West Branch Life Spring 2024

March 2024, Volume 12, Issue 1

PUBLISHER

Bob Rolley brolley@sungazette.com brolley@lockhaven com

EDITOR

Nick Seitzer nseitzer@sungazette.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Joseph W Smith III, Linda Stager, Courtney Cizek, Lou Bernard

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dave Kennedy, Karen Vibert-Kennedy, Linda Stager

DESIGN EDITOR

Timothy R Wertz Jr

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Chuck Smith

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John Leeser jleeser@sungazette com

Jordan McCloskey jmccloskey@lockhaven com

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Anthony Segraves asegraves@sungazette com

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West Branch Life was founded in 2013, a publication of the Williamsport Sun-Gazette and The (Lock Haven) Express community newspapers with web sites at www sungazette com and www.lockhaven.com.

Making Waves

By COURTNEY CIZEK

BY NICK SEITZER

Just try to enjoy life

As is described in Editor Nick Seitzer's insightful cover story in this, the first edition of West Branch Life in 2024, I hope you have all been "Chasing Treasure" throughout your life

I mean, life is about the journey more than the destination, is it not?

"Just have fun and enjoy it," magnet fisher Terry Pruyne – pictured on our cover - tells us for the story.

That's really good advice, especially for life.

And the latest edition of our premier magazine yet again is filled with inspiration as we try to live fulfilling lives

From Pruyne to artist David Seybold, to adventurist Jason Beckley Sr , to musicians Sara Scott and Rockey Allen, to Aly's Monkeys Alyson Creasy, to author Mark Mussina, to businessman and creator Mark Winkleman (and his Pajama Factory tenants), and to restauranteurs Phil and Jackie Anastos, each of them - as you'll read – are really just trying to enjoy life

We are delighted to feature all of these creative people and others who contribute to our collective enjoyment and hopefulness

Imagine casting a magnet into a local creek and “catching” a relic from the Civil War? Or something from the Lumber Era in our region?

Exciting even exhilarating

But then you catch the mundane ... an everyday item

"Treasure" doesn’t have to be grandiose And you shouldn't expect it to be.

It can be a friendship you didn't foresee.

A smile from someone who you didn’t think liked you.

According to some historians, the phrase, “the pursuit of happiness” actually meant “the pursuit of a meaningful life” – a life that provides a person with a sense of satisfaction that what they’re doing is worth living for.

Among the ways I try to enjoy life is to cast away anger the moment I feel it (Yes, that can be hard for some )

"For every minute you are angry, you lose 60 seconds of happiness," Ralph Waldo Emerson reminds us.

In other words, do your best to not get caught up in the turmoil that life can so often bring

I don’t have to tell any of you – our dear readers – that life is short

Area author’s ‘A Mile in Her Shoes’ is utterly absorbing S

ome folks who know newly elected County Commissioner Mark Mussina might be inclined to describe him as having, shall we say, a healthy dose of skepticism.

Not a bad trait in a public official; but I did wonder what that might bode for “A Mile in Her Shoes,” Mussina’s 2020 novel about teens, autism and high school sports

Happily, this engaging story reveals what some of his friends suspected all along: Behind Mussina’s skeptical and sarcastic exterior lies a glowing heart of gold

And actually, the novel has plenty of wisecracking cynicism to go along with its ultimately upbeat tone.

“A Mile in Her Shoes” tells the tale of high school senior Rae, who lives with her uncle and track coach Joe in a town called Morris a slightly veiled version of our own Montoursville

Parentless and struggling to emerge from a troubled adolescence, Rae has her sights on winning the state championship in her specialty event: the 1600meter race (just shy of a mile). Her running nemesis, the snarky Bethany from a nearby district, is about as skilled at racing as she is at vicious taunts and boasts.

But just when we’re sure that Rae will emerge as the mainspring in another triumphant sports-underdog story, Mussina brings in Izzy Stine, a specialneeds transfer who needs help fitting in

Since Izzy takes an interest in track, Rae decides to reach out essentially against her own better judgment and

finds that the newbie is also a darn good runner. Almost too good

But will the rulebound world of scholastic sports prove flexible enough to accommodate Izzy’s autistic fussiness? Can Rae really invest in her new friend without jeopardizing Joe’s career-long dream of a state-medal in the mile? And might these efforts similarly sabotage Rae’s h well?

Into this absorbing plot Mussina weaves material about parenting, local gossip, teen matchmaking, history lessons, friendship, a couple of surprises and roughly 150,000 square yards of post-game pizza. Undergirding it all is the author’s convincing expertise on high school athletics especially track.

Similarly helpful is his clear, direct and simple style, which I especially admired in the running scenes Unlike many modern sports stories, Mussina keeps these brief, and he never overdramatizes which actually makes them all the more exciting

He likewise manages to shift between third-person narration and first (Rae) in a way that’s surprisingly smooth and organic; and the wisecracking dialog between Rae and her friends even more so between her and Joe is often very funny To parents considering this

book for their kids, be aware that these exchanges do contain some salty language but honestly, in a story about contemporary teens, I can’t see how it would be otherwise

Like the tough-talking Joe, who teases Rae a lot but is grafted to her like the dad she never had, Mussina loves these characters and so do his readers: At Amazon, “A Mile in Her Shoes” currently has 43 four- and five-star reviews

Consider this the 44th.

Joseph W. Smith III is a writer, teacher and speaker in Central Pennsylvania. His latest book is “The Best Movies You Never Saw: 300 Underthe-Radar Films That Were Overlooked, Unjustly Trashed -- or Just Plain Terrific " robbwhitefan@gmail com

Mike Steppe

South Williamsport teacher is a man of many talents

G

rowing up on a hay and beef farm in Bastress Township, it didn’t take long for Mike Steppe to learn the value of a hard day’s work As the oldest son in a family with nine children, he was responsible for teaching his siblings the many chores that needed to be done around the property When he wasn’t milking cows, bailing hay, plowing fields, picking stones and planting crops, he was learning basic conservation, construction, plumbing and electrical work

That’s probably why Steppe continues to keep himself so busy all these years later

By day, Steppe teaches technology education courses (wood shop, electronics, computer-aided design, photography and multimedia) at South Williamsport Area Junior/Senior High School, where he has taught for the last 25 years. By night, he can often be found around the region playing with the roots rock band Cass and The Bailout Crew. Somewhere in between he finds time to work as a home improvement contractor.

“I don’t enjoy downtime,” Steppe said “So, I keep busy, and I hope that’s always the case ”

After graduating from Jersey Shore Area Senior High School in 1992, Steppe started his post-secondary education at Pennsylvania College of Technology, earning an associate degree in electronics engineering technology in 1994 From there, he spent three years working as an electronics testing technician at Litton Electron Devices, until he was convinced to pursue a career in education by Litton’s personnel manager, Al Kehrer

With his friend, Jeff Lorson, studying technology education at Millersville University, Steppe went down for a visit and ultimately decided to sign himself up for the spring semester He received his Bachelor of Science degree in technology education from Millersville in 1999, before obtaining a master’s degree in instructional technology from

Bloomsburg University in 2007.

Teaching at South Williamsport since August of 1999, Steppe has experienced the many ups and downs that accompany a career in education While he believes there are “numerous rewarding aspects” of helping shape young minds, he enjoys the personal interactions the most especially when he’s able to introduce a student to a great piece of music, food or technology But there are many difficult parts of the job as well, he said

“It’s not a level playing field, no matter how much we as educators attempt to make accommodations,” Steppe said “Some students just fall through the cracks that feels like failure

“At South, we’ve lost some students to suicide in recent years, and that wears on my heart,” he added

Acknowledging that he probably took himself “a little too seriously” at the start of his teaching career, Steppe said he has “learned to slow down and enjoy the moments, instead of focusing on the overall results ” He said that, over the course of any given school year, he hopes his students understand he isn’t perfect and apply that to their own lives.

“I make mistakes and it’s perfectly fine (for them) to also make mistakes in the classroom and out,” he said “I want them to learn to take responsibility for their actions–good and bad–and learn from their mistakes, instead of letting it define them.”

MUSICIAN

Though he’s enjoyed a great career as a teacher, that’s not the profession Steppe envisioned himself in back when he was growing up on the farm Like many children, he had hopes of finding fame as a pro baseball player, actor or musician

“I admired these figures that I saw on TV shows and heard on the radio,” he said

Mike Steppe has been teaching at South Williamsport Area Junior/Senior High School for the last 25 years. In his time away from school, he also works as a home improvement contractor and plays in the roots rock band Cass and The Bailout Crew.

To that end, Steppe learned how to play guitar in 1989 and played his first live gig in 1991 Along with the guitar, he’s also able to play harmonica, bass and a little bit of piano

“Writing and performing music has always filled a role emotionally It’s the outlet at the end of a long work week,” Steppe said “I can be worn down and tired, grab my guitar and sometimes magic happens, and every stress fades away ”

While national fame might still be a little way off, Steppe is certainly no stranger to anyone that’s been paying attention to the

PHOTO PROVIDED

local and regional music scene through the years, as he’s played in area bands in a wide variety of genres More recently, he’s served as a guitarist and vocalist in area groups like The Family Ties and Boom Town Boys. And the band he currently plays in, Cass and The Bailout Crew, has been building quite a following of fans since its formation in September of 2019

Though Cass and The Bailout Crew were only able to play a handful of shows before the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted them in early 2020, the group hit the ground running in 2021, and has played more than 200 shows in Pennsylvania and New York The band’s debut album, “Room to Breathe,” was released in May of 2021, and has been well-received by area audiences.

After playing 95 shows in 2022, Steppe and his bandmates scaled things back to 65 shows in 2023. Last year, they performed at their first national music festival Musicfest (Bethlehem, PA) and are slated to make an appearance at Waynestock (Fayetteville, WV) and FarmFest (Bloomsburg, PA) in 2024, among others.

“We are trying to be more strategic about our performances in hopes of spreading our music to a wider audience,” Steppe said.

meet up

To date, Cass and The Bailout Crew enjoy around 3,700 Facebook followers and more than 400 monthly listeners on Spotify Steppe said that, while he doesn’t spend too much time thinking about the group’s successes, it has been nice to see more people at their shows

“It is crazy meeting fans that have driven several hours to see our band,” he said “It’s also exciting to hear people shouting out requests for our original music and singing the lyrics ”

Although he enjoys recording music, performing live is always “the real payoff” for Steppe, especially when the crowd is giving positive feedback to the songs he helped write.

“Some nights it is absolutely amazing, and the crowd fills us with energy,” he said. “Other nights, we have to dig deep inside to find the energy, but we try to perform as if

the room is packed regardless of how many people are watching

“We’ve had shows with a couple hundred people dancing and cheering, and shows with a few people sitting at the bar and not paying attention,” Steppe added “Bringing a great performance in front of a small crowd will prepare you for a large crowd ”

CONTRACTOR

With all that he does as a teacher and musician, it’s hard to believe that Steppe can find the time for sleep, let alone another job But find the time he does.

Steppe said he got into home improvement contracting “accidentally” after his cousin, Pete Dincher, bought a fixer-upper in 1999, and needed help remodeling.

“I initially started just to help my friend, but it quickly grew into a small business,” he said “My teaching job didn’t pay very well at the start of my career, so I needed to subsidize my income, and contracting fit that bill

very well.

“I love being my own boss and, even more, seeing people happy with my work,” he added

Though he does home renovations and new construction on a variety of scales, Steppe said he tends to land bathroom renovations and deck builds the most. On occasion, he’s had jobs turn out to be tougher than what he initially imagined.

“I’ve definitely had several jobs that turned to the disaster that wouldn’t end or at least it felt that way,” Steppe said “Every time I felt like giving up, I was thankful that my dad taught me perseverance as a young man He encouraged me to never quit as a young man and it has served me well as an adult ”

Normally, Steppe prefers to work on projects alone, unless the job at hand dictates otherwise He believes the most important skills any contractor can have are “good communication, patience and adaptability ”

“I’ve seen so many jobs that contractors have walked away from because they became frustrated with the customer and wouldn’t adapt to their needs,” he said, also mentioning that the most rewarding part of the job is a satisfied customer that recommends him to others

FAMILY MAN

Though he has accomplished a lot in a variety of fields, Steppe will tell you that the aspect of his life he is most proud of is being a father to his children, Nathan and Leah

“They are my heart and soul,” he said “I believe that everyone needs something to do, something to look forward to, and someone to love

“God blessed me fruitfully with everything I have ever wanted, and I am eternally grateful ”

Currents >>>>> positivity

LCBA continues to promote understanding, tolerance and community harmony

What do teenager Alyson Creasy of Aly’s Monkeys Movement, photographer and author Anne Weiss, Wounded Warrior Earl Granville, and perhaps your local neighborhood volunteer have in common?

They are some of the inspirations for a Lycoming County based 501-C3 organization that celebrates everyday heroes who make a difference in our world

Once in a while a great idea comes along that spawns social change for decades. That’s how the Lycoming County Brotherhood Alliance (LCBA), based in Williamsport, was created It champions local people who give of themselves and their position in the community to serve others.

Lee Miller, local businessman and Lycoming Brotherhood Alliance Board president, has a passion for his organization’s work In his words, “Our group was actually formed in the 1950s It started out as a federation of Christians and Jews and over the years it has evolved as a service organization to promote goodwill, not only between Jews and Christians but to promote brotherhood in general.

“We celebrate community leaders who have responsibility in the community but who use that power, so to

speak, to serve the community, not only from a business standpoint, but from an educational standpoint,” added Miller “Every day, people do things, not necessarily seeking recognition for them, and in many cases, they are never publicly recognized It could be the school crossing guard, a volunteer in the library that reads to others, someone who is delivering Meals on Wheels. They may not get much consideration for their efforts or even a thank you. So we decided that we would champion those who

serve our community…not only leaders you may recognize from the news, but unsung heroes, too ”

The LCBA’s 13-member Board of Directors spearheads year-long activities In every case, the original guiding principle of celebrating understanding, tolerance and community harmony is fulfilled

The capstone every year for the organization is its annual brotherhood banquet, scheduled in 2024 for May 1, at the Genetti Hotel and Suites. Community residents are nominated in a publicly advertised process. Several awards are given:

The William Pickelner Community Award is named after one of the founders of the LCBA Recipients “have a passion for helping others throughout Lycoming County and serve as a role model for the promotion of the ideals of Brotherhood.”

The Ray Keys Sports Award is named after the long-time Sun-Gazette sportswriter and editor It is “awarded to individuals who are committed to the development of sports skills and sportsmanship.”

The Unsung Hero Award is awarded to individuals “who make a dramatic impact and live a life of service to others and are never acknowledged, nor do they seek recognition for what they do, but do it because of their love of people and great concern for the overall good of mankind ”

Miller said, “People come out to see the award winners because every award winner touches so many people and people are excited to see them get their due We bring to

the banquet inspiring speakers every year One year, Anne Weiss was a speaker; this year, Earl Granville is our speaker”

Every speaker has an amazing story to tell But every award winner has one, too. The common theme is a commitment to purpose and community service

One of the past winners of the Unsung Hero award is Aly’s Monkey Movement, named after then 10-year-old Aly who was hospitalized and comforted by a plush-toy monkey given to her. She wanted other children to be comforted similarly and the Aly’s Monkey movement was started as a way to pay that forward to others.

The LCBA does more though

Miller describes two other projects the group takes on during the year

The “Diversity Tour” takes participants on a bus or trolley tour to several cultural centers where speakers talk about the purpose of the centers amid food and entertainment for all.

The annual trip to the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC, is a highlight for high school students in Lycoming County A school is sponsored each year (This year Jersey Shore High School was selected) and students participate in a day trip hosted by LCBA Board members Afterwards, the students are challenged to write about their experience.

Miller concluded, “It always comes back to family or parents or a mentor to ignite the flame of service in folks People serve the community because they have a passion to do that We want to foster that.”

For more information on the LCBA, visit www.lycobro.com or find them on social media

Linda Stager, of Wellsboro, is an awardwinning outdoor writer and photographer. Her stories and photos are often showcased in a variety of publications, including the Williamsport Sun -Gazette She is also the author of the “Pine Creek Rail Trail Guidebook,” a 206-page guide to the 62-mile highly acclaimed rail trail that runs from Wellsboro to Jersey Shore. You can learn more about her at www lindastager com and can reach her at lstager021@gmail.com.

In keeping with its mission to support those that exemplify the values of brotherhood, the Lycoming County Brotherhood Alliance holds an annual banquet every spring where it awards community leaders for their contributions to the area

PHOTO PROVIDED

Bucknell’s Samek Art Museum to

host several

upcoming

exhibits

PROVIDED

LEWISBURG A collective hub that connects community with academics, the Samek Art Museum at Bucknell University has a rich collection of over 6,000 pieces of artwork From paintings by the Old Masters to digital art, the Samek is a unique experience for viewers

“Bucknell began collecting art in 1852 and opened a dedicated gallery in 1983 The collection had been housed in the campus library and pre-dates the museum by many years,” said Richard Rinehart, Director at the Samek Art Museum with Bucknell University

Today, the Samek Art Museum has two galleries that sit at the heart of the campus and the heart of downtown Lewisburg Bucknell’s campus gallery “features no less than four separate … spaces, each presenting a different exhi-

bition Having multiple galleries allows us to present different exhibitions at the same time, offering more diverse art experiences across the year,” said Rinehart Three of the galleries are housed on the top floor of the Elaine Langone Center at Bucknell University, one dedicated to the Kress Collection

“The Kress Collection at the Samek Art Museum is like having a mini-Met Museum right here in Central PA,” Rinehart added “It’s important to provide first-hand experiences of great art to all regions of our state and our nation ”

The Kress Collection features 23 pieces of artwork by Old Masters from the Renaissance and Medieval periods, Rinehart said These pieces were donated by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation for conservation and to share the heritage of European art with the community

The downtown gallery is in the historic DeWitt building and is a new addition to Bucknell University’s program, according to the Samek Art Museum, and is part of a public programming partnership with arts organizations in Lewisburg

Depending on the exhibit, featured pieces might be from the Samek’s collection or may be “loaned from other museums, collectors, and artists,” Rinehart said Visitors can see a variety of artifacts from the eras past, to featured global artists, to Renaissance pieces, Bucknell students, and artists that reside in Central Pennsylvania

“Curating is what happens in the space between the art and the audience,” Rinehart said. “So our shows need to feature the best art the art world has to offer but they must also be relevant to our audiences ”

PHOTO

The Samek Art Museum at Bucknell University creates connections between artists, students and faculty, and the community.

viewing pleasure <<<<< Currents

Visitors may be able to view the exhibit titled “Seeing Sound” that ends on March 24, 2024, and can be found at the Campus Gallery. “Seeing Sound” is a traveling exhibition with kinetic sculptures, audio-video installation, and more that “explores the current trajectory of sound as a dynamic branch of contemporary art practice,” according to the Samek Art Museum.

Through May 12, there will be an installation video titled “The Infernal Dream of Mutt and Jeff” by Zoe Beloff This piece aims to explore the “cinematic apparatus, industrial management, and modernism” in the space that is set to recreate a “mid 20th century film studio,” according to the Samek Art Museum, which can be seen at the Campus Gallery

In the Downtown Gallery, viewers can enjoy “Eloquence” by artists Cai Jin and Shahzia Sikander through May 19 Jin and Sikander express their individual identities and experiences through art to their audiences, said the Samek Art Museum.

To end the academic year, Bucknell University will host the Annual Student Art Exhibition from April 10 to May 12, in the Campus Gallery, according to

the Samek Art Museum Viewers can enjoy students' artwork alongside curated pieces from the faculty in the Department of Art and Art History.

The campus gallery is located on the Top Floor of the Elaine Langone Center at 701 Moore Ave , Lewisburg, PA, 17837, and the downtown gallery is located at 416 Market St , Lewisburg, PA, 17837. Both galleries are open, installations depending, from noon to 5 p m Wednesdays to Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p m Saturdays and Sundays For more information, visit museum bucknell edu

COURTNEY

CIZEK is a correspondent for West Branch Life and a marketing assistant with the Miele Group She lives in Lycoming County with her husband and two cats

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Campus Gallery features three distinct spaces on the top floor of the Elaine Langone Center at Bucknell University. Pictured is a past exhibit titled “Wunderkammer: Collections and Legacies.”

Chamberlain

Hill

looks to build off successes of debut year

By NICK SEITZER West Branch Life

For Williamsportbased country duo Chamberlain Hill, the past year has been an incredibly productive one. Not only did the group make its official debut in 2023, it also released two singles and played more than 40 shows across Pennsylvania and New York.

With plans to record in Nashville and a full slate of upcoming performances, the band, comprised of siblings Rocky Allen and Sara Scott, is showing no signs of slowing down in 2024

“We just want to keep making music and grow our fanbase,” Scott said.

PHOTO PROVIDED

This photo, taken by Amy Brink Photography, shows Chamberlain Hill members Rocky Allen and Sara Scott

For Scott and Allen, who have both made a name for themselves locally as solo musicians, the idea of coming together to form Chamberlain Hill was planted long ago, but really picked up steam at a New Year’s Day dinner last year After mulling things over together, the pair decided to finally give the project a serious attempt

“I think we were just at a point where we wanted to try the duo idea again,” said Scott.

As an accomplished vocalist with classical training, Scott has performed with the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra and Lycoming College Community Orchestra She’s also worked on the voice faculty at her alma mater, Lycoming College; served as an instructor at the Community Theatre League; and used her talents as a vocal coach with the Uptown Music Collective In the fall of 2022, she opened for renowned Scottish folk singer Julie Fowlis at Bucknell University’s Weis Center for the Performing Arts.

“I’ve been involved with music for as long as I can remember,” Scott said. “First with theater, and then with other outlets as I got older.

“I knew after high school that it was something that I wanted to pursue professionally,” she added “It’s just fun to sing all different genres of music As long as I’m singing, I’m happy.”

Allen said he didn’t get the itch to play music until he was around 20 years old, after he and Scott attended a Jason Aldean concert at Penn State’s Bryce Jordan Center The performance was strong enough to inspire him to take up guitar, and he taught himself some basic chords shortly thereafter. A little while later, Allen and Scott performed together for the first time, but then he began a music career on his own, hitting the stage as the Rocky Allen Band

As a solo artist, Allen had the opportunity to perform in 13 states and opened for famed national touring artists like Josh Turner, Lee Brice and Jerrod Niemann

In Chamberlain Hill, Allen and Scott both play guitar and lend vocals, swapping back-and-forth as lead vo-

calist Their sound is largely influenced by early-2000s country acts like Montgomery Gentry, Lady A and Miranda Lambert.

“I think making more memories is my favorite part about (being in Chamberlain Hill),” Allen said “During those times being a solo artist, you are doing a lot of traveling, recording, and shows on your own. To be able to do that as siblings is really something special.”

Songwriting duties for Chamberlain Hill are a collaborative effort that sees Allen develop the melody and Scott pen the lyrics. For the group’s debut single, “Love Like Mine,” Allen said he showed up to Scott’s house with a couple lines of the chorus, and within a few hours they had the song completed

“We just went back-and-forth with ideas, and both knew when we finished that we wanted it to be our debut single,” Allen said

Scott echoed that sentiment, saying, “I think it embodies everything we wanted to sound like as a duo I love the melody and imagery that it gives listeners, and I love how it has so many meanings to different people.”

Unlike “Love Like Mine,” which sees Allen take lead vocals, the second release by the band, “Broken Future,” features a vocal performance by Scott Releasing the songs in the order they did provides a “good contrast” according to the pair and showcases the talents of both singers. Though the songwriting duties are shared, Allen was quick to point out that his sister has a special knack for developing clever hooks and lyrics with a double meaning

“Sara is very talented in songwriting,” he said “Although we play as a duo, she has a future in the songwriting world, and not just in the country genre ”

Both songs were recorded at Prime Cut Studio in Nashville with audio engineer and producer Daniel Dennis, who also served as a session musician for the instrumentals on those tracks After the songs were mixed, they were sent to The Mastering Bay in Los Angeles for final mastering

“We loved collaborating with

Daniel,” said Scott “He really made our vision for the song come to life and we can’t wait to work with him again soon.”

The area’s reception to Chamberlain Hill’s music has been “amazing” according to Scott, who also mentioned that they threw a release party with friends and family to celebrate their first song. Since then, the song has gained airtime on local country radio station WILQ-FM and been streamed over 10,000 times on Spotify, where the band has nearly 400 monthly listeners On Facebook, the duo is already up to 3,200 followers.

“I think we’ve had a pretty great debut year. We’re really appreciative of our friends, family, new fans, and our friends in the media that have played our songs,” Scott said “We’re so grateful for the people that come to our shows It’s been awesome ”

For more information on Chamberlain Hill, visit chamberlainhill com and find them on social media

scenes of the season

LINDA STAGER/West Branch Life

Rhododendrons at Colton Point.

artisans <<<<< Making Waves

FBy COURTNEY CIZEK West Branch Life

rom creators to small business owners, artisans in the Susquehanna Valley are influenced by the natural beauty of the West Branch region. By creating uplifting spaces, the community is able to better support their fellow artists In return, art lovers are able to incorporate Susquehanna style into their daily lives

CREATING SPACES

In the Susquehanna Valley, there are businesses that provide creative individuals with spaces to share their work within their neighborhoods and beyond. These spaces, such as the Pajama Factory in Williamsport, are often a creative hub for “artists, artisans, and small businesses” and foster a “supportive and non-judgemental community,” said Mark Winkelman, co-owner and manager of the Pajama Factory

“Artists settling in neighborhoods have led to the revitalization of those communities a phenomenon that was identified in Richard Florida’s book ‘The Creative Class ’ He posits that the creative class is a key driving force for economic development of post-industrial cities,” Winkleman said

In particular, the Pajama Factory blends the old with the new, as artists,

small businesses, collaborators, and independent individuals can all work alongside one another within a revitalized historic building, according to the Pajama Factory Mark, alongside his wife and co-owner Suzanne, purchased the Pajama Factory in 2007, with the purpose to revitalize the building

Housed within the Pajama Factory is Rust and Shine, a family-owned business that uplifts the artisan community by offering spaces in the store for artists to sell and showcase their products, said Mary Wimer, co-owner of Rust and Shine With over 50 vendors, Rust and Shine is a “one-stop shop” that helps connect the community with its artisans. You can find community artists and makers at the store in addition to vintage and thrifted finds.

Artists “create beautiful, inspiring, and even controversial works that can

help the rest of us get a better understanding and appreciation of everything,” Winkleman said “Finding a safe and supportive environment for them to work their magic is essential ”

NATURAL INSPIRATION

The Susquehanna Valley inspires local artists through its surrounding forests, natural color palettes, and vast rivers. Delving into different artistic mediums, you can find the West Branch Valley’s inspiration in everything from interior design, textile artistry, to woodworking.

Looking to help bring some of the Susquehanna’s style into homes, Christinia Buckley finds inspiration in the outdoors, she said. Buckley is the owner of Moss and Key and is an interior designer that aims to breathe life into cherished spaces by turning a house into a

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Often using locally sourced wood, Clark and Pine creates unique handcrafted items and home decor that embraces nature, such as the cutting board shown in the picture at left Clark and Pine uses dark walnut, maple, cherry, ash, oak and other woods from the Susquehanna Valley At right, is a room that's been interior designed by Moss and Key, a small business owned by Christinia Buckley that finds inspiration through the outdoors

Making Waves >>>>> artisans

home.

When curating your home, you can create a space that mimics nature Color palettes found outdoors are often the best pairing resource because you can see what naturally looks good together, Buckley said Depending on the client, she can create a room that feels cozy and comforting based on a moody or rainy day or a bright and energizing space influenced by the new spring season. Through interior design, you can dig deep into the story of who you are through the decor, textures, and artwork within your created space

“A design project is a puzzle that needs to be solved as much as it is a canvas that needs to be painted. Decorating a space is the combination of problem solving and collaging with mixed mediums,” Buckley said “When you think about all the textiles involved in decorating, it’s like a collaboration of found art to create one masterpiece.”

Similarly, textile artist Alicia Boyer is inspired by culture, nature, and trends and shares her passion for sewing and creating handmade apparel with the community Boyer is the owner of Arrow and Thread and creates handmade apparel in downtown

Williamsport Arrow and Thread also offers beginner sewing classes that allow students of all ages to learn the basics through easy-to-follow instructions that help build their sewing skills and confidence

“Sewing is one of the oldest of the textile arts,” Boyer said “There is beauty and a story in every piece of fabric ”

When sitting down to create a bridal shawl, Boyer takes into consideration the elements that will be at play the day of the wedding, she said When choosing a particular fabric, Boyer marries certain aspects of the big day location, textures and color palettes within the piece

“Drawing inspiration from our natural surroundings is like tapping into an eternal reservoir of creativity,” Boyer added

Seeking to create environmentally friendly garments is an added layer to textile artistry. Boyer prioritizes sustainability by choosing plant-based inks, eco-friendly tags and labels, and tries to upcycle fabric as often as possible, she said.

Clark and Pine also keeps a sustainable outlook and sources the majority of their wood dark walnut, maple, cherry, ash, oak, among others from the Susquehanna region, said Nicole Lanzer, co-owner of Clark and Pine This husband and wife duo creates unique handcrafted wood items and home decor, and their work embraces the natural element of earth, Lanzer said.

When making a piece, Lanzer will add other natural elements through wooden mosaics By using epoxy, Clark and Pine adds texture and color to their mosaics by adding pressed flowers in a charcuterie board, creek bed stones in a wood table, or pigmented epoxy to create a water scene on wood.

artisans <<<<< Making Waves

With woodworking, you’re “taking a piece of wood and changing its composition to make something that is beautiful and functional It requires having a skill, patience, and the willingness to fail and try again,” Lanzer said

SUPPORTING THE ARTS

When you support artists, you’re supporting your community everything from the economy to families to the culture, Buckley said By choosing to shop locally, you’re cultivating relationships with the small business owners in your neighborhoods You’re choosing an individual and unique product that was created with quality craftsmanship in mind

“You are directly supporting a dream as local artisans put their heart and soul into everything they create,” Lanzer said “It is a rewarding moment when we see the final result being enjoyed by

the community, especially when they get engaged and excited about what we are creating ”

Artists and artisans bring vibrancy to the community in all facets, from the economy to families and the culture they compose “We want our community to grow and be successful,” Wimer said, adding that the West Branch is a big supporter of its creative neighbors

If we show support for our “theaters, galleries, and work spaces” we can support our fellow artisans on a “deeper level,” Winkleman said. Easy ways the community can show support for its fellow artists is through sharing or buying their work, attending local theater productions, and going to live music

“By supporting your local arts, you are helping keep alive the community that will inspire younger generations of artists, performers, and creatives,” Boyer said

Making Waves >>>>> metal detecting and magnet fishing

By NICK SEITZER WEST BRANCH LIFE

No matter where you walk in the West Branch Valley, or which bodies of water you might choose to swim in, there’s always the chance that a treasure is hidden nearby. It could be a relic from 1,000 years ago, a long-lost toy from someone’s childhood, or a valuable piece of jewelry that slipped off an unsuspecting person No matter what it is, it’s lost forever unless someone comes along and finds it

Most of the time, a person who spots such treasures has the right combination of equipment, patience and know-how That’s why metal detectorists and magnet fishers are among the most likely to make these discoveries.

Metal detecting and magnet fishing are typically done by hobbyists, but the rewards of these activities can occasionally be significant. However, for the bulk of those who spend their free time searching for those things that are just out of sight, the hunt itself is what truly yields th most gratification

most,” Seybold said “It means that I just found something that was doomed to be lost forever until I came along to find it Plus, I am the first person to touch it since the day it was lost by its original owner, sometimes many generations ago.

“Finding jewelry has ne excited me because it usually lacks a date I like to see dates,” he added, noting that colonial dates give him the biggest rush

Like everything else, getting good at metal detecting takes time. Seybold had to teach himself which detector displays m to look and dig carefully Often, he is so cautious while digging that he likens it to “doing surgery on a hole in the ground,” fearing that carelessness and i tience might damage what s beneath.

“The hobby of metal detecting provides personal adventure wherever I may go,” said Lewisburg-based artist David Seybold “It is about enjoying the day!”

Seybold said he's been involved with metal detecting since the 1990s, when he was living in Montgomery and bought his first detector, a White’s Spectrum XLT At the time he bought it, that was the best detector on the market, according to Seybold.

“I wanted quality, knowing it would last,” he said.

For 25 years, that piece of equipment served him well, leading him to treasures all over the area and beyond Some of his favorite finds include a copper culture artifact from around 3500 BC that he found in Union County and an 1864 two-cent piece he unearthed at Goodell Gardens in Edinboro.

“Finding and seeing dates on old coins that start with a ‘17’ or ‘18’ excites me the

Ultimately, Beckley brought the hobby home from vacation, though he now uses much more sophisticated equipment After buying a Minelab Equinox 800, Beckley has seen a large uptick in what he’s able to find underground. With his curset-up, he can usually loate items eight to 12 inches in the ground, and in certain situations he can discover things buried as far as two feet

“I find something almost every time I go out,” Beckley said. “To me people it may be , but usually I find something interesting It's always a mystery just what you might dig up.”

“Thank goodness for this subtle approach, because I have never diminished the value of an object just because I was not careful,” he said In the right kind of conditions, Seybold said he will stay out metal deting for large chunks of That’s also the case for Jason Beckley Sr , of Montgomery, who has been involved with the hobby for about the last two years.

“I probably try to get out two or three times per week,” Beckley said. “Depending on the weather, I may stay out for three or four hours at a time.”

Beckley first got into metal detecting while on vacation at t beach, wondering what he could find in the sand After picking up a fairly cheap detector, he was searching for whatever he could turn up

Much like Seybold, the most thrilling finds for Beckley are those that hold historical significance A few of his top discoveries include a coin from 1787, found in a yard in Muncy; an 1829 Liberty Head Large Cent, found on a farm in Bellefonte; some silver coins, found adjacent to the White Deer Golf Course; pieces of an old railroad; and a few cars from the 1910 era

“I think it’s important to preserve those kinds of things for other generations to see,” Beckley said, adding that he sometimes donates his finds to local historical societies

Along with historical discoveries, Beckley said he has also been paid to find more modern things, like crossbow bolts, hunting arrows and underground dog ces. He said that people who re newer to metal detecting should search around playgrounds

“Any playgrounds that have some sawdust or mulch are fantastic areas for new people to find coins and jewelry, and all kinds of stuff,” he said

“I just thought it was fascinating (thinking about) some of the things you could find that had washed up on shore,” said Beckley

As for his favorite places to h, Beckley said he likes Muncy and Montgomery the most. He also enjoys going out to state parks but cautioned that people need to check with the office at each park to make sure they are aware of the rules for digging Seybold said his favorite metal detecting locations are any old farmsteads and homes in the valley He also likes search-

metal detecting and magnet fishing <<<<< Making Waves

ing cornfields because then he doesn’t have to worry as much about the holes he digs The biggest key, he added, is getting permission from a landowner before looking

“I don’t care if an owner tells me that I am wasting my time because someone already metal detected the property 20 years ago,” said Seybold “I like to find the stuff that they missed.”

While the best time of year to go out metal detecting is the spring after the final thaw, but before temperatures get hot and dry it's still possible to go hunting for treasures during Pennsylvania’s coldest months

“When it gets frozen out in the open areas, it would be tough,” Beckley said “But if you metal detect in a wooded area, the frostline is usually not as thick as it is out in the open areas

“So, if you find a place that might have had an old homestead out in the middle of the woods, it is not as difficult,” he added. “You can still get good signals whether the ground is frozen or not.”

For Seybold, the ultimate discovery would be stumbling onto a gold coin with a date. He said that’s because a gold coin has the potential to be found just about anywhere.

“There is no treasure map to decipher the location of a gold coin,” said Seybold. “This randomness adds excitement to every hunt ”

Beckley, on the other hand, hopes to one day locate a 1943 copper penny With only about a dozen known to exist, as pennies were made with steel in 1943 due to wartime copper shortages, finding one would mean a huge payday

“If you can find one that is copper, you are getting a six-figure check,” Beckley said

MAGNET FISHING

Though many lost treasures in the West Branch Valley are buried underground, perhaps just as many can be located in the streams, creeks, ponds, lakes and river that can be found around the area And finding them takes equipment a little more primitive than a metal detector neodymium magnets, which are made from rare-earth metals and have an extreme pull force

When tied to the end of a rope, these magnets can be tossed out into any body of water, and, with a little luck, the person on the other end can pull back in something special

“The thrill of the catch is the most fun I never know what I’m going to find,” said Athens native Terry Pruyne “However, now I enjoy being outdoors and getting the exercise just as much ”

Pruyne, who now lives in Addison, New York, has a long connection to the Susquehanna River, being born where the Chemung River flows into the Susquehanna at Tioga Point. He occasionally makes trips to our area to magnet fish in the river, and many of the tributaries he fishes around his home (Pine Creek, Tuscarora Creek, Mud Creek, Meade Creek) also make their way to the Susquehanna.

Pruyne first got into the hobby a few years back as part of a research project for the 10th grade English class he teaches at Corning-Painted Post High School He decided to do that year’s project on magnet fishing, and said the idea snowballed from there

“As I magnet fished more and shared my experiences, my students encouraged me to continue with magnet fishing and, with them being more tech savvy, began to encourage me to do my own YouTube videos,” Pruyne said. “By the end of the school year, my students were telling me how to get monetized and were keeping track of my subscribers and views.”

To date, Pruyne’s YouTube channel Pruyne Time Magnet Fishing boasts more than 860 subscribers and has garnered nearly 330,000 views. That’s a testament to the interest the hobby draws, and for good reason.

“It’s a rush It’s probably like regular fishing,” he said. “I can feel the click of the magnet on a piece of metal I can feel the weight of the object as well. Then, if I’m on a bridge, there’s the effort to pull the object up to the rail ”

In the short while he’s been involved with the hobby, Pruyne has found a wide assortment of metal objects, including: a snowplow, horseshoes, knives, fishing hooks,

Neodymium magnets, such as the one shown above, are made of rare earth metals and have an extreme pull force. When tied to the end of a rope, they are used by magnet fishers to comb waterways for hidden treasures and scrap metal.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Making Waves >>>>> metal detecting and magnet fishing

shopping carts, road signs, bikes, carpentry tools, car parts, wire, shovels, batteries, cell phones, scooters, keys, beer caps, rebar and a gun. Some of his discoveries with more historical importance are a cavalry sword from the Civil War era, handmade nails, and old railroad equipment

“I find lots of railroad items,” he said. “I think back in the day, they just threw everything in the water when they repaired railroad bridges ”

One of his favorite things about the hobby is that it allows him to help clean up waterways. From June to September of last year, he said he took more than 6,000 pounds of metal to the scrapyard to be recycled

“It’s shocking to see so much metal and other pollution in our waters,” he said “I think about the metal I pull out and wonder how much pollution is in there that we don’t see ”

Though he initially started magnet fishing from bridges over rivers, Pruyne said that “really, anywhere is good” to fish, as long as it’s somewhere you aren’t going to snag your magnet.

“You have to be careful where you fish,” he said. “If my magnet gets snagged on a

rock, can I unsnag it? I’ve waded out up to my chest to unsnag a magnet (and) had to run home to get my kayak ”

Pruyne has earned a sponsorship with Beast Magnets, and the 360 Beast magnet that he uses has a 3,600-pound pulling force and costs around $200 Losing one, which he has done, isn’t a fun experience.

He said another thing that fishers need to be careful of, is to not let their magnet get caught on the bottom of the bridge they are throwing off. This is a mistake he’s also made on a few occasions

“I was lucky to get it off each time,” he said

Other than the magnet and rope, the only other things a magnet fisher really needs to have with them are a good pair of gloves and a bucket to collect the items they find, according to Pruyne

His biggest advice for anyone looking to get into magnet fishing is “just have fun and enjoy it ”

PHOTO PROVIDED This Civil War era cavalry sword was discovered by Athens native Terry Pruyne while magnet fishing.

OCK HAVEN If you drive through Lock Haven on Main Street, you’ll pass a local restaurant You might, or might not, notice it among all the other businesses, but it’s at 204 East Main Street It’s the oldest continually operating business downtown It’s the Texas Restaurant, and it’s the closest thing you can get to Lock Haven cuisine.

The Texas Restaurant began life as the “Texas Hot Weiner Stand” when it opened in August of 1918. At the time, it was under the management of a Greek immigrant, Spiros Pappas In time, he sold it to local businessmen James Williams and Frank Klaras When the two them passed th place along to relatives Nick Klaras and Peter Anastos in 1961, it began a long tradition of the Texas staying in the family.

Over half a century later, t Anastos family still running th ness Phil Anastos, Peter’s son, has owned the building and the business since 1991.

went as far as charging extra to any customer who ordered that way. The current owners have leaned into the trend, however, and the Texas Growler is well-known throughout Clinton County and elsewhere (Full disclosure: I have been known to stop by and buy two or three Growlers at a time myself, and eat them for lunch as I stroll down Main Street I highly recommend this )

Recently, the extef the building a makeover, ncluding a new paint job.

The Texas Restaurant has a proud sense of its own history In 2018, to celebrate their 100th anniversary, the Texas held a block party. Growlers were on sale for a dollar each, the city closed off the street, and the business sponsored a hot dog eating contest.

Though the Texas has a varied menu that includes hamburgers, salads, sandwiches and dinner entrees, it is best known for its signature hot dog, the Growler. The Growler, so named because the thought of one makes your stomach growl, is a fried hot dog with mustard, onions, and a specially made chili sauce. Out of all its meals, the Texas is best known for the Growler, which is well-known enough to have rated a special chapter in the 2001 book “Pennsylvania Curiosities” by Clark DeLeon

“Besides the Growler, breakfast is the most popular thing,” said Anastos, who also serves as head cook. “A lot of that is due to the college kids College kids eat breakfast 24 hours a day ”

Historically, the name “Growler” was discouraged by the owners at first, and they

This was partially funded by a grant acquired and dispersed by Downtown Lock Haven, a ocal tourist motion organn. The buildg orically known as the Blesh Building, and it was built in the early 1900s for the Blesh family The Texas Restaurant has been in the building for the majority of its life.

“It was gray and white before,” said Anastos “I wanted to make it really pop, so I based the colors historically on some buildings in New Orleans. Now, it has more color ”

One very consistent thing about the Texas Restaurant is that it represents the best that Lock Haven has to offer The Texas is Lock Haven I asked Anastos how he felt about that

“I don’t know how to put it,” he said. “The Texas has been there 105 years Back in the 60s, 70s, it was a wild ride One thing I notice, consistently, is that when someone from Lock haven meets up with someone who hasn’t lived here in a while, they always ask if the Texas is still there ”

Which it is, of course. I think I’m going to go down there right now, and sit down for a couple of Growlers and some fries I could say I want to get a sense of the place for this article, but the truth is, now I’m just craving some

Lou Bernard is a freelance writer and paranormal investigator He serves as the field leader for the Lock Haven Paranormal Seekers He lives in Clinton County with his wife, son, and two dogs.

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Texas is the oldest continually operating business in downtown Lock Haven. Originally opened by Spiros Pappas in 1918, the restaurant has been operated by the Anastos family for well over a half-century.