Monarch Media
Community News That Matters

By Jessica Kenley

HARRISON VALLEY, Pa. — In a small town where community ties run deep, a dedicated group of women is working to bring people together, one event at a time.

The Harrison Valley Ladies Auxiliary, has been around, “since Moby Dick was a minnow,” according to Kelli Lane, who had to speak loudly over the musician crooning Elvis in the background at the St. Patrick’s Day Dance on Saturday, March 21st at the Harrison Valley Community Center. Light food and drinks were provided at the fundraiser, including pizza, snack plates, desserts. There were also gift baskets to raffle off. 

The Auxiliary was revitalized just four years ago, and has become a driving force behind local events, outreach efforts, and neighborly support throughout the valley.

“We wanted to bring back the community,” said Lane, a member of the Auxiliary. She added, laughing, “A lot of organized chaos always has to have an Auxiliary.”

Since its revival, the group has organized a wide range of events designed to appeal to residents of all ages. From spaghetti dinners and vendor shows to parades and holiday-themed gatherings like Cookies with Santa and hot cocoa events, the Auxiliary focuses on creating opportunities for connection.

Their efforts don’t stop at social events. The organization also provides funeral dinners, supports local youth activities, and hosts family-friendly programming such as movie nights for local teens.

Looking ahead, the Auxiliary has a full calendar planned. An upcoming Fisherman’s Breakfast is scheduled to coincide with the opening day of fishing season, featuring a special visit from the Easter Bunny. Later in the year, the group will host a unique “plant bingo,” where participants can win floral arrangements provided by a local nursery. 

Other upcoming events include: 

April 4, 2026–Fishermen’s Breakfast with special guest The Easter Bunny,

May 2, 2026– Spring Vendor Bazaar 

June 14, 2026–Plant Bingo 

“We try to do something for everyone,” Lane said. “Sometimes it’s just about giving people a place to gather and spend time together.”

That sense of connection proved especially important during times of crisis. When devastating flooding impacted the area two years ago, members of the Auxiliary stepped up immediately—preparing and delivering meals to residents in need, many of whom were unable to leave their homes. 

“Some of those people, sometimes, just seeing a friendly face makes them feel like they don’t have to go it alone,” Lane emphasized. 

The Auxiliary provided meals for 50-60 households following the aftermath of the catastrophic flood.

“For about a week and a half, we were cooking, packaging meals, and delivering them every day,” Lane said. “Some of it was donated, some came out of our own freezers. We just did what needed to be done….we went door to door to the houses that were hit…Kim [Kosa] was one of our best runners.”

In addition to meal deliveries, the group later raised funds and distributed gift cards to affected families, partnering with local businesses like Missy’s Market and Downey’s in Ulysses that had also supported the community during the disaster.

Beyond emergency response, the Auxiliary continues to invest in Harrison Valley’s future. Members have worked to improve local spaces, including updating playground equipment, maintaining community areas, and encouraging youth involvement by offering volunteer opportunities for students seeking community service hours.

Despite having just nine active members, the organization operates with structure and purpose, maintaining officer roles and holding regular meetings to plan initiatives and track progress. 

Their members are Leona Hilfiger–Treasurer, Leta Brimmer–President, Ange Swede–Secretary, Sarah Baker–Vice President, Kristie Lane, Lissette Phipps, Abigail Baker, Kim Kosa, and Kelli Lane.

Their mission is simple but impactful: unity.

“Unity in the community! It’s okay every now and then to just come together!” exclaimed Lane.

As the Auxiliary continues to grow, its members hope more residents will join their efforts—whether by attending events, volunteering, or simply showing up to support one another.

Because in Harrison Valley, it’s clear that even a small group of committed individuals can make a big difference.