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HEADLINES: Residents Should Check Unclaimed Property HARRISBURG - Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) is encouraging area residents to check the Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s Bureau of Unclaimed Property for any financial asset that has been left inactive for a period of about five years. According to the Pennsylvania Treasury Department, millions of dollars in unclaimed property comes into the bureau each year. The most common types of unclaimed property are dormant bank accounts, stocks and dividends, uncashed payroll checks, uncollected utility deposits, unredeemed gift certificates and items in safe deposit boxes. In an effort to return the property to those who rightfully own it, an online database was created in 2000 to make information more easily accessible. The Treasury is only required to advertise the names of people, businesses, or organizations owed property valued in excess of $250. Treasury Department officials are also cautioning individuals to be wary of services or “finders” who charge fees to help locate unclaimed property. Finders often charge the maximum amount allowed by law, up to 15 percent of the property’s value, for making use of the same online databases that individuals can use free of charge. For additional information on unclaimed property, visit RepPickett.com or call the Bureau of Unclaimed Property toll-free at 1-800-222-2046.
Literacy Program Needs Your Help Since its start in 1982, the Susquehanna County Literacy Program (SCLP) has been financed largely by state grants. These have waxed and waned over the years, but this year, given the state of the economy, the inevitable happened: SCLP was recently informed that no state funding is coming this fiscal year. Furthermore, no literacy programs in all of Northeastern Pennsylvania are being state funded this year. SCLP’s mission - to provide life skills, education, and promote life-long learning to residents of the county - is even more important today, in our high-tech economy, than it was in 1982. It is estimated that 13% of the population of Susquehanna County lacks basic reading skills. The Susquehanna County Literacy Program needs your help to reach and teach this invisible population. The board has decided to accept the challenge and move SCLP forward without government funding, however, your financial help is needed (contributions are income tax deductible) in whatever amount your budget allows. Please make your check out to SCLP and send to PO Box 277, Montrose, PA 18801. Volunteer tutors are also needed for one-on-one instruction. If you have a sincere desire to help someone, we would like to hear from you. Training will be provided. Please call 570-465-2880 or e-mail sclp@epix.net for more information.
AAA Reminds Public To Beware Of Scams TOWANDA, PA - The Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Tioga (B/S/S/T) County Area Agency on Aging would like to warn the public of a series of scams that have been reported to be occurring in our area. In the first scam, an individual received a telephone call from someone claiming to be his granddaughter. The caller stated that they had been involved in a motor vehicle accident while vacationing and was currently waiting for money from the insurance company but needed money sent to her in the meantime. The person receiving the call realized that the person calling him didn’t sound like his granddaughter and started asking questions. Upon being questioned, the caller hung up. A second scam that has been circulating in our area involves a group of young individuals going door-to-door attempting to sell magazines. The salespeople knock on random doors, present their sales pitch and then become very intimidating and refuse to leave until something is purchased. The Area Agency on Aging would like to take this opportunity to remind the public that to avoid becoming a victim of a scam, you should: Be aware. You need to know what scams the criminals are using to steal your money, time, identity or resources. Be suspicious of all unknown callers. You should be just as suspicious of phone calls as you are of e-mails asking for personal info. Ask a lot of questions, especially when the contact is unsolicited. If someone is trying to sell you something and asking for your personal information (Social Security Number, bank account info, etc.), ask them to identify who they work for and then check to see if they are legitimate. Call them back. If someone is trying to sell you something over the phone, tell them you will call them back. Then verify that the company and person are legitimate. If the person claims to be calling from your credit card company or bank, use the number on the back of your card or on your statement to call back. Never provide credit card information or other private information to anyone, especially when contact is unsolicited. If you are contacted by someone who seems suspicious and you think it may be a scam, please report the incident to the Area Agency on Aging at 800-982-4346, your local police department or the Federal Trade Commission by calling 888-382-1222. For more information on the Area Agency on Aging visit www.bsstaaa.org or call 800-982-4346.
Reduce Exposure To Asthma Triggers PHILADELPHIA - Summer heat is here, and that means it is more important than ever for people with asthma or other respiratory ailments to pay close attention to the air quality where they live. Like the weather, air quality can change from day to day or even hour to hour. During the summer when ozone levels rise, the number of people with asthma related symptoms admitted to hospitals and emergency rooms increases. Asthma rates - especially among children - have increased dramatically. Asthma affects 25 million people in the United States, including seven million children. That’s 8 percent of the population. One out of every 10 school aged children is affected. “While we have made great strides in improving air quality, we still need to do more,” said EPA mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “By further improving air quality, we can help to control asthma and provide a more active lifestyle for children, a vulnerable population.” In addition to talking with your health care provider, these steps can help prevent an asthma episode: Play it safe. Ground-level ozone and particle pollution can exacerbate an asthma episode. Look for the Air Quality Index (AQI) during the local weather report or go to EPA’s website http://www.airnow.gov/. The Air Quality Index uses a color-coded system to display whether the five major air pollutants exceed air quality standards for the day. When the Air Quality Index reports unhealthy levels, people, particularly asthmatics and others with respiratory ailments, should limit strenuous outdoor activities. Don’t smoke in the home. Take it outside. One of the most common asthma triggers in the home is second-hand smoke. Take the EPA “smoke-free home” pledge: http://www.epa.gov/smokefree. Break the mold. Mold is another asthma trigger. The key to controlling mold is controlling moisture. Wash and dry hard surfaces to prevent and remove mold. Remove, and if possible replace, moldy ceiling tiles and carpet. For more see EPA’s website: http://www.epa.gov/asthma/molds.html. EPA encourages community-based organizations to join the on-line Community in Action for Asthma-Friendly Environments Network at www.asthmacommunitynetwork.org. The network provides community-based organizations with information, webinars, resources, and strategies to accelerate improvements in asthma care.
Cow Appreciation Day At Choconut Valley Recently I visited with nearly 90 kids at Choconut Valley School’s Summer Camp celebrating “Cow Appreciation Day.” I talked to the kids about dairy farmers and their cows. I asked the kids how many different dairy products they could name and reminded them they need to have 3 servings of dairy every day of milk, cheese or yogurt.
Pictured above, Susquehanna County Dairy Ambassador Mariah Tompkins is joined by camp participants celebrating “Cow Appreciation Day” at Choconut Valley’s Summer Camp. Our dairy promotion committee asked Bill Goff of Goff Farms, just outside of Montrose, to bring a calf for the kids to get acquainted with. Some of the kids had never been this close to a calf and were very excited to pet the calf. The kids were full of questions. The kids each received “Got Milk” bracelets. We concluded our visit with treating the kids to ice cream sandwiches. Ice cream is always a big hit on a hot summer day. So go ahead and treat yourself to your favorite ice cream product!
Dental Association Stresses Benefits Of Fluoridation Harrisburg, PA - Tooth decay remains a health care problem that touches people of all ages. Many communities could benefit greatly and reduce tooth decay significantly by implementing nature’s cavity fighter, fluoride. The past 65 years of scientific studies prove that fluoridation of community water supplies is safe, strengthens teeth and helps prevent cavities by making tooth enamel harder and more resistant to acids. It is effective in reducing tooth decay by 20 to 40 percent, even with the high availability of fluoride from other sources, such as fluoride toothpaste. Dr. Linda Himmelberger, a general dentist and Pennsylvania Dental Association former president from Devon, says fluoride fights cavities in several ways. “In developing teeth, the fluoride becomes part of the enamel and actually causes it to become denser and stronger so it is more resistant to the acids that are produced by the bacteria that cause decay,” Dr. Himmelberger said. “Once the teeth are fully formed and present in the mouth, fluoride can be taken in by exposed root surfaces, strengthening them, making them more resistant to decay and can even reverse decay that is forming.” Dr. Himmelberger stresses that more than 1,000 studies have been done on the safety and benefits of community water fluoridation. “These studies by scientists, nationally and internationally, have demonstrated that fluoride at the recommended levels is both safe and effective for reducing decay and tooth loss,” she said. The first step to ensuring all Pennsylvanians have preventive dental care is to fluoridate our public water systems. Adding fluoride to the drinking water ensures that everyone, regardless of age or income, receives valuable health benefits. Currently, only 54 percent of Pennsylvanians are receiving optimally fluoridated water, with rural communities missing the benefits the most. People who live in these areas are in need of basic oral health care. Fifty-one percent of rural children receive regular dental services, compared to 61 percent of urban children. Community water fluoridation is needed to help improve the oral health and lives of all residents who live in rural Pennsylvania. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention proclaimed community water fluoridation as one of the most important public health achievements of the 20th century. It is one public health program that actually saves money. The average cost for optimally fluoridating a public water supply is approximately 51 cents per person a year. For every dollar invested in fluoridation, a person saves more than $80 in dental treatment costs. Fluoridation also would save money in the state Medicaid budget and reduce the amount of school hours lost per year due to dental-related illness. Fluoride occurs naturally in all water sources, such as rivers, lakes and oceans. It is nature’s way to fight cavities. Optimally fluoridating a community water supply simply raises the natural concentrations of fluoride ions to a range established by the United States Department of Health and Human Services Agency (HHS). Adding fluoride to water is similar to adding Vitamin D to milk and iodine to salt. HHS recently announced a proposal recommending that water systems practicing fluoridation adjust their fluoride content to 0.7 ppm (parts per million), as opposed to the previous temperature-dependent optimal levels ranging from 0.7 ppm to 1.2 ppm. The original range was based on the concept that people in cooler climates typically drink less water per day than people in warmer climates. Therefore, in coolers areas, a higher fluoride level is required to provide the same dental health benefits. However, research has shown that air temperature does not affect the amount of water people drink. This adjustment will still provide an effective level of fluoride to reduce tooth decay while minimizing the rate of fluorosis in the general population, especially children.
June Lottery Records Following are the June 2011 Pennsylvania Lottery Winners for Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming Counties. State records show $303,003.00 was paid out in winnings. Dennis H. Canfield of Jackson took home the most - $250,000 - from the Instant Game of “Diamonds and 7S.” Carl Bootz of Lake Ariel scored $10,003 from “Powerball.” Patricia A. Geelhoed of Lake Ariel snagged $7,500 from Instant Game “Monopoly.” Listed below are the notable winners of $1,000 or more from the Pennsylvania Lottery website. Susquehanna County Kenneth B. Way, Montrose, $1,000 from “$100 Million Cash Extravaganza.” Patty Welch, Starrucca, $1,000 from “$100 Million Cash Extravaganza.” Francis M. Lamenia, Jackson, $1,000 from “Diamonds And 7S.” Michele A. Hitchcock, Hop Bottom, $1,000 from “Million Dollar Cash Fever.” Chris Gennarelli, New Milford, $1,000 from “Million Dollar Mega Multiplier.” Mary Farley, Forest City, $1,000 from “Money Money Money.” John H. Stanton, Montrose, $1,000 from “Money Money Money.” Ada D. Warner, Montrose, $1,000 from “Money Money Money.” Barbara B. Ackley, Susquehanna, $1,000 from “Platinum Crossword.” Castro Castillo, Brooklyn, $1,000 from “Pure Gold.” Wayne County Joan L. Spence, Hawley, $2,500 from “Daily Big 4.” Thomas J. Osborne, $2,500 from “Daily Big 4.” Danny Stoyer, Hawley, $2,500 from “Evening Big 4.” Susan A. Edwards, Hawley, $1,000 from “$10,000 A Month For Life.” Christopher J. Brodhead, Hawley, $1,000 from “$10,000 A Month For Life.” Deanna S. Lockner, East Berlin, $1,000 from “$100 Million Cash Extravaganza.” Antoinette M. Bock, Waymart, $1,000 from “ 20X The Money.” Richard Georgs, Beach Lake, $1,000 from “3RD Edition Goldbar Cro$$word.” Betty Carpency, Hawley, $1,000 from “3RD Edition Goldbar Cro$$word.” Gerladine H. Fuggetta, Hawley, $1,000 from “3RD Edition Goldbar Cro$$word.” Angel Mongovan, Honesdale, $1,000 from “All That Glitters.” Joyce Guerrieri, Starlight, $1,000 from “All That Glitters.” Charles Megivern, Pleasant Mt., $1,000 from “Diamonds And 7S.” Michael R. Markis, Hawley, $1,000 from “Hot $100,000.” Deanna S. Lockner, East Berlin, $1,000 from “Pure Gold.” Jesse K. Chicoski, Hawley, $1,000 from “Pure Gold.” Steven J. Kent, Hawley, $1,000 from “Pure Gold.” Jeffrey A. Hertzog, Lake Ariel, $1,000 from “Pure Gold.” Wyoming County Thomas Terry, Mehoopany, $1,000 from “20X The Money.” Ken A. Yerkes, Nicholson, $1,000 from “Diamonds And 7S.” Barbara Forster, Mehoopany, $1,000 from “Electric 8S.” For the fiscal year 2009-2010, The Pennsylvania Lottery paid $260,000 out to Susquehanna County for the Shared & Free Ride Program (Dept of Transportation), $411,000 to Wayne County and $207,000 to Wyoming County.
Jim Houghton Amusements Return To Harford Fair In an attempt to provide the best of everything for fairgoers, last year Harford Fair contracted with a different amusement company. After much research and meetings, Jim Houghton Enterprises, Inc. from the York area was selected. Their rides were well maintained and clean; their staff was friendly and concerned; and their prices were competitive. Input from fairgoers indicated that they were very pleased with the service that the company provided. As a result, Harford Fair is bringing them back and they have added some additional services. Houghton’s will provide a greater variety of foods and they have added 4 new rides. They will include a 65 foot Gondola Ferris Wheel, a new super slide, a new Hillbilly Train Express and the Dog Pound. Wristbands for unlimited rides for a day, and weekly mega passes will be available. Another special which the company is providing is a $2.00 discount off the purchase price of a ride wrist band. The coupon can be printed directly from their website, www.jimhoughtonenterprises.com. Coupons are limited to one per purchase, but families with more than one child can print and use a coupon for each child. Harford Fair is pleased to include Houghton Amusements in their fair and as a part of the midway entertainment for children as well as adults at the 2011 Harford Fair, August 22-27.
Tips To Save More And Spend Less (StatePoint) Hate tracking your finances? You’re not alone. Only 40 percent of Americans use monthly budgets and less than half have ever ordered a copy of their credit report, according to a study by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. “Turning a blind eye when it comes to your finances is not only costly, but dangerous,” says Aaron Patzer, vice president and general manager of Intuit Personal Finance Group. “Luckily, there are easy tools and techniques that can help you track your money.” Here are some money tips to help you save more and spend less. To Budget Or Not Budget Budgeting is to personal finance what dieting is to health - a dreaded word that’s often misunderstood. But just like food gives you fuel to live well, so does your money support your life by helping you meet your needs and live your dreams. If you are budget-a-phobic, consider creating a spending plan, which can be a little more flexible than a stuffy budget. Spending plans allow you to consider how this month’s earnings can support your needs and wants. Manage On The Go The key to budgets and spending plans is to know your numbers in real time. By tracking your daily spending, you become more conscious of your spending habits. You can make number tracking fun by using tools you enjoy that work with your life. For example, Mint.com now offers iPhone and Android phone apps that let users get a snapshot of their finances and manage their money anytime, anywhere. Consumers can also receive alerts for suspicious activities or overdrafts right on their smartphones. Automate Savings Whether you’re an online banking fanatic or someone who likes to balance electronic statements with paper checks, most experts advise automating your savings. It’s also helpful if you have a savings goal - whether it’s for new car, vacation or emergency fund. Most experts recommend stashing away 15 to 20 percent of your income into a high-yield savings account. And online banks often offer better rates than bricks-and-mortar locations. By having your savings account automatically withdraw the funds, even if it’s only $50 a month, you’re more likely to stick to your savings goals. 30-Day Wait Smart shoppers know the wisdom of delayed gratification. By committing to a 30-day wait before getting something you want but don’t need, you create a buffer where you can reconsider and be swayed by reason, not advertising. For more tips on budgeting, saving and tracking your money on the go, visit www.mint.com. Then get started on hand-picking the tools and techniques that let your money work for you.
Sunshine Chapter #258 Installs New Officers The members of Sunshine Chapter #258, Order of the Eastern Star, Thompson, Pennsylvania installed new officers for 2011-12 - Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron Elaine and George Kaiser.
Pictured (l-r) above: seated - Eva Wood, WM Elaine Kaiser, WP George Kaiser, Cheryl Rupakus; standing - Linda Dimino, Carol Rockwell, Carolyn Bartczak, Melissa Stanton, Judith Burdick, Helen Amirault, Jane Tomkins, Evelyn Gerchman, Ellen Holdredge, Joan Benson, Judy Collins, Teresa Marino, Daniel Rupakus, Karen Worden, Janet Hartt. The officers will dedicate their talent conducting OES monthly meetings on the third Monday held at the Thompson Freedom Hall Building, Route 171, 7:30 p.m. The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world in which both men and women may belong. OES maintains four villages for its senior members, awards several educational scholarships, gives training awards for religious leadership, supports young people who are members of International Order for Rainbow for Girls, Job's Daughters, the Order of Demo lay, and much more. Through our labors of love, they reach out to promote charity, truth, and loving kindness to others and ourselves. Members agree Eastern Star meetings are lot of fun. To become a member, applicants must be 18 years of age, known by a present member for at least three months, and have ancestral or relative connection with Master Masons. Ask questions and obtain additional information by contacting kaisermtn2@msn.com.
TOWANDA, PA - The summer months have arrived! As nice as that seems after the long, cold winter, the Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Tioga (B/S/S/T) county Area Agency on Aging reminds you that while summer is a great time to get outside there are also risks, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, that come along with the season. Summer draws people, including seniors, outdoors to enjoy the sunshine and outdoor activities with family and friends. Senior citizens are more susceptible to heat exhaustion or heat stroke due to the diminished ability to perspire since the function of perspiration is to provide evaporation which provides cooling. Sun exposure can lead to heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke and heat exhaustion - especially among the senior populations who are particularly prone to heat strokes. Early symptoms of heat stroke are often so mild they are easy to ignore. And, in a recent government study, an estimated 3,400 people die of heat stroke in the United States. Many of them are older adults. Heat exhaustion is the stage in which the body puts out signals of getting overheated. Unfortunately, many people ignore these signals. Examples of signs of heat exhaustion include dry mouth or thirst, feeling nauseous or sometime vomiting, muscle cramps, sweating, headache and fatigue or dizziness. A heat stroke is much more serious. Symptoms may include deep breathing and a fast pulse, hot, red skin by not sweating, confusion and perhaps hallucinations, and convulsions. When a heat stroke is suspected, the following steps should be taken: get the person into the shade or air conditioning; call 911; dampen some towels or sheets and cover the person - fanning them may also help; have them drink some cool (not too cold) water if they are able, if they are unable, do not force it. Certain medications can make people more susceptible to heat stroke. Among them are certain blood pressure drugs and diuretics often used by people with kidney problems or diabetes. Since older adults are more likely to be taking at least one, and often multiple, medicines, they should ask their doctor or a pharmacist if any drugs they are taking could make them more vulnerable and, if so, what steps they should take during the summer. Preparing your home for the extreme heat is also important. Install window air conditioners if you have them. Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent. You should also pay attention to weather forecasts on the television and radio. These reports will describe hot and potentially dangerous weather in terms like “heat watch,” “heat warning” or “heat wave.” When forecasts such as these are broadcast, be practical by limiting outdoor or strenuous activity to the early morning or evening hours and remember to carry a water bottle when traveling or exercising. During a heat emergency, stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun. Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air condition is not available. Should you need to go outside, wear light weight and loose fitting clothing and stay out of the sun as much as possible. Check on family, friends and neighbors, especially those that are elderly, who do not have air conditioning and spend the majority of their time alone. You should also make sure that any family pets have access to shaded and well-ventilated areas with sufficient amounts of water. The Area Agency on Aging has 20 senior centers located throughout the four-county area that provide an air conditioned place for those over the age of 60 and their spouses of any age to go to get out of the heat. For information on finding the senior center closed to you, please contact the Agency at 800-982-4346. For more information on the Area Agency on Aging, visit www.aaaseniors.org or call 800-982-4346.
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