Juneteenth Books and Bandshells

Betty DeRamus traveled to many areas of the United States to do research for her new book, "Freedom by Any Means," including Williamsport, PA. The fact is cited in an article detailing Ms. Ramus' new book as well as her Juneteenth plans in Detroit.

To celebrate Juneteenth in Williamsport, attend the 10th Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Brandon Park on Saturday, June 20, from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Best Banks

Here is an excerpt from a press release issued yesterday:

Pennsylvania Banks Dominate Ranks of U.S. Banker Top 200 List

"A leading banking industry trade publication has ranked 24 Pennsylvania banking companies -- more than any other state -- among the top 200 community banks in the United States, the state Department of Banking said today. " read more

Two of those 24 banks were in Lycoming County ~

• Penns Woods Bancorp, Inc (aka Jersey Shore State Bank) - see branches
• Muncy Bank Financial (aka The Muncy Bank and Trust) - see branches

Step Receives Grant from US Department of Labor

Announced today by Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis, Step. Inc. of Lycoming and Clinton Counties, is one of 183 recipients to be granted part of a $114 million award from the Deptartment of Labor. The grant money was distributed among community groups which provide education and training to young people across the United States.

The award amount of $678,562 is intended to be used over a two-year period after which a remaining increment may be awarded pending the availability of additional funding.

• Read the entire press release


• Read a Sun-Gazette article detailing Step's plans for this award

Neely and Andrews Wins Awards in Wellsboro

The winners of the Annual Regional Juried Art Show, held at the Gmeiner Art Center included two artisits from the Greater Williamsport Area:

Patricia Neely of Williamsport received the Gamblin Art Award for her watercolor painting "Leaves and Lichens."

A ribbon for one of four Honorable Mention Awards was presented to Chad Andrews of Montoursville for his gouache and graphite, "If You Think You See."

Both entries can be seen at the show which runs through June 28 from 2-5 pm daily, and features the art of both amateur and professional artists who live within a 150-mile radius of Wellsboro.

You can also see "Leaves and Lichens" which I think is absolutely gorgeous, in the Gallery section of Patricia's website.

The Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center is located at 134 Main Street in Wellsboro, between the First Presbyterian Church and The Green Free Library.

Menus & Merchants has Jobs

If you're looking for a job in the Williamsport area, try Menus & Merchants! They have this note in the issue I glanced through today:

RAPID EXPANSION!
Now hiring Graphic Designers & Sales Repesentatives.
Call 321.1111

They do have a website, but it's "in process" for the time being.

Williamsport Area School District signs contract with Student Transportation of America

CARNEGIE, PA, June 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -

Student Transportation of America Ltd. (STA) (TSX: STB) announced it has been awarded a contract to provide transportation services for the Williamsport Area School District (WASD) in Pennsylvania. The new seven year contract will generate more than US $2 million in annual revenue beginning with the 2009-2010 school year and adds to the company's regional operations in Pennsylvania.

"We are very pleased the district chose us to provide their transportation services. This is another excellent customer we are partnering with and a positive step in our efforts to increase our organic growth through conversions," said STA Regional Chief Operating Officer Pete Pearson. "School districts throughout the U.S. are realizing that education is their core business. We are providing cost effective solutions to their transportation needs in budget friendly operations while providing the necessary capital investments for vehicles. We are pleased to welcome these great drivers and staff members to our company in connection with this conversion. Our core mission of commitment to the local community and safety in our operations will remain our focus."

Student Transportation said it plans to implement a new computerized routing and planning system along with a state of the art digital video system in each bus.

WASD encompasses 98 square miles with a student population of 5,600 students and Williamsport is home of the Little League World Series.

read the rest of this press release