Kierstyn Yannone and Cade Beamer posing together at the June 4th, 2015 Creative-Play Preschool graduation

The very successful event was held at the Moose Lodge with a huge, enthusiastic audience watching the children sing and dance for them. Refreshments were served after the performance. The preschool is owned and operated by Norma Chacona and is located just outside of Lanesboro, in her little, red schoolhouse.

The school age children at Creative Crayon’s Child Care Center, LLC spent the last three months drinking and collecting a lot of milk for a milk jug igloo project.

The school age room is for children in Kindergarten to twelve years old. The children enjoy hands on projects that allow them to get involved, and seeing this idea seemed like a great idea for the winter. Nicholas said, “This is exciting, and we are reusing milk jugs so it’s like recycling.”  Kyle told his mom that they needed to dump their milk because Miss Sara needed the milk jug.

The center provides care for children from six weeks to twelve years old. All children from the center gradually began collecting milk jugs. Parents not only donated, but helped to spread the word. Community members would stop in with milk jugs; in addition, the bakery at Rob’s Market saved their water jugs and donated those as well. As the collection of milk jugs grew, the school age children began the construction process.

Pictured (l-r) are: front row - Brianna O'Dell, Aubree Kupst, Blake Conklin, Patrick Mullen; back row - Corey Laude, Tristan Ehrie, Troy Ehrie, Siena Fritsky, Nicholas Laude.

The igloo was constructed using 663 milk jugs. It was built a few rows at a time, mostly after school or on early dismissal days. It took roughly eighteen hours. They used cardboard for the base and high temperature hot glue to hold the milk jugs together. The children’s jobs were to line the milk jugs up so that Miss Sara could glue them down for them. Once they were in place, they had to count them. They did this row by row until it was completed. The children did experience a few setbacks as it collapsed twice, but each time it was fixed.

Through donations, the center collected roughly eight hundred milk jugs. The igloo brought many learning opportunities for all the children in the center. There was a lot of math used throughout the process. The children counted, graphed, estimated, and practiced pattern making with the multi colored caps. They touched upon advertising and media by recognizing logos from local businesses.  They incorporated social studies as well by working cooperatively with other children to achieve an outcome. The children recognized community workers,  where they get milk from and made observations from where families buy their milk.

In the end, the igloo looked more like a giant Hershey Kiss, but when asked what they enjoyed about the project, the children had lots to say. Troy and Will liked helping with the glue, and Siena liked picking at the dry glue that hung down from the milk jugs. Tristan said, “ It was really fun,” and Corey thought it was a lot bigger than he expected. Aubree said,” It kept us busy,” and Brianna liked helping hand the milk jugs out. Patrick said, “We kept going around and around,” and Blake, a three year old at the daycare and a big penguin fan, thought our igloo looked like “Pingu’s house,” which is one of his favorite shows on Netflix.

Thank you to all of the families and community members who helped and supported throughout this project. The children really enjoyed themselves. The center is gearing up for the summer when our school aged children will be “Making a Splash with Art.” They will use various art materials such as tin, plastic, foam, clay, wood, fabric, and aluminum to name a few, to create various art projects.

Girl Scout Troop 50219 is a new troop formed in October of 2014 to give third grade girls the opportunity to work within their age group.  The thought was that, every two years, the girls advance to the next troop level, leaving behind the sisterhood they had just made. This is sometimes a very hard transition for the girls and the troop leaders as well so the leaders, Melissa Lankford and Jenifer Johnson, decided to form Troop 50219.  This troop, composed initially of five girls, (four of which were returning brownies and one new brownie) worked very hard throughout the year and truly formed that sisterhood that was hoped for.  In eight months, they have completed their final journey earning their Brownie Summit Journey Award.  They have also earned two financial literacy badges, two business management badges, four Brownie legacy badges and four Brownie skill builder badges. 

Pictured (l-r) are: Braeyln Houser, McKenna Lankford, Victoria Johnson, Ariana Houser, Lilliana Matis, Kelbeigh Lankford. Absent from photo: Jayden Herbert.

The Winning Cookie Booth

The girls have had several fabulous experiences, earning service and fun badges this scouting year as well.  Some of the most notable accomplishments are: Red Kettle Drive (bell ringing) for the Salvation Army which the jolly elves did while singing Christmas carols; holding a bake sales with the proceeds going toward buying Christmas presents for a local family in need and participating in clothing and food drives, Girl Scouts Give Back Day, and Starrucca Creek cleanup program.  The girls toured Susquehanna County Courthouse & Susquehanna County 9-1-1, Corning Museum of Glass, Gertrude Hawk Chocolates factory, and visited Knoebels’ Amusement Park for Scouts Day. 

In April of this year, the girls won the Heart of Pennsylvania Girl Scout Council’s “Bling your Booth” contest.  The theme of the booth was Happy 40th Birthday Samoas, celebrated by the girls with a “Smile, Sparkle, Shine” concept.  The troop managed to sell over 1,300 boxes of cookies between private sales and two cookie booths, in which they braved the cold and snow selling cookies in winter coats, hats, and snow boots.

The troop looks forward to the summer with hopes of many fun and educational field trips, campouts, service events, and parades.

If anyone is interested in joining Girl Scouts, you can register online at www.gshpa.org.

Troop 50219 will have a booth at Hometown Days in Susquehanna with lots of great Girl Scout hand outs and some goodies for sale, so please stop and see them. If anyone has any questions about Troop 50219, interest in joining, or is interested in holding a program with/for the troop, please contact troop leader – Melissa Lankford via email: mjlankford@echoes.net.

Hello, my name is Taylor Sebring and I have recently been selected as the 2015-16 Susquehanna County Dairy Princess. I attend Abington Heights High School and live with my parents, Cindy and Brad Sebring, my twin sister, two younger sisters, and an older brother. We live on a farm with cows, sheep, pigs and chickens.

Taylor Sebring

I lease Brown Swiss dairy animals from Rogers Dairy, owned by Jim and Tina Rogers. A year ago I started being thoroughly involved in the dairy industry by leasing my 4-H dairy project animals and giving a helping hand when it was time to do chores at the Rogers farm.

Being involved in the dairy industry has opened my eyes to things that often go unseen or unheard by many. One big thing is how the importance of dairy farms are often forgotten. “June is National Dairy Month” and it would be a great time to put out the effort to thank a farmer. Farmers do so much for the community every single day; so go out there and tell them thank you!

Did you know there are over 536,000 cows in Pennsylvania alone? Pennsylvania is also the 5th ranking dairy producing state in the United States. On average, a dairy cow will produce seven gallons of milk per day over the course of a year.

What did you eat for breakfast today? Maybe a bowl of cereal, with milk on it? How many different types of dairy products do you actually include in your daily diet? Milk, yogurt and cheese are excellent sources for everyone’s’ nutritional needs. Without consuming those dairy products you will be lacking calcium, phosphorus, potassium, protein, vitamins D, A, B12, B2, niacin and riboflavin.  How will you let dairy influence you diet this month?

If you would like to learn more about dairy products, the dairy industry or the farmers that make up the industry, Susquehanna County residents and organizations may contact me to attend or speak at an event. You can reach me at 570-290-0605 or by email at tescakes@aol.com.

NBT Bank recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the unveiling of its newly renovated Montrose Office. The renovations to the branch at 36 Public Avenue improved the space with a new layout and furnishings that will enhance the in-branch service experience and allow NBT Bank staff to serve customers more efficiently.

Pictured (l-r) are: back row - Frank Altier, Construction; Dennis Phelps, Tehab; State Representative Sandra Major; Gene DeAngelis, NBT Bank; 
front row - Kim Smith, NBT Bank; Terry Cooper, NBT Bank, Mary Ellen Bentler, NBT Bank, Jill Singer, NBT Bank, Bob Welch, NBT Bank; Tammy Bonnice, Williams; Rick Soden, NBT Bank, Tom Lamont, Montrose Borough President; Ron Bryar, NBT Bank.

“NBT Bank is focused on the needs of each community that we serve, striving to provide personal service to all of our customers in a modern, efficient banking environment,” said David Raven, NBT Bank President of Retail Banking and President of Pennsylvania. “The renovation of our Montrose Office is an example of our continued investment in the local community and providing excellent service to our customers.”

The branch is now open for normal business. Branch hours and other locations can be found online at www.nbtbank.com.

Fern Hall Inn, home to an award-winning nine-hole golf course in Clifford, announced the reopening of its course after a $150,000 makeover. The renovation was in response to a drastic increase in year-over-year traffic and growing prestige among the nation’s golf community. The investment has resulted in extensive course enhancements, with an emphasis on enlarging the driving range, refurbishing of the Pro Shop, and adding several dozen new golf carts.

Fern Hall, a member of the Anthracite Golf Association, caters to both local golfers and out-of-state visitors who make the journey to the famous and historic Inn, previously owned by the Johnson Family (of Johnson & Johnson fame).  The updates to the golf course include an enhanced driving range, the addition of over 20 new golf carts, new tee boxes, reconstructed bunkers, new hazards, upgraded golf maintenance equipment, and the redesign of the Pro Shop, which is now fully stocked with new golf accessories and snacks. The Inn has additionally almost doubled the size of its parking lot to account for rising visitor numbers and in order to maintain the course’s idyllic setting; Fern Hall has invested in extensive tree work on the course and driving range.  

Fern Hall Inn is home to the LPGA Girls Golf program of Clifford, PA. and runs a golf camp for those trying to improve their golf game. It additionally hosts a junior golf league taught by Golf Pro Art McLain, a professional golfer with more than twenty years experience.  Although a public course, the Fern Hall Inn aims to provide golfers a private club experience.

“We want to create a high-end country club atmosphere for public pricing,” says Joe Agnello, Superintendent & Director of Golf Operations at Fern Hall Inn, who was instrumental in Fern Hall’s recent makeover. “To us, that means a flawless course, scenic surroundings, and a friendly and helpful staff that makes our guests feel special. “

The golf course is open 7 days a week and offers golf membership packages for regular visitors. Please Call 570-222-3676 for more information.

Pleecdo “Tex” Roba was born on October 5th to Mary and Joesph Roba. Mary was a homemaker, while Joseph worked in the coal mines. Tex has one brother and four sisters.

Pleecdo “Tex” Roba

Tex went to Welch hill School in West Clifford, PA. Tex ran his Clifford dairy farm and worked in construction for Ed McFarland in Clarks Summit. Tex has a loving, supportive family with sons Allen, wife Cindy, John, wife Sue and daughters, Jane Strause, husband Richard, and Betty Green, husband Bill. Tex is a member of the Catholic Clifford Church.

Tex is also a member of the Dairyman’s League and enjoyed archery, hunting, and fishing. He fed his family with a bountiful garden. Here at Forest City Nursing & Rehab Center, he enjoys Polka’s and visiting with his many friends.

The Greater Forest City Business Alliance (GFCBA) reached out to The University of Scranton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for guidance in developing a strategic plan to revitalize their business community.  At the Alliance’s monthly meeting on May 13, the plan was adopted unanimously.

The purpose of this strategic plan is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the Greater Forest City area and to present strategies to help achieve the mission and vision of the GFCBA.  This plan is considered a working document to be used as a guide for the GFCBA’s annual efforts.  Implementation of some of these efforts has already begun and the Alliance plans to continue carrying out this important work for the Greater Forest City area. 

“Congratulations to the group in this room,” announced Erin Debish, GFCBA President, immediately following the adoption of the plan.  “You just made history!”  She added, “So many of you have given of your valuable time to help put us here.  This plan is now our map to strategically assist all of our member businesses and our entire business district according to what is needed to help spark commerce in the greater Forest City area.”

With its adoption, the Alliance revised their Mission and Vision statements and set in motion three priorities to be the focus over the next two years:

Priority 1 - Retain, strengthen and promote existing businesses; Priority 2 - New small business development; Priority 3 - Establish effective marketing and communication efforts. Under each priority lies objectives aimed to guide the Alliance in the process of meeting their goals.

The Alliance’s new Mission Statement is to unite local businesses, organizations, and individuals in order to promote our economy, assist in economic development, and foster a positive community environment.  Its new Vision is to create an inviting area full of life and activity; a place where people of all ages want to learn, live, work, play, and shop.  The Alliance sees the greater Forest City area as a place where heritage, hospitality, and natural surroundings come together to create a community that takes pride in its past and plans for a prosperous future. 

Following the plan’s adoption at the May monthly meeting, those members in attendance began the brainstorming process, meanwhile, the Board of Directors has been meeting regularly every two weeks to address each priority of the plan. In between these meetings, Lisa Hall-Zeilenski, Director of the University of Scranton Small Business Development Center has been working directly with President Debish on the plan’s implementation. The board will also meet a number of times of the next few weeks continuing to put the plan into motion.

The First Congregational Church, UCC of Harford, PA was approached about the possibility of doing some type of community outreach to support the building of the new Susquehanna County Library in Montrose.  Kandy Wellman, a member of the church, acted on that appeal by planning a bake sale to be held on Election Day. Church members responded so that the tables were laden with cupcakes, cookies, muffins, pies, bread, and coffee cake rings. When the final tally was done, almost $600 had been collected through sales and donations. In addition, the church donated the proceeds from the St. David’s choir offering for a total of $750.

Pictured (l-r) are Linda Whitney, library board member, Kandy Wellman, bake sale organizer, Tom Kurosky, library board president.

The check was presented to Tom Kurosky, President of the Board of Trustees of the Susquehanna County Historical Society and Free Public Library and Linda Whitney, an active fundraising member of the Board of Trustees by Kandy Wellman.

The amount raised may not seem like much towards the huge cost of a building project but as Kandy said, “The amount raised may be a small drop in the bucket when compared to the cost of building the new library, but even small drops can help fill a bucket.”

Although the new facility will be located on the outskirts of Montrose, it offers services to many areas and schools throughout the county and merits the support of anyone who values reading. Kandy challenges other groups to find a project that can “add another drop to help fill the bucket.”

The Greater Forest City Business Alliance recently added two new members, growing its membership to 85 businesses.  Anthony Wilcox owner of A. Wilcox Painting, Forest City joins as a first-time member while Stephen Suraci, principal, of Hill View Services, Union Dale renewed his membership with the Alliance during the month of May.

In other news, the GFCBA Board of Directors has undergone a bit of restructuring.  Steven Tourje of N.E.P. and Eileen Lynch of First National Bank stepped down from their board positions earlier this year leaving two vacancies to be filled.

Pictured (l-r) are: Steve Suraci from Hill View Services, Rachel Vauter from Panorama Golf Course, Ashley Marquez from Forest City Nursing and Rehab, Paul Daugevelo from RosAl Floral, Antiques, and Events, Joy Zazzera from Zazzera's Supermarket, Erin Debish from Studio 511, Roseann Swegel from Comprehensive Physical Therapy. Missing board members from photo are Michael O'Neill from Michael's House of Flowers and Tom Fitzsimmons from Donlin Insurance Agency.

President Erin Debish is pleased to announce that Steve Suraci of Hillview Services and Rachel Vauter of in copywriting, web development and web hosting will be relied upon as the Alliance looks to development marketing & advertising efforts, key priorities described in the newly adopted Strategic Plan.  Meanwhile, Vauter, co-owner of Panorama Golf Course, a successfully run small family business in Clifford Twp., possesses a degree in financial planning that will aid the Alliance in creating financial record keeping procedures.  Debish said of the recent restructuring, “Firstly, I am grateful to both Steven (Tourje) and Eileen for going above and beyond and getting things done during their time on our Board.  I am equally grateful to Stephen (Suraci) and Rachel for accepting our invitations. We already have had one board meeting since reforming and it was quite productive.” 

Suraci and Vauter join Debish, Roseann Swegel as Vice-President, Treasurer Ashley Marquez, Joy Zazzera, Secretary, Tom Fitzsimmons and Paul Daugevelo as board members.