HEADLINES:
Visitors Bureau Calendar Released
Do Not Disturb Young Wildlife
EMCC To Perform At West Point
PA American Legion Praises Decision
March Lottery Records
PASR Awards Charlotte Sherwood

Visitors Bureau Calendar Released

TUNKHANNOCK PA - The Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau 2011 Spring-Summer Calendar of Events brochure is now available.

The calendar covers events held April 1 through September 30. It includes a wide range of community events such as open houses, suppers, art and craft shows, and fairs and festivals in the Endless Mountains Region of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The calendar brochure is available at the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau office in the Werks Plaza, Rte. 6 East, Tunkhannock; and area businesses that are members of the visitors bureau.

A complete listing of events can also be found on the visitors bureau website (www.endlessmountains.org). Not only can anyone view all the events going on in the Endless Mountains Region, but non-profit and community organizations located in the four counties can submit their events for publication. The easy-to-follow instructions on the bureau’s website will guide the user through the online form, which can be found on the events page.

The Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau is the designated tourism promotion agency for Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties. The bureau promotes the region as a whole, concentrating its efforts outside the four-county region to draw potential visitors into the area for a memorable vacation, while at the same time, boosting the local economy.

To receive a copy of the calendar or the 2011 Endless Mountains Visitors Guide, stop by the visitors bureau in Tunkhannock or contact the bureau at 1-800-769-8999, 570-836-5431 or becky@endlessmountains.org.

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Do Not Disturb Young Wildlife

HARRISBURG - Whether hiking in the woods, driving through the countryside or simply enjoying nature in your backyard, Pennsylvania Game Commission officials encourage outdoor enthusiasts to leave wildlife alone, and in the wild, especially young of the year.

“Being outdoors in the spring is an enjoyable way to spend time and learn more about nature,” said Calvin W. DuBrock, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management director. “In the coming months, it will become common to find young deer, rabbits, birds, raccoons or other wildlife, some of which may appear to be abandoned. Rest assured that in most cases, the young animal is not an orphan or abandoned and the best thing you can do is to leave it alone.”

DuBrock noted adult animals often leave their young while the adults forage for food. Also, wildlife often relies on a natural defensive tactic called the “hider strategy,” where young animals will remain motionless and “hide” in surrounding cover while adults draw the attention of potential predators or other intruders away from their young.

“While it may appear as if the adults are abandoning their young, in reality, this is just the animal using its natural instincts to protect its young,” DuBrock said. “Nature also protects young animals with camouflaging color to avoid being detected by predators.

“Wild animals are not meant to be pets, and we must all resist our well-meaning and well-intentioned urge to want to care for wildlife. Taking wildlife from its natural settings and into your home may expose or transmit wildlife diseases to people or domestic animals. Wildlife also may carry parasites - such as fleas, ticks or lice - that you wouldn’t want infesting you, your family, your home or your pets.”

DuBrock noted that, each year, people ignore this advice by taking wildlife into their homes and then are urged to undergo treatment for possible exposure to various wildlife-borne diseases, such as rabies.

In addition to protecting public health, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Protection Director Rich Palmer said that the agency also is concerned with wildlife implications from humans handling wildlife.

“Habituating wildlife to humans is a serious concern, because if wildlife loses its natural fear of humans it can pose a public safety risk,” Palmer said. “For example, a few years ago, a yearling, six-point buck attacked and severely injured two people. Our investigation revealed that a neighboring family had illegally taken the deer into their home and fed it as a fawn. This family continued to feed the deer right up until the time of the attack.

“This particular incident was the subject of numerous news stories around the state, and serves as a fitting example of the possible consequences that can stem from feeding or simply getting too close to wildlife.”

In addition, Palmer noted that it is illegal to take or possess wildlife from the wild. Under state law, the penalty for such a violation is a fine of up to $1,500 per animal.

“Under no circumstances will anyone who illegally takes wildlife into captivity be allowed to keep that animal,” Palmer said. “While residents love to view wildlife and are very compassionate, they must enjoy wildlife from a distance and allow nature to run its course.”

Palmer also pointed out that, under a working agreement with state health officials, any “high risk” rabies vector species confiscated after human contact must be euthanized and tested; it cannot be returned to the wild. Though any mammal may carry rabies, species identified in the agreement are: skunks, raccoons, foxes, bats, coyotes and groundhogs.

“Except for some species of bats, populations of all other rabies vector species are thriving,” Palmer said. “Therefore, to protect public health and safety, it only makes sense to put down an animal for testing, rather than risk relocating a potentially rabid animal, and to answer the question of whether any people were exposed to the rabies virus.”

DuBrock said it is always wise to avoid wild animals and even strange domestic pets because of the potential rabies risk.

“Animals infected with rabies may not show obvious symptoms, but still may be able to transmit the disease,” DuBrock.

People can get rabies from the saliva of a rabid animal if they are bitten or scratched, or if the saliva gets into the person’s eyes, mouth or a fresh wound. The last human rabies fatality in Pennsylvania was a 12-year-old Lycoming County boy who died in 1984.

Wildlife rehabilitators, who are licensed by the Game Commission, are the only ones that are permitted to care for injured or orphaned wildlife for the purposes of eventual release back into the wild. For those who find wildlife that truly is in need of assistance, a listing of licensed wildlife rehabilitators can be found on the Pennsylvania Association of Wildlife Rehabilitators website www.pawr.com.

If you are unable to identify a wildlife rehabilitator in your area, contact the Game Commission region office that serves the county in which the animal is found so that you can be referred to the appropriate licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Region office contact information can be found on the agency’s website www.pgc.state.pa.us.

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EMCC To Perform At West Point

The Endless Mountains Children’s Choir, under the direction of Dr. Christine Plonski Sezer, will perform at the Chapel of the Most Holy Trinity on April 30, at 9:30 a.m., as part of the 183rd Thaddeus Kosciuszko Memorial Observance. The EMCC is the first Children’s Choir ever to be invited to this event.

General Kosciuszko, a hero of the American Revolution, educated in Military Engineering in Europe, was the principal architect in constructing the defenses at Forts Billingsport and Mercer to protect the port of Philadelphia, and was assigned to protect the Hudson River at West Point. His defensive engineering plans at the 2nd Battle of Saratoga contributed greatly to that decisive American victory. The 2nd Battle of Saratoga was considered the turning point of the American Revolution.

The invitation, through the auspices of Dr. Carol Gargan, a resident of Clifford and Vice President of American Association of the Friends of Kosciuszko at West Point, Inc., will bring the Choir to the Plain of West Point, a pinnacle of the American Experience.

At 11:30 a.m. the Cadet Corps will Pass in Review on the Plain, demonstrating the gratitude so many young men and officers have for the Polish Lithuanian General who inspired Thomas Jefferson to locate a engineering school at West Point and donate all monies he had left behind in America to be used for the purchase of freedom for slaves and their education.

At 12:30 p.m. the Choir will attend the memorial service at the Kosciuszko Monument followed by lunch at the academy.

The Choir, some 20 members strong, ranging in age from seven to 15 years, is preparing for a trip to Vienna, Austria in 2012, by invitation, to sing with the Vienna Boys Choir. Much work must be done to make the trip happen; if you would like to help, contact Gary and Mary Gray at 570-442-1607 or amggray@nep.net.

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PA American Legion Praises Decision

HARRISBURG, PA - The state American Legion praised the Pennsylvania Gaming Board’s decision to “protect the sanctity of the Gettysburg National Military Park” by denying a developer’s bid for a nearby casino.

By a 6-1, the Gaming Board decided to award the license to another location, the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, in the southwestern part of the state.

“Many Legionnaires, veterans and concerned Americans across the country did not want to see a casino built so close to the final resting place of so many heroes,” said Pennsylvania American Legion Commander Pete Wasco. “While many local residents supported the project, the battlefield has national significance. At the same time, people are understandably concerned about unemployment and other economic issues. The American Legion supports development in Adams County and other areas that need it. We just do not support development that would encroach upon that honored ground. We are not anti-casino. We are pro-veteran.”

The project was also opposed by historian Ken Burns, the Civil War Preservation Trust, Gov. Tom Corbett and former Gov. Ed Rendell.

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March Lottery Records
Compiled By Mary Beth Ahearn

March was a much larger payout to residents of Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming Counties than the previous month of February. State records show that 29 local players won a total of $116,035.

Linda Petto of Hawley took home the most - $60,000 - from the instant game “Bonus Block Bingo.” Carol A. Hineline of Lake Ariel scored $10,000 on another instant game “Diamonds & Pearls.” Gerald M. Gasper, also of Lake Ariel, snagged $10,000 as a “Million Dollar Mega Multiple” winner.

Following are notable winners of $1,000 or more from March as listed on the lottery website.

Susquehanna County

Matthew Thatcher, Great Bend, $1,000 from “$10,000 A Month For Life.”

Theodore Benner, Montrose, $1,000 from “$10,000 A Month For Life.”

Allen W. Gill, Herrick Ctr., $1,000 from “20X The Money.”

Richard C. Kuriger, Forest City, $1,000 from “Diamond Mine.”

Adele M. Berthelson, New Milford, $1,000 from “Diamonds & Pearls.”

Carole Cook, Montrose, $1,000 from “Diamonds And 7'S.”

Jimmy Kremling, New Milford, $1,000 from “Diamonds And 7'S.”

Betty M. Dillow, Royal, $1,000 from “Diamonds And 7'S.”

Ginny L. Nelson, Susquehanna, $1,000 from “Diamonds And 7'S.”

Robert Galonsky, New Milford, $1,000 from “Hershey's Kisses And Cash.”

Adam Wademan, Susquehanna, $1,000 from “ Million Dollar Mega Multiple.”

Wayne County

Denise L. Fueshko, Gouldsboro, $1,025 from “Match 6 Winner.”

Karl L. Anbermeier, Lake Ariel, $1,010 from “Match 6 Winner.”

Kathleen M. Hertzog, Lake Ariel, $2,500 from “Match 4 Winner.”

Anthony Strizalkouski, Lake Ariel, $2,500 from “Match 5 Winner.”

Matthew D. Crum, Honesdale, $8,000 from “Lucky Emerald 8S.”

Ronald E. Bingman, East Berlin, $1,000 from “$1 Million Platinum Payout.”

Jennifer Serge, Honesdale, $1,000 from “$1 Million Platinum Payout.”

Mary D. Bardi, Lake Ariel, $1,000 from “$1 Million Platinum Payout.”

Cathy A. Bolden, East Berlin, $1,000 from “20X The Money.”

Dustin A. Funk, East Berlin, $1,000 from “3RD Edition Goldbar Cro$$word.”

Britnae Hengerle, Hawley, $1,000 from “3RD Edition Goldbar Cro$$word.”

Ann Bogan, Waymart, $1,000 from “All That Glitters.”

William Gropper, Hawley, $1,000 from “Big Winner Spectacular.”

Brett Reingold, Lake Ariel, $1,000 from “Big Winner Spectacular.”

Angela Knickerbocker, Lake Ariel, $1,000 from “Big Winner Spectacular.”

Jennifer A. Serge, Honesdale, $1,000 from “Diamonds And 7S.”

Joseph Tighe, Lake Ariel, $1,000 from “King Of Cash.”

Patrick Calvitti, Hawley, $1,000 from “Million Dollar Cash Fever.”

Nichola M. Smith, Honesdale, $1,000 from “Million Dollar Cash Fever.”

Edward Holmes, Lake Ariel, $1,000 from “Million Dollar Cash Fever.”

Bryon D. Long, East Berlin, $1,000 from “Million Dollar Mega Multiplier.”

Thomas W. Moran, Forest City, $1,000 from “Million Dollar Mega Multiplier.”

Edward Holmes, Lake Ariel, $1,000 from “Million Dollar Mega Multiplier.”

Debra M. Wilson, Waymart, $1,000 from “Million Dollar Mega Multiplier.”

Gail L. Cron-Houman, Hawley, $1,000 from “Money Comb.”

Donna M. Amspacher, East Berlin, $1,000 from “Winner Take All.”

Wyoming County

Barbara C. Lukasewicz, Factoryville, $1,022 from “Match 6 Winner.”

Phyllis M. Reed, Falls, $1,000 from “$1 Million Platinum Payout.”

Ronald L. Dickinson, Factoryville, $1,000 from “$1,000 A Week For Life.”

Adam Scala, Nicholson, $1,000 from “20X The Money.”

Nancy Ronca, Noxen, $1,000 from “3RD Edition Goldbar Cro$$word.”

John Adams, Tunkhannock, $1,000 from “3RD Edition Goldbar Cro$$word.”

Mark S. Baldwin, Tunkhannock, $1,000 from “Extreme Green.”

Jeffrey S. Butler, Noxen, $1,000 from “Million Dollar Mega Multiplier.”

Jody M. White, Nicholson, $1,000 from “Money Money Money.”

Dawn M. Ball, Tunkhannock, $1,000 from “Money Money Money.”

Priscilla Wood, Tunkhannock, $1,000 from “Monopoly.”

For the fiscal year 2009-2010, The Pennsylvania Lottery paid $604,726 out to Susquehanna County for Area Agencies on Aging & Senior Centers, $692,595 to Wayne County and $219,523 to Wyoming County.

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PASR Awards Charlotte Sherwood

Charlotte Sherwood, a seventh grade teacher for Montrose Area School District, received the first $150 Educational Grant from the Susquehanna Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR) at the Montrose School Board meeting on April 11.

Pictured (l-r) above: Ellen Holdredge, Charlotte Sherwood and Bob Orner.

With budgets being cut in school districts across the state, this grant was created by the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR) to make possible a program that otherwise might not have been possible because of budget constraints. Ellen Holdredge, Educational Support chairperson of Susquehanna County PASR Chapter, presented the award. She was assisted by Bob Orner, president of the chapter, and Mary Ketterer, Region 3 PASR Educational Support Chairperson.

Sherwood, a teacher at Montrose for a number of years, created a character education program that focuses on bullying. Activities and discussions are lead by trained teachers and students. Students are encouraged to think before acting. Discussions are held that teach about different types of bullying, how to get help, the power of the bystander, and what a bystander can do. Bullies are encouraged to get help and to try to make positive changes. Discussions and activities help set the stage for a safe school climate. Students put together an anti-bullying video with the winners receiving prizes and having their videos broadcast on the school website. There is a poster contest with posters displayed in the main lobby. Many of the participants receive T-shirts, which Sherwood modeled at the board meeting.

This past year, 150 Montrose students participated in the project. Sherwood also introduced the project at Blue Ridge School District. PASR congratulates her on her hard work and her efforts to make a difference in the lives of her students.

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