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HEADLINES: Fire Safety Important As Grilling Season Nears Quincy, Mass. - The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is reminding the public to use safe grilling practices as the peak months for grilling fires approach - June and July. Gas grills constitute a higher risk, having been involved in an annual average of 6,200 home fires in 2004-2008, while charcoal or other solid-fueled grills were involved in an annual average of 1,300 home fires. “Summer barbecues can be a great time, but nobody wants to see a fun backyard event spoiled by fire,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of communications for NFPA. “There are many simple measures you can take to prevent damage to property, injury, and death related to grilling fires.” In 2009, roughly 17,700 patients went to emergency rooms because of injuries incurred by grill usage. Of about 9,400 thermal burns, children under five made up about one-quarter. These mostly occurred when children touched or bumped the grill. For gas grill injuries, about a third were burns that stemmed from lighting the grill, while gasoline or lighter fluid was a factor in about a quarter of charcoal or wood burning grill burns. NFPA offers the following grilling safety tips: Only use propane and charcoal grills outside of the home - never use them indoors. Make sure the grill is positioned well away from the home and/or deck railings, and that it is not underneath any eaves or overhanging branches. It should also be far from any lawn games, play areas, or foot traffic. Establish a child- and pet-free zone around the grill of at least three feet. Use grilling tools that have long handles, which will allow more clearance from the flames. Remember to clean fat and grease off the grill and from trays underneath it regularly in order to reduce the risk of it igniting. Never leave the grill unattended. Gas Grills Before using the grill for the first time each year, check the gas tank hose for leaks. To do this, apply a light soap and water solution to the hose and turn the tank on. If the hose releases bubbles, this indicates a propane leak. If you find a leak, turn the gas tank off. If the leak stops, bring your grill to a professional to be serviced before further use. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department. Only use equipment bearing the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Use the manufacturer’s instructions regarding assembly, use, and proper care of the grill. If you smell gas while using the grill, get away from the grill immediately and call the fire department. Do not store propane tanks indoors in houses or garages. If storing your grill indoors during the winter months, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside. Charcoal Grills If using a “charcoal chimney” to light charcoal for grilling, use a long match to avoid burning your fingers while lighting the paper. Never add starter fluid to coals or kindling that have already been ignited - and use only charcoal starter fluid. Never use gasoline or any other flammable liquid. Keep charcoal fluid away from heat sources and out of reach of children. When finished grilling, wait for the coals to cool completely and then dispose of them in a metal container. For more safety tips, videos, facts and figures, and audio clips, please visit http://www.nfpa.org/grilling.
Grant Seminar Offers Helpful Information WYSOX - First responders from all three counties in the 110th District participated in a funding seminar held by State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann on May 26 at the Wysox Firehall, said Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna). “I am pleased so many first responders attended this event with Commissioner Mann,” Pickett said. “In his travels across the state to present these seminars, he has offered lots of valuable information and tips in helping fire companies and EMS agencies successfully complete applications for all types of government funding.” In total, more than 25 first responders representing 14 companies attended the seminar. During the presentation, Mann discussed a variety of state and federal grant and loan programs, state cost-saving programs, and best practices related to using resources that may be available to local organizations. “I’d like to thank the Wysox Volunteer Fire Department for hosting this seminar, as well as all of our local fire and EMS companies for their contributions to our communities,” Pickett said. “These volunteers spend a great deal of time fundraising, training and responding to local emergencies, and I am hopeful this seminar gave them tips to help keep their companies operational for years to come.” More information about the Office of State Fire Commissioner is available at www.osfc.state.pa.us.
Greeting From The County Dairy Princess Hello, my name is Allison Kiefer. In the fall I will be a 12th grade student at the Montrose Area High School, and also the Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center studying in the Food Management Program. At Montrose I am a wrestling cheerleader. I have shown dairy animals for 4-H for 8 years with the D.E.S 4-H club and I also shoot shotgun with the Arrows & Clays 4-H club. I am the daughter of Ron and LouAnn Kiefer. My Dad is a self employed dump truck driver and my Mom works for Penn State Cooperative Extension and also for Peoples Neighborhood Bank in Hallstead. I have one brother named Kenny, currently a student at Luzerne County Community College studying to become a paramedic.
On Friday May 27th I was honored to be crowned the 2011/2012 Susquehanna County Dairy Princess. I am very excited to start promoting dairy across Susquehanna County with the other girls on my court. On my court this year are three Ambassadors, Callie Curley, Mariah Tompkins, and Mercedes Spickerman, and one Dairy Maid, Emory Bewley. I have a lot of promotions planned this year with my girls such as serving ice cream sundaes on the court house steps and visiting local ice cream dairy bars in July to celebrate “July is Ice Cream Month.” In August we will be at the Harford Fair promoting dairy all around the fair, presenting awards at the 4-H dairy shows and hope to be close up at the Rodeo passing milk out to the riders. During the next year you’ll see me all over the county promoting dairy products and the dairy farmer. I’ll be telling everyone about the 9 essential nutrients in milk that build strong bones and nourish your body. I’ll be telling folks that the dairy case has something in it for everyone. I want everyone to know about the dairy farmer and how a cow’s health is of the utmost importance to the farmer because proper animal care leads to the production of high-quality milk. Did you know of the 56,000 dairy farms in America today 98 percent of them are family owned and operated? So, as you see me out and about around the county this year, stop by and say hello, I would love to talk to you. And don’t forget to get your 3 Every Day of Dairy today and everyday!
Harford Fair Scholarship Applications Available All college students in Susquehanna County who have worked at the Harford Fair, exhibited at the fair, volunteered at the fair, or attended a 4H event at the fair, are eligible to apply for a Harford Fair Scholarship. The application and guidelines are available on the website, HarfordFair.com, or can be picked up in the secretary’s office on the fairgrounds. The applications are due August 31 and the scholarships will be awarded at the Harford Fair Banquet in October. Where does the money come from for the scholarships? The primary funding source is the money raised at the auction of the prize-winning pies, cakes, and other baked goods. Also, donations are accepted and encouraged for the scholarship fund by anyone who would like to support Susquehanna County youth in their college endeavors. On Monday, August 22, at 4:30 p.m. outside Vegetable Hall on the fairgrounds you can bid on wonderful homemade baked goods, support the scholarship program, and enjoy the atmosphere of an old-fashioned country fair. Prior to 2001, no one ever got to eat any of those delicious homemade baked goods because they were judged and then left on display throughout fair week. Comments were made year after year voicing the concern of what a wasteful thing that was to do. So ten years ago the auction was initiated and has grown year after year. The funds have been used to support families whose children have had unfortunate accidents and now college-aged youth. So plan to be at the fair and take home a delicious pie or cake to support the Harford Fair Scholarship at the same time. For more information, call the fair office at 434-4300.
Engagement Announced Ackley - Martin Laura Mae Ackley and Daniel Joseph Martin are proud to announce their engagement. Laura is the daughter of Kathy and Thomas Ackley, Hallstead, and Daniel is the son of Sandi and Paul Raub, New Milford.
Laura and Daniel Laura graduated from Susquehanna Community High School, is a graduate of Ithaca College, and is also a long time musician in the Susquehanna County area. Daniel graduated from Blue Ridge High School and joined the United States Marine Corps, serving two tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is a graduate of Lackawanna College. Their wedding is planned for September 10, 2011 in Uniondale.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day TOWANDA, PA - The Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Tioga (B/S/S/T) County Area Agency on Aging will be observing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Wednesday, June 15. According to the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, there are many seniors in our communities who suffer every day as a result of financial exploitation, neglect and physical or emotional abuse. There are many different types of abuse that are invested by older adult protective services. These include physical, psychological, financial and sexual abuse. Caregiver and self-neglect are also investigated. However, an older adult who does not consent to the terms of protective services will not be found to be neglected solely on the grounds of environmental factors beyond the contact of the older adult or the caretaker such as inadequate housing, furnishings, income clothing or medical care. Signs and symptoms of abuse may include physical signs including bruising, fractures/sprains, disorientation, changes in sleep patterns, depression, bedsores, malnutrition, dehydration and poor hygiene. Signs of abuse that are not of the physical nature may include missing assets, sudden changes in lifestyle, unusual bank activity, non-payment of bills and changes in legal documents that the elderly person did not understand at the time of signing. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEADD) is held annually on June 15. WEAAD involves activities to bring greater recognition of mistreatment of older adults wherever they live throughout the world, and to highlight the need for appropriate action. It is intended to give abuse and neglect of older adults a global relevance that will sustain and move prevention efforts forward throughout the years to come. If you suspect that someone is a victim of elder abuse, please report your suspicions. This can be done anonymously. Reports can be made by calling the Area Agency on Aging at 800-982-4346. This number provides 24-hour coverage. Calls can also be made to the State Older Adult Abuse Reporting Line at 800-490-8505. For more information on the Area Agency on Aging visit www.aaaseniors.org or call 800-982-4346.
Choosing The Right Father's Day Gift (StatePoint) Tired of sorting through boring ties when looking for a Father's Day gift? Why not get something truly unique for that special man in your life this year. Even though it can be hard to shop for men, a little forethought and creative thinking can lead you to the right gift for the dad you're shopping for. Is he a tech junkie? Or perhaps more of an outdoorsman? By considering his interests, it will be easier to make smart buying decisions. It's all about matching the right gift to the right dad. Techie Dads: If your dad is always the first to try out new gadgets, he falls into this category. Luckily, he shouldn't be hard to shop for. If he doesn't already have an iPad, your search is over. Or consider a gaming system if he's young at heart. If your budget is lower, try a subscription to Lynda.com, where he can learn virtually any software program he wants to for $25 a month. Outdoorsy Dads: You don't have to go big to satisfy the outdoorsman in your life. Some simple accessories for existing equipment can make his life a lot easier. For example, people who occasionally use a chainsaw to trim trees or hedges often have trouble sharpening the blade when it dulls. But a chainsaw sharpening system like Powersharp from Oregon brand outdoor products, sharpens chain on the saw, on the job, in seconds - showing him just how much you care. Chef Dads: If he can't be pried from the kitchen, he's definitely a chef dad. If you have a large budget, consider a new grill, complete with add-ons like a smoker or rotisserie. If you've got less to spend, try a new espresso machine or countertop portable grill. Or even a great cookbook with health-conscious recipes may be appreciated for the foodie trying to eat healthy. New Dads: A digital camera or camcorder will help the new father capture precious first moments. Remember to purchase a memory card with capacity to save all those new memories. You can also go practical with bassinets, strollers or car seats. Or save him the embarrassment of toting girly pink or yellow diaper bags. Baby stores now stock plenty of navy, green, and black bags. Diaper bags come in different styles, too - look for diaper backpacks, fanny packs, and sporty duffle bags. Remember, it's the thought - not the price tag - that counts. Spend more time thinking than shopping, and you'll be sure to get him a gift he loves!
Hunting/Furtaker Licenses On Sale Susquehanna County Treasurer, Cathy Benedict, announced beginning Monday, June 13, Pennsylvania hunting and furtaker licenses for the 2011-12 seasons went on sale in the county treasurer's office. Fees are the same as last year. Licenses are printed on a yellow strip that can be folded into a 2.5-inch by 3.5-inch, tear-resistant document and placed into a license holder. An antlerless license application is printed with every general license purchased. An application is also available on page 47 in the 2011-12 Hunting and Trapping Digest. Resident Applications may be received for the regular round of antlerless deer licenses beginning July 11. Nonresidents may apply beginning July 25. The first round of unsold antlerless licenses will begin for all hunters on Aug. 1; second round will begin on Aug. 15. County treasurers may issue an antlerless deer license for any WMU, so long as the WMU's allocation isn’t sold out. Except for Wildlife Management Units (WMU) 2B, 5C and 5D, hunters only may apply for one license during each application period. Hunters applying for antlerless licenses in WMU 2B, 5C and 5D may apply for an unlimited number of antlerless deer licenses beginning on Aug. 1, however, the limit of three per envelope remains in effect. Susquehanna County is WMU 3C. If you have any questions you may contact the Susquehanna County Treasurer’s office at 570-278-4600 x 130 or 132; visit www.susqco.com; or e-mail susqcotreas@hotmail.com.
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