Zesty Victory: Lemoncello Contest Champion Crowned!

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"Zesty Victory: Lemoncello Contest Champion Crowned!" 
 

By Bob Garrett, President & CEO, Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce.  

Executive Director, Leadership Susquehanna Valley 


Beverley Balzano Owens hails from Dysart, Pennsylvania. Walk into her Market Street shop in downtown Selinsgrove and soon you’ll hear fantastic stories about life growing up in ‘bituminous country.’  

These days, Bev creates masterpiece window coverings and curtains for the Greater Susquehanna Valley’s best appointed and finest homes. She credits her skill and work ethic to the diversity and for example she experienced early on in life while living, playing, working, and worshiping alongside the hardworking and community-spirited ‘soft coal’ miners and their families of Cambria County. 

A few weeks ago, while attending a charity fundraiser, I toted along with me a stack of invitations to Mount Carmel Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #464 Annual Boilo and Lemoncello Competition. My friend and fellow golf partner, Mr. Mount Carmel Red Tornado himself, Greg Sacavage asked to see what the Chamber might be able to do in expanding the knowledge of this time-tested, unique, and venerable Coal Region tradition. You see, for time immemorial, crafting an ample supply of Boilo (a whiskey-based drink) and/or Lemoncello (a tangy, zesty vodka-based drink) as the seasons shifted to winter has been an Anthracite Coal Region tradition. 

Lemoncello is a smooth afternoon or dessert sipping delight with a kiss of citrus which is best served chilled. Boilo, on the other hand, is served warm. You can shake off the chills (some will tell you, ward off a cold, as well) seemingly from the inside out with a low-ball glass of Boilo. Mr. Sacavage refers to it as, “a coal stove in a glass.”

Well, your Chamber’s efforts to spread the word about Boilo and Lemoncello paid dividends, to be sure. A record number of entrants were entered this year. By evening’s end, Bev Owen’s was crowned Queen of the Mount Carmel Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #464 Annual Lemoncello Competition.  

This year’s competition brought together true Lemoncello aficionadiwith 30+ participants showcasing their handcrafted takes on the classic Italian liqueur. Owens’ winning recipe stood out for its vibrant flavor and silky-smooth texture, earning high praise from the panel of judges and attendees alike. This marks her first entry of many to come in the competition. Surely, the Mount Carmel Eagles will expand in coming years beloved local and now regional tradition. 

“It’s an honor to be recognized for something I’m so passionate about,” Owens shared. “This community event celebrates creativity and connection, and I’m thrilled to be part of it.” 

The competition also raised funds for local charities, adding a generous spirit to the festive occasion. Congratulations to Beverley Balzano Owens of Creations by Bev in Selinsgrove on her well-deserved victory! 
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