36th Annual Danville Spring Fling is This Saturday
Spring Fling is an annual celebration of the foods, sites, and sounds that make Danville a special place. The streets of downtown Danville are closed to traffic for this family-friendly festival on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Downtown businesses, plus more than 200 vendors from central Pennsylvania and surrounding states converge for this fun outdoor event. The event is also a showcase of our nonprofit organizations, who demonstrate the giving spirit of the community by raising awareness and funds for their causes.
Located on Mill, East Mahoning, West Mahoning, East Market and Lower Mulberry Streets in downtown Danville map. Parking is free on nearby streets and surface lots.
Swift Kennedy’s Jerry Calistri Earns Self-Funding Specialist Certification
Jerry Calistri, President and CEO of the insurance brokerage firm Swift Kennedy & Associates, has been designated as a Certified Self-Funding Specialist by the Health Care Administrators Association.
To earn this certification, Calistri completed comprehensive courses about alternative funding and Third-Party Administration, which highlighted the advantages of using self-funded health care plans, such as level-funded policies.
Calistri is a Senatorial Member and PAC Board Member of Health Agents for America, a member of the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, and a member the National Association of Health Underwriters. In addition, he is a Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist.
He has over 30 years of experience in the employee benefits industry, including working at the Pennsylvania Employees Benefit Trust Fund in Harrisburg and at Geisinger Health Plan as Regional Sales and Operations Manager for the Western Region.
Encina Community Open House is Scheduled for Next Wednesday
Encina has announced plans to invest $1.1 billion to build a new manufacturing facility in Point Township that would create 300 new full-time jobs. This proposed state-of-the-art facility would be the first in the region to use advanced technologies to convert post-consumer materials into feedstock that can be used to manufacture thousands of new products.
Encina is working with relevant agencies on permitting and feasibility work related to the site. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2022, and the facility is expected to be fully operational by fall 2024.
Stop by anytime from 5 – 8:00 p.m., meet the team, enjoy refreshments and learn about the project. The event will be held at the American Legion Post #44 at 301 Point Township Drive in Northumberland.
Hospitality Industry Focused Roundtable Discussions
If you are in the hotels, motels, restaurants, breweries, wineries, event venues, and caterers industry, then there will be a roundtable discussion to discuss your current issues. You will also hear some of the best practices from your peers and learn more about available resources. You can join in-person or virtually on Monday, May 9th.
There will be two separate events that you can choose from:
- Wyndham Garden Hotel, Hosted by PA Career Link from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Register here)
- Rusty Rail Brewing Company, Hosted by Bucknell SBDC & Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau. (Register here)
General contractors have an opportunity to perform housing rehabilitation work with SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) in 15 different communities throughout our region.
SEDA-COG is requesting contractor bids for work in the following communities: the Boroughs of Berwick, Jersey Shore, Milton, Mount Carmel and South Williamsport. The Counties of Juniata, Montour, Snyder, Sullivan, and Perry. The Cities of Lock Haven, Shamokin and Sunbury, the Town of Bloomsburg, and the Township of Mount Carmel.
Contractor work may include structural, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating/furnace, window replacement, radon mitigation, energy-related improvements, and, if they have certain certifications, lead-based paint mitigation. Also included are modifications for mobility-impaired residents. There is no cost to homeowners who maintain home residency over a five-year period from the date of signing.
Housing rehabilitation bids typically range from $20,000 to $65,000, with timely payment to contractors.
Local communities and SEDA-COG strive to work with local contractors to invest in the local economy, said Teri Provost, director of SEDA-COG’s Housing Rehabilitation program.
“We know that along with many others, contractors’ workload has been hard hit by the effects of the pandemic. With our housing rehabilitation work, we not only help our communities by rejuvenating housing stock, but we invest in our workforce by bidding out to local contractors,” Provost said.
Provost continued, “Contractors can choose where they want to work, so there’s tremendous work flexibility. Additionally, our work is year-round, so we offer a steady flow of projects. And if they don’t want to perform lead-based paint mitigation, we don’t require that certification for lead-free homes.”
Interested contractors also have the option of meeting one-on-one with SEDA-COG to answer any questions they may have. SEDA-COG streamlines the process for contractors with a rehabilitation specialist assigned to each community.
For more information and contractor requirements, contact SEDA-COG’s Danielle Rippon at 570-524-4491 or drippon@seda-cog.org.
Since 1989, SEDA-COG’s Housing Rehabilitation Programs has invested $27 million in 9 counties and over 1,000 homes. As a community and economic development agency, SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives. SEDA-COG also is an advocate for the interests of its communities at the state and federal levels. For more information, visit www.seda-cog.org.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), will host a Public Hearing and receive public comment in-person, online and by mail on an Environmental Assessment (EA) prepared for the I-80 Nescopeck Creek Bridges Project in Luzerne County.
The I-80 Nescopeck Creek Bridges is a candidate for bridge tolling through the Major Bridge Public-Private Partnership (MBP3) Initiative, as part of the PennDOT Pathways Program. The Pathways program seeks to identify potential alternative funding solutions for transportation in the state. Under the initiative, tolls collected would be used for the replacement bridges’ construction, maintenance and operation.
The in-person Public Hearing will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 12, at the Nescopeck Township Social Hall, 510 Zenith Road in Nescopeck. An open house display on the project will begin at 3:30 p.m. with public testimony starting at 4:30 p.m. All materials that will be presented during the open house, including a project overview, maps, low-income tolling details, diversion route improvements and EA documents, are available online and accessible on-demand at www.penndot.pa.gov/i80Nescopeck through May 27. A physical copy of the EA is also available for review at McBride Memorial Library, 500 N. Market St., Berwick.
PennDOT and FHWA encourage the public to review and comment on the EA during this 30-day period. All comments will receive equal consideration regardless of the method of submission, whether they are provided verbally in person, in writing, via email, through U.S. mail or by way of a form on the online hearing page.
Options to provide comments are as follows:
- Public testimony will be received at the in-person hearing before an audience with a stenographer. Those providing testimony are asked to register in advance at www.penndot.pa.gov/i80Nescopeck or by calling 570-218-3559. Oral testimony will be limited to five minutes per participant and the number of slots will depend on available time.
- Individuals may provide testimony privately in a separate hearing room with a stenographer.
- Written comments may be brought to the in-person hearing, completed at the event and deposited in a comment box, or mailed to: PennDOT District 4, Attn: I-80 Nescopeck Creek Bridges Project, 55 Keystone Industrial Park, Dunmore, PA 18512.
- Comments may be emailed to i80Nescopeck@pa.gov.
- The public may provide comments through the form available online at www.penndot.pa.gov/i80Nescopeck.
- Comment forms will be provided at the in-person Public Hearing and at locations where the EA is available for review.
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors opposes PennDOT’s plan to begin tolling nine bridges along Pennsylvania interstates beginning in 2023. The Board believes that PennDOT did not follow the proper process for selecting the bridges and that spot tolling will cause unnecessary disruptions to businesses and local communities. The Chamber has joined the statewide No P3 Bridge Tolling Coalition to advocate that PennDOT work with the legislature to identify long-term solutions to fund Pennsylvania’s infrastructure that do not cause such disruptions.
The Central Susquehanna Valley Board of Realtors is the newest member of The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce. CSVBR is a nonprofit organization whose message is “The Voice of Real Estate in the Five County Area”. This association serves Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Synder and Union Counties, and has over 300 members.
The association is a big proponent of community service and advocacy, supporting property and homeownership rights. The main office of CSVBR can be found in Danville on 558 Mill St., Suite 102. You can find out more info on the association through its website which can be found here. Do you want to get in contact with them? They can be reached at 570-275-7818.
The Central Susquehanna Valley Board of Realtors joins over 425 members of The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce to receive benefits and support the Chamber’s efforts to enhance the region.
Bloomsburg YMCA Approved as a Pre-K Scholarship Program Through the Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit Program
The Bloomsburg YMCA is pleased to announce that they have been approved as an Pre-K Scholarship program through the Pennsylvania Education Improvement Tax Credit program. (EITC) Pennsylvania provides tax credits for corporate contributions to Pre-K Scholarship Organizations (PKSOs), nonprofits that provide pre-k school scholarships and Educational Improvement Organizations (EIO), or nonprofits, that support innovative programs in public schools. Tax credits are worth 75 percent of the contribution; however, a 90 percent credit can be claimed if the corporation commits to two consecutive annual contributions. In either case, the maximum tax credit is $750,000 per company. Credits are awarded to companies on a first-come, first-served basis until the cap is reached. The total amount of tax credits is limited to $110 million. For more information on how businesses can apply, visit https://dced.pa.gov. For additional information on supporting the YMCA program please contact Wayne Stump, CEO at the Bloomsburg YMCA at 570-784-0188 or wstump@bloomsburgy.org
The Exchange’s Listening Room Presents Stephanie Joyner
The Listening Room returns to Facebook Live and in-person with Stephanie Joyner! You can watch the show live on their Facebook page and the full performance will be posted the to YouTube afterward. If you would like to attend in the live audience, they have limited seats available; call 570-317-2596 or e-mail them at Exchange@ExchangeArts.org to reserve yours (donations accepted at the door). Masks are required and vaccinated guests only.
Stephanie Joyner’s sound: “the art of painting with music.” With a broad vocal range and her multi-genre styling, she textures her musical storytelling with an array of life’s adventures. Her originals reflect the seasons of life, boisterous and intimate. Simple vocal and guitar presenting relaxed and honest musical adventures! “JOYN HER”!
Members will have the opportunity to learn more about issues impacting employers at an upcoming breakfast program.
The event, sponsored by Montour Solar One, will be held Thursday, June 16th beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the Pine Barn Inn.
Alex Halper, Director of Government Affairs with the PA Chamber of Business & Industry, will provide an overview of the 2022-23 state budget, as well as other business-related issues being discussed in Harrisburg. Senator John Gordner and Representative David Millard are scheduled to participate and offer comments. Attendees will be invited to ask questions and offer comments.
Click here to register.
What’s So Cool About Manufacturing program is a video based educational tool that increases awareness of career paths in manufacturing. MRC developed this innovative career awareness program that at its core is “peer marketing” (kids telling kids what’s so cool about manufacturing jobs). The contest is showcased on the What’s So Cool website and shared nationally through the Manufacturing Institute and the Manufacturing Extension Partnership platforms.
This contest gives students the opportunity to connect with local manufacturers, document their experiences and present them in an educational and “cool” way. The contest was created to generate excitement that draws students towards manufacturing career paths, and CTE and STEM education. The Central Susquehanna WSCM contest is made possible by The Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, Innovative Manufacturers’ Center (IMC), Advance Central PA, Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU) and Blast IU.
The contest featured schools from Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties.
Best Overall Performance: Selinsgrove Middle School/Bright Farms
Viewer’s Choice: Selinsgrove Middle School/Bright Farms
Outstanding Team Spirit: Danville Middle School/Strong Industries, Inc.
Outstanding Brand Placement: Lewisburg Donald H. Eichhorn Middle School/Playworld Systems, Inc.
2 District and Manufacturer partners moving on to the State Competition: Selinsgrove Middle School/Bright Farms and Central Columbia Middle School/Kawneer
The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce was excited to once again support the 2022 Regional STEM Competition for high school students. This year’s competition was held in collaboration with the Future Careers Expo & Parent Pathways Awareness Night, which was held April 13 at the Columbia-Montour Area Vo-Tech School.
Eight school districts in our region participated in the STEM Competition, which challenged students to create “virtual escape rooms”. The rooms were judged based on a rubric and the top three schools were awarded cash prizes to support their school’s STEM programs. First place ($5,000) was Midd-West School District, second place ($2,500) was Danville Area School District, and third place ($1,000) was Shamokin School District. Additional sponsors of the STEM Competition included Bloomsburg University and VZRscada.com.
The Future Careers Expo & Parent Pathways Awareness Night event is led by the Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Advance Central PA and Pennsylvania Career Link. This event features 40 businesses for students to explore future career and educational opportunities. This year’s event also featured mini-TED talks featuring topics on Careers in Aviation (led by Dr. Victor Vogel, Susquehanna STEM to the Skies), The World of AI (led by Dr. Laks Srinivasan, Return of AI Institute/Sr. Fellow Enterprise Systems Center, Lehigh University), and How Bitcoin Mining Works (led by Jack Gleim, Nautilus Cryptomine, LLC).
The Chamber recently testified at a regulatory hearing in support of a project that would expand the natural gas pipeline infrastructure in the Northeast. Williams’ Regional Energy Access project would provide greater access by the 2024 winter heating season. The project is designed to increase natural gas transportation capacity by up to 829,000 dekatherms per day. Unlike other greenfield pipeline proposals, Regional Energy Access maximizes the use of existing energy infrastructure.
Specific upgrades would include:
- A new electric motor-driven compressor facility in Gloucester County, NJ
- 22.3 mile, 30-inch pipe lateral in Luzerne County, PA
- 13.8 mile, 42-inch pipe loop in Monroe County, PA
- Modifications to existing compressor facilities
Williams projects that construction will generate 295 million dollars in labor compensation and $357 million in GPD contribution. Approximately 6,396 local union jobs will be supported. Regional Energy Access will inject an expected $17 million in state tax revenue and over $6.6 million in local tax revenue.
Additional information on the Regional Energy Access project is available at https://www.williams.com/expansion-project/regional-energy-access/.
Bloomsburg Children’s Museum Will Host 7th Annual Bloomsburg Mini Maker Faire on Saturday, April 23.
The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum will host the 7th Annual Bloomsburg Mini Maker Faire on Saturday, April 23, 2022, from 10 am-4 pm. Crafters, inventors, hobbyists, and artisans will be able to showcase their skills and talents in a family-friendly environment. As usual, it is free to attend.
The event will be held on the grounds of the Children’s Museum, 2 West 7th Street, in Bloomsburg. This event brings together amateur and professional artists, crafters, engineers and performers in a combination of large spectacles and communal interactive experiences. We like to call it the greatest show and tell on earth, where families will get to experience inventions, creativity, and resourcefulness.
The day features live entertainment, hands-on activities for children, over 60 vendors selling one-of-a-kind arts and crafts, and great food. The event will be sponsored by UGI, MAKE: Community, and PPL Foundation.
Jen Zarko, from Zarko Hill Craftery, will be demonstrating the process of soapmaking. She says she’s looking forward to doing a cold process soap-making demonstration, while looking at the science behind the suds. Zarko said, “Kids are naturally born artists and it’s so amazing to see their imaginations kick in when introduced to soap as a medium,”
Caeley Looney, the CEO of Reinvented Magazines, says Reinvented is excited to bring their “princess with power tools activity” to the Mini Maker Faire. Looney said, “Our princesses can’t wait to help students learn how to use their first power tool and show everyone that #brilliantisbeautiful!”
For more information about Mini Maker Faire visit the events website. https://bloomsburg.makerfaire.com/
Town of Bloomsburg Community Yard Sale Date is Set
The yard sale will be held on Saturday, August 13, and will be held rain or shine. Bloomsburg Police Department/Parking will not be enforcing residential permit parking that day.
Identify Opportunities for Collaborative Solutions with “Conflict to Collaboration” Webinar
McKonly & Asbury is teaming up with its partner, Dale Carnegie Mid-Atlantic, to host a webinar entitled, “Conflict to Collaboration.” Conflict situations are frequently complicated and difficult to resolve. By ourselves, we may have limited capacity for dealing with the many issues that might be involved. By collaborating with others within and outside of our organization, we can access the experience, expertise, creativity, and values of other professionals to bring the situation to a successful conclusion.
Collaborative solutions to conflict situations enable everyone involved to feel that everything was done to resolve the situation professionally. It takes the pressure off of us to have all the answers in these situations and brings many expert viewpoints to bear on a successful outcome.
This webinar will be led by David Osborne, Executive Organizational Development Consultant and F2F Trainer / Digital Team Facilitator & Producer with Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc. In 2017, he won Digital Trainer of the Year as voted by Carnegie’s global clients. He has facilitated and produced over 10,000 hours of online training.
At the completion of this module, participants will be able to:
- Identify opportunities for collaborative solutions
- Enlist the skills and abilities of others to provide support and direction
- Collaborate with others to reduce conflict and create synergy
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Thursday, April 28 at 2 PM EST
“A Star is Born” Join Columbia Montour County United Way for this Award-Winning Film
In honor of Alcohol Awareness Month, join United in Recovery for “A Star is Born”, brought to you in partnership with the Berwick Theater & Center for Community Arts. This 2018 award-winning film is an American musical romantic drama that follows an alcoholic musician (Bradley Cooper) who discovers and falls in love with a young singer (Lady Gaga). Tickets are FREE and includes one free popcorn and a small drink. The showing will take place at the BTCCA, 110 E. Front Street in Berwick on April 24, 2022. There will be two showings with the first starting at 2 p.m., while the second one will begin at 7 p.m.