Do you or your family need information about countries around the world - for school, travel, or curiosity? Are you interested in recipes from other countries, cultural tips, maps or flags? How about holidays, currency or useful phrases? All that and more can be found in the newest Susquehanna County Library database, Global Road Warrior.

"The title doesn't capture the fantastic range of information available," says Administrator/Librarian Sue Stone. "We'd been interested in this database for a while, but finally they dropped the price to a very reasonable level." One hundred and seventy-five countries are featured in depth, with almost a hundred categories of information on each; over twelve thousand photos and maps help make the countries come alive. You can access this "ultimate guide to the world" over the Internet from anywhere at www.susqcolibrary.org by using your library card, or at any library location (Forest City, Hallstead/Great Bend, Montrose, or Forest City).

This year the students and teachers that participated in Earth, Ecology and the Environment (E3) at Salt Springs Park were 4th graders from Susquehanna and Wyoming counties. According to Environmental Education Coordinator Matt Purdy, “children have a fun outdoor experience while learning about the local ecology at Salt Springs. It’s really a healthy, positive experience that helps the teachers meet the learning objectives for environment and ecology while giving the students an important education.”

“This was awesome!” “I love it here! Can I come back?” “I never did this kind of stuff before!” “This is the best day ever!” These are some of the responses from fourth graders who attend the E3 program at Salt Springs Park.

Wildlife instructor Nancy Wottrich commented that “since its inception in 2003, more than 1,000 school children in Susquehanna County have completed the program and learned about the natural cycles that sustain our lives. They come away from the experience with a better understanding of ecology and the importance of protecting natural resources, as well as a new appreciation for the diversity of life in our own county.”

Charlotte Remakus, Watershed instructor, expresses her love of the program and its participants in this way - “the buses have arrived; I rush to see the bright, expectant faces of the young children. I am passionate in my resolve that these children shall not be the ‘last child in the woods’ (Richard Louv). At the end of the day, I am joyful to see soggy feet, little hands that have touched the earth and the critters, and the glorious demeanor of a child who has spent the day in the woods.”

According to Jay Harter, Aquatics instructor, “the kids are very excited about looking for critters (invertebrates) in Fall Brook. They literally ‘jump right in’ during the stream activities. They are pretty wet when they are done. But they seem to enjoy learning about aquatic insects and their adaptations to water and air.”

Sandy Babuka, Watershed instructor, says “children at the 4th grade level are ready to absorb knowledge about the environment around them. They are like little sponges. With positive models provided by school teachers, hands-on learning experiences with educators at the Park and support from their parents, these children will be ready to appreciate the natural world & to conserve its resources.”

“E3 is a comprehensive environmental education program designed for 4th grade students” says Education Committee chair Lillian Theophanis, “but it can be adapted to the needs of children and youth in other grades. It consists of 2 classroom programs and 1 all day field trip to Salt Springs State Park.” Pre-trip, post-trip and bridging activities encourage teachers to expand upon the E3 concepts. It is completed within one month and conducted to best fit into the classroom teachers’ plans.

The E3 program assists teachers in meeting most of the PA Department of Ed. Academic Standards for Ecology and Environment at the 4th grade level. At a time when school budgets are cut to the bare minimum, the E3 program fills a gaping hole. There are no other programs like this offered anywhere in Susquehanna County. It specifically addresses the state standards for our children’s environmental education at a modest fee. Several schools depend on this program to fill the bulk of their state mandated environmental learning requirements.

Teachers have repeatedly said “this program is important to our curricula - and the kids look forward to it.” The concepts of soil pollution prevention and water quality enhancement are taught withthe aid of an “Enviroscape,” a lifelike table model of a farm scene and a forest lot adjacent to a small town through which a stream flows.

Once the children see the model and interact with it, they discuss natural resource issues. They exchange ideas on ways to remediate and prevent pollution. They understand what a watershed is and that we all live in a watershed. They learn the causes and consequences of erosion, depletion of soil, improper management of non-renewable resources and pollution of our waters from man-made activities. They become more involved in natural resource issues at home and in the larger community.

As the environment is being assaulted from every angle, there has never been a more critical time to educate our youth about the natural systems that drive our planet and give us life. Understanding ecosystems, human interactions with these ecosystems, and the consequences of human decisions are the main components of this Salt Springs program. The fringe benefits, however, are realized when the desire is ignited in children to delve deeper into the world around them.

If just one child comes away from this experience with an increased awareness of the need to live in an environmentally responsible manner, then this program has been a success.

If you are interested in this program, visit www.friendsofsaltspringspark.org.

Harrisburg, PA - Police will be cracking down on DUI offenders statewide and nationwide - border to border - during this impaired driving mobilization which began on Friday, August 19 and will continue through Labor Day. More than 600 Pennsylvania police departments and Pennsylvania State Police will be participating in a series of special enforcement initiatives.

Last year, there were more than 169 alcohol-related crashes and 5 fatalities on the Labor Day holiday weekend alone.

Sobriety checkpoints, roving DUI patrols, underage drinking enforcement known as "Cops in Shops," and other enforcement activities organized as part of this program are funded with federal grant money provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and established on sections of roadway which have proven to be high incidence for impaired drivers both in terms of crashes and arrests.

"Cops in Shops" operations are conducted by plain clothes state troopers and municipal officers in Wine and Spirits Shoppes, beer distributors and retail purveyors of alcoholic beverages.

Sobriety checkpoints are announced in advance, but roving DUI patrols, "Cops in Shops" operations, and other related enforcement activities may or may not be announced in advance.

Pennsylvania's 92 specially trained drug recognition officers will be assisting in this mobilization to identify and arrest the drug impaired driver. Nationally, 60% of those arrested for DUI, often referred to as the $10,000 ride home, are poly drug users. Poly drug users consume alcoholic beverages and drugs - most commonly depressants, pain killers and marijuana. That is a deadly cocktail for drivers. Last year about 23% or 11,808 of the total DUI arrests in Pennsylvania were for DUI-Drugs - the penalty of which is equivalent to being convicted at the highest level of alcohol impairment.

These enforcement operations are part of a national DUI crackdown mobilization which is considered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to be one of the largest annual traffic safety campaigns each year.

During the crackdown, the state and municipal police are working with PennDOT and the Pennsylvania DUI Association to remind drivers that DUI convictions carry heavy penalties that include fines, jail time, and license suspension.

For more information visit www.stopimpaireddriving.org.

Pictured above (l-r) is the Oakland High School Class of 1932, graciously sent to us by Fran Mess Drakin: front - Helen Navolchick, Alice Zeller, Blanche Stacowitz, Doris Meyers, Arlene Finch; second row - Leona VanLoan, Dorothy Schwartz, Beth Bagley, Alto VanHorn; third row - Paul Smith, Jack Moore, James Cahill, Victor Dubanowitz, Donald Munson; back - William Mess, Gilbert McKinney, Edmund Scherosil, Kenneth Truhn, Perry Smith.

The family of Grace and Buster Schell recently presented to the Barnes-Kasson Hospital a beautiful hand painted reproduction of St. John of the Cross, by Salvatore Dali. The painting was blessed by Fr. David Cramer of St. John’s Catholic Church in Susquehanna and was placed in the chapel at Barnes-Kasson Hospital in memory of parents Grace and Buster Schell.

In donating the painting, the family expressed their appreciation for the wonderful care they felt that their family, especially their parents, received over the years by the staff of Barnes-Kasson Hospital, and that although the community may have a small hospital they are so grateful and fortunate that it is filled with such a caring, compassionate staff.

The Pennsylvania Association of Retired Employees met at Green Gables on July 12 for their annual chicken barbeque.

Special guests were State PARSE president, John Class; State Secretary, Shirley McCormick; and Northeast Vice President Tom O’Neil. They gave current updates on all PARSE programs. Secretary McCormick reported that due to the dissolution of Chapter 2-40 (Lycoming, Tioga and Clinton counties), their membership has been added to Chapter 2-10 (Bradford, Sullivan and Susquehanna counties). Chapter 2-10 is hopeful that the new members will attend their meetings.

A new member, Dianne Burman, from Susquehanna County, was welcomed by the attendees.

The next meeting will be held October 11, at the Towanda American Legion. All state retirees are invited to attend. To learn more about the PARSE organization and/or to make reservations, contact President Jesse Bacon at 570-265-9784 or Susquehanna County Vice President John Benio at 570-278-2380.

Jackson Pin Thimblers

At a recent meeting, President Nathan Wallace called the meeting to order. The pledge of allegiance was lead by Darren Wallace and the 4-H pledge was lead by Ben Prentice. 4-H projects, which were due at the Harford fair on Thursday, August 18, and perishables, which were due Sunday, August 21, were discussed. Ben Prentice did a demonstration on his cat project. Nathan Wallace did a demonstration on fishing. The meeting was adjourned and refreshments were enjoyed.

News Reporter: Darren Wallace

Sizzlin’ Steaks

The group members that attended our last Sizzlin' Steaks 4-H meeting were Olivia Zick, Alyssa Clarkson, David Bradshaw, Evan Clarkson, Corey and Kayla Kasa, and Holly Harvatine. Olivia did her demonstration on "How to Make Oreo Balls." She did a great job with a couple of mishaps that happened along the way. While the Oreo balls were cooling in the fridge Julie Harvatine hosted a scavenger hunt, boys vs. girls. The first team to get back to the house was able to eat snacks first. The girls won the scavenger hunt and the boys had to wait to get their sundae. A nice big ice cream sundae was the perfect ending to a perfect 4-H year.

Our next meeting was held at Salt Springs. The first thing we did at Salt Springs was go on a hike. Approximately 1 hour after the hike, we feed our hungry stomachs while we talked. We had regular picnic food with hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and macaroni and cheese. While the adults rested, some kids enjoined going to a nearby creek and catching crayfish. Right before we left the women went on a little hike of their own.

News Reporter: Alyssa Clarkson

The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF) is pleased to offer an exciting new book called the Pennsylvania State Parks and State Forests Passport - the development of which was funded by a grant from Chesapeake Energy. The Passport will be initially available for sale on the foundation’s website, www.paparksandforests.org, as well as through the mail.

This 135-page passport includes maps, a history of the state’s park and forest system, a brief description and most memorable feature of each state park and forest, and additional online resources. Participants can track their visits to public lands by initialing or stamping their booklet and, on the honor system, apprise PPFF of their progress. Modeled after the National Park System’s highly successful Passport, the Pennsylvania Passport not only guides people to state parks and forests, but it also breaks down interest areas and challenges users to complete each area to receive recognition for their accomplishment.

The goal of the Passport program is to promote healthy activity and awareness of the amazing state park and forest system. “This program offers something for everyone,” said Marci Mowery, PPFF President. “Whether you love trail hiking, paddling, driving tours, dramatic vistas, rock climbing, solitude, campgrounds, birding, or hand gliding - our state parks and forests have points of interest second to none.”

The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation is a non-profit that supports Pennsylvania’s 117 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forest by coordinating volunteers, activities, and donations to encourage recreation, healthier lifestyles, education, and natural/cultural resources. PPFF helps maximize the economic and environmental benefits from parks and forests. Founded in 1999, PPFF has 32 chapters. Learn more about PPFF at www.paparksandforests.org.

It’s the Spirit of Americans that makes us the greatest country with the most freedom and prosperity the world has ever known.

Human history is characterized by domination and subjugation. From virtually the beginning of mankind, tyrants, monarchs, dictators, and oppressors of all types have been the norm. What is different about Americans? What enables Americans to achieve more than any other people in history?

Before our founding, a country built on freedom had never existed. Americans’ spirit of liberty, combined with a can do attitude, has allowed us to attain more in several hundred years than other cultures have accomplished in thousands. The unprecedented success of America has inspired people around the world to fight for and establish their own independence.

The yearning to be free from oppression is our core. We recognize freedom as a fundamental, unalienable right. Even before our founding, people from other countries flocked here to escape the chains of bondage and repression. In America, we are free to succeed or fail. It’s an individual choice, not the dictate of any ruling class. We are free to take personal responsibility for our lives rather than expecting others to take care of us. It is this freedom to succeed and be the masters of our destiny that is the spirit of Americans.

Our Declaration of Independence affirms that we are all created equally and endowed by our creator with certain unalienable rights which include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Our government is designed to be empowered by us rather than to control us.

Americans define pioneer spirit. Just like the pilgrims, Americans risked everything seeking a better life and opportunity. Those families, who packed all of their belongings into wagons and headed into the American west, personified self-reliance. They carved homesteads, towns, and cities out of the wilderness. They built, created, and invented whatever they needed. They took no handouts and didn’t rely on anyone else to take care of them.

Without persistence, perseverance, and determination, America would never have survived. We have a yearning to succeed. We want a better world for ourselves and for others. The things we accomplish are not easy.

Americans persist in spite of fear. We venture into the unknown where the outcome isn’t guaranteed but dependent on courage. Brave Americans fight for and defend freedom around the globe. The entire world counts on the generosity of Americans. Americans are first on the scene helping others in need with their time, money, and supplies. Wherever disaster and misfortune strike, Americans are there to help.

Americans are known for their innovations. We are responsible for more discoveries and inventions than anyone else. Propelled by the freedom to be rewarded for our efforts, we create products and services in all areas of life that generate the highest standard of living in history. Americans are creative. We figure out how to do things that have never been done before. We don’t believe “it can’t be done.” People everywhere are living better lives because of the spirit of Americans.

Americans are driven. In America, anyone can achieve their dreams. We are free to accomplish anything we want. We don’t have to belong to any group or organization. In America, individual talent and effort is rewarded. We put in whatever energy is needed, for as long as it takes, to get where we want to be. American exceptionalism is rooted in an uncompromising work ethic, combined with the highest standards. Because there are no externally imposed limits on how much an individual can attain, Americans can start from anywhere and achieve anything.

Stand up, speak out, and do your part to care for and protect our great country. You are the spirit of America.

Bryan is the author of "Dare to Live Without Limits." He is a self-development expert, syndicated columnist, and professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com. © 2011 Bryan Golden

Hello from Turnpike Terrace. We are doing well up here.

June S. took me, Marian G. and Agnes R. to the Frog Pond in Bainbridge, NY. We came home with a lot of veggies, fruit, and I even got some cheese. We had a good time and even went to lunch. Later that evening three of us went to the newly remodeled Depot Restaurant on Main Street. We were really impressed with how nice it looked; good luck to them.

We are getting vegetables from the people that have a lot of extra. We appreciate all you leave for us.

We had our first fashion show. We had a good showing for it. Marsha Testa was a cowgirl. Flo Flyn wore a pretty red party dress. Marian Glover dressed in casual summer ware. Nancy Wayman was dressed in a pretty blue dress. Nora Bush dressed in a pretty black and white top with a black skirt. Ellen Kelley dressed as a blushing bride. Next came Agnes Ray in a pretty, flirty, casual dress with a short jacket. Alonna Haley came dressed in purple and red, and she looked pretty. Next came Donna Gillatt as a maid. I was the master of ceremony. It was a lot of fun and we may have another one in the winter. Thank you to all of our models.

We will be having an ice cream social in the future.

Mr. Cook and Roslyn Lee are in the hospital. We wish them well and hope they are home soon.

My girls are taking me to see Wynona Judd. I can’t wait to go.

Wishing you all the best, take care!

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - A series of web-based seminars aimed at helping local businesses prosper from natural-gas drilling and development will be offered this fall by Penn State Extension's Marcellus Educational Consortium.

"Your Business and Marcellus Shale: Moving Forward 2011" is a five-part program intended to help local businesses understand and take advantage of the opportunities arising from development of the Marcellus Shale.

"Participants will expand their knowledge of the opportunities that exist in the market and learn how to make connections and plan for doing business in this growing industry," said Jonathan Laughner, extension educator in Beaver County who is moderating the sessions, one of which will be held every other week. Each webinar will feature speakers who are experts in the field.

"Our webinar speakers will include natural-gas industry representatives, local business people successfully responding to opportunities, financial specialists and business-development representatives," Laughner said. "Anyone interested in learning more about this aspect of the industry is welcome to attend."

Each session will last approximately 75 minutes, from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Following is the webinar schedule: Sept. 13, "Local Business View: Experience in the Northeast;" Sept. 26, "Industry View: What Does Industry Look For?;" Oct. 11, "Local Business View: Experience in the Southwest;" Oct. 24, "The Process: How Do You Sell Into Industry?;" Nov. 8, "The Work Plan: Financial and Planning Suggestions."

This webinar series is for educational purposes only, Laughner cautioned. No part of the presentations is to be considered legal advice. "Please consult with your attorney before signing any legal document," he said. "Where trade and/or company names appear, no discrimination is intended, and no endorsement by Penn State Cooperative Extension is implied."

The website for the webinars is https://meeting.psu.edu/marcellusbiz. Webinar access requires a free Friends of Penn State account, which can be obtained at https://fps.psu.edu.

For more information, contact Carol Loveland, Penn State Extension energy development and special projects coordinator, at (570) 433-3040 or by e-mail at cal24@psu.edu.