Lake News
January-February 2026
©2025, 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
Anne Martino submitted this issue’s cover photo. Here’s what she wrote about it:
John Merz of Lake Harmony has taken on a chilly project! This is his third attempt at building an igloo on frozen Lake Harmony and it’s almost finished. John told me he has put about 15 hours into the building so far and it will take another 4-5 hours until he gets the roof on and a curved entrance. The ice blocks he is cutting from the lake are 12-16 inches thick and very heavy. He uses a mixture of snow, ice and water to create the mortar to hold the blocks in place.
Last year he started to build an igloo in February, but the weather didn’t cooperate. The temperature quickly rose and then the rain came. The igloo melted before he could finish it. His second attempt, which was earlier this Winter is barely visible on the lake, just yards away from his current project. That try also ended when there was a warm spell and the walls fell. Hopefully his third try will be completed before the temperature rises and will stand for the rest of the Winter. The igloo is located at the western end of Lake Harmony near Split Rock Lodge.
Well, it was. To see the rest of the story, turn to page 6.
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.:
January 31 Bikini Brothers
February 7 The Buzz
February 14 Fuzzy Park Band
February 21 The Magic
February 28 Bikini Brothers
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, 1 p.m.
At Boulder View Tavern
(All 6-9 p.m. except as noted) www.boulderviewtavern.com/events
January 30 Sol Katana
January 31 Bill Hoffmann
February 6 – Andrew Moses
February 7 – Tony Alosi
February 13 – Timmy Fitz
February 14 – Ashley Marquez
February 20 – Zac Lawless
February 21 – Erin Mcclelland
February 27 – Michael Lloret
February 28 – Regina Sayles
ENTERTAINMENT, page 16
Building an Igloo…
HAZLETON • PHILADELPHIA
…and an icy ending
Kobe Beef, Imported Cheeses, Seafood, Patés, Specialty Oils & Vinegars
12 Different Kinds of HomemadeSausage!
Bell & Evans Poultry
CUSTOM CUT PRIME BEEF
LAMB•PORK•VEAL
•Alligator •Antelope •Buffalo
•Camel Burgers •Duck Breasts •Elk
•Frog Legs •Kangaroo •Ostrich
•Pheasant •Quail •Rabbit •Venison
•Wild Boar •Yak
Wednesday through Saturday 10am-6pm Sunday 11am-4pm 640 Route 940, Pocono Lake thebutchershoppe.com • 570-646-0525
John finally got the roof on the igloo on Wednesday, January 7, and it fell through the ice in the early morning of Friday, January 10. The ice was about 12″ thick at that point but the igloo must have weighed several tons. All that work disappearing overnight!
Anne Martino supplied all these photos, including the shot of the inside of the igloo at left.
Interview with Lake Harmony Fire Chief Ralph Lennon (Part 2)
by Mark Peterson
On November 15, I sat down with Ralph Lennon, the Lake Harmony Volunteer Fire Company fire chief, who has 60 years of “distinguished, dedicated service to Lake Harmony and loyalty
to Kidder Township” under his belt. This is the continuation of that interview. In Part One, we learned that Lennon began his firefighting career at the age of 18 with the Marion Hose Company in the Borough of Jim Thorpe. The story resumes with Lennon and his wife, Liz, spending the summer in Lake Harmony after moving to suburban Philadelphia just one block from the local firehouse.
Lennon recalled, “When we got married in 1965, Liz and I spent the summer at Lake Harmony. Her family had a house here, so we spent the whole summer. Across the street from us was George Maehrer, who was the fire chief. I had known him from living in Jim Thorpe, so I joined the fire company here. That was in ’65, so I’ve been here 60 years. In those days, it was just in the summertime, but since I retired, I’ve been here full time for 28 years.”
He continued, “I would run together with George
See RALPH LENNON, page 10
Ralph Lennon
Continued from page 9
and stuff. You talk about organized chaos! I still tell stories about George. He was one of a kind.”
According to Lennon, “The fire whistle used to blow on Monday nights. It would blow and blow and blow, and you thought the world was coming to an end. It was a weekly test because they didn’t have many fires. I mean, my gosh, in those days, if you had two fires a month, it was like let’s have a dance or something.”
I asked how volunteers were notified when a fire broke out. “What happened as far as the way the
for you,
alarms were sounded in those days, the officers had what they call bells. Your phone would ring. It would just ring and ring, and you would know that there was a fire. You would pick it up, identify yourself, and they would tell you where the fire was. In the middle of the night, if there was a fire,
See RALPH LENNON, page 12
Ralph reviews some memories posted at the Lake Harmony firehouse.
Ralph Lennon
Continued from page 10
George would get the bells at home. He would head to the firehouse and his wife, Ann, would call me on the phone, saying there’s a fire at such and such. And that’s the way he would dispatch.”
Lennon also shared the story of how he became a firefighter in Glenside, a suburb of Philadelphia an opportunity that arose during
a visit from his in-laws. His father-in-law, who owned a grocery store in Jim Thorpe and was known as quite a talker, walked up to the fire department on the corner. “He meets a couple of the firemen and he tells them, ‘Oh yeah, my sonin-law’s a firefighter.’ So, the next thing you know, I get one of the guys knocking on the door. ‘I hear you’re a fireman.’ I’m thinking, I’m from little Lake Harmony and Jim Thorpe what can I offer these guys? Well, it worked out that I was able to hold my own very well with them. So, I filled out the application, and I got voted in and I worked my way up.”
Because he lived so close to the firehouse, Lennon became the number-one driver for several years. In time, he advanced through the ranks and ultimately served as chief engineer longer than anyone else in that fire company.
And just as Ralph Lennon’s service as a firefighter reflects remarkable longevity, Peterson’s Ski and Cycle has been serving the area from their Blakeslee location for more than 30 years. Peterson’s is known for professional service, quality merchandise, and some of the best souvenirs in the Poconos. You’ll find ski equipment, clothing, gear, and much more. Rentals are a specialty, and customers can always expect personalized service from Eric and his team. Stop by to say hello or visit us online at www.petersonsskiandcycle.com. We hope to “ski” you soon!
Short-Term Rental Conference returns to Kalahari for third year
600+ Owners, Investors & Industry Leaders Expected in Poconos
The Poconos Short-Term Rental (STR) Conference returns to Kalahari Resorts & Conventions on March 5, bringing together more than 600 short-term rental owners, investors, property managers, suppliers, and industry leaders from across the Northeast and beyond. Recognized as one of the region’s most influential gatherings for the STR community, the conference will focus on education, advocacy, and professional growth in a rapidly evolving industry.
Hosted by the Poconos Association of Vacation Rental Owners (Poconos VRO), the annual conference is designed to equip attendees with
practical insights on operations, marketing, technology, revenue management, and regulatory issues impacting short-term rentals. With shifting regulations, changing guest expectations, and increased competition, the event provides timely, actionable guidance for both new and experienced operators.
“Our goal is to help STR owners make smarter decisions, protect their investments, and operate more professionally in an increasingly complex environment,” said Rebecca Gallagher, Executive Director of Poconos VRO. “This conference brings together trusted experts and real-world operators who understand the unique dynamics of the Poconos market.”
“The Poconos STR Conference has proven that vacation rentals are key to the tourism industry and the overall economy of the Poconos, which saw $7.2 billion in total visitor spending in 2024,” said Chris Barrett, President/CEO of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau. “We are grateful for the Poconos VRO and its leadership to set up the industry for success now and into the future.”
See STR CONFERENCE, page 15
The 2026 program will feature keynote presentations, educational breakout sessions, expert panels, and an expanded exhibitor market-
place showcasing products and services tailored to short-term rental owners and managers. Topics will include profitability and pricing strategy, guest experience, property operations, technology tools, financing, and effective advocacy
at the local and state level.
Additional details— including the full agenda, speaker lineup, sponsors, and registration information—are available at poconosstrconference.com.
For updates and early bird registration,
visit our website or follow Poconos VRO on social media: Facebook LinkedIn Instagram ### About Poconos VRO
The Poconos Association of Vacation Rental Owners represents and advances the interests of vacation rental owners in the Pocono Mountains. As the Voice of the STR Industry in the Poconos, the organization advocates for practical regulations, provides education and resources to help owners run profitable and responsible businesses, and fosters a vibrant, sustainable short-term rental community.
In a market that shifts as fast as a Pocono snowfall, you need someone who can navigate every turn with skill. Whether you’re selling or buying, I’ll help you move with clarity, confidence, and zero guesswork.
Let’s make sure your next step lands exactly where you want it.
January-February 2026
Entertainment Around Lake Harmony
At The Pub @ the hub
Music Friday and Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m.
January 30 Jim Roberti
January 31 Tim Fitzpatrick
February 6 Zac Lawless
February 7 Sol Katana
February 13 Nina Peterson
February 14 Sam Houseal
February 20 Dina Hall
February 21 Friends of Roger
February 27 Tim Fitzpatrick
February 28 Ashley Marquez
At Mauch Chunk Opera House
February 6 FJ: A Tribute to Foreigner, Journey, & Classic Legends
February 13 The ELO Tribute Show
February 14
Calamity Chang Presents: Saints & Sinners: A Burlesque Cabaret of Divine Desires
February 21 Journeyman: Eric Clapton’s 80th
Birthday Celebration
February 27 The Stranger–Tribute to Billy Joel
February 28 The Linda Rondstadt Experience
At Penns Peak, Pennspeak.com
February 7 Green River: The Ultimate CCR/John Fogerty Tribute Show
February 12 Josh Turner: This Country Music Thing Tour
February 14 Tommy James and the Shondells
February 21 Tusk: The Classic Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
February 27 Chris Janson: Wild Horses Untamed Tour
February 28 Double Vision: The Foreigner Experience
At F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts, Wilkes-Barre kirbycenter.org
February 13 Marty Stuart & Molly Tuttle: Twang Guitars on Fire
At Mohegan Arena, Wilkes-Barre moheganarenapa.com
Wilkes-Barre Penguins Hockey & February 25 The Harlem Globetrotters 100th Anniversary Tour
Eagle Watch Field Trip
Join an Environmental Educator on Friday, February 6, for a field trip to the upper Delaware River in search of our national symbol, the Bald Eagle. Once a rare sight, many wintering and resident eagles now inhabit this region and the probability for sightings is high.
Meet at the Monroe County EE Center at 8:30 a.m. and return by 4 p.m. Cost of $35 per person includes bus transportation.
Participants should pack a lunch and binoculars and dress for the weather. Stops will be made for coffee and snacks.
Registration and payment are required one week in advance. Seating is limited. Refunds will be given only if notification is made at least one week in advance.
To register or for more information, call the Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center at (570) 629-3061, Monday - Friday from 8 a.m.4:30 p.m. and some Saturdays from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. For more information on other programs we offer visit our website at www.mcconservation.
Mark McBrien Construction
Craftsman with over 35 years experience. Pride, reliability, commitment.
KIDDER TOWNSHIP SAYS THANK YOU
RAY: A special presentation opened up the December 18 Kidder Township Board of Supervisors meeting, as outgoing supervisor chairman Ray Gluck presided over his last meeting. Gluck began his service to the township in 2006, and has served on various boards and committees over the years, as a supervisor for 12 years and 3 months. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve,” Gluck said. Above, township manager Suzanne Brooks presents Gluck with a certificate of service, and the thanks of the supervisors and the community.
JH: Ruth Isenberg
1. Contact Us Call (833) 630-4817. 2. Schedule Pickup We’ll pick up your vehicle for FREEat a time and place convenient for you. 3. Receive Top Tax Deduction You may qualify for a tax deduction.
■ Support Veteran Nonprofits.
■ Free Pickup & Towing. ■ Top Tax Deduction.
kinds of vehicles can I donate?
Veteran Car Donations accepts most cars, trucks, boats, RVs, and motorcycles. We can pick up your vehicle, running or not. It gets better: your car donation can be picked up within 24 hours, and in some cases even the same day.
Post Office Notes
by Christine A. Gilliar-Feller
A warm-hearted effort for a cold-blooded friend
A very important envelope arrived at the Orlando, FL, Post Office in December 1954.
A young boy named David sent the postmaster a plea for help with his pet chameleon — who happened to be enclosed.
Ohio was getting too cold, David explained.
“Will you please let him loose. Could you let me know if he arrives there O.K. … I am so worried about him,” the boy wrote.
Thankfully, the stalwart reptile survived the long journey in the pre-stamped envelope, which was mercifully hand-canceled.
Postmaster L.A. Bryant rose to the occasion and helped the critter complete the last leg of its 3-cent, one-way journey to sunny Florida.
See PO NOTES, page 22
PO Notes
Continued from page 21
“I received your chameleon yesterday and he was immediately released on Post Office grounds,” Bryant wrote back to David on Dec. 7.
The story of the letter, the lad and his lizard is remembered as a unique delivery in postal history.
Releasing a reptile in another state would probably be illegal today.
Additionally, USPS packaging would not fulfill U.S. Department of Transportation rules for shipping a chameleon, who falls under the “Small, Harmless, Cold-Blooded Animals” heading in Section 526 of Publication 52 — Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail. Such a container must be made of “275-pound test, double-wall, corrugated, weather-resistant fiberboard (W5c) or equivalent.”
The Postal Service also recommends including insulation when shipping coldblooded animals and using the fastest method available.
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
LH Rescue Squad reports increase in EMS calls for December
The Lake Harmony Rescue Squad Ambulance Corp. responded to 47 emergency calls in December 2025, marking an increase of seven calls compared to the same month last year, according to the organization’s monthly operations report.
The December total continues an upward trend in call volume for the year. As of December 31, the Rescue Squad had handled 482 calls in 2025, up from 435 calls at the same point in 2024—an increase of 47 calls year over year.
Most of December’s calls originated within Lake Harmony, accounting for 44 responses in Carbon County. Additional calls included two responses in White Haven and one in Weatherly. No calls were recorded in Penn Forest or Monroe County during the month.
See LHRS, page 26
LHRS
Continued from page 24
The Rescue Squad maintained full staffing throughout the month, providing 24-hour, sevenday-a-week emergency medical coverage.
Ambulance Usage and Maintenance
The organization operated two primary units during December. Unit 1760 logged 1,436.8 miles, increasing from 35,446.2 miles at the start of the month to 36,883.0 miles by month’s end. Unit 1761 logged 1,178.0 miles, with mileage increasing from 3,472.0 to 4,650.0.
Fuel used during December was generously donated by Kidder Township.
Maintenance updates included the ordering of new lights for the squad. Unit 1760 is scheduled to be taken to Glick on February 26 for repairs. No building or portable equipment maintenance issues were reported during the month.
Financial and Fundraising Update
For December, the Rescue Squad reported billing revenue totaling $17,778.84. The annual fund drive generated $32,800.00 in contributions, helping to support ongoing operations and emergency services.
The report was submitted by Scott Wuttke, Director of Operations for the Lake Harmony Rescue Squad Ambulance Corp. Inc.
Dimmick Memorial Library announces addition of ‘The Rose Pompa Collection’
Jim Thorpe’s Dimmick Memorial Library introduces special collection in memory of beloved local woman.
The Dimmick Memorial Library announced a new book collection in memory of Rose Pompa of Jim Thorpe.
“The Rose Pompa Collection is intended to honor and celebrate the life and loves of Rose Pompa,” said Kara Edmonds of the Dimmick Memorial Library. “Her sons spoke about her tremendous love and pride in her family.”
In honor of her deep love for her family, the collection will also include books for children and books celebrating family. In addition, the collection will include types of books Rose enjoyed: romance, suspense novels, historical fiction, and others.
“I am so thankful to be born and raised by such a committed woman,” said Scott Pompa, one of Rose’s sons. “Despite all the curve balls thrown her way she held it together, nurtured, comforted, supported her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Truly an amazing women whom I was blessed to call,
‘Mom.’“
This new library collection is made possible through generous support from her beloved children, Rob, Trooper, Scott, and Tony, and many more who loved Rose.
The Rose Pompa
Collection hits the shelves January 19, 2026 with thirty books, and will continue grow as more titles are chosen. If anyone is eager to add to the collection in honor of Rose, please mark donations with her
name. Interested readers can find books in The Rose Pompa Collection by searching for her name in our online catalog. In addition, a special bookplate will be placed inside each book in the collection.
THEME: SUPER BOWL
ACROSS
1. Pakistani attire
5. Research location
8. Partridge’s fruit tree
12. *Grid follower
13. *____ Upshaw, multiple Super Bowl winner
14. Canada’s national tree
15. Like Homer Simpson’s head
16. Allege
17. Agenda entries
18. *Adding a rushing player
20. Aphrodite’s lover
21. Not host
22. Tire meas.
23. Composure under strain
26. More distant
30. Thompson of “Some Kind of Wonderful”
31. Ubiquitous deciduous tree
34. Genealogical plant
35. Poetic feet
37. Dream time, acr.
38. The Romanovs, e.g.
39. Song for solo voice
40. Dishevel, as in hair
42. Clever humor
43. *SoFi ____, Super Bowl LXI venue
45. *Last year’s Super Bowl winners
47. Web robot
48. Tesla Roadster with Starman location
50. a.k.a. podagra
52. *The only NFL team with perfect season
55. Plant-based laxative
56. Symphony member
57. “No ____ for you!”
59. No gains without them
60. Retired, abbr.
61. Field worker
62. Bohemian
63. Not Miss or Ms
64. Poker amount
1. Bro to bro 2. Speedy steed
3. Chuck Berry’s “____ Over Beethoven”
4. Rainbow color
5. *Santa Clara’s ____ Stadium, Super Bowl LX venue
6. Beside, archaic
7. Titanic’s frozen enemy 8. *Team with most Super Bowl appearances
11. Hi-____
13. Garden shelter
14. Unhealthy atmosphere
19. Little hills
22. P in m.p.g.
23. Mark Twain to Samuel Clemens
24. Lively
25. Vampire of Greek mythology
26. *One of two teams to win while hosting Super Bowl
27. Long fishing line
28. Like haunted house
29. What the defense does?
32. High school dressy affair
33. Romanian money
36. *Super Bowl LX halftime show headliner (2 words)
38. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young: “____ Your Children”
40. Egyptian boy king, for short
41. Long jump
44. I to Greeks, pl.
46. Rob Marshall’s 2005 movie “Memoirs of a ____”
48. On the wagon
49. Land parcels
50. *Shoulder pads and cleats
51. “Put a lid ____ ____!”
52. College dwelling
53. High part of day
54. Edible fat
55. Facial site
58. *Charlie Puth and Brandi Carlile, ____game stars
Winter at the Lake
Shenanigans
Nick’s
SORIANO REALTOR
