LAKE NEWS
VOL. 31, NO. 1
VOL. 31, NO. 1
January 2025
©2024, Lake News. All rights reserved. A CANWIN publication
Ruth Isenberg, Editor
Seth Isenberg, Ads / Distribution Publishers
(Continuing the work of founders Frank Pieri and Mary Farnschlader, 1995 – 2018) Lake News is published monthly for the enjoyment of Lake Harmony area residents and visitors. Copies are free and are mailed to Lake Harmony box holders. Find additional copies at The Country Peddler and at selected area businesses.
Subscriptions are also available, for $24 by first class mail, or $15 as a PDF via e-mail. Mail your check to CANWIN at 211 Main St., White Haven PA 18661. E-mail us at lakenewslakeharmony@gmail.com Call us at 570-215-0204, Seth x1 and Ruth x2
To submit an article or photo, use the above e-mail, or give us a call. Articles may be accepted or rejected. If accepted, they will be edited. Submitted items can be returned by arrangement. Articles appearing in Lake News may not be reprinted without permission of Lake News or CANWIN newspapers. Mailing address is 211 Main St., White Haven PA 18661.
Kidder Township Office 570 722-0107
Kidder Township Police (non-emergency #) 570 722-0192
Lake Harmony Vol. Fire Co. (non-emergency #) 570 722-8138
Lake Harmony Rescue Squad (non-emergency #) 570 722-1782
For emergencies, call 911. If you do not live in an area served by 911, call 570 325-9111.
Kidder Township Supervisor meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of each month at the township building, and unless otherwise noted, begin at 5:00 PM. Notices of special meetings are posted at the township building and advertised. Planning meetings are held the 1st Wednesday at 6 PM; Zoning meetings, the last Monday at 6 PM; EAC, the second Wednesday at 7 PM. The public is welcome.
Trina Wolford submitted this photo 0f Moonrise at Big Boulder. We cropped it for the cover, but here is the whole thing. Below is another photo she submitted, of sunrise on Big Boulder Lake.
If you would like to submit photos for the next Lake News, please send them to lakenewslakeharomony@gmail.com in as high a resolution as possible. We’ve received some very good shots that are just too low resolution to reproduce.
At Shenanigans
Events at shenaniganslh.com
Karaoke, DJs and Dancing in Boomers Night Club
Fri. & Sat. 9 p.m. -1 a.m.
Jan. 18 Fuzzy Park Band, 5-9 p.m.
Jan. 19 John Simo, 8-11 p.m.
Jan. 25 The Benny Band, 5-9 p.m.
Feb. 1 Bayou Risin’, 5-9 p.m.
Feb. 8 Fuzzy Park Band, 5-9 p.m.
Feb. 15 CC Music, 5-9 p.m.
Feb. 16 Ric Toole Band, 9 p.m.
Feb. 22 Who Knows Band, 5-9 p.m.
At Boulder View Tavern
(All 6-9 p.m. except as noted
Jan. 16 Andrew Tirado
Jan. 17 Erin McClelland
Jan. 18 Timy Fitz & Mark
Jan. 23 Erin McClelland
Jan. 24 Ashley Marquez
Jan. 25 Sol Katana
Jan. 30 Erin MClelland
Jan. 31 Regina Sayles
Feb. 1 Tim Harakal
Feb. 6 Hannah Noel
by Mark Peterson
Hazard Run, a local ski slope no longer in operation, has a rich history that dates to the early 19th century. The story begins in 1808 with a partnership between Josiah White and Erskine Hazard in Philadelphia. Their business ventures eventually grew into the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company (LCNC) in 1822. By the late 19th century, LCNC had significantly expanded its land holdings, encompassing 45,000 acres in the Pocono Plateau.
In 1941, LCNC designated a large portion of that land to develop Split Rock Lodge and Cottages, a hunting and fishing retreat for company executives on the shores of Lake Harmony. The following year, a modest ski run named Hazard Run after Erskine Hazard was laid out from the summit near the split rock formation. It featured an elevation of 2,060 feet (628 m) and a vertical drop of 250 feet (76 m). In 1946, a second and larger trail was carved from nearby Lake Mountain, known as Big Boulder. Both ski slopes
See SKIING HAZARD, page 8
Continued from page 6
were initially managed by the Split Rock Ski Club until Big Boulder was sold in 1947, becoming Pennsylvania’s first commercial ski resort.
Hazard Run remained part of the resort as Split Rock Ski Area and ski packages were offered to guests staying at the Lodge. For many years, it operated as a typical resort-run ski area with two short slopes where skiers were pulled uphill by rope tows. A toboggan chute ran the length of the slope, and snowmaking equipment ensured consistent skiing conditions. In
1963, a T-bar and J-bar replaced the rope tows and an upgraded T-bar system was introduced in 1968. After Vacation Charters Limited acquired the resort in 1981, the ski area was expanded to
Continued from page 8
cover 40 acres with six trails serviced by a double chairlift and the T-bar in 1983.
I remember learning how to ski at Hazard Run in the 1960s. I was eight years old, and it took me several tries before I could ride the T-bar without crumpling into a mess of skis and poles askew. In later years, when Lon Schultz was running the ski school, we enjoyed night skiing on Fridays. It was a fun time, with hot chocolate in the Quonset hut at the base of the mountain
for the kids and wine for the adults. On those evenings, we skied a “torchlight parade,” with a line of skiers holding flares in each hand as we traversed back and forth down the darkened slope. (It was fun until you noticed the burn marks on your ski jacket.)
Although it was a place where fond memories were made, little Hazard Run couldn’t compete with the “Big Two” ski areas, JFBB. After 62 years of operation, the decision was made to close the Split Rock Ski Area at the end of the 2003-2004 season. Today, people can be seen sledding down the hill when there is snow on the ground. It is also a great place for summer festivals or for hiking up to Split Rock to enjoy the impressive views.
Speaking of impressive, have you seen the selection of winter sports equipment at Peterson’s Ski and Cycle in Blakeslee? You’ll find snowshoes, cross-country and downhill skis, snowboards, clothing, goggles, souvenirs, hoodies, toys, bikes, and more at this iconic Pocono Mountains family business that has been serving the area for over 30 years. Not ready to commit to the skiing lifestyle? Peterson’s Ski and Cycle offers rental equipment at prices lower than those at local ski areas. Stop in and say hello or visit us online at www. petersonsskiandcycle.com. We hope to “ski” you soon!
Lake Harmony Volunteer Fire Co. is proud to announce its upcoming blood drive, an event dedicated to saving lives and supporting the health and well-being of our community. The blood drive will take place on Friday, February 7, from 12:30 to 5 p.m., at the Lake Harmony Fire Company, 257 Lake Harmony Road, Lake Harmony, PA 18624.
This critical initiative is being held in partnership with the American Red Cross, aiming to address the ongoing need for blood donations in our area. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, and one donation can save up to three lives.
“As first responders, we witness firsthand the importance of having a readily available blood supply,” said Krystal Fiorito, Firefighter/EMT, Pediatric Emergency Coordinator and Blood Program Leader. “Hosting a blood drive is a natural extension of our mission to protect and serve. It’s an opportunity for our neighbors to come together and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.”
See BLOOD DRIVE, page 16
At Boulder View Tavern
(All 6-9 p.m. except as noted
Feb. 7 Hannah Noel
Feb. 8 Tony Alosi
Feb. 13 Regina Sayles
Feb. 14 Andrew Moses
Feb. 15 Timmy Fitz & Mark
Feb. 20 Erin McClelland
Feb. 21 The Frost Duo
Feb. 22 Sol Katana
Feb. 27 Ashley Marquez
Feb. 28 The Two Taboo
For more dates, www.boulderviewtavern. com/events
The Pub @ the hub
Music Friday and Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m.
Jan. 17 Solkatana
Jan. 18 Zac Lawless
Jan. 24 Jim Roberti
Jan. 25 Brian Smith
Jan. 31 Dina Hall
Feb. 1 Chris Zelenka
Feb. 7 Andrew Moses
Feb. 8 Justin Skylar
Feb. 15 Nina Peterson
Feb. 16 John Simoson
Feb. 21 Hannah Noel
Feb. 22 Tim Fitzpatrick
Feb. 28 Solkatana
At Holy Ghost Distillery & Tasting House on Route 940
Tours, tasting experiences
Jan. 19 Drunken Story Tellers, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 26 Certified Bourbon Steward Workshop, 11 a.m.
Jan. 31, Feb. 1, Feb. 2 Celebrating Hot Chocolate Day, 1 p.m.
Feb. 14 & 15
Bourbon and Chocolate
Pairing with Janice “McNamee” Sepcoski, 11:30 a.m.
Feb. 14, 15 & 16 Cocktails for 2… For Friends, Lovers and others! 1 p.m.
Feb. 22
Bourbon and Smoked Cheeses
Pairing with Janice “McNamee” Sepcoski, 11 a.m.
Feb. 22
Bourbon and Smoked Cheeses
Pairing with Janice “McNamee” Sepcoski, 11 a.m.
Reservations needed for all events. More info, www.holyghostdistillery.com
At Mauch Chunk Opera House mcohjt.com
Jan. 17 The Rush Experience
Jan. 18 Mamma Mania - NYC’s Premier Abba Show
Jan. 25
SuperUnknown - The Legacy of Chris Cornell
At Mauch Chunk Opera House
mcohjt.com
Jan. 31 FJ - A tribute to Foreigner & Journey Featuring Constantine Maroulis
Feb. 1 Us & Floyd
Feb. 6 Joshua Finsel - Album Release Celebration
Feb. 7 Eaglemania - The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band
Feb. 8 The Mighty Manatees play Marley
Feb. 14 33 1/3 LIVE’s Killer Queen Experience
Feb. 15 The ELO Tribute Show
Feb. 21 Neighbor
Feb. 22 Savoy Truffle - the Music of George Harrison
Feb. 28 The Stranger - Tribute to Billy Joel
At Pennspeak.com
Doors open at 7, shows at 8 unless noted
Jan. 18 Satisfaction -The International Rolling Stones Show
Jan. 19 All You Need Is Love - All-Star Celebration of The Beatles
Jan. 24 Umphrey’s McGee -Cruising Altitude 2025 Tour
Jan. 25 Rickey Medlocke’s Blackfoot w/ Peacemaker
Jan. 31 Jessie’s Girl-Back to the 80’s Show
Feb. 1 TUSK - The Classic Fleetwood Mac Tribute
Feb. 7 The Sixties Show
Feb. 8 Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band - Winter Beach Party
Feb. 14 Atmosphere - Imagine the Fun Tour
Feb. 15 Sugar Mountain - Celebrating the Genius of Neil Young
At MoheganSunArenaPA.com
Wilkes-Barre
Penguins Ice Hockey
Jan. 31 NEPA Home & Garden Show
Feb. 20 Jeff Dunham
Feb. 23 Harlem Globetrotters
Feb. 27-March 1 PIAA District II High School Basketball Championships
At Kirby Center for Performing Arts, Kirbycenter.org
Wilkes-Barre
Jan. 18 Kenny & Dolly Tribute Show
At PPLCenter.com
Allentown
Phantoms Ice Hockey
mountairycasino.com Mt. Pocono
Continued from page 12
Community members who wish to participate are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance by visiting https://www.redcrossblood. org/give.html/donation-time or scan the QR code below. Walk-ins are also welcome, but appointments are highly recommended to minimize wait times. Donors must meet basic eligibility requirements, which include being in good health, at least 16 years old (with parental consent where required) and meeting minimum weight criteria.
To show our appreciation, Lake Harmony Fire Co. will provide light refreshments and a small token of thanks to all donors. Additionally, donors will have the opportunity to tour the fire station and meet the brave men and women who serve our community.
“This event is more than just a blood drive; it’s a celebration of community resilience and compassion,” said Fire Chief Ralph Lennon. “We’re excited to see our neighbors come together for such an important cause.”
Join us in making a difference and helping those in need. Together, we can ensure that blood is
available whenever and wherever it is needed. For more information about the blood drive or Lake Harmony Volunteer Fire Company, please contact Krystal Fiorito at wfirefighter37@aol.com
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education in the United States. Founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, it is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The organization focuses on a range of services, including disaster response, blood donation drives, health and safety training, support for military families, and international relief efforts. Guided by its mission to alleviate human suffering, the Red Cross relies on volunteers, donations, and partnerships to deliver its programs and respond to crises worldwide.
Join a Kettle Creek Environmental Educator on Friday, January 24, or Friday, February 7, for a field trip to the upper Delaware River in search of our national symbol, the Bald Eagle. Once a rare sight, many wintering and resident eagles now inhabit this region and the probability for sightings is high.
Meet at the EE Center at 8:30 a.m. and return by 5 p.m. Cost is $35 per person and includes bus transportation.
Participants should pack a lunch and binoculars and dress for the weather. Stops will be made for coffee and snacks. Registration and payment are required one week in advance. Seating is limited. Refunds will be given only if notification is made at least one week in advance.
To register or for more information, call the Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center at (570) 629-3061.
The Annual Tobyhanna Millpond #1 Ice Harvest is planned for Saturday, January 25, from approximately 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., provided we have sufficient ice. Come out and see how ice was harvested over a century ago. All are welcome to help cut ice, guide the ice cakes to the icehouse, and store the ice in the icehouse.
Walker, owner
As of late December, we had about 3″ of ice on the millpond, but a weather forecast for a cold January. For the past two years, the ice was too thin for harvesting. Last winter, in late January, we had only 3″ of ice, and the previous year, the ice was barely 1″ thick on the harvest date. The ice had been 10″ thick in late December that year, but it completely melted in less than a week. On the other hand, during the winter of 2021/22, the lake did not freeze over until January 3, and we had 16″ of ice for the harvest later in January.
This free event is organized by the Leonard/Saxe families with financial support from the Coolbaugh Township Historical Association.
Check the Ice Harvest Hotline at 570-894-8205 for updates on ice conditions.
It's the perfect time to embrace change and explore new beginnings. Whether you're dreaming of a cozy cabin in the woods or the perfect lake house for family gatherings, a fresh start in a new space can bring endless opportunities. Let's make this year one of growth, adventure, and happiness. Feel free to contact me directly and I will open the door for you.
The cover shot was of Nick’s Lake House, taken by Anne Martino, showing a snow covered lodge reflected in the icy lake. The building looked far different than it does today, clearly showing its roots as the Lake Harmony Lodge.
As always, 18624 provided a wealth of information about what was happening at The Lake 25 years ago. For example:
McGinley’s hosted their annual Christmas party on Sunday night, December 19th.
The Mountain’s Edge, formerly the Blue Heron Grille, reopened in November. They have their liquor license and have Happy Hour from 5 to 7 PM, Monday through Friday.
Hope and Marty Frankel flew south on Christmas Day and embarked on a Caribbean cruise with ports of call in San Juan, St. Lucia, Curacao and Aruba. What a great way to ring in the new Millennium!
See ARCHIVES, page 21
Continued from page 20
The Tarpockets, formerly known in the area as The Peterson Band, won the Battle of Bands held at the Pocono Brewing Co. November 24th. the competition began with 24 bands, went down to 4 and The Tarpockets prevailed!
Laylor Joyce fractered his left humerus bonde in three places and suffered a torn rotator cuff, requiring Christmas Eve surgery. He is home recuperating. We hear that he doesn’t need a radio to hear music; he can pick up FM stations with the pins and wiring in his arm.
The Kidder Township superevisors were dealing with Act 537 Plan issues, calling for the installation of a sewer system for all properties (in Lake Harmony) except thos in the Split Rock developments. Each housing unit was to have agrinder pump installed, with treatment at the Big Boulder waste water treatment plant. Estimated cost was $7 million.
Holiday Pocono/Albrightsville and Pocono Mountain Lake Estates were surveyed, but it determined to be economically unsound to be sewered.
by Ruth Isenberg
Ray Gluck was tapped to retain his position as chair of the Kidder Township Board of Supervisors by unanimous vote at their January 6 reorganization meeting. Wilson Klotzman will serve as vice-chairman.
Klotzman was also appointed as roadmaster.
Atty. Robert Yurchak was reappointed township solicitor, with an annual retainer of $6,000 and an hourly rate of $100. He was also appointed as Planning Commission solicitor.
Cindy Norato was approved as secretary/ treasurer with a $200,000 bond, and manager Suzanne Brooks was named assistant secretary/ treasurer, also with a bond of $200,000.
ARRO Engineering was named township engineers on a split vote, with supervisor Bruce Berger voting no, and Gluck, Klotzman, Torres and Louis Pantages voting yes.
Meetings were set for 5:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Berger voted no, preferring the fourth Thursday at 5 p.m. The solicitor will be consulted, and it may be changed if he is available then.
In a special meeting supervisors approved incurring a lease not to exceed $91,240.69 for a 2025 Ford Police Utility Vehicle.
The reorganization was preceded by a hearing on a proposed volunteer service credit/stipend program for Kidder Township Emergency Services. See KIDDER, page 24
by Christine A. Gilliar-Feller
Postal Service continues to offer a great value for shipping with our reliable service to the American people.
from page 22
There were few comments on the proposal. Charlotte Blackwell asked if the program was active in any other local townships. Gluck said that it was, and the solicitor used some of the data from those areas to set up the Kidder program.
Eugene Getz, of Albrightsville Volunteer Fire Company, noted that he is no longer able to fight fires because of his health. He asked if he was still eligible for the program.
Supervisor Noel Torres answered that the program was designed so that board members in good standing, who participate in fundraising and maintenance of the company, would be eligible.
Blackwell asked if the number of required hours of service would be spelled out. Gluck said that details would be included in a resolution that would be adopted at a future meeting.
Pricing actions part of balanced approach under “Delivering for America,” the Postal Service’s 10-year plan for achieving financial sustainability and service excellence.
Rate changes will support the $40 billion of investments in people, technology, and infrastructure and continue the modernization and improvement of the Postal Service’s operations and customer experience.
As we previously announced, the Postal Service will not be raising prices
in January for our Mailing Services, therefore, the price of a First-Class stamp will remain unchanged.
The Postal Service filed notice with the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) for
Shipping Services price changes to take effect January 19, 2025. The proposed adjustments were approved by the Governors of the USPS this week.
The change would
Located at 520 Main St. White Haven PA 18661 (570) 443-9044
•We offer a Family Friendly, smoke-free dining experience. •Serving a wide variety of both Tavern food and full dinners from Noon - 9 p.m. Dine-in or Take-out. •Bar is open from Noon-10 p.m. 7 days a week.
from page 24
raise Shipping Services prices approximately 3.2 percent for Priority Mail service and Priority Mail Express service, 3.9 percent for USPS Ground Advantage and 9.2 percent for Parcel Select.
Although Mailing Services price increases are based on the consumer price index, Shipping Services prices are primarily adjusted according to market conditions. The governors believe these new rates will keep the Postal Service
competitive while providing the agency with needed revenue. As we previously announced, the Postal Service will not be raising prices in January for our Mailing Services.
As a strategic part of the Delivering for America 10-year plan, these proposed changes will support the Postal Service in creating a revitalized organization capable of achieving our public service mission — providing a nationwide, integrated network for the delivery of mail and packages at least six days a week — in a cost-effective and
financially sustainable manner over the long term, just as the U.S. Congress has intended.
The PRC will review the changes before they are scheduled to take effect. The complete Postal Service price filing, with prices for all products, can be found on the PRC website under the Daily Listings section at prc. gov/dockets/daily. The Competitive Products filing is Docket No. CP2025-1. The price tables are also available on the Postal Service’s Postal Explorer website at pe.usps.com/ PriceChange/Index.
Postal Products Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/ shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at select Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on
Amazon. The stories behind the stamps and more are available at stampsforever.com.
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The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be selffinancing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to 169 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10year transformation plan, Delivering for America, to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands.
The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter; Instagram; Pinterest; Threads and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS
See PO NOTES, page 26
from page 25
YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.
As always, We thank you for your business
April Shaner, Postmaster
Christine A.
Gilliar-Feller, Sales Service Associate, fancy for clerk Window hours, Monday–Friday 8-11:30 a.m., 1-4:45 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Lobby hours
6 a.m. to 8 p.m. 365 days a year, 7 days a week 570-722-8524
Doyle Heffley, left, takes oath of office, with wife Kelly holding Bible.
Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) took the oath of office Tuesday, January 7, to begin a new term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
“It is truly an honor to serve the people of Carbon County, and I am deeply humbled by the trust and support they have shown me. I am committed to doing my absolute best to represent the needs and interests of our community in Harrisburg. The work ahead is important, and I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to address the challenges we face. As a strong supporter of property tax relief, I am dedicated to finding solutions that lower costs for working families and seniors. I am confident that common ground can be found on these critical issues while at the same time, not compromising our core values. I truly appreciate folks entrusting me with this responsibility, and I will serve them with dedication and integrity.”
Pennsylvania Senator David Argall is sworn into office for an additional term as the state senator for Schuylkill, Carbon, and southern Luzerne counties.
Shown from left are Sen. Wayne Langerholc (R-35), Sen. Kim Ward (R-39), Sen. Dave Argall (R-29), Sen. Elder Vogel (R47), and Sen. Joe Pittman (R-41).
Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) was sworn into office Tuesday, January 7, for an additional term as the state senator for Schuylkill, Carbon, and southern Luzerne counties.
“I was honored that every single precinct in the 29th district, from Pitman to the Poconos, voted to send me back to Harrisburg as their voice in our state senate,” said Argall. “My main goal remains the same: to continue to work with my local
partners to breathe new life into all of our towns across this senate district.”
Argall was appointed the chair of the Senate Majority Policy Committee for the 2025-26 legislative session by President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39). In this role, Argall will crisscross the state,
holding public hearings and workshops on a wide range of issues facing Pennsylvanians. The committee kicked off its slate of hearings recently in Hamburg, where it examinde how to reuse long-vacant state properties such as the closed White Haven Center.
“Chairing the
See ARGALL, page 31
Continued from page 30
Majority Policy Committee allows me to examine a great variety of legislative ideas through public hearings and careful review, including the shortage of quality housing, the spread of blight, and the impact of crime on our largest cities and smallest
Furniture, Large Screen TVs, Appliances, Pianos, Anything Big/Small, 1 Piece or Truck Load, Moving Loading/Unloading & Rearranging, Houses, Garages, Basements Cleared
neighborhoods,” said Argall.
Argall reminds any of his constituents who need assistance with state-related issues to contact his district offices in Hazleton, Pottsville, Mahanoy City, and Weissport, which are open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. He also encourages all who wish to keep up to date with state government news and local happenings to subscribe to his weekly e-newsletter and follow him on Facebook.