The Montrose office of the American Red Cross at 18 Public Avenue has temporarily moved to the Red Cross office at 3880 State Route 6 in Tunkhannock (Wyoming Valley Emergency Management building) while renovations are being made.

Red Cross programs and services for Montrose will continue as usual and residents are asked to call the Red Cross at 570-836-2626.

An event-filled 75th Anniversary Celebration convention was enjoyed by seven members of the Beta Rho chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International held at the Nittany Lion Inn, State College, PA. While at the convention, Pat Arnold, Carol Goodman, Joan Peters, Becky Place, Cindy Reynolds, Sharon Stockholm, and Dr. Ann Way enjoyed many specially planned celebration events as well as having exchanged ideas about educational issues with other key Pennsylvania women educators. Alpha Alpha State President, Louann Shrader promoted the convention theme “Embracing the Vision: The Power of the Dream” which reflects the biennium international theme, “Embrace the Vision.” Carolyn Pittman, International Member-at-Large, and Pennsylvania’s own Dr. Lyn Schmid, Northeast Regional Director, delivered keynote addresses.

Pictured are Beta Rho Chapter members gathered during the 75th Anniversary convention of Alpha Alpha State of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, following the banquet. Beta Rho’s membership is composed of women educators from Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Wyoming Counties. Pictured from left to right are Joan Peters, Dr. Ann Way, Carol Goodman, Pat Arnold, Becky Place, and Cindy Reynolds.

Several of the Beta Rho members also received awards or participated in the convention in a variety of ways. Cindy Reynolds of Kingsley portrayed founder Dr. Annie Webb Blanton during the Celebration Tea on Friday afternoon where it was hats and gloves attire. She also did pen and ink progressive rose bud drawings for the divider pages in volume 3 of the history of Alpha Alpha State which was the gift for all who attended the Saturday night banquet. Dr. Ann Way, outgoing Beta Rho president, passed the red rose to Carol Goodman, incoming chapter president, as a part of the banquet celebration. Joan Peters and Becky Place were recognized as active Society members for over 40 years during the Celebration Luncheon. Pat Arnold, Cindy Reynolds, and Sharon Stockholm sang in the State Chorus for events during the weekend.

The state project for this biennium focuses on Schools for Africa. What members have learned is that girls in Africa are prohibited from attending school at times and are in need of underwear to make that possible. The project is called “Sister, Can You Spare a Pair” and during this conference alone 3,500 pairs of panties were collected to send to the girls in Africa so they can attend school regularly.

Delta Kappa Gamma Society International was founded in 1929 in Austin Texas, by Dr. Annie Webb Blanton as a professional association of women educators. From the Society’s beginnings, Dr. Blanton emphasized the character and respectful conduct while seeking innovation and change that would improve education and the status of women in education. The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International has over 3,000 chapters in 93 state organizations throughout Europe, Canada, Latin America, and the United States.

Several of the chapter members will be headed to New York City the week of July 23rd to participate in the International Convention of the Society. The next Beta Rho chapter meeting will be held at Dreyer Hall in Montrose on October where two local educators, Patricia Carpenter and Karen Voigt, will be initiated.

The Susquehanna County Conservation District is pleased to announce Paul Dunay as their summer intern for 2012. Every year the District gives a promising college student with either an environmental or agriculture major a chance for practical experience in the conservation field.

Paul Dunay is the son of Paul, Jr. and Sandy Dunay of Eaton Township, Wyoming County. He is a graduate of Tunkhannock Area High School and is entering his senior year at Keystone College. Paul’s major is Environmental Biology. His courses have included GIS and water assessment, basic ecology, petroleum geology, and statistical methods. He is active in the Eco Club on campus. Eco Club organizes campus and stream clean-ups and encourages “green” approaches to life. In his spare time Paul has obtained a “black belt” in American Freestyle Karate. He instructs classes of all ages in karate at High Energy Fitness and Karate in Tunkhannock, PA.

Pictured are Susquehanna County Conservation District manager, Jim Garner showing a topographic map to summer intern Paul Dunay.

At the Conservation District, Paul gets to assist the staff in all phases of their work. He will go onto construction sites to do erosion and sediment control inspections, environmental education of youngsters, and review work done on Dirt and Gravel Road project sites. Paul’s energy and enthusiasm will be a great help to the District’s summer work load.

2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau. Throughout this time, the bureau has been dedicated to promoting tourism for the Endless Mountains, which consists of Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Wyoming counties. In celebration of this milestone, each month, the visitors bureau will highlight great things to see, do, and experience in the region giving everyone an opportunity to explore the Endless Mountains.

Hiking in the Endless Mountains – A Worthwhile Adventure

Hiking or just walking slow and steady on an even trail is a great way to not only experience nature at its best, but a terrific way to exercise and enjoy quality time with family and friends. So what are you waiting for? Strap your boots on and grab a walking stick – it’s time to go hiking in the Endless Mountains!

With so many trails in the Endless Mountains, you won’t regret a step you take. No matter which trail or trails you meander along, you will be surrounded by beauty, adventure, and fun.

The miles and miles of trails throughout Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Wyoming counties are not all one-size-fits-all. Different degrees of difficulty and length allow everyone – no matter what fitness level, age, or reason for hiking – to find a trail that fits their criteria. And, you will find them everywhere including but not limited to state-owned lands, campgrounds, a nature center, on college grounds, and local parks.

Here are few places to start your hiking journey…

All four state parks – Worlds End, Ricketts Glen, Mt. Pisgah, and Salt Springs – have trails of varying levels to check out. Each park has a map that shows the trail name, how long it is, and its difficulty. Worlds End has 20 miles of trail ranging from the one-mile High Rock Trail, to the Loyalsock Trail which takes the hiker on a 59-mile jaunt through two counties. Ricketts Glen is famous for its 26-miles of trail that introduces its takers to the beautiful site of 22 named waterfalls – the highest one hovering above at 94 feet! Mt. Pisgah has 10 miles of hiking trails that travel through the woods and open fields, and around Stephen Foster Lake. Salt Springs has 14 trails covering 13.05 miles – a great place to start if you’re new to hiking, as all the trails are relatively short in distance, but still has a wealth of beauty including three waterfalls and the Fall Brook Natural Area.

Salt Springs State Park Trail

Hiking in the Endless Mountains is not limited to the state parks. The Rail-Trail Council of Northeast PA keeps a lovely 38-mile trail maintained and ready for walkers and bikers to take advantage of. The trail runs along an abandoned railroad line, with trail access locations in Simpson, Thompson, and Starrucca. The major trailhead of the D&H is off Route 247 in Forest City.

The Kiwanis Interpretive Nature Trail is a walking path located on the Wyoming County Fairgrounds in Meshoppen Twp. The one-mile self-guided trail is open year-round during daylight hours. This is a great trail to take the family on, as it is easier terrain and educational for everyone!

So what else can you do while on your hike? You can make your trek as fun and interesting as you’d like. If you’re on a day-long hike, why not pack a picnic and enjoy lunch under some beautiful shade trees along your path? You can explore as well while hitting the trail; how enlightening it would be to bring along a field guide and identify wild flowers, birds, or trees you come across. Hiking through nature always offers unique and unexpected photo opportunities that allow you to capture the sites so you can look back at them and bring back memories of your adventure.

Please remember though – safety first! Be sure to wear proper clothing and shoes no matter what type of trail you take. And always – if hiking alone – make sure someone knows where you are and approximately what time you expect to return.

There are more trails to be discovered in the Endless Mountains than what was mentioned here. Be sure to contact the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau for more great hiking locations.

The Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau is located on Route 6 west of downtown Tunkhannock. For more information on the area, call 836-5431, 800-769-8999, email becky@endlessmountains.org, or visit www.EndlessMountains.org

For decades, the dairy industry in Susquehanna County has been known as one of rich and progressive and tradition. Vanderfeltz Dairy in Rushville is no exception to this statement. The 256 acre dairy farm is owned and operated by Joe and Melinda Vanderfeltz, who live on the farm with their two sons; Kyle, 10, and Corey, 7 and Melinda’s mother, Marilyn Quick who acts as bookkeeper for the farm.

What is now known as Vanderfeltz Dairy began operation in 1945 when Leno Quick of Honesdale began leasing the land, preparing for when he would purchase it in 1959. Leno and his wife Lydia began a small operation of less than 60 Jersey cows on the property that is now home to about 300 Holsteins and Jerseys; half of which are milking animals.

The Vanderfeltz Family (L-R): Joe, Kyle, Corey, and Melinda Vanderfeltz

When David Quick purchased the operation from his father in 1977, the herd size increased significantly; more than doubling from the original 60 to 160 milking head, consisting mostly of Jerseys but with a few Ayrshires and a handful of Holsteins mixed into the herd as well.

Dave and his wife Marilyn raised their four children James, Reginald, Melinda, and Cara on the farm. And, while each of them were responsible for certain chores such as milking and feeding the animals, and helping with fieldwork; according to Marilyn, it was always clear which of them would make a livelihood of the tasks.

“Dave and I always knew that Melinda would be the one that would take over the farm. She enjoyed the cows more than anyone else did,” Marilyn said.

Over the past 67 years, many changes have been made to the operation. Additions have been put onto the barns; including the installation of a free stall barn and milking parlor which accommodates 8 animals at a time. But through the many progressions and additions, one thing has remained the same: the passion for upholding the welfare of the industry and animals that account for 40% of Pennsylvania’s revenue annually. And according to Melinda, the feeling is an indispensable one for someone who is working in the industry.

“It’s harder than it looks,” Melinda said. “If there was one thing I’d want the general population to know about farming it’s that you can’t just take time off. I’d wonder if they know that cows get milked on Sundays, on Christmas, and in bad weather. You’re on the clock 24/7. It’s hard to do that if you don’t [care about] what you’re doing.”

For Marilyn, seeing the many transformations that have taken place on the farm is a good feeling.

“I can remember going on farm tours and seeing these farms with free stalls and milking parlors and I thought they were really unique. I never in a million years would’ve figured that our farm could be one of those,” Marilyn said. “Dave would be very happy with the progress that has been made around here. I’m sure he would’ve gone along with it.”

Kyle is a member of the Susquehanna County Dairy Quiz Bowl and Dairy Judging teams and has been showing his favorite cow, Flipper for two years in 4-H. Flipper is a two year old Jersey. One day, Kyle hopes to take over the farm and continue milking and raising quality cows like Flipper. And, although Corey cannot start 4-H for another year, he is still enthusiastic about the cows; especially the Holsteins.

Vanderfeltz Dairy is just one of 54,880 family owned dairies in the United States today. The primary focus on these farms is the safety of workers, animals, and consumers alike.

June, National Dairy Month, is the perfect time to support local dairy producers by including the suggested three daily servings of dairy in your diet. The consumption of low fat dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt is not just a way of helping your body grow strong, but also in doing your part to strengthen Pennsylvania’s dairy industry and of course, helping family farms like Vanderfeltz Dairy continue in their work of producing high quality products and maintaining a healthy herd for the generations to come.

The Garden Club of Montrose recently helped add some color to the local area by selecting and purchasing colorful plants for its’ hanging baskets.

This year the club received generous assistance from volunteers at the Montrose Area High School. Matt Oleniacz, teacher/advisor, and a group of his energetic students coordinated with Garden Club member Diane Docherty to plant, fertilize and water 19 baskets of petunias, sweet potato vines and ornamental grasses. The baskets were tended at the high school greenhouse until time to be hung for Memorial Day.

Johanna Hripto was this year’s recipient of a scholarship awarded by the Garden Club. She and classmates Hannah Dieck, Taylor Johnson, Clara Lattimore, Erika Reeves, Hunter Richmond, Meghan Spellman, and Marissa Vaness gave of their time and talents to help with the basket project. Their efforts will continue to beautify the downtown area all season long. Members of The Garden Club of Montrose extend their thanks to these outstanding young people.

In 1789, land was scarce and expensive in the colony of Attleborough, Massachusetts. That winter a group of young men met to discuss how they could improve their future. There were two Thatcher brothers, Samuel and Moses, Ezekial Titus, two Carpenter brothers, Daniel and his brother, John, Caleb Richardson Jr., Robert Follet , and Josiah Carpenter, thought to be a cousin of Daniel and John. Hosea Tiffany made up the last of the group who would become the Nine Partners. He was the brother-in-law of Caleb Richardson and had been a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He had received his first promotion to corporal from Captain Caleb Richardson Sr. Hosea was 36 and was deemed a leader by the others who were all in their early twenties.

They left Attleborough in the spring of 1790 following two different routes on two different days. They met at West Stockbridge, Mass. and proceeded via Kinderhook to Albany. There they consulted the advice of the surveyor-general and considered the locations of German Flats, Canajorahie, and Herkimer but decided against the area because of the “sickliness” of the place. Cherry Valley was also rejected when the group was informed of the almost constant cold weather. At Ostego Lake (later to become Cooperstown), they met a land agent by the name of William Cooper. He was also serving as an attorney for a wealthy Philadelphia merchant, Henry Drinker. Cooper offered them free passage to travel 100 miles to the south to see some of his lands. The offer was accepted.

The journey down the Susquehanna river took them through lands populated by moose, elk, deer, panthers, wolves, fox, and wild cats. It took them past hills where Indian signal fires had warned of approaching enemies. As they approached Great Bend, they passed an island inhabited by one settler, Ralph Lathrop. Indians had once used the island as a summer camping and hunting site and had held boat races there. Many of the round notched stones that they had used as sinkers when fishing were still plentiful on the north shore and would remain so for many years to come.

But the most impressive site would have been the Painted Rocks now known as Red Rock. J. DuBois, Esq. wrote this description sometime in the early 1870’s.

About two miles above the village of Great Bend, the Susquehanna River is quite narrow, with high rocks on each side of the stream. It seems as if by some great convulsion of nature, a passage had been opened through the mountain of rock for the passage of the river, forming high precipices on each side of the stream. The Erie Railroad, by their improvement, have cut away the rock on the north side, thus destroying the original beauty of this once interesting spot. The top of the cliffs were once covered with trees and a thick undergrowth, and many a deer while fleeing before the hounds had unwittingly taken the fatal leap from the top of this precipice. And the wary fox, too, fleeing before the loud-mouthed beagles, has from these cliffs taken his last leap, being dashed upon the frozen river below.

This romantic locality was known to the early settlers as Painted Rocks, from the fact, that, high upon the face of one of these cliffs, and far above the reach of man, was the painted figure of an Indian Chief. The outlines of this figure were plainly visible to the earliest white visitors of this valley; but long after the outlines had faded, the red, which predominated in this figure, still remained; this in after years caused the inhabitants not familiar with the early history to call the place “Red Rock” and by that name it is known to this day. As to how and when this once beautiful painting was made on these rocks, at a place, too, apparently inaccessible to man, has been the subject of much mystery and many conjectures, for this full-length portrait was evidently done by a skillful artist’s hand, long before the whites had settled in these parts.

On May 16th, they arrived at Great Bend. Two days later, they continued their journey south. When they reached a meadow created by beavers, they found a good spring and set up camp with a bark hut. After several days of exploring the vicinity, they bought a tract of land 4 miles long and 1 mile wide from Mr. Drinker for 1198£. The southwest corner of this tract was located at the site of the spring. The agreement was drawn on a hemlock stump and dated, May 22, 1790. The contract between the Nine Partners was one of the first land cooperatives in the country.

There adventure was not over however. They still had to settle their new purchase.

To learn more about Harford, look for the next article or come to one the of the Harford Township Historical Society meetings. The society meets every other month on Thursday night, beginning in March at 6:00 p.m. at either the Harford Village Apartments in Harford, or at the Soldiers’ Orphan School on Orphan School Road between Harford and Kingsley off Rt. 547.

Come and see a short presentation regarding the history of the area or the showing of a prized antique treasure and help us to maintain our heritage.

The SCCTC is in the process of researching the possibility of adding a Licensed Practical Nurse program to the adult education course offerings. Before implementation can begin, they are conducting a feasibility study to determine program interest.

LPN’s are employed in many different health care settings. They find employment in long term care facilities, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, home health care, private duty, industry and doctor’s offices, just to name a few.

If the SCCTC offers LPN training and you would like to be added to the LPN contact list as a possible candidate for admission, please contact them by one of the following methods: Call: (570) 278-9229 ext. 780 or email: fred.fenton@elklakeschool.org.

Livestock Clinic was held on June 16th at the Harford Fair grounds. There were many 4-H members who attended to learn about the type of animal they plan to show at the fair, whether it is a pig, goat, lamb, or a cow. The good production practices that are required for anyone who’s showing any species of livestock, were offered in the afternoon. Many 4-H members who attended had fun learning how to properly handle their livestock, but that’s not all we learned! I’m sure every single 4-H member that attended learned many things. I say this because I know that I had fun and learned many things. So when you pass by someone who helped at the 2012 Livestock Clinic be sure to thank them for their time and knowledge they shared with us.

Eric Gorick during a mock pig show at Livestock Clinic

Here follows the dates of some upcoming 4-H events: Dairy camp will be held on June 27-28 at the Harford Fair grounds. On July 11th at the Harford Fair grounds 4-H one day camp will be held. The 4-H Scholarship Horseshow will be held on July 14th at the Harford Fair grounds at 9:00 A.M. Also on July 28th the 4-H Horse and Pony roundup will be held on the Harford Fair grounds.

This year’s 2012 Harford Fair theme is “A Century of Celebrating Fairs and Agriculture”! Please remember that if your 4-H club is or would like to do a flower beautification spot, please call the 4-H office by June 29th, 278-1158.

Hallstead, PA - On July 2, 2012, the Board of Directors of Peoples Financial Services Corp. (OTCBB: PFIS) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.22 per share. The dividend, which is a 10.0% increase over the comparable quarter last year, is payable August 15, 2012, to shareholders of record July 31, 2012.

The Susquehanna County Emergency Management Agency in collaboration with the Northeast PA Regional Counter Terrorism Task Force is pleased to announce the roll-out of “ReadyNotifySusquehanna”. ReadyNotifySusquehanna is a system that helps the office of Emergency Management send emergency text alerts and other notifications to the community quickly to their cell phones, pager, smartphone, and/or email account. When situations arise in Susquehanna County that may affect you and your family, you will be notified quickly and stay informed during an emergency.

It is free and easy to sign up for ReadyNotifiySusquehanna, and you can choose the types of alerts you want to receive. Depending on your current plan your wireless carrier may charge you to receive text messages. To sign up visit susqco.alertpa.org and follow the step by step directions to begin receiving your emergency alerts today.

This project is funded by the Northeast PA Regional Counter Terrorism Task Force. The Task Force was formed in 1998 in response to a growing awareness of the threat of terrorism; its focus has broadened to include all hazards, such as natural disasters. Be informed, sign up today.

Britney Esther Solomon, Fort Drum, New York, and Evan James Upright, Montoursville, were united in marriage at 5:00 p.m. Good Friday, April 6, 2012.

Britney Solomon and Evan Upright

Montoursville Mayor John Dorin officiated at the ceremony held in the Garden Terrace Room at the Genetti Hotel in Williamsport. A family unity/rehearsal dinner was held at the home of the groom's parents and a reception immediately followed the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of SPC Michael and Wendy Solomon, Fort Drum, New York (formerly of Montoursville). She graduated from a home school program in 2009.

Upright is the son of Mark and Sharon Upright, Montoursville and one of the 32 grandchildren of the late Steave and Kathryn Upright of Thompson. He graduated from a home school program in 2007 and received a bachelor's degree in chemistry, with a forensic science concentration, from Mansfield University in 2011. He is employed by Clean Harbors, Sunbury.

The parents of the bride and groom stood up for their children. Harpist was Fawn Upright, sister of the groom and Alyssa Marnon, niece of the bride, was flower girl.

The couple is residing in West Milton.