Seeking input on comprehensive plan

TOWN OF THOMPSON, NY — The Town of Thompson is soliciting feedback from local residents and businesses. The feedback will be used to update the community’s comprehensive plan (also called a master plan). 

Starting in May, the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee—a 13-member committee appointed by the Town Board—will be hosting a series of informal “conversations over coffee” at various locations throughout the town.

“The comprehensive plan is a document that provides direction on policy recommendations related to municipal services and future development,” said Bill Rieber, Thompson’s supervisor. “Public participation is an important part of the planning process, and we want to know what local residents and business owners feel are the most pressing issues facing the town today.” 

For now, residents can provide feedback in one of two ways: by completing an online survey or by filling out a feedback form on the comprehensive plan website (thompsontogether.com). 

A link to the survey is also available on the town’s website at townofthompson.com. Paper copies can be picked up at the town hall. Provide clear and concise responses to aid in the analysis and review. 

Residents can check thompsontogether.com for meeting notes and updates on the committee’s progress. 

Survey responses will be collected through Monday, July 31.

Anyone with questions or who would like to be added to an outreach list for future updates should email Jill Weyer, the town’s director of community development, at jweyer@townofthompson.com.

Pike County celebrates National County Government Month

MILFORD, PA ― Pike County has been celebrating National County Government Month (NCGM) during the month of April to showcase how the county achieves healthy, safe and vibrant communities.

The theme for this year’s NCGM is “Counties RISE!”. The theme is an acronym for and highlights Resiliency, Inclusion, Solvency and Empowerment.

This year, Pike County celebrated NCGM by highlighting county projects and initiatives on its website and social media platforms to raise public awareness about the programs and services local government can provide to residents.

“In addition to promoting county roles and responsibilities in serving residents, National County Government Month presents an opportunity to celebrate and recognize county employees for their hard work and dedication,” said commissioner chairman Matthew Osterberg. “I encourage county residents to explore our National County Government Month department spotlights to learn more about the role our county plays.”

Since 1991, the National Association of Counties has encouraged counties across the country to raise public awareness about county roles and responsibilities during the month of April.

NCGM Department Spotlights are featured on the county website, www.pikepa.org/newslist. 

Fort Decker explored at SRHS

By THE SHOHOLA RAILROAD AND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

SHOHOLA, PA — The next meeting of the Shohola Railroad and Historical Society (SRHS) will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3 at the Shohola Township building.

It will feature a presentation by Ashley Zimmerman about Fort Decker. Built in 1793, the fort is the oldest building in Port Jervis. It has many well-known individuals and events associated with its past. 

Mrs. Zimmerman’s maiden name is Decker. Is she a relative? 

Come to the Shohola Township Building at 159 Twin Lakes Rd. and find out. Refreshments will be provided. 

While you are there, check out the SRHS museum as well. For many years, it was the Smith-Nelson Grammar School. For those of you who are native to the area, the museum is housed in Miss Smith’s room. 

Admission to the museum is free, as is the program.

For more information, visit the SRHS on Facebook at Shohola Railroad & Historical Society.

Calkins Creamery wins cheese competition

HARRISBURG, PA — Calkins Creamery announced two first place awards at the 2023 Pennsylvania Farm Show this January. Cheesemakers across Pennsylvania submitted products for review by an expert judging panel. 

Georgic, a fresh and pasteurized quark-style cheese, garnered first place in the soft cheese category. Capturing first in the category of flavored cheddar-style cheese was Garlic + Chive Curds, one of the creamery’s popular fresh, pasteurized curd product lines. 

Calkins Creamery cheesemaker James Regelsky accepted the awards at the Farm Show Complex ceremony.

“We’re excited to receive this recognition at a state competition,” said creamery owner and cheesemaker, Emily Montgomery. “Our customers love our Georgic spreads and cheese curds, and it’s rewarding to learn that the Farm Show judges gave these cheeses high marks for body, texture and taste too.”

Georgic has a creamy texture and a slightly tart taste, making it perfect for many culinary treats. It is the base of the creamery’s line of dips.

Curds are small pieces of fresh pasteurized cow’s milk cheese roughly the size of peanuts in the shell, with a mild and cheddar-like flavor. Curds are a bit salty with a squeak to finish. The Garlic & Chive Curds are cheese curds mixed with minced garlic and chive seasoning.

Visit Calkins Creamery to find a complete list of local retailers who sell cheese, or visit the creamery at 288 Calkins Rd. in Honesdale.

Help create home libraries for kids

Kids look for the perfect book to take home.

WAYNE COUNTY, PA — Adventure, suspense, new places and new faces—nothing brings imagination alive quite like a good book.

And now you can help the Wayne County Community Foundation (WCCF) to bring that joy to students by supporting the Building Home Libraries program.

Every year the WCCF selects, purchases and delivers inspiring books with the goal of sending one home with every student in kindergarten through eighth grade in Western Wayne, Wallenpaupack, Wayne Highlands and Forest City school districts.

The WCCF also provides books to keep the Little Free Libraries well-stocked; plus it supplies free books for other youth programs throughout the county all year long.

But none of this would be possible without help. 

Just $25 provides a brand-new, age-appropriate book for five local students, a WCCF spokesperson said.

To donate, visit www.waynefoundation.networkforgood.com/projects/113166-building-home-libraries.