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HEADLINES: H/GB
Legion Post Installs Officers; Honor H. Singer The Hallstead–Great Bend American Legion Post 357 on Saturday night, August 2, 2003, with over 200 people attending including Legion officers from District 15, installed the newly-elected officers of three units. Prior to the installation, Commander Terry Rafferty explained the "ever-present" table and chair in respect to those service-people still being held as Prisoners of War and Missing in Action. After a salute to the flag, with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence to "our departed comrades," Commander Rafferty introduced the many Legion notables present. First to be installed were the Auxiliary officers. Doing the honors of installing the following ladies was Nancy Buchurek, District President of Susquehanna/Lackawanna County: President, Pat Yonkin; Vice President, Peggy Merwin; Secretary, Karen Sinnett; Chaplain, Irene Welch; Treasurer, Doreen Wood; Historian, Evelyn Woolbaugh; Sgt. at Arms, Maria Calla. Sons of the Legion officers: Commander, Andy Kovitch; First Vice, Dale Jesse; Second Vice, Earl Lindsey; Adjutant, Don Horvatt; Treasurer, Roger Rinker; Sgt. at Arms, David Axtell; Historian, Gary Richardson; Chaplain, Andy Pickney, Jr. They were installed by Brinton Cresse, Central Section Vice Commander and Marvin Blachman, Adjutant Central Section. Following the SAL installations, 15th District American Legion Commander Manny Mirialh was invited to install Don Horvatt as 15th District Sons of the American Legion Commander. Pictured (l-r) are: SAL Commander, Andy Kovitch; Auxiliary President, Pat Yonkin; American Legion Commander, Rick Rood. Photo by Joanne Rauscher American Legion: Commander, Richard Rood; First Vice, Davis McCracken; Second Vice, Brian Rinker; Adjutant, Jack Bennett; Service Officer, William Kienzler; Finance Officer, Thomas Wood; Historian, Donald Gruber; Chaplain, Daniel Dooley; Sgt. at Arms, John Lawson; Judge Advocate, Michael Welch; Executive Board – Walter Woolbaugh, Michael Welch, Thomas Wood, Terrance Rafferty. They were installed by 15th District Commander Manny Mirialh, aided by Post 86 Sgt. at Arms, Roger Williams, also a Deputy Commander of the 15th District. Home and Club personnel: Secretary, Betty Booth; Steward, Judy Chauncey. Among the notables present were: Peter Janicelli, Susquehanna Post 86, Commander; Brian Price, past Post 86 Commander and 15th District Deputy Commander and Roger Williams, Post 86 Sgt. of Arms and 15th District Deputy Commander; all present to pay homage to the Singer family and the "hanging of the Flag." Also recognized by Commander Rafferty were: Jack Bennett, former Post 357 Commander and past commander of the 15th District who held other state offices; Ralph Allen, Commander of Post 154, South Montrose; Manny Mirialh, 15th District Commander and wife, Karen; Butch Westbrook of Post 154; Arlington Phillips, Past Central Section Commander; John McCarthy, James Soller, George Richardson, Michael Welch, George Dutcher, past Commander post 357 and past district commander; Lou Parrillo, Second Vice Commander Post 86; Howard Patton, 15th District Finance officer; Brinton Cresse, SAL Vice Commander of Central Section from Post 86; Marvin Blackman, Post 154, Adjutant 15th District Central Section. Prior to the closing of the program Manny Mirialh, 15th District Commander, paid an emotional tribute to the late Howard (Crash) Singer, who was one of the district’s and state’s most active veterans, holding several offices while a member of the Hallstead–Great Bend Post. After Mr. Singer’s death, Mrs. Lois Singer, his wife, presented the post with the flag that draped Mr. Singer’s casket. The Post had the flag encased in a glass frame that was presented to Mrs. Singer, who in turn placed it on a wall where it will remain for all to see. It was announced that a "proposed" baseball field, in the rear of the post to be aptly named "Walter Woolbaugh Field" in honor of Mr. Woolbaugh, the post’s first commander. As usual, and an annual custom, prizes, including "booby" prizes were handed out by several members with Steward Judy Chauncey awarding the most, along with some of her "witticisms." Outgoing commander Terry Rafferty thanked his officers and members for their support during his reign. Saturday’s affair was one of the "best attended" and the installation of the officers was a credit to the post and installing officers. Dairy
Tour Visits Historic Sites The annual Susquehanna County Dairy Tour took place from Monday, July 21, through Saturday, July 26, 2003 with 38 people participating. This was a wonderful and enjoyable trip, thanks to the committee: Marilyn Quick, Sandra Bennett, David and Judy Hibbard, and Melody Bennett, who made copies of the itinerary available to all. Part of the group gathered at the Quick farm in Rushville where they boarded the bus, then on to Montrose, then started on the trip by 5:15 a.m. The first destination was Harrisburg, but they had a breakfast break at a restaurant in Frackville, south of Hazleton. The next stop was at the State Capital. Pictures of the group were taken in two parts on the steps of the capital – two pictures so that the results would be clearer. An interesting tour of the capitol was taken. Since it was quite early in the morning, the group did not see State Representatives Sandra Major and Tina Pickett, but they had laid out informational material for us to take. This included an illustrated booklet about "The Capitol." The cornerstone was laid in 1904, and when President Theodore Roosevelt dedicated the building in 1906, he called it the "most beautiful state capitol in the nation." Shortly after noon on that same day, the bus unloaded the group for a delicious buffet lunch at the Dobbin House, after which a "tour by electric map" of the Civil War battlefield was enjoyed. Next on the agenda a guide boarded the bus at the Visitor Center, and he gave a very interesting tour of the battlefield. This was followed by a trip through the American Civil War Museum. Monday night and Tuesday night were spent at the Quality Inn in Gettysburg, so the group had the opportunity of seeing much of the Gettysburg area. Breakfast was served at 7:30 on Tuesday, so the group did not have to get up as early as they had the day before! After breakfast they boarded the bus for a tour of the Mason Dixon farm, part of which is in Pennsylvania and part in Maryland. Next they had a self-guided tour of a Civil War cemetery, where they spent over an hour looking for familiar names, perhaps of their ancestors who served in that war, or for names of people they had read about in their study of history. In the afternoon they visited the Schriver House, which is in the same condition that it was in the 1860’s and before. Later they boarded a shuttle bus which took them on a tour of the Eisenhower Farm, which included a visit to the Eisenhower mansions, where guides escorted them to the various rooms and explained how each was used. It is a beautiful house and the grounds are lovely also. When they reached the Hickory Bridge Restaurant they found a room reserved for them, with a family style dinner. At eight o’clock that evening the bus took its passengers to the Totem Pole Restaurant and Playhouse. There a female version of the "Odd Couple" was presented to a large audience. Those who had seen the original version of that play were impressed, and judging by the enthusiastic applause, most of the viewers must have enjoyed the performance – lots of laugher and applause! A second night was spent in the same Gettysburg hotel, but the luggage had to be ready for reloading Wednesday morning, as the next three nights would be spent in Washington, DC. The first entertainment the next morning was a light and sound recreation of the Battle of Gettysburg, an extremely interesting modern version of the battle. Then the group adjourned to a meeting room where Abraham Lincoln (or a man dressed to represent him!) gave a rather extensive talk about that battle. His description of the battle and its participants was most impressive, and the listeners almost felt that they were back in time, listening to the real, great President Lincoln. After lunch at the General Pickett Restaurant, the bus took the group to the Hall of Presidents. On first entering, they viewed statues of First Ladies, looking charming in their beautiful gowns. Their names and the years as first ladies were printed beside each one, so no guide was needed. Then the Presidents! How wonderful and regal they looked, dressed in the best and most fashionable apparel of their times! Each one described by audiotape his term as president. This was truly impressive, and was a fascinating review of the history of our country. By 3:30 that afternoon the group boarded the bus and were on their way to Washington, DC, about a two-hour drive. When they arrived at the Sheraton Hotel where they would stay for the next three nights, they unloaded their luggage, found their new rooms, and prepared for the entertainment of the evening. That entertainment was a cruise on the Potomac River, where dinner was served, following which some of the many passengers danced to lively music. The evening was beautiful, and a cruise on that famous river was relaxing and enjoyable – one of the many highlights of their trip. Thursday: Washington! The capital of our country! The first visit that morning was the Library of Congress. This is probably "the world’s most comprehensive record of human knowledge in the world." Its 200th birthday was celebrated in April of the year 2000. Books, as well as other materials, are stored in 500 miles of shelves! Imagine over 25 million books! It also contains maps, photographs, films, recordings, etc. One would have to live longer than Methuselah to read everything in the American Library of Congress. The next places visited were the Capitol and the Supreme Court Building. Awe-inspiring! Beautiful! We live in a great country! At 2:32 that afternoon – the Smithsonian Museum. That is, of course, another exciting and informational place. Soon our group entered the IMax Theater and were enthralled by what seemed like a trip through space by video – wonderful and almost unbelievable! On that Thursday evening the group went to Wally K’s Racetrack for dinner, and of course to watch the horse racing. The second floor outdoor seats gave a wonderful view of the race track and the handsome horses. Which had more attention: the dinner or the horse race? On Friday there was a bus tour of the city, with several stops along the way, including Arlington National Cemetery, the Bureau of Engraving and various monuments and memorials. Another highlight was a visit to the Washington National Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. Its cornerstone was laid in 1907, and the "final finial" was placed in 1990. This national House of Prayer is set on 59 acres and is the highest point in the city of Washington. It is the sixth largest cathedral in the world. Remains of over 150 people are interred there, including President Woodrow Wilson and his wife, and the famous Helen Adams Keller. One could spend days viewing the various aspects of this magnificent cathedral; there is so much to see! Dinner that evening took place at Phillip’s Flagship Restaurant – a bountiful and delicious harvest buffet. Then on to the hotel for our last evening of the tour. Most of the 38 persons who enjoyed this tour were adults, but there was one exception: ten-year old Peter Hayashi, an asset to the group because of his youthful way of looking at so many things. He was the companion of his grandfather, Martin Bayer. Saturday morning meant that our luggage must be ready and loaded by breakfast time. After that meal the bus took its passengers to visit Mount Vernon, where another interesting tour took place. Lunch at Mount Vernon Inn – after which it was time to be on the road again, heading for Montrose! An interesting stop on the way home was at Boyds Bear Country near Gettysburg. This was housed in a huge barn-like structure, with many toy bears for sale, along with countless other items. This would be an ideal place to shop for Christmas presents! One could not only shop for toys, but for crafts of a great variety, plus one could design a wreath of his or her own making. An hour spent with Boyds Bears is very enjoyable for adults, and even more so if children were present. On the way again! First, one last meal together – this time at Mark II Family Restaurant in Wilkes-Barre. Finally the bus arrived in Montrose at about 9:30 and in Rushville a short time later. What a wonderful trip! Where will we go next year? Many thanks to the committee who planned it, to our great bus driver, Terry and all the participants who seemed like one big family. B/S/S/T Seeking More Ombudsmen Earl Steele of Towanda area is excited about being a Volunteer Ombudsman for the Area Agency on Aging. "It’s a lot of fun. I really enjoy it. You meet different people with different backgrounds. You’d be surprised how much you can learn from people. One resident gave me some good tips about raising dragon lilies and I went home and tried them!" Carol Dieffenbach, who serves as Ombudsman for the Area Agency on Aging notes that Volunteer Ombudsmen are the backbone of the B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging’s Ombudsman Program in Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Tioga Counties. The Ombudsman Program serves individuals who reside in long term care facilities within this four county area, including 12 Nursing Homes, 36 Personal Care homes, and 7 Dom Care Homes. Volunteer Ombudsmen can visit one or more facilities in their home area and they provide friendly contact with the residents and staff members as well. They inform the residents of their individual rights as nursing home, Personal Care Home, or Dom Care Home residents. The residents and Volunteer Ombudsmen develop positive relationships and many of the residents feel free to share their comments about their care. The listening skills of the Volunteer Ombudsman are particularly valuable, since many residents may just need to express their feelings about their circumstances. In other situations, the resident may request the assistance of the Ombudsman to resolve a concern about his or her care. The Volunteer Ombudsman passes this request along to the Ombudsman. Ombudsman, Carol Dieffenbach will visit residents needing her assistance and she will first talk to them about steps they can take to resolve the problem on their own. Should a resident request Carol’s direct assistance in resolving the concern, Carol obtains a signed consent from the resident which identifies the problem and what specifically Carol will do to help. Carol also helps resolve concerns voiced by staff members of long term care facilities and concerned others. Carol shares that the Ombudsman Program offers the staff of long term care facilities a helping approach, acknowledging what a difficult job they have providing quality long term care for all their residents and meeting individual needs. She adds that most long term care facilities try very hard to meet the needs and requests of their residents. Richard Davis, a Volunteer Ombudsman from Wyalusing area says: "I enjoy working with the people. It’s really heartening to know that there are some places out there that are very concerned about their residents." Volunteer Ombudsmen receive special training and orientation, and mileage reimbursement for their trips to long term care facilities. Carol meets with the Volunteer Ombudsmen every few months and is available anytime in between to answer questions or provide helpful information. The volunteer ombudsmen are honored at a special volunteer recognition dinner in April each year and are recognized for their talents and time. The Ombudsman Program is urgently seeking volunteers in all four counties served by B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging. If you or someone you know might be interested in serving as a Volunteer Ombudsman, contact Carol Dieffenbach at 1-800-982-4346. People's Bank Supports Local United Way People’s National Bank donated $5000 as part of a three-year pledge to help start the new United Way of Susquehanna County. This donation to the United Way Capital Campaign Fund will help pay administrative expenses over the next 3 to 5 years until the agency becomes self-sufficient. This allows maximum dollars to go directly to the 24 agencies currently served by the United Way. PNB’s support will benefit thousands of area residents through the services provided by member agencies. Tom Chamberlain (right), Director of PNB presents check to Joe Burke, President of the United Way of Susquehanna County. For more information on the United Way, go to www.unitedwayofsusquehannacounty.org. People’s National Bank serves Susquehanna County with offices in Hallstead and Montrose; Wyoming County with offices in Nicholson, Tunkhannock, Meshoppen; and Broome County with an office in Conklin. Jackson Postmaster, Diane Stanley, recently honored Army veteran, Henry Wagstaff, with a framed cache of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Commemorative Stamp. Henry served with the 7th Div. SVC BTRY 31st FA BN in Korea from October, 1951 through August, 1952. He remembers well the extreme cold temperatures and soldiers with frozen feet. Henry is a career veteran, having served twenty-three years. He and his wife of fifty years, Betty, have four children, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. This stamp honors the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC which recognizes the sacrifices of those who served during the Korean conflict. The stamp is available now at your local Post Office. Library Grant Has A "Ripple" Effect Thanks to a federal Library Services & Technology grant, awarded through Commonwealth Libraries, all the computer hardware at the four county libraries has been upgraded to current standards. "We were able to purchase a total of 50 computers for the public and staff," says Administrator/Librarian Susan Stone, "which means that we could replace every piece of outdated equipment and feel that we are well-prepared for the future. As a result, we were able to share our older equipment with other non-profit agencies." The Susquehanna Community Foundation, E.L. Rose Conservancy, Tri-County Human Services, Montrose Area High School Computer Club, End of Day After-School Program, Holy Name of Mary Youth Group, and the Endless Mountains Heritage Region are just some of the organizations who have benefited. The impetus for the grant was the Susquehanna County Library's participation in a pilot project which has brought dramatic improvements to county library users. The powerful library circulation system used for the statewide ACCESS-PA database project is going to be marketed to small libraries around the state. "We were the first pilot site to go 'live,' in November 2002," says Systems Librarian Hilary Caws-Elwitt, "and we have helped to get the project started by training ourselves and others to use the system most effectively." Thanks to the new circulation system and catalog, library users can browse the catalog, view their records, and renew and request items-online, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. The online catalog is getting plenty of use-averaging about 200 searches a day. It's accessible through the library's home page at www.susqcolibrary.org, or directly at catalog.susqcolibrary.org. "We are very grateful for this grant, which has brought much-needed technology updates to Susquehanna County," says Mrs. Stone. "It's unfortunate that the LSTA program is now being threatened with cuts, along with the 50% budget cut for state library aid that is still in the budget for this coming fiscal year. We know from our own perspective how thrifty we are with our funding. Some of the equipment replaced with this grant had been used and re-used for a decade! What was still useable we were happy to pass on to other organizations. In this way, a grant such as this one spreads benefits beyond our own walls." To find out more about library services in Susquehanna County, please call 278-1881. For more information on the library funding crisis, please visit www.susqcolibrary.org/petition.htm. Following is the list of names drawn to serve as Petit and Traverse jurors for September, 2003, to appear in the Court of Common Pleas, Susquehanna County Courthouse Main Courtroom, Montrose, on the second day of September, at 9:00 a.m. Apolacon Twp.: Veronica Deffler. Ararat Twp.: William O’Brien, Christina M. Smith. Auburn Twp.: Ann L. Gustin, Gary Jayne, Robert J. McGavin, Brian Posten, Hyang Robinson, Dale N. VanVolkinburg, Marjorie Walters. Bridgewater Twp.: Debra Marie Clark, Douglas Ely, James V. Proof, Michael R. Zuba. Brooklyn Twp.: Mark Rudock. Choconut Twp.: Donald Paul Boone, Charles R. Zayleski. Clifford Twp.: Gerald Monahan. Dimock Twp.: Chastity Finch, Barbara Jo Rieck, Lorna L. Schopperth. Forest Lake Twp.: Gladys Strohl. Franklin Twp.: William G. Roe. Friendsville Boro: Daniel J. Poirier. Gibson Twp.: Barbara T. Alesky, Denise Redkar-Brown. Great Bend Boro: Marion Gathany. Great Bend Twp.: Harriet L. Bolles, Ronald C. Burton, Thomas M. Clough, Dolores D. Kane, Stephen Starks, Dan L. Wilbur. Hallstead Boro: Jack Dibble, Priscilla Rinker. Harmony Twp.: Charles F. Barton, Fern Brown. Lanesboro Boro: Judy A. Lair. Lathrop Twp.: Tracy M. Flynn. Lenox Twp.: Fred Knowlton, Darryl Lock, Robert Lotterman. Liberty Twp.: Earl L. Rosenkrans, Sr., Gerald A. Yeomans. Little Meadows Boro: John S. Lemon. Middletown Twp.: George Kanuk. Montrose Boro 1W: Aivars Gerlins, Robert A. Smith, David A. Wilcox. Montrose Boro 2W: Rachel L. Carter, Christiane C. Meunier, Benjamin R. Orner. New Milford Boro: David Casey, Christopher G. Frailey, Karen A. Worden. New Milford Twp.: Kim DeLisa. Oakland Boro: William H. Hird. Oakland Twp.: Jamie R. Rodriguez. Rush Twp.: Judith A. Bechtel, William Gage, James Newhart. Silver Lake Twp.: Isabell Brotzman, Todd G. Elmy, Bernard R. Unterkoefler. Susquehanna Boro 1W: Elaine Powers. Susquehanna Boro 2W: Cindy Cina. Thompson Twp.: Mary Jo Hart. Act 6 Management Funds Available The State Conservation Commission has determined that approximately $1.0 million in funding will be available for the implementation of eligible best management practices in approved Act 6 nutrient management plans under the Nutrient Management Plan Implementation Grant Program (Grant Program) for the remainder of the program year ending June 30, 2004. The State Conservation Commission will accept applications under the Grant Program from October 27 through October 31, 2003. Any applications received or postmarked after the deadline may be considered for review at the discretion of the Commission. Applications for funding should be for projects currently planned for implementation during the spring and summer months of calendar year 2004. Applications are available at local county conservation district offices or from the Commission c/o Bureau of Plant Industry, PDA. Questions regarding the application process may be directed to Nutrient Management Program staff, PDA at 717-772-4187 or your local Conservation District office at 570-278-1011 ext 285. Come visit us, please! We all need for that special someone to take us home: Polar – 7 month old male Border Collie; Bugsy 3 year old male Boston Terrier; Lulu – 3 year old female Spaniel mix; Cleveland – 1 1/2 year old male Boxer; Shane – 2 year old male Boxer mix; Peaches – 1 year old female Husky; Spot – 2 year old female Dalmatian/Pointer mix; Dale – 6 year old male Airedale/Lab mix; Noah – 5 year old male buff Cocker Spaniel; Madison – 6 month old female Boxer mix; Cocoa – 8 month old female Rottweiler/Shepherd mix; Bosco – 11 month old male Shepherd/Rottweiler mix; Scrappy – 1 1/2 year old male black Lab mix; Pooch – 2 year old male Collie/Shepherd mix; Annican – 1 1/2 year old male Shepherd/Rottweiler mix; Jennivive – 1 1/2 year old female Shepherd/Retriever mix. As well as several lovely adult cats whose owners couldn’t keep them and who need that special new home and bunches of adorable kittens! We’re all waiting to see you at the Susquehanna County Humane Society shelter, in Montrose, at (570) 278–1228. Susky Fire Dept. 150 Club Winners July 5: Damion Scales, Lucy Parrillo, Clay Weaver. July 12: Richard Ulrich, Helen Bronchella, Bob Mcfadden. July 19: Janet Burns, Jim Crawford, Pat Frederick. July 26: Bob Burns, Candy Kuiper, Janet Denny.
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