JOE PETTILO: An addition to our list of Bradford musicians
today: Gus Gocella of Crossville, Tenn., writes, “My uncle Joe
Pettilo played numerous instruments as well as his son Dom in many
venues in Bradford back in the ’40s and ’50s.”

“They also played with Little Civics around town especially in
the ‘Square.’ They played great ‘toe tappin” music that seemingly
everyone enjoyed. It was the era of big band sounds and Bradford
had its share of musicians playing great music.”

And, coincidentally, we hear from Julian Price of Hewlett, N.Y.,
who writes: “Another musician who played the trumpet was Joe
Patello (not sure of spelling). … All of these individuals played
in the Citizens Band which performed in the square on Main Street,
Hanley Park, and, I believe, East Main Street.”

SPRING TONIC: If the red-winged blackbirds have arrived, can our
“spring tonic” be far behind?

One whiff of that fresh spring air is enough to begin salivating
about a handful of leeks put between two pieces of Italian bread
slathered with mayo and butter. Don’t forget salt and pepper.

Our question today, though, is not how to eat them but how to
find them. And once having done so, turning to the Allegheny
National Forest where this spring delicacy grows in abundance. But
is digging leeks legal on the forest?

If you’re just picking for yourself and your family, the answer
is yes – with just a couple places off-limits.

Law Enforcement Officer Jason Haberberger says leeks may be
legally picked without a permit for personal consumption on most
lands within the National Forest.

Even for personal consumption, however, leek picking is not
allowed on the Hickory Creek and Allegheny River Island Wilderness,
the two wilderness study areas surrounding Minister Creek in Warren
County and Indian Run in McKean County, the Buckaloons Heritage
Area in Warren County, the Hearts Content National Scenic Area in
Warren County, and the Tionesta Research Natural Area and Tionesta
National Scenic Area in McKean and Warren Counties.

Of course, locals are connoisseurs of all things leek. We can’t
help but wondering, though, if some geographical regions produce a
better-flavored leek than others. Willow Creek leeks have always
been our personal favorite.