The ice storm we had a couple weeks ago didn't deter this little Dark-eyed Junco from visiting the feeders. Photo by Lisa Spangenberg in Ararat PA

Quivers

You can almost see the hope in Quivers eyes as she watches so many other cats find their forever homes. Yet, here it is coming up on her 3rd year anniversary at True Friends and this beautiful orange gem hasn't given up on finding that "purrfect" fit. Quiver came to our shelter as a pregnant stray. She is 5 years old, spayed, fiv/felv negative, and litter pan trained. She is a bit quirky about being picked up, but still enjoys the gentle, soft touch of a human hand petting her… As much as we love her, we hope to see our little pumpkin spend her next anniversary basking in the sun and warmth of the loving home she has waited so patiently for. Please stop in and meet this very special girl. Just a reminder, for the entire month of November adoption fees are waived on our cat residents, so this is the time to bring home a feline friend!

Fun Fact: Because of widespread cat smuggling in ancient Egypt, the exportation of cats was a crime punishable by death. Adopt one of our kitties and you won't be punished, but rewarded!

Theft:  On November 4th at 4:30 pm a woman was apprehended by store employees at Rob's Market in Great Bend Township after selecting and leaving the store with unpaid for merchandise.  Summary Retail Theft charges were filed at District Court 34-3-02. 

Robbery:  On October 23rd at 3:44 am a white male perpetrator, described as being approximately 5'8” and 200 pounds, wearing a gray coat and black pants, entered the Pump and Pantry in Leno Township, displyed a handgun, and demanded money and cigarettes from the victim (a cashier).  The perpetrator threatened to kill the victim if he didn't comply with the demands.  After receiveing the money and cigarettes, the robber fled the store.  Video Surveillance shows a gold or tan 4 door sedan fleeing the scene on Sr 92 south.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Crash:  On December 30th at 5:20 am Michael Fisher of Nicholson was entering onto Sr 92 in Jackson Township when he did not realize the road was going to end.  The driver wanted to head south on Sr 92 but failed to make the appropriate turn.  The vehicle then exited the road and impacted the ditch located off of Sr 92, where it came to a rest.  Thompson fire and EMS assisted on the scene and French's Towing removed the vehicle from the scene.  No injures were reported;  a seat belt was in use. 

Tobacco on School Property:  On October 26th at 1:02 pm a 17 year old New Milford girl used a tobacco product while on school property at the Montrose School District.  A summary citation was filed through District Court 34-3-01. 

Theft:  An elderly victim sent $802 to Jamaica via Western Union in October, after receiving phone calls that he had won a car and the moneyw as required fro processing the prize.  The victim had not actually won anything. 

Criminal Mischief:  Between the 15th and 28th of October mud was sprayed onto a Herrick Township vacation home as one or more unknown perpetrator(s) spun their ATV around in a parking area.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Arson:  On October 28th between 9 and 9:30 am an abandoned barn was set fire in Auburn Township .  There were no injuries.  The barn was destroyed.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the PSP Dunmore Fire Marshal Unit at (570) 963-4203 or PSP Gibson at (570) 465-3154. 

Theft/Receiving Stolen Property:  On October 8th between 1:50 and 2:15 am a 23 year old Montrose man is accused of removing two Global Pak Roll Off Truck Liner's from Scott & Longacre Trucking in Great Bend Township.  The liners were valued at $120.  The perpetrator was charged for Theft and Receiving Stolen Property through MDJ 34-3-02.  The investigation was ongoing as of the time of report.  Anyone with information is urged to please contact the police. 

Burglary:  On october 21st at 2:20 am a cabin in Middletown was broken into, and tools taken from within.  Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police. 

Found Property:  On October 22nd at 1 pm a quantity of cash was found at the rest area on interstate 81 at mile marker 202 northbound in Lackawanna County.  The owner is asked to please contact the police at (570) 465-3154. 

Anyone having information regarding any of these incidents is asked to please contact the police at (570) 465-3154.

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) pikselstock - Fotolia.com

(StatePoint) Weather not so nice today? It can be easy to feel restless when you’re spending the day indoors.

But there are plenty of ways to have fun at home. From redecorating to catching up on your favorite book, the discount experts at Dollar General are sharing some time-tested ideas for occupying your time in the “great indoors.”

Reorganize and Redecorate

Spend an afternoon organizing and adding personal touches to the rooms that your family enjoys the most. It can be a faster and more enjoyable task than you might think, if you are properly prepared.

Consider purchasing affordable, decorative baskets to hold papers, toys, books and other items that can clutter your home. Once organized, you can add accent pillows and decorative accessories like lamps, throws and pictures to complete the look.

Movie Day!

Instead of making a trip to the movie theater, bring the movie theater home -- complete with all the trimmings. Gather some of your favorite movies, snacks and candies for your own little film festival. Consider sticking to a theme, like a favorite actor, genre or era. This is a great way to spend time indoors with family and friends.

Snack smart by looking for money-saving coupons. You can find great deals by downloading Dollar General digital coupons online at dollargeneral.com/coupons or through the Dollar General mobile app for smartphones. Digital coupons are an easy way to save on favorite items.

Catch Up On Reading

Spend a relaxing afternoon checking off books on your “must read” list. Set up a quiet, comfortable space for reading and be sure to leave your smartphone in another room, so you won’t be tempted by interruptions. Make it a group activity by creating reading challenges between those in your family or even joining a book club.

Whether curled up with a book or hosting friends for a movie extravaganza, never underestimate the fun you can have indoors.

Protein is an essential part of any diet, particularly for those who are physically active. And while you can always turn to chicken, meat or fish to get a boost, you may be seeking ways to increase your protein intake without meat.

Eating less meat is more environmentally sustainable, as a serving of vegetables requires less energy to produce than a serving of meat. What’s more, a well-planned vegetarian diet may provide health benefits in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases, including heart disease, cancer and diabetes, according to the American Dietetic Association.

Whether you are simply looking to reduce meat intake or you are going entirely meat-free, here are five great ways to skip the burger today and still get a sufficient dose of protein.

• A classic staple: Rice and beans are simple to prepare and affordable. Plus, when legumes are paired with grains, they form a complete protein. Don’t get bored though, there are many preparations to try, as well as ingredient combinations. Also, each meal can be flavored in its own way with spices like turmeric, cumin and cayenne -- that can add important health benefits of their own.

• Grab-and-go: Need a quick breakfast solution, on-the-go snack or after workout dose of protein? Think smart protein bars. For instance, you can grab a Sōl Good Protein Bar from Sunwarrior. They are USDA-Certified Organic, soy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, dairy-free and vegan. Made from quality plant-based protein and a variety of superfoods, including whole grain brown rice, yellow peas, quinoa and sunflower butter, they come in four flavors and offer 19 grams of protein per bar, amongst a wealth of antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients. For nutrition information, visit Sunwarrior.com.

• Dip it: Not just a delicious snack or appetizer, hummus atop pita or veggies is also a good source of protein. Whether you go for a store-bought variety or whip up your own batch, there are many ways to jazz up your dip with add-ons like roasted red peppers, fresh herbs or even pine nuts -- bonus protein!

• Back to basics: Getting your protein at lunch doesn’t have to be complicated. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich takes seconds to make, is delicious and satisfying, and delivers the protein you need midday to make it to your next meal. Go with the classic construction or use fresh fruit in place of jelly for extra fiber and nutrients. If you’re at home, make it gooey and extra delicious by grilling your sandwich.

• Simple swap: When making a stir-fry, stew or soup, use tofu, tempeh or seitan in place of meat. These ingredients are high-protein additions to your meal, and easy to prepare. They also take on the flavors of the spices, sauces and broth with which you are cooking.

From grab-and-go items to easily-prepped meals at home, it can be easy to get the protein you need in your diet, even while you reduce your meat intake. (StatePoint)

(StatePoint) Proper home maintenance can preserve your home, while saving you money and headaches in the future. However, a new survey from Erie Insurance conducted by Harris Poll reveals Americans have alarmingly poor upkeep habits.

“By overlooking common DIY projects, homeowners are not only putting themselves at risk for major financial loss, but also are exposing their families to dangerous hazards,” says Joe Vahey, vice president and product manager at Erie Insurance.

In an effort to help people become more aware of what they can be doing to protect themselves, the experts at Erie Insurance list five commonly overlooked areas of the home that should be regularly inspected and maintained:

Inspect Your Roof

Replacing or repairing a roof is one of the biggest expenses a homeowner may have and the need to do it often comes without warning. Nationally, the average homeowner spends about $6,600 to install a new roof, according to HomeAdvisor, but prices can soar upwards of $20,000 depending on certain factors.

But the Erie Insurance survey found that nearly one in four homeowners (23 percent) admits they never inspect their roof or have it inspected only if there is a problem. Even scarier, nearly a third (27 percent) of those who own a house either mistakenly believe their insurance will pay for damage that occurs to their roof over time, such as through normal wear and tear or have no idea how their insurance works regarding this type of damage. Insurance generally only covers things like roof damage from unexpected storms.

Unclog Gutters and Downspouts

Nearly one out of four homeowners (24 percent) say they never care for their gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters can cause water to flow down the sides of a home and pool around its foundation, often leading to major issues like uneven floors, cracks in walls and interior water damage. This type of claim, also known as seepage, is often not covered under your home insurance policy.

Clean Out Dryer Exhaust

One in five homeowners (21 percent) admit they never clean their clothes dryer ducts, unless they have a problem. Unfortunately, the most common cause of dryer fires is failure to do a thorough cleaning. According to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), dryers cause roughly 15,500 home structure fires, 29 deaths, 400 injuries and $192 million in direct property loss each year.

Check the Furnace

Only 36 percent of homeowners have their furnaces inspected and serviced at least once a year. According to NFPA, U.S. fire departments respond to an estimated average of 56,000 home fires involving heating equipment. These fires resulted in annual losses of 470 civilian deaths, 1,490 civilian injuries, and $1 billion in direct property damage per year.

Clean Sump Pump and Pit

Sump pumps are used to remove excess water from homes, but 44 percent of those who own one admit to never cleaning it or the pit, unless they have a problem. Water damage due to sewage and drain backups generally requires additional insurance coverage beyond a standard policy. Without that coverage, it could end up costing you, on average, $2,156, according to Home Advisor.

Protect your family and your investment with proper maintenance, and if you’re unsure what your policy covers, contact your insurance agent. They’ll work with you to determine what you need to be protected.

It can be easy to let your finances fall by the wayside when juggling work, family, school and other priorities.

The most basic financial planning everybody should do, say experts, is to set a budget and stick to it. To help, the discount experts at Dollar General are offering some useful tips to assist you in this task and avoid financial stress.

Pack Your Own Lunch

To help stick to your budget, skip pricey restaurants. Instead, save money and spend the evening cooking with your family. For affordable and simple ideas for cooking favorite dishes, consult resources like Dollar General Easy Meal recipes at dollargeneral.com/easymeals.

Remember to Treat Yourself

Just because you’re sticking to a financial plan doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself. Budget time and money to indulge in your favorite activities like a night at the movies, seeing your favorite sports team in action, or going bowling.

Take Advantage of Coupons

Coupons are a great way to save money and stretch your budget. Retailers like Dollar General offer online digital coupons that can be downloaded on a desktop computer or by using a smartphone. You can sign up by visiting dollargeneral.com/coupons and can receive additional savings during seasonal “Fast Way to Save” promotions, where exclusive coupons are available only to Dollar General digital coupon subscribers.

Stay Positive

Don’t get bogged down by the stress of financial planning. Instead, focus on positive steps you can take to achieve your goals. Spend more time with your family cooking. Work toward your next job promotion. Ace your next exam.

Even if you’re busy, make the time for planning a budget. It may feel like work now, but feeling financially secure will offer you peace of mind. (StatePoint)

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) dusanpetkovic1 - Fotolia.com

From the price of household goods to the quantity and quality of jobs available, international trade impacts your daily life in more ways than you may realize. Supporters of new trade agreements say they include important and unexpected measures that do everything from preserving the environment to supporting high tech innovation.

Take a look at five ways the global marketplace affects you and your family.

1. Jobs: U.S. businesses your family relies on for everyday household items often sell their products to customers abroad as well. This global market means expanded operations here at home -- U.S. exports supported 11.7 million American jobs in 2014, according to the Department of Commerce. New trade agreements will lead to more American made exports and U.S. higher-paying jobs.

2. High-tech advancement: International trade raises the incentive to innovate. It gives exporters and importers exposure to new ideas, tools and materials that make them more productive and lead to new goods for consumers. It also spreads new technology faster, raising technology standards in countries all around the world. Some of the top U.S. exports include aerospace products, automobiles and semiconductor chips, used in everything from smart phones to health devices.

3. High-quality, affordable choices at home: Products from abroad often mean more affordable choices for American families. The Business Roundtable estimates that trade policies save an average American family of four about $10,000 per year. What’s more, 60 percent of U.S. product imports in 2014 were inputs and components that were then used by American producers, also according to Business Roundtable. Lower costs for components keeps U.S. manufacturing competitive in international markets.

4. Keeping American businesses strong: The most recent trade deal signed by the U.S. and 11 other countries called the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement would eliminate more than 18,000 taxes and other trade barriers that various countries put on U.S. goods and services, according to the United States Trade Representative. Without these taxes holding them back, many experts believe that U.S. farmers, ranchers and manufacturers are better able to compete.

5. Preserving the environment: TPP also includes measures that protect oceans and combat wildlife trafficking and illegal logging. If reducing your household’s environmental impact is a priority for your family, upcoming trade agreements are a step in the right direction. (StatePoint)

When people hear there might be a bomb nearby, most will try to get as far away as fast as possible. U.S. Army Specialist Brandon Sanford and his bomb-sniffing dog Rexo, however, were not as lucky.

Sanford and Rexo were part of the Army’s bomb detection unit, tasked with finding life-threatening explosive devices. “I was nervous on the first patrol missions since our duty was to find explosives designed to kill American soldiers,” said Sanford.

When a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle in 2008, Sanford suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), among other wounds. Because of his injuries, Sanford suffers from seizures as well as problems with balance, fine motor skills and more. Basic tasks like buttoning a shirt are now daunting endeavors for him. And so the long, arduous process of healing began. Along with surgery and physical therapy, craft therapy became part of Sanford’s treatment plan.

When men and women return from war or other military postings, they often bring home more than their duffel bags. That is why Help Heal Veterans (Heal Vets), a nonprofit founded during the Vietnam War, operates on the knowledge that not all medicine comes in a bottle. As America’s largest supplier of therapeutic arts and crafts resources, Heal Vets has distributed more than 29 million kits since 1971, averaging 43,000 kits per month. The kits consist of hundreds of craft categories like woodworking, leather, models and a variety of needlecrafts.

Many doctors and occupational therapists prescribe arts and crafts as an important component of a treatment plan. Such an approach provides tremendous therapeutic and rehabilitative benefits, including improving fine motor skills, cognitive functioning, memory and dexterity. Crafts can also help alleviate anger issues and the severity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and TBI triggers, such as anxiety, memories, sadness and frustration.

In some cases, the benefits are physical as well. For example, stringing together a leather craft might help with hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Painting or model building can ease symptoms of PTSD or depression. Sanford said that working with small pieces has helped him with his hand-eye coordination. He also suffers from short-term memory problems associated with his TBI, so working on the kits helps train his focus and concentration skills.

Since World War I, craft kits have consistently proven effective tools for veterans’ rehabilitation and healing. According to a Health Care Data Inc. study, 89.6 percent of patients surveyed felt Heal Vets craft therapy helped maintain or improve their physical capabilities. Furthermore, craft projects help build family bonds when completed with loved ones, improve self-esteem and surface previously untapped artistic talent.

As Americans pay their respects this month to those who have served, Heal Vets encourages you to think about ways you can help enrich the lives of the 22 million U.S. veterans and military personnel. Heal Vets relies solely on charitable donations to produce its craft kits. For more information about the program or to donate art supplies, journals and other tools that spark creativity to a veterans’ organization near you, visit HealVets.org.

“Today, one of every three Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffers from PTSD and/or TBI. Even more, the suicide rate for U.S. military members continues to rise. Reawakening veterans’ enthusiasm for life, therefore, remains an utmost priority,” said Captain Joe McClain, a U.S. Navy veteran and current Heal Vets CEO. (StatePoint)

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) 2tun - Fotolia.com

Amid recent headlines, which include mass shootings, terrorist attacks and typical everyday crime, it can be easy to feel unsafe. But individual citizens can take steps to make their homes and communities safer from many types of threats.

At Home

Does your family have a plan in the event of emergency? The Department of Homeland Security offers every day tips for creating an action plan. Visit Ready.gov to learn more. Then, be sure everyone in your family understands the plan.

It may also be a good idea for adults and teens to learn CPR and to teach young people basic concepts like “if you see something, say something.”

On the News

Recent domestic terror attacks making headlines remind us that nobody should be complacent to the threat of terrorism or extremism.

 “Terrorism has occurred throughout history, but today it affects the entire world,” says Abayomi Nurain Mumuni, a global terror expert and author of “Global Terrorism and its Effects on Humanity,” an overview of the origins and types of terrorism. He notes that terrorism and extremism can develop anywhere, and that identifying terrorists in your own community can be difficult as they tend to do their best to blend in with their neighbors.

But Mumuni offers hope in his more recent book, “Demand by Terror,” laying out ways that a diplomatic response to terrorism may be successful.

 “No nation wants to look vulnerable or weak and give in to terrorist demands, but the way to resolve some of the violence will not come from military actions alone,” he says. “Diplomacy should be an important tool, too."

Local citizens can get informed about the varied nature of terrorism and become vocal advocates for government responses that offer fewer risks and more chances of success. Average citizens can voice their opinions through a number of channels at the local, state and national level, including voting for candidates whose policies they support.

In the Community

Be involved in your community, whether that means attending city council meetings and having your voice heard on security issues or getting trained to be a volunteer emergency responder. Many communities offer an opportunity to participate in “neighborhood watch,” or other crime deterring organizations.

Grassroots-level action matters. Take steps at home and in your community at-large to build bridges between neighbors and promote safer streets and neighborhoods. (StatePoint)

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Narong Jongsirikul - Fotolia.com

Most Americans want to stay healthy and prevent disease and illness. For many, this means getting regular check-ups and using their health plan benefits. For others, it seems that ignorance is bliss.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Americans get their preventive services only about half the time, even though preventive care is fully covered at no cost by most health plans under the Affordable Care Act. Preventive services save lives and decrease suffering from advanced illnesses. Vaccinations prevent life-threatening diseases. Health screenings can find serious conditions early. Managing diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure can prevent heart attacks, strokes or kidney failure. Despite these facts, there are numerous reasons people avoid their doctors.

“Understanding why you avoid getting your needed preventive care is the first step in taking action for your health,” says Dr. Christina Stasiuk, senior medical director for Cigna.

Dr. Christina and the experts at Cigna identified six types of people based on common perceptions. Thinking about where you fit can help you see why you may put off preventive care:

• Procrastinators: Procrastinators fear that a check-up will discover a condition that needs to be addressed and will impact them personally and financially. They delay or avoid getting a check-up to cope with their apprehension.

• What-if Worriers: What-if Worriers spend a lot of time thinking about unpleasant hypothetical situations and things. While some worriers see a doctor for every ache or pain, others avoid check-ups altogether because they anticipate an unfavorable diagnosis.

• Solitary Sufferers: Many people don’t get help from their doctors to avoid revealing personal issues or concerns -- especially related to mental health or substance use -- because they’re ashamed and worried about being judged as weak by others. This fear also keeps them from using their Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) at work.

• Super Savers: Super Savers always look for a good deal and hate to pay full price for anything. They pinch every penny and may view a check-up as not worth the cost. Some don’t even realize their health benefit plan covers preventive care services with no out-of-pocket costs, or how advanced diseases may cost them much more time and money.

• Workaholics: People in this group value work over any other activity. They may consider a check-up to be a waste of time, and don’t realize that poor health can impact the work performance they prize.

• Self-Diagnosers: Self-Diagnosers feel confident that they are engaging in healthy activities and the need for a check-up doesn’t really apply to them. They may not consider that early on, many conditions have no physical symptoms.

No matter what your own motivations and concerns may be, you can get tips on taking control of your health and using your health benefits to the fullest at Cigna.com.

“From vaccinations to early detection, optimal health absolutely includes preventive care. Get past the hurdles and schedule your recommended check-ups. It is crucial for your long-term health and wellness,” says Dr. Christina. (StatePoint)