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Issue Home July 21, 2010 Site Home

HEADLINES:
Bone Fractures Need Treatment
4-H Club News Sizzlin’ Steaks
Soil Expert Encourages Homeowners To Compost
Why Women Should Pay Attention
Plan Ahead For Summer Driving
Engagement Announced Tompkins - Woodruff
Festival's Quilting Tradition Continues
United Way Announces New Office Location

 

Bone Fractures Need Treatment
Submitted By Dr. Robert Mathews, Orthopedic Surgeon

A patient may break or fracture a bone and know they need treatment. There are several ways in which a bone can break - there are about 15 ways in which and arm or leg can be broken. Each break requires somewhat different treatment. An X-Ray or CT Scan is an important part of fracture treatment by an orthopedic surgeon. A fracture may need to be put back into place. There are many methods to surgically reduce fractures, such as with screws, plates and frames, which are used with pins. The orthopedic surgeon will need to decide how to reduce the fracture, how to align the bone without reducing function, and the kind of cast to use and how long it needs to be in place. Pictured above, the surgical reduction of fractures using (top - left and right) screw and plate and (bottom) quadrilateral frame with pins.

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4-H Club News Sizzlin’ Steaks

On the 9th of July the Sizzlin’ Steaks 4-H Club held their 4-H meeting at Jeanette Brainard's house. The first thing we did was make marshmallow poppers for our group project. After the poppers were finished we spray painted them so they looked beautiful after we were done.

Autumn did her demonstration on decorating cakes. She showed us how to make icing flowers. For snacks we had Autumn's delicious cake and soda.

Olivia Zick is doing her demonstration on July 20 at 6:30 which is the next meeting, at the church. Jeanette will provide refreshments.

Also, July 30 is our 4-H bake sale at People’s National Bank in Hop Bottom.

News Reporter: Alyssa Clarkson

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Soil Expert Encourages Homeowners To Compost

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Recycling and energy conservation have become part of the daily routine for many homeowners. You might even think you're doing your best for the environment. But what about those food scraps and plant materials you're dumping in the trash can?

Organic materials from your garden and kitchen should be recycled in a different way, according to an expert in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. You should be composting.

"Composting is a way of accelerating and controlling the natural process of decomposition that occurs with all organic materials," said Richard Stehouwer, associate professor of environmental soil science. "In layman's terms, you throw your veggies, grass clippings and leaves in a big bin in the backyard. If you maintain the right conditions, the refuse will turn into compost - a valuable soil amendment containing organic matter and nutrients."

There are a lot of benefits of using compost in your garden, Stehouwer pointed out. "Compost adds organic matter to soils, which improves soil aeration, water-holding capacity, water infiltration and nutrient retention. It is also a slow-release form of plant nutrients."

Not to mention, it's free and great for the environment. Reusing peelings and leaves means they don't end up in a landfill. And don't think you're being green by using the garbage disposal.

"Throwing food scraps in the garbage disposal means they end up at the wastewater treatment plant converted into sewage sludge," Stehouwer said. "Sewage sludge can be applied to soil to recycle the nutrients. However, there is a lot of other stuff that ends up in the wastewater and in the sewage sludge. Consequently there is a lot of concern and outright public opposition to land application of sewage sludge."

So, what should you put your compost in? Finished compost is very stable and can be stored easily in an outdoor pile, Stehouwer noted. It is advisable to keep it covered to keep weed seeds out. There are plenty of closed containers available made specifically for composting, if you are concerned with aesthetics.

But you shouldn't just throw everything food-related in the pile, according to Stehouwer. "We recommend that homeowners not compost raw meat or dairy products," he said. "These materials can attract pests and vermin. Also, most home compost piles do not reach high enough temperatures for long enough to eliminate pathogens that could be present, particularly in raw meat."

But anything plant related from the garden or the home is welcome. Adding many different kinds of materials, such as yard trimmings, leaves, grass clippings and food products will speed up the decomposition process and make a better compost product.

More information and tips on composting are available online at http://backyardcompost.cas.psu.edu/howiscompostmade/how_is_compost_made.html.

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Why Women Should Pay Attention

In the United States, of the roughly 1.1 million legally blind people, over 700,000 are women. Of the roughly 3.4 million visually impaired people, over 2 million are women. Globally, nearly 2/3 of people who are blind or visually impaired are women and girls. Why are women nearly twice as likely to lose their vision as men, and what can be done to reduce blinding diseases in women?

It has been suggested that this disparity between men and women is due to longevity, smoking, nutrition and environmental factors and in some poverty stricken countries, infectious disease and lack of access to health services may contribute to the statistics.

Longevity: Women tend to live longer than men, and along with age comes many related eye problems. Diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts, typically associated with age, can be slowed or prevented though, with proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. For example, smoking is a proven risk factor for these very same eye diseases.

Environmental Factors: Of the common eye diseases, dry eye syndrome, autoimmune diseases and certain forms of cataracts are intrinsically more prevalent in women than in men. According to “Prevent Blindness America” of all the people who have dry eye, 90% are women. The good news is that three quarters of blindness or vision loss is either preventable or treatable. Women can decrease their chances of vision loss by practicing a healthy lifestyle and having a regular eye exam each year.

Infectious Disease/Lack of Health Care: In some countries, limited access to health care and therefore untreated infectious disease, leads to a greater prevalence of blindness and visual impairment in women.

What does this mean? It means - women pay attention to your eyes! It is never too early to start regular eye exams. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising and not smoking are just a few things women can do to maintain their vision.

For more information on eye disease visit www.pablind.org or call the Pennsylvania Association for the Blind at 717-766-2020.

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Plan Ahead For Summer Driving

Harrisburg - With temperatures expected to soar back into the 90s, PennDOT is reminding motorists of the importance of preparing your vehicle for the rigors of summer driving.

“We want everyone to enjoy their summer travel,” said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. “Taking preventive steps now will help to avoid problems or breakdowns on the road. We also encourage people to drive safely and plan ahead by using our 511PA service.”

To make sure your vehicle is in top condition, motorists should have a mechanic they trust perform a service check. A properly trained mechanic will inspect the battery, belt, hoses, air conditioning system and tires to address any potential problems before they cause a breakdown.

There are also a few things that drivers can do on their own to help ensure fewer vehicle-related problems this summer, such as: regularly check tire air pressure and tread wear; replace wiper blades that are frayed or streaking; be sure the windshield washer reservoir is filled with a summer fluid that helps remove bugs and road grime; be certain that all lights are working; check the pavement under the vehicle after it has been parked and report any suspicious fluid leaks to your mechanic.

Once your vehicle is prepared for summer travel, it’s wise to prepare yourself and your family for any long trips. Motorists can visit www.511PA.com or call 511 before they leave home to receive information on construction or other delays on interstates and major roadways.

Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes water, non-perishable food, a cell phone and charger, battery-operated fans and any other specialized needs such as baby supplies, pet food or medication. In case of a breakdown, remember to never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle since even on a relatively cool summer day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise quickly.

For motorists planning long trips, follow some of these tips: try to travel in the morning or evening hours when it is cooler; get plenty of rest the night before and rotate drivers to avoid fatigue; take frequent breaks, which also helps young children traveling with you; focus on the road and avoid all distractions, including cell phones; make sure everyone is buckled up and children are properly restrained in child safety seats; be patient and obey the speed limit, especially when traveling through work zones.

More information on highway traffic safety can be found at www.DriveSafePA.org.

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Engagement Announced Tompkins - Woodruff

Lawrence Robert Tompkins and Alicia Woodruff are happy to announce their engagement and approaching marriage.

Lawrence & Alicia

The bride-elect is the daughter of William and Karen Woodruff, Elysburg, PA. She is a 2002 graduate of Southern Columbia High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in business administration at Marywood University. She is employed by the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce in Scranton, PA.

The prospective bridegroom is the son of Larry and Lisa Tompkins, Montrose, PA. He is a 2002 graduate of Blue Ridge High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in English/Secondary Education at Marywood University. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree in educational administration through the University of Scranton. He is a high school Social Studies and English teacher at the Susquehanna Community School District in Susquehanna, PA.

The wedding is set for August 6, 2010 at the Elkdale Baptist Church in West Clifford, PA.

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Festival's Quilting Tradition Continues

The Crazy Country Quilters have made the quilt raffled at the annual Montrose Blueberry Festival for seven years. The 2010 quilt is the last in the series (another set of volunteers is lined up for the next two years). The Festival is a fundraiser for the Susquehanna County Historical Society & Free Library Association, so the Board and staff honored the group with a certificate for their hard work.

The Crazy Country Quilters with the variegated nine-patch quilt made for the 2010 Blueberry Festival: sitting - Marie McAvoy, Peg Calby, Ada Hess, Stephanie Stopka, Sue Magnotti; standing - Catherine Novitch, Cathy Probasco, Genevieve Corwin, Miriam Detwiler, E. Anne Farringer, Jean Rose, Phillipa Follert, Mary Lewis, Joanne Bledsoe; absent - Barbara Brennan, Ellie Johnson, Lou Petrak.

Administrator/Librarian Susan Stone explains that early in 2004, the Blueberry Festival Committee was worried that the tradition of an original quilt at each Festival might end. The group of Library and Historical Society volunteers who quilted every year had dwindled and finally disbanded. "The Crazy Country Quilters stepped in and saved our tradition," she says. "They've outdone themselves with a Variegated Nine-Patch pattern." Raffle tickets are on sale now and will be available until the drawing at the close of the Festival on August 7.

Before the Crazy Country Quilters took on the task, Phyllis Goodrich was the one who designed and assembled most of the previous quilts. She has made a sampler quilt which showcases the patterns from 1986 to 1995.

"Over three decades, the Blueberry Festival has grown from a small event to one of the largest in Susquehanna County," says Mrs. Stone, "but one thing that's never changed is the generosity and support of our community. Phyllis Goodrich, the Crazy Country Quilters, and the countless people who worked on the many gorgeous quilts all get a special round of thanks from the board and staff of the Susquehanna County Historical Society and Free Library Association - and from the lucky winners of each quilt!"

Visit www.montrosepablueberryfestival.org to see a gallery of Festival quilts and to find out more about the Blueberry Festival. The 31st annual festival will be held on Friday, August 6 and Saturday, August 7.

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United Way Announces New Office Location
Submitted By Sharee Hutchinson, AmeriCorps VISTA

The United Way of Susquehanna County is pleased to announce its new office location at 693 Main St., New Milford PA, the former location of Lackawanna College.

For several years, the United Way was able to share space with the Community Foundation of Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties, however, due to the success and growth of both non-profit agencies, there was an increased need for space. So in 2007 it was decided by the boards of both the Community Foundation and the United Way that 6 Locust Street would become the home of the United Way. The United Way was very grateful to be able to use this location as their office for the past 3 years.

The new office has plenty of space for employees and volunteers, and the United Way will also be able to continue using the space at the Community Foundation building for larger meetings.

Ruth Donnelly, Executive Director of the United Way, is thrilled with the new location. “It is a comfortable work environment, and we are more centrally located,” she says. “We continue to have a close working relationship with the Community Foundation and as always they are only a phone call away.”

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