Community Foundation supports Renovo Area Heritage projects, education

PHOTO PROVIDED Shown are GRAHP’s board members and officers that include, from left, Kira Rosamilia, Chris Miller, Donnie Darrin, Kari Kepler, Mary George Rhone, Martha Sykes and Carrie DeMarte, along with Dennis Trout of the Community Foundation.
RENOVO — The Greater Renovo Area Heritage Park organization welcomed new board members and elected officers at its Aug. 18 annual meeting at The North Bend Grille in North Bend, just outside of Renovo.
The volunteers also took time to acknowledge the Clinton County Community Foundation’s continued support of its efforts to build community through grants that support the GRAHP’s summer concert series and its Magic in the Air event (to occur Dec. 13) during the holidays.
The Heritage Park elected officers for 2025-26. Rhone remains as association president and Sykes is treasurer. Other officers include Ryan Graw, secretary; Margie Shirk, vice president; Tracy Shady and Advisory Board Members Vince Tarantella and Rich Wykoff.
Holly Komonczi, director of Pennsylvania Lumber Heritage Region, was the keynote speaker and talked about the association’s long-time partnership and efforts to promote the region’s lumber history.
Also, at the annual meeting the association recognized long-time dedicated volunteers, Deb Clary and Terry O’Laughlin, both of whom passed this year.
Further, the nonprofit bestowed two awards: The Impact Award was presented to Wayne Short, a retired Bucktail teacher; and The Founder’s Award was given to Charlie Barnum.
The GRAHP’s projects include working to develop Tipple Park; improving the Maxwell Building as a railroad museum with archives, a community/education room and artisan center; the Bibey Lot outdoor event park; improving its headquarters at 530 Erie Ave; continuing educational programs with Bucktail Area High and Renovo Elementary schools and a capital campaign to raise funds.