The Community Education Center’s Leadership Elk and Cameron program’s (LEC) monthly session focused on history and preservation day in March. The day started at the Johnsonburg Public Library where the participants heard from John Kautz and Ray Beimel about the history of Elk and Cameron County. They also heard from Rowan Crisp, Education and Outreach Coordinator of the Lumber Heritage Region about the history of lumber in our area. To end the morning, the group got a Brick Block Tour from Stephanie Distler, President of the Johnsonburg Trust. One participant said, “It brought to my attention what is happening in surrounding areas and how there are many ways to get involved in projects like the ones we learned about.”
The group then traveled to Ridgway where they enjoyed lunch at the Brew Bank sponsored by Elk County Real Estate. Michelle Bogacki from the Ridgway Chamber and Ridgway Heritage Council lead the group on a walking tour of Ridgway. She focused on the preservation and revitalization of several locations in Ridgway including the Ridgway Public Library, YMCA, Bella B&B, Pontzer House, The Schoolhouse, The Historical Society, and The Bogert Hotel. One participant stated, “I loved touring the historical buildings. I think it is extremely important to preserve and learn from our past.” The day ended with a group activity and a delicious drink from the Creative Cup in Ridgway.
Applications for the 2025-2026 LEC class are available at www.communityedcenter.com or by emailing cec@communityedcenter.com. For more information or to get involved in future Leadership Elk and Cameron sessions, please contact the CEC (814) 781-3437.
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Photo attached: Missy Cheatle introduces Rowen Crisp from the Lumber Heritage Region to the LEC participants while at the Johnsonburg Library.
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