COUNTY LIVING

Business Directory Now Online!!!


County Living
Sports
Schools
Church Announcements
Classifieds
Dated Events
Military News
Columnists
Editorials/Opinions
Obituaries
Archives
Subscribe to the Transcript

Look Here For Future Specials

Please visit our kind sponsors!

Issue Home August 18, 2010 Site Home

HEADLINES:
Room Tax Grant Apps. Now Online
Lions Club Announces 2010 Award Recipient
Budgeting Important For Back-To-School Shopping
Cabot Supports Library's Outreach Services
Excitement Builds For Start Of School
4-H Club News Dimock Community
Classmates Celebrate 40th Reunion
Medicare Covers Flu, Pneumonia Shots
Metroaction Announces New Staff Member
Stockholm Family Holds 54th Reunion
Summer Reading Program Complete

 

Room Tax Grant Apps. Now Online

Tunkhannock - Non-profit organizations in Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Wyoming counties who would like to apply for grant monies to help finance their tourism-related projects, can now get the application on the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau’s website.

Until now, those wishing to apply for a room tax grant could only receive the application by calling and requesting it. Now, it is available online at www.endlessmountains.org under the “media” section.

Applications should be mailed to the visitors bureau and must be postmarked by Saturday, September 25, in order to be eligible for this grant round. There is only one grant round each year, making this the only opportunity to apply for funds for 2011 projects.

The Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau is accepting the applications to help fund cultural, historical, and recreational projects - such as special events, exhibits, or publicity initiatives - as well as for marketing and promoting projects, wayfinding aides, and historical preservation projects that will increase tourism to an area and/or attraction.

For those without Internet access, the grant application and program requirements are still available through the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau by calling the bureau (570-836-5431) or stopping by the office (4 Werks Plaza, Route 6 East, Tunkhannock).

The money for the grant fund is made available through a hotel occupancy tax that is collected by lodging establishments in the Endless Mountains from their overnight guests. It is collected according to state law and used to promote the area’s tourism industry. For more information, contact the visitors bureau at the number listed above.

Back to Top

 

Lions Club Announces 2010 Award Recipient

The Hallstead Great Bend Lions Club is proud to announce that Kaitchen Dearborn was the 2010 recipient of The Lion Sam White Memorial Award. This award is presented to a graduating senior from Blue Ridge High School to assist with continuing education. The Club is very proud to have been presenting this award to a Blue Ridge High School graduating senior for over 15 years and will continue to support this project into the future.

Also, on July 25, the Hallstead Great Bend Lions Club held its annual golf tournament and chicken bbq. Everyone had a great time - and as usual, a little rain did fall. The Hallstead Great Bend Lions Club would like to thank everyone who attended and assisted in making this event very successful. With your support, the Lions can continue to fund projects that support the community.

Back to Top

 

Budgeting Important For Back-To-School Shopping

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Big-box stores are featuring prominent and colorful displays of back-to-school gear, hoping for excited parents to quickly make choices and move on. But by budgeting for back-to-school clothing and supplies, a family can purchase exactly what is needed and save money, according to experts in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.

Cathy Bowen, professor of agricultural and extension education, likens back-to-school shopping to grocery shopping. "Smart shoppers keep a running list of what they need. When preparing for a run to the grocery store, they evaluate what they have already and what they need in order to prepare the coming week's menu," she said.

A budget is always a wise choice. "People have to spend money not only on school supplies and clothing, but for groceries, housing and more," said Bowen. "Budgets allow people to spend money on paper first, before going to the store and releasing it. And by planning how money would be spent, people will be more content with their final choices, and the items purchased will more likely be needs instead of wants."

Step 1: Determine what's usable.

"Kids have only been out of school for three months, so those items left from last school year still have some value," explained Bowen. "Blank paper, pens and notebooks may still be in good, usable condition. Assess what new materials are needed before going out and buying all new items that kids think they need."

The same goes for clothing. "Unless children have had a growth spurt, many of last year's clothes should still be wearable," she said. "Try extending the wear of last year's items by buying a couple of new shirts, pants or blouses to add to the existing wardrobe."

Some schools require a uniform and most others have a dress code, both of which can help parents and kids decide what to buy.

Step 2: Assess what the school requires.

If possible, find out the school's standard material requirements early. "Parents can use school supply lists, often available at area stores, to decide what to purchase before school starts," suggested Bowen.

"Before going to the store, parents should determine the total amount they can spend and talk to their children about that amount before they leave home," said Bowen. This is an early step in teaching children how to use a budget or plan their spending.

Step 3: Shopping.

Take a shopping list. "The list defines the difference between what you want to get and what you need to get," said Bowen. "This planning keeps people from purchasing items that are simply the most attractive store display at the time."

Allow the child to have a voice in selecting items. "This is a teachable moment," she said. "When they know the total amount that is budgeted for school needs and the running total of all purchases, it will help them narrow their choices to what is needed."

Parents can enforce the limitations of a budget but also guide teenagers to school-appropriate clothing, all without dictating wardrobes. "Children should be involved in shopping because if they don't like the clothing, they won't wear it," said Jan Scholl, associate professor of agricultural and extension education. "Older teenagers may find it useful to purchase their own clothing, given a budget."

Alternatives.

Scholl offered some tips for purchasing clothing with a different avenue in mind: thrift stores and off-peak sales. "Watch for used uniforms to go on sale, so when youngsters grow out of theirs or when the new school year arrives, the family doesn't need to scramble for new items. Thrift stores offer affordable, gently-used items at low prices, especially during sales, when items can be half-price or purchased for $5 or less per bag."

For supplies, she suggested scanning advertisements for coupons and sales and paying attention to store prices to find great deals. "When I see a good price, I can purchase things I know I will need: folders for reports, notebooks, pencils and erasers."

This method of purchasing has several benefits. It makes the trips for special purchases easier, is not a large one-time drain on a budget, and serves as a reserve of supplies for any last-minute projects that children may have forgotten.

Whether approached like grocery shopping or using the value of thrift stores and liquidation sales, both are effective methods for back-to-school shopping. Bowen and Scholl agree that the budget is key.

"Parents will spend a lot of money getting their kids ready for school," said Bowen. "The budget is a tool that should help control costs and ensure the family's money is being spent where it's needed the most."

Back to Top

 

Cabot Supports Library's Outreach Services

The old Susquehanna County Library "Books on Wheels" van, a 1999 Chevy Astro, would have failed its next inspection without thousands of dollars in repairs that would probably have kept it going only a little longer. Because of the cuts in state funding, the Board was already struggling with a budget shortfall and could not afford to repair or replace it. "We are delighted to report that Cabot Oil & Gas has come forward to underwrite the cost of a new van," says Kim Harwood of the Finance Committee. Cabot donated $20,000 to purchase a 2010 Dodge Caravan with 26,000 miles. The van is crucial to providing library services across the county. It's used to transport thousands and thousands of items all across the county - to the three branches, a dozen deposit stations, the six county school districts, multiple day cares, personal care homes, senior centers, and the correctional facility. It also allows librarians to bring story hours and summer reading programs to remote locations. Pictured (l-r) above: Charles Cesaretti, SCHS&FLA Finance Committee; George Stark, Cabot Oil & Gas; Kim Harwood, Finance Committee; Gladys Bennett, SCHS&FLA Board President; Duane Hinds, SCHS&FLA Second VP; Larry Newhart, SCHS&FLA Treasurer; Susan Stone, SCHS&FLA Administrator/Librarian.

"We extend our thanks and appreciation to Cabot for this very generous and crucial donation," says Mr. Harwood.

George Stark, Director of External Affairs for Cabot, says "Cabot is committed to safe operations, environmental stewardship, and investing in the communities where we operate and where our employees reside. We are proud to support a community resource like the Susquehanna Historical Society and Free Library Association."

For more information about the Outreach department and its many services across Susquehanna County, visit the library's website at www.susqcolibrary.org.

Back to Top

 

Excitement Builds For Start Of School
Submitted By Stephnie Thornton

Excitement is building for families with children starting school for the first time, thanks to special orientation nights hosted the second week of August by Blue Ridge Elementary School and Susquehanna Community Elementary School.

August 10, children enrolled in Blue Ridge’s four year old kindergarten met teachers and staff as a way to ease those first day jitters. Parents and care givers also had a chance to get their questions about school routines answered. The evening included story time with Cindy Reynolds dressed as the mole from this year’s PA One Book “What a Treasure” and school bus rides around New Milford.

The next night, youngsters enrolled in Susquehanna Community Elementary School’s pre-k and kindergarten participated in a similar program. Families toured the classrooms, met with their child’s teacher and hopped on a school bus for a special ride.

Both evenings also featured an information fair involving various county agencies including Susquehanna County CARES, Head Start, Maternal and Family Health, Penn State Cooperative Extension, Susquehanna County Literacy Program, Children’s Palace and Endless Mountain Learning Center.

By providing these special nights, families have a better idea of what to expect in their child’s classroom, and the children can be less apprehensive about starting school.

The first day is August 26 at both school districts.

Back to Top

 

4-H Club News Dimock Community

On July 31 the Dimock Community 4-H kids and leaders got together to clean and beautify the Dimock Township building for their community service project.

Pictured above: back - Tyler Wilkes, Caleb Wilkes, Clark Fuller; middle - Laura Swetter, Jonas Fuller, Alf Wilkes, Tammie Wilkes, Carron Wood and Jerry Wood; front - Andy Swetter, Chloe Wilkes, Audrie Wilkes; laying - Jesse Borosh.

This consisted of cleaning walls, bathrooms, tables, chairs and the garage where the trucks and equipment are kept. Also, while the inside work was being done, the boys and men where landscaping the front of the building.

Everyone contributed by bringing hosta's, flowers and mulch to plant by the building and the flagpole. A big thank you goes to Mr. Jerry Wood for building the fence and birdhouses that are now part of the decor. We would like to also thank Mr. George Baker for allowing all of the members to do their community service project at the township building.

Those participating were: Dannette Fuller, Dimock Community 4-H Coordinator and Leader; Karen Wood, Sewing and Cooking Leader; Jerry Wood; Alf and Tammy Wilkes; Caleb, Tyler, Audrie and Chloe Wilkes; Celia and Cydney DeWitt; Brandon Gibbons; and Holly and Ashley Steele.

News Reporter: Andy Swetter

Sizzlin’ Steaks

At our last meeting on August 10, we had four demonstrations. The first was Blaize Whitehead. His project was rockets and he showed everyone his pictures of him launching them. Next was Evan Clarkson; he did rabbits for his project. He talked about what rabbits eat and what they don't eat. Ashland and Alley are two Cloverbuds. They showed everybody the steps to canning pickles. And the last person to give her demonstration was Alyssa Clarkson who made tofu fruit whip in front of the club for the first time.

Autumn and Blaize Whitehead's family is doing a benefit for their dad who had cancer. They will be at Friendly's in Clark Summit September 2, from 5-8.

Leader, Julie Harvatine signed all our project books and we talked about going to Hershey Park. We had a vote to see where everybody wanted to go and the one with all the votes was Hershey Park. The date we might go is September 18. Don't forget to keep checking your inbox for more information.

For our last meeting we had three snacks. Pickles from Ashland and Alley, tofu fruit whip with angel food cake from Alyssa, and chocolate covered rice-crispy treats from Jeanette and David.

News Reporter: Alyssa Clarkson

Back to Top

Classmates Celebrate 40th Reunion

On July 31, 43 members and friends of the Susquehanna Community High School Class of 1970 gathered in the pavilion at P.J. O'Hare's Restaurant, Susquehanna. Many photos, memories, and laughs were shared and friendships renewed. All in attendance enjoyed a scrumptious buffet prepared by the staff of P.J. O'Hare's. During the festivities, a moment of silence was observed in memory of deceased classmates - Carroll Baker, Cynthia Lee, David Terpstra, Jim Marbaker, Jim Valentine, Ray Westgate, John Napolitano, Robyn Donnelly Leonard and Denise Reddon - as well as dedicated faculty and staff whose wisdom and guidance helped to mold the class into the individuals they are today. The assembled group parted with copies of a class roster listing names, addresses, etc. for future connections. Pictured (l-r) above: Kathy Holland Woodmansee, Cheri Bell Congdon, Terry Clift, Jane Lawrenson Mazikewich, Barbara Lawson Reynolds, Bonnie Downton, Rufus Reynolds, Beverly Pooler Smith, Sandy Carpenter Malinski, Sandy Spoonhower Skiba, Carmen Graves Rockwell, Jim Haywood, Nancy Glasgow Narma, Diana Glover Cook, Jim Brady, Bruce Ralston, Renee Ralston Brady, Mary Richardson Collier, Sylvia McKee Booker, Larry DeLarco, John Deakin, Rita Hobart Kelley, Leigh Sheldon, Myron DeWitt, Jack Rood, Tom Collins, and Rick Tingley.

Back to Top

 

Medicare Covers Flu, Pneumonia Shots

HARRISBURG, Pa. - August is National Immunization Awareness Month. Quality Insights of Pennsylvania, the state’s Medicare Quality Improvement Organization, is using the opportunity to remind people with Medicare that they’re covered for flu and pneumonia vaccines.

Medicare covers flu shots once a year - you pay nothing as long as you have Medicare part B and your medical provider accepts assignment. Pneumonia vaccinations are covered for all people with original Medicare - most people only need one shot in their lifetime.

Both flu and pneumonia shots can be life savers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu causes 114,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths each year. Combined with pneumonia, it is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. The best protection is to get immunized.

Medicare recommends flu and pneumococcal shots for all people age 65 and older. People with Medicare who are under age 65 but have chronic illness, including heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant) should get a flu shot. Talk to find out what is right for you.

For more information about flu and pneumonia vaccinations and other preventive services covered by Medicare, visit www.medicare.gov and click on “manage your health.”

Back to Top

 

Metroaction Announces New Staff Member

MetroAction announced that Alicia Woodruff has recently joined the organization. Ms. Woodruff, of Susquehanna, has joined the MetroAction staff as a Business Development Specialist. She will serve as the program’s outreach coordinator and assist with small business lending, training, and technical assistance.

Ms. Woodruff joins the staff from Keystone College, La Plume, where she was Director of Student Activities. She holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Marywood University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, also from Marywood.

MetroAction provides loans to small business in northeastern Pennsylvania that do not have access to traditional sources of credit. Covering Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties, MetroAction, a nonprofit Small Business Administration (SBA) lender, is northeastern Pennsylvania’s leading provider of small business loan and comprehensive business training. For more information, visit www.MetroAction.org or call (570) 341-0270.

Back to Top

 

Stockholm Family Holds 54th Reunion
Submitted By Sandy West

The 54th Paul and Vera Stockholm reunion was held on July 18 at the Hallstead Park. About 50 people attended, some coming from as far as Florida. Good food was shared, games played, and stories told.

Pictured above: Kewpie Fisher, Clyde Stockholm and Anne Fisher - brother and sisters, children of Paul and Vera.

Every year an auction is held to replenish the treasury. Hems are wrapped and bid on - no one knows what might be in the packages. This year some lucky person got a pair of crutches make from the logs from the old Stockholm homestead. Each year the family gets about $200, which is used the following year for decorations, meat, beverages, and tableware. Everyone always has a wonderful time bidding against one another.

The theme for this year’s reunion was Hawaiian. Everyone participated by wearing Hawaiian shirts, grass skirts, leis, and flowers. Prizes for the best costumes were given to Addison Stockholm, Susan Fisher, Bobby Henderson, and Bruce Stockholm. Table decorations were fresh pineapples with skewers of fresh fruit.

Plans are already being made for next year’s get together. The theme will be Western!

Back to Top

 

Summer Reading Program Complete

The Susquehanna Branch Library is proud to announce the following participants in this year’s summer reading program, “Make a Splash at your Library:”

Kirsten Bedford, Devyn Benson, Kelsea Benson, Angel Bieloski, Jeff Bradley, Julianna Bradley, Peyton Cowperthwait, Joseph Curtis, Kerstin Dooley, Liam Dooley, Gannon Dooner-Furness, Emily Hall, Jayden Herbert, Luke Hilling, Allison Jenkins, Jonathan Jenkins, Cambria King, Jenna Krall, Joshua Marco, Taylor Millard, Christopher Olmstead, Alyis Rockwell, Rockell Rockwell, Collin Saam, Leah Saam, Hailey Sarday, Alyse Sargent, Ana Sargent, Andrew Stallings, Ryan Stallings, Kailye Towner, Meaghan Towner, Elvis Vermilyea, Madelyn Wasielewski.

Summer activities included water experimentation, adventurous stories, fishing derby, a picnic in the park and special guests, Souix Petrow and Swimming Sybil. Certificates of Participation were distributed. If your reader has not received theirs, please stop at the library to pick it up.

Congratulations to all who made a splash! The library looks forward to seeing you next year at their summer reading program 2011!

Back to Top

 


News  |  Living  |  Sports  |  Schools  |  Churches  |  Ads  |  Events
Military  |  Columns  |  Ed/Op  |  Obits  | Archive  |  Subscribe