Walston Festival Set for June 10-11

Mark your calendar! Walston in Young Township is the place to be on Saturday, June 10, and Sunday, June 11. More specifically, the Walston ballfield and the lawn area of St. Anthony’s Church are the places to be as the locations of the Walston Festival, which, among other things, will feature the event’s ninth annual softball tournament. The Festival will open at 11 a.m. and close at 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The softball tournament will begin at 8 a.m. and end at dusk on both days. But softball won’t be the only game in town!

Inflatables will be available to the kids on the St. Anthony’s lawn from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, and a cornhole tournament will be held on Sunday, beginning at noon. Registration for the cornhole tournament starts at 11:30 a.m. Sunday. The A Bracket fee is $30 a team and B Bracket is $20 a team.

The Festival will also have food vendors and fun for the whole family. In addition, T-shirts will be on sale.

Special visitors will be in attendance –very special visitors! Members of the Pennsylvania National Guard, who will attend both days of the Festival, will have a military simulator in the pavilion area. Stop by to say hello and to thank them for their service!

Everyone loves fireworks! The Festival will feature a fireworks display in the playground area at dusk on Saturday. The Walston Festival is hosted by the Walston Recreation Committee and the Young Township Recreation Board. Festival organizers are looking for volunteers for a variety of activities throughout the weekend. If you are interested in helping out or if you would like additional information, please call Cubby Martino (814-952-6144) or Matt Lasher (814-771-2599).

All proceeds from the Walston Festival will be used to purchase ballfield and playground equipment for Young Township playgrounds. • • •

Thursday, June 15

10:30 a.m. Summer Tunes with DJ Randy Picnic at 12 Noon

Thursday, June 29

MAHONING HILLS ICE CREAM SHOPPE

Sundaes Only $1.50!

BREAKFAST Mondays from 9:30 - 11 am

June 5: Scrambled Eggs & Sausage

June 12: Pancakes & Sausage

June 19: Father's Day Breakfast: Apple Cinnamon French Toast & Bacon

June 26: Blueberry Pancakes & Sausage CRAFTS

SEWING with Marlene - Mon., June 5 at 11 am

CRAFTS - Mon., June 12 at 11 am

SCAMS by Indiana Co. District Attorney Manzi

Tues., June 13th at 11 am

BANK SAFETY by Marion Center Nat’l Bank

Mon., June 19 at 11 am

GOSPEL MUSIC

Tuesday, June 20 at 12:30 pm by Grange Church of God

CHAIR YOGA with JERIL

Thursday, June 22 at 10:30 am

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 ‘Pirates Giveaway’ Winner Announced: When the Baltimore Orioles shut out the Pittsburgh Pirates 2-0 on Saturday, May 13 – at Oriole Park at Camden Yards – Peggy Engle of Punxsutawney became a winner in Hometown magazine’s “Pirates Giveaway” contest. Peggy predicted that the Birds would beat the Bucs and that the teams would score a total of three runs. Her combination of predictions made hers the winning entry. Peggy plans to redeem her merchandise certificate at Shop ’n Save. Congratulations, Peggy! n Registration may still be open for the Summer Reading Program at Punx’y Memorial Library. Call the library at 938-5020 or stop by the library for more information. n Register by June 2 for Crosstown UM Ministries “Stellar: Shine Jesus’ Light” VBS program June 12-16, 9 a.m. to noon, at Grace UM Church. Register at 938-4030 or online at punxsycrosstown.org. If you register late, a T-shirt is not guaranteed. For ages preschool through sixth grade. n Farmer’s Market voucher applications are available at Older American Social Centers, through the Jefferson County Area Agency on Aging. n The Presbyterian Church of Punx’y is holding Mahjong Mondays, from 10 a.m. to noon. n Free summer meals at the PAHS cafeteria will start June 5. Free meals will be available 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., for children age 18 & under. There will be grab-n-go meals available at several locations. Go to the school district website and find complete information under the Services tab. n May 27-28: Living History Weekend at Cook Forest State Park. n May 27: Hawthorn Vol. Fire Dept. 6th Annual Kayak/Canoe Poker Run, launch 9 a.m. to noon Redbank Creek, Summerville to Hawthorn. Adults, $20; under 18, $5. Find more information and registration at www.hawthorn560.com. n May 27 & 31: Book donations accepted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Punx’y Memorial Library. Limit 2 boxes or bags per person. n May 28: George C. Brown Community Pool opening day (planned). n May 28: Fish for Free Day in PA, no license required by the PA Fish Commission. n May 28-June 3: Groundhog Festival at Yoder’s Antique Mall. Lots of fun & entertainment! n May 29: Punx’y Memorial Library closed. n May 29: Memorial Day. Remember the veterans who gave their lives in service to the nation.

SENIOR FARMERS' MARKET VOUCHERS

Wednesday, June 7 from 10 am - 12 pm

FITNESS CLASS

Wednesdays at 11 am with Fitness Instructor Carole Zicha

DIME BINGO

Thurs., June 8, 22 & 29 at 12:30 pm

BINGOCIZE

Tuesdays, June 6 and 13 at 10 am

Thursdays, June 1 & 8 at 10 am

BINGO with Kim from Embassy

Thursday, June 1 at 12:30 pm

PA MEDI COUNSELOR

Thursday, June 8 at 11:30 am

BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING

Thursday, June 22 at 11 am

SUPER BINGO & SNACKS $2.50

Tuesday, June 27 from 10 am - 12 pm

SUMMER FOOD SAFETY by Morgan from PAH

Wednesday, June 28 at 12:30 pm

HYMN SING with Kay Young

Thursday, June 29 at 11 am n May 28: Guest Speaker Chris Brooks at The Salvation Army, 11 a.m. n May 30: Book Sale Room open, just give a donation, at Punx’y Memorial Library. n Through May 31: Registration open for VBS at One Life Church, June 19-21, 6 to 8 p.m., for ages 3 to fifth grade. Register at onelifepunxsy.org/one-life-kids. n June 1: Military Share food program, 3 p.m., at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, sponsored by Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest PA. For information, call Second Harvest at (814) 4593663, 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 June 1-15: Register for VBS at One Life Church, June 19-21, 6 to 8 p.m., for age 3-5th grade. Register at onelifepunxsy.org/one-life-kids. n June 2 & 3: 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 June 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30: Paws for Reading, 3:45 p.m., at Punx’y Memorial Library. All ages welcome. n June 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30: Farmer’s Market, 4 to 7 p.m., at Barclay Square. Contact the Chamber of Commerce for more information. n June 3 & 4: Hazen Flea Market open, 7 a.m. to mid-afternoon. n June 3: 5th Annual CEF Golf Scramble at Beechwoods Golf Course, registration at 8 a.m., benefits Child Evangelism Fellowship – Jefferson, Elk & Clearfield Chapter. See the CEF Facebook page for registration costs. n June 3: 8th Annual Military Collectibles Show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Presented by Jefferson County History Center. n June 3: Spring Chicken BBQ & Mommy Market at the Ringgold Area Vol. Fire Company. n June 3: Chicken BBQ, 4 p.m., at Rossiter Vol. Fire Co. n June 3: Spaghetti Dinner & Basket Raffle, benefits Jason Frampton, at the Perry Township Vol. Fire Co. hall in Valier. n June 4: Children’s Fishing Derby, 1-3 p.m., at Cook Forest. n June 5, 12, 19, & 26: 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 June 6 & 27: Book Sale room books are free at the Punx’y Memorial Library. n June 8: Catastrophic Book Club, 5:30 p.m., at Punx’y Memorial Library, “A Spark of Light” by Jodi Picoult. n June 9-11: 2023 Forest County Bigfoot Festival, Marienville. n June 10 & 11: French & Indian War Encampment & Battle Re-enactments at Cook Forest State Park. n June 10: Hunter-Trapper Education Course, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Heritage House, Brookville. Visit the PA Game Commission website for registration information. n June 10: Bundles of Blessings Free Clothing Ministry, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the parsonage next to Solid Rock Community Church, 102 Church St., Big Run. Donations accepted by pre-arrangement only. n June 10: Big Run B.R.A.N.C.H.H. food distribution, 11 a.m. to noon, at First Christian Church of Big Run. n June 10 & 11: Walston Festival, includes softball tournament, kids’ games, fireworks on Saturday night, cornhole tournament, food vendors, and fun for the whole family, hosted by the Young Township Recreation Board. n June 10 & 11: Summer Solstice Weekend, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Punx’y Weather Discovery Cen-

June 7 & 21: 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 at 6:30 p.m. Food & beverages available.

Hometown Community

Continued from previous page

n June 10, 14, 24, & 28: Book donations accepted at Punx’y Memorial Library, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Limit 2 boxes or bags per person.

n June 10: Food sale, 6 p.m., at Rossiter American Legion. Doors open at 5 p.m. Fundraiser for American Legion Post 62, Punx’y.

n June 10: Strawberry Saturday, various locations in Smicksburg.

n June 10-17: Laurel Festival in Brookville. Fun and food for the whole family!

n June 11: All You Can Eat Breakfast, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Perry Township Vol. Fire Co. Adults, $10; kids, $5; under 5, free.

n June 12-17: All Together Now Summer Reading Family Scavenger Hunt by Punx’y Memorial Library. Get the form from the library this week, find the “community helpers” in local business windows, and return the form to the library by 5 p.m. June 17.

n June 14: Flag Day. Fly the colors!

n June 14: Relay for Life at Brookville Town Square, benefits the American Cancer Society.

n June 15, 16 & 17: Coolspring Power Museum Expo & Flea Market. Museum open on Wednesday & closed on Sunday.

n June 15: Community Classic Golf Tournament at Punx’y Country Club, benefits the Weather Discovery Center, Make A Wish Foundation, Punx’y Chamber of Commerce and Punx’y Area Community Center. Contact the chamber for registration or sponsorship information.

n June 17: Sign-Ups for AJP Youth Football & Cheerleading Assoc., 10 a.m. to noon at the Punx’y Area Community Center.

n June 17: 7th Annual Western PA Charity Sporting Clay Shoot at All Seasons Trap & Skeet, Luthersburg, benefits Freedom Hunters, hosted by Shoot for a Cure. Registration, 8 a.m.; shotgun start, 10 a.m. Lunch & raffle to follow.

n June 17: Benefit Dance/Raffle for Jeremiah Hoffman, 7 to 11 p.m., at Walston Club. Admission, $7.

n June 18: Father’s Day. Remember your father with something special from one of Hometown’s advertisers.

n June 18: All You Can Eat Breakfast, 7 a.m.to noon, McCalmont Township Fire Co. hall in Anita. Adults, $10; kids 5-12, $5; kids 4 & under, free.

n June 18-24: Sykesville Youth & Ag Fair, Sykesville fairgrounds.

n June 19-21: VBS at One Life Church, 6 to 8 p.m., for ages 3-5th grade. Go to onelifepunxsy.org/one-life-kids for more information.

n June 20: Blood Drive, noon to 6 p.m., at Punx’y VFW. Benefits American Red Cross.

n June 21: First Day of Summer!

n June 21: Drive-Through Community Dinner, 4:30 p.m., at Punx’y Presbyterian Church. Enter the alley off East Mahoning St. beside the hotel 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 June 24: Hunter-Trapper Education Course, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Rossiter Sportsmen’s Club. See the PA Game Commission website for registration information.

n June 24: Mind, Body & Soul Metaphysical Expo of Punx’y, 11 a.m., at Jefferson County Housing Authority Social Hall.

n June 24 & 25: SS. Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church Festival at Adrian Picnic Grove, includes liturgy, food, games, and music.

n June 25: 2nd Annual Jake McMinn Memorial Benefit Ride at F.O. Eagles, Falls Creek. Registration, 10 a.m.; ride at noon. $20 per driver; 70 to 80-mile ride, benefits his daughter.

n June 30 & July 1: Punx’y Theatre Arts Guild presents “Drinking Habits,” 7:30 p.m., at Punx’y Area Elementary School. The show will also be presented at 8 p.m. July 6, 7, & 8 at the Sawmill Theater in Cook Forest.

n June 30: Last day to order tiles for the Punx’y Historical & Genealogical Society Coal Memorial event on Sept. 3. Forms are available at 400 W. Mahoning St., or call 938-2555, or email punxsyhistory@outlook.com.

n July 2: 10th Annual Alumni Band Concert, 2 p.m., in the air-conditioned Colonna Auditorium at PAHS. n July 2-9: Punx’y Festival in the Park, Barclay Square. Fun, food, and entertainment for the whole family! n Punx’y Citizens Band rehearsals are held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays at First English Lutheran Church. For more information, go to https://punxsypa.com/band. The group of concert band musicians invites new members of all playing levels to join them. n Register now for Solid Rock Community Church’s Happy Campers VBS on July 19, 20, & 21, 6:30 to 8 p.m., for ages kindergarten through fifth grade. Call 814-603-2573 for registration information. 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! Email Hometown@punxsutawneymagazine.com.

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Punxsutawney AM Radio to a listening audience.

Shortly after Mr. Erhard arrived in Punxsutawney in 1953 to begin the history of WPME radio, the new president of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, Sam Light, invited Erhard to join the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. As the Groundhog Club and the Punxsutawney tradition on Groundhog Day was facing its own challenges with the arrival of TV for entertainment and communication, Mr. Light named Charles Erhard “the director of groundhogese communication.” A few years later, Erhard became president of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club in September 1976. In a February 2, 1977, news story in the Punxsutawney Spirit, following Erhard’s first Groundhog Day at Gobbler’s Knob, it was reported that through WPME the word about the Punxsutawney groundhog’s prognos-