Little Guys Can Make a Difference

When the Adelphia Empire collapsed in Potter County, they took employment opportunities from our residents and zero’s from our property values. But maybe what the experience taught us in return is of more significance: lasting economic change needs to come from those of us who live and love this area.

At Nanipops, located in Shinglehouse, PA, we work with neighbors for the good of the whole community. We began in 2007 by providing hand-painted chocolates to local schools and non-profits to aid in their need for raising funds. A Fundraising Fair is in the works for the summer of 2011 to find ways for locally made products to bring some much-needed variety to organizations using fundraisers.

Summer of 2010 we added an ice cream shop in the middle of Shinglehouse, PA; an ice cream shop that is about a whole lot more than just ice cream! A small gift shop of locally made products made ice cream patrons aware of the variety of products available right here at home. In the process of looking for ways to help in the community, we discovered the ice cream shop had become a community center where people met and talked with friends and neighbors. People from surrounding towns traveled to be a part of the “enter as strangers, leave as friends” atmosphere. Summer of 2011 the menu is expanding to include homemade pies and fresh ground coffee, in hopes that people will “sit long and talk much.”

We are the “little guys” dreaming big and working hard to help bring growth to our community. Our bottom line is far from impressive and we are not even sure yet if this is faith or foolishness. But we believe there are a lot of other “little guys” like us who will not only identify with our goals but also discover ways that they too can make a difference.