Focus on What Matters
September 15, 2023
Focus on What Matters I sometimes worry that I will run out of things to talk about here, but something always seems to come through. That breakthrough thought today is the self-acknowledgement that I just might be a bit overly protective of the people and places that I love, and prone to comparison. Perhaps you too can relate. Have you ever found yourself talking with someone who begins saying negative things about your community and discover the hairs on the back of your neck begin to rise? You then square your shoulders and stand up straighter. For me, to the whole of my whopping five foot, three and three quarters inch frame. I then begin compiling a mental list of all our positive attributes ready for rapid fire, and then I unload. I do attempt to do so, however, with grace and truth. I must admit sometimes there may be only a sprinkle of grace, with an outpouring of my truth. I fully understand that at times it falls on deaf ears, but it does not negate the fact that I feel this is my job, not just as the Chamber director, but as a proud community member. I need to defend what is ours, with soldier-like dedication. This can, however, become a misapplied urge that needs to be tempered. Let me explain. Learn More
I Hear the Train a Comin'
September 15, 2023
I recently had the opportunity to visit a national treasure, and only traveled 35 miles to do so. The East Broad Top Railroad, located in Rockhill Furnace near Orbisonia, is in our backyard. I never thought of myself as a train buff, but I was absolutely enthralled by this well-preserved piece of history. It was as if time stood still, and this railroad complete with railcars, station, and machine shops had been frozen in time. It is quite an experience for all the senses as the old steam engine approaches the station. The black smoke rolls, the whistle blows, and the engine hisses, as it thunders down the tracks. After boarding, our guide regaled us with stories about the railroad and as we clattered down the tracks, I tried to imagine what it must have been like to be on this train car when this railroad was in its infancy. We traveled for a half an hour before making a three-point turn and making our way back to the station. I was amazed to see train enthusiasts and photographers lining the route with cameras and tripods, ready to capture the perfect shot. Learn More
Bloom Where You are Planted
September 15, 2023
We are now a few weeks into our much-anticipated summer season, and everyone is busy enjoying every sun-soaked moment. All too soon, there will be a chill in the air, the days will begin to shorten, school and dorm supplies will be purchased, and fall will be upon us. Until then, however, there are family vacations, ball games, yard sales, picnics, outdoor adventures, and now that we have received some much-needed rain, grass to mow and gardens to tend. Flowers are blooming everywhere and since my Chamber office is in downtown Lewistown, I have the daily privilege of enjoying the beautiful planters that line both sides of Market Street. As I was walking past admiring the wide variety of combinations, I couldn’t help but think about the many parallels that can be drawn between us as humans and flowers, and what lessons can be learned. Learn More
Juniata County's Grasshopper War
September 15, 2023
I am a little late to the game since it began in 2018, but I have begun watching the television series, Yellowstone. If you aren’t familiar with it, I will give you a brief overview. The series follows the Dutton family, the patriarch being John Dutton played by Kevin Costner, as they strive to protect the family ranch in Montana called Yellowstone. It is constantly under attack by those seeking this picturesque and valuable land for development. It also involves the bordering Indian reservation of Broken Rock. Believe me when I say there is plenty of drama! Some of which is a bit farfetched, and a lot of it very vigilante in style. There is a lot of violence, and I must admit I may have hidden under a pillow or even left the room to make a bed when there were uncomfortable scenes. That said, I keep going back for more. I think there are several reasons for this, the first being that I enjoy watching Kevin Costner in his role. He plays a very complex character, and I appreciate that. He has many layers and I think we can all relate. The lines he draws between right and wrong are often blurred, but it does come from a place of love and devotion to his family and his land. Learn More
