Getting out into the heart of the community is one of my favorite parts of being a Macaroni KID publisher, and this month I had the pleasure of doing just that by connecting with the members of Mount Carmel Revive & Thrive. After sitting in on their monthly public meeting and officially signing up as a business member, I joined the group for a relaxed breakfast at Tornado Tavern to dig a little deeper into their vision. Chatting with the organization’s president, Heather Moleski, and the other passionate members over coffee, it became clear that this isn't just a committee - it’s a group of neighbors deeply committed to the heart and soul of Mount Carmel, PA. Their energy for bringing life back to the town is contagious, and I’m excited to share more about their mission and how you can join this local movement!
Note: Though this article is written in Q&A style, answers are not direct quotes from Heather or other members and are instead my personal thoughts after my discussion with them, unless indicated.
What is Mount Carmel Revive & Thrive?
Built on the foundation created by Mount Carmel Downtown, Inc, Mount Carmel Revive & Thrive is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the town's rich heritage while paving the way for a modern, thriving downtown. It's a grassroots movement driven by members of the community who believe that Mount Carmel has so much to offer; that we can come together to build it up instead of letting it fall by the wayside. The members encompass a group of people with diverse experiences, skills, and passions who happily work as a team to make a difference.
How is Mount Carmel Revive & Thrive making change?
The members are putting in the time and effort to create a better quality of life for the people who live and work in and visit town. They are partnering with businesses and organizations, opening communication channels, and making connections. Progress is being made to revitalize physical structures and spaces as well as bringing people back together through neighborhood events and support of small businesses.
They are currently building a free calendar of events and business directory for everyone in town, which you'll be able to find any time on their WEBSITE, and you can always find more information about what's happening on their FACEBOOK page.
You'll find their family-friendly events on my CALENDAR here, too. I'm excited to be able to help get the word out!
Some Upcoming Events and Projects:
- Monthly community clean up events
- Sunday morning breakfasts bringing business to local restaurants
- Easter Fun day
- Halloween Trunk or Treat
- Christmas celebration
- Movie nights
- Free swim
- Bingo
- 250th celebration
Can I get involved with Mount Carmel Revive & Thrive?
Yes! Please do! Both individuals and businesses can join as members for a small fee that is used to support the work of the nonprofit. Anyone who is interested in supporting the cause may join as a member. Here's what Heather Moleski, President, wants to share about becoming a member:
"YOUR ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
Mount Carmel Revive & Thrive isn’t just an organization it’s a movement driven by people who care deeply about our town. Your annual membership dues play a vital role in everything we do, and the value goes far beyond the cost.
Your membership helps support:
Community Events & Beautification
Holiday events, town clean-ups, decorations, signage, and projects that make Mount Carmel a place we’re proud to call home.
A Stronger Community Voice
Members help set priorities, share ideas, and vote on initiatives that shape the future of our town. Your voice truly matters.
Support for Local Businesses & Growth
Membership allows us to promote local businesses, encourage economic activity, and create opportunities for growth throughout our community.
Strength in Numbers
The more members we have, the more we can accomplish securing grants, hosting events, and completing projects that benefit everyone.
Joining Mount Carmel Revive & Thrive isn’t just a membership—it’s an investment in the future of our town.
2026 MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
• Individual/Resident Membership: $15 per year
• Business Membership: $25 per year
HOW TO JOIN OR RENEW
Membership forms are available at our monthly meetings, or you may contact Heather Moleski, President, at (570) 875-7550.
Payments may be made by cash"
Ready to get involved?
Here's my suggestions for those who are curious about getting involved. Try it out. Monthly meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of every month inside the Mount Carmel Borough building (50 West 3rd Street) at 6:30 PM and other events, like Sunday breakfasts, are shared on their Facebook page as scheduled. Go to a meeting. Meet the people and hear about the work that's being done. Know that you are welcome to any and all meetings and events that are shared with the public and that you can visit to learn more before becoming a member. Members are invited to help when and how they can, with no pressure and full respect for the fact that we are all incredibly busy people.
Seeing the passion that the entire team has for Mount Carmel is a powerful reminder of what can happen when neighbors decide to take action together. The spirit of the organization is building community and everyone can contribute to that goal. We would love to see you attending events, sharing a friendly smile with your neighbors, and supporting local small businesses when you can. Whether you decide to join as an official member or simply bring your family out to a fun event, you are playing a part in the town’s story. Revitalizing a community doesn't happen overnight, but with a team like this leading the way, the future of Mount Carmel is looking brighter than ever.
