In Memory and Honor of Donny Teague
Organized by the Greater Forest City Business Alliance
The Greater Forest City Business Alliance is excited to announce our SECOND annual 5K and Community Walk to be held on Sunday, May 21, 2023, on the D & H Trail! The 5K race start is scheduled for 10 am with a 1 mile “Community Fun Walk” to follow immediately thereafter.
In January 2022, Forest City lost a longtime resident and “running icon”, Donny Teague at the age of 91. For all who knew Don, he was “always running”. He was known and will be remembered for his true love of the sport, boundless energy and his colorful and attention-grabbing outfits when hitting the pavement. He was also a faithful supporter, advocate, and statistician for the Forest City Regional Cross-Country Team, for more than 20 years. He was committed to the success of those student athletes and made sure each team member had the support they needed to cross the finish line. He was out on the course until they were in. We are honored to recognize Don with this event and beginning in 2023, the race will perpetually be named the “Forest City Teague Trail Trot”.
In line with Donny’s joy of running in, around and through Forest City and beyond, funds raised from this race will be earmarked to support projects connecting local commerce to our region’s outdoor experience. Specifically, in 2023, the GFCBA is working to support multiple community projects including the Center Street Park renovation, a seasonal video creation of our area to draw attention to us for travel and commerce and other projects to improve town aesthetics, such as a sculpture trail and an expanding mural program.
Additionally, we would like to make all our members and supporters aware that the Forest City Teague Trail Trot will be the ONLY exclusive GFCBA sponsored event offering sponsorship opportunities. We did not host the 80’s Jam in February, nor will we host a Poker Run in July, as in 2022. So, please consider supporting THIS event!
You can download a sponsorship form here and the marketing benefits that come with each level. There are a variety of ways to support the event, beyond monetary donations. We hope that you will consider supporting Forest City and this race!
Sincerely,
Suzanne Atcavage
GFCBA President & Race Director
Unity is strength…when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved. ~Mattie Stepanek
This quote is taking on more meaning for our little town these days. At the Forest City Outdoor Town Action Team meeting, held on Thursday, January 5th, the Center Street Park Project was discussed. The Action Team had a proposal in hand, from Paul Bechtel of McLane Associates, a landscape architecture firm, to proceed with plan development for the Park. Professionally developed plans are a first step and key component to support the Park as the Action Team investigates available grant opportunities and community partners to push the Center Street renovation forward. The Action Team turned to the Greater Forest City Business Alliance for support and collaboration to obtain the needed funding for this initial stage.
In 2022 the GFCBA held 3 fundraising events to raise funds for our community, totaling $10,000. One of those events, the 2nd annual Big Backyard Poker Run, held in July, dedicated the funds raised to the Center Street Park Project. The Poker Run was a success, raising $1700. The Action Team asked the GFCBA to release those funds to cover the costs of the proposal. Additionally, a remaining balance of $755 was needed. The GFCBA Board voted yes, unanimously to fully provide the $2455 to retain McLane Associates. The Action Team would like to extend a great big THANK YOU to the GFCBA for their hard work and dedication to our community!
If you would like more information on how you can get involved with the Center Street Park project or either the Forest City Outdoor Town Action Team or the Greater Forest City Business Alliance please email either forestcity.actionteam@gmail.com or gfcba13@gmail.com.
ATTENTION ALL BUSINESS OWNERS IN THE GREATER FOREST CITY AREA!
The Greater Forest City Business Alliance has begun our 2023 membership drive. If you are currently a 2022
member, we thank you for your continued support and encourage you to join again for 2023. If you are new to the area or
new to this organization here is your chance to become a member of this dynamic, ever-growing Alliance.
This letter serves as a reminder of membership benefits, including:
● A community, business-focused organization, dedicated to commerce and community advocacy
● Opportunities to increase patronage from new residents, visitors, and locals
● Opportunities to engage in community leadership and volunteerism
● Free advertising on our website: www.visitforestcitypa.com
● Free advertising on our Facebook page and Instagram account
With the professional help of Golden Owl Consulting, our website and social media have grown with followers, views,
and likes. Our media efforts are an excellent source to interact with the community and advertise our diverse membership,
local events, initiatives, and resources. We encourage you to visit these sites, refer to the enclosed media summary sheet,
which includes media statistics and growth from this year. Make the most of these perks!
In 2022, the GFCBA ramped up our fundraising efforts with 3 events. Our Glory Days 80’s Jam in February, our first
annual Trail Trot in honor of Donnie Teague in May, and our second annual Big Backyard Poker Run in July, raised over
$10,000! We are so thankful for our supportive members and community for the success of this year’s fundraising efforts.
These monies will be used to match grant money for community projects and town beautification.
Main Street Forest City hosts 4 annual festivals in which you can participate and advertise for your business. Easter on
Main, Trail Town Festival, Halloween on Main, and Christmas on Main draw many local residents and visitors to
downtown Forest City. Plenty of potential new customers!
We are currently over 100 members strong & ask for your support so that we may continue to work on your behalf for growth and community achievement.
Please reach out to us at gfcba13@gmail.com with any questions regarding membership or download your application here!
The Outdoor Town Action Team (FCOTAT) met on September 1, 2022 at Elegante’s Restaurant and Pizzeria, Forest City. During the year-long Outdoor Town program, the FCOTAT established 8 Goals, also known as Action Items for Forest City and the surrounding area. These Action Items were identified as top priority by the Forest City community. Listed below are the Action Items and a summary of FCOTAT efforts for each to this point.
September meeting highlights include the following:
• Goal: Improve Main Street – Improve Building Facades.
Gus Fahey reported that the façade program had 23 applicants initially apply and 8 with full applications as of mid-September. Thank you to Gus of Valley in Motion for heading this project. Gus is assisted by a three-member team, including the FCOTAT Committee Chairperson, Katie Zefran, who will help determine recipients.
• Goal: Improve Main Street – Create Murals.
The first mural has been completed and was dedicated at Forest City’s Trail Town event on August 6th. Kudos to all those involved to bring the beautiful mural to Main Street. The FCOTAT intends to identify resources and grant opportunities that can support bringing more murals to town and the D&H Trailheads.
• Goal: Improve Main Street – Enhance streetscape to include bike racks, planters, and street trees.
Planters and flowers were planted at the beginning of the summer thanks to assistance from the Mountain View Garden Club and donation of flowers and materials from Blueberry Hill Farm Greenhouses. Katie Cicilioni, FCOTAT member, GFCBA Secretary and President of the Mountain View Garden Club, oversaw the project with assistance from MVGC members, GFCBA Members and Main Street neighbors. Main Street business owners were asked to assist with maintaining the flowers during the summer. The Center Street Park Project has gained a little momentum. A local resident has volunteered to be on the team to help create the Park. The Marywood University architecture program has not yet responded to a request to review the project. It was suggested that Johnson College may also be a positive resource for project assistance as well. The FCOTAT anticipates to partner with FC Parks and Rec to collaborate on this project.
• Goal: Build Business and Community Development by recruiting investors/developers for new retail, unique shops, restaurants and lodging.
No information to report at this time. The FCOTAT would appreciate anyone interested in assisting with this initiative to reach out to us. Please email us at forestcity.actionteam@gmail.com
• Goal: Connect Outdoor Assets – Create safe bike/pedestrian routes.
It was noted that PennDOT has not yet released the Multi-modal grant for sidewalks. The intention for this grant application would be to connect Erie Street and Main Street. Application for this grant will be evaluated by the FCOTAT when it opens.
• Goal: Undertake Marketing – Market Forest City as a Trail/Outdoor Town.
The GFCBA remains a supporting entity for this action item. The 2022-2023 Forest City Brochure and Map are available, with nearly 3500 of the 5000 printed for this year distributed to date. The GFCBA intends to print an additional 2500 for 2023 with the support of grant funding. The GFCBA also maintains a professionally managed website and social media, highlighting member businesses, area attractions, and events.
•Goal: Connect Outdoor Assets – Create better connections to allow snowmobilers off-road access to downtown restaurants & Turkey Hill
No information to report at this time. The FCOTAT would appreciate anyone interested in assisting with this initiative to reach out to us at forestcity.actionteam@gmail.com
• Goal: Enhance Erie Street and Forest City Trailheads.
The FCOTAT was granted permission by the Borough at their September meeting, to apply for the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau Room Tax Grant. The grant funds earmarked to introduce the beginning of a “sculpture trail” from the Forest City Trailhead. The sculpture will mark the Wi-Fi available at the trailhead. Long-range plans encompass a series of sculptures, placed through town. An artist and design have been agreed upon for this initial project. The Greater Forest City Business Alliance has graciously agreed to collaborate and support this project with matching grant funds, not to exceed 25% of the awarded funding. $7000 will be the asking amount for the grant.
The Erie Street Trailhead Welcome Arch project has not had further progress at this time. However, the FCOTAT is working with students from Forest City Regional and Career Technologies along with Rail-Trail Council to complete this project.
The FCOTAT spent the final portion of September’s meeting discussing the importance of reaching out to Forest City’s Main Street business owners to further clarify the committee’s role and intention with projects to support our commerce. The team agreed that a presentation and Q & A session would serve best to accomplish face to face communication. The presentation will be scheduled after the holiday season into 2023. Prior to the presentation, an invitation will be sent via mail and email.
The Outdoor Town Action Team conducts its meetings the first Thursday of each month at Elegante’s starting at 6 PM. The next meeting will be Thursday, October 6, 2022. We invite interested members of the community to attend. For further information or questions please contact Juliann Doyle, Board Member at 570-499-4908 or jdoyle@nep.net. All are welcome!
Thank you for being a part of the Greater Forest City Business Alliance and a Forest City Business owner. Especially, in these times, we strive to make this town more of a destination. We continue to develop a vibrant community atmosphere for people to visit, shop, and stop for a bite to eat.
As autumn and winter approach, we are hoping to decorate the town, particularly on Main Street. On Wednesday, October 26th from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. we will be hosting a “Trunk or Treat” event, together with a Headless Horsemen, pumpkin painting, costume contest, and some good old-fashioned fun. This event is planned to bring more people to patronize
your business and organizations. For this event, your business or group will have the opportunity to sponsor and carve a Jack O’Lantern. The pumpkins, with your business name prominently featured, will be displayed on the 500 block of Main Street.
Furthermore, in a two-for-one decorating opportunity, all proceeds from your pumpkin sponsorship will go towards the Holiday Light Fund. Our current Main Street Lights are in desperate need of replacement, so new ones are needed across our town to create an inviting atmosphere for the December Tree Lighting Ceremony.
In the upcoming holiday seasons, please help us to help you and our town draw more people to our local businesses. Donations, no matter how small, are important and your donation, of any amount, will sponsor your pumpkin!
For more information or to sponsor a pumpkin please contact Main Street Coordinator, Paul Daugevelo at rosal@nep.net.
The Greater Forest City Business Alliance held its Second Annual “Forest City’s Big
Backyard Poker Run” on Saturday, July 30th, 2022. It was a gorgeous day to take a ride
through our vast and breathtaking region and visit many of the GFCBA member restaurants.
The event was open to all vehicles. In total, 44 participants made the rounds to Jake’s
Elk Lake Tavern, Elegante’s PIzzeria, AJ’s Bar & Grill, Simpler Times, The Stonehouse, Chet’s Place, The Beacon Bar & Grill and the Candlelight Inn. At each stop, participants received a “card” via a game such as balloon darts, cornhole, a Big Six wheel, duck ponds, and Bingo. Each participant carried a scorecard, donated by Panorama Golf Course, and their suits and numbers were recorded. The event concluded with an after-party at the Mountain View Restaurant in Clifford with good food and music by DJ Donna Diva. Two $500 prizes were awarded for the best and worst hands. Maureen Neubert took the top spot for best hand and Paul Roberts won for worst hand.
The $1600 raised from this year’s run is earmarked to be used toward the beautification
of Forest City’s Center Street Park. The GFCBA plans to collaborate with Forest City’s Parks and Recreation Committee and Forest City’s Action Team to identify the best use of these funds. This success of the Poker Run was made possible through the hard work of the GFCBA’s fundraising committee. The group meets monthly to organize fundraisers and identify causes that can promote the connection of our area’s natural resources to our local commerce. The Poker Run evolved originally to draw attention to our many member restaurants who were hit hardest by the pandemic. Michelle LaPenta, of M & M Auto, did a fantastic job leading this event.
The GFCBA would like to thank our 2022 sponsors, whose support of our organization
and vision is essential to our success. Our Antique Level Sponsors included the following: Hornbeck Chevrolet, Clifford Home & Auto, First National Bank, Forest City Marketplace, Jake’s Elk Lake Tavern, M & M Auto, Pioneer Construction Co. Inc., White’s Crossing Sports Shop, and Ms. Marie’s Salon. Our Vintage Level Sponsors included Forest City Family Health Center, Simpler Times, McAndrew Law Offices, P.C., Briechle Law Offices, P.C., Creamworks, Inc. The Beacon Bar & Grill, Kresock Insurance Company, The Forest City News, Inc., and Senator Lisa Baker. Our Classic Level Sponsors included Cube Auto Supply, William H. Wolfe Jr. Well Drilling, Trinity Banquet Facility, K & W Oil, and Panorama Golf Course. Additional thanks to The Uniondale Fire Company for your sponsorship of the game at Chet’s Place. And thank you to Cable’s Deli and The Samuel Company for building the Big 4 Wheel! We are sure the wheel will make an appearance for many fundraisers to come!
Next year’s Big Backyard Poker Run is scheduled for July 29th, 2023. Save the date! It’s a good time, benefits our community and takes you on a fabulous country ride!
On Monday, August 1, 2022 Forest City Borough Council voted positively on an
ordinance accepting the Forest City Outdoor Town Action Team as an advisory board to their Community and Economic Development sector under Councilwoman Amy Bean. The Action Team was originally formed in 2021 to participate in a program called “Outdoor Towns”, which was made possible by a grant through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and matched by Forest City Borough Council and the Rail Trail Council of NEPA. Recognition by Forest City Borough Council as an advisory board was a crucial structural step to allow the Action Team to investigate projects and resources that can help to address meaningful changes and progress identified by our community as important, through the Outdoor Towns Initiative.
Following their formal designation by Borough Council on August 1st, an organizational meeting was held on Thursday, August 4, 2022 at Elegante’s Pizzeria for the Forest City Outdoor Town Action Team (FCOTAT). The board for the FCOTAT has been identified as follows: Katie Zefran – Chairperson, Deb McNamara – Co-Chairperson, Erin Debish – Secretary, Suzanne Atcavage – Grant Team Leader, and Juliann Doyle – Marketing Team Leader. President of Forest City Borough Council Robert Lesjack attended the meeting, providing direction and insight for organizational structure, meeting management and the role of this team.
Discussions on job descriptions, grant opportunities, the Sunshine Act, collaborating with other FC Borough entities and organizations, the Erie Street Trailhead Welcome Arch, and the Center Street Park Project were included in the evening’s discussion. The group spent a significant amount of time reviewing their role and responsibilities. A key component that they will work to emphasize is their place within the Borough Council and community structure. The FCOTAT are not intending to be the designated leaders for the many projects and visions that were identified in the Outdoor Towns Action Plan. Rather, the FCOTAT is dedicated to collaborative efforts with Forest City Borough and it’s entities, other Forest City based organizations including but not limited to Rail Trail Council of NEPA, the Greater Forest City Business Alliance, Forest City Historical Society, Greater Forest City Industries, NEPA Sno-Trails, and Forest City Regional School District. The FCOTAT intends to serve the community as a “work horse” to identify and pursue grant opportunities, collaborate and assist with projects and promote a united vision among our many community based organizations.
The next meeting of the FCOTAT will be held on Thursday September 1st, 2022, 6pm at
Elegante’s Restaurant and Pizzeria.
The 2022 Trail Town on Main Light Parade will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2022.
The parade will begin at 9:00 pm with lineup starting at 7:30 pm in the Vision 2000 Industrial Park off of Route 247 in Browndale.
Leading up to the parade, starting at 3:00 pm, Main Street will be filled with vendors of all kinds, showcasing our local business community!
We invite all community members & visitors to attend this event on Main Street!
If you would like to participate in the parade please print and submit your participation form found below!
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