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1. Winter Outings Series Continues This Saturday, Jan. 11
2. NEW – Golden Afternoons to Feature Ray Corse Tuesday, Jan. 14
3. NEW – Well Armed Woman, Tioga County Shooting Chapter to Meet Thursday, Jan. 16
4. NEW – Tioga County Lyme Disease Support Group to Meet Thursday, Jan. 16
5. Serene Green Concert is Friday, Jan. 17
6. Hamilton-Gibson’s Blossburg Winter Theatre Arts Camp to Present Disney’s “Frozen Junior” on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 17 & 18
7. NEW – Trout Unlimited Tiadaghton Chapter #688 Flies and Lies Social is Saturday, Jan. 18
8. NEW – Winterfest 2020 is Saturday, Jan. 18

Diane Eaton
dianetn@ptd.net
(570) 724-3800

WINTER OUTINGS SERIES CONTINUES THIS SATURDAY, JAN. 11

The 2020 Winter Outings Series continues this Saturday, Jan. 11. All activities are free and open to people of all ages from beginners to the experienced, including adults and children under adult supervision.

Dress for the weather. Wear proper footwear with traction devices or snowshoes or cross-country skis if there is enough snow, Bring water and a snack. Cross-country skis and snowshoes with traction devices will be available to use free during activities. Those who have their own equipment are encouraged to bring it.

Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners to be at Sinnemahoning this Saturday Jan. 11

Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners is this Saturday, Jan. 11. From noon to 2 p.m. preregistered participants of all ages will join experienced cross-country ski instructor Curt Weinhold for a fun lesson at the Sinnemahoning State Park Wildlife Center at 4843 Park Drive in Austin, Potter County. The program will begin indoors in the Wildlife Center classroom with an introduction to cross-country ski equipment and styles, followed by guided practice instruction on level ground and then a short excursion on the trail. If snow depth is insufficient for skiing, an overview of ski equipment and techniques will be held indoors, followed by a two- to three-mile nature hike. For more information, call the park office at 814-647-8401 and dial 0 for the front desk or email SinnemahoningSP@pa.gov.

Women’s Introduction to Ice Fishing is This Saturday, Jan. 11

The free Women’s Introduction to Ice Fishing is this Saturday, Jan. 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is for adult women and young ladies ages 11 and up who preregistered and will begin with a morning session at the Wellsboro Active Living Center at 3 Queen Street and continue in the afternoon at Hills Creek State Park at 111 Spillway Road, near Wellsboro. The program is for those interested in learning ice fishing basics like rigging and using a tip-up, working a jigging rod, selecting bait and lures, using an auger to bore a fishing hole, how to be safe on the ice and a demonstration of how to prepare and cook freshly caught fish. It will be held whether or not there is enough ice on the lake. For more information, call Amidea Daniel, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Northcentral Region outreach education coordinator at (814) 359-5217 or email adaniel@pa.gov.

FMI:
Visit https://www.stepoutdoors.org any time to learn more about Winter Outings events and for updates on trail conditions, directions, etc. Information is also available by calling (570) 724-0300 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays.

GOLDEN AFTERNOONS TO FEATURE RAY CORSE TUESDAY, JAN. 14

Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 1 p.m., Ray Corse of Sullivan Township will play his accordion and sing during the Golden Afternoons program in the lobby at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro. Provided will be cookies, fruit, coffee, tea and water. The program is free and open to those 55 years of age and older.

Corse has been playing the accordion for 66 years, since he was five years old. The majority of the songs Corse will perform are from the 1900s to the 1970s. On his playlist are polkas, country and rock and roll songs, such as “The House of the Rising Sun,” “Proud Mary,” “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You,” “Tear In My Beer,” “Love Letters in the Sand,” “Crazy” and “Grandma’s Feather Bed.” He also will perform several songs from the 1800s like “When You and I Were Young Maggie” and takes requests. “If I can whistle or hum a tune, I can usually play it. Everything I play is by ear,” Corse said.

For information about Golden Afternoons, call the Deane Center at (570) 724-6220.

photo provided
Ray Corse will sing and play his accordion for those attending the Jan. 14 Golden Afternoons program in Wellsboro.

WELL ARMED WOMAN, TIOGA COUNTY SHOOTING CHAPTER TO MEET THURSDAY, JAN. 16

At 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16 members of the Well Armed Woman Shooting Chapter, Tioga County, Pa. will meet at Perkins Restaurant, 96 Dorsett Heights in Mansfield for an evening meal and a planning session. The December planning meeting was canceled due to inclement weather.

On Jan. 16, members will plan monthly meetings and gather ideas for chapter fundraisers and other 2020 events.

“Any woman who is 18 years old and older from any county or state is welcome to join our chapter,” said Marilyn Jones, chapter co-leader. “Membership is not limited to women who live in Tioga County, Pa. Those who join can be a beginner or novice with absolutely no experience in handling a gun to those who are skilled and experienced shooters.” The fee is $50 per year.

Women who don’t own a firearm and want more information about different firearms before making a purchase or about joining the chapter are welcome to contact Jones at (570) 549-2794 or jones_mk@yahoo.com.

TIOGA COUNTY LYME DISEASE SUPPORT GROUP TO MEET THURSDAY, JAN. 16

At the Tioga County Lyme Disease Support Group meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, Physician Assistant Helen Hiserman will talk about “Lyme Flare – What is it? What to do before, during and after?” The meeting will be in the Native Bagel at 1 Central Avenue in Wellsboro. It is free and open to the public.

“The presentation and discussion will focus on recognizing triggers that lead to Lyme flare,” said Hiserman. “I will also talk about how to deal with the onslaught of recurring Lyme symptoms and important strategies that can be used including supplementation, nutrition and lifestyle.”

Hiserman is employed by BNG Aesthetics Skin & Laser Center in Williamsport where she provides Ondamed treatment and does nutritional consults to evaluate the status of patients to help them with weight loss and digestive and chronic health issues. From 1998 to 2015, Hiserman had worked at the Powers Clinic in Williamsport where she received certification as an Ondamed® practitioner.

An active member of the Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants, Hiserman received her undergraduate degree in Biology at the University of Santa Clara in California and her Physician Assistant certificate along with a Masters in Health Professions from Northeastern University in Boston, Ma. Her background is in family medicine with 20 years in integrative and nutritional medicine.

Luke Dunham and Thomas Putnam are regional co-leaders with the PA Lyme Resource Network and co-leaders of the support group. Both have been diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease and live in the Wellsboro area. For information, contact Dunham and Putnam by email at tiogacountylyme@palyme.org or by calling Putnam at (570) 439-2000.

Photo provided
Helen O. Hiserman, MHP, PA-C

SERENE GREEN CONCERT IS JAN. 17

Photo provided
At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 17 Serene Green (shown) will perform high-energy, hard-driving, traditional-style bluegrass songs along with their original tunes in the Deane Center’s Coolidge Theatre at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro. Band members are Quentin Fisher on mandolin, Michael Johnson on acoustic guitar, Shane McGeehan on upright bass, and Steve Leonard on banjo. All are Pennsylvania natives in their mid- to late twenties who sing and share the lead singer role. Since early 2017, this bluegrass band has written dozens of songs and instrumentals, released two studio albums, and played music venues and festivals in more than 15 states. This is a BYOB event. Audience members can bring beverages and snacks. Seating will be cabaret-style. Tickets are $20. For tickets and to reserve a table at no extra charge, call (570) 724-6220 or visit www.deanecenter.com.

HAMILTON-GIBSON’S BLOSSBURG WINTER THEATRE ARTS CAMP TO PRESENT DISNEY’S “FROZEN JUNIOR ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, JANUARY 17 & 18

Photo by John Eaton
Hans (Noah Vickery) and Princess Anna (Annie Gehman) are among the 91 third through ninth graders learning theatre arts skills during the Hamilton-Gibson Winter Theater Arts Camp at the Blossburg School Auditorium on Hannibal Street. Performances for the public of the Disney musical “Frozen Junior” will be at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 17 and 18 at Blossburg. Tickets at the door are Pay-What-You-Can. Camp sponsor is UPMC Soldiers + Sailors Memorial Hospital. For information, call (570) 724-2079 or email hamgib@gmail.com.

TROUT UNLIMITED TIADAGHTON CHAPTER #688 FLIES AND LIES SOCIAL IS SATURDAY, JAN. 18

From 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Jan. 18, Tiadaghton Chapter #688 of Trout Unlimited is hosting the first of three Flies and Lies Socials at the Wellsboro Community Center at 3 Queen Street in Wellsboro. It is free and open to the public. Coffee and donuts will be provided free.

Invited to attend are experienced fly tiers interested in trying a new pattern, first-timers who want to learn how to tie flies and those who want to find out about Trout Unlimited Tiadaghton Chapter #688’s conservation and community efforts.

There will be fly-tying demonstrations with tips for beginners and experienced fly tiers along with an opportunity for anglers to swap flies, tying materials and “lies” about their greatest fishing experiences.

On site will be fly-tying equipment and free materials for those that want to learn how to tie a fly or try a new technique. Those attending are welcome to bring their own equipment and materials.

Stop in to learn more about the activities and programs supported by Tiadaghton Chapter #688. Also available will be information about the organization’s plans for this year and special activities such as the Chapter’s stream monitoring program and Trout in the Classroom.

“This is an informal session and folks can feel free to stop in and visit with our members,” said Art Antal organizer. “Bring your fly-tying equipment, a friend, a relative or an idea for a new killer fly. Beginners and fish stories are always appreciated.”

Walk-ins are welcome. It is not necessary to preregister. Children 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

For more information, call Antal at (570) 439-4221 or email him at artantal@yahoo.com.

Photo by John Eaton
Amy Geiser learns how to tie a fly under the guidance of TU Chapter #688 member Art Antal at Flies and Lies in 2018. Antal is the Flies and Lies organizer.

WINTERFEST 2020 IS SATURDAY, JAN. 18

Winterfest 2020 will offer free, fun, family friendly snow and no snow, ice and no ice events on Saturday, Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hills Creek State Park at 111 Spillway Road, eight miles from Wellsboro. Everything is free.

If snow and ice conditions allow, there will be the traditional Winterfest tubing, tobogganing, sledding and snowboarding on Beach Front Hill; snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on park trails and ice skating on Hills Creek Lake as well as 30-minute snowshoe and cross-country ski mini-clinics for all ages with information on how to purchase the best equipment to meet people’s needs.

Tubes for two and some sleds, ice skates, snowshoes and cross-country skis, boots and poles will be available to sign out and use free during the day; quantities are limited. Those who have their own equipment are encouraged to bring it.

Find out about a new form of winter fun. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tom Gibson of Milton will demonstrate and talk about his invention, the Tracker Skishoe, a combination ski and snowshoe with a built-in traction device. He developed skishoes to explore new routes in powder and crusted snow and to kick-and-glide on steeper and icier terrain. There will be several pairs of Gibson’s new, longer skishoes for people to look at, put on, and try out.

Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., representatives from Oswald Cycle Works in Mansfield and CS Sports in Wellsboro will talk about, demonstrate and let visitors try out snow bikes with fat tires that provide better grip and traction on snowy hills, wet asphalt, muddy paths and sandy beaches.

At 10 a.m., go on a moderate paced winter tree identification hike with forester Steve Hoover. From 1 to 3 p.m., Hoover will have a display and be available to talk about careers in the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which is responsible for maintaining and preserving the commonwealth’s 121 state parks and 20 state forests and for providing information on the state’s natural resources.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tiadaghton Audubon Society members will take visitors on impromptu birding walks and lead scheduled 30-minute walks at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Bring binoculars and cameras. Also available will be information for the public about the National Audubon Society study on the projected decline of the bird population due to climate change and about the local birding group.

Cody Whipple, a Fish and Boat Commission educator, will present ice fishing tips and tricks on how to get started pulling fish through the ice, or, if the ice isn’t thick enough, on land demonstrations from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Free hot dogs and hot chocolate will be available to everyone from 11 a.m. until gone. Fire rings and burn barrels will help visitors stay warm.

Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., build a free bluebird box to take home (one per family while supplies last) with assistance from Mandy Marconi, state Game Commission educator and Tiadaghton Audubon Society members.

Mel “Longknife” Stafford, a reenactor portraying an 18th century Eastern mountain man, will demonstrate pioneer-style living.

From 11:30 a.m. to noon, Natural Resource Specialist Tim Morey will talk about ice harvesting and how ice was used to keep food cold more than 100 years ago before there were refrigerators. He will have several historic tools on hand.

At 12 p.m. and again at 1:30 p.m., Environmental Education Specialist Kim Lott of Sinnemahoning State Park will present “Meet the Owls of Pennsylvania, a 30-minute program for adults and children. Find out how to identify local owls by call and key features.

Snow and ice condition updates will be posted at https://www.stepoutdoors.org and on Facebook at Step Outdoors Tioga PA. For more information, call the Hills Creek State Park office at (570) 724-4246 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Photo by John Eaton
These youngsters are excited with their ride down Beach Front Hill at Hills Creek State Park during a recent Winterfest. This year’s Winterfest will be on Saturday, Jan. 18.