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HEADLINES: Dan
Conboy Gets PENNDOT Promotion EMIA
Donates To Old Mill Village Legion
Auxiliary Donates To Needy Locals
March Against War In Iraq PNB
Donates To B/R Little League Susky
Fire Department 150 Club Winners AAA
To Honor 100 Year Old Citizens Blue
Ridge Senior Center Update County
Library Holds Tenth Book Contest CIN
Logo Contest Dessin
Shelter Has Spay/Neuter Program Farmers
Encouraged To Sign Up Now Leanne
Colwell Olive Retires From Service Lenoxville
Senior Center Update SCDED
Provides Services To Area Businesses Three
Locals Charged With Welfare Fraud
Reps. Baker, Pickett Take Oath Of Office Reps. Matthew Baker (R-68) and Tina Pickett (R-110) were sworn in as state representatives during a ceremony at the state Capitol on January 7. Baker is currently serving his sixth term and serves as the chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. The Wellsboro lawmaker also serves on Commerce, Tourism and Recreational Development, and Aging and Older Adult Services committees. Pickett is currently serving her second term and serves on the Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Game and Fisheries, Labor Relations, and Tourism and Recreational Development committees.
Dan Conboy Gets PENNDOT Promotion PENNDOT District 4-0 has announced a promotion at its District 4-0 Office in Susquehanna County Maintenance facilities.
Dan Conboy, of Montrose (pictured) was recently promoted from Transportation Equipment Operator A to Transportation Equipment Operator B at PENNDOT’s Auburn Center stockpile in Susquehanna County. Conboy is part of a crew that is responsible for road maintenance in both summer and winter. He has been an employee at PENNDOT for six years. Conboy is a member of the Rush Volunteer Fire Company.
EMIA Donates To Old Mill Village Esther Welden accepted a check from Michele Suchnick on behalf of Old Mill Village at an meeting of the Endless Mountain Innkeepers Association (EMIA) on Wednesday, January 8. Ms. Suchnick, president of the EMIA, is shown with Eleanor Lempke, vice-president of EMIA and Gerry Nelson, EMIA secretary. The check for $300 represents proceeds earned at the Elk Mountain Fall Festival. A check for an additional $100 was also donated to Old Mill Village at the event by the Colonial Brick Motel.
Legion
Auxiliary Donates To Needy
Several weeks ago, a group of ladies representing the Susquehanna American Legion Auxiliary called a "work-bee" to knit, sew, crochet (whatever) afghans, lap robes, etc. for the needy and sick. One of the work-bees took place in the recreational room of the Turnpike Terrace apartments, others took place at the American Legion rooms.
Pictured (l-r) are: Anna Napolitano, Agnes Roy, Rachel Adornato, Carol Price, Lou Parrillo, Ruth Gow, Mary Ficarro. The photo shows one of the afghans that was completed at Turnpike Terrace. (What am I, your columnist, doing in the picture? Being a resident of the Terrace, I looked into the room and was "drafted" to help hold the afghan.) After a few weeks, the ladies had put together (at least) ten good-sized afghans, along with several lap robes that were taken to the VA Nursing Convalescent Home in Scranton. Several items of health supplies were also donated to the home. Making the trip to Scranton for the presentation – gratefully accepted by both patients and nurses – were: Auxiliary President Mary Gow, Anna Mulculcok, Marge Wood, Marie Osterhout, Mary Jane Grausgruber, Kristin Grausgruber, and Carol Price. This is only one of the projects that the Auxiliary undertakes. There are many more throughout the year they perform, which go unpublicized. So, its Hats Off to the American Legion Auxiliary for their dedication to the community and surrounding towns.
Locals
March Against War in Iraq Fifty-six Binghamton area and Northern Tier PA residents put their feet to the street at 5 a.m. Saturday, boarding a bus at the Oakdale Mall under a frigid 0 degree full moon. The group ranged in age from 8 year olds through silver haired grandparents. One family represented four generations committed to peace. Some were life-time peace activists willing if necessary to commit civil disobedience and risk imprisonment, but most were new faces to Broome County Peace Action leaders committed to join the massive Martin Luther King Day anti-war demonstration assembling in Washington, DC.
At Union Station in DC, they flowed into a tide of 200,000 others to hear speakers including U. S. Representative John C. Conyers, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton, and hear Jessica Lange in front of the Capitol. "No Blood for Oil" was one prominent message. Protesters don’t buy the administration’s rational for war and suspect it is related to control of oil and even a personal vendetta of the Bush family. "Drop Bush not bombs" rang out as voices expressed complete lack of trust in the last Presidential election and most administration policies. Finding another way to achieve regime change without harm to innocents was urged. They hold the U.S. responsible for the deaths in Iraq caused by sanctions. Many believe a preemptive, first strike policy to be immoral and un-American. Speakers insisted that the $200 billion war chest would be better applied to pressing domestic needs for jobs, education, and the environment. They expressed fears of "putting the economy in the tank" with the war. International speakers joined African American leaders, Hasidic Jews, Buddhist monks, Muslim and Christian protesters calling for a non-military foreign policy that creates allies rather than enemies. They expressed grave concern that U.S. bombing would create more terrorists, and drive Sadaam to use weapons of mass destruction. A mile long march of twelve abreast protest pageantry moved from the Capitol to the Washington Navy Yard. It was highlighted by larger than life size puppetry, teams of student drummers, inflatable bombs, a batik blue "ship of peace," stilt walkers, and a curbside demonstration by Veterans for Peace which brought marchers nearly to a stop. Several hundred veterans, many wearing medals for heroism from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam chanted original military cadence urging peace, and affirming that protest can be patriotic. Locals who would like to know more about the area’s peace movement are invited to contact George Haeseler in Binghamton at g.haeseler@worldnet.att.net or Paul Gere, Montrose, PA at (570) 278-2187.
PNB Donates To B/R Little League Peoples National Bank takes pride in partnering with community events. Most recently, Peoples National Bank opted to take part in the lighting fundraiser of Blue Ridge Little League. The fundraiser is for the league to install lights on the softball field, located on Route 11. In return for their $2000 donation the league will proudly display a flag on one of the new light poles to express their appreciation to the bank's generosity.
Pictured (l-r) are: Val Knott, Karen Hettinger, Angie Wolfe - Blue Ridge Little League, Eric Upright - Peoples National Bank, Steve Hoyt - Blue Ridge Little League President. If you'd like to be a part of the fund-raiser and can donate any amount to the lighting fund you may do so by contacting Angie Wolfe, PO Box 34, Hallstead, PA 18822.
Summer
Reading At N. W. Library Pictured is magician John Carlson with some of the children who participated in the Northern Wayne Community Library’s Summer Reading program. A total of 55 children completed an intense week-long summer reading program at the Northern Wayne Community Library. Activities ranged from games, to food art, to story-telling with sign language. Two big hits with all the children were face-painting, with Lizzie the Clown and John Carlson, with his "I Love To Read" Magic Show. Call the library at 570-798-2444 to hear more about upcoming children’s activities.
The annual Farm City Feast, held at the Mountain View High School was attended by the Susquehanna County Dairy Princess and her Court. The girls served cheese and crackers to the lines of people waiting to enter the dining area. Everyone enjoyed a delicious roast beef dinner followed by musical entertainment.
Susquehanna County Dairy Promoters Try a new kind of cheese, whether it’s wrinkled or smooth, sunshine yellow or brilliant white. Cheese tempts our eyes and challenges our taste buds. You may fall in love with an entirely new cheese.
Susky
Fire Department 150 Club Winners Following are the 150 Club winners of the Susquehanna Fire Dept. for December, 2002. 12/7: $5 Gerri Lake; $10 Ron Whitehead; $25 Bob Romanofski. 12/14: $5 Nancy Gorton; $10 Ken Gumaer; $25 Nancy Glasgow. 12/21: $5 Dave White; $10 Chris Kane; $25 Grace Schell. 12/28: $100 Andy Cizike; $100 Shane Lewis; $500 Larry Hanrahan; $500 Chet Walker.
Hoofs in Clover The Hoofs in Clover Horse and Pony 4-H Club put together 40 care baskets and donated them to Interfaith to help the needy at Christmas time. The baskets had shampoo, paper products, toothpaste, candles, and soap in them. The club would like to thank everyone for their donations. The club also made 50 angels and took them to Meadow View Senior Living Center and gave them to the residents. It made club members happy to see them smile. Helping people makes us feel good about ourselves.
AAA
To Honor 100 Year Old Citizens The Agency on Aging for the Counties of Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Tioga will be honoring the contributions of older citizens who will turn 100 years old in 2003. These Centenarians will receive a bouquet of flowers on their birthday and be featured in a newspaper article in their local newspaper. The Area Agency on Aging will also assist these individuals with their induction into the Pennsylvania Century Society. As members of the Century Society, new Centenarians will receive a Certificate signed by the Governor recognizing their contributions to their families and communities. If you know of someone who will turn 100 this year, please contact Joyce McClary at the B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging at (570) 268-1231 or 1-800-982-4346.
Blue
Ridge Senior Center Update
When human pests aren't busy plotting our downfall, Mother Nature is only too happy to step in with a plague or two of her own. This time around it’s that dreadful stomach virus that is going around. So many have had it, including yours truly. Now on to the news. The Christmas tree was put up, and also decorations in our meeting area and on the tables. It sure looked like Christmas at the center. We had our delicious Christmas dinner party. It was on the 19th, one was greeted by Christmas music as arriving, Charlotte Wescott played many carols and other Christmas music. We had a sing-along. Then the answers to our Christmas Song Quiz had to be sung and that caused a few laughs. The delicious ham dinner was enjoyed by 35. Favors on the tables were made and donated by Girl Scout Troop #23, led by Alice Smith's granddaughter, Amy Palmer. Lena Rinker was the winner of the 50/50. Also a letter was read from Mary White, who is in Florida. It was a slow time at the center, people had so much to do, but the van did take a number shopping. We enjoy our games, especially dominoes. Cards are also played. Jim Bender had a surgery and is doing "pretty good" He and Irma are drivers for the meals on wheels program. We were saddened to hear that Alvin Schermerhorn passed away, He was there almost every day, and always had a big "hello" and a smile. He shall be missed. On the 27th a group went to the Green Gables Restaurant in New Milford for lunch. Everyone enjoys going there. That's it for 2002, we look forward to the new year. May each of you enjoy a healthy, happy and special 2003. Things to do on a blustery day: write a long letter to a dear friend. Clean out a kitchen junk drawer. Reorganize your linen closet. Line your dresser drawers with fresh paper. Bake a favorite treat. Read a good book. Browse through garden books and make that seed order, spring cannot be far away. So long for now.
Bluestone
Industry Receives Awards Three awards were presented by the Holmes Safety Association at the Pennsylvania Bluestone Association's annual dinner meeting. Holmes is one of the oldest safety organizations in the world. William E. Slusser presented the award as a director of the Holmes Association. Slusser's name is familiar to the quarry industry since he is also an Educational Field Services person with the U. S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety & Health Administration, in the Wilkes-Barre, PA office. The first award was given to Butch Coleman, owner/president of Endless Mountain Stone Co. of Susquehanna, PA. Other surface quarrying aggregate companies in Pennsylvania competed for this award which recognizes extremely low injury incidence rates. The award was for the 2001 year (the 2002 awards will be announced later in the year), and was for 0.00 injuries for 2001. The PA Bluestone Council (of the Holmes Safety Association) also received a low incidence rate award. This was a national award, comparing the PA Bluestone Council with other National Councils of a similar size. With 198,000 work hours, this council competed with other surface aggregate operations such as slate, gravel, and marble, and took the prize with the lowest incident rate for 2001. Andrew Grick of South Montrose received the third award which recognized him with a National Award for Heroism. He rendered assistance to another quarryman who had become engulfed in flames, by extinguishing the fire, and getting the victim to the hospital. This heroic action saved the man's life. Bill MacDonald, president of the Bluestone Council of the Holmes Safety Association, accepted the award for Grick who could not be present. The Dave Weaver Scholarship, after being forfeited by the original designee who decided not to attend college, was given to Virginia Coleman. Joyce Weaver, wife of deceased Dave Weaver, chairs the scholarship committee. Coleman's name will be noted on a bluestone plaque and each year the new recipient's name will be added. The plaque will rotate it's residence each year to the high school where the most current recipient was a student. Applications for this June's scholarship are due by April 30. All graduating seniors who are children of bluestone workers are eligible to apply for this $500 scholarship. Craftsmanship awards were bestowed on five stone workers through individual association dealers. Criteria include: the worker must cut a good quality stone consistently throughout the year, and the craftsmanship must be so good that the dealer can always sell that person's stone, since it is the best on the market. Johnson Quarries, LeRaysville, gave a craftsmanship award to Rick Johnson. Endless Mt. Stone Co. presented awards to three of its quarrymen: Bob Pavelski, Mike Pavelski and Sam Rudick (who has just retired). Meshoppen Stone gave an award to Norm Clark of Springville. Additionally, Norm Clark received a lifetime membership award from the Pennsylvania Bluestone Association, to acknowledge his service to the association. He has been a director of the association for over 15 years, half of which he has served as president. His wife, Pat, was also give a gift as a token of appreciation. Dr. Duane D. Braun, Professor of Geomorphology and Hydrogeology in the Department of Geography and Geosciences at Bloomsburg University, gave a talk and slide show outlining his work with mapping glacial deposits in northern Pennsylvania, and how glaciers shaped the landscape. He described how all of Susquehanna County (where the meeting was held) and neighboring counties in northeastern Pennsylvania were covered by ice which was always slowly moving, perhaps 50-100 feet a year. It was like a "conveyor belt" moving the bulk from higher to lower elevations. The ice also sublimated (evaporated from the solid to the gaseous state) or it ended up in the ocean as icebergs which broke off from the massive glacier. In response to an audience questions, Braun said that glaciers might move a few miles over time, or occasionally some might move as far as from the Adirondacks into Pennsylvania, a matter of a couple hundred miles. About a mile of ice was directly over the area of Susquehanna County, and as far south as mid-state, at one time causing pressure of about 2000 psi (pounds per square inch). Sideways pressure of the ice was about 15-20 psi. The tremendous weight of the ice compacted the landscape crust, but when the ice finally disappeared, the crust began a rebound upward, which is still ongoing. Rocks in the area are hundreds of millions of years old, while the last glacier was here a million years ago. As the ice retreated it blocked streams, causing some glacial lakes which have unstable sides. The glacial till blocked valleys and became natural dams. The till left a lot of sand and gravel behind, resulting today in several sand and gravel operations located in the northeastern part of the state. Bluestone, however, is found mostly in the old river channels, but is discontinuous, to which several of the stone workers agreed. What gives bluestone it's color? It is unoxidized iron which should show a greenish gray color. However, much of the bluestone, as the name implies, has a bluish tint. Braun said no studies have shown why this happens, but he believes there is something geochemical going on. Slight changes of solar energy occurred over tens of thousands of years causing the glaciers to melt. Anticipating a question, Braun said, "There will be a few years (thousands? Or tens of thousands?) of global warming, then it'll get damn cold."
County Library Holds Tenth Book Contest The Susquehanna County Historical Society & Free Library Association is sponsoring the tenth "Write and Illustrate Your Own Picture Book Contest" for Susquehanna County students in grades K-12. Entrants should submit original picture books they have written and illustrated on or before Wednesday, February 26, to the branch libraries or schools, or to the Main Library in Montrose by the final deadline of Saturday, March 1. Please see the rules booklet (available at the main library and at the branches in Forest City, Hallstead-Great Bend, and Susquehanna) for complete rules, or visit the web page: www.susqcolibrary.org/wiobc.htm. An entry form must be submitted with each manuscript. Rules and forms have also been distributed to all the schools. Winners will be chosen in each of three or four grade categories (depending on the number of entries). The first place entries will be professionally hard-bound and added to the library's collection--with the author and title listed in the library's on-line catalog, and eventually on the state-wide ACCESS-PA database! The first-place winners will also receive their own hard-bound copy (winner makes the copy). Second and third place entries will be paperbound and returned to the authors. All contestants will receive a Certificate of Recognition and personal comments on their books. Although the Contest has been held on an annual basis until now, entries have been dropping off somewhat, and it's possible that it might become a biannual event. So please spread the word to keep the number of entries high! "Our collection of great books by young Susquehanna County authors is growing – to date we have over one hundred!", says Administrator/Librarian Susan Stone. "Stop by your local library to borrow past years' winning books."
The Susquehanna County Community Information Network (CIN), a coalition of local government, non-profit agencies, business, and private citizens is sponsoring a logo design contest for Susquehanna County’s 9th-12th grade students. This logo will be prominently displayed on all county websites that join the Community Information Network and will serve as a navigation button to link member websites. A $100 prize will be awarded to the winner. This prize is made possible through a donation by community organizations. For rules and/or info, contact Joann Kowalski, Penn State Cooperative of Susquehanna County at 278-1158 for more information on meeting times and how to become a stakeholder in the CIN. Supporting local agencies include the Susquehanna County Department of Economic Development, the Susquehanna County Planning Commission, and the Susquehanna County Public Library system.
2003 County Data Books Coming! Middletown, PA – The Pennsylvania State Data Center at Penn State Harrisburg has announced that the 2003 County Data Books will be available in February. Trying to locate a recreational facility in your are? Looking for local population data? Interested in finding out how many different types of industries are in your county? The 2003 County Data Books are the most comprehensive source of demographic, housing, and income information about Pennsylvania and its 67 counties. Over 60 tables provide valuable data pertaining to the statistical makeup of the state. The 2003 County Data Books are available in paperwork and on DC-ROM (pdf format). Call or visit the website for details on pricing as they vary, depending on the county. The books may be purchased as a set or individually. For ordering information, contact the Pennsylvania State Data at (717) 948-6336 or visit the website at Pasdc.hbg.psu.edu.
Dessin
Shelter Has Spay/Neuter Program Beginning January 15, Dessin Animal Shelter is offering new, low-cost spay/neuter vouchers to the public. Grant monies recently donated specifically for the spay and neuter of companion animals is making this new program possible. These vouchers will allow Dessin to reach out further than ever before to all those who have not yet had their pets altered. A nominal donation by those wishing to purchase the certificates is all that Dessin requests. No one will be turned down because of a pet owner’s inability to pay. Dessin encourages all those interested to contact the shelter as soon as possible at (570) 253-4037. This program will be offered for a limited time only. Take advantage of this exciting new program. And remember, neuter, spay and don’t let them stray!
Farmers Encouraged To Sign Up Now Montrose, PA – With winter upon us and farmland in most of the country idle until spring, experts are recommending that farmers act quickly to take advantage of the historic opportunities to sign up for programs created under the 2002 Farm Bill passed this summer. "The legislation, officially titled 2002 Farm Security and Rural Investment Act, created many new initiatives, reauthorized popular existing programs, and established record levels of government funding for farmland conservation. This translates into a lot of thinking for farmers to do, and a lot of work for county-level US Department of Agriculture staff," said Charles Perkins, county Executive Director, Susquehanna County Service Center. "With the passage of the 2002 Farm Bill, the USDA can do more than we ever have before to help Pennsylvania's producers," said Perkins. "But these decisions are very important, they can’t be made lightly." The Direct and Counter-cyclical Program is the hallmark program of the new farm bill. It provides for payments to eligible producers of covered commodities including feed grains, wheat, soybeans, and other oilseeds for the 2002 through 2007 crop years. A major feature of the new law allows producers the option of updating their historical bases and yields. These bases and yields will be used to determine program benefits for the 2002-2007 crop years, or the life of the farm bill. Landowners and operators have until April 1, 2003, to select base acreage and yield options which will then be used for the duration of the Farm Bill. They have until June 2, 2003, to sign up for the direct and counter-cyclical program. Direct payments for covered commodities are made, regardless of market prices, to producers who have established crop bases and payment yields. Counter-cyclical payments are issued only if effective prices are less than the target prices set in the 2002 Farm Bill. A Base and Yield Analyzer (BYA) tool has been developed by the FSA national staff with Texas A & M University to help farmers make decisions on the five base and four yield options offered by the 2002 Farm Bill. It is designed to take individual options that the producer determines and provide payment and base calculations which producers need to consider before making final decisions. The BYA is available on the Internet and in FSA offices. "We are expecting the office to be very busy in the coming months, as producers learn more about what we call ‘a win-win situation’ for farmers," Perkins said. Perkins said he and his counterparts across the state are bracing for a brisk sign-up pace in the spring, and are urging farmers to contact their FSA offices as soon as possible. "We just want people to understand that there’s a lot of information to digest, and the earlier they contact us, the more help we can be to them," he said.
Following is the list of names drawn to serve as Petit and Traverse jurors for February, to appear in the Court of Common Pleas, Susquehanna County Courthouse, Montrose, on the third day of February, 9:00 a.m. Auburn Twp.: Jocetta Brown, Timothy J. Godshall, Jaclyn Mowry, John S. Raum, Mary Ellen Smith, Robin E. Tinna. Bridgewater Twp.: Donald E. Blaisure, Betty Jane Brunges, Friederike Dietrich, Tammy Jo Gauger, Cora E. Groover, Richard M. Kasperitis, Jill E. Kimsey, Eliza M. Linden, James Nichols, Ronald W. Roeder, Sr., Robert H. Snover, Michael R. Zuba. Choconut Twp.: Melissa A. McFarland, Carolyn L. Morrison. Clifford Twp.: Doris B. Bartholomay, Robert J. Harmer, Matthew L. Kaufman, Carol A. Pettinato, John J. Sudlesky. Dimock Twp.: Mary Jane Ackley, May Ahlbrandt, Michael Andrejack, Fern B. Ball, Kevin J. Melan, Elizabeth G. Mills, Warren Joseph Montagna, Jr. Forest City Boro 1W: Michelle Woody. Forest City Boro 2W: Richard J. Miller. Forest Lake Twp.: Lorraine G. Clune, Ursula M. Day, Margarettia M. Williams. Franklin Twp.: Caroline Delsordo, Evelyn L. Jordan, Linda L. Staudenmayer. Gibson Twp.: Jamie Dingee, Thomas Genneken. Great Bend Boro: Laura L. Conarton, Sandra L. Franks, Eloise Marshman. Great Bend Twp.: Kenneth L. Carey, Else M. Friede, Tracy Haley, Bryce B. Rickard. Hallstead Boro: Richard J. Andrews, Henry M. Sager, Sr. Harford Twp.: Retha R. Decker, Lisa Jerauld, Kathy McLaughlin, Andrew M. Nesevich, Della R. Whitaker. Harmony Twp.: Roberta Canini, Frederick Stanton. Herrick Twp.: Patricia L. Peltz. Jackson Twp.: Jeffrey Pallman. Lathrop Twp.: Henry Deluca, George E. Stine. Lenox Twp.: Joseph R. Alvord, Milton M. Evans III, Mary E. Morrison. Liberty Twp.: Julius C. Norton, Jr., John Slater, Brenda Williams. Montrose Boro 1W: Nana Pictreyk, Robert L. Roberts, Karol A. Smith, Mary A. Zuba. Montrose Boro 2W: Eileen Gehris, Frank Ziats, Jr. New Milford Boro: Richard L. Ainey, James Berger, James Giangrieco, Ruth E. Matthews. New Milford Twp.: John Mark Clum, Rebecca E. Kaminski. Oakland Boro: Harold F. Washburn. Rush Twp.: Elaine E. Allen, Donald J. Hunsinger, Richard W. Tressler. Silver Lake Twp.: Thomas P. English, David R. Greenough, Francis J. Klein III, Kathy A. Ormsby, Stefan Slanina. Springville Twp.: Steven E. Hinkley, Rosarita P. Mogridge, Bradley Tewksbury. Susquehanna Boro 1W: Todd William Glover, Edward J. Honeychuck, Thomas Stout. Susquehanna Boro 2W: Helen L. Bronchella. Union Dale Boro: Patrick P. Foster.
Leanne Colwell Olive Retires From Service Born in Susquehanna, Leanne (Colwell) Olive graduated from Mountain View High School in 1964. She attended the University of Maryland and Northern Virginia College, with studies in mathematics, accounting, computers, and government. Mrs. Olive began her government career in 1964 as a clerk-typist for the US Navy Supervisor of Diving and Salvage, in Washington, DC. In 1969, she accepted a position in the Office of the Secretary of the Navy for Research and Development (R&D) as an Administrative Assistant. She worked for Senators John Warner and John Chafee, who were then Secretaries of the Navy; she assisted in the preparation of the Annual Navy R&D Congressional Budget and Review Sessions and reviewed the Navy R&D Military Construction Program. After accepting a Budget Analyst position in 1973 at the Naval Ship R&D Center in Bethesda, Maryland, Leanne returned to Washington, DC, and worked at the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, where she assumed responsibility for civilian personnel employed in 80 medical and dental centers; planned and developed civilian budget data that was presented to higher authority, including Congress; and reprogrammed the Civilian Nurse Grade Structure. In 1978, her position was changed to a Management Analyst. In 1979, Mrs. Olive came to work as a Budget Analyst for the Air Force Medical Logistics Office (AFMLO). She developed the Standard Generalized Markup Language/AFMLO Budget Plan, analyzed budgetary operations, developed forecasting patterns, and resolved reprogramming actions. She also developed data to defend the budgets before the Secretary of Defense and Office of Management and Budget; handled the management function associated with Medical-Dental, which supports medical materiel and equipment to medical facilities worldwide; and managed terms of the Interservice Support Agreements with the Garrison at Ford Detrick. Leanne received many awards, including an Outstanding Performance Award every year since 1972. Leanne retired January 3, 2003 with 39 years of service to the federal government. Leanne and her husband, Jack have two children, Linda and John, and one grandchild, Anna Marie.
Lenoxville
Senior Center Update Even with all the snow we have had it was a pleasant surprise to find snowmen and snow women complete with scarves, top hats or babushkas on all our tables today. Thanks to our manager, Judy Collins. At a recent council meeting we suggested moneymaking plans and the nominating committee is busy finding officers for the coming year. Elections will be on the first Thursday of February, weather permitting. Before lunch we were notified of members who have been ill. We will keep them in our thoughts and prayers. Anne Mensell is in the Forest City Senior Living Facility, Louise Bayless is in rehab at the same place and Edgar Thomas is improving at Allied Services. Hopefully the news will be better soon and they will be back with us. Pastor Don Bartholomay and Doris send their best wishes for the coming year. Kate Satunas and Rose Kakuk shared the 50/50 monies and next week’s servers are Diana Konopka, Mary Allen, Arlene Zablotsky, Eugene Wagner, and Mac Rosencrans. We ended our day with Arlene calling bingo and two foursomes playing pinochle and dominoes. Be happy, and God bless!
New Guidelines For Birth Certificates Harrisburg – In an effort to deter identity theft, the state Department of Health has instituted new guidelines for the release of birth and death certificates, according to state Senator Roger A. Madigan (R-23), who invites constituents to contact his office if they have questions about the changes. "My staff has undergone training and can help individuals obtain these records," Madigan said. Madigan said the department has made it more difficult to obtain birth and death certificates because law enforcement officials have identified these documents as contributors to the identity theft problem. Those requesting birth and death certificates must now complete a revised application form that contains a "Statement of Entitlement" attesting to the requester’s identity, and provide photo identification and address verification. "While the process is now more complicated, the changes will help to ensure that birth and death certificates don’t fall into the hands of people who want to use them for fraudulent purposes," Madigan said. Constituents who would like help obtaining a birth or death certificate are advised to contact either of Madigan’s district offices, located at One Progress Plaza, Suite 13, Towanda, (570) 265-7448; or 330 Pine St., Suite 200, Williamsport, (570) 322-6457.
The Endless Mountains Chapter 15 of the Pennsylvania Association of Retired State Employees (PARSE) held its final meeting for the year 2002 at the Towanda Gun Club on December 10. Vice President Nancy Spencer introduced Daisy Wright, one of the founders of Operation Holiday Morale. As Mrs. Wright had a son and grandson in the service of our country, she began sending them care packages. At their suggestion, her group expanded to include other members of our armed forces. So far, they have sent 1400 boxes to men serving in Bosnia, Afghanistan, Alaska, as well as other locations. The boxes are sent on Christmas, Easter, July Fourth and September 11. The membership was very interested in her presentation and their annual benevolent collection was given to her to help with her expenses. Dues for the year 2003 were collected by the membership chairman, Helen Benio. She said that 34 members had paid their dues at the meeting. Members may send their dues payment to Mrs. Benio at RR 1 Box 188, Montrose, PA 18801. It is the goal of PARSE to increase the membership in 2003. The meeting ended with a gift exchange and holiday wishes for all. The first meeting of 2003 will be held in Susquehanna County, in April. The date and place will be announced later. For more information, contact Susquehanna County Vice President John Benio at 278-2380.
SCDED Provides Services To Area Businesses The Susquehanna County Department of Economic Development is a participant in the Team PA Business Calling Program, a statewide initiative that provides local businesses with an opportunity to express issues and concerns that affect their business. The department’s Assistant Director, Elizabeth Janoski is the county’s Team PA representative, and is currently working with the Business Calling program. "The program involves completing a survey, then we and Northern Tier Regional Planning & Development Commission follow up with referrals to assistance providers that can assist our local businesses in meeting the challenges of today’s economy," says Justin Taylor, Department of Economic Development Director. "For example, in the past year, we’ve referred several local business owners to the Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP), which provides free technical assistance in several areas including computer assistance, the food industry, and forest products." The Team PA program is enhanced by two small business grants that are available to county businesses with fewer than 50 employees. The Small Business Training Grant provides assistance in paying for employee training, while the Small Business Electronic Business Grant can be used to purchase computer hardware and software, or pay for website development that will enhance E-Commerce capabilities. For more information on these and other programs to assist Susquehanna County businesses, contact the Susquehanna County Department of Economic Development at (570) 278-4600, ext. 558, or e-mail susqded@epix.net.
The Nellie Jane DeWitt Business and Professional Women’s Club and the Susquehanna Sesquicentennial committee is preparing a musical program to be part of the week-long celebration for the Borough of Susquehanna Depot in July of 2003. If you would like to be a part of the musical group, please call (570) 853-3007 or (570) 727-2020 and give your name and phone number so you can be contacted. The first meeting and practice will be announced.
Three Locals Charged With Welfare Fraud Harrisburg – Inspector General Albert H. Masland announced that felony welfare fraud charges have been filed against three Susquehanna County residents. The individuals, in unrelated incidents, allegedly collected a total of more than $10,800 in public assistance benefits to which they were not entitled. "Knowingly misrepresenting your life circumstances to defraud taxpayers is reprehensible," Masland said. "The Office of Inspector General will continue to investigate statewide to seek out and prosecute those individuals who engage in fraudulent behavior. I thank Susquehanna County District Attorney Charles Aliano and his staff for their help in bringing these cases to prosecution." Claims Investigation Agent Jon D. Carpenter from the Office of Inspector General’s (OIG) Northeast Region Office filed the charges against the Susquehanna County residents. The individuals against whom charges were filed are: Lisa A. Winfield, 37, of Susquehanna faces felony welfare fraud charges for allegedly receiving more than $6,300 in food stamp benefits, for which she was not eligible, from July, 1999 to October, 2001. Winfield is accused of failing to report her boyfriend’s employment and wages and the fact that he was residing in her household. This information, if known, would have affected her eligibility for public assistance benefits. Joseph A. Angerson, 47, and Denise F. Angerson, 39, both of Susquehanna face felony welfare fraud charges for allegedly collecting more than $4,500 in cash assistance and food stamp benefits, to which they were not entitled, at various times from October, 2001 to April, 2002. The couple is accused of failing to report Joseph Angerson’s employment and wages from Herb Kilmer & Sons Flagstone. This information, if known, would have affected their eligibility for benefits. Preliminary hearings for these cases will be scheduled at a later date before District Justice Watson J. Dayton. In December, the Office of Inspector General released its annual welfare fraud report, which showed that the OIG saved and collected more than $158 million last fiscal year by fighting fraud in taxpayer funded welfare programs. The report is available on-line through the PA PowerPort at www.state.pa.us, PA Keyword: "Inspector General." Recipients who are found guilty of welfare fraud may face a maximum sentence of seven years in prison, fines up to $15,000, mandatory restitution to the Commonwealth and program disqualification. The Office of Inspector General is responsible for investigating welfare fraud and conducting collection activities for programs administered by, or contracted through, the Department of Public Welfare. Each year, the OIG works with county assistance offices statewide to identify suspected cases of public-assistance fraud, and with local district attorneys to bring the cases to prosecution. The Office of Inspector General also relies on tips from citizens. Inspector General Masland urges anyone with information on suspected fraud to call the Welfare Fraud TipLine at 1-800-932-0582, or e-mail the OIG at pafraud@state.pa.us.
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