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Issue Home April 12, 2005 Site Home

EVENTS, PROGRAMS, HAPPENINGS, SEMINARS:
Happenings
Senior Menu

Local Group To Perform At Good News Lunch
Trak 5 Quintet At Barbershop Concert
County Farm Bureau Spring Fund-Raiser
Toddler Time At Montrose Library
Walk With The National MS Society
NTRPDC To Honor Business Of Year
Local Arts Council Being Established
County Commissioners Recognize 9-1-1 Dispatchers

Nonprofit Training Series Scheduled
Blue Ridge Hosts Education Night

Madigan To Host Local Outreaches
SCHS 1960 Graduates
Seedling Sale
U of S Celebrates Premiere Performance
Underground Railroad Meeting Project
Happy 2nd Birthday!
Planning Commission Seeking Comments
Barbershop Chorus And Spaghetti Shindig
Commissioner Warren Offers Outreach
Do You Want To Be A Movie Star?
Music For Munchkins At N. W. Library
Girl Scouts Seeking Women Of Distinction
Susky Elementary Kindergarten Reg.

Happenings

April 14

PIZZA NIGHT, Thursday, April 14, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Binghamton Elks Lodge, Kirkwood. All are welcome.

April 15

SPAGHETTI SUPPER, Friday, April 15, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hallstead-Great Bend Rod & Gun Club, Hallstead. All are welcome.

TOWN MEETING, Friday, April 15, 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Montrose. Hosted by the Center for Anti-Slavery Studies to discuss NE PA’s Underground Railroad history. All are welcome.

“GOOD NEWS” Concert, Friday, April 15, 7:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Community Church, Great Bend. Refreshments will follow. All are welcome.

ROAST BEEF DINNER, Friday, April 15, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Binghamton Elks Lodge, Kirkwood. All are welcome.

April 15 & 16

PRAYER RETREAT, Friday, April 15, beginning at 4:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 16, until 3 p.m. at the Montrose Bible Conference. For info or reservations call 278–1001. All are welcome.

April 16

ALL YOU CAN EAT family style breakfast, Saturday, April 16, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 at the Springville United Methodist Church. All are welcome.

ALL YOU CAN EAT breakfast, Saturday, April 16, 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Community Church, Great Bend. All are welcome.

BUFFET DINNER, Saturday, April 16, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Gibson United Methodist Church. Takeouts available. All are welcome.

CHICKEN & BISCUIT DINNER, Saturday, April 16, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Forest Lake Firemen’s Hall. Proceeds benefit the Forest Lake Volunteer Fire Co. All are welcome.

FISHERMEN’S BREAKFAST, Saturday, April 16, 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Rush Social Hall. All you can eat! All are welcome.

JAIME JORGE in concert, Saturday, April 16 at the Montrose Bible Conference. Dinner at 6:00 p.m., concert to follow. Reservations necessary, call 278–1001. All are welcome.

BINGO, Saturday, April 16, 7:00 p.m. at the Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Club, New Milford. All are welcome.

AWAKENING OF SPRING LIFE program, Saturday, April 16, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Salt Springs State Park. BU Biology professor Julian Shepherd will be guest speaker. All are welcome.

CHICKEN & BISCUIT DINNER, Saturday, April 16, 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at St. John’s Church Hall, Susquehanna. Takeouts start at 4:00 p.m. All are welcome.

April 17

PANCAKE BREAKFAST, Sunday, April 17, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Club, New Milford. All are welcome.

CHICKEN BARBECUE, Sunday, April 17, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the Clifford Fire Hall. Takeouts only, call 222–4538 for info. All are welcome.

April 18

FAMILY AL-ANON meeting, Monday, April 18, 7:30 p.m. at Holy Name of Mary Parish Center, Montrose. All are welcome.

April 19

WING NIGHT, Tuesday, April 19, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Binghamton Elks Lodge, Kirkwood. All are welcome.

VISITORS’ BUREAU 2005 Spring-Summer Calendar of Events now available, listing events in Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties. Call 836–5431.

April 20

CRIMEWATCH meeting, Wednesday, April 20, 7:00 p.m. in the Susquehanna Borough Building. All are welcome.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE in your community by volunteering. Open meeting, Wednesday, April 20, 6:00 p.m. at the Montrose United Methodist Church with representatives from county agencies and nonprofit organizations. All are welcome.

April 21

SUSQUEHANNA DEPOT AREA Historical Society meeting, Thursday, April 21, 7:00 p.m. in the Susquehanna Borough Building. All are welcome.

PIZZA NIGHT, Thursday, April 21, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Binghamton Elks Lodge, Kirkwood. All are welcome.

WIMPIES LUNCHEON, Thursday, April 21, noon at the Starrucca Baptist Church social rooms. Sponsored by the Bag Ladies and Senior Citizens. All are welcome.

OPEN AUDITIONS for the Endless Mts. Theatre Co., Thursday, April 21, 6:30 p.m. at the Blue Ridge High School. All adults and teens 16 or older are welcome. Call 465–9518 for info.

April 22

TERRY WALDO in concert with the NEPA Philharmonic, Friday, April 22, 8:00 p.m. at the F.M. Kirby Center, Wilkes-Barre. For ticket info, call 457–8301. All are welcome.

MUSIC FOR MUNCHKINS, Friday, April 22 , 10:00 a.m. at the Northern Wayne Community Library. Children ages 2-5 welcome. Registration required, call 798–2444.

GRAND BUFFET, Friday, April 22, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Binghamton Elks Lodge, Kirkwood. All are welcome.

SPAGHETTI & MEATBALL DINNER, Friday, April 22, 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Lawsville Grange. Takeouts available. All are welcome.

April 23

TERRY WALDO in concert with the NEPA Philharmonic, Saturday, April 23, 8:00 p.m. at the Scranton Cultural Center. For ticket info, call 457–8301. All are welcome.

CHICKEN BARBECUE, Saturday, April 23, noon to 5:30 at the Elk Lake School. Takeouts available. Sponsored by the Dimock Christian Community church. All are welcome.

NATURE DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY program, Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m. to noon at Salt Springs State Park. Guest speaker is nature photographer George Schreck. All are welcome.

OPEN AUDITIONS for the Endless Mts. Theatre Co., Saturday, April 23, 9:30 a.m. at the Blue Ridge High School. All adults and teens 16 or older are welcome. Call 465–9518 for info.

April 23 & 24

ENDLESS MTS. MAPLE FESTIVAL, Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24 at Alparon Park, Troy, PA. Gates open at 7 a.m. Admission. All are welcome.

April 24

BRUNCH, Sunday, April 24, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Binghamton Elks Lodge, Kirkwood. All are welcome.

April 25

FAMILY AL-ANON meeting, Monday, April 18, 7:30 p.m. at Holy Name of Mary Parish Center, Montrose. All are welcome.

April 26

LADIES NIGHT OUT, Tuesday, April 26 at the Montrose Bible Conference. Dinner at 6:30, followed by a program by Kelly Bushey of Cherith Counseling & Conference Ministries. For reservations, call 278–1001.

WING NIGHT, Tuesday, April 26, 6 p.m. at the Binghamton Elks Lodge, Kirkwood. All are welcome.

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Senior Menu April 18 – 22

Monday, April 18: sliced turkey with gravy, French style green beans, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, wheat bread, graham crackers with peanut butter, fruit cocktail.

Tuesday, April 19: vegetable lasagna, three-bean salad, cooked peas, orange juice, rye bread, fresh apple.

Wednesday, April 20: Italian marinated chicken, long grain brown rice, Brussels sprouts, wheat bread, peaches.

Thursday, April 21: spaghetti and meatballs, tossed salad, seeded Italian bread, lemon meringue pie/diet vanilla pudding.

Friday, April 22: brown bag day; stuffed peppers with sauce, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, dinner roll, graham cracker with peanut butter, medium fresh orange.

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Local Group To Perform At Good News Lunch

Black Sage, a unique seven-piece band, will perform at the Good News Lunch on Saturday, April 16 at St. Mark’s Parish Hall, Main St., New Milford. The free hot lunch is open to all seniors and their guests in the New Milford area beginning at 12 noon. The lunch will be prepared and served by the members of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church.

Black Sage, a local musical group, will perform at the Good News Lunch on Saturday, April 16 in New Milford.

Black Sage is a local band, with its members coming from Susquehanna and Lackawanna Counties. It is known for the wide variety of its musical repertoire including Celtic, Bluegrass, Bluegrass Gospel, Folk, Country, and original songs written by member Dave Ingerson. The band often has guests sit in with them. The members sing, as well as play a variety of instruments.

“We are pleased that Black Sage is able to join us,” said Joan Flint, luncheon coordinator. ”Many of us are fans of Black Sage, having heard them at the Harford Fair and the Old Mill Village. We are especially pleased because one of the band members regularly assists us with the luncheon.”

The Good News Lunch is a joint, community-wide undertaking of the First Baptist Church, St. John’s R. C. Church, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, and the United Methodist Church. It is held the third Saturday of each month at St. Mark’s Parish Hall.

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Trak 5 Quintet At Barbershop Concert

This region’s long tradition of a cappella vocal harmony continues today with the sweet rich sounds of Track 5, a Montrose High School quintet, mentored by chorus director Scot Zimmerman. They will join a talent-packed roster of performers including ragtime pianist Rick Pedro, and the Southerntiersmen Barbershop Chorus, made up of the “Troubadours,” “Sophisticated Swing” and “Four Past Midnight” quartets. They will take to the Montrose High stage along with special guest quartet “Sound Celebration” on April 16, starting at 7 p.m. Prior to the concert, starting at 4:30 p.m., the school band will offer a spaghetti and meatball supper with homemade desserts.

The Trak 5 Quintet from Montrose High warms up for the big spring Barbershop concert. Pictured (l-r) are: Joe Quanne, Mike Witney, Ryan Machir, Brady Goldsmith and Rob Harris.

The Trak 5 Quintet have been performing together for two years, developing their repertoire of songs, which now includes contemporary hits such as Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven” and Billy Joel’s “And So It Goes” plus classics like “Duke of Earle” and moving spirituals.

Trak 5 appears to collaborate as well as they harmonize – sharing the lead vocals, negotiating tune selections and artistic decisions, experimenting, tapping the school music department resources to learn and improve. Joe Quanne is the Quintet’s second tenor and arranger, using software available to him in the MASD music technology lab. Brady Goldsmith, gifted with perfect pitch, serves to both promote and tune the singers. Ryan Machir adds performance experience he’s gained in singing with groups since eighth grade. They have all learned to adapt their music to the shifting vocal cords that have come with maturity; both Mike Witney and Joe Quanne have been vocally roaming from tenor to bass over the course of their singing careers, and are all the better, and more flexible for the experience.

Scot Zimmerman describes the group as “very self-motivated.” He adds, “Music resounds within every person. When a community supports the arts in schools and families support their children interested in music, they all discover a means to achieve excellence.” Zimmerman’s work is building upon the 1960’s and 70’s tradition of the gifted Cyril Stretansky who “combined his own high level of skill with community support to achieve national recognition.” The Quintet today participates in the MASD 75-student chorus which boasts several regional and all-state stars.

Advanced tickets are available at several Montrose stores, or call (570) 278-6854 for more information. Proceeds will benefit the Montrose High School Band and The Montrose Restoration Committee.

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County Farm Bureau Spring Fund-Raiser

Susquehanna County Farm Bureau announces its spring dinner, Friday, April 8. Starting with a reception at 6:30 p.m., dinner will be served at 7:15 p.m. at the Montrose Bible Conference, Lake Avenue Dining Room, Lake Avenue, Montrose.

We will honor Isabell Plonski and Genevieve Leet, widows of dairy farmers; Dewey and Marlene “Molly” Lyon, active dairy farmers; our Young Farmer/Ranchers, chaired by Rick Empet; our county Dairy Court, headed by Dairy Princess Amanda Zembrzycki; and our county 4-H program.

Special guests also include any new members who have joined since July 1, 2004. Those who attend will receive a special gift.

The stuffed breast of chicken dinner will be topped off by pie ala mode, and accompanied by dinner music by Barney Wilkins and Russ Lockwood.

“Our spring meeting includes reports from our various committees,” says Donna Williams, President. They are printed in the dinner journal, so we can spend our evening celebrating our farming traditions. Plonski, Leet and Lyon represent our elders and the special farming traditions of stewardship of our land and caring for their animals, while we look to the future with our Young Farmer/Ranchers, the Dairy Court and 4-H.

The dinner journal provides the opportunity for paid congratulatory messages and ads. Proceeds go to the Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation, to fund a teacher for Ag in the Classroom and for our county Promotion and Education and Women’s Committees.

The dinner is open to the public. For more information call Donna Williams 942–6348, Barb Roszel 278–2433 or Kathie Shelly 756–2429.

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Toddler Time At Montrose Library

On the second Thursday of every month, at 9:30 a.m., children ages 2 to 3 1/2 and their parents are invited to the Children's Room of the Main Library in Montrose for songs, stories, and rhymes. No registration is required and there's no fee – just come and enjoy some time with your little one! The next sessions of Toddler Time will be April 14, May 12, and June 9.

Exposing your child to the joys of words and stories as early as possible is one of the best things you can do for him or her, and the library is the ideal place to do it. The Susquehanna County Libraries (Montrose, Forest City, Hallstead-Great Bend, and Susquehanna) are open evenings and Saturdays, and library cards are free. From Babies and Books for infants, to Teen Summer Reading, there's something for your children at the library.

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Walk With The National MS Society

Come and shed those winter blues by participating in the annual MS Walk hosted by the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The 2005 MS Walk is a great way to enjoy the spring weather with friends while helping a great cause.

The MS Walk is an event for all ages, which raises money for MS research and the programs the chapter provides for over 5,000 individuals in this area who live with the devastating effects of MS every day.

This year, the MS Walk will be held locally on Sunday, May 15, with Walk sites in Wilkes-Barre and Scranton. The start times and route lengths vary by site. There is no fee or deadline to register.

If you want to get involved but do not want to walk, volunteers are needed to help with registration and check-in, route marking, managing the route, rest stop support, traffic and safety, photography, and cheering on walkers at the finish line. Volunteering is another way to get involved while supporting a great cause.

The MS Walk is one of the National MS Society’s largest fundraising events. Each spring nearly 200,000 people at over 700 sites participate in the MS Walk. The $275 million that has been raised since becoming a national event in 1991 goes toward research for treatment, as well as client programs for people with MS.

Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that is generally diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50. Because it is typically diagnosed in the prime of life, it is very unpredictable. The effects of MS can range from blurred vision and loss of balance to extreme fatigue, paralysis, and blindness. Although these problems may be permanent, or they may come and go, the unpredictable physical and emotional effects continue the rest of their lives.

For more information or to register for the 2005 MS Walk or for information on Central Pennsylvania Chapter programs, call 1-800-FIGHT MS.

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NTRPDC To Honor Business Of Year

Sponsored by the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission, $2,500 will be awarded to the business that exemplifies growth, leadership and community involvement. The business will also receive a plaque and will be recognized at NTRPDC's annual meeting on April 21. Recent winners include Metadyne, Inc. from Towanda (2001), Intelligent Direct (2002) located in Wellsboro, and Lübbering, Inc. (2003) from Troy.

Nominated businesses must be located in Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, or Wyoming counties. A business may nominate itself or be nominated by another individual or organization.

"Each year we receive a lot of outstanding nominations, and while it's difficult for our committee to select a winner, the process allows us to learn so much about the businesses in our region," Jill Koski, Economic Development Program Manager, said.

NTRPDC provides economic, community, and workforce development assistance to Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, and Wyoming Counties. To receive an information packet and nomination form, call NTRPDC toll free at 888-868-8800.

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Local Arts Council Being Established

The hills of Susquehanna County will soon be filled with the sound of music. The Parish of St. Martin of Tours and St. Paul's, Jackson, PA has established a new Arts Council to promote visual and performing arts in the local community. This non-denominational organization welcomes all to share their talents and skills in the arts. Plans have started for a concert featuring local performers, art shows, trips to nearby museums, and theatrical productions.

The Arts Council first endeavor will be a summer production of Nunsense, slated for August 12, 13, 14, 2005, in cooperation with Samuel French, Inc. Auditions for this musical comedy will be held at the Church Hall at the corner of Routes 92 and 492 on Sunday, April 17, from 4-6 PM. For further information about the auditions or sponsorship, contact Director Chris Lake at (570) 756–2887.

If you are interested in joining this group of energetic artists, come to the next organizational meeting on Monday, April 25, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Church Hall in Jackson, PA.

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County Commissioners Recognize 9-1-1 Dispatchers

The Susquehanna County Commissioners, at their April 13 meeting adopted Proclamation #2005-06, designating the week of April 10 - 16 as National Public-Safety Telecommunications Week.

Introduced to Congress by the Association of Public-Safety Communications 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.

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.

For more information about the Susquehanna County E9-1-1 Center or about National Public-Safety Telecommunications Week, you can contact Mark R. Wood, Director of Emergency Management at 570-278-4600 ext. 257.

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Nonprofit Training Series Scheduled

In order to assist nonprofit organizations to expand management capacity and demonstrate credibility in the communities they serve, Penn State Cooperative Extension is offering a series of programs to be held at the Penn State Worthington Scranton campus. Many nonprofits struggle to focus their resources on their mission while still managing their organizations.

In this age of increased emphasis on accountability by assessing program outcomes, program evaluation should not become just one more job to do. On March 22, 2005, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Penn State Extension will sponsor a program that will focus on how to do an evaluation by using the program goals and objectives. Also covered will be the design and implementation of simple data collection strategies to assist in the evaluation process so that programs are effective and outcomes are achieved.

On May 24 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 a program on Board Development will be held once again at the Penn State Worthington Scranton campus. With increasing demands on people’s time, nonprofit organizations are finding it difficult to retain qualified, experienced board members to function effectively and grow. The volunteer Board is critical for setting organizational policies, and seeing that staff implement these policies to achieve the nonprofit’s mission in the community. This workshop will help board members and staff to better understand their roles and responsibilities and make board development a routine part of the organization’s procedures and practices.

Presenters for the programs are Joann Kowalski and Peter Wulfhorst, Community and Economic Development educators in the NE Region.

For registration information, contact the Extension office at 278-1158.

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Blue Ridge Hosts Education Night

The tenth annual Endless Mountains Counseling Association (EMCA) Higher Education Night, hosted by Blue Ridge High School will be held Wednesday, April 13, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

All parents and students (especially sophomores and juniors) from area schools are encouraged to attend!

Representatives from colleges, universities, technical schools, business schools and the military will be available to answer your questions and provide information about programs/majors, tuition/fees/cost, financial aid, locations, admission procedures, testing requirements, high school course requirements and more.

College night will be held in the BRHS gymnasium. For directions or more info call 465–3141.

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Madigan To Host Local Outreaches

Harrisburg – State Sen. Roger A. Madigan (R-23) will host outreach events in April to give Susquehanna County residents a chance to ask questions or discuss issues concerning state government.

“Constituents are invited to stop by and discuss any problems or questions they might have about state issues or state programs,” Madigan said.

The Senator said on Friday, April 15, a staff member will be available to speak with constituents from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the Susquehanna County Office Annex, 31 Public Avenue, Montrose, and from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the Hallstead-Great Bend Public Library, 201 Franklin Street, Hallstead.

No appointment is necessary.

The senator added that constituents who are unable to attend but would like to speak with him or a staff member should feel free to call either of his district offices, located at One Progress Plaza, Suite 13, Towanda, telephone (570) 265–7448, and 330 Pine St., Suite 200, Williamsport, telephone 1-800-443-5772.

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SCHS 1960 Graduates

Susquehanna High School Classmates of 1960, we need your help! We are looking for some of our classmates for a planned reunion on June 4, 2005. Also, if any of our classmates want to help, please call Marie Maby 853–3496 or Janet Smith 853–3934.

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Seedling Sale

The Susquehanna County Conservation District (SCCD) is excited to announce their annual seedling sale April 23, at the Montrose Fire Hall. Send checks and completed order forms by April 4 to: Susquehanna County Conservation District, 31 Public Ave., Montrose PA., 18801. Order forms may be obtained on the SCCD website at: www.suscondistrict.org or by contacting the SCCD at 278-4600 ext.: 280.

Profit from this event is used for environmental education materials and a Conservation Scholarship for Susquehanna County youth.

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U of S Celebrates Premiere Performance

Pennstar Bank presented a check to The University of Scranton as corporate sponsor of the 22nd World Premiere Composition Series, which is set for Saturday, April 30, featuring guest composer/conductor Jumaane Smith of the Juilliard Jazz Orchestra.  Shown at the presentation are, from left: Pennstar representatives Karen L. Thomas, vice president and marketing manager, and David E. Raven, president and chief operating officer; and from The University of Scranton, Cheryl Y. Boga, director of performance music, and Paul Strunk, vice president of institutional advancement.

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Underground Railroad Meeting Project

Montrose, PA – The Center for Anti-Slavery Studies and Keystone College invite the public to a Town Meeting on Friday, April 15, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Montrose to discuss the local history project, The Place I Call Home: Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Underground Railroad History. The multi-county project will spend the next few years researching and interpreting the under-told role that Northeastern Pennsylvania played in the national Anti-Slavery movement. Hosted by the Susquehanna County Historical Society, the Town Meeting will introduce the project and invite public participation in this local history project. Admission is free of charge.

The Place I Call Home, spearheaded by The Center for Anti-Slavery Studies (CASS) and Keystone College, is a multi-year project that will research the Underground Railroad and Abolition activities of a ten county area of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Its initial consultation phase was funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Pennsylvania Humanities Council. The second phase, the research and planning phase, runs from early 2005 to late 2006, and has been funded to date by the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission, the Lackawanna Heritage Valley & Endless Mountains Heritage Region, and the Luzerne Foundation. This phase will assess existing research, conduct additional research, and invite public input, including oral histories and family records, to provide an accurate account of this region’s Underground Railroad “story.” At the end of the research and planning phase, collected information will be formatted into a traveling exhibit, companion web-based and DVD resources and curriculum materials, and a “how-to” guide for conducting Underground Railroad research.

Early research for The Place I Call Home seems to be showing evidence of strong African-American communities across Northeastern Pennsylvania and good working relationships between white abolitionists and black citizens in the mid-nineteenth century. Refugees from slavery were assisted by free blacks, active Abolitionists, and ordinary residents across the area. Karen James, Manager of the UGRR Initiative for the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC), and an expert on the topic of the Underground Railroad notes that, “Pennsylvania was at the heart of the anti-slavery movement in the U.S., and a part of that movement we call the Underground Railroad. Our goal is to learn more about the role of Pennsylvanians in UGRR history. We do this by using all sorts of documents to help us find the names of the people involved or the actions of many people from different communities in Pennsylvania.”

“Even with a few years to research this amazing region, we will not have an exhaustive understanding of what took place here,” says project coordinator, Kim Glemboski. “What we will have is an accurate representation of the role this region played on the national stage, punctuated by specific accounts and stories. Our greatest hope is that after the project’s conclusion, each of the communities of NEPA will continue to build upon this foundation, exploring their Underground Railroad stories and putting those stories in context with what was happening across the region.”

April’s Town Meetings will give the public a personal overview of the ambitious local history project. Project Team members will also detail how community members can contribute to and/or become involved in the research process. “The history of Abolition and Underground Railroad activities can not be found using traditional methods of European-style historic research,” Karen James noted, “but the history is there. You just have to know where to look.”

For more information about the upcoming Town Meetings or The Place I Call Home, contact the Center for Anti-Slavery Studies at (877) 772-6084 or info@antislaverystudies.org.

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Happy 2nd Birthday!

Bristen Lynn Phillips, daughter of Brien Phillips and Jamie Oakley, Susquehanna, will celebrate her second birthday April 17, 2005.

Bristen’s maternal grandparents are Jim 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!

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Planning Commission Seeking Comments

The Susquehanna County Planning commission will hold a public meeting on Thursday, April 28, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room of the County Office Building, 31 Public Avenue, Montrose. The purpose of the public meeting will be to receive comments on the proposed changes to the Susquehanna County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance. The proposed changes to the Ordinance are the first major changes in the document since 1995. Minor changes were made to the Ordinance in 1998.

A Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) governs how land is divided into lots and how infrastructure (roads, water, sewer, drainage facilities, etc.) is provided to major subdivisions and commercial developments. Without a SALDO, lots in subdivisions would be divided with no particular organization and without any consistent standards. This would lead to unplanned development and result in subdivisions with inadequate roads, water supply, sewage disposal, or other improvements. The SALDO is also the means to ensure that subdivision maps are filed with the County Recorder of Deeds for legal identification and orderly land transfer from owner to owner.

The County’s SALDO applies to thirty-three of the forty municipalities in the County. Seven municipalities have adopted their own SALDO which supersede the County Ordinance.

The proposed changes to the SALDO include 1) smaller minimum lot sizes but with the deduction of constrained land such as wetlands and floodway, 2) a requirement for a plan submission for certain additions to commercial and industrial developments, 3) a rearrangement of the Plan Processing section, including specific forms to be used by the Planning Department when receiving a plan, 4) the addition of a final plan application and as-built plans, 5) a new classification called “Minor Land Development” to simplify the approval process for small developments, 6) an expanded section on improvement guarantees required from a developer when all roads and other improvements are not installed at once, 7) performance standards for commercial and industrial developments, and 8) further defining the circumstances under which a waiver of the requirements may be allowed by the Planning Commission.

Anyone wishing to review the proposed documents may obtain a copy from the Susquehanna County Department of Planning, 31 Public Avenue, Montrose, PA. A full text is also available on-line at www.susqco.com.

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Barbershop Chorus And Spaghetti Shindig

For an evening of song and entertainment join The Southerntiersmen Barbershop Chorus on April 16th at Montrose High School. The High School Band will offer a spaghetti supper starting at 4:30 prior to the show. Music begins at 7:00 PM with a keyboard-rocking, ragtime pre-show featuring Rick Pedro. The Barbershoppers arrive at 7:30 and will feature homegrown and regional stars including the Troubadours, Yesterday, and Sound Celebration quartets, plus more.

The Yesterday Barbershop Quartet is shown here with MRC Administrator Debbra Nagle in center. The quartet includes (from left) Dave Andre, Homer Middleton, Ron Leonard and Webb Comfort.

The Sourthentiersmen represent the best of this area’s vibrant tradition of Barbershop harmony. These gents (plus a Sweet Adeline lady or two) love what they do and sing their hearts out, lifting the rafters wherever they perform. The group is well known for fall performances in Johnson City, which have sold out for 61 years. This show will bring the full chorus to Susquehanna County for the first time in many years and it is expected to become an annual spring shindig.

Tickets are available at several Montrose stores. Proceeds will benefit the Montrose Restoration Committee and the Montrose High School Band. For information call (570) 278-6854.

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Commissioner Warren Offers Outreach

County Commissioner MaryAnn Warren announces an outreach program to offer all County residents an opportunity to share their concerns, questions, and ideas for Susquehanna County. Commissioner Warren, in an attempt to represent all the people of Susquehanna County, will be available to meet in an informal setting at the New Milford Boro Building on the first Tuesday and Thursday of the every month, during the hours of 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Warren states, “When I offered myself as a candidate, I campaigned that I would try to make County government more accessible to all the citizens of Susquehanna County, and scheduling hours during non business hours will be a step to honor that campaign pledge. I solicit your opinions and welcome your participation.”

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Do You Want To Be A Movie Star?

Wildlife Rescue and Adopt An Angel Companion Animal Rescue will hold a dinner and auction April 17, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Neumann Hall, Rte. 267, in Friendsville (Choconut), PA. An all-you-can-eat dinner will consist of chicken and biscuits or vegetarian lasagna with salad, plus dessert. The event will be emceed by Kurt Motsko.

There will be wonderful auction items, many of them animal oriented such as cat furniture, dog beds and pet gift baskets. There will also be some great craft items, “people” gift baskets, collectors’ items, and artwork; also gift certificates to many of the area’s finer restaurants, tickets to the Binghamton and NE PA Philharmonics, stays at several resorts and several fishing charters in the Alexandria Bay area.

And, if you ever wanted to be in movies, here’s your big chance! “Goodfellas’” Paul Sorvino will direct you in his next flick! They will be auctioning a guaranteed speaking part in Mr. Sorvino’s summer movie – a movie he is directing and starring in – scheduled to begin filming late summer in the Poconos and New York City.

All are welcome to join for good food, lots of fun, and you just might be the next big movie star!

For more information or for directions, call (570) 553–2499.

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Music For Munchkins At N. W. Library

The Northern Wayne Community Library will host a “Music for Munchkins” program for preschool age children (2-5 yrs.) on Friday, April 1, and Friday, April 22.

The program will run from 10:00 to 11:15 a.m. at the library, which is located next to the Preston School in Lakewood.

Mrs. Linda Lee of Starrucca will facilitate the program. Mrs. Lee has more than 40 years of experience in the music field as an elementary school music teacher, private piano teacher and a bell and chime choir director.

“Music for Munchkins” is open to the general public and free of charge. A snack and story time will also be included in the program.

Pre-registration is necessary, however it is not mandatory for a child to attend for both sessions. Parental involvement in the activities is necessary.

Please call Maria or Julie at 798–2444 to register or with any questions.

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Girl Scouts Seeking Women Of Distinction

Girl Scouts, Scranton Pocono Council is currently seeking nominations for its Ninth Annual Women of Distinction Awards which will be presented at a “Stars & S’mores Soiree” at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center.

The Women of Distinction Award is presented to women who embody the ideals of the Girl Scout Movement. For a nominee to be awarded this honor, she must be or have been a Girl Scout as a child or as an adult within the Council's geographic service area of Lackawanna, Monroe, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming and Pike Counties. In addition, she must be recognized for her contributions to personal and/or professional endeavors, possess strength of spirit, display a commitment to her community and strive to live her life by the code of conduct appropriate for a Girl Scout alumna.

Pictured (l-r) and ready for "s'more fun" are: back – Peter Curtin, PNC Bank and Terry Wise, Keystone College; front – Chris Clark, Highlights for Children and Melinda Ghilardi, event co-chair.

“The Women of Distinction Award celebrates the success of today’s woman and the contribution of Girl Scouting to the lives of women and girls,” said Cindy Garren, council executive director.

The application deadline is April 29. For more information about the Women of Distinction Awards or for a nomination form, call Joann Hoban toll-free at 877-582-2100.

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Susky Elementary Kindergarten Reg.

Mr. Robert Keyes, Principal of Susquehanna Community Elementary School, announces that there will be a make-up day for Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten Registration on Tuesday, April 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Elementary Health Office.

Any parent who registers a child for pre-kindergarten or kindergarten must bring a birth certificate, Social Security card and immunization records. A general health history form and pupil transportation form should be filled out at the time of registration.

A student must be five (5) years of age on or before September 1, 2005 in order to be eligible for Kindergarten, and a student must be four (4) years of age on or before September 1, 2005 in order to be eligible for Pre-Kindergarten.

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