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Issue Home November 19, 2002 Site Home

HEADLINES:
4-H Achievement Night
Wedding Announced Chianese - Dooley
First Energy Donates To County Monument
Team PA CareerLink Officially Opens
Governor Proclaims Alzheimer's Awareness
PNB Hosts Luncheon
James Frankowski Wins Gets Rising Star
Lenoxville Senior Center Update
Senior Subjects
Thank You
 

4-H Achievement Night

Susquehanna County 4-H’ers were recently honored at Achievement Night. This year, the Susquehanna County 4-H program had a total of 1,107 projects entered by 546 4-H’ers at the Harford Fair Roundup. 4-H Achievement Night honors 4-H’ers for all their hard work and dedication. Many scholarships and awards were presented to outstanding 4-H’ers at the event. A special presentation was given by Amber Lattner at Achievement Night. Amber won first place in the Presentation division at this year’s Penn State Achievement Days at Penn State University. She performed her winning presentation entitled, "On the Road Again" for all the folks at Achievement Night. Through sign language, props and speaking skills Amber gave the crowd a glimpse into the world of preparing herself and her 4-H sheep project for showing.

County Council president, Ashley Jennings presents Amber Lattner with an Achievement Days certificate. Amber gave her winning presentation at Achievement Night.

Some award winners were: Outstanding 4-H’ers: Andrew Onyon and Lynette Bedford; Outstanding News Reporter - Olivia Zick; Project Diversity - Tiffany Testa; Ag Choice Farm Credit Scholarship- Roselyn Adams; Dave Quick Memorial Award - Stacey Rezykowski; Livestock Scholarship - Michael Snow; Dairy Scholarship - Roselyn Adams; 4-H Development Fund Scholarships - Michael Snow, Roselyn Adams, Lynette Bedford, Brian Dana; Dave Quick Memorial Outstanding Leader – Joe Pavelski presented by Chelsey Saam.

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Wedding Announced Chianese – Dooley

Miss Liza Chianese and Michael Dooley were married August 10, 2002 in St. John’s Roman Catholic Church, Susquehanna. The Rev. Charles Connor officiated the 2 p.m. ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Chianese, Susquehanna.

The bridegroom is the son of Mr. Thomas Dooley, Susquehanna, and Mrs. Anne Ahearn Dooley, Endicott, NY.

The bride was escorted to the altar by her father. Miss Nicole Chianese was maid of honor for her sister with Mrs. Alyssa Biondo and Miss Elizabeth Dooley, sisters of the groom, and Miss Maggie Reynolds, friend of the bride, as bridesmaids.

Scott Nilsson, friend of the groom, served as best man. Ushers were John Biondo, brother-in-law of the groom, Christopher Weaver, cousin of the groom and Michael Rhine, friend of the groom.

A garden reception was given at the home of the bride’s parents.

The former Miss Chianese graduated from Susquehanna Community High School and the Pennsylvania State University with a BS in Elementary and Kindergarten Education.

The bridegroom graduated from Susquehanna Community High School and East Stroudsburg University. He is a Health and Physical Education teacher for the Montrose Area High School.

The couple honeymooned in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and now live in Great Bend.

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First Energy Donates To County Monument

The Susquehanna County Civil War Monument restoration project recently received a grant from the FirstEnergy Foundation in the amount of $500. In presenting the award, Penelec Area Manager Jody Place noted the project was chosen because of the historical significance of a Civil War monument for the community and reflected on the sacrifices made by the county’s Civil War Veterans.

Accepting the donation were Commissioner Gary Marcho and monument committee members Elizabeth Janoski and George Starzec. Other members of the Monument Committee are Commissioner Lee Smith, Ron Albert, Ellen O’Malley and Betty Smith.

Commissioner Gary Marcho (right), Jody Place, Penelec Area Manager, Elizabeth Janoski, George Starzec.

Penelec is a division of FirstEnergy, serving customers throughout Susquehanna County. The FirstEnergy Foundation considers and awards grants to organizations within its service area in support of the foundation’s priorities, which include: ensuring the safety and health of the community, to promote economic development, to advance professional development, and to support employee involvement and investment.

Donations for the restoration of the monument may be sent to Monument Restoration Fund, Susquehanna County Courthouse, PO Box 218, Montrose, PA 18801. For more information on the project, visit www.susquehanna.pa.us, Susquehanna County’s official web site.

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Team PA CareerLink Officially Opens

On a sunny day in late October, local officials and interested stakeholders attended an open house and ribbon cutting to mark the official opening of the Team PA CareerLink site in Great Bend. PA Rep. Sandra Major cut the ribbon to launch the one-stop site for employment and training services.

CareerLink is a one-stop delivery system for employment and training services throughout the Commonwealth. The CareerLink Centers, like the one in Great Bend, serve as a gateway for workforce development services at the local level. Services are provided to job seekers, employers and employed workers in search of new career opportunities.

Pictured (l-r) at the CareerLink ribbon cutting are: front row – Lucyann Atkins, TREHAB Workforce Development Director, Kevin Abrahms, NTRPDC Executive Director, Cal Dean, Susquehanna County Commissioner, Rep. Sandra Major, John Sullivan, Bradford County Commissioner, Mike Halesky, Susquehanna County DPW Executive Director, Jim Nichols, Area Manager of the PA Bureau of Employment & Career Services; back row – Walter Barnes, Tioga County Commissioner, Judy Mead, Wyoming County Commissioner, Lee Smith, Susquehanna County Commissioner, Jim Rogers, Sullivan County Commissioner, Vance Coover, OVR District Administrator.

The newly renovated facility at Great Bend includes a meeting room, classrooms, a computer room with ample computers for training, an informational resources room for job seekers, and staff offices. In addition to full time TREHAB Workforce Investment Act staff housed at the site, the CareerLink "one stop shopping" approach provides for collocation of agencies. On site at scheduled times to provide seamless service are representatives of the PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, the County Assistance Office, the Department of Public Welfare, Bureau of Employment & Career Services, and Child Care Information Services.

The Great Bend CareerLink can provide services such as: skills assessment and aptitude testing; resume building, interview skills, job search assistance; career and occupational information, short-term pre-vocation services; occupational skill training; adult education; and specialized services for mature workers, youth, persons with disabilities, veterans, dislocated workers, and cash assistance recipients.

Anyone interested in CareerLink services in Susquehanna County is encouraged to call 879-8730.

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Governor Proclaims Alzheimer’s Awareness

Governor Mark Schweiker has proclaimed November as Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.

"It is estimated that nearly 288,000 Pennsylvanians suffer from this debilitating disease," Governor Schweiker said. "I encourage all Pennsylvanians to learn more about this disease and to lend their courage, support, and caring to the people with Alzheimer’s and their families."

The Department of Aging offers an Alzheimer’s Disease Helpline - 1-800-367-5115 - to provide information about Alzheimer’s Disease, locations of support groups, day care and respite care programs, diagnostic and evaluation centers, personal care homes and nursing facilities, as well as publications and training programs for caregivers and practitioners.

"Alzheimer’s Disease is challenging in that it robs our families and friends of their memories," Acting Secretary of Aging Lori Gerhard said. "It’s important for those caring for people with Alzheimer’s to know what is available and where to go for support and assistance – knowing you are not alone."

Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain which interferes with the memory and mental capabilities of people as they get older.

The disease is the fourth leading cause of death among adults, and is usually diagnosed in people over age 60 with the largest number of patients over 85. The life span of an Alzheimer’s patient ranges from three to 20 years with symptoms progressing from slight memory loss and confusion to severe cognitive impairment and physical limitations.

Gerhard also announced that the Department of Aging recently received nearly $1 million in federal funds for a three-year demonstration program that will improve access to respite and other services for families caring for people with Alzheimer’s Disease.

For more information on Alzheimer’s Disease or the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, visit the PA PowerPort at www.state.pa.us, PA Keyword: aging, or call the Alzheimer’s Disease Helpline toll-free at 1-800-367-5115.

Contact the Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna/Tioga County Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-982-4346 for information on other programs that help older adults and their families.

The B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging is funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and the Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Tioga County Commissioners.

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PNB Hosts Luncheon

On November 13, Peoples National Bank hosted their annual Country Friends lunch at Shadowbrook Inn & Resort, located in Tunkhannock. There were 183 people in attendance for lunch. The main speaker this year was Mr. Bill Wasserman, who is a Pennsylvania Game Commissioner. He has 28 years of service as a commissioner, and currently works in Wyoming County. He has written a weekly Newspaper column for 13 years, had a radio show for 8 years, has written two books, and articles for outdoor magazines. He explained how one goes about becoming a Game Commissioner, and various duties the job entails.

There are 135 full time Game Commissioners in Pennsylvania. He spoke of different ways that farmers and landowners can deal with animals destroying their crops. There are various ways to deal with the problem, and if a farmer or landowner wishes they can join together with others who adjoin their property to work together with the game commission on the problem. The Commission will supply fence to help with this animal problem as well. They also are able to give red tags to allow hunters to come in and hunt the deer from their property outside of deer season. The Commission will also furnish young vines and trees to farmers and landowners.

The Game Commission has many programs and ways in which they are reaching out and helping land owners and farmers with any problem they may encounter with the wild furry creatures living around and on their property. You can find more information about the Game Commission online at www.pgc.state.pa.us.

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James Frankowski Wins Gets Rising Star

James Frankowski, of Forest City, a client management specialist for Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU) in the Prudential Institutional business unit in Scranton, Pa., received a Prudential Community Champions Rising Star Award of $250 for the Lackawanna River Corridor Association, Inc.

The 11th Annual Prudential Community Champions Awards Program, administered by the Company’s Local Initiatives Division, is recognizing 853 Prudential employees and retirees who excel in volunteer commitment, leadership and service in their communities. The Prudential Foundation is providing $613,000 in grants to the organizations in which these associates volunteer.

As a member of the board of directors, Frankowski devoted an average of 25 hours per month to the Lackawanna River Corridor Association. He served as co-chair of the association's largest annual fund-raising event, the "Canoe-a-thon". He facilitated the planning and execution of the entire event from river cleanup, stage setup and canoe rentals to safety issues, sponsorship opportunities and vendor participation. Frankowski also served on the membership, recreational development and election and appointment committees. He oversaw tree transplanting, beautification and cleanup projects as well. The mission of the Lackawanna River Corridor Association is to encourage conservation, protection and restoration of the Lackawanna River and its watershed resources, involve the human and natural communities together in mutually beneficial ways and promote the appropriate management of the river and its resources. The association also aims to develop park land and greenways, protect open space along the river and encourage economic and community development that builds on sustainable environmental and economic relationships.

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Lenoxville Senior Center Update

A bright, sunny, upbeat day for mid November, and we honored our veterans. Manager Judy Collins decorated our hall with flags, stars, patriotic figures and pictures and bright red tablecloths.

Meanwhile, activities continue as usual. There were ten people joining in Peppi Exercise with Adam Konopka. One foursome played cards and several rode the exer-cycle. The kitchen crew packed home-delivered meals and we all enjoyed each other’s company. Before lunch, Judy introduced our attending member veterans and they were presented with a poem and certificate thanking them for protecting and serving our country. Each veteran also received a small flag pin. Those who served were: Ed Robinson who is now 97 years old and served 12 years in the Navy; Mac Rosencrans who served three years in the Army/Air Force; Joe Peteritis who served three years in the Army Signal Corps and three years in the Reserves; Tony Blodnikar served four years in the Army/Air Force; Norbert Valentine served four years in the Army and four years in the Air Force; Adam Konopka spent eleven months in the 109th 28th division of the National Guard. We also learned that Edgar Thomas is in Allied Services for an indefinite period.

We decided to order a battery-operated talking bingo machine and we were reminded that when our schools are closed the centers are normally closed.

Coming up – on December 18 is our catered Christmas party dinner. Each member pays half of the cost, guests pay the full amount.

We had good spaghetti and meatballs and don’t forget that this Thursday, Barnes-Kasson Hospital will prepare our Thanksgiving dinner.

50/50 proceeds were shared by Rose Wagner and yours truly, Carolyn Taylor. Pastor Don and Doris Batholomay send Happy Thanksgiving wishes to all.

That’s all for this time. Keep well and God Bless!

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Senior Subjects
Help for Caregivers

Question: I am a 69 year old widow caring for my 91 year old father in my home. My father’s physical health is fairly good for his age but he suffers with Alzheimer’s Disease which is increasingly affecting his mental functioning. I’ve begun to have health problems myself and really need outside help to continue caring for my father at home. Where can I get help?

Answer: You can call the Area Agency on Aging to find out about what resources are available to help you and your father. An in-home evaluation of your father’s care needs and your needs as caregiver may be arranged. A Care Manager with expertise on caregiving issues will visit you and your father in your home and talk to you about what programs would be of the most help to you. The Care Manager may coordinate in-home services and/or assistance through the Family Caregiver Support Program. He or she will also will arrange for contacts to other helpful programs and will assist you with applications for benefits and insurance forms.

The Family Caregiver Support Program offers several benefits to support income-eligible caregivers and their elderly loved ones including respite care; funding for private hire assistance, incontinence supplies and nutritional supplements; and one-time grants for home adaptations like constructing wheelchair ramps and modifying bathroom facilities.

The Area Agency On Aging offers A Guide for Family Caregivers of Older Pennsylvanians from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and other educational materials to let you know about different options of help and also how to take good care of yourself as well as your father. For more information, you can also call the Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association at 1-800-773-6677 or Alzheimer’s Disease Information Resource Line at 1-800-367-5115.

Caregiving is a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week job which is physically and emotionally demanding. Your loved one may be unable to thank you or acknowledge your efforts. Take good care of yourself, and try to keep your spirits up by affirming your own efforts and seeking other resources of help and support. Yours is an important job – give yourself credit for all you do each and every day!

For more information on the Family Caregiver Support Program, other Area Agency on Aging programs, and to request materials or resources for caregivers, call the Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-982-4346.

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A Heartfelt Thank You

From the Family of Susan Barton Wheeler,

to the FedEx man (Gabe), the ambulance crew, the ER staff and Dr. Shah, plus all of the calls, cards and prayers from family, friends and churches.

God Bless You Everyone

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