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HEADLINES: Bridge, Boat Launch Get Dedicated Susquehanna County – PENNDOT and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission joined federal, state, county and local officials Friday, October 31 for a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark two accomplishments along the Susquehanna River. The ribbon cutting celebrated the completion of a $6.5 million project that involved the construction of a new bridge to carry US Route 11 over the Susquehanna River between Hallstead Borough and Great Bend Township. The event also served as a dedication ceremony for a new boat launch near the bridge on the Hallstead side of the river. "The new bridge will serve the residents of Susquehanna County and visiting travelers well in the 21st Century," said Dave Skrocki, PENNDOT Assistant District Executive for Construction. "Those who would rather fish or boat on the river, rather than cross it, will also be well served by this new boat launch," added Skrocki. The ceremony was held at the new boat launch off Harmony Road on the Hallstead side of the river. Thanks to the joint efforts of the PA Fish and Boat Commission and PENNDOT, a staging area that was used by the contractor during construction of the bridge was converted into a permanent boat launch area for the use of fishing and boating enthusiasts. The boat launch site will be configured to accommodate seven parking spots, four of which will be double spots for vehicles with boat trailers. "This project is the latest example of the good working relationship that exists between the Commission and PENNDOT," said Dennis T. Guise, Deputy Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. "As a result of interagency cooperation, what began as transportation project expanded to also provide a public access area that improves recreational opportunities for anglers and boaters." Among those joining PENNDOT and the PA Fish and Boat Commission at the event were State Representative Sandra Major; State Representative Tina Pickett; Senator Roger Madigan; aides to Senator Charles Lemmond and Congressman Don Sherwood; the Susquehanna County Commissioners; Mayor Willard Canfield of Hallstead Borough; Great Bend Township Chairman Robert Squier, Supervisor James Banko II and Supervisor George Haskins; Mayor James Riecke of Great Bend Borough; representatives from Fahs-Rolston Paving Company, Borton Lawson Engineering and McTish Kunkel & Associates; Mike Protz of Hallstead Sporting Goods and other officials and residents. Dairy
Princess Spotlights Brookwood View Farms This month I chose to spotlight Brookwood View Farms, owned and operated by Bill and Elaine Wood, located in Jackson. Bill and Elaine were both raised on dairy farms; Elaine at Fiddle Lake and Bill on the farm they live on today. Bill’s grandfather bought the farm in 1938 and Bill’s parents, George and Elva started farming on the land in 1940, with six cows and two horses. George retired in 1984 and Bill and Elaine took over the farm. The barn is a tie stall, housing sixty milking Holsteins. They own 150 acres and rent 100 acres. They raise mixed hay and feed corn meal and grain along with the hay to their herd. Wood’s worked with the Chesapeake Bay program to put in a stone barn this year. Bill sells all his calves to be raised elsewhere and has first option to buy them back at breeding age. Dairy Princess Shana Mack visits with Bill and Elaine Wood. Some unique things about this farm are that the entire farm and house operate from one spring and always has more than enough water. The barn has an automatic, round bale feeder that passes in front of the cows from which they eat. This was the first and one of few automatic bale feeders in the state. Bill also likes to collect and restore tractors. As of right now, he has an International H, M and Super C, two of which were his father-in-law’s. They also are "Dairy of Distinction Award" recipients. I would like to thank Bill and Elaine for letting me visit and spotlight their farm. Dairy Fact: Calcium deficiency remains one of the most pressing public health problems in this country. Nine out of ten women and six out of ten men fail to get the calcium they need. Some easy ways to add more calcium to your diet include preparing your hot cereal or cocoa with milk; fill a melon with cottage cheese or frozen yogurt; tossing grated cheese on your salad or baked potato; or snacking on yogurt topped with fruit, nuts or granola. Dr. Remakus Gets America's Top Rating Dr. Bernard Leo Remakus was recently named one of "America’s Top Physicians" by the Consumers’ Research Council of America. The Washington, DC research group is an independent company that evaluates professional services throughout the United States. Dr. Remakus has practiced medicine in Great Bend Township since 1981. During that time, the board-certified internist has been on the staff of the Barnes-Kasson County Hospital where he has previously served as chief-of-staff, emergency room director, and ethics committee chairman. In addition to practicing medicine, Dr. Remakus has served as a clinical instructor of medicine at the State University of New York, a consultant to government and private industry, and a professional lecturer. He has authored three books: The Malpractice Epidemic, Cassidy’s Solution, and Medicine From The Heart, and published more than 200 articles in the medical literature. Dr. Remakus has received multiple professional awards, including the "Physician’s Recognition Award" of the American Medical Association, which he has received on eight separate occasions. He is listed in multiple professional publications, including "Who’s Who in America," and "Who’s Who In The World." Dr. Remakus and his wife, the former Charlotte Amorebello, have been married for 29 years. Mrs. Remakus is an educational psychologist and science educator, currently affiliated with the Kopernik Observatory and Montrose Area School District. Dr. and Mrs. Remakus are the proud parents of three children who all currently attend Temple University. Christopher is a fourth-year medical student, Alexandra a second-year medical student, and Matthew a third-year pre-med student. Meet Max! Max is a two-year old male Boxer mix. A loving dog, he sits, stays and shakes hands. Please come and say hello! Hi! My name is Tonya. I’m a three-year old female Shiba Inu mix. I’m a sweet but shy little girl who will sit and shake your hand if you want. Oh, yes, I’m housebroken, too. Please come and see me. Find your perfect pet at the Susquehanna County Humane Society Shelter in Montrose, (570) 278–1228. Drugs Are Scary Scarecrow Contest Maybe you saw one at the bank lobby, or as you visited your child’s school. They were there, lurking in the corners, hanging from the doorways, or brazenly greeting you at the door – scarecrows declaring the message that we are happier, and life is better in a community without drugs. School groups (Kindergarten through High School), community groups and adult individuals participated in the first "Drugs are Scary" Scarecrow Contest, sponsored by TREHAB’s D&A Prevention Department, as a part of the national Red Ribbon Week celebration. Ms. Moher’s class at Mountain View received a special prize for "most creative" display. The following were awarded special prizes in the youth category: Choconut Valley Kindergarten for "Best Message," Miss Morrison’s class (also Choconut Valley) for "Best Use of Red Ribbons," and Ms. Moher’s class at Mountain View for "Most Creative." The adult category awards went to: Ms. Templeton’s Tri-County Health Services Group for "Best Use of Red Ribbons" and Elnor Van Buskirk for "Most Creative." This scarecrow is one of a two-part display by Ms. Templeton’s Tri-County Health Services group. "The wonderful response from the schools and community made this event very special," says TREHAB’s Prevention Supervisor, Roselyn Hibbard. "More than 500 people participated in the contest, creating exhibits that displayed a desire for drug-free living." Noting the commitment of teachers who took the time to involve their students in this activity, Hibbard adds that kids will remember the time they made a "Homeless Scarecrow Joe" and his cardboard box home. Or the time they joined with the classroom next door to make a two-scarecrow display – one healthy and happy, and the other deceased because drugs kill. She says she’s sure that the Kindergarten children will remember their hands-on activity of creating their special scarecrow and declaring, "We are happy we don’t use drugs." For more information about Prevention activities and opportunities for community involvement call the TREHAB Prevention office at 278-5229 or visit the website www.Trehab.org. Pennstar Bank donated $5,000 to the United Way of Susquehanna County’s Capital Campaign. According to Joe Burke, President of the United Way, Pennstar’s donation automatically becomes $10,000 due to a challenge grant. The United Way Capital Campaign is being held to raise funds to support the United Way operations until it becomes self-sustaining. According to Burke it will take 3-5 years and require an annual campaign of $300,000 - $500,000. Bob Welch (right) of Pennstar Bank presents donation to Joe Burke, President of the Susquehanna County United Way. Bob Welch, Pennstar Vice-President of Marketing reported, "We’re happy to support charities throughout Susquehanna County and we’re excited about helping the United Way make Susquehanna County a better place to live and work." By donating to the United Way Pennstar now supports over 22 nonprofit agencies providing service throughout the county through this single donation. For more information on the United way telephone 278-3868. EMHS Adds To Its Educational Program Endless Mountains Health Systems (EMHS) added a new feature to its annual in-service educational program held recently for all employees. Labeled STAR, for Service, Teamwork, Attitude and Reliability, the program is designed to promote quality care for EMHS patients through customer service and professional medical care. The STAR program gave all employees the opportunity to participate in an open discussion on what is being done to take patient care a step above routine service. "We would like our employees to do more for the patients beyond the patients’ expectations," said Paula Anderson, director of Human Resources. She said the Star Program will enhance the focus of patient care by all staff members from the receptionist area through the patient discharge. "During the STAR class," Mrs. Anderson a continued, "employees discussed their own participation in delivering service and care to the patient. Because it is a small hospital, many of our employees already make it a habit of extending themselves beyond the call of duty." Instructor Jeralyn Adams discusses infection control with some of the employees of Endless Mountains Health Systems during a recent day-long learning seminar for all employees. EMHS administrators are excited about the new STAR Program and are developing a plan to recognize employees for their individual efforts to provide excellent care for the patients. The STAR Program provides an opportunity for employees to be graded by patients who fill out a "star card" while they are in the hospital or when they leave the facility. Certificates of Recognition will be presented to employees who are singled out by patients or by their supervisors. Besides the STAR Program, the all-day educational seminar featured a review of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA). "The act protects health insurance coverage for workers and their families when they change or lose their jobs," Blaine Dibble, HIPPA Privacy Officer, said. "It also addresses the security and privacy of health data. "Adopting these standards improves the efficiency and effectiveness of the nation’s health care system by encouraging the widespread use of electronic data in health care." Other classes and instructors who addressed the employees during the day-long seminar included: safety training, disaster readiness, and fire procedures, John Finlon, director of maintenance; infection control, Jeralyn Adams, employee health nurse; and, patient abuse, Diane Connolly, director of Patient Care Services. "We are constantly training our employees," Mrs. Anderson said. "This is part of an ongoing program and it is mandatory for all employees." On October 28, the Family Community Center in New Milford held a Halloween Party PACT (Parent and Child Together) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 45 children and adults took part in the Halloween activities such as "Spooky Story Time", Halloween adjectives, "Pass the Ghost" game to the tunes of "Monster Mash", and craft time where the children, along with the help of their parents, made trick-or-treat bags and paper plate masks. Spooky Story Time at the PACT Halloween party! The winners of the costume contest were a cute alligator, a beautiful bride, and an adult pumpkin. Everyone seemed to enjoy the "chocolate covered bugs" and the "ghosts in the graveyard" treats. Many even asked for the recipes, which were sent home with each family, along with a Halloween book for every child, a stuffed animal of their choice, stickers, and a packet full of fun things to do together as a family. "Thanksgiving" is the theme of the next PACT event which will be held on November 18, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the New Milford Family Community Center. For those of you who may not be able to make it for this evening PACT, it will be held again during the day from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on November 21. Call to reserve at 465-2880 or 278-9027. Interfaith Brings Christmas Joy The sound of children’s laughter, and the glow of their joyful faces come to mind as we ponder the upcoming holiday season. For years, the neighboring communities in Susquehanna County have come together to make possible a bountiful holiday for hundreds of families. We can all think of someone who has lost their job, or is struggling with health issues. With that in mind, comes the desire to help others around us. Interfaith receives calls from churches, organizations, clubs, local businesses, and families inquiring how they can help. Joining hands together, the Christmas Bureau offers that opportunity to reach out to our neighbors. If you would like to donate food, toys, be an adopt-a-family sponsor, or ring the Salvation Army bells, please contact 278–1776. All are welcome to mail monetary contributions to: Susquehanna Interfaith’s Christmas Bureau, 17 Public Avenue, Montrose, PA 18801. Bridge In Starrucca Reopening To Traffic Wayne County - PENNDOT advises drivers that the new bridge along Shehawken Road (State Route 4012) in Starrucca, Wayne County was scheduled to open to traffic Thursday, Nov. 6 or Friday Nov. 7. The bridge has been closed and traffic detoured while crews worked on a project to replace the old one span steel bridge over Shadigee Creek with a new single span concrete structure. The project also included roadway approach work, drainage, granite curbing and pavement markings. Community Foundation Announces Brunner Fund The Community Foundation announces the establishment of a fund to memorialize a Susquehanna County pioneer – The Norman Brunner Memorial Fund. Mr. Brunner was the founder of the Susquehanna County Charities Distribution Fund way back in December of 1961. He established this fund to capture a portion of the charitable dollars being donated by Susquehanna County residents to other counties through workplace fundraising. Since its inception the Charities Distribution Fund has distributed over 1 1/2 million dollars to charities throughout Susquehanna County. The Susquehanna County Charities Distribution Fund, now the new United Way of Susquehanna County, doubled its campaign goal and raised nearly $80,000 last year and this year its goal is $150,000. Eventually they plan to raise $300,000 to $500,000 each year. Several donors pledged over $300,000 to help build the program during the next 3-5 years. Today there are several donors willing to make this type of commitment to Mr. Brunner’s initial idea; it’s obvious Mr. Brunner was ahead of his time. According to Joe Burke, President and CEO of the Foundation, "Looking to the future and the challenges we face, we’re reminded to never forget our past. That’s why we worked at the direction of the Brunner family to establish this memorial fund. It’s obvious Mr. Brunner cared deeply about his community and that he was someone who had the vision and desire to make good things happen." Income from this endowed fund will be distributed to charities throughout the county along with each year’s annual campaign proceeds. Burke went on to say, "It’s comforting to know that long after we’re all gone, a man who touched the lives of so many will continue to be remembered and that through his fund he’ll continue to deliver donations to charity." The Community Foundation now has a challenge grant designated to this fund in the amount of $1000, so every dollar that is donated in the next month will be matched, up to $1000. Anyone wishing to make a donation to the fund should forward it to the Norman Brunner Memorial Fund, 36 Lake Ave, Montrose, PA 18801. Todd and Sharon Glover are proud to announce the arrival of their daughter, Jordyn Elizabeth, born October 22, 2003 at Lourdes Hospital. Jordyn was welcomed home by her big brother, Andrew and big sister, Gabrielle. Maternal grandparents are Mrs. Kathleen Perry and the late Eugene Perry. Paternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Steve Glover.
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