Jamie Popson

Mental health doesn’t always show up neatly or on a convenient schedule — and that is exactly why the Brookville Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a Blue Monday Mental Health Panel. The evening was created to open honest conversation, reduce stigma, and remind people in our community that it is okay to talk about what feels heavy. Despite the weather not cooperating, our community showed up with openness and intention, helping shine a light on a topic that affects more people than we often realize. The purpose of the evening was best captured in the words shared during the event’s opening remarks by Jamie Popson, Brookville Chamber Executive Director: “Today is Blue Monday — the third Monday in January. A day often called the ‘most difficult day of the year.’ For many people, it’s more than just a date on the calendar. It’s the weight of grief, the pressure of credit card bills now due after the holidays, the disappointment of New Year’s resolutions that didn’t stick, the lingering winter blues, emotional exhaustion, or simply the vague feeling that something is… just off. For many of us, it’s easy to push these feelings aside with a simple ‘I’ll be fine’ or ‘It’ll blow over.’ I wanted this evening to be different. Not a traditional lecture. Judgment. Pity. Or ‘here’s what the book says.’ This is a real event, for real people, talking about real feelings. This is about acknowledging that it’s okay to not feel okay, and giving a space to explore what that means.” From there, the conversation was turned over to the panel — Kevin Wilson, DO, and Kelley Chilson, Psy.D., both with Penn Highlands Healthcare, and Scott Rendos, Director of Outpatient Services at the Community Guidance Center and Chairman of the Clearfield Jefferson Suicide Prevention Team. They led a thoughtful, compassionate discussion that touched on questions from the audience, shared insights, and offered practical ways we can support ourselves and one another. One of the first topics was the noticeable rise in depression and anxiety. Rural living has its benefits but isolation, limited transportation, and long stretches of overcast winter weather can contribute to emotional strain. Screening for anxiety is now beginning as early as eight years old, reinforcing the importance of early identification. Earlier intervention can significantly improve long-term quality of life, helping individuals build resilience before symptoms become overwhelming. Mental health stigma was another key theme. The long-standing belief that struggling emotionally is a weakness or replaced with “suck it up” mentality. Mental health is health — and recognizing when you need support, talking openly, and seeking help are signs of strength, not failure. The conversation also turned to the role of social media and news consumption in mental health. Modern algorithms are designed to keep users engaged, often by amplifying emotionally charged or negative content. While positive posts may earn a quick reaction or none at all, controversial or upsetting stories tend to generate stronger engagement through comments and shares. Over time, constant exposure to these triggers can increase anxiety, stress, and emotional fatigue. It was recommended to take intentional breaks, limit exposure to negative content, and actively “rewire” your algorithms by engaging with content that feels positive or grounding. And a little side note from your friends at the Chamber: Boost your mood AND your local businesses at the same time — it’s science! Like a post from a local business, comment “yum” on a local eatery’s photo, share the boutique’s new item, and sprinkle a little love across your feed. It’s cheaper than therapy, easier than a workout, and yes… officially counts as community-supported dopamine. Another focus was understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a form of depression linked to changes in seasons and reduced sunlight, particularly during long winter months. SAD affects a measurable portion of the population and is more than just the “winter blues” — it’s a mood disorder where symptoms can include low energy, sadness, changes in sleep or appetite, and difficulty functioning during darker months. Here in Western Pennsylvania, we experience an estimated 59 to 160 sunny days per year, making seasonal mood shifts more common than many people realize. Panelists discussed treatment options including therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and increased light exposure as effective ways to manage symptoms. One guest posed a question many people quietly ask themselves: How do I know if I’m experiencing depression — or if I’m just going through something? To help distinguish between SAD, clinical depression, and situational low moods, our panel emphasized this: if symptoms are persistent, interfere with daily life, or feel overwhelming, talking with a therapist or doctor is a great first step. Recognizing patterns, especially if these show up year after year, can help you and your healthcare provider create a personalized plan. If you do notice a pattern, planning ahead in the fall with preventative strategies can make winters feel more manageable before the heaviness sets in. Light therapy was highlighted as an accessible and relatively inexpensively option. A light box that emits 10,000 lux of brightness for even 10 minutes a day, particularly in the morning, can help regulate mood-related brain chemicals that are affected by low natural sunlight. The discussion also explored the gut-brain axis, the connection between our digestive system and our brain. In simple terms, the gut and the brain are constantly communicating through hormones, nerves, and chemical messengers that affect mood and stress. When someone has high or low blood sugar, chronic fatigue, kidney disease, and other medical conditions, it can directly influence their emotional well-being. Paying attention to nutrition, blood sugar balance, and overall physical health supports better mood regulation, too. “Bounce-back mood” — how quickly we recover after illness matters. Prolonged isolation during or after being sick, especially following the flu or other seasonal illnesses, can worsen low mood and anxiety. Preventing illness when possible, staying lightly connected, and returning to routine gradually can help support emotional recovery. The group shared a knowing laugh about how germs

As we close the chapter on 2025, the Brookville Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to reflect on a year filled with momentum, meaningful connections, and renewed purpose. This year reminded us that the Chamber is more than a membership organization — it is a connector, a cheerleader, a convener, and a steady partner working behind the scenes to strengthen our community. The Role We Play In 2025, the Chamber continued to serve as a hub for businesses, nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. Our role was not just to promote, but to listen, collaborate, and show up. Whether celebrating milestones, sharing stories, or advocating for local success, the Chamber worked daily to amplify the people and places that make Brookville thrive. That impact is reflected in our growing membership — 28 businesses and organizations joined the Chamber this year — and in the increasing engagement across our platforms. From social media to our website to our weekly Chamber Chatter newsletter, the Chamber’s voice reached further than ever before, connecting thousands with local news, events, and opportunities. The Fun: Celebrating Together Community is built through shared experiences, and 2025 delivered plenty of them. From signature events like Brookville BBQ Bash, Tasting Tour, and Food Truck Mondays, to 12 ribbon cuttings celebrating new beginnings and business growth, the year was packed with reasons to gather, celebrate, and support one another. These moments weren’t just fun — they strengthened relationships, brought foot traffic to local businesses, and reminded us that when Brookville comes together, it does so with heart and enthusiasm. The New: Growth, Reach, and Fresh Energy This year brought exciting growth across nearly every area of the Chamber: We also welcomed new ideas, new partnerships, and new faces — each adding fresh energy to the Chamber and the community as a whole. Reflection: A Year That Mattered 2025 wasn’t just about numbers or events — it was about showing up when it mattered. It was about supporting businesses through challenges, celebrating wins both big and small, and creating space for connection in a fast-moving world. This year reminded us that progress doesn’t always come in grand gestures. Sometimes it looks like a shared post, a handwritten note, a conversation, or a ribbon cut on a hopeful day. Moving Forward: 2026 and Beyond As we look ahead, the Chamber is energized and focused. Moving forward means: The foundation built in 2025 positions us well for the future. With collaboration, trust, and community spirit leading the way, we are excited to keep moving Brookville forward together. Thank You To our members, sponsors, volunteers, board members, and community supporters… thank you. Your belief in the Chamber and in each other is what makes this work meaningful. The best is still ahead. Here’s to continued growth, connection, and community in the year to come.

Did you know Pizza Hut first opened in 1958, serving up the pan pizza that became a family favorite across America? For decades, the buffet was the heart of the experience — friends, families, and teammates gathered around for a taste of comfort and a slice of nostalgia. After a long hiatus, it’s back and just as good as you remember! The Brookville Area Chamber of Commerce joined the team at Pizza Hut for a ribbon cutting ceremony that brought smiles, slices, and pan perfection! The celebration drew a great crowd. Every seat was filled with guests eager to check out the all-you-can-eat buffet spread, reconnect with friends, and grab a taste of the pizzas, breadsticks, pastas, and desserts that made Pizza Hut a household name. “It’s wonderful to see a big commmunity response. There wasn’t an empty table and the staff was ready for it!” said Brookville Chamber Director Jamie Popson. “There’s something special about seeing everyone gather around a meal and Pizza Hut’s buffet is a great place for it.” The buffet is available every Wednesday from 11:30am-1:00pm and every Sunday from 12:00pm-1:30pm. The restaurant is located at 259 Allegheny Boulevard, Brookville with dine-in, drive-thru, and delivery options available Sunday-Thursday 11:00am-10:00pm and Friday-Saturday 11:00am-11:00pm. The Brookville Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting local businesses, fostering community growth, and creating opportunities for connection in the Brookville region. To learn more about Chamber programs, events, and membership, visit BrookvilleChamber.com.

Every October, Brookville’s Main Street comes alive with color, creativity, and community spirit as local art students transform storefront windows into festive Halloween masterpieces. The long-standing tradition, carried on through the Brookville Area High School art program, brings together students, businesses, and residents in a celebration of local talent and fall fun. The votes have been counted, competition was tight and talent was high! A panel of judges selected the top winners, while the community showed up for their favorites to cast nearly 150 total votes in the People’s Choice Award. Trophies were presented to recognize each group for their outstanding work. 2025 Halloween Window Painting Winners: The Brookville Area Chamber of Commerce extends a special thank-you to the participating businesses who offered their windows as canvases, and to the Brookville art instructors for continuing to inspire the next generation of local artists. Each fall, this project turns downtown Brookville into an open-air gallery — proving once again that creativity, community, and tradition make for a beautiful combination.