The Cloverpups Dog 4-H Club will be holding an Open House on Sunday, May 4th, 2014 from 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm at the Montrose Fire Hall, Rain or Shine. If you love all things dog then come see what we are all about. You can even bring your dog along with you for the day.

Basic Obedience, Agility, Rally-O, Dog Breeds, Health and Care of your best friend, Grooming, Confirmation and Games. Along with anything else that can be fun to do or learn about with our four-legged best friends. If you are not sure what these things are come to the Open House and find out.

Our club meets year round to work on a variety of activities either from our project books or something that interests us, such as dog first aid, budgeting for your pet, grooming and how to look for parasites of all shapes and sizes. Learn how to interact with your dog, and teach them manners and tricks.

The open house is for everyone with an interest in dogs. You should be between the ages of five and eighteen by January 1st. Children five through seven cannot use a dog in the club yet but can participate as an important member of the club by helping set up stations, work as a Post and be an official Steward at our annual Roundup at the end of the year.

If you cannot attend our open house and are interested please contact us at cloverpups4h@live.com or contact the 4-H office at 570-278-1158 for more information.

The Susquehanna County Historical Society & Free Library Association is very grateful to the Constitution Pipeline Community Grant for the awarding of funds to replace public computers in all locations (Montrose, Hallstead-Great Bend, Susquehanna, and Forest City).

Pictured (l-r) are: former Board president Toby Anderson, Williams External Communications’ Keith Isbell, Board Treasurer Rob Vermette, Board Vice President Sharon Norville, and Administrator/Librarian Susan Stone.

The Constitution Pipeline Community Grant was created to aid communities experiencing pipeline activity. The program’s mission is “to identify and help fund projects that directly benefit the surrounding communities.” The grant program has benefited several community services in our area.

“We are very appreciative to receive funding under this grant program” says Tom Kurosky, Board President of the Association. The Association’s computers were in need of an update, being almost ten years old. As well as new hardware, the computers will be upgraded from Windows XP to Windows 7.

Trehab, the Developer for the Meadows at Tiffany Pines announces that the Development construction is on track for completion and initial rent starting in July. The Meadows at Tiffany Pines is located in Bridgewater Township, Montrose. This is a 40 Unit Townhouse Rental Development consisting of 16 two bedroom townhouse and 24 three bedroom townhouses. Families and Seniors that are interested should contact 570-278-5244 and or obtain information on the rentals including applications on the Trehab website, www.trehab.org. Income information is also on the website. 19 Units are at 60% of median income and 17 at 50% of median income. Applications are available, with rent ups to begin in July.

The Tiffany Pines Development is targeted for working families and/or seniors. The Development is a result of the Agency efforts to assist with development of Affordable Housing, shortage due to influx of the Natural Gas Industry and additional need for Housing due to gas and Pipeline workers in the area.

Tiffany Pines Development

Trehab Director, Dennis Phelps encourages anyone interested to contact the Agency so that rent up process can be completed so that Seniors or families may move in as soon as the Townhouses are completed.

The Tiffany Pines Development is part of an overall Agency required Plan to assist in meeting Housing needs in the Region. In addition, the Agency recently completed a twenty unit Townhouse Development in Mehoopany for Seniors, a 40 Unit Townhouse Development in Tioga County for families, and plans are underway to break ground on a 38 unit Senior Development in downtown Towanda.

Ed Osburn, high school math teacher, and Patty Gardus, administrative assistant in the high school office, received the Lauretta Woodson Awards for an educator and support professional at the Forest City Regional School District board meeting on April 14.

The award is named for Dr. Lauretta Woodson, who was a prominent Pennsylvania educator, an assistant professor at Temple, and an active member of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR). She left a bequest to honor those who have exhibited creativity, initiative, and productivity relative to the learning process and growth of children and who have had a positive influence on the learning process.

Pictured (l-r) are Gary Parker, Ed Osburn, Patty Gardus and Ellen Holdredge

Ellen Holdredge, Education Support chairperson of Susquehanna Chapter of PASR presented the awards assisted by Gary Parker, state vice president of PASR. Ed Osburn’s work ethic, attention to detail and constant drive to connect with students help to make him a great teacher who “does not allow anyone to fail.” Gary Parker proudly helped present the award to his former math student at Montrose High School. After the presentation, Osburn credited Parker with giving him inspiration to become a math teacher. He thanked the board, administration, and other faculty for helping to make Forest City such a great place.

Receiving the Woodson award for a support professional was Patty Gardus. She was described as helpful, caring, personable, and outgoing; all traits that are so important when dealing with students, parents, and teachers in an office setting. Mr. Jordan, high school principal, credited her with helping him succeed in his first years at Forest City.

Osburn and Gardus exemplify the goals of the Woodson Award. Each received a framed certificate, a medal, and a restaurant gift certificate. Both are dedicated individuals who have had positive influences on the students in the Forest City Regional School District. They embody the good things being done in schools today. The Susquehanna Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR) was pleased to honor them with these awards.

The Endless Mountains Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of Retired State Employees held their first meeting for 2014 on April 8th at the Towanda American Legion Home. Newly elected President, Bill Hector welcomed members and guests, then led the gathering in the Pledge to the American Flag.

After a delicious buffet served by the Legion kitchen staff, the meeting was called to order. The speaker, Hollie Irvine, APPRISE Coordinator from the Area Agency for the Aging, was introduced. She informed members of the many programs and services available to those eligible for Medicare and the changes in the programs and how those eligible can take advantage of these programs. She handed out booklets to help members better understand these programs.

President Bill Hector thanked Alton Arnold for his many years of serving as the Chapter's Treasurer and for his many years ofbeing a faithful and supportive member of PARSE.

Tom O'Neill, Northeast Regional Vice President, was introduced. He brought information from the State Office regarding the employees retirement plan as well as information on the up and coming Annual Conference, and the importance that our Chapter have representation at this conference. He also reminded members that PARSE is only as good as those who volunteer and are actively seeking new members and support at the meetings.

The next meeting of the Endless Mountains Chapter will be held on Tuesday, July 8th at the Green Gables in New Milford. This will be the members annual picnic, with guest from the PARSE State Office and entertainment. Reservations can be made by calling John Benio (570-278-2380), Priscilla Lingenfelter (570-928-8483) or Bernice Landmesser (570-265-8812).

Jacob Bliss was recently elected to the Susquehanna Branch of the Quality Deer Management Association’s Board of Directors. He is currently a junior at Keystone College where he is majoring in Criminal Justice. He graduated from Elk Lake High School in 2011. He currently lives with his mother and step father, Kristy and John Benscoter, in Auburn Twp. Susquehanna County. Jake will serve for two years as a branch director.

Jim Dovin (r) congratulates Jacob Bliss (l)

When asked about his involvement with the Susquehanna Branch of QDMA, Jake stated, "Growing up in the beautiful Endless Mountains of Northeast Pennsylvania, hunting, fishing, and being outdoors have become my obsessions. At a young age I began to understand the need to conserve our wildlife, waters, and land in order to keep these passions alive not only for me and the current generations but for future generations. We all need to become aware of what we can do and how we can enjoy nature at it's finest. As a new director, I am privileged with the opportunity to pursue this idea and learn from my fellow directors and QDMA community, and I look forward to everything they have to offer".
Susquehanna QDMA Branch President Jim Dovin is in his 6th year as President during which time he has seen the branch grow and their outreach activities extended to include more youth activities and more branch involvement with improving wildlife habitat on various State Game Lands. Jim stated, "In any organization it is exciting and refreshing to see interested people getting involved. It especially makes it more exciting when it involves the younger generation. I believe Jake will bring fresh ideas and add valuable input from a younger perspective once he gets comfortable in his position. It breaths new life into the board of directors when someone new is willing to step up and get involved." Jim Dovin lives in Richmondale, just south of Forest City, with his wife and two daughters.

For our next Discover 4-H feature, we are going to talk about the Harford Fair. Every year, the third full week of August, the Harford Fair is in full swing. This year, the Harford Fair will run from August 18th-23rd, and 4-H will be part of it. 4-H is a huge presence all around the Fairgrounds. You will see projects entered in the 4-H Building as well as animals on display in the rabbit, poultry, horse, dairy, and livestock barns. You might even notice one of the several “Beautification Gardens” planted by 4-H clubs, which are located all around the Fairgrounds.

4-H Fairground Beautification contest participant Born to Show 4-H Club’s garden

The 4-H Building at the Harford Fair is home to the Susquehanna County 4-H Project Roundup. All 4-H projects that have been worked on during the 4-H year are exhibited in the 4-H Building. The projects are submitted for judging before the Fair begins, and judged by volunteers to receive a blue, red, or white merit award, and possibly a Grand or Reserve Grand Champion. When you come to visit the 4-h Building, you will see beautifully decorated cakes and much more. There will be livestock and dairy posters covering all sorts of topics. There are rockets, gravestone rubbings, woodworking projects, officers binders, wildlife and bird houses, shooting sports posters, and all sorts of different crafts and ceramics. 

 Also during the week of the Harford Fair, the Susquehanna County 4-H Livestock Roundups take place. Members with beef, sheep, goat, pig, rabbit, poultry, dairy goats, horses, and dairy animals bring their animals to the fair to exhibit. Members spend the week showing their animals and answering questions from the public. On Saturday, the Livestock Auction is held, where members that have raised market projects sell them to buyers.

Several other 4-H events take place during the week of the fair. Sunday evening is the Livestock Skill-a-Thon which is open to any one that would like to participate. This contest involves identifying equipment, feeds, and meats that would be used with livestock. Thursday evening is the 4-H Master Stockman’s Contest. This contest is for the winners of the Master Exhibitor classes from each species. They each get an opportunity to show other species, and the overall winner is the Champion. Furthermore, you might see 4-Hers participating or helping with the Kiddy Tractor Pull, Animal Dress-Up Contest, and Farmer for a Day.

4-H also uses the fairgrounds for many activities during the summer. The Susquehanna County 4-H Dairy Camp, Horse Camp, Livestock Clinic, One Day Camp, Horse Scholarship Show, Horse Roundup, and Dairy Roundup are all held at the fairgrounds.

If Susquehanna County 4-H sounds like a program your kids might be interested in, please contact the Penn State Cooperative Extension Office today. Our phone number is (570) 278-1158 or drop an e-mail to ano3@psu.edu. Also be sure to check out our website at extension.psu.edu/Susquehanna and find us on Facebook at Susquehanna County 4-H. I look forward to helping you join 4-H, and be sure to look for our next series article on how Susquehanna County 4-H is involved in the Harford Fair.

The April Resident of the Month at the Forest City Nursing and Rehab Center is Eva Jean Jones. Eva Jean was born November 14th to Marta and Edward Dendler of Noxen, Pa. She has 2 siblings, a brother, Jerry and a sister, Barbara. She spent her high school years at Binghamton North High School, Binghamton, N.Y. At 17 years of age, Eva Jean became adventurous, and moved to sunny California. While there, she became a cosmetologist and worked at her profession, honing her skills.

Eva Jones

When Eva Jean returned to Pennsylvania, she met and fell in love with her husband, Karl Jones. Eva and Karl lived on the family farm in West Clifford. They raised two wonderful children, Janet and Dennis. Karl worked on the family farm and for the Tennessee Pipeline while Eva Jean took care of her family and helped with the many chores on the farm. 

Eva Jean is a member of the United Methodist Church of Clifford where she was an active participant with her many friends. Her hobbies included counted cross stitching and was well known for her lemon meringue pies.

Since her stay at the Nursing and Rehab Center, Eva Jean enjoys playing Bingo and Casino and attending Church Services and Bible Study. She also enjoys all of the musical events and visiting with all of her friends at the facility.  A party was held in her honor on April 8th, with entertainment by Edith Olsen on the piano.

April Showers of Blessings poured down on the Women’s Resource Center Thursday evening the 10th of April at the First Congregational Church of Harford, PA. The North Harford Willing Workers and the Helping Hands groups hosted the shower, which was attended by about 50 women. Gifts included everything from laundry, paper supplies and cleaning supplies to baby care and personal care items. WRC was also presented a check for $400 that came from personal donations.

Women enjoying a good time at the Womens Resource Center Shower of Blessings

Melissa, Shirley, and Karley of the WRC of Susquehanna County spoke to the group about the services they offer victims and survivors of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), an annual campaign to raise public awareness about sexual assault and educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence. More information about the Women’s Resource Center can be found at www.WRCNEPA.org.

When snow has melted and spring has arrived, are you surprised and offended by the amount of litter around our beautiful county? The Garden Club of Montrose hopes that you will be, and that you recognize that litter is a big problem.

There are facts and myths that we each need to recognize:

Myth: “Throwing butts does not harm anything – everyone does it.”
Fact: Cigarettes contain poisonous chemicals harmful to animals and the environment. They contribute to several thousand fires each year and take up to five years to degrade.

Myth: “It’s okay to toss fruit – it’s biodegradable.”
Fact: Thousands of people are hurt and vehicles are damaged from animals trying to get food littered on highways.

Myth: “Littering creates jobs.”
Fact: Without volunteers, Pennsylvania would spend more than $50 million a year on litter cleanup. Cleaning up litter costs about nine times more than it costs to collect trash from public and private trash receptacles.

Myth: “One wrapper won’t matter – it’s so small, who will notice?”
Fact: Litter begets litter and it leads to lower property values and crime. If no one picks up the wrapper, it could take 30 years to biodegrade.

Now that you’ve got the facts, help fight litter. Ask each person riding in your vehicle to take responsibility for his own throwaways. If you see a piece of paper on the street, dispose of it and be a good example to others. It’s much easier to prevent litter than to clean it up. You wouldn’t throw trash and garbage around in your own home and yard. Treat the whole country as your home.

The Garden Club of Montrose, the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania, and National Garden Clubs, Inc., thank you.

We hope you are enjoying the spring weather.  Now is the time to make sure your pets are up to date on vaccines and flea/tick treatments.  Lots of dogs in the area are testing positive for Lyme disease and some for heartworm. Check with your veterinarian and see what he/she recommends your pet have to keep it happy and healthy.  Preventitive measures can save lots of time, pain, money and heartache in the future.  

We take our companions for granted at times but must remember to give them some priority in our daily lives and in our financial planning.  If you have a busy life style perhaps a cat would demand less attention and still provide company.  We have lots of pairs that are growing up in the shelter for lack of enough homes.  

Orson and Araby

Orson and Araby are two neutered brothers about 10 months old and very devoted.  Two will keep each other amused and active.  Come in and check them out.  Thanks for all the food donations - we appreciate it!