Dream it. See it. Do it.
July 2012

In Focus: Christopher Hayes, Dyhard Recording Studio

A tenant for the past two years, Christopher Hayes of Dyhard Recording Studio brings big talent and experience to the area. A music lover since youth, Chris inherited equipment from an uncle, a former DJ, and started mixing his own sound. Among others, he’s opened for artists like Busta Rhymes and Wu Tang Clan, worked in LA with mentor Chris Taylor, and even hung with Stevie J. But he doesn’t only work with big names–Chris hopes more local artists will look him up at the Factory.

 

Friends,

Planting our feet in two communities is so enjoyable as we get to experience the flavor of two very different cultures. But one thing in Williamsport that can’t be beat is America’s favorite game, with fun activities between innings, ballpark food and drink, and fireworks all for under $10! We’ve taken some out-of-town guests to see the Crosscutters (the local Class A Minor League baseball team) on several occasions and they all loved it.

In fact, you can see the fireworks from the Historic Bowman Field from the roof of our building. When our rooftop restaurant/bar opens, it’ll be perfect for this!

Other fun summer activities we love are trips to the streams and swimming holes as well as the local hiking and biking trails. We welcome visitors anytime for a ball game, a refreshing dip, or just to see what’s new! If you’re unable to swing through this summer, keep an eye to our non-profit Center for Creativity fundraiser in late September (see details below). Hope to see you sometime this summer!

– Mark and Susie Winkelman

Partnership with Pennsdale Country Store

The Pajama Factory has entered into a partnership with Tom Springman and the Pennsdale Country Store, a fourth-generation business started in 1905, known throughout the region for fresh, cured, and processed meats. Many of his wonderful delicacies are sold at his country store and at the local Wegmans grocery store. Tom will be booking and managing special events in The Clearstory at the Pajama Factory.

An elegant and unique setting for any special occasion, The Clearstory can comfortably seat more than 300 guests. With its high ceilings, exposed steel trusses, hardwood floors and a 130-foot-long clearstory of windows, the space is truly unmatched in the area. The venue pairs delicious menus, including down-home fare provided by Country Store catering, with a stunning space that’s already being booked for weddings, parties, and other events. If you’d like more information about booking an event at The Clearstory, call Tom Springman at 570.279.2989.

Hold the Date - CFC Fundraiser

Planning is underway for a fundraiser to benefit the non-profit Center for Creativity. The event is planned for September 29th from 6-9 pm, featuring dinner catered by Pennsdale Country Store, a silent auction of art from Pajama Factory artists, and many other goodies.

Local friends, please mark your calendars, and perhaps out-of-town friends can plan a visit to Williamsport for this worthwhile cause. Stay tuned to our website and Facebook for more information as it develops.

New Staff at the Pajama Factory

Recently, the staff at the Pajama Factory has undergone some changes and there have been some heartfelt goodbyes. We say farewell to the Pajama Diva Jen Rixey, who has been with us for over 2 years and is now pursuing a new career in real estate. We wish her all the best in her new venture. Another farewell goes to part-time bookkeeper Susan Lower, who accepted a full-time position that allows her to work from home and spend more time with her three children.

These two vacancies have given us a chance to restructure management into four new positions, including Facilities Manager, Construction Manager Tenant Liaison and Office Manager. We’re pleased to introduce the following new Pajama Factory employees.

  • Facilities Manager: Matt Dempsey will be overseeing maintenance and cleaning. He is also responsible for on-site security.
  • Construction Manager: Mark Stabley, longtime tenant who holds a degree in architecture from Penn College, will assist with upcoming construction projects and share security duties with Matt.
  • Tenant Liaison: Barb Andreassen is now the go-to person for all of our tenants. She will give tours to interested parties, welcome new tenants, and facilitate the creative growth within the Factory.
  • Office Manager: We’re still interviewing candidates for this position. In the meantime, we’ve hired part-time book keeper Lisa Hall to help with office work.
  • We will also be looking to fill a Brand Management position – someone who will manage all communications and relationships outside of the building in our local community and beyond. Let us know if you know anyone who might be interested in this exciting position.

Congratulations and welcome to our new staff. We look forward their many expert contributions!

Welcome, (More!) New Tenants

As always, we are happy to welcome new tenants to the building. Over the last months, new faces include April Line, freelance writer, editor, and blogger; Erik Guthrie of Erik’s Edibles & the White Knight’s Gameroom; Tom O’Connell, recently from San Diego, California, who has moved his software development company to the Factory; and Trey Wilson & Max Holleran, are moving in equipment & supplies to start a silk-screening business. Welcome, all.

Love is in the Air (And at the Pajama Factory!)

We’ve had a wonderful season of weddings at the Pajama Factory, with five weddings already this spring and ten more planned for the summer and early fall. Our charming red-brick courtyard is often the scene for cocktails and sometimes even the ceremony itself, and our event space, The Clearstory, provides a beautiful venue for the reception. It’s been fun catching glimpses of the celebrations: the bride and groom posing for pictures on the gazebo, the cutting of the cake, the pleasant clinking and chatter of guests as they enjoy the courtyard, and, of course, the occasional fire performance.

The festivities help promote our creative oasis and introduce new visitors to the Pajama Factory’s charms. They’ve been especially beneficial to Tanya’s, the bridal and formal wear store here. Outfitting many of the bridal parties, her business has tripled since moving here a little over a year ago.

In Closing

Growth is impossible without change. As we change and expand, we thank you for all of the support–inspirational, emotional, financial–and look forward to a successful fundraiser for the non-profit Center for Creativity in September. The arts are thriving in Williamsport, and we are proud to be apart of it!

Happy summer to you all.

– Mark and Susie Winkelman