Lake News
February-March 2026
©2026, Lake News. All rights reserved. A CANWIN publication
Ruth Isenberg, Editor
Seth Isenberg, Ads / Distribution Publishers
(Continuing the work of founders Frank Pieri and Mary Farnschlader, 1995 – 2018)
Lake News is published monthly for the enjoyment of Lake Harmony area residents and visitors. Copies are free and are mailed to Lake Harmony box holders. Find additional copies at The Country Peddler and at selected area businesses.
Subscriptions are also available, for $15 as a PDF via e-mail. Mail your check to CANWIN at 211 Main St., White Haven PA 18661.
E-mail us at lakenewslakeharmony@gmail.com
Call us at 570-215-0204, Seth x1 and Ruth x2
To submit an article or photo, use the above e-mail, or give us a call. Articles may be accepted or rejected. If accepted, they will be edited. Submitted items can be returned by arrangement. Articles appearing in Lake News may not be reprinted without permission of Lake News or CANWIN newspapers. Mailing address is 211 Main St., White Haven PA 18661.
LOCAL CONTACT INFORMATION
Kidder Township Office 570 722-0107
Kidder Township Police (non-emergency #) 570 722-0192
Lake Harmony Vol. Fire Co. (non-emergency #) 570 722-8138
Lake Harmony Rescue Squad (non-emergency #) 570 722-1782
For emergencies, call 911. If you do not live in an area served by 911, call 570 325-9111.
KIDDER TOWNSHIP MEETINGS
Kidder Township Supervisor meetings are held the fourth Thursday of each month at the township building, and unless otherwise noted, begin at 6:00 PM. Notices of special meetings are posted at the township building and advertised Planning meetings are held the 1st Wednesday at 6 PM; Zoning meetings, the last Monday at 6 PM; EAC, the second Wednesday at 7 PM. The public is welcome.
This month’s cover comes from Connie Biereo. Connie sent a number of photos of mid-winter along Boulder Lake. Several of them included deer. This one just seemed to capture the joy of a beautiful sunny, if cold day, after the big storm. We’re receiving lots of great submissions of Lake scenes, and we truly appreciate them. Sometimes it’s hard to choose, but there’s only one cover each month. If we don’t use your submission right away, it may be filed for the future. Send your hot shots to lakenewslakeharmony@gmail.com
Entertainment Around Lake Harmony
At Shenanigans
Events at shenaniganslh.com
Karaoke, DJs and Dancing in Boomers Night Club
Fri. & Sat. 9 p.m. -1 a.m.
Boomers After Ski Party! Saturdays, 5-9 p.m.:
March 7 Bayou Risin
March 14 St. Pattys Celebration, 4-8, Mystery City
March 21 Fuzzy Park Band
March 28 Who Knows Band
At Nick’s Lakehouse www.nickslakehouse.com
March 14 Plunge for Autism, 11 a.m. (Plunge around 1 p.m.)
At Boulder View Tavern (All 6-9 p.m. except as noted) www.boulderviewtavern.com/events
March 6 Ashley Marquez
March 7 Sol Katana
March 13 Regina Sayles
March 14 Tony Alosi
March 20 Andrew Tirado
March 21 Zac Lawless
March 27 Timmy Fitz
March 28 Erin McClelland
At The Pub @ the hub
Music Friday and Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m.
March 6 Sol Katana
March 7 Brian Gieger
March 13 Zac Lawless
March 14 Nina Peterson
March 20 Tim Fitzpatrick
March 21 John Simoson
March 27 Brian Smith
March 28 Tom & John
April 3 DB Thomas
April 4 Sol Katana
April 10 Zac Lawless
April 11 Nina Peterson
At Split Rock Resort, splitrockhotel.com
March 14 DJ Party in H2O, 12-4 p.m.
Live Guitar in Rock Bar, 7-11 p.m. See ENTERTAINMENT, page 14
Interview with Ralph Lennon (Part 3) A Firefighter’s Legacy
by Mark Peterson
This is the third and final installment of my interview with Ralph Lennon. We spoke on November 15, 2025, a couple of months after he was recognized by Kidder Township for his six decades of service to the Lake Harmony Fire Department.
Lennon first came to Lake Harmony as a teenager: “I’ve had a great, great time. We would thumb a ride from Jim Thorpe out to Lake Harmony and go up to Split Rock and steal a canoe or a rowboat. Spend a day on the lake and then bring it down and drop it off there was a general store at the bottom of the lake down here and drop off the boat there and get a soda and then thumb our ride home back to Jim Thorpe. I mean, that was a fun summer day.”
When asked about how things have changed over the years he said, “I love being in Lake Harmony. And you’ll hear people say this, especially ones
that are just coming for the first few times, ‘Oh, man, it’s so nice up here. You forget the rest of the world’s around.’ But it’s just so much more busy. Plus the fact that you don’t have that spring and fall let down. There is no slow weekend.”
“Years ago, it was more of a family atmosphere. People found out about it by word of mouth. Today, it’s the hustle and bustle of it. It’s not like it used to be. Come Thursday, we’re moving into high gear, and it’ll be that way until Sunday late afternoon when the people leave. It’s just different.”
Lennon reflected on his time as a firefighter at both Glenside in suburban Philadelphia and Lake Harmony: “I’m one of the luckiest guys to come down the pike. How many people get to be chief of two fire companies? Most people don’t even get to be chief of one! I’ve been (knock on wood) successful in both fire companies, especially this one here. People that came before me did a great job, and I’ve been able to carry it one step further. See LEGACY, page 7
Legacy…
Continued from page 6
We hosted the Pennsylvania State Fireman’s convention here twice. It had never been held in Carbon County before, until we were able to do it and to do it twice! And people would say, ‘Oh, yeah, host that convention. How much did that cost?’ Well, both times we made a profit of $75,000. So that in itself is quite an achievement.”
“I would have never, ever thought that I would have ended up being a firefighter in my life. Bu it’s been fun, and I don’t know. I’m gonna still keep doing it. I’m giving up the chief’s job, and I’m going to stay on as the deputy. So, I’m still going to keep going. My philosophy is this: when I was down in Glenside, I met this pharmacist who said to me one time when we were talking, ‘Ralph, you always have to have a reason to get up in the morning.’ And I’ve tried to pattern my life that way, because it makes sense to me. If you don’t do something with your life, you’re going to fade away. If I kicked off tomorrow, I wouldn’t complain. What the hell I’ve had a great run.”
As ski season winds down this year, we hope that you’ve had a great run down one of our local
Ralph Lennon admires Lake Harmony Fire Department trophies.
mountains. Whether you ride a snowboard or slalom on skis, Peterson’s Ski and Cycle is the place for you to get the best equipment. As the days begin to warm and the winter sports equipment gets put away, it’s time to think about mountain bikes! Peterson’s also has the best Pocono Mountains souvenirs, hoodies, t-shirts, toys and more. Come to our location in Blakeslee or visit us online at petersonsskiandcycle.com We hope to “ski” you soon!
Area fire companies receive state grants for public safety
Fire and emergency response services in Carbon County will receive added support following the award of state grant funding aimed at strengthening local public safety.
Rep. Doyle Heffley and Sen. Dave Argall announced that several fire companies and emergency medical services organizations serving the Albrightsville, Lake Harmony and Penn Forest areas were awarded funding through a statewide program supported by Pennsylvania gaming revenue.
The grants are administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner, and are intended to help departments maintain equipment, improve training and ensure reliable emergency response for area residents.
“These funds help make sure local first responders have the resources they need when
See \ GRANTS, page 10
emergencies happen,” Heffley said. “Stron fire and EMS services are essential to protecting lives and property, especially in communities served by volunteer organizations.”
Argall said the funding helps local departments stay prepared. “Firefighters and EMS personnel put themselves in harm’s way for their communities,” he said. “This support helps them do their jobs safely and effectively.
The following grants were awarded to departments serving these areas:
• Albrightsville Volunteer Fire Company — $12,839
• Lake Harmony Rescue and Ambulance Squad — $15,000
• Lake Harmony
Volunteer Fire Company Inc. — $14,694
• Penn Forest Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 — $13,251
• Penn Forest Township Volunteer Fire Company No. 2 — $14,075
A total of $390,063 was received for Carbon County organizations. Grant funds may be used for facility upgrades, equipment purchases
or repairs, training, recruitment and retention efforts, fir safety education or reducing existing debt. These awards represent only a portion of the grant
funding distributed in Carbon County. All eligible fire and EMS companies that apply and meet program requirements receive funding through the program.
Anthracite Model RR Society plans open houses during March
The Anthracite Model Railroad Society will host a series of St. Patrick’s Day open houses during March at its museum in Hazle Township.
The open houses will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on March 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 at the society’s location at 1056 Hanover Court, Hazle Township. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated.
The society’s museum features a 1,200-squarefoot HO-scale model railroad layout representing Carbon County and the Hazleton area as they appeared in the mid-20th century. The layout includes detailed scenes of rail operations, towns and industries that reflect the region’s railroading history.
See OPEN HOUSE, page 13
Open House
Continued from page 12
On March 7 and 8, Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends equipment will be operating on the layout, providing an additional attraction for families and children.
More information about the Anthracite Model Railroad Society is available at www.amrclub. com or on the organization’s Facebook page.
Entertainment Around Lake Harmony
At Mauch Chunk Opera House, mcohjt.com
March 6 Splintered Sunlight
March 7 Eaglemania
March 12 Kathleen Parks
March 13 Kilmaine Saints
March 14 Tartan Terrors
March 20 Letterbomb: A Tribute to Green Day
March 21 Danielle Nicole
March 27 Live and Let Die: The Music of Paul McCartney
March 28 Zeppelin Reimagined
April 3 Start Making Sense: A Tribute to Talking Heads
April 4 The Dave Matthews Tribute Band: Tomorrow We Die Tour
At Penns Peak, Pennspeak.com
March 6 Sugar Mountain: Celebrating the Genius of Neil Young
March 7 Super 70s Rock Show: Featuring Super Trans Am
March 12 Gary Allan
March 13 All You Need is George: An All-Star Celebration of George Harrison
March 20 Gaelic Storm
March 21 Sebastian Bach: Original Voice of Skid Row
March 28 Outlaws
March 29 Lee Brice: US 2026 Accoustic Tour
At F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre kirbycenter.org
March 8 Celtic Woman
March 20 & 21 Dark Star Orchestra
March 22 NEPA’s Got Talent
March 28 Dancing Stars of Wilkes-Barre
March 31 Collective Soul
At Mohegan Arena, Wilkes-Barre moheganarenapa.com Wilkes-Barre Penguins Hockey & March 6-8 Monster Jam
March 20 NEPA Home & Garden Show
At Mount Airy Casino, mountairycasino.com
March 14 Idol Kings: A Tribute to REO Speedwagon
Bach and Handel Chorale present Passion Cantata
The Bach and Handel Chorale, based in Jim Thorpe, will present the Passion Cantata “The Seven Last Words of Christ” by Theodore DuBois. The performance will take place on March 29, in St. John’s Lutheran Church, 319 South Avenue, Jim Thorpe, beginning at 4 p.m.
Soloists for the performance will include Joyce Barton, soprano; James Logue, Jr, tenor ;and Edward Sayre, baritone—all singing members of the chorale. Maestro Randall Douglas Perry,
founder, artistic director and conductor, will accompany the performance on the piano.
The cantata recalls, in music and scripture, the seven last words spoken by Jesus Christ as he was being crucified on the cross. A very moving piece of music, it has solos interspersed with choral movements throughout, ranging from calm to angry. It has been performed thousands of times in its original text of Latin as well as in English. This performance will be sung in English.
There is no admission charge to gain entry to the concert, but a free will offering will be accepted.
Complete Automotive Repair & Diagnostic
Dan
Walker, owner
Nicole Barbaro named Executive VPresident and MCT’s Next CEO
Mauch Chunk Trust Company (MCT) is proud to announce that Nicole Barbaro has been promoted to Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer and named as the successor to becom MCT’s next President and Chief Executive Office following Patrick H. Reilly’s planned retirement in late 2026, with the specific transition date to be confirmed as that time approaches. This dual recognition reflects her exceptional leadership, broad institutional knowledge, and long-standing commitment to the bank and the communities it serves.
Barbaro’s expanded role and the long-term succession plan reflect the confidence of the Boar of Directors and senior leadership in her ability to guide the organization into the future. Her proven track record in operations, financial management, and team leadership positions her to continue advancing MCT’s mission as a strong, independent community bank.
“Nicole has demonstrated exceptional dedication to Mauch Chunk Trust Company
page 23
New role at MCT
Continued from page 22
for nearly two decades,” said Patrick H. Reilly. “Her understanding of community banking, her commitment to our customers, and her professionalism make her an outstanding choice for Executive Vice President and, in the future, for CEO. This planned transition ensures continued stability and strong leadership for years to come.”
)Barbaro began her banking career with Mauch Chunk Trust Company in 2007. Over the past 18 years, she has advanced through a series of critical and increasingly complex roles: Teller/ Customer Service Representative, Accounting Analyst, Accounting Supervisor, Controller and most recently Chief Financial Officer, bringin operational strength, financial expertise, and a collaborative leadership approach to each position. Her deep understanding of the bank’s operations and culture has made her an essential contributor to MCT’s continued success.
A committed lifelong learner, Barbaro is a 2018 Summa Cum Laude graduate of Cedar Crest College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree
in accounting. She previously completed an associate degree in accounting from Lehigh Carbon Community College and is a graduate of Lehighton Area High School. Raised in Carbon County, she continues to reside locally and remains deeply engaged in the community she serves.
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving Mauch Chunk Trust Company in this expanded role,” said Barbaro. “It is a privilege to work alongside such dedicated colleagues, and I look forward to helping guide MCT’s continued growth and service to our community.”
Post Office Notes
by Christine A. Gilliar-Feller
USPS reveals next stamp release dates
The Postal Service has announced release dates and locations for more of this year’s
stamps, including two new additions to the 2026 lineup, Happy Birthday and Summer Sunset. All stamps listed are Forever stamps except Summer Sunset, which is intended for nonprofit bulk mail.
Harriet Powers
Quiltmaker Harriet Powers (1837-1910), who learned to sew while enslaved on a plantation near Athens, GA, stitched works that are celebrated as masterpieces of American folk art and storytelling. Derry Noyes, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps and pane using details from Powers’s 1898 “Pictorial Quilt,” with its biblical scenes and depictions of local lore.
Release Date: February 28, 2026
Format: Panes of 20 Forever stamps
See PO NOTES, page 26
Mark McBrien Construction
PO Notes
Continued from page 25
The USPS will issue the “Figures of the American Revolution” Forever stamps on April 10, 2026, in Washington, DC. This set features a pane of 25 stamps honoring individuals who shaped the nation’s independence, including political thinkers, soldiers, and diplomats. These stamps are part of the 250th anniversary celebration of the American Revolution.
Figures of the American Revolution, April 10, Washington, DC
A Day at the Beach, April 24, Burlingame, CA
Additional release dates and ceremony locations will be announced later.
As always, we thank you for your business! April Shaner, Postmaster Christine A. Gilliar-Feller, Sales Service Associate, fancy for clerk Window hours, Monday–Friday 8-11:30 a.m., 1-4:45 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-Noon Lobby hours 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., 365 days a year, 7 days a week Please call if you have any questions or concerns, 570-722-8524
The Great American Getaway 400 returns to Pocono Raceway
Pennsylvania is gearing up to start its engine once again for The Great American Getaway 400 presented by Visit PA, which is returning to Pocono Raceway on Sunday, June 14. This is the third consecutive year Governor Josh Shapiro has renewed his administration’s partnership with Pocono Raceway, reaffirming his commitment to growing Pennsylvania’s tourism industry.
One of NASCAR’s premier events, The Great American Getaway 400 will be part of a NASCAR tripleheader weekend, bringing racing fans and global attention to Pennsylvania. The weekend has been a staple of the state’s tourism industry since Pocono Raceway hosted its first NASCAR race in 1971. The event is estimated to generate between $75 million to $100 million in annual economic impact for the Commonwealth, attracting fans from all 50 states and more than a dozen countries, benefiting businesses, hotels, and restaurants throughout the region.
“NASCAR Cup Series races are some of the biggest and best sporting events in the world — and nobody does it better
than Pennsylvania,” said Governor Shapiro.
“The famous ‘Tricky Triangle’ has drawn fans from around the world to the Poconos for more than 50 years, providing a huge economic jolt for hotels, restaurants, and small businesses in the region. This
event showcases everything that makes Pennsylvania a toptier destination for visitors in 2026, as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, and host other major
events throughout the Commonwealth, from the NFL Draft to the FIFA World Cup. We’re excited to welcome millions of visitors to Pennsylvania this year and showcase why Pennsylvania is The Great American Getaway.”
See NASCAR, page 31
THEME: THE OSCARS
ACROSS
1. Traction aid
6. Freddy’s street
9. Reach a high
13. Italian bowling
14. Entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk’s alias, Gary ____
15. Jolly good one
16. Parallel grooves
17. Many, many moons
18. “Take it back!”
19. *”Song Sung Blue” Best Actress nominee
21. *Movie with most 2026 Oscar nominations
23. Make a seam
24. Vampire’s tooth
25. Tai’s partner
28. South American monkey
30. Naphthenic acid + palmitic acid
35. Pilot’s stunt
37. Forbidden, to a baby
39. Vampire of Greek mythology
40. Italian wine region
41. Not Astroturf
43. Alpine lift
44. Sports figures, e.g.
46. Cantina pot
47. Email folder
48. Not vivid and bright
50. Nessie’s abode
52. *Jamie Foxx won for his role in this 2004 biopic
53. Eagle’s nest
55. Unreliable newspaper
57. *2026 nominated film with Stone and Plemons
61. *ChloÈ Zhao’s nominee
64. Newton or Stern
65. Romanian money
67. Star-crossed one
69. To the point
70. a.k.a sodium hydroxide
71. Novelist Zola
72. Formerly, formerly
73. Aye-aye
15. Like athlete’s foot
20. Behind on rent, e.g.
74. “He ____ it like it is”
DOWN
1. Not NBC or ABC
2. Reluctant
3. Pantyhose hue
4. DNA and RNA, e.g.
5. Cups and saucers
6. 20-20, e.g.
7. *”One Battle After Another” Best Actor nominee
8. High IQ society
9. *#7’s nominated co-star
10. “Anything ____?”
11. Wing-shaped
12. K to Romans, pl.
22. Night spot
24. At last
25. Necklace fastener
26. Popular garden perennial
27. I to Greeks, pl.
29. *2026 nominated Benicio del ____
31. Benatar and Morita
32. Fly in ____, or a reminder of the past
33. Tarzan’s swing rope
34. *Fictional table tennis champ
36. *Nominated “F1” star
38. Nobel Peace Prize
capital
42. Sacrum, pl.
45. Communicating with spirits event
49. Hawaiian flower garland
51. *Inspiration for #61 Across
54. Pep gathering
56. Lawn ornament
57. Angler’s hope
58. ____-friendly
59. Needlefish, pl
60. Brewer’s kiln
61. Color wheel elements
62. Like fairytale stepmothers?
63. Be a snitch
66. Payment for an eye
68. Hi-____ graphics
Word Search
MARYANN SORIANO REALTOR
LAKEFRONT RESORT AREA SALES, & LISTING
SPECIALIST IN MOUNTAIN LAKE LIFESTYLE, LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO IT
Century 21 Select Lake Harmony
4 Greenwood Road
Lake Harmony, PA 18624
OFFICE 570-722-9222 Ext 225 soriano99@yahoo.com MaryAnnSorianoRealtor@gmail.com
BEST TO CALL CELL, 570-401-9558
Text or leave a message
NASCAR
Continued from page 28
The 160-lap, 400-mile event will be broadcast live nationally on Amazon Prime Video and across more than 195 countries through NASCAR’s international television partners. The race, which begins at 3 p.m. also will be carried live nationally on the Motor Racing Network (MRN) and SiriusXM. NASCAR’s global reach will put Pennsylvania in front of millions, with coverage extending to 195 countries in more than 29 languages.
“This partnership goes far beyond a race entitlement — it’s about showcasing Pennsylvania on a global stage while delivering meaningful economic impact to the region,” said Pocono Raceway President Ben May. “NASCAR has been part of our DNA for more than five decades and this continued investment helps ensure that tradition remains strong while creating unforgettable race weekend experiences for the fans who make Pocono Raceway such a special place year after year.”
Pennsylvania continues to be a premier weekend getaway destination within convenient driving proximity to major cities along the East Coast, including New York City, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. Pennsylvania’s main streets and small towns; world-class restaurants and bars; distinguished historical sites; exhilarating outdoor recreation, and prominent events and sports can be experienced in a single weekend by nearly 72 million people who live within a four-hour drive of the thousands of getaways and experiences the state has to offer
“The Great American Getaway 400 isn’t just a marquee race — it’s a tourism engine for Pennsylvania. Every year, fans from across the
country descend on the Pocono Mountains, packing our hotels, filling our restaurants, and putting this region on a national stage,” said Department of Community and Economic Development Deputy Secretary of Tourism Anne Ryan. “This event showcases exactly why Pennsylvania is a must-visit destination. It drives real economic impact, supports local businesses, and creates momentum that lasts long after the checkered flag drops.
Tourism is a key priority in Governor Shapiro’s economic development strategy. In 2024, Pennsylvania’s tourism industry generated $83.9 billion in economic impact, supported 514,261 jobs, contributed $5 billion in state and local taxes, and welcomed 201.6 million visitors.
For more information about the Department of Community and Economic Development, visit DCED website, and be sure to stay up-todate with all of our agency news on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.
Puzzle Answers
