Naturally, stories focusing on neighbors and friends are well-read every year – including these five that were among the most-read stories on timesobserver.com over the past 12 months.

Warren native Elise Brown has taken her passion for theater from the small-town stage to the national spotlight.

Her journey, which began at the Struthers Library Theater in 2008, has led her to a role as the assistant company manager for the Hadestown national tour. Brown’s love for theater was sparked at 10 years old when she operated the spotlight under the guidance of Barb Crowley

“At 10 years old, she was already mature and persevered. She was always the one who was going to get herself back there,” Crowley said. “It is really amazing. I am so happy for Elise and so proud that she continued to follow her passion.”

Pictured is Bough and Bend Owner Kate Fenstermacher with flowers in her store.

Through her junior and high school years, Brown played an increasingly significant role in stage productions, solidifying her dedication to the craft over the next eight years. Upon graduating, she pursued her passion academically, enrolling at Point Park University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in theater production in 2020.

While at Point Park, Brown played a role in the construction and opening of the university’s brand-new theater. Her commitment extended beyond the academic year, as she returned home each spring break to work on the annual All County Musicals, designing and installing the lighting for productions managed by Jennifer Check.

Brown’s contributions to the All-County Musicals were transformative, according to Jennifer Check, who worked with Brown for years on musicals.

“Elise always came through, often rearranging her plans to help with lighting, projections, or technical support. Her expertise elevated every production, and I couldn’t have done it without her.” Beyond the shows, Elise inspired students, showing how theater creates lifelong connections. “She’s become a dear friend, and her character, knowledge, and love for the arts are unmatched,” Check said. “She built a strong foundation here, but her drive and work ethic made her exceptional.”

Brown has faced unexpected hurdles when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Losing her first job before it even began, she returned to Warren to complete her senior year remotely. She took a job as a COVID screener at Warren General Hospital while considering her next steps. Recognizing the long-term impact of the pandemic on the theater industry, she chose to further her education at New York University’s master’s program in theater management.

Photo submitted to the Times Observer Elise Brown, former Warren resident, is currently on tour as the assistant company manager with Hadestown 2nd National Tour with RCI Theatricals, Inc.

Brown balanced her studies with work, completing her first year of the master’s program remotely while continuing her role as a COVID screener. In August 2021, she relocated to New York City to finish her degree in person while simultaneously working as a COVID screener for performers and management on several top Broadway productions. In May 2022, she officially earned her master’s degree, ready to embark on the next chapter of her career.

Her first post-graduate role was with RWS Entertainment, where she managed nearly 200 performers aboard Holland America cruise lines. After two years, she transitioned to a new challenge, joining RCI as the assistant company manager for the Hadestown national tour. In August 2024, Elise returned to New York City to finalize preparations for the tour, which officially launched in September 2024.

The tour, spanning 32 states and Mexico, will feature over 150 performances of the Tony Award-winning musical. For Warren locals eager to see her hard work in action, the closest tour stop will be in Akron, Ohio, on Saturday for two performances. Brown is arranging a bus trip for community members to attend the afternoon show, bringing a piece of Broadway magic to those who have supported her journey from the very beginning. There are still seats available by calling Brown at 814-688-4720.

“Knowing that I came from a small town and have been able to pursue my passion is truly fulfilling,” Brown said. When asked what advice she’d give to young theater enthusiasts in Warren dreaming of a professional career, she encouraged them to stay determined. “Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t. It’s hard to get your foot in the door, but once you do, it’s all worth it,” Brown said.

JUSTICE GREENE RUNS BACK TO COLLEGE

Judge Todd Woodin has served the community for decades. As a lifetime resident who has held the elected seat of Magisterial District Judge for District 37-4-01 since 2016, Woodin continues to enjoy Warren County and the work he has done and is doing. Pictured are Eric (son), Todd Woodin, and Elizabeth Feronti (wife) standing in Elias National Park, Alaska.

It’s not uncommon for people to run as a way to raise money for college. But Justice Greene’s charitable run was a little bit different – and it attracted a lot of attention from Times Observer readers. The Penn State Behrend senior chose to run the 62 miles from Warren to Erie while raising money for the Stephen SIller Tunnels to Towers Foundation, starting a GoFundMe and setting a fundraising goal of $5,000. The non-profit Tunnels to Towers Foundation was set up as a legacy to Brooklyn Squad 1 firefighter Stephen Gerard SIller, who gave his life in service to others during the Twin Towers attacks in New York CIty on Sept. 11, 2001.

Since 9/11, Tunnels to Towers has been helping provide mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially-adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. They are committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to Never Forget September 11, 2001.

“I chose this cause because I come from a family with a history in law enforcement and I have always had a deep respect for those who risk their lives to protect others,” Greene said. “I am inspired by the courage and selflessness of the people Tunnel to Towers serves. This 100K will be a true test of my limits and I want every mile to count toward something bigger than myself.”

Although he says no future is set in stone Greene has a rock solid next step in place following college. Having already enlisted in the United States Army Greene will leave after graduation for basic training in Missouri. His Advanced Individual Training (AIT) will center around Intelligence Analysis.

“I want to explore the world while in the Army,” Greene said. Beyond the Army? “I want to be where the winds take me. I’d rather risk it all chasing my dreams than never having tried.” The whole point of me doing the run is to show people you can do things you didn’t know you can do. If you want to achieve something you can do it.” Greene completed the run in 14 hours 58 minutes, roughly two hours under what he thought it would be.

Photo submitted to the Times Observer Johnson in a Point Park performance of "Boo's Halloween House Party" in October 2024.

THEATER TRIPLE THREAT

The story of another of Warren County’s college students and star of the local stage resonated with readers this year.

Logan Johnson, a junior at Point Park University, is making strides in the theatre world, proving himself as a triple threat in singing, acting, and dancing. Johnson, the son of Larry and Shelly Johnson, grew up in Warren alongside his sister Sydney, a high school senior who is actively involved in local theatre productions.

For nine years, Logan was a dedicated competitive swimmer with the YMCA. As the demands of both swimming and theatre increased, he ultimately chose to focus on performing arts. His journey in theatre was influenced by several mentors, including Andrew Pollack, who encouraged him both at LEC and to join the ARTE program with Sue Spencer, another early inspiration. He also credits Jen Check and Eric Morelli for significantly impacting his experience and passion for theatre.

Logan’s dedication to his craft extends beyond the stage. He trained in dance at Molly Dies Dance Express and continues to refine his skills with early morning ballet classes twice a week-an extension of his first-year routine, when he had ballet at 8 a.m. every day. His rigorous training and commitment to all aspects of performance have earned him a leading role in Point Park University’s upcoming production of Legally Blonde, running April 9-13 at the PNC Theatre in Pittsburgh.

The production will be staged at the PNC Theatre, part of the state-of-the-art Pittsburgh Playhouse, which underwent a major renovation in 2018. As one of Point Park University’s premier performance venues, the Playhouse provides students with professional-level opportunities to refine their craft. Logan said he is thrilled to take on this role, bringing Warner to life with his signature charisma and stage presence.

Over the years, Logan has performed in several productions, with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Mamma Mia, and Newsies standing out as his favorites. He chose to attend Point Park University for its intimate, small-school atmosphere in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. Beyond his coursework, Logan is an active member of the Bridges Theatre Company, a student-run organization where he has gained experience in co-marketing, social media, and film editing-skills he also enjoys as a hobby. When he’s not immersed in theatre, he takes time to explore Pittsburgh’s vibrant restaurant scene, discovering new favorites throughout the city.

“The Warren community gave me such an appreciation for hard work,” said Johnson, “I had so many strong role models including my parents, teachers, and coaches who all have a lot of passion.”

A NEW ROLE ON THE BENCH

Earlier this year the Times Observer profiled Todd Woodin, a Magisterial District Court Judge who was elected in November to the Court of Common Pleas. But what is truly fascinating about Woodin is what the judge does when he’s not hearing cases in court.

Woodin is a lifelong Warren County resident and Eisenhower High School graduate who attended Pennsylvania State University and graduated in 1993. As a history major at PSU, Woodin completed most of his credits early and had a minimum schedule during his final semester.

Woodin graduated from Widener University School of Law Harrisburg in 1996 and, upon passing the bar, began general practice with a local attorney in Warren, eventually opening his solo practice. Woodin’s practice included family law, estate, and civil litigation, later focusing heavily on criminal defense work. Woodin said he particularly enjoyed the extensive trial work that included everything from DUI to burglary to homicide.

“I think it was around 2007 when I became the public defender for Forest County,” he said. “I stayed in that position until my election year for magisterial district judge in 2015.”

In addition to running a private practice as the public defender in Forest County, Woodin also served as the Mental Health Review Officer for the 37th Judicial District for several years until his election. A frequent professional opponent during Woodin’s tenure as a defense attorney was then Warren County Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Feronti.

“We had a lot of trials together for a number of years, and I like to say I kicked her butt in most of them, but I’m sure it wasn’t quite as successful as I remember it. In any event, one thing led to another , and we got married in 2010.”

The couple was blessed with a son, Eric, in 2012. Throughout the 2000s and into the 2010s, Woodin hand-built his dream home, a reconstructed barn timber-frame home featuring beam work hand-hewn by Woodin.

“Everything in the house, roof to flooring to doors, 30 of them, are built from trees I cut, skidded, sawed out, dried, and were milled by me. I did it, like everything else, the hard way. But living in a house I built with my own hands is a pretty satisfying feeling,” Woodin said.

In addition to enjoying boating on the Kinzua Reservoir, hunting, and camping, Woodin recently returned from the trip of a lifetime with his family to Alaska, his 50th state.

The Woodins also enjoyed traveling to Italy, Germany, and other European stops. The most interesting hobby, however, has to be his partnership with his lifelong friend in a land speed racing team, “Team Urgently.” Racing at the Bonneville Salt Flats in a highly modified 1989 Camaro, Woodin ran the car to a top speed of 210 MPH in 2021 in an assault on the class record. In 2022, the team raced at Loring, Maine, in a standing mile-and-a-half event and won 2 records at 202+ and 203+ MPH.

“Those records got both my partner and I into the much desired ‘200-Mile-Per Hour Club’ together with the coveted hat that comes with such an achievement. Cool,” Woodin said.

“Summing it up, it’s been an interesting life to this point,” said Woodin.

FALLING IN LOVE WITH WARREN

Meet Your Neighbor Monday, a recurring feature that began earlier this year in the Times Observer, has been a popular addition to our pages. Among the stories that was widely read this year was that of Kate Fenstermacher, owner of Bough and Bend Floral.

A graduate of Sheffield High School, Fenstermacher told the Times Observer she never expected to plant her adult life back in her hometown. But after living across the U.S. and even a stint in Europe, she found her way home – and fell in love with Warren all over again.

“I didn’t think that I would land permanently back in my hometown as an adult, but I’m so glad I did! I have such a deep appreciation for Warren and grow to love it more each day,” she says.

Fenstermacher is the owner of Bough and Bend Floral, a thoughtfully curated flower and gift shop located in downtown Warren. Opening its doors in October 2024, the shop is the realization of a long-held dream. With a background in art and environmental science from Chatham University, Fenstermacher spent years exploring different creative paths until she found her true medium: floral design.

“I’ve always been a creative person. I love working with my hands and connecting people with nature, and those two passions came together in floral design,” she explains.

Before stepping into business ownership, Kate spent eight years as a recreation technician with the U.S. Forest Service based out of the Bradford Ranger Station, where she continues to serve the public and promote the appreciation of local natural resources.

Outside of her business, Kate enjoys spending time with her husband, Dan, and their dog, Scout. The trio enjoys walks, birding, and soaking in nature together. Kate also loves crafting with friends, thrifting, and expressing her personality through fashion – most of her wardrobe is thrifted.

Kate serves on the board of the Crary Art Gallery, a role she describes as both a joy and a learning experience. Her involvement reflects a continued commitment to enriching Warren’s cultural landscape.