Directors from the Harford Fair and the Harford Fair Queen and her parents recently joined over 1,600 other fair personnel from across the state for the Pennsylvania State Fair Association Convention (PASCF) in Hershey. The Thursday night banquet featured presentations and recognition of fairs and individuals across the state. The Harford Agricultural Society received a wooden plague and a $1,000.00 check for its first place PA Preferred Product Display in the state competition. Katie Ezdebski and Monica Miller, who designed the display were in attendance to receive the award with director Cindy Reynolds who worked with them. Communications Competition in the areas of premium books, billboards, placemats, brochures, websites, videos, creative fair ideas, and overall fair displays were judged as a part of the convention. The Harford Agricultural Society received a third place on both its premium book and brochure during the communications breakfast on Friday morning.
(Pictured L-R are) - Cindy Reynolds, second vice-president with Laurren Whitney, 2014 Harford Fair Queen; back row - David Tyler, executive committee, Mark Pease, treasurer, board president Dr. Michael Kowaleski, first-vice president Jason Miller, and Brian Tyler, executive committee. Other directors in attendance during the convention but absent for the photo included Kurt Kulick, Heidi Stephens-Pavelski and Ron Stiles.
The 2014 Harford Fair Queen, Laurren Whitney a senior at Blue Ridge High School, proudly represented the Harford Fair throughout the convention. Her parents, Christina and Glen Whitney, and younger brother, Clayton attended the convention and shared in a variety of events. Laurren competed with 58 other girls representing their fairs from across the state. After interviews, speeches, and special activities, Laurren participated in the Coronation Banquet on Saturday evening. The York Fair Queen, Alana Eisenhour, was crowned the 2015 PA State Fair Queen at the banquet which was the culminating event of the convention. Manheim Fair Queen, Brittany Balmer, was crowned First Alternate and Chelsea Folmar representing the Clearfield County Fair was named Miss Congeniality.
The convention affords fair personnel from the 109 fairs the opportunity to attend round table discussions as well as educational seminars presented by national speakers. The information will be utilized in planning and making improvements for the 2015 Harford Fair, August 17-22. In addition to informational sharing, there was a vast trade show with over 155 vendors which offered ideas and samples of food, ribbons, entertainment, amusements, and other specialties associated with fairs.
Harford Fair directors in attendance at various times throughout the convention included Dr. Michael Kowalewski, president; Mark Pease, treasurer; Jason Miller, first vice-president and entertainment chairman; Cindy Reynolds, second vice-president and advertising chairman; Kurt Kulick, executive committee and arena superintendent; Ron Stiles, entertainment and antique museum superintendent; Heidi Stephens-Pavelski, beef cattle superintendent and sponsorships; and Brian Tyler and David Tyler, executive committee members. Other Susquehanna County members associated with the fair in attendance included Ginny Beeman and Debbie Chidester, Harford Fair Queen Coordinators; Katie Ezdebski, fine arts department superintendent, social media chairman, and information center chairman; Michelle Kowalewski, Dairy and Ag Enterprise Educator, Susquehanna County Cooperative Extension; Marty Myers, Harford Agricultural Society office manager and board secretary; Sue Pease, advertising and website committee member; Nancy Tyler, vegetable hall co-superintendent; Renee Tyler, first aid station manager; and Lynn Stiles, antique museum.
PA Preferred Products, a state-wide agricultural marketing program sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, will again sponsor the state-wide apple pie baking contest, the angel food cake contest, the chocolate cake, and the cookie, brownie, or bar baking contest. They will also sponsor the PA Preferred Products Display Contest for Pennsylvania fairs. The theme for the 2015 fair is “Harvest the Fun.” Fairs have the option of utilizing this state-wide theme for their premium books, advertising, and commercial and vendor space competitions.
Everyone returned to Susquehanna County with some fresh ideas to utilize in the year-around planning for the Harford Fair in August.
Montrose, PA – The Montrose Lions Club recently established the Montrose Lions Club Community Fund with The Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains. This permanent endowment will assist the Lions Club in supporting various charities, non-profit organizations, and community projects throughout Susquehanna County. The endowment can also support local government agencies, municipalities, and the public schools provided that the proposed project fits the endowment’s criteria of benefiting the community at large. Grant applications can be submitted to The Lions Club every year between September 1st and October 31st and funding decisions will be announced by December 15th. Applications will be available from the Lions Club or from The Community Foundation’s web site at www.community-foundation.org.
The Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains also manages two other endowments on behalf of the Montrose Lions Club. The Martin T. Dillon Memorial Scholarship honors the memory of the late Montrose attorney, Marty Dillon, and provides a college scholarship to a student from Mr. Dillon’s alma mater of Montrose Area High School. In addition to this fund The Montrose Lions Club Montrose Area School District Fund provides support to the Montrose Area School District for unfunded departmental, athletic, or extra-curricular activities for Kindergarten through 12th Grade. The Montrose Lions Club has provided exemplary community support and all three of these permanent endowments can receive additional tax-deductible donations to enhance their charitable giving. Donations may sent to The Community Foundation at 270 Lake Avenue Montrose, PA 18801 or made online at www.community-foundation.org.
Pictured (L-R) are: Board of director member Jeremy Wagner and SCFLOA President Jim James welcoming New Board member JoEllen Greene with BoD members Doug Gunn, Jim Kessler and Franz Fearnley.
The Susquehanna County Forest Land Owners Association are pleased to have Mrs. JoEllen Greene join their Board of Directors. According to Board of director member Bob Wagner, “Mrs. Greene brings a wealth of enthusiasm, ideas and several recent experiences in dealing with forestry management practices on the land.” The Greene’s Mike and JoEllen Greene property is located in northern Thompson Township, Susquehanna County. They operate a Red Poll Beef operation on their 170 acres, which includes an active Forest Stewardship Plan on 100 acres.
Towanda, PA – If you love children, can give at least 15 hours a week or more of your time and would appreciate a modest stipend for volunteering, the B/S/S/T Foster Grandparent Program may be the volunteer opportunity you are looking for. You will work one-on-one in a setting and location of your choice to improve the lives of at-risk children. Settings include child care programs, Head Start, elementary schools and after-school programs.
As a Foster Grandparent, you will help your assigned “grandchildren” with developmental and learning tasks, like reading, math and other school skills. But you will also be doing something even more important. You will be providing the love and care your at-risk “grandchildren” need. By encouraging their confidence and sense of self-worth, you will be changing their lives and giving them the chance to grow up to be happy and productive adults.
The Foster Grandparent Program is part of the National Senior Corp that offers low-income older Americans across the country opportunities to “give back” to their communities. In addition to receiving a modest tax-free stipend, Foster Grandparents receive reimbursement for transportation, monthly training and accident and liability insurance.
For more information on the Foster Grandparent Program and other Area Agency on Aging services please call 1-800-982-4346. The B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging is funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and the Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Tioga County Commissioners
The Foster Grandparent Program is funded by the Corporation of National Community Service and the United Way of Bradford County; and is sponsored by the B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging, Inc.
Spiro
Spiro is a big, laid back kinda guy. He gets along with other cats and is currently residing in our Romper Room with about 14 friends. He would love to have a home to roam around in and keep you company. Of course, he is a neutered, young adult male, litter trained and has lots of character. Cats do require vaccinations and exams to keep them in the best health. Please check with your regular veterinarian and follow his/her recommendations. There are so many ideas and tons of information on the Internet to help you keep your cat amused and happy.
Check out Pinterest for ideas.
We are accepting donations for our "Feel the Heat" fund raiser to help defray the enormous fuel bills the shelter incurs. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and continues to help us keep our doors open. You can donate at the shelter, by mail or on line at gofundme.com/truefriends.
