HEADLINES:
Waiting For You!
PARSE Update
Blue Ridge Senior Center Update
William Michael Wins International Award

Waiting For You!

This is Bella.  She is a five-month old, longhaired tabby.  She is tiger and white. She is very friendly and loving, and loves to be petted.  She is litter box trained.  She came in with her littermate that looks almost exactly like her.  To see Bella and her littermate, stop by the Susquehanna County Humane Society, 278-1228.

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PARSE Update
By Cynthia Sims, Secy.

The Pennsylvania Association of Retired State Employees (PARSE), Chapter 15, met on Tuesday, September 11 at the Towanda Gun Club. The membership was reminded that six years ago on this same date and at this same place, the disaster of 9/11 occurred. A prayer was given in remembrance of all those who perished on that date and all of our armed servicemen serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Bernice Landmesser introduced Marilyn Wheeler, who is regent of the Athens Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Mrs. Wheeler stated that she attended a naturalization ceremony at the United States Middle District Court in Williamsport, where 23 aliens became United States citizens. There is a process to becoming a citizen, which includes completing an application, speaking English, and passing an exam on American History. She also said that the alien must have resided in the United States for five years and for three months in the jurisdiction in which he or she is applying for citizenship. An applicant must give up his or her allegiance to his or her former country and swear allegiance to the United States of America. The judge who presided over the ceremony reminded the new citizens that they should register to vote. Mrs. Wheeler also listed reasons that a person could not become a citizen, one of which was the conviction of a crime.

The next meeting will be held on October 9 at the Fairdale Methodist Church. All new retirees are welcome to attend. To learn about the PARSE organization or to make reservations, contact Susquehanna County Vice President John Benio at 278-2380.

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Blue Ridge Senior Center Update
By Ruth VanCott

Picnics, barbecues and fairs are as American as perhaps the Liberty Bell. Well, this summer we enjoyed all three and a lot more. We were closed the 4th of July, but the rest of the summer we were eating, enjoying and going.

A trip to Salt Springs was one of our most fun and enjoyable adventures. We played games, cards, had music and a wonderful barbecue. About fifteen from our center went, and five from the Montrose center joined us for the afternoon. During the Great Bend Community event, we took part with our trash and treasures table. Many helpers were on hand to make this a profitable day. The North Central Sight Services came and conducted an eye screening for anyone who was interested. Lorraine Colwell held a "Home and Garden" party. We always enjoy this affair. And finally, the Rock-a-Thon. We do this each year to raise much needed funds. This year we had six rockers; while they were rocking we and they all played bingo. We had a lot of laughs.

Sandra Major, State Representative, was with us one afternoon and informed us of the new state programs available to seniors, and also about PACE. The Endless Mountain Health Center sent a nutritionist to speak to us about eating for our health, it was very informative.

We once again celebrated our birthdays with cake and ice cream. Those who turned one year older were June Kitner, Alice Parrillo, Jenie Parengarden, Alice Smith, Bill Wagner, Louise Ackley, Ruth Leonard and Alice Hall.

Finally, the third week in August is Harford Fair week, and we always are busy getting ready for our day at the fair. Baking and packing the goodies that will be sold on our day, as well the chances on our beautiful hand crafted quilt. This was a very successful year. Thanks to all who helped, the quilters, the bakers and the salespeople. We could not do all these things without our volunteers.

Remember, Monday and Tuesday we have exercise, cards and dominos. Also, on Monday blood pressure is taken. Come on in and share our activities and fellowship.

Take care.

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William Michael Wins International Award

A radio commercial written by Susquehanna County resident William Michael for United Health Services (UHS) in Binghamton, NY has won an international marketing award.

A platinum trophy in the 2007 Hermes Creative Awards international competition was presented to UHS by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals.

Michael, communications coordinator in the community relations department at UHS, developed and wrote the 60-second commercial. The radio message, “People Who Stand Together” paid tribute to members of the UHS team and Southern Tier (NY) community who responded to the June, 2006 flood in the Binghamton area. It was the only platinum trophy winner in the category “writing/radio script” in the competition.

The commercial also won the best-of-category award for “radio advertising – single ad” in the 2007 Genesis Awards event sponsored by the Communications Association of the Southern Tier in Binghamton.

Michael, who resides in Montrose, attended Penn State University and was managing editor of the Oro Valley Voice in Tucson, AZ, before joining UHS in 1985.

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