Jeff Falk

Jeff Falk is a seasoned journalist based in Lebanon, PA. He's a graduate of Cedar Crest High School, Penn State University, and a lifelong resident of Lebanon, born and raised. Currently, he is a feature writer for Engle Publishing in Lancaster, the editor of LebCoSports.com, sports director at WLBR 1270, a contributor to TheBurg, a former photographer and writer for Go Local magazine, a correspondent for The Lebanon Daily News, and a freelancer for LebTown. Formerly, he was a sportswriter at The Lebanon Daily News, the publisher of LebanonSportsBuzz.com, a writer for Harrisburg magazine, a news and sports correspondent for Lancaster Newspapers, a contributor to OnThePulse News, and a freelancer for The Hummelstown Sun. Jeff is married to Lori Messersmith-Falk, he's the father of three grown children, and he enjoys traveling, reading, theater, movies, music, sports, and history.

People & Places

Sharon Zook’s on a mission to revitalize the South Sixth St. playground

by Jeff Falk December 29, 2020December 29, 2020 5 min read

$6,500. That’s how much is still needed to completely refurbish the outdoor basketball court at the South Sixth St. playground, at the northeast corner of Elm St. in the city.

People & Places

After taking a break this year, Bologna Fest will return in 2022 better than ever

by Jeff Falk December 17, 2020October 24, 2023 6 min read

Last month, the Lebanon Bologna Fest and Winter Carnival was cancelled due to the pandemic. But the Lebanon Rotary Club recently vowed to continue staging it after the pandemic relents, hopefully in 2022.

History

At the turn of the century, Valley Glen Park was the place to see and be seen

by Jeff Falk December 16, 2020December 16, 2020 6 min read

It was called ‘Valley Glen Park’, and it was one of Lebanon County’s only and earliest amusement parks. What is not known about it shrouds it in mystery, legend, and lore.

Community Shoutouts

By localizing It, Bonnie Loy has taken Wreaths Across America to the next level

by Jeff Falk December 10, 2020December 10, 2020 5 min read

Inadvertently, Bonnie Loy’s actions have produced another great local Christmas story.

Sports

Lebanon native Chris Shaw records 1,000th harness racing win

by Jeff Falk December 9, 2020July 13, 2023 4 min read

Lebanon native Chris Shaw recently recorded his 1,000 career victory in the sport of harness racing.

Upcoming Events

Scott Church’s Legacy Show celebrates photography as an art form

by Jeff Falk December 3, 2020December 3, 2020 5 min read

Of all the photos he’s taken, of all the people he’s helped, of all the causes he’s gotten behind over the last 30 years, none represents who the local photographer is as a human being better than Scott Church’s Legacy Show 14.

Education

Annville students return to ‘Greystone,’ much like they have over last century

by Jeff Falk November 30, 2020November 30, 2020 4 min read

The old ‘Greystone’ has served the Annville-Cleona school district well for many years. Now, following a bit of a scare, it appears the building will continue to do so well into the future.

People & Places

Jackie Parker wants what’s best for adopted hometown of Lebanon

by Jeff Falk November 19, 2020November 19, 2020 5 min read

Being mayor of Lebanon doesn’t define Jackie Parker, it doesn’t make her who she is. But it was a special time in her life, one that profoundly affected her big picture.

Business & Nonprofits

At Franz’s Tavern, come for the food, stay for the atmosphere

by Jeff Falk November 18, 2020November 18, 2020 6 min read

Franz’s Travern isn’t a fancy place, but it is a lively place. That fact reflects the goal of the owners to keep it true to the nature of the traditional tavern.

Business & Nonprofits

Schwalm’s Cleona Restaurant knows way to the heart is through the stomach

by Jeff Falk November 12, 2020July 12, 2023 4 min read

There are no strangers at Schwalm’s Cleona Restaurant, just extended family members who haven’t been introduced yet.

People & Places

Quittie Creek Nature Park reconnects humans with their natural habitat

by Jeff Falk November 4, 2020November 4, 2020 5 min read

Annville is already a great place to live. Quittie Creek Nature Park simply takes that quality of living up a notch.

Business & Nonprofits

Strickler Insurance provides the type of service that only a family-owned business can

by Jeff Falk October 28, 2020October 28, 2020 5 min read

Patrick Freer has experienced the life of being an entrepreneur and running a family business. The Strickler Insurance president & Snitz Creek Brewery cofounder shares his career path with LebTown.