Journal of the Pocono Plateau, July 22–August 12, 2021

Page 1

THE

BOXHOLDER

JOURNAL of the POCONO PLATEAU ©2021, All Rights Reserved

VOLUME 26, NUMBER 5

July 22–August 12, 2021

“Pennsylvania is the only state that does not permit its local police to utilize radar,” sighed Pocono Mountain Regional Police Chief Chris Wagner during the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Commission meeting on July 13, following familiar pleas from members of Mount Pocono’s newly formed safety committee for aid in slowing autos along Route 611 in the Borough. First used by law enforcement nearly 70 years ago with the first hand held radar gun deployed in 1972, the tool is used to aid in public safety on the roads. Explaining that ongoing pressure to pass legislation is imperative, he reported Pennsylvania Senate again passed Radar bill 49-1, for the fourth time, now sponsored by Senator Mario Scavello. Chief Wagner later described a study by Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police of data complied by Balliet said, “We are dedicated the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that to correcting this unforeseen estimated between 2011 and situation, however, the safety 2017 more than 1,930 motorof the postal workers, IMLCA ists involved in fatal crashes staff and our residents comes might have been saved with first.” PPL responded and removed the approval of radar for local the power supply line at 4 p.m. police. He added, “Pennsylvania has the worst record for on July 15. Demolition of the damaged structure began. It is speed related fatalities in the uncertain when the mailboxes country.” To cancel myths about traffic will be accessible to residents. citations as resources for local The Postmaster is not revenue, the chief noted that permitted to comment .

IML mailbox accident sends postal patrons to Albrightsville

hurt. Mail can be picked up at Repairs are underway in the the Albrightsville Post Office, community of Indian Mountain about 5 miles away. Lake, after a tractor trailer hit The small post office has the structure covering the mail- seen a sudden influx of people. boxes that serve approximately Identification is required to 2,000 residents on July 13. pick up mail. A postal employThere are 2 mailbox areas, ee stated that individuals who one on each side of the comcannot get to the post office munity, each serving half of can provide a letter and their the 4,000 residents. This acci- ID for another resident to get dent occurred near the Route their mail. 534 mailbox area. No one was Association Manager Tyler

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On our radar by Jeanine Hofbauer

by Lori Cooper

Presorted Standard

while tickets are costly, actual fines are $25 with associated fees adding upwards of $150. PMRPD receives $0 from a citation. Municipalities receive half of the actual fine ($12.50). Remaining fine funds are distributed to the courts, and other state and county funds. Suggesting citizens assist in seeking law enforcement radar legislation in Pennsylvania, he asked all to reach out to local legislators for support.

Officer returns “Bring back an officer that served us well,” said Wagner, explaining how last month’s commission agreement to accept the resignation of officer Josh Soto to pursue a career in Virginia has turned to consideration to agree with his return. Discussion acknowledged an advantage of a professional familiar with the area and the department’s approach to the position. Soto would be returning to his regular salary with an adjustment to his seniority. Regarding this first instance of an officer’s request to return to the department, commissioner Kurt Cummings commented, “Take it as a compliment.” A motion to rescind last month’s motion to accept the resignation passed unanimously. Independent audit results presented by Carl Hogan of BBD detailed budget versus See PMRPC, page 2


PAGE 2 — THE JOURNAL OF THE POCONO PLATEAU, JULY 22–AUGUST 13, 2021

PMRPC

pandemic caused actual officers’ wages and health insurance amounts to come in Continued from page 1 under the amount anticipated actual data up to December when 2019 planning was in 2020. “Everyone seemed to place. End results added an fare pretty well,” he stated be- additional $3.9 million into fore acknowledging the effects the final general fund balance. of COVID upon figures. June’s vehicle report includHe reported a higher actual ed the introduction of five new revenue by $148,000 due cars added to the departments to grants and contributions fleet. It was agreed, based through Pocono Mountain upon previous Municibid Regional Police Foundation. success, to post two retired The inability to hire during the vehicles into the online bid service for sale. July’s bill pack totaling $490,353.23 was approved LEGAL NOTICE with funds to be distributed Jimmy’s Auto Service as follows: General Fund, 5256 RT 115 PO Box 536 $382,619.73; Capital Projects Blakeslee PA 18610 Fund, $105,354.84; ESSA 570-646-2583 July Mortgage Payment, $8,983.34; Security Upgrades Abandoned vehicle auction Pmt #3, $56,629; Security 8AM Saturday July 31 2021 Upgrades Pmt #4, $36,742.50. Commission members pres2014 Chevy Sonic LTZ ent included Dave Moyer VIN# 1G1JE6SBOE4188518 damage to front end and along and Brendon Carroll for Tobypassenger side. hanna Township; Fran DePiDoes not run. ano and Crayson Cheung for MiNimum bid $5,001.00 Tunkhannock Township; John

Seese for Barrett Township; Fran O’Boyle and Mayor Michael Penn for Mount Pocono; and Cummings and Bill Weimer for Coolbaugh Township. PMRPC’s next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. August 10 at police headquarters on Route 940 in Pocono Summit.

Visit our website at pocononewspapers.com for in-between-issue stories and events

Brief meeting in Tobyhanna Township by Lori Cooper

The Tobyhanna Township board of supervisors regular business meeting was held on July 19 with access via GoTo-Meeting also provided. The meeting began with a 10 minute Executive Session.

The board approved a collection box at the township office for an August 21 Meals on Wheels event. In other news, it was noted that if a tax assessment appeal is of significance a “notice of intervention” should be filed with the Township. A meeting will be set in Harrisburg with Long Nyquist, a lobby group, and grant writer Penn Strategies, as well as the community and township to address the I-380 ramp project. The resolution for budget reappropriations in the amount of $159, 213 was approved. A donation of $700 was approved for the PMREMS Roundup fundraiser.

The uniforms and supply proposal with UniFirst was approved as a monthly cost, noting the cost of uniforms has gone down. The proposal for inspection services for Hudock Road was approved with Reilly Associates. Heino Feitty thanked the board and DPW for resolving his sign problem on Sullivan Trail. The bill pack of $482,955.32 was approved. The next meeting of the Tobyhanna Township supervisors will be August 2 workshop meeting beginning at 6 p.m. at the township municipal building in Pocono Pines.


THE JOURNAL, JULY–AUGUST, 2021 — PAGE 3

Your favorite Disney characters return to Wilkes-Barre Mickey’s Search Party brings the magic to fans through innovative technology and transformative performances

encouraged, regardless of vaccination status. The CDC recommends face coverings if you are not fully vaccinated. Disney On Ice presents delivering compelling Arena at Casey Plaza. Embark on a quest with Mickey’s Search Party is storytelling through multiTickets are on sale now at Mickey Mouse and pals as bringing the magic to guests leveled production numbers www.Ticketmaster.com and they follow Captain Hook’s through dynamic moments visits Wilkes Barre from in person at the NBT Bank Box treasure map for clues to find that take place on the ice and August 19 - 22 at the ASM Office at Mohegan Sun Arena. Tinker Bell after he attempts in the air. This adventure Global-managed Mohegan Sun While delivering the same to capture her magic. Journey magical experiences guests across the Marigold Bridge expect from Disney On Ice, with Miguel from Disney●PixFeld Entertainment is continu- ar’s Coco into the magnificent ing guest wellness enhanceand mystical Land of the Dead ments to help keep families and discover a vibrantly colorsafe at its live events. Feld ful performance with skeletons atop sway poles dancing over Entertainment is working closely with venue partners to the audience in a beautiful culestablish and follow COVID-19 tural celebration of family. Dr. Andrew J. Church, health and safety standards in Travel to the wintry world of Veterinarian accordance with all federal, Arendelle and sing along with state and local guidelines. Elsa as video projection 5251 Route 115, Blakeslee creates a kaleidoscope of Face coverings are strongly

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crystals to help build her ice palace. Witness Belle lift into the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life high over the ice. Demonstrate the power of teamwork when Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie recruit the Green Army Men for a daring rescue in Andy’s room. Laugh hysterically as the hilarious pirates flip, tumble, and twist on tumble tracks, stilts and more in an effort to showcase their talents for Captain Hook. Sail away with Moana on her daring voyage across the ocean and bravely encounter the fiery wrath of Te Ka. And make memories with your whole family during Aladdin and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out celebration. Join this magical search and help unlock an epic journey when Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party delivers an unforgettable experience at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township on Thursday, August 19 at 7 p.m.; Friday, August 20 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Saturday, August 21 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, August 22, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets start at $20, subject to change based on market demand. To purchase tickets visit www.disneyonice.com or www.ticketmaster.com or in person at the NBT Bank Box For groups 9+, please contact (570) 970-7600, ext. 1119 or email groups@ MoheganSunArenaPA.com For more info about Disney On Ice, follow Disney On Ice social media channels on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. Subscribe to the Disney On Ice YouTube Channel at www.youtube. com/DisneyOnIce


PAGE 4 — THE JOURNAL, JULY–AUGUST, 2021

Seth’s Sightings

Too Darn Hot

Too many days of too hot and too stormy put the kibosh on my plan to head west to the Benton rodeo. Temperatures there at rodeo time were to be near 90 degrees. Our fun got compressed into Sunday when we went to see The PA Shakespeare Festival’s Midsummer’s Night Dream, performed outside on a newly built stage. It was a threatening night, with clouds promising rain and some extra wind. A touch of a brief drizzle only helped cool things while the show, went on. The director has trimmed the play to its essentials, in order to fit within one act of 90 minutes. With the tight time constraint, the play gets a fast start, and the audience goes along to enjoy highlight after highlight. In a nutshell, if you enjoy Shakespeare performed by real talented actors – go. If you like the play, go to see it all fresh and new. The show, at DeSales University, starts at 6:30 to be done by 8 to allow everyone to clear out before sunset. DeSales U is only about 1 hours from the Poconos via the PA Turnpike and then Route 309. Among my sightings these past couple of weeks are two sets of hummingbirds, one in White Haven, and another in my lilies at my house. The White Haven hummingbird, a male, perched briefly on the telephone wires before flying up Main Street. The area around our office is now rich with flowers, including the second blooming of our magnolia tree. The summer bloom is nowhere near as spectacular as spring’s, but that one was also shortened by a surprise frost. These extra flowers are located up high on the tree, perhaps somehow spared from the

frost in April so as to magically appear in July. I can also report sighting an indigo bunting, and a great blue heron has set up in a swampy pond that I can see as I commute daily. He’s a big one. We are looking for a cockateel that is reported to be loose around White Haven. On our travels, we are also seeing some nice-looking bucks begin to show off their racks. There also seem to be a LOT of does with fawns. We attended the Pocono Mountains Music Festival shows at Buck Hill this past weekend. Friday night was a joyful cabaret, and on Sunday, opera singers from NYC performed on the hilltop where the Buck Hill Inn once stood. This week features songwriters, the Festival Youth Camp showcase, and then the Pocono Pops concert that wraps things up on Saturday – go to PoconoFest.org. On our way home this past Sunday, we went by the paving crew that’s working nights to upgrade Route 940 in Pocono Pines. With other construction projects hereabouts, I wish that more crews worked

by Seth Isenbeeg nights, or better, 24/7 to get all the work done faster. MusikFest in Bethlehem starts the 5th and goes two weekends through the 15th, the Carbon County Fair is Monday to Saturday the 9th to 14th. Ruth and I hope to do a two-fer – go to the Fair and continue on to MusikFest, perhaps on that Friday. The Mahoney Brothers will perform their (fantastic) Beatles and More show at Knoebels from the 10th to 15th. We’ll see how the weather is for all of these shows. It’s going to be too much fun - too many good options. Disney on Ice comes through the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre from the 19th to the 22nd for something cool – literally – for the kids. That Saturday and Sunday, and much, much louder, will be the Great Pocono Raceway Air Show. Air Show fans, I have tickets to give away. Send me an e-mail or use regular mail to The Journal, 211 Main Street, White Haven, PA 18661 enter the contest – with winners drawn the 17th. So here’s to fun days ahead. Go out and enjoy them.

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MCOH to feature The Weeklings Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe will present The Weeklings, a Beatles show with a twist, on Saturday, July 30. The Weeklings channel the music of The Beatles. The band performs Beatles material with a style that is at the same time authentic and freshly original — clearly distinguishing their musical approach from anyone on the “Beatles tribute” scene today. For the Weeklings, “channeling” means far more than simple note-for-note reproduction. The band lives in the spirit, humor, swagger and bold creativity of the 60s, bringing the Beatles to life, not through

costumes and gimmicks, but through their own original edge. They infuse this vision into newly arranged covers such as “Paperback Writer” and “Baby You’re A Rich Man,” as well as in the original Beatles-inspired power pop rock ‘n roll that they compose and record. The Weeklings show their audiences both what The Beatles were, and what they might have produced if they were still together today. Doors open at 7 p.m. with showtime at 8 at the Opera House at 14 West Broadway, Jim Thorpe. Tickets are $24, available by calling the box office at 570-325-0249.

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THE JOURNAL, JULY–AUGUST, 2021 — PAGE 5

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Happenings at the PA Shakespeare Festival Blueberry Festival

A Review by Seth Isenberg

The actors delivered the magical tale to our ears and eyes in a way that we seemed The PA Shakespeare Festival to be at the forest’s edge as the faeries and Athenians worked (PSF) at DeSales University, now in its 22nd year, is present- out their stories right in front ing a classic Shakespeare play of us (sitting on the lawn, close outdoors, on a new stage, com- by the stage, versus being in pressed to 90 minutes with no some dark theater during a intermission. The collabora‘normal’ production). Seattion of talent that this year’s ing is socially distanced; the festival brings to this new audience is well spaced to give room for all. stage has created something Of special note is the choice truly wonderful. of Mary Tuomanen to be Puck. A Midsummer Night’s Dream done by this expeShe is a musician, and lends rienced company of actors, that talent to the production in under the direction of veteran appealing ways, while offering director Matt Pfeiffer, is a fun the mischievous sprite without frolic through the complicapretense. Ian Merrill Peakes tions of love and attractions. as Bottom adds his own special something to the funniest The beautiful language is delivered in a style that makes parts of the tale. The production continues it fresh, and with a touch of through August 1, performancmusic to move the story and es at 6:30 p.m. There is also an further engage the audience.

option to purchase a virtual performance for a live stream. PSF’s Midsummer Night’s Dream is a joy. Go and enjoy a delightful night, a 90-minute Shakespearean romp that will send you home smiling. Beginning this week is a two-actor performance of An Iliad, inside on PSF’s main stage, also socially distanced. PSF veteran Greg Wood tells the epic tale, with musician and actor Liz Filios as The Muse. Opening night was July 20, and performances will run through August 1 when the festival closes for this season. For more information, and tickets, go to pashakespeare. org, or call 610 282-WILL. DeSales University is in Center Valley, PA, south of Allentown, about an hour’s drive from our area via the PA Turnpike and Route 309.

Come out and enjoy the annual Thornhurst Methodist Blueberry Festival. There will be plenty of baked goods and loads of vendors as well. The Festival is Saturday, July 31, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. at Thornhurst Methodist Church, 342 Old River Road, Thornhurst. If interested in being one of vendors, please contact Barbara at 570-643-6605 ($10 per space/$15 with a table).

books. Prices range from 50¢ to $5, and proceeds will benefit the Library. For more information, visit clymerlibrary. org or call 570.646.0826.

Guided Weekly Tannersville Bog Walks

Wednesdays through September 8, the Monroe County EE Center will be offering weekly walks through the Tannersville Bog at 10 a.m. These 2 ½ hour walks will be guided by an Environmental Educator who will teach you about Friends of Clymer the Bog, a very unique boreal Library Summer bog for this area, owned by the Nature Conservancy. The Bog Book Sale is filled with bird songs and inReturning this year, The teresting insect eating plants. Friends of Clymer Library Participants will meet at the presents its Summer Book Sale Bog parking lot by 10 a.m. Thursday, August 12 and FriDirections: Route 611, at the day, August 13, 10 a.m. to 4:30 light at the Tannersville Inn p.m.; and Saturday, August 14, turn onto Cherry Lane Road. The parking lot is 1.9 miles on 10 a.m. -2 p.m. at the Clymer your right from Route 611. Library, located at 115 FireCost is $5 per person. Wear house Road, Pocono Pines. appropriate footwear for walkAlways a popular event, the ing in the woods and through sale will feature gently used fields. Advance registration is books, including fiction, nonrequired. Masks must be worn. fiction, children’s, gardening, Call (570) 629-3061. For incooking, art, beautiful coffee table books and many more, as formation visit www.mcconservation.org. well as CDs, DVDs and audio


PAGE 6 — THE JOURNAL, JULY–AUGUST, 2021

Police Beat At 4:25 a.m. on 7-23, an Emerald Lakes homeowner found that someone had poured gasoline on his house, then set it ablaze. He put out the fire and called police. Arriving Pocono Mountain Regional Police officers could smell the gasoline. Investigation identified a 23 y/o White Haven woman as the culprit. She had recently ended a relationship with the homeowner’s son. She was located later that day and arrested, then arraigned before the on-duty District Judge, who set bail at $200,000. She could not post bail, and as of this writing, was a resident in the Monroe County jail. State Police – Fern Ridge are coordinating the search for a 16 y/o runaway girl, from an Indian Mountain Lakes,

by Seth Isenberg

Penn Forest Twp. home. She was last seen on July 16, and is believed to be in the Philadelphia area. 7-7, a Penn Forest couple, 51 and 54, fought just after 3 p.m., with the man pushing the woman, and throwing items around the house. Police were called and arrived to find broken items in the home. The man was arrested and taken to be arraigned for harassment. 6-25, PSP-F was called to a Longfellow Circle, Towamensing Trails, Penn Forest Twp. home when a service man arrived to find there was no response at the home for his appointment, and there were packages piled at the front door. Police found the homeowner lying face down on his bedroom floor, and determined he was deceased.

Carbon County deputy coroner Gerald Jones arrived to pronounce the 76 year-old resident dead. Nothing suspicious was discovered, and the manner of death appears to be from natural causes.

while drugged. Police found ‘multiple controlled substances and paraphernalia.’ She was arrested and taken to the Monroe County DUI center, and her SUV was towed. PSP-F, as part of a statewide sobriety taskforce over The Poconos are not the Independence Day weekHIGH enough for some end, set up a checkpoint on PSP was dispatched to the Route 115 in Chestnuthill crash of a Ford Ranger pickup Township from 10 p.m. to 3 at Route 715 and Sugar Hollow a.m. on the 2nd into the 3rd. Road. At 10:47 p.m., police This netted four drivers for found the truck rubber side DUI, with another one tested up, with the driver inside. The and released after they passed 58 y/o man had been drinking. the Standard Field Sobriety West End EMS took the man Tests. In addition, 22 tickets to LV Pocono for care, and were written, and three warna DUI blood test with DUI ings issued. charges to be filed. The reports contain a handA traffic stop at 1:22 a.m. ful of other DUIs. 7-7 on Route 209 for a vehicle code violation found a 47 y/o Blakeslee area woman driving

Stealin’

A skimming device was found on the gas pumps at the Uni-Mart on Route 209 in Chestnut Hill on 7-12. A fistful of reports of unauthorized charges on people’s debit cards in the Brodheadsville area make it likely there have been other skimmers placed for short times, capturing card numbers and pins. Also 7-12, a 52 y/o Brodheadsville woman went to purchase an “Extreme Pedigree Poodle” from a company online. Using Zelle, she sent $1,350 to her contact for a dog. After the money was sent, the contact did not See POLICE BEAT, page 14

B’nai Harim hosts travel program Join Congregation B’nai Harim on August 12 at 7 p.m. for an Adult Education presentation via Zoom. We are on the road again. Wouldn’t it be nice to have some idea of the greatest Jewish places to travel? Of course, Israel is #1, but where are other great Jewish sites? Join travel agent Lori Spector

as she shows us where to travel — Jewishly. Register at spinnerjh@yahoo.com to secure your seat. Congregation B’nai Harim is located in Pocono Pines at Route 940 and Sullivan Trail. For further information call the message center at 570-646-0100 or visit www. bnaiharimpoconos.org.

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THE JOURNAL OF THE POCONO PLATEAU, JULY 22–AUGUST 13, 2021 — PAGE 7


PAGE 8 — THE JOURNAL OF THE POCONO PLATEAU, JULY 22–AUGUST 13, 2021

Remembering the Flood of 1955 (July 21, 2021) by Suzanne Fretz McCool The 66th anniversary of the Flood of 1955 is approaching. Having such a rainy summer this year of 2021 brought it to mind. Also, I recently wrote an article on this flood for the August/September issue of the Pocono Living magazine. I want to thank Jacqueline (Jackie) Magann of Cresco for supplying me with copies of articles published 16 years ago by members of the Barrett Township Historical Society (BTHS) on the 50th anniversary of that historic Flood.

These articles can be found in Volume #13 of the LRC (Learning Resource Center) of BTHS in sections 1, 2, and 3. Several members recounted their harrowing experiences trying to get home, as many bridges began washing out. Many of us long time residents remember that this Flood of 1955 was caused by two hurricanes — Connie and Diane which came almost on top of each other, Connie being named on August 5th and Diane following on August 7, 1955. Some areas of Monroe County received up to 22

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inches of rain, causing massive destruction. At least 20 bridges were washed out in Monroe County alone, with another 20 destroyed in adjacent counties. Several members of the BTHS and I submitted articles in 2005 of our memories of that disastrous flood event, on the 50th anniversary of the Flood of 1955. Perhaps our members would like to re-read these first person accounts.

Saving the Chickens Mike Shepard, whose family lived across the street from Onawa Lodge, recounts a scene of heightened activity as the hotel basement began filling with water, and the Barrett Fire Company was there to pump out the water, and guests moved their cars to higher ground. At the Shepard’s house, the stream rose higher and higher encroaching on their hen house. Mike, 11 years old at the time, and his older brother Don, wrestled their 12 chickens out of the hen house and put them in their garage. The water was rising rapidly and stones were pelting their legs and feet, he said.

Missing the Wedding Jackie and Wolden Magann who lived in Long Island, NY at the time needed to be at Jake Sengle and Kathleen Cody’s wedding on August 20, 1955, as Wolden was to be his Best Man. They tried but were

turned back after making it to Stroudsburg. Doc Ed Magann in Mountainhome advised them to go back home as there was no safe water to make their 3 month old baby’s formula. They learned later that the wedding went on anyway with just a handful of people in the church and with Jake’s brother, Robert, serving as best man. In Kathy Sengle’s memoir, she said there were no flowers, no photographer, and no reception. They also changed their honeymoon itinerary to New Hampshire instead of Boston which was in the path of the hurricane, so they were able to avoid the typhoid shots which everyone said hurt a lot. Jake Sengle wrote about his bachelor party which was rained out. The bridge at Canadensis was washed out he heard, but he and buddies went to check it out in his 1932 Model A Ford. The brakes had never been that good he said, and water started coming through the floorboards. They had to abandon his car when the brakes failed, and all the guys had to get to higher ground when that bridge washed out.

Hatchery Happenings Trudy Goll recalls the water gushing through their cellar. Al was at work at the fish hatchery, and Trudy was alone with their two children. Harry

Niering, Sr. and Harry Jr. came to rescue them and take them to their house down the road. However, the Niering’s cellar was just as bad, and their cars were floating in it. Al’s sister, Winnie Goll, worked at Merry Hill Lodge at the time. She crossed the bridge to come home, and it washed out behind her. The fish hatchery lost three ponds of fish and sustained major damage. When Al started to walk home from the hatchery, a wheelbarrow came floating towards him and he realized that it was his!

Bridges & Railroad Jack and Dan Hamblin, who lived on Upper Swiftwater Road, recounted their flood experiences in separate articles. Dan, who had finished his freshman year at Lehigh University, was employed by Megargel’s Golf, and was in charge of maintenance at the Wiscasset Golf Course. After work on August 18, Dan and his cousin Bob decided to go cruising in Bob’s 1953 blue Plymouth convertible with the top up since it was still raining. They didn’t get very far when they came upon many motorists whose cars were stranded in deep water. They spent hours helping people out, not being aware of what was happening in other parts of the area, went home dried off and went to bed. The next morning of August 19, they soon learned of many bridges being washed out and of massive destruction in the county. In a few weeks the Army Corps of Engineers erected several temporary bridges which made Route 611 passable again. Both Dan and Jack recalled how they were amazed to see the railroad tracks of the DL&W where it crosses the See FLOOD OF ’55, page 9


THE JOURNAL OF THE POCONO PLATEAU, JULY 22–AUGUST 13, 2021 — PAGE 9 contractor, was transporting a machine to the site to begin flood damage repair when it Continued from page 8 shifted on the truck as George was attempting to reposition Devil’s Hole Creek “suspended the pay loader. It slipped off like strands of spaghetti” high the truck and George was above the canyon and creek. killed. Dr. Headrick, our famiThe old Mount Pocono Pow- ly doc, attended the scene. er Company hydroelectric dam An interesting side note is was destroyed in this flood that about nine years later, never to be re-built. Bridge my youngest sister, Paulette washouts gave way and effect- Fretz, dated George’s son, Bill ed further destruction downNewhart, during high school, stream in Canadensis, Analand when she was in college omink, and the Stroudsburgs in Washington, D.C. at Strayer where many people died. Jr. College. Bill was a student In Jack’s article he mentions at Kent State University. a tragedy which occurred at There are many tragic stothe intersection of the Merry ries about this horrific flood. Hill and Carlton Roads, which We will never forget the many children and camp counselors was not ¼ of a mile from our who perished at Perry Crawhouse. Jack and Dan saw the aftermath of a terrible accident ford’s camp below Analomink near Forest Hills Run. George along the Brodhead Creek which became a raging river. Newhart, a Tannersville

Flood of ’55

In a future article I will explain the massive flood damage in Stroudsburg and the “Flats” in East Stroudsburg. Our family remembers Newt Taylor rescuing people in his boat on lower Main St. Stroudsburg since the bridge between the burgs completely washed out.

More to read Also there are many more accounts by the residents of Barrett Township compiled by Jackie Magann which are a “must read.” Some of these are: • Sixteen Miles Along the Brodhead by Joyce Mazurik • Breeches Buoy Saves Family Stranded in Creek by Joanne Seese • Milk For the Baby by Ira Kochera • Saved by a Stonewall by Ed Magann • More Memories of the Flood of 1955 by Jim Berger and Geoff Bridgeman • A House Floated By by Cathy Ford Ait •

• Recollections of the Flood of 1955 by Dale Price and Lew Parks • Three Shots Twice by Terri Koch • Raining Cats and Dogs by Paul Nauman • Memories of the Flood by Marty Price • Our Belts Saved Us by Donald Olsommer • A Hotel Full of Guests by Lee Megargle • In One Door and Out the Other by John Styk, Jr. • Those Dreaded Typhoid Shots by Ruth Price Shaller and Sally Price Gomez

Sources The people whose stories I highlighted in the beginning of this article, with the titles of their accounts are: Mike Shepard – My Flood of 1955 Experience Jacqueline and Wolden Magann – Where’s the Best Man? Kathleen Cody Sengle – Neither Rain Nor Flood… Stopped this Wedding

John Jacob Sengle – The Bachelor Party That Was Rained Out Trudy Goll – Cars Floated in The Cellar Daniel Hamblin – A Bad Night For Cruising Jack Hamblin – A Fisherman’s Dream Suzie Fretz McCool (myself)  — Taking Storm Water Seriously In this file there were also accounts by George Sopko which his daughter Ailsa Terrier transcribed for BTHS. Alvin Hall’s article, Meteorological Background of the Flood of 1955, is a noteworthy article which gives a historical perspective on floods in Pennsylvania and showed much research. Not only PA but other states in the line of these hurricanes suffered greatly too. He referred to the books written by meteorologist, Ben Gelber, and to New York Times reporter David Dempsey, for elucidating the larger dimensions of the Flood of 1955.


PAGE 10 — THE JOURNAL OF THE POCONO PLATEAU, JULY 22–AUGUST 13, 2021

From the Statehouse

New laws in place to curb human trafficking and protect victims by State Rep. Jack Rader (R-Monroe)

have the same protections provided to victims of other sexual abuse offenses outlined in the Rape Shield Law. Human trafficking frequently victimizes women • Act 38 of 2021 adds human trafficking and strangulaand children and is the section to the list of convictions ond largest criminal enteraffecting a child custody prise in the world. It is also determination. Prior law one of the fastest growing already paid special attenby Seth Isenberg the building fully involved in a Sunday evening to wet down and it is happening right here tion to violent offenses such fire. any embers. in Pennsylvania. as homicide, sex offenses Just after 5 a.m. Sunday A mutual aid call and a tankThe State Police Fire Three bills adopted by the and kidnapping. With one morning July 25, a report of er call-out was sent, bringing Marshall responded and is House of Representatives in seven children reported smoke coming from the back crews to the scene from investigating for a cause. earlier this year as part of a missing becoming victims of side of Blakeslee Plaza office around the Pocono Plateau, The building housed the package of measures designed child sex trafficking, the goal building was called in to 9-1-1 including Albrightsville, Cool- main offices of RE/MAX to combat human trafficking of this new law is to prevent by someone who had driven by. baugh, and Thornhurst. Tank- Property Specialists, and had in the Commonwealth were more children from sufferFire crews began their response ers came in from other nearby six other tenants. RE/MAX recently signed into law. ing the same fate. to the building, which is just fire companies. The fire fight Property Specialists has anoth- • Act 32 of 2021 prohibits de• Act 45 of 2021 expands fendants in human traffickwest of Blakeslee Corners on took about an hour, but the er location in Pocono Lake. the list of offenses that ing cases from introducing Route 940. Responders from building was a total loss. Property owner Jeff Rickert require state inmates to evidence of a victim’s past the Tobyhanna Township It was still smoldering on was at the site on Sunday participate in Department sexual victimization or alVolunteer Fire Company Sunday afternoon, and the afternoon, and said that he of Corrections counseling legations, ensuring victims arriving to the structure found TTVFD returned to the site hopes to rebuild quickly. or therapy for sex offenders to include those convicted of human trafficking involving sexual servitude or other criminal offenses related to the sexual abuse of a minor. Studies funded by the U.S. Department of Justice have demonstrated that participants in sex offender treatment programs are significantly less likely to be rearrested upon their release. Human trafficking is defined as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring Friday 2–8 | Saturday 12–8 | Sunday 12–6 or receipt of people through force, fraud or deception, for forced labor or sexual exploitation. If you or someone you know is the victim of this horrible crime, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text cardinalhollowwinery.com 233733.

Blakeslee Plaza offices burn down

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THE JOURNAL OF THE POCONO PLATEAU, JULY 22–AUGUST 13, 2021 — PAGE 11

Pocono Leadership Prayer Breakfast to be held October 5 The 26th annual Pocono Leadership Prayer Breakfast will be held on Tuesday, October 5, at 6:15 a.m. at

Mount Airy Resort & Convention Center (312 Woodland Road, Mount Pocono). This year, the event will

welcome Anne Beiler as its featured speaker. While many may not immediately recognize her name, they are sure

to recognize her more famous title — Auntie Anne. A Lancaster County native, Anne began twisting pretzels in 1987 and grew a single farmer’s market stand into Auntie Anne’s Inc., the world’s largest hand-rolled soft pretzel franchise. Anne will share her powerful testimony of how her faith has shaped her personal life, sustained her through loss and influenced her immense professional success. “For 25 years, the Pocono Leadership Prayer Breakfast has brought hundreds of community and business leaders together to hear a message of hope and to pray for our government leaders,” said Taylor

Munoz, director. “We are excited to welcome ‘Auntie Anne’ Beiler as our speaker this year and to continue this rich annual tradition as we unite over our shared faith in God and love of our Country.” Those interested in attending can purchase tickets at $25 apiece, or $250 for a table of 10. Checks should be made payable to “Pocono Leadership Prayer Breakfast” and mailed to P.O. Box 822, Saylorsburg, PA 18353. All questions or ticket inquiries can be shared via email at poconoprayerbreakfast@ gmail.com or phone at 570814-9243.

Editorial

500,000 reasons why by Ruth Isenberg If you are puzzled about why a large number of people do not trust their government, or believe what they read in the newspaper or see on TV, look no further than the revelation this week that the Pennsylvania Department of Health doublecounted 500,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccinations. The great figure of 70% immunization, it turns out, is not accurate. No official explanation of how the mistake occured has been offered. There are two possible explanations. One is that the numbers were deliberately fudged to make the vaccination program look more successful than it was. The other explanation is sheer incompetence. On balance, a deliberate attempt to mislead might be preferrable. We’ve seen too many instances of Pennsylvania governmental errors recently—from a now-retired secretary of state who managed to bungle the legal advertising for a Constitutional amendment that would have provided additional time for adults making accusations of sexual abuse in years past, to an unemployment compensation system that failed to get payments to people put out of work by Covid-19 for weeks. Adequate system testing and backup oversight appear to be missing too often. It seems clear the media should look at any reports from state agencies with a more jaundiced eye. The latest fiasco provides 500,000 good reasons to be suspicious of any news coming out of Harrisburg.


PAGE 12 — THE JOURNAL, JULY–AUGUST, 2021

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THEME: LEGENDARY ATHLETES

ACROSS 1. *Baseball’s “The Say Hey Kid” 5. TV tube in days of yore 8. Proof of age, pl. 11. Medicinal succulent 12. Toward shelter, nautically 13. White heron 15. Poet ____ Angelou 16. Where a bib is tied 17. Taste like grapes

18. *First African American to play in MLB 20. Chap or fella 21. Do like Etna 22. Auction set 23. Property defacer 26. Italian vermouth brand 30. 2nd largest bird in world 31. Informal wear 34. “The Man Who ____ Too Much” 35. Relating to Scandinavia

37. Chicken ____ ____ king 38. Nearsited one 39. Bear in the sky 40. The largest Asian antelope 42. *Dolphin great ____ Marino 43. Reusable painting pattern 45. Stands out 47. Cotillion V.I.P. 48. Deli item 50. Cain’s brother 52. *a.k.a. The Great Bambino 55. Oyster gem 56. Dwarf buffalo 57. Algonquian people 59. Body trunk 60. Hay spot 61. *”Battle of the Sexes” champion 62. A in FANBOYS 63. Altitude, for short 64. “Comme ci, comme Áa” DOWN 1. Mom in Scotland 2. Wing-shaped 3. Walk-the-dog toy 4. Bottom of the ocean 5. Fastener 6. Move a plant 7. *Pele or Bob Feller when they debuted 8. Armenia’s neighbor

9. Cabinet div. mission 10. Dirty dwelling 50. Same as eon 12. Declares invalid 51. Shakespeare, 13. Encourage, two a.k.a. ____ of words Avon 14. *NHL’s “The Great One” 19. Very angry 22. Type of English course, for short 23. Where women are from? 24. “To death” in France 25. Florence Nightingale, e.g. 26. Mountain goat terrain 27. Opposite of cathode 28. Himalayan country 29. *Track and field star of 1936 Olympics 32. Frozen rain 33. “____ at ease” 36. *He simultaneously played in MLB and NFL 38. Ginger beer in a cocktail, e.g. 40. Pen point 41. Sea in the Mediterranean 44. Yo-Yo Ma’s instrument 46. Talks like a chicken 48. Overfamiliar from overuse 49. Terminate, as in

52. “Ali ____ and the 40 Thieves” 53. *Tinker, Evers and Chance, e.g. 54. Egg-layers

55. Parent volunteer organization 58. Id’s partner


PAGE 14 — THE JOURNAL OF THE POCONO PLATEAU, JULY 22–AUGUST 13, 2021

Police Beat

Tunkhannock Twp. home, then pawned in New Jersey. A 78 y/o Effort local was Continued from page 6 connected to someone claiming to be from the Social Secureturn attempts to be contact- rity Administration, promising ed. At this point, she contacted a large payout. She was routed to an “agent” who filled out an police. application for her online —  7-10, PSP-F investigated a report of packages stolen from using her personal information. After a short time, she the mail of a Brodheadsville received a message that there woman. would be a $2,000 fee, and 7-9, an area woman’s ’99 that a ‘courier’ would come Dodge Ram pickup truck was taken by a known person, who to her home and pick up the money. She became suspicious used it, then filled the tank and refused to participate with gasoline at the convenience store gas pumps — but further, eventually contacting the truck is a diesel. The the police – 6-24. This same woman also was suspect then contacted the contacted from Facebook by woman to tell her what someone she believed was a happened. She contacted police for insurance purposes, friend, and they asked that she buy some Google Play gift but did not choose to file to cards, and they would prosecute the suspect, PSP. reimburse her. She became Between 6-30 and 7-6, two rings were stolen from a Buck suspicious and refused. Between 6-1 and 15, someHill Road, Brier Crest Lake,

one broke in to a Penn Forest Drive, Indian Mountain Lakes, Penn Forest Twp. home and stole a sterling bracelet, a gold bracelet, and an empty Rolex box — total value of over $2k. PSP-F is investigating. Weis Market in Brodheadsville was victimized by someone with a cloned credit card, who filled their vehicle and fuel containers at the supermarket gas pumps. One such thief was caught this past month. The others used a variety of vehicles to steal the fuel. Reports continue of locals learning that someone had filed an unemployment claim using their personal information. There have been dozens other similar reports. PSP details some reports, where locals discover through their employers that someone had filed an unemployment claim in their name.

The exit has a sharp turn. He was too fast and drove his ’17 Toyota Sienna into the guide rail and bounced off it. No one was hurt. His Sienna was towed. There are also the usual rear-ender crashes, and at least one crash where a teenager lost concentration and struck an unsuspecting local driver (no injuries).

PennDOT news

Road sign work continues along Interstate 80, and Route 903 in Carbon County along the approaches to the Turnpike. There are pothole patching and crack sealing teams out in both Monroe and Carbon Counties. Some crews are out doing drainage work along various roads. A milling and paving crew is at work on Route 940 east of the traffic signal in Pocono Keeping the Pines, doing night work (the Rubber Side down results so far are quite nice). A 24 y/o Chicago driver tried The work extends east towards to exit Interstate 80 west at Interstate 380. Paving at the Interstate 80 exit 277 at 5:30 p.m. on 7-21.

Evening roadwork on Route 940 in Pocono Pines. JP: Ruth Isenberg bridge over the Lehigh River on the eastbound lanes still has traffic restricted to one lane, and there are long backups on the weekend. Use www.511PA.com to check road conditions 24 hours a day on the more than 40,000 miles of PA’s roads. There are traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to 1000+ traffic cameras. 511PA is also a smartphone application - or use it by calling 5-1-1.

Puzzle Answers


THE JOURNAL OF THE POCONO PLATEAU, JULY 22–AUGUST 13, 2021 — PAGE 15

Obituaries

DENNIS DiBONAVENTURA wood carving, and water color Dennis DiBonaventura, 74, art. Dennis was an active of Pocono Lake, died Tuesday, hunter, and member of the July 6, 2021, at home. He was Pennsylvania Game Commisthe loving husband of his highschool sweetheart, Martha Jane sion. He loved building and flying radio controlled air(Tomassetti) DiBonaventura, planes, and was a member of with whom he shared 51 years the AMA West End Wings RC of marriage. club. Born in Philadelphia, he In addition to his wife, he was a son of the late Donato is survived by his daughters, “Danny” and Esther (Giove) Denise Shelmerdine and DiBonaventura. her husband, Mark, of West A proud veteran, Dennis Chester, and Bernadette served in the United States Woods and her husband, Army. During his working David, of Garnet Valley; son, career, he worked as a florist, in carpentry and construction, Dennis DiBonaventura Jr. and his wife, Carie, of and was the director of Shavertown; sister, Lorraine facilities for Mercy Health Buchakjian and her husband, Systems in Havertown. He retired to the Poconos and had Ed, of New Holland; brother, Ralph DiBonaventura of resided here for the last 13 Merritt Island, Florida; and years. grandchildren Eric, Steven, Dennis was a man of many Nicklaus, Ashley, Madeline, talents and anything he and Megan. touched “turned to gold.” A memorial service will be He enjoyed fly tying and held at a later date. Private fishing, taxidermy, caricature cremation has been entrusted to the Bolock Funeral Home Crematory. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Trout Unlimited by visiting gifts.tu.org/donate or the NRA by visiting donate.nra. org/donate.

MELISSA ANN SPINELLA CHARLES ALLEN RAUCH Melissa Ann Spinella, 49, of brother, Harry Rauch. Charles Allen Rauch, 86, Pocono Lake died Friday, July Charles is survived by his of Pocono Lake, died July 9, wife of 61 years, Louise Miller 16, 2021 at St. Luke’s Hospital 2021, fol- Monroe in Bartonsville. She Rauch; daughter Rebecca R. lowing a car was the loving wife of Joseph (Russell) Warde of Sharon, accident in Spinella, and they shared 15 MA; son David C. (Bonnie) Blakeslee. Rauch of Granby, CO; brother years together. Born in Born in West Islip, New Marlborough Bruce G. (Roberta) Rauch of St York, she was a daughter of Petersburg, FL; sister Township, Barbara Murphy of Mohnton, Michael and Jane (Newcombe) PA, Charles PA; and grandchildren Thalia Sarmiento of Brentwood, was a son of the late Gordon New York. Melissa grew up in and Thomas. and Gladys Bardman Rauch. Brentwood. She relocated to A memorial service will be After attending college, he the Poconos in 2007. held on Saturday, July 24, served proudly in the US Air In addition to her husband Force. During his professional at 11 a.m. at Faith Lutheran and parents, she is survived by Church, 550 PA Route 940, years, he worked as a manua brother, Michael Sarmiento Blakeslee, with a visitation facturing engineer in the miand his wife, Maureen of hour at 10. Officiating will be croelectronics field. Dr. Peter Kuritz , interim pas- Manorville, New York; sister, Charles was a talented oil Michelle McManus and her tor. Lehman Family Funderal painter and woodworker, and husband, Dennis of Rocky Service, White Haven, is in was a member of the Pocono Point, New York; and several charge of arrangements. Mountains Arts Council. He beloved nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, contribuenjoyed the outdoors and There will be no services at tions in Charles’ honor may be loved fishing, hunting and sent to Faith Lutheran Church this time; private cremation hiking. A lifelong athlete, he has been entrusted to Bolock in Blakeslee. played baseball as a young Funeral Home Crematory. For more information, visman, ran cross country in college and played tennis late into it www.lehmanfuneralhome. com his seventies. He and his wife traveled exRAQUEL MUNOZ tensively in the United States Raquel Munoz, 82, of Mount late Juan DeDios Santini and and Europe, making new friends along the way. He was Pocono died Saturday, July 17, Carmen Maria Martinez. In addition to her husband, 2021 at Lehigh Valley Hospital a member of Faith Lutheran - Pocono in East Stroudsburg. she is survived by son, Jose Church of Blakeslee. Munoz Jr. of Mount Pocono; In addition to his parents, he She was the loving wife of daughter, Jacqueline Irizarry Deacon Jose Munoz, with was preceded in death by his and her husband, George of whom she shared 57 years of Mount Pocono; six grandchilmarriage. Born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, dren; one great-grandson; and one nephew. she was the daughter of the Reverend Father Gregory Loughney will celebrated a WINTER SCHEDULE Mass of Christian Burial July Saint Nicholas 23, 2021 at St. Maximilian Byzantine Catholic Church Kolbe Parish, Pocono Pines. Private interment took place ROUTE 940 • POCONO SUMMIT (Between CVS & Tractor Supply) at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow. Bolock Funeral DIVINE LITURGY (MASS) Home, 6148 Paradise Valley Covid 19 Schedule Road, Cresco, was in charge of Call for Information arrangements. Private cremation is entrustVery Rev. Michael Salnicky, Pastor ed to Bolock Funeral Home (570) 595-3265 Crematory.

More obituaries on page 16.


PAGE 16 — THE JOURNAL OF THE POCONO PLATEAU, JULY 22–AUGUST 13, 2021

Obituaries HENRY ERNEST WHITNEY Henry Ernest Whitney, 71, of Tobyhanna, died Monday, July 19, 2021 at The Gardens of Memory Care in Easton. He was the loving husband of Diane (Tuite) Whitney, with whom he shared 51 years of marriage. Born in Plainfield, New Jersey, he was a son of the late William and Dorothy (Hellrigel) Whitney. He was a self employed contractor who for many years owned and operated Henry Whitney Contacting. In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters, Jennifer Bendowski and her husband Brad of Mountain Top, and Therese Whitney Toth and her husband, Richard of Henryville; brothers, William “Butch” Whitney and his wife, Marilyn of Washington, New Jersey, and John Whitney and his wife, Betty of Susquehanna; sister, Dorothy Disbrow and her husband, Dennis of Phillipsburg, New Jersey; six grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Henry was preceded in death by his son, Henry Whitney Jr. and sister, Debbie Whitney. A memorial service was held July 24 at Bolock Funeral Home, 6148 Paradise Valley Road, Cresco, with Pastor Ralph Chubbuck. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America: 322 Eighth Ave., 7th fl., New York, NY 10001 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: PO Box 1000 Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908. Private cremation has been entrusted to Bolock Funeral Home Crematory.

MARILYN C. MORRIS of Tobyhanna; brothers, Lloyd Marilyn C. Morris, 55, of McFarlane Jr. and Stephen Tobyhanna, died Thursday, McFarlane both of Los July 8, 2021 at St. Luke’s Angeles, California; sisters, Hospital in Bethlehem. She Lorraine Lacroix of Los was the loving wife of Wayne Angeles, California, Prudence P. Morris, with whom she Brown of Fairfield, CT, shared 19 years of marriage. Louise Bonner of Killeen, TX, Born in Belize, she was a and Eleanor McFarlane of daughter of Bernice Idolly Los Angeles, CA; and mother(Wright) McFarlane of Fairfield, Connecticut and the in-law, Saturnina Ethelbena Morris of Belize. She is also late Lloyd McFarlane. survived by a host of nieces Marilyn came to the United and nephews, as well as one States in 1985, where she grandson, Matthew G. resided in Los Angeles, Joseph and one granddaughCalifornia and relocated to ter, Lauren M. Baker. Bronx/Yonkers, New York In addition to her father, shortly after. Marilyn was preceded in death During her working career, by her sister, Beverly she was an LPN and worked at Westchester Bronx OB GYN for McFarlane. Elder Allan E. Morris of many years. In 2009, Newark, Delaware conductMarilyn and Wayne settled to the Poconos where in 2015, she ed a funeral service July 19 at Bolock Funeral Home, 6148 began working at Brookmont Paradise Valley Road, Cresco. Healthcare Center in Effort. Burial followed at St. Paul’s In addition to her husband and mother, she is survived by Cemetery, Swiftwater. In lieu of flowers, monedaughters, Shawntea Morris tary donations may be made of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, to help defray funeral costs. and Zakiyah Morris of TobyPlease visit www.tmcfunding. hanna; adopted daughters, com/funds/in-loving-memory Ashanti Morris of Palmdale, -of-marilyn-morris/5736/. California and Ashelie Morris

JOSEPH L. VAILLANT Joe enjoyed hunting. Joseph L. Vaillant, 63, of In addition to his wife, Blakeslee, died early Satursurviving are two children, day morning, July 24, 2021, Joseph Vaillant, Jr. of Pocono at home. He was the husband of Laura (Purdy) Vaillant with Pines and Ashlin Vaillant of Effort; three grandchildren, whom he shared 38 years of Brody, Brayden and Bella; and marriage. a sister, Deborah DeLonga of Born on April 15, 1958 in Sussex, NJ. Englewood, NJ, he was a son Services will be held on Satof the late Joseph and Alice urday, July 31, from the Wil(Larsen) Vaillant and previously lived in West Milford, NJ liam H. Clark Funeral Home, and Wycoff, NJ before moving 1003 Main Street, Stroudsburg with visitation beginning at 1 to Pennsylvanin 18 years ago. p.m followed by a memorial Prior to retirement he was service at 2 with Rev. E. Ann self-employed in the flooring Melot officiating. Cremation business. was private.

SHIRLEY G. O’BOYLE her grandchildren. In addiShirley G. O’Boyle, 86, of tion, she was a wonderful cook, Mount Pocono died Tuesday, July 20, 2021 at home. She was and had a love of traveling, the lifelong sweetheart of Fran- especially taking cruises and visiting the islands. Shirley was cis O’Boyle, with whom she an excellent role model and her shared 66 years of marriage. family, friends, and the comBorn in Paradise Valley, munity will miss her deeply. she was a daughter of the In addition to her husband, late Lloyd and Eva (Koerner) she is survived by her daughSchaufler. ters, Sheri Montgomery and her Shirley was a 1953 graduhusband, Fred of Palm Coast, ate from Stroudsburg High Florida, and Reesa Watto and School. After high school, she her husband, David of Freeworked in the cost accounting department at Patterson-Kelley burg; brother, Lloyd Schaufler of Stroud Township; sister, Irene in East Stroudsburg until the Icenogle and her husband, Cliff of birth of her children. Shirley later spent 28 years working in Tucson, Arizona; beloved grandthe business office and was the children Athena Poole and her library secretary for the Pocono husband, Alan of Magna, Utah, Jake Montgomery and his wife, Mountain School District. Her love of volunteering and Tina of Palm Coast, Florida, Kaitlyn Watto and her fiancé, being active within her community started at just 12 years Joseph Steibel of Selinsgrove, Miles Watto and his wife, Jillian old when she was awarded of Red Lion, Danika Reynolds Citizen of the Year and later the YMCA Alvin MacWilliams and her husband, Andrew of Randolph, New Jersey, Award. Shirley volunteered Emily Watto of Pittsburgh, and with the Girl Scouts, was a Benjamin Watto of Pittsburgh; founder of the YMCA Mount beloved great-grandchildren Reef Pocono branch, and was a Montgomery; and Logan Watto. 60-year life member for the Pastor Peter Richert conductPocono Mountain Volunteer Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary ed a service July 27 at Bolock where she served as president, Funeral Home, 6148 Paradise Valley Road, Cresco. Burial treasurer, and secretary. She followed at St. Paul’s Cemetery, was an auditor for the Mount Swiftwater. Pocono Borough, and volunIn lieu of flowers, memorial teered with Meals on Wheels. Shirley was of the Methodist donations may be made to the Mount Pocono United Methodfaith and a lifelong member ist Church, 12 Church Ave, Mt of the Mount Pocono United Pocono, Pa 18344, or the Methodist Church, where she Pocono Mountain Volunteer taught Sunday School. In her Fire Company 20 Murray spare time, Shirley enjoyed sewing and solving puzzles, but Street, Mount Pocono, PA 18344. most of all loved crafting with


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