Quarterly
Volume 1 July - September
Your All-Access Guide to Columbia & Montour Counties!
800.847.4810 iTourColumbiaMontour.com
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CONTENTS Table Of
Tracing History: The Montgomery & Boyd House 4
Littered Legacy: Angler’s Character is Defined by What is Left Behind 8 Quarterly Covered Bridge Feature: Where it all Started 11
@HOCK_BROS
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Columbia Montour Covered Bridge Puzzle
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A Little Bit of Paradise
Introducing: Kayak & Canoe Identification Tags
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Quarterly Trail Feature: Chilisuagi Trail 18
Events Calendar 20
Follow the Trail...to Craft Beer! 26
@RAPTORALEX
Member Spotlight 32
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Your Adventure Begins in COLUMBIA-MONTOUR
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TRACING HISTORY: The Montgomery & Boyd Houses By Nancy Bishop
Looking for something to do on a Sunday afternoon? Tired of our modern era? Take a step back in time and visit the Montgomery and Boyd Houses at the corner of Bloom and North Mill streets in Danville. Built in the late 1700s by Gen. WilliamMontgomery, whose son Daniel is the “Dan” in Danville, the Montgomery House was home to descendants of Montgomery until his great- granddaughter, the last resident, passed away in 1939. At that time it was put up for sale and local residents were concerned that it would be demolished, so the Elks Lodge (B.P.O.E.) bought it anddeeded itover totheMontourCounty Commissioners, who turned it over to the newly formed Montour County Historical Society for a “Historical Shrine.” Lovingly restored and maintained by tireless volunteers from the Historical Society, the house has two parts – the original log home built around 1777 and a Federal-style stone building added later. Anofficer in theRevolutionaryWar, Gen. Montgomery came to the area from Chester County near Philadelphia. When he bought land on the Mahoning Creek in 1774, the area still had occasional altercations between the settlers and
the Native Americans. The Montgomery’s had lived in the log home only a short time when there was an uprising in the Wyoming Valley. After moving temporarily downriver to Fort Augusta, the family returned in 1779 and Gen. Montgomery built a sawmill, grist mill and woolen mill.. Helped by his father, Daniel Montgomery operated a trading post that provided items settlers in the surrounding area needed. They began calling the area “Dan’s town,” which eventually evolved into “Danville.” Both father and son donated land for public buildings in the new town. In a Fourth of July speech in 1800, William said hills around the area were full of iron. He predicted “great iron factories employing large numbers of workman and yielding much wealth to the community.” A dedicated public servant, Gen. Montgomery, who was born in 1736, served in the Army for 34 years, and was elected or appointed to 16 different offices, including the Continental Congress, Pennsylvania Congress and the United States Congress. He died in 1816.
After the new historical society acquired the house, local residents began donating their prized memorabilia and
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historical artifacts to the society. Today the older log and woodframepartofthehouseissetupthewayahomewould have been at the time the Montgomery family first lived there and includes items donated by their descendants. Although the Montgomery House and neighboring Boyd House weren’t able to be open for a year because of the Covid19 pandemic, the members of the Historical Society put that time to good use, going through many of the donated historical items that had been in storage and creating new displays. Since mid-April the two buildings have been reopened for public tours on Sunday afternoons from 1 to 4 p.m. It’s a great destination. On a recent Sunday, I spent several hours there looking at the fascinating displays and talking to the Historical Society volunteers who were eager to tell visitors about the houses. One room in the Montgomery House is dedicated to Geisinger Hospital founder Abigail Geisinger and contains some of her personal belongings including a beautiful needlepoint chair. I learned that Mrs. Geisinger, born Abigail Ann Cornelison in 1827, had been married twice – the first time to a distant cousin, Jacob Cornelison. After she was widowed, she married George Geisinger in 1866 when she was 39. Next door to the Montgomery House is the Boyd House, built in the early 1880s by Daniel Montgomery Boyd, grandson of Daniel Montgomery and great-grandson of William Montgomery. The Elks Lodge purchased the house in 1923 and used it until 1999. Since purchasing the Boyd House, the Historical Society has turned it into a museum that is home to some unique collections. There’s the Military Room that has a huge collection of military items from all eras of American history.
You can help the Historical Society continue the Montgomery and Boyd House renovations by donating to the Boyd House Fund, PO Box 8, Danville, PA 17821.
Uniforms, medals, enlistment papers, newspaper articles track America’s military history. You could spend hours in there and still miss something! In the Business & Industry Room you’ll find items including documents, pictures and even cast iron stoves from the mining and iron industry that was a huge part of Danville history for a century. One of the items that will surely catch your eye is an advertising backdrop from the old Opera House in town that takes up a whole wall. As if that isn’t enough to keep you there for hours, there’s a room with Native American artifacts including a display of arrowheads that were found in the surrounding fields, streams and river. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find an exhibit whether it’s musical instruments, toys, clocks or early photos. The Historical Society also has assembled clothing and accessories that highlight the fashions from the 19th and 20th centuries. And there’s a library with historical books and documents. Planavisitsoon.EvenifyouhavebeentotheMontgomery andBoydHousesbefore, you’ll findsomanychanges and new exhibits that you’ll be glad you gave it another try. The two houses are open Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. from April through October and by appointment during the winter season. Admission is $10 if you are not a member of the Historical Society. Members, young children and students from kindergarten through 12th grade are free.
Cast Iron Stove and Military Room that can be found in the Boyd House
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montour-D e long Community FAIR August 9-14, 2021 Free Admission • Free Entertainment Parking $5 * *Advanced Parking: 6 days for $20 $5 Wristbands (ride all night) Horse Fitting Demo • Livestock Exhibits and Shows Flower and Vegetable Exhibits Arts & Crafts Exhibits • Tractor Pulls Mini-Horse Pulls • Lots of Good Food! We follow all CDC regulations. For more details visit: MontourDelongfair.com 5848 Broadway Rd, Danville • (570) 437-2178
Monday, August 9: 6-10 p.m. “Top Shelf” Tuesday, August 10: 6-10 p.m. “Jesse Zimmerman Band” Wednesday, August 11: 7-10 p.m. “One80” Thursday, August 12: 6-10 p.m. “Joe Quick” Friday, August 13: 6-10 p.m. “Tommy Guns Band”
Saturday, August 14: 6-10 p.m. "The Loons"
Puzzles & Games!
& A FINE SELECTION OF BODACIOUS CARDS! Open Thursdays 10am - 6pm Fridays 10am - 7pm & Saturdays 10am - 4pm 12 East Main St., Bloomsburg 570.387.8027 www.PhillipsEmporium.com
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Wild for Salmon specializes in Sockeye Salmon, but wild Alaskan salmon has a total of 5 species! Try this handy guide. Not sure which one to choose?
Coho Salmon
Keta Salmon
Pink Salmon
Sockeye Salmon
King Salmon
Sockeye has a distinctively rich flavor with deep red flesh and a firm texture. It is the second most abundant of the Alaska salmon species and is ideal for a wide variety of cooking techniques, including grilling, sauteing, roasting, poaching, steaming, and smoking. From a nutritional standpoint, Sockeye is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, high- quality protein.
King salmon is succulent in flavor due to its high oil content. It's the largest of the 5 species weighing in at approximately 20 pounds and takes the same cooking methods as sockeye. Nutritionally, King salmon has a higher fat content with 13 grams per 3.5 oz serving but remains an excellent source of omega-3s, high- quality protein, and potassium.
Coho salmon is known for its orange-red flesh. The flavor is more delicate with a lower fat content (4 grams). Cooking Coho offers a range of opportunities, including grilling, broiling, sauteing, broiling, sauteing, roasting, poaching, steaming, and smoking.
Keta is known for its mild flavor and firm pink flesh. The low-fat content (5 grams) and firmness of the flesh make this fish ideal for grilling and/or roasting. Low cooking temperatures are recommended becaus e of the lower oil content. Still an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids, Keta is also a great fish for smoking.
Pink salmon has a tender texture, similar to trout. Its rosy-pink flesh has a flavor that is delicate and light and is low in fat at 4 grams. it is the most abundant of the Alaska salmon species and is commonly available in cans or shelf-stable pouches. It is an economical choice for a variety of recipes and, with its milder flavor is excellent with a sauce.
521 Montour Blvd. (Rt.11) Bloomsburg, PA 17815 570-387-0550 Store Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM Sat 9AM-3PM
Wildforsalmon.com
By John Zaktansky, Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association
Knotted in a nest of discarded fishing line, the body of a small crayfish washed ashore near the AdamT. Memorial Damoutside of Sunbury. The corpse was among a massive pile of litter cleaned up on May 21, the first of several pick-ups at that location over a week’s time that highlight a growing issue as we head into a Memorial Day weekend where people surge to local waterways to
celebrate the unofficial start of summer. Along with the dead crayfish, the pile of garbageleftbehind–most likelybyanglers who frequent the location – included empty bait containers, fast foodwrappers, packaging from hooks and sinkers, an empty beef jerky bag and a discarded fishing license holder – along with a tangled ball of bright green fishing line. Early the next morning, on May 22, the site was littered with more trash from the night before, including a Zip-Loc bag of blood and hearts/livers likely used as bait. Five days later, on Thursday, May 27, a new pile of trash had already accumulated, including numerous soda cans, empty Styrofoam bait containers and a variety of packaging. One small location within the greater 11,000-square-mile middle Susquehanna watershed, within a week’s time, had been trashed repeatedly – a tiny microcosm of an issue literally littering waterways throughout the region. The saddest element is that this trash is most likely coming from anglers – a group of individuals typically associated with conservation of our aquatic ecosystem. A percentage of fishing license sales goes to valuable
Among the trash picked up on May 21 at the Adam T. Memorial Dam near Sunbury was this ball of bright green fishing line. programs and other efforts to protect our waterways and many anglers are active with groups such as Trout Unlimited and various watershed associations tasked with preserving the natural resources they love in the hopes of passing down a legacy of stewardship to the next generation. One of the biggest issues facing the angling industry is lack of access to quality fishing holes – mostly because landowners are restricting that access via their property due to concerns over litter and property damage. Earlier this spring, my daughter and I enjoyed fishing for trout along a stretch of the Little Shamokin Creek
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that we had not previously explored. Unfortunately, we discovered a shoreline littered with half-full plastic drink bottles, an empty can of corn likely used as trout bait, worm containers and packaging that was fresh enough that it must have come from careless individuals earlier that same day. As we collected the items, I wondered how long it would be until they were replaced with more garbage, and I could see why landowners would want to protect their property from this sort of mess. In late April, an osprey was discovered dangling from a bridge
near Lancaster, its wing tangled in discarded fishing line. The media coverage of the bridge-side, rappelling-based rescue mission led to a video that hopefully will spark more people to learn and adapt the seven principles of the Leave No Trace movement. Ultimately, outdoor activities provide a valuable litmus test of a person’s individual character. Hunters face split-second safety and ethical decisions each time they lower their weapon, primitive circumstances inspire creativity and opportunities for problem solving on hikes and camping trips, people get away fromelectronics and social media and rediscover the therapeutics of being outdoors. Ultimately, these activities provide unique moments of reflection and personal growth that you can’t find elsewhere. When I was younger, I used to assume that outdoor success was measured in fishing creel limits and the size of the rack on a recently harvested buck. However, a true outdoors man is not defined by what he or she brings home, but more importantly, what is left behind. Let’s all do our parts to leave behind a legacy defined by advocacy in place of apathy.
A pile of garbage was collected on May 21 at the Adam T. Memorial Dam near Sunbury.
The morning of May 22, a new bag of trash is collected at the Adam T. Memorial Dam near Sunbury -- less than 24 hours after it was cleaned up previously.
A new pile of litter is collected at the Adam T. Bower Memorial Dam on Thursday, May 27, just five days after the area was cleaned up previously.
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Dine In • Take Out • 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-Friday 8am Saturday-Sunday
B.Y.O.B. Welcome!
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN • BY: LINDA SONES
Theyearwas 1798when thedirectorsof theSchuylkill Permanent Bridge Company of Philadelphia elected to build an all-wood, non-floating bridge across the Schuylkill River. This bridge was to replace the pontoon bridge that had been repeatedly washed away during times of severe storms and flooding or war. Timothy Palmer was known as the best wooden bridge builder in the new colonies and was called upon to build North America’s first Covered Bridge. He stated that by covering the bridge, the lifespan of the bridge would increase to 30- 40 years instead of the 10-12 years if it were left uncovered. The bridge construction started in 1801 but the bridge itself did not open to traffic until 1805. It was rebuilt in 1850 (a lifespan of 45 years) and was later destroyed by arson in 1875. 1830-1880, Pennsylvania had the most Covered Bridges in the country with at least 1523 covered bridges. Estimates show that from In Pennsylvania today, there are only 210 remaining, however, we remain the Covered Bridge Capital of North America, if not the world. Lancaster County holds the crown as it has 29 bridges still standing, with Columbia and Washington Counties both coming in second with 23 remaining bridges each. Columbia County was home to 87 bridges at the turn of the 20th century. Montour County had twelve. Most of the bridges were destroyed by floods, arson, or neglect. Many were not repaired or rebuilt, but rather bypassed with new modern structures. Others have persevered with a little help from their owners. Two of the bridges that survived are the East and West Paden Covered Bridges also known as the “Twin Bridges” . These “Twins” were the only twin bridges in the country until Vermont built its own set of “Twins” in 2001. A “Twin” bridge refers to two bridges that stand nearly portal to portal (entryway to entryway) along the same road. Covered Bridges are also referred to as “Kissing Bridges”. With the bridges having tall walls and a roof, it was a discreet place for couples to meet away from prying eyes. The bridges were also called “Wishing” bridges and folks would stop on
the bridges to make a wish before passing through. There was also a belief that if a wagon went too quickly through a covered bridge, a standing wave would be created and cause the bridge to collapse. Because of this superstition, a law was passed stating that all horses slow
their gait when crossing a covered bridge. 2021 marks the 20th Anniversary of the Columbia County Covered Bridge Association. It is a non-profit assembly comprised of volunteers with one goal in mind; to restore, preserve, and protect the Covered Bridges of Columbia County. The Association currently owns three bridges; the Josiah Hess, the Stillwater, and the Shoemaker. If you would like to help protect the covered bridges, you can send your donation or membership request to Columbia County Covered Bridge Association, 529 Zaner-Rohrsburg Road, Orangeville, PA 17859.
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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 2021 Covered Bridge Puzzle. This year’s puzzle will be released in the fall as the eleventh installment in the Visitors Bureau’s limited edition series, and will feature the Wanich Bridge for the first time. Margie Hunsinger ’s snapshot of the Wanich Bridge in Columbia County was selected as this year’s overall winner. Margie has been an avid amateur photographer for many years. A member of the Susquehanna Women’s Imaging Society, she is rarely without her camera. She loves learning about and trying any type of photography. Her favorites scenes are landscapes and she is always on the lookout for interesting locations. Margie is also the 2015 Covered Bridge photo contest winner. She lives in rural Columbia County with her husband Sam.
Several other photographers were recognized in this year’s contest with an honorable mention designation: Ben Prepelka (photos featuring Snyder Covered Bridge & Johnson Covered Bridge), Anthony Berard Jr. (Johnson Covered Bridge), Kaylee Steinruck (Josiah Hess Covered Bridge), Timothy Dennis (Kramer Covered Bridge), and Carol Busada (Josiah Hess Covered Bridge). The Visitors Bureau would like to thank everyone who submitted photos to the contest, as a record total of 99 images were received for consideration this year.
The Visitors Bureau is now taking pre-orders for the 2021 Wanich Covered Bridge puzzles – cost is $15 , tax included. Puzzles are 500 pieces and supplies are limited. Individuals interested in pre-ordering a puzzle may visit: www.itourcolumbiamontour.com/2021- covered-bridge-pre-order to fill out the order form with a name, contact info, and number of puzzles requested. No payment will be taken at the time of pre-order. When puzzles arrive, those on the pre-order list will be contacted directly to arrange pickup or shipping plans.
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!
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Thursday, May 27 | 7 P.M. USAC East Sprints, ARDC Midgets & 360 Sprints
Friday, July 16 | 7 P.M. URC Sprints & Speed STR’s Sunday, July 25 | 7 P.M. ULMS Late Model Series & PA Sprint Series (PASS) 305 Sprints Friday, August 6 | 7 P.M. USAC National Midget Series, USAC East Sprints & ARDC Midget
Sunday, August 22 | 7 P.M. URC Sprints, Speed STR’s & IMCA Wednesday, September 1 | 7 P.M. 100 Lap Super DIRTcar Series Saturday, October 2 | 11 A.M. BLOOMSBURG FAIR RaceSaver Double-Header w/ Clinton County Speedway — Presents ARDC Midgets & PASS Sprints
Sunday, June 20 | 7 P.M. USAC Eastern Storm& ULMS Late Model Series Wednesday, July 14 | 7 P.M. Short Track Super Series (STSS) Modified & 602 Sportsman
620 West 3rd street BloomsBurg, PA 17815
Forupdatesand inFormationvisit the BloomsBurg FaironFaceBook.
A Little Bit of Paradise by Cathy Beck
As a girl growing up on a farm in the Fishing Creek Valley of Central Penn- sylvania, I was surrounded by cows and chickens; seven brothers and sisters; and three spring ponds. Mornings be- gan with Mom frying bacon and eggs for breakfast. Afterward, her daily rou- tine continued with the baking of fresh bread and pies. My brother Ed had a pet rooster that crowed daily with the hus- tle and bustle of every new day on the farm. It was a different time back then for a young girl, with a slower pace – no internet, cell phones, or 24-hour news. The spring ponds in our back yard trickled through several neighboring farms before eventually forming Raven Creek, a small tributary of Fishing Creek.
Two of the ponds were home to trout, and several others held bass and blue- gills. My father had one rule when it came to the ponds – we could fish for the bass or bluegills, but never for the trout. I quickly learned that these fish were special, and now, years later, I tru- ly appreciate why Dad made that rule. Fishing Creek, a medium size trout stream, flows about 30 miles from top to bottom until it joins the Susquehanna River at Bloomsburg. Each spring, while on the way to school, I would see anglers casting their offerings into the mixed currents of the stream. Sitting on the bus, I never dreamed that one day I would marry a fly fish- erman whose life revolved specifically around trout fishing, or that I would get so caught up in the world of fly fishing. The Fishing Creek Valley’s streams and tributaries offer many opportunities for reeling in three native species of trout – brown, rainbow and brook. In its upper reaches, Fishing Creek has two branches that both contain wild trout. The west branch is the healthier of the two, as acid rain has caused some difficulties in the east branch. However, you can still find wild brook trout in many of its pools. SullivanFalls is locatedon theeast branch, just a short drive upstream from Jamison City. Wild brook trout can be caught at the bottom of the falls, but the hike down can be tricky. There is no established trail and it can be slippery and dangerous when wet. Jamison City might have been considered a small “city” at the turn of the century, but today it is just a quiet little community. Its big draw is the
Jamison City Hotel, sporting the Copper Penny Bar. It’s a popular stop for a drink and good food.
If you backtrack about a mile, you’ll find the village of Central and the Central Park Hotel. Many examples of preserved local critters line the walls of the hotel and offer company as you enjoy your dining experience. There are bobcats, deer, elf, mink, otters, fish, and even a buffalo. All have been there forever and our grandsons love to go for dinner just for the scenery. The hotel offers great food, but presently the hours are limited. Across the street you’ll find the west branch of Fishing Creek. The best fishing is upstream of the village in the adjacent community of Elk Grove. A state game land road parallels the stream, but it is open only during hunting season. There are a few year-round residents in Elk Grove, but as in Central and Jamison City, many of the cabins are seasonal and used only for hunting and fishing. Theeastandwestbranchesofthecreekmeet just below State Route 118, and head south toward the town of Benton, my hometown. Here we have the Benton Dam where kids and families gather to swim, or swing from a rope to drop into the cold gin clear water of Fishing Creek. Our little town has a well-maintained public park for picnicking, and sometimes we have free live entertainment on weekends. Just north of town are the rodeo grounds where professional riders compete annually in the Rodeo and Bull-A-Rama during Benton’s Frontier Days. Nearby, golfers can make use of the Mill Race Golf & RV Resort. Next to the golf course is a trout hatchery co-opted with the Fishing Creek Sportsmen’s Association and the
Cathy Beck
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terminology, it’s called matching the hatch. In adult form, these insects will not bite, sting, or harm you. They are all beneficial to the local ecosystem– fish and birds rely on them as a food source. The streambed of Fishing Creek provides a safe and fertile place for the insect larva and nymphal stage insects to develop until hatching. These various insects are for the stream as the canary is for the mine; if they start to disappear, it’s a clear indication that the stream ecosystem is experiencing trouble. I believe a trout is too valuable to be killed, so I have always practiced catch and release. The late Lee Wulff, a famous fishing writer, once penned that a trout was too precious to be used only once so I am thrilled to see more and more anglers releasing trout back into Fishing Creek. It also pleases me to see anglers travel great distances to fish our stream. Harry Schoel and TheoBakelaar, world famous fly tiers, venture from the Netherlands to Fishing Creek each year to try their luck. The late actor William Conrad fished here; as did Jay Manty, leader of Seal Team Five. Ivan Tarin, one of Spain’s best anglers, also recently tested his skills here. Most newspapers only report on professional sports, but once a week our local paper, the Press Enterprise , features outdoor writer Tom Austin. Tom frequently authors two full pages of hunting and fishing news that benefit readers who truly love the outdoors. I am truly blessed to live in this beautiful valley with the cold, clear trout stream that I love. I like to think of it as my own little piece of paradise, but it’s here for all of us to enjoy! To fully experience Fishing Creek, and the beautiful Benton region, consider planning a guided fly fishing trip with Bar- ry & Cathy Beck. The Becks also employ several experienced fly fishing guides who can instruct, educate, and assist an- glers of all skill levels. When working with less experienced an- glers, guides will explain fly selection, positions, presentation, knots, and leader construction. Questions are encouraged! Experienced anglers can have as much or as little assistance as he wishes. Learn more about the Becks and their guid- ed fishing programs by visiting www.barryandcathybeck.com.
PA Fish & Boat Commission. A group of dedicated volunteers raise and stock fish throughout the season. The Sportsmen’s Association also provides stream access maps for visiting anglers. Once a year, they also sponsor a youth fishing derby to encourage kids with the experience and thrill of catching “the big one”. Visitors can stop by the hatchery raceway and feed fish from the bridge. It’s a popular stop and any proceeds made benefit the club and fund future projects. With various B&B’s, cabins, vacation rentals, and inns, it’s easy to find a place to spend the night in the Benton area. There are nice restaurants and grab-it-and-go eateries (try Tony’s Steaks). Chris at the Old Filling Station offers a menu that I find hard to resist. There’s also Valley Pizza, Kozy Korner on the square, Fritz Tastee Cream & Hoboken Subs at the bridge, and Westovers Country Grill. Retherford’s Farm Market offers fresh fruits and vegetables. And the stream flows through it all! If you’re into exploring covered bridges, you won’t be disappointed. Below Benton in the quaint village of Stillwater is the well-maintained Stillwater Bridge that crosses Fishing Creek. Continuing south to the village of Forks where Huntington and Fishing Creek merge – and turning at the metal bridge - brings you to the Twin Bridges, one of only two sets in the country. From this point south, the creek offers perfect water for kayaking or tubing. The upper part of the creek has many log jams and portaging is required, but the lower end is more open. The valley offers a wonderful variety of outdoor activities, but for me it’s simply known as “home waters”. I cherish the many hours I have spent in its pools and riffles. To a fly fisherman, learning the aquatic and terrestrial insects that are food for trout is part of the game. Mayflies, caddis flies, and stoneflies make up most of a trout’s diet. Most aquatic insects hatch from the stream bottom and ride the currents until, in their adult form, they fly from the water.
Knowing when various insects are hatching helps anglers prepare for and keep the right imitation as bait. In fly-fishing
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With the onset of paddling season, the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) is excited to release another great tool for the paddling public. The Susquehanna Greenway Vessel Identification Stickers (ID Stickers) were produced in May 2021 and are a FREE resource for paddlers to utilize as they explore the Susquehanna River Water Trail. These water-resistant stickers include areas for name and contact information. After filling in the information sections with a waterproof pen or marker, it is recommended that boat owners place the sticker in a protected but visible location, such as the inside of the cockpit. If a boat should capsize and get swept downriver, the vessel has a better chance of being returned. “The ID stickers were produced in order to fill a gap left open by the discontinuation of the vessel ID program through the regional branch of the Auxiliary Coast Guard,” explains SGP Executive DirectorCoreyEllison. “Withsomanynewpaddlers discovering and utilizing the water trail, these stickers not only provide key safety information, but they also help instill a peace of mind in the event that gear is lost during a trip on the river.” Designed with safety in mind, the stickers highlight the importance of having a life jacket and whistle on board, which is required by PA State Law. They also include a set of helpful phone numbers that may be needed while on
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the water trail including those of the PA Fish & Boat Commission, Department of Environmental Protection, and the PA Game Commission. The stickers are available for free at all SGP events throughout the 2021 season; some of these events include: On June 26, SGP will host the Susquehanna Float & Films, which offers participants a chance to kayak the river, watch the best of international paddling films, or do both for a full day experience! Tickets range $12-28 and can be purchased at susquehannagreenway.org/pff . On July 24, SGP is partnering with Pennsylvania Master Naturalist on a new program designed to enhance your paddling skill set and develop your knowledge of river ecology. The Paddler’s Toolkit workshop will be held at the Montour Preserve with presentations in the morning and a paddle in the afternoon on Lake Chillisquaque. Registration is $35 and includes lunch. More details are available at susquehannagreenway.org/toolkit. For those unable to attend these events, the Vessel Identification Stickers are available to order from the SGP Online
Shop: susquehannagreenway.org/shop . There is no cost for the stickers; however, shipping is not included and must be paid by the purchaser. The Vessel Identification Stickers were financed in part by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program Environmental Stewardship Fund under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation administered through the Pennsylvania Environmental Council’s Pennsylvania Water Trails Partnership Mini Grant Program. The Susquehanna Greenway is a corridor of connected trails, parks, river access points, and communities, linking people to the natural and cultural treasures of the Susquehanna River. The mission of the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership is to continue to grow the Greenway by building connections along the Susquehanna River, inspiring people to engage with the outdoors, and transforming communities into places where people want to live, work, and explore.
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CHILISUAGI TRAIL Quarterly Trail Feature : by Jenn Puckett
Exploring the Chilisuagi Trail at the Montour Preserve is a great way to stretch your legs nearly any time of the year. This fairly easy hiking trail circles Lake Chillisquaque (pronounced chill-a-squawk-ee) me- anders through wooded areas and crosses the dam at the end of the lake. Goose Cove Pavilion provides plenty of parking for your vehicle. The nearly four-mile hike begins in open fields, and then enters the woods and features some moderate inclines. This is an excellent area for bird watching and seeing native wildflowers. Squirrels, chipmunks, white tailed deer and other wildlife frequent the area so enjoy the quiet – one never knows what may be encountered. The trail gradually opens again around Heron Cove where one can easily view a variety of waterfowl. Mallards, mergansers and blue
herons are commonly seen. Canada geese can be frequently seen near the Heron Cove Pavilion and its boat launch. Please do not approach them and be careful where you step! As the trail crosses the dam, one gets a spec- tacular view of the lake. A refreshing breeze of- ten comes across the water which is most enjoyable after a long walk in the woods. De- pending on the time of day, the dam can offer views of beautiful sun- sets that are the per- fect culmination to a delightful day. When leaving the dam, one is on the side of the lake where this hike began and the park- ing area is very close.
before you go The Chilisuagi Trail typically takes two to three hours to complete. The Montour Preserve is open from dawn to dusk daily. Wear stur- dy footwear since the trail terrain is varied. Some parts can be muddy or wet depending on the season. Insect repellent is highly recommended. Dogs are NOT permitted at the Preserve (other than service dogs) so please leave Fido at home. Take lots of pic- tures and leave only footprints! Use #itourcolumbiamontour on your photos and they could be the featured photos of the week on Instagram! Visit montourpreserve.org for more information.
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WHERE YOUR COMMUNITY GIVING STORY AWAITS
The Community Giving Foundation is committed to a legacy of local giving and a love of community. The generous hearts and philanthropic interests seen through our partnerships create stories and memories for everyone to enjoy. Working together, we manage over 300 funds for donors and organizations dedicated to regional impact and recreation, empowering residents and visitors alike to tell their community giving story.
Community giving is possible right here in our region.
Montour Area Recreation Commission (MARC) has created multiple funds at the Foundation to promote sustainability of area parks and recreational opportunities. According to Bob Stoudt, MARC Director: "MARC's partnership with the Community Giving Foundation has allowed us to dramatically increase the reach and effectiveness of our fundraising and has made much of our work possible. We value the Foundation as a trusted partner in our mutual efforts to make a significant, positive impact in our community."
725 W Front St • Berwick, PA 18603 • 570-752-3930 • csgiving.org
@S.CLINTON.LEWIS
JULY EVENTS CALENDAR JULY
kids summer workshop July 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 Rohrbach’s Farm, 240 Southern Drive, Catawissa rohrbachsfarm.net • 570.356.7654
fish for free day on all pennsylvania waterways July 4 fishandboat.com
millville community fire company carnival July 2 – 10 Millville, North Chestnut Street 570.458.5783
dog days of summer July 7 & 21 Bloomsburg children’s museum, 2 West 7th Street, Bloomsburg the-childrens-museum.org • 570.389.9206
rose ostrowski live July 2 Big Dan’s BBQ, 240 Southern Drive, Catawissa rohrbachsfarm.net • 570.356.6156 summer saturdays featuring murt ’ s mobile diner July 3 Ol’ Country Barn, 9 South Comstock Road, Benton olcountrybarn.com • 570.925.6295
memory lane July 7 Bloomsburg Town Park, Market Street. Bloomsburg bloomsburgpa.org
briggs farm blues festival July 8–10 88 Old Berwick Highway, Nescopeck briggsfarm.com • 570.379.3342 wheel jamboree July 9–11 Bloomsburg Fair Grounds 4wheeljamboree.com • 570.784.4949
fireworks extravaganza July 3 Bloomsburg children’s museum, 2 West 7th Street. Bloomsburg the-childrens-museum.org • 570.389.9206 adult painting class : primitive patriotic July 3 Rohrbach’s Farm, 240 Southern Drive, Catawissa 570.356.7654 • rohrbachsfarm.net fireworks show July 3 Bloomsburg Fairgrounds, 620 West 3rd Street, Bloomsburg 570.784.7123
nate myers duo live July 10 Cherokee Tap Room, 699 Elysburg Road, Danville 570.284.4495 live music : irv ball July 11 Iron Fork, 1301 Bloom Road, Danville 570.275.4000
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Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine Tunnel 21_Layout 1 2/12/21 2:27 PM Page 1 Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine
Tour a real coal mine and take a ride on an old- fashioned steam locomotive. Both tours are guided. Open April - October Tour a real coal mine and take a ride on an old- fashioned steam locomotive. Both tours are gui ed. Open April - October 19th & Oak Streets Ashland, PA 17921 570-875-3850 Tour a real coal mine and take a ride on an old- fashioned steam locomotive. Both tours are guided. Open April - October www.pioneertunnel.com Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine 19th & Oak Streets As land, PA 17921 570-875-3850
FREE PARKING! ALSO FEATURING PICNIC AREA & PLAYGROUND
www.pioneertunnel.com
- PLUS - Visit our gift
19th & Oak Streets Ashland, PA 17921 570-875-3850
shop after your tour & be sure to take home a box of original Coal Candy!
www.pioneertunnel.com
Forks Farm Market 2021 Schedule June 26th (10-2)- Farm Tour July 10th (10-2)- Farm Tour July 24th (10-2)- Wellness Day August 14th (10-2)- Kid's Day August 28th (10-2)- Corn Roast September 11th (10-2)- Farm to Fork Fitness Adventure September 25th (10-2)- Harvest Day October 9th (10-2)- Brew and Cheese Fest October 23rd (10-2)- Halloween
November 23rd (1-6)- Turkey Pick Up December 18th (10-1)- Holiday Market
30+ Vendors
Local PA Fruits & Vegetables, Grass-fed Meats & Dairy, Coffee, Beer, Wine, Baked Goods, Dog Treats, Ferments, Fresh Cut Flowers, Candles, Soaps & Lotions, Cookies, Fresh Baked Bread, Jewelry, Woodworking,Yarn, Mushrooms, Preserves, Food Trucks, Live Music, & More!
299 COVERED BRIDGE RD. ORANGEVILLE, PA 17859 WWW.FORKSFARMMARKET.COM Forks Farm Market
WE SUPPORT Local Foods & Family Farms
The Children’ s Museum UPCOMING EVENTS AT: BLOOMSBURG, PA
THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, BLMSBURG 2 West 7 th Strt | Blmsburg, PA Ca us at: 570.389.9206
MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU DAY JULY 17 TH 10AM - 2PM REDUCED ADMISSION - $5 PER PERSON An out of this world festival to help our Museum Endor! Event will include, games, crafts, mini golf, sit in space ships, and an all new obstacle course! Your favorite “out of this world characters” will be there too - you do not want to miss this event!
TOUCH A TRUCK AUGUST 14 TH 10AM - 2PM
Join us at Rohrbach’s Farm for a fun-filled day with trucks of all kinds. Get an up-close, hands-on look at loaders, campers, tractors, fire engines, and more! FREE ADMISSION - DONATIONS BENEFIT OUR MUSEUM!
EVENT LOCATION: The Children’s Museum 2 West 7 th Street, Bloomsburg, PA 17815
Rohrbach’s Farm 240 Southern Dr, Catawissa, PA 17820 EVENT LOCATION:
Spend your summer break with us! Bring your curiosity and sense of wonder - for fun activities that focus on science, art, and more!
CHECK OUT OUR 2021 SUER CAMPS! https://the-childrens-museum.org/summer-camps/
@CHRISSERRALTAPHOTOGRAPHY
EVENTS CALENDAR
JULY
civil fly live July 17 Cherokee Tap Room, 699 Elysburg Road, Danville 570.284.4495 car cruise in and fundraiser supports columbia county lyme group July 18 Ricketts Cidery, 4360 Red Rock Road, Benton 570.925.2500 clickard consortium July 21 Bloomsburg Town Park, Market Street, Bloomsburg bloomsburgpa.org orangeville fire company carnival July 23–31 204 Mill Street, Orangeville 570.683.5914
benton area rodeo July 13–18 385 Mendenhall Lane, Benton bentonrodeo.com • 570.925.6536
the exchange presents the bc combo July 14 Bloomsburg Town Park exchangearts.org • 570.317.2596 cow encounter hayrides July 15–17 Rohrbach’s Farm, 240 Southern Drive, Catawissa rohrbachsfarm.net • 570.356.7654 3 rd annual walk & run for suicide prevention July 16 Purple Cow Winery, 281 Wellersville Road, Bloomsburg afsp.donordrive.com • 570.854.6969 trick roping with mackenzie fish July 16 Rohrbach’s Farm, 240 Southern Drive, Catawissa rohrbachsfarm.net • 570.356.7654 may the force be with you day July 17 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, 2 West 7th Street, Bloomsburg museumfundraiser.home.blog • 570.389.9206
paddler ’ s toolkit workshop July 24
Montour Preserve, 700 Preserve Road, Danville susquehannagreenway.org • 570.336.2060 forks farm market – wellness day July 24
299 Covered Bridge Road, Orangeville forksfarmmarket.com • 570.683.5820
allan combs ’ soul medicine live July 17 Ricketts Cidery, 4365 Red Rock Road, Benton 570.925.2690
this day in history : amelia earhart ’ s birthday July 24 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, 2 West 7th Street, Bloomsburg the-childrens-museum.org • 570.389.9206
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kids summer workshop August 5 & 12 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, 2 West 7th Street, Bloomsburg the-childrens-museum.org • 570.389.9206 celebrate berwick 2021 August 7 Market Street Berwick 570.759.8203 saturday sign - along with miss kerry August 7 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, 2 West 7th Street, Bloomsburg the-childrens-museum.org • 570.389.9206 taming of the brew August 7 The Farm in Bloom, 1051 Fort McClure Boulevard, Bloomsburg thetamingofthebrew.org • 570.784.5530 montour delong community fair August 9–14 2628 Broadway Road, Danville montourdelongfair.com • 570.437.2178 catawissa hose company #1 carnival August 11–14 Catawissa 570.356.2514 “ field of poppies ” adult painting class August 13 Rohrbach’s Farm, 240 Southern Drive, Catawissa rohrbachsfarm.net • 570.356.7654 forks farm market – kid ’ s day August 14 299 Covered Bridge Road, Orangeville forksfarmmarket.com • 570.683.5820 touch - a - truck , rohrbach ’ s farm August 14 240 Southern Drive, Catawissa the-childrens-museum.org • 570.389.9206
kenn kweder & mark teague live July 24 Cherokee Tap Room, 699 Elysburg Road, Danville 570.284.4495 kids art camp July 28–30 Rohrbach’s Farm, 240 Southern Drive, Catawissa rohrbachsfarm.net • 570.356.7654 gift , troutman and gift July 28 Bloomsburg Town Park, Market Street, Bloomsburg bloomsburgpa.org
keystone junior rodeo July 31 385 Mendenhall Lane, Benton pakjra.com • 570.925.6536
whoopie palooza July 31 Rohrbach’s farm, 240 Southern Drive, Catawissa rohrbachsfarm.net • 570.356.7654
avocado day July 31 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, 2 West 7th Street, Bloomsburg the-childrens-museum.org • 570.389.9206
comedy night July 31 Cherokee Tap Room, 699 Elysburg Road, Danville 570.284.4495
AUGUST
s . w . o . r . d . the museum presented by t - mobile ( battle bots ) August 1 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, 2 West 7th Street, Bloomsburg buildersdb.com • 570.389.9206 tiny tots swim school ( ages 4 and under ) August 2–6 Knoebels Amusement Resort, Rt. 487, Elysburg knoebels.com • 800.487.4386 dog days of summer August 4 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, 2 West 7th Street, Bloomsburg the-childrens-museum.org • 570.389.9206 ice cream social August 5 Bloomsburg Town Park, Fort McClure Boulevard, Bloomsburg
benton area rodeo fun show August 14 385 Mendenhall Lane, Benton bentonrodeo.com • 570.925.6536 runaway stroller live August 14 Cherokee Tap Room, 699 Elysburg Road, Danville 570.284.4495 string art : ladies night out coffee & cacti August 20 Rohrbach’s Farm, 240 Southern Drive, Catawissa rohrbachsfarm.net • 570.356.7654
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artfest 2021 August 21 Market Street & Main Street, Bloomsburg facebook.com/BloomsburgArtFest • 570.317.2596 summer saturday featuring the grumpy crab August 21 Ol’ Country Barn, 9 South Comstock Road, Benton olcountrybarn.com • 570.925.6295
end of summer bash featuring crooked forest food truck September 4 Ol’ country barn, 9 south comstock road, Benton olcountrybarn.com • 570.925.6295 mini petting zoo September 4 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, 2 West 7th Street. Bloomsburg the-childrens-museum.org • 570.389.9206 15 th annual golf for victory September 9–October 22 Eagles Mere Country Club, 1 Country Club Road, Eagles Mere campvictory.org • 570.458.6530
honey bee awareness August 21: Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, 2 West 7th Street, Bloomsburg the-childrens-museum.org • 570.389.9206
farm to fork fitness adventure September 11 Forks Farm, 299 Covered Bridge Road, Orangeville farmtoforkfitness.com • 570.683.5820
bonnie wicher & john derk live August 21 Cherokee Tap Room, 699 Elysburg Road, Danville 570.284.4495 forks farm market – corn roast August 28
dino days September 11 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, 2 West 7th Street, Bloomsburg the-childrens-museum.org • 570.389.9206
299 Covered Bridge Road, Orangeville forksfarmmarket.com • 570.683.5820
brandon barnhart “ the electric piano man ” live September 11 Cherokee Tap Room, 699 Elysburg Road, Danville 570.284.4495 benton area rodeo fun show September 12 385 Mendenhall Lane, Benton bentonrodeo.com • 570.925.6536 knoebels doggie dive September 12 Knoebels Amusement Resort, Rt. 487, Elysburg knoebels.com • 800.487.4386 first responders appreciation & fall kickoff September 18 Rohrbach’s Farm, 240 Southern Drive, Catawissa rohrbachsfarm.net • 570.356.7654
celebrate peach month August 28 Bloomsburg Children’s Museum, 2 West 7th Street. Bloomsburg the-childrens-museum.org • 570.389.9206
dr . o ’ s ride for victory 2021 August 29 Camp Victory campvictory.org • 570.458.6530 freewheelin ’ at forks farm August 29 Winding Road, Orangeville
bikereg.com/wwwdutchwheelmancom • 570.784.6524
SEPTEMBER
camp victory 5 k fun run , walk , ride , & roll September 1–12 Camp Victory campvictory.org • 570.458.6530
bloomsburg fair September 24–October 2 Bloomsburg Fairgrounds bloomsburgfair.com • 570.784.4949
42 nd fall arts and crafts festival September 4 Mill Street, Danville visitdanvillepa.org • 570.284.4502
knoebels buy one today , get one next may September 25 Knoebels Amusement Resort, Rt. 487, Elysburg knoebels.com • 800.487.4386 forks farm market – harvest day September 25
beaver run auction September 4 290 PPL Road, Anthony Township, Danville 570.490.0927
299 Covered Bridge Road, Orangeville forksfarmmarket.com • 570.683.582
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Follow the Trail... to Craft Beer!
by Nancy Bishop
Don’t worry, you don’t have to visit every Trail location in one day – you have until Oct. 31 to get your passport stamped. And the folks at the Visitors Bureaus have teamed with Susquehanna Valley Limousine, which is offering a 10 percent discount on a River Rat Brew Tail Tour in your choice of luxury vehicle. Get your friends together and let Susquehanna Valley Limousine do the driving – you won’t need to decide who is going to be the designated driver!
Looking for a trail to explore? You won’t need your hiking boots for this one! Join the fun on the River Rat Brew Trail. And with the River Rat Brew Trail Passport, you’ll explore 11 craft breweries along the Susquehanna River, get a River Rat Brew Trail brewer-designed koozie at each brewery and, when you finish and have had your passport stamped at all 11, you’ll get a commemorative clothing item. The Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau & the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau have teamed up to offer the passport, which you can buy at either Visitors Bureau welcome center or at many of the breweries along the Trail or online.
This year’s passport is Hawaiian-themed!
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tartness from the lemon juice. It reminded me of a drink I had when visiting St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands. And we couldn’t leave without sampling the food. From a large menu, we chose South Philly Fries – a huge pile of house-cut fries covered in caramelized onions and peppers and a house-made cheese sauce. Yummy. So big we couldn’t finish them and had to take home the leftovers to enjoy again the next day. Co-founder Larry Winans (whose business card says he’s also “chief keg washer”) was kind enough to give me a tour of the brewing room where a Key Lime Sour was in the vat getting ready to join the lineup this summer.
The entrance to Jackass Brewing Co. in Lewisburg
With passport in hand, a friend and I set off on the trail on a recent sunny Saturday afternoon. The Trail is a beautiful drive through Central Pennsylvania, with its rolling hills, fields, farms, forests and, of course, the Susquehanna River. I drove and he was the designated beer taster. We chose three breweries to visit that day and it was so much fun we already have mapped out our plan for visiting the other eight. (More to come in future blogs as we head down the trail!) First up was Jackass Brewing Company along Route 45 (Old Turnpike Road). Our friendly and very helpful waitress Nikki suggested a flight of beers as a way to sample four of their many offerings. We selected First Voyage Pilsner, Foggy Doo, Double Vision and Dumb Ass as much for the names as for the description of the beers on the menu. All craft beers served at Jackass Brewing Company are brewed on premises in their seven-barrel system. Dumb Ass was a favorite for us. It’s an American Porter with hints of coffee and chocolate. If you like a dark beer, it’s the one for you. Double Vision is an IPA as is Foggy Doo. (My friend likes IPAs.) First Voyage is a traditional German Pilsner, great if you want a beer that’s light and refreshing. One of my favorite names on the beer list, although we didn’t try it this trip, is “She Aint Hefe, She’s My Donkey,” which is a classic Hefeweizen. Since my companion was enjoying the beer so much, I decided to try a cocktail from their menu. Nikki suggested the Bahama Lama, and after reading the description -- Blackberry syrup, pineapple juice, coconut rum and lemon juice – I had to try it. It was a great choice! A little sweet with a refreshing
Co-founder Larry Winans pours a sample in the brewing room.
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