Voice of the Valley Spring 2023

VOICE VALLEY of the

Supporting Businesses Owned and Led By Women

As part of its efforts towards Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Valley, the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce encourages its Stakeholder members to give the gift of Chamber Membership to a minority or women owned business of their choosing. We appreciate the leadership of businesses and organizations like Evangelical Community Hospital, who not only give, but also take the time to meet, get to know, and support the diverse businesses in our region.

Insta-glam Salon has only been open for a few months, but is already making a name for itself. Co-owners, Jenna Matzinger and Angie Ortiz met while enrolled in Empire Beauty School and decided to go into business together. Matzinger and Ortiz worked with the Bucknell Small Business Development Center and utilized the George Bradly Scholarship in the pursuit of opening their salon at 49 Airport Road in Selinsgrove. Since opening, the pair have been busy!

In addition to a full slate of hair and nail services, the owners also look to cater to some underserved groups in the valley. Matzinger has a very personal experience in caring for a child with special needs and has taken that knowledge to help others who can benefit from customized care in a salon setting. Insta-Glam’s first “Special Needs Haircut” event was held February 4th and all available slots were taken. A second event is scheduled for March 25th and weeks in advance, reservations were filling up. The events utilize reduced sensory stimulation and private appointments, as well as accommodating other requests as needed.

Insta-Glam also has made extra effort to serve the Spanish speaking population of the valley. In addition to menus and marketing materials posted in both English & Spanish, coowner, Angie Ortiz is bi-lingual and provides a sense of home and belonging to her Spanish speaking customers.

“As an organization with a long history of success built on a foundation of working women, it is an honor and privilege to support and lift up a new business owned and led by women,” said Kendra Aucker, President and CEO of Evangelical Community Hospital.

“The richness of the owners’ bi-lingual background and sensitivity to those in our community with unique needs makes gifting a Chamber Membership even more fulfilling, knowing we are giving them resources to not only have success, but to serve our neighbors in new and diverse ways.”

It is our hope that our business & industry leaders will follow the example set by Evangelical Community Hospital, and continue to value and support the growing number of diverse small businesses and organizations in the Greater Susquehanna Valley.

Just A Word...

By: Bob Garrett President & CEO, The Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce

Reconnect With Us

A Global Spring. This is the title of a new book being published later this month and authored Dr. Aziz, a New York University professor of International Relations. She has been dubbed a “a global thinker to watch.” According to the early publicity and releases of related essays, Dr. Aziz will take the reader on a journey out of the pandemic, beyond all of the on-going wars and strife, above the ear-piercing din of the markets, through the climate crisis and show us the global risks that we really need to pay attention to, sooner rather than later.

As soon as it comes available, A Global Spring, will be a must read. In the meantime, and as a spoiler alert, let me suggest to you that we all need to take time this spring to smell the lilacs. In other words, to slow down a little, step out of the constant spin cycle of news, and re-connect.

Reconnect with each other, to our communities, and to our natural world. Together, we need to shake off the fear and loathing that the pandemic has wrought. A good place to start would be refocusing on what brings us together, what we agree on, and what we can accomplish by working together. The dividers may have won a couple of battles, but they will never be able to claim victory. People are just too good to let that happen.

Our biennial survey of members has wrapped up and our 2023-2024 Strategic Plan is being drafted. Before I get into the details, let me sincerely thank the many Chamber members who put the thought into their responses and took the time to complete the survey. You literally have created the foundation on which things will get done in the Greater Susquehanna Valley.

As you can probably guess, workforce is the top concern in our valley. This has been a rising issue for the past decade and beginning just two years ago it became our top priority.

This year the workforce issue expanded beyond the standard concern of an inadequate number of qualified job candidates to now involve having no candidates at all, qualified or not. Clearly, this issue has become more complicated, stickier, if you will. Simply stated, we currently don’t have enough people to keep our economic engines operating.

The question: “Will my customers return?” was the next biggest treat to full recovery mentioned by survey respondents. We all know that the pandemic changed everything. This constant state of change is weighing heavily on the minds of Chamber

members. Here again, we must work alongside each other and boost our Buy Local, Shop Small, Let’s Go Downtown efforts.

Broadband and high-speed internet kept their status of major worries. But, here again, this longer term issue has changed over time, and the survey responses indicate that while access has improved, capacity and compatibility gaps still need to be resolved.

2859 N. Susquehanna Trail Shamokin Dam, PA 17876 570-743-4100 / 800-410-2880

Hours: M-F 8:30am - 4:30pm gsvcc.org

It’s been said that Chambers of Commerce, such as ours, “do every day what most people think just happens.” It may not happen today, or even later this week; however, resolving the big concerns, gaps, issues, treats, and worries of our members and that which troubles the citizens of the Greater Susquehanna Valley are at the core of everything we do.

2023 Chair’s Circle Members

Aloysius Butler & Clark

BB&T now Truist

BJE Poultry

Bowen Agency Realtors

Coldwell Banker Penn One Real Estate

Contrast

Evangelical Community Hospital

First National Bank

Fulton Bank

GDK Development Geisinger

Hummel Station

i3 Verticals

Jersey Shore State Bank

Kreamer Feed

M&T Bank

Member Choice Financial Credit Union

Mifflinburg Bank & Trust Company

National Beef

North Shore Railroad Company

Nottingham Village Senior Living Community

Penn State World Campus

PPL Electric Utilities

Purdy Insurance Agency

Service

1st Federal Credit Union

Service Electric Cablevision, Inc.

Stahl Sheaffer Engineering

SUN Area Technical Institute

Sunbury Broadcasting Corporation

Susquehanna University

The Daily Item

The Northumberland National Bank

UGI Utilities, Inc.

UPMC

Weis Markets

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIR

Aimee Buehner, Bowen Agency

VICE CHAIRMAN

Jeff Reber, Union County Commissioner

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR

Art Thomas, Meck-Tech Inc

TREASURER/DIRECTOR

Greg Zeh, Weis Markets

SECRETARY

Bob Garrett, GSVCC

REGION VICE PRESIDENTS

Greg Zeh, Weis Markets

Leslie Temple, Fulton Bank

Phil DeRose, UPMC

Gene Welsh III, GDK Development

Sam Haulman, Service Electric Cablevision

Malcolm Derk, Susquehanna University

DIRECTORS

Fred Scheller, The Daily Item

John Kurelja, CSIU

Beau Hoffman, AxRunkle, P.C.

Rachel Smith, Evangelical Com Hospital

Steve Stumbris, Bucknell SBDC

Chad Evans, Stone State Entertainment

Sara Snyder, Shared Support

Melissa Day, LCCC

Roger van Baaren, Geisinger Health Plan

Ryan McNally, YMCA of GSV

Executive Director of Operations & Workforce Jenny Wentz jwentz@gsvcc.org

President/CEO Bob Garrett rgarrett@gsvcc.org

Director of Communications & Events Kendy Alvarez

Director of Membership & Workforce Zach Stotter

The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate. – Oprah Winfrey

Outdoor Recreation in the Susquehanna River Valley

Submitted by Andrew Miller, Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau

Amid the hills and valleys, forests and fields, rivers and streams of central Pennsylvania, the Susquehanna River Valley beckons to outdoor enthusiasts seeking inspiration and adventure. The region is home to beautiful landscapes and abundant opportunities for runners, cyclists, paddlers, fishers and offroaders to explore the road less traveled and live their best lives.

In size, this region is one of the smallest on the PA map, yet it consistently ranks high in the state’s tourism statistics in regards to outdoor recreation. Here are just a few of the ways the region is making headlines:

• Penns Creek, with waters ranging from still to some of the most rapidly flowing in the state, is considered one of the best trout streams in the country and a top fly-fishing location in the state.

• The region is superb for every type of bicycling, whether you prefer an easy ride on a local rail trail, longer road rides through the countryside or strenuous mountain biking through gorgeous forest lands. Gravel cycling, in particular, is gaining momentum with the national recognition received by unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley, a top gravel race held annually in October throughout Union and Snyder counties.

• Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area has put our region on the map for off-roading enthusiasts looking to experience some PA “wild life.” With carefully cultivated trails and one-of-a-kind obstacles, the AOAA draws visitors from all over the country.

• The new disc golf course at Faylor Lake is garnering national attention due to its spectacular views and championship level of play. The disc golf course is open daily and free of charge for athletes, beginners and families.

With so many beautiful and diverse outdoor amenities, it is no wonder that we find so many reasons to celebrate the outdoors within our communities. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy the special events and programming geared toward individuals and families seeking opportunities to get outside and explore. Here are a few to experience:

• Merrill Linn Conservancy’s Explore the Natural World Events – Throughout the spring, Merrill Linn hosts programs in various locations on a wide range of outdoor topics from bird watching to stargazing and from trees and plants to frogs and fireflies. Programming is available for every age and area of interest.

• Middle Susquehanna RiverKeeper HERYN – Registration is currently open for this youth (ages 9-14) kayaking and fishing program held in June in New Columbia. The goal of the popular program is to help young people become more confident in the outdoors and more dedicated to protecting our natural resources.

• River Road Holiday – The Bucknell Community Engagement Fund will sponsor their River Road Holiday on May 14th from 1-5pm. The river road north of the Lewisburg Borough from the Community Garden to Riverwoods will be closed to traffic allowing for wheelchairs, walkers and bicyclists to enjoy the views at their own pace.

• Susquehanna Greenway Outdoor Expo – On June 3rd at

Shikellamy State Park, the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership will hold their popular Outdoor Expo with demonstrations and information about the region’s outdoor amenities, adventure gear and getting started in outdoor pastimes. Enjoy approximately 50 booths, food trucks and music.

• Lavender Festival at Blue Sparrow Farm – June 17th and 18th enjoy arts and crafts, wine and music amongst the lavender fields in Milton.

Of course, there are also plenty of ways to get outside and celebrate during spring in the Susquehanna River Valley. In April McClure Bacon Fest will be held April 15th and the two-week long Celebration of the Arts in Lewisburg will kick off with the Lewisburg Arts Festival on April 29th. Don’t miss the Anthracite Heritage Festival of the Arts May 6th, the Middlecreek Valley Spring Antique Machinery Association Show May 19th-21st and the Central PA Fiber Festival May 20th-21st. In June, plan to attend the Milton PA Beer Fest on the 10th.

At VisitCentralPA.org, you will find an ever evolving calendar of local events. Check back often for new calendar submissions and sign up to receive our e-weekly newsletter, “This Week in the Susquehanna River Valley,” so that you never have to miss out on the fun.

To learn a little bit about everything the Susquehanna River Valley has to offer visit the Route 15 Visitor Center in Lewisburg Monday, May 1st through Friday, May 5th from 9am to 5pm for our annual Backyard Tourism Week celebration. Enjoy special themed days, browse area attraction displays and register to win awesome prizes. For more information about Backyard Tourism Week and the attractions, outdoor recreational opportunities, restaurants, shops, events and amenities found within the region go to VisitCentralPA.org or phone the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau at 800.525.7320. Remember to ask about receiving a copy of our Outdoor Recreation Guide and the 2023 Official Guide to the Susquehanna River Valley.

Susquehanna River Cleanup in its 11th Year!

The Susquehanna River Cleanup organized by a committee of Sunbury’s Revitalization, Inc is celebrating its 11th year of annual cleanup events. This year’s cleanup will take place on April 23, 2023.

Over the past decade, hundreds of volunteers have collected tens of thousands of pounds of garbage along the banks of the Susquehanna River and Lake Augusta. According to event organizer, Danielle Bronowicz, “The waterways are some of Pennsylvania’s greatest assets – vital to our sense of community and our economy. From Shamokin Creek to Lake Augusta, and the West and North Branches of the Susquehanna, we are proud to take part in caring for our natural resources.”

Last year, more than 200 volunteers contributed 500-plus combined hours toward collecting trash in 22 waterway areas. They collected 80 tires and loads of trash totaling 11,500 pounds! Cleanup events like this one are essential for reducing the amount of trash and plastic reaching our oceans. During 2022 Pick Up Pennsylvania, September 1 – November 30, 613 events, 7,570 volunteers collected 530,000 pounds of trash. The top five items collected during 2022 Pick

Up Pennsylvania included 11,743 pounds of cigarette butts, 8,593 pounds of beverage cans, 7,334 pounds of plastic bottles, 5,574 pounds of food wrappers, and 5,280 pounds of tires.

For its efforts, the Susquehanna River Cleanup Project, Sunbury’s Revitalization, Inc was recognized by the Ocean Conservancy for outstanding and dedicated service to International Coastal Cleanup and commitment to achieving trash free seas.

For more information and to volunteer for this year’s event, please visit https://sunburyrevitalization.org/ events-programs/rivercleanup/ or Facebook Susquehanna River Cleanup. You can also contact us at (570) 286-7768 or email hello@sunburyrevitalization.org

River Cleanup

100 Years of Literacy and Lifelong Learning

The Milton Public Library is celebrating our 100th anniversary in May of 2023! We serve over 8,500 users in our service area, surrounding communities, and throughout the state. We view “community” with a wide lens, and we welcome all Pennsylvania residents to sign up for a free library card and access our resources, services, and materials at no cost. In 2022, over 30,000 items were checked out from the Milton Public Library. In addition to books and DVDs, the Library offers:

• Access to eBooks, audiobooks, and over 4,000 digital magazines through Libby.

• Wi-Fi hotspots that provide free home internet access.

• STEAM activity kits focusing on coding, engineering, design, and more.

• Computers and access to the internet.

We are committed to providing free resources for all ages, encouraging lifelong learning, and helping our community thrive. In 2022, we increased our outreach efforts to attend over 100 events and distribute over 1,000 free books to children in our community. We hosted over 200 events at the Library, including school supplies giveaways, trivia nights, citizenship classes, after-school math and science programs, and our annual summer reading program, which featured 45 events attended by over 1,000 participants.

Upcoming events at the Milton Public Library include Egg Hunt in partnership with the Downtown Milton Merchants Association on April 8, floral arrangement fundraising workshop with The Blooming Rooster on May 20, our ongoing STEAM Discovery Program with the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum on the first Tuesday of each month, and our Summer Reading Program beginning in June which focuses on educational activities, programs, reading, and fun for all ages!

The Library is also holding a “100 for 100” fundraising campaign to celebrate our 100th anniversary. This campaign provides an opportunity for everyone to contribute to the success of the Library: volunteer for 100 minutes, spend 100 seconds sharing why you value the Library, or make a donation of any amount, from 100 pennies to 100 dollars or more–the Library values all forms of support! Visit milton100.com to donate and for more information.

The Library strives to work in partnership with our community, and we rely on your contributions to continue providing services and resources. According to the Pennsylvania Library Association, for every dollar invested, public libraries provide a return on investment of $5.50 in benefits to the community. The Milton Public Library is not immune to the rising costs of goods and services, but with your help, we can maintain a world-class library with highly qualified staff and ensure that everyone has equal access to information, education, and technology at no cost.

Antiques on the Avenue

Submitted by Helen Walter, Selinsgrove Chamber of Commerce

The Selinsgrove Area Chamber of Commerce has announced they will sponsor their 34th annual ANTIQUES ON THE AVENUE show and sale on Sunday, July 9th, from 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event will be held in Selinsgrove on the grassy lawn at the corner of N Market and W Snyder streets, adjacent to the Selinsgrove Inn (use 204 N Market for GPS directions.)

Each year, we host more than 30 quality antique dealers traveling from 25 different communities throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. These antique dealers specialize in primitives, wooden bowls and boxes, jewelry, early kitchen items, stoneware, granite, glassware, small furniture pieces, vintage tools, depression glass, advertising, toys, trains and art. If you are looking to start a collection or find a new old treasure to add to your decor, you won’t want to miss this show.

Admission is free to this anxiously anticipated event which will include an outdoor café area with food vendors offering specialty hot dogs, nacho platters, pulled pork sandwiches, ice cream, cotton candy and more. Seating areas, hand washing and comfort stations will be provided.

“Antiques on the Avenue” promises to be an enjoyable way to spend a summertime Sunday in Selinsgrove. Looking forward to seeing you there!

A limited number of additional vendor spaces are available for qualified antiques dealers only, (no craft or flea market items allowed). For more information call Jane at 570-495-1456 or The Cottage on Pine antique shop at 570-374-8992.

Submitted by Kris LaVanish, Milton Public Library

Vendor booths at the 2022 Antique on the Avenue show.

Market Street Magic

In a few weeks, as if by magic, Lewisburg’s historic downtown will be transformed overnight into a one-day, open-air market … otherwise known as the Lewisburg Arts Festival!

This Valley favorite will feature artists’ booths with hand-crafted wares to captivate the eye, food vendors offering mouthwatering treats to tempt the taste buds, free entertainment to delight the ear, and more!

The Lewisburg Arts Council welcomes over 10,000 visitors to its annual Festival, the area’s premier juried-artist show, where there’s so much to see and do, we have to close Market Street to squeeze it all in!

This year’s magical makeover occurs on Saturday, April 29. The Festival opens at 9:45am

and closes at 5:00pm.

Like any sleight-of-hand act, this transformation is the result of hours of behind-the-scenes planning and preparation, beginning in October.

As a 100% volunteer-run organization, the Lewisburg Arts Council relies on community members to make this magic happen. One such “magician” is Lewisburg resident Samantha Wyvill, who first volunteered in 2021.

For Wyvill, volunteering “offered an opportunity to introduce myself to my new community, meet new people, and learn new skills.” Since then, she says, it “has given me a sense of personal accomplishment … and … the opportunity to work with an amazing group

of people for the benefit of the community. After preparing for months, the reward of seeing the community coming together to share an experience is priceless. And volunteering is a great way to give back.”

The Arts Council also depends on local organizations to assist with the Festival. Members of the Rotary Club of Lewisburg –Sunrise serve coffee and breakfast snacks to vendors in the hours before the Festival opens. President Marian Anderson explains, “Our focus is ‘Service above Self.’ For the community and vendors, it is important for the Festival to be a success, and we enjoy being a part of that while we have fun doing it. We are proud to make a difference in the community, one cup of coffee at a time.” Scouts from Troop 538 help in a number of

ways, including opening the Festival with their traditional Flag-raising Ceremony at the Post Office.

The business community also pitches in, with goods, services, and financial support. We are so grateful to each one of our sponsors, who recognize that not everyone is able to travel to see art on display and not everyone can afford to attend live music or dance performances. Their support allows us to bring these arts encounters to the community, free of charge. Please join us in thanking them for helping us connect our community and the arts! (Find a complete list on our website at LewisburgArtsCouncil.com/ celebration-of-the-arts )

For brand-new volunteer Stina Stannik, “The Lewisburg Arts

Festival was already one of my favorite regional events before I even moved to town. There’s something joyous about seeing pedestrians take over Market Street! I’m a casual hobby artist myself and when I wanted to get more involved in community events, I knew volunteering with the Arts Council would be a great way to support arts in the region.”

If you or your business is looking for a way to help make the magic happen, either as a volunteer or as a donor, please email president@lewisburgartscouncil.com or message us on Facebook. Even a LITTLE helps a LOT!

Della Hutchison President, Lewisburg Arts Council

Union-Snyder Hunger Coalition

Imagine a cold day at the end of January, 2023. Despite the weather and the meeting starting at 1pm on a Monday, which we all know can be a busy day, over 60 people from across the SUN region gather at the Miller Center because they are committed to addressing food security in our community.

The Hunger Coalition is a network of growers, producers, distributors, donors, clients, and volunteers who work to collectively respond to food insecurity. The Coalition first began regularly meeting in October of 2020, after transitioning from the Sowing Change Conference, a collaboration that started between the Union-Snyder Community Action Agency (CAA), Susquehanna and Bucknell University in 2016. The community initiative is now led by Rachel Herman and Nicole Peterson of CAA. In 2022, a strategic plan and mission statement were established by the strategic planning sub-committee and now, in 2023, that work is being carried out by several subcommittees and Hunger Coalition members.

Currently a coordinating committee helps to oversee and guide the three sub-committees that make up the Coalition. Those three

subcommittees include: Education & Outreach, Growers & Producers, and SUN Food Access. All four committees work towards specific goals outlined in the Hunger Coalition’s strategic plan.

During the first in-person Hunger Coalition in January, many stakeholders built new connections and strengthened current relationships through discussions within the four committee areas. The energy in the room was palpable, with ideas ranging from having a standing donation table at local farmer’s markets to creating a book club featuring books about food justice that could be hosted at different local businesses. Attendees also learned about the Central PA Food Bank’s Hunger Mapping Project slated to occur in Union and Snyder counties this year as well as shared ways that we can all better support and foster connections between growers and producers, who play a vital role in our food ecosystem.

This year, the Hunger Coalition hopes to raise awareness about their work, invite more folks to join the network, host several events that help to educate around this important community priority, and raise funds for this regional effort.

The Coalition’s next event is the annual 5K/Walk fundraiser on April 22nd at the Miller Center in Lewisburg. Find the details and register online at runsignup.com

If you are interested in learning more about the Coalition, would like to get connected or are interested in how you can support this work, please reach out to Rachel

Herman at rherman@union-snydercaa.org. You can also visit unionsnydercaa.org/hunger-coalition website to learn more about the Coalition.

January Hunger Coalition Annual Meeting at The YMCA at the Miller Center in Lewisburg

Hunger Coalition Stakeholders participating in an icebreaking session to get to know one another

April 18th

Young Americans Leadership at Susquehanna University

7:30am-2:30pm

May Young Americans Recognition Ceremony

6:30-8pm

September 15th

Young Americans Golf Classic 9am at Knoebles Three Ponds Golf Course

Cassi Ronk Shikellamy High School

Kyleen Michael Line Mountain High School

Kyle A. Boonie SUN Area Technical Institute

Jacob Reed Meadowbrook Christian School

Aubryana Zettlemoyer Selinsgrove Area High School

Lyn Bingaman Mifflinburg Area High School

Shawn Lightner Midd-West High School

Marissa Paul Lewisburg Area High School

Brai Tate Midd-West High School

Hannah Ruohoniemi Line Mountain High School

Danielle Malone SUN Area Technical Institute

Philip Gesumaria Selinsgrove Area High School

Cameron Hoover Shikellamy High School

Hazel Buonopane Lewisburg Area High School

Elliana Reese Zwatty Northumberland Christian School

Emily Baney Meadowbrook Christian School

Elizabeth A. Spieles Line Mountain High School

Payton Derr Mifflinburg Area High School

Ava Blair Selinsgrove Area High School

Tyler Long SUN Area Technical Institute

Maddie Sauers Danville Area High School

Jonah Carney Lewisburg Area High School

Jenika Krum Northumberland Christian School

Juliana Jordan Midd-West

Community, Economic, & Workforce Development Program Day

Thursday, January 19, 2023

by Jenny Wentz, Executive Director

Where better to have our Community, Economic, & Workforce Development program day than in the heart of Shamokin! Thanks to Edward and Wendy Manning of The Heritage Restaurant & Pub, we had the perfect location for our January program day. While overlooking Market Street, the LSV class of 2023 was exposed to information that helped them see Shamokin and their own local communities from a new perspective.

Kathy Vetovich, President of SABER (Shamokin Area Businesses for Economic Revitalization), shared how SABER is improving the economy of the Shamokin area. Kathy’s love and enthusiasm for Shamokin was evident to the class members as she shared personal stories of how Shamokin is growing and changing for the better.

The class of 2023 had the opportunity to develop their own communities after hearing from Neal Fogle, Extension Educator of Community & Economic Development at Penn State Extension, who broke down what elements create a community and how each piece plays an integral role in creating a place where people want to live, work, and play.

Zach Stotter, Assistant Executive Director of LSV and Director of Membership & Workforce at the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce, led a panel discussion on Workforce Development in Central Pennsylvania. The panelists included Jamie Mercaldo, Site Administrator at the Sunbury & Bloomsburg PA CareerLink; Theresa Kohler, Lead Business Consultant at PA CareerLink; and Jennifer Hain, Facilitator at Career Ready Central PA. The panel discussed the various challenges employers locally are facing, as well as the initiatives and efforts in place to combat them in order to have a strong and talented workforce.

With a new perspective and passion for community, economic, and workforce development, I look forward to seeing how the LSV class of 2023 gets involved in their local communities to encourage retention and growth.

Thank you to our program day sponsors, Luzerne County Community College, Evangelical Community Hospital, and One Focus Property Management.

LSV Class of 2023 presenting their vision of an ideal community to their fellow class members.

Zach Stotter, GSVCC Director of Membership & Workforce leading a panel discussion on Workforce Development in Central PA, featuring Jamie Mercaldo, Site Administrator for Sunbury & Bloomsburg PA CareerLink; Jennifer Hain, Facilitator for Career Ready Central PA; and Theresa Kohler, Lead Business Consultant for PA CareerLink.

LSV Class of 2023 presenting their groups discussions surrounding Community, Economic, and Workforce Development.

December 15, 2022

by Jenny Wentz, Executive Director

This program day was all about pivoting. Weather was not on our side on the week leading up to our healthcare program day. As a planner, adapting to change can be challenging, but thanks to our fantastic leadership team, we were able pivot and pull off a successful, virtual program day.

Phil DeRose, LSV board member and Manager of Planning & Marketing Data Research at UPMC, kicked off the day as the moderator of a healthcare executives panel discussion. The panel featured Kendra Aucker, President/ CEO at Evangelical Community Hospital; Tracey Wolfe, Chief Administrative Officer at Geisinger; Dr. David Lopatofsky, Chief Medical Officer at UPMC. The panelists gave insight into who and what influenced them in their career journeys to the top, what leadership traits they think have made them successful, what traits they look for in their leadership cabinets, and the current issues facing healthcare.

The class also had the opportunity to hear from Stacie Gaul, PMP, AVP, Support Services & Capital Planning at Evangelical Community Hospital, who provided a walk-

Program Day

through time in understanding the evolution of Evangelical Community Hospital. Elissa Veldhuis, MS, ATC/LAT, PES, Community Health & Wellness at Evangelical Community Hospital, and Educator and Wellness at Work Coordinator at the Miller Recreation Center, who shared how taking ultradian rhythm breaks will increase productivity along with your health and wellness. Tamara Persing, Vice President, Patient Care Services/Chief Nursing Officer at Evangelical Community Hospital and Brian Wolfe, Vice President, Physician and Clinic Practices at Evangelical Community Hospital, presented on the importance of health literacy and knowing when to utilize primary care, urgent care, and the emergency department.

Our day ended with a virtual tour of Evangelical Community Hospital’s new critical care unit.

Although this was not the program day that was originally planned, it was a great reminder that change should be embraced. As a leader, not everything is going to go as planned, and it is how we react and adapt to change that is important.

Thank you to our program day sponsor, Evangelical Community Hospital!

Phil DeRose, Manager, Planning & Marketing Date Research at UPMC, moderating a Healthcare Executives’ Panel Discussion, featuring Dr. David Laopatofsky, MD, Chief Medical Officer at UPMC; Kendra Aucker, President/CEO at Evangelical Community Hospital; and Tracey Wolfe, Chief Administrative Officer at Geisinger.

Live or Stream One Screen

Local Government Program Day

Thursday, February 16, 2023

by Jenny Wentz, Executive Director

We had an amazing and informative day in downtown Lewisburg at the Open Discourse Coalition, which was the perfect venue for this particular program day. LSV was privileged to welcome outstanding local officials who faithfully serve our communities. The class members had the opportunity to engage with Liz Kishbaugh, Central PA Regional Manager for U.S. Senator Bob Casey; Lynda Schlegel Culver, PA State Representative & Senator-elect; Kendy Alvarez, Mayor for the Borough of Lewisburg; and Ben Reichley, Snyder County Republican Committee to gain perspective, understanding, and work to provide solutions for the community.

As the first woman of color to be elected in any of the Valley communities as well as the youngest to lead an area town, Kendy Alvarez had the opportunity to share her unique story with the LSV class members along with her goals for Lewisburg.

Thanks to a Powering Equity grant from the PPL Foundation, LSV was able to partner with The Inclusion Firm to provide diversity, equity, and inclusion training to the LSV Class of 2023. Barrett Marshall, Esq., Senior Consultant at The Inclusion Firm, explored The Impacts of Implicit Bias + Microaggressions with the class and LSV board members through a mix of presentation and open discussion to better understand how our brains naturally associate and categorize the world. One class member shared, “I really valued the open conversation during the DEI component. I felt safe and able to speak. I also loved seeing how some people’s perspectives of the topics changed as we continued to discuss. DEI training I have been through previously has never been as productive or enjoyable.”

Caz Russell, Certified Coach, Trainer & Speaker, presented his fourth leadership session entitled, “Leadership is an inside job,” which focused on emotional intelligence. Caz taught the class how to recognize and understand emotions in themselves and others, and how to use their awareness to manage their behavior and relationships.

As a graduate from the very first class of LSV (Class of 1995), Jeff Reber, Union County Commissioner, shared how his leadership journey led him to where he is today and how he is leading change in his current role.

To finish out the program day, Nathan Savidge, Chief Clerk for Northumberland County, opened up to the class about his own personal leadership journey and how it led him to where he is today. He also provided firsthand information on elections in our local area.

It was certainly an impactful and informative day for the LSV Class of 2023, and with only three more program days remaining before graduation, I am hoping to finish strong with Community & Human Services, Agriculture, and Tourism themed program days.

Thank you to our program day sponsors, Mike Piecuch, Snyder County District Attorney; Phil DeRose, LSV Board Member; and SEDA-COG.

Jeff Reber, Union County Commissioner, addressing the LSV Class of 2023’s questions about his role in the community.

The LSV Class of 2023 engaging with Liz Kishbaugh, Central PA Regional Manager for U.S. Senator Bob Casey, during the Breakfast with Local Officials session.

The LSV Class of 2023 engaging with Ben Reichley, Snyder County Republican Committee, during the Breakfast with Local Officials session.

The Susquehanna Greenway Outdoor Expo: An Economic Benefit to the Susquehanna

There is no doubt about it, the Susquehanna River offers a world of beauty and opportunity for outdoor recreation. In recent years, more people than ever have shown an interest in activities on and along our backyard river. Yet, it is not always apparent where to go or how to plan that next outdoor adventure, resulting in missed opportunities for individuals and the businesses who cater to them.

One organization that is working to help fill this gap is the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP). SGP works to connect people to this treasured corridor—the Susquehanna Greenway—to help provide the opportunity and resources for all to access hiking, biking, and paddling trails along our shared Susquehanna River.

And that’s not all. For the towns and businesses of the Susquehanna Valley, Greenways are known to play a role in supporting economic development.

According to Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, “Greenways and their trails provide countless opportunities for economic renewal and growth [such as] increased property values, tour-

ism, and recreation-related spending.”

Small communities, like those in the Susquehanna Valley, are positioned to benefit from this rising interest in outdoor recreation if we look at their unique character and access to outdoor opportunities as economic resources.

It is not just the outfitters who profit. The small businesses that line the streets of our downtown communities have become hubs for people to convene after their adventures at the nearby parks and trails. People are attracted to their charm, stay to enjoy the amenities, and boost the local economies as a result.

One event that saw an opportunity to celebrate this commodity was the Susquehanna Greenway Outdoor Expo, held in June of 2022. And it is coming to the Susquehanna Valley again in 2023!

During the first year’s event, held at Shikellamy State Park Marina where the North and West branches of the Susquehanna River meet, SGP convened industry experts, outdoor

professionals, and non-profit partners to share their tools, knowledge, gear, and resources with the recreating public.

The event brought in 50 vendors from across the state to engage with attendees and offered a full slate of workshops, presentations, gear demos, and music performances—all at no cost to the public. The response to this event was overwhelming, as over 1,000 individuals and families engaged with the event and shared in the learning opportunities.

One attendee said, “Terrific event with lots of great people and information!” Another remarked, “It was awesome! I hope you have it again next year.”

Highlights of the event included a live birds of prey show by the Miller’s Wildlife & Conservation Specialists, fly fishing for beginners run by TCO Fly Shop, a paddling clinic held by Susquehanna Outfitters, and ongoing demos and activities held at each exhibitor’s booth—for example, learning to throw discs with DiscGolfPark.

2022 Susquehanna Greenway Outdoor Expo

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It was a full day of fun and learning for all audiences. As one exhibitor puts it, “From ages 3 to 83, there were so many people whose smiles will keep bringing me back to this event.”

The Susquehanna Greenway Outdoor Expo attracted vendors and visitors from across the Commonwealth, bringing them to our region, showing them the opportunities to explore the outdoors, and inviting them to stay and patronize the businesses of our local communities.

“The outpouring of enthusiasm for this event showed us how important it is to connect the public with the world of opportunity right here in the Susquehanna Greenway—to help them plan their next hiking, biking, or paddling adventure right in their backyard,” explains SGP Executive Director, Corey Ellison.

The Susquehanna Greenway Outdoor Expo was such a success that SGP is hosting the event again this summer on

Saturday, June 3, 2023, 10 AM – 3 PM at the Shikellamy State Park Marina.

The Expo will once again be free to the public and will invite experts in the outdoor industry to exhibit their goods, services, and information—all of which will help connect people to the outdoor recreation resources and communities of the Susquehanna River.

Attendees can also expect a full schedule of educational presentations, panels, and clinics, as well as food trucks, and a lineup of musical performances with several songs inspired by the Susquehanna River.

Those interested in attending or exhibiting at the Susquehanna Greenway Outdoor Expo may learn more by visiting susquehannaexpo.com.

You may also learn more about SGP’s offerings by visiting susquehannagreenway.org. Here you will find information SGP’s latest news & stories, upcoming events, the various regions of the Susquehanna Greenway, paddling routes, and

the parks, trails, and river towns that can be explored within the corridor.

The Susquehanna Greenway is a corridor of connected trails, parks, river access points, and communities, linking people to the natural and cultural treasures of the Susquehanna River within Pennsylvania. The mission of the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership is to continue to grow the Greenway by building connections along the Susquehanna River, inspiring people to engage with the outdoors, and transforming communities into places where people want to live, work, and explore.

About the Author: Alana Jajko is the Director of Communications and Outreach for the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership. Her work is focused on promoting trails and communities within our vibrant and connected Susquehanna Greenway, so that the public can enjoy opportunities to engage with the outdoors. Alana can be reached at ajajko@ susquehannagreenway.org.

Intro to Paddling workshop with Susquehanna Outfitters

Casting clinic with TCO Fly Shop

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We’re so glad spring is here in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania! The trees are beginning to bud and the Lewisburg Art Council’s Celebration of the Arts is just around the corner. To kick things off for the two week celebration we have the Lewisburg Arts Festival along Market Street on April 29th from 10am until 5pm. Lewisburg’s longest running festival brings in artisans from all over for one day of shopping and eating and entertainment. And while you’re here stop into one of our numerous restaurants for a relaxing meal and browse our shops for one of a kind and unique gifts and treats. The Celebration of the Arts continues through May 13th with a myriad of artistic activities and expressions. Go to www.lewisburgartscouncil.org for more information. Then on Sunday, May 14th, Mother’s Day, spend some time walking, biking and chatting with Lewisburg Neighborhoods during their River Road Holiday, on River Road between Front Street and RT 15. For more information on River Road Holiday and all that Lewisburg Neighborhoods does visit www.lewisburgneighborhoods.org.

Head over to the historic Campus Theatre the evening of Wednesday, May 17th for the 4th Live from Lewisburg Variety Show. The show draws its inspiration from the history of the arts and theaters, harkening to a time when the community theater was truly the center stage for news and entertainment. It’s an evening to see and be seen and to take in some of the best talent the Valley has to offer. Go to www.livefromlewisburg.com for up to date information.

You may notice some construction downtown Lewisburg this summer. Hufnagle Park will be getting a glow up and we can’t wait to celebrate and play in it in 2024! This being the case, our Summer Craft Fair, on June 3rd, will be held along 3rd and 4th Streets and behind the Post Office. On June 17th we are so excited to announce our first Pride Festival in downtown Lewisburg, in the same location.

The Lewisburg Arts Council kicks off their Music in the Park series on Wednesday evening, June 21 continuing through July and into mid-August. The Union County Veterans 4th of July Parade will be held on Friday, June 24th preceded by the fireworks at Wolfe Field on Thursday, June 23rd. Don’t forget a local favorite, the Lewisburg Arts Council’s Sidewalk Chalk Festival, on Friday, July 7th. Wrapping up July, Strictly Ballet presents their annual Victorian Fairy Garden Party at the Greenspace Center on July 29th to benefit our annual Lewisburg Victorian Nutcracker being performed on Saturday, December 16th at the Riverstage Theatre. Put on your best Victorian or fairy attire and come out and enjoy dancing, refreshments, and games.

As always visit www.lewisburgpa.com, the Lewisburg Downtown Partnership’s website for more information on all of these events and more.

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