The Jim Thorpe Current - March 2021

The CURRENT

GO • SEE • DO JIM THORPE

The Jim Thorpe Current

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

Serving Carbon County and Beyond

March 2021 • 1

jimthorpecurrent.com I MARCH 2021

The 4th Annual Jim Thorpe Independent Film Festival Set to Return April 22-25 WE’RE BACK!

So after an awful year of plague, lockdowns and near civil war, The Jim Thorpe Independent Film Festival is finally returning to the Mauch Chunk Opera House, April 22-25, 2021. Once again, we are proud to invoke the rebellious spirit of the Molly Maguires, inviting the boldest, most defiant filmmakers to screen their work, shatter convention, and inspire spirited debate. Our credo is “Eyes and Minds Wide Open” and we mean it. This year, we’ll continue that mission, with LIVE, IN-PERSON SCREENINGS (no streaming!) of new cutting-edge films from around the globe, of every genre and description, including a slew of US and Pennsylvania premieres.

Mauch Chunk Opera House Reopens with Kilmaine Saints Celtic Rockers Kickoff For March Events

L

ike all Northeastern Pennsylvania music venues, the Mauch Chunk Opera House shut down last March due to the coronavirus pandemic, and it only reopened briefly for a 50 percent capacity show in July before closing again for the rest of the year.

With the COVID-19 vaccine rolling out now and government mandates loosening a bit, the historic Jim Thorpe theater is planning to open again at 50 percent capacity on Friday, March 12 with Celtic rock group Kilmaine Saints.

Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m.

The Harrisburg band typically performs at the venue for St. Patrick’s Day (and sometimes for Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations) and was able to play on March 13, 2020 just before the shutdown. With local parades postponed or canceled this year, the Saints will have to bring some extra Irish spirit to the area this year.

Tickets, which are $20, are on sale now at mcohjt.com and at SoundCheck Records (23 Broadway, Jim Thorpe) The Opera House (14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe) is open from Continued on page 8 noon - 5 p.m. on show days, and

Donerds Donuts: An International Affair

By Christopher Holland The Current Contributing Writer

Saturday at Midnight, we’ll continue our controversial *Grindhouse program, so prepare yourselves for a twisted mix of over-the-top films that not only push the envelope, but rip it to shreds. Note that our 2018 Grindhouse winner, Jeffrey Garcia, will be returning all the way from Texas with his first feature-length opus! *No one under 18 will be admitted for the Grindhouse program.

In the coming weeks we’ll be announcing our selected films, our special Opening & Closing Night features and of course, our (socially distant) after-parties, so keep checking our website and social media pages for updates.

The fourth year of JTIFF is destined to be even bigger and better than…well, drinking alone in your sweats and binging on Netflix… so strap yourself in and get ready for a thrilling ride! *** NOTE that for this year’s live, in-person event, we will be following CDC Guidelines for COVID-19 prevention and will maintain established protocols to keep all festival goers safe, including mandatory masks, social distancing and 50% seating capacity at the Mauch Chunk Opera House.

Festival Dates: April 22-25, 2021 For more info and tickets, go to: jimthorpeindiefilmfest.com

T

he downtown of Jim Thorpe is flourishing with a panoply of businesses, and now there’s a shop that’s extra sweet on Broadway.

Donerds Donuts recently opened at 76 Broadway and offers gourmet donuts and specialty coffees. The owners have an interesting background on how they got to Jim Thorpe, and owner Annabel Figueroa took time to participate in an exclusive Q&A with The Current.

Here’s a look inside the donut shop.

The Current: Could you give me a brief background of yourself? Your full name, age, where you’re from, etc.?

Annabel Figueroa: My name is Annabel Figueroa and I’m from Santiago, Chile. I have been living here in Jim thorpe for about a year and a half. I met my husband Andrew Underwood 8 years ago in Santiago, we fell in love, started a business and life together. Andrew is from Sparta, New Jersey.

The Current: What is the full name of the store, and who are the owners?

Figueroa: The full name is Donerds Donuts and the owners are Annabel Figueroa and Andrew Underwood.

The Current: What are the main services provided by the store? What events do you host?

Donerds Donuts owners Annabel Figueroa and husband Andrew Underwood Figueroa: The main services are gourmet donuts and specialty cold brew coffee. Every day we have a wide variety of crazy donut flavors like the cannoli donut, pina colada, strawberry shortcake, key lime pie, S’mores, etc. Also we use top-notch beans from La Colombe, Continued on page 4

2 • March 2021

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

The Jim Thorpe Current

The Jim Thorpe Current

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

March 2021 • 3

NYC Native and JT Resident Publishes New Book “Growing Up Bank Street”

By Christopher Holland The Current Contributing Writer

D

onna Florio, a NYC native who now resides in Jim Thorpe, has led an extraordinary life. And now, she’s publishing a book about it.

“Growing Up Bank Street” (A Greenwich Village Memoir) captures the life of Florio in mesmerizing detail, from growing up to opera performing parents to living in the same building as John Lennon.

The exquisite life journey she’s traveled will keep you on your toes.

Florio was gracious enough to take time out of her busy life to do an interview with The Current and share a little bit about herself and her book.

This is her story… well, part of it.

The Current: You grew up in New York City, in a famous part of Greenwich Village Bank Street. Can you tell us a little bit about Bank Street and why it has such notoriety?

Donna Florio: Bank Street has an interesting story. In the 1700s, when the English colonists lived below the wall that would become “Wall Street” the colony was hit with periodic bouts of yellow fever. When that happened, the leaders ordered businesses to close and quarantine. Sound familiar?

Alexander Hamilton’s new Bank of New York purchased several wooded lots in the tiny village of Greenwich, two miles upriver, and built a branch there in order to stay open. Voila, the country lane that would become Bank Street was born. Since then, you can literally tell the story of America through the stories of the people who lived and worked here.

As the Village evolved, Bank Street attracted every sort of person you could imagine. Wealthy, poor, artistic, gay, dockworkers, poets… Scientists built a massive research lab on the banks of the Hudson river, where the street ends. For nearly 100 years, they invented things that changed our lives; the telephone, talking pictures, broadcast TV, and the public address system to name a few. It was still going when I was a kid.

As I walked the six short blocks of my street, from beginning to end, I passed

A Greenwich Village Memoir through every social and economic layer of America. What fascinates me are the lives of my neighbors, rock stars, actors, eccentrics, but also secretaries and dock workers and grocery store owners. Their stories, whether it was surviving the Great Depression, spying for Soviet Russia during World War II, creating television’s national scandal about rigged quiz shows, or Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols overdosing in the apartment across the hall, are the stories of America itself.

The Current: What was it like to grow up in NYC? You’ve lived there your entire life.

Donna Florio: How have you seen it grow and change over the years?

Let me explain why I am a New Yorker first. My family immigrated from Italy to the Wilkes-Barre region around 1905 and my great grandfather became a coal miner, black lung disease and all. When it came time for my grandmother to marry, the matchmaker offered her a young coal miner or a carpenter from New York City. Grandma saw the brutal hardship of her father’s life and decided to try New York with the carpenter. So as a kid, I came here to visit my family. They let me feed the chickens and climb trees and pick all the fresh cherries I wanted. As far as I was concerned, Pennsylvania beat New York City hands down.

I was born and raised in Greenwich Village because my mother was an opera singer and my dad was a director and lighting designer.

They were bohemians, very free-spirited and determined to live the artistic life. When I was born, in the mid 1950s, the Village ran from extremely wealthy and elegant to downright squalid. On one end of my street were gorgeous brownstones with movie stars like Christopher Plummer and Alan Arkin. Then it was the rest of us, in varying degrees of artsy or white collar or blue collar jobs, and a wide variety of buildings.

My apartment house is a five story 1880s tenement built to squeeze in as many immigrants per room as possible. It had coal braziers and privies in the backyard when it was built and it was last “modernized” in the 1930s. That was when it got private bathrooms and cast iron radiators. We had a wallpaper factory two doors down and a spice warehouse that wafted delicious fragrances through the air on hot summer nights.

General Electric had a factory here too.

As you walked down Bank Street towards the Hudson river, the buildings got more and more squalid until, at the abandoned, rotting dock at the end, there were roving packs of sex workers, day and night. All of us lived together and we kids played together on the streets, whether you had money or not. All this in six short blocks.

Today, the street has become unaffordable for young people like my parents. The kids who move here, who could have rented a Village apartment on their own back then, crowd three and four to a unit. We always had extremely wealthy people like Sarah Jessica Parker here but now they are more the rule than the exception. And the small businesses, the fish stores, the book shops, the little bakeries, cannot afford the rents.

The Current: You have a new memoir titled “Growing Up Bank Street” (A Greenwich Village Memoir). Could you tell us what it’s about?

Donna Florio: Some people moved to Bank Street because they were gay or politically radical or just too free spirited to live elsewhere. When they came, they found kindred spirits and formed emotional families; clans that were as fiercely loyal to each other as any blood kin. And they lived their lives by their own rules, which can be summed up in the words of my babysitter, Auntie Mame, “Don’t ever wonder about anything in life from the outside! Jump in!”

As a kid, I was embraced by those neighbors and they taught me how to live, Village style. Some of them, like John Lennon and Yoko Ono, were famous. Some were not anyone you may have heard of but were fascinating, like the old nudist actor downstairs, who had performed in some 38 Broadway musicals and Shakespeare plays in three languages by the end of the 1920s.

Others were social activists like Marion Tanner, whose nephew wrote the book “Auntie Mame” based on her life. Marion, who came from a wealthy family, bought a brownstone across the street from my place in the 1920s. She became a Buddhist and decided to save the world by breaking the locks on her doors and offering shelter to whomever needed it. By the time I was born, she had at least 30-50 people, including abandoned children, living there, snoring under the piano or packed into closets with their feet sticking out. Many were in various states of mental disarray or inebriation.

Marion practiced yoga for hours a day as she boiled soups using old vegetables that she charmed from local grocers for her guests. Her real life could not be contained in the book or the movie or the Broadway play. She was Bank Street’s own mad Mother Teresa. I ran up the steps and came in to visit and play whenever I wanted. I adored her. The book is about the people of Bank Street like Marion and how they lived.

The Current: How can readers of your memoir that don’t live in the city relate to the book’s content? What makes it stand out to those unfamiliar with city life?

Donna Florio: As a kid, especially as the child of two loving but mercurial and tempestuous artists, I often looked to the neighbors for guidance. The theme of growing up and searching for the rules of life and your identity has no geographical boundaries.

And it is about paying attention to the people around you with your eyes and ears, but also your heart, and learning what makes them who they are and what they have to teach you, wherever you may live. And, finally, the stories of my Village neighbors, just like the stories of the people in Jim Thorpe, are the stories of America itself.

The book is about seeking the magic and the lessons in the everyday life around you.

The Current: Before writing this memoir, what kind of life have you led in your career?

Donna Florio: As you may imagine, a Village childhood does not lend itself to a steady career path. I was raised to be an

opera singer and sang professionally until I left for college. After that I was a TV producer, a Wall Street executive, a theater administrator, and renovated old apartment buildings. I finally found my heart in special education. I set up programs in SE Asia and Africa and spent 20 years in the NYC public schools. It was intensely rewarding work.

The Current: After spending your life in the city, you found a new home here in Jim Thorpe. What incentivized you to relocate here after a lifetime in New York?

Donna Florio: In the 1990s, when I wanted to try kayaking, I heard about the Lehigh river and came up to investigate. Pocono Whitewater put me on the river as a trainee guide and hasn’t been able to get rid of me ever since. I bought a house and have been a happy “Chunker by Choice” ever since, dividing my time between NYC and PA. My friends and neighbors are the warmest, liveliest people I have ever met. There are strong loyalties and true friendships here, along with the gorgeous natural scenery. I have heard amazing, rich life stories. There are books waiting to be written about this town, believe me.

The Current: Do you have plans to continue writing, or do you have other future projects you wish to pursue?

Donna Florio: My husband was one of the first Covid deaths last March. I could not have gotten through this year without my PA friends and neighbors. Right now, I am just focusing on the book; thrilled that it has gotten strong reviews in Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, and Foreward Reviews, with more coming in. I am not really thinking about the future in concrete terms yet. All I know is that there is always more to explore and learn.

The Current: When is the book being released, and where can people go to buy it?

Donna Florio: The book will be officially published on March 9th, 2021. It can be pre-purchased and shipped immediately through the NYU Press website. Local bookstores can order it. Amazon will take the order but not ship it until the 3/9 release. There is information about related events like talks and shows on my Facebook author page or you can visit me at https:// donnaflorio.com

4 • March 2021

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

The Jim Thorpe Current

DONERDS DONUTS - continued from page 1

and franchised Donerds there.

Then we had the opportunity to open a second shop in Jim Thorpe and we decided to take this opportunity and come here.

We were very young when we started this. We didn’t really have much experience starting another business before. I (Annabel) took some business classes in college so we had some knowledge of how businesses work but almost everything we learned in practice. We also ran a pub crawl together in Santiago before starting with Donerds Donuts which taught us a lot about customer service; something that we take great pride in.

The Current: Where does most of your clientele come from?

Figueroa: A lot of our clientele are locals from Jim thorpe, but also a lot of people come from Scranton, Allentown, New York and Philadelphia.

Stumptown and Mauch Chunk coffee which we serve on tap.

We like to think of ourselves as a coffee bar in the sense that we are constantly switching up what we have on tap. We rotate our roasters as well as the specific roasts of coffee. We don’t just serve nitro coffee on tap as we have different drinks such as Matcha green tea latte and chocolate milk on tap.

We’ll be hosting events such as live music and movie nights in our patio area in the summer. More info on that will be coming as we feel out the Covid-19 situation.

The Current: What made you get into the business/industry and how long have you been doing it? Did you have prior experience before branching out on your own? If so, in what positions and where?

Figueroa: We decided to start this business together because we love donuts and we saw that there was a huge demand in Chile.

Andrew’s grandfather was a pastry chef and gave us his donut recipe five years ago. We practiced this recipe and perfected it. Then we bought a 1981 VW bus and started selling donuts and coffee in downtown Santiago. We became so successful that we opened a store

The Current: Were there any challenges that you encountered while going through the process of getting proper permits, licensures, etc. to open your business? If so, what were they and how did you overcome them?

Figueroa: Yes, there were some challenges specially because we opened in the middle of the pandemic. It was hard to find contractors, everything took longer than what we anticipated but fortunately we opened a month and a half ago and everything has been a lot better than what we expected.

The first day we opened we had a huge line and we sold out in less than two hours. Every weekend we still have a line in the morning and people have been amazing with us. We could not be happier with our loyal customers.

The Current: Where are the sources from where your products come from? Are they locally sourced?

Figueroa: Some of our donut ingredients are locally sourced, as well as all the dairy products we use. Our coffee beans are from NYC (Stumptown) and Philadelphia (La Colombe), but we also use a local supplier which is Mauch Chunk coffee.

The Current: How many employees do you have? Do you expect to bring more people on staff in the future?

Figueroa: At the moment it is just me and Andrew but very soon we are going to hire people to help us in the kitchen and to sell. We will hopefully be hiring before the summer!

The Current: What are the business hours?

How would you describe the atmosphere at the business?

Figueroa: The business hours are from Friday to Monday from 8:00 am to sold out.

We think that in the summer we’ll open 5 days a week and from 8:00 to 5:00 pm.

The atmosphere at the business is very light and happy. Andrew and I have encouraged collaboration and communication. We separate our personal life with our professional life. We always have similar ideas and if we disagree in something we talk about it and always listen to each other. When we have employees we want to promote a positive team atmosphere where communication and respect are always the main key.

Our tagline is “The science of the perfect donut and coffee”, and our shop’s design reflects this. The design incorporates test tubes full of sprinkles and a big caffeine molecule mounted on the wall among other science themes.

The Current: What’s the most exciting element of owning your business?

Figueroa: One of the things we love the most about our business is the image we have. Donerds is like a science lab filled with crazy donut creations. We called ourselves the mad scientists behind this experiment which is donuts and coffee. We love this image because it is very unique and keeps us motivated to investigate and come up with different experiments. We are always looking around and coming up with weird flavors and that is a passion for us.

Also another thing we love about this business is dealing with happy people. When people go to a donut shop they tend to be happy so we always see smiles. We want to create a space where people feel like children again. When they go to Donerds for a moment they forget about their problems and they just live in the moment. We want Donerds to be more like an experience than just a donut shop.

The Current: Is there anything specific that you’d like to mention about your business?

Figueroa: We have a donut shop on Broadway but also we have a food truck that we will use soon for events.

The Current: What does the future look like for your business? Do you have any special events coming up?

Figueroa: In the shop we do have a patio area where we want to have events such as live music and movie nights. Also as soon as this pandemic is over we want to do a legit grand opening event in our patio area.

We don’t have special events yet with the food truck. But as soon as the summer hits and we have more employees we’ll be ready to start joining events.

Visit Donerds Donuts at 76 Broadway in Downtown Jim Thorpe and at www. donerdsdonuts.com

The Jim Thorpe Current

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

March 2021 • 5

6 • March 2021

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

The Jim Thorpe Current

pocono bits Sam Miller Ice Rink Opens in Jim Thorpe

B

ecause of the pandemic, sometimes finding safe fun and free outdoor activities is not always easy. But how do free ice skating and free skate rentals sound? WNEP Newswatch 16’s Ryan Leckey visited the Sam Miller Field venue in Jim Thorpe and highlighted what to expect when visiting the free community pop-up ice rink. It was created by the Jim Thorpe Community Athletic Association. The ice rink is positioned just off to the right of the first baseline at Sam Miller field.

The Ice Rink at Sam Miller Field - 210 North Avenue, Jim Thorpe Facilities & Attendant Available Weekdays: 4 pm to 8 pm - Weekends: Noon to 8 pm - Free Ice Skating

Pocono 3C Resumes COVID-19 Shutdown

After

After pausing for ten months due to COVID-19, a meaningful program is back up and running with safety precautions in place. Pocono Community Caring Company, commonly called Pocono 3C, employs the homeless and individuals atrisk of becoming homeless to clean litter from side and main roads throughout Monroe County. Within the first two sessions since resuming the program, employees collected 78 bags of trash from 69 miles of roadway.

Pocono 3C is a partnership between the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, RHD’s Street2Feet, and the Monroe County Municipal Waste Management Authority. Employees receive a $50 gift card at the end of each shift to buy essential items such as food, clothes, and medication. Since the program launched in June 2019, at least 26 crew members have saved enough money to secure their own apartment, while others found fulltime employment.

“We are thrilled to have Pocono 3C back in operation,” said Chris Barrett,

Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau President/CEO. “This initiative keeps the Poconos clean and, most importantly, is changing lives for the better.”

“Without an ID, bank account or address, our homeless clients have difficulty securing employment,” said Leslie Perryman, Director of RHD’s Street2Feet. “Pocono 3C provides meaningful work experience and resume material. Many homeless individuals want to work hard and better their lives, and Pocono 3C is their first step in doing that.”

“We have various volunteer programs dedicated to cleaning litter, but Pocono 3C has out-picked those programs tento-one,” said James Lambert, Executive Director of the Monroe County Municipal Waste Management Authority. “Pocono 3C participants are extremely dedicated and committed to what they do.”

Since its inception in June 2019, Pocono 3C has accomplished the following: • 94 participants, • removed 5,547 bags of trash, • including 336 tires, • from 253 miles of roadway.

Dimmick Library Presents...

Dimmick Library Director DML, Kara Edmonds is planning an ongoing live video series showcasing businesses in its service area.

Any business that has something interesting, unique, or educational to share via Facebook Live is invited to join in. For example, Purple Green Juice Bar & Cafe in downtown Jim Thorpe will be joining to show patrons how they create recipes for their ayurvedically sound smoothies. The hope is to have a live video every week. Anyone interested is asked to reach out to Kara at the Dimmick Library at dimmickmemoriallibrary@gmail.com

Pocono Students Help Their Communities

Pop-Tarts and United Way announced four teens from Monroe County as recipients of a $2,500 grant from PopTarts® & United Way as part of the recent Unwrap the Future Challenge, awarding grants to 20 young people across the country between the ages of 13 and 22 to spark their idea for how best to improve their community. Ideas tackle local food insecurity, mental health issues, homelessness, bullying, and other important topics.

Santiago Churion, 17, Monroe County expanded a peer tutoring program to help more students and provide iPads for the technology lending library Maryann Harrington, 16, and Tal Waide, 16, Monroe County purchased an LCD projector, screen and iPad for a local nursing home so residents may safely converse with friends and family across the country during the pandemic Lila Shelton, 13, Monroe County, provided warm blankets for more than 250 families in need during the winter

Closed Wednesdays for the Month of March • If the weather is bad, call to make sure we are open

Naturally Yours The Organic Shop

SUSTAINABLE GOODS FOR LOW IMPACT LIVING • Organic Cotton, Bamboo & Cotton Clothing For Men & Women • All Natural Personal Care Items • Fair Trade Clothing & Accessories • Locally Crafted Jewelry

81 Broadway (570) 325-8209 in Downtown Jim Thorpe

“Pop-Tarts wants to provide the spark for young people to use their creativity and curiosity to bring positive change in their community, and this is just the start,” said Pop-Tarts’ Sarah Reinecke, Senior Director, Brand Marketing. “In addition, Pop-Tarts and Kellogg are committed to creating Better Days for 3 billion people by the end of 2030.”

“We are very impressed with the young people of our community and welcome their creativity and enthusiasm to make a difference,” said Michael Tukeva, President/CEO of Pocono Mountains United Way. The Unwrap the Future Challenge contributes towards Kellogg’s Better Days commitment to create better days for 3 billion people by the end of 2030.

Carbon County Art League Meeting Set for March 10

Due to the Pandemic restrictions, the Carbon County Art League (CCAL) has been conducting all their meetings and presentations virtually until further notice. On Wednesday, March 10th, 2021, join the artist Terry Kloiber to learn about the Fiber Arts. The event is scheduled to take place between 6 pm and 8 pm.

A Zoom link will be sent to all CCAL members prior to the meeting.

Pocono Raceway Statement on Governor Wolf’s Updated Outdoor Sport Venue Capacity

Official Pocono Raceway Statement: “Governor Tom Wolf has announced Pennsylvania outdoor sporting venues can welcome fans back at 20 percent capacity starting today. We join in our fans’ excitement surrounding today’s news. Pocono Raceway also anticipates, should the data continue to show signs of improvement, the number of guests allowed to attend the 2021 NASCAR Doubleheader races will increase. The health and safety of our fans, and all involved in our event, will be a top priority.

We will work with the Wolf administration, health officials and NASCAR to ensure necessary guidance and protocols are met for our June 25-27 race weekend.”

Heffley Supports Relief Package

COVID-19

Recognizing the extreme challenges faced by small businesses, educational institutions and Pennsylvania families as a result of the ongoing pandemic, Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) today joined his House colleagues in unanimously approving a comprehensive COVID-19 relief package.

“Obviously, the financial assistance this measure provides is necessary and badly needed as Pennsylvania and its residents continue to deal with the devastating impacts of the pandemic,” said Heffley.

“While this funding is certainly welcome news, I believe our recovery efforts should

The Jim Thorpe Current

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

pocono bits also include the safe reopening of the entire economy following CDC guidelines and an end to the Wolf administration’s unilateral and questionable decisions to limit business activity.”

Senate Bill 109 allocates $145 million in grants for the hard-hit restaurant and hospitality industry, $570 million for rental and utility assistance, and $197 million in funding for various educational institutions, including career and technical schools, community colleges and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

The measure also clarifies funding received by businesses from the federal Paycheck Protection Program is not subject to state income taxes.

The amended proposal was subsequently approved by the Senate and sent to the governor’s desk for his signature.

Carbon County Hospitality Grant Today!

COVID-19 – Apply

The Carbon County Board of Commissioners in conjunction with Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation are pleased to announce that the COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP) application process is now open.

This grant program is specifically geared towards helping those in the hospitality industry. The county received $726,949.00 from the state.

Under this new program, restaurants, bars, and others in the hospitality industry that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for grants up to $50,000. Grant funds are intended to alleviate revenue losses and pay eligible operating expenses due to the pandemic.

This program will make available grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to each

eligible business within the hospitality industry that has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The grant program will be administered by Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corp.

(CCEDC). Specific requirements and required documentation are included in the CHIRP grant application that is now available on the COVID-19 Business Resources page on CCEDC’s website, www.CarbonCountyChamber.org , or by calling the CCEDC office at (610) 3795000.

The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, May 31, 2021.

Applications will be reviewed by CCEDC staff as they are received, and awards will be made on a rolling basis until June 15, 2021 or funds are exhausted whichever occurs first. All information will be kept strictly confidential.

Eligible businesses must operate within Carbon County Pennsylvania and have fewer than 300 full-time employees.

Entities must fall in the Accommodations subsector (NAICS Code 721) or the Food Services and Drinking Places subsector (NAICS Code 722). Preference will be given to businesses that: Have not received a loan or grant under the authority of the Commonwealth or its political subdivisions or by the Federal government under the CARES Act or the Consolidated Appropriation Act, 2021. Businesses that have received such grants or loans may apply under this program for money to cover additional lost revenue or increased expenses due to COVID-19, but this grant cannot be used to cover the same expenses or revenue loss as were covered by the above sources.

Were subject to closure by the proclamation of disaster emergency issued by the Governor (March 21, 2020) and/or any renewal of that proclamation.

March 2021 • 7

Tenth Gate Tattoo Hosts Charity Event

T

enth Gate Tattoo is the brainchild of Ryan Bohn and Michelle Albino, began during the Covid pandemic of 2020. They had the idea of creating a tattoo parlor that never compromises, holds high standards for their artists, and is all about being part of the Palmerton community. When walking into the shop right on Delaware Avenue, you will be greeted by a friendly team of talented artists.

They work hand in hand with you to create a one of a kind piece and will make sure you leave 100% happy. They pride themselves on tuning in to their clients and fitting their thoughts into a tattoo perfect work of art that will endure forever. Their craftsmen have expertise in Custom Designs, Neo-Traditional, Fineline, Dot-Work, Black and Gray, Japanese-Inspired, American Traditional, Geometric, Watercolor, and Trash Polka.

They’ve been enjoying great success since opening February 13th and would like to give back to the community that welcomed them to the neighborhood. On March 13th and 14th they will be holding a charity event for Forgotten Felines. All shop profits that weekend will be donated to Forgotten Felines and they will be collecting donations to be delivered to them as well. Multiple flash tattoo sheets are available to choose from, as well as free temporary tattoos for kids. The event will run noon until 9:00pm each day.

Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to see all the details in regards to this event.

Can verify a defined reduction of 25% in revenue as a result of COVID -19.

Applications can be submitted to CCEDC in the following manner: By email to khenderson@ carboncountychamber.org with the subject line: CHIRP Application By regular mail to the CCEDC office at 137 South Street, Lehighton PA 18235 Drop off at the CCEDC office at 137 South Street, Lehighton, Monday - Friday

8:30am-4:30pm Program questions can be directed to: Kathy Henderson, Director of Economic Development at KHenderson@ carboncountychamber.org (484) 4649576; Linda Rex, Assistant to the Director at LRex@CarbonCountyChamber.org (610) 379-5000 or Alice Wanamaker, Executive Director at AliceW@ CarbonCountyChamber.org (484) 2742080.

8 • March 2021

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

taste

KILMAINE SAINTS - continued from page 1

There’s Whiskey In the Jar!

A Taste of the Irish Whiskey Revival

By Aillinn Brennan Special to The Current

T

he famous Dubliners song rejoices “there’s whiskey in the jar!” Irelands Golden Era of whiskey production was almost lost to time. Thankfully the age-old recipes have been brought back to life with a vibrant Irish Whiskey Revival that is often referred to a Renaissance!

The title is well earned with these new distillations competing on the word stage with critical acclaim.

The Jim Thorpe Current

Whiskey.” In the glass it has a pretty pale straw color. On the nose at first there is intense mandarin orange, then toffee and caramel with a hint of fresh cut grass. When you taste it, you are hit with intense spicy ginger, almond, anise and left with a warm lingering cocoa finish.

What we will be tasting? Combinations of Single malt’s meaning the whiskey is distilled in its own pot with malted (toasted) barley. And single pot still whiskies, which means the spirit is distilled in a single pot with both malted and un-malted barley. And a traditional blend, in the style of the familiar Jameson.

These selection’s offer a taste of this great whiskey revival and are all available at our local Jim Thorpe, Fine Wines & Good Spirits store.

What’s Your Code?

The Quiet Man, traditional Irish whiskey blend, bourbon oak cask matured 33.99 The bottle discretely states the gaelic saying, An Fear Cluin, “Hold no tales what we are talking about.” This whiskey was born of the Irish Pub code, whatever the craic (fun) your having, your man has your back. The Quiet Man has a golden glow in the glass. On the nose there is delicate vanilla which emboldens as it sits. Hints of garden thyme, strawberry, lemon zest and butterscotch emerge from the glass. On the palate it is bold espresso with a pleasing cayenne burn, that fades to a lingering decadent Crème Brûlée finish.

Seeking a “muse”-ment?

Writers Tears Copper Pot, single pot still, single malt $39.99 Irelands literary giants enjoyed sipping this style while penning some of the English language’s greatest literature. It was referred to as “the Champagne of

Let Singles Mingle The Irishman, Founders Reserve, small batch, vatting of 70 % aged single malt, and 30 % single pot still 28.99 Celebrating the Golden Era of Irish whiskey with a focus on single malt, this whiskey looks like sunshine in a glass.

It is intensely fragrant with clove and bright apple. You sip it and get a fiery burn tempered with creamy vanilla and caramel. You then experience licorice, bittersweet chocolate and an earthy peat finish.

In the spirit of springs promise of renewal and revival, and the celebration of St. Patrick’s day, why not support this Irish Whiskey Renaissance. Sip and sing….

Wack fall the daddy-o, wack fall the daddy-o, There’s whiskey in the jar!

Aillinn Brennan is proprietor of The Marion Hose Bar located at 16 W. Broadway in Jim Thorpe. For more visit www.marionhosebar.com

tickets are available for most shows at the door at showtime. Parking is available and free after 5 p.m. at the Carbon County lot behind the train station.

Other shows scheduled this month are tribute bands AM Radio on Saturday, March 13 and 70’s Flashback on Friday, March 19 and Saturday, March 20, as well as stand-up comedian Rich Vos on Saturday, March 27. Tickets for those events are also on sale now.

Social distancing will be enforced, and attendees must wear masks at all times in the building except when consuming food or drinks.

Kilmaine Saints is a band formed on good whiskey and bad intentions.

The brainchild of two members of a Harrisburg pipe and drum band, this side project was originally created with the sole intent of getting them free beer at St. Patrick’s Day shows in the Central Pennsylvania area – mission accomplished. After incorporating the help of fellow members from the pipe band and other notable musicians from the area, they soon realized they were in for one hell of a ride.

Since 2009, they have continued to pound through blistering, energetic live sets that keep people singing along, stomping their feet, lifting their pints, and shouting for more.

With several hundred shows at venues and festivals up and down the East Coast, five critically acclaimed releases under their belts, national and international airplay, and an everexpanding and extremely loyal fan base, it’s no wonder the world is starting to stand up and take notice. In short, the Kilmaine Saints are equal parts Irish swagger, Scottish pride, and whiskey.

This explosive Celtic rock band will steal your heart, your spirit, and your pint when you’re not looking.

The Jim Thorpe Current

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

March 2021 • 9

10 • March 2021

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

The Jim Thorpe Current

music • entertainment THURSDAYS, MARCH 4, 11, 18, 25 BOULDER VIEW TAVERN

SATURDAY, MARCH 13 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE

Classic 1960’s and 1970’s rock 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM www.boulderviewtavern.com (570) 722-9696

Have you ever perked up when the radio plays a song that first hit popular stations when you were in middle school or high school? Do you turn the volume up to obnoxious levels and sing along?

Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $25

LIVE MUSIC FEATURING STRAWBERRY JAM

FRIDAY, MARCH 5 BOULDER VIEW TAVERN

AM RADIO (RETRO)

LIVE MUSIC FEATURING TONY ALOSI Tony Alosi has been singing and playing Solo guitar at venues in the Philadelphia Tri State Area since 2000. He performs top 40 and timeless classics in a unique soulful way. Smooth textured powerful vocal tones and fiery fusion guitar permeate his live performances.

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM www.boulderviewtavern.com (570) 722-9696 SATURDAY, MARCH 6 PENN’S PEAK

SOLD OUT - A PROUD MONKEY A TRIBUTE TO DAVE MATTHEWS BAND Doors open 5:30 PM Showtime 6:30 PM www.pennspeak.com (610) 826-9200 BOULDER VIEW TAVERN

KENNY AND BRIT PLAY MUSIC Brittney Coleman and Kenny Hatt of Delaware Water Gap, PA, perform as an acoustic duo with original interpretations of classic and modern music.

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM www.boulderviewtavern.com (570) 722-9696 FRIDAY, MARCH 12 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE

KILMAINE SAINTS

We did last call mid-March 2020, now we reopen where we left off, with the high energy Irish party band The Kilmaine Saints.

Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $20 BOULDER VIEW TAVERN

THE BILL HOFFMAN MYSTIQUE It’s really the only way to describe the air surrounding this extraordinary musical artist.

His lifelong mastery of the guitar…supreme, his voice… intense and passionate, his vibe… inviting and intriguing!

Bill has b e e n playing guitar ever since listening to KISS, Queen, Zeppelin, King Crimson, Soundgarden and more as a teen.

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM www.boulderviewtavern.com (570) 722-9696

FRIDAY, MARCH 26 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE

DANIELLE NICOLE BAND BOULDER VIEW TAVERN

Walter Lee is a talented artist who plays covers in his own original style. Genres include reggae, funk, blues, rock, and alternative. Lee covers artists such as Sublime, Bob Marley, The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Incubus, 311, John Mayer and much more!

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM www.boulderviewtavern.com (570) 722-9696 FRIDAY & SATURDAY, MARCH 19 & 20 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE

70’S FLASHBACK (SOUNDTRACK OF A GENERATION) 70’s Flashback is a 7-piece show band, performing remarkable enactments of the greatest music of the 1970’s. Their playing is like seeing your favorite performers onstage.

Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $25 FRIDAY, MARCH 19 BOULDER VIEW TAVERN

LIVE MUSIC WITH REGINA SAYLES A dynamic singer/songwriter who blends her musical abilities with a love for performance.

Her capacity to blend various genres such as pop, jazz, soul and country gives even the most diverse audience something to match their musical taste.

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM www.boulderviewtavern.com (570) 722-9696

Best Friends Girl recreate the timeless hits of The Cars spanning a 35-year career, with over 23 million albums sold and having more than 22 songs on the Billboard top 100. Best Friends Girl are comprised of lifelong, topnotch, professional musicians whose goal is to keep the music of The Cars alive with every performance!

Nicole’s distinctive, inventive bass work—which resulted in her becoming the first woman to win the Blues Foundation’s 2014 Blues Music Award for Best Instrumentalist, Bass—is the product of years of intensive roadwork.

Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $25

SATURDAY, MARCH 20 BOULDER VIEW TAVERN

A well-known singer and guitarist in northeastern Pennsylvania, performs s o u l f u l renditions of classic rock, country, alternative, reggae, and hot jazz tunes. His skillful yet fun celebration of music draws audiences of all ages.

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM www.boulderviewtavern.com (570) 722-9696 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE

RICH VOS (COMEDIAN)

Rich Vos is an American comedian and actor.

He has over 100 television appearances including 4 Comedy Central Specials as well as HBO, Showtime, and Starz appearances.

He produced and starred in an award winning comedy movie Women Aren’t Funny alongside Bonnie McFarlane, Chris Rock, Rosie O’Donell and many more.

Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $28

Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $24 PENN’S PEAK

BOUNTY HUNTER WINTER ENCORE SERIES Doors open 5:30 PM Showtime 6:30 PM www.pennspeak.com (610) 826-9200 SATURDAY, APRIL 10 PENN’S PEAK

BOY IN BLACK - JOHNNY CASH TRIBUTE - WINTER ENCORE SERIES Anthony Caserta is an all American patriotic boy from a small rural oil worker built town called Trainer Pennsylvania. Hypnotized by the music and Cash’s powerful messages, Caserta started Boy in Black in 2007 and has since been captivating audiences all over with charisma so genuine and humble that it proves him beyond his years. Caserta puts on an extremely accurate and authentic Johnny Cash show covering Cash’s early career at sun records to his Prison concert era of the late 1960s, and his American Recording sessions with Rick Rubin of the 90s.

Doors open 5:30 PM Showtime 6:30 PM www.pennspeak.com (610) 826-9200 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE

SOULSHINE (ALLMAN BROS.)

FRIDAY, APRIL 2 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE

JINGO (SANTANA TRIBUTE)

LIVE MUSIC FEATURING TIMMY FITZ Timmy Fitz played the Philadelphia/New Jersey/ New York circuit in the late 80s and 90’s. During that time he was the frontman/vocalist for a few original bands from the Philadelphia area – World War III, MetalWolf (Wolvz), FX-Shon (aka: X-Poze), and Outta Control to name a few.

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM www.boulderviewtavern.com (570) 722-9696

Doors open 5:30 PM Showtime 6:30 PM www.pennspeak.com (610) 826-9200

Doors open 5:30 PM Showtime 6:30 PM www.pennspeak.com (610) 826-9200

Jingo is the Ultimate Tribute to Santana.

No fancy tricks, no gimmicks, just seven musicians recreating the music of Carlos Santana to perfection with note for note renditions quickly becoming the Ultimate Santana Tribute on the touring scene today.

Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $23

SATURDAY, MARCH 13 PENN’S PEAK

FRIDAY, MARCH 26 BOULDER VIEW TAVERN

SATURDAY, APRIL 3 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE

Doors open 5:30 PM Showtime 6:30 PM www.pennspeak.com (610) 826-9200

Since 2007, Adam McKinley has fronted Kingston-based blues/funk band SUZE and has played countless shows locally and regionally with both the band and as a solo

PENN’S PEAK

SOLD OUT - MYSTERY CITY WINTER ENCORE SERIES

KRICKET COMEDY PRESENTS “JOKES ON US” - WINTER ENCORE SERIES

If David Byrne is one of the geniuses of modern times, then Start Making Sense is a tribute to genius. The musicians in this 7-piece band recreate the music and the magic of the Talking Heads’ entire career, and they do it flawlessly.

Together they bring the Heads’ blockbuster live show to the stage once again, with front man Jon Braun as a spot-on David Byrne.

LIVE MUSIC WITH ERIN MCCLELLAND

SOLD OUT - DOUBLE VISION THE FOREIGNER EXPERIENCE WINTER ENCORE SERIES

Doors open 5:30 PM Showtime 6:30 PM www.pennspeak.com (610) 826-9200

FRIDAY, APRIL 9 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE

SATURDAY, MARCH 27 BOULDER VIEW TAVERN

PENN’S PEAK

Boasting some of New York City’s top professional rock musicians, Double Vision delivers the highest level of integrity and technical prowess, resulting in a legitimate tribute and authentic performance.

farm, and now they headlines two to three sold out shows at their hometown theater, the Mauch Chunk Opera House, each year.

Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $15

START MAKING SENSE (TALKING HEADS SHOW)

LIVE MUSIC FEATURING WALTER LEE

PENN’S PEAK

BEST FRIENDS GIRL WINTER ENCORE SERIES

performer.

The unique sound the band has crafted through the years has bled into Adam’s acoustic shows, where he covers a wide range of artists from The Beatles to The Wood Brothers to Jack White with the possibility of a few choice original songs sprinkled in between.

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM www.boulderviewtavern.com (570) 722-9696

LIVE MUSIC WITH ADAM MCKINLEY

FREE RANGE FOLK

Free Range Folk is a ten piece Americana band from Jim Thorpe, PA. Ten years ago they formed around the campfire at their family

SoulShine is a group of seasoned New York musicians who, through their mutual love of the Allman Brothers Band, have united for the sole purpose of bringing you the ultimate Allman Brothers experience.

Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $29 SATURDAY, APRIL 24 PENN’S PEAK

LAST IN LINE WITH SPECIAL GUEST LYNCH MOB Last In Line was formed in 2011, when Vinny Appice, Jimmy Bain, and Vivian Campbell, (Ronnie James Dio’s co-conspirators and cowriters on the “Holy Diver”, “Last In Line” – the album from which they took their name, and “Sacred Heart” albums) teamed up with esteemed vocalist Andrew Freeman.

Doors open 6:00 PM Showtime 7:30 PM www.pennspeak.com (610) 826-9200 $24

The Jim Thorpe Current

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

March 2021 • 11

12 • March 2021

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

The Jim Thorpe Current

health • wellness St. Luke’s Administers 100,000th COVID-19 Vaccination

As the leading COVID vaccinator in central-eastern Pennsylvania, St. Luke’s University Health Network is proud to announce that it has administered its 100,000th vaccination.

Currently the Network is vaccinating 3,000 people a day at 11 hospital-based sites across the greater Lehigh Valley. This approach makes getting the vaccine safe for anyone who experiences an adverse reaction since each hospital is equipped with a fullyfunctional emergency department.

St. Luke’s vaccination program, which runs seven days a week, has helped to make Lehigh and Northampton counties among the top four most vaccinated Pennsylvania counties with populations over 100,000.

(Northampton County – 19% of the 18+ population; Lehigh County – 18%.)

“The speed of this vaccine getting out is the result of tremendous coordination,” U.S. Representative Susan Wild (DPA) said Friday afternoon during a news conference at St. Luke’s Anderson Campus in Bethlehem Township.

Also speaking at the news conference, Colleen Sprissler, MSN, RN, Senior Director of Network Operations, described St. Luke’s innovative efforts to vaccinate underserved communities, including seniors through St. Luke’s new “Shot-Line.”

The “Shot-Line” is an automated scheduling system that allows individuals to self-schedule their appointments over the phone. Existing St. Luke’s patients who have yet to be vaccinated and are eligible according to Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines will receive a call on the phone number they listed on their St. Luke’s patient records.

During the call from 1-866-785-8537, an automated voice recording will ask if they would like to receive the vaccine. If they answer yes, they will undergo a COVID-19

eligibility check, and, if successful, will be given three appointment dates and times at the vaccine site nearest to the location on their record. They can then select the appointment time that is best for them by pushing that option number and be scheduled within 3 to 4 minutes.

American Red Cross Requesting Nominations for 2021 Hero Awards

The American Red Cross is asking for the community’s support to honor the heroes of Northeastern PA during their annual telethon on March 21st, 2021! This telethon is brought to you to by Blue Ridge Channel 13 and simulcast on Electric City Television and SSPTV. The event flyer, nomination form, and sponsorship opportunity forms are available on the American Red Cross website.

Throughout Northeastern PA, everyday people perform extraordinary acts. The American Red Cross needs your help to identify and recognize our local heroes for their selflessness and courage. The Northeastern PA Heroes Celebration will honor the prior year’s local heroes for using their First Aid Training and/or other actions to save lives or make Northeastern Pennsylvania a better place to live and work.

The deadline for nominations is March 1st, 2021. The heroic action must have taken place between 1/1/2020-12/31/2020.

Where applicable, nominee(s) must have saved (or assisted in saving) a life by intervening in a life-threatening situation.

Nominee cannot have caused or contributed to the incident itself. The nominee can be a professionally trained life saver or simply a Good Samaritan. The nominee must live or work in Northeastern Pennsylvania, although the heroic action may have occurred outside the area. For information, call Rose Walsh at (570) 234-4163 or email Rose.Walsh@redcross.org

Coronavirus Resources

1-866-STLUKES InfoLink@sluhn.org www.slhn.org/covid-19#

St. Luke’s COVID Vaccinator, Retired Several Times, Returns to Help Immunize the Community

When Sam Miranda was a first-year nursing student at Sacred Heart Hospital back in the mid-‘70s, an instructor told his class, “Before you retire, you all will be involved in a pandemic.”

“We laughed, and thought she was crazy,” Miranda recalls. “Because of penicillin and all the other advances in medical science at that time, we naively thought a pandemic seemed unlikely.”

Now nearly a half century later, the 64-year-old nurse from Center Valley is hard at work giving hundreds of COVID vaccine injections each day at St. Luke’s Allentown campus, doing his part to immunize people against the virus that has taken the lives of some 400,000 Americans to date and millions world-wide.

He’s also teaching MSN/MBA students at De Sales University, helping prepare the workforce of the future.

From the bedside to the board room to the classroom, this long-time nurse leader and health care executive lives and loves his vocation. Miranda has retired from it several times, but only for a few months until there’s another challenge that inspires him back into service.

Shortly after he left Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network in 2018 after 12 years as their chief clinical officer,

888-402-LVHN (5846) www.lvhn.org/testing-services /coronavirus-covid-19-care they asked him to come back to run the organization when their president suddenly departed. He stayed for six months, then left to help take care of his now-three-year-old granddaughter, Claire Christina, whom he calls, “my angel.”

Sam Miranda

When his daughter-in-law, a teacher, went “back to school” online, Miranda was needed less at home, and so he looked for other ways to help, this time at SLUHN with whom has had a decades-long connection. That was in April 2020, as the pandemic raged.

“I told Bill Moyer (president of St. Luke’s Allentown), whatever I can do, I want to help,” Miranda says, who knows Moyer from the board of trustees of Cedar Crest College on which they both serve.

“I’m so impressed with Bill’s leadership style and how St. Luke’s fulfills its mission of taking care of the community.”

A few per diem assignments led to nursing supervisory roles for Miranda as the hospital struggled to save patients from the ruthless coronavirus.

The Jim Thorpe Current

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

March 2021 • 13

health • wellness Fast-forward to last December when COVID vaccines were approved in the U.S., and Miranda stepped forward for his next assignment. Since then, he has been spending sometimes 12 hours a day giving injections of the vaccine, working longer hours than he ever imagined as he cruised into retirement. But he has no regrets. “It’s the right thing to do,” he says, “for the community and for St. Luke’s.”

And there’s a personal reason for his motivation. He also does it in memory of a relative who died of the virus on Christmas Day. Having given 2,400 COVID shots and counting, Miranda will likely again blend being a grandad for his “angel” with new challenges at SLUHN when this pandemic is vanquished. He’ll continue training the future nurses who will replace him and his aging generation.

He promises his students that today’s health care system is headed for other major changes that they’ll have to face during their professional lives. He’s seen a few of them in his 48 years in the industry.

St. Luke’s Commits to Teacher Vaccinations

St. Luke’s University Health Network is expediting COVID-19 vaccine access to area education employees.

“We recognize that getting our schools back to ‘normal’ is a goal for every parent, teacher and child,” states Trevor Micklos, St. Luke’s Network Vice President, “Our hope is that by working to vaccinate educators over the next several months, we can ensure that our kids will be ‘back to school’ as soon as possible.”

Recently, St. Luke’s made the commitment to dedicate weekly vaccine appointments to 78 schools in the region based on state guided phase requirements. To qualify for expedited access, education employees must meet Pennsylvania’s Phase 1a eligibility criteria (age 16-64 with high-risk conditions, or anyone 65

FEMA Awards Over $151M to Pennsylvania in Support of COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

T

he Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Region 3 has obligated more than $151 million to Pennsylvania to aid vaccine distribution to combat COVID-19.

As of Feb. 16, 2021, FEMA has obligated $3.22 billion to our partners across the country. This funding is for critical supplies and staffing that can help protect and save lives.

Items that are funded can include: • Supplies and commodities needed to safely store and administer the vaccine.

• Transportation support and reasonable, necessary security for refrigerated trucks.

• Staffing for medical and support staff.

• Communication materials that keep the public informed.

• Training personnel on vaccine distribution and administration.

“This federal support will help us mobilize our plans to quickly and equitably distribute COVID-19 vaccine to all eligible Pennsylvanians,” said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. “Having the needed funds to efficiently implement those plans in collaboration with our federal, state and county partners is critical to combatting the ongoing pandemic.”

and older) and have indicated their employer on their St. Luke’s MyChart account. St. Luke’s has committed to providing area school districts with a portion of available appointments while continuing to provide equitable distribution to the remainder of those eligible in Phase 1a.

“We want everyone to be vaccinated as quickly as possible,” says John Hauth, St. Luke’s Senior Network Administrator, “Our only limitation is the amount of vaccine we get from the state. It’s not an instantaneous

“FEMA has acted quickly to get crucial funding to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as we work together to contain the spread of the virus and protect the public,” said Janice Barlow, Acting Regional Administrator, FEMA Region 3.

“Safe and equitable vaccine distribution is at the forefront of all FEMA efforts across the country, and FEMA will work side by side with all our state and local partners until this mission is complete.”

Grants for emergency protective measures are funded through FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant program, which reimburses communities for actions taken in the immediate response and during recovery from a disaster. Eligible applicants include states, federally recognized tribal governments, U.S. territories, local governments and certain private non-profit organizations.

COVID-19 Vaccines and support kits are provided to state and local governments through a separate federal program.

For information on Pennsylvania’s vaccination response, phases and future vaccine phases go to https://www.pa.gov/ guides/get-vaccinated/. process, so it is important to remain patient.”

On a weekly basis, St. Luke’s will reach eligible educators with notice of available vaccine appointments. The plan is to increase support for the local education system which is an essential part of the community. St. Luke’s hopes to help all schools eventually bring their students back to an in-person learning platform. St. Luke’s provides comprehensive health care services, from sports medicine to behavioral health support, to school districts throughout the region.

Executive Editor/Publisher Jeffrey “JD” Diaz 570.399.1400 - JD@JTCurrent.com

For Editorial call: 570.399.1400 e-mail: JD@JimThorpeCurrent.com

Contributing Writers Aillinn Brennan Christopher Holland Yvonne Wright

For Advertising Jay Pelc • 917.957.1713 JAY@JimThorpeCurrent.com

Distribution JD@JimThorpeCurrent.com

Published by

Stony Creek Media, LLC. PO Box #222 Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania 18229 570 . 399 . 1400

The Jim Thorpe Current is published monthly and distributed to over 210 locations throughout the Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania Area.

Entire contents of this publication is copyright 2021 Stony Creek Media, LLC. all rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher.

14 • March 2021

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

The Jim Thorpe Current

biz briefs PMVB Names Marilyn Kissner New V.P. of Membership & Community Relations The Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau (PMVB) is proud to announce and welcome Marlyn Kissner as Vice President of Membership & Community Relations beginning March 1, 2021. Kissner, an already well-established leader in the Pocono community, will be responsible for maintaining and growing the PMVB’s regional partnerships and member base.

Kissner has held several leadership positions with similar objectives. She served as Executive Vice President of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director of the Pocono Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director of the Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation. In these roles, Kissner led strategic positioning and partnership efforts, ensured member retention and growth, connected with local government to spearhead business advocacy, and worked closely with volunteer groups to support and strengthen communities.

“From the beginning of my tenure with the PMVB, Marlyn has proved to be a critical partner for many of our major initiatives through her role with the Chamber,” said Chris Barrett, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau President/CEO. “She is the perfect fit for our organization, and I am humbled she has chosen to join our team.”

“I am blessed to work with so many amazing colleagues, community leaders and volunteers at the Chamber and gained wonderful friendships along the way,” said Kissner. “I am excited for a new chapter in my life, gaining knowledge in a whole new industry where I have another great opportunity to serve our businesses and communities throughout the beautiful Pocono Mountains where I live, work and play.”

Kissner served as a PMVB board member from 2018-2021 and, among many efforts, assisted the organization with its COVID-19 reopening strategy for the local business community.

PennDOT Announces Work to Begin on Project to Improve PA 443 in Carbon County

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Engineering District 5 announced a project to reconstruct PA 443/Blakeslee Boulevard from the Carbon Plaza Mall in Mahoning Township to the US 209/Thomas J. McCall Memorial Bridge in Lehighton Borough is underway.

Motorists can expect lane restrictions and changing traffic patterns on PA 443 between Ashtown Drive and PA 902/South Ninth Street. Over the next several weeks there will be flaggers controlling traffic on this section of PA 443 while workers move equipment and set up a traffic pattern shift.

For most of the project one lane will remain open in each direction, but there will be occasional lane restrictions.

Updates will be provided whenever traffic patterns change.

Work on PA 443 includes reconstructing approximately 2.25 miles of roadway, adding a center turn lane along the corridor, adding left-turn lanes and traffic signal improvements at the PA 443 intersections with Mall Road/Mall Lane and East Penn Street/Mahoning Mountain Road designed to improve traffic flow and reduce crashes, drainage improvements, traffic signing, utility installation/relocation, new guiderail, pavement markings and other miscellaneous construction. The project also includes rehabilitating the PA 443 bridge over Mahoning Creek.

In addition, the PA 902/South 9th Street bridge over Mahoning Creek will

be replaced and the intersection of PA 902 and PA 443 will be realigned slightly to the east to make a “T” intersection.

H&K Group, Inc. of Skippack, PA is the general contractor on the $21,118,085 project that is anticipated to be complete in September 2024.

Work on this project will be in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and state Department of Health guidance as well as a project-specific COVID-19 safety plan, which will include protocols for social distancing, use of face coverings, personal and job-site cleaning protocols, management of entries to the jobsite, and relevant training.

SBA Provides Fee Waivers and Temporary Payment Relief to New SBA 504 Loan Borrowers

For a new SBA 504 loan approved during the period beginning on February 1, 2021 and ending on September 30, 2021, SBA will make the Section 1112 payments for a 3-month period capped at $9,000 per payment; subject to the availability of funds.

Additionally, for a new SBA 504 loan approved during the time period beginning on February 1, 2021 and ending on September 30, 2021, SBA will waive a portion of the fees associated with the loan; subject to the availability of funds.

The SBA 504 Loan Program provides long term, low interest rate, fixed asset financing for small businesses to acquire or refinance long term fixed assets to promote business growth and the creation and retention of jobs. Program highlights include a low fixed interest rate with a term of up to 25 years and a reduced equity requirement compared to conventional loan requirements.

Loan proceeds can be used for long term fixed assets including the purchase of commercial real estate, construction,

renovations, equipment, site work and can also include certain soft costs related to those items. Loan proceeds can also be used to refinance related assets and provide limited cash-out through the refinance.

Eligibility & Structure: www.nepabfc.org/sba-504 FAQs: www.nepabfc.org/sba-504-qa

PPL Foundation is Accepting Applications for Sustaining Grants through March 15

PPL Foundation is accepting applications for sustaining grants from January 1 to March 15.

The PPL Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to partnering with community organizations to improve the lives of people in the communities we serve in 29 counties of North and Central Pennsylvania.

The PPL Foundation supports a variety of nonprofit organizations with a special focus on those that support the following: • Education - Pre-K, STEM, career prep, summer learning and literacy programs • Diversity, equity and inclusion - Education and advocacy programs focused on elimination of racism and discrimination, initiatives advancing social justice and programs focused on protecting underrepresented residents • Sustainable communities - Access to basic services, conservation and neighborhood improvement programs.

Sustaining grants range between $1,000 and $25,000, with the average awarded grant being around $5,000.

Grants are awarded to assist organizations with ongoing operational and program expenses for projects that align with the Foundation’s mission to promote the development of sustainable communities and support our children’s success from

Private Wealth Management for Individuals, Families and Not-for-Profit Organizations ____________________ Fiduciary Advice for Accredited Investors ____________________

600 Fifth Avenue New York, New York 10020 Telephone 212.221.5300 www.bridgewateradv.com For more information, email us at: bai@bridgewateradv.com

The Jim Thorpe Current

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

March 2021 • 15

biz briefs cradle to career.

This is a competitive process and all applications will undergo a review by a regional committee before being considered by the PPL Foundation board of directors.

Interested organizations can learn more and apply at www.pplcares.com (click on Sustaining Grants).

It’s Time for the 3rd Annual Carbon County Fair Consignment Auction & Flea Market It’s time for spring cleaning, time to think about those “Amish Mud Sales” and that means it’s time for the 3rd Annual Carbon County Fair Consignment

Auction & Flea Market being held at the Big Creek Grange, 275 Grange Rd, Lehighton on Saturday, March 13, 2021, beginning at 10 AM. The opportunities are endless. You can consign items with a small percentage going to the fair & you keep the rest, you can donate items & have all proceeds go to the fair, or you can rent your own space for the flea market area and keep all of the sales.

If it’s on the chilly side, there will be plenty of hot tea, coffee or chocolate to warm your fingers and toes and there will be home-made soup, hot dogs, BBQ, haluski, breakfast sandwiches, baked goods and more for sale. You’ll be able to bid on some large equipment and hand tools and

the highest bid will allow you to take home a Ford Model #3400 Industrial Tractor Back-Hoe & Loader with a 66 inch bucket, a child’s coin operated amusement ride, an 1882 F Wilson Corn Grinder on a box with crank wheel, a water pump with fire hose and B&S engine, a 55 gal barrel truck, a trailer tow dolly, a lawn roller, steel auto ramps, a Napa air tank, or wet tile cutter & accessories & more. For a listing of items go to deanarnerauctions.com and view the photo gallery.

If you’re not into the bigger items, you can tag along to cheer your spouse on as he outbids the others or you can rent a 10 x 10 space and sell your own items to help pay for his! If this doesn’t work, and you’re

feeling the need to get out and about after a year of COVID-19, you can browse the flea market and take home a few new finds. Flea market space rental is available, in advance, to individuals and vendors, by calling Sue at 610.704.7122. Equipment drop-offs can be arranged by calling Butch at 570-386-2190 or by stopping by the grange on Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday from 9AM – 3PM or by bringing your consignment items the morning of the event, beginning at 8:30 AM. Mask and social distancing are encouraged. Cash or a PA check are required for payment in full on the day of the event. Dean R Arner, is volunteering his time as auctioneer. All proceeds benefit the fair’s building project.

YOUR LOCAL RESOURCE GUIDE Give Us A Break We Will Fix It!

Personal Care / Memory Care

REALTOR®

FOR SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST Liberty Autoglass, LLC

(C) 570.656.9838 (O) 570.722.9222 Ext. 108

IN SHOP AND MOBILE SERVICE Auto Glass Repair and Replacement ADAS (camera) Recalibration Center 509 N. 1st Street Lehighton, PA 18235 610-377-7787 • LibertyAutoGlass.us $25 Coupon - Good for 1 Windshield Replacement - Exp 3/31/21 Not to be combined with any other offer

Amy@AmySellsPa.com www.AmySellsPa.com

®

Nesquehoning • 570-669-5500

Commercial/Lawn

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

www.mapleshademeadows.com

...... c olor

7886 Kings Hwy. New Tripoli, PA 18066 (610) 298-2011 kinc@ptd.net kermitkkistler.com

Utility Tractors

STREET

NAILS $11 - $13

Sharon Hartman Independent Stylist

POLARIS

ATVs, RGRs, RZRs

Colorstreet.com/sRowlands slrshs@verizon.net • 610.349.2958

Snowmobiles

MARZEN HARDWARE Same Location, Same Great Service Since 1896 Commercial • Industrial • Residential Over 70,000 items in stock!

HELP KEEP THE POCONO MOUNTAINS

UPS Shipping – Fax – Copies – Computer Color Matching Kerosene Heater Repairs/Parts – Window and Screen Repairs

CLEAN & GREEN. Learn more at PickupthePoconos.com

315 Center Street in East Jim Thorpe

#PoconoMtns

CENTURY 21 Select Group

KERMIT K. KISTLER INC

JOHN DEERE

Amy Moyer

570-325-2161 • marzenh@netzero.net Mon. thru Sat. 8am - 5:30pm • Sunday Closed

Reach Our 25,000 Avid Readers For As Low As $60 Each Month

16 • March 2021

www.JimThorpeCurrent.com

The Jim Thorpe Current