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Issue Home December 2, 2003 Site Home

HEADLINES:
Sea Scouts Honored At Bridge Of Honor
Planning Breakfast Is A Success
Kingsley Veterans Memorial Dedicated
Delsandro Honored For 30 Years Of Service
Area Children Need Your Help
Kiwanis Club Seeks Christmas Toys
Montrose Area Kiwanis Installation Held
Only A Safe Toy Is The Right Toy
Dog Licenses On Sale

Sea Scouts Honored At Bridge Of Honor

The bugler sounds assembly, crews are mustered aboard the land-ship in the Sea Scout Hall, the call of the bo-sun’s pipe announces that the Skipper and First Mate have been piped aboard. The 58th Bridge of Honor of Sea Scout Ship North Star, New Milford, PA, is underway.

After a uniform inspection by Skipper Barry Hall, past Boatswain Andrew Patterson welcomed aboard new Sea Scout James Kania, and Eagle Scout from Mountain Top, PA and new Sea Scout Mike Rifenbury from New Milford into the crew. Ship’s Boatswain Jacob Brizzolara presents service stars to the crew for years of service and made announcements of upcoming activities and cruises of Ship 90.

Skipper Barry Hall and First Mate Marvin Van Cott presented Sea Scout rank, ratings, long cruise awards and venturing recognition to the Sea Scouts. Some of the higher ranks were Ordinary Seaman to David Navickas, Nicole Conrad, Jacob Brizzolara and Steve Spencer. Also the Gold Venturing Award and the Bo-sun’s Award to Jacob Brizzolara.

Commodore Ron Hall was then piped aboard to present the ship’s charter for 60 years to the Sea Scout Association representatives, Millard Hall – President and Diane Brizzolara – Vice President. Commodore Hall also presented the Sea Scouter’s Training Award to Committee Chairman Chuck Jaget, First Mate Marvin Van Cott and Committee Member Laurie Weber. This was for three years of service and completing all required Sea Scout officers training courses.

Pictured (l-r) are Silver Anchor Award winners Chuck Jaget – Committee Chairman, Nicole Conrad – Yeoman, and Marvin Van Cott – First Mate.

Another highlight was the presentation of the prestigious Silver Anchor Award for distinguished and dedicated service to Sea Scout Shop North Star. It is not presented every year and usually only to one Sea Scout officer, but this year was an exception. The first Silver Anchor was presented to Sea Scout Nicole Conrad, the ships’ Yeoman; she holds the rank of Ordinary, has recruited over five Sea Scouts into the crew and is a top fund-raiser in the popcorn sales of the ship.

Next honored with the Silver Anchor was Charles (Chuck) Jaget, the Committee Chairman of the ship’s committee. He organized the nine-day sail on the Sea Scout 46-foot ketch, on Chesapeake Bay, for 2003 and is organizing the same for 2004. He participated in Scout Fleet 2002, in New York City, the 90th Anniversary of Sea Scouting and is a retired Commander from the US Navy Reserves.

The third Silver Anchor was presented to First Mate Marvin Van Cott. He is the Industrial Arts teacher at Blue Ridge High School and teaches technical drawing and computer aided drafting. He assisted our ships’ Ciraman, in Scout Fleet 2002, sailed on the 46-foot ketch Der PeLiKan, in 2003 and will assist again in 2004. He is also a recruiter of many new Sea Scouts for Ship 90.

Chairman Chuck Jaget gave a very interesting account to all parents and friends of Ship 90 of this year’s sail on the Der PeLiKan before he presented the Honorable Order of the Monkey’s Fist; this is the S. O. B. (Salty Old Boater) Award in Sea Scouting. A Sea Scouter who holds the Monkey’s Fist Award looks around at other deserving and very committed Sea Scout officers and when he finds the right individual he then presents his own Monkey’s Fist to the other Sea Scouter (the Monkey’s Fist is a handmade miniature of a real monkey’s fist used on board a vessel to haul a larger line to secure the boat or ship to a dock). Chairman Chuck Jaget presented his Monkey’s Fist to First Mate Marvin Van Cott, a very deserving and dedicated Sea Scouter. Ship 90 is fortunate to have his very capable and dedicated support!

Pictured is Don Johnson, 65-year veteran, with his cake honoring his 78th birthday!

One last special event was a birthday cake presented to Vice Chairman Don Johnson for his 78th birthday and a 65-year veteran pin for his many years of service to Sea Scout Ship 90 and Boy Scout Troop 90. After the officers and crew disembarked the land-ship, all enjoyed pizza, homemade donuts, soda and coffee.

Thanks to all who support Sea Scout Ship 90 and our flag sales.

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Planning Breakfast Is A Success

"A meeting like that makes you proud to be from Susquehanna County." That is how Lee Smith, County Commissioner-Director, described the planning breakfast held at the County Office Building for the cooperating agencies and partner organizations of the Susquehanna County Conservation District.

Partnering is the term used to describe the family of agencies and organizations that support each other while working for the good of Susquehanna County. Thirty-four partners gathered to provide their reactions to the district’s plan for 2004. While the district employees shared their individual plans for 2004, District Manager Lillian Theophanis encouraged comments and suggestions from the District Directors and the representatives of fifteen county agencies and organizations. The goal of the meeting was to plan for the future so that the District work will benefit everyone and reflect the needs and aspirations of the whole county.

Susquehanna County Conservation District shares its planning process with partner agencies and organizations to prepare for 2004.

Lillian began the meeting by introducing Mike Villanella as the incoming District Manager, effective upon her retirement on December 31. "Mike will continue the strong legacy of partnerships on issues of mutual interest," Lillian assured those gathered. She then gave background information on where the District is today in its planning process, pointing to the handouts included in the information packet. Partners were asked to read the Five-Year Strategy Plan, the 12-month Plan of Work, and the Budget to determine whether they compare well with each other. They were also asked to think about their own plans for next year and determine where the District’s plans could dovetail with theirs.

Jim Garner discussed the expected consequences of turning the Chapter 105, Waterways Encroachment Permit program back to the state. This item has received much recent discussion among several conservation districts but has not yet been resolved for Susquehanna County. Other counties have dropped the program for lack of funds. According to Jim, the permitting process takes up a high percentage of his time. Carolyn Doolittle, Co-chair of the Choconut Creek Watershed Association, said she felt the Chapter 105 program should stay in Susquehanna County.

Planning Director Bob Templeton compared the Mission Statement of the District’s five-year plan with that of the Planning Commission’s County Comprehensive Plan. He said that the Comprehensive Plan mentions the District several times in relation to important issues, including surface mining.

Joanne Kowalski, David Messersmith, and Ron French of PSU Cooperative-Extension said that they looked forward to partnering, especially since both the District and Extension would be undergoing some funding cutbacks.

Mary Ann Warren, Commissioner-elect, said she looks forward to working with all the agencies and is especially happy to announce that she will be the Commissioner-Director for the District. The Planning Breakfast sets the stage for the District’s interaction on projects with other government agencies and local organizations during the coming year. A "good helping" of positive cooperation was served up at the planning meeting.

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Kingsley Veterans Memorial Dedicated

Kingsley – More than 200 veterans, active duty servicemen, students and community members were present at Mountain View High School, Kingsley, PA as a permanent memorial was dedicated to the memory of veterans and members of all US Armed Services.

The program began with a rendition of the National Anthem, led by the Mountain View Wind Ensemble under the direction of Mr. Charles Wilson. Following this, Mr. Arthur Chambers, Superintendent of the Mountain View School District, welcomed the crowd and made appropriate remarks about the genesis of the memorial.

The high school class of 1998 had their class trip to Washington, DC, and while there they visited many of the historic sights, including the Lincoln and other memorials. Upon their return, they came to an agreement that some type of memorial to the veterans of Harford Township and the surrounding areas would be appropriate and made it their project. This day marked the completion of their project, and resulted in the program and dedication which took place.

All are welcome to come and visit the Veterans Memorial at the Mountain View High School.

Veteran Representative Mr. Stuart Slocum, an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam era and teacher at the Mountain View High School, gave a brief review of the "extraordinary" men and women who served in the armed forces. He summed up their participation and outlook with emphasis on hope.

The Voices of War Representative, Mr. Eric Martens, was a member of the graduating class of 1999, and he spoke on behalf of this group. He reflected on the experiences enjoyed in his class, which had made these graduates successful and also thankful to the veterans who not only set for them an example, but also taught them. He speculated on what might have been had the war veterans not defended freedom in past wars, citing some of the policies of the enemies which would have been detrimental to our freedoms.

Mrs. Marilyn Fargnoli, the Chorus Director of the Mountain View High School, had been scheduled to give a vocal selection, but because of a death in the family was unable to be present.

The Reverend John Polednak, a Mountain View graduate and former priest in the Roman Catholic Church in Nicholson, asked for a blessing of the memorial and the participants in attendance. The dedication ceremony itself was by the Elk Mountain VFW. After a salute by the Rifle Squad from the Nicholson Memorial Legion, the dedication of the memorial was led by Joe Woolsey, of Nicholson. It was explained throughout the program that the memorial itself was made of Pennsylvania Bluestone, produced only in Northeastern counties. Then, the memorial was unveiled.

The program was concluded with Taps. Immediately following the ceremony, refreshments were served in the high school library.

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Delsandro Honored For 30 Years Of Service

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On Monday, November 24, 2003, at the Susquehanna Post Office, Eugene J. Delsandro (above left) was presented with a Certificate and Service Award Pin for his thirty years of federal service. The certificate and pin were presented by Roger H. Stonier (above right), Office-in-Charge, who commented, "Gene is a service-oriented individual who provides customers with fast, friendly and reliable service. Next time you visit the Susquehanna Post Office, congratulate Gene on reaching this milestone in his career and service to our community."

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Area Children Need Your Help

Have you ever wanted to do something for a child? Have you ever thought to yourself, I am so busy I don’t know where I’d find the time. Now is your opportunity to do something special for an area foster child. There are more than 50 children in the KidsPeace foster care program in Northeast Pennsylvania. Like all children, foster children have wishes, dreams and hopes. By supporting KidsPeace Secret Santa you can help brighten a child’s holiday. It’s easy and takes next-to-no-time at all. Simply contact Roberta at 836–9987, Jill at 1-800-551-2238, or Jennifer at 253-7910. They will give you a child’s name along with his or her age, hobbies and a wish list. You can then donate personalized gifts to the child you have chosen to sponsor. All gifts should be unwrapped, "elves" will take care of the rest. KidsPeace can even arrange to have the gift picked up for you. Monetary donations would be gratefully accepted. All proceeds will go directly towards children’s gifts.

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Kiwanis Club Seeks Christmas Toys

The Kiwanis Club of Montrose Area is currently conducting its annual Christmas Toy Drive. For the past 23 years, the Kiwanis Club has participated in the collection and distribution of toys during the Christmas season for needy families throughout Susquehanna County. Last year, 535 children were able to enjoy Christmas in a special way because of the generosity of so many caring neighbors and organizations that contributed to the Toy Drive.

The Kiwanis Club is asking for the public’s help and support in this worthwhile effort. Donations of new toys or used toys in clean, reusable condition are requested. Cash donations are urgently solicited and gladly accepted in order to meet the goal of giving at least one new toy to each child. Please forward cash contributions to: the Kiwanis Club of Montrose Area, P.O. Box 275, Montrose, PA, 18801.

Toys will be accepted from now until Saturday, December 13, and may be dropped off at Tom Kerr Chevy-Olds, Grow Ave., Montrose or Robinson’s Market, South Montrose. For additional information please contact the Montrose Kiwanis Club at 278–3537.

Distribution of toys will be coordinated by the Susquehanna County Christmas Bureau and Interfaith Friends in Montrose. Christmas toys and food baskets will be distributed on Thursday, December 18.

The Kiwanis Club of Montrose Area invites community participation in this annual service project to provide the opportunity for everyone to enter the spirit of the holiday season and help "Put a smile on a child’s face on Christmas."

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Montrose Area Kiwanis Installation Held

On Thursday, October 9, the Montrose Area and Tunkhannock Kiwanis combined for a very enjoyable evening at the Carriage Inn in Tunkhannock for the installation of officers for 2003-04. Tom Kerr, Lieutenant Governor of District 15, installed the new officers.

Montrose Area’s past President Tom Bush expressed his thanks to the club for their support during his term as president. He also wished Sharon Norville, the 2003-04 president, a great upcoming year as president. Also inducted were: Will Tripp, Vice President; Paul Montalbano, Second Vice President; Sue Heed, Secretary; Gary Barnhard, Treasurer; Bob Brown, Sr., Sergeant at Arms. New Board Members are Bob Brown, Jr., Jim Gehris, and Mark Powers.

Tunkhannock’s past president Les Howell gave words of advice to incoming president Ray Marcum. New officers for the Tunkhannock Kiwanis are: President-elect Alan Wizer; Vice President Russ Jackson; Secretary Ed Kintner; Treasurer George Lefchuk.

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Only A Safe Toy Is The Right Toy

The excitement of the holiday season is upon us. As we search for those special gifts for our loved ones, we must remember that safety is also an issue, especially for the young children in our families. Toys are a young child’s joy at Christmas. They spark imagination and can provide hours of entertainment. Yet, the hidden dangers can abruptly turn your Christmas joy into a holiday tragedy. Although fewer and fewer toys are hazardous, adults should choose toys wisely. Too often, adults select toys that appeal to them rather than choosing an appropriate toy for the child.

The most important guideline is to select a toy that is suitable for your child’s age. First check the labels for the age recommendations. Toys recommended for children older than three may still contain parts that could present a choking hazard. Choose toys that the child can handle; although the toy may say that it is suitable for an eight-year old, not all eight-year olds are mature enough to operate that particular toy. If the toy requires adult supervision while being used, before buying it, make sure that supervision will be available.

Protecting children from unsafe toys is the responsibility of everyone. Careful toy selection and proper supervision of children while at play is always the best way to protect your child’s safety at Christmas time. Please join North Central Sight Services, Inc., a United Way agency, and the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind and its 32 member agencies in promoting a safe 2003 Christmas holiday.

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Dog Licenses On Sale

Susquehanna County Treasurer, Cathy Benedict, announces that 2004 Dog licenses are now available in the treasurer's office.

Dog licenses must be purchased by January 1st of each year for all dogs 3 months and older. Licenses are only good for the county in which the dog resides. To purchase a license fill out the application and be sure to sign it! Mail the information with a check or money order made out to "County Treasurer" PO Box 218, Montrose, Pa 18801-0218 and enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope so we may return your tag to you.

For a county other than Susquehanna you may use this application and mail it to the proper county treasurer. You must be 65 to qualify for the senior citizen discount. You must have proof of a disability to qualify for a disability discount - as an SSDI card.

For the convenience of the citizens of Susquehanna County there are sub-agents who sell dog licenses around the county until July 1. For an agent near you, or for more information, call 278-4600 x 130, 131, 132.

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