Helping hands: Lemont Village Association builds community through many events
The Lemont Village Association has been a member of the Centre County Council for Human Services for many years. The LVA is not a “human services” agency by exact definition, but the LVA is dedicated to helping create a “community” in Lemont, so the organization “feels” like a human service. The LVA has a role to play in bringing people together and feeling safe in our neighborhoods. We can look out for each other.
The mission of the Lemont Village Association in this community building is often achieved in our events. Our Workday/Spruce Up Day of outside work on Sunday, May 5, from 2-5 p.m., brings families and other residents together to get our buildings and grounds cleaned up for summer activities. We will be part of Centre Gives on May 8-9, and the LVA Plant Sale will be the day before Mothers’ Day, Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., providing an opportunity to buy hanging baskets, plants, and neighbor-donated perennials.
Our free concerts, already scheduled, bring people together on the Village Green from June 7 to Sept. 27, from 7:30-9 p.m. Fridays, with 17 live bands and ice cream cones served by Scout Troop 367, benefiting the troop. The concerts are held in our Village Green Pavilion, built by Gill Morrison with contributions by many people and businesses. There’s lots of room for picnics and enjoying the music. Our website, www.lemontvillage.org, provides details.
Our most famous event, the 42nd Annual Strawberry Festival, will be held Saturday, June 8, from 3-7 p.m. on the Village Green, 133 Mt. Nittany Road, Lemont. We’ll be serving very freshly picked strawberries from Belleville, ice cream from Meyer Dairy, home baked cakes and lemonade, “speeder” rides provided by the Bellefonte Historic Railroad Society and art activities for children provided free by the Art Alliance of Central PA volunteers.
We are planning our Lemont Christmas Market, Dec. 6-7 at the Granary & Coal Sheds, a lively weekend in winter. All of our events provide opportunities to volunteer and for neighbors to meet their neighbors. Friends can also learn about the history of our friendly community, and support the efforts of the LVA to preserve our historic buildings and maintain the Village Green. All Centre County residents are welcome! Membership in the LVA is $20 for life, and forms are available at www.lemontvillage.org.
Sue Smith is the board chair of the Lemont Village Association.
