The Little Red Schoolhouse at the Harford Fair had over 1,700 pieces of children’s work representing public and private schools as well as entries by individuals.  These were attractively displayed and skillfully judged once again this year.  An acrylic painting of a clock was selected as the Best of Show in grades 7-12 to receive the Joan O. Peters Award.  The Mary H. Karhnak Best of Show Award for an outstanding entry in grades K-6 was awarded to a flower collage.   In memory of both Joan O. Peters and Mary H. Karhnak, who dedicated years of service to the school department at the Harford Fair, these awards are given in their names.  The winners of the awards respectively are Rachel Farnelli, who will be entering tenth grade at the Elk Lake High School and Madison Lutz, who will be entering fifth grade at Abington Christian Academy in Clarks Summit. Rachel’s art teacher is Brandi Stone and Madison’s art teacher was Annette Brush.

Rachel Farnelli proudly displays her prize-winning acrylic clock painting.

Rachel is the youngest of eight children and has always pushed herself to be as good as her older siblings, especially in art.  Her art teacher always encourages her students, whatever the assignment or medium is, to select a focus which means something personally to them.  Because Rachel is always afraid of deadlines, she selected a clock for her monochromatic color scheme with acrylic and watercolor for the lesson.  She worked on the drawing and painting during many 45 minute art periods to produce her prize-winning entry.  Her other interests in art produces portraits with calligraphy pens, usually done from memory.  She also collects glass bottles and uses them for drawings with things in them.

Her art teacher, Mrs. Stone, has been entering the artwork of her students in the Harford Fair for thirteen years, taking many ribbons back to the Elk Lake School. She proudly acknowledged her students’ talents.

Madison Lutz displays her collage art work based on Eric Carle's techniques.

Madison was very excited about her painting being selected as the Best of Show winner for grades K-6. Her art teacher, Annette Brush, was especially pleased since she is the superintendent of the School Department at the fair.  The lesson that led to this prize-winning piece of art work was based on the collage techniques and books by Eric Carle.  She continued to enjoy doing different art projects throughout the summer, some of which included a Mickey Mouse Collage, painting on canvas, book binding by hand, three dimension lantern and a shadow box.  Madison’s grandmother displays many pieces of her artwork in her office. 

Rachel and Madison each received ribbons and an engraved clock for her winning entries.  In addition, their names have been added to each of the perpetual plagues which hang in the Schoolhouse on the fairgrounds every year during fair week. 

Teachers and parents are encouraged to check the listing of different categories of items which can be submitted to the School Department at the Harford Fair.  Start planning now.  The listing can be found on the fair website at www.HarfordFair.com. Give your students or children an opportunity to exhibit at next year’s Harford Fair August 20-25, 2018.

The 2017 Harford Fair is behind us and what a great fair it was. The many years of success of the fair is a credit to many groups as well as individuals.  Included in that number are the many traffic workers who man the parking area.  Chuck Latwinski initiated the Traffic Employee of the Year Award three years ago to recognize traffic workers who go above and beyond his or her duties throughout fair week.  This year, the two selected by their crew chiefs and agreed upon by the entire traffic crew as Traffic Employees of the Year 2017 are Jenn Ocana and Michael McHugh.  Each possessed outstanding qualities which were noted by their crew chiefs when they received the award.

Awarded Traffic Employees of the 2017 Harford Fair are Michael McHugh and Jenn Ocana posing for a photo on the last day of the fair.

This was Jenn’s second year working with traffic at the fair.  She listens to directions, doesn’t complain, and can take over anytime in any of the traffic areas as needed.  During an interview following her recognition, Jenn who is from Hancock, New York said that it is a great group to work with.  She graduated from Hancock Central High School and is presently a student at Keystone College in Factoryville.  During Michael’s interview, he said that “making it fun is what gets the work done.”  He was acknowledged as showing improvements in his three years working traffic which has resulted in outstanding performance on his part.  He, too, can take over in any area of traffic as is needed.  He is a graduate of Susquehanna Valley High School and is presently seeking regular employment.   The traffic crew each year is composed of new, as well as seasoned workers for the Harford Fair.

Pictured is the Traffic Crew posing for a photo shoot at the end of the fair.

In recognition of their dedication to the job and expertise in performance, the two received badges denoting them as Traffic Employees of the 2017 Harford Fair.   As anyone can guess, traffic is not an easy area to work, having to deal with constant complaints by fairgoers of having to park too far away, claiming the need for a handicapped area to park, and from those who have to move because they parked inappropriately in reserved spots.  However, the traffic staff takes the complaints in stride and just keeps smiling.  Their positive nature certainly plays an important role in helping fairgoers enjoy the fair.

These young employees are a fine example of the many dedicated workers as well as volunteers who perform all kinds of jobs which make the Harford Fair a highly successful annual event in Susquehanna County. 

The 10th annual Local Author's Luncheon to benefit the Forest City branch of that Susquehanna County Library System will be held at Elkview Country Club, Crystal Lake on Wednesday, September 20,2017. The Forest City Library is also celebrating it's 50th anniversary.

This year’s featured author is Susan Campbell Bartoletti who resides in Moscow, PA and writes children’s literature.   Susan’s non-fiction books include Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler’s Shadow, The Boy who Dared, They Called Themselves The K.K.K : The Birth of an American Terrorist Group; and Black Potatoes: The Story of the Great Irish Famine.

Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Campbell Bartoletti graduated from the University of Scranton in 1982.  She began her career as an eighth-grade English teacher before deciding to pursue writing in earnest.  She has received numerous awards for her writing including the NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Nonfiction, the SCBWI Golden Kite Award for Nonfiction, the Jane Addams Children’s Book Award, and the Newberry Honor Medal.

The annual luncheon is sponsored by the Novel Woman Book Club and will start with a time of hospitality at 11:30.  Lunch will be served at 12:15 followed by the speaker and a book signing. For additional information, you can reach the library at 570-785-5590.

The Susquehanna branch of the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) and the Wilson F. Moore Memorial (WFMM) chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) will hold a clay bird shoot on Sunday, September 24 at Rock Mt. Sporting Clays (RMSC). The Shoot starts at 2:00 PM, registration starts at 1pm. 100 targets - Top 5 scores and all ties will take part in shoot off for the QDMA/NWTF blue stone trophy. The winner gets his/her name engraved on the perpetual trophy. Last year’s winner was Greg Quaglio. New this year are medals for each member of the High Overall Average 4 man squad. Mike Koneski, President of the Susquehanna branch of QDMA stated, “Last year 4 wildlife Conservation groups (QDMA, NWTF, Pheasants Forever and the Ruffed Grouse Society) plus individual groups took part in the shoot for high honor bragging rights. This year they can vie for medals and bragging rights as to which group can shoot their shotguns the best!”

The QDMA/NWTF Buck and Tom Blast Perpetual Trophy, to which the winner's name is added each year.

Registration is a must by September 15 in order to be included in the lunch.

Jack Sorber, President of the WFMM NWTF states, “The proceeds raised will be used for education and wildlife habitat improvement work in NEPA.  All the funds raised will be used locally. Both groups have provided funding and manpower for work on Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) State Game lands (SGL) in Susquehanna, Bradford, Wyoming and Luzerne counties.”

Jerry Rusek, VP of the Susquehanna QDMA stated, “This will be a great day of shooting and raising funds for habitat improvement work in NEPA that benefits all game and non-game species on public land. There will also be a raffle drawing for a QDMA in-line muzzle loader (tickets available at the shoot).” Drawing will take place during the meal.

The registration form is available on the Susquehanna QDMA website, Susquehanna QDMA Facebook page and the Rock Mt. Sporting Clays website. Hard copy Registration forms can picked up from QDMA Secretary Bob Wagner (570-278-1011 x108; eaglexc@epix.net ) and also at Rock Mt. Sporting Clays west of Springville. Mike and Susan Koneski, owners of RMSC, are the hosts for the annual QDMA/NWTF "Buck and Tom Blast”.

The Montrose Lions Club Community Fund, administered by The Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains, announces the grant for 2017 is now available.  This permanent endowment will assist the Lions Club in supporting various charities, non-profit organizations, and community projects throughout Susquehanna County.  The grant can also support local government agencies, municipalities, and the public schools provided that the proposed project fits the endowment’s criteria of benefiting the community at large.  A total of $1,750 is available for accepted projects.  Grant applications are available at www.community-foundation.org and can be completed between September 1st and September 30th.  Funding decisions will be announced in October.  Questions about the grant can be directed to Lions Club member Chris Caterson at ceclittlene@epix.net.

Looking for something new to do? Join in on the fun of Rock Painting! B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging, Inc. cordially invites seniors age 60 and over to a free Susquehanna Rocks Event on October 12 at the St. John Evangelist Church, 15 E. Church Street, Susquehanna. The fun begins at 11:00am with the chance to paint a rock, hide a rock and search for other painted rocks. Lunch will be served at 12:00pm. Reservations are required, so please call 1-800-634-3746, by 10:00am on October 10 to reserve your space. Can't make it to this event? Call 1-800-634-3746 to learn about other Rock Painting opportunities at a local Senior Center near you.

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 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.

The Churches of the Route 11 Ministerium join in inviting the community to a special afternoon of music. On Sunday, September 17, 3:00pm in the Harford Congregational UCC church, local musicians will join their voices to raise funds for victims of Hurricane Harvey. There will also be a hymn sing, basket auction and bottled water collection by Boy Scout Troop 98.

A freewill offering will be sent to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief). 100% of the proceeds will go directly to hurricane victims.

The Route 11 Ministerium is comprised of the following congregations: Harford UCC, First Presbyterian Church of Hallstead, Gibson and South Gibson United Methodist, New Milford United Methodist, United Methodist Church of Great Bend, Grace Lutheran Church of Hop Bottom, Hop Bottom and Kingsley United Methodist Churches, and First Universalist Church of Brooklyn.

August 2017

Sarah Jayne Muskas, 31, of Hallstead, PA to 6 months probation to run concurrent to any sentence being served in another jurisdiction, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $10 EMS, pay $75 Pennsylvania  Transportation Trust Fund fee, complete a CRN evaluation within 30 days of the date of sentencing, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to enter any establishment whose principle place of business is the sale of alcohol, complete the alcohol highway safe driving school program, perform 10 hours of community service for Driving Under the Influence in Hallstead Borough on January 27, 2017.

Philip Lowry, 40, of Jermyn, PA to 8 ½ months to 24 months in a state correctional facility, followed by 3 years probation, defendant to pay a $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fees, receive a drug and alcohol evaluation for Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer in Lenox Township on April 12, 2017.  Mr. Lowry also received 6 months probation to run concurrent with the above sentence, pay cost of prosecution and pay $100 Act 198 fee for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Lenox Township on April 12, 2017.  Finally, Mr. Lowry received 3 days to 6 months incarceration to run concurrent with the above sentence, pay $1,000 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $75 PA Transportation Trust Fund fee, pay $10 EMS, complete an alcohol highway safe driving school program for Driving Under the Influence in Lenox Township on April 12, 2017.

John Reynold Marconi, Jr, 27, of Friendsville, PA to 9 months to 23 ½ months incarceration with credit for time served of 152 days, followed by 3 years probation, pay $1,500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $300 Transportation Trust Fund fee, pay $10 EMS, complete an alcohol highway safe driving school program, obtain a drug and alcohol evaluation, perform 50 hours of community service, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages and/or controlled substances, without a valid medical prescription, subject to random drug and alcohol screenings, abide by a 10:00 PM curfew, not to have contact with anyone on supervision for Driving Under the Influence in New Milford Township on March 10, 2017.  Mr. Marconi was also sentenced to 3 years probation to run consecutive to the above sentence, pay a $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay restitution to the victim, obtain a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages and/or controlled substances without a valid medical prescription, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings, undergo a 10 PM curfew and perform 50 hours of community service for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Little Meadows on March 19, 2016.  Finally, Mr. Marconi was ordered to pay a $300 fine and cost of prosecution for Illegally Operating a Vehicle without Ignition Interlock in New Milford Township on March 10, 2017.

Randall Austin, 40 of Hallstead, PA to 2 years probation, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, obtain and drug and alcohol evaluation, perform 50 hours of community service, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages and/or controlled substances without a valid medical prescription, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings, and perform 10 hours of community service for Resisting Arrest in Hallstead Borough on February 18, 2017.

Stephen Barrett, 31, of Friendsville, PA to 9 months to 23 months incarceration at the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility followed by 3 years probation, pay $250 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victim in this case, obtain a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to consume any alcoholic beverages or controlled substances while on supervision, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings and perform 50 hours of community service for Theft by Unlawful Taking in Little Meadows on March 19, 2016.  Defendant was also sentenced to 12 months probation to run concurrent to the above sentence, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee for Flight to Avoid Apprehension in Choconut Township on March 24, 2017.

Cody Alan Bush, 29, of Windsor, NY to 4 ½ months to 23 ½ months incarcerated in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, be subject to DNA testing requirements and pay the $250 fee, continue with drug and alcohol counseling, not to consume any controlled substances while on supervision without a valid prescription, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings, under a 10 PM curfew, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, not to possess firearms while on supervision, perform 50 hours of community service for Possession of Liquefied Ammonia with the Intent of Manufacturing a Controlled Substance in Clifford Township on February 23, 2015.

William Richard Warnock, 45, of Ouaquaga, NY to 2 months to 12 months incarceration at the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $200 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee for Flight to Avoid Apprehension in Lanesboro Borough on June 22, 2017.

Matthew Vandemark, 38, of Meshoppen, PA to 60 days to incarceration at the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility followed by 4 months home confinement under the Susquehanna County SCRAM Bracelet Program subject to alcohol monitoring, this period of intermediate punishment shall be followed by 17 ½ months probation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, pay restitution to the victim in this case, not to have contact with the victim in this case, not to consume alcoholic beverages or controlled substances without a valid prescription while on supervision, be subject to random drug and alcohol screening, perform 25 hours of community service for criminal trespass in Springville Township on October 2, 2016.  Mr. Vandemark also received a sentence of 60 days incarceration in the Susquehanna County Correctional Facility followed  by 4 months home confinement under the Susquehanna County SCRAM Bracelet Program subject to alcohol monitoring, this will be followed by 17 ½ months probation, all of which will run concurrent to the above sentence, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to have contact with the victim in this case, not to consume alcoholic beverages or 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 Auburn Township on December 5, 2016.

Christopher Kuiper, 28, of Susquehanna, PA to 30 days to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, perform 25 hours of community service, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages and/or controlled substances without a valid prescription, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings for Recklessly Endangering Another Person in Susquehanna Borough on May 4, 2017.

Joan Tierney Squires, 56, of Susquehanna, PA to 4 months to 18 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, pay $150 fine, pay cost of prosecution, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, perform 25 hours of community service for Forgery in Hallstead on September 9, 2016.

The following were accepted into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program: Douglas Kenneth Godfrey, Jr, Shirley Harvey, Roger A Brown, Daniel E Day, Geraldine D Hallisey, Steven Joseph Nagy, David Harold Cowperthwait, Emerson Sands, Matthew Steele, Tod Martin Merkle.

Wow, Aaron!!!  What's a handsome guy like you still doing hanging out at True Friends? Surely there is someone out there looking for an amazingly beautiful, longhaired, green-eyed charmer like you. UTD, neutered, litter trained and ready to be loved, this 5 year old affectionate boy requires a home where he can rule the roost and be the only pet as he is not a fan of other kitties or pups. He will, however, be your biggest fan so please take Aaron home and give him a chance. He will be the purrfect feline companion for any sensible cat lover.

True Friends needs your help! Thursday, September 21st at Genetti’s in Dickson City from 5:30 PM- 8:00 PM, we will be competing with another rescue for the majority of the events proceeds.  The event is being organized by the ValleyB2B business group and includes a comedy hour, cash bar, lite fair, and a basket raffle.  Tickets are $35 and available at True Friends.  It’s going to be an enjoyable night out supporting your local shelter!