Pat Ahearn

Pictured (l-r) are Ellen Holdredge, Charlotte Sherwood, John Manchester.

High school teachers Charlotte Sherwood and Michael Matis received educational support grants from the Susquehanna Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR) at the Montrose Area School District board meeting on December 4. PASR Education Support Chairman, Ellen Holdredge and President, John Manchester made the presentation.

Because of budget cuts that school districts have experienced, a grant was created by PASR to make possible a program or activity that might not have been possible due to budget constraints. Due to the generosity of one of the Chapter’s members, a second grant is now possible.  The funds were donated in memory of former PASR members Hendrick Marr, Joan Peters and Mary Ketterer.

Mrs. Sherwood plans to use the funds to buy supplemental supplies for the “Be a H.E.R.O.” (Helping Everyone Respect Others)  program.  This program teaches 7th graders skills to combat bullying. In 2010, Mrs. Sherwood was PASR’s first recipient of the ed support grant for this anti bullying program. Her energy and enthusiasm have kept this important program going and benefitting students.

Michael Matis was awarded the second grant. He will use it for the purchase of a Raspberry Pi for teachers to use to create and prepare a programming curriculum enhancement for 8th grade technology.

The Susquehanna Chapter of PASR is proud to support public education in Susquehanna County.

You can't measure happiness… or can you? The results are in. And they show which businesses and organizations in Northeast PA have the happiest customers!

Happenings Magazine recently announced the names of local businesses and organizations that won the third-annual "Happie Awards." Winners were chosen in over 100 categories by satisfied customers who voted for businesses and organizations that made them most "Happie." The Harford Fair was selected as the best fair/festival in the area.

"Happenings Magazine has celebrated the best of Northeast PA since 1969. By inviting the people of our region to choose businesses that make them most 'Happie' and honoring those outstanding businesses with this award, we are thanking those who are doing an exceptional job at creating 'Happie' customers," said Barbara Toolan, Managing Editor.

Pictured (L-R) are: LouAnn Kiefer, Harford Fair secretary, and Cindy Reynolds, Harford Fair second vice president.

The Happie Award winners received their awards at a "Happie Awards Presentation," held on November 22 at The Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel in Scranton. Representing the Harford Fair were LouAnn Kiefer, Harford Fair secretary, and Cindy Reynolds, Harford Fair second vice president. All of the awards are showcased in the December issue of Happenings Magazine.

Founded in 1969, Happenings Magazine reaches more than 110,000 monthly readers across Northeast PA and beyond. The hard-copy version is distributed free at hundreds of locations throughout the region, and www.HappeningsPA.com is viewed by thousands of visitors weekly. Happenings covers events, lifestyles, people and businesses and has become a well-known forum for telling the region's story in the most positive way.

The Harford Fair is pleased to be recognized as the best fair/festival in the area as an event which makes people "happie." Plans are already underway for the 160th Harford Fair which will be held August 21-26, 2017, in Susquehanna County.

BENCH WARRANTS

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT’S for the following individuals as of 10:00 a.m. on December 9, 2016Jack Akers, Kenya J. Bentler, Edward Bentler, Tonya S. Birchard, Adam Bohn, Allen S. Bowman, Michael J. Burger, Melanie M. Button, Beverly A. Carvin, Tina Dolan, Nathasha Everett, Joseph A. Fiorentino, David J. Fischer, Jeffrey J. Gamble, Vincent Gordon, Ryan H. Groover, Jeremy Halstead, Keith G. Harms, Kaci Jo Howell, James Krauss, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Steven J. Leiser, Donald D. Marshman II, Scott J. McGarrigle, Joshua K. Mess, Peggy J. Mills, Matthew J. Moxen, Christine M. Mroz, Timothy Murray, James D. Peck, Jr., Frank T. Perera, II, Leon J. Phillips, Cody Quick, Rebecca A. Reardon, Herbert E. Roe, Jr., Diana M. Sena, Matthew J. Setzer, Desiree L. Shifler, Richard D. Shoemaker, Jason L. Shores, Charles Vanwinkle, Jr., Robert C. Walter, II, Jeffrey Warner, William R. Wayman, Jr., Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 4050 with any information on the location of these individuals.

DEEDS

Steven M. and Shelley M. Yarwood to Steven M. Yarwood in Silver Lake Township for $1.00

Mary Kay and Alex Krokowski to Howard and Annemarie Mitchell in Gibson Township for $340,000.00

Brian and Karen Blake to Raymond Rotzman in New Milford Township for $55,000.00

Thomas G. and Mary Lee Hood to Norbert and Pamela McGettigan in Herrick Township for $247,200.00

Richard M. and B. Elizabeth Storr to Places Properties LLC in New Milford Township for $70,000.00

Carol A. Wagner to Kate S. Brainard, Richard F. and Jeffrey M. Wagner in Lenox Township for $1.00

Bremer HOF Owners Inc to Dale E. and Kathryn H. Beard in Herrick Township for $100.00

Bremer HOF Owners Inc to Glen and Linda Bolon in Herrick Township for $100.00

Bremer HOF Owners Inc to Willard Cragun in Herrick Township for $100.00

Bremer HOF Owners Inc to Marian Grrett in Herrick Township for $100.00

Bremer HOF Owners Inc to Evelyn Green in Herrick Township for $100.00

Bremer HOF Owners Inc to Albert Marler in Herrick Township for $100.00

Bremer HOF Owners Inc to David McDaniel in Herrick Township for $100.00

Bremer HOF Owners Inc to Darrell Schrick in Herrick Township for $100.00

Bremer HOF Owners Inc to Jesse and Judith Warner in Herrick Township for $100.00

Bremer HOF Owners Inc to Carrie M. Shuler and Harry S., Susanne E., Andrew A. and Eric B. Fleming in Herrick Township for $100.00

Bremer HOF Owners Inc to Horace Flanigan Jr. in Herrick Township for $100.00

Rocks Investments LLC to WH Services Inc in Oakland Township for $78,000.00

James A. Jr. and Frances K. Compton to James A. Sr. and Frances K. Compton in Gibson Township for $1.00

Kristy G. Brookings to James and Loretta Bishop in New Milford Township for $200,000.00

Darek W. and Keely M. Potter to Keith Jennings in New Milford Township for $147,500.00

Dominfo Liariano to Jesus Maldonado in Hallstead Borough for $1.00

Estate of Paricia L. Fischer, Frank M. Jr., Matther L., Madeline V., and Linda Lee Fischer and Catherine Chiarella (ESTATE) to Craig A. Williams in Franklin Township for $100,000.00

Sandra J. Watt (BY SHERIFF) to Gerald and Gail Burke in Dimock Township for $46,920.00

Margaret A. Allen to Betsy Lanners in Lenox Township for $1.00

Margaret A. Allen to Diane Pennay in Lenox Township for $1.00

Thomas Hill to Thomas and Renee Hill in Lenox Township for $1.00

Phillip June Jr. (ESTATE AKA) Philip June Jr. (ETATE) to Gina C. and Kristine A. June in Forest City Township for $1.00

US Bank National Association to Kathy Yeomans in Jackson Township for $14,900.00

Joseph Burke to Debra Ann Baldwin in Silver Lake Township for $85,000.00

Robin Benito, Todd S., Wayne and Kurt Latta to Kim E. Fialcowitz (AKA) Kim Fialcowitz and Robert Fialcowitz in New Milford Township for $1.00

Precision Capital LP to Ben R. and Linda R. Strickland in Springville Township for $10.00

JTSpano LLC to DRSJ Properties LLC in Forest City for $22,000.00

Donald Chrisman Weaver to Babette Hatfield in Springville Township for $10.00

Martin Zabel and Paula Kramer to Michael Walsh and Racine Borde in Herrick Township for $289,900.00

Shelly Cassidy (AKA) Shelly Cassity, Trudy Stallings, Richard, Chris and Tamara Rood to Joseph C. Jr. and Priscinda Gaughan in Great Bend Township for $20,000.00

James and Cynthia Gillespie to Michele, Nick, Melanie, Maura and Morgan Gillespie and Melissa Glasgow in Hallstead Borough for $1.00

Shelly L. Stradley and Thomas K. Perry to Shelly L. Stradley and Thomas K. Perry in  Choconut Township for $1.00

Earl D. Sr. and Charlotte M. Raub to Earl D. Sr., Charlotte M. and Katrina G. Raub in New Milford Township for $1.00

Jean Marie Lewis and Jenny Ann Philips to Joseph and Patricia Mitchell in Uniondale Borough for $1.00

William C. (AKA) William Charles Dahn to Hill “Billie” Natural Gas LLC in Rush Township for $150,000.00

Frances Lipschutz to Frances Lipschutz in Gibson Township for $1.00

Bremer HOF Owners Inc to Martin and Tarra Schulman in Herrick Township for $100.00

Terry and Amy Cornell to Lynn Watson in Forest Lake Township for $2,000.00

Thomas G. Donnelly (AKA ESTATE) Thomas Donnelly (ESTATE) to Timothy S. and Michael P. Donnelly in Auburn Township for $1.00

Terry L. and Helen L. Powell to Jennie Mae Rider in Forest Lake Township for $1.00

Belford Lee Burch (ESTATE) to Belford lee Burch Jr in Montrose for $1.00

William R., Claire E. and Patricia Rounds to William R. and Patricia Rounds in New Milford Township for $1.00

Mary L. Yakely to Antonion and Candine Cimino in Forest City 2W for $100,000.00

Mae S. Grose (ESTATE AKA) Mae Shannon Grose (ESTATE) to Colin D. and Mildred B. Grose in Auburn Township for $1.00

Joseph S. Jr. and Lynne C. Manzek to Flynns Stone Castle Inc in Rush Township for $270,000.00

Kathleen A and Monty S. Turney to Kathleen A. Turney in Forest Lake Township for $1.00

Alfred M. and Catherine Cicilioni to Dawn M. Allender in Forest City for $110,500.00

Doris D. Walls to Doris D. and Stewart E. Walls in Silver Lake Township for $1.00

Jason Robertson to Jeffrey D. and Beth Ann Williams in Brooklyn Township for $130,000.00

Richard B. and Elizabeth L. Casper to Thomas H. and Mary A. McKay in Herrick Township for $100.00

Jacques E. and Jeanne Marie Laubert to Richard G. and Dorothy A. Clare in Liberty Township for $154,000.00

Jeffrey Frantz (AKA) Jeffrey F. and Mary E. Frantz to Jeffrey and Mary E. Frantz, Melisa Ford and Shawn Jagger in Auburn Township for $1.00

Jeffrey and Mary E. Frantz Jeffrey and Mary E. Frantz, Melisa Ford and Shawn Jagger in Auburn Township for $1.00

US Bank National Association and Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency to Albert F. and Claire L. Baker in New Milford Township for $34,002.00

James G., Sharon A., Everett and Diane Beverly Davall, Sandra Davall Agnew (AKA) Sandra Davall Agnew and Michael E. Agnew to Anna Davall (ESTATE) and George H. Davall in Gibson Township for $1.00

Patricia Ross Davall (AKA) Patricia Ross Davall, June D. and Kenneth W. Walters, Anna H. Davall (ESTATE) to Patricia Ross Davall (AKA) Patricia Ross Davall, June D. Walters and George H. Davall in Gibson Township for $1.00

Patricia Ross Davall (AKA) Patricia Ross Davall, June D. and Kenneth W. Walters, George H. and Janice L. Davall to James G., Sharon A., Everett, Diane Beverly and Sandra Davall Agnew (AKA) Sandra Davall Agnew and Michael E. Agnew in Gibson Township for $1.00

Eleanor Earl (AKA) Eleanor H. Earl to Mark Earl in Bridgewater Township for $140,000.00

Loumar Family Limited Partnership to Robert J. and Karina M. Mariotti in Springville Township for $15,000.00

Antinnes Landmark Properties II LLC to Carey and Sandra E. Gibson and Nathaniel Aton in Franklin Township for $115,000.00

Stanley and Ann Pezak to Holby-Destefano Holdings LLC in Herrick Township for $18,000.00

Ryan D. and Rebecca K. Stalker to Ryan D. and Rebecca K. Stalker in Gibson Township for $1.00

Bremer HOF Owners Inc to Richard S. and Melissa J. McCoy in Herrick Township for $100.00

Elizabeth A. Bour to JP Nardone Gamily LTD Partners in Lenox Township for $41,055.00

Steven E. and Mary Goldenberg to Steven E. and Mary Goldenberg in Apolacon Township for $1.00

Christina and Michael Marinelli to Micah and Melissa Schneider in Lenox Township for $265,000.00

Kenneth V. Greene to Nancy Boyd Goff and Susan Boyd Stanley in Silver Lake Township for $275,000.00

Susquehanna County dog owners are reminded to purchase a 2017 dog license, as required by Pennsylvania law. 

“Dogs are an important part of our families,” said Jason Miller, Susquehanna County Treasurer.

“Losing your dog can be devastating. The best chance on having your dog returned safely is by having it properly licensed.”

State law requires that all dogs, three months or older, be licensed each year.  Failure to license a dog is a summary offense and could result in a maximum fine of $300 for each unlicensed dog.

The dog license application is simple. It only requests owner contact information and details about the dog being licensed, like name, age, breed and color.

An annual dog license is $8.50, or $6.50 if the animal is spayed or neutered. Lifetime licenses are available for dogs that have permanent identification, like a microchip or tattoo. Older adults and people with disabilities may be eligible for discounts.

Licensing fees support the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Dog Law Enforcement Office, which ensures the welfare of breeding dogs and puppies in commercial breeding kennels, regulates dogs classified as dangerous, and oversees annual licensure and rabies vaccinations for dogs.

Susquehanna County residents can purchase their dog licenses on-line at www.padoglicense.com; there is a $2 per license convenience fee to order dog licenses online; or you can purchase licenses in person at the Treasurer’s office from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Susquehanna County Courthouse, Montrose.

For more information call 570-278-4600, extension 4082, 4083, or 6695; or visit www.licenseyourdogPa.com.

David E Mason, Jr, 32, of New Milford, PA to 11 ½ months to 24 months minus 1 day in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, to run concurrent with current sentence being served, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, successfully complete the drug and alcohol program as offered at the correctional facility, perform 10 hours community service, not to have contact with the victim in this case for Simple Assault in Bridgewater Township on September 15, 2016.

Shaun R Weidow, 38, of Montrose, PA to pay a $200 fine and cost of prosecution for Harassment in Franklin Township on December 2, 2015.  Mr. Weidow also received a $200 fine and cost of prosecution for Harassment in New Milford Township on January 24, 2016.

Joseph Alan Bancey, 21, of New Milford, PA to 5 months to 15 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, continue with drug and alcohol counseling, pay $100 Act 198 fee, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages, perform 25 hours community service, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample, not to possess firearms or offensive weapons for Possession with Intent to Deliver in Bridgewater Township on August 6, 2015.

Ernest Leroy Voorheis, Jr, 20, of Kingsley, PA to 4 months to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, followed by 2 years probation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, receive a mental health evaluation, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Clifford Township on September 6, 2015.

Christopher William Vroman, 21, of New Milford, PA to imprisonment in a state correctional facility for a period of not less than 24 months to participate in the state intermediate punishment program, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay $150 PA Transportation Trust Fund fee, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $10 EMS for Driving Under the Influence in Susquehanna Borough, on June 10, 2015.  Mr. Vroman also received 24 months State Intermediate Punishment, to run concurrent with the above sentence, followed by 2 years probation, pay $1.00 fine as well as an additional statutory fine of $300, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay $150 PA Transportation Trust Fund fee, pay $100 Act5 198 fee, pay $10 EMS fee for Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police in New Milford Township on December 27, 2015.

David Branning, 32, of Montrose, PA to 9 months to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, write a letter of apology to the victims in this case, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, complete 25 hours of community service for Aggravated Assault in Ararat Township on June 20, 2016.

Derrick Smith, 30, of Kirkwood, NY to 5 days home confinement, followed by 5 months and 25 days of probation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $150 PA Transportation Trust Fund fee, pay $10 EMS, complete a CRN evaluation within 30 days, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, complete an alcohol highway safe driving school program, not to consume alcoholic beverages while on supervision, perform 10 hours community service for Driving Under the Influence in Great Bend Borough on May 15, 2016.  Mr. Smith also received 24 months probation to run consecutive to the above sentence, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, consume no alcoholic beverages while on supervision, continue with drug and alcohol treatment, perform 10 hours community service for Recklessly Endangering Another Person in Great Bend Borough on May 15, 2016.

John Blackington, 38, of Endicott, NY to 18 months to 36 months in a state correctional facility, pay $250 fine, pay cost of prosecutin, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancment Act fee, pay restitution to the victim in this case, write a letter of apology to the victim in this case, reiceve a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to consume alcoholic beverages or use controlled substances without a valid prescription while on supervision, perform 25 hours of community service for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Oakland Borough on June 6, 2016.

Devin Edward Yachymiak, 17, of New Milford, PA to 24 months probation, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, obtain a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to consume alcoholic beverages or use controlled substances while on supervision, undergo a 10 PM curfew, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings, perform 20 hours of community service for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle in Lathrop Township on February 16, 2016.  Mr. Yachymiak also received 1 day to 5 days in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution for Possession of a Small Amount Marijuana in Lathrop Township on February 20, 2016.

The following were accepted into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program:

Faith Babcock-Conklin

James Purse

Thomas Hine

Ryan Robert Hazelton

Frederick Hurley Tyson

Sue Ann Burch

Wendy Ann Dunn

David Wansack

Faye Marie Reim

Zachery Todd Dewitt

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) Twis_ter - Fotolia.com

The holidays are the perfect time to indulge in delicious traditional or seasonal food and wine pairings. To guide you through the planning of your festivities, here is some expert advice on how to alleviate the potential stress of being a host.

“Holiday menus can be a challenge. Knowing the flavor profile of each course, salty, sweet, sour or savory, will help you pair wines with your meal,” says Dean Busquaert, senior wine educator at Napa Valley’s Sequoia Grove Winery.

With more than 30 years of experience in Napa Valley, the team at Sequoia Grove Winery have become specialists in not only producing delicious wine but also educating their customers on wine and food pairings.

“If your meal is mainly savory dishes, the Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 (SRP: $39.99) would be a terrific choice. It is elegant, with concentrated dark fruit flavors and wonderful structure. Cabernet Sauvignons do not live up to their full potential in the presence of sugar, but become soft, almost velvet-like with a sauce that has a good acidic backbone.”

With this tip in mind, work past the traditional thought process that ‘red wine only pairs with red meat’ and remember that the key to a successful meal is thoughtful preparation.

The winery recommends a recipe for Sliced Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce.

Ingredients:

• Four 6 oz. boneless chicken breasts

• 1/2 c. all-purpose flour

• 3 tbsp. canola oil

• 2 tbsp. butter

Lemon Butter Sauce

• 2 tbsp. butter

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 3 tbsp. all-purpose flour

• 2 c. low-sodium/fat-free chicken broth

• 1 lemon, zest and juice

• 1 tbsp. chives

• 1 tsp. thyme, de-stemmed

• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

Preparing the Chicken

• Slice chicken horizontally into three or four thin pieces, then pound flat using a meat mallet.

• Dredge the chicken in the flour until coated.

• Heat oil and butter in a large non-stick sauté pan and add the chicken. Brown and cook on each side; approximately 3-5 minutes per side depending on its thickness.

• Place each piece in an oven safe dish until all of the pieces have been cooked.

Preparing the Sauce

• Melt butter in a medium saucepan and add the garlic. Sauté for 1 minute, then whisk in the flour forming a roux.

• Gradually add in the chicken broth, whisking as you pour to create a smooth sauce.

• Add the lemon zest, juice, chives and thyme. Bring to a boil then allow to simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

•Top chicken with the sauce, then bake in a 350-degree oven for 15-20 minutes. Serves six (approximately 12-14 pieces of chicken)

The recipe pairs nicely with the complexity of a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Busquaert, adds, “The secret is to eliminate sweetness and embrace tart flavors.”

For more information about Sequoia Grove winery and its educational food and wine tasting seminars, visit sequoiagrove.com.

Use these helpful hints this holiday season to create a meal with the perfect wine pairings. (StatePoint)

Spice up foodies' kitchens with high-quality cooking and entertaining gear.

Looking for a way to “Sleigh the Holiday?” Raise the bar on gift-giving with thoughtful items for everyone on your list.

The experts at Bed Bath & Beyond are offering some inspiration for spreading holiday cheer.

Foodies and Party Hosts

Home chefs will appreciate new gear to spice up their cooking and entertaining. Consider stylish, high-quality items such as those available in the Artisanal Kitchen Supply line. Long-lasting pre-seasoned cast iron open stock cookware adds both form and function to kitchens, and two-piece salt bowl and spoon sets make setting the table more fun.

Seasonal Enthusiasts

For some, the holidays are truly the most wonderful time of year, and they let guests know by the way they decorate their homes. Give them a hall-decking boost. Consider traditional elements like holiday stockings, ornaments and pinecone wreaths. Or, get creative and modern with a reversible chalkboard wreath, to which celebrants can add their personalized messages and greetings. The Beekman 1802 Heirloom Holiday Collection features both new and old decorative pieces to brighten any home.

Tech Lovers

For techies, give the gift of a smarter home and greater peace of mind. Tools like the Nest Cam, for example, allow users to stream live video to one’s smartphone for remote monitoring of the home, kids or pets, night or day. The camera will notify users if sound or motion is detected in a place that should be empty. Nest also makes an outdoor security camera and a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, which connect to one’s devices for alerts away from home, as well as a voice-operated thermostat that learns your schedule to help you save energy and money.

Give your recipient the ability to control ambiance with a touch of a button. From a smartphone or tablet app, the Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit allows you to change bulb settings and color throughout your home.

Personalized Fun

Consider personalized housewares, such as monogram wine stoppers or barware or state-shaped cutting and serving boards. Both functional and decorative, your recipient will appreciate the extra thought that went into the gift.

More holiday gifts and inspiration can be found at bedbathandbeyond.com.

By discovering great gifts for every hobby, interest and aesthetic, at every price point, you can make gift-giving more fun for you and everyone on your list. (StatePoint)

PHOTO SOURCE: (c) aletia2011 - Fotolia.com

(StatePoint) Many people who bruise easily breathe a sigh of relief in the winter, because long sleeves and leggings or slacks can conceal myriad skin issues. But, it’s important to note that while the outside world can’t see what’s going on under the layers, leaving these skin issues untreated may lead to more serious problems down the road.

A healthy skincare regimen is important no matter what season it is, particularly as you age and skin becomes more fragile.

“Just like our bones, aging skin can get brittle and break,” says dermatologist, Dr. Helen Torok. “Over time, the skin’s barrier can be broken down due to a variety of factors. Luckily, you can help prevent skin aging issues with an effective year-round skincare routine. While your skin transitions from one decade to the next, taking preventative measures to help maintain a strong, healthy and resistant skin barrier is key.”

As skin ages and thins, it can become more vulnerable to insults that might not have bothered it before, manifesting in black and blue bruises on your body. However, by using a product like DerMend Moisturizing Bruise Formula, you can help fragile skin that is prone to bruising and restore skin’s natural barrier that may have been affected by aging, sun exposure or certain medications. This dermatologist-recommend cream contains ceramides, retinol, arnica oil and glycolic acid and is available at Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, and Walmart stores nationwide.

According to Dr. Torok, “Applying DerMend twice daily to the areas of your skin that are prone to bruising can help improve skin’s appearance and restore it to better health. It’s important to be proactive and consistent with application.”

There are also other factors besides thinning skin that may lead to bruising and the breakdown of your skin’s barrier. These include aging, genetics, medication and lifestyle. Sun damage can also play a major role. The sun does not just disappear in winter and neither should your sunscreen and other UV protection. Too much sun exposure over your lifetime can make you more susceptible to skin problems later in life. Apply sunscreen to exposed skin year-round.

So, don’t use the winter months as an excuse to take a vacation from your skincare regimen. Start building a strong skin barrier as early as you can and consult your dermatologist about your skin today. The thinning of the skin is a gradual process and early intervention can help you get on the right track.

(StatePoint) As the holidays approach, you’re probably starting to think about ways to make the season a little bit sweeter for friends and family. After all, it’s the perfect time of year to indulge your sweet tooth.

Here are some fun, festive and tasty ideas to sweeten your holiday traditions and make them unforgettable, from the holiday experts at See’s Candies.

Candy Bar

Dedicate a section of your holiday party buffet to sweet treats, chocolates, candy and hot chocolate. Don’t forget to have small goodie bags available so guests can take some of the sweetness home with them.

Stocking Stuffers

While you will most likely purchase personalized gifts for each member of your family, you can also amp up their stockings with candy full of holiday cheer. One delicious seasonal choice is See’s Candies North Pole Delights Gift Box, which includes milk chocolate balls, molasses chips and rich dark chocolate.

Hostess Gifts

You will likely be attending many gatherings and parties this holiday season. Make sure you don’t arrive empty-handed. A box of chocolates in a keepsake holiday-themed tin makes for a convenient and wonderful host or hostess gift. In fact, having several on hand in your home is a great idea for easy gift-giving all season long, especially for last-minute gifts when you realize you’ve forgotten something for the mailman, your babysitter or your child’s teacher.

Goodies for Santa

A favorite holiday tradition for many is leaving something sweet for Santa. This year, make Santa’s night by leaving him something extra yummy, such as See’s Candies Christmas Peanut Brittle. Don’t forget the milk!

See’s Candies offers a variety of over 100 different candies and chocolates, which are made using only the best ingredients. You can find See’s at holiday gift center locations in major malls nationwide or at www.Sees.com.

For more holiday ideas, visit @SeesCandies on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram.

With a few sweet, festive touches to your holiday traditions, you can make this holiday season one to remember.

(StatePoint) Getting cozy this winter? You’ll definitely want to make use of your fireplace. But remember, you’ll need to take extra precautions to keep everybody and everything safe.

The use of a safety screen is a must -- in fact, they’re required on all fireplaces manufactured after January 1, 2015 -- so if your fireplace didn’t come with one or if it is not in good shape, get a retrofit safety screen. Even with a screen, it is also crucial that you give your fireplace clearance, keeping little ones, pets and flammables away.

To learn more or to request a retrofit screen for your fireplace, visit Heatilator.com.

When making memories with friends, family and your fireplace, make safety a priority.

(StatePoint) While winter can be a beautiful time of year, it can also be a treacherous season on the roads. Winter driving conditions require increased attention and an ability to adapt quickly.

In 2015, 8,010 people nationwide were killed in car crashes between December and March, resulting in an average seven percent per month increase from 2014, according to the National Safety Council (NSC). These numbers are a warning to everyone on the roads about how dangerous winter driving can be.

“Winter looks more idyllic outside our house windows than outside our windshield,” said Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. “The good news is many cars are equipped with life-saving technologies. It is important that drivers understand how the technologies work in order to drive safely in winter conditions.”

In an effort to prevent crashes on the road this winter, MyCarDoesWhat, an NSC and University of Iowa initiative, is offering some major pieces of advice for driving in winter conditions.

• Slow down. Drivers frequently underestimate how long it takes to brake and how difficult it can be to steer on slippery roads.

• Don’t use cruise control on slippery surfaces like ice and snow. It will diminish your control and reduce your reaction time in the event of a skid.

• Remember, bridges and overpasses freeze before roadways, so be alert in cold weather when approaching one.

• Many new safety technologies (like back-up cameras) have outside sensors that can freeze or fog up. Always make sure they are clear so they work their best.

MyCarDoesWhat also reminds drivers of the safety technologies that can help vehicles adapt in slippery and changing conditions.

• Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) help drivers maintain control by preventing wheels from locking up. ABS works differently than traditional brakes, delivering and releasing precise braking pressure to each wheel as needed. So, don’t pump the brakes if you have ABS. Just hold them down firmly and look and steer in the direction you want to go. The brakes may buzz and vibrate when the ABS has activated.

• Traction control helps you accelerate without spinning out on slippery surfaces like snow and ice.

• Electronic stability control senses when you may be losing control around a corner or curve, and can stabilize your car if it begins to veer off the road.

• Adaptive headlights adjust to changing roadway conditions -- such as curves -- to provide optimum illumination along the roadway during long winter nights and periods of low daytime visibility.

• The temperature warning feature provides updates about upcoming roadway conditions such as black ice.

“When there is snow and ice on the road, antilock brakes can improve the stability of your braking so you can steer better,” said Dan McGehee, director of the University of Iowa National Advanced Driver Simulator. “Remember to hold the brakes down even when they pulse and vibrate.”

For more information, visit MyCarDoesWhat.org and follow MyCarDoesWhat on Twitter and Facebook.

Stay safe this winter. Learn how your car works and drive slowly in dangerous conditions.

Sedona

Am I invisiible? No one seems to notice just how sweet, fun-loving, and totally adorable I am. My name is Sedona and I am a 4year old Pug/Terrier mix. 

My body size is somewhat on the petite size, but my heart and personality are huge. I am playful, friendly, smart, and a loyal companion.  I don't understand why I am still here at the shelter. Won't you take me home for the holidays and put a smile on my perfect little face? I am UTD, micro-chipped, and could make a wonderful stocking stuffer. In return I will give you the greatest gift of all; A lifetime of love!

In hopes of helping all our animals get their greatest wish this holiday season, True Friends is waiving all adoption fees on our adult dogs and cats until after New Year’s Day.  We are also hosting a holiday art silent auction and quilt raffle at the shelter to help offset the costs of caring for all our animals.  If you can’t adopt, please support our local shelter!

Fun Fact: 50% of dog and cat owners give their pets Christmas presents. Our shelter pets don't ask for much, all they want for Christmas is YOU!