The Five

Bethany Barrett has been a

writer and photographer for The Williamsport Sun-Gazette since last June. She enjoys being with family and friends, spending time in nature, writing, photography and art. bbarrett@sungazette.com

Len Mahonski is a former Keystone Press Award winner and lifestyle, rrts and entertainment reporter for the Williamsport SunGazette. As a single father, his writings often draw inspiration by calling the reader’s attention to the extraordinary people in our community, who make a positive impact and real difference in the lives of others.

Joseph W. Smith III is a writer,

teacher and speaker in Central PA. His latest book is The Best Movies You Never Saw: 300 Under-the-Radar Films That Were Overlooked, Unjustly Trashed -- or Just Plain Terrific. " He may be reached at robbwhitefan@gmail.com.

David Whitman has over

three decades of freelance entertainment writing experience in Philadelphia, Houston and Austin as well as locally for the Sun Gazette and the Williamsport Guardian. dwhitman0906@gmail.com Shirley Boatman is a retired

high school English teacher from Sullivan County. When her four children were in elementary school, she penned a weekly newspaper column, Say Kay, about their antics—and her husband’s. Now, Boatman is a happy grandmother of five, plus part of The Second Monday Workshop Group for poetry. She may be reached at sbboatman@comcast.net.

Krissi Miller is a native of the West Branch Valley. Graduated from Bishop Neumann High School, Krissi obtained a bachelor degree in education from Lock Haven and did masters work through Marywood University. She taught and administrated in area schools for three decades. Now retired, Miller's favorite place to be is atop her horse on a PA forest trail. Horses have always been a passion of hers. She is the author of "Return to Dignity, An Anthology of Horse Rescue Stories" .

Linda Stager, of Wellsboro, is an award-winning outdoor writer and photographer. Her stories and photos are often showcased in a variety of publications, including the Williamsport Sun -Gazette. She is also the author of the “Pine Creek Rail Trail Guidebook, ” a 206-page guide to the 62-mile highly acclaimed rail trail that runs from Wellsboro to Jersey Shore. You can learn more about her at www.lindastager.com and can reach her at lstager021@gmail.com.

Christina Williams is an ad-

vocate and co-author of “#SheWins 2: Stories and Photographs of Women who Survived Domestic Abuse. ” She has a Facebook page called Damsels~N~Distress geared at helping those who have survived abuse. She is also a community writer for The Express and you can reach her at cwilliams@lockhaven.com.

Editor’s letter Autumnal Adventures

By LORENA BENIQUEZ West Branch Life

You may have noticed that WBL has spawned two new niche magazines which are housed under the West Branch Life Signature Editions. It became apparent to the magazine team that we needed more pages to capture life around us and that is how RIDE and HUNT came to be. RIDE magazine focuses on wheel culture from motorcycles, to atvs and much more. As for HUNT, many assume that it expressly means to cover only hunting. However, it is much broader than that. It can be the hunt for the perfect trail to hike, the ideal stream to fish or whatever outdoor adventure awaits.

The reaction to the online and print magazines has been overwhelmingly positive. Thank you dear readers and advertisers for your support. Both magazines are ramping up for second issues next year.

As for WBL, we have a fall issue packed with destinations, activities and a general celebration of what our little neck of the woods has to offer during autumn. For instance, equine culture has surrounded us since the days we took up farming and lumbering. Writer Krissi Miller penned the equine culture article, as only she could do. As the author of “Return to Dignity: An Anthology of Horse Rescue Stories, ” she knows why our love of horses has created a tight knit community locally.

Then there is the unstoppable Gary Chrisman. The DJ is celebrating 35 years with KISS-FM and Writer David Whitman attended the soiree to mark that milestone. In addition, Whitman did a deep dive into how Chriman’s success led him back home, after early success in Miami. During our cover photo shoot, the DJ’s spirit was light and funny making for an effortless session.

Since our region has one of the most stunning fall landscapes in the United States, there are plenty of adventures that await us this season. Perhaps you can take in one of the festivals listed in “The Five, ” or embark on the Pine Creek Pinnacles Challenge that will take you through woods blazing with the season’s colors. However you choose to celebrate fall, we hope WBL will serve as a guide to your autumnal adventure.

Lorena Beniquez lbeniquez@sungazette.com

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