A recent exchange in our Facebook comments section regarding the new benches placed around one of the trees outside the Downtown Lock Haven office highlights a continuing struggle within the community:

While some are disillusioned because of where we have been, others are inspired by where we are going.

That is not to say there are not setbacks — the continuing degradation of rural healthcare comes immediately to mind as the news broke recently that the former Lock Haven Hospital has been sold by UPMC to Allaire Health. While there are problems with virtually any healthcare provider in America, especially given the general lack of resources directed to rural healthcare, Allaire, as a for-profit company, raises a particular eyebrow.

Regardless, that is but another battle in our long, twilight struggle. As pundits are fond of pointing out, rural America — and the Appalachia and Rust Belt regions in particular — have seen a vast exodus: of companies and jobs; of youth and talent; of capital and investment; and, in many cases, of hope.

We agree with Candy Gore, who posted that “It (Lock Haven) hasn’t been this alive, active, and vibrant since the 60s. It’s because people are putting the effort in.”

While the staff here confess to not have been present — or alive — since the 60s, there has been a noticeable, marked improvement in the vibrancy of Lock Haven even just in the past few decades. Heck, even just in the past few years.

Consider the Fallon, which until the last few years of colossal effort and investment by Carey Chisolm was dangling at the precipice of disrepair — to the point of being condemned. Now it is back to hosting events, feeding families and making memories — and further restoration efforts continue.

Consider also the facade grant improvements effected through a partnership between Downtown Lock Haven, Inc. and City of Lock Haven. Multiple buildings have been freshened up and repaired through the grant, including WSQV Radio, the Texas building and Cara Montarsi’s State Farm office. Separately, the former Elks building — soon to be Susquehanna Events Center and Euphoria Heights, has also seen a revitalization.

Consider even something as comparatively simple as the recent Garden of the Month club to the city’s Public Works crew as their hard work blooms across the city — literally. Beds, both large and small, of gorgeous wildflowers bring color and life all throughout downtown. It doesn’t take wealth and grants to make a difference. Some seeds and hard work can go a long way, too.

And while there is certainly a long, tortuously arduous path ahead, filled with innumerable potholes and challenges, we have confidence that progress will come. It may be slow, but it will be steady.

There are already far worse towns to live in than Lock Haven. Let’s continue to work to make it a great place to live, work, shop and raise families.