#270 April 2023

On the cover: Happy Easter!

‘Punxsutawney Hometown’ magazine

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Tracey Young

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Hometown Writers

James Lauffer, Editor

S. Thomas Curry

Shirley Sharp

Mary Ellen Pollock-Raneri

Marty Armstrong

Dr. Gloria Kerr

Danielle Merrow

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From the Editor’s Desk Lady Chucks Enjoy Special Season On and Off the Court

By James Lauffer of Hometown magazine

The Hometown staff, community, and advertisers congratulate the Lady Chucks varsity basketball team for their

achieved by the Lady Chucks during the campaign that began in December and ended in March.

“Our girls were able to experience a little bit of everything during the regular season,” he said. “They won a tip-off tournament against good competition in Warren and two tough games in our Holiday Tournament.”

As the special season progressed, it became clear that 2022-23 Lady Chucks were continuing, and adding to, the tradition of excellence established by previous Lady Chuck teams.

“Through the 21-1 regular season, the girls were able to win the District 9 League Championship, as well,” Coach Carlson continued. “In the playoffs, the girls won Districts with a great fourth-quarter comeback. The season ended with a close loss to Knoch in the state playoffs.”

the Lady Chucks’ season – perhaps the most enjoyable part, but a small part nonetheless.

Coach Carlson expressed his appreciation for the team’s willingness to embrace the effort and hours that must be invested to ensure a successful season. “The season takes a tremendous amount of hard work, including hours of work during the preseason then countless more hours during the regular season,” he said. “These girls seemed to enjoy the grind and made the time together worthwhile.”

successful 2022-23 season. The team, led by Coach Mike Carlson and assistant coaches Brad Constantino and Steve White, finished the season with a record of 22-2, a special season when judged solely by the number of wins and losses. But the season – the team –transcended its final record. Coach Carlson, who has coached the team since the 2015-16 season, pointed out a number of milestones

Any season – even the most special of seasons –has its share of ups and downs, and the coach noted the resilience of the team when facing inevitable challenges. “A number of girls dealt with injury, illness, and busy schedules throughout the season,” he said. “They did not make excuses and very rarely complained. Instead they continued to work and improve.”

The Lady Chucks’ collective willingness to “pay the price” for their success not only makes their success sweet, but also provides an example of what success costs. “Hopefully, they were able to see that when you work hard, success is that much more special,” said the coach. “Our younger players can see that it will take the same effort to get to the next level.”

The Lady Chucks didn’t practice and play basketball in a vacuum. They were, and are, student-athletes who juggled the demands of

Playing their games was only a small part of - Continued on page 9

Riley Doverspike aims for the hoop during a lay-up.

Danielle Griebel and Avary Powell work together to get points for their team.

Photos by Jacinda Gigliotti

Samantha Griebel blocks St Mary’s as they get ready to pass the ball.

Danielle Griebel making a free throw.

Chloe Presloid prepares to toss the ball to a teammate. Avary Powell shoots and makes the basket!

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Punxsutawney CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MIXER

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2023 Holy Week Services

April 2 at 3 p.m.

PALM SUNDAY

“Ready Yourself as His Sanctuary”

April 7 at 4 p.m.

GOOD FRIDAY

“Our Bridegroom Covered in Blood” (Tenebrae Service)

April 9 at 12 p.m.

EASTER CELEBRATION SERVICE

With a ham luncheon to follow Come join us in Worship

Regular Sunday Services at 3 pm

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LUTHERAN CHURCH LCMS

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April 20, 2023

4-6 p.m. at Punxsutawney Country Club

Anniversary of ‘Dawn to Dusk’

Radio in Punxsutawney

Prizes: One new membership for 2023 for a non member OR 50 percent off to one existing member for 2024

LIGHT REFRESHMENTS PLUS social membership drawing

Every 15 min

By S. Tomas Curry of Hometown magazine

In the memory of many residents of the Punxsutawney area, the spring season of 2023 is the 70th anniversary of daytime radio and daily broadcast programming from studios in Punxsutawney, operating only from dawn to dusk. Daily radio had its beginning in local history when WPME went on the air on March 18, 1953. On April 24, 1953, a formal opening of its broadcast studios in a building on North Gilpin Street was held. The general public had the opportunity to inspect its facilities. When it all began, the headline in the Punxsutawney Spirit on February 6, 1953, announced “City’s First Radio Station to Be On Air This Month.” But it wasn’t until March 18 that the first broadcast was heard at 7 a.m. by eager radio listeners. Older Hometown readers and Punxsutawney natives who remember the 1950s as teenagers

and adults might recall the excitement when WPME became an AM radio station in Punxsutawney.

Punxsutawney’s new AM radio station was considered a milestone moment in Punxsutawney history by many local residents. With music on the air from vinyl records, live performances by local talent, local news, hospital news, devotions, Bible-time, local sports, too, there is much to remember about those regular programs on the “Radio Log” printed in the Punxsutawney Spirit. And memories of the local radio personalities who had their “radio voices” in the community.

While WPME was “the first” in the memories of one generation, research found that WHBX was “on the air” in April 1925, a few years after Pittsburgh’s KDKA was on the air in November 1920 as the first commercial radio station in U.S. history. That

- Continued on page 6

“To Die & Rise with Christ"

A familiar building on North Gilpin Street in downtown Punxsutawney has its history. It was built in 1907 for the Punxsutawney Hospital. For 20 years, from 1953 to 1973, the building housed the office and studios of WPME-AM radio for daytime radio programs. (photo courtesy Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society)

Thur., April 6th

EASTER PARTY at 11 am

BREAKFAST Mondays from 9:30 - 11 am

April 3: Buckwheat Cakes & Sausage

April 10: French Toast & Ham

April 17: Blueberry Pancakes & Sausage

April 24: Scrambled Eggs & Bacon

SEWING CLASS WITH MARLENE

Monday, April 3 at 11 am

BINGO WITH KIM from Embassy at Hillsdale

Thursday, April 6 at 12:30 pm

MAKING SOUP

Monday, April 10 at 11 am

SO U P SALE F U NDRAISER April 11-13

Italian Wedding Soup $5/Qt.

“SENIOR OLYMPICS PRACTICE” 12:30 pm All Days

April 5, April 17, April 19, April 24

SEED PLANTING - with Monika from the Indiana County Conservation District

Tues., April 18, 12:30 pm

AUDUBON DAY - Wed., April 26

Feed the birds with us at 12:30 pm

JACQUE PERRY I

YOGA CLASS - Tues., April 4 at 11 am with Jeril

FITNESS CLASS - Wednesdays at 11 am with Fitness Instructor Carole

NUTRITION EDUCATION

Topic: How To Carb With Diabetes

Wednesday, April 5 at 12 Noon

BINGOCIZE

Every Tuesday & Thursday 10 am

THEMED BINGO

April 4: Mystery Bingo at 12:30 pm

April 25: Brown Bag Bingo at 12:30 pm

DIME BINGO

Thursday, April 13 & 27 at 12:30 pm

NATIONAL GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH DAY

Wednesday, April 12 at Noon Soup & Sandwich Lunch only $3.50 PA MEDI COUNSELING with Lisa

Thursday, April 13 at 11:30 am

GRANGE CHURCH OF GOD GOSPEL MUSIC

Tues., April 11 at 12:30 pm

GOSPEL MUSIC with DJ Randy

Thursday, April 20 at 11 am

HYMN SING WITH KAY

Thursday, April 27 at 11 am

Anniversary of ‘Dusk to Dawn’

Continued from page 4

moment started a growing radio craze with many radio stations across the country transmitting programs of popular music, news, sports, community events, and local stories.

While local radio enthusiasts were listening to the powerful signals from the big city stations, WHBX went on the air three times a week with evening programs that began at 8:30 and continued until 10:30. That amateurish radio broadcasting experience was from the home of Paul Bowser in Punxsutawney’s East End and was supported by donations from local businesses as “sponsors.” Those were the years before commercials became a means of support and profit, and when FCC franchises were required. Though a spectacular event for its time, having a well-publicized beginning in local history, the 50-watt WHBX radio station continued for only a few months in 1925.

Radio stations with call letters as KYW (Philadelphia), WBZ (Boston), KQV (Pittsburgh) were among the “heritage radio stations” before Federal Communications Commission (FCC) policy established radio station call letters. Stations west of the Mississippi River would begin with a “K” in their call letters. Those east of the Mississippi River would use “W” to identify their station.

Area residents would depend on a few national networks for music, drama and comedy as entertainment, and sports. NBC, CBS, and ABC provided popular radio personalities in Groucho Marx, Arthur Godfrey, or Fibber McGee and Molly and programs with What’s My Line, Mystery Theater, etc. Area radio stations in the early 1950s, DuBois’ WCED and WKBI in St. Marys, were on the air for news, music, entertainment, and coverage of area sports. Among sports events, readers might remember the 1950 radio coverage by WCED of Punxsutawney’s Little League regional play-off baseball games in 1950 and the LL championship games in Williamsport. Or Teener League games, or live radio broadcasts by the radio station on Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney.

In 1952, radio broadcasting in Punxsutawney began a history that celebrates the 70th anniversary this year. In May 1952

- Continued on next page

In May 1953. WPXY became Punxsutawney’s second AM radio station to offer programs of music, news, local features, and sports. Its studios were in the Punxsutawney Hotel on North Findley Street. (photo a copy from December 1953 Punxsutawney Spirit)

Among exhibits in the Bennis House Museum of the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society is that of memorabilia relating to the history of radio in the Punxsutawney area. Seen above are older radios and a reminder of WPME radio when it went “on the air” daily in 1953. (photo by S. Thomas Curry)

Anniversary of ‘Dusk to Dawn’

Continued from previous page

the Punxsutawney Spirit made a brief announcement in a headline “Radio Station is Proposed For City.” More details came in October 1952 when it was learned that Punxsutawney should expect two radio sta

watt station was to begin operation in midFebruary. But history was made on March 18, 1953, when the FCC approved a commercial station of WPME, 1540 on the dial, with daily broadcasts from sunrise to sunset. The call letters for the station were used from the last names of the founders Sherman Pruett, Andrew McCumbee, and Charles Erhard. The station used the Associated Press news wire for national news. A 315-foot antenna tower was installed on a plot of ground near what was then the Starlite Drive-In Theater along PA Route 36 beyond Punxsutawney in Young Township.

Pirate baseball game was scheduled for 1 p.m. Its daily programs began the next day, beginning at 6:30 a.m. The station operated as an affiliate of the Mutual Broadcasting System.

That Punxsutawney had an old unique name of Native-American origin and had nationwide recognition with Groundhog Day, the owners chose WPXY for the call letters of its AM station. A memory shared to the writer about the station was about the time when WPXY had an informal “spelling bee.” When a listener called to the station the person was asked to spell “Punxsutawney.” As recalled, most people failed.

mart Plaza is now located. Familiar to many residents and Punxsutawney natives as the Punx’y Hotel, the building was destroyed by fire in December 2011.

With two radio stations to be in operation in 1953, the editor of the Punxsutawney Spirit commented, “Punxsutawney for a lot of years was one of the largest non-metropolitan towns without a radio station. Now it is to have two. From an economic standpoint it is going to have one too many.” On February 25, 1955, WPXY ended its broadcasting in the area and moved to Milton, Pa. WPME bought some of its equipment and would carry some of the programs that were on the WPXY schedule.

tions. Each would have Federal Communications Commission approval to operate day-time radio stations. It was hoped that the two stations, proposed by the Punxsutawney Broadcasting Company and the Jefferson Broadcasting Company, would be operating before January 1.

After some delays, hope for the Punxsutawney Broadcasting Company’s 1,000-

In early May 1953, Punxsutawney’s second radio station began operation by the Jefferson Broadcasting Company. With hopes its programming could be on the air in late April, the first day of programs was postponed until May because of severe weather conditions that delayed the erection of its transmitting tower. The “grand opening broadcast” of afternoon programs over the 500-watt WPXY, 1290 on the dial, was on Sunday May 3, 1953, when the Pittsburgh

Radio station WPME began its live programming in 1953 in studios located on North Gilpin Street in the Gilpin Street portion that was formerly a residence and became a part of what was known as the old Punxsutawney Hospital building (1907–1930). The hospital merged with the Adrian Hospital and the latter housed the Clearfield Aviation Institute from 1946 to 1953. When WPME opened its office and studios there the building was owned by the Chamber of Commerce. Sold again, it became known as the Carlino Building. Older residents today might remember it as the WPME Building in the 1950s.

Radio station WPXY entered Punxsutawney’s radio history with its studios in downtown Punx’y on North Findley Street. A building formerly the Gleckler Hotel was remodeled in 1946 and reopened as Hotel Punxsutawney. The station’s studios were on the third floor of the hotel building. A 202-foot transmitting tower for WPXY was located on the Indiana Hill where the Wal-

Charles M. Erhard arrived in Punxsutawney in 1953, a 24-year-old young man, to begin operation of WPME as an AM radio station. In 1955 WPME became Punxsutawney’s only radio station. The future of radio in the country also meant changes for Punxsutawney’s radio listeners. Ahead during the “Erhard era” was growth that required a new location and improvements in operation and the introduction of the FM frequency that provided local programming beyond the “sunlight to sunlight” years of WPME-AM. New ownership and new call letters were among the changes.

This writing is about the beginning of Punxsutawney’s radio years. Another chapter is ahead about Punxsutawney radio. There are memories among Punxsutawney Hometown readers about their hometown radio station in its early years of 1950s through 1970, its programs, and radio personalities – please share these memories.

After a remodeling in 1946, an older hotel was renamed Hotel Punxsutawney. A popular site for many local residents and Punxsutawney natives as the Punx’y Hotel, the building was destroyed by fire in December 2011. (photo by S. Thomas Curry)

VOTE MARK HUMES

An Easter Parade of Food

By Mary Ellen Pollock-Raneri for Hometown magazine

When it comes to holidays, everyone seems to have a favorite. Most people are huge fans of Christmas. Other folks are enthusiastic about Halloween because they love to dress up and adore the parties. I have a friend who prefers the Fourth of July because she craves picnic food and likes to attend parades. Me? I always enjoyed Easter. My mom loved that holiday too, and it brings back memories of my mother’s baking and my grandmother’s kitchen. The breads are so light and fluffy! Everything seemed to revolve around ham – which was fine by me! My Nona’s ricotta cheese pie was the best concoction I swear I have ever tasted. Nut rolls ruled at Easter in our house. And who can forget the pickled beets and colored eggs? Now, I know that different families have different traditions. I respect all of them, too; however, please indulge me and let me share our Easter cuisine favorites. My mother was an expert bread baker. I remember a long bar in our game room

her Easter bread. I can still remember fetching the big yellow enamel pan for her off the canning room shelf in the basement for my mother, as she prepared to make her famous buns and bread a few days before Easter Sunday. That was her magic bread pan! She couldn’t bake without THAT pan, and everything that came from it was delightful.

Mom’s magic pan produced a very light, airy Easter bread that was like a feather. She made the dough, let it rise, and then rolled it into long strands. Then, she twisted them into all kinds of shapes or just made round loaves of bread. Sometimes, she would nestle a raw egg or two in the middle of a big bun too. She usually used the brown eggs because they seemed to look “prettier,” my mother thought. Baked until they were golden brown, she swiped a little egg wash on them at the end of the baking time and threw some sesame seeds on them. Sometimes, if she got fancy, the buns were flavored with anise, vanilla, or lemon – not too much! Just enough to give them that special taste.

that was covered with different kinds of rolls that she sold out of our house. Cinnamon buns, loaves of fresh bread and hamburger buns were carefully bagged and labeled for her customers. The one bread, though, that I loved the most was

How we savored those rolls! Ham sandwiches were the best on the rolls! Or we ate them with just some butter or we ate them plain! OK, I’ll admit – we just ate them!

I also remember my mother concocting the best ham salad in the world at the end of the ham. Funny thing, though, she would put baloney in the ham salad too,

- Continued on page 10

Homemade bread, regardless of the shape, never fails to tempt the holiday palate. (submitted photo)

Nut rolls! ’Tis always the season for scrumptious nut rolls! (submitted photo)

From the Editor’s Desk

Continued from page 3

the team, their studies, their extracurricular interests, and the interests of their lives. Coach Carlson appreciates his team’s success both on and off the court. “I am grateful for the good students and contributors that were on this team,” he said. “Most of these girls were on the honor roll and are involved in so many clubs and activities around the school.”

“The girls needed to manage their schedules, deal with injuries, and illness all while keeping good grades and being good representatives for our school,” he continued. “They made it easy for the coaches to worry about basketball.”

One of the beauties of high school athletics is the way it draws fans together and unifies them in their enthusiasm for and support of the hometown teams. Coaches and players alike appreciate the support they receive. “The season made me very grateful for the amount of support we received. Many people wished us luck and supported the girls by coming to the games” said Coach Carlson. “Many made the long trips to Erie and Bradford to cheer on the team. The turnout at our game versus Knoch in the playoffs was amazing and something I hope the girls do not forget.”

The Lady Chucks’ 2022-23 season is now “in the books” and their place in the tradition of excellence is ensured. May the young ladies remember the hard work that led to their success and the cheers of the fans who appreciated their efforts during a special season.

I would like to thank Coach Mike Carlson for making this column possible and Jacinda Gigliotti, a sophomore at PAHS, for the pictures that accompany the column.

2023 District 9 Champions: (front row, l. to r.) Vanessa Sweeney, Elma Yoder, Camryn Hall, Caleigh Smelko; (second row) Riley Doverspike, Emily McMahan, Chloe Presloid, Danielle Griebel, Olivia Burkett, Samantha Griebel; (back row) Coach Brad Constantino, Maddi Kriebel, Jolena Wintermyer, Avary Powell, Emily Dobbins, Emily Wisnesky, Coach Steve White, and Coach Mike Carlson. Hometown

photo by Jacinda Gigliotti.

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JOIN UNDER ANY OF THESE 2023 ANNUAL BASE RATES

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ADULT $2,095

WOMEN’S $1,725

ADULT 35-40 $1,590

ADULT UNDER 35 $945

NON- RESIDENT $1,185

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Step 1 50% of base rate 1st year

Step 2 66.6% of base rate 2nd year

Step 3 83.2% of base rate 3rd year

Step 4 Dues go to full base rate

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April 6, Holy Thursday

7 p.m. Evening Mass of The Lord’s Supper, followed by private adoration until 10 p.m., closing with Night Prayer

April 7, Good Friday

1 p.m. Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion

April 8, Holy Saturday, 1 p.m. Blessing of Easter Food 8 p.m. Easter Vigil Mass

April 9, Easter Sunday 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Masses

An Easter Parade An Easter Parade of Food

Continued from page 8

from the “jumbo” that she bought at the Quaker Market in big hunks.

My Italian grandmother, on the other hand, always had something we called “garlic pizza,” a kind of bread that nowadays we refer to as “focaccia.” It was simply delightful. Hearty and thick with hunks of garlic pressed into the top and drizzled with olive oil, Gram’s pizza bread was always out on the counter on Easter Day. We cut slabs of it with one of Grandfather’s homemade butcher knives, and we sat outside on the porch and chomped into it. Everyone who entered the house immediately went to the “garlic pizza,” and cut themselves a big hunk. It was a grand tradition! No, there was no sauce or fancy toppings or pepperoni; it was Gram’s bread recipe with some simple ingredients, salt, oregano and black pepper. Simple is usually the best, and this pizza was the BEST.

I would be remiss if I forgot to mention nut rolls. My mother’s sisters and she all seemed to have a nut roll competition –who had the best recipe? Who could make a nut roll that didn’t crack? Who made a nut roll that was stuffed with the most filling (that didn’t leak)? And who made the most nut roll? I am not sure who won the Nut Roll Competition, but I do know that they were all different; yet, equally tasty. I can still see my father cutting slabs off the long pastry and slathering butter on the top of his slices. It was simply the best dessert in the world! Heck! I even learned

- Continued on next page

Ricotta Pie

6 eggs

3/4 c. of sugar

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. lemon rind

1 1/4 lb. ricotta cheese

1/2 c. cooked rice (not hot – room temperature)

1/4/ c. yellow raisins

1/4 c. chopped ham (optional)

Mix the eggs, sugar, vanilla, spices, and lemon rind. Add the ricotta and blend. Add the rice. Pour in a greased deep dish pie pan. Sprinkle the raisins and ham on top and bake at 350 for about 1 hour or until it is cooked through and golden brown.

Ham Salad Spread

1 lb. ham - ground up

1 lb. - 2 lb. bologna – ground up (amount depending on ham availability)

1/2 c. Miracle Whip

1/4 - 1/3 c. mayo

1 tsp. yellow mustard

1 T. ground onion

1/3 cup ground sweet pickles

1 T. dill pickle juice

Easter Bread:

Pane Di Pasqua

1 c. scalded milk and cooled to warm

6 eggs

1 package dry yeast

5 1/2 - 6 1/2 c. flour

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. butter or margarine

1 tsp. vanilla or lemon extract if you like.

2 T grated lemon peel (optional)

1/2 c. golden raisins (optional)

1 egg yolk mixed with a little water to brush on dough before baking

Glaze

Powdered sugar, warm milk, and flavoring

Pour the tepid milk over the yeast and stir until dissolved. Beat in eggs, half of the flour, salt, sugar, butter and vanilla. Combine the rest of the flour with raisins and lemon peel. Add this to the dough. Turn the dough on a floured board and knead until smooth and elastic. Let rise for about 2 hours. Knead again and shape into desired buns, loaves or braids. Cover and let rise again for about 1 - 1 1/2 hours. Brush with egg yolk mixture and Bake at 350 degrees for 30 min or until your bread is golden brown. Glaze if desired.

• • •

A nut roll recipe for the ages! (submitted photo)

An Easter Parade

Continued from previous page

to love poppy seed rolls as well.

In addition to the breads, another delightful food could always be seen hanging out on Gram’s kitchen counter near the stove – her Italian ricotta pie. For those of you who never tasted this delicacy, you are missing a big part of life! It is a mixture of rice, ricotta, whole milk, eggs, golden raisins, and sometimes chunks of ham – all served in a flaky pie crust. My mother also got very excited when she made her ricotta pies without a crust in order to cut a few calories. This beautiful concoction was served hot or cold on Easter day. You simply cut chunks of it out of its pie dish and enjoy the rich ingredients with just a hint of lemon. What would Easter be without pickled eggs and colored eggs? Do you remember the little kits with the metal dippers that we used for coloring the eggs? Four primary colors made such creative masterpieces. After we got out several bowls and the vinegar, we whipped up our colors. And we all learned that if we mixed several colors, we would get brown! Sometimes, if my mom got really fancy, she tried to decorate the egg by dripping a little hot wax on the shell. Sometimes, we drew little flowers with the resist. The egg coloring kit even included a tiny wax crayon that we could use to write on the egg!

Pickled eggs were a different matter altogether. My mother had a secret formula for her egg cooking. I called it the 7-7-7 plan. She boiled the eggs for 7 minutes. Next she let them sit in the hot water for

7 minutes and finally put them in cold water for 7 minutes. Now, I don’t know if the 7-7-7 plan is magical or the only way to cook eggs. All I know is that method is the only one my mother, the Egg Wizard, used. I must admit, she turned out some awesome hard boiled eggs for pickling.

Soon, the April celebration will arrive. Eggs, ham, fancy breads, and beets will pop up on many menus. No matter what traditions you have for Easter, please and hold onto them. Stuff yourself with those memories. Think about past baskets, and bonnets, and all the wonderful times that you shared with family and friends. Enjoy our Easter parade of recipes and even try some of them! From beets to bread to bunnies, may you have a wonderful holiday!

• • •

Caring

Varsity Girls & Boys TRACK & FIELD

Varsity Boys TENNIS

Rotary Radio Auction Scheduled for April 22

The Punxsutawney Rotary club is happy to announce the date of the 2023 Punxsutawney Rotary Radio Auction. The auction will take place Saturday, April 22, 2023. The auction was moved from March to April in hopes of generating more bidders as people return home to Punxsutawney from “snowbirding” in warmer areas for the winter. “As the auction is generated largely to the local region, we wanted to ensure the most participation from the local community. As many retired members of the community are just returning back to the area in early spring we thought we’d move the auction back one month in hopes of generating not only more bidders but more bids,” said Punxsutawney Rotary President Roque Carrasco.

In April the Rotary Club will advertise the items and segment times as an insert in the Punxsutawney Spirit. “As is customary for the radio auction we will release the segment times and items at a later date in April. Pictures of the items will also be available in the coming weeks on the Punxsutawney Rotary Facebook page,” said Carrasco. The proceeds of the auction are donated to local nonprofits in the Punxsutawney area. “One hundred percent of the net proceeds from the auction, as with our other fundraising efforts, are donated right back into the community to local nonprofits in the Punxsutawney region,” Auction Committee Chair Bob Lott said. If you’d like to make a donation,

contact the Punxsutawney Rotary Club Radio Auction Committee Chair Robert Lott at (814) 952-8191.

Modern Mining Methods Keep Coal Miners Safe

By Coal Memorial Committee for Hometown magazine

Coal mining is a dangerous occupation.

Pennsylvania was one of the first states to have a mine safety law. The 1869 law applied to Schuylkill County and

coal mines was passed in 1891. This federal legislation established minimum ventilation requirements in underground coal mines and prohibited operators from hiring children under age 12.

required mines to: be properly ventilated, employ a mine boss to perform a safety inspection each morning before workers entered, have a communication system between the mine and the surface, and prohibit workers from riding to the surface in loaded cars. These basics of mine safety were enforced by inspectors who were required to visit at reasonable times to inspect the mines. These safety efforts were carried forward to the bituminous mines in Western Pennsylvania by miners who fought and even went on strike in order to gain them.

The first United States legislation governing safety standards and inspections for

The arrival of railroads and the opening of industrial underground coal mines in the Punxsutawney area was hailed as an economic advancement. However, this economic advancement had a dark side: the many deaths of workers in the mines caused by asphyxiation from gases, explosions, runaway cars, rowdy mules, electrocution, rock falls, and more. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), underground mining has one of the highest fatal injury rates of any industry. Although the most dangerous mining events are explosions, the events which cause more serious injuries and deaths are “rock falls.” Rock falls happen when the roof, rib, or face of the mine gives way and drops tons of coal and rocks on miners causing serious injuries and death.

As the mining industry developed in the Punxsutawney area, notices of injuries and deaths due to rock falls in the mines were reported in the local newspapers:

*1887 – Henry Williams, an immigrant from England, who had arrived at Walston in June of 1887, was killed by a mass of rock falling upon him in September. He left a widow and two children.

*1901 – Charles Kupeiz, age 15, son of Alex Kupeiz, of Lindsey was scalped by a rock falling on his head in the Walston mines on November 6, 1901. Although he survived the rock fall, the wound required 32 stitches, made without anesthesia.

*1908 – Patrick Kelliher and his son were working in the Walston mines. Patrick went for tools in another room where a huge rock dropped from the roof, striking him below the neck, breaking his back and knocking him to the floor with such force that his head struck the floor so hard it broke his skull.

During the decade ending in 1910, more than 2,000 mine deaths occurred each year

- Continued on next page

The interior of Kramer mine near Stump Creek showing the roof props that held up the roof of the mine to protect from rock falls. (photo courtesy of the Henderson Township Municipal Authority, Stump Creek, Pa.)

A modern continuous coal mine showing the roof bolting system and streamers which mark the secured roof area of the mine. (photo courtesy of Komatsu.com)

Modern Mining Methods

Continued from previous page

in the United States. This prompted the establishment of the Federal Bureau of Mines. The Bureau, housed in the Department of the Interior, had responsibility for research on and investigation of mine safety and health.

In 1947 the first Federal Coal Mine Safety Standards were established for bituminous coal and lignite mines in the United States. This law charged federal mine inspectors with the responsibility of providing safety violation notifications to mine operators and to the states.

In 1953 the Federal Coal Mine Safety Standards were further strengthened by re-

quiring annual inspections of certain underground coal mines and giving limited enforcement to the Bureau of Mines, including the issuing of violation notices and imminent danger withdrawal orders. It set mandatory safety standards for underground coal mines, which had stringent limits for “gassy” mines. The law also authorized civil penalties against mine operators who refused the access of mine inspectors to mine property and permitted citations for those who did not comply with withdrawal orders. Surface mines and all mines with fewer than 15 employees were exempt from these rules.

In 1966 the law was revised to include small underground coal mines and provided for issuing withdrawal orders in cases of repeated unwarrantable failures to

comply with standards. It also expanded the requirements for mine education and training programs.

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 established the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), under the Department of Labor along with an independent Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission to provide independent reviews of MSHA’s enforcement actions. Under this law mine inspections were required four times a year for underground mines and twice a year for surface mines; miners’ rights were expanded and included protection from retaliation when exercising their rights; mandatory training was required for miners and mine rescue teams for all underground mines; and a safety net was established for miners who suffered from health ramifications related to mining.

The most recent Federal Legislation governing mining operations in the United States is the 2006 Act, which adds to the earlier requirements the establishing of mine-specific emergency response plans for underground coal mines, updated rules for mine rescue teams, methods for sealing abandoned areas of mines, prompt notification of mine accidents, and enhanced civil penalties for non-compliance.

Mine Memorial Tiles

On September 2, 2023, two new Memorial Tiles will be installed at the Punxsutawney Area Coal Memorial in honor of local miners who lost their lives in rock fall accidents in coal mines: William McClure and Joseph G. Guzzo, Jr.

The following notice appeared in the Brookville Jeffersonian Democrat of Oc-

tober 31, 1918: “William, the 17-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. McClure, died Saturday night of injuries received in the McClure and Tyson coal mines near Big Run on Thursday. He was caught by a fall of rock and his head was badly crushed.”

William McClure was a young man who worked when mining equipment included pick, shovel, rails, coal cars, and in the smaller mines men and mules were the power to move coal from the mine to the tipple. At that time, small mines like the McClure and Tyson mine were exempt from the mine safety rules. William McClure is being honored by Ruth Soliday.

On Thursday, May 14, 2021, Joseph G. Guzzo, Jr., age 32 years, died of injuries received when a portion of the mine roof fell on him. Guzzo was a modern coal miner with 11 years of mining experience, nine of which were spent operating a continuous mining machine connected to a continuous haulage system at the Kocjancic Mine near Brockway, Pennsylvania. The Kocjancic Mine was in compliance with all of the Mine Safety and Health Administration requirements and had a solid safety record. However, an investigation determined there had been several omissions in safety practices. Although the mine had complied with the requirements to have a MSHA approved roof control and ventilation plan, there were some deviations from the plan. The mine operator had a practice of exceeding the maximum depth of cut requirements specified in the approved roof control and ventilation plans, did not install unsupported roof

- Continued on page 19

A remotely controlled continuous mining machine in an underground mine with roof bolts installed to prevent rock falls. (photo courtesy Komatsu.com)

FamilyDentistry

Shaffer’s Greenhouse

April 3 - April 15 Mon. - Sat. 8 am - 5 pm

April 17 - June 17

(814) 856-2232

National Library Week 2023:

More to the Story’ Celebrate

Your Local Library

By Jen Soliday, MSLIS, Director, Punxsutawney Memorial Library for Hometown magazine

First sponsored in 1958, Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all types across the country each April.

Your Punxsutawney Memorial Library encourages all community members to visit the library during National Library Week, April 23-29, to explore all we have to offer.

Most people know about the wealth of stories available at the library, from picture books and large print to audiobooks and

eBooks. But there’s so much more to the story of libraries.

Libraries are welcoming spaces that bring communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, story times, game nights, crafting, lectures, and more. Your Punxsutawney Memorial Library offers a wide array of programs, classes, and resources, including weekly youth literacy programs, an adult coloring club, and a Paws for Reading (a read-to-a-licensedtherapy-dog) program open to all ages. We also have a monthly book club, and several family events throughout the year.

And libraries play a critical role in the

- Continued on next page

NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK - April 23-29, 2023

National Library week was first sponsored in 1958, and the weeklong event was developed with the intent to motivate people to read as well as to support and show appreciation to their local libraries. The yearly affair is also doubly sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) who decided that this week be observed every April.

Please support our local libraries

sponsore

National Library Week

Continued from previous page

economic vitality of communities by providing internet and technology access, literacy skills, and support for job seekers, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. Your Punxsutawney Memorial Library supports our community with services such as free computer use to library card holders, access to free Wi-Fi, and online access to PA Job Resource which includes, PA CareerLink, PA Workforce Statistics, PA Career Guide, Education Planner, and Occupational Outlook Handbook (Bureau of Labor and Statistics). We also, on our website, offer help with computer-related skills through GCFLearnFree.org. From Microsoft Office and email to reading, math, and more, this program offers more than 180 topics, including more than 2,000 lessons, 800+ videos, and 55+ interactive games – completely free.

If you haven’t checked out your Punxsutawney Memorial Library lately, you’re missing the full story. Stop by for a visit to celebrate with us during National Library Week, April 23-29. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and use the hashtag #NationalLibraryWeek to join the online celebration.

For more information, visit your library’s website at www.punxsutawneylibrary.org. For a complete list of all our programs and events at the library, subscribe to our monthly email. A link to do so is on the homepage of our website.

Happy Reading!

Modern Mining Methods

Continued from page 17

warning signs or streamers in a timely manner, and allowed the continuous mining machine operator to travel and work under unsupported roof. Joseph G. Guzzo, Jr., is being honored by all of those who loved Joe.

Coal mining, mine safety and mine production have greatly improved since 1860. Today a continuous mining machine can produce as much as five tons of coal in a minute, which is more than a miner of the 1920s produced in an entire day. The coal produced can be transported out of the mine by continuous haulage machines, eliminating the need for coal cars within the mine. Miners are protected by the machinery, which has enhanced safety features. However, there are times when all the safety policies may not protect a miner. Investigations reveal the why and identify ways to continue to improve mine safety.

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

• • •

Mark Humes Seeks Jefferson County Commissioner Seat

Mark Humes of Brookville seeks support – and votes – from the residents of Jefferson County in the May 16, 2023, primary election. Humes is running for Jefferson County Commissioner on the Republican Party ballot. He has served his community for 40plus years in law enforcement

and is a military veteran with 23 years of service in the United States Army (activeduty Army, the Army Reserves in Brookville, and the National Guard in Punxsutawney).

Mark Humes is committed to serving Jefferson County and asks residents to cast their votes for him – he will not let voters down!

Kathleen A. “Kathy” Seliga of Punxsutawney

February 21, 2023 - April 24, 1956

Kathy had been employed at Lily’s Restaurant and Bakery since it opened. She enjoyed gardening, baking, and the simple things in life.

She is survived by three daughters, Stacey Domb and Jason Painter, Heather Domb, and Kaylan (Leif) Eddy; a grandson, Ryan Smith; three brothers, Jerry Seliga, Tony (Debbie) Seliga, Joey (Penny) Seliga; and a sister, Mary (Ray) Geier.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Josephine (Farbo) Seliga, and a sister, Linda Seliga.

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

Sara Catherine (Emberg) Burkhardt of Punxsutawney

June 5, 1930 - February 22, 2023

Sara graduated from Punxsutawney High School with the Class of 1948.

Sara worked for Pram Co. in Punxsutawney. She also worked for Loree Footwear in Big Run, and retired from Joe’s Drive In of Punxsutawney. Sara was a member of the Canoe Ridge Church of God in Rossiter, Pa. She had a strong faith in God and loved reading her Bible. She was a loving person who cared for all living things, especially dogs.

Sara is survived by one son, Donald Lee Burkhardt, and two sisters-in-law, Darlene Emberg and Marie Emberg. In addition to her parents, Oscar and Eliza (Chapman) Emberg, and husband, William Adolf Burkhardt, Sara was preceded in passing by six siblings, Thelma Bianco, Ellen Gaston, Eugene Emberg, Leonard Emberg, Edwin Emberg, and Edna Bish.

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

Caroline Frances Britten of Rochester Mills, Pa.

formerly of Philipsburg, Pa.

March 19, 1940 - February 22, 2023

Caroline was a member of the Christian Missionary Alliance churches in Osceola Mills and Clearfield. She graduated from Greater Johnstown High School in 1958.

Caroline was a loving wife,

mother, and grandmother. Caroline enjoyed a simple life: praying for others, reading and discussing the Bible, and spending time with her family, especially her three granddaughters.

She is survived by her two sons, Richard (Deanna) L. Britten and Gregg (Diana) Britten; three grandchildren, Megan Britten, Jessica Britten, and Hannah Britten and fiancé Ryan Yarnell; daughter-in-law, Cindy Britten; and siblings, Paul (Esther) Matas, Raymond (Elaine) Matas, Ronald (Judy) Matas, Donald (Barbara) Matas, Ruth Oravec, Dorothy (John) Marley, and Martha (Raymond) Fabick; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Karl and Mary Rusnak; husband, Robert L. Britten; a son, Todd; brothers, Joseph, John, Karl, David, Albert, and Daniel; and sisters, Mildred Burda, and Mary Fabry.

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

William M. “Terry” Tersine of Punxsutawney

April 28, 1935 - February 26, 2023

Terry was a member of Saints Cosmas and Damian Catholic Church in Punxsutawney where he served as an usher for many years. He was also a member of the Punxsutawney Eagles F.O.E. 1231. He retired as a store manager from the Quaker Market and briefly worked for Riverside Markets. After Terry’s retirement he worked for Yates Excavation. Terry enjoyed going to his camp, scratch lottery tickets, and spending time with family.

He is survived by two sons and two daughters, Mary Sue Tersine and husband, Maury Marshall, William (Carol Ann) Tersine, Thomas (Pam) J. Tersine, Carol Ann (George) Wehrle; six grandchildren, Anthony (Janelle) Tersine, Terry James “TJ” (Amy) Tersine, Amy (Chris) R. DeBold, Christina Tersine and fiancé Sam Benson, and Matthew and Andrew Wehrle; four great-grandchildren, Dean Tersine, Jemma Tersine, Kira Tersine, and Hayley Tersine; and a brother, Richard Tersine and wife, Michele.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Margaret (Fairman) Tersine; his wife, Celine Tersine; and infant son,

James Tersine.

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

Karen D. “Pork” Bargerstock of Reynoldville

October 7, 1941 - March 2, 2023

Pork took great pride in being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Ray Bargerstock; a son, Kirk (Debbie) Bargerstock; a daughter, Kelly Rae Sutter; five grandchildren, Shanna (Craig) Gula, Deanna (David) Bauer, Brett (Kelcey) Bargerstock, Brice (Whitney) Bargerstock, Grayce Sutter; 12 great-grandchildren; a sister, Bridget (Don) Senott; and a brother, Shawn Gaston.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Kenneth and Grayce (Bowers) Gaston, and a sister, Tanya Guidish.

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

Janice C. McConnaughey of Punxsutawney

November 22, 1947 - March 2, 2023

Janice was a 1965 Graduate of the Punxsutawney Area High School. She spent time at the Elk Run Avenue Gospel Chapel, reading and teaching Bible stories to children. Janice enjoyed sewing and playing the piano. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by a daughter, Denette (Ken) Godo; a son, Michael (Raquel) McConnaughey; four grandchildren, Jake (Jocelyn) Godo, Josh (Lexie) Godo, Shelby Gray, and fiancé Dustin Domb, and Sydney McConnaughey; a great-granddaughter, Thea Domb; and another great-grandchild on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifton and Mildred (Leasure) Wineberg; her husband, Clair “Bud” McConnaughey; a brother, Clifton “Tip” Wineberg; and three sisters, Carol Wineberg, Darlene Diehl, and Donna Frantz.

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

Lavonne C. Caylor

formerly of Coolspring, Pa.

November 2, 1938 - March 8, 2023

Vonnie graduated from Punxsutawney High School, Class of 1956, and she worked at various jobs over the years, but spent most of her time caring for her home and large family. Vonnie is survived by her husband, Lee Caylor, in addition to their five children, Vicki (Harry) Reinard, Jeffrey (Debra) Caylor, Gregory (Tammy) Caylor, Heather (Chad Littman) Smith, Heath (Carrie) Caylor; and 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by two brothers, Larry (Barbara) Hoffman and Craig (Cindy Fleming) Hoffman; two sisters, Janice (Reed) Smith and Debra Compton; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Melvin and Esther (Swineford) Hoffman, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Donald (Donna) Hoffman and Robert Hoffman Fait – d’Argy Funeral Home (www.dargyfh.com) u

Howard V. “Skeeter” Cook of Punxsutawney

August 6, 1931 - March 10, 2023

He attended the St. John’s Reformed Church. Skeeter was an avid golfer and member of the Punxsutawney Country Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, fishing trips to Canada, and enjoyed spending his winters in Florida.

Skeeter was the founder and owner of 3-H Abrasives and the co-founder of Production Abrasives.

He belonged to the Johns W. Jenks Masonic Lodge #534, Coudersport Consistory, Jaffa Shrine, and was a charter member of the Jaffa Shrine ATC Unit.

In addition to his wife, Rose, he is survived by two children, son Ronald (Velma) Cook and daughter Cathy (Kim) London; four grandchildren, Cory (Jenna) Cook, Kelsey (Jimmy) Geerin, and Alex and Max London; two great-grandchildren, Garrick Cook and Bode Geerin; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Vira (Stewart) and Albert V. Cook, he was preceded in Continued on next page

Continued from previous page

death by five brothers, John, Jim, Jake, David, and Harry Cook, and three sisters, Edra Sykes, Ruth Neyerlin, and Helen Curry.

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

Helen Marie Jerko

March 11, 2023

Helen was born on August 22, 1924, in Cleveland, Ohio. She was the daughter of Martin and Anna Kendra.

She was a member of Saints Cosmas and Damian Catholic Church. Helen’s working career began during World War II at the Air Maze Company in Ohio taking care of shipping orders and making air filters. After marriage she was a homemaker and volunteer at the Punxsutawney Hospital. In her younger days, she belonged to the Altar Rosary Society at Saints Cosmas and Damian Church.

She enjoyed going for walks, listening to polka music, songs sung by Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, watching and feeding the birds in her yard as well as growing flowers. Helen is survived by three daughters, Elaine (Roland) Gearhart, Janice (Richard)

Meehan, and Colleen Means; two sons, Thomas (Katie) Jerko and Dennis Jerko; two grandsons, Christopher Meehan and Michael Jerko; two great-grandchildren, Sean and Abby Meehan; sister, Irene Martino; three nieces, Kathleen and Judy Martino, and Florence Zicca; two nephews, Jerry Martino and Gregory Pape.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Anna Kendra; her husband, Delmas John Jerko; three brothers, Martin, Albert, and Carl Kendra; three sisters, Cecelia Neff, Margaret Denull, and Martha Pape; two infant sisters; and two nephews, Eugene Pape and Robert Martino. McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

Connie L. Hockenberry of Punxsutawney

March 22, 1941 - March 12, 2023

Connie was a member of Saints Cosmas and Damian Roman Catholic Church of Punxsutawney. She worked as a secretary for Nationwide Insurance in Punxsutawney for 20 years.

Connie always said that working for Ed Kengersky was one of the best experiences of her life.

Connie enjoyed vacationing, traveling, painting, drawing, jigsaw puzzles, spending winters in North Myrtle Beach, cookouts, hosting family events, and camping.

In addition to her husband, Severino A. “Jr.” Hockenberry, she is survived by five children, Kevin (April) Bianco, Keith (DeAnn) Bianco, Jerry Bianco Gina Buffington, and Jeffrey Bianco; four stepchildren, Michael (Lanna) Hockenberry, David (Michelle) Hockenberry, Joseph (Jill) Hockenberry, and Lisa (Steve) Schrecengost; 25 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren; and a brother, George “Tim” (Cheryl) Jones.

In addition to her parents, Julia (Smith) and George T. Jones, she was preceded in death by a sister, Carol Crawford. Connie was a second mother to her sister’s four daughters, her beloved nieces, Julie Roney, Jacki Miller, Jamie Hopkins, and Joni Gallina, all of Punxsutawney. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. (www.deeleyfuneralhome.com)

Stanley M. Hopkins of Rossiter April 13, 1946 - March 13, 2023

Stan was a member of the Steffy United Methodist Church and a 1968 graduate of the Punxsutawney Area High School after which he immediately entered the United States Army following the draft for the Vietnam Conflict. He proudly served his country, as his father before him, and continued serving others the remainder of his life. After returning from the military, Stan worked for various coal companies as a heavy equipment operator, before spending 33 years driving a school bus in the Punxsutawney Area School District. His lifelong goal was to brighten the moment for anyone he came in contact with, whether a smile, a joke, a greeting, or a funny face.

Stan was very active in the community serving on the board of directors and as caretaker of Devers Cemetery since he was a teenager, becoming one of the first members of Punxsutawney REACT and helping his wife, Robin, with the American Red Cross as a vital asset in its growth throughout Jefferson County. He enjoyed the outdoors, NASCAR, model railroading, and serving as a Sky Warn Watcher and rain gauge reporter for the National Weather Service.

Stan is survived by his wife, Robin L. (Hoefer) Hopkins; three children, Melissa (Roger) Jewell, Scott Hopkins, and Shelly

Brannen; five grandchildren, Kairstin (Brett) Quigley, Quinton Jewell, Shelby Jewell, William Brannen III, and Christopher Hopkins. Stan is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Sailor, Kayla, and Kaycee Quigley; and his beloved cat, Tutti.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence M. and Anna Mae (Ruth) Hopkins; a grandson, Daniel Hopkins; sonin-law, William Brannen II; and the mother of his children, Linda Reagle Hopkins Helsel.

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

Harriet F. Sprankle of Punxsutawney

August 18, 1940 - March 14, 2023

Harriet was a homemaker and a member of the Scotland Avenue Church of God. She loved her church and her church family. She enjoyed baking, decorating cakes, reading, crocheting, southern gospel music, shopping and spending time with her family.

Harriet is survived by three children, Patty (Phil) Cunningham, Donna (David) Mancuso, and David (Stephani) Sprankle; eight grandchildren, Drew Cunningham and Shanon Blose, Sarah (Cunningham) Downer and husband Blake, Brandon and Nick Mancuso, Breanna and Abigail Sprankle and Briana and RyAnn Crusan; three great-grandchildren, Kade, Knox, and Kash Downer; and a sister, Ruth Turnbull.

In addition to her parents, Violet M. (Davis) and Raymond U. Schrack, and husband, Robert G. “Bob” Sprankle, she was preceded in death by a brother, Raymond Schrack, and three sisters, Betty Stephens, Evelyn “Peep” Clouser, and Martha “Lucy” Stephanic. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. (www.deeleyfuneralhome.com)

Michael J. Brink of Rossiter

August 28, 1959 - March 15, 2023

Michael attended the Steffy Chapel United Methodist Church. He was a 1977 graduate of Punxsutawney Area High School and a graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Mine Engineering. Mike worked for Greenwich Collieries and the United States Postal Service. Mike participated in fantasy football leagues, always carefully selecting

and watching his teams and finishing the season in first place in both leagues. His favorite TV shows were The Price is Right, Let’s Make a Deal, M.A.S.H., as well as sports like the Pirates, Steelers, Penguins and dirt bike racing. He was an outdoorsman, enjoying trout fishing and hunting. Mike was currently restoring a 1974 Suzuki TM 125. He loved his family, and most of all his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Melodie (Bubb) Brink; a son, Jacob (Ashley) M. Brink; two grandchildren; Paitlyn and Cooper; a sister, Darlene Brink; his in-laws, Richard and LaRue Bubb; a brother-in-law, Dick (Becky) Bubb; sisterin-law, Dianna and Gus Manners; and his nephews, Paul, Eric, Luke, and Dustin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Mary Ann (Bicho) Brink, and a sister, Annette Brink.

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

Edith M. Hinkle of Punxsutawney

March 2, 1931 - March 16, 2023

Edith was a very active member of the Purchase Line Church of the Brethren and went on many mission projects. She worked as a registered nurse in various hospitals including Penn University, Strecker, Eagleville, and Norristown.

Edith enjoyed making card stamps, knitting, being a seamstress, and traveling. She was an artist and was a member of the Art Association of Punxsutawney. Edith was also a member of the singing group Sweet Adaline’s in Philadelphia.

She is survived by two children, daughter Cindy (Tim) Chambers and son Bill (Mary) Clemmer; 10 grandchildren; 14 greatgrandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Edith M. (Oberholtzer) and Jesse L. Stayer, she was preceded in death by two grandsons, Jason Clemmer and infant Billy Clemmer; and two sisters, Joyce Keeler and Ida Mae Petsock.

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

u

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

u

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.

44TH ANNUAL

SUN., APRIL 16, 2023

at Sykesville Town Hall

Registration 1:30pm Run/Walk 3pm

RUN/WALK 2 MILES OR RUN 5 MILES

FUN • GAMES • FOOD • PRIZES SILENT AUCTION ITEMS

FOR MORE INFO, REGISTRATION FORMS... Bill Cuba Jr. at 814-591-6800 or Pat Mowrey 814-591-0949

or see www.jcarc.org or our Facebook page or email carlajcarc@gmail.com

Run or Walk for Someone Special Set for April 16

The 44th Run or Walk for Someone

Special returns to its usual time of the year. The event will take place on April 16, 2023, at The Town Hall in Sykesville, Pa.

All monies raised at this event are used to provide children and adults with special needs, who reside in Jefferson and Clearfield Counties, with four summer camps. The first camp is planned for the beginning of June for Punxsutawney residents, followed by the DuBois camp and Brookville/ Brockway camp, and ending with the Autism camp the last week in June. Without the support of the Run or Walk, these camps would not be possible. Not only does the Run or Walk support four camps, but it also helps to support two Recreation and Respite Clubs in Punxsutawney and DuBois. The clubs provide recreation and respite for individuals 18 or older with intellectual or developmental disabilities. For these individuals to have a place to socialize is often referred to as a dream come true. The need for these clubs evolved due to a lack of activities and socialization provided for these individuals once they graduate from high school.

Those interested in details about our Run or Walk can visit the Facebook page of the Arc of Jefferson and Clearfield Counties or visit the group’s website (www.jcarc.org) to print a registration form and also donate early through the Firstgiving.org link, which is on the web-

site as well. Pre-registration must be completed by Friday, April 14, at midnight. You can also print a registration form and bring it to the check in station the day of the Run or Walk along with the money collected.

Registration begins at the Sykesville Town Hall at 1:30 p.m., and the race begins at 3 p.m. Anyone wishing to participate has the option to run or walk two miles or run five miles. We are also excited about the Stroll and Roll race. This is a short race for those who cannot participate in the longer walk or run. And it’s great for those with wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers.

Trophies and ribbons will be rewarded to finishers in a variety of age groups with prizes given to the top money collectors. The event will also have games, food, prizes, and many great silent auction items.

The Arc would like to thank all the local businesses for their donations and continued support over the years. It is really amazing how wonderful this community is at supporting the Run or Walk. The numerous volunteers who donate so much of their time to make this event happen must also be acknowledged.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call Bill Cuba Jr. (814) 5916800 or Pat Mowrey (814) 591-0949. They would be happy to hear from you. You can also email the Arc at carlajcarc@gmail.com

• • •

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

March 22, 1905 — An Artisto printing lamp and cabinet, the latest improvement for developing photographs, was added to the equipment of Frampton’s art studio last week. By the use of this device pictures can be taken and developed at night or on dark days as well as during the most favorable weather. The lamp is 110 volt power. The cabinet will accommodate 60 photographs at one time.

(Punxsutawney Spirit)

March 27, 1889 — A climb up one of the highest hills overlooking Punxsutawney will give one a pretty good idea of how much our town is spreading out. Many new buildings in the course of erection dot the vicinity here and there. (Punxsutawney News)

Note: In 1889, one of the hills overlooking Punxsutawney might have been at the top of Woodland Avenue in the East End. It was known as Corey’s Roundtop.

March 29, 1942 — Gasoline dealers in Punxsutawney have not yet decided on a uniform schedule under the new rationing system. Most stations are open from 7 a. m. to 7 p. m. week days, and closed all day Sunday. A few are closing for a part day during the week and keeping open a half day on Sunday.

(Punxsutawney Spirit)

Note: Gas rationing was one of many ration limits in the United States during World War II.

April 6, 1887 — Geo M. Graf is having the old Gillespie homestead in Clayville fixed up and expects to move there with his family.

(Valley News)

Note: The house is at 809 West Mahoning Street, adjacent to West End Tire Co., and was built before 1860 when the area was then Clayville. According to Punxsutawney area history, the house was the location of one of the “stations” of the Underground Railroad in this section before the Civil War. Also, the first Roman Catholic Mass was held in the Gillespie house in 1869.

April 13, 1898 — Punxsutawney has nine millinery stores, each of which has the prettiest bonnets, and newest and loveliest novelties in their line. This is certainly the place to come to buy your spring hat. It will pay the ladies for twenty miles around to come to Punxsutawney for millinery goods. (Punxsutawney Spirit)

April 23, 1890 — While we were sitting in our office last Monday night, meditating upon the vicissitudes of life, we had the pleasure of a visit from the McCartney-McFee orchestra and string band. Seating themselves they began to discourse some very sweet music. We were glad the boys came. The band consisted of three guitars, banjo, harmonica and two triangles. (Punxsutawney News)

Note: A dictionary definition for “the vicissitudes of life” is the editor’s reflection of unwelcome and difficult times one goes through in daily life.

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. Blue Jackets 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. Monday, April 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. Blue Jackets

Thur., April 13 • 7 p.m.

Hometown

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22nd Annual Plow Day by Past to Present Machinery Association

By Danielle Merrow for Hometown magazine

On Saturday, April 22, 2023, the Past to Present Machinery Association will host its 22nd Annual Plow Day at 1689 Kramer Road in Henderson Township at the farm of Fred Reed, known as Windfall Run Farm. Reed and Larry Shepler are co-chairmen of the PPMA. The purpose of the event, according to

sharp plow,” Shepler notes. Spectators are welcome, and can be transported to the fields on a hay wagon to observe.

The Chuck Wagon food truck will be on the grounds.

On average, 15-20 tractors participate each year, and garden tractors are also welcome. Shepler recalls one garden tractor making the journey from California a few years ago. Fred Reed adds that in the beginning, there were only five or six tractors in attendance, and one year while affiliated with an online tractor club, there were over a hundred garden tractors in attendance!

In 2020, Plow Day was held with a much smaller group of tractors, respecting the distancing guidelines at the time. It is a relief, they note, to be able to gather again for this tradition. Plowing will take place rain, snow, or shine.

Shepler, is to give local farmers an opportunity to teach beginners, or to make experienced plowers more successful. This event is for fun – it’s not a contest, Shepler adds. Plowers of all levels of experience are welcome to come and learn more, plow together, and have fun.

Participants must be members of the Past to Present Machinery Association. The membership fee is $10, which can be paid the day of the event. Plows may also be provided for anyone who doesn’t have their own. Plowers are encouraged to bring their own equipment if they have it, though, in order to ensure the plows are sharp enough. “A lot of people don’t know you need a

The history of Plow Day (or “Plough Monday”) is difficult to trace, but has roots in parts of Europe – England, specifically –and is still celebrated in some places on the first Monday after Epiphany: the Twelfth Night. The event was marked by a blessing of the plows by the Christian Church, with the farmers returning to the fields following the unpaid Christmas holiday (https://nationaltoday.com/ploughmonday/).

Plowing fields signifies the beginning of the process to ready fields for the growing season – a sure sign spring has arrived.

“Farming is a shrinking profession – that’s why we do this – to encourage the next generations to continue producing real meat, real dairy,” Shepler concludes.

The PPMA will also host an antique tractor show featuring Case equipment Memorial Day weekend, May 26, 27, and 28 featuring Case.

Preparing the fields for planting is a surefire sign that spring has arrived. (photo courtesy of Past to Present Machinery Association)

For many farmers, plowing their fields is a cooperative, communal undertaking. (photo courtesy of Past to Present Machinery Association)

Punxsutawney Area Hospital Recognized as Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital

The Punxsutawney Area Hospital is proud to announce its fifth consecutive year of being recognized as a 2023 Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital. Compiled by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, this annual recognition program honors outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX™.

“Being recognized as a Top 100 Rural and Community Hospital gives us great pride in the care we provide to our patients. We are thankful to have the support of our community and look forward to continuing to provide care to our neighbors, friends, and family members,” stated Jack Sisk, PAH President.

“Across the nation, top 100 rural providers continue to serve as a source of inspiration for hospital leadership teams and staff working diligently every day to improve the delivery of care within their local communities,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, the Chartis Center for Rural Health. “The

list of award winners in each category is as geographically diverse as we’ve seen in some time, which is wonderful to see. We’re thrilled to be able to honor the outstanding efforts of these top performing rural hospitals.”

Now in its 13th year, the INDEX has established itself as the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Leveraging publicly available data, the INDEX is trusted by rural hospitals, health systems with rural affiliates, hospital associations, and state offices of rural health across the country to measure and monitor performance across a variety of areas impacting hospital operations and finance.

“While this honor is awarded to the hospital, it cannot be overstated enough that this award is a direct result of the community support of the hospital, our staff’s devotion to our patients, and our continued goal of striving to be the best that we can be,” stated Dr. Clark Simpson, Director of Medical Staff Affairs at PAH.

2127 Langville Rd., Mayport, PA

ALL PHASES OF RESIDENTIAL HVAC

814-856-3240 or 412-302-6427

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For the fifth consecutive year, the Punxsutawney Area Hospital has been recognized as a Top 100 Rural & Community Hospital. Helping to celebrate the hospital’s selection are (l-r): Jack Sisk, President of PAH, Deanna Beveridge, Jennifer Elick, April Fetterman, Gege Gach, Nicole Defoor, Robin Moran, Cheryl Graham, Paula Spack, Vice President of Patient Care Services, and Ben Hughes, Vice President of Corporate Services. (submitted photo)

Dennis Perevuznik, owner

Hometown Community Happenings

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

n Penguins Giveaway Winner

Nate Hankinsor of Punxsutawney correctly predicted that the Pittsburgh Penguins would lose to the Montreal Canadiens on March 14 and is the winner of the Hometown Penguins Hockey Giveaway. Nate will redeem his merchandise certificate at Carulli Auto Sales & Service.

Congratulations, Nate!

n March 31 & April 1: 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 31, April 1 & 2: "Love Took His Breath Away," presented by Solid Rock Community Church Community Choir & Orchestra in Big Run. 7 p.m. March 31 & April 1; 10 a.m. April 2.

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

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: Brody’s Barbecue BBQ Chicken Fundraiser, 11 a.m. till sold out, in the parking lot next to B’s Books, benefits Festival in the Park.

n April 1: Spring Gun Raffle at Big Run Event Center, 5 p.m., sponsored by Big Run Area Vol. Fire Co. $10 tickets available from firefighters and area businesses.

n April 1: Trout Season opens in PA.

n April 1: 24th Annual Gun Bash by Brookville Quarterback Club, 6 to 9 p.m., doors open at 5 p.m., at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.

n April 1 & 2: Windy Weekend, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Punx’y Weather Discovery Center. Call 938-1000 or email info@weatherdiscovery.org for more information.

n April 1, 5, 15, 19, & 29: Book donations accepted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Punx’y Memorial Library. Limit 2 boxes or bags per person.

n April 2: Palm Sunday, begins Holy Week.

n April 2: Big Run Beta Easter Egg Hunt, 2 p.m., at Veterans Park, Big Run.

n April 2: Easter Egg Hunt, 1 p.m., at Rossiter Ballfield, presented by the Rossiter VFD.

n April 2: 7th Annual Easter & Beyond, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., at New Beginnings Church.

n April 2: Anita Park Easter Egg-stravaganza, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

n April 3, 10, 17, & 24: 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 April 4 & 25: Book Sale room books are free at Punx’y Memorial Library. No donation needed.

n April 5 & 19: Bingo at Big Run Event Center, benefits the Big Run Area Vol. Fire Co. 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 April 6: Chamber Civic Chat, 7:30 a.m., at Cobblestone Hotel. Chat with Sen. Joe Pittman, the Jefferson County commissioners, State Representative Brian Smith, and Borough Manager Toby Santik.

n April 6: Military Share food program, 3 p.m., at Jefferson County Fairgrounds, sponsored by Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest PA. For information, call Second Harvest at (814) 459-3663, ext. 117. Must meet income requirements and have at least one person who has served, or is serving, in the Armed Forces or National Guard.

n April 7 - 9: Punx’y Memorial Library Closed.

n April 8: 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 April 8: Big Run B.R.A.N.C.H.H. food distribution, 11 a.m. to noon, in the social hall of the First Christian Church of Big Run.

n April 9: Easter. Celebrate the Risen Christ!

n April 13: Catastrophic Book Club, 5:30 p.m., at Punx’y Memorial Library. This month’s book is My Name is Yip by Paddy Crewe. Call the library to reserve a copy.

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

n April 14, 21 & 28: Paws for Reading, 3:45 p.m., at Punx’y Memorial Library, all ages welcome.

n April 15: CDA Yard Sale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Weinker Hall, SSCD Church.

n April 15 & 16: Coolspring Power Museum open. $10 admission; children under 12 free.

n April 15: Quilt Show & Soup To Go Sale, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Henderson Township Community Building. Proceeds benefit the community building.

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 15: Let's Play for SPLASH, 2 to 6 p.m., at East End Gems. A portion of the proceeds will go to the George C. Brown Community Pool.

n April 16: Run/Walk for Someone Special in Sykesville, rain date April 23, benefits the Arc of Jefferson & Clearfield Counties.

n April 18: Blood Drive, noon to 6 p.m., at Punx’y VFW, benefits the American Red Cross.

n April 18: Tax Day. Last day to file taxes.

n April 18: Punx’y Citizens Band rehearsals begin for the 2023 season, 6:30 p.m., at First English Lutheran Church. Rehearsals are held every Tuesday. For more information, go to https://punxypa.com/band. Musicians of all levels are welcome.

n April 19: Drive-Through Community Dinner, begins at 4:30 p.m., at Punx’y Presbyterian Church. Enter the alley off

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Hometown Community

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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 April 20: Punx’y Chamber of Commerce Mixer, 4 to 6 p.m., at Punx’y Country Club.

n April 21: Family Movie Night, at Chestnut Grove Independent Church. Family adventure movies from Answers in Genesis. Snacks provided at intermission. For more information, call (814) 938-1002. 342 Lipp Rd., Punx’y.

n April 21: Spring Fling Dance at Big Run War Memorial, for those age 21 and over, doors open at 6:30 p.m., band starts at 7 p.m. $10 presale tickets, $15 at door. Proceeds benefit Big Run Recreation.

n April 22: Punx’y Rotary Club Radio Auction broadcast on WPXZ, 104.1 FM.

n April 22: Girl Scouts Juniors Space Science Investigator Badge program, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Punx’y Weather Discovery Center. $20 per scout.

n April 22: Hunter-Trapper Education Course, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Sigel Sportsmen's Club. Visit the PA Game Commission website for registration information.

n April 22: “Blooming Businesses of Punx’y” event in the downtown area, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., presented by the Young Entrepreneurs and Professionals of Punx’y.

n April 22: 4th Annual SSCD Designer Bag Bingo, 6 p.m., $30 ticket. Benefits SSCD School.

n April 23-29: National Library Week. Visit the Punx’y Memorial Library!

n April 26: Administrative Professionals Day. Treat your assistant to something from one of Hometown’s advertisers.

n April 26 - 29: Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Ridgway Mills Campground.

n April 29: Gun Bash, 1 to 5 p.m., at Gobbler’s Knob, by the Punx’y Chamber of Commerce. Doors open at noon. Tickets are $20 and are available at the Chamber office and Laska’s Pizza. Tickets at the door will be $25.

n April 29: Spaghetti Benefit Dinner for Tessa Spearing, 3 to 7 p.m., at Covode United Methodist Church, Rochester Mills.

n April 29: Wine, Shine & Dine opens at 11 a.m., at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. $30 ticket per person. Proceeds benefit the Jefferson County Fair.

n April 30: SSCD Knights of Columbus breakfast, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., open to the public, $9 adults, $5 children.

n If your church will celebrate a milestone anniversary, such as the 50th anniversary of its founding, please let Hometown know about it. Such longevity should be recognized with a story! You can email hometown@punxsutawneymagazine.com.

n The Punx’y Chamber of Commerce is seeking vendors for the 2023 Festival in the Park. Contact the chamber for more information.

n Applications for JCARC’s Camp Friendship are available at The Arc of Jefferson & Clearfield Counties’ website, JCARC.org.

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 online.

n 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 9385530 for information.

n Free Income Tax Preparation is available through Jefferson-Clarion Community Action’s VITA program. Call (814) 2264785, ext. 10, and leave your name & phone number.

n The Salvation Army is holding weekly Bible studies at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. 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 Sigel Vol. Fire Dept. will hold its Annual Garage & Garden Raffle on May 20 at the VFD Hall. Doors open at 1 p.m., drawing at 2 p.m. $10 tickets available.

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 through May at 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Punx’y Alliance Church for ages 3 through 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 31-Aug. 4. Contact the Salvation Army at 938-5530 for information. Registration is available online.

EASTER CHURCH SERVICES

n SSCD Church

April 6: Holy Thursday, 7 p.m. Evening Mass of The Lord’s Supper followed by private adoration until 10 p.m. Closing with Night Prayer.

April 7: Good Friday, 1 pm. Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion.

April 8: Holy Saturday, 1 p.m. Blessing of the Easter Food. 8 p.m. Easter Vigil Mass.

April 9: Easter Sunday, 8 & 10 a.m. Mass.

n Crostown UMC Ministries

April 6: Maundy Thursday Service, 7 p.m., at Woodland Ave. UMC.

April 9: Easter Sunrise Service, 7:30 a.m., at Grace UMC.

Easter Services:

n 8:45 a.m. Barton Chapel UMC

n 9 a.m. Woodland Ave. UMC

n 10 a.m. Mt. Tabor UMC

n 10:45 a.m. Grace UMC

n First UMC & The Salvation Army

April 9: Community Easter Sunrise Service, 7:30 a.m., at Gobbler’s Knob. Service will be outdoors; bring your own lawn chair.

n First Church of God

April 9: Easter Service, 10:30 a.m.

n Punxsy Lutheran Parish

April 6: Maundy Thursday, 6:30 p.m. at First English Lutheran Church.

April 7: Good Friday, 6:30 p.m., at First English Lutheran Church.

April 9: Easter Service, 9:30 a.m. at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church. 11 a.m. at First English Lutheran.

Easter Services:

n April 9: 71st Annual Cook Forest Easter Sunrise Service, 7 a.m., at Cook Forest Ridge Camp Amphitheater.

n April 9: The Salvation Army, 10:30 a.m.

n May 3: Meet the Candidates for Borough Council and Punxsutawney School Board at the Punxsy Eagles Club from 6 to 8 p.m.