The Eldred Township supervisors honored two artists during their meeting on June 17, and officially dedicated the keystone.

Keys to the township were presented to Bernadette Sabatini for painting the township’s keystone and to Gary Embich for his work on the township’s Points of Interest.

The Keystone Art Initiative is a statewide art project celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Artists from across the county painted large keystones to recognize the unique aspects of that municipality. Nancy Embich, Gary’s wife, served as the lead coordinator and administrator for the Keystone Art Initiative in Monroe County. All 20 of the municipalities in the county have a keystone to represent them.

Before presenting the keys, Supervisor Susan McGinty read a statement on behalf of the supervisors.

“We begin with the Pledge of Allegiance, which is a symbol of unity, patriotism and the enduring values of the United States,” McGinty said. “The Pledge of Allegiance was originally written in 1892 for the World’s Columbian Exposition, which marked the 400-year anniversary of Christopher Columbus arriving in America. This year in 2026, our country celebrates its 250th birthday.

“Across Pennsylvania, festivals, historical events and concerts have been planned to commemorate the semiquincentennial of the United States. While we celebrate our past, it’s important to recognize our present. Tonight, we will unveil and dedicate Eldred Township’s keystone, designed and painted by Bernadette Sabatini.”

McGinty said that Sabatini has an art studio in her home in Northampton County, and works with a variety of mediums painting portraits, still-life’s and landscapes.

“Tonight, we will present Bernadette with a key to Eldred Township to thank her for telling the story of the history of Eldred Township,” McGinty said.

“Thank you very much,” added Supervisor Scott Clark, chairman.

The keystone was lifted onto a display easel, and the audience applauded. One woman said, “Oh, wow, that’s beautiful.”

In an interview, Sabatini said she researched the history of Eldred Township and wanted the images she selected to look very realistic. She painted them in black and white, and gray, as if from an old newspaper.

“I made images that I thought would represent the township,” she said.

Some of those images include the Old Stone Arch Bridge, a one-room schoolhouse and a steam train. All of it is hand painted, even though it looks like photographs.

Next, McGinty presented a key to artist Gary Embich for his work on Eldred Township’s Points of Interest. He also painted the keystone for Ross Township.

Embich has a studio in his home in Saylorsburg, where he paints wildlife, still life and portraits, and teaches classes on drawing, watercolor and other art skills.

“He’s the official Smokey Bear licensee of the United States Forest Service, having traveled across the nation to all 50 states to accurately portray him in each state,” McGinty said. “Thank you, Gary.”

“We appreciate it,” Clark added.

“I always saw this on TV and never thought I’d get one,” Embich said about the key. “It’s a heavy key.”

In addition to the keys, Monroe County Commissioner David Parker also was at the meeting and presented certificates from the commissioners to Sabatini and each Embich to honor them for their contributions.