Briefs…
Loleta Campground water
The public water system for the Loleta Recreation Area (campground and day use area) in the Allegheny National Forest is currently non-operational due to issues with the distribution lines. These issues were recently discovered during the annual seasonal start-up for the system.
The USDA Forest Service is in the process of contracting the work to resolve the issues with the water system. Once the water system has been repaired and service is reopened to the campground and day use area a public notice will be sent out.
The campground will remain open for camping and day use activities; however, the swimming area and pond are currently closed to the public until they can be dredged and reopened. We are working to resolve this issue, as well.
The public will be informed as these issues are resolved.
Quilters’ Night Out
Quilters’ Night Out will present the “ABCs of Quilting” on Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, May 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Warren Area Elementary Center.
Over 500 quilts will be on display.
Admission is $4 and, as always, students are free.
Church fundraiser
An authentic homemade polish sampler dinner made by the St. John Church Pierogi Ladies featuring Pierogi, Golabki, Kielbasa, Halushka, and Polish desserts will be held on Friday, May 24, at St. John Center, 25 1st Street, Tidioute, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. The cost is $10 per dinner. There will also be a Chinese auction.
Gospel singer Dan Schall
Chandlers Valley United Methodist Church on Jackson Run Road in Chandlers Valley is hosting Gospel singer Dan Schall in concert at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22. Also at 5 p.m., the church will be having a spaghetti dinner with garlic bread, salad bar, beverages and dessert for a donation. All are invited.
For more information, e-mail stino3@hotmail.com.
Buckthorn Treatment Project
The Allegheny National Forest (ANF) will be treating glossy and common buckthorn in the Laurel Mill Trail Area in Marienville.
The treatments will run from mid-May through mid-November to reduce the density of the infestations. This is the third year of a planned five-year project.
Treatment location areas will be along and within the Elk and Scout Loop trails, and the area within Hemlock Loop on the eastern half of the trail area (see attached map).
The initial treatments will be by an herbicide application from mid-May through mid-June and then manual cutting from July – November on selected plants. The ANF will also treat other non-native invasive plant species within or near the buckthorn treatment areas if encountered.
Temporary closures will be in place on the days the herbicide applications are taking place. The public can check for area closure signs at the site or call the Marienville Ranger District office at (814) 927-5700 for updated closure information.
Glossy and common buckthorn is a non-native invasive plant species. They are native to Eurasia and were imported, cultivated and sold to plant for wildlife habitat, hedges, and windbreaks in the past. However, these shrubs proved to be highly invasive and fast growing, and have since invaded watersheds and forests. They now threaten forest health and native plant communities by out-competing native plants for nutrients, light, and moisture. Buckthorn thickets can grow up to 25 feet tall and impede hunters, hikers, and wildlife from moving through the forest.
More information on the buckthorn plant can be found at
http://www.docs.dcnr.pa.gov/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr–010272.pdf
Cambridge drive
Cambridge Warren has announced its first Summer Health and Wellness Drive. Through the month of May, residents and staff will be collecting sunscreen, sunglasses, shampoo, bath soap, deodorant, toothpaste, aloe lotion, and other related items. Any items conducive to personal care and well being are considered acceptable.
Items collected will be donated to Warren County School District students at the end of the month, just in time for summer. People wishing to donate new, unopened personal health and wellness products may do so at the front desk of Cambridge Warren. Those items will be delivered to Warren County School District Friday, May 31, where they will be distributed to students.
Cambridge Warren is home to more than 60 seniors and is a member of the Cambridge Retirement Living network of senior living facilities. It is located at 706 Pennsylvania Ave W. in Warren and has served its community for almost 20 years.