This can be seen when driving past the entrance to the J. Doyle Corman Amphitheater at the intersection of Jay and Water streets, where a mural created with the help of America250PA grant funding has brought together hundreds of Clinton County residents.

On Wednesday afternoon, many of those individuals along with organizers of the project gathered to unveil the mural, which shows a nature scene including a deer, mountains and a large tree in a variety of colors.

The tiles that make up the mural were painted by community members, clubs, businesses and more leading up to America’s 250th Birthday on Saturday.

Despite scorching heat, government officials were happy to speak about the mural and what it means for Clinton County.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Clinton County Community Planner and Zoning Officer Ben Green takes a photograph of the tile he created, featuring a duck, on the mural.

Commissioner Jeff Snyder welcomed everyone to the unveiling, noting America’s 250th anniversary honors “the ideals of freedom and liberty on which America was founded, as well as the people who continue to bring those ideals to life everyday.”

Though America has seen many changes in this time, Snyder noted one thing has remained, “when communities come together with a shared purpose, they can create something lasting.”

He said this idea of community is what brought everyone to that moment just outside of the amphitheater.

“This mural mosaic is more than tiles on a wall. It is a reflection of our community. It represents the hands, hearts and dedication of many people who helped imagine it, support it and bring it to life,” he said. “Every contribution has become part of this lasting tribute.”

Snyder noted the mural represents an official America250PA Clinton County project, celebrating the nation’s anniversary and the spirit of community.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Clinton County Commissioner Jeff Snyder speaks during the unveiling of a special America250 mural at the J. Doyle Corman Amphitheater.

“It reminds us that history isn’t only found in books, it is created everyday by people who care enough to leave their community better than they found it,” he said.

Following a performance of the National Anthem by Kimberly Shainline, chief of Flemington Goodwill Hose Ambulance Association, Commissioner Angela Harding spoke about the county’s newly minted motto, “250 Years and Still Growing.”

“Our community is still growing stronger. Our connections to one another are still growing deeper and our pride in this place is still growing,” Harding said. “This mural is a permanent symbol of that growth.”

Harding also acknowledged the many organizations, individuals and more who helped make the mural possible.

This included a $20,000 grant from America250PA, a $10,000 donation from the Clinton County Economic Partnership’s Tourism Bureau and $10,000 of in-kind services and supplies from Clinton County Government.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Clinton County residents who had a hand in creating a tile for the large mural project are seen looking for their own creation within the large piece.

“Every tile represents a person, a student, a senior, a neighbor, a friend. Each tile tells a story. And when we put them all together, we see the bigger pictures: A community that cares, a community that creates and a community that grows,” Harding said. “Clinton County is a beautiful place, and its beauty is not just in our hills and rivers, but in our people. In our willingness to come together. In our pride in this place we call home.”

Colin Sheffer, projects and programming coordinator for America250PA, also spoke briefly.

He noted the funding the county received for the project was significant, saying it was chosen amongst 600 applications.

He also spoke about America250PA’s continued work to reach every corner of the Commonwealth, with plans having begun in 2018 to ensure a proper celebration of the 250th.

This mural, he said, was an example of the many projects that showcase Pennsylvania’s impact on the nation.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS A close-up of the mural showcases the unique nature of each tile, painted by Clinton County residents from youngsters in a local elementary school to clubs and civic organizations.

Following Sheffer, Mayor Joel Long offered remarks.

He said he was nine years old in 1976 when the 200th anniversary took place.

At the time, he said he hadn’t considered the next milestone anniversary and what that may look like. He certainly hadn’t considered he would be the city’s mayor.

“This is one of those times it’s very pleasant to be in this position,” he said. “I can’t thank the county enough for this partnership. It’s fantastic to be part of something as a community within the entire county.”

Those who wish to find their tile before visiting the mural may do so by visiting www.clintoncountypa.gov/government/america250pa.

PHOTO PROVIDED Scan the QR code or visit www.clintoncountypa.gov/government/america250pa to find your tile before visiting the mural.

Prior to the unveiling, Harding listed the groups and individuals who made the mural possible. They include:

EMPLOYERS WHO

SPONSORED EVENTS

Clinton County Employees, Lock Haven City, Complete Climate Control, Clinton County Housing Coalition, The Express, ROMP Clinton County, Children and Youth Services, Salvation Army of Renovo, Renovo Borough and Clinton County Visitors Bureau.

CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS

Clinton County Democratic Women, Rotary Club of Downtown Lock Haven, Lock Haven Kiwanis, Downtown Lock Haven, Inc. and Northbend 4H.

SCHOOLS

Liberty-Curtin: Mrs. Prella Smith’s fourth grade class, Bucktail High School, Central Mountain High School and Commonwealth University-Lock Haven.

LIBRARIES

Friendship Community Library in Beech Creek, which hosted two events; the Renovo Library, which hosted three events; and the Ross Library.

FAMILY SPONSORED EVENTS

Desiree Myers, Angela Harding, Jennifer Hoy, Danielle Miller, Michelle Sonnie, Christy Walizer-Smith, Barbara Rauch and Jeanette Morton.

PHOTO PROVIDED