PEOPLE FROM OUT OF THE AREA 'GRADE' EMPORIUM
By Alex Davis Endeavor News

Penn State Cooperative Extensions's Don Tanner.

It's best of towns, it's the worst of towns - but much more of the former than the latter.

Outsiders' opinions of Emporium were spelled out during a presentation Wednesday night at Woodland Elementary School. More than a dozen people turned out to watch a slide show detailing the results of "First Impressions," a program by Penn State Cooperative Extension.

Six Renovo residents assessed the town through walking and driving tours last October, gathering ideas to enhance the community.

"We're pleased with the results we got," said Cooperative Extension Educator Robert Veilleux.

Group members called the town "quiet, warm and pleasant." They were impressed that Emporium was litter-free and that business windows were decorated, thanks to a Sylvan Heritage Council program assisted most recently by Cameron County Canoe and Kayak Classic and Northcentral Pa. Autism Group.

On the flip side, the visitors cited a lack of signs to designate the Borough Building, Chamber of Commerce, schools, health care facilities and some other locations.

"This is probably what you'll see more than anything," said Cooperative Extension Director Don Tanner. He pointed out that residents often get so accustomed to their town that they forget about the perspective of newcomers.

The group also didn't understand the purpose of the caboose at the west end of Emporium. "That's an issue the community is facing," said Sylvan Heritage Council member Susan Hoy. "It hasn't functioned as a visitors center."

A favorite among visitors was the Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library, hailed as "drop-dead gorgeous." The mini-park on Fourth Street was considered a "cute, little park with very sturdy and secure tables and benches."

The visitors also enjoyed the courteous staff at businesses, the landscaping and the old-fashioned street lamps.

They recommended that a business directory be created and suggested that students become involved in community service projects to keep Emporium clean.

A full assessment of Emporium's strengths and weaknesses will soon be made available on the internet.

Six Emporium residents who toured and graded Renovo presented their findings during a similar presentation held in that town on Thursday night.