Updates & Info from our members

Throughout history, the garments worn closest to the body have carried profound significance. They shape silhouettes, support the body, and often reflect cultural ideals of beauty, femininity, and craftsmanship. Among these garments, the brassiere has evolved from a simple undergarment into a sophisticated blend of engineering, artistry, and personal expression. Today, the right bra is no longer viewed as merely functional. It is an essential foundation for comfort, posture, confidence, and style. Yet despite its importance, it is also one of the most misunderstood pieces of clothing in a woman’s wardrobe. A Brief History of the Brassiere The bra may seem like a modern necessity, but its evolution is a fascinating blend of fashion, function, and innovation spanning centuries. The modern bra is a relatively recent invention, though its origins trace back much further. Evidence of breast-supporting garments dates to ancient Greece, where women wore bands of cloth called apodesmos to support the bust. While supportive garments existed in many forms throughout history, the modern bra began to take shape in Paris in 1889, when French designer Herminie Cadolle introduced a revolutionary design at the Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair)—the same international exhibition that unveiled the newly constructed Eiffel Tower. Her design separated the traditional corset into two pieces—creating a garment specifically intended to support the bust. During the Renaissance and into the Victorian era, structured corsets dominated women’s undergarments, shaping the torso with rigid boning and tight lacing. The bra as we know it continued to evolve in the early 20th century. In 1914, American socialite Mary Phelps Jacob patented one of the first modern brassieres, created from silk handkerchiefs and ribbon as a more comfortable alternative to corsetry. By the 1920s and 1930s, lingerie manufacturers began refining bra design with innovations that remain standard today. Key milestones include: • 1928: The introduction of standardized cup sizing by the S.H. Camp & Company• 1935: Lettered cup sizes (A, B, C, D) adopted by major manufacturers• 1940s–1950s: Structured bras designed to create the iconic “bullet” silhouette of mid-century fashion• 1960s–1970s: The rise of soft-cup bras reflecting changing attitudes toward comfort and natural shape• 1990s: Technological fabrics and molded cups become widely available Today’s lingerie industry blends textile innovation, biomechanics, and fashion design to produce garments engineered for precise support, comfort, and beauty. The Science of Support A well-designed bra is far more complex than it appears. The band, not the straps, provides roughly 80% of the garment’s support, distributing weight evenly around the torso. Cups shape and center the bust, while straps stabilize and balance the garment. When properly fitted, a bra can: Yet despite the importance of proper support, research consistently shows that most women are wearing the wrong size. Studies across the United States and Europe estimate that 70–80% of women are wearing an incorrect bra size. Even more striking, surveys suggest that a majority of women have never received a professional bra fitting at all. Bodies change throughout life—due to age, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and hormonal shifts—making periodic fittings essential for maintaining comfort and proper support. The Lingerie Industry Today Globally, the lingerie market has grown into a sophisticated sector valued at over $80 billion annually, combining fashion, textile innovation, and technical garment engineering. Modern bras are designed with advanced fabrics, seamless molding technology, convertible structures, and breathable materials that adapt to different lifestyles. From everyday comfort bras to specialized sports support and elegant lace lingerie, today’s designs balance practicality with beauty. One of the most celebrated traditions in lingerie design comes from France. Parisian lingerie houses are renowned for their meticulous craftsmanship, delicate lacework, and an unwavering dedication to fit and form. These designs emphasize that undergarments should not only support the body—they should celebrate it. Why the Right Bra Matters Wearing a properly fitted bra can be transformative. A well-fitted bra: Equally important is the emotional component. Undergarments worn closest to the body influence how a person feels in their clothing—and in their own skin. Comfort, elegance, and confidence are not luxuries. They are essentials. A Personalized Experience in Brookville For many women, the idea of a bra fitting can feel intimidating. The reality, however, can be quite the opposite when done thoughtfully and professionally. Brookville is fortunate to have a specialized lingerie boutique offering this personalized service. At Maison Alkaaby, professional bra fittings are conducted in an intimate, welcoming environment where the experience is designed to feel comfortable, respectful, and empowering. Rather than focusing on numbers or labels, the goal is simple: helping each woman discover the support and beauty of a bra that truly fits. The boutique carries a carefully curated selection of comfort intimates and refined lingerie inspired by classic European design. Elegant lace, modern silhouettes, and thoughtfully engineered support come together in pieces that are both practical and beautiful. One example is the Norah Chic Plunge Bra by Chantelle, a Parisian lingerie house celebrated for exceptional fit and craftsmanship. Its molded cups create a smooth finish under clothing, while delicate lace overlays maintain a feminine, refined aesthetic. The plunge shape works beautifully with V-necklines and wrap dresses, and the thoughtfully designed back band offers additional smoothing support. Convertible straps with a discreet J-hook allow the bra to transform into a racerback style for versatility and lift. In every piece, elegance and function exist side by side. Maison Alkaaby also carries thoughtfully designed first bras for young women, offering soft, wire-free support that prioritizes comfort and confidence during an important stage of growth. These gentle introductions to lingerie ensure that a first bra experience feels positive, empowering, and special. When the fit is right, everything changes. At Maison Alkaaby, women are invited to experience the quiet luxury of a proper bra fitting—where comfort, beauty, and craftsmanship come together effortlessly, and confidence flows naturally. Because sometimes the most powerful transformations begin with the smallest details. Maison Alkaaby 360 Main Street, Brookville, PA Thursday – Saturday 11am-5pm

The Brookville Civic Club is making waves in the community by partnering with Brookville Fly & Bait to provide the first 100 Voluntary Youth Fishing Licenses for Mentored Youth Fishing Day on Saturday, March 28th.  This initiative encourages kids to get outdoors, experience the joys of fishing, and learn a new skill—all while giving back to local waters. In Pennsylvania, the Voluntary Youth Fishing License is more than just a pass to fish—it plays a crucial role in conservation efforts.  Each license triggers a federal reimbursement that helps fund conservation and protects local waterways.  A Mentored Youth Permit does not provide this same benefit.  By choosing the Voluntary Youth License, families are helping give back to the very waters their children will enjoy. As an added bonus, each youth who receives a free license through this program will be entered into a drawing for a gift certificate to Brookville Fly & Bait.  The drawing will be held on Friday, March 27th at 6:00pm. The Brookville Civic Club is proud to continue its mission of giving back to the community through initiatives like this.  Please note that this partnership applies only to the Voluntary Youth Fishing License obtained at Brookville Fly & Bait (441 Madison Avenue, Brookville, PA) and does not extend to other license types or locations. We encourage families to take advantage of this opportunity and introduce their kids to the joys of fishing.  For more information, visit BrookvilleCivicClub.wordpress.com.  To stay up to date on our events and programs, follow us on Facebook!

Homeowners in the area have the unique opportunity to meet with national-brand factory representatives to learn more about heating, cooling, generators, cleaner air and better water. And they can win prizes! Gary & Sons, Inc. is hosting its Total Home Comfort Show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 7, at the Lakeview Lodge in Treasure Lake, DuBois, and it is free to attend. At the event, there will be tables of information from Gary & Sons experts about plumbing including water tanks, sump pumps, bathrooms and kitchens; home electrical repairs and installations; and heating/cooling services, such as furnace, boiler and A/C repairs or care; and tables with information from factory representatives, including: Representatives from the companies will also be given time to present information in the dining area as visitors have refreshments by Nish Palumbo. The times for each speaker are: But that’s not all. Gary & Sons is offering prizes. All who sign in age 18 and older can be eligible for a free Mitsubishi ductless heating/cooling system (installation included). “We do ask that those who sign in for the giveaway live within 50 miles of DuBois for installation purposes and own the home or have permission of the home owner,” Jake Miller, operations manager at Gary & Sons, said. Other items include: a surge protector and home electrical inspection, a reverse osmosis water filter, a home plumbing inspection with a camera, specialty air filters and a UV light for killing germs in air ducts. With one entry per person, prizes are not transferable and cannot be traded for cash. Also, a customer who makes an appointment for service or estimate will receive a free smoke detector/carbon monoxide alarm while supplies last. Established in Falls Creek in 1978, Gary & Sons is a heating, cooling and indoor-air solutions company, and has expanded its services to include plumbing, electric and water filtration services. “There is always something new to learn as technology changes,” Kurt Walborn, general manager of Gary & Sons, said. “If we are impressed with what is new in the field, we are sure many homeowners would like to see it and know more, too. “Since the area hasn’t had a home show offered in quite a few years, we thought an event was a good way to show what is new in-home comfort and give people a chance to ask questions without feeling any pressure.” Employment information will also be offered. For more information about the event, call Gary & Sons at 814-201-1145. Thank you to our friends at The Courier Express for the article — HERE

The Brookville Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize the incredible history and enduring brotherhood of the 1st Battalion 9th Marines, famously known as “The Walking Dead.” This storied unit of the United States Marine Corps has a legacy defined by extraordinary courage and sacrifice, particularly during their intense service in the Vietnam War and more recent conflicts in the Middle East. The 1/9 Marines earned their nickname due to the high casualty rates they sustained while operating in some of the most dangerous territories. Today, that name serves as a symbol of their resilience and the unbreakable bond between those who served. Their history is not just one of battle, but of a lifelong commitment to one another and to the families of their fallen brothers. For a deeper look into their recent stories, personal tributes to their corpsmen, and detailed accounts of historic operations like Dewey Canyon, we encourage you to read the January 2026 edition of the Loose Cannon newsletter. 2026 National Reunion The legacy of the Walking Dead continues this year as they gather for their National Reunion in Washington, DC, from August 5–9, 2026. This event is a vital time for veterans from all eras—from Vietnam to Desert Storm and beyond—to reconnect, honor the past, and forge a future together. We invite our community to join us in honoring these heroes. Whether you are a veteran or a supporter, let’s ensure the stories of the 1/9 are never forgotten.

At the Chamber, we’re grateful for organizations in our region who quietly and consistently show up for our communities. The Clearfield Jefferson Drug and Alcohol Commission is one of those partners, and their Winter Prevention Newsletter is a great example of the work they’re doing behind the scenes to support individuals, families, schools, and workplaces across our area. Inside this issue, you’ll find thoughtful information, prevention efforts, and resources designed to meet people where they are — whether you’re a parent, an employer, an educator, or simply someone who cares about the health and well-being of our community. It’s the kind of resource you may not realize you need until you take a few minutes to read it. We encourage you to slow down, scroll through the newsletter below, and share it with someone who might benefit. Awareness, education, and connection all start with conversations, and this is a meaningful place to begin.

This holiday season, Brookville’s Main Street will offer something new for shoppers and visitors: a pair of collaborative holiday window displays designed to celebrate the creativity, variety, and heart of the town’s small businesses. Nostalgia on Main, located at 197 Main Street, is creating two themed windows titled “A Brookville Holiday – Together on Main.” Each display will feature items contributed by multiple small business retailers, all working together to spotlight what Brookville has to offer. “Small businesses have a bigger impact when we work together,” said Tracy Metherd, owner of Nostalgia on Main. “These windows are a way to show people just how much talent, charm, and variety our local shops bring to the community.” The two displays will debut on Black Friday, November 28, just in time for the start of the holiday shopping season. One window will be styled as a classic ladies’ dressing room, while the second will evoke a festive parlor decked out for a holiday celebration. Every item on display will be labeled so visitors know which Brookville shop it represents. The goal of the project is simple. Encourage more people to visit downtown Brookville, explore local shops, and discover the unique gifts and experiences available right here on Main Street. With clothing boutiques, home décor stores, antique shops, bakeries, cafés, and specialty retailers all participating, the windows offer a visual tour of the small businesses that help make Brookville special. “We want people to see that you don’t have to drive to a mall or a big-box store to find great holiday gifts,” Metherd said. “Brookville has so much to offer, and when you shop local, you’re supporting your neighbors and helping keep our downtown vibrant.” The public is invited to stop by, view the windows beginning Black Friday, and explore the participating businesses throughout the holiday season. For more information, contact Tracy Metherd at NostalgiaOnMainVintage@gmail.com and follow Nostalgia On Main on facebook to see the items that have already started filling the space.