Heritage Region Adopts ‘Buy Fresh, Buy Local’ Campaign

By Rick Hiduk

Board members of the Endless Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR) voted unanimously on Wednesday to take the Northern Tier Pennsylvania Buy Fresh Buy Local program under their wing.

The primary goal of those who coordinate similar programs across the state is to promote local agriculture, farm stands, wineries and breweries and the grocery outlets and restaurants that support them. The initiative was given a local identity in 2007 when it the Northern Tier chapter was formed by the Northern Tier Cultural Alliance (NTCA) with financial assistance from EMHR.

While the local chapter has turned a slight profit in the past two years, many felt that it was poised for growth despite not achieving its full potential.

“One of the problems is that our other three counties did not have much representation,” said Jean Ruhf, an at large member of the EMHR board and Executive Director of the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau.

The Buy Fresh Buy Local network is coordinated statewide by the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture on behalf of its partner, FoodRoutes Network, LLC.

The Northern Tier chapter of Buy Fresh Buy Local previously catered to six counties: Bradford, Potter, Susquehanna, Sullivan, Tioga and Wyoming. Most of the activities of the existing group so far have centered on Bradford County, with Tioga County to the west also considered a viable participant. Ruhf suggested that Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Wyoming Counties were not maximizing the potential of the program, despite the prevalence of agricultural activity throughout the region.

Sullivan County EMHR representative Melanie Norton agreed and expressed her hopes that oversight of the program by EMHR would help the initiative “reach all four counties equally.”

“It’s got nowhere to go but up,” she remarked.

Board members agreed that Tioga County ought to remain part of the Northern Tier chapter although not technically a part of the four-county Endless Mountains region. Potter County, however, will be transferred to another entity, according to EMHR Executive Director Phil Swank.

“We’re confident that the prgram will align itself very well with our agency’s mission and strategic vision for the region, and are prepared to run this program,” stated Swank, who related that there would be more of an investment of time than money involved in the sponsorship. “I see a lot of promise for this program to grow…and help out the agricultural heritage of the region.”

Swank cited Ruhf, Norton and EMHR board member Mike Lovegreen, as well as NTCA member Ruth Tonachel, as instrumental in arranging for EMHR to assume responsibility of the program. Each will serve on a steering committee for the program that will also include NTCA members Dick Heyler and Elaine Poost, who also represents the Bradford County Regional Arts Council.

In addition to approximately $7,500 in annual revenue from current memberships, grants and in-kind donations, partial funding for the reorganized program will come from room tax grant support of the Endless Mountains and Tioga County Visitors Bureaus. EMHR will maintain continued, separate memberships for the Buy Less Buy Local campaign and its own organizational base.

Long-term goals for Buy Local Buy Fresh include sustaining and building the membership base, providing technical assistance to farmers markets, and furthering development of agricultural product markets, food-to-table initiatives and participation in county-based agriculture-economic development efforts. Short-term goals include the publication of a new farmers markets guide by Spring 2014 and local food guides by 2015.

Swank will serve as the new contact for the Buy Fresh Buy Local campaign and can be reached at 570-265-1528 or via email at emhr@epix.net. 

 

Review: Bill Kirchen Brings Hot Rock & Pickin’ to Gins

Photo and Story by Rick Hiduk

Retro Rocket members Jess Illuzzi (left) and Mike Chapin (right) flank veteran guitarist Bill Kirchen, former member of Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen, at Gins Tavern on Tuesday evening. Retro Rockets opened the show and members were invited back on stage in varying combinations throughout the evening.

What do Earl Sruggs, Jim Hendrix, Roy Orbison, The Beatles and the Rolling Stones, Buck Owens, Link Ray, Ray Price and Stevie Ray Vaughn have in common? Career guitarist Bill Kirchen loved them all and literally channels them and many other rock, country, bluegrass, and blues artists through his 1959 Fender Telecaster. He has a damn good time doing it too.

Kirchen, formerly a member of ’60s and ’70s  pshyco-billy group Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen, performed with Maurice Cridlin and Jack O’Dell and members of locally-based Retro Rocket at Gins Tavern in Factoryville last night to a large and adoring crowd.

Retro Rocket brought patrons out of the dinner hour with a enjoyable set of old-time bluegrass and early country/western songs. Jess Illuzzi handled most of the lead vocals as Mike Chapin and MJ Kuskas played guitar, banjo, and mandolin.

Their set was an authentic throwback to an era of folk and bluegrass music that was not yet altered by too much electrification and amplification. Patrons at my table remarked that it was nice to be able to enjoy the subtleties of an intimate performance without being blown away by it and being able to converse with the person next to you.

From the first cord Kirchin struck, however, it was clear that he came to Wyoming County to rock the house while not just showing respect for but also demonstrating that bluegrass and old-fashioned picking were the roots of a musical journey that helped him build his amazing repertoire as the related genres developed around him.

With just eight days left until Christmas, the band set the tone for good-natured fun by donning Santa hats and opening up with a pair of rockabilly-flavored Christmas songs. Holiday songs were sprinkled liked spiked snowballs throughout the show, including numbers such as “Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin’,” “Jingle Surfin’ Bells, and “Santa Looks a Lot Like Daddy.”

But it was Kirchen’s unique arrangements of time-honored country-tinged songs that his fans had come to see and which caught those of us less familiar with his work off guard.

I remembered both the old country and rockabilly versions of “Hot Rod Lincoln” from my childhood, and Commander Cody’s 1972 version was a big hit and a daily favorite on the jukebox in the Towanda Middle School cafeteria. So, when our neighbors, Charlie and Nancy, invited us to see Kirchen perform in Factoryville, we obliged them without knowing just what was in store. I had no idea that I was going to be in the company of a living legend.

To say that Kirchen’s guitar playing and the manner in which he harmonizes with himself with one pair of hands was spine tingling is an understatement. Certain riffs and sounds that I had never before heard from a guitar gave me goose bumps many times.

 In addition to asking Chapin to play mandolin on a number of songs in Kirchen’s first set, Kirchen invited all three members of Retro Rocket to the stage at the beginning of the second round to perform “My Bucket’s Got a Hole in It” and other songs that demonstrated several ways in which bluegrass found various routes to modern country, including western swing, folk, rock ‘n’ roll, and classic blues. Having never endeavored to hone any musical instrument beyond my own voice, I’ve always been impressed by the versatility of talented instrumentalists who can pull of songs together without any rehearsing.

Kirchen is personable and a gentleman. I’m appreciative of the fact that he ended the first set with “Hot Rod Lincoln,” rather than holding off to the end of the show to force people to stick around to hear it. Clocking in at more than seven minutes, the long remake of the song that first put him on the charts pays homage to more superstars of recorded music than can be listed here. What Kirchen and his band made look easy left the crowd breathless and begging for more. That in turn led us sticking around for a good portion of the second set despite the fact that it was a week night.

As much as my body and eyelids were no longer willing, I regret that we did not stay long enough to see Kirchen bring out what was later described as a “funky-ass” horn that he trots through the audience seeking interaction with super-stoked fans. According to Wikipedia, the trombone was the first instrument that Kirchen ever mastered, so I’m sure that it was a delight to hear him play it next to your table.

As one of our hosts said as we made our way out the door and into the frigid night air, “When there’s talent that good around, you just have to be there”

Kirchen’s newest CD, which he autographed for a number of people in between sets, is titled “Down to Seeds and Stems” and features the long version of “Hot Rod Lincoln.” More information about Kirchen can be found at www.billkirchen.com, and interested readers can follow Retro Rocket’s performance schedule on Facebook.

I had not been to Gins in many years and was impressed by updates to the venue and generous portions of very good food. Our server was also very good. It has been terribly cold as of late, and I am sure that many bars and restaurants are struggling to keep their establishments evenly heated. I was grateful that I had on long underwear from head to toe and not surprised to see many patrons keeping their jackets and scarves on while eating and enjoying the music. Despite the heat of the show itself, the bar was a bit chilly. We’re country folk though, so we all survived and will definitely be back for more.

Courthouse Staff Marks Big Change in Treasurers’ Department

 

Photo and Story by Rick Hiduk

Retiring Deputy Treasurer Helen Montanye was thanked for 30 years of service to Wyoming County during a surprise retirement party at the courthouse in Tunkhannock on Tuesday morning.

Dozens of Wyoming County employees at the courthouse took an early lunch break on Dec. 17 and slipped quietly upstairs to the commissioners’ meeting room to surprise Deputy Treasurer Helen Montanye, who will retire at the end of the year.

The gathering was also intended as a recognition for Treasurer Darlene Marshall, who did not seek reelection after serving more than two decades in the post. Marshall was not in attendance, however, due to icy road conditions. A large cake decorated in honor of both Montanye and Marshall was subsequently sliced and served to their fellow employees.

“I was wondering why you wanted me up here,” said Montanye, who was obviously moved by the gesture. She had been told that Commissioner Judy Mead needed to speak to her.

“You know we couldn’t fire you,” joked Commissioner Ron Williams.

“You probably wouldn’t care if we did,” Mead remarked with a laugh.

“I only have eight days left,” said Montanye.

A life-long resident of Tunkhannock, Montanye started working at the courthouse in the late 1970s after 20 years of working in local law offices. She first served as Deputy Treasurer with Shirley Shotwell, then became acting treasurer for a short time.

Montanye related that retirement would take some getting used to as she has worked continuously since graduating from Tunkhannock High School in 1958. She is looking forward to doing some renovations on her home and volunteering with the Wyoming County Historical Society.

Montanye admitted that she really enjoyed the bookkeeping part of her job, but she will especially miss the camaraderie that she enjoyed with her fellow employees.

“The people around here are just great,” she stated.

Marshall’s seat will be filled in January by Patty Mead, who won the election for County Treasurer in November. 

Wyoming County Ends Year With Fiscal Might

Photo and Story by Rick Hiduk

Wyoming County Commissioners (from left) Tom Henry, Judy Mead, and Ron Williams were happy to announce that Wyoming County had been upgrade to AA status on the Standard & Poors Index. The board also negotiated a better deal on their annual Tax Anticipation Note.

At the biweekly meeting of the Wyoming County Commissioners held on Dec. 17, the board approved a bid by First Keystone Community Bank to finance the county’s annual Tax Anticipation Note (TAN). The .97 percent rate was the lowest of six bids received and the lowest that any of the commissioners and Chief Clerk Bill Gaylord had ever seen. In comparison, the highest bid received was 1.74 percent.

“That’s great,” said Commissioner Tom Henry. “We’ll save a lot of money.”

TANs are commonly used by school districts and municipal government to maintain the flow of revenue cycles, Gaylord explained, especially at the beginning of the year when tax income slows down. The TAN is usually paid off by June, but Commissioner Judy Mead related that the note could be paid off at any time.

Mead was excited to announce that Wyoming County had been upgraded two points to a AA rating on the Standard & Poors Index. The county had previously been rated at A and skipped over the A+ rating as a result of the two-point leap.

“We’re a small county to have a AA rating,” said Henry. “That’s impressive in times like this.”

“It means that we’re financially stable,” Mead stated, giving credit to Gaylord for processing the extensive paperwork that resulted in the higher rating,

Gaylord brushed off the compliment and explained that the upgraded status primarily had to do with the fiscal steadiness of the county. “You have to continue to maintain that,” he noted, adding that the new rating would work in the county’s favor in 2015 if the county does another bond issue. “In the long term, that can result in a substantial savings for us,” Gaylord suggested.

In other business, the commissioners approved implementation of the Cooper System, by which county employees and others will be notified via email or text if there is a delay in opening the courthouse due to inclement weather. Likewise, Gaylord noted, if there were a bomb scare or any other crisis in the county, “everyone (on the contact list) will know about it quickly.”

Mead added that Wyoming County EMA was very instrumental in getting the new system up and running and successfully tested.

Butch Sands and Commissioner Ron Williams were reappointed to the Wyoming County Conservation Board, and the commissioners signed an annual agreement for the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant, funds from which are used to provide services for victims of juvenile offenders.

After the more serious agenda topics had been processed, Henry took a few minutes to talk with those in attendance about some of the “feel-good” moments that the board members had shared during the past week.

The commissioners attended the annual United Rehabilitation Services Christmas Party held at the Warren Hotel, enjoying snacks and a little dancing with guests there. They also got an extended tour of the new School House Hill Apartments in Mehoopany after a ribbon-cutting ceremony there.

“It’s a beautiful complex,” Mead remarked, adding that the facility will be good for the entire community, not just the senior citizens in residence. “It’s an active little place,” she said in reference to the community room and public computer area.

The final act of the board was to agree to petition PCN (Pennsylvania Cable Network) to include the Wyoming County Courthouse in an upcoming feature about courthouses throughout the state. The original courthouse was constructed in 1844 and was enlarged and given its current appearance in the 1870s. 

Planning Commission Debates Land Development Ordinance

Photo and Story by Rick Hiduk

Matt Walsh, a project engineer for Colwell-Naegele Associates of Clarks Summit, shows members of the Wyoming County Planning Commission preliminary plans for the proposed Hayduk RV/Mobile Home Park which would be comprised of approximately 70 lots in Lemon Township.

Members of the Wyoming County Planning Commission viewed plans for a proposed RV/Mobile Home park in the area of Avery Station and Rocky Rift Roads, discussed options for updates of the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO), and recommended several topics that should be addressed in the county’s Comprehensive Plan, which they discussed in an executive session after the regular meeting.

In addition to granting preliminary and final approval for a one lot subdivision in Tunkhannock Township, board members gave final approval for the Jack Williams Tire Center project in Eaton Township, which had a grand opening celebration last month.

When the agenda item was read by Chairman Wal Derhammer, it was quickly noted that the business was already in operation, and several board members expressed concerns that a number of projects of late have proceeded ahead of final approval by the Planning Commission.

“They shouldn’t have occupancy until the county approves it,” Derhammer remarked.

“The process was a little backward,” Wyoming County Planning Director Nicole Wootten concurred. Since the previous meeting, she related, the Jack Williams project managers had successfully obtained the final three permits they needed for storm water and waste management plans and PennDOT approval.

“I think we’ve got a barn door that’s wide open,” said board member Jon Howard. “How do we tie our final approval to their certificate of occupancy?”

Other board members mentioned that the planning commission only meets once per month, and projects shouldn’t be held up unnecessarily.

“I think that this is something that should be part of our new Comprehensive Plan,” Rich Fitzsimmons suggested.

Howard asked Wootten if she could draft language to that effect and pass it on to the Wyoming County Commissioners. Commissioner Tom Henry, who was sitting in attendance, asserted that the commissioners would welcome any suggestions and comments concerning the Comprehensive Plan, which the commissioners had discussed at their meeting with the public on Nov. 19. (See Wyoming County Commissioners Cover Wide Range of Issues.)

In the meantime, it was generally agreed upon that as long as project managers are reporting regularly to Wootten and completing the permitting processes in a timely manner, Wootten has the authority to allow a project to progress at her discretion.

“It’s a matter of getting all of the agencies on the same page,” she stated.

D&S Fueling Station Project

Among the additional projects on the agenda were a minor subdivision report on the progress of the planned D&S diesel fueling station that might dominate the landscape along Route 6 at Adams Road in Washington Township. The project is not yet fully permitted, but the developers may clear trees and move ground in advance of such a point in time. Board members noted that foundation work has begun at the bottom of a steep bank that leads from a deep ravine up to the highway.

“The topography is unbelievable for what they want to do,” said Fitzsimmons.

Howard also noted that the small bank abutting the highway will likely have to be leveled off to provide a safe line of sight from the roadway.

Hayduk RV/Mobile Home Park

The board moved on to a presentation by Matt Walsh of Colwell-Naegele Associates engineering firm in Clarks Summit. Walsh brought preliminary plans for a proposed RV/mobile home park that would be constructed near Oxbow Lake, Avery Station Road and Rocky Rift Road in Lemon Township. No work has yet been done at the site, which would feature 57 RV lots and 12 lots for permanent residents in mobile homes. Walsh acknowledged that the plans, maps and drawings would not answer all of the questions raised by board members. He was there, he indicated, to hear their concerns so that they could be more adequately addressed in a future presentation.

Wootten affirmed that her department is working with the project developers to ensure that their plans meet regulations for open land, open space, and mobile home parks.

It was generally agreed that the site was being proposed with energy workers in mind.

“It does not appear to be aimed at vacationers,” Howard remarked. He expressed concerns about the steep assent and relatively tight turn radius for RVs and trailers turning off Rocky Rift Road.

Walsh said that the firm was requesting variances for both the smaller than normal turn radius and the 12 percent grade of the entrance way and assured board members that the turn was adequate.

Howard noted that Walsh’s diagram showed vehicles entering via Rocky Rift Road from the direction of Lake Carey or Route 29. “Common sense and reality tells me that GPS is going to route them up Avery Station Road from Route 92,” he stated.

Walsh addressed other questions about water, sewage, and the expected turnover rate of what were termed transient workers. Walsh was unsure of the expected turnover rate but noted that water and sewer plans and requests for permitting were under way.

SALDO

A relatively brief discussion about the SALDO followed Howard’s opening remarks on the topic. While everyone was in agreement that the ordinance needs a serious upgrade in the wake of the energy boom, Solicitor Jim Davis cautioned that there are limits as to what the planning commission can do in terms of regulating construction related to the gas industry.

“A pipeline is neither a land development or a division,” Davis stated. “We approve land development and we approve subdivisions.”

Randy Eherenzeller lamented that current regulations don’t seem to sit on the side of the landowner. “We can tell someone that they can’t build within 100 feet of a pipeline,” he remarked, “but we can’t tell the gas companies that they can’t put a pipeline any closer.”

“I think we should do more,” Howard maintained, acknowledging that the current SALDO addresses very few of the issues generated by the gas industry, and criteria such a setbacks seem to be ambiguous and open to interpretation. For instance, the federal government regulates transmission lines but not gathering lines. Howard suggested that they should be treated the same. “A hazard is a hazard, until there is a better definition” he asserted.

Board members and the solicitor backed away from any discussion about noise at gas sites.

“We don’t have a (set) decibel level,” said Davis. “I’m shying away from that myself, But we do have a provision for a 300-foot setback.”

During the public comments portion of the meeting, Kristin Landon of Lemon Township thanked the planning commission for taking up the SALDO and suggested that even a 300-foot setback is not sufficient, especially when it comes to controlling noise levels. Noise from the Chapin dehydration unit is prompting complaints, she added.

Howard gave his biggest push for more transparency and public awareness. “The issue is that people don’t know what’s happening. You need to notify all of the landowners and inform them of the proposed route.” Pipe diameter and projected psi should also be divulged to landowners within a “notification zone,” the diameter of which could be determined by the board, he continued.

“I don’t know how we can enforce it,” said Davis.

“We have to do something,” Marta Kovacs Ruiz interjected.

“We can’t,” Davis replied.

The subject was tabled until the next meeting, which is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 18, at the Wyoming County Emergency Operations Center on Route 6 east of Tunkhannock.