TUESDAYS:

COMMUNITY CHORUS: Due to scheduling conflicts, the Susquehanna Community Chorus will meet on Tuesdays at 7:00pm instead of Mondays at 7:30pm. Practices will be held at St. John's Hall until July 17. On July 17 we will move to Susquehanna Community High School. Our concert will be held on Sunday, July 22 at 3:00pm at the Susquehanna Community High School Auditorium. It is not too late to join our group. Anyone who is interested, please come to our next practice.

MAY

CHICKEN & BISCUIT DINNER: The VFW in Great Bend is canceling their chicken and biscuit dinners for the month of May.

MAY 5

CLEAN-UP: Spring clean-up day at the Lakeview Cemetery in Jackson Township, will be held on Saturday at 9:00 AM.

ROAST PORK DINNER: A family-style Roast Pork Dinner & Bake Sale will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, Dundaff and Delaware Streets in Forest City, on Saturday from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Take-outs will be served from 3:30pm to 4:30pm. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Call 570-785-3425 and leave a call back message for tickets. Proceeds benefit the many good works of Christ Episcopal Church.

FREE DINNER: Community dinner at the Susquehanna United Methodist Church, on Main Street. Starting at noon and continues until all are served. If you would like to volunteer or if you have any questions, please contact Pastor Vince Chiaramonte by phone; 570-756-2420 or email: Clearmountain2156@gmail.com.

MAY 6

BINGO: Laura's Hope Rescue is having "Sunday Funday Bingo" at Mountain View High School in Kingsley. Doors open at 12:30pm, bingo starts at 1:30pm. Door prizes and 50-50 raffle. Every winner gets a prize. Check www.laurashoperescue.com for prize updates.

CAR SHOW: At the Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center in Springville, from 9am-3pm, including; chicken bbq, music, food, prizes, chinese auction and flea market/craft fair. Cars, trucks, tractors and motorcycles are welcome. Come dressed to match the era of your car! To register your vehicle and for vendor information call; 570-278-9229 or 570-309-2087. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors.

BINGO: Every Sunday afternoon at the Thompson Hose Company. Doors/kitchen open at 12:30pm. Early bird starts at 1:15 and regular bingo at 2:00pm. Take out of 16" Round Pizzas and Wings are available until 5:00pm. Call 570-727-2431 during open kitchen hours.

CHICKEN BBQ: Sunday, starting at 10:30am in the Hallstead Plaza, Hallstead. Sponsored by Friends of Susquehanna County.

CLEAN UP: Park Roadside Clean Up on Sunday, 10am at Salt Springs Park, Franklin Forks. Volunteers will be split into groups to pick up trash along the roads in the park and along Silver Creek at the park entrance. Bags and gloves will be provided.

WILDFLOWERS: Go Wild for Wildflowers on Sunday, 1 pm at Salt Springs Park, Franklin Forks. Take a walk and see how many flowers we can find. Along the way we'll photograph and collect some for pressing. Free for members.

MAY 7

CEMETERY MEETING: The Annual Meeting of The Thompson Cemetery Association will be held on Monday at 7:00pm at the home of Jeanette Saulo, 296 Main Street, Thompson. If you are a lot owner, family of someone buried there, or if you are interested in the cemetery, you are invited to attend. If you have any questions, please call 570-727-2179.

MAY 8

CEMETERY MEETING: The Lyon Street Cemetery Association will hold their annual meeting on Tuesday at 7pm, at the home of Charles and Ellen Foster. All lot owners and shareholders are urged to attend. For more information call Susan Foster Harvatine at 570-679-2386.

MAY 8-13

SPRING SERVICES: Spring Revival Services at The Stateline Evangelical Wesleyan Church, located 1-mile north of Great Bend on Route 11, from Tuesday, May 8 - May 13, each evening at 7:30pm, and 11am, on Sunday Morning. The guest Evangelist will be the Rev. Charles MacDonald, of Grafton, West Virginia. Special singing and music nightly. For more information call 570-222-3600 or 570-879-2699.

MAY 11

FOOD PANTRY: The Montrose Mobile Pantry will hold its free, monthly food distribution from 3 to 5:30pm at the Montrose United Methodist Church, 526 Church St. The deadline to pre- register is May 3. To pre-register call us at 571-214-2184. Open to ALL Susquehanna County residents. To donate to the pantry, or for more information, call 571-214-2184. You can also email us at ontrosemobilepantry@gmail.com or visit us on facebook at www.facebook.com/Montrose-Mobile-Pantry-PA.

MAY 12

MOTHER'S DAY WEEKEND DINNER: At the South Creek Lions Club, located on Route 14 in Gillett, Saturday at 4:30pm. Dinners include; roast beef or ham, mashed potatoes, vegetables, baked beans, home baked bread, home made pies and cake, coffee and lemonade.

SPAGHETTI & MEATBALL DINNER: Saturday from 4:00pm - 7:00pm at the Knights of Columbus, Council 356, located at 65 Kilrow St., Great Bend. Dinners include; salad, bread, homemade dessert and beverage. Take outs available. Children 5 and under are free.

BIRD WALK: North American Migration Count on Saturday, 7am at Salt Springs Park, Franklin Forks. Evan Mann will lead a birding walk to record as many species for the annual spring migration count as we can see or hear. Free-will donation.

MAY 13

MOTHER'S DAY CHICKEN BBQ: At the Thompson Hose Company. Take out only, from 11am - 2pm. Chicken halves and dinners are available. Dinners include; roll, baked potato, baked beans, dessert and drink. Pre-order is recommended by May 6th. Call 570-442-1107 or 570-442-1208.

BINGO: Every Sunday afternoon at the Thompson Hose Company. Doors/kitchen open at 12:30pm. Early bird starts at 1:15 and regular bingo at 2:00pm. Take out of 16" Round Pizzas and Wings are available until 5:00pm. Call 570-727-2431 during open kitchen hours.

MAY 15

DINNER: The Clifford United Methodist Church on Main Street is serving a chicken-n-biscuit or ham dinner on Tuesday, from 4:00 to 6:00pm. Take out or dine with us. Donations include dinner, drink & dessert.

MAY 18-19

RUMMAGE/BAKE SALE: First United Methodist Church at 69 Pratt Street, New Milford, is holding a Rummage/Clothing/Bake Sale and Silent Basket Auction. Featuring antiques, tools, collectibles, and furniture, there are treasures for all. Event will be Friday, from 9am - 5pm and Saturday, from 9am - 3pm, located in the FUMC Social Hall. Come rain or shine.

MAY 19

FUND RAISER: The Summer Lunch Box Group of Hop Bottom, will hold a fund-raiser at the Elk Mountain VFW, Route 106 at Lenox Corners on Saturday, from noon to 5pm. We are sponsoring a chicken barbecue along with numerous raffles, Chinese auctions, and bake sale. Tickets are available from Paula at 570-289-4102, any SLB member or at the VFW. Pre-sales strongly encouraged.

FREE DINNER: Community dinner at the Susquehanna United Methodist Church, on Main Street. Starting at noon and continues until all are served. If you would like to volunteer or if you have any questions, please contact Pastor Vince Chiaramonte by phone; 570-756-2420 or email: Clearmountain2156@gmail.com.

ARCHERY: Archery for Beginners on Saturday, 10am till noon at Salt Springs Park, Franklin Forks. A beginner's program based on the National Archery in the Schools Program, taught by Diane Hawley-Wurth, is offered. Equipment and targets are provided. All ages welcome.

MAMMAL TALK: Mammals of Northeastern Pennsylvania on Saturday, 1pm at Salt Springs Park, Franklin Forks. Professional local trapper, Bill Kasten, will talk about mammals and show a variety of animal pelts and traps. Free for members.

MAY 20

OPEN HOUSE: Wayne County Historical Society is having their 27th Annual Open House on Sunday from 1-4pm. Located at Corner Bridge and Harrison St, Tunkhannock. Come tour the museum and genealogical library featuring new museum and quilt displays. Commemorative ornaments and used books are also for sale.

BINGO: Every Sunday afternoon at the Thompson Hose Company. Doors/kitchen open at 12:30pm. Early bird starts at 1:15 and regular bingo at 2:00pm. Take out of 16" Round Pizzas and Wings are available until 5:00pm. Call 570-727-2431 during open kitchen hours.

MAY 25

HIKE: Full Moon Hike on Friday, 8:30pm at Salt Springs Park, Franklin Forks. Bring a snack to share around a campfire afterward. Free for members.

MAY 26

GARDEN TIPS: Attracting Pollinators to Your Garden on Saturday, 11am - 12:30pm and 1 - 3pm at Salt Springs Park, Franklin Forks. A presentation on pollinators and plants that attract them, followed by hands-on planting in the garden. Bring a lunch, tools, and a container for free strawberry starter plants. Free for members and kids.

MAY 27

BINGO: Every Sunday afternoon at the Thompson Hose Company. Doors/kitchen open at 12:30pm. Early bird starts at 1:15 and regular bingo at 2:00pm. Take out of 16" Round Pizzas and Wings are available until 5:00pm. Call 570-727-2431 during open kitchen hours.

BIKE RIDE: Bike the Border on Sunday, 1:30pm at Salt Springs Park, Franklin Forks. Ride the roads through Salt Springs' land to get a feel for how big the park is. Fee is a nonperishable food item for the local food pantry.

JUNE 2

DINNER TO HONOR: The Moose Lodge 794, Main Street, Susquehanna, is hosting a chicken dinner to honor former Head Coach Richard Bagnall for being elected to the PA Football Coaches Hall of Fame. Saturday at 7pm, the dinner will be held upstairs at The Moose. An open mic will be available for anyone who wants to say something. Former players, cheerleaders, students or friends are encouraged to attend. Number of seats is limited, so please call 570-853-3929 to reserve a seat.

CAR SHOW: The Browndale Fire Company is having a benefit on Saturday, 11am-4pm, rain or shine. The 4th Annual Cruzin'2 Browndale Car Show is located at the Browndale Fire Company grounds, Route 247, 620 Marion Street, Browndale. Vehicle registration will begin at 10am. Free grounds entry to view the vehicles. There will be live music, food, vendors, raffles and fun! Space is limited so register now for crafters, vendors, swap meet and car show. For more information: go to Facebook - Cruzin' 2 Browndale; email – browndalefire@gmail.com; or call (570) 785-5300.

JUNE 3

PAINTING WORKSHOP: Acrylic Landscape Painting Workshop on Sunday, 1pm at Salt Springs Park, Franklin Forks. Artist in Residence, Earl W. Lehman will lead two fun and instructive workshops. No special skills or knowledge needed. Bring supplies. Call 570-967-7275 for more details.

JUNE 9

BIRD TALK: Twitter, Tweets, and (Bird) Talk on Saturday, 10am at Salt Springs Park, Franklin Forks. Local birder, Evan Mann, will teach us how to listen to the wonderful sounds of our native songbirds. The presentation will be followed by a stroll in the lawn to practice. Free for members.

JUNE 16

REPTILE WORKSHOP: Amphibian & Reptile Workshop and Survey Walk on Saturday, 10am - 2pm at Salt Springs Park, Franklin Forks. Tim Matthews' morning presentation on PA amphibians and reptiles will be followed, after lunch, by a field survey along the trails. Bring lunch, water, notebook, and camera. Free for members and kids.

STAR GAZING: Star Party on Saturday, 8:30pm at Salt Springs Park, Franklin Forks. After some tips on using the telescope, we'll head for a field on Salt Springs Road where viewing is ideal. Call the park at 570-967-7275, if the weather looks iffy. Free for members.

JUNE 23

TREASURE HUNT: Basic Orienteering Treasure Hunt on Saturday, 11am at Salt Springs Park, Franklin Forks. Kelly Finan will teach some basic orienteering skills—map reading and compass navigation. Free for members.

SUMMER SOLSTICE: Summer Solstice Celebration, Part I on Saturday, 1 - 4pm at Salt Springs Park, Franklin Forks. Ongoing demos and activities will include solar viewing and solar lessons. Bring a picnic lunch and a blanket to sit on. Free-will donation.

SUMMER SOLSTICE: Summer Solstice Celebration, Part II on Saturday, 8pm at Salt Springs Park, Franklin Forks. We will have a campfire and story-telling. Bring snacks to share. Free-will donation.

JUNE 24

BIKE TOUR: Two-Wheeled Tour on Sunday, 1pm at Salt Springs Park, Franklin Forks. Bike the roads through Salt Springs Park and the Friends' land. Free-will donation.

JUNE 30

ARCHERY: Archery for Beginners on Saturday, 10:00am at Salt Springs Park, Franklin Forks. A beginner's program based on the National Archery in the Schools Program is offered. Equipment and targets are provided. All ages welcome.

JULY 3

FREE MUSIC: All-American Music on Tuesday, 7pm at Salt Springs Park, Franklin Forks. An evening of free music under the stars at the Barn Pavilion to honor the birth of America with some patriotic tunes. Bring something to sit on and marshmallows to toast over an open fire afterward. Free, but donations are welcomed.

JULY 22

COMMUNITY CHORUS: The Susquehanna Community Chorus will be performing this summer as part of Hometown Days. The concert will be on Sunday, July 22 at 3:00pm at the Susquehanna Community High School Auditorium.

Monday: Fish Piccata, Italian Green Beans, Tomato Bisque, Orzo Pilaf, Crackers, Fresh Fruit Salad.

Tuesday: Open Face Hot Pork Sandwich, Chicken Vegetable Rice Soup, Mashed Potatoes, Apple Bread Pudding.

Wednesday: Sausage and Peppers, Tossed Salad, Steamed Broccoli with Garlic, Whole Wheat Spaghetti, Chocolate-Vanilla Swirl Pudding.

Thursday: Chicken Verona, Savory Spinach, Herbed Potatoes, Whole Wheat Roll, Sorbet.

Friday: Pepper Steak with Gravy, Glazed Carrots, Brown Rice, Pineapple Dream.

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, May 6th 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 bluestone trophy. The winner gets his/her name engraved on the perpetual trophy. Last year's individual winner was Shaun Zaleski of Tunkhannock who broke 95 out of 100 birds. Shaun was awarded the 2017 Bluestone Buck and Tom Shoot Trophy. The overall winning team was the "Target Assassin's", with shooters Dwayne Perdue from Bath, PA, Phil Jones from Scranton, Shane Kocher from Bangor, Pa and Shaun Zaleski of Tunkhannock.

Pictured (l-r) are: Mike Koneski owner of RMSC and President of the Susquehanna QDMA holding the shoot's perpetual trophy with Shaun Zaleski of Tunkhannock holding the 2017 trophy Individual high scorers Buck and Tom Shoot Bluestone Trophy.

Mike Koneski, President of the Susquehanna branch of QDMA stated, "Last year 3 groups (QDMA, NWTF and the Target Assassin's) plus individuals took part in the shoot for high honor bragging rights this year. Teams will vie for Medals and bragging rights as to which group can shoot their shotguns the best. The individual winner will receive a trophy and will also have their name added to the perpetual trophy which is kept at RMSC. The event is open to everyone, you do not have to be a member of any organization to take part. This is an educational fund raiser for both groups."

Al Cuevas, President of the WFMM NWTF stated, "The proceeds raised will be used for youth education scholarship to attend the Wildlife Leadership Academy's Turkey field school. All the funds raised will be used locally."

Jerry Rusek, VP of the Susquehanna QDMA stated, "This will be a great day of shooting and raising funds for our scholarship to the whitetail deer field school at the Wildlife Leadership Academy."

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 be picked up from QDMA Secretary Bob Wagner at 570-278-1011 x108; or online at eaglexc@epix.net. You can also register the day of the event. Mike and Susan Koneski, owners of RMSC, are the hosts for the annual QDMA/NWTF "Buck and Tom Blast".

Spring is taking its time to arrive this year. In mid-April, we were still having snow showers, and juncos and cardinals continue to visit backyard bird feeders. Even though robins hop disconsolately over frozen lawns, spring will arrive, and once again Florence Shelly Wetlands Preserve in Thompson, PA will host its popular annual migrating bird walk. Dedicated birders and curious amateurs alike will enjoy exploring the 400-acre preserve as they identify birds by both sight and song.

On Saturday, May 5 at 7:30 AM, local birder and amateur naturalist Evan Mann will conduct a walk around the woodlands, wetlands, and meadows of the preserve. As he identifies birds that are nesting in the preserve's diverse ecological niches, he will also discuss the habits of the various species spotted. Mr. Mann will also share his repertoire of memory tools for translating bird calls and song into English language ditties as aids to distinguishing one bird from another. During his 2017 walk, the group spotted 58 species of birds in the preserve.

Diversity is the key to the Shelly Preserve's beauty and value and also the reason it hosts so many species. The brushy meadows are home to tree swallows, wrens and sparrows, while the deep boreal bog attracts eastern bluebirds nesting in dead snags, swamp sparrows, and belted kingfishers. Hawks can be spied hunting in open areas, while the preserve's pristine brook and dense woodlands provide habitats for the northern waterthrush, Baltimore orioles, scarlet tanagers and least flycatchers. Plews Swamp is the preferred habitat for families of wood ducks, mallards and red-winged blackbirds. Participants can expect to see both familiar species and some surprises.

The Florence Shelly Preserve Stewardship Committee is sad to announce that naturalist Ron Milliken, who has led a bird walk in the preserve every spring for 30 years, is retiring this year. Ron had a loyal following of birders, including Evan Mann, and he will be greatly missed.

The bird walk on May 5 launches our regular season of monthly guided walks with local naturalists. Join us on Sunday afternoons at 2:00 PM during the rest of the summer to discover wildflowers (June 10, 2:30 PM), herbs (July 8, 2:30 PM), and trees (September date to be announced).

Our walks, begin at the preserve parking lot one mile north of Thompson on Route 171, where Stack Road intersects. The trails may be wet, so wear warm, protective footwear. Don't forget your binoculars, and come prepared to spend a morning exploring the fascinating world of birds. For further information, contact Trebbe Johnson, 570/396-0293.

We know April showers bring May flowers, but they also usher in not one, but two community dinners! Please jot down May 5th and May 19th on your calendar and plan to join your friends and neighbors at the Susquehanna United Methodist Church, located on Main Street, Susquehanna. The dinners start at noon and continue until all are served.

If you have previously been our guest, you know the meal will be delicious and plentiful, with a large variety of desserts to satisfy anyone's sweet tooth. Ask a friend, tell your neighbors, invite your relatives, but, by all means, bring your appetite. There is no charge. Y-O-U are our guest! As always, the menu includes friendship, kindness, hope, strength, and good conversation, that are all served up with a smile and a hearty welcome.

If you would like to volunteer, or if you have any questions, please contact Pastor Vince Chiaramonte by phone 570-756-2420; or email: Clearmountain2156@gmail.com.

We hope you will join us in the merry, merry month of May.

The Susquehanna Borough Hometown Days Committee is accepting registrations for the annual 5K Run/Walk, to be held July 21 this year.

Added incentive this year will be $200.00 cash prizes for top male and female finishers.

This is in addition to the 18 bluestone train trophies that are unique to the race. Special Prize for first Place Runner with a Dog, After the race join the fun with post race food, music and drawings.

Hurry to register, as the fist 100 registrations will received a free t-shirt.

To register, pick up a form at Susquehanna Branch Library, People's Bank Susquehanna Branch, or go to: www.susquehannaborough.com.

Join Penn State Extension Master Gardener Amy Boot for her popular Make Your Own Bat House class on Saturday, May 5 at 10 am at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Montrose.

Learn about the mysterious night life of bats. Bats can consume an enormous amount of mosquitoes and other crop damaging insects such as cutworms and moths. Bats are the only mammal that can truly fly. More than half of the bat species in the United States are in severe decline or listed as endangered. In addition to loss of habitat, one of the biggest threats comes from white nose syndrome, a disease that has decimated bats in the U.S. and Canada.

A Tidy Bat House

Learn how to make your landscape more bat friendly plus more interesting facts. Then, build a house for up to 100 bats. They make nice gifts also. Please bring your own cordless drill if possible. We only have a limited supply of drills. Deadline to order materials: April 21st. Or, you may just simply listen to the discussion and observe the building of the houses. Class limit is 15.

To register visit: Montrose Area Adult School www.montroseadultschool.org. Click the Classes link. For more information or help registering call Penn State Extension Office at 570-666-9003 or email: susquehannamg@psu.edu.