HEADLINES:
Pennstar Pledges To EMHS Campaign
Pennstar Supports County Library
Farm Bureau Welcomes County New Year Baby
St. Paul's Supports Interfaith, Food Bank
Another Successful Year For The United Way
Community Foundation Receives K-12 Donation

Local 4-H’ers In Dairy Quiz Bowl

Nine 4-H’ers from Susquehanna County participated in the Pennsylvania Junior Holstein Convention’s Dairy Quiz Bowl Competition in State College on February 1-3.

2 1/2" pic.

Pictured (l-r) are members of the Susquehanna County 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Team that competed at the PA Junior Holstein Convention: Amos Lyon, Mackey Wright, Chris Schuler, Cassie Clark, Nate Oleniacz, Morgan Williams-Clark, Trevor Tompkins, Sharon Snyder, Stephanie Snyder.

Seventeen teams from across the state competed in the Junior Division. Members of the Susquehanna County Junior Dairy Quiz Bowl Team included Cassie Clark, Springville; Morgan Williams-Clark, Montrose; Sharon Snyder, Greenfield Township; and Trevor Tompkins, Montrose. Thirteen senior teams competed in the Dairy Quiz Bowl Competition. Members of the Susquehanna County Senior Dairy Quiz Bowl Team included Amos Lyon, Hallstead; Nate Oleniacz, Montrose; Chris Schuler, Montrose; Stephanie Snyder, Greenfield Township; and Mackey Wright, Montrose. Both teams competed through round four of this double elimination competition. The Susquehanna County 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl team was coached by Jeremiah and Nicole Fearnley, Dr. Mike and Michelle Kowalewski and Heidi Stephens-Pavelski.

Dairy Quiz Bowl is a team event in which youth must answer questions on dairy-related topics. Youth must be knowledgeable of such subjects as animal breeding, genetics, herd health, nutrition, record keeping and Holstein history. Dairy Quiz Bowl challenges youth to learn life skills as they prepare for the contest – critical thinking, decision-making, problem solving, communication skills, listening skills, speaking skills, and independent thinking.

Youth interested in participating in the 4-H Dairy Bowl or learning more about other 4-H programs should contact the Penn State Cooperative Extension in Susquehanna County at 278-1158.

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Commingle At The Recycling Center

If you have visited the Susquehanna County Recycling Center lately, you have probably noticed two new initiatives. One is that there are no separate bins anymore for the collection of only plastic bottles and jugs, aluminum cans or tin cans. Instead, there is an entire area of containers labeled “Commingle.” Just what does commingle mean, anyway? At the recycling center, commingle means that you can mix your plastic bottles and jugs, aluminum cans and tin cans together, and place them into any of the bins located in the commingle area.

A common question and concern from recyclers is, “Doesn’t this make more work for the recycling center, having to separate all this stuff?” Seemingly contrary, the answer to this question is no; commingling the allowed items actually make operations more efficient.

Unfortunately, due to inevitable contamination and space constraints, it is not, and has not been possible to dump the semi-separated containers directly into the bay for bailing, thus separating the semi-separated material again has been and is part of the operational process.

First, it is easier for the resident to commingle at home since it requires less space and fewer containers. Making it easier for people promotes more recycling.

Second, there is more room in the residential area as the bins fill more evenly; this is especially important on the weekends.

Third, the flow of recyclables on the sorting line is more consistent, allowing the workers to work at a more even pace rather than a “hurry-up-and-wait” motion created by too many of the same items on the line at once.

The other initiative is new signage defining the separate areas dedicated to the several categories of recyclables collected: Mixed Paper, Commingle, Glass Bottles and Rigid Plastics. The new signs also clearly state the items that are taken in each category.

If you have any questions concerning commingle, or any other recycling questions, you can contact Susquehanna County’s Recycling Coordinator, Eric Hamby at 278-3509.

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2007-08 PA Career Guides Available

Residents who are searching for a new job are being encouraged to obtain a copy of the 2007-2008 Pennsylvania Career Guide, now available on-line according to Rep. Sandra Major (R-Susquehanna/Wayne/Wyoming).

The Pennsylvania Career Guide is a valuable workforce development tool that provides today's students and job seekers in the Commonwealth with the information they need to become productive and successful members of tomorrow's skilled workforce. It is published annually by the Center for Workforce Information and Analysis.

Included in the publication is wage and job outlook information for more than 180 occupations, as well as interest assessments, tips on how to market oneself, and sources for financial aid.

The Career Guide also contains contact information for Pennsylvania's public schools, PA CareerLink offices and selected state agencies. Educators who are conducting career development classes may wish to consult the Resource Guide for activities.

All public high schools and community colleges, CareerLinks, Commonwealth libraries, state correctional facilities and other workforce development partners throughout Pennsylvania have received copies of the Career Guide.

The guide can also be accessed and downloaded in its entirety by visiting Major's website at RepMajor.com and clicking on the link for the Career Guide.

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Kessler Promoted To Field Manager

Pennsylvania American Water announced that Don Kessler, Jr. has been named to the position of Manager, Field Operations for north eastern Pennsylvania.

In his new position, Kessler will manage the development and operation of the company’s facilities and personnel in the northeast region. His responsibilities will include oversight of the region’s distribution and customer service teams. He will be based in the company’s Scranton facility.

With more than 20 years’ experience in the water utility industry, Kessler began his career as an engineer with Pennsylvania American Water. He has held positions of increasing managerial and supervisory responsibility during his tenure, most recently serving as network superintendent for Pennsylvania American Water’s north eastern district.

A resident of Susquehanna County, Kessler is active in his church and in the community, including serving as a member of the Emergency Planning Committee of Susquehanna County. He is also a member of the American Water Works Association. He holds a B.S. in Environmental Engineering from Pennsylvania State University.

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