The CURRENT
GO • SEE • DO JIM THORPE
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Serving Carbon County and Beyond
May 2022 • 1
jimthorpecurrent.com I MAY 2022
Visit and Learn! Jim Thorpe’s Historical Mauch
Chunk Museum & Cultural Center and the Kemmerer Carriage House by John Drury and Barbara Mumma Special to The Current
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he Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center Inc. is open for visitors and is located on the first floor of the building at 41 W. Broadway in Jim Thorpe. This awardwinning museum is dedicated to the local and nearby history.
Barbara Mumma at The Kemmerer Carriage House
“The Story of Mauch Chunk,” the theme of the museum’s core exhibition, leads the visitor through the ages from the geological formation of coal in prehistoric times to the present. It focuses on such topics as the Lenape Indians, the discovery and mining of “black diamonds” (anthracite coal), the settlement of Mauch Chunk, the scramble to build waterways and railroads to transport coal to eastern seaboard cities, the unique Switchback Gravity Railroad, and Mauch Chunk in its industrial golden age. Its decline and revival as the town of Continued on page 4
Come Celebrate The Jim Thorpe Olympian Birthday Event May 21 - 22
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he Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Center will be sponsoring the 25th annual Jim Thorpe Birthday Weekend on Saturday, May 21st and Sunday, May 22nd. This event is in honor of James Francis Thorpe, a Native American and “Athlete of the 20th Century”. The festivities start off on Saturday, May 21st at 10:30am with a Native American Tribute at the Jim Thorpe Mausoleum, along with Don Wild Eagle, Medicine Horse Drum Group, Carlisle Guests and Native Americans. An Olympic Torch run by the Jim Thorpe High School Cross Country and Track teams will proceed with a police escort
down Center Street to Front Street with a left onto the bridge, a right on 209 to the Liberties, a left at the Liberties to South Avenue, then a left onto Hill Road to Broadway, and then down Broadway to Josiah White Park. At the strike of noon the lighting of the Olympic Torch in Josiah White Park will start the Native American Events for the weekend. Medals will be awarded to the winning team and coach, and the resolution that Rep. Doyle Heffley had the Pennsylvania House pass, declaring that May 21, 2022 has been named “James Francis Thorpe Continued on page 3
Margaritaville Is Coming to the Poconos
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arrotheads, get ready to head to Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. The lifestyle brand inspired by Jimmy Buffet will debut its first Margaritaville Resort Village in mid-2024 with all levels of experiences from RV sites to tiny home bungalows to hotel rooms. “As the ultimate family destination for over eight decades, the natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains has offered a retreat for those in search of fun, relaxation, and a backdrop of lakes and mountains,” Margaritaville’s president of development Jim Wiseman said in a statement sent to Travel + Leisure. “In Margaritaville, we are known for our sense of escapism and look forward to bringing our vacation lifestyle to the area with the first Margaritaville Resort Village.” The resort will offer a variety of ways to experience the northeastern Pennsylvania scenery. At its heart will be the Margaritaville Hotel Pocono Mountains, which will honor the beloved 1902 landmark Pocono Manor, which burned down in 2019. Margaritaville’s newly built hotel will feature gardens, restaurants, pools, and live entertainment venues. Also within the Resort Village will be Camp Margaritaville, which is set to bring luxury camping experiences to the area with cabins and RV sites, including some upscale RV Suites complete with a hot tub, hammock, and fire pit, as well as a covered “living room,” charging station areas, and access to a private golf cart. The area will also have a retail store, fitness center, pickleball courts, game room, kids’ club, dog park, a 5 O’Clock Somewhere swim-up bar, and of course, a Cheeseburger in Continued on page 10
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Summit Hill Hootenanny Partners with Carbon Foundation
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JIM THORPE BIRTHDAY - continued from page 1
Day” in the Commonwealth, will be read. Town dignitaries will also be invited to honor this occasion with their presence. A commemorative large birthday cake will be presented, cut, and pieces sold, as part of the festivities for the weekend. *Schedule Is Subject To Change Without Prior Notice.
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fter a two-year hiatus due to COVID, the Summit Hill Hootenanny is back! The free community festival will take place on Sunday, June 26th from 11am to 8pm in Ludlow Park in Summit Hill. The event, started in 2012 and held the last Sunday in June, features live music, games, vendor booths, and other activities for Carbon County residents and visitors.
Along with planning for the 2022 event, the Hootenanny committee has established the Summit Hill Hootenanny Fund at the Carbon County Community Foundation to help offset the costs of hosting the festival each year. Interested community members can now make tax-deductible contributions to support the Summit Hill Hootenanny. The 2022 Hootenanny is being sponsored by the Summit Hill Historical Society. This year’s music lineup includes Pennsylvania Villagers; Big Valley Bluegrass; Ecospheres; Hex Highway Blues Band; Free Range Folk; and Keystone Groove. “I’m truly excited to be able to establish the Hootenanny as a fund at CCCF. The ability to accept online donations will greatly improve the financial security the Hootenanny requires to remain a
Additional Features In Josiah White Park Are: • Earth Lore & Dance by Don Wild Eagle & Family – Saturday & Sunday • Medicine Horse Drum Group – Saturday & Sunday • Brad & Luke Duo – Sat. & Sun. • Buster the Clown for the children – Saturday & Sunday • Cheer leaders performance – Saturday only • The Faculty Brass Strolling through town – Saturday & Sunday • Terry Strongheart – Saturday & Sunday • Train Rides – Saturday & Sunday • Horse Drawn Carriage Rides – Saturday & Sunday • Trolley Rides – Saturday & Sunday free event, and it feels good to know our finances are in safe and stable hands!” said Sara Ruch, member of the Hootenanny planning committee. The Hootenanny committee is seeking volunteers to help plan the event and to assist with logistics the day of. They are also accepting applications from interested vendors until space is no longer available. For more information about volunteering or setting up as a vendor, please email summithillhoot@gmail.com. Community members can also stay up to date on news and events through the Summit Hill Hootenanny Facebook Page (https://fb.me/e/1qGTrRMp5). “The Summit Hill Hootenanny is a great event that offers fun for the whole family. We’re happy to provide this support for a festival that truly showcases the amazing community spirit that exists here in Carbon County,” said Sharon Alexander, President of the Community Foundation. The festival is organized each year by a planning committee of volunteers with a budget of approximately $4,000. The Summit Hill Historical Society has very generously offered to fund the entire 2022 budget with a contribution, so all donations, vending fees, and shirt sponsorships raised for this year will go into the Summit Hill Hootenanny Fund towards future years, ensuring that this annual tradition keeps going. To donate to the Summit Hill Hootenanny Fund, visit www.cccfoundpa.org or contact the Carbon County Community Foundation at 1-855-545-1311.
Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary in Jim Thorpe
Pre-Season Celebration Benefiting Family Promise
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he public is invited to a Pre-Season Celebration, “Welcome the Butterflies Back” on Memorial Day weekend. The celebration starts Saturday, May 28, 2022 and concludes on Monday, May 30, 2022. The event runs from 11:00 am to at 5:00 pm. each day. No reservation needed. This is a fundraiser for Family Promise of Carbon County which provides services to homeless families within Carbon County. There will be crafts for the kids, live butterflies, frogs, door prizes, butterfly hatching kits, and a pollinator attracting plant sale. On Sat. and Sun., lunch will be available in our picnic area and CCEEC will be set up on-site with live critters and hand-on educational exhibits. The Butterfly Sanctuary’s regular season begins June 11, 2022. More information about Bear Mountain Butterfly Sanctuary can be found at http:// bearmountainbutterflies.com/. More information about Family Promise of Carbon County can be found at http://familypromisecarboncounty.com
Mauch Chunk Opera House: • Classic Stones (Rolling Stones Tribute) – Friday, May 20 • Eaglemania – Saturday, May 21 Mauch Chunk Museum: Program: The Carbon County Connection between the Lenape and the Sac and Fox Indian Nations. Olympian Auction – Saturday and Sunday – Josiah White ParkDonated items accepted and can be dropped off at Nature’s Trail, 5 Broadway, Jim Thorpe Attractions, Shops and Restaurants Open all Weekend For Your Enjoyment. Many great craft vendors and lots of good food will be available all weekend. For more information contact Event Coordinator Anne Marie Fitzpatrick at 570-325-9281, amnt1@ptd.net or the Jim Thorpe website at: https://jimthorpebirthday.wixsite.com/ event or www.jimthorpe.org JIM THORPE’S BIRTHDAY WEEKEND SCHEDULE Saturday, May 21 10:30am Native American Ceremony –Jim Thorpe Mausoleum 11:00am - 5pm Buster the Clown (Josiah White Park) 11:00am - 12pm Carrying of the Olympic Torch by Olympian Cross Country & Track Teams from the Monument to Josiah White Park. 11:00am - 11:45 Cheerleader performance in front of the Gazebo/ then move to in front of The Court House to wait for the runners/Stretch ribbon across Broadway as they approach. Then follow behind the runners to the Gazebo. 12:00pm - 12:30pm Awarding of medals to cross country & track teams and reading of the Resolution by Rep. Heffley, introduction of special visitors and presentation of the Birthday Cake (Josiah White) 12:30pm - 1:30pm Brad & Luke Duo (Josiah White Park) 1:30pm - 2:30pm Don Wild Eagle & Fam. With Medicine Horse Drum (Josiah White Park) 2:30pm - 4:30pm Faculty Brass (Strolling Through Town) 2:30pm - 3:30pm Terry Stongheart ( Josiah White Park) 3:30pm - 4:30pm Brad & Luke Duo (Josiah White Park) 4:45pm - 5:00pm Closing Ceremony Medicine Horse Drum (Josiah White Park) Olympian Auction All Day Long – Josiah White Park Mauch Chunk Museum: Program: The Carbon County Connection between the Lenape and the Sac and Fox Indian Nations - Saturday 12:30pm to 1:30pm, Sunday 1:00pm to 2:00pm MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE – Saturday Evening. Classic Stones – A Rolling Stones Tribute - Friday, May 20 Eaglemania – Saturday, May 21, 2022 Sunday May 22 11:00am to 12:00pm Don Wild Eagle and Fam.- With Medicine Horse Drum (Josiah White ) 11:00am – 5:00pm Buster the Clown (Josiah White Park) 12:00pm – 1:00pm Brad & Luke Duo (Josiah White Park) 1:00pm – 2:00pm Terry Strongheart (Josiah White Park) 2:00pm – 3:00pm Medicine Horse Drum (Josiah White Park) 3:00pm – 5:00pm Brad and Luke Duo (Josiah White Park) 2:00pm – 4:00pm Faculty Brass (Strolling thru Town) Olympian Auction - All Day Long – Josiah White Park Schedule Subject To Change Without Prior Notice.
Shops, Restaurants And Attractions Open For Your Enjoyment. Many Great Craft Vendors & Lots Of Good Food Will Be Available All Weekend Plus Many Other Goodies And Surprises. For More Info Contact - Anne Marie Fitzpatrick - 570-325-9281 Or Email: Amnt1@Ptd.net
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VISIT AND LEARN - continued from page 1 Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center
Mauch Chunk became Jim Thorpe in 1954 – repository for the body of the great native American Olympian. The theme is struggle, prosperity, decline and revival, the legacy, the architectural and natural beauty that is today’s Jim Thorpe. Supplementing pictorial exhibits are period artifacts, tourist souvenirs and unique working models of (1) Josiah White’s ingenious “bear trap lock” which permitted trains of coal arks to navigate the Lehigh River (2) a standard lock on the Lehigh Canal and (3) a 30 ft. model of the Switchback Gravity Railroad which connected the anthracite mine at Summit Hill with the Lehigh River nine miles distant. Built for the transportation of coal, the Switchback became the ultimate thrill roller coaster of 19th century rail excursionists, thrusting the small industrial town of Mauch Chunk into second place behind Niagara Falls as a tourist destination. A 14-minute video presentation introduces and prepares the visitor for their upcoming tour. Our aim at the Mauch Chunk Museum is to preserve out history on a local level so that we may tell and add to “the story.” The Mauch Chunk Museum & Cultural Center is currently open for visitors in May
on weekends Friday through Sunday, and special opening on Memorial Day, Monday May 30th. Extended hours are from June through October five days a week, Friday through Tuesday, from 11am to 5pm. For November and December, the schedule returns to the 3-day weekend schedule of Friday through Sunday up until the weekend prior to Christmas. Admissions is $10.00 per person for 12 years and older and children 11 and under are free. Walkthru visits are $7.50 per person. Group rates available. Telephone number is 570-3259190. Our Facebook page is www.facebook. com/MauchChunkMuseum. The second floor of the building features a “grand ballroom” used for wedding receptions, corporate events, and museum sponsored events. This beautiful space can accommodate 150 people and is available for rental. “The Ballroom” has been open for 19 years. The project of restoration of that area started in 2002 and then officially opening in 2004. For ballroom information contact: Dana Reed, our Special Events Coordinator at 516-375-7407 or email her at: ballroomatmauchchunkmcc@gmail.com Upcoming Special Event in our 2nd Floor Ballroom on Sat. & Sun., May 21 & 22: We will present a special program for the Jim Thorpe Birthday Celebration Weekend in our grand ballroom on Sat. & Sunday, May 21 & 22, 2022, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Host Ryan Kautz will explore our special Indian heritage and show a historical video presentation in our Ballroom. The Kemmerer Carriage House Reopens for Visitors in May Friday - Sunday, May 20-22 & Friday-Monday May 27-30, 12-5PM Enjoy hearing our Kemmerer Carriage House story and our local history as told by our hostess and see a short video. This includes key players, and transition from the untamed river valley to the industrial outpost of Mauch Chunk that truly played a pivotal role in the American Industrial Revolution.
Kemmerer Park
The Kemmerer Carriage House is reopening for weekend visitors Friday through Sunday for May 20-22 and for Memorial Weekend, Friday through Monday, May 27-30, 12-5 PM. Expanded summer and fall hours for visitors are from June through October five days a week: Friday through Tuesday, 125PM. For winter weekends in November and December we are open 3 days a week: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 12:005:00 PM. (This is weather permitting due to possible snow or ice). Admission is by donation. (Suggested $5 per person.) One of the Mauch Chunk Museum and Cultural Centers’s preservation projects involved the restoration of The Kemmerer Carriage House. The Kemmerer Carriage House is a tribute to the “Front Hill” Families and the Millionaire’s of early Mauch Chunk. It is located in Jim Thorpe at 20 Packer Hill Road, across from the Asa and Harry Packer Mansions next to Kemmerer Park. This is a preservation project of the Kemmerer Park Board, the Mauch Chunk Museum, and the Kemmerer Family Foundation. Restoration was started in 2008 and was completed in the spring of 2019. The carriage house is
an amazing look at the past. It was built in 1878 and 1879. The visitor steps back in time to Mauch Chunk’s beginnings in 1818 and learns about life in the days of mining anthracite coal, canal boats, and railroads. Our vision is that the carriage house’s beauty will be appreciated as it once was. Please take time to explore Kemmerer Park. It can be enjoyed in all seasons of the year.
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library corner library calendar The Dimmick Memorial Library is hosting an art show for the Jim Thorpe Area High School Art class. Come out during library hours in May to see the students’ works!
The Coaltown Crafters will be meeting on Thursday, May 12th at 6:00pm in the library. Newcomers are always welcome!
Story-time is happening in person every Tuesday from 10:00am at the Dimmick Memorial Library.
The Dimmick Readers Circle will meet on Thursday, May 19th at 6:00pm in the library. They will meet on the third Thursday of every month to discuss their love for books. This new group is looking for excited members!
Our Board of Directors meeting is on Tuesday, May 10th at 5:30pm at the Library. The Dimmick Book Club will be meeting on Wednesday, May 11th via Zoom. Please email the library to get more information.
The Friends of the Library will host their book sale twice in May. Check our Facebook page for dates and information.
Check our Facebook page for more up-to-date information! Dimmick Memorial Library • 54 Broadway in Jim Thorpe • 570-325-2131 • www.dimmicklibrary.org
Hello Library Friends A
few days ago, long-time patron Pete Paravati sat down with Library Director Kara Edmonds for a quick chat. Pete has been coming up here to Carbon County for 30 years with family and friends to hike at Glen Onoko and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Pete lives and works in Green Lane, Pennsylvania, but about four years ago, he bought a house in Albrightsville. Pete now comes up almost every weekend to enjoy this beautiful area. Sometimes, his kids and grandkids come up to the house to go hiking and fishing and enjoy some downtime. When he retires, he plans to live in Albrightsville full time. When he visits this area, Pete does lots of reading. He uses Penn Kidder and Dimmick Memorial Libraries to check out books and movies almost every weekend. Pete remembers his mother encouraging him and his sister to read when he was young. He has strong memories of reading almost all the Hardy Boys series. He also remembers a 6th grade writing project that he was very proud of. The success of that project—he got an A+!--was very motivating for him. He didn’t read much in high school, which was a challenging time for him. He lived in a small house with one bathroom and his family of 10! Pete would go right from high school to his job and would work until 10 at night. He didn’t exactly have the time, or space, for reading. After high school, Pete went to work for a kind man who became like a father figure to him. Pete became very close with his boss and family. They would often go hunting and fishing together. Unfortunately, his friend died in a boating accident. Learning the news and grieving with the family was one of the hardest experiences of his life. Pete bought the company of his former
boss from his widow. Pete made sure to keep the name, Matos Tree Service, to honor the memory of his dear friend. Pete now works with his son in the business. When Pete married in his early twenties, he returned to reading, since he had more free time even while he was raising his kids. They enjoyed outdoor activities like tennis and volleyball, hiking, biking, and rafting. Some of his kids have the same love of reading that he has. Pete says, “The library is just going to get you to where you want to go!” Pete generally sticks to realistic fiction and really enjoys “feel good” movies and books. He says, “I’m a softy when it comes to a lot of things!” Pete will often see a movie and seek out the book which inspired it. Pete says a library can “open you up to stories that are told around the world.” He considers reading a profound experience: “You can read it and experience it again… meditate on that and what it means to you.” Pete has a number of friends in Ukraine. He visited the country twice in the past and he describes their kindness and hospitality as overwhelming. He said his friends in the Ukraine had a different way of life than here, but there was always lots of happiness there. Now, to see the plight of the families there is incredibly concerning. Some of his friends have families who were able to flee the country, but the men sometimes have to stay and hide. Pete keeps in touch with his Ukrainian friends via Zoom. He does whatever he can to help them out, just to return the caring and love he gave to him. Pete says, “The library is very important to me because it allows me to put myself in another person’s life, in that moment where they are. So many different lives you can experience in the library. That can motivate you and make you feel something. The library is an extension of life, for me.”
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ell here we are in 2022 – and perhaps we are all wondering when we can get back to doing the things we used to enjoy. I, for one, always enjoyed my connection with the Dimmick Library and the “Friends of the Dimmick.” The library and its fundraising arm supported my enthusiasm for reading and sharing that enthusiasm with others. And I found it very satisfying to be involved with a group of people who supported one of the prizes of our local community – the Dimmick Memorial Library. I want to bring everyone up to date on what the “Friends of the Dimmick” have been able to accomplish in the past year or two – even in spite of the restrictions of Covid. An exciting new activity for the Friends group is the opportunity to volunteer at the Penn Kidder Branch of the Dimmick. Penn Kidder Library is located in Albrightsville on the corner of State Route 903 and Old Stage Rd. Please let the library staff know if you are interested in more information about this volunteer opportunity. Over the years, “Friends of the Dimmick” held book sales, merchandise sales, Tommy’s gift card sales, and other fundraisers (remember those fun Chili Cook Off events!) which built up a nice savings account. And, over the last seven months we earned more than $4,600 in sales of books and sales of T-shirts and library bags! During this past year and a half, we have used some of those funds to support the Dimmick Library financially in several ways: • We funded prizes for a summer reading program. • We contributed to a grant for important computer upgrades. • We purchased copies of Vince Hydro’s Mauch Chunk history books for sale at the library. • At the end of 2021 we funded all the staff bonuses. • And, our major contribution to the library
in 2021 was funding the required purchases of new books and other library materials for the library’s collection – totaling over $7,000! I want to thank all of you who have hung in there with us these past 2 years – especially those of you who came out to help work the book sales. Not getting together as a group has been challenging, but I hope this year we will be able to get together again! In the meantime, you can check the Dimmick Memorial Library Facebook and website for updated information on special programs, including the Friends book sale schedule. The Facebook pages of both the Dimmick and the Penn Kidder Library also offer interesting tidbits on books and programs for adults and children, and many ways to support the library. As a long-time “Friend of the Dimmick,” I am always looking for input from our Friends or other community members. I welcome your feedback on what we are doing as well as any suggestions for what we can do in the future. So please, contact me – here or through the library. I hope we all can continue doing good work for these important libraries in our extended community. Sincerely, Janet Hermann, Long-Time Friend of the Library
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May 2022 • 7
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May 2022 • 9
pocono bits I Love My State Parks Week
With the goal of showcasing all that PA’s 121 state parks and 20 forest districts have to offer, the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation is participating in the inaugural I Love My State Parks Week, a campaign hosted by the National Association of State Parks Foundations (NASPF) May 8-15th.
The United States boasts more than 8,500 state parks and forests covering 18.6 million acres with 52,600 miles of trails. Along with these beloved natural areas comes an army of Friends groups and fellow volunteers dedicated to caring for them. NASPF was formed by the leadership of park foundations, including PPFF which serves as an umbrella organization to nearly 50 volunteer chapters throughout Pennsylvania. These foundations joined forces seeking to support one another, along with the vast networks of volunteers, in an effort to provide a national voice and advocate for all state parks. NASPF works to connect, build, elevate, and empower the statewide non-profit partners of America’s state parks and one effort toward this goal is I Love My State Parks Week. Kicking off on Mother’s Day, I Love
JIM THORPE BOROUGH DIRECTORY 101 East 10th Street Jim Thorpe, PA 18229 www.jtborough.org
General Information (570) 325-3025 Emergency 9-1-1 Emergency Management (570) 325-3097 Water (570) 325-2631 Sewerage (570) 325-2547 Zoning and Codes (570) 325-3025 Streets (570) 325-2844 School District (570) 325-3691 Police Department (570) 325-4995 Fire Department (570) 325-3811
My State Parks Week aims to increase the visibility of state parks and raise awareness about their many benefits, engage new audiences and promote access, and connect with the public through personal testimonials, storytelling, and photos showing why these spaces are so important. With daily themes and a ready-to-go social media toolkit, NASPF encourages all members, state parks foundations, friends’ groups, state park agencies, and partners to share and amplify the I Love My State Parks Week content on their own social platforms to increase engagement. You can participate by showing your love for PA’s state parks by sharing your outdoor adventures, photos, and special memories on social media, tag PPFF, and use the hashtags #ILoveMyStateParks, #ILoveMyStateParksWeek, #ILovePAStateParks, and #NASPF. Concurrently, I Love My State Parks Week is one of several special outdoor holidays being celebrated throughout the year in PPFF’s new #GetMovingPA effort that calls for park and forest visitors and volunteers to share video footage of their adventures and volunteerism in PA’s parks and forests on social media. Learn more at https://paparksandforests.org/ news/getmovingpa.
businesses we have had in the history of Monroe County. The success of our community has been because of the extraordinary acts of those who stepped up to make an investment in these areas and make Monroe County better for future generations. They have all made a difference to improve lives in their own ways, and we intend to honor them at our celebration dinner,” Tukeva said. The community is invited to make online submissions for consideration via Pocono Mountains United Way’s website at www.poconounitedway.org/nomination. Pocono Mountains United Way engages and mobilizes resources to improve lives through accelerated community change. For more information about Pocono Mountains United Way, please visit www. poconounitedway.org.
Lehighton Downtown Partnership Community Recycling Project
The Lehighton Downtown Partnership would love some community help! We are collecting plastic film for a new exciting project! If we as a community collect 500 pounds of plastic film by September 8, 2022, Trex will donate a park bench made from recycled materials.
Pocono Mountains United Way Seeking 80 Honorees from Monroe County
As part of its eightieth anniversary event, Pocono Mountains United Way is looking to recognize 80 leaders, groups, organizations, and businesses that have made an impact on Monroe County. “Recognizing 80 honorees is a great way to thank those who are doing impactful work, or have been for years, to make Monroe County a better place to live for all,” said Michael Tukeva, President/CEO of Pocono Mountains United Way. The honorees will be recognized at the eightieth anniversary event set for Saturday, September 24 at Kalahari Resort and Conventions in Pocono Manor. For consideration, an honoree must show a contribution to the community in the areas of education, childcare, health, workforce development or financial stability, leadership, community advocacy, volunteerism, or business development. Nominees can be living or deceased, and individuals, groups or organizations will be considered. “Our community has been greatly enriched by the groups, leaders, and
Summit Hill Hootenanny Fund
The Summit Hill Hootenanny is a free community festival held every year in Summit Hill, PA. The event features live music, local vendors, and other activities for community members. Established in 2012, the event draws people from all over the county to Ludlow Park in Summit Hill, Carbon County. This fund supports the festival and any costs associated with hosting the event. Previously, the Summit Hill Hootenanny had been umbrellaed under the Summit Hill Historical Society. The planning committee wishes to establish this fund under the Community Foundation in order to ensure the longevity of the event and to allow for the succession of planning committee members. The Fund at the Foundation will serve as a fiscal agent. Get Involved! Volunteers: Our committee is always looking for volunteers who want to help with the planning of the Summit Hill Hootenanny each year and for people who are able to assist with logistics on the day of the festival. Vendors: If you are interested in setting up a vendor booth at the Summit Hill Hootenanny, contact us for a vendor application. Applications will be accepted until space is no longer available. T-Shirt Sponsors: Sponsor the 2022 Hootenanny t-shirts with a donation of $100. Sponsor names will be included on the back of the t-shirts sold at the festival and worn by volunteers. For information about the above and for all other questions, please send an email to summithillhoot@gmail.com.
Andreas Plumbing’s Oldest Air Conditioner Contest We can accept the following items: Grocery Bags; Bread Bags; Bubble Wrap; Newspaper Sleeves; Ice Bags; Plastic Shipping Envelopes; Ziplock and Food Storage Bags; Cereal Bags; Case Overwrap; Salt Bags; Pallet Wrap and Stretch Film; Wood Pellet Bags; and Produce Bags. The recycling bin will be located: Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Office, 137 South Street, Lehighton - Side Porch We know with your help, we can achieve this goal! Any questions, please call (610) 509-6465 or email BambiE@carboncountychamber.org.
Are you still cooling your home with a dinosaur of an air conditioner? If so, Andreas Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. of Lehighton, PA is giving you a chance to win a FREE Air Conditioner! Team Andreas is on the hunt for the oldest air conditioner in our area. When they find that dinosaur, they will replace it with a brand new, energy-efficient one. That behemoth of a high energy bill will be gone for one lucky winner! Everybody wins! All entrants will receive a certificate for $300 OFF a new, energyefficient air conditioner. For more information and to enter, go to AndreasPlumbing.com/oldest-ac-campaign. HURRY! Deadline to enter is May 10.
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pocono bits Lehighton Downtown Farmers Market Opening Day Craft & Plant Fest
Mary Kocher
The Lehighton Downtown Partnership with the participation of Carbon County Plant People will host the Opening Day of the Lehighton Downtown Farmers Market Craft & Plant Fest. Join us as we enter into our Farmers Market season with your favorite farmers and vendors. This year our opening day will consist of a Craft & Plant Fest! Along with the fresh produce in season, meat, eggs and dairy products our vendors will be selling homemade crafts and homegrown plants. Enjoy the live music as you stroll through the park and shop our wares. Grab a bite from one of our wonderful food vendors. Hours for this week only are from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm. The Lehighton Downtown Farmers Market will be open Saturdays starting May 21st through October 29th. Normal Hours 9:00 am - noon Special Event Hours 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Lehighton Downtown Borough Park, 1 Constitution Avenue in Lehighton. For more information contact Bambi Elsasser at 610-509-6465
Carbon County Creative Arts Fund’s ‘Art with a View’ Returns Strong in 2022! The Carbon County Creative Arts Fund (CCCAF) is pleased to announce the muchanticipated return of “Art with a View” on May 19th, 2022 at Blue Mountain Resort in Palmerton, Pennsylvania. This annual event is hosted to spotlight over fifteen local artists, including Mary Anne Shafer, Earlene Russel, Lynn Shupp and Jay Davenport, while bringing local art aficionados to appreciate the beauty and artistic bounty of Carbon County. The reception, which will be held from 5:30-8:30 PM, will include a cocktail reception and live music, as well as an art auction and basket raffle.
Creative Arts Fund. Tickets are available for this event and interested parties can purchase them online at https://cccfoundpa.org/artwithaview/. Invitations are also being mailed out to past attendees and Arts Fund supporters. Tickets are $45 per person or $80 per couple and include light fare, entertainment, and a cash bar. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, please contact the Carbon County Community Foundation at 610-730-2526 or info@cccfoundpa.org. Art with a View 2022 Date: Thursday, May 19th, 2022 Where: Blue Mountain Resort, Alpine Room (1660 Blue Mountain Drive, Palmerton PA) Time: 5:30-8:30 PM Pricing Information: $45 per person, $80 per couple (Purchase tickets at www.cccfoundpa. org/artwithaview/) Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Heffley Announces Reelection Bid
The event will also pay tribute to Mary Kocher, soon to celebrate her 101st birthday, for her lifetime achievement in the arts. Mary’s paintings grace the halls of many buildings and offices in Carbon County. Janet Salek, the committee’s art coordinator, has gathered a number of Mary’s paintings from private collections to show at this event, so guests will have an opportunity to view pieces that they have never seen. “We’ve collected 17 of Mary’s paintings involving various subjects as well as early works that show the wide range of Mary’s art,” said Janet. Funds raised at this event will benefit the Carbon County Creative Arts Fund at the Carbon County Community Foundation, which provides grants to support local arts and cultural programs throughout the County. In 2020, the Creative Arts Fund committee was thrilled to present a grant of $2,000 to the Palmerton, Lehighton, and Dimmick Memorial Libraries to support their “Carbon County Sheltered Stories” collection of county residents’ reflections during quarantine. Previous grant recipients include Concerts in the Palmerton Park, Zion Opera Workshop, and the Jim Thorpe High School Chamber Singers. Having been put on hold for two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the committee is pleased to be returning to Blue Mountain Resort for the event. “It’s so wonderful to be hosting this event again! Blue Mountain is the perfect venue and this year we’ll have even more artists in attendance,” said Kathy Fallow, Founding Donor of the Carbon County
May Music and Entertainment May 1 - PTAA Designer Purse Bingo Call for Details May 6 - 8 - Mother’s Day Weekend Music by Now Serving - Tricky Tray Pancake & Sausage Breakfast ($) *Free for mothers May 13 - 15 - Flea Market Sip n’ Paint - by Bossard Board Works ($) May 20 - 22 - Bingo Weekend Candy Bar Bingo – Wine/Beer Bingo etc. May 27 - 30 - Memorial Day Weekend Music by Banned from the Ranch Tricky Tray - Candy Bar Bingo - Corn Hole Tournament - Music Bingo with Jammin’ Joe
For more info visit www.donlaine.com Don Laine Campground 790 57 Drive in Palmerton, PA 800-635-0152
State Representative Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) announced that he will seek reelection in the 122nd Legislative District. “It is truly an honor to serve the 60,000 plus residents of the 122nd District, and I am excited that it once again includes all of Carbon County,” Heffley said. “As a lifelong resident of Carbon County, I’m passionate about the communities I represent and will continue to listen to the voices of the residents in the 122nd District.” During the 2021-22 legislative session, Heffley serves on the following standing House committees: Appropriations, Commerce, Tourism and Recreational Development, and Transportation. He was also reappointed to serve on the Northeastern Pennsylvania Metropolitan Planning Commission. Heffley has been a leading voice in the State Legislature on combating opioid and prescription drug abuse. He continues to work with local employers and elected officials to ensure Carbon County residents have access to family-sustaining jobs, quality health care, and a robust transportation system. Recognizing there is much more work to be done, Heffley has authored legislation that became law to assist families struggling with addiction, fund highway projects without raising taxes, help communities combat blight, and protect small businesses. During his House tenure, Heffley has worked to reform the state pension system and pass on-time budgets that increased funding for Pennsylvania’s public schools to the highest level in history without placing a heavier burden on taxpayers. After graduating from Lehighton Area High School, Heffley went on to study at Lincoln Technical Institute, where he received his associate’s degree in Architectural Drafting and Design. He has nearly 20 years of private sector work experience, including 10 years in the trucking industry, both as a driver and as a terminal manager. An active member of his community, Heffley attends Jerusalem Evangelical
MARGARITAVILLE - continued from page 1
Paradise restaurant. Also on accommodation offer will be tiny home bungalows, which will provide a rustic cabin experience, complete with stone fire pits and country-style patios. For those looking to purchase vacation homes, there will be a group of Townhomes, in addition to nearly 1,000 rental cottages —truly emphasizing just how massive the entire village will be. While the Resort Village will be suitable for year-round vacations, it will especially lean into winter programming with tube slide runs, an ice pond, and a winter market. Margaritaville already has mountain locations in the Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, as well as RV parks in Burford, Georgia; Auburndale, Florida; and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The growing brand also has beach locations in the Bahamas, on Mexico’s Isla Holbox, and in Costa Rica, as well as city center resorts in Nashville and New York City. You can follow Margaritaville Resort Village’s progress at https:// w w w. m a r g a r i t a v i l l e r e s o r t s . c o m / margaritaville-village-pocono-mountains (Travel + Leisure)
I
f you are an artist or artisan, join the Carbon County Art League (CCAL) meeting on Wednesday May 11th/2022, 6:00 pm - 8.00 pm held at the Palmerton Area Library, 402 Delaware Ave, in Palmerton, PA 18071. This time, professional photographers will demonstrate and discuss “How to Photograph Your Art.” Members may bring a piece they would like to photograph. Interested in CCAL membership? Apply online https://carboncountyart.wixsite.com/ carbon-county-art/membership.
Lutheran Church in Trachsville and is a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post No. 314, F&AM Lodge 621, Beaver Run Rod and Gun Club, Orioles Nest, and the Indian Mt. Rod and Gun Club. Heffley and his wife Kellie are lifelong residents of Carbon County and reside in Lower Towamensing Township. They are the proud parents of two daughters, Elizabeth (wife of Joey Blose) and Angela. The Heffley family also includes two pets, a dog, Thor and a cat, Lulu.
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May 2022 • 11
12 • May 2022
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taste
Flower Power! By Aillinn Brennan Special to The Current
C
ulinary flowers are feast for the eyes and on the palate they offer, peppery, grassy, and herbaceous notes. Using them in salads, cocktails and garnish with imbue the glories of the season into whatever you do!
Garden to Table Flowers from herbs such as chamomile, lavender, rosemary, cilantro, chives, sage, and dill all offer flower power on your plate. Delicate blooming cilantro flowers a top a smoked salmon and cream cheese cracker will look fabulous and impart a mild coriander flavor. How lovely would vibrant lavender flowers be encircling a fresh summer fruit and cheese plate? And grab those sunshine yellow dill flowers and put them in your homemade pickle jars. Pansy, dandelion, rose, geranium, nasturtium, and viola petals are the common edible flowers growing in your garden. Before using flowers do a quick google search that your flower is the flower you think it is! Stick with using just the petals as stems and leaves may be inedible. Pick and serve right away, will not keep great in the fridge. Do you have mixed feelings about the ubiquitous dandelion “weed?” Stand corrected, it’s a mighty power flower!
Fill a mason jar with honeysuckle flowers, then vodka, let sit for about 5 days and shake every now and then. Using a few layers of cheese cloth, strain the vodka off the flowers and your infusion is ready for infusing. Get your lemonade and pick a few more honeysuckles to garnish.
The cheerful yellow “weed” which you exhaustedly fork out of the earth can be eaten in its entirety, even the root. It is extremely nutritious with tons of vitamins, iron, magnesium, calcium and antioxidants galore.
Floating Flowers in a cocktail by creating ice cubes with suspended flowers will delight your guest’s weather in a cocktail or in a bubbly glass of mineral water. Silicone trays are the trick. The ice will be easy to remove and the cubes will have nice crisp edges. Fill the tray evenly a quarter way up and let freeze. Pick and pose your petals and just cover with water and freeze again. Finally, top it off with water and pop pack in the freezer. Your guest is ready to impress!
Cook the leaves like you would any greens or pick the tender new ones to create a beautiful polychromatic salad. Pour a light, maybe citrus-ie, dressing on the bottom of a salad bowl. Top with greens and festoon with flowers. Toss at the last minute and serve. A Blooming Good Cocktail When the hill sides of honeysuckle start blooming and you catch the perfume on the soft breeze…go and pick them! What could be more perfectly floral than a honeysuckle adorning a honeysuckle infused vodka & lemonade? Do it.
Is flower your power? Gather ye rosebuds while ye may and drink to the day. Bibere Ad Diem! Aillinn Brennan is proprietor of The Marion Hose Bar located at 16 W. Broadway in Jim Thorpe. For more visit www.marionhosebar.com
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taste A Brunch Surprise for Mom
M
other’s Day is a time to celebrate and treat your mom to a delicious breakfast or brunch. Whether it’s a meal in bed or a beautiful spread on the dining room table, make the day special with simple recipes that are sure to impress. Try this Brunch Fruit Tart with a tasty granola crust and colorful fruit topping to start Mother’s Day in style. It’s a sweet option to begin her day on the right note. With a crunchy crust and smooth center, this tart is balanced, easy to make and a beautiful addition to the menu. It’s also easy to customize as the fruit topping options are nearly unlimited. Pick your mom’s favorites and decorate the top however you please. Or, let the little ones get creative and put their own spin on an essential Mother’s Day meal.
Brunch Fruit Tart Recipe adapted from homemadeinterest.com
Toppings: • Strawberries, sliced • Blueberries • Kiwis, sliced
To make crust: Preheat oven to 350 F. • In large bowl, combine granola, butter and honey. Grease 11-inch tart pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line bottom of tart pan with parchment paper.
Crust: • 4 cups granola mixture • 1/2 cup butter, softened • 4 1/2 tablespoons honey nonstick cooking spray
Filling: • • • • •
2 1/4 cups vanilla Greek yogurt 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 package gelatin
• Press granola mixture into tart pan. Place tart pan on baking sheet and bake 10 minutes. Cool completely. • To make filling: Using mixer, combine yogurt, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract and gelatin until whipped completely. • Pour yogurt mixture into tart crust. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. •Top with strawberries, blueberries and kiwis.
For more brunch recipes, visit Culinary.net
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health • wellness Four Colors Help You Prepare for Your LVHN Visit Throughout the pandemic and still today, LVHN is committed to giving you the information you need to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Now, we are introducing a new way for you to easily review the things you must do when you come to an LVHN facility as a patient or visitor. LVHN will operate under one of four levels (green, yellow, orange or red) depending on the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our community. The four operations levels include evidence-based guidelines on topics such as masking, creating a safe environment in waiting rooms and cafeterias, and more. LVHN is currently operating in Level Yellow.
Just click the colorful banner The level in which LVHN is operating is displayed on a banner at the top of LVHN. org. When you click the banner, you will go to a page that lists what you need to know when you come to LVHN during that phase. When the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our community increases or decreases above or below a certain threshold, the color of the banner will change. Click the banner and you’ll go to a page with the latest guidelines. Experts at LVHN will continually monitor COVID-19 metrics across the regions we serve. Each week, they will determine the level under which the health network will operate.
CCEEC
offers comprehensive, convenient pediatric care throughout all the communities the Network serves. “We welcome St. Luke’s to our national community,” said Mark Wietecha, Children’s Hospital Association President and CEO. “Our ability to transform children’s health for the better takes all of us working together and learning from each other for greater impact.”
Free Skin Cancer Screenings in May at Lehigh Valley Cancer Inst.
Sign up for a quick and painless skin cancer screening at Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute. If you like having fun in the sun or have noticed some concerning spots on your skin, it may be time to get screened for skin cancer. Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute is hosting a free skin cancer screening event for community members and colleagues – find out more below:
St. Luke’s Joins National Network of Children’s Hospitals Executive Editor/Publisher Jeffrey “JD” Diaz 570.399.1400 - JD@JTCurrent.com
For Editorial call: 570.399.1400 e-mail: JD@JimThorpeCurrent.com
Contributing Writers Aillinn Brennan John Drury Kara Edmonds Barbara Mumma Brian Pultro
For Advertising Jay Pelc • 917.957.1713 JP4541@aol.com
Distribution JD@JimThorpeCurrent.com
Published by
Stony Creek Media, LLC. PO Box #222 Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania 18229 570 . 399 . 1400
The Jim Thorpe Current is published monthly and distributed to over 210 locations throughout the Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania Area. Entire contents of this publication is copyright 2022 Stony Creek Media, LLC. all rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publisher.
St. Luke’s University Health Network is pleased to announce it is now a proud member of the Children’s Hospital Association (CHA). As champions for children’s health, the Network will collaborate through the association to advance innovation in the quality, cost and delivery of care – better serving all children. Membership in CHA represents St. Luke’s ongoing commitment to improving the health of children and improving the quality, safety and cost of pediatric health care. “Participation in the Children’s Hospital Association offers us access to a network of institutions and people who understand the unique health care needs of children and how to best address them,” said Jennifer Janco, MD, Chair of Pediatrics at St. Luke’s University Health Network. In 2020, St. Luke’s opened an eightbed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), providing advanced care to critically ill children close to home. St. Luke’s continues to expand pediatric specialty services and will be opening the first and only freestanding pediatric specialty center in Center Valley later this year. The specialties to be housed at the center include Nephrology, Gastroenterology, Cardiology, Pulmonology, Developmental, Neurology, Endocrinology, Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, Pediatric Primary Care, and Pediatric Nutrition. In addition, St. Luke’s pediatric inpatient unit is being renovated and relocated adjacent to the PICU at St. Luke’s University Hospital – Bethlehem. St. Luke’s has made a significant capital investment in new infrastructure over the past few years to support the Network’s ongoing pediatric growth. Combined with a robust pediatric primary care team, St. Luke’s Pediatrics
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Skin cancer and screenings Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with more than a million new cases expected to be diagnosed this year alone. While these numbers may be concerning, there’s good news. When detected early, many cases of skin cancer aren’t just treatable – they also can be cured. That’s where skin cancer screenings come in. During these visual exams, doctors look for suspicious moles and freckles, discolored or bleeding patches, and other marks that may indicate cancer (including those that fit the ABCDEs of skin cancer). While people with fair skin, freckles, light eyes and/or a history of blistering sunburns are at increased risk for skin cancer, anyone can be diagnosed with it and should consider getting screened by an expert. Upcoming skin cancer screening event After a two-year hiatus, Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute is excited to host this screening event: Wednesday, May 4 • 6- 8 p.m. John and Dorothy Morgan Cancer Center Infusion Center, Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Cedar Crest The screenings take about 15 minutes and are completely painless. If something is found during a screening that looks suspicious, the doctor will recommend a formal dermatology appointment for further evaluation. Appointments are required in advance of the event. To schedule one, please call 888-402-LVHN (5846) or visit
PERSPECTIVE Carbon County Environmental Education Center
UPCOMING SCHEDULE Plant Swap Saturday, May 14, 11:00am to 2:00 pm Come with—or without—garden plants to share. This is a great opportunity for new and veteran gardeners alike to save money, and to meet and talk with each other for planting tips and tricks. No registration is required. Native plants are preferred but not required, but please note, no invasive species allowed. Yoga with Lori Sunday, May 22, 1:00pm CCEEC volunteer and yoga instructor Lori Wolf offers gentle flow yoga appropriate for everyone. Gentle stretching, breathing and imagery will bring awareness inward. This session is planned for indoors, so participation will be limited to allow for social distancing. The program is offered free of charge for EEC members. A $5 fee per person is requested of non-members. Those interested should register by phone as soon as possible. Wildflower Walk Saturday, June 11, 10:00am Volunteer Naturalist Michael Blacketter leads participants on an easy walking trek to search for wildflowers in bloom. June is ideal time to for finding daisies, milkweed, wild phlox and more. Binoculars and field guides available on loan or bring your own. Sturdy, waterproof footwear recommended. The program is offered free of charge for EEC members. A $5 fee per person is requested of non-members. Please register by phone. Rattlesnake Run--5K and 1-Mile Fun Walk Saturday, June 18, 8:00am CCEEC’s annual fund raiser is in its 11th year, and takes place at Lehigh Gorge State Park. Check out the event’s FAQ page for more info. 151 East White Bear Drive in Summit Hill, PA 570-645-8597 • www.carboneec.org Grounds and trails open all daylight hours
Wildlife emergency? TEXT or call (570) 233-3384
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May 2022 • 15
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music • entertainment THURSDAY, MAY 5 PENN’S PEAK
JAZZ LOFT AT THE STABIN MUSEUM www.vicsjazzloft.com (570) 325-5588 268 West Broadway in Jim Thorpe 7-10 PM doors at 6 PM $15.00 music charge • Free Parking! MAY 6 - Bob Albanese - Mike Boone Daniel Gonzalez Bob Albanese is a rhymer, a poetic soul whether he is thinking and talking or composing and playing. He has all the requisites - harmonic acumen, melodicism, and swing. Mike Boone is the patriarch of the Philly jazz scene, mentor to all… and the torch-bearer of the Philly jazz tradition. A native of New Yorker based in Northeastern Pennsylvania, US combat Army Band veteran Daniel Gonzalez stays busy performing and teaching locally and abroad. As artistic director of Vic’s Jazz Loft, he curates the jazz program and performs with select artists. MAY 13 - Daniel Gonzalez - Morrie Louden - Jon Ballantyne - Hector Rosado Hector Rosado is an acclaimed percussionist, bandleader, arranger, educator, and recording artist who performed and toured with many notable performers in Latin music. Saskatchewanborn pianist and composer Jon Ballantyne released 12 albums and won 2 Juno Awards with 4 nominations. He is an artist who deftly combines the unknown with the known. Listening to the wondrous sounds he makes at the piano, audiences can never be sure where he will take the music next. Originally from the Bay Area in CA, Morrie Loudon performed locally at 14 before studying and then hitting the road with world-renowned artists. MAY 20 - Bill Washer - Tony Marino Hector Rosado - Daniel Gonzalez: After meeting drummer Lenny White through bassist Don Pate, Bill Washer found himself playing with Joe Henderson, recording with Curtis Fuller, then touring with Stevie Wonder. Soon enough, he found himself in NYC doing shows and recordings while thriving in NYC’s jazz scene. Tony Marino’s versatility and wide range of musicality have allowed him to accompany and record with numerous artists from jazz to folk, to pop. The bass is a part of Tony’s being, and when playing, he and the bass are one. The instrument is his voice. As the premier bass player at clubs and resorts in the Pocono and the Catskill Mountains, Tony performed with many acclaimed entertainers. MAY 27 - Richard Messbauer - Joe Battaglia - Daniel Gonzalez Richard Messbauer attended the Juilliard School, studied jazz extensively with Cecil McBee, Fred Hersch, and Eric Kloss, and freelanced extensively in New York. He also played professionally in symphony halls from Carnegie Hall, the Palau De La Musica, and Teatro Colon to Avery Fisher Hall, Shiller Theater, Bellas Artes, Istana Budaya, and practically every hall on the globe. Guitarist, composer, and educator Joseph Battaglia studied at William Patterson, Rutgers, and Berklee College of Music. You can hear Joe’s work on Flying Saucers, How Deep The Ocean, and of Space and Time, where he collaborated with Glenn Davis and Richard Messbauer. This Trio recently performed at the Lafayette Bar during Jazz Concert For Ukraine. They will come together once again to explore original compositions, further the trio sides Rich and Joe recorded with Glenn Davis.
NEAL MCCOY Neal McCoy has released fifteen studio albums. In 1993, Neal McCoy broke through with the back-to-back number 1 singles No Doubt About It and Wink from his platinumcertified album No Doubt About It. His commercial success continued into the late 1990s with two more platinum albums and a gold album, as well as six more Top Ten hits. Tickets $25 - $30 Doors Open 6:00 PM – Showtime 8:00PM www.pennspeak.com (866) 605-PEAK SATURDAY, MAY 7 PENN’S PEAK
TESLA
That they are still roaring and soaring should be no surprise. That’s just how they are built. TESLA may have been born in the mid 80s eruption of leather, spandex, and big hair, but this band has never been about those things. Hardly. Their bluesy, soulful sound is strongly embedded in the roots of organic, authentic, 1970s rock and roll. Tickets $39 - $44 Doors Open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00PM www.pennspeak.com (866) 605-PEAK SATURDAY, MAY 7 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE
BILLY BAUER BAND TRIBUTE TO DAVE MATTHEWS The Billy Bauer Band brings back its popular Dave Matthews tribute to the Opera House! Based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, the Billy Bauer Band has built their fan base the oldfashioned way, through years of touring and great live performances. With a sound that already brings to mind Dave Matthews, it also conjures Counting Crows, John Mayer, Death Cab for Cutie, and Jack Johnson. It’s the energy they bring to the stage that sets them apart. Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $20 THURSDAY, MAY 12 PENN’S PEAK
industry folks began asking him, “What’s your point of view?” “I don’t know…” He searched for a meaningful response to a ridiculous question. “To make people laugh?” The freewheeling, New York bred comic storyteller – who made the list of Comedy Central’s “100 Greatest Standups of All Time” - is hotter than ever, a global touring sensation and regular presence on radio and television whose rabid audience, he’s thrilled to note, is filled with “lifetimers.” Tickets $32 - $37 Doors Open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00PM www.pennspeak.com (866) 605-PEAK FRIDAY, MAY 13 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE
Not long after Jim Breuer did his first official standup gig in Clearwater, Florida, in 1989,
ERIC CLAPTON RETROSPECTIVE (CRAIG THATCHER BAND) Performed by the Craig Thatcher Band, Badge has become a greatly anticipated show on our program. CTB presents their Eric Clapton Retrospective in various theatres throughout PA, tracing the musical career of EC beginning with the Yardbirds onward. 2011’s Mauch Chunk Opera House show sold out, and left the audience shaking their heads for days, marveling at the collective ability of this band. Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $26
DEAN FORD & THE BEAUTIFUL ONES PRINCE TRIBUTE Dressed 2 the 9’s, Dean Ford embodies PRINCE with every fiber of his being, giving you a show as close as you will ever get to the real thing. Ford and company perform all the hits you know and love, including the “Purple Rain” album in its entirety. But, it’s more than just the songs. He’s got the look, the moves, and the sounds down jaw-droppingly well. So well, you’ll forget it’s only a tribute. Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $33 FRIDAY, MAY 13 PENN’S PEAK
EVENT SCHEDULE
ERIC GALES WITH SPECIAL GUEST VANESSA COLLIER Eric Gales is a blues firebrand. Over 30 years and 18 albums, his passion for the music and his boundless desire to keep it vital has never waned. Throughout it all, he continued to reinvigorate the art form with personal revelation in his lyrics and bold stylistic twists in his guitar playing and songwriting. As a master musician and multi-instrumentalist, Vanessa Collier, weaves funk, soul, rock, and blues into every powerful performance and she is downright impressive. Tickets $22 - $27 Doors Open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00PM www.pennspeak.com (866) 605-PEAK SATURDAY, MAY 14 PENN’S PEAK
THE MUSIC OF RANDY TRAVIS
JIM BREUER: FREEDOM OF LAUGHTER TOUR
SATURDAY, MAY 14 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE
The Music of Randy Travis Tour featuring country singer and his co-star in The Price, James Dupré. The Country Music Hall of Fame member’s long-time touring band, consisting of Steve Hinson, David Johnson, Lance Dary, Bill Cook, Joe Van Dyke and Herb Shucher along with longtime tour manager Jeff Davis will rejoin “Hoss,” as they affectionately call Travis, on the road for the first time since right before his stroke in 2013. The show will consist of Dupré and the band performing all 16 of his iconic number ones. Tickets $42 - $47 Doors Open 6:00 PM – Showtime 8:00PM www.pennspeak.com (866) 605-PEAK
April Art Show at Wild Elder/Donerds Ben Glueck. Ben’s conceptual art, environments, graphic design, and illustrations will be on display and for sale at 76 Broadway in Jim Thorpe and can be viewed or purchased during business hours of either Donerds Donuts or Wild Elder. Join us Thursday May 5th, 5-8pm as we host the artist and celebrate his work in person. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served. Drinks and additional food will be available for purchase. Sun., May 8, 12-2pm - Mother’s Day Brunch on the Patio w/ Live Music by SHEnanigans. Wild Elder and Donerds are teaming up to offer brunch specials and live music! No tickets necessary. First come, first served, so come early! Fri., May 13, 6:30-9:30pm - Wild Elder Open Mic. Come on out to Wild Elder Tasting Room & Eatery to either share songs you’ve written, or show us your take on something else! All creatives welcome - poets, comics, musicians, we’d love to see what you create. Hosted by Peaches & Wine. Weds., May 25, 7:30-8:30pm - Wine, Cider, & Song, Episode #13: Alex Radus. Our popular live music “tv show” hosted by wine and cider maker Josh Finsel is back! Please note, in-person attendance is by invitation only. This is a Facebook live streaming event. Follow Wild Elder on Facebook to be notified once we go live and get in on the action! Thurs., May 26, 5-7pm - Wild Elder Book Club Meeting: The Mushroom at the End of the World - Sellers Books + Art (65 Broadway, Jim Thorpe) is partnering with Wild Elder Wine and Cider to host a food, drink, and foraging themed book club. Club members will meet monthly at Wild Elder (76 Broadway, Jim Thorpe) on third Thursdays through May to share good food, drink, and discussion. Booklist, sign-up, and further details at wildelder.com/s/stories or just stop by Sellers Books to purchase your books and get started reading!
www.wildelder.com 76 Broadway in Jim Thorpe (570) 732-9933
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May 2022 • 17
music • entertainment Insurrection Distillery APRIL ENTERTAINMENT May 1 – Vinyl Persuasion May 6 – Payne Shelton May 7 – Layne “Doc” Roberts May 8 – The Mcgeehan Duo May 13 – Fran Mayville May 14 – Jason Eidem “Bat” May 15 – Rick Mcsteve May 20 – Rob Ballonoff May 21 – Derek Jones May 22 – Blue Moxie May 27 – Smooth Retsina Glow May 28 – Two Of A Kind May 29 – Grant Wagner Friday and Saturday shows from 6pm - 9pm Sunday shows from 3pm - 6pm Wednesday Open Mic from 5pm - 8pm
prime coupled with the special attention given to the minutest details both musically and visually, The Glimmer Twins deliver a Classic Rolling Stones Experience to their audience. Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $30
Doors Open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00PM www.pennspeak.com (866) 605-PEAK
SATURDAY, MAY 21 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE
REAL DIAMOND is a professional 11-piece band dedicated to the faithful re-creation of the live Neil Diamond experience. We are obsessively passionate about providing you and your audience the finest Neil Diamond show short of having the man there himself. Curt Di Domizio fronts the band with a chillingly realistic Neil Diamond interpretation. Your audience will be amazed and dazzled as they dance and sing along to four decades of incredible, unforgettable songs. Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $29
EAGLEMANIA (TRIBUTE TO THE EAGLES If you love The Eagles, then this is the show to see. With an intimate room, phenomenal sound, all seats close, and a great listening and viewing balcony, it all adds up to a great opportunity to experience your own style of Eaglemania! With a passion for perfection, Eaglemania brings the ultimate Eagles experience, scrupulously delivering the harmonies and musicianship of one of the greatest bands of all time. Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $35 SATURDAY, MAY 21 PENN’S PEAK
www.facebook.com/Insurrectioninc 201 Main Ln., Lehighton, PA 610.379.4775 THURSDAY, MAY 19 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE
SECURITY PROJECT (PETER GABRIEL RE-ENVISIONED) Security Project featuring Jerry Marotta, the drummer from Gabriels classic line up (19771986), plus Trey Gunn from King Crimson, on touch guitar. Rounding out the band from Shriekback and Sky Cries Mary is Michael Cozzi on guitar and co founder of Gig Performer David Jameson on keyboards and Eigenharp. The addition of Happy Rhodes, with her 4-octave vocal range, fulfills the bands promise of re-envisioning the music of Peter Gabriel. Doors open 6:30 PM – Showtime 7:30 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $24 FRIDAY, MAY 20 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE
FUEL WITH SPECIAL GUESTS ANOTHER DAY DAWNS & CROOKED WAYS Destiny unfolds unexpectedly. However, it pushes us exactly where we’re supposed to be at just the right time. In this respect, you could say the 2021 rebirth of GRAMMY® Award-nominated multi platinum rock band Fuel was simply meant to be. After rebuilding their brotherhood, founder, guitarist, and songwriter Carl Bell and longtime drummer Kevin Miller didn’t just celebrate their history together. They rushed into the future joined by new blood—John Corsale [lead vocals, guitar], Mark Klotz [guitar, vocals], and Tommy Nat [bass, vocals]—and armed with their first album together in 18 years, Ånomåly. Tickets $27 - $32 Doors Open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00PM www.pennspeak.com (866) 605-PEAK
FRIDAY, MAY 27 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE
REAL DIAMOND (NEIL DIAMOND SHOW)
SATURDAY, MAY 28 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE
THE BREAKERS (THE TOM PETTY SHOW) The country’s premier Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers tribute band. Established to let the fans of the late great Tom Petty continue to enjoy the live experience of TP & the HB’s. No other Tom Petty tribute band comes close to capturing the SOUND and emotions of Tom’s songs quite like the Breakers. Unlike the vast amount of Tom Petty tributes who substitute visual mimicry for sound, the Breakers encompass the true unmistakable sound and execution of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers. Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $28 SUNDAY, MAY 29 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE Rock Royalty Tribute Band Playing tribute to the LEGENDS OF ROCK Playing the best of Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, Heart, Pat Benatar, Fleetwood Mac, Eagles and more! Nine versatile musicians featuring 5 lead singers. Returning to Mauch Chunk Opera House for their 3rd time. One of their favorite venues. Always a huge Sunday Memorial Day Weekend show! Doors open 6:30 PM – Showtime 7:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $25 FRIDAY, JUNE 3 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE
What makes The Glimmer Twins such a special attraction is their ability to capture the raw energy of the most electrifying performances throughout The Rolling Stones career, and present it in such a way that audiences are able to experience the same sensation of what it was like to be at a Stones concert in their heyday. Because of the uncanny resemblances to Mick Jagger & Keith Richards in their
TOTALLY REAL • TOTALLY UNFILTERED
JIM NORTON (COMEDY NIGHT) American stand up comedian, radio personality, bestselling author and actor, Jim Norton is the co-host of The Jim Norton & Sam Roberts Show that can be heard every morning on SiriusXM Satellite Radio. His latest stand up special, “Mouthful of Shame” is streaming now on Netflix where Jim lays out a full serving of refreshingly unapologetic humor in his first Netflix comedy special. In May 2016, he was announced as co-host of UFC’s Unfiltered Podcast with Jim Norton & Matt Serra. 7PM & 10PM Shows doors open 1 hour prior to start time. mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $43 - $93 SATURDAY, JUNE 4 PENN’S PEAK
THE MUSIC OF CREAM - PERFORMING DISRAELI GEARS AND CLAPTON CLASSICS
Playing Classic Rock of the 60’s, 70’s and Signature Hits of the 80’s Based out of Carbon County, “Doc” (Layne Roberts) launched his very own Internet radio Station after 30 years in the radio and disc jockey business.
Check out Dustin and Doc every day Monday-Fridays from 9-1 • Exclusively designed to partner with and promote local businesses through in-studio spotlights, Facebook, FB Live and Instagram
For the complete show line up, log in to the stations’ web site at www.colossalradio.rocks E-mail: info@colossalradio.rocks
MULLETT EXPERIENCE
PREMIER
80S
ROCK
For nearly a decade, Mullett has proven themselves to be THE Premier Rockers for Hair Band fanatics and lovers of Rock ‘n’ Roll. By delivering the best of the 1980’s in Big Hair and faithful renditions, Mullett recreates the vibe of those times with unrivaled conviction. Mullett fans agree; this is the closest anyone can get to classic Van Halen, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Journey and Poison without hitting 88 mph in a tricked-out DeLorean. Doors open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00 PM mcohjt.com (570) 325-0249 Tickets $29
Broadway Grille + Underground
SUNDAY, MAY 1 LIVE MUSIC: MATT MISKIE 3:00 PM TO 6:00 PM THURSDAY, MAY 5 OPEN MIC W/ MATT FILER 7:00 PM TO 10:00 PM SUNDAY, MAY 8 LIVE MUSIC: DOUG MAKOFKA 3:00 PM TO 6:00 PM
THE GILMOUR PROJECT CLASSIC STONES LIVE
SATURDAY, JUNE 4 MAUCH CHUNK OPERA HOUSE
ROCK ROYALTY
SUNDAY, MAY 22 PENN’S PEAK
The Gilmour Project will celebrate the exact & actual 50th Anniversary of ‘Dark Side Of The Moon: A Piece For Assorted Lunatics,’ which Pink Floyd first performed in January, 1972 at The Brighton Dome, UK, a full 14 months before the release of the legendary album, with a coast-to-coast, US tour in January, 2022. They will perform and explore this masterwork in its entirety as ‘Dark Side Of The Moon, Pieces For Assorted Lunatics,’ honoring the legendary band. Tickets $24 - $29
than 50 years ago, via their extensive live show, personal stories and rare footage. Tickets $22 - $27 Doors Open 7:00 PM – Showtime 8:00PM www.pennspeak.com (866) 605-PEAK
The Music of Cream, featuring family members Kofi Baker (Ginger Baker’s son) and Will Johns (Eric Clapton’s nephew) have announced an exciting new show for 2022. Honouring the original band’s landmark album Disraeli Gears, this will be performed in its entirety during the first set, followed by a second set of additional hits and rarities from Eric Clapton, Blind Faith and Cream The Music of Cream continue their celebration and interpretation of the extraordinary music and legacy their family members and mentors created more
SATURDAY, MAY 14 LIVE MUSIC: Q BALL 7:00 PM TO 10:00 PM SUNDAY, MAY 15 LIVE MUSIC: NOT JOHN 3:00 PM TO 6:00 PM THURSDAY, MAY 19 OPEN MIC W/ MATT FILER 7:00 PM TO 10:00 PM SATURDAY, MAY 21 LIVE MUSIC: KEYSTONE GROOVE 7:00 PM TO 10:00 PM SUNDAY, MAY 22 LIVE MUSIC: TOM STORM 3:00 PM TO 6:00 PM SATURDAY, MAY 28 JUSTIN SKYLER ORCHESTRA 7:00 PM TO 10:00 PM SUNDAY, MAY 29 LIVE MUSIC: TWIN HILL 3:00 PM TO 6:00 PM THURSDAY, JUNE 2 OPEN MIC W/ MATT FILER 7:00 PM TO 10:00 PM
broadwaygrillepub.com (570) 732-4343
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Kenny Wayne Shepherd Headlining Briggs Farm Blues Festival 2022 B riggs Farm Blues Festival is celebrating summer, this July 7, 8 & 9, with blues rock giant Kenny Wayne Shepherd as the Saturday Main Stage headliner! Shepherd hit the Top 40 charts 25 years ago with his awardwinning song “Blue on Black”, the same year Briggs Farm Blues Festival emerged onto the outdoor festival scene. Shepherd is known for electrifying live performances, and the dedicated music-lovers at Briggs Farm are in for an experience of a lifetime. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Briggs Farm Blues Festival, a three-day festival with 20 International and Regional acts on two stages. Over the years it’s come to mean more than a great weekend of world-class music; it’s time well spent with family and friends who
meet up year after year to feel grass underfoot, light a campfire, and relax together. It’s truly “The Best Weekend of the Year!” Briggs Farm Blues Festival is a music lovers paradise! The 25th Year Celebration boasts a stacked lineup full of explosive talent across many genres. When the neon buzzes to life on Thursday, July 7th, national recording artist Joshua Ray Walker will turn on the country-funk swagger and kick off the festival at the Briggs Country Blues PreParty! Touring with the likes of Marcus King & Colter Wall, catching praise from Rolling Stone Magazine and NPR Music, appearing on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and performing at the Grand Ole Opry this month; Walker is really going places and
The Main Stage at Briggs Farm Blues Festival 2021
Briggs Farm is thrilled to be a stop on his journey. The legendary Lee Fields will headline the Main Stage on Friday, July 8th, bringing his nearly 60 years of timeless and traditional Blues to the rolling hills of Briggs Farm. His juke joint inspired soul revival will be in the Main Stage mix along with the electrifying Southern Avenue, the charismatic John Nemeth, the sultry Nikki Hill, the powerhouse Alexis P. Suter, and more! While the Main Stage is rockin’, the intimate Back Porch Stage showcases both National & Regional artists, up close and personal, keeping the good times flowing from day into night, all weekend long. The family-oriented festival, just a few miles off Interstate 80 and 30 minutes from Wilkes Barre also offers on-site camping, a sprawling vendor marketplace, and a variety of delicious food. Patrons can bring in their own beverages (no glass bottles), coolers, and snacks. Tickets for the event are on sale now and prices are at their lowest until May 14th. More information and ticket purchasing options can be found on their website at briggsfarm.com.
2022 Briggs Farm Blues Festival Schedule Thursday, July 7 Briggs Country Blues Pre-Party 6:00 – 7:00pm The Hess Boys 7:20 – 8:50pm Cristina Vane 9:10 – 10:40pm Joshua Ray Walker Friday, July 8 Main Stage 4:15 – 5:45pm Alexis P Suter Band 6:05 – 7:35pm Veronika Lewis 7:55 – 9:10pm Lee Fields & The Expressions 9:30 – 11:00pm John Nemeth Back Porch Stage 12:55 – 2:25pm Totem Pole 2:45 – 4:15pm Guy Davis 4:35 – 6:05pm Open Jam 6:25 – 7:55pm Lynn & Farley Five 8:15 – 9:45pm Lonnie Shields Back Porch Party Saturday, July 9 Main Stage 4 – 5:30pm Nikki Hill 5:50 – 7:20pm Taylor Scott Band 7:40 – 9:10pm Southern Avenue 9:30 – 11pm Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band Back Porch Stage 12:30 – 2pm Uptown Music Collective 2:30 – 4pm The Mighty Susquehannas 4:20 – 5:50pm Gracie Curran 6:10 – 7:40pm The Tribe 8:00 – 9:30pm Clarence Spady Band
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Financial Planning For Veterans Is Different By Brian Pultro, AIF, BFA, RFC® The Current Contributing Writer Every Veteran Is Unique And Requires Personalized Financial Advice. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Census, there are over 17 million Veterans in the United States and more than nine million of these Veterans are served by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Ironically, serving your country sometimes brings tough economic times to you and your family. And while the VA can offer some wonderful programs – like the Aid and Attendance benefits and Household allowances – the VA does not offer financial planning. So, where is a Veteran to turn? A Financial Professional A financial plan needs to look at every bit of your life, not just your investments. A financial professional will look at your whole financial picture. As a financial professional who has spent 10 years on active duty with the United States Navy and continues to serve as a Navy Reservist, I will ask you very specific questions about your financial goals, but will also spend time asking you how you got to the present. Many questions will be about your service too: • Where did you serve? • Which branch? • For how long? • Were you wounded? • What was your rank? • Are you receiving VA benefits now? • Are you aware of various VA benefits?
These questions will be interspersed with others like: • Do you want to save for retirement or a child’s college education? • How is your health? • Who else depends on you? • Retire early or later? • Sell or buy a retirement home? • Are you risk-averse? •Do you plan to work in retirement? Planning For Veterans Is Different That one big question: “did you serve your country?” will lead to dozens of other questions and inform your planning roadmap towards retirement. By definition, everyone’s investment and financial planning needs cannot work with a one-size-fits-all planning strategy. Every financial situation is unique and requires personalized advice. And this is especially true when working with Veterans. The truth is that Veterans require specific planning strategies due to certain VA benefits, unique insurance needs, debt management and retirement income strategies. Professional financial advice targeted toward you – a Veteran – your life and your goals is what you deserve. Thank you for your service. Brian Pultro is a Doylestown, PA native, Navy Veteran, and local Financial Advisor. His practice is built upon the foundations of “Behavioral Finance” and training individuals and families on how to take natural human emotions out of the investment process. Pultro Financial Management (215) 489-3876 • brian.pultro@LPL.com
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC.
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biz briefs Community Development Block Grant – CARES Act Funding
NEPA Alliance, through the Partnerships for Regional Economic Performance (PREP) serving Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, and Wayne counties, will be providing grants of up to $50,000 for small businesses and up to $15,000 for microenterprises (small businesses that employ few people) located in one of those 7 counties that have been severely impacted due to COVID-19. For an overview of Program Eligibility, a Preparation Checklist, Frequently Asked Questions, and information on how to apply, please visit: http://nepa-alliance.org/ prepcdbg/ The NEPA Alliance, a regional community and economic development agency, serves the seven counties of Northeastern Pennsylvania including Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wayne. NEPA Alliance services include Federal and State grant assistance, Business Financing, Government Contracting Assistance, International Trade Assistance, Non Profit Assistance, Transportation Planning and Research and Information. For more information about NEPA Alliance visit www.nepa-alliance.org or call 866758-1929. “This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”
Reading & Northern Purchases Large Industrial Complex
Reading & Northern Railroad has acquired the former north campus of the Kovatch Fire truck company. The complex consists of nine buildings spread over approximately 10 acres of property in Nesquehoning Borough, Carbon County. The Kovatch company was sold six years ago to KME, a part of the REV Group. Last Fall, KME decided to cease operations in
Nesquehoning and the property was put up for sale. The facility sits in the middle of the Reading & Northern 400-mile rail system that runs from Reading in the south to Hazleton, Scranton and Mehoopany in the North. The Kovatch location is alongside the rail line that Reading & Northern purchased in 2021 from Carbon County, a rail line that now connects the Reading & Northern’s Reading and Lehigh Divisions. The investment in the Kovatch facility is just the latest investment by Reading & Northern in this region. In 2020 Reading & Northern finished the construction of the new Nesquehoning Bridge Phase 2 at a total cost of $14 million. After it purchased the Carbon County rail line for $4.7 million, Reading & Northern spent over $5 million to upgrade the track. And now Reading & Northern has acquired the Kovatch property in Nesquehoning for $2 million. “We are investing in our future and the future of the communities we serve,” said Andy Muller, Jr., founder, and owner/CEO of Reading & Northern. “Our company is growing by leaps and bounds. In fact, we believe we will be enjoying double digit carload and revenue growth for years to come fueled in large part by the increasing worldwide demand for Pennsylvania anthracite coal. We have always been known as “the Road of Anthracite” and this year the world has decided to purchase its coal from reliable Pennsylvania producers instead of Russia. We expect our coal business to grow substantially in 2022 and for years to come.” Among the buildings purchased by Reading & Northern are a number of buildings with heavy cranes systems capable of lifting equipment of varying weights. “We anticipate locating important parts of our freight and passenger operations in Nesquehoning, which sits in
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biz briefs such a perfect location for our railroad and our employees. We now will have the room to grow our equipment maintenance and repair facilities as well as providing much needed storage. With over 1600 freight cars and our ever-growing passenger fleet, which now consists of 47 cars, plus over 70 motor vehicles and countless number of other equipment for our track department and other departments, we were running out of space to keep our equipment well maintained.” said Muller. As part of its agreement with KME, Reading & Northern has allowed them to lease the buildings so they could complete the building of the last fire trucks to come out of the original Kovatch location.
Leadership Carbon Class of 2022 Graduation Ceremonies
Graduation Ceremonies kick off on Wednesday, May 11 at the Lehighton American Legion Post 314 at 381 Bridge Street in Lehighton. Schedule for the evening: 5:00 - 5:30 - Reception and Networking 5:30 - Welcome by Alice Wanamaker Invocation by Wayne Nothstein, Carbon County Commissioner Chairman Enjoy Dinner 6:00 - Thanks to Class Participants and Steering Committee 2021-2022 Class Review Maureen Donovan, Assistant Director Workforce & Community Service, LCCC Keynote Speaker Class of 2022 Project Presentation Class of 2022 Recognition of Graduates For information call Linda Rex at 610-379-5000
Free Marketing Workshop for Nonprofits! Tuesday, May 10th | 8:00-9:30 AM Registration & Continental Breakfast
8:00am • Program Begins 8:30am Location: St. Peter’s Community Resource Center, 177 Main Road, Lehighton Courtney Quaresimo, Founder & CEO of Quantifi Media, will share marketing and social media tips and tricks to help you best tell your organization’s story. She will also share recommendations for some free and low-cost tools you can use to better reach your audiences.
Wine on the River
Lehighton Downtown Partnership’s 3rd Annual Wine on the River will be hosted at the Lehighton Outdoor Center with wineries, food trucks, crafters and vendors. Enjoy the day sampling a variety of wines, shopping, listening to music and more. Bring your lawn chairs, drink, eat and listen to music. All tickets come with a complimentary wine glass for taste testing, and our own custom wine check! VIP status to the first 100 people to purchase VIP tickets. In between tastings enjoy visiting and shopping with our local crafters and vendors. Don’t want to carry your purchases? Not a problem, check them with our unique wine check operation. Watch for new exciting fun happenings at Wine on the River this year! So mark your calendars - Saturday, May 7, 2022 from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm. Advanced ticket sales going on now! Purchase online or in person at the CCEDC Office, Lehighton Outdoor Center, Styling Zone, Jokers Are Wild Game Cafe, Jenny’s Sweets & More, Blended Bakery, Wine & More on 1st, Perfect Balance Boutique or by calling 610-379-5000. To keep up to date on Wine on the River follow Lehighton Downtown Partnership - LDP on Facebook or on Instagram at WineOnTheRiver. For more information, please contact Bambi at (610) 509-6465 or email at BambiE@ carboncountychamber.org.
May 2022 • 21
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Improving Courses
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Continuing our efforts to boost education options and access, the House has approved legislation calling on the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to establish a catalog for online courses for K-12 students and professional development for teachers. Specifically, House Bill 1330 would require PDE to create a clearinghouse of online courses for students in grades K-12 to be accessible to public schools, nonpublic schools, home education programs and the general public. Schools may opt to participate in the programs as they see fit. The courses would be phased in beginning with high school classes in the 2024-25 school year, followed by middle and then elementary school courses. In addition, a professional development course catalog for teachers would be created. This legislation would enhance and improve Pennsylvania schools and serve as a model for the rest of the country. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
gas industry, meaning the more petroleum products Russia exports, the more it can wage war and finance its pursuit of regional and global influence.
Are You Registered to Vote? Students Visit the Capitol
It’s always fun to visit with students from Carbon County during their field trips to the state Capitol in Harrisburg. These fourth graders from S.S. Palmer Elementary School in Palmerton came earlier this month. We understand there was a transportation mixup and only half the class was able to make it. I’m looking forward to spending time with the rest of them when they visit in the coming weeks.
my House colleagues in voting for a series of bills to divest from Russia and invest in freedom through a boost in Pennsylvania energy production. House Bill 2447 would not only divest the Commonwealth from Russian and Belarusian financial assets but also prohibit future investment of Commonwealth funds in financial assets of those countries. The bill passed unanimously. I was also proud to support several bills that would help expand domestic energy production to work toward energy independence. This is so important when you consider 40% of the Russian government’s budget comes from its oil and
Pennsylvania residents who are not already registered to vote but wish to participate in the May 17 primary election should be sure to register no later than Monday, May 2. To be eligible to vote in the primary, you must be a citizen of the United States for at least one month before the election; a resident of the election district in which you register to vote for at least 30 days before the primary; and at least 18 years of age on or before the date of the primary. Under the law, only voters registered as Republicans or Democrats may vote for candidates in the primary election. Ballot questions are open to all voters.
Welcome to the Capitol!
Placing Taxpayer Funded Vehicles for Lawmakers in the Rearview Mirror
I had the chance to spend some time with Ian “Monty” Montelius from Jim Thorpe at the Capitol this week. He’s a student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy was in Harrisburg as part of Pharmacy Legislative Day, helping to spread the word about the important role pharmacists play in our communities.
State lawmakers would no longer be able to use state-owned or state-leased vehicles under legislation approved in the House this week. The use of such vehicles has declined significantly over the years, but a handful of legislators still rely upon them. A full prohibition on the use of state-owned or state-leased vehicles is long overdue. House Bill 746, which I am cosponsoring, now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Measures to Divest from Russia, Invest in Freedom Head to Senate In response to Russia’s unprovoked and atrocious acts toward the people of Ukraine, as well as its continued attempts to expand its geopolitical influence, I was pleased to join
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