This publication is complete with high quality images and detailed information about Columbia and Montour counties. The 48-page guide showcases everything that makes the area a desirable place to live, work, visit, and enjoy.
Quality Living IN COLUMBIA & MONTOUR COUNTIES
Your guide to area relocation & a wonderful visit.
presented by:
Contact Us Today to Schedule Your Tour of the Production Facility featuring Tasting–Pairings along with Barrel Tasting (if available) Limit to 6 people. An Evening with the Winemaker Call 570-759-WINE for details.
Wines, Meads, Ciders and PA Craed Distilled Beverages
130 Twin Church Rd. Berwick, PA 18603 570-759-WINE freasfarmwinery.com
@freasfarmwinery
SENIOR LIVING Bloomsburg’s Premier
Brookdale has over 40 years of experience and is the largest senior living provider, having over 745 communities nationwide. HOME A PLACE TO CALL
Here at Brookdale we offer person-centered care tailored to meet the needs of each individual. Residents of Brookdale are embraced by our entire community and enjoy the many benefits of social interaction with people of all ages.
Schedule a visit and see what sets Brookdale Bloomsburg apart from the rest.
Contact: Jasmyn Winey, Sales & Marketing Manager 570-387-6868 JasWin@brookdale.com • 420 Shaffer Road • Bloomsburg, PA
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Contents
ColumbiaMontourChamber.com
iTourColumbiaMontour.com
Danville, Montour County photo by Seunghyo Hong
Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 County Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Community Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Berwick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Bloomsburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Danville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Other Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Recreation & Outdoor Activities . . . . . . . . . . 20 Family Fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Fairs & Festivals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Shopping, Food & Drink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Arts & Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Housing & Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Health & Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Business & Economic Development . . . . . 40 Keep Exploring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
This publication was made possible by the following organizations: The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce Bloomsburg, PA 17815 • 570.784.2522 ColumbiaMontourChamber.com The Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau 121 Papermill Road, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 800.847.4810 Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau and its members, Regional Instagram users with CMVB permission, Victor Koons, Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce, Cozy-B Photography, Shane Kiefer, Mark Koskulitz, Bloomsburg University, VirtuStudio 360, Turkey Hill Brewing Company, Freas Farm Winery, Mike Gendimenico, Seunghyo Hong, Bob Rush, and Geisinger Medical Center Cover photo credit: Susquehanna Greenway Partnership Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties developed by: Victor Koons Graphic Design, Danville in partnership with The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce and The Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau. iTourColumbiaMontour.com Photography courtesy of: ©2023 All information within this guide has been researched for accuracy using best practices available. The above parties cannot accept responsibility for omissions and/or errors.
2 | Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties
LLC
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Experienced Plumbers You Can Trust !
th Generation Since . Specializing in any septic, sewer, water problems and maintenance.
PO Box *)( • Bloomsburg, PA -- skipadams@gmail.com
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Welcome to Columbia and Montour Counties! We’re known for our rural beauty and progressive communities. Discover why so many people are attracted to our area through work and recreational opportunities and what keeps them here enjoying a happy, healthy lifestyle. Welcome
@hopeivanisko
4 | Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties
@itourcolumbiamontour
Columbia and Montour County Stats
Columbia County
• Total Population: 65,400 • Educational Attainment: 44.8% High school Diploma, 13.5% Bachelor’s Degree, 8.3% Graduate Degree • Labor Force: 32,234 • Unemployment: 5.8% • Top Jobs by Occupation: 15.7% Office and Administrative Support, 11.1% Sales, 8.2% Executive Managers and Administrators, 7.9% Production Workers, 6.4% Education/ Training/Library • Household Income: $52,200 • Home Owners: 69.2% • Renters: 30.8%
Montour County
• Total Population: 18,200 • Educational Attainment: 40.1% High School Diploma, 15.05% Bachelor’s Degree, 13.07% Graduate Degree. • Labor Force: 8,836 • Unemployment: 4.3% • Top Jobs by Occupation: 15.3% Office and Administrative Support, 12.8% Health Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners, 9% Healthcare Support, 6.5% Executive Managers and Administrators, 6.5% Production Workers • Household Income: $51,623 • Home Owners: 71.62% • Renters: 28.38%
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COUNT Y HIGHLIGHTS
Sullivan
239
118
487
118
239
Williamsport
Luzerne
Lycoming
Benton
239
42
442
254
81
180
Rohrsburg
254
Millville
487
44
Turbotville
Orangeville
54
42
11
Berwick
Washingtonville
93
44
642
254
Exit 241
Montour
Exit 212
Exit 236
80
Exit 232
93
Bloomsburg
15
Exit 224
80
Danville
11
Mainville
Hazleton
339
Catawissa
Columbia
147
11
924
54
487
Numidia
339
Sunbury
Elysburg
61
81
42
Paxinos
11
Northumberland
Centralia
61
Mount Carmel
54
15
Shamokin
54
Ashland
Schuylkill
61
Knoebels Amusement Resort
Knoebels is America’s largest free admission amusement park; offering family fun since 1926. With 60 rides, attractions, shopping and award-winning food, it's no wonder Knoebels is for all ages, for all time. Oh, and did we mention they have Phoenix, the #1 Wooden Roller Coaster in the World! Learn More: www.knoebels.com
Sign Up for the Area’s FREE Digital Quarterly Magazine! It’s filled with everything that makes our region great!
@breakingbrad505
6 | Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties
Covered Bridges Covered bridges symbolize small-town America. Picturesque and sentimental, “kissing bridges” recall a time when life was simpler and closer to the land. With 25 timbered treasures, our region boasts the third largest concentration of bridges in the world. Learn More: www.itourcolumbiamontour.com
photo by Mark Koskulitz
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Building on their storied histories, Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield universities are boldly investing in the people and communities of Pennsylvania, together, as Commonwealth University. They’re building an affordable, student- centered academic powerhouse with innovative opportunities for students to customize their degree and career preparation with proven, accredited programs along with access to more minors, courses, and faculty experts than ever before. Together, they’re building a powerful tomorrow by boldly changing the trajectory of public higher education to meet the economic and workforce development needs in our region, Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg
across Pennsylvania, and beyond. Learn More: www.bloomu.edu
Bill’s Old Bike Barn Bill’s Old Bike Barn reflects a passion to preserve the past. What began as Bill’s hobby of collecting all things motorcycle eventually evolved into a sprawling 2-level, 55,000 sq. ft. menagerie of the ordinary and the extraordinary. From the 1939 German Kattenkrad and the 1913 Harley Davidson Silent Grey Fellow, to the recently acquired Mickey Mouse collection, the range of items you will see is as vast as your imagination. Learn More: www.billsbikebarn.com
Montour Preserve The Montour Preserve offers a wide range of year-round opportunities for free, family-friendly, outdoor activities. With a variety of fields, forests, and streams plus features like the sugar shack, fossil pit, boat launch, fishing pier, wildlife observation blinds, visitors’ center/ environmental education center, pavilions, children’s play areas, 7+ miles of trails, and more, all centered around the Preserve’s signature feature – the 165-acre Lake Chillisquaque – the Montour Preserve offers nearly endless possibilities! Learn More: www.montourpreserve.org
8 | Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties
Cozy-B Photography
A Private Non-Profit Organization
Providing services to adults age 60 and over to help maintain their independence and remain in their own homes and communities. Services Offered • Assessments - For Personal Care/Nursing Home Placement and In-Home Care. • Care Management - Continuous follow up & provision of in-home services • Care Giver Support Program - Assistance for the Care Giver • PA-MEDI - Insurance counseling to meet your needs • Ombudsman - Investigation of complaints at Personal Care & Nursing Homes. • Protective Services - Investigation of cases of abuse, abandonment, neglect or exploitation Business hours phone: (570) 784-9272 • Toll Free 1-800-598-5001 Emergencies after hours call: (570) 784-0828 or Toll Free: 1-866-448-0141 www.cmaaa15.org Senior Centers Benton (570) 925-6533 • Berwick (570) 204-0884 Bloomsburg (570) 784-8615 • Catawissa (570) 356-2219 Montour Co. (570) 275-1466 702 Sawmill Road, Bloomsburg, PA Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm Monday thru Friday
Geisinger Health System Geisinger is committed to making better health easier for the more than 1 million people it serves. Founded more than 100 years ago by Abigail Geisinger, the system now includes 10 hospital campuses, a health plan with more than half a million members, a Research Institute and the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. With nearly 24,000 employees and more than 1,700 employed physicians, Geisinger boosts its hometown economies in Pennsylvania by billions of dollars annually. Learn More: www.geisinger.org
Jackson Mansion Berwickian, Clarence G. Jackson, returned home after serving in the Civil War to build his mansion. Since 2010, the Berwick Historical Society has aggressively worked to restore the home to its original 1879 state. The history of Colonel Jackson, his family, and mansion is brought to life during public tours of the home. Learn More: www.berwickhistoricalsociety.org
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Community OVERVIEW
Three River town communities can be found within Columbia and Montour Counties: Berwick, Bloomsburg, and Danville. Smaller communities, each with their own unique culture and history, flourish throughout the two-county region.
Danville Spring Fling photo by Shane Kiefer
@bloomsburgu
St. Charles Park, Berwick
10 | Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties
Millville • Cozy-B Photography
Montour Preserve
@cleeh27
Bloomsburg Town Square
Stuart Tank Memorial Museum, Berwick
@andrei_kalos
Memorial Park, Danville
@barryandcathybeck
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photo by Shane Kiefer
Demographics
• Founded: 1786 • Population: 10,327 • Leading Industry: Manufacturing • Median Age: 46 • Median Household Income: $43,750
Berwick
@thenormanjacksonband
photo by Bob Shultz
@wadencarla
@wanderinglensphotos
12 | Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties
Sean Black, Agent 130 E 2nd Street
Berwick, PA 18603 Bus: 570-752-3681 sean@insureberwick.com Second Location: 40 W Main Street Bloomsburg, PA 17815 Bus: 570-784-5334 sean@insurebloomsburg.com
Additional Resources & Fun Facts Scan Code for: berwickborough.org Also Visit: berwickhistoricalsociety.org • Run for the Diamonds is a 9-mile race held every Thanksgiving Day since 1908. • The Stuart Tank played a significant role in WWII and was manufactured in Berwick at American Car & Foundry. • Berwick is home to Wise Foods (Potato Chips and Snacks) • Each December since 1947, visitors flock to Berwick to see Market Street’s transformation into a magical Christmas Boulevard.
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Bloomsburg
Bloomsburg Fair
Demographics
• Founded: 1802 • Population: 12,711* • Leading Industries: Education, Health Care, and Social Assistance • Median Age: 24 • Median Household Income: $41,035 *6,683 residents considered to be full-time college students, reflected in statistics
Home of Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble
Kidsburg at Town Park
14 | Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties
g etaway
• Comfortably Appointed Rooms • Outstanding Fine Enjoy a memorable weekend with all we have to offer!
Dining at The Farmhouse at Turkey Hill • Unique Hand-
570-387-1500 innatturkeyhill.com Crafted Beers and Casual Dining at Turkey Hill Brewing Co. Visit our website and check the specials page to see our current lodging packages. It will truly be a getaway to remember! Call or book online today!
T he i nn, F armhouse & b rewing C o. at turkey hill
991 Central Rd. I-80, Exit 236 Bloomsburg, PA
The Children’s Museum
Commonwealth University – Bloomsburg
Flick Brothers Electric is a family-owned discount appliance store based in Bloomsburg, PA. Since 1954, Flick Brothers Electric has served customers in Bloomsburg, Berwick, Danville, Catawissa and Elysburg with low prices and top notch customer service. Come Visit Our Showroom Our showroom features live displays and hundreds of products proudly displayed in a convenient, friendly shopping atmosphere. Financing Available With our consumer friendly financing, those new appliances are no longer out of reach.
Additional Resources & Fun Facts Scan Code for: bloomsburgpa.org Also Visit Downtown Bloomsburg, Inc: downtownbloomsburg.org
• Columbia County Historical Society: colcohist-gensoc.org • Pennsylvania’s Only Town • The Bloomsburg Fair is Pennsylvania’s Largest Agricultural Fair • Home to Commonwealth (Bloomsburg) University • Columbia County Seat
2923 Maple Lane, Bloomsburg Mon., Tues., Thurs. 8 to 7; Wed. 8 to 5; Fri. 8 to 7; Sat. 8 to 3 Over 67 Years Experience
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Demographics
Danvie
• Founded: 1792 • Population: 4,239 • Leading Industries: Healthcare, Education, and Social Assistance • Median Age: 41 • Median Household Income: $36,301
@raviteja_rudraraju
16 | Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties
Hopewell Park
Montour Preserve Education Center
Expect the Very Best for Business EVENT SPACE ACCOMMODATING UP TO 250 99 ROOMS AND SUITES COMPLIMENTARY WIRELESS INTERNET FULL-SERVICE RESTAURANT AND TAVERN, OPEN DAILY
43 PINE BARN PLACE • DANVILLE, PA 570-275-2071 • PINEBARNINN.COM
Additional Resources & Fun Facts Scan Code for: danvilleboro.org Also Visit Danville Business Alliance: visitdanvillepa.org
Buying, Selling, or Renting... Contact Us!
• Montour Area Recreation Commission: montourrec.com
• Montour County Historical Society: montourcountyhistoricalsociety.org • First T-Rail in America was produced in Danville • Oldest Rail to Trail in America • Home to America’s Premier Rural Health Care Provider • Montour County Seat
570 Mill Street • Danville, PA 17821 (570) 275-8440 www.villagerrealty.com
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OTHER COMMUNITIES
Discover and explore one of our many vibrant, smaller communities which include: Benton, Catawissa, Millville, Orangeville, and nearby Elysburg, along with many other beautiful rural villages in between.
Cozy-B Photography Millville Carnival
photo by VirtuStudio360
Benton Rodeo
@wanderinglensphotos
@lilgalrovy96
@the_simplest_form
@meg.rae
18 | Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties
Creating beautiful, healthy smiles!
2 Audubon Ct. Bloomsburg, PA 17815 office@hamilton-dental-care.com 570-387-0533 www.hamilton-dental-care.com
Hamilton Dental Care helps create beautiful smiles that fit the needs of every patient. All restorative treatments provided by Dr. Joel Hamilton and Dr. Leigh Jacopetti are not only functional but focus on cosmetics as well. Your results will look natural, blending in with your smile. We offer state-of-the-art cosmetic procedures and general dentistry services. Allow us to help you, today!
Established 1991
Custom Homes
in all size, style, and pric ange
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Recreation Hiking • Mountain Biking • Kayaking • Paddleboarding Golfing • Camping • Canoeing • Boating • Hunting • Fishing Recreational opportunities abound in Columbia & Montour Counties. If you enjoy the outdoors, you’re going to love it here!
Mountain Biking
20 | Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties
Hiking
Ricketts Glen State Park @benny.elliott
@cassienatt
Ricketts Glen Falls
Camping
@5boro_ovrland
@alexhogan
Explore Further Want to dig deeper to
find out more about the area’s amazing outdoor recreation opportunities? Explore our comprehensive trails and parks guide by scanning this QR code!
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@dorg_watching
The Susquehanna River
@hock_bros Fishing Creek
@jimtblack
On the Water
Fishing
@imasharm Montour Preserve
Golfing
Hunting
@bcbeckphoto
@ryanlichtel
22 | Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties
HARD WORK DESERVES
A COMFY SUITE
Studio and 1 bedroom available Large workspace Fully-equipped kitchens • Premium bedding High speed internet • Flat screen TV
Whether you’re coming, or going...
A Local Market Leader for Over 25 Years
9 Bowmans Mill Road • Hazleton, PA 18202 Corporate & Group Rates 570-459-1600
CANDLEWOODSUITES.COM 1.888.CANDLEWOOD
Buy or Sell with ANY AGENT at CENTURY 21 ® Covered Bridges Realty and Use this Truck for FREE!* *Restrictions Apply
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Family Fun There’s just so much to see and do!
@themeparkarchive Knoebels Amusement Resort
Boy Scouts
@athomeholly Montour Preserve
The Children’s Museum
24 | Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties
Cozy-B Photography Joy Thru the Grove
Auto
Home
ZIMMER INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. Reade D. Taylor, President 460 Central Road Bloomsburg, PA 17815 570-784-4988 • Fax 570-784-3723 Cell 570-336-0620 readet@zimmeragency.com
Business
Life
@scottsshotsdotorg Bill’s Old Bike Barn
FAMILY FUN RESOURCES
Berwick YMCA: berwickymca.org Bloomsburg YMCA: bloomsburgy.org Danville Area Community Center: danvilleacc.com Northern Columbia Community and Culural Center (N4C’s): n4cs.org • Bloomsburg Children’s Museum • Area Corn Mazes found at Rohrbach’s Farm Market, Retherford’s Farm Market, and Kohl’s Stony Hill Tree Farm • Montour Preserve
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Fairs and Festivals Columbia and Montour Counties have no shortage of fairs, festivals, and community events to enjoy throughout the entire year.
The Bloomsburg Fair
To learn more about upcoming area events, fairs, and festivals, please visit itourcolumbiamontour.com/events-calendar.
Josiah Hess Bridge
@litespeedliz
Covered Bridge and Arts Festival
The Bloomsburg Fair
@lehmeow Briggs Farm Blues Festival
Bloomsburg Renaissance Jamboree
Montour DeLong Fair
26 | Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties
The Best Seat in Town
NEW STORES OPENING LOOK FOR US!
Call for Rates P.O. Box 458 Millville, PA www.starrportables.com For all your portable toilet needs. Perfect for: Weddings Backyard Parties Construction Special Events
Luxury Restroom Trailer with Air Conditioning, Sinks, & Lighting
Convenient Locations to Serve You...
Danville
613 Montour Blvd. 1149 Millville Rd. 1901 West Front St.
570-275-5506 570-387-8915 570-725-3317 570-925-2821 570-265-8473 570-675-8473 570-748-4018 570-673-3189 570-546-3080 570-474-6040 570-740-2830 717-652-3840 570-966-7860 570-421-8091
Bloomsburg
Berwick Benton
145 Mill St.
S. Williamsport 570-329-0900
745 S. Market St.
Towanda
Route 6
4090 Memorial Hwy. Dallas
Lock Haven
301 E. Main St. 9254 Rt. 14 3579 Rt. 405
Canton Muncy
241 S. Mountain Blvd. Mountain Top
W. Nanticoke
350 E. Poplar St.
4624 Jonestown Rd. Harrisburg
Mifflinburg Stroudsburg
340 E. Chestnut St.
712 Ann St.
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Turkey Hill Brewing Company
Food & Drink SHOPPING, Our communities have their own special charm and feature antique shops, farm markets, specialty and artisan businesses along with an abundance of eateries, area wineries and brewpubs, while national chain stores and restaurants are located along the Interstate 80 corridor.
RiverRatBrewTrail.com
Rock God Brewing Company
Marley’s Brewery and Grille
@adamirey
Iron fork Restaurant
28 | Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties
Old Forge Brewing Company
Freas Farm Winery
Brew Pubs
Wineries
Restaurants
Pine Barn Inn
Purple Cow Winery
Berwick Brewing Company
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Drum’s Produce
Shopping
Farm Markets
Rohrbach's Farm Market @kirstynbeth
@englishgardenpa
30 | Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties
Pru l Caig f or Co miy Since 2018
We happily feature a wide variety of services:
• Medication synchronization • Texting and RxLocal app • Blister packing • Vaccine administration • Delivery • Diabetes and pre-diabetes classes
• Lyme Resources • FedEx drop site • Compression products • Photo kiosk
• CBD products • Drive-through • Wound care • Pet products • Gifts and cards
4375 Red Rock Road • Benton, PA 17814 570-925-2500 vinepharmacypa.com
Owner/Pharmacist Charlotte Moss, R.Ph
for your special occasion...
We offer fresh flower arrangements, artificial arrangements, plants, gift baskets, and so much more, all with our great customer service!
We are a décor rental business, here to help make any event such as weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays, or graduations come together with ease.
417 Central Rd Bloomsburg,PA 17815 (570) 795-4977 somethingborrowedpa.com
417 Central Rd Bloomsburg,PA 17815 (570) 317-2753 blossomsinbloom.com
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Arts & Culture
Briggs Farm Blues Festival photo by Mike Gendimenico
ArtFest presented by The Exchange
Artspace Gallery, Bloomsburg
32 | Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties
Gallery at Greenly Center
Art and culture is thriving in Columbia & Montour Counties with live theater, music, art galleries, and performances.
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble photo by Bob Rush
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Area Community Arts Groups Community Arts: theberwicktheater.org Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble: bte.org Briggs Farm Blues Festival: briggsfarm.com Commonwealth University – Bloomsburg Galleries: bloomu.edu/performing-arts-facilities The Exchange: exchangearts.org Arts in Bloom: bloomu.edu/arts-in-bloom Artspace Gallery: artspacebloomsburg.com The Berwick Theater and Center for
Berwick Arts Association: berwickartsassociation.com
Danville Arts Council: danvilleareaarts.org Fishing Creek Players: fishingcreekplayers.org
North Mountain Art League: northmountainartleague.org
Weis Center at Bucknell University @weis_center
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HOUSING & Real Estate
Lions Gate Apartments, Bloomsburg
photo by VirtuStudio360
34 | Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties
Columbia and Montour Counties offer a complete spectrum of housing opportunites, allowing residents to affordably live out their dreams as they choose.
photo by VirtuStudio360
Learn more about area wages, taxes, and cost of living by visiting: columbiamontourchamber.com/region
Real Estate Comparison of our Largest Communities Bloomsburg
• Total Housing Units: 5,207 • Median Home Age: 40 years • Median Home Value: $235,000 • Median Rent per Month: $1,305 Danville • Total Housing Units: 8,130 • Median Home Age: 45 years • Median Home Value: $250,000 • Median Rent per Month: $1,500 Berwick • Total Housing Units: 4,947 • Median Home Age: 32 years • Median Home Value: $178,000 • Median Rent per Month: $800
Source: Barbara Hamilton, Central Susquehanna Valley Board of REALTORS®
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@bloomsburgu
Education With top rated school districts and higher education opportunities in our own backyard, Columbia and Montour Counties are great places to raise children and prepare them for their future.
Higher Education
Commonwealth University – Bloomsburg 57 undergraduate majors 66 undergraduate minors 19 graduate programs Over 7,400 student enrollment More than 250 student clubs and organizations Luzerne County Community College Two-year comprehensive community college with an extension office in Berwick. Over 100 academic, technical, and career-training programs Other nearby institutions Bucknell University • King’s College Lackawanna College • Lycoming College Pennsylvania College of Technology Susquehanna University
Private, Parochial, & Online Schools
Private Greenwood Friends School, Preschool - 8 Parochial Bloomsburg Christian School, Pre K – 12 Columbia County Christian School, K - 12 St. Columba Catholic School, Preschool - 8 St. Joseph School, Preschool - 8 Saint Cyril, Preschool & Kindergarten Online The Keystone School, K - 12
36 | Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties
Regional School Districts
Benton Area Student Population: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 635 Student Teacher Ratio: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12:1 Graduation Rate: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96% Rigorous Courses of Study: . . . . . . . . 57% AP Participation: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14% Early College: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37% Berwick Area Student Population: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2600 Student Teacher Ratio: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14:1 Graduation Rate: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90% Rigorous Courses of Study: . . . . . . . . 33% AP Participation: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23% Early College: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15% Bloomsburg Area Student Population: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1530 Student Teacher Ratio: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14:1 Graduation Rate: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90% Rigorous Courses of Study: . . . . . . . . 76% AP Participation: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17% Early College: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75% Central Columbia Area Student Population: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1907 Student Teacher Ratio: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14:1 Graduation Rate: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98% Rigorous Courses of Study: . . . . . . . . 64% AP Participation: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52% Early College: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32% Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech Student Population: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 620 Student Teacher Ratio: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13:1 Graduation Rate: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95% Rigorous Courses of Study: . . . . . . . . . 91% AP Participation: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1% Early College: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12% Danville Area Student Population: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2171 Student Teacher Ratio: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12:1 Graduation Rate: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99% Rigorous Courses of Study: . . . . . . . . 47% AP Participation: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47% Early College: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4% Millville Area Student Population: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 553 Student Teacher Ratio: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:1 Graduation Rate: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100% Rigorous Courses of Study: . . . . . . . . 40% AP Participation: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36% Early College: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0% Southern Columbia Area Student Population: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1240 Student Teacher Ratio: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13:1 Graduation Rate: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99% Rigorous Courses of Study: . . . . . . . . 60% AP Participation: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41% Early College: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38%
@bloomsburgu
Commonwealth University – Bloomsburg
Luzerne County Community College Berwick extension
Early Childhood Education
Danville Child Care Development Center High quality early childhood education and care in a safe, nurturing environment. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation, Department of Education Preschool License. Columbia Child Development Program Head Start & Child Care Services Two area locations with NAEYC Accreditation and a STARS 4 Program.
ColumbiaMontourChamber.com • iTourColumbiaMontour.com | 37
Health & Wene
HEALTHCARE Residents of Columbia and Montour counties have access to the finest healthcare practitioners and facilities available anywhere.
Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital Ownership Type: Not-for-profit Primary Services: General Medical and Surgical Personnel: 400+ Total Beds: 60 Annual Admissions: 2,100+ Annual Outpatient Visits: 117,500+ Annual Births: 430+ Founded: 1905 (part of Geisinger since 2012) 2022 data
Geisinger Medical Center Ownership Type: Not-for-profit Primary Services: General Medical and Surgical Personnel: 6,400+ Total Beds: 505 Annual Admissions: 28,000+ Annual Outpatient Visits: 1.5 million+ Annual Births: 1,900+ Founded: 1915
Geisinger Woodbine Lane, Danville
Area Hospitals
38 | Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties
SENIOR LIVING Columbia and Montour counties offer a wide variety of senior care and senior living facilities. These options range from independent and assisted living communities to complete care facilities and providers. Americare Home Care Services • Brookdale Bloomsburg Senior Living Celebration Villa of Berwick • Community Strategies Group Compassus Bloomsburg Hospice • Heritage Heights Apartments Maria Joseph Continuing Care Community • Riverview Point Apartments The Gardens at Millville • Traditional Home Care
Geisinger Medical Center, Danville photo by Geisinger
Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital
ColumbiaMontourChamber.com • iTourColumbiaMontour.com | 39
The Columbia and Montour County area has a diversity of solid industries to keep the economy stable and positioned for growth. Busine & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The Columbia and Montour County area is fortunate to have a diversity of industries to keep the economy stable and positioned for growth. Healthcare, higher education, and well-established manufacturers are the basis of an economic core that is less susceptible to turbulent economic times. This diversity also provides a wide range of employment opportunities. The area’s assets combined with abundant business resources provide an environment that supports existing employers and foster new business development. A comprehensive network of support services exits to assist the growth of businesses ranging from home-based startups to large manufacturers. The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce serves as a clearinghouse to connect employers with resources.
Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting
Columbia Business Park, Bloomsburg
40 | Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties
Chamber of Commerce Awards Ceremony, Frosty Valley Resort, Montour County
Economic/Industrial Development Professionally staffed economic development organizations can shepherd a project from beginning to end, assisting with site selection and development, zoning and permitting, infrastructure, logistics, and funding. • Berwick Industrial Development Association (B.I.D.A.) – bida.com • DRIVE – driveindustry.com Downtown Enhancement Safe, vibrant downtowns are at the heart of our communities. These organizations work to attract people into the central business districts, support the small businesses located there, and encourage new business development. • Danville Business Alliance – visitdanvillepa.org • Downtown Bloomsburg Inc. – downtownbloomsburg.org • Community Strategies Group – csgpa.org Business Services & Entrepreneurship Local small business development centers (SBDC) offer free consulting for entrepreneurs and regularly hold a variety of free or nominal-fee courses.
Montour County is served by the Bucknell University SBDC, and Columbia County is served by the Wilkes University SBDC . SBDCs also host local business incubators and shared workspaces. Commonwealth University’s Zeigler Business Consulting offers packages to address marketing, accounting, information technology, finance, management, leadership, and many other issues troubling businesses of all sizes as well as non-profit organizations. bloomu.edu/zeigler-business-consulting
BIDA Industrial Park, Berwick
Bucknell SBDC
Wilkes SBDC
ColumbiaMontourChamber.com • iTourColumbiaMontour.com | 41
42 | Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties
Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties is one of several resources avail- able to residents, future residents, and visitors in the region. Here’s an assortment of other wonderful community resources for you to keep exploring.
Keep Exploring
@shawng13
Workforce Development Advance Central PA - The leading vehicle for regional unification, coordination, integration, and alignment of workforce activities, resources, and initiatives. Advance Central PA is also the connection
Area Information The Press Enterprise produces a wide variety of special publications featuring important area information. They are available for download or
viewing by scanning the QR code. Real Estate Plus – A local asset to
to local job opportunities through the PA CareerLink. – advancecentralpa.org
home buyers and sellers alike. The Good News – This is a local guide to houses of worship in the area. Health & Wellness – Connect with healthcare professionals. Living Well – Connects those retired with new and exciting adventures. Focus: Close to Home – Includes more about education, emergency services, healthcare, history, recreation, and voter information. Philanthropy & Nonprofit Service Connect with ways to give back to our community through service and philanthropy with the Community Giving Foundation, csgiving.org and the Susquehanna Valley United Way, svuw.org . Both organizations have many nonprofit affiliates and partners.
The Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce – Developing programs for workplace wellness, leadership, skills develop- ment, and career exploration, the Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit
organization that bridges the gap between business, industry, and education. Economic Development
The Chamber and Visitor’s Bureau collaborate with other organizations to foster business success and growth in Columbia and Montour Counties. Scan the QR code to learn more.
ColumbiaMontourChamber.com • iTourColumbiaMontour.com | 43
In Business Since 1875 We’re one of the oldest continuously operating businesses in Columbia County. Homeowners • Landlords • Small Businesses Farmers • Additional Coverages
Visit one of our local agents in Columbia and Montour Counties: Thrush Insurance Agency Zimmer Insurance Agency Neighborhood Advisors Arndt Insurance Agency Associated Insurance Management Yoder Insurance Hutchison Insurance Agency Kehl Insurance Shoppe GordnerCoombs Insurance
www.millvillemutual.com 215 S. State Street • Millville, PA 17846 800-262-8495
44 | Quality Living in Columbia and Montour Counties
Stuart Tank Memorial Museum Hours: Tues 11-5 • Fri 2-8 • Sat. 11-5 or by appt. Free Admission
A truly special place to visit. The Stuart Tank Memorial Museum is filled with incredible displays and artifacts which celebrate the manufacturing of the tank by the American Car & Foundry in Berwick and honor the brave veterans of WWII.
From 1940 through April 17, 1944, the American Car & Foundry produced 15,224 Stuart Light Tanks for the United States Army and Marines and the Lend-Lease Program for the Allies. Every armored vehicle produced in the US for World War II utilized at least some Berwick armor plate. 1 in every 8 armored vehicles produced in the US for World War II was built at ACF Berwick.
Look for our Annual WWII Weekend in Mid July every year at the Berwick Riverfront Park Test Track (check website for dates)
Featuring: WWII Encampments, Mock Battles, Military Vehicles, Big Bands, Weapons Demonstrations, Historical Displays, Food & Drink Vendors, and More!
309 North Vine Street Berwick, PA 18603 570-350-9675 www.berwickstuarttank.org
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