Don't forget to set your clocks back one hour tonight!
Daylight savings time ends at 2 am.
Saturday, October 31, 2020
CCHS Cross Country @ Districts in Brookville
Cross country districts in Brookville today!
There were 74 girls racing. Brianna got 34th and Mikenna finished in 45th place.
Congratulations girls!!
Gnomes For Sale
Gnomes For Sale
Door hangers $20
Regular gnomes $15
Call Mitzi @ 814-486-3578 or text @ 814-389-6801
Located in Emporium
Emporium Rotary Scholarship Fund Gun Raffle
click on photo to enlarge view
Proceeds benefit the Emporium Rotary Scholarship Fund
Tickets can be purchased from Emporium Rotarians or online via Venmo @emporiumrotary05274.
Make checks payable to to Emporium Rotary Club.
Drawing will be held on December 29,2020 at 12:00PM live on the Emporium Rotary Facebook page
Thursday, October 29, 2020
Rotary News
Frank Ehrensberger, Product Production Manager, at St. Marys Carbon Company was the guest speaker at the Rotary luncheon meeting October 27th.
St. Mary’s Carbon Co., a fourth generation owned company, was started in 1939 by Jerome E. Lanzel, Sr. & Louis W. Eberl focusing on engineered dynamic applications. Today the company has 3 entities; St. Marys Carbon Co., St. Marys, PA, specializing in carbon/graphite & copper graphite components for the industrial, automotive and aerospace industry; SMC Powder Metallurgy Inc. in Galeton, PA specializing in precision powder metals parts for the automotive, lawn & garden industry, along with marine power and industrial motors. U. S. Resistor, Inc. in St. Marys, PA, specializing in ceramic & organic industrial resistors, such as surge protectors, circuit breakers, lightning arrestors, wind power and medical applications. All 3 plants total approximately 100 employees. Also pictured, is Rotarian and mother-in-law of speaker, Sue Bucher.
Guests attending the meeting were George Sowers, Corrie Amick & Morgan Ehrensberger.
Causer to Hold Satellite Office Hours
BRADFORD – State Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) will hold monthly satellite office hours on Thursday, Nov. 5, at the following locations:
·
Emporium Borough Office – 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
· Port Allegany Borough Office – 11 a.m. to noon.
Services available include assisting constituents with state-related issues or concerns, assistance with driver license and vehicle registration applications, and help in filling out applications for various state programs, such as the senior citizen Property Tax/Rent Rebate and PACE prescription drug assistance programs.
People who cannot make the satellite sessions may contact Causer’s offices in Bradford at 78 Main St., first floor, telephone 814-362-4400; or Coudersport, 107 S. Main St., Room 1, telephone 814-274-9769; or Kane, 55 Fraley St., telephone 814-837-0880. Information is also available at www.RepCauser.com or on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/RepCauser.
Rita Mae Gerg-Shoop
Rita Mae Gerg-Shoop, 90 passed away in Fenton, Michigan, surrounded by her family, on Monday (October 26, 2020) after a short illness. She was born on August 19, 1930 in Emporium, PA a daughter of the late Anthony Arnold Greg and Elizabeth Theresa Pushcar Fragale.
Rita was a life-long Emporium resident until her retirement at age 83 at which time she moved to Michigan to live out her remaining years close to her family. She graduated from Emporium High School in the class of 1948. While in high school she was a majorette and loved watching marching bands especially the Penn State Blue Band perform. She was a hard worker and had long careers at GTE Sylvania in Emporium, Emporium Hardwoods and Walmart in Bradford. She was a friendly and kind person and above all else was dedicated to her family. She was an avid reader and often read several books a week. She had a love of antiques and collecting. She loved being near the water, liked to swim and loved spending time at her family's summer cottage on Rushford Lake, NY. She often said that was her favorite place to be. Rita was like an adopted mother to the CCHS class of 1977 and was always honored and excited to attend their class reunions. She was a member of St. Mark Catholic Church in Emporium.
She is survived by a son Jeffrey Gerg of Fenton, MI; one grandson, Anthony Greg (Laura) of Yuma, AZ; one granddaughter, Jamie Gerg Roesch (Joe), Linden, MI; two great grandchildren: Rileigh Rose and Cooper Ryan Roesch, Linden, MI; her third great granddaughter will be making her appearance in March; and one brother Terry (Laura) Fragale, Brighton, CO.
There will be No Visitation.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated at the St. Mark Catholic Church, 235 East Fourth Street, Emporium, PA on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Paul S. Siebert, Pastor, as Celebrant. Burial will be in the St. Mark Catholic Cemetery, Emporium, PA.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library, 27 W. 4th St., PO Box 430, Emporium, PA 15834-0430 or to American Cancer Society, 108-R North Second St., Clearfield, PA 16830
Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net
BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.
Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Halloween Costume Contest @ The Tavern
Join in on Saturday for a costume contest at The Tavern.
Prizes between 9 - 10pm.
Basket of Hope Tickets Still Available
There's still time to buy tickets and support this wonderful event!
Cameron County Halloween Extravaganza Planned
Cameron County Halloween Extravaganza Planned
Halloween Trick or Treat is planned for Saturday October 31 6-8pm by porch light invite.
In addition, Cameron County
business Smoker Logging has teamed up with other businesses to kick off the event at 4:00 with a walk around Guy and Mary
Felt Manor.
Children in costumes are invited to walk around the outside of the business so residents can see them from their
rooms. Due to Covid-19 restrictions in place by state licensing agencies no outside visitors are permitted.
Downtown businesses will pass out treats from 4-6, while Smoker Logging promises something for everyone in the vacant lot.
DJ Smokin Sounds will provide the music with a focus on Halloween favorites like Monster Mash and Thriller. The
Emporium Moose Lodge will have a free drawing for prizes, Singer’s Auto Service will host a photo opportunity with a
decorated hearse, Table 105 and Sugar Hillbilly Pizza will be serving food. Fire pits will keep trick or treaters warm while
they sip on free hugs and water. Games will include pumpkin bowling, bozo bucket game, cornhole and guess how many of
pieces are in the jar. Smoker Logging providing a Big Slide, jump house and other activities for children. A load of firewood
will be raffled off with the proceeds benefitting the Cameron County Fireworks.
Those that may not have many trick or treaters and wish to participate are encouraged to decorate their vehicle and park on
Fourth Street to hand out candy. Parking is limited to first come first serve. Regular trick or treat is planned for Emporium
from 6-8pm by porch light invite.
“The chamber is excited to see this activity coordinated between businesses,” says director Tina Solak. “It is the opportunity
for the businesses to give something back to the community.” Anyone wishing to add items to the Halloween Extravaganza is
encouraged to contact Smoker Logging.
Haunted House @ the Emporium Moose Lodge #368
If you missed the Moose Lodge Haunted House last weekend, it is back this weekend!
We do have strobe lights that can be turned off for those who cannot be around them.
Entrance is out back of the lodge.
October 30 & 31 6pm - 10 pm
$500 Shopping spree tickets available at Moose Lodge
The annual 5 minute shopping spree tickets are now available
at the Moose Lodge in Emporium!
Skull Identification Program Saturday at Sinnemahoning State Park
Skull Identification Program Saturday at Sinnemahoning State Park
Have you ever discovered an animal skull during a woods-wandering and wondered what species it was from?
On Saturday, October 31, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM, Sinnemahoning State Park is offering an opportunity for you to get "a-head" on your wildlife knowledge and learn to identify skulls based upon their characteristics. Program will include hands-on practice with many different mammal species and is sure to be engaging for all ages.
Group size is limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, so pre-registration is recommended. Facemasks and social distancing are required. Meet in the classroom of the Wildlife Center.
To pre-register for a program, or for more information, please visit the DCNR Calendar of Events http://events.dcnr.pa.gov. If you need assistance with online registration, please call the park office 814-647-8401 and dial 0 for the front desk.
Mt Zion Historical Society Newsletter
Many of us in Cameron County travel to the Benezette area.
Sharing this newsletter as some of their historical books are sold at the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce and the Sinnemahoning Sportsman's Club
Mt Zion Historical Society Newsletter
Despite the trying times and changes to our usual routines, the Mt. Zion Historical Society continues to meet and discuss plans for our Park and future projects. We were not able to have our annual Memorial Day Dedication in May, but we proceeded in designing and ordering our 2020 plaque for the Citizen Walkway. It is dedicated to the history of our schools in Jay and Benezette Townships. The plaque contains a map showing the locations of schools going back to the early settling of our townships. The kiosk has pictures of many old school buildings as well as class pictures of many former graduating classes in the townships as far back as the early 1900's. You may very well see names and pictures of people you know. Since our Veteran Walkway has no room left for plaques, our veteran addition this year was a silhouette depicting the "Wounded Warrior" logo. Unfortunately, it did not meet our expectations so, although it was placed on the hill overlooking the Park, it will be replaced in the spring with a different one.
We spent the summer doing some other necessary tasks at the Park. We contracted with PA Power Washing to kill the weeds between the pavers and then seal the walkways. Jay township cleaned and widened the ditch in front of the Park. We've had some donations to help us pay for concrete footers and construct pedestals for 4 more plaques on either side of the Civil War Monument. We'll be discussing possible ideas for these plaques. And, to keep the Park at its very best, we've also added a trash can.
The near future will see a fence built around the Park by Brian Blake. This is Brian's Eagle Scout Project, and when he brought the idea to us, we were beyond happy that he considered us.
We also have a lot of tree limbs and bushes needing to be trimmed and removed, as well as lawn to be fertilized. So, there are alot of "housekeeping tasks" which are never ending.
Since our Memorial Day Dedication and the Labor Day festivities were both cancelled this year, our fundraising efforts were thwarted as well. We usually sell our books and T-shirts to raise funds to pay for grass cutting and the other necessary jobs mentioned above. To make up for this lack of cash, we have placed book racks in various areas throughout the townships to sell our books. We've even added more books to our usual list. Look for them and purchase one if you can when you are at the Valley Farm Market in Weedville, Benezette Store, Sinnemahoning Sportsman's Club, Emporium Chamber of Commerce, and Gems and Jewels in Brockway. Not only will you be helping us to finance our Park maintenance, but you may be getting some interesting historical information of which you may not have been aware.
Monday, October 26, 2020
New items at Flowers 'N Things
Just a small sample of the new items that are in at Flowers 'N Things!
Stop in and see the displays.
Shippen Township Closed Election Day
Shippen Township will be closed on Tuesday, November 3rd for Election Day.
Tuesday’s refuse collection will be on Monday, November 2nd. Monday, Wednesday & Thursday collections will remain the same.
Friday, October 23, 2020
Thursday, October 22, 2020
Environmental Education Classes for Homeschooled Children
Parents with Homeschool children in Cameron County!
The District and CCOYA are working to offer monthly Environmental Education Classes for homeschooled children of all ages. Classes will be held indoors/outdoors (weather depending) and last for 1 to 1-1/2 hours long.
If your child would be interested in attending, let us know in the comments section below on Facebook , e-mail us at jdixon@cameroncd.org or call us at 814-486-2244.
Precinct and Polling Places for Cameron County
Precinct and Polling Places for Cameron County
District 01 – Driftwood Borough
Gibson Township Municipal Building
7657 Bridge Street
Driftwood, PA 15832
District 02- East Ward – Borough of Emporium
Emporium Borough Fire Hall
419 North Broad Street
Emporium, PA 15834
District 03 – Middle Ward – Borough of Emporium
Emporium Borough Fire Hall
419 North Broad Street
Emporium, PA 15834
District 04 – West Ward – Borough of Emporium
Emporium Borough Fire Hall
419 North Broad Street
Emporium, PA 15834
District 05 – Gibson Township
Gibson Township Municipal Building
7657 Bridge Street
Driftwood, PA 15834
District 07 – Grove Township
Sinnemahoning Fire Hall
186 Railroad Street
Sinnemahoning, PA 15861
District 08 – Lumber Township
Lumber Township Municipal Building
281 Sterling Run Road
Driftwood, PA 15832
District 09 – Portage Township
George B. Erskine Wellness Center
288 Sizerville Road
Emporium, PA 15834
District 10- East Shippen Township
George B. Erskine Wellness Center
288 Sizerville Road
Emporium, PA 15834
District 11 – West Shippen Township
Shippen
Township Building
1681 Rich Valley Road
Emporium, PA 15834
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
Sales @ CDH Designs in Emporium
If you haven't visited this charming store in Emporium, what are you waiting for!
CDH Designs Main Street, Emporium
Some of these things have been here for a couple weeks, a month, two months..
And some have been here for TOO LONG.
Next Tuesday evening at 8, I’ll be doing a monstrous Facebook LIVE sale with incredible markdowns.
There are so many items that I need an entire week to prepare.
Oh, and did I mention there will be a G I V E A W A Y?
We’re going to clean house to make room for the crrrrazy amount of holiday & gift items I’m about to unleash!
Most of these items have already been marked down and are reflected on the website.
So if you can’t wait until next week, or are just too excited, feel free to
jump on and S H O P!
End of the week - Weekend Activities
End of the week - Weekend line up
Listing a few activities in Emporium and the surrounding area
10/22/20 Thursday Kardinal Estate Sale
October 22, 23, and 24. 3 Days!
Thursday and Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 4pm.
25 Blackburn Road, Emporium, PA
**
10/23/20 Friday
Friday
Soup Sale
**
Moose Haunted House
Friday & Saturday
Emporium, PA
**
Kardinal Estate Sale
Dr Blackburn's estate sale
**
Haunted Warehouse -Makers Warehouse in St Marys
Friday & Saturday Night
Come journey through a maze of spooky scary rooms at the warehouse !
Enjoy some zombie blood as you leave (Non alcoholic)!!
From 6-9 Friday and Saturday night !
One weekend only. 5$ entry fee.
Haunted Warehouse
OCT 23 AT 6 PM EDT – OCT 24 AT 9 PM EDT
315 Brusselles Street
St. Marys, PA
**
Creepy Corn Maze in Kersey
Friday, October 23 7-9 pm
****
Saturday, October 23
10/24/20 Saturday
Sarah's Coffee House
Emporium, PA
***
Bat and Owl Programs on Saturday, October 24th, at Sinnemahoning State Park
Batty for Bats, Saturday, October 24, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM.
Owls of PA and Saw Whet Owl Banding,
Saturday, October 24, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Moose Haunted House
Kardinal Estate Sale
Makers Warehouse - Haunted House
CCHS Lady Raiders Place in Kane Track Meet
These girls made Cameron County proud in Kane today!
2nd and 3rd in Sr High on a cold rainy day.
Great job Brianna and Mikenna!!
Bri you rocked your last cross country meet as a senior!
Congratulations go out to all the runners who participated in the Cameron County Track Team
Rotary News
The Emporium Rotary Club joined Rotary International’s worldwide recognition of World Polio Day donating $400.00. Billed as the “World’s Greatest Meal to Help End Polio”, attendees of the October 20th meeting forwent their meal and donated the cost of that meal to PolioPlus. This small sacrifice on the part of each Rotarian will serve to bring awareness and dollars to the global effort of polio eradication. Started in 1985, Rotary’s PolioPlus program set out to eradicate polio from the planet at a time when annual cases of the disease numbered in the hundreds of thousands. Today, thanks to the efforts of Rotary and its global partners, we are on the verge of certifying the world polio free! Completion of this mission will mark only the second time in human history that a disease has been eradicated. Previously only smallpox has been eliminated. Once completed, the annual worldwide savings in medical care will be estimated at $1.5B US.
Monday, October 19, 2020
Sunny Side Boutique Opens Tomorrow!
Sunny Side Boutique is the new store in town.
Opening tomorrow, October 19, from 10 am - 6 pm, the boutique is located at
12 E. 4th Street, Emporium, PA.
Co-owners, Julie Smoker & daughter Serena will have a variety of clothing and crafts for sale.
Tanning bed appointments will be available.
In addition to the store, Sunny Side Boutique has an Facebook online site
Click here to see all they have to offer https://www.facebook.com/groups/1320023165003067
Stop in and welcome the new business in town!
Sunday, October 18, 2020
Kardinal Estate in Emporium - Estate of Dr. Blackburn
Kardinal Estate & Tag-Sale Company
Our next sale! EMPORIUM, PA.
October 22, 23, & 24. Thursday through Saturday.
Thursday and Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 4pm.
25 Blackburn Road, Emporium, PA
Estate of Dr. Blackburn; Quality furniture, antiques, glassware, beautiful wildlife mounts, chair stairlift, vintage collectible Barbies, 19th century European grandfather clock, Fine China, bedroom sets, dressers, desk, kitchenware, various hand tools, wildlife paintings, other various paintings, vintage or antique medical bags, filing cabinets, roaster, dining room set, tables & chairs, refrigerator, lawn cart, food processor, and many more miscellaneous items.
Some of the brand names: Noritake China, Metlox Pottery, McCoy, Fire King, David Samuelson, JK Rishel Furniture, Kling Furniture, Orek, and many more.
Quality items at reasonable prices. Come get your deal and have something nice.
We accept cash, local checks, and credit cards (5% service fee for cards)
Mask required.
Do not attend if sick or you feel unsafe.
Pennsylvania Hunter-Trapper Education Courses Available Online
Pennsylvania Hunter-Trapper Education Courses Available Online
Although COVID-19 has limited in-person hunter-trapper education opportunities this year, the course – a requirement for all first-time hunters and trappers in order to buy a license in the Commonwealth – is also available online.
The online course includes live-action, high-definition videos to provide comprehensive instruction in hunting safety practices. It can be taken on any computer or mobile device. And while most students finish the course in a few hours, you are free to complete it at your own pace, as your progress is saved each time you log out of the system.
The cost of the course is normally $19.50 but is currently being waived during the COVID-19 pandemic with the use of a code. Once you’ve studied and passed the course, you can immediately print your temporary hunter education certificate. The permanent certificate will arrive in the mail in two to three weeks.
To qualify, students must be at least 11 years old. For more information, visit www.pgc.pa.gov and click on “Hunter-Trapper Education” under the “Education” tab. To register, https://www.register-ed.com/programs/25 and use the code provided in the yellow box at the top of the page for free registration.
Patriot Pen Essay Writing Competition
Patriot Pen Essay Writing Competition
click on photo to enlarge view
Stop in to our local VFW to read this notice if you are having difficulty reading it here.
Applications are available at the VFW.
427 E. 3rd Street, Emporium
814-486-3078
Baskets of Hope -Fundraiser for Local Cancer Fighters
So many great baskets to choose from!
Stop into the Chamber to buy your chances.
Sinnemahone Ultra Trail Run Continues to Grow
Sinnemahone Ultra Trail Run Continues to Grow
Saturday 81 runners from across Northeastern United States lined up at West Creek Recreational Trail in Emporium for a chilly start to the Sinnemahone Ultra Trail Run. The temperature was 25 degrees but that did not deter participants in either the 12k, 25k or 50k.
Organizers say due to Covid-19 restrictions they turned away 5 participants after the registration deadline of Friday. Four registered for the 50k and 2 for the 12k did not start. Many competitors were repeats trying to beat their earlier time. Cameron County School district teacher Heather Bauer was one of them shaving nearly 30 minutes off her 25k time. Another woman who previously held the 50k record broke her own record. 41 year old Jessica Weinman from Olean NY shaved that record by 17 minutes. Jessica finished at 6:12:58.
The age of the competitors ranged from 9 to 70+ in the 12k. Several family groups participated in 25k which saw fathers racing to the finish line against sons. The final participant in the 50k crossed the finish line in 9 hours 42 minutes. First place in the 50k men division was 35 year old William Huber from Zelienople, PA with a time of 5:27:35. First place in the 25k mens division was 20 year old David Stoltzfus from Montgomery PA with a time of 2:17:35. First place in the women 25k was 43 year old Heidi Strauss from Buffalo NY with a time of 2:49:16. First place in the mens 12k was 21 year old Jared Braun from St Marys PA with a time of 1:03:35. First place in the women 12k was 24 year old Caroline McKenna from Pittsburgh PA with a time of 1:20:36.
Finishers were treated to a ham steak bake from the Knights of Columbus and could stretch inside at the Allegany Mountain Chapter of Nam Knights. The event held on Elk State Forest land, private land and West Creek Recreational Trail has been granted a 5 year extension by DCNR. Organizers say it will be held the third Saturday of October each year.
Saturday, October 17, 2020
Kathryn Zimmer Jennings
Kathryn Zimmer Jennings
Kathryn L. Jennings, 86, of Boston, VA died Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at Penn Highlands Elk hospital in St. Marys.
Born August 3, 1934 in Olean, NY she was the daughter of H. Ward and Ethel Dandois Zimmer. On October 9, 1972 in Maryland she married Donald E. Jennings who died November 23, 2017.
Kathryn was a graduate of Emporium High School and George Washington University in the District of Columbia. She was a former member of the First United Methodist Church in Emporium and St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Kensington, Maryland. She was active in multiple social organizations including Past Matron of the Kensington Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star, the Daughters of the Nile, and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Formerly of Emporium, Kathryn lived most of her life in Kensington where she was employed as an accountant with Kiplinger Magazine and the Law Office of J. Bruce Kellison before retiring in 2007. Following her retirement, she and her husband moved to Boston, VA.
She always loved to travel and her family was her pride & joy.
Survivors include: two daughters, Karen Jennings and husband Ted Weber of Annapolis, MD and Leigha Gordillo of Kensington; four grandchildren, Marcelo, Helena, Eloise and Charlotte all at home; a niece and two nephews, Jill (Joseph) Cunningham, Ward (Pam) Zimmer, and Andy (Skip Bickert) Zimmer as well as nieces and nephews on her husband's side and other extended family.
In addition to her husband she was predeceased by her brother Henry Zimmer.
Funeral and Committal Services will be held Monday, October 19, at 1:00 p.m. in the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Joseph Short, pastor, officiating.
Friends will be received at the Church for one hour prior to the services.
A separate memorial service in Culpeper, VA will be held at a later date.
Burial will be in Newton Cemetery, Emporium.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Coppersmith-Condon Funeral Home, Emporium.
Sinnamahone Ultra Trail Run
A few photos of early runners in todays Sinnamahone Ultra Trail Run
Ben, youngest runner of the Sinnamahone 12 K.
Ben & his father Ryan drove in from Edinboro, PA to participate in the race.
Top photo left to right
Jesse Grovanz, Mandy Songer, Desiree Cummings, Nicki Huggler , Barb Grimone
Bottom photo
Eric Fiebig, Barb Grimone, David "Scoop" McManigle
Click on this page to see final results of the race
CCHS 2020 Homecoming Queen
Tapanga Allison
CCHS Homecoming Queen
Shown with her brother Camdyn
Congratulations Tapanga!!
Friday, October 16, 2020
Your Invited to Break the Chains Coffee House !
Stop in to Sarah Jane’s on the 24th!
All proceeds benefit the Break the Chains Festival!
Join us for a fun filled day of music, entertainment, yummy baked goods and of course...COFFEE! All proceeds of this event go towards the funding of upcoming events for Break The Chains Coalition. Our main purpose is to be a light in the darkness. Our mission is to bring hope to the oppressed, addicted and depressed. Help us in our fight against drug and alcohol addiction and self harm and suicide awareness and prevention.
Spotted Lanternfly is in Cameron County
Spotted Lanternfly has been spotted in Cameron County.
To help contain this invasive insect, the District is asking the community to be on the lookout. Below is important information on the spotted lanternfly and pictures (courtesy of Heather McKean) to help you identify the insect and its feeding source. If you have any questions regarding this post, please call the District at 814-486-2244 or email Jim Zoschg Jr. at jzoschg@cameroncd.org
On October 10 employees of Mckean Environmental Services detected the presence of spotted lanternflies along 2nd Street in the town of Driftwood in Cameron County. After killing the 25 spotted lanternflies they found, owner, Heather Mckean of Smethport, reported the finding to the Cameron County Conservation District and to appropriate state authorities.
On October 14 Department of Agriculture employees returned to the site to confirm the finding. They killed an additional 67 adult lanternflies and destroyed 7 egg masses from ailanthus (tree of heaven) trees at the site. Ailanthus, itself an invasive species and Pennsylvania State Noxious Weed, is the preferred host tree of the spotted lanternfly.
The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive planthopper insect that is native to Asia. It was first discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014 in Berks County and had spread to 26 counties across the Commonwealth prior to its detection this past week in Cameron County. The discovery of the insect in Cameron County marks the first time it has been found north of Interstate 80 in the state.
The spotted lanternfly feeds on sap from a myriad of different plants with a strong preference for economically important plants including grapevines and maple, black walnut, birch and willow trees. Feeding damage significantly stresses the plants which can lead to decreased health and in some cases, death. Populations of this exotic pest have the potential to greatly impact the viticulture (grape), fruit tree, plant nursery and timber industries, which contribute billions of dollars each year to PA's economy. A recent economic impact study estimates that, uncontrolled, this insect could cost the state $324 million annually and more than 2,800 jobs.
Spotted Lanternfly populations also pose significant quality-of-life frustrations for residents of areas where the insect has established itself. The impact of its large populations and feeding habits can force even the most ardent nature lovers to stay inside. When feeding, SLF excrete honeydew, sugary waste which attracts bees, wasps and other insects. The honeydew builds up on anything below the insects: plants, forest understories, decks and patio furniture, and vehicles. This build-up leads to the growth of sooty mold, black-colored fungi, on those items.
The Spotted Lanternfly adult is approximately 1" long and 1/2" wide at rest. Their forewings are grey with black spots and the wing tips are reticulated black blocks outlined in grey. The hind wings have contrasting patches of red and black with a white band. The legs and head are black; the abdomen is yellow with broad black bands. Immature stages are black with white spots, and develop red patches as they grow.
Spotted lanternfly egg masses look like unevenly-spread mortar smeared on an outdoor surface. The egg masses contain 30-50 eggs and are protected with a mud-like covering, giving them their grey color and cracked-mortar appearance. They can be destroyed by scraping them into a container and saturating them with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.
The invasive insect can easily be transported to new locations through the movement of vehicles or materials that contain adult and larval insects or egg masses.
Twenty-six counties in Pennsylvania are currently under a quarantine due to Spotted Lanternfly populations. As an effort to curb its spread, businesses, organizations and agencies working within these areas that move products, vehicles, and other articles within or out of these quarantined counties are required to obtain a spotted lanternfly permit in order to continue their operations.
Although spotted lanternflies survive on other tree species, the invasive insect is closely linked to tree of heaven populations in its native range in Asia. In Pennsylvania researchers have found that the spotted lanternfly develops quicker and can more effectively reproduce when tree of heaven populations are present. However, it still poses a serious threat to areas that do not have ailanthus trees.
There are only a handful of ailanthus populations in Cameron County. The largest of these sites are located within Driftwood and adjacent areas of Gibson Township.
The Cameron County Conservation District and Bucktail Watershed Association are currently conducting outreach to landowners who have the tree of heaven on their properties and are seeking permission to work to eradicate this invasive tree and favored host species of the spotted lanternfly. The work has now taken on greater importance since last week’s discovery of the spotted lanternfly.
Landowners who find ailanthus trees on their property can call the Conservation District at 486-2244 to report the tree.
Anyone who finds spotted lanternflies should kill as many as possible, save a dead specimen for identification, and report the finding to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture by calling the agency’s spotted lanternfly hotline at 1-888-422-3359.
Homecoming Parade Update
Homecoming Parade Update
Cameron County Homecoming Parade route will start on East Third Street in the area of Emporium Food Store and turn left on South Pine Street.
It will then proceed on Second Street to Caldwell Corporation parking lot.
The parade will begin at 5 pm.
2020 Homecoming will look different this year due to Covid-19 restrictions imposed by PA Departments of Health and Education. The court has been selected, but a dance will not be held. The halftime ceremony will take place with limited seating.
Fall programming continues this weekend at Sinnemahoning State Park
Fall programming continues this weekend at Sinnemahoning State Park with programs on measuring antlers, migratory waterfowl, and a book activity for children. Group sizes are limited due to COVID-19 regulations, so pre-registration is recommended.
Measuring and Scoring Antlers
Saturday, October 17, 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
Discover how deer and elk antlers grow, what conditions make the biggest antlers, and how to measure them. Program includes hands-on practice measuring elk antlers. All participants must wear facemasks. Group size limited to 24 people. Pre-registration is recommended. Meet at Pavilion # 1 in the 40 Maples Day Use Area.
Fall Migration Waterfowl Watch
Sunday, October 18, 9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Join the park naturalist at the Eagle Watch Pavilion overlooking the George B. Stevenson Dam reservoir to learn about the migratory waterfowl species of north-central Pennsylvania. Program will include tips on how to identify the various species while hopefully observing some of those traveling through the area during this time. Bring your binoculars and/or spotting scope. Facemasks are required. All ages welcome. Group size limited to 24 people. Pre-registration is recommended. Meet at the Eagle Watch Pavilion at the Lake Day Use Area.
Kids’ Storytime and Nature Walk
Sunday, October 18, 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Join the park educator for a book reading, a simple craft, and an outdoor activity based on the book, “We’re Going On a Leaf Hunt” by Steve Metzger. Intended for families with children ages 3-7. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All participants must wear face masks. Limit of 24 people. Meet outdoors in front of the Wildlife Center.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, these programs at Sinnemahoning State Park will be held outdoors, will require social distancing, and will require the use of facemasks. Program group size is limited. Pre-registration for programs is required.
To pre-register for a program, or for more information, please visit the DCNR Calendar of Events https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/sinnemahoning_state_park/calendar.
If you need assistance with online registration, please call the park office 814-647-8401 and dial 0 for the front desk.
Cameron County Community Chest 2021 Fund Drive
Cameron County Community Chest 2021 Fund Drive
The 2021 Cameron County Community Chest Fund Drive is underway. The Fund Drive Committee has sent letters to the active businesses, clubs and individuals of the community. To be part of this worthy community event send your tax-deductible contribution today to: Cameron County Community Chest, P O Box 134, Emporium, PA 15834, Attn: Judd Schager, Treasurer. Or, find us on Facebook at Cameron County Community Chest. We have added pay-pal for your convenience. Once your contribution is received you will be added to the list of the Community Contributors. Don’t wait and be last on the long list, contribute now.
The Cameron County Community Chest is your Community organization. Like the United Way, your contributions to several organizations can be made with just one contribution to the Community Chest Fund Drive. Contributions to the drive benefit: the Recreation Board, Community Nurses, Red Cross, Friends of the Library, the Package Team, the Emporium Garden Club, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H, Sylvan Heritage, SPCA and Special Community Requests. These organizations serve Cameron County and help make Cameron County a better place to live.
Each year the Cameron County Community Chest Board of Directors, a group of volunteers, meets to review requests and to establish the Community’s Goal. This year the goal is $19,000.
The Campaign runs all year round with an emphasis on the campaign between October 1 and December 31. Please consider a contribution to theses Community worthy organizations.
The Cameron County Community Chest Board of Directors would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the individuals, clubs and businesses that donated time, money and services to the 2020 Fund Drive.
Judith Ann Pearce
Judith Ann Pearce, 78, of 324 W. 4th St., Emporium, PA died at Sweden Valley Manor, Coudersport, PA on Thursday, October 15, 2020 morning.
She was born May 10, 1942 in Altoona, PA a daughter of the late Robert Eldon and Dorothy Burket McCartney, Jr.
She married the late Robert F. Pearce.
Mrs. Pearce moved to Emporium in 2013 to be near family. She was a member of the Moore Hill United Methodist Church.
She is survived by one son, Jeffery (Betsey) Pearce, Huntingdon, PA; two daughters, Jennifer (Bill) Wiltrout, Emporium and Linda (Dale) Swope, Ridgeland, SC; six grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren; one great great granddaughter; two sisters, Mary Lou (Pete) Argabright, Canton, OH and Amy (Ken) Zwayer, Amanda, OH.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and a brother Robert McCartney, III.
At her request there will be No Service.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Moore Hill United Methodist Church, c/o: Sharon Bailey 1172 Moore Hill Road, Emporium, PA 15834
Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net
BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Corn Maze & Hay Rides in nearby Kersey
If your all about outside fun this time of year, these events will be held in nearby Kersey, PA.
Check out their FB page for any updates!
Land projects save 13,300 acres across Pennsylvania
Land projects save 13,300 acres across Pennsylvania
By Marcus Schneck | mschneck@pennlive.com
About 13,300 acres of open space and natural areas across Pennsylvania will be protected through $17 million in grants awarded to 42 projects, according to a recent announcement from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
The money from the Keystone Recreation, Parks and Conservation Fund will flow into the following area projects:
Cameron County - $115,250 to Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to buy about 66 acres in Grove Township for an addition to the Elk State Forest.
Potter County - $185,700 to Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to buy about 90 acres in Summit Township for an addition to the Susquehannock State Forest.
Warren County - $450,000 to Foundation for Sustainable Forests toward the acquisition of approximately 155 acres in Southwest Township for watershed protection and passive recreation, and the protection of about 285 acres in Southwest Township in the form of a land donation.
Follow this link to read the complete article
Cameron County Food Pantry October Distribution
Due to the corona virus outbreak, and operating with concern for the health of our clients, the Cameron County Food Pantry will be operating on the following schedule.
The food distribution scheduled for October 28, 2020 at 1pm will be accomplished as follows.
If you are unemployed or have had a reduction in work hours due to the corona virus, you are eligible for this food distribution. Please call Dave Malize at 814-486-1161 Ext 269 and pre-register.
Clients from the Emporium Arms and Maple Street Apartments will receive food delivered Tuesday, October 27 at 10:00 am.
On Wednesday, October 28 , the regular Food Pantry distribution will be at the usual 1:00 pm time on Fourth Street in front of Northern Tier Community Action.
South Poplar Street will be closed to Food Pantry vehicular traffic. Clients with cars are asked to stage on Fourth Street in the spaces available between Vine Street and Poplar Street. You will be directed when to pull forward to the space in designated front of Northern Tier to receive your box. Please be patient while we try to get everyone through as quickly as possible. A volunteer will take your name and another will place your box(S) in your car (do not get out of your car) and you can then pull out when you can do so safely, allowing the next vehicle to move up. If you are not able to get in line with your car, please just drive around the block and come back.
PLEASE DO NOT BLOCK TRAFFIC ON FOURTH STREET!
If you normally walk to the Food Pantry, you will also get your food box on Fourth Street. We will have a specific walk-up location for you to be served. Please wait there to be served and keep two arms lengths distance from others who may be in line for distribution.
If you are sick or have a health issue that prevents you from coming out, or if you have questions, please call Dave Malize at 814-486-1161 Ext 269 and we will arrange to get your food to you. Please do not come out if you are sick. Your cooperation is expected. Please be patient during this process.
We will get through this by working together.
PLEASE NOTE: Esther’s Place behind the Emporium First United Methodist Church continues to do a weekly distribution each Tuesday from 1:00pm to 4:00 pm.