07/24/2025
Go Joe 28 Charity Bike Ride Visits Snyder & Union Counties
By Kay Poeth
Joe Snedeker, popular WNEP meteorologist and local icon, pedaled through Snyder and Union Counties on Tuesday, July 22. The Go Joe 28 fundraising bike ride, benefits the St. Joseph’s Center in Scranton. And, the enthusiastic crowds at stops along the way generously supported the cause.
According to my eyes and ears and handlebar mustache winner at the Selinsgrove stop, Edna Cravitz, there was a good crowd at the Selinsgrove Commons on Tuesday afternoon awaiting the arrival of the popular Joe Snedeker. The crowd instantly became energized as soon as Joe rode in on his bike.
The theme “Stache for Cash” involved mustaches and many of the supporters had real mustaches while others were adorned with a variety of fake ones, including kids. Prizes were awarded for different mustaches, and the newest member of the Selinsgrove police force, Officer Miller, won the best mustache award. All winners received a huge “medal” and a $50 ticket book from Knoebel’s.
One of the highlights was when WNEP reporter Jack Culkin delighted the crowd by picking up Joe and spinning him around until Joe became dizzy. Another humorous moment was when Joe scooped up a huge spoonful of natural honey, locally made by a fan, and then playfully “fed” it to Jack to cure his hoarse voice. It helped!
Joe graciously chatted with people, took pictures with them, and spent time talking with several people with special needs. Joe’s visit was filled with laughter, applause, and “Go Joe” chants. Selinsgrove Police sponsored the pizza and water for sale, and all the proceeds went to Joe’s charity, Saint Joseph’s Center in Scranton. The Selinsgrove borough manager, treasurer, and office staff were in attendance and handed out free mustaches. And a big “Go Joe” to all those who generously donated to the charity!
Joe Snedeker arrived at the Snyder County Courthouse to a rousing round of applause. The Courthouse staff raised funds for Go Joe 28 by hosting a Pet Photo Contest in the amount of $1,057. The Wellness Committee playfully donned their mustaches and posed for a photo with Joe. Deputy Kate Reid from the Snyder County Sheriff’s Office was interviewed during the visit.
Dez Ewig presented donations from Lozier and the McClure Veterans Memorial Pool. “I was really excited that Go Joe was coming to this end of Snyder County. It is a really great that he does this charity bike every year for St. Joseph’s Center.”
Many individuals and businesses supported the cause with generous donations. Valerie Hollenbach was thrilled to see Joe Snedeker in person and to actually meet him. So, the office crew of The Snyder & Union County Times presented him with a check on behalf of our free weekly distribution newspaper.
Shake Your Buns & Do the Twist, one of the food trucks at the Go Joe Welcome event presented Joe with two plates of pretzels appropriately stating “Go Joe.” Their mission is “to make a difference in the lives of those who have fallen into calamity, one twist at a time.” Every purchase supports that mission.
There was a festive atmosphere in the courtyard as people milled around, getting lunch at one of the food trucks, chatting with neighbors, and excited that Go Joe visited the area. Snyder County royalty attended the event as Beaver Community Fair Queen Maura Aurand greeted attendees and the Guest of Honor. Joe posed for photos, talked with the many fans who greeted him, and was as charismatic and engaging as he is on television.
After many photos, Joe headed to Middleswarth Chips. He was presented with a generous donation and of course, several cases of potato chips. If you can’t have a pierogi, then munch on a handful of delicious Middleswarth chips!
A lively crew greeted Go Joe chanting “New Berlin, New Berlin” at Plum Street Park. The picnic pavilion was decorated with posters, black mustaches that floated in the air, and ballons decorated with fun mustache designs. This year’s theme, ‘Stache for Cash,” had many supporters joining in the fun by sporting their staches. There was an array of mustaches including fluorescent pink, long handlebars, and even one shaped from a woman’s long hair. The New Berlin Quick Response vehicle served as wonderful backdrop. Borough Council President Meghan Shambach arranged the gathering of fans.
As captivating as always, Joe zeroed in on the kids. The youngsters were given instructions by Joe on how to pop open their WNEP frisbees that also double as fans. He even demonstrated how they fly by flinging his frisbee into the crowd. Joe discussed bikes with some young bicycle enthusiasts, signed autographs, and chatted with his fans. Dairy Miss Ambassador and Lil’ Dairy Miss offered Joe bottles of milk to quench his thirst.
Mayor Scott Benfer had issued a challenge to the townspeople of New Berlin that if they raised $500, he would shave off his stash and his Santa Claus-like beard. Well, the residents more than met that challenge. So, out came the razor and the beard quickly disappeared, much to the delight of the crowd and especially the mayor’s wife! All in fun and support of Go Joe and St. Joseph Center.
Saint Joseph’s Center is rooted in the core values of care, concern, compassion and commitment. Saint Joseph’s humbly serves people who are diagnosed with intellectual disabilities. The Center strives to provide individuals who have special needs the opportunity to develop their abilities and potential to the fullest extent possible. St. Joseph’s Center has been a recognized leader in providing quality care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
If you missed Go Joe, donations are still being accepted. Make checks payable to: St. Joseph’s Center, with “Go Joe 28” in the memo line. Mail checks to 2010 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.
Caption:
Joe Snedeker, Channel 16 meteorologist, visited our area during his Go Joe 28 Charity Bike Ride to benefit St. Joseph’s Center in Scranton. He shown here with members of the Snyder County Courthouse Wellness Committee and Beaver Community Fair Queen Maura Aurand.
Shake Your Buns & Do the Twist, one of the food trucks at the Go Joe Welcome event, made two plates of pretzels appropriately stating “Go Joe.” Their mission is “to make a difference in the lives of those who have fallen into calamity, one twist at a time.”
Valerie Hollenbach was thrilled to see Joe Snedeker in person and to actually meet him. So, the office crew of The Snyder & Union County Times presented him with a check on behalf of our free weekly distribution newspaper.
Joe Snedeker headed to Middleswarth Chips where he was presented with a generous donation and of course, several cases of potato chips. If you can’t have a pierogi, then munch on a handful of delicious Middleswarth chips!
Mayor Scott Benfer had issued a challenge to the townspeople of New Berlin that if they raised $500, he would shave off his stash and his Santa Claus-like beard. Well, the residents more than met that challenge. So, out came the razor and his beard quickly disappeared, much to the delight of the crowd and especially the mayor’s wife!
