Both on my sons were born in Florida, and as they neared school age my wife and I decided that we wanted to move back North. Both my wife and I were born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia and considered moving back to the area. My father, years ago moved from the Philadelphia area to the town of Meyersdale in Southwestern Pennsylvania and we visited him on several occasions. We found we liked the area and we decided that we would move into the area.

Now let me tell you, the only claim to fame that Meyersdale offers is the annual Maple Festival. My brother, when hearing the idea thought we had bumped our head and got stuck on stupid. He joked that we were moving into an area where snow was measured in feet not inches. My wife, the city girl suffered from culture shock. That first year she was homesick and would have moved back to Philadelphia in a heart beat.

This little town is well off the beaten path. There are no chain restaurants, one gas station, and one stoplight. The closest thing to a fast food restaurant is a Sheetz. It is not immune to the problems associated with cities. We still have the crime, the drugs, and our share of social disorder that can be found in any city; but not nearly as rampant as within the city. In order to have a “good” job you must either work for the state or commute, since good jobs within town are few and far between. So, you may ask, if it has so many drawbacks, why move there?

To me, the answer is simple; this community has a heartbeat. When we first moved here, we were strangers in a new community and people were placed on their guard. As we became active in the community the town embraced us. There is not a finer place to raise our children. You do not have to concern yourself about the kids playing in the neighborhood; there are many eyes watching them. Everybody knows the kids and the parents associated with them; they have our back. The kids play together, goes to school together, and strong friendships are formed. On the weekend, we usually have a yard full of kids and may have as many as five additional children spending the night.

Our school district is housed in one complex, with children of all ages, from five to eighteen being brought up together. The community will back any and all sports programs and about anything that will benefit the community. When tragedy strikes, the community as a whole feels the blow; and then embraces the victims and survivors as only a small town can do.

Yes, we could have moved to the city and had all the conveniences that a city has to offer. However, I relish the peace of mind that my children are safe within their school, having many people beside myself looking out for their best interest. Now, several years later, I feel certain that you could not pry my wife away from this area. She has grown to love it as much as I and has given her heart in soul to maintain its heartbeat.