Lake News, March-April 2023

March–April 2023

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.

Best laid plans…

by Ruth Isenberg

…or, When it rains, it pours.

A recent incident with a deep pothole (NOT at The Lake) has introduced me to the world of casts and crtuches. My broken ankle is giving me a new appreciation for the ADA accommodations that provide access to public places.

It’s also given me an even deeper appreciation for the kindness of strangers, and the love of my family and friends. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to help those of us who temporarily, or permanently, need a little assistance.

Needless to say, I am very glad this happened in March instead of January. While we still need to be prepared for snow, it now melts quickly. The day of my surgery, it reached 60°, and as John Denver so eloquently said, “Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy.” With any luck, I’ll be able to spend time out on my patio as I heal.

Back to the title, best laid plans. We had some activities planned this spring that won’t happen, others that will but in a different way. But we will be out and about, enjoying all that spring has to offer, just keeping a better eye out for hazards.

LOCAL CONTACT INFORMATION

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 MEETINGS

Kidder Township Supervisor meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of each month at the township building, and unless otherwise noted, begin at 6:30 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. Some meetings are being held online due to COVID restrictions.

Entertainment Around Lake Harmony

At Shenanigans

Karaoke in Boomers Fri. & Sat. 9 p.m. -1 a.m.

Sat March 25 – Benny Band – 5 to 9 p.m.

At Boulder View Tavern

Fri Mar 24- Tom Acker

Sat Mar 25- Adam McKinley

Thu & Fri Mar 30 & 31 - Erin McClelland

Sat April 1- To Be Announced

Thu April 6- Erin McClelland

Fri April 7- Tony Alosi

Sat April 8- Andrew Moses

Thur April 13- Bill Hoffman

Fri April 14- The Frost Duo

Sat Apr 15- Timmy Fitz & Mark Nourick

Thu April 20- Adam McKinley

Fri April 21- Erin McClelland

Sat April 22- Andrew Tirado

Thu April 27- Tom Acker

Fri April 28- Justin Skyler

Sat April 29- Hannah Noel

Entertainers from 6 to 9 p.m. except as noted

At Mauch Chunk Opera House

Doors open at 7, shows at 8 unless noted

Fri March 24- Start Making Sense (Talking Heads)

Sat March 25- Kashmir (Led Zeppelin Tribute)

Fri March 31 -Comedy Night w/Rich Vos

Sat April 1- Soulshine (Allman Brothers tribute)

Thu April 6- 7:30 - Mystery City - Classic Rock hits

Fri April 7- B-Street Band (Bruce Springsteen tribute)

Sat April 8- Beyond Purple - The Best of Deep Purple

Fri April 14- Vanilla Fudge

Sat April 15- Bad Animals - Tribute to Heart

Thu - Sun April 20,21,22,23- Jim Thorpe

Independent Film Festival

See ENTERTAINMENT, page 5

322 Main Street

White Haven PA 18661

Welcome to your new favorite yarn community + store. We’re crazy about great yarns, fun classes, rad kits and quality tools at all price points.

— Colorful Yarns For Spring —

Call for class schedules in knit and crochet (570) 401-3239

Thimbleberryyarn.com

Entertainment Around Lake Harmony

At Mauch Chunk Opera House

Doors open at 7, shows at 8 unless noted

Thu April- 27 7:30 Dustin Douglas & The Electric Gentlemen

Fri April 28- Jingo - Tribute to Santana

Sat April 29- Velvet Stardust Rock Show cabaret/ burlesque

mcohjt.com

At Pennspeak.com

Fri Mar 24 – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Fri Mar 31 – Peter Noone Herman’s Hermits

Fri April 14- Josh Turner

Sun April 16- The Monkees celebrated by Micky Dolenz

Fri April 21- Old Crow Medicine Show

Sun April 23- Little Feat

Thurs April 27- Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken

Coming: Travis Tritt 5-18, Los Lobos 6-9, Happy Together 6-15, America 6-16, Three Dog Night 6-23

Kirby Center for Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre

Sat March 25 – BADLEES record release

Sat April 1 – Sam Morril (comedy)

Wed April 12 - STOMP (theater)

Fri April 14 - Free Beer & Hot Wings show Kirby Center.org

Wilkes-Barre Penguins Hockey at the Mohegan Sun Arena

Home games 7 p.m. (6:05 Saturdays, 5 on Sunday Mar 25 26 & 29, April 1, 5, & 15 – wbspenguins.com

MoheganSunArenaPA.com

Sat April 8 Kenny Chesney

Mon April 10 Shinedown

May 5 to 7 Monster Jam

Poconos Park, Bushkill, PA

Lost Highway Motorcycle Show and Concert

Fri May 19 – Lynyrd Skynyrd

Sat & Sun May 20 & 21 – Marshall Tucker Band Rick Monroe & The Hitmen, more losthighwayshow.com

Memories and Musings

Some shared memories from John Killoran, Jr. – now retired and full-time here, with wife Sherri, in Lake Harmony.

I started skiing back when I was 13. My old neighbor across the street was Karl Gutmans. His father Kurt, an old WWII German army officer, took us skiing to Jack Frost. He gave me old leather boots with the metal buckles that barely fit and made my feet blister. The skis had runaway straps so your skis didn’t fly away when the bindings released. We went off a small jump that made you feel like you were flying 30 feet in the air.

I was such a teen rebel. I wasn’t going to conform to what a skier wore. My wardrobe was an Army jacket, jeans and a cigarette - now that was cool!

The old Boulder lodge with its large timber, ceilings and giant glass window looking out onto the big boulder expert ski slope. Watching skiers come down the mountain, and practically crashing through the window was always a laugh. It was the place to be. Christmas time, there was a giant tree in the middle of the lodge, and it seemed like the Daisy Jug Band performed every weekend, playing their crazy instruments and encouraging the crowd to drink from there… Beer bong, guzzler.

Big Boulder had plenty of events. It seemed like there was something new every weekend. We had bump competitions, jump competitions, races and winter carnival. There were sponsors like Cuervo, Newport and Marlboro cigarettes, giveaways, hats, scarves, jackets… It seemed like five years in a row there was nobody in the tri state area that didn’t have a green hat and a pink pom-pom that said Newport. And if you didn’t have a hat, you probably had a T-shirt. I got married in ‘91 and then came the kids. I never thought I’d be able to have everybody ski, yet alone ski and snowboard. In ‘98 we

bought a townhome in SRV. JF was a vibrant rental community with all kinds of activities thru four seasons. Winter came and I was fortunate enough to put the kids in the JF Snowmonster program - for $300 per child you would get 2 lessons a day a lift ticket and rental for the season. It took a couple weeks and my kids graduated to the kids’ in-house race team.

When my daughter Kelly turned 14, she became a junior instructor. The boys, after winning some medals, decided their time would be better spent skiing and snowboarding than racing for medals.

JF was so much fun. It seemed every week-

end was a different theme event or entertainment. Snowtubing was a big deal. There were demo days, the Subaru festival got bigger every year, Philly radio stations WXTU country and WMMR (twice a year) had entertainment and discount lift tickets.

In my 50 +years skiing JFBB, I’ve developed a ton of friends and family. We have all skied around the country and the world. Our ski investment was and is where you came from. All you Pocono peeps know who you are, far too many to mention, and the stories could go on forever.

Fill out the Vail questionnaires and surveys. Bring back the Fun!

Exceptional happens at our health institutes.

2023 Jim Thorpe Area Running Festival set to return April 29 and 30

The 5th annual Jim Thorpe Area Running Festival presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network returns the weekend of April 29 and 30. This annual event celebrates the rich history and beautiful scenery of the Jim Thorpe area, while promoting healthy lifestyles and physical activity.

This year the Festival has teamed up with Together With Veterans of Carbon County, a charitable non-profit working to prevent suicide among those who have already given so much to our country. The Festival will also benefit the Jim Thorpe Community Watch and the White Haven Area Community Library.

The Festival offers a variety of races for runners of all abilities. Participants can choose from a 7-miler, a half marathon, or a Boston Qualifying full marathon. Each race offers stunning views of the Lehigh River and scenic wilderness of the Pocono Mountains. For Sunday’s events, the 7-miler and full marathon, participants will take the Reading and Blue Mountain Northern scenic railway to the starting lines.

“We are thrilled to bring the JTARF back for its fifth year,” said race director, Michael Ragozzino of The RUNegades. “It’s a great opportunity for runners to challenge themselves, while experiencing the quaint charm and incredible energy of the Jim Thorpe community.”

After the races, participants will head into town for a “whistle stop” tour of bars and restaurants offering special deals for runners.

Registration for the 2023 Jim Thorpe Area Running Festival is now open. All participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt and finisher medal.

“We encourage runners of all levels to join us,” added Ragozzino. “Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, the Jim Thorpe Area

Running Festival offers a unique and unforgettable experience in a gorgeous setting for a great cause.”

For more information about the 2023 Jim Thorpe Area Running Festival, including registration, race details, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, visit the event website www.runjimthorpe. com.

The Hippie 5k is back

The Hippie 5K Run/Walk returns on Saturday, April 15. This family-friendly event is an official “Get Your Tail on the Trail” run/ walk starting from the Lehighton trailhead. Rain date is April 16th.

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and the run at 9:30 a.m. Registration fee is $35 per person with a discount for teams of 3 or more.

Enjoy FREE on-site refreshments and the live broadcast by the Colossal Community Podcast. Medals will be awarded for different age categories ranging from 14 years old and younger, to 70 plus.

Be sure to dress in your hippie best. A prize will be awarded to the best dressed hippie.

This event would not be possible without our groovy sponsors—

St. Luke’s Carbon,Lehighton

Outdoor Center, Lehighton

Walmart, Rotary Clubs of Carbon County, and Lehigh Carbon Community College.

Proceeds fund the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation/ Business Education scholarship fund. Follow https:// tinyurl.com/ Hippierun23 for up to date information.

Read-A-Thon for Library

For the first time ever, The Dimmick will be holding a fundraising competition where patrons compete to raise money for the library by reading as much as possible in a 24 hour period. A majority of the event will take place online, where we’ll have videos from our staff and volunteers to encourage you to continue reading toward your goal.

We’ll also be holding a kick-off event at the library on April 1 from 1-4 p.m. where readers of all ages can participate in the Read-a-Thon challenges for a chance to win prizes. Challenges vary from activities like the first patron to write a book review to the most creative handmade bookmark. We’ll have snack stations, break stations, and comfy places to lounge while you read (and we certainly encourage you to bring your own and come in your pjs).

Plus, the person that finishes the Read-a-Thon with the most pages read will win our grand prize, which we’ll be announcing soon and trust us, it’s going to be pretty exciting.

To sign up, send an email to dimmickevents@ gmail.com and we’ll send you all the details.

Bach and Handel Chorale continues 38th season

The Bach and Handel Chorale, based in Jim Thorpe, conducted by Maestro Randall Douglas Perry, will perform two concerts in April and one in June.

•Palm/Passion Concert on Palm Sunday, April 2, 4 p.m. in the Lutheran Church of St. John in the Heights, 319 South Avenue in Jim Thorpe. The Chorale will present a short cantata with readings entitled “Lenten Canticles” by John Leavitt. The Rev. William Thompson, co-pastor at St. John’s, will be the reader. Free will offering.

•Easter Concert April 16, as part of the concert series at Jerusalem Lutheran Church, 252 Dock Street in Schuylkill Haven, 3 p.m., with various anthems for the Easter and spring seasons. Freewill offering.

The final concert of the 38th season will be held in historic St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 21 Race Street in Jim Thorpe, 3 p.m. Saturday, June 3. Maestro Perry and the chorale will be joined by the 21 member Bach and Handel Festival Orchestra in presenting choruses from cantatas and oratorios of Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel. Please consult the chorale website at www.bhchorale.org for information on admission and tickets.

Out in the Open Stocking Now, Trout Fishing Soon

by Alex Zidock

Trucks from the various fish hatcheries throughout the state are rumbling on major highways and backroads of Pennsylvania, bringing trout to Commonwealth waters. It’s happening now. The statewide trout season opens at 8 a.m. Saturday, April 1. No joke!

Pre-season and in-season, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will stock about 3.2 million trout of combined species for anglers in 2023. The fish will be put into 697 streams and 126 lakes around the Commonwealth. And if you care about the breakdown, there will be about 2.3 million Rainbow Trout, 707,000 Brown Trout, and 168,000 Brook Trout. And they all will be over legal catchable size and measure at least 11 inches.

Looking for a wall-hanger trout? Pennsylvania will mix about 70,000 brood fish, between 2.5 and 3.5 years old Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout in the 14 to 20-inch category.

And to the delight of eager anglers, the Commission will include golden Rainbow Trout. These fish feature a vibrant golden-orange pigmentation and tip the scales at a hefty pound and a half.

There is still some time to help or witness trout stocking in some areas. You can get the stocking schedule by visiting the Commission’s website, www.pfbc. pa.gov. Fish wardens in areas not accessible for PA Fish Commission trucks always welcome helping hands to carry five-gallon buckets to the water’s edge to stock the fish. Where boat ramps are available, the trucks can get close enough to move the fish from the truck to the water through a large flexible pipe.

Anyone age 16 and older must have a fishing license, and various licenses are available from many locations or online. My wife JoAnne and I purchased

See TROUT, page 15

Trout

Continued from page 14

the Senior Lifetime Licenses when we turned 65 and have enjoyed free fishing ever since.

After the season opens on April 1, anglers can fish 24 hours a day, seven days a week until September 4. During that time, anglers can keep 5 trout of combined species at least 7 inches long. But check the Pennsylvania Fishing Summary for special regulation areas for those regulations where some impoundments do not allow harvest or the use of certain baits.

There’s a lot of discussion about the catch-and-release of trout fishing. The best rule of thumb is to keep only those fish you intend to eat when fishing in a lake or stream stocked with hatchery trout. We keep some stocked fish because we personally enjoy smoking some trout. However, if you are fishing in a stream with native Brook Trout or catch a lunker you would like to put back for someone else to enjoy catching, please practice catch and release. Brook Trout are Pennsylvania’s state fish, and the fun of catching a native brookie should be a joy for generations to come.

In areas where trout are stocked by way of a blue plastic tube from the stocking truck to the water, Waterways Conservation Officers (WCO’s) often offer the fun of stocking with a bucket to future fishermen and a grandpop.

(Photo by Alex Zidock)

Want to see the Lake News when you’re not at The Lake?

A PDF of each issue, delivered to your inbox, costs $15 for 1 year. E-mail lakenewslakeharmony@gmail.com to learn more. PDF versions of The Journal of the Pocono Plateau, The Journal of Penn Forest, and The Journal-Herald also available.

An oldie – back to the April 1999 issue from the LAKE NEWS Archives

Effective April 7, the new 570 area code will be the only one to use, as the old 717 prefix will no longer work hereabouts.

Candidates for the two Kidder Township board of supervisors seats are challengers Anne Martino, Lorraine Sloss, Jack Rodriquez, and former police chief Ron Gallagher on the Democrat side, and Republican incumbents Kord Spielmann and Kevin Nally. The primary election will take place Tuesday, May 18.

18624

“Billy Sloss broke his thumb in two places while skiing with the Junior Racers. Billy, age 5, is the son of Lorraine and Bill Sloss. His brother Bobby, age 3, also skis.”

See ARCHIVES, page 18

Mark McBrien Construction

April 1999, Continued from page 17

“Frank and Debby Schwartz hosted a January skating party on the frozen lake in front of their home. Cooking out under the snow was a new experience.”

“Joyce and Tom Bradley celebrated St. Patty’s Day with a party at their home on Saturday, March 3, following the Daisy Jug Band’s performance at Split Rock Resort.”

“Ginny and Dan Wolfe returned from an M&M collectors convention in Las Vegas, where Ginny was elected President of the organization.”

Area residents went to the Philadelphia Flower Show: Claire Farnschlader on Tuesday, Fran and John Wargo on Wednesday, and Gloria Raynock and Mary Farnschlader on Thursday.

Timberline Ski ‘N Sport recently bought Pocono Boat House. Both businesses will be located at the Timberline location on Route 940.

Pop’s Sport Spot in Pocono Lake will be open until midnight on April 16, the night before the open of this year’s trout season.

Carbon County is conducting a reassessment of all 46,000 properties in the county. The last reassessment was in the late 1960s. Data collectors with picture I.D.s, wearing “Carbon County Reassessment” baseball-style caps, will be out gathering the basic information to begin developing market values. Every property in Carbon County will be visited.

The Lake Harmony Association announced road clean-ups for 1999 on Saturdays April 24, July 31 and September 18.

Editor Mary attended the second annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in Jim Thorpe on March 14. She was part of a crowd of “several thousand”

See ARCHIVES, page 20

April 1999, Continued from page 18

who lined Broadway to enjoy bagpipe and drum bands, high school bands, “numerous chapters of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the horse drawn Yuengling Beer Wagon, the McCune School of Irish Step Dancing, Saint Patrick himself (more than one of him…), unicyclists, and many others too numerous to mention.”

“Snowflakes did not seem to dampen the enthusiasm of the spectators. Maybe it was the beer? Many spectators imbibed at the Molly Maguires before the parade.

“The group that I was part of watched the parade from in front of the home of Pete and Nancy McGinley. The beer truck was parked behind the house and the food was fantastic…”

The Pocono Ramada Inn’s pool is the site for a great workout in water aerobics led by Barbara Cuspilich Tuesday through Friday for an hour, starting at 9:30 a.m. A Monday night session was recently added, starting at 7. Cost is $2. Register at the Front Desk.

See ARCHIVES, page 21

April 1999, Continued from page 20

The ad for Country Peddler –“Serving Lake Harmony for over 20 years…

WE DO HOAGIES!!!

Lake Harmony’s ALL IN 1

Convenience Store & Deli

Ice – Wood – Propane – Ts Hoagies – Sundries – Fundies – Undies”

The 1999 Big Boulder and Jack Frost music festival schedule begins Memorial Day Weekend with The Poconos Greatest Irish Festival at Jack Frost. Mid-summer, the Pocono Blues Festival will fill Big Boulder on July 31 and August 1, followed by the Musical Gathering on the Mountain (60s music) August 8 & 9, and closing with the Pocono Biker Music Rally on August 14 & 15 (featuring John Kay & Steppenwolf).

Fiddler on the Roof comes to Pocono Playhouse for three weeks this summer, June 23 to 27, and again from August 11 to 22. The Playhouse’s Children’s Theatre Series presents Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory June 26 thru July 10,

followed by The Wizard of Oz July 17 to August 7.

The Village Squire Steak House advertised Mother’s Day Dinner with a special full course holiday menu.

Joey Dee’s Italian-American Restaurant in Albrightsville advertised pizzas and Italian foods, and the Jubilations Pub, featuring four TVs plus a giant ten foot TV screen – home of the exciting band “Jam”

The issue was 32 pages in black and white.

On the Road

A couple of days in Harrisburg were fit into our crazy schedule last month for some newspaper publisher training and networking. One of our publishing organizations held its regional meeting in early March, and our dogs came along. Bull and Spookie are good travelers, though Bull tends to try to climb up into the front seat with us. His big head often rests on my shoulder, or arm. When we need to have dinner or attend a meeting, they settle in for a sleep in the car.

After the first night’s meeting and dinner, we all settled into the hotel room. We brought a blanket for them to sleep on and set a water bowl down and food when it was time. We were in a beautifully laid out room on the first floor, with new everything. The hotel was in the midst of renovation.

The interstate was just a few hundred feet out back, so I set the hotel heating unit to high fan mode to mask the highway noise.

Our room was close to our meetings. It was also close to other conference rooms, and there was to be a wedding. It proved to be quite fancy some of us joked that we should be “crashers,” but they were dressed far more elegantly than we were.

We had a successful meeting, we learned things,

by Seth Isenberg

made some new friends, and generally had a good time.

One of my conference tasks was to pick up a publisher, a friend, at the Harrisburg train station. As we had brought the dogs, this meant loading up the dogs to make the pickup (I couldn’t leave the dogs alone in the room). It was a ten-minute ride, and as I arrived, our friend had just reached the front of the station. As a treat, I took her on a miniloop tour of the state capitol, past the statehouse and PA Museum before the quick ride back to the conference.

When I had to bring her back to the station the following day, I parked and paid the meter to accompany her into the station. The station’s front hall is a beautiful older design with polished wood and marble, but in the bridge area that extends over the tracks, the place had a distinctly old bus station feel old wood benches and a dingy paint scheme. When her train arrived, I went down to track level to see her in (and to experience a little bit of the Harry Potter movie…). I’d never done this before. As I made it back to my car, I was able to see the train slowly pull out towards Philadelphia and NYC.

See ON THE ROAD, page 26

Old Fashioned Service With Today’s Technology

Pocono Mountain Lakes Realty began modestly, with five agents in a small office in Brodheadsville in 2008. In the 13 years since, PMLR has grown exponentially. As of April 2021, Pocono Mountain Lakes Realty has offices in three highly sought after locations: The Jack Frost/Big Boulder Resort Area on the 940 Corridor in Blakeslee; Corner of Owego and Purdytown Turnpikes in Hawley, serving the entire Lake Wallenpaupack Region as well as the northern tier and NY state; and an office in New Milford, Susquehanna County, serving the Endless Mountains Region, up to and including New York state.

PMLR has 36 Full-Time Realtor Agents including 4 Broker Level Agents covering every territory from the foothills below Jim Thorpe through the Poconos and Endless Mountains, with multiple NY State Licensed agents as well. This Rock Star team of Realtors has access to state-of-the-art tools, as well as access to MLS in the following counties: Monroe, Carbon, Pike, Wayne, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, Wyoming, Bradford, and Sullivan. The expert agents at PMLR are perfectly equipped to handle sellers and buyers in all of these areas.

Pocono Mountain Lakes Realty prides itself on the basic operating principle: Provide professional, good old-fashioned neighborly service, while using the most up-to-date and modern technology to get the job done. This guiding principle has brought PMLR success in both Sales Volume and Team Growth, and in the past three years has ranked the company, according to PMAR statistics:

#1 Non Franchise Real Estate Office for Closed Sales Volume in the Pocono Mountains Association of Realtors - #9 Overall out of over 200 offices for Year 2021

Blakeslee Office 570-234-0633

(Jack Frost/Big Boulder/ Lake Harmony Area)

Hawley Office 570-234-0634

(Lake Wallenpaupack & Northern Tier Region)

New Milford 570-267-1565

(Endless Mountains Region)

On the Road

Continued from page 24

Harrisburg is under two hours from Lake Harmony. For a pleasure weekend based in Harrisburg, we’d likely have gone exploring in Lancaster County food, shopping, wines, and some gawking at Amish, and perhaps an afternoon at the PA State Railroad Museum. Harrisburg has the PA State Museum (free) and a very good Civil War museum. Hershey is also close with its chocolate tour, amusement park and a fine car museum. I needed to prepare for my surgery and hospital stay the following week, so sadly, we went home.

Coming up for next month, a New England road trip to see family with dogs ahead of the holidays.

Best wishes of good health to all.

LPGA Amateurs slate season kickoff

The LPGA Amateurs is the recreational side of the LPGA. The Pocono Chapter is one of over 100 national and global chapters, offering choices for multiple ability levels for playing women’s golf beginner to competitor.

This year the Pocono Chapter will provide two weekly twilight playing options for women golfers at Shawnee and Great Bear.

In addition to playing, the chapter provides educational info about golf, and offers weekend golf trips and chances for other play during the season.

The chapter also sponsors Girls’ Golf, which provides opportunity for young girls to learn and play the game.

Want to make new friends? Get back into your game? Looking for a new challenge? Or simply want to have fun ? We are here for you.

Attend our kickoff meeting, April 12, at 6 p.m. at Tom X Pub in East Stroudsburg. Find out about this women’s chapter of the LPGA Amateurs at our information session and see if we are right for you

To register for our kickoff session, visit https:// chapters.lpgaamateurs.com/home/chapter/PAPO or check us out on Facebook.

April Spa Specials

Ode to Lake Harmony

by Mark Peterson

This is a poem about a beautiful lake

In the west of the Pocono Mountains

Formed when the world was covered with ice For years that numbered in thousands.

As time marched on, jagged peaks wore down The rugged mountains softened their look Cold ice gave way to the green of the woods And the sound of the babbling brook

The first people arrived, and lived off the land Leni Lenape, Delaware, Susquehannock

Their spirit remains in the places they named Like Mauch Chunk, Tobyhanna, and Tunkhannock

When settlers arrived, this was called the Pine Swamp

It seemed a dark and mysterious space

But soon after that, many trees were cut down And train tracks were then put in their place

Industry came, and industry went

Lehigh Tannery is now only ruins

But then came hotels, hunting lodges and cabins Old business replaced by the new ones.

Big Boulder, Jack Frost and old Hazard Run

Are the places where folks enjoy skiing

The winter is awesome with lots of good fun

And the hot tub water is steaming

Split Rock Lodge and the Lagoon after the recent storms.

Ode to Lake Harmony

Continued from page 28

The spring is sublime, the summer divine

The fall colors are breathtakingly stunning

We’ve got whitewater rafting, and fishing, and golfing

And swimming, and boating, and hunting

You might seek adventure, or maybe just rest

From the city, it’s not very far

Come by yourself or bring family and friends

And pack everyone into your car

You’ll find a chalet, a cottage, or condo

Or maybe an Airbnb

Forget all your cares, your worry and stress

And enjoy all the wildlife you’ll see

Our lake is pristine, so please keep it clean

It’s a bummer when folks make a mess

Lake Harmony’s not superior, eerie, or great But I think you’ll agree it’s the best!

But wait! There’s more Blakeslee has a cool store Called Peterson’s Ski and Cycle

Plugging this shop at the end of my poem Is something that I think is vital

www.petersonsskiandcycle.com

Post Office Notes

by Christine A. Gilliar-Feller

U.S. Postal Service Reveals Stamps for 2023

in Cincinnati, OH. Passenger trains stop at all of them except Tamaqua. Derry Noyes served as art director. Down the Street Designs created the digital illustrations and typography.

See PO NOTES, page 32

Railroad Stations are now available. Noteworthy railroad stations began brightening the American landscape by the 1870s and, although many were torn down once they had outlived their original purpose, hundreds survived. This issuance of 20 stamps features five architectural gems that continue to play important roles in their communities: Tamaqua Station in Pennsylvania; Point of Rocks Station in Maryland; Main Street Station in Richmond, VA; Santa Fe Station in San Bernardino, CA; and Union Terminal

PO Notes

Continued

USPS Ground Advantage

The Postal Service has notified the Postal Regulatory Commission of plans to replace First-Class Package Service with USPS Ground Advantage.

As part of its strategy to enhance its shipping offerings, USPS has notified the Postal Regulatory Commission of plans to replace FirstClass Package Service with USPS Ground Advantage.

According to the Feb. 10 filing with the commission, the improved ground product, which is expected to launch in the summer, will feature service standards of 2-5 days for packages up to 70 pounds.

USPS Retail Ground, Parcel Select Ground and First-Class Package Service will be incorporated into USPS Ground Advantage.

During the past year, the Postal Service has focused on improving

its package offerings through:

• Lower prices for shipping services. As a result of implementation of approved price changes in 2022, shipping rates for USPS Retail Ground products decreased 7 percent and rates for Parcel Select Ground dropped 12 percent, on average.

USPS Retail Ground and Parcel Select Ground prices remain at the lowered 2022 rates. Pricing tables are available on the Postal Explorer website.

• Improved reliability through upgraded service standards. In August, the Postal Service implemented upgraded service standards for its USPS Retail Ground and Parcel Select Ground products, aligning the standards with those for the current FirstClass Package Service product within the contiguous United States.

Service standards for these products were accelerated to 2-5 days from 2-8 days for the same price.

• Simplifying shipping product offerings. In October, the Postal Service was granted regulatory approval to remove USPS Retail Ground from the competitive product list, eliminate Parcel Select Ground and expand First-Class Package Service, among other enhancements.

In the Feb. 10 filing, the Postal Service is signaling its intent to rename the First-Class Package Service product and introduce the enhanced ground product — USPS Ground Advantage.

The Postal Service’s focus on improving shipping offerings is in keeping with the Delivering for America 10-year plan to achieve financial stability and service excellence.

We thank you for your

Mark Peterson supplied this shot taken after the recent storms.

Insert numbers 1 through 9 in each block; no repeats in row or column.

Key dry hydrant on Lake Harmony soon to be reality in Kidder Township

by Seth Isenberg

Installing a dry hydrant into Lake Harmony at Wood Street has been a years-long effort. Kidder Township supervisors approved the agreement between the Lake Harmony Estates Property Owners Association, Lake Harmony Association, and the township. The next step is buying the parts and finding an excavating company to install it. If all of the next steps go well, this fire safety enhancing device will give local fire companies access to water direct from Lake Harmony (possibly by May).

Kristina Heaney of the Monroe County Conservation District spoke about stormwater management and updating the township’s Act 167 by May 22. She noted that the Tunkhannock Creek flows from Monroe County into Kidder.

Kara Edmonds of the Dimmick Memorial Library gave a presentation on what the library gives back to the community and the programs it offers. She asked

supervisors to consider a $2,500 donation towards the Penn-Kidder Library’s operating expenses.

Lake Harmony Volunteer Fire Company chief Ralph Lennon said that he and other fire company members went to Sioux Falls to inspect the new fire truck. They were able to see it and drive it. It will soon ship to New Jersey for finishing, and should arrive here in early April, Lennon said.

Supervisors voted to approve the contract for the township to make payments toward the cost of the new fire trucks. Albrightsville VFD has a truck on order, with possible delivery date late this year.

Supervisors approved participating in a police regionalization study with Penn Forest Township. The study is to explore operations, costs, and steps toward a potential regional police department for both townships. Also on police items, officer Mason Moran completed his probationary period and is now a full-time patrolman with the Kidder Police Department.

See KIDDER, page 36

Kidder

from page 35

Crystal Butler submitted a letter of interest to fill the vacancy as an alternate on the zoning hearing board. She was approved unanimously.

A sewage facilities planning module was approved for the Preservation Graystone development near Albrightsville.

The bridge replacement project on Old Stage Road is to start March 20, reported police chief Matt Kuzma. The work is planned to take six months and is to be completed no later than October 3. The road will be closed with detour signs in place.

Township solicitor Robert Yurchak reported the property

owners of the nuisance property on Laurel Lane in Albrightsville reached a settlement with the township over multiple violations of codes on that property. The settlement was offered just before the issue came up before District Judge Joseph Homanko. The owners paid $2,000 towards township expenses, and made a firm

promise to have the property cleaned up within 45 days. They told Yurchak that the property will be offered for sale.

Township manager Suzanne Brooks announced there will be an electronics recycling day on April 22 from 9 to 11 a.m. (or until the truck is full) at the municipal building.

Keep up with township news and features in the monthly Journal of Penn-Kidder. Pick it up at local stores, or start an e-sub. Call 570-215-0204 xt2 to learn more

CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1.

56. Bacon’s partner

57. Dawn drops

58. Building annexes

DOWN

1. 18-wheeler

2. Chef’s need

3. Ale measure

4. Garble

5. Rescue

6. Social slights

7. Nose

8. Amaze

9. Flamenco instrument

10. Serve for a point

11. Trendy

19. Season starters

45. Loam

48. This lady

49. Cuddle

51. Sunday bench

April

Bach basketball bear Boulder bracket buds

CarbonCounty cardinals

clovers codes

DaylightSavings

daytrip deckparties

deer dogs

Easter escape

finalfour firepit flurries foxes friends geese helicopter

hockey home Kidder

LakeHarmony lakehouse LAKENEWS marathon

TAXES

in Ahart’s Plaza in Blakeslee

Open Monday to Saturday 570 643-2283

March migrate moonrise music neighbors newhome parades

Passover Penguins permits

PinePoint poem police quiethours

realtors

refuge

renovate rentals retire robins

running

shamrocks

shoveling skiing

snowbirds

snowman

snowplow

snowstorm

Spring sunshine visitors walk warm water

weekender

Terra Cottage Realty Group, LLC

Ask for MaryAnn Soriano Office: 570-722-7469

Cell: 570-401-9558

soriano99@yahoo.com

Let me Introduce you to the Mountain Lake Lifestyle!

FULL TIME, FULL SERVICE SINCE 1987

“April is the kindest month. April gets you out of your head and out working in the garden.”

- Marty Rubin

Got a great story about Life at the Lake? Or a photo to share? Send items to lakenewslakeharmony@gmail.com