BELLEFONTE — Centre County Commissioners at their recent meeting unanimously adopted two proclamations that showcase the county’s local heritage and promote education and civic engagement.
Commissioners issued the annual proclamation establishing April 2026 as Grange Month. This proclamation honors the longstanding role of the Grange. Since 1874, the Grange organization has bolstered families and communities in the area through service, education, and agricultural advocacy.
To this day, the Grange continues to positively impact rural and small-town communities in the area. Centre County Pomona Grange 13 is composed of 12 community granges and one junior grange; each of the 13 granges actively engages in community service initiation.
From delivering dictionaries to elementary children to creating comforting quilts and assisting military members, the Grange continues to solidify its importance in our day-to-day lives. The commissioners celebrated the leadership, impact, and dedication of the Grange while adopting the proclamation.
Commissioners also proclaimed Centre County’s second annual Civil War Weekend, which will take place May 1 through May 3. Civil War Weekend is an educational initiative depicting the causes, experiences, and lasting impact of the American Civil War.
Led by the Bellefonte Historical and Cultural Association, the weekend aims to deepen understanding of the pivotal Civil War era in United States history. Events begin on Friday afternoon, with speakers, book sales, live artillery and infantry demonstrations, and cemetery tours scheduled throughout the weekend.
Residents are encouraged to participate in Civil War Weekend to appreciate the former and continued pursuits of a more perfect union. For more information, visit www.bellefontecivilwarweekend.org.
Also on the meeting’s agenda, commissioners issued a letter of support for a grant application seeking ARC Area Development Project funds to expand sensor, ultrasound, and chromatography industries in the county.
The application, initiated by SEDA-COG, the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County, and Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern PA, would secure funds to invest in sensor industry development in the region via Project SUCCEED.
Securing these funds to support the sensor industry in Centre County would support growthin key industries, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and ag tech, all of which are key points of focus in the State of Pennsylvania’s Economic Development Strategy.
Working to establish the region as a national leader in sensor innovation also diversifies the region’s economy, making it less heavily reliant on education and healthcare.
