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Lake News

August 2025

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 $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 Thursday of each month at the township building, and unless otherwise noted, begin at 6:00 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.

This Month’s Cover

Michael Pikman took this photo on the July 4th weekend. He write, “The landscape stood out to me because of its serene beauty: the water lilies in the foreground standing still, with no wind disturbing their calm, while reflecting the beautiful Big Boulder mountain in the background.”

To share your views of The Lake, send an email to lakenewslakeharmony@gmail. com

Entertainment Around Lake Harmony

At Shenanigans

Events at shenaniganslh.com

Karaoke, DJs and Dancing in Boomers Night Club

Fri. & Sat. 9 p.m. -1 a.m.

September 1 —L abor Day Bash, The Greyman Group with Jimmy Leahey, 8-Midnight

At Nick’s Lake House

(All 5-9 p.m. except as noted)

August 15 Fuzzy Park

August 16 Bayou Risin

August 17 Bikini Brothers

August 22 Who Knows Band

August 23 Dirty Hand

August 24 Friends of Rodger

August 29 Teacher and Poet

August 30 Mystery City, End of Summer Party/ Picnic

page 16

Who Are Friends of Rodger?

by Mark Peterson

If you’ve ever caught live music in the Lake Harmony area or around the Poconos and wondered, Who are friends of Rodger? and more curiously, Who is Rodger? you’re not alone. The fun-loving trio of musicians known as Friends of Rodger has been lighting up local venues with energetic covers and crowd-pleasers that turn every gig into a party. Known to fans as FoR, the group features three seasoned musicians: Tom Kolesa (52), Scott Confer (58), and Eric Peterson (63).

Their setlist spans Elvis Presley to Stone Temple Pilots, with a splash of Queen and David Bowie iconic favorites that keep crowds dancing. But what really sets them apart is their chemistry — on stage and off.

The story of Friends of Rodger begins with Tom and Eric mountain biking together. (Eric claims he got a sore neck from constantly looking back to see where Tom was a claim Tom vehemently denies.) Tom recalls, “One day on the ride, Eric mentioned he had to get back early for band practice. I asked what he played. When he said bass and vocals, I told him I played guitar and sang too. The rest just

evolved.” They began performing at open mics, eventually recruiting others and forming the trio that is FoR today.

Tom often referred to as “the handsome one” started playing guitar at the age of 12. He lived in Las Vegas for a time, playing in bands there before returning to Pennsylvania. When asked about his favorite song to perform, Tom points to Take Me Home, Country Roads by John Denver with a twist. The band invites the See FoR, page 7

Continued from page 6

audience to sing along, substituting “Pennsylvania” for “West Virginia,” along with other local references.

Eric, a multi-instrumentalist with an offbeat charm, brings a quirky energy to the band’s dynamic. His musical roots trace back to piano lessons in Bear Creek under the watchful eye of Mrs. Clark. Later, he jammed on the drums in a dark room lit only by the glow of the stereo blaring the music of Genesis and Yes. Eric emphasizes the band’s interactive spirit: “We don’t just play to the crowd we play with them. People join us with tambourines, harmonicas, shakers everyone gets a chance to make music.”

Scott and Eric first crossed paths in a previous band called Blunt. After about a year of playing together, Eric invited Scott to audition for Friends of Rodger, where he met Tom. “They called me a couple of days later and asked if I wanted to be in the band,” Scott recalls. “The three of us just clicked. We all get along no egos, just a love for playing music.”

A Jim Thorpe native, Scott began drumming at age 8. “My first kit came from Tommy Shaffer’s

music store near Flagstaff,” he says. After serving in the military, Scott returned to music in a more serious way. “Now it’s a hobby, not a job. If the crowd’s having fun dancing, laughing that’s what matters.”

And what about Rodger?

For the longest time the band members couldn’t come up with a name for the group. Tom explains: “About 10 years ago, we were jamming in our friend Ken Boltman’s basement.” (Ken was the band’s original drummer before moving to Colorado.) “I had just gotten a puppy Rodger who tore into a whole box of Kenny’s new business cards.” When Tom apologized for the dog, Kenny said, “That’s OK, we’re all still friends of Rodger,” and the name stuck.

Imagine: Friends of Rodger began with two guys on a mountain bike ride talking about music. What adventures will you have on a mountain bike? Stop by Peterson’s Ski & Cycle in Blakeslee and talk to Eric. He’ll help you find the perfect bike. PSC also offers rentals and stocks gear and equipment to enhance your ride. Shop for Pocono Mountains souvenirs, T-shirts, hoodies, blankets, and more. Their service is top-notch, and it’s never too early to plan for ski season. Visit www. petersonsskiandcycle.com or come in and say hello. We hope to “ski” you soon!

St. Peter the Fisherman holds dedication

Parishioners and guests of St. Peter the Fisherman Church recently dedicated the new statue of St. Anthony and the memorial brick pavers. The paver installation was a fundraising effort by the Knights of Columbus, Msgr. John Auchter Council # 10772. Through these efforts, the Knights were able to present a generous contribution to the parish.

A special thank you goes to Ed Lepre, Tom McIntyre, Bill Hayes and Mario Ferraro of the Knights of Columbus. These members led the brick sales and installation of the memorial.

Scenic train rides another way to see the Poconos

Reading & Northern Railroad passenger department celebrates 40th anniversary

The Reading & Northern Railroad Passenger Department celebrated a momentous milestone on Sunday, July 13, 2025, its 40th anniversary. Four decades have passed since the inaugural passenger train operated over the original 13-mile Blue Mountain & Reading Railroad from Temple to Hamburg, PA. Today, the Passenger Department is busy as ever, overseeing multiple trains every week for most of the year.

The Reading & Northern Railroad was formed in 1983 by Andy Muller, Jr. as the Blue Mountain & Reading to haul freight over a little-used Conrail branch line that was once part of the Pennsylvania Railroad Schuylkill Valley branch. Freight revenues in those early years were meager. Naysayers scoffed at the prospect of this privatelyowned enterprise achieving even remote success.

In 1985, the Blue Mountain & Reading attracted national attention by introducing steam- and diesel-powered passenger excursions over its route; and eventually, special all-day excursions over Conrail main lines. Steam locomotives #425 and #2102 were the star attractions of the Blue

Mountain & Reading. These Temple-to-Hamburg excursions continued into the mid-1990s. As the new decade dawned, a massive opportunity from Conrail knocked. They had announced their intention to sell the “Anthracite Cluster”, consisting of approximately 120 miles of branch lines located in the coal regions of Schuylkill County. On the heels of the success of the Blue Mountain & Reading Railroad, Conrail sold these lines to Muller; and in December 1990, the new Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad or Reading & Northern for short was born.

As the 1990s progressed, freight traffic became an enormous source of revenue for the railroad, as the company worked tirelessly to restore rail lines that were, in many cases, on the verge of abandonment. Passenger trains were gradually relegated to a small handful of occasions. While many excursions operated over the newly acquired lines of Reading & Northern, the newfound success in the freight business overshadowed them. Steam

See TRAIN EXCURSIONS, page 12

Train Excursions

locomotive #2102 was sidelined in 1991, #425 would follow a few years later.

All of that began to change in 2005 with the introduction of the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway in Jim Thorpe. A several years long effort to reactivate an idle railroad bridge just west of the town with the goal of linking Reading & Northern’s Reading and Lehigh divisions to expedite freight movements over what had become an over 300-

mile rail system finally resulted in success in 2003.

With this reactivation, opportunity knocked yet again and regularly scheduled LGSR passenger trains originating from historic Jim Thorpe commenced operation on Memorial Day weekend 2005.

The LGSR was a success right from the start. With it firmly in place as a true tourist attraction on the Reading & Northern Railroad, the revival of passenger service began. Excursions to the town became more frequent, operating mostly from Port Clinton but also from northern locations such as Duryea and Mountain Top.

As the passenger business continued its exponential growth, it quickly became clear that the administration was outgrowing its humble corner of railroad headquarters in Port Clinton. In 2015, Reading & Northern purchased the historic former Reading Company passenger station in Schuylkill Haven, and moved its passenger operations in, where it resides to this day.

New passenger stations have been established at North Reading (Outer Station) and Pittston (Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Regional Railroad Station) and are huge draws for their respective areas. Passenger trains now operate round trip every weekend, ten months of the year, from these

Continued from page 10 See TRAIN EXCURSIONS, page 14

Train Excursions

Continued from page 12

stations to Jim Thorpe. Upgrades have been made to Tamaqua Station; and with the acquisition of the former KME/REV Group property in Nesquehoning, a new station has been established on its grounds.

Perhaps most astonishing about this is the fact that tickets for Reading & Northern’s all-day excursions have remained at the same price point for much of the last 40 years.

The remarkable success of the passenger department since 2005 led to the restoration of steam locomotive #425 in 2007. It made several appearances on the LGSR and Reading & Northern main line excursions through 2022. #425 is currently undergoing its 15-year rebuilding and its return is eagerly anticipated by steam fans and employees alike.

In 2016, Muller proceeded with the restoration of steam locomotive #2102. After 31 years of inactivity, #2102 returned to the rails of the Reading & Northern in May 2022 with the rebirth of the Iron Horse Rambles from Reading Outer Station to Jim Thorpe. In August 2022, a memorable double-header excursion with #425

was operated over the same route.

Steam-powered trains remain the greatest attraction on the Reading & Northern Railroad; yet the entire spectrum of passenger excursion offerings draw visitors from anywhere imaginable. As one curious car host recently discovered, the LGSR hosted guests from as far away as Ecuador, the Philippines, and Uzbekistan. In 40 years, Reading & Northern passenger trains have gone from the local spotlight to the worldwide stage. The hard work by its dedicated employees, under the leadership of Mr. Muller and family, has ensured that the passenger department will continue to be a worldwide phenomenon for the next 40 years and beyond.

Reading & Northern Railroad, with its corporate headquarters in Port Clinton, is a privately held railroad company serving over 80 customers in nine eastern Pennsylvania counties (Berks, Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Northumberland, Schuylkill, and Wyoming). It has expanded its operations over the last 40 years; and now transports nearly 35,000 carloads of freight (which removes over 200,000 trucks from the highway), while its

See TRAIN EXCURSIONS, page 20

Entertainment Around Lake Harmony

August 31 The Benny Band

September 1 Ron and Charlotte

At Boulder View Tavern (All 6-9 p.m. except as noted)

August 14 Sol Katana

August 15 — Bill Hoffman

August 16 Regina Sayles

August 21 Andrew Moses

August 22 The Bandana Brothers

August 23 Ashley Marquez & Ian Kirk

August 28 Ashley Marquez

August 29 Bobby Ventura

August 30 Erin McClelland www.boulderviewtavern.com/events

At The Pub @ the hub

Music Friday and Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m.

August 15 Sol Katana

August 16 John Simo

August 22 Brian Smith

August 23 Tim Fitzpatrci

September 5 Andrew Moses

September 6 Ashley Marquez

September 12 Sol Katana

September 13 Friends of Rodger

At Sandbar, Split Rock

In case of inclement weather, moved to Rock Lounge at main hotel. Music 4-8 unless notedJ

August 16 All That Glitters

August 23 Totally Taboo

August 30 Toga Band

August 31 Kartune (6-10), Labor Day BBQ (3-7)

At Pocono Raceway poconoraceway.com

August 16 MPact Motorsports Festival www.mpacteast.com/

September 6, 7, 13 Night Lights-Sky Lantern Festival, www.nightlightsevent.com/eventspoconoraceway

At Holy Ghost Distillery & Tasting House on Route 940 Tours, tasting experiences, Firepit Fridays.

See ENTERTAINMENT, page 17

Entertainment Around Lake Harmony

Registration required for some events. More info, www.holyghostdistillery.com

At Mauch Chunk Opera House mcohjt.com

August 15 Sarah Gross

August 16 Laurel Canyon Band-the music of CSNY

August 23 Awaken-the music of Yes

August 29 Maggie Baugh

September 6 Romeo Delight-the Ultimate Van Halen

September 11 — Jacob Joliff Band

At Pennspeak.com

August 14 Summer Deck Party–TimeWhys

August 15 Our House-The Music of CSNY

August 17 Family Promise Presents: Rockin’ 4 A Cause featuring Satisfaction with The Beaten Path

August 21 Summer Deck Party–Ostrich Hat

August 22 Summer Deck Party–South Penn Dixie

August 23 TUSK-the Classic Fleetwood Mac

tribute

August 26 Night Feber: An Afternoonof the Bee Gees

August 27 Jersey Beach Boys

August 28 Lettuce

August 29 Summer Deck Party–Toolshed Jack

September 5 EagleMania

September 6 Dead On Live-That ’70s Show

September 7 Summer Deck Party–Josh Martonyak, Casey Kennedy & Albert Donadi

September 13 Damn the Torpedoes–Tom Petty Concert Experienc

September 14 Summer Deck Party–Friends of Rodger

At Mount Airy Casino Resort mountairycasino.com

August 16 Bruce in the USA

At F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre kirbycenter.org

August 24 Louis C.K.

Train Excursions

Continued from page 14

Passenger Department welcomes nearly 340,000 riders annually. Reading & Northern operates its freight and steam- and diesel-powered passenger excursions over 400 miles of track, owns almost 2,000 freight cars, and employs over 350 dedicated people. Reading & Northern has been repeatedly honored as one of the premier railroads in the nation, including being named Regional Railroad of the Year in 2020 by Railway Age magazine.

Plan an Excursion

Pittston to Jim Thorpe

Weekly All Day Train Excursions

Take a round trip train ride from the WilkesBarre/Scranton Regional Railroad Station to historic Jim Thorpe, and explore on your own for over 4 hours. Boarding also available at Penobscot Station (Mountain Top) and White Haven Station.

2025 Iron Horse Ramble

The Reading & Northern is pleased to present Iron Horse Rambles excursions with famed T-1 steam locomotive #2102 again on August 23. Tickets on sale now.

2025 Fall Foliage Excursions

Join us for a train ride to experience the fantastic fall colors that Pennsylvania has to offer. Travel by train to historic Jim Thorpe.

For details, tickets, and lots more information about the trains, the routes, and more, visit https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com

Hanna’s Farm Market

811Stoney Hollow Rd

Pocono Lake

570.442.7045

Fresh Produce

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

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

Dorothy Giovannone sent this: This northern snake was sunbathing on steps in Lake Harmony and eating a fish it caught. The picture was taken by my granddaughter Mea Giovannone in July this year.

Inaugural Carbon County Community Festival to bring food, music & fun to Lehighton

The Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation (CCEDC) is excited to announce the inaugural Carbon County Community Festival on Sunday, August 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Colonel Jacob Weiss Park in Lehighton.

This family-friendly community festival invites attendees to experience the heart of Carbon County through a celebration of local food, small businesses, and community spirit. Held at the historical Colonel Jacob Weiss Park, the Carbon County Community Festival will feature a vibrant mix of food trucks, small business vendors, nonprofit organizations, and live entertainment. From handcrafted goods and interactive booths to delicious eats and hometown flavors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Participating businesses and organizations from across the county will be on site including favorites like Milk Train, The Rolling Brew, Duckville Soap Co., Alchemy Lounge, Beirut Bites and many

more each helping to showcase the incredible diversity and creativity of Carbon County. The event will also feature live music throughout the day, including performances by Hannah

See FESTIVAL, page 23

Festival

Continued from page 22

Noel Music from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by Doktor Thomas Doubter and The Endogenous Psychedelics from 2 to 4 p.m.

“The Carbon Chamber is extremely excited to host our first-ever Carbon County Community Festival and to showcase everything that makes our county so special, while welcoming nearby communities to join the fun, too!” said Kylie

Shalom!

Are you planning a vacation in the Lake Harmony area this summer? Looking for Jewish services or support? We’re here to assist you!

Whether you need tefillin, Shabbat candles and challah, a mezuzah, or want to learn more about your Jewish roots—we’ve got you covered. We’ll be in the Lake Harmony area this summer and would be delighted to connect and help with anything you may need.

We also host weekly brunches, so feel free to reach out for details or to join!

For any needs—big or small—don’t hesitate to contact us by phone or text at 718-7643590.

Looking forward to connecting and supporting you on your Jewish journey.

Warm regards, Rabbi Eliyohu & Mushky Edelman

Adams-Weiss, Senior Vice President of the Carbon County Chamber & Economic Development Corporation. “This event offers an opportunity to celebrate our vibrant community, support our local businesses and local artists, and come together as a region. We can’t wait to highlight the incredible talent and spirit that define Carbon County.”

The Carbon County Community Festival offers attendees the chance to support local businesses, discover unique vendors, and enjoy a full day of fun, food, and entertainment at Colonel Jacob Weiss Park in Lehighton. This exciting event brings together residents, visitors, and businesses from across the region for a celebration of everything that makes Carbon County special.

Vacation Rentals

Real Estate Company

Property Management 570-629-3661

www.carrrealty.com

It’s tournament time at Split Rock Golf Course

On Sunday, August 17, the Let’s Save the Dogs Tournament will benefit the Can’t Hold My Licker rescue. Hole sponsorships, $75, can honor or memorialize beloved pets. In addition to 18 holes of golf, baskets, contests, and light breakfast and buffet lunch, this tournament will feature a dog adoption event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Clubhouse, 140 Wolf Hollow Road.

The Nick Pantages Memorial Golf Outing on Tuesday, September 9, benefits the Helping Hands Society. It begins with registration and lunch at Shenanigan’s, then a shotgun start at 1 p.m. at Split Rock Golf. Golf outing is $100; or $45 for just dinner and drinks.

Hole sponsorships are available at $100. For more information, email CyndiPantages@gmail. com.

Murphy’s Loft 19th Hole Annual Tournament is scheduled for Monday, October 10. Hole sponsorships of $50 benefit AWSOM, the Animal Welfare Society of Monroe County. The day starts with breakfast at Split Rock Golf, and a 10 a.m. shotgun start. By 3 p.m., it’s dinner at Murphy’s Loft, with raffles, prizes and an auction.

Cost to golf is $90. Call John Braun with questions at 570-646-2813.

For more information about these events, to learn about the Thursday Ladies League, to sign up to golf, or to explore holding a tournament for your organization, visit golfsplitrock.com and check out the Events tab.

The heart of summer is full of fresh possibilities.

Whether you’re dreaming of a new home or ready to list the one you’ve loved, now’s the time. With deep local roots and proven experience, I’ll guide you through every step; thoughtfully, confidently, and with your goals at heart.

Let’s talk about your next move!

Scenes from the Parade of Boats 2025

Sunday, August 10, was a beautiful day for a Boat Parade, and the turnout to support Lake Harmony’s First Responders was outstanding. Music by Mystery City, a killer Tricky Tray, raffles and prizes for the best boats made for a great afternoon. All photos on this and the following pages taken by Mark Peterson.

From

start

finish, Louis and Cyndi Pantages put on a great party at Nick’s Lakehouse to raise funds for a great cause.

Thinking about disaster 70 years later

by Carol Hillestad for Brodhead Watershed Association

As your news feed was blowing up with heartbreaking stories from the Texas flooding, and local tv news was running non-stop flood-alerts in Monroe County, did a shiver run down your spine?

Consider that a warning! The Brodhead watershed is no stranger to floodwaters August 2025 marks 70 years since the devastating flood of 1955.

That was the year when back-to-back hurricanes Connie and Diane barreled in after months of hot, dry weather. In a week, more than 21 inches of rain scoured over hard-baked-thensaturated ground, overwhelming the Brodhead. Witnesses reported a 30-foot high wave of water engulfing a summer cottage colony in the watershed. Dozens of people were swept away. Most were children. It was, and remains, the worst flood ever in the Poconos, taking the lives of more than 100 people.

Hundreds of bridges, dams, railroad tracks and roads were impassable or demolished, their crashing debris adding to the downstream death and destruction. The Army Corps of Engineers eventually dredged and straightened the Brodhead Creek, in the misguided belief that would prevent future flood disasters. (You can see the straight stretch as you travel the bridge on Fifth Street toward Stroudsburg, over the creek.)

Time passes. People forget. And weather forecasting has improved by light-years since 1955. Yet disasters still happen.

Emergency alerts are available. CodeRed Mobile Alert, for instance, allows you to get push notifications right to the home screen of your phone in an emergency — pinpointed to your physical address. Information is here https:// www.pa.gov/agencies/ready/stay-informed/ alerts Perhaps consider filling a go-bag with essentials you, your family and pets would need if you had to leave home suddenly.

And next time you take a walk along the creek

The Brodhead Creek looks peaceful now. But during the Flood of 1955, it became a raging torrent, sweeping away bridges, dams, vehicles, buildings and people, the worst flood ever in the Poconos.

in Stroud Township’s Brodhead Greenway, take a moment to remember — you are walking in the path of the Flood of 1955. Now that can give you the shivers.

For more information …

A fascinating display about the Flood of 1955 is located at Brodhead Creek Heritage Center, 1539 Cherry Lane Road, East Stroudsburg, PA.

Once slated for development, Stroud Township’s Brodhead Greenway includes parks, walking trails, pavilions, and fields. Open to the public dawn to dusk. Information at https:// www.srosrc.org

Find out more about local public safety in general at Monroe County’s public safety day on September 27: https://www.monroecountypa.gov/ departments/office-of-emergency-management/ resources/public-safety-day

For a Youtube video of the 1955 Flood in our area, Google The Great Flood of 1955 (Pocono Mountains).

Brodhead Watershed Association protects water quality and quantity throughout our area. Get involved! Become a member! www. brodheadwatershed.org

Laubscher Insurance recently made a donation of stuffed bears to Coolbaugh Volunteer Fire Co. in Tobyhanna. Shown from left are Robert Laubscher, Tomas Keane and Grainne Keane. The bears are provide comfort to kids involved in accidents or fires, or other difficult situations.

Local Native American Group to hold Native American Festival and PowWow

The Native American organization, The Wyoming Trail Council of Pennsylvania’s Native Americans, will be hosting a Native American Festival and PowWow on September 13 and 14 on the grounds of The Hofford Mill, 500 Bridge St, Weissport PA 18235, near the town of Lehighton.

This event, The Return to Gnadenhutten Intertribal Native American Festival and PowWow, will allow us to remember the Gnadenhutten Massacre that took place in what is now modern-day Lehighton.

The event is open to the public and will run from 10 a.m. till TBD on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, with grand entry at Noon both days. American Indians of many tribes will be representing their style of ancient and modern dance while wearing the beautiful regalia associated with the various dances and tribal customs.

Grand entry begins with all dancers entering the dance arena led by flag bearers carrying the American flag, POW/MIA flags and Native American staff of the Wyoming Trail Council of Pennsylvania’s Native Americans. Following the flags will be the head male and female dancer who lead all the dancers.

The second dance of grand entry is a flag song with the purpose of saluting or honoring the flags, and the final song of grand entry is the veterans dance honoring all veterans of all races throughout all the conflicts in American history, as well as first responders. At the start of this dance all veterans, followed by first responders from the public are invited into the circle to be honored at this time.

At the conclusion of grand entry, the entire day’s dancing will commence with many

See POWWOW, page 35

PowWow

Continued from page 34

different dances performed, some of which are old traditional style, some social dances, and many throughout the day in which the public is invited to participate.

All around the dance circle will be Native American vendors selling their beautiful hand crafts, which usually include blankets, furs, jewelry, knives and art, and a tricky tray tent.

Proceeds of the event will benefit the Wyoming Trail Council. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. For more information or to make donations, contact Robin Summerbird Hoffman at 570-4362390 or Bonnie Becker at 484892-0148. Donations can also be mailed to WSM at 292 Buck Mt Rd, Weatherly, PA 18255. Make checks payable to WSM.

Post Office Notes

by Christine A. Gilliar-Feller

He was more than a Founding Father

Five things about Benjamin Franklin you didn’t know

Benjamin Franklin — the nation’s first postmaster general is probably best known as a signer of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, as well as for being a prolific inventor.

To help mark the Postal Service’s 250th anniversary, here are a few things you might not know:

• Franklin only had two years of formal education. He made up for his lack of schooling by buying books with the money he earned as an indentured apprentice at the print shop owned by his brother, James. Franklin sharpened his intellect and honed his writing skills by reading essays and rewriting them from memory. He later founded the University of Pennsylvania,

the Philadelphia Library, and the American Philosophical Society.

• He was a teenage media sensation. At age 16, Franklin secretly submitted humorous essays under the pen name “Silence Dogood” that were published in the New England Courant. “Silence” was a fictitious widow who had opinions on everything from fashion and marriage to women’s rights and religion. She even received several marriage proposals before Franklin unmasked himself as the author.

• His governing ideas were ahead of his time. In 1754, more than 20 years before the Revolutionary War, Franklin drafted the Albany Plan of Union, a proposal to unite the American Colonies during the French and Indian War. While the Colonial legislatures never acted on his proposal, it marked the first time that Colonies from different regions considered the creation of a unified government.

• Franklin spent nearly 30 years abroad. He represented the Colony of Pennsylvania in London, then later represented the United States in Paris, where he secured the French alliance during the

See PO NOTES, page 38

Mark McBrien Construction

PO Notes

Continued from page 36

Revolutionary War. He also helped negotiate the Treaty of Paris that officially ended the war. His fame continued to grow after his many inventions and experiments with electricity, making him the biggest American celebrity at home and in Europe.

• Long before the $100 bills bearing his likeness were in circulation, he fought against counterfeiters. In 1731, Franklin won a contract to print paper currency for the Colony of Pennsylvania. To deter counterfeiters, he created a cast of a sage leaf to print on the bills because the intricate pattern was difficult to reproduce. He also used paper with shiny flecks of mica and experimented with special inks containing graphite and other materials.

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.-Noon Lobby hours 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., 365 days a year, 7 days a week

Please call if you have any questions or concerns, 570-722-8524

This statue of Benjamin Franklin is located at the Franklin Institute, a science museum in Philadelphia.

Lake Harmony Rescue Squad Ambulance Corp

Monthly Operations Report For July 2025

Unit Usage Breakdown:

1760:

Starting Mileage: 29,283.0

Ending Mileage: 31,280.0

1761:

Starting Mileage: 99,683.0

Ending Mileage: __ 100,630.0

Total Fuel Usage for July 2025: Generously donated by Kidder Township.

Call Stats for Lake Harmony EMS from July 2025:

We show a total of 53 calls in July 2025. We had 43 calls in July 2024.This is a increase of 10 call from this point last year.

Call total year to date 289 (7/31/25). This point this year. Last year was 241 calls which is the increase amount of 48 calls from this point last year.

Calls responded to by Municipality for July 2025:

Lake Harmony 50 (Carbon County)

Penn Forest 02

White Haven 01

Monroe County 00

Weatherly 00

Fire Alarms 00 (not included in the total runs, informational purposes only) also

Additional Operational Information for July 2025:

Staffing is 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Maintenance: 1761 front end done 1700.00

Maintenance (Building): Grates cleaned and replaced

Maintenance (Portable equipment):

Other business:

Billing: $20,546.12 Fund Drive up to No change (new letter needed)

Respectfully Submitted,

Scott Wuttke Director of Operations

Lake Harmony Rescue Squad Ambulance Corp Inc.

From Lake News

August/September 2000

The cover of this black and white issue shows a closeup of a bear cub peeking around a tree trunk. It is credited to Frank Jackson.

From 18624:

“If you wondered who those “scuzzylooking” guys were at the Gathering on the Mountain, they were Kidder Township’s finest! Only kidding fellas - great disguises! They were working undercover at the festival.”

Frank Jackson, who was responsible for the front page photo, was also the subject of an article, having been appointed by the Kidder Township Supervisors to a

From the Archives

two-year contract at Police Chief. The 67 year old brought 23 years of experience with the Philadelphia Police Department, including working with Canine, Highway Patrol, Burglary, Narcotics, and Stakout. After leaving the Philadelphia Police Department, he worked as supervisor of security at Philadelphia

Gas Works, then as supervisor of security at Liberty Beall Race Track. He and his wife Jean had been permanent residents for six years, but he had vacationed in the area since 1958. His goals for the contract period included seeing promotions within the department, including his own replacement.

The Lake Harmony Ambulance and Rescue Squad planned a Community Dinner to celebrate the arrival of its new ambulance #1763, to be held at Nick’s Lake House.

The Lake Harmony Volunteer Fire Company, meanwhile, announced plans for its annual breakfast, to

See ARCHIVES, page 43

LHA events listing

The next meeting of the Lake Harmony Association is scheduled for August 17 at 10:30 a.m. at the Kidder Township Building meeting room.

The annual Road Clean-up will be held on September 21, along with a meeting.

The budget proposal will be presented at the meeting scheduled for October 19. Halloween Trick or Treating will be October 25.

The date for the annual leaf pickup has yet to be determined.

To learn more about membership, visit lakeharmony association.com

THEME: WORKING OUT

ACROSS

1. Oven emanation

6. Beast of burden

9. Slat

13. Chocolate substitute

14. ____ ____ carte

15. San Diego baseballer

16. Actress Linda of “Dynasty” fame

17. Grave acronym

18. Dartmouth and such

19. *Largest shoulder muscle

21. *Mind-body exercise with “apparatus”

23. To do this is human

24. Hold back or restrain

25. *Biathlon gear, sing.

28. Rum follower

30. Illuminated by a certain star

35. Windshield option

37. Gang’s domain

39. Symbolized by white dove

40. Wander

41. “Sesame Street” regular

43. a.k.a. amir

44. Nobel Prize, e.g.

46. Most luminous star

47. 0.001 inches, pl.

48. *Workout prep

50. Used to be

52. Sailor’s assent

53. Agitate

55. Carry a load

57. *Series of exercises with little or no rest

61. *Peloton sport

65. “Bite the bullet,” e.g.

66. E in BCE

68. Term of endearment

69. “He ____ it like it is”

70. Actress Ryan

71. “M*A*S*H” character

72. One of #18 Across

73. 007

74. What actors do

1. Passed with flying colors

2. Five-star review

3. Not written 4. ____ Carlo 5. Soak up

6. 36 inches

7. Boxer Clay

8. Fraternity K

9. Surface magma

10. Passage into a mine

11. *”Arboreal” yoga pose

12. Hitler’s sidekick Rudolf ____

15. Highway accident

20. Extremely angry

22. “____ show time!”

24. Nocturnal bird of prey (2 words)

25. It broke the camel’s back

26. Plains tribe

27. Iron + nickel

29. *Use calories

31. a.k.a. Indian Lilac

32. Vampire of Greek mythology

33. In a cold manner

34. To the point

36. Four years for a President

38. V

42. Premature

45. ____ semolina, pl.

49. Hawaiian dish

51. Trick-taking card game

54. List components

56. Twilight

57. C in NYC

58. Brain wave

59. Small brook

60. Nat of Jazz

61. Same as cagey

62. ____-European language

63. Like a drink in a snifter

64. Swirling vortex

67. *One in a set

MARYANN SORIANO REALTOR

Car show in White Haven will feature all makes and models, music, food and fun

The 4th Annual White Haven Car Show will take place on Saturday, September 6, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Lehigh Park, Lehigh & Towanda Streets in White Haven.

The event is hosted by the Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce and Laurel Lodge No. 467 F&AM.

Live music will be provided by The Dixie Wood Duo and The Dirty Hand Band.

The Concession Stand will be open, and there will be food trucks and vendors. There will be 50/50 drawings throughout the day, and a Tricky Tray tent.

This is a no trophy show, and all makes and models are welcome. Show participants will receive dash plaques.

Advance registration if received by September 1 is $12. Car registration starting at 8 a.m. at the show is $15.

Spector fee is $5. Children under 12 are free.

Portions of proceeds from this event benefit a local charity chosen by the Laurel Lodge, and local community development through the GWHCC.

Lake News, August 2025

Lake News

LOCAL CONTACT INFORMATION

KIDDER TOWNSHIP MEETINGS

This Month’s Cover

Entertainment Around Lake Harmony

Who Are Friends of Rodger?

St. Peter the Fisherman holds dedication

Reading & Northern Railroad passenger department celebrates 40th anniversary

Train Excursions

Train Excursions

Entertainment Around Lake Harmony

Entertainment Around Lake Harmony

Train Excursions

Plan an Excursion

Hanna’s Farm Market

Fresh Produce

Inaugural Carbon County Community Festival to bring food, music & fun to Lehighton

Festival

It’s tournament time at Split Rock Golf Course

Scenes from the Parade of Boats 2025

Thinking about disaster 70 years later

Local Native American Group to hold Native American Festival and PowWow

PowWow

Post Office Notes

Five things about Benjamin Franklin you didn’t know

Mark McBrien Construction

PO Notes

Lake Harmony Rescue Squad Ambulance Corp

Monthly Operations Report For July 2025

From the Archives

Archives

LHA events listing

THEME: WORKING OUT

ACROSS

MARYANN SORIANO REALTOR

Car show in White Haven will feature all makes and models, music, food and fun

Puzzle Answers