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Endless Mountains Heritage Region
One Washington Street
Towanda, PA, 18848
570-265-1528
EMHR Waterway Cleanup Makes a Real Difference
TOWANDA PA- Volunteers and sponsors are still needed for Endless
Mountains Heritage Region's waterway cleanup from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday,
April 26. Participants will meet at 8:30 at Peoples State Bank, Rt. 6, Wyalusing
for an orientation and safety talk. Afterward groups will be dispatched to clean
up along the banks of Wyalusing Creek and the Susquehanna River.
Gloves, trash bags and safety equipment will be provided.
EMHR is asking local businesses to help with donations of refreshments or other
supplies. To register to help with the cleanup, or for more information contact
David Buck or Phil Swank at 265-1528 or email emhr@epix.net.
"We want to thank in advance those people who turn out
for this effort. Sturdy shoes, long pants and long sleeve shirts are required,
and remember to dress for the weather. You can help save event resources by
bringing drinking water in your own reusable containers. Please contact us in
advance so we can plan for those who are coming," said EMHR's Susquehanna
Greenway Partnership Coordinator David Buck.
As part of the Wyalusing Creek watershed cleanup owners of
waterfront property on that creek may clean up their own property and get assistance
with trash removal if they register in advance with EMHR.
The event, part of the Great Pennsylvania Cleanup, a statewide
cleanup campaign, includes sponsorship by the Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources, Department of Environmental Protection and PENNDOT in cooperation
with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, Inc. Locally the Wyalusing Branch of Peoples
State Bank is offering assistance.
"This effort helps clean up the Chesapeake Bay and will
have far-reaching positive effects on the ocean and our planet's environmental
health. Your efforts make a difference right here in our own community, said
Buck."
Endless Mountains Heritage Region members provide support
for a variety of regional activities. EMHR's quarterly newsletter provides members
with updates on activities and projects, and invitations to workshops, seminars
and events. Members elect executive officers nominated by EMHR's board of directors
during the organization's annual meeting each October. Membership forms can
be downloaded from www.endlessmountainsheritage.org/membership.html, or requested
from Endless Mountains Heritage Region at 570-265-1528 or emhr@epix.net.
Counties Across the State Vie for Most Rt. 6 Miles to
Clean Up in May
GALETON - Groups and organizations are quickly lining to
help clean one of Pennsylvania's most scenic and historic highways, US Route
6, on May 3. The effort is part of the Great American Clean-Up. This "PA
Route 6 Round-Up" might be one of the largest statewide efforts in the
country. Currently leading the coverage is Tioga County with volunteers dedicated
to cleaning six miles throughout the county.
Bradford County is close behind with several groups already
registered. Bradford County Probation Department, Troy Area High School, and
Eastern Delaware Nations have registered for a total of 4 miles including scenic
overlook Wyalusing Rocks, and French Azilum Inc. will clean up the scenic Marie
Antoinette Overlook.
Volunteers along the 400 plus miles of US Route 6 will help
pick up trash in an effort to keep US Route 6 scenic and beautiful. Organizations
can still register and be assigned a piece of the highway. Individual families,
civic groups, camps, businesses, and county departments are invited to participate.
Organizations interested in helping on May 3 can register
with the PA Route 6 Heritage Corporation either by phone or by through the website,
www.paroute6.com. All supplies will be provided. Special events and surprises
are scheduled for that Saturday.
In Erie County a total of 3 miles have been designated to
the Corry Walmart. Hoss's Steak and Sea House in Crawford County has registered
for 2 miles of highway. In Warren County, The Bundy Family and the Warren County
Visitors Bureau have both signed on for 1 mile. The Kane Rotary Club in McKean
County will be cleaning 2 miles. In Potter County, there are 5 miles registered
between The Potter County Probation Office, The Boyd Family, and The Galeton
Rotary Club. In Tioga County, a total of 6 miles are claimed by The Wellsboro
Lions Club, Mansfield University's Women's Basketball team, and John E. Dugan's
Camp Jay Dee. There are 4 miles designated to Wyoming County. The groups involved
are the Tunkhannock Area High School and the Wyoming County Juvenile Court.
In Lackawanna County, the Abington Lions Club will be cleaning 2 miles. Walmart
in Wayne County has volunteered for 2 miles. In Pike County, Ginger's Grooming
and Pet Cleaning will be responsible for 1 mile of highway.
2008 Great American Cleanup National Sponsors are: American Honda Motor Co.,
Inc., The Dow Chemical Company, Firestone Complete Auto CareT and Tires PlusT,
GLAD® ForceFlex Trash Bags, Pepsi-Cola Company, Sam's Club®, The Scotts
Miracle-Gro Company, Sprint Foundation, Troy-Bilt® Lawn and Garden Equipment,
Waste Management, Inc. and the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company. Educational Partners:
ReCellular, Inc. and Rubber Manufacturers Association.
For more information on the PA Route 6 Round-up, please contact
either Terri Dennison or Autumn Harter at 814-435-7706 or visit www.paroute6.com.
###
For questions on this press release contact Terri Dennison or Autumn Harter
at 814-435-7706.
Author Speaks About "The Sign
of the Goose" at Sullivan County Museum
LAPORTE - Local author John Orlandini will share his knowledge
about "The Sign of the Goose," and the Wyalusing Path at 1 p.m., April
12th at the Sullivan County Historical Society Museum in Laporte. The museum
is located directly behind the courthouse, on courthouse square at the corner
of Main and Cherry Streets. The meeting is open to the public.
Orlandini has written extensively about Wyalusing Path, but
no one knows it's exact route through the region. The site of the Sign of the
Goose is not positively identified yet either, but a possibility has been located.
This favorite lodging place for 18th century travelers using the Wyalusing Path
was also known as "The Moravian Cabin."
This story is gaining attention regionally, capturing the
imaginations of heritage enthusiasts in both Sullivan and Bradford Counties.
Speculation about the actual route of Wyalusing Path and site of the Sign of
the Goose was discussed at a recent meeting held at Wyalusing Valley Museum.
About 15 people met with guest George Yarns, a retired state forestry officer
who believes he may have located the site of the Sign of the Goose.
That meeting led to formation of a new group dedicated to
researching facts and legends about Wyalusing Path and the Sign of the Goose.
The new group is co-facilitated by Sullivan County Historical Society, Wyalusing
Valley Museum Association and Endless Mountains Heritage Region. Discussion
at the initial meeting centered on the location of the Wyalusing Path after
it left Friedenshutten in Bradford County. Friedenshutten was a mission town
of Delaware Indians located along the Susquehanna River two miles downstream
from present day Wyalusing near the mouth of Wyalusing Creek.
In his book Indian Paths of PA Paul A.W. Wallace says, "From
the Moravian Indian village of Friedenshutten the Wyalusing Path crossed the
Susquehanna River to the mouth of Sugar Run Creek. Thence it ran up the creek
valley, ascended Bartlett [Tyler] Mountain, and entered the wilderness on Dutch
Mountain. It followed a course between the swamps at the head of Loyalsock Creek
to the west and of Mehoopany Creek to the east. About twelve miles from the
Susquehanna there was a favorite stopping place for travelers, known as the
"Sign of the Goose". The path continued south from the cabin for another
two miles and then turned south west past High Cobble and along the westernmost
spur of Dutch Mountain."
A1932 edition of Now & Then references surveyors traveling
through the region in 1774. Samuel Harris, Timothy Matlock and Joseph Whiteneck
journeyed up what they called "Woyalusing Indian Path" up Muncy Creek
and "lodged about 10 or 12 miles from Woyalusing. Here was a favorite camping
site which is variously spoken of by travelers as the "Sign of the Goose"
or as "The Goose".
Research in the field and museum archives is focusing on finding
more pieces of the puzzle. Wyalusing Valley Museum holds a copy of a survey
done in 1875 for warrentee John Brown showing part of the area of interest.
In Sullivan County, Ruth Rode has developed a synopsis of two different possible
trails that might follow the old Wyalusing Path. The group hopes to soon be
able to present a clearer picture of this nearly forgotten piece of the Endless
Mountains Heritage Region's past.
Endless Mountains Heritage Region members receive a quarterly
newsletter centered on regional activities and projects, invitations to special
workshops, seminars and events. Members vote for executive officers nominated
through EMHR's board of directors during the organization's annual meeting each
October. Membership forms can be downloaded online at: www.endlessmountainsheritage.org/membership.html,
or can be requested from Endless Mountains Heritage Region by calling 570-265-1528
or emailing emhr@epix.net.
Endless Mountains Heritage Region Celebrates 10th Anniversary
TOWANDA PA - The Endless Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR)
celebrates its 10th anniversary this year! Hard work by many dedicated individuals
wishing to honor the agricultural history and rich natural resources of the
region resulted in forming Endless Mountains as a Pennsylvania Heritage Area.
EMHR was established in 1998 through efforts of regional leaders
working closely with Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
to developing a Management Action Plan that still focuses and guides the organization.
Initially the Endless Mountains Heritage Region functioned under direction and
sponsorship of Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission (NTRPDC).
Eventually EMHR outgrew space available at NTRPDC's facility and moved out on
its own. EMHR operated from various locations in Towanda before partnering with
Bradford County Regional Arts Council as a tenant in the recently renovated
Washington Street Station. The historic former railroad freight depot overlooks
the Susquehanna River on Merrill Parkway just off PA Rt. 6. in Towanda.
"EMHR continues to proudly serve the same four counties
as when originally established in 1998; Wyoming, Susquehanna, Sullivan and Bradford,"
said EMHR Executive Director Phil Swank. "While we've inevitably grown
and evolved, we remain true to our core mission 'To maintain and enhance the
unique rural character and culture of our Endless Mountains.' Our core values
of supporting organizations and communities and telling the unique stories that
make up this wonderful region of Northeastern Pennsylvania haven't changed either."
Most of those stories started out simply as an idea, sometimes
carried forward by a small group of local people. They wanted to preserve a
historic building, research and interpret little known history of a particular
area or group of people, improve a museum, create a history center, improve
a recreation area, or conserve and steward natural resources.
"Some groups are already organized and ready to tackle
multi-faceted projects when they come to EMHR for guidance," said Swank.
"Other groups are rallied around a desire to accomplish a very specific
goal. They may choose to partner with another agency to get the job done. EMHR
invests the time to help organizations build capacity to achieve their goals,
by developing successful project strategies. We guide project partners from
planning through implementation. EMHR offers workshops on grants and project
development issues on a regular basis."
Many EMHR project partners have achieved stellar results through
building capacity and developing complex, multi-phased, long-term projects.
Some of these include the Center for Anti-Slavery Studies in Susquehanna County,
Eagles Mere Museum in Sullivan County, Dietrich Theater in Wyoming County, and
Eastern Delaware Nations in Bradford County. Each of these organizations undertook
large projects to forge new ways of preserving, understanding and sharing the
region's resources, history and culture. Many other EMHR sponsored projects,
large and small, planned, completed and still underway, are having a combined,
cumulative positive impact on the region. Swank credits memberships as a key
factor to EMHR's ability to remain flexible in serving varied organizational
and community needs.
"It is our hope that membership grows during this anniversary
year to an unprecedented level. Being a membership organization brings unique
opportunities and challenges. EMHR recognizes and accepts the responsibilities
of "keeper of the flame," being the focal point for information exchange,
expanding habits of regional thinking, raising public awareness, building capacity
locally and regionally, and accounting for the progress of heritage in the region.
But, we can't effectively serve this role without membership of individuals,
organizations, businesses supporting EMHR efforts to preserve our legacy,"
said Swank.
Endless Mountains Heritage Region, Inc. is a non-profit, 501c3
organization. EMHR members receive a quarterly newsletter centered on regional
activities and projects, invitations to special workshops, seminars and events.
Members elect nominated executive officers at an annual meeting each October.
Membership forms can be downloaded online at: www.endlessmountainsheritage.org/membership.html,
or can be requested from EMHR by calling 570-265-1528 or emailing emhr@epix.net.
Endless Mountains Heritage Region Memberships Make a
Difference
TOWANDA PA - If you want to help an organization make a
positive difference in local communities, consider a membership in the Endless
Mountains Heritage Region Inc. (EMHR). EMHR focuses on projects that positively
impact people's lives in Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties.
Membership in EMHR provides an opportunity for individuals, families, groups,
non-profits and businesses to participate in a vital organization with deep
regional roots and growing regional impact.
EMHR is a State Heritage Area agency spanning
2,821 square miles. The region encompasses scenic and historic treasures, outdoor
recreation opportunities from 'ruggedly challenging' to 'a walk in the park'
and unique local festivals and activities.
EMHR is instrumental in fostering projects within
its four member counties through a grant program administered by the Department
of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). EMHR facilitates the creation
and promotion of land and water trails, and serves as lead organization for
Susquehanna Greenway Partnership projects along the river's north branch, which
runs through Bradford, Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties.
"EMHR is involved in projects impacting historic
preservation, cultural and economic development, tourism, recreation, agriculture,
community planning and implementation," said EMHR Executive Director Phil
Swank.
Although DCNR furnishes EMHR with basic operating
funds, memberships and community donations make it possible for EMHR to provide
a wider range of services responsive to the unique needs of grassroots organizations.
EMHR members have numerous opportunities for involvement
with local projects that enhance the quality of life in their own communities.
Members receive a quarterly newsletter centered on regional activities and projects,
invitations to special workshops, seminars and events. Members are active in
the election of executive officers nominated through EMHR's board of directors
during the organization's annual meeting in October.
"We offer our members ways to make a lasting
difference in their communities and the region," Swank explained. "The
contributions from community members who care about their special heritage helps
us preserve our past."
EMHR has been doing so since 1998. Throughout the region EMHR funds help preserve
and renovate historic buildings, upgrade museum exhibits, improve visitor destinations,
create new recreational opportunities, and foster new employment opportunities.
For more information contact Endless Mountains
Heritage Region at 570-265-1528 or email emhr@epix.net. Membership forms are
available on the web at: www.endlessmountainsheritage.org.
Heritage Region Memberships Bestow Regional Benefits
TOWANDA PA - With eight new projects totaling $140,000.00
poised to begin in 2008, Phil Swank, Endless Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR)
executive director, commends local groups for their vision.
"The quantity and quality of projects undertaken
by local groups through EMHR is gratifying. These projects will provide rewarding
experiences for both residents and visitors," Swank said.
The challenge for EMHR's small staff is managing
these new projects along with numerous projects already underway. EMHR provides
guidance to organizations in Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties,
an area encompassing 2,821 square miles with one full-time employee, two part-time
employees, and a handful of consultants. Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources (DCNR), which oversees the Heritage Park Program, provides operating
funds that are quickly consumed by fixed costs. Memberships and community donations
allow EMHR the flexibility to offer a wider range of services.
Heritage Region memberships provide ways for individuals,
families, groups, non-profits and businesses to participate in this vital organization
with deep, regional roots, and growing impact.
"EMHR's involvement in projects is currently
focused on developing scenic byways, trails, and historic preservation,"
said Swank. "Since 1998 we've offered our members many ways to make positive
contributions to their communities."
Ambitious objectives for EMHR in 2008 include:
Overseeing the process of nominating Montrose, Susquehanna County, as a Historic
District; completing Phase One work at the Marie Antoinette Scenic Overlook
on Route 6 in Bradford County; and revitalizing EMHR's Heritage Trail through
all four counties by featuring it on the organization's website.
EMHR members receive a quarterly newsletter centered
on regional activities and projects, invitations to special workshops, seminars
and events. Members vote for executive officers nominated through EMHR's board
of directors during the organization's annual meeting each October. Membership
forms can be downloaded online at: www.endlessmountainsheritage.org/membership.html,
or can be requested from Endless Mountains Heritage Region by calling 570-265-1528
or emailing emhr@epix.net.
