Lake News, August-September 2023

LAKE NEWS

Lake News

August-September 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.

Winding down to rise back up

by Ruth Isenberg

About half way through August, we get a clear signal that summer is winding down. Temperatures reach the 80s during the day, but the nights are cooler. Sunsets come earlier. One day the high temperature is only in the 70s, instead of the 80s. It feels good.

We love summer because summer is different. It’s a break a vacation. We pack it full of events and travel, and escape for a month or two from the routines of work and school. Summer is fun.

Eventually it’s so much fun we grow a bit tired, a touch discontented with so much amusement. And then it’s time for summer to wind down. We start to wind down too. We relax for the last few weeks of leisure, and use the time to restore the energy we’ll need for the busy days ahead.

The seasons tell us what we need to do to thrive. These last lazy days of summer are still to be savored. If we use them to regenerate our spirits, when autumn arrives we will be ready to take on its challenges and opportunities with enthusiasm.

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.

At Nick’s Lake House

25th - Fuzzy Park Band, 5-9

26th - CC Music, 5-9

27th – John Simonson, 4-8

Sept 1 – Harlan Tucker Band, 5-9

Sept 2 – Mystery City, 5-9

END of SUMMER PARTY / Picnic

Sept 3 – Group D’Jour, 4-8

Sept 4 – Ron and Charlotte , 4-8

At Shenanigans

Karaoke, DJs and Dancing in Boomers Fri. & Sat. 9 p.m. -1 a.m.

Sept 3 – Rick Tool Band – Outlaws, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

At Boulder View Tavern

24st- Bill Hoffman, 6-9

25th - Erin McClelland, 6-9

26th - Andrew Moses, 12:30-3:30 & 26th – Zack Lawless, 6-9

27th- Jon Pheasant, 12:30-3:30

31st - Erin McClelland, 6-9

Sept 1 - Area 52, 6-9

Sept 2 - Tony Alosi, 6-9

Sept 3 - Brit + Kenny, 12:30 – 3:30

Sept 4 - Bobby Ventura + Mark Nourick, 12:30 – 3:30

Sept 7 - Adam McKinley, 6-9

Sept 8 - Bill Hoffman, 6-9

Sept 9 - Seize Fire, , 6-9

Sept 14 - Erin McClelland, 6-9

Sept 15 - Andrew Moses, 6-9

Sept 16 - To Be Announced, 6-9

Sept 21 - Erin McClelland, 6-9

Sept 22 - Jon Pheasant, 6-9

Sept 23 - To Be Announced

Sept 28 - Tom Acker, 6-9

Sept 29 - Erin McClelland, 6-9

The Pub @ the hub, all from 6 to 9 p.m.

25th – tba

26th – Nina Peterson

Sept. 1 – John Simoson

2nd – Matt Bednarsky

8th – Elizabeth Gillen

9th – Andrew Tirado

15th – Nina Peterson

16th – Chris Zelenka

22nd - Magic Bean

23rd – Dina Hall

29th – Matt Bednarsky

See ENTERTAINMENT, page 20

Big Pond and The Great Pine Swamp

by Mark Peterson

Long before the Poconos became a vacation mecca for people living in nearby metropolitan areas, this place was known as “The Great Pine Swamp.” Glaciers that had receded after the last ice age left deposits of boulders and transformed the landscape. Depressions in the land from the weight of the melting ice filled with water, becoming what are known as “kettle lakes,” since they supposedly resemble kettles of water. Some of these kettle lakes were shallow and filled with decaying plant matter and sediment. Over time the lakes became swamps or peat bogs. In the early days, people did not think about the mountains as a place for recreation. The woods were to be exploited for their natural resources. Layers of peat were stripped from the bogs and sold. Hemlock and white oak trees were felled for the tannins in the bark, used in the leather tanning industry. And the logs, stripped of their bark, were left to rot on the forest floor. Lumber mills turned other timber into building material that was shipped down the Lehigh River through locks and canals. Coal was mined

and loaded on barges to float downstream, powering the industrial revolution. Railroads eventually crisscrossed the land. Thankfully the forests recovered, and by the early part of the 20th Century, people began to look at the mountains as a place for recreation. A 1913 report on water resources in the state listed 14 summer

cottages and six ice houses around Lake Harmony, also known as “Big Pond.” (Ice harvesting was an important resource.) The first hotel and restaurant built in Lake Harmony opened on July 4, 1923, as Lake Harmony Hotel, now known as Nick’s Lake House, and by 1930 there were almost 60 cottages at the lake.

In 1939 Moseywood Road was carved through the woods from Route 940 to the site of the future Split Rock Lodge, named after a nearby outcrop of red sandstone that is believed to have been split in two about 70,000 years ago. Completed in 1941 by the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company, See BIG POND, page 7

Big Pond

Continued from page 6

the Lodge was a hunting and fishing retreat for the company’s executives. Cottages were built and the lodge was expanded to accommodate the growing number of vacationers. The Lodge offered many activities including skiing and tobogganing on Hazard Run, horseback riding, archery, tennis, boating and swimming.

Split Rock Lodge cleared Big Boulder ski run on Lake Mountain in 1946. It was the first commercial ski area in Pennsylvania, and a snowmaking pioneer. As the ski area expanded, more runs were added, and in 1957 Grass Lake at the base of the mountain (now known as Big Boulder Lake) was dammed to supply the ski resort with water for making snow.

With the opening of the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in the mid 1950s and Route 80 in the 1960s, Lake Harmony and the surrounding area developed at a rapid pace. The first lots for Lake Harmony Estates were sold by Yamulla Enterprises, Inc. of Hazleton in 1963. Another skiing option added when Jack Frost Mountain opened in 1972 as a companion ski resort to Big Boulder Ski area: “The Big Two,” now JFBB. The 1980s saw the construction of timeshare units in Split Rock and condominiums at Big Boulder and Jack Frost. Golf courses

were laid out and a water park was built. Today we are seeing a new era in Lake Harmony with construction of vacation homes and the renovation of existing cottages for short-term rentals.

No matter what the era, it’s always a good time to stop at Peterson’s Ski and Cycle, located in Blakeslee since 1992. Biking in the cooler fall weather is always a treat, and you can get a head start on tuning your skis, purchasing new equipment, or renting it for the upcoming winter season. Don’t forget, we also have blankets, souvenirs, hoodies, tees, and toys for the kids. Stop by and say hello or visit us online at www. petersonsskiandcycle.com We hope to ski you soon!

Historic postcard, Split Rock Lodge

Kidder Supervisors seeking ZHB member

by Seth Isenberg

Kidder Township supervisors made quick work of a short agenda at their August 22 meeting. The Giordano and Malvina properties were given conditional approval for their lot improvements.

Kidder Township’s Zoning Hearing Board has a vacancy as member realtor Josh Grudzinski

resigned and has moved out of the township. Residents interested in filling the vacancy should send letters to the township.

In reports, Kidder Township Police had 306 calls for service in July. Of those, 83 were traffic tickets, written mainly for STOP sign violations. There were also 17 parking tickets issued to trucks at the Wawa. The department was given permission to order a new 4-wheel drive four door police package pickup truck. By ordering now, the truck should be available for service in February.

Supervisors paid bills of $213,180 of note being IRS payments of $20,071, health insurance for staff of $19,794 and $917, payment to Building Inspection Underwriters of $56,045, and $10,497 to The Flying Locksmiths. Trash collection is $28,589 and $32,740 goes towards fire and ambulance services.

Supervisor Noel Torres reported as roadmaster that the Old Stage Road bridge construction is complete, and that it should be open for traffic by Saturday.

See KIDDER, page 10

Tour beautiful Lake Harmony. Departing Nick’s Lake House, S. Lake Drive, Lake Harmony Wolf Blackwell, Captain • wolf123@pa.metrocast.net • lakeharmonycruises.com 908-303-8332

Kidder

Continued from page 9

Torres also gave the Code Enforcement report, explaining that the 55 reports of storing containers for trash are primarily about property owners not putting away their trash receptacles after the pickup. There were also 58 visits about accumulation of rubbish. Quality of life stops include 5 about high grass and weeds, one property with indoor furniture placed outside, and 15 investigations on abandoned or unregistered motor vehicles. The township code officers conducted 50 other visits for violations of township codes, citing 2 properties the rest were resolved.

Supervisors approved a return to the tax rolls from the Carbon County Tax Claim Bureau of 13 properties, all in Holiday Poconos in Albrightsville. In audience participation, supervisor and businessman Louis Pantages announced that this year’s Boat Parade event raising money for the Lake Harmony Volunteer Fire Company and Lake Harmony Rescue Squad was “our most successful yet.” He’s hoping for more boats to join the parade next year.

Fire Chief Ralph Lennon spoke about commercial buildings and public safety issues like roof access for firefighters and standpipes for additional water for firefighting when new buildings are erected.

Gene Getz of the Albrightsville Volunteer Fire Company asked about the future operation of the gates into Split Rock. A meeting with the resort about the gates is planned, answered township manager Suzanne Brooks.

Brooks has scheduled the first budget workshop for 2024’s township budget on September 18.

Supervisors meet next on September 26 at the municipal building on Lake Ave. in Lake Harmony.

Parade of Boats brings fun to the water

by Lori R. Cooper

A crowd filled the outside of Nick’s Lake House and lined the lake on lawn chairs and blankets to see the annual Lake Harmony Parade of Boats. All proceeds benefit the Lake Harmony Volunteer Fire Company and the Lake Harmony Rescue Squad.

Charlotte Blackwell and Jeanne Applegate sold raffle tickets for chances to win $1,000 cash donated by local businesses. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to the fire company and the rescue squad. Tickets were sold out within an hour of start of the event.

Additional funds were raised through a tricky tray organized by Cyndi Pantages, a 50/50, and food sales, with a grill and chef set up in the front parking area. Other raffles included a two-hour cruise on the lake, and $100 in lottery tickets.

Alexis and Joe Sambuco manned the raffle ticket sales. Alexis has been an EMT for Lake Harmony for four years and explained “We’re non-profit and See PARADE OF BOATS, page 13

Parade of Boats

Continued from page 12

this helps us purchase ambulance equipment. We had purchased an ambulance from prior proceeds and are very thankful for the community.”

The band Mystery City entertained, with music

Jeanne Applegate, left, and Charlotte Blackwell sold out of raffle tickets to benefit the Lake Harmony Volunteer Fire Company and Lake Harmony Rescue Squad.

Debbie Kelly and Krystal Fiorit selling t-shirts for the fire company.

Parade of Boats

Continued from page 13

performed right by the lake. Their variety of songs got many up and dancing.

Everyone eagerly awaited the boat parade to begin. The first boat was a nod to Super Mario Brothers, with Mario at the helm. The next boat had a huge green wine bottle on the top with purple balloons representing grapes, dubbed “wino.” The theme of the third boat in the competition was Barbie; of course there was plenty of pink on that boat. Then entered boat number four with smoke, lights and music. The crew was dressed up as Taylor Swift, and guys with “Security” shirts drove the boat. They stopped for a cute dance routine. The last boat of the bunch was “Dreamboat,” with both Barbies and Kens and lots more pink.

Amy Dillman, owner of the Dreamboat, came up with the idea and got two couples on board with it. Everyone got out their pink shirts, pink sunglasses and of course blonde wigs for the men.

Nick’s Lakehouse owner Louis Pantages asked Lisa Mooney, John McGlynn and Tony John to be the judges. They all used guest check pads to jot down their notes to choose a winner.

Cash prizes were awarded to the winners. First was the Taylor Swift boat. Barbie and Ken’s Dreamboat placed second, and the “winos” were third.

Families, locals and visitors all come together to support the local fire company and rescue squad, and have a fun day by the water.

Keep reading for lots more Parade of Boats pictures in this issue

Scenes from the Parade of Boats

At left, judges Tony John, Lisa Mooney and John McGlynn.

Above, Joe and Alexis Sambuco (EMT) man the table for raffles for the Lake Harmony Rescue Squad.

Parade of Boats pictures by Lori R. Cooper, Ruth & Seth Isenberg, and contributed. More in following pges.

Entertainment Around Lake Harmony

At PoconoOrganics.com, Long Pond

Sept. 16, Fall Fest at the Farm, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Music, food, alpacas, vendors, tours

At Mauch Chunk Opera House mcohjt.com

Doors open at 7, shows at 8 unless noted

24 - WXPN Welcomes GA-20

25 - Popa Chubby

26 - Experience Janis - The Tribute to Janis Joplin

September 1 - Aj Lee & Blue Summit

2 - The Stranger - Billy Joel Tribute

7 - Fireside Collective

8 - The Wankers - The best of Brit-Pop and beyond

9 - Velvet Stardust Rock Show - Rock & Roll

Burlesque

Fri-Sat 15-16 - Tusk - Tribute to Fleetwood Mac

21 - Old Lady

22- Late For The Sky - The Jackson Browne

Tribute

23 - Broken Arrow - the Music of Neil Young

29 - Tammy Pescatelli (Comedian)

30 - Romeo Delight - The Ultimate Van Halen

Tribute Band

At Pennspeak.com

26th – Jimmy Kenny & the Pirate Beach Band

31st – Trace Adkins

Sept 24 – Grace Potter

Oct 14 – Buddy Guy

knoebels.com amusement park

free admission, free parking, free entertainment

Pat Garrett Band country music – Aug 25-27

Hallo-Fun weekends in October

Kirby Center for Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre

KirbyCenter.org

Sept 14th – Taylor Ashton

16th – Mr Speed KISS tribute

20th – Govt Mule

bloomsburgfair.com

Sept 22 to 30

Free Stage –

Rick K Road Trip Sept 26 & 27

Mahoney Brothers 28 & 29

MoheganSunArenaPA.com

Penguins Ice Hockey starting Oct 4

PPLCenter.com

Ice Hockey Flyers/Rangers Rookie Series Sept 15 & 16

Sept 21 – Parker McCollum

Phantoms Ice Hockey starting Oct 14

MountAiryCasino.com

Sheena Easton Aug. 26th – 8 p.m.

Amish Outlaws Sept. 16th – 8 p.m.

parenfaire.com Aug 19 – Oct 29

Blakeslee Rotary hosts annual Car Show at Pocono Raceway

The annual Blakeslee Rotary Car Show returns to Pocono Raceway on September 3. In case of rain, the event will be moved to September 4. This year’s show promises to be even bigger and better, featuring more vendors, food trucks, spacious show vehicle parking areas, and a lively DJ. Don’t miss out on the chance to participate in tricky trays, and bring your kids along to enjoy the world-class playground on site.

There will be a total of 9 awards up for grabs, with 3 awards per category and a coveted Best in Show award. The gates open at 10 a.m., and admission for spectators is free.

If you wish to showcase your vehicle, you can register for $12 in advance or $15 on the day of the event. The first 45 participants will receive dash plaques and goodie bags.

The best part is that all the proceeds from this fantastic event will support the Blakeslee Rotary Club’s various programs, including contributions to Pocono Mountain West scholarships, Top of the Mountain Food Bank, Boy Scouts, Valor Clinic, and more.

NEPADOC film about Northeast PA to be screened in Hazleton

The next slate of screening dates for NEPADOC, the nonverbal documentary film about Northeast Pennsylvania, include a September 22 showing at the Hazleton Art League, starting at 7 p.m.

Another will take place on Saturday, September 23, at 2 p.m. at Albright Memorial Library in Scranton.

NEPADOC has been named as an official selection of the 2023 Black Bear Film Festival to be held this October, and the film will be screened as a “Top Film” this November at the 2023 National Communication Association Convention in National Harbor, MD (outside of D.C.).

Keep up with incoming news and reviews about the film, along with regular screening updates and more, at www.nepadoc.com (or follow us on Facebook).

For the latest updates and information, be sure to follow the Blakeslee Rotary Club’s Facebook Page.

On the Road

For Ruth and I, on the road in July and August means a variety of short trips to events, fairs and festivals. It is our busy season at the Journals and for LAKE NEWS, so we keep close.

Among the trips were the night at the Benton rodeo that I wrote about last month, a Sunday in Nazareth for a street fair there (followed by a Chowder House meal off Route 33), as well as a Sunday at Knoebels to hear the Mahoney Brothers perform their Beatles and Beyond Show where we ran into some locals.

by Seth Isenberg

Our day at the Carbon County Fair was fun, if soggy. It was sunny as we started, but as we walked around, the

skies kept getting darker. Then there was a thunderstorm off to the north. We thought maybe we’d miss it the rain. Nope.

The weather went from pleasant warm summer rain to a downpour. We took shelter in the tent of the Carbon County

See ON THE ROAD, page 26

On the Road

From page 22

Republicans nearest to us when the skies opened. The tent featured their volunteers and the county’s robotic elephant, which is on a trailer to be towed at parades.

Ruth and another woman were out of the rain but up against the trailer carrying the elephant. The direction of the rain changed, with the wind blowing the rain into the tent. They backed up, and backed into the elephant, which was programmed to swing its trunk back and forth. A sudden poke made the woman jump, and Ruth accused the elephant of getting fresh with her.

After the rain ended, and as we left the Fair, we appreciated a large rainbow over the fairgrounds. That night’s plans, a night out at Musikfest, was sidetracked due to the continuing storms. Instead we went to an event in White Haven where, just as we arrived, it started to thunder and rain.

As August slows, we will be taking a short trip to visit sick relatives in New England and also sightsee as time allows. Perhaps that will be my

next month’s column, but I also want to share this:

Up the street from the Journal office in White Haven is a studio that repairs statuary. Some of their work is displayed in the big picture windows of the space that was many years ago a pharmacy. Passing by one evening, I noted the religious statues, and in one corner, what appeared to be a statue of a pug. Until it moved. It was a nice illusion, one that made me smile. The pug was back in its window today as I finish this column curled up and soundly asleep. Sunny days, starry nights, and lower gas prices to you all ‘til next month.

Scenes from the Parade of Boats

Lake HarmonyVFC Chief Ralph Lennon shows firefighting and rescue equipment to Brady and Evan Blackwell of Stewartsville. Wolf and Charlotte Blackwell of Lake Harmony are the proud grandparents. They are thankful for our EMS Services in Lake Harmony in general, and Ralph’s dedication and years of service in particular.

Hanna’s Farm Market

811Stoney Hollow Rd

Pocono Lake

570.442.7045

Fresh Produce

Artisan Breads Tuesdays & Fridays; Fresh Baked Baguettes Wednesdays & Sundays; Bagels, Muffins, Fresh-Baked Pies Too; Locally Butchered Meat; Charcuterie; Alaskan-Caught Seasfood; Local Dairy; Italian Pastas from Philadelphia; Many More Locally-Sourced Food Items; Fresh Brewed Coffee and Herbal Teas served daily.

Open Monday through Thursday 9-5; Friday & Saturday, 9-6; Sunday 9-4. hannasfarmmarket@gmail.com

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.

— All You Need to Stay Cool with Summer Projects —

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

Thimbleberryyarn.com

White Haven IHOP

Exxon Travel Plaza, I-80 & Exit 274 2550 Route 534, White Haven PA 18661

570.443.7443 Open 6am–9pm www.ihop.com

MMI returnee golfers offer hope for season

by Steve Stallone

In WVC Division 2, the MMI Preppers welcome back two of their top golfers this season in hopes of making some noise in Wyoming Valley Conference Division II, and later in the district individual tournaments.

The Preppers are 17 strong, but show their youth when you see 13 of those golfers are either sophomores or freshmen.

Eighth-year head coach Ryan Jastremsky is glad he has leadership at the top heading into 2023.

“We’re fortunate to have Kade Lutz and Lex Lispi back as senior co-captains,” Jastremsky said. “Not only are they great golfers, they are great leaders for their teammates.

Lutz finished tied for eighth at pre-districts last fall. He and Lispi will be joined by returning sophomore Joseph Mayernik.

“Joseph Mayernik is on that same path, too, having learned from his older brother Thomas in ‘22,” added Jastremsky. “Hopefully our otherwise young roster takes advantage of learning from the seniors, and we can improve on last year’s win total in a very tough division.”

He said the Preppers did a lot of offseason work on fundamentals, striving for consistency from tee

to green. Jastremsky hopes that offseason work will lead this fun and energetic — albeit young — group to move the team up in this year’s standings. That can happen, he said, “If a few of our younger players develop into consistent contributors.”

Kade Lutz, MMI golf team co-captain.

Photo by Bob Gaetano

See MMI GOLF, page 31

MMI Golf

Continued from page 30

ROSTER

Seniors: Kade Lutz, Lex Lispi

Juniors: Jason Roberts, Josh Witner

Sophomores: Gabe Horvath, Cameron Kress, Chris Laverty, Joseph Mayernik, Rich Patel, Bryce Radzwich, Caleb Skuba, Jayden Unger, Georgia Washko, David Yamulla, Maddy Young

Freshmen: Philip Benyo, Tina Chrin

SCHEDULE

August: 10 — Berwick, ppd. to Aug. 28; 16 — Hanover Area; 21 — at Ted Tryba Tournament; 22 — at Holy Redeemer; 24 — at Lake-Lehman; 28 — Nanticoke, Berwick; 30 — at Berwick.

September: 5 — at Hanover Area; 7 — Wyoming Seminary; 11 — Holy Redeemer; 13 — Lake-Lehman; 15 — at Nanticoke; 20 — at Wyoming Seminary; 25 — at Pre-District 2 Tournament.

October: 3 — District 2 AA Individual Championship; 11 — District 2 AA Team Championship.

This Month’s Cover

Here’s the uncropped version of the sunset photo submitted by Dean Cassidy. He says he “shot this on August 6 ‘23 at 7:37pm while sitting in front of Nick’s listening to Terry Young & The Aces who were playing there that evening (and were excellent).” His family has been part-time residents of Lake Harmony since 1996.

If you have a shot to share, send it to lakenewslakeharmony@gmail.com

Post Office Notes

ZIP-ing along at 60 Code helped usher in modern mail

George Keagy, left, a Post Office Department official during the 1960s, watches a worker create a Mr. ZIP standup. The wooden standups were distributed to Post Offices to help promote ZIP Codes.

The ZIP Code was launched 60 years ago this month as part of a program of improvements to increase postal delivery speed.

At the time, Americans were already struggling to adapt to three-digit area codes for long-distance telephone calls, so promoting the five-digit ZIP (short for Zone Improvement Plan) Code was a tough sell.

To help get the word out and encourage the widespread adoption of ZIP Codes, the Post Office Department enlisted the aid of an ad agency. These efforts included:

• Ethel Merman singing of the virtues of ZIP

by Christine A. Gilliar-Feller

Codes to the tune of “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah”;

• Public service announcements in newspapers, on radio and TV, and on buses and rapid transit;

• “ZIP Code” — a catchy, kitschy 15-minute film starring the Swingin’ Six musical group — which won a silver medal at the 1966 International Film and TV Festival for explaining the rationale behind the code; and

• Mr. ZIP, the new code’s mascot, which worked wonders in bringing it to public attention.

The full-court press paid off: By the end of the decade, the use of ZIP Codes had become established practice.

Today, the code has expanded to ZIP+4 and its uses have spread well beyond the Postal Service.

Social scientists, businesses, demographers and others use the codes to interpret, organize and disseminate data.

You see ZIP Codes every day, but how much do you know about them? “The list” is here to help you sort it all out.

1. “ZIP” stands for “Zoning Improvement Plan.” The five-digit codes were introduced in 1963 and See PO NOTES, page 37

PO Notes

Continued from page 36

assigned to every address in the nation to better sort and deliver mail.

2. Mr. ZIP helped promote the codes. During the 1960s, the popular cartoon figure appeared in advertisements encouraging customers to use ZIP Codes on mail.

3. ZIP+4 was launched in 1983. The extra four digits help identify carrier routes and address blocks.

4. There are almost 42,000 ZIP Codes. You can use ZIP Code Lookup, an online tool, to search codes by address or city and state.

5. ZIP Codes go high and low. Ketchikan, AK, has the highest ZIP Code: 99950. The lowest code, used for the Internal Revenue Service in Holtsville, NY, is 00501.

6. At least one ZIP Code floats. The J.W. Westcott II, a 45-foot Detroit River mail boat that delivers to passing ships, has its own ZIP Code: 48222.

7. General Electric has the nation’s easiest to remember ZIP Code. The code for the company’s location in Schenectady, NY? It’s 12345.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Why is October the Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month dates back to October 1985. This is when the first organized movement to bring attention to the dangers of breast cancer occurred in the United States. Since then, campaigns to educate the public about this disease have continued to thrive and multiply.

The Breast Cancer Research Semipostal

Funding a cure, one stamp at a time.

Artist: Whitney Sherman

Art Director: Ethel Kessler

Date of issue: 1998

Watercolor and ink on board

A 1997 law directed the U.S. Postal Service to issue its first semipostal, a stamp sold with a surcharge to raise funds for a specific cause. Other countries have had mixed success with fundraising stamps, but the subject for the first U.S. semipostal was one that Americans truly took to heart: breast cancer research.

Stamps that highlight sensitive social issues are often extremely difficult to design, especially stamps that focus on diseases. In late 1997, U.S. Postal Service art director Ethel Kessler, herself

See PO NOTES, page 39

PO Notes

Continued from page 37

a breast cancer survivor, began experimenting with concepts involving photographs and the pink ribbon that symbolizes breast cancer awareness. But when the preliminary designs proved to be far too somber, she decided to explore fresh approaches by enlisting illustrator Whitney

Sherman of Baltimore, Maryland.

Sherman developed numerous pencil sketches and color studies showing women in various poses, all of them intriguing; however, one design really stood out. It pictured a woman reaching above and behind her, as if preparing to conduct a breast self-examination. Mindful of mythology, Sherman remembered Diana, goddess of the hunt a strong, independent, survival-minded figure and the artwork developed into a depiction of the goddess reaching for an arrow. Kessler and Sherman finalized this heroic and hopeful image by removing a target from the figure’s right breast and encircling the area with a concise phrase. The text complemented the visuals and clearly encapsulated the message of the stamp: “Fund the fight. Find a cure.”

Combining an evocative design with fundraising for a worthy cause, the Breast Cancer Research semipostal has exceeded every expectation, with more than 440 million stamps sold since its issuance in 1998. The stamp, which continues to enjoy steady sales, has raised in excess of $30 million for breast cancer research.

Each stamp is 85¢; a book is $17, available year round.

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 to 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

Attorney Christopher B. Slusser

CAROL A. GETZ

Carol A. (Kelhart) Getz, 81, of Albrightsville, passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2023, in her home surrounded by loving family. Her husband of 55 years, Charles W. Getz, passed away on Feb. 10, 2022.

She taught third and fifth grade students for 30 years in the Jim Thorpe Area School District before retiring.

Born in Emmaus, she was a daughter of the late George E. and Anna E. (Shaffer) Snyder.

A member of the 1960 graduating class at Emmaus High School, she earned her bachelor’s degree from East Stroudsburg University.

She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Albrighstville, the PA Association of School Retirees, PA Public School Retirees and the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association.

Carol was a world traveler. She loved to paint and being outdoors and the farm she shared with Charles. She had a love for all animals, especially her horse which she enjoyed riding.

She was well-known as a very-giving person, generous to charities, nature organizations and environmental issues.

Surviving are three nieces, Nonie Antone of Charlotte, N.C., Danielle, wife of Ted Hollinger, and Michelle Fagan; a sister-in-law, Carol Snyder; and several great-nieces and greatnephews.

She was also predeceased by a brother, George Snyder; and two sisters, Wilma Trimble and Pepper George.

A funeral service was held August 4, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Albrightsville, with the Rev. William Thompson officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery. Contributions in her name may be made to her church, P.O. Box 200, Albrightsville, PA 18210, or the Albrightsville Volunteer Fire Co., P.O. Box 133, Albrightsville, PA 18210.

Obituaries

JAMES R. MARINER

James R. Mariner, 59, of White Haven, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday July 5, 2023 at Sunrise Lake while collecting water for flowers he had just planted.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of Alberta (Best) Mariner and the late Joseph Raymond Mariner. Jim attended MMI Prep and was a 1982 graduate of Bishop Hafey High School.

He was the director of convention services at Split Rock Resort and director of group sales at Pocono Manor Inn for many years.

An avid outdoorsman, Jim was the president of the LOWLPA hunting club and loved spending his time hunting, fishing, and golfing.

Preceding him in death were his maternal grandparents Clarence and Alice Best and his beloved cat, Woodie.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved mother, Alberta, Uncle Charles (Bonnie) Best; cousins Charles (Loretta) Best, Michael (Natalie) Best, and Suzanne (William) Lynch, and many extended cousins.

Funeral services were conducted with a Mass of Christian Burial on July 22, at St. Patrick’s Church in White Haven.

Memorial Donations can be made in Jim’s name to the St. Patrick’s Building Fund or the SPCA.

From LAKE NEWS September 1993

This is the famous outhouse cover where publisher Frank Pieri took nine photos of outhouses in the Lake Harmony area.

18624

On Sunday, August 10, John and Dorothy Barrett of Lake Harmony and Chet and Helene Dombrowski of Albrightsville, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversaries with a special blessing by Monsignor Dooley at St. Peter the Fisherman Church. Both couples were married in Philadelphia on the 10th (the Barretts at St. Stanslaus and the Dombrowskis at St. Adalbert Church), but didn’t know each other except from seeing each other at church activities. They were able to get to know one another better as they enjoyed a delicious breakfast after their special blessing.

A photo in this issue’s 18624 column shows Ralph Lennon of Lake Harmony with one million aluminum can tabs (in jars) which he has collected to donate to the Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia.

Last month, Billy Sloss attended a ski race camp on the glacier at Mt. Hood in Oregon. He trained for slalom and giant slalom for two weeks with other kids from the east coast.

The 2003 Lake Harmony Boat Regatta raised over $5,000 for the LH Fire Department and LH Rescue and Ambulance Squad. 8 boats entered for judging. 1st place boat was Shrek, second place – Here Comes the Circus, and third place (with a boat made up like a school bus) was Back to School. Becky and the Beasts of Jim Thorpe and Weatherly entertained.

Larry O’Rourke wrote about Rebecca Blay, formerly of Lake Harmony, now a professional skier and new to competitive professional mountain biking.

Photos in this issue show progress of the installation of the new sewer system.

One more look at this year’s Parade of Boats.

The carved wooden eagle in front of the Kidder Township Building was sporting a bonnet on August 22. Getting ready for fall?

LN: Seth Isenberg

LH Rescue Squad report

The Lake Harmony Rescue Squad’s ’22-’23 fundraising letter campaign raised over $50,000. Thank you to all who donated surpass the goal. The next letter campaign will be on its way soon.

The ’22-’23 campaign raised enough to cover 2022’s payment on new unit 1760. The rest of the money was used toward repairs, and equipment upgrades.

If you still wish to donate to last year’s or this year’s campaign, or both, please send a check to:

LAKE HARMONY RESCUE SQUAD AND AMBULANCE CORPS, INC.

P.O. Box 564

Lake Harmony, PA 18624

or go on to lakeharmonyambulance.com to make a payment with a credit card. Consider buying a LHRS hat, shirt or sweatshirt.

Thanks to those who came out in support to the breakfast at Split Rock Resort, and hot dog days at Harmony Beverage.

Also thanks to those who attended the Parade of Boats event and supported LHRS and the LH Volunteer Fire Co.

The LHRS has started the process of buying another 4-wheel drive ambulance, same specs as the new one now on the road. That unit should arrive some time later in 2024 if all goes well with the order and customizing.

The LHRS is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Monthly Report:

The LHRS put 982 miles on the new unit and 1,255 miles on unit 1761 through the end of July. In July, crews were out 43 times in Lake Harmony, three times into White Haven, once into Monroe County, and once into Penn Forest. Units also went out on 15 fire alarm calls.

Accepting New Patients

Evening Hours Available

Steven Wasko, D.D.S.

55. Uncertain

56. Timespan

57. Cultivate

9. Star chart

10. Bullets

11. Military meal

19. “Swing Low, Sweet ____”

31. Moist

39. Actress Blair

41. Put forth

42. Papa’s woman

1. Competent

2. Small

3. Moray, e. g.

4. Tear in half

5. Uneasy

6. Hearty bread

7. Dependable

8. Fish feature

21. Tough part of a steak

22. Form of address 23. Giant 24. Type of peach 25. Occupies 28. “____ Dove” 30. Skunk feature

43.____ out (barely manages)

44.Chopped

47.Seek to persuade

49.Letter before dee

50.Coop layer

51.Puzzling

Cryptogram Answers

“When summer gathers up her robes of glory, And, like a dream, glides away.”

Sarah Helen Whitman

My favourite poem is the one that starts ‘Thirty days hath September’ because it actually tells you something.

Groucho Marx