On Centre: Penns Valley Sinking Creek cleanup wading for volunteers
Volunteers have hauled tires, lawn chairs and spent ammunition casings from the World War II era out of Pine, Penns, Elk and Sinking creeks.
One regular find looks like it could have come out of a Stephen King story.
“There’s always some strange doll that’s been left out in the mud for who knows how many decades, that looks like something out of a horror movie,” said Anne Mascelli, a Penn Township resident who uses the creeks for fishing and hiking and as a backdrop for her photography.
Mascelli was one about 40 people who participated in Penns Valley Conservation Association’s annual stream bank cleanup last year. The volunteers collected enough trash to fill a 20-yard Dumpster.
Anyone interested in volunteering at this year’s cleanup is encouraged to show up at the Old Gregg School at 10 a.m. Saturday. The association provides the necessary gear, including trash bags, gloves and orange safety vests. A potluck lunch takes place afterward, and prizes are awarded for the most unusual finds.
“The most applause wins,” said association president Ann Glaser, who added that children usually take home the top prizes.
Gary Gyekis, of Penn Township, moved to the area about 15 years ago but has fished in Penns Creek twice as long.
He figures he throws out a line in what he says is one of the best trout streams in Pennsylvania at least 10 times a year.
“We can’t take for granted the beautiful streams and forests that we have out here in Penns Valley,” he said. “So I felt it was important to contribute a little bit.”
Mascelli feels the same. She also views the cleanup as a chance to explore. This year the focus is on Sinking Creek, not one of her regular spots.
“I’m excited to go out and get to know that creek a little bit more,” Mascelli said.
Catch NASA video online
The story of how two Penns Valley Area High School students wound up presenting to a panel of NASA experts appeared in this column three weeks ago.
The five-minute, 19-second video that launched Katie Kreisher and Alicia Lindsay to that San Antonio conference is now posted online. To watch it, visit www.youtube.com and type in “Penns Valley” and “Janus” on YouTube’s search engine. To share your news about Penns and Brush Valleys, contact Ed Mahon at 231-4619 or emahon@centredaily.com.
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