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HEADLINES: Local PASR Chapter Holds Fall Meeting The Susquehanna Chapter of PASR (Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees) held its fall meeting at Dreyer Hall, Montrose on Tuesday September 16. Prior to the meeting there was an opportunity to "meet and greet" various political representatives.
The Mt. View Chimettes entertained at the September 16 meeting of the Susquehanna Chapter PASR. Entertainment for the members was provided by the Chimettes from the Mountain View School District under the direction of Molly Love-Birosak. The business meeting was conducted by President Gary Parker. He reported that we had met seven of our eight goals for 2008. Our current membership is 181, of which 46 were in attendance. Pres. Parker, along with Robert Orner, Pres. Elect, will be delegates in attendance at the state convention, October 5-8 in Gettysburg. We have a full bus for our RECREO trip on October 1 to Honesdale and Lake Wallenpaupack. Community Service Chairperson Pat Arnold announced that Connie Williams was our Outstanding Volunteer of the Year. Mrs. Williams, a retired teacher in the Montrose School District, has given countless hours of service to her community. Barbara Bush, Chairperson of the Social Service Memorial Honor Fund conducted a memorial service to honor our deceased members. Our guest speaker was Mr. Wayne Seely, Region 3 Director of PASR. His remarks focused on the state board of directors’ recent action addressing recruiting new members in PASR, contacting our legislators in Harrisburg regarding passage of COLA legislation, and establishing funds to finance political action efforts. Following the meeting, a delicious buffet luncheon was provided by the food service staff of the Montrose Bible Conference.
Friends Of Salt Springs Kick Off Campaign Friends of Salt Springs finalized details of the Salt Springs Stewardship Campaign. The fundraising effort is being conducted through e-mails, letters and personal solicitations to help meet the costs of a rapid increase in park usage. Salt Springs is the only major park in Susquehanna County and is a destination for campers, travelers and local families. "Even though we are a state park, we are almost wholly dependent on donations and memberships," says Hedi Randall, campaign chairperson, "since the state provides no money for park operations."
Pictured (l-r) are the Friends of Salt Springs: Connie Page, John Miskell, Mary Gere, Dave Andre, Elsie Hackbart, Toby Anderson, Libby Anderson, Hedi Randall, Debra Adleman, Dave Clemens, Susan Newhart, Dennis Wilson, and Stephen Depue. Photo by George Schreck. The Friends maintain 842 acres, which includes trail upkeep and maintenance of buildings and grounds as well as providing successful educational, historical and nature programs. "We do everything on a shoestring," says Friends' president John Miskell, "but even a shoestring only stretches so far. Every now and then we need some extra help. Now is the time to step up and help out if you treasure the park as so many do." For more information on Salt Springs and the Stewardship Campaign, go to www.friendsofsaltspringspark.org or call (570) 967-7275.
2008 Livestock Sale Success For 4-Hers The 2008 Susquehanna County 4-H Livestock sale drew a crowd at high noon on Saturday, August 23 during the 151st annual Harford Fair. 4-H Leader Mike Hardisky kicked off the sale by introducing the directors of the Harford Fair to make a special presentation to the Kyle Miller family. Kyle, a former Susquehanna County 4-H member, was injured this summer in a farm accident. Funds from the Harford Fair Baked Goods Auction were given to the Miller family to help with Kyle’s medical expenses. In addition, the 4-H Livestock Sale set up a special fund for buyers to make a donation to Kyle’s family.
Pictured, Mallory Gregory (left) holds the banner for her sister Megan Gregory (right); Megan exhibited the grand champion market hog, purchased by Tom Bolles. People’s National Bank of Hallstead, represented by Howard Updyke was the high volume buyer for the 2008 Livestock Sale. The Grand Champion Market Hog was exhibited by Megan Gregory of Montrose. Megan’s 265-pound market hog was purchased by B&S Quarries of New Milford for $3.75 per pound. The Reserve Grand Champion Market Hog was exhibited by Julian Williams of Kingsley. Julian’s pig weighed 270 pounds and was purchased by Gutman Brothers of Lancaster, PA for $19 per pound. The Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Market Hogs were bred and raised by Dakota Quick of Tunkhannock. The Grand Champion Homebred Hog was purchased by B&S Quarries of New Milford for $5 per pound. The Reserve Champion Homebred Hog was purchased by Rock Bottom Farms for $3.75 per pound. Eighty-five market hogs were auctioned off at the 2008 Susquehanna County 4-H Round-up. Susquehanna County 4-H dairy members were included in this year’s livestock sale by auctioning off a gallon of milk from the grand and reserve grand champion dairy cows from the Susquehanna County 4-H Dairy Roundup. First in the ring was Eric Giangrieco of New Milford with his cow, JoSan Durham Lake. Eric’s gallon of milk sold for $1,200 and was purchased by Brad Swedsen of Cochecton Mills, Cochecton, New York. The Reserve Grand Champion Holstein was Dymond-S Snowman Melts, exhibited by Jessica Sartell, Thompson. Jessica’s gallon of milk sold for $525 to the Palmer family of Montrose. The Grand Champion Colored Breed was an Ayrshire RA-Dream Victor’s Babe, exhibited by Emily Adams of Montrose. Emily’s gallon of milk sold for $1,000 to Cabot Oil & Gas Company. The Reserve Grand Champion Colored Breed was a Jersey, JBS Pasleys Prada, exhibited by Jenna Sprout. Jenna’s gallon of milk sold for $825 to Tim Finch, Montrose. The Grand Champion Market Lamb was exhibited by Ben Pettyjohn, Montrose. Ben’s 137-pound market lamb won the heavyweight division and was auctioned off to Wyalusing Livestock Market for $9 per pound. The Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb was shown by Ashlee Lattner of Montrose. Ashlee’s 127-pound lamb was purchased by Lexmar Homes for $10.00 per pound. The Grand Champion Homebred Market Lamb was raised by Elizabeth Black and was purchased by Ag Choice Farm Credit, Towanda for $3.75 per pound. The Reserve Grand Champion Homebred Market Lamb exhibited by Megan Karhnak of Springville and was purchased by Wyalusing Livestock Market for $4.00 per pound. A total of nine market lambs were auctioned off at the 2008 Susquehanna County 4-H Livestock Sale. The Grand Champion Market Goat was exhibited by Misty Karhnak, Springville and purchased by Bell Farms of Laceyville, PA for $4.70 per pound. The Reserve Grand Champion Market Goat was exhibited by Emily Henn, Tunkhannock and was purchased by Michaeline Candies, Tunkhannock. A total of seven market goats were sold at this year’s 4-H sale. The Grand Champion Dairy Beef Feeder Steer was exhibited by Emily Supancik of New Milford. Emily’s feeder steer weighed 614 pounds and was purchased by McDonald’s Restaurant, Montrose and Gibson for $2.25 per pound. The Reserve Grand Champion Dairy Beef Feeder Steer was exhibited by Amanda Miner, Meshoppen. Amanda’s steer weighed 587 pounds and was purchased by Chesapeake Oil & Gas Company for $1.25 per pound. A total of nine dairy beef feeder steers were sold during the sale. The Grand Champion Market Steer was exhibited by Stephanie Snyder of Greenfield Township. Stephanie’s steer weighed 1,306 pounds and was purchased by Montrose Large Animal Service, Montrose and K.W. Oil Co., Forest City for $3.00 per pound. The Reserve Grand Champion Market Steer was exhibited by Matthew Sheruda of Dalton. Matthew’s steer weighed 1,097 pounds and was purchased by Darling’s Locker Plant, LaPlume. The Grand Champion Homebred Market Steer was shown by Sharon Snyder of Greenfield Township and was purchased by B&S Quarries of New Milford for $1.55 per pound. The Reserve Grand Champion Homebred Market Steer was raised by Nathan Palmer and purchased by B&S Quarries, New Milford for $2.25 per pound. Eighteen market steers were sold at the 2008 Susquehanna County Livestock Sale. Several animals were donated for resale for special funds including the Kyle Miller Fund, 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Team Fund, and the 4-H Livestock Scholarship Fund. These donations totaled $10,862. For more information about the Susquehanna County 4-H Livestock Program contact Penn State Cooperative Extension in Susquehanna County at 278-1158.
Memorial Dedication At Turnpike Terrace
On Thursday, August 28, a dedication ceremony was held at the Turnpike Terrace Apartments in Lanesboro. A bench with a memorial plaque has been placed in the garden in memory of Jack Haley, who was an employee of the Susquehanna County Housing and Redevelopment Authority for 15 years.
Ribbon Cutting Held At Oakland Heights
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on September 5 at Oakland Heights Apartments in Oakland Borough. Local, county, and state officials as well as others involved in the project, were on hand to assist the Susquehanna County Housing/Development Corporation officially dedicate Oakland Heights Apartments. Doing the honors for the ribbon cutting were the first tenants, Sandy and Joan Battisti who moved in on April 1. The three duplexes are located on the site of the former Oakland School and provide affordable housing to senior citizens. Pictured (l-r) are: front row – Ed Chianese, Commissioner MaryAnn Warren, Senator Lisa Baker, Sandy and Joan Battisti, Representative Sandra Major, Mayor Wendy Dudley, Ron Beavan; back row – Brian Urbas, Jerry Cronk, Ken Adams, Bob Bartron, Paul Lukus, Joe Matis, Ed Zygmunt, Karen Allen.
PARSE Update The Pennsylvania Association of Retired State Employees (PARSE) met on September 9 at the Towanda Gun Club. The guest speaker was April Seeley of Bradford County Children and Youth Services. She spoke to the group about Camp F.L.E.A. (Family Life Enrichment Adventure), which provides a two-week camping experience for at-risk children, ages nine to twelve. She said that 42 children attended the camp this summer, which is held in August at Camp Brule. Activities offered are fishing, hiking, swimming, and boating, as well as a fishing derby and a parent education night. The PARSE membership voted to give a donation to this valuable program. Nominating chairman Bernice Landmesser presented the following slate of officers: president, Jesse Bacon; Susquehanna County vice president, John Benio; Bradford County vice president, Paul Barnum; secretary, Cynthia Sims; treasurer, Alton Arnold. Election will be held at the October meeting, at which time nominations will be presented from the floor. It is important that a nomination for Sullivan County vice president be elected. Any state retiree who would be interested in this office should contact Landmesser at 265-8812. The next meeting will be held at the Zion Lutheran Church, Dushore, on Tuesday, October 14. Please note the change in the location of the meeting. All state retirees are invited to attend. To learn more about the PARSE organization or to make reservations for the meeting, contact John Benio at 278-2380.
DAR Contributes To New Library Fund
On September 11, the Montrose Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented Mr. Kim Harwood (pictured left) with a donation for the new Susquehanna County Library. Mr. Harwood, a long-time member of the library board, has dedicated much of his time over the past years promoting public awareness for the new library and chairing the building fund campaign. Mrs. Marleta Shadduck (pictured right), gave Mr. Harwood a check for $1,000 which was personally donated by the 64 members of DAR in Susquehanna County.
School Retirees Pay Back To Communities Mr. Gary Parker, President of the Susquehanna Chapter of PASR (Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees), presented a “representative” check for $ 741,148 to the county commissioners and citizens of Susquehanna County. This amount was arrived at through an assigned monetary value of $17.46 per hour based upon 42,448 hours that members of PASR voluntarily gave to their communities in 2006.
Pictured (l-r) at the mock check presentation are: Commissioner Leon Allen, Susquehanna County PASR President Gary Parker, Commissioner Mary Ann Warren, Commissioner Mike Giangrieco. The members were randomly selected by computer and were contacted by volunteers in each of the local chapters in March, 2007. The margin of error of the statistics is less than 2%. Results of the survey showed that 68 % of our members volunteer in their local communities and on average contribute over 360 hours per year. This compares to 27% of all Pennsylvanians who average 56 hours per year. Where is all of this time being spent? Volunteerism through religious organizations, at 80%, was the largest segment. Charitable organizations, such as Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, the American Cancer Society, food banks and soup kitchens, account for 56%. The next three areas, each approximately 42%, represent social service agencies, educational activities, and service organizations. Areas of political involvement show that 36% participate in lobbying activities and 27% directly help a political candidate or party. The true value of time is a vital role that our members play in helping our local organizations and groups. The same desire to serve the public that motivated us to choose a career in public education remains with us in retirement. We are PASR, proud to be able to give of our time and talents.
Sea Scouts Hold Bridge Of Honor For their 66th Bridge of Honor, the Sea Scouts of Ship 90, New Milford, assembled aboard the land ship that was set up on the island in front of Valhalla Castle, New Milford, complete with flags, ship’s wheel, cannon and the jolly roger ensign. After piping Skipper Chuck Jaget and other ship’s officers aboard, many Sea Scout ranks and ratings were presented. Notable awards presented were six Silver Anchor Awards to Sea Scouts Tim Gall, T.J. Gall, Josh Warner, Brittany Birtch, Austin Chludzinski and Christian Chludzinski, the most ever in one year. Also, Apprentice Seaman to Ed Stone, and to Tim Gall, Austin Chludzinski and Christian Chludzinski, both the Able Seaman rank and the Venturing Silver Award for advanced seamanship skills and leadership.
Pictured (l-r) are the crew of SSS North Star: back row – Skipper Chuck Jaget, First Mate Marvin VanCott, Commodore Ron Hall, Christian Chludzinski, T.J. Gall, Austin Chludzinski, Josh Warner, Boson Dan Gall, Brittany Birtch, Tim Gall, David Navickas, Ben Fisher, Regional Boson Jessica Hopkins, Chairman Doug Redfern, Chairman Emeritus Don Johnson; front row – Ed Stone, Zoe Gauthier, Trinity Spencer, Tiffany Spencer. Commodore Ron Hall was piped aboard and presented the Sea Scouter’s Training Award to Committee Chairman Doug Redfern and the Venturing Leadership Award to First Mate Marvin VanCott for outstanding leadership to Ship 90 and the North East Regional Sea Scout winter training at Catoctin Mountain State Park in Maryland for several years. Regional Boatswain Mate Jessica Hopkins from Lewes, Delaware gave a short talk on her duties on the North East Regional Sea Scout Committee and announced that she will serve as the regional boson for 2009. With new Sea Scouts Zoe Gauthier, Ed Stone and Mike Lloyd joining at the Bridge of Honor, Sea Scout Ship North Star 90 now has 20 members in the crew.
Work Experience For County Youth Thirteen area youth participated in an eight-week program this summer to gain work experience while helping out area businesses. The goal of this program is to provide students with the opportunity to gain an appreciation of the connection between work and learning, as well as educating them on the demands of business, especially high growth industries and occupations. Students were matched to job sites based on their aptitudes and career interests.
Susquehanna County participants pose for a picture during academic enrichment. In addition to the work experience, students participated in various academic enrichment and career exploration activities. Guided by TREHAB, they attended workshops on resume writing, financial planning, job searching techniques, anger management, post-secondary education, and leadership skills. Guest speakers included individuals from the National Guard, Lackawanna College, Susquehanna County Assistance Office, Susquehanna County Literacy, Drug and Alcohol, Peoples National Bank and TREHAB. Worksites included Barnes-Kasson Health Center, Susquehanna Free Library, Susquehanna Community High School, Tri-Borough Municipal Authority, Susquehanna Borough, Interfaith Wardrobe, Forest City School District, and Pump ‘N’ Pantry. The program is funded under the Workforce Investment Act. For more information, contact Sherry Felten, Workforce Development Program Manager with Northern Tier Regional Planning & Development Commission toll free at 888-868-8800 or e-mail Felten@northerntier.org.
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