Bringing ‘New Light’ to Avis: Foundation grant, fundraising lead to new poles, holiday decorations

AVIS, PA – Those making their way through Avis this time of year are now greeted with new holiday decorations, thanks to borough council, recreation association members and a multitude of supporters.

It was a labor of love as leaders sought to bring new light to the community at the eastern end of Clinton County.
“We were finally able to purchase and install 18 new pole lights and two “Season’s Greetings” banners to welcome visitors and residents onto Central Avenue in Avis,” said Amy Brooks, council member and Avis Area Recreation Association treasurer. “The new banners replaced banners that have been hanging since 1980.”

The pole and lighting upgrades and the decorations not only enhance the community, but make Central Avenue safer for pedestrians and motorists.

Total project cost was approximately $25,000, Brooks said.

And there was a lot of support for the effort.

The project came to fruition, Brooks said, “after three years of fundraising, including two primitive furniture Bingos and most recently a “meat bingo” with prizes from Erv’s Meat Market.”

“Other fundraising activities included assisting at the Pine Creek Seed Farm Corn Maze the last two years and other activities during the Avis Volunteer Fire Co carnival.”

Council emphasized that, because of the widespread support and fundraising, no taxpayer money was used for the project.

“All money was raised through fundraising activities promoted by the Avis Area Recreation Association membership. Other sources included a grant from the Clinton County Foundation for $3,500 and generous contributions of funds or prizes from many local businesses and citizens in and around the Avis area,” Brooks said. “Attempting to name everyone would make for a very long article with the possibility of missing someone from the list. THANK YOU to everyone who contributed!

There are some to be singled out, however.

“’Thank yous’ to the committee who helped when asked and did what they could to help our cause. To the Avis Fire Co. who permitted use of their facilities. To Matt Stover for assistance with the poles. To Ethan Hughes and Brian Snook from the borough who installed the lights and to everyone who contributed by purchasing tickets for the bingos or stopped by the booth at the Pine Creek Seed Maze last month,” Brooks said.

As an advisory committee to council, the AARA is responsible for many projects in the borough, Brooks pointed out.

The group “has been active since 2000. They have raised funds to relocate the playground behind Carl W. Kephart Field, and coordinated a weekend celebration in 2008 when the borough turned 100 years old. They also facilitate cleanups and other activities to promote a sense of community within Avis and the surrounding area,” she added.

The borough invites residents to get involved by reaching out to council directly, or via Facebook to the “Avis Boro Happenings” page to get more information.

If you’re interested in supporting a cause or to honor an individual or group, contact the Clinton County Community Foundation online at www.clintoncountyfoundation.org, or call 570.220.1038.