From staff reports
The annual Greenways Awards ceremony was held Wednesday at the Franklin Trailhead.
The event also celebrated the 15th anniversary of the Council on Greenways and Trails.
Northwest Pa. Mobility Alliance Inc., a non-profit corporation sharing offices with the Crawford Area Transportation Authority in Meadville, received the Thomas J. Allen Partner of the Year Award for introducing the first rural publicly-operated BikeShare program in the state.
The Partner Award is sponsored by the Franklin Industrial and Commercial Development Authority (FICDA) and was presented by FICDA executive director Deb Eckelberger.
Hydetown Borough received the Richard M. Garrard Neighbor of the Year award for significant enhancements the borough has championed on a new two-mile segment of the East Branch Trail.
Jessica Hilburn and Leah Carter, board members of Titusville Renaissance Inc., presented the award. They nominated Hydetown Borough for the award.
David Galbreath of Lucinda received the James E. Holden Volunteer of the Year award.
Galbreath was honored for the extensive uncompensated services he provides to the Clarion chapter of the North Country Trail, including being the current president, organizer of monthly chapter hikes on the trail and coordinator of weekly volunteer work sessions in which maintenance is performed along the 93 miles stretching from Parker to Vowinckel.
The volunteer award is co-sponsored by the Holden family and the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce.
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2024 Greenways Awards, and instructions can be found online at www.nwpagreenways.org.
