Columbia-Montour Quarterly Vol. 13: July-September 2024

Enjoy a quarterly snapshot of our region with the latest edition of our quarterly digital magazine!

2024

Quarterly

Volume 13 July - September

Your All-Access Guide to Columbia & Montour Counties!

800.847.4810 iTourColumbiaMontour.com

📷 by: @rohrbachsfarm

GREEN’S FRUIT FARM

@GRACIESLAVENDERFARM

@CLEEH27

CONTENTS Table Of

2024 Covered Bridge Photo Contest Winner Announced

An Apple a Day...Showcasing a Few of Our Area’s Orchards

Upcoming Area Carnivals, Fairs & Festivals

@RAPTORALEX

Groove Out to Weekly Summer Concerts

Going Wild for Salmon

Light up the Night: Fireflies Along the Susquehanna Greenway 20

Events Calendar 22 Riverkeeper Reflections: STEM Camp Visits Montour Preserve 32

Member Spotlight 34 Summer Showcase: The Fishyaker 38

Your Summer Adventure Begins in COLUMBIA & MONTOUR Counties

THE BENTON CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO & FRONTIER DAYS CELEBRATION COMES TO TOWN JULY 16-21!

The Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce this year’s Covered Bridge Photo Contest winner. The winning image will be featured as the 2024 Covered Bridge Puzzle. This year’s puzzle will be released in the fall as the fourteenth installment in the Visitors Bureau’s limited-edition series, and will feature the Johnson Covered Bridge for the first time. Tony Berard’s snapshot of the Johnson Bridge in Columbia County was selected as this year’s overall winner. Tony taught mathematics at King’s College for forty years. During breaks from teaching, he experimented with travel photography. Upon his retirement in 2012, he had more time to pursue photography as a serious hobby. He joined the Hazleton Camera Club, where he has remained an active member, having served as president in 2023. Tony and his wife live in Conyngham and enjoy visiting and photographing the historic covered bridges of Columbia and Montour counties. Several other photographers were recognized

in this year’s contest with an honorable mention designation: Ben Prepelka (photo featuring Sam Wagner Covered Bridge), Mark Koskulitz (Snyder & Johnson Covered Bridges), Margie Hunsinger (Hollingshead Covered Bridge), Bob Erlsten (Snyder Covered Bridge), and Kristina Martyniuk (Rupert Covered Bridge). The Visitors Bureau would like to thank everyone who submitted photos to the contest. panel Queenpost truss bridge for approximately $750. The Johnson Bridge is 61 feet long and spans Mugser Run in Cleveland Township, just east of Knoebels Amusement Resort and west of Numidia. The bridge’s namesake is most likely Adam M. Johnson, a farmer who owned the land where the bridge is located. Johnson The Johnson Covered Bridge was built in 1882 by Daniel Stine. Stine built this three-

Ponduce F

also owned a boot and shoe store near this site. It is believed that the bridge was originally built to provide a safer crossing of Mugser Run to reach his farm and store. The Visitors Bureau is now taking pre-orders for the 2024 Johnson Covered Bridge puzzles – cost is $18, tax included. Puzzles are 550 pieces and supplies are limited. Individuals interested in getting puzzle may simply click on the button at the bottom of this article to access the pre-order form. No payment will be taken at the time of pre-order. When the finished puzzles arrive (likely in September), those on the pre-order list will be contacted directly to arrange pickup or shipping plans. Afterward, any puzzles not reserved for pre-orders will be made available to the general public to purchase at the Visitors Bureau Welcome Center. A donation of $2 from every puzzle sold will be made by the Bureau to the Columbia County Covered Bridge Association to go toward restoration and preservation of local covered bridge treasures. The Columbia County Covered Bridge Association restores, preserves, and advocates for the covered bridges of Columbia County for historical and recreational purposes. Their purpose is simple: they recognize the historic importance of the covered bridges as a public treasure to be available to, and be enjoyed by, the public. This non-profit association protects the area’s covered bridges not only for today, but also for future generations.

Click to Pre-Order Your Puzzle!

Passport to Discovering History To make it easy for visitors to explore the twenty-five historic covered bridges of Columbia & Montour Counties, the Visitors Bureau has once again brought back their passport program for 2024. The

free mobile-based passport allows users to “check-in” at each bridge using their phone’s GPS location services. The program also offers directions and more information about each bridge along the way. Once travelers have used their passport to check-in at 13 bridges, they will receive a wooden ornament replica of the West Paden Twin Covered Bridge, handmade by a local artist. If users complete all 25 bridge visits prior to December 31 of this year, they will also be entered in a grand prize drawing for an overnight getaway in Benton as well as an original framed covered bridge painting from area artist Pam Thomas.

click to get your free passport!

Farms-Spring24-HalfPg._Layout 1 3/22/24 9:56 AM Page 1

570-799-5888 Hours: Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun: 7:30am-5pm Serving Breakfast 7:30-Noon

Restaurant & Farm Market Banquet Hall with available Catering Christmas Tree Farm Check Website for Special Events!

Located 1 Mile Off Rt. 42 In Numidia 270 White Church Rd, Elysburg, PA

www.ponducefarms.com

An Apple

Day... a

by Linda Sones

Have you ever bitten into an apple and had burst with juice? I did recently after a visit to the OHF Orchards in Buckhorn. Joe O’Hara, the owner of the orchard, was nice enough to share an apple with me. I didn’t start eating it until I was back on the road. I had to pull my car over because the juice went all over my dashboard and down my shirt! This apple was 5 months old and still crisp, sweet, and obviously, juicy! OHF Orchards (an acronym for O ’ H ara F arms) got its start in 2013 with Joe, his son Patrick, and friend Gino Ardo. The three men currently farm 100 acres of apples with 25 varieties, and 25 acres of peaches along with some pears, cherries, plums, and apricots totaling 175 acres. On top of this, they lease another local orchard which keeps them all busy all year long.

A tot enjoys an apple nearly as big as his head from OHF Orchards!

Although they do not attend any local markets, they do attend the Hawley, Stroudsburg, Mountain Top, and North Atherton PA Farm Markets. But they have your back! If you want to pick your own, they offer apples in September and October. And, if you plan on canning some apples, apple sauce,

or maybe apple butter, you can order half or full bushels by calling the farm ahead of time. While I was there, Joe showed me a new piece of equipment he acquired: a sorter. It is such an impressive unit! It washed and sorted the fruit in no time. And it doesn’t take a lot of people to run it. This new piece of equipment will save many precious hours for the O’Hara family and their employees!

Enjoying an apple straight from the tree is the best!

Chris & Joe O’Hara, the owners of OHF Orchards, show off their beautiful trees in blossom.

The O’Hara’s also have 25+ acres of peaches that they tend!

I was so impressed with OHF Orchards that I decid- ed I needed to see another local orchard, Green’s. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Green’s Fruit Farm. It started in 1924 as “Uncle Peter’s Fruit Farm”. Sometime after, the bank foreclosed on the farm and ran it as the Tri-County Fruit Farm. In 1945, Robert Green Sr., purchased the farm and ever since, it has been Green’s Fruit Farm. In 2020, the farm was signed over to Green’s daughter and son- in-law, Mike and Julie Hricko, and it was managed by their son Bobby Hricko, and his wife Sara. Then in 2024, Bobby and Sara took over ownership running the business as a wholesale enterprise. Today, they have expanded into retail sales at their farm store just outside of Elysburg, Tuesday – Saturday from 10-6, farm markets, and pick-your-own events on Fridays and Saturdays from 10-5 during the season. Their stand is one mile north of the 54/497 intersec- tion in Elysburg, between Elysburg and Knoebels. The Hrickos grow 63 acres of apples with 40 dif- ferent varieties, 12 acres of peaches, pears, cher- ries, asparagus, plums, and pumpkins. The farm has been Eco-Certified which means a third-party audit verifies the most sustainable orchard spraying and

Bobby & Sara Hricko, owners of Green’s Fruit Farm, and their adorable little apple picker helpers!

Green’s also produces apple cider each year from their apples for customers to enjoy.

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Six Luxury rooms for today’s distinguished travelers who are looking for a comfortable home away from home! Wandell Inn 240 Main Street Benton, PA 17814 570-394-7033 www.wandellinn.com

A Picturesque Inn Nestled in the charming Village of Benton Pennsylvania... just a short drive from both Ricketts Glen State Park and Bloomsburg University. Each one of our six guest rooms is uniquely designed and features works by local artists. Our complimentary coffee bar awaits your visit.

growing practices for the northeast region. Green’s is the only orchard in Pennsylvania to hold this honor. Very im- pressive and Happy 100th Anniversary, Green’s! When I visited the orchards, the peaches were in bloom, farm workers were busy pruning trees, and the bees were very busy! They would be great places for a field trip and to teach kids where their food comes from and how they are grown. The orchards have one magnificent thing in common. That is, the best thing that they grow are their children. Future farmers providing our region with fresh, healthy fruit for years to come. •

GROOVE OUT TO Weekly Summer Concerts

July 9 – Re Play: Frank DeLucca & Son July 16 – Strawberry Ridge July 23 – West Branch Barbershop Chorus July 30 – Clickard Consortium August 6 – Jeff Mammett

DANVILLE Tuesdays thru August 6th 7:00 PM Held at Memorial Park

July 3 – Strawbridge July 10 – Uptown Music Collective July 17 – Gift, Troutman & Gift July 24 - Clickard Consortium July 31 - Ostrich Hat August 1 (Thursday at 5 PM til Dusk) – Annual Ice Cream & Cake Festival Featuring the Catawissa Military Band

BLOOMSBURG Wednesdays thru August 3rd 7:00 - 8:30 PM Held at the Bloomsburg Town Park

BERWICK Thursdays thru September 5th 7:00 PM Held at the Jackson Mansion Lawn

July 11 - Legends Oldies July 18 – Swing Masters

July 25 – Back Track & Rick Bennett August 1 - Rose Ostrowski & Guitarist August 8 - DJ Tom Rood (Kids Night; 6:30 - 8:30 PM) FREE balloons, games, and bounce house August 15 – TBA

August 22 – All That Glitters August 29 - Guilty Pleasure September 5 – Memory Lane Free Cake & Ice Cream Night

Bring your lawn chairs and relax to good music in Columbia & Montour Counties all summer long! Concerts are FREE.

by J enn P uckett

Going

On Route 11, between Bloomsburg and Danville – and many miles from any ocean – is a place most folks wouldn’t expect to see. I mean, who the heck builds a seafood store specializing in wild caught, sustainably harvested Alaskan salmon in rural Pennsylvania? Steve and Jenn Kurian - that’s who! The story of Wild for Salmon is a fascinating one. It’s a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and the power of passion. Steve and Jenn’s trip to Alaska in 2002 to help a friend with commercial salmon fishing led them to discover the incredible quality and value of wild-caught, sustainably harvested salmon. They were so impressed that they decided to bring it back to their community in Pennsylvania and share it with others. It wasn’t long until they purchased their first boat, the RJ. As the years passed and business grew it became time to upgrade to the new boat, the Ava Jane, named in honor of their daughter. Now, every summer sees Steve and crew back on board in Bristol Bay, Alaska, working hard to bring in the catch for all of us landlubbers back home. The busy months of June

Kurian kids Tommy & Ava proudly display some of the family catch on a recent trip.

Wild for Salmon often shares recipes and ideas on social media and on their website for ways to use their product.

Wild for Salmon owners Jenn & Steve Kurian with their children Tommy and Ava.

other fishermen who share their commitment to sustainable and responsible fishing practices. This allows them to offer a wide variety of high-quality seafood, including Alaskan crab, black cod, scallops, lobster, and oysters, all of which are caught or harvested in a way that prioritizes the health of the ocean and the communities that depend on it. Besides the store, they have also expanded their customer base to include individuals, farm markets, buying clubs, health food stores, and restaurants. They also ship to

and July bring a flurry of activity to the boat, with the fishing season typically lasting around 5-7 weeks. Led by the skipper of their 32-foot vessel, the crew work tirelessly to catch the salmon. Every 10 hours, they offload their catch onto a larger vessel, which takes the fish to processing facilities where they are filleted, flash frozen, and vacuum sealed to preserve that “direct from the boat” flavor. What is even more impressive is that they didn’t just stop at selling the salmon, but instead built a whole business around it. The Kurians partner with

the contiguous 48 states, making their products available to a much wider audience. The staff has increased to over 20 employees and continues to grow. So why eat wild-caught fish? Not all salmon is created equal. While both wild and farmed salmon have their nutritional benefits, wild caught salmon generally has a higher nutritional profile and more distinct flavor.

Steve with some of the crew up in Bristol Bay, Alaska.

The Kurians’ boat “Ava Jane” out working the waters.

Wild caught salmon tends to have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and selenium, as well as lower levels of saturated fats and contaminants. Additionally, the natural diet and exercise of wild salmon result in a more robust and complex flavor profile. Alaskan wild caught salmon is considered one of the most sustainable and environmentally responsible seafood options and is subject to strict regulations and monitoring, ensuring that the fishery is well-managed and maintains a healthy population. Another component of the Kurians’ success is their dedication to educating their customers in how to

prepare their products. They post recipes and blogs several times a month on their website to encourage their customers to try new ways of preparing healthy, fresh seafood dishes. I’ve always liked salmon, but my family were not fans until they tried their first Wild for Salmon sockeye fillet. They are now firmly “Team Wild” now. Pacific cod and scallops are also dinner staples at our house. The health benefits are welcome but we eat it just because it tastes great! I met Steve and Jenn at their store and my immediate

Unloading the nets with the latest catch of the day!

Cafe NowOpen !

MARKET HOURS Tuesday through Saturday • 9am-3pm Monday through Friday 9am-6pm Saturday 9am-3pm

521 Montour Blvd. (Rt. 11) Bloomsburg 570-387-0550 • WILDFORSALMON.COM

impression of them was that they are very friendly, enthusiastic, and incredibly hard-working folks. They have two successful businesses (they also own and run Susquehanna Tree Care), they fish commercially every summer, and are raising two kids. Wild for Salmon is a thriving, successful business, providing excellent seafood we wouldn’t normally have access to. Many of us would have been content with that, but the Kurians aren’t the kind of folks to sit back and take it easy. They decided it was time to expand their original building and put in a café! The newly renovated building is stunning, and the new café is the perfect anchor to bring people together. With its warm outdoorsy facade and welcoming interior, the café is sure to become a hub for locals and visitors alike. The transformation of the former warehouse into a more vibrant storefront has already generated buzz and attracted curious customers, and the café’s focus on fresh seafood and local produce will surely keep them coming back. Wild for Salmon’s commitment to quality over quantity is a refreshing approach in today’s fast- paced food scene. By limiting their menu to a carefully curated selection of dishes, they’re able to focus on using only the freshest ingredients and ensuring that every dish that leaves the kitchen is truly exceptional. In-house Chef Nicole is a talented chef and food enthusiast bringing a fresh and seasonal vibe to the menu. The café will feature sandwiches, tacos, soups, fish and chips, sushi and more that will include high end local ingredients from businesses like Bloomin’ Bagel and Fog and Flame. And yes, there will be options like fish sticks and salmon bites for kids. Try it in the café and buy the ingredients in the store to make it or any other of the dozens of dishes that Chef Nicole has created. The website is full of taste tested, step by step recipes. The café is open Tuesday – Saturday, 9am to 3pm. When guests are finished with lunch, they can head into the expanded storefront and shop the many options Wild for Salmon has to offer. Their own sockeye salmon is available in a variety of ways: by the fillet, as salmon burgers or sausage, stuffed into raviolis, Nova-style smoked and smoked

ABOVE: Wild for Salmon’s store before the renovations. BELOW: The newly renovated building is completed!

Chef Nicole works in the new café kitchen.

Jenn preparing some salmon sushi to showcase their sushi kit offerings.

salmon spread. There’s also Pacific cod, Ling cod, halibut, rockfish, pollock and albacore tuna. It would be “shellfish” of me not to mention the Dungeness crab, Maine lobster tails and Gulf shrimp. If you don’t know how to prepare any of the offerings, the Wild for Salmon team will be happy to give you advice on how to prepare and cook it!

The return of their annual “Fishtival” event in August will bring a taste of Alaskan tradition to Pennsylvania, with smoked salmon demos and food samples on offer. This unique event will give attendees a chance to experience the flavors and techniques of Alaskan cuisine, and welcome the fishermen home with their fresh catch. Fishtival is based off of a festival sharing the same name in Bristol Bay, held annually to celebrate another successful season the salmon fishing season. Watch the Wild for Salmon Facebook page for updates! Wild for Salmon is unique treasure in our area. To those of us who are locals, we are blessed to have this taste of Alaska right here in our backyard. If you’re visiting our area, don’t miss this one-of-a- kind “from the boat” experience. Stop in for the café, tour the store and when you get home, log on to the website to order and they’ll ship you the best seafood you can buy! Learn more at: wildforsalmon.com.

Steve cutting up some salmon fillets right on the boat.

F irelies A long the S usquehanna G reenway

The Susquehanna Greenway is aglow this month thanks to the bright lights of this Greenway na- tive and Pennsylvania state insect: the firefly. These small but mighty insects are hallmarks of summer. Their mesmerizing light shows capture the imaginations and the hearts of adventur- ers the world over, but how much do you really know about these talented creatures?

THEY GO BY MANY NAMES

If you’re from the New England or the West, you probably refer to them as ‘fireflies,’ but if you’re from the South or the Midwest ‘lightning bug’ is more common. However, these insects are ac- tually not a ‘fly’ nor a ‘bug.’ They are in fact members of the Lampyridae fam- ily of winged beetles; that’s right, they are bee- tles! The word Lampyridae actually comes from the Greek ‘lampein,’ which means ‘to shine.’ Compared to an incandescent light bulb, which only emits 10 percent of its energy as light, that’s pretty incredible.

actually one of the most efficient energy pro- ducers in the natural world. In fact, almost 100 percent of the energy they produce is emitted as light. WHY DO THEY EMIT LIGHT? Fireflies light up mainly to attract a mate. Male fireflies flash while hovering over tall grass or trees. If a female firefly decides she likes the male, she will respond with her own unique se- ries of flashes from lower on the ground. Since each species of firefly has its own unique flash, it’s important for females to figure out which males are the right ones. A good pick up line, like “you look flashy tonight,” can some- times help things along.

THEY UNDERGO A CHEMICAL REACTION IN THEIR ABDOMENS

This reaction produces their flash, which, de- pending on the species, can range from yellow, orange, and our favorite–GREEN. While more than 2,000 species bear the name “firefly,” not all of them glow. Those that are lucky enough to flash do so by mixing oxygen with a pigment called luciferin to generate light with very little heat. They are

WHERE ARE THE BEST PLACES TO WATCH FIRE- FLIES IN THE SUSQUEHANNA GREENWAY?

THEY LIVE SHORT BUT EN-LIGHTENED LIVES

We recommend fields with tall grasses & low light pollution. Areas where the grasses meet the forest line offer an ideal dark backdrop for the incandes- cent glows. The river banks of the Susquehanna are always a great place to catch some biolumi- nescence. Check out the Greenway’s Interactive Map to find a public river access near you. This summer, you can also help scientists learn about the geographic distribution of fireflies and what environmental factors impact their abun- dance through the Firefly Watch Community Sci- ence Project. Just pick a spot to observe them, and map them here.

The egg to larvae stages of the firefly life cycle last from the end of summer to the spring, after which the small larvae dedicate all their energy to grow- ing wings and hard-shells. Once they emerge as fully-fledged fireflies in the late spring, the small glowing insects only have about two months to find love before their lights go out forever. Now that you know some cool firefly facts, the hot humid days of July and August are the perfect time to get outside and watch the light shows. Since fireflies are cold-blooded, hotter weather means their flashes will be longer and brighter.

Article Courtesy of the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership

@AWYDRAPHOTOGRAPHY

EVENTS CALENDAR

CARNIVALS, FAIRS & FESTIVALS

June 28 – July 6: 95 th annual millville fireman ’ s carnival , millville July 8 – 13: lightstreet fireman ’ s carnival , lightstreet July 11 – 13: briggs farm blues festival , nescopeck July 16 – 21: 39 th annual frontier days celebration , benton rodeo grounds July 19 – 27: 97 th annual orangeville fire company carnival , orangeville July 19 – 21: world war ii weekend , berwick July 22 – 27: montour delong fair , montour delong community fairgrounds August 1: 67 th annual cake and ice cream festival , bloomsburg town park August 3: central pennsylvania bigfoot & cryptid festival , memorial park , elysburg August 7 – 11: catawissa 250 th anniversary celebration , catawissa August 9 & 10: peach festival , mifflinville carnival grounds August 9 & 10: farmfest at the farm in bloom August 15 – 17: valley chemical fire company carnival , numidia August 17 – 18: painted pony intertribal pow wow , benton rodeo grounds August 23 – 25: bbq and brew music festival at the bloomsburg fairgrounds

September 6 -8: danville heritage festival , danville September 7: fall craft fair , ber - vaughn park , berwick September 20 – 28: bloomsburg fair , bloomsburg fairgrounds

BLOOMSBURG FAIR SEPT. 20 THRU SEPT. 28, 2024

PREVIEW IS FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 20 TH , 2024 See Full List of Events at www.bloomsburgfair.com

2024 Weis Markets Grandstand Entertainment Grandstand Ticket Office 570-387-4145 or visit www.bloomsburgfair.com/grandstand

FREE STAGE SCHEDULE 2024 SEE IT ALL WITH YOUR GATE ADMISSION!

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 20

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 25

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 20 Chris Ruble Band: 2PM & 7PM Josh Squared Band: 3:45PM & 8PM Vespers Service: 6PM SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 21 Looker: 12PM & 5PM Cheyenne Pohl with Clockwork Band: 1:45PM & 6:30PM Sapphire: 3:30PM & 8PM SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 22 Shilo Bible Service: 10AM Suns of Beaches: 11:30AM & 4PM Into the Spin: 1PM & 5:30PM Clark Jackson: 2:30PM & 7PM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 23 John Stanky & The Coal Miners: 12PM & 5PM Ole 97 - Johnny Cash Tribute: 1:45PM & 6:30PM Pat Garrett: 3:30PM & 8PM TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 24 Julia Neville: 12PM & 5PM Jesse Garron - Elvis Tribute: 1:45PM & 6:30PM Rick K. Road Trip: 3:30PM & 8PM

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 25 Julia Neville: 12PM & 5PM Rick K. Road Trip: 1:45PM & 6:30PM Jesse Garron - Elvis Tribute: 3:30PM & 8PM THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 26 Uptown Band: 12PM & 5PM Mahoney Brothers: 1:45PM & 6:30PM Halfway to Hell - AC/DC Tribute: 3:30pm & 8PM

Harness Racing: 11:00AM The Beach Boys: 8:00PM SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 21 Harness Racing: 11:00AM Riley Green with Special Guest John Morgan: 7:30PM SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 22 Casting Crowns with Special Guest David Leonard: 7:00PM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 23 Bachman Turner Overdrive with Special Guest Foghat: 7:00PM TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 24 Bullride Mania with Barrel Racing: 6:30PM

Full Size Truck Derby and the Dennis “Pork” Young Memorial Figure 8 Racing: 7:00PM THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 26 Koi Drag Racing with Full Size Vehicles, Quads, Dirt Bikes & More: 7:00PM FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 27 Check Website For Future Announcements

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 27 Mahoney Brothers: 12PM & 5PM Moore Brothers - Oldies: 1:45PM & 6:30PM Bat Out of Hell Band PA (Meatloaf Tribute): 3:30PM & 8PM

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 28 Sapphire: 11AM & 3:30PM Lovelace - The 70’s Band:12:30PM & 5PM Bat Out of Hell Band PA (Meatloaf Tribute): 2PM & 8PM Journey Bank Teen Star: 6:30PM

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 28 Championship

Demo Derby: 1:00PM Big Rigs Series Finals: 7:00PM

@PHOTOSBYWASEH

EVENTS CALENDAR

ONGOING

bloomsburg library bridge club Every Monday Bloomsburg Public Library 570-784-0883 – bloomsburgpl.org craft pizza night Every Monday Craft Catering at the Links at Hemlock Creek 570-594-8134 - http://www.craftcateringllc.com

danville ( ferry street ) growers ’ market Every Saturday Ferry Street Grower’s Market facebook.com/fsgmarket bloomsburg fair farmers market Every Saturday Bloomsburg Fairgrounds, Barn near the Barton House 570-784-4949 - bloomsburgfair.com

american mah jongg Every Tuesday Bloomsburg Public Library 570-784-0883 – bloomsburgpl.org

bloom yarnies Every second and fourth Saturday Bloomsburg Public Library 570-784-0883 - bloomsburgpl.org

danville summer concerts at memorial park Every Tuesday through August 6 Danville Memorial Park 570-284-4502 - VisitDanvillePA.org

komodo dragon feeding Last Saturday of the month Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland 570-538-1869 - reptiland.com brewskis ’ bluegrass brunch

i am safe Every first and third Tuesday Hand in Hand (I am Safe) 570-237-0456 – handinhandpa.org preschool storytime Every Wednesday Bloomsburg Public Library 570-784-0883 – bloomsburgpl.org

Last Sunday of the month Brewskis Coffee and Bar 570-317-2865

39th Annual Frontier Days Celebration

July 16-21 2024 Voted “Best in the East”

3D Barrel Racing Wednesday

Fun Horse Show Tuesday

APRA & IPRA Sanctioned Championship Rodeo Thur., Fri., & Sat.

Bull-A-Rama Sunday

No Pets Allowed

Grounds Open At 5pm

385 Mendenhall Lane • Benton, PA 17814

Camping Available • Great Food & Vendors For More Information: Call (570) 925-6536 Please Leave Message. bentonrodeo@yahoo.com www.bentonrodeo.com

bloomsburg town park summer concert series Every Wednesday through August 1 Bloomsburg Town Park 570-784-7123 - bloomsburgpa.org play traditional mahjong Every Thursday Bloomsburg Public Library 570-784-0883 – bloomsburgpl.org summer concert series at the jackson mansion Every Thursday through August 29 Jackson Mansion Lawn 570-752-2723 - berwickborough.org

music and more at phillips emporium July 5 – November 22

Music Hall at Phillips Emporium 570-387-8027 – musichallatpe

seeing and feeling with photography and pottery at artspace August 22 – September 29 Artspace Gallery 570-784-0737 - artspacebloomsburg.com “ looking up ” September 3 – October 11 Exchange Gallery 570-317-2596 - exchangearts.org

first day hike with nature journaling and the pa master naturalists First of each month Montour Preserve 570-850-1166 – montourpreserve.org penn woods by rj designs at artspace July 4 – August 18 Artspace Gallery 570-784-0737 - artspacebloomsburg.com

@KNOEBELS

@YONDERFANJ

EVENTS CALENDAR

JULY

steve shannon tire 4 - wheel jamboree July 12 – 14 Bloomsburg Fairgrounds 4wheeljamboree.com day at the lake July 13 Riverside Adventure Company at the Montour Preserve montourpreserve.com

fish - for - free day July 4 Pennsylvania Waterways fishandboat.com

bloomsburg 4 th of july fireworks July 4 Bloomsburg Town Park berwick community fireworks July 5 Crispin Field, Berwick bringing back the 615 to the 570 July 5 Forge Pub and Eatery 570-520-4165 - facebook.com/ForgeBerwick pick - your - own lavender July 5 - 7 & 12 -14 Gracie’s Lavender Farm 570-285-5565 - gracieslavenderfarm.com

may the force be with you day July 13 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum 570-389-9206 - the-childrens-musuem.org

car and tractor show July 14 St. Mary’s Church, Berwick benton rodeo July 16 – 21 Benton Area Rodeo 570-925-6536 - bentonrodeo.com

world war ii weekend July 19 – 21

briggs farm blues festival July 11 – 13 Briggs Farm in Nescopeck 570-379-3342 - briggsfarm.com

Berwick Test Track bringstuiehome.org bloomsburg y “ run forest run ” (5K, 10K & FUN RUN ) July 20 Weiser State Forest-Roaring Creek Tract 570-784-0188 - bloomsburgy.org

the velveteen rabbit July 11 – 28 Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble - Alvina Kraus Theatre 570-784-5530 - bte.org

@BRIARCREEKFARMS

EVENTS CALENDAR

JULY (CONTINUED) pioneer day July 20 Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine 570-875-3850 - pioneertunnel.com

3 rd annual daddy daughter dance July 28 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum 570-389-9206 - the-childrens-musuem.org

AUGUST

agape palooza 15 year anniversary celebration July 20 AGAPE - Love From Above To Our Community 570-317-2210 - agape-pa.org

central pa bigfoot & cryptid festival August 3 Elysburg Community Park 570-259-9387 - centralpabigfoot.com 2024 susquehanna greenway outdoor expo August 3 Shikellamy State Park Marina 570-522-7244 - susquehannagreenway.org music in the garden , an evening with jeff tomassacci August 7 Folk’s Butterfly Farm 570-394-7298 - folksbutterflyfarm.com 9 th annual touch - a - truck August 10 Rohrbach’s Farm 570-389-9206 - the-childrens-museum.org

montour delong fair July 22 – 27

Montour DeLong Community Fairgrounds 570-437-2178 - montourdelongfair.com music in the garden , an evening with david collier July 24 Folk’s Butterfly Farm 570-394-7298 - folksbutterflyfarm.com the mooresburg one room schoolhouse open house July 28 Mooresburg One Room School House 570-271-0830

SEPTEMBER

coffeehouse series presents the pickups August 14 Anomaly Craft Brewing 570-317-2596 - exchangearts.org painted pony intertribal pow wow August 18 & 19 Benton Rodeo Grounds 570-256-3241 16 th annual artfest August 24 Market Street in downtown Bloomsburg 570-317-2596 - exchangearts.org music in the garden , an evening with mel

danville heritage festival September 6 – 8 Mill Street, Downtown Danville 570-284-4502 - visitdanvillepa.org

splash into fall craft fair September 7 Ber-Vaughn Park 570-594-2189 - berwickpoolproject.wordpress.com

michael cleveland & flamekeeper September 12 Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg Haas Center for the Arts 570-389-4409 – bloomu.edu/arts-in-bloom

rivers August 24 Folk’s Butterfly Farm 570-394-7298 - folksbutterflyfarm.com

@TLSMOLOCK

the mooresburg one room schoolhouse August 25 Mooresburg One Room School House 570-271-0830

all home days August 31 – September 2 All Home Days Grounds in Elysburg 570-441-7310 - facebook.com/AllHomeDays

SEPTEMBER (CONTINUED)

the exchange ’ s listening room presents the nate myers trio September 25 Exchange Gallery 570-317-2596 - exchangearts.org orpheus chamber orchestra with pianist garrick ohlsson ( classical ) September 26 Weis Center for the Performing Arts 570-577-1000 - bucknell.edu/WeisCenter

sierra hull ( bluegrass ) September 13 Weis Center for the Performing Arts 570-577-1000 - bucknell.edu/WeisCenter 5 th annual back the blue September 14 Three Dogs Vino 570-389-0151 - threedogsvino.com 169 th annual bloomsburg fair September 20 – 28 Bloomsburg Fair Grounds 570-784-4949 - bloomsburgfair.com

FREE EVENT ADMISSION

Riverkeeper Reflections

AREA MIDDLE SCHOOLERS EXPLORE MONTOUR PRESERVE, CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING THROUGH STEM CAMP PROGRAM DAY

CREEK IS AN EXAMPLE OF COLLABORATION, PERSISTENCE IN TACKLING ABANDONED MINE DRAINAGE ISSUES

by John Zaktansky, Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association

Sixteen middle school girls from across the Susquehanna Valley visited the Montour Preserve on Thursday, June 27, 2024, for a special CSIU STEM Camp program.

their STEM skills while showcasing all the preserve has to offer.

The day began in the fossil pit with a presentation from Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper board member Doug Fessler and Vernal School Program Supervisor Marissa Crames. The students then spent about a half-hour searching for fossils and taking some home with them afterward. They were then split into groups for a rotation through three stations. One was a scavenger hunt throughout the Nature Center for interesting facts that were hidden in various signage and other locations in the center, including the new Eels in the Classroom display. This station was led by Crames. Another rotation included a stream study with Riverkeeper John Zaktansky with help from Fessler, starting with an observational look at how to tell if a stream is healthy or not, a look for macroinvertebrates and other aquatic creatures and chemical testing of a waterway. Students tested the Chillisquaque Creek’s pH and turbidity and discussed how water sampling can lead to data that can identify sources for possible pollution.

They got to visit various popular areas of the preserve, getting a wide variety of experiences designed to expand

Doug Fessler educates the STEM crew about types of fossils at the Preserve’s fossil pit.

The third morning station involved an underwater videography overview with Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association President Michael Kinney. Students learned how to effectively take photos and videos under waterways to find different life, including an overview on how to safely use their phones for such an effort. After the rotations, the girls tried out electric skateboards they built earlier in the week during a different program day in a scavenger hunt for puzzle pieces using bird calls and vocal patterns. Zaktansky discussed the association’s BirdNet project as another STEM-related creative solution to help monitor stream health during this session. After lunch, the girls took a hike into the backside of the preserve and then split in two. One group went with Fessler and Crames and looked at various environmental sensors from MWEE weather kits and discussed how they can be used to test for a wide variety of factors. The second group hiked across a forested section with Zaktansky to look for various signs of wildlife, observe browse patterns from deer in the wooded section and

Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper John Zaktansky leads a stream study for the students.

Michael Kinney leads a session on underwater photography and videography.

did some nature journaling along the way with various observations.

Throughout the day, the girls engaged with association interns Sarah Joy and Theadora Duane, who helped connect them to the lessons and find various nature- related items along the way. “This is another program that showcases the essential partnership approach we have with the Vernal School effort at the Montour Preserve,” said Zaktansky. “The Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU) working with the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, the Montour Area Recreation Commission, Fessler IT Consulting and Get Lost Photography (Kinney) to connect young people with nature and the wide variety of opportunities at the preserve. These programs not only spark creative problem solving through STEM-colored glasses, but also help inspire the next generation of stewards and will bring new families to this vital venue.”

Learn more about the Vernal School Environmental Education Partnership by visiting: vernalschool.org

An enjoyable time was had by all on this educational visit to the Montour Preserve!

Students scour through the Preserve’s fossil pit.

616 Walnut Street Danville, PA 570-275-1310

Lunch • Dinner • Takeout • Delivery Something for everyone... entrees, appetizers, burgers, salads, soup and don't forget the fresh cut fries! Offering a full bar with a variety of domestic, imported, craft, and seasonal beers. Family-friendly atmosphere with outdoor seating. Open for lunch and dinner.

www.ltevansrestaurant.com Online Ordering Available!

CHRISTIANE RICARD

@TOM_G462

@THE.PATHFINDERS

@WANDERINGLENSPHOTOS

@PRICKETTIZED

@EAST_COASTERS_

Member Spotlight The Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau is proud to welcome the following businesses as recent new members to the organization!

a -1 storage 31 Penny Lane, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 570.784.1844 A-1 Storage offers self-storage units ranging in size from 5’ x 5’, 10’ x 10’, and 10’ x 20’.

cleanfreex , llc 141 Cross Rd, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 FreeQuoteHere.com • 570.392.9675 CleenFreex is a professional Cleaning Service with over 25 years of experience.

it ’ s about 2 go down entertainment , llc itsabout2godown.com • 570.452.1301

Based in Berwick, this veteran-owned business provides entertainment services for weddings, corporate events, birthday parties, holiday parties, proms, etc.. They provide photo booths, 360 booths, DJ, special effects machines and more!

Visit us this summer!

Help us celebrate 40 years of playing, learning, & discovering!

2 West 7th Street Bloomsburg, PA 17815 (570)389-9206 www.the-childrens-museum.org. childrensmuseumbloom@gmail.com

mifflinville carnival committee East 1st Street, Mifflinville, PA 18631 facebook.com/groups/361209226154417 • 570.204.5200 A group involved in the annual carnival and other Mifflinville events.

my windy hill kennels 31 Penny Lane, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 mywindyhillkennels.com • 570.336.0793

We welcome visitors at any time during open kennel hours. Our staff would be more than happy to take you on a tour of the facility and answer any questions or concerns you may have during your pets’ stay with us. If you are unable to visit during kennel hours, please call for an appointment. The kennel is situated just behind our home and therefore someone is on the premises 24/7. We give each dog individual attention and cater their daily routine to their unique needs. Your dog will get plenty of exercise and playtime in our spacious yards. pennsylvania off - highway vehicle association (P a OHV) paohv.org • 717.889.0296 PaOHV represents the interests of Pennsylvania off-highway vehicle users in public and private activities. The organization facilitates interactions with public and private land managers, de- fends the OHV community against discriminating legislation and regulation, inspires and fosters camaraderie among motorized OHV users as well as all recreational trail user groups, provides educational and programming opportunities for the proper riding procedures, intelligent safety choices, and the execution of appropriate environmental decisions, and much more.

Summer Showcase - The Fishyaker John “Toast” Oast is well known in the fishing world for his popular Fishyaker kayak rigging video series, which has received over 7 million views. “Toast,” often referred to as a “pioneer of the sport of kayak fishing” and “the MacGyver of kayak fishing,” is an Okuma Fishing Tackle Influencer, YakAttack National Pro Staffer, GoFish Cam ambassador, and member of the NuCanoe, FishLab, and Soft Steel pro staff. Oast’s kayak fishing exploits have been featured in various regional and national publications, videos, and television shows, and he travels extensively competing in kayak fishing tournaments and promoting the sport. John is also a member of the Columbia Montour Visitors Bureau’s Board of Directors.

Want to catch more of John’s fishing exploits?

rs Country Grill 22 - Half_Layout 1 6/9/22 10:40 AM Page 1

DineIn • TakeOut • Catering Westovers Country Grill creates delicious, good ole’ fashion home cooking in a nostalgic country setting. From comfort food like BBQ to delicious steaks and pasta, you’ll love every bite. We even make homemade desserts! Stop by anytime, especially if you’re on your way to nearby Ricketts Glen.

Dine inside or relax outside on our all weather outdoor deck/pavilion. It’s also the perfect place to have your next party, event, or business gathering.

4438 Red Rock Rd. Benton PA 17814 570-925-0330 Open at 11am Tuesday-Sunday

B.Y.O.B. Welcome!

@SAUCE.DUJOUR

Member Spotlight The Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau is proud to welcome the following businesses as recent new members to the organization!

red brick chapel 145 East Main Street, Berwick, PA 18603 facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070039862891 • 717.418.1825 The Red Brick Chapel is an events venue in Berwick that is available for the public to rent for gatherings, events, and weddings.

shaffer ’ s cake and candy supply 145 East Main Street, Berwick, PA 18603

facebook.com/shafferscakeandcandysupplies • 570.759.9372 Shaffer’s carries a wide variety of cake and candy supplies.

susquehanna university 514 University Avenue, Selinsgrove, PA 17870 susqu.edu • 570.374.0101

Susquehanna University is a private liberal arts college in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1858 as a missionary institute, it became a four-year liberal arts college in 1895. The campus covers 297 scenic acres and features first-rate facilities, including a state-of-the-art science center, an Environmental Education Center focused on sustainability as well as river and land research, and premier performing venue Stretansky Concert Hall.

Van ' S musical Corner Van Wagner | Born in Pennsylvania. Lives in Pennsylvania. Makes music. Mined coal. Logged trees. Teaches kids. Van Wagner is an educator. In the classroom, he teaches Environmental Science at Danville Area School District. He was selected as Conservation Educator of the Year in 2005 from Schuylkill County and in 2007 and 2009 in Union County. In 2012 he was awarded the Sandy Cochran award for natural resource education from the Pennsylvania Forestry Association. Outside of the class- room, he educates audiences with his music and programs on Pennsylvania History. He received an Outstanding Achievement Award in 2018 from the Pennsylvania Heritage Songwriting Contest. His music has been featured on the History Channel, WVIA TV, as well as Country Music Television (CMT). He has released 35 original albums and published a book entitled “Coal Dust Rust and Saw Dust.” His music and programs not only entertain but inspire audiences to become involved in learning about Central Pennsylvania and beyond.

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