GFCBA Announces Officers and Board of Directors for 2024

The Greater Forest City Business Alliance is pleased to announce their Board of Directors and Officers for 2024. Juliann Doyle will serve as President and also holds positions as President of the Browndale Fire Company, Secretary of the Forest City Area Historical Society and Junior Warden at Christ Episcopal Church; Suzanne Atcavage, will serve as Vice President, leads the Grant Committee and is the co-owner and Vice President of Comprehensive Physical Therapy; serving as Secretary is Katie Cicilioni, owner of Frugal Living and President of Mountain View Garden Club; serving as Treasurer is Karen Obelenus, a retired SCI employee and member of the Browndale Fire Company; Pastor Tim Madden of Cornerstone Bible Church, leads the Marketing Committee; Membership and Fundraising Committee is lead by, Michelle LaPenta, M&M Auto; Duffy Samuel, The Samuel Company and Cables General Store; Daniel Frederici, Brace Brook Home
Inspections, LLC; and Laura Wielebinski, Point W Real Estate.

The mission of the GFCBA is to unite local businesses, organizations, and individuals to promote the economy, assist in economic development and foster a positive community environment. The GFCBA is committed to conducting its interactions in a respectful and ethical manner that upholds the values of our community. The organization works to represent the interests of its membership
in a manner that fosters respect, credibility and strategic importance for the businesses within the Greater Forest City area. Collaboration with local organizations to support the betterment of the Greater Forest City community is highly regarded.

The GFCBA ended 2023 with nearly 120 members and continues to look toward growth in 2024. The organization supports their members via projects including a promotional brochure – this year to be updated with a QR code to maintain updated information for all members; The GFCBA continues to work with Golden Owl Consulting to professionally manage our website and social media pages which provide avenues for member promotion and support. Finally, 2023 was a “construction” year for a professionally developed seasonal video of the Greater Forest City Area, which will be released this spring. Phase 2 of the video project is dedicated to investing in it as a marketing tool to promote our region and inherently support our membership.

In 2024, our 3 rd Annual Forest City Teague Trail Trot is scheduled for Saturday, May 11. Our first BINGO this past fall wall was well received and the GFCBA is planning two this year – one in later spring and one mid fall, with dates and locations to be determined. The GFCBA earmarks the funding from these events to support community projects that support commerce and the betterment of the
Greater Forest City area. We invite the community to visit our website at www.VisitForestCityPA.com and follow us on Facebook at @GFCBANEPA. With our 2024 membership drive winding down, businesses of the area are encouraged to reach out for membership by contacting the GFCBA at: Greater Forest City Business Alliance – P.O. Box 155 – Forest City, PA 18421; email gfcba13@gmail.com.

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Forest City Trailhead Unveiling Two New Additions

(SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY, PA) — Forest City Borough’s Outdoor Town Action Team and the Rail-Trail Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania are proud to unveil two new additions to the D&H Rail-Trail Forest City Trailhead. We invite trail users and the Greater Forest City community to celebrate the unveiling of the first trail sculpture on the trail and an interpretive sign about coal mining and the railroads.

The unveilings will occur on Saturday, December 9, at 1 PM at the Forest City Trailhead. The event will feature the unveiling and the background behind each structure. Those instrumental in the funding, design, fabrication, and installation of the structures will be acknowledged.

The trail sculpture was funded in part by the Endless Mountains Heritage Region through Forest City’s Borough’s Outdoor Town Action Team. The FCOTAT plans to continue trail sculptures along the D&H leading up to Main Street. Artist Scott Nichols designed the sculpture to bring attention to the free Wi-Fi on the Forest City Trailhead.

The Rail-Trail Council through the Overlook Foundation and Endless Mountains Heritage Region has funded many of its historical interpretive signs. The Forest City sign highlights the influence coal mining and the railroads had on the growth of the Forest City area. The Forest City Area Historical Society and the Carbondale Historical Society both contributed to the content.

Each unveiling will feature some key person comments:
Chris Glinton – Mayor Forest City Borough
Cain Chamberlin – Executive Director, Endless Mountains Heritage Region
Christine Dettore – Northeast Regional Advisor, DNCR Bureau of Recreation and Conservation
Erin Debish and Deb McNamara – Forest City Outdoor Action Team
Suzanne Atcavage – President Greater Forest City Business Alliance
John Kameen — Forest City Area Historical Society
Lynn Conrad — Executive Director Rail-Trail Council of NEPA

Warm beverages will be available. If the weather is favorable, you are welcome to explore the D&H Rail-Trail by foot or bike. The trailhead is located off State Route 247 along Commerce Boulevard, Forest City 18421.

For more information, call 570.679.9300, or email nepatrails@gmail.com or visit neparailtrails.org

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Browndale Fire Company Encourages Winter Weather Preparedness

Browndale Fire Company is promoting winter preparedness and encouraging their residents to take action to prepare for winter weather. The fire company is committed to supporting winter preparedness. Winter storms can occur anywhere and bring freezing rain, ice, snow, high winds, or a combination of all these conditions. Winter weather can knock out heat, power, and communications services to your home or office, sometimes for days at a time. Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. Being prepared for winter weather can decrease your risk.

Our entire Community can act against the upcoming winter weather this season by:
• Winterizing your Emergency Supply Kit.
• Planning how to communicate with family and friends with an Emergency Communication
Plan.
• And knowing how to receive important weather information and updates, including signing-
up for regional weather alerts.

Online Resources:
• Ready.gov
• Ready.gov Winter Weather
• Weather.gov
• Weather Terms
• CDC Winter Weather
• American Red Cross Winter Weather Resources
• Department of Health and Human Services Winter Weather Resources
• U.S. Fire Administration Severe Weather Fire Safety

If you must travel for work or another appointment, we suggest you be prepared. We wish everyone Happy and safe Holidays and a safe New Year. Thank you for supporting the Browndale Fire Company.

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Be a Part of Halloween on Main Street

 

Thank you for being a part of the Greater Forest City Business Alliance and a Forest City Business owner.  Especially, in these times, we strive to make this town more of a destination.  We continue to develop a vibrant community atmosphere for people to visit, shop, and stop for a bite to eat.

As Autumn and Winter approach, we are hoping to decorate the town, particularly on Main Street, on Wednesday, October 25th from 4 pm – 7 pm we will be hosting a “Trunk or Treat” event, pumpkin painting, costume contest, and some good old-fashioned fun.  This event is planned to bring more people to patronize your businesses and organizations.  For this event, your business or group will have the opportunity to sponsor and carve a Jack O’Lantern.  The pumpkins, with your name prominently featured, will be displayed on the 500 block of Main Street.

Furthermore, in a two-for-one decorating opportunity, all proceeds from your pumpkin sponsorship will go towards the Holiday Light Fund.  Our current Main Street lights are in desperate need of replacement, so new ones are needed across our town to create an inviting atmosphere for the December Tree Lighting Ceremony.

In the upcoming holiday season, please help us to help you and our town draw more people to our local businesses.  Donations, no matter how small, are important and your donation of any amount will sponsor your pumpkin.

Respectfully,

Paul Daugevelo, Main Street Coordinator

Rosal@nep.net

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AN EVENING OF FOLK MUSIC BY RUSS RENTLER

 

 

THE FOREST CITY AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE AN EVENING OF FOLK MUSIC BY RUSS RENTLER ON SATURDAY OCT. 7TH AT 7:00 P.M. AT THE FCA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM, 629 MAIN STREET, FOREST CITY, PA.

RUSS RENTLER, BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND, STARTED PLAYING STRINGED INSTRUMENTS WITH HIS FIRST UKULELE IN FIFTH GRADE PURCHASE WITH S&H GREEN STAMPS IN DOVER, NJ.  HE PLAYED MUSIC AT MORAVIAN COLLEGE IN A FOLK BAND WITH JOHN GORKA, WHO LATER BECAME A LUMINARY IN THE NEW FOLK MOVEMENT.

AFTER COLLEGE,  RUSS WENT TO MEDICAL SCHOOL IN NEW JERSEY AND SPECIALIZED IN INTERNAL MEDICINE.  IN HIS FREE TIME HE CONTINUED TO PURSUE HIS PASSION OF PERFORMING ACOUSTIC MUSIC ON HAMMERED AND MOUNTAIN DULCIMER.

IN 2016, RUSS RENTLER LEFT HIS PRACTICE OF INTERNAL MEDICINE AND GERIATRICS, WHICH HAS ALLOWED HIM TO PURSUE HIS LIFE-LONG DREAM AND PASSION OF PERFORMING ORIGINAL AND TRADITIONAL MUSIC.

SING OUT MAGAZINE HAS DESCRIBED HIM AS “A GIFTED SONGWRITER AS WELL AS A FINE MUSICIAN”.

HIS SHOWS ARE FAST-PACED WITH MULTIPLE INSTRUMENT CHANGES INTERSPERSED WITH FUNNY STORIES OF HIS LIFE AS A PHYSICIAN WITH THE HEART OF A TROUBADOUR.

NOTE:  “RUSS RENTLER IS A FIRST RATE PERFORMER.  THIS IS A CONCERT YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS,”  SAID PAUL FERRARO, FCA HISTORICAL SOCIETY EVENT MANAGER AND FOLK MUSICIAN.

WHILE AT THE CONCERT, VIEW THE MANY HISTORICAL ITEMS AND HISTORY OF THE FOREST CITY REGIONAL AREA.  THE FOREST CITY AREA HISTORICAL MUSEUM IS HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE AND AIR CONDITIONED.

THERE IS NO ADMISSION FOR THE CONCERT,  DONATIONS WILL BE WELCOMED.  COME AND ENJOY!

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Halloween Costume Donations Needed!

Halloween Costume Drive
Last year the Greater Forest City Business Alliance held its first free Halloween costume giveaway, giving local kids gently used costumes donated by the community.
This event was a huge success, putting smiles on the faces of many of our neighborhood families! We have already been asked if we would be having this event this year as well. The answer is YES!!
Please consider donating your gently used costumes to this community event. Items can be dropped off at M&M Auto Service located at 144 South Main Street in Vandling Monday – Friday from 8am – 5pm or Saturdays from 9am – 3pm. Please contact Michelle @ 570-785-4444 if you have any questions. Pick-up is available within 10 miles.
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Forest City Outdoor Town Action Team Awarded Grant From Endless Mountains Visitors – Bureau to Begin Sculpture Trail Project

The Forest City Outdoor Town Action Team (FCOTAT) is pleased to announce that they have been awarded $2,362.00 in mini-grant funding through the Endless Mountains Heritage Region, in support of their project, “Connecting Forest City to its Outdoor Resources Through
Art”. The funding is made possible through the Endless Mountains Heritage Region, the Environmental Stewardship Fund (ESF) and the Commonwealth’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Grant match funds for the award have been provided by the
Rail Trail Council of NEPA and the Greater Forest City Business Alliance. Letters of support were also received from both of these organizations and also the Mountain View Garden Club.

The intent of this project is to place the first of several sculptures to creatively connect the D&H Rail Trail to the Forest City community and downtown. The end vision is to create a system of several sculptures that capture the heritage and character of the Forest City region, of
which our natural resources have always contributed. The first sculpture, for which this grant was requested, will be placed at the Forest City Trail Head marking the free WiFi – a service to trail users made possible with a grant awarded by the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau in
2019. The sculpture will be commissioned by local artist Scott Nichols and creatively integrates nature and outdoor recreation. The natural resources surrounding us have always played a role in our commerce and community – from coal mining in years past to current tourism in the form of activities such as walking, hiking, skiing and biking. As this project grows, a sculpture/art walk will lead trail users from the Forest City Trail Head via Erie Street to Main Street. The addition of the artwork within the community is intended to engage residents and visitors, reminding and representing our culture and heritage to all who pass through. This project supports a main focus of the Outdoor Town/Trail Town initiative, connecting our community and visitors to our outdoor spaces.

Completion of this first artwork is anticipated to occur in mid to late summer. The Rail Trail Council of NEPA has approved the placement of the sculpture at the Forest City Trail Head and as a WiFiservice marker. And, the Samuel Company has committed to construct a concrete
slab on which to place and secure the unique art. The FCOTAT and Forest City Borough are excited to partner with the Endless Mountains Heritage Region for this initial sculpture and appreciative of their support for progress within our community.

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SECOND ANNUAL FOREST CITY TEAGUE TRAIL TROT QUICKLY APPROACHING – JOIN US ON SUNDAY, MAY 21ST!

The Second Annual “Forest City Teague Trail Trot 5K and Community Walk”, sponsored by the GFCBA is quickly approaching! The event will take place on May 21, 2023, beginning at the D & H Trailhead in Forest City. The 5K race will head out promptly at 10 am, with the “Community Fun Walk” to follow immediately thereafter.

The event is named to honor the memory of Forest City’s longtime resident and runner, Donny Teague. Don loved running in, around and through Forest City. He was a faithful supporter, advocate and statistician for the Forest City Regional Cross-Country Team, for more than 20 years. He was committed to the success of those student athletes and made sure each team member had the support they needed to cross the finish line. He was out on the course until they were in. This event is structured to honor Don’s commitment to all levels of participation –
whether you are an established runner, or simply enjoy a walk on the trail, this event has you covered!

The GFCBA is committed to supporting projects and changes in Forest City that support local commerce and positive community growth. Specifically, in 2023, the GFCBA is pleased to partner with various local organizations to support multiple community projects. These include the Center Street Park renovation – led by the Forest City Outdoor Town Action Team and Forest City Borough; a seasonal video creation of our area to highlight Forest City for recreation travel and commerce – partnering with the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau via their Room Tax Grant Program; and the beginning of a “sculpture trail” from the D & H trail and progressing into Forest City – a partnership with the Forest City Outdoor Town Action Team and the Rail Trail Council of NEPA.

The 5K race is a chipped and timed race, assisted by the Scranton Running Company. Awards for the 5K will be presented for 7 age groups, male and female categories. Top Male and Top Female Finisher Awards will also be presented. One-mile walkers will not be chipped or timed, but 1st, 2nd and 3rd will be awarded in order across the finish line. DJ Dennis will be on hand to keep everyone upbeat and moving and add energy to the day! Cable’s General Store and Zazzera’s Supermarket will be supplying our race day snacks and water for our participants and volunteers.

5K registration is $30 until May 10, 2023 and $17.50 for the Community Walk. After that time, 5K fees will increase to $35 and Community Walk to $20. All participants registered by May 3, 2023 can choose their commemorative race t-shirt size and will receive them on race day. Day of race registration is also available and we will do our best to have a t-shirt for each participant. In addition to race participants, we are also seeking sponsors and donors to add to this event’s success. This will be the GFCBA’s ONLY exclusive fundraising event this year! We are asking local businesses to support our mission through sponsorships, donations, and registrations!

Both race registrations and monetary donations/sponsorships can be completed at VisitForestCity PA.com, which features links to lead you to our secure race website. If you would like to donate any necessary race items or volunteer during the event, please reach out to
gfcba13@gmail.com. We would LOVE to see our commUNITY enjoy the trail together on May 21st!

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Forest City Regional Elementary Transportation Parade

April 3, 2023

Dear Local Companies and Businesses:

I am writing to announce our Annual Pre-Kindergarten Transportation Day! It was a huge success in the past thanks to you! We could not have taught such hands-on and meaningful lessons without your help and volunteering of your time to share your vehicle and skills with our students. We would love for you to come back again this year!

Our annual Transportation Day will be held on Friday, May 5th from 9:30 until 11:30 AM. The Rain Date is Monday, May 8th from 9:30 until 11:30 AM. It will be held in the parking lot behind the high school, the same location as past years. Please check in with our classroom para-professionals who will be on the sidewalk awaiting your arrival. They will sign you in, give you a visitor badge and inform you of where to
park your vehicle (s). The students will again go around and tour each vehicle and listen to you discuss what your vehicle is used for and how it helps you perform a job. You may perform any operations that are safe, such as horn beeping, etc. Please arrive at 9:00 AM for set up. Lunch will be provided to show our appreciation. Kindergarten, first, and second grades will be invited to participate in Transportation Day as well.

If you are interested in returning this year, please call the school at 785-2410 or fill out the form below and return it to the school. Please send your response by Friday, April 28th.

 

Thank you again and we look forward to seeing you!
Let’s make this the best day ever!!

-Pre-K Teachers

Name: ___________________________________________
Company: _________________________________________
Type of Vehicle: ____________________________________
Phone Number: _____________________________________
Count of Workers attending for lunches __________________

Please mail this form to the address below or RSVP by phone 570-785-2410
Forest City Regional Elem. School
100 Susquehanna St.
Forest City, PA 18421
Attention:
Tara Palickar

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GFCBA TO HOLD SECOND ANNUAL FOREST CITY TEAGUE TRAIL TROT

Our 2nd Annual Forest City Teague Trail Trot 5K & Community Walk will be held on Sunday, May 21, 2023, on the D&H Trail in Forest City! The 5K race start is scheduled for 10 am with a 1 mile “Community Fun Walk” to follow immediately thereafter. Please go to VisitForestCityPA.com to register, become a sponsor, or find out more! You can also email us at gfcba13@gmail.com with any questions, donations, or to become an event volunteer!

The Greater Forest City Business Alliance is excited to announce the Second Annual “Forest City Teague Trail Trot 5K and Community Walk” to be held on Sunday, May 21, 2023, on the D & H Trail! Race location is at the trailhead, located in Forest City, on Commerce Boulevard. The 5K race start is scheduled for 10 am with a 1 mile “Community Fun Walk” to follow immediately thereafter.

In January 2022, Forest City lost a longtime resident and “running icon”, Donny Teague at the age of 91. For all who knew Don, he was “always running”. He was known and will be remembered for his true love of the sport, boundless energy and his colorful and attention-grabbing outfits when hitting the pavement. He was also a faithful supporter, advocate, and statistician for the Forest City Regional Cross-Country Team, for more than 20 years. He was committed to the success of those student athletes and made sure each team member had the support they needed to cross the finish line. He was out on the course until they were in. We are honored to recognize Don with this event and beginning in 2023, the race will perpetually be named the “Forest City Teague Trail Trot”.

In line with Donny’s joy of running in, around and through Forest City and beyond, funds raised from this race will be earmarked to support projects connecting local commerce to our region’s outdoor experience. Specifically, in 2023, the GFCBA is working to support multiple community projects including the Center Street Park renovation, a seasonal video creation of our area to draw attention to us for travel and commerce and other projects to improve town aesthetics, such as a sculpture trail and an expanding mural program.

The 5K race is a chipped and timed race, assisted by the Scranton Running Company. Awards for the 5K will be presented for 7 age groups, male and female categories. Top Male and Top Female Finisher Awards will also be presented. One-mile walkers will not be chipped or timed, but 1st, 2nd and 3rd will be awarded in order across the finish line.

Race fees for the 5K are $25 until April 16th and then increase to $30 until April 30th. 5K registration will be $35 thereafter. Fees for the community walk are $15 until April 16th and then increase to $17.50 until April 30th. Community walk registration will be $20 thereafter. All
participants registered by May 3rd, 2023 can choose their commemorative race t-shirt size and will receive them on race day. A limited number of t-shirts will be available at the event. In addition to race participants, we are also seeking sponsors and donors to add to this event’s success. We are asking local businesses to support our mission through sponsorships, donations, and other items needed for race day. Both race registrations and monetary donations/sponsorships can be completed at VisitForestCity PA.com, which features links to lead you to our secure race website. If you would like to donate any necessary race items or volunteer during the event, please reach out to gfcba13@gmail.com. We would LOVE for our whole Forest City commUNITY to be a part of the fun on May 21st!

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