MESSENGER Fall 2016

Messenger is the official newsletter for Friends of Codorus State Park, and is published 4 times per year.

Past Presidents Joe Edwards and Becky Miller with current President Dwight Resh at the Heart-shaped wreath on Mary Ann Furnace trail photographed by Alicia Scott; winner in Blast unveiling of the Photo Contest. See page 7 for other winning bench and plaque pictures and photographers’ names. dedicated to Warren Werntz, retired park manager, and to all past presidents of Friends of Codorus State Park.

The Friends of Codorus State Park would like to thank all of the Sponsors, vendors, park staff and More pictures most importantly the Hanover from the Blast Community for coming out for our on page 6! 15th Annual Codorus Blast Festival In The Park which was hosted at the Codorus State Park. The weather was amazing and we hope that you enjoyed all of the activities, demonstrations, and events that we had to offer. Mark your calendars now, the 16th Annual Codorus Blast will be held on June 16th, 17th, & 18th, 2017.

Inside this issue: Meet Deanna Schall, Park Manager 2 Events & Volunteer Opportunities 5 PLEASE HELP US HELP THE President’s Message 3 Pictures from Blast 2016 6 PARK! SEE PAGES 5 & 8 FOR A Donation from Hanover Little Theater 3 Membership Application 7 LIST OF WAYS TO VOLUNTEER.

Member Spotlight: Ray Weleski 4 Blast Photo Contest winners 7 THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE TO DO! Woodcutting Crew 4 Fishing Line Receptacle Program 8

www.friendsofcodorus.org 1 Fall 2016 Meet Deanna Schall, Park Manager Hello! My name is Deanna Schall, and I’m the new Park Operations Manager at Codorus State Park. Let me start off by saying how excited I am to be here! Codorus is a fabulous park with a lot to offer, and boasts an excellent staff that takes pride in their park! I am really enjoying the park and the area, and have received a very warm welcome from everyone I’ve met. I am from south-western Pennsylvania and have lived in that area most of my life. I am married to my best friend, Jake, and we have three kids, Brett, Ashley and Daniele, who are all grown up and each have a child of their own, Lucas, Hunter and Ember, our grandchildren; and of course I can’t leave out our four-legged kids, our three dogs Zukua (newfie-lab mix), Kiki (redbone coonhound), and Nibs (chocolate lab). In our spare time we like to play with the pups, hike, kayak, geocache, camp, and of course visit with the grandkids. My career with PA State Parks began in 1994 as a seasonal Clerk Typist 1 at Linn Run State Park. From there I went to Laurel Ridge State Park (where I met Warren) as a seasonal Clerk Typist 2, and then to Laurel Hill State Park as a seasonal Clerk Typist 3. In 1998 I was promoted to the full-time Administrative Assistant position at Keystone State Park, where I stayed until 2006 when I decided to bid on a Park Manager Trainee position. As a Park Manager Trainee, I was based out of our Region 2 office, where I was fortunate to have spent time in a multitude of parks, including filling in as Interim-Assistant Park Manager at Moraine State Park, and Interim Park Manager at Oil Creek State Park. In 2007 I was named Assistant Park Manager at Raccoon Creek/Hillman State Park Complex, and then in 2010 I became the Park Manager at Parker Dam/S.B. Elliott State Park Complex. I have been very fortunate in my career to have had the privilege to work with an outstanding group of people, both staff and volunteers, and I fully expect that trend to continue here at Codorus! Jake and I look forward to getting to know all of you, exploring the area, and of course enjoying our park. See you out there!

Park Manager’s Report from Deanna and Earl Hello! Another summer is drawing to a close. It has been a very busy one and we still have a little bit to go, but the worst is behind us. For the most part the summer has been uneventful, but we have had our issues. Things are moving along well with the pool, but we are concerned with our main pump. But, we do have a spare. Another battle we have been fighting is our rope swing dilemma. Visitors have been using it and leaving a lot of trash behind. Aside from the issues of soil compaction and the inherent danger of it, staff cannot get there to clean it well. Please put it out there that the rope swing is not park sanctioned and not allowed. Now that I have stood on my soap box, here’s what’s happening.

Project updates: Campground Amphitheater: This project is about half way done. We have rebuilt the base of the stage and will be moving a lot of dirt in to raise the ground level. After that we will run a new electric line and put up a few more lights. Main Launch Restroom: We are nearing completion on this project. Hopefully by mid to late August it will be open for public use! Lift Station Generator: We have recently purchased a brand new backup generator for one of our lift stations. It will be installed sometime in the next couple of months. Staff Updates: We have a new clerk joining our ranks, Donna Galmore, and we are still trying to hire a DCNR Ranger Trainee. Also, one of our lifeguards, Dan McKinsey, will be transferring to a semi-skilled laborer after Labor Day when the pool closes. While summer is always fun and we all want to see the park full of people, this one has been very busy and most of us are ready to slow down. And cooler weather brings its own fun and events. I look forward to being able to get back to some projects we’ve let sit for the time being and finishing some that have been slow to completion. Thank you all for your support, and as always I’ll see you in the park.

www.friendsofcodorus.org 2 Fall 2016 President’s Message from Dwight Resh Time goes by quickly here at the park. We had a sold-out campground for the Memorial Day weekend. Then on June 3, 4, and 5 there was a Charcoal Burn weekend by the amphitheater. Then on June 9 there was our Members’ Summer Picnic which was held at the Classroom Building. There was plenty of good food. Bob Maher was the chairman for this event. Thanks to Bob for a job well done. At this event we had a dedication ceremony for a new park bench and a plaque honoring Warren’s retirement and the past presidents of the FOCSP on this our 10th anniversary. On June 11, Bob Maher and I sold snacks by the lake for a fun fishing event. The Codorus Blast was held on June 17 to 19 at the Bandshell area of the park. The weather this year was great. Therefore we had a very successful 3- day event. Larry Albright and Bob Maher were the organizers for the event this year. They sure did a great job. I want to thank both of them. The Board of Directors want to thank the entire Maintenance Department, the Park Management, the The Board of Directors Park Rangers, the EES people, as well as the entire office staff for your want to thank the entire continued support of the FOCSP events. On the July 4 weekend, the Maintenance Department, campground was sold out again, and on July 2 the Friends and the Park the Park Management, the Chaplaincy program held a campers’ Ice Cream Social by the Park Rangers, the EES amphitheater. They served 352 bowls of ice cream loaded with great people, as well as the toppings. The Friends provided the ice cream and hay rides for 243 entire office staff for your people. A fun time was had by all. Thanks to Bob Maher and Stacy and continued support of the Bruce Folks for their great assistance for this event. On July 9, Bob FOCSP events. Maher and I sold some of our eagle merchandise at the Hanover Facebook Eagle Watch group picnic. We received a nice monetary donation from the group. Thanks to Bob for his help. The same day, Don Eichelberger and John Lockwood were selling snacks at the Bandshell for the Yahweh Band Concert. Thanks to these guys for their help on such a hot summer day. On August 2 we attended the Jefferson Community Nite Out Event from 6:00-9:00 pm, handing out literature at the carnival grounds. I have been driving the park pontoon boat many times throughout the summer for the EES Lake Marburg Wildlife Tours. Now after all these events we are making plans for a big Labor Day weekend at the campground with another Ice Cream Social and hayrides for the campers, on Sept. 3. On Sunday, Sept. 4 we will have a booth at the Hanover Chili Cook-off to hand out literature and do clean-up duties throughout the entire day and evening. Lots of help will be needed. We always receive a very nice donation check from the Cook-off Committee for our efforts. Looking ahead to Saturday, Sept. 17, we will be holding our 2nd Annual Car Show and Chicken BBQ over by the pool area. Lots of help will once again be needed. Some of the many Volunteers at the Winter Festival/Eagle Plunge I want to once again thank all of our dedicated members for their time and talents in supporting the FOCSP. Many members will be contacted by Don Eichelberger soon for volunteering opportunities for these upcoming events.

Hanover Little Theater teamed up with the FOCSP to provide a portion of their proceeds from their July 9 show. They agreed to give us $2.00 from each ticket sold for that night plus a matching amount form an anonymous donor. All we had to do was post some of their flyers around at various places. We were notified after the show that we were receiving a check in the amount of $500.00. The Board of Directors is very grateful for this generous donation from Hanover Little Theater. Brian Shea, Second Vice-President of Hanover Little Theater, presenting check to Dwight Resh. www.friendsofcodorus.org 3 Fall 2016 Member Spotlight: Ray Weleski Friends of Codorus State Park (FOCSP) If you ever feel bored and need something Mission Statement to do, then volunteer! That is exactly what A non-profit, all volunteer got Ray Weleski involved with the Friends operated and staffed group, of Codorus State Park. He stopped into dedicated to restore, preserve and the Gift Shop to find out about the park, improve the Codorus State Park met Bob Larsen who told him about the and its surroundings. Assist in providing recreational and Friends group, and Ray’s interest grew. educational opportunities for He helped with Halloween in the Park in current and future generations 2010, filling in for someone who was unable to 1066 Blooming Grove Road be there. Then he joined the woodcutting Hanover, PA 17331 crew. Now, Ray leads the woodcutting Email: [email protected] crew, and also attends and participates in Website: www.friendsofcodorus.org just about all the other FOCSP events and programs. 717-451-3635 (cell) 717-632-2916 (Gift Shop) Ray also serves as the Accounts Receivable Treasurer: he is responsible for paying all FOCSP bills, acting as a go-between with the accounting firm, keeping financial records for federal and state reporting, writing checks, coding invoices and bank statements, as well as President: Dwight Resh monitoring the budget expenditures and reporting monthly to the Board Vice-president: Robert Maher of Directors. Accounts Payable: Ray Weleski Take it from In addition to the treasurer’s duties and Accounts Receivable: Bob Maher Ray: woodcutting crew, Ray has helped to collect money Secretary: Suzanne Gamber “Volunteering at events like the Blast, Car Show, and Halloween Directors: Larry Albright is something in the Park, buy and cook food to serve at the Don Eichelberger to do!” Breakfast with Santa, stuff and hide Easter eggs for Stacy Folks the annual Easter Egg Hunt, help with newsletter Gene Meashey assembly and mailing, help at the Outpost Camp Store, supervise the Sandy Rushton crowds at the Eagle Plunge and Winter Festival, set up and tear down tents, tables, etc. at events, talk to people about FOCSP at trade shows, Newsletter Ed.: Lynne Thompson and help anywhere else he is needed. Ray is truly a busy guy! To Webmaster: Brad Bealing quote Ray, “Volunteering is something to do!” We are grateful to have Park Manager: Deanna Schall Ray doing everything he does for the Friends of Codorus State Park. Asst. Manager: Earl Hockenberry Blast Organizer: Larry Albright Bob Maher Woodcutting Crew Vol. Coord: Don Eichelberger Friends of Codorus State Park has a hardy group of volunteers, Vol. Hours: Bob Maher led by Ray Weleski, who cut, split, and stack wood to sell at the Membership: Suzanne Gamber Outpost Camp Store. Twice weekly, from March through September, or until wood no longer needs to be cut, this group of 5-10 people meet at 7:30 and work until about noon. The The Woodcutting Crew is average age, according to Ray, is 75! (This might be a slight just one of the many exaggeration, but most of the crew is well past 50!) But you groups who help to make wouldn’t know it to see them work: they cut up trees that have Codorus State Park a fun been taken down by the Park Staff, then split the logs and truck place. Each issue of the them to the campground, where they unload and stack the logs in Messenger will feature a different one of these the sheds, ready for the campers to purchase. Thanks to the groups. woodcutting crew’s hard work, FOCSP is able to turn this dead wood into much-needed cash for Codorus State Park.

www.friendsofcodorus.org 4 Fall 2016 FOCSP EVENTS & VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE NEED YOUR HELP! We desperately need someone to work in the Gift Shop and at the Outpost on Labor Day weekend. Call Bob Larsen 965-3868 for more information!

TO VOLUNTEER FOR ANY OF THE EVENTS IN RED, PLEASE CONTACT DON EICHELBERGER AT 578-6579 OR AT [email protected].

September 3 Ice Cream Social for Campers September 4 Chili Cook-off Need 25 volunteers to empty trash boxes and clean up area You can choose your time to work from 11 am to dark September 17 Chicken BBQ and Car Show Need about 10 people to register cars (8:00-10:30 am), 8 people to park cars, 8 people to help with meal sales (10:30 am until sold out), and at least 8 people to clean up (3:00 pm until done) September 17 Manheim Township Rec. Assoc. Festival September 22 Membership Meeting (see insert for details) October 8 Fall Clean-up (Meet at Visitor Center at 8:30 am for coffee and donuts; pizza and drinks provided for lunch; work until 2 pm) October 15 Spring Grove Fall Fest October 21 & 22 Halloween in the Park (see insert for details, or visit www.halloweeninthepark.org) November 17 Thanksgiving Dinner (see insert for details) December 10 Breakfast with Santa January 21, 2017 Winterfest and Eagle Plunge March 18, 2017 Spring Fling April 14, 2017 Easter Egg Hunt June 8, 2017 Members’ Picnic June 16-18, 2017 Blast June 15-17, 2018 Blast

IF YOU WOULD PREFER TO RECEIVE THIS NEWSLETTER BY EMAIL, PLEASE CONTACT THE EDITOR, LYNNE THOMPSON, AT [email protected] OR SEND A MESSAGE TO [email protected]. www.friendsofcodorus.org 5 Fall 2016

For more pictures, visit the Blast Facebook page.

Thank you to Bob Maher for these pictures, and most of the pictures on pages 1, 3, and 5. www.friendsofcodorus.org 6 Fall 2016

PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS Invite a friend

As part of the 2016 Blast, FOCSP held a photo contest for to join our amateur photographers. These are the winning photos for each category. Winning picture in Black & White category on page 1. group!

Date

Wildlife Name Address Bluebird that

dropped his berry Phone No. Email Linda Heine,

photographer Please check one Membership Level (annual dues per person): Sapling (youth) - $1 Pine (regular membership) - $10 Hickory - $25 People Individual Life -$250** Skipping rocks Business/Organization -$50 near Sinsheim Business/Organization Life -$500** Cove (** Life memberships can be paid in five annual installments)

Tammy Barlett, Please check your volunteer interests from the activities and photographer events lists below:

Volunteer Activities Gift Shop and Camp Store Sales Marketing and Sponsors Nature Preservation Landscape Newsletter Preparation Walkway Park Clean-Up Days near marina Program and Event Volunteer Wood Splitting and Stacking Crystal Smith,

photographer Volunteer Events Winterfest Easter Egg Hunt Codorus Blast Festival Car Show and Chicken BBQ Chili Cook-Off Clean-Up Sports & Rec. Halloween in the Park Memorial Day Breakfast with Santa at boat rental area Tammy Barlett, photographer

www.friendsofcodorus.org 7 Fall 2016 1066 Blooming Grove Road Hanover, PA 17331 NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID HANOVER, PA RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED PERMIT NO.71

Did You Know? Codorus State Park is looking for Receptacles like the one shown in the picture are volunteers to help in the Visitor being installed at 8 locations Center (2600 Smith Station Road) around the park. You can on weekends in September and help keep the park clean and safe for wildlife by October. Volunteers would greet picking up any old fishing people, answer basic questions line you find in the park and placing it in one of these about the park and area, hand out receptacles. The line will be brochures, start videos, give direc- collected and recycled. tions to restrooms, etc. Volunteers Do your part: tangled will not handle money or complete fishing line can often be found along the shoreline or forms such as boat permits. There floating in shallow waters. will be an office staff person there This is a danger to all wildlife. Birds are especially to handle those items. You can vulnerable because their set your hours. Visitor Center is wings, necks, and legs can open 8 am to 4 pm, but you can easily become entangled in it, rendering them immobile choose to work 10 am to 1 pm, 1 and eventually killing them. Remind your fishermen pm to 4 pm, or whatever works for friends to clean up their boats and fishing areas, and dispose of their unwanted fishing line properly. Help you. If interested, contact Wendy make our park clean and safe for all animals and Looker at [email protected] or at people! 637-3454. www.friendsofcodorus.org 8 Fall 2016