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HEADLINES:
Redding Celebrates National Dairy Month Pennsylvania State Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding's first stop in Susquehanna County on June 14 was the Courthouse steps to celebrate National Dairy Month with the county's Dairy Court, the County Commissioners, county employees and others who stopped by to enjoy ice-cream.
Shown with Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding are Commissioner MaryAnn Warren and members of the Dairy Court (l-r): Cassidy Greenwood, Mariah Tompkins, Ali Teel, Lydia Watkins, Allison Kiefer and County Princess Olivia Mitchell. Following the Courthouse stop, Secretary Redding, Commissioner MaryAnn Warren and Regional Director Ron Williams moved on to the Food Bank on Rt. 29. They joined TreHab Executive Director Dennis Phelps and Montrose Food Bank coordinator Lynn Senick for the distribution of food to those who participate in the program. The day Secretary Redding was there volunteers included Boy Scouts, who were on hand to help people with their groceries. Also volunteering at different times are 4-H Club members, church groups and other county organizations. Secretary Redding had the opportunity to discuss with Phelps and Senick the needs of the county and the number of families helped by the Montrose Food Bank and the Oakland/Susquehanna Food Bank. An average of 540 families are served each month as well as those who receive the 1,000 fixings for annual Thanksgiving dinners. Redding finished off his visit by being the main speaker at the Hunger Summit held at the Presbyterian Church in Montrose. Sponsored by the County Commissioners, Department of Agriculture and TreHab, representatives from county agencies were on hand to discuss reasons for hunger and ways to combat hunger.
Engagement Announced Driscole - Grover Sean Driscole and Tiffanie Grover, both of Forest City, are happy to announce their engagement and upcoming marriage. Tiffanie is the daughter of Amy and Randy Palmer of Jackson and Brett and Elaine Grover of Great Bend, PA. She is a 2006 graduate of Blue Ridge High School, recently received her Bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of Scranton and is pursuing a Master's degree in Biochemistry at the University of Scranton. Sean is the son of Jack and Rita Driscole of New Milford. He is a 2004 graduate of Blue Ridge High School and earned a degree in Computer Information Technology from Johnson College. He is a technician for NEP Telephone Co., Forest City, PA. The wedding is set for July 24, 2010 in St. Lawrence Church, Great Bend, PA.
Major Says Budget Contains No New Taxes HARRISBURG - Rep. Sandra Major (R-Susquehanna/Wayne/Wyoming) voted in favor of a state budget that contains no new or increased taxes and is $1 billion less than the governor's original spending request. "The governor originally proposed a budget of roughly $29 billion and we were able to negotiate a final budget that was $1 billion less. In addition, where the governor wanted some $800 million in new and increased taxes to pay for his budget, we passed a final balanced budget that contained no new taxes," said Major. "This was quite a feat given the economic climate we are currently experiencing." Major said that one of the reasons the Legislature was able to balance the budget without tax increases was because of the implementation of several House Republican cost-saving measures including the additional use of purchase cards by the state (which work in a similar way to a cash back rewards credit card program), the recovery of tax refund errors and the successful tax amnesty program. "Through ideas we have been pushing, we were able to reduce state spending and direct those needed funds elsewhere," said Major. "However, I am disappointed in the use of $850 million in federal money that was also used to balance the budget, as this money has yet to be approved by Congress. If this funding is not approved the budget will need to be revisited and more reductions in spending will need to be made. "I do not think this budget is perfect and many programs and services have suffered reductions in funding, but considering the $1.2 billion deficit we are currently facing and various other financial challenges, I think this is a fiscally responsible budget that meets our state obligations and doesn't place any additional tax burdens on Pennsylvania's working families." The General Fund budget was passed in both the House and Senate and currently awaits the governor's signature.
Frederic and Betty Boerner of Susquehanna, PA have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
Betty, the former Betty Snyder, and Frederic were married June 10, 1950 in Susquehanna. They are the loving parents of Jeri and Ken Stead, Tracy and Cindy Boerner, John and Judy Boerner, Jeff and Christine Boerner and Bob and Holly Boerner. They are the proud grandparents of Kendal Stead, Kyle Stead, Jeremy Boerner, Jordan Boerner, Jamie Boerner, Carissa Boerner and Janelle Boerner. A surprise party was hosted by the family at Boerner’s Pond, Susquehanna, PA.
The Susquehanna Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees held their summer meeting on June 22 at Gracious Living, South Montrose, PA. There were 22 members present for the business meeting. Some of the main items covered included the adoption of their 2010-2011 budget, the implementation of a “Teacher Enrichment Grant,” and a $100 donation to the Susquehanna County Library for their “Books for Babies” program.
The John J. Dillon PASR Service Award was given to Barbara L. Kelly, PASR treasurer. This service award has been developed in an effort to recognize individuals that give tremendous service to this organization. Ms. Kelly has served as local treasurer since January 2004, the Region III Treasurer and State Assistant Treasurer since January 2006. The award was presented to Barbara by Past President Gary Parker. PASR’s fall membership meeting will be held on September 14, 10 a.m. at the Montrose Bible Conference. PASR membership is open to any PA public school retiree, teacher, administrator, secretary, custodian or bus driver. Please contact President Robert Orner, for more information, at 278-2630.
On June 28, the Clover Pups 4-H Dog Club met at the Montrose Fire Hall for "Doggie Game Night." The dogs ran through tunnels, weaved in and out of cones and practiced simple obedience. The club then broke up into three teams: Puppy Power, The Three Musketeers and Miscellaneous. All of the members did a Doggie Jeopardy Game with questions about 4-H, PA Dog Law, Canine Good Citizen, AKC and Obedience. The club used squeaky toys as buzzers. The Three Musketeers came in 1st place followed by Miscellaneous in 2nd and Puppy Power in 3rd place. The dogs and their handlers then had snacks while some prizes were handed out. News Reporter: Lillian Taylor
CARES Continues With Commitment Susquehanna County CARES continues in its mission to enhance the quality of early care and education for county residents. As the state funded non profit group wraps up this fiscal year, it is time to reflect on the major accomplishments during the last 12 months. The Annual Report Card to the Community found in this publication shows it has been a busy year for Susquehanna County CARES (Childcare, Agencies, Resources and Educational Services.) Thanks to the dedication of early learning practitioners, school administrators and community leaders, as well as financial support from area school districts, nearly 600 “School Readiness Activity Packs” were distributed this spring in Susquehanna County. The backpacks were given to families with children heading to school for the first time in the fall of 2010 as they registered their children to begin this important educational journey. Families with children starting Kindergarten received an activity pack that included a book to read together titled “Kindergarten Rocks!,” a guide for parents to help prepare youngsters for those first days, a “Kindergarten, Here I Come!” calendar, and a special music CD “Tuning Up for School.” Families with children starting in a Pre-Kindergarten program also received a backpack full of school readiness materials. This activity pack included a book titled “Froggy Goes to School,” a list of ideas to prepare children for the classroom, a “Learning is Everywhere” calendar, and the music CD “Tuning Up for School.” CARES also coordinated a special county-wide workshop dedicated to developing ideas to better prepare our children for the start of school. The “Ready Kids, Ready Schools, Ready Communities Transition Brainstorming Workshop” brought together school leaders, early education professionals and parents as well as representatives from community organizations such as Children and Youth Services and Juvenile Probation. The day long seminar addressed problems affecting a child’s chance of success, as well as promoting ideas to eliminate those barriers. Additional CARES programs are being developed based on information from this gathering. In April, CARES focused on celebrating our young children by working with area businesses on a countywide “Young Artists’ Display.” Families also joined in by participating in the “CARES Young Children’s Fair” at Susquehanna Community Elementary School. In May, young children and their families gathered for a fun-filled day in Moosic, as they enjoyed “Early Education Day with the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees.” These are just some of the highlights from the last fiscal year. CARES is already looking ahead, planning other events that promote “Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children” because every child is Pennsylvania’s future. Studies show children who receive a quality educational start before the age of 5 increase their chance of success later in life. Susquehanna County CARES will continue in its efforts to help our children receive that important start. For more information about CARES’ mission or any of our projects please call (570) 465-5040 or email stcares@epix.net.
Farm Bureau Asks For Policy Changes (Harrisburg) - Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB) expressed deep concern over recent decisions by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) that reduced doe license allocations, changed the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) and expanded the number of Wildlife Management Units (WMU) with reduced concurrent doe and buck seasons. “Each of the changes taken individually will lead to a larger deer herd with increased damage to farms, private lands and public lands. Together the changes signal a shift from proven scientific methods for deer management to decision making driven by political pressure,” said PFB Local Affairs Director Jeff Grove, during testimony before the PGC Board of Commissioners. Farm Bureau stated that the changes made by the Commission during its April meeting will significantly damage DMAP and eliminate much of the flexibility necessary for its continuing success. “The vote to support the DMAP changes will directly diminish the ability of landowners to protect their properties and businesses when the deer herd numbers increase as the result of actions taken in April. We still believe DMAP can strengthen hunter relationships and foster other hunting opportunities on DMAP enrolled lands if restored to the pre-April regulations,” added Grove. PFB noted that shortening the doe seasons from twelve days to seven days in four WMU’s does not solve problems, it creates additional problems. Meanwhile, some of the changes made by the Commission call for reducing doe allocations and decreasing the length of doe hunting season by more than what was recommended by PGC staff biologists. “Farmers have suffered documented crop losses totaling tens of millions of dollars. Who will pay for the additional damage caused by a larger deer herd? We are respectfully asking Commissioners to re-visit their April decisions and make adjustments for next year to restore DMAP and follow the guidance of PGC professional biologists to manage the deer herd,” concluded Grove.
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