Lackawaxen Connection Spring/Summer 2019

S PR ING/S UM MER 2019

D IS COV E R YO U R TOW N S H I P

Pennsylvania’s Volunteer Fire Departments

By John Kerkowski You may not know it, but Pennsylvania is home to 12% of the nation’s 20,000 all-volunteer fire companies, which is more than any other state. Two factors account for the large number of volunteer fire companies operating in Pennsylvania. First, Pennsylvania has a long history of volunteer fire service, reportedly being the home of the nation’s first volunteer fire company started in Philadelphia around 1736. Second, the highly decentralized nature of Pennsylvania’s local government structure, which includes more than 2,500 governmental units, has encouraged a corresponding proliferation of volunteer fire companies. Approximately 72,000 volunteer firefighters actively staff these companies, and many other volunteer fire company members serve in other capacities (e.g., doing fund-raising, station maintenance, and administrative duties). The volunteer nature of these services has been referred to as the best public service bargain for taxpayers and local governments ever devised. One recent study by the Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute estimated that volunteer fire companies produce tax savings of about $6 billion a year for Pennsylvania state and local governments. Add to that the insurance savings produced when companies become ISO rated, and a volunteer fire department becomes an even better deal.

Continued on Page 5

IN THIS ISSUE Township News A Message From Your Supervisors

2

Rowland Co-Op Market to Open This Spring

3

Living Lackawaxen Lackawaxen 4 The Basics of Financial Fitness

6

The Care Cabin

6

Attention All Gardeners and Closet Cleaners!

7

Lackawaxen River Conservancy Calendar of Events

7

Best Friends

8

Lake Region IGA Offers Online Shopping

9

Woodloch Recognized As One Of PA’s ‘Best Places to Work’

10

Sons of Norway Events

11

Just Swim!

12

Lackawaxen Township Gamelands 316

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Fishing the Famous Lackawaxen River

14

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www.facebook.com/lackawaxenconnection 169 Urban Road, Hawley, PA 18428

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION

PAID

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

A Message From Your Supervisors: Mike Mancino | Jeff Shook | John Beisel Your Township Supervisors have approved and contracted these upcoming infrastructure projects starting in 2019. The Case Bridge will be replaced. The bridge is located on Case Road just before it turns into Perkins Pond Road, off Welcome Lake, past Masthope Plank.

Regular users of the bridge will need to find an alternate route until completion.

169 URBAN ROAD, HAWLEY, PA 18428 Main Office: 570-685-7288 Road Dept: 570-685-3200 After Hours: 570-685-7825 Building: 570-685-2990 Zoning: 570-685-2990 Sewage: 570-685-2990

The long awaited Westcolang project will start soon! Expect delays. This project will have several phases and will last several years. Pine Forest and Neil Thompson Roads will undergo paving and tree trimming work this year. Residents on the roads will be more affected than those that can drive around, expect delays. Superior Tree was awarded the bid for the tree work. Wayco was awarded the bid for paving.

The entrance to Stabler Road will be widened for increased site distance, slight delays on 590 may occur. And, look for the new pavilion in the Lackawaxen Township Memorial Veteran’s Park. It will be similar in size to original with the addition of a service window and updated bathroom facilities. Trees have already been removed, keep an eye as we watch this project progress!

MUNICIPAL MEETINGS: SUPERVISORS WORKSHOPS Are held on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Township Building on 169 Urban Rd, Hawley, PA 18428.

SUPERVISORS MEETINGS FOLLOW AT 7:00. Both meetings are open to the public.

PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS Are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m.

We approve minutes from the previous month at our regular meetings. Our Supervisor meetings are where the regular business of the township are conducted. Comments from the public are of value and often influence public policy and our laws. We encourage residents to attend regular meetings, hearings, and workshops.

PUBLISHED BY NIKI JONES AGENCY, INC. 39 Front St., Port Jervis, New York 12771 P: 845.856.1266 E: ads@nikijones.com Lackawaxen Connection is not responsible for typographical errors, mistakes or misprints. All advertising, including photographs are the property of Niki Jones Agency, Inc and not that of the advertiser. The advertiser has purchased rights of reproduction in Lackawaxen Township and does not have the right to reproduce ads in any other place or publication without written permission from the publisher. Lackawaxen Connection reserves the rights to exercise its discretion in the selection of advertisements.

Lackawaxen Township does not endorse or support any specific political candidate.

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LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | SPRING/SUMMER 2019

Rowland Co-Op Market To Open This Spring Rowland is a happening place, and this spring, more happening is on the way. The Rowland Café will re-open as the Rowland Co-op Market, under the guidance of Kenny and Caryn Christianson, who recently purchased this much loved historic landmark in Rowland. They are also the owners of the Toll House across the road, which just recently served the community as a bait shop. These two familiar sites will also be the home of the Rowland Cooperative. Kenny is president of the Co-op.

The Co-op began six years ago when a small group of Rowland residents decided to join forces to give support to the local community and to the Rowland Café. The Café was a dearly loved gathering place in Rowland and was much appreciated as a nostalgic niche in the community. Under the auspices of the Rowland Co-

op, the new Café will include a small convenience store that will stock staples needed by every household including bread, paper products, milk, and eggs. The Co-op plans to sell local produce and crafts as well as gift items. The Toll House will house a gallery of local history as well as a place to get some ice cream. “The Store,” as the café is known to older locals, will also be home to a small restaurant that will provide pizza and breakfast in the front section of the building. The back areas will provide meeting space as well as a venue for music groups.

The building dates back to 1852, and for many years was known as the Rowland Corners General Store. It was designated a Pike County Historic Site on July 17, 1975.

Up until 1899, Rowland was Lock 10 on the Delaware and Hudson Canal. The building served as a stable and a barn,

and the store operated from a building across the road.

Somewhere in its history the existing building became the store, the building across the road was replaced, and Rowland Corners General Store multitasked as a dance hall, auto repair garage, beauty parlor, luncheonette, grocery store, and pizza place. For many years the post office shared space with one or more of these enterprises.

The closing of the Café in 2017 was a loss for the Rowland community. Enthusiasm is now building for its revival, and plans for its return are well underway. The Toll House has been gutted and painted, the Café has a new roof, and solar panels are on order.

When it opens the Rowland Co-operative Market will offer a small selection of household items and serve pizza and breakfast. Kenny is hopeful that as the Co-op Market grows the offerings will expand. He hopes to build decks around both buildings so that guests and Co-op members can enjoy the beautiful scenery that the Lackawaxen River provides.

Membership in the Rowland Co-op is open to all. The annual dues are $25. The Rowland Co-operative Market is located at 101 Solversen Road at the intersection of Rt. 590 and Towpath Road in Rowland.

The mailing address is The Rowland Co-operative, P.O. Box 146, Rowland PA. The phone number is (570) 9494282. More information is available on the Rowland Coop website, www.rowlandcoop. com and on Facebook.

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 Chairman - Michael B. Mancino Mike@lackawaxentownshippa.gov Vice-Chairman - Jeffrey A. Shook Jeff@lackawaxentownshippa.gov Supervisor - John W. Beisel John@lackawaxentownshippa.gov

Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 am-4 pm 570-685-7288 169 Urban Road Hawley, PA 18428

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | SPRING/SUMMER 2019

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Living Lackawaxen Lackawaxen

Parks & Recreation

By LA Guzda

Lackawaxen, the Leni Lenape word for Where Two Rivers Meet. Nestled in the northeast corner of Pennsylvania, this secret gem boasts the world’s most southern glacial lakes and communities like Rowland – Little Norway, Bohemia, Fawn Lake and Greeley.

Greeley is named for Horace Greeley, the powerful newspaper editor of the mid1800s. He, along with a group of select people, created a commune to establish an open-society.

as an overnight stay when traveling between West Point and Virginia. Rumor also holds that Al Capone visited the area several times and there was indeed a bank robbery during one of his visits.

Unfortunately, they didn’t select anyone with farming skills and had to abandon the idea after a harsh winter and hunger forced them back to New York City.

The area hosted numerous hotels, boarding houses and nudist colonies.

Lackawaxen was also home to the famous author, Zane Gray.

His house is now managed by the National Park Service and sits right at the junction where the Delaware and Lackawaxen Rivers meet.

From the front porch you can easily see the Roebling Bridge. Built by John Roebling who also built the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.

There are accounts of Robert E. Lee using Lackawaxen

PA #126197

The old Gelderman Farm on the Tow Path served as a dance hall and boxing ring on the weekends.

Lackawaxen is a unique blend of locals and transplants, wealthy and not-so-wealthy, young and old. But it is a community that cares.

The township along with the non-profit organization, Growing Lackawaxen, work closely together to provide workshops and events.

KAYAK RAFFLE - $5/ea or 3 for $10 Winner announced at the Tricky Tray event.

May 25th – Trunk Tag Sale / Swap Lackawaxen April 27th – Tricky Tray / Cookie Walk Doors open 2pm, Ballfield 10am – 2pm $5/ Tricky Tray winners announced per trunk fee to sell. FREE admission to enter. Visit www.

Licensed & Insured lackawaxentownshippa. gov for details or @ LackawaxenTownshipPA on Facebook.

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starting at 4pm followed by Cookie Walk. The Lackawaxen Volunteer Fire House on Route 590 in Lackawaxen Village.

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LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | SPRING/SUMMER 2019

Pennsylvania’s Volunteer Fire Departments Continued from Page 1 ISO is the acronym for the Insurance Services Office, a company probably best known for providing ratings for local fire departments, used by insurance companies to determine premiums for homeowner policies in that area. Right about now, you’re probably thinking that while all this might be nice to know information, what does it mean to me? Well, for starters, let’s begin with the fund appeals you receive from the Fire Commission twice a year. Many of you probably remember when our four Volunteer Fire Departments, Central, Forest, Greeley and Lackawaxen, used to send out individual appeals each year, asking for donations to supplement the funding provided by the Township.

Fire fighting equipment is expensive, from turn out gear to trucks. It don’t last forever and this is one area you don’t want to skimp on. Add to that insurance, maintenance and utilities and before it you know it, a department can easily spend all of its annual allotment.

Four departments, each doing fund raising, though, took a lot of volunteer time, spent a good bit of money and often detracted from the primary mission of our emergency responders. Therefore, by mutual agreement, the Fire Commission took over the fund appeals on behalf of all the Departments several years ago and now sends out two flyers each year, one in the Spring and one in the Fall. One hundred percent of all donations are distributed equally among the departments, while printing and mailing costs are substantially reduced by eliminating duplication and realizing economies of scale.

Not only does this save money which can be better used by each department elsewhere, but more importantly, it frees up valuable volunteer time, a commodity that is in increasingly short supply.

Which leads us to the next the point; how that valuable volunteer time is used.

Obviously, a lot of it is used responding to fire, emergency

and rescue calls, but have you ever thought about what it takes when that call comes in. Imagine for a moment that you’re a volunteer. It’s winter, snow is falling, ice is on the ground and the temperature is well below freezing. It’s 3:00 AM and you’re sound asleep, but are suddenly awakened by a fire call. You get dressed as quickly as you can and race down to the Fire Station. Some of your fellow firefighters are already there, ready to roll. You grab your gear, jump on the truck and head to the scene. You arrive minutes later to find that the home is ablaze, it’s a working fire. Fortunately, the occupants were able to get out in time, but extinguishing the flames is tough work, made even more difficult by the weather. By the time the blaze is brought under control, almost everyone’s turn out gear, as well as just about everything else in the area, is covered with ice. You’re cold, you’re wet and you’re tired, but you’re still not done. The fire is out and the adrenalin rush may be over, but extinguishing the fire is only part of the job.

Some of you may have slipped and fell, probably more than once, while others are thinking about the warm bed they left hours ago. If you were hurt, you’ll get first aid, but getting back to that warm bed will still be hours away. The equipment has to be put back on the truck and the crew has to return to the fire house. Once there, they have to clean everything and properly stow it to make sure it’s all ready for the next call.

Everyone hopes it won’t come too soon, but if it does, they’ll be prepared for it. They have to be because your safety depends on it.

that sweat can puddle in your boots. Now, instead of frost bite, you have to contend with dehydration and heat stroke, all the while remembering that your first mission is to save lives, put out the fire and still get back home safely to your family later.

It takes a special kind of person to be a volunteer fire fighter and, for various reasons, not everyone is able to make the commitment. For those who can, though, knowing that you’re doing something important for your community and your neighbors gives you a sense of accomplishment No matter the season, the and pride that helps make it plain truth is that being a fire all worthwhile. In addition, fighter is hard work. Just ask there’s a camaraderie among any professional, but being a firefighters that forms a bond volunteer can be even tougher that often stays with you for when you have to split up your the rest of your life. Many time between family, work and of our volunteers are second the department, and not always or even third generation and in that order. Unfortunately, have other family members not too many people want serving either alongside them or are able to do it anymore or in the support roles which and volunteerism is down are also important. Besides around the state and across responding to emergencies, the county. It’s like having a buildings and equipment need second job, but without pay to be maintained, finances need and those who do it deserve our to be managed and, as with support and our thanks. any organization, there’s the inevitable paperwork that needs The sacrifices they make go to be done. Every volunteer beyond putting their lives on contributes to the success of This is not an unusual scenario the line. They give freely their department, whether they for our volunteers, but let’s take of their time not only in ride the truck or help man the it one step further and instead responding to emergencies, but of winter, it’s summer. Winter they also train, initially to learn station. Many do both, while others have started their service is bad, but summer can be their trade and later to maintain worse, especially when it’s hot proficiency so they can always in one role and, over the years, and humid. Turn out gear helps be prepared, no matter what the transitioned to another. protect you, but it’s heavy, self call. That training also pays However, they all still share a contained breathing apparatus dividends in other ways for the common bond in service to the helps you survive in a smoke people they serve by helping community and support for filled building, but puts a strain a department to get a better one another. on your body and the heat ISO rating and that means and humidity on a sultry day homeowner insurance savings When you receive this year’s causes you to perspire so much for everyone. appeal, please remember the

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | SPRING/SUMMER 2019

sacrifices made by these people and be as generous as you can. When you donate to the consolidated fund drive, you are helping a group of people who are quite literally putting their lives on the line to protect you and your property. You are helping people who don’t ask any questions when the call comes in, they just respond, often not knowing what they’ll find when they do.

You are helping people who are unpaid volunteers who give freely of their time to train and prepare for emergencies. You are helping people who you hope you will never have to call, but who, when you do, will answer, day or night, rain or shine, summer or winter.

Not only will your donation be most gratefully appreciated, it will also help them to be better prepared to help you.

Whether you live in Lackawaxen Township, are a part time property owner or just a visitor, the Township’s volunteers will be here for you when you need them. Please be there for them now and in the future. Our fund drives can only be as successful as you make them.

Thank you from the Lackawaxen Township Fire Commission and its member Departments.

PAGE 5

The Basics Of Financial Fitness

By Jim Syre This is the introduction to a series of articles targeting the improvement of YOUR FINANCIAL FITNESS. My goal is to Educate, Encourage, and Empower anyone and everyone to improve your financial health and future!

There are seven “babysteps” to building wealth the old-fashioned way and making money work for you. They are: •

Build a $1,000 emergency fund ($500 if making less than $20,000 per yr.) and stop using credit.

•

Pay off all debt using the debt snowball.

•

Fully fund an emergency fund with 3-6 months of expenses

•

The Care Cabin

15% of income into a Roth IRA or into real estate

•

Funding children’s college and other life events

By Dot Kerkowski, Growing Lackawaxen Board Member

•

Pay off the house early

•

Live like no one else and give generously

Ditch the “normal” lifestyle of using credit to fund everything you want NOW, and start using money you actually have to build an intentional life-with zero debt.

How fit are you financially? Not including your home mortgage, what is owned, and what is owed? If anyone owes more than they own, this is your wake-up call!

Working to pay yesterday’s bills robs your future. A low interest rate doesn’t make a loan okay, it’s the payment itself that’s the problem. Imagine what you could invest if you didn’t have loan and credit card payments!

Add up all your loan payments. What percentage is it to income? Some are paying 25% of income or more toward debt/yesterday’s bills in Home Equity loans, car payments, student loans, and credit cards. Makes it hard if not impossible to save for tomorrow. Get rid of yesterday’s bills and get empowered to save for tomorrow, whether that’s the next car, Christmas, a down-payment on a home, a wedding, or retirement.

Sick and tired of having too much month left at the end of the money? Don’t live like that, you CAN improve YOUR FINANCIAL FITNESS! Your income is your greatest wealth building tool. Using it fund your future instead of paying for your past can be one of the biggest and most important decisions you ever make.

Make that choice, get on the road to building wealth. The baby-steps are your roadmap, and these articles are your GPS. For more information on getting your finances in better shape, visit the 3E Financial Coaching facebook page.

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 is also the Honesdale Borough Treasurer, as well as the Finance Chair for the Lackawaxen Township EMS Board of Directors. To contact him send an email to: 3Efinancialcoach@gmail.com

PAGE 6

Growing Lackawaxen is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to community service, programs, enrichment and development for residents.

Driving along Urban Road, you may have noticed a small building taking shape just off the driveway leading to the Municipal Building. This is The Care Cabin. It is being constructed to house basic necessities such as food, paper goods, baby items, blankets, cleaning supplies and even pet food. While it’s not yet completed, clothing is currently available on racks in the municipal building lobby during regular business hours (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday). There is a variety of men’s, women’s, children’s coats and winter wear.

The Care Cabin is a cooperative effort between the Township, Growing Lackawaxen and compassionate neighbors. Co-Chairs for The Care Cabin are Dot Kerkowski and Bergit Pinkston.

Everyone is invited to become a volunteer.

You can register your family for confidential services at the Lackawaxen Township Municipal building. Within the next several months, distribution hours and inventory will be available for those who need help providing meals, clothing and health items.

We are accepting donations from businesses, churches, and individuals who would like to help their neighbors. Currently, the Lackawaxen Garden Club is helping to provide healthy food choices by growing a row for The Care Cabin.

Please call (570) 685-7288, leave your name along with the number of members in your family as well as any pets needing assistance. One of our volunteers will reach out to you to schedule a time when you can come to the care cabin or, if you don’t have transportation, arrange for a delivery.

Follow us on Facebook @GrowingLackawaxen

Wallenpaupack Vets for Vets The Wallenpaupack Vets for Vets is an organization that supports area veterans from Wayne and Pike Counties and their families. The organization has raised approximately $47,000 over the past four years. The fifth annual fundraiser golf tournament will be held on Monday August 6, 2019 at the Paupack Hills Golf Course. You can contact the Tanglwood Lakes Community Office at 570-857-1186 for additional information on the organization and tournament.

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | SPRING/SUMMER 2019

AREA EVENTS Attention All Gardeners and Closet Cleaners!

The Lackawaxen Garden Club is having a Community Tag Sale/Swap and Plant Sale!

Saturday May 25th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Lackawaxen Veterans Memorial Park.

Gather all your garden tools, pots, and other garden accoutrama. Clean the closets of household items, collectibles, children’s items, etc. Update your garden and divide those plants that have become too large for their space. Sell or swap, your choice!

Spaces are $5.00 for 10’x10’. Contact Marianna Quartararo (570) 685-7869 for details.

LACKAWAXEN RIVER CONSERVANCY CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2019 4/27 Towpath Cleanup - Clean up along the towpath with Sons of Norway Bernt Balchem Lodge and the Men of Bethel. Meet at Moriah Cemetery 11:00 am to receive work gloves, vests, plastic bags and to be given assignments. Lunch will be at the New Inn at Lackawaxen (formerly Lackawaxen House) for participants.

•

5/4 Lockhouse 31 on Route 6, Hawley Clean Up 9:30-1pm Pot Luck Luncheon following.

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5/18 10:00 am Board Meeting Location to be announced

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6/15 11:00 am - 3pm Roots & Rhythm Honesdale, PA Booth staffed by volunteers 4:30 pm Board meeting at Rowland Coop

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7/13 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Zane Grey Fest

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7/20 10:00 am Board Meeting Rowland Coop

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7/27 Fireman’s Field Day 4:30pm - 9:00 lt Lackawaxen Fire House

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8/3 1:00 - 5:30 pm Day by the River at 206 Towpath Road, Rowland RSVP

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8/17 10:00 - 4 pm Lockhouse 31 Canal Fest, Route 6 Hawley, PA 4:30 pm Rowland Coop, Board Meeting

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9/21 Board Meeting, Rowland Coop Time TBA

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9/22 Annual Dinner 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Location TBA

•

10/19 Towpath Cleanup

•

11:00 am Meet at Moriah Cemetery Participant Luncheon to follow at the New Inn at Lackawaxen Board Meeting following luncheon

•

11/16 10:00am Board Meeting Rowland Coop

The Lackawaxen River Conservancy was formed sixteen years ago. It has actively participated in protecting and preserving the Lackawaxen River, its wildlife, watershed and natural beauty. The Lackawaxen River was named by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as its River of the Year in 2010.

We have participated in the Adopt-a-Highway Program clean up since 2004. We award two scholarships a year to a graduating senior from local high schools. We also provide continued community education by means of special programs such as Earth Day. We are working in partnership to begin development of a walking trail along the Lackawaxen River in Hawley.

Our representatives attend local municipal meetings to address river related matters. Everyone is welcome to attend all of our functions. For further information, check out the township’s website.

Submitted by Bergit Pinkston, Board Member

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | SPRING/SUMMER 2019

PAGE 7

Best Friends Children and dogs, aren’t they supposed to be the best of friends? Yes, as long as children learn how to respect their furry friends they can have a long and fun-filled life together.

pulling tails or ears, teasing If a child visits a home with through the crate door, etc. a dog, make sure that the dog will not be unsupervised with • Scared or threatened the child.

• Protecting puppies, its

owner or other resource (food, toy, etc.)

The Center for Disease Control • Not feeling well or is (CDC) reports approximately startled 4.7 million dog bites each year, with 800,000 requiring medical • Rough play may provoke attention. There are several nipping and biting possible reasons why a dog Many people will say,” My may bite: dog loves kids, it would never • The dog is in a stressful bite” or “The bite came out of situation (may include nowhere”. A growl is a definite child jumping on the dog, warning, however, dogs give many other signals that may be ignored or misinterpreted by many parents or dog owners.

A dog may have tolerated bad behavior by a child for a period of time, and may suddenly bite.

A dog that is approaching the end of its patience/tolerance will express any number of the following warning signs:

• Dog gets up and moves away from the child.

• Dog turns his head away from the child.

• Dog growls • Dog looks at you with a pleading expression

• Lip licking

NEVER stare at a dog in the eyes or put your face up to a dog. Most children who are bitten in the face are so because they are at the same level as the dog or went to give the dog a kiss.

Never take something away from a dog.

Never approach a dog that is tied or in a vehicle. Do not try to pet a dog through a crate or fence.

Do not bother dogs who are eating or chewing on a treat or toy.

Leave dogs alone who are very old, sleeping, injured, or caring for puppies.

Do not let your child jump on a dog, pull their ears or tail, poke or pinch them or any in other way harass them. It is not cute and the dog will only tolerate these actions for so long if at all.

Do not let your child (and adults) hug a dog. Contrary to popular belief, dogs DO NOT like to be hugged.

Do not lean or step over a dog.

When petting a dog, do not pat them on the head nor put dogs eye (whale eye) your hand over their head or lean over them, which may • Yawning be interpreted as dominance.

Approach from the side and • Starts scratching or give them a stroke on the side licking himself of the neck or a scratch on the If a dog bites a child (or anyone chest, most dogs like this. for that matter) it is NOT the When meeting a strange dog, fault of the dog nor the child.

The fault lies with the ADULT stay still, ignore them, and let them sniff a closed fist at your who is handling the dog, who may also be the parent. Parents side for a while before petting can educate their children about them as noted above. how to behave around dogs and Nothing is better than a child how to recognize a bite risk situation. Parents should teach having a pet they can love and learn to care for. Through children the following: learning how to interact Do not approach strange dogs, with dogs, children can even if it appears friendly and have wonderful adventures the owner has her on leash. growing up with their furry Although most children are pal while avoiding injury. bitten by a dog they know or Remember the dog pays the their own dog, you as a parent price for a bite; a trip to the should decide if a dog is safe shelter to possibly find a new to approach and the owner home, or the ultimate price gives permission. If the dog of euthanasia. The child can owner says no, do not take have physical and emotional offense; most dogs are NOT scars for life if bitten. Dogs comfortable with children and are our best friends... let’s their quick movements and treat them that way. high pitched voices.

• Can see the whites of the

PAGE 8

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | SPRING/SUMMER 2019

Lake Region IGA Lake Region IGA has partnered with Rosie to offer you online shopping! Lake Region IGA now offers home delivery six days a week and pickup seven days a week. You can now shop online at rosieapp.com and search for Lake Region IGA and we will do your shopping for you.

We have been nominated as one of the TOP FOUR IGAs in the USA!!!! There are over 1,100 IGA grocery stores in the United States and 6,000 IGA grocery stores within 30 countries around the world. We are so excited to be representing the Lake Region Community with such an honorable status! You , our customers, are what make us so highly recognized. Thank you for choosing us as your local, community grocery store.

View our circulars and simple recipe

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Tricky Tray & Cookie Walk – April 27Th To Benefit Growing Lackawaxen For immediate Release March 18, 2019 (Lackawaxen, PA): Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 27th, 2019! Tricky Tray and Cookie Walk at the Lackawaxen Volunteer Fire Department, 744 Route 590, Lackawaxen Village – across from the ballpark.

Doors open at 2pm. Tricky Tray winners start calling at 4pm, followed by Cookie Walk. Enjoy food, drink and music featuring DJ Spaide. A familyfriendly, fun-filled event.

If you or your group/business would like to bake or donate a basket, please contact Jeff Shook at 570-352-5425.

KAYAK RAFFLE is currently underway! Old Town 9ft Heron 9XT – includes PFD and paddle. Winner will be announced at the Tricky Tray / Cookie Walk event. Tickets are $5/each or $10/3. Tickets are available at the Township Office Building, 169 Urban Road, Hawley, PA. They are also available at Shooky’s Beer Distributor next to IGA in Hawley.

All proceeds will benefit Growing Lackawaxen, a non-profit organization dedicated to community service, programs, enrichment and development for residents of Lackawaxen Township. Growing Lackawaxen is currently working to open The Care Cabin, a local food and necessity pantry.

Follow us on Facebook @GrowingLackawaxen

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | SPRING/SUMMER 2019

PAGE 9

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I’m Melissa Langone and as the Human Resources Manager for Woodloch, I am passionate in matching the right person for the best position. It’s important to have work that you enjoy.

You spend a great amount of your time working, it should bring happiness as well as income into your life.

Woodloch is the largest employer in Pike County. We have over 1200 employees and that isn’t nearly enough to accommodate the thousands of guests that visit our properties; the summer requires hundreds more. Woodloch has been recognized as one of Pennsylvania’s Best Places to Work. The Kiesendahl Family are very hands-on in the daily operations and value their staff as greatly as their guests.

WAYNE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

601 Park St., Honesdale, PA 18431 • www.wmh.org

Woodloch Recognized As One Of PA’s ‘Best Places to Work’

We attend and host job fairs. We advertise on radio, newspapers and billboards. We participate in Career Days. Yet still, we are challenged to filling the numerous positions available.

Enrollment in the local high schools is decreasing as well as the overall population in Wayne and Pike Counties. We have a large aging population. Transportation, childcare, working weekends and holidays are also issues for local hires. Some of our staff travel over an hour.

Since hiring an individual requires a great investment on the company’s part, it is well worth our efforts to retain that person.

And, at Woodloch, it’s not just to retain them, we want them to be happy in their position. When our staff are happy – our guests are happy. And, the amount of comment cards we receive stating how friendly our staff is - is a testament to how hard we work for our people. All new hires go through a New Employee Orientation to learn about our company, hospitality, procedures and our culture. Most new hires will likely start within a week or so. If for some reason the position is not what you thought it would be and you are not satisfied, there are opportunities to transfer to a different department. Office skills to organizing activities to preparing meals, the opportunities are vast. Woodloch posts all job openings to promote growth from within our company. We offer free trainings as well as continuing education classes.

We have our own recruiting taskforce that meets every other month to come up with ideas on how to attract new staff. We offer our current employees referral bonuses and we offer sign-on bonuses for select positions. We partner with local high schools and community organizations to help our youths gain a career in their own backyard.

There are a lot of perks and benefits that come with being a Woodloch employee. We offer a discounted golf rate, spa services, birthday comps, appreciation events, paid time off, free meals, discounts off our restaurants, bonus programs and wellness programs.

So, if you, or someone you know is looking for employment, view us online at www.woodloch.com/careers or come and visit us on our open interview days – Tuesdays and Saturdays.

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | SPRING/SUMMER 2019

Bernt Balchen Lodge # 3-566 Sons of Norway Events The mission of the Sons of Norway is to promote and preserve the heritage and culture of Norway, to celebrate our relationship with other Nordic countries and to provide quality insurance and financial products to its members. Everyone is welcome to join our fellowship with one another. The lodge meets on the 3rd Sunday of each month, except during January and February, or whenever special activities are specified. Meetings are at 2:00 pm at the Lackawaxen Volunteer House. The lodge provides two scholarships to local high school students and participates in the clean up on the towpath twice a year with the Lackawaxen River Conservancy and the Men of Bethel. During our last pickup, we covered twelve miles and collected quite a haul.

Following are activities for 2019:

Please contact Karen Haugaard how you can help: (908) 637-6943

• 4/14 2:00 pm Regular business meeting;

Donations accepted for Good Cheer Pantry

• 5/19 2:00 pm Celebrate Syttende Mai

- Norske Pot Luck Dinner and Dessert Membership Recruitment. Donations accepted for Good Cheer Pantry

• 6/9 2:00pm Regular Business Meeting -

Scandinavian Crafts for all. Desserts, coffee and tea.

• 7/4 11:00 am Line up for the Hawley parade.

Picnic to follow.

• 7/21 2:00 pm Regular Meeting and Ice Cream Social. Donations of canned goods to Good Cheer Food Pantry accepted.

• 8/10 12pm Noon Annual Picnic at

Lackawaxen Fire House Pavilion. The Lodge supplies hamburgers, franks, rolls and drinks.

Members are asked to bring side dishes (salads and/or finger foods). Donations of non-perishables accepted for Good Cheer Food Pantry

• 9/7 10:00am - 4pm Scandinavian Fair. MUCH

HELP will be needed setting up before and cleaning up after the Fair. Lunch will be served and desserts will be needed to serve at the lunch.

• 9/22 2pm Business Meeting - Final Plans for 3rd Annual Oktoberfest in October. Desserts, coffee & tea. Donations to Good Cheer Pantry Accepted.

• 10/20 2pm Regular Meeting FOUNDATION MONTH - Desserts, coffee, tea Donations to Good Cheer Food Pantry

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | SPRING/SUMMER 2019

• 10/26 SATURDAY 6PM 3rd Annual

Oktoberfest. Help needed setting and cleaning up.

Benefits our scholarship fund. Live music, dancing, fun. Donations of desserts are needed.

• 11/17 1:00 pm Soup Luncheon 2:00 pm

Regular Business Meeting (Last of the year.)

Donations to the Good Cheer Food Pantry accepted

• 12/7 12:00 pm noon Annual Christmas Party Place to be determined

PAGE 11

It’s coming. Yes, spring and warmer weather on the way. Before you know it, cannoning-balling into pools and lakes, riding the ocean waves, floating on rafts, and SWIMMING will be a daily activity. Spring is the perfect time of year to prepare for one of the core summer activities– Swimming.

The benefits of knowing how to swim are endless. Here are the top 5 reasons why you should know how to swim: • SAFETY. Water can be dangerous. All activities in the water expose a risk of drowning - with children being especially susceptible. Simply stated; Learning to swim saves lifes.

• SKILL FOR LIFE. Once the skill of swimming is learned, and it can be learned at any stage or age of life, you will always know how to swim.

• HEALTH and FITNESS. Swimming is a GOOD, all around activity because it helps build your cardiovascular system, enhances flexibility, tones the muscles and builds strength, helps maintain healthy weight, AND it is easy on your joints. Swimming will also help your mental state; making you feel less stressed because the activity elicits a natural, positive response from being in the water.

• FUN. Swimming isn’t just a fun way to cool off for the summer, it’s a great family activity and great way to celebrate holidays and birthdays. It can be enjoyed all year round and usually cost next to nothing.

• OPPORTUNITY. Learning how to swim sets you for a variety of other water sports such as kayaking, water skiing, boating, stand up paddle boarding, and more. Once you learn how to swim, you will have the confidence to venture out and try other fun and exciting water sports.

Learning to swim is not just for children. Adults of any age can take lessons to enhance their water skills. If you never had the opportunity as a child to learn how to swim, it can be intimating to try to learn, however, many adults succeed.

The nationally and internationally accredited Starfish Swim School in Hawley, PA is a great resource for community members to learn how to swim. This amazing and effective program is offered right in our own back yard – at the Woodloch Springs Sports Complex. They have been teaching swimming to all levels of participants for over 10 years. They are dedicated to educating our community in water safety and support and value the Josh the Otter Foundation; a non-profit organization developed to help educate young children in drowning prevention. The staff of swim instructors enjoy presenting water safety to schools, libraries, day cares, and more. If water safety education is important, please reach out to the WSSC for more information, 570-685-8143.

PAGE 12

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | SPRING/SUMMER 2019

Lackawaxen Township Gamelands 316 Spring offers so many opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast that it can be difficult to budget one’s time in order to take advantage of as many adventures as is humanly possible. For me that means booking myself into locations that can offer up as much bang for my buck as I can get in one swoop.

Combination destinations are ideal for maximizing the overlap of seasons during this special time of reawakening after winter. Our turkey populations are doing great right now, with little winter survival issues.

We did have a wet spring last season so our younger birds may be off a bit, but two and three year old gobblers seem to have held their own. Hunters can expect a pretty good season so long as the hormone levels don’t drop below response levels. This can happen when the mating ritual gets underway too early and when it does the birds stop responding to calls before the season is underway.

A rough morning of gobbler hunting can in fact be salvaged by a good afternoon of trout fishing, so I find it conducive to plan my outings as such. One super place for a trout-turkey combo adventure is SGL 316 in Lackawaxen Township, Pike County.

SGL 316 consists of 2,715 acres of mixed terrain and habitat. It is nestled between the Delaware River near the line between Pike and Wayne Counties. Locate SGL 316 along the Delaware River just south of Narrowsburg, New York. Your main access to the property will be Masthope Plank Road which runs between the town of Lackawaxen and the Welcome Lake road.

The Masthope Creek cuts through SGL 316 for roughly two and a half miles, running parallel with Plank Road. This is a spring fed all natural freestone mountain stream that once supported a good population of wild, native brook trout. With its gain in popularity, the need to supplement the supply of fish is now handled through ample stocking by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission both prior to and during the season.

There is always the chance to encounter a few native brookies or hold-overs in the nooks and crannies of this stream, or and up under the undercut banks along with their newly introduced cousins. When we fish at Masthope Creek we plan to lose a few hooks because we fish it with commando gusto, working our rigs up under the banks and among any snags of brush or logs where trout might be hiding in wait. Because the stream is fairly small and the water clear, we scale down in size on line and terminal tackle. Tiny spinners work well here as do salted shiners, leeches, hellgrammites, yellowbellies and meal worms. There are some larger pools in this stretch of stream, and while casting room might be a little tight, working a fly late afternoon can produce some action.

As for gobbler hunting, one can find a good mix of easy hunting mixed with more extreme. On the eastern side of the property, the part that borders the Delaware River, there are some steep slopes that lead down to the railroad tracks. The top of this portion of the property is a great place to listen for gobblers the night before you plan to hunt.

There are hiking trails dissecting SGL 316 that are great for running and gunning after gobblers. There is one trail that goes from the main parking area up to and around 40 plus acre Cobey Pond, for a total of about 2 miles. I was small game hunting on SGL 316 last fall and spotted plenty of turkeys while walking these trails.

Another runs around the perimeter of almost the whole section of the property on the north side of Plank Road.

Yet one more trail is accessed from the other of H&M Plank Road and about a half-mile down from the main entrance This is the only section of SGL 316 that lies on the south side of H&M Plank Road. There is no parking area for this trail. This is the Point Peter Trail and it rises roughly 300 feet to the highest point in the area, Point Peter. This trail is about a mile long to the top. Although the trail proceeds, it does run into private property.

SGL 316 provides ample opportunity for an excellent spring turkey hunt coupled with some superb mountain stream fishing for trout among the hills and valleys of the Upper Delaware Region.

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | SPRING/SUMMER 2019

PAGE 13

Fishing the Famous Lackawaxen River

By Ron Tussel

Voted DCNR River of the Year in 2010, the Lackawaxen was made famous years ago by the well-known western novelist, Zane Grey. Grey spent much of his time out west, but it was in the village of Lackawaxen, Where the Delaware and Lackawaxen Rivers converge, that he spent his recreational time. It was here that he penned the famous “Lord of Lackawaxen Creek”, written for the May, 1909, issue of Outing magazine. The tale is of a smallmouth bass that repeatedly taught the young angler the many thrills and frustrations of freshwater fishing.

In the Wayne County town of Honesdale, the Dyberry Creek dumps into the Lackawaxen creating an excellent spot to hook into some nice fish among the northern stretch. There is a parking area a walkway to get to the hole. I fish here often with my son, and we do really well on salted shiners. We run the bait onto a tandem rig with number eight bait-holder hooks. If the water is high we will add a split shot or two to get the offering down close to the bottom. We cast cross current and slightly upstream, then set the bail and hold the line in one hand to facilitate “feeling” any takes. If a brownie runs out from behind

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The Lackawaxen River gets its start at the southern end of Prompton Lake in Wayne County. From there it flows almost thirty miles to its confluence with the Delaware in Pike County with many oxygen rich tributaries adding to its value along the way.

According to Zane Grey, “It is a little river hidden away under gray cliffs and hills black with ragged pines. It is full of mossy stones and rapid ripples. All its tributaries, dashing white-sheeted over ferny cliffs, wine-brown where the whirling pools suck the stain from the hemlock root, harbor the speckled trout”. A freestone stream, the Lackawaxen offers up an abundance of excellent trout habitat that includes stone and boulder structure, undercut banks, deep pools and oxygen-rich rifts.

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an eddy, the take is often one solid smack. On the other hand, brookies usually offer up a tell-tale “tap-tap-tap” to announce their intentions.

The upper stretch of the Lackawaxen runs a bit warmer than the tail end. Below Hawley at Kimbles, a large flume pipe brings water from the hydroelectric turbines of Lake Wallenpaupack.

Managed by PPL of Allentown, the plant can drastically alter ambient water temperatures.

Beginning in May of 2010, plans were put in place to help preserve the Lackawaxen River as a cold water fishery. The program is a cooperative effort between PPL and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to enhance river conditions for trout maintenance, growth and survival. The program consists of managing power generation from PPL’s Lake Wallenpaupack hydroelectric plant during the summer to keep water temperature downstream of the plant below 75 degrees.

The cooler water provides a more beneficial habitat for wild trout as well as the trout stocked by the commission.

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When spring arrives in the northeast corner of Pennsylvania, trout fishing is tops on the minds of many.

Among the many waters available for trout fishing, the Lackawaxen River stands out as a gem among the list.

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PAGE 14

PPL installed temperature gauges, meteorological stations and other communication equipment along the river in 2007 and has been gathering data about stream and weather conditions and river flows to maintain the best possible trout habitat along a six-mile section of the river below the Wallenpaupack plant.

Not only water comes down that pipe from the big lake.

Tons of alewives and other food arrive with each release as well. Trout take advantage of the smorgasbord and gorge themselves to trophy proportion, creating the perfect scenario for those wishing to fish live bait, salted shiners, wobbling spoons or streamers.

Early season on the Lackawaxen usually sports some pretty cold water, often with snow flurries still in the air. Spoons and live bait perform well under these conditions. Thomas Lures are made in the town of Hawley and offer some of the top producing spoons for the Lackawaxen. The Buoyant is probably my favorites of the line and it has produced many good trout for me and my children. Last season, I smiled from ear to ear when my young daughter hauled an eighteen inch brown trout to the net, having duped it with the slow, tantalizing wobble of the Buoyant. These spoons imitate the actions of a wounded and dying baitfish that trout find tough to resist.

If spinners are your favorite lure to toss, you will find that Rooster Tails produce well on the Lackawaxen. These lures offer a variety of blade sizes and feather trailers that come in all colors. Yellow seems to be a really good producer and chartreuse is one of my all-time favorites. One tip I would offer is that when you are looking at a piece of water, try to envision where a trout would be holding. If you think like a trout, food is high on your list of priorities. Getting that food with the least amount of energy

expended is also critical to survival. So holding in an eddy behind a large rock or tucking up under a bank or behind a log or brush pile will let you see potential prey passing by while providing shelter from the force of the current. Repeated casts to such places are a must.

Many times I have tossed a lure to such a location and been unwilling to believe that there is not a trout there. Often on the third or fourth cast, luck rings true and the fish is antagonized into a strike and the fight is on!

Those tossing flies will do well with streamers and Woolly Buggers as well as nymph imitators. Next month the river will come alive with the emergence of multiple species of Mayflies, Caddis, and Stoneflies, giving you the chance to “match-the-hatch” with your best dry fly imitations.

It is important that you know your insects in order to be successful, or visit one of the local fly shops located along the river for some assistance.

These experts can tell you what is hatching and when, and will have on hand the imitations you will need to match the hatch. It’s not uncommon to see multiple hatches coming off at the same time on a given evening.

The Lackawaxen is well stocked by the Fish and Boat Commission both before and during the seasons.

Recent years have also seen supplemental stocking of giant trout by local businesses as a way to enhance the lure of taking a lunker trout while taking advantage of the many services offered along the river.

Anglers coming to fish the famous Lackawaxen River need to be aware that much of this river is posted as private property with no trespassing allowed. You would do well to visit ahead of the season to contact landowners, locate areas open to fishing and find convenient parking.

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | SPRING/SUMMER 2019

LACKAWAXEN CONNECTION | SPRING/SUMMER 2019

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