Enjoy a quarterly snapshot of our region with the latest edition of our quarterly digital magazine!
2024
Quarterly
Volume 12 April - June
Your All-Access Guide to Columbia & Montour Counties!
800.847.4810 iTourColumbiaMontour.com
📷 : JOEL APPLEMAN
FOLK’S BUTTERFLY FARM
@FISHYAKER
CONTENTS Table Of
4
Seeing Red: An International Harvester Life
8
Art Heals at the Hospital
Save the Date: 2024 Area Carnivals, Fairs & Festivals 13
@THEINNATTURKEYHILL
15
Covered Bridge Photo Contest 2024 Details
16
Events Calendar
Gone Fishin’ Revisited 28 Turning the Page on a New Chapter: Bloomburg Public Library 24 Call for Artists: 2024 Covered Bridge & Arts Festival 30
Member Spotlight 31
@ROHRBACHSFARM
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Your SPRING Adventure Begins in COLUMBIA & MONTOUR Counties
OPENING WEEKEND AT KNOEBELS AMUSEMENT RESORT IS APRIL 27 & 28!
3
RED
Seeing
by Linda Sones
I’ve been a farm girl since I was born. And as a farmer, you were either Red (International Harvester) or Green (John Deere). We were Red! Ever since I can remember, my father had an International Harvester Farmall “Super C”. He was famous for it. Not only did he tend our enormous garden in the summer, but he plowed us out every winter and occasionally pulled vehicles out of snow banks. Once he had our garden plowed or drive cleared, he would assist anyone else who requested his help. He was referred to as “Pappy”. “Pappy and his tractor” to be exact. When my father passed away, his tractor was bought by our cousins, Barb and Jack, who are very active in the International Harvester Collectors group and show with Bellona IH Club, Bellona, New York. They tore the tractor down to its nuts and bolts, refurbished it, gave it a new coat of paint, and now show it at the International Harvester’s events.
My Pappy and his beloved International Harvester tractor.
Plowing out the driveway on his tractor.
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LEFT: The International Harvester Collectors of Central PA Chapter 17 building and museum in Millville.
BELOW: A memorial plate for my grandfather, Paul “Pappy” Dalious, is placed on the side of his 1952 tractor.
Well, this is my lucky year; the International Harvester Red Power Showdown is returning to the Bloomsburg Fair from June 13 – 15, and Pappy’s Tractor is planning on being there. The host is our own local International Harvester Collectors of Central PA Chapter # 17 based out of Millville. This group’s roots started in 1993 during a meet in Center Hall for IH enthusiasts. A group of local enthusiasts got together and decided they would like to develop a local branch of the IH Collectors Club. By September of the same year, they were officially a chartered member. Tubby Barlow, another local collector, owned a building he used for his IH equipment that the new chapter was interested in acquiring. The chapter asked to use Tubby’s IH building, and in 2002, they had their first showdown in Millville. Soon after, Tubby sold the building to the Chapter. This building is home to a replica of the 1st mechanical farm equipment that became available to the public. It is on a permanent loan from Navistar, an American holding company created in 1986 as the successor to International Harvester. It is a horse-drawn harvester used to cut small grains. Also located in their museum is the one-millionth refrigerator that IH made, which is also on permanent loan from Navistar. Plus, there’s also a mechanical robot named TRACTO, who was made in 1960 by Harvester engineers in Hinsdale, IL, from hundreds of tractor parts. TRACTO belongs to the chapter’s
TRACTO, the unique 8 foot tall robot made from hundreds of tractor parts!
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LEFT & BELOW: Photos from the 2019 Red Power Round Up at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds.
LT Evans
Pappy’s tractor pre-restoration.
dear friend in Wisconsin. Coming soon to their collection is an International Harvester refrigerator made in Australia that runs on kerosene. The chapter only knows of five of these units in the United States. Additionally, there are hundreds of pieces of Harvester memorabilia and about 40 tractors and IH implements housed in their building for everyone to see. The International Harvester Red Power Showdown is an event like no other. People from everywhere come with their antique farm equipment and anything International Harvester. There will be vendors who sell parts, folks displaying their trophy machinery, food, music, and competitions. Chapter 17, headed by Ben Trapani, has hosted these events before and knows how to make it a success. In 2014, they hosted a Red Power Showdown, and in 2019, his chapter hosted the 30th National Red Power Round-Up which thousands of people attended. So, if you are in the area this June, stop by the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds and get your RED on! While there, enjoy the music, have some lunch, and look for Pappy’s Tractor. •
Pappy’s tractor in the process of being rebuilt and restored.
The tractor completely restored.
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at the Hospital HEALS
by Nancy Bishop
ART THERAPY PROGRAM AT DANVILLE STATE HOSPITAL HELPS PROVIDE HEALING THROUGH SELF-EXPRESSION
Every day it seems like there are new headlines in the news about advances in medicine. Cancer has new treat- ments that offer long-term remission and even a cure. Diseases like tuberculosis that once might have had you locked away in a sanatorium have cures and vaccines to prevent them. New advancements in treatments and medications make diseases like diabetes manageable. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the treatment of mental illness. It’s now recognized as an illness that can be treated, and managed, not as something that people cause for themselves by poor lifestyle choices. Not some- thing that makes people need to be locked away from society forever. An exciting art therapy program at Danville State Hospital is making that healing happen. “It’s our job to treat the whole person,” State Hospital CEO TJ Burk told me when I visited recently. “Our aim is to treat consumers, help them with their recovery and then be discharged. We also teach them the skills they need to remain out of the hos- pital. When consumers leave here, they have purpose.”
throughout the hospital. The artwork allows participants to express themselves. And the pictures brighten the halls and rooms. When consumers see that staff and administrators at the hospital care about the place by having artwork around they think “therefore they must care about me,” Burk said. “The environment affects the psyche.” Knowing that Kelly Klock in the Psychology Department at the hospital had both her master’s and bachelor’s de- grees in art therapy and is a board certified and registered art therapist as well as a licensed professional counselor, Burk asked her to develop the art therapy program. Kelly reached out to Amy Shepperson from the hospital’s ther- apeutic recreation group to be the co-lead.
Consumers in the art therapy program create their own artwork, which decorates the walls
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Creations from Kelly’s Pottery group.
Left to right: Kelly Klock (program co-lead), TJ Burk (Danville State Hospital CEO), & Amy Shepperson (program co-lead).
ABOVE & BELOW: A few examples of artwork from participants in the Art Therapy Program at Danville State Hospital.
Several days of the week, consumers in the art therapy program work in group sessions in a large conference room in the main building at the hospital. There they work on their art using paints and canvases purchased or donated from local stores. Sometimes there are instructors or guest speakers who come to help with the sessions. If they prefer, group members can make pottery instead of paintings. “Art therapy is an outlet for creative self-expression, nonverbal communication and an empowering way to boost self-esteem,” Klock said. “It offers a non-threat- ening way to process difficult emotions and memories.” Not everyone is blessed with talent for art. I know I’m not. But people are encouraged to try. Sometimes it’s just paint splashed on a canvas. But as the photos show, that can be beautiful, too. And some of the art therapy participants enjoy expressing themselves by creating pottery. The woodworking shop at the hospital has been framing the paintings that decorate the walls. One of the recent success stories in the program was a consumer who went to work for an art gallery in Harrisburg after he was discharged.
(Story continues on next page)
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ABOVE: The Art Therapy Room. LEFT: Participants’ artwork is often framed by the in-house wood- working shop and displayed on the hospital’s walls.
In addition to creating their own art, consumers also have visited local art galleries such as The Ex- change in downtown Bloomsburg, the Art Grind in Danville, and Glen Klein’s Studio in Danville. “We’re grateful for the support of the community galleries,” Klock said.
In the past, there was a stigma about mental illness. Public perception was that people in the state hospital were “crazy” and should be locked up forever. But these are just people. People like you and me who simply have a treatable illness. Let’s treat them that way! •
More artwork from participants in the Art Therapy Program.
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Visit us at 2 West 7th Street Bloomsburg PA, 17815 Farms-Spring24-HalfPg._Layout 1 3/22/24 9:56 AM Page 1
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MARGIE HUNSINGER
T
imeless & picturesque, the covered bridges of Columbia & Montour Counties in Central Pennsylvania harken back to simpler times. A few days in the quiet country- side are the perfect way to get away from the toils of daily life, and our area’s iconic bridges will serve as a reminder that sometimes, it’s the simple things in life that can make you happiest. Make plans to tour the counties’ twenty-five historic covered bridges via our mobile passport experience! Once signed up, visitors will be able to navigate the region, check in at each bridge, and redeem points for commemorative prizes. Visitors who check in at every bridge will also be entered into a Grand Prize drawing. EXCITING NEWS: The 2024 Covered Bridge Passport will be released soon! Keep an eye on the “Covered Bridges” page of our website to learn more.
Delong Fair 24 - Half_Layout 1 3/22/24 5:31 PM Page 1
montour-D e long Community FAIR July 22-27, 2024 Free Admission • Free Entertainment Parking $5 *
*Advanced Parking: 6 days for $20
200 Year Old Log Cabin
Livestock Exhibits and Shows Flower and Vegetable Exhibits Arts & Crafts Exhibits Tractor Pulls • Mini-Horse Pulls
Tour the 200 year old John Bosley Log Cabin moved from Washingtonville with local historians. Enjoy historical happenings and costumed reenactors while at the Fair.
Lots of Good Food! For more details visit: MontourDelongfair.com 5848 Broadway Rd, Danville • (570) 437-2178
S A V E T HE D A T E S
April 27 | Bloomsburg’s Renaissance Jamboree May 4 | Danville Spring Fling
May 4 | Bloomsburg Fireman’s Carnival May 7 – 11 | Ber Vaughn Carnival, Berwick May 23 – 25 | Mifflinville Carnival June 12 – 15 | Benton Fireman’s Carnival June 13 – 15 | International Harvester Red Power Showdown at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds June 28 – July 6 | 95th Annual Millville Fireman’s Carnival July 16 – 21 | Benton Rodeo July 19 – 27 | 97th Annual Orangeville Fire Company Carnival July 19 – 21 | Berwick’s World War II Weekend July 22 – 27 | Montour Delong Community Fair August 7 – 11 | Catawissa 250th Anniversary Celebration August 9 & 10 | Peach Festival at the Mifflinville Carnival Grounds August 31 – September 2 | Elysburg’s All Home Days September 6 – 8 | Danville Heritage Festival September 20 – 28 | 169th Annual Bloomsburg Fair October 3 – 6 | 42nd Annual Covered Bridge & Arts Festival at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds October 4 – 6 | 13th Annual Berwick Riverfest October 12 & 13 | Pumpkin Festival at the Ol’ Country Barn in Benton
ivals, 2024 Dates
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Each year, the Visitors Bureau holds a photo contest to produce a 550-piece puzzle featuring one of the area’s covered bridges. Limited-edition puzzles have been produced the past thirteen years. The 2024 edition of the puzzle will be released this fall, and will be based on the winner of this year’s photo contest.
This year’s Covered Bridge Photo Contest is open for submissions NOW – May 31st.
How to Enter:
This year, you may submit photos directly via our online form. Note – there is a MAX file size of 20mb. If your image is selected as a finalist and a higher resolution photo is required, we will reach out via email.
ENTER THE CONTEST
Rules and Regulations:
• Entry to the contest is FREE. • All photos must be of bridges located within Columbia or Montour County.
• All photos must be owned by the person submitting them. By submitting, you are giving the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau permission to use your photo as their 2024 puzzle and in future marketing efforts for the contest and for the counties.
• All photos must be high-resolution. • A max of four photos per person will be accepted. • Photos may be from any season and do NOT necessarily have to have been taken within the past year. • Photos entered in prior year’s contests ARE still eligible for entry into this year’s contest. The top overall photo will be selected by the Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau to be featured as the 2024 Covered Bridge Puzzle. The winning photographer will have their name and a short bio published on the puzzle box, and will also receive a free puzzle.
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@WANDERINGLENSPHOTOS
EVENTS CALENDAR
RECURRING
play traditional mahjong Every Thursday Bloomsburg Public Library 570-784-0883 – bloomsburgpl.org bloom yarnies Every second and fourth Saturday 570-784-0883 - bloomsburgpl.org komodo dragon feeding Last Saturday of the month Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland 570-538-1869 - reptiland.com brewskis ’ bluegrass brunch
first day hike with nature journaling and the pa master naturalists First day of each month Montour Preserve 570-850-1166 – montourpreserve.org 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
Last Sunday of the month Brewskis Coffee and Bar 570-317-2865
2024 gardening series April 16, May 21 and June 18 McBride Memorial Library 570-316-6519 extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/columbia
american mah jongg Every Tuesday Bloomsburg Public Library 570-784-0883 – bloomsburgpl.org
i am safe Every first and third Tuesday
bloomsburg fair farmers market Every Saturday starting May 11 Bloomsburg Fairgrounds, Barn near the Barton House 570-784-4949 – bloomsburgfair.com bte improv May 10 & June 28 Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble - Alvina Kraus Theatre 570-784-5530 - bte.org
Hand in Hand Family Resource Center 570-237-0456 – handinhandpa.org
preschool storytime Every Wednesday Bloomsburg Public Library 570-784-0883 – bloomsburgpl.org
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4 th annual beef & brew fundraiser April 6 Berwick Golf Club 570-237-0456 - handinhandpa.org agriculture awareness day April 6 Bloomsburg Fairgrounds Industrial Building 570-356-7654 - rohrbachsfarm.net jonathan swensen , cello & adam golka , piano ( classical ) April 7 Weis Center for the Performing Arts 570-577-1000 - bucknell.edu storytime adventures : solar spectacular April 8 Rohrbach Farm Market, Bakery & Gift Shop 570-238-5183 - cctlibrary.org solar eclipse watch April 8 Ricketts Glen State Park 570-477-5675 - dcnr.pa.gov traveling library ’ s giant book sale April 9 – 13
APRIL ms . holmes and ms . watson Now through April 14 Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble - Alvina Kraus Theatre 570-784-5530 - bte.org
“ face value ” Now through April 26 Exchange Gallery 570-317-2596 - exchangearts.org
new beginnings April 4 – May 19 Artspace Gallery 570-784-0737 - artspacebloomsburg.com
garden party at dark benefit for the ronald mcdonald house of danville April 5 AEREA in Milton 570-271-6300 - rmhdanville.org 2024 statewide opening day of trout season April 6 Pennsylvania Waterways fishandboat.com
Lightstreet United Methodist Church 570-387-8782 - travelinglibrary.org
APRIL (CONTINUED)
i L uminate April 14 Bloomsburg University Mitrani Hall 570-389-4409 - bloomu.edu/arts-in-bloom grand unveiling of lady lois April 14 Berwick Stuart Tank Memorial Museum 570-350-9675
waterfowl walk April 10 Ricketts Glen State Park 570-477-5675 - dcnr.pa.gov
the coffeehouse series presents the ann kerstetter band April 10 Anomaly Craft Brewing 570-317-2596 - exchangearts.org the jazz ambassadors of the u . s . army field band ( military band ) April 12 Weis Center for the Performing Arts 570-577-1000 - bucknell.edu/weiscenter
caña dulce y caña brava ( world music from veracruz , mexico ) April 18 Weis Center for the Performing Arts 570-577-1000 - bucknell.edu/weiscenter opening weekend at rohrbach ’ s farm April 19 & 20 Rohrbach’s Farm Market, Bakery & Gift Shop 570-356-7654 - rohrbachsfarm.net dinner & a show featuring dueling pianos benefit for the danville child development center April 19 Pine Barn Inn 570-275-4047 - danvillecdc.org
central pa pretzel festival April 13 Bloomsburg Fair Grounds 570-784-4949 - centralpapretzelfest.com vietnam veterans day event April 13 Briar Creek Lake Park 570-387-6501
beaver run auction April 20 Beaver Run School in Danville
MILITARY BAND The Jazz Ambassadors of the U.S. Army Field Band Friday, April 12 7:30 p.m. FREE; tickets required. WORLD MUSIC FROM VERACRUZ, MEXICO Caña Dulce Caña Brava Thursday, April 18 7:30 p.m. 2024-25 Season will be announced in early June; stay tuned!
Bucknell.edu/BoxOffice 570-577-1000
the exchange ’ s listening room presents dustin douglas & the electric gentlemen unplugged April 24 Exchange Gallery 570-317-2596 - exchangearts.org free concert : “ drive ” at rohrbach ’ s farm April 26 Rohrbach’s Farm Market, Bakery & Gift Shop 570-356-7654 - rohrbachsfarm.net renaissance jamboree April 27 Downtown Bloomsburg 570-661-1936 - downtownbloomsburg.org plant & take : strawberries at rohrbach ’ s
eagle arms gun show April 20 & 21 Bloomsburg Fair Grounds 610-393-3047 - eaglearms.com
free fitness saturday April 20 Northern Columbia Community & Cultural Center (N4Cs) 570-925-0163 - n4cs.org
bloomsburg mini maker faire April 20 The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum 570-389-9206 - the-childrens-museum.org healthy kids day April 20 Bloomsburg YMCA 570-683-5820 - forksfarmmarket.com
farm April 27 Rohrbach’s Farm Market, Bakery & Gift Shop 570-356-7654 - rohrbachsfarm.net
a night for nature April 21 Turkey Hill Brewing Co. 570-323-6222 - npcweb.org glenda and scott ’ s homemade ice cream at mapes mulch
knoebels opening weekend April 27 & 28
Knoebel’s Amusement Resort 800-487-4386 - knoebels.com
April 24 - 27 Mapes Mulch 570-204-6282
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@IANRWLKR
EVENTS CALENDAR
knoebel ’ s fire , law , & ems day May 4
APRIL (CONTINUED)
Knoebel’s Amusement Resort 800-487-4386 - knoebels.com
spring tea fundraiser at rohrbach ’ s farm April 28 Rohrbach’s Farm Market, Bakery & Gift Shop 570-356-7654 - rohrbachsfarm.net
the coffee house series presents the doug mcminn trio May 8 Anomaly Craft Brewing 570-317-2596 - exchangearts.org mother ’ s day at knoebels May 12
“ art of the roaring creek valley ” April 29 – June 7 Exchange Gallery 570-317-2596 - exchangearts.org
Knoebel’s Amusement Resort 800-487-4386 - knoebels.com
MAY
armed forces day at knoebels May 18
showstoppers ! a broadway revue May 1 – 5 Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble - Alvina Kraus Theatre 570-784-5530 - bte.org
Knoebel’s Amusement Resort 800-487-4386 - knoebels.com
rock god 7 th anniversary party May 18 Rock God Brewing 570-284-4096
38 th annual spring fling May 4 Mill Street, Downtown Danville visitdanvillepa.org buckhorn winefest 2024 May 4 Buckhorn Community Fire Co. 570-387-1119 - buckhornfirecompany.com
country fest May 18 The Farm in Bloom 570-784-6625 - thefarminbloom.com
seeing with eyes closed at artspace May 23 – June 30 Artspace Gallery 570-784-0737 - artspacebloomsburg.com
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@UNCOVERINGPA
EVENTS CALENDAR
MAY (CONTINUED)
autism awareness day at knoebels June 2
Knoebel’s Amusement Resort 800-487-4386 - knoebels.com
annapurna May 23 – June 9 Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble - Alvina Kraus Theatre 570-784-5530 - bte.org fish - for - free day May 26 Pennsylvania Waterways fishandboat.com the exchange ’ s listening room presents the bobby kyle band with special guest dave keyes May 29 Exchange Gallery 570-317-2596 - exchangearts.org
summer book sale at the bloomsburg library June 5 – 8 Bloomsburg Public Library 570-784-0883 – bloomsburgpl.org
senior citizen day at knoebels June 5
Knoebel’s Amusement Resort 800-487-4386 - knoebels.com
“ train of thought ” June 10 – July 19 Exchange Gallery 570-317-2596 - exchangearts.org the coffee house series presents the nate myers trio June 12 Anomaly Craft Brewing 570-317-2596 - exchangearts.org
JUNE
central pa wine festival June 1 Bloomsburg Fair Grounds 412-537-1251 - localwineevents.com deaf day at knoebels June 1 Knoebel’s Amusement Resort 800-487-4386 - knoebels.com
international harvester red power showdown June 13 – 15 Bloomsburg Fairgrounds 570-522-7038 - ihcc17.com
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@SAUCE.DUJOUR
bill ’ s 85 th birthday bash June 14 – 16 Bill’s Old Bike Barn 570-759-7030 - billsbikebarn.com father ’ s day at knoebels June 16 JUNE (CONTINUED)
Knoebel’s Amusement Resort 800-487-4386 - knoebels.com pick - your - own lavender June 21 – 23 & June 28 - 30 Gracie’s Lavender Farm 570-285-5565 - gracieslavenderfarm.com music in the garden , an evening with allan combs ii June 26 Folk’s Butterfly Farm 570-394-7298 - folksbutterflyfarm.com the exchange ’ s listening room presents brad vickers June 26 Exchange Gallery 570-317-2596 - exchangearts.org
@ONESPECIALK
Rodeo 24 - Half_Layout 1 3/22/24 10:02 AM Page 1
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
p
by Jenn Puckett
“The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.” - Albert Einstein W hen I was kid, the library was one of my favorite places in the world. I’ve been a voracious reader all my life and standing in between row after row of books – thousands and thousands of them! – was almost overwhelming. In- side each was a portal to another world – fantasy lands, re- al-world science, even life advice. I found it hard to choose just a few and had to keep reminding myself I would have many more visits. Even knowing that, it was hard to figure out what to read first; there were so many choices. That was back in the late 80’s and early 90’s, long before the internet, virtual reality, and e-books. Before Zoom meet- ings and iPhones. But even further back, and I’m talking 1889 further back, some folks in Columbia County formed the non-profit “Bloomsburg Library Company” and hoped to raise $5,000. Unfortunately, they only were able to raise $105. Then in 1903, the Town invested over $1,000 dollars and the library found itself with a librarian and a physical address for the first time on the second floor of the Wool- worth’s Building. In 1913, the first phone was installed. By the 1920’s, it was obvious that more room was needed and funds were raised to build what is now half of the current library. Until 1997, the first floor was dedicated to a muse- um and the entire library was on the second floor. An ad- dition was added in 1998, doubling the size of the building and allowing for an expanded collection of multiple types of media. It’s an interesting story of a tenacious institution that our community can be proud of.
This postcard from 1927 shows the original Library building and automobiles parked in front.
Today the Bloomsburg Public Library is a large welcoming building on Market Street. When I walked in the front doors, the open floor with multiple sofas, comfortable looking chairs and tables invited me to settle in and stay for a while. Ammon Young, the new Director for the library came to meet me. He earned his Master of Library Science at Pitt in 1995, then worked in libraries and as a community organiz- er before serving as the Director for the Columbia County Traveling Library for eight years. When former Director Lyd- ia Kegler retired at the end of last year, Ammon brought his experience downtown and stepped into the role.
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Some of the newer changes are the development of a strong working relationship between the Columbia County Traveling Library, the Orangeville Library and Bloomsburg. While they will remain separate institutions, working to- gether allows patrons to access over 100,000 books, audio books, DVD’s and more. Amanda Noblit, the new Director of the Traveling Library, told me that this takes the former inter-library loans to the next level, giving patrons all over the county better access to the blended card catalog. By working together, all three libraries offer access to Lib- by (e-books), Kanopy (video streaming) and Comics Plus (comics and graphic novels). Oh, and do you remember the fines for returning something late, or the fees to join if you didn’t have a Bloomsburg address? They’re gone! Anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Columbia County can get a free Library card at the Bloomsburg Pub- lic Library. Earlier I said that the library gave me the feeling of walking into a living room. That’s exactly what Ammon and the staff are going for. These creative and enterprising folks have used donated furniture to create a space that invites anyone and everyone to be part of the scene. And what a scene it is! When I was young, sometime right after the invention of the wheel, the library was a magical place for a bookworm like me. Today, the books are still there, but there is so much more. It’s a place where everyone is wel- come, from little ones having fun with Ms. Angie during Preschool story time to teens bonding over video games during Open Game Night to folks enjoying a game of bridge on a peaceful afternoon. There’s been interest in starting a Dungeons and Dragons group, a game near and dear to my own nerdy heart. (If anyone needs a moody elf with history of rolling critical fails for their group, let me know. Have character sheet, will travel!) There’s also the newly available Library of Things. You can sign out all sorts of items, from a sewing machine to a telescope and more. Got a new or like new item you’d like to donate? Let the folks at the library know!
The Library’s Bridge Club, held every Monday from 1 - 4 PM. You can also come learn to play from 11:15 AM - 12:45 PM.
A “Frozen” party at the Library.
A sidewalk book sale at the Library in the summer of 1965.
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The Columbia County Traveling Library car in 1941.
The Bloomsburg Public Library hosts a wide variety of educational programs and events, like this photography workshop.
the library will be the community living room – the place where we all want to visit and connect with one another.
As much as I enjoy borrowing books, I also love buying them. I use my e-book app often, but there’s nothing like holding a book in your hands. I also enjoy a bargain and library book sales are the way to go, satisfying my desire for a good deal and raising money at the same time is a win-win for me. The Columbia County Traveling Library has one from April 9 – 13 at the Lightstreet United Methodist Church and the Friends of the Bloomsburg Library will have their book sale in Blooms- burg from June 5 – 8. They accept donations of books as well. It’s a wonderful way to fill your own bookshelves with new titles and help out these very worthy institutions at the same time. Visit the Bloomsburg Public Library Monday through Satur- day at 225 Market Street Bloomsburg or learn more about them at: bloomsburgpl.org. •
There are of course PLENTY of books and DVD’s to check out!
Ammon envisions even more events and gather- ings and wants everyone to feel welcome. He told me about Andrew Carne- gie, who helped fund over 2,500 libraries. Carnegie believed that the library outranked anything else the community could do for its people. If you have a group or an interest you want to share, the library is an excellent space for it. The library should be a community hub, a space where we can connect as humans over shared inter- ests and ongoing conver- sations. A strong volunteer base of diverse people – from all types of experi- ences and backgrounds –
Virtual Reality Day at the library.
make for a better, more well-rounded community. To take things to the next level, I encourage everyone to visit and just as importantly, DONATE if you can. The library benefits ev- eryone. The more folks that get involved or donate, the more
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Gone Fishin g
@HOCK_BROS
by CMVB STAFF Article originally published in 2022 Vol. 4; revised for 2024
on the designated days with NO FISHING LICENSE REQUIRED (Trout/Salmon and Lake Erie permits are also NOT required). All other fishing regulations still apply. Stocking: In 2024, the PFBC will stock approximately 3.2 million adult trout in 697 streams and 129 lakes open to public angling. These fig- ures, which are consistent with the number of trout stocked over the past decade, include approximately 2.4 million Rainbow Trout; 702,000 Brown Trout; and 132,000 Brook Trout. As with past prac- tice, the average size of the trout produced for stocking is 11 inches in length with an average weight of .58 pounds. Anglers will also have an excellent chance to catch large, trophy-sized trout. This year, the PFBC will stock approximately 70,000 brood fish, which are 2 ½ year-old and 3 ½ year-old hatchery-raised Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout measuring 14-20 inches. Roughly 70% of these large fish will be stocked into streams and lakes during the preseason prior to opening day of trout season, and 30% will be stocked during in-season replenishment stockings. In 2024, the PFBC will stock approximately 14,000 golden Rainbow Trout. In addition to being stocked during the preseason period before opening day, these highly prized fish featuring vibrant gold- en-orange pigmentation and weighing an average of 1.5 pounds will be stocked during in-season replenishment stockings. Approx- imately 75% of golden Rainbow Trout will be stocked during the preseason, and approximately 25% will be stocked in-season. In addition to trout raised at state fish hatcheries, PFBC cooperative nurseries operated by sportsmen’s clubs and other groups across the state will add another one million trout to waters open to public angling throughout the year.
Fishing season is here again - what a wonderful way to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors! Before you hit the water, we wanted to share some important information that will help make your next angling trip a resounding success. Statewide Opening Day of Trout – April 6th – End of Trout Regular Season – September 2nd – Extended Season: All stocked trout waters, streams plus lakes and ponds: September 3rd to December 31st.
MINIMUM KEEP SIZE: 7 inches FISHING HOURS: 24 hours a day, after the 8 AM opener CREEL LIMITS: Regular season: 5 (combined species); Extended season: 3 (combined species)
Extended season regulations only apply to waters managed as Stocked Trout Waters (STW). All waters downstream of STW are no longer managed under extended season regulations.
Other Important Fishing Season Dates: Opening Day of Walleye & Sauger: Saturday, May 4
Re-opening Day of Bass: Saturday, June 8 – while Bass Season is open year round, there is a no harvest period from 12:01 a.m. the second Saturday in April (April 13, 2024) to 12:01 a.m. the second Saturday in June (June 8, 2024). During the no harvest season, anglers must immediately return any bass to the water and are prohibited from casting into spawning beds. Fish For Free Days: Sunday, May 26, 2024 & Tuesday, July 4, 2024 (Independence Day) are the 2024 Fish-for-Free Days. Fish-for-Free Days allow anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish on Pennsylvania waterways
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Where to Purchase Your 2024 Fishing License
Locations in Columbia County selling fishing licenses: Bloomsburg Title Tag & Notary 550 East Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
Maple Ridge Sports Center 402 Main Street, Orangeville, PA 17859
Red Rock Corner Store 121 State Route 118, Benton, PA 17814
C.M. Laubach & Sons, Inc. 547 East 8th Street, Berwick, PA 18603
Wal Mart #1794 Buckhorn/Bloomsburg 100 Lunger Drive, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
Columbia County Treasurer 11 West Main Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
Locations in Montour County selling fishing licenses: Montour County Treasurer 435 East Front Street, Danville, PA 17821
Dunham’s Sports 225 Columbia Mall Drive, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
Gumpy’s Creekside Cabin 2861 Route 42, Millville, PA 17846
In addition to a fishing license, trout anglers 16 and older must posses a Trout Permit (or Combination Trout/Lake Erie Permit) to fish for trout. Licenses must be signed in ink and displayed on an outer garment. Anglers must also be able to provide positive proof of identification (other than the fishing license) upon request of a Waterways Conservation Officer. Non-resident students attending in-state universities now qualify for a discounted fishing license from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. The price of a license is $27.97, which is the same price as an annual license for state residents and $33 less than the cost of an annual non-resident license.
igital quarterly 23 ad_Layout 1 9/5/23 1:52 PM Page 1 Fishing Creek Trout Tagging Prize Program: The Fishing Creek Sportsmen’s Association is continuing the stocking of tagged trout into the streams of Fishing Creek and its tributaries again this year. Trout will be tagged with prize amounts of $25, $50 & $100 for lucky fishermen & fisherwomen to catch. There will be over $2,000 in prizes!
Learn more about fishing in the area, and find interactive maps that show stocked waters, streams, boat access, and more! Click or scan the QR code to get started.
If a delicious meal is in your plans, then you’ll definitely want to visit us here at Old Forge Brewing Company. Our chef has created a menu that is outstanding and truly unique. Enjoy Our Great Food & Amazing Beer. Stop in today, we know you’ll be pleased! JUST RIGHT!
We offer up to 16 of our very own beers on tap with 2 additional Cask Conditioned beers rotating on the hand pumps. We also feature a selection of wines and a cocktail menu. Lunch, Dinner, Appetizers & Daily Food Features Interested in Take-Out? Call to order! We Have Beer To Go: in Cans, Growlers, or Crowlers.
23 532 Mill Street • Danville, PA 17821 • 570.275.8151 OLDFORGEBREWINGCOMPANY.COM
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@HAVECAMERA__WILLTRAVEL
Member Spotlight The Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau is proud to welcome the following businesses as recent new members to the organization!
andes nursery 1089 Numdia Drive, Catawissa, PA 17850 andesnursery.com • 570.991.0430
Wholesale pricing on poly furniture, trees, shrubs, concrete statuary, and gift shop. We are large enough to serve you and small enough to know you by name.
edith ’ s catering and market 996 Old Berwick Road, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 edithscatering.com • 570.204.0158
Edith’s Catering specializes in preparing homemade meals from scratch with fresh, seasonal ingredients. We offer a full menu of ideas to make your special event a success as well as packages for weddings from budget-friendly to elaborate. Based in Bloomsburg, but serving all of Pennsylvania; we can cater any event: weddings, corporate meetings, backyard BBQ’s, birthday parties, retirements, funerals, etc.
the medicine shoppe 1000 Market Street Suite 7, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 bloomsburgms.com • 570.784.9582
We are the only family-owned pharmacy in Bloomsburg. Our services include not only regular prescription fills, but also custom pill packs, immunization, and so much more. We are a pet-friendly business.
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MIKE GREENWALT
Member Spotlight The Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau is proud to welcome the following businesses as recent new members to the organization!
nanny ’ s indoor play place 2315A West Front Street, Berwick, PA 18603 facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090946612280 • 570.854.8401
Indoor Play Place where children can build social skills & self-confidence, learn & grow with pretend play. We have family-friendly events, toddler time, play-love-grow club, open play, birthday parties, and so much more! Families can enjoy a safe and controlled environment where kids are free to be kids.
red rock mountain campground , llc 22 State Route 487, Benton, PA 17814 redrockmtncampground.com • 570.925.5039 Red Rock Mountain Campground is located just minutes from Ricketts Glen State Park and offers spacious tent sites, full RV hook-ups, and rustic cabins.
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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 classroom, 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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