It seemed as if every person in attendance just couldn’t help to smile, particularly the residents. Standing in the corner (see photo-that’s me in the back) of the majestic 2nd Floor Community Room at the Northumberland County’s newest senior housing complex, Mountainside Estates, during its grand opening ceremony last week, it occurred to me that the Greater Susquehanna Valley is truly a great place to live, work, shop and to grow old. Typically, growing old is not something that your Chamber promotes, but heck, with great facilities such as the Mountainside Estates, ‘Why not?!’ is my thought.
FROM ABOVE: A crowd gathers to hear officials speak at Northumberland County's newest senior housing complex, Mountainside Estates.
ADDRESSING THE CROWD: Northumberland County Commissioner Joe Klebon addresses the crowd. (Photos courtesy of The News-Item.)
Which brings me to the point of this column. That is: We really do have it all for anyone looking for a long, prosperous life (and who isn’t?), but we need to do a better job of welcoming new residents to our area. Keep in mind that according to the 2020 census three out of the four counties in the Greater Susquehanna Valley lost population in the previous decade. For an area that has always been slow growth, lost population is not a good thing.
During this morning’s breaking news, it was announced that births in the United States were up in 2021 over the previous year. “That’s a start,” I thought. The basic ingredient to a strong economy is workers, and we don’t have them.
As we gather for summer picnics and mingle with friends in the coming months, let’s discuss how we might let more folks know about the good life here in our valley. Together, our smiles will welcome our potential new neighbors who will insure that our best days lie just ahead.
