Nov 19, 2002 3 min read

The Garden Club of Brownsville would like to acknowledge and thank the people of our town who have taken the time to clean up and beautify Brownsville. The Adamson family, Pam (master gardener), her husband Ron and their children, Genevieve Capatosti and Barbara Sabo of the Garden Club, took it upon themselves to clean and replant the Cloverleaf Garden at the end of the Lane-Bane Bridge on Route 40. This area had been planted, but was not “eye catching” until the they gave it their time and effort.

Pam also took the reins in replanting of the section of ground where old Route 40 intersects with new Route 40. This section was planted with winter pansies. Volunteers helping were Bill Rockwell (master gardener), Joyce Smith, Rich Filchock, Lee Slick, Mayor Norma Ryan, Lou Orslene (all of whom are members of BARC), Mrs. Hager and her daughter Melissa, Sonny Abbadini and Brownsville Garden Club members Judy Abbadini and Jean Eisenhuth.

We would like to acknowledge the Isaac Walton Society, headed by David Gratz, that has taken on the task of cleaning and planting in the Dunlap Creek area and we cannot forget those merchants of Brownsville that keep their store fronts clean, planted and free of weeds.

Thank you from the caring residents of Brownsville and the members of The Garden Club of Brownsville.

Mary Kay Prosser, president

The Garden Club of Brownsville

Support tourism efforts

After a study of our region’s history, there is much to exalt via tourism. But first we must learn to appreciate these assets ourselves before we can expect others to do the same. From the revolution, the Whiskey Rebellion, brick making, mining, glass making, steel, iron, and river boat building and much more – our region has very important chapters to add to the pages of American history. How can you help?

First, by at least turning in copies of whatever (pictures, items, info) you have in your attics collecting dust to your local historical society and let it be used to help the future of your own community and economy.

This includes personal and extended family histories, their connections and stories, either in paper, video or audio, scrapbook or pictorial form.

Support your local historical endeavors as much as you are able. Join the local historical society and offer your assistance in any way you can as they can always use your creative input, pair of hands, or continued help especially in sorting, cataloging and fundraising for community projects.

This is something that most families can do. Just donate copies of what you have, donate an hour or so occasionally, give of yourself to help your hometown and by doing so you will have helped your local economy progress forward quicker.

Bringing quality tourism (clean, beautiful, and unique) into the Valley is bringing in industry that has “sticking” power.

It can’t easily pick up and go away like factories or corporations that use up their tax revenue waivers and then disappear when they find another one elsewhere.

Tourism is something that we can keep, continue to build, and will stay as long as we bend over backward (hospitality) to make others feel welcome and appreciated.

It all begins with ourselves and being brave enough to not fear change. Heritage tourism offers the building up and protecting of what already exists and what once existed.

Together, we can make a vital difference with each of us doing what we can to make Valley-wide tourism a reality.

Nikki A. C. Sheppick

Charleroi