#269 March 2023

2022

Punxsutawney Man and Woman of the Year

Gloria Kerr Selected as Punxsutawney’s Woman of the Year

By Jim Lauffer of Hometown magazine

Native daughter Gloria Kerr is the 2022 Punxsutawney Woman of the Year. The Inner Circle of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club made the announcement at the Annual Groundhog Banquet held at the Punxsutawney Area High School on Wednesday, February 1. Inner Circle mem-

On the cover: Both deeply committed to serving their hometown community, Jeff Grube and Gloria Kerr were named the 2022 Punxsutawney Man and Woman of the Year. The Inner Circle of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club made the announcement at the Annual Groundhog Banquet, held on February 1 at the Punxsutawney Area High School.

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ber Jeff “Fair Weatherman” Lundy presented Gloria with the award. In addition, State Rep. Brian Smith presented her with a House Citation from his office and a Senate Citation from the office of Sen. Joe Pittman. Gloria, who humbly deflects accolades, is the wife of Dale Kerr, whom she regards as her rock and the most important person in her life. “I could not do what I do without him,” she says.

Born and raised in the Punxsutawney area and having lived most of her life in Henderson Township, Gloria is a self-described “ordinary small-town girl” whose commitment to her community is anything but small. She was an educator for 40-plus years in the Punxsutawney Area School District and at

Saint Vincent College. An avid reader and lifelong learner, Gloria earned her doctorate, with an emphasis in multicultural literature, from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1996.

She was encouraged by her son Michael, an electrical engineer who lives in New York with his wife, Cindy, to pursue her PhD almost twenty years after she began her teaching career. Gloria and husband, Dale, have one grandson, also named Michael, who lives and works in finance in Buffalo.

Providing an example for others to follow, Gloria has been a member of the following organizations: the Boles Foundation, the Friends of the Library, the American Association of University Women, the Irving Club, the VFW Auxiliary, and the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society. She is also a writer for Punxsutawney Hometown magazine.

Perhaps, however, the most visible evidence of Gloria’s commitment to community involvement has been as president of the Punxsutawney Garden Club and in the beautification projects that the club has completed in downtown Punxsutawney. The roots of Gloria’s concern for the beauty and health of the environment – both local and global – run deep. “I’ve always had great respect for my outdoor environment,” she says. “When the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, was celebrated nationally, I was already a supporter, often taking a bag to pick up trash along our road when I walked and decrying the litter that careless people throw out car windows along our roads.”

This concern for the environment – including her community’s environment – provides the motivation for Gloria, and others, to become involved in serving the common good. “My personal efforts to ‘keep America beautiful’ and help out in the community where I could just evolved from my early appreciation of the benefits everyone reaps when we each do what we can to serve the greater good,” she says.

For Gloria, the reason for volunteering as a

caretaker of one’s community is, or should be, obvious. “No one wants to live in a dirty, run-down, or unattractive environment,” she says. “We all want to live in safe, storybook neighborhoods. We want the look of fresh paint, colorful flowers, and neat lawns and gardens.” Creating such a community doesn’t just happen. An investment of time and energy must be made.

“But we can only have that kind of environment community-wide if we each do our part,” Gloria continues. “Every single person’s effort matters. Sure, we all have busy lives, but every little bit helps. Do your little bit of good to improve the environment around you.”

As a result of her involvement in Garden Club projects, Gloria has suggestions for improving the local environment. “At the top of my wishlist for improving Punxsutawney’s downtown area is the sidewalks,

- Continued on page 5

Dale and Gloria Kerr. (submitted photo by Peterson Studio Wilcox, PA)

Gloria Kerr kneeling on the Brick Memorial Garden along Mahoning St. that honors donors who contributed to Garden Club’s replacement of main street trees in 2017. (Hometown photo)

Jeff Grube Recognized as Punxsutawney Man of the Year

By Jim Lauffer of Hometown magazine

It seems only fitting that on Groundhog Day Eve, Jeff “Sky Painter” Grube, one of Phil’s own, was honored as the 2022 Punxsutawney Man of the Year. The Inner Circle of the Punxsutawney Groundhog

also presented him with a House Citation from his office and a Senate Citation from the office of Sen. Joe Pittman.

Jeff’s name now joins that of his father, Robert, on the long list of men of the year who invested their time and energy in the Punxsutawney community.

Club – of which he is treasurer – made the announcement at the Annual Groundhog Banquet held at the Punxsutawney Area High School on February 1. State Rep. Brian Smith – the 2021 Man of the Year –presented the award to Jeff. The legislator

Jeff is a lifelong resident of Punxsutawney. He and his wife, Ruth, are the proud parents of Michael (and wife, Courtney) and Melissa (and husband, Kyle Means) and grandparents of Mackenzie, Samantha and Benjamin. Jeff readily acknowledges Ruth’s involvement in the community and her support of his various endeavors. Jeff has served his community for decades in many organizations. As a member and Chairman of Punxsutawney Hospital Board, he was active in developing the hospital and its West Wing fundraiser and addition. A Rotarian since 1990, he served as president, updated the multiphasic screening program, and provides the site, labor, and equipment for Rotary auctions. He served as a founding member of the Punxsutawney Community Center Board, worked on the restoration of the landmark Jordan’s clock downtown, and has been a coach for Little League baseball and youth soccer league. As treasurer of the Inner Circle, he was instrumental in raising funds for the new Gobbler’s Knob Visitor Center.

After graduating from Carnegie Mellon University, this electrical engineer returned to Punxsutawney to work for and eventually become president of the family business, BFG Manufacturing Services. Under his

- Continued on page 8

Rise

At the Annual Groundhog Banquet, held on February 1 at the Punxsutawney Area High School, the Inner Circle of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club announced that Jeff Grube is the 2022 Punxsutawney Man of the Year. Jeff’s myriad of civic endeavors are supported by his family (from left): daughter, Melissa Grube Means (married to Kyle Means); wife, Ruth Grube; Jeff himself; and son, Michael Grube (married to Courtney Grube). (submitted photo)

As a member, and the treasurer, of the Inner Circle of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, Jeff "Sky Painter" Grube's autograph is a hot commodity! (submitted photo)

Gloria Kerr

particularly along Mahoning Street,” she says. “The Garden Club has sponsored downtown clean-ups and Weeding Wednesdays to spruce up the downtown area, but those efforts are compromised by the many sections of the downtown sidewalks that are cracked, broken, uneven, or even missing. Weeds spring up profusely in the cracks in the most deplorable sections.”

Gloria points out that the sidewalk situation illustrates the fact that improving the community requires not only the efforts of individuals, groups, and businesses, but also involvement of the local government. “I’ve heard that business owners are responsible for the sidewalks in front of their establishments. That makes sense for sweeping and clearing snow, but that’s not a practical ordinance, if it’s one at all, for constructing sidewalks,” she says. “How can 30 or 40 different businesses create a uniform sidewalk? We don’t ask businesses to be respon-

says Gloria. “When we travel to other places or talk to out-of-town agents on the phone, and someone asks us where we’re from, almost invariably those hearing of our hometown will say, ‘Oh, yes, the groundhog Punxsutawney Phil,’ and we’re happy to help spread the word of his greatness – or, at least, the great fun it is to celebrate him.”

Personally, Gloria finds continual inspiration and encouragement from one of her favorite literary and historical figures, Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862). “From the time I discovered his book Walden: Life in the Woods, first published in 1854,” she says, “I have admired this man, definitely an idealist and non-conformist, and his philosophy.”

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sible for repairing the street in front of their business. The poor sidewalks are an issue for the borough, not individuals.”

Gloria adds that “I did see in the February 8 Spirit that the Borough Council is discussing sidewalk improvement again. I hope they find funds to do the job.”

Whether proposing new sidewalks or planting new gardens, Gloria sees a source of inspiration and strength in her community – a source that most communities would covet. “Punxsutawney’s greatest strength is having Punxsutawney Phil to unite us all. He’s totally non-political and the Groundhog Club Inner Circle makes sure he stays that way,” she says. “Phil, his legend, and our annual celebration of his prognosticating prowess are known world-wide.”

The presence of the Seer of Seers provides a solid foundation for community spirit, which feeds community pride, which motivates community involvement. “He gives everyone from Punxsutawney a common source of pride and a solid communal bond,”

Gloria finds a kindred spirit in the 19th-century writer. “Thoreau believed that a good life was one lived simply and with a focus on living in harmony with nature,” she says, explaining that Walden “is based on his twoyear stay in a small cabin he built at Walden Pond near Concord, Massachusetts, on land owned by his friend Ralph Waldo Emerson.”

Gloria summarizes why Thoreau inspires her. “I’m inspired by the emphasis he puts on individuality, simplicity, self-reliance, and humility, qualities sometimes difficult to cultivate in our complicated, high-tech ‘flat world.’” Ever the teacher, she explains that “flat world” is the name that New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman created “for our global society with no borders anymore.”

Thoreau’s writing style in Walden is epigrammatic, and readers of the book find many quotable quotes between its covers. Gloria’s favorite among the many is this: “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or faraway.”

Congratulations to Woman of the Year Gloria Kerr, who marches to the measured drum beat of community care and involvement.

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2023 Garden Club officers are president Kim Wittenburg, vice president Suzy Meyer, secretary Gloria Kerr, treasurer Debby Elder, corresponding secretary Dotty Jekielek (submitted photo)

(l. to r.) Gloria and Dale Kerr’s son Mike, daughter-in-law Cindy, grandson Michael. Mike encouraged his mom to pursue her doctoral degree twenty years into her teaching career. (submitted photo)

‘I Eat a Sugared Donut with Dad’

By Mary Ellen Pollock-Raneri for Hometown magazine

Strolling through downtown Punxsutawney was such a delight when I was a kid. It was the best entertainment around. Plus, it was free and it was almost the only entertainment for me!

I remember a couple five-and-ten-cent stores, drug stores, Paul Beatty Jewelers, Montgomery Wards, J.C. Penney, the Smart Shop, and Hungers. Cars cruised up and down the main drag and horns blew – especially on a Friday night. At Christmastime, the colorful lights hung zigzagged across that street, and we crunched through the snow as we finished our shopping. On a warm summer night, kids lingered on the corner by Murphy’s, and you could hear some of the Top 40 tunes drift out of open car windows. Yes!

and Harry’s for the best pastries around?

How could we ever forget those brownies, donuts, or the fish special?

Now, don’t get me wrong. I remember occasionally having a burger there after school with my mom. Sometimes, we got a tuna salad sandwich. My girlfriend and I used to stop in for a pop and some conversation about school – just a little break after strolling about the stores and buying nothing. Our family used to go on Fridays for the fish special. You know – that thick and flaky, delicious piece of fried fish with fries. I always got applesauce instead of coleslaw. But, for some reason, my memory always drifts to the visits that Dad and I made to McKenzie’s when I was a little girl. I can still see the counter with the stools, and the waitresses, and Ruth and Harry. And their sugared donuts. So, years later, after his death, I eat a sugared donut with dad – a memory I captured in the following prose poem:

My hands are so small

As I hold his big hand, and we meander down Main Street

And stroll past the old Five and Ten Cent Store

G.C. Murphy’s

With the big picture windows and the glass bins of candy.

I can see lots of people inside

And outside too

That street was the hub of so much activity. Best of all, I loved Ruth and Harry’s restaurant: Mackenzie’s. We all went there – to their first location near the end of the block, and later to the second place, just down the street, a wee bit closer to the epicenter of town. It was simply the place where (like on Cheers) everybody knew your name. What would a night downtown be like without a stop and a snack at Ruth

The hustle and bustle with everyone shopping and saying “Hello.” And I think of my father.

Yes, the thoughts of my dad whiz past in my memory one after another like the young people who cruise in their cars on the only street that runs through our town.

- Continued on page 8

Ruth (to Harry’s left) and Harry (with bow tie) look into the camera at their beloved restaurant. (photo courtesy of the family of Ruth and Harry)

“Dad and Me” – an original graphite sketch by Mary Ellen Pollock-Raneri

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Jeff Grube

Continued from page 4

leadership, the business has expanded its size and is a major employer in the area.

Jeff served on the Punxsutawney Planning and Zoning Commission as secretary and treasurer for 24 years and served on the Jefferson County Economic Development Council. He is also a trustee and the secretary of the Weber Trust.

Jeff’s commitment to his hometown community is simply stated, yet profound in its day-to-day expression: “My personal commitment is to try and build a better place to live, for my family, the people I work with at BFG, and myself.”

This commitment – easier said than fulfilled – was inspired by an individual, by a group’s motto, and by members of that group. “My father Bob Grube was very active in community organizations, and I learned by watching him,” Jeff says before adding, “When I joined Rotary, the group of people in the club lived the motto “Service Above Self.” I found that appealing, I embraced that outlook and am proud to associate with the Rotary group.”

Jeff continues: “In that light I would also mention Bill Cooper, Rusty Johnston, and Richard Mowrey; they each have the service to community approach. The admiration I had for their work led me to accept offers to join groups they were involved with.”

Jeff regards the atmosphere as, perhaps, his community’s greatest attribute. “Punxsutawney has a welcoming Midwestern friendly feel,” he says. “The Groundhog Day celebration has exposed that feel to the world. The people who come here see it, love it, and return to get more.”

The local feel or vibe can always be enhanced by the completion of community projects, and Jeff has a personal wishlist of such projects: “A campground on Mahoning Creek, near the rails to trails for visitors. An expansion of city waterlines to allow for new development in Punxsutawney – both businesses and a new housing development. A local private equity group to help our startup businesses to grow and thrive.”

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A Memory

Continued from page 6

Horn toots and tire squeals

Neighbors and friends wave and shout and He strolls beside me

I look up at him and then downward

To make sure our feet are in unison

Cause we pretend to march like soldiers we laugh

And talk

And sing funny songs

Together

And we cross the street to The only restaurant in town Ruth and Harry’s.

Looking for a seat at the long lunch counter With the best sugared donuts, you could imagine.

My dad laughs as he orders one for me and one for him.

He sips his cup of coffee that Abby, our favorite waitress, slides in front of him.

Dad reaches in his pocket to grab some change to tip Abby

While other waitresses in white uniforms with black aprons

Scurry back and forth behind the counter

Amidst the clanking of the dishes and the clinking of the glasses

The big black bow on the back of Ruth’s apron looks like butterfly wings

As she flutters everywhere.

But Harry just washes the dishes and lifts the heavy racks of water glasses.

I am so small.

I can hardly reach the countertop

My feet dangle from the red-covered chrome stool

“What did you do at school today, ol’ buddy?” Daddy always asks.

And tell him about spelling and reading and the school bus and not eating my lunch that Mom packed.

“Do you think you will pass and go to the next grade?” Daddy always teases me.

I giggle and hug him so hard

When he asks me if the rain will hurt the rhubarb.

He is my buddy and I remember him

Always smiling

Always drawing me some pictures on a napkin

With a pencil he keeps in his shirt pocket while we sit there and munch our sugared donuts.

Not only is Jeff’s example of community service inspirational, but his words also have the power to encourage others, both younger and older, to join the effort to preserve and enrich their hometown. “You will meet many people and make many friends working together in civic activities,” he says. “You can learn leadership skills. Rotary in particular is a learning ground for civic leadership with a yearly rotating leader group and many activities to hone your skills on.”

Jeff emphasizes that the act of doing something – as opposed to doing nothing –cannot be overstated. “Getting involved is a positive action. You will be working on some of the things we all know our town needs,” he says. “Our town runs on the actions of volunteers, the borough council, the school board, our firefighters, our children’s sports, the community center and on and on.”

“We need you to help build and run our community,” he concludes.

”I cannot imagine life without civic involvement today,” Jeff adds. “Each activity led to another and new experiences and friends. My life has been much richer because of them.” •

I always stay close by him so, I don’t get lost

I am always afraid of losing him. Happy that we are together

Happy to hold his hand.

Happy that he is my father.

It’s funny how biting into a treat

It’s funny how the clink of a dish

It’s funny how the scratching of a pencil on a slip of paper

It’s funny how a simple photograph

Reminds you of times from long ago. Those special moments that didn’t seem so special back then.

Just ordinary things

That will never be ordinary again.

But I can still walk down that street with him

Past the 5&10 cent store

As we giggle and pretend to march in a parade

While I hold his hand so tightly

Very tight so I don’t lose him

I can’t lose him.

I can still sit on the chrome stool by him

At the long, busy lunch counter

At the only restaurant on main street

No

I won’t lose him

All I have to do is close my eyes and Dream, you see.

And, even years after his death

I still eat a sugared donut with dad.

Don and Phil Jordan: Brothers Who Joined to Serve

By Marty Armstrong for Hometown magazine

(Author’s note: Having Jordans in my family tree, I months ago decided to seek some other surname for this article about “J” siblings in service. In my own family tree, I had one Jordan uncle and several non-Jordan uncles who served plus a few more Jordan cousins, not brothers, several steps removed farther out on the branches. Better, I thought, to see what could be found by researching a different source of local servicepersons’ names. The path that led, ultimately, to Don and Phil Jordan follows.)

It seemed that Circle Hill Cemetery would produce an abundance of World War II veterans’ names. FindAGrave.org currently shows a total of 8,661 memorials (grave sites) in the combined Circle Hill and former Fairview and Greenwood Cemeteries and the American Legion Memorial Plot for veterans. This impressive site in Bell Township is off Route 36 just south of Punxsutawney. Typically, users of the free FindAGrave website, owned by Ancestry.com®, search for specific names of ancestors they suspect are located within by using the website’s search box. If a full name is not known, one can enter just a surname; the result will include those born with that surname, including married women. This is very helpful when broadly researching who’s who on a family tree. Results include full names, birth

and death dates, and family connections, if known. Clicking on a single individual sometimes leads to full obituaries and quantities of photographs contributed by families or volunteer researchers.

Finding a surname to research requires a different approach. Entering “J” in the surname search box brings up in alphabetical order all memorials at Circle Hill beginning with “J” (274). Of those, a surprising number (57) were Jordans, only three less than can be found in the much smaller Olive Cemetery with 825 memorials in nearby Oliveburg where one would expect to see many Jordan memorials. In scrolling through the names, two recognizable Punxsutawney businessmen’s names popped out.

Donald R. and Phil M. Jordan were the only two sons of Joe Johns Jordan and Jeannette Mallory Jordan; the family lived in Punxsutawney on North Jefferson Street where Joe and his brother, Paul, worked with their father in the Jordan Funeral Home. Both sons of Joe and Jeannette joined the service during WWII, served overseas, and came home to live and work in Punxsutawney.

The older brother, Don, graduated from Punxsutawney High School in 1939. While a student in the General Curriculum, he participated in the Athletic Association and the Aviation Club. His 1941 draft registration reveals a young, six-foot-tall man with brown hair and blue eyes, employed then by

Donald Robert Jordan (1920-2000), son of Joe Johns Jordan and Jeannette Mallory Jordan, served in the U.S. Army during WWII in the 834th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion. (1939 Punxsutawney High School “Mirror” photograph from the Yearbook collection of the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society)

his father as an apprentice. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 1943 and served overseas from January 1945 to March 1946 in the 834th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion. In 1940 he had been married to the former Charlotte Gourley who predeceased him in 1973. They had one daughter, JoAnn, named partially, one suspects, for her paternal grandfather. Don later married the former Ann Lanzendorfer who died in 2018.

Phil, the younger son, graduated in 1944 from Punxsutawney High School where he pursued the Industrial Arts program and participated in the Athletic Association. His post-war draft card describes another young, six-foot-tall man with a ruddy complexion, brown hair, and hazel eyes. In May 1944, Phil enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After training, he served overseas in the Pacific Theatre of Operations as a Gunners Mate 3C aboard the destroyer, U.S.S. Hobby, which operated in the South Pacific in the areas of the Philippine and Formosa islands in concert with U.S. Naval aircraft carriers. He was married to the former Helen Crawford in 1945 when on a brief furlough. They had one son, John Paul (1948-2009) who also

Phil Mallory Jordan (1926-2007), son of Joe Johns Jordan and Jeannette Mallory Jordan, served in the U.S. Navy during WWII on the destroyer, U.S.S. Hobby. (1944 Military photograph from the WWII clipping files of the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society)

served in the military. Phil and Helen died in 2007 and 2020, respectively. They are all interred at Circle Hill Cemetery.

Interestingly, a newspaper clipping from June 1946 states that the brothers had joined together to open up a business, the Jordan Sport Shop, located in the Park Building on East Mahoning Street in the area where the Civic Center is now located. Don continued with this business for many years. Additionally, he served as a Jefferson County Communication dispatcher and, later, Punxsutawney Borough Police dispatcher. He was a life member of Central Fire Company (to which his father, Joe, belonged and which his grandfather, Carl, had helped to establish), a member of the First English Lutheran Church, John W. Jenks Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Punxsutawney, Coudersport Consistory, and Jaffa Shrine of Altoona. Meanwhile, Phil is described in his obituary as having had a decades-long career, which included 25 years in banking at Punxsutawney National Bank and 15 years in finance. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

- Continued on page 13

Herbert

D. Roosevelt 32nd President 1933-1945

Harry

Dwight

John F. Kennedy 35th President 1961-1963

Lyndon

M. Nixon 37th President 1969-1974

R. Ford

President

The House at Pooh Corner

By A. A. Milne

‘People Want To Do the Right Thing’

March is Red Cross Month

By Danielle Merrow for Hometown magazine

Every two seconds, someone needs blood. Read that again, please. In the time it took you to read those two sentences, several Americans have been in need of a blood transfusion. And only about 3 percent of eligible Americans actually donate (redcross.org).

Karen Sistek, Account Manager in Donor Recruitment for Jefferson, Clarion, Clearfield, and Indiana counties, says in her seven years of working in her position, she has been fortunate to get to know the regular donors in her territories – many of whom began donating during wartimes of Vietnam, Korea, and Iraq as a way to assist in efforts overseas.

Many donors are also veterans. However, many of those donors are aging out of being able to donate, or are on medications that prevent them from being eligible.

“We are always looking to encourage everyone of all ages to donate,” says Sistek. “Those in their mid-to-late 20s and 30s are in the busy season of their lives and sometimes don’t have the time to donate, but it only takes an hour and does so much good.”

She goes on to explain: “This is why we try to get new donors started as soon as they are eligible, and we bring the drives to them –to high schools and universities.”

Sistek likens her job to that of a party planner – getting the venues, times, sponsors, volunteers and supplies coordinated before she steps back and lets the magic happen.

March is Red Cross month – the month the organization pushes for donations in order to supply blood banks through the slow donation months of the summer. This is the time the Red Cross pushes to initiate new donors by setting up drives at schools, colleges, and places where young people gather, in hopes of avoiding a shortage during the summer months when people have busier schedules and less time to donate – and also when blood is in higher demand.

In January 2022, the United States experienced its first-ever blood crisis. Thanks to national coverage, the blood supply was restored by spring, but consistent donorship is vital to keeping blood banks stocked.

Sistek says, “Last year, people responded well to the coverage of the shortage. People showed up – there was no shortage in the summer, and we had a steady stream of donors. You can donate every 56 days, and that’s what helps keep the blood on the shelves when it’s needed.”

A single car accident victim can require up to 100 units of blood.

She says winter is hard on the blood supply: “Blood drives get canceled due to weather. There are more car accidents, more people are sick.” And demand is greater than supply.

Type O negative is the universal blood type. The importance of O negative donations cannot be overstated. Type O positive is also super important to donate. All blood gets used.

“During Covid, people were donating a lot more; there was nowhere else to go, so many people donated as often as they could (every 56 days),” she says. “There was a fear of there not being enough blood. And people came out last spring. People don’t donate as frequently in the summer.”

She continues: “There can be a multitude of reasons for a shortage, but we rebounded. And I believe this is because people are

- Continued on next page

More Facts About Blood Donation

n Each year, an estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate blood.

n 13.6 million units of whole blood and red blood cells are collected in the U.S. in a year.

n About 45% of people in the U.S. have Group O (positive or negative) blood; the proportion is higher among Hispanics (57%) and African Americans (51%).

n Type O negative red cells can be given to patients of all blood types. Because only 7% of people in the U.S. are type O negative, it’s always in great demand and often in short supply.

n Type AB plasma can be transfused to patients of all blood types. Since only 4% of people in the U.S. have type AB blood, this plasma is usually in short supply.

n Red blood cells must be used within 42 days (or less).

n Platelets must be used within just 5 days.

Source: www.redcrossblood.org

(Adapted

‘People Want To’

Continued from previous page

good. I have to believe people are good.”

“Our donors really step up,” Sistek emphasizes.

Outside of blood donations, platelets are also always in demand, but the process for that is more involved and must be done at a specialized location, rather than a mobile blood drive.

“Blood drives are so convenient – more mobile,” says Sistek. “I feel really, really fortunate that people stepped up. It was remarkable. We used car dealerships, gymnasiums, stores [during Covid].”

“The need is constant and I really feel people want to do the right thing,” she continues. “We can plan a blood drive any day, at any time in Indiana county and people will show up. People are just good.”

In Punxsutawney, there are two annual memorial blood drives held at the VFW: one in memory of Kevin Young is held in November at the Mahoning Valley VFW Post 2076 on Maple Avenue, Punxsutawney. The other memorial blood drive is for Joe Rougeux, held in July, at the same location. Both of these drives are expected to continue to be annual events, according to Sistek. For more information on blood supply and blood donation, and how to schedule your donation for the next blood drive near you, go to https://www.redcrossblood.org/donateblood/how-to-donate/how-blood-donationshelp/blood-needs-blood-supply.html.

Blood Donation Schedule

n DuBois Mall: Wed, March 1, 1:30- 6 p.m.

n RSMO Am Red Cross Clarion: Mon., March 6, Wyndham - Ballroom, 12:30-6 p.m.

n Punxsutawney Community: Thur., March 9, Cobblestone Hotel and Suites - Conference Room, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

n Brookville Community: Fri., March 10, Evangelical United Methodist Church, 12-6 p.m.

n Clarion Mall: Tue., March 14, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

n Sykesville Community: Sponsored by Sykesville Civic Improvement Association, Tue, March 14, Town Hall - Social Hall, 12-5:30 p.m.

n Reynoldsville Community: Wed., March 15, American Legion - Social Hall, 12:30-6 p.m.

n DuBois Community: Tue., March 21, DuBois YMCA - Gym, 12:30-6 p.m.

n Curwensville Area High School: Mon, March 27, Curwensville Area High School - Gym, TBA

n Clarion University: Wed., March 29, Gemmell Student Center - Multi Purpose Room, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

n Redbank Valley High School Scholarship

Blood Drive: Fri., March 31, Redbank Valley High School - Gym, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

n RSMO Am Red Cross Clarion: Mon., April 3, Wyndham - Ballroom, 12:30-6 p.m.

n DuBois Community Good Friday Blood Drive: Fri., April 7, Christian and Missionary Alliance Church - Gym,11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

n DuBois Community: Mon., April 10, Parkside Community Center, 1:30-6 p.m.

n Curwensville Community: Mon., April 10, Curwensville United Methodist Church - Social Hall, 12-5:30 p.m.

n Brookville Community: Mon., April 10, Roseville Independent Chapel - Sanctuary, 12-5 p.m.

n Clarion University: Wed., April 12, Gemmell Student Center - Multi Purpose Room, 1:30-6 p.m.

n Punxsutawney Community: Tue., April 18, Punxsutawney VFW, 12-6 p.m.

n New Bethlehem Community: Fri, April 21, New Bethlehem Fire Hall, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

n Clarion Mall: Tue., April 25, 1-5:30 p.m.

n DuBois Community: Tue., April 25, Best Western Conference Center, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Don and Phil Jordan

Continued from page 9

Tracing their family backward a bit, the brothers’ paternal grandfather was Carl C. Jordan, the proprietor of the Jordan Funeral Home on North Jefferson Street, with whom their father, Joe, and uncle, Paul, worked. Don, too, was a licensed funeral director and worked with his father, as noted above, before entering the service.

This group of Jordans is certainly related to many who made their homes in the Oliveburg area, like the tall, handsome farm boy, Wallace, who served with the U.S.Army in the Panama Canal Zone during WWII, as well as those brothers who operated the Jordan Furniture Store in Punxsutawney, one of whom, Josef, commanded the National Guard in Punxsutawney when it was first ac-

tivated in WWII. In addition, there was the outstanding former PHS (Class of 1919) athlete, Lloyd, who went on to letter in multiple sports at the University of Pittsburgh and was in his 40s in the middle of a decadeslong career as college coach, athletic director and future Commissioner of the Southern (football) conference when he enlisted in 1943 as an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Lt. Jordan took charge of the U.S.N.R.’s 1943-46 V-12 program in two of the 131 small colleges partnering with the War Department to fasttrack naval officer training in a wide range of specialized fields. (the Army had a similar program) participants were uniformed, classified as active duty, received military training along with general college coursework and, in the naval program were allowed to participate in college sports. Lloyd’s grown son, Robert Lloyd,

participated in this program, served as a naval officer during the war and was wounded. Finally, coming full circle, Paul, the uncle of Don and Phil, served out of state with the U.S. Army Reserve, later becoming Jefferson County Coroner and Mayor of Punxsutawney.

All of these individuals were direct descendants of Robert Jordan who served during the American Revolution and several had intermediate ancestors who served during the Civil War and WWI. Don and Phil’s father, Joe, served in WWI. The reason this gaggle of servicepersons has been included here is to illustrate the widespread impact the war had on community and family (as do all wars). It also demonstrates that the U.S. had a “whole of country” war effort, in the military, in auxiliary services, in essential industries and in every citizen’s sacrifice. •

Coal Memorial Tiles to Recognize Two Johnson Family Members

By Coal Memorial Committee for Hometown magazine

The Punxsutawney area has been home to many thousands of immigrants who came, found work in the mines, and then moved on to other places. Some of these former residents are easy to trace; for others, it is next to impossible to do so. The difficulties encountered in learning about these transient residents comes about when they arrived after one census and before the next one. This group of residents leaves very few records of having lived in the area. It is the rare chance that they may be found in church records, through a marriage license, an item in a newspaper, or a notice of a death. All of these are difficult to find more than 100 years after the fact. It takes diligent research of all records to piece together the history of the lives of those who were short-term residents of the Punxsutawney area. Another complication to seeking information about

these former residents is the loss of the 1890 Census, leaving a 20-year gap in information about those who arrived and left primarily during the period from1880 through 1900. This was the time period of the Coal Boom in the Punxsutawney area and the highest rate of migration of workers to the area.

Pehr August Johannesson, who emigrated from Sweden, came to America in 1881. There is no record of where he lived and worked until the 1900 Census which shows him living in the Punxsutawney area.

The Randall K. Johnson family, descendants of Pehr August Johannesson have provided information to the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society with a request for memorial tiles to be placed at the Punxsutawney Area Coal Memorial at the 2023 dedication, which will be held on Sunday, September 3.

Pehr August Johannesson left his home in

- Continued on next page

The Swedish Church at Anita, where the Johnson Family would have worshiped during their time at Anita. (photo courtesy of PAHGS)

August P. and Mary Anderson Johnson, seated front, left and right, and their children: (I-r) Ernest, Nimie, Saul, Esther, Ruth, and Fred. (photo courtesy of the Randall Johnson family)

Coal Memorial Tiles

Continued from previous page

Sweden and arrived in the United States of America in 1881 where he began his new life as August P. Johnson. Nineteen years later, he and his family appear in the 1900 Census. They are listed as living in the Anita Precinct, McCalmont Township, in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania. Much of what is known about August P. Johnson’s life experience between 1881 and 1900 is learned from this census record.

* In 1883 August P. Johnson married a young woman, named Mary, who had emigrated from Sweden in 1882.

* Their marriage had lasted for 17 years.

* They were the parents of seven children, six of whom were living in 1900: Saul, 14; Ernest, 12; Nimie, 10; Fred, 8; Ruth, 5; and Esther, 1.

* Both August and his son, Saul, age 14, were listed as mine laborers. This raised a number of questions about Au-

gust P. Johnson’s life. The mines in McCalmont township were not developed until 1890, so where did the Johnson family live prior to 1900?

An online search of Newspapers.com located an obituary for an August P. Johnson who died in 1925 and a Mary Anderson Johnson, who died in 1935, and had been married to A. P. Johnson, who died in 1925. The names of their children were the same. These obituaries revealed that both August and Mary were from Nora, Sweden. They were married at Houtzdale, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, shortly after her arrival in America.

Houtzdale was a rapidly growing town in the 1880s. Coal mines there produced Moshannon coal, famous for its high BTU output and low ash qualities. The BerwindWhite Coal Mining Company had several coal mining operations at that location. When the Berwind-White Coal Company opened their coal mines, West Eureka #1 and #2 at Horatio in Jefferson County in 1886, A.P. Johnson may have been one of the

Berwind-White miners who came to open them. The first coal was shipped from the Horatio mines in 1887.

It is possible that when Berwind-White Coal Company was opening their West Eureka mines # 10, #11, #12, and #13 near Anita in 1889, the Johnson family moved to McCalmont Township to work in the new mines. This would have placed the Johnson family in the Anita area when the 1900 Census was taken. The family continued to live in the McCalmont Township area for another seven years. By this time the first of their children were becoming young adults.

In 1907 the family moved to McKean County. At the time the 1910 Census was taken, August Johnson was reporting his employment as a farmer, who lived with his wife and their four younger children, Nimie, Fred, Ruth, and Esther in Wetmore, McKean, County. Saul Johnson was employed as an engineer at a glass works and was living in a household with his wife, Lulu, daughter Mary, and brother-in-law, Hugh Crossman. Ernest Johnson, was employed as a snapper in a glass factory. He was married. He and his wife, Ebba, were living with her grandparents, Sophia and Gust Lindholm, in Kane. By 1920 the family was thoroughly integrated into the American way of life. The census that year reflects the advancement of the Johnson family. Saul had moved to Youngstown, Ohio, where he was employed. August, Mary, and their youngest daughter, Esther, had moved into the town of Kane. August was working at the Window Glass Factory. Shortly thereafter Esther became ill with what was assumed to be the flu, which turned out to be tuberculosis. She was the second of their children to die.

During the decade between 1920 and 1930

the Johnson family scattered across the United States. Saul, who had left the mines for work as an engineer in a glass factory in McKean County, moved on to become a motorman on a trolley in Youngstown, Ohio. He would retire from work as a Municipal Bus Operator in Youngstown. Ernest and Fred moved to Southern California, where they opened an auto parts business and raised families. In 1923, August’s daughter Nimie died.

In 1925, August passed away. Mary lived until 1935. They left four living children and 15 grandchildren.

The presence of August P. and Saul Johnson as mine workers in the Punxsutawney area is being honored through memorial tiles, which will be placed at the Punxsutawney Area Coal Memorial in September 2023.

This article has been prepared by the Coal Memorial Committee of the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society. Resources used in preparing his article are from PAHGS, Punxsutawney News @ Newspapers.com., and the Library of Congress. Direct comments to PAHGS, P.O. Box 286, Punxsutawney, PA 15767. A dedication for the 2023 memorial tile additions to the Punxsutawney Area Coal Memorial will take place on Sunday, September 3, 2023. Individuals desiring to honor a coal or coal-related industry worker in 2023, are encouraged to purchase their tile by June 30, 2023. A Coal Memorial tile may honor persons who worked in any aspect of the coal industry, including railroads and ancillary services. Additional information and forms may be found online at www.punxsyhistory.org or may be requested by an email to punxsyhistory@outlook.com, or calling (814) 938-2555 and leaving a message

View of the town of Anita, c. 1900. The building on the left is the original Eureka Company Store. Notice the Railroad in the town. (photo courtesy of the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society)

Mizerock Seeks Reelection to District Judgeship Spring Peepers Celebration

fter a successful term as judge of the Southern District of Jefferson County, Judge Jacqueline “Sis” Mizerock is seeking reelection to the office of Magisterial District Judge (54-3-01). During her first term, she displayed passion for the law, furthered her judicial experience, and faithfully served the people of her district.

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Judge Mizerock brings an array of skills and values to the bench, and her well-rounded approach to the law is an asset to Jefferson County. Her impartiality and compassion allow her to apply the law without prejudice, and she is not swayed by political affiliation, personal association, or socioeconomic status. She also understands that an effective judge must possess the courage, humility, and integrity to make decisions that may not be popular. Her judicial record speaks for itself; during her first term,she presided over thousands of cases.

A 58-year resident of Punxsutawney, Judge Mizerock graduated from Duquesne Law School with a Juris Doctor degree and from

Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science/ PreLaw from Indiana University. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in Industrial and Labor Relations and received an International and Comparative Labor Relations Certificate from Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland.

Judge Mizerock began her career with roles as an Assistant District Attorney and Assistant Public Defender. She also worked for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the Office of the Attorney General, and for the Allegheny Court of Common Pleas, Criminal Division, under the tutelage of the Honorable Judge O’Toole. Prior to being elected to her current position, Judge Mizerock spent years in the courtroom working with clients of her private law firm. Upon reelection, she will continue her public service to the community, making Jefferson County a place where people feel safe pursuing their careers and raising their families. Judge Mizerock will cross-file on both the Republican and Democratic ballots in the primary election on May 16, 2023.

Punxsutawney Area Hospital Provides Aid to Celebrants at Gobbler’s Knob

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nother Groundhog Day is in the books!

Punxsutawney Area Hospital assisted with the festivities at Gobbler’s Knob by providing free services for attendees. The famous Seer of Seers draws people from all over the world and PAH was proud to be a part of the international revelry.

having everything we need readily available at the hospital to care for patients. Knowing that we couldn’t take everything made it challenging to predict what we may need to best care for those seeking our services,” stated Beveridge. While a small number of people sought medical care at the event, the Punxsutawney Area Hospital staff members were glad to be there for those in need.

Also in attendance during the morning activities was Jennifer A. Elick, Med/Surg Nurse Manager. As a first-timer to Groundhog Day, Elick said, “Experiencing Groundhog Day at the Knob has always been a bucket list item for me. When the opportunity presented itself to combine this exciting experience with representing PAH nursing, I jumped at the chance!”

Punxsutawney Area Hospital provided a Medical Aid Station for the 2023 Groundhog Day festivities at Gobbler’s Knob. Members of the PAH staff who braved the cold February morning were (from left): Jennifer McCunn, Med/Surg Assistant Nurse Manager; Jennifer Elick, Med/Surg Nurse Manager; and Dr. Bryan Dempsey, Director of the Emergency Department – who were joined by members of the Juvenile Characteristics, Jason Sample and Jason Hummell, performers on the Gobbler’s Knob stage. (submitted photo)

Deanna Beveridge, Nurse Educator and Disaster Preparedness Officer at PAH, was responsible for organizing the effort for the 2023 celebration. The largest challenge in preparing for this event was determining what supplies and equipment PAH was going to take to Gobbler’s Knob. “We are used to

According to Elick, the climb to Gobbler’s Knob proved a challenge for a few folks with pre-existing medical conditions who decided to walk instead of using the bus service, but attendees mainly had issues related to the cold temperatures.

“I am really proud of PAH’s continued dedication to providing high quality health care services to the Punxsutawney community. The Medical Aid station at the Knob exemplifies PAH’s investment in the health and well-being of every person whether here for a day or a lifetime,” added Elick.

Spring Peepers Celebration

with the emergence of the Big Run peepers.

For many years, until his death in November 2012, John London had recorded the early peeps of the tiny frogs in the center of his beloved hometown. His ceremonial recording of the moment to announce spring was not widely known, not until 1993, anyway, when London’s particular way of weaving a story caught the attention of a reporter for an area newspaper. That printed story eventually went nationwide over the wires of The Associated Press.

London began keeping a record of the first “peeps” of the year in March 1972. In Big Run, as with many small towns, residents’ lives were interwoven with nature and weather by the experiences of hunting, fishing and trapping.

By the end of March or early April, those who awaited the sounds and sights of the Big Run “peeper” will have made their report, and the story from the swamp in central Big Run will have been recorded. The most celebrated legend of Big Run will have had its day in the spring sun.

By S. Thomas Curry of Hometown magazine

Hometown Community Happenings

rom the staff of Hometown magazine and the Community Calendar at Punxsutawney.com, here is a list of events coming up in our area:

n Hometown Super Football Contest

Winner: In a thrilling game that was decided by a field goal in the final minute, the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles by the score of 38-35 in Super Bowl LVII. Angel Hritz of Punxsutawney predicted that 58 total points would be scored in the game. Her prediction was the closest to the 73 tallied by the two teams, which makes her the 2023 winner of the Hometown Super Football Contest. Angel plans to redeem her certificate at Ted’s Meat Market. Congratulations to Angel and thanks to all Hometown readers who participated in this season’s football contest.

n Spring Literacy Programs’ registration opens at Punx’y Memorial Library. Register in person at the library for these free programs.: Tweens & Teens (7th to 12th grades) Mondays at 5 p.m.; Wee-Read! (18 months to 35 months) Tuesdays at 11 a.m.; Pre-K Rocks! (3 years to 5 years) Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m.; It’s Elementary 1 (K to 3rd grade) Wednesdays at 4 p.m.; and It’s Elementary 2 (4th to 6th grades) Wednesdays at 5 p.m.

n The Salvation Army is offering its Club 3:16. This is an on-going program and children must be registered. Call 938-5530 or contact the Salvation Army on-line. The Salvation Army & First United Methodist Church are offering “Wild – a ministry for teenagers,” from 5 to 7 p.m. Sundays, at the Salvation Army. Call 938-5530 for information.

n Feb. 25: Bowdish Birthday Bash & New Exhibits, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Jefferson County History Center, Brookville. Bowdish model railroad & miniatures show, noon to 3 p.m. The history center can be reached at 849-0077.

n March 3: Member Benefits, Pesticide Applicators & Safety Training Session, 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at Jefferson Co. Conservation District Office, Brookville. Hosted by Jefferson County Farm Bureau and Nationwide. Please make a reservation by email to eblakecooper@yahoo.com or call (814) 541-7664.

n March 3 & 4: Grange’s Helping Hands free clothing, Friday, noon to 4 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Grange Church of God.

n March 3, 10, 17, & 24: Paws for Reading, 3:45 p.m., at Punx’y Memorial Library, all ages welcome.

n March 4, 8, 18, & 22: Book donations accepted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Punx’y Memorial Library. Limit 2 boxes or bags per person.

n March 4 & 5: Windy Weekend, 11 a.m. to

3 p.m., at Punx’y Weather Discovery Center. Call 938-1000 or email info@weatherdiscovery.org.

n March 4: SSCD Sportsmen’s Raffle, 6 to 10 p.m., tickets $30. Benefits SSCD School.

n March 6, 13, 20, & 27: Adult Coloring Club, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., at Punx’y Memorial Library. Bring your own supplies or borrow some from the library.

n March 7 & 28: Book Sale room books are free at Punx’y Memorial Library. No donation needed.

n March 9: Blood Drive, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Cobblestone Hotel & Suites, benefits American Red Cross.

n March 9: Catastrophic Book Club, 5:30 p.m., at Punx’y Memorial Library. This month’s book is The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton. Call the library to reserve a copy.

n March 11: Free Admission Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Punx’y Weather Discovery Center.

n March 10 & 11: Punxsutawney Theatre Arts Guild presents “The House at Pooh Corner” at the Presbyterian Church. Friday, 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, 2 p.m.

n March 11: 3rd Annual Spring Craft & Vendor Show, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Redbank Valley Municipal Park, Fairmount City.

n March 11: Bundles of Blessings Free Clothing Ministry, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the parsonage next to Solid Rock Community Church, at 102 Church St., Big Run. Donations accepted by pre-arrangement only.

n March 11: Food Sale, 6 p.m., at Rossiter American Legion. Doors open at 5 p.m. Fundraiser for American Legion Post 62, Punx’y.

n March 12: Daylight Savings Time begins, set clocks ahead one hour.

n March 12: All You Can Eat breakfast, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Perry Township Vol. Fire Co. fire hall. Adults, $8.

n March 12: American Heartsaver BLS, AED, & CPR Class, 9 a.m., at Big Run Vol. Fire Co. $30 for BLS, AED, & CPR; $50 for First Aid & CPR. Register before March 8, see Borough of Big Run Facebook page for RSVP information.

n March 14: Blood Drive, noon to 5:30 p.m., at Sykesville Town Hall, benefits American Red Cross.

n March 15: Blood Drive, 12:30 to 6 p.m., at Reynoldsville American Legion, benefits American Red Cross.

n March 17: St. Patrick’s Day. Wear some green!

n March 17: Fish dinner, 4 p.m., at Rossiter Vol. Fire Co., benefits the fire company.

- Continued on page 22

BREAKFAST Mondays from 9:30 - 11 am

March 6: Pancakes & Sausage

March 13: Colcannon & Eggs

March 20: Blueberry Pancakes & Sausage

March 27: French Toast & Sausage

SHARE A SMILE DAY, MARCH 1

What Puts a Smile on YOUR Face?

BINGO - Tuesday at 11 am

DIME BINGO - Fridays

FITNESS CLASS Wed. at 11 am with Fitness Instructor Carole

SEWING CLASS with Marlene

Monday, March 6 at 11 am

CHAIR YOGA with Jeril

Thursday, March 9 at 10:30 am

SPRING CRAFTS - 12:30 pm on Mon., March 27 and Wed. March 29

FUN EVENTS

March 6: National Oreo Day (Share some with us!)

March 7: Bingo 11 am/Plinko at 12:30

March 13: Pick a Lucky Shamrock from our tree!

March 15: “Hunt For the Pot of Gold!” 12:30 pm

March 22: Farkle at 12:30 pm

BINGO WITH KIM FROM EMBASSY AT HILLSDALE

Thursday, March 2 at 12:30 pm

PI DAY! (Chicken Pot Pie Lunch)

Monday, March 14 at Noon

Only $3.50 (Reservations by March 9th!)

SPRING HAT DAY

Monday, March 20

NUTRITION EDUCATION

Tues., March 21 at Noon

"Cut Down on Added Sugars”

1ST ANNUAL CHILI COOK OFF

Thursday, March 23 at 11 am

Sign up by the 16th to enter!

Judging done by Chef Cliff Klinger & participant taste testers. Prizes for the winners!

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING

Thursday, March 23 at 11 am

HYMN SING WITH KAY

Thursday, March 30 at 11 am

Lois Maxine Dinger of Stafford, Virginia formerly of Punxsutawney

June 12, 1943 - January 19, 2023

Lois was a treasured wife, a beloved mother, and a much-loved Mama to eleven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She enjoyed listening to sermons and gospel music, cooking, and spending time with friends and family. She unselfishly put others’ needs before her own. Lois was immensely proud of her family. Words cannot express how much she is loved and will be deeply missed by her family.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Gussie (Shick) Shaffer; sister, Barbetta (Murray) Wolfe; and her brothers, Williams (Ethel) Shaffer and Howard (Lois) Shaffe.

She is survived by her husband of fiftynine years, Robert Dinger; her sisters, Ramona (late husband, Willard) Bussard, and Karen (late husband, Donald) Pierce; her son, Robert, (Jennifer) Dinger Jr.; her daughters, Cheryl Adams, Christine, (Rickey) Olson, Shelby (Kenneth) Meckley, and Sonya (Cisco) Manthey.

She will be fondly remembered by her grandchildren, Wyatt, Tessa, Brittany, Brad, Hali, Dillon, Alexa, Kenny, Monica, Hunter, and Blake; and her great-grandchildren, Kylie, Kasen, Raylin, Eli, and Parker. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. (www.deeleyfuneralhome.com)

Linda J. Allenbaugh of Punxsutawney

January 12, 1947 - January 23, 2023

Linda was a member of the First Church of God. She graduated from Punxsutawney Area High School in 1964. She was a licensed Pennsylvania Notary and worked at FEMCO for 40 years before her retirement. Linda loved dogs, the Steelers, and her family.

She is survived by two nephews, CJ Montgomery and Jason (Hannah) Montgomery; two great-nephews, Dean and Max Montgomery; and a brother, Doug Allenbaugh.

She was preceded in death by her parents, David and Mona (Redding) Allenbaugh,

and a sister, Debby Montgomery. McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

Helen L. McCully

June 29, 1940 - January 26, 2023.

Helen is survived by her children, Jodi, Colin, Jill, Michael, and Shawn; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and siblings, Edith Bolton, Grace Hunter, Nell Fulmer, Howard Snyder, and Frank Snyder.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Delphin and Lena (Pentz) Snyder, and husband, Torrence McCully.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

Robin Edward Smith of Valier

July 19, 1960 - January 29, 2023

Robin recently retired from Newville Construction where he was a heavy equipment operator. He loved his job and work family. He was an avid outdoorsman; he loved to fish and spend time at his camp in Wolf’s Den with his grandson, Acetyn. He also enjoyed hunting at the family farm, digging for ginseng, and reading. Most of all, Robin enjoyed going to the casino with his wife, Lonnie.

He is survived by his parents, Robert Smith and Violet Smith; wife, Lonnie (Swartz); four daughters, Heather (Dustin), Julie (Doug), Morgan (Cody), and Charli (Tyler); three grandchildren, Lindee and Molly Reed, and Acetyn Friend; two brothers, Clifford W. Smith (Heather) and Shawn A. Smith; a sister, Beth (Chuck) Edwards; and a brother and sister-in-law, David Swartz and Jennifer Morrison. He also had a very special bond with his mother and father-in-law, Bugsy and Jean Swartz; and his best friend, Jim Shuster. Additionally, Robin is survived by many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly and who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Dougie Smith and Greg Smith, and his stepmother, Leora Mae Smith.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com) u

Robert L. Grassel of Punxsutawney

November 27, 1958 - January 30, 2023

Bob was a peacetime veteran serving with the United States Army. He was a lifelong truck driver before retiring in July of 2022. Bob enjoyed golfing and shooting guns. He is survived by his wife, Herminia (Enriquez) Grassel; three brothers and two sisters, Roy (Anna) Grassel, Raymond (Rowena) C. McDonald, Rena Boadway, Karen (Dwane) Reeves, David (Kelly) McDonald; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Gloria (Donnelly) Grassel, and two brothers, Ron McDonald and Ricky McDonald.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

John Michael Koromaus of De Lancey

October 8, 1939 - February 1, 2023

John graduated from Punxsutawney High School with the class of 1957 and worked for Jefferson Grocery throughout his career. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1962 to 1968.

John was a longtime member of Saints Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church in Punxsutawney; he was also a member of the Men’s Club organized by the church. He was a member of the Punxsutawney Eagles Club and The Walston Club. John loved football, both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Pitt Panthers. John admired the simplicity and quietness of spending time around his “burn barrel”; it was one of his favorite spots. John was a caring person who never passed judgment on others and “went to great lengths to mind his own business.”

To quote John’s favorite TV detective, Perry Mason, “A toast to the things for which there are no substitutes: good friends, happy days … and … victory.” To quote John’s grandson, Max, “No Papa, not Perry Mason again!”

In addition to his wife, Elaine Pluchinsky, John is survived by two sons, David (Sharon) Koromaus and Marc (Richelle “Shelly”) Koromaus; four grandchildren, Sydney, Logan, Max, and Lukas; three siblings, Elizabeth (Frank) Mozina, Theodore

(Jeanne) Koromaus, and Helen (Doug “Charlie”) Morris; and fourteen nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Joseph and Helen (Rosman) Koromaus, he was preceded in passing by one brother, Joseph M. Koromaus.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Saints Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church or to L.I.S.A.’s Ladybug Patient Care Fund by visiting www.lisaladybugs.org.

Fait – d’Argy Funeral Home (www.dargyfh.com)

u

Lance John Walker of Punxsutawney

July 21, 1951 - February 5, 2023

Lance graduated from Punxsutawney High School with the class of 1970. He was a selfemployed carpenter running his business for over thirty years. Lance spent the last thirty years of his life with his fiancée, Patricia “Pat” Elbel, who survives him.

Lance loved the outdoors and the beauty of nature; he was an avid hunter and fly fisherman. He especially liked spending time at “Frank’s Cabin” with his family. He enjoyed playing golf and took every opportunity he could to do so. He lived a lot of places in his life, but Punxsutawney was one of the closest to his heart; he loved the community and spending time at Punxsy Phil’s.

In addition to Pat, Lance is survived by two stepchildren, George (Sarah) Elbel and Clark (Melinda) Elbel; five step grandchildren, Jason Demmler, Noah Elbel, Siera Plank, Marisa Plank, and Natalie Elbel; his good friend, Jill Elbel; numerous cousins; and his uncle. Lance is also survived by his many friends around town, including his “Rendezvous” friends and “Punxsy Phil’s” friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Margaret (Allan) Walker. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Trout Unlimited by visiting www.tu.org/donate or to the National Rifle Association by visiting www.nra.org/donate. Fait – d’Argy Funeral Home (www.dargyfh.com) u

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James E. Bennett of Mahaffey

June 18, 1935 - February 10, 2023

Jim was a member of the Mahaffey Christian Missionary Alliance Church. He was a retired coal miner working for several local coal companies. Jim enjoyed hunting and riding dirt bikes and fourwheelers. Most of all he enjoyed relaxing and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his son, Bill (Melissa) Bennett; four grandchildren, Amber Bennett, and fiancé, Matt Arnett, Jacob (Debbie) Bennett, Madison Bennett, and Lucille Bennett; four great-grandchildren, Austin, Jakoby, Aurora, and one on the way; two sisters, Lois Johnson and Louise Gibson; and a brother, Sanor Bennett Jr. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sanor and Alma Bennett, and his wife, Mary Jane Bennett, and an infant daughter. McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

John S. “Steve” Phillips Sr. of Anita

April 7, 1952 - February 13, 2023

John passed away following a long sixyear battle against Acute Myelodysplastic Leukemia. His family lived on Perry Street in Punxsutawney for many years while he was growing up. Many friends and acquaintances will also know him as “Scuba Steve”!

He retired in 2015 from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation where he worked as an equipment operator and temporary foreman for 20 years. He had previously worked for the ST & E Trucking Company, Brad Ragan - Goodyear Tire Inc. in DuBois, the Earth Mover Tire Service and Mahoning Maid in Punxsutawney.

Steve was a volunteer Fireman for over 30 years, serving with a number of Jefferson County fire departments, including the Lindsey Fire Company Station 40, the Reynoldsville Fire Company Station 6 and the Brockway Fire Company Station 1 and in Clearfield County with the J. E. DuBois No. 3 in DuBois, Pa.

He was also a former member of the Punxsutawney Fire Department Scuba Team.

He was an Honorably Discharged veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve having served for

9 years with A - BTRY 4/92ND, 347 QM CO. and B - BTRY 4/8TH, in Punxsutawney.

He held a 2nd Honorable Discharge from the Pennsylvania National Guard 876th Engineers in Punxsutawney following five years of service.

He was a member of the Walston Club, the American Legion Post #0062, the Punxsutawney Eagles Aerie #1231, and the Reynoldsville Eagles Aerie #540.

Steve enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, riding Amtrak trains with his wife across the U.S., and growing the best darned garlic in the county every year, which he readily supplied to family and friends; his wife will carry on growing his prized garlic in his memory for as long as she possibly can.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Aloysius Phillips Sr. and Lois M. (Stigers) Phillips, and three brothers, Joseph A. Phillips Jr., William L. Phillips, and George E. Phillips, and also by his infant son, Shawn Stephen Phillips.

He is survived by his wife, Marianne L. Fisher; four grandchildren, Sara Rose Phillips, Danielle Lois Phillips, Shawn Joseph Phillips, and Cole Phillips; along with their parents, Benjamin and Helena Johnson Miller and Kelly Knobloch of DuBois. He is also survived by his sister, Judith (Frank) Baker; his sister-in-law, Carol Ann Phillips; and by four nieces; and one nephew.

Fait – d’Argy Funeral Home (www.dargyfh.com)

Daniel L. Satterlee of DuBois

December 15, 1953 - February 19, 2023

Dan attended Mt. Zion Church in DuBois. He enjoyed sitting by the lake, boating, going on cruises, being on the water, classic cars, spending time with his family and friends, and spending his winters in Florida.

He was a member of the John W. Jenks Masonic Lodge #534 of Punxsutawney, the Coudersport Consistory, and the Tall Cedars of Lebanon.

Dan was the founder of Treasure Lake Cable and worked for William G. Satterlee and Sons until his retirement in October of 2012.

In addition to his wife, Brenda J. (Bennett) Satterlee, Dan is survived by two children, son Chad (Lisa) Satterlee and daughter Nicole (Brian) Sidwar; three grandchildren, Samantha Satterlee, Victoria Sidwar and Zachary Sidwar; three siblings,

sister Karen Satterlee, brother David (Lori) Satterlee, and brother Gary (Melinda) Satterlee; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lois E. (Marshall) Satterlee Hetager and William G. Satterlee.

Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. (www.deeleyfuneralhome.com)

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Rebecca Carmen Kendra formerly of Rossiter

September 6, 1952 - February 2, 2023

She was a graduate of Punxsutawney High School and a member of St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in Rossiter. Becky worked in the Indiana Courthouse for nearly 46 years. She is survived by her brother, Carl “Marty” (Tina) Kendra; nephew, Martin (Lindsay) J. Kendra, and niece, Angie (Clint) Davis; and great-nieces and nephews, Gabriella and Greyson Kendra and Noah, Lakyn, and Clarissa Davis. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her parents Josephine (Serian) and Carl Kendra and an infant sister, Denise Kendra. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. (www.deeleyfuneralhome.com)

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Please visit the websites of the funeral homes listed to view the complete obituary, sign their guestbooks, plant a tree, and offer your condolences.

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If you have a loved one who has passed away and would like to publish the obituary in Punxsutawney Hometown magazine, please contact us at hometown@punxsutawneymagazine.com or call (814) 952-3668.

C J M C J M

Hometown Community

Continued from page 19

n March 17: SPLASH St. Patrick’s Day Party, 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., at The Burrow, features “Almost Mulberry.” $5 donation benefits George C. Brown Community Pool.

n March 17, 18, & 19: Musical Presentation, 7 p.m., at PAHS Auditorium.

n March 18: B.R.A.N.C.H.H. Craft & Vendor Show, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Big Run War Memorial.

n March 18: Snacks to Grow On Bingo Cash Bash, 6 p.m., at Perry Township Vol. Fire Co. Tickets, $25 donation.

n March 19: Big Run Spring Peepers Banquet at the War Memorial building.

n March 20: First Day of Spring!

n March 22: Drive-Through Community Dinner, begins at 4:30 p.m., at Punx’y Presbyterian Church. Enter the alley off East Mahoning St beside the Pantall and drive toward Union St. Meals will be handed to the driver. The meal will include an entrée to heat at home and a dessert.

n March 25: Mentored Youth Trout Day, opens at 8 a.m. Check VisitPAgo.com or the Fish Commission website for more information.

n March 25: Eagle Watch, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Cook Forest State Park.

n March 25: PA Game Commission HunterTrapper Education Class, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at McCalmont Township Firehall, Anita. Lunch is provided. Register at www.pgc.pa.gov. Registration encouraged, but walk-ins welcome.

n March 25: Model Train & Toy Show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in Summerville, presented by the Summerville Vol. Firemen’s Assoc.

n March 25: Smicksburg Spring Open House, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., various locations around town.

n March 31: Fish Dinner, 4 p.m., at Rossiter Vol. Fire Co., benefits the fire company.

n April 1: Spring Gun Raffle at Big Run Event Center, sponsored by Big Run Area Vol. Fire Co. $10 tickets available from firefighters and at area businesses.

n March 31 & April 1: Sally’s Bazaar Indoor Vendor & Craft Show, Indiana Mall, benefits the Salvation Army in Indiana. Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

n April 1: Trout Season opens in PA.

n April 2: Palm Sunday, begins Holy Week.

n April 6: Military Share food program, 3 p.m., at Jefferson County Fairgrounds, sponsored by Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest PA.

n April 9: Easter. Celebrate the Risen Christ!

n April 13, 14, & 15: PAHS Class of 2023 Variety Show, 7 to 9 p.m., at PAHS auditorium.

n April 15: CDA Yard Sale at Weinker Hall, SSCD Church.

n April 15: Spring Gun Raffle, Oliver Township Vol. Fire Co., doors open at 4:30 p.m., raffle starts at 5:30 p.m. $10 donation for tickets.

n April 16: Run/Walk for Someone Special

Groundhog Day Baby 2023

Micah Adamo was born at Punxsutawney Area Hospital at 12:24 p.m. February 2, 2023 –making him the first baby born in the area on Groundhog Day. Micah stretched the measuring tape to 20.5 inches and tipped the scales at 7 pounds 1 ounce. Micah is the second son of Kasey Prescott and Thomas Adamo of Lucernmines. Micah and his brother, Matteo, “pose” with their proud parents. (submitted photo)

in Sykesville, rain date April 23, benefits the Arc of Jefferson & Clearfield Counties.

n The Punx’y Chamber of Commerce will hold a Gun Bash on April 29. Tickets are $20 and are available at the Chamber office and Laska’s Pizza.

n Free Income Tax Preparation is available through Jefferson-Clarion Community Action’s VITA program. Call 814-226-4785 ext. 107 and leave your name & phone number.

n The Punx’y Vol. Fire Dept. will hold a Gun Raffle on Aug. 19 at Gobbler’s Knob. $10 tickets are on sale from any firefighter.

n The First Church of God and SSCD Church offer food banks. Contact the churches for dates and times they are available.

n CEF Good News Club is held every Sunday from February-May at 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Punx’y Alliance Church for ages 3-6th grade. Call the church for more information.

n Registration is open for The Salvation Army’s Camp Allegheny summer sessions. The Punx’y Corps of TSA will be sending campers the weeks of July 24-28 and July 31Aug. 4. Contact the Salvation Army at 938-5530 for information. Registration is available online.

n The Big Run Fire Co. holds Honey Badger Bingo every first and third Wednesday of the month at the Big Run Event Center. Doors open at 4 p.m., early bird games start at 6 p.m. and regular games start at 6:30 p.m. Food & beverages available.

n The Punx’y Memorial Library will waive late fines on patron accounts. The library expects borrowed materials to be returned on time. Materials that have not been returned on time should be returned as soon as possible in usable condition. If an item is not returned within 30 days of the due date, the cost of replacement and a $5 fee will be placed on the patron account. If the item is returned within 90 days of the due date, the library will waive the replacement cost, but the patron will be responsible for the $5 fee. Questions about this new procedure should be directed to the front desk.

n Farm Show Winners. The staff of Punxsutawney Hometown magazine congratulates Calista Reitz of Punx’y, Jessica Colgan of Punx’y, and Taylor Rafferty of Brookville for their winning efforts at the 2023 PA Farm Show in Harrisburg.

Reitz, age 12, placed fifth in the market lamb showing. Colgan placed 58 out of 68 entries in the chocolate cake baking category for her Chocolate Almond Joy cake. Rafferty was the recipient of a 2023 Farm Show scholarship.

n The staff of Hometown magazine congratulates the Warsaw Township Volunteer Fire Company on its 50th anniversary. Thank you for serving the area since 1973!

n SSCD Lenten Fish Dinners: Every Friday in Lent, 4 to 7 p.m., at Wienker Hall, presented by C.D. of A. There is a cost.

(“From Our Past,” researched by S. Thomas Curry, features items of interest from past editions of Punxsutawney and area newspapers.)

February 23, 1887 — Work on the Clayville bridge is progressing rapidly, and the contractor thinks he will have it ready for foot passengers this week. Some enterprising Clayville boys, who had constructed a ferry, have been transporting people across the Mahoning at five cents per head. (Punxsutawney Spirit)

Note: The wood Clayville bridge of 1887 crossed Mahoning Creek at a point at the end of Grace Way connecting with South Main Street to reach the hill across the valley. In 1936-37 a new West End bridge (known as Margiotti Bridge) to travel over Mahoning Creek.

February 26, 1890 — A B., R. & P. railroad box car coming from Adrian last Thursday, filled with coke caught fire and before the flames were subdued the roof was pretty well consumed. The fire was started by some of the coke being too hot. (Punxsutawney News)

Note: For young readers, the “coke” referred to is the product of the beehive coke ovens at the coal mine, not the bottled soft drink of Coke.

March 3, 1886 — The old custom of tolling the church bell at the death of one of the churchgoers is still kept up in this place. (Valley News)

Note: “Tolling” means ringing the bell. The Punxsutawney area has many churches from the past built with tall church steeples for church bells to be rung.

March 9, 1907 — Everything looks as though winter has about come to the end of its string and before long the streets will be dry again. The boys, who have been engaged in snow battles, are now commencing an eye around for marbles and hoops. That season will soon be at hand. Conditions point toward a general thaw. There is still a great quantity of snow on the mountains. It might be well for downtown residents of Punx’y to watch for high water. (Punxsutawney Spirit)

March 16, 1898 — We were out on a bicycle the other day. We flatter ourself that we attracted some attention by the bold and vigorous manner in which we grasped the handle bars and kept the machine from running off on the side streets. Matters are coming to pass when a man cannot go out for a little spin on his wheel without being the subject of light remarks and general hilarity.

(Punxsutawney Spirit)

Note: In 1893 the bicycle became popular in Punxsutawney for a means of travel, compared to foot or horse. Street cars had been introduced in 1892 for mass transportation of people. By 1898, when the Spirit editor wrote about his experience, many streets were paved with brick.

GIVEAWAY RULES

1. Complete the coupon on this page.

2. Guess the winning team and the total number of points you think will be scored in the Penguins vs. Canadiens Game and enter the guesses in the spaces provided on the coupon.

3. Enter one of the participating advertisers on this page in the space provided to redeem your coupon should you be the contest winner.

4. Clip and forward the coupon to:‘Penguins Hockey Contest,’ c/o Hometown magazine, 129 Aspen Road, Punxsutawney, PA 15767. PLEASE MARK YOUR TEAM PICK & TOTAL POINTS ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE ENVELOPE.

5. All entries must be received by 4 p.m. Friday, March 10.

6. No purchase necessary to participate. All entries must be original magazine coupon (no photocopies).

7. In the event two or more contestants correctly pick the winning team and total number of points, one winner will be randomly selected and awarded the winning prize. In event two or more contestants tie for closest to the total score, one winner will be randomly selected to win the $20 certificate. Each issue we will give one $20 certificate.

8. Hometown magazine retains the right to make any final decisions regarding the contest, and by submitting an entry, contestants agree to abide by the rules of the contest.

Penguins vs. Canadiens

Tue., March 14 • 7 p.m.

Hometown magazine