Watercolor students hold a show

HONESDALE, PA — A diverse group of people gather together every Friday afternoon with a common interest. Kenan Burns, Barbara Cuffe, Karen Lutz, Dale Porto, Father Sergius and Rony Smith all want to paint with watercolor.

They are bravely attempting something new and challenging. In the process, they are learning about color theory, value, composition and watercolor techniques, with some drawing lessons thrown in.

All in all, they are learning to look at the world through new eyes.

The results of their efforts will be on view to the public for the first time on Friday, September 3 at the Missing Pieces Gallery on Main Street in Honesdale. There will be an opening reception that day, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The show will run through Saturday, October 2. Gallery hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Christian recovery presentation at Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Milford

 MILFORD, PA—Are you struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol? Do you know someone who is struggling with addiction?

According to the Evangelical Church of Milford, there is increasing scientific evidence that faith can be vital in preventing and recovering from substance abuse.

On Sunday, August 29, members of the nationally recognized Adult and Teen Challenge Christian recovery ministries will be presenting music and their personal stories of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction during the 10:30 a.m. worship service at the Evangelical Presbyterian Church on Broad Street in Milford.

All are invited to attend. Admission is free.

To learn more about the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Milford visit its website at epcmilford.org.

First-time homebuyer information session scheduled

ONLINE—Ready to buy your first home but don’t know where to start? This virtual information session for people interested in buying their first home might help.

It will take place online on Wednesday, September 22, at 5:30 p.m.

The session will outline the Homebuyer Program from RUPCO’s HomeOwnership Center and show viewers the path to homeownership. This is a recommended first step before you formally apply for the Homebuyer Counseling Program.

Ulster County-based RUPCO focuses on quality, healthy and sustainable housing. Housing, they say, is a “critical component of effective economic development and open space policy and there is a proven connection between creation of stable housing and the positive impact on jobs, education, health, the economy, public safety, and other important facets of American life.

They cover the mid-Hudson region.

For more information and to register, call 845/331-9860 or email Homeownership@rupco.org.

New fund is a tribute to love

SHOHOLA, PA — When Harvey Bessonett learned about a way to honor his late wife and support his favorite charities at the same time, he was inspired. He worked with Greater Pike Community Foundation’s executive director, Jenni Hamill, and set up the Lillian and Harvey M. Bessonett, Sr. Fund.

“I love the idea of a fund that gives in perpetuity,” Bessonett said, “especially since it is a way to remember my wife.” The couple was married for 60 years before Lillian passed away, four years ago.

Bessonett said establishing a memorial fund was “something I could do for her and something she would appreciate because she was the kind of person who—if you needed help—she would be there.”

For Bessonett, giving to local nonprofits is a way to help neighbors especially when, in a rural setting, it might be more difficult to know who needs help.

As a lover of nature, he wants to see the fund grow to support gifts to local animal welfare organizations. He also wants to support nonprofits that address issues of food insecurity and homelessness.

Learn more about the Greater Pike Community Foundation at greaterpike.org.

Pocono environmental center receives grant

DINGMANS FERRY, PA — The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) received a grant from the Greater Pike Community Foundation’s Richard L. Snyder Fund to support programming in 2021-2022.

While the amount was not made public, the grant committee said that totals range from $500 to $5,000.

“Approximately $71,000 will be available to not-for-profit organizations in the categories of beautification, cultural events, and medical-related projects,” grants chair Maryanne Monte said. “Richard Snyder’s legacy to Greater Pike Community Foundation is a reflection of his enduring support for our community and his love for Milford and Pike County. His generosity truly underscores our slogan For Good. Forever.”

 The funds will help ongoing efforts to engage the local community in Pike County, plus support PEEC events throughout the year including the Earth Day Festival, Harvest Fest, and Tough as Trails 5k. The grand will also provide for extended hours of PEEC’s EcoZone, an immersive environmental education experience where participants learn about the local environment, watershed, and sustainability. Tours can now be scheduled on weekends throughout the year.

For more information about the Greater Pike Community Foundation, see greaterpike.org. To learn more about PEEC, see peec.org.

‘Take A Hike!’ on the Mongaup River Trail

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Just south of the Mongaup River at the intersection with CR-31 (Upper Mongaup Road) on Route 97, you will find a small pull-off with a bulletin board marking the trailhead for the Mongaup River Trail.

It’s a two-mile linear trail which provides a relatively easy hike with abundant opportunities to view eagles, wildlife and waterfowl. The hike will take you past large Eastern hemlock trees towering overhead. This trail can sometimes be wet and muddy but will be manageable with its small stone and dirt hiking surface.

Relatively flat and short, the trail can serve as a perfect starter trail for young or novice hikers and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

The old Knight Cemetery lies to the right of the trail at the end.  The engravings on the stones are weathered and hard to read, but if you look closely you will see that one is dated 1816.

The Mongaup River trail is being spotlighted as part of the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River’s “Take a Hike!” program. A brochure highlights six local hikes and provides the names, locations, descriptions, and difficulty levels of trails in the Upper Delaware Valley.

Learn more online at  https://bit.ly/3sBDmRo or call 570/685-4871 and ask for information about the region’s trails.

Campers learned about the people who keep them safe at Pike County's Responders camp.

Students learned about the people who keep them safe at the Pike County Responders Camp.

Students learned about the people who keep them safe at the Pike County Responders Camp.

Students at the Pike County Responders Camp.

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Learning about the people who keep us safe

LORDS VALLEY, PA—A crowd of young people turned out to learn about local first-responder services at the Pike Youth Responder Camp, held at the county’s training center in Lords Valley.

The free, three-day camp focused on a different service each day, from law enforcement to fire and emergency medical services.

It was taught by Pike County Emergency Management staff and members of the various services, including representatives from the Sheriff’s office and the jail.