Voice of the Valley Summer 2023

Just A Word...

“In the good old summertime, in the good old summertime…” come on everyone…sing along.

Ah yes, summertime. Haze, heat, humidity—with a little Canadian wood smoke for good measure—it’s summer. One of the things I love most about our little corner of this beautiful planet, which we call home, is that we experience the very best (and worst) of all four seasons.

Don’t like today’s weather, it’ll change. If today’s weather is “air that you can wear” as my buddy Mark Lawrence said a million times over radio wavesno worries. Tomorrow will be better.

Welcome to the Voice of the Valley, Summer 2023. We’ve grown to 16 pages. Read on for many healthful and helpful tips. There’s a recap of the final three months of the best-and-brightest Young Americans. Leadership Susquehanna Valley launched another full cadre of 20 energetic, enthusiastic, inspired, and well-prepared leaders into our valley with their Class of 2023 graduates. This edition includes three full pages about these leader-servants.

My colleague and trusted advisor, Andrew Miller of the Visitors Bureau penned an article which is a wonderful “Playbill” about the sights, scenes, smells, and activities that will ensure that our valley is a great place to live, work, play, shop and eat

By: Bob Garrett President & CEO,

all summer long. You and your family won’t want to miss a single event in the “SRV”.

Also, a huge thank you to this edition’s sponsor UPMC. We literally couldn’t take this publication to print without you.

Well, big things are afoot. A summer of fun awaits.

Our best days lie just ahead.

2023 Investors

Bucknell University

Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit

Evangelical Community Hospital

First National Bank of PA

Fulton Bank

Geisinger

Hummel Station, LLC

Weis Markets

M&T Bank

Mifflinburg Bank & Trust

Service 1st Federal Credit Union

Sunbury Motor Company

Susquehanna University

The Northumberland National Bank

Bowen Agency Realtors

BrightFarms

Contrast

CVC Mechanical Contractors, Inc.

GDK/Brewser’s Sports Grille

Kreamer Feed, Inc.

Meck-Tech, Inc.

National Beef Packing Company

Neema Hospitality

North Shore Railroad Company

Penn State Schuylkill

PPL Electric Utilities

Purdy Insurance Agency

Ritz-Craft Corp.

Service Electric Cablevision, Inc.

Seven Mountains Media

Stahl Sheaffer Engineering, LLC

Susquehanna Community Bank

The Arc of Pennsylvania

The Baylor-Hamm Companies

The Daily Item

UGI Utilities, Inc.

UPMC

2859 N. Susquehanna Trail

Shamokin Dam, PA 17876

570-743-4100 / 800-410-2880

Hours: M-F 8:30am - 4:30pm gsvcc.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIR

Aimee Buehner, Bowen Agency

VICE CHAIRMAN

Jeff Reber, Union County Commissioner

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR

Art Thomas, Meck-Tech Inc

TREASURER/DIRECTOR

Greg Zeh, Weis Markets

SECRETARY

Bob Garrett, GSVCC

REGION VICE PRESIDENTS

Greg Zeh, Weis Markets

Leslie Temple, Fulton Bank

Phil DeRose, UPMC

Gene Welsh III, GDK Development

Sam Haulman, Service Electric Cablevision

Malcolm Derk, Susquehanna University

DIRECTORS

John Kurelja, CSIU

Beau Hoffman, AxRunkle, P.C.

Rachel Smith, Evangelical Com Hospital

Steve Stumbris, Bucknell SBDC

Chad Evans, Stone State Entertainment

Sara Snyder, Shared Support

Melissa Day, LCCC

Roger van Baaren, Geisinger

Ryan McNally, YMCA of GSV

The Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce

Executive Director of Operations & Workforce Jenny Wentz jwentz@gsvcc.org

President/CEO Bob Garrett rgarrett@gsvcc.org

Director of Communications & Events Kendy Alvarez kalvarez@gsvcc.org

Director of Membership & Workforce Zach Stotter zstotter@gsvcc.org

Hot Summer in the SRV

Things are warming up in the Susquehanna River Valley; and we don’t just mean the weather! Summer 2023 will be packed with fun-filled events that bring people together in celebration for all our region has to offer. The Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau is your source for these events.

The team at the Visitors Bureau strives to make sure no one misses out on the fun. At our website, VisitCentralPA.org, you will find a calendar filled with events to appeal to everyone in your group…from family-friendly nights out, and community festivals, to historic presentations, and concert series. Sort by week or by event category and keep checking back as new events are being added every day.

Another great source for fun is the Susquehanna River Valley Facebook page. Follow us to receive the latest updates about the events in Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties and beyond. Events from both the online calendar and the Facebook page are featured in the Bureau’s e-weekly newsletter, “This Week in the Susquehanna River Valley.” Sign up for the weekly or quarterly event newsletter by emailing Sharon@VisitCentralPA.org or by phoning the Visitor Center at 570-524-7234, and have news about upcoming events delivered directly to your inbox. You will soon discover that there is always something happening in the Susquehanna River Valley!

July will keep you moving with the 50th anniversary of Pineknotter Days on July 1st through 7th, the Lewisburg Sidewalk Chalk Festival on July 7thand Selinsgrove’s Antiques on the Avenue on July 9th. July 15th is the Selinsgrove Brewfest and the 25th anniversary of the Blueberries & Bluegrass Festi-

val in Mifflinburg. Mount Carmel will be celebrating Christmas in July on July 22nd. Just a short drive away at the Carlisle Fairgrounds, you will find the PA Jeeps Annual All Breeds Jeep Show on July 22nd through 23rd.

Summer will not be complete until you experience the Sunbury River Festival on August 18th and 19th or New Berlin Day on August 26th. The Middlecreek Valley Antique Association will hold their Fall Show in Selinsgrove on August 25th through 27th. Finally, September introduces us to the flavors of Fall with the Lake Augusta Wine & Beer Fest in Sunbury on September 16th, the Camp K Wine & Beer Festival in Millmont on September 23rd and, of course, the Bloomsburg Fair on September 22nd through 30th.

This list represents a small portion of the expansive event lineup at VisitCentralPA.org. Here you will find information about summer kids camps, music in the park series, food tastings, open houses and so much more. Our local wineries and breweries offer a full schedule of live music and themed events, our historical societies hold various events and tours throughout the year and our galleries and music venues present shows and exhibits to elevate both mind and heart. One of our newer partners, Blooming Meadows Farm, offers a variety of events and workshops on their u-pick flower farm in Watsontown –everything from Date Nights, and Murder Mysteries, to Soap Making Workshops, and Kids Craft Events. Learn more at VisitCentralPA.org.

The team at the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau works to connect you to all of the wonderful events and businesses within our region. For more information visit us online, follow Susquehanna River Valley on Facebook, sign-up to receive our e-weekly and quarterly event newsletters or phone us at 570-524-7234.

Facebook @ susquehannarivervalley

Instagram @ susquehannarivervalley

Submitted by Andrew Miller, Executive Director Susquehanna Valley Visitors Bureau

Sidewalk Chalk art by Michelle Tavares, 2022 Sidewalk Chalk Festival

Selinsgrove Projects, Inc.

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow fast in movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.”

-F. Scott Fitzgerald

As the summer months roll in, we at Selinsgrove Projects Inc. are relishing in these words by F. Scott Fitzgerald and enjoying each new day! This summer, take advantage of every moment with all that Selinsgrove has to offer. Restaurants and retailers await your arrival, the Farmers’ Market is calling your name, and a plethora of events are around every corner. Various organizations throughout the Grove are working hard to ensure that this summer is a great re-entry from the dark days of COVID for the entire community.

Submitted by Meryl Czeponis

If, on September 23rd, you find yourself unable to drive downtown, don’t turn around. You have stumbled upon our 44th annual Market Street Festival. The much anticipated festival draws in vendors from all over. Live entertainment is also scheduled throughout the fun-filled day. Over 10,000 people attend this event each year. Whether it be businesses, artisans, crafters, food vendors, or games that you’re looking for, the 140+ vendors are sure to have something for you.

Music, flowers, and produce- oh my! Spend your Saturdays at the Selinsgrove Farmers’ Market from 9:00am1:00pm. Located at the Commons, the Market runs through summer and into the fall, providing the opportunity to shop a variety of vendors. Shopping options presented by this season’s vendors range from fresh produce, meat, cheese, dessert, flowers, other handmade/ handcrafted goods, and more. Stroll and shop to the tunes of local musicians who perform live from 10:00am-12:00pm. We hope to see you there.

Do you hear that? Music is ringing through the Commons at our Rudy Gelnett Music Series! Make your way to the Selinsgrove Commons on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:00pm for live entertainment from some of the best performers in the area. The best news? It will cost you nothing. The entertainment is free of charge; so bring a

chair, grab a dinner from one of our Downtown eateries, and enjoy a lovely night.

This year’s Antiques on the Avenue Show and Sale, sponsored by the Selinsgrove Area Chamber of Commerce, will take place on July 9th from 9:00am-3:00pm.

A variety of antique dealers will be showcasing and selling high quality antiques. There will also be on-site food. The location of the event will be 204 North Market Street (the grassy lot behind the Selinsgrove Inn).

Cheers! The 15th Annual Selinsgrove Brewfest is July 15th. The two-time award winning festival fills University Avenue from 2:00-6:00pm. A superstar lineup of breweries, wineries, and distilleries will be present at the event. Food and entertainment are included in the ticket price. Additionally, there will be merchandise vendors present if you wish to shop around. Tickets for the event are on sale now, but get your tickets now as many have already been sold. For more information, visit www.selinsgrovebrewfest.org.vendors.

There is a close race for favorite summer night activities in the ‘Grove. And Selinsgrove Speedway is a top contender. Don’t miss a single photo-finish, and make your way to the track each weekend through September. Stop in town for a bite to eat at one of Selinsgrove’s delicious restaurants before heading to a night at the races.

If you are looking to cool off, enjoy a great time kayaking, boating, or tubing on the Susquehanna River. The Isle of Que provides access to a boat launch and picnic tables. Additionally, a scenic walk to the Isle of Que showcases beautiful views of both the Susquehanna River and Penns Creek.

For more information on any of Selinsgrove’s businesses or events, please visit www.selinsgrove.net or Facebook at DowntownSelinsgrove.

What does this mean for the women of the Lewisburg region? Drs. Huggler and Alligood-Percoco dive into this more below:

Q: What women’s health services do you offer at UPMC Outpatient Center in Lewisburg?

We are both board-certified in obstetrics and gynecologic surgery and are also certified subspecialists in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS) by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

At UPMC Outpatient Center in Lewisburg, we care for patients with well-woman visits, clinical consultation, fertility support, and treatment for a broad variety of gynecologic conditions including endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, ovarian cysts, and abnormal menstruation. We will not offer surgeries at the clinic, however, when surgery is the best option, we can provide those services at UPMC Williamsport.

Q: You both offer Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS) as a treatment option. What is MIGS?

Being told you need surgery or a surgical evaluation for a reproductive health condition is scary and stressful. But surgical techniques have advanced tremendously, and many surgeries are now faster and easier than ever. Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery is used to treat a wide range of com-

mon health conditions of the reproductive system including:

• Adenomyosis

• Bleeding issues

• Cervical or endometrial polyps

• Endometriosis

• Fibroids

• Ovarian cysts

• Pelvic pain

• Urinary incontinence

There are several types of MIGS procedures, including:

• Robotics

• Laparoscopy

• Hysteroscopy

As the name suggests, these procedures are far less invasive than traditional open surgeries and benefits include less blood loss during surgery, lower risk of infections because of smaller incisions, less pain during recovery, a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery and return to your regular activities, and smaller or no scarring.

Q: Why should women choose UPMC MageeWomens in Lewisburg for their health care services?

We offer comprehensive care and treatment right here in the community to help women live their healthiest lives. As Ob-Gyns, we are given the

unique opportunity to care for women across their lifetime. We build relationships with our patients which helps us better understand a broader picture of their health and wellness. In building these relationships we become a part of the community. And UPMC Magee-Womens is nationally recognized for our skilled and experienced providers who are dedicated to the highest standard of care, no matter the age or the stage of life. As physicians on the Magee team, we are helping bring a new standard of women’s health services to Lewisburg.

Q: Why are you excited to expand services to Lewisburg?

In addition to our clinic hours in Lewisburg, we will have a presence at local events, and we look forward to using the opportunities to gain a better understanding of the needs of the women we serve. We are committed to our practice, and we look forward to serving women in the Greater Susquehanna Valley.

Drs. Huggler and Alligood-Percoco are accepting new patients for routine gynecologic care and specialty consultation at UPMC Outpatient Center, 2370 Old Turnpike Rd., Lewisburg. They also see patients at 740 High St., Suite 1004, Williamsport. To make an appointment with either physician at either location, call 570-321-3300.

To learn more about the comprehensive women’s health services available at UPMC in North Central Pa., visit UPMC.com/WomensHealthNCPA.

See you downtown Lewisburg

By: Lynne Ragusea of the Lewisburg Downtown Partnership

There are so many reasons to visit downtown Lewisburg this summer! Come to dine, come to shop, come to enjoy the galleries and murals, and come to enjoy the many outdoor events we have planned for this season. We kicked off the summer with our Heart of Lewisburg Summer Craft Fair back in June and wrap up the summer with the Lewisburg Arts Council’s Stroll Through the Arts, October 14-21. Downtown is the heart of Lewisburg, so come feel the pulse.

The Heart of Lewisburg Summer Craft Fair brought together artisans and crafters from all over the region to showcase their unique creations. Visitors browsed a wide range of handmade items, from pottery and jewelry to woodworking and textiles. The Summer Craft Fair was a great way to kick off the summer season and support local artists and makers. If you missed this event in 2023, mark your calendars for 2024. The Fair takes place at the beginning of June during Bucknell University’s Alumni Weekend.

This year SUN Pride brought its Second Annual Pride Fest to Downtown Lewisburg on Saturday, June 17th. We had food and craft vendors as well as a packed day of live entertainment including the band GoodPaige and a family-friendly drag show.

We closed out June with the Union County Veterans parade and firework display to celebrate our veterans and the 4th

of July. Get more information at http://ucveterans4thofjuly. aplos.org

From the summer solstice (June 21st) and running through August 9th the Lewisburg Arts Council hosts one of the town’s favorite events every Wednesday evening, Music in the Park! Go to www.lewisburgartscouncil.org for more information on location and rain dates.

Not to be outdone by all of the June events, on July 7th we held the Sidewalk Chalk Festival and on July 29th will be Strictly Ballet’s annual Fairy Garden Party.

Every August Downtown Lewisburg welcomes Bucknell University’s first-year students to the neighborhood by inviting them Downtown for an event we call Welcome to the Neighborhood! Students are encouraged through a scavenger hunt to visit all that the Downtown has to offer, including ways to get involved throughout the Lewisburg community.

In October, two major events take place in Downtown Lewisburg. The first is the Fall Festival with the Woolly Worm Winter Weather Prognostication on Saturday, October 7th. This event is a celebration of autumn, with food vendors, live music, and a unique twist – the woolly worm winter weather prognostication. According to local folklore, the color and bands of a woolly worm can predict the severity of the upcom-

ing winter. Visitors watch as the woolly worm makes its prediction and enjoy a day of fall fun in downtown Lewisburg. To make a great event even better, unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley holds its registration at the Fall Festival. Each year unPAved brings cycling vendors, locally guided rides, and even more food and drink to this incredible downtown Lewisburg event. unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley is a challenging gravel bike race taking riders through the beautiful countryside and forests surrounding Lewisburg. The race is open to riders of all skill levels and is a great way to explore the scenic Susquehanna River Valley.

Wrapping up the season will be the Arts Council’s Stroll Through the Arts, October 14-21. Visitors can stroll through downtown Lewisburg viewing works of art throughout retail shops, galleries, studios, and other creative spaces. Visitors will also find live music performances, food vendors, and other artistic endeavors to enjoy.

For more information on all of these events and activities listed here please visit www.lewisburgpa.com. Check out the Happening Now tab for calendars and articles about upcoming and ongoing events and programs in downtown Lewisburg, PA. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, there are always entertaining events and activities to enjoy here.

See you downtown!

August

Why Wellness at Work Matters

Employees spend most of their waking hours at work. This means that their wellness needs to matter when they are in the workplace as much, if not more, than anywhere else.

Employers can get more bang for their sick-care buck when they invest ahead of time in wellness care.

Wellness at Work is a program provided by Community Health and Wellness at Evangelical Community Hospital. Through the program several wellness activities and initiatives are provided by the employer to employees to prioritize the health and well-being of their most valued resource, their staff.

Not only does this show that the employer cares about an employee’s productivity, but also employee health and life outside of work.

When an employer steps in to meet this need, they also help to narrow the socioeconomic divide for employees to have these services. Whether an employee struggles with time or finances to prioritize their health, this creates a built-in incentive for both the employee and the employer.

During the pandemic it became clear that employees have an increased awareness and desire of a healthy work-life balance.

When employers can align the values of their employees to what they offer, those employers become more desirable and competitive in the job market. The impact is clear with strong employee retention numbers, reduced healthcare costs, and increased employee productivity and decision making.

The benefits of worksite wellness don’t end there. For employees the noticeable outcomes can include better morale in general and a happier, more collaborative, and creative workplace. When employees can prioritize their health, they can also be more productive and have better mental and physical health for the balance with their life outside of work.

With Evangelical’s Wellness at Work programs, qualified wellness educators aim to hit the root cause of chronic illness. Working on physical or mental health, stress or work burnout are just a few areas of focus. Employers that partner with the programs can choose from engaging wellness challenges, educational seminars on several different health and wellness topics, and/or workshops, biometric screenings, and health and safety classes.

The real magic can happen when a worksite includes Health Coaching. Health Coaching is a one-on-one personalized approach to helping an individual set goals, take action steps,

and find accountability in their own unique health journey. Most of what is affecting the daily health habits for people is not that they don’t know what to do, but instead can’t figure out why they don’t do what they want, or they struggle to find the time and resources to live the best lives they desire. Health coaching is not prescriptive in nature but success is built from session to session with outcome goals guided by what matters most to the client.

Programs can be available both in-person and virtually. The Community Health and Wellness office is housed in The Miller Center. The luxury of The Miller Center is that it can also serve as a great venue to host any event employers may like to hold offsite with employees.

The take-away is this, employers can make a small investment now in worksite wellness for a long-term gain. Like any investment time plus money creates a valuable outcome.

If you would like to explore bringing Wellness at Work to your worksite, contact Elissa Veldhuis, Wellness Educator and Wellness at Work Coordinator, at Elissa.Veldhuis@evanhospital.com or call 570-768-3200.

The Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce

Recognizes the recipients of the 2022 Chamber Awards.

Todd Ross of T-Ross Brothers Construction – Business of the Year

Sara Snyder – Young Professional of the Year

Dr. George Ruiz – Keynote Speaker, Geisinger

Sabra Karr – Star of Excellence Award

Dominico and Stacey Napoli of Isabella’s Restaurant – Small Business of the Year

Fred Keller – Heritage Award

Lauryn Aucker Midd-West High School

Caryssa Ressler Northumberland Christian School

Regan Drasher Selinsgrove Area High School

Katrina Bennage Mifflinburg Area High School

Dameon White Danville Area High School

Mason Fassero Lewisburg Area High School

Nicholas Koontz Shikellamy High School

Jaden Wagner SUN Area Technical Institute

Isaac Botts SUN Area Technical Institute

Kathryn Fedder Shikellamy High School

Asha Hohmuth Lewisburg Area High School

Sydney Schmouder Selinsgrove Area High School

Aaron Ruohoniemi Line Mountain High School

2023 Young Americans Seminar and Celebration

The Young Americans program concluded the 2022-2023 year as a great success. Seventy-two students were named by ten area schools for their outstanding achievements, both inside and outside of the classroom. On April 18th, thirty of these future leaders attended a Leadership Seminar at Susquehanna University where they engaged presenters on topics such as community organization, stress management and career development. To say that both the presenters and the organizers of the event were impressed by the maturity and insight of these young people would be an understatement.

On May 25th, the students were recognized at a reception held at Susquehanna University where they heard from local leaders Dr. Jason Bendle, Superintendent of Shikellamy School District; Dr. Jonathan Green, President of Susquehanna University;

and keynote speaker, The Honorable Jeffrey Rowe, Magisterial District Judge for the Lewisburg area of Union County, PA. Judge Rowe is a 1998 Young American from Lewisburg High School.

The reception also featured the presentation of certificates by school personnel and the announcement of the 2023 Young American Essay Contest Winner, McKenna Parker, of Selinsgrove.

The evening reception was sponsored by UPMC, Service First Federal Credit Union, Weis Markets, Geisinger, Northumberland National Bank, The Daily Item, Susquehanna University and Evangelical Community Hospital.

Keynote Speaker, The Honorable Jeffrey Rowe, addresses the 2023 Young Americans about the importance of community, and the need for their leadership here at home.

Students learned a significant amount about their own communities from Andrew Miller of the Susquehanna River Valley Visitor’s Bureau; Lewisburg Mayor, Kendy Alvarez; and Hanna Radio DJ, Lura Good.

As part of an activity on Community Engagement, students were challenged to work in groups and come up with their favorite things about their home communities, as well as areas for improvement.

Susquehanna University Career Development Center Director, Allie Grill, spoke to the group on several elements of career readiness, including resume writing, interviewing, and workplace skills.

Emily Baney Meadowbrook Christian School

Elizabeth A. Spieles Line Mountain High School

Payton Derr Mifflinburg Area High School

Ava Blair Selinsgrove Area High School

Tyler Long SUN Area Technical Institute

Maddie Sauers Danville Area High School

Jonah Carney Lewisburg Area High School

Jenika Krum Northumberland Christian School

The ‘23 Class of Young Americans were presented with Certificates commemorating their achievements.

Young Americans Essay Contest

Being a Young American means not only possessing leadership skills, honesty, integrity, and intelligence, but also using those qualities to benefit those around you. This is part of the reason I believe I was chosen as a Young American. In addition to my academic and personal achievements, I have taken it upon myself to be an active member of the school, as well as the community at large, through my leadership positions in school clubs and hours of community service. Some of the most meaningful experiences I have had in my high school career were not when I excelled personally, but when I was able to contribute to others’ success. One experience in particular that comes to mind involves my time job shadowing at the Selinsgrove Area Intermediate School and working with the students on STEM activities. I worked with students on activities such as Scratch programming and origami to introduce STEM concepts like algorithms. The valuable experience taught me how much I enjoy leading young people and teaching others about my passions. Seeing the students find a new interest or gain confidence in themselves and their abilities was very rewarding.

Award Winning Essay by McKenna Parker

During my time at the University of Pennsylvania I hope to continue developing my leadership skills and serving both the Philadelphia and Selinsgrove communities through my involvement in organizations that support these endeavors. One specific goal I want to achieve by 2028 is increasing access to STEM education in Philadelphia and Selinsgrove. At Penn, I plan to join the Access Engineering club, which is a year-round, weekend program to teach Philadelphia youth about various engineering disciplines and get them interested in learning more about the profession. Since 2014, the club has worked with over 250 students. The other piece of my goal involves bringing additional opportunities in STEM education to Selinsgrove. I hope to do this by creating a program similar to Access Engineering for local intermediate and middle school students for multiple weeks in the summer. I plan to achieve this through collaboration with the district administration and the implementation of lessons similar to those of Penn’s Access Engineering program. My plan would be to spend one or two days on each of the different engineering fields so all students might find something that interests them and develop a desire to continue learning more about it on their own.

Another goal I hope to achieve by 2028 is obtaining a master’s degree in Computer Graphics and Game Technology (CGGT). I plan to achieve this goal by declaring a Digital Media Design (DMD) major for my undergraduate degree, then sub-matriculating to UPenn’s CGGT program. The program is specifically designed for students who want to take on multidisciplinary roles within the industry, as I do, so it provides core areas that allow for specialization. I am interested in economics and the business aspects of video game production so I plan to specialize in Business and Entrepreneurship within the CGGT program. Although my second goal would not directly impact a specific community, once I join the industry I hope to bring diverse stories to light. Representation is often lacking in the media industry, or media representing diverse groups doesn’t perform as well due to its smaller audience size; however, I believe diverse representation in games would positively impact people of all communities. By studying this aspect of the gaming industry, I hope to achieve my goal to bring diverse representation to the media and game industry and provide all people with a sense of belonging.

McKenna Parker was awarded a Chamber scholarship for winning the Young American Essay Contest. She is pictured with Chamber Events Coordinator, Kendy Alvarez.

Paella and Pollinators

We have all dealt with the nagging dilemma of a great idea that’s ‘not in the budget’ issue. This is a story about Zach Stotter, who is the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Director of Membership and Workforce Development spearheading a delicious event on June 20th known as Paella and Pollinators. His fabulous idea blended fundraising, fellowship, locavore food, member engagement, all with pinch of learning for good measure.

Earlier this spring, Zach partnered with the Cooperative Extension, along with the Master Gardeners to eradicate overgrown invasive and potentially poisonous shrubbery which had overtaken the Chamber’s beautiful, inlaid concrete patio. This patio was dedicated 20 years ago as a sort of ‘Commons Area’ where Chamber members could meet and network in a relaxed setting. The plantings had taken over and the area was seldom used and a bit of an eyesore. His crew replaced and re-landscaped the area with appropriately scaled, pollinator-friendly, very-pleasing native plants.

Costs related to this project had not been anticipated in the Chamber’s budget. Resolute in his conservation commitment, Zach saw this as an opportunity to showcase his culinary skills while involving even more interested and generous Chamber members. Using what was likely the biggest frying pan in all of Snyder County, he prepared a sumptuous chicken and mushroom based meal in Spanish paella fashion, with rice and all the fixins’ for 40 highly impressed guests.

Local wines and brews, as well as salads from our local Bright Farmers (if you haven’t tried Bright Farms salads yet, you’re missing out. Their freshly grown salad mixes are delicious and exported to you from Selinsgrove, PA). All of the goodies, supplied by Chamber members, shared the spotlight at the feast. Even dessert was locally sourced. For dessert, dinner guests were served ice cream made from the milk provided by the cows just down the road and our local Weis Dairy just across the river from the Chamber headquarters in Shamokin Dam. A chutney topped these sundaes made from the fruit of the trees the guests sat under while dining. Hyper-local comes to mind when eating ‘that close to home.’

The evening’s fellowship included a rousing 65th birthday celebration for our Chamber’s (not-retired-yet) President & CEO, Bob Garrett. Happy birthday, Bob!

Zach stirs the pan just before serving.

Zach Stotter, GSVCC Director of Membership and Workforce, and Linda Persing, Penn State Extension Master Gardener, chat and watch the paella simmer in the new pollinator garden at the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce.

A delight of summer, the smore, was recreated by Sara Snyder of Sara’s Sweeties as the dessert to celebrate Bob Garrett’s birthday at the Paella and Pollinators event.

Congratulations to the LSV Class of 2023! On June 15th they officially concluded their Leadership Susquehanna Valley program year with a graduation ceremony at Susquehanna University’s Stretansky Concert Hall. Help us is in recognizing this amazing group of leaders - the reigning “Best Class Ever!”

Class of 2023 Graduates:

• Nancy Alcantar, National Beef Packing Company LLP

• Emily Artman, Geisinger

• Jonathan Bastian, Evangelical Community Hospital

• Kyle Benson, UPMC

• Stan Cary, UPMC

• Kerry Colville, Hummel Station, LLC

• James Hawke, The Daily Item

• Shawna Heckman, Evangelical Community Hospital

• Heather Herbster, Fulton Bank

• Frankie Hockenbrocht, SEDA-COG

• Bethany Homiak, Geisinger

• Brenda Kline, BJE Poultry

• Trisha Kuenzie, Weis Markets, Inc.

• Misty Leonard, Service 1st Federal Credit Union

• Nicola Manning-Davenport, Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit

• Eric Pangelinan, Community Giving Foundation

• Nicole Peterson, Union-Snyder Community Action Agency

• Greg Powell, UGI Utilities, Inc.

• Michelle Reid, M&T Bank

• Todd Robatin, Americans for Prosperity

• Laura Shrawder-Miles, Riverfront Financial Services

• Shayla Snook, Contrast

Thank you to our Graduation Sponsors: Premier Sponsor, UPMC; Ceremony Sponsor, Susquehanna Community Bank; Wine Sponsor, Sabra L. Karr, Villager Realty Inc.

Elected LSV Class of 2023 Social LiaisonsBethany Homiak and Stan Cary

Elected LSV Class of 2023 Ambassador –Emily Artman

Elected LSV Class of 2023 Representative –Shayla Snook

Community & Human Services Program Day - March 16, 2023

In partnership with the Community Giving Foundation, Program Day Sponsor, the LSV class members gained a new perspective on nonprofits and their good work. Through a series of breakout sessions, the class of 2023 heard personal and unique perspectives from nonprofit stakeholders and gained knowledge of how nonprofits operate and collaborate to meet community needs. Pictured is Justin Michaels, Board Member of Spreading Antlers Children’s Foundation, 2004 graduate of LSV, and 2011 recipient of the Guy Temple Distinguished Leadership Alumni Award, speaking to the Class of 2023.

As the host and Breakfast Sponsor of the March program day, the Public Library for Union County was able to immerse the Class of 2023 into their facility and all the services they provide to the community. Thank you to First National Bank of PA for sponsoring this month’s lunch.

Agriculture Program Day - April 20, 2023

Thank you to Ron Fetrow of Growmark FS (Pictured above) and Kreamer Feed Inc. for sponsoring the Agricultural program day. The Class of 2023 had the opportunity to hear from many great speakers to learn more about PA’s agriculture. These speakers included Charlie Benner, Retired Farmer; David Hackenberg, Owner & Beekeeper of Hackenberg Apiaries; Linda Persing, Master Gardener at Penn State Extension; and PA’s Secretary of Agriculture, Russell Redding.

The Class of 2023 had the opportunity to tour both Timberhaven Log & Timber Homes and Engle’s Farm & Greenhouse LLC (Pictured Left), where they got to see agriculture in action.

Tourism Program Day - May 18, 2023

Guy Temple Distinguished Leadership Alumni Award Breakfast - June 2, 2023

The LSV Class of 2023 had the opportunity to be tourists in their own backyards. As you can see, they are enjoying our communities very own Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg. Thank you to the Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau, UPMC, and Angela Lahr (LSV Board Member) for sponsoring this day.

LSV hosts this annual breakfast to shine a spotlight on the incredible members of our program and the alumni who have taken the LSV vision of homegrown leadership back to their communities. We shine this light in honor of the legacy left by one of our Founders, the late Guy Temple, whose lifetime of service, leadership, and achievement represented the very best of what we hope to become: People who make a difference in our communities. Pictured is the LSV Class of 2023 who shared their completed community service projects, which left a tangible, long-lasting impact on our area’s nonprofits – The Donald Heiter Community Center, Haven Ministry, Dwell Orphan Care, and Susquehanna Valley CASA –Voices for Children. Thank you, M&T Bank, for your continued sponsorship and support of this event, this program, and our shared vision to bring leaders together.

Another fun stop during the day was the YMCA Arts Center in Sunbury. The Class of 2023 reconnected with their inner child through some fun, creative art projects while learning all the center has to offer our local community.

Congratulations to Joanne Troutman for being the recipient of our 2023 Guy Temple Distinguished Leadership Alumni Award! Pictured L to R: Leslie Temple, 2022 Guy Temple Distinguished Leadership Alumni Award recipient; Jan Temple, Guy Temple’s widow; Joanne Troutman; Lizz Hendricks, LSV Vice President.