By John Hall for Blue Mountain Town & Country Gazette
So let’s start with heat waves. A heat wave is the most dangerous weather setup we have. Heat
Heading Back to School and More
Continued from page 3
waves kill more people in the United States than all other weather-related disasters combined, including hurricanes, tornados and flooding. So how do you stay safe in a heat wave? In the article “What is a Heat Wave?” we give you clear information on how to stay safe, as well explaining the root cause and definition of a heat wave. We also have two stories in this issue relating to the experience called “back to school.” In “Back-
to-School Tips for Families” we give you tips on how to launch the kids into a safe, healthy and happy school year, including how to plan for their first day at school, as well as school bus safety tips.
In “Help Your Kids Have a Healthy School Year” we give you five areas you might want to focus on with your kids to keep them both physically and mentally balanced as they head off to study and learn. For many kids a new school year can have many challenges beyond the lesson plan. But through it all, remember that kids are resilient and listen closely to information from adults they trust. We give you valuable information in this article that could be helpful to you at this time of year.
Switching to eye health, we examine why sunglasses are not just for summer, but should actually be worn throughout the year. At certain points it’s about the glare caused by the sun, but throughout the year it’s about UV protection. We discuss why getting sunglasses that provide maximum UV protection is so important for your long-term eye health. Please see “Wearing Sunglasses Year Round” for all the details.
Finally we take you on a little “getaway” to the world-famous Appalachian Trail that is practically at our doorstep. We will also alert you to the Appalachian Trail Museum found right here in Pennsylvania. Be sure and read, “Short Getaway:
Petersville Rod & Gun Club 550 Club Road, Bath, PA 18014
The Appalachian Trail and Museum” to learn more.
So that’s what you’ll find in this final issue of the Gazette for summer 2024. We hope you are each finishing up a very healthy and happy summer season. As we move to our September issues we will soon begin focusing on the autumn season and all the beauty and experiences that come with it. Until next time!
• American Property Solutions
• Blue Bomber Notary
• Hair Razors
SOURCE: www.healthychildren.org (edited)
Before your children head back to school, use these tips to help them launch into a safe, healthy and happy year.
Plan for the First Day
Take your child to visit the new school or classroom before the first day of classes. Attend any available orientations and take an opportunity to tour the school. You can also bring your child to school a few days prior to class to play on the playground to help them feel comfortable.
Many children get nervous about new situations, including changing to a new school, classroom or teacher. It can be helpful to rehearse heading into the new situation. Remind your child that teachers know that students may be nervous about the first day of school and they will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.
Point out the positive aspects of school starting up to help your kids look forward to the first day. For example, talk about how they will see old friends and meet new ones.
If you feel it is needed, drive or walk your child to school and pick them up on the first day. Get there early on the first day to cut down on unnecessary stress. For the long term, try finding another child in the neighborhood your child can walk or ride with each day.
Develop a Healthy Sleep Routine
Help your child adjust to earlier bedtimes a week or two before the new school year starts, to help
Back-to-School Tips for Families
Continued from page 5
them ease into new routines. Create a bedtime routine that is consistent to help your child settle down and fall asleep. For example, a calming prebedtime routine may involve a bath/shower, reading with them, tucking them in and saying goodnight.
Have your child turn off electronic devices well before bedtime. Try to keep the home as quiet and calm as possible when younger children are trying to fall asleep.
Friedens Church UCC
School Bus Safety Tips
Because riding the school bus will either be a new experience for your child, or one they might need to brush up on, take the time to review a few safety tips with them.
• Remind your child to wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb. Make sure your child walks where they can see the bus driver (which means the driver will be able to see them, too).
• Remind your student to look both ways to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing the street. Encourage your child to actually practice how to cross the street several times before the first day of school.
• If the school bus has lap/shoulder seat belts, make sure your child uses one at all times when in the bus. Remind them that they should not move around the bus once seated.
Also, check on the school's policy regarding food on the bus. Eating on the bus can present a problem for students with allergies. Be sure your child knows the policy and the reasons why.
Finally, if your child has a chronic condition that could result in an emergency on the bus, make sure you work with the school nurse or other school health personnel to have a bus emergency plan. If possible, do this before the first day of class.
Help Your Kids Have a Healthy School Year
SOURCE: www.healthychildren.org (edited)
With kids heading back to school, here are some ways you can help them stay healthy, happy and thrive.
1. Prioritize the basics: sleep, exercise & nutrition /Begin with the basics, ensuring your kids get nutritious meals, sufficient sleep and physical activity. All of these are key to academic and social success. Many children qualify for free or reduced-price food at school, including breakfast. The forms for these services can be completed at the school office.
Getting enough sleep is also critical to staying healthy and thriving at school. Not getting enough can affect memory, concentration, creativity and learning.
2. Stay up to date on checkups & immunizations / If your child has not had a “wellchild” checkup in the last year, schedule a back-
to-school physical to include any needed vaccinations. If they will be playing a sport, be sure to get a pre-participation (sports) exam.
If you have health insurance coverage through Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), check that your contact information is up to date with your state Medicaid agency. This will ensure you get timely updates so you can avoid any gaps in health coverage.
3. Tune in to your child's mental health / Many children and teens have experienced mental health struggles over the past few years. Let your child know it's OK to talk about how they're feeling, and make it safe for them to discuss tough
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Help Your Kids Have a Healthy School Year
Continued from page 7
issues with you. Kids often avoid talking about touchy subjects. If you haven't already made this clear, affirm that your child can tell you anything. Emphasize that these conversations will take place in a judgment-free zone and really listen to what your child is saying.
Stay on the lookout for any changes in behavior that worry you or any signs of anxiety, depression or distress. If you have a firearm in your home,
Future Future
y
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s
make sure to lock it up and store the ammunition separately. There is an increased risk of suicide for children and teens who live in a home where guns are stored loaded or unlocked.
Try to prioritize family meals and self-care breaks, like taking walks together. These can be great opportunities to talk. Schools may also offer sources of mental health support.
4. Talk about racism, bullying & kindness / Talk with your child about racism and hate. Encourage children to seek help from a trusted adult if they are discriminated against or witness an act of bullying or discrimination against others. Emphasize the value of treating others with respect and how simple acts of kindness can make a big difference.
5. Plan for mindful media use / The return to school is a good time to create or update your family media plan so you can help your child balance screen time with sleep, exercise and other healthy activities. Help your children choose highquality programs or games and help them recognize sites that promote false information. This is also a good time to engage in conversations with your child about if and how they use social media, which can be beneficial but also problematic for some.
Remember: Children are resilient and can overcome many challenges with the help of trusted adults around them.
Charles J Breidinger Broker
Benjamin Real Estate 2254 Skyline Dr. Slatington, PA 18080 Office 610-767-1293
Cell 484-951-2468
Fax 610-767-9488
cjbreidinger@gmail.com www.bhhsbre.com
Text: bhhscjb to: 87778
Wearing Sunglasses Year Round
SOURCE: www.spamedica.co.uk/ (edited)
Sunglasses aren’t just for summer. The sun is the sun, not as strong in the other seasons, but you still have the glare and more specifically, the UV issues. You should actually be wearing sunglasses all year round.
The Sun and Eye Damage
We all know that exposure to the sun without adequate protection can cause irreparable damage to our skin, but not everyone realizes that UV (ultraviolet) rays are also harmful to their eyes. Most of us wear sunglasses to shield us from the glare of the sun, but an effective pair of sunglasses should also protect our eyes from the damaging effects of UV rays.
Research from the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation found that eyes are ten times more sensitive to the sun’s invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays than skin. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause corneal damage, increase your risk of developing cataracts and/or macular degeneration, and lead to long-term issues with your eyesight.
Year-Round Protection
Protecting your eyes from UV rays is just as important during the cooler months as it is during the summer. This is especially true if you already have a pre-existing eye condition.
UVA rays, which – according to the World Health Organization – make up 95% of the sun’s rays, are capable of passing through the cornea of your eye, through to the lens and retina. They are able to travel through clouds and fog and penetrate deeper into the eyes and skin, causing invisible damage, even though you can’t feel the “burning” sensation that usually accompanies exposure to the sun.
Protection Tips
When purchasing sunglasses the number one thing to look for is a high degree of UV protection. Research conducted by The American Academy of Ophthalmology shows that nearly half of all people who purchase sunglasses don’t check the UV rating before they do. When purchasing sunglasses, make sure your sunglasses are marked as 100% UV protection / CE UV400.
• Check that your sunglasses offer at least 80% protection from high-energy visible (HEV) rays too.
• Opt for polarized lenses if your budget allows
Continued on page 10
Wearing Sunglasses Year
Round
Continued from page 9
for it. They’re more expensive, but they give you greater clarity of vision, reduce glare from water, snow and the road, and are great for driving.
• Ensure your sunglasses cover your eyes completely. Wraparound sunglasses protect your eyes from the side as well as the front, so they are ideal.
• UV exposure increases by about 10% per 1000 feet of altitude, so if you live in a hilly area or are intending to go for a high-altitude hike, don’t
forget to take your sunglasses with you.
• Choose glasses that are comfortable – you’ll be more inclined to wear them for extended periods of time if they are.
Post-Cataract Protection
If you’ve had cataract surgery, it’s even more important to protect your eyes from the damaging effects of the sun. In addition to the UV protection, sunglasses provide the added benefit of keeping wind and debris out of your eyes while they’re healing after surgery.
In short – it may not always be “fashionable” to wear sunglasses throughout the year, but it’s definitely the right thing to do for your eyes.
Short Getaway: The Appalachian Trail & Museum
SOURCE: Various
Have you ever thought about hiking the Appalachian Trail – or even a short segment? Hiking a part of the trail could be a great daytrip outing, or even an overnight hiking/camping outing. Right here in our general readership area, there are numerous entry points to the Trail and that’s why we are presenting the Appalachian Trail and its Museum as this issue’s “Short Getaway.”
In terms of how the trail tracks through Pennsylvania, if you approach it from the south the Appalachian Trail enters Pennsylvania near Pen Mar way out in Franklin County. It then proceeds generally northward for about 85 miles and crosses the Susquehanna River north of Harrisburg. From there it heads east towards our area and New Jersey, leaving Pennsylvania near Delaware Water Gap.
Appalachian Trail Museum
Hiking even part of the trail would be an incredible experience, but if the actual hiking is beyond your skill or interest, you might consider exploring the amazing history of the Appalachian Trail at the Appalachian Trail Museum, located about a two-hour drive from our area to the west.
The museum is located right here in Pennsylvania very near the mid-point of the entire trail. Known as the Museum in the Old Mill, the Appalachian Trail Museum is the only museum in the country dedicated to hiking. It portrays and preserves the history and the physical, emotional and spiritual human experiences of the Appalachian Trail.
Learning Exhibits
Exhibits are devoted to early founders of the trail – Benton MacKaye and Myron Avery, as well as some of the early Pioneer thru-hikers such as Earl Shaffer (the last remaining shelter he built is on display) and Grandma Gatewood. The museum also features changing exhibits, a thru-hiker photo display of over 10,000 Trail hikers, a hiker's lounge, and an indoor/outdoor story-telling center to encourage visitors to share hiking experiences. The ground floor of the building has been transformed into a children's area. It features a cement floor painted with a children's version of
Continued on page 12
“The Beautiful Stone Church at the Top of the Park”
Short Getaway
Continued from page 11
the Trail and beautiful panels for children to follow along the route to educate them about each state and the Trail itself. Two exhibits at the museum are:
• "Blazing the Trail in Maine": Featuring photos showing how the Appalachian Trail was established in Maine and featuring the folding kayak (Folbot)
The Museum Location
used by Appalachian Trail pioneer, Myron Avery.
• "Hikanation": Celebrating the groundbreaking, 1980-81, Pacific-toAtlantic Hike organized by the American Hiking Society.
The Appalachian Trail Museum is located inside a 200-year-old grist mill in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, near Gardners, Pennsylvania. The Museum is conveniently located near the midway
Peach Festival
point of the 2,180mile Appalachian Trail, situated next to two popular Trail hiking stops, the Pine Grove General Store, where it is tradition to stop and eat a half gallon of ice cream, and the Ironmaster's Mansion where you can sleep overnight in dormitory-style accommodations.
Parking is limited at the museum itself. If you can't find a free space, park near the Pine Grove General Store or at the large gravel lot near the Pine Grove Iron Furnace. Admission is free.
The physical address of the museum is 1120 Pine Grove Road in Gardners, Pennsylvania. For more information and museum hours, visit atmuseum. org or call 717-486-8126. You can also visit the Trail’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook. com/AppTrailMuseum/
What Is a Heat Wave?
SOURCE: https://scijinks.gov/heat (edited)
The short answer to the title question is: A heat wave is a period of unusually hot weather that typically lasts two or more days. To be considered a heat wave, the temperatures have to be outside the historical averages for a given area. For instance, a couple of 95-degree summer days in Maine might be considered a heat wave, but a couple of 95-degree summer days in Death Valley would be pretty unremarkable.
Dangerous Heat
For some, a heat wave might sound like an excuse to run around with a hose or into some sprinklers. In reality, though, heat waves are serious weather phenomena that can be quite dangerous.
There’s hot, and then there’s HOT. One example of a HOT time was in late June and early July 2012 in the United States. During that time period, more than 8,000 warm temperature records were broken or tied. Many of those records had been unchallenged since the 1930s. In 2012, roads actually buckled in Chicago and many deaths were attributed to the heat nationwide.
How Do Heat Waves Form?
Heat waves are generally the result of trapped air. During that 2012 heat wave, air was trapped above much of North America for a long period of time. Instead of moving around the globe, the hot air simply stayed put and warmed like the air inside an oven. What caused that to happen? A high-pressure system from
What Is a Heat Wave?
Continued from page 14
Mexico. Over three days, the system migrated north, grew in size, and then parked itself over the Great Plains of the United States.
High-pressure systems force air downward. The sinking air acts like a cap, preventing air near the ground from rising. It traps the warm ground air in place. Without rising air, there was no rain, and therefore nothing to prevent the hot air from getting hotter. This is how a heat wave forms.
Heat Wave Safety Tips
Heat waves may seem less exciting or dramatic than other natural disasters like tornados, hurricanes, flooding, or even thunderstorms. That said heat waves kill more people in the United States than all other weather-related disasters combined. So what kinds of precautions can you take to stay safe in a heat wave? Here are a few:
1. Take it easy. Slow down and avoid doing strenuous work.
2. Dress for the weather. Wear lightweight, light colored clothing.
3. Avoid high-protein foods and meat. Eating these can increase your body’s heat production.
4. Drink lots of water. Unless you have a condition that is affected by changing how much fluid you drink, it’s a good idea to keep as hydrated as possible.
5. Find an air-conditioned place to hang out. Don’t have an air conditioner of your own? Find a friend with one, or go to a public place like a library that has one.
6. Avoid getting too much sun. Sunburns make it harder for your body to cool off.
And finally, be very careful in cars. Cars heat up extremely fast. You should never spend time in a parked car with windows closed, and you should always be wary of hot metal objects both inside (like seatbelt buckles) and outside the car.
Shane M. Smith Memorial Fund Established to Honor Friend, Teammate
Shane Smith was a Lehighton graduate and standout athlete who tragically passed away in 2008. Now, some of his former teammates and friends have come together to establish a donoradvised fund in his name at the Carbon County Community Foundation to honor his legacy and support their alma mater. They’ll gather from far and wide this week for a pseudo-reunion dinner to reminisce and officially launch the Shane M. Smith Memorial Fund.
“Shane’s heart, smile, and soul created a championship environment in our locker room, but also in our community,” said Vinnie Andrews on behalf of the 2001 District XI Champion Lehighton Indians football team. Smith was the featured tailback for the Indians during the title run and had several highlight-reel runs throughout the season that saw Lehighton host two postseason games to sold-out crowds at the old stadium.
Grants from this new fund will primarily support the varsity football program at Lehighton in Shane’s memory.
“The creation of the Shane M. Smith Memorial Fund is important because we want to share his positive attitude and legacy not just with current and future football teams at LHS but also to continue reminding ourselves and the community at large about the power of positivity in life. We all miss him, but he left those
Continued on page 16
Blue Mountain
610-285-2081
Email: blumtswemas@aol.com
•Chimney Liners
•Brick/Stone Pointing/Restoration
•Teardowns & Rebuilds
•Chimney Cleaning
•Relining Specialist
•Masonry Waterproofing
•Fireplace Restorations
•Repointing
•Masonry Repairs
•Chimney Caps & Dampers
•Inspections
•Fireplace and Chimney Masons
Shane M. Smith Memorial Fund
Continued from page 15
that he touched with an undeniable understanding of hard work, teamwork, and support for others.”
Andrews, Smith’s cousin, is the current
head coach at Bangor High School. Additional grants from the fund may be directed to other charities and causes that align with Shane’s interests and hobbies.
“We are grateful that Shane’s circle of friends has entrusted the Community Foundation with this fund in his memory,” said Sharon Alexander, CCCF President. “While his teammates may now live far and wide, they can rest assured that we will remain in Carbon County making sure this
fund benefits current and future Lehighton athletes, keeping Shane’s legacy alive for generations to come.”
Donations to the Shane M. Smith Memorial Fund are tax-deductible and can be made via the Carbon County Community Foundation website or by mail. In addition to traditional cash donations, the Community Foundation can accept gifts of stock or other real property and charitable gift annuities or trusts. For more information, contact the Community Foundation at 610-730-2526 or info@ cccfoundpa.org.
About the Carbon County Community Foundation
The Carbon County Community Foundation was formed in 2015 with the mission to improve the quality of life for all Carbon County residents, now and forever. We do this by offering individuals, families, and businesses the most effective charitable giving tools available in the marketplace today, combining that with expertise in philanthropic planning, nonprofit sector issues, and community priorities.
We are honored to work with hundreds of donors, nonprofits, advisors, and civic leaders to build resources and strengthen our community, forever. Learn more about the Carbon County Community Foundation at cccfoundpa.org or by calling 1-855-545-1311.
After
Coloring Page
Henry’s Service Station in Danielsville is marking its 50th anniversary this year. Established in 1974 by Preston and Ruthann Henry and still owned and operated by the couple along with their son Preston Henry Jr., the business has earned a reputation for outstanding quality and service. The three-generations are pictured with a House citation presented by Pa. State Rep. Zach Mako.
23 Tschulei 1953
TOUCH OF DUTCH
Submitted by Larry Gradwohl
Alle-ebber as an en Vendu geht, finnt ee Schtick, as er abaddiche Indress drin nemmt. An der Schnaible Vendu um Griene Wasser-loch, neegscht an Easton doyetz waar’s fer mich en Bord baut acht Fuus lang mit re Roi hilsne Zabbe in der Mitt uffem Bord naus vun eem End bis an’s anner. Die Zabbe waare baut drei Zoll lang un aa baut drei
Zoll aus nannes. Es hot mich arrig gewunnert fer was as so ebbes geyuust iss warre. Was denkt ihre? Unne Gfrogt finnt mer nix aus. So hawwich en Mann gfrogt un er hot gsaagt die Leit hedde als viel Gaarde-sach gereest fer noch Easton peddle. Mit sellem Bord hedde sie abgemarrickt fer die Zwiwwle schtecke.
Was hot mer awwer aa en Lott Leit heere Deitsch schwetze datt! Es hot so ‘n dummer Englisher vun Easton mol gsaagt zu mir er hett gemeent die Pennsilfaanish Deitsche deede all an Allenschteddel rum wohne. Es deet so me Kall gut fer alsemol bissel aus der Schtadt in’s lang Faahre.
Die letscht Woch hawwich gefrogt fer en annere Naame fer en ‘Grick.’ En Grick wert aa oft en ‘Runn’ gheese.
Die letscht Woch hawwich aa gfrogt weeich me Boi verschneide. Wiffel Schticker kennt ihre rausschneide? Ich kann yuscht eens rausschneide. Die annere schneid ich noh ab!
Die Micke un die Hawwer-leise duhne sich net arrig gut beheefe alleweil. Wann die Government all die Micke en License-plate aahenke deet mache, deet’s ordlich Geld eibringe. Alleweil kann mer viel Sadde Schpritzerei kaafe, awwer was fer unnerschittliche Wege hen die Leit ghatt Yaahre zerick fer die Micke verdillye? Ich weess as mer als die Kich dunkel gemacht hen un die Deere en Schtick uff[gemacht]; noh sin mer al an’s Flappe un Yaage in der Kich rum mit Hand-dicher, Schatz, Schtroh-hiet, un ennich ebbes schunscht, bis mer die Miche nausgegarebt hen ghatt.
The Dutch-English Lesson: Wie geht’s heit? How goes it today? Schreib alsemol! Write sometimes.
-Florence Baver
July 23, 1953
Everyone that goes to an auction finds one item, that they take special interest in. At the Schnaible auction close to Green Pond near Easton recently, it was for me a board about eight feet long with a row of wooden pegs in the middle of the board from one end to the other. The pegs were about three inches long and about three inches apart. I was very curious what something like that was used for. What do you think? Without a lot of questions one does not find anything out. So I asked a man and he said those people always raised many garden items to huckster in Easton [ - at the farmer’s market in the center circle?] With that board they marked off [rows] for planting onions. [Do you get the picture? They turned the board peg-side down and two people dragged it along the garden to mark out rows to plant the onion sets.]
Did we ever hear a lot of people speaking Dutch there! Some dumb English person [Anyone not belonging to the Dutch ‘ingroup’ – we don’t have negative attitudes about outsiders, do we?] from Easton said once to me that he thought the Pennsylvania Dutch people would all live in the area around Allentown. It would do good for such a fellow every now and then to get out of the city a little and go on a long drive.
Last week I asked for another name for a creek. A creek was often called a ‘run.’
Young Heart AT
B ack to S chool
ART BOARD
CALCULATOR
CHALK
COLLEGE
CURRICULUM
DESK
SUBJECT
SUBJECTS
TEACHER
TEXTBOOKS
TUITION
UNIFORM
UNIVERSITY
Touch of Dutch
Last week I also asked about cutting a pie into pieces. How many pieces can you ‘cut out’? I can just ‘cut out’ one. The others I then ‘cut off’! [Some old Dutch humor here!]
The flies and oat midges [Gnat-like flies around at oat harvest time.] don’t behave themselves very well at this time. If the government would make
all the flies hang on a license plate, it would bring in much money. Now one can buy various types of sprays, but what different ways did the people have years ago for getting rid of flies? I know that we always darkened the kitchen and opened the doors a little bit; then we went around the kitchen flapping and chasing [the flies] with towels, aprons, straw hats and anything otherwise, until we had the flies driven out.
The Dutch-English lesson is self-explanatory.
[You will notice for the month of July , I used the spelling Tschulei rather than Yuli. That’s in memory of my Dad who always spoke so ‘dutchy.’ Didn’t appreciate it much at the time, but now I sure miss hearing it!]
[When Florence writes about how life was when she grew up in a rural area on a farm, remember that was less than 100 years ago. Think what people endured back then and how we complain today about minor inconveniences.]
-Larry Gradwohl
15th August 2024
AfFORDable Pet Center in Northampton held a KONG Day event on Saturday, August 3, which included a basket social, a sale on all KONG products and an adoption event by Outcast Rescue. All proceeds from the basket social, $1,275, were donated to Outcast Rescue.
Summer Days
Written by Harold “Nick” Seyfried
Editor’s Note: Nick’s ‘Summer Days’ was originally going to run earlier in the summer. We’re running it now because there’s still some summer left for fun!
Summer’s sunshiny warm days, with concerts in the park, carnivals, fairs and graduations is here.
Hooray, now the cookouts-make my hot dog dark!
Vacations, camping trips, cruises, what a joy, Fishing, swimming pools, sunbathing, soda pop
and ice cream cones.
Who could ask for anything more, you’re right, the people want more especially the little girls and boys.
Okay here we go to a drive-in movie, a motorboat ride, skateboarding, zip lines and water parks. Go to a circus, amusement park, try rafting on the Lehigh River as an art.
Oh no it’s coming, and I know the grass is growing, it’s getting taller and it’s going to need
• Heating Oil
• On-Road & Off-Road Diesel
• Kerosene
mowing.
Plant
Let’s wax the car, take in an auto show, build a gazebo from the
store. What do you say? “You still want more”?
Try day tripping, cow tipping or going to Jim Thorpe, Heisler’s Dairy Farm, play golf and eat an ice cream waffle.
Go got a Go Cart ride or rent an E bike on the D&L Trail, take a hayride, a Piper Cub airplane
ride or a Hot Air Balloon flight.
Have a family picnic with an old-fashioned sing along, play quoits or horseshoes. These are some things I would do.
So let’s go and take your pets!
PETERSVILLE ROD & GUN CLUB BIKE RUN
Saturday, September 7th, 2024
Admission: $20 pp, kids 12 and under free
Rain Date: Sunday, September 8th, 2024
Place:
Petersville Rod & Gun Club, 550 Club Road, Bath, PA 18014 Basket Social: Friday, Sept. 6th, 2024, 4 pm to 9 pm & Saturday, Sept. 7th, 2024, 9 am to 6 pm Price includes food, beverages, and live entertainment
Call for more info: MIKE @ 484-634-0909
Registration from 10 am to 12 noon Kickstands up at 12 noon
September 15 @ 11:00am | Furry Feet Rescue Bingo Benefit
Join us for another fun-filled Sunday of Bingo to raise funds for Furry Feet Rescue! We are spicing it up with the prizes! General Merchandise, Meat Trays, Gift certificates/Cards, Seafood, and more!
20 regular Games • 5 Special Games
The kitchen will be open, please no outside food!
Seating is limited to 250!
Presale packages are limited to 150 online sales, leaving 100 for sale at the door. The presale package is $30.00, and packages at the door are $35.00. PRESALE WILL CLOSE AS OF SEPTEMBER 1ST 2024 WE ARE SORRY NO EXCEPTIONS THERE WILL BE PLENTY OF PACKAGES AT THE DOOR. https://furryfeetrescue.harnessgiving.org/events/1927
Lehigh Township Historical Society News
Submitted by Ruth Hall Kent
Lehigh Township’s National Night Out at Indian Trail Park on Tuesday, August 6th was a washout this year. For those of you who planned to visit the Historical Centre Museum, we will be open for visits again on Sunday, August 18th from 1 to 4 in the afternoon. The St. Paul’s Schoolhouse will not be open again until September 15th.
It’s getting close to fall and LTHS has begun taking advance orders for our Annual Fall Mum Sale from 9 to 2 on Saturday, September 21st. See our ad in this issue of the Gazette for prices and more info. In order to reserve your favorite color mums, we suggest you order in advance. You can call our office at 610-440-0151 and leave a message with your selection, message us on Facebook or print an order form from our website at www. lehightownshiphistoricalsociety.org. We will also have a Bake Sale during this event with lots of yummy seasonal treats. There will be plenty of mums and baked goods for walk-ins if you come early – Rain or Shine!
Our Gravestone Preservation Workshops continue with the next session at Berlinsville Cemetery on Saturday August 17th at 10 am. We will also hold another session on Sunday afternoon September 8th starting at 3 pm. Give us a call if you are interested in attending the hand-on workshop to learn how to properly and safely clean your ancestors gravestones.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 2nd from 11 am to 1:30 pm for our special Open
House at the St. Paul’s One-Room Schoolhouse in Indianland. The almost 160 year-old restored oneroom school will be open from 11 am to 12:15 prior to our program scheduled to begin at 12:30 pm. Socialize and enjoy refreshments between your visit to the school and our program “Genealogy Basics – Getting Started”. Justine Brazina Bachman who is a local genealogist affiliated with several nearby historical societies and Facebook groups will be the speaker. The program will be held in the social hall of the St. Paul’s UCC church in Indianland, Lehigh Township. The event is free and open to the public.
The Historical Centre Museum is open on Tuesday mornings from 9 am to noon (except the 2nd Tuesday of the month) if you need to drop off donations or want to see the museum. We welcome anyone interested in volunteering at the museum as well.
Please visit our website at www. lehightownshiphistoricalsociety.org for more details on our upcoming events or call the Centre at 610-440-0151 and leave a message.
Alan’s Auto Parts & U Pull It Yard
(Full-service salvage yard)
Receive 2 admit one adults to Becky’s. One timeduring the 2024 season. Comic book Deadpool first appeared in what X-Men spin-off ? 4162 Best Station Rd Slatington, PA 18080
Monday-Friday 8:30-4:00 4245
Rd
PA 18080 (U Pull It Yard) Monday-Saturday 8:30-4:00
Answer Name From Phone Number Send your answers to: Blue Mountain Town & Country Gazette, P.O. Box A, Walnutport, PA 18088 Call 610-767-9600 for info on how to receive your tickets. All submissions must be received by August 28, 2024
Remember When
photos by William “Becky” Beck
Front-L to RThe Erschen Siblings Martha Erschen Eisenhard, Missing--Joseph (Joe), Madeline Erschen Herman Back—L to R Peter (Pete), Henry, Nicholas (Nick), August (Augie), Anthony (Eddie), Herman (Hermie)
Erschen Family
Sitting & Kneeing —L to R
Mary Eileen, baby Karen, Kathy, Jim Jr., Marietta, Anna Marie, Linda, Sandy, Bernie, Madeline, Sheila, Barb, Cathy, Eddie, Danny, Michele Standing—L to R Jimmy, Rita, Mary Ann, Norman, Madeline, Martha, Marie, Tom, Olivia, Frances, Pete, Rita, Mahlon, Henry, Rich, Eddie, Nick, Helen, Nick Jr., Martha, Ruth, Augie, Theresa, Fay, & Herman. Missing –Joe & family and Louie Eisenhard was in the service at the time.
The Erschen Family Reunion, July 1961. Story told by Martha “Marti” Erschen Czarnecki Marti remembers the day these pictures were taken of the Erschen family reunion very well, because it was one of her happiest times in her childhood. It was always good to get together with family and cousins. Marti always looked forward to the annual reunions in the summer while growing up in Lehigh Township. As the families grew, they spread out from family backyards to the local parks. They were good times! Marti keeps in touch with family members over the years, especially the cousins. On July 10, 2022, the Erschen cousins had a reunion at Marti’s cousin, Sheila’s house in Coplay, which was fun. Some she hadn’t seen for many years. FaceTime is good, because it is one way of keeping in touch, but it’s not quite the same as the actual touch.
A huge thank you to Martha “Marti” Erschen Czarnecki for the information about the Erschen Family Reunion.
Attention Lehigh Township Veterans Hometown Heroes Banner Program
By Mary Ann Endy
The Oplinger-Hower American Legion Post 899 of Lehigh Township (Walnutport, PA) recently launched a HOMETOWN HEROES BANNER PROGRAM to honor our men and women of all branches of the military who served our Country whether in wartime or peace. The veteran must have been a resident of Lehigh Township. The banners honor both past and present veterans.
Hometown Heroes Banners is a unique way to
show our veterans that we care about the sacrifices they have made for our Country. All banners are printed on both sides. According to the company banners are made of heavy weight block out vinyl, which is extremely durable and holds up well for 3 plus years. The banner size will be 30” X 60”. The company supplies high quality aluminum brackets to mount the banners on poles where you would like the banner to be placed. These banners fly year-round honoring your hometown hero.
To participate in this program you will need to fill out a form that list the first and last name, branch of service, what era, status (KIA/POW/ MIA) or medals (Purple Heart/Silver Star/ Bronze
Star). Please provide a photo for the banner.
Past PA Representative Julie Harhart unveiled an official sign-designating Route 248 as the POW/ MIA Remembrance Highway on May 28, 1999. The highway runs from Lehighton, through Lehigh Township to Easton to honor these heroes. Today we have an opportunity to honor our Lehigh Township veterans.
The banners will be installed by the Lehigh Township Road Crew throughout Lehigh Township on the poles near the veteran’s home and would show our veterans we appreciate their service. Banners like this can be seen in Northampton, Bath, Lehighton and so many other communities. Our objective is to have these Hometown Heroes Banners on the poles by Veterans Day, November 11, 2024. To accomplish this, your help is needed now.
Please help to honor our hometown heroes. Forms can be picked up at the American Legion Post 899 located 1140 Municipal Road, Walnutport, PA or for additional information please contact Hometown Heroes Banner Program Coordinator Jeff Weidner at 484-426-8639 or Post #899 at 610767-2393. And to all our veterans “THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!”
Mosebach, Agent
314 Main St Slatington, PA 18080-1537
Bus: 833-844-FARM geoffmosebachagency.com geoff@geoffmosebachagency.com Mosebach Ins and Fin Svcs Inc
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Residential & Commercial Dumpster on Wheels Rental
Call: 484-862-5061
Residential Waste and Municipal Waste We Load or You Load Dumpster Small Demolition Jobs, Sheds, Fencing, Pools, Campers, Boats, Mobile Homes Homeowners/Contractors/Realtors, Mini Excavator Service and Rentals
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Credit cards accepted
Slatington
OFF THE SHELF
Library News
submitted by Louise Bechtel
1,000 Books before Kindergarten, do you think you can read that many to your child? The library will kick off it’s 1,000 books before kindergarten program on August 19th at the library. The funding for the program was provided by a grant from the Rotary Club of Slatington. For more information, please contact the library.
The library is in the midst of its annual fund drive. Thank you to everyone who has donated. Please consider giving a donation to the library, any amount is appreciated.
The Book Club is going on a field trip for September so there is no book selection, but they will be back in October reading “West with Giraffes,
we are proud to provide you with decades of compounding experience to ensure the best care possible for you!
Dorneyville Compounding Pharmacy is a locally owned and operated specialty compounding pharmacy serving the Lehigh Valley and beyond since 1989. With state of the art sterile and non-sterile compounding laboratories, we can provide several alternative prescribed medications in the form of creams, rapid dissolve tablets, troches, and injections.
by Lynda Rutledge. Their meeting will be held on October 7th at Blue Mountain Winery at 1:00pm. If you are interested in joining the book club, please contact the library.
The Genealogy Club is taking the summer off. Watch for their first meeting in September.
The library provides many services to the community. For a fee, we provide copies and faxes. A free library card gets you access to books, e-books, magazines, e-magazines and audio books from 12 libraries as well as links to 12 online databases. There are also public access computers from which you can print for a fee.
Library hours are Mon. & Wed. 9am to 7pm, Tues. 9am to 3pm, Fri. 9am to 5pm, Sat. 8am to 2:00pm. The library is closed Thursday and Sunday.
Any questions concerning this information please contact Louise Bechtel at the Library at (610) 767-6461. Thank you.
BIRTHDAY COUPON
Mail to the Blue Mountain Town & Country Gazette, P.O. Box A, Walnutport, PA 18088
Age on Birthday______________ Date of Birth____________________
Call the Blue Mountain Town & Country Gazette office for info on how to receive the free cake.
AcceptingNewCustomers AcceptingNewCustomers
Giving Multiplied as Families Provide School Supplies for Children
Around the World
Local families are preparing for the school year with back-to-school sales and adding more items to their lists for children in need around the world. Shoebox packers are using this time to purchase gifts and essential items to fill Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts. Children in over 100 countries will be blessed by these gift-filled shoeboxes and the hope of Jesus.
Many children around the world are not able to afford school supplies, and coloring pencils, crayons, and markers are a luxury many cannot access. For Olesea Makarets, a shoebox recipient from Moldova, markers in her home were shared among her siblings. The colorful markers were used until the very last drop , and then she and her siblings would dip the markers in water to try to make them last longer.
Continued on page 49
One person per issue will be randomly chosen to win a FREE Birthday Cake from Scoopendorf’s Ice Cream Company, Walnutport.
CLASSIFIEDS
NOTICE TO CLASSIFIED ADVERTISERS: ALL CLASSIFIED ADS MUST BE PAID FOR BEFORE PUBLICATION. This means you must send your payment with your ad when placed by mail, pay for your ad when placed in person at the office, or mail your payment to reach our office before we go to print if your ad was faxed or called in. If payment is not received BEFORE press time, your ad will NOT be included in that edition of the Gazette. HOW TO USE OUR CLASSIFIED SECTION: Mail your ads, with a check for $10 per ad (up to 25 words), to T&C Gazette, 255E S. Best Ave., Walnutport, PA 18088, or call in your ad to 610-767-9600 Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. OR fax anytime to 610-767-9612. PRICING: $10 for first 25 words; $15 for 26-45 words; $20 for 46-65 words; $25 for 66-85 words; $30 for 86-105 words; $35 for 106-125 words. NOTICE: There will be no refunds after a classified advertisement is placed and paid. If an ad runs erroneously at the fault of the paper, we will offer a complimentary ad in the next edition of the publication.
SAVE THE DATE: Chicken BBQ
September 14, 4 to 7 pm at St. John’s UCC, Laurys Station. Eat In or Take Out. Call church office for tickets, 610-262-8061. Limited number of tickets available. Adult meal $12; kid’s meal $6 (8/15)
Real Estate for Rent
Apartment Slatington: New 2 bedroom, spacious, eat-in kitchen, living room, bathroom with linen closet, one-piece tub shower. NO PETS and no smoking, W/S/G included. $900 + utilities, security required. Call 610-390-8691.
Slatington Hotel: Clean, safe, quiet, nicely furnished rooms, $155-$250/week. Private and shared bathrooms. Color TV and cable incl. Up-charge for A/C and on-premise parking. Internet avail. Furnished effic. apts also available. 610-577-0898. (12/19)
DK SEAMLESS GUTTERS & EXTERIORS Installation, repairs, cleaning, protection. Free estimates, experienced, licensed and insured. Good Vibes- Great Work 610-3908908 (8/15)
Don Hartwig Sharpening Service: Saw Chain, Mower Blades, Scissors, Knives, Clipper Blades, Carbide Tip Saws, and much more. 4728 Mountain Rd. Slatington. 610-248-7988. (12/19)
SEAMLESS GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS: Complete installation. Made to any length on site. No seams, no leaks. 30 years experience. K.W. Greenawalt, 610-298-3380 (11/21)
Sept. 5 - Restaurants • Deadline - August 28
Giving Mulitplied
Continued from page 46
When Makarets received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox, she remembers what stood out to her most. “I couldn’t take my eyes off a pack of colorful markers. My siblings and I shared the markers we had but now I had received a pack of my very own.” This simple gift deeply impacted Makarets’ life. She said, “Receiving a shoebox gift made me realize that Jesus, the powerful man in the Bible, is actually real.” The power of packing school supplies in shoebox gifts, can transform a child’s life and point them toward a greater hope.
For more information, call 717-774-1920, or visit samaritanspurse.org/occ. National Collection Week is Nov. 18 – 25. Participants can donate $10 per
shoebox gift online through “Follow Your Box” and receive a tracking label to discover its destination. Those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse samaritanspurse.org/ buildonline to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement.
Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan's Purse, seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 220 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.
ADVERTISER INDEX
BEERS
•Numerous styles of vinyl siding, including insulated
