Lake News
August-September 2024
©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.
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 5:30 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.
Changing forward …and back again
by Ruth Isenberg
Change is in the air. The days are still warm, even hot on some days, but the nights are cool. There’s a crispness in the air that means fall is almost here. A few trees are already sporting colored leaves.
Kids are back in school. That means a quieter time at The Lake during the week, but a busy and happy hub-bub on the weekends. (Keep an eye out for those school buses, and for kids who feel set free as they alight.)
There’s a renewed sense of energy, and of change just around the corner. Sports and craft shows are supplanting summer barbecues and parties. Stores have new displays. You can now buy Halloween candy (not sure where you hide it so it’s still around by the end of October), and soon there will be Christmas merchandise on offer.
Change means both experiencing something new, and re-establishing a comfortable pattern. It’s an adventure, and a return to routine, both at the same time. May this season of change bring you joy, whether you revel in its newsness, or its familiarity.
Entertainment Around Lake Harmony
At Nick’s Lake House
Music 5-9 Fri & Sat, 4-8 Sun
30 – CC Music Trio
31 – End of Summer Party
Mystery City
Sept 1 – Jimmy Leahey
2 – Ron and Charlotte
More at nickslakehouse.com
At Shenanigans
Karaoke, DJs and Dancing in Boomers Night Club Fri. & Sat. 9 p.m. -1 a.m.
Sept 1 – Burn The Juke Box - 8 to midnight
10 – Nick Pantages Memorial Golf Tournament
At Boulder View Tavern
Music 6 to 9 p.m.
29 – Brian Roder & Ashley Marquez
30 – The Bandana Brothers
31 – Hanna Noel 12:30-3:30
31 – Roots in Blue Stone
Sept 1 – Andy Sleboda 12:30-3:30
5 – Andy Tirado
6 – John Simonson
7 – Timmy Fitz solo
12 – Erin McClelland
13 – Tony Alosi
14 – Zac Lawless
19 – Bobby Ventura
20 – Erin McClelland
21 - Andrew Moses
26 – Erin McClelland
27 - Bill Hoffman
28 – Christian Gratz
Oct 3 – Adam McKinley
4 – Walter Lee solo
5 – Timmy Fitz + Mark Nourick
For more dates, www.boulderviewtavern.com/events
See ENTERTAINMENT, page 24
White Haven Bicentennial Bash
by Mark Peterson
This year, 2024, the Borough of White Haven, Pennsylvania, commemorates its bicentennial. Located on the west bank of the Lehigh River, the town was named for Josiah White (1781-1850). He, along with Erskine Hazard, was co-founder of the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company. Formerly the northern limit of the Lehigh Canal, White Haven is now known as the northern gateway to Lehigh Gorge State Park and the D&L Trail. The picturesque town is a great place to visit when exploring our region.
To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the borough, a two-day festival was held on Main Street in July. There were close to 40 food and retail vendors, and bands entertained with live music. Antonio’s Pizza held a pizza-eating contest and White Haven Family Diner, locally famous for “hamburgers the size of hubcaps,” held a burgereating contest. People enjoyed the historical displays that were set up inside and outside the White Haven Borough Office, and a vintage railroad caboose was open for tours.
See BICENTENNAL BASH, page 7
Continued from page 6
A sight that caught everyone’s eye at the festival was the 1974 classic orange Ford Maverick on display by the Freemasons of Laurel Lodge, No. 467. The Third Annual White Haven Car Show is scheduled for Saturday, September 7, from 9 a.m.6 p.m., and promises to be a treat for motorheads and casual spectators alike. Tickets are $4, kids 12 and under are free. The $15 car registration starts
at 8 a.m. A portion of the proceeds will benefit charity and community development. The festivities will take place at Lehigh Park, where families can enjoy a day filled with fun, food, and music. It’s not just a car show; it’s a community gathering, and a reminder that “the good ol’ days” are happening right now!
But the fun doesn’t end with the car show; on Saturday, September 28, from 12-5 p.m. the Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce is hosting its first ever Art Walk. Tickets are $10 and are available online and at the White Haven Area Community Library, located in the restored Lehigh Valley Railroad Engine Repair Shop. There will be three other downtown White Haven locations filled with artists, tastings, and entertainment. Stops include Trinity Artisans and Victorian Connection. Young artists will showcase in the Borough Building.
Bicentennial Bash
Continued from page 7
White Haven also has a place in popular culture as the birthplace of the fictional character Liz Lemon, played by Pennsylvania native Tina Fey on the NBC sitcom 30 Rock. I can assure you that if Tina Fey ever decides to go biking on the D&L, you better believe she would stop by Peterson’s Ski and Cycle first. Located in Blakeslee for more than 30 years, customers find excellent service, knowledgeable staff and great equipment for their biking or skiing needs. We’re not as famous as Tina Fey, but we’re working on it! Stop by and say hello or visit us online at www.petersonsskiandcycle. com We hope to “ski” you soon!
CCED Executive Director Kathy Henderson announces retirement after 10 years of service
Kathy Henderson, Executive Director of the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC), a proud partner of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, has announced her retirement after 10 years of service to the organization.
In her career at the CCEDC, Kathy has counselled numerous business start-ups and new entrepreneurs and has helped existing businesses to grow in the county. She has stayed true to her mission to create thoughtful opportunities for economic development while preserving the natural beauty of Carbon County.
Henderson began with the CCEDC in 2014 as the Director of Economic Development, after previously working as the Executive Director for the Carbon County Association of Realtors for many years. “I came prepared to the interview with a copy of the County’s Comprehensive Plan and showcased my vision for how Economic Development as related to the plan they had established,” she said. Her passion for the county and making sure it was headed in the right direction secured her position. As a life-long Carbon County resident and graduate of Lehighton High School, she saw the opportunity to create jobs, breathe new life into our business community and to help people be successful along the way.
Over the last decade, Henderson was instrumental in various large-scale projects that did just that. Working with the Weatherly Area
Community Library, she was instrumental in facilitating the sale of a vacant property that was later transformed into a library space complete with family areas for gathering, meeting space, and more. “To be able to reutilize an old building for something productive meant a lot,” said Henderson.
Similarly, in 2015, Henderson partnered with a local realtor to assist Sharps Compliance of Houston, Texas, in putting down roots in Nesquehoning, creating jobs and expanding their business in this region.
Certified by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to
Retirement
Continued from page 10
underwrite Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) loans, Kathy handled countless loans for both the CCEDC and Carbon County Industrial Development Authority that have given opportunities for growth and expansion to businesses throughout the region.
In addition, Henderson was fundamental in the facilitation of various initiatives throughout the county, including a Return on Environment Study. “Carbon County’s economy is very tourist-heavy,” said Henderson. “There is a symbiotic relationship between our environment and our economy, and one cannot take precedence over the other. We have to be protective of both.”
Most recently, Henderson served the CCEDC as Executive Director, overseeing both the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development aspects of the organization. Over the years, she has been an active member of the Carbon County community, serving on numerous boards, including the Northeast PA Alliance (NEPA) NEPA Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Carbon Training Center, Lehigh Valley Health Network Ambassadors Board, Panther Valley Blueprints Community Steering Committee, Lansford Train Station Steering Committee, Summit Hill Museum project, Penn State Extension Carbon County Committee, Lehighton Main Street Steering Committee, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber’s Public Policy Committee, the Lehigh Canal and Recreation Commission (LCRC), the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association (PEDA) Advocacy Committee, and Convention and Professional Standards Committee.
Also, she was a past volunteer EMT for two local fire companies (East Penn Township and Andreas
Retirement
Continued from page 12
Fire Company) and Mahoning Valley Ambulance, Cubmaster and Committee Chairs for local Cub Scout and Boy Scout troops and on the board for Jack and Jill Preschool. She serves currently as Tax Collector for East Penn Township, and along with her husband Jim owns and operates Pocono Glamping.
Kathy looks forward to spending more time with Jim, and their son, daughter-in-law and grandson, tending to her gardens and enjoying more camping trips.
“Kathy has been a tremendous asset to the CCEDC,” said Pat Reilly, President of the CCEDC Board and President and CEO of Mauch Chunk Trust Company. “We appreciate everything she has accomplished and wish her a happy retirement.”
Kathy’s retirement will bring new faces to the CCEDC; Kylie Adams-Weiss has been appointed as Senior Vice President of the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation effective immediately, coming to the role after five years working with the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, of which the CCEDC is a proud partner. She is a Palmerton resident.
Artisan Breads Fridays; Fresh Baked Pies & Baked Goods for the Weekend; 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.
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Live Piano by Dale McCauley (11-2) Chef Joe Marino
Curative amendment gets Kidder OK
by Seth Isenberg
Kidder Township held a public meeting on Monday, July 29, about the proposed curative amendment ordinance, which defines and regulates warehouse, distribution and truck terminal uses. It also adds to existing rules on minimum lot sizes and increases buffers.
Only three people signed up to speak. Beth Hurley of Love Kidder Township spoke first, in support of the curative amendment ordinance. Linda Christman of Save Carbon County spoke next, also in favor.
Opposed to the changes was attorney Michael Malloy, representing the Blue Ridge Real Estate company (BRRE). He asked township supervisors to look at the long-term economic impact these new rules will have to the township. He asked for a study to be done.
In defense of the warehouses in place, or underway on properties sold by BRRE, he added that these businesses are “where they belong,” near to the Interstate.
With no other public input, the meeting was adjourned.
A short break followed the public hearing, then Kidder Supervisors returned and called a special meeting into session. The sole item of business was to approve advertising the Municipal Curative Amendment ordinance. Supervisors Bruce Berger, Wilson Klotzman, Noel Torres and chairman Ray Gluck voted unanimously to advertise the ordinance as a public notice in The Times-News. The ads will start the 30-day period for additional comments.
The new rules, once adopted, will not affect the existing warehouse or the warehouse under construction. The proposed third warehouse in northwest Kidder Township, is also underway so is grandfathered. The rules would apply to new projects.
Women-led collaboration to help cancer community
Organic CBD Line for Women’s Wellness Will Raise Money For One Founder’s Legacy
A collaboration between two health-driven women founders that began nearly two years ago is set to launch and raise money to support one’s legacy. The late Sherry Pollex and Ashley Walsh had several connections through motorsports and their personal health journeys, which also led them to create organizations focused on health and wellness through organic and plant-based resources. The two founders agreed to collaborate and launch a SherryStrong CBD line of products grown from the world’s first Regenerative Organic Certified® hemp at Pocono Organics as a wellness resource for those suffering from the ill effects of cancer.
Sherry, founder of the SherryStrong Foundation and Ashley, founder of Pocono Organics, were
See SHERRYSTRONG, page 18
SherryStrong
from page 16
connected through the NASCAR industry. Ashley’s grandfather and grandmother, Doc and Rose Mattioli, built Pocono Raceway, which the family still owns and operates. Sherry had been a respected figure and wellness advocate among the racing community for many years. Both women spent years seeking wellness resources to aid their personal health needs and, at times, making their own organic remedies because they couldn’t find what they needed in stores.
Ashley had been following Sherry’s journey with ovarian cancer for several years and admired how she focused on trying organic products to alleviate her pain from cancer treatments then passed that information on to her community of followers through SherryStrong.org. She got in touch with Sherry through social media in 2022 and sent her a care package of Pocono Organics USDA Certified Organic CBD products hoping they would give her similar relief to the pain, anxiety, nausea, and sleep issues she was having.
The initial outreach led to an in-person meeting at an event at Pocono Raceway.
It was there the two began brainstorming how they could create a SherryStrong line of USDA Certified Organic CBD where proceeds would go back to her foundation and continue to empower the women in Sherry’s community of survivors, fighters, and caretakers.
Sherry was diag-
nosed with ovarian cancer in 2014. She launched Sherry Strong.org in 2016, as a resource and community hub to empower women to know their bodies, provide education about non-toxic living practices, and create greater awareness for ovarian cancer.
Sherry battled cancer for nine years before passing in September of 2023. She inspired countless people
around the world with her bold and carefree personality. The SherryStrong Foundation was established in early 2024 to continue Sherry’s mission of inspiring others, educating about cancer prevention, and utilizing integrative therapies to complement conventional therapy in oncology.
“Over the years,
SHERRYSTRONG, page 19
SherryStrong
from page 18
Sherry tried several different products in an effort to manage the side effects of chemotherapy,” said Jill Burgdoff, President of the SherryStrong Foundation. “The importance of using clean products with non-toxic ingredients was a priority. To know there are products like these to manage nausea, skin dryness & rashes, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, pain, and other side effects, is such a relief. Followers in the cancer community often looked to Sherry for product recommendations as it saved them valuable time and energy as they navigated their own diagnosis.”
The SherryStrong CBD line can be found at ShopSherryStrong. org/collections/cbdproducts
“We both knew, firsthand, how CBD made a difference in our lives,” Ashley said. “So, I asked Sherry if she would be interested in doing a private label for SherryStrong to help raise money for the foundation she was developing at the time and add a new wellness resource for her community of women. We were both very excited about this and I’m so proud and grateful to continue working with Jill to launch this line for Sherry’s legacy and community.”
Ashley was diagnosed in her late 20s with gastroparesis, a paralyzed stomach that doesn’t allow her to digest most foods normally.
“That diagnosis changed my life,” Ashley said. “I was
only getting 10 to 15 bites of food a day and had to juice my food in order to get my nutrients. The doctors wanted to heal me by cutting out parts of my stomach, inserting feeding tube ports, and putting me on all types of medications. That just wasn’t the quality of life I wanted so I sought out other doctors. The ones I found wanted me to use food as medicine and put me on an organic diet and I began to explore plant-based supplements, like CBD. My results were undeniable. Instead of being sick five days a week, I was sick five days a month.
SherryStrong founder Sherry Pollex
“Using nutrientdense food as medicine while also finding a way to help heal our planet became a mission for me,” she continued.
“That is what led to the vision of Pocono Organics opened in 2018 and now one of the largest Regenerative Organic Certified® vegetable farms in North America. We grow vegetables and hemp in a way that strengthens our soil, sequesters more carbon from the air, and produces healthier food than conventional, monocropping practices that use synthetic chemicals to grow food.”
“I am excited to share these organic CBD products from Pocono Organics with our community of friends and followers— especially those who suffer from the awful side effects of cancer treatments,” Jill added. “Here at the SherryStrong Foundation, we are always looking to add tools to our toolbox of holistic remedies. I am honored to be a part of the collaboration that Ashley and Sherry started, and see it come to life!”
See PARADE OF BOATS, page 22
Entertainment Around Lake Harmony
Continued from page 4:
The Pub @ the hub
Music Friday and Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m.
31 - John Simoson
Sept 6 – Tim Fitzpatrick
7 – TBA
13 – Dina Hall
14 – Brian Smith
20 – Hannah Noel
21 – Nina Peterson
27 – Zac Lawless
28 – Friends of Roger
Oct 4 – Jim Roberti
5 - John Simoson
At Boomers Café & Grill on Route 534
Sundays - Dale McCauley on piano 11-2 boomerscafeandgrill.com
At Holy Ghost Distillery & Tasting House on Route 940
Entertainment, tours, tasting experiences
Aug 31 – music by Sugar Ray 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.
31 - Book Signing w/ Leo A Murray co-author of Maximum Impact
Sept 14 @ 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Bourbon and Smoked Cheeses Pairings
Sept.21 and 28 @ 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Bourbon and Chocolate Pairing with Janice
“McNamee” Sepcoski
Sept 27 @ 2:30 - 4:00 pm Hands-On Mixology (bourbon cocktails)
More info, www.holyghostdistillery.com
At PoconoOrganics.com, Long Pond
Guided Farm Tours Saturdays and Sundays
At Mauch Chunk Opera House mcohjt. com
Doors open at 7, shows at 8 unless noted
Friday, 30 - Comedy Night - Vic Dibitetto (6 & 8:30 p.m.)
Saturday, 31 - The Stranger - Tribute to Billy Joel
Thursday, September 12 - Jamie Mclean Band
Fri & Sat, 13th & 14th, Tusk tribute to Fleetwood
Mac
Sat 21 – Adrenalize Ultimate Def Leppard
Sat 28 – Soulshine – Allman Bros. experience
Sunday, 29 - Fire & Rain songs of the 70s
Friday October 4 – The Gathering Gloom
Sat 5 – Nyke Van Wyk & Friends
At Pennspeak.com
Doors open at 7, shows at 8 unless noted
Sep 6 – Supertramp tribute
7 – Damn the Torpedoes
13 – Los Lonely Boys
14 - EagleMania
17 – The Cher Show – 1 p.m.
25 – Music of Franki Valli – 1 p.m.
28 – Warrant & April Wine
Oct 1 & 2 – Tribute to Dolly & Kenny – 1 p.m.
Entertainment Around Lake Harmony
Continued from page 24:
At The Sand Bar/Thirsty Moose splitrockhotel.com/live_music/
MoheganSunArenaPA.com Wilkes-Barre
18 - AEW Dynamite & Rampage
21 – Yachtley Crew
29 – Sabastian Maniscalco
Oct 3 – WBS Penguins vs. Hershey Bears
Kirby Center for Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre KirbyCenter.org
Sep 12 – Pete Davidson
21 – Chubby Checker, Vogues, Duprees +
mountairycasino.com Mt. Pocono
Glass Bar entertainment Fridays & Saturdays from 9 p.m.
Sep 14 – Caroline Rhea
Boomers moves to Route 534 location
by Seth Isenberg
Chef Joe Marino has moved his Boomers Café and Grill into the former Hickory House at the new Camptel Glamping Resort, nestled up against Hickory Run State Park on Route 534. The new space is considerably larger than his former location on Route 903. Boomers has a large friendly bar, two seating areas and an outdoor deck.
Boomers has a truly fine Sunday brunch buffet featuring all-you-can-eat and an omelet station. And there’s music Dale McCauley on piano from 11 to 2 on Sundays.
Chef Joe offers burgers, pasta, seafood and steak with a northern Italian flair. He has over 40 years of experience, owning several restaurants from pancake houses to fine Italian cuisine. A boomer himself, he lives here in Albrightsville.
Boomers Café and Grill is open Wednesdays through Saturdays for dinner, and Sundays for brunch and, coming soon, NFL games on the big screen TVs. Boomers is located on Route 534, five minutes west of the traffic light at Route 903 in Albrightsville. Look for the Camptel Resort sign. Welcome Chef Joe Marino and Boomers Café and Grill to our advertising family.
PPLCenter.com Allentown
Sep 18 – Doobie Bros.
Oct 21 – Duran Duran
www.PoconosPark.com Bushkill
Sep 12 – Berzerkus
Parade of Boats 2024
This year’s Parade of Boats was a great success. The fundraiser for the Lake Harmony Volunteer Fire Company and the Lake Harmony Rescue Squad raised over $10,000 to be split between the two organizations – though the final tally is not in yet.
Thanks to hosts Louis and Cyndi Pantages and their staff at Nick’s Lake House for a warm and
friendly and fun atmosphere. Kudos to the band Mystery City, performing their sets of tunes for us boomers. And thanks to everyone who turned out in support of our public safety services.
This was an event well done – thanks to all the volunteers who made it possible, and thanks to the boat owners who spent time and resources to make a fine set of parade floats.
Celebrating Spirits
by J. Sepcoski Executive Bourbon Steward Distiller, Holy Ghost Distillery, Inc. 990 S.R. 940 White Haven
Those of you who appreciate bourbon know that it gets its color and 70% of its flavor from aging in new, charred oak barrels. Although age statements have mostly disappeared from labels, most bourbons (and ryes) sleep in oak for four to eight years, depending on the distillers’ preferences. There is no limit to how long this aging process can last.
In recent years, distillers have sought to extract even more flavors from wood through secondary aging. A secondary aging process is also known as barrel finishing or secondary maturation. The process of secondary aging involves transferring whiskey from its original barrel to a different barrel in order to introduce new flavors.
You can customize a second barrel by toasting, charring, or staving it, or use a barrel that was previously used to age other spirits such as sherry, rum, bourbon, beer, or wine. It is possible to add complexity and balance to the whiskey’s flavor profile through secondary aging when it is done correctly.
For instance, a whiskey might be aged in a sherry barrel or a port barrel. During secondary aging, different notes and flavors of whiskey can be balanced and highlighted.
Holy Ghost Distillery is offering 2 different
secondary aged whiskeys, first a Barley Wine finish and a Port wine finished bourbon. Give them a try in their tasting house.
Drink what you like but love what you drink!
Archives – September of 2004
This issue featured photos of 2004’s Parade of Boats, including a haunted house based on the Thriller theme by the Way and Korn families which won first place. Others included Hollywood, a salute to the NYC Fire Department with kids in the bow with water guns, a patriotic boat by the Tom Wagner family that was awarded second place, a boatload of vampires, and two more. One of the pictures shows Ray Panella performing his annual water ski show.
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Happy Birthday wishes went out to 94 year-old Ray Greenbaum, and 92 year-old Gus Lengle. Ray spends as much time as he can deep sea fishing off the coast of Cape May. Gus is often seen walking most mornings.
Former Lake Harmony resident Donna (Wieand) Birdsell’s first book, The Painted Rose, will be released on September 7. It is a historical romance set in Georgian England.
Harry Klotz was recently appointed to the
Carbon County Planning Commission. Harry is a former Kidder Township Supervisor and alternate to the Kidder Planning Commission.
The This ‘N’ That Shoppe opened July 1st at the Country Peddler, and is featuring photos by Anne Martino and hand painted candles by Linda Fish.
See ARCHIVES, page 31
Archives – September of 2004
Continued from page 30
Split Rock’s Social Director Doc Holiday and fiancée Joy Milbrand are tying the knot. The Resort at Split Rock is proud to be hosting the Poconos’ first interactive Murder Mystery / Real Wedding Weekend. The Murder Mystery starts Friday night, then participants will take part and follow the characters and all their zany antics through the morning to the Ceremony… all the way to the Bon Voyage Breakfast Sunday morning. The dates are December 3 to 5, 2004…
The next three pages of copy were devoted to the Lake Harmony sewer project. As of this date, 160 homeowners have completed their connections (of 423 permits issued)…“All current on-lot systems, privy vaults and /or outhouses will have to be pumped out and filled in within 30 days of your sewer connection.”
The Lake Harmony Concerned Citizens provided LAKE NEWS with a list of what the money you donate pays for…including treating the lake for weeds and algae, water testing, plantings for erosion management, and more.
Two pages about Bobcats by Chuck Fergus graced this issue.
Among the advertisers are The Florist at The Gardenhaus in Pocono Lake, High Elevations Restaurant on Route 940 featuring fireside dining, Sweet Dreams Boutique in Blakeslee, Mountain Laurel Golf Club, Techna Seal Plumbing, and the Hotel Jonas among many memories.
Thank you to Kim
At its Annual Meeting in June, Lake Harmony Association President Dave Lennon presented retiring board member Kim Ginopolas with an award recognizing all that she has done for the Association and the Lake Harmony community over her twenty years on the Board. Many know Kim as Kidder Township’s Tax Collector, but do not realize how much time she has spent spearheading many of the ongoing social and fundraising activities, including the popular annual Halloween trick-or-treating evening. Kim has also been responsible for maintaining and updating the Association’s membership records and has been an incredible resource to the Board. Her input and energy will be sorely missed.
Post Office Notes
by Christine A. Gilliar-Feller
The dragons befriend us, the dungeons enthrall us
New stamps mark the 50th anniversary of the D&D role-playing game
The Dungeons & Dragons stamps feature 10 designs that highlight characters and creatures familiar to players of the game.
The Postal Service celebrated 50 years of the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game with the release of new stamps on Thursday, Aug. 1.
The popular tabletop pastime invites participants to collaborate on an openended story guided by books, dice and their own imaginations.
Players can imagine themselves as wizards, warriors and other adventurers in exciting and treacherous fantasy worlds.
Often referred to as D&D, the game has its roots in the Midwest and has drawn an estimated 64 million
Greg Breeding, an art director for USPS, served as both art director and designer for the stamps.
The pane of 20 stamps features 10 designs that highlight characters and creatures familiar to players of the game.
See PO NOTES, page 37
fans since its launch in 1974.
PO Notes
from page 36
The stamps are available at Post Offices and usps.com.
The Postal Service dedicated the stamps during an unveiling at the Gen Con 2024 gaming conference in Indianapolis.
Postmark: The moon, or thereabouts
The Apollo 11 astronauts made postal history on July 22, 1969
Did they space out?
The Apollo 11 astronauts — Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins — brought a commemorative envelope on their pioneering lunar mission with the intent to postmark it on the surface of the moon July 20, 1969, the date of the landing.
The “moon cover” bearing the July 20, 1969, postmark. (Courtesy of the National Postal Museum, Smithsonian Institution)
They also brought the steel master die shaved down to a fifth of its normal
weight from which the “First Man on the Moon” postage stamp would later be printed.
The fact that the stamps would be printed from a master die that had been on the moon’s surface would intensify interest in the stamp, Postmaster General Winton M. Blount said at the time.
However, perhaps overwhelmed by their astronautical duties, the spacemen neglected to cancel the envelope, known as the “moon cover.” They made up for lost time
PO
page 38
PO Notes
from page 37
on July 22, when the Eagle rejoined the command module in the moon’s orbit.
Each astronaut took hold of the rubber stamp and together canceled the envelope with the prototype stamp. The postmark read, “Moon Landing, USA, July 20, 1969.”
The 10-cent airmail stamp celebrating the successful mission, printed from that master die, was dedicated Sept. 9, 1969, before a meeting of the National Postal Forum in Washington, DC.
The three astronauts attended the ceremony and received “a thunderous ovation lasting nearly two minutes from an audience of more than 4,000,” Postal Life magazine reported.
Armstrong was quoted in the Sept. 10, 1969, Bridgeport (CT) Post as saying it was the realization of a dream to further the feats of the early airmail pilots he read about as a boy.
He granted that the crew “did not do well on economy” their orbiting Post Office did not bring in any money but joked that at least they didn’t ask for mileage reimbursement.
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
I apologize due to our new phone service you will hear a message before it actually rings through so please be patient, hopefully it is temporary and will be discontinued, since its not something April and I requested, and it is frustrating to have to listen to just to ask a question.
This Month’s Cover
This gorgeous Labor Day sunset from the dock at Nick’s Lakehouse was submitted by Michelle Glasson of Wolf Hollow Road. It’s from last year. Here’s hoping this year is just as beautiful. If you have taken photos in or around Lake Harmony that you would like to share with our readers, please send them to lakenewslakeharmony@gmail.com, along with some information about the photo, and about yourself. Photos do not have to be current to be considered.
Kidder seeking grants for police and EMS
by Seth Isenberg
Kidder Township supervisors made quick work of their August 27 meeting.
Among the business transacted, supervisors approved the making of two grant applications. The first is on behalf of the police department for a share of gaming funds to buy and install two automatic license plate readers, at a cost of $57,717. The second is on behalf of the Lake Harmony Rescue Squad, seeking a gaming funds grant to buy seven multi-band portable two-way radios, and two multi-band dual head mobile two-way radios at a total cost with accessories and programming of $81,839.
In personnel, supervisors approved police officer Michael Nikityuk’s release from the probationary period, which has been satisfactorily served. A resolution passed to appoint Chrissy Lindsey as the township’s open records officer, and Sonia Pate as her alternate.
Supervisor Noel Torres stepped down as township roadmaster. Supervisor Wilson Klotzman
was appointed to the position. Torres also stepped away from the planning commission. This leaves a vacancy there, and citizens interested in serving are asked to send a letter of interest to the township.
Four vacant properties in Holiday Pocono have new owners. These properties are returned to the tax rolls.
In reports, police chief Matthew Kuzma explained the parking chaos created by the Elements Festival last month when the organizers chose to set up their Will Call table at the Pocono Inn’s conference center (former Ramada Inn). The Festival, held at Pocono Raceway, was rained out their first day – Thursday, creating a long list of ticket holders from that day seeking tickets for Friday. The decision backed up parking from the Turnpike to near the ID Logistics warehouse, on both sides of Route 940. The traffic mess led to Kuzma calling in all off-duty officers to gain control of the situation. A bill will be sent to the organizers of the Elements Festival for the overtime costs.
See KIDDER, page 41
Kidder
Continued from page 40
Citizen Ruth Doran donated five Savelix Choking Rescue devices, one for each police vehicle.
Township manager Suzanne Brooks thanked the police department for their work to solve the Elements problem. She also thanked Ruth Doran for her donation.
In public comments, North Lake Drive resident Chris Murphy complained of speeding on the road, “up to 60 miles per hour…” He asked supervisors for help, specifically to look into installing temporary speed bumps on the road. Supervisors Bruce Berger, Torres and Klotzman indicated they would support doing this.
Citizen Dave McEvoy returned to complain about the short-term-rental home that is operating without a permit. Supervisor Torres, who is the township code enforcement officer, said the “situation is being addressed.”
Fire chief Ralph Lennon thanked responders to the fatal tractor trailer crash just before 4 a.m. on the 14th. First responders arrived to see the vehicle and trailer on fire. He thanked the U.P.S. driver who was first on the scene who comforted
the survivor (who was thrown from the vehicle). Responding were Lake Harmony, Albrightsville, Penn Forest #2, Tunkhannock and Citizens of Weatherly volunteer fire companies, as well as Lehighton and Lake Harmony ambulances.
Lennon also shared that the contractor is preparing to install the long-awaited dry hydrant into the Lake at the bottom of Wood Street.
There will be another meeting for general purposes on Thursday, Sept. 12 at 5 p.m. to discuss a new mobile app that will offer contact from the township via cell phones for emergencies, and to act on the curative amendment.
Kidder Police statistics:
Kidder Township Police responded to 225 calls for service in July. Of note were 15 truck equipment violations, 5 license violations, 6 moving violations, 1 stop sign ticket (Albrightsville), and 17 warnings. There were 12 disorderly conducts 7 for disturbing the peace, and 5 calls for disturbances other; 13 crashes, 20 suspicious persons, 7 fireworks complaints, 6 medical emergencies; and the department issued 25 summons from traffic enforcement.
The department’s five vehicles patrolled a total of 13,655 miles through July.
Lake Harmony Rescue Squad Report
The LHRS team will be fundraising on Saturday, September 14, selling chili, t-shirts and sweatshirts at Harmony Beverage on Route 940 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Come out and meet team members and support the LHRS.
The new 4-wheel drive ambulance, same specs as #1760, will cost $260,000. It should arrive late this year if all goes well with the order and customizing. The Lake Harmony Rescue Squad will have the most modern fleet in the area by year’s end and we’ll all be safer for it.
In July, the units were out a total of 1,957 miles, making 39 calls in Lake Harmony, one in Tobyhanna Twp. and three into Penn Forest Twp. The LHRS was also out five times with the fire companies on alarm calls.
The LHRS held successful fundraisers in May with the breakfast at Split Rock, and in June
at the Wine Fest, and July with their annual Hot Dog fundraiser at Harmony Beverage, and August at the Parade of Boats.
The Lake Harmony Rescue Squad’s ’23-’24 fundraising campaign letters and individual donations have raised over $55,000. People have been generous. The 2024 goal is $60,000. If you wish to donate to help the LHRS meet its 2024 campaign goal, 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.
The LHRS is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is an opening for full-time staff. Contact the LHRS or stop by if interested in applying.
Thank Goodness for College Football
by LaShaun Pryor
The traditions, the superstitions, and the shared passion combine to create an experience that’s as much about the fans as it is about the sport itself. From dawn till dusk, fans focus on their team, and for many the day is filled with traditions and superstitions honed over the years.
You know what I mean…sitting in the same spot on the couch, wearing a lucky jersey, or cooking a specific meal is thought to bring good luck and ensure victory. Fans believe in the power of their actions to influence the outcome on the field, no matter how small.
The passion of college football fans is on full display in the stands, where school traditions turn into unforgettable experiences. At Texas A&M, for example The 12th Man stands ready to support the team. At Wisconsin, “The Jump Around” between the third and fourth quarters creates a sea of bouncing red. Ohio State fans eagerly await the dotting of the Script Ohio, a moment of pride and unity.
These traditions are more than just fun they’re a way for fans to connect with their team and each other, and they embody the spirit of college football.
At home, fans take their rituals just as seriously. Some refuse to wash their lucky socks, while others have a specific game-day playlist that must be played before kickoff. For many fans, game day starts with College GameDay on ESPN, setting the tone for the day ahead. As Lee Corso makes his headgear pick, fans across the country finalize their game-day routines, believing every detail matters.
The love for college football runs deep, and the excitement for the season’s start is palpable. Fans prepare to gather with friends and family, fire up the grill, and immerse themselves in the highs and lows of supporting their team. The wait is finally over; for the next few months, Saturdays will be all about the game.
Whether in the stadium or at home, college football fans know one thing: there’s nothing quite like the thrill of game day. The traditions, the superstitions, and the shared passion all come together to create an experience that’s as much about the fans as it is about the sport itself. As the season begins, fans everywhere are ready to do whatever it takes to help their team win.
LaShaun Pryor, a former football player, is a radio host and field announcer in Oklahoma City. He periodically writes about sports for Th e Sports Column.
Something missing
If you felt as though something was missing from this issue, you are correct. Joseph Geiser is retiring from his long-time State Farm insurance agency. His advertisement and helpful hints about insurance column are missing.
His customers won’t be left in lurch; the Kevin Kendall agency in Brodheadsville will be opening a second location in the Pine Point Plaza.
We’ll have a feature next issue about Joe’s career and impact on this part of the Poconos.
THEME: THE 1930s
ACROSS
1. Doorframe part
5. *The Swing Era or ____ Band Era
8. T-cell killer, acr.
11. Arabian chieftain
12. Actress Sorvino
13. Excessively fat
15. Chore list
16. Second word in fairytale?
17. Doled out cards
18. *1933 movie monster (2 words)
20. Eyeball
21. Golf aid
22. French vineyard
23. *Larry or Curly or Moe
26. Between delta and zeta
30. ____ B vaccine
31. Ciphering machine
34. Kind
35. Black and white cookies
37. ___ chi
38. Fender bender consequences
39. Light beige
40. *First white chocolate manufacturer
42. Grasp
43. Elbow room, to a ship (2 words)
45. Teenagers’ emotions
47. Belly
48. East Indian pepper
50. Buzzing pest
52. *Prairie crisis (2 words)
55. Change, as in U.S. Constitution
56. “If all ____ fails...”
57. Solomon-like
59. Boatload
60. Lab gel
61. Enthusiasm
62. Finale
63. Grazing land
64. Blood vessel network
DOWN
1. Blue Angel
2. In a frenzy
3. Calf-length skirt
4. Ford option 5. Two-footed mortar support
6. Shoemaker without shoes, e.g.
7. *Al Capone’s Chicago Outfit, e.g.
8. Mend, healthwise
9. Small island
10. Doctor Dolittle, e.g.
12. *Shenyang (China) in 1931
13. O in B.O., pl.
14. *Cole Porter’s “Begin
the ____”
19. Dashboard windows
22. Accounting title
23. Oxfords and loafers
24. 9 a.m.
prayer
25. *George Gershwin’s
“Porgy and Bess”
26. Discharge
27. Ding-a____, pl.
28. Eightsome
29. Egg holders
32. Big-ticket
33. Tank filler
36. *a.k.a. The Little Rascals (2 words)
38. Brightest star in Cyg-
nus
40. 1990s negation
41. Second of two
44. Beat the Joneses
46. Angry stare
48. Battle of the ____, a.k.a. Ardennes Offensive
49. Test format
50. *Bureau of Investiga-
tion agent, to “Machine Gun” Kelly
51. Smart but awkward one
52. *FDR’s New
53. ____ E. Coyote
54. Law school test acronym
55. Expert
58. Compass point between NE and E
Find these words in the grid at left. August baseball basketball bears bicycling boatparade boomers children chipmunks deckparty deer dineout Eagles elections exploring families fawns floating foliage football Giants grandkids guests HickoryRun hiking humidity icecream Jets kayaking Kidder LakeHarmony lakehouse LAKNEWS lakesidedining leaves maple medalwinners meteorshower Mets minigolf mowing neighbors Nicks Olympics Paris Patriots peace Phillies
Piggys pontoon puzzles quiettime raking renters sailing September skunks squirrels stargazing StatePark summer sunsets swimming thankyou Township trees visitors volunteers waterski weekenders welcome Yankees
Puzzle Answers
Cryptogram, page 34
We know that in September, we will wander through the warm winds of summer’s wreckage. We will welcome summer’s ghost.
Cryptogram, page 39
My favorite poem is the one that starts ‘Thirty days hath September’ because it actually tells you something.
Henry Rollins
Groucho Marx
