County Living

So, most of us like ice cream and believe that it is good, but did you know that Ice Cream is good for you?

Ice cream is made with a few additives, but the primary ingredient is Milk. Milk contains vitamins A, B-6, B-12, C, E and K as well as nutrients like calcium, protein, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin selenium and zinc.

Adding ice cream to a well-balanced diet can help keep your body strong, boost your metabolism, produce energy and boost your immune system. Ice cream can help the brain, help emotions and reduce stress. When you eat ice cream it releases dopamine and serotonin that help us feel happy plays a role in digestion and sleep patterns and produces a happiness hormone that aids in learning, mood and stress recovery.

Ice cream is also great for creating positive memories, social well-being and strengthening relationships. It is diverse being made in many different flavors, it is always in season, you can get it almost anywhere you go, it lasts a long time, it goes with everything, can help a sore throat  and you always know you can have it for desert!

AllOne Foundation & Charities has awarded a $25,000 grant to Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers (WMCHC) in support of its NEPA Bili Baby Program. Key aspects of the program are to expedite treatment through prompt bilirubin level testing and improve access to newborn phototherapy blankets (bili-blankets).

AllOne Foundation & Charities CEO John Cosgrove commended WMCHC for its "creative, frontline" approach to meeting patient needs. He thanked the WMCHC providers, staff and administration for making AllOne Charities aware of the need and allowing the organization to be a contributor to the solution.

The concept for WMCHC's NEPA Bili Baby Program came from Board-certified Pediatrician Apurva Jain, MD who collaborated with colleague Larryl Damon, Jr., DO. Both physicians, who treat patients at the Sterling Pediatric Center in Lake Ariel, identified a need for improvement in diagnosis and timely treatment within a rural area offering limited resources.

Dr. Jain described the need to screen babies for elevated bilirubin levels as a "common issue" at the practice "probably seeing one case a week." Additionally, once a treatment plan was put in place, the challenges of locating and paying for the bili-blankets presented more barriers. Bili-blankets are normally rented from local durable medical equipment (DME) companies. Since there are only a few DMEs within the service area and a limited quantity of blankets per supplier, parents were sometimes forced to travel 40 miles or beyond with no guarantee a blanket would be in stock. Additionally, fees of between $75 to $125 per day could be incurred.

 "Offering this program, which follows clinical practice guidelines for treatment set by the American Academy of Pediatrics, takes us to the next level of care in what we can offer," stated Dr. Jain.

Monies from the AllOne Grant allowed WMCHC to equip its four pediatric offices with transcutaneous bilirubinometers, providing a non-invasive method for measuring serum bilirubin with dependable results in seconds rather than hours or days. Additionally, WMCHC purchased three bili-blankets to be offered to their patients more readily and at no cost.

Although the blankets have only been in service less than a month one patient has already benefited.  "Through effective screening and prompt treatment our ultimate goal is to decrease newborn readmissions," stated Dr. Jain.

WMCHC is a federally qualified health center clinically affiliated with Wayne Memorial Hospital, Inc. For information on call of WMCHC's services and office locations, visit www.wmchc.net.

"My name is Helen Ainey, and I'm from Pennsylanie" are familiar words to grandparents from Susquehanna County. A unique and colorful character, Miss Helen hitchhiked everywhere, working odd jobs along the way, including to the southernmost tip of Chile. She then made her way back up 2000 miles on the Amazon River. This was in the 1950's!

Miss Helen was extremely patriotic, and participated in parades and memorials too numerous to count. She was also extremely kind to everyone in need, especially children. In the voice of Sherman Wooden, "Helen Ainey was instrumental in providing trips for many area children. She told wonderful stories about her own trips to foreign places, and I became a traveler in part because of my special story teller – Miss Helen "Sojourner" Ainey."

Susquehanna County Interfaith gives out over 1000 pairs of socks between the Back to School program and the Christmas Bureau, and is so pleased to honor Miss Helen Ainey through this program.

The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets now to reinforce the blood supply as much as possible before the summer winds down. Type O blood donors and those giving platelets are especially needed to help keep hospital shelves stocked through August.

Donors remain critically needed to support the Red Cross delivery of vital blood products, which are in demand around-the-clock as hospitals work to save lives this summer. When fewer people answer the call to donate, the blood supply can quickly shrink. Help safeguard necessary care for patients ? book a time to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

In thanks, those who come to give Aug. 1-31, 2024, will get a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/Help for details.

Local upcoming blood donation opportunities are as follows: August 9, from 1:00pm - 6:00pm, at the Historical Society and Free Library Association, 458 High School Road, Montrose; August 15, from 1:30pm - 6:30pm, at the St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 1148 Main Street, New Milford.

In addition to providing lifesaving blood products, the Red Cross mobilizes relief to families affected by disasters, trains people in lifesaving skills and provides services to active and veteran US military personnel and their families. Donors can feel good knowing that by supporting the Red Cross, they can help family and friends in their communities and across the country.

Onvo and ExxonMobil continue to support local school districts with the ExxonMobil Educational Alliance Grant. They nominate schools for $500 grants to enhance students' education and stimulate growth within the local school district's Math and Science departments. This year, they nominated Blue Ridge MS/HS for an additional $500 grant.

Blue Ridge appreciates the continued support from Onvo and ExxonMobile. The grant money was used to support a "Learning Chemistry through Food Program" that Chemistry teacher, Mrs. Beth Vaccaro, piloted this school year. Mrs. Vaccaro attended a science and cooking lecture series for secondary school teachers through the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Add some comfort and beauty to your outdoor spaces this year. Look for options that fit your lifestyle, budget, and schedule. Even simple changes can make a positive impact on the time you spend relaxing and entertaining on your patio, deck, or other outdoor spaces.

Freshen up the look and comfort of these areas with some new furniture. Look for comfortable pieces made of durable materials guaranteed to provide years of enjoyment. If this is not within your budget, consider refurbishing something you already have, are gifted from a friend, or find in a thrift shop.  Adding a bit of paint, new cushions, or even colorful pillows can transform older pieces into something special.

Add some shade. A strategically placed umbrella can provide needed relief from the sun. Make sure it is stable and secure, especially in windy locations. Consider shade sails not only for the shade they provide but also for their aesthetic appeal. Make sure it is securely anchored and supported, properly managed during harsh weather, and made of fire-retardant fabric if this is a concern in your location.  Pergolas are more permanent structures. Train deciduous vines up and over this structure for added shade in the summer. Then enjoy the warming sunlight when the vines drop their leaves during the cooler months of the year.

Create some privacy with strategically placed plantings and containers. Tall grasses, narrow upright shrubs, and vine-covered trellises can help block unwanted views while creating a private space outdoors. Consider the views you want to keep and those you want to block. Screen unsightly views and areas where neighbors can see into your space. You may only need a vine-covered trellis, several hanging baskets, a couple of pots, or a section of fencing rather than a long hedge or length of fencing.

Soften the look of fencing with some wall-mounted planters, a few potted plants or shrubs, and in-ground plantings if space allows. Use a diverse selection of plants when creating a living screen. This provides more seasonal interest and makes it easier to replace that one failed plant in a mature hedge of evergreens like arborvitaes.

Water is another way to add a bit of serenity to your space. A wall-mounted fountain, small container of water plants, or container fountain will add noise-blocking sound and a sense of serenity to any space.

To control pesky mosquitoes in water features (or in any standing water), add a mosquito control like Mosquito Dunks and Bits (SummitResponsibleSolutions.com) that contains a naturally occurring bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis to the water. This active ingredient kills mosquito larvae, preventing them from transforming into biting adults. Mosquito Bits quickly knock down the mosquito larval population, while the Mosquito Dunks provide 30 days of control. They both are safe for pets, fish, wildlife, and children.

Extend the time you can spend outdoors by adding a heat source for those chilly days and nights and a fan to keep air moving and the space cooler on hot days. Adding a fan also provides some relief from mosquitoes. These weak fliers can't fight the breeze which will keep you out of their reach and much more comfortable.

Include lighting so you can enjoy your outdoor space in the evening. Consider a string of lights overhead, rail lights around the deck, or strategically placed illuminated plant containers. Create a more intimate experience with a few votive candles displayed in unique holders like old punch cups.

Light a few citronella candles for a bit of ambiance and mosquito control when enjoying your outdoor space in the evening. Citronella oil and the scented candles have some mosquito-repelling properties. Scatter lots of candles throughout the space when entertaining. Position the candles within a few feet of yourself and your guests for some short-term relief from these pests.

Start with a list of improvements you want to make. Then get busy researching the various options so you will be ready to boost the comfort and enjoyment of your patio, deck and other outdoor spaces this year.

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener's Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses "How to Grow Anything" instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda's Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Summit for her expertise to write this article. Myers' website is www.MelindaMyers.com.

What happened Sunday is remarkable. The Democrat Party just bullied their nominee off the ballot, disenfranchising the 953,916 ballots cast for President Biden in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and 14.3 million nationwide, representing 98.9% of Democratic voters.

Now, the Democrat Party will select their candidate in one of the most undemocratic processes ever, working behind closed doors with no input from the voters.

Democrat leaders deceived the American people for well over a year by hiding the realities of Biden's mental decline and failed policies. They knew Biden was unfit to serve, yet claimed what we were seeing with our own eyes were 'deep fakes.' Now the Democrat machine and leftwing media has forced him out, circumventing the will of their voters.

This begs the question about the transparency and accountability within the Biden White House, his cabinet, senior Democratic leaders, and Vice President Kamala Harris. We must question if the administration's goal of self-preservation outweighed their obligation and sworn oath to uphold the Constitution and protect the American people.

Finally, let's be clear, while Biden is out of the race, his failed policy agenda is not. Vice President Kamala Harris has been a willing participant in every failure, including infamously leading Biden's border disaster. As the appointed Border-Czar since March 2021, she has only visited the southern border once. This shows she has not taken this critical issue, or any issue facing Americans seriously. Harris isn't a serious candidate, and she will now be vetted by Americans across the nation.

Legislation to establish the legal and regulatory framework for potential carbon dioxide capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) in Pennsylvania was signed into law last week by Gov. Josh Shapiro, according to Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23), sponsor of the measure.

Senate Bill 831, now Act 87 of 2024, was overwhelmingly approved by a bipartisan majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

"This legislation is a proactive step to secure Pennsylvania's future as a hub for carbon capture and sequestration," Yaw said. "It's a pragmatic solution to a problem that we all want to solve – reducing our carbon emissions without crippling the reliability of our existing power grid. I'm grateful to my colleagues in the legislature and the governor for their support in getting this across the finish line."

Previously, only the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claimed authority for CCUS, a process that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere emitted from industrial sites for reuse or storage underground. The Great Plains Institute, using data from a 2009 Department of Conservation and Natural Resources report, estimates the state could store about 2.4 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide underground. This is equivalent to the level of greenhouse gases emitted from 517 million gas-powered passenger vehicles annually, according to the EPA.

Yaw noted the legislation received support from the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, as well as the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce. It is also supported by the Pennsylvania State Building and Construction Trades Council, the Allegheny-Fayette County Labor Council, the Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades Council, the AFL-CIO and numerous other labor and environmental groups and industry representatives.

"Carbon capture technology has the potential to create a significant number of good paying jobs in the construction industry while simultaneously creating family-sustaining permanent jobs for the citizens of our commonwealth," Robert Bair, Pennsylvania State Building and Construction Trades Council president, said.

For more state-related news and information, constituents can visit Senator Yaw's website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or follow him on Facebook and Twitter @SenatorGeneYaw.

The General Assembly passed and the Governor signed a proposal championed by Sen. Ryan Aument (R-36) to improve students' mental health and academic performance by giving schools the resources they need to effectively limit student smartphone use during the school day. The proposal incorporates the use of secure, lockable smartphone bags in which students would deposit their mobile devices until the end of the school day.

Specifically, Senate Bill 700 included Aument's proposal to amend the School Safety & Mental Health grant program to allow for the purchase of these smartphone bags as an eligible use of the funding. The bill funded the program at $100 million and provided each school district with an automatic base grant of $100,000 and each intermediate unit, area career and technical school, charter school, regional charter school or cyber charter school with an automatic base grant of $70,000.

"This funding is a huge opportunity for any school district looking to address one of the major root causes of the mental health crisis plaguing our kids – smartphones and social media," said Aument. "Now that this proposal has been signed into law, I intend to work towards ensuring that every school district in Pennsylvania knows this funding is available to them and that a robust cellphone policy has the power to help them regain their students' focus in class, restore the social environment on campus, and boost academic performance."

Since the early 2010s, there has been a steep decline in mental health in children, and their academic performance is suffering. This decline directly correlates to the rise of smartphones and social media apps.

"Kids spend so much time on social media and using their smartphones that it's taking a toll on them mentally, emotionally, and academically. Smartphone restrictions have proved successful in reversing these trends. Students deserve to learn without a constant distraction in their pockets, and my proposal would give them that."

Senate Bill 700 also requires schools to develop and adopt an official policy to prohibit the use of cellphones during the school day in exchange for the grant funding to purchase the smartphone bags. While this requirement and the funding tied to it are currently voluntary for school districts, Aument says that moving forward he plans to pursue a statewide prohibition on cellphone use during school hours.

Senate Bill 700 is now Act 55 of 2024.

Learn more about Sen. Aument's initiative to create smartphone-free schools in Pennsylvania and the research supporting it at https://www.senatoraument.com/student-cellphone-restrictions-during-school/.

The 529 tax credit, originally House Bill 1745 and co-prime sponsored by state Reps. Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks) and Paul Friel (D-Chester), has been successfully incorporated into the recently signed Tax Code by Gov. Josh Shapiro. This new tax credit incentivizes employers to contribute to their employees' PA 529 College and Career Savings Program accounts, providing substantial benefits to families across Pennsylvania and supporting workforce development.

House Bill 1745 expands the tax credit to encourage workforce development and ease the financial burden of higher education for Pennsylvania families. The PA 529 tax credit allows for a 25% tax credit on employer contributions of up to $500 per participating employee per year. This initiative encourages employers to support their employees' educational savings, facilitating financial planning for future educational expenses.

The PA 529 program, known for its flexibility and growing popularity, offers two savings plan options to cover various educational expenses, laying a strong foundation for the initiative. House Bill 1745 underscores the importance of workforce development in sustaining economic growth and competitiveness.

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANTS for the following individuals as of 10:15am on July 19, 2024. Daniel L. Houck, Charles M. Lynady III, Matthew M. Morley, Richard Murphy, Charles VanWinkle Jr, Matthew A. Williams. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 4050 with any information on the location of these individuals.

DEEDS as of 07-24-24

Vullo, Charles to Vullo, Charles for $1.00 in Rush Township.

Vandemark, Matthew R to Vandemark, Matthew R and Vandemark, Angela for $1.00 in Auburn Township.

Six, Deano C and Six, Chrissondra D to Six, Deano C and Six, Chrissondra D and Six, Tyler Daniel for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

Atkinson, Diana L (By Sheriff) to Tug Hill Family LLC for $56,742.00 in Auburn Township.

Lamb, Geraldine (Estate) and Lamb, Geraldine M (Estate) and Lamb, Bradley K to Lamb, Bradley K for $1.00 in Thompson Township.

O'Malley, Elizabeth to Pichardo-Angeles, Albis E (AKA) and Angeles, Albis E Pichardo and Zdancewicz, Anna J for $231,000.00 in Montrose.

Sejd, Carol and Sejd, James E to O'Neill, M Isabella for $11,383.00 in Herrick Township.

Oil and Gas Rights Distribution and Assignment and Hocking, Donna J and Hocking, Mary L (Estate) and Hocking, William T Jr and Hocking, Thomas J to Hocking, Thomas J for $1.00 in Lenox Township.

Peck, Douglas J and Peck, Anne M to Peck, Douglas for $1.00 in Apolacon Township.

Peck, Douglas J and Peck, Anne M to Peck, Douglas for $1.00 in Apolacon Township.

Rockwell, Pamela A (Estate AKA) and Rockwell, Pamela Ann (Estate FKA) and Ervin, Pamela Ann (Estate) to Rockwell, Adam and Williams, Taylor for $158,000.00 in Harmony Township.

Hepler, Curtis G and Hepler, Shirley A to Roe, Kathy A for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

Hepler, Curtis G and Hepler, Shirley A to Hepler, Brian C for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

Hepler, Curtis G and Hepler, Shirley A to Hepler, Brian C for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

Subsurface: Hepler, Curtis G and Hepler, Shirley A to Hepler, Curtis G and Hepler, Shirley A and Hepler, Brian C for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

Hepler, Curtis G and Hepler, Shirley A to Hepler, Brian C for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

Subsurface: Hepler, Curtis G and Hepler, Shirley A to Hepler, Curtis G and Hepler, Shirley A and Hepler, Brian C for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

Hepler, Curtis G and Hepler, Shirley A to Hepler, Brian C for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

Subsurface: Hepler, Curtis G and Hepler, Shirley A and Hepler, Brian C to Hepler, Curtis G and Hepler, Shirley A for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

Shea, Lois L (Estate) to Lepre, Melissa Marie and Shea, James Albert Jr and Shea, Jonathan Morgan for $1.00 in Gibson Township.

Branning, David S and Allen, Tammy to Miller, Corey for $1.00 in Thompson Township.

Herman, Donna (AKA) and Herman, Donna F to LPR Energy LLC for $1.00 in Jessup Township.

Wood, Thomas R (Estate) to Smith, Michael J for $109,000.00 in Great Bend Township.

McGeown, Michael G and McGeown, Florie to Warner Hill Hauling LLC for $45,000.00 in Montrose.

Guy, Brett N and Guy, Patrick B and Guy, Maile A to North Silver Lake Holdings LLC for $705,000.00 in Silver Lake Township.

Major, Ann Marie Lamarca to Major, Nicholas for $1.00 in Silver Lake Township.

Major, Ann Marie Lamarca to Major, Nicholas for $1.00 in Silver Lake Township.

Major, Ann Marie Lamarca and Major, Nicholas to Franklin Memorial Properties LLC for $1.00 in Silver Lake Township.

Kelley, Marlene R (Trust By Trustees) to White, Tyler Curtis and Burke, Ashley Marie for $90,000.00 in Auburn Township.

Corrective: Beardsley Properties LLC to Montrose 100 LLC for $315,000.00 in Montrose.

Childress, Michael G to Volk Family Limited Partnership for $167,000.00 in Auburn Township.

McPherson, Joyce D (Estate) to Savercool, Anthony for $255,000.00 in Silver Lake Township.

Rosuga Easton Properties LLC to Gauthier, Robert for $1.00 in Thompson Township.

Corrective: Reese, Sandra Lee and Reese, Jeffrey Curtis and Reese, Kristin Elizabeth to Reese, Sandra Lee and Reese, Jeffrey Curtis and Reese, Kristin Elizabeth for $1.00 in Lenox Township.

Barefoot Holdings LLC to Blue Diamond Properties LLC for $22,500.00 in Forest City 2W.