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HEADLINES:
Engagement Announced Briggs – Eromenok Dan and Sheila Briggs of Deposit, NY announced the engagement of their daughter, Kristin Leah to Jason Robert Eromenok.
Jason and Kristin Kristin is a 2000 graduate of Deposit Central School. She is currently employed at Shumaker Engineering. Jason is the son of Bridget Shelp of Susquehanna, PA and Steven Eromenok of Clifton, NJ. Jason is a 1995 graduate of Susquehanna Community Schools. He is currently employed at Endless Mountain Stone. The couple resides in Susquehanna. A May 23, 2008 wedding is planned.
Families Celebrate At Young Children’s Fair More than 100 people capped off “Week of the Young Child” Saturday, April 19 by participating in the CARES Young Children’s Fair at Mountain View Elementary School. Susquehanna County CARES (Childcare, Agencies, Resources and Educational Services) teamed up with the school district and PTO to offer the free event. Families found a gymnasium filled with crafts, games, activities, prizes and refreshments, all thanks to the participation of several organizations dedicated to quality early care and education in Susquehanna County. Young and old participated in everything from worm races to watching balls jump by using a parachute. The special fair geared toward youngsters up to the age of eight and their parents also featured special song time, story time and other craft projects. The Masons provided free child identification kits and the Harford Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Companies demonstrated some of their life saving equipment. Parents enjoyed the opportunity to learn about quality childcare from various early learning practitioners who are also a part of Pennsylvania’s quality education initiatives Keystone STARS and Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts. Studies show children who receive a quality start before the age of 5 have a greater chance of success later in life. The Young Children’s Fair would not have been possible without the help of volunteers and donations from organizations such as the Mountain View PTO. All have helped CARES fulfill Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children, because every child is Pennsylvania’s future.
Choosing Childcare Making the right choice for your most important possession can be a difficult and sometimes scary process. When it comes to choosing childcare for your youngster, there are several things to consider. The early learning program you choose should provide a safe, nurturing environment for your child. When deciding on childcare, ask yourself some of the following questions: Does the facility provide a safe and stimulating environment? Is there a written illness or emergency plan? Is the program registered or licensed through the Department of Public Welfare? Is it a Keystone STARS facility? In Pennsylvania, there are four basic types of child care. Many children in Susquehanna County spend time with a relative or neighbor provider. This unregulated type of care is provided by a relative or a neighbor and involves fewer than four children who are not related to the care giver. Families choose this type of care because they feel more comfortable leaving their child with someone they know. In Susquehanna County, several facilities fall under the “Family Provider” category. Family providers care for up to six children who are not related to them. They are registered with the Department of Public Welfare, and often offer flexible schedules and a home-like setting. Another option for parents is a “Group Home Provider.” Group providers care for up to 12 children who are not related to them. They are certified and inspected by the Department of Public Welfare. Group care also offers a home-like setting. “Center Based” facilities can provide care for seven or more children from infancy through school age. Centers are certified by the Department of Public Welfare and inspected annually. Centers are usually open year round and offer planned activities. Any family, group or center may choose to participate in Pennsylvania’s quality early learning initiative, Keystone STARS. The voluntary program gives “STAR” ratings to those child care providers who go beyond the regulations set by the Department of Public Welfare, reaching additional standards in areas ranging from education of staff to the environment for children. The higher the STAR rating, the more performance standards the program has reached. For more information on choosing the right care for your child, contact Susquehanna County CARES at (570) 465-5040 or stcares@epix.net. CARES’ mission is to enhance the quality of early care and education in Susquehanna County. The group supports Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children, because every child is Pennsylvania’s future.
This is Bailey. She is a one-year old shepherd and beagle mix. She is leash trained and house broken. She has been around children, cats and other dogs. She is very friendly and playful. To see Bailey, stop by the Susquehanna County Humane Society, 278-1228.
This is Bessie. She is a ten-year old, spayed, female Saint Bernard. She is house broken and leash trained. She is very friendly and has been around children. She loves to be taken for walks. She is energetic for an older dog. To see Bessie, stop by the Susquehanna County Humane Society, 278-1228.
Montrose Minute Men Elect Board Members
Willard (Buff) Lewis and Dan Regan, both of Montrose Borough, were recently elected to the Montrose Minute Men’s Board of Directors. Buff was a school teacher in the Montrose School District and has recently retired. Dan is the owner of Daniel K. Regan Funeral Home and has served both on the Community Foundation Board and been a part of the American Cancer Society. Both gentlemen bring a strong business sense to the board as the Minute Men pursue replacing their 50-year old ambulance garage. Pictured above, board members (l-r) look over some plans for the new station: seated – Michael Hinds – Chair, Alice Wood – Secretary; standing – Robert Hollister – Vice-Chair, Daniel Regan – Treasurer, Jerry Cronk. Buff was absent, enjoying a vacation in Arizona.
Mt. View Garden Club Update The Mountain View Garden Club kicked off the 2008 gardening season on March 18 with a meeting and program at the Clifford Fire Hall. Donna Zagrapan, Penn State Master Gardener, gave a talk on tree pruning and deer control. The meeting was well attended. It was announced at the March meeting that the Mt. View Garden Club is the recipient of the 2008 Countryside Conservancy Award for Stewardship. This is to recognize the club for its contribution to the area. They applaud the planting of trees, restoring the stone wall in Clifford, creating and maintaining public gardens throughout the communities and other good works. In May, we will sponsor a program on the use of rain barrels. Once again, the speaker will be Donna Zagrapan, Penn State Master Gardner. It will be held at the Clifford Fire Hall on Tuesday, May 20 at 7 p.m. The general public is welcome to attend. For other information on Mt View Garden Club go to their website, www.mountainviewgardenclub.org. You can also call or e-mail JoAnn Hall at 222-3591 or jodihall@nep.net. If you are interested in becoming a member, contact Linda Shuma, Membership Chair at 222-3377.
PARSE Chapter 15 Meets The Pennsylvania Association of Retired State Employees (PARSE) held its first meeting of the year 2008 on April 8 at the Fairdale Methodist Church, Susquehanna County. Thomas O’Neill of Shenandoah, who is the new Northeast Region Vice President, announced the new state PARSE officers. They are President Nelson McCormack, Secretary Shirley McCormack, Vice President William Barrett and Treasurer John Class. Mr. O’Neill spoke about the concern of the PARSE organization regarding securing an annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for retirees. He stated currently House Bill 2-2379, the COLA bill, is in committee but no action has been taken. He also stated that the investments in the pension are in the best shape of any state government. He urged members to contact their legislators, asking them to vote for this legislation. The next PARSE meeting will be held on May 13 at the Zion Lutheran Church, Dushore, Sullivan County. For more information or to make reservations contact President Jesse Bacon at 265-9784, Secretary Cynthia Sims at 265-9678 or Vice President John Benio at 278-2380.
This is Samantha. She is a large, three-year old spayed and declawed domestic, short haired calico. She is very friendly and loving. She loves to be given a lot of attention. She is litter box trained. To see Samantha stopby the Susquehanna County Humane Society, 278-1228.
Conservation Hosts Contractor Workshop The Susquehanna County Conservation District hosted its annual Contractor Workshop, March 19 at the Montrose Bible Conference. Breakfast was served to nearly one hundred contractors and vendors. Following breakfast, the workshop was held in the main conference room where vendors displayed their wares and programs. After an introduction by District Manager Jim Garner, District Erosion & Sediment Pollution Control technicians Jen Morelli and Willie Keeney gave presentations. Jen spoke about watershed characteristics and helped to define what a watershed is and why it is important to understand where water flows. Jen demonstrated with topographical maps how Susquehanna County is in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Willie then provided information about relevant permits and elements of Erosion & Sediment Control plans. Jen continued the discussion, addressing regulations needing consideration for pond construction and earth disturbance activities involving wetlands. Wetlands are defined by characteristics of soil, hydrology, and vegetation. Following the District presentations, Waterways Conservation Officer Bryan Bendock clarified the role of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission in construction and earth-moving activities that have an impact on fish and aquatic life. Bryan then spoke about the potential problems associated with tree debris in streams, including various types of erosion that occur when the flow is diverted from its normal course. After a break in which attendees were able to interact with vendors and network with agencies and other contractors, Pennsylvania State Police Officer Rion Stann gave a presentation on requirements for motor carrier vehicles in commerce in Pennsylvania. The subject proved to be very useful to attendees in addressing questions and relevant updates to the law. The workshop concluded with door prizes being given out, thanks to the gracious donations of several vendors.
This is Cutie. She is a three-year old Lab mix. She was an outside dog. She will need to be housebroken and acclimated to indoor living. She has lived with other dogs and children. She loves attention. She can sit, stay and fetch. To see Cutie, stop by the Susquehanna County Humane Society, 278-1228.
Engagement Announced Day – Travis Guy and Lisa Campbell, of New Braunfels, Texas, announce the engagement of their daughter, Amber Erin Day to Joseph Samuel Travis, Jr., son of Joseph and Bonne Travis, New Milford, PA.
Amber and Joseph Amber is a 2002 graduate of Canyon High School, and was a US Navy Electrician for four years. She is in the US Navy Reserves, Amphibious Construction Battalion, San Diego, CA. She majored at Southwestern College in Molecular Biology. Amber is employed as an office manager at Standard Calibrations, Inc., in San Diego, CA. Joseph is a 2001 graduate of Blue Ridge High School and served in the US Navy for six years. He is now employed in San Diego, as an Electronic Mechanic. Joseph and Amber will be married in New Braunfels on July 12, 2008.
Library & Historical Society Honors Local Volunteers The Susquehanna County Historical Society & Free Library Association benefits from the selfless contribution of many volunteers. National Volunteer Week (April 27 – May 3) is an opportunity to acknowledge these hard-working people whose efforts result in better services to all of Susquehanna County. Each weekly volunteer has been honored with a book in the library’s collection, and posters are on display with their photos. Congratulations go to: Historical Society – Priscilla Andre, Laura Brooks, Betty Brunges, Evelyn Galloway, Carol Korutz, LDS Church Elders, Warren Morgan, Ben Orner, Peg Olin Seeley, Bob Smith, Doris Wages; Main Library & Technical Services (processing for the whole county) – Angela, Jennie Bowen, Elizabeth Fancher, Phyllis Goodrich, Joanne Luecke, John Rudzianski, Mary Jane Syle, Florence Whittaker; Forest City Library – Susan Kane, Barbara Mihelc, Michael O’Neil, Esther Semken, Donald Teague; Susquehanna Library – Susquehanna Branch Library Committee.
Thompson Crime Watch Update At the monthly Thompson Borough Council meeting, Captain Ray Grant and Mayor Jim Delaney presented a check to council so that the number of hours for a police presence in the borough could be increased during the busy summer months. The members of Crime Watch approved the expenditure at their regular monthly meeting in May. It was felt that additional hours would be helpful in dealing with the types of problems the borough has when the population increases and school is out. The borough contracts with Lanesboro Police to cover Thompson in the event of law and code violations. The money donated by the Crime Watch will give several more hours each month to deal with potential problems. Council was very appreciative of the donation and commended Crime Watch for their efforts in the community. Most of the money that was given was acquired by donations from borough families and the sale of baked goods and food at the borough town fair.
Local United Way In VISTA Program The United Way of Susquehanna County has been selected to participate in an exciting new program to improve communities across the Commonwealth. United Way of Pennsylvania (UWP) has selected the local organization to join its statewide project to improve community capacity in the areas of resource development, volunteerism, and community outreach through the AmeriCorps*VISTA program. “We are happy to have United Way of Susquehanna County join the growing ranks of our members that are utilizing this resource to drive positive community change,” said Tony Ross, President of United Way of Pennsylvania. AmeriCorps*VISTA is the national service program designed specifically to fight poverty. Founded as Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) in 1965 and incorporated into the AmeriCorps network of programs in 1993, VISTA has been on the front lines in the fight against poverty in America for more than 40 years. “United Way of Susquehanna County is committed to improving the quality of life in our community,” said Ruth Donnelly. “The presence of an AmeriCorps*VISTA on our team will expand our capacity to serve the community and advance the common good.” In Susquehanna County the VISTA project will provide five, full-time, AmeriCorps*VISTA members to serve at five of the United Way’s participating agencies and two at the United Way. Ranging from the recent college graduate to the Baby Boomer looking to continue serving their community, VISTAs bring an abundance of enthusiasm and an additional set of hands eager to positively impact local communities. Through the UWP project, VISTA members can work on a range of activities while allowing local United Way supervisors the necessary flexibility to truly impact the needs of their unique, local communities. In many areas across Pennsylvania, VISTAs have developed new or expanded existing Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites; which assist low to moderate-income individuals to file their taxes and access important tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit. VISTAs are awarded a living allowance, access to health benefits and can apply for assistance with child care expenses. In addition, they are eligible for an education award and other benefits upon completion of service. United Way of Susquehanna County is currently seeking individuals to fill their VISTA positions within the County. For more information contact United Way of Susquehanna County at (570) 278-3868.
Musa-Stiles VFW Post 6223 in Great Bend reports the following results for the election of officers conducted at the regular Post meeting on April 9: Commander – Ronald C. Cranage; Senior Vice Commander – John G. Lawson, Jr.; Junior Vice Commander – Alexander A. Slater; Quartermaster/Adjutant – Aubrey L. Elbrecht; Service Officer – Clarence L. Brink; Surgeon – Everett T. Elbrecht; Chaplain – James P. Soller.
The Born to Show 4-H Club held their first meeting on Friday April 4. Leader Steve VanKuren helped get the meeting started by having Nate Oleniacz start introductions. The new members were then introduced and the treasurer’s report was read by Trevor Tompkins. Last year’s ribbons, pins, and certificates were passed out by Mariah Tompkins. After the certificates were handed out, the club elected new officers for the 2008 year. The new officers are President/News Reporter Abbey Puzo, Vice President Amos Lyon, Secretary Nicole Brooks, Treasurer Trevor Tompkins. Items that were discussed included some upcoming events. The 4-H Club plans on walking in the diabetes walk May 10 for their community service. The club plans on giving a sponsor check to the diabetes foundation. The project books were handed out to the members, and the fees for enrolment and club dues were discussed. The club agreed that the dues would stay the same fee of $3.00 per member. The next meeting date was scheduled. The refreshments will be brought by Alex Bonivita and Abbey Puzo. Steve VanKuren helped with adjourning the meeting. News Reporter: Abbey Puzo Sizzlin’ Steaks We said the pledges. Mr. Mitchell found out information on a train ride. We are going to decide when we are going on the train ride at the next meeting. They talked about a coal mine tour, but no decision has been made. For a volunteer project we are going to plant flowers in the Maple Wood Cemetery on the Veterans’ graves. Mrs. Harvatine did a Cloverbud game with us. There is a leader recognition banquet on Monday, May 5 at the Montrose Bible Conference's Dreyer Hall at 7:00.
Building Green Could Save You Green (NewsUSA) - If global warming, ozone-layer depletion and animal extinctions aren't enough to inspire you to go green, perhaps monthly savings on your energy bills will do the trick.
Homeowners should be choosey when it comes to selecting fiberglass insulation. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a combination of proper insulation, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems and energy-efficient windows can lower your bills by as much as 50 percent a month. In 2006 alone, approximately 12 percent of newly constructed homes and buildings met the federal government's Energy Star standards. To date, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates there are about 750,000 Energy Star homes nationwide that together have saved more than $180 million in electricity and natural gas costs. And while updated appliances and heating and cooling systems are two of the more obvious ways in which to save on your gas and electric bills each month, there are often fairly easy, energy-efficient upgrades that can be made during the construction process or while homeowners make renovations. For instance, try these energy-saving tips: Start on solid foundation. New foundation insulation panels provide cost-effective means for building thermally efficient poured concrete walls both above and below ground level. Basement space can account for up to 50 percent of the heat loss in a home that is heavily insulated above grade. ThermaEZE Thermal Insulation System by CertainTeed is one good option that creates long-term energy savings for the owner. Side with substance. Vinyl siding, popular for its low-maintenance qualities, can also provide thermal benefits and added durability when made with rigid foam backing. Through frigid winters and sweltering summers, the insulated vinyl siding protects against heat and cold, blocking wind and weather. Insulate. Homeowners should be choosey when it comes to selecting fiberglass insulation. Energy-efficient choices such as InsulSafe SP are high performance, noncombustible, non-corrosive and odor free. Because it won't rot, decay or absorb moisture, it will continually provide the best possible insulation for your home and keep your heat and air in. More than a view. The windows in your home can cause energy-efficiency problems. Newer windows, however, made with low "E" glass keep your home insulated and can block 84 percent of ultraviolet rays. For more green building tips and products, visit CertainTeed at www.certainteed.com. Next meeting we are going to start the community service project. We will weed the Memorial garden. Bring shovels and diggers. Autumn and Blaze Whitehead will bring refreshments at the next meeting. The next meeting is May 16 at 7:00. News Reporter: Alyssa Clarkson
Create Lasting Impressions With Colorful Curb Appeal (NewsUSA) - Whether you're putting your home on the market or simply remodeling for your own pleasure, nothing makes a stronger statement than the exterior of your home. Recent studies indicate that most homebuyers decide whether or not to view a home's interior based on its curb appeal – the attractiveness of a home when viewed from the street. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors, 70 percent of homebuyers now view a home for the first time on the Internet, making curb appeal an even more critical part of selling a home.
Choosing the right exterior colors for your home is a difficult decision, but it is getting easier, CertainTeed Corporation offers a simple solution: "Picture My Home Makeover" - a Web-based tool that can give your home a virtual makeover within minutes. One sure-fire way to increase the curb appeal of your home is to incorporate more color in its exterior. The use of bold, high-definition colors can produce visually striking effects that make a home unique, and, with the growing variety of exterior color options today, you can pick a new hue for the roof and then find a vast selection of siding, trim, fence, deck and railing colors to coordinate. Choosing the right exterior colors for your home is a difficult decision, but it is getting easier, thanks to companies like CertainTeed Corporation, a leader in color science, which is broadening the color palette for everything from the roof on down to the deck, to provide homeowners more ways to customize a home and bring life to a neighborhood. For example, several high-contrast colors have been added to the CertainTeed Landmark Series shingle line, and the company's composite decking now includes vibrant shades of chestnut, cedar and redwood. CertainTeed has also expanded color options for its Cedar Impressions cedar-style polymer siding and increased its fence offering to include clay, a natural tone that coordinates well with popular siding, window and trim colors for even more options in exterior design. Furthermore, while remodeling can be a daunting task, it's also an investment. So, if you want to play it safe and see how your home would look with new exterior products before buying them, CertainTeed offers a simple solution: "Picture My Home Makeover" - a Web-based tool that can give your home a virtual makeover within minutes. For more information on color options for roofing, siding, fence, railing and deck call 800-782-8777 or visit www.certainteed.com.
Easy Ways to Customize Your Home's Exterior (NewsUSA) - In a country that abounds with suburban developments of similar-looking homes, adding a personal touch to your property might be high on your list of priorities.
Trim pieces can add a touch of style and personality to your home. In the past, the options for customizing the exterior features of a house may have been few and far between. But today, everything from siding to roofing is available in a wide range of styles, colors and designs. If you're looking to customize your castle with ease, concentrate your efforts on a few of the following areas: Trim. Exterior trim can give your home a graceful, almost Victorian appearance. One option is Restoration Millwork from CertainTeed, which comes in 15 shapes and has a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) composition that looks and feels like wood, but performs even better. Siding. If you want to give your home a fast and major makeover, consider replacing its siding. Available in a vast array of colors and textures, siding can make your home stand out and increase its value. Vinyl and fiber cement are two materials that are easy to maintain and will last over time. Decking. Outdoor living is a hot trend this year and adding a deck is one of the most dramatic ways to customize your home. Since many decks are made with easy-to-clean materials such as weather-resistant composite decking, they're easy to maintain as well. Railing. To match a new deck or patio, consider adding a railing such as the Panorama Composite Railing. This product is a new industry favorite. Its core is made of a durable composite material that is capped with colonial-white or desert-tan PVC for a lasting, freshly painted look. Composite and steel balusters allow you to further customize the look of the railing and decking.
Use Home Maintenance As Prevention, Not Correction (NewsUSA) - Maintenance is a process that many Americans think only needs to be performed when something breaks or has a problem. But when we look into the meaning of the word "maintenance," what we will realize is that it actually refers to the upkeep and prevention of these problems.
Replacing old seals on your windows can help you save on future heating and cooling bills. The warmer seasons are a great time to check your house from the outside. Maintenance used as a preventative measure will both protect your house from larger problems and save you money in the long run. The following simple checklist by www.housemaster.com can help you make a thorough seasonal evaluation of your home. The landscape: Check the condition of driveways and walkways. Window wells, dry wells and storm drains should be clear of blockage. Check retaining walls for cracks, bulges and leaning. You should trim bushes and trees and check out-buildings, porches and patios. The foundation: Affirm that drainage is running away from foundation (best checked during a rainstorm). Look for settlement, cracks and flaking. Siding and chimneys: Review surfaces for damage or deterioration, and check caulking at all joints. Treat or paint worn or exposed wood components. The condition of masonry chimneys and vents should also be evaluated. Windows and doors: Replace or repair damaged screens or broken glass. Missing or worn weather stripping, caulking and window putty should also be replaced. Check for frame decay or damage and dirty or clogged screens. Roofs: Replace loose, damaged or missing roofing. Leaks and moisture build-up in fascia and soffit areas should be fixed. Check the fit and seals around flashing. Clogged gutters and downspouts should be cleaned, as well as roof surfaces containing fungi or algae. Porch and patio: Check wooden supports and railing components for safety, and check flooring for wear and damage. Electrical and plumbing: Incoming service wire and supports should have no tears or holes. Exterior faucets should be checked for function and leaks. Insect infestation: Contact an exterminator if you should find signs of termite, ant or other insect activity. Any insect damage should be repaired immediately following extermination. For more information and helpful maintenance tips, visit www.housemaster.com. Roofing. A set of new shingles can add a touch of personality to your home or improve its curb appeal if you're planning on selling it. Since the roof covers the most area of a home's exterior, it makes a big difference in first impressions. Fencing. The wood look is often a favorite for fencing. And, with the Bufftech Chesterfield privacy fence, a product that features CertaGrain authentic wood texture, homeowners can achieve the wood look with all the long-lasting, fade-resistant benefits of a vinyl fence. For more information, visit www.certainteed.com or call 800-782-8777.
Seal the Cracks In Your Energy Bill (NewsUSA) - With the average home's energy bill higher than ever before, many people simply turn up the heat without eyeing the potential culprit – your windows. In many buildings and homes across the country, the windows provide little to no insulation from the outside world, leading to a surprising amount of heat loss. As much as one quarter of the average heating bill is often a result of poorly constructed or insulated windows.
Installing cellular window shades can more than triple the insulating power of your existing windows. If you have windows that are drafty and cold, the following tips will help you spruce up your windows, keep out the cold and save money on your monthly energy bill: Install high-efficiency windows. Many newer windows on the market contain a variety of technological breakthroughs, such as high-performance glass and coatings, which offer more than three times the insulating power of older, single-pane windows – which are currently found in 50 percent of all U.S. homes. Caulk around existing windows. Sealing window frames with caulk will help keep out moisture and stubborn drafts. To see if your existing caulk lines need to be replaced, stick your fingernail into the caulk. If it is soft, the caulk is still functional. If it's hard or brittle, replace with a fresh application. Storm windows. This alternative to increasing your energy efficiency is relatively inexpensive and can improve a window's insulating power by up to 50 percent. In the summertime, storm windows may need to be removed to ensure adequate ventilation in your home. Cellular shades. You may think replacing your windows is the only real option to save energy, but simply adding insulating, cellular window shades can more than triple the insulating power of your existing windows. Additionally, side-track window shades provide even better insulation by tightening up the sides of the shade, creating a more efficient dead air space and insulating layer. Visit www.CellularWindowShades.com for more information. Shutters. Not only do shutters have great curb appeal and add resale value to your home, they are also great insulators. While installing exterior shutters is best, interior wood shutters also provide a measurable difference and add an elegant, traditional touch to fine furniture in your home.
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