The 4-H Community Gardens located at the Penn State Extension office at Chenango Street in Montrose have been planted. The Susquehanna County 4-H program, through the generosity of the Montrose Rotary Club, was awarded a grant to begin the gardens. The main purpose of the 4-H Community Gardens with the assistance of the Penn State Master Gardeners will be to teach sustainability, and to encourage community members and youth alike to create their own garden. The gardens will be open to the public Fridays from 11:15 to 2 for viewing or to help maintain the gardens. Educational programs will be planned as well.


Pictured are Andrew Kowalewski, Kate Onyon, Matt Fearnley, Michelle and Christopher Kowalewski and Kim Grace.

The gardens feature three traditional row gardens, two raised bed gardens, a pizza wheel garden and four silt sock gardens that are planted with carrots and lettuce. Penn State Extension staff Abby Onyon, Michelle Kowalewski, Kim Grace, Board President Matt Fearnley and friends Kate Onyon, Andrew and Christopher Kowalewski planted the gardens with vegetables including peppers, corn, broccoli, beans, brussel sprouts, squash, pumpkins, onions, potatoes, herbs, dahlias, zinnias, marigold and sunflowers.

Please join us in the community learning adventure. For more information contact the Penn State Extension office at 278.1158.

The Benson Family Organization held a family reunion at Lackawanna State Park on Saturday, June 22, 2013. The family members who enjoyed abundant sunshine and a day of picnicking, boating, swimming and socializing are descendants of Malcolm Manzer Benson whose great grandfather, Hosea Benson, settled in Susquehanna county in 1813.  This year was very special as the family celebrated the "375th Year Anniversary of Bensons in America!"

The Benson Family

John and Mary Benson departed England for America on the ship "Confidence" on April 11, 1638. Landing about two months later and eventually settling on a grant of land in Hingham, Massachusetts Bay Colony, where they raised a family of five children.  In 1657 they sold their land and relocated, becoming one of the first settlers at Hull, MA.  

In an effort to celebrate the 15 generations of Bensons in America and with the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg upon us, the family decided to celebrate those family members who have served or are serving in the military so that we could all be free.  Before grace they marked the reading of the following family member's names with a moment of silence: Captain Isaac Benson (Revolutionary War), Austin Benson with his sons:  P.K. Benson, Hosea Benson and Manzer Benson (all in the Civil War); Robert N. Tickner (WWI); Serving in WWII were Louise and Walter Gelatt, Recharda and Quinton Ballard, Norman Fletcher, Duane Benson, Stewart Benson, Sr., William Schuette, Phil Benson, Donald Albert, Marvin Howell and Vincent Griffis, Jr..  Serving in the Korean War was Robert W. Tickner, Serving in the Vietnam War was Stewart Benson, Jr.  Those family members who are currently serving are: Jay Benson; Madalene and Mathew Bachmann; Vincent Griffis, III; Timothy Griffis; Robert Griffis and Thomas Tickner.

The family enjoyed a fine picnic of hotdogs, hamburgers, baked beans, potato salad, macaroni salad, antipasti and a beautiful cake marking the anniversary edition of the reunion.  Some family members boated on the lake, played games or enjoyed the park’s swimming pool while others chose to socialize with family members from as far away as Harbor Springs, MI, Buffalo, NY, Kingston, MA, Philadelphia, PA, Pittsburgh, PA and Burke, VA.  Officers were elected to serve the Benson Family Organization and they include;  Jay Benson of Kingston, MA as President; William Tickner of Paoli, PA as Vice President; Bobbi Galina of Angola, NY as Secretary and Robert H. Tickner of Paoli, PA as Treasurer. The group is already actively planning another family reunion for next summer.

An event-filled Alpha Alpha State Convention was enjoyed by ten 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, Pat Carpenter, Mary Ann Cunningham, Carol Goodman, Susan Lee, Joan Peters, Rebecca Place, Cindy Reynolds, Jeanette Saulo, and Sheri Wolfe enjoyed many specially planned 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 “Discovering Pathways To Change. . . Strengthening Our Society.”

Pictured (l-r) are: front row - Joan Peters, Jeanette Saulo, Carol Goodman, Rebecca Place; back row - Cindy Reynolds, Pat Carpenter, Pat Arnold, Sheri Wolfe, Susan Lee. Member Mary Ann Cunningham was absent when photo was taken.

Monica Ochoa from Baja California, Mexico and the Latin America Representative to the International Administrative Board taught the group some Polynesian Dancing during the Friday Night Fun and Fellowship and was the keynote speaker at the banquet. Susan Scanlan, President of the Women’s Research & Education Institute and frequent speaker on issues affecting women and their families, was initiated as an Honorary State member to the Society. She also was the keynote speaker during the Saturday morning general session. Author Tawni O’Dell whose fifth novel will be released next spring uses her familiarity with Western Pennsylvania and its coal mining regions as the backdrop of her novels. Her knowledge adds authenticity to her characters. Her first novel “Back Roads” was an Oprah Book Club pick. She was the keynote speaker for the Celebration Luncheon.

Several of the Beta Rho members also received awards or participated in the convention in a variety of ways. Mary Ann Cunningham, Joan Peters, and Cindy Reynolds were recognized as a part of the Album of Distinction. Pat Carpenter, Jeanette Saulo, and Sheri Wolfe attended the “First Timers, 101” session during the opening of the convention and Pat served as a flag bearer. Joan Peters and Becky Place were recognized as active Society members for over 50 years.

The state project for this biennium focuses on Support for Early Career Educators (S.E.E.). Each chapter donated enough school supplies to make special center piece arrangements for each of the tables during the luncheon. Winners of the baskets of supplies were encouraged to take the materials to their home area and distribute them to teachers who are teaching fewer than five years.

The banquet on Saturday evening was a highlight of the convention. President Carol Goodman was introduced with the other 58 chapter presidents from across the state. Chapter members who sang in the State Chorus included Pat Arnold, Pat Carpenter, Cindy Reynolds, Jeanette Saulo, and Sheri Wolfe. They performed at the banquet and sang grace for the meal functions. Doris Goerlitz, a member of Pike and Wayne County’s Phi Chapter, was given the Alpha Alpha State Achievement Award. Cindy Reynolds who received the award in 2005 was a member of the committee who presented the award.

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 Portland, Maine the week of July 23rd to participate in the Northeast Regional Conference of the Society. The next Beta Rho chapter meeting will be held at Dryer Hall in Montrose on October 3rd at 4:30 PM where several new members will be initiated.

On June 18, 2013, Jeanette Worden (New Milford) a board member of the Pennsylvania Society of Tax and Accounting Professionals made appointments to visit the main capitol offices of Pennsylvania House of Representatives Sandra Major (R) for the 111th Legislative District as well as 23rd District Senator Gene Yaw (R).  She inserted views on legislative issues affecting new proposed taxes upon Pennsylvania residents.  She also visited the Senate Library.

Pictured (l-r) are Assistant Jessica Gray, Representative Sandra Major, Jeanette Worden, Assistant Teri Swanger.

Topics discussed were house bills affecting raises in sales and use taxes, property taxes, state inheritance tax, and Pennsylvania Income Tax filing procedures concerning complexities of joint filing income tax returns.  Jeanette also enlightened Representative Major of the proposed Literacy program implementing a new GED testing center in New Milford. 

“They are very busy at the capitol,” Jeanette said, “we were told there are over 2500 legislative bills introduced so far this year and there will be many more. “  Governor Tom Corbett’s priority is to enact, on time a balanced Pennsylvania state budget. The previous administration did not accomplish or take balancing the budget seriously.

This year’s recipients’ are as follows: Blue Ridge School District – Troy Carey; Elk Lake School District – Matt Horvath; Forest City Regional School District – Kylie Besz; Montrose Area School District – Caitlyn Daly; Mountain View School District – Stephanie Virbitsky; Susquehanna Community School District – Kyleigh Fiske.

Each year, through an application and selection process, the Friends of Susquehanna County present deserving students a monetary award plus citation for their efforts in raising funds for the Friends of Susquehanna County and/or giving time and service to assist those in need within the communities.

Pictured (l-r) are: Linda Daly, Caitlyn Daly, Suzanne Cobb. Volunteer Award presentation was by Suzanne Cobb to Caitlyn Daly from Montrose Area High School, PA. The award was presented at the June meeting of the Friends of Susquehanna County, PA.

This year each of the 34 entrants completed applications noting numerous hours of giving time, talent and love for others. All applicants should be commended for their service in making a positive difference in our area. The Friends’ mission is to encourage our young people and honor their accomplishments in service to others.

While Harford Fair is an event with many traditions, the directors also are constantly updating and looking for new attractions. One of the new attractions for this year’s fair is its new logo. Much time and energy went into the design which is composed of several significant elements which represent the fair. For many, prize-winning entries are the first thing that comes to mind when they think of the fair. Therefore, a large blue ribbon which signifies the many winning entries submitted to the fair is the focus of the design. The traditional colors of blue and gold have been maintained as well. Proudly offering the event to the community for 156 years, the directors felt that the date the fair was established, 1858, also needed to be a focal point of the design. The new logo which hopefully will become an instant recognition of the Harford Fair will appear on the premium book cover, brochures, place mats, car magnets, billboards, stationary, envelopes, shirts, caps, awards and anything else promoting the fair.

The new Harford Fair Logo

The new Harford Fair logo is a feature of the new Facebook page which is a business site. It is the go-to place for fair information. Check it out as well as the fair website. The fair also has a QR Code which appears on brochures, placemats, and other printed promotional materials. As a community event, the fair is attempting to update with technology and is proud of the advances.

So if you haven’t seen the new logo already, begin looking now and while you are looking, make plans to attend the fair August 19 – 24th. See you at the fair!

Harford Pack 98 recently held their annual Blue and Gold Dinner to highlight the accomplishments of the boys who participate in scouting.

Pictured (l-r) are Kristofer Boswell, Anthony Eppley, Frank Levai, and Garrett Peters.

Four members of Webelos II Cub Scouts earned the Arrow of Light Award, Cub Scouting’s highest award. This award marks their crossover into Boy Scout Troop 98, where they will continue their journey toward Eagle Scout. All four boys also earned their Super 20 award. This is earned by completing all 20 activity pins available during their Cub Scouting years.

Molly Griga

Molly Griga, daughter of Kimberly Dubas and granddaughter of Ron and Carol Dubas recently had a lemonade stand and donated the $146 she raised to the Susquehanna Community Development Association. for their Susquehanna Home Town Days to be held on August 8th, 9th & 10th.

Alexandra Phillips, of New Milford, received the scholarship awarded by the Susquehanna County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR). The award was presented at the Blue Ridge High School Senior Honors Night. Bob Orner, past president of the chapter, and Ellen Holdredge, education support chairperson, were present to make the award.

During her years in high school, Ally was active in SADD and Honor Society. She also had a part time job. In the fall she plans to attend Mansfield University to major in elementary education.

On July 1, 2013, the Board of Directors of Peoples Financial Services Corp. (OTCBB: PFIS) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.23 per share. The dividend, which is a 5.0% increase over the comparable quarter last year, is payable August 15, 2013, to shareholders of record July 31, 2013.

Alan W. Dakey, President and CEO of Peoples Financial Services Corp. (“Peoples”), the holding company of Peoples Neighborhood Bank, and Craig W. Best, President and CEO of Penseco Financial Services Corporation (“Penseco”), the holding company of Penn Security Bank & Trust Company, announced the execution of a definitive agreement for a strategic business combination to form a partnership of their financial institutions whose combined assets are expected to exceed $1.6 billion with offices headquartered in Scranton, Pennsylvania and with significant operations headquartered in Hallstead, Pennsylvania.

The two community-based institutions will combine under the new name “Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company.” Both of their respective customers will receive the same high-level of services and products from familiar faces at their existing locations.

As part of the transaction, Peoples will issue 1.3636 shares of Peoples common stock in exchange for each outstanding share of Penseco common stock. The transaction is structured to qualify as a tax-free reorganization under the Internal Revenue Code.

The definitive agreement also provides that Peoples will survive the transaction as the holding company for Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company, with a 14-member Board of Directors comprised of six directors designated by Peoples and eight directors designated by Penseco. The agreement also provides that William E. Aubrey II will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board of Peoples and Craig W. Best will be the combined company’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

The significantly increased asset size and expanded employee base will enable the combined banks to provide even more personalized service to their customers. “We are excited to partner with a financial company that matches our values. The combination of our two companies will allow us to continue the community bank model on a more efficient and larger scale to better serve our communities,” said Dakey.

“Peoples will be a great partner for our bank and communities. Together we can leverage a broader infrastructure and banking structure to compete with much larger institutions and preserve our long-term commitments to the regions we serve for decades,” said D. William Hume, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Penseco.

Pending satisfaction of customary conditions and shareholder and regulatory approvals, the merger is currently expected to take effect in late 2013. The new combined bank, which will continue to offer the same products and services to customers as its predecessors, will operate under the Peoples holding company. It is expected that Mr. Dakey will enter into an agreement to serve as a consultant through the post-merger and conversion period.

The Montrose Rotary Club raised over $3500 for True Friends!  Awesome!  We are in need of dry dog food.  We prefer any Purina product but appreciate all donations. 

The cat situation is once again becoming dire.  If anyone is interested in fostering kittens or special needs cats please call the shelter.  We are turning away many cats as we do not have enough space for them all.  It is a heartbreaking problem and we need as much community involvement as possible.  Please spay/neuter your cats and support programs that give discounts, your local vets and trap/neuter release programs. 

Monty

Monty is pictured and he is a joy!  He is about 1 year old, he is housebroke and friendly.  He would make a wonderful family addition and give years of love and loyalty.  Raffle tickets still available at the shelter.  COME ON IN!

HARRISBURG – Legislation easing the regulatory burden on dairy haulers was unanimously approved by the full state Senate, according to the bill’s prime sponsor Senator Gene Yaw (R-23).

Senate Bill 1010 would allow a hauler of skim, condensed and evaporated milk, to obtain a permit from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for the movement of milk to other states. Permits and designated routes would need to be approved and authorized by PennDOT. Raw milk haulers already have a similar permit requirement.

Currently, Pennsylvania dairy operations can only ship milk in 80,000lb increments, compared to surrounding states such as New York, where 95,000lbs is legal, which results in disadvantages for our Pennsylvania businesses and farms. The weight differential between states forces Pennsylvania dairy operations to put out the bid with smaller loads, requiring the customer to unload more trucks and pay higher hauling costs.

“Passage of Senate Bill 1010 was a victory for Pennsylvania dairy haulers and producers,” Yaw said. “Pennsylvania is at a competitive disadvantage compared to surrounding states as the result of our hauling regulations. I commend my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for supporting this measure and for recognizing the importance of Pennsylvania’s dairy industry.

“As a 4th generation dairy farmer, it’s increasingly difficult to sustain our family farm on a milk check, so it’s more important than ever to increase efficiencies and stay on par with surrounding states regulations and allow our dairy producers to compete,” said State Senator Elder Vogel, Jr., who serves as the Chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. “I applaud my colleagues for supporting this bill.”

Senate Bill 1010 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.