FA L L / W I NTER 2019
D IS COV E R YO U R TOW N S H I P
IN THIS ISSUE Township News The Care Cabin Opens Its Doors
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From Your Board Of Supervisors
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Food for Thought
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Living Lackawaxen
Tow Path:
Your Money Working For You
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Support Our Township
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Woodloch Springs Sports Complex Partners with International Fitness Company
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Signs 7
A Closer Look By LA Guzda
Several years ago, I had written an article on a round house located in what used to be called Baoba along the towpath. (Not the house with a round room visible from the road). I received a number of responses and some additional bits of information but still have not found a photograph of the “village” in its day. But I did meet Dr. Walter Ungerer, grandson of Molly Staab, and his beautiful wife, Janet. Walter shared his impressive collection of photos, maps, books and vast knowledge on the area.
Morrissey’s Roadhouse Set To Open Next Spring
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Enjoy the Amenities at Sunrise Park
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Lake Region IGA Offers Online Shopping
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My 80 lb. Baby
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This Winter is Setting Up To Be an Exciting Season!
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Autumn Gold
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Autumn: The Season of Plenty in Northeast PA
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Tremendous Hatches of Canada Geese This Year
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Story on Page 5
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The CARE CABIN Opens Its Doors. By Dot Kerkowski Well, the day has finally come. September 28, 2019 the doors of the Care Cabin opened to Lackawaxen residents in need of a little help. The Care Cabin opened its’ doors at 10:00 AM for “shoppers” to choose from essentials to items of choice. The Cabin has been stocked with almost 2,000 lbs. of foods and drinks which will be replenished once a month. The Care Cabin is federally funded through Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley and Northeast PA. Although there are two other food banks in the area, Hawley and Lords Valley, our Cabin will serve Lackawaxen township and the surrounding area. Committee Members Bergit Pinkston and Dorothy Kerkowski, along with Supervisors Michael Mancino and Jeff Shook went to Nazareth, PA for a tour of the warehouses and training for ordering products. There were canned foods, boxed items, drinks and fresh produce. The Care Cabin hopes to be able to help residents with everyday foods as well as “holiday” dinners. The Cabin still needs a refrigerator and a freezer for dairy and meats. They are accepting donations and will be planning fund raisers all year round. Also, they will accept donated food items such as cereals, canned fruits and vegetables, juices, snacks, pasta, sauce; whatever will help make a meal. Cleaning materials for house and clothes, like detergents, bleach, softeners, sponges, paper towels, brooms and mops. The Care Cabin will be open every 4th Saturday of the month, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. If you would like to volunteer, please call Bergit Pinkston at 685-1477, or Dot Kerkowski at 685-1146. By email, leave your name at Jeff@lackawaxentownshippa.gov with CARE CABIN in the subject line. Donated foods items can be left in bags in the vestibule of the municipal building. When coming to the Supervisors meetings, please bring a food donation with you. The Growing Lackawaxen Board of Directors and the Township Supervisors are appreciative to those who donated materials, time, labor, and expertise over the planning and construction of this project. Thank you to everyone who helped make this dream a reality! A Grand Opening Event to properly thank the many people who brought this project to life is planned for the spring. Stay tuned for details.
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TO PLACE YOUR AD CALL US AT 456-1218
LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | FALL/WINTER 2019
From Your Board of Supervisors: This has been an extremely busy year for some long-awaited projects. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our residents. We understand the frustration while waiting in line or dealing with excessive noise and heavy truck traffic. By the time you read this, it is our hope, that the new Case Road bridge is open. There has also been a great deal of tree trimming and new pavement work done to the Pine Forest Camp Road and the Neil Thompson Road. With the help from Pike County Conservation we were able to receive a Dirt and Gravel Road Grant to make drainage improvements to the Glen Eyre Road and Williams Road. The long awaited Westcolang Road project has begun with new culverts, drainage and a total reclamation of the pavement under way. The road from the four corners at Mast Hope is now complete to the bottom of the hill where it meets the train trestle. Please, bear with us, as we move forward with this work. The permitting process through DEP and Aqua PA doing improvements on their water lines, the second half of this project will no doubt be challenging for all of us. Our Road Crew has also been very busy! For those of you that may not have heard, the Township has received a matching grant to make improvements to Sunrise Park. With the help of the road crew, the trail through the back of the property is now complete with a new open-air pavilion with picnic tables and charcoal grills. They also have made substantial improvements to the Stabler, Glen Eyre, Williams, Kuhn, Palm and Mott Roads. Not to mention all the work at Veterans Parks in town. Just wait until you see the new Pavilion! It is beautiful and a much-needed improvement to our park. We owe a great deal of gratitude to John Beisel Excavating! John not only donated his time, expertise, and equipment to remove stumps, clear the lot, install the new septic system, but he used his own crew to make major improvements to the Palm Road which has been a forgotten road for many years. John saved the residence tens of thousands of dollars with the work he did but also a tremendous amount of time without having to go through the bidding process. So, if you happen to be out and run into John, say THANK YOU or maybe buy him a beer. The grant has come through for the most important people in our township, our VETS. The VFW has received a $150,000.00 to make repairs and improvements. The roof will be replaced along with the windows and a handicap bathroom. All needed and important improvements for the men and women that have given so much. God Bless you all! As most of you know by now our Care Cabin/Food Pantry has finally became a reality. There is more about that in a separate article. Last, but not least, thanks to the cooperation of your BOS and the Asst. Treasurer, Jim Syre, we have paid off the mortgage of the Township. This is a huge savings in interest. It is our pleasure to serve the wonderful people of Lackawaxen Township. Thank you for the trust you have put in us, Your BOS.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT The Care Cabin is our new local food pantry. We are in the infant stage of getting it up and running. GROWING LACKAWAXEN manages the Care Cabin as well as provide community events such as gardening, workshops, Spring Tricky Tray, Junk-in-the-Trunk community tag sale and partners with the Township for the annual Pumpkin Party. We have plans to do more, but we need your help. The Care Cabin is partnering with 2nd Harvest to provide food and essentials. They are only one resource, albeit an excellent one. They work closely with Feeding America. The only way to ensure that your donation dollars go directly to serving Lackawaxen Township is to donate to Growing Lackawaxen. If you are not able to donate dollars, we welcome your donated services and time. Growing Lackawaxen is 501(C)3 corporation. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed. Please take a moment to donate today.
Building Officer Rich Tussel, Building Inspector 570-685-2990 Ext: 17 Fax: 570-685-2550 building@lackawaxentownshippa.gov
Zoning/Code Officer Jim Dolan, Zoning Officer 570-685-2990 Ext. 12 Fax: 570-685-2550 code@lackawaxentownshippa.gov
Commercial Building / Electrical Inspector Todd Klikus 570-493-1229 Todd@lackawaxentownshippa.gov HOURS: By appointment only
Sewage Department Jim Dolan, Sewage Officer 570-685-2990 Ext. 12 Fax: 570-685-2550 code@lackawaxentownshippa.gov Hours: Mon.- 8:30-10:30 am Tues.- By Appt • Wed.- 8:30-10:30 am Thurs.- By Appt • Fri.- By Appt Sat. and Sun. CLOSED
Road Department Jay Knapp, Roadmaster 570-685-3200 Fax: 570-685-2550 Emergency/After Hours: 570-493-4584 Roadmaster@lackawaxentownshippa.gov HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 6 am-2 pm
Office Manager/Assistant Treasurer Denise Steuhl, Township Secretary Denise@lackawaxentownshippa.gov HOURS: Mon-Fri. 8 am-4:00 pm
Treasurer Jim Syre 570-685-7288 Jim@lackawaxentownshippa.gov HOURS: By appointment
Your Supervisors NAME: __________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________________ CITY: _______________________________ ST: _________ ZIP: __________________ PHONE: _________________________________________________________________ ____
Chairman - Michael B. Mancino Mike@lackawaxentownshippa.gov Vice-Chairman - Jeffrey A. Shook Jeff@lackawaxentownshippa.gov Supervisor - John W. Beisel John@lackawaxentownshippa.gov
EMAIL: _________________________________________ AMOUNT: $____________ I would like to volunteer ____
I have a farm/garden and can donate fresh produce ____
SIGNATURE: __________________________________________ DATE: ___________ Return with your check to: Growing Lackawaxen | 169 Urban Road | Hawley, PA 18428
LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | FALL/WINTER 2019
Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 am-4 pm 570-685-7288 169 Urban Road Hawley, PA 18428
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Living Lackawaxen Your Money Working For You
Parks & Recreation
Most of us work pretty hard for our money. But how many of us are fortunate enough to have our money working for us? I’m not referring to investments, I’m talking about a budget. A monthly budget is the best way to put your money to work.
Support Our Township You can now support our Lackawaxen Township by Shopping at Lake Region IGA. Growing Lackawaxen is a 501 (c) 3 dedicated to enriching the quality of life in Lackawaxen Township. If you remember the incredible Cookie/ Cake Walk that was held over the summer, you remember Growing Lackawaxen. They are responsible for the Care Cabin Food Pantry that is just now gaining momentum, the community Easter Egg Hunt and the Pumpkin Party, all free for the kids. If you already have a Preferred Customer Card from the Lake Region IGA, go to https://www.lrcdf.org/ link-your-customer-card and choose Growing Lackawaxen from the drop-down menu. One percent of your quarterly sales at Lake Region IGA will then be donated to Growing Lackawaxen. If you do not have a Preferred Customer Card, please stop by the IGA Service Desk and sign up for the card and tell them that you want your card linked to Growing Lackawaxen. Thank you for helping support your community by doing something you already do on a weekly basis! For more information about Growing Lackawaxen please visit us on Facebook. Questions? Feel free to call 570-2266000 and ask to speak with Irene.
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What is a budget? A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went. It’s time to boss your money around and force it to start working FOR you. Budgeting is the foundation to building wealth and walking the path of a well-planned financial journey. It is also the topic of my second article in a series addressing YOUR FINANCIAL FITNESS. Start your budget by listing income. Include total take-home pay (after tax, including your spouse’s if married) for full-time and part-time jobs, social security or disability payments, any freelance pay, investment income, and any other regular income source. Next list your regular recurring expenses. Include monthly bills like your mortgage (do not include any other loan or credit card payments) or rent, electric, and any irregular bills like quarterly HOA fees or insurance. After that, list your amounts (only what you absolutely NEED to spend) for transportation, groceries, clothing, and other needs. The goal is to account for and track every dollar. Subtract your total expenses from your total income. How much is left? This balance is what you are going to use to reach your financial goals of paying off loans, saving for life events, building wealth, and eventually retiring earlier and more comfortably than you may have thought possible! To reach these goals it is necessary to sacrifice spending on non-essentials. This sacrifice is only temporary while you work the baby-steps (see article one from spring 2019). Eating out and entertainment out should be one of your first lifestyle cuts. You shouldn’t see the inside of a restaurant or a coffee shop unless you’re working there! It’s not easy, but you CAN do it. Remember this is temporary. You don’t NEED restaurants, frequent nights out to the movies or shows, new shoes each month, or even cable TV.
Are you ready to achieve your goals?
Once you create your budget, keep records of your spending. Compare your spending to your budget and measure how well your plan is working. Your budget will get better and more accurate over time and become a well-used tool on your financial journey. Be THE BOSS and make your money work for you! Start your budget today. Jim Syre is a Ramsey Solutions Certified Master Financial Coach and the owner of 3E Financial Coaching. As an independent coach, he is not employed by Ramsey Solutions. Jim has been the Lackawaxen Township Treasurer for the last two years, and is currently serving as Assistant Treasurer. He has also served as a Borough Treasurer, and is currently the Finance Chair for the Lackawaxen Township EMS Board of Directors. All three organizations became debt free during Jim’s time there. To contact him send an email to: coach@3efinancialcoaching.net
3E Financial Coaching exists to educate, encourage, and empower you to take control of your finances and pursue your dreams.
Begin your journey to financial freedom with a free ten minute consultation! Contact us at coach@3efinancialcoaching.net.
570-685-2131 | WWW.3EFINANCIALCOACHING.NET
LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | FALL/WINTER 2019
NOW
THEN
Tow Path - A Closer Look Continued from Page 1 We never found what the “roundhouse” was originally built for, but he shared some wonderful stories of the many summers he spent with his grandmother on her farm when he was just a young boy. Walter passed away a few years ago. But his stories continue to excite the imagination of the magic, beauty and purpose of Lackawaxen. Heading onto the Towpath from 590 you’ll see the Volunteer Firehouse which used to be a schoolhouse surrounded by acres of farmland, mostly dairy farms. A short distance on the right is the location for the Baisden’s Boatworks. This basin is where they built and repaired boats. The stone walls outlining the pool pit are still clearly visible. A few feet away, along the river, the stone walls supporting the train tracks are massive and impressive.
Further along just past Kimbles Road (what used to be the Village of Kimbles) you’ll find the Mount Moriah Cemetery. Beautiful stone walls, hitching posts and many old graves – some dated early 1800s, sit atop a stunning overlook. Having only visited the cemetery in the summer time, I was never able to see much through the leafy forest. But, in the late fall through early spring, the remains of the towpath are clearly present. I love the names that were popular in the nineteenth century – Muriel, Zachariah, Eustis. Kimbles was a very active part of the river. In fact, several lanes operated allowing barges to park or pass. There appears to be a smaller lane for locals to have easy access through the myriad of the bustle. The Gelderman property on the left hand side of the road was once a large farm and resort. Platform tents
Glen Eyre
and a large dancehall made it a popular destination for locals as well as tourists. Walter’s dad trained for boxing in the dancehall. Fields of corn surrounded the resort all the way to the river. Continuing along the Towpath to view Molly Staab’s house, a few miles on the right across the river, is what was called Snyder Eddy. Gone are the chicken coops, barn and outhouse. But the location is still as beautiful today as it was in the 1800’s. They didn’t have a bridge but had to boat across the river. Not an easy task. But, without the dam, the river would often be low enough in the summer to simply walk across. In fact, there was a road leading down from the mountain that was easily accessible across the river floor.
Resort, owned by Al and Grace Gore – no relation. There were a number of resorts and hunting lodges along the river. In fact, on Chestnut Burr there once stood a hunter’s lodge that is reportedly where Robert E. Lee would stay on his way to and from West Point. The Village of Glen Eyre was once as big and busy as White Mills which both were far more active than Honesdale. In December of 1898 the village was sold at auction for $7,600. For $1,000 more than the mortgage and costs, Mrs. Mary T. Carpenter of Scarsdale, NY purchased the foreclosed property which included 842
acres of land, five dwelling houses, several shanties, two barns, store house, saw-mill, blacksmith shop, factory building and other outbuilding. Good water power, valuable stone quarries and railroad depot were also on the premises. All that remains of Glen Eyre today is the beautiful stone railroad bridge. Janet Ungerer said to me, “I often wish the river could talk so she could share her secrets.” These late fall months are a great time to explore the towpath. With clear views you can see right into the past. Keep an eye out for eagles… and ghosts.
The property is now owned by the Knup family which also owns The Rock Cut Farm, otherwise known as The Swinging Bridge farm. In speaking with family members, it was said that the farm once served as a nudist colony. It’s interesting that there are rumored to have been several nudist colony/camps in this area. Surprising since summer nights can be rather cool and mosquitos are abundant. It could well be the reason that the area just up from the river is referred to as Bohemia. Further along, the property across from the river access was known as the Ferber Farm
LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | FALL/WINTER 2019
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LES MILLS
The Woodloch Springs Sports Complex Partners With International Fitness Company What is Les Mills?
Les Mills is an international fitness company that provides top-notch fitness programs to clubs around the world. Currently, Les Mills programs are licensed by 20,000 partners in 100 countries, and the Woodloch Springs Sports Complex is one of them! In 1968, Olympian Les Mills started his first gym in Auckland, New Zealand. It was a simple operation -- basic strength and cardio training for a small community. Now, 50 years later, it’s the hub of a vibrant global movement where the world’s top fitness talent creates new ways to get fit, combining music with movement and then sharing it with the world!
Why did the Sports Complex/ Woodloch decide to partner with this specific company? At the start of 2019, we began our partnership with Les Mills in order to provide our members, guests, and community with top-notch fitness programs and workouts. Each program is a sciencebacked workout created by researchers, doctors and sports scientists. The workouts are proven in the lab to deliver results. This is what separates Les Mills from other fitness companies and what separates the Sports Complex from other fitness centers. We want to offer the best of the best!
How many programs does Les Mills offer?
Les Mills provides 13 different style workout programs: Bodypump, RPM, Bodycombat, CXWORX, Bodyjam, Bodystep, and Les Mills Barre, just to name some.
The Sports Complex offers three Les Mills Programs:
BODYPUMP From Strength to Strength. Build Strength. Get Lean & Toned. Work all Major Muscles. The ideal workout for anyone looking to get lean, toned and fit – FAST. Using light to moderate weights with lots of repetition, BODYPUMP gives you a total body workout. It will burn up to 540 calories. Instructors will coach you through the scientifically backed moves and techniques pumping out encouragement, motivation and great music –helping you achieve much more on your own. You’ll leave the class feeling challenged and motivated, ready to come back for more.
the group spinning as one, your instructor takes you on journey of hill climbs, sprints, and flat riding. In the RPM workout, you repeatedly spin the pedals to reach your cardio peak then ease back down, keeping pace with the pack to lift your personal performance and boost your cardio fitness. RPM is a great way to build upon your sense of personal achievement. You can draw on the group’s energy and find your rhythm in the music. You control your own resistance levels and speed so that you can increase your fitness level over time. It’s a journey, not a race! BODYFLOW Change Everything. Improve flexibility. Feel Serene & Relaxed. Build Strength. Ideal for anyone and everyone, BODYFLOW is the yogabased class that will improve your mind, body and life.
During Bodyflow, an inspired soundtrack plays as you bend and stretch through a series RPM of simple yoga moves and Redefine your finish line. embrace elements of Tai Chi Improve your aerobic fitness. and Pilates. Breathing control Get Lean. Burn Calories. is a part of all the exercises, and instructors will provide RPM is a group indoor cycling options for those just getting workout where you control the started. Strengthen your entire intensity. It’s fun and lowbody, and leave the class impact, and riders can burn up feeling calm, centered and to 675 calories in a single class. HAPPY. With great music pumping and
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What really makes these programs so special?
The MUSIC! All three programs are set to current music. The music is motivating!
CHOREOGRAPHY! All three elements are specifically choreographed to keep the workouts interesting and FUN! RESULTS. You will see results. PERIOD.
Les Mills Mission Statement:
Les Mills for a fitter planet. We’re on a mission to create a fitter planet. This doesn’t mean making people workout. It means helping people fall in love with fitness so they want to workout. Fall in love with group fitness at the Woodloch Springs Sports Complex. The world’s best music, best moves, and best instructors -- we bring it together to create lifechanging fitness programs shaped by science. Bodypump, RPM, and Bodyflow are offered several times a week at various times including early morning (6:15 am) and in the evening (as late as 6:30 pm). If you’re interested in test driving the Sports Complex and the classes outlined above, call the Sports Complex at 570-685-8144.
LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | FALL/WINTER 2019
SIGNS When a Community comes together, special things happen. Take our new sandwich board signs you may have seen promoting the Spring Junk-in-theTrunk community tag sale. You will see them again the week before the Pumpkin Party. They are not just signs to inform you, they are a collaborative effort of community folks donating their time and service. These signs were built by Jay Knapp, township roadmaster, on his own time. They were painted by Ruben of Ruben’s Auto Collision Center in Greeley. The paint was donated by Chuck at PPS – Prompton Power Sales in Honesdale. We thank you for your time, talent and kindness. PS - To the person who stole the Junk-in-the-Trunk vinyl from the board located near Rt 6, just thought you should know that they cost money. Growing Lackawaxen is a not-for-profit dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Lackawaxen Township. Most of our money goes toward the Care Cabin, our local food pantry. Somebody will have less food so we can print a new sign for next spring. Think about that the next time you think about stealing something.
TO PLACE YOUR AD IN LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION CALL US AT 845-456-1218
Nadine Bernathy 570-228-9884 | MasterFitnessUSA@Gmail.com
Available For Consultations
BEAUTIFUL RAINBOW
Over the Township property on Urban Road... if only there were a pot of gold at the end. LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | FALL/WINTER 2019
inc
PERSONAL TRAINER PAGE 7
Morrissey’s Roadhouse Set To Open Next Spring By Katie Collins
lifesnews51@gmail.com • Follow Katie @Lifestyles51
Morrissey’s Roadhouse is slated to open in a landmark location next spring. Owner and visionary Ralph Morrissey has many plans in mind, for the eatery once known as the “Cuckoo’s Nest” on Rt. 590 in Lackawaxen. Morrissey said the restaurant will serve locally sourced meats and vegetables, and be a place where the locals will go before or after work. Now a resident in Lake Ariel, Morrissey comes to the area from New Jersey after falling in love with Pennsylvania and discovering Lake Wallenpaupack. When he first set foot in the building, Morrissey said the “charm” grabbed him, along with the décor and location. Since word spread and a banner was placed outside, people have been stopping daily to learn what’s in store for the historic eatery.
and because of the many logistics of the job, he believes there isn’t a harder business to manage. Morrissey decided to try this new industry though, because he likes challenges and was told there isn’t a restaurant like it, in the area. Although still in the process of hiring, Morrissey and restaurant Manager Susan Lennon have been developing the menu. Together, the duo anticipates offering traditional roadhouse foods, as well as meals that people can’t find anywhere else because of the “family recipes” Lennon said.
Ready for hard work A veteran from the 101st Airborne Assault Division, Morrissey said he’s used to hard work and he’s ready for the restaurant industry because he “needs something to do.” The roadhouse, he thinks will offer him that, as he works with Lennon to “create” something new.
Loves the industry As for Lennon, she grew up in the restaurant business, where she’s held every job that makes an eatery function and she has opened two of her own restaurants. When she saw something happening at the building, Lennon said she walked right in and together she and Morrissey clicked. Lennon said this new venture is “exciting” because while she “loves” the restaurant industry, she will learn about business by working with Morrissey. It’s the people, the excitement and the pace that Lennon likes, with the feedback from patrons being “rewarding” when they’re pleased because “when you please people, it’s in your heart.”
Getting started
Morrissey knows getting the restaurant up and running will be a task he said, but with Morrissey said he is focusing the help of Lennon he feels on “fresh” foods because aside they will succeed. To start, from tasting better, he hopes to Prior to looking at restaurant the team has been on their keep the business local since properties, Morrissey had never hands and knees removing its “good for the community” heard of the Cuckoo’s Nest grease left in the kitchen and he likes to know the people and now, aware of the eatery’s because “the kitchen has to be he’s working with. history he plans on recognizing immaculate, not clean, it has to Already a businessman, it by displaying old photos on be immaculate.” Morrissey opened Morrissey’s the tables and so, he would Moving and Storage in like to borrow photos to create As of yet, the team isn’t sure how many employees there Bayonne, New Jersey in 2000 collages on tables.
“Fresh” foods
The owner of Morrissey’s Roadhouse, Ralph Morrissey with restaurant Manager Susan Lennon are in the process of opening the new eatery in what was the “Cuckoo’s Nest” on Rt. 590 in Lackawaxen. Lifestyles photo by Katie Collins.
will be, but Morrissey did say there will be enough “to get the job done” since the roadhouse will serve breakfast too. He would like to be open early for people to get coffee and read the newspaper before work. Morrissey is considering it all, because “If you’re going to do something, do it all the way” he said. Currently, Morrissey is leasing the property, but if he decides to buy it, all he has to do is sign his name he said. Once confident that he made the “right choice” in the business, he can buy immediately.
Touching up While the interior will receive a new color paint, the bar will remain a staple to the room because the “little discrepancies and blemishes” are a part of the business Morrissey said. As for the exterior, the yellowish colored siding will be replaced with the wooden paneling that covers a lot of the building. Considering his ideas and what has been done thus far, Morrissey said he sees it all coming together. Although there has been a lot of excitement with the news of the restaurant opening, there have been questions about the change of name. To that, Morrissey said “change is good” because he did not create the Cuckoo’s Nest and while it’s important to appreciate the
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past, people must live in the present. Morrissey recognizes the restaurant’s history and the memories people have, but he and Lennon will do their best so customers enjoy Morrissey’s Roadhouse where there will be catering, live entertainment, karaoke and more at the family restaurant that welcomes all.
Maintaining the theme While he does come to the region from New Jersey, Morrissey’s Roadhouse won’t reflect that. Instead, Morrissey plans on a “country motif” he said, with traditional components of a bar to include entertainment, a pool table and lots of neon beer signs and a brightly colored doors. Although not opening till spring, Morrissey said there are reasons for the delay that include waiting for a liquor license, inspections and more because “it’s a very long process.” But even so, as a person who isn’t one for “instant gratification” he wants people to enjoy themselves and have a good meal. Lennon added that, they want the staff to be trained and the customers to be happy.
Recognizing the history If interested in sharing old photos for the collages, there is a mailbox across the street from the entrance or, call Morrissey at (973) 277-0186.
LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | FALL/WINTER 2019
ENJOY THE AMENITIES AT SUNRISE PARK Sunrise Park, located behind the Township Office Building, is a cooperative effort with the Pike County Conservation District. Enjoy the beautiful trail, perfect for hiking or biking, with benches along the way, that will take you to the picnic area complete with charcoal grills and pavilion nestled among the Oak forest.
LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | FALL/WINTER 2019
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My 80lb. Baby Taylor is an 80lb. four-legged baby unlike anyone I’ve ever met. Considering the many pictures I post of her, whether sporting her new winter coat, playing in her pool or just relaxing on my bed she couldn’t seem anymore like my child than if she was human. I wrote this as she rested on her bed and I looked at her in amazement, remembering how our relationship started four years ago. I grew up with dogs and I’m sure to have more in the future, but she’s MY first dog and now, there’s no denying that, because I’m hers and she’s mine. If you’re a dog owner, I’m sure you know what I mean. I think it was the ride home from the rescue center that cemented our relationship. She joined me at the age of one with so much baggage that’s it’s sickening. She was completely house trained, knew the basic commands, but she’s still, to this day afraid of brooms, children’s gates, noise and men. How can someone abuse a child, a dog or anything that can’t defend themselves? I’ve read stories, seen pictures and I just don’t understand. What would you get from beating a defenseless puppy? Taylor has a scar on her nose that I can only imagine how she got, that’s there forever, and thankfully she’s not a person who can look in the mirror and see it every day. With the fireworks happening outside, not far from home I’m pleased to see that she doesn’t seem fazed and so, that reaffirms how much she’s grown and how she finally feels safe. Thinking about these last couple of years and our day to day lives, I laugh because a friend once commented that she lives better than most people and well, I have to agree. It does not matter the day I have, when I get home Taylor will greet me with a wagging tail and stuffed animal in her mouth. It’s quite funny because I had never seen a dog like stuffed animals so much. I really do believe the expression that there are no bad dogs, only bad owners because they’re shaped by the human interaction they have. Because of that, just like children and other people they deserve love, attention and respect. Katie Collins is the creator of Lifestyles, an online community-based newspaper covering happenings in the region and highlighting the good things people are doing. If you have photos of your four-legged family members, send them to lifesnews51@gmail for a photo gallery. In the meantime, check out the gallery of random photos of Taylor at www.lifestyles51.com. You can also check me out on Twitter @Lifestyles51. Thanks, Katie Collins
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LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | FALL/WINTER 2019
This Winter Is Setting Up To Be An Exciting Season! As residents of Lackawaxen Township, you are able to enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tubing, all great winter activities with your family. If you are new to the area or new to skiing, we are a full service ski area with lessons and rentals. This season we are continuing to expand our snowmaking operation to ensure full coverage of the mountain with the latest snowmaking technology resulting in the most efficient use of energy. We hope you will visit us this winter and create fun memories with your family and friends. As the new winter season approaches, people are asking questions about jobs, season passes, ski swap, tuning skis and snowboards and wondering when they can pick up season rentals. We hope to answer many of your questions in this article but if we miss something, don’t hesitate to call, email, visit ski-bigbear.com, become a fan on our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, or do the oldfashioned thing and come up for a visit. It is also fun to check out our web-cam on our website for a real time look at the mountain and our progress with snowmaking. We are proud to work with the community and provide another fun winter season. You live near one of the best ski areas in Pennsylvania, and we will work hard to make sure to provide the best winter recreation product possible.
Season Passes
Season Passes are available for sale now at the lowest rate of $295. As of November 6th, the rate goes up. So be sure to buy early for the best deal on season passes. Passes are non-transferrable and can only be used by the person whose name and picture are on the pass. Please visit our website www.ski-bigbear.com or call for more information on season passes.
Hiring Fair
Ski Big Bear and Masthope Mountain Community will be hosting a hiring fair for the winter season on Saturday, November 23rd from 9am – 1pm. Visit us that day to complete applications and be interviewed for positions
in food and beverage, rental shop, lift operations and more. Information can be found at: www.ski-bigbear. com/employment
Ski Swap –
Saturday, November 23rd and Sunday, November 24th The annual ski swap is always a hit with families. Bring in gear that your family may have outgrown and find replacements to purchase in used or new equipment. Guenther’s Ski Haus will also be at the lodge with new equipment from previous seasons on sale at great savings. 10% of proceeds from the swap are donated to the Lackawaxen Ambulance service. Open Saturday, November 23rd from 9am – 5pm and Sunday, November 24th from 9am – 3pm. Any unsold equipment you submit for sale must be picked up by 3pm on Sunday or it will be discarded.
Season Rentals –
Please note deadline for discount is December 2, 2019 Season Rentals are available for pick-up starting on November 9th. The price for season rentals is discounted for anyone that purchases their rentals by December 2nd. Purchase of season rentals after December 2nd will be at the regular rate of $150. Season rentals not only save you money but also allow you to use the same equipment all season. If you have growing children, we can accommodate their growing feet throughout the season with no additional charge. As your skiing improves, you may want to increase the length of your skis, and that is not a problem with our season rental program. All season rentals are on a first come, first serve basis, and there is limited inventory available for this program.
and complete the form before coming to the ticket window to purchase tubing tickets.
Snow Sports School
Ski Big Bear’s Snow Sports School is the perfect place to learn to ski or snowboard. Group and private lessons are available. Ask about our Book of 5 Private Lessons. Instructors can be requested or we can match an appropriate instructor to you. Call 570.226.8585 to schedule a lesson at least one week in advance. Ski Big Bear is typically open for skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing mid-December until mid-March. Equipment can be dropped off for tuning beginning November 10th. We will announce opening day as soon as we know what it will be through our email newsletter, via Facebook, Twitter and on our website. There are three live webcams available from our webpage during the season to view key areas of the mountain during the season. Visit www. ski-bigbear.com to follow the happenings on the mountain as well as learn about special events, check out our live web cams, conditions, hours, forms/ waivers and more. Ski Big Bear at Masthope Mountain 570-226-8585 www.Ski-BigBear.com BigBear@Ski-BigBear.com
Snow Tubing
Tubing is offered beginning December 26th. There is a 42” height requirement to participate. The price is for a 2-hour session. Tubing hours: Saturdays 10:30am – 5pm and Sundays 10:30am – 3:30pm (visit ski-bigbear.com for holiday hours). A waiver must be signed for each tubing participant. Please visit our website to download, print
LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | FALL/WINTER 2019
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Autumn Gold By- Marianna Quartararo Autumn leaves are the season’s most abundant crop. So pretty... until you have to rake them up and then what to do with them? Leaves are the main ingredient of the dark, rich, humus or organic matter that develops on the forest floor over time. Soil organic matter is one thing you can never have too much of. Organic matter increases the movement of air, water and nutrients through the soil. DO NOT rake leaves into waterways (lakes, streams, wetlands, etc.). This will increase the nutrient load in the waterway contributing to algae blooms and vegetation growth. There are many ways to utilize this valuable resource: Don’t rake them up. Run them over with the lawn mower! Cutting them into smaller pieces and leaving them on the lawn will improve the soil as well as release nutrients back into the soil. If you don’t have a mulching mower, you may need to go over them twice to shred them into smaller pieces. Rake them into a pile and shred them with the mower to produce leaf mulch. Or place the leaves in a plastic garbage can and use a string trimmer to shred the leaves. Use this to mulch your flower and vegetable gardens. You can put them aside in a pile to break down into the wonderful stuff we call leaf mold. Use in the spring to improve your soil or as a mulch. Place leaves in large black garbage bags and leave by your compost bin. When you need to add carbon-rich “brown stuff” to your compost pile, just open the bag and add a layer to the compost bin. Start a new garden bed the easy way. Pile the shredded leaves over the area where you wish to start a new garden bed. You can surround the area with a temporary fence or cover with newspapers or cardboard weighted down with rocks (we have PLENTY of those in Pike County) so nothing blows away over the winter. In a year or two, you can dig planting holes where needed and add a layer of mulch. Set up a worm bin. Add leaves in addition to newspaper to feed the worms. Visit the links below for more information on how to set up and maintain a simple worm bin in your home. https://composting.ces.ncsu.edu/vermicomposting-2/earthworms-and-worm-bins/ https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/worms-can-recycle-your-garbage
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LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | FALL/WINTER 2019
Autumn: The Season of Plenty in Northeast PA By Ron Tussel Autumn is the season of plenty in the northeast region of Pennsylvania. So many things come available this month that it is literally hard to find time to get in on all them. From small game to waterfowl to whitetails with the bow and muzzleloader, it all almost too good to be true! Grouse hunting has always been one of my favorite autumn pursuits. In fact I can remember in vivid detail the shot that landed my very first one in my game bag. I was twelve years old and on one of my very first hunting trips. Dad and I had been skirting the edge of a stream on my family ground, and I had just bagged a drake woody that had sprung from the waters. The backside of the stream was a wetland complex choked with high-bush blueberry and Eastern hemlock. I was reveling in the glory of the beautiful duck in my heavy game bag, and Schatze, our German Short-Haired Pointer was bouncing along in front of me. A fallen pine ahead was hiding the brown buzz bomb, and as the pointer went in, the grouse came thundering out. With the lightening reflexes of a twelve-year-old, I unleashed both barrels of the little Peerless 20 gauge, and to my amazement, the bird was on its way back to me in the grip of a happy pointer. An addiction was formed. The northeast has some wonderful habitat for the ruffed grouse, and though I would not say their population was at a peak, there are enough in many areas for a super hunt. A favorite haunt of mine for bumping woods chickens has always been SGL 183 in Pike County. SGL 183 contains 2,778 acres of what I consider prime grouse habitat. There exists a mixture that includes edges cover between fallow fields and woodlands. These edges contain heavy briars and grapevine tangles that offer the grouse preferred cover. In the upland areas there are pine thickets, hardwoods and even a couple of old apple orchards. Then there are the wetland areas. While grouse are not water birds, they do seem to hold in the thick cover of the hemlocks and blueberry. You will find ample parking to enable you access to SGL 183
in Pike County. Rt. 6 just east of Lake Wallenpaupack bisects the property. Watch for Decker Pond on the north side of the highway. There is one parking area across the road, another near the rifle range and one more at the eastern edge of the property. Along the Wilsonville dike at Lake Wallenpaupack you will see Bear Run Road. This road will lead you to a parking area where you can hunt along the northwest edge of Decker Swamp. Another main access artery to the heart of SGL 183 is locally known as the Satellite Road or Decker Hollow Road, and is found just east of the PGC building on Rt. 6. There are at least four parking areas along this route, and some of the grouse habitat I described earlier. Of course other species of game are also plentiful in SGL 183 including woodcock, cottontail rabbits, squirrels, deer and turkey. The number one game animal sought after in this country is the gray squirrel. Often overlooked for the true challenge they can offer gray squirrels are abundant and worth every minute of pursuit. If you are looking to teach a youngster the finer points of woodsmanship, patience, stalking, and marksmanship then look to the gray squirrel this fall. One place for you to consider can be found within the 967 acres that make up SGL 186 in Monroe County. Perhaps a little smaller than neighboring tracts, SGL 186 is mostly wooded, and squirrel populations in this area are good. In the past I have seen grouse and turkeys in this piece as well. Look for SGL 186 on your map just south of Trout Lake. Use Rt. 715 from Bartonsville, heading west toward McMichael. Turn south toward Appenzell just after Trout Lake. At Appenzell you can turn west to access the north edge of SGL 186 and one parking area. You can also continue on to Running Valley Road, heading west to access a parking area along the south edge. A couple of trails within SGL 186 provide the perfect opportunity for a nice, slow still hunt for squirrels. The topography in SGL 186 is gentle and forgiving, making for an enjoyable hunt. Concentrate your efforts
where you find oak trees with generous mast. Last season this area was low on acorns and other natural mast due in large part to the drought conditions. Gray squirrels are nomadic when this happens, and they will travel to locate food sources. With a fresh crop of nuts however, they will once again be plentiful on SGL 183. Wetlands have always held a special attraction for me. I suppose the fact that I grew up with a large wetland on our family estate helped. The beavers dammed up our little stream and made a great habitat. I hunted everything from ducks to upland birds and game and even deer in and around that swamp. One great piece of public hunting property that contains an attractive wetland habitat, is SGL 310 in Wayne County. SGL 310 is located along the southwestern edge of Wayne, and it contains 1,120 acres. Of that about 240 acres are wetland and the remaining 880 acres are forested uplands. In the heart of SGL 310 is Silkmans Swamp. For the small game hunter, you can combo
out a day on SGL 310, hunting wood ducks in the morning, jumping a few grouse and woodcock before lunch, then sit the afternoon in the shade of a big oak tree trying for some gray squirrels. Silkmans Swamp is a very large wetland, and contains some areas that are almost impenetrable, so use caution and visit the area in daylight for your first time out. Also, if you use hip boots or waders to get to more open water, be aware of the fact that there are active beaver colonies in this wetland, and travelways for these rodents are often unnoticeable and very deep. To hunt SGL 310, locate it on your map by finding Lake Henry on the southwest edge of the county. From Rt. 348 you will turn north toward the community of Maplewood. From Maplewood you can pick up TR 380 that runs along the northeast edge of SGL 310. Also at Maplewood you will find an abandoned railroad track that runs completely through SGL 310, beginning as a strip on the south end. The game land property is just a
strip on either side of the old track here and at the opposite end where it exits. This track is a part of the property and provides walking access through it and along the north edge of Silkmans Swamp. Just south of Maplewood you can use TR 372 running along the southeast edge of SGL 310 toward Beyea Pond. There is also a township road on the northern tip that provides access to the abandoned railroad bed at that point. Head southeast into SGL 310. It is possible to jump grouse along the wetland and forest edges, pick up a few squirrels among the oaks, and try to catch up with a speeding wood duck all in the same day while hunting SGL 310. Whether you want to sit for squirrels, float for waterfowl, climb for whitetails or bust brush for grouse and woodcock, our region has a lot to offer for you this month. Don’t forget the mentored youth program is in effect. Get those kids outdoors for what will turn into a lifetime pursuit of wholesome activity!!
Vendors interested in a booth for the 4th Annual Lackawaxen Neighborhood Pumpkin Party, please contact Bergit Pinkston at 570-685-1477. Trunkers needed for Trick-orTreating. Please call Michelle Thompson at 570-685-2153
LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | FALL/WINTER 2019
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Tremendous Hatches of Geese This Year! By Ron Tussel I am lucky enough to log a lot of miles throughout the northeast region as the months go by. One thing that seemed more noticeable this season was the tremendous hatches of Canada geese once again popping up on area lakes, ponds and rivers. I believe some of the community efforts over the last few years really cut our populations back a bit, but this year I am seeing plenty of geese. Luckily, our region also can boat a whole lot of publicly accessible water and wetlands where hunters can try their hand at bagging a few of these big birds. One spot that is close to home foe me and always a good bet on any given day for a crack at a honker or two is Shohola Lake. This large impoundment is located right in the middle of SGL 180. It is a good spot for the early season for resident Canada geese. Located in Pike County, just off Route 6 between Greeley and Milford, Shohola offers two access points with lots of room for hunters to spread out. The geese are comfortable coming in to Shohola, and a small flock of decoys coupled with a few notes on the call can bring them close enough for a shot. What makes this location extra good is that it is only a few miles from Lake Wallenpaupack, Decker Pond, and the Delaware River. If the geese feel pressure in one of these areas, they move. Hunters at Shohola always have a chance that birds will get bumped to their location. You may not be alone, as Shohola is popular especially early in the season. A little practice with the call is always a good idea for trying to get birds within range. The Upper Delaware and Susquehanna Rivers provide two major corridors for geese to travel. Along with lots of open water, both rivers are lined with lots of green lawns and farm fields where the geese can graze and hunt for loose corn. A float trip down a stretch of either river can provide opportunity at pass shooting as well as jump shooting. I really enjoy slow floating the rivers during the early fall season. If you pack a rod along you can lounge your way through the slower pools by making some casts and tying into smallies and others that provide some interim action on the hunt. The geese often roost on the river, then head inland to feed in the morning. After feeding they return to the water, so plan your hunt accordingly. Jump-shooting can be done early, and then you can head to a nearby feeding location to put out your decoys. If you float later, take a few decoys and do not hesitate to set up a dozen or so in some slack water while hiding nearby. Geese flying up or down the river are quick to home in on a family style spread of decoys. Just keep in mind that there are still lots of recreational boaters on both the Delaware and Susquehanna at this time of the season, and plenty of places where you will drift through safety zones, so exercise caution and tact when pursuing the big honkers here. Check your maps for plenty of other water with public access in the northeast. I would recommend plenty of scouting before actually planning your hunt. Early season geese key on food sources and they will work an area over and then head for the next. It can be the “here today-gone tomorrow” syndrome. Scouting should be done close to the hunt while obtaining permission to access private farms should be done well ahead of the hunt. If you are a bowhunter, September is also a great time to put the finishing touches on your food plot for the coming season. During fall and early winter, the whitetail’s diet switches to high carbohydrates as they prepare for winter and the stress of the rut. During this time deer feed heavily on mast crops such as acorns and soft fruits. Fall is also the time of the year to prepare winter food plots (traditionally cereal grains like wheat, oats, and rye as well as clovers), since winter is the other stressful period of the year when native plants are least available. When deciding what to plant for your fall food plots, it is generally best to plant a mixture of cereal grains and legumes or forage plants. This will provide nutritious forage during the winter, spring, and early summer. A single application of 28–10–10 Timed–Release Food Plot Fertilizer is best for these plantings. This eliminates the need to make multiple fertilizer applications and saves time, effort, and money. The most important thing to remember when instituting a total vegetation management program is to manage your native vegetation and food plots to meet the nutritional needs of your deer herd. Native vegetation provides the nutritional basis for your deer herd but food plots are generally required to maintain optimum nutrition during the critical stress periods of late summer and winter. A total vegetation management program coupled with good harvest management practices will ensure a healthy deer herd and greatly improve your chances of harvesting that “buck of a lifetime.” Speaking of the coming archery season, you should already be tuned and set to go with all your equipment. Too many people either wait till the last minute or never a fire a shot ahead of the season, trusting that everything stayed the same from the last firing. You can never take a chance that a sight may have been bumped, or a screw vibrated loose from travel, or any of a million other variables PA #126197 Licensed & Insured that come into play when shooting a bow and arrow. September is the final stretch to get all the kinks worked out of your rig so you are drilling dimes at twenty paces. It is also the time to be sure you have gone over all the nuts and bolts of your treestands, and well as all the straps and buckles on these and your favorite hunting harness. A little extra prep time now can equate to a safer, more successful season in just a few short weeks.
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LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | FALL/WINTER 2019
Flintlocks, Grouse and Ice Angling Available This Month By Ron Tussel Any exciting way to start off the New Year in the northeast corner is a get together with friends to enjoy some black powder hunting opportunities. There were a lot of complaints this hunting season about a lack of deer in the woods, and that may be true in some areas. In other areas however, there seemed to be lots of deer with not so much hunting pressure. In short, a little homework can go a long way in meeting with success with the flintlock. Deer are creatures of habit. When winter hits home, they come down off the high ridges and seek the thermal cover offered by wetland areas shrouded in hemlocks or hillsides covered with mountain laurel or rhododendron. These “pockets” of cover can make for some exciting action whether you hunt in pairs or with the “gang”. Small “pushes”, rather than all out drives, can get deer moving to the standers at a speed that allows for a steady shot.
Finding public land in the northeast that fits this habitat description is not difficult. With some state game lands maps and state forest maps, half the work is done for you. Look for those little wetland symbols that tell you where the thick cover is likely to be. Next step might be a call to the local state forester or conservation officer. I have done this in the past and got more than enough help in finding places to look for deer. This region gave out a lot of doe tags and I can tell you there were plenty of DMAP tags available as well. Its never to early to plan for next season so if you come check out the habitat and find plenty of sign you can always apply for one of these antlerless tags for next year. The Delaware State forest is an under utilized as a hunting destination in my opinion. Perhaps some may think this tract of land gets too many hunters. Doing your homework will show you that this is not the case. In fact this
Horseshoe Swamps. As you travel southward on Rt. 402, places like Big Swamp, Elbow Swamp and Turner Swamp are just a few of the great places deer like to burrow into when winter arrives.
is one property that hands out lots of DMAP tags, and if you consider the fact that you have over 80,000 acres to work with, If you prefer to hunt small you can spread hunters out game this time of year, hitting pretty thinly. the cover is also the rule for The Delaware State Forest is grouse and rabbits around the located on the border between region. Snow will lay down Pike and Monroe Counties. I much of the available cover strongly recommend obtaining in many areas, so the much a topographic map to plan your sought after critters need hunt in the Delaware State to shift to safer territory. A Forest. Acreage of this size is favorite place of mine for late not to be taken lightly. Your season small game is SGL 183 major access routes to hunt in Pike County. This tract the Delaware State Forest are contains about 2,800 acres and Rt. 402, Rt. 6 and Rt. 739. holds a lot of good small game From these routes you will find cover. SGL 183 is located access to many interior roads. near Lake Wallenpaupack. Rt. 390 will get you into the Rt. 6 east from Lake section of the Delaware State Forest which encompasses the Wallenpaupack will put you right through the middle of Bruce Lake Natural Area and Promised Land State Park, with the property. Watch for signs for the satellite station or such swamps as Long Pond Decker Hollow Road heading Swamp and Balsam Swamp northeast just after you pass located nearby. Just south of Decker Pond and the rifle the intersection of Rt. 402 range. About halfway through and I84 you will find Hobday Road heading southwest off Rt. SGL 183 on Decker Hollow Road you will find fallow 402. This will take you onto fields and a thick wetland High Line Road which heads area. There are parking areas south toward Big Inlet and
just before and just after this swamp. Farther along Decker Hollow Road is yet one more parking area just before you exit the public property. A hiking trail from here will give you access to the northwest tip of SGL 183, where a smaller and often overlooked chunk of thick cover can be worked. Decker Swamp itself can be found on the northwest end of Decker Pond near the headwaters. Best bet to hit this swamp is to turn onto Bear Run Road, found across from the Wilsonville dike and next to the diner. I like these out of the way pockets of heavy cover as places that other hunters often work around rather than through them and grouse learn that these are locations where they are not likely to be disturbed. Ice fishing is underway in the region this month, with the smaller lakes and ponds seeing the first action. We have more great locations than space will allow this month, so get your hands on some Fish and Boat maps, decide upon the species of fish you want to target and then do some homework.
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