River Roots Redevelopment: Our Community Has SO Many Stories to Tell

By: Selina Pedi-Smith, Pellere Foundation

These past few weeks, we’ve taken you along with us - into my head (yikes), into sticky-note reminders and sideways video adventures, and into the sunshine on a spring afternoon in Emlenton. We’ve shared what makes us tick, and how different brains, personalities, and experiences come together to shape this work.

But here’s the thing: we know our story is just one of so many in this community. And we know we’re not the only ones walking these streets, thinking about what’s possible. And we’d love to hear - and share - your perspective.

Maybe it’s the way you see your neighborhood when you take your evening walk. Maybe it’s something you’ve noticed about how people show up (or don’t). Maybe it’s a memory about what used to be...and a hope for what could be again.

You don’t have to be a writer. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to be willing to share.

So, here’s our ask: If you live in Emlenton, Franklin, Oil City, Clintonville, Polk, Rouseville, Reno, or any other community in Venango County - we’d love to hear from you, and share your story with our readers. Want to take a walk and talk it out with us? Let’s schedule one. Want to send us your thoughts? We’re ready to listen. Want to show us your neighborhood through your eyes? We’re here for it.

Because as much as we love telling stories, we know there are still so many waiting to be told. Reach out through pellere.org, find us on LinkedIn , or send a note to rachel@riverrootsredevelopment.org to start the conversation. Let’s tell the story of all of us - one step, one conversation, one community at a time.

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Rachel Brosnahan is the Community Engagement Coordinator for River Roots Redevelopment. She can be reached by email at rachel@riverrootsredevelopment.org