Friday, September 9, 2016

Volunteer Opportunities Available At Sinnemahoning State Park This Fall

On Saturday, September 24, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Sinnemahoning State Park will offer volunteers a chance to participate in the 23rd  annual National Public Lands Daythe nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands Americans enjoy.

Projects will include removing invasive plants and clearing underbrush in the day use area surrounding the Park Office and Wildlife Center.  At the end of the work day, all volunteers will have an opportunity to help catch and tag monarch butterflies for Monarch Watch butterfly migration research.

We will be working outdoors on terrain that may be uneven, brushy, and weedy at times. Please dress for the outdoors, wear long pants, and sturdy shoes with socks.  Insect repellent is recommended.  Bring work gloves and a water bottle if you have them. Individuals, groups and families are welcome to participate. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Please let us know if you are interested in helping.  To make sure that we have enough supplies for everyone, we ask that all volunteers pre-register by Monday, September 19th.  To register, call the park office at 814-647-8401.

FIRST FORK FESTIVAL
Saturday, October 8, 2016
12:00 Noon - 5:00 P.M.

Help us to celebrate the history and culture of the First Fork Valley by volunteering at the fourth annual First Fork Festival on Saturday, October 8, from 12:00 noon to 5:00 PM. Volunteers are needed to greet visitors, assist in the gift shop, and lead hands-on interpretive activities.  For more information about volunteering at this event, please call the park office at 814-647-8401.

Hosted by Sinnemahoning State Park and the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce, the festival features local authors, artists and artisans showcasing their talents amidst a backdrop of full autumn color in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Artisans from the PA Wilds Cooperative and other local artists and craftsmen will be displaying hand-made products, ranging from glass, fiber, wood and stone, to paintings, jewelry, photography, and specialty foods.  Festival-goers can watch the artists at work while shopping for gifts or just admiring the local talent. 

The First Fork Festival will also include “Tall Timber” program by musician Van Wagner, live music by local bands, book signings by local authors, interactive history exhibits and demonstrations, as well as food and beverages offered by local vendors and non-profit organizations.
This community-focused admission-free event takes place at the Sinnemahoning State Park Office and Wildlife Center, just off Route 872 in Grove Township, on Saturday, October 8, from 12:00 noon to 5:00 PM. 

HAUNTED HALLOWEEN TRAIL AND HALLOWS EVE CELEBRATION
Saturday, October 29, 2016
4:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.

Back by popular demand!  On Saturday, October 29, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM., Sinnemahoning State Park will hold the Haunted Halloween Trail and All Hallows Eve Celebration.  We are looking for volunteers to make this annual event as successful as the past three years.

The event begins at 4:00 PM and will end by 9:00 PM.  Volunteers are needed to help set up starting at 12:00 noon and to help clean up until 10:00 PM.  Volunteers are also needed to serve refreshments and assist with the games and activities for younger children. 

We especially need enthusiastic volunteers to dress up in costume to help make the haunted trail spooky and safe for all our visitors.  All ages are welcome to help.  An easy and fun way for students to earn community service hours.

Please let us know by September 30th if you are interested in helping.   To register, call 814-647-8401.

BUGLE CORPS ELK WATCH
Weekends Throughout September and October 2016

Elk bugling has begun in the First Fork Valley.  A herd of 24+ elk have been spotted this week moving about all areas of the park including the Stevenson Dam and the Wildlife Viewing Area. 

Trained volunteers are needed to staff the Wildlife Viewing Area at the north end of the park during the peak of the elk viewing season.  Volunteers will greet visitors to the viewing area, discuss elk biology and elk watching etiquette, and help visitors to locate other hot-spots for elk viewing.

Training and interpretive materials, such as elk hide, antlers, and literature, will be provided.  Volunteers must be willing to attend training and to serve at least one full weekend this fall. 

For more information about the Bugle Corps Elk Watch at Sinnemahoning State Park, please call the park office at 814-647-8401.

Sinnemahoning State Park
4843 Park Road
Austin, PA 16720
Phone: 814-647-8401
Email: SinnemahoningSP@pa.gov
www.VisitPAparks.com



Monday, August 29, 2016

Labor Day Weekend Programs at Sinnemahoning State Park

The historic community of Austin, Pennsylvania, is only 13 miles north of the Sinnemahoning State Park on Route 872.



Thursday, August 25, 2016

Austin Dam Show Begins Tomorrow August 26th

A late addition to this year's show The Charlie Wheeler Band will be doing 2 sets. Their classic rock band of choice will be Jimi Hendrix.


Monday, August 1, 2016

On This Day in 1909: Man Who Founded Austin, Pennsylvania Dies






On August 1, 1909, E.O. Austin, founder of Austin, Pennsylvania, passed away at the age of 83.  He is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery.

A museum dedicated to the founding father is located on Main Street in Austin and named the E.O. Austin Home/Historical Society Museum.

Friday, July 22, 2016

Austin Grad Accepts Executive Director Position With Visit Elk Grove, California


Goodbye and Good Luck Mr. Brooks




David in the middle being presented with the U.S. Route 6 Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.  Terri Dennison, Executive Director of PA Route 6 Alliance on left and Kevin Abrams, Executive Director, Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission on the right.

Today is David Brook's last day as the Executive Director of the Potter County Visitor's Association as he has taken a position as the Executive Director of Visit Elk Grove, Elk Grove, California.  

David grew up here in Austin, Pennsylvania, and attended the Austin Area School District, the smallest public school in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Our kids attended AASD during the same time-frame as David and if you know Austin, it's like the community is one large family; and, our family is very proud of him!

Upon graduating from AASD in 1997, David attended and graduated from Penn State University.

At the age of 23, he began his quest to make Potter County Pennsylvania known far and wide and in doing so won many awards. Please refer to the July 1, 2016, issue of The Bradford Era which chronicles his many achievements. 

But, what I will remember most about David Brooks is that he never forgot his hometown of Austin, Pennsylvania.

We will most certainly miss David here in Potter County. 

 David. May you enjoy good health, happiness and  prosperity in all your future endeavors.