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After 42 years working at George Junior Republic, Richard Losasso is moving on.

“It’s the only place I’ve ever worked,” he said on Friday afternoon.

Losasso reflected on his retirement, and his time with the Pine Township school, seated at a large conference table in the administration building overlooking the campus.

He served as chief executive officer from January 2002 through 2018, and he’s staying on through February to help new CEO Nathan M. Gressel transition into the leadership role.

After earning degrees from Slippery Rock University and the University of Pittsburgh, Losasso began his career at George Junior in 1976, noting that he was not familiar with the school at the time.

George Junior Republic was founded in 1909 and provides private residential treatment for court adjudicated, dependent, and delinquent at-risk male youth. There are about 350 students at the Pine Township school.

Losasso, a Vandergrift, Pa., native who lives in Grove City with his wife Carol, initially joined the school’s recreation department. He also worked as vice president of operations, director of admissions, and program director.

There have been many changes during his tenure, like new buildings, programs and regulations, but the thing that stayed the same for Losasso was the opportunity to make a difference in the students’ lives.

“It’s very rewarding,” he said.

He’s kept in touch with George Junior graduates over the years, sharing the pride of their success and knowing that the school played a large role in their lives.

Losasso said that his accomplishments as a school leader aren’t his alone because it takes a team to run George Junior.

He’s grateful for and proud of the school’s staff, administration and board of directors for their dedication.

“They understand the mission,” he said.

George Junior Republic’s mission statement is: “George Junior Republic is dedicated to helping at-risk youth become successful, well-adjusted adults, capable of achieving a higher degree of citizenship and a better understanding of his responsibility to society, family and self.”

Losasso counts graduation day as the highlight of each year. About 30 to 50 students are part of each graduating class, and many of them have said that they likely wouldn’t have earned a diploma without George Junior.

“I think that’s probably my most favorite time,” he said.

He also enjoys the Veterans Day program that the school hosts each year. They recognize community members along with George Junior students and graduates who are part of the Armed Forces.

More than 3,000 George Junior students have served in the military since World War II; that includes one Medal of Honor and one Silver Star, he said.

George Junior celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2009, built a new academic center in 2010, and has won state basketball championships.

“It keeps changing and growing,” Losasso said.

That change includes the students themselves. In recent years, the school has been taking on more youth who have lived in multiple foster homes or group homes, or they have more physical and mental health issues compared to the early part of his career.

Losasso said he’ll miss the regular interaction with the students and helping figure out what they need to succeed.

He feels his job has changed him for the better. He’s learned that you can’t let yourself get too high or too low, especially working in a field with lots of highs and lows.

“But you’re doing right by the kids,” he said.

In retirement, he looks forward to spending more time with his wife, two daughters, and five grandchildren. He thanks them for their support.

He plans to travel, visit the family’s second home in South Carolina, golf, and just relax.

“Forty-two years is a long time to be anywhere,” he said.

Losasso said he believes in Gressel’s ability to serve the school well. He’s familiar with the work, energetic, relates well to others, and has a good sense of humor.

He looks forward to whatever is to come for George Junior and has faith that it will continue to flourish.

“I have all the confidence in the world that will continue,” Losasso said.

Gressel became CEO of George Junior on Jan. 2. He previously worked for Beacon Light Behavioral Health System in Bradford, Pa., for 10 years; some of that time was spent as the executive director.

Like his predecessor, Gressel will also lead George Junior Republic in Indiana, George Junior Republic Realty, Preventative Aftercare Inc., Republic Risk Retention Group, and the parent company, George Junior Republic.

(The Center Square) – Audits of dozens of Pennsylvania volunteer firefighters’ relief associations uncovered an array of issues, from unauthorized and undocumented expenses to noncompliance with prior audits and failures to maintain accurate equipment and volunteer rosters.

Pennsylvania Auditor General Timothy DeFoor released audit reports over the past two weeks for 27 volunteer firefighters’ relief associations (VFRAs) in 25 counties. The associations are funded by the Department of Auditor General through a 2% tax on Pennsylvania fire insurance policies sold by out-of-state companies.

The auditor general sent $54 million this year to 2,517 municipalities for VFRAs, which use the money for training, equipment, insurance and death benefits for volunteer firefighters. The relief associations are separate entities from the fire departments they support.

“Relief associations provide vital support to Pennsylvania’s first responders,” DeFoor said. “Our audits make sure state aid is used to keep our communities safe.”

Auditors found no issues with 14 of the VFRAs, while the remaining 13 could face the potential loss of state aid if they don’t come into compliance with various laws, contracts and administrative procedures.

The Duncanville Volunteer Fire Department Relief Association was cited for four issues, including the potential misuse of about $30,000 in tax money.

The Blair County association was cited for “noncompliance with prior audit recommendation involving untimely deposit of state aid,” inadequate meeting minutes, $14,272 in unauthorized expenses and $16,221 in undocumented expenses.

There was also four findings from the Paxtang Volunteer Fireman’s Relief Association in Dauphin County: noncompliance with prior audit recommendation to maintain a complete and accurate membership roster, failure to keep a complete and accurate equipment roster, failure to maintain meeting minutes, and $430 in undocumented expenses.

Auditors pointed to five issues at the Relief Association of the North Penn Volunteer Fire Company in Montgomery County, including $1,660 in undocumented expenditures, failure to secure ownership interest in jointly purchased radio equipment and failure to adhere to bylaws, as well noncompliance with prior audits regarding its equipment roster and meeting minutes.

Other associations with money issues involved the Swathmore Fire and Protective Relief Association in Delaware County, where auditors uncovered $14,355 in undocumented expenditures and $1,412 in unauthorized expenditures, as well as the West Lake Firemen’s Relief Association in Erie County with $9,394 in unauthorized expenses and $1,063 in undocumented expenditures.

Auditors found the McConnellsburg Firemen’s Relief Association in noncompliance with prior audit recommendations for inadequate bylaws and failures to inventory equipment annually.

Six associations were cited for only one infraction, including the “untimely receipt and deposit of state aid” at the Nicholson Volunteer Firefighters No. 1 Relief Association in Wyoming County and the Pioneer Hose Company Volunteer Firemen’s Association in Berks County. The Hanover Township Fireman’s Relief Association in Luzerne County was cited for “failure to maintain a complete and accurate equipment roster,” while the Mountain Tip Firemen’s Relief Association in Centre County reportedly failed to monitor investment activity.

Pike County’s Lackawaxen Township Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association was cited for checks that were not signed by two association officers, and Potter County’s Coudersport Firemen’s Relief Association reportedly did not title a rescue vehicle correctly.

The 14 associations that received clean audits: Avonmore Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association, Westmoreland County Susquehanna Fire Department Relief Association, Susquehanna County Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association of Upper Dublin Township, Montgomery County Granville Township Volunteer Fireman’s Relief Association, Mifflin County Speedwell Firemen’s Relief Association, Lebanon County Brush Valley Township Volunteer Fireman’s Relief Association, Indiana County Cambridge Springs Volunteer Fire Department Relief Association, Crawford County Fox Chapel Volunteer Firefighters’ Relief Association, Allegheny County Monarch Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association, Berks County Volunteer Fireman’s Relief Association of Brecknock Township, Lancaster County Salisbury Township Fire Co. #1 Relief Association, Lancaster County Stoneboro Volunteer Fire Company Relief Association in Mercer County, Southwest Greensburg Volunteer Firemen’s Relief Association in Westmoreland County and the Springettsbury Township Volunteer Firefighter’s Relief Association in York County.

After a year of no Ferris wheel or other rides, cotton candy, games and family fun overall, the Surry County Agricultural Fair will return in September after being barred from the midway in 2020 by COVID-19.

Doug Joyner, the president of Veterans Memorial Park where the event is held, confirmed Thursday that the fair is “a go” for 2021, representing another step toward normalcy after a long period plagued by cancellations of large public gatherings.

That included the county fair, which would have marked its 73rd year of operation in 2020 had the coronavirus not prompted organizers to shelve the event due to pandemic-related health restrictions in the hopes it would resume this year.

Those wishes have been granted with plans now under way for the 2021 Surry County Agricultural Fair on Sept. 11-18, a Saturday to Saturday schedule.

Joyner indicated that participants in the fair long hosted by the park on West Lebanon Street in Mount Airy seem anxious to pick up where they left off after the one-year hiatus.

“They’re interested in coming back,” he said.

That includes Powers and Thomas Midway Entertainment, a Wilmington-based company that has provided attractions including rides and games at the Surry fair during a four-year span. It did so from 2016 to 2019 until last year’s cancellation.

It was triggered by an announcement last July that the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh would be scrapped in 2020 for the first time since World War II. Officials of county fairs such as the one in Surry then resigned themselves to the same fate.

The upcoming Surry County event in September is sandwiched between other fairs on the Powers and Thomas Midway Entertainment schedule in Stoneboro, Pennsylvania, and Salisbury. The company is said to be strictly abiding by newly updated CDC guidelines for sanitizing and social distancing.

Joyner says wrestling is planned as another attraction this year at the fair, but additional entertainment such as live music has not been lined up at this time.

The Veterans Memorial Park president is optimistic that its traditional agricultural component including livestock judging can again become a big part of the county fair, with organizers to work toward that this year.

More details about the event are expected to be announced in the coming months.

“We hope people will come out and support it,” Joyner said.

Tom Joyce may be reached at 336-415-4693 or on Twitter @Me_Reporter.

If the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word “potatoes” is a Thanksgiving spread, have we got some news for you. Potatoes are a dynamic food. The options you have when it comes to recipes, cooking methods and types of potatoes are basically limitless—what other food is a holiday staple, crispy snack, breakfast side and a fundamental addition to your McDonald’s order?

To help expand your arsenal of spud sides, we’re sharing a brand-new recipe from TikTok—fondant potatoes, also known as melting potatoes. This trending, melt-in-your-mouth recipe is a foolproof way to broaden your potato palate!

Why Are Fondant Potatoes Also Known as Melting Potatoes?

Before we get into how to make these mouthwatering spuds, let’s break down why melting and fondant potatoes can be used one and the same.

Fondant potatoes are also known as melting potatoes because in French “fondant” literally translates to “melting.” Essentially, the terms are interchangeable. And both happen to describe the popular melted food trend social media users can’t get enough of.

How to Make Fondant Potatoes

Sure, you could look at these fondant potatoes as an upgrade to your regular baked potato, but they’re so much more than that. Cooked in a skillet with your favorite flavors, these potatoes have crispy seared edges and a buttery smooth middle that will melt in your mouth.

TikTok user @kellyscleankitchen shows us exactly how to make fondant potatoes in her viral video, below. Follow the directions to make a batch at home!

https://www.tiktok.com/@kellyscleankitchen/video/7083629094985927982

To start, heat up a cast-iron skillet on the stove. Peel and wash a handful of spuds, then cut them into 1-inch flat slices.

Add some butter to your hot skillet, and then your potatoes. Cook on one side until it has a golden brown sear, then flip and cook on the other side. Once both sides are seared, add in about a cup of chicken stock and as much fresh garlic, thyme and rosemary as you’d like. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Carefully place your skillet in a preheated 400°F oven, and cook for about 30 minutes or until tender enough for a fork to go through the middle. Remove the potatoes from the oven, serve and eat!

Summer Potato Recipes We Can’t Resist

Potatoes, in their many forms, are all popular sides. Trust us, we have list after list of summer potato recipes. If you’ve already made a successful batch of melting potatoes, you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and take on homemade potato chips. And of course, we can’t forget about the picnic classic—a generous helping of potato salad.

SHARON, Pa. — Penn State Shenango students and employees were honored at the annual 2021 Awards Ceremony and Honors Convocation to celebrate their outstanding academic and student life achievements.

Academic recognition

The President’s Freshman Award is presented annually to those full-time, undergraduate students who have earned a 4.0 grade-point average for the first semester of their first year of study.

The Evan Pugh Scholar Award began in 1933 and was given to the top five persons in both the junior and senior classes. The award is named for Evan Pugh, Penn State’s first president (1859-1864). Today, the Evan Pugh scholars are those juniors and seniors who are in the upper 0.5 percent of their respective classes and have completed at least 48 graded Penn State credits at the end of the fall semester of the academic year in which the award is given.

The Robert Weber Mathematics Award is presented annually to the most promising Shenango math student and honors the late Robert Weber who taught math at the Shenango campus.

The Shenango campus High Academic Achievement Awards are presented to those students in each college or degree program who have achieved the best cumulative grade-point average during the academic year.

Baccalaureate Programs

Associate Programs

Outstanding academic performance recognized students with cumulative grade-point averages of 3.5 and above.

The Honors Certificate is awarded to several of the students in the Honors Program who have fulfilled the program requirements and have maintained an excellent grade-point average.

Leadership Awards

International Cultures Club

The purpose of the International Cultures Club is to provide an opportunity for students to learn and enjoy, as well as be aware of and promote, cultures around the world. This club promotes the utmost respect of different cultures and its importance among the campus and local community.

Occupational Therapy Assistants’ Club

The purpose of the Occupational Therapy Club is to educate the populace as to the benefits and realities the OT profession has to offer; to provide access for information to prospective students; to provide a forum for students, faculty, parents, and professionals for discussing the problems and concerns of everyday college life; and to promote academics and moral standards of those students in the OT Assistant Program.

Physical Therapy Assistants’ Club

The goals of the Physical Therapy Assistants’ Club are to promote a greater understanding of this profession, provide community service and education, and to perform philanthropic activities throughout the community.

STEM Club

The STEM Club's mission is to expand students’ knowledge and involvement of scientific findings on our campus and to provide the opportunity to explore the world from a scientific perspective and perform various experiments and activities.

Student Government Association

Student Government Association is responsible for initiating all legislation concerning the welfare of the student body, supporting the functions and activities of the student body, vesting authority to student organizations, investigating any appeal made to it by any student concerning problems of general student welfare or well-being, assuming financial responsibility for SGA funds, and reviewing the financial records of all registered student organizations. SGA strives to create, maintain, and regulate beneficial customs and traditions at the Shenango campus.

Orientation Leaders

Student Orientation Leaders are students who have been recognized by faculty and/or staff for their leadership abilities and, thus, recommended for these important leadership roles on campus. These students help assist our new students through the orientation process.

The Outstanding Adult Student Award of the Shenango campus recognizes a student over the age of 21 who has completed at least 36 credits and who is distinguished by scholarship, service and success in coping with numerous roles and overcoming difficult circumstances in the pursuit of education. This award is funded by the widow of a former Shenango student, Dennis W. Bartholomew, who attended the campus from 1970-1972 and graduated from UP in 1974 with a bachelor's in engineering.

This award was made in memory of Penn State Shenango employee, Ann “Mom” Wansack, and her devotion to the students of Shenango campus. The purpose of this award shall be to honor and recognize full-time students enrolled at Penn State Shenango who are actively involved, through leadership or participation, in the betterment of Penn State Shenango.