| |
| COUNTY LIVING |
|
Please
visit our kindsponsors! |
|
||||||
|
HEADLINES: United Way Sales Days A Huge Success! Montrose businesses joined forces to support the United Way of Susquehanna County by conducting the United Way Sales Days, September 10-13. During the four-day event, Montrose businesses created an atmosphere of collaborative business action, fun, and community awareness through the promotion and support of the United Way. Not only were there great sales and bargains, but carriage rides and a parade of horses capped the Sales Days on Saturday. During the United Way Sales Days, an opportunity to register for a grand prize of a seven-day Caribbean cruise for two was available by each participating merchant. The cruise was sponsored through the generosity the Kiwanis, Lions, and Rotary clubs of Montrose. The grand prizewinner of the Caribbean Cruise was be randomly selected by representatives of these organizations and the winner will be announced next week. Representing the Kiwanis is Tom Bush, Rotary is Ginny Lewis, and Lions is Larry Kelly. Joe Burke, president of the United way commented, "This is a perfect example of how these three service clubs support local initiatives. Not only did they support 37 local businesses, they will ultimately help more than 20 charitable agencies throughout the county." Burke went on to say, "These local merchants put a lot of hard work into coordinating this event, they should be commended by all for not only developing a collaborative business environment, but for being generous to the community in the process." The United Way believes these local businesses and organizations are making the community a better place for families to live, work, and grow by supporting their campaign. Rumor has it other communities throughout the county are planning similar events. For more information, call the office at 278-3638 or visit the web site at www.unitedwayofsusquehannacounty.org. Farmland
Preservation Applications Available Applications are now available for the 2004 farmland preservation program. The Susquehanna Country Agricultural Land Preservation Board was established by the County Commissioners in 1989 to help preserve farmland in Susquehanna County by administering a program to purchase agricultural conservation easements from landowners in the county. Agricultural Conservation Easement defined – A legal agreement the property owner makes that restricts the land to agricultural production in perpetuity while retaining private ownership. As the private ownership changes, the restrictions remain with the land. To date 18 farms containing a total of 4264 acres have been preserved in Susquehanna County. The Susquehanna County Board is currently working with two additional farms consisting of over 200 acres to become part of the county program by the end of this year. Auburn Township farmland owned by Ted and Becky Place is part of Pennsylvania’s Farmland Preservation Program, first in the nation in number of acres preserved. The Susquehanna County program is part of the Pennsylvania Farmland Preservation Program. With over 263,325 acres consisting of 2,245 farms, the Pennsylvania State Farmland Preservation Program is first in the nation in number of acres preserved and is continuing to preserve farmland at a faster rate than any other state. Local funding comes from an annual allocation by the Susquehanna County Commissioners. These county funds are matched by the State program, which also awards grant money to counties. To be eligible, farms must be located in an agricultural security area; contain at least 50% of soils in class I through IV, land must be contiguous acreage of at least 50 acres in size unless the tract is at least 10 acres in size and is either utilized for a crop unique to the area or is contiguous to a property that has a perpetual agricultural conservation easement in place, the land must contain the greater of 50% or 10 acres of harvested cropland, pasture or grazing land. Susquehanna County program applications will be accepted between November 1, 2003 and January 15, 2004. Each application is ranked against all other eligible applicants. A farm’s rank is based on the quality of farmland, stewardship, and the likelihood of the conversion of the farm to non-agricultural uses. For an application and/or more information, contact Evie Goff at the Susquehanna County Cooperative Extension office in Montrose -- telephone 278-1158 or one of the Susquehanna County Board members. The Susquehanna County Board members are: Dewey Lyon, Byron Hunsinger, Clarence Smith, Eleanor Kurosky, John Benscoter, Brian Gesford and Jim Wolf. Pink, blue, green, white, but most of all red. These are the colors that delighted the eyes of almost 400 visitors at the recent flower show presented by The Garden Club of Montrose. There were apples, apples everywhere. The Fire Hall in Montrose was a feast for the eyes with the sight of plants, flowers, branches, herbs, vegetables, designs and many varieties of apples. "A Is For Apple" was the theme of the flower show held in conjunction with Literacy Council’s Ninth Annual Apple Fest. Books and bookshelves led visitors through the show from one type of design to another, including underwater designs, miniature designs and table designs. Youth winner under age 8 – Kylie Robinson, Montrose. JoAnne Decker of Hop Bottom, a first-time exhibitor, wowed the public with her blue ribbon entry in the underwater design in a class titled "Bobbin’ For Apples". Her entry also won the Miss Carrie Award for the public’s favorite design. Other top award winners in the Design Division were: Table Artistry Award – Shirley Andre, Montrose – "Sippin’ Cider Through a Straw"; Petite Award – Gladys Bennett, Montrose – "Apple of My Eye"; Designers Choice Award – Shirley Andre, Montrose – "The Apple Doesn’t Fall Far" PA Special Recognition Award – Dawn Washo, Montrose – "Apple Crisp"; Youth Award (under 8 years) – Kylie Robinson, Montrose – "Apple For The Teacher"; Youth Award (over 8 years) – Heather Seamans, New Milford – "Apple For The Teacher." Youth winner over age 8 – Heather Seamans, New Milford. The Horticultural Excellence Award was bestowed on Dr. Lew Hunsicker of Montrose for his magnificent 25-year old evergreen bonsai tree that had produced tiny cones for the first time. A beautiful purple dahlia entered by Carol Lake of Montrose was judged by the public as its favorite horticulture selection to win the Garden Glove Award. Other top award winners in the Horticulture Division were: Award of Merit – Perennials – Else Brunner, Montrose – Cimicifuga; Award of Merit – Annuals – Else Brunner, Montrose - Nasturtium; Award of Merit – Container Plants – Lew Hunsicker, Montrose - Bonsai; Collectors Showcase Award – Brenna Aileo, Dimock – Herb Collection; Arboreal Award – Lora Freifeld, Dallas – Boxwood; Youth Award – Heather Seamans, New Milford – Foliage container plant. Mike Russell of Montrose Produce and Russell Farms gave an informative talk and answered questions from fledgling apple growers. Stimulating educational exhibits from the Friends of Salt Springs, the E. L. Rose Conservancy, and the Master Gardeners were on display. A gardener’s basket was raffled with proceeds going to the Literacy Council. The garden club was honored and delighted to have twenty-one first-time exhibitors at their flower show this year and a record number of visitors. Education of the public is one of the main goals of National Garden Clubs, Inc. and the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania. Judges for this show came from Norristown, Pottstown, Berwyn, Plymouth Meeting, New Ringgold, Montoursville, Shenandoah, PA and Endicott and Binghamton, NY. A special Thank You is extended to the Montrose Fire Company for the use of their facilities and their helpfulness. Garden club president Brenna Aileo and Flower Show Chairmen Shirley Andre and Carol Lake appreciate the hard work and participation of everyone connected with "A Is For Apple." A good time was had by all! Lt.
Gov. Katherine Knoll At Democrat Fall Rally With several state and county candidates present, that included State Lt. Governor Katherine Knoll, along with United States Senate candidate Joe Hoeffel, the Democrat County Fall Rally and Steak Bake was held at the Hallstead Rod Gun Club Sunday, September 21. If the large crowd that attended – composed of both Democrats and Republicans – is any indication of the importance of this year’s race, especially the county commissioners, a close battle could ensue between Democrats Mary Ann Warren and Kathie Shelly and Republicans, Roberta Kelly of Susquehanna and former commissioner Jeff Loomis. There is a distinct possibility that Susquehanna County could have three women as county commissioners. This is the first time in history of the county that more than one woman is a commissioner candidate. With county chairman Joe Franks serving as Master of Ceremonies, opening the program to a standing ovation, Lt. Gov. Knoll urged Democrats to keep working hard. "We need to get back in the driver’s seat, not only in the state, but also in Susquehanna County," she said. Pictured (l-r) are: County Chairman Joe Franks; Commissioner candidate, Mary Ann Warren; Lt. Gov. Knoll; Commissioner candidate Kathie Shelly; County Vice Chairman, Nancy Hurley. The county commissioner candidates also urged their party to work hard as they said, "We do have a good chance to get two Democrat women elected, but we must get out the vote." In addition to Democrat officers, County Chairman Joe Franks, Vice Chairman Nancy Hurley, Rick Franks, secretary, Chuck Bullock, treasurer and State Committeeman Tom Hurley, many other county office holders were present. Among the most notable of the Republicans present were Roberta Kelly and Jeff Loomis, both candidates for commissioner posts. MC Franks called upon the local county candidates to express their views on the coming election, November 4. The consensus, along with Mr. Franks’ remarks was, "Join the fight, we will win. We must get out the vote – we can win – but again, we must get out the vote." We can never end an article such as this, without praising the work of "all the cooks." With over 200 people present, serving hot sausage sandwiches through the day then the delicious steaks, corn, etc., and plenty of mouthwatering desserts they earned my mention. The cooks were "Boss Man" Dick Pelicci, Rick Ainey, John Plonski, Mike Vaccaro, Ceil Vaccaro, Tony Yannone, Rick Franks, Nancy Hurley, and helping Tom Hurley with the "gift cards" were Ed and Debbie Graves. (Note: the party was one of the best attended. It seems that whether you are a Democrat or Republican, you are interested in the county political races which this year promise to be a "cliffhanger." Don’t take your candidate as a "shoo-in." They must have your vote. So, go to the polls and vote for the person you like. Win or lose, your vote does count. Many elections have been decided by a few votes. Vote November 4.) Hi! My name is Rollie and I’m a five-month old Red-boned Coonhound mix. The "mix" was a much smaller dog so I’m not going to be very big – just the right size! I’m such a handsome, happy boy but I don’t know why no one wants me. If you’ll just come see me, I’m sure you’ll agree that I would make someone a great pet. Please come see me, soon.
We have so many beautiful, older cats like me, just waiting for that special family or person to take us home. Yes, we have gazoodles of adorable kittens too, but we’re the ones with the life experience that makes us such wonderful companions. Won’t you give us a chance? Please come see us at the Susquehanna County Humane Society Shelter, in Montrose, (570) 278–1228. India Natives Host Shillong Reunion The sixth Shillong Reunion was held at the Ramada Inn in Binghamton, NY on August 8, 2003. Shillong is a beautiful hill station, located in Eastern India. Many of the residents of Shillong are in the United states and it was like a homecoming for them, thousands of miles away. This was organized by Dr. Arindam Purkayastha and Mrs. Deepa Purkayastha. Mr. Karun Chakraborty displays his harmonica playing skills during the sixth Shillong Reunion. People from all around Susquehanna County came, along with people from different parts of the USA and Canada. A cultural program was held in the evening of August 8, where every participant showed their real talents. Anupam Das gupta, of New Jersey was the master of ceremonies. Local Society Gets Window Grant Standing high above the stairs, at the Susquehanna County Historical Society and Free Library Association, are volunteers Bob Smith and Ken Janoski, installing ultra-violet filtering Plexiglas windows over the original 1907 windows that face the front of the Association's building. The windows were purchased with a Museum Project Grant funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission in Harrisburg. Two consultants recommended the need for the Historical Society to protect objects on display from deterioration due to ultra-violet light passing through the building's windows. The Plexiglas windows also guarantee to improve energy efficiency and have now been installed over the majority of the Society's windows by staff and volunteers. Wedding Announced Schiffman – Chacona Jesse Chacona and Brooke Schiffman were married August 10, 2003 at the Fox Hollow Inn, Woodbury, New York. Damien Chacona, brother of the groom, was best man and Dawn Schiffman, sister of the bride, was maid of honor. The couple honeymooned in Aruba. They are both elementary school teachers, residing in Baltimore, Maryland. Jesse is the son of Norma and Chris Chacona, Susquehanna. Brooke is the daughter of Wendy and Steve Schiffman, Holbrook, New York. Shelly Re-elected Chair Of LLRW Committee Ararat Township resident Katherine M. Shelly was reelected chairman of the low level Radioactive Waste Advisory Committee to the Department of Environmental Protection, at a meeting in Harrisburg September 18. At the meeting, the 19 member committee received several status reports regarding the amount of radioactive waste produced in the Atlantic Compact, comprising Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. The Class A waste, the least radioactive, goes to Envirocare, a private company in Utah permitted to receive it. The Class B and C wastes are shipped to the facility in Barnwell, South Carolina. Bureau of Radiation Protection staff updated the committee on rad-waste disposal plans in various states and compacts nationwide. The committee also heard an update of Pennsylvania's progress toward obtaining "agreement state" status with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Washington. Members raised a concern about the risks that very low activity radioactive materials from nuclear facilities being decommissioned here and abroad may find their way into consumer goods, through the recycling of scrap metal. In other business, the committee discussed internal bylaws changes. Mandated by law, the committee met four times a year while the Mid-Atlantic Compact was actively seeking to site and build a low level waste facility in Pennsylvania. Since it was decided that no facility was needed in the near future, the committee has been meeting yearly for updates and to act as a brain trust with institutional memory in case the need for a facility should arise in the future. Shelly represents Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and rural Pennsylvania on the committee, having been named to the post by then-Governor Tom Ridge. Residents' Rights Around The Clock Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities will be celebrating Residents’ Rights Week 2003, October 5-11. The week highlights the dignity and individuality of residents who live in nursing homes, assisted living, personal care homes, and domiciliary care homes with the theme "24/7: Residents’ Rights Around the Clock." Throughout the united States, residents, family members, ombudsmen, citizen advocates and facility staff will commemorate the week by holding special events that recognize and affirm that residents’ rights aren’t just good ideas, but a way of preserving individual freedoms that should be supported on a daily basis. The objective of Residents’ Rights Week is to increase awareness of nursing home residents’ rights and the rights of those in other long-term facilities. The local Area Agency on Aging Ombudsman Program works to promote resident rights and resolve complaints about quality of care in long-term facilities. The AAA Ombudsman is available to meet with residents and their families to discuss concerns and help work toward a resolution. For more information on the Area Agency on Aging Ombudsman Program, contact the Area Agency on Aging at their toll-free number, 1-800-982-4346. E. M. Heritage Region Elects Officers Towanda, PA - Endless Mountains Heritage Region elected officers during the organization's annual meeting, September 18 at the Towanda Gun Club. Elected were Mark Mitchell of Wyoming County, president; Marilyn Bok, of Bradford County, vice president; Betty Smith, Susquehanna County, secretary; Thomas Wooden, Susquehanna County, treasurer. Elected to new three-year board terms were Mollie Eliot and Lori Bennet representing Sullivan County, and Nancy Famolari, of Susquehanna County. Jeff Mitchell, author of "Hiking in the Endless Mountains" presented slides and spoke about wonderful hiking opportunities of the Endless Mountains. Some of the projects funded by Endless Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR), a State Heritage Park, over the past six years displayed their progress. EMHR is responsible for more than one million taxpayer dollars returning to its four member counties, Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming, between 1998 and 2003. Farm Bureau Wants To Share Ag Story Kathie Shelly of Thompson, Susquehanna County, is a new member of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s (PFB) Speaker’s Bureau. These individuals are available to tell agriculture’s story and discuss its role in our community. Shelly is available to speak throughout Lackawanna, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming Counties, to organizations such as civic clubs, church groups, school organizations and any other group that may be interested in learning more about agriculture. Speech topics include: How Agriculture Touches Our Lives, Ag in the Classroom, Breakthroughs in Biotechnology, Agriculture and Farm Bureau and Food Safety (on the Farm). Shelly owns Shelly Tree Farm, which is 167 acres of Northern hardwoods. She and her husband, Ed Cameron, have four grown children. A former high school teacher, Shelly is now an attorney in private practice. In addition, she is very involved in her local community, serving as associate director of her conservation district, executive director of the Susquehanna County Forest Landowners’ Association and the Ararat Township emergency management coordinator and planning commission, to name just a few of her activities. She has held various positions within the Susquehanna County Farm Bureau. If you would like to set up a speaking engagement please contact Kathie Shelly at 570-756-2429. The speakers are available at no charge. Local Author Has 2nd Novel Published A local author, Marion Dabulas, has published an Historical Novel, "Sadie's." The unwritten story of our strong immigrant women, their families starving because of a prolonged coal strike in Scranton, are forced to do the unthinkable. They meet in Sadie's kitchen every Sunday afternoon to help newly arrived immigrant women adjust to this strange new world, America. Sadie and her friends, almost puritanical in their lifestyles, desperate for money, dress in men's clothes, sneak out at night to steal food, clothes, medicines. This escalates when the women are forced to deal with abusive husbands, amorous bosses, unwed mothers, a private police force, widowed husbands and orphaned children. You can borrow Sadie's from our local libraries. It is also available on Amazon.com. Also by Marion Dabulas and available in our libraries, is "Grandmother, Sir."
News
|
Living
|
Sports
|
Schools
|
Churches
|
Ads
|
Events
Military | Columns | Ed/Op | Obits | Archive | Subscribe
|
