BY PAT FARNELLI

A new sign has been crafted for the Mary Karhnak Memorial Park on Greenwood Street in Hop Bottom.

The enameled, oval metal sign was made by Molenko’s Collision Repair on SR 167 in nearby Brooklyn Twp., and has a lovely design of flowering dogwoods in the background, in tones of lavender, pinks, and grays, similar to the “Welcome to Hop Bottom” sign in the “island” near Route 11.

The sign was commissioned by Mike Karnnak and family in memory of Mary Karhnak.

Borough secretary Deb Norton said, at the Tuesday, Feb. 7 meeting, that the new sign replaces a previous sign that was getting old and weathered. Another sign also made by Molenko’s for the park details the hours of operation and park rules.

The sign will be installed in front of the park/playground as soon as weather permits, according to park committee chair Ron Barankovich.

It was noted at a January meeting that former resident Hal Akoa passed away January 1 somewhere in Pennsylvania, but it was unknown whether or not there was a memorial service or obituary.

Akoa was a colorful local character for many years, who lived in a camper and was frequently seen walking with one or more of his dogs around town.
In his younger days, it was reported that he was an actor and screenplay writer, whose credits included cast parts in the original “Hawaii Five-0” series.

Although work on a sediment basin was completed by September 2013, the borough has not yet been reimbursed by FEMA and PEMA for the project. The required paperwork was completed and submitted in time for reimbursement, according to borough officials.

A leaf guard has been installed on the borough building’s gutters.
A new marquee with lighting has been mounted on the front of the building between the windows, with an enclosed case for borough council notices, minutes, and a current list of council members.

The council members have been landscaping in front of the building, with small evergreen and flowering bushes, and perennials. Another garden is planted around the welcome sign on the “island.”

Council member Janice Webster noted that grant applications are being accepted now for Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) programs. A grant application for road work was put in last year, and council is awaiting a response.

This year, quite a few catch basins in the town need attention, council reported. These catch basins are located on Greenwood, and Mill streets, near the borough building on Forest Street, on Center and Adams streets, and on Shore Forest Road.

Boroughs are responsible for cleaning and maintaining catch basins.
The borough plans to clean out the basins and then, if necessary, replace concrete liners or drains.

According to Webster, current DCNR grant programs are open for applications for sustainable/green projects, trails, conservation plants, and projects to enhance water trails.

As most catch basins are on paved roads, The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation might send out a staff member to inspect existing basins.

The borough’s culvert, which conducts water overflow from the Shore Forest Campground’s pond, down into Hop Bottom near the railroad tunnel, is still in good shape despite the cold weather, it was noted by council. This stormwater solution is checked annually by the Department of Environmental Protection or Army Corps of Engineers.

Hop Bottom Borough Council meets at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at the borough hall on Forest Street.