Walter Cook. This week Ed Corack brought along his daughter and son-in-law who are visiting from Alaska.

It’s time we recognized some of the many faithful meal deliverers; Dolores McCuskar, Ray Heller, and Dr. James Watson, DVM of Union Dale, who, at present, is recovering from back surgery. Home delivered meals is just one of the many senior services available in the area.

Words of wisdom: Aging is a matter of mind; if you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.

Enjoy the autumn, and God bless.

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Searching For A New Library Site

After a long and careful visioning process, the Susquehanna County Historical Society & Free Library Association is planning to move the Main Library to a new building in the next five years or so, while the Historical Society will expand to fill the existing building. The next step is choosing a site for the new library.

A Site Committee has been formed and many possibilities are being explored. "From our research, and based on recommendations from experts, we need to aim for at least 30,000 square feet in the new building to meet our present and future needs for the size of population we serve," says Administrator/Librarian Susan Stone. "In order to satisfy various requirements, the site needs to be around 3 acres."

A partial list of goals for the new building highlights inadequacies in the current space. The new library will have plenty of parking, since one of the chief complaints by current library users is the lack of spaces. There will be a public meeting room and adequate areas for children's programming. The collection of books, videos, cassette books etc. needs room to grow, and all items should be on public shelves where people can browse through them, instead of needing to request specific titles to be brought up from basement storage. The library's free computer terminals get increasing use from adults, students, and children, but people need proper room so they are not working elbow-to-elbow.

"While we would ideally stay within the borough limits, we haven't found any site that will meet all of our needs," says Mrs. Stone. "We've done an informal survey of our users over two separate months, and over 85% drove to the library. Even people who live nearby often drive because they are supervising small children or carrying heavy bags of books." Visibility is another concern, so sites along South Main Street/29 or Grow Ave/706 would be particularly favorable. "We need to choose the right place so that we won't be faced with problems down the road. We've been making do for at least a decade and it's time to look into the future and ensure that this project will benefit Susquehanna County to the fullest."

"One of our inspirations is the new Tunkhannock Library. They were in a small building in the center of town with no parking. When the new building on Route 6 opened, use of the library sky-rocketed. When a library is visible and accessible, it becomes a place that can really revitalize a community."

Suggestions for possible sites meeting the requirements (at least 3 acres, with water and sewer, on a main road) are eagerly sought. Please contact Susan Stone at 278-1881 and she will pass the information on to the Site Committee.

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PARSE #15 Meets

The Pennsylvania Association of Retired State Employees (PARSE) met on October 8, at the Basil Leaf Restaurant, Montrose.

The focus of the meeting was the annual state PARSE meeting held on October 7, at the Radisson Hotel, Camp Hill. Delegates Bernice Landmesser and Alton Arnold, as well as Regional Vice President Clara Smith reported on the meeting. Some of the changes which were approved included an increase in the annual PARSE dues. Also, the bylaws were amended to state that associate members may not hold office at the state level, but may hold office within a local chapter. As before, each chapter may have one delegate per 50 members, but will now be allowed a minimum of two votes during the voting process.

Vice President Smith read the 1972 PARSE organization letter. The association is celebrating 30 years and has 15,000 members. An increase in membership is the goal for the year 2003.

The next meeting will be held at the Zion Lutheran Church, Dushore, on November 12. For more information and/or to make reservations, contact Susquehanna County Vice President John Benio, (570) 278-2380.

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