A beautiful rags to riches success story of Robert and Martha Coleman, founders of the Endless Mountain Stone Company as told by their son, Butch Coleman during their 40th Anniversary celebration held at Green Gables Pavilion on August 13th.

Robert and Martha Coleman were living in the Wind Gap area and would come up to the Susquehanna area to purchase bluestone and bring it back to the Pocono’s to sell. Butch Coleman said it was backbreaking work, since they didn’t have any equipment to load and unload the stone, he did it all by hand. The problem was many of their suppliers wouldn’t have their order ready, so Robert Coleman said he was going to start a business and “Do what they say they’re gonna do”, and they live by this motto to this day. When they tell their customers they will have their order ready, they do.

A minute sample of bluestone wares and pictorial success.

Robert and Martha Coleman started their bluestone business in 1976. They didn’t have much in the way of money, but they loved bluestone and were hard workers. Robert Coleman was a licensed electrician when he made his way to Susquehanna County and purchased a piece of land. In the beginning it was tough and his son, Butch joined his company a few years later.

Eventually they purchased their quarry on Brushville Road. In 1985 they had a fire and lost everything; they had no insurance and didn’t know what they were going to do. The day after the fire, the phone started ringing with people in the industry willing to loan them equipment, and customers placing orders. They were now back in business, thanks to the support they received from, customers and competition alike.

In 1987, they purchased a Bridge Saw, which was the first in the area (there are now approximately five hundred plus) and in 1992 they started tumbling stone. The business kept growing as they supplied the type of stone and cuts that people were seeking. They have many photos of their stone, the jobs they completed and their mission on their web page at www.endlessmountainstone.com.

Twenty years after Robert Coleman started his business, he was ready to retire and sold the business to his son, Butch. Butch is currently running the business with his son Kenny. Three generations of bluestone in Susquehanna County.

Pictured (l-r) are three generations of the Coleman’s: Back- Martha, Robert, Butch, Kenny, Donna; Front- Ashlyn, Rosina.

Butch Coleman announced they currently have thirty-one employees and he recognized the employees that have been with the company for nine to twenty-two years. The three longest employees are Tracy Boerner and Stan Rockwell who have been employed for twenty-two years, and Adam Baker, who has been with them for eighteen. Over the years they employed two hundred and fifty-three people.

Robert Coleman said he came up here to make a living, not to start the largest company in the County. He said life has been pretty good; he’s loosing his eyesight, but enjoying his retirement.

A multitude of people came out to join in the festivities, and celebrate the forty years Endless Mountain Stone Company has been in business. PA House of Representatives Sandra Major was there and presented Butch Coleman with a Citation, “recognizing businesses which through adherence to the highest standards of service, contribute to the well being of their communities and ultimately to all the people of this Commonwealth.”

Antique cars and different variations of trucks were exhibited near the pavilion, and the staff of Green Gables served a delicious array of food. The Hometown Boyz provided music.

Unless someone comes forward at the auction on September 3rd, the ancestral Richardson-Tingley house on Tingley Lake Road will pass out of the family for the first time in nearly 200 years.  Jan and Jeff Winemiller are selling everything and moving to South Carolina.

The Winemiller family at the Richardson “Homestead” on Tingley Lake Road. Pictured from (l-r) are: Jolie and Sasha; Jeff (upper), Jan and the infamous Roxie (Daughter Jaye was on a trip to Costa Rica).

Jan and Jeff have made a deep impression in the 14 or so years they moved from Carlisle to live and raise their family in Harford.  From the extensive renovations put into the once-decrepit old farmhouse that Jan purchased from her uncle Jerry Richardson in 2002; to the large and elegant home they built on Tingley Lake in 2005-2006 where their daughters learned to waterski and where Jan taught neighbors her glass-working skills at Tingley Glass; to the attractions of Winemiller Field, where Jeff entertained neighbors and friends with “Fun Fly”s several times a year with radio-controlled cars, helicopters, airplanes and other gadgets (including a radio-controlled duck), not to mention the annual Summer fireworks extravaganza; the Winemillers have been generous and thoughtful neighbors to the Harford community.

Jeff and Jan are also both active members of the Harford Volunteer Fire Company where Jan trained to earn her EMT certification, which she hopes to transfer to good use in her new community down south.  Jeff is a successful business man and serial entrepreneur, who grew up in Hummelstown and into his father’s business, which he expanded to include operations at many Olympic games venues around the world over the years.  Jeff and Jan have been partners in all of their businesses.

Thomas and Francis Richardson are thought to have first established the farm at the north end of Tingley Lake in 1820, plying their cobblers’ skills to get through the long winters.  Jan’s grandmother, Lulu Richardson, a well-loved member of the community, lived in the farmhouse until her death about 15 years ago.

Jan herself spent her first 4 years in Harford, where her mother, Carol Richardson Steiner, was among the first to graduate from the new Mountain View High School.  Jan and her sister, Linda McAndrews, established a scholarship service award at Mountain View in their mother’s memory.  Both of the Winemiller’s daughters also graduated from Mountain View.  Jolie is presently an entrant in the contest for Miss Pennsylvania USA 2017; she attends Lebanon Valley College in Annville, PA.  Jaye attends Lynchburg University in Lynchburg, VA.

As a scion of the large Tingley clan, whose reunions the Winemillers hosted for several years at their lake house, Jan is somewhat sad at the prospect of leaving Harford.  In the end, however, the high taxes and long winters became burdensome.  “It’s hard to live here,” said she.  “You have to really want to.”  In South Carolina, besides the brief and tepid winters, the low-flying Marine jets, and the nearby beach, Jan will be living near her sister.

The Winemillers’ neighbors in North Harford wish them good fortune and prosperity, and hope they will come back to visit.

While completing the strenuous task of stacking corn, one man kept trying to make a bundle too heavy for the second man to lift onto the wagon. Finally, the second man decided to teach the first a lesson and hauled both bundle and man onto the wagon. “Oh, I didn’t see you there,” Teofil Gardoski said.

Family and friends at the dedication of the Gardoski Century Farm

This may sound like a tall tale, but it was just one of many stories shared on Saturday, July 23, 2016, when about one hundred people gathered together for a special reunion at the Gardoski family farm in Brooklyn, PA. Some travelled from homes as far away as California, Oregon, and Colorado to celebrate the centennial of the farm established by Teofil Gardoski.

Family members contributed financially and creatively in the months leading up to the day. Those who attended spoke of the unique gathering with thankfulness and delight. According to Ron Gardoski, grandson of Teofil, “During all the preparation in the days leading up to our celebration I was reminded of two life lessons that my parents taught us: the importance of hard work and family.  I’m so proud of the way we all pulled together to make this weekend such a huge success.”

As guests arrived, they filled out nametags stating their relationship to the family. Everyone present was invited to sign a guest book and write a memory of the farm to share on a board for all to read and enjoy.

Gardoski Century Farm sign featuring Teofil Gardoski

The celebration began with light refreshments served at noon followed by a brief ceremony of dedication. Ken Gardoski shared some remarks including a brief history of his grandfather, Teofil Gardoski, who arrived in America from Poland in 1903 as a sixteen-year-old with only two dollars and a train ticket to Scranton to his name. In 1916, one century ago, Teofil moved his wife, Stella and their baby boy onto the beautiful farm in Brooklyn, PA, where family members continue to live today. The Gardoski farm is a result of Teofil’s hard work, skill, and faith in God. Teofil found the kind of opportunity in America that many immigrants dreamed of, and he made that dream a reality.

Following the reading of Psalm 107:1 from Teofil’s Polish Bible and a prayer of dedication, three of Teofil’s granddaughters uncovered a striking “Gardoski Century Farm” sign. The family is in the process of attaining official Century Farm status from the Department of Agriculture.

Immediately following the dedication, the group assembled for photos around the newly installed sign. A field of brightly colored reunion t-shirts proclaimed “Gardoski Century Farm” on the front, with a quotation from Teofil’s son, Joe on the back: “We’re Gardoskis. We do things a little different.” Becky Pilny, great-granddaughter of Teofil, designed the shirts, including artwork of the barn with the names of Teofil, Stella, and their five children sketched into the boards. She and other relatives worked diligently and creatively to generate enough food to feed everyone during the day with plenty to spare.

According to Pilny, the Gardoski family is strong because of their connection to the past. “Our traditions run deep,” she said, “and that shows in the priceless value that the farm continues to have for us and the commitment that our family has for each other. One hundred years ago, Stella and Teofil would have celebrated with hard work, family, and much good food, and in putting on this celebration, we were able to connect with them in a way that breaks up time and still includes them as concrete members of our family.”

Special events throughout the day such as a hayride tour of the farm and an old time photo booth provided opportunities for family and friends to swap stories and connect. San Francisco string band, The Human Condition played several sets of rollicking tunes and cozy ballads from their location in the barn, framed by hay bales and lights. At dusk, a brilliant fireworks display lit up the vast sky above the hayfields, followed by an enormous bonfire.

At the end of the night, while exchanging goodbyes and hugs, all agreed that this special reunion had been a great success. Perhaps Jim Gardoski, grandson of Teofil, said it best: “People have many choices in life, but the one thing no one can choose is which family they are born into. I’m thankful I was born into this one.”

Bubble

Poor Bubbie is having a tough summer since two large grubs decided to make their home in his neck.  Luckily though,  some good samaritans brought him to True Friends and thanks to them and Montrose Vet. Clinic, this adorable little bundle of kitty joy is now "grub free" and ready to put this ordeal behind him.   Only 2-3 months old, Bubbie surely deserves to be a cherished  and pampered pet who should be able to enjoy all the summers ahead of him with people who will love him and keep him safe from harm.   If you can't adopt our little cutie won't you please consider making a donation towards his medical bill?  Your support makes it possible for us to always be there for the “ bubbies” that all too often come through our doors. 

Thank you to everyone who donated to sweet Fred’s medical bill!  We are happy to report he was adopted and loving life with his new family and without the terrible growth on his lip, I’m sure he is enjoying his food much more than before!

Woofstock is right around  the corner, be sure to get your $10 pre-sale tickets at the shelter for August 20th.  We are also having an ongoing t-shirt clearance at True Friends, all our past year Woofstock shirts and TF logo tees are 2 for $5.  

In lieu of a fun fact this week,  we would like to let you know so far this summer we have found loving homes for 162 dogs and cats.  This could not have been possible without the support of our community.  From all our animals who now have the wonderful lives they surely deserve, thank you!

The opening of the 159th Harford Fair is only days away.  With all that the fair offers for all ages, one of the favorite spots on the fairgrounds is the Shade Pavilion which is located in the center of the fairgrounds. The beautifully covered area for seating offers free entertainment every day throughout fair week, August 22-27th.  Many of the performers are local groups which the fair is fortunate to be able to offer free to fairgoers.

Beginning on Monday, Illusionist Jeremy Biesecker will perform and then return on Wednesday for another spell-binding performance.  Stan Kalafut & The Brass Majors will offer easy listening musical entertainment and rounding out the evening will be Them Boys.  The Mountain View Chimettes will kick off Tuesday. They are fifth and sixth grade students who perform with director Molly Birosak.  In addition the Tri-State Gospel Singers and Dani-elle will offer musical entertainment that same day.  The Old Time Fiddlers, a well-known group of fiddlers will play many old-time favorites with hand-clapping rhythms and The Tomahawks will provide evening entertainment.  The popular John Wicks will return on Thursday in the Shade Pavilion. 

The ever popular Lenoxville Band will once again be performing at the Harford Fair during the week of August 22nd-27th.  The band is one of the few true community bands made up of members of a wide range of ages.  Their music reflects the community band era with many familiar marching and patriotic tunes.  Their entertainment is free to fairgoers as are many of the other entertainers who perform fair week throughout the fairgrounds. 

The young vocalist and song writer Alex Creamer will perform on Friday and then dances with the Windwood Hill Dance Academy that afternoon.  SNMBC Praise Band and Infinity will make for full-time entertainment in the pavilion throughout the day on Friday.  Saturday wraps up the 159th fair with entertainment by the Lenoxville Band, one of the oldest continuously performing community bands, with both roaming and stage performances.  Am Radio makes music for the evening as the fair winds down for another year.

Harford Fair offers other free entertainment daily and throughout the week some of which includes crafting demonstrators, Master Gardeners of Susquehanna County, Chainsaw Carving by Kevin Treat.  Two free animal shows will provide family entertainment at both ends of the fairgrounds.  The Royal Bengal Tigers Show is in the North Arena and new to the fair at the South End is Panfilov’s Performing Pets.

Check out the fair’s website www.harfordfair.com for specific days and times of performances and other attractions too numerous to mention.  Schedules are also available in the premium book and brochures which are available at the secretary’s office on the fairgrounds or at many locations in the area.  Come to the fair and you won’t be disappointed when you see “We Have Good Things Growing.”

Twenty-five years ago Doug Puzo created a pulling sled and made adjustments to the tractors donated by Lindsey Lawn and Garden, New Milford and Bartron Supply, Tunkhannock. Every year since 1992 Doug Puzo of Puzo’s Body Shop has made sure the pulling tractors and sled were in tip top shape for kids to “peddle their hardest” to the finish line, exclusively at the Harford Fair.

Look for Maddie DePue of Franklin Forks to be at the Kiddy Tractor Pull again this year peddling her hardest toward the finish line

Children between the ages of 4 and 10 are invited to take part in this year’s Kiddy Tractor Pull contest on Thursday, August 25th beginning at 10:00 AM in the main arena. Girls pull against girls and boys against boys at each age level beginning with the junior division 4 year old girls, followed by 4 year old boys, then 5, 6, and 7 year olds. The senior division, 8, 9 and 10 year old girls and boys will begin pulling at 11:30.  Get signed up to pull at the 4-H Building on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday of the Fair, or between 9:00 and 10:00 on Thursday at the event site in the main arena. Pre-registration is a must. No late entries can be accepted.

Wearing his work boots and biting on his tongue a little helped Caleb Wells do his best at last years’ Kiddy Tractor Pull

Something extra special is taking place this year to celebrate the “25th Year” of this event. Children taking part in the Kiddy Tractor Pull will receive 25th Anniversary commemorative ribbons and t-shirts as long as the supply lasts. T-shirts are sponsored by Cooper VanCott of VanCott’s Nursery & Landscaping, John Puzo, Earth Farms Studio. Pullers also receive ribbons for the top 6 places and trophies are awarded for first place in each division.

Participants can expect to meet the new Harford Fair Queen and the current Susquehanna County Dairy Princess, Brooke Marvin. Brooke will be handing each participant a milk coupon provided by Susquehanna County Farm Bureau to be redeemed at the Farm Bureau booth under the grandstands. Brooke wants to be sure pullers “Refuel with Chocolate Milk” after they take part in the contest.

Mark your calendar and come to the Harford Fair. Be sure to get registered to take part in the Kiddy Tractor Pull before the event at the 4-H Building on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday of the Fair or between 9:00 10:00 on Thursday at the event site in the main arena.

Any questions about the contest, contact Evie Goff at 570-278-1212.

The Susquehanna County Historical Society and Free Library Association has selected a contractor to build its new library building and construction is slated to begin soon.

Charles W. Grimm Construction, Inc. of Waymart, PA will be the contractor for the new library, which will be built in Bridgewater Township, near the Montrose Area Jr./Sr. High School. The building was designed by Architect Thomas Horlacher, AIA. The building contract was signed Tuesday, Aug. 2, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Montrose, PA.

Pictured (l-r) are: Joseph DeScipio architect with the office of Thomas Horlacher, AIA; Susan Stone, director of the Susquehanna County Historical Society and Free Library Association; Thomas Kurosky, board president; Tim Madden, manager, Charles Grimm Construction.

“This signing is the culmination of more than a decade of planning and fundraising” said Board of Trustees President Thomas Kurosky.

“This is an outstanding day for our association,” Kurosky said. “Thanks to all supporters and library friends for helping us reach this point. We hope to see you all at the grand opening!”

The project is expected to be completed by May, 2017.

The Wyoming County Players will present their annual Summer Dessert Theater on Saturday and Sunday, August 20 & 21 with the uplifting comedy “Adam’s Eve” by Matthew Carlin.

Preparing for their annual Summer Dessert Theater are a few cast members of “Adam’s Eve”. From left are Spencer Corby, who plays “Eve”, Will Hagenbuch as “Adam”, Julia Risitano who plays the domineering wife, “Katie” of “Mark” played by Edward Baumeister. Other cast members include Christopher Hanna and Kim and Ron Whipple.

What should you do if you opened your closet door and out popped a woman who claimed to be your soulmate? When it happens to Adam, he assumes Eve is part of a prank being pulled on him by his best friend, Mark. Of course, Mark denies all knowledge of Eve and Eve continues to insist she’s been sent by God to help Adam change the world. Meanwhile, she’s doing her best to learn how to be human – with a little help from the food channel on cable tv! Adam needs help. Professional help. His psychiatrist girlfriend, Marla, and her colleague might be just the answer, if he can survive the chaos until they arrive. An uplifting comedy, “Adam’s Eve” will touch both your heart and your funny bone.

Matinees are at 3:00pm each afternoon at the Whipple Performing Arts Studio, 602 Hunter Highway, Tunkhannock. Reservations may be made by calling 570-836-6986. Credit cards accepted. For more info on the Players, please visit wyomingcountyplayers.com and like them on Facebook.

It’s been a busy summer for the Jackson Pin Thimblers 4-H Club! On July 4th the Jackson Pin Thimblers hosted a bake sale at the Thompson Hose Company.

On July 13th, nine 4-H members attended 4-H One Day Camp along with one member’s friend. There were 6 groups of fifteen kids who attended the campfire at the end of the day. Some of the members were part of the contests. One was a baby contest where Darren Wallace dressed as a baby. Another contest was a beauty pageant where Michael Heath dressed up as a contestant.

On July 16th they held their regular meeting with a lot of demonstrations. Evan Haley did a demonstration on keeping fit. Alyse Sargeant did a demonstration on a bicycle. Brooke Marvin did a demonstration on being the Dairy Princess and served ice cream to all members and parents.

On July 30th, the 4-H Club created their own banner, which was very nicely done. Alyse Sargeant gave a presentation where she compared two types of chocolate chip cookies by brand.

On July 31st nine members enjoyed the movie Ice Age-Collision Course at the Montrose Movie Theater.