17 excited hands shot up in Mrs. Cooley's Kindergarten class when Real Men Read MENtor, Bryce Powers asked if students wanted to keep reading over their summer break after reading First Grade Here I Come to the class. Students then repeated after Mrs. Cooley, "I promise… I will read to succeed this summer… lots and lots!" United Way of Susquehanna County (UWSC) launched the Real Men Read program at Elk Lake Elementary in October, 2017 and it was held four more times this school year.

MENtor Bryce Powers and Mrs. Cooley's Elk Lake Elementary Kindergarten class

Real Men Read connected volunteer male readers, MENtors from the community with Kindergarten classes in schools to encourage reading and learning in young children, and boost early grade reading success. MENtors made a commitment to read to the class for an hour once a month, were trained to interact and lead the children in discovery, and underwent a security clearance to work with the children. At the end of each reading visit MENtor Assistants handed out a copy of the book read to each student to add to their home library and encouraged students to read their books again at home. Each child received the following books: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault; Tracks in the Snow by Wong Herbert Yee; Corduroy by Don Freeman; There's a Wocket in my Pocket by Dr. Seuss; First Grade Here I Come by Nancy Carlson.

Why MENtors? With 81% of children under the age of 5 living in economically at-risk situations, coupled with an increase in female led, single parent households in Susquehanna County UWSC determined that this was a worthwhile program. Typically, teachers are female and so many children do not have a male mentor/positive influencer in their lives, promoting the importance of literacy. Real Men Read helps these children to see men valuing education and reading.

This is a great opportunity for students to have a positive role model who values education and encourages the love of reading. From K-3rd grade students are learning to read, and from 3rd grade on students need to be able to read to learn. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, students who don't read proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to leave high school without a diploma than proficient readers.

We can prepare our kids for a lifetime of success in reading and learning simply by sharing books, encouraging literacy skills, and modeling the importance of reading.

The program was made possible through community donations and funding from Southwestern Energy.

To learn more about the Real Men Read program or to volunteer as a MENtor or MENtor Assistant please visit: www.UnitedWayofSusquehannaCounty.org.

It was recently announced that local financial planner Rick Leet was the top annuity producer for Nationwide Insurance in 2017. Regional Vice President Stan Gilreath, from Ohio hosted an awards dinner recently for Rick and his financial team.

Pictured (l-r) at the awards ceremony are: Aaron Soden, Rick, Stan Gilreath (Regional Vice President), Tom Chamberlain, Evan Groot (Territory Sales Director).

Rick is now in his 34th year as a Nationwide agent and has been a Certified Financial Planner licensee for 18 years. The agency was started by his grandfather, R.H. Leet in 1938 when the company was known as Ohio Farm Bureau. Nelson, Rick's father took over in 1959 followed by Rick, in 1984 after graduating from Bloomsburg University. In 2014 Rick expanded his Lakewood operation when he purchased a Nationwide agency in New Milford, PA.

Moving the operation deeper into Susquehanna County was an easy move with the addition Rick's brother-in-law, Tom Chamberlain to the staff. Tom had previously retired from his own agency of 38 years and was more than happy to lend his experience. In 2016 Rick's daughter, Jordan who has her MBA from Bloomsburg University, came on board moving the agency into its forth generation. Rounding out the expansion, Aaron Soden joined as a financial specialist. Aaron is a Penn State graduate and is currently pursuing the requirements to become a Certified Financial Planner licensee. Jordan and Aaron were married last year.

Stan Gilreath was quoted as saying, "Rick has been a top financial producer for Nationwide Insurance for years. He and his team have a passion for the business and their clients. In the rural market he serves, it truly is remarkable that he consistently performs at this level".

Rick lives in Shehawken, PA with his wife, Tanya.

On Tuesday, April 17th, in celebration of National Volunteer Recognition week, United Way of Susquehanna County (UWSC) hosted a recognition lunch at SCCTC with the culinary students serving up an exceptional meal as part of the celebration. Volunteers from the UWSC Advisory and Allocation Committees and Real Men Read MENtors and assistants were on hand for this special event as thanks for each of their contributions.

If you ask United Way to put a price on its volunteers, it's hard to do so. In fact, our volunteers are worth their weight in gold. However, the Independent Sector has managed to numerically state how valuable volunteers are. Volunteer time is worth $24.69 per hour on average across the United States. In PA specifically, the number is $24.35 per hour. The trend is that volunteer time is worth more each year across the United States. There are 63 million volunteers across the United States.

United Way knows its volunteers are invaluable. The work they do to build our community, help our neighbors, and improve the future is vital to the United Way of Susquehanna County mission.

Pictured (l-r) at the ceremony are: front row - Robin Cobb, Principal Marc Weisgold, Kim Merithew, Dr. Alice Davis, Tiffany Benedict, Alley xyz, Kim Smith; back row - Tom Chamberlain, Joel Levy Rich Mackey, Byrce Powers III, Brian Manzer, Doug Sivers.

Members of the advisory and allocation committees guide the organization while assisting with such matters as fundraising, financial oversight, agency allocation and direction-setting.

With the launch of Real Men Read at Elk Lake Schools, our male reading volunteers and assistants did an outstanding job. Principal Marc Weisgold offered the following praise to those who generously offered their time to read to kindergarteners who so enjoyed the experience, "Thank you very much to the MENtors and assistants for volunteering their time. The fact that each student receives a copy of the book read to them was a big hit and added bonus. We love it!"

UWSC would like to extend a special thanks to this year's volunteer campaign chair, Gail George, owner of Liberty Carpet for serving.

Following is a list of all of the UWSC community volunteers: Tom Chamberlain, Tammy Bonnice, Dr. Alice Davis, David Passetti, Kim Smith, Rich Mackey, Terri Allen, Jamie Orlandini, Joel Levy, Gail George, Ruth Burke, Cassidy Robinson, Sara Armetta, Brian Lione, Byrce Powers III, Brian Manzer, Zachary Morahan, David Palmer, Louis Duarte, Christopher Stephens, Duane Naugle, Patrick O'Brien and Douglas Sivers.

If you are interested in volunteering please contact UWSC at 570-465-3868.

Remy

This lovely older gal is Remy, Great Dane and Mastiff Mix. Pictures don't do her justice, she is a magnificent beauty! Sweet Remy has some arthritis and is showing the normal signs of aging which is why we so desperately would like to get her into a home. She can be a bit grumpy at the vet and would do best with someone who can handle large breeds and is experienced with them. Remy would also need to be the queen bee in her new home without having to share her space or new best friend with another pet. A couch potato wanna be, this affectionate big girl loves her squeaky toys and deserves to spend her golden years without a care in the world. Though we love her dearly, a shelter is a very tough environment for this extra large, older girl. Please consider rescuing a very needy dog with a heart as big as her size!

True Friends is proud to announce our first "Empty the Shelter" sponsored by the Bissell Pet Foundation was a huge success! In one day, 23 dogs and 14 cats walked out our doors with their new, loving families. Sadly though we still have so many that weren't chosen that day and because of this we are waiving our fees on all dogs and cats that have been at our shelter for over 1 month. A donation of your choice is however, still greatly needed and appreciated for our badly needed new kennels.

Across the country, older Americans – a rapidly growing population – are taking part in activities that promote wellness and social connection. They are sharing their wisdom and experience with future generations, and they are giving back to make enrich their communities. They're working and volunteering, mentoring and learning, leading and engaging.

For 55 years, Older Americans Month (OAM) has been observed to recognize older Americans and their contributions to our communities. Led by the Administration for Community Living's Administration on Aging, every May offers opportunity to hear from, support, and celebrate our nation's elders. This year's OAM theme, "Engage at Every Age," emphasizes the importance of being active and involved, no matter where or when you are in life. You are never too old (or too young) to participate in activities that can enrich your physical, mental, and emotion well-being.

It is becoming more apparent that remaining socially engaged can improve the quality of life for older adults. B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging, Inc. will use OAM 2018 to focus on how older adults in our area are engaging with friends and family, and through various community activities. Throughout the month, B/S/S/T Area Agency on Aging, Inc. will conduct activities and share information designed to highlight the activities of local senior centers, volunteer opportunities, and more. For more information about local events, 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; 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.

Ro-Lin Farm, New Milford, Pennsylvania, is a new member of the American Angus Association, reports Allen Moczygemba, CEO of the national breed organization headquartered in Saint Joseph, MO.

The American Angus Association, with more than 25,000 active adult and junior members, is the largest beef breed association in the world. Its computerized records include detailed information on over 18 million registered Angus.

The Association records ancestral information and keeps production records and genomic data on individual animals to develop industry-leading selection tools for its members. The programs and services of the Association and its entities; Angus Genetics Inc., Angus Productions Inc., Certified Angus Beef LLC and the Angus Foundation, help members to advance the beef cattle business by selecting the best animals for their herds and marketing quality genetics for the beef cattle industry and quality beef for consumers.

The Arbor Day Foundation is offering a handy tree-care booklet designed to help people plant and care for trees.

Anyone can receive Conservation Trees, a user-friendly booklet featuring illustrations, colorful photos, and easily understood descriptions, by making a $3 donation to the Foundation this month.

"Conservation Trees is an ideal resource for tree planters," said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Taking care of existing trees is just as critical as planting new ones, and proper care ensures communities are able to fully enjoy the diverse benefits of urban forestry."

The booklet provides details about the right way to plant and prune trees. It also includes tips on using shade trees and windbreaks to save on energy costs, attract songbirds, and create a living snow fence.

To receive the Conservation Trees booklet, send a $3 check along with your name and address to Conservation Trees, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410, or order online at arborday.org/conservationtrees.

The Susquehanna County Commissioners announce the Courthouse will be closed on Monday, May 28 in observance of Memorial Day. All court related offices will be available.

Following are April, 2018 sentences as handed down by Susquehanna County Court.

Kevin Z Holgate, 56, of Nicholson, PA to 30 days home confinement followed by 23 months probation, pay $1,000 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to utilize any alcohol or controlled substances without a valid prescription, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings, obtain and drug and alcohol evaluation, complete an alcohol highway safe driving school program, not to frequent any establishment whose primary source of income is the sale of alcoholic beverages, perform 50 hours of community service for Recklessly Endangering Another Person on August 11, 2016 in Lenox Township.

Matthew William Sweder, 45, of Carbondale, PA to 9 months to 23 ½ months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, followed by 3 years probation, pay $500 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 victim or the victim's family, not to utilize any alcohol or controlled substances without a valid prescription, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings, perform 100 hours of community service for Accident Involving Death or Serious Bodily Injury on January 6, 2016 in Herrick Township.  Mr. Sweder also received 1 month to 6 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility to run concurrent with the above sentence, pay a $300 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 Herrick Township on January 6, 2016.

Dustin Matthew Greenley, 25, of Binghamton, NY to 6 months probation, pay a $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198, pay $75 PA Transportation Trust Fund Fee, pay $10 EMS, not to utilize any alcohol or controlled substances without a valid prescription, perform 10 hours of community service for Driving Under the Influence on December 19, 2017 in Liberty Township.  Mr. Greenley also received 12 months probation to run concurrent with the above sentence, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to utilize alcohol or controlled substances without a valid prescription, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings, not to enter any embellishment whose sole purpose is the sale of alcoholic beverages, write a letter of apology to the Troopers involved in this case, perform 10 hours of community service for Resisting Arrest in Liberty Township on December 19, 2017.

Allen George Babcock-Conklin, 21, of Susquehanna, PA to 3 days to 6 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, 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, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages or controlled substances without a valid prescription, perform 10 hours of community service, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings for Driving Under the Influence on August 24, 2017 in Oakland Township.

Karen Lee Smith, 35, of Browndale, PA to 3 months to 12 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility, followed by 24 months probation, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages or controlled substances without a valid prescription, obtain a drug and alcohol evaluation, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings, not to enter any establishment whose principle business is the sale of alcoholic beverages for Possession of a Controlled Substance in New Milford Township on April 7, 2017.  Ms. Smith also received 3 months to 12 months in Susquehanna County Correctional Facility to run concurrent with the above sentence, pay $100 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, not to possess transport or consume alcoholic beverages or controlled substances without a valid prescription, obtain and drug and alcohol evaluation, not to have contact with anyone on supervision, be subject to random drug and alcohol screenings, not to enter any establishment whose principle purpose is the sale of alcohol for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia in Susquehanna Borough on May 13, 2017.

Nathan William Hollister, 35, of South  Montrose, PA to 1 year probation, pay $200 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $50 Criminal Justice Enhancement Act fee, not to possess transport or consume controlled substances without a valid prescription, perform 25 hours of community service, not to have contact with anyone on supervision for Impersonating a Public Servant.

Grand T Palmer, 31, of Hop Bottom, PA to 5 days home confinement followed by 5 months probation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $150 PA Transportation Trust Fund fee, pay $10 EMS, attend and successfully complete the alcohol highway safe driving school program, continue with drug and alcohol treatment, not to utilize any controlled substances or alcohol while on supervision without a valid prescription for Driving Under the Influence on April 7, 2017 in Montrose Borough.

Gabriella Baltzley, 25, of Norfolk, VA to 30 days home confinement followed by 23 months probation, pay $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $300 Pennsylvania Transportation Trust Fund Fee, pay $10 EMS, attend and successfully complete the alcohol highway safe driving school program, not to utilize any controlled substances or alcohol while on supervision without a valid prescription, not to be in any establishment whose primary source of business is the sale of alcoholic beverages,  found to be eligible for the work release program, perform 20 hours of community service for Driving Under the Influence on August 12, 2017 in Montrose Borough.  Ms. Baltzley was also sentenced to 30 days home confinement followed by 23 months probation to run concurrent with the above sentence, pay a $500 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $300 PA Transportation Trust fund fee, pay $10 EMS, complete the alcohol highway safe driving school program, continue with drug and alcohol program, not to utilize controlled substances or alcohol while on supervision without a valid prescription, not to be in any establishment whose primary business is the sale of alcohol, found to be eligible for the work release program perform 25 hours of community service for Driving Under the Influence in Bridgewater Township on August 13, 2017.

Doyle Elwood Artman, Jr, 62, of Montrose, PA to 6 months probation, pay $300 fine, pay cost of prosecution, pay $100 Act 198 fee, pay $75 PA Transportation Trust Fund fee, pay $10 EMS, complete the alcohol highway safe driving school program, perform 10 hours of community service for Driving Under the Influence in Bridgewater Township on September 23, 2017.

The following were accepted into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program: Michael Moreno, Jr, Lonnie Lee Fisher, Shane E Salata, Eric Christopher Fish, Eric Richard Collins, Jason S Millard, Lawrence Shovlowsky, Michael Edward Susavage, Christina L Houck, Laurence Andrew Norton, Patrick Michael Maginley, Zafar Malike.