The North Jackson Age 4-H club held a meeting on May 20, 2016. Before the meeting the younger kids played a game of baseball. When everyone had arrived, we did the pledges and ran through the motions. We also decided that we were going to hold a hoagie sale instead of the Lopatofsky bake sale. Election of Officers was held and our new officers are; President- Kayleen Conklin; Vice President- Jamie Supancik; Treasurer- Evan Aldrich; News reporter- Katelyn Supancik; Historians- Emily Supancik and Holly Galvin. Each officer is assigned a project book to complete for the year they hold the office. Projects books were handed out for each member. When the meeting was adjourned, the younger kids resumed their game and the older kids roasted hot dogs.

The Beta Rho Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International awards a Grant In Aid to a college student pursuing a degree in education.  This year’s recipient is a recent graduate from Keystone College in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. Pictured left to right are Maura Warner, grant-in-aid recipient, and Agnes Massacesi.  Agnes is a retired teacher from the Tunkhannock area and Chairman of the Professional Affairs/US Forum Committee of the Beta Rho Chapter.

The 1st Annual Endless Mountains Vintage Saab Jamboree Car Show will be conducted on Saturday, June 11, 2016 7:00A.M. to 8:45P.M. Come early and leave late at 58 Snedeker Rd (SR. 2067), Clifford Township, Near South Gibson, PA.

Vintage Saab Owners are invited to bring their cars to show and also any parts that they may have to sell, all Saabs are welcome but the main focus of the event will be Saab 92s, 93s, 95s, 96s, 99s, and Sonetts. Awards will be given out according to categories. A food vender will be on the premises (Smoke Ridge Foods).

To reach the show from I-81 coming from North, get off the Lenoxville Exit 206, turn right, follow signs you reach the show. Coming from the South, get off the Lenox Exit 211, turn Left, follow signs to South Gibson, take right go one mile up hill to show on left hand side.

Please refrain from bringing any alcohol beverages, as this is an alcohol free event.

The Susquehanna Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR) held its summer meeting on June 14 at the Susquehanna Borough building. Prior to the meeting twelve member had a short tour and film presentation at the Priesthood Restoration Site of the Mormon Church, located in Oakland township.

President john Manchester made three certificate presentations during the business meeting. Secretary Jane Jerauld received the 2015 John Dillon Award for exceptional service to the chapter and its membership. The Chapter was recognized, with a 50 year certificate, for having served the local members since 1966. The State Board of Directors awarded a commendation to Gary Parker, local member and State President Elect, for his service and dedication to the association.

Monetary donations will be made to the Hop Bottom Summer Lunch Box program, the County Libraries “Babies and Books” program, and the Susquehanna County Library Building Fund raffle.

Pictured (l - r) are: Cindy Beeman -Executive Director of Interfaith, Janet Small -Community Service Chair, Rita Eddy - Chapter member. Over 200 pair of socks were delivered on Tuesday, June 14th

Community Service chair, Janet Small, announced tat over 200 pairs of sock have been collected from our membership, and were given to Interfaith “Socks for Tots and Teens” program. Cindy Beeman, Executive Director for Interfaith, accepted the socks for inclusion with their yearly back pack and shoe voucher program.

Our 4th Annual “I don't have to go back to school picnic” will be held on Thursday, September 1st, 2016 at Salt Springs State Park, beginning at 11:30. All retired school employees are invited. Contact President John Manchester at 570-879-4937 for more details.

The Beta Rho Chapter members of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (DKG) recently donated pasta and sauce to the Summer Lunch Box (SLB) Program at the Grace Lutheran Church fellowship hall in Hop Bottom.  The program provides five bi-weekly food distributions during the months of June, July, and August.  Most is in the form of staples.  Families in the Mountain View School District who receive free/reduced price meals during the school year are eligible for the SLB program.  In 2015, about 133 children were served in 53 families. Because there are no paid administrators in this grass roots efforts, 100% of the donations received goes right back into the program.

The Beta Rho Chapter members of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (DKG) pose with their generous donation of pasta and sauce.

DKG is a professional honor society of key women educators in the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America and Japan whose mission is to promote professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.  The local chapter includes members from Bradford, Susquehanna, and Wyoming counties,

On May 9, 2016, Mary Ann Michael Cunningham, Regent of the Susquehanna County Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution presented a check on behalf of the organization to the Susquehanna County Career & Technology Center. This annual $1200 donation benefits adult women who may need help with their educational expenses. The funds have been used for uniforms and testing fees.

Pictured (L-R): Dr. Alice M. Davis, Executive Director of the SCCTC, Mary Ann Michael Cunningham, Regent, SCCDAR, Tammi Mowry, SCCTC Financial Aid Coordinator.

Dr. Alice M. Davis, Executive Director of the SCCTC and Tammi Mowry, Financial Aid Coordinator, accepted the check and would like to thank the D.A.R. for their generous donation and support of continuing education for adult women. The DAR’s mission of securing America’s future through better education has greatly benefited the SCCTC.

If you are 50 years and older, the Shingles Vaccine should be on your TO-DO list.

Facts:

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus stay in your body and can resurface any time as shingles – a painful, blistering rash. Even if you feel healthy, your risk for shingles increases as you get older.

One out of three people will develop shingles. Risk factors include age (50+ years), weakened immune system (due to diseases, cancer treatments, medication) and history of chickenpox.

The shingles vaccine (Zostavax®) can reduce the risk of developing shingles and its associated pain.

The Family Health Clinic of Barnes Kasson Hospital, 878 Turnpike St. Susquehanna will offer the vaccine July 15, from 1:00 – 3:00pm.

You are eligible for vaccines at LOW or NO COST if you are under-insured (your insurance does not cover the vaccine); or uninsured (you have no insurance)

(Maximum $5.00 cost – payable by check or money order)

Please Call the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 570-278-3889 to register or if you have any questions.

As the temperatures heat up and vacation season sets in—whether heading out of town or enjoying staycations - many families will be taking to the water. Unfortunately, it is inevitable to hear tragic stories of children and adults losing their lives to drowning. Every day, about ten people die from unintentional drowning, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is the leading cause of unintentional injury related deaths for 1-4 year-old children.

The American Red Cross is stressing the importance of constant, active adult supervision and ensuring that everyone learns to swim as critical layers of protection to help prevent drowning.

“Everyone in Northeast PA should have basic water safety knowledge and skills to help them be safe and make good choices around water,” said Bill Goldsworthy, Executive Director for the American Red Cross of Northeast PA. "Parents and caregivers should always stay within ‘arm’s reach’ of young children and newer swimmers. Drowning can occur quickly and silently, wherever there is water. Join the Red Cross in keeping vigilant watch over family, friends, family and neighbors this summer, and, for life."

The following tips are layers of protection that will help people stay safe in and around the water:

Do your part, be water smart! Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well.

Adults: actively supervise children. And kids: be cool, follow the rules.

Don’t fool with a pool: fence it in. Enclose your pool and spa with four-sided, four-foot fencing and use self-closing, self-latching gates. 

Don’t just pack it, wear your U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket – always on a boat and if in a situation beyond your skill level. Inflatable children’s toys and water wings can be fun, but they are not a substitute for a life jacket and adult supervision.

Swim as a pair near a lifeguard’s chair – everyone, including experienced swimmers, should swim with a buddy in areas protected by lifeguards.

Reach or throw, don't go! Know what to do to help someone in trouble without getting yourself in danger; know how and when to call 9-1-1; and know CPR.

According to a Red Cross survey, more than half of all Americans (54 percent) either can’t swim or don’t have all of the basic swimming skills. The Red Cross and its Scientific Advisory Council recommend that everyone learn to perform critical water safety skills, referred to as ‘water competency.’ The skills, performed sequentially, include being able to:

• Step or jump into the water over your head;
• Return to the surface and float or tread water for one minute;
• Rotate in a full circle and find an exit;
• Swim 25 yards to the exit; and
• Exit from the water. If in a pool, be able to exit without using the ladder.

”Learn to swim well enough that you can perform all five water competency skills. If you or a family member can’t, look for Red Cross Learn-to-Swim classes offered in your area,” added Goldsworthy.

Red Cross swim lessons help people develop skills and water safety behaviors that help them be more comfortable and safe when they are in, on and around the water. People can find age-appropriate water orientation and Learn-to-Swim programs for themselves and their family members by contacting their local aquatic facility and asking for American Red Cross swimming and water safety programs or by visiting redcross.org/takeaclass.

Peyton

It’s hard to believe a dog as amazing as Peyton has been waiting at our shelter for almost one whole year.  She is not only strikingly beautiful, but very smart, very calm, and very sweet.  If you are looking for all of the above, please consider adopting Peyton, who would love a family to call her own.  She is spayed, up to date on shots, and micro-chipped.  Peyton loves people, but doesn’t get along with other pets.  She is however, so lovely, so fabulous in all ways, she’ll be more than enough doggy for one lucky family.

We are still in need of individuals, families, organizations, and local businesses to financially sponsor Woofstock.  Because of this we  have extended the deadline until July 1st.  Sponsorship levels start at $25 and can be dropped off at the shelter or mailed to us at 16332 SR 706 Montrose, PA 18801.  Please consider contributing.  It is a crucial part of keeping our shelter open for animals in need.

Fun Fact:  45% of dogs sleep in bed with their owners.  We 100% guarantee Peyton would make the perfect nighttime cuddler!