School ends, Summer begins and rural communities come alive with events. These events are a great way to experience something different and give back to the community at the same time.  One thing these events have in common is that they bring together many community members, including the natural gas industry and others with a stake in the region.  It might be said no company is an island and the natural gas industry provides a great illustration.

I recently had the pleasure of participating in three community events that involved the natural gas industry.  These included the Pennsylvania State Championship Stock Dog Trial (PSCSDT), the Walk for Wellness to benefit the Endless Mountain Health Systems and a “meet and greet” at Watkins Glen International race track. All three of these events turned out crowds of people, including a large presence from natural gas companies.

Natural Gas Goes to the Dogs at Sheepy Hollow Inn

About 200 Sheep at the Competition

The 31st annual Pennsylvania State Championship Dog Trial was held at the Sheepy Hollow Inn in Hop Bottom on June June 16 – 19.  When I started work with EID Marcellus, I never expected to be attending sheep dog trials, but what a great experience!

There were approximately 200 sheep on site and competitors from 20 different states, so there was plenty of work to be done by the organizers to bring this event to fruition.

This year, however, was special, because of the large number of competitors present, mainly due to the donation Cabot Gas & Oil provided for use as prize money!  Organizers were most appreciative.

Competition Border Collie

More people coming to the area means, of course, more money put back into the local economy. Without the donation from Cabot, many dog handlers might not have made the trip.

The location of the Sheepy Hollow Inn is smack-dab in the middle of an area with extensive natural gas development, although you’d never know it.  This competition has been going on for the last 30 years and its great to see that natural gas development is contributing to its success and improvement.

The Walk For Wellness – Natural Gas and Health

Walk for Wellness

The Walk For Wellness was held on June 20th at the Mountain view high school track. Community members had the opportunity to make a donation and walk around the outdoor track for as long as they wanted.

Ruth and Ray Wilmarth Jr. were at the event on behalf of Endless Mountains Health Systems. Ruth was busy working the donation table and walking with a group of others while Ray worked the grill to make hotdogs for anyone who came to support their efforts.

Among the participating were many community members of all ages as well as several representatives of local natural gas operators: Williams, WPX Energy and Cabot Gas & Oil.  Cabot has pledged $3 million towards the new Endless Mountains Health Systems hospital and through events such as the Walk for Wellness this institution is well on its way to making that goal.  They should, with the help of the other operators and the community at large, have the money needed for completion of the new health care facility in short order.

This Walk for Wellness fundraiser has been happening for the last seven years.  One hopes it will continue for many more.

Watkins Glen Welcomes the Speeding Gas Industry to Its Track

Representatives of the natural gas industry were invited to Watkins Glen International race track for a meet and greet with other industry members and an opportunity to learn about  the facility.

Watkins Glen International track president Michael Printup with newest Legend of The Glen member Jeff Gordon following Friday’s press conference.

Watkins Glen International is a NASCAR race track located in Schuyler County, one of several along the Southern Tier.  It has seen many big names (e.g., Jeff Gordon) grace the track over the years.

During the event, I had the opportunity to ride in a pace car and take the turns of the track at incredible speeds.  It was truly an experience and, once again, not something I expected to be doing when I came to EID Marcellus.  I recommend checking out the track if you are traveling in that area.  It’s one of those many facets of the Finger Lakes that are easily forgotten.  It’s not just a wine region!

It’s always great to see the natural gas industry giving back to their neighbors and at the same time it was nice for the industry to be so welcomed by Watkins Glen International.

The future for New York businesses such Watkins Glen International, community facilities such as the Endless Mountains Health Systems and community events such as the Pennsylvania State Championship Dog Trial is burning bright due to natural gas.  You might even say the region is speeding toward community and economic revival due, in no small part, to natural gas.