Member News September 1, 2021
Danville Heritage Festival This Weekend
The Danville Heritage Festival is a community celebration of all things Danville.
This year’s festival will be held in conjunction with the Danville Business Alliance’s Fall Arts & Crafts Festival, centered along Mill Street, with special events at other locations throughout the Danville community between Friday, September 3rd and Sunday, September 5th.
Enjoy living history presentations, historic tours of Danville, garden tours, live music, vendors, great food, fireworks, and much more.
A full schedule of events is available at DanvilleHeritage.com.
Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Partners with United in Recovery on “Hiding in Plain Sight” Temporary Exhibit
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum recently partnered with United in Recovery, part of the United Way of Columbia and Montour Counties, to bring the “Hidden in Plain Sight” temporary exhibit to Bloomsburg
“Hiding in Plain Sight” is an exhibit, meant for parents and caregivers, that simulates a teen’s bedroom in which parents learn to identify objects that could provide critical insights about risky behavior. Amidst the clutter of clothing scattered on the floor, school supplies, and personal care products are items that can signal that a young person could be involved in risky, harmful, or even illegal activity. Visitors will have an opportunity to interact with the items on display.
Olivia Oden, Stigma Reduction & Education Coordinator for United in Recovery explains the importance of this exhibit.
“The ‘problem’ that our Hiding In Plain Sight exhibit addresses is substance use among young adults. Within the ‘teen’s bedroom’ that is set up, there are many places where one may hide illicit substances. Our exhibit strives to make parents and caregivers aware of not only where these hiding places are, but also of what challenges a teen may face when they use these illicit substances. We also provide resources and information for the family to take with them if interested, and the hands-on experience is a conversation starter for many individuals. This simulation is not meant to scare families and loved ones but be a conduit to have an open conversation on safety and prevention concerning illicit substance use among youth. “
The exhibit is currently open and runs through September 18th. Visitors can view the exhibit by entering a separate program space adjacent to the Museum’s exhibit galleries. The exhibit is open during regular Museum hours Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
For more information about United in Recovery please visit https://cmcuw.org/unitedinrecovery.
Berwick Breakfast Celebrates Giving Stories
The Community Giving Foundation: Berwick held its annual grant breakfast on August 24th to celebrate the impact of grant recipients and share stories of community giving from Foundation board, staff, and donors. The breakfast, held at Rolling Pines in Berwick, was a wonderful time of reflection on the long history of the Foundation in the Berwick community and the many dedicated individuals, families, and organizations that make this work possible.
During the event, Berwick Board chair Greg Martz shared his passion for the Berwick community and the giving spirit that is evident through Foundation stakeholders. Holly Morrison, Foundation president/CEO, spoke on her journey to partnership with the Foundation and the exciting opportunities that have come from the Foundation’s re-branding late last year. Christine Orlando, Foundation senior program officer, celebrated the good work accomplished in the Berwick community through the dedication of area nonprofit organizations. Grant recipients from the Berwick Health & Wellness Fund’s 2021 competitive grant round were also recognized. Dr. Bipin Chopra, executive director of the Columbia County Volunteers in Medicine Clinic, shared his organization’s experience with the Foundation as both an agency fundholder and grant recipient. As a new fundholder to the Foundation, Jodi Walp shared a touching tribute for her late husband and how her new donor advised fund will create a lasting legacy for their families by awarding grants in their names. Kara Seesholtz, Foundation chief advancement officer, closed the morning with a call for you to discover your own giving story—made easier through the Foundation’s new Giving Workbook.
The Foundation was honored and inspired by the uplifting community giving stories that were shared. Each joins together to create the story of the Community Giving Foundation.
The Exchange to Host “Catastrophes, Cataclysms, and Calamities: Dealing with Disaster”
Almost all of us have had to deal with disasters in our lives — sometimes a natural disaster like a flood, sometimes an intimate disaster between people. The Exchange Gallery at 24 East Main Street in Bloomsburg will be hosting an evening of music and stories from friends and neighbors about the disasters that they have faced on Wednesday, September 8th at 7 p.m. Musician Paul Loomis will share his homegrown songs, and Laurie McCants, Tim Pelton, Mary Lenzini Howe, Michael Howe, Kamran Shams, Tara MacNish, and Oren B. Helbok will tell their stories of floods, COVID, and other trials and tribulations that they have lived through.
Limited audience seating available: To make a reservation, call 570-317-2596 or e-mail Exchange@ExchangeArts.org.
McKonly & Asbury Named “Readers’ Choice” Accountant by Harrisburg Magazine
Harrisburg Magazine readers recently selected McKonly & Asbury as a “Readers’ Choice” Accountant winner. This long-standing award invites readers to participate in a 3-month poll to select the best local businesses in various categories.
“We are incredibly grateful to receive this award, and for the recognition by the community, which acknowledges our commitment to providing unparalleled accounting and business advisory services,” said Michael Hoffner, McKonly & Asbury’s Managing Partner. “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our client-focused staff and their devotion to delivering value to our clients.”
McKonly & Asbury has been honored to be chosen in past years, both as “Simply the Best” and “Readers’ Choice” winners.
SEDA-COG Hires New Community Development Staff
SEDA-COG recently welcomed three new staff in the community development program.
Aaron Crawford joined the Community Development staff as a program analyst. He has experience in project management, public speaking, grant writing, and local government work. He graduated in April 2020 with a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh in public administration, with a major in public and non-profit management, with a minor in urban affairs and planning.
Susan Martin was hired as a program assistant in the community development program. She has experience with housing programs through the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. Susan has an associate’s degree from Olean Business Institute.
Nadine Simpson joined the community development program as a program assistant. She is taking classes in environmental science at Southern New Hampshire University. She has experience in management and customer service experience.
SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.