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Issue Home April 1, 2003 Site Home

HEADLINES:
Search Begins For 2003 County Dairy Princess
NTIEC Computer Classes
Harold Gardner Thrives In His 105th Year
Local Youth Group Completes "Ugly Quilts"
Thompson Hose Co. Gets Heroes Stamp
County Bar Assoc. Receives Award
Boy Scouts Honor Mrs, Sally Iveson
Jones Appointed To Foundation Board
 

Search Begins For 2003 County Dairy Princess

Susquehanna County Dairy Princess Rebecca Place will give up her reign on May 23 when a new Dairy Princess will be crowned. Rebecca is the daughter of Chuck and Mary Place of South Auburn. Princess Rebecca has served her County well with the support of Dairy Ambassadors Amanda Miner, Abbey Puzo, Amy Roe, Alyssa Sprout, Ashley Franklin and Dairy Maids Abbey Hewitt, Alicia Roe, Jenna Sprout, Jessica Roe, Karin Mowry and Lydia Carlin.


2002 Dairy Princess, Rebecca Place

Susquehanna County is seeking candidates to serve as 2003 Dairy Princess. Single young ladies between 16-24 years old, from a dairy background or with an interest in the dairy industry should consider serving a year to help further the interests of the dairy industry.

The 2003 Princess will serve the dairy industry of Susquehanna County for one year. She will have the opportunity to make many appearances at schools, stores, parades, fair events, dairy shows, etc. She will also have the opportunity to speak to civic clubs, senior citizens groups, other non farm and farm audiences. The County Princess will represent her county at the Pennsylvania Dairy Princess Pageant in Harrisburg in September.

Girls at least 10 years old may take part in the Susquehanna County Dairy Maid/Dairy Ambassador program. This program is a complimentary program, which functions within the county to assist the Dairy Princess in carrying out her duties and to educate and train future princess candidates and promoters.

The Princess, Dairy Ambassador and Dairy Maid benefits include tremendous personal growth, development of self-confidence and speaking ability, opportunity to do radio spots and write dairy related news articles, learn organizational skills and travel around the County and meet new friends.

The Dairy Princess Committee has announced that the Susquehanna County Dairy Princess Pageant will be held on Friday, May 23, 7:30 p.m. at the Episcopal Church Hall in Montrose. The public is invited to attend.

Anyone interested in entering the Susquehanna County Dairy Princess contest or taking part in the Dairy Maid/Dairy Ambassador program or anyone with questions about our County program should contact Evie Goff, at 278-1212 or 278-1158, by April 25.

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NTIEC Computer Classes

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(Dimock, PA) The Northern Tier Industry Education Consortium (NTIEC) recently conducted a series of computer classes at the Northern Tier Workforce Development Center for the Towanda Area Agency on Aging. More than 20 local seniors participated in the four-week program that included an introduction to computers, basic word processing skills and surfing the Internet. Instructor was Alice Lawless, a member of the NTIEC staff. Pictured (l-r) are class participants: front row – Delores Wheeler - Montrose, Barbara Squier - Springville, Shirley Cokely - Springville; back row – Blanche Guiton - Dimock, Carole Rose - Montrose, Hilda Loch - Springville, Richard Rose, Montrose. Absent from photo was Alice Clink. For more information on computer classes and the use of classroom facilities at the Workforce Development Center, contact the NTIEC, (570) 287-5038, or e-mail: info@ntiec.com.

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Harold Gardner Thrives In His 105th Year

A century isn’t long enough for Harold Gardner, of Choconut, PA to accomplish all he wants to do. Now, at 104, he is as active as an average person half his age. This spry Centenarian, who is still a licensed aircraft engine mechanic, continues to fill his hours with the work he loves - working on his 1950’s Ford Truck, making tools and vehicle parts, working on his current project which is repairing an antique clock, and fine-tuning the engine on his 1923 Dodge.

Mr. Gardner bought his 1923 Dodge for $400.00 new and, in recent years, he completed a restoration on the car. He has won three trophies at area car shows for this unique automobile: 2 at the Tioga Regional AACA Antique Automobile Show in Apalachin, NY and a "Best Restoration" trophy which he was awarded at the Forest Lake Car Show in 2001.

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Pictured are Harold Gardner and Bill Nash.

Born on December 3, 1898 in a Binghamton, NY farmhouse in the area where Lourdes Hospital now stands, Mr. Gardner has ridden in a horse and buggy, and a modern-day Mercury with a V-6 engine alike. Best of all, he still drives his 1923 Dodge. He has lived with and without paved roads, electricity, refrigeration, and indoor plumbing.

Mr. Gardner says that he was drafted in WW I and spent exactly one day in the Army. After he boarded the train with the other troops to go to war, he says he was told to "get off" the train. The reason? He was told by the officers, "The armistice was signed today!" Mr. Gardner chuckles as he says, "I got one day’s pay from the Army - $1.00 and I still have the check!"

Mr. Gardner enjoys sharing stories like this when his friend, Bill Nash, a neighbor and fellow antique car restorer drops by. He says, "All I know is he is an awful good friend – he’s awfully good to me." Bill relates that he was contacted by Judy Collins of Barnes-Kasson Senior Services about 3 years ago about participating in the Area Agency On Aging’s Friendly Visitor Program and Mr. Gardner needed a Friendly Visitor.

Mr. Gardner shares that he and Bill, "go way back." "His father and I worked together at Rose Unit Parts in Binghamton. Can you believe it?", Mr. Gardner says. Bill visits Mr. Gardner regularly, stopping by to chat, but does other things for him. Bill brings in the mail when he visits and plows the driveway in the winter. He even organized a local boy scout troop to do some heavy yard work during the Spring for Mr. Gardner. (It should be pointed out that Mr. Gardner still mows his own lawn in the summer!) Judy Collins of Barnes-Kasson Senior Services reports that Bill goes "way above and beyond the call of duty" to be helpful to Mr. Gardner.

A keen mind, and a sharp long-term memory enable Mr. Gardner to share details about his life history with Bill. About his life’s work, Mr. Gardner states, unabashedly, "My memory took me to the top." Mr. Gardner studied airplane mechanics at the Curtis School in Buffalo where he graduated in 1920. He talks about his years as an aircraft mechanic and says he could pilot an airplane at one time but was told by his superiors that he was "worth more on the ground" working on airplane engines. He is especially pleased about working for Pratt & Whitney during WW II and working on B-24 Bomber engines.

When asked about the secret to his longevity, Mr. Gardner states, "No sugar, no white flour, no booze, no cigarettes." He beams when he talks about his family, "I have six grandsons and they all try to help me." He also has two daughters, one in Binghamton and one in Florida of whom he is very proud.

Like an antique car, more unique and valuable with every passing year, such is the lifetime of a Centenarian from Choconut and his special friendship with a Friendly Visitor, Bill Nash.

For information on how to become a Friendly Visitor or to learn about other Volunteer opportunities for other Area Agency on Aging Programs, call Judy Collins at Barnes-Kasson Senior Services at 1-800-763-8925.

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Local Youth Group Completes "Ugly Quilts"

The WIA (Workforce Investment Act) Youth Program, conducted by TREHAB, recently held a meeting at the Susquehanna County CareerLink in Great Bend. At this meeting they were introduced to Dorrie Mininger, a local woman who helps make Ugly Quilts.

Ugly Quilts are just what they sound like. They are quilts, made by local people for the homeless. They are sewn together from scraps of material and filled with blanket pieces for warmth.

Pictured (l-r) with one of the completed Ugly Quilts are: Seated – Jason Welch, Pamela Buchanan, Joshua Neer, Elizabeth Robinson, Shawn Reed; standing – Kim Seamans, Jason Neer, Brenton McHugh, Project Volunteer Dorrie Mininger, Albert Paolucci.

The youth finished two quilts at their March 4 meeting, and then they wrapped a bag of personal items, such as shampoo and soap, in the quilts. The youth participating in this project are from Susquehanna, Blue Ridge, Mountain View, and Montrose Schools.

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Thompson Hose Co. Gets Heroes Stamp

Pictured is Mary Jo Hart, Postmaster at Thompson, PA recently presenting a framed copy of the Heroes Stamp to Martin Stinavage, President of Thompson Hose Co., to pay tribute to the men and women that give their time to serve on the volunteer fire and ambulance companies to protect so many. The Heroes of 2001 semipostal stamp was issued June 7, 2002.

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County Bar Assoc. Receives Award

Harrisburg – Susquehanna County Bar Association members Patrick Daly and Jodi Cordner were presented with a County Bar Recognition Award during the 37th annual seminar of the Conference of County Bar Leaders in Hershey, PA.

Pictured (l-r) are: PBA President Timothy Carson; Jodi Cordner; Patrick Daly; SCBA President Francis X. O’Connor.

Recognized for its 2002 Stepping Out Program, the SCBA is one of 26 county bar associations in Pennsylvania being honored this year for sponsoring projects that work to improve the legal profession, justice system or community. The awards, which are non-competitive in nature, are sponsored annually by the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

"The Pennsylvania Bar Association is pleased to honor the Susquehanna County Bar Association for its outstanding project," noted PBA President Timothy J. Carson. "Through the County Bar Recognition awards, the PBA hopes to encourage more members of the legal profession to participate in community and educational activities."

Presented to schools in Susquehanna County, the SCBA’s Stepping Out Program was designed to help graduating seniors make the often intimidating first step into adulthood by providing them with valuable information on such legal matters as renting an apartment, buying a car, driving under the influence, marriage and divorce.

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Boy Scouts Honor Mrs. Sally Iveson

Baden-Powell Council Delahanna District Boy Scouts of America chose Mrs. Sally Iveson, Executive Director of Barnes-Kasson Hospital as Distinguished Citizen of the Year, 2003 honoring her with an award dinner Saturday, March 22, at the Starrucca House, Susquehanna.

According to Distinguished Citizen Award criteria: "This recognition is accorded to those who exemplify in their daily life the ideals of the Boy Scouts of America as expressed in the Scout Oath and Law. Recipients are chosen for their outstanding community service as evidenced by the interest and leadership given to many worthwhile organizations as well as the respect and esteem in which they are held by their colleagues."

Sally Iveson certainly fits all of the above criteria, and more.

Sally lives in Susquehanna with her husband of 32 years, Bill. They are proud parents of four children, sons William Jr., Michael Clarke, Robert Cook and daughter, Sara Francis.

Their extended family includes Bill Jr.'s wife, Mary and their daughters, Victoria Grace and Amanda Jane and Michael's wife, Kelly and their daughters, Kyleigh Nicole and Bridget Colleen.

Presenting the evening's program was Master of Ceremonies Robert McNamara, who opened with, "It is a pleasure to welcome you all this evening. Sally is certainly an asset to our community and it is my honor to introduce her as this years' distinguished citizen. There is a saying that I think applies directly to Sally and it goes something like this, 'The man who says it can't be done is interrupted by the person who says it can' ".

Opening ceremonies, Presentation of Colors, Pledge of Allegiance, and Sea Scout Promise, were conducted by Sea Scout Ship North Star 90, New Milford, PA. Invocation and Blessing was offered by Robert McNamara.

Dinner was followed by introduction of Sally's family and notables in attendance.

Family remarks were offered by William Iveson, Jr. who commented, "When I was asked to talk about mom, I certainly understood when we talk about family members there is a fifth ... the hospital. Sometimes, it became the first, but we always understood. Anything that could be done for the hospital would be. I, mostly want to express how much we care about this woman."

Recipient Introduction was aptly taken care of by Clay Weaver, Susquehanna Postmaster who commented, "I am honored to introduce this person who has played such an integral role in Susquehanna County and our immediate area for the past 34 years. You should all know that Barnes-Kasson is the largest employer in the county. In 1969, Sally took a temp. job at Barnes to help set up their books. The massive nurses training program we have today was set up by her many years ago. Today's economy has been hard on hospitals our size, many have had to close. The many programs offered at Barnes-Kasson have become part of every day life and how they started is sometimes forgotten. I have been an associate and friend of Sally for many years. It is my sincere pleasure to celebrate this honor tonight."

With that, Sally took the podium and commented, "I'll take this opportunity to thank the Boy Scouts. You have bestowed an honor that is heartwarming, humbling and very much appreciated. My entire life is linked to scouting. There were more scouts in my living room while my children were growing up than anywhere else I could imagine. Boy Scouting is a necessity of any successful community; it is a lifeline to our children. It is an honor to be chosen. I have a collection of strong women to thank as my role models. Because of that, you all know, you'll get my opinion whether wanted or asked for! You never have to guess where I'm at! I would never have been able to accomplish what I wanted without the support of my husband, Bill. We have enjoyed shouldering the responsibility. We have learned to consider the needs of others to compliment the needs of ourselves. I could not have been more fortunate to have chosen my profession or location. I genuinely appreciate all your support."

PA State Rep. Sandy Major presented a citation from the PA. House of Representatives commending the honor.

Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner Presenter, Jack Ord commented, "In order to be recognized, you have to have the ideals of scouting - do a good deed every day. Sally aspires to do a good deed, every day. I am proud to present this award."

Closing remarks were offered by Mark Tyson, District Commissioner, who commented, "This Distinguished Citizen Award is given to the best of the best. Thanks for your support to Boy Scouting. There are many good youth in Boy Scouts who would not have such opportunity without volunteers such as you."

It certainly was refreshing to be witness to such a celebration of service. The County Transcript has enjoyed an outstanding relationship with Sally Iveson and her family for decades and we join all those who recognize such spirit.

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Jones Appointed To Foundation Board

Susquehanna County – Agnes Jones, of New Milford has been appointed to the board of directors of the Community Foundation of Susquehanna County. Agnes resides in New Milford, where she has been a lifelong resident. Ms. Jones is retired President and CEO of the Grange National Bank of New Milford, where her career began as a teller and spanned some 39 years. Formerly, Ms. Jones was a member of the Pennsylvania State Bankers Community Bank Board, the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank Community Bank Board, and one of two representatives from Pennsylvania on the American Bankers Association Community Bank Board. Currently, Ms. Jones is an active member of the New Milford Rotary Club, the Binghamton, NY Monday Afternoon Club, the Endless Mountain Theater Company secretary, and works with the Friends of Susquehanna County. Ms. Jones’ retirement activities include extensive traveling time and spending time with her family. She has three sons, Michael of Pittsford, NY, James of East Stroudsburg, PA, and Andrew of Westport, CT.

The Community Foundation of Susquehanna County builds healthy communities by providing leadership where charitable giving is concerned. It currently has 23 funds created on behalf of donors and benefiting people and charities throughout Susquehanna County. Income from its funds is distributed in the way of grants. Growing from $50,000 in assets in 1999 to some $350,000 to date, the foundation has a year-end goal of one million dollars. According to Joe Burke, President, "We are very fortunate to have someone like Agnes accept a position on our board. She has a proven track record of working hard for her community and making a significant contribution over the years. We are so pleased she is willing to use her knowledge and energy to help us educate the people of our county about the services we provide." In addition to Agnes Jones and Joe Burke, other foundation board members include Thomas Chamberlain, Betty Kwader, William Lewis, and Earle Wootton. Anyone wanting more information about the Foundation can call 278-3800, or e-mail foundation@epix.net.

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