The 27th annual Susquehanna County Ag Day will be held on Friday, March 4th at Elk Lake High School, Dimock.  The event will kick off at 10 am with 75 plus ag vendors, educational workshops, health organizations, lunch, pie baking contest, pie auction, and delicious dairy products including milk, cheese, and ice cream! This event which traditionally focused on dairy has expanded to include all enterprises in agriculture. 

Lunch will be available to those interested. Lunch reservations are REQUIRED by calling the Susquehanna County Extension office at 278-1158.  Reservation deadline is Noon, Friday, February 26th.  Individuals making reservations can pay at the door for their lunch.

Several classroom workshops will be offered at Ag Day.  For our morning session beginning at 10:30 am Penn State Horticulture Extension Educator Tom Maloney will present a classroom workshop on “Rock Your Garden” Rock Star Produce from your own Backyard!  The workshop will highlight growing great vegetables and learning methods to increase yields and quality.  Also at 10:30 am a pesticide credit workshop will be offered by Penn State Extension Agronomy Educator Dave Messersmith entitled “2015 Growing Season Pest Wrap-up and Pesticide Spray Nozzle Selection.” This workshop is worth 1 core and 1 category credit for pesticide credit.  Penn State Extension Dairy Extension Educator Mathew Haan will present a workshop on “Robotic Milking Systems in PA” at 10:30 am. 

The afternoon at Ag Day will also offer several classroom educational workshop opportunities all beginning at 1:00 pm: Penn State Extension Educator Peter Wulfhorst will offer a workshop for pond owners on “Harmful Algae Blooms.”  Penn State Agronomy Extension Educator Dave Messersmith will offer the afternoon pesticide educational workshop on “What’s New for Weed Control in 2016 and Personal Protective Equipment Review.”  This workshop is worth 1 category and 1 core pesticide credit. Penn State Extension Dairy Extension Educator Mathew Haan will present a workshop on “Cow Activity and Health Monitoring Systems” at 1 pm.     

The Susquehanna County Beekeepers Association will offer a workshop on “Spring Cleaning of Bee Hives” at 10:30 am and again at 1 pm.  This program will be presented by Beekeeper James Woods.

Frank Pinkowski Jr. and Luke enjoy playing Master Gardener Pollinator Games

The Penn State Master Gardeners and the Susquehanna County Farm Bureau will also offer all day information on Poison Prevention and Farm Safety for Kids.  Activities for kids will include Poison Look-A-Likes, pollinator games, and farm safety activities. 

Ag Day visitors are encouraged to take stroll up “Health Alley” and visit the health and community organizations who will be promoting their activities and programs.  The PA Department of Health will be available at Ag Day to offer Shingles Vaccine.  Participants are eligible for vaccines at low or no cost if you are underinsured or uninsured.  For more information about eligibility, contact the PA Department of Health office at 570-278-3889.  The Singles Vaccine is recommended for adults 50 years and older. 

The Susquehanna County 4-H program will be looking for new members at Ag Day as well! 

Also, be sure to make at least one stop at the Dairy Promotion’s booth and pick-up some free ice cream provided by Kool Cow Cabin Creamery and Manning Farm Dairy.  The dairy promotions court will also be serving cheese and crackers or create a fun cow craft with the Susquehanna County Dairy Princess Taylor Sebring and Susquehanna County Alternate Dairy Princess Brooke Marvin and their court.

Ag Day’s every popular Pie Contest and Auction will once again be held with all proceeds benefiting the Susquehanna County 4-H Dairy Program and Dairy Princess Promotion Program. 

The Pie Auction will take place at 2:30 p.m., join the excitement as the pies are auctioned off by bidding and you will have a delicious pie to take home and will have supported youth of Susquehanna County.

Come one – Come all!  The grand opening of the new General Store in the Clifford Museum of Local History has been scheduled for Sunday February 21st, 1:00pm-4:00pm.

As part of the Clifford Township Historical Society’s (CTHS) continually evolving efforts to preserve and display local history, the General Store is the group’s latest project to come to fruition.  “We’re really so excited about this,” said Sandy Wilmot, President of the Clifford Township Historical Society.  “The Museum of Local History has kept growing since it first opened in 2012, and the General Store has been a planned part of this all along.  For years, we’ve been collecting all kinds of memorabilia and local historical artifacts to display in the store, and to have this project finished is great.”

CTHS volunteers Shirley Granger, Sandy Wilmot, and Marianne Pribula take a break while putting the finishing touches on the new General Store in the Museum of Local History, located in Clifford’s Community Center. The new exhibit will open to the public on Sunday, February 21, from 1:00pm-4:00pm.

Located in the Community Center on Cemetery Street, Clifford, the Museum of Local History comprises an ever-growing assemblage of all things related to the history and the people of the local area.  The General Store has been designed and built within the museum itself. 

“Our store was designed to be just like some of the old general stores that were once found throughout the Clifford area,” said Wilmot.  “It’s comprised of two separate walk-in rooms and includes memorabilia as well as items for sale.

In the main room, CTHS has displayed numerous artifacts, many of which have been donated from friends throughout the community.  “There’s a pot-bellied stove, a big old barrel where folks can play checkers, and on loan to us from the Kenny Bennett family of Harford is the original McCaskey cash register from Bennett’s Store,” said Wilmot.  “The shelves are stocked with jams, jellies, and apple butter that society members make from local area fruits and sell to benefit our many projects.  We’re also selling CTHS calendars, CDs and books about the area’s history, note cards and Christmas ornaments, mugs and more.”

The room off the store’s main area is a replica of an old doctor’s office.  As Wilmot noted, “Around the turn of the century, the doctor was also the town barber.  This room houses an antique tilting barber’s chair that’s on loan to us from Sarah Keating.  We’ve also collected numerous old medical books, vintage jars and bandage tins, and many somewhat unusual items that you wouldn’t necessarily find in a doctor’s office of today -- so many things have changed through the years.  Being able to share some of these items from long ago is not only educational, but it’s a wonderful way for many of our donors to be able to pass along some of their own heritage.”

While the General Store has been designed to be as authentic as possible, perhaps one of the more interesting aspects of the store is its construction.  The cedar boards that side the exterior walls were collected from the former Paradise Valley Dance Hall owned by Harvey White.  “The hall is now being remodeled by Mike and Dave Prestys,” Wilmot added, “and they were more than happy to donate enough siding for our project.  CTHS volunteer, contractor Jerry Lewandowski, carefully removed the siding and installed on the exterior of our General Store.  It really looks great and adds so much authenticity.”

The CTHS continually benefits from local area residents and its dedicated volunteers who share their time, countless talents and skills, as well as their own ancestral memorabilia to help further the group’s works and enhance the community’s education of area history.  Anyone who has any historical items that they would like to donate to or lend to the museum is invited to contact them at 570-679-2723 or www.cliffordtownshiphistoricalsociety.org.  The museum is open monthly on the third Sunday from 1:00pm-4:00pm.

Dunn

Dunn is dreaming of a forever home! This goofy boy has a huge personality. He loves to play, but also enjoys cuddling. He has the biggest smile, adorable cheeks, and sad puppy eyes. Dunn does need a strong handler to give him the guidance and exercise he requires. Nice long walks and playing a game of fetch are two of this dashing redhead's favorite activities. Dunn plays well with other submissive dogs, is housebroken, and knows basic commands.  He has been waiting at True Friends for 7 months.  Come fall in love with this charming, handsome guy! 

A very special True Friends thank you to Ridge and River Hoover who went above and beyond collecting food and monetary donations in lieu of presents for their 5th birthday!  This compassionate act makes such a difference for our shelter and we hope it encourages others, young and old, to do the same!

Fun Fact:  Rin Tin Tin was the first Hollywood dog star. Adopt a long time shelter resident like Dunn, who seem to go unnoticed, and you will see why we think him and all the dogs at True Friends are stars!

Moo Moo and Princess

Want to make your Valentine's day even sweeter?  Forget the chocolate and the flowers, these two little sweethearts will surely fill your heart with love!.   A mother-son duo who find themselves in our shelter because their owner went into a nursing home, these adorable Chihuahuas want nothing more than to be cherished pets once again.

Moo Moo, a 4 year old altered male and Princess, a 8 yr old spayed female, are very people friendly and enjoy the company of most other dogs.  Won't you consider making your Valentine's day special by giving these two a chance? We are hoping Cupid's arrow finds it's way to your heart and you bring home some puppy love.

This weekend, all adult dog and cat adoption fees are 50% if you choose one of our sweethearts to be your Valentine!

Fun Fact: Dogs have a larger heart to body Mass ratio than all other mammals. No wonder they bring so much love into our lives!

February 11, 2016: Montrose, PA:  The Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is pleased to announce the formation of the Diane Yakoski Memorial Nursing Fund.  This permanent charitable endowment has been established by Mrs. Yakoski’s family and friends to provide annual support to the Practical Nursing program of the Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center.  Diane, or “Di” as her friends knew her, was a long-time nurse Nurse and Paramedic at Tyler Memorial Hospital in Tunkhannock, and this endowment will help train future generations to follow in her footsteps.

Diane Yakoski

Di was born in New Jersey and became a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1966 and subsequently worked for a number of hospitals in northern New Jersey before moving to northeastern Pennsylvania.  She worked at Tyler Hospital for 17 years.  Di was married to Joseph Yakoski, who was instrumental in establishing her charitable endowment, and she was the mother of five children.

The Diane Yakoski Memorial Nursing Fund will provide annual assistance for the operational expenses of the Career and Technology Center’s Nursing Program so that students may continue to receive the important training offered by the program.  Donations to honor Di’s memory, and to serve future nurses, may be sent to the Diane Yakoski Memorial Nursing Fund at The Community Foundation 270 Lake Avenue Montrose, PA 18801 or online at www.community-foundation.org.

Mr and Mrs Terry Kavetski of Kingsley, PA are happy to announce the engagement of their daughter, Shannon Kavetski to Nathan Decker.

Shannon and Nathan

Shannon is a 2012 graduate of Mountain View High School and a 2015 graduate of Indiana University of PA, with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminology.

Nathan is the son of Dennis and Valerie Decker of Indiana, PA.  He is a 2009 graduate of Indiana Area Senior High School and a 2013 graduate of Indiana University of PA, also earning a Bachelor's Degree in Criminology.  He currently works as a paramedic crew chief at Citizen's Ambulance Service.

The wedding is planned for June 25, 2016 at Grace United Methodist Church in Indiana, PA.

The Susquehanna County Forest Land Owners Association (SCFLOA) recently welcomed two new Board of Director members to their 12 member board. Dustin Walker of Harford and Bill Bayne of Liberty Township.

Mr. Bayne owns 210+ acres of land in Liberty Township most of which is forested. The former president of SCFLOA he has come back onto the Board to help the group get the message out about good forestry management. SCFLOA will be hosting its March 26th 2016 Spring Woods Walk at Mr. Bayne’s property.

Pictured are: Jo-Ellen Greene, John Reynolds, outgoing President Jim James, Jeremy Wagner, New Director Dustin Walker, New Director Bill Bayne, Doug Sheldon, Jim Kessler. Directors absent from the photo: Doug Gunn, Bob Wagner, Franz Fearnley, Rob Alfred.

Dustin Walker and his wife, Kathy, own a 20 acre property in the village of Harford, where he also runs his business Reel Field Sports. Mr. Walker, a former Marine, accepted SCFLOA’s invitation to join the Board because, “I saw the group as being community oriented and one that is doing community good through outreach and education. It was also the right time for me to become involved, now that my wife and I own property, where we can put good forestry management efforts to work.”

SCFLOA Board member Bob Wagner noted that, “Both men are good additions to the Board. They have both volunteered to be actively involved in two different projects that will positively affect our organization and forest landowners. Mr. Bayne volunteered to open up his property for the 2016 Spring Woods Walk and has already been taking care of the details for the event. Mr. Walker volunteered to help SCFLOA get a more effective way to reach the younger generation. He suggested we do a multi-media outreach effort where the information is put on one site and it will automatically be put on other sites via the “SCFLOA Blog”. Mr. Walker not only explained it he has put it into operation.” Mr. Wagner noted that SCFLOA is in its first week of this setup. The blog/information can be found at https://scfloa.wordpress.com/ or you can keep up to date by liking us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Susquehanna-County-Forest-Landowners-Association) , Twitter @SCFLOA_2016, and Linked-In (SCFLOA Montrose).

Pictured (l-r): Lori Hubal- District Eight BPW Director, Melissa Testa- Monthly Co-Chair, Brooke Marvin- Alternate Susquehanna County Dairy Princess, Linda Bedford- NJDBPW President and Jennifer Bixby- Monthly Co-Chair

On January 28, 2016 Brooke Marvin a student at Blue Ridge High School spoke to the NJDBPW about her position as alternate dairy princess for Susquehanna County. She shared with us her knowledge of the dairy industry, as well as her many different interest in and out of school.

The Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is pleased to announce that for the Class of 2016 High School graduates there are 62 scholarships available that will provide a combined $109,000 in tuition assistance for college and post-secondary degree expenses.  Furthermore, if a winner of a Community Foundation scholarship attends college within Pennsylvania there may be the potential of additional funding provided by the Pennsylvania PATH Program (Partners for Access to Higher Education).  The Community Foundation is recognized as a PATH Partner by PHEAA, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.

These scholarships are available to students from public school districts in Lackawanna, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming Counties.  To see if Community Foundation scholarships are available for your school district please visit www.community-foundation.org.  Scholarship applications can be completed online from February 15th until March 28th.  Winners will be announced at the various Award Ceremonies conducted by the school districts in the spring.  

Online registration will open soon for the 9th Annual D&H Distance Run and 5K on the D&H Rail-Trail in Susquehanna County. A major fundraiser for the Rail-Trail Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania, this year’s event will be held on Sunday, September 11, at 9 a.m.

Now in its ninth year, the D&H Distance Run is a 13.1 mile "out and back" race on the D&H Rail-Trail from Forest City to Union Dale. Featuring chip timing, this half marathon is great experience for runners training for the Steamtown Marathon and those attempting to run longer distance runs. The terrain along the D&H Rail-Trail offers an optimal running experience on a path of finely-crushed stone. Runners will enjoy a course that is primarily flat, with a slight upgrade heading north and a slight downgrade heading toward the finish line. They’ll also experience the beauty of the region in the fall as they make their way through the scenic trail in Wayne and Susquehanna counties.

Proceeds from the race benefit the continued development of the D&H Rail-Trail. For more information on the 9th Annual Half-Marathon and 5K on the D&H Rail-Trail, and to register, visit dhdistancerun.com, GetMeRegistered.com or www.nepa-rail-trails.org.