For six days in July, members of New Milford-based Sea Scout Ship 90, the “North Star,” sailed boats in the Delaware Bay.

The boats were provided by Sea Scout Ship 198, the “Eagle,” and were docked at the Canalfront Park Marina in Lewes, Delaware.

The scouts also attended classes with their Skipper in which they learned many seamanship skills, including docking, man overboard, fire, and abandon ship drills and navigation on the water. They also had a great time putting these skills to work during their day sails, when each sailor had a chance to serve as helmsman, lookout, linesman and radio operator.

Josh Warner, 2nd Mate of Sea Scout Ship 90, sails with his Sea Scout Crew in the Delaware Bay

Ship members were also each held responsible to prepare meals for the ship when they weren’t eating out.

Many requirements were completed for Apprentice and Ordinary ranks by the scouts.

For the first time, Ship 90 also visited the Air Mobility Command Museum in Dover, Delaware. This museum, the only one in the United States, dedicated to airlift and air refueling history, has guided tours of many types of retired planes. A favorite of the scouts was a recently retired C-5 Galaxy, a massive military transport aircraft they were able to explore. From the tours and exhibits, the scouts learned a lot about the exciting history of the US Air Force.

A great time was had by all of the scouts as they spent their nights playing games at the Canalfront Park Marina, watching a movie and even having birthday celebrations for two scouts. They also visited nearby Lewes Beach, where they enjoyed swimming and volleyball and visited the boardwalk at Rehobeth Beach, Delaware.

Members of Ship 90 who participated were Diana Stude, Tiffany Spencer, Josh Warner, Stacie Grubb, Mika Smith, CJ Maslayar, Austin Anderline, David Hudack, David Stude, LaAnna Farnelli, William Farnelli, Skipper Chuck Jaget, and First Mate Judy Dennis.

Sea Scout meetings are held on Tuesday evenings, at 7 p.m. at the Scout Hall behind the New Milford Baptist Church. Information on membership and activities can be obtained by calling Commodore Ron Hall at (570) 465-3218.

The Susquehanna Community High School 'Class of '64' recently celebrated their 50th Reunion over a 3 day period of Aug. 15th, 16th and 17th.  Classmates came as far away as Florida and Texas to join the festivities. Friday night there was a 'meet and greet' which was held at Lakey's in Susquehanna. Some of us hadn't seen each other in years and we enjoyed visiting and partaking in food and drink which was in abundance.

The Class of 1964 dedicates a Memorial Garden

Saturday morning we gathered at the high school for a guided tour of the school. Superintendent Bronson Stone gave a nice tour and explained some aspects of the operation that have changed over the years. We also conducted the dedication of a 'Memorial Garden' on school grounds, which was donated by the Class.  The memorial consists of a bluestone bench engraved with the words 'In Honor of the Class of 1964' and also a Crimson Maple tree which is planted behind the bench. Class President Norman Butts passed out sparkling cider and we raised our glasses in honor of departed classmates Darlene 'Dolly' Mauro, Gloria Towner, Donnie Rinker and Kirby Langford.

 The 'main event' was on Saturday evening and took place at the Golden Oaks golf course facility. The food and drink were excellent and once again many classmates re-lived 'the old days' at Susky High. There was music, dancing and laughter and we were fortunate to have two former teachers in attendance. Mr. Kello who taught music and Mr. Litzenberg who was our chemistry teacher. Mr. Litzenberg was accompanied by his wife, Barb and daughter, Vicki-Ann.

Sunday morning there was a brunch at the home of Terry and Wanda Rockwell where a large buffet was prepared with a wide variety of wonderful food. The brunch officially started at 11am and the last guests departed at 4pm. A tour of the Rockwell grounds was conducted with classmates seeing the tree house, teepee, creek-side deck and garden among other things.

 A 10 day Caribbean cruise in December is being discussed and interested classmates should contact Carole Phillips at 607.759.4095.

Plans are already being discussed for our next reunion and if this past reunion is any indication, our next one should be as good or better.

For the eighth consecutive year NEP Telephone, headquartered in Forest City, has made a generous contribution to the Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit Program administered by The Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains.  For the 2014-2015 academic year the regional telephone company has contributed $30,000 which will help provide tuition assistance to approximately 250 students from low and moderate income families who attend Pre-School and tuition based K-12 schools in northeastern Pennsylvania as well as funding special programs in the public schools.  The Community Foundation has administered the Education Improvement Program since 2003 and in that time has raised more than $2,000,000 for education assistance for 2,500 students attending 37 schools in Bradford, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, and Wyoming counties, as well as funding projects in the Abington Heights, Montrose Area, and Susquehanna Community School Districts.  Including this recent donation NEP Telephone has contributed $258,000 for education assistance in northeastern Pennsylvania since 2007. Community Foundation President, Peter Quigg, states that “NEP Telephone has been an outstanding supporter of education in our region and their incredible generosity over the years has been a great help to local families and schools.” 

Steven Tourje, President & CEO Northeastern PA Telephone Co. & Peter Quigg, President The Community Foundation

In addition to this education assistance the Tourje family, proprietors of NEP Telephone for many generations, also hold the Jessie Osgood Tourje Memorial Fund at The Community Foundation that provides funding for special projects in the Blue Ridge, Forest City Regional, Mountain View, and Susquehanna Community School Districts.  Over the years this permanent endowment has provided assistance for special projects such as Industrial Arts programs, anti-bullying assemblies, weather stations, libraries, outdoor classrooms, and tele-conference courses with the Philadelphia Art Museum.

Maude Marie Call was born February 19 in Ararat, Pennsylvania to Edith Seamans Ackers and Devere Ackers. She is one of four siblings and grew up with three brothers. Edith was a homemaker, and Devere worked on a farm and the children helped their father with the chores. When her father could no longer do the farming, the family moved to New Milford and then to Dalton.

Maude Call

Maude and her siblings attended the New Milford Schools and she then graduated from Dalton High School. Later Maude married and moved to LaPlume. Besides being a house wife and mother she was employed at Bakers Convalescent Home as a Certified Nurse’s Aide, and would occasionally work in the kitchen with her mother who was a cook at that facility.

Maude is blessed with three wonderful sons, Tom, Ray, and Danny. She also has four grandchildren.

Maude finds peace in being outdoors. She really enjoys gardening and planted many beautiful flowers throughout the years. Since she came to live at Forest City Nursing and Rehab Center, she enjoys participating in activities such as Bingo, Casino, Exercise Class, and outdoor events. She especially enjoys the musical entertainment at the facility.

A party in her honor will be held September 30th at 2:00 pm. Musical entertainment will be provided by Edith Olsen on the piano. All well wishers are invited to attend.

For the tenth consecutive year NBT Bank, formerly known as Pennstar Bank has made a generous contribution to the Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit Program administered by The Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains. 

Pictured (l-r) are: Richard Soden, Vice President, NBT Bank Commercial Relationship Manager; Terry Cooper, Branch Manager, NBT Bank of Montrose; Kim Smith, Branch Manager, NBT Bank of Great Bend and New Milford; Shirley Kelly, Branch Manager, NBT Bank of Choconut; Peter Quigg, President The Community Foundation; Robert Welch, Senior Vice President & Market Manager NBT Bank.

For the 2014-2015 academic year the bank has contributed $12,000 which will help The Community Foundation provide tuition assistance to hundreds of students from low and moderate income families who attend Pre-School and tuition based K-12 schools and programs in northeastern Pennsylvania as well as funding special programs in the public schools. 

The Community Foundation has administered the Education Improvement Program since 2003 and in that time has raised more than $2,000,000 for education assistance for more than 2,500 students attending 37 schools in five counties, as well as funding curriculum projects in the Susquehanna Community, Montrose Area, and Abington Heights school districts. 

Since 2004 NBT Bank has contributed more than $98,000 for education assistance in northeastern Pennsylvania. Community Foundation President, Peter Quigg, states that “NBT Bank has been a consistent supporter of education in our region and their generosity over the years has been a great help to local families and schools.”

The Endless Mountains Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of Retired State Employees enjoyed their annual chicken barbeque picnic held on July 8, 2014 at the Green Gables picnic area in New Milford.  The members and guests were entertained by the "Old Timers Band", playing and singing old and familiar songs.  As usual the food was excellent and the weather was perfect.

President Bill Hector welcomed members and guests, introducing State Officers, Secretary Tom Judge and Treasurer, John Class and Northeastern Vice President, Tom O' Neill.

A short business meeting was held and delegates to the PARSE State Convention were elected. John Benio, Joe Polonski and Bill Hector attended this meeting on September 8th.

President Bill Hector asked the State Officers for remarks. Secretary Tom Judge thanked members for their invitation to attend the gathering. He not only enjoyed the ride to the Endless Mountains, but also the excellent food and entertainment and commented it was a pleasure to socialize with members from the Northeastern area.  He gave a report on the membership in the PARSE as 19,000 and stated it is the officer’s hope that it will increase to 20,000 in 2015.  He also reported that the State PARSE is trying to find ways they can increase the number of hours their office will be open.

Treasurer John Class thanked members for their invitation and mentioned he really enjoyed the picnic, especially the music.  He stated that the dues notices will be sent out in October and that it is important these be mailed to the State Office.  They will notify the local chapter's treasurer and send out the dues cards to the members.

Northeast Regional Vice President Tom O'Neill  kept his remarks to a minimum, but did stress the importantance of having representation at the State Convention and to keep trying to get new members.

The meeting was adjourned with the announcement that the next meeting will be held Tuesday, October 14, 12:00 p.m. at the American Legion on Main Street in Towanda. For reservations call John Benio (570-278-2380), Priscilla Langenfelter (570-928-8483) or Bernice Landmesser (570-265-8812).

The 15th annual Endless Mountains Health Systems (EMHS) golf tournament was held on Monday, August 25, 2014, at the Montrose Country Club, Montrose, PA.  This event is held each year as a fundraiser for EMHS  to enhance the medical equipment, facilities, and services provided to the community.  The tournament has been able to provide funds in excess of $120,000 in support of a much needed, updated medical facility.  The new EMHS hospital opened and began operations in December 2013.    

Winners of the first golf tournament held in 1999 were Sam Lewis, Dr. Joe Spiecher, Dr. Stu Kaufman, and Dr. Tom Pascoe.  Each year this tournament creates a lively spirit of competition, especially between the professional staff at the hospital.

Twenty-one teams competed in this year’s captain and crew format tournament.  The field was divided up into 2 flights of men’s teams and 1 flight of mixed teams. 

Winning the men’s 1st flight was the team of Rex Maxey, Joel Maxey, Barry Wheaton and Jerry Klim.  They blistered the course with a score of 58 – 14 strokes under par.  Second place, with a fine score of 60, went to the team of Larry Kelly, Jason Legg, Cory Goff and Dan Regan.

The men’s 2nd flight winners were the team of Bill Lewis, D.J. Spellman, Fred Malloy and Al Bertsch.  They shot a two under par score of 70 and won on a match of cards over the runner-up team of Marty Andrews, Ann Andrews, Loren Stone and Anthony Maloney who also shot 70.

The mixed division was won by the team of Mary Ann DeWitt, Laura  Kail,  Karl Kail and Ed Shinn.  They scorched the fairways with a 6 under par score of 66.  Coming in second place in the mixed division was the team of David Passetti, Laurie Passetti, Andy Napolitano and Joelle Napolitano, with a score of 67.

The day concluded with a delectable buffet dinner provide by Chefs David Joseph and Steve Pietrzykoski and the culinary staff of The Montrose Club.  At the conclusion of dinner, Loren Stone, CFO of EMHS, welcomed the golfers and remarked about the process that has enabled the new hospital to become a reality.  He especially thanked the corporate sponsors, tournament sponsors and participating golfers, employees, various fund raising organizations, patrons and the community at large for their help and support that has resulted in a new health service facility and hospital.

Awards and prizes were presented to the tournament winners and all present were looking forward to the challenge to make the 16th annual tournament to be held in 2015 another success.