It was a small gathering Thursday at the Smethport American Legion, but the impact those present have had on the community may be immeasurable.
The Smethport Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting and awards ceremony, with guest speaker Chelsea Schwab, Bradford’s Main Street Manager. At the meeting, volunteer of the year was awarded to Fran De Lancey, business of the year to Buchanan Brothers Pharmacy, community service organization of the year to the Garden Club and the lifetime appreciation award to Jovanna Porter, who was not present.
Schwab explained what the Main Street program is about, and how it could benefit Smethport.
Detailing the assets in Smethport, Schwab said the community is walkable, has a lake and a park and is the county seat. The community isn’t based around manufacturing, but has the county’s government and court system. Job loss isn’t a worry, she said.
Bradford’s program will see some big news next year, Schwab said, with a streetscape project in the downtown.
“It’s a really exciting time for Main Street in Bradford,” she said.
Megan Simms, chamber president, introduced De Lancey.
“The goal of the Smethport awards are to honor superior involvement and hard work in making our community great,” she said.
She mentioned his work for The Era, but added, “It’s more than just the job he holds that makes him the volunteer of the year.”
He has a heart for the community, she said. He’s at nearly every event and meeting, reporting the news. “He takes what’s expected of him one step further.”
De Lancey said, “Being a volunteer is just a way of giving back to the community that welcomed me back in 1967 when I came here to teach after teaching near my hometown near Harrisburg.”
Nancy Rathbun of the Smethport Rotary, representative of last year’s service club of the year, introduced the Garden Club.
“The beauty of their work shows and is noticed throughout town,” she said.
Holly McCrary, president of the Garden Club, spoke briefly as well, saying it’s a wonderful organization, and thanking the members for doing a beautiful job.
Pam Weaver, owner of last year’s business of the year, The Hubber Cafe, introduced Buchanan Brothers Pharmacy.
She complimented the pharmacy for being the place to go in town for gifts, caring pharmacists and knowledgeable people to help customers.
Christie Keglovits, one of the owners of the pharmacy, spoke briefly. She introduced a new pharmacist, Kaitlyn Valenti, as well.
“I’m third generation Buchanan,” she said, explaining she runs the business with her cousin and her sister. She recognized Renee Snyder, “the face of Buchanan Brothers” in Smethport, too.
“Smethport is so welcoming. It’s a true pleasure to do business in this community.”
Wayne Pearson gave a brief recounting of the accomplishments of Jovanna Porter, who was being honored in absentia with a lifetime achievement award. He outlined her willingness to help, and her energy, enthusiasm and ideas for the betterment of the community.
