A wintery run off on Hawkins Pond Road, draining into Denton Creek after the first snow of the season. Photo by Britany Walker

At a recent meeting of the Beta Rho Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Mary Ann Cunningham was presented with her 30-year membership pin.  Making the presentation was Pat Carpenter, second vice-president and membership chairman.  In making the presentation, Pat talked about Mary Ann’s involvement in the chapter which included serving as the chapter president and chairman of the Beta Rho Achievement Award Committee.  She has also hosted the summer picnic for the chapter at her lovely home outside of Montrose for the past three years.  She was recognized at the state level as a part of the Album of Distinction and the recipient of an Enrichment Grant for travel.  Mary Ann is a retired teacher from the Montrose Area School District in the social studies department and has served as an adjunct professor for Luzerne County Community College.

Pat Carpenter, left, second vice president and membership chairman for the chapter, and Mary Ann Cunningham, achievement award chairman.

The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International is a professional honor society for women educators with more than 82, 000 members in seventeen different countries around the world.  The Society defines its mission as promoting professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education.  The Beta Rho Chapter is one of fifty-eight chapters in Pennsylvania whose members are key women educators in Bradford, Susquehanna, and Wyoming Counties.

Leet - Soden

Rick and Tanya Leet, of Starrucca, PA are proud to announce the engagement of their daughter, Jordan Leet, to Aaron Soden, son of Rick and Sharon Soden, also of Starrucca.

Jordan and Aaron

Jordan graduated from Hancock Central High School and Bloomsburg University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and a Masters of Business Administration. She is an Associate Agent at the Rick Leet Agency and brings the 4th generation of service to the family business.

Aaron graduated from Susquehanna Community High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Labor Studies and Employment Relations from The Pennsylvania State University. He is the Financial Specialist at the Rick Leet Agency.

A September, 2017 wedding is planned.

The Beta Rho Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International recently donated purses filled with personal items to three different Women’s and Victim’s Resource Centers in Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties.

Cindy Wooden, left, and Patricia Arnold, members of the Personal Growth and Services Committee of the Beta Rho Chapter who sponsored the project.

Through the generosity of its members, the chapter collected over thirty purses. The directors of the centers were so appreciative to receive the donations and will pass them on to women who come to the centers and have had to leave their homes suddenly.

Everyone needs to find great holiday gifts in a pinch from time to time. But just because you’re shopping last minute doesn’t mean these gifts shouldn’t be thoughtful.

Here are a few tips to make sure that presents purchased in the 11th hour are appreciated and enjoyed.

Strike the Right Mood

There is good news. You don’t need to break the bank on a day-long shopping excursion in order to find great items. Consider simple gifts that create that special feeling of home, such as American Home by Yankee Candle. The line features candles with holiday fragrances -- such as Fresh Balsam Fir and Holiday Apple Wreath -- for under $20 and are great for holiday entertaining. Jars, tumblers, tea lights and wax cubes all make warm, thoughtful gifts and are available at the grocery stores, drug stores and big box stores you visit every day, so you can conveniently do your holiday shopping during a busy time of year. Visit YCamericanhome.com to learn more.

Sign Them Up

A subscription service is a gift that keeps on giving all year long. In this regard, you can think beyond magazine subscriptions these days. “Subscription boxes,” which offer great products on a monthly basis, are an on-trend and fun gift that can be purchased in an instant. Themes for boxes are as eclectic as your gift recipients themselves and include books, socks, healthful snacks and beauty products.

Go Gift Cards

Crunched for time? Not exactly sure what a friend or family member wants or needs? Opt for a gift card that you can easily email or print out and put into a card. Many third-party gift card aggregators exist online, where you can quickly dash to a website and complete your transaction. Large online retailers also offer online gift cards to help you find a present fast -- no matter his or her personal sense of style or interests.

Don’t get stressed about last minute gifting this holiday season. Being prepared can help ensure you put smiles on the faces of everyone on your list. (StatePoint)

Simba

You might recognize this handsome and friendly face. Simba is a True Friend favorite and has been Pet Of the Week before, but unfortunately still hasn't gotten his second chance.

Lat week one of our readers adopted our longtime resident, Sedona, and this week we are really hoping the same miracle for Simba.   Please prevent him from spending another holiday in a shelter. He’s such a loyal, loving, and outgoing boy, he would very much rather spend it with someone special.  Simba is an 8 year old, active senior who has spent much longer than he should being a shelter dog.  Please consider giving him his greatest wish by fostering or adopting him.

 Neutered, micro-chipped, up to date on vaccinations, housebroken, well-mannered, and wrapped with love, Simba is hoping you find him under your tree this year!

Our greatest Christmas wish is to see ALL our dogs and cats have a comfortable, loving home, and because of this are waiving ALL adoption fees until January 2nd.  Please consider opening your hearts and homes to one of our animals in need!  

Fun Fact: So far in 2016, True Friends found homes for 507 homeless animals.  Without you,our supporters, this never would have been accomplished. We sincerely want to thank you and to wish you joy this holiday season from our hearts to yours!