On September 10, 2020, John Zaktansky spoke at the Taber Museum on the topic of Anecdotes to Antidotes: How the Susquehanna River continues to heal our region and why we need to return the favor.”
Zaktansky is the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper and Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association Executive Director -- taking over in mid-February not long before things shut down from COVID-19. In the role, Zaktansky strives to protect and promote the various river-based resources throughout the greater watershed, advocating for clean water while inspiring the next generation of stewards.
Zaktansky grew up on a small family dairy farm and hunting preserve in upper Northumberland County and was active in 4H, numerous school-related sports and Boy Scouts, earning his the rank of Eagle Scout and then giving back via outdoors-centric leadership training programs. Zaktansky joins the Riverkeeper movement after nearly 14 years of working at The Daily Item newspaper in Sunbury, winning numerous state-wide journalism awards for his writing, design work and special projects. He worked previously as a counselor for troubled adolescents at a residential group home and, with his family, helps oversee the youth ministry at the Port Ann Wesleyan Church in Snyder County.
The lecture series resumed after a long hiatus due to the COVID 19 restrictions, and was well attended.