HEADLINES:
Post 86 Entertains Gino Merli Veterans
50th Anniversary
Waiting For You!
4-H News
Carpenter Benefit Draws Huge Crowd
Family Resource Center On Its Way
Foster Grandparents Sponsor Project

Post 86 Entertains Gino Merli Veterans
By Lou Parrillo

For several years, the Susquehanna American Legion Post 86 has been entertaining veterans from the Wilkes-Barre Medical Center and lately veterans from the Gino Merli Medical Center, Scranton, PA.

On Thursday, September 29, 2005 it was the turn of the Merli vets who were “wined and dined,” much to their satisfaction. The nine handicapped vets present were accompanied by medical aides Ann Marie Renda and Nancy Keller, along with bus driver Ron Pierce and Thelma Rosemergey.

Veterans present were: Harold Oliver (Army) Wilkes-Barre; Clint Oahman (Navy) Freeland; Nicholas Spatz (Army) Daleville; Robert Goeslitz (Air Force) Dunmore; Peter Wouk (Army) Olyphant; Stanley Koelling (Navy) Tanglewood; Leo Moran (Army) Scranton; Mario Nataloni (Air Force) Dunmore; Arnold Levine (Air Force) Brooklyn, NY.

Pictured (l-r) are: standing – Nancy Keller, Tom Hurley – Chairman of Post 86 Vets Affairs, Ann Marie Renda; seated – Mario Nataloni, Clint Oahman, Leo Moran, Harold Oliver. Photo by Joe Bucci

The call for volunteers to give a “helping hand” with the vets was nicely answered. Volunteers were: Matt Alerio, Stan Lindow, Tony Napolitano, Mary Gow, Joe Canini, Joe Bucci, Mary Ficarro, Mike Kuiper, and co-chairmen Tom Hurley and Mike Vaccaro.

Working the kitchen and serving a delicious lunch were Candy Kuiper, Kevin McKee, Debbie Benson and Charley Callahan.

Prior to leaving the Legion the veterans were all given monetary gifts by Post 86 and its Auxiliary.

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50th Anniversary

Gary and Sally Balanis (pictured on their wedding day), Great Bend, PA are celebrating 50 years of marriage. Gary Balanis and the former Sally Gathany were married on October 7, 1955. They have two children, a son, Randy Balanis of New Milford, PA and a daughter, Tamara "Tam" Rood, who lives in Collegeville, PA, with husband, Chris and their children, Rachel and Christian.

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Waiting For You!

Everyone calls this wonderful dog “Supermom.” Not only did she raise her own puppies, but, when several abandoned puppies were found, she raised them, too. This four-year old has the most wonderful disposition and just loves to give everyone kisses and hugs. Now it’s time for someone to give her their love. She’s given so much. Won’t you give her a home?

She’ll be waiting for you at the Susquehanna County Humane Society Shelter in Montrose, (570) 278–1228.

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4-H News

North Jackson Ag

The North Jackson Ag. 4H club held their last meeting on September 11. The club gathered at the Onyon’s house for a 1:00 picnic and then the meeting followed at 2:20. The club members had gotten back into their old routines again with school, jobs, and sports but everyone enjoyed winding down the summer with a nice family 4-H picnic.

Abby came back from Delaware Valley College to lead her club as their president. She called the meeting to order at 2:20 and pledges were lead by Holly and Maria. Holly then took role call and gave the secretaries report. Aaron gave the treasurer’s report. Eric Giangrieco was asked to report on dairy districts, which he attended. Ricky, Chelsea, and Eileen also went. Sandy thanked the club parents and members for helping out at the dairy fundraiser because it turned out to be a big success. The club took second place in the beautification project. August 27 and 28 was the district horse show. Tiffany, Kelly and Jordan went to that.

Everyone in the club was invited to the fiber festival on September 24 and 25. On October 8 there will be a fun day at Tompkin’s farm in Montrose. The kids will get to pretend they live on a dairy farm for a day.

October 1was the deadline for the Dave Quick memorial essay on the 4-H leader that has made a difference in your life for kids who want to write about an outstanding 4-H leader. Sandy introduced to the club some new members and their families.

Maria Preston brought two gentlemen with her to assist her in a few dances that she has recently learned. Jonathan Onyon demonstrated how to throw a discus properly. Sandy also wanted to thank those who helped with the farmer for a day project at the Harford Fair. The club leaders, Bonny and Sandy, gave out scholarships to the club seniors that plan on continuing their education.

The last part of the meeting, the outstanding leaders in the club were given gifts for their time and effort in making our club a success every year. Also the club officers also received gifts for their hard work and dedication to the club. The meeting was adjourned.

News Reporter: Kaitlin Flor

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Carpenter Benefit Draws Huge Crowd
By Lou Parrillo

Do the people of Susquehanna/Oakland/Lanesboro and surrounding towns really care when one of their young citizens is in need of – not only financial help, but your prayers and loving expression?

Well, let me tell you, the benefit for Jake Carpenter, who has been stricken with a rare form of cancer at a very young age and a graduate of Susquehanna High 2002, drew one of the largest crowds ever to a benefit to help his family defray the large amount of bills.

The benefit held in the American Legion Post 86 Memorial Hall drew friends from all over the county and also New York State on Friday, September 23.

The Legion Hall looked like a “Little Mall,” with gifts of food, clothes, and “what have you” donated by the good citizens. The volunteers that took care of the raffles, etc., should be highly complimented. (I just wish I had all of their names.)

Very enjoyable and entertaining during the evening were the musical groups of: Steve Lawrenson and daughter, Katie; Greg Connors, “One Man Band” from Montrose; Conflict, a four-man band; Kathy DellaValle and Kevin Grausgruber; “No Special Guests” of five musicians and John Napolitano’s BFD band.

The benefit for Jake was cosponsored by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, with the American Legion donating the hall for the evening.

Doing a super job was Master of Ceremonies, Jake’s mother, Jeorganne (Carpenter) Darling, as she announced the prize winners.

The Darlings, Scott and Jeorganne, would like to also take this time to thank all those “that in any way helped with the benefit.”

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Family Resource Center On Its Way

Hallstead, PA – Parents of young children and providers of early childcare and education in Susquehanna County will soon have their own resource center. Susquehanna County CARES (Childcare, Agencies, Resources and Educational Services) has found a home for the unique ‘lending library’ thanks to a generous donation of space by the First Presbyterian Church in Hallstead.

Reaching out to young children has been a longtime mission of the church.

During the 1960’s and 1970’s, the building was the location for a kindergarten program. The early education was offered at a time when the local public school didn’t provide such classes.

The CARES Family Resource Center will be a ‘one-stop’ location providing the latest information and materials needed to promote quality early care and education in Susquehanna County. “We want to be a place where parents of young children and providers can turn for extra resources,” explained Kathy Harte, CARES Family Resource Advisory Board Chair. “The center will have everything from child development videos to special theme educational kits available for borrowing.” The theme kits will be made up of activities and games on topics ranging from teaching opposites to learning about the weather.

Studies show children who receive quality care and education before the age of five improve their chances of success later in life. The mission of Susquehanna County CARES is to promote quality childcare and education through a community coalition of parents, early care providers, professional educators and agency leaders.

The CARES Family Resource Center should open its doors at 107 Pine Street, Hallstead by early next year. For more information on the center or about Susquehanna County CARES, call (570) 278-0760.

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Foster Grandparents Sponsor Project

The Foster Grandparent Program for Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Tioga Counties are challenging all county residents to “Sock It to Us.”

The senior volunteer program is asking everyone to donate one new pair of socks during the month of October. The socks will be collected by Foster Grandparents and distributed by human service agencies and shelters throughout the four county area. One half of the collection may be designated to go to hurricane victims in the southern states.

People often donate new and used clothes and shoes, but socks usually are something people wear until they are worn out.

Socks will be collected throughout the entire month of October at libraries throughout each county. This project is being held in conjunction with “Make a Difference Day” in October.

Socks of any size, color or style may be dropped off in special laundry baskets. They ask only that they are new.

The collection baskets can be found beginning October 1 at: Hallstead Great Bend Library, Pratt Memorial Library, in New Milford, Susquehanna County Historical Society and Free Library Association, in Montrose, and the Susquehanna Free Library, in Susquehanna. The boxes will be available for contributions through October 31.

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