From Forgotten to Forever: Restoring a Sacred Place

August 11, 2025

Four years ago, a friend mentioned a community project grant being offered by a local box store. That sparked a conversation within the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau about how we might use such an opportunity to make a lasting impact. As we explored ideas, one kept returning to my mind, something I had passed by countless times on my walks through Victory Park with my dogs: the African American Memorial Cemetery near the boat launch. Although the Lewistown Borough was faithfully maintaining the grass, the cemetery itself had fallen into quiet neglect. Gravestones had sunk or broken, weeds were overtaking the site, and there was nothing to identify it as a place of historical or cultural importance. Most passersby had no idea they were driving past sacred ground, a resting place for members of our African American community, including veterans of the United States Colored Troops who fought bravely in the Civil War. Learn More

Smitten by Stone: Falling in Love All Over Again in the Southwest Part II

August 11, 2025

Mesa Verde, Capitol Reef & Bryce Canyon National Parks, Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods, and Natural Bridges National Monument As we continued our journey through the Southwest, our next stop brought together two of my great loves, history and natural beauty at Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado. Here, an ancient window into the past flings wide open, offering visitors like me a rare opportunity to peer inside. What little I knew of this ancient place came from my childhood View-Master reels. I remember eagerly clicking through the 1960s edition of Mesa Verde, longing for the day I’d witness its wonders in person. Decades later, that dream became a reality. Though I had only a basic understanding of its story, I was eager to learn more. I discovered that the Pueblo people lived in the region for over 700 years, from 550 to 1300 CE. Just imagine, they had migrated away over 725 years ago, and yet so much remains to tell their story. It was after 1150 that they began constructing the now-iconic cliff dwellings, and I was awestruck by how well-preserved and sophisticated they still are. Learn More

Smitten by Stone: Falling in Love All Over Again in the Southwest

June 23, 2025

Smitten by Stone: Falling in Love All Over Again in the Southwest It’s recently come to my attention that I might be a bit fickle in love—not in the romantic sense, but in my love for nature. Last year, I was utterly smitten after visiting Glacier National Park. I returned home convinced that no other place on Earth could possibly rival its awe-inspiring grandeur. I even said so right here in print. Well, I was wrong. So very wrong. This year, our vacation adventure took us to the Southwest, specifically, the Four Corners region, where the borders of Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico converge. We explored five national parks, one state park, a Navajo tribal park, and cruised two of the most scenic drives in the country, racking up 1,100 miles across vast, rugged terrain. Our journey would take us from the snow-capped skyline of Salt Lake City to the fiery red rock landscapes of Utah, and beyond. The adventure began as our plane approached Salt Lake City. Peeking out the window, I was stunned. I had pictured a flat, desert-like backdrop. Instead, the city was encased in snow-covered mountains. I couldn’t tear my eyes away. Learn More