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FYI Newsletter – June 2019
A Life Lesson from a Volunteer Firefighter
The FLEX TED Talk recommendation this month is by Mark Bezos, a volunteer firefighter in New York. To “get in on any action” at the scene, he says, you must get to the fire pretty early. He tells the story of his first fire, when he was beat by another volunteer who saved the homeowner’s dog. Meanwhile, Mark had the task of going inside and grabbing the homeowner a pair of shoes.
Although he didn’t receive as much attention for his role in the fire, the department received a letter weeks later from the homeowner that specifically noted “someone had even gotten her a pair of shoes.” Whether an act of generosity or kindness is small or large, they all matter.
“Don’t wait until you make your first million to make a difference in somebody’s life. If you have something to give, give it now,” Mark said. “Not every day is going to offer us a chance to save somebody’s life, but every day offers us an opportunity to affect one.”
Find this TED Talk at bit.ly/FirefighterTEDTalk.
This article were published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) May 2019 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.
Finding Your Why
“What’s your purpose? What’s your cause? What’s your belief? Why does your organization exist? Why do you get out of bed in the morning? And why should anyone care?” Simon Sinek asks this in his TED Talk How Great Leaders Inspire Action, in which he talks about the importance of finding your “why.”
In her acceptance speech at FLEX Presents, Ashley Cowles, the 2019 Young Professional of the Year, referenced this TED Talk. “People aren’t inspired by what you do or how you do it; they’re inspired by why you do it,” she said.
All 12 of our nominees, plus many other young professionals throughout the region, are constantly giving back and making a difference in our community.
Whether it’s volunteering for a nonprofit or event, running a business, serving on a board of directors, or going above and beyond your typical duties in your career, finding your “why” and going back to it often can make the long hours and hard work easier, even on the most difficult days.
How do you find your why? Think about what you are passionate about and what you hope to see happen as a result of your work.
“I have days when I wonder why I put so many hours into my business and the community, but I always go back to why I do what I do, which keeps me going,” Ashley said.
Ashley is co-owner of Core Goods, a new store in Oil City, as well as program manager at the Venango Chamber, where she heads the Be Here initiative and helps with FLEX. She also volunteers with the Oil City Main Street Program, Venango Area Community Gardens, and the Oil City Vineyard Church.
“In a nutshell, my why is to make our community a place where everyone can thrive, whether it involves having access to nourishing, locally grown food, gardening with your neighbors, helping those in need, or simply enjoying the quality of life in Venango County.”
Finding your why can help you have a purpose-driven life, resulting in positive change, the ability to inspire others, and personal fulfillment.
Most of us know what or how we do what we do—but do you know why you do it?
Congratulations nominees and to Ashley Cowles, the 2019 Young Professional of the Year!
(Find more photos from the event on the FLEX Facebook page)
May 2019 Young Professional Profiles: Becca Weidle & Sarah MacBeth
Becca Weidle, an Oil City native, is a young entrepreneur and a mom. She is a health coach through her new business “Motherhood Made Healthy,” and is expecting her second child in June.
After graduating from Oil City High School in 2010, Becca earned a biochemistry degree from Pitt at Johnstown, and recently got her health coach certification from Health Coach Institute.
Becca looks forward to continuing to grow, personally and professionally, and is excited to gain clients who are eager to learn how to shift towards a healthy lifestyle. “I’m proud of the hard work I put into finding my passion, going for it head on, and completing my coaching certification,” she said. “I’m also proud of the consistency and determination I have put towards healing myself naturally and gaining the healthy lifestyle that I live and love.”
Being a mother has taught Becca a lot and is also something she takes pride in. She tries to soak in and enjoy every minute with her family that she can, and also in her free time she loves gardening, anything outdoors (camping, hiking, riding bikes), doing puzzles, sewing and crafting, and playing with her daughter, Henley.
In Venango County, Becca appreciates the trails, parks, local businesses, libraries, and farmers markets, and is happy to live in a neighborhood that feels safe.
“I want to constantly learn and grow in all aspects of my life,” she told us. “My dream is for my business to ripple out from Venango so that I can help guide as many mamas as possible to live healthy, happy lives and instill that in their kiddos!”
You can learn more about Becca’s new health coaching business by visiting motherhoodmadehealthy.com.
Sarah MacBeth recently became a Venango County community member! She is the branch manager at the Seneca office of Farmers National Bank, and will be transferring to the Emlenton branch soon.
Originally from Bradford, Sarah has lived in various places, including Kane and Tionesta, and eventually settled in Clarion after graduating from Clarion University in May 2014. She majored in business management with a minor in marketing and has also gone through leadership and mindfulness trainings.
When asked about special achievements, Sarah told us: “My goal in life has always been to be happy and although happiness can be viewed as a constantly changing state of mind, I believe I have achieved my goal and I hope to continue that.”
Professionally, Sarah looks forward to continuing to help fulfill the mission and vision at the bank and hopes to be there for many more years. Personally, giving back is a huge passion of hers. “Throughout my life, so many have helped, guided, or supported me,” she said. “I hope to establish some type of organization or event that would allow me to give back.”
Traveling is something Sarah has always been interested in and she hopes to be able to do so with her husband and family in the coming years. She also loves spending time riding in their Jeeps with their dogs in the summer, running and fitness, crafting, hiking, cooking, and listening to music. Most importantly, she enjoys spending time surrounded by her loved ones.
Although Sarah hasn’t been in Venango County for very long, she has visited many enjoyable destinations, such as coffee shops, restaurants, and local shops. She looks forward to experiencing the theatre and trails in our region, too.
Since working in Venango County, Sarah has learned to love the people and their energy. “It is so great to see members of the community working towards making things happen,” she said. Sarah is interested in getting to know more people, contributing to the area, and developing personally and professionally.
These articles were published in the Future Leaders & Entrepreneurs Exchange’s (FLEX) May 2019 edition of the FLEX Your Ideas (FYI) Newsletter.
Oil Heritage Festival 2019
Thank you to our generous sponsors!
Gold Level Sponsors (additional sponsors listed below schedule):
2019 Schedule of Events
For a PDF of the schedule, click HERE
Pre-Festival Events
July 19-21 – Annual Hop Homan & Chops Cunningham Memorial Softball Tournament
Hasson Heights and Mitchell Fields
July 20 – Oil Heritage Festival Bike ‘n Brew
Justus Park, Free outdoor activities 11 AM – 4 PM, Brew Fest 5 PM – 8 PM, Music provided by Oil City Arts Council, Tickets: ohfbikenbrew.org
July 20 – Bike Rodeo
Justus park, 11 AM – 1 PM, Ages 5 – 12, Sponsored by PennDOT & Safe Kids Clarion-Venango
July 20 – River Valley Disc Society Golf Tournament
Hasson Park Course, 11 AM Shotgun Start, Entry fee: $10, Optional Ace-Race & CTP: additional fee
July 21 – Oil Heritage Annual Raft Race
Henry’s Bend to Justus Park, 11 AM, Event will be cancelled if there is bad weather or dangerously high water, Sponsored by Cross Adventuring & Franklin Industries
July 21 – Family Picnic in the Park
Justus Park, 12 – 3 PM, FREE food & games, Sponsored by Oil City Churches
July 22-23 – Children’s Dinosaur Camp
Venango Museum, 10 AM – 3 PM, Limited to first 20 registrants, More information: www.venangomuseum.org or 676-2007
July 23 – Music at the Museum: Matthew Ball aka The Boogie Woogie Kid
Venango Museum, 7 PM – 9 PM
July 24 – Oil Heritage Art Show Reception & Grand Opening
National Transit Building, 6 PM – 9 PM
July 24 – Music on the Square: The Porter/Huber Quartet
Town Square, 7 PM – 9 PM, Rain location: TBD, Sponsored by Oil City Main Street Program
July 24 – Venango County Humane Society Pet Show
Justus Park, Registration 5 PM, Pet Show 6 PM, Ages 12 & under, Rain Location: Under bridge More information: 673-2808
July 25-27 – Youth Alternatives, Inc. Tiny Tot Contest
Children ages 1-3, Deadline to enter July 23, Voting at Headquarters, winners announced at 7 PM before July 26 evening concert, Winners will be in OHF Parade on July 27
Thursday, July 25
Oil Heritage Festival Junior Olympics
Oil City High School Track, Registration: 8:30 AM, Event: 9 AM, Age groups: 5/6, 7/8, 9/10, 11/12
Friends of the Library Book Sale
Christ Episcopal Church Annex (16 Central Ave), 10 AM – 6 PM, All proceeds benefit the Oil City Library projects
Oil City Farmers Market
Central Avenue Plaza, 9 AM – 4 PM
Touch-a-Truck
Central Avenue Plaza, 11 AM – 2 PM, Sponsored by Oil City Library and Oil City Main Street Program
Venango Chamber Golf Scramble
Wanango Country Club, 11 AM Shotgun Start, Pre-registration required at venangochamber.org
Oil Heritage Art Shows
National Transit Building, Annex, Graffiti Gallery & 42 Seneca Street, 12 PM – 4 PM
YWCA Spaghetti Supper
109 Central Avenue, Oil City, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM, Cost: Adults $10, Children 4 to 12 $5, 3 and under FREE, Tickets may be purchased at the YWCA of Festival headquarters, Take-outs available, drive-thru pickup in back of building
Oil Heritage Festival Children’s Parade
Lineup: 5 PM, Step Off: 5:15 PM, Free Methodist Church of Oil City to Central Ave Plaza, Registration forms available until 4 PM at Festival headquarters, Printable form HERE
St. Stephen Church Heritage Festival
St. Stephen Church Parking Lot (State & Front Streets), 6 PM – 10 PM
Children’s Fun Fair
Hosted by Youth Alternatives, Central Avenue Plaza, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM, FREE games and crafts for children preschool through 6th grade, Rain location: Oil City YMCA
FLEX Ice Cream Social
Central Avenue Plaza, 6 PM – 8 PM, Entertainment provided by Mostly Brass 6 PM – 7 PM
Oil City Front Porch Contest
Central Avenue Plaza, Winners announced at 7:30 PM
OHF Queen Crowning
Central Avenue Plaza, 7:30 PM
Concert: Echo Valley
Central Avenue Plaza, 8 PM – 10 PM
Thursday evening events rain location: Grace United Methodist Church (unless otherwise noted)
Friday, July 26
Friends of the Library Book Sale
Christ Episcopal Church Annex (16 Central Ave), 10 AM – 6 PM
City of Oil City Children’s Pool Party
James A. Nelles Memorial Swimming Pool, 12 PM – 4 PM, Age groups: 4 – 6, 7 – 9, 10 – 12 (10 & Under must be accompanied by adult), Cancelled in case of rain
Old Fashioned Photo Shoot
42 Seneca Street, 10 AM – 6 PM, $10 per 5″ x 7,” costumes provided, Hosted by Bright Ideas Learning Center
Oil Heritage Art Shows
National Transit Building, Annex, Graffiti Gallery & 42 Seneca Street, 12 PM – 6 PM
Succulent Pork Chop Dinner in the Park
Hosted by Boy Scout Troop 17, Hasson Park Main Pavilion, 5 PM – 8 PM, $10 per meal, Drive-thru take outs available
Jensin Potts Memorial Baseball Tournament
Oil City Junior League Baseball Fields, Double Elimination, 8 team max. per division: 12 & Under and 10 & Under, Entry fee: $300, Visit Oil City Junior Baseball on Facebook for more information
Youth Alternative’s 9th Annual Barrel Race
James A. Nelles Memorial Swimming Pool, 5 PM, $5 per ticket (barrel) or 3 for $10, Tickets available at Youth Alternatives (1 Graff St.) and Festival Headquarters
St. Stephen Church Heritage Festival
St. Stephen Church Parking Lot (State & Front Streets), 6 PM – 10 PM
Concerts in the Park
Sweet Judys, 5 PM – 7 PM, Chuck Justice and the Junkyard Lawyers 7:30 PM – 10 PM, Justus Park, $1 Gate Fee
Saturday, July 27
Friends of the Library Book Sale
Christ Episcopal Church Annex (16 Central Ave), 9 AM – 12 PM
Old Fashioned Photo Shoot
42 Seneca Street, 10 AM – 3 PM, $10 per 5″ x 7,” costumes provided, Hosted by Bright Ideas Learning Center
Oil City Firefighters 5K Run/Walk
Benefiting Oil City Firefighters, Race begins on West 1st and Petroleum Streets, 9 AM, Cost: Pre-registration $20, Day-of registration $25, Printable form HERE
Venango Youth for Christ Pancake Breakfast
Grace United Methodist Church, 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM, Children Ages 5 – 12 $4, Adults $8
Ike’s Children’s Fishing Derby
Hosted by Oil City Chapter, Izaak Walton League of America, Waltonia Park, Registration: 8 AM, Derby: 9 AM – 10:30 AM, Age groups: 5/6, 7/8, 9-12, Prizes awarded in each
Oil Heritage Artisan & Fine Craft Festival
Seneca Street 9 AM – 3 PM & Town Square 9 AM – 7 PM, In partnership with Hip & Handmade
Jensin Potts Memorial Baseball Tournament
Oil City Junior League Baseball Fields, Time: TBD
Oil Heritage Art Shows
National Transit Building, Annex, Graffiti Gallery & 42 Seneca Street, 12 PM – 6 PM
Oil Heritage Festival Parade
41 Years of Oil Heritage – The area’s largest parade! Begins at Orange Street to Seneca Street, Step off: 5 PM, Printable form HERE
St. Stephen Church Heritage Festival
St. Stephen Church Parking Lot (State & Front Streets), food booth open at 4 PM, games 6 PM – 10 PM
Concert in the Park
Lawyers, Guns & Money, 7 PM – 10 PM, Justus Park, $1 Gate Fee
Fireworks Spectacular
Fireworks by Kellner Fireworks, Justus Park, 10 PM, $1 Gate Fee
Phydeaux’s Flying Flea Circus & Wahoo Medicine Show
A family friendly show that combines comedy, illusion, and pure PT Barnum hyperbole. Find Phydeaux around Town Square during the Artisan & Fine Craft Festival, 11 AM – 5 PM, Sponsored by Tri-County Pest Control
Sunday, July 28
Oil Heritage Artisan & Fine Craft Festival
Town Square 11 AM – 4 PM
Oil Heritage Car & Motorcycle Cruise
Seneca Street, Noon – 4 PM, $5 Entry fee (Dash Plaque, T-Shirt, and goodie bag for first 100 participants)
Gospel Blues Music on the Plaza
Sponsored by Christ Episcopal Church, Prayer service/concert by Long Tall Deb & Colin John, 12 PM – 2:30 PM
Oil Heritage Art Shows
National Transit Building, Annex, Graffiti Gallery & 42 Seneca Street, 12 PM – 4 PM
Silver Level Sponsors:
Bronze Level Sponsors:
Heritage Level Sponsors:
Electralloy
Famoore’s Family Restaurant
Klapec Auto Body, Inc.
Morrison Funeral Home
PNC Financial Services
The Villa Italia Ristorante
Provanta, Inc.
Thursday on the Plaza Sponsors:
Agway
Clarion County Community Bank
First Presbyterian Church
First United National Bank
Franklin Oil Region Credit Union
Giant Eagle Oil City
Reinsel Funeral Home & Crematory
Rotary Club of Oil City
USA Choice Internet
Car Show Logo Sponsors:
4 Your Car Connection
Caldwell Printing Services
Friedhaber’s
Moonlight Packaging
Northwest Bank
Oakwood Heights
Oil City Eagles
Oil City Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
UPMC Northwest
Virgile Scrap Metals
Car Show Sponsors:
Central Electric Cooperative
Franklin – Oil Region Credit Union
Northpointe
Oil City Automotive Center Inc.
Patron Sponsors:
Barb Crudo
bloominGail’s
Donald & Wilma Johnson
Dr. Robert Pilewski
Gunter Financial – Group of Raymond James
H&R Block
In Memory of Alice Shoup
Lutz Radiator
OCP Warehouse
Oil City Vineyard Church
State Street Furniture
VFW Auxiliary