Wining and Dining in the Wilds

By SHIRLEY BOATMAN West Branch Life

Kick off spring with Wine in the Wilds on April 29 from 2 to 6 p.m at the Clinton County Fairgrounds off Route 220 at Mackeyville

The event brings together winemakers from Pennsylvania, artisans, vendors and food purveyors to celebrate our winemaking heritage

Since Pennsylvania has over 100 wineries and grows 20 different varieties of grapes, the event has much to celebrate

The Wine in the Wilds idea grew out of the Clinton County Historical Society’s (CCHS) search for an annual fundraiser to celebrate Central Pennsylvania and kick off their spring calendar of regional events, according to Maribeth Long, executive board member and recording secretary for the historical society.

“We chose a wine festival that would feature Pennsylvania wines The event supports our mission of preserving and promoting our rich Clinton County history,” says Long

Wine in the Wilds is a fundraiser to support the historical society’s five historic properties, including The Heisey House Museum, Poorman Gallery, Castanea Train Station, the Barton Street one-roomschoolhouse and the Farrandsville Furnace. Monies raised from the festival will help with each property’s maintenance.

First held in 2016, this year’s plans are similar to those of last year’s event

In 2022, twelve Pennsylvania wines

PHOTOS PROVIDED were featured, along with 25 vendors of sweet and savory treats, jewelry, clothing, novelty items, pamper-yourself items, home decor, along with food trucks from Pearl, Real Taste, 570 Eatery and Fair Food Live music rang out across the fairground throughout the day as some revelers danced and sang along

The 2022 Wine in the Wilds event attracted a large crowd. Twelve wineries came to offer tastings, while groups of friends came to socialize and enjoy the event.

Along with the CCHS board and its members, the festival is brought to life by the community’s volunteers, including Leadership Clinton County participants and Lock Haven University’s field hockey team. In addition to sampling wines, listening to music and shopping, event goers can camp for the night at the fairgrounds

Tickets for the event can be purchased online at www.wineinthewilds.com for $25 At the door on April 29, the cost is $30 Designated driver tickets are available for $10 All attendees must be 21 and provide identification to verify age.

By MIKE REUTHER West Branch Life

Pennsylvania Coll of Technology’s new president has a wealth of educational experience and is excited about taking on new challenges to help make a difference.

Dr. Michael J. Reed took over the top post at the college last July, replacing longtime president Davie Jane Gilmour, who retired.

“I believe my greatest responsibility is to empower ou team to work closely with bu ness, community and legislat leaders in order to meet our s goals and mission,” Reed say density on our campus is truly extraordinary, and yees have joined Penn Colnfluence and build our next ation of tomorrow makers refore, I need to be candid nd transparent about our challenges and opportunities; empower our faculty, staff, and students; and attempt to garner the support and resources to maximize student and team development The guiding principle is ‘mission always above self ’” e do this by working closely 2,000 industry partners and ting programs to remain on the cutting edge, he says.

Reed says he feels the number one responsibility of the college is to steer stuents to the most competitive sitions for achieving longsuccess.

He noted the college has longdemonstrated success with its 96% placement rate for graduates.

“I am most proud, however, of the results from Georgetown University’s recent study on whether or not college is worth it. The data shows that Penn College’s four-year graduates outperform those of all other public four-year institutions in Pennsylvania when measuring 10-year return on investment,” Reed says.

Reed made that investment in himself throughout his academic studies. He holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Drexel University, a Master of Education in Counseling and Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Clarion University of Pennsylvania In addition, he earned a Post-Master Certificate in School Administration from Penn State

According to Reed, the college’s primary areas of focus are developing more graduates, investing in infrastructure, adapting new programs and engaging and empowering the school’s partners in developing and delivering programs.

“Industry is in dire need of highly skilled Penn College graduates who have the technical expertise, coupled with the ability to problem-solve, communicate and lead-work as a team,” he says. “In Fall 2022, Penn College witnessed a 12% increase in new students enrolling into our programs in comparison to Fall 2021 ”

Reed was one of 10 siblings growing up in the Pittsburgh suburb of Glenshaw He points to his blue-collar work-ethic, growth mindset and community focus that has guided him

Prior to becoming president, Reed served Penn College as vice president for academic affairs-provost; vice pres- ident for academic operations and associate provost; dean of the former School of Sciences, Humanities & Visual Communications; and assistant dean of liberal arts and sciences.

“These diverse experiences have helped guide my approach to transformative leadership, innovation, cultureshaping, strategic planning and building networks with stakeholders to advance institutional goals.”

During Reed’s inauguration speech, he talked of the debt of gratitude he feels for his wife, Christina, son, Gavin and daughter, Cali.

“They are my true north – always helping to keep me grounded and energized,” he told the audience that day

Becoming a college president was not a career aspiration He says, “However, I am thoroughly enjoying serving, learning and leading through the role of president ”