Brooklyn – One day recently Wm. C. Gamble, O. M. Doloway and James W. Adams got to talking war, and minds began to wander back over the times before the war. Mr. Gamble stated that his father—a great admirer of Stephen A. Douglass, by the way—was an eye witness to the great Lincoln-Douglas debates of that stirring period known to all Americans. He alluded to one occasion when Lincoln arrived on the platform with Douglass speaking. Lincoln quietly sat down and listened to this warm argument Douglass was putting up, and after he had finished Lincoln remained quietly seated for several minutes until the applause had entirely subsided. Then, amid the silence, while everyone was wondering at Lincoln’s seeming lack of interest in the proceedings, “Honest Abe,” unconcernedly rose to his feet, took off his long duster, and tossing it to a friend nearby, remarked with a twinkle in his eye: “Mike, hold my garment while I stone Stephen.” And history relates that his aim was good. Also The Memorial Day services were exceptionally good. A large crowd of citizens attended and Atty. Skinner, of Susquehanna, delivered the address. What we need is more real true patriotism, such as was in the veins of the patriots of ’76.

Oakley, Harford Twp. – Farmers are hustling these days. More automobiles than wagons are seen on the road.

Lanesboro – William Sutton, a 20 year-old boy, was brought to Montrose on Sunday and placed in jail, charged with attempting to wreck an Erie train on the viaduct at that place. The attempt was made on May 27, when it is alleged he piled ties on the track and his plans were frustrated only by the fact that an engineer on a pusher engine noticed the obstruction and removed it. He will be held for the grant jury.

Susquehanna – There will be an automobile parade headed by the Erie band, this Tuesday evening, in which all auto owners are invited to attend. Also Sadie Belgarde, the well-known actress, is visiting her sisters here. Also Memorial Day was fittingly observed by the few remaining “boys in blue,” assisted by the town’s people. The address was given by John D. Miller at Laurel Hill cemetery.

Franklin Forks - The Grange will hold a poverty social in Creamery hall at Lawsville Center, June 12. A prize will be given for the most appropriate dress of lady and gentleman.

Laurel Lake – Postmaster Dan Sullivan had the misfortune, while caring for his horses at Ross’ stables in Binghamton, to be kicked by a horse, breaking his leg between the knee and hip. He was taken to a hospital and is resting comfortably. The same leg was broken two years ago in a street car accident.

Montrose – R. M. Honeyman, of Norristown, will be the managing secretary of the Montrose Bible Conference this year and is occupying offices in the Titsworth block. Mr. Honeyman is Superintendent of the National Bible Institute of New York and an evangelist of wide experience. Also The death of E. D. Bronson occurred June 2, 1914, aged 56 years. He was devoted to his profession, that of photographic artist, and enjoyed the reputation of being the dean of the photographic art in the county. He was a man of pronounced convictions and was uncompromising in defending whatever he thought was right. He came to Montrose 14 years ago.

Lenox – One of the saddest accidents occurring in the county in a long time occurred at Lenoxville Monday, when Charles Utley, one of the town’s most highly respected citizens, met an instant death. He was endeavoring to remove a wagon box, when it fell upon him, crushing his skull. Life was extinct when found. He was in the field at the time, alone, and his horses were nibbling the grass, still hitched to the wagon, when found by neighbors.

Clifford – During the severe thunder storm that visited this section last week, considerable damage was done; lightning striking the barn of Ira Snyder, two or three miles from here, killing two horses and burning the barn. Trees were up-rooted and broken badly.

Starrucca – Harry Vermilyea has one of Ralph Howell’s children, which was left motherless a short time ago.

South Ararat – May 27th about 60 invited guests met at the home of Jerome Denney and wife, the event being to celebrate the birthday of their only son, Walter, who was 21. It was a complete surprise. He was presented with a purse of over $6.00, besides many other gifts. His father gave him a new top buggy. The evening was very pleasantly spent.

West Franklin, Bradford Co. – Mrs. George Preston, who has been considered a ‘cancer victim,’ on Friday of last week, vomited up a live snake which is thought now to have been in her stomach for the past five years. Dr. Devan, a local physician who attended her, has the snake in his possession. It measures two feet in length and is of the common streaked kind. He thinks Mrs. Preston, who has been in poor health, will recover.

Springville – C. H. Young, Maxwell Automobile agent, reports recent sales of cars to Myron Kasson, R. E. McMicken and R. L. Avery, of Springville; Dr. Kinner, of Mehoopany; J. Frank Johnson, of Lathrop; C. W. Howell and H. F. Howell, of Uniondale, and Frank Bunnell, of Tunkhannock.

Nicholson – Three laborers were instantly killed and another sustained painful injuries, Monday night, while working on the Lackawanna cut-off, when several tons of rock, dislodged by a drill, fell on a small wooden shanty in which the men were working the drilling machine. The dead were crushed beyond recognition.

Heart Lake – The opening dance, Decoration night, May 30th, was a great success. Mr. Mack, of Mack & Jenkins, informs that it was the largest dance ever held at the lake, the only exception being the dances on July 4th. The outlook for a big season at this popular resort was never better; already many reunions and picnics are booked for their annual outings.

Forest City – The Red Men have appointed Philip Evans, J. D. Jones, Jr., and Thomas Evans as an executive committee to manage the coming Old Home Week. A committee of arrangements to assist them is made up of Harry Davies, Jeremiah Kelleher, Louis Murphy, Guy Carpenter, Theodore Hird, Evan Evans and E. W. Bonham.

The legalization of recreational marijuana has resulted in calls for tougher regulations in Colorado relating to “edibles,” i.e., food and drink products containing marijuana.  The Wall Street Journal reports that Colorado law allows for pot-laced items to be sold provided that the labeling clearly notifies the consumer that the product contains marijuana.  Edibles must also limit the amount of marijuana in each serving size to the potency of a “single joint,” i.e., 10 milligrams of THC per single serving.

Problems arise when people do not pay attention to the serving size of the marijuana edible and consume far more than a single serving.  In one case reported by the Wall Street Journal, a 19-year old college student leapt off a Denver-hotel balcony after eating a pot-laced cookie.  Apparently, the cookie indicated that it contained 6.5 servings of marijuana – so the student ended up with a significant amount of THC in his system in a very short period of time.  The autopsy concluded that severe intoxication was a contributing factor in the student’s death – it caused him to act irrationally and jump off the building.

Colorado hospitals have seen twice as many emergency room visits for marijuana-related injuries since the legalization of recreational marijuana.  And the Journal reported that the increase could be attributed in large part to marijuana edibles – and that the hospitals were seeing more children admitted as a result of “accidental” consumption of marijuana.  Apparently, kids like to sneak cookies and do not pay attention to the ingredient list.

Thus, Colorado legalized marijuana only to now step back into the field of regulating it again.  The legislature directed the Revenue Department to come up with regulations relating to proper labeling and packing of edible marijuana.  There is a certain irony here – the Revenue Department is supposed to be in charge of collecting the taxes levied on marijuana products, but it is now tasked with consumer protection activities, something that it likely has no expertise whatsoever to accomplish.

Then, after the new regulations are implemented, what about enforcement?  Does the tax collector not only look at the books and receipts, but scan the cookie counter as well to make sure that the packaging meets the new regulations?  Did the legalization of marijuana result in less of a toll on law enforcement? 

A simple possession charge was relatively straightforward for a police officer – from start to finish, the officer would probably spend less than one hour on it.  Now, Colorado has to employ additional accountants and revenue officers to inspect the retail records for tax evasion.  Colorado will also have to employ food inspectors connected with marijuana edibles – as well as inspectors of the packaging and labeling.  Moreover, the police will still be tagged with arresting those engaged in the black market marijuana trade – selling marijuana products outside the regulatory and taxing framework authorized by the state.  Law enforcement will also be dealing with the criminal acts associated with marijuana intoxication – both intentional and unintentional.  Thus, the legalization of marijuana simply shifted law enforcement to different area of marijuana regulation – and arguably may lead to more of a burden on law enforcement as it struggles to not only enforce the new (and likely expanding and complicated) regulatory framework, but also deals with the foreseeable consequences from marijuana use.

Still, the genie is out of the bottle now – and other states are watching Colorado to see just how it handles recreational marijuana.  All media reports indicate that the young generation generally accepts the concept of legalized recreational marijuana.  FBI Director James Comey summed this up recently in an interview when he commented upon how difficult it was becoming to find sober agents to work on cybercrime investigations.  Director Comey indicated that the FBI was attempting to hire a “workforce to compete with those cybercriminals,” but noted that some of the applicants “want to smoke weed on the way to the interview.”  After making these comments, Director Comey had clarify that he was “deadset” against kids using marijuana and that the FBI still had a ban on hiring any person who had smoked marijuana in the previous 3 years – but his comments speak to the differences in generational attitudes toward controlled substances.  The kids are probably thinking that the Director should just have a cookie and relax – but he better pay attention to the serving size.

Please submit any questions, concerns, or comments to Susquehanna County District Attorney’s Office, P.O. Box 218, Montrose, Pennsylvania 18801 or at our website www.SusquehannaCounty-DA.org or discuss this and all articles at http://dadesk.blogspot.com/.

“Graduation is only a concept. In real life, every day you graduate. Graduation is a process that goes on until the last day of your life. If you can grasp that, you’ll make a difference.” ~Arie Pencovici

Graduation, what an exciting time! Your world is full of hopes and dreams, with some of them already realized as you prepare to go to college. Do your best, don’t lose sight of the special person you are (you are unique, you know) or where your foundation for living and learning came from—right here in Susquehanna County. Your local Library Branch has been instrumental in your education as well—complete with countless volumes, a wealth of information and helpful individuals who wish you the very best in your future endeavors. Reach for the moon—but remember that there are many interesting stars along the way.

There have been and still are lots of exciting events scheduled to happen in our fair County, so mark these on your calendar:

How would you like the chance to win $15,000, $25,000—even $50,000? Well, if you enter the 6th annual Library Lottery, you could be a lucky winner.

All you have to do is fill out an application (available at your local Library Branch) or print out a copy from the library website (susqcolibrary.org ) and return it with a check for $100.00 (made payable to : Susquehanna County Library). Please mail both to: Susquehanna County Library, P.O. Box 223, Montrose, Pa. 18801. Your ticket will be mailed to you. The drawing will be held on August 16, 2014, from noon to 4 pm, at a picnic partially sponsored by Cabot Oil and gas and featuring “Greenley’s Barbeque” and music by “AP Entertainment” located at the Montrose VFW on Route 706. Your ticket will admit two to the picnic and additional guests may attend by making a $15.00 donation. Please, (in order to place a correct count for the food), note how many will be attending on your application. You do not have to be present to win.

All prizes will be mailed and a list of winners will be posted on the Library webpage.

The Susquehanna Branch Reading Group’s choice for their June discussion is “Caleb’s Crossing” by Geraldine Brooks, a New York Times best selling tale, set in Martha’s Vineyard in the 1660’s and is centered around Bethia Mayfield, a restless and curious young woman amid a small band of pioneering English Puritans, one of them being Bethia’s Father, a Calvinist minister who seeks to convert the native Wampanoag. Caleb is the young son of a chieftain, and he and Bethia forge a secret bond –drawing each other into unknown worlds. Ms. Brooks brilliantly captures the triumphs and turmoil of two brave, openhearted spirits who risk everything in a search for knowledge at a time of superstition and ignorance. If you would like to join in this discussion, scheduled for June 19 at 4:00 pm, please stop by the Susquehanna Branch and sign up.

The Summer Reading Programs will begin in June. The Susquehanna Branch Program, entitled “Fizz, Boom, Read!” will start on Tuesday, June 24 at 10:30am and will continue through all five Tuesdays in July starting at 10:30am. This will be an adventurous, fun-filled program containing all kinds of science topics, from space to the human body to inventions and beyond, sure to cure those “Summertime Blues”. If your child has participated in the Summer Reading Program before, and enjoyed it, please stop in and speak with Laura, Pam, Deb or Elizabeth and sign up today.

The Hallstead/Great Bend Branch’s Summer Reading Program will commence on June 24 also at 12:30 and will continue on every Tuesday in July at 10:00 am, ending with the last program on August 5 at 10:00 am to be held at St. Mark’s Parish Hall in New Milford with a visit from “Rick the Butterfly Guy”. The Summer free Lunch Program will also be available for all Summer Reading Program participants. Registration week begins on June 23, so stop in and ask Angie or Valerie to sign you up.

The First Annual Sporting Clays Tournament, a new fundraiser to benefit the Susquehanna County Historical Society and Free Library Association, will be held on Saturday, July 19, starting at 10:00 am at Rock Mountain Sporting Clays, located at 674 Leon Mitchell Road in Springville. This event is limited to 100 participants. The fee is $120.00 per individual participant or $450.00 for a team of four participants. The fee includes a continental breakfast, 100 rounds of ammo and clays, plus a catered lunch by Greenley’s Barbeque. The event will also feature a Chinese Auction, a 50/50 drawing, and a gun raffle. Check-in begins at 9:00am. Please reserve your spot by July 12 by stopping in at your local Library Branch. The proceeds from this tournament not only help to continue the programs and services in all four Library Branches, but also includes the Historical Society and Genealogy Research Center, Museum and the Outreach Program which delivers books throughout the County and is instrumental in children’s programs.

Many thanks to all, from committee members to talented artisans and, of course, attendees, who helped make the 7th annual Chocolate and Wine festival, held recently, a huge success. A number of NEPA wineries and vineyards were represented, giving visitors a rare opportunity to taste and purchase Pennsylvania wines and yummy chocolate creations. There was something for everyone to enjoy, including great music, arts and crafts, wine and chocolate demonstrations as well as tips on home winemaking, plus food and chocolate samples that were the perfect accompaniment to some palate-pleasing wine. The lucky winner of the beautiful “Chocolate Quilt” is: Lacey Swartztrauber. We wish you many cozy times snuggled up in that quilt.

Proceeds from this festival benefit the Susquehanna County Library, Endless Mountains Health Systems Building Fund and the Healthy Snack Program.

A lively group attended the Sixth Annual Author Luncheon that was held on Wednesday, May 21, with local Young Adult Fiction Author Jeanne Moran as its guest speaker. The luncheon, sponsored by the “Library Friends to Benefit the Association”, was held at the VFW, located on Rt. 706 in Montrose, also included a hospitality hour and a delicious entrée of lasagna and the meal was accented with yummy homemade desserts. Ms. Moran, who now calls Northeast Pennsylvania her home, spoke on many topics, including her debut novel, “Risking Exposure”, which features a young heroine growing up in Munich, Germany in 1938. Fourteen year old Sophie Adler is a talented photographer and a member of the “Hitler Youth”. Sophie’s path takes an unexpected turn when she contracts polio, causing her to fall from the good graces of the perfection-obsessed Nazi party. The inspiration for Jeanne’s novel was developed from her childhood experiences. Jeanne spent her youth surrounded by the rich heritage of her grandparents, all of whom emigrated from Germany between the world wars. Her younger sister, Joyce, (to whom “Risking Exposure” is dedicated) was diagnosed with multiple disabilities, which inspired Jeanne’s life’s work and her writing as well. The author answered questions about her writing, her book, her career as a physical therapist and interaction with children in need. A mountain of thanks goes out to the many individuals who have helped to make this annual event a success. If you were unable to attend this year’s luncheon, please make a notation to join us next year. You won’t be disappointed

Remember to mark on your calendar, the dates for the 2014 Blueberry Festival, which will be held on Friday and Saturday, August 1 and 2 and plan to join us for

“All things Blueberry”.

Check out our updated website (susqcolibrary.org) for exciting news from the Branches, events, and the latest titles by your favorite or new Authors. \As I think back to my own graduation day 40 plus years ago, I leave you with these heartfelt wishes:

“I hope your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known.” ~Author Unknown