Dimock – Ideal weather, forceful addresses, and spirited singing have characterized all the services on Dimock campground this year.  Most of the meetings have been held in the open air auditorium, which is shaded by century old trees.  Nearly all the cottages have been repaired or repainted, two new ones have been built, and the numerous improvements about the rustic grounds make the campground the most attractive it has been for several years.  ALSO  Judge Denney heard a petition of 87 taxpayers asking to remove the members of the school board of Dimock.  A few months ago Francis R. Cope and Percy Ballantine presented the school district with a high school building to cost $20,000, which was accepted.  Six district schools were closed and plans made for the transportation of pupils to Dimock, where they could receive the advantage of a high school. The patrons of Dist. 7 did not wish to have their school closed and have appealed to the court.  They claim that it is not safe for their children to go from ½ to five miles over bad roads in winter and they also claim they have been deprived of the services of the children nights and mornings.  The board of education is not charged with any violations.

Forest City – Joe Tonkin and Mrs. Martha Sneicker were married here one day last week.

Montrose – The borough council has purchased traffic signs, which will be placed at the street corners and junction points in a day or so.  They will direct all drivers of vehicles to “keep to the right.”  All drivers, both of motor and horse driven vehicles, should become familiar with the traffic rules of the town, as soon as possible, as the council is determined that every means possible shall be taken to prevent accidents.

Gibson – Automobile Sunday, Aug. 27, at the Universalist church, with two sermons and a basket dinner in between, 12:30 o’clock.  A most cordial invitation is hereby extended to all owners of automobiles, with their families and friends, to come and spend the day in this beautiful place.  Come in your teams if you have no auto.  If you have neither, come all the same.  Kindly bring your neighbors, the elderly and the infirm.  Be generous in the service of your car on “Automobile Day.”

Fair Hill, Forest Lake Twp. – There were two young men through here and stopped on the Hill over night, driving a Ford roadster, and claimed to be from Hawley, Erie Co., Pa.  They were here Tuesday night, Aug. 15, and on Saturday there were two men from Honesdale looking for a stolen car that answered the style and description of the one the young men wanted to sell.  ALSO  The hum of the threshing machines has been heard on the Hill for the past week.

Harford – Friday, Aug. 25, there will be a bee to tear down the barn standing partly on land of Mr. Fritsch and partly on the M. E. church property.  The barn will be re-built on the church property.

Heart Lake – A heavy shower visited this region, Wednesday, accompanied by vivid lightning flashes and deafening thunder.  The first storm in four weeks, its refreshing rain did much to enliven wilting vegetation and allay the dust that laid inches deep in the highways. A barn on the farm of Lynn Potter, between Heart Lake and Tiffany, was struck by lightning and burned.  It was filled with hay and burned rapidly.  James Webb, substitute rural carrier, was near the farm when the storm came up, and was debating going into the barn until the rain had passed.  Luckily he decided to go to the next farm, probably escaping death or injury.

New Milford – The following party autoed from here to Watkins Glen, N. Y., last Sunday, returning on Monday morning: John Henning and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Tourje, Mr. and Mrs. Byron Dutcher, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Stone, and they were joined in Binghamton by four couples.

Silver Lake – Hon. James T. DuBois, of Hallstead, was a guest, over Sunday, of Rev. J. Townsend Russell, at this place.  Sunday evening Mr. DuBois delivered an address to the boys of Camp Red Cloud, which Mr. Russell has located on his large estate each summer, and which includes many boys from Binghamton and vicinity.

Hallstead – Hon. Wm. J. Pike, who was lately appointed consul to Madrid, Spain, after many years of consular service in Germany, is en route to his home here on a leave of absence.

Clifford – William Tinker, aged 86 years, one of the early residents of this place, died on Aug. 17.  Mr. Tinker lived his entire life in the township and was one of its best known and most prosperous farmers. He was buried in the family cemetery.

News Briefs: Every Daughter of Veteran is requested to remember the G. A. R. picnic at Heart Lake, Friday, Aug. 25. Come and bring your lunch basket and enjoy the day with the veterans and Sons of Veterans and their families.  ALSO  You won’t know the “little old Ford” automobiles in their 1917 dress.  These cars, which have again been reduced in price, are to look entirely different.  They possess a streamline body, crown fenders, higher radiators that will slope gracefully to the crowl, and there will be no brass in evidence.  When the 1917 Fords appear you had better rub your eyes and take a second look before muttering “it’s a Ford.”  ALSO  “Three cheers for the motor car,” says an Oklahoma paper, which also adds: “And three cheers along with the others for the faithful horse upon whom so many of us find ourselves still largely depending.”  ALSO  GREAT SNAKES!  The station agent of the Lackawanna Railroad, at Factoryville, is still trying to locate the owner of a box of poisonous snakes addressed to H. Matthewson, Factoryville, Pa., and sent by W. O. Learn, of San Antonio. Texas, who does not want the reptiles returned in case Mr. Matthewson cannot be found.

200 Years Ago, from the Montrose Centinnel, August 27, 1816.     

ARTILLERYMEN, ATTENTION!  The members of the Volunteer Company of Artillery are requested to meet at C. Carr’s Hotel in Montrose on the 7th of September next at one o’clock P. M. for the purpose of filling the Company with Non-Commissioned officers; and make further arrangement respecting the establishment of said company.  A general attendance is particularly solicited.  LUMAN FERRY Capt. Elect.      

Spelling Books, Columbian Readers, Smith’s Geographys (lst. edition), Chap Books, Writing and Letter Paper, Stamps, &c, for sale at the Centinnel Office.       

CASH PAID FOR CLEAN COTTON & LINNEN RAGS AT THIS OFFICE.                                                                             

Over the past several years, Sheriff Benedict and I were able to put on several public presentations relating to concealed carry permits and self-defense laws.  Sheriff Benedict covered the topic of concealed carry permits and that presentation included a discussion regarding weapons on school property.  The Crimes Code prohibits any person from possessing “a weapon in the buildings of, on the grounds of, or in any conveyance providing transportation to and from any elementary or secondary publicly-funded educational institution, any elementary or secondary private school licensed by the Department of Education or any elementary or secondary parochial school.”  To put is simply, the statute prohibits weapons not only on school property, but also on school buses and vans that are transporting students to and from the school campus.

The statute has an expansive definition of what constitute a weapon: “any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nunchuck stick, shotgun, rifle, and any other tool, instrument or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury.”  If you consider the kinds of things that parents routinely have in their cars when they come to pick children up from school, then you understand just how frequently something considered a “weapon” under the statutory definition makes its way onto school property.  For instance, I generally have a set of golf clubs in my car during the warmer months.  A golf club when used as simply a club certainly has the capability of inflicting serious bodily injury.  You could probably think of things in your own car that you do not consider weapons, but certainly would be capable of causing serious bodily injury if used in a manner other than its typical use.

But there is defense is the statute that seemingly protects people from an over-expansive enforcement of this criminal statute.  The statute provides a defense where “the weapon is possessed and used in conjunction with a lawful supervised school activity or course or is possessed for other lawful purpose.”  In other words, the baseball player who brings his bat with him for baseball practice or a game is covered.  Similarly, the archer who shoots for a school activity also has a defense.

During the seminars, many people asked this question – what about parents who are simply coming to observe those activities and have a concealed carry permit?  Are they permitted to have their firearm on school property given that they have obtained a concealed carry permit?  If they are carrying a firearm for personal self-defense, does that constitute an “other lawful purpose” as provided in the statutory defense?  While the case law and statute were not entirely clear, Sheriff Benedict and I always gave the same response: The statute was not clear that such a defense would be available and that you should not take any firearm only school property regardless of whether you have a concealed carry permit or not.

A recent case Superior Court case finally answers these questions.  In Commonwealth v. Goslin, a 9-year old boy was found in possession of a small jackknife on school property.  As a result, the principal called in the parents for a meeting with the state police to discuss the child’s possession of that weapon.  During the course of the discussion, the father apparently became frustrated and told the trooper that he had a knife in his pocket and wanted to know if he was going to be arrested as well.  The father then took a jackknife out of his pocket and put it on the table for everyone to see.  The father was then charged and convicted of possession of a knife on school property.

At the trial, the father testified that he was a carpenter and that he always had a folded jackknife with him for work purposes, including using it to sharpen pencils, open cans, and even whittle sticks with his 9-year old son.  The father testified that he had carried a small jackknife his entire life and never considered it a criminal act.  He stated that he pulled out his own small jackknife to emphasize that he did not appreciate that his 9-year old son was being treated like a criminal for possessing a similar small whittling jackknife.  The father made his point – but he was also convicted and received 12 months of probation.

The father appealed his conviction.  Father argued that the statutory defense referring to “other lawful purpose” should have covered his possession of his work knife in his pocket.  The Superior Court disagreed and upheld his conviction.  The Court stated that if the father had been going to the school for purposes of performing carpentry work, then his possession of the small jackknife would have been for a “lawful purpose.”  But the father was not there for work purposes, he was there to discuss an issue with his son and there was no “lawful purpose” in that scenario to allow possession of the jackknife on school property.  The Court opined that if it accepted Father’s argument, then “we would be sanctioning the presence of weapons on school property in countless scenarios.  Such sanction would be contrary to the intent of the General Assembly, which clearly enacted [the statute] to safeguard public welfare by prohibiting weapons in or near schools.”

The simple answer: Do not take any weapon on school property unless it such possession is somehow connected to some school-approved activity.

“I like a teacher who gives you something to take home to think about besides homework. “ ~Lily Tomlin as "Edith Ann"

As I write this, the 100th column since I began in 2012, I wish to thank everyone for following “The Chit-Chat” and letting me know how much they have enjoyed it. Our Library System is a jewel in the crown of the County which should never be forgotten, but regarded as a place where armchair adventures can begin and where young (and young at heart) minds are stimulated.

2016 marks 100 years since Agatha Christie put pen to paper and created Hercule Poirot for her first detective novel. 100 amazing years of creativity! The year’s celebrations will include an exclusive event by Royal Mail who are releasing a set of stamps in her honor.  34 novels, 1 play and over 50 short stories later, Poirot remains one of the most famous fictional detectives of all time. Looking back, at some of the well-known stories, we can see how this celebrated Belgian with, what some describe as an egg shaped head and a thirst for precision came into existence. You will find several Hercule Poirot mysteries on your local Library Location’s shelves, including “Five Little Pigs”, “The Perils of Poirot” and “Murder on the Orient Express”, just to name a few.

There are exciting things in the works for those readers who have enjoyed and continue to love Author Gertrude Chandler Warner’s “Boxcar Children”. The people, places, adventures and mysteries may change, but Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny are always willing to do what they can to help. They have shown us that making a difference in the world can be as simple as taking the time to understand others and working through challenges together. The look of The Boxcar Children brand has been refreshed to introduce the series to new readers, and an updated website has been launched to allow all readers to get to know the Alden siblings and explore their many adventures. Check out the site, as new books, movies, and more fun items will be appearing soon. Presently, there are snippets of the latest novels, plus printable activity pages you can download and much more. Here is the site: www.boxcarchildren.com. Don’t forget, you can find some of the well-loved titles, such as “The Yellow House Mystery”, “The Mystery at the Dog Show”, “The Box That Watch Found”, plus others waiting for you on the shelves of your local Library Branch.

Last, but certainly not least, Authors Margret and H.A. Rey’s “Curious George” is STILL curious after 75 years (1941-2016). Remember the quote, “ This is George. He lived in Africa. He was a good little monkey, and always very curious." The tales of this cheerful and resilient little hero have kept generations of readers enthralled and entertained. The Susquehanna County Library Branches have such “Curious George” titles as “Curious George Goes to a Chocolate Factory” and, of course, “The Complete Adventures of Curious George”, which contains the six original titles. Within the 75 years, “Curious George” adventures have been translated into twelve languages.

The Annual Author Luncheon is scheduled for Friday, September 16th. If you have not attended one of these luncheons, you’re missing a wonderful time featuring an award-winning Author and their works, scrumptious food, plus lots of fun and friendship among Bibliophiles. This event is generously sponsored by the “Novel Woman Book Club” and is held at the Stone Bridge Inn and Restaurant located on Sugar Hill Road in Uniondale. Author Natalie Harnett has been selected as the Guest Speaker and her novel, “Hollow Ground” will be featured. “Hollow Ground” is long listed for the “2016 International Dublin Literary Award”, as well as being a “John Gardner Fiction Book Award” winner and receiving the Appalachian Book of the Year Award, among many other accolades. “Hollow Ground” is set in Carbondale, PA. in the early 1960’s and is a coming-of-age novel, a murder mystery, a family saga, and the American tragedy of an environmentally and economically devastated region. Inspired by real-life events, underground mine fires ravaging a Pennsylvania coal town lead eleven-year-old Brigid Howley (who has been compared to “Scout Finch” from “To Kill A Mockingbird”) to make a grisly discovery in a long-abandoned bootleg mine shaft. Old secrets arise and threaten to prove just as dangerous to the Howleys as the burning, hollow ground beneath their feet. You won’t want to miss this golden opportunity to expand your Library, as well as your knowledge of our area. More details will be forthcoming in this column.

The 2016 “Susquehanna County Reads” book selection will be “Orphan Train” by Christina Baker Kline. Registration for this event will begin on September 19th at any Susquehanna County Library Location. More details will be forthcoming within this column.

Congratulations to Bernadette Beamer, the lucky winner of the Blueberry Festival Quilt Raffle. Bernadette resides in the Montrose Area. The Quilt, titled “Blueberry Ribbons”, was machine pieced by the Magic Needles Quilt Club and long-arm quilted by Jude Sieker. We wish to thank all who purchased chances, and those who created such a beautiful item of warmth. Bernadette, we wish you many hours of snugly happiness with your new quilt.

As I think cool thoughts while nibbling a frozen treat, I leave you with this thought:

“Home computers are being called upon to perform many new functions, including the consumption of homework formerly eaten by the dog.” ~Doug Larson

Have a Wonderful School Year!

I’m going bald, she said

Regina, 50, came into the pharmacy and asked if she could speak privately with Anne, the pharmacist.  “Anne, I’m going bald! Look!” The pharmacist always thought that Regina had a lustrous garden of hair. But it was getting thinner. While going bald is demoralizing for men, it is horrific for women. A survey by Hairline International, the baldness support group, found that 78% of its female members no longer felt like women, 40% said their marriage had suffered, and 63% had considered suicide.

We each have about 100,000 hairs on the scalp. It is normal to lose 50-100 hairs from the head each day. However, as with men, most women, over time, develop partings that widen and hair thinning all over the scalp; this is normal. It actually starts in the teens or early 20s, and by the age of 50 over half of all women have thinning hair. After menopause, hair thinning is more pronounced. Hair can also become thin at the front, similar to the male pattern. This is because the hair follicles are responding in exactly the same way as in balding men to the testosterone in the blood. All women have testosterone.  The balding does not mean that the woman has more testosterone; it means that the hair follicles on her scalp are oversensitive, probably an inherited trait, but not one that ends in complete baldness.

Besides advancing age and genetics, other factors should be considered when hair thins that may determine a different treatment strategy. For example, iron deficiency anemia, underactive thyroid, and diseases such as lupus, a condition that affects the connective tissue, could be adding to the problem. After childbirth, it is common to shed a lot of hair for 1 to 6 months, after which it usually grows back. In these cases, or if one does not know, make an appointment for a complete blood count (CBC) and have a thyroid panel done. Cosmetically, hair dyes and hairspray can still be used. Avoid darker dyes because they will make the thinning hair more obvious.

Rogaine® (minoxidil) produces slight hair regrowth in about 50% of women with thinning hair, and moderate regrowth in 13% (after 32 weeks of treatment). Only the 2% strength is suitable for women. The higher strength, 5%, is used for men, and can cause facial hairiness and dermatitis in about 5% of women. About 1 in 20 women using Rogaine notice hairiness of the face, even though the lotion is only applied to the scalp. The reason for this is not known; however, if Rogaine is continued, facial hairiness usually lessens over a year; if the drug is stopped, it goes away within 1–6 months.

Hormonereplacement therapy (HRT), depending on the type of HRT, can affect the hair. If one is taking HRT containing progesterone, ask about a 3rd generation type of progesterone HRT (e.g., Ovral®, Lo-Ovral®, Ovrette®), which is less similar to male hormones and may be better for women with hair loss. The drug finasteride, used for male baldness, is used for women only in special cases; it could affect the developing baby if a woman became pregnant while taking it. If one becomes very distressed by thinning hair, and Rogaine has not helped, consider hair transplantation, which can be done for women as well as men. Regina thanked Ann for the information and decided to get a CBC as the first step.
 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.