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Diabetes Walk Raises Over $4,700 About 45 walkers, representing hundreds of sponsors, participated in the 12th annual Valerie (Holmes) Shook Memorial Walk to Cure Juvenile Diabetes, held on Saturday, May 8. Walkers took a 3.5 mile round trip on the Endless Mountains Riding Trail, starting behind the Pump'n'Pantry.
Walkers either raised money ahead of time or self-sponsored on the day of the walk. Paper sneakers were sold during the months before the walk at the main library and branches, Rob's Market Montrose, JDE Hair Salon, and Stables Restaurant. Many other local businesses also supported the walk with donations. Valerie's co-workers, family, and friends organized the event and made sure everything ran smoothly. Adding together donations, sponsors, and sneaker sales, $4,770 was raised locally for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Photos from this year's walk are on display at www.walktocurejuvenilediabetes.org. Next year's date is Saturday, May 14, 2011 (always the second Saturday in May). Coordination of the Walk is handled through the Susquehanna County Library (570-278-1881). To get updates, register for the email list at the website.
John P. Kameen, Forest City, was elected chairman of the Susquehanna County Republican Party at the re-organization meeting of the County Committee May 20. He served as vice chairman from 1992 to 1996 and as Party Chairman from 1996 to 2000. He became vice-chairman in February, 2010 after Chairman Ray Telnock stepped down. At that time Lori Conarton took over as Chairperson until the reorganizational meeting. On May 20, Lori Conarton was elected vice chairman, with Carolyn Paccio as secretary, and Debbie Slater as treasurer.
Pictured (l-r) above: Vice chairperson Lori Conarton; State Committeeman Ryan Stalker; Secretary Carolyn Paccio; Chairman John P. Kameen; absent for photo were Treasurer Deborah Slater and State Committee person Dianne Burman. A Republican committeeman from Forest City for 10 years, Kameen has served as president and vice president of the Susquehanna County Republican C Club, the finance arm of the county party. He is former publisher of The Forest City News and is now President of The Forest City News, Inc. He is treasurer of Greater Forest City Industries, Inc. and is chairman of the Susquehanna County Economic Development Board. He presently is in his second term as a member of the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA), Harrisburg. He is a graduate of Forest City High School and received a bachelor science degree in electronics from the University of Scranton. He is a member of the Board of Governors of the University of Scranton Alumni Society. He is secretary of the Forest City Regional Educational Foundation and treasurer of the Forest City Salvation Army Service Center.
The members of Bluestone Lodge No. 338 Free & Accepted Masons made a donation to Head Start in New Milford for the purchase of backpacks for the children. Pictured above are W. Scott Muller, DDGM 15th Masonic District; Robert Di Palma SW, Bluestone Lodge No. 338; Debbie Tomassoni, parent involvement coordinator for SLHDA Head Start; Terry Frailey, family service worker for New Milford Head Start; Virginia Pease, teachers aide for New Milford Head Start.
Congressman Carney Visits Area Facility Congressman Chris Carney recently toured Trehab’s Weatherization Facility in South Montrose along with Commissioner Mary Ann Warren and Trehab Executive Director, Dennis Phelps. Carney said that stimulus funds were important for Susquehanna County in terms of jobs and energy efficiency. Commissioner and Trehab Board Member spoke of the economic impact of the program, in expanding and training twenty five new employees, and the impact of purchasing vehicles and energy related materials to be used in the homes. Weatherization Director, Gary Wilcox, explained the process which includes home audit, blower door test, insulation and calking. Furnace efficiency is tested and repairs made as necessary. Congressman Carney continued that the less energy we use, the less we import and less national wealth we send to the Middle East. The Congressman also spoke of the direct benefit weatherization services have on the quality of life for families and seniors. Phelps further explained that the funding for the program is at over 4 million dollars to assist 618 households in Susquehanna, Wyoming, Sullivan, Bradford and Tioga Counties. Trehab is looking for more applications, recognizing the paperwork is sometimes overwhelming for households. Trehab will assist homeowners in completing applications; Trehab encourages you to apply for this Weatherization program. Eligibility is as follows: 1 person, $21,660; two people, $29,140; three people, $36,620; four people, $44,100; five people, $51,580. Commissioner Warren summarized by encouraging residents, especially seniors, to apply; energy costs continue to increase, and this is a local high impact response to assist local families. Please contact Trehab Weatherization at 1-800-982-4045 ext 5240 or 278-5240 or visit www.trehab.org and click on the Weatherization Services link.
Susquehanna County 4-Hers Recognized Discovering Tomorrow’s Leaders Program recently came to a close in Susquehanna County. The Program sponsored by Chesapeake Energy Corporation, the Rotary Clubs of Susquehanna County, the Susquehanna County Independent and Weekender, GEM 104 radio, and the Susquehanna County 4-H program recognized eight outstanding 4-H members for their leadership in the 4-H program and throughout their communities. Starting March 4, the program recognized one winner a week for eight weeks; nominations were submitted by parents, peers, friends, and 4-H leaders. The winners received special recognition at a ceremony at his or her school during his or her winning week, and the student’s school gained a computer in his or her name. On Monday, May 10 two lucky winners were drawn randomly to receive their own personal computers. Winners of the Discovering Tomorrow’s Leaders Program include: Week 1 Winner: Callie Curley, 14, an eighth-grader at Montrose Area Junior High School. Callie has been involved with the DES 4-H Club for six years. She has been part of the 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Team for the past two years, and was named junior team captain this year. Callie served as 4-H Club secretary in 2009 and as a team leader at the 4-H dairy camp last year. She is a Dairy Ambassador on the Susquehanna County Dairy Promotions Court and is also active in the Montrose High School Marching Band, the Girls Scouts, and the United Fire Co. Week 2 Winner: Mariah Tompkins, 11, a fifth-grader in Lathrop Street Elementary School. Mariah is a four-year member of the Born to Show 4-H Club and has shown her dairy calves at local, district and state levels. She is the Susquehanna County Dairy Maid. Mariah has worked various events at the Harford Fair - Farmer for a Day, the rodeo and parade, and the Susquehanna County Farm Bureau booth. She also judged the animal costume contest and handed out ribbons at dairy shows. Mariah has appeared on WNEP-TV 16’s “Good Morning, Pennsylvania,” and has promoted the dairy industry on WPEL 96.5 FM/800 AM radio. She was recognized for over 100 dairy promotions at the 2009 Susquehanna County Dairy Pageant. She took her calf to Angel Beginnings Preschool and volunteered at the Lathrop Street Choconut Dairy Promotion to educate kids about “Three a Day of Dairy.” At her family farm, “Evergreen Lane Farm,” she has helped to host “Day on a Dairy Farm” for seven years. Her other activities include band, dance, basketball, cheerleading and tutoring fellow students. Week 3 Winner: Jordan Noldy, 16, a 10th-grader at Mountain View Junior/Senior High School. Jordan is an active participant in numerous 4-H clubs and school groups, in which she holds many leadership positions. She is a member of the West Lenox Baptist Church youth group, news reporter for her 4-H club, and a four-year member of the cross country team. Jordan is working toward being a camp counselor this summer. She also is a conscientious student, and nominators say that other students look to her for guidance when they have a problem. Week 4 Winner: BJ Zembrzycki, 17, of Forest City Regional High School. BJ is involved with the Elk Mountain Community 4-H Club, hosting activities at his Herrick Center Farm, participating in the Harford Fair with his animals and assisting with preparation and cleanup activities in the animal barns for the fair. Bernard has been active in construction of the Herrick Center Community Park, volunteering his time and welding expertise to help assemble playground equipment. He is an altar server at his church and assists in training new servers. Even with all these activities, Bernard still finds the time to help his family on their dairy and vegetable farm. He is an honor roll student who is involved with student council, and he plays basketball and soccer. Week 5 Winner: Nick Marbaker serves as secretary of Dimock 4-H Club and is an active member who completes projects every year for the Harford Fair. Beyond 4-H, Nick is an active member of the Elk Lake High School Key Club, a service organization co-sponsored by the Montrose area Kiwanis Club. Nick works pancake suppers at the South Auburn Grange, and he is a volunteer who takes part in church services and other functions at Retta United Church. In addition, Nick volunteers for the Retta Cemetery Association, where he has participated in annual cleanups for the last four years, and has made himself available to maintain the cemetery grounds. An honors student, Nick is traveling to Hershey, PA, in April to compete in a state competition for computer applications. He is a member of the Elk Lake golf team and serves as a peer tutor for fellow students. Week 6 Winner: Olivia Mitchell is a member of the Riding Every Stride 4-H club, serves as Susquehanna County Dairy Ambassador, and is a member of the Helene Yelverton Competitive Dance Team. An excellent student, Olivia has jumped two grade levels and is starting college in her junior year of high school, with plans to start pre-med studies in her senior year. Olivia mentors students through her church’s youth group and is active in the fine arts, qualifying for national competitions in three categories with her poetry, which ranked among the top 15 in the nation. Olivia is involved in the Susquehanna County Dairy Promotions Program, serving as an ambassador for the last three years. She also shows horses. Active in her community, Olivia helps put on a Widows Tea each year for the ladies in the neighborhood, where she sings and dances as entertainment after serving dinner. Week 7 Winner: Eric Onyon, 17, of Blue Ridge High School is an active member of the North Jackson 4-H Club and for years has held the elected position of treasurer. He leads a simple life, preferring the outdoors and the lessons he can learn there, but he makes his presence felt in school and around the community. An excellent student, Eric is a member of the track team and the Susquehanna football team, and a past member of the basketball team. He may have a quiet demeanor, but his heart and smile are huge, and they are often on display when he pitches in to help with projects. A hard worker, Eric regularly volunteers to help the elderly and young people in his community. Week 8 Winner: Katelyn Zembrzycki has been a member of the Elk Mountain Community 4-H Club for four years. She is active in the Harford Fair, and this year volunteered as a demonstrator for the Farmer for a Day Exhibit. Katelyn is an ambitious, highly motivated individual. In school, she is a distinguished honors student and student council member, where she helped organize food drives. She plays soccer and softball, and served as co-captain of her basketball team. In the community, Katelyn donates her time at the Lions Club Breakfast in Forest City and as a alter server at Saint James Church in Mount Pleasant. She was a volunteer for the Steamtown Marathon, and with her family, Katelyn is helping to put together the Herrick Center Community Playground. Despite all her work at school and in the community, Katelyn still makes time to assist her family on their 130-head dairy and vegetable farm. Katelyn truly is a model teenager. At the recognition banquet, Representative Sandy Major was on-hand to extend her sincerest congratulations and to select the two lucky winners; Callie Curley and Eric Onyon both received their own personal Dell computer. Jane Clements, Chesapeake Energy Corporation, presented each of the Rotary Clubs of Susquehanna County with $500 each for their contribution to the program by evaluating the nominations and selecting the weekly winners. In addition, Chesapeake Energy Corporation has awarded a computer to the Susquehanna County 4-H Program.
The Endless Mountains Heritage Region and the Pennsylvania Heritage Areas have been selected to be inducted into the Keystone Society for Tourism. According to the Office of Governor Edward G. Rendell, induction into the Keystone Society for Tourism is the highest honor Pennsylvania confers on leaders in the tourism industry. Pennsylvania’s Heritage Areas are being honored with the Enterprise Award, presented “to champions of a cooperative alliance that has spurred economic development through significant financial investments” to regional anchor attractions. Recipients of this award “demonstrate skillful management and facilitation of diverse resources necessary to frame, brand, and position a destination or attraction.” In Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Endless Mountains Heritage Region has been recognized for the management and facilitation of diverse resources designed to enhance the anchor attractions of the Endless Mountains Region, such as scenic overlooks, local and county museums, heritage sites and trails, and the Susquehanna River greenway and water trail. The Pennsylvania Heritage Areas Program is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and administered through its Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. According to agency executive director Phil Swank, “induction into the Keystone Society for Tourism is a special honor and a pivotal event for this agency and for HeritagePA, the association of state heritage areas. Our agency is very pleased to share this honor with all of the Pennsylvania Heritage Areas and is most appreciative of the work of our board of directors, members, partners and volunteers to help make heritage development and tourism so successful in the Endless Mountains.” Endless Mountains Heritage Region will be represented by Swank and Jean Gasper of the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau at an induction ceremony on June 4 at the Governor’s Residence.
The Baconeers 4-H club held a meeting on the 22nd of May at the Harford Fairgrounds. Members brought flowers to plant around the pig barn. We also had the honor of a presentation given by Dr. Mike Kowalewski of Montrose Large Animal Veterinary Services. Thank you Dr. Mike for educating our club on keeping our livestock healthy, and for supporting the 4-H livestock auction!
Pictured above: back row - John Walsh, Michael Shevchuk, Emily Shevchuk, Krista Chidester, Sidney Chidester, Devin Hollenbeck; front row - Dr. Mike Kowalewski, Colton Traver, Jordan Noldy, Kate Webster, Daisy Matulevich. Also at this meeting, the club members present voted to hold a fundraiser on June 26 at Tunkhannock’s Founder’s Day. I hope all members are looking forward to this exciting event, and don’t forget to bring your baked good donations! See you there! News Reporter: Jordan Noldy Norfolk Heritage Our Norfolk Riders had a great time in the Montrose Memorial Day parade. We are looking forward to the fourth of July. Mark your calendar - Norfolk Riders is having a fund-raiser bake sale on the 3rd of July in front of Ruthann’s Bridal in Montrose. DES The DES 4-H club held a meeting on Sunday, May 16 at the East Rush Church. We decided that our club trip would be to Camel Beach. We will be going on July 21. The club raised enough money to pay for the majority of each ticket. Members who decide to go to Camel Beach will only have to contribute $10 for a fun filled day! Our club participated in a beautification spot at the Harford Fair. Each family was asked to contribute flowers for this project. We got together on June 5 at the fair grounds to work on this project. The dairy packets have been handed out. Round-up deadline is July 16, dairy camp deadline is June 11 and one day camp will be on July 14. Dairy camp and one day camp are fun filled camps with many activities for all who attend. Our next meeting will be on June 22 at the Clark's home. We will be having dairy, livestock and rabbit workshops. Wear old clothes, boot or sneakers (no flip flops). We will be working hands on with the animals. Be ready to try something new! News reporter: Kennidy Finch
Olivia Mitchell Crowned County Dairy Princess Olivia Mitchell, the daughter of David and Heidi Mitchell, is the new Susquehanna County Dairy Princess. Olivia was crowned on May 28 during a pageant that was presented by six Dairy Princesses: Abbey Puzo, Kelly Diaz, Amanda Zembrzycki, Ashley Franklin, Shana Mack and Daisy Matulevich. Also joining the Princesses was the special guest speaker, Patricia Hibbard Kraus, the 1961 Miss Milkmaid here in Susquehanna County. Olivia was crowned by outgoing Princess Daisy Matulevich, and Allison Kiefer, daughter of Ron and LouAnn Kiefer, was named Susquehanna County Alternate Dairy Princess. Olivia served two years as an Ambassador, while Allison is a newcomer to dairy promotion. Jaclyn Gesford, daughter of Daniel and Jacie Gesford, served as crown bearer.
Current and former royalty gather for a picture: front - Jaclyn Gesford, Mariah Tompkins, Alison Teel, Cassidy Greenwood; middle - Patricia Kraus, Abbey Puzo, Callie Curley, Madeline Mitchell, Lydia Watkins, Kelly Diaz, Krystal Wasson; back - Rachel Smarkusky, Daisy Matulevich, Allision Kiefer, Shana Mack, Amanda Zembrzycki, Ashley Franklin and Crystal Hitz. Both Olivia and Allison’s families sold their dairy cows several years ago after generations of dairy farming. Although they do not live on working dairy farms, these girls still have a great deal of respect for dairy farmers and wish to spend the year ahead promoting the dairy industry in Susquehanna County. Olivia and Allison gave detailed speeches about their plans for promoting in the year ahead. Joining the Dairy Princess and Alternate Princess this year are Madeline Mitchell, Alison Teel and Cassidy Greenwood serving as Dairy Maids, and Callie Curley, Mariah Tompkins and Lydia Watkins serving as Dairy Ambassadors. Abbey Puzo acted as master of ceremonies for the evening program. Kelly Diaz introduced each of the dairy court members, as their dad’s ushered them to take their place on the stage. Betty Reibson, Northeast District Dairy Princess and Promotion Coordinator, followed making comments on the success of the dairy promotion program in Susquehanna County. Pennsylvania State Princess Royalty Krystal Wasson and Crystal Hitz and Pennsylvania Dairy Princess & Promotion Executive Director Jessica Hernandez were each introduced and welcomed to Susquehanna County by Mrs. Reibson. Each one of the Dairy Maids and Dairy Ambassadors stepped up to the podium making comments about their relationship to dairy and spoke a bit about how they would like to promote the dairy industry in the year ahead. The special guest speaker, Patricia Kraus spoke of her experience as Miss Milkmaid. Pat was the first Miss Milkmaid from Susquehanna County. Pat not only served Susquehanna County but four other counties in her region. In 1968 the statewide Miss Milkmaid program became the Dairy Princess program as we know it today. Pat spoke to the current members of the dairy promotion court telling them how her experience being Miss Milkmaid had such a positive effect on her entire life, using the skills she learned and confidence she built while promoting the dairy industry. Pat wished the girls a good year experiencing the program, as she did in 1961. The Tompkins family was recognized and thanked by Dairy Princess Daisy Matulevich for opening up their Evergreen Lane dairy farm once again for what is called the “Day on a Dairy Farm” promotion event. Hundreds of people come each year to experience just a bit of what happens every day on a dairy farm and see how wholesome milk is produced. Daisy presented Mark, Cindy, Trevor and Mariah Tompkins with a gift certificate. Amanda Zembrzycki gave a report on the promotions the 2009/2010 Court completed. The Court exceeded the State requirements for the second level in every required area including schools, delivery to farm and non-farm audiences, writing news articles and all other areas. Abbey Puzo presented the top two scrapbook awards to Mariah Tompkins and Daisy Matulevich. Ashley Franklin presented outgoing Princess Daisy Matulevich with a scholarship award provided by the County Committee. Princess Daisy gave a farewell speech complementing the members of her court - Olivia Mitchell, Mariah Tompkins, Callie Curley, Ali Teel and Madeline Mitchell - for supporting her promotions at schools, the Harford Fair, parades, 4-H and Extension events and many others. Many Friday afternoons Daisy left school at Mansfield University to come back to Susquehanna County to do a promotion or two on the weekend. Daisy was a newcomer to the dairy promotion program when she was Crowned Dairy Princess a year ago but accomplished so much as Dairy Princess. Daisy recognized Evie Goff and Mary Puzo for serving ten years as co-chairpersons of the Susquehanna County Dairy Promotion committee. Special thanks were extended to judges Donna Brown and Laura Anderson, pianist Cathy Rezykowski and photographer Jessie Blaney. The new Dairy Princess Olivia Mitchell and Alternate Princess Allison Kiefer are already busy doing dairy promotion work, writing news articles, visiting Lathrop Street School’s after school program and doing a radio spot, among others. The evening concluded with hostess Shana Mack serving refreshments at a reception to meet and congratulate Susquehanna County’s Dairy Royalty.
PHEAA Launches Enhanced Website Harrisburg, PA - The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) announced the launch of its improved student aid and debt management website, YouCanDealWithIt.com. The free site offers practical and easy-to-understand advice and information on how to deal with common financial situations facing today’s college students and recent graduates. The site provides information and resources on: ways to pay for school, including grants, scholarships and loans; student aid basics, including commonly used terminology; information on repaying student loan debt; options for borrowers having trouble making monthly payments; money management, budgeting tips and the benefits and dangers of credit cards. “The upgrades to YouCanDealWithIt.com are the latest examples of PHEAA’s longstanding commitment to our public service mission,” said Representative William Adolph, Jr., Chairman of the PHEAA Board. “Pennsylvania’s students, families, college graduates and schools all benefit from the variety of free services and resources we offer without the use of any taxpayer dollars.” YouCanDealWithIt.com has been redesigned for a fresh look and easier navigation. It offers new content for students in the “Student Aid 101” section where borrowers and prospective borrowers can learn important information about the world of student financial aid. The site also includes examples of different financial situations that borrowers commonly face and how to deal with them. Users can put themselves in the shoes of the borrower and explore potential solutions, so they will be prepared if they ever face a similar situation in real-life. “Test Your Knowledge” quizzes are also new additions to the site. “It is especially important now, as more families are struggling with financial difficulties and higher unemployment rates, that we work smarter in our efforts to keep student loan default rates as low as possible,” noted Senator Sean Logan, Vice Chairman of the PHEAA Board. “Accessible programs need to be in place to help educate borrowers about their repayment options, as well as providing schools with the tools needed to implement successful school-based default prevention campaigns.” The “Parents” section of YouCanDealWithIt.com focuses on how parents can help their child before, during and after college with financial aid and financial well-being information. The “School” section now includes additional information and resources for schools to develop responsive default prevention plans. The site includes calculators and resources to help estimate loan payments, create a personal budget and provides access to other information sources. YouCanDealWithIt.com is a public service of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and its student loan servicing operations, FedLoan Servicing and American Education Services (AES).
Leadership 2020 Program Complete The participants of Leadership 2020 Year 8 completed the program on May 20 at a graduation ceremony held at the Montrose Bible Conference. The evening began with the Susquehanna County Dairy Princess, Daisy Matulevich and her court serving milk, punch and cheese and crackers to the guests who then enjoyed dinner with family and friends. The program began with a presentation of photos from the past year highlighting the places traveled, speakers and activities. Sponsors of the program were acknowledged by Ray Osburn, co-founder, Leadership 2020, who provided donations of money or sponsored participants for the program and included Marilyn Haskins, Pennstar Bank, Peoples Bank and the United Way of Susquehanna County. Joann Kowalski thanked the Steering Committee members, many of whom are Leadership 2020 alumni, for their support and assistance in coordinating the program. They include Ray Osburn, Sue Abbott. Glenn Bailey, Marilyn Haskins, Cheryl Matulevich, Lori Moore, Becky Naylor and Robert Welch.
Pictured (l-r) above: JR Wolfe, Julanne Skinner, Dennis Magargal, Rachel Magargal, Jim Mangel, Kim Smith and Michelle Kowalewski. The recipient of the Annette Senior Scholarship, Julanne Skinner, provided some remarks about her experience and gratitude for having received the scholarship. Dennis Magargal was chosen by his peers to be the speaker for the evening representing the group. Scott Quigg, President and CEO of Pump N Pantry, Inc. provided the keynote address and spoke of situational leadership and how a leader is not a position or a title but rather indicated by one’s behavior and the fact that leaders need to respond differently in various situations. Year 8 participants include Kyle Herbert, Michelle Kowalewski, Dennis Magargal, Rachel Magargal, Jim Mangel, Kimberly Smith, Julanne Skinner, and JR Wolfe. One of the requirements for the program is a team project which the participants responded by developing a business plan that would create jobs and enhance the quality of life in Susquehanna County. Each year, the program focuses on a particular aspect of leadership; for Year 8, that focus was entrepreneurship/business development. The participants presented the plan for the convenience store known as Leader 8 Enterprises to a panel of professionals at the Elk Mountain Resort on Friday, April 16. Leadership 2020 recruits individuals from all walks of life-regardless of economic status, age or occupation and exposes them to the leadership techniques that will help them develop the skills they can use to be leaders in their communities. If you are interested in learning more about the program, please contact Joann Kowalski, Penn State Extension, at (570) 278-1158 or log onto http://susquehanna.extension.psu.edu/ and click on the Leadership 2020 link on the home page.
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