The Community Education Center’s Leadership Elk & Cameron Program welcomed its 12th Class this month. The welcome reception was held at the Fox Township Firemen’s Club & Social Hall in Kersey on September 11th. The event was sponsored, in part, by Northwest Bank. The first monthly session followed on September 12th at the Flying Dove Ranch in Ridgway. The ten month program is aimed at educating its participants in the strengths and weaknesses of Elk and Cameron Counties in order to develop informed, civic oriented volunteers to help direct the future of the region. 
This month’s first session focused on assessing the individual participants’ personality and leadership styles; team building activities; and communication strategies for working with diverse personalities. Terry Hinton, Advising Coordinator for Penn State Dubois led the session. In addition, Jonathan Johnson, Senior Staff Analyst for the Center for Rural PA, provided a presentation on the demographic and economic trends of the region. Six nonprofit agencies also presented their community improvement projects to the participants: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Jefferson, Elk and McKean Counties, Boys and Girls Club of St. Marys, Ridgway Animal Haven, St. Marys Heritage Preservation Group, Elk County Council On the Arts, and the Elk County Community Foundation. Lunch was sponsored by Advantage Metal Powders.
The 2018-2019 Leadership Elk & Cameron participants are sponsored by their employers which include: St. Marys Area High School, Northern PA Regional College, Clarion Sintered Metals, Elk County Veterinary Clinic, LEDVANCE, Horizon Technology, Johnsonburg Borough, Cameron County Magisterial District, Johnsonburg Library, Dickinson Center, Assured Testing Services, City of St. Marys, Penn State DuBois, Penn Highlands Elk Community Nurses, Allegheny Coatings, Domtar, Ridgway Main Street Program, and Northwest Bank.
More information about the program can be found at www.communityedcenter.com, or by contacting the CEC at (814) 781-3437.

​You never get a second chance to make a first impression.  But when living in a digital age, how do you know when you’ve made your first impression? Damaging financial decisions, Facebook posts, tweets and Instagram photos can be made before physically meeting your potential employers and colleagues, creating digital and financial stains that never go away.  
 
The DISCOVER Partnership has designed the workshop, “Preparing Your #Selfie for the Real World” to help college students prepare for the physical realities of living in a virtual world.
 
The workshop will be held at the Community Education Center, located at 4 Erie Avenue in St. Marys. The workshop is free and open to incoming college Freshmen to recent college grads living in Cameron and Elk counties. Attendees can choose one of two session dates: Monday, July 23 from 12:00-4:00 (lunch included) or Monday, July 30 from 5:00-9:00 (dinner included).
 
Workshop topics include:
·         Digital Responsibility: How your “digital footprint” can affect employment
·         What not to Wear: Tips on how to prepare for job interviews
·         Financing Your Future: Understanding your financial aid package, college loans and repayment plans.
·         Building Your Professional Network through LinkedIn:  Tips to Polish your resume, understand the art of volunteerism, and Create your own profile
·         Professional Dining Etiquette:  tips to help you mind your manners and make a good impression at your future business meals.
The registration deadline is June 30, 2018 by calling the Community Education Center 814-781-3437 or emailing cec@communityedcenter.com.

Mrs. Leigh Aaron, South St. Marys Street Elementary School Counselor, and the Community Education Center’s DISCOVER Partnership teamed up for the recent “Careers in Communities” Career Day.  Area Business and community members were stationed in the elementary school gymnasium to talk about careers within their company.  Students in grades 3-5 participated and visited with 3 companies to learn what career opportunities exist.  Students completed a career reflection during the event to assist them in making informed choices when selecting a career and setting career goals.  
Those in attendance included Christie Gardner, The Daily Press;  Kristi Wendell, Donna Hottel and Tom Buck, North Central Regional Planning Development; Matt Stoey, Student Services Specialist BC3@ Brockway; Brooke Forsythe, Northwest Bank; Lou Radkowski, Mayor City of St. Marys; Meredith Bon, Hoss’s; Aaron Simbeck, Advanced Computer Solutions; Sherri Lovett & Mark Greenthaner, Elk County Emergency 911 Dispatchers; and Marty Rosenfeld, Elk County Sheriff’s Office.
This event was funded in part by The Stackpole-Hall Foundation and coordinated by the Community Education Center's (CEC) DISCOVER Partnership, a business and education partnership that is aimed at helping students “DISCOVER” what the region has to offer by forming connections between students, local companies and communities.  If your school or company is interested in participating in a similar event, please contact Amy Goode at the CEC (814) 781-3437 or cec@communityedcenter.com.

Cameron County Rotary Club and the Community Education Center’s DISCOVER Partnership teamed up for the recent “Rotary Days Career Cruise”.  Students in 9th grade from Cameron County and Austin High Schools participated.  Students spent the morning networking and touring Embassy Powdered Metals and Cameron County Courthouse learning local career opportunities, employability skills and making connections with community members and potential employers.  Students also made a stop at Andrews Farm for a presentation from Ryan Magaro about his Bee business, which was a great lead into the afternoon program.  Students then joined together at the Fire Hall for an afternoon presentation from Abbi Peters with the PA Wilds.  Abbi’s presentation focused on Entrepreneurship and included a student activity that demonstrated the importance of shopping and spending local.  Her presentation ended with an Entrepreneurship Q&A Panel that included Ryan Magaro from Rich Valley Apiary,  Jim Wendel from Hygrade Inn, and Amanda Jones from Elk River Farms.  The afternoon concluded with a tour at the Hygrade Inn.  Lunch was provided by the Cameron County Rotary Club.
 
This event was funded in part by The Cameron County Rotary Club and Mee Foundation; and coordinated by the Community Education Center's (CEC) DISCOVER Partnership, a business and education partnership that is aimed at helping students “DISCOVER” what the region has to offer by forming connections between students, local companies and communities.  If your school or company is interested in participating in a similar event, please contact Amy Goode at the CEC (814) 781-3437 or cec@communityedcenter.com.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Jackie Herbstritt
814.781.3437
jackie@communityedcenter.com
 
Leadership Elk Cameron Program Experiences Local Government
On Wednesday February 14, 2018, the Leadership Elk and Cameron monthly session exploring local government was held at the Johnsonburg Municipal Authority, Johnsonburg, PA.  The Government Day facilitating committee included LeeAnn Covac, Richard R. Brown, Esq., and Jackie Herbstritt. CEC group members assembled at the Johnsonburg Municipal Authority for a morning presentation by City of St. Marys and Elk County Solicitor Thomas Wagner, Esq., introduced by Brittany Fingado.  His presentation drew from his 43 years as a solicitor, which started in 1975, when he began representing   Benzinger Township, which later merged with St. Marys Boro, now the City of St Marys.  Mr. Wagner emphasized that local government is “where the rubber meets the road” and how it influences our daily lives.
Lisa Sorg, Manager/Engineer with the Johnsonburg Municipal Authority, was introduced by Dan Vollmer and explained the responsibilities and challenges faced by local government.  The CEC group then experienced the challenges in governing, by participating in a mock Municipal Authority meeting facilitated by Eric Poage and Lisa Sorg of the Johnsonburg Municipal Authority and a mock school board meeting facilitated by Richard Brown Esq. and Dr. Brian Toth, Superintendent of the St. Marys Area School District. Both mock meetings demonstrated how local government works to address issues important to citizens. 
After a luncheon sponsored by Meyer, Wagner, Brown and Kraus Law and Gunners Restaurant of St. Marys, the group toured the Johnsonburg Sewage Treatment Plant and Water Authority and heard the authorities future improvement plans.  The CEC group traveled to the Elk County Court House in Ridgway, PA for presentations about the Electoral Process by Kimberly Frey, Director of Elections, Elk County, introduced by Morris Coudreit and Jury Duty by LeeAnn Covac, District Court Administrator, Elk and Cameron Counties. The monthly session wrapped up after an open discussion with the Hon. Richard A. Masson, President Judge, of Elk and Cameron Counties.
Almost 150 individuals have completed the Leadership Elk & Cameron program (LEC) since 2008. For more information about LEC, contact the Community Education Center at 781-3437 or cec@communityedcenter.com.
#

The Community Education Center (CEC) will be holding several classes and workshops throughout the month of February. Beyond the Calls: Using an iPhone Effectively will be offered on February 15th. Microsoft Excel, level 2 will take place on February 6th. Pitt Bradford is also offering Violent Workplace Emergencies: Active Shooter on February 23rd. The Northwest Industrial Resource Center will hold a course on Statistical Process Control on February 27th. All classes are held at the CEC in St. Marys. For more information and to register, contact the CEC at 814-781-3437 or go to www.communityedcenter.com 
#

Leadership Elk-Cameron County attended Health and Human Service Session January 10, 2017  
 
The participants of Leadership Elk & Cameron recently attended their Health and Human Services Day.  The day started in the morning at Penn Highlands Elk with refreshments compliments of Penn Highlands Elk.  George Bojalad, Director of Human Resources, started the morning with a presentation on Human Resources at Penn-Highlands Elk.  Jen Grotzinger, Registered Radiology Technologist and PACS/systems support provided a tour of the newly remodeled imaging center and CT scanner. The CT scanner and 3D Mammography machines have the best technology in the area available to date.
The group then visited the St. Mary’s Ambulance Center. Bob Gnan, of the St. Mary’s Ambulance service gave an educational and informative talk about the St. Mary’s Ambulance Center. He discussed the requirements to be an EMT and paramedic, the annual Ambulance Membership Drive. The presentation concluded with a look at the ambulances and the state of the art equipment in each vehicle.  The next stop of the morning was a tour of Pinecrest Manor with the Administrator, Megan Bolden. The facility has recently received a 5 star rating. The last stop of the morning was an interactive lunch at PHE, sponsored by Dickinson Center. Kelly Schreiber Straub presented to the group through nutrition and diabetes.  Kelly also discussed the many programs provided by Penn Highlands on Nutrition and Diabetes. 
The participants travelled to the St. Mary’s Police department where Todd Caltagrone, Sheriff started with a presentation of Drug Problems in Rural Communities. Shawn McMahon, District Attorney educated the group about drug violations.  Chief Nicklas, Sgt. Pistner, Sgt. Shaffer, and Detective McManus, gave an interesting and eye-opening discussion on the drug problems that they are facing in the area and what is being done to combat this issue. Sgt. Shaffer and Nando demonstrated the amazing drug searching skills of K-9 officer Nando. Sheriff Caltagrone ended the day with an inspirational presentation on Leadership and the skills needed to be a leader.

PHE and CEC Host Healthcare Professional Networking Mixer
 
On December 19th, Penn Highlands Elk partnered with the Community Education Center’s (CEC) DISCOVER Partnership to offer a “Healthcare Professional Networking Mixer” for local college and high school senior students pursuing degrees in the healthcare field.  The evening began with a panel of Penn Highlands Professionals who discussed their specialty, career path, and education advice for the attendees.  The panel included areas of Nursing, Physician, Physician Assistant, Anesthetist, Pharmacist, Therapist, Radiologist, and Administrator. Several Panel members spoke highly of their love for working in the rural setting.  Many of them grew up in the area and wanted to return to take care of the people they know and love.  They stressed that you won’t find this in the big hospitals and it is a pleasure not only working with people you know, but taking care of people you know.  Dr. Tim Vollmer, Anesthetist and Pain Management, stated “We could have gone anywhere, but an opportunity to take care of people from your hometown is special.”  Job shadowing was another area that many panelists recommended.  Megan Bolden, Nursing Home Administrator at Pinecrest, stated that “Books don’t teach you an experience. Job Shadows are important.”  Students were also encouraged to find opportunities to work throughout their education and to not be afraid to ask questions.  Students learned of the opportunities at Penn Highlands Elk that includes Loan Forgiveness programs, sign on bonuses and summer job opportunities.  Following the discussions, students were given time to network with the panel of professionals.  Brad Chapman, President of Penn Highlands Elk was pleased with the turnout for the event and remarked “Thank you to all who help make the Healthcare Professional Networking Mixer a tremendous success.  It was great to see the energy and enthusiasm of our local college and high school seniors for the healthcare profession.  They are the future.” Many of the students and parents that attended found the evening to be very beneficial to their future careers.  A parent commented “It was very informative and my daughter is so happy that she went, as well as I am.  Those who did not attend missed an excellent program that Penn Highlands provided”. For more information on this and similar programs offered by the DISCOVER Partnership, contact the CEC at (814) 781-3437 or visit communityedcenter.com. For more information on careers at Penn Highlands Elk, visit www.phhealthcare.org or contact Curtis Weisner, Human Resources, at (814) 788-8000 or CJWeisner@phhealthcare.org.
 
#
 
Photo attached:
Various healthcare professionals discuss their careers at Penn Highlands Elk with local college students and high school seniors.

Participants of the Community Education Center’s Leadership Elk & Cameron program (LEC) completed installation of bird box mile-markers on the final 13 miles of the West Creek Rails Trails. This project was selected as one of LEC’s Community Projects for the 2017-2018 program year. The objective of the project is to provide LEC participants with an opportunity to learn how to make a direct and visible impact in their communities through service to an organization or agency. Three to five participants work as a team under the direction of the organization to complete the service projects through June 2018. The Rails Trails team included Kate Morgan, Maurice Coudreit, Ginette LeStrapes, and Mary Ann Lindgren. They worked on the project with the assistance of Tina Solak and Sheila Singer.
 
In addition to the Rails Trails project, this year’s agencies and their projects include: Elk County Footlighters – assistance with marketing and planning of events and performances; Penn State 4H – recruitment of adult volunteers to start and lead additional 4H clubs; LIFT – marketing, awareness and fundraising for Project Lifesaver, which is a GPS tracking bracelet for individuals who tend to wander with disabilities and conditions such as autism, Alzheimer’s, dementia; City of St. Marys – assistance with the development of the City’s proposed Central Park area on Depot Street.
 
The mission of Leadership Elk Cameron is to educate its participants in the strengths and opportunities of the region in order to develop informed, civic-oriented volunteers to help direct the future of Elk and Cameron Counties. More than 145 alumni have completed the program since 2007. For more information, go to www.leadershipelkcounty.com or contact the CEC at 814-781-3437.
 
#
 
Photo attached:
LEC participants Ginette LaStrapes (left) and Maurice Coudreit (right) install a mile-marker bird house at Mile 7 on the West Creek Rails Trail.