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Cemetery Association Holds Annual Meeting The Lyon Street Cemetery Association held its annual meeting on May 15. The state of the economy has affected the Association. The price of lots was last raised in 1994 and the Association approved a price increase effective immediately along with an increase in the cost of a share of stock. Also approved was the banning of planting trees in the cemetery, effective immediately. The treasurer would like to retire. If any lot owner or shareholder is interested in this position please let the Lyon Street Cemetery Association know. The Association needs the "next generation" to step forward and take an interest. There are only a few members involved and they would appreciate others becoming involved. Two students at Forest City Regional plan to do their senior project at the cemetery. They plan to paint the gates and sign, repair the stone wall and other much needed work. The Association appreciates their interest and looks forward to their improvements. For further information please call Susan Foster Harvatine at 570-679-2386.
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’s 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.
4-H Club News North Jackson Ag On May 9, North Jackson Ag. 4-H club held its third meeting starting with bowling at Valley lanes followed by the meeting at Onyon’s. The meeting was called to order by president Shawn Carey. Pledges were said by Brittney Zembrowski and Katie Klim. Old business was discussed and new business was addressed. Robert Supancik told live stock kids that animals needed to be tagged by May 15, and that all the weight requirements are in the news line. The club did a community service project at the cemetery in Gibson. Thank you to all who participated: Chris, John, and Samantha Valentine; Jim, Karen, and Kaylin Trynoski; Michelle, Bryce, Kayleen and Garret Conklin; Jim, Frida, and Eric Giangreico; John, Bonny, and Eric Onyon; Robert, Emily and Jaimie Supancik; John, Tommy, Joe, and Sophie Swetter; and Sandy Pavelski. After, Sandy Pavelski talked about Dairy camp which is at the Harford Fair grounds on June 30 through July 1. The district dairy show will take place August 29, in Wayne County. The fashion review was discussed and kids were told that the review is scheduled for June 15. 4-H one day camp will be held on July 14 this year at the Harford Fair grounds. A demonstration was given by Ed Gorick. The next meeting will be held on June 6 at Pavelski’s at 7:00 p.m. News Reporter: Joseph Fuller
Boomers Can Reduce Future Medical Costs (NewsUSA) – As the boomer generation ages, its members enter the healthcare system in increasing numbers and often incur large costs. By making small changes now, many future health problems and related expenses can be prevented. Blue Shield of California, a not-for-profit health plan with solutions for high-quality healthcare coverage at a reasonable price, offers these tips to help preserve your health and vitality well into the golden years. Stay active. Getting 30 minutes of physical activity just three days a week will help you lower blood pressure, maintain a healthy weight, prevent bone density loss, and keep your muscular and cardiovascular systems strong. Gardening, golfing and dancing can help you stay lively while enjoying yourself. Stay involved. Mental and physical fitness are equally important. Staying involved in your community, whether through friends or volunteer work, will help you achieve mental and emotional balance. Eat well. It's never too late to adopt healthy habits. A diet based on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and other lean proteins will lessen your risk of developing heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and other expensive-to-treat conditions. See your doctor before you feel sick. Frequent check-ups can help catch health concerns before they develop into chronic disease. Vision, dental and dermatology exams are important. In fact, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., according to Medline Plus - U.S. National Library of Medicine, and people over the age of 50 are at higher risk. Work with your doctor to arrange an ongoing check-up schedule. Stop smoking. Smoking increases your risk for cancer and cardiovascular and respiratory disease. It's never too late to quit – your body begins recovering within minutes after you stop smoking, according to www.cancer.org. Be mindful of prescriptions. The average older person is taking more than four prescription drugs at once, plus two over-the-counter medications. When two or more drugs are mixed in the body, they may interact and produce uncomfortable or even dangerous side effects. Be proactive about having doctors or pharmacists check for possible drug interactions. Also try switching to generic drugs to save 30 percent or more on the average prescription. For more healthy living tips and resources, visit Blue Shield online at www.blueshieldca.com/seniorhealth.
Conserving Gasoline Is Always in Style (NewsUSA) - Whether you are trying to stretch the family budget, help the environment, or lessen the nation's dependence on imported oil, conserving gasoline can benefit most everyone. "Using less gasoline is one of those rare win-win situations," notes Martin Lawson, editorial director of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), an independent nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. "Families can benefit immediately while helping the environment in the long run." Whatever your motivation, here are some gas saving tips from the pros at the ASE: Monitor tires. Under-inflated tires or poorly aligned wheels waste fuel by forcing the engine to work harder. (Let the tires cool down before checking the air pressure.) Out-of-line wheels, as evidenced by uneven tread wear, should be aligned by a professional. Remove excess weight. Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle. Store only essentials in the trunk. Less weight means better mileage. Promptly remove rooftop cargo carriers to reduce air drag. Consolidate trips and errands. Some trips may be unnecessary. Also, try to travel when traffic is light so you can avoid stop-and-go conditions. Avoid excessive idling. Shut off the engine while waiting for friends and family. Observe speed limits. Speeding decreases your miles per gallon. Drive gently. Sudden accelerations guzzle gas. Anticipate traffic patterns ahead and adjust your speed gradually. Use windows and air conditioning wisely. Your mileage should improve if you keep the windows closed at highway speeds, since air drag is reduced. This is true even with the air conditioning on - assuming that the system is in good working order. But turn the air conditioning off in stop-and-go traffic to save fuel. Keep your engine "tuned up." A well-maintained engine operates at peak efficiency, maximizing gas mileage. Follow the service schedules listed in the owner's manual. Replace filters and fluids as recommended; have engine performance problems corrected at a repair facility. A well-maintained vehicle will last longer, too. Given today's high-tech engines, it's wise to have this type of work done by auto technicians who are ASE-certified in engine performance. Repair shops that employ certified auto technicians display the blue and white ASE sign. For more information, including seasonal car care advice, visit www.ase.com.
Daisy Matulevich Crowned Dairy Princess After being escorted by Joe Pavelski, the 2008/2009 Susquehanna County Dairy Princess Eileen Walker took the stage to begin the events leading up to crowning Daisy Matulevich 2009/2010 Susquehanna County Dairy Princess. Abbey Puzo, 2007/2008 Dairy Princess, welcomed everyone to the Pageant and told the audience the many benefits she experienced during her years participating in the dairy promotion program, writing speeches and news articles, organizing events and meeting new people just to name a few. Abbey then introduced members of the dairy court as they took the stage. Mariah Tompkins, daughter of Mark and Cindy Tompkins, Madeline Mitchell daughter of David and Heidi Mitchell, Alison Teel, daughter of Ronald & Anne Teel will be promoting the dairy industry as Dairy Maids. Olivia Mitchell daughter of David and Heidi Mitchell and Callie Curley daughter of Benjamin and Amy Curley will be doing promotion work as Dairy Ambassadors. Next introduced was Daisy Matulevich daughter of Gary and Cheryl Matulevich and the crown bearer Emory Bewley daughter of Owen and Cathy Bewley. The 2008/2009 Dairy Princess Eileen Walker daughter of Robert and Ann Walker was then introduced and escorted to the stage by her Uncle Joe Pavelski. Each of the Dairy Maids and Ambassadors then spoke about their promotion plans. Betty Reibson, Northeast District Dairy Princess & Promotion Coordinator spoke to the group complimenting Susquehanna County’s accomplishments the past year promoting dairy products and commented on what the girls can look forward to as they begin the new year promoting. Eileen Walker, 2008/2009 Dairy Princess, recognized the Tompkins family for hosting the 7th annual “Day on a Dairy Farm” event held on their Evergreen Lane dairy farm. Hundreds of people attend this event spending a few hours experiencing a dairy farm. Kelly Diaz, 2000/2001 and 2001/2002 Princess, recognized Eileen Walker, Alicia Roe, Olivia Mitchell, Mariah Tompkins and Madeline Mitchell for promotion work they did during Eileen’s reign as Princess. Kelly presented Mariah Tompkins with a crown necklace as the “Promoter of the Year”. Mariah participated in over one hundred promotions during the year. Members of the Dairy Court keep a scrapbook recording promotion events they take part in during the year. Amanda Zembrzycki, 2004/2005 Princess, complimented the girls for the nice job they had done and presented each one of them with a ribbon recognizing their work. Amanda presented Eileen with a scholarship on behalf of the County Dairy Princess and Promotion Committee. Eileen will be attending Keystone College in the fall.
Daisy Matulevich is crowned 2009-2010 Dairy Princess by Eileen Walker. Eileen Walker gave her farewell speech noting the benefits she enjoyed during her year as Dairy Princess and thanked committee members for their support. Eileen thanked her Uncle Joe Pavelski and family for giving her the opportunity of growing up enjoying their dairy farm and showing Pavelski dairy animals in 4-H and at the Harford Fair. Amanda Miner, 2005/2006 Dairy Princess, introduced Daisy Matulevich, currently a senior at Mountain View High School as Dairy Princess for 2009/2010. Daisy enjoys 4-H and showing dairy animals. She will be attending Mansfield University in the fall and working on a dairy farm in Bradford County as well as serving as Dairy Princess. Before being crowned, Daisy spoke about her plans as Dairy Princess in Susquehanna County. Daisy was crowned the 2009/2010 Dairy Princess by outgoing Princess Eileen Walker. Emory Bewley, daughter of Owen and Cathy Bewley served as crown bearer. The evening concluded with a reception hosted by the Dairy Promotion Committee.
Miserable Summer With Your Unemployed Teen Unemployment statistics are continuing to rise in the Unites States, and the jobless rate may affect more than the adults in the community. Teens, who would normally take a summer job to make some cash for fun and for the upcoming school year, may find themselves in a tight spot. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the current teen unemployment rate is 21.7 percent, up from last year's 15.8 percent - the highest rate in nearly 20 years. This summer, your teenager may encounter the challenge of older, more experienced job seekers competing for positions in a tight economy, and may come up empty. "The thought of our sons or daughters lying on the couch watching TV all summer long is simply not a possibility," says Laura Gauld, co-author of "The Biggest Job We'll Ever Have" and co-founder of TBJ parenting seminars. "Parents know that kind of behavior can lead to boredom, bad habits, and low self-esteem, and they worry." What can parents do to support their teens through what may be a summer of unemployment, so that the family may continue to enjoy the season? Malcolm Gauld is president of Hyde Schools, known widely for their unique approach to helping students develop character. "Parents can look at this situation with an eye to short- and long-term goals," says Malcolm, "and stay close to their priorities. We believe in turning obstacles into opportunities, and this is a prime example. Short term, it's only one summer. But long term, it's about an attitude toward life and its challenges. So raise your expectations for your kids." In the event that your teen cannot locate a summer job this year, the Gaulds offer several suggestions. Find a mentor. Teens and their parents can seek out a mentor - a family friend, business or community leader - to work with voluntarily, learning their business, and helping them in whatever way they can. This opportunity would be scheduled, like any job, and keep your teen engaged. He or she would continue to learn new things and gain valuable experience for the future. Volunteer. There are neighbors, churches, and community centers all around, and they need help. Call and volunteer for filing, clean-ups, aiding shut-ins, helping the elderly with lawn work and other activities. Assign a project. Parents can offer their teen an important task to do at home, and pay them something for it. Whether it's painting the garage or planting a garden, it needs to be done well. Teens can gain self-esteem when entrusted with an important project at home. "All kids need to be responsible for jobs, whether in the community or at home," adds Laura. "And they respond positively to feeling needed." The Gaulds also suggest a Three Point Plan for the family that will help them as individuals and as a unit. 1. Weekly family meetings. Take charge and schedule a weekly family meeting where everyone is invited to share ideas, thoughts, challenges, stories. Communication remains very important through this time. 2. Jobs. Everyone in the family needs a job, and, as a member of the family, teens are no exception. All members must take on part of the responsibility of creating a clean, welcoming, and organized home. 3. Mandatory Fun. This is a time (you determine how often) when the family comes together to do something fun. Family members take turns choosing the activity, and even if there is resistance among family members, for example, they do the activity, enjoy themselves, and learn about each other. The Gaulds underline these points by reminding parents to "be the parent." "Many parents are in a power struggle with their kids," says Malcolm. "And some have relinquished their authority altogether... the power sits with their kids. The first thing parents have to get on board with, is that they are the adults in the relationship and need to set an example for what they really want from their kids." In the end, parents can show their kids how to continue to grow as people, as family members, and as citizens, regardless of the economy by sticking with core values. "The strongest relationships are those resting on a foundation of principles," says Malcolm. To learn more about the Gaulds and their work, contact Rose Mulligan at (207) 837-9441 or visit greatparenting101.com and www.hyde.edu.
Local Hospital At Cutting Edge Susquehanna, PA - A local hospital does things for people that would make Superman envious. The source of that envy is Barnes-Kasson Hospital’s new $1.3 million Computer Tomography machine (CAT- Scan to most of us), which went into operation March 17. Results have even technicians excited. "It's a huge step for us," said Beth McGinness, one of seven hospital people recently qualified to run the Cat scan. "We're so happy we can do all these studies, and do anything larger hospitals can do. Patients don't have to travel forty miles for a scan. It's so very convenient for the community." McGinness said the new machine, which uses x-ray technology to depict the human body in 40 pictographic "slices" which are then fed into a computer for study, is not just efficient but also comfortingly fast. "When you have patients coming in, they are always apprehensive, and not feeling well on top of that," she said. "And they're in there just 90 seconds, and they usually ask, 'Is that all?'" McGinness described the Cat-scan as non-invasive medicine; a patient lies on the table, and the machine does all the work. She said the x-ray tube feeds its information directly into the computer, "so we can modify the information into different planes." The results are reportable quickly as well, according to William Iveson, Jr., Clinical Operations Officer at Barnes-Kasson. "If it's a stat request, you have results in under a half hour," he explained. "Otherwise, it's back from the radiology group in 24 hours. "I had my own carotids done," Iveson said. "Ninety seconds! They told me to hold my breath, and they did one scan, then they injected a dye, and that was for the second scan." He said the only hardship was not being able to eat for four hours prior to the scan. Results can be faster, too, since many scans do not require any dye injections. Those stat requests come often from Barnes-Kasson's ER, when quick results are vital, so the Cat-scan is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, according to McGinness. The scan might be used in head trauma cases, or for organ or blood vessel studies, with none of the invasive procedures required in the past. So the $1.3 million price tag for the 5000-pound Cat scan, bought through Phillips Medical Products of Cleveland, Ohio, seems well worth it in time saved and information discovered. Iveson said the hospital will pay for the machine over five years, and a big chunk of the bill goes for the service contract. He said most scans are covered by people's insurance, with a typical cat-scan costing $1200, although scans, like MRIs and other diagnostic procedures, require prior approval from a patient's insurance carrier. "This machine is so much better, " he added, "and we are able to find conditions we couldn't see with the previous machine. " Not to mention the calming effect on patients. "I was very nervous, " said Lisa White, and Oakland woman who had had a scan on Barnes-Kasson's previous machine. "And this was my first time with an injection. But they carefully explained to me just what would happen, and what it would feel like, and what I would do, and in ninety seconds it was done." She said she had her results back in twenty minutes. "I would recommend this to anyone who needs diagnostic work," Lisa White added. As for Superman, the Barnes-Kasson CAT-scan is just better than he is. It operates in a room completely lined in 1/16-inch lead shielding (an 8' by 4' sheet of this lead weighs 300 pounds - go figure the total weight for a room). Superman might lift the room, but he couldn't see his way through to help all the patients Barnes-Kasson can help now. For information, call William Iveson, Jr. at Barnes-Kasson Hospital, Susquehanna, PA, at 570-853-3135.
PA Farm Market Guide Available HARRISBURG – From sweet corn and pick-your-own strawberries to baked goods and hearty flowers, consumers can find the best Pennsylvania has to offer with the 2009 Consumer’s Guide to Pennsylvania Farm Markets, said Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff. “Pennsylvania is home to more than 1,200 farm markets where consumers can buy fresh, nutritious products,” said Wolff. “The guide is a great way for people to connect with local producers, while directly supporting them and the state’s economy.” The guide lists farm markets by county and provides the name, location, dates and hours of operation, types of food sold and contact information. The guide also denotes farm markets participating in the state’s Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which benefits older adults and Women, Infants and Children, or WIC, participants. For the first time, the guide is searchable by county, product or market name at www.agriculture.state.pa.us by clicking on “Online Services” and then “Farm Markets.” Many Pennsylvania farm markets are travel destinations, giving visitors the opportunity to visit the farm or orchard to pick berries, apples, peaches, grapes and other fresh fruits and vegetables. The guide lists these offerings in conjunction with Keystone Country, the state’s agritourism program. Keystone Country’s Web site, www.visitpa.com/KeystoneCountry, features an interactive map with agritourism destinations searchable by city or region, and lists nearby restaurants, lodging and activities. For added convenience, the site offers pre-planned road trips with stops at some of Pennsylvania’s best farms and markets. For more information about farmers markets or stands, or for consumers without Internet access to request a guide, contact Kathy Cutman at 717-783-9948 or kcutman@state.pa.us.
PARSE Update The Pennsylvania Association of Retired State Employees met on May 12 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Dushore. President Jesse Bacon introduced the guest speaker, Lynn Herman, who was a state legislator from Centre County for 24 years. Mr. Herman is now the lobbyist for the state PARSE organization. He explained that his duties include contacting the state legislators in an endeavor to get a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for all state retirees. He said that Pennsylvania is one in only ten states that do not have an annual COLA for state retirees. He also stated that legislators must know that state retirees want no changes or reductions in their health benefits. Also, of great importance, is the need to increase retirees’ membership in PARSE, as there is strength in numbers when pursuing appropriate legislation. Mr. Herman asked for volunteers from each Chapter 15 county to help in contacting legislators by phone or letters in regard to the above needs of the retirees. The next meeting will be held at the Towanda American Legion on June 9. To learn more about the PARSE organization and/or make reservations, contact President Jesse Bacon at 570-265-9784 or Susquehanna County Vice President, John Benio at 570-278-2380.
Penn Dixie Band Supports Heroes
The Penn Dixie Band, sponsored by Peoples National Bank, supported local heroes in the Montrose Memorial Day Parade, May 25. Peoples will be sponsoring Penn Dixie in 11 parades throughout the summer, supporting events in various communities. Upcoming events include: Lake Winola in June; Thompson, Dalton and Susquehanna in July; Tunkhannock Antique Parade, Kirkwood, and Nicholson in August; Conklin in September; Susquehanna Homecoming in October and the Binghamton Boscovs Parade in November.
Pre-K “Move-Up” To Kindergarten Pre-Kindergarten children from across Susquehanna County experienced a taste of school life this spring thanks to coordinated “Move-Up Days.” Nearly 40 youngsters spent time at either Blue Ridge Elementary School or Lathrop Street Elementary School in Montrose. The idea was to help ease first school year jitters. More than two dozen three and four year olds from Treasure House Child Development Center and Angel Beginnings Christian Learning Center were welcomed in the Kindergarten classrooms at Lathrop Street May 19. The teachers and staff provided guidance while the soon to be first graders acted as mentors for their new friends. The pre-k children learned about daily routines, enjoyed story and computer times and even made their way through the lunch process. At the end of April, youngsters from Children’s Palace in Hallstead hopped on a school bus to spend time at Blue Ridge Elementary. During their classroom experience, they met new friends, enjoyed playing musical instruments and learned rules of the classroom. The “Move Up Days” were possible through a grant to Susquehanna County CARES (Childcare, Agencies, Resources and Educational Services) and coordinated through CARES, Blue Ridge School District, Montrose Area School District, Children’s Palace, Treasure House and Angel Beginnings Christian Learning Center. The activity helps promote Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children, because every child is Pennsylvania’s future.
Program Offered For WIC Participants Maternal and Family Health Services announced that the agency’s WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Nutrition Centers are distributing farmers’ market vouchers to WIC participants. The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) helps families with nutritional needs buy fresh fruits and vegetables from Pennsylvania farmers. This helps ensure good health for mothers and children and helps support community farmers’ markets. FMNP provides qualifying WIC participants with $20 in vouchers to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets between June 1 and November 30. Pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, and children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old are eligible. WIC Nutrition staff distributes the vouchers to WIC participants along with nutrition education emphasizing the importance of eating fresh fruits and vegetables and a list of participating farmers’ markets in the area. The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Across the Commonwealth, 902 farmers benefit from the program. Maternal and Family Health Services is a non-profit health and human service organization working to improve the health of Pennsylvania women and children by offering programs that prevent disease, promote wellness, and empower individuals to make healthy choices. The agency offers the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program; Family Planning Program; Healthy Beginnings Plus Prenatal Program; the Nurse-Family Partnership Program and the Healthy Woman Cancer Screening Program in a 16 county area of Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.mfhs.org, or call 1-800-367-6347.
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