Inside Pennsylvania Magazine - Winter 2024

WINTER 2024

LIFESTYLE

INSIDE

A YEAR TO REBUILD: TRAGEDY AND TRIUMPH AT GILSON SNOW EMPLOYEES OF ALL LEVELS OF ABILITY HELP MAKE HIGHLAND CHOCOLATES A SUCCESS

WINTER 2024

$5.00

PA

INSIDEPAMAGAZINE.COM

MAGAZINE

30 UNDER 30

THIRTY OF THE VALLEY’S MOST INTERESTING YOUNG PEOPLE

READY FOR YOUR ARRIVAL Relax in Montgomery’s only rooftop pool and spa. Escape to the elegance of Mobile’s historic Battle House Hotel. Come experience Alabama’s top hotels, resorts, and courses along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Stay in eight luxury hotels and play 26 world-class courses from the Tennessee River to Mobile Bay. Laugh, play, explore, and relax in picturesque settings. Pamper yourself in luxury spas. Tee off with family and friends. Walk to area attractions. Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine. It’s time to plan your next trip to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

To learn more, visit rtjgolf.com or call 800.949.4444. We will be here awaiting your arrival.

ANNISTON/GADSDEN » AUBURN/OPELIKA » BIRMINGHAM/HOOVER » DOTHAN » FLORENCE/MUSCLE SHOALS GREENVILLE » HUNTSVILLE » MONTGOMERY/PRATTVILLE » MOBILE » POINT CLEAR 2

February 2018 | Inside Pennsylvania

Inside Thoughts...

W

INDEPENDENT LIVING, PERSONAL CARE, MEMORY CARE AND SKILLED CARE...

Jean Knouse

hen it comes to winter weather, it seems to me there are three winter weather groups.

There are folks who love the cold. Their idea of fun is anything outside on a snowy mountain or a frozen lake. Folks willing to sit in zero degree weather to watch a sporting event are part of this group.

The second group will venture outside for an hour or two, but their favorite activity is staying home with their warmest sweater, socks and throw to watch TV or read a book. Hot beverages are also required.

The third group simply dislikes the cold and avoids it if at all possible. Once the holidays are over, some of these folks will head to points South. The other folks in this group have learned to hide indoors.

Every person — whether you like winter or not — will enjoy learning about the 30 young men and women in this edition who will make you wonder why you were worried about the next generation. The arts, journalism, science, recreation, insurance, politics, the trades and, of course, health care are well-represented by the young folks we’ve included in these pages.

February 14 is, of course, Valentine’s Day. If you are thinking of giving chocolate to your sweetheart and you’re in the Wellsboro area, please take the time to visit Highland Chocolate. You’ll understand why after you read the story on page 41.

Gilson Snow had a busy year in 2023. The fire that destroyed the business in New Berlin in 2022 was a tragedy that presented an opportunity for the young men who own the business. Talk about turning lemons into lemonade. Their story of new beginnings built on past success is on page 36.

As we begin the year of a presidential election, our democracy requires informed voters — whether the election is local, state or national. Be sure to include one newspaper in the information you gather about any of the candidates so you can make an informed decision.

Jean L. Knouse, Editor jknouse@dailyitem.com AN APOLOGY I owe Mike Rockey of Rockey Auction Services an apology for identifying him as someone else in a photo in Holiday 2023 edition of Inside PA. When I called to apologize, he was very kind about my mistake.

A CORRECTION AND AN APOLOGY A very sweet letter-writer wrote to tell me he enjoyed his turkey on Nov. 23, not Nov 24 as it said in the Calendar in the Fall edition. My apologies for this significant error. Thank goodness he didn’t wait until Nov. 24 to celebrate.

ALL ON ONE CAMPUS.

INDEPENDENT LIVING AT THE MEADOWS

“Moving to The Meadows at Maria Joseph was the right choice for me nearly five years ago. The quality of life is enhanced by the strong sense of community: neighbors helping neighbors, friendly staff providing entertainment, exercise classes, walking trips, and caring support when help is needed.” ~ Ruth

PERSONAL CARE AT MARIA JOSEPH MANOR

“I love all the activities at Maria Joseph Manor!!! Especially the ice cream truck!!” ~ Mary Anne

MEMORY CARE AT NAZARETH MEMORY CENTER

“Shortly after my husband and I moved into the Meadows, I realized my husband needed care at Nazareth Memory Center. He has adapted so well and even refers to Nazareth as “home.” I can’t thank everyone enough for allowing us to be a part of what we call “family.” ~ Becky and Birdie

SKILLED CARE AT THE EMMANUEL CENTER

“The staff at Emmanuel Center took such good care of me. One day two girls came in to help me get ready and they were singing a song.

Soon, were all laughing and singing together. I am so thankful for all the therapy department did for me. So glad I made the choice to come to Emmanuel Center.” ~ Jessie 1707 Montour Boulevard Danville, PA 17821 570-275-4221 www.mariajosephccc.org

The Home e With a

Continuing Care Community INSIDE PA | WINTER 2024

3

Robert Inglis/Inside PA

Marcellus Hammond talks about a new mural that he and his group painted on the side of Marlin’s Sub Shop on Market Street in Sunbury.

4

WINTER 2024 | INSIDE PA

CONTENTS 16 30 UNDER 30

THIRTY OF THE VALLEY’S MOST INTERESTING YOUNG PEOPLE

36 40

A YE AR TO REBUILD

8 10 52

Tragedy to triumph at Gilson Snow

‘EX TR AORDINARY CHOCOL ATES

BY EX TR AORDINARY PEOPLE’

Employees of all level of ability help make Highland Chocolates a success

Cover photo and above: Katelyn Sheesley is among this year’s Inside PA 30 Under 30.

IN EVERY ISSUE ROB’S FAVORITE HOLIDAY PHOTOS C ALENDAR E VENTS

Photos by Robert Inglis/Inside PA

LIFESTYLE

PA

MAGAZINE

Magazine Editor

Jean L. Knouse Design Editor

Aron Agerton

Advertising Director

Lori Seebold

Inside PA (ISSN 1935-4738) is published at 200 Market St., Sunbury, PA 17801.

Photographer

INSIDE PA: 570-988-5473 Office 570-988-5347 Advertising Sales 570-988-5464 Subscriptions

Writers/Contributors

Inside PA magazine is not responsible for unsolicited submissions.

Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner, without permission, is prohibited.

Copyright 2017 by Community News Group LLC. All rights reserved. Single issue: $5.00. Subscription: $23.70 annually (U.S. only). POSTMASTER: Send address change to Inside PA magazine, 200 Market St., Sunbury, PA 17801. Advertising rates and specifications available online at InsidePaMagazine.com. Inside PA was founded March 2007. A publication of The Daily Item, a member of Community News Group LLC.

Robert Inglis

CONNEC T WITH US! /InsidePA1 / @InsidePA1 www.insidepamagazine.com Inside PA Magazine 200 Market Street Sunbury, PA 17801 jknouse@dailyitem.com

Publisher

Sharon Sorg

Cindy O. Herman Lisa Z. Leighton Jerri Brouse Nicholas Williams Deb Brubaker

INSIDE PA | WINTER 2024

5

Rob’s favorite holiday photos

Above: Santa comes to town in Danville and is greeted by both young and old alike. Right: Selinsgrove kindergarten student Isabella Starkweather assembles her turkey craft project. Far right: Maria Flynn, 13, decorates a Christmas Tree in the social hall at St. Joes in Danville as they get ready for their Thanksgiving meal.

6

WINTER 2024 | INSIDE PA

INSIDE PA | WINTER 2024

7

Bucknell's Pip Ajayi throws down a dunk during a game against Princeton.

8

WINTER 2024 | INSIDE PA

FOR GAME DAY with

EARN DEC 31 - FEB 14

REDEEM JAN 25 - FEB 14

Scan the QR code or visit weismarkets.com/endzone-rewards to find out more about End Zone Rewards™INSIDE PA | WINTER 2024

9

This season...

MLK Jr. Day

Houseplant Appreciation

January January has to overcome its reputation for snow and ice if you want to say something good about it. You can spend some time planning your Super Bowl party or you can start watching college basketball in preparation for completing your Final Four bracket in a few weeks. Folks who like outdoor activities in the cold are happy. Everyone else will be finding ways to stay warm.

Use Your Gift Card Day

Granola Bar Day

15 Jan. 10 Handwriting Day

21

20 Kazoo Day

Holocaust Remembrance

Brussels Sprout Day

27 23 10

WINTER 2024 | INSIDE PA

28

31

February February is the shortest month of the year — even when, as in 2024, it is a Leap Year. We get to celebrate love and we get a Monday off on Feb. 19 because Washington and Lincoln were great men. It will also, most likely, be cold. The daffodils and crocus will probably start peeking out of the earth in a month or so. Try to be patient and, meanwhile, stay warm.

Kite Flying Day

Chinese New Year

10

8 Washington’s Brithday

MetroCreative Library

22

Groundhog Day

Feb. 2

7

Lincoln’s Birthday

Valentine’s Day

14

12 Pistachio Day

Curling Is Cool

23

Ballet Day

26

Leap Day

29 INSIDE PA | WINTER 2024

11

Upholstered Furniture In Stock!

MATTRESSES Unlimited Options!

We don’t just sell mattresses, We Make them!

•ORGANIC WOOL & COTTON •LATEX AND MEMORY FOAM •PILLOW TOPS •ACTUAL COIL BOX SPRINGS •POCKETED COIL INNER SPRINGS •CUSTOM SIZES AVAILABLE •2 SIDED •BEDROOM SUITES AVAILABLE NOW OPEN WEDNESDAY 8AM-7 PM

QUEEN SETS from $484.00 to $1,901.00 COME TRY OUR SELECTION! Peaceful Sleeper 59 Woodthrush Lane Mount Pleasant Mills, PA 17853

Showroom Hours Mon., Tues, Thurs., Fri. 8-5 • Wednesday 8-7 • Sat. 8-12 • Closed Sunday

Add Plume Whole-Home Wi-Fi Free for 2 Months

secv.com/freeplume 800.522.2399 Requires SECV Internet

12

WINTER 2024 | INSIDE PA

30 30 UNDER

T

hroughout the Valley, extraordinary young people are becoming pillars of their communities. From authors and artists to journalists and electricians, from athletes to educators, the Valley is filled with young people ready and willing to lead. Here are 30 of the exceptional people under the age of 30 nominated by their colleagues, friends and loved ones.

14

WINTER 2024 | INSIDE PA

INSIDE PA | WINTER 2024

15

Connecting generations

A

Story by Jean Knouse

t the close of 2023, young people between 20 and 29 years of age were born between the beginning of 1994 and the end of 2003.

What were you doing in 1994? Graduating from high school or college? Marrying the love of your life? Beginning a family? If so, one of the young men or women in this issue might belong to you!

People who are parents have a link to young people when they are in school have a close link to young groups and the current trends that are part of their lives. That connection is lost when children “graduate” into the real world. Adults who do not have children in their lives are apt to focus on the negative of younger generations if they don’t have a child “connection.”

If you have grandchildren who walk around with a phone they never put down, you have a link to a younger generation that just might drive you crazy. And, no doubt, those same folks remember their grandparents shaking their heads at them dancing around with a transistor radio and an earpiece or — maybe years later — carrying a blaring boombox. Each generation has “something” that annoys older generations and will undoubtedly lead to the end of the world.

As the organizer of this story, I am proud to have you

read about the twenty-somethings in our midst. They are individuals in so many ways: Education and experiences, triumphs and setbacks, and hopes and dreams. However, they are hard workers, like to laugh, care about the environment and they want to erase the equities of the world in which they live.

It was my very difficult job to choose the person for our cover.

Katelyn Sheesley caught my attention for several reasons.

First, as anyone who has ever been in the hospital or has had a relative in the hospital knows, a caring, thoughtful nurse is a treasure. Second, Katelyn is a teacher — another treasure.

And, finally, despite the success she has already achieved, she continues to reach higher educationally. With the job she currently holds, she is gaining valuable experience every day that will serve her — and all of us — very well.

I am so glad I’ve gotten to know the accomplishments and ongoing potential of this group of wonderful young people.

Their journey is just beginning and everyone who knows and loves them wishes them the best. And, now, the readers of this magazine have joined that cheering squad!

Now, I’m wondering how to help the 20 somethings learn a little more about the “really old and out-of-touch” 70 somethings among them?

Paige Rhyne Story and photo by Cindy O. Herman Paige Rhyne, 20, is a fourth-generation farmer and a member of seven organizations. She also has a part-time job and goes to college.

“Paige is one of the most motivated young people I know,” said Eva Linke, owner of the Tack Room, Inc., where Rhyne works.

Rhyne was the 2022 Union County West End Fair Queen and the 2023 PA State Honey Queen.

“I was nervous about applying for Honey Queen because I did not have a lot of experience as a beekeeper,” she said.

Rhyne has appeared at 115 events as Fair Queen or Honey Queen.

She said one of her favorite presentations was for students. She took a lamb with her when she spoke with the children about agriculture and tied it into beekeeping.

When children tell her they want to be a queen like her, she responds, “I’m a farmer, and you can be anything you want to be.”

Rhyne has made hundreds of Christmas cards for veterans in care facilities and at Bloomsburg University she is pursuing a degree in nursing and hopes to work in pediatrics.

16

WINTER 2024 | INSIDE PA

Adam Leister Story by Jean Knouse | Photo provided Adam Leister’s address makes him a Northumberland Pineknotter, but he is a graduate of Shikellamy High School, so he is also a Shikellamy Brave.

Leister, 27, is a graduate of Mansfield University with a degree in Mapping Technology and Environmental Science.

His first job took him to West Virginia for a position doing remote sensing — mapping roads for oil and gas well pads.

Returning to Pennsylvania in 2020, he took a job with MCM Consulting Group, Inc. out of State College. In his current position he works on emergency management, hazard mitigation planning, GIS, and a bit of broadband consulting.

Mike Rearick, Director of Operations, MCM Consulting Group, Inc., said, “Adam is a great young man; he is my go-to person on our team. (He) came to MCM three years ago as a consultant. However, because he works hard, and he is always willing to learn and grow, Adam is now a senior consultant.”

Leister enjoys photography, hiking and is an avid reader.

Rebecca Reeder Story by Jean Knouse | Photos provided In 2016, Rebecca Reeder, now 24, was the drum major who led the Danville High School Band down Main Street, U.S.A. in Disney World. It is, of course, an experience she will never forget.

At Susquehanna University (SU), Reeder majored in music education with a clarinet concentration. Of course, she performed with the SU musical groups and in the Spring of 2021, Reeder completed a research project, “Ethics and Leadership in Music Education.”

Reedera also taught classes at Penn State to undergraduate music education majors while holding a part-time job as an elementary substitute for a local school band.

In April 2023, she was invited to serve as a guest artist for SU’s 2023 Clarinet Day. Last summer, Reeder was hired to teach general music to K-6th graders and band/chorus to fifth and sixth graders in Montgomery.

“The kids are wonderful,” she said. “It’s been a good reminder of where I’m supposed to be — a teacher.”

Dan Schwanger, Lewisburg band director said, “Rebecca is one of the finest clarinet players in our Valley, but she is an incredible teacher — patient and kind. It’s core to who she is.”

INSIDE PA | WINTER 2024

17

Benjamin Shemory Story by Nicholas Williams | Photo provided Benjamin Shemory, 29, has been the director of the Shamokin-Coal Township Public Library for three years. In his time there, he has created a welcoming community hub.

Mary Sickora, the library’s outreach coordinator, says Shemory is “a lovely person, who just wants to do good.”

A 2013 Shikellamy graduate, Shemory attended Susquehanna University for one year. As a participant in SU’s student worker program, he was placed at the Degenstein Community Library in Sunbury.

The library later hired him, and he worked there for about seven years. During the last few years of his time there, he completed his undergraduate and post-graduate studies in library science at Clarion University.

Shemory said, “I worked there (Degenstein) and thought, I kind of like this, I can see myself doing this.” He said he loves to help people and enjoys finding information; this profession combines the two.

As the library’s director, Shemory oversees developing and running programs, book selection and day-to-day tasks.

Sickora says that since Shemory began at the library, things are better than they ever have been. “It is a hub of activity in this place now since he has come on.”

Solid Wood Bedrooms Made in the USA

Artisan & Post Bedroom

Exceptional craftsmanship, fine finishes and the details you would expect to find in hand-crafted furniture.

Quick Shipping 35 South Fourth Street, Sunbury

(570) 374-4790 fossjewelers.com 888 Route 522

570-286-4751 www.moyersfurniture.com Monday - Saturday 9-5 Friday Evening by Appointment

18

WINTER 2024 | INSIDE PA

3rd Generation Jewelers

SELINSGROVE

(next to Amato’s Pizza)

Marcellus Hammond Story by Jean Knouse | Photo provided Marcellus Hammond, 29, is not a native of the area, but talks passionately about the Valley.

Hammond said when he left Lynchburg, Virginia, he went to New York City and “decided to become an artist.”

He is self-taught and teaches others while running his business Brushes with Destiny where, with his creative partner William McCullough, he has created a process for developing murals that give the community an important voice.

David Bauman, Nick Alda and Toni Dilks said, “Marcellus is a talented young man. His mural work is wellknown and he is passionate about making art part of a community’s life.”

With murals planned for Susquehanna University, the Selinsgrove Library, and another in Williamsport, Hammond shared a new step in the process they have been using to create a mural. First, collect the stories from the community and, in the process, connect people with each other. After creating an image from that info, a QR code allows people to view the mural. However, they will be surprised to watch one of the featured people in the mural step forward and speak about the importance of the project.

INSIDE PA | WINTER 2024

19

Nick Dunn Story by Nicholas Williams | Inside PA file photo Nick Dunn is making waves with the St. Louis Cardinals organization.

Dunn, a 2015 Shikellamy graduate, was drafted by the Cardinals in 2018 after playing three years at the University of Maryland. Dunn played for four of its minor league affiliate teams: the Peoria Chiefs, Palm Beach Cardinals, Springfield Cardinals and Memphis Redbirds, with whom he currently plays.

Primarily playing second base, Dunn, 25, has been named the MiLB.com Organization All-Star for the past two years. He is currently playing at the AAA level, which is the last, and closest to the major league.

Dunn credits his family and community for helping him.

He said, “I enjoyed where I grew up. My family has been a huge part of it, too. I was fortunate to grow up in the area and situation I did.”

Regarding his future in the sport, Dunn says moving up is not something the players give much insight into. “All you can really try to do is play your best,” says Dunn.

Dedicating nearly his whole life to baseball, Dunn’s driving force is his love of the game. He will continue to play the sport that he loves, no matter where it takes him.

Anna Wiest Story by Cindy O. Herman Photo by Robert Inglis Anna Wiest searches out topics that need to be discussed. It’s part of the reason she was happy to accept a reporter’s position at The Daily Item after interning there during her final year at Susquehanna University.

Wiest, 21, who graduated from Shikellamy, competed at the national level on the school’s forensics team. It taught her the value of debating and speaking about noteworthy topics.

“Anna began as an intern at The Daily Item in 2022. If I hadn’t known she was a college student, I would have identified her as an older, experienced journalist,” said Jean Knouse, editor of Inside PA. Wiest’s work ethic comes from her family, whose name is well-known in the local judicial and law community.

“I grew up in a family of very driven people.” she said.

“I had a lot of guidance but was never pushed to do something. I was encouraged to find what I loved.”

Recently, she wrote a story about Danville students looking out for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Weist added, “Good news drives good news. When you see someone doing something good, it makes you want to go out and do good things too.”

20

WINTER 2024 | INSIDE PA

Ryan McNally Story and photo by Cindy O. Herman Ryan McNally, 29, picks up trash when he sees it because, “that’s just the right thing to do.”

That attitude led him from an internship at Evangelical Community Hospital to his current role at the Miller Center where he oversees programming services, community health and wellness events, and medical fairs for Evangelical’s Regional Mobile Medical Response team.

“There’s so much good happening in this area and we get stronger working together,” he said.

“Ryan’s personality and communication style allows him to navigate difficult situations with both compassion and professionalism,” said William Anderson, executive vice president/chief operating officer at Evangelical Community Hospital.

McNally volunteers in a number of ways and sits on the board of five organizations. Someone told him that 10 percent of the people in a community do 90 percent of the work.

“That stuck with me and I thought, I don’t want to be that 90 percent,” he said. McNally says it made him realize, “If I want to raise a family and have a career in this Valley, people like me, in their 20s, are going to have to start showing up.”

Marissa Patynski Story by Lisa Z. Leighton | Photo provided Marissa Patynski, 22, danced into the Karen Gronsky School of Dance (KGSD) at the age of three and never left.

“What a complete joy it has been watching Marissa grow and develop to be such an integral part of KGSD,” said Karen Gronsky. “(Her) heart, compassion, work ethic and selflessness are just some of the reasons that make her so loved by everyone here.”

Marissa earned her degree at Bloomsburg University in Early Childhood and Elementary Education after a brief stint in NYC at Hofstra University. There she gained NYC dance experience, specifically with the Urban Dance League.

As KGSD’s Company Director and the lead teacher for several styles of dance including hip hop and jazz, Patynski’s rehearsal and competition schedules are intense. Before evening classes begin, Marissa has already put in a full day’s work as a fourth-grade teacher at Lycoming Valley Intermediate School in Williamsport. She also makes time to coach the newly formed Shikellamy Dance Team.

It’s easy to understand why children are so drawn to Marissa.

“I just want them to have fun and gain confidence. I want them to believe in themselves,” she said.

INSIDE PA | WINTER 2024

21

Courtney Breon Story and photo by Cindy O. Herman Courtney Breon, 27, was not going to join the family business. Her father is a paramedic instructor, her mother is a paramedic and ER nurse, and her brother is an EMT. Leaning toward becoming a physician assistant, which required patient care exposure hours, she signed up for EMT classes.

“And I absolutely fell in love with it,” Breon said.

Now a paramedic field training officer with Evangelical Regional Mobile Medical Services (RMMS), Breon handles new hire orientations and staff training. She also teaches the EMT program at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

“Courtney is a dedicated paramedic and pre-hospital provider,” said Gene M. Baker, Jr., deputy chief of RMMS. “She has an amazing bedside manner and is a patient advocate making sure everyone receives the best care possible in an emergency situation.”

He added, “Courtney is an ... excellent paramedic, but she is an even better person. It would be difficult to find someone more upbeat, positive, and caring about her patients, patients’ families and coworkers. Courtney lights up a room with her constant enthusiasm for health care.”

ATTORNEYS AT LAW Robert L. Marks • John L. McLaughlin Michael P. Dennehy • Robert L. Marks Jr. Cory D. Piontek

Personal Injury • Estate Planning Corporate • Real Estate Title Insurance Criminal Defense, DUI, Traffic Adoptions and MetLife Legal Plan Nursing Home & Medicaid Advice

570-275-3541 rlmarkssr@mmdlawoffice.com 42 W. Market St. Danville, PA 17821 22

WINTER 2024 | INSIDE PA

Drew Sassaman Story and photo by Lisa Leighton Before he graduated from Danville High School, Drew Sassaman, 22, of Villager Realty in Danville, shadowed a family friend who was a real estate investor and knew that was exactly what he wanted to do. He waived admission to Penn State and moved to South Carolina for a year to earn his realtor license.

“I wanted to get started early in my career and keep pushing forward,” he said.

Moving south was a turning point — Drew realized his small hometown was a gift. He moved back a year later and joined Villager because of its “reputation, mentorship opportunities and growth potential.”

Associate Broker Stephanie DiDomenico said, “Drew has crafted an incredible following on social media with tens of thousands of viewers. He and I attended a leading real estate conference in Las Vegas last year and he was z Drew has also earned 2022 Rookie of the Year, Top Producer at Villager Realty, and, in his second year, he is in the Top 10% of agents in the five-county region.

Drew said his passion for real estate is fueled by his goal of helping people achieve their financial dreams through home ownership and real estate investment.

INSIDE PA | WINTER 2024

23

Katelyn Sheesley Story and photo by Cindy O. Herman The pandemic was at its peek when Katelyn Sheesley, 26, graduated from nursing school.

“It was the worst few years of my life, but I also learned a lot, she said.

Sheesley has two bachelor’s degrees and is working on a dual master’s program in business administration and nursing administration When she started at Evangelical, the pandemic had curtailed her clinical exposure. Now she is a critical intensive care nurse educator.

Sheesley’s personal rule: Nurses cannot be released from orientation until they can care for her family members. She said, “if I’m OK with you caring for my mom, then I feel that you’re safe to come off of orientation.”

Kelly Solomon, RN, director of critical care and maternal child care, said Sheesley has performed exceptionally well in her role as the critical care educator.

“Kate is bright, confident, has a great work ethic, and strives to support the team,” Solomon said. “She is very organized and ensures her job is done well and helps her team in any way she can.”

Marissa Stauffer Story by Jean Knouse | Photo provided Marissa Stauffer, 29, has been employed at the Allenwood Federal Prison since 2016.

A graduate of Selinsgrove High School, Stauffer earned a degree in criminal justice and behavioral science at Alvernia University. After graduation, she was hired as a corrections’ officer at the federal prison.

Asked if it was difficult, as a young woman just out of college, to establish authority in a men’s prison, she said, “You must establish who you are and will be as an officer.

I’ve always tried to be firm and consistent and I think that set the stage for my success an an officer.”

Christine Zimmerman, who has known Stauffer since she was a teen, said, “Marissa chose a profession previously dominated by men. The criminal justice field requires strength, perseverance and independence. She has all of these qualities and sets an example for other young women who might want to pursue this career path.

Two years ago, Stauffer was promoted to the Special Investigative Services Division at Allenwood. One day she is screening incoming inmates and the next day she might be monitoring and recording gang activity. Stauffer also serves as a liason for outside enforcement officers.

24

WINTER 2024 | INSIDE PA

Mackenzie Wertman Story and photo by Lisa Leighton For Mackenzie Wertman, 27, creativity fuels her passion for writing, art — and animatronic dinosaurs.

She is the founder of Pennsylvania Dinosaurs LLC, an entertainment event business that features animatronic dinosaur costumes and puppets of her design. She said the herd of 20 ranges from loud and vicious to tame and approachable. Their realistic features — blinking eyes, life-like roars, sharp teeth and towering appearance make quite an impression.

Wertman has also published six children’s books with illustrator Ravin Kaur and three comic books. Her next children’s book is called “The Chocolate Milk Cow.” A 2015 graduate of Danville High School, Wertman attended college for a year and then accepted an internship in Los Angeles in the entertainment industry.

In 2019, she graduated from Full Sail University with a major in creative writing for entertainment.

Sylvia Knorr, chair of the Danville Area Alumni Committee, said, “Mackenzie is a young woman whose creativity can not be measured. Her impressive list of accomplishments at such a young age is the reason she was awarded the 2022 Alumni of the Year Award.”

Trever Hess Story and photo by Cindy O. Herman In high school, Trever Hess, 28, liked solving higher math problems and that led him to become a civil engineer.

After college at PSU, he accepted a position with MeckTech, in Selinsgrove. Now, he provides a variety of services — land development plan reviews, municipal paving contracts and site design — for nine municipalities and a number of private clients like Penn Valley Airport.

“He is developing relationships with municipal leaders and attorneys in our region and attends Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce and Greater Susquehanna Valley Young Professional events,” said Art Thomas, president of Meck-Tech.

Hess likes the small-town rural aspect of the region.

“I never really saw bald eagles, but now I see them once a month or so,” he said.

After participating in Selinsgrove Area Middle School’s Career Day, Hess said, “I think it’s really good they’re giving kids some more information on what they may want to do.”

Thomas concluded by saying, “Our region has experienced ‘brain drain’ for decades: Trever is a great example of someone who is providing ‘brain gain’ to our area.”

INSIDE PA | WINTER 2024

25

See our new line of INSULATED STEEL

GARAGE DOORS D

ESIGN MANY D OPTIONS!

f from Haas H Door D at Glick today

WINTER

SALE!

in progress Spectacular pe Savings on Sweet Things for Sweet Things

Haas Door- Open the door to endless possibilities Proudly Se ving The Susq ehanna Valley For Over 45 Year !

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL GARAGE DOOR SALES & SERVICE

The

Kiddie Korner BOUTIQUE

Located on Mill Street since 1963

5188 U.S. Hwy 15 Selinsgrove • 1-800-262-3268

,iil �

�

26

WINTER 2024 | INSIDE PA

24 Hr. Eme gency Service 570-743-7332

www.ghcks.com

Always FREE wrapping!

Hours: Tue-Wed: Noon-5:00 Thur-Fri 10:00-5:30 Sat: 10:00-3:00 611 Mill Street • Danville • 570.275.0109

www.theKiddieKornerBoutique.com

Noah Spencer Story by Jean Knouse | Photo provided While attending high school, Noah Spencer, 25, thought he would go to culinary school. His career plans changed.

“I remember watching a career shadow video of a paramedic,” he said. “And I just felt immediately drawn to it, like a magnet almost.”

He decided to attend Susquehanna University and major in biomedical science; he earned his degree in 2020. In 2018, he earned his EMT certification and began working at Americus Hose Co. in Sunbury.

Spencer’s original intent had been to attend medical school after college, but with the pandemic in full swing, he decided to take a gap year and give his future some more thought. During that year — 2020 — he became an advanced EMT. Robert Hare of the Americus Hose Co., which provides ambulance service said, “Noah is a good kid. He’s very smart and he’s a kind, professional, dedicated paramedic.”

Spencer also learned members of his family were involved in the first responder world. He said, “I guess you could say it runs in my family.”

Spencer also works as a paramedic/EMS for Harrisburg and Dauphin Counties and as an EMS instructor at Harrisburg Area Community College.

SELINSGROVE The Plaza Shopping Center Routes 11/15 • 570-374-2865 Mon.-Thurs. 10-7, Fri.-Sat. 10-8, Closed Sunday BLOOMSBURG The Bloomsburg/Berwick Hwy. 570-784-2234 Mon., Tues., Thurs. 10-7 Fri.-Sat. 10-8, Closed Weds. & Sun. www.plazahouse.com

INSIDE PA | WINTER 2024

27

Chelsea Ritter Story by Jean Knouse | Photo by Robert Inglis Chelsea Ritter, 29, graduated from Warrior Run High School and completed her degree in creative writing, with a minor in publishing/editing, at Susquehanna University (SU).

She began as an intern at The Daily Item during her senior year at SU and she was offered a permanent position at The Daily Item after graduation.

During her final year at SU, Ritter took a journalism/editing course. One exercise she had to complete was to create the front page of a newspaper using only her own observations of fonts, styles, and other information. She said, “I loved this project and thought, ‘wow, it would be fun to do this every day.’” She submitted the project with her application to the DI and, as Ritter said, “the rest is history.’”

Ritter’s title is copy/content editor with primary responsibility for the Danville News, but she also contributes to The Daily Item. Page designer Aron Agerton said, “Chelsea works tirelessly to make sure the newspapers’ readers are given accurate, relevant and interesting information.”

Ritter is also the mother of a two-year-old and helps to care for her parents.

Christopher Kalcich Story and photo by Cindy O. Herman If you want to run for election to the Selinsgrove Borough Council, you must be 18. Three days after his birthday, Chris Kalcich, now 22, picked up the petition to get his name on the ballot.

Before that, as a sophomore at Selinsgrove High School, Kalcich was a vendor and committee member of the Selinsgrove Farmers’ Market, which led to the Snyder County Democratic Committee asking if he’d be interested in filling an open seat on their board.

“I wanted to do something more for the community,” he said. Between Committee retirements and resignations, Kalcich quickly rose to the position of chair — automatically making him a member of the PA State Committee.

Amanda O’Rourke, public relations manager at Susquehanna University cited Kalcich’s election to the council while he was a student. She added, “Chris was active in supporting social justice causes and participated in a peaceful protest against systemic racism.

[He] currently serves the university as an admission counselor, helping prospective students find their place at Susquehanna.”

28

WINTER 2024 | INSIDE PA

Andrew Wolfgang Story by Nicholas Williams | Photo provided A 20-year-old from Herndon is making a name for himself in the livestock trading community.

Andrew Wolfgang graduated from Line Mountain High School in 2021. Most of his classmates were beginning new adventures, but Wolfgang had already been running his own business since 2017. Wolfgang Poultry and Produce has made a name for itself within the livestock community.

Wolfgang got his start at the Middleburg Livestock Auction where, he says, he “just started buying and selling animals and went from there.” Even though his focus is poultry, he is rapidly transitioning into all forms of livestock.

From his distribution center at 2748 Schwaben Creek Road, in Rebuck, he says, “Hauling and selling live poultry to more of my long-distance customers is a large part of my business.”

This year, he plans to open his butcher shop in Dalmatia to the public to receive and process orders.

In the last election, Wolfgang worked with Joanne Stehr, the state Representative for the 107 District, as a campaign assistant, helping broaden her community exposure Stehr said, “He’s an all-around good kid. He’s very wise for his age,” and, she added, “He has a wonderful business sense.”

Alexandra Delgado Story by Jean Knouse | Photo provided Alexandra Delgado, 24, is a lifelong resident of Sunbury, and a graduate of Bloomsburg University with a degree in mass communications and public relations. Delgado currently works as the director of marketing at Dyco, Inc., an engineering and manufacturing corporation in Bloomsburg.

According to Francis Scarcella, a reporter for The Daily Item, “Alex is a bright, talented young woman who is always trying to better herself. She is going to be a name people in the Susquehanna Valley come to know.””

Pyrite Media Management is a social media and digital avenue created by Delgado that expands the online presence of businesses, podcasts and — earlier this year — political campaigns.

Delgado was the social media manager for Michael O’Donnell’s successful campaign for District Attorney of Northumberland County. She explained she was able to help him expand his social media networks and streamline communications with voters.

“Most folks today need to use and expand social media opportunities, she said. In today’s competitive marketplace, it is very important to have a digital footprint.”

INSIDE PA | WINTER 2024

29

SWANK & SON WELL DRILLING & PUMP CO. 4th Generation Drillers

Carefree Senior Living COUNTRY HOUSES IN

“We get the job done right the first time” HIC # PA 057969

275-1292• 1974 Montour Blvd., Danville PA Family Owned & Operated!

SERVICES Professional Steam Cleaning Solutions

CARPET STEAM CLEANING

UPHOLSTERY CLEANING SERVICE

CLEANING CERAMIC TILE FLOOR

Also Hardwood, Laminate, Vinyl and VCT Floors

Contact us today for more details and ask how to take advantage of this pricing!

1403 Susquehanna Ave. • Sunbury, PA 17801

(570) 495-4153

Fill out dreeseservices.com/quote for a FREE ESTIMATE

Enjoy living in your own home without the worries of maintining your property. Two and three bedrooms homes, are availables so you don’t have to change your lifestyle.

Call 570-988-5363 for more information.

LET’S GET TO HIRING. Our new hiring products and job boards help you find the right candidates, without the guesswork.

Find jobs now

jobs.dailyitem.com

Choose from our great amenities: day trips, wine & cheese socials, fitness area and wellness programs including yoga, golf outings, fishing, and excursions. Stay home and prepare your meals in a beautiful new kitchen or enjoy chef prepared meals either in our dinning room or delivered to your door. The choices are endless.

Call 570-473-2360 TO BEGIN YOUR CAREFREE LIVING EXPERIENCE 30

WINTER 2024 | INSIDE PA

Tatyana Ford Story by Jean Knouse | Photo provided Tatyana Ford, 25, came to Sunbury from Patterson, N.J. She is a graduate of Shikellamy High School and when she was disappointed in the college she chose to attend, she changed her plan for moving forward. She earned an associate’s degree in medical management from Ultimate Medical Academy and took a job as a health care advocate.

At the time, Ford was also involved with a ministry reaching out to young women via social media.

She said Pastor Mark Gittens of Higher Hope Church in Sunbury saw her work and reached out to her for help in maximizing the church’s media platforms. Ford said she began working at H2 — as everyone calls the church — by “helping out where I could.”

For the past year, she has worked as the Multimedia Manager at the church. While she didn’t develop the platforms at the church, she has developed several for other organizations.

Her friend Anna Wiest said, “As a student at Shikellamy High School just a few years ago, Tatyana was also someone I looked up to as a confident, independent and inspiring leader. Since our years at Shik, she has grown in her faith and leads other women to do the same.”

Seth Balliet Story and photo by Jerri Brouse Leonard Oddo describes Seth Balliet as a young man who willingly shares his video game knowledge and skill, loves sports and works hard. Balliet, 25, works under Oddo at the ConAgra Foods plant in Milton and lives in Muncy.

“I feel honored that I’ve got a boss that recognizes me so much,” said Balliet.

In addition to working together, the two share a similar love of video games.

“He contributed to my reinvesting in a video game system,” said Oddo. “I had previously expressed that I enjoyed video games as a hobby. He always finds time to help me try to get my non-working Gameboy working again.”

Balliet also collects retro games, he said. His love for video games came from hand-me-down consoles he received as a kid.

“I got a lot of (them) like the original NES system and the N64, so it made me appreciate stuff like that, so I collect it now,” he said.

Video games aren’t the only thing Balliet enjoys. He also frequently attends live sporting events including football, baseball and hockey games.

INSIDE PA | WINTER 2024

31

Havilah Kendall Story and photos by Cindy O. Herman According to Havilah Kendall, 28, “I think I was a little more Type B in high school, but then as soon as I hit college, I just discovered that I really wanted to do well and I was really driven.”

A clinical exercise physiologist at Evangelical Community Hospital, she performs diagnostic stress tests and educates patients on nutrition and risk factors for heart disease. One of her primary duties is helping patients with cardiac rehab.

“In addition to helping them to exercise and regain their strength, we check EKGs, blood pressure and vital signs.

“Havilah is inquisitive, thorough, and conscientious, and has a quiet and caring personality that comes very natural to her,” said Carmell Weaver RN, BSN, cardiac rehabilitation coordinator at Evangelical. “These qualities help her excel both personally and professionally.”

Kendall volunteers at her church and loves outdoor exercise. She recently completed a half-marathon trail run.

“I don’t shy away from the hard things,” she said.

Facing the hard things also helps in pursuing her RN degree at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

“It’s not hard to really apply myself in school because it matters to me,” she said. “I want to be a really good nurse.”

Jake Miller Story by Nicholas Williams | Photo provided For two years, a young man has been actively bringing back young adults to the Degenstein Community Library in Sunbury.

Jake Miller, 26, graduated from Shikellamy High School in 2018 and received his bachelor’s degree in English from Mansfield University. Shortly after, he began working part-time at the library.

Miller, of Selinsgrove, became a full-time member of the staff in July of this year. Since then, he has created a welcoming environment that keeps people coming back. “It’s nice when people come in and you know their names.” Miller says, “It’s the little things like that and they all kind of add up.”

Melissa Rowse, director of the library, says that as a result of Miller’s efforts, they have a new influx of teenagers coming in. “He’s completely selfless,” said Rowse, “Everybody he talks to — he makes them smile.”

Miller has started a Dungeons & Dragons event as well as a stock market challenge class, reaching Sunbury’s younger population. Earlier this year, one of the members of the stock market challenge class took eighth place at the state stock market challenge. Miller said he is very proud of his students’ accomplishments.

32

WINTER 2024 | INSIDE PA

Evan Armstrong Story by Nicholas Williams | Photo provided Evan Armstrong, 23, graduated from Lycoming College, with a bachelor’s degree in political science and qualitative economics and is now helping to combat statewide hunger.

Pastor Timothy Hogan-Palazzo, of Saint Paul’s United Church of Christ at the Farm, said, “This ‘kid’ is one of the most well-rounded young men I know. And I’ve known him since he was 10.”

Armstrong currently serves as a policy research associate for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.

He and his team study hunger on a statewide level. They work to understand the barriers that prevent individuals from having access to food, the effectiveness of programs and how to better implement them.

He said his favorite aspect of the job is “Getting out in the community and actually seeing and meeting the people we’re trying to help.”

At Lycoming, he was also active in music and Greek life.

When he was given the opportunity to go abroad, he went to France and taught English to French students.

Nathan Moyer Story by Jerri Brouse | Photo provided Nathan Moyer, 23, graduated from Selinsgrove High School where he was president of the state FFA group that toured the commonwealth and surrounding states.

Their goal was to educate students about the importance of Agriculture Education.

After graduating from Penn State University with a degree in agricultural and extension education, and in 2022, he accepted a full-time teaching position at Greenwood High School in Millerstown.

Susan Moyer, Nate’s mother nominated him for the 30 Under 30 List.

Nate Moyer has had to work hard to establish his position at Greenwood High School. He is animated about the need for agriculture education and enjoys having a hands-on approach.

Recently, Moyer was awarded nearly $40,000 in grants to make improvements to the industrial arts shop, which will enable students to work on updated equipment.

When he’s not working, Nate enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and friends. In his spare time, he does woodworking, dabbles in photography, and reads.

INSIDE PA | WINTER 2024

33

Mikaela Zimmerman Story by Jean Knouse | Photo provided Dr. Mikaela Zimmerman, 28, is a graduate of Shikellamy High School, Penn State University and West Virginia University where she earned her masters and doctoral degrees in sociology.

“Mikaela has had a passion to help people with the social issues in today’s world,” said her mother, Christine Zimmerman, who is the preprint co-ordinator for The Daily Item.

Mikaela Zimmerman works for the state of Maryland as the Racial Equity Impact Policy Analyst. Zimmerman said, “The state court will be in session 24 hours a day from January until April,” but in this full-time position, she might be called upon throughout the year to provide an objective analysis of policy proposals as to how a new law might affect minorities. And, not surprisingly, this report could result in follow-up questions or clarifications.

Currently, Zimmerman has a second job performing genealogical drug research for the FDA. She analyzes the data documenting a drug’s patent to determine whether generic manufacturers are truly selling people an accurate “copy” of the original, patented drug.

Rosalind Kane Story by Lisa Z. Leighton | Photo provided For Rosalind Kane, 20, of Shamokin, environmental activism started early. When she was nine, after noticing litter strewn about the town, she asked her parents if they would help her organize a community litter cleanup in lieu of a birthday party.

The cleanup has grown year-after-year and the city of Shamokin has named the event in Rosalind’s honor and given her a key to the city.

“When they handed it to me, I cried. I thought they were kidding,” the 20 year-old recalled.

Today, Rosalind is a junior at Penn State University, where she is majoring in Marketing with a minor in International Business.

She hopes to someday put her skills to work for a large winery or entertainment venue, perhaps in New York City.

But her employer will have to check one important box — environmental responsibility.

“That’s one of the values that they must have: a prominent standard for environmental sustainability,” she said.

“Little things, although you don’t think that they’re going to be big at the time, can have a much bigger impact. If you’re passionate about something, and you want to make a change, you can do it.”

34

WINTER 2024 | INSIDE PA

Jathan Stover Story by Jean Knouse | Photo provided Jathan Stover, 29, a Sunbury native and Shikellamy grad, thought about college, but didn’t want to incur the debt it would require.

“The corporate office world wasn’t my style,” Stover said.

“I knew I wanted to do something in the trades.”

He describes himself as a hands-on learner, so he talked with Triangle Tech about possible careers and decided on the electrical maintenance program.

After graduation, he worked in the oil and gas business for a while, managed the maintenance at a factory and worked for another electrical contractor.

It was then he knew, “I can run my own business.” In 2018, he began Stover Electric, Inc. in Sunbury.

His company employs 20 people, and — unlike many other absolutely necessary businesses — Stover accepts emergency calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Bob Fitch, one of Stover’s first customers said, “Jathan is a wonderful person. He is as honest as the day is long. If he says he’ll be at your house on Tuesday, he’ll be there on Tuesday.” Fitch added, “He knows the value of customer service and he knows how to treat his employees.”

Stover is married and he and his wife have two children.

Cassie Sumfest Story by Jean Knouse | Photo by Simon Watts Cassie Sumfest is a graduate of Lewisburg High School and the University of North Carolina. In her high school and collegiate careers, she was a member of the school’s field hockey team.

Sumfest said, “When I was younger, my older sister played field hockey, and I went to all of her games with my mom and dad. She was my inspiration and she is the reason I love field hockey.”

As a high school student, Sumfest’s mother drove her to Philadelphia twice a week to attend clinics at the West Chester Eagles Club. Sumfest said she was able to sleep on the way down and she did her homework on the way home.

In addition to Dean’s List honors and being part of a championship collegiate team, Sumfest has been named to the U.S. Women’s Senior National Team three times and she still finds time to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and UNC hospitals.

Bill Bowman, editor of The Daily Item said, “What a great, young representative of the Valley on the international stage.”

Sumfest wants every young athlete to remember, “Never give up. No matter what life throws at you, hard work and a positive attitude can get you where you need to go.”

INSIDE PA | WINTER 2024

35

Gilson Snow is producing snowboards in its new Selinsgrove location.

A YEAR TO

rebuild Tragedy to triumph at Gilson Snow Story and photos by Nicholas Williams

A

little more than a year ago, tragedy struck in New Berlin. Gilson Snow, a community jewel for nearly 10 years, was engulfed by flames. Losing nearly everything, the company needed to find a new location if it was to continue.

Austin Royer, who founded Gilson Snow with his brother, Tim, and Nick Gilson said, “We learned a lot over the first 10 years of our existence.”

Now, the founders needed to put that knowledge to work to rebuild better, faster and stronger, he said.

36

WINTER 2024 | INSIDE PA

Nick Gilson stands inside Gilson’s new manufacturing headquarters in Selinsgrove.

From left, Tim Royer, Austin Royer and Jak Hanna work on a product at Gilson Snow in Selinsgrove.

INSIDE PA | WINTER 2024

37

“WE BUILT A REALLY STRONG COMMUNITY HERE IN THE AREA — AND WORLDWIDE — AND WE THOUGHT WE OWED IT TO EVERYONE TO COME BACK STRONGER. —AUSTIN ROYER, COFOUNDER OF GILSON SNOW

After the fire on Nov. 18, 2022, the Gilson team was searching for a location where it could set up its operation quickly and begin the rebuilding process. As their search began, Bill French was listing what would become the company’s new location at 100 E. Sherman St, Selinsgrove. It was the spot to begin the rebuilding process. They were able to sign a one-year lease and make the move to Selinsgrove in May. “We built a really strong community here in the area — and worldwide — and we thought we owed it to everyone to come back stronger,” said Royer in regard to their determination throughout this process.

The team is deeply committed to this region and is currently working to rebuild the original location as well, he said. At the New Berlin location, additional manufacturing and an event area are planned, Royer said, to complement

SPRING 2024 All performances at 7:30 p.m.

FAMILY DISCOVERY/CINEMATIC SHADOW PLAY/CONTEMPORARY PUPPETRY Hamid Rahmanian’s Song of the North Tuesday, Jan. 30 CONTEMPORARY DANCE Ballet Hispanico Tuesday, Feb. 6 ROOTS/ROCK/FOLK Kyshona Thursday, Feb. 8 BLUES Jontavious Willis Wednesday, Feb. 14 CLASSICAL National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine Friday, Feb. 23 FOLK/BLUES/GOSPEL Martha Redbone Roots Project Tuesday, March 5 IRISH MUSIC Dervish Friday, March 22

More events at Bucknell.edu/WeisCenter 38

WINTER 2024 | INSIDE PA

the new Selinsgrove location.

Marking its 10th anniversary this year, Gilson Snow was the brainchild of middle-school teachers Gilson and Austin Royer. With the initial design being created by Gilson in the basement of his parent’s home at the age of 14, the roots of this business run deep.

Gilson said, “We do not fear failure; we use it.” Failure happens to be one of the driving forces in the success of this company, as it forces them to re-access and learn from their past mistakes.

Despite last year’s fire, Gilson remains one of the fastestgrowing snow sports companies in the world. Its equipment is shipped across North America, Europe, Australia, Asia and New Zealand.

Their design focuses on three key factors: Locally sourced materials, quality craftsmanship and reducing emissions. For the core of all their products, they use poplar wood which is abundant in Pennsylvania. They do this because it is the lightest hardwood with the lowest density.

Gilson Snow is a member of both Real American Hardwood and the Keystone Wood Products Association. Its aim is to combine modern manufacturing with traditional American craftsmanship.

OFFICE SUPPLIES O

OFFICE FURNITURE O

PRINT DEPT. P

IINK & TONER

CHECK OUT OUR NEW LOCATION! Beside Wenger’s Grocery

MIFFLINBURG, PA

According to gilsonsnow.com, the average travel distance for ski and snowboard materials is 12,000 miles. Gilson strives to shorten the supply chain and build equipment for the consumer, not the warehouse. This means that each ski or snowboard is built specifically for the consumer, not to sit in stock. This takes out transportation and storage costs completely.

When you couple that goal of building for the person with their pledge to use locally sourced materials, their carbon footprint is exponentially reduced, company leaders said.

Royer says the one positive aspect of the fire is getting to start fresh. Treating this as an opportunity to correct past mistakes in production has permitted them to rethink their process. He says they have been treating this as a new beginning, as well as an opportunity.

With the addition of a new computer numerical control (CNC) machine and changes in materials, they are able to create higher-quality products faster. A CNC machine automates a tool, relinquishing control from person to computer. This allows for greater precision, as well as efficiency.

The Gilson team credits their community, both local and worldwide, for supporting them throughout this tedious process. Their encouragement, as Royer says, has been the unwavering support from their patrons.

To learn more about Gilson Snow and their mission, visit gilsonsnow.com or call 570-216-8002.

Some blank boards, fresh from the press.

Need a Civil Engineer or Land Surveyor?

Meet: Trever Hess, EIT

Our staff is Passionate about Educating our clients. We want to help you make informed decisions about your Project.

What do you need to know?

Meck-Tech, Inc. is a family-owned company. We provide engineering, drainage, land development, and subdivision design for residential, commercial, industrial and municipal clients. Surveying services include: boundary, topographic, and ALTA surveys; construction stakeout, as-builts and (flood) elevation certificates too.

Call us today.

50

MECK-TECH INCORPORATED

YEARS

Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors since 1971

We appreciate all the hard work that he does for us and our clients, and we are proud to announce that Trever was selected as one of the Valley’s 30 under 30!

Congratulations Trever!!!

You can read all about him in this issue of Inside PA!

(570) 884-3333 · meck-tech.com · art@meck-tech.com @MeckTech

@mecktechinc INSIDE PA | WINTER 2024

39

The Highland Chocolates downtown store is located on 82 Main Street, Wellsboro.

40

WINTER 2024 | INSIDE PA

ʻExtraordinary

Chocolates

People’

by Extraordinary

Employees of all levels of ability help make Highland Chocolates a success

T

Story and photos by Deb Brubaker

he forests of Tioga County are filled with tree stumps and bark. But if you’re hunting for some delicious tree stumps and bark, you’ll want to go to a special spot — Wellsboro. That’s where you’ll find Highland Chocolates: “Extraordinary Chocolates by Extraordinary People.”

According to Erin Roupp, Operations Manager, “Highland Chocolates confections are made fresh in the factory using only the finest chocolates and quality ingredients.” Then she added, these chocolates are handcrafted by adults with varying levels of abilities.

The story behind Highland Chocolates is unique. In 1994, the Tioga County Department of Human Services participated in an exchange program with Highland, Scotland. At the time, the Human Services office was looking for a way to employ people with disabilities. The visiting Highland Scotland representative brought a truffle recipe with him that honored his Scottish heritage. This was the opportunity the Human Services program had been looking for, and Highland Chocolates was created.

In 2012, Partners in Progress, a nonprofit that provides day programs and training services for people with disabilities, took over Highland Chocolates.

Production Manager Jae Zugarek explained the program has grown to produce

INSIDE PA | WINTER 2024

41

Courtney May shows off a paw-print pop.

42

WINTER 2024 | INSIDE PA

more than 300 varieties of items. The number one seller is peanut butter and caramel between two pretzels. They are called ‘tree stumps.’ The number two seller is any one of 12 varieties of ‘bark.’

Employees Todd Crumb, 53, and Mike Baker, 61, have worked at Highland Chocolates for more than 25 years.

Crumb’s job is crushing pretzels, while Baker weighs products. Both enjoy their jobs, almost as much as eating pretzel bark — although taking samples is forbidden.

Is there a secret to not eating sweets while on the job? For retail associate Amanda Snyder, it’s keeping her money in the car. “That way, I’m not tempted, but I think about it a lot,” she laughed. “The smell is very tempting.”

“The staff produces more than 1,000 tree stumps and 600 packs of bark per week,” said Zugarek. “Then there are between 16 and 20 pounds of case items including chocolate-covered pretzels/Oreos/peanut-butter cups, toffee, etc.”

“We also get some unusual mold requests,” added Roupp.

“A customer wanted chocolates made like teeth, so we made pink chocolate gums and white chocolate teeth. And an audiologist ordered chocolate ‘ears’ for his customers.”

However, one of the more eccentric requests was a pair of handcuffs for Valentine’s Day. “Prisoners of love handcuffs,” Roupp laughed.

More popular Valentine’s chocolates include chocolatecovered strawberries and long-stemmed roses.

The sweets are not the only interesting part of Highland

Chocolates. They offer free factory tours to anyone who would like to get a first-hand look at the behind-the-scenes chocolates and teamwork of the dedicated staff.

“Touring Highland Chocolates, a facility with high-end machines, elite products, and exceptional production with every detail in place down to the bows was so impressive,” said Tessa Moore, The Arc Susquehanna Valley, Executive Director, whose membership recently took the tour. “The fact the majority of employees are individuals with disabilities sends a wonderful message to the community of ability.

Every staff member was a hard-working professional, with a deep knowledge and understanding of their position.”

Moore believes Highland Chocolates has the recipe for successful employment and delicious chocolate. “The unemployment rate of individuals with disabilities is beyond frustrating and the reasons for such high rates has more to do with stigma and bias than ability.”

Roupp says the Wellsboro community has been very supportive of Highland Chocolates and their employees. “The staff are known throughout the town as much as the quality of our products.”

Herr’s Snacks, in Nottingham, learned about the Highland Chocolates program, was very impressed with their individuals and work ethics, and now donates all the pretzels used for the chocolate-covered pretzels they produce.

Colleen Hanson and Libby Bloomquist have been customers for 20 and five years respectively.

Hanson, Visit Potter-Tioga Executive Director, purchases Highland Chocolates for resale in the visitors center. “Mainly they offer a line of high-quality, hand-crafted products,” said Hanson. “Plus, their staff is efficient and pleasant to work with. She has not only taken the factory tour but recommends visitors take the tour. “I am impressed by how clean the factory is and how friendly and happy the staff are.

Bloomquist, Sustainable Commerce Director for the PA Wilds Center, purchases treats for their gift shops. “Their mission of empowering people with disabilities to succeed is something to be recognized and celebrated.” She tells the center’s visitors that “no one can eat just one … package” when it comes to the decadent tree stumps. “The team always makes us feel like we are their only customer.”

The staff at the Wellsboro Diner, a popular stop on the tourist trail, tells its customers to hit the candy store right down the street. “My daughter, Miyanna Lynn, is one of the biggest fans of Highland Chocolates,” said waitress Amanda Comfort. “Some days, she visits twice a day, and she’ll drop by the restaurant with trinkets and candies.”

While Highland Chocolates recently finished a year-long renovation project including installing advanced machinery, they do have plans for the future. “Growth is huge,” said Roupp, “For our business, our talented chocolateers, and our website.”

Highland Chocolates won the Champion of the PA Wilds 2023 Business of the Year award. In addition to shipping throughout Pennsylvania, they have shipped to Colorado, the District of Columbia, Massachusettes, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and North Carolina.

Todd Crumb crushes pretzels to be used in one of the confections.

INSIDE PA | WINTER 2024

43

Robert Higareda, from DiMartino Ice Company, carves a bison along Market Street in Lewisburg for the 2023 Heart of Lewisburg Ice Festival.

Robert Inglis/Inside PA

44

WINTER 2024 | INSIDE PA

Embracing

the cold Checkout winter events across the valley

January 1 through March 17, 2024

CABIN FEVER WINE TRAIL Sponsored by the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau, the Wine Trail promises each stop “along the trail offers a sip of wine and a taste of winter’s magic: roaring fireplaces and the warm camaraderie that comes from sharing a bottle in the coldest of seasons.”

Passports are now available for purchase ($35) For more information and to purchase tickets (online only, visitcentralpa.org/event/cabin-fever-wine-trail/19959/ January 20 — 7 p.m.

STUDIO 570 DANCE PARTY CAMPUS THEATRE, 413 MARKET ST., LEWISBURG Dance Music of the 70s and 80s • Costumes encouraged! • Photo op • Cash bar • munchies Tickets; $20 online, $25 at the door For more information: Campustheatre.org/special-events/ February 3, 4, and 5

HEART OF LEWISBURG ICE FESTIVAL Amazing ice sculptures decorate the town. Visit unique shops and enjoy tasty treats. There are many other activities including the Polar Plunge, Frosty 5K, Sip and Stroll, etc.

For more information: lewisburgpa.com/2023/01/03/7323/ heart-of-lewisburg-ice-festival-2

Robert Inglis/Inside PA

A row of ice carved penquins by DiMartinos Ice can be seen at Hufnagle Park in Lewisburg for the 2023 Heart of Lewisburg Ice Festival.

INSIDE PA | WINTER 2024

45

Jerri Brouse/For Inside PA

Jodi Jordan, right, of Middleburg, hands out finisher rewards to participants of the trail race sponsored by the Mid Penn Trailblazers during 2023’s Snowfest.

February 10

LEMURS, SLOTHS AND KANGAROOS — OH MY! CLYDE PEELING’S REPTILE LAND, 18628 US -15, ALLENWOOD In partnership with Lake Tobias Wildlife Park you will come face-to-face with fascinating species not normally exhibited at Reptiland. See these animals up close and learn about them from knowledgeable experts. The animals will be displayed in the Exhibit Gallery for all-day viewing, and you’ll be able to ask questions about them as well.

There is a fee for admission.

For more information: reptiland.com/events/creaturefeature/

46

WINTER 2024 | INSIDE PA

February 23, 7:30 p.m.

NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OF UKRAINE WEIS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS There is an admission fee.

For more information and to purchase tickets: bucknell.edu/ life-bucknell/arts-performances/weis-center-performing-arts February 25, Noon — 4 p.m.

SNOWFEST AT R. B. WINTER STATE PARK 17215 BUFFALO RD., MIFFLINBURG Includes a trail race, silent auction, nature displays, outdoor winter games and children.

For more information: Friends of RB Winter State Park FB

BETTER GOLF IT’S TIME TO PLAY

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail boasts 468 holes on 26 exquisite courses throughout the beautiful state of Alabama, and right now, you can save big with remarkable prices on what The New York Times calls “some of the best public golf on earth.” Now that’s better golf!

CUSTOM PACKAGES AVAILABLE » To learn more, visit rtjgolf.com or call 800.949.4444.

RTJ GOLF TRAIL AT CAPITOL HILL // JUDGE COURSE #6

INSIDE PA | WINTER 2024

47

Visit Our Website! lewisburghearingaids.com

48

WINTER 2024 | INSIDE PA