Meeting in the Land East of Stroudsburg

On Wednesday June 17^th, The Eastburg Community Alliance (ECA) held their Annual Meeting at The Historic Dansbury Depot in East Stroudsburg, PA. The meeting was preceded by a meet and greet event in which wine, cheese, and other appetizing morsels were available to the numerous members of the business community and visiting dignitaries to be consumed while chatting about the topics relating the the economic well being of the area. It was after a time that it was announced the meeting was about to begin as all were invited to take a seat so they may share and add to the information that would be given.

Welcoming words were shared by ECA Board member Roger DeLarco who chairs the Nominations Committee. He then proceeded to officially call the meeting and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag that symbolizes the best intentions of those who founded the United States. This was followed by the ECA Board President, Brian Crawford, who shared his welcoming words before introducing East Stroudsburg's Downtown Manager, Susan Randell, to the gathering so she could give her reports on the present state and and future endeavors of the borough. Her report included news and updates of various committees within the ECA of which time was yielded to those who chaired each committee so they could give the company a detailed and inspiring account of their accomplishments and dreams.

This was followed by the Treasurer's Report which was given by Brian Stone who is the CPA of Stone and Trembly Associates. Mr. Stone gave his assessment of how the organization is doing financially and shared his optimism for an even greater future for the group. He was followed by the President's Report in which Mr. Crawford returned to the front of the room to share his assessment on how the ECA was doing and the aspirations the board and he has expressed during their meetings. This was followed by an Update on an Assessment of the restructuring of the borough of East Stroudsburg, PA to enhance its growth and prosperity given by Borough Council Member Sonia Wolbert.

After Ms. Wolbert's presentation, the meeting went onto other matters which included a sharing of thoughts regarding a revision in the group's by laws, a council representative report, and a comprehensive plan update. A number of the gathering shared their views on these and other topics adding their unique insights to them. It was after the meeting was adjourned did I speak with some of these individuals at length along with those key members of the ECA about the issues that were raised. I also shared my views that reflected a desire to see a more pronounced presence of the arts and a concern that the development of the business community would exclude the care of the disenfranchised members of the overall community. These topics were met kindly and respectfully leaving me glad I attended to learn more about the art of revitalizing a community. You'll find more photographs taken during the gathering in The Meeting in the Land East of Stroudsburg Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153953061963761.1073741862.91146283760&type=3.

The Eastburg Community Alliance was established over 30 years ago by local leaders and business owners and is funded through a combination of local grants, direct fund raising, memberships, and local contributions. The Eastburg Community Alliance (ECA) presents a number of events to delight and entertain the overall community. These include their Annual Freedom Festival which is scheduled to take place July 3^rd - 6^th at the town's Dansbury Park, a Fall Octoberfest, a Winter Holiday Celebration, and a weekly Farmer's Market and a Music on Mondays Series at the Historic Dansbury Depot in East Stroudsburg, PA that takes place from June until August. You’ll be able to learn more about The Eastburg Community Alliance by visiting their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/EastburgAlliance or their Website at Www.eastburgalliance.com.

Photography by Paparazzi Paul.