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To say that 2020 has been “challenging” for businesses of all sizes in our area could be considered an enormous understatement. The ongoing influences and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are proving to be long-lasting and widespread throughout our region. The limitations, restrictionsand unprecedented scenarios businesses are facing spreads further into our communities, affecting employees, their families and really, all aspects of our lives. With these concerns in mind and in keeping with the focus of serving our community, the Greater Forest City Business Alliance (GFCBA) Board of Directors has unanimously voted to offer their 2021 membership free to all local businesses. During COVID-19, the GFCBA has been making a concerted effort to promoting positivity and success throughout our community. Despite the challenges presented in 2020, it is our hope that we can continue to evolve and grow in 2021, recognize and support the needs of our membership, and solidify our role as a desirable and valuable community asset. For those unfamiliar with the GFCBA, some of our projects have included updating and reprinting our local brochure, which includes a business directory, maps and summary of local events in our NEPA region and a complete overhaul of our website which is organized and utilized to promote local business, general area information and events. The Halloween Trunk or Treat Event, Holiday Trail Town Festival and more recently the “Drawn Together” nights are just a few of the community events organized by the GFCBA. And finally, we continue to develop and expand partnerships with organizations including but not limited to local chambers in our region, the Rail Trail Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the University of Scranton Small Business Development Center, Greater Forest City Industries, the Susquehanna-Bradford County Progress Authority, Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau and the Borough of Forest City. Acquiring grants that can be used toward community growth, support and town beautification is a major focus of the GFCBA. Our town – with all that it has to offer – natures beauty, diverse seasonal recreation, and a wonderful community – has been designated as the “First Trail Town on the D&H Rail Trail. We were recently awarded grant funding through the EMVB to install a new directional sign on the Erie Street Trailhead, encouraging trail users to explore main street businesses. Our latest funding is a Peer Grant from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Pennsylvania Environmental Council providing the borough with a Peer Consultant to guide us through the steps of becoming a successful “Outdoor Town”. We invite ALL businesses to join us and accept our gift of a one-year membership. No business is too large…or too small. For those businesses who have remained stable or grown and would like to voluntarily contribute, we appreciate the gesture, but do not expect it and your donation amount is at your discretion. The GFCBA is only as strong as its members and the cooperative efforts made by all. If you would like to receive a membership application and join us, please email us at gfcba13@gmail.com, contact us via messenger on Facebook or visit our website at www.visitforestcitypa.com |
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It’s 2020! And there are almost that many things to do in the Forest City area. From winterfests & family-friendly adventures to XC-skiing along our picturesque rail trail, everyone’s invited to come play your way. Without going far away!
Nearby Elk Mountain offers all the choices of big mountain Vermont slopes, minus the large crowds and long drive. There are over 200 miles of NEP Sno Trails connecting you to awe-inspiring views, as well as restaurants, bars and more with easy-access snowmobile parking. Upcoming special events include a Children’s Ice Fishing Derby, X-Country Skiing Clinics, Soup Cook-Offs and Corn Hole Tournaments. And since there’s so much to enjoy in just one visit, you’ll find welcoming local lodging for full weekends of fun.
Elk Mountain Ski Resort: Named “Best Overall Mountain” in the Mid-Atlantic, Elk guarantees at least 100 days of great skiing and snowboarding every season — with 180 acres and 27 trails, two terrain parks, and a 1000-foot vertical drop (among the highest in Pennsylvania). PLUS a regular roster of celebrations like WinterFest on Friday, January 24th with deep discounts on lift tickets. Visit www.elkskier.com for ticket info, snow conditions and events.
X-Country Skiing: Looking for a little less downhill while admiring nature’s winter wonderland? The Rail Trail Council of NEPA hosts a variety of FREE XC-Skiing clinics, with rental equipment for just $15! There’s one coming up on Saturday, January 25 from 10am-noon, taking skiers on a gentle jaunt along our forested rail trail by the beautiful Lackawanna River. Learn more at neparailtrails.org, and pre-register to reserve your boot size now by calling 570-679-9300.
Soup Cook-Off: Start practicing the letter “mmmm.” Forest City Parks & Recreation will once again hold its deliciously popular Soup Cook-Off with many local restaurants and home cooks competing for the top prize. But everyone wins — just $5 lets you taste them all and vote for your favorites! Saturday, January 25 from 11am-2pm at nearby Kennedy Park in Forest City. To learn more, visit www.forestcityborough.com
Children’s Ice Fishing Derby: Also at Kennedy Park on Saturday, January 25, the Forest City Police Department will be supervising a Children’s Ice Fishing Derby, weather permitting. Registration starts at 9:30am, with all hooks dropping by 10am. Sponsored by the Forest City Lions Club and NEP Telephone Company. For details, call 570-785-3453. Tip: Gear up at White’s Crossing Sport Shop down the road in Carbondale. They got you covered! 570-282-4699
Cornhole Tournament: Who will be crowned the great “Cornado?!” Bring your tossing talents to Kennedy Park as well on Saturday the 25th for good old-fashioned family fun. Open to all, adults and kids. Call 570-616-7592 for details and to register your team. Good shucking luck!
NEP Sno Trails: With over 200 miles of interconnected trails winding through forests, hills and riversides, NEP Sno Trails is one of the largest trail systems in all of Pennsylvania operating & maintained by a single organization. Even better, they also connect you to many of the best nearby restaurants and bars, with easy access & parking. Some also offer on-premise lodging at truly great rates. So you can stay and get in even more play the next day!
Local Restaurants, Bars & Lodging:
THE SPEAKEASY
Daily food specials, variety of rooms, right along Sno Trail
speakeasysaloonresort.com
CHET’S PLACE
Live bands, multiple accommodations, snowshoe rentals
chetsplace.com
ARLO’S COUNTRY STORE & TAVERN
Entertainment, great food & cozy lodging
arloscountrystore.com
CANDLELIGHT INN & LODGE
Late night food til midnight, live music & lodging
FB: Candlelight Inn & Lodge
FRANK’S PLACE
Steakhouse classics, craft beers, easy access from Rail Trail
franksplacesimpson.com
ELEGANTE’S
Pizza/Italian American, just up the road from FC Trailhead
eleganteforestcity.weebly.com
THE RED SCHOOL HOUSE
Great food, even better prices. Open til 2am every day.
theredschoolhouse.com
BEACON BAR & GRILL
Delicious menus updated often. A happy hour favorite.
FB: The Beacon Bar & Grill
SHIRLEY’S FAMILY DINER
Where the locals know to go for hearty breakfasts & lunch.
FB: Shirley’s Family Diner
A good seamstress can mend your clothes like they’re brand new, tailoring them to fit your exact size perfectly. 
Yet some say the newest business in town — City Stitches — specializes in “stitching our community together.”
Owner Lorne Powell has long been involved with community events, festivities and fundraisers in the Forest City area. Now, she’s raising hope at 700 Main Street, bringing a cozy new home for hobbyists, crafters, plus anyone looking for one-of-a-kind gifts and seasonal decorations. There are sewing and quilting classes for young and old alike. Original paintings, jewelry, leatherwork and holiday handicrafts by local artisans. And perhaps most endearingly: an always-welcoming atmosphere for all. Some come to shop, learn a new skill or work on their latest project with friends, while others happily visit just for coffee and lively conversation among neighbors.
Her friend, Donna Mazza, is on hand too, offering exceptional sewing skills, affordable alterations and assistance with a growing choice of classes. In addition, Powell notes that unlike many other galleries, City Stitches does not ask for a commission of any pieces sold — instead featuring frequently-updated display spaces to rent at truly reasonable rates. Conveniently, City Stitches also offers drop-off and pick-up dry cleaning services, “the only one of its kind nearby!” say satisfied customers. And they have much much more planned, including FREE Christmas Craft activities for kids during this year’s TrailTown Holiday Festival on Dec 7, starting at 1PM in downtown Forest City.
City Stitches is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm, with classes by appointment on Thursdays & Fridays from 6-8pm. You can keep track of their latest fun activities plus cheerful news on Facebook. Or feel free to contact them at 570-785-2511 or citystitchesfc@gmail.com. Better yet, stop by! You’re sure to find someone you know spinning a yarn or knitting some, gathering fabric, new friends and keeping the crowd in stitches.
“The most the most important thing we build at Mike’s Home Remodeling is TRUST,” says Forest City business owner Michael Fay. “That’s what people want when they remodel their homes … to trust the job will be done right. And, done on time. That only quality materials will be used, and they’re in the hands of professionals. They want to know that the workers allowed into their homes are trustworthy.”
Which is exactly why Mike’s Home Remodeling continues to thrive after just two years in our local community. He’s a trusted resource. Clients rely on his honest advice for upgrading their kitchens and baths, for improving the value of their homes, for preparing a house to sell, as well as for roofing, repairs, painting and power washing. “We do it all,” Fay adds. “With integrity.”
Originally based in Orlando, Florida as a skilled contractor serving celebrity homeowners, Fay moved his business and family to the area in 2017. “It’s a great area to live,” he says. “We’re grateful to be here.” A member of the Greater Forest City Business Alliance, Mike’s Home Remodeling believes in giving back to the community, volunteering time and talent for special projects. During last summer’s Trailtown Festival Weekend, Fay also launched another project he considers personally special. The remodeling of a formerly vacant storefront on the corner of Main and Depot Streets, now home to his second business, Iron Therapy Gym. “It’s rewarding to help rebuild the local economy any way we can.”
To learn more, contact MikeyFay1@gmail.com or call 407-989-3060
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