Awesome Austin Pennsylvania: December 2023

Friday, December 29, 2023

The Austin Disaster, 1911 Reposted

Professor Gale Largey's The Austin Disaster, 1911

Professor Largey holding his DVD and Book entitled: The Austin Disaster, 1911

Professor Gale Largey from Mansfield University grew up in St. Marys, Pennsylvania. During his childhood, he and his grandfather would drive up to Austin in the summertime to view The Austin Dam ruins, which still stand today.

In addition to his video documentary entitled The Austin Disaster, 1911, Gale has authored a coffee-table size book by the same name.

This is also a must-have book if you're an Austinite or interested in Pennsylvania History. The book is available at the E.O. Austin Home/Historical Society, Austin Dam Memorial Association Park and local businesses in the Community of Austin. The cost is $35.00 plus $5.00 shipping and handling. The telephone number of the museum is (814)647-8358.

Front Cover

Back Cover

Sinnemahoning State Park January 2024 Program Schedule

Sinnemahoning State Park

4843 Park Road

Austin, PA 16720

(814) 647-8401

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 29, 2023

Contact: Matt Schenck, mschenck@pa.gov

Ring in the New Year at Sinnemahoning State Park!

Monday, January 1st, 2024

10:00 A.M.- 12:00 P.M. –First Day Hike– Start the New Year on the right foot with an easy 2.5-mile guided hike on level trails. Learn the importance of conifer trees to wildlife as we scout for tracks and traces of the animals that live in the park. Hike will be held rain or shine. A limited number of snowshoes available if needed. Dress for the weather and bring water. Good for all ages. Well-behaved dogs on short leashes are welcome.

No pre-registration required.

Meets at: 40 Maples Day Use Area

Saturday, January 6th, 2024

9:00 A.M.-9:45 A.M -Coffee with the Birds- Enjoy a cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa, INDOORS, as we participate in a Project Feeder Watch bird count and learn to identify the birds visiting the feeders just outside the classroom window.

Stop by anytime. Repeat visitors are welcome.

No pre-registration needed.

Meets at: Wildlife Center Classroom

Saturday, January 13th, 2024

10:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M -Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners- Join a park educator, for a fun lesson on the popular sport of cross-country skiing. All equipment, including skis, poles, and boots (adult sizes) will be provided. (Limited number. Please state boot size when registering.) Program will begin indoors with an introduction to cross country skiing equipment and styles, followed by a guided practice instruction on level ground, then a short excursion on the trail.

Program is free, but pre-registration is required by Thursday, 1/11.

When registering, please state BOOT SIZE (men's) for each participant in comment section (or let us know that you are bringing your own equipment).

Meets at: The Wildlife Center

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If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a

Disability, please contact the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks at 888-

PA-PARKS (voice) 888-537-7294 (TTY) 717-558-2711 (local or international TTY) 800-654-5984 (AT&T Relay Service).

Monday, December 25, 2023

Profile: Jimmy Nichols, Austin, PA

Jimmy Nichols is Veteran of the U S Armed Forces having served in the Air Force.

He is in charge of the Honor Guard for the Veterans Memorial Home at Port Allegany. PA. and and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Austin. PA.

Jimmy is second from the left.

Friday, December 8, 2023

List of Programs Offered at Sinnemahoning State Park

Sinnemahoning State Park Staff would like to wish you a very happy holiday season! Below is a list of upcoming programs being offered at the park.

Saturday, December 16^th, 2023

12:00 P.M.- 2:00 P.M. –Holiday Open House– View the Wildlife Center, all decked out in its holiday attire, while sipping a cup of hot cocoa or mulled cider and listening to holiday music.

Enjoy the eye-catching holiday displays created by park volunteers and Grandpa Hank’s winter village donated by Debbie Calkins of Mansfield, and of course, the Wildlife Center exhibits.

Light refreshments will be offered, plus an opportunity to create beautiful homemade ornaments using local natural materials.

All ages are welcome to this FREE event. Please join us for the festivities!

No pre-registration is required.

Meets at: Wildlife Center Classroom

Saturday, December 23rd, 2023

12:00 P.M.-2:00 P.M -Natural Ornaments- Create a holiday ornament from nature's bounty!

Learn how to create beautiful homemade ornaments using local natural materials like acorns, pinecones, and seed heads.

First hour will be basic introduction to natural ornaments, a review of materials provided, and a STEP-BY-STEP guide to creating your own animal ornament. Second hour will be FREE TIME to use the provided materials to create a new ornament from your own IMAGINATION.

Materials and assistance provided. Program is free. All ages and experience levels welcome. Children under age 10 require adult supervision.

Meets at: Wildlife Center Classroom

Monday, January 1st, 2023

12:00 P.M.-2:00 P.M -First Day Hike- Start the New Year on the right foot with an easy 2.5-mile guided hike on fairly level trails. Learn the importance of conifer trees to wildlife as we scout for tracks and traces of the animals that live in the park. Hike will be held rain or shine. A limited number of snowshoes available if needed. Dress for the weather and bring water. Good for all ages. Well-behaved dogs on short leashes are welcome.

Meets at: 40 Maples Day Use Area

Hope to see you at Sinnemahoning!

Matt Schenck | Environmental Education Specialist
PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Bureau of State Parks | Sinnemahoning State Park

4843 Park Dr | Austin, PA 16720
Phone: 814.647.8401

www.dcnr.state.pa.us / www.visitPAparks.com