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HEADLINES: Bob
VanFleet "Retires" Oakland Boro Council January 1, 2004, saw the end of an era of many decades of service in Oakland Borough when councilman Robert (Bob) VanFleet decided it was time to pass the torch to other Oakland Borough residents. Bob was appointed to the Oakland Borough Council in September, 1956 and has served the community faithfully for 48 years. Pictured (l-r) are: Councilman Robert (Bob) VanFleet and Edward (Ted) Gordon, who served on council for 44 years. During Bob’s tenure, he saw the building of the Oakland Park, a new complete water system, the hydro plant (from which monies are used for community and area benefits), as well as a complete upgrading of the Oakland Boro street lighting; just to mention a few accomplishments made during his term of office. During the time of the late Carl Houlihan’s service as an Oakland Police officer, Bob became interested in police work and eventually he became a police officer. Over the years, with the passing of Mr. Houlihan and Officer Roy Hall, Bob stepped to the forefront and became the chief officer of Oakland Borough. Bob was so dedicated to his job, he (for years) used his own car for police work, his personal phone, and purchased his own uniforms without requesting any monies from the Council. (Bob is still serving as an officer.) Bob not only served the borough and police department well, but was a star baseball athlete "in his day." For several years he coached and managed Little League teams, a chore that he loved, making him late for "chow" many a night. According to my reporter, Bob, over the years, manifested such a jovial sense of humor that the council dubbed him "the Bob Hope of Oakland." Bob was also one of the original board members on the Barnes-Kasson Board of Directors, when the hospital was built in 1964. Bob now joins other members of the elite Council who served 30 years or more, Edward (Ted) Gordon, Gerald Balmer, Gerald Washburn and John Brown. So, after such a illustrious career as a devoted Oakland resident, what else can we say but, "It’s Hats Off to Bob and his family" for giving Oakland Borough, a dedicated person like Robert VanFleet. (A personal note: I met Bob when we were both playing ball in the Sun-Susquehanna Valley league. He was with Windsor and I was with Susquehanna. Bob played shortstop (and a good one), I was the Susquehanna catcher. Years later, Bob moved to Oakland. We formed an Old Timers softball team, on which we both played and I must say "it was one of the best times of our careers." Congratulations, Bob.) (P.S.: This article would not have been possible without the input of former Oakland secretary/treasurer, Edward (Ted) Gordon. Ted served the Borough for 44 years, succeeding his father, Morris, who held the position for about nine years.) Books Available To Area Children The Kiwanis family is collecting books to be distributed to area locations such as the local libraries, schools, child care facilities, and any place where books would be a great asset to young children. The Kiwanis goal is to make available new or used books, paperback or hardback, large print or small print, children’s titles. Reading is a very important part of everyone’s life and the Kiwanis would like to help distribute books so they will be available to all young children. Pictured (l-r) are: Sharon Norville, Montrose Area Kiwanis President; Tom Kerr, District 15 Lt. Governor. A book donation box has been set up at Tom Kerr Chevrolet and Bill Robinson’s Southtown Market. Any donation would be greatly appreciated. If you have a request for need of books, please contact Sharon Norville at 278–4434, Tom Kerr at 278–9010 or send a request to Montrose Area Kiwanis, P.O. Box 275, Montrose, PA 18801. Knights Honor A 50 Year Member The John V. O’Reilly Council 3255, congratulate John Stopka on fifty years of service to the Knights of Columbus. John is also a 4th degree member of the Bishop J. Hannon Assembly 1521. John became a knight in his hometown of Rahway, NJ at St. Mary’s Parish. John has exemplified the Knights’ allegiance to faith, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. John served as a radio communications officer during World War II. He and his wife, Stephanie spent one summer in Slovakia, teaching English. John later returned for an additional three months to continue teaching. John Stopka (left) receives congratulations from Ken Janoski (right), Grand Knight of Council #3255, for 50 years of service to the Knights of Columbus. John and Stephanie joined Holy Name of Mary parish in 1985, when they retired to Susquehanna County. John serves as a lector for the Knights at their corporate mass and he and Stephanie are members of the church’s resurrection choir. John also serves as a volunteer for the county’s meals on wheels program and is a member of the American Legion Garner Warner Post. The John V. O’Reilly Council 3255 meets on the second Wednesday of each month, following Mass in the Grace Room, Holy Name of Mary Church on South Main Street, Montrose. Lawsville Grange Picks Raffle Winners Winners of the Lawsville Grange Christmas basket raffle were Bill McLaughlin, Clarks Summit, PA and Ester Darrow, RR 2, Hallstead, PA.
Every year, Lawsville Grange sells raffle tickets for two Christmas baskets, which consist of food and small Christmas items with a choice of ham or turkey. Money collected from the basket raffle provides a family from Interfaith with Christmas dinner and requested presents. Montrose Kiwanian New Lieutenant Governor The Montrose Area Kiwanis is proud to be the home club of the new District 15 Lieutenant Governor. On Tuesday, September 16, District 15 representatives met at the Nanticoke Kiwanis meeting to induct Montrose Area Kiwanian Tom Kerr as the new Lieutenant Governor for District 15. Pictured (l-r) is Tom Kerr, District 15 Lt. Governor with Thomas Shott, PA Kiwanis President. Representatives of the thirteen Kiwanian clubs of District 15 were on hand as Ken Leone, 2002/2003 Lieutenant Governor, passed the Home of Lieutenant Governor banner to Tom Kerr. Twelve of his fellow Montrose Kiwanians joined Tom to celebrate this occasion. One of Tom’s first duties was to hold a training session for new officers. Throughout the months of September and October, he installed all new officers in District 15, which includes 13 Kiwanis clubs. Tom will also host division council meetings during his term. Tom Kerr was one of the charter members of the Montrose Area Kiwanis, in 1974. The Montrose Club is honored to have Tom in this position and wish him well in this endeavor. PENNDOT Announces Local Promotions Susquehanna County – PENNDOT District 4-0 has announced six promotions at its maintenance facilities in Susquehanna County. James N. Bishop Jr. of Hallstead was recently promoted to Transportation Equipment Operator A, at the PENNDOT Lenox stockpile in Susquehanna County. He is part of a PENNDOT crew responsible for overall road maintenance in the Lenox area. Bishop received his high school education at the Candor Central School in Candor, NY. He and his wife have been married five years and have three children. In his free time, Bishop enjoys wood working, hunting and riding ATVs and snowmobiles. Paul F. Krzan of Forest City was recently promoted to Transportation Equipment Operator A, at the PENNDOT Herrick Center stockpile in Susquehanna County. He is part of a PENNDOT crew responsible for keeping state roads clear and safe for travelers during winter weather events. Krzan is a Lakeland High School graduate. Krzan has four children: Carina, Jimmy, Brianna and PJ and is currently engaged to be married to Debra London. In his free time, Krzan enjoys baseball, hunting, fishing, wood working, metal fabricating and volunteering with the Boy Scouts. Andy Mooney of Montrose was recently promoted to Transportation Equipment Operator B, at the PENNDOT Montrose Stockpile in Susquehanna County. Mooney is part of the PENNDOT crew that maintains the state roads in the Montrose area throughout the year. He has been a PENNDOT employee for seven years and is a Montrose Area High School graduate. Mooney and his wife, Diane have a son, Cade. In his free time Mooney enjoys camping and snow mobiling. Tom Swartz of Ararat was recently promoted to Transportation Equipment Operator B at the PENNDOT Herrick Center Stockpile in Susquehanna County. Swartz is part of a PENNDOT crew responsible for overall road maintenance in the Herrick Center area. He has been a PENNDOT employee for five years. Swartz and his wife, Tracey have been married for 11 years. The couple has a 6-year-old son, Marty, and a 1-year-old daughter, Kimberly. During his free time, Swartz enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with his children. Bryan Vogel of New Milford was recently promoted to Transportation Equipment Operator A, at the PENNDOT Great Bend stockpile in Susquehanna County. He is part of a PENNDOT crew responsible for snow removal during the winter months and overall road maintenance in the Great Bend area throughout the rest of the year. Vogel is a Blue Ridge High School graduate. He and his wife, Darsey have three children, Aaron, Justin and Sarah. Vogel enjoys outdoor activities during his free time. Richard Woodruff of Lenox was recently promoted to Diesel Mechanic, at the PENNDOT Susquehanna County Facility near Montrose. He is responsible for service and repairs of the PENNDOT fleet of trucks and equipment. Woodruff has been a PENNDOT employee for two years. He and his wife, Beverly have three children, Richard, James and Jennifer. Woodruff is a car enthusiast who also enjoys hunting and scuba diving during his free time. Peoples Financial Services Corp. reports that net income for 2003 exceeded 2002 by almost 11% at $5,564,000. Total assets at year end reached $371,334,000 vs. $346,842,000 at December 31, 2002, a gain of over 7% while net loans at December 31, 2003, were $233,374,000 compared to $219,258,000 at the same time last year, an increase of almost 6.5%. Total deposits at year end 2003 were $279,700,000 an increase of almost 8% over the December 31, 2002 deposit total of $259,187,000. An increase in dividend of 1¢ per share payable February 17, 2004, to shareholders of record as of January 30, 2004, was also announced. The regular quarterly dividend was increased to 18¢ per share. The increase in dividends reflects the policy of the bank’s Board of Directors to share increases in net income with shareholders. The Board also announced that regulatory approval has been received, which will allow a branch office to be established in Deposit, Broome County, New York. This will be the ninth community office for Peoples National Bank and the second in New York State. A third quarter 2004 opening is expected. As Yeoman and a member of Ship 90’s Quarterdeck, New Milford, PA, I realize Sea Scouting is more than just having a good time. We, as a crew went to Camp Round Meadow, in the Catoctain Mountains of Maryland, January 9 through 11. We learned about sailing, boating safety, navigation and piloting, marlinespike seamanship and many other nautical skills. Many people wouldn’t believe how much responsibility, mental and physical strength it takes to excel in this program. The weekend was awesome. The weather was horrible, but it didn’t affect us; we stayed in heated dorms and classrooms. We all signed up for classes we needed to advance in rank and improve our nautical skills. Our classes ranged from drill and engine repair to boat maintenance and sail repair. The food was great and in our free time we played basketball and enjoyed hacky-sack at a dance. The adult officers interact and really care a lot for the Sea Scouts, just like a family. I have trouble making friends and talking to people, but Sea Scouting has opened many long lasting friendships. The Sea Scouts in Ship 90 are hard working. We have a very young Sea Scout, Mike Rifenbury who knows a lot about computers and is setting up Ship 90’s own website. Most other organizations make us (kids) feel like we have nothing to look forward to. In the Sea Scouts, we have the same respect and responsibility as the adult officers, and I believe this is building on our future. If a Sea Scout makes the Quartermaster Rank (equal to Eagle Scout, but harder to earn) he or she can enter the US Navy or Coast Guard as an E-3. I want the best, so I can support myself and Sea Scouting is teaching me a lot about the real world. Sea Scouts of Ship 90 did Christmas caroling to many older and shut-in residents, as well as in Endless Mountains Hospital for the patients there. We had a very well attended Christmas party at the New Milford Baptist Church. Even though we had a major snowstorm that day and all other organizations shut down for the storm most of the Sea Scouts were there, enjoyed fine food and a film on the tall ship, "Danmark." The Sea Scouts will be at the Northeast Regional Ball and Bridge of Honor for Sea Scouts, held at the Holiday Inn near Philadelphia, on March 27. We will again sail (for nine days) the Sea Scout 46-foot ketch Der Pelikan on Chesapeake Bay, Maryland from June 19 to June 27; just a few berths are left! If interested call Skipper Barry Hall at 465–3919, or First Mate Marvin Van Cott at 465–7454. The Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission (NTRPDC), and the regional Youth Council conducted a Community Audit for Youth Services, which is a list of all services that are available to the area's youth. The list contains contact information and brief descriptions of each program and is conveniently organized by county. NTRPDC and the Northern Tier Youth Council serve the counties of Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, and Wyoming. NTRPDC oversees youth employment and training programs that assist eligible youth in achieving academic and employment success in the Northern Tier region. There are comprehensive activities that encourage graduation and link youth with local employers. The Youth Council meets bi-monthly. Any agencies interested in local youth programs are encouraged to attend. For copies of the audit or information on the Northern Tier Youth Council, please contact Sherry Felten at NTRPDC at (570) 265-9103 or e-mail felten@northerntier.org.. Corrections also may be submitted to NTRPDC.
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