Trending
Even through a pandemic and having to close their doors for a period of time, local businesses and organizations like Momoyo Otsu, Up the Crick, Downtown Lock Haven, Inc., Skeleton Key Boutique and The New Love Center are preparing to go into the new year with a positive outlook despite the current negative economic climate.
The New Love Center purchased the Avis Packaging Plant and have started renovating that to help bring more distribution for clients as well as purchasing four acres of land on Route 150 which is hopeful to start construction in the new year.
"God has been faithful to us," said Fox Cline, board president.
The New Love Center and their volunteers are always excited and hopeful to serve their communities in Lycoming and Clinton counties. In June of 2020, the cafe served 8,900 meals alone.
"We have just been so thankful to meet the needs of our clients and communities. We are here, this is a ministry and we serve people and will continue to do so," she added. "Our hope for this year (2021) is that folks in this area will see what a ministry we have and they would want to be a part of it, whether it is donating to us, volunteering or praying for us each day."
"They (communities) can depend on us," she continued. "We will be here to serve."
"As 2021 welcomes us, my hope for Downtown Lock Haven and our community as a whole, is that we hold on to this exciting energy that has come into Downtown Lock Haven and we continue to keep that energy flowing," Marie Vilello, Downtown Lock Haven Inc. manager said.
"There are so many people from business owners to Downtown Lock Haven board members and committee members, local government, volunteers and community groups who are working very hard to make Lock Haven a destination for travelers, shoppers and diners. Those same people are visualizing and planning creative ways to make 2021 the best year yet for Downtown Lock Haven," said Angela Harding, Clinton County commissioner and Downtown Lock Haven Inc. board president.
"I am really just hoping for a better 2021," Hanna Stover, owner of Momoyo Otsu in Lock Haven, said. "We want to be as safe as possible…creating a fun shopping experience but more importantly keeping everyone safe."
The boutique opened its doors just on Nov. 13 and has many plans to expand their product range in 2021.
"We want to have something for everyone," Stover added. "When customers come in with suggestions, I always take that to heart and fulfill it if I can."
"We are closing up 2020 reaching almost every goal we set out to reach as well as some goals we didn't even know we would," Ashley Foltz, owner of Skeleton Key Boutique. "It's been a year of constant reinvention and we never stop working on that."
The boutique opened their own brick and mortar store on Main Street in downtown Lock Haven in November.
"We are certainly looking forward to what 2021 has in store for Skeleton Key," she continued. "We are forever grateful for the continued support of our community and customers…they have truly become like family to us and we would not be here without them. I hope to continue to build those relationships and to bring trendy, affordable clothing to women of all walks of life and to continue to build our small family business."
"I just feel blessed to bring this community together," said Erika Morgan, Up the Crick owner. "In a time of social distancing, our store brings people together."
Most of Morgan's goals align with providing more business and opportunities for her clientele like: kitchen and crafting classes in the winter, branding and marketing as well as the outdoor maker's market in the summer. Many of the winter classes were cancelled due to the pandemic and capacity restrictions.
"We would love to make more appearances in the community if there is an opportunity to be involved," she said.