| |
| COUNTY LIVING |
|
Please
visit our kind sponsors! |
|
||||||
|
HEADLINES:
Conservation District Introduces Specialist The Susquehanna County Conservation District is pleased to announce Steve Barondeau as the new Watershed Specialist. Steve graduated from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and has a B.S. in Environmental and Forest Biology. Steve resides in Fairdale, PA.
Steve has been working hard for the District on various projects. One of which is coordinating the Envirothon competition, an environment awareness competition for area youth. Steve administers state grant funds to be used for construction and assessment of stream restoration projects within Susquehanna County watersheds. Susquehanna County Conservation District welcomes Steve to his new position to implement these programs for the improvement of water quality in Susquehanna County.
Bob Welch Chairs United Way Cabinet Robert J. Welch, Pennstar Bank’s Vice President Regional Sales Manager for Susquehanna County has been chosen to be the 2005 Cabinet Chairman of the United Way of Susquehanna County. Bob has been a United Way board member for almost two years. He will be building upon four years of United Way momentum during which contributions have grown from $40,000 in 2001 to a record $135,000 in 2004.
Robert J. Welch at his Pennstar Bank office on Public Avenue, Montrose. “We want to do a lot better,” he says. “With a little luck we could double that.” He has 28 years of banking experience to bring to the effort, and has begun the planning and reorganization to make his ambitious goals happen. “We’ll be organizing the campaign a little differently, and hope to divide the county geographically, assigning specific jobs to volunteers from each area.” He expects to enlist his Pennstar managers from six Susquehanna County bank branches to help. Bob grew up in Endicott and moved to the Silver Lake area in 1981. He and his wife, Lori, also a banker, have two grown sons who attended Choconut Valley Elementary and Montrose High School. In addition to his work with the United Way, he is a New Milford Rotarian. The Rotary Club promotes international exchange students, and has made a three year commitment to the United Way capital campaign. Bob is also a coach of the St. John Neumann Celtics girls’ basketball team, which he started eleven years ago. United Way committees will be put in place over the next two months to prepare for an end of August fundraising campaign kick-off. Volunteers for all areas of the county are welcome to call Ruth Donnelly at (570) 278–3868 to get involved.
Engagement Announced Roche – Agler John and Margaret Roche of Ozone Park, New York announce the engagement of their daughter, Christine Roche, of Dickson City, PA to Andrew Agler of Dickson City.
Andy is the son of Jack and Kaye Agler of Oakland, PA. A July 16, 2005 wedding is planned.
Susquehanna County Dairy Princess, Amanda Zembrzycki recently welcomed a new baby and presented a “got milk” creeper to her. The newborn is Lily Ewins, daughter of Charlie and Joanie Ewins of Uniondale.
A Good Neighbor Is Still In Town Montrose, PA – A Good Neighbor came to Montrose to officially present a $5000.00 grant from State Farm®. Actually, it was a Good Neigh Bear®, who showed up with broom in hand, ready to help agents Judy Kelly and Dan Ricci deliver funding to Montrose Restoration Committee (MRC), which will be used for their streetscape project. MRC’s mission is to preserve and revitalize the rural community while developing regional opportunities for economic development, heritage preservation and cultural enhancements. “This streetscape project, which will replace crumbling curbs and sidewalks, add vintage pedestrian lighting, and replace aging or damaged street trees, will renew pride in the downtown and encourage further reinvestment in the downtown by business owners and residents. It will eliminate hazardous walking conditions and provide a safer walking surface and greater accessibility to the downtown,” according to MRC Executive Director, Debbra Nagle.
Pictured (l-r) are: front – State Farm Good Neigh Bear® (Neil Cordner), Debbra Nagle, Executive Director MRC, Judy Kelly, State Farm Agent and MRC Board Member, Paul Kelly, MRC Officer; back – Gary Swanson, Northeast PA Agency Field Executive and Dan Ricci, State Farm Agent. According to State Farm Agent and MRC Board member Judy Kelly, “The Restoration Committee is a nonprofit agency committed to the revitalization of Montrose. In July, 2002, Montrose became the first Main Street Affiliate in Pennsylvania, taking advantage of the extension of the Main Street Program that benefits towns too small to otherwise qualify for State funding. The Montrose Restoration Committee, with support from the Borough, has once again taken the initiative to see that this streetscape project becomes a reality as well.” “Montrose is just a short drive to all of Susquehanna County's tourist attractions, and is the county seat. Montrose Borough attracts many tourists and travelers, as there are many lakes with summer homes bringing residents from across Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey to the area. Many residents of New York also come into town to do shopping and business. With the revitalization of the downtown started, the Borough hopes that the tourists will not just stop by, but be willing to stay awhile and check out the commercial center and the various tourist attractions located nearby. With funding from supporting organizations such as State Farm, what was once a dream can now become a reality,” says Debbra Nagle. Anyone interested in additional information may contact Montrose Restoration Committee at (570) 278-6854.
Local Youths Help Dessin Animal Shelter
WAYNE COUNTY- Dessin Animal Shelter is in the "Dog House" thanks to some very generous people. Mr. Valentino’s "Wood Tech.-1" classes at Honesdale High School and a group of young people led by Melissa Matoushek of the Tri-County Human Service organization have put them there. Through their generosity and team work they have made possible new "Coin Collection Dog Houses." Mr. Valentino’s wood shop class donated all of the building materials and labor and constructed them for Dessin. The Dog Houses were then turned over to Mrs. Matoushek’s group who volunteered their time to paint them. The Staff at Dessin put the finishing touches on them. “The money collected from the new canisters will, as before, be put to good use helping all of the homeless pets that end up in the shelter’s care,” said Susan Frisch, Shelter Manager. “It’s really wonderful to have this kind of help and support from our community’s young people.” If you would like to get involved in helping the shelter, which is located on Miller Road directly behind the Wayne County Fairgrounds, call 570-253-4037. Immediate needs for the animals include the following items from the Monthly Wish List: Cat litter, Bleach, Postage Stamps, Liquid Laundry Soap, Clorox Clean up, and Chewy toys and stuffed animals for the dogs to play with.
Record crowds came to the Elk Lake School, on a beautiful sunny but cold day for the 16th annual Dairy Day. Over 1,100 spectators enjoyed demonstrations and exhibits as well as a roast beef, baked fish, macaroni and cheese dinner. Dairy Day is an opportunity for farm families to visit commercial and agricultural exhibits as well as attend educational programs. It's also a chance for the farming community to visit with friends and enjoy the wide variety of fun and interesting events at Dairy Day. Joe Fuller, Extension Educator, assisted by 4-H members Dan Puzo and Andy Miner invited Dairy Day visitors to test their reaction time using a power take-off simulator. Visitors found their reaction time was never good enough to avoid a very serious accident, being tangled in farm equipment’s power take-off. Hopefully people participating in this exhibit will be even more cautious now when working near farm equipment. The gymnasium housed nearly 80 exhibitor booths ranging from feed companies, dairy nutritionists and banks to custom farming operations and farm equipment and farm supply companies. One of the most popular parts of the gym was the Dairy Promotion Committee's Dairy Bar. Members of the Dairy Princess Court, their friends and families served over 60 gallons of homemade ice cream with such tempting flavors as strawberry cheesecake, vanilla peanut butter swirl and of course everyone's favorites chocolate and vanilla! The Dairy Promotion also served cheese and crackers. Another hit of the day was free 'Got Milk' posters featuring the Scrubbs cast, Michelle Kwan, Lindsey Lohan, Incredible Hulk, Hilary Duff, Tom Brady and many others. Throughout the halls of the schools, American Red Cross, EMHS, Barnes-Kasson Hospital, Trehab, the Cancer Coalition and the PA Department of Health offered participants a variety of health screenings and health education information. The classrooms offered educational programs and exhibits. Penn State Cooperative Extension speaker Dave Messersmith, Agronomy Agent from Wayne County educated individuals on reducing pesticide exposure and personal protective equipment. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture presented programs on the National Animal ID System and the State & County Animal Response Team (protecting our livestock and pets if a natural disaster strikes).
A highlight for the children was a “Farm safety just for kids” display. Many kids got a chance to test their knowledge about farm safety by pointing out the hazards and risks on the scaled model of a common farm. No Dairy Day would be complete without everyone having the opportunity to enjoy a meal prepared by the Elk Lake Cafeteria staff. And that's just what they did! Nearly 800 people enjoyed a lunch of macaroni and cheese, baked fish and roast beef including all the trimmings compliments of the Dairy Day exhibitors. The Dairy Day committee is already working on how to make next year's Dairy Day an even bigger success. Thank you to all the exhibitors, the farmers and other agricultural related folks for coming to the 16th annual Dairy Day.
James and Mary Snyder, 409 Washington Street, Susquehanna, celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary on March 18, 2005. Jim and Mary have three children, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Picture Book Contest Winners Announced A total of 80 original picture books were received in the Susquehanna County Library's Eleventh "Write and Illustrate Your Own Picture Book" Contest for grades K-12. In each of three grade categories, judges examined each entry and deliberated long and hard before returning their verdict. "Congratulations to all our talented entrants," said Administrator/Librarian Susan Stone. "It's always a joy to see what wonderful books our students write and draw." Each entrant will receive a Certificate of Participation and comments from the judges. Slides of all the winning entries will be shown at the Awards Ceremony (Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m., Montrose Theater). Everyone is invited. First place books will be hardbound and placed in one of the four county libraries (Montrose, Forest City, Hallstead-Great Bend, and Susquehanna). Patrons will be able to borrow the books in the fall, after the collection of all the first place books has toured the four libraries. First place winners also receive a hardbound copy of their book. Second and third place books will be softbound and given to the authors. GRADES K-2 First-place winners : Forest City Library, The Ringmaster - Tyler Butler (Vandling / Forest City); Hallstead-Great Bend Library, Cookie-Dough - Leah Ofalt and Joanna Schwarztrauber (Kingsley/Faith Mountain Christian Academy); Montrose Library, The Great White Shark - Troy Ely (Montrose / Lathrop St.); Susquehanna Library, The Dreamer - Hannah Phillips (Clifford /Mountain View). Second-place winners: The Cat and the Bunny - Autumn Stoddard (Great Bend / Faith Mountain Christian Academy); Hair - Natalie Meagher (Susquehanna / Faith Mountain Christian Academy); The Jungle - Thomas Ord (Kingsley / Faith Mountain Christian Academy); The Rainbow - Gracie Lutz (Montrose / Choconut). Third-place winners: Ballerina… the Nice Friend - Louise Thompson (New Milford / Faith Mountain Christian Academy); Touch Tunnel - Piper Gauthier (Thompson / Homeschool); The Tractor - Zachary Mead (Montrose / Faith Mountain Christian Academy); Virginia Vacation Trip - Jackson Rogers (Montrose / Homeschool). GRADES 3-4 First-place winners: Hallstead-Great Bend Library: The Dragon Catcher - Christopher Carlsen (Hallstead / Blue Ridge); Forest City Library: Daddy, Get Your Head Out of the Snow - Jesse Korty (Forest City / Homeschool); Montrose Library: An Amazon Journey - Jessica Jhingoor (Great Bend / Blue Ridge); Susquehanna Library: Camp Delaware - Frankie and Colee Carr (Thompson / Homeschool). Second-place winners: The Big Battle - T. J. Demartino (Hallstead / Blue Ridge); Bloo-berry Day - Zoe Gauthier (Thompson / Homeschool); A Christmas Story - Marci Rose (Hallstead / Homeschool); How to Make a Friend - Mary C. Magdin (Montrose / Elk Lake). Third-place winners: A Day at the Park - Abby Costley (Montrose / Homeschool); From Oink to Moo - Cassidy Rose Walters (New Milford / Blue Ridge); Joe's Problem - Mike Gathany (New Milford / Blue Ridge); Sandy's Short Tail - Shanyn Mattocks (Hallstead / Blue Ridge). GRADES 5-12 First-place winners: Hallstead-Great Bend Library: Simplicity - Rachelle Stevens (Montrose / Homeschool); Forest City Library: The Summer We Built A Treehouse - Aaron Costley (Montrose / Homeschool); Montrose Library: My Dad's Dream Garden - Rebekah Lynn Costley (Montrose / Homeschool); Susquehanna Library: The Adventures of Jack and Pepper - Basia Polak (Susquehanna / Susquehanna). Second-place winners: Blue's Football Game - Sean Stanley (Great Bend / Blue Ridge); The Cowboy's Mistake - Mike Robbs (New Milford / Blue Ridge); How the Boy Became a Street Racer - Shawn Darrow (New Milford / Blue Ridge); The Wild Cowboy - Korey Travis (New Milford / Blue Ridge). Third-place winners: The Cheerleader Friend - Michelle Sheridan (Susquehanna / Blue Ridge); Fishing in Canada - Cody Smith (Hallstead / Blue Ridge); Jack and Bobby's Adventure - Robert Fleming (New Milford / Blue Ridge); The Wrong Swing - Jacob Hinkley (Hallstead / Blue Ridge).
Legion Post 357 Honors Officers The Hallstead-Great Bend American Legion Post 357, at a dinner-dance on Saturday, March 12, honored their Legion past commanders, past Auxiliary Presidents and Past Commanders of the Sons of the Legion. Commander Rick Rood opened the festivities with a welcome to members and special guests. Susie Nelson explained the POW-MIA tale draped with a flag on an empty chair. Walter Woolbaugh, the post’s first commander (1946-47) led the flag salute. Irene Welch, past Auxiliary President offered the opening prayer. Commander Rood introduced past commanders attending and special guests that included: Nancy Buchurek, Auxiliary President of the Susquehanna/Wyoming District; Andy Pickney, 15th District SAL Sgt. at Arms; Dan Horvatt, 15th District Commander SAL; Brinton Cresse (Post 86, Susquehanna) American Legion SAL Department Historian; Joseph Bucci, Susquehanna Post 86, Commander. Pat Yonkin, Past Auxiliary President, introduced the past presidents attending and remarked, “The American Legion Auxiliary is the largest organization in the country. I praise the Auxiliary members for their dedication, making ‘us’ one of the top Auxiliaries in the country.” Certificates were given to Art Carmen (from the National Commander) for 60 years as a member; to Jim Soller for 30 years and to John McCarthy for 40 years a member. A special award/plaque was presented Andy Kovitch, which read, “In recognition and appreciation for serving numerous terms as SAL Squadron Commander. Presented to Andrew Kovitch by Hallstead-Great Bend Squadron 357, Department of Pennsylvania, Past Commander’s Dinner, March 12, 2005.” Present officers are: American Legion, Rick Rood; Auxiliary, Peggy Merwin, president; SAL, Andy Picket, commander. Guests accompanying President Bachurek were: Lorraine Halenda, Lucille Perek, Eugene Perek, all of Dickson City. The singing of God Bless America and a closing prayer ended the program, but not before the Knights of Columbus were given a thankful ovation for the delicious food and dessert.
Robert Cobb Receives PENNDOT Promotion Susquehanna County – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT) District 4 announces the promotion of an equipment operator at its Susquehanna County Maintenance Facility near Montrose. District 4 includes Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming counties. Robert Cobb of RD Meshoppen was recently promoted to the position of Transportation Equipment Operator B at the PENNDOT Susquehanna County Maintenance Facility. Cobb plows snow in the winter and he also works on road patching and drainage pipe replacement crews. Cobb has been with PENNDOT for more than six years and he now works at the maintenance shed in Springville. Before coming to PENNDOT, Cobb was an employee of the M. Ciprich Oil Company. He and his wife, Dora have three children: Michael, Leilani, and Bonnie. In his spare time, Cobb enjoys hunting, fishing, and black powder shooting.
News
|
Living
|
Sports
|
Schools
|
Churches
|
Ads
|
Events
Military | Columns | Ed/Op | Obits | Archive | Subscribe
|
Secretary of Agriculture, Dennis Wolff (pictured) was on hand to speak to the farming community present at Dairy Day. Secretary Wolff made very positive comments on the dairy industry in Pennsylvania.