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HEADLINES: County Farm Bureau Awarded Top Honors Susquehanna County Farm Bureau won eight awards, including the prestigious Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting Award during Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s annual meeting in Hershey. The Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting Award is the most coveted award a county Farm Bureau can receive. It goes to the cream of the crop among Pennsylvania’s 54 county Farm Bureaus.
Pictured (l-r) at the 2008 Pennsylvania Farm Bureau annual meeting are Tom Wooden, Janice Webster, Kathie Shelly, PFB President Carl Shaffer, Cheryl Matulevich, Donna Williams. In addition, Susquehanna County Farm Bureau swept all the awards for county Farm Bureaus with up to 400 farmer members, including the Overall Achievement Award, which goes to the county Farm Bureau that demonstrates outstanding performance in the six program areas evaluated by PA Farm Bureau. Susquehanna County won the President’s Award for Policy Development and Implementation, Leadership Development, Promotion and Education, Media Relations and Member Communications, County Board Organization and Services. “Susquehanna County Farm Bureau leadership has done an outstanding job of energizing farmer volunteers to complete tasks in a wide variety of program areas. Farmers from Susquehanna County have demonstrated a commitment to excellence that has created a better environment for farmers to be a part of their local communities. They also have helped the public understand the challenges faced by area farmers and the actions those farmers take to produce healthy food products,” said PFB President Carl T. Shaffer. Susquehanna County Farm Bureau members and voting delegates attending were Donna Williams, Kathie Shelly, Cheryl Matulevich, Janice Webster, Rick and Dana Empet, and Tom Wooden. Several hundred farmers, from across the state, met at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center, November 17 – 19, to set policy for the statewide organization on issues affecting farm and rural families. PA Farm Bureau is the state’s largest farm organization, with a volunteer membership of more than 44,000 farm and rural families, representing farms of every size and commodity across Pennsylvania.
District Magistrate Janicelli Recertified Magisterial District Judge Peter M. Janicelli was again certified for service as a member of Pennsylvania's Unified Judicial System after successful completion recently of continuing legal education course work. Conducted by the Minor Judiciary Education Board and the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, the educational facility for magisterial district judges is held in Harrisburg. The week-long instructional program is designed to ensure that magisterial district judges remain current in a variety of legal topics and management techniques required to fairly adjudicate cases and effectively supervise a district court office. Included I this year’s curriculum are updates on Civil Law, including Bankruptcy Law and Landlord/Tenant, Criminal Law and the Motor Vehicle Code; information pertaining to Evidentiary Issues, Gang Awareness, Benefits Overview, an Update on Municipal Law, Weigh Station Overview and Demonstration, Service Members’ Civil Relief Act, Teen Violence and Cyber Bullying, Public Access Policy for Paper Records and Effectively Dealing With Difficult People.
Susquehanna County Treasurer, Cathy Benedict, announced that 2009 dog licenses and tags are currently available in the treasurer's office. All dogs must be licensed. Failure to license a dog is a summary offense, and a maximum fine of $300 for each unlicensed dog may be issued. Dog licenses must be purchased by January 1 of each year for all dogs three months and older. Licenses are only good for the county in which the dog resides. To purchase a license, fill out an application and be sure to sign it! Mail the information with a check or money order made payable to County Treasurer, P.O. Box 218, Montrose, PA 18801-0218 . For a county other than Susquehanna you may use this application and mail it to the proper county treasurer. You must be 65 to qualify for the senior citizen discount. You must have proof of a disability to qualify for a disability discount – such as an SSDI card. For the convenience of the citizens of Susquehanna County, sub-agents who sell dog licenses around the county until July 1 of each year are: Clifford Beverage, Clifford; Hometown Cleaners, Susquehanna; Elk Trails Veterinary Clinic, Clifford; Hallstead Electronic Supply & Radio Shack, Hallstead; Hirsch's Farm & Home Supply, New Milford; Village Hardware, Forest City; Collectables & More, LLC, Forest City; Felix Hardware, Montrose; Montrose Sporting Goods, Montrose; Elk Lake Filling Station, Elk Lake; Susquehanna County Humane Society, Montrose; Finch Hill Veterinary Clinic, Greenfield Township (Lackawanna County). In a combined effort with the Department of Agriculture, our office will again this year be mailing applications for 2009 dog licenses during the month of December to residents of the county. If you receive one and don't have a dog, you can pass it on to someone else. If you don't receive one in the mail, applications are available on the county website, www.susqco.com on the Treasurer's page; at the county courthouse in the treasurer's office; or at any of the sub-agents. Any questions, call 278-4600 x130, 131,132 or e-mail susqcotreas@hotmail.com.
Valerie Jacoski, President of the Board of Endless Mountains Heritage Region, Inc., has announced the election of new members of the organization’s Board of Directors representing Susquehanna County. Debbra Nagle of Dimock and Alice Deutsch of Susquehanna Depot have joined the regional agency’s board of directors.
Pictured (l-r) are: Phil Swank - EMHR Executive Director, Nancy Hurley, Debbra Nagle and Alice Deutsch of the EMHR board of directors, David Buck - EMHR Greenway Coordinator. Nancy Hurley, also of Susquehanna, joined the EMHR board of directors in June and helped coordinate a new member orientation session conducted by Phil Swank, EMHR executive director at the Susquehanna Borough office. Swank, and EMHR Greenway Coordinator David Buck met with Hurley, Nagle and Deutsch to discuss the opportunities for heritage and greenway project development in Susquehanna County. Efforts to protect and enhance historic and cultural resources appropriate for the Heritage Region to support were identified. The Endless Mountains Heritage Region is a non-profit, state designated Heritage Areas agency of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and serves as the regional lead organization of the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership. The agency’s mission is to maintain and enhance the unique rural character and culture of our Endless Mountains. The board of directors is made up of dedicated individuals from each of the four counties it serves.
Wedding Announced Franks – Stalker
DAVID and KATELYN Ms. Karen Franks, New Milford, announced the engagement of her daughter, Katelyn M. Franks, to David A. Stalker, Binghamton, NY. Katelyn is completing a degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management through Excelsior College. David serves in the United States Marine Corps. A Christmas wedding is planned.
Friends Donate To Computer Fund The Friends of Susquehanna County, Inc. a charitable organization dedicated to helping residents and organizations in Susquehanna County, recently donated $500.00 to the Computer Fund at the Susquehanna Branch Library.
Pictured (l-r) are: Alice Deutsch Chairman - Friends of Susquehanna County, Carol McNamara Board Member – Friends, Colleen Wilkes Vice Chairman – Friends, Amelia Paterno Head Librarian - Susquehanna Branch Library, Suzanne Cobb Treasurer – Friends, Peter Quigg Director of Development - Community Foundation. The Friends maintain a Donor Advised Endowment at The Community Foundation of Susquehanna & Wyoming Counties and provided this grant from their endowment. According to Head Librarian Amelia Paterno, access to reliable computers is of growing interest to patrons and the time has come to update the library’s equipment. This recent donation on the part of the Friends will provide substantial help in achieving a financial goal that will then be matched by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to purchase the library’s new computers. There still remains $1,000 to be raised in the local community; those interested in contributing to the Computer Fund may contact Ms. Paterno at 853-4106 or sqbrlib@epix.net. Individuals interested in more information regarding the Friends of Susquehanna County may contact Alice Deutsch at 756-2044 or randa@nep.net.
Hometown Pride Award Presented
The Mountain View Garden Club presents the 2008 Hometown Pride Award to Monsignor Quinn, Pastor of St. Pious X Church in Royal, PA. Pictured (l-r) are club members Norma Genevich, Connie Tellep, Helene Tinsley and Msgr. Quinn. The award is given to area businesses and community organizations for improving the exterior of their facility and incorporating the use of flowers and landscaping.
Meadow View Senior Living Center recently participated in the annual Susquehanna County Health Fair at Blue Ridge High School on November 22. Baskets were raffled off and presented to the winners; pictured (left) is Taffie Smith, President Resident Council of Meadow View Senior Living Center presenting a “Movie Night” basket to winner Ruth Donnelly of New Milford.
The winner of the Holiday Food Basket Raffle fundraiser sponsored by the Starrucca Civic Association was Marian Knapp. The drawing was held November 22.
Silver Lake Club Funds Computers The Silver Lake Ladies Community Service Club voted at their Christmas party on a donation to the Main Library of the Susquehanna County Historical Society & Free Library Association, which would match funds from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for new computer equipment. The Ladies not only approved $500, but raised it to $1000, surprising and delighting the librarians!
Pictured, Beth Everett (center) of the Silver Lake Ladies Community Service Club presents a check for $1000 to Susan Stone (right – Administrator/Librarian) and Hilary Caws-Elwit (left – Systems Librarian) of the Susquehanna County Historical Society & Free Library Association. The money will match a Gates Foundation grant to fund two new computers at the Main Library. The Gates Foundation grant is for a total of 24 new computers in the county system, including 10 at the Main Library in Montrose. But the grant requires a match from the community – $500 per computer. "This very generous donation will fund two computers," says Susan Stone, Administrator/Librarian. "The Ladies Club will be credited on the desktop and screen saver of both computers so that our thousands of computer users will know who to thank for these speedy new machines!" Each branch location is funding their Gates Foundation computers separately. If you are interested in sponsoring a computer at the Main Library, contact Mrs. Stone at 278-1881 or dirsusqcolib@stny.rr.com.
Toy Safety Tops Everyone’s List PA Association for the Blind and North Central Sight Services, Inc. offers tips to help protect our children. With holiday shopping already in full swing, many buyers seem aware of toy-related hazards. However, with so much focus lately on high lead content and choking hazards, it is more important than ever to remain cautious. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, last year more than 170,000 children under age 15 were treated at the emergency room for toy-related injuries. More than 80,000 of those were to children ages 5 and younger. The majority of those injuries were to the head and face. Lacerations and contusions made up most of these injuries. The Pennsylvania Association for the Blind (PAB) has designated December as Safe Toys for Children Month in an effort to share updated toy safety information. For a listing and more detail on the many toy recalls and safeguards, visit the U.S. Product Safety Commission web site at www.cpsc.gov. “Dangerous toys and those with latent defects are not always obvious. Visiting the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website for recalls and precautions can help the gift giver make safe choices,” said Elaine R. Welch, President and CEO of the PAB. “It’s also very important to review the operation of toys with your children. Many ‘safe’ toys still pose risks if not used properly.” PAB suggests the following additional tips to keep kids healthy this holiday season. Inspect all toys. Make sure your child’s gifts are age appropriate. Keep toys designated for older children out the hands of little ones. Chemistry sets or hobby items are extremely dangerous if misused. Teach older children to help keep their toys away from younger siblings. Deflated balloons/pieces are particularly dangerous. More children suffocate on balloon pieces than any other type of toy. Give protective gear along with any sports equipment gifts. The American Academy of Ophthalmology estimates that there are 40,000 sports-related eye injuries each year. Avoid toys that shoot or include propelled objects. Projectile toys such as BB guns, archery equipment, darts, slingshots and rocketry sets account for many toy-related eye injuries annually. Inspect toys for noise levels that may damage hearing. The recommended safety limit is 85dB when held close to the ear. Studies have shown many toys on the market exceed this limit. The general rule is simple; don’t let your child hold noisy toys too close to their ears, and don’t let them play with them for more than an hour a day. Supervise children when toy labels or common sense dictates, and always save the warranties and directions for toys. Inspect toys for sturdiness. Toys should be durable, with no sharp edges or points. The toys should also withstand impact. Look for the letters “ASTM.” This means the product meets the national safety standard set by the American Society for Testing and Materials. Don’t give toys with small parts to young children. Young kids tend to put things in their mouths and may choke. If the part of a toy can fit in a toilet paper roll, the toy is not appropriate for children under the age of 3. North Central Sight Services, Inc. Prevention of Blindness and Social Services Programs are funded in part through grants from the Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services and allocations from the Lycoming and Clinton County United Way.
Secretary Urges Care When Giving Pets The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is not an ideal time to surprise a loved one with a new puppy or other pet as a gift, says Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff. “The holiday season may seem like the perfect time to give a puppy as a gift, but too often families are not prepared for the responsibility and commitment that comes with dog ownership,” said Wolff. “Before buying or adopting a new pet, families should want, expect and be prepared for it. I urge all Pennsylvanians to prepare their homes and schedules for a new pet before adopting or buying one during the busy holiday season.” Animals should never be given to someone as a surprise. Owners should be educated about the animal’s needs and be prepared to care for the animal before welcoming it into their homes. Wolff said animals from shelters or rescues make great pets, and can provide many years of loyal companionship. More than 300 humane societies and rescues have dogs available for adoption in Pennsylvania. If purchasing a dog from a breeder, ensure the breeder is reputable and visit the breeding facilities to inspect the dogs and facilities. Check the breeder’s kennel inspection reports online at www.agriculture.state.pa.us/padoglaw. The Pennsylvania Dog Law, Act 119 of 2008, requires that puppies be at least eight weeks old before being adopted or purchased. To confidentially report unsatisfactory conditions at a kennel, or if a kennel is suspected of being illegal, call the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s toll-free hotline at 1-877-DOG-TIP1.
Silver Lake Fire Co. Elects New Officers The Silver Lake Fire & Rescue Squad announced officers for 2009 as follows: Chief, Bryan Young; First Assistant Chief, Francis (Jay) Klein; Second Assistant Chief, Tom Conaty; Third Assistant Chief, Jon Norton; President, Ronald Reagan; Vice President, Carolyn Finch; Treasurer, Bill Wittaker; Secretary, Hugh Holland. Rescue Squad: Commander, Linda Cole-Koloski; Assistant Commander, Rose West; Second Assistant Commander Mary Hull; Third Assistant Commander, Julie Bryant; President, Frank Pinkowski; Vice President, Sheryl Boyle; Secretary, Ann Major.
Thanksgiving Basket Winner Announced
Meadow View Senior Living Center recently participated in the annual Susquehanna County Health Fair at Blue Ridge High School on November 22. Baskets were raffled off and presented to the winners; pictured (left) is Taffie Smith, President Resident Council of Meadow View Senior Living Center presenting a “Thanksgiving Basket” to winner Frank O’Connor of Susquehanna.
Budget-Friendly Gifts To Make At Home (NewsUSA) - With prices on the rise, gift-giving might seem too expensive for many Americans. But there's no reason to skimp on birthdays or stop surprising loved ones with spontaneous little-somethings. With a little creativity and some craft supplies, you can create economical, pleasing gifts for anyone, no matter the occasion. Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza (www.cathieandsteve.com), Emmy-nominated lifestyle hosts of the popular shows Creative Juice and Witch Crafts on the HGTV and DIY networks, have recently teamed up with Plaid Enterprises, Inc., a leading craft manufacturer. Together, they offer these creative and fun craft ideas which can be made from recycled materials around the house. - Monogrammed box. Take an old wooden cigar box, use acrylic paints and Mod Podge, an all-in-one glue and sealer, which can be found at www.plaidonline.com/news, to create a personalized holder for precious keepsakes. - Make your own cards. Instead of buying cards for your co-workers, use recycled materials to make your own. You can use Mod Podge to attach fabric or paper cut-outs to card stock for a personalized greeting. - Decoupage picture frames. A nice photograph in a homemade frame always makes for a heartfelt gift. Using colorful scraps of paper or gift wrap and acrylic paint, turn a generic, thrift-store frame into a personalized gift that brings up good memories. - Vintage postcard mini lamp. Find a small, old lamp with a paper shade. Create a template from its original shade and, using decorative paper, cut out your template. Apply the cutout to the original lampshade using Mod Podge. After it has dried, fasten your postcards or paper images to the shade in overlapping fashion. - Denim wine bag. Use the leg from an old pair of jeans to make a wine bag. Embellish it with FolkArt Fabric paint for a personal touch. Give it to a hostess, complete with a bottle of wine, and you are sure to make an impression. For additional craft tips and gift ideas or to find the latest crafting supplies, visit www.plaidonline.com/news.
Civic Association Installs New Signs
Members of the Starrucca Civic Association recently installed five signs welcoming people to town. These were paid for by the Association, whose purpose is to furnish those “extras” that enhance the borough. Anyone who is interested in the betterment of Starrucca may be a member. Pictured (l-r) are: Peter Frank, Art Kopp, Julia Smith, Marie Swartz, Ruth Mroczka, Robert Buck.
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