Newbery Honor-winning author Susan Campbell Bartoletti speaks to Tunkhannock Area 6th grade students about her book “The Boy Who Dared,” which is part of the Dietrich’s Readers Meeting Writers Program.
Submitted photo
After a year of collecting surveys and listening to stories about what residents love about Wyoming County, it is abundantly clear that we are all totally enamored with the natural beauty, our people who are ready to step up and give a hand when needed, our communities, and our rural life. Last Sunday, project coordinator Deb Shurtleff, welcomed all organizations involved with PA Humanities Wyoming County Heart and Soul project who came together at the Dietrich to celebrate what we all love about our county and to get ready to identify what could be improved.
“Over the next year, we will be sharing what we have heard as Heart and Soul statement, listening for actionable ideas that support what everyone loves and wishes to improve and maintain. Then we will develop a plan and find community partnerships to put the plan into action,” shared Deb.
Off to an inspirational start, emcee Hal Pratt introduced singer/songwriter Gary Carl with his song North Branch of Heaven, an evocative love song about our life and surroundings in our little corner of northeastern PA. Hildy Morgan, founding mother of the Dietrich Theater and renowned essayist, extolled the generous spirit of the people, reminding us that while we do not always agree, when a catastrophe strikes, everyone comes together as one. This happened at the Dietrich, most recently with the 2011 Flood that severely damaged the Dietrich Theater. Over 300 volunteers just showed up to do whatever they could to save the theater.
At this celebration we learned that we have wonderful organizations and businesses that do all they can to make sure that our natural beauty is preserved and made accessible to hikers. Joe Zona of Deer Park Lumber explained that sustainable forestry actually helps forest growth. He is proud that Deer Park Lumber practices sustainable forestry.
Cain Chamberlain, Executive Director of the Endless Mountains Heritage Region (EMHR) reminded us that Wyoming County has true wonders to celebrate, citing the murals on the back and side of the Dietrich Theater. He also directed us all to browse the new sign on the green space on the Bridge Street side of the theater.
Another EMHR project that has had the benefit of Rich Jones, experienced tour guide, to help lead the way is the Historic Tunkhannock Walking Tour. Brochures or online Historic Tunkhannock Walking Tours (DietrichTheater.com/tour) are available as well as guided tours, and that is where Rick Jones comes in. Just recently all 6th grades had guided walking tours and you only have to call the Dietrich to schedule yours.
Cheryl Ellsworth, Trail Coordinator for the Countryside Conservancy, told us about new acquisitions, now preserved to stay in their natural state. She also took us on a visual tour of the Trolley Train from Scranton to Lake Winola in the late 1800’s. Now the conservancy has made part of the trail available to us all as a hiking trail.
Thank you to Hal Pratt for a rousing storytelling of The Noxin Nightmare, to singer/songwriters Gary Carl, Ron Schoonover, Josh Pratt and Tim Zieger for celebrating Wyoming County with your music. We are rich with musical talent, indeed.
So now you know that Wyoming County has so many reasons to be proud of its people and its natural beauty. What does it need to improve and why? Which organizations could help? Watch for updates! Watch for ways you can help identify improvements! In the meantime, savor the beauty that surrounds us, beauty that we are sometimes too preoccupied to see. And so very lucky to live, work or play in a community that really does have heart and soul.
