Quaker Lake – The beautiful cottage of F. J. Bayless, of Binghamton, located on the shore here, was struck by lightning Tuesday afternoon and burned to the ground. Hard work prevented the Ogden cottage, adjoining the Bayless property, from falling prey to the flames.

Rush – A disastrous fire occurred Wednesday night at the home of Edward Sivers, between Lawton and Rushville. While the family was away visiting, the neighbors discovered the house in flames. An Alarm was given over the phone, but before help could be obtained the fire had made such progress that only a few articles were saved. Mrs. Sivers, who just a few weeks ago lost her mother and now having lost everything, including valuable keepsakes, has indeed the sympathy of the community. Also The person who took the windshield from the roadside by the Frink farm, near Montrose, please return it to S. A. Edwards, of this place, and save trouble.

Great Bend – Last fall Peter Bush, who resides about two miles north of here, presented his grandson, Peter Millard, aged 7, of Bridgewater Twp., with a horse. The animal had been a family pet and the boy was delighted with his present. The horse was taken home and seemed contented. One morning, when he went to take care of his stock, he was surprised to find the horse, which he had given his grandson, patiently waiting at the barn door to be admitted. Shortly after he received a message from his son-in-law, E. R. Millard, stating that the horse was missing and that he had been unable to locate her. Mr. Bush informed him that the animal had come back during the night and was all right. Later in the day she presented her young owner with a fine little colt. Evidently the animal longed for her old home and instead of going to the pasture lot as usual, Wednesday night, started for Great Bend. As the distance is about 22 miles she probably traveled all night. After a short time the horse was returned to its little owner, who is very proud of the gentle pair.

Jackson ­– The Methodist church building is about to be removed to a better location on Main street. The building will be raised and a basement provided, consisting of a kitchen, Sunday school rooms, and rest room. The church has occupied its present position for over sixty years. The present pastor is Rev. P. N. Taylor.

Binghamton – Patrick Joyce, who was caught in Binghamton last week with a loaded 44-caliber revolver in one pocket and a flask of nitroglycerine in the other, was sent to Auburn penitentiary this week to serve a term of four years and five months as a result. Patrick had a bad record in and about Susquehanna, and it is claimed he is a bold, bad *yeggman, being an expert in using “soup” on safes. He laid his downfall onto “John Barleycorn.” (See related article in last week’s 100 Years) *A person who breaks open safes, a burglar

Dimock – “Dimock’s venerable old lady,” Catherine Warner, although in her 90th year, is remarkably active in household duties and delights in caring for her little flower garden in the dooryard. Many years ago, before her husband’s death, they lived in Montrose on Grow Avenue, their home being the house which they sold to the late parents of Elijah Sherman (now of Colorado). Mr. Warner was active in public affairs, and belonged to the Montrose Fire Department in the earlier days of its organization and Mrs. Warner expressed sincere regret that advanced years and a distance of six miles prevented her being present at the recent firemen’s reception. Mrs. Warner has been an active Christian for many years and is planning to attend the campmeeting near her home, an annual custom which she delights in.

Forest City – We have but two surviving veterans of the Civil War, one of whom, Robert Ralston, is ill in a Scranton Hospital. The other survivor is W M. Clarke.

Susquehanna – The Susquehanna Chemical Engine Co. has purchased a new chemical engine with auto truck from the LaFrance Co., of Elmira, for $3,300. The engine is one of the latest models and is up-to-date in every way as a fire-fighting machine. The company plans a carnival in September to aid in paying for the new engine.

Hallstead – Orvilla, the 10 year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Davis Bowan, was severely burned about the body on Thursday of last week, when her clothing caught fire from the kitchen range. The flames were subdued by her mother and Dr. A. S. Blair summoned. She is slowly recovering. Also the cow of John Armlinis, that was supposed to have been bitten on the nose by a rattle snake, is alive and well.

Montrose – The Beach Manufacturing Co. has a fine exhibit of sawing machinery at the Panama Pacific exposition and it has attracted considerable favorable comment in the trade journals. One big Pennsylvania manufacturer, who wrote concerning the exhibit, said that the finest appearing group of machines, that was displayed by Keystone State exhibitors, came from Susquehanna county. The exhibit put Montrose and Susquehanna county on the map for him. Despite the fact that many lines of business are running short time, the local plant is rushed with orders. Also Mary Pickford stars in “Tess of the Storm Country,” at the C-Nic Theatre this week.

Springville – Some party or parties helped themselves to about 50 of Bentley Stark’s chickens one night last week. It would be a good thing if someone could catch that bunch with a good load of shot and so impress them that they would remember it for a time.

Middletown Twp. – Middletown defeated the Friendsville team on their home grounds by a score of 19 to 3 on June 12. The Guiton brothers were Middletown’s battery while Moran and Lake twirled for Friendsville, with Flynn behind the bat. Middletown is becoming a fast team and would like to arrange games with any amateur team in the same class. Submitted by Harry B. Watson, Manager. (Another game between Middletown and St. Joseph resulted in a score of 27 to 6. Guiton, Coleman and Murphy pitched for Middletown, the winner, while Flaherty and Gray heaved for St. Joseph.)

Clifford – The way Will Bennett is selling Ford cars this whole community will soon be abundantly supplied. A two car lot is sometimes sold as soon as they arrive.

South Auburn – On February 16th L. T. Place, a poultry fancier, shipped two trios of Buckeye chickens to Australia. On Thursday of last week he heard from the party he shipped to saying they reached their destination on May 20th in fine condition. He was much pleased with them. The letter was one month in coming.

News Brief: A ride on the Lehigh Railroad branch these days is worth taking. Besides the superb scenery, the road is truly in main line shape.

A few weeks ago, I reprinted a “letter from an addict” which had originally appeared in social media and then a reader forwarded it to me.  This “letter” has generated more responses than any other column in recent memory.  I have received emails, letters and direct comments about the addict’s letter – and the response goes to the breadth of the addiction problem in this county, Commonwealth and country.

First, I received an email from a friend who was upset that I printed it because it seemed to minimize the addict’s behavior or perhaps even justify it.  This friend has encountered addiction through a family member – and that family’s experience was a long, painful journey filled with manipulation and lies.  My friend despises the use of the term “disease” to describe an addiction as the addict had (and continues to have) a choice to use alcohol or a controlled substance.  People suffering from true diseases, such as cancer, do not have the “choice” to stop the disease – their suffering, pain and potentially their lives are not in their control. 

As someone who lost his mother to a terrible, terminal disease, I have made similar points during sentencing proceedings – especially when addicts attempt to justify their behavior because of the nature of their “disease.”  While the physiological aspects of addiction are understandable and mirror a “disease,” it also undeniably true that addiction is wholly and easily avoidable.  There is no cost whatsoever – you can avoid addiction without spending a dime.  You do not need a vaccination, you do not need to take vitamins or exercise more, and you do not need to watch what you are eating.  Addiction can be avoided with the simple advice that Nancy Reagan made famous: “Just Say No.” 

So, I understood the anger that my friend was expressing – and even understood how the addict’s letter dug up old wounds, emotions and despair.  When a family member is addicted to alcohol or controlled substances, the entire family suffers – the toll that addictions take on the family structure is immeasurable.  The other comments I received from readers regarding the addict’s letter demonstrated the familial toll that addiction inflicts.

I had a grandmother write me to thank me for printing the letter – she had a granddaughter who was battling an addiction, she had been through 3 rehab stints, and the grandmother saw how hard she was struggling and it was breaking her heart.  The grandmother expressed some level of helplessness because all she could give her granddaughter was love and prayers – but she was so afraid that the “disease” would win.

I had another family also personally thank me for printing the letter – they had a family member currently involved in the criminal justice system as a result of a drug addiction.  This family thought it was important for people to understand how the addict thinks, how the addict manipulates, and how the addict needs to lose the support system and hit rock bottom before there was going to be any hope of recovery.

Other people contacted me to express their own feelings about how they had watched friends with children battling addictions.  It is often easier for an outsider to see and understand what the family cannot begin to comprehend.  I also exchanged emails with a local pharmacist who explained what he was seeing in terms of the “legal” prescribed drugs – and how he believed that those pills were becoming something of an underground currency in this country fueling a growing addicted population.

I knew that the addict’s letter would touch people in different ways – but the primary reason I used it was for the addict’s confession: the addict trusted his family to not report him to the police, knew his family would bail him out of jail, and that he could trust his family to continue to enable his destructive behavior.  I have seen this too many times.  I have sat in court with a mother who found her child overdosed on the floor, provided CPR to the child as she waited for the paramedics to arrive, and then turned around and begged me to release the child from incarceration as it was no longer doing him any “good.” 

Addicts manipulate people – they even succeed in manipulating the system – but loved ones are the easiest target.  This manipulation often convinces loved ones to not report criminal behavior – and even after reported, to go through extraordinary lengths to “help” the addict.  The criminal justice system somehow replaces the addiction as the enemy – as if being arrested and facing consequences makes things worse.  The addict’s letter made crystal clear that the only way to help an addict is to stop enabling the addict.  If there was any lesson to take from that column, I am hopeful that is the one that you learn, and if you are unfortunate enough to face addiction in your own family, you follow that lesson – and consider law enforcement as a resource, not an enemy.

“The greatest gift I ever had

Came from God; I call him Dad!” ~Author Unknown

June, with all of her splendor, is a time for Weddings, Graduations, Reunions and Father’s Day. It’s also a time where we could consider donating some of our “Stuff” to the White Elephant Sale part of the much-beloved Blueberry Festival, which will be held Friday and Saturday, August 7th and 8th this year. Perhaps you have “leftovers” from your yard sale that are in clean, sellable condition but did not find a new owner. Donations are being accepted on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9 am to 1 pm during the months of June and July (June 2nd – July 23rd). Please take note of the new drop-off location which is due to the generosity of Joe Hunt and Associates. The new drop-off location is the JHA garage, conveniently located next to the Montrose Inn. Please watch for signs, and only drop off items within the times indicated above. We respectfully ask that you do not leave items outside the building. We are not able to accept the following items: appliances, exercise equipment, and clothing. Book donations may be dropped off at the Main Library. All proceeds from the “Blueberry Festival” help to support the Susquehanna County Historical Society and Free Library Association and benefit all four Library locations so we can continue to provide the programs and services you and your family enjoy.

The Susquehanna Library Location Reader’s Group will be meeting this Thursday, June 18th, to discuss June’s Selection, “Night Woods” by Charles Frazier. This novel is set in a small North Carolina town in the early 1960’s. We are introduced to the unforgettable Luce, a young, single woman who inherits her murdered sister’s troubled twins. Having always been content to live apart from the small community and enjoy the riches of a familiar Appalachian landscape, her solitary world is changed dramatically in difficult, sometimes dangerous, yet hopeful ways with the arrival of the children. If you would like to join the Reader’s Group, please call or stop by and speak with Laura, Pam, Deb or Elizabeth. They would be more than happy to sign you up.

If you were not able to attend the Author’s Tea held on May 20th, you missed an enchanting afternoon with local Author Barbara J. Taylor. So many people worked tirelessly to make this event a success and the Association would like to extend special thanks to Ann Vitale, Susan Golden, Toni Schweder and Carol Korutz who planned and made the Tea a day which will long be remembered, our “Library Friends” who helped furnish delicious refreshments, and last, but definitely not least, the Ayres-Stone VFW Post 5642 for their kindness and generosity in providing the venue. Be sure to put a note on your calendar so you don’t miss the 2016 Author’s Tea!

The Summer Reading Program at Susquehanna will start on June 23rd at 11:00 am, and will continue for the following five Tuesdays, ending with a special program on August 4th. More details will be forthcoming in this column.

At the Hallstead/Great Bend Library Location, their Summer Reading Program kicks off on Tuesday, June 23rd at 9:30 am and the theme for this year is “Every Hero Has a Story”. On Tuesday, June 30th at 10:00 am, the group will have a special guest dropping by, as “Echo” the Susquehanna County Drug Task Force Dog will be visiting. The dates and time for the July sessions will be on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th, all starting at 10:00 am. Again, this year a free lunch, sponsored by the Blue Ridge School District will be provided to the Hallstead/Great Bend Summer Reading Program Participants.

If your child enjoyed this last summer, please stop by at your earliest convenience and sign them up. It’s a sure cure for the “I’m bored” summertime blues.

As I stroll to the river’s edge and watch the ripples from the passing boats, I leave you with this thought:

“Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person, having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and with a breath of kindness blow the rest away.” ~Dinah Craik

Playing Catch – Fatherly Pride – A Strong Shoulder

Will I get sick if I travel out of the country?

Marilyn came into the pharmacy and told the pharmacist that she and her husband were planning to take a Caribbean cruise with a few stops in South America. But, she has heard so much on the news about outbreaks of sickness on cruise ships that she has become anxious about the entire vacation. The pharmacist gave her two bits of advice: wash your hands a lot and get the shots you need before you set sail.

The pharmacist explained that the reason why “cruise ship epidemics” are featured so prominently in the news is because of the drama associated with a confined population in the middle of nowhere vomiting overboard and spending sunny Caribbean days tending to their diarrhea. In reality, the viruses that cause these outbreaks, called noroviruses, are very common, occurring only slightly less frequently than the common cold. You are just as likely to get this gastrointestinal illness at your county fair from eating inadequately cooked food, or grabbing a shopping cart handle at the supermarket.

These viruses are not airborne the same way rhinoviruses – the bugs that cause the common cold – are spread. Rather they are transmitted by direct contact – either the food you ate was prepared by someone who had the virus, or you shook hands or otherwise touched someone who was already infected. The best way to sidestep this conundrum is to use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol. Better yet, wash your hands with soap and water. Avoid raw, unwashed foods from street vendors and make sure the ice in your drinks comes from bottled and not local water which may be contaminated.

Cruise ships get the bad press because the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) require that all such outbreaks are documented. And even though the CDC has guidelines in place to sanitize ships, close living conditions can be ideal for rapid spread, and new passenger arrivals may bring the virus to other passengers and crew. Once you disembark your ship at your destination, the same cautionary rules for hand washing, well-cooked food and clean water apply.

The pharmacist also told Marilyn that all vaccines should be up-to-date. This means everything from pneumococcal and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccines (dTap) to your annual flu shot. Other countries require current vaccination documentation for diseases that are native to their regions. For example, some countries may mandate that you get hepatitis A, hepatitis B, yellow fever, typhoid, and/or polio inoculations. Go to http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/ for a disease directory listed by country. Ask your doctor about malaria, for which a vaccine does not yet exist. However, there are pills you can take before, during and after your trip to prevent infection from this mosquito-borne illness. Do your homework.

If these recommendations are followed, the pharmacist advised Marilyn, then she should be able to enjoy her trip. Don’t forget the sunscreen and bug repellent! And bring back some cute souvenirs, not a disease that you picked up from a foreign land.

Ron Gasbarro, PharmD is a registered pharmacist, medical writer, and principal at Rx-Press.com. Write him with any ideas or comments at ron@rx-press.com.