Gibson – A conundrum social will be held at the home of R. H. Estabrook, Friday night.

North Harford – Miss Lillian Gumaer will teach the Sweet School this coming term, and Mrs. Anna Adams will teach in South Harford when school opens next Monday. ALSO Filling silos is the order of the day.  The men are all busy and the women are doing some cooking.  The following was written noting the end of summer: “Vacation time is nearly o’er,’ The “city folks” are going, Fishing poles are laid aside, And Autumn winds are blowing. Couch hammocks now are vacant, And everything is still. But we hope next the city folks Will return to old Wolf Hill.”

Montrose – Miss Mary Meehan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John V. Meehan, who entered the Ithaca Conservatory of Music a few days ago, won the first prize in the entrance examination contests, for performance on piano, which will materially reduce her expenses while pursuing her studies.  Miss Meehan has great natural talent, musically, and her first success at Ithaca will be pleasing to many friends.  Miss Mollie Miller, also of Montrose, secured a prize in the vocal music contest, and Wesley Gavitt, of Bridgewater, for performance on the violin.

New Milford – Jasper Jennings, local historian and writer, through the columns of the Democrat, has done much to give our readers a better knowledge of their own county and its people.  Historical reminiscence, which he relates so entertainingly, has interwoven the names of many of the county pioneers and helped to fasten important local history on the memory. 

Uniondale – Grace Wademan will soon enter Bloomsburg Normal school; Grace Corey left Monday for Mansfield Normal School; James Lowry returned to Bucknell University, Wednesday.

Hop Bottom – A large company of ladies were delightfully entertained at Loomis Hall on Tuesday afternoon at a variety shower, given by Mrs. Frank Zimmerman and Mrs. J. W. Bisbee in honor of Miss Elizabeth Quailey, who will soon become the bride of Mr. Barton Lyden, of Carbondale.

Silver Lake – Miss Lena L. Kane, of this place and Daniel Kane, of Forest Lake, were married in St. Mary’s church, at Montrose, Tuesday morning, Sept. 19.

Thompson – A goodly number of the neighbors and friends of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Hackley surprised them at their home Sept. 13.  Since purchasing the farm, formerly owned by John Sumner, Mr. Hackley has had the misfortune to lose several horses and cattle.  Realizing that “a friend in need is a friend indeed,” these friends surprised Mr. and Mrs. Hackley by leaving them a well filled purse as substantial evidence of their sympathy and for their encouragement. It was an evening well spent and long to be remembered.

Binghamton – Edwin R. Weeks and Giles H. Dickinson have formed a business partnership and have taken over the piano and music business of Barrett Brothers, Inc., on Collier St. The announcement will be specially interesting to our citizens as Mr. Weeks was born in Montrose.  Mr. Dickinson married his sister, whose girlhood days were spent here.

Fairdale – I. R. Very has purchased a new five passenger Chevrolet touring car.

Brookdale – William Wilbur, in calling to renew his subscription, mentioned that he had been a Republican reader for 53 years.  He commenced taking the paper when 21 years of age, and has been a continuous reader ever since.  He is well versed in happenings of the past and present generations, and takes an active interest in the present day problems of life.

Dundaff - An X-ray photograph of the left arm of Norbert Carlson, aged 9 years, showed that the member was so seriously fractured that the arm would remain stiff his lifetime.  The arm may be amputated.  The youngster was riding one of the mules at his father’s farm and in some way slipped and fell from the back of the mule, his foot being entangled in the harness as he fell.  The animal became frightened and ran about the barnyard, dragging the boy behind and finally stopped by his father.

Springville – Mrs. Harry Luce and daughter, Daisy, narrowly escaped serious accident on Friday. While sitting in the wagon at the milk station the horses became frightened at a loud peal of thunder and ran away throwing both occupants out of the wagon.  Excepting for slight cuts and bruises they were uninjured. ALSO Dr. Diller has given up his practice here and gone to another place.  If those who owed him large bills had paid up, this step would not have been necessary.

South Gibson – W. D. Chamberlain and wife, of San Francisco, after an absence of 15 years, are visiting at the home of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Chamberlain.

Jackson – Mrs. Abbie Griffis had a sale of farm property at her home near here on Tuesday.  Mrs. Griffis will go to California and spend the winter with her daughters.

Brooklyn – Maurice K. Packer and Miss Marion Roper were married Wednesday, Sept. 20, at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Roper, officiated by Rev. J. L. Dowson.  Harold Packer and Miss Leta Packer, acted as groomsman and bridesmaid, while Eleanor Smith, little cousin of the bride, acted as ring-bearer.  After the ceremony a sumptuous repast was served.

News Brief: An order just issued in New York state directs the removal of all roadside signs.  These signs are blots on the beautiful landscape, and efforts are being made in Pennsylvania to have a similar law adopted.

200 Years Ago from the Centinel, Montrose, PA, Oct. 1, 1816: [A taste of politics in 1816]

Communication.  Mr. Clark [Editor] – >Permit me to ask a few questions, as questions appear to be handy change. Was not that snapping Hemlock who appeared in the last Centinel, the very person who put this county to an enormous expense for nothing, by calling Arbitrators from Luzerne county when there was no need of them, for no other purpose than to procrastinate the organization of this county?  >Was not this same Hemlock one of the persons who refused to act under oath when doing public business, because he had been guilty of dishonest and dastardly conduct, for fear that he should be punished for perjury?  >Did not this rotten hearted Hemlock refuse to make a settlement of the donations till ten acres of the land already given to be appropriated to the public buildings should be thrown into the common when five acres would have done as well, and the other five would have sold for five hundred dollars or more?  >Was not this Kingly Hemlock one of the persons who sat as judge at a general election under oath and threw away eleven Democrat votes, and said they were not worth taking notice of? And  >Is not this abominable rotten hearted, snapping Hemlock set up as Auditor for the good citizens of this County to support at the approaching election? And  >Will they support him? –I answer NO, unless they are as rotten hearted as himself.   One that knows him. 

Married. In the township of Rush, on the 26th ult. [last month] by Seth Taylor Esq., Mr. John Stephens, of Pike [Bradford Co.] Twp. to Miss Maria Bolles, of Rush Twp.

Brent Benito married L.C. in Trinidad in 2011.  L.C. moved to Delaware County, Pennsylvania, but Benito remained in Trinidad.  In September 2013, Benito moved to the United States and began residing with his wife in her apartment.  The lease to the apartment was in L.C.’s name.  After they began residing together in Pennsylvania, Benito began to physically abuse L.C.

As a result of the difficulties in their relationship, L.C. purchased a one-way ticket for Benito and sent him to Connecticut to spend a Christmas holiday with a friend.  While he was in Connecticut, L.C. called Benito and told him to stay there and not to return to her apartment in Pennsylvania.  Thereafter, L.C. changed the locks on her apartment to keep Benito from gaining access.

Benito then called L.C. and requested to return to the apartment.  L.C. told him that she would be out of town, but Benito still came back from Connecticut and went to the apartment.  Benito immediately realized that the locks had been changed.  Benito then attempted to call L.C.’s phone.  L.C. did not answer but Benito could hear it ringing in the apartment.  Benito then knocked on the door and L.C. asked who was there.  Benito identified himself and L.C. told him to leave.  Benito forced his way through the door and into the apartment.  Thereafter, Benito sexually assaulted L.C. 

Benito was arrested and convicted of sexual assault and criminal trespass.  The court sentenced Benito to imprisonment for 4 to 8 years for the sexual assault, and a consecutive probationary period of 2 years for the criminal trespass.  Benito filed an appeal contending that there was insufficient evidence to sustain his conviction for criminal trespass.

The criminal trespass statute makes it a felony of the second degree if a person breaks into any building or occupied structure knowing that he is not privileged or licensed to enter.  Benito argued that he was privileged to enter the apartment because (1) he was married to the victim; (2) it had been the marital residence for approximately 4 months prior to the incident; and (3) he had been there on a regular and daily basis prior to the incident.  In response to this argument, the Commonwealth noted that L.C. was the only person on the lease, and that while L.C. may have given Benito permission to enter previously, she had revoked that privileged, notified Benito that he was no longer permitted to enter, and changed the locks.  While the parties were married, the Commonwealth argued further that the mere fact of marriage does not create a privilege to enter the other spouse’s property without their consent or permission.

The Superior Court defined “privilege” to enter as follows: “A person is privileged . . . if he may naturally be expected to be on the premises often and in the natural course of his duties or habits.”  The Court conceded that the case presented a question of first impression as it related to the revocation by one spouse of the other spouse’s privilege to enter the marital residence.  It was plainly significant in this case that L.C. had leased the apartment only in her name and that Benito’s name was not on the lease itself.

Based upon those facts, the Superior Court concluded: “Benito’s privilege to be present in the apartment flowed directly from the license granted him by L.C.  Once L.C. repeatedly made it clear to Benito that she did not want him on the premises, his privilege was revoked.  This lack of privilege – and Benito’s knowledge thereof – is evidenced by the fact that he resorted to kicking in the door to gain entry.”  For these reasons, the Superior Court affirmed Benito’s criminal trespass conviction.

“The foliage has been losing its freshness through the month of August, and here and there a yellow leaf shows itself like the first gray hair amidst the locks of a beauty who has seen one season too many.... September is dressing herself in showy dahlias and splendid marigolds and starry zinnias. October, the extravagant sister, has ordered an immense amount of the most gorgeous forest tapestry for her grand reception.” ~Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809–1894), "Autumn," The Atlantic Almanac, 1868

Do you consider yourself a “Librocubicularist”? Before you give the puzzled,  short answer of “No!”-- you should know that a Librocubicularist is the term for a person who reads in bed. I know I am one. With the Fall and Winter seasons approaching, it is so enjoyable to curl up and leave the cares and worries of the day behind and join the characters of a good book for a bit. Have you been thinking about checking out a new Author? Or,  perhaps, a new genre? Your local Library location has numerous offerings of both to choose from. It could be time for your Family to take an outing and check out all of the programs and services your local Library Location provides.

The 2016 “Susquehanna County Reads” selection is “Orphan Train” by Christina Baker Kline. Registration began on September 19th at all Susquehanna County Library locations including the Pratt Library in New Milford. The $3.00 registration fee includes a copy of the book. Those who register, (And registration is open to all Susquehanna County Residents) will be able to participate in the exciting programs and events this autumn season. Dates and details of those events and programs will be forthcoming in this column or you can call or visit your local Library location with any questions you may have.

The October Calendar Raffle is beginning very soon. If you haven’t bought your tickets yet, don’t delay.  They can be purchased at any Library Location for $5.00 each. Purchasing one ticket makes you eligible for all of the month’s prizes, and you can purchase as many chances that you wish. Each calendar day during the month of October, at least one prize, (and sometimes two) will be raffled off.

Prizes may be viewed by going to the Library’s website: www.susqcolibrary.org

With only about 3 months until the Christmas Season, you might want to add “That Library Soap” to your gifting list. They are 100% handmade soaps (and lotions) that are being offered for sale at reasonable prices with all of the profits going to the Library. Such delectable scents as “Lavender Olive Oil”, “Cucumber Melon”, “Chocolate Walnut”, Grapefruit Wine”, “Orange Sunset” and “Turkish Mocha”, to name a few, would make wonderful gifts for Teachers, Bridal or Baby Showers and those on your list who are difficult to buy for. There is a Facebook page (That Library Soap) and, after seeing the beautiful soap colors, (Oh don’t we wish we could smell them online!) you may decide to buy some for yourself. If you have questions, please email them at: ThatLibrarySoap@gmail.com

The Fall Story Hour has begun at the Susquehanna Library location

and will be continuing every Tuesday starting at 10:30, up to and including October 25th. The Hallstead/Great Bend Library has also started their Story Hour as well on Friday, September 23rd at 10:00 AM and will continue on Fridays through and including October 28th.

If your child enjoyed the Spring Story Hour and would like to participate, please stop by or call the Susquehanna Library (570-853-4106) for registration.

The Susquehanna Branch Library’s Reader’s Group will meet on October 13th at 2:00 PM. They will be discussing “Clara and Mr. Tiffany” by Susan Vreeland, as well as the “Susquehanna County Reads” selection, “Orphan Train” by Christina Baker Klein. “Clara and Mr. Tiffany” is set in 1893 and Louis Comfort Tiffany debuts his stained glass windows at the Chicago World’s Fair. Meanwhile, at his New York studio, is the head of his women’s division, Clara Driscoll, who designs nearly all of his leaded-glass lamps. Clara struggles for professional recognition but, with Tiffany’s strict policy of not employing married women, she must make the decision of what she wants more, professional accolades, or a world of love in her heart and life. If you would like to join the Reader’s Group, please stop by or call the Susquehanna Library Location and speak with Laura, Pam, Deb or Elizabeth and they will be more than happy to sign you up.

As I prepare the ground for planting tulip and daffodil bulbs, I will leave you with this thought:

“Autumn repays the earth the leaves which summer lent it.” ~Georg Christoph Lichtenberg (1742–1799), translated by Norman Alliston, 1908

Hickory Nuts—Goldenrod—Monarch Butterflies

Enjoy!!

Am I losing my memory?

Mrs. Baker, 65, came into the pharmacy looking confused. The pharmacist asked if he could help her. She said, “I completely forgot why I came in here. Maybe something is wrong with my memory.” Mrs. Baker explained to the pharmacist that her aunt had Alzheimer’s disease and now fears getting it.

Memory loss is a part of the aging process. We all can identify with losing keys, forgetting addresses, and misplacing our favorite pen. You leave your shopping list at home with the 20 items you need and so you wing it by buying 10 of the things you can remember. This is not the beginnings of Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive condition that damages areas of the brain involved in memory, intelligence, judgment, language, and behavior. While there is no definitive way to pinpoint an Alzheimer's brain -- short of autopsy -- there are some ways you distinguish normal memory loss from that which should raise concern. How can you tell the difference? You went to a party and forgot the name of someone you met there: Normal. You do not remember going to the party: Not normal (chardonnay overdose perhaps?). You forgot where you parked your car in a parking lot: Normal. You do not remember the color or make of your car: Not normal. You are supposed to have lunch with an old friend: Normal. You have no memory of the luncheon date or even who this friend is: Not normal.  

We all have experienced the confusion we have when we walk into another room and forget why we went there. This is called distraction. Your brain has too much on its plate. You can train yourself not to be distracted by following this simple rule: Start a task. Complete that task. Go on to the next task.

What causes normal memory loss? The hippocampus, a brain area involved in the formation and retrieval of memories, often deteriorates with age. Hormones and proteins that protect and repair brain cells and stimulate neural growth also decline with age. Older people often experience decreased blood flow to the brain, which can impair memory and lead to changes in cognitive skills. How does this differ from Alzheimer’s? Unlike age-related memory loss, the early form of Alzheimer’s most often shows up when one is in her 40s and 50s, but symptoms can also show up as early as one’s 30s. As for the exact cause, the jury is still out. It could be caused by age and family history, a certain genetic makeup, abnormal protein deposits in the brain, environmental factors, and/or immune system problems.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, although some medications can help. Some drugs curb the breakdown of a brain chemical called acetylcholine, which is important for memory and learning. The drugs may slow down symptoms for about half of people who take them. The effect lasts for a limited time, on average 6 to 12 months. Medications can also be prescribed for other health problems that occur with the disease, including depression, sleeplessness, and agitation. The pharmacist said that if Mrs. Baker has further concerns, she should speak with her doctor. Then she said, “Oh, silly me! I came in to buy shampoo!” They both had a good laugh and she paid the pharmacist and left. Feel free to talk to your pharmacist or physician about any memory concerns you may have.

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.