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Engagement Announced Halbohm – Ficarro Mr. George Halbohm, Eagle Valley, NY and Ms. Meri Halbohm, Mahwah, NJ are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Heather, to Mr. Andrew Ficarro, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles (Rita) Ficarro, Susquehanna, PA.
ANDREW and HEATHER Heather graduated from Waldwick High School, Waldwick, NJ and is a senior at Montclair State University, majoring in Education. She plans to graduate and teach in the elementary education field. Andrew graduated from Susquehanna Community High School and SUNY Delhi with an Associate Degree in Landscape Engineering. His is currently in advertising and printing sales at the Susquehanna County Transcript.
Dr. Paul B. Kerr is retiring, literally at age 80. His last day of office appointments is on his 80th birthday, March 17, 2005. He has served the Montrose community for 53 years. As I interviewed him in his home, he spoke of all the various jobs he held over that span of years. He began a practice here in Montrose back in 1952 when he partnered with Dr. Raymond L. Bennett after graduating from Northwestern University in Chicago. He and Dr. Bennett married sisters, Donna and Eudora Smith. Donna was an RN who worked with her husband for many years as his nurse and later as a directress of nurses for Montrose General Hospital. His career really began in the Army where he served in Korea for 2 years as a medical officer. After building a clinic in 1952, partners Drs. Bennett and Kerr continued to expand. In 1956 they built the Medical Arts Hospital which is presently part of the Endless Mountains Health Systems and is one of seven critical access hospitals in Pennsylvania. They also built the Medical Arts Nursing Home which is now Meadow View Senior Living Center. I was amazed as he expanded on all the jobs he held. Besides being a family practitioner and making house calls in his “little red jeep,” Dr. Kerr worked as an Anesthesiologist for 40 years, worked in Obstetrics delivering about 3000 babies, served in the Emergency Room of the hospital and also was Hospital and Nursing Home Administrator for a time.
As if that didn’t keep him busy, he was very active in the Rotary, helping to arrange for 400 Youth Exchanges, 17 of which lived with the Kerrs for a time. He also belonged to the Susquehanna Co. Medical Society and was president for a time and is currently the Secretary. He is a member of the PA Medical Society and the AMA. He and his wife not only traveled all over the world but also attended 15 Rotary International Conventions at which Dr. Kerr also served as a presenter. They managed to raise 3 children and included them in trips to Europe. His oldest daughter became an exchange student herself. She spent her entire 16th year in Belgium. He mentioned that he had just received an e-mail from one of his Swiss daughters and still keeps in touch with a few of the exchange students. In 1993-94, Dr. Kerr was NE PA Rotary Governor for 48 clubs. During that year Donna Kerr, his wife drove him 16,000 miles. He conducted a district conference in the Poconos in 1964. He still serves as Secretary of the past Governor’s Group. He is currently a member of the Evangelical Free Church and a member of the board on the Montrose Bible Conference. Religion is an important part of his life. He volunteers for Church activities and is also a Sunday school teacher. I met Dr. Kerr when he became my mother’s doctor after moving here three years ago. I was amazed at how sharp his mind was when I found out his age. What impressed me about him the most was his caring, non-rushed attitude. One time my mother had to wait longer than usual, she was worried about my husband waiting outside in the car. When she voiced her concerns, he wanted to go out to the car to apologize to him for the long wait. His part-time schedule affords him the luxury of taking time with each patient. He stressed the fact that a young doctor who has to support his family must be quick so he can see more people. He praised Endless Mountains Health Systems for their state of the art digital x-rays and regular visits of the specialist/consultants. While he is impressed with the improvements technology has brought, he laments the lack of human interaction. He also is strongly suspicious of the drug companies in the United States. I wondered what made him decide to retire. He said his children talked him into it and the fact that his wife is ill. He wants to be available for her. She is living at Harts Personal Care Home and would be happy to receive phone calls and visits from friends. He will also be able to finish his book about the civil war surgeon Dr. Dunn. Dr. Kerr obtained access to 140 letters that Dr. Dunn wrote to his wife from the battlefield. The letters are full of military information that was never subject to censorship. It sounds like a very fascinating book.
Lee Schroeder Gets Peer Recognition "I still don't believe it," is what Letitia [Lee] Schroeder of Jackson is saying about her selection for the 2005 Northeastern Pennsylvania Theatrical Alliance Lifetime Achievement Award. Schroeder was nominated for this honor by her colleagues in the Endless Mountains Theatre Company, and was overjoyed when she was informed that representatives of the various participating NEPTA companies had chosen her. Though Schroeder herself is stunned, those who have worked with her are not the least bit surprised. "Being nominated by your peers is the highest form not only of flattery but of congratulations," says NEPTA President Paige Balitski. Balitski explains that Schroeder's award reflects both the "sheer number of years" of her involvement with theater and her "total dedication." She adds that an important criterion for this award is a candidate's proven commitment to the support and elevation of community theater – goals that extend beyond mere participation. Schroeder took part in high school Gilbert & Sullivan productions, and as a young woman continued to thrive in the amateur theater world. As life took her from place to place, her credits included such ventures as church productions and a hospital-sponsored "Follies". In the 1960's and 1970's, Schroeder worked with New Jersey theater groups, notably the Demarest Little Theater and the Woman's Club of Haworth. She was active both on and off the stage, and she particularly remembers productions of Guys and Dolls and South Pacific as high points. "That was a fun time for me," she says. She also proudly remembers her Best Supporting Actress Award from an annual drama festival.
Her connection to Susquehanna County began in 1969 (she's been a permanent resident since 1980). Soon after EMTC was born in 1999, Schroeder was elected to the group's Board of Directors and continued serving in various behind-the-scenes ways for several years. And in 2002, she took to the stage once again when she was cast as Grandma Nunzio in the company's wildly popular version of Tony n' Tina's Wedding. The seventh annual NEPTA Awards – our region's answer to the Tony Awards – will be held at 7:00 p.m. sharp on March 19 at the Lackawanna College's Mellow Theater, 501 Vine St. in Scranton. Tickets for this gala, black-tie evening of excitement and entertainment are available at the door. And when the performers, directors, and technical staff of EMTC turn out to honor their own Lee Schroeder, they will also be eagerly awaiting the announcements of this year's winners in numerous on- and off-stage categories. EMTC took five NEPTA trophies in 2004 – so stay tuned for this year's results!
Rep. Pickett Maintains Perfect Attendance HARRISBURG - Rep. Tina Picket (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) has been recognized for maintaining a perfect floor attendance record since first being elected to the state House in 2001. House Majority Whip, Rep. David Argall (R-Berks/Schuylkill), presented Pickett with a certificate noting her accomplishment.
Rep. Tina Pickett accepts a certificate of appreciation for perfect attendance during House floor sessions from House Majority Whip David Argall. "Tina serves her constituency very well by being present at each floor session and thoroughly researching the legislation that is scheduled for a vote," Argall said. "The residents of her district are fortunate to be represented by such a conscientious legislator who also speaks out for her constituents and all Pennsylvanians." "The first and foremost responsibility as a state representative is to be prepared to vote on behalf of the residents of the 110th District," Pickett said. "That is why I have made it a point to be at the Capitol in the House chamber and prepped on the legislative agenda every day the House sits in session." In addition to voting on bills and resolutions that come before the House, Pickett serves on five standing House committees during the 2005-06 session, including the Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Intergovernmental Affairs, Insurance, Tourism and Recreational Development, and Game and Fisheries committees. The third-term lawmaker also serves as chairman of the Subcommittee on Recreation.
Engagement Announced Roe – Adee Ron and Paula Roe are proud to announce the engagement of their daughter, Amy M. Roe of Susquehanna, PA to Brandon C. Adee of Endicott, NY.
BRANDON & AMY Amy graduated from Susquehanna Community High School and Central Penn College. She is currently employed by Twin Tier Home Health of Vestal, NY. Brandon is the son of Duane and Joyce Adee, natives of the Binghamton, NY area. He graduated from Union–Endicott High School. He is currently employed by Broome–Tioga BOCES at the Teacher Registry in Endicott, NY. A wedding is planned for June 18, 2005 at Thompson United Methodist Church, Thompson, PA.
Theresa Chambers-Grocé To Visit Post 6223 Theresa Chambers Grocé will visit the Great Bend VFW Post 6223 on March 20, at 2:00 p.m. for a scheduled district meeting.
THERESA CHAMBERS-GROCE´ Theresa Chambers-Grocé joined the Ladies Auxiliary to the Willie G. Childs VFW Post 974 in 1974 and became a Life Member of the Auxiliary in 1989. She was elected Auxiliary President for ten terms and has served as Auxiliary Conductress, as well as Membership and VFW National Home Chairman during the year 2003-04. Sister Grocé was elected President of the Ladies Auxiliary to District 7 VFW for three consecutive terms, 1996-97, 1997-98, and 1998-99. She was named District President of the Year 1996-97 and received the top award for her District reaching 100% membership by December 31, 1996. She also received a national award for this accomplishment. As District President for her third term in 1997-98, Sister Grocé again received the top award for her District reaching 100% in membership by December 31, 1997, which represented her District reaching the highest percentage of paid members for seven consecutive months. She also received the Outstanding District President Award for submitting the best District Report, which represented administration/leadership, operations of Auxiliaries within her District and participation on the Department level, which included being a member of Council. Sister Grocé served as District Guard and Membership Chairman for the year 2003-04. On the Department Level, Sister Grocé was nominated and elected Guard for the Department of Pennsylvania Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Department Convention held June, 1999 in Harrisburg. At the Department Conventions held in 2000, she was elected as Conductress, 2001 elected as Chaplain, 2002 elected as Jr. Vice President and 2003 elected as Sr. Vice President. She also served on the Executive Committee for the 2001 Department Convention held in Philadelphia, PA and current Committee for the Convention to be held in Valley Forge, PA. In addition to being a Life Member of her Auxiliary, Sister Grocé is also a Life Member of the Pennsylvania Scotland School for Veterans Children and VFW National Home for Veterans Children. She is a registered Service Officer for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Veterans Benefits and a member of the Four Chaplains. Theresa A. Chambers-Grocé was elected and installed as State President of Pennsylvania at the 80th Annual Convention held at the Radisson Hotel in Valley Forge, PA on June 19, 2004.
This adorable two-year old male Terrier/Shihtzu mix was found off of Interstate 81 near Hallstead. He’s a sweet dog and is probably looking for his family. If he’s yours, please claim him soon. If not, please come and give him a good home. He’ll be waiting for you at the Susquehanna County Humane Society Shelter, in Montrose, (570) 278–1228.
Beautify Roadways Funds Available DUNMORE – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT) is offering Quality of Life funds to local groups to help beautify state highways under the state’s Adopt and Beautify program. Under the Quality of Life Program, groups like municipalities, schools and religious organizations can submit an application for funding for projects to help make Pennsylvania beautiful by planting and maintaining trees, shrubs and flowers along state highways. “This is a way to help keep Pennsylvania beautiful,” PENNDOT District Executive Stephen Shimko said. “It would be a great public service to adopt a small section of land along a state highway for this program.” Shimko pointed out that groups who participate in the beautification program will be recognized for their effort with a sign installed at the adopted location. “Your participation would be a source of pride in the community,” he said. According to Shimko, groups who apply for the Quality of Life funds will be required to enter into an agreement with PENNDOT to maintain the adopted area for two years. Groups will be responsible for weeding, trimming and pruning the site. PENNDOT will award the Quality of Life funds on a first-come basis. If the amount of requests exceeds the limited amount of funds available, the application will be judged against criteria to prioritize the projects. When applying groups must include a description of the project with the estimated cost for materials and installation. Groups can also choose to install the plantings themselves. Applications are due by the end of April and the project completed by the end of June. For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Homepage at www.state.pa.us or visit PENNDOT directly at www.dot.state.pa.us.
Financial Assistance For Crop Insurance WASHINGTON – Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced the availability of up to $5 million to help agricultural producers purchase crop insurance in 15 historically underserved states. USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA) will provide financial assistance to producers under the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program, authorized by the Federal Crop Insurance Act (FCIA). "Crop insurance is a vital part of risk management in agriculture," said Johanns. "These funds will help and encourage farmers in underserved states to use crop insurance to manage their price and production risks." This assistance will be in addition to the subsidy already authorized in the Act. Funding will be provided through USDA's Commodity Credit Corporation. Policies eligible for this additional funding include all buy-up policies for the 2005 crop year having sales closing dates on or after February 10, 2005, and acreage reporting dates before September 30, 2005 in the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming. Nursery policies signed on or after February 10, 2005 and meeting all the nursery rules and regulations will also be eligible for this assistance. This assistance is not available for catastrophic risk protection policies or for those insured under the Livestock Risk Protection and Livestock Gross Margin plans of insurance. No additional application is required to be eligible for this assistance. The funding will be automatically applied to all policies meeting the criteria. For specifics on targeted States assistance, refer to the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Manager's Bulletin located on the RMA website at http://www.rma.usda.gov/news/managers/2005/pdf/mgr-05-002.pdf.
Engagement Announced Dymond – Humbert Douglas and Harriet Dymond of East Stroudsburg and Dave and Connie Humbert of Great Bend announce the engagement of their children, Megen Dymond and Zach Humbert. The bride-elect is a graduate of Stroudsburg High School and attended Northampton Community College in Tannersville. She is employed as a settlement processor for Synergy Management Group in Marshalls Creek. Her fiancé is a graduate of Blue Ridge High School and East Stroudsburg University, where he received a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. He is employed in receiving for Ahart’s in Blakeslee. A wedding is planned for June 3, 2006.
Following is the list of names drawn to serve as Petit and Traverse jurors for March, 2005 to appear in the Court of Common Pleas, Susquehanna County Courthouse, main courtroom, Montrose, PA on the seventh day of March, at 9:00 a.m. Auburn Twp.: Bonita Emerick, Richard J. Giordano, Cathleen L. Noldy, Jane Overfield. Bridgewater Twp.: Kristopher R. Barron, Deborah L. Farr, Lorraine M. Fino, Janet F. Frystak, Kathleen A. Goerlitz, David R. Parsons, Robert D. Remington, Brenda Steingraber, Carole J. Wood. Brooklyn Twp.: Christopher R. Drake, Thomas Kent, Deborah Roblyer. Choconut Twp.: Robert A. Purdy. Clifford Twp.: Anthony R. Maloney, Bradley W. Megivern, Lori Pesek, Henry J. Verboys, Thomas J. Virbitsky, Darlene Wallinger. Dimock Twp.: Connie Charles. Forest City Boro 2W: William Kubus. Franklin Twp.: Robert B. Kolar. Gibson Twp.: Barbara A. Canfield. Great Bend Twp.: Paul M. Colton, Julie E. Nelson, Christine M. Oliver, Robert W. Rowe, Mary S. Tanner. Hallstead Boro: Sandra S. Darrow. Harford Twp.: Michelle Forba, Jennifer J. Pisasik, Katherine Walker, Lois Wert. Harmony Twp.: Byron White. Herrick Twp.: Wayne Chudleigh. Jackson Twp.: Barry R. Wallace. Jessup Twp.: Ellen DiPhillips. Lathrop Twp.: James M. Karhnak, Jr. Lenox Twp.: Marguerite Ann Gow, John D. Suhadolnik. Liberty Twp.: Carol Bennett, Arthur J. Chambers, Elaine G. Lyon, David E. Warner. Montrose Boro 2W: Charles Robert Orner II, Larry Strohl. New Milford Boro: Mary B. Tingley. New Milford Twp.: Fawn Forsyth, Annmarie B. Marcy. Oakland Boro: Deborah Frye. Rush Twp.: Donna Grillo. Springville Twp.: Joseph M. Arnold. Susquehanna Boro 2W: Thomas Dooley. Thompson Twp.: Albert Baker. Union Dale Boro: Larry J. Dilello, Jean M. Mitchell.
Turnpike Terrace Center Update Greetings from the Senior Center in Susquehanna for February. The last week in January we had snow – a lot of it! We went to the Lanesboro Community Hall for a Christian concert, given by Robin Hobbs and Kathleen Ackley and families and friends. It was a nice time out, we all enjoyed it. We also went to Brant’s restaurant, at Hasbrook Hill; good food there! We had a bus full of stuffed people on the way home. Ann Bixby, of Susquehanna gave us some beautiful, hand-made lap robes and Marion Glover and I took them up to SNF. They were greatly appreciated up there. Thank you, Ann for thinking of us. We got a group of workers together to clean our craft room out; we had a lot of things in there and got rid of a lot of it. There was pizza and lemonade for the helpers. We have a few exercises up here. We have Peppicise at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays, with Kay Pacifici instructing us. On Wednesday evenings we have a walk-in-place, two-mile video, at 6 p.m. We also have (for seniors) a treadmill and stationery bike. And if you like walking, some of us walk the halls – all three floors! Come, join us – and don’t forget our bingo games on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, at 6 p.m. and Mondays, at 1 p.m. Mary Ryder is home again. We wish her a quick recovery. Also, to all the others that are still in the hospital, get well soon! See you in March.
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Pictured are Dr. Kerr and his wife, Donna, taken at a pre-retirement luncheon held by EMHS on February 7. The family of Dr. and Mrs. Paul B. Kerr invite the community to honor him and celebrate his birthday at the VFW in Montrose on Saturday, March 19 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Refreshments will be done by Barb Grisafi. For his current and former patients, it’s a chance to let him know how much you and your family appreciated his time, patience and good humor. For his friends and colleagues, it is a time to celebrate his life and many accomplishments.
