Inside Pennsylvania Magazine - Spring 2022

SPRING 2022

INSIDEPAMAGAZINE.COM

VALLEY

OF GIVING AREA FOUNDATIONS HELP BUILD THE REGION Talented artists make thriving pop-up permanent SPRING 2022

$3.95

Coping with change during the pandemic

A look at origins, evolution of St. Patrick’s Day

HIGH CHOLESTEROL HAS NO SYMPTOMS. 1

Bad cholesterol levels can put you at risk of heart disease, and many people don’t even know that their cholesterol is too high. A simple blood test can check cholesterol levels.

Your healthiest heart begins with regular visits to your primary care provider, who can help monitor and improve important, heart-related factors like blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

For more resources or to find a primary care provider who’s right for you, visit

www.EvanHospital.com/Heart 1 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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SPRING 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA

Inside Thoughts...

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t this time of year, one of the things I like most about the coming of spring is the end of winter.

Snow, ice and cold get “old” a lot faster than warm weather, spring flowers, and red buds on the trees. Spring means crocuses peeking through the snow, daffodils preparing to bloom and flowers filling the air with fragrance.

Perhaps youʼre wondering what the little boys pictured on our cover have to do with spring? These little guys are snuggled in a chair at the Milton Public Library. You may have always had a library card, but have you ever thought about how our libraries are funded?

Some receive tax dollars, but not all. Some rely on fundraising and applying for government grants.

But today, in our Valley, every library — and most of the nonprofits that provide vital services for all of us — have applied for grant funding from one of our community foundations.

We have two: the Community Giving

Nazareth

JEAN KNOUSE

Foundation and the First Community Foundation Partnership. In addition to supporting the work of libraries, community centers, YMCAs, the American Red Cross, the Bloomsburg Theater Ensemble, pet organizations, etc., etc., foundations provide scholarships to students who want to continue their education after high school — in technical schools, community colleges and, of course, fouryear college programs.

Foundations provide these dollars without spending any of the original dollars that were given to establish a “fund.”

Spring also means itʼs time for Leprechauns and green beer, Easter flowers and egg hunts, and, in this issue, we havenʼt forgotten to include our second lesson on cryptocurrency.

Itʼs the time of year to look ahead. Spring will come and summer, autumn and winter will follow. I really do like Pennsylvaniaʼs four seasons.

Jean L. Knouse, Editor

We’d love your feedback on the magazine! Send your comments, story suggestions and favorite local photos to editor@insidepamagazine.com

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INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA | SPRING 2022

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CONTENTS 14 VALLEY OF G IVING

AREA FOUNDATIONS HELP BUILD REGION THROUGH GRANTS, DONATIONS

6 8 24 32 40 46

DEPARTMENTS

‘STOPPING BY WOODS ON A SNOWY EVENING’:

A poem by Robert Frost

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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DECRYPTING CRYPTO, PART II:

Bucknell professor continues to decypher digital currency Greenhouses, flower farms prepared for spring See details on IPA’s newest coloring contest, crossword

CELEBRATING A SAINT:

A look at origins, evolution of St. Patrick’s Day

EASTER IDEAS:

Editor Jean Knouse shares fun Easter activities

Coping with change in the face of a pandemic

VALLEY BUSINESSES

READY TO BLOOM:

COLORING CORNER:

COVID RESILIENCE:

32 EVENTS 45

ARTISANS WORKING TOGETHER:

Talented artists make thriving pop-up permanent

VALLEY EASTER DINNERS:

Let the restaurants do the work this year

COVER PHOTO AND ABOVE: BEN REICK, 4, CAMPBELL STEWART, 8, AND GABRIEL HENDERSON, 7, ATTEND THE FERN HILL SCHOOL ON THE CAMPUS OF THE MILTON PUBLIC LIBRARY, A RECIPIENT OF A GRANT FROM THE FIRST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PARTNERSHIP OF PENNSYLVANIA.

Robert Inglis/Inside Pennsylvania

Magazine editor

Fred Scheller

Design editor

Advertising manager

Aron Agerton A publication of The Daily Item

CONNECT WITH US! /InsidePA1 / @InsidePA1 www.insidepamagazine.com Inside Pennsylvania Magazine 200 Market Street Sunbury, PA 17801 editor@insidepamagazine.com

Publisher

Jean L. Knouse

Photographer

Robert Inglis Writers/Contributors

Cindy O. Herman Julie Mensch Copy Editors

Karen Renninger Kyra Smith-Cullen

Lori Seebold

INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA:

570-988-5473 Office 570-988-5347 Advertising Sales 570-988-5464 Subscriptions Inside Pennsylvania (ISSN 1935-4738) is published at 200 Market St., Sunbury, PA 17801.

Inside Pennsylvania magazine is not responsible for unsolicited submissions.

Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner, without permission, is prohibited. Copyright 2017 by Community News Group LLC. All rights reserved. Single issue: $3.95. Subscription: $10 annually (U.S. only). POSTMASTER: Send address change to Inside Pennsylvania magazine, 200 Market St., Sunbury, PA 17801. Advertising rates and specifications available online at InsidePaMagazine.com. Inside Pennsylvania was founded March 2007. A publication of The Daily Item, a member of Community News Group LLC.

INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA | SPRING 2022

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Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening Poem by Robert Frost | Photo by Robert Inglis

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Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow.

He gives his harness bells a shake To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sound’s the sweep Of easy wind and downy flake.

My little horse must think it queer To stop without a farmhouse near Between the woods and frozen lake The darkest evening of the year.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.

SPRING 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA

INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA | SPRING 2022

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Decrypting

Crypto

Part II

MetroCreative Library

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Bucknell professor explains ins and outs of digital currency Story by Inside Pennsylvania

I

n the Winter issue of Inside Pennsylvania, Karen McGrath, professor at Bucknell University, provided a basic primer in cryptocurrency.

Because this topic is so new to many of our readers — and the “need to know” is expanding so quickly — Professor McGrath has answered a few more questions.

QUESTION: Is it true that Satoshi Nakamoto, the “father” of cryptocurrency, whether “he” is a man, woman or group of people, has never accessed any of the Bitcoin wallets that were established in his name?

ANSWER: It is! It seems crazy to imagine, especially given that Bitcoin has gone from essentially $0 when they were originally mined to a high of nearly $67,000 per Bitcoin.

Q: Do we have any idea how much Bitcoin is in those wallets?

A: Not exactly, but we have a pretty good guess. Assuming that Nakamoto mined the first block of assembled transactions, researchers used his mining pattern to identify 1.1 million Bitcoin awarded to that single rig in the first year of mining. No matter KAREN MCGRATH how you look at it, that’s a fortune in the billions just sitting there.

Q: Is it a better plan — rather than directly buying cryptocurrency — to invest in firms with cryptocurrency holdings?

A: It can be, “yes.” When you’re investing in a company with crypto holdings such as MicroStrategy and Tesla, which are No. 1 and No. 2 in corporate holdings, respectively, you’re investing in a company that is providing some kind of good or service. They just happen to view crypto as a component of how they manage their operations.

MicroStrategy’s ‘product’ is business intelligence, mobile software, and cloud-based services, and we all know Tesla makes electric vehicles. Perhaps more importantly, while cryptocurrency holdings will affect the company, and investors need to take that into consideration, these investments don’t have the same level of volatility as a pure crypto play. In fact, other well-known companies like PayPal, and Nvidia are also highly invested in crypto.

Or, you could invest in a Bitcoin mining company which is riskier than a more diversified firm, but still not a direct crypto play.

Q: Is Coinbase a kind of investment firm?

A: No, it’s a cryptocurrency trading platform similar to Robinhood, but for cryptocurrency. The core business of Coinbase is providing people with a user-friendly platform for people to access, store, and buy cryptocurrencies. In fact, Tesla used the Coinbase platform to establish their crypto holdings.

Q: Bitcoin’s value increased during the pandemic. Does this increase reflect an increase in value or an increase in buying and selling?

A: Any time something goes up, we can say that it has increased in value.

So, yes, the price increase in Bitcoin means that it has increased in value.

But because there really isn’t anything underlying it — like sales of T-shirts or the backing of a country — the value of Bitcoin is totally dependent on what someone else is willing to pay for it.

In this case, a lot more people are buying, not selling.

Q: Is Doge the same as Bitcoin?

A: Yes and no. Dogecoin is a form of cryptocurrency just like Bitcoin, but it’s also different because there are no limits to how much can be mined. One of the most interesting things about Doge is that it was actually launched as a joke, poking fun at crypto speculators with a cute dog as its logo. The joke was on the founders as it gained popularity. It is a continual Reddit favorite, and was the subject of numerous Elon Musk tweets. Because, really, who doesn’t like a cute dog?

Q: Are there miners for all cryptocurrencies, not just Bitcoin?

A: Yes. All cryptocurrencies are mined.

Q: I’m guessing crypto miners don’t need a pick and shovel. What do they need to “mine”?

A: Computer power. Lots and lots of computer power.

Did I mention a lot of computing power? Currently, the majority of cryptocurrencies rely on something called “proof of work” in order to validate all of the transactions in a block, which is a digital ledger.

In short, miners compete with each other to be the INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA | SPRING 2022

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dispense cash. Just like conventional ATMs, different BTMs first to solve a math puzzle. The winner’s reward is new, are operated by different companies and have different or mined, currency. The more valuable the crypto (like capacities. So check to make sure that the machine you’re Bitcoin), the more people want to mine it. For miners, the using has the ability to sell your crypto in exchange for problem with Bitcoin is that it is engineered to react to the dollars. If it does, then all you need is the wallet address presence of more computing power (miners), by making that holds the Bitcoin you want to sell and follow the the problem more difficult to solve. More computing instructions. Beware though, the fees for using the ATM power increases a miner’s chances of earning currency. are transaction-based and can range from 9 to 20%.

Q: So, a miner’s computer uses an incredible amount of Q: Probably most of our readers have seen Matt Damon, electricity? Why? one of the world’s best-known actors and someone who A: Since the odds of being the first to solve the puzzle seems like a really trustworthy person, speaking on behalf increases with greater computer power, it then further of a company called Crypto. What is Crypto.com? increases the difficulty of the puzzle, which requires more A: You are not the first person to ask this. Yes, the electricity and the cycle continues. A single miner can company is Crypto.com and it is a platform similar get lucky, but most serious miners form consortiums, or pools, in order to combine their computing resources. This to Coinbase. Both companies allow users to trade cryptocurrencies and store them in enables them to compete with each a digital wallet. Coinbase appears other and other companies who are to be a bit more user-friendly, dedicated solely to mining crypto. “... REMEMBER, CRYPTO and provides a lot of educational This increased scale means that LITERALLY JUST material on different currencies more electricity is required to and their underlying uses. You mine each coin. To put things into CELEBRATED ITS 13TH are able to earn coins by going perspective, the Digiconomist Bitcoin BIRTHDAY. AND, LIKE through their tutorials. Crypto.com Energy Consumption Index estimates MOST TEENAGERS, IT’S seems a bit more slick, and better that the energy used to mine 1 Bitcoin for someone for whom crypto is equivalent to over 75 days of the GOING THROUGH THAT transactions are a steady part of average household’s power use in the OFTEN AWKWARD, AND their life, which makes sense as it U.S. At the current rate of mining, began its life as a crypto payment that’s enough electricity to power over SOMETIMES PAINFUL platform. They even offer a Visa 68,000 homes each day.

PROCESS OF FIGURING debit card!

Q: Is it true that some countries are OUT JUST WHAT IT’S Q: Are cryptocurrency exchangebanning mining because they don’t traded funds regulated? have the electrical power grid to GOING TO BE WHEN IT A: They will be, but first someone support these gigantic computers?

GROWS UP.” has to figure out how to actually A: Yes. China just banned miners regulate them. Investors have been for this, and other reasons. Originally clamoring for these funds for what many miners established themselves seems like forever, and it just isn’t happening. However, in countries where the cost of electricity was cheap, such this year, the SEC Chairman did hire a cryptocurrencies as Kazakhstan and Iran. But both countries have had and digital assets advisor, so that might be a good sign. to place temporary bans on mining, or ration power, Q: Do you want to remind our readers of your advice because their grids became overwhelmed due to mining. about investing in cryptocurrencies?

Interestingly, the U.S. is now a top destination for crypto I understand the fascination with Bitcoin and other miners. States like Kentucky, New York, Texas, and cryptocurrencies. But, remember, crypto literally just Georgia are currently popular and other states, including Pennsylvania, are actively seeking to attract crypto mining celebrated its 13th birthday. And, like most teenagers, it’s going through that often awkward, and sometimes painful operations. process of figuring out just what it’s going to be when it Q: How many miners are there in the world? grows up. At the moment, it’s a high-risk asset, and not a A: I have no idea. Some estimates say 1 million. Just place to put money that you can’t afford to lose. Investing like physical mining, you can have small, individual isn’t about getting rich quick or constantly trading the next operators and you can have large, publicly traded miners. hot thing — that’s gambling or an expensive hobby, and But in general, there are so many variables: equipment if it really worked, then we’d all be rich. True investing is availability, chip shortages, energy prices … I really have buying assets that will, on average, appreciate over time no way to answer this question. and be there when you need them. That might be crypto Q: If I can go to an ATM and use dollars to buy Bitcoin, someday, but it’s not today. IPA can I also go to the ATM to cash in Bitcoin and get dollars ● Karen McGrath is an assistant professor of finance out?

A: Usually, yes. Though not all Bitcoin ATMs, and they are at the Freeman College of Management, Bucknell University. called ATMs or BTMs, have the ability to sell your crypto or Visit dailyitem.com to read Part I of the series.

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Spring

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INSIDE INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA PENNSYLVANIA || SPRING SPRING 2022 2022

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H S LT ES A N HE ELL W &

Inside Pennsylvania welcomes guest columnist from Valley Voices in Sharon, Pa.

COVID RESILIENCE Coping with change in the face of a pandemic

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Story by Sara Rupp for the Primary Health Network

f you could define the COVID-19 pandemic in a song, which would it be? Chances are that the theme song may have changed quite frequently over the course of the last two years. For those at Primary Health Network, our theme song started out with, “It’s the End of the World as We Know It,” which then evolved into, “If You’re Going Through Hell, Keep On Moving,” and, as of recently, “Rise Up,” by Andra Day — a song that celebrates perseverance, courage and confidence.

The global coronavirus pandemic has and continues to change the world at a rapid pace. Millions of people have perished worldwide, economies have faltered and political and racial divisions continue to widen. However, as the song says, “Youʼre broken down and tired Of living life on a merry-go-round And you canʼt find the fighter But I see it in you, so we gonna walk it out And move mountains And Iʼll rise up…”

So how do we, as individuals and as a community, persevere in a world that tells us otherwise?

Here are some tips for coping and practicing resilience: ● Give grace: With new challenges comes stress. Living through an ever-changing public 12

SPRING 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA

SARA RUPP

crisis has placed pressure and emphasis on us to grow and set higher intentions for our lives.

Stop comparing yourself to others and set realistic expectations. ● Continue to connect socially: Check in on family members, friends, colleagues. ● Proactively manage stress: Move your body, do your best to get adequate sleep, eat healthy and practice mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness focuses on being aware of what you’re feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. ● Focus on the good: The coronavirus pandemic has brought with it a plethora of side effects — and some of them are surprisingly

positive; specifically in health care and medicine. Some advancements include improvements to vaccine development, remote health care and advanced viral diagnostics and treatments. Examples of those advanced diagnostics and testing include monoclonal antibody treatments, a treatment that can be used on eligible, nonhospitalized patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and have mild to moderate symptoms, and as of recently, the FDA approved an oral antiviral for treatment of COVID-19.

COVID fatigue is real, but it is important to recognize that this difficult time will pass, and whether we like it or not, preventative measures such as hand washing, social distancing, wearing a mask and vaccination continue to reduce COVID-19 spread and hospitalization rates worldwide. The art of being resilient is to view change as an opportunity that better aligns your priorities with your purpose. So let’s focus less on fear, anxiety and hopelessness, and more on a sense of hope and satisfaction in our overall lives, so that our theme song can finally change to “Here Comes the Sun.” IPA ● Sara Rupp is the marketing director for the corporate and community relations department at Primary Health Network, located in Sharon.

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Robert Inglis/Inside Pennsylvania

CHRISTINE ORLANDO, LEFT, SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER, HOLLY MORRISON, PRESIDENT AND CEO, AND KARA SEESHOTZ, CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER. STAND WITH THE GIVING TREE AT THE COMMUNITY GIVING FOUNDATION IN BERWICK.

T

Kendra Aucker, president and CEO, Evangelical hey’re not fairy godmothers, but community Community Hospital, in Lewisburg, is in the unique giving foundations often work behind the position of having worked with both foundations. She scenes to help make impossible things served 10 years as a board happen every member and former chair day. Thousands “THE ONLY THING THAT of the Community Giving of people most likely have Foundation and she is no idea about the ways in CONNECTS ALL DONORS IS now a board member which they benefit from A DESIRE TO IMPROVE LOCAL of the First Community these busy benefactors.

Foundation Partnership.

Community foundations COMMUNITIES.” “I am a huge proponent of use a simple formula: community foundations,” Philanthropists donate — KENDRA AUCKER, PRESIDENT AND CEO, EVANGELICAL COMMUNITY HOSPITAL Aucker said. “The only money, foundations thing that connects all invest it and then award donors is a desire to the proceeds to various improve local communities.” nonprofit agencies. In Central Pennsylvania, there She pointed out that, while most nonprofit are two foundations: Community Giving Foundation, organizations have a specific mission, a community based in Berwick, and First Community Foundation foundation’s mission is very general: To improve the Partnership of Pennsylvania, based in Williamsport.

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VALLEY OF

GIVING

Area foundations help region to flourish

Story by Cindy O. Herman

quality of life in a given area.

THE COMMUNITY GIVING FOUNDATION When the Berwick Hospital was sold in 1998, a group of individuals used the profits to create the Berwick Health and Wellness Foundation.

“The founding fathers of this Foundation had wonderful foresight in giving back,” said Holly Morrison, D.Ed., president and CEO of the Community Giving Foundation. By 2003, the Berwick Health and Wellness Foundation adopted a community foundation business model and expanded to become the Central Susquehanna Community Foundation, serving people in Columbia, lower-Luzerne, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties.

On Dec. 7, 2020, the Foundation was renamed the Community Giving Foundation, and a new logo was created with a tree showing growth and support on a gently curving arc representing the Foundation’s status CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

JENNIFER D. WILSON, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE FIRST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PARTNERSHIP OF PENNSYLVANIA, LEFT, AND ERIN RUHL, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, STAND IN THE LUMINARY OF LEGACY STAIRWELL, WHERE EACH PLAQUE REPRESENTS A PHILANTHROPIC DONOR.

Cindy O. Herman

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Photo provided

MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY GIVING FOUNDATION: SUNBURY ARE PICTURED WITH THE STUDENTS WHO WERE AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS IN 2019. FRONT ROW, FROM LEFT: SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS: SKYE BOSTIAN, KRISTEN SCHOLL, ELISE KEENEY AND LANEY KAUFFMAN. BACK ROW FROM LEFT: SACF BOARD MEMBERS: JEFF HOLLENBACH, DONNA SPANGLER BOOP, ADAM PURDY, JOHN D. APPLE, CRAIG DEFAZIO AND STEVE ENGLE.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

as an umbrella organization that manages the funds of community-minded individuals and businesses.

The umbrella also shelters five affiliate foundations: Berwick, Bloomsburg, Danville, Selinsgrove and Sunbury.

WHY DONORS CHOOSE A FOUNDATION

Donors are passionate about their personal causes and Kara Seesholtz, chief advancement officer at the Community Giving Foundation, encourages them to think about what it is they want to accomplish in giving.

She noted there are different ways of donating funds — through cash, stocks, planned gifts, etc.

The Community Giving Foundation investments are overseen by Wilmington Trust as part of the M&T family of companies. By pooling their financial resources, the Foundation can obtain an optimal return on investment, which provides the income to fund grants and scholarships.

“That’s the big advantage of the community foundation,” said Christine Orlando, senior program officer. “Pooling the funds allows greater return on the investment.”

“As it grows, a community foundation gradually becomes a center for charitable giving in a community,” Aucker said. “They help make connections between the people who want to give and the people who need their support.”

While sitting and talking with people who want to establish a permanent endowment or contribute to a nonprofit agency, Seesholtz has a front-row seat to the passion behind the donors’ wishes. “In the end, it’s so rewarding,” she said.

The Community Giving Foundation awards grants to nonprofit groups in each of its geographical regions.

They host competitive grant rounds which permit agencies to apply for funds, which normally results in more requests than they can fill.

For example, Community Giving Foundation: Danville annually provides a competitive grant round from their Neighbors Helping Neighbors Fund. An advisory group evaluates the applications to determine the programs and projects that have demonstrated a compelling need for support. While funding a grant is rewarding, these groups are seldom able to fund every request.

At the same time, the Foundation encourages collaboration and support with multiple funding sources and assists in helping nonprofits understand other available funding opportunities.

“Working closely with nonprofits in the region, you see the caring and passion in the things they do,” Orlando said.

She has the happy job of letting area agencies know they’ve been awarded grant dollars, and she recalled memorable times. “I mean, I’ve had people cry on the CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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RAISE THE REGION

F

irst Community Partnership of Pennsylvania oversees the yearly Raise the Region campaign in Central Pennsylvania. During a 30-hour time slot in March, community members are encouraged to support local nonprofits through online giving.

As an indication of the dedication FCFP has to the community, the Foundation created Raise the Region when one of their staff members attended a conference and won free web design and first-year software fees to create an online giving day platform. Even though the initial venture would take a lot of work to pull together in a short time, FCFP decided to go for it.

“He won this prize, and we couldn’t say no,” said Jennifer D. Wilson, president and CEO of the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania. “We challenged ourselves as a staff to go out and find a business partner and sponsors. Blaise Alexander was our first phone call, and he said yes right away.”

Additional businesses came on board, donating money to stretch the funding and create prize money. Since starting in 2013, Raise the Region has collectively received over $12 million in donations for the registered organizations. Nonprofit groups register for the campaign and encourage their donors to give.

RAISE THE REGION 2021

Through philanthropic donations, Raise the Region earned $2,030,674 to benefit 272 nonprofit organizations last year. The 30-hour online fundraiser had thousands of donors make 14,157 gifts.

“These results represent a 42 percent increase over last year and are the most successful to date,” said Wilson, “I’m incredibly proud of our team, inspired by the community and grateful for the FCFP Board of Directors’ commitment to this fundraising platform that serves area nonprofits.”

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CELEBRATING THE RECEIPT OF A 2021 GRANT FOR THE SUNBURY YMCA CHILDCARE PR DOWELL, LEFT, CEO, KATRINA MOUERY AND ANN BAUSINGER, CO-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DONNA SOCIA, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

phone when they found out they were getting a grant,” she said. “Then I’m really humbled because I’m just the messenger. They’re the ones making lives better through their projects and programs.”

“Area nonprofits benefit from having a local community foundation because it helps money stay in the community,” Aucker said. “Another benefit to local nonprofits is, besides having local grant money available, some nonprofits ask the community foundation to manage an endowment on their own behalf.”

Along with grants, private donors can set up funds to award scholarships. Morrison talked about seeing scholarship recipients sitting with their donors at awards ceremonies and the legacy those scholarships create. “It’s just really powerful,” she said of the cycle of receiving philanthropic donations and granting funds to worthwhile endeavors. “Those resources that have been created tell stories.”

Morrison also noted the importance of the individuals who serve on the Foundation’s board and the affiliate boards. “They’re our ambassadors,” she said. “They volunteer their time. We’re indebted to them for the job they do to support our mission.”

Saying the work of the Foundation is very humbling, she added, “It’s all about enriching the lives of people in our neighborhoods.”

MANY ENDEAVORS

P

hilanthropists among us donate gifts to fund a variety of causes. The Hause children established a fund to honor their parents’ lifetime of community work in Danville with a fund to support the work of those organizations forever. Many donors have established funds to support their love and concern for pets. Organizations like the Greater Susquehanna YMCA, Sunbury depend on grants to fund basic programs for children as well as the “extras” that make life special.

Photo provided

RE PROGRAM FROM THE COMMUNITY GIVING FOUNDATION: SUNBURY ARE BONNIE MCECTORS OF THE CHILD CARE PROGRAM, NICOLE SCHROYER, CHILD CARE DIRECTOR AND

FIRST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PARTNERSHIP OF PENNSYLVANIA

The original curving staircase winds gracefully from the first to the third floor of the former Ross Club, now home to the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP). The wall around the stairs displays the names of the Foundation’s many donors, beginning with the largest donor: The James B. Graham Fund, established in 1961 and boasting a current asset value of more than $15 million.

“I think the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania is fortunate in that we have a really long history of doing good work in the community,” said Jennifer D. Wilson, president and CEO of the First Community Partnership of Pennsylvania.

“FCFP has done an excellent job of encouraging and facilitating more private philanthropy through our region,” said Teri MacBride, an FCFP board member.

“The size of the funds under their stewardship has really grown and performed in impressive ways through the years.”

FIRST TO HELP THE COMMUNITY Community foundations didn’t exist until 1914, when Frederick H. Goff, a banker and lawyer in Cleveland, convinced wealthy philanthropists to pool and invest their money to create a permanent endowment to CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Robert Inglis/The Daily Item

IN THIS PHOTO FROM 2019, FAITH HANCOCK OF THE DANVILLE SPCA PLAYS WITH TITO. ORGANIZATIONS THAT ADVOCATE FOR THE WELFARE OF PETS ARE WELL-REPRESENTED AT OUR AREA FOUNDATIONS. INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA | SPRING 2022

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A

YOUTH IN PHILANTHROPY

long with wisely investing money so that its value grows and can be channeled to help where it is needed, Community Giving Foundation invests in another resource they hope will continue to grow and help where needed: children.

The Youth in Philanthropy program teaches students in 12 area high schools to assess youth-related needs in their district and award grants with $5,000 given to each school through generous donors.

“The students create their own needs assessment.

They create their own application, and they make decisions about how to prioritize the grants,” said Holly Morrison, D.Ed., president and CEO of Community Giving Foundation. “They must utilize leadership and team skills, because just like in our own foundation, they receive requests for more than they have to distribute.”

Grants have been awarded to dozens of programs, from food pantries to swimming pools, sports programs to special needs camps, and mental health initiatives to beds for kids.

“These students serve on advisory committees for us,” said Christine Orlando, senior program officer.

“I can learn where the needs of youth are from them.

The needs vary in different districts, so they teach us a lot about their communities.”

The students also teach elementary school children about philanthropy, passing the idea on even further.

“Through the years we’ve collected reflection statements from students at the awards ceremony,” said Kara G. Seesholtz, chief advancement officer. “A lot of the statements are powerful. You really feel you brought something good to their life.”

“We hope they’ll learn what the community foundation does,” Morrison said, “and hopefully, when they’re older, they’ll have an understanding of how they can participate in community philanthropy.”

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS ● Midd-West ● Benton ● Millville ● Berwick ● Northwest ● Central Columbia ● Selinsgrove ● Columbia-Montour ● Shikellamy Vo-Tech ● Warrior Run ● Danville ● Line Mountain 20

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“PHILANTHROPISTS CHOOSE TO WORK WITH COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS SO THEY CAN CONTINUE TO SUPPORT NONPROFITS AND OTHER COMMUNITY NEEDS BEYOND THEIR LIFETIME. IT IS OUR VISION TO CREATE POWERFUL COMMUNITIES THROUGH PASSIONATE GIVING.”

— JENNIFER D. WILSON, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE FIRST COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP OF PENNSYLVANIA

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

benefit community charities.

Two years later, a group of bankers founded the Williamsport Foundation, the first community foundation in Pennsylvania, with a hopeful $33 in donations. The first grants were bestowed in 1930, while citizens across the nation struggled through the Great Depression.

“FCFP serves as the keepers of people’s legacies,” Wilson said. “Philanthropists choose to work with community foundations so they can continue to support nonprofits and other community needs beyond their lifetime. It is our vision to create powerful communities through passionate giving.”

“The Foundation’s grantmaking is generated by hundreds of funds annually,” Ruhl said. “The funds displayed throughout the Luminary of Legacy stairway are permanently endowed and will benefit the region in perpetuity. Each plaque represents a fund and the philanthropic passion of its founder.”

Foundations succeed because they can pool donated funds to receive a stronger return on investment.

They are also flexible enough to evolve as society’s needs change. For example, if gifts were designated to benefit an orphanage, and the orphanage closes, those funds can be redirected to other children’s causes in the community.

In 2004, FCFP expanded into a regional foundation.

Today it serves North Central Pennsylvania, primarily in Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties. Through donors and their geographic area funds and scholarships, it also reaches into Bradford, Clinton, Columbia, Potter,

Photo provided

SOJOURNER TRUTH MINISTRIES, INC., IN WILLIAMSPORT, RECEIVED A GRANT FROM THE WILLIAMSPORT LYCOMING COMMUNITY FUND FOR RENOVATIONS TO A NEWLY PURCHASED DUPLEX. FROM LEFT: BRIAN BLUTH, BOARD CHAIR OF FCFP; ANGELIQUE LABADIE-CIHANOWYZ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SOJOURNER TRUTH MINISTRIES, INC.; MAIGRETTE POLANCO, BOARD PRESIDENT OF SOJOURNER TRUTH MINISTRIES, INC.; AND BETTY GILMOUR, DIRECTOR OF GRANTMAKING AT FCFP.

Sullivan and Tioga counties.

POISED TO HELP Finding concrete examples of how FCFP helps local citizens is as breezy as a walk through Rider Park. This 867-acre Lycoming County woodland with hiking and biking trails is owned and operated by the Foundation.

Local libraries, community theatres, historical societies, health care centers, schools, YMCAs and countless social service agencies have been beneficiaries of the Foundation’s grantmaking.

The fact is, people throughout the North Central region benefit from foundation-enriched agencies every day. FCFP provided grants to 378 organizations in 2021.

“We also have a lot of resources that make us uniquely poised to respond in emergency conditions,” Wilson said. She mentioned floods and other natural disasters, but also something as unprecedented as the initial impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

“I think, more so than other entities, FCFP has been able to bring agencies together to support our community,” she said.

FCFP quickly reached out to the local United Way organizations and the Charles B. Degenstein Foundation to create a support grant for nonprofits to receive emergency funding.

“We established a single platform for donors to offer support when so many things were shutting down,” Wilson said. “FCFP was also instrumental in bringing our three health care systems — Geisinger, UPMC and Evangelical Community Hospital — together to create a public health campaign for folks to focus on what we all needed to do to keep our communit(ies) safe.”

WHY PEOPLE DECIDE TO SUPPORT FOUNDATIONS Whether through time, talent or treasure, people like the idea of supporting a community foundation because they want to leave their community a better place.

“Generosity is not best measured by what is in your wallet, but by what is in your heart,” Wilson said.

“Anyone can be a philanthropist.”

First Community Foundation Partnership helps donors create a legacy that supports their passions forever, be it through a donation to a fundraiser like Raise the Region, or with an investment to start a particular fund.

“Making a donation through the community foundation is like your one-stop shop,” Ruhl said. “We will take care of all the back-end matters, like receipts to donors, tax information, and so on.”

“I think they do well by connecting individuals who have the motivation to be philanthropic, but don’t necessarily have the connections or knowledge about the many nonprofits that can put funds to good use,” MacBride said. “Because FCFP vets the organizations they work with very carefully, we can be sure the donations get used in the way they’re intended.”

BEST YEAR YET With the long-reaching effects of the pandemic, it would be understandable to expect a lean year of giving, but just the opposite has happened. Donors seemed to sense the growing needs in the area, and dug deep.

“We raised the most money that we have in the history of the organization in 2021,” Wilson said. “We take our responsibility to donors and nonprofits very seriously.

We try to lead with integrity, and I hope that is reflected in the work we do.” IPA INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA | SPRING 2022

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READY TO BLOOM 24

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GREENHOUSES, FLOWER FARMS PREPARED FOR SPRING Story by Julie Mensch

KNOCK-OUT ROSES BLOOM FROM SPRING UNTIL EARLY FALL.

Photo provided

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R

PARSLEY, SAGE, ROSEMARY AND THYME ARE AMONG THE FAVORITE HERBS AT REIFF’S GREENHOUSES IN MIFFLINBURG.

eiff’s Greenhouse and Nursery was established by Harvey and Ella Mae Reiff in 1989. Located on their property just outside of Mifflinburg, their business began as a vegetable plug production facility for local farmers and large commercial productions such as Furman’s Foods.

“I had seven kids and the business gave them something to do,’’ Harvey Reiff joked. The success of the vegetable end of the business led him to start using the unused space above the vegetables to grow hanging baskets. As this proved successful, the Reiffs added more greenhouse space and expanded to offer annuals to their wholesale customers.

After five years of hearing complaints from neighbors and friends looking for a better selection and higher quality of plants, the retail Greenhouse was opened in 1994. Later expansion included perennial production, herbs, planters, tropicals, and, finally, trees and shrubs.

As the nursery business became a major part of their focus it transformed the business into Reiff’s Nursery in 2007.

Always at the center of their business is family and employees. “​Our family grew during these years with Jeremy in 1989, Justin in 1990, Janice in 1992, Judith in 1993, Joshua in 1996, Jordan in 1998, and Janine in 2002, most of whom are active in the business. We also have a 26

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Photo provided

Julie Mensch/For Inside Pennsylvania

YELLOW DAFFODILS LIFT EVERYONE OUT OF THEIR WINTER BLAHS.

great crew of employees, some being with us for many years,” Reiff said.

The Garden Center offers a large selection of pots, soil mixes and garden art. For customers anxious to say goodbye to winter and get back into their gardens, the growing season kicks off with pansies, Easter flowers, house plants, succulents and much more. As the seasons progress baskets, planters, vegetables, herbs, mums, trees and shrubs are all available for planting throughout the summer. Seasonal planters are available as well as for Mother’s Day and Memorial Day. After Thanksgiving, the Christmas season begins with the staff assembling handmade wreaths, centerpieces, roping, and planters. “We couldn’t keep things in stock this year. Customers were buying planters and wreaths before we were done putting them together.” Harvey continued that his best advertising has always been word of mouth. “I’ve had customers call friends from the nursery and tell them that we have something in stock and before I know it we’re sold out.”

Colleen and Matt Musgrave are relatively recent transplants in Central Pennsylvania.

Matt grew up on a farm in Fort Morgan, Colorado and Colleen, a Baltimore native met in Diego Garcia, India while in the Navy. After 10 years of service, the couple were looking for a place to build a life with their two children. A job offer for Matt brought them to CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

Photo provided

COLLEEN MUSGRAVE, WHO OWNS BLOOMING MEADOWS FARM WITH HER HUSBAND, MATT, IS ESPECIALLY FOND OF SUNFLOWERS. A SUNFLOWER MAZE WILL BE OFFERED AT THE FARM LATER THIS YEAR.

Northumberland County. They found their dream home on five acres in rural Turbotville.

The circa 1800 farmhouse spoke to Colleen’s love of design and architecture and Matt’s desire to return to farming. “I have been drawn to creating beautiful things since I was a little girl,’’ Colleen explains. Trained as an interior designer, she wanted to create a beautiful landscape to firmly root her family. “My grandmother had a beautiful garden” she continues “I loved the flowers, but as a kid I wasn’t really interested in working in it.”

Now her own garden is the foundation on which they are building the family’s future.

Six years on the farm found them still trying to come to a decision on how to best use their land. Matt wanted to raise animals and Colleen was still focused on creating a picturesque landscape. “Year after year, my longing did not go away, it increased.”

During a family vacation in Colorado, Colleen found their answer. “We stayed at a Bed and Breakfast that was also an antique store and flower farm. I was sold. I knew this is what I needed to do.”

Blooming Meadows Farm is their dream coming true.

Three years ago, they started their journey by establishing a “U-Pick Flower Farm.” Officially opening to the public this spring, the farm features flower beds specifically designed for easy access and gives visitors the opportunity to create their own unique bouquets. “We’ve planted

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SPRING 2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA

A BOUQUET FROM BLOOMING MEADOWS FARM, TURBOTVILLE, DELIGHTS A CHILD.

Photo provided

over 1,400 tulip bulbs for this spring,” Colleen said. “I’ve also started ranunculus and freesia in my workshop.” By growing a large variety of flowers across the season, they hope to keep customers coming back for more.

As all gardeners know, everything depends on the whims of nature. Late last year they set up a greenhouse to grow eucalyptus, a slow growing foliage plant they hope to be able to make available all season. Returning home from a Thanksgiving trip, they found that high winds had pulled down the greenhouse. Determined to salvage it, they managed to secure the greenhouse. Sadly more high winds over Christmas ended the experiment for this year.

“Giving back to the community is important to us,” Colleen explains. Partnering with an area Boy Scout Family Owned & Operated!

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Troop, the Musgraves provided bouquets for veteran’s graves on Memorial Day. They have also helped local charitable organizations raise money by offering bouquet fundraisers.

The ambitious and hardworking couple intend to provide their customers with more than a place to pick a pretty bouquet. Matt is currently working on converting their barn into a store selling farm-grown goods, home and garden decor, craft and gift kits, and bath and body products.

Plans for the season include a sunflower maze, monthly dinner parties — starting with an Easter Brunch — classes for children and adults and offering rental spaces for private events. IPA

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Coloring Corner Name the bunny!

MetroCreative Library

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L

Leprechaunsand andEaster EasterRabbits Rabbits Leprechauns

eprechauns & Easter rabbits 1

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Across Across

3 LEPRECHAUNS SMOKE A ____ 3 LEPRECHAUNS SMOKE A ____ 4 THE COLOR OF A RABBIT'S NOSE 4 THE COLOR OF A RABBIT'S NOSE 5 READY, SET, _____ 5 READY, SET, _____ 7 WHAT A BUNNY HOPS DOWN 7 WHAT A BUNNY HOPS DOWN 10 AN EASTER HAT 10 AN EASTER HAT 13 PETER'S LAST NAME 13 PETER'S LAST NAME 14 RABBITS HAVE LONG ONES 14 RABBITS HAVE LONG ONES 15 A DOZEN OF SOMETHING 15 A DOZEN OF SOMETHING 16 COLOR FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY 16 COLOR FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY 18 SHORT FOR HOORAY 18 SHORT FOR HOORAY 20 WHAT A HEART SHAPE SYMBOLIZES 20 WHAT A HEART SHAPE SYMBOLIZES

Down Down

1 A HEN SITS ON IT 1 A HEN SITS ON IT 2 THE BUNNY WILL ______ YOUR BASKET 2 THE BUNNY WILL ______ YOUR BASKET 3 YOU FIND GOLD IN IT 3 YOU FIND GOLD IN IT 6 OVER THE _____________ 6 OVER THE _____________ 8 SOMEONE WHO PAINTS 8 SOMEONE WHO PAINTS 9 LAYS EGGS 9 LAYS EGGS 11 WHAT YOU GET IF YOU FIND A 11 WHAT YOU GET IF YOU FIND A LEPRECHAUN LEPRECHAUN 12 __________EASTER

12 __________EASTER 17 _____ OF SHARRON 17 _____ OF SHARRON 19 WHAT A BUNNY DOES ON THE BUNNY TRAIL A BUNNY DOES ON THE BUNNY 19 WHAT TRAIL

Name the leprechaun!

CONTEST RULES The deadline to enter each contest is March 31.

Coloring Contest for Children 3 - 5 ● Color the picture of the Easter Bunny. ● Give the bunny a name Note: colored markers may work better than crayons.

Crossword Puzzle for Children 6 - 8 ● Fill in the crossword puzzle. ● Name the Leprechaun.

The drawings for prizes will be held April 1. Prizes will be available to be picked up at the Daily Item office beginning April 4.

● First prize for the Coloring Contest and the Crossword Contest: A Basket of Easter Goodies and gold chocolate coins ● Second prize for the Coloring contest and the Crossword Contest: A large chocolate bunny and gold chocolate coins ● Third prize for the Coloring Contest and the Crossword Contest: A chocolate egg and a few gold chocolate coins To enter: Take a photo of your entry and email it to jknouse@dailyitem.com. Include your name, address, age and a phone number with your submission.

Or, mail your entry to Daily Item, 200 Market St., Sunbury, PA. Mark your envelope: Attn Jean Knouse

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LEFT: SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE ARTISAN CORNER CO-OP, IN MIFFLINBURG, GATHERED AT THE CO-OP’S NEW PHOTO “BOOTH,” WHERE CUSTOMERS CAN HAVE THEIR PICTURE TAKEN. FROM LEFT, STANDING: BRETT HOSTERMAN, JOANNAH MCGREGOR, ANNETTE GRAY, PAM ROSADO, VALERIE MOYER AND LINDA RISHEL. SEATED, FROM LEFT: KAREN TEICHMAN AND WANDA STAMM.

ARTISANS WORKING TOGETHER Talented artists make thriving pop-up permanent

Stories & photos by Cindy O. Herman

I

n the midst of a pandemic, in a once-vacant building, what was intended as a pop-up enterprise has become a year-round business, thanks to an agreeable property owner and some determined artists.

For three years, the first floor of the former bar and hotel stood empty — until pandemic closures in 2020 put a halt to the traditional Mifflinburg Christkindl Market.

“We wanted to promote Mifflinburg, and there was no Christkindl action, so we wanted to put something together,” said Joannah McGregor, owner of the hotel.

She and her friend Eva Linke, Mifflinburg Buggy CONTINUED ON PAGE 35

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EY LL ESS VA SIN BU

RIGHT: HAND-PAINTED GLASSES AND BOTTLES,

BY KRINGLIS CRAFTS, LIGHT UP A SECTION OF THE ARTISAN CORNER CO-OP. BELOW: THE ARTISAN CORNER CO-OP, IN MIFFLINBURG — FORMERLY DESIGN TILES — FEATURES 21 VENDORS IN THREE ROOMS OFFERING CRAFTS, FINE ART, GOURMET POPCORN, FOLK ART, JEWELRY, POTTERY AND MORE.

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BRETT HOSTERMAN

D

VALERIE MOYER

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WANDA STAMM

MEET THE ARTISTS

isplaying her paintings at the Artisan Corner Co-op has allowed Valerie Moyer, a professional Fine Artist from Beaver Springs, to meet people looking for a commissioned artist.

“It opened doors and gave me opportunities I would not have had, had I not been here,” she said.

“I appreciate working with fellow artists and crafters for the show and sale of our work. It’s a wonderful opportunity to work together for a common good, especially in these challenging times.”

“We’re thrilled she’s with us,” Teichman said. “She is a world renowned artist.”

When photographer Brett Hosterman, of Montandon, was asked to create a business sign for the Artisan Corner Co-op, he ended up joining because of the members.

“The other artists that work here kind of attracted me to stay,” he said, adding that it’s given him a space to display his graphic design work. “This is the section of my business I don’t focus on as much, so the ability to have my name out there has been invaluable.”

Even the sweater Pam Rosado wore was made from alpacas — fittingly, for the owner of Country Vale Alpacas, in New Columbia. She switches her products throughout the year to include dryer balls, exfoliating soap covers, yarn and crocheted items, some made by her and others bought from Peru.

“Alpacas are not just socks,” she said. “There’s a lot of stuff I can do for the summer.”

With her own products, she jots down the name of the alpaca who supplied the yarn. Watch for Savior, 34

PAM ROSADO

Avalanche, Adelaide, Prince and more.

Dr. Brad Gray, of Selinsgrove, loves explaining his black-smithing methods to curious customers. His space offers handmade metal tools along with hooks, yard decorations and even a black, metal rose that he made for his wife, Annette Gray.

“He does a nice job of demonstrating how he makes the different pieces,” Teichman said.

Linda Rishel, of Mifflinburg, exhibits colored pencil and stippling art at the co-op under the name, Grace Gallery.

“I do mostly pets and family homesteads,” she said.

A portion of her sales are donated to the Denise Wehr Wetzel Glioblastoma Research Fund, in honor of her late sister.

Wanda Stamm, of Mifflinburg, loves to be out in nature watching for ideas for WJ Stained Glass.

“I do all my own designing,” she said, pointing out Ulysses and blue morpho butterflies among other creations.

An Artist in Residence at nearby Midd-West Middle School, in Middleburg, she said, “I’m teaching seventh-graders to design stained glass, and I am so excited about it. They are amazing to work with.”

Her pieces have been sold as far away as Belize and England, and she enjoys the support of her fellow co-op artists.

“We’ve got a great group of people that love what they do,” she said. “All the love they put into it just gushes out.”

— CINDY O. HERMAN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

Museum board member, talked about the possibility of a one-month holiday pop-up craft store.

They called Pam Rosado, of Country Vale Alpacas, and Karen Teichman, co-owner with Christine TeichmanClark of C and K’s Unique Creations. With help from fellow craftspeople, they established the Artisan Corner Co-op.

“We started cleaning on Sundays in November,” Teichman said, noting that the pop-up began with five businesses: C & K’s, Country Vale Alpacas, Patti’s Gift Shop, Linda Nigh Folk Art and the Mifflinburg Buggy Museum.

After sweeping and scrubbing the dusty, empty rooms, the group set up their booths, not knowing what kind of response they’d get from a community fearful of contracting COVID-19. But the artists were happily surprised.

“We did awesome,” said Pam Rosado, owner of Country Vale Alpacas, in New Columbia. “I think everybody did well.”

Customers cooperated with masking and social distancing.

“It was wonderful,” Teichman said. “The community expressed their happiness about having a place to shop for the holidays.”

The pop-up did so well, in fact, that the members asked McGregor if they could keep the doors open throughout the year.

“I was delighted,” McGregor said. “This business here is the hope of a lifetime for a property like this. And Karen CONTINUED ON PAGE 37

CO-OP VENDORS YEAR-ROUND VENDORS: ● Barbara BakerDavison: greeting cards ● C and K’s Unique Creations: Karen Teichman, Christine Teichman-Clark ● Charlie’s Bows: Jennifer Reppert ● Country Vale Alpacas: Pam Rosado ● Dutchman’s Kettle Corn: Daniel Stoltzfus ● Grace Gallery: Linda Rishel ● Gray Blacksmithing: Dr. Brad and Annette Gray ● Hosterman Creative: LLD, Brett Hosterman ● JC Clayworkx: Jim and Kelly Clark ● Inglis Crafts: Kathy Inglis

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● Linda Nigh Folk Art ● Memory Pillows: Michelle Ishler ● Mifflinburg Buggy Museum ● Patti’s Gift Shop: Patti Troxell ● RD’s Woodworking: Donna Snyder ● Valerie Moyer, Fine Artist ● WJ Stained Glass: Wanda Stamm

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2022 | INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA H O M E S | JULY 2021 14 SPRING

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A WHIMSICAL BUNNY IS AMONG THE ITEMS AVAILABLE AT LINDA NIGH’S FOLK ART, FROM NEAR THE POCONO MOUNTAINS.

has just waved her magic wand.”

Teichman, the co-op vendor manager, was quick to pass the praise along, saying the response from the community was fabulous. The co-op also is careful not to allow duplicates as they’ve grown from five vendors in one room to 21 in three.

“We had fun,” Teichman said, “and people were coming out to shop.”

The store is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday. In the true spirit of a cooperative, members sign up for shifts, and none of the “employees” are paid.

Kelly Clark, of JC Clayworkx, sells the pottery and wire trees she and her husband, Jim Clark, create. She can often be found at the co-op cleaning the rooms and giving helpful display advice.

“I love coming here because everybody supports each other,” Teichman said, “and they nurture your creativity.”

McGregor touched on some of the history of the structure, which was built around 1861 and named Young’s Hotel. Over the years the name has changed and it has been home to bars, restaurants and stores. In the 1940s through ’70s, a section of it became a teen hangout called George’s Soda Bar, complete with a juke box and two pinball machines and famous for its hoagies.

McGregor’s custom ceramic tile shop occupied the CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

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THROUGH THE YEARS Businesses in the hotel: ● Circa 1861, Young’s Hotel is built (later called the Commercial Hotel and the Buffalo Valley Inn) ● 1870s, Young’s Hardware Store ● 1890s, grocery store ● 1910s, restaurant, pool hall, barber shop ● 1940s, Union County Selective Service Board, law practice, apartment rentals ● 1947, George’s Soda Bar ● Early 1980s, Design Tiles ● 2008, empty ● 2016, clothing store ● 2017, empty ● 2020, Artisan Corner Co-op, Cathy’s Polish & Style Salon THE ARTISAN CORNER CO-OP IS LOCATED ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF A LANDMARK BUILDING IN DOWNTOWN MIFFLINBURG, ON THE CORNER OF MARKET AND FIFTH STREETS.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

space until 2008. It then stood empty until a clothing store opened briefly several years later then was empty again until the co-op began in 2020.

There’s a juicy rumor of a murder on the barroom floor, and about 15 years ago a renter showed McGregor a photo she had taken showing little orbs floating around the stairway. As the saying goes, “If these walls could talk ...”

Their stories might lie silent now, but new voices echo in the rooms where colorful artwork now beckons from every direction and it is very pleasing to the building owner, the artists and the customers.

“It’s been vacant downstairs for so long,” McGregor said. “It’s very nice to have such a classy store here.”

The Artisan Corner Co-op will host workshops this spring, starting March 19 with Make a Bow! Co-op member Jennifer Reppert, of Charlie’s Corner Bowtique, will teach adults and children how to make hair bows.

Events coming to the co-op include Still Life Drawing with Valerie Moyer, and Plant a Terrarium or Fairy 38

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Garden with Karen Teichman.

Check out Artisan Corner Co-op on Facebook for details. IPA

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SEPTEMBER 2021 || SPRING H O 2022 M E S 3917 INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA

CELEBRATING

A SAINT

How did a fifth-century priest become the reason to celebrate by wearing green, drinking beer, and looking for a leprechaun who knows where to find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow?

IRELAND IS AN INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY AND IT IS, TRULY, VERY GREEN. IF YOU SAILED FROM THIS SHORE, YOU WOULD HAVE A DIRECT ROUTE TO THE UNITED STATES.

Jean Knouse/INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA

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A look at origins, evolution of St. Patrick’s Day Story and photos by Jean Knouse

S

t. Patrick died on March 17, 461 A.D. in Ireland. At the time, no one celebrated his death. Today that day is celebrated worldwide in different ways.

There are, essentially, two kinds of celebrations: A religious one and a secular one. Some folks conflate the two, but there are distinct differences.

It is not possible to prove — with absolute certainty — many of the events attributed to St. Patrick. According to History.com, his birth name was Maewyn Succat — Patricius was the Romanized version. He was born around 380 A.D. somewhere in what is now Great Britain. Historians say his father was a senator or deacon in the local government. Some in his family had embraced Christianity and the family was not poor.

There are two surviving documents that scholars accept as having been written by Patrick: The Confessio CONTINUED ON PAGE 43

MetroCreative library

PERHAPS SOMEONE’S WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF ST. PATRICK CREATED THIS “LIKENESS.” THAT PERSON GOT ONE THING WRONG: ST. PATRICK WAS ORIGINALLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE COLOR BLUE, NOT GREEN.

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and the Epistle to Cortices. Most of the verifiable — accepted any in return. Like St. Francis of Assisi, information about him comes from these sources or this man of God from a wealthy family seems to have from very early scholars who wrote during Patrick’s accepted his poverty as appropriate to his mission.

Patrick was not the only Christian cleric in Ireland lifetime or shortly after his death. in the fifth century. He may not have even been the In the Confessio, Patrick writes that when he was 16 first. However, he came to be known as the “Apostle years old, he was kidnapped by Irish pirates. He was of Ireland” and he is the primary patron saint of held in rural Ireland for six years and during that time Ireland. However, Patrick was never canonized; he he guarded the sheep in the fields. It was during the lived before the laws governing canonization were lonely hours of isolation and captivity that he accepted established in Rome.

Catholicism.

Nevertheless, by the Patrick writes that he seventh century he was escaped from Ireland on recognized as a Saint in a boat with a reluctant ● March 17, 461: Patrick dies in Ireland. the Catholic Church and captain who feared arrest ● During the 9th or 10th centuries, Roman the Eastern Orthodox if they were caught.

Catholics begin to hold a feast day on March 17.

Church.

Returning to the land ● During the early 19th century: Drums and of his birth, Patrick bagpipes were added to celebrations THE DAY’S HISTORICAL committed to his faith by ● 1848-1852: An Gorta Mor, the Irish Potato Famine, CONTEXT studying in his homeland killed 1,000,000 men, women, and children. Another The holiday itself has and on the continent to 1,000,000 people became immigrants - many came to also taken on changes in become a cleric. the United States. throughout history.

When Patrick made the ● March 17, 1762: “The first New York City St. Adrian Mulligan, decision to return to Ireland Patrick’s Day Parade was comprised of a band associate professor and as a missionary, he wrote, of homesick, Irish ex-patriots and Irish military chair of the department “Every day I keep expecting members serving with the British Army stationed in of geography at Bucknell the colonies in New York. This was a time when the to be murdered, assaulted, University, said that the wearing of green was a sign of Irish pride, but was sold back into slavery or holiday became very banned in Ireland.” nycstpatricksdayparade.org some such thing.” politicised in Ireland due ● 1948: President Harry Truman attends the St. It is impossible to verify to British colonialism.

Patrick’s Day Parade in NYC. some of the legends “The thing with St. ● 1962: Chicago dyes the Chicago River green. surrounding Patrick’s life.

Patrick’s Day,” Mulligan ● 1970s: Ireland allows pubs to be open on St. There were never any said, “is that it became Patrick’s Day making it less of a religious holiday. snakes in Ireland, so he more than a religious ● 1995: Ireland begins a national campaign to attract certainly didn’t chase them celebration in the context tourists to the Emerald Isle. out. Most scholars believe of British colonialism — HISTORY.COM this story may be symbolic in Ireland, when the of a dream Patrick might British drove the Catholic have shared with others.

Church underground Many speculate that alongside any ideas of ● March 12: Scranton’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps Patrick was symbolically national independence.” off at 10:45 to celebrate when “Everyone is Irish.” chasing the pagans out of It again took on a new ● March 13: Wilkes-Barre’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade Ireland; but, there were no essence of freedom when begins at 2 p.m. snakes.

Irish immigrants began ● March 17: The NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade will As a visitor to St. Patrick’s arriving in the U.S. travel up 5th Avenue and pass St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Cathedral in Dublin, “In the United States,” Ireland, I was told Patrick Mulligan said. “Especially was able to convert the amongst the Irish local pagan chieftains diaspora, St. Patrick’s Day and their followers at the village well. Since every local exploded in the new found freedom people had.” drew their water from this well, it is here, the guides Mulligan also said certain American traditions also say, that Patrick laid the foundation for his ministry. traveled back to Ireland as part of the holiday.

While Dublin was his “home base,” Patrick did travel “The parade is an Irish American tradition for throughout Ireland to preach the word of God. example, but it was exported to Ireland in the 20th It is appropriate to note here that Patrick often century, after we (Ireland) won our independence from the British.” provided gifts to the chieftains and leaders in Ireland, CONTINUED ON PAGE 44 but he never — as far as anyone has suggested or proven

TIMELINE

PARADE SCHEDULE

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L

egend credits St. Patrick with teaching the doctrine of the Holy Trinity by showing people the shamrock, a three-leafed plant. He used it, scholars suggest, to illustrate the Christian teaching of three persons in one God. This story first appears in writing in 1726, though it may have been referenced earlier. The shamrock has since become a central symbol for Saint Patrick’s Day. Since we understand the value of symbolism in “teaching,” it is an unverified legend that has merit.

— JEAN KNOUSE

MetroCreative Library

three people in the one God.” Maighread said. “That IRISH NATIVES IN THE VALLEY symbol of the shamrock️ is Maighread Kelly grew up in very prolific in Irish culture.”

Antoine in County Westmeath, The day also was celebrated a community at the very center during the week of Lent, she of Ireland. Her husband Oliver said. “We were allowed to grew up in Midleton in Cork. break our fast of giving up They moved to the Danville area in 1993. sweets or candy for Lent and When she was in school, eat some sweets. Lunch or Maighread said she learned dinner at my home consisted about the history of St. Patrick of boiled bacon and cabbage and the day was celebrated as a with potatoes. Dessert was holy day. always green white and gold “Growing up we learned to commemorate Patrick and Patrick was a slave, had a vision the Irish flag.” and was called to convert Maighread also said “Small the Irish. As the Druids were town parades were held with the main lawmakers and the local farmers bringing influencers at the time, Patrick Photo Provided in tractors and animals OLIVER AND MAIGHREAD KELLY LIVE IN RIVERSIDE AND chose to use their ‘idols’ to to walk through the town OFTEN VISIT FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN IRELAND. advance his Christian beliefs.” accompanied by Boy Scouts Maighread said that wells or other organizations.” were used as “gathering places,” Though parades then were simple, she said, “in recent and that St. Patrick “called them holy wells. To this day, people hold mass and devotions at Holy Wells especially years, (parades) have taken on a different tone with a lot more fanfare.” around St Patrick’s Day.” Maighread and her husband have attended the parade Due to it being considered a holy day, the children also in New York City. had the day off.

Oliver has attended the St. Patrick’s Day parades in “But,” she said. “(We) were expected to attend Mass wearing something green and someone usually fastened Wilkes-Barre and Scranton. While the parade in WilkesBarre was festive, she said “he thought the parade in a bunch of shamrock to our coats — with a St. Patrick Scranton celebrated the exuberance of the Irish quite Day badge.”

The shamrock signifies “the trinity the mystery of well.” IPA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43

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F

T EN EV

Let restaurants do the work Story by Julie Mensch and Cindy O. Herman

or two years, Easter dinners have been — mostly — small affairs for families who were used to celebrating special occasions with as many people as they could squeezein around the dining room table.

An option for this year, because we are all suffering a bit of fatigue, is to dine out and let someone else do the hard work. It is important to remember that restaurants are still experiencing revised schedules and cancellations, so please check with your restaurant-of-choice before you finalize your plans for celebrating.

Here are a few Valley restaurants to consider:

no one leaves Front Street Station hungry.

“We’ve been doing this since the early 1990s,” said Jay Seidel, owner.

“We have our faithfuls who show up every year. They love it. They come in droves.”

The restaurant offers seatings at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. Reservations are strongly recommended, and prices vary for adults, seniors and children.

“It’s great food. Guests can eat as much as they want and not have to cook or clean up,” Seidel said. “They can go home and take a nap.”

MASSER’S RESTAURANT & CATERING, 5281 PA-61, PAXINOS

The Pine Barn Place, Danville, is known regionally for its contemporary rustic feel, delicious food and excellent service.

To celebrate Easter, the restaurant will be serving a special threecourse menu. Traditional entrees of baked ham and leg of lamb, as well as pot roast, baked salmon and stuffed chicken breast will be featured. There is — truly — something for everyone in the family. Included with each dinner are a house salad, mashed potatoes and a vegetable medley. The dessert menu showcases perennial favorites such as rice pudding, tiramisu and cheesecake.

If you prefer to dine at home, there will be a family style takeout menu.

Our talented kitchen staff will do the cooking while you enjoy a choice of entree, two sides and dessert.

Serving 4-6, these orders will be packaged cold and will include heating instructions.

Beginning March 21, you can make a reservation or place your order by calling 570-275-2071 ext. 515 during normal restaurant hours. IPA

Eat breakfast before the Easter Bunny hops along — Masser’s Restaurant is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sundays. Tiffany Bills, a waitress there for 12 years, said owner Brian Masser usually serves ham on Easter Sunday, sometimes with dandelion, sometimes with a pineapple sauce.

Although the Easter menu wasn’t available at press time, he also typically offers turkey and filling and, of course, Masser’s famous fried chicken.

“Masser’s has been here 30-some years,” Bills said. “They’ve been doing Easter dinner all that time.”

Easter reservations are recommended and children can dine for half-price.

“The food is delicious,” Bills said.

“If you want home cooking just like Grandma used to make, this is the place to eat.”

FRONT STREET STATION, 2 FRONT STREET, NORTHUMBERLAND

With an unlimited Easter buffet offering ham, turkey, white fish and carved steamship round of beef,

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EASTER IDEAS W

hen you were a child, do you remember finding your basket on Easter morning? I vividly remember “my” basket filled with chocolate bunnies, lambs, and ducks, marshmallow peeps and jelly beans.

Since I would soon put on my Easter dress, I was allowed only one small piece of chocolate before Sunday school. After Easter dinner, there were eight of us who hunted eggs at my grandmother’s. The three oldest cousins, the two middle cousins, and the three youngest ones each had a section of the yard where their group’s eggs were hidden. As the youngest of the oldest group, I never won an egg hunt on Easter Sunday.

When my children, and then my grandchildren, were small, Easter morning began with an “indoor hunt.” Each child’s basket featured a different color of grass — pink, green, yellow or blue, etc. — and one treat, a large chocolate rabbit with the child’s name on it. If your basket had pink grass, your Easter treats, which might include small toys or wooden gliders, were hidden around the house with several strands of pink grass.

Like children everywhere, mine liked to hold their own egg hunts all afternoon on Easter Sunday. It was fun to hide them and make it really hard for your older siblings and cousins to find them.

For the past five years in our neighborhood, we have had an egg hunt for our grandchildren and neighborhood children. Competing to find the most eggs isn’t always appropriate when the children range from three to ten years, so we do things a bit differently.

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Story by Jean Knouse

In our group, there are usually seven or eight hunters and each child is assigned to find 10 eggs — all of one color or pattern. As the adults in our group watched the search, we noticed two things. First, we had to ask the older children not to show the younger children (don’t call them little) where to find their eggs and then after the “big” kids found all of their eggs, they always went to help the younger kids find theirs.

When all of the eggs were found, it was time to hand out the prizes! At our hunt, a number in your egg is

rewarded with a prize. Of course, each child walked home with 10 eggs and 10 prizes.

Our neighborhood egg hunt always begins with the reading of “Here Comes T-Rex Cottontail.” The first year, I read it to the children. Since then, a different child has read it each year and everyone claps and cheers at the finish. We giggle about T-Rex’s bunny slippers and his scotch-taped whiskers, but it is the message of kindness, co-operation and friendship that is so wonderful. Children of all ages will enjoy it. Happy Easter! IPA

INSIDE PENNSYLVANIA | SPRING 2022

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