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TROY — The Chamber of Commerce discussed the new “changes” COVID-19 has brought to Troy at their meeting at the Allen F. Pierce Library last Wednesday, June 3.
Due to COVID-19, some local events have since been cancelled, such as the Heritage Festival, which was planned for September.
“We have a lot of volunteers over the age of 70, so we really didn’t want to chance it,” said Deb.
As of June 6, the Heritage Museum has been open with hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and by appointment.
“Down the line, we look to expand those hours if everything goes well.”
Luckily, the weekly Troy Town Cruisers car show is still able to take place every Tuesday, now back at First Citizens Bank (the first couple weeks, it took place at Alparon Park to comply with social distancing guidelines).
Jim Blackwell, the key organizer for the event, asked the chamber to consider purchasing an insurance policy for the weekly event, as asked by First Citizens Bank. The Chamber agreed it was necessary and is looking into policies.
Cummings did say COVID will impact the agency, but they are “sound” and “financially OK.”
There will be options as to what organizations who received grants may do with them this year. They can pre-pay for advertising next year or use it on additional events they may be using this year.
“We want to keep a clean process too for their closeouts so there isn’t a confusing with rolling dollars.”
Mike reported for the Lions Club, starting with stating the “Adopt a Highway” project in which the club cleaned up trash on the side of the road. The Troy Lions Club reported Rich Havens as the newly-elected president. Mike also mentioned how Troy was the second largest Lions Club in northeastern/central Pennsylvania and how membership has risen the last couple of months.
“Most of our new members are in their early thirties. We are recruiting lots of younger folks,” said Mike.
The Lions Club is planning to continue their tradition of Bingo at the Troy Fair, depending if there will be one. They are also organizing their annual golf tournament, planned for the end of June at Corey Creek Golf Course in Mansfield.
“This is a tradition we did not want to let go of and we really wanted to help support Corey Creek,” said Cummings.
Information about the event can be found on the Lions Club Facebook page.
The Troy Historical Society announced a Troy Borough history event will take place to honor the 175th anniversary of Troy Borough. The event will be on “The Green” in downtown, on Saturday, July 4, with a time to be set later on.
The anniversary was back in April, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, was not able to take place.
They asked if the Chamber would help with the event, and the chamber agreed to give them $100 towards a cake for that day. Businesses are encouraged to put flags out and be open for sidewalk sales.
Susan Storch with the Allen F. Pierce Library spoke about the library’s “drop off” program for books, states that she hope the library opens up soon, and encourages the public to stop in and sign up for a library card. Book Club for Adults has also resumed. See the library for more information.
Matt Shwank is the administrator for Troy Area School District and he spoke about planning to have an avid relationship with the chamber and be the connection from the district to chamber members.
Shwank is the new director of support services for TASD and began in mid April.
A PIVOT representative Shane, community position liaison, announced their partnership with Walk For Hunger to help a local organization. They are looking for donations and raffles. All proceeds will benefit CHOP.
President Zachary Gates reminded members that mental health is crucial in difficult times such as this. He also noted that technically all open businesses should have a paper stating their “pandemic resource officer.” He also spoke about recent bills introduced to the state.
Chamber voted to allow $500 in advertising each in the Canton Sentinel/Troy Gazette Register and WIGGLE100 for a public service announcement about unity in Troy and shopping local to support local businesses.
The chamber voted the Bowling Center as the building of the year. They are still looking for an idea for an ornament.
Robyn Cummings proposed the idea of doing a future scholarship to an FBLA graduate.
Treasurer Elizabeth Card reported three new members: Crystal’s Hair and Tanning, Troy Historical Society and Joe Perry’s Winery.
The next Troy Chamber of Commerce meeting will be at noon on July 1, with meeting destination to be determined.