For Immediate Release
Contact: Kate Brock
P: 814-781-3437
kate@communityedcenter.com

Leadership Elk Cameron began their History and Preservation session in Johnsonburg at the Community Center. Director, Tara Poague, provided a tour showcasing the event spaces, gym, pool, art studio, and more, which is all available to its members. Participants then enjoyed presentations on the history of Cameron County by John Kautz and the history of Elk County by Ray Beimel. Stephanie Distler, President of the Johnsonburg Community Trust provided a tour of the historic “Brick Block”. Class member, Elise Grovanz, stated “The ongoing restoration work is truly beautiful! I’d encourage you to walk by and take a peek.” The morning finished up with Rowan Crisp, Education and Outreach Administrator of the Lumber Heritage Museum, presenting on the history of forestry in our area and its status as a renewable resource.

The class then gathered at the Ridgway Elks for a walking tour guided by Michelle Bogacki of the Ridgway-Elk County Chamber, where they enjoyed exploring various historic buildings in Ridgway, including the Elks, the Bella, the Chamber, the YMCA, the Brew Bank, the Bogert, downtown Ridgway, the library, the Historical Society, and the Grace Episcopal Church. Special thanks to Elk County Reality for sponsoring lunch, which was catered by Paper City Café. One participant noted that it was “amazing to see how many people are involved in trying to make our area a better place to live.”

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Photo attached:
Participants on tour at Johnsonburg’s Brick Block. L to R: Jean Stafano. Elk County Housing Authority; Dawn Sexton, Elk County Housing Authority; Jamie Kempher, Cameron County Chamber; Rachel Lampe, St. Marys Area Chamber; Aubri Swartz, Northwest Bank; Elise Grovanz, North Central Regional Planning; Heather Celidonia, Dickinson Center; Jessica O’Neill, Domtar; Stephanie Distler, Johnsonburg Community Trust.