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HEADLINES: Engagement Announced Whitford - Rocker LTC Dean and Brenda Whitford, Copperas Cove, Texas, announce the engagement of their daughter, Elizabeth Helen Whitford, to Ian Thompson Rocker, the son of Butch and Sharon Rocker of Garnett, Kansas.
Elizabeth and Ian Elizabeth is a 2007 graduate of Leavenworth High School and will be graduating from the University of Kansas on May 22 with a degree in Microbiology. Ian is a 2005 graduate from Anderson County High School and attended the University of Kansas for 3 1/2 years. They will be living in Everett, Washington where Elizabeth will be serving as an Ensign in the United States Navy. They are to be married June 4, 2011 at 4 p.m. at Zais Park in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
U.S. Treasury To “Retire” Paper Payment Checks Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Department of the Treasury is retiring the paper Social Security check for millions of baby boomers and others applying for federal benefits, a move that will save taxpayers $1 billion over the next 10 years. Beginning May 1, 2011, anyone newly applying for Social Security, Veterans Affairs or other federal benefits will need to choose an electronic payment method - paper checks will no longer be an option. People currently receiving their federal benefits by paper check must switch to direct deposit by March 1, 2013. Treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios highlighted the savings to taxpayers by ceremonially writing a check to American taxpayers in the amount of $1 billion. “More than 18 million baby boomers are expected to reach retirement age during the next five years, with 10,000 people a day becoming eligible for Social Security benefits,” said Treasurer Rios. “It costs 92 cents more to issue a payment by paper check than by direct deposit. We are retiring the Social Security paper check option in favor of electronic payments because it is the right thing to do for benefit recipients and American taxpayers alike.” The Treasury Department published a final rule in December 2010, to gradually eliminate paper checks for federal benefit payments. In addition to the taxpayer savings, electronic payments are safer and more convenient than paper checks. Last year alone, more than 540,000 Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) paper checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be replaced. Historic move away from checks On January 31, 1940, Ida Mae Fuller received the first monthly Social Security benefit check and, to date, about 165 million people have received Social Security benefits. The movement toward electronic payments has been steadily increasing. According to the 2010 Federal Reserve Payments Study, electronic payments now make up over three-quarters of all noncash payments nationwide. There were 5.7 billion fewer checks written in 2009 than in 2006, a decline of 6.1 percent per year – while electronic payments grew 9.3 percent during that same period. Among federal benefit recipients, approximately eight in 10 receive their Social Security or other federal benefit payment electronically. Timeline for phasing out paper checks The Treasury Department’s Go Direct® public education campaign provides information to Americans about the change to how federal benefit payments are being delivered and makes it easy for current check recipients to switch online at www.GoDirect.org or by calling a toll-free helpline. May 1, 2011: People newly applying for federal benefits on or after May 1, 2011, must choose an electronic payment option at the time they sign up for their benefits. If they wish to direct their money into a bank or credit union account, they will want to have the following information on hand at the time they apply for their benefits: financial institution’s routing transit number (often found on a personal check); account type - checking or saving; account number (often found on a personal check). People who prefer receiving their payments on a prepaid debit card or who do not have an account at a financial institution can receive a Direct Express Debit MasterCard card. For more information, visit www.GoDirect.org. March 1, 2013: Current check recipients must switch to electronic payments before March 1, 2013. Switching from checks to direct deposit is fast, easy and free at www.GoDirect.org, by calling the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center’s toll-free helpline at 1-800-333-1795, or by speaking with a bank or credit union representative. Anyone already receiving federal benefit payments electronically will continue to receive their money as usual on their payment day. No action is required. Turnpike Terrace Update Hello from Turnpike Terrace. We have two new tenants and hope they like it up here. One of our old tenants left and moved to New York State. I hope she will be happy there. We will miss her. We are in the process of having our tubs made over with a cut-out so they are easier to get in and out of. Some of us recently went to see a Soulfire concert at the South New Milford Church. They have a lot of new music for their new CD coming out. We have been getting ready for inspections up here - it's called spring clearing to us. So far this year we have had a soup and sandwich supper, a pancake supper and our Chinese Auction (we call that our recycling). We buy something and usually bring it back the next time. We also had a basket raffle in April. We have a good time doing these things. We were blessed so much for Easter. The Thompson Girl Scouts sent enough homemade Easter candy for everyone in the building. The Hospice of the Sacred Heart came and played prize bingo and also brought a large tray of beautiful cupcakes. The American Legion sent us a beautiful cake for supporting their fish fry. And the Cub Scouts of Susquehanna made magnet rabbits and other things for us. We thank all of you for your kindness and for thinking of us. Everyone had a very nice Easter - I know I did. We will see you soon; take care!
WCO Highlights Hunting Tactics On Friday, April 8, Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer (WCO) Michael Webb guided interested hunters through some of the back country of the Northeast Region State Game Lands Number 35 at Harmony Road, near Rose Hollow, Great Bend. The tour, the very first of its kind, intended to explain deer hunting tactics, have fun, and improve the chances of getting a deer. He gave handouts of topographic maps showing the state game lands saying it is the quickest way to learn roads, rivers, lakes, topographic features, hills, valleys and funnel areas that deer will travel, and ideal terrain features for food, water, and cover. A knowledgeable hunter will utilize these features to maximize his or her chances in the woods. He stated deer are acutely aware of predators and will utilize the best topographic features, cover, thickets, and tree lines as they travel to satisfy their daily needs. Small woodland islands close to open meadows are deer favorites where they can sense danger from any direction. Deer will also utilize corner sections for crossing between areas. The time of day, morning or evening, and the rut impact movement patterns. He stated that deer eat four and one-half pounds of food daily and highlighted some of their favorite browse. He pointed out that white acorns are sweeter and preferred over black or red acorns. He also pointed out the nutrition food values of oak, beech, birch and maple trees. As Officer Webb and the hunters progressed into the highlands, he pointed out several active well-worn deer trails. Officer Webb emphasized he does not teach anyone how to hunt, but rather how to become a better hunter. Being a better hunter means being prepared with well laid out plans, proper clothing and supplies; pre-scouting in advance; using a compass; choosing an appropriate gun caliber and ammo; and having the courtesy of alerting family members where you are hunting in case of emergency and much more. An attendee Mr. David Baker said, “WCO Mike Webb’s presentation was very interesting and informative. Taking a nice long hike up into the game lands, we looked at terrain features, food and water sources, shelter, and other aspects of the land of interest to hunters. I want to amplify comments about encouraging hunters - novices and veterans alike - to take advantage of this opportunity if it presents itself again. Here is a game warden who took probably three hours of his own personal time to spend with us in the woods - on a Friday evening. Even people who think they know everything there is to know about deer hunting can learn something from presentations like this. I hope he will do it again.” Agency On Aging Honors Volunteers TOWANDA, PA - “Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time but they have the heart,” stated Susquehanna County Commissioner, MaryAnn Warren during her speech at the annual Susquehanna County Volunteer Recognition Dinner hosted by the Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Tioga County (B/S/S/T) Area Agency on Aging. This year’s banquet, held at the Hallstead American Legion, took place on Saturday, April 16. “You all definitely have the heart and, on behalf of all of the Susquehanna County Commissioners, thank you for all that you do,” Warren continued. “Without these individuals our senior centers wouldn’t run,” said Kelly Allen, Susquehanna County Volunteer Coordinator and Lawton Senior Center Manager. “They do a great job and we are very fortunate to have so many dependable volunteers within our organization.”
Veronica Striefsky, manager of the Forest City Senior Center (right) recognizes two of her longtime volunteers, Dr. James Watson (center) and Elson Stone (left), at the annual Susquehanna County Volunteer Dinner sponsored by the Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Tioga County Area Agency on Aging. Dr. Watson recently retired from volunteering at the age of 93. Veronica Striefsky, manager of the Forest City Senior Center, recognized James Watson, a volunteer at her center who recently retired after volunteering for 15 years. “I could depend on James at anytime for anything,” Striefsky said. “He was at the center when I got there and had volunteered in another area for 7 years before that. That’s what you call a volunteer.” “Volunteering at the center helped me as much as it did the people that I was visiting,” says Watson, 93. “It made me feel good after I volunteered and I already miss it.” Watson and his wife will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary in November. Another longtime volunteer, Elson Stone, added to Watson’s comments saying “You get a lot of satisfaction out of volunteering. Being able to help someone is always good. It makes me feel useful.” Stone has been a volunteer for 25 years. Also recognized were the volunteers from the APPRISE and Ombudsman programs and the home delivered meal drivers and center volunteers at all six of the Susquehanna County senior centers operated by the B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging. Attending the banquet were many of the 197 volunteers in Susquehanna County; Commissioners Leon Allen and MaryAnn Warren; Area Agency on Aging Board of Director member Rick Ainey; as well as students from the Elk Lake High School who have been helping with daily operations in the Montrose and Lawton Senior Centers. Dinner was provided by the Area Agency on Aging. Entertainment was Bob Sea Live, who provides musical entertainment for all ages and is the American Pie Talent Search Entertainer of the Year. For more information on the senior centers in your community or any of the events listed above, contact the Area Agency on Aging at 800-982-4346 or visit www.aaaseniors.org. Dairy Promoters Needed The Susquehanna County Dairy Promotion Committee is looking for ambitious young ladies interested in becoming part of the Dairy Promotion Royalty here in our county. Girls becoming part of the Dairy Promotion Program show a tremendous amount of personal growth as a result of their dairy promotion experiences. During their time as promoters the girls learn to speak up for the dairy industry. While doing so, they gain not only speaking and leadership skills, but develop self confidence, poise and journalism and marketing skills. The Dairy Princess, Dairy Ambassadors and Dairy Maids all make public appearances promoting the dairy industry at festivals, parades, schools, churches, restaurants, sports events, club and association meetings and other gatherings. If you are interested or know someone that may be interested please call one of the following committee members by May 10: Evie Goff at 278-1212 or 278-1158; Cindy Tompkins at 278-4575; Mary Puzo at 278-4704; or Peggy Empet at 434-2582.
WILKES-BARRE, Pa. - Pennsylvania American Water announced that it has reduced the level of fluoride in the drinking water supplied to its Montrose system’s customers. The change is based on recommendations issued January 7, 2011, by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “After evaluating the latest research behind the agencies’ recommendations, we contacted the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to request permission to reduce the fluoride level, and DEP granted our request,” said Paul Zielinski, senior director of water quality and environmental compliance, Pennsylvania American Water. Zielinski said the target level for the Montrose system is now 0.7 milligrams of fluoride per liter (mg/L) of water, as recommended by HHS and EPA. Previously, the target level was set at 1.0 mg/L. Pennsylvania American Water serves more than 750 customers in Montrose. In January, federal officials issued new recommendations “based on recent EPA and HHS scientific assessments to balance the benefits of preventing tooth decay while limiting any unwanted health effects. These scientific assessments will also guide EPA in making a determination of whether to lower the maximum amount of fluoride allowed in drinking water, which is set to prevent adverse health effects.” Zielinski said, “Protecting the public health is a responsibility that we take seriously, so we took proactive steps and are advising customers of the change with printed inserts in their water bills.” He added that Pennsylvania American Water is neutral on the issue of fluoridation of drinking water supplies. The company’s position is to abide by the wishes of the communities it serves regarding whether fluoride is added to the water supply. If residents have additional questions about fluoride, the company recommends that they consult their dentist or physician.
Gill Chapter #12 Members Honored
Gill Chapter #12, Order of the Eastern Star, Hallstead, honored 50- and 25-year members at their meeting on April 8. Joan Snyder, Appointed Grand Chapter Committee Member of Golden Stars, presented all a prestigious lapel pin, flowers, and gift. Pictured (l-r) above: front - Joan Snyder, AGCCM; Golden Stars (50 years) Joan Walworth and Barbara Dorunda; back (25 years) - Kathy Whitney, Cordelia Herbert and Karen Crown.
Egg Hunt A Success At Old Mill Village Rain couldn’t dampen the Easter enthusiasm of an estimated 150 children, who showed up for the April 23 egg hunt at Old Mill Village. The event, in its fourth year, kicked off at 2:00 p.m. sharp as the varying age groups scrambled across the grounds of the area’s only living history museum, in search of over 3,000 eggs. These eggs were then traded in exchange for bags of candy and prizes. Before and after the event children were able to meet, and have pictures taken with, the Easter Bunny, who observed the festivities. True to the Village’s mission, the hunt kicked off to the sound of a period appropriate 18th century gun. A limited number of pumpkin seeds were made available to those interested, in preparation of a pumpkin growing contest. The pumpkins were to be returned in September, with the largest pumpkin winning.
Celebrate Older Americans Month TOWANDA, PA - Every May since 1963, people in towns and cities across the country have come together to celebrate the enormous contributions of older Americans. Older Americans Month is our chance to show our appreciation and support our seniors as they continue to enrich and strengthen our communities. The theme for this year’s celebration - Older Americans: Connecting the Community - pays homage to the many ways in which older adults bring inspiration and continuity to the fabric of our communities. Their shared histories, diverse experiences, and wealth of knowledge have made our culture, economy and local character what they are today. The theme also highlights the many ways technology is helping older Americans live longer, healthier and more engaged lives. In fact, older Americans are more active in community life than ever before, thanks in part to advances in health care, education, technology and financial stability over the last several decades that have greatly increased their vitality and standard of living. Older adults are out and about giving back and making a difference in their community. Our seniors are mentoring the leaders of tomorrow, taking to heart the need for intergenerational learning to guide and inspire young minds. They offer a take on times gone by not discussed in any history class - a unique perspective that sheds new light on contemporary issues. Older Americans step up to help one another as well. Across the country, seniors connect with other seniors by delivering meals, helping with home repair, assisting with shopping and offering companionship, counseling and care. Their efforts remind us that when older adults are active and engaged in their communities, everyone benefits. Help celebrate Older Americans Month! Join your neighbors not only to recognize what older citizens bring to our communities, but also to help them continue playing a vital role in weaving a unique and lasting community fabric. Contact the B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging to find out about volunteer opportunities with programs that provide services for seniors to improve health literacy, increase access to quality health services, deliver food and nutrition services, provide financial and housing counseling, sponsor social and civic activities and more. You will discover that when you help seniors thrive in your community, you gain far more than you give. For more information on services available through your local Area Agency on Aging office call 800-982-4346 or visit the agency’s website at www.aaaseniors.org.
SPCA To Transfer Montrose Shelter Philadelphia, Pa. - The Pennsylvania SPCA will transfer the Montrose animal shelter to a team of local residents, announced Pennsylvania SPCA CEO Susan Cosby. The shelter will be renamed True Friend's Animal Welfare Center and will be under the management of a new board of directors. Over the past two years, the Pennsylvania SPCA has stabilized the operations at the Montrose facility and increased animal adoptions. "The community has been tremendously supportive of the shelter, and we are grateful for that," said Cosby. "In order to optimize the operations, we believe now is a good time to turn over the shelter to a group that is locally based and better understands the needs of the community and could continue the positive trends. After several months of discussions, we believe that True Friends has the compassion and commitment needed to make this transition successful."
Pictured above, representatives from the Pennsylvania SPCA and the newly formed True Friends Animal Welfare Center gather to commemorate the transfer in ownership of the Montrose shelter: (from left) Anne Dean, True Friends board member; Susan Cosby, CEO of the Pennsylvania SPCA; Dory Browning, President of the Board of Directors for True Friends; Julia Fagan, True Friends board member; and Peter Quigg, President of the Community Foundation of Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties. Photo compliments of Lindsey Bonnice. "True Friend's objective is to build on the success the Pennsylvania SPCA has achieved and to expand operations by providing regular educational programs and other activities that increase community involvement,” said Dory Browning, President of the Board of Directors for True Friends. “Our organization hopes to involve surrounding communities to work together on our common goals. We are passionately driven to make True Friends a non-profit organization our area can be proud of.” The plan calls for the Pennsylvania SPCA, which owns the facility, to lease the building and grounds to the new organization for one dollar. It will also provide support and guidance to the newly formed management group to ensure a smooth transition. The Pennsylvania SPCA, headquartered in Philadelphia, has found that transitioning some of its distantly located shelters throughout the state to local management teams is a successful model for the long-term financial sustainability of the facility. "To continue the goal of providing high quality animal welfare in our area, we will need all-encompassing community support," said Browning. “As a non-profit start-up organization, True Friends is in immediate need of substantial financial donations.” True Friends has partnered with The Community Foundation of Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties to help manage its finances. Those wishing to support this initiative and ensure a safe facility for the animals, can send their tax-deductible donations directly to The Community Foundation at 270 Lake Avenue in Montrose, PA 18801. Donations will be used to support the immediate daily operating expenses including food, vaccinations, and shelter for the animals, and to establish a permanent endowment fund which will provide long-term annual support. For more information about this endowment, please contact The Community Foundation at 570-278-3800 or at Foundation@epix.net. Please visit True Friend's Animal Welfare Center at www.truefriends.savingpets.org. For more information about True Friends, please contact Dory Browning at 570-280-6726 or Julia Fagan at 570-280-6639 or E-mail at truefriendsanimalwelfare@gmail.com.
When a child experiences a traumatic event - domestic violence, natural disaster, accident or otherwise - emergency services workers across the continent are turning to a unique program as it marks its sixth year of helping children in need.
On April 13, the Women of the Moose, Chapter 2390 located in Susquehanna, donated 12 Tommy Moose to the Susquehanna Fire/Ambulance. It is the woman’s hope to comfort children in a traumatic situation. Pictured above are Carla Woodruff, Barbara Woodruff, Linda Bedford, Kelly Grausgruber, Kimberly Dubas, EMS Captain, Jeanine Collins and Theresa Felter, WOM President.
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