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Issue Home September 23, 2009 Site Home

HEADLINES:
Susquehanna Library’s Summer Reading 2009
Tom Robinson Has New Books In Print
Livestock Scholarship Winners Announced
30th Annual Festival The Best Ever
Animal Costume Contest Held At Harford Fair
Business Helps Fund Local Scholarships
Children Travel Around The World In 30 Days
Flower Beautification Contest Results
FSA Emergency Loans Available To Farmers
Kiddy Tractor Pull Held At Harford Fair
Love At The Library
Nintendo Wii At Senior Center

Red Hat Society Holds Meeting
Wedding Announcement Slocum - Blanyar

Susquehanna Library’s Summer Reading 2009

The Susquehanna Branch Library is proud to announce the following participants in its Summer Reading Program 2009 - Be Creative at Your Library:

Shaun Anderson, Alan-Michael Anderson, Michael Armitage, Ryan Armitage, David Armitage, Kirsten Bedford, Devyn Benson, Kelsea Benson, Peyton Cowperthwait, Joseph Curtis, Kerstin Dooley, Liam Dooley, Rodney Foote, Ashley Foote, Veronica Gorka, Martin Gorka, Drew Hennessey, Meghan Kiernan, Garrison Kiernan, Joshua Marco, Lucas Marco, Taylor Millard, Torin Osterhout, Matthew Phillips, Reilly Potter, Rockell Rockwell, Alyis Rockwell, Ana Sargent, Alyse Sargent, Destiny Serrette, Kevin Silfee, Jonathan Sisler, Kayleigh Smith, Elizabeth Smith, Carlton Smith, Andrew Stallings, Ryan Stallings, Jonathan Teribury, Jessica Teribury, Raya Vermilyea, Elvis Vermilyea, Shenandoah Young, Buffalo Young, Rigby Young.

The theme for this year’s program was “Be Creative at Your Library.” There were wonderful craft activities, program guests, a marching band and even a trip to the museum.

Certificates of Participation were distributed at the close of the program. If participants haven’t received their certificate, they are available at the library.

The Susquehanna Branch Library congratulates all who participated and looks forward to seeing participants at the Summer Reading Program 2010.

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Tom Robinson Has New Books In Print

ABDO Publishing of Edina, Minn. has released three more books by Susquehanna native Tom Robinson.

The latest 112-page books are biographies on President Barack Obama and Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos and a look at the issue of media ownership.

Robinson, who specializes in books for middle-school readers, now has 16 books in print. He has completed manuscripts for three more books that are in the production stage.

Barack Obama: 44th U.S. President is part of ABDO’s Essential Lives series.

Jeff Bezos: Amazon.com Architect is part of the Publishing Pioneers series.

Media Ownership is part of the Essential Viewpoints series, which examines critical debates occurring today by looking at each side of the issue.

In addition to his work as an author, Robinson is a freelance sports writer and an editor of medical and educational books. His writing assignments include covering sports for the Susquehanna County Transcript.

More information about the books can be found at www.abdopublishing.com.

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Livestock Scholarship Winners Announced
Submitted By Michelle Kowalewski

The 152nd Harford Fair was the setting for the 2009 Susquehanna County 4-H Livestock Sale on Saturday, August 22. The sale kicked off with the announcement of the 2009 Susquehanna County 4-H Livestock Scholarship recipients. Nine 4-H members received scholarship awards toward their post secondary education: David Corbin, Hop Bottom; Sondra Fallon, Kingsley; Misty Karhnak, Springville; Daisy Matulevich, Hop Bottom; Abbey Puzo, Montrose; Jessica Sheruda, Dalton; Stephanie Snyder, Greenfield Township; Brittany Stankiewicz, Kingsley; and Mackey Wright, Montrose.

Pictured above (l-r) are the 2009 Susquehanna County Livestock Scholarship recipients: front row - Sondra Fallon, Abbey Puzo, Jessica Sheruda, Brittany Stankiewicz; back row - David Corbin, Misty Karhnak, Daisy Matulevich, Stephanie Snyder, and Mackey Wright.

David Corbin of Hop Bottom is an eleven year 4-H member of the Baconeers and Bowbridge Shepherds 4-H Clubs. David has held the offices of 4-H president, treasurer, and historian. He has completed various livestock projects throughout his 4-H career including showing swine, sheep, and goats. David is a 2009 graduate of Mountain View Jr./Sr. High School. He plans to attend Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pennsylvania to study biology and hopes to someday become a veterinarian.

Sondra Fallon of Kingsley is a seven year 4-H member of the North Jackson Ag and Endless Mountains Possibilities 4-H Clubs. Sondra has completed the following 4-H projects during her career: dairy beef, performance horse, horse production, veterinary science, and cooking. She is a graduate of Mountain View Jr./Sr. High School. Sondra plans to attend Meredith Manor International Equestrian College in Waverly, West Virginia to become a horse trainer.

Misty Karhnak of Springville has been involved in the 4-H program for nine years. She has been a member of the Baconeers and Elk Mountain Community 4-H Clubs. Misty has also been involved in the 4-H program in Wyoming County. During her 4-H career she has completed projects in market and breeding sheep, market swine, beef, and goats. Misty is also a graduate of Mountain View Jr./Sr. High School and will be attending McCann School of Business and Technology in Dickson City to study accounting.

Daisy Matulevich of Hop Bottom is a ten year member of the Baconeers 4-H Club. She has also been involved in the Born to Show 4-H Dairy Club and Endless Mountains Possibilities 4-H Horse and Pony Club. She has completed projects in the swine, horse, and dairy project areas. Daisy has explored various 4-H opportunities outside of the livestock activities including attending 4-H Camp Brule and was selected as Junior Camp Director. She is a graduate of Mountain View Jr./Sr. High School. Daisy will be attending Mansfield University in the fall to study nursing.

Abbey Puzo of Montrose is a ten year member of the Watrous Corners and Born to Show 4-H Clubs. She has held the offices of president, vice-president, news reporter, secretary, and treasurer. Abbey completed projects in the area of dairy beef, wood working with wildlife, cooking, crafts, scrapbooking, dairy, photography, pumpkins, flower gardening, and babysitting. She is a graduate of Montrose Area Jr./Sr. High School. Abbey plans to attend Mansfield University in the fall to become a nurse.

Jessica Sheruda of Dalton is a nine year member of the Elk Mountain Community 4-H Club. Jessica has also been a member of the Wayne County 4-H program. She has shown market steers and breeding beef here in Susquehanna County. Jessica is an accomplished livestock judge and won first place senior individual at this year’s 2009 Penn State 4-H Achievement Days. She is a graduate of Scranton Preparatory School. Jessica plans to attend the University of Scranton to major in Biology and hopes to someday become a veterinarian.

Stephanie Snyder of Greenfield Township is a nine year member of the Elk Mountain Community 4-H Club. She has shown beef, sheep, swine, and dairy through the 4-H program. She has also completed the 4-H rubbings and photography projects during her 4-H career. Stephanie is a graduate of Lakeland Jr./Sr. High School and plans to attend Delaware Valley College in the fall to study Livestock Management.

Brittany Stankiewicz of Kingsley is a five year member of the Baconeers 4-H Club. She has taken market hogs for her 4-H project. Brittany is a graduate of Mountain View Jr./Sr. High School and will be attending Keystone College to study criminal justice with a minor in psychology.

Mackey Wright of Montrose is a ten year member of the Delmonico’s 4-H Club. He has also been involved with the Born to Show and East Rush Community 4-H Clubs. He has shown beef, dairy, goats, sheep, swine, and rabbits. Additionally, he completed projects in the area of wood working for wildlife, remote controlled cars, shooting sports, .22 rifle, rubbings, visual arts, and rocketry. Mackey is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School. He will be attending Alfred State in the fall to study dairy science.

Scholarships are awarded to 4-Hers based on number of years showing livestock, 4-H projects, 4-H/school/community activities, leadership skills, and future educational plans. For more information about the Susquehanna County 4-H Livestock Program contact Penn State Cooperative Extension in Susquehanna County at 570-278-1158.

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30th Annual Festival The Best Ever

On Friday and Saturday, August 7 and 8, the 2009 Blueberry Festival was held on the Village Green in Montrose. The weather both days was perfect - sunny, but not too hot - and the biggest crowds ever came to enjoy the blueberry festivities. "The Festival is held the first Friday and Saturday in August, rain or shine," said Susan Stone, Administrator/ Librarian of the Susquehanna County Historical Society & Free Library Association. "The weather helped, but what always makes it a success is tremendous support from the community!"

Pictured above are: front - Shelly Hohn, Rex Catlin; 1st row - Sue Magnotti, Jean Dunn, Hilary Caws-Elwitt, Virginia Franssen, Elaine Henninger; 2nd row - Cathy Chiarella, Gladys Bennett; 3rd row - Betty Smith, Patty Strope, Cookie Capotosto, Bob Smith, Flo Whittaker, Eleanor Manz, Donna Horn, Gladys Bennett; top row - Cornelia Page, Alexis Churm, Julanne Skinner, Susan Stone, Diane Koloski, Amy Johnson.

The Festival continues to get bigger and better every year, thanks to the participation of community-minded helpers - organizations and individuals. Hundreds of volunteers not only staff the many booths and provide entertainment, but also put in literally thousands of hours ahead of time sorting books, picking berries, baking, and performing dozens of other tasks. Local businesses donate essentials from baskets and ice cream funds to advertising.

Festival visitors admired the quilt (made by the Crazy Country Quilters), in a gorgeous Antique Fans pattern. Every year a different quilt is made to be raffled off at the Festival. Anne Whitbeck of Waverly won this year's quilt. An amazing cross-stitch sampler by Candace McCay was also raffled; the winner was Corey Yencha of Duryea. More than 60 winners at the Basket Raffle went home with lovely and original baskets. Congratulations to all!

The Silent Auction featured many unique items donated by members of the community, from works by local artists to goods and services from county businesses. Excitement ran high in the last few minutes before the auction closed, as eager bidders competed to raise the prices.

While parents bought Blueberry Festival pottery and clothing, admired the handcrafts, and browsed for books at the used book sale, children played games on the Green, lined up to bounce in the Price Chopper Bounce Castle, and had their faces painted by the talented Ilona Scroggins (Lollipop Face Painting). Race-against-time games were popular, including basketball, jump-rope, hula hoop, and cookie stacking.

Food and beverages were available all day, from blueberry pizza to blueberry shortcake. An enormous variety of blueberry muffins were made by local volunteers under the direction of the Montrose Women’s Club. Cotton candy and popcorn were served up by the Knights of Columbus. Volunteers picked hundreds of pounds of fresh blueberries which were snapped up by berry lovers. Festival mascot Newberry the Blueberry made many appearances, shaking hands, giving blueberry hugs, and posing for pictures. Saturday's White Elephant Sale filled the top section of the green with people finding treasures that others no longer wanted. The White Elephant had collectibles for sale on Friday for the first time, which was also popular.

On Friday, Windwood Hill Dance Academy put on a great performance at 10 a.m. John and Joan Hoffman played and sang comical folk songs at noon. The Lonnie Griffiths Band closed the afternoon with an extended set of roots music. Visitors enjoyed wagon rides thanks to Jack Taylor and Gary Ely. Friday evening's "Blueberry Barn Dance" at the Inn at Montrose continued the blueberry fun.

Noelani's Hula School filled the green in front of the Post Office with the colors and sounds of the Pacific on Saturday morning. At noon, John Adams and Todd Robinson played and entertained all ages - many who remembered them fondly as the Ice Cubes when they last performed at the Festival years ago. The afternoon's entertainment peaked with the 18th Annual Massed Band Concert, with classic American favorites played by dozens of musicians of all ages, conducted by Suzanne Bennici with a guest appearance by Johanna Reed. Civil War re-enactor Brian Swartz (Poor Boys/Living History Guild) camped in front of the Monument overnight. He talked to visitors and demonstrated his authentic equipment. All entertainment was volunteered and deeply appreciated!

The Chairpersons for this year's Festival - Cookie Capotosto, Jean Dunn, and Flo Whittaker - were delighted with the Festival. It takes time for all the receipts and bills to come in, but Mrs. Stone estimates that the total will be record-breaking. All the funds go to the Susquehanna County Historical Society and Free Library Association and are used to help operate the County library system and the County's local history museum and genealogical center. "We count on the Festival proceeds to reach our annual budget," she said. "It's the effort and time selflessly donated by so many community people and businesses that make the Festival successful. From the service clubs to the banks to the hospital, from the smallest to largest businesses, and the hundreds of individuals who helped - it would take pages to list them all. We are enormously grateful." For more information and photos from the Festival, visit www.susqcolibrary.org/bluefest.

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Animal Costume Contest Held At Harford Fair
Submitted By Evie Goff

The contest show ring found Kyle Bonavita from Meshoppen dressed as a bucking bronco rider and his calf was the rodeo clown. Some of the other exhibiters were Autumn Bonavita carrying her rabbit Pumpkin as she strolled the ring in her Amish girl attire. Austin Bonavita came into the ring with his rabbit dressed as Scooby Doo. Emma Loch and her calf were dressed as maple cotton candy. Cassidy Greenwood of Dimock, assisted by her sister Devon, dressed Cassidy’s calf as a hula dancer. Dempsey Hollenbeck from Kingsley and her market lamb were also hula dancers. Austin Graham brought her horse into the ring dressed as a Holstein cow. Other contest participants included Dana Nunemacher, Alison Teel, Alex Bonavita and Julie Sessler. The judge’s favorite was Shayla VanVleck riding her horse costumed as a banana split. The contest was judged by the Fair Queen Carol Small and several members of the Susquehanna County Dairy Court. Pictured above, Cassidy Greenwood of Dimock proudly displays her plaque she won as exhibitor/animal look-a-like hula dancers at the Harford Fair Animal Costume Contest.

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Business Helps Fund Local Scholarships

Waste Management has renewed its contribution to the K-12 scholarship program of the Community Foundation of Susquehanna County, which helps low to moderate income families send their children to tuition based schools and programs.

The $5,000 donation to the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC) program was provided by Waste Management and its local hauler, Apex Waste Services of Dunmore. Through the EITC program businesses in Pennsylvania can reduce a portion of their state corporation tax by donating funding for scholarships and educational improvement programs. In the Susquehanna and Wyoming county areas the Community Foundation has provided close to $400,000 to over 560 students in Kindergarten through 12th grade over the last 6 years, in addition to a preschool scholarship program and educational improvement projects. The scholarships are used for tuition to private school, career and technology training, and scholarships to advanced learning camps and programs. Parents with adjusted incomes under $50,000 may qualify for scholarship assistance.

Pictured above (l-r): Peter Quigg, President of the Community Foundation of Susquehanna & Wyoming Counties, and John Hambrose, Waste Management's Regional Community Relations Coordinator.

Peter Quigg, Foundation President, expressed his gratitude for Waste Management’s donation. “They were generous again this year to help kids in the two county service territory, many of whom are receiving career training at the Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center (SCCTC).” Quigg anticipates that the Foundation will receive more requests for help this year from families struggling in the weakened economy, and is grateful that companies, like Waste Management, are continuing to fund the scholarship programs.

“Waste Management is a strong supporter of education everywhere we operate and we’re proud to be able to support the foundation’s work in Susquehanna and Wyoming counties,” said John Hambrose, the company’s spokesman in Northeast Pennsylvania.

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Children Travel Around The World In 30 Days
Submitted By Lynnette Ryman

The children from Children’s Palace Child Care, Great Bend, have been very busy. Over the course of six weeks (30 weekdays) this summer, the children made passports and filled them in as they traveled to six countries - Canada, Mexico, United States, Africa, Japan and China.

They learned about the children and traditions of these lands. They learned to say hello and good-bye in different languages, played traditional games, had cultural snacks, read stories and made crafts. Some crafts included making origami baskets, piñatas, rainsticks, paper bag dragons, and making a flag from each country. The children enjoyed dressing up in traditional clothing from other countries. Their favorite activity was tasting the variety of foods such as tostadas, African bread, and eating Chinese stir fry with chop sticks.

The children also sponsored a Trike-A-Thon, raising almost $700 for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

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Flower Beautification Contest Results

Many of the 2009 Harford Fairgoers have noticed the several flower spots that were done around the Fairgrounds. Each year, 4-H clubs within the counties design flower spots, and enter them into the 4-H Flower Beautification Contest. This year, six county clubs participated, and did an excellent job making the fairgrounds look great! The clubs that participated were North Jackson Ag., Baconeers, Elk Mountain Community, Spilled Milk, Dimock Community, and the Jackson Pin Thimblers. Sam Shevlin, of the Susquehanna County Master Gardeners, served as the judge of the six spots, and the results are as follows:

1st place, Spilled Milk Goat Club; 2nd place, Dimock Community; 3rd place, North Jackson Ag.; 4th place, Baconeers; 5th place, Jackson Pin Thimblers; 6th place, Elk Mountain Community.

All Susquehanna County 4-H Clubs are encouraged to participate in this contest to help make the Fairgrounds look extra special. If your club is interested, please contact the Extension Office at 278-1158 to get assigned a spot and start planning for the 2010 Harford Fair.

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FSA Emergency Loans Available To Farmers

Sheryl L. Potocek, Farm Loan Manager for USDA’s Farm Service Agency, announced that a variety of weather related disasters have recently been declared in Wayne and Susquehanna counties in Pennsylvania. Included are damages and losses caused by: frost, freeze, and high winds which occurred between 5/16/2009 and 5/26/2009; frost and freezes which occurred between 5/31/2009 and 6/2/2009.

Emergency loan applications will be accepted through close of business, 4/26/2010.

Eligible family farmers may qualify for Farm Service Agency Emergency loans for related losses. Emergency loans are available at a reduce interest rate to provide financial assistance to farmers so they can return to normal farming operations.

To be eligible, an applicant must have suffered a loss that was the direct result of the declared disasters which occurred during the above- mentioned periods. An applicant must be the operator of an established family farm at the time of the disaster and must certify that they cannot borrower money at a conventional lending institution. In addition, an applicant must have the ability, experience, and cash flow needed to repay the loan.

Depending on the nature of the loss, loan funds may be used for a variety of purposes including refinancing debt, purchase of livestock, equipment, or for annual operating expenses.

Anyone interested in more information on the program should contact their local FSA loan officer at 570-265-3146 X2.

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Kiddy Tractor Pull Held At Harford Fair
Submitted By Evie Goff

4-H Dairy Club members Allison Kiefer, Allie DePue and Austin Bennett worked with Doug Puzo, creator of the pulling tractors and weight sled, and John Puzo, announcer, to bring the 18th annual Kiddy Tractor Pull event to the Harford Fair.

Over 120 young contestants ages 4 through 10 participated. Enthusiastic children pulled as parents and other spectators cheered them on. Children from all across Susquehanna County took part in the pull as well as children from neighboring counties.

Daisy Matulevich, Susquehanna County Dairy Princess, and Dairy Ambassadors Olivia Mitchell and Callie Curley, Dairy Maids Ali Teel and Madeline Mitchell were on hand to present awards and hand kids a coupon for a free glass of milk compliments of Susquehanna County Farm Bureau. The Harford Fair Queen Carol Small was also present at the event cheering the participants on and helping with presentation of ribbons.

Pictured above, eight year old T J Greenwood from Dimock shows off his first place trophy.

In the junior division, the four year old first place winners were Kerstin Dooley and Damian Napierkowsky; five year old winners were Querida Morgan and Ned Peabody; six year old winners were Sierra O’Dell and Kyle Spoor; Katie Nebzydoski and William Bowen were winners in the seven year old division. In the senior division, the eight year old first place winners were Maggie Kowalewski and T J Greenwood; nine year old winners were Allison Decker and Hunter Bomersheim; 10 year old winners were Audrey Shay and R J Arnold.

Six year old Sierra O’Dell and seven year old William Bowen received the Junior Champion Awards. The Senior Champion awards went to eight year old Maggie Kowalewski and nine year old Hunter Bommershieim.

The Kiddy Tractor Pull was an excellent event for young children to take part in while attending the Fair. The cheers and applause heard from the spectators indicated this event was once again well received. Look for the event to continue at the Harford Fair next year.

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Love At The Library

People of all ages find what they need and want at their local public library. Sometimes, it's more than books, DVDs, and computers. Two patrons of the Hallstead-Great Bend Library began their engagement just outside the library's front door.

Justin and Caitlin

Justin Driskell knew that Caitlin Cumby loved the library, so he picked the bench outside to ask her to marry him. On the night of July 8, they went for a walk to the park in Hallstead. Justin asked Caitlin if she would like to sit on the bench and told her that he had a surprise. He got down on one knee, and Caitlin started crying. Then he opened the little black box. Inside was the perfect ring that he said he could never find. Caitlin said “Well, aren’t you going to ask me?” Justin responded “I’m waiting for you to stop crying." Caitlin informed him that was not about to happen, so Justin asked her to marry him. She whispered “yes,” but he didn't hear her and said “Well, aren’t you going to answer?” “I said yes,” Caitlin said, adding “duh, of course it’s a yes!” There was more crying and then more kissing. All the way home she held her hand out in front of her so she could see the ring. Justin told her that he picked the park to propose to her because it is next to Caitlin’s favorite place...the library!

Justin and Caitlin Driskell were married on July 10, and they have a four month old son named Christian Allen Driskell.

What can your library do for you?

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Nintendo Wii At Senior Centers

Nintendo is not just for kids any more, it is also for the “young at heart.” Wii Fits are now in two Senior Centers in Susquehanna County - the Lanesboro Senior Center in Susquehanna and the Lawton Senior Center in Lawton.

Play tennis, baseball, golf, bowling or boxing in the comfort of these Senior Centers. No oil from the alleys to get players dirty and no rain to keep everyone from a day at the court, park or course. Use the Wii controller to mimic the actions of swinging a racket, bat or club, roll a ball down the alley or bring a right jab. Along with the sports features the Wii fit guides players through strength training, aerobics and yoga with their own virtual personal trainer, keeping them engaged and excited about their fitness goals.

Pictured aboveJack Bechtel plays bowling on the Wii at the Lawton Senior Center.

“I love to ski with the Wii fit,” says Marsha Testa, Lanesboro Senior Center Manager, “The players stay and play all afternoon” Testa says. There are six Senior Community Centers in Susquehanna County located in Great Bend, Forest City, Susquehanna, Lawton, Lenoxville and Montrose. The Senior Centers welcome anyone age 60 or older and their spouses of any age. People attending the centers can enjoy a hot noon time meal, companionship, entertainment, educational programs and now Wii Fit and sports games in Lawton and Susquehanna Centers.

For more information on local Senior Centers in your area call the B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging at 278-3751 or 1 800-637-3746 or visit http://www.aaaseniors.org/SrCommCenter.htm.

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Red Hat Society Holds Meeting

The ladies’ Red Hat Society, Susquehanna Chapter, held their monthly meeting at the Town Restaurant on September 10. 17 members in attendance enjoyed breakfast - all wearing their signature red and purple outfits and hats. Besides their usual business meeting there was much laughter, and a good time was had by all.

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Wedding Announcement Slocum - Blanyar

Lisa S. Slocum, daughter of Bruce Slocum of Susquehanna and Ann Romanofski of Honesdale, was united in marriage to George Blanyar, Jr., son of George and Kathy Blanyar, Sr. of Freeland, PA. The ceremony took place outside on August 8, 2009 at the Jeddo Stars Club, Jeddo, PA. There were 150 family members and friends present. Lisa and George wrote their own vows to each other. Lisa and George’s daughter Talaya was the flower girl. Rylie Gadola was the ring bearer. Lisa’s best friend Liz Dickson was her maid of honor. The groom’s cousin Mike Mikula was his best man. The couple and their daughter reside in Freeland, PA.

The Mayor of Freeland, Timothy Martin, performed the 4:00 p.m. ceremony. The reception was held at the same place. The mayor was also the DJ and master of ceremonies.

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