Governor to honor the late Melissa Glenn

She hasn’t been with us since early October, but the late Melissa Glenn continues to have a position impact on our town. Next month, Glenn’s family will receive the Service to Field Award by Governor Ed Rendell.
Glenn’s family was notified of the tribute in a letter from Rendell, May 11.
She will be inducted into the Keystone Society for Tourism during a reception at the governor’s residence in Harrisburg, June 4.
The Society for Tourism honors Pennsylvania visionaries in destination leadership and community development and is the highest honor the state can confer on leaders in the tourism industry.
The Service to Field Award is presented to an individual whose career exemplifies inspiration, ceaseless innovation, entrepreneurial vision and remarkable enterprise. Such leadership has resulted in the development of excellence in destination management and immeasurable impact on regional, statewide and national tourism development.
At the reception in the Rose Garden of Rendell’s residence, the family will receive a unique original artwork created by a Pennsylvania artist and her name will be inscribed on a plaque on permanent display in the offices of the Department of Community and Economic Development.

Here is the story I wrote at the time of Missy’s untimely passing last October.

Saturday would have been the type of day that Melissa Glenn enjoyed. Glenn, her right hand, Amy Hooper, the many volunteers of the Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce would have been busy greeting and smiling at the thousands, who were attending the chamber’s 21st annual Bridge Bust.

Instead, those smiles turned into many tears and hugs throughout the day when it was learned by those at the event that Glenn, 43, had died earlier that morning very much unexpectedly at her home.

Everyone was shocked by her death as word spread throughout the community over the weekend.

“The SVCC will never be the same because of the difference she made. I will miss her everyday,” said Amy Hooper, Glenn’s right hand person and events coordinator at the chamber.

“Missy had an intense passion for everything she got involved in (and she was involved in a lot ) She always had an open door - and an open heart - to anyone who needed her ear, her time, her assistance, or her advice. With a phone always affixed to her ear she was in constant contact with business people, chamber members, community, church and school leaders, with her friends and family. To everyone she met or spoke to it was always what do you need, hon? and she'd get it, find it, do it, or arrange it,” Hooper said.

“Our grieving hearts and prayers for strength go out to her family and her chamber of commerce associates,” said Bill Kloidt, current chamber president.

Glenn joined the chamber in June 2004 and became its executive director in 2005 and the organization took off under her guidance. Not only did events such as the Bridge Bust and the annual Art, Antique and Craft Show grow under her guidance, but so too did other events such as the 5K River Run such as legislative breakfasts with local legislators Rep. Dave Hickernell and Senator Mike Brubaker.

One of those legislative breakfasts was planned for this week.

“I was shocked and sad to learn of the passing of my dear friend Missy Glenn. Missy was a truly wonderful person and the contributions she made to her community are too numerous to mention,” Rep. Hickernell said.

“Melissa was a very special person who was a tireless enthusiast for Columbia, a loving mother and wife, a person of strong faith and someone that taught others via her actions,” said Sen. Brubaker, who was among those volunteering at the Bridge Bust on Saturday and spent time with her family after learning of her death.

Glenn’s impact on the rivetowns of Columbia, Marietta and Wrightsville stretches far and wide. She was active in promoting the area to businesses. If there was an event in Columbia or a business moving into the community, she was always there lending a hand.

“There are no words to adequately explain what Missy meant to her community, the Chamber, the surrounding communities, and of course, her family and friends. She was everywhere and always trying to do some good,” said Julie McNamara of the John Wright Company in Wrightsville.

“Her attitude was always positive which made you feel good when you dealt with her. She will be missed by everyone in the river towns because we all benefitted from her work and her many accomplishments in the area,” McNamara said.

Daisy Pagan is the owner of Perfect Settings in Columbia.

“Missy was introduced to me by the previous owners of my building. They thought that she would be a good contact to have as a new and budding business in Columbia. What Tony and I didn't expect was for her to open not only her business prospects to but to also share her tight circle of friends, special events and ultimately enveloped us into her life. This happened immediately. I can say with certainty; the Pagans and Perfect Settings were embraced by this community with the urging from Missy that although we were not natives of the town she believed in us and in our business enough to make it what it has become,” she said.

Ron Madar and Georgia Townsend are the owners of the Rivertowne Antique Center.

“She truly brightened our lives every time we saw her. Her contributions to this community and the resulting impact she had on those around her are her legacy. Truly a first-class person and ambassador for Columbia and the Susquehanna Valley. Her dedication, enthusiasm and love for this community, its people and its possibilities were unmatched,” Madar said.

She was also chairperson of the Columbia Board of Health and organized the annual Spring Clean-Up in April. She was active in her church, the Columbia United Methodist Church and a member of the Columbia Public Library Board. She helped with the formation of the Community Life Network, was a member of the Columbia Strategic Planning Committee and active in the schools and was a member of the Columbia Education Association.

“Missy Glenn was synonymous with a love of Columbia and being a community organizer. But the main thing that comes to mind with Missy is that she would do anything for her kids and her family. There was no doubt in my mind that her family was the most important thing in her life,” said Andy Graybill, principal at the Taylor Elementary School.

“Melissa Glenn was a compassionate, empathetic individual who added people she met into her community family. She found joy in serving every person and every need of the community, as well as her family and friends. She would often call just to check in and when she came by, she was always inquiring about other people and if there was anything anyone needed.,” said Laura Cowburn, assistant superintendent for business services for the Columbia School District and chamber board member.

“I am particularly grateful for the way she worked every day to bring the school district, businesses and the community together. She had a vision for Columbia’s future and challenged us to find the right balance that would ultimately make the dream come true. We can only hope her passion will live on in our lives,” Cowburn said.

Non-profit organizations in Columbia are also feeling her loss.

Mark Zeamer is a member of the Columbia Shade Tree Commission.

“Missy did so much for Columbia, she put her heart and soul into everything she did. We will miss her very much. My deepest sympathy goes out to her Husband Kerry and her family,” Zeamer said.

Kim Craven is with the National Watch and Clock Museum.

“Throughout her years with the Chamber and Visitors Center, Missy was most certainly an effective proponent of the Rivertownes and its programs and activities. Being a friend to the National Watch and Clock Museum, Missy was always very supportive of the Museum and its national association. As with everyone else’s lives she touched, her presence will surely be missed, but her contributions to the community will never be forgotten,” Craven said.

““I have been blessed to have had the wonderful opportunity to associate with Missy Glenn over the past few years. Her cheerful, positive attitude and her willingness to be of assistance are qualities that made Missy so special. No matter how busy she was at the SVCC when I stopped by asking for information, Missy greeted me with her contagious smile and her joyful voice ready to aid me in my quest,” said Claire Storm, president of Rivertownes PA USA.

The impact is also being felt by the local government.

“I have really only know Missy since I became involved with Borough Council but I can't imagine that I haven't known her forever. To me Missy was the Energizer Bunny of Columbia...it seemed she was everywhere. She was actively involved with Columbia Borough, with the schools, her church, Missy was not one to sit on the sidelines. Her leadership with the Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce went above and beyond the job description,” said Mary Wickenheiser, vice president of Columbia Borough Council.

“Melissa took the Chamber from an organization that did a couple events each year to a Chamber of Commerce offering a full range of activities for the participating communities, educational breakfast meetings for members, mixers to allow members to become acquainted, and seminars offering financial and business related topics and help. Melissa Glenn was Columbia. You could not talk about anything going on in Columbia without Melissa being a part of it. I don't know where she got all that energy,” Columbia Mayor Leo Lutz said.

Added Elaine Beckley, another member of borough council, “I was blessed to have known Melissa Glenn. She was one of only a handful of friends I have made during my time in Columbia. Not only was she amazing in her role as Director of the SVCC but I witnessed many acts that made her an exceptional daughter, mother, wife, friend and advocate. I have never known a more giving individual, of her time, heart and soul.”

“The news of my friend's demise is devastating and a hard thing for me to accept even today, as I attempt to respond to your request. Columbia has lost one of its strongrest links in the chain of community leaders working together for a better community,” said Sandy Duncan, current borough council president.

“Missy’s death is a huge loss to her family and also to our community. It’s a profound sadness that will linger for a long time; but, Missy’s smile and genuine concern for others is something that will never fade,” said Connie Beury, head of Columbia’s K-9 Campaign,

“Mike and I learned of Missy’s passing while we were at the Bridge Bust. Needless to say, this unforeseen news left us feeling quite distressed,” she said.

In addition to Kloidt, Judith and Phil Bowers along with Nancy Burgress are members of the chamber’s board of directors.

“My heart is so heavy and there are so many things swirling through my mind. We not only lost a wonderful ambassador for the Chamber, but I lost one of my very dear friends. I am so grateful that she was in my life as she made my life better. Once you met Missy she made you feel very special,” said Burgess, manager of Columbia’s Northwest Bank.

“Missy Glenn was one in a million. She did a fantastic job at the chamber and everything she did and gave 110 percent. We will miss her personally and professionally. Hopefully she knows how much we loved her,” said the Bowers.

“The only thing she was more dedicated to then her beloved town of Columbia was her loving and cherished family. She was our #1 ambassador and will be woefully missed,” Kloidt said.

Beckley along with Heather Barton are two of Glenn’s neighbors.

“Missy was a cherished member of this community. Always willing to help out and do her part plus some,” Barton said.

“Columbia will never be the same and the light on my block, which lit up the whole boro, has faded in the night. God must have had bigger plans for our angel and hard to believe, he must have needed her more,” Beckley said.

Here are the rest of the tributes to Columbia’s shining light.

“Missy was not one to sit on the sidelines. Her leadership with the Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce went above and beyond the job description. I considered Missy a friend who I could discuss anything with. I know the sense of loss I feel and cannot imagine how Kerry, Hillary and Nate must feel. Columbia Borough was a better place for having Missy here,” said Wickenheiser.

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\"How ironic. .She was a treasured commodity. I asked Hillary (Missy’s daughter) yesterday (Saturday) what she needed and she said she had to think about it. She told me; I want you to do everything you can to make sure my mom is not forgotten,” said Pagan of Perfect Settings.

“I cannot comprehend the emptiness her family must be experiencing right now, and can only hope that the knowledge of her love for them and the example she led will provide strength and comfort in the years ahead,” said Graybill.

“I will never attend another Bridge Bust or Antique and Craft Show without thinking of her. These are her special holidays. Melissa's family need our help in the coming weeks. We need to give back some of what she gave us,” said Mayor Lutz.

Added Rivertownes’ Storm, “ Missy may be gone from this world but what she has done for others and her legacy as a quintessential volunteer are immortal.”

“I will remember her wonderful laugh, her energy, her dedication, and most of all her generosity of her time and herself. These qualities are rare, but Melissa “Missy” Glenn was one of a kind,” Cowburn said.

“Missy may be gone from this world but what she has done for others and her legacy as a quintessential volunteer are immortal,” said Hooper said.

“A day that always started over a cup of coffee and catching up always ended with her greatest passion - her family, Kerry, Hillary and Nate by her side,” Hooper said.

Glenn is survived by her husband, Kerry of 20 years, plus daughter Hillary and son, Nate. She is also survived by her mother and two brothers.