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1. Hills Creek, Cherry Springs and Lyman Run State Park Programs June 30-July 7
2. Where’s Waldo 2019 Hunt to Start in Wellsboro on July 1
3. Brian Hoffman Tribute to Comedian Red Skelton is Friday, July 12
4. Deadline to Register for MU Choral Academy is Friday, July 12

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

DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR MU CHORAL ACADEMY IS FRIDAY, JULY 12

Students who just completed the 9th through 12th grades this spring are invited to register now for the Mansfield University Choral Academy, the summer high school choral music camp being held on the university campus Sunday, July 21 through Saturday, July 27.

Those who register for the MU Choral Academy by Friday, July 12 will have the opportunity to sing with the Endless Mountain Music Festival’s 62-member professional symphony orchestra and members of the Mansfield University Concert Choir and Festival Chorus. At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 26 in Steadman Theater on campus, they will present “A Song of Peace” written by Jean Sibelius and arranged by Johnnie Carl.

The Academy’s final concert on Saturday morning, July 27 at 11 a.m., will include the Choral Academy Chorus, Madrigal Singers, Vocal Jazz Ensemble and the Musical Theatre Ensemble singing a variety of works from the classical to the spiritual tradition as well as “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” the famous chorus from the 1964 Walt Disney film “Mary Poppins” and the Broadway musical of the same name that ran from 2006 to 2013. The concert is free and open to the public. It will be in Butler Music Center 163.

Mansfield University is considered one of the premier music schools in the East. Providing musical leadership for the Choral Academy are MU master teachers. Director of the Choral Academy is Peggy Dettwiler, Choral Activities director who conducts the university’s Concert Choir, Festival Chorus and Chamber Singers. Assistant Director of the Choral Academy is Ms. Victoria Nance, a 2016 MU graduate who received her master’s degree in conducting from Temple University in 2018. Dr. Alissa Rose is Professor of Voice; Jordan Schreiner, voice teacher; and Peter Davis, an MU alumnus, is director of Musical Theatre.

The Choral Academy is for voice students. The seven-day camp will be in the Butler Music Center. Besides daily rehearsals and projects, campers will enjoy a different activity every evening, including games and ice cream, a show at the Planetarium, a campfire, and a counselor recital and talent night.

The students and counselors will live on campus in double rooms in the new suite-style residence halls and eat in the campus dining room.

For students who decide to live in a dormitory during the camp, the fee is $495, including instruction, activities, all meals and lodging. For students who want to commute rather than stay on campus, the fee is $395 and includes everything except lodging.

A $75 non-refundable deposit is required when registering with the balance due by Friday, July 12.

To register, visit https://ssl.mansfield.edu/cll/voice-academy.cfm. For more information contact the MU Music Department at (570) 662-4710.

Photo provided
Shown are the 25 ninth through twelfth graders who participated in last year’s MU Choral Academy.

BRIAN HOFFMAN TRIBUTE TO COMEDIAN RED SKELTON IS FRIDAY, JULY 12

At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 12, Brian Hoffman will perform “Remembering Red – A Tribute to Red Skelton” on the Coolidge Theatre stage in the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro.

This family friendly, clean comedy show is for all ages. It is the only tribute endorsed by the Skelton Estate.

Richard Bernard Eheart was called Red Skelton professionally. As Skelton, he was best known for his national radio and television acts between 1937 and 1971, and as host of the television program The Red Skelton Show, which aired from 1951 to 1971. The comedian passed away on Sept. 17, 1997 at the age of 84.

Hoffman’s expert portrayal of Skelton’s famous characters keeps audiences in stitches and reminds them why Skelton was called “America’s favorite clown.” His ability to look, move and sound like Skelton gives audiences the opportunity to laugh with Clem Kadiddlehopper, giggle with Gertrude and Heathcliff and feel the love of Freddy the Freeloader.

Originally from North Dakota, Hoffman remembers watching the Red Skelton Show when he was a little boy. “Red left the airwaves in 1971 when I was 10 years old,” he said.

Hoffman’s career in comedy began when he got on stage at an amateur night at the Hilarities Comedy Club in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. “I had fun and so did the audience,” he said.

His comedy was based on his life experiences. Before becoming a comedian, Hoffman was an over-the-road truck driver, a door-to-door cold call salesman, a used car salesman and finally a service writer at a Dodge dealership.

He began emceeing at Hilarities one week a month for six months, became a featured comedian there and also began headlining shows elsewhere across the states of Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Kentucky and West Virginia. To satisfy the joy of making people laugh, Hoffman also booked his own gigs with small companies and private organizations.

“One night after a show at Hilarities, one of their regular couples came up to me and said the words that would eventually change me into what I do now. ‘Do you know who you remind us of? Red Skelton.’ Shortly thereafter, I started to end my shows with an impression of Red Skelton doing a Gertrude and Heathcliff joke. People loved it,” he said.

From there Hoffman found as many DVDs and videos of Skelton’s show and comedy routines as he could and began developing his Red Skelton tribute show.

Today, Hoffman has his own theatre in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee next to Dollywood where he performs his tribute show to Skelton. A few weekends each year, he takes his show on the road.

Admission is $25 and $22 for seniors 65 and older. For tickets to the show, call (570) 724-6220 or visit www.deanecenter.com.

Photo provided
Comedian Brian Hoffman is shown as Red Skelton portraying Clem Kadiddlehopper, one of his many characters.

WHERE’S WALDO 2019 HUNT TO START MONDAY, JULY 1

Where’s Waldo? The answer is “in Wellsboro” but where?

The iconic children’s book character will be hiding in 25 local businesses the entire month of July.

The hunt begins this coming Monday, July 1 at 11 a.m. and finishes at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30.

In July 2012, Waldo turned 25. To celebrate this milestone, Waldo’s American publisher, Candlewick Press, invented a Waldo scavenger hunt that independent bookstores could organize in their areas. It was to be a one-time event, but all of the participants loved it so much, they begged Candlewick to do it again. This year will be the eighth annual “Where’s Waldo” nationwide scavenger hunt, and the seventh annual scavenger hunt for “Where’s Waldo in Wellsboro.”

This event gives both locals and tourists an opportunity to play.

“Sometimes visiting kids worry because they may not have time to search for Waldo at all 25 businesses,” said Kasey Coolidge, manager of From My Shelf Books. “We reassure them that everyone can play and have the chance to win prizes that are sponsored by the participating businesses and by Candlewick Press,” she said. “For every place you find Waldo and get your passport signed, your name goes on a ticket in the prize jar. We will draw for prizes at the Waldopalooza Party on Wednesday, July 31, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Winners need not be present to win.”

Prizes include a variety of Waldo books; gift certificates to participating businesses; Wellsboro Chamber bucks; and items donated by participating businesses.

Waldo will be hiding in the following Wellsboro businesses: The Native Bagel at 1 Central Avenue; Café 1905 and the children’s department, both in Dunhams’ Department Store at 45 Main Street; Wild Asaph Outfitters at 71 Main Street; C.S. Sports at 81 Main Street; Peggy’s Candies & Gifts at 82 Main Street; In My Shoes at 85 Main Street; Garrison’s Men’s Shop at 89 Main Street; Tioga Office Products at 96 East Avenue; The Farmer’s Daughters at 11719 Route 6, Charleston Township; Highland Chocolates at 11724 Route 6, Charleston Township; Karen’s Country Store at 15 Main Street; Main Street Creamery at 17 Main Street; Tony’s Italian Cuisine at 3 Main Street; Fox’s Pizza Den & Terry’s Hoagies at 1603 Charleston Street; Wellsboro House at 34 Charleston Street; the Frog Hut at 132 Tioga Street; Shady Grove Natural Market at 144 Tioga Street; Pag-Omar Farms Market & Restaurant at 222 Butler Road, Delmar Township; The Yellow Basket Shop at 2744 Route 660 (on the way to the Canyon); Omi Of The Canyon gift shop and food at 4181 Route 660, near Leonard Harrison State Park; Wellsboro Mini Mall at 5 East Avenue; Krout’s Creations and More at 5 East Avenue, Suite 102; and Totally Ninja Raccoons and host bookstore, From My Shelf Books & Gifts, both at 7 East Avenue.

Each of the participating businesses will have “Where’s Waldo in Wellsboro?” passports, listing all of the businesses where searchers can find Waldo. When a customer spots Waldo, the business will stamp or sign the individual’s passport.

Participants should make sure their names and contact information are included on their passports before submitting them. All passports must be turned in at From My Shelf Books & Gifts no later than 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30. Passports will NOT be accepted after 6 p.m. on July 30 for prize eligibility.

For more information, call Kasey Coolidge at (570) 724-5793.

Photo by John Eaton
Kasey Coolidge, manager of From My Shelf Books & Gifts in Wellsboro is shown with a cardboard figure of Waldo. The iconic children’s book character turned 30 in July 2017.

HILLS CREEK, CHERRY SPRINGS AND LYMAN RUN STATE PARK PROGRAMS FOR JUNE 30-JULY 7

Free programs and activities are being offered at Hills Creek, Cherry Springs and Lyman Run State parks June 30-July 7, 2019.

At Hills Creek State Park

WELLSBORO – Hills Creek State Park at 111 Spillway Road, Wellsboro, Pa. 16901 is seven miles northeast of Wellsboro in Charleston Township via Charleston Street and Hills Creek Lake Road. Preregistration is not required for any free programs.

Dutch Oven Donuts to be Given Away on Sundays, June 30 and July 7

While supplies last, free donuts will be provided to visitors on Sundays June 30 and July 7, between 10 and 11 a.m. at the 1700s historical pioneer camp at Campground Site #6, near the campground entrance. An adult must accompany children. Longknife (Mel Stafford) and Singing Swan (Michele Comes) will show visitors how to make donuts using a Dutch oven over an open campfire. Park in the lot on the left just before the campground entrance and walk to Site #6.

1700s Pioneer Camp to be Open at Hills Creek State Park Monday, July 1 Through Saturday, July 6

Step back in time by visiting the 1700s historical frontier camp open daily from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday, July 1 through Saturday, July 6 at the park’s Campground Site #6, near the campground entrance. Park in the parking lot on the left just before the campground entrance. Visitors are welcome to come and go between open hours to see the skills used. When the camp is not open to the public, a “closed” sign will be placed in front of it. Longknife (Mel Stafford) and Singing Swan (Michele Comes) will be dressed in period clothing and perform everyday activities using or making items from the 1700s. They will explain what they are doing and welcome questions about camp life. Displays will include fire starting with flint and steel; cone sugar; block tea; a bloodletting bowl; toaster; trivets; reflector oven and a fireplace set with tools. Visitors will be able to dress in period clothes and take pictures of themselves, friends and family members with their cameras or cell phones.

Special Talks, Demonstrations at 1700s Pioneer Camp July 2, 3 & 6

Special talks and demonstrations are scheduled at the 1700s Pioneer Camp at the park’s Campground Site #6. At 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, Longknife (Mel Stafford) will present a program on the mountain man’s backpack called a “budget” including the items kept in it and why and how the budget was put together and carried; at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, a program about the history of the eastern mountain man of the 1700s including his dress and weaponry; and at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 6, a program on how to use a Dutch oven for both cooking and baking over an open campfire.

Fish-for-Free All Day at Hills Creek on Thursday, July 4

Thursday July 4 is Fish-for-Free Day on Hills Creek Lake. Catch the “fun” of fishing on Independence Day. No one needs a fishing license. All other fishing regulations still apply. To borrow fishing tackle on Fish-for-Free Day, visit the park’s concession stand between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. on July 4.

Hills Creek Has Tackle Loaner Program

Fishing tackle is loaned for free for people to use on Hills Creek Lake. Included are a pole, reel, bobber and extra hooks and sinkers. Limited lures may be available. Visit the park’s concession stand between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. any day June 30 through July 7 to borrow fishing tackle. Anglers 16 and older must have a fishing license unless they are fishing on July 4, Fish-for-Free Day. For more information, contact the park office at (570) 724-4246 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays.

Bobcats in Pennsylvania is Friday, July 5

Explore the history, biology and management of the bobcat at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, July 5 in the park’s Nature Center area located between B and C loop in the campground. This free one-hour presentation will include mounts, artifacts and video clips of actual bobcat research in Tioga County.

Kerry Gyekis to Present Mountain Lions: Fact or Fiction? on Saturday, July 6

Saturday, July 6 at 8:30 p.m. in the park’s Nature Center area, in the campground between B and C loop, Kerry Gyekis, an author, forester and investigator for the Cougar Rewilding Foundation, formerly known as the Eastern Cougar Foundation, will present a free program on his investigation into mountain lions in the Eastern United States. For more than 35 years, Gyekis has traveled across America in his quest for the truth about the mountain lion. He will discuss hoaxes, recent sightings, evidence, tracks, tracking and the biology of the species.

Coyotes in Pennsylvania is Sunday, July 7

Coyotes are well-established members of Pennsylvania’s wildlife community. Learn where they came from and how to identify them during this free one-hour program on Sunday, July 7 at 8:30 p.m. at the park’s Nature Center area in the campground between B and C loop. Mounts, hides, skulls and demonstrations will help tell the story of the Commonwealth’s largest wild canine.

FMI: Call the park office at (570) 724-4246 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. for more information.

At Cherry Springs State Park

COUDERSPORT – Cherry Springs State Park at 4639 Cherry Springs Road, Coudersport, Pa. 16915 is 12 miles from Galeton via West Branch Road and 15 miles from Coudersport via Route 44. All stargazing and other programs will be cancelled if it rains or thunders.

Anyone may observe the night sky at Cherry Springs on his or her own without attending a stargazing program. All visitors should arrive before dark. Search for the Clear Sky Chart online for 48-hour forecasts about viewing conditions.

Picnic in the Park

Those who get to the park early are always welcome to bring a picnic supper and make use of the park’s picnic grove near the Night Sky Viewing Area. The grove has picnic tables and charcoal grills onsite. Preregistration is not required to picnic in the park.

Launch Into Space on Thursday, July 4 and Saturday, July 6

From 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 4 and again on Saturday, July 6, join park staff at the Night Sky Viewing Area for astronomy-themed educational games that provide an introduction to astronomy and the Night Sky Tour program that follows. Preregistration is not required for this fun, family-friendly, free event.

Nature at Night is Friday, July 5

Planning to attend the Friday, July 5 Night Sky Tour program at the Night Sky Viewing Area? Arrive early and join park staff from 8 to 8:45 p.m. for Nature at Night, a family-friendly program on fascinating night creatures, such as fireflies, bats, black bears, coyotes or others based on animal activity in the park. Preregistration is not required.

Free Night Sky Tour is on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 4, 5 & 6

During the free Night Sky Tour in the park’s Night Sky Viewing Area from 9:30 to 11 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 4, 5 and 6, park staff will conduct a laser-guided tour of the constellations and talk about the myths and legends that surround them Attendees will then be invited to view the dark skies through the park’s telescopes for an up close look at celestial objects. Preregistration is required.

Around the World in 80 Minutes is Friday, July 5

The Around the World in 80 MInutes tour is being offered at 9:15 p.m. on Friday, July 5. A maximum of 16 people who preregister and prepay can attend. This small group experience with the North Star Outdoor Guides’ Dark Sky Telescope Tours ensures maximum telescope time and a more individualized program at Cherry Springs State Park, 4639 Cherry Springs Road, Coudersport, Pa. 16915. Fee: $20. For details, visit http://events.dcnr.pa.gov/cherry_springs_state_park.

Nightscapes Photography Workshop is Saturday, July 6

The first 10 people who preregister will be accepted for the Nightscapes Photography Workshop being given by Curt Weinhold at 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 6. Learn how to photograph the starry night sky, including constellations and the Milky Way, and foreground material using your own DSLR camera and lenses. View samples of Weinhold’s work at http://pbase.com/cwphoto. Fee: $60. For details, visit http://events.dcnr.pa.gov/cherry_springs_state_park.

To Preregister for Stargazing Program

Online preregistration for stargazing programs is required by visiting http://events.dcnr.pa.gov/cherry_springs_state_park. If there is a problem with registering online or for information about programs offered at the park, call (814) 435-1037 or email cherryspringsee@pa.gov.

At Lyman Run State Park

GALETON—Lyman Run State Park (GPS address: 454 Lyman Run Road, Galeton, PA 16922) is 8.7 miles from Route 6 in Galeton via West Branch Road and Lyman Run Road.

Kayak Tour and Dessert is Friday, July 5

From 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 5 go on a kayak tour of Lyman Lake followed by dessert at the park. Preregister and prepay the $10 per person fee. Preregistration closes three days before this event. To preregister visit http://bit.ly/2019FOLROutdoorFunandFood.

FMI:
If there is a problem with preregistering online or for information about this program, call (814) 435-1037 or email cherryspringsee@pa.gov.