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HEADLINES: Playschool Helps St. Jude Hospital Pictured below are members of Creative Play Preschool who recently participated in a "Bike-A-Thon" to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Pictured (l-r) are the Tuesday/Thursday a.m. Class: Chyanne Davis, Michael Hilkert, Alexia Presley, Chad Lee, Chloe Haskins, Jade Hardy and Nathan Wallace. Pictured (l-r) are the Tuesday/Thursday p.m. Class: Garrett Cowperthwait, Darren Wallace, Briana Ferrante, Audrey Shay, Mercedes Crowley, Hunter Conklin. Pictured (l-r) are the Wednesday/Friday a.m. Class: Amber Cina, Gabrielle Glover, Jade Hardy, Jack Avery, Austin Chisek, Morgan Rivenburg. Stamp
Presented To Musa-Stiles VFW Post On Sunday, November 16, at a 14th district meeting of the Veterans of Foreign Wars held at Musa-Stiles Post 6223, Great Bend a plaque commemorating the issuance of the Purple Heart stamp by the federal post office was presented by postmaster Gail Brown of the Great Bend post office to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Musa-Stiles Post 6223. Pictured (l-r) are: Davis Hughes, past commander of VFW Post 6223 and a recipient of the Purple Heart; Gail Brown, Hallstead Postmaster; VFW Post 6223 commander Edward Arnold (US Navy retired). Accepting the award for the post was Edward Arnold, current Commander, and David Hughes, past commander of the post and a recipient of the Purple Heart award for wounds received during the Korean War. Commander Arnold remarked, that, "We are proud to have Dave Hughes as a member of our post. His actions during the Korean War reflect great credit upon himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army. "Recognizing this particular military award is more than appropriate. So many of our veterans go unrecognized for their service and sacrifice to our country. I want to thank Mrs. Brown for coming out today to present us with this beautiful plaque." The Purple Heart Medal is one of the oldest military awards presented by our armed forces. Instituted by General George Washington during the revolutionary war, the award has seen many changes over the years, but the one thread that runs so strongly through its history is what it stands for; bravery in battle and uncommon valor in the common man. (My thanks to Commander Edward Arnold for his contribution of this article.) Several months ago as I started my reign as the Susquehanna County Dairy Princess I wrote an article seeking to find nominations of long time dairy farmers. From these nominations I chose a long time farming couple to honor at the recent Susquehanna County Farm City Feast for their hard work and dedication to the dairy industry. This couple was Dewey and Molly Lyon. Susquehanna County Dairy Princess honors the Susquehanna County King and Queen of Dairy Farming, Dewey and Molly Lyon. The Lyon’s have a 50 cow dairy operation in Liberty Township. Dewey’s Mother’s family owned and operated this farm since 1825. In 1940, when Dewey was ten years old his parents took over the farm and he has been farming there ever since. Their farm is now a Century Farm. Molly herself was a city girl, until she married Dewey. They have received many awards including Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1980 and again in 2000. When Dewey was in high school the Lyon’s farm received the Keystone Farmer of the Year award. Other awards include Dairy of Distinction in 1995 and Award of Merit in 1984. Dewey has served on many county committees. He has served on the Susquehanna County Penn State Cooperative Extension Board, Conservation District Board, and currently Chairmen of the Chesapeake Bay Committee and the County Farmland Preservation Board. At the Farm City Feast Mr. and Mrs. Lyon were presented with a Certificate of Congratulations along with a few "got milk?" and "the power of cheese" gifts. The Lyon’s were crowned the "2003 Susquehanna County King and Queen of Dairy Farming." Congratulations, Dewey and Molly! Fancy
Feathers 4-H Club 2003 Annual Report We had a very busy year between the rain drops. In the spring we went to an embryology seminar put on by Penn State's Phillip Clauer. He covered everything on egg development. He had eggs there of all different stages to let us see the development. We had a dissection performed at Mt. View School. It was very interesting, especially when we saw an eye of the chicken bigger than the brain. Mr. Slocum did an excellent job of showing us the organs of the chicken. Fred Cobb took several of the show birds to Honesdale Fair and did very well, taking Champion Clear Colored standard with an Australorp cockerel. We participated in the 4-H garden/beautification program at the Harford Fair again this year. And this year, the weeds really grew; with all the rain we did not worry about the garden drying out. We planted some perennials last fall, and to our surprise most of them came up. The leaders decided to give a Grand Champion award to Phillip Hartman, who did most of the digging up of the ground to turn over the weeds. Before the Harford Fair we helped Ron Stiles, Bob Simons, and Robert Powell get the poultry barn ready. Getting the barn ready is a lot of work, with putting on tags wna shavings and the cups. Pictured (l-r) Beth Page, Phillip Hartman, Fred Cobb and Jessica Sartell display their winnings at the Harford Fair. The fair show was on Monday with Jessica Sartell receiving Junior Reserve Bantam on a silkie hen and Junior Champion on a White Faced Black Spanish hen, and Champion Particlored in the open show on a Quail Belgian D'Anver cock. A special thanks to our judge, Robert Powell, for doing the showmanship and judging our 4-H show held on Tuesday. He has helped us out greatly. We don't know what we would do without him. Thanks a million. Here are the results of Tuesday's 4-h show held during the Harford Fair: Grand Champion Showman- Jessica Sartell; Reserve Champion Showman- Beth Page Best of Show- Black Tailed Japanese cock- Fred Cobb; Reserve of Show- White Faced Black Spanish- Jessica Sartell; Grand Champion Standard- White Faced Black Spanish- Jessica Sartell; Reserve Champion Standard- Australorp cockerel-Fred Cobb; Grand Champion Bantam- Black Tailed buff Japanese cock- Fred Cobb; Reserve Champion Bantam- Quail Antwerp Belgian hen- Jessica Sartell; Grand Champion Waterfowl or Turkey- African Goose- Beth Page; Reserve Champion Waterfowl or turkey-Royal Palm Tom - Fred Cobb. Then to top the rest of the fair, we won the blue ribbon (first place) on the flower garden that we planted along the side of the poultry building! The live Sweet Grass and silkies in a pen in the garden display were a big hit with the Fair-going public. Jessica Sartell showed her birds at the Twin Tier Poultry Show in Bath, NY, on Sept. 7, and won Junior Grand Champion and Best Mediterranean of the open show with her White faced Black Spanish hen. Jessica was also named Third Place Showman at the show. Then later in the month of Sept., Jessica showed at the Cobleskill, NY show and took Second Place in Showmanship and received Junior Reserve Champion on another White Faced Black Spanish hen. It was a great year! Bradley Warren Earns Rank Of Eagle Scout Bradley Tyler Warren, New Milford was honored at an Eagle Court of Honor on Sunday, November 29, at the Blue Ridge High School. Brad moved through the Boy Scout ranks to achieve Eagle, the highest rank conferred by the Boy Scouts of America. Bradley Warren, seated center, is surrounded by his fellow Troop 89 members, Eagle Scouts and leaders. Bradley’s Eagle Scout project was the construction of a concession stand at Blue Ridge High School. Son of Tom and MaryAnn Warren, Bradley graduated from Blue Ridge High School and is a freshman at Syracuse University. Taking part in the Eagle Scout ceremony were Bradley’s brother, Matt; Charles, Kathy and Scott Fuller; members of Troop 89, Great Bend; Boy Scout leaders Ronald Latz, Pete Picciano; the Rev. Canon Charles Cesaretti and the Rev. Canon Carol Horton. During the ceremony Bradley presented his mother with her Eagles Mother’s pin and his father with a tie tack, which they will proudly wear. Gifts
Needed For Abused Children If you ever donated Christmas gifts to homeless children, it no doubt gave you a great sense of satisfaction and joy. But the drive for gifts for children at the United Charities Home for Boys in West Hazleton, sponsored by five counties – Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming, Lackawanna and Luzerne – is entirely different than any other Christmas drive you have ever participated in. The United Charities Home (UCH) houses 64 children. The children are from all walks of life, such as abused children, orphans, homeless children and children left to fend for their selves. Some of the children have never known a Christmas, or ever received gifts. The UCH, in order to show these children ranging in ages from 7 to 17 (all boys), are asking for gifts or money so they can give presents to all of the 64 abused children at the "home," making a Merry Christmas for them. Donations can be made to the Country Lounge, Great Bend 879–4414; Terry Marshman 879–4396; Mike Gall (Susquehanna) 853–9019; Shirley Gall 853–4327, 4 High Street, Oakland Side, Susquehanna. Your gift will help, more than you will ever know. Gifts or money can be given to any of the above named people. The United Christian Home (an orphanage) has been accepting abused and homeless children for the past several years and are well known for their generosity to the children all over the state. If you would like more information on the home and its operations, call (570) 454–0331. It is located at 107 West Hazleton, PA 18202. The home is under the care of six executive officers and the administration consists of six officers and host of caseworkers. Make a Christmas gift this year, one that "you" will never forget. They will go to children who "never had or heard of a Christmas." (P.S. – Keep in mind that clothing and school supplies are always needed but at Christmas time, toys will also be welcome.) A 50% cut in state aid to public libraries was first threatened in March. Despite an outpouring of support for library services in Pennsylvania, as of early December the education portion of the state budget is still in limbo. "Our legislators have been assuring us that this injustice will be redressed, but as yet we have seen no restoration of these cuts," says Administrator/Librarian Susan Stone. "Please, please help us communicate to Governor Rendell, the House, and the Senate, that any final budget should include full restoration of library funding." Like most libraries in Pennsylvania, the Susquehanna County Library runs on a calendar year, so the impact of the state aid cut won't be felt until January 1. "The Board's budget committee has not yet made any final decisions about cuts, because we kept on thinking a decision was coming soon," says Mrs. Stone. "But even if some funding is restored, our budget is tight enough that we will have to make some hard choices. We will have less money for new books like bestsellers, non-fiction, and large print. There will be fewer cassette books, videos, and magazines. We will have to cancel our programming, such as home-schooler workshops and story hours. If the full 50% cut goes through, we will definitely have to cut hours and staff." Public libraries are a crucial part of education, since they serve everyone from cradle to grave. Programs like Babies and Books help families start reading to their babies as early as possible. Story hours and services to day cares and preschools keep books in front of children at a crucial age. During the school years, the library provides homework help, services to teachers, and summer reading. Adults turn to the library for computer skills, access to health and financial information, and free entertainment. To help get the message to Harrisburg, the quickest thing to do is call Governor Rendell's office at (717) 787-2500. In addition, please stop by your local library or visit their website at www.susqcolibrary.org for the contact information of your state representative and senator. A personal letter, especially one that is hand-written, has the most impact. EMHR Kicks Off Membership Drive Towanda - Endless Mountains Heritage Region Inc. (EMHR) is currently accepting membership renewals and new members for 2004. EMHR, organized in 1998, is a State Heritage Park administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Members of Endless Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR) can participate through a variety of regional projects, including the creation of the Susquehanna North Branch River Trail, Interpretation and Education Advisory Group, fundraising and assisting project partners funded through EMHR's grant program. EMHR works with a broad network of partners preserving the rural, agricultural character of the region and conveying its story. EMHR assists local groups and municipalities to enhance existing sites and facilities to better serve educational and recreational needs of residents and visitors. EMHR is strongly invested in regional community goals and maintaining a high quality of life in the counties it serves: Bradford, Sullivan, Wyoming and Susquehanna. Memberships are available for individuals, families, business and industry, municipalities and non-profit organizations. "We are always ready and willing to answer questions. Please feel free to call the office if there is something we can help you with," said EMHR Executive Director Bob Veleker. EMHR is a 501c3 non-profit organization and welcomes donations. For more information contact Endless Mountains Heritage Region, 10 Park Street, Towanda, 18848; emhr@epix.net; (570) 265-1528. Energy Assistance Program Begins Montrose – Applications for this year’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are now available at the Susquehanna County Assistance Office, Thomas Kurosky, Executive Director announced. LIHEAP is a federal program that assists low-income individuals who cannot pay their heating bills. Eligible households can receive assistance through a direct payment to vendors who supply their fuel, or through a crisis component during weather-related emergencies, such as a broken furnace, leaking pipes, or terminated utility service. Homeowners, renters including those whose rent includes heat, roomers and subsidized housing tenants may be eligible. Any type of fuel may be used. The program opens for both the cash and crisis components on November 12, 2003 with the cash and crisis components closing March 25, 2004. Besides household income, grants are based on the type of fuel used and the county of residence. Mr. Kurosky urged county residents to apply early for the program. "Last year, some families missed out on the program because they waited too long to apply," Mr. Kurosky said. "This is unfortunate because in most cases, documentation of income for the previous 30 days is enough to establish eligibility. I urge all families who receive mail-in applications to return the form promptly. Families who didn’t receive applications can obtain one from the County Assistance Office." To be eligible for the program, household income cannot exceed 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, or for a one-person household, $12,123; two persons, $16,362; three persons, $20,601; four persons, $24,840; five persons, $29,079; six persons, $33,318. For larger households the guidelines increase by $4,239 for each additional person. Last year, 1,547 county households received $424,500 in basic LIHEAP cash grants to offset heating bills, crisis grants totaling $323,580 were given to 857 households with heating emergencies. Help for families with a heating emergency is available by contacting Susquehanna CAO at 278–3891 or 1-888-753-6328. Feeding wild birds is a very popular activity throughout the United States. Many people enjoy watching the wide variety of birds that will use a bird feeder in your yard. During the winter months feeding wild birds can play an important role in their survival. You can determine what kind of birds you see by the type of feed and how the feed is presented. Sunflower seeds are probably the seed preferred by most seed-eating birds. The most attractive type is the black, oil type. Sunflower seeds are particularly attractive to tufted titmouse, black-capped chickadee, cardinal, nuthatch, and American Goldfinch. White millet is also a popular food, especially to sparrows and doves. A common ingredient of many bird food mixes is peanut hearts. These are attractive to starlings. If starlings are a problem you may want to consider buying feed that doesn't contain peanut hearts. The more experienced bird feeder will purchase feed that is more specific such as sunflowers seeds instead of a standard mixture. Suet is also an attractant to woodpeckers and chickadees can also be found using this. Having the correct feed is only half the formula for successful bird feeding. Of just about equal importance is presenting the feed in an attractive manner. A platform feeder will attract a wide variety of birds such as sparrows, tufted titmice, cardinals, and chickadees. Some birds such as morning doves and juncos will use platform feeders but they will also be found feeding on the ground. Birds such as chickadees, goldfinches, and titmice will use hanging tube feeders. The birds that prefer tube feeders also prefer sunflower seeds so you should use sunflower seeds here and not a mix. Many of the ground and platform feeders will use sunflower seeds and millet so using a mix would be appropriate here. For best results you should place your feeders near some kind of cover such as trees or shrubs. Platform feeders should be placed high enough off the ground so as to deter predators such as cats. Birds will use several feeders during the day. Sometimes you will notice many birds at your feeders while at other times your feeders will be empty. They tend to rotate from one feeder to another. In summary, by using the correct food and presenting it appropriately you can attract and observe a wide variety of birds at your feeders. Harrisburg - A limited number of 2004 Pennsylvania House of Representatives calendars are now available from Rep. Sandra Major (R-Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming). The calendars are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis at Major's district offices: Route 706 Lake Montrose, RR 7 Box 7168, Montrose, PA 18801 (telephone: 570-278-3374) and 130 N. Bridge Street, Tunkhannock, PA 18657 (telephone: 570-836-5888). List
Your Business In Local Databases The Susquehanna County Department of Economic Development reminds local businesses to participate in the 2004 Book of Lists, published by the Northeast Business Journal. "Listing your business in this publication is free, and can be done conveniently on-line at www.nepabookoflists.com," says Economic Development Director Justin Taylor. The deadline for listings is December 31. Visit www.nepabookoflists.com for a list of categories. "We also encourage you to join the Susquehanna County Community Information Network, an on-line searchable database of county businesses and organizations," says Mr. Taylor. There is no charge for participation in the Community Information Network. To join the Community Information network, visit www.susquehanna.pa.us and click on the CIN logo. For additional information, contact the department at (570) 278-4600, ext. 558. Churches
Host Senior Citizens Dinner At the conclusion of the worship service on Sunday, November 23 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, New Milford, the Rev. Canon Carol Horton dismissed the worshipers with the traditional admonition: "Go in peace to love and serve the Lord." As the people departed the church some went across the street to the Parish Hall to set tables, fill coffee makers, and turn on the ovens for the annual Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Dinner later that afternoon. Others went home to fetch the turkeys and baked stuffing that had been roasting since early morning. Across the street, at the First Baptist Church, after Pastor David Riley gave the final prayer and benediction, worshipers left their pews to prepare mashed potatoes and coleslaw. In the refrigerator were all the mixings for Pastor Dave’s hot mulled cider. At St. John’s R. C. Church, Father Louis Kaminski blessed the congregants and dismissed them with the words: "Go in the peace of Christ." Many went home to gather up the pumpkin and apple pies they had baked for the dinner to take to their partners at St. Mark’s Church. They would later slice and serve dessert to the senior citizens. Across Main Street, Pastor Joyce Allen led the congregation at the First Methodist Church in the concluding hymn of the worship service. After the worshipers greeted her and each other, they went to the church kitchen where they had stored the green beans, beets, and other vegetables for the dinner. Cooling were the loaves of fruit bread made by the parish young people. At three o’clock all was gathered in the kitchen and on tables. The church members from the four parishes were at their appointed stations. The young people from the parishes were getting their assigned tables and last minute hints on serving the plates that would be heaped with hot turkey and stuffing – lower left and raise right. The hot cider was ready and the coffee was perking. At five o’clock the first guests arrived and by 5:15 p.m. all 140 seats were taken. The dining room resounded with happy greetings of life-long friends. The young people served both the hot and sparkling cider. Canon Horton offered the blessing and thanksgiving and the feast began. When the meal was concluded, a festive Ecumenical Worship Service was held at St. Mark’s Church, with the singing of traditional seasonal hymns. About 9 o’clock the cleanup crew was finishing scrubbing the last pots in the kitchen. The dishes were back in the shelves, the leftovers in the refrigerator to be shared with the Women’s Resource Center in Montrose. Joan Flint, the event coordinator, was finally sitting down for the first time in hours having a cup of coffee with several of the volunteers. "Well," she said, "last year we served 38 senior citizens. This year we served 140. We have a great deal to be thankful for." "How many do you think we will serve next year," asked Betty Mitchell, as she gathered up all the wet dishtowels. "How about two seatings next year," suggested Jim Yeich. Everyone just looked at him in silence. Then, putting aside all the random thoughts that had passed through their minds, everyone laughed. "First things first," said Joan Flint as she turned out the lights. "The next Good News Lunch for senior citizens will be here on Saturday, December 27."
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