Member News – June 29, 2022

United In Recovery: Summer Recovery Picnic Scheduled 

This picnic brings the the community together to uplift and support those in recovery and celebrate the dedication of service providers and community members who make recovery in all its forms possible. There will be free food, live music, stories of recovery, and community organizations providing recovery resource material. 

The event, which will be held rain or shine, will be held at Briar Creek Lake in Berwick on Thursday, June 16th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Click here to register and to learn more about the event. 

The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce held its annual Golf Tournament on Thursday May 26^th at the Rolling Pines Golf Course. Thirty foursomes participated in the event, sponsored by Williams. The comfortable, 70-degree day started with lunch sponsored by Heritage Financial Services. Beverages throughout the day were sponsored by Wagner’s Trophies and Engraveables. Dinner, provided by Craft Catering, was sponsored by First Keystone Community Bank.

The overall winning team was 3B Consultant Services Inc., with a prize of 4-$50 gift cards to the Inn, Farmhouse & Brewery at Turkey Hill. The foursome from Williams finished second in the first flight and received 4-$25 gift cards to the Pine Barn Inn. Both teams shot 59 and the winner determined by a match of cards.

The foursome from Towne Camera was the top team in the second flight and received 4-$25 gift cards to Marley’s Brewery and Grille and Knoebels. The group from Commercial Stainless finished second and was awarded 4-$25 gift cards to Quaker Steak & Lube. Those two teams also shot the same score of 66.

Jonathan Else from the McKonly & Asbury’s foursome hit the longest drive for the men, while Jodi Alley from First Keystone Community Bank was the lady’s big hitter. Both were awarded watches from J. Lylo Jewelers. From the Trivium Packaging foursome, Mike Dixon claimed closest to the pin, winning tickets to any upcoming show at the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble.

In two big raffles at the event,  Mike Upton won the 58” TV, which was donated by Walmart. Commercial Stainless’ Brian Wawroski won the Pit Boss Table Top Griddle, which was provided by Cole’s Hardware.

The Chamber wishes to thank all of the participants, sponsors, volunteers, and staffs of Rolling Pines and Craft Catering for helping to make the 2022 Golf Tournament a success.

Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Announces Pennsylvania’s State Junior Academy of Science State Winners

The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum hosts a science fair for local students every January. This past January, 35 students from 8 schools competed in the fair which was held at the Bloomsburg Fire Company. From that, 17 students were sent to the regional Pennsylvania Academy of Science (PJAS) fair at Susquehanna University on February 26. At the regional fair, students from 10 counties compete for a chance to move on to states. Seven of the 17 students the Museum sponsored at this fair moved on to the PJAS state science fair.  

This past Monday, May 16th, these 7 students joined over 1200 other students from across the state at Penn State University to showcase their work and compete for prizes.  

Philip Polstra Jr. (Bloomsburg Christian School) captured a First Award in Junior High School Chemistry for his project “Acid Erosion.” Kathryn Polstra (Bloomsburg Christian School) was awarded a Second Award in Highschool Biochemistry for her project “The Digestibility of Gum.” Brooke Rhoads (Bloomsburg Christian School) was awarded a Second Award in Highschool Chemistry for “Freezing Point Depression.” Josiah Stoffer (Bloomsburg Christian School) won a Second Award in Highschool Biology for his project “How Well Brine Shrimp Hatch in Different Salinities.” Kaitlyn Westover (Benton Area High School) was awarded a Second Award in Biology for her presentation on “What Fruit Produces More DNA?” Brooke Woll (Danville High School) took home a Second Award in Highschool Behavioral Science for her project “Does highlighting text help or hinder memorability.” Gwendolyn Greene won a Third Award in Highschool Biology for her project “Beet This.”

“We want to congratulate each of these amazing students. They worked for months on their projects and rose to the top level of competition,” Dr. Ginny Weibel, the Director of the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum said. “I also want to recognize the contributions of the students’ parents and teachers who worked with the students and supported them through this.”  

Sekisui/Kydex, the PPL Foundation, and The Friends of the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum helped to sponsor these students as they advanced through all levels of the science fairs.  

The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit overseen by a board of directors. This organization strives to offer unique, sustainable, and dynamic learning opportunities for youth through year-round interactive exhibits, programming, and community outreach. For more information, please visit https://the-childrens-museum.org/

Bloomsburg YMCA Announces EITC Accreditation

The Bloomsburg Area YMCA (BAY) has announced its approval as an accredited Educational Improvement Tax Credit Organization for its Summer Day Camp and Afterschool programs. The YMCA now is approved as both an Educational Improvement Organization and a Pre-k Scholarship Organization.

The approval will allow BAY to continue its commitment to youth and families throughout Columbia County by partnering with local businesses that can help ensure quality programs while earning valuable tax credits.

“The Bloomsburg Area YMCA offers an array of innovative educational and socialization programs that address the needs of youth of all ages in Columbia County,” said CEO Wayne Stump. “The EITC accreditation will help us grow and enhance our school age childcare program that are vital to so many families in our area.”

The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, administered by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, allows the business community to get more involved in children’s education by redirecting their tax dollars to support local non-profit scholarship organizations.

By contributing to an authorized non-profit organization like the Bloomsburg Area YMCA, EITC will provide companies with a 75% tax credit for a one-year commitment, or 90% for a two-year commitment. Credits are awarded on a first-come-first-served basis, with the maximum tax credit companies could earn of $750,000.

“EITC scholarships have provided thousands of opportunities to families throughout the state, and we are proud to offer this incentive in our own community,” Stump said. “This funding is a chance to reaffirm BAY’s commitment to young people today and in the years to come. We’re excited to welcome delegates from the community to join us in this journey.”

“This accreditation is just one example of how BAY is deepening its commitment to the development of our youth, and how it enables the business community to help young people achieve their goals every single day,” Stump said. “We have seen first-hand how the local business community has overwhelming supported our programs, and we are hopeful this new funding opportunity will continue that support.”

Leadership Central Penn (LCP) celebrated the graduation of the class of 2022 last Thursday at the Pine Barn Inn.  This year’s class was the largest in history with 25 graduates and marked the 23^rd cohort. The program included a Keynote address from Holly Morrison, President and CEO of the Community Giving Foundation. Holly shared that she has seen first hand the benefits of LCP on individuals as a donor, employer and mother. She hopes that everyone in the program grew in their capacity as community leaders as she has seen with so many graduates in the past. This program allows you to develop the 76% of leadership that is learned according to statistics Holly has seen. It is up to all of us to work on understanding ourselves, our capacities and our areas for improvement. The class is the start of that journey, and it should continue.

This year’s class presenter was Brian Houser, PPL. The first focus of his speech was about the Leadership component of the program. He shared the program was never just a lecture or death by Power Point but was an engaging experience in a safe and trusted environment. This was created by Jeff Emanuel, Director and Rick Flynn, Leadership Facilitator. Brian shared that the theories taught in the program were immediately useful back in the work setting. The second focus was on the community portion of the program. The class introduced the class to many organizations that help our community move and thrive. Brian shared his appreciation for the challenges facing the people of our communities and all the organizations like nonprofits, the judicial system, education, economic development and more that work together to help. Brian shared this experience made him realize “it turns out there is a lot more to leadership than just commanding a group. It isn’t about forcing others to listen, but about listening to others.” After going through this program, he understands why there are over 60,000 books for sale on leadership and he appreciates having more insight and knowledge thanks to LCP.

Before the certificates were awarded, there was a third component of the celebration. Recognizing the community impact projects of this year’s class. The first was group that assisted AGAPE with their move to their new location. They loaded food, clothing, pet food, household items and more onto pallet, into trucks and relocated and organized it all to help AGAPE continue its mission from their new home. The second group shared with involvement with the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum’s Hak4Kids program. This kid-friendly hacking event is the only one of its kind in PA. The event was free and included 28 workshops and activities for kids ages 7-17. Finally, the third project was in partnership with the United Way of Berwick and their Day of Caring. This project included alumni from previous LCP cohorts who work at First Keystone Community Bank. The team assisted with clean-up of the Berwick YMCA to assist with preparing the facility for construction project improvements in the coming weeks. All of the projects were demanding, but fulfilling to the LCP members, nonprofit partners and community members served by these organizations.

The event concluded with honoring the LCP Graduating Class of 2022:

Kevin Ball – Geisinger
Scott Bellum – SEKISUI KYDEX
Tiffany Bienkowski – First Keystone Community Bank
Lisa Brelsford – Columbia Child Development Head Start
Audra Briggs – Bloomsburg Carpet
LuCinda Craig – Rural Business Innovation Corp.
Taryn Crayton – Press Enterprise
Daniel Diehl – First Columbia Bank & Trust
Benjamin Gonzalez – Geisinger
John Harahus – Geisinger
Brian Houser – PPL Electric
Trygve Jensen – Geisinger
Hamid Khan – Autoneum
Holly Madden – Hope Enterprises, Inc.
Christopher Matthews – First Keystone Community Bank
Alyssa Meyers-Sanonu – Berwick YMCA
Dawn Orzehowski – Maria Joseph CCC
Jessica Pastuszek – Geisinger
James Pensyl – Girton Manufacturing
Angela Prajzner – Autoneum
Kristy Strain – Geisinger
Melisa Thomas – Service 1st FCU
Danielle Velkoff – United Way CMC
Rebecca White – Columbia Child Development Head Start
Phillip Yoder – Columbia County EMA

The Chamber’s Board of Directors unanimously supports legislation that would reduce Pennsylvania’s Corporate Net Income tax rate from the second highest in the nation. Senate Bill 771, co-sponsored by Senator John Gordner, would begin to reduce the current rate of 9.99% as of January 1, 2023, to 6.99% in 2025, and even as low in 5.99% by 2026 should revenue exceed projections for 2025 at the 9.99% rate.

The bill is currently under consideration in the Senate and has bipartisan support. Governor Wolf called for an immediate reduction in the CNI to as low as 4.99% in his 2022-23 budget plan.

On Wednesday, May 18^th, a Commonwealth Court Judge issued a preliminary injunction on PennDOT’s plan to implement tolling on nine interstate bridges, including the Nescopeck Creek bridges in lower Luzerne County. The order prevents PennDOT from executing any other agreements or contracts, conducting hearings or meetings, or moving forward with design or construction of tolling structures identified in the Major Bridge P3 Initiative. A lawsuit challenging PennDOT’s process and authority was filed in March by Cumberland County and seven municipalities.

Click here for more from the Associated Press. 

PennDOT can appeal the decision to the State Supreme Court. The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce will be participating in a rally in Harrisburg on June 8^th with other members of the No P3 Bridge Tolling Coalition from across the state to urge PennDOT to abandon this plan altogether.

The newest member of The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is the Columbia County Farm Bureau. Located in Nescopeck on 612 Hetlerville Road, the Farm Bureau is an organization representing farm families engaged in all types of agriculture – from farms of every size and commodity to craft breweries, distilleries, wineries, and cideries to farm-to-table restaurants and agritourism experiences.

Its mission statement includes growing communities, many voices, united vision. Farm Bureau members are leading together from the grassroots up. The direction of the organization and its stances on issues are shaped by the men and women of Pennsylvania agriculture.

“People united around food, environment, and community.” Reads the mission statement from the Columbia County Farm Bureau. You can find out more information at www.pfb.com/columbia.

The Columbia County Farm Bureau joins over 420 members of The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce to receive benefits and support the Chamber’s efforts to enhance the region.  

The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce would officially like to thank all of our sponsors for making this year’s Chamber Golf Tournament possible. The 2022 Chamber Golf Tournament will be held at Rolling Pines on Thursday, May 26^th. In one of our longest-tenured events, golfers take this opportunity to spend time with clients and business peers in the golfing atmosphere and then enjoy a dinner that will be provided by Craft Catering. Business matters and better business makes a better community. This year’s Chamber Golf Tournament features 28 foursomes and two big prizes:

1. 58” Hisense TV, donated by Walmart
2. Pit Boss Table Top Griddle, donated by Cole’s

Without further ado, let’s introduce all of our sponsors for this year’s golf outing.

Event Sponsor: Williams
Dinner Sponsor: First Keystone Community Bank
Lunch Sponsor: Heritage Financial Services – LPL Brokerage
Beverage Sponsor: Wagner’s Trophies & Engraveables

Hole Sponsor: 3B Consultant Services, Inc.
Hole Sponsor: Bird Printing Co.
Hole Sponsor: Bodnar Sales and Service
Hole Sponsor: Chevrolet of Bloomsburg
Hole Sponsor: Commercial Stainless
Hole Sponsor: Community Giving Foundation: Berwick
Hole Sponsor: Community Giving Foundation: Bloomsburg
Hole Sponsor: Community Giving Foundation: Danville
Hole Sponsor: First Columbia Bank & Trust
Hole Sponsor: Fulton Bank
Hole Sponsor: Jim and Vera’s Hoagies
Hole Sponsor: Marc Nespoli, eXp Realty
Hole Sponsor: McKonly & Asbury
Hole Sponsor: Peters Consultants
Hole Sponsor: Pine Barn Inn
Hole Sponsor: Press Enterprise, Inc.
Hole Sponsor: Service Electric Cablevision, Inc.
Hole Sponsor: Service 1^st Federal Credit Union
Hole Sponsor: SERVPRO of Columbia, Montour, and Sullivan Counties
Hole Sponsor: Steph’s Subs
Hole Sponsor: T-Ross Brothers Construction
Hole Sponsor: Trivium Packaging
Hole Sponsor: Walker’s Jewelers
Hole Sponsor: Zimmer Insurance Agency

SEDA-COG’s Housing Development Corporation Receives Historic Award

SEDA-COG’s Housing Development Corporation (HDC) was awarded the Housing Pioneer Award during the Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) Commonwealth Housing Forum – the first ever organization to receive the award.

The goal has always been the same for SEDA-COG’s HDC: provide and maintain quality, safe, and affordable housing options for our region’s elderly population. This award is a reflection of the leadership and dedication shown by the HDC for over 20 years.

High Street Manor in Selinsgrove was the first project completed by SEDA-COG’s HDC in 1998. Since then, the HDC has completed nine additional housing facilities in Dalmatia, Danville, Flemington, Lewistown, Montoursville, and Williamsport. The HDC coordinates projects to buy land, secures financing, and oversees construction of rental housing for the area’s elderly population, especially those on fixed incomes. They also manage the rental complexes. Once completed, the apartments allow senior citizens to safely downsize while maintaining their independence.

“We do everything we can to help them, from troubleshooting cell phones to setting up remote classes on health and wellbeing. At the end of the day, we are doing everything we can to help the 62 and older populations live their best life at an affordable price,” says Leslie Osgood, Chief of Rental Operations.

PHFA’s biennial Housing Forum provides professional development opportunities for people working in the housing field. Attendees participate in a variety of focused educational sessions and hear from nationally recognized speakers. The 2022 program of events included 21 educational sessions, two keynote presentations, an Abraham Lincoln presenter who spoke on the topic of leadership, a tour of PHFA’s Passive House and LEED Platinum office addition, and a popular networking event. The conference ran May 11-12 and drew more than 450 attendees. This year, PHFA celebrated 25 years of producing its housing forums.

In addition to SEDA-COG, two others were also bestowed the Pioneer Award:

• Jane Downing, senior program officer, economic and community development, The Pittsburgh Foundation, Pittsburgh
• Ira Goldstein, president of policy solutions, Reinvestment Fund, Philadelphia.

“Our Housing Pioneer Awards are not bestowed often, which makes them a special and distinct honor,” said PHFA’s Executive Director and CEO Robin Wiessmann. “The two people and one organization being honored today have distinguished themselves over decades as champions for affordable housing. This recognition is intended to honor and thank them, and hopefully inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”

Osgood reflected on the historic nature of receiving this award as an organization.

“This work would not be possible if not for the tireless dedication of Ben Gair and Vanessa Hartman, Rental Housing Managers, our on-site building managers, and our maintenance staff. Typically, this award goes to an individual in our field. I am so proud that the PHFA is recognizing the village that it takes to provide seniors a safe and reliable place to live.”

Kim Wheeler, Executive Director of SEDA-COG, said, “The SEDA-COG HDC has been an invaluable resource to our area’s seniors since day one. We are beyond honored to be the first organization receiving this recognition from our peers, and we look forward to continuing to provide affordable housing options for the seniors in our region for many years to come.”

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.

United Way of Columbia and Montour Counties to Hold May’s Community Conversation: How to Talk to Your Children about Differences and Diversity

Every third Wednesday at 7:00 PM, United Way holds monthly Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion conversations geared towards the needs of our community. Our hope is these workshops would be interactive conversations, and we invite you to participate. 

Guest speakers Tasha Snowden and Lisa Herrald-Doerschler will host this month’s Community Conversation. They will discuss how to talk with young children about differences and diversity. This event is appropriate for parents, caregivers, and community members who are interested in learning developmentally appropriate ways to address these subjects with toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary students. Children’s literature, plus additional tools and resources will also be shared

This presentation will take place via Zoom and there is a capacity limit of 100 attendees. Registration in advance is required.

Click here to register