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Issue Home August 25, 2007 Site Home

HEADLINES:
Post 8488 Hosts Veterans
PARSE Update
Preschool Connection Grant Improves Children's Room
Art In The Park
What An Experience!
Kiwanis Recognizes Sustaining Donor
Turnpike Senior Center Update
Recycling Performance DEP Grants Awarded
2007 Blueberry Festival Chairs
PACD/SCC Joint Annual Conference Was Electric
Alicia Osterhout Wins Annual Fishing Derby

Post 8488 Hosts Veterans

VFW Post 8488, Lenox, recently held a day of fishing and a barbecue for residents of the Gino Merli Veterans’ Home in Scranton. Jim and Pat Evans of Kingsley sponsored the event. Pictured (l-r) are: front row – guests from the veterans’ home; back row – Jim Evans, Scotty Dottle, Hank Shojak, Joe Wynne (Post Adjutant General and coordinator of the event), Will Zeerfoss, Lloyd Anderson, Pat Anderson, Greg Carroll. All enjoyed the day, and trophies were awarded to all.

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PARSE Update
By Cynthia Sims, Secretary

The Pennsylvania Association of Retired State Employees (PARSE) met on August 14 at the Zion Methodist Church, Dushore. President Jesse Bacon introduced Bob Getz, a retiree of the Auditor General’s office, who is also a candidate for Sullivan County Commissioner. Mr. Getz stated that when he retired, he was not given any information regarding PARSE. In the discussion that followed, he gave suggestions to the organization about getting information to new retirees at their retirement interview. The delegates to the annual state PARSE meeting in September agreed to request that the state organization become involved in recruiting retirees.

Legislative Chairman Joe Plonski reported that as the legislators are on vacation until September, there has been no action on introducing legislation for an annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). He stated that there are nine state retirement organizations endeavoring to secure a COLA for their members. He urged that all retirees contact their representatives to push for the COLA. President Bacon also stated the importance of contacting the legislators.

The next meeting will be held September 11 at the Towanda Gun Club, Bradford County. To learn more about the PARSE organization, please plan to attend this noon meeting. For more information or to make reservations, contact Susquehanna County Vic President John Benio at 278–2380.

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Preschool Connection Grant Improves Children's Room

Thanks to a federal Library Services and Technology Act "Preschool Connection" grant, the Children's Room at the Main Library of the Susquehanna County Historical Society & Free Library Association has been rearranged and improved. The Children's Room is now more accessible and convenient to parents and their children from infancy on.

Patrons enjoy the newly rearranged Children’s Room at the Main Library in Montrose.

The area for babies and toddlers now features a comfortable carpet and a sturdy play table where board books are available. The section is shielded from the space for older children so that parents can more easily supervise, and it's bright and inviting.

The book collection has been rearranged so that all picture books are together in the young child area, and all the chapter books for older readers are shelved in the area for older children. The grant also funded new audio-visual equipment and interactive toys for young children like a "touch board" and wood puzzles.

The new space can now house a lap-sit program for babies, which is held on the second Thursday of every month at 9:30 a.m. No pre-registration required – just bring your baby (newborn to two years old) for a 15- to 20-minute program. Toddler Time for youngsters aged 2 to 3 1/2 is held on the third Thursday, also at 9:30. Once they reach 3 1/2, children are eligible for the school-year Story Hour program (registration required, ask for details at the front desk).

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Art In The Park
Submitted By Vera Scroggins

Watching the face-painting of a child, as Ilona Scroggins creatively paints another eager child's upturned face, receiving her expert, gentle strokes, transforming a trusting face into a field of color and design. I watched yesterday, at the twice-weekly "Art in the Park" program manned – or “womanned” – by Laurel Lake resident, Ilona Scroggins.

Ilona Scroggins demonstrates the art of face painting at the Union St. park in Montrose Borough.

Ilona has managed to meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 1 to 4 pm. for the summer in the Montrose Memorial Playground on Union St. in Montrose Borough and will continue until school starts. She supplies the special face paint that washes off easily, and other art supplies for creative venture under the Pavilion. She offers the children free, full-painted faces of flowers, swirls, butterflies, cartoon and comic- book characters with sparkles that spur the imagination of even the youngest child. She brings along her two, eager young daughters, Zoni, who is almost 4 and Nevie, almost 3. They indulge in art while also playing on the swings and the large, intricate jungle gym of slides and rock-climbing wall.

Even teenagers are getting involved and exploring the art of face-painting, which resembles the art of ancient mask-making to enhance the world of imagination and creative play. Local resident, teenager Kathleen Luecke is apprenticing under Ilona to learn this art. There are over 30 designs presently to learn and master.

This is being offered rain or shine. Ilona plans to continue this program next year, and is open to businesses and individuals coming on board with support to buy the needed materials and even expand the program. Art is a peaceful, creative involvement for our young people and shows them that their boundless energy can have satisfying outlets in the world of art and imagination.

Any questions about this park program can be fielded to Ilona at 663–9283.

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What An Experience!
By Carole M. Canfield

Please read quickly, thinking about the impact of each statement:

"One minute, sixty seconds, 1/60th of an hour, we'll be right back after this word from our sponsors, the store will close in one minute, your wait time for the next available agent is approximately one minute, sitting at a stoplight, standing in line, reheating leftovers in the microwave, I'll be back in a minute, this will only take a minute. Just a minute! It's not really much time, but it can change your life! "One minute you are nobody. And the next minute, everyone knows your name. And the winner is! We're investigating a report out of Washington on a White house intern named Monica Lewinski. Let's roll! One minute and you are on top of the world. The next minute you're buried by it. A phone call. Mrs. Jones, this is Amanda from Dr. Mill's office, the doctor would like to see you about your test results. A knock on the door. Mr. Thompson, my name is Sergeant Blake from the Sheriff's department. We've got some bad news about your son, Bryan. A letter in the mail. You are required to appear in a court of law. A news bulletin. We interrupt this program, this is a Fox News Alert! The president has been shot. Shocking news today out of Littleton, Colorado, from Columbine High School. A second plane has struck the World Trade Towers."

"In a minute, nothing will ever be the same again. You're pregnant. You're dying. You're losing with less than a minute on the clock. You are liable. You're fired! A crash, a flood, a storm, a fire, a car bomb. My house! My son! My God! What will it be? Heaven or hell? What will it be? Do you have time to wait? Decide now. Before your time is up!"

This brief skit, performed by three people who attend Bridgewater Baptist, had an important impact on the thoughts of the almost 600 people who congregated at the second annual Bridgewater Baptist Church's "Worship on The Green."

Jared Berg, Brandon Russell and Spencer Craige pause amid Bridgewater Baptist Church’s “Worship on The Green” service held August 19 in Montrose.

Photo By Eric P. Hamby

This unique, outdoor worship program was organized and carried out in less than one month’s time. Guided by Bridgewater's contemporary praise band, "Relevant" the audience participated in the worship program, which included hand signing for those deaf or hard of hearing. The band was complete with a drummer, a bass guitarist, several other guitarists, a keyboard, several vocalists in combined groups, a flute player, a trumpet, a clarinet and a saxophone. The audience clapped, sang and offered praise throughout the performance. "Relevant" glowed with their musical talents, performing many contemporary hymns, encouraging those in attendance to sing along (lyrics were provided) and clap to the songs of worship. Real life "faith testimonies" were offered, along with tears and complete honesty. The whole atmosphere combined to lead the audience in many avenues of worship, including the audience participation with the hymns. It was a morning for peace, fellowship and re-evaluation for all.

For the audience’s enjoyment, there was a song by “Tapestry of Praise," a female ministry group, consisting of the singing and harmonizing talents of several Bridgewater ladies.

There was also a special time for children third grade and younger including a lesson and a jumping dinosaur castle.

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, the service was topped off with a free chicken barbecue, featuring Art Bolles' famous special recipe chicken and picnic fixings provided by those that regularly attend Bridgewater Baptist Church.

John Sprout, one of the church members shared his view of the annual worship, "We wanted to outreach to the community, to show people that worship can be fun, we can all have fellowship, not to proclaim any denomination, but to have the community come out and worship as a whole. We hoped to show that we, at Bridgewater Baptist, genuinely care about the community and to help spread "The Word." The outdoor service does just that; some people are afraid to come into a church, this gives them the ability to worship without fear and just experience the fellowship we do have."

A final audience participation exercise was introduced within the contents of an envelope (which we each self addressed) that read "Please write down what you feel and how you think God can work within you, to be the best you can be, to utilize your strengths." The letters were then collected and are to be stored for six weeks, when they will be mailed back to each individual, who can then count how many blessings were bestowed upon them and to see how many prayers were answered.

"Relevant's" band leader, Wes Davis stated, "It is a chance to worship with our community, in our community." Band member, Scott Zimmerman added that band members and church individuals are interested in "Creating an inviting an accessible environment to develop interest in church worship."

Pastor of Family Life Ministries’ Don Fenner, relayed that the idea was to "Put thy God before people, so that they can learn to love Him."

Not only did the talents, both musical and theatrical, shared by these church members, intrigue me, but I was mesmerized by the entire presentation. Some church members were so busy cooking and preparing the free meal that they did not have a chance to experience what was going on, but they too, worked for the betterment of the whole "worship" theme. It was a feeling of unity, praise and thanks.

Church member, Dick Craige was "extremely impressed with the way the whole program provided a view to the inside of fellowship at Bridgewater. The audience participated from the beginning, the church members and individuals all worked closely with each other and with those in attendance. What is more, they each enjoyed their tasks, from signing to chicken barbeque grilling.

Mr. Craige was not alone in his praise of the hard work and fellowship the "worship" provided; a member of the church, Marie Egli added, "What is most important is the message!"

Speaking with numerous attendees, I was told, "It was phenomenal, exciting, tremendous, fun, the food is great, the kids had lots of fun, while I enjoyed the entire presentation uninterrupted.”

It was "the best."

"I loved it, it gets better every year. I never felt any service so much, so deeply."

"Can I have more chicken?"

"When is there another one?"

Well, "Worship on The Green" is an annual event and unfortunately it will not be experienced again until next August. But the contemporary music of the band, the talents of the people within Bridgewater Baptist Church, the inspiring messages so thoughtfully prepared and offered by Pastor Bob Kadlecik can be experienced at the Church.

"Worship on The Green" is a unique, exciting way to take time out to worship and fellowship with others in our community. It is beginning to form a heritage tradition through this annual event.

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Kiwanis Recognizes Sustaining Donor

At the August 16 meeting of the Montrose Area Kiwanis, Ed DeWitt was presented with the Sustaining Donor Award. Mr. DeWitt is a charter member of the Montrose club. He is very involved in many of the Kiwanis projects, such as the Christmas Toy Drive and the KLR July Fourth Celebration. Pictured (l-r) are Ed DeWitt and Debbie Crisman, President, during presentation of the award. The Kiwanis International Foundation has established the Sustaining Donor program in order to recognize members who support the Kiwanis Children's Fund on an annual basis.

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Turnpike Senior Center Update
By Mary Heesh

Well, it is a short month for me to write about; I spent two weeks in Vermont. Had a nice time, but it is always good to get home.

Some of our people went out for lunch to the Cracker Barrel Restaurant; from what I heard, they had a good time.

A group of us again went to South New Milford Baptist Church and heard a concert by Soul Fire, singing a lot of inspirational songs and giving us great testimony. We also had refreshments afterward. It was a nice time for all of us. Thanks again to Soul Fire.

We had a good dominoes game, Flo won. She’s getting good. We let her think that.

We have been getting summer squash lately. Marion Glover made a casserole with it. It’s a great recipe and a good way to get rid of squash.

The kids have been practicing football. It’s good to see them again.

Some of the ladies went to a concert at Watson Hill Bible Church. They had a very nice group of people singing, a lot of good music and fellowship, and some great refreshments afterward. Thank you, Ellen for asking us to go.

Well, our exercise group is still going strong each morning, to a walk a mile tape and on Tuesday we exercise twice because Kay comes in at 9 for us.

That’s all for now, see you soon.

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Recycling Performance DEP Grants Awarded

Reps. Sandra Major (R-Susquehanna/Wayne/Wyoming) and Tina Pickett (R-Susquehanna/Bradford/Sullivan) announced that the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has awarded Recycling Performance Program grants to Susquehanna County and five townships in the county.

The grants are based on the total tons recycled for calendar year 2005 and the population of the political subdivision awarded the grant.

Recycled materials are remanufactured into new products, thus saving natural resources. Manufacturing new products from recyclables require less energy, which means reduced emissions to the air and water.

The grants awarded include: Susquehanna County, $12,608, 1,420 tons recycled; Brooklyn Township, $38, 6.4 tons recycled; Clifford Township, $148, 23.7 tons recycled; Liberty Township, $91, 14.2 tons recycled; Lenox Township, $107, 1.3 tons recycled; Silver Lake Township, $1,793, 125.2 tons recycled.

The grants are in addition to the funds that DEP allocates to municipalities to establish and maintain recycling programs.

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2007 Blueberry Festival Chairs

Pictured (l-r) are the Susquehanna County Historical Society and Free Library Association’s 2007 Blueberry Festival Chairs: top – Sue Stone,  Amy Johnson; top row – Alexis Churm, Carol Winkleblech, Cathy Chiarella, Eleanor Manz, Jacqueline Murray, Frances Lyman; second row – Kim Davenport, Hilary Caws-Elwitt, Betty Marshall, Ginny Franssen, Cookie Capotosto, Ruth Wilmarth, Diane Koloski; third row – Mary Beth Manns as "Priscilla Andre," Marianne Meyer, Sue Magnotti, Flo Whittaker, Jean Dunn, [Mikayla Carlton], Elaine Henniger; front – Johanna Reed, Leon Swackhamer, Shelly John. Not pictured: Dawn Augenti, Gladys Bennett, Rex Catlin, Joe Facinelli, Jeff Hollister, Debra Martyn, Bob Orner, Cornelia Page, Kathy Parks, Lauretta Ralston,  Jeff and Louise Sammon, Barb Simpson, Betty and Bob Smith, Brian Swartz, Anne Vaccaro, Evelyn VanKuren, Ann Vitale, Dawn and Jerry Washo.

Photo By Joe Facinelli

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PACD/SCC Joint Annual Conference Was Electric

The conservation district community and its partners met in Scranton from July 15-18 for the 60th annual Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc./State Conservation Commissions (PACD/SCC) Joint Annual Conference themed, “Conservation is Electric.” At the PACD annual meeting several policy decisions were adopted including: supporting the inclusion of “Environmental Education” in state and federal legislative acts; supporting an amendment to SB 1020 to include the practice of engineering in the scope of activities performed by conservation districts; supporting legislation to institute a flood control revolving loan program; pursuing a surcharge on all bought and sold fertilizer in PA to supplement conservation district operations, that should be an addition to current state and county funding levels for conservation district activities.

PACD delegates also elected new officers, including President Larry Kehl (Berks), First Vice President Dr. Irvil Kear (Schuylkill), Second Vice-President MaryAnn Warren (Susquehanna), Secretary Andrew Gilchrist (Montgomery), Treasurer Patricia Powley (Dauphin).

A number of educational opportunities were presented during the convention, including an opening session where Bradford County Conservation District Manager Mike Lovegreen and Roger Spotts, Environmental Education Coordinator at Monroe County Conservation District presented “Promoting District Programs.” The session promoted total community integration, and making community participation in district activities a priority. Additional educational opportunities included sessions and tours on topics such as acid mine drainage, renewable energy, and farm bill proposals.

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Alicia Osterhout Wins Annual Fishing Derby

July 11 was a lucky day for Alicia Osterhout (pictured above, left) and many other kids who attended the fishing derby at Page’s Lake, sponsored by the Blue Ridge Sportsmen’s Club. Chairman Kathy Osterhout (pictured right) reported that there were enough in attendance to make a fun time for everyone. “They all walked away with a prize and a smile, and that’s all that really matters,” she said. The club thanks all of the businesses that donated, either prizes or donations that bought prizes for the event. The kids walked away with the comment, “I’ll be back for more next year.” Alicia was the big winner, and was also acknowledged at the American Legion in Hallstead, with members John McCarthy and Chairman Kathy Osterhout in attendance. Congratulations to all the winners.

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