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Issue Home October 14, 2003 Site Home

HEADLINES:
Police Day At Susky Library
Abigail Pettyjohn Is In Broadway Lights
Is This Your Tree?
Spotlight On The Potts Family Farm
A New Tradition In Hop Bottom
New Rail Authority Looking for Shippers
Come See Us!
Job Corps Has Jobs For Females
Dr. Gerald Kazmerski Receives Award
It's A Boy!
Apple Fest Was Great Success!
Last Printing Of Sesquicentennial Book

Police Day At Susky Library

Officer Jerry Gow (pictured above with Travis Rockwell, Emily Lawrenson, Gabrielle Glover and Peyton Cowperthwait) of the Susquehanna Borough Police Department recently visited with children at the Susquehanna Library’s reading group. They discussed different safety issues, from bike and scooter safety to tips on swimming. Officer Gow gave them a tour of the police department that included fingerprinting, a safety information package, coloring books and candy. The children colored a special picture that will be judged by the mayor at the next reading group.

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Abigail Pettyjohn Is In Broadway Lights

New York, NY – Abigail Pettyjohn, of Montrose, will appear in lights on Broadway on Sunday, October 19 as part of the National Down Syndrome Society’s awareness campaign to demonstrate that people with Down syndrome can be successfully included in community activities, education and employment.

The photo of Abigail, who has Down syndrome, was selected from almost a thousand entries in the NDSS nationwide call for photos. Approximately 200 photographs will appear in a video production to be shown on the larger-than-life NBC Astrovision by Panasonic, located in the heart of Times Square.

Abigail is pictured playing with her toys.

The awareness campaign and video production, coordinated by NDSS, focus on the theme, "Steps for a Brighter Tomorrow." Through a series of 200 photos, the show explores what things will make a brighter tomorrow: hope, inclusion, laughter, family, friends and acceptance.

The Times Square video production kicks off National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, which includes the 2003 NDSS Buddy Walk. This year, walks will be held in more than 180 cities across the country, as well as many international walks. John C. McGinley, who plays Dr. Perry Cox in the hit NBC show "Scrubs," is the 2003 National Buddy Walk Spokesman. Mr. McGinley is both an accomplished actor and the proud father of Max, his six-year-old son who has Down syndrome. The national Buddy Walk in New York City will be led by Mr. McGinley and NDSS Goodwill Ambassador Chris Burke, star of the long-running ABC series, "Life Goes On."

For information about National Down Syndrome Awareness Month or the NDSS Buddy Walks, visit www.ndss.org or call 800-221-4602.

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Is This Your Tree?

As the weather turns colder, small animals, rodents and insects start looking for warmer places to spend the winter months. Don’t provide them with that place at the base of your trees.

The Garden Club of Montrose wants to remind everyone to keep mulch away from the trunks of trees. It should not be placed so it looks like a "pyramid" or a "cone" around the base. This keeps in too much moisture and will cause rot. It will also harbor "critters" that will chew on the bark. Too much of either may cause the death of the tree.


"Someone please help me!"

Mulch should be placed around the base of the tree and then pulled back several inches with your hands or a hoe. This will allow air to circulate and rain water to soak into the ground where it is needed. Having the mulch "saucer-shaped" will help retain maximum moisture to the roots instead of settling against the bark of the tree.

During the last two-year administration of National Garden Clubs, Inc., over two million trees were planted as the president’s project. 36,168 were planted in this state, as reported by the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania.

Susquehanna County has a heritage of large, beautiful street trees. Let’s all help to preserve the old and protect the new. For more information on this subject, contact Shirley Andre, Horticulture Chairman, at 278-1814 or your Penn State Extension Office at 278-1158.

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Spotlight On The Potts Family Farm

I’ve chosen to spotlight Don-Mare farm owned and operated by Don and Mary Potts. Don and Mary have four children, Dustin, Julie, Katie and Dru.

The farm has been in the Potts family since 1842, a sixth generation farm! Dell Baxter Potts and Joseph Potts first owned the farm. They passed it down to Arthur Potts who also sold maple syrup from the woods behind the barn. The farm at that time was called Maple Grove Farm. The farm was then passed down to Don’s parents, Delbert and Gladys who passed it down to Don and Mary in 1993. The tie stall barn is filled with 56 milking cows and approximately 50 calves and heifers, all registered Holsteins. Potts’ own 257 acres and rent another 100 acres. Corn and mixed hay is grown on the farm. Don, Mary, Katie, Dru, and Delbert, all family members work on the farm. They also have four part-time employees, Jason Atkinson, Josh Lodge, Donny VanKuren and Leslie Hawley.

Pictured (l-r) are Susquehanna County Dairy Princess Shana Mack with the Potts Family, Katie, Dru, Gladys, Delbert, Mary and Don.

Mary lived on a farm, in Springville when she was growing up. Mary has raised paint and quarter horses for the past fourteen years. She is a leader for the Sunny Mountain 4-H Club and has done a lot of work with handicapped children. Mary gave therapeutic riding lessons for several years.

The Potts farm is a Pennsylvania Century Farm. They have received No Till Farmer of the Year and Young Farmer of the Year awards.

The view across the road from the farm is Forest Lake. Like any family they enjoy playing in the lake. Therefore they try to have all the cows freshen before July or after August, this way they have a little extra time in the summer months to enjoy the lake.

The Potts’ have put in a waste management system and concrete barnyard. They are very active with the Chesapeake Bay program; living by a lake there are a lot of regulations to follow. It is only natural for the Potts’ that they protect the environment so they have clean land, air and water to enjoy.

They often give tours of the farm to the people that live in the cottages at the lake, school kids and handicapped children’s classes. I would like to thank the Potts’ for letting me visit their farm.

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A New Tradition In Hop Bottom

The Mary Karhnak Park on Greenwood Street had a very special event on Friday evening, September 26, 2003. Cars, vans and trucks from the Hop Bottom area were vying for parking spaces to see the BMX Bike Tournament Event that grew from Bonnie Bradley's concept of hoping to teach safe biking to local youngsters. And the crowds not only came, they were fed; for a meager one dollar you could get chips, a hot dog and a soda. In addition, Jay Bradley, Bonnie's husband passed out tickets to every person under the age of 18 for three prizes that were being given away.

The biggest prize was a Haro Zipper BMX. Some very interested and willing teenagers raised money by having a car wash the weekend before the event was originally scheduled to happen, but Hurricane Isabel prevented anything from happening. Until this comfortable September night, that is, which drew a crowd of well over 125 people. As this reporter got out of her vehicle a local shouted out; "Isn't it nice to see the park so crowded"!

There were young people everywhere and all sorts of two wheeled (and even a one-wheeled) bicycles. A Harley brought another couple to town, just to see what was going on and the site was one that warmed the heart.

Members of the Endless Mountain Bike Club, which included Steve from the New Milford Bike Shop, put on a routine to demonstrate bike safety. In between the laughter over a very bashed top hat that could not serve as a safety helmet and some banter, you got the idea that this was important information. Folks in and visiting Hop Bottom got an eyeful when they visited the display for the event in the Family Town Market on Main Street which included the BMX that would be given away. The bike shop, Peoples National Bank, and Tubby's Pizzeria in Hop Bottom, all made donations in one form or another to help with this event. Those who ran the event were justifiably proud and grateful for everyone's cooperation.

Of course, the hits of the evening were the three trick riders, all of whom attend the Mountain View School District. Nick Durling strutted his stuff, along with Fred Spinola and Mike Johnson and the Unicyclist was "Jerry" Bradley. As the guys said, they were all "stoked" for the event! They used a special bike ramp, popped up in the air doing tailwhips, hit the basketball hoop back board as they raced to spin in the direction of the trees above them, and jumped over safety cones lying flat on the ground zipping above them with their BMX's. During their stunt performances there was excited applause from the crowd on hand to witness the event. There were many young people involved that evening helping and it is their hope to repeat performances such as this one in towns around the area.

Prize winners from left are Christa Giannetti, Chris Herman, sitting near the quarter pipes on the trick ramps, Alexandria Lynn with her new bike and Bonnie and Jay Bradley.

The winner of the beautiful new BMX is "Alex" Lynn, who paced the practice areas for days before the event and has been seen riding her new bike around town. Two other lucky individuals were Christa Giannetti who won tickets to dine out and Chris Herman, who got to take home a huge fall flower pot! There was a general agreement that this might just become a traditional event in the Borough.

In conclusion, the trick riders wanted me to print this statement to Bonnie Bradley, who breathed life into a "little bike safety program": "Thanks, Bonnie. You helped us with everything we needed and we couldn't do it without you." Fred, Nick and Mike.

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New Rail Authority Looking for Shippers

The Susquehanna County Department of Economic Development and it’s Railroad Sub-Committee recently completed a feasibility study of rail options throughout the County. The study detailed several potential sites for rail-shipping operations and recommended a County Rail Authority oversee these functions.

Since the completion of this study, the Susquehanna County Commissioners voted to form the County Rail Authority. The Department of Economic Development and the Rail Committee continue working with both railroad companies that operate in the County – Canadian Pacific and Norfolk Southern – as legal paperwork is finalized. In addition, discussion and cost comparisons are underway with several local and regional businesses as a greater exploration of shipping goods, products or raw materials in and out of the County by rail continues. These commodities include Bluestone, fuels, aggregate, timber and agricultural products.

Susquehanna County businesses can use this public rail siding in New Milford Borough to trans-load products they receive in rail cars on a regular basis.

Economic Development Director Justin Taylor said, "We are excited to be moving forward with this project. Expanding rail service will benefit Susquehanna County businesses and certainly provide our County with additional family-sustaining employment in the near future."

Rowland Sharp and Sam Merrill, Chairman and Vice-Chairman respectively, of the Susquehanna County Rail Committee have already made significant contacts with multiple Class I and Short-Line Railroad shipping companies that are interested in serving the rail needs of local businesses. Chairman Sharp said, "Susquehanna County businesses can now enjoy convenient and cost-effective rail shipments, provided by quality rail carriers, while avoiding overcrowding and congestion on interstate highways across the country."

For more information about shipping or receiving goods by rail in Susquehanna County, contact Justin Taylor, Economic Development Director at (570) 278-4600, ext. 558 or send E-mail to susqded@epix.net.

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Come See Us!

Hi! My name is Diego! I’m a beautiful, 9 1/2 month old male Husky/Golden Retriever mix. I’m so well-behaved, housebroken and I love everyone who passes by but no one seems to stop. I’ve already been here much too long. Won’t someone stop by and see what a wonderful member of the family I could be?

My name is Prince and, boy, does that name fit! I’m a drop-dead gorgeous, one-year old male Hound mix who just loves everyone who comes by. Because I’m a big boy, I’ll need a little obedience training from someone who has the time, but I’m so eager to learn. Once someone sees me, I know they’ll see how special I am. Won’t you come see me?

Come see us and all the other wonderful dogs and cats at the Susquehanna County Humane Shelter in Montrose, (570) 278–1228.

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Philadelphia – Job Corps is recruiting motivated females ages 16 to 24 to enroll in its job training and education program at four centers located throughout Pennsylvania.

Job Corps is the nation’s oldest and largest residential job training program for economically disadvantaged youth. This program is free for eligible students and includes benefits such as vocational, academic and life skills training, room and board, health care and a living allowance.

For up to two years after job placement, Job Corps graduates receive transitional support services, including help locating housing, child care and transportation. Most graduates begin careers in the private sector, enlist in the military or enroll in higher education or advanced training programs.

For more information, call (866) JOB-CORPS or visit the Job Corps Region II website at www.jobcorpsregion2.com.

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Dr. Gerald Kazmerski Receives Award

Dr. Gerald Kazmerski DDS, the Director of the Dental Assisting Program at Luzerne County Community College (LCCC), received the Dental Outreach Effort of the Year award at the second annual Northcentral and Northeastern Pennsylvania Oral Health Conference, "Trends in Management of Dental Disease" held in Williamsport, PA on September 26.

This award is given for exemplary effort in meeting a recognized community dental need. In partnership with the Northeast PA Area Health Education Center, Dr. Kazmerski’s dental health students voluntarily provide community dental health information and dispense dental health supplies to under-served populations throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. In the fall of 2002, Dr. Kazmerski’s 30 dental health students presented 20 programs reaching 380 children and 347 adults at nursing homes, day care centers, Lamaze classes, prisons and scout troops. It was expanded in the spring of 2003 and reached 1700 individuals from age three to nursing home patients.

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It's A Boy!

Garrett James Cordner was born on September 21, 2003, to Gary and Jodi Ellis Cordner, Susquehanna. Garrett’s maternal grandparents are Elwin and Gail Ellis, Elk Lake and his paternal grandparents are Robert and Beverly Cordner, Susquehanna.

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Apple Fest Was Great Success!

The ninth annual Apple Fest sponsored by the Susquehanna County Literacy Program took place September 13, on the Green in Montrose. The event was held to raise funds to continue to run the literacy program within Susquehanna County. With the monies given, the agency will be able to purchase text books for tutoring and pay for the services performed by the agency.

The Apple Festival was a success in spite of the minor setbacks of the day. At 8:50 a.m., just as everyone was finishing their preparations for the 9 a.m. kickoff, the rain started! Luckily the rain was brief and backed off until later in the afternoon. The break in rain was a prime opportunity for many to come out and enjoy the vendors, food, and games that were set on the green that day. There was live music throughout the day with groups such as the "Music Men" performing, craft vendors, food, children’s games, demonstrations from the "Shadows of the Old West," an old fashion cider press making fresh apple cider and more! Due to the weather, the pony rides were unable to attend as well as the giant blow up bounce house. But this did not seem to dampen people’s spirits. Everyone seemed to have a great time in spite of rain and a few missing booths.

The baked goods were a huge hit! Thank you to everyone that donated! The literacy booth selling the baked goods that were generously donated sold out of pies by mid afternoon and was completely out of baked goods by 3:00 p.m. A special thank you to all that participated in the Pie Baking contest, with a congratulations to the winners: First place Doreen Armitage, second place Beverly Grier, third place Jim Conrad.

The bike race was larger than ever this year! Overall there were 93 registered adults for the 13 and 26 mile races for both men and women. The winners were as follows.

26 Mile Race Results: Women – first place Michelle Costello, second place Marsha Kapinus, and third place Colleen Flaherty; Men (45 +) – first place Todd Kapeghian, second place Michael Beggs, third place Tom Wilbur. Men (35-44) – first place David Elliot, second place William Erichson, third place Dan Kane. Men (16-34) – first place Boyd Johnson, second place Justin Thomson, third place Eric Laflamme.

13 Mile Results: Overall – first place James Pitman, second place Sean Weyna, third place Daniel Cook. Congratulations to all that placed as well as a special thank you to all that participated in both the adult races and the children’s races.

Overall this year’s Apple Festival was a great triumph. Many came out to support the cause of literacy within Susquehanna County which is the greatest success of all!

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Last Printing Of Sesquicentennial Book

The Susquehanna Community Development Association has taken over from the Sesquicentennial Committee in regard to taking orders for the very popular commemorative book. If enough pre-orders – at least 300 – are received, another printing of the books will be ordered. If you are "really" interested in copies of the book, call, do not wait until it’s too late. This will be your last chance to get a copy. Reservation for a book (or books) can be made by calling the SCDA at (570) 853–4729 or stop in at the SCDA office, on Main Street.

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