Dr. Kyle Kopko to speak at WEDCO dinner
HONESDALE, PA — Dr. Kyle C. Kopko, executive director of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, will deliver the keynote address at WEDCO’s annual meeting and dinner, taking place on Tuesday, September 20 at 5:30 p.m. It will be held at the Bryn Mawr Conference Center Outdoor Pavilion.
He will discuss the center’s research, and how data informs legislators and policymakers in the General Assembly and elsewhere. He will also talk specifically about Wayne County and what the data shows in terms of current challenges and economic opportunities.
The Center for Rural Pennsylvania sponsors research projects; collects data on trends; participates in local, state and national forums; and publishes information and research about the diverse communities and people of rural Pennsylvania.
“We have relied on a number of publications from the Center for Rural Pennsylvania for planning here in Wayne County,” said WEDCO executive director Mary Beth Wood. “For example, we recently used the center’s mapping of available broadband services to have a fuller understanding of our underserved areas.
“Their work focuses on issues of critical importance to rural communities, such as the availability of emergency personnel, the effect of higher gas prices and healthcare,” she continued.
The pavilion is located at 593 Bryn Mawr Rd. All are welcome and reservations are required.
Seating for the dinner is limited. The cost is $100 per person; tables for eight are available at a discount. See below to make reservations.
Major event sponsors include PPL Utilities, Bold Gold Media Group, Grimm Construction Company, Pioneer Construction Company, the Dime Bank, Reilly Associates, Wayne Bank, Wayne Memorial Hospital and Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers, UGI Utilities, JHA Companies, the Honesdale National Bank and Woodland Design Associates.
WEDCO is a nonprofit corporation composed of businesses that partner with state, county and municipal governments to work towards the economic advancement of Wayne County and the region.
For reservations, call WEDCO at 570/253-5334 or email Kim@WayneEconomic.com.
Learn more about WEDCO at www.WayneEconomic.com.

Forest City Outdoor Town action team forms, meets
FOREST CITY, PA — In August, the Forest City Borough Council voted to create the Forest City Outdoor Town action team as an advisory board to its community and economic development sector, under councilwoman Amy Bean.
The team was originally formed in 2021 to participate in Outdoor Towns, a program that aims to help revitalize communities through outdoor recreation, driving tourism and creating new businesses, according to information on the borough website.
Changes needed were identified by the community through the Outdoor Towns initiative.
The team, now called the Forest City Outdoor Town Action Team (FCOTAT), held an organizational meeting on August 4, and a board was chosen. Katie Zefran is the chairperson, Deb McNamara is the co-chairperson, Erin Debish is the secretary, Suzanne Atcavage is the grant team leader and Juliann Doyle is the marketing team leader.
Robert Lesjack, president of the Forest City Borough Council, attended the meeting, providing direction and insight for organizational structure, meeting management and the role of the team, according to a report from the meeting.
The evening’s discussions included grant opportunities, the Sunshine Act, collaborating with other groups, the Erie Street Trailhead Welcome Arch and the Center Street Park Project.
The FCOTAT will not be the designated leader for the projects and visions that were identified in the Outdoor Towns action plan. Rather, the FCOTAT is dedicated to collaborative efforts with Forest City Borough and its entities, other Forest City-based organizations such as the school and the historical society.
“The FCOTAT intends to serve the community as a ‘work horse’ to identify and pursue grant opportunities, collaborate and assist with projects and promote a united vision among our many community based organizations,” a spokeswoman wrote.
The FCOTAT meets the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Elegante Restaurant in Honesdale. Learn more at forestcityborough.com/outdoor-town-action-team.

Resorts World Catskills hosts blood drive
MONTICELLO, NY — Resorts World Catskills announced a Monticello Rotary community blood drive challenge for childhood cancers on Monday, September 19 from 12 noon to 6 p.m. in the Epicenter at Resorts World.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and eligible donors are encouraged to give blood or platelets to support kids, teens and young adults battling cancer, as well as others in need of transfusions.
Mary Kendell, a local nurse who had a potentially terminal blood disorder when she was age 11, will serve as honorary chairwoman of the event.
Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome if space permits. All donors should bring their donor ID cards or IDs with name and photo, and should remember to eat and drink.
The New York Blood Center only collects blood from individuals who are healthy and feeling well at the time of donation—and who meet other eligibility requirements.
Donors are asked to self-screen for COVID-19 before coming in to donate. Wearing face masks is optional for both donors and staff.
For more information, or if you are unsure whether to donate, if you have donated recently and you develop symptoms of COVID-19, or you test positive for COVID-19, call 800/688-0900.

Area Agency on Aging celebrates 30-plus years
MATAMORAS, PA ― This year marks the 33rd year of the Pike County Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Its mission is to provide safe, healthy, reliable and stimulating programs for the 60+ community.
On Saturday, September 17, the AAA will hold an evening of entertainment beginning at 3 p.m. at the Best Western Inn, 120 U.S. Rte. 6. The event, the AAA said, will consist of great food, friends, Broadway entertainment and over 30 years of memories.
The entertainment will be provided by Broadway star Cheryl Alexander, pianist Lennie James and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Ron Richardson. Hors d’oeuvres and cash bar will be on offer at 3 p.m., and dinner will be served at 4 p.m.
Tickets cost $65 per person. Make checks payable to Pike County Area Agency on Aging, and mail to 150 Pike County Blvd., Hawley, PA 18428.
Call the AAA at 570/775-5550 to reserve your spot.

Town of Thompson to update its master plan
MONTICELLO, NY — The Town of Thompson announced that it will begin the process of updating its comprehensive plan—also called a master plan. The Town’s current master plan, which was developed jointly with the Village of Monticello, was last updated in 1999.
“A master plan is a document that provides direction on policy recommendations about future land use and development,” said Jim Carnell Jr., director of building, planning and zoning. “With input from the community, it will help the town board and the planning board take a look at where the community has been, how it got to this point, where it wants to go in the future, and how it can get there.”
According to town supervisor Bill Rieber, the first step will be for the town board to appoint a committee of local residents and community stakeholders to help guide the planning process.
Those interested in joining the committee should send their information by Friday, September 23; see below.
“We are hoping to appoint an advisory committee in October and have them meet for the first time in early November,” said Rieber.
The committee is expected to meet once a month over a period of 12 to 18 months, starting in November.
The committee will be working under the guidance of Helen Budrock, a professional planner with Delaware Engineering, who has served as Thompson’s town planner since 2019. “The average shelf life of a master plan is 10 to 20 years,” said Budrock, “so Thompson is long overdue for an update, and the new plan will articulate the town’s vision for the next 10 to 20 years.”
Anyone who lives in the Town of Thompson—including the Village of Monticello—and who is interested in serving on the committee should email planning@townofthompson.com with their contact information and a brief bio no later than September 23.

Grant to support after-school program, more
WAYNE AND PIKE COUNTIES, PA — The Wayne Pike Workforce Alliance received a $4,000 grant from the PPL Foundation. These funds will support the SHINE afterschool programming, help fund a summer camp and help support home visitation for incoming kindergarteners.
The grant will be used to address summer learning loss in five centers, located at Lakeside Elementary, Evergreen Elementary and Wallenpaupack South Elementary.
The SHINE after-school program provides project-based activities focused on in-demand careers, with an emphasis on STEM and real-life educational experiences, according to a news release, and focuses on students who need a jump start in reading and math. “Supporting innovative education programs, helping to revitalize neighborhoods and fostering the development of the future workforce are ways PPL helps to strengthen the communities it serves,” said Alana Roberts, PPL Electric Utilities regional affairs director.

Gaining fiscal stability with Greater Pike
MILFORD, PA — A new initiative aimed at helping nonprofits gain financial stability has been introduced as part of Greater Pike Community Foundation’s 10-year anniversary projects.
The “10-for-10” program invites up to 10 local nonprofit organizations to open an organizational endowment fund before the end of the year; the program includes a one-time $1,000 gift in matching funds.
“If your organization is strained by constantly seeking grants and donations, and you’d like to plan for your financial future, consider establishing an endowment fund through Greater Pike and creating a nest egg ‘For Good. Forever,’” said executive director Jenni Hamill in a press release.
“This unique financial planning opportunity offers organizations a chance to gain long-term financial stability as their fund grows,” she added.
Organizations that set up funds before Thursday, October 6 will be announced at the annual gala and dinner.
Interested organizations can complete a planning form found at www.greaterpike.org. To learn more, email jennihamill@greaterpike.org or call 570/832-4686.
Greater Pike helps individuals, families and local businesses to provide a permanent and personal way to give back to the community.
For more information contact Hamill at 570/832-4686, email jennihamill@greaterpike.org, or visit www.greaterpike.org and Facebook.com/GreaterPike.

Community pride awards nominations are open
MONTICELLO, NY — The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce has requested nominations for its community pride awards. The deadline to submit names is Monday, September 19.
The chamber has honored businesses and individuals for over 28 years with its Pride of Community Awards Gala. The awards recognize five individuals or organizations from throughout Sullivan County for their community involvement and their contributions to county economic development.
The categories are Business Person of the Year, Distinguished Service to the County, Distinguished Achievement in the County, Emerging Leader and one Township award.
Recipients will be recognized at a ceremony on Thursday, November 3.
What makes someone eligible? What criteria should be considered?
The Business Person of the Year is recognized for their dedication to the residents and businesses of Sullivan County and their community, according to the chamber. Honorees continuously go above and beyond to impact the entire county in many aspects. They show true business influence, leadership style and strategic initiatives that they share throughout their community.
The recipient of the Distinguished Achievement Award is recognized for their tireless effort and dedication to the betterment of Sullivan County. They show leadership and extensive contributions to our community. They have accomplished significant impact on their surroundings and the people of Sullivan County.
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual’s act of helpful activity, help or extraordinary service and dedication to their community. They have made outstanding service contributions to the community.
The Emerging Leader award recognizes an individual for outstanding dedication in the Sullivan County community. They clearly serve as a role model for new and seasoned professionals. They tirelessly work as examples of leadership, integrity, professionalism and creativity.
The Township Award is given to a business or an individual for dedication, commitment and effort in promoting and contributing to their community. It is designed to recognize and reward entrepreneurial engagement in townships while building confidence in township-based businesses.
Who chooses these winners? A committee of past businesspersons of the year and chamber board members carefully review all nominations, the chamber said.
Nominations are open to all, and are being accepted now.
Submit a formal nomination letter by September 19 identifying the nominee, and include the nominee’s contact information. Explain why they should be considered for one of the five awards
Mail it to Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, 196 Bridgeville Rd., Ste. 7, Monticello, NY 12701, email president@catskills.com or fax it to 845/791-4220.
The chamber wants anyone and everyone to be considered. For more information, email Jaime Schmeiser, president/CEO at president@catskills.com or call the office at 845/791-4200 ext. 4.

Jaycees donate to scholarship fund
HONESDALE, PA — Prior to the 4-H/FFA livestock sale at the Wayne County Fair in August, the Honesdale Jaycees made a $600 donation to the Wayne County 4-H/FFA Nebzydoski-White Memorial Scholarship Fund.
This year the fund awarded a $2,000 scholarship to each of the 13 recipients. They were Nathaniel Bateman, Allison Billard, Sarah Collins, Paige Fiume, Olivia Gries, Hunter King, Sara McNichols, Emma Modrovsky, Luke Noble, Abigail Price, Maria Spinelli, Brianna Taninies and Jacob Turner.
The Jaycees’ donation was 100 percent of the profit from the sale of Creamworks Creamery milk products at the club’s stand at the Wayne County Fair.