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"1950"
Students Honored; Reunion Committee "Out" The 11th annual Susquehanna, Oakland and Laurel Hill Academy High School’s "50th" reunion was held June 5, 2004 at the Starrucca House. The three classes of 1954 were honored guests. With over 200 people attending, from all over the country, it was a night of "old friends meeting and talking about the long ago." This reunion will be the last masterminded by the "Big Six," namely, Joseph and Jean Galloway, Maylan and Audrey Keenan and Carl and Betty Lawrenson. Next year’s event will be handled by George Houghton and Corella Pierce and committee. It was a big task for the Galloways, the Keenans and the Lawrensons to keep such a large event going for the past eleven years. It was not an easy job. It took a lot of meetings to arrange the reunions. It took a lot of time to have invitations printed and mailed out. To do the job the "Big Six" did is just short of "greatness." To keep a function going for 11 years, in itself is a tribute to the dedication of them. What made it just a little difficult is the fact that Galloways live in Binghamton, the Keenans in Sidney, and the Lawrensons in Oakland Boro. They were given a standing ovation, and rightly so. To them, it’s "Hats Off" for a job very well done. Too numerous to mention all, a few former residents in attendance were: Mary Bauer from California; Katherine (Frye) Reagan of Florida; and Pat Kosethur of Sarasota, FL, a 1954 graduate, who had as a guest her mother, Sally Welch of Lanesboro. As several people put it, "It was a great evening, especially meeting old friends and reminiscing about the old days." Parting words heard as the party was getting over: "Hope to see you all next year." And with that another year, and another class was honored. (Note: My personal thanks to the Galloways, Keenans and Lawrensons, for without them, I doubt very much such a three-school reunion would have materialized. All of their work and traveling expenses were absorbed by the committee. The money collected was used to purchase letters of invitation, envelopes, stamps, food, entertainment and other incidentals. After 11 years they decided to "retire" and turn the reins over to the younger generation, who are already planning for next year’s event.)
Conservancy Announces Stewardship Awards Winners in Bridgewater, New Milford and More Countryside Conservancy announced its 2004 Stewardship Award winners at its annual meeting on April 21 at Keystone College. Nine property owners in and around the Tunkhannock Creek watershed were recognized as outstanding stewards of their farms, homes, buildings and grounds. The 2004 local awardees are Louis and Natalie Hawley for Jewel Farm in Bridgewater Township, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Benio for their home and grounds in Bridgewater Township, Carol Farrell for her home "Frosty Morning Farm" in Jackson Township, Elizabeth Sheldon for her Thompson home, Roger and Jeanne Dubé for their organic vegetable garden in Clifford Township, Eleanor and Chuck Lempke for the Lynn-Lee House in New Milford. All award winners received framed certificates, which included photographs of their properties.
The Hawleys of Jewel Farm in Bridgewater Township were recognized for their commitment to sustainable agriculture as demonstrated by rotational grazing, manure storage facility, seasonally milked cows, no-till farming, conservation plans and a woodland management plan. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Benio’s Bridgewater Township property was cited for the large number of mature trees around the house and the seeded drainage ditches which meander around the trees. This scenic property gives a sense of repose to neighbors and passers-by.
The Lempkes of New Milford were recognized for their preservation of a beautiful Victorian home and their creative development of an alternative use as a bed and breakfast. Lynn-Lee House and the gardens around it contribute to the attractiveness of New Milford's Main Street. The Stewardship Awards Committee was formed eight years ago by Roz Peck to express the Conservancy's appreciation for the efforts of good stewards of the land. Stewardship Awards Committee members are Sandra Boyle, Lydia Coulter, Margaret Hull, Cheryl Kaiser, Ernie Keller, Joanne Smith, Amber Zygmunt, and Ed Zygmunt. Mary Rhodes served as committee chair. Mary Felley is Executive Director of Countryside Conservancy. Countryside Conservancy conserves lands and water in and near the Tunkhannock Creek watershed for the public benefit now, and for the future. It is part of its mission to recognize and thank land owners and stewards who maintain their properties with respect for the lands’ conservation and cultural values and thereby bring pleasure to the public.
Happy
90th Birthday Fred Holtzman Fred Holtzman, a longtime resident of the area now residing with his daughter, Marsha Testa of Riverside Drive, Susquehanna, was "really" surprised on Saturday, May 29, 2004, when he walked into the Turnpike Terrace recreation room as relatives and friends greeted him with "Happy Birthday, Fred." Fred, known to many area residents, was born June 2, but observed his 90th birthday with relatives and friends on May 29. Not only was Fred greeted by friends, but he was "really surprised" as many members of his family from out-of-town were present. They were: Fred’s daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Bill French of New Port Richey, FL; his grandson William French; his great-grandson Will French, both of Falls Church, VA; a granddaughter, Kathy Koch and family of Waylon, NY; a grandson, Kevin Frail and family of Cohocton, NY. (A personal note: As they say, "You can’t keep a good man down"; day in, and day out, Fred can be "seen" rooting for his Yankees.) Happy, Birthday, Fred.
Pictured are seven (7) "water" snakes gathered in a tree overhanging the Starrucca Creek, by Stevens Point. The odd occurrence was noticed and pictured by Wanda Rockwell, Stevens Point in late May of this year.
Rep. Pickett Meets With Library Users On Wednesday, June 2, State Representative Tina Pickett visited the headquarters of the Susquehanna County Historical Society & Free Library Association in Montrose. She met with about twenty library users, friends, and staff to discuss the cuts in state funding. "You're doing the right things; keep writing letters," she said. (Addresses to write to are at the end of this article). Rep. Pickett expressed strong support for libraries and shared her confusion over the cuts (37% for 2004, and "only" 30% forecast for 2005; this represents about $100,000 for the Susquehanna County Library). Rep. Pickett explained that the House amendment which fully restored library funding to Governor Rendell's proposed budget is unlikely to be preserved. The House adds about 300 amendments to the budget. Each one, she says, is an expression of support for the program it funds, a way for legislators to make their voice heard. But when the budget goes to the Senate, all the House amendments are stripped off and the Senate adds on its own amendments (one of which restored an addition 10% to library funding on top of Governor Rendell's proposed 10% increase; this would result in a total cut of about 25% over 2003 funding levels). The budget keeps going back and forth until a conference committee meets and works out the final budget, which is inevitably a compromise. "I would love to see library funding completely restored," said Representative Pickett, "but I would hate for you to count on that and be disappointed." Library users and board members spoke again of the importance of the library for ongoing education, access to technology, recreation, and as a community center. Staff members spoke of their frustrations over the cuts. "We've always been frugal, re-using everything, getting the maximum from the little money we had," said cataloger Yasuko Ely, "and finally, after the 'Libraries in Distress' articles that showed our desperate straits, it was starting to turn around. We had more money for materials and staff and our users were seeing the benefits. Now it's being taken away." Librarian Hilary Caws-Elwitt spoke of the additional roles the library has taken on in the past decade: providing access to technology for individuals seeking jobs and skill training, and enabling small businesses to market themselves over the Internet and use sophisticated software. Rep. Pickett commented that it made her think about how a government program could have been set up for lots of money, building and staffing technology centers, but libraries are already doing it! Administrator/Librarian Susan Stone pointed out that all the new computers in the four county libraries were acquired through a federal grant, money that will be reduced because of the state cuts (federal funding is based on the amount of state funding), and Rep. Pickett regretted that libraries are therefore being hit twice by the cuts. Audience members expressed deep thanks to Representative Pickett for her time, her ongoing support in Harrisburg, and her helpful explanation of the budget process. Please consider writing a letter to Governor Rendell with copies to the legislative leaders, the head of the appropriations committee, and your state senator and representative, asking that state funding for libraries be fully restored for 2005.
North Jackson Ag The North Jackson 4H club held it’s third meeting on May 3rd at the Onyon’s house. The meeting began with the American and 4H pledges. Abby introduced Mary Cook who recently volunteered to take the "clover buds," or young 4h’ers and help them projects. Holly Carey read the club’s secretary’s report to the club. Tim Carey read the treasury report to the club even though not much had changed. Some of the 4H members reported on their recent Alpaca Show in Harrisburg. They said that they took four alpacas with them and received first place in the Halter class. They told the club that there were over twelve hundred alpacas at the show. Then Abby reminded the club of the old business that had to be taken care of. She said that candy money was due and had to be sent in as soon as possible. Sandy Pavelski also reminded the club that if anyone needed a project book they were to let her know. Holly Carey showed off her beautiful banner that will be used in the fair. The banner was homemade by her mom and herself. Eric Giangrieco told the club of his accomplishments In the Junior dairy judging contest in Delaware. Then Abby introduced some of the new business that needed to be discussed. The goat tagging would be at the Harford fair grounds for anyone that was interested. Horse members were reminded about the 4H horse clinic that would also be held at the Harford fair grounds. Any officers that wanted to go to officer training, it would be available on June fifth. Also, the shooting sports fun day on June 12 was be open to any 4H member interested. There would be a new livestock contest this year for the fair. The 4Her would need to come up with a new slogan for the livestock books. John did his demonstration on "how to use his insulin pump," which he uses for his diabetes.
The Susquehanna County United Way has many programs that are supported by contributions of concerned and caring individuals that live in our county. One of those programs provides simple, decent houses for families in need; Habitat for Humanity. Habitat International officially recognized "Habitat For Humanity of Susquehanna County PA Inc." on January 1, 1999; since then, they have rehabilitated two homes. The first was donated by The Community Bank & Trust Co., and was located on Locust St. in Montrose. Complete renovation was at a cost of $25,000.00 and a couple with four children was selected to occupy this home. The second house, purchased for back taxes, was located in Susquehanna Depot. $30,000.00 was required to renovate this house and a grandmother with a dependent grandchild will occupy this home. Habitat is not a give-away program but a hand up, not a hand out. The families pay a mortgage at no interest and no profit to Habitat for a period of twenty or twenty-five years. Per George Hill, who is on Habitat's Board of Directors, "Our families are required to contribute 150 hours per adult in what we call sweat equity before they are given possession of their homes." Habitat is not only providing simple, decent homes for families in need but improve the communities in which homes are located and provide new rateables which bring additional tax revenue to the communities and county. Making A Difference? Yes! For more information regarding Habitat For Humanity of Susquehanna County Pa. Inc. call (570)853-0926. For more information regarding the United Way of Susquehanna County contact Joe Burke at 36 Lake Avenue, Montrose, PA 18801, (570) 278-3868.
Blue
Ridge Senior Center Update Each month our Center Manger, Betty Kegleman prints out a calendar of events, telling of all the activities and doings here at the center. Come on in and pick one up, after you "see" I just bet you will "do" On the 4th of May we had a speaker sponsored by the Area on Aging and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging about the new Medicare Prescription Discount Card. This was a informational meeting and well worth anyone's time. The speaker, Julie Sexton, was very well informed, she told of the pros and cons of this new program and passed out some written material as well. During this same week we also had a speaker talk to us about anxiety and panic attacks. This was very informative and we learned quite a bit about this problem. Later in the month Mary Jane Westbrook also spoke about the new Medicare Prescription Program. Although she was the second person to speak about this, there was new information. Thanks to all who provide us with these important matters. May 14th we celebrated "National Senior Center Week." We held an open house to inform all who came what the Senior Centers provide. Health promotion and wellness education; this includes flu shots, information about nutrition, mental health, physical fitness as well as health screenings. Also activities such as cards, games, trivia, special dinners, music and community involvement. We also deliver Meals on Wheels and provide a place for senior citizens to relax, enjoy some sort of recreation and stay engaged with others. Many came out for the open house and as a result we have some new volunteers. We had our Birthday Cake as usual and our best wishes went to: Charlotte Wescott, Pearl Williams, Katherine Seward, Hattie Hunter, Evelyn Galloway, Herman Ebhart, Mary Deyo and our Manger Betty Kegleman. There were over twenty out for our dinner at Bingham’s Restaurant in Lenox; some by bus and some by car. All seemed to enjoy this meal out. Also swimming has been resumed at Elk Lake School. Our bus is full and some are going by car. This is a great activity. The AARP Fifty-Five Alive Driving session was held here for two afternoons. This excellent program refreshes one’s driving skills and it also helps with a discount on car insurance. There was a wonderful surprise Birthday Party for Fred Holtzman at the Lanesboro Senior Center. Fred celebrated being 90 years young. About ten from Blue Ridge attended. It was a great afternoon, music and refreshments. For many years Fred and his wife came to the Blue Ridge Center and he is well remembered and missed. We continue to play cards, dominoes. Exercise is very popular, many are coming out for this. We also have a treadmill machine that one can use. We keep busy and wish you all would come and keep busy with us. Till next time.
Collectors Auction Titanic Relics Three collectors connected to the sunken ocean liner Titanic combined their possessions and offered more than 250 items at auction June 10, in New York City. Gary Robinson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Robinson of Laurel St., Susquehanna, one of the collectors said the idea to sell was his originally, and he approached the other collectors, figuring it would maximize the auction potential if all of them offered their collections for sale at the same time. Gary resides in Oneonta, NY and is Director of Counseling at Hartwick College. He has spent more than ten years amassing the vessel’s material and said it’s difficult any time that you let go of something you’ve enjoyed collecting, but he is excited that the public would finally get a chance to appreciate these magnificent items that tell an important story. The Titanic sank on April 15, 1912 and about two thirds of those on board died in less than three hours.
Older Crime Victims Compensation Program HARRISBURG – Secretary of Aging Nora Dowd Eisenhower is urging older adults who are victims of crime to explore their rights under the Victims Compensation Assistance Program, operated by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. "Although nothing can erase the fact that you have been victimized, this program can help to ease the financial hardships that you may face as a result of crime," said Secretary Dowd Eisenhower. "I encourage older adults and their families to learn more about this important program." For older adults who are injured in a crime, the program can reimburse a variety of medical expenses, such as physical therapy, medications, ambulance travel, home health care, replacement of eyeglasses and dentures, and medical equipment and supplies. The program may also cover Social Security, pension/retirement or disability benefits that are stolen or taken through fraud. The program does not compensate victims for property losses. In addition, victims must meet certain eligibility requirements before receiving compensation assistance. During 2003, VCAP awarded 606 claims from older adults totaling $480,700. Those claims included stolen benefits, out-of-pocket medical expenses, replacement of medications or medical devices, loss of earnings, funeral expenses, relocation, crime scene cleanup costs and legal fees. Programs at Pennsylvania’s 52 Area Agencies on Aging refer elder victims for help from local victim service agencies and may provide assistance for compensation benefits. For detailed eligibility information or assistance in filing a claim, contact the Victim Compensation Assistance Program toll-free at 1-800-233-2339. Consumers seeking publications and other materials on the compensation program may call toll-free at 1-800-692-7292, extension 3227.
Uprights Observe 25th Anniversary! Mr. and Mrs. Mark Upright, 2179 Reeder Road, Montoursville, PA will observe their 25th wedding anniversary June 30, 2004. They were married by the Rev. John Houston, in St. Boniface Church, Williamsport. Mrs. Upright, the former Sharon Wright, is a native of Cogan Station. She is the daughter of Mary K. Wright, Cogan Station, and the late Dale M. Wright. She graduated from Montoursville Area High School in 1976 and received a degree in Computer Science Technology from the former Williamsport Area Community College, now Pennsylvania College of Technology, in 1978. She was employed by English’s Model Railroad Supply, Montoursville, the former Williamsport Fabricators, now High Steel Structures, Wenger Feeds, Elizabethtown, and Design Data Corp., Lancaster. She is a full-time homemaker and homeschool teacher. Mr. Upright, a native of Thompson, is the son of Kathryn Upright, Thompson, and the late Steave Upright. He graduated from Susquehanna Community High School in 1976 and received a certificate in Machinist General from the former Williamsport Area Community College in 1978. He has worked for the Williamsport Hospital, Bowen-McLaughlin, York, Amp Inc., Landisville, and Federal Express, Montoursville. He is employed at Textron Lycoming, Williamsport, having 26 years seniority. They are the parents of three daughters, Fawn, a senior music education major at Messiah College, Grantham, Fallon and Faith, at home and five sons, Austin, a sophomore computer-aided drafting/civil engineering major at Penn College, Evan, Dale, Abel, and Deken, at home.
Watershed Management Plan Is Available Cortland, NY – The Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) has released, for a 90-day public comment period a draft plan regarding groundwater management throughout the Susquehanna basin. The 160-page draft plan, Groundwater Management Plan for the Susquehanna River Basin, includes an assessment of the current groundwater problems and management issues, and a series of 37 recommended actions needed to ensure the sustainability of the basin’s groundwater resources and to address impacts on the resource, including those from growth and development, droughts, current and past mining, transfers out of watersheds, unknown and unregulated uses, and management measures. The Susquehanna basin is a 27,510-square-mile area covering portions of upstate New York, about half of Pennsylvania and the area of Maryland where the Susquehanna river drains into the Upper Chesapeake Bay. The basin holds about 69 billion gallons of groundwater and nearly half of the basin’s 4.2 million residents rely on groundwater for its drinking water supply. The draft plan is available on SRBC’s website at www.srbc.net and on CD-ROM or hard copy format upon request. Persons interested in commenting on the draft plan should direct their comments by September 9, 2004 to Paula Ballaron, Section Chief, Project Review and Compliance Susquehanna River Basin Commission, 1721 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102, phone (717) 238–0423, ext. 222; fax (717) 238–2436; e-mail pballaron@srbc.net.
Wayne County - The Dessin Animal Shelter has an ever changing wish list which contains items that are currently needed at the shelter, and the list changes monthly. You can help the animals by purchasing items on the list and dropping them off at the shelter, located directly behind the Wayne County Fairgrounds at 138 Miller Drive, Honesdale. June’s list: liquid laundry soap, bleach, scoopable cat litter, regular cat litter, canned cat food, cat toys, kitten food, ceramic food dishes. The Dessin Animal Shelter would like to remind everyone that this year’s horse show will be held on July 18 at Lake Equestrian Center, Lake Ariel. For more information call the shelter at 570-253-4037.
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