For the ninth consecutive year Peoples Neighborhood Bank has made a generous contribution to the Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit Program administered by The Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains, formerly known as The Community Foundation of Susquehanna & Wyoming Counties. For the 2011-2012 academic year the bank has contributed $100,000 which will be used to provide tuition assistance to students from low and moderate income families who attend pre-school and tuition based K-12 schools and programs in northeastern Pennsylvania. Approximately 235 students will receive tuition assistance this year to attend pre-schools, tuition-based private schools, career and technology programs, elementary science programs, and college dual-enrollment programs. Furthermore, $50,000 of this total donation is intended for Curriculum Enhancement projects in the local school districts.

Pictured (l-r) above are Alan Dakey, President Peoples Neighborhood Bank and Peter Quigg, President Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains.

The Community Foundation has administered the Education Improvement Program since 2003 and in that time has raised more than $1,500,000 for education assistance for 1,700 students attending 37 schools in four counties, as well as funding projects in two public school districts. In that time Peoples Neighborhood Bank has contributed more than $700,000. In addition to supporting Pre-K and K-12 Tuition Assistance programs, in the last four years the bank provided funding to renovate the Computer Lab at the Montrose Area Junior/Senior High School, and also to support the engineering program Project Lead the Way at the Susquehanna Community School District. The Community Foundation has formed Affiliate School District Foundations in our region and plans to continue expanding its Curriculum Enhancement program.

Community Foundation President, Peter Quigg, states that “Peoples Neighborhood Bank has been a stalwart supporter of local education and their quiet generosity over the years has provided substantial assistance to regional families and schools, and their help is very appreciated.” Alan Dakey, President of Peoples Neighborhood Bank, commented that “the bank is very proud of the commitment it has made to promote life-long learning among students of all ages in our local communities.” Headquartered in Hallstead, Peoples Neighborhood Bank has eleven branches in New York and Pennsylvania.

For more information about the work of The Community Foundation please visit www.community-foundation.org.

This is Susquehanna County Dairy Ambassador Callie Curley with a message on the importance of including calcium-rich dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt in your every day diet.

Osteoporosis, a bone thinning disease and result of a lack of calcium consumption, is the number one bone disease in the United States. Recent studies predict that 1 out of 5 American women over the age of 50 have osteoporosis, and may not even know. Osteoporosis occurs when the body fails to form enough new bone or when too much bone is absorbed by the body to be used for other functions. Calcium and phosphate are two minerals that are essential for proper bone formation. Throughout youth, your body uses these minerals to produce bones. If you do not get enough calcium in this time frame, or if your body does not absorb enough calcium from the amount you consume, bone production and bone tissues are likely to suffer.

Luckily, there is a very simple way to stop osteoporosis in its bone-weakening tracks. By including calcium-rich foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt in a balanced diet, your body may be able to replenish the calcium and vitamin D taken from your bones previously. In one day, a person who is calcium deficient should aim to consume at least 1,200 milligrams of calcium per day. This equivalent to the amount of calcium found in four 8 oz. glasses of low fat milk. This milk can be included in your diet in various ways, besides a tall, cold glass with breakfast, lunch or dinner. Check out recipes at www.whymilk.com to keep your calcium levels in check!

The Harford Fair has always been a community event since it was first established in 1858. The fair has always been fortunate to have members of the community who volunteer in a variety of ways not only during fair week, but also throughout the year. In recognition of all who volunteer at the fair, six outstanding volunteers were honored at the banquet held at Dreyer Hall in Montrose. Over 100 members of the association and guests enjoyed the evening with a fall theme which began with a family-style dinner.

Following the dinner, the group assembled in the Chapel Room where five college students who have been actively involved in the fair were each awarded $500.00 scholarships. Following those presentations, Jason Miller, the newest member of the board of directors and announcer at the fair, recognized individuals who have dedicated their time to the fair.

Presentations were made to Dominica Skal, school department volunteer; Matt Merrill, volunteer in the rabbit department; Abrey Christine, parking and traffic volunteer, and Billy Millard, volunteer in the horse department. Absent from the photo were Jack Beaudry, volunteer in all areas; and Rick Stewart, volunteer in the swine department.

Bill Tyler, 2011 Outstanding Fair Ambassador, has been a member of the Harford Agricultural Society for 41 years. He is known as the “go to” man whenever anyone needs anything repaired, painted, built, or just maintained. He is kind and respected and his dedication and commitment to the fair has resonated to all of his children and grandchildren as they all participate in the fair in some way. He was given his certificate during the fair by Boots Hetherington from the PA Department of Agriculture.

Jack Beaudry, who was unable to attend the banquet, was recognized for many years of dedicated service to the fair. Whatever anyone needs, whether it be with the campers or the commercial spaces, Jack is there first to lend a hand. Appreciation was expressed and he was sent a copy of the Susquehanna County Plat Map Book.

Matt Merrell took the week of the fair for his vacation to help set up in the rabbit department. He carried rabbits for judging, fed, watered, cleaned cages, and built a new ramp for the doorway. He was willing to do whatever he could to help.

Dominica Skal, a kindergarten teacher in the Blue Ridge Elementary School, volunteered in the school department throughout the summer with sorting the 1500 items, checking them in the judges’ books, and displaying them in the building. She and her husband then helped take down all of the school entries after the fair closed on Saturday. She learned all aspects of the fair and will become the co-superintendent of the school department with Tonya Molenko.

Billy Millard has been a tremendous help to the horse department for the past three years. He goes out of his way to work the ground in the arena to have it ready for the shows, he keeps the manure spread, and helps get items around for the shows.

The swine department was pleased to recognize Rick Stewart for his many hours of volunteer work. He has been a regular part of the pig barn for years from 5:30 a.m. to the time the gates of the fair close. He has been the engineer behind setting up the show arena. He, along with his three children, help to load and haul the pigs as well as manning the separating boards to keep the pigs from fighting with each other. He even spent five hours this year chasing a wayward steer around the fairgrounds in an attempt to capture him.

Abrey Christina was a great help in the parking area. She was one of the youngest working in traffic this year. She quickly grasped what she was being taught and consistently performed the task at hand in an outstanding manner. She developed foresight for the job and knew what to do without being prompted by her crew chief, exhibiting a maturity beyond her years.

Members of the community are encouraged to get involved with the Harford Fair by being a volunteer in an area that is of particular interest to you. The Board of Directors extends a note of gratitude to everyone who has volunteered and welcomes others to become involved. Call the fair office at 570-434-4300 and have your name added to the list.

Jan Cohen has connected with two professional organizations which will be supporting the Little Dresses for Africa project. What began as a project for local 4-H groups who used donated pillowcases to make little dresses and britches for the children in Africa has had far reaching affects. Jan has been invited to speak at the Northeast Pennsylvania Reading Association’s (NPRA) meeting in Scranton on November 17. She will present her power point which tells the story of her trip to Africa this summer through the Penn State Extension. On December 3, she will make a similar presentation to the Beta Rho Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International in Montrose.

When Jan talked about her trip prior to going at a CARES Advisory Board meeting in New Milford, one of the other board members was especially interested in the project. As a result of the connection, Jan has been invited to speak to these two organizations. Members of both organizations are excited to be able to provide postage to ship more dresses as they are made and to purchase and ship books to the Children and Youth Empowerment Center in Nyeri, Kenya. The Children and Youth Empowerment Centre (CYEC) is a dynamic and innovative residential and educational program for street dwelling children and other highly vulnerable young people in Kenya. This is a perfect example of “it takes a village.”

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is now providing emergency funding to help flood-affected small businesses in 33 counties - including Bradford, Sullivan and Susquehanna - Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) said.

The funding can be used to make energy efficiency and pollution prevention improvements. Projects eligible for 50 percent reimbursement grants of up to $9,500 could include high-efficiency lighting systems, building insulation, air sealing, recycling and reuse systems, and new water-conservation technologies.

Grants are available to for-profit small business owners whose facilities are in counties declared eligible for disaster relief by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). All types of small businesses qualify for funding, including manufacturers, retailers, service providers, mining businesses and agricultural outfits. Approximately $400,000 is available and comes from Pennsylvania’s Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act.

Costs incurred between Aug. 26 and Dec. 31 are eligible for grant consideration. The grant application package contains materials and instructions necessary to apply. All applications must be postmarked or hand-delivered by 4 p.m. on Dec. 31. Faxes or other electronic submissions will not be accepted.

Small business owners who want to review the program’s eligibility requirements can contact the Office of the Small Business Ombudsman at 717-772-8909.

For additional information on the grant program or for an application, visit RepPickett.com and click on “DEP Small Business Emergency Storm Relief Grants.”

The Pennsylvania Association of Retired State Employees (PARSE) held its final meeting of the year on October 11 at the Towanda American Legion. Bradford County Vice President Bernice Landmesser introduced the guest speakers, Kim Davis and Mark Marcavage from Chesapeake Gas Company. The information given was very important to retirees from PARSE’s three counties.

Vice President Landmesser reported on the State PARSE meeting that she attended in Camp Hill of October 3. The meeting was opened with welcoming remarks by President David Munsch. Following was the usual order of business, with the approval of the minutes of the 2010 state meting and the approval of the treasurer’s and auditor’s reports. The following will serve as officers for 2012: David Munsch, President; John Class, Treasurer; Thomas Judge, Secretary. Thomas O’Neill will continue as Northeast Regional Vice President.

James Honchar, Deputy Secretary for Human Resources and Management, Office of Administration, reported that at present there are no changes expected in health and prescription benefits. These may change after July 2012, as they are searching for a more economical plan. For non-Medicare members, there are plans to add children up to age 26. Seminars regarding changes will be announced later.

Lynn Herman, Lobbyist for PARSE, spoke on what steps he is taking to encourage the passing of a bill that would grant retirees a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). He stressed how important it is that members contact their state representatives to encourage them to take the necessary steps to grant a COLA to retirees.

The PARSE State Office will send out renewal notices for dues for 2012.

After VP Landmesser finished her report, other chapter business was completed. In the absence of Sullivan County VP, Priscilla Lingenfelter agreed to contact that county’s retirees regarding the dates and places of chapter meetings.

The next meeting will be held in April 2012. PARSE is a retirees’ organization. Like all non-profit associations, it is only as good as those who volunteer their time and effort. Chapters are always looking for members to be involved as officers or simply by attending meetings and offering suggestions and comments. If you have comments or suggestions on how PARSE is organized or operates, or would like more information about the organization and your local chapter, please contact President Jesse Bacon at 570-265-9784, Bradford County VP Bernice Landmesser at 570-265-8812, or Susquehanna County VP John Benio at 570-278-2380.

HARRISBURG, Pa. - The Pennsylvania Optometric Association (POA) is using National Diabetes Awareness Month to urge Americans living with diabetes to schedule yearly comprehensive eye exams to help detect diabetic eye disease.

Since diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults 20-74 years of age, early detection is critical. Each year, 12,000 - 24,000 people lose their sight because diabetic eye disease rarely has early warning signs. Detection begins with having a dilated eye examination every year to check for signs of diabetic eye disease and following a course of action recommended by an optometrist.

Results from the American Optometric Association's (AOA) 2011 American Eye-Q® consumer survey revealed that 55 percent of people are unaware that diabetic eye disease often has no visual signs or symptoms. Additionally, 44 percent of Americans don’t know that a person with diabetes should have a comprehensive eye exam once a year.

When optometrists dilate a patient’s eyes during an eye exam, they have a clear view of the retina and look for indications of diabetic eye disease, such as leaking blood vessels, swelling and deposits within the retina. Optometrists often serve as the first line of detection for diabetes, since the eye is the only place in the body that blood vessels can be seen in their natural condition without having to surgically cut through skin.

Without yearly comprehensive eye exams, conditions such as diabetic retinopathy can go unnoticed by patients until the disease has further progressed towards blindness. Diabetic retinopathy causes progressive damage to the retina, the light sensitive lining at the back of the eye. It is a serious, sight-threatening complication of diabetes that results from damage to tiny blood vessels that nourish the retina. These small blood vessels leak blood and other fluids that cause swelling of retinal tissue may lead to permanent visual impairment or blindness without prompt treatment. Diabetic retinopathy is also linked to increased risk of kidney, heart and nerve disease, making its earlier detection even more important.

Patients with diabetes help prevent or slow the development of diabetic retinopathy by taking prescribed medication as directed, sticking to a healthy diet, exercising regularly, controlling high blood pressure and abnormal blood cholesterol levels, and avoiding alcohol and smoking. Once the disease develops, the potential for significant vision loss can be reduced by more aggressive blood sugar, pressure and cholesterol control, and timely referral for laser treatment, when appropriate. In addition, newer medications for retinopathy have recently been shown to be very effective for preserving, and sometimes improving, vision. The key is to detect the problem early so that the chances of maintaining good eyesight are maximized.

Several factors influence whether someone with diabetes develops diabetic retinopathy. These include poor blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood lipid control, the length of time with diabetes, race and family history. However, the majority of people diagnosed with diabetes will have some degree of retinopathy within twenty years of diagnosis.

Both African Americans and Hispanics are nearly twice as likely to have diabetes as Caucasians. According to the American Diabetes Association, on average, about 11.8 percent of Hispanics and 12.6 percent of African Americans aged 20 years or older have been diagnosed with diabetes.

To find an optometrist in your area, or for additional information on eye health, and diabetic retinopathy, please visit www.poaeyes.org.

Abby Marie Ahearn and Robert Andrew Wojtowicz, Jr. were married April 24, 2010, at Saint Nick’s Catholic Church in Wilkes Barre, PA.

The bride is the daughter of Mary Beth and Patrick Ahearn of Susquehanna, PA. The groom is the son of Doreen and Robert Wojtowicz of Wilkes Barre, PA.

Abby and Robert

The father of the bride escorted the bride down the aisle; the bride was attended by her sister, Amy Gray, the matron of honor and Sarah Currid, maid of honor. Bridesmaids were cousin of the bride, Heather Noto, sisters of the groom, Ashley Wojtowicz and Kathleen Wojtowicz, and friend of the bride Courtney Burke.

Mark Katarsky was the best man. Ushers were Michael Devitis, Pat Sasse, Steve Zemanick, Anthony Krick, and Shawn Haughney, all friends of the groom.

Flower girls were Ashley and Chelsea Noto. Ringbearer was Robert Regula.

The bride’s gown was an Alita Graham from Kleinfelds; it was ivory trimmed with lace, and she also wore her grandmother’s wedding ring. She carried a bouquet of red roses.

Following a reception at the Hilton, Scranton, PA the couple left for a two-week honeymoon in Maui and Kaua’i.

The bride is a 2003 graduate of Albright College, were she received a bachelor’s degree in English and Political Science. She currently works as a Senior Clinical Specialist for Genentech. The groom is a 2002 graduate of Albright College, were he received a bachelor’s degree in Business and Political Science. He currently works as a Sales Consultant for Synthes Spine.

The couple resides in Shavertown, PA.

The Susquehanna County Tax Collectors Association wants the public to know that they are here to serve taxpayers and the community and now have a new website that provides contact and additional information on each of the forty municipal Tax Collectors. The new website can be found at www.SusquehannaCountyTaxCollectors.com.

On the website, you will be able to find out the current tax collector’s name, address, phone, fax or email. You can even find out a little more about your local tax collector, such as how long have they been collecting taxes and whether they are qualified by the State or a member of the State or Local Tax Collector Association. Each page will also include special instructions as far as payment dates and instructions for submitting payment to that particular tax collector’s office.

Mortgage holders, attorneys, abstract and title companies will also find the website helpful as it includes additional information regarding fees and procedures for tax certifications. Current millage rates for the County, Municipality and School District can also be found on the website, along with links to other related sites.

The Susquehanna County Tax Collectors Association meets twice a year to discuss current issues affecting tax collectors, new developments in tax collection and the law and continuing education.

Harrisburg - As the end of Daylight Savings Time brings an earlier nightfall, PennDOT is cautioning motorists that most crashes involving deer happen at this time of year.

Deer are most active during their breeding season, and particularly between sunset and sunrise. Harvesting and hunting activity can also increase the movement of deer.

PennDOT statistics show nearly half of all reportable crashes in the past five years involving deer occurred in the months of October and November, with nearly 77 percent taking place between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. Last year, there were more than 3,000 crashes statewide involving deer, resulting in more than 600 injuries and eight fatalities.

To reduce the risk of a deer-related crash, motorists should slow down and be especially cautious during morning and evening hours. Motorists should also increase following distance between vehicles, especially where deer-crossing signs are posted. Deer often travel in herds, so if you see one deer crossing the road, there’s a strong chance that others will follow.

To report a dead deer on state roads, motorists can call 1-800-FIX-ROAD.

For more fall safety tips and other highway safety information, visit www.DriveSafePA.org.