| |
| COLUMNISTS |
|
Please visit our kind sponsors |
|
||||||
|
COLUMNS: Slices
of Life
The "to do" list got written again this week. I’m trying to get some loose ends tied up and tasks finished before I leave to see my daughter and family. I’ve been working on this guest bedroom for months, and except for it now being bed-less, I’m not much farther along than when I started. Oh, the curtains are down. Does that count? And I’ve put a first coat on some trim that needed to be changed from delphinium blue. But there I’d stopped. So this week I started again by ordering the new flooring. Feeling good about that, I decided I’d wash the ceiling, walls, woodwork and start painting. Checking for the mail is always a good diversion from actually working, and while doing that I noticed that the front porch was again covered with dry leaves and maple seeds. So I stopped to sweep it. Bad move! With the third side-to-side swipe of the broom, a catch in my back nearly took me down. I gasped and grabbed on to the glider for support. Then when I’d gotten my bearings, I shuffled back into the house and collapsed in a chair. I said to myself, "What’s the best thing to do when your back goes out?" My answer was, "Call the chiropractor and take a walk." Both of which I did. But the walk was more of a shuffle/stop routine. By the time I got my thirty minutes in, I was practically dragging my right foot. So the scrubbing did not happen. I worked on some writing instead. This morning, while waiting for a call from the chiropractor, I took a long, hot bath. Feeling a little better, silly me decided to run the carpet sweeper on my new kitchen carpet. That entails a movement similar to sweeping with a broom. Just as I was finishing, this knife cut through my lower back again, disabling me for the moment. I grabbed the back of a chair and hung on. Timidly I moved one foot a tiny step. It held. So I tried one more and nearly went down again. Gingerly I moved to the back room and deposited the carpet sweeper. When I tried to pick up a wastepaper basket, I knew right away that that was futile. So I came back in and sank into this easy chair again. The chiropractor returned my call from yesterday and said I could come in this afternoon or Friday. I guess you know which appointment I took. There seems to be this vast conspiracy out there that keeps me from getting anything done. Like when I went to use my washer that has a hot/cold mixer and discovered that, in putting it back after the kitchen carpet was laid, the hot and cold water hoses had gotten mixed up. So now instead of getting a cold rinse, my towels got a very hot rinse. Thank heavens it was towels and not lingerie. But my back will mend, the hoses will get switched, the other flooring will get laid, the airline will get its computer system straightened out so I have a confirmation, and Mrs. Morris will survive my absence. And, sooner or later, the bedroom will be inhabitable again. Hallelujah! SUSQUEHANNA: The Susquehanna Telephone and Telegraph Company denies that it will sell out to the Bell Co. AND: There was quite a fall of snow in this place and vicinity on Monday. OAKLAND TWP.: The stonework for the new county bridge at Canavan's is nearly completed. BRANDT: The Brandt Clay Product Co. has gone into bankruptcy. AND: On Saturday at the Cascade, two hunters killed a very large wildcat. THOMSON: A very pleasant occasion, at Dr. McNamara's, Monday night, in which about 50 took part. One of the interesting features was music by Justin Gillett of Butte, Montana, who is a pianist in an opera house there; also Mrs. Bessie Barrett and Leon Halstead rendered selections, Mrs. Halstead acting as pianist. Refreshments were served. WEST AUBURN: L. B. Lacey is repairing Billings' hearse from Montrose, which was wrecked at Silver Lake recently. FRANKLIN FORKS: Van Houghton, the artist [photography], has his gallery done and is doing a good business. AND: The Ladies' Aid of the Methodist church held, at Mrs. Monroe's, Oct. 4, was largely attended; a quilt was made for the hostess; proceeds, $4.90. SPRINGVILLE: Matthew Collins fell from a tree, which he had climbed to knock out a raccoon, and injured himself so severely that he will be unable to work for a long time. FRIENDSVILLE: Mrs. L. Edwards and Mrs. Lottie Fox were shopping in LeRaysville, recently. RUSH: The gentlemen members and friends of the M. E. church will provide their annual autumn supper for the benefit of the hungry and also for the church finance on Friday evening, Nov. 6th. Come and eat their hot pancakes. ROYAL, Clifford Twp.: Alonzo A. Payne, postmaster and merchant at Royal, died suddenly at about midnight, Monday, Oct. 19. Deceased was over 70 years of age and had apparently been in the best of health, having attended to his regular duties the same evening of his death. A wife and daughter survive. LANESBORO: An electric lighting plant has been placed in the Bennett stone quarry at Lanesboro in order to facilitate the filling of large orders, thus enabling employees to work overtime. MONTROSE: The boys should not forget that Saturday evening is All Hallowe'en and as we know they are very liable to overlook it we mention it so there will be no disappointed youngsters. A little harmless mischief is all right, if not carried too far, but there should be no destroying of property or injuring of persons by means of tripping them with wires or ropes, placing obstructions on the sidewalks, etc. The average boy knows the difference between fun for fun's sake and malicious mischief-those who don't will probably be run in by the special police. AND: Miss Jane Post, the daughter of the late Major Isaac [one of the first settlers of Montrose] and Susanna (Hinds) Post was born in Montrose November 14th, 1820. Her brothers were William L., Albert L., Isaac L. and George L. and her only sister was Elizabeth V. (Mrs. G. Z. Dimock). Three score years ago the Major Post homestead was on the corner of Church and South Main Streets, where the Boyd store building now stands. In youth, Miss Post was beautiful and attractive not only by her personal charms, but by her intellectual unselfish and religious character. Her unmarried life was from choice, for more than one worthy man would gladly have won her hand. At an early age she united with the Montrose Baptist church and was active in the choir and Sabbath School. After the family was broken up she lived for many years among friends in Scranton, but the last four or five were spent at the home of Mrs. W. L. Cox in Montrose. In this home Miss Post was contented and happy, appreciating all the loving care bestowed upon her. Her mind grew feeble, but it was only during the last week that there was a marked change. The end came peacefully and quietly at 11 o'clock on Sabbath morning, October 25th, 1903.The bearers were Isaac Post, a nephew, Charles Post, a grand nephew, W.H. Jessup, W. H. Warner, W. S. Mulford and W. C. Cox. The interment was in the Post family lot in Montrose cemetery. GLENWOOD, Lenox Twp.: James M. Conrad was agreeably surprised on his return home from York State to find a new roof ready to go on his house and part of his house painted, and his old time house-keeper, Mrs. Samantha Payne, in full possession. HERRICK CENTER: Saturday night about ten o'clock someone attempted to stead Stewart Fletcher's fine bay team "Prince M. and Prima M. Jr." They had the horses out of their stalls, blankets off and one of them harnessed when Stewart started for the barn. As he went in the front door they went out the back. Horse owners should load their shotguns! DIMOCK: John Gavitt is reported to have killed 19 squirrels, out of 24 shot at. CHOCONUT: Yesterday, the 28th, the funeral of Charles McGraw was held from his home in Choconut and interment was made at Silver Lake. Mr. McGraw died Sunday, Oct. 25, from the effects of an accident in the woods of western Pennsylvania last Saturday. He was working in a lumber camp at Cross Forks when he was struck on the head by a flying piece of bark. The blow rendered him unconscious and he remained in this condition until eight o'clock Sunday night, when he died. He was 19 years old. He is survived by his parents and six sisters, Mrs. M. L. Dacey and Gertrude, of Binghamton, Katherine, Agnes, Anna and Beatrice, of Choconut and two brothers, Cyrenus and Edward of Choconut. ELK LAKE: Henry Daly, having purchased the Montrose steam laundry, will have a public sale of personal property at his residence near Elk Lake, Wednesday, Nov. 4th, at 10 a.m. AND: A number of farmers from this place are hauling their apples to the Tyler station and shipping them over the L.V. R.R. WANTED... Names of Purple Heart Recipients The Strider-Teskey American Legion Post 86, Susquehanna, PA is in the process of updating their membership rolls. Wanted mostly are the names of any person – alive or deceased – that was awarded the Purple Heart in any war. They can be sent, or brought to the Legion Post. Please write plainly – Name, Branch of Service, alive or deceased. If mailed, send to Scott Darling, Adjutant, Legion Post 86, Susquehanna, PA 18847. (Please note: the recipient need not be a member of the American Legion Post, only from the local area.) RETIREES "To Get 2.1% Raise" – Big deal. While us retirees are getting a 2.1% raise, the government is boosting their take in Medicare to 13.5 percent. That means (hope I’m right) a Social Security person getting $800.00 a month, will get an increase of $16.80 – but, after you deduct the government’s increase of $7.90, that gives you another $8.90. I am curious to see what Washington will "give to themselves." You can bet it will be way above 2.1%. This is what Congress said: Washington – The 40 million Americans covered by Medicare will see their monthly premiums for physician services rise by 13.5 percent next year, the government said. Reflecting rapidly rising health care costs, premiums for the portion of Medicare that pays doctor visits and other expenses outside of hospital care will jump $7.90 a month, to $66.60. Congress has required that premiums cover a fourth of the cost of the health care program for the elderly. Those premiums were at $3 a month when Medicare began, in 1967. Last year’s increase was 8.7 percent, to $58.70 a month. NAGELS In "Grudge Match" – I couldn’t find out what was at stake, but the Nagel father and son, Mike Sr., and Mike Jr., evidently had something to settle and after a little debate, decided to do it at the Riverside Bowling Lanes. So, father and son picked up their bowling bags and headed for the lanes. (I can’t imagine Mike, Jr., challenging his father, for I watched Mike Sr., bowling and "he’s pretty good.") But evidently 12-year old junior (without a handicap?) figured he could "take" his dad. (What a surprise Junior got.) The pins were set. The first game junior bowled 134 to his dad’s 192. The second game dad ripped junior 205 to 128. But the last game dad was little worried, as junior rolled a big 246, but dad strung 11 strikes, with nine on his last ball for a 299. Nevertheless junior did himself proud with 572 to his dad’s 696. (Note to dad: junior’s only 12? Give him a couple of years then be "real careful" challenging him.) A ‘CENTENNIAL Reminder – Remember, if you want a copy of the 1853-2003 Sesquicentennial Book, you must order it now. This, no doubt, will be your last chance to order one for yourself – or get one or two for relatives. They will make a great birthday or holiday present. Call (570) 853–4729 or stop in at the SCDA office on Main Street. IT’S EASY TO VOTE – Why not exercise your right to vote. The November 4, 2003 municipal election is just around the corner. Statistics show that only about 40 percent of voters go to the polls. One thing that all voters need to be sure to do is carefully read how many candidates you are allowed to vote for. Remember: although four candidates are running for county commissioner, you can only vote for two. Please read your ballot carefully. A mis-marked ballot will be destroyed. If you have any questions call your county election board. FLU SHOTS Save Lives – The flu shots that older Americans get (now) may protect them from other ailments besides influenza. Statistics show that flu shots have cut down on heart attacks. Shots are available at your hospital or call your doctor. SAVE ON DRUGS – According to AARP magazine, ask your doctor if a cheaper version of your medicine – a generic or older drug – would suit you. Also ask for free samples. For Veteran and Military benefits, call (877) 222–8387. Ask your druggist about discount cards. YANKEES In World Series – Prior to the seventh game with Boston, I was asked if I would continue to wear Yankee caps, jackets, etc., after "tonight’s game when the Red Sox will trample all over the Yankees." "Don’t worry about it," I answered. "The Yankees have never lost a ‘money’ game, especially when their opponents were the Red Sox." As we all know, Boston hung on for several innings, then bang, the Yankees woke up, tied the game at 5-5, then "Mighty Aaron Boone" (the least likely to hit a home run) blasted knuckle-baller Wakefield’s first pitch for a home run and a 6 to 5 win. (Will I wear my Yankee paraphernalia – you bet I will – whether we win the WS or not.) ANOTHER "HOF" Heard From – Must be Susquehanna County is the only county in Northeastern Pennsylvania without a Hall of Fame. Just recently I read in the Wyalusing Rocket-Courier newspaper, "Four of Wyalusing’s Finest Inducted Into Hall of Fame." The article read, in part: A crowd of nearly 400 friends, family, teammates and coaches gathered at the Shadowbrook Inn to honor the 16 newest inductees (with four from Wyalusing) from the Endless Mountains area into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. Scranton, I know has a HOF, Wayne County has one, Binghamton/Johnson City/Endicott has a very active sports HOF. No doubt there are many more in the region, only none in our 40,000 people-plus county! PLAN WILL HELP Disabled Vets – House Republicans announced a $22 billion plan to partially overturn a 19th-century policy depriving disabled veterans of some retirement pay. Veterans groups have spent years pushing for the change. "We’ve worked hard to begin this process of fulfilling our obligations to our veterans," said House Majority Whip Roy Blunt, R-MO, who helped work out a compromise accord. The plan, to be phased in over ten years, would mean greater benefits for about 245,000 disabled veterans, nearly half of those who see their retirement benefits reduced or eliminated under current law. Along
the Way...With P. Jay
The county commissioners are still jerking Erica Johnson’s chain and it is unfortunate that a gal with her ability and dedication keeps getting the run-around. All she wants is the OK to attend a seminar that is critical to her maintaining her certification as the county’s victim’s witness coordinator. The commissioners denied her first request. Then last week decided she could go for one day. What the commissioners fail to comprehend is that completion of the "entire seminar" is required for her certification. I don’t know why they are second guessing her. Why don’t they just summon her to the meeting and let her explain it rather than relying on the chief clerk’s interpretation of what Erica needs. Commissioner Marcho became quite belligerent with me when I asked him why he appears to be against Erica Johnson. "You don’t know the whole story so don’t start on that one," he shouted. Maybe not, but I do know something about certification and when you need to complete a seminar to retain your certification, that means the whole seminar and not just one day. I also know that I asked First Assistant District Attorney Jason Legg what kind of a worker Erica Johnson is and he answered in one word, "excellent." During her tenure as a county worker, Erica did leave two seminars early. But she explained that at one she became ill and at another she found out that the seminar did not address her position or her certification needs. Rather than have the county pay the hotel rates for two additional days that would not help her, she came home. From here, both reasons make sense. Bear in mind folks that this is the same Gary Marcho who pulled most of the gals from the commissioners’ office on a workday this past summer and took them for a boat ride around Lake Wallenpaupack. And suddenly he is concerned about allowing a worker to attend a required seminar. By the way Glenn Miller played… I am beginning to wonder if Archie Bunker’s ghost is roaming the halls and offices inside the courthouse. The list of employees hired in the last couple of years is certainly giving the place that All In The Family look. I am told that Julie Fair, Suzanne Brainard’s newest acquisition in the commissioners’ office, is a sister-in-law of Cindy (Fair) Oruska, deputy chief clerk, who was also hired by Mrs. Brainard. Someday I hope to assemble the complete list of county workers who are related and try to persuade Edith Bunker to read them off for you. Many Good Guys & Dolls Most offices have their share of stuffed shirts and fuddy-duddies and the county courthouse is no exception. But there are also some mighty fine people in the courthouse and when someone needs a little help, the cream always comes to the top. Last week was a prime example. Deputy Warden Bill Gregory is ill and no one can be sick these days without looking at some astronomical medical bills. With that in mind, a group of the good gals put together a cake and crafts fund raiser to give Bill a helping hand with his mounting expenses. It was a huge success and all the gals who took part in the two-day event deserve a round of applause. And, oh yes, the homemade goodies were delicious. I know because I broke away from my diet and bought an apple pie that was excellent. Bravo girls! Well done! An apology To Clifford Township readers for the botched up opening paragraph in my report on the last meeting of the Board of Supervisors. When I received my copy of The Transcript, I realized that I had emailed the wrong version of the story to the paper. As a result, it did not come across as intended. The first paragraph should have read: Opposition to Clifford Township’s proposed plan to install sewers in the Crystal Lake/Dundaff areas of the township appears to be growing at each board meeting. Also, the fifth paragraph made reference to "Regan" and it should have read, "John Regan, chairman of the board." Mr. Regan is chairman of the board and, on first mention, he deserves to be properly identified and addressed with more respect than "Regan." No, I did not receive any complaints about the article. But I immediately knew what happened and could not let it pass without saying I am sorry.
News
|
Living
|
Sports
|
Schools
|
Churches
|
Ads
|
Events
Military | Columns | Ed/Op | Obits | Archive | Subscribe © |
Sabotaging The List
Forgive them for they know not…