New director at Etna Community Organization demonstrates commitment to the borough
Mar. 5—Armed with a passion for her small river town and a desire for its revitalization, Megan Tunon has taken the lead at the Etna Community Organization.
A seven-year resident of the borough who also serves on council, Tunon hopes to advance projects of the Etna EcoDistrict and expand on the nonprofit ECO's relationship with neighboring communities.
"I want to be a conduit for residents to bring their ideas to life," Tunon said.
The Etna EcoDistrict, along with those in Sharpsburg and Millvale, form the Triboro EcoDistrict, a collaboration to spur progress in the areas of water, air quality, mobility, energy, food and social equity.
Earlier this year, the groups were awarded a $250,000 Hillman Foundation grant to support projects like the Etna EcoPark at the corner of Grant and Wilson streets as well as plans for a shared community library between the three boroughs.
The EcoPark will include rain garden plants, furniture, a permeable walkway, educational signs, an herb garden and a little pantry to provide food staples.
Plans are still underway for the shared library space.
In her ECO role, Tunon takes the place of former executive director Alexis Boytim, who accepted a job at Powdermill Nature Reserve.
"During her two years as director, Alexis brought our community together with her hard work, positive energy and commitment to social equity," Tunon said. "Clearly, she leaves some big shoes to fill."
Borough Manager Mary Ellen Ramage believes Tunon is up to the task.
"Megan's commitment to the community as a newcomer is outstanding," Ramage said. "While raising two young boys, dedicating so much time to the community through her work in establishing the ECO and our EcoDistrict and serving on Etna council is incredible."
Community engagement spurred by the EcoDistrict has resulted in many people "coming to the table to roll up their sleeves and pitch in to make Etna a better place to live, work and play," Ramage said.
She cited unprecedented interest in two recent council vacancies, as well as the borough's new human relations commission.
"Historically, it has been a challenge to find people to serve," she said.
Tunon said her priorities are to bring growth, sustainability and equity to the borough, and she delves into projects that support her efforts.
From the newly approved non-discrimination ordinance that declares residents and visitors free from bias to the Pine Creek Connector Trail, a bike-ped connection from Kiwanis Park in Shaler to the Etna Riverfront Park, Tunon is working behind the scenes to boost the borough's profile.
She has served as ECO's lead fundraiser; leader of the Etna Community Library project; and the lead organizer behind the "Dinners for Neighbors" program, which addresses food and economic insecurity in the borough during the covid-19 pandemic.
This week, she joined Ramage for a presentation on innovative practices for sustainable communities hosted by the Hixon Center for Urban Ecology. Tunon also ceremoniously opened the second Urban Walking Trail, which follows turquoise signs through town to the various sustainable pieces of infrastructure.
The project was funded by the PA Department of Environmental Protection through an Environmental Education grant.
"I'm looking forward to the day when the community can gather again and work towards a brighter future together," Tunon said.
Tawnya Panizzi is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tawnya at 412-782-2121 x1512, tpanizzi@triblive.com or via Twitter .
