And the award goes to...

Most of what we do here on Trailheads is to shine a spotlight on the work going on out there on the Trails of History. This week, I’m happy to report that some other organizations have recognized that work as well.

Weathervane Store Art Show at Landis Valley Village and
 Farm Museum via Facebook

Congratulations to The Weathervane Museum Store at Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum. The store was recently named one of four national honorable mentions for Smart Retailer’s Retailer of the Year Award. In an article profiling the honorees (you can read it here), author Lynn Petrak describes the store’s mix of wares by local artisans, sold primarily on consignment, as an important element in supporting the area economy and providing visitors with unique souvenirs of their visit to Lancaster County. Kudos to manager Mary Parelli, the Landis Valley Associates, and everyone else who makes the Weathervane a success.

Iron pour at Arts on Fire Festival, Scranton Iron Furnaces via Facebook

Last week, the Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC) announced the recipients of the 2012 Townie Awards, recognizing “the commonwealth's core communities and individuals for creation and implementation of projects, programs and events that exemplify the goals of PDC's community revitalization mission.” United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA (northeast Pennsylvania) was honored in the category of special or neighborhood event for the Arts on Fire Festival, which takes place at the Scranton Iron Furnaces. Specifically, Arts on Fire is part of UNCNEPA’s Elm Street Project, a community revitalization initiative on Scranton’s South Side that has partnered with the Furnaces and the Anthracite Heritage Museum (AHM) to focus on the historic site as an important asset to the area and a gateway from downtown Scranton to the South Side. Congratulations to Elm Street Manager Jill Murrin (former PA Conservation Corps crew leader at AHM), site administrator Chester Kulesa, and the many, many folks who have worked to develop this program and the partnership that supports it.

Happy weekend!