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LaRue Farm Enters Easement Program The PA Agricultural Land Preservation Easement Purchase Program of Susquehanna County, which is administered by the Susquehanna County Conservation District (SCCD), has purchased the development rights on the Dennis and Victoria LaRue farm located in Rush and Jessup townships. A perpetual easement placed on this property helps preserve the rural nature of the townships and contribute to maintaining a critical agriculture mass in the area. The LaRue farm is the 21st farm purchase in Susquehanna County, bringing the total acres preserved to 4,483. The original LaRue farm was established in 1882 and has been an active farm since that time. Dennis, Victoria and their son, Ben and his wife, Renee currently operate the farm, Ben being the seventh generation. Ben has started a vegetable line to their operation.
Pictured (l-r) are: front row – Eleanor Kurosky, Ag Preservation Board; Dennis and Victoria LaRue, landowners; Dewey Lyon, Chairman, Ag Preservation Board; back row – John Benscoter, Vice Chairman, Ag Preservation Board; MaryAnn Warren, Commissioner; Michael Giangrieco, County Solicitor; Marlene Bailey, SCCD, Program Administrator. An agricultural conservation easement is a legal restriction on land development that limits the use of land to agricultural purposes. The application period runs from November 15 through January 15 each year. Applications are ranked according to soil quality, development potential, farmland potential and clustering potential. The highest ranking farm is considered for purchase first. The farm is then appraised to determine the easement value. For more information contact: Marlene Bailey at (570) 278–1011 Ext. 101.
Experience Wraps Up For County Youth Beginning on June 22, youth enrolled in TREHAB’s Workforce Investment Act program participated in a six-week summer work experience program. The Susquehanna County youth gained experience in the work force with the added bonus of earning money over the summer. The participants began the summer program by participating in Academic Enrichment Week, which was held at Blue Ridge High School from June 15 to June 21. A variety of local business professionals, and military personnel volunteered their time to speak to the youth, who received information on budgeting, banking, careers, financial aid, military service, and health care issues.
Sgt. Ditchey of the National Guard Armory in New Milford gives TREHAB Summer Youth Work Experience participants a tour of the new facility. He treated the youth to a MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) luncheon. Following the work experience, 11 youth members were nominated for awards by their employers for displaying the following: positive attitude, teamwork, cooperation with other youth and supervisors, initiative, consistent responsibility and quality of work, no unexcused absences, and obeying program rules and regulations. TREHAB and the participants thank all the businesses who devoted their time and energy to make the Summer Employment experience a success. The Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission funds the TREHAB youth program.
What do you get when you combine Girl Scouts, old friends, warm memories, hearty laughs, campfire songs, cookouts and the natural beauty of the great outdoors? Camp Archbald’s 85th Anniversary and Staff Reunion celebration! Former campers and camp staff flocked to the beautiful serenity of Camp Archbald August 12-14 in celebration of this special weekend. Located on a 288-acre site in Brooklyn Twp., Susquehanna County, Camp Archbald is the second oldest Girl Scout camp in the nation. The first acres were purchased in 1920 by the Council camp committee and Mrs. Thomas F. Archbald, for whom the camp was named. “Camp Archbald is a place of special memories for so many people,” said Phil Dombroski, camp director and chairperson of the 85th anniversary celebration. “Thousands of girls have experienced the wonderful opportunities at Camp Archbald, and for that we celebrated and commemorated this historic occasion.”
Over 50 former campers and camp staff flocked to the beautiful serenity of Susquehanna county August 12-14 in celebration of the 85th birthday of Camp Archbald, a resident camp owned and operated by Girl Scouts, Scranton Pocono Council. The first campers to pioneer Camp Archbald came by train, cooked in the tent kitchens and grew vegetables in Victory Gardens. Alumnae for the anniversary and reunion celebration came from across the country - Oregon, Florida and Connecticut – and enjoyed meals in the full service kitchen. Former waterfront directors, boating and swimming instructors and unit leaders all gathered to celebrate and appreciate the memories of Camp Archbald. They came with questions – “Do the fairies still come?”, “What about Polar Bear swimming?”, “Can we swim across the lake?” And, they came to reiterate the message: Girl Scouts – where girls grow strong. Most notable, was the uniting of five Camp Archbald directors: Pat Frieler (1971 – 1976), Linda Ardan (1979 – 1981), Diane Bleam (1988 – 2000), Jasmine Pollock (2002 – 2004) and Phil Dombroski, current director. The weekend was filled with swimming, boating, hiking, bird watching, camp fires, sing-a-longs and a host of additional timeless camp activities – all which remain favorites still today! And on Saturday afternoon sentiments were plenty as a “Reunion Tree” was placed into the camp’s earth. This heartwarming ceremony signified years of memories, along with experiences, hopes and dreams for the future. “There was a great deal of laughing, crying and reminiscing,” said Dombroski. “The weekend was about reuniting former camp staff – all who have made Camp Archbald and those priceless memories possible.” Jasmine Pollock, a former director, stated, “The reunion united me with several past campers of mine. It was great to see them again. Camp Archbald always brings back so many memories - memories of fun and friendship!” Although the weekend was filled with festivities, it held so much more. “By bringing together those for whom camp has had a profound impact, we are opening the door to another great season at Camp Archbald. One filled with even more wonderful, lasting memories,” Dombroski added.
Blue Ridge Senior Center Update SUMMER: The warmest season of the year, when the sun shines the most directly. I agree it was a warm summer, in fact hot, humid and sunny. Little or no rain. But here at the Center we have A/C and it was very comfortable. In spite of the heat we kept busy. A good size group continued to travel on Wednesday evenings by bus to Elk Lake School for the senior swimming. We continue with our B/P's, exercises, dominoes; a group are now playing pinochle on Tuesdays. We had several speakers: Kaylan Jones from PENNDOT conducted a survey for senior drivers who are on the roads. Jessica Dibble was also with us, she talked about problems with medicine management. Michelle Bronski was here and spoke about physical activity and nutrition. We said "Good-Bye" to Mary Jane Westbrook. This was her last time with us as she retires. She spoke on "Good Health Begins with You." One day a group went into Vestal and enjoyed "Chinese" and then had free time to shop in Wal-Mart. We also enjoyed a Macaroni and Cheese Dinner. It was a great hit, as so many look forward to Mac and Cheese. Our quilt was finished and it's a beauty. The colors are wonderful, pale blues, pinks and maroon. I believe it is the best one yet. Thanks to all who worked to finish this in time for the Harford Fair. We, as usual, had a booth at the fair one day, cookies and rice krispie treats were sold along with raffle tickets for the quilt. A special thanks to all who in any way helped – be it furnishing cookies, etc or selling tickets. What would we do without the volunteers? The place was bursting at the seams the day that Michael White from Social Security was here. He spoke about the new Medicare prescription program which goes into effect soon. Many questions were asked and I hope that all got the information they need. Another large crowd was here the day the food vouchers were distributed. That is a wonderful program. A picnic was planned to be held at Hawkins Pond, but because of the HOT weather it was held here in the dining room. Good turnout. Then we had our annual Rock-A-Thon, it was a great success, a great many pledged to Mary White and she was the #1 go getter. Along with the above was a Pizza Party - it was a good afternoon. Quite a few celebrated birthdays during the summer, they are: Jennie Parmgarden, Pat Tarbox, Alice Parillo, Alice Smith, Bill Wagner, Louise Ackley, Pricilla Allen, Janet Moser, David Hughes, Mary Jane Fleming, and Alice Hal., Hope your day was special and many more. Now that the summer and the heat and vacations and company are things of the past, hope to see you at the Center. Take care, till next time.
Hurricane Katrina & Your United Way The impact of a hurricane Katrina with its fierce winds and swollen waters, slammed into the Southern gulf coast with such magnitude that the ripples of destruction reach far beyond our Southern coast. We observe the physical damage to property, hear about the loss of life and ask our selves what can I do? We have been asked to pray... send money... and give of ourselves in the clean up and rebuilding process. Some individuals can give of their time and we continue to pray for those who are affected. The cleanup and attention to the needs of displaced residents will be an ongoing process. "The American Red Cross is one of many agencies that is working to supply basic needs for these people. The United Way of Susquehanna County supports this agency and people can designate their contributions to go toward helping the hurricane victims," stated United Way Director Ruth Donnelly, who also pointed out that Brenda Loubet, from Interfaith spoke at our cabinet luncheon, and she, along with others, has gone to Louisiana to assist those in need. The annual campaign for the United Way of Susquehanna County is underway and you can help by designating a portion of your contribution to The American Red Cross through payroll deductions. If your employer does not have payroll deductions, you can make your check payable to the United Way of Susquehanna County, or use a Visa or Master Card. In addition to the Red Cross, The United Way serves the following Member Agencies: American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, Boy Scouts; Baden-Powell Council, Barnes Kasson Hospital, Care Net Pregnancy Center of NE PA, Creative Adventures for Education, End of Day, Girl Scouts, Scranton Pocono Council, Habitat for Humanity of Susquehanna County, Hemodialysis Association of NE PA, Self Discovery Wellness and Arts Center, Susquehanna County Interfaith, Susquehanna County Library & Historical Society, Susquehanna County Literacy Program, Tri County Human Services Center, Voluntary Action Center of NE PA, Women's Resource Center. Affiliate Agencies include Endless Mountain Theater Company, Montrose Restoration Committee, Rail-Trail Council of Northeastern PA, Inc., Susquehanna County Humane Society. These agencies will deliver over 50 programs serving over 130,000 residents. Your donation can be designated to a specific agency. Donations are tax-deductible by law. We have a goal of $200,000.00 this year, and with a cabinet of 30 people we hope to reach out to all businesses and ask for your support. For residents who are employed out of Susquehanna County we ask that you designate your pledge to the "United Way of Susquehanna County". Bob Welch of Pennstar Bank, this year's Annual Campaign Chairman states, "These donations ensure that funds remain in our county to directly benefit local citizens." As individuals we can send small donations to help our United Way... each dollar counts and when put together with someone else’s dollar we are doing what matters for our area. "Do what you can with what you have, where you are." - Theodore Roosevelt For more information contact United Way of Susquehanna County, 36 Lake Avenue, Montrose, Pa. 18801. Tel: 570-278-3868, Fax: 570-278-7605, e-mail: unitedway@epix.net.
Invitation To Share Your Stories What was it like to farm without electricity? How did you get to town in the winter before there were snowplows? Do you remember when you first heard about airplanes? We are looking for people who lived in Susquehanna County in the early 1900s through the 1940s to come tell us about it. We are members of the Susquehanna County Oral History Project, a committee of the Friends of Salt Springs Park, Inc. With the help of selected high school students, we want to capture your unique personal stories about ways of life that no longer exist. SCOHP members have been working with teachers and senior-class advisers in the Montrose, Mountain View, Elk Lake, and Blue Ridge school districts to create a class project that benefits both students and the community. We have also received a $500 grant from the Lorna W. Reynolds Children's Development Fund to cover expenses and purchase equipment. In September, students will learn about oral history, what it is, how it is pursued, and how to learn from it. In November, the students will be ready to practice what they have learned. Here's where you can help. We invite you to come out to Salt Springs for an hour or so some November afternoon (date yet to be set) and share your stories with the new, young oral historians. Your memories about how things were done, what the world used to look like, and how people lived and worked together are a unique source of information about Susquehanna County that needs to be shared and recorded. Please call Debra Adleman at 278-3371 for more information.
Lucas and Stephanie Burdick welcomed Lola Anne Burdick, weighing in at 7 pounds, 12 ounces at the Air Force Base Hospital September 8, 2005 in Great Falls, Montana. Grandfather, Charles (Chuck) Burdick, Oakland and great-grand parents, George and Joyce Burdick, Oakland were delighted with the news.
Susquehanna County Veterans Memorial Bridge committee met on September 8, at American Legion Post 86, Susquehanna, PA. After a light lunch, the meeting was called to order by Chairman Tony Napolitano, followed by the tribute to the flag. A poem about veterans was read and a moment of silence for the victims of hurricane Katrina was observed. Members present were: Tony Napolitano, Carol Rockwell, Ray Rockwell, Chuck Glidden, Evan Price, John Bronchella, Robert McNamara, Sr., Gerry Vail, Beverly Everitt. The minutes of the June 2 meeting were read and approved. Treasurer’s report was read and approved. The street commission was commended for doing a great job in keeping the flags flying high on the bridge. The Christmas flags will be checked and necessary repairs will be made or new flags purchased. New flagpoles for the bridge were made by Ray Rockwell, and given to the street commissioner for replacement, as necessary. Chairman Napolitano reported that he had contacted PENNDOT, Dunmore, to have the bridge pressure washed before Susquehanna Days. It was cleaned before the special event. The bronze plaques on the bridge were cleaned. We have not received the bill as of date. Chairman Napolitano will contact Commissioner Roberta Kelly for placement of the picture plaque in the county courthouse, for all residents to have an opportunity to view. The meeting was adjourned at 1:15 p.m.
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