County Living

The Center for Excellence in County Leadership (CEL), a premier professional development program of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP), is pleased to announce that Jason Miller, Susquehanna County Human Resources Director (SCHRD), has graduated from the program as part of the Class of 2025.

The CEL program fosters individual growth through interactive and high-level executive training aimed at improving participants' communication, management and leadership skills. The program includes intense classes in leadership styles, managerial versatility, interpersonal dynamics, strategic planning, media management, daily communication problem solving, and decision making.

The 2025 CEL program was produced by Dering Consulting Group (www.deringconsulting.com).

Program sponsors include: CCAP PComp, PA Counties Worker Compensation Trust; PCorp, PA Counties Risk Pool; CCAP UC Trust, Unemployment Compensation Trust; MacCain Leinhauser; Campbell Durrant, P.C.; Gabriel Fera P.C.; and Pracademic Partners.

For more information about CCAP, log on to www.pacounties.org.

On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, the Pounding Hooves and Beating Hearts 4-H Club gathered at the Harford Fairgrounds for an evening filled with leadership, collaboration, and service. What began as a structured club meeting soon transitioned into a hands-on community service project that brought both color and purpose to the fairgrounds.

The meeting was officially called to order at 5:30pm by Club President Charley Smith. Sara Lynott led members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Kayla Loby, who led the 4-H Pledge. Secretary Aubrey Bailey read the minutes from the previous meeting and the treasurer's report was given. President Smith then discussed new business, which included upcoming service opportunities, details for an upcoming one-day camp, project book checks, registration reminders and information about County Roundup.

Once club matters were addressed, the group turned its attention to the evening's service project, the Beautification Garden. Members worked together to pull weeds, till soil, and plant flowers, transforming a simple patch of land into a vibrant symbol of the 4-H mission. The garden was thoughtfully designed, with each plant representing one of the four "H's" in the 4-H pledge. To represent the Head, symbolizing wisdom, members planted purple flowers. Heart, representing compassion, was symbolized by red petunias. For Hands, a sign of service, yellow marigolds and sunflowers were chosen. Finally, Health, which signifies well-being, was represented with lush greenery such as ferns and coleus. These symbolic choices helped create not just a garden, but a living representation of the values the club upholds.

While some members focused on planting, others took on additional tasks. Two club members worked diligently to clean and weed whack the horse arena, preparing it for future use by riders and community members. As a personal touch, members also created heartfelt cards expressing their passion for horseback riding and their reasons for joining 4-H, adding a deeper layer of connection to the project.

The evening concluded with a strong sense of accomplishment and unity. The meeting and service project served as a powerful reminder of what 4-H is all about: learning by doing, leading with heart, and serving the community. Through teamwork and dedication, the Pounding Hooves and Beating Hearts 4-H Club not only improved their fairgrounds but also deepened their bond as a club committed to growth and service.

Administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, 4-H is a nonformal educational youth development program of the US Department of Agriculture that helps young people develop knowledge and skills to become capable, caring and contributing citizens. To find your local program, visit the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/programs/4-H.

Five members of the Beta Rho Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (DKG) recently attended the DKG PA Creative Arts Retreat weekend at the lovely Camp Ladore in Waymart, Pennsylvania. They were joined by 40 DKG members from across the state for the weekend of relaxation, inspiration, crafts and fun. The weekend began Friday evening with a warm welcome and a delicious dinner served by the great staff at the resort. Following dinner, leisurely activities were available for the guests, some of which included playing cards, putting together jigsaw puzzles, board games, swimming and conversations with new and old friends from chapters across the state.

For those who were up early Saturday morning, there was a lovely walk around the grounds, or a yoga session followed by a hearty breakfast. A variety of breakout crafting sessions of choice filled the morning. Beta Rho Chapter members who presented workshops were Pat Arnold, Teresa Cavalier, Gayle Cobb and Cindy Reynolds with Pat Carpenter attending to enjoy and support. Pat Arnold presented Ribbon Embroidery where participants used ribbon to embroidery stitching flowers, leaves, and stems on a small piece of wool in a hoop which will make a sampler piece. Teresa Cavalier led a workshop Quilling with the assistance of Gayle Cobb where participants learned several quilling techniques and then used their creativity to glue their piece onto a display matboard to display in a frame or as a card. Cindy Reynolds presented A Brush with Watercolor teaching basic watercolor painting skills with quality supplies. Participants first practiced mixing the three primary colors to create many colors. She then demonstrated simple strokes to paint flowers in a container of their choice. Some of the other workshops of choice included a ukulele singalong, diamond art coasters, card making with bleeding tissue paper technique, and capturing the moment with photography tips.

Participants joined for an inspirational moment before each meal when one of the ladies read a poem about friendship. Throughout the meals that followed one could hear joyful chatting about the wonderfully refreshing activities of the day. An entertaining, fun-filled, laugh-out-loud talent show by members wrapped up the evening.

Sunday morning in the chapel the guests seated in a circle shared their touching, memorable and amusing reflections of the weekend. The reflections included funny stories from past retreats held every other year at other locations across the state. With warm smiles and a relaxed atmosphere, the group enjoyed a delicious brunch before departing with fond memories and newly found friendships.

The Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Susquehanna County look forward to engaging visitors at the 167th Harford Fair, August 11-16, 2025. Visit the Master Gardener Demonstration Garden and Education Exhibit (located across from the 4H Building), open each day of the Fair and staffed by Master Gardener volunteers.

Have your home gardening questions answered, learn the latest guidance on the Spotted Lanternfly, gather information on upcoming Master Gardener classes including Seed to Supper, take home complimentary garden seed packs and educational handouts on native plants, garden pests, plant diseases, and soil testing.

This year, the Master Gardener Harford Fair Demonstration Garden highlights the strong relationship between pollinators and agriculture, the centerpiece of the annual Harford Fair. Funded in part by the Susquehanna County Room Tax Fund through the Susquehanna County Promotion and Tourism Agency, the Master Gardeners revitalized the garden with pollinator-friendly plantings to demonstrate to Fair visitors how they can incorporate flowers and hosts plants in their home landscapes to support pollinators. Fair visitors can view native perennial plantings including Cardinal Flower, Blazing Star, False Blue Indigo, Common Milkweed, Swamp Milkweed, Ironweed, Rattlesnake Master, Anise Hyssop, Joe Pye Weed, Yarrow, and more.

During last year's Harford Fair, 43 Master Gardeners collectively contributed over 250 volunteer hours during Fair week. Master Gardeners recorded over 2,700 educational contacts with Fair visitors – those who engaged with the Demonstration Garden and Education Exhibit by asking Master Gardeners a gardening question or sharing in gardening conversation.

Interested in becoming a Certified Master Gardener volunteer? The Susquehanna County program is accepting applications for the next Master Gardener Basic Training course. Training begins the first week of October and continues through March 2026. For additional information and to request an application, contact the Master Gardeners at 570-666-9003 or susquehannamg@psu.edu or visit our webpage: https://extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/susquehanna/become-a-master-gardener

Penn State Extension Susquehanna County is located at 88 Chenango Street, Montrose, PA 18801.

Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce.

Summer heat may have you seeking comfort from a nearby shade tree. You immediately experience as much as a 15 to 20 degree drop in temperature and enjoy the relief it provides.

Bring this shady relief home by looking for ways to include trees in your landscape. First, monitor patterns of sun and shade on and around your home throughout the day and throughout the year as the angle and position of the sun changes. Observe the impact your home, neighboring homes, sheds and existing plantings have on the sunlight reaching your landscape.

Consider providing welcome shade where needed during the hottest hours of the day and weeks of the year. Look for opportunities to plant trees where you can make a difference in your comfort and money spent cooling your home.

Plant trees, if space allows, near those areas where you spend time outdoors. Shading patios and decks makes them more inviting on a hot summer day. Deciduous trees that drop their leaves in winter allow you to soak up some welcome sunshine during the cooler months of the year.

Maximize the cooling benefits to your home by planting trees on the east and west side of your house. Shading the roof, walls and windows greatly reduces heat gain and energy needed to cool your home. Since about 75 percent of the heat gain in a building comes through the windows, shading them can greatly increase your comfort and reduce money spent cooling your home. Once again, deciduous trees provide needed shade in summer and allow warming sunlight into homes during the cooler months.

Don't overlook paved areas near your home that greatly impact the air temperature. Shading paved drives and walks reduces heat absorbed that is released back into the surrounding air. Lowering the temperature of the space around your home helps lower the indoor temperature.

Shading an air conditioner can increase its efficiency by as much as ten percent, reducing energy use and saving you money. If space is limited, consider planting a shade-producing shrub or vine trained on a trellis. Be sure to provide space around the unit for needed airflow.

Avoid underground and overhead utilities when planting trees. Tall trees that eventually grow into the wires or structures may interfere with utilities and power transmission, creating a real hazard. Improper placement results in pruning that ruins their beauty or requires removal, eliminating any benefit they provided. Always call 811 as you plan new plantings and at least three business days before placing the first shovel in the ground. It can help reduce the risk of injury and avoid the inconvenience that can happen when you damage an underground utility.

Consult your local university extension service and energy company for plant selection and placement recommendations for your area. Those living in wildfire prone areas need to also consider fire-safe landscaping practices.

No room to plant trees on your property? Consider joining the local tree board or other tree planting group. Adding trees to your community can help you and your neighbors create a healthier, cooler environment that everyone can enjoy.

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 series and the nationally syndicated Melinda's Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.

The Susquehanna County DOMESTIC RELATIONS Section has outstanding BENCH WARRANTS for the following individuals as of 8:45am on August 1, 2025. Chad A. Fassett, Robert Mireider III, Tyler J. Nelson, Christopher M. Stephens, Charles Vanwinkle Jr. Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 4050 with any information on the location of these individuals.

DEEDS as of 08-06-25

Vigil, Robert and Vigil, Renee to Hoeg, Charles Kenneth for $130,000.00 in Forest City 2W.

Fuhrey Frystak, Ellen (Trust AKA) and Frystak, Ellen Fuhrey (Trust) to Frystak, John P and Fuhrey Frystak, Ellen (AKA) and Frystak, Ellen Fuhrey and Frystak, Holden John for $1.00 in Bridgewater Township.

Frystak, John P and Fuhrey Frystak, Ellen (AKA) and Frystak, Ellen Fuhrey to Frystak, John P and Fuhrey Frystak, Ellen (AKA) and Frystak, Ellen Fuhrey for $1.00 in Bridgewater Township.

Frystak, John P and Fuhrey Frystak, Ellen (AKA) and Frystak, Ellen Fuhrey to Frystak, John P and Fuhrey Frystak, Ellen (AKA) and Frystak, Ellen Fuhrey for $1.00 in Bridgewater Township.

Frystak, John P and Fuhrey Frystak, Ellen (AKA) and Frystak, Ellen Fuhrey to Frystak, John P and Fuhrey Frystak, Ellen (AKA) and Frystak, Ellen Fuhrey for $1.00 in Bridgewater Township.

Frystak, John P and Fuhrey Frystak, Ellen (AKA) and Frystak, Ellen Fuhrey to Frystak, John P and Fuhrey Frystak, Ellen (AKA) and Frystak, Ellen Fuhrey for $1.00 in Bridgewater Township.

Sponza-Kocinski, Laurie to Stevens, Kimberly Marie for $1.00 in Springville Township.

Wakefield, John W (Estate AKA) and Wakefield, John Wayne (Estate) to Evans, Daniel M and Evans, Sandra Lee for $156,000.00 in Auburn Township.

Kane, Karen and Kane, Christopher to Reinhard, Krystal and MacDonnell, Tristram for $180,000.00 in Silver Lake Township.

Unger, Fawn Y to Oliver, Dennis and Oliver, Connie B for $120,000.00 in Dimock Township.

Wooster, John to Decker, Richard and Decker, Janice for $1.00 in Great Bend Township.

Gana, John P and Gana, Marsha and Gana, Joseph F and Gana, Sharon to Gana, John P and Gana, Marsha for $1.00 in Apolacon Township.

Gana, John P and Gana, Marsha and Gana, Joseph F and Gana, Sharon to Gana, John P and Gana, Marsha for $1.00 in Apolacon Township.

Johnson, Frances M and Cintron, Denise A (AKA) and Klebeg, Deinse A to VanVorst, Melissa for $347,500.00 in Harford Township.

Interval 1 Unit 24: Bush, Charles (AKA) and Bush, Charles G (AKA) and Bush, Charles G III to Bremer Hof Owners Inc for $100.00 in Herrick Township.

David and Dionne Poliacik Farm LLC to Policiak, David M and Policiak, Dionne E for $1.00 in Forest Lake Township.

Streicker, William F (Trust By Trustee) to Eastern Hemlock LLC for $241,000.00, three locations in Rush Township.

Brandner, Anton Conrad (Estate AKA) and Brandner, Anton C (Estate) to Revelation Farms LLP for $900,000.00, two locations in Springville Township.

Corrective Oil Gas and Mineral: Kropcho, Mary Lou (Estate) to Kropcho, John Jr for $1.00, two locations in Bridgewater Township.

Damato, Salvatore and Damato, Toni D to Avila, Marc Anthony for $313,000.00 in Bridgewater Township.

Hobson, Patrick N and Hobson, Ursula to Hobson, Ursula for $1.00 in Herrick Township.

Mineral Deed: US Energy Development Corporation to Tija Ng, Wei and Yamamoto, Yoko and L&M Pang Family Limited Partnership LLP and O'Brien Properties LLC and 1919 Ventures LLC and EZR Investments LLC for $148,248.23, four locations in Brooklyn Township.

Taylor, Clifford W and Taylor, Dawn E to Taylor, Thadd for $1.00 in Bridgewater Township.

Sisock, Mark K and Sisock, Mary L to Sisock, Mary L for $1.00 in Jackson Township.

Susquehanna County Housing Development Corporation to Susquehanna County Housing Development Corporation for $1.00 in New Milford Borough.

Hall, Richard A (Estate AKA) and Hall, Richard Arden (Estate) to Newhart, Sharon Ann and Newhart, Carl A for $1.00 in Bridgewater Township.

Nolan, Edward C (AKA) and Nolan, Edward C Jr and Nolan, Beverly (AKA) and Nolan, Beverly J to Nolan, Edward C Jr (Trust) and Nolan, Beverly J (Trust) for $1.00 in New Milford Township.

Fike, Randy R and Fike, Randy D and Fike, Raymond to Fike, Randy D and Fike, Raymond for $1.00 in Forest Lake Township.

Snyder, Charles H and Walker, Mary Ann Snyder to JS Martin SLH LLC for $250,00.00, four locations in Thompson Township.

Barefoot Holdings LLC to Samuel PA Properties LLC for $160,000.00 in Forest City.

Wagstaff, Henry IV and Wagstaff, Crystal to Sennett, Mitchell W for $215,625.00 in Little Meadows Borough.