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HEADLINES: County Monument Being Restored
April Is Environmental Awareness Month The Susquehanna County Commissioners proclaimed April "Environmental Awareness Month" in Susquehanna County during their public meeting April 7. Joining them were members of various county agencies as well as others involved in environmental projects within the county. Toby Anderson, Friends of Salt Springs State Park, thanked the commissioners for their support and interest in the preservation of the county’s natural resources. "The thing that is bringing people to the county and keeping them here is the beautiful environment," he said. He explained a new educational program developed by the Friends of Salt Springs State Park called Earth, Ecology and the Environment (E3). It is a comprehensive fourth grade environmental learning program designed to help public school teachers meet the majority of the Pa. Academic Standards in Environment and Ecology. The program is available to all public schools in the county. Newly appointed Conservation District Manager, Jim Garner stated, "I look forward to working with the public in my new position and continuing environmental educational programs in our County."
Pictured (l-r) to recognize Environmental Awareness Month are: front row – Bill Zick, Recycling Director, Derek Smith, West Nile Virus Coordinator, Co. Commissioner Roberta Kelly, Jim Garner, Conservation District Manager, Steve Fisher, Watershed Specialist; back row – Leif Winter, CSA representative, Toby Anderson, Friends of Salt Springs, Co. Commissioner Jeff Loomis, PA Forester Jim Kessler, Co. Commissioner MaryAnn Warren, Steve Bruno, Sue Chance, Salt Springs Environmental Ed Coordinator. Jackson P.O. Honors Pratt Memorial Library Jackson Postmaster, Diane Stanley, recently honored the board members of the Pratt Memorial Library with a presentation of the Dr. Seuss stamp. This commemorative stamp honors Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, on the 100th anniversary of his birth. A uniquely imaginative writer and illustrator, Dr. Seuss introduced generations of children to the joys of reading. He won a Pulitzer Prize in 1984 for entertaining and educating Americans for nearly 50 years.
Pictured (l-r) at the presentation are: seated – Cheryl Salinkas, Betty Mitchell, Nancy Van Cott, Jo Ann Kelly, Beverly Updyke; standing – MaryAnn Warren, Sue Lewis, Avis Morgan, Postmaster Diane Stanley, Skip Jorgenson. The Pratt Memorial Library was built on Main Street, New Milford in 1903. Some of the services provided are: internet access, computer, large print books, tax forms, photocopier, and Summer Story Hour. Mrs. Betty Mitchell is the Librarian. The framed sheet of Dr. Seuss stamps is on display at the library. SCDED Welcomes New Board Member Members of the Susquehanna County Department of Economic Development Board of Directors welcomed Sue Fitch to the board at their March 25 meeting. Sue is Group Sales Director at Elk Mountain Ski Resort and a realtor with Pass Realty. Sue also serves on the Board of Directors of the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau and is currently vice-president of that organization. She also serves on the Susquehanna County Tourism Committee. Pictured (l-r) are SCDED Board members: Joe Andre, Elizabeth Janoski, Sue Fitch, Jack Ord, Helen Foster and John Kameen. The department’s board of directors meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at the county office building, 31 Public Avenue, Montrose, PA. Meetings begin at 1: 30 p.m. Sea
Scout Ship 90 North Star Update Sea Scout Earns Silver Award
Other highlights of the recharter meeting was establishing that Ship 90 has qualified for the National Standard Ship award again this year and the promotion of Third Mate Helen Reed to Second Mate for the Ship. Also, Ben Fisher was welcomed into the crew as a new Sea Scout. The Sea Scouts elected a new Quarterdeck (officers) and they were as follows: Nicole Conrad – Boatswain, Steve Spencer reelected as Boatswain Mate, Jacob Brizzolara – Crew Leader, Ben Fisher – Yeoman, David Navickas – Purser, Mike Spencer – Storekeeper, and Mike Rifenbury – Web Master. Northeast Region Ball & Bridge Of Honor
Also providing leadership to Ship 90 at the ball and bridge of honor was Vice President Diane Brizzolara, of the Sea Scout Association, sponsor of Sea Scouting in New Milford. On this same day, March 27, two Sea Scout officers, Commodore Ron Hall and Second Mate Helen Reed attended the University of Scouting leaders’ training at Broome Tech, Binghamton, NY. Sailing Chesapeake Bay I-81 Welcome Center Groundbreaking Held Susquehanna County – State, county and local officials gathered Monday, April 5, for a groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of construction on the new Interstate 81 Welcome Center Building in Susquehanna County. The new Welcome Center is being built along Interstate 81 about 1/2 mile south of the border with New York State. "It’s great to see work get underway on this long-awaited project," said Mike Peapos, Regional Construction Director for the Pennsylvania Department of General Services. "Soon, the tens of thousands of Interstate 81 travelers who enter Pennsylvania from New York each day will get a big ‘Pennsylvania Welcome’. This new Welcome Center will be a wonderful place to stop, take a break and find out about all that Pennsylvania has to offer for visitors." Officials brave the chilly weather to break ground for the new $2 million Welcome Center Building along Interstate 81 in Susquehanna County near the New York State border. The new Welcome Center is expected to open in early 2005. From left: Bob Doble, PENNDOT Acting District Executive; Walter Galloway, Great Bend Township Supervisor; George Haskins Great Bend Township Supervisor; Roberta Kelly, Susquehanna County Commissioner; State Representative Tina Pickett; State Representative Sandra Major; State Senator Roger Madigan; Christine Hull, PENNDOT Tourism Services Manager. The Welcome Center will provide free information on walking, riding, and driving routes, travel accommodations, local and regional attractions, as well as general information on points of cultural, institutional, educational, and entertainment interest throughout the state. Also featured will be displays of artifacts and products from the Susquehanna County region as well as products and services available locally. "Welcome Centers provide vital travel counsel, products and services to users of Pennsylvania’s transportation system," said Christine Hull, PENNDOT Tourism Services Manager. "By driving safe, efficient and economic stimulating travel throughout the Commonwealth, they support the economic development potential of Pennsylvania’s second largest industry, tourism." The new Welcome Center facility will be approximately 8,400 square feet. It will include a welcoming area of approximately 3,100 square feet and a combined rest stop-rest room facility of approximately 4,200 square feet, with approximately 1,100 square feet of merged function area comprising the building's main lobby and circulation space. Total cost of the facility is $6 million: $2 million for the building and $4 million for the exit and entrance ramps, parking lot and other site improvements.
Commissioners Recognize County 9-1-1 Dispatchers Montrose, PA – The Susquehanna County Commissioners, at their March 24 meeting, adopted Proclamation #2004–03, designating the week of April 11-17, 2004 as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. Introduced to Congress by the Association of Public-Safety Officials (APCO) International in 1991, National Public-Safety Telecommunications Week is the second week of April each year. This week is dedicated to public safety Telecommunicators who aid in providing 9-1-1 emergency assistance to citizens everywhere. Every day, millions of people depend on the skill, expertise and commitment of the men and women who work in public safety telecommunications. These individuals help save countless lives and property by responding to emergency calls, dispatching emergency professionals and equipment and providing moral support to citizens in distress. The term "9-1-1" is often associated with rapid emergency response, poise under pressure, aid and compassion in times of distress and critical decision-making within seconds. Many people don’t stop to think about these seemingly nameless, faceless individuals until they experience actual emergencies themselves. These professionals make the difference between life and death in many instances. By officially recognizing these public safety telecommunications professionals, the Susquehanna County Commissioners and APCO hope to awaken public awareness and promote much-needed education regarding important public-safety issues and legislation. Dispatchers from the Susquehanna County 9-1-1 center were honored at the Commissioners’ meeting. For more information about the Susquehanna County E9-1-1 Center or about National Public-Safety Telecommunications Week, call EMA/911 Coordinator Dawn Watson or Deputy Coordinator Mark Wood at (570) 278–3841. PNB Hosts Employee Recognition Dinner Peoples National Bank held its annual Employee Recognition dinner on Wednesday, April 7, at the Montrose Bible Conference. There were 126 employees, directors and associate directors in attendance. President Jack Ord presented a short overview of Peoples National Bank’s performance in 2003, which was yet another record year, and the bank’s plans for the current year. The following awards were presented to employees: Service Awards: five years – Suzie Brant, Amy Walsh, Elizabeth Colwell, Sue McKeen, Lori Sampson, Audrey Rickard. Ten years – Laura Conarton. Fifteen years – Lisa Willchock, Steve Stranburg, Ronda Mooers. Twenty years – Lois Rice, Mary Lou Decker. Twenty-five years – Beth Bluhm. Thirty years – Sandy Button. Perfect Attendance Awards: Helen Calabro, Elizabeth Colwell, Laura Conarton, Debbie Dissinger, Marj Eberly, Joe Ferretti, Judy Krafjack, Fred Malloy, Martha Morris, Jackie Murray, Jack Ord, Kitrina Phillips, Linda Place, Dawn Price, Lauretta Ralston, Barb Reynolds, Audrey Rickard, Mick Saravitz, Russell Sears, Chris Shuster, Barb Stockholm, Marlene Tomcykoski, Eric Upright, April Walker. Diploma Awards for employees who earned diplomas in 2003: Chris Baker, Jason Miller, Chris Shuster, Mary Jo Warner, Debbie Chidester, Nina Bills, Laura Conarton, April Walker, Martha Morris, Jackie Murray, Cheryl Myers, Debbie Thomas, Elizabeth Colwell, Holly Singer, Florence Bucci, and Russell Sears who earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance. There were also 69 dinner certificates given out to employees who earned "A" grades out of the 83 classes that were taken in 2003. Teller Accuracy Awards: Audrey Carr, Penny Clark, Nina Bills, Pat Robbins, Lauretta Ralston, Kim Henry. Platform Accuracy Award: Martha Morris. Administrative Support Awards: Audrey Rickard, Tanya Osterhout, Holly Singer. Volunteering and Community Service Award: Suzie Brant. Top Sales Performance Awards: Susie Rosenkrans, Heather Colwell, Linda Place, Darlene Slocum, Lori Sampson, Barb Pompey, Amy Walsh, Beth Bluhm, Sam Hayward, Jackie Murray, April Walker, Martha Morris, Jason Miller, Judy Krafjack, Bonnie Phelps, Lois Rice, Debbie Chidester, Barb Stockholm, Tom Bush, Eric Upright, Rick Soden, Ronda Mooers, Amy MacConnell, Howard Updyke. Pat Robbins and Sandy Button each won the grand prize drawing of an extra week of vacation. Local Poet Gets Bell's Poet Rating Patricia Sarazen, of Susquehanna has placed in the top 50 in the nation for "Phantoms of Night," a poem appearing in the previous issue of Bell’s Letters Poet Magazine of Gulfport, Miss. The rating is based on a vote of their readers in the 48 contiguous states, Hawaii and five foreign nations. Some 2,000 votes are cast after each issue for more than 100 finalists. The results placed this poem in 22nd place. Bell’s Letters Poet has been publishing since 1956. Harford Apartments Granted Income Waiver Susquehanna County Housing/Redevelopment Authority is pleased to announce that the Department of Housing and Urban Development has approved an income waiver for Harford Village Apartments, located at 23 School Street, Harford, PA. The age requirement still remains the same, 62 years of age or older. The income limit has been raised from Very Low Income to Lower Income, which is as follows: one person $26,700; two persons $30,550. The waiver is only in effect until September 17, 2004 for this income. Please contact Ruth Ann Batzel, Manager at (570) 434-2834 or the Main Office at (570) 278-4096 for more information. Bristen Lynn Phillips, daughter of Brien Phillips and Jamie Oakley, Susquehanna, will celebrate her first birthday April 17, 2001! Maternal grandparents are James and Linda Oakley, Lanesboro. Paternal grandparents are Ed and Donna Corbin, Susquehanna and Michael Phillips, Great Bend; great-grandmother is Regina McMahon; great uncle is Harold McMahon, both of Susquehanna. Congratulations, Bristen! County Gets West Nile Virus Grant HARRISBURG – Reps. Tina Pickett (R-Susquehanna) and Sandra Major (R-Susquehanna) said that Susquehanna County is the recipient of a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) grant to assist county efforts to control mosquito infestations. "The $92,970 grant will allow the county to establish a mosquito monitoring and surveillance program to determine if West Nile virus – carried by mosquitoes – is present in the region," Pickett said. "West Nile virus can be fatal to humans and horses," Major said. "I am delighted that the state is committed to controlling it in Susquehanna County." In 2003, the county took 429 mosquito samples with two positive results found. Six dead birds were found to carry the West Nile virus. Last summer there were 247 confirmed cases of West Nile virus in Pennsylvania residents and eight people died from the disease. Food Distribution Network Established TREHAB and the local food banks are in the process of setting up a food recovery and distribution network within the county. With the cooperation of the grocery stores in the county, Food Recovery and Distribution Network Containers will be placed in the following supermarkets throughout the county beginning with Schneider’s Market in Susquehanna and the lobby of Barnes-Kasson Hospital. Canned food, pastas and other non-perishable food items can be placed in the containers. These food items will be picked up and distributed to the food banks in Susquehanna, Montrose and Forest City. Additional barrels will be placed throughout the county as they become available. Another method of food collection will be through the different clubs and organizations within the county. Non-perishable food items can be brought with the members of the organization to their meetings, which will then be picked up and taken to the food banks for distribution. If your organization would like to participate contact Dan Wolfe at Barnes-Kasson Hospital or at 853–4611. All collected food items will be distributed within the county. If any individual or organization would like to donate clean, non-chemical plastic barrels to this project please contact Dan Wolfe at the above number.
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