Partnership flock nears 50

LEWISTOWN– Three more painted fiberglass geese landed Friday as part of the Wild Geese: Flock Together public art project led by Community Partnerships RC&D.

Friday’s landing brings the flock total to 48 installations across the Juniata River Valley. The project, which first took flight in 2019, works with sponsors to highlight local artists and the area’s hundreds-year-old Goose Day tradition and local culture.

“First Quality Quacker,” painted by Heather McNabb and sponsored by First Quality, touched down near the factory facilities at 97 Locust Road, Lewistown. The goose’s artwork features recreational life on the Juniata River and scenes from the nearby Waterside Campground.

“Salvation Sally,” with art from Becky Boaz depicting the ministry’s origins, landed outside her sponsor’s downtown headquarters at the Lewistown Salvation Army at the intersection of Chestnut and Dorcas Streets. The goose is dedicated in memory of Maj. Gretchen Simpson and Bob Horning.

“Granville, the Gallant Goose,” sponsored by Granville Fire Company and with art from Karl Leitzel, now stands sentry in the Granville Fire Company’s parking lot at 307 Granville Road. The name references Granville’s historical connection to the Knights of Malta and the artwork honors heroic sacrifices made by firefighters and first responders along with local scenes of Granville landmarks.

Two of the project’s regular and crucial partners assisted with this landing. A volunteer Penn State Construction crew provided base installations while the geese received their protective weather sealant from Auto Collision Repair Instructor Jon Aumiller and his students at the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology.

This project would not be possible without the generous support of its sponsors and partners, talented local artists and many other individuals. For more information regarding the Wild Geese Flock Together public art project visit www.cpartnerships.com or find Community Partnerships on Facebook and Instagram.