Some really big shifts are happening at The Cooperage Project

We have some really big shifts happening over here at The Cooperage Project. Our founders, Pennell Whitney and Edward Cremo, along with founding board member and board chair for the last three years, Katharine Brown, have all reached the end of their term limits. At the close of 2020, all three of these deeply dedicated, passionate, and innovative pioneers have, for now, retired their hats as acting board members. Pennell, Edward, and Katharine each have brought so much to this organization — from their professional skills, their artistry, and their longing and passion for a community centered space for ALL members of our community. Mere words could never adequately convey their extraordinary vision and the dedication it took to bring into existence and into light what has become The Cooperage Project. We as an organization, staff, and board recognize the impact of their leadership and know that our work continues because of what they started. We thank them for their indelible acts of service with 9 years each on the board of directors; each serving a term at the helm as chair.

Though we may bid “farewell” as acting board members, their duties still continue. All three serve on volunteer committees and are actively engaged in the organization and it’s planning for a healthy future. Please join us in extending our deepest gratitude to these three incredible individuals and community members. We are encouraging anyone to send any notes along with their personal thanks and/or stories so that we can share with Pennell, Edward, Katharine, and the community. You can email info@thecooperageproject.org or mail any notes to The Cooperage Project: 1030 Main Street, Honesdale, PA 18431.

With the change in founding leadership on the board, we also are excited to usher in new community members to serve. We are pleased to announce that Deborah Pursch and Kate Scully-Ortega have joined The Cooperage Project board of directors.

Deborah Pursch and her husband, David, have lived in Wayne County for over 30 years in beautiful Cold Spring, N.Y. They raised three children who Deborah homeschooled for several years, before they entered and graduated from Honesdale High School. Deborah, originally from England, is a keen gardener, a lover of animals (including her flock of Jacob sheep) and the outdoors, and passionate about books and reading and the arts. She works as a researcher for several authors, and is a Penn State Master Gardener. She has been a staunch supporter of The Cooperage from its beginning, and is honored to be asked to join the board.

Kate Scully-Ortega is a new addition to the Honesdale community. She and her wife, Lisa, moved here from Connecticut in July of 2019. Kate attended graduate school in New Haven and the couple moved to Honesdale when Kate was hired as a new midwife with the Wayne Memorial Community Health Centers. Kate has worked in public health, grants management, non-profit management, and global healthcare. She is a returned Peace Corps Volunteer and a National Health Service Corps Fellow. She is passionate about connecting her work in community with her work in public health and healthcare for underserved communities and families. Kate is originally from San Antonio, Texas and adjusting to winters in NEPA have been a challenge, but she has been continuously warmed by the kindness, generosity and friendliness of the Honesdale community and is honored to serve the community in her capacity as a new Cooperage Project Board Member! Please join us in welcoming Kate and Deborah to the team!

The Cooperage Project

Honesdale