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HEADLINES:
New Bridge Has "Old-Time" Look Wayne County – State and local officials joined PENNDOT Friday, August 13 for a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the completion of a new bridge with an old-time look. The new concrete bridge over Shadigee Creek in Starrucca, Wayne County, was built with a stone-like facade. The stone was fabricated to look like nearby stone walls along Shadigee Creek. Work on the $597,000 bridge replacement project along State Route 4012 began in April of 2003. The new bridge opened to traffic last November. The ribbon cutting ceremony marked the completion of the entire project.
Habitat
For Humanity Seeks Volunteers Habitat For Humanity of Susquehanna County PA, Inc. needs your help. We are currently remodeling a home on Cherry St., in Montrose and hope to start building a new home in Susquehanna Depot in the fall of this year. We are a Christian Organization and as Christians we are taught to share our talents and time with God’s people in need. Habitat’s mission is to eliminate substandard housing so that everyone has a simple, decent home to live in. We are a hand up, not a hand out organization. The people who eventually own these homes pay a no-interest mortgage for a period of 20 to 25 years. They are also required to work on their homes and obtain what is called sweat equity. It’s rewarding to volunteer! Won’t you please come and help us. We need skilled and unskilled people. This could be a good local mission for your church. Please call (570) 853–0926 today, to volunteer. You will be blessed beyond your wildest dream.
Revolutionary
War Hero Tombstone Returned During the Revolutionary War, Captain Isaac Benson served first as a private. He marched from Cheshire Co. to reinforce the army at Ticonderoga. He also served in the secret expedition to Tiverton, RI in 1777. He was given the title of Captain after his appointment to head a committee to select men and serve in the war. This was known as the Committee of Safety, Inspection and Correspondence. Prior to this, at the age of 18 in 1757, Isaac served in the French and Indian War. By 1765, Isaac settled in Richmond, NH. He is recorded as a surveyor of highways, grand juror, selectman, constable and moderator of town meetings. In the town records of Richmond for 1795-1796, Captain Isaac was granted the privilege of keeping a 'house of public entertainment', a 'tavern', and given a license for 'selling spirituous liquors.' The records also indicate he was appointed to be an appraiser, tax enumerator, pound keeper, and candidate for the senate. Captain Isaac walled a plot from his farm for a cemetery and consecrated it. In 1809, he built a tomb, or 'vault', which was the only one for many miles for more than one hundred years. On the marble slab, which forms the door of the tomb, is the following record: Erected in 1809 Captain Isaac Benson Mrs. Martha Benson, wife of Captain Isaac Benson Died April 10, 1803, aged 61 yrs. John Benson Isaac Benson Irena Miller Joanna Russel Lydia Nye Hosea Benson Henry Benson Caleb Miller Isaac Russel George Nye. In 1921, various members of the Benson family of Susquehanna, PA, visited the site in Richmond. The stone door was completely intact, with the entrance to the tomb available and a number of caskets observed. Several Benson family members again visited it in 1956. At that time, the door was broken in half with the top half on the ground and the bottom half cracked but in place. The rounded top with the date was missing from the stone. The tomb was empty of all caskets. In 1957, Caroline Tickner (deceased) and husband Vincent Griffis of Honesdale, PA and Robert and Helen Tickner of Wayne, PA, (all formerly of Susquehanna) visited the site noting that the door was in place. Caroline and Robert, brother and sister, are eighth in succession to Captain Isaac Benson. By 1965, with another visit by members of the Benson family, the bottom half of the stone door was in place, but the top half was on the ground. The Robert Tickner family visited in 1977, observing that the entire stone door was on the ground. The top half was in three sections and the bottom half in two. The top half-circle with the date was still missing. In 1980, Roger W. Hunt of Manchester, NH reported that the stone door was totally missing. Vincent and Caroline Griffis learned of the location of the stone and proceeded to recover it. The stone had been removed from the cemetery by the Rev. John Benson and stored under the porch of his home in Binghamton, NY. John and his wife both died with no living children. The 480 lb. stone, now in six sections, was removed and taken to the Griffis home in Honesdale. From 1989 to 2003, the future of the stone was discussed many times at the Benson Family Reunions held by the descendants, but no workable plan was developed until 2003. In June of 2003, Roberta Griffis and husband Douglas Bayly of Waymart, PA, and Robert Tickner and son, Robert traveled to the site of the tomb and developed a plan to assemble and install the stone door at the tomb site. Roberta and (son) Robert, first cousins, are ninth in succession to Captain Benson. The stone was removed from the Griffis home and taken to the Waymart home of Roberta and Douglas Bayly. It was cleaned and reassembled and then mounted to a re-enforced concrete slab. The stone was anchored to the slab with stainless steel bolts and epoxy. The concrete was coated with white marble mortar and now weighs in at 1000 pounds. This took place over the course of three months of weekend work by the Tickner and Bayly families with Arminda and Shane Bayly, children of Roberta and tenth in line to Captain Benson, assisting. On July 24, 2004, the stone (pictured above) was installed along side the door of the tomb and anchored to the existing granite door post. The installation crew consisted of Roberta and Douglas Bayly, Robert and Helen Tickner with sons Robert and William and Jay Benson of Clinton, Massachusetts.
H/GB American Legion Elects Leaders At a dinner-dance held in the Hallstead–Great Bend American Post 357, on August 7, newly-elected officers of the three units – Legionnaires, Sons of the Legion and Ladies Auxiliary – were installed with other new officers of the post.
Local Youth Learn About Good Forestry The Susquehanna County Conservation District (SCCD) participated in the Woodland Resource Camp on July 21. The 5 day camp was sponsored by Endless Mountain Resource Conservation & Development Council (Endless Mountain RC&D). Students ages 12-15 participated in this camp to learn about trees, wildlife, aquatic life, logging, streams, soil, forestry and how they are all connected. Woodland Resource Campers learn how forest products are used at Cornerstone Forest Products. The Susquehanna County Conservation District participated in this year’s camp by hosting a guided tour of several Susquehanna County businesses including Donald Dean and Sons Lumber, and Cornerstone Forest Products. The students also observed a portable band saw operation, several logging sites and a tree farm. The camp attendees were treated by The Conservation District at Salt Springs State Park for an evening barbecue followed by a hike throughout the park. The SCCD would like to thank Susquehanna County businesses for opening their doors to area youth so they could learn more about our natural resources.
Sea
Scouts Sail To St. Michaels Sea Scouts of Ship 90, New Milford, PA were one of four Sea Scout ships to sail to St. Michaels, Maryland from various points of Chesapeake Bay (Ship 90 sailed from Baltimore) this summer. The four Sea Scout ships conducted flag ceremonies for the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum; I played to the colors and the National Anthem, and everyone thought it was really good! After the flag ceremonies we changed out of our dress whites into working uniforms for gate duties and to help the little kids that visited the museum make toy sailboats. We also had visitors tour our 47-foot ketch sailboat, the "DER PELIKAN." A group of Girl Scouts came aboard; in fact, we were invaded, they came out of every hatch, porthole, vent, across the docking lines. I compared it to a McDonald’s play place, at rush hour. I was glad they got to see the boat, however I was glad when they were off the ship and we got back to normal! We met many fine and pleasant Sea Scouts from the other ships docked at St. Michaels. Our Boatswain Mate, Steve Spencer and myself especially enjoyed meeting and visiting a Sea Scout by the name of Laura; a very nice girl we hope to see again on another Sea Scout cruise! We also did much sailing on the 47-foot ketch DER PELIKAN, which carries three sails, the main, jib and mizzen. Owned by the friends of Sea Scouting of Maryland, they have been very supportive of Sea Scouting in New Milford. We sailed at four to six knots most of the time, practicing navigation, sail handling, galley duty, GPS and standing watches. We all had a turn at the helm when docking at St. Michaels, and all did very well. Other ports of call for the "DER PELIKAN" were the Marine Museum at Solomon’s Island on the Potomac River, and Annapolis, MD. We also practiced sailing a triangular course, some of it in 22 knot winds when I took the helm. We all had sore hands from handling the sails in this very stiff wind and we were heeled over so far the stanchions for the life lines were in the water! Some nights we sailed until 2:00 in the morning before docking or anchoring for the night. We also got to run the dingy a lot and were chased by a male goose. Of course we went to town when we were docked to eat at various restaurants, one being Buddy’s Sea Food Restaurant where the food was great and then on to the Ice Cream Factory for desert. Officers in command for Ship 90 this year were Chairman Chuck Jaget and First Mate Marvin Van Cott.
Former
Local Boy Has "Dream Job" Susquehanna Consolidated High School (Class of ‘63) graduate Bernie Oropallo is happy to proclaim he finally found his "dream job." Bernie is now a Bob Ross Certified Landscape/Seascape, Floral and Wildlife class instructor, based out of Central Florida. Bernie has a degree in Visual Communications from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and spent 15 years in the graphic arts industry as a designer, art director and account executive. He recently taught art in England, the Netherlands and is currently in Istanbul, Turkey. He has plans to teach in several other countries before returning to the United States. Bernie, son of the late Bernard Oropallo and Ann Oropallo, Washington Street, Susquehanna, commented, "While I was a student at Susquehanna, I was especially fond of art classes. I was greatly inspired by Isabel Parks and JoAnn DePew, two of my well admired art teachers. I have found it is never too late to pursue a dream, and art is a wonderful, creative way to express oneself."
United Way Kicks Off Annual Campaign The United Way of Susquehanna County will hold its 2004 Annual Campaign from August 16 through December 17 with a goal of $150,000. The Kick Off began at the Harford Fair where the United Way and its member agencies showcased the services they provide. "We have a dedicated group of local folks coordinating our efforts and we have co-chairs running the campaign, Cathy Chiarella and Marilyn Talboys," commented Alice Deutsch, United Way Board Chair. According to Deutsch, this is the third annual campaign and hopes are high. "The funds raised during this campaign will be allocated during 2005 to about 22 non-profit agencies serving all of Susquehanna County." Campaign Co-Chair Marilyn Talboys commented, "We are hoping to break all records this year and we’re expecting a very positive outcome." United Way donations come from corporations, small business, individuals, or employee pledges made through employers. The challenge is to make people and businesses aware of the new program and have those employed outside the county aware that they can designate the United Way of Susquehanna County. They can do this by writing in "United Way of Susquehanna County" on their employer’s United Way pledge form. You can also donate directly by completing the pledge form to be delivered during the month of September to every household through the newspaper. Forms are also available on-line at www.unitedwayofsusquehannacounty.org or by calling 278-3868 or emailing unitedway@epix.net. "This year anyone who donates is automatically eligible for one of six United Way prizes," said Joe Burke, United Way President. Burke went on to say, "The prizes were donated by some very generous business men who care very much about the communities they serve." He identified Rob Robinson from Rob’s Market in Great Bend as the donor of $500 worth of groceries and Scott Quigg from Pump ‘n’ Pantry stores as the donor of five $100 certificates for gas or products. Anyone wanting more information about the United Way or wishing to volunteer should contact the United Way offices.
Boy
Scout Needs Help On Project The following letter was taken from St. John’s Catholic Church bulletin of Sunday, August 15. The letter is self-explanatory, as the young scout has taken on a "huge" project to renovate the inside of St. John’s Cemetery vault. No doubt, it will be a big task for the young Scout. But with your help – the public, young or old, Scout Banko said, "It can be done." Please, read on: "Hello, my name is James Banko III, and I am a member of Boy Scout Troop 89 from Great Bend. I have been a member of St. John’s parish since 1994, and you may have seen me in CCD class, altar serving, at cemetery cleanups, or helping to build the new sidewalk. Currently, I hold the rank of Life Scout and am working toward the rank of Eagle Scout, which is the highest level of achievement in Scouting. One of the requirements for Eagle Scout is to perform a service project in the community, church or school. For my project, I chose to renovate the inside of the St. John’s Cemetery vault. This will include repairing holes, removing rust, cleaning and repainting the interior and doors, and installing a new drapery system. For this project to be successful, I need your help. Please call me if you would like to volunteer your time or loan/donate materials to this project. I plan to complete the project in September. You can contact me at 879–5388. Thank you in advance for your support. Materials needed include: safety goggles, dust masks, emery cloth, paint rollers with handles, star wall cleaner, rust neutralizer, plaster, paint thinner, scrub brushes with handles, floor squeegee, paint brushes."
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