Members of the Farm Bureau and also Susquehanna farmers, set up an informational table at the PA -81 Welcome center in Great Bend Township Saturday, May 12.

Pictured (L-R) Are Nancy Decker, Donna Williams, Kim Barbour

Since May is beef month they provided information about beef, greeted visitors, answered questions and served delicious samples of beef dishes.

They offered cheeseburger soup, goulash and chili. The tomatoes and beef in these dishes were grown and or raised on their farms. They also stressed the importance of buying local.

Mention Chesapeake Energy and thoughts of gas-drilling come to mind for most Susquehanna County residents. But in a beautifully orchestrated program on Thursday evening, Chesapeake reminded residents that besides providing for tomorrow’s energy needs, Chesapeake is committed to developing tomorrow’s leaders. Chesapeake’s Manager of Community Affairs, Jane B. Clements, explained that in every region where Chesapeake operates, Chesapeake is committed to giving back to the local community, and in doing so works with partners within the local communities.

Eight Winning Susquehanna County school students, five non-profit organizations, and four media outlets were recognized during the course of the evening’s program. The banquet and ceremonies were held in the spacious and lovely Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains, located on Lake Avenue in Montrose. The 6:00 p.m. program commenced with a delicious, catered meal: roast beef, chicken cordon bleu, roasted potatoes, mixed vegetables, salad, assorted breads, beverages, and desert. After feting the “Winners” and their family members, partner representatives, and guests, the awards ceremony commenced in earnest, with Ms. Clements ably emceeing the evening’s events.

Ms. Clements provided an overview of the program. “Discovering Tomorrow’s Leaders” recognizes Susquehanna County students who have displayed outstanding leadership qualities within their local 4-H Club. Each week, for eight weeks, an outstanding student was chosen on the basis of character, leadership, and accomplishment; and a new computer donated to the winner’s school. (Week 8 Winner Madeline Mitchell donated the new computer to her 4-H Club.) The eight winners, and their high schools, honored through this program were: Week 1 Trevor Tompkins - Montrose Area; Week 2 Nathan Moyer - Mt. View (unable to be present); Week 3 Rick Hemann - Elk Lake; Week 4 Greg Kowalewski - Forest City Reg.; Week 5 Allison Kiefer - Montrose Area; Week 6 Will Jonas - Forest City Reg.; Week 7 Clark Fuller - Elk Lake; Week 8 Madeline Mitchell - PA. Cyber School.

Ms. Clements recognized each of the aforementioned students by reading citations of their enviable accomplishments in support of and in service to their respective 4-H Club. Each winner was then called forward and presented with a gift bag from Chesapeake, and a second gift bag from 4-H. A video presentation later followed, with school administrators, teachers, and 4-H leaders attesting to the particulars of the exemplary leadership, achievements, character, and honor of the winner. Full profiles for all the winners can be accessed online at www.tomorrowsleaderspa.com.

Recognized for their support in partnering with Chesapeake in this program were the following non-profit organizations: Susquehanna County 4-H Club, Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains, and the Rotary Clubs of Montrose, Forest City, and New Milford. To each, Ms. Clements presented a check in the amount of $500 from Chesapeake Energy in furtherance of support for their missions and service. Recognized for their leadership role in each of these partnering non-profits were Michelle, Kowalewski, 4-H; Peter Quigg, Community Foundation; Ray and Ruth Wilmarth, Montrose Rotary; Rich Kresock, Forest City Rotary; and Barb Hall, New Milford Rotary.

Media businesses recognized for their partnership with Chesapeake in Discovering Tomorrow’s Leaders were “The Susquehanna County Transcript,” “The Forest City News,” “GEM 104 FM-Radio,” and “The Susquehanna County Independent.” Representatives from each were recognized and thanked for their support, participation, and partnership.

Closing out the evening, Bob Baker, representing a partnering business, came forward, and drew the winning names for two laptop computers. The first laptop winner was Week 4 Winner, Greg Kowalewski, of Forest City Regional High School. The second was Week 1 Winner, Trevor Tompkins of Montrose Area High School.

Ms. Clements spoke movingly for Chesapeake and all their partner non-profits and businesses in expressing their faith and hope in tomorrow’s leadership. The students recognized in this evening’s event exemplify the character, virtues, and leadership of highly successful people, “the same kind of people Chesapeake would like to hire.” Their accomplishments are a terrific example for their peers and inspire confidence in leadership for tomorrow. Well done to all the Winners!

Allison Kiefer, Susquehanna County Dairy Princess from the Montrose area is about to complete her reign as Dairy Princess. Allison and her Court would like to invite you to the 2012 Dairy Princess Pageant that will be held on Friday, May 25th at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall, Church Street in Montrose.

During her reign as Princess, Allison was joined by members of her court, Dairy Ambassadors Mariah Tompkins, Callie Curley and Mercedes Spickerman and Dairy Maid Emory Bewley promoting the dairy industry in Susquehanna County. Many school promotions took place telling the children the importance of eating three servings of dairy daily choosing milk, cheese or yogurt. The girls celebrated “July is Ice Cream Month” at several dairy bars in the county, wrote news articles, spoke at organizations’ meetings, promoted dairy at Harford Fair events and took part in parades and festivals to name a few.

Allison Kiefer, Susquehanna County Dairy Princess

The Pageant program will be presented by former Susquehanna County Dairy Princesses. A dairy promotion scholarship will be presented as well as promotion and scrapbook awards.

Dairy Princess Allison Kiefer will give her farewell speech highlighting her achievements. Current members of the Dairy Court, Callie Curley, Mercedes Spickerman, Emory Bewley and Mariah Tompkins will each speak about their dairy promotion experiences. Madeline Mitchell, Alexis Parks, Reese Allen and Samantha Warner will join the 2012/2013 dairy court and each will speak about their plans as dairy promoters.

The Pageant will conclude with Allison crowning the new 2012/2013 Susquehanna County Dairy Princess, Callie Curley assisted by crown and flower bearers Holly Harvatine and Delaney Curley. A reception for the Dairy Princesses and Court will follow with refreshments provide by the Dairy Promotion Committee. You are invited to join us at our Pageant celebrating the dedicated dairy farmers in Susquehanna County and all the work the Dairy Princess and her Court do to promote dairy. Hope you enjoy your “3 Every Day” of dairy!

For more information please call Evie Goff at 278-1212 or 278-1158, Mary Puzo at 278-4704, Peggy Empet at 434-2582 or Cindy Tompkins at 278-4575.

The Diaz Companies headquartered in Kingsley, PA and comprising Diaz Stone & Pallet, Diaz Transport, Diaz Disposal, Diaz Manufacturing, Diaz Drilling, and Diaz Forest Products recently provided a generous contribution of $100,000 to the Cabot/EMHS Match Fund administered by The Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains. The goal of this fund is to raise $1 Million from community members which will then be matched dollar for dollar by Cabot Oil & Gas, which has already provided an outright gift of $1 Million toward the new local hospital. The overall goal is to raise $3 Million dollars by July 21st to help with the expense of building the new local hospital for the Endless Mountains Health Systems.

Pictured above left to right: George Stark, Chris Caterson, Ray Wilmarth, Adam Diaz with daughter Avery, Julie Diaz, Peter Quigg, Loren Stone, Absent: Rexford Catlin.

Adam Diaz, proprietor of The Diaz Companies, and who grew up in Susquehanna County, feels that quality healthcare is important to this region and he is pleased to be able to help with this worthwhile project. “It’s the right thing to do” Diaz points out, and adds that “all of my employees are an important part of this contribution.” Rex Catlin, CEO of Endless Mountains Health Systems, states “We are very pleased with this most generous contribution from Mr. Diaz and all those who work with him. This will certainly help us achieve our goals.”

To date more than $300,000 has been raised from the community which, when matched by Cabot Oil & Gas, will provide double that amount for the hospital building project. Tax deductible donations to the Cabot/EMHS Match Fund may be sent to The Community Foundation at 270 Lake Avenue in Montrose, PA 18801. This substantial donation from The Diaz Companies has provided strong momentum for this project that will benefit Susquehanna County.

MONTROSE, PA May 7, 2012 – USDA Rural Development State Director Thomas Williams today announced a $710,700 Community Facilities Loan to Trehab Center, Inc.

"This project is providing needed infrastructure in a rural community," Williams said. “This funding will give Trehab Center the ability to continue to provide much needed community services in a convenient location for rural residents." The loan will be used to acquire Trehab’s currently leased space in Montrose which houses the transportation, weatherization, renewable energy and food bank offices. Without the funding to purchase the building, the agency may have relocated or suspended current services.

Pictured L to R: Alan Hall, Susquehanna County Commissioner, Thomas P. Williams, USDA Rural Development State Director, Dennis Phelps, Trehab Center, Inc. Executive Director.

The project is being funded through the USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Program. USDA Rural Development's Community Facilities Program helps finance essential community facilities for public use in rural areas. These facilities include child care centers, hospitals, medical clinics, assisted-living facilities, fire and rescue stations, police stations, community centers, public buildings and transportation. Through this program, USDA ensures that such facilities are available to all rural residents. These funds are available to public bodies, non-profit organizations and federally recognized Indian tribes. This effort supports the goal of the American Jobs Act, which makes critical infrastructure improvements to put people back to work immediately.

Since taking office, President Obama's Administration has taken significant steps to improve the lives of rural Americans and has provided broad support for rural communities. The Obama Administration has set goals of modernizing infrastructure by providing broadband access to 10 million Americans, expanding educational opportunities for students in rural areas, and providing affordable health care. In the long term, these unparalleled rural investments will help ensure that America's rural communities are repopulating, self-sustaining and thriving economically.

USDA Rural Development serves as the lead federal agency for rural development needs by offering financial and technical assistance to individuals, businesses and communities. USDA Rural Development programs include funding for day care centers, fire trucks and other community facility projects; the purchase, construction or repair of homes; loans and guarantees to rural businesses to save or create jobs and renewable energy; and loans and grants for water and sewer utility projects. For more information on programs offered by USDA Rural Development, contact the Pennsylvania State Office at (717) 237-2299 or visit its website at www.rurdev.usda.gov/pa.

Lindsey Glidden, a junior at Susquehanna Community High School, has been selected and plans on attending the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine in Philiadelphia, PA this summer.

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Lindsey Glidden

Lindsey’s selection to attend NYLF/MED places her among a group of high-achieving peers, and many alumni of the program report that it is a life-changing experience. She is interested in pursing a career as a Physician Assistant and is currently looking at different colleges that offer this program. Lindsey is the daughter of Robin and Dave Glidden. Her grandparents are Chuck and Linda Glidden of Susquehanna, PA and Conne and Ted Cuevas of Bradenton, FL.

My name is Mercedes Spickerman and I am a Susquehanna County Dairy Ambassador. Being Dairy Ambassador gave me experiences that I never would have had before and friends that will last a lifetime.

Winners of the jump rope contest are pictured with Susquehanna County Dairy Royalty. Left to Right: Dairy Maid Emory Bewley, third grader Christina Tranovich, sixth grader Tim Hill and Dairy Ambassador Mercedes Spickerman.

How I found the news article to be in the dairy court was actually all luck. I was in my mom’s bedroom looking through the paper trying to find a job, which didn’t end up working out, and I found an article about looking for girls to join the dairy promotion court. When I asked my mom to do it her first and only question was ‘how much does it cost?’ Glad that it wouldn’t cause a dent in her checking book, she agreed to let me do it. I always tell people the story of how I became a Dairy Ambassador; how I was bored and looking for a job.

I’ve never been a good public speaker; I never really had a reason to be one other than speeches for school. Last May I had to make a speech in front of a group of people for the annual Dairy Princess Pageant. This was my first speech that I ever had to make on stage in front of an audience that wasn’t my classmates. I was in a long black gown, my sash and crown in place hoping that no matter what I would not fall and trip crossing the stage. Thankfully I’m more skilled at walking in heels than I am in sneakers. All the other girls on the court had their speech written out on paper to put on the podium to read, I on the other hand was not at all prepared. I did then what I do at most of my school speeches and I ‘winged it’ which turns out to be a good method for me. That night was step one of me turning into a better public speaker and officially being Dairy Ambassador.

In the Dairy Royalty Court most of the girls have dairy cows of their own to show at 4-H Dairy Camp and Round-up and the Harford Fair. Not me, I was the only girl who never truly got to experience the life in the dairy business. When the other girls were showing their cows I was the one handing out the ribbons, and trust me when I tell you it was not as easy as it sounds. Some ribbons I accidently mixed up and had to go back to fix, sometimes I miscounted how many ribbons to give or who I had to give the Best Udder ribbon to.

I met so many wonderful people during the year that I will remain friends with for a long time. Without being Dairy Ambassador I wouldn’t have spent time this summer at 4-H Dairy Camp and Round-up, meetings, and Harford Fair where I met some of my best friends. I never grew up on a farm so I really had no reason to spend the week hanging out in the cow barn, even though I would drag my parents there every time we were at the Fair. Now when we are at fairs and I suddenly start heading to the barns my mom knows I’m visiting my friends.

People at school don’t really believe me when I say I’m a Dairy Ambassador. If you ever saw me in school and then at a promotion you would think I was two different people. Mom always tells me that it’s such a big transformation between the school me and the Dairy Ambassador me. It is because when I’m in my crown and sash I wear skirts and dressy outfits, it makes me actually feel like someone important and I love that feeling.

I’ve sent a picture along taken at a recent promotion I did with Dairy Maid Emory Bewley. We held a jump rope contest and displayed a poster telling people about all the good nutrients in milk and other dairy products and handed out string cheese to the participants. The winners were Tim Hill jumping 178 times and Christina Tranovich jumped 125 times. The contest was held at the Mt. View Elementary School’s health and fitness night.

I can’t wait for this next year of promoting and seeing all of my friends again.

Like many of the departments at the Harford Fair, the Horse Department reviewed some things from last year’s fair and as a result has made some changes. To begin with, the excitement of the Horse Pulling Contests will kick off the fair early Monday morning. Previously this event was held on Saturday morning of the fair.

The co-superintendents of the department remind everyone that all stall reservations are accepted by mail only, on a first come first serve basis beginning June 1st. Entries received prior to the June 1st date will be returned. Entry blanks and all information can be found on the Harford Fair website at www.harfordfair.com.

Pictured: Debbie Oakes, co-superintendent of the Horse Department at the Harford Fair, announces that there will be additional classes in some of the horse shows for the 155th Harford Fair. In addition to the draft horse classes, there will be eight new pony classes. Check the fair website to see what changes there are and deadlines.

The department has also made some other positive changes for the 155th Harford Fair. Co-superintendents Debbie Oakes and Kathy Walker are pleased to announce some new things within their department:

Eight pony classes have been added in addition to the Draft Horse Classes for Monday’s Driving Show.

Thursday’s Open Barrel Racing has two new performance classes which include Pee Wee Poles and Pee Wee Barrels for riders 8 and under.

There are three new classes in both Friday’s Closed Exhibitors’ Horse Show and Saturday’s Open Horse Show. They include Gaited Horse Equitation, Pleasure and Command English/Western.

Also in Saturday’s Open Horse Show, the Walk/Trot for youth is for ages 12 and under.

All of the classes, rules, and entry blanks are available on-line and any questions can be answered by calling the fair office at 434-4300.

On Sunday, April 22nd, North Jackson Ag 4-H club held a meeting at the Bewley’s home. The meeting was opened by Emily Supancik. The American flag was lead by Samantha Jones and the 4-H flag was lead by Eli Aldrich.

Congratulations to the senior 4-H team who placed 1st and the intermediate team which placed 3rd at the dairy judging contest at Penn state. Congratulations to Jamie Supancik, Emily Supancik, Katelyn Supancik, Eli Aldrich and Evan Aldrich who brought home a 2nd place in the Pork bowl on April 7th. Well done Jamie for placing 2nd in the skillathon.

Thank you to all members of the club who helped clean the Gibson cemetery on April 14th. All 4-H members, new and old, need to be enrolled by May 1st. June 1st is the deadline for selecting this years projects. All pigs must be tagged by April 28th, goats and sheep by May 19th. Sadly, even though 4-H is filled with lots of fun and joyful things, once in a while there is some bad news. The bad news is that 4-H Camp Brule is cancelled for this year. At least for now there is Penn State Cow Camp, even though the dates are not decided yet.

On May 5th the club will be doing a food sale at the Harford fair grounds. Those who plan on helping please arrive at 10:00 a.m. to set up and will begin selling at 11 a.m. The next meeting will be on May 26th at the Onyon’s house at 3:00 p.m. and prior to the meeting there will be a bowling party at Valley Lanes Bowling Alley a 1:00 pm.

Rob Robinson of Rob’s Country Market recently presented a check to volunteers of the Baden-Powell Council, Delahanna District in support of scouting in Susquehanna County. The annual fund drive helps support 609 boys that participate in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Venturing in Susquehanna County, which has an active scouting program. Funds are used to support “camperships” which allow Scouts to participate in summer camp. In 2011, 97 Scouts attended Cub Scout Day Camp and 77 Boy Scouts attended Camp Tuscarora.

Pictured Above: David Alamo, Delahanna District Executive, Frank O’Connor, Member 2012 Friends of Scouting Fund Drive, Rob Robinson, Rob’s Country Market, Alan Dakey, Co-Chair 2012 Friends of Scouting Fund Drive, John Reynolds, Co-Chair 2012 Friends of Scouting Fund Drive.

Fund Drive co-chairs Alan Dakey and John Reynolds expressed the importance of supporting scouting as an investment in the future of our communities. “Studies prove that boys who participate in scouting grow up to be community leaders who exemplify the core values of scouting: good citizenship and strong moral character”.

Contributions to support scouting can be mailed to the attention of Alan Dakey at Peoples Neighborhood Bank, 82 Franklin Avenue, Hallstead, PA 18822.

The Sea Scouts of the North Star, have elected a new quarterdeck of youth officers to run the Sea Scout program in New Milford, PA.

Pictured: Skipper, Charles W. Jaget on right, congratulating new Boatswain of Ship 90, Josh Warner.

Josh Warner was elected as the new Boatswain. He has been a member of Ship 90 for 6 years, holds the rank of Able Seaman, Venturing Silver Award, the Silver Anchor and has provided outstanding leadership on all of Ship 90’s long cruise sailing adventures on the Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay and on many white water canoe trips on the upper Delaware River.

Pictured: New Venturing Gold Awards and Ordinary Seaman Ranks were earned by Katie Grubb (L) and Erik Potter (R). Not present but also earning her Venturing Gold Award and Ordinary Seaman rank was Destiny Sterling.

Also elected to the quarterdeck were David Stude, as Boatswain Mate, Christian Chludzinski as Yoeman, Austin Chludzinski as Purser, and Storekeeper Trininty Spencer. Our Crew Leaders are Katie Greene and Erik Potter, with Katie Grubb and Mike Russell serving as Assistant Crew Leaders.

Sea Scout Winter Training

10 sea scout and officers attended the March North East Regional Sea Scout Training Weekend in the Catoctin Mountain State Park in Maryland. They took advance training in boating safety, double brad splicing, bo-sun pipe, marlinspike seamanship, ground tackle and leadership, to name just a few of the many courses offered. Sea Scouts also enjoyed a pizza party, dance and movies in the evening.

Helping Our Neighbors

In April, Sea Scouts of Ship 90 spread topsoil and planted grass seed for the Gibson Cemetary Association, with more plans underway for repairs at the cemetary.

The North East Regional Sea Scout Bridge of Honor and Ball was held at Bridgeport, NJ. Our past Boatswain, Christian Chludzinski attended. He received the Regional Commodores Award for Ship 90’s excellent Sea Scout program. He reports that it was the best regional Bridge of Honor and Ball held in many years. Since it was the 100th Anniversary of Sea Scouting, it was attended by the National Director of Sea Scouting, Keith Christopher, National Commodore, Charles D. Wurster and the National Boatswain, Eva Hogan.

Sea Scout Ship 90 was organized in 1943. Currently, 22 sea scouts make up the crew, with 7 adult officers and a committee of 7 to support the Sea Scouts and officers! We are sponsore by the Sea Scout Association, which is made up of parents and friends of Ship 90!

Area lawmakers demonstrated their commitment to our young children during “Week of the Young Child” April 22-28, by sharing their story telling talents at childcare facilities. State Representative Sandra Major visited youngsters at Mrs. Colleen’s Childcare in Springville while State Senator Gene Yaw stopped by Treasure House Child Development Center in Montrose.

State Representative Sandra Major

State Senator Gene Yaw

At each location, young children were treated to a special story time featuring this year’s Pennsylvania One Book, Every Young Child selection, “Stop Snoring, Bernard!” by Zachariah Ohora. The book teaches empathy and friendships by following the travels of a loud snoring otter.

Children enjoyed listening to the story and meeting our local leaders. They also were excited to share their own ideas about reading, learning and having fun while in the child care setting.

The visits were organized by Susquehanna County CARES (Childcare, Agencies, Resources and Educational Services) as a way of promoting Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children, because every child is Pennsylvania’s future.