The Harford Historical Society has recently begun unearthing foundations of the original buildings of Franklin Academy and the Soldiers’ Orphans School.  In the process, many artifacts from the eras of the school have been found.  One of the most interesting is a gold plated piece of a hat badge marked G.A.R. – RENO POST 64, Williamsport PA (pictured above). The Grand Army of Republic was founded in 1866 and it was active in this area until 1910.

Among the other finds are rings, parts of a Sterling Silver waterman fountain pen from the 1930’s, parts of a harmonica, buttons from Civil War uniforms as well as orphan school uniforms, and parts and pieces of utilitarian items.

The museum of the Soldiers’ Orphans School has these items on display and invites the public to come and view a unique part of local history.

The Soldiers’ Orphans School is located on Orphans School Road off of route 547 halfway between Harford and Kingsley.

The start of the school year is just around the corner. Stores are having back to school sales, fall sports are starting practices and the Foster Grandparents are getting ready to head back to school after being off for the summer. 

Fifty-seven Foster Grandparents provide love and guidance to children and youth with special and exceptional needs at volunteer stations across Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Tioga Counties. Working one on one and in small groups, Foster Grandparents provide support to youth at volunteer host sites.

Foster Grandma Mary helps a student at the Blue Ridge Elementary School

To become a Foster Grandparent volunteer one needs to be 55 or older, be income eligible and enjoy working with children. Foster Grandparents receive a small stipend, clearance, travel and training. Foster Grandparents volunteer under the supervision of a classroom teacher or staff person for 15 to 40 hours per week.

For more information on the Foster Grandparent Program and other B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging, Inc. services please call 1-800-982-4346.  The B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging, Inc. is funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and the Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Tioga County Commissioners.

The Foster Grandparent Program is sponsored by the B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging, Inc. and federally funded by the Corporation of National Community Service. Funding also provided by the United Way of Bradford County, the United Way of Susquehanna County and the Lycoming County United Way-Tioga County Fund.

On Tuesday, August 8th, the Jackson Pin Thimblers 4-H Club met at the North Jackson Methodist Church to work together in order to make difference within Susquehanna County. Every member brought at least two blankets to donate to the homeless. During the meeting, members put several hygiene products such as soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, combs and washcloths inside within a ziploc bag to wrap within the blankets. Club leader, Rhaylene plans to bring the blankets to a local church along with homeless center.

Pictured from (L-R) are: Back Row- Sarah Marble, Brooke Marvin, Benjamin Prentice, Lia Heath, Evan Haley; Front Row- Zachary Norton, Rebecca Haley, Courtney Marvin, Ana Sargent, Alyse Sargent, Miles Crawford, Zackary Heath.

On another note, Rebecca Haley along with Ben Prentice gave demonstrations for their 4-H projects. Rebecca gave members of the 4-H club an insight on how to take proper care of a cat along with how to handle, or in other words, hold a cat. Ben, however, showed how to can fruits and tomatoes. Members were surprised by how much work and patience it requires to can.

All in all, the Jackson Pin Thimblers 4-H Club plan to have one more meeting at Backyard Ice Cream and Mini Golf on Tuesday, August 15th, to end on a great, positive note.

You wake up and get dressed. Then, you get in your car and drive off for another summertime adventure. You get to your adventure and as soon as you walk through the gate it hits you; the smell of pizza, corn dogs, funnel cakes and everything deep fried. You walk around and eventually make your way to some barns where you see cows, horses, pigs and many more animals.

Alternate Dairy Princess Vicki Clark

Have you figured out where you are yet? Let me help you! You’re at the county fair. It may be hard to believe, but it’s that time of year again. Come join the Susquehanna County Dairy Promotion team at the 160th Harford Fair. The dairy promotion team will be doing many different promotions throughout the week.

To kick off the week, on August 21st from 12:00-2:00 we will be handing out yogurt with fresh fruit and granola at the Harford Fair Information Center. At 3:00, we will be giving out free Root Beer Floats in the 4-H building and from 5:00-5:30 try to find us walking around the grounds with a calf.

On Tuesday, August 22nd from 10:00-10:30 our team will be handing out cheese at the main entrance. From 11:00-1:00, smoothies will be available at the Harford Fair Information Center. Make sure to also stop in at the Farmer for a Day booth from 2:00-4:00 as our team will help educate kids about life on a farm. Again, try to find us and our little calf friend as we walk around the Fair from 5:00-5:30.

Wednesday, August 23rd, looks to be another exciting day! From 2:00-4:00, we will be handing out yogurt with fresh fruit and granola at the Harford Fair Information Center and from 5:00-5:30 we will have a calf walk. At 6:00, the Animal Costume Contest will begin and after finding a new winner, we will be handing out free Root Beer Floats in the Dairy Arena.

Have a child between the ages of 4-10? Be sure to sign them up for the Kiddy Tractor Pull on Thursday, August 24th. Participants must be registered by 10:00 as pulling will begin and go until around noon. From 2:00-4:00, we will be helping with Farmer for a Day, and from 4:30-6:30 we will be handing out moo-tastic shaker pudding at the Harford Fair Information Center.

Friday August 25th from 2:00-4:00 we will be handing out smoothies at the Harford Fair Information Center, at 5:00 we will be doing a milk walk and at 6:00 we will be helping with the dairy showmanship contest.

To wrap up the week, on Saturday, August 26th, from 11:00-1:00 we will be handing out shaker pudding at the Harford Fair Information Center. From 2:00-4:00, we will be helping out with the Farmer for a Day and at 5:00 we will be having a calf walk.

Come on out to the 160th Harford Fair and see if you can find us at one of our events!

Susquehanna County, PA (August 18, 2017) “I just can’t do this anymore.” Have you heard yourself say this? “I’ve got to get some help but I don’t know where to start.” The Caregivers’ Get Together group at the Montrose Area Agency on Aging office would like to listen to your story, share experiences and give you the support you need to get started.

We are a small group of caregivers who meet once a month to talk about the joys and hardships of caring for someone sick and/or disabled of any age. We have found a confidential place at the Area Agency on Aging office to laugh, cry and share stories of how we cope with daily challenges. As one lady said, “You don’t realize the continuity of stories that support you each time”, until the next meeting. We share strong opinions, fears and tears, knowing none of us will be judged by others. “I can say anything and know it will stay in the group.”

Caregivers also work together to make the most of each day of caring. How to make time “for me” when there is so much to do is a common theme. Each month a guest speaker gives pointers to improve caregivers’ physical health, yoga exercises to relax, entitlement programs to address financial needs and more. Caregiving sometimes becomes grieving when major life changes happen. Talking about losses with others who understand can be a major relief.

We meet on the third Wednesday of each month, from 1:00 – 2:00 PM at the Area Agency on Aging office at 157 Spruce St., Suite 1, in Montrose. For more information call the Area Agency on Aging at 570-278-3751 or 1-800-634-3746.  

The B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging, Inc. is funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging; the United Way of Bradford County; the Lycoming County United Way; the United Way of Susquehanna County and the Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Tioga County Commissioners. For additional information on Area Agency on Aging services, please call 1-800-982-4346.  

Hippie

What better way to promote Peace, Love and Drool at our Woofstock festival than to have our own”Hippie" as the Pet of the Week? This lovely little lady is a 7 year old spayed female terrier mix who strongly believes in tree hugging and the great outdoors. Full of energy and lots of love to share, Hippie would be so grateful for the chance to experience all that nature has to offer on her daily walks with her groovy new best friend. Microchipped, up to date on shots, and ready for a change of scenery, Hippie will fill your heart and home with the pure joy of doggy happiness. Please stop by the shelter and meet Hippie and give her a chance to prove "All you Need is Love" and a furry best friend.

We hope to see all our friends at our 6th Annual Woofstock this Saturday at Salt Springs Park from 1:00- 6:00. As always it is promised to be a very unique fun filled day for everyone who enjoys dogs, music, and the tranquility of nature. Our shelter depends on this day to keep our doors open, please come out and help us make it a huge success!

As many know, B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging, Inc. has served seniors in Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Tioga Counties through their home-delivered meal program for forty years. Recently though, the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) has partnered with Meals on Wheels America to establish “Meals on Wheels Endless Mountains,” merging the same great meal-delivery service, with the name Americans have come to know best.

Pictured (l-r) are: Back row, standing- Commissioner Mary Ann Warren, Craig Hyde, Maureen Bier, Kelly Allen; Front row, sitting- Marilyn Hughes, Rita Hyde, Norman Darrow, Bernard Bier, Diane Wallace.

A celebration was held on July 25, 2017 at the Blue Ridge Senior Center to announce the re-branding. Susquehanna County Commissioner Mary Ann Warren, volunteer home-delivered meals drivers and AAA staff members attended the event, and enjoyed light refreshments and camaraderie.

Although there has been a change in the agency's name of its meal program, there are no changes with the operation or mission of the organization. By renaming, the AAA hopes to share in the popularity and national recognition of Meals on Wheels, while continuing to deliver the same outstanding service home-delivered meal recipients expect. According to Executive Director, Marlea Hoyt, the re-branding to Meals on Wheels Endless Mountains will, “increase awareness of our nutrition program and opportunities for sponsorships. Since most people readily identify with Meals on Wheels, people may be more interested in volunteering as meal drivers.”

Meals are delivered to elderly individuals' homes from the Montrose, Lawton, Lanesboro, Great Bend and Forest City Senior Centers by volunteer drivers. Drivers receive mileage reimbursement of $.50/mile. During fiscal year 2016/17, 44,153 home-delivered meals were provided to 278 elderly Susquehanna County residents. Meals on Wheels Endless Mountains ensures not only a nutritious meal, but also a safety check and a friendly visit, helping reduce isolation for at-risk individuals.

Callers seeking home-delivered meals often ask, “Do you have Meals on Wheels?” Now B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging, Inc. can reply, “Yes, we do!”

For more information on the Area Agency on Aging, it's Meals on Wheels Program or volunteer opportunities, call 1-800-982-4346 (toll free).

The B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging, Inc. is funded in part by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging; the United Way of Bradford County; the United Way of Lycoming County; the United Way of Susquehanna County and the Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Tioga County Commissioners. For additional information on Area Agency on Aging services, please call 1-800-982-4346

Construction for the Route 11 (Main Street) bridge, spanning Salt Lick Creek in New Milford Township, Susquehanna County, is scheduled to begin as part of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) Rapid Bridge Replacement Project. Replacement of this bridge will allow PennDOT to remove it from Susquehanna County’s structurally deficient bridge list.

Construction is expected to begin during the week of August 28 and be complete in mid-March, 2018. During this time, an alternating traffic pattern will be controlled by temporary traffic signals.

In the event of unfavorable weather or unforeseen activities, this schedule may change. 

This bridge is referred to as JV-144 and is one out of the 558 bridges being replaced under the Rapid Bridge Replacement Project. JV references the joint-venture partnership between Walsh/Granite, which is leading construction for the entire project.

The Rapid Bridge Replacement Project is a public-private partnership (P3) between PennDOT and Plenary Walsh Keystone Partners (PWKP), under which PWKP will finance, design, replace, and maintain the bridges for 25 years. The P3 approach will allow PennDOT to replace the bridges more quickly while achieving significant savings and minimizing impacts on motorists.

To see the bridges included in the statewide initiative and to learn more about the Rapid Bridge Replacement Project and P3 in Pennsylvania, visit www.p3forpa.pa.gov. Additional information on the project, the team, and how to bid on the project can be found at www.parapidbridges.com or by calling the project hotline at 877-444-9990 or email info@parapidbridges.com.

It was perhaps the first Welly-wanging contest ever sponsored in the United States. Certainly it was the first one ever to claim a stretch of grass in Susquehanna County. The point of this sport, a favorite in Britain, is to throw a rubber Wellington boot, or "Welly," as far as you can. The person who lobs the boot farthest wins the prize.

Welly-wanging was just one attraction at SCAN's Clean Air Festival held last Saturday, August 12, in New Milford's Blue Ridge Park. Other offerings, all by local vendors, included face-painting by a young girl, games, food, information about air and water quality in the area, and live music throughout the day. Displaying their wares were local craftspeople offering colorful hairbows, fashions, paintings, beautifully carved wooden bowls, a booth where kids could make their own stuffed animals, and other handmade arts, food, and crafts. A 5K race around New Milford kicked off the event in the morning. An estimated 400-500 people attended the festival.

A welly-wanging competitor at the SCAN Clean Air Festival: Who can throw the boot farthest?

The Clean Air Festival was sponsored by the citizens action group, SCAN (Susquehanna Clean Air Network), to celebrate the county and bring residents together for a day of fun. The festival was organized by Paula Millard, Harford, with a team of volunteers. SCAN members, identifiable in their sunflower-yellow t-shirts, circulated among the booths, passing out flyers about the organization and answering questions. Admission to the event was free and all proceeds went directly to the vendors.

SCAN was formed in the summer of 2016 in response to widespread alarm around Susquehanna County over a plan to build a hazardous waste incinerator in New Milford Township. Although the investors proposing the incinerator withdrew their application to the Department of Environmental Protection in November, SCAN has continued to be an active presence in the community. Currently the group is monitoring other prospective projects that could have a negative impact on air and water quality.

"We had a lot of support from people around the county to fight the incinerator," said Jake Rosen, co-president of SCAN. "Almost 5,000 people signed the petition we circulated. As a result of that kind of community support, we got rid of a facility that would have polluted the air and water not only for people in our own region, but around a 50-mile radius. Some groups might have disbanded after a big win like that. But we're committed to staying vigilant and continuing to protect the people of this county from other projects that could be hazardous to their health.

SCAN is already planning another Clean Air Festival for 2018. It's not too early to practice tossing your rubber barn boots!

On July 23rd, 2017 the Borderline 4-H club held a meeting at the Swartley’s home with 13 members in attendance. Ben Curley, shooting instructor, worked with several of the air rifle kids with shooting targets. Air Rifle Project books and posters were worked on.

Grace and Faith Gibbore practiced cake decortating

Andrea Welch ran a cake decorating session to help the kids get more practice in prior, to the fair. They also worked on their project books and posters. Several other projects were worked on, including:  Dairy Cattle, clover buds, and officer projects. Old Business was covered. Camp Brule was attended by 2 members who had fun attending the 5 day summer camp!

The Borderline 4-H Club held their final meeting of the year, on August 6th, 2017 prior to the Harford Fair at the Swartley’s home, with 10 members in attendance. Ben Curley, shooting instructor, worked with several of the air rifle kids with shooting targets. Megan McVaugh and Geo Swartley helped the air rifle youth work on their project books.

Borderline 4H Club Members (l-r) are: Geo Swartley, Matt Post, Leader Jill Swartley, Cy Gibbore, Zeb Swartley, Dayden Hawthorne, Hanna Foster, Dori Page, Grace Gibbore, and Cherish Hawthorne.

Everyone attending had time to finish their project books, posters, and pick up their tickets for the Harford Fair 4-H Day. The Old Business gone over was one-day camp held in July at the Harford Fairground. Five youths from the club attended and had a great time doing air rifle, line dancing, CPR, 1st Aid training, tie dye, skits and the closing ceremonies. Zeb Swartley had fun at PSU State Achievement days winning 1st place in the Questing competition. Also, Zeb and Geo Swartley attended the 4th of July Parade in Montrose, PA where the Susquehanna County 4-H was honored to be the Grand Marshals.

Bench Warrants

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANT'S for the following individuals as of 10:21 am on August 18, 2017: Ryan A. Aukema, Tonya S. Birchard, Tina Dolan, Nathasha Everett, Jonathan Fathi, Shawn P. Fiorentino, Lucas D. Fletcher, Vincent Gordon, Tara M. Humphry, Jean M. Larson, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, James Mackey, Bradley W. Megivern, Peggy J. Mills, Ralph J. Minnick, Timothy Murray, Jerome W. Slick, Marcus E. Spickerman, Tyrone M. Taylor, Justin S. Thompson, Charles Vanwinkle, Jr., Jeffrey Warner, William R. Wayman, Jr, Roderick R. Williams. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 4050 with any information on the location of these individuals.

Deeds

David J. Hanf and Linda Hanf to David Hanf and Linda Hanf for $1.00 in Forest City 2W.

Sean Hennessey and Kiera C. Hennessey to John Sacoolidge for $131,000.00 in Susquehanna.

Dona R. Warner, Jon E Lash, Charles L. Warner and Nancy J. Warner to Dona R. Warner, Jon E. Lash, Charles L. Warner and Nancy J. Warner for $1.00 in Herrick Township.

Russell F. May and Robyn M. Welch and Robyn M. Welch and Emily Stark for $1.00 in Susquehanna 2W.

Judy A. Reynolds and James D. Reynolds Sr. to John Sulewski and Justine Sulewski for $299,900.00 in Herrick Township.

Brian J. Bomersheim to Brandon Barlow for $146,000.00 in Gibson Township.

Angela Callahan to John Tomassacci and Terri Tomassacci for $130,000.00 in New Milford Township.

Lisa Schmidt and Kenneth H. Schmidt (by atty) to Randy Ball and Debra Ball for $79,000.00 in Harford Township.

Joseph R. Owens and Brittany Ann Owens to Lucas Baker for $140,000.00 in Springville Township.

David Lee Thompson and Kim M. Thompson to David Lee Thompson for $1.00 in Franklin Township.

Eileen E. Wilbur to Kimberly K. Harvie-Kelyy for $119,900.00 in Lenox Township.

Richard E. Russell and Agnes L. Russell to Derrick J. Carvin and Judith M. Carvin for $21,000.00 in Hallstead Borough.

John N. Para and Susan Para to Curtis L. Eshbaugh and Pamela M. Eshbaugh for $90,000.00 in Apolacon Township.

Reuben G. Everitt and Elizabeth A. Everitt to Pennsylvania Commonwealth of Dept. of Transportation for $1.00 in Silver Lake Township.

Cartutt LLC to Lana R. Adams and Reginald J. Sheffield for $145,000.00 in Dimock Township.

Dorothy B. Hagenbuch to Dorothy B. Hagenbuch for $1.00 in Harford Township.

Lee Allard (estate aka) Lee C. Allard (estate) to Diane M. Allard for $1.00 in Liberty Township.

Earl M. Baker and Jacqueline B. Baker to Shayna Benson for $61,000.00 in Oakland Borough.

Brian H. Davis (trustee) and Nancy L. Muckenfuss (trustee) to Dominick J. Clementi III and Carolee Clementi for $242,000.00 in Thompson Township.

Craig A. Coll to Henry Wagstaff IV for $132,500.00 in Little Meadows Borough.

Jeffrey J. Kunst (aka) Jeffrey J. Kunst Sr. and Virginia A. Kunst to Jeffery J. Kunst Jr. for $1.00 in Auburn Township.

Quicken Loans Inc to Secretary of Housing to Urban Development of Washington D.C. for $1.00 in Auburn Township.

Mary F. O'Brien (estate) and Karen Marie Malley to Ryan Timothy Smith and Erin Smith for $234,500.00 in Silver Lake Township.

CORRECTIVE: Ronald W. Whitney and Dennis E. Whitney to Brent Conklin and Mary Conklin for $1.00 in Jackson Township.

CORRECTIVE: Brent Conklin and Mary Conklin to Thomas C. Albertson for $1.00 in Jackson Township.

QUIT CLAIM: Jeane M. Roe to Lakeys INC for $7,025.00 in Susquehanna.

SPECIAL WARRANTY DEED: Fannie Mae (aka) Federal National Mortgage Association and First American Title Ins. Co. to Global Premier Asset Management LLC for $6,900.00 in Great Bend Borough.

EMK Resources LLC to Hilary Tacey for $123,400.00 in New Milford Township.

Stephen D. Reinhart to Stephen D. Reinhart and Connie J. Reinhart for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

Kenneth H. Schmidt (by aif) and Lisa J. Schmidt to Tane R. Cokely Law for $99,500.00 in Harford Township.

Donald D. Marshman and Sharon A. Marshman to New Milford DG LLC for $350,000.00 in New Milford Borough.

Nancy B. Robinson (estate) to Stanley French for $170,000.00 in Thompson Township.

My House LLC (by sheriff), Michael L. Yetter (by sheriff) and Lindsay M. Yetter (by sheriff) to Dime Bank for $18,414.69 in Forest City 2W.

Scott Ingerman (by sheriff) and Sandra C. Ingerman to Deutsche Bank National Trust Company for $1,302.00 in Forest Lake Township.

Rosemary Costigan (by sheriff) to Deutsche Bank National Trust Company for $1,242.78 in Hop Bottom Borough.

Dennis J. Stanton (aka) Dennis J. H. Stanton to Michael P. Stanton for $1.00 in Ararat Township and Thompson Township.

John R. Hackel, Raymond E. Hackel (estate), Dolores Hackel, Connie Ehrie Winnie and Steven Winnie to Andre Gilmore and Stephanie Hackel for $130,000.00 in Great Bend Township.

Johnnie A. Florance and Marsha D. Florance to Gwen Chernoff and Ambrose P. Madden for $215,000.00 in New Milford Township.

James W. Barber and Jean R. Barber to Joshua D. Urda for $1.00 in Gibson Township.

Beth Ann Parise (nbm) Beth Ann Berwanger, Martin J. Parise and Lorraine K. Parise to Hiram L. Gillyard Sr. for $169,500.00 in Clifford Township.

John Tolerico and Mary Kay Tolerico to Mickayla B. Turano for $127,200.00 in Forest City 2W.

Corbin Family Trust (by trustees) to Brittany Lee Stankiewicz for $105,000.00 in Brooklyn Township.

Jason Benedict to Angela Benedict for $1.00 in Hallstead Borough.

Rowan Tree Developments LLC to Zbigniew Skurzok for $110,000.00 in Great Bend Borough.

Eva B. Beppler (estate aka) Eva Bell Beppler (estate) to Robert M. Owens Jr. and Karen Lynn Owens for $30,000.00 in Bridgewater Township.

Peter R. Swart and Suzanne M. Swart to Suzanne Marie Swart for $1.00 in Auburn Township.

Thomas A. Kropa to Thomas A. Kropa (trust) for $1.00 in Springville Township.

David M. Zigon and Janelle Zigon to Stephen Mahoney and June Reed for $174,000.00 in Clifford Township.

Gary Schweppenheiser to Garrett Adams and Alexis Twining for $94,000.00 in Clifford Township.

Raymond Butts Jr. to Francis J. Scoblick for $3,000.00 in Oakland Township.

Carl Joseph Zantowski (aka) Joseph Carl Zantowsky and Tessa Marie Zantowski (aka) Tessa Marie Zantowsky to Carl Joseph Zantowsky and Tess Marie Zantowsky for $1.00 in Herrick Township.

Norman C. Ricci and Rita M. Ricci to Serfilippi Enterprises LLC for $225,000.00 in Ararat Township.

Robert Peter Swart and Suzanne Marie Swart to Suzanne M. Swart for $1.00 in Dimock Township.