On February 1, 2017 the Blue Ridge faculty and Staff wore Lady Raider Swish-Out shirts to support the American Cancer Society’s Swish-Out Childhood Cancer Challenge.  The event was in memory of Jill Hoffman, former Blue Ridge teacher and Athletic Director.  Ms. Hoffman worked at Blue Ridge for 38 years.  She passed away in November 2016 after a long battle with cancer.  In the evening on February 1st Blue Ridge hosted a boys’ and girls basketball game in conjunction with Coaches vs. Cancer Week.  At a ceremony held in Jill’s memory, the Athletic Director’s Association of Susquehanna County announced that they will be renaming the annual Susquehanna County Denise Reddon girls’ basketball tournament to the Susquehanna County Denise Reddon and Jill Hoffman girls’ basketball tournament.

The Susquehanna Conservation District’s Outstanding Conservation Farmer of 2016 is Claude Bennett and family. The Bennett’s farm 250+ acres of their own farmland, in Jessup Twp., plus another 140+ acres of rented hay land. Mr. Bennett farms the large area of land with his son, Terry and daughter in law, Patti, daughter, Brenda Bennett Alise, daughter, Tammy Lake, grandson, Josh Bennett and his friend, Kristy along with other family members.  They currently manage 100 head of mostly Angus beef cattle, which are marketed and sold locally. Claude also raises 60 laying hens.

Pictured (l-r) are: Claude Bennett, Terry Bennett, Patti Bennett and Josh Bennett standing in front of the new roofed and concreted heavy use area barnyard.

Mr. Bennett has been on this Jessup Township farm since September 1, 1953. The farm was originally owned by his in-laws, Ralph and Mavis Bunnell. In those early years he was milking 16 cows in an 18 cow barn. In the 1960’s, while being a full time dairy and crop farmer he also found time to serve as a Community Committeeman for the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. In 1986 he sold his 36 cow dairy herd. The operation switched over to raising replacement dairy heifers and Claude also started driving school bus. He continued to raise replacement heifers (as many as 100) and driving school bus until he was 75. In 2008 the family farm started raising beef and Claude stopped driving school bus.

Pictured are the Angus and mixed beef herd eating hay at the new roofed heavy use area barnyard.

Mr. Bennett first began working with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in 1989 when he had a USDA Farm Bill farm conservation plan written for the home farm and other farms he took crops off of. These conservation plans addressed soil erosion and water problems.

In 2012 Claude filed an application for an Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) contract for technical and financial assistance with the NRCS. Claude and his son, Terry identified resource concerns – problem areas that they wanted to take care of. These concerns all related to soil, water quality, water quantity, nutrient management, forage management and riparian/wildlife.

Terry Bennett recounted a conversation with USDA NRCS District Conservationist (DC) for Susquehanna County Ain Welmon and Biologist Jason Diaferio, “I asked them if they really thought that Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) riparian buffers really improved water quality in the streams and helped the environment? They both responded quickly with an affirmative yes and explained to me how this was accomplished via grass and trees and what it could do for our operation. So I told Dad I’m in if you’re in! I believe that this can help our operation and be valuable for the water and everything else!”

Terry continued, “Dad remembered, in the past, that there was good grazing in those swamps. Now we can look back and see that it was old farming practices such as fall plowing and spreading of manure in the fall and winter that had made the swamps seem like they were good producers of forage.”

The new conservation plans (EQIP Farm Bill plan and a CREP plan) were written in 2012/3 by NRCS DC Ain Welmon and Biologist Jason Diaferio. These plans helped Mr. Bennett to get technical (engineering) and financial help from two USDA programs. Claude enrolled 51 acres in two USDA NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) contracts, and 12.8 acres in the USDA Farm Services Agency’s in a CREP contract. Mr. Bennett also received support from the Pa. DEP Streambank Fencing and Small Project programs (Pete Tarby) and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (Jennifer Johns).

These EQIP and CREP contracts and their implemented conservation practices have helped the Bennett’s  to conserve and better utilize nutrients on the farm through the implementation of the roofed barnyard, a roofed waste (manure) storage facility, rain gutters, drip lines, structures for water control and underground outlet drainage lines. The installed barnyard and waste storage facility are a great success.  This project has eliminated the need to spread manure when the ground is frozen and improved water quality. 

The Bennett’s also have a USDA NRCS EQIP contract for Grazing. This contract helped develop springs and seeps into effective watering facilities (troughs) and an improved rotational grazing system. Conservation practices such as watering facilities (troughs), underground outlets, livestock water pipeline, water collection lines, hi-tensile fence, pasture seeding, brush management, rotational grazing, and forage harvest management have been implemented. All of the excavating and digging work was done by Terry and Josh Bennett.  All ponds, streams, and other sensitive wetland areas have been fenced off from livestock. Terry Bennett further affirmed that, “There has been a snowballing (growing) effect of these conservation programs working together to help our operation. This conservation work has helped us to improve about 50 acres of our pastureland!”

All of these soil and water conservation practices have helped to keep clean water clean by reducing the amount of sediment and nutrients in surface and groundwater.

The Susquehanna Conservation District, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the USDA Farm Services Agency, the Pa. Dept. of Environmental Resources Streambank Fencing Program and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation along with the Bennett family have made considerable investments in the above stated projects.

Far different weather greeted the Harford Fair directors as they arrived at the Hershey Convention Center for the 105th Pennsylvania State Fair Association Convention (PASCF).  Last year thirty inches of snow fell while the 1,700 fair people were at the convention in Hershey.  The year around efforts of all associated with the fair certainly paid off, with several areas of state-wide recognition for the Harford Fair.  During the communications breakfast, Harford Fair won first place for its premium book and second place for its placemat.  During the memorial service honoring all fair personnel from across the state who passed away during the past year, named from the Harford Fair were Gerald Albeck, Leon Button and Eleanor Hunter.

The 2016 Harford Fair Queen, Jolie Winemiller, a sophomore at Lebanon Valley College, proudly represented the Harford Fair throughout the convention.  Her parents are Jan and Jeff Winemiller.  They attended the convention with several other relatives and shared in a variety of events.  Jolie competed with a total of sixty girls representing their fairs from across the state.  After interviews, speeches, and special activities, she participated in the highlight of the convention, the Coronation Banquet on Saturday evening.  Those in attendance were thrilled when Jolie Winemiller was named Miss Congeniality and was one of the top five finalists.  Madeline McEachin, representing the Big Butler Fair, was crowned the 2017 Pennsylvania Fair Queen.  Rachel Duke from the Clearfield County Fair Queen was crowned PA State Alternate Queen.

Harford Fair directors and the secretary gathered with the 2016 Harford Fair Queen, Jolie Winemiller, following the Coronation Banquet at the PA State Fair Convention in Hershey.  Pictured (l-r) are: seated- LouAnn Kiefer, board secretary and office manager; Harford Fair Queen 2016 and State Miss Congeniality, JolieWinemiller; Second Vice President, Cindy Reynolds; standing- President Dr. Michael Kowaleski, First-Vice President Jason Miller, Treasurer Mark Pease, Executive Committee members Brain and David Tyler.

The convention affords fair personnel from the 109 fairs the opportunity to attend round table discussions as well as educational seminars presented by national speakers.  The information will be utilized in planning and making improvements for the 2017 Harford Fair, August 21-26.  In addition to informational sharing, there was a vast trade show with over 182 vendors which offered ideas and samples of food, ribbons, entertainment, amusements and other specialties associated with fairs. 

Harford Fair directors in attendance at various times throughout the convention included Dr. Michael Kowalewski, president; Jason Miller, first vice-president; Cindy Reynolds, second vice-president; Mark Pease, treasurer;  Matt Holbrook; Kurt Kulick; Heidi Stephens-Pavelski; Brian Tyler and David Tyler.  Fair board secretary and office manager, LouAnn Kiefer attended the convention as well.

Other Susquehanna County members associated with the fair in attendance included Ginny Beeman and Debbie Chidester, Harford Fair Queen Coordinators; April Holbrook, Michelle Kowalewski, Sue Pease; Nancy Tyler, who works with the Harford Fair Youth Board; and Renee Tyler, first aid station manager.

The theme for 2017 is “Country Scenes...Blue Ribbon Dreams”. Fairs have the option of utilizing this state-wide theme for their premium books, advertising, and commercial and vendor space competitions.

Everyone returned to Susquehanna County with some fresh ideas to utilize in the year-around planning for the Harford Fair in August.

Audrey

This is Audrey, she is a very sweet, 3 year old girl who loves affection. She likes to play just as much as she likes to sit on your lap and cuddle. Audrey was brought to us with her two male kittens. Her babies were adopted last week, but since then she has seemed a little down in the dumps feeling lonely and left behind. Won’t you please consider giving this sweet girl a home of her own?  Stop by for a visit, she will be waiting for you!

Winter is a very tough time for our shelter financially.  If you can’t adopt, but still want to help our animals, please consider donating to our “Feel the Heat” campaign.  Help us keep our animals warm and toasty at True Friends by sending in your contribution to True Friends at 16332 SR 706 Montrose, PA 18801 or on our site, truefriendawc.com.  Our dogs and cats thank you!

Fun Fact: A cat lover is called an ailurophile. Come meet our sweet Audrey and we are convinced you will become one!

During the communications breakfast at the PA State Fair Convention in Hershey, the Harford Fair received several awards. They won first place for its premium book and second place for its placemat. Other categories in the competition included scrapbooks, videos, promotional materials, as well as table displays.  The Harford Fair Youth Board compiled a scrapbook for the 2016 fair and it was also entered in competition at the state level.  Harford Fair Board Secretary LouAnn Kieffer as pictured above with the placemat and the second place winning ribbon. 

Dave and Nicole Tarbox from Susquehanna, PA, and USAF TSgt, Eric Tarbox, from Surprise, AZ, celebrating birthdays at the 46th Annual Barrett-Jackson Classic Collector’s Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, January 20th, 2017.

Susquehanna County Housing Authority has immediate rental openings in several locations throughout the county. All locations are HUD subsidized.

Interested persons are invited to contact the Authority at 570-278-5400 for more information.

Daniel Evan Thomas, 25, of Montrose, PA to 5 months to 23 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $250 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay $100 Act 198 fee, obtain a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to possess or use any alcoholic beverages or controlled substances while on supervision, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, not to possess any weapons while on supervision and perform 100 hours of community service for Possession with Intent to Deliver in Harford Township on October 14, 2016.

Dominic Edward Gerhardt, 24, of Susquehanna, PA to 20 days to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $25 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay an addition fine of $500, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, continue with mental health treatment, and perform 25 hours of community service for Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police on April 19, 2016 in Great Bend Township.  Defendant also received a $25 fine and was sentenced to pay cost of prosecution for Careless Driving in Great Bend Township on April 19, 2016.

William Wallace Conrad, IV, 34, of Union Dale, PA to 11 ½ months to 24 months minus 1 day in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $350 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay $100 Act 198 fee, attend and complete a drug and alcohol program, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages, pay $250 DNA testing fee and submit sample not to have contact with anyone on supervision and not to possess firearms or offensive weapons while on supervision for Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver in Uniondale Borough on March 15, 2015.

Shelly Marie Bixby, 35, of Wilkes Barre, PA to 18 months probation, pay $200 fine, pay cost of prosecution, continue with drug and alcohol education, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, take all prescribed medications as directed by your treating physician, not to possess firearms while on supervision, not to be in the company of anyone under the age of 18, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages and/or controlled substances without a valid prescription for Corruption of Minors in Clifford Township on March 22, 2015.

Ethan Adam Schumacher, 27, of Montrose, PA to 24 months participation in the State Intermediate Punishment Program, pay $70 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay $250 DNA sample fee and submit sample, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, not to consume alcoholic beverages or controlled substances for Aggravated Assault by Motor Vehicle in Bridgewater Township on November 9, 2015.  Mr. Schumacher also received 2 years probation to run consecutive to the above sentence, pay $200 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, not to consume alcoholic beverages or controlled substances without a valid prescription for Recklessly Endangering Another Person in Bridgewater Township on November 9, 2015.  Mr. Schumacher also received2 years probation to run consecutive to the above sentences, pay $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, not to consume alcoholic beverages or controlled substances without a valid prescription for Recklessly Endangering Another Person in Bridgewater Township on November 9, 2015.  Mr. Schumacher received 2 years probation to run consecutive to the above sentences, pay a $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, not to consume alcoholic beverages or controlled substances without a valid prescription for Recklessly Endangering Another Person in Bridgewater Township on November 9, 2015.  Finally Mr. Schumacher received 2 years probation to run consecutive to the above sentences, pay $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, not to consume alcoholic beverages or controlled substances without a valid prescription for Recklessly Endangering Another Person in Bridgewater Township on November 9, 2015.

Matthew Holmes, 26, Susquehanna, PA to 15 days to 18 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $50 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victims in this case, not to have contact with the victims in this case or with anyone on supervision, not to consume alcohol while under supervision, not to utilize controlled substances without a valid prescription, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings, perform 25 hours of community service for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Ararat Township between April 2014 and June 2014.

Johnathon Casey, 26, of New Milford, PA to 6 months probation, pay $50 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 189 fee, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, refrain from the use of alcohol or controlled substance without a valid prescription while under any period of supervision, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, perform 10 hours community service for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Hallstead Borough on May 11, 2016.

James Ray Moran, 38, of New Milford, PA to 6 months probation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $75 Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Trust Fund fee, pay $10 EMS, obtain a drug and alcohol evaluation, successfully complete an Alcohol Highway Safe Driving School Program, not to consume alcoholic beverages while on supervision, not to enter any establishment whose principle business is the furnishing of alcoholic beverages, complete ten hours community service for Driving Under the Influence in New Milford Township on November 22, 2016.

Dustin Cook, 28, of Montrose, PA to 18 months to 36 months in a state correctional facility followed by 5 years probation, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay $100 Act 198 fee, submit DNA  and pay $250 testing fee, obtain a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, not to possess firearms while on supervision not to enter any establishment whose sole purpose is the sale of alcohol, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages, not to utilize controlled substances without a valid prescription, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings, perform 50 hours of community service for Possession with Intent to Deliver in Bridgewater Township on June 13, 2016.  Mr. Cook also received 1 months to 2 months incarceration followed by 1 year of probation, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee for Resisting arrest in Bridgewater Township on June 13, 2016.  Mr. Cook also received 6 months probation to run concurrent with above sentence, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Montrose Borough on November 12, 2015.

Michael Cavalone, 35, of Hallstead, PA to 12 months probation, pay $50 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victim in this case, continue with drug and alcohol counseling for Disorderly Conduct in New Milford Township on October 30, 2015.

George Allen Wayman, 56, of Susquehanna, PA to 24 months probation, pay $200 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, comply with all SORNA requirements for Obstruction of Governmental Function in Great Bend Township from November 2014 to present.

Roger Sean Griffin, 32, of Binghamton, NY to 30 months to 10 years in a state correctional facility, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay $100 Act 198 fee, provide DNA sample and pay $250 testing fee, obtain a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, not to possess firearms while on supervision, not to consume alcoholic beverages or controlled substances while on supervision, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings, perform 25 hours of community service for Delivery of a Controlled Substance in Great Bend Township on November 16, 2015, December 8, 2015 and December 15, 2015.  Mr. Griffin also received 30 months to 10 years in a state correctional facility to run concurrent with the above sentence, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee for Possession with Intent to Deliver in Bridgewater Township on January 7, 2016.

Robert T Cowan, 64, of Montrose, PA to 5 months to 12 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility followed by 12 months probation, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, write an apology letter to the Pennsylvania State Trooper who is involved, not to use alcohol or any controlled substance without a valid prescription, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings, continue with mental health treatment, not to have contact with anyone on supervision for Resisting Arrest in Bridgewater Township on October 28, 2016

Andrew Joseph Artley, 28, of Nicholson, PA to 1 month to 12 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility followed by 2 years probation, pay $200 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings for Receiving Stolen Property in Lathrop Township on March 18, 2015.

The following were accepted into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program:

Joseph Edward Healey, Victoria Grace Moore, Sean Daniel Shearin, Brittany Belle Conroy, Jennifer Lee Baldwin, Dakota James Gajewski, Nicole Eileen Hines, Amanda Kratz, Kyle Lanphear

No matter what your work or family circumstances are, your days are likely a juggling act.

You need to adopt personal strategies for making sure everything gets done -- whether that’s running a business or keeping the household organized. To help, Staples has teamed with entrepreneurs and bloggers as part of its #makemorehappen campaign, to share some top tips and tricks from these experts.

Start Smart

Consider making it a habit to perform some of your morning tasks the evening before. This will help you avoid getting burned out early and help you get the day started on the right foot.

“Mompreneur On Fire” Ashleigh Blatt recommends doing the following at night: “Pack the kid’s lunches, lay out their clothes and have them shower. You can also decide what to make for breakfast and pack purses and backpacks and place them by the door so you can grab them on the way out. The importance of a light morning is that you start your work with energy and in a good mood.”

Streamline Shopping

Whether you are shopping for your business or for your household, you may find that all the stuff life throws at you leaves little time and energy to shop for necessities.

“You need as much time as possible to focus on work and life, not going down every aisle in a store.” says Kristina Cappetta, a blogger at Project Eve, which provides news and resources to women.

Cappetta points out that many retailers are aiming to give customers a more convenient experience these days, and that taking advantage of new shopping options can save you time and hassle. For example, Staples has a shop online and pick-up in store option, with many items available in an hour, which “can make life simpler, while giving you more time to focus on your business.”

Be Thoughtful

“Be thoughtful about how you spend your money,” advises Lucy Ross, Editor-in-Chief of “Like a Boss Girls,” a digital space for Millennial women. Ross, who recently executed a branded shipment to give customers a better sense of her company’s personality, says that using business-friendly retailers helped her coordinate her effort strategically.

Resources like Staples, which offers price match guarantees, UPS and USPS mailing services, same day pick-up and online coupons, can help you save time and money. More information about can be found at Staples.com.

Take Time to Celebrate

It may sound counterintuitive when you’re pressed for time, but time-outs are crucial, especially when you’ve reached a goal.

“It’s important to celebrate small wins,” says Blatt, who acknowledges success in an effort to stay motivated.

Consider smart strategies from the experts, to help you get more done with more time and resources to spare. (StatePoint)

“When life throws you scraps, make a quilt”... an anonymous quote.   How can a terrible illness, a desperate need, and the help of homeless man turn into a nation-wide project?   That is exactly what happened.  Flo Wheatley, with her son, who had just had a medical treatment, found themselves unable to continue from a cab to the subway while, in the middle of Manhattan.  Stranded, they sat on their suitcases, while masses of people passed them by.  Then one man, a homeless individual, offered his assistance and helped mother and son make their journey through the bustling city.  After they were safely on the last step of the journey to where they were lodging, the homeless man disappeared into the crowd.

Flo wanted to be able to thank him and after seeing another homeless individual huddle under a blanket, she had an idea.  She liked to sew, so she would stitch together scraps of fabric and make “Ugly Quilts”. “Ugly Quilts” are made of any fabric or blanket she could find, stitched together and tied, then sewed on three sides making a warm sleeping bag.  Flo and her husband, Jim continually distribute the “Ugly Quilts” to homeless individuals and shelters in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.  Flo and Jim also receive mail from across the United States and even from other countries wanting to know how to make “Ugly Quilts”.  You can find more information at their website “The Sleeping Bag Project”.

Each January, as a Martin Luther King Jr. project, the Foster Grandparents help the Wheatlys out by finishing up some “Ugly Quilts” by sewing and tying off started quilts. Pictured are Bradford and Sullivan Counties’ Foster Grandparents diligently working on “Ugly Quilts” which will help homeless individuals survive another cold winter night. 

The rest of the school year, Foster Grandparents' hands are kept busy drying a tear, guiding a tiny hand to learn to print, sharing a good book with a small friend, building a block tower, or instructing a youngster on how to complete a worksheet.  Foster Grandparents are in-school grandmas and grandpas that guide boys and girls to be the best they can be through one on one attention.

The Foster Grandparent Program may be for you, if  you are at least 55 years of age, enjoy children and meeting with other people who enjoy getting out and making a difference. 

The Foster Grandparents also enjoy a small monetary reimbursement, paid holidays and paid days off.   Foster Grandparent also receives mileage reimbursement.  Don’t drive? No problem, we can arrange transportation.  To learn more about how to become a Foster Grandparent call 1-800-982-4346.

The Foster Grandparent Program is federally funded by the Corporation of National Community Service and the Bradford County United Way and the United Way of Tioga County. The Foster Grandparent Program is sponsored by the Area Agency on Aging for Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Tioga counties.

The BSST Area Agency on Aging is funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging; the United Way of Bradford County; the United Way of Susquehanna County; the Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Tioga County Commissioners.