Wellsboro Happenings, February 2021 by Mountain Home

H o a r p o p b e s nings l l e

1 • WELLSBORO HAPPENINGS

No. 35 - Issued Quarterly

FEBRUARY 2021

We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men. ~Herman Melville BOROUGH OF WELLSBORO, PA

Susan L. Keck Retires

Born and raised near the Wellsboro Junction on a small dairy farm, Sue dreamed of joining the military and seeing the World like other members of her family, and that is exactly what she did. Sue joined the U.S. Navy in 1977, serving on active duty and then with the Navy Reserves, retiring in 2004. The Navy was like a second family; it gave her a sense of pride in knowing she was part of defending our country’s freedoms. After release from active duty, Sue lived in Florida for a time, then moved back to Laurel, Maryland, near Fort Meade where she had been stationed. Taking college classes in accounting and finance lead to work in Medical Billing and Property Management. However, she always felt pulled back to these mountains that gave her a true sense of home. When her son Alex was born, she and her small family moved back to Wellsboro. As luck would have it, the Borough Secretary position was advertised soon after, and Sue was hired in December of 1996. She was with the Reserves when 911 happened and was deployed for 7 months, then remained with the Reserves until retiring in April 2004. Upon retiring from the Borough, it is the people she says she will miss most. Like missing her Wellsboro Women’s Chorus friends due to the Corona Virus, Sue will miss the daily contact with those here at the Borough Office. A mother’s greatest joy is her children, and Sue takes much pride and joy in her son, Alexander. Alex is serving proudly, in his 6th year in the United States Air Force. Retirement plans include doing more motorcycle riding and more visiting with her friends and family. Sue hopes to enjoy more of the outdoors doing the things she loves, which include gardening, camping, and kayaking. We wish her farewell and smooth sailing!

ON THE INSIDE...

New Police Vehicle............................................................ Page 3 Low Volume Road Grant.................................................. Page 3 In Remembrance................................................................ Page 3 A Career Highlight............................................................ Page 4 Larry’s Legacy.................................................................... Page 4

February 2021

Welcome Amy Kane Perry

Amy comes from a large, Tioga County family. Raised here in Wellsboro, she now resides with her family in Middlebury Center. She and her husband, Tom have two children. Their son, Aidan is enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and lives with his wife, Ellie in Goldsboro, NC. Daughter, Ana is a sophomore at Wellsboro Area High School. As a family, they love to travel and spend time together. Their favorite places to visit are National Parks or any unique attraction that catches their eye. Amy has many interests, including acting as Treasurer for Little Hickory Productions, which holds an annual music festival and other fundraisers for the American Cancer Society and awards musical scholarships. Volunteering with members of her family, she enjoys giving back to the community and knowing that even the smallest of gestures can make a difference in the world. Amy didn’t always know she wanted to work in the accounting field. After High School, she earned a degree in Veterinary Technology and graduated from Harcum College in 1999. She then moved back to Wellsboro to start her family. Over the next several years she found herself working as a counselor, a tax clerk and finally found herself in the position of Tioga County Auditor. There she found her love for numbers and for solving problems. The position allowed her the opportunity to go back to school and in 2015 she graduated from Mansfield University with her Bachelor Degree in Business Administration with an accounting focus. When the job notice was posted in the newspaper for the borough position, Amy thought it was kismet. She could use her accounting background and combine it with the pride she has in her community. She considers herself lucky to live in our unique, small town and is excited to be part of its future. She will have some pretty big shoes to fill as Susan retires, but looks forward to each and every new day.

Borough Snow & Ice Removal Regulations......... Page 6 What NOT to Flush!............................................... Page 6 Paperless Billing!...................................................... Page 6 Woodland Park Update......................................... Page 7

2 • WELLSBORO HAPPENINGS

FEBRUARY 2021

Your Local Automotive Advocate

1856 North Williamson Road • Covington, PA 16917

FEBRUARY 2021

WELLSBORO HAPPENINGS • 3

New Police Vehicle

The Show Will Go On! Coming in 2021

The Wellsboro Police Department purchased the newest version of the Ford Police Line, a 2021 Police Interceptor. The Interceptor arrived this week, and with a few additions it will be in service. The vehicle is outfitted with an updated EVO camera system that utilizes cloud retention. The cloud allows officers to email videos to the courts and also allows officers to views videos anywhere they have computer access. The patrol vehicle is a true “mobile office” and is outfitted with a MDT (mobile data terminal) which allows officers to complete incident reports, check the status of licenses and registrations and issue citations electronically from within the vehicle. In addition, the rear cargo area contains floor-mounted, secure utility box which allows officers to store extra weapons and other equipment required while on patrol. The vehicle is equipped with a slim, low-profile Code 3 light bar system and hideaway head and tail lamps. The graphics on the vehicle will maintain a similar design of WPD’s current in-service vehicles.

ut Sylvia Lo

Romance

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DR I V I NG

Miss DaisY by Alfred Uhry

Sylvia Love

Low Volume Road Grant

The Borough continues to look to improve the drainage of the outlying streets in the borough by annually applying for grant funding to install stormwater conveyance along those streets. This year the Borough is fortunate to be awarded a grant of $81,979.00 to extend the stormwater system along Buena Vista Street. The grant funding comes from the Tioga County Conservation District’s Dirt and Gravel and Low Volume Road Maintenance Program. Previously, the borough has used these monies to installed stormwater along the length of Bodine Street and the first section of Buena Vista Street. This next phase includes concrete inlet boxes and piping to convey runoff and will eliminate the need for ditches along the street. Utilizing the Department of Public Works staff to install the stormwater system allows the Borough to leverage In-kind Services to obtain grant funding. The Borough is appreciative of the funding provided by the Tioga County Conservation District and will continue to apply for these funds to improve borough streets.

In Remembrance

It is with deep regret we inform our readers of the passing of two of the Borough’s retirees. Mr. Martin Beck passed away December 22, 2020. Mrs. Patricia Russell passed away January 4, 2021. They will be remembered fondly.

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4 • WELLSBORO HAPPENINGS

A Career Highlight...

As I look to retirement, here is a highlight I want to share. When poking around in the basement of the Municipal Building one day, I discovered a fat old envelope. Curious, I pulled out a yellowed and crinkly folded stack of old newspaper, a crumbling list of people. There was an old blueprint and a couple of old letters. I was very careful unfolding these delicate pages to avoid damage. One letter was on Mitchell & Briggs Hardware stationary dated July 1st. 1937, harking “Stoves, Tinware, Farmers’ Supplies and Sporting Goods”, and this is what it said; To you who are priviledged to open this box. Greetings. Mitchell & Briggs, located at the corner of Main Street and East Avenue Wellsboro, PA furnished the plumbing material for this swimming pool. You guessed it! I had stumbled upon the contents of the cornerstone of the old Woodland Park Pool. The other letter had a faded signature, but I could just make it out. It was signed by Larry Woodin. Jackpot!! June – 1937 Council in office at the time the Woodland Park Swimming Pool was conceived and constructed are noted on this letterhead. There listed are Councilmen-First Ward F.H. Kennedy, Earl Bliss, S. L. Boom, Councilmen-Second Ward E. F. Mosher, F.C. Williams, Clyde W. Bailey, Street Commissioner J.R. Crosetto, Treasurer C. E. Bennett, Secretary J. R. Crosetto, and Harry W. Bailey, Burgess. Retyped here is the content of that letter: 1936 and 1937 may be remembered as the years in which Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon publicity was started and this locality was being described to the world at large for its scenic beauty. Visitors from every state in the Union are coming to Wellsboro to thrill at the awe inspiring view as seen from the lookout in the Leonard Harrison State Forest Park, just eleven miles from this spot… Many developments are planned for this area… How interesting it would be to be present when this paper again comes to light to see the changes the years have brought and just how far Wellsboro and the State of Pennsylvania has gone with the development and the publicizing of the Canyon… Signed Larry Woodin Today the Woodland Park Pool is gone, and the park itself is on the first phase of a new beginning. Time has indeed wrought change, Mr. Woodin. Thank goodness the Canyon, in its seasonal splendor, remains an awe inspiring view. Looking back and looking forward.

Susan Keck

FEBRUARY 2021

Larry’s Legacy

Many of us in Tioga County boast of the beauty of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon and even use it as a landmark to describe where we are from. Almost everyone at one time or another has said “I am from North Central Pennsylvania, home of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon”. What many of us don’t know is how this wonderful gorge came to be an attraction that stills draws visitors from around the world.It took one man just one look to know that we had something special to share and he set his mind to do just that. Mr. Larry Woodin first came to Wellsboro in 1926 to manage the Arcadia Theatre and the Bache Auditorium, what better way to draw visitors to the area and his businesses then to promote the natural wonder of the Pine Creek Gorge. With the help of the then publisher of the Wellsboro Gazette, Mr. Robert Conevery Sr. they adopted the name “Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon” and Mr. Woodin ran with it. With a teaching background he did what he knew best, he appealed to the youth to help him spread the word. Each student at the Jr. Sr. High School was tasked with writing one letter to a relative or friend to come and see what our beautiful canyon had to offer. Students and teachers were tasked with distributing pamphlets and telling anyone they saw to visit Wellsboro home of the Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon. The results of his efforts were nothing short of amazing. The dirt road to Harrison Lookout was jammed with traffic and Mr. Woodin found a new task, pleading with Harrisburg to widen and pave the road to allow for the new influx of visitors. The Chamber of Commerce of Wellsboro agreed to operate the park and the walk through concession stand, that still stands today, was added to help raise funds for upkeep. The state took over park operations and the concession stand shortly after World War II. It is said that in the first year they clocked more visitors to our small canyon than were counted at Yellowstone National Park. In the late 1930’s Mr. Woodin decided that he could publicize the area even more by starting a Laurel Festival. Complete with a Queen to be crowned every year, he sought the help of Lions Clubs throughout the state to send a Queen. The Laurel Festival grew into one of the largest flower festivals in the county and continues to be a huge attraction for our small town today. Now, High Schools from around the state send their Queen candidates to adorn the floats and wave to the crowds that adorn our streets. Each year we eagerly await as the parade approaches to see some of our favorite performers that have become part of the Laurel Festival tradition itself and to spot what new and spectacular attraction the Chamber of Commerce has brought to us. Mr. Larry Woodin went on to be a beloved teacher at Wellsboro Area High School and never stopped being an advocate for our community until his death on June 26, 1982. He showed the world that a small community that works towards a common cause is an unstoppable force. So as we look at the natural wonder that has been gifted to us we should all mirror the thoughts and beliefs of Mr.Woodin, “we have a gold mine and don’t even have to dig for it – God has already done the digging”. The strength of our community and the natural wonder we have been given is what makes our town one of a kind. So thank you Mr. Larry Woodin, for seeing our potential and making us what we are today. Researched and written by Amy Kane Perry.

FEBRUARY 2021

WELLSBORO HAPPENINGS • 5

CKWELL’S O R

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FEBRUARY 2021

Borough Snow and Ice Removal Regulations

SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL; on ALL sidewalks, snow and ice must be removed within eight (8) hours after the snow has ceased to fall or ice formed. SNOW EMERGENCY ROUTES; No parking is allowed during a Snow Emergency at the following locations; Central Avenue, between Pearl Street & Sturrock Street and Main Street between Central Avenue and Lincoln Street. A snow emergency will be announced on both WNBT and KC101. Parking will be allowed after the snow is removed. HYDRANTS: Please help our fire companies by clearing around fire hydrants after a storm. If you notice damage to one of the fire hydrants please call the Borough Office at 570-7243186.

What NOT to Flush!

One of the functions of the Wellsboro Department of Public Works is to maintain and repair the water and sewer mainlines within the Borough. Recently, our crews have been dispatched to free up blockages in some of the sewer mains. The most common culprit causing the blockages is residents flushing disposable wipes. Yes, the wipes are marketed as flushable, but they do not break down in water like toilet paper does, leading to blockages in sewer mains. Why is it important to you as a resident to throw wipes away as opposed to flushing them? Unfortunately, it is because a blockage in the mainline can lead to a sewage back up into a residence. What should you flush? The only items that should be flushed are human waste and toilet paper. Remember, even grease and oil poured down the drain can lead to issues in the sewer lines. Grease and oil poured down the drain usually presents a as a problem in the private sewer lateral, not the main. Tree roots and broken cleanout caps also present issues for private sewer laterals. DO NOT FLUSH: Diapers and baby wipes (even marked “flushable”) Tampons and sanitary pads, personal care wipes Cleaning/disinfecting wipes Paper towels and shop rags Cigarette butts Dental floss and toothpicks Cat litter or animal waste Do not pour oil and grease down toilets or drains Pharmaceuticals If you have pharmaceuticals to dispose of, please do not flush them down the toilet. The Wellsboro Police Department has a collection container for pharmaceuticals in their front lobby at 28 Crafton Street. By properly disposing of these items, residents can do their part in keeping the sewer lines flowing free and preventing blockages which can lead to damage to the pipes or a sewage backup which can lead to damage or a costly clean up for a resident. If you question whether you should flush something - it’s simple if it isn’t toilet paper or human waste, it goes in the trash.

WELLSBORO HAPPENINGS • 6

Paperless Billing!

The Borough of Wellsboro is now offering paperless billing for utility customers. To sign up, just visit the borough’s website at www.wellsboroborough.com and click on the “View eBills” button below the borough calendar. Customers will need their bill to enter their customer number and PIN to register their account. The PIN number is located on the bills below your name and address. Customers can still choose any method of payment when receiving paperless billing.

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FEBRUARY 2021

Woodland Park Project Update View of concrete pedestal where a gaslight will be installed to provide ambient lighting along the walking path at night.

View of the retaining wall that will surround the new playground area.

WELLSBORO HAPPENINGS • 7

e t a br e l e C

july 16 - August 1, 2021 FROM POPS TO PAGANINI THE VARIETY IS ENDLESS!

View of retaining wall and frame of the new pavilion that will house the Lions Club barbecue pit.

Work on Woodland Park Rehabilitation Project continued into the winter until the weather paused construction activity. Before the large snowstorm, the contractor completed the rough grading of the parking areas and constructed the retaining walls at the lower pavilion and the new playground area. Land Serv, Inc. also began constructing the lower pavilion, which will house the Lions Club barbecue pit. Bryden Street will remain closed throughout the project. The design for the park calls for eight benches along the walking path that will connect the pavilions. Borough staff have assembled the benches ahead of their installation at the park. The benches are available for dedication to family members or service groups. Anyone who would like to purchase a bench (with plaque) should contact Peter Herres, Director of Parks and Recreation. They cost approximately $1,800.00. The target date for the completion of the project remains Memorial Day, 2021 as long as the weather cooperates.

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8 • WELLSBORO HAPPENINGS

FEBRUARY 2021

Introducing Our

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