Canoe-Kayak Launch Along the Juniata River in Everett

The Leadership Bedford County Class of 2025 celebrated a ribbon cutting Thursday to mark the completion of a canoe and kayak launch along the Juniata River in Everett. A  significant contribution to outdoor recreation in Bedford County, the initiative aims to enhance safe access to the river for both residents and visitors, supporting water-related activities and community events.

As part of their 10-month program of self-and-community discovery with an emphasis on  servant leadership, the class selected the project upon a request from organizers of the Bloody Run Canoe and Kayak Classic.  The Juniata River, particularly the Raystown Branch that flows through Everett, is a popular destination for water-based recreation. However, the lack of adequate launch sites has posed challenges for enthusiasts and event organizers.

“We met a few times with Everett Borough and Water Authority to discuss the project,” said class member Blair Dively of New Enterprise Stone and Lime, “and they were awesome the whole time and actually committed to taking ownership after the fact, which was huge.”

To bring their vision to fruition, the class organized various fundraising activities, including a BINGO event with the help of the Bedford Elks, and race series, with support of the Bedford Sunrise Rotary Club to gather the necessary resources for the project.

With those funds, along with monetary donations from the business community and in-kind contributions, their efforts culminated in the construction of the new launch site and adjacent parking area near the Everett Little League Fields behind the Igloo.  The site is marked with a steel sign fabricated by Mission Critical Solutions recognizing the class’s efforts.

This development is particularly beneficial for events like the Bloody Run Canoe & Kayak Classic, a longstanding tradition in Everett that attracts participants from across the region. While this year’s race was cancelled due to weather, the improved launch facilities are expected to enhance the experience for racers and spectators in the future, while also contributing to the event’s continued success, including its impact on the local economy.

Due to the generous contributions of stone materials from New Enterprise Stone and Lime Company, as well as the time and expertise of (John and Lois) Claycomb Excavating, LLC, the class is left with funds to contribute toward a similar future launch concept in Bedford Borough.

“From the day we got the okay from DEP, they were on sight and completed the work in two days in hopes of being ready for the Bloody Run Classic,” added Dively.

The Leadership Bedford County program, facilitated by the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce through the 501-c3 Chamber Foundation, encourages participants to undertake projects that leave a lasting positive impact on the community. By choosing to focus on river access, the Class of 2025 has not only addressed a practical need but also fostered a greater appreciation for the natural resources that define the region.

“We have to thank the Bedford County Chamber of Commerce,” said class member Michael Meehan of State Farm Insurance. “This has been an incredible experience for us, and I think we can all safely say we’re really, really thankful for it.  For those who haven’t been through (Leadership Bedford County), we highly recommend it.”

We could not be prouder of this year’s LBC Class,” added Chamber President-CEO Kellie Goodman Shaffer. “Their project is a shining example of their cooperative spirit, their care for one another and our community, and their commitment toward making our region the best place possible to live, work, play, and prosper. They have been a joy to work with this whole year, and they have certainly left a positive mark on our program and our county.”

The class extends its thanks to their employers as well as these companies and organizations that supported the project: Bedford Reinforced Plastics, Bedford Freemasons Lodge #320, ALF(Alan & Lois Frederick), Bedford BPW, Friends of Pat Stefano, Bedford Lions Club, The Berne Group, Pennwood Ophthalmic Associates, Hometown Bank, Harry Snyder Insurance, Paul Detwiler and New Enterprise Stone and Lime Co., Everett Foodliner, Structural Fiberglass, Kerex, Bedford Borough, Keller Engineers, Clark Contractors, First Peoples CFCU, Bedford Sunrise Rotary, Claycomb Excavating, Inc., Bedford Elks Country Club, Old Bedford Village, Omni Bedford Springs, Bedford Joint Municipal Authority, Olde Bedford Brewing Co., Bedford County Fairgrounds, Negley’s Water, The Organic Snack Company, Cessa Communications, the Bedford Gazette, asl well as the many individuals who participated in their fundraising events.

The new canoe and kayak launch stands as a testament to what Leadership Bedford County is all about: building a leading community with a collaborative spirit, offering a lasting resource that will benefit the region for years to come.