#147 Christmas 2012 by Punxsutawney Hometown Magazine

On the cover: Merry Christmas! Greyson & Gabriella Kendra with their pet Sammy

Photo by Courtney Katherine Photography

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We are the only Punxsutawney-owned media! Punx’y Proud — Boosting our Hometown! Publishers William C. Anderson, Mary L. Roberts Advertising Mary L. Roberts Tracey Young Contributing Writers Marty Armstrong S. Thomas Curry Shirley Sharp Allie Shields Jennifer Wolfe Art Director Melissa Salsgiver Graphic Artists Melissa Salsgiver Joanna McConnell Nicole McGee All material submitted becomes the property of Punxsutawney Hometown magazine.

Mary Roberts ................................(814) 938-0312 Bill Anderson ................................(814) 472-4110 Tracey Young ................................(814) 938-9084 Our Office......................................(814) 938-9141 Our Fax..........................................(814) 938-9507 hometown@mail.com Our business mailing address: P.O. Box 197, Punxsutawney, PA 15767 With our office located in: Railroad Building, Suite 100 North Penn St., Punxsutawney, PA 15767 Yearly Subscriptions: $36 — First Class Mail

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Punx’y Area Resident Serves ‘Freely, Readily’ as Unsung ‘Hero’ By Jennifer Wolfe of Hometown magazine he holiday season brings out the best in most of us, but none more than the volunteers among us. Those who shine brightest are the ones who give not just during the holidays, but all year long. These are the folks you can count on to show up any time there is a need. They don’t even consider themselves volunteers, like some, who wear it proudly, like a badge of honor (which it is!) The people I speak of are seldom seen. They operate quietly in the background, accepting the challenge of giving without a return on their investment. To a person in need of help, a volunteer can be a life saver. We can all think of a scenario where a friend’s last minute assistance was the only way to pull something off. At our hour of need, a helping hand is like a gift. In the Punxsutawney area, there are a few gems hiding in plain sight. These men and women are heroes to those they help. One such woman has made a life out of helping others around her. Heather Elbel, a life long Punxs’y area resident, began offering a helping hand while she was still in middle school. The nearby Mingle family, of Gipsy, lost their home to a fire. Elbel saw a way to help and launched in with a project she called “Heather’s Helping Hands.” She organized a Tupperware party, with proceeds going to the Mingles. Through support of the community, she was able to help the family in their dark hour. Elbel, who was born Heather Farmery, enjoyed the experience so much, she later incorporated volunteer service into her senior project. The Glen Campbell Fire Department was the beneficiary this time. She held a craft/bake sale, garnering over 30 vendors, and loads of baked goods. By encouraging others to follow suit, Elbel (then Farmery) was able to donate gener-

Heather Elbel, a lifelong resident of the Punxsutawney area, donates her time to help those in need. Celebrating the holidays with her family are (l. to r.) Donny, Tavia Henry, Donny Jr. and Heather Elbel. (Photo by Courtney Katherine Photography)

ously to the Glen Campbell FD. Projects such as these became a way of life to her. Most recently, after the heartbreaking loss of a local young man, Heather worked with Huey Brothers, Inc,. a local trucking company, which sponsored a “dice run” in the honor of Stephen Yamrick, with proceeds going to his family. Stephen “Steve” Robert Yamrick, 22, of Glen Campbell, perished in a car accident in the early morning hours of Thursday, September 13, 2012, in Banks Township,

Indiana County. Yamrick was a close friend of the Elbel family. Through marriage and friendship, Yamrick was more like part of the family. As others reeled from the stunning news, Huey Brothers, with the help of Elbel and others, set off to help make things just a little better if possible. On Elbel’s part, she worked tirelessly over several days to help pull the event off in a short amount of time. She spent hours on the phone, and in the - Continued on page 4

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2 – Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147

410 East Mahoning St.

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Merry Christmas!

Michael Horner, Kim Horner Joe Presloid & Jennifer Moore (missing from photo) Local Registered Pharmacists

Mon.- Fri 9 to 7; Sat. 9 to 2

Quality Roofing Since 1896. On Oakland Ave. in Punxsutawney’s East End are two identical houses built for an East End grocer in 1904. The houses were reported to be the first houses in Punx’y constructed using the then new manufactured product of cement building blocks. These blocks were decorative, imitating stone (see detail of blocks).

PERRY TWP. FIRE DEPARTMENT

Stocking Stuffer Histories Laying Cement, Bathing in Salts, and Davy Jones

By S. Thomas Curry of Hometown magazine anded down through generations is the old family Christmas tradition of hanging children’s stockings from the fireplace mantel or bedposts in hopes of receiving gifts on Christmas morning. Compared to the simple heavy stockings worn for warmth in the winter of pioneer years, today’s Christmas shoppers can find a wide variety of colorful and attractive “stockings” in stores. The many small gifts of our Christmases are more precious or practical as holiday “rewards” than the tokens for being good or bad, naughty or nice in our grandparents’ days. Then, it was a

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lump of coal if naughty, and seasonal fruit, popcorn balls, nuts, or shiny hard candies if you had been nice, or didn’t pout or cry. In this writing for Christmas, small pieces of Punxsutawney area history are offered as “stocking stuffers.” Hopefully the reader will find them treats. cement Sidewalks, and other Uses As Punxsutawney was emerging from its village life in the 1860s and 70s to a bustling city of commerce and friendly neighborhoods in the 1880s and early 1900s, improvements were urged to provide comfort and safety for the people and to add to the beauty of the town. For one

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Regifting becomes acceptable Scripps Howard News Service inally. Some news we can use. Thanks to The Wall Street Journal, we have been reintroduced to a study done last year by American Express that found 79 percent of the 2,000 Americans surveyed said they think regifting during the holidays is socially acceptable. Whew. This is such a relief. After years of feeling guilty and sneakily rewrapping a gift, we are being told most people say it’s OK to pass on those perfectly fine but somewhat disappointing (to us) gifts we have received and left in the original box. You know them well: little leprechaun tea strainers; pink-and-green striped wool mufflers and matching mittens; a set of six iridescent liqueur glasses; books on every place you need to visit before you die and every book you ought to read before you pass on and every soup you must make before you meet your maker.

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Continued from page 2 truck, asking local businesses for donations, which were then raffled off to raise funds for the Yamricks. After gathering the donations, she, along with others, began early in the morning at the Glen Campbell American Legion, to help get riders signed in for the event, and served throughout the day, assisting in various capacities, from serving food to raffling items. As an employee of Punxsutawney Christian School, she finds opportunities to volunteer all around her. She serves as the Secretary of its parent organization, named Partners In Education, or PIE. As an officer of PIE, she helps to coordinate the fundraisers that take place throughout the year. These events are used to help offset costs for the children’s activities, such as assemblies, but they do much more. PIE officers help determine other ways to assist the school, like paying for new printers in the main office, and providing classroom supplies for the small private school. Elbel’s penchant for helping makes it easy for her to offer suggestions on how to best benefit the students. Among those students are Elbel’s own children, Tavia, age 10, and Donald Jr., AKA “Bubba,” age 6. Being a wife and mom hasn’t slowed Elbel in her quest to

Those of us who read Emily Post, mistress of etiquette, may remember that she frowned deeply on regifting. (She called it recycling.) That said, the Emily Post Institute reluctantly says regifting is acceptable under three conditions: the gift is something you know the new recipient would be delighted to receive; the gift is pristine and never used; and the item is not something the original giver took great time and effort to choose or make by hand. We might offer a fourth condition: The gift was not given to you by the person to whom you are now giving it. (We remember with shame the year we wrapped up a handcarved chess set for our favorite chess player who had thoughtfully presented it to us in a previous year.) The idea is not to hurt anyone’s feelings. As Emily Post says, if in doubt, don’t do it. (Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.shns.com) •••

serve. In fact, through husband Donny and his employer, Huey Brothers, Elbel finds more ways to give back. Despite the pressure the holiday season puts on all, especially those with small children, Elbel quietly collaborated again with Huey Brothers to provide a float for the school. Not only did Elbel bring in the donated flat bed for the parade, she provided all the decorations, and did most of the set up (and all of the clean up!) herself, with a hand from a few close friends and family. Her generosity isn’t contained in eventsized chunks, though. Elbel gives all year, day by day. She offers a hand any time she sees a need, whether it’s a big task, or a small one. Elbel seeks out the down-trodden, the needy, the less fortunate, and without seeking even so much as praise or recognition in return, she gives, freely and readily. As we enjoy the abundance of joy and love this holiday season, we should all strive to be a bit more like Elbel. You don’t have to host a major fundraiser. Every action has a ripple effect. Small acts of kindness benefit those directly impacted, and that ripple spreads to everyone around. This year, let your giving extend beyond the dazzling array under the tree. Reach out into the community, and be someone’s holiday hero. If you are running short on ideas, I bet Mrs. Elbel could point you in the right direction! •••

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Sincere wishes for a joyful holiday season of health, happiness & prosperity. 4 – Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147

Basket Drive for the local elderly care facilities in the Punxsutawney area. The purpose of the drive is to provide items for these facilities and residents that can be used in their common areas or for the residents as a whole. The participating facilities submitted a “Wish List”. You can get a wish list by emailing events@punxsutawney.com, at the Chamber, or by calling 814-938-7700 Ext.3 If you are interested in participating in this event by donation, the drop off locations are: The Chamber of Commerce and Shields Insurance. The Gift Drive continues through December 15. • caterina’s café — Caterina’s is now open in the ATA complex on North Findley Street. Stop in for coffee, breakfast, lunch or an afternoon sweet treat!

New Year’s Eve

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- Continued on page 7

Lowmaster and Warden Customer Appreciation Giveaway — Roberta Fetterman of Punxsutawney is Lowmaster and Warden’s Appliance Center’s second Customer Appreciation winner for its monthly giveaway promotion, the drawing taking place on November 30. Roberta selected a Frigidaire convection toaster oven. Lowmaster and Warden will conduct one more Customer Appreciation monthly drawing before Christmas, to be held on December 24. To participate, clip, complete and return the coupon found in their full-page ad in this issue.

Around Town

By the staff of Hometown magazine and the Chamber of Commerce rom the Chamber of Commerce, Community Calendar at Punxsutawney.com, and Hometown magazine, here is a list of events and happenings coming up in our area. • Make-A-wish — Light Up a Child’s

Merry Christmas And Peace on Earth

From all of us to all of you. We’re thankful for the precious gift of your goodwill and friendship.

221 W. Mahoning St. Punx’y

Life Campaign is being held 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. December 10 thru 14. Live radio broadcast daily from the Pantall Hotel lobby and locations around town. Call in donations to 814-938-8888. • groundhog club gift Basket Drive for Elderly care —The Groundhog Club is sponsoring a Holiday Elderly Care Gift

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In May 1899, the plank sidewalks in front of the Public Park, on Mahoning Street, were removed and replaced by cement walks. By 1901, the principal streets in Punxsutawney and Clayville had new cement sidewalks. It was estimated that the years of improvements in the way of cement walks would reach thousands of dol-

Continued from page 3 example, there was the Punxsutawney Improvement Committee of citizens who desired to change the public park from an open field to a beautifully landscaped town park in the 1890s. Also, there was the compelling need to improve the sidewalks and streets. In small towns of the mid-19th century, plank streets and sidewalks were an improvement over dirt and mud. But splinters for barefoot youngsters, and water and mud squirting up through the planks for pedestrians, combined with a lack of permanency, would find planks removed for better im- An early 1900s post card of the Hiram Reese Lumber & Builders’ Supply truck, fully-loaded with bags of cement, is a record of the popularity of ceprovements. ment and concrete as a new building material in Punxsutawney. At the Illustrating the condition beginning of the 20th century, cement sidewalks began to replace plank of plank sidewalks, in sidewalks in the downtown and many neighborhoods. 1887 the editor of the lars. Durable cement sidewalks, cement Punxsutawney Spirit described an incident floors and basements, and cement foundawhen a large woman caught her foot “under tions would continue. the end of the board walk” at the corner of In 1904, the lime and cement business of Mahoning and Gilpin streets. People carryJ. M. Swisher in the East End would be ing packages, twirling canes or umbrellas purchased by George Peffer and son had risks, too, when walking along the Daniel. Incorporated in early 1905 was the spaced planks. Punxsutawney Cement Block ManufacturStones and bricks would follow. Then ing Company by prominent men, O. P. came cement. Walker, John A. Weber, A. L. Light, Jacob In May 1895, a report noted that Irvin L. Fisher, and others. Long, a mason, “had purchased the right in In East End there was also the cement this town to build granolithic pavements ... block plant operated by J. B. Walker and J. everybody will be dispensing with their unB. Hoeh that turned out cement building substantial and unsightly board walks...” blocks, window and door sills, and lintels. Many news reports followed about new Their first cement blocks were manufacsidewalks appearing around town. Christ tured for two “handsome cement dwellings Miller had put in a concrete walk along the on Oakland Avenue.” Church Street side of his house on West The houses were built for John D. Mahoning Street. The report stated, “Such Williams, an East End grocer. These hola walk as that is ahead of anything of the low cement blocks were more decorative in kind that we have ever had in the town.” J. design than the bland smooth-faced blocks L. Allison, principal of the Punxsutawney of today. Its patterns imitated stone. Of Mr. High School, would add one to his property Williams’ two houses on Oakland Avenue, on Church Street. the news story of 1905 stated, “The buildIn August 1897, the Spirit reported a ceings are fully as handsome as stone work, ment mine was discovered at Smicksburg. but cost less than an ordinary cased brick.” The material “is ground and pressed, and Another of the first buildings to be conwithout burning becomes as hard as stone. structed of cement blocks in Punxsutawney A number of persons are having sidewalks would be the three-story, 27-room resibuilt of it, for which it appears to be well dence of J. L. Fisher, on West Mahoning adapted.” At the same time it was reported Street, the former building of the Punxthat all the people on Church Street had sutawney Free Library. made improvements to their property in the way of new cement sidewalks. - Continued on page 8

McDonald’s gift Cards make great stocking stuffers! McDonald’s gift Cards are reloadable in the amounts of $5, 10, 25 or $50 and come in great holiday designs Or slip one in a card for: Teacher, Fraternity Brother or Sorority Sister, Postal Worker, Delivery Person, Relatives, Minister, Coach, Teammate, Scout Leader, Friends

gift Certificates Also Available 6 – Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147

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Four Footed Friendsm — A ‘Four Footed Friends Benefit Breakfast’ was recently held by the Indiana Social Center as part of the Seniors Giving Back to the Community Project. Front row (l. to r.) Michael Gillespie (FFF Kennel Manager), Joyce Swanger, Donna Davis (FFF Fundraising Chair Person and Jean Kinder. Back row Louise Smith, David Sesalle, Carol Schwartzmiller, Betty Stewart, Hanna Garsick, and Norma Dale. Frankie (left) and Pops (right) are available for adoption at Four Footed Friends, 220 Beck Road, Indiana (724) 349-1144).

Around Town Continued from page 5 • willow Run Sanctuary for Animals, inc. is accepting non-stuffed toys, balls, treats or food to fill Christmas stockings for dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, ducks, chickens, pigs and others. Donations will be taken through December 20 at Tractor Supply Co. in Punx’y Plaza. Please contact 938-3913 for more details. • Mahoning Hills Social center, located at 19298 Route 119 Highway North, beside Longview Elementary School, near Punx’y will be having two special parties this month. A Christmas Party will be held on December 20 at 11 a.m. and the New Year’s Party will be held December 31 at 11 a.m. Don’t sit home alone when you can make plans to party with us. Reservations may be made by calling the center at

(724) 286-3099. • groundhog Day celebration 2013 will be held town wide February 1 through 3. Visit Groundhog.org for the schedule of events, including Punxsutawney Phil’s prognostication on Feb. 2. 800-752-PHIL • Little River Band in concert — The Little River Band, with Special Guest Fran Cosmo (Former Lead Singer of Boston) at the Punxsutawney Community Center, 220 N. Jefferson St, Punx’y Saturday, February 2. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show time at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available by calling 814-938-9632 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Punxsutawney.com is maintained by the Chamber of Commerce for the community. To submit an event for the calendar, visit Punxsutawney.com/calendar and fill out the form or use the submission form on this page. •••

Your News can reach every home in the Punx'y area.

December 2012

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Merry Christmas Christmas Christmas Eve

Submit your event to be printed in our

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Email news & photos to: hometown@mail.com

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Around Town Section You can submit your event at hometown@punxsutawneymagazine.com or clip and send the form to the right.

31 New Year's Eve

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Clip out and mail to: Hometown magazine, P.O. Box 197 Punxsutawney, PA 15767 Date of Event:_______________________ Time of Event:_________ Type of Event: ____________________________________________ Location: ________________________________________________ Important Details:__________________________________________

Business events are accepted. Please phone 938-0312 for cost.

Event Contact info: ________________________________________

Hometown magazine reserves the right to accept or reject submitted information.

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Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147 – 7

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Several years after the Civil War, several Punxsutawney men began drilling for oil in the Punxsutawney area. The wood oil derrick illustrated in the circa 1880 drawing was on the Kremkau farm near what is Cloe today. A similar derrick was used in drilling for oil in what became Punx’y’s East End. The men’s effort led to the discovery of a salt spring and the opening of a salt bath resort. (Photo from Caldwell’s History of Indiana County, 1880)

Stocking Stuffers

Continued from page 6 Bathing in Salt Historically, salt has been one of the most valuable minerals to locate and acquire. It was essential for preserving meat and seasoning. It had benefits for healthy living, too. For the settlements in Western Pennsylvania, salt had to be transported from the eastern part of the state. It could be expensive, unless a settler discovered a salt lick (or salt spring) in a nearby creek. While some authorities have stated that our Mahoning Creek was originally called “Mohulbucteetan” by the Indians, for “a place where canoes are abandoned,” other references credit the name Mahoning to the Algonquin Indian “Mahonink” for the salt deposits along its banks, as found also in nearby streams called Black Lick, Sandy Lick or Two Lick in Armstrong and Indiana Counties. Animals were drawn to “salt licks” for nutrition as salt lick blocks are provided regularly today by farmers for their cattle and horses, etc., and by hunters to wildlife. In early Punxsutawney history, a few years after the Civil War (c.1870), some Punxsutawney “capitalists” had organized the Punxsutawney Oil Company in order to enter the “oil boom” that had sprung up in the area of Parker’s Landing. During that time, the local group also drilled a well in

an area of East End near where is now State Street. [Their was no “East End” section of town then. On the east side of Mahoning Creek there were two houses.] By a wood derrick, the well was drilled about 700-feet deep, but not far enough for oil. According to the memory of H. L. Miller, editor of the former Punxsutawney News, the drill first went through three veins of coal. The drillers also struck a flow of gas, burning ten to fifteen feet high. Later the gas in the well forced a heavy stream of salt water to the surface. Spouting to the top of the derrick, as high as the nearby trees, the continuous flow of salt water fell back to the ground. It made “a great shower,” Miller recalled in 1903. He described it as “beautiful with the sun shining on it .., with its white spray going about 40 feet in the air.”. The shower of salt water compelled some citizens to scheme a plan for a “resort” on that spot “for all who wanted to take a salt water bath.” The open-timber derrick was enclosed with a solid board wall. A small wood shanty nearby, that had been a “boarding house” by the drillers, was moved to the derrick to become a dressing room. It became a favorite bathing resort for “beneficial health as well as for pleasure.” Those folk who lived with the memories of the “Old Salt Well” would recall their experience in the hot weather of summertime. As Mr. Miller recalled, anyone within a - Continued on page 10

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8 – Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147

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Punxsutawney’s Family Tree

Part 2: The Red and gold Rooms

By Marty Armstrong for Hometown magazine o continue the celebration of our roots, the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society selected two rooms on the second floor of the Bennis House to show and tell about those who came from Italy and Sicily and others from France and Belgium. The “Red Room, “ so named for the period wallpaper used to renovate the room in recent years, showcases things from our collecCharles J. Margiotti tions including pictures and mementos of Charles J. Margiotti, well-known attorney and prosecutor, several beautiful hand-made outfits from the family of Sam Puleio, and a

carved replica of a cathedral. The cathedral represents a 16th century CatalanGothic cathedral and was carved by Salvatore (Samuel) Vitello of Anita, (originally from Palermo, Sicily) in the 1920s using a carving knife and grocery crates. On loan are a child’s dress, a flag and books describing the Christmas holiday character, La Bufana, and an intricately embroidered tablecloth. Our lead decorator, Betty Lou Depp, with several assistants, has put on display clippings and other items recalling local Italian-owned businesses of the past. Five years ago, we had a speaker for our annual dinner whose topic was the coming to America of Italian immigrants. They came to make better lives for themselves and their families, labored many hours in the coal mines surrounding Punxsutawney, which were the major source of our town’s “boom,” and brought with them values of family, faith and hard work. 1907 was the peak year for this massive transfer of peoples, with 285,731 persons recorded and numbers over 200,000 each year for over a decade. The “gold room,” another recently renovated room, started as a plan without too

many details. The plan was to describe our Belgian and French connections. As work progressed, the details have been filling in. Dereume Glass Company, founded by Raymond J. Dereume, was the beginning. We contacted his family to see if they might have some glass pieces they wished to display. Mr. Dereume, a native of Belgium, first was associated with the Eldred Glass Company. A September Hometown magazine article describes in detail the blown glass industry, which began with Eldred’s relocation to Punxsutawney. A husband, father and businessman, this Belgian native was also appointed by the King of Belgium to represent the interests of Belgians in Western Pennsylvania. As Belgian Consul, Raymond Dereume appeared at many - Continued on page 16

Raymond J. Dereume

Happy Holidays! Best wishes and many thanks for your friendship and continued support.

sam smith - State Representative -

On The Job Working For You. Paid for by Citizens for Sam Smith

Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147 – 9

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A Punxsutawney area native, Davy Jones, was born on the family farm that later became the mining town of Walston. Jones served in the U. S. Army in the 1870s and stories about his soldier experiences relate to Custerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Last Stand in 1876 at the battle of Little Big Horn.

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Continued from page 8 quarter mile of the derrick and the salt well could hear the shouts and laughter of the people there. The morning hours were set aside for the â&#x20AC;&#x153;women folks.â&#x20AC;? The afternoon was for the men. After disrobing in the dressing room a â&#x20AC;&#x153;batherâ&#x20AC;? would pass to the shower in the derrick. As the â&#x20AC;&#x153;resortâ&#x20AC;? had no supervisor or other management, the attendance there was eventually abused. Without a caretaker, the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s morning privilege for private bathing led to harassment and taunting by â&#x20AC;&#x153;bad boys, and worse, men.â&#x20AC;? Respectable people began to abandon the popular site, leading to the well being filled with stones to stop the flow of the salt water. Thus ended a chapter in Punxsutawney history when drilling for oil in Punxsutawney led to salt water, and a wishful idea for a paying resort in East End. Out of the episode in the early 1870s, however, came the awareness of coal beneath the soil and of the presence of natural gas. One wonders, could they have dreamed that in future years that that gas, which they lit with a match for entertainment, could be used for lighting and heating their town and homes?

tales of Davy Jones During many hours of research on various topics, there were many times when something was discovered about Davy Jones. It was not the Davy Jones who is remembered as the teen idol and a member of the musical group the Monkees in the 1960s. It was not the legendary pirate of the sea in the 1700s for whom the phrase Davy Jonesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Locker at the bottom of the sea is credited â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the reference to the resting place of drowned sailors. It is the Davy Jones, of Walston, that captured interest. In the late 19th century, Davy Jones was a blacksmith for several years at Walston

mines. He was born in Young Township on the family farm. His parents owned the land on which Walston mines was opened in 1882, the first mine near Punxsutawney of the Rochester & Pittsburg Coal & Iron Company. In 1873, at age 17, he went to Brookville to learn the blacksmith trade. Two years later he had enlisted in the United States Army to serve in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;frontierâ&#x20AC;? of the mid-West and northern Plains where new settlers were arriving in Indian territory of the Dakotas. After five years, Jones left the Army service and returned to his family farm and accepted a position with the R & P C & I Co. at Walston mines. A young man, around town he was described as â&#x20AC;&#x153;erect, soldierly in bearing, and generally wears good clothes and a beaver hat.â&#x20AC;? Known widely among coal miners, he was also remembered for his Army experience. Stories were told about his encounter following the massacre of Col. George Custer and his men of the Seventh Cavalry at Little Big Horn in 1876. As a new soldier, he was among the first men to arrive after the assault and to look upon the stripped and mutilated bodies of Custer and his soldiers. (February 24, 1886 Punxsutawney Spirit) Another favorite story was his time spent with Gen. Nelson Miles, commander of the U. S. Army troops in South Dakota. After the Battle of Little Bighorn, Miles fought to get the resistant Indians to give up their traditional ways and accept life on governmentcontrolled reservations. Through force and diplomacy, in 1876-77 he won the surrender of the remnants of the Sioux and Cheyenne Indian party, including Crazy Horse, who had destroyed Custerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s forces in Montana. With his position as master mechanic of the R & P C & I Co, though, he helped put in mines at nearby mining towns of Eleanora (1885), Helvetia (1886) and Yatesboro (1896). Our â&#x20AC;&#x153;history stockingâ&#x20AC;? is bulging with pieces of history. Enjoy and share our gift this season. Merry Christmas ! â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘

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Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147 – 11

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Building the 1,930foot-long Mauk Tunnel Working on the Brookville and Mahoning Railroad

By S. PRIDE for Hometown magazine rogress was being made on the Shawmut Railroad. On March 23, 1907 the town at the Ramsay Mine in Knox Township, three and onehalf miles south of Brookville, received a post office named Ramseytown. James E. Bixley was appointed the first postmaster. There were 200 men working full time in the mines, where a new system of electric haulage had been installed. During the summer of 1907, blasting for the construction of the Shawmut Railroad was taking place along the line about nine miles north of Reynoldsville. The blasting was heard and felt in that borough as windows were shaken by the trembling earth. The workers under the J.H. Corbett & Company Contract for the extension opened the road bed, and those hired by the Miller Construction Company of Lock Haven were putting in ballast and ties to support iron rails near Allens Mills, the last section completed on the railroad from Brockwayville to Brookville. This section was officially completed in January 1908 when Shawmut Railroad officials accepted the railroad from the contractors. The road included branch lines to Ramsaytown in Knox Township and the new town of Ohl in Beaver Township where the company was opening mines along Beaver Run. The first coal train went over the Shawmut Railroad from Brookville to Buffalo on Sunday, February 2. On Monday, February 10 regular passenger and freight trains began operating. Two passenger trains ran daily between Brookville and Buffalo. Residents could now ride between Brockwayville and Brookville in just one hour. The opening of the road was marked by a dinner hosted by Frank Sullivan Smith, the official head of the Shawmut, at the American Hotel in Brookville. The road, 60 miles long, connected Brookville and Angelica, New York. The total cost of the

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12 – Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147

road was $4 million, averaging more than $65,000 per mile. In 1909, the next section, known as the Brookville & Mahoning Railroad from Knoxdale, Jefferson County, would extend the Shawmut to a point below Kittanning in Armstrong County. This section of the railroad would be even more expensive. It was estimate this section of the road would cost nearly $20 million. Costly items included an iron bridge over the Allegheny River, five tunnels along the right of way between Knoxdale and the river, and a viaduct near Sprankle Mills. The Allegheny River Bridge was the biggest structure of its kind on the Pittsburg and Shawmut Railroad. Work on the bridge was begun in the spring of 1910. The length of the five tunnels on the road, if combined, would be over a mile. Fourteen steam shovels were employed in digging the tunnels. Work on the tunnels was able to proceed during winter months. It was projected that the tunnels would be ready for the steel rails by April 1, 1911. Thomas and Charles J. Conner of Greensburg received the contract for excavating the Coulter tunnel near Cool Spring. The tunnel was to be 1,900 feet long, over a third of a mile. On October 20, 1909 they built shanties to house the men who would work on the tunnel. The steam shovel needed to bore the hole in the hill under St. John’s and Ebenezer Churches — at Sprankle Mills for the north opening of the Mauk Tunnel — presented a challenge. It was too heavy to haul over the ground with teams and there were no rails to and from Frostburg and Grange. In October 1910, when the steam shovel arrived at Frostburg, the end of the railroad line, Homer Rowan of Sprankle Mills was employed as watchman to ensure it was safe until it could be moved to the Lyman Mauk Farm. The shovel weighed 67 tons, and usually required three weeks to move. Mr. A.F. - Continued on page 14

Seating Functional and Formal:

Designs from the past 300 years on Display at Museum’s Highland gallery The earliest settlers in the Punxsutawney By Marty Armstrong area were privileged to have among them for Hometown magazine chair makers. These craftsmen created ou’ve heard it said. “Form follows plank-bottomed chairs, which were highly function.” I think we can safely say valued. It is interesting to note that the height that, when it comes to seating, form of the seat relative to the floor has been also follows the human form atsteadily rising, a sign of the increased stature tempting to be seated. A seat made for of the persons using the seats. school or office, home or church, even The functional seating gallery includes exastride a horse, is very recognizable as a seat. amples of our earliest settler-made chairs, as Two spaces in the well as a school Highlands’ Galleries desk-seat combinadisplay a range of seattion, chairs made for ing designs from the children or their 18th to the 20th century. dolls, office chairs The John G. Schmick and a special-funcHeritage Center in tion valet chair. Smicksburg created an With time and exhibit first with exavailable materials, amples from among seating began to be their collections and more attractive and others borrowed from more comfortable. members and officers. Caning or rush was a It was made available way to make a more to us recently and we comfortable chair were able to show a seat than the hard quick preview of those wood and also used seating styles, and sevreadily available eral of our own, at our local materials. Esannual dinner. Since pecially in the midthat time, the Collecdle and late 1800’s, tions Committee has chairs were decoworked to pull in a rated with painting wide range of seats or carving. from our collections With the rise of a and our members and growing middle officers. The result is A display of seating designs from the 18th to 20th class, upholstered century are now on display in the Highlands’ Gala two-room exhibit furniture found its showing functional leries, Punx’y museum. way into the home and formal seating. and chairs became even more comfortable. Copy from the Schmick exhibit program The gallery, displaying formal seating, instates: cludes many examples of beautiful carved We sometimes do not appreciate the simand upholstered seating designs. Most were plest things around us. But for early setdesigned for the home parlor but two were tlers a chair, especially an arm chair, was made for use in houses of worship. a valued piece of furniture along with a The two galleries are full. but on the landbedstead. ing between are two special pieces, both Most of our earliest settlers sat on split log functional and both beautiful in their own benches and Native American people made special way. We hope you come to see these a kind of sling-back chair with hide. Even displays over the holidays and enjoy them in the Civil War a chair was a luxury that as much as we do. officers carried with them in their baggage. •••

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Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147 – 13

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The post office at Ramsay town where James Bixley served as the first postmaster. (Photo courtesy of Bill Johnston, Howell, MI.)

Mauk Tunnel Continued from page 12

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Park of Steubenville, Ohio was the contractor. He devised a system using big blocks of wood instead of cross ties and several sets of rails to move the shovel. As soon the shovel passed over a set of rails they were taken up and moved forward to form another section. Three teams and twenty-five men were needed to move the big machine on the level and downhill. A block and tackle and capstan were also used to move the shovel up-hill. It took eighteen days to move the shovel the nine miles from Frostburg to the Mauk farm. It was said that the contractor found no railroad when he arrived and he didn’t leave one behind when he left. The Mauk Tunnel was 1930 feet long. J.H. Corbett & Company, was the prime contractor and J.H. VanMeter was a subcontractor. VanMeter employed 36 to 49 men and had four crews on the job digging the tunnel. A shaft was put down from the top of the hill to a point that marked the center of the tunnel. Crews starting from the bottom and working each way would meet crews starting from either end on the inside. Two dingy engines, of 14 tons each, were used to haul the refuse to landfills some distance from either end of the tunnel, one of which was 40 feet deep. J.W. Smith was hired to be the night watch for the steam shovel at the Mauk tunnel. Tragedy struck on May 4, 1910. Work at the Mauk Tunnel was being pushed and men were working 24 hours per day when three workers fell down the shaft. It was

three o’clock in the morning and James Jennings, Joe Varratto and Tony Rose were descending the shaft to the tunnel level in the bucket lowered and heisted by means of a windlass. About half way down, the bucket suddenly, without apparent cause, tilted, sending the three men crashing to the rock bed at the tunnel level, forty-five feet below. Jennings was instantly killed, his neck being broken, while Varrato and Ross were terribly injured. Varrato sustained a dislocated hip and serious internal injuries; Rose had a broken arm and compound fractures of the jaw. Both were terribly bruised and cut. Varrato and Rose were taken to the Punxsutawney Hospital, where Tunnel Doctor Karl Swenson attended them. Joseph Varrato died of his injuries on May 6. Tony Rose survived. The summer of 1911 brought Carl Seiler, also known as the Alabama Kid, to Sprankle Mills. Seiler was an expert bridge man and responsible for the construction of the 1600 foot viaduct near Sprankle Mills. Between 1,600 and 2,000 men were employed to work on the Brookville and Mahoning Railroad section of the Shawmut. Securing and keeping workers on the job was a difficult task. Unlike earlier generations of railroad builders, who hired gangs of immigrants right off the ships and sent them to camps along the roads to work, the contractors now had to hire primarily American workers. Although there were immigrants among the workers, it was more difficult to secure steady workers. This made it possible for local men, and the unemployed from other areas, to find work on the Brookville and Mahoning Railroad. - Continued on page 16

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R.D. Brown MeMorials

Continued from page 14 James Conners, a no-nonsense employer, hired four men from Pittsburgh, and advanced them by paying their transportation and buying them clothes to get them on the job. The sum of $60 was to be paid back from their pay. When they left at their first opportunity, Conners had warrants sworn out for them charging them with false pre-

(Editor’s Note: The resources used in the preparation of this article are available the Punxsutawney Memorial Library, The Punxsutawney Spirit at accesspadr.org, the Reynoldsville Public Library and the Punxsutawney Area Historical and Genealogical Society. This article has been prepared by PRIDE – Punxsutawney Revitalization: Investing, Developing, Enhancing. PRIDE is a nonprofit organization which brings together residents, business people, commuIt is just a little sign by the side of the road. behind it, however, is a his- nity leaders and civic ortory that influenced the economy in southern Jefferson County. (Photo ganizations, to improve the courtesy of Bill Johnson, Howell MI, whose ancestors lived and worked business districts in Punxat Ramsaytown.) sutawney. Contributions to support the develop a Coal Memorial and tense. They were arrested by Chief of PoWelcome Center for the Punxsutawney lice Palmer, given a hearing before Squire Area may be made to PRIDE, P.O. Box N.D. Corey and held for court. 298, Punxsutawney, PA 15767) In the spring of 1910, Brookville and Ma••• honing Railroad workers, in their free time, would come to Punxsutawney where

Family Tree 314 north Findley st. Punxsutawney

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Continued from page 9

formal events, and his uniform has been loaned to us for display, which includes sword, Napoleon-styled hat, cape and all. The plan to describe our French connection started with the history of the White family in northern Indiana County. The first member of that family to settle there, a French sailor from Bonaparte’s time, was pressed into service with the British, shipwrecked and come to shore in America, serving on the American side in the War of 1812. Upon naturalization,

he Anglicized his name to John White. He and his wife are buried at the North Findley Street Cemetery. Their descendants are many and include E.T. White and Jean White, well-known local photographers. Another White descendant found us on the internet and has donated her grandmother’s wedding dress, made around 1900. Finding a dress form small enough to display it has been a challenge. We hope you will visit us over the holidays, explore the presentation of differing heritages and put your name on our family tree. •••

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they would imbibe, often landing in the borough jail. Many of them, having spent their last dime on liquid refreshment, had to serve three- or four-day sentences. The managers solved this problem by bringing wagon loads of wet goods to the tunnel where the workers could enjoy it and still be available to work their next shift. It was projected that when the Pittsburg and Shawmut Railroad Company’s road was completed and the 27 mining companies were shipping coal over it, the people of Jefferson and Armstrong counties would be the chief beneficiaries.

119 Roberts Street, Punxsutawney CALL FOR HOURS 938-9396

16 – Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147

Jefferson County Housing Authority 201 n. Jefferson St. Punxsutawney (814) 938-7140

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10 tips to make holiday spending less jarring

by Claudia Buck Sacramento Bee

ere are 10 tips to keep your holiday shopping season a little more jolly and a lot less jarring on the wallet. 1. Makin’ a list One of the best ways to avoid overspending is to write down a list of everyone you want to give to. Decide what you can comfortably spend for each person. 2. Best deals If you missed or avoided the Black Friday frenzy, no worries. Many experts say better deals on certain items often land in the last week before Christmas. Household goods, such as bedding, linens, towels and decorative items,

often get marked down with deep discounts, for instance. The risk of waiting, of course, is that a coveted item might be completely sold out. 3. credit, cash or debit? We all know that credit card spending can spiral out of control, which is why many experts recommend using cash or a debit card. But the holidays can be different, said John Ulzheimer, consumer education president with SmartCredit.com. With identity thieves “working overtime” during the holidays, he said credit cards offer more ID theft protection, especially if you dispute fraudulent charges. 4. Be card wise “If you can’t afford to pay off your credit card in November, then you can’t afford to add a lot more to it in December,” said Bill Hardekopf, CEO of LowCards.com, a credit card comparison site. “If you must use a credit card to pay for Christmas, make sure you can pay it off by Easter.” If you have more than one card, use

the one with the highest limit, so holiday purchases don’t push you into debt ratios that can hurt your credit score. 5. Skip the store cards Avoid those tempting store credit cards offered when you’re standing at

the cash register. Their discounts -- 10 percent to 20 percent off everything you’re buying -- are enticing. But the cards often carry some of the worst terms out there, said Ulzheimer, with interest rates as high as 24.99 percent and credit limits of $1,000 or less. 6. track those receipts After the holidays, store receipts can go AWOL, unless you’ve corralled them in one place. It can be as simple as keeping an envelope at home where you stash every gift receipt. For a more high-tech solution, look at sites like ReturnGuru.com. You take smartphone pictures of your receipts and it sends you a digital alert when they’re getting ready to expire. - Continued on page 29

Merry

Christmas May the closeness of friends, the comfort of home, and the unity of our nation, renew your spirits this Holiday Season.

Sheriff Carl Gotwald Sr.

with spial Gut FRAn CoSMo former lead singer  BoSTon

Punxsutawney Community Center 220 north Jefferson St., Punxsutawney

February 2, 2013 Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Showtime 7:30 p.m.

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814-938-9632 Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147 – 17

Scientists work to restore chestnut trees to eastern forest by Morgan Simmons Scripps Howard News Service hestnut seedlings planted at test plots on national forests in Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina are helping researchers prepare for the day when this once-mighty tree can be restored to the eastern forest. Since 2009, the University of Tennessee, the American Chestnut Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service have been engaged in a study to see how hybrid chestnuts bred for blight resistance respond to real-life forest settings. Almost half of the 4,500 seedlings being monitored are hybrid chestnuts derived from crossing the American chestnut, which succumbs to the blight, with the Chinese chestnut, which is naturally blight resistant. The rest of the study trees are a combination of pure American chestnuts, pure Chinese chestnuts, and hybrids from intermediate backcross generations. Now after their fourth growing season, the trees are providing valuable data that suggests the chestnut blight isn't the only challenge confronting their comeback. Researchers already have identified a number of nonnative insects feeding on the experimental chestnuts. One, the Asiatic oak weevil, has been around since the 1930s and poses a double threat because it attacks both the chestnut's roots and its leaves. There's also the chestnut gall wasp, which was introduced in Georgia and spread into North Carolina in the early 1990s, as well as the rare chestnut sawfly. The seedlings also are vulnerable to root rot, a disease that wiped out many American chestnuts in the damp lowlands even before the chestnut blight gathered steam in the early 1900s. Today, American chestnuts still sprout from remnant rootstock, but the trees eventually succumb to the exotic, airborne fungus, usually by the time they're 10 to 15 years old.

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18 – Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147

A close-up of a leaf from a pure American chestnut, part of a research plot that University of Tennessee is evaluating for performance at the East Tennessee State Nursery in Delano, Tenn. (SHNS photo courtesy University of Tennessee)

Stacy Clark, research forester with the U.S. Forest Service, said she knew exotic insects would be an issue, but not to the extent she has already seen them on the test seedlings. "As soon as we started planting trees in 2009, we noticed the exotic insects coming in," Clark said. "We don't want to go out and plant thousands of trees and have them fail because of unexpected pests or pathogens. With this study, we'll be able to predict quite well what's going to happen and make changes in our planting protocols." In addition to blight resistance, the field study also is evaluating the chestnut plantings for such key characteristics as growth rate, acorn production and canopy structure. Researchers say that to survive in the wild, the blight-resistant chestnut seedlings will have to out-compete fast-growing species such as yellow poplar and red maple. Clark said the chestnut seedlings are growing quickly, with one specimen reach- Continued on page 22

Great Gifts

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U.S. Forest Service animal caretakers and packers Erik Cordtz, left, and Matthew Carson unload one of the 15 mules brought down from Weaverville, Calif., for the winter to their vacation home in Redding, Calif. The mules are used to pack in gear for the Forest Service to use on projects. (SHNS photo by Greg Barnette / Redding Record Searchlight)

Hardworking Forest Service mules get to go on vacation

by Damon Arthur Scripps Howard News Service ome of the U.S. Forest Service’s hardest workers finally got to go on vacation. After months of trudging up and down steep trails in the backcountry carrying heavy packs of supplies, the ShastaTrinity National Forest’s string of horses and pack mules finally got cut loose recently for a little rest, relaxation and green grass. The mules and horses were hauled from Weaverville, Calif., to Redding in trailers and released in a 400-acre pasture. Once the halters were off, they cut loose. They didn’t care that it rained on their first day off. They ran around and nipped at each other, kicked up their hooves and took turns having a good roll in the grass. “These mules have worked hard all summer, and this is their vacation time,” said Mike McFadin, the Shasta-Trinity’s wilderness and trails program manager.

For the second year in a row, the Forest Service is wintering the stock on pasture owned by the McConnell Foundation of Redding. The foundation lets the agency use the property free of charge. McFadin and the Forest Service make a ceremony of releasing the mules, inviting officials from the California Conservation Corps, the Backcountry Horsemen of California, Shasta Trinity Unit, the McConnell Foundation and the media. McFadin gave a speech and presented certificates of appreciation to the foundation, Backcountry Horsemen and the CCC. The Forest Service set up canopies to shelter guests from the rain and served fresh hot coffee and Dutch oven fruit cobbler. The animals stay in Redding from November to May. During the rest of the year, their main job is to haul in supplies for CCC crews who spend five months in the backcountry areas such as the Trinity Alps and Yolla Bolla wildernesses. The - Continued on page 22

Merry Christmas

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Signs of the season are in the air, With lights and tinsel everywhere -And a blanket of white covers the ground, Spreading joy and glad tidings all around -So at this most special time of year, We'd like to thank all of you for stopping here!

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Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147 – 19

Fresh Homemade Dough & Sauce Made Onsite Daily For All Our Dinners & Pizza!

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w. Mahoning St., punxsy plaza

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all signs point to a wonderful season, and your kind patronage is the reason; So let us make one thing perfectly clear-We’re grateful for your seeing us this past year!

Dr. nathan C. Prime Rib • Seasoned Roasts • Fresh Meats • in-Stock Smokehouse • BULk SAUSAge • Christmas Ham - Special order only see our sausage wagon DoWnToWn December 17 to 24 Chipped Steak , Stuffed Hot Sausage, and Stuffed Hot Pepper Sandwiches SMokeHoUSe giFT PACkS

Merry Christmas and Thank You to All Our Customers See you in the Park during Groundhog Day! Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. - ?

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Secrets of building a great gift basket

iving a great gift basket is like bestowing a buffet of gifts on your loved one, and when the well-puttogether gift basket is opened, well, that's a magical moment. Beneath the pretty decorations lie enchanting mysteries that emerge one-by-one to the delight of the recipient. The personal aspects of a gift basket are also endearing. You can customize a gift basket to the occasion (holiday, birthday, retirement, etc.) and tastes of the recipient, and taking the time to do so shows your thoughtfulness and caring. Building a great gift basket can be fun and easy. The gift experts at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store offer some advice for putting together a gift basket that will charm any recipient: the first steps Begin by deciding what to put in the gift

basket - packaged food, gourmet coffees, collegiate items, apparel, candles, personal care items like soaps or lotions, cooking utensils, books, jewelry, home decor items, gardening tools, ornaments, picture frames, etc. Practically any hobby or area of interest can be an inspiration for a gift basket. Base your choice on the recipient's personality and interests. Next, choose a container. Baskets, of course, are the classic container, but don't overlook other options, especially if they fit the overall theme you've chosen. For example, load a toy football helmet with items inspired by his favorite football team. A large stockpot can be ideal for holding cooking utensils for a foodie or budding chef. A planter makes a useful and decorative container for gardening

Wishing You The Best This Holiday Season! Presented by the Punx’y

First United Methodist Choir & Orchestra Under the Direction of Doug temchulla

301 W. Mahoning st.

814-938-7500

20 – Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147

SCREEN PRINT • EMBROIDERY PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS 109 Main St., Big Run

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- Continued on page 22

Fire-proof your home this season

‘T

is the season for at-home entertaining — food, friends, family, fun and yes, even fires. Firefighters respond to calls of nearly 400,000 home fires each year, according to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA). Many fires occur in cold weather months as more people bring warmth into their homes with things like traditional candles or holiday lighting. These fires result in more than 15,000 civilian deaths or injuries annually. Fire-proof the holiday season with these tips that safeguard your family and your home: go flameless Reduce your risk of fire by using flameless candles. Though they look and smell like real candles, they don't pose the same safety risks. Scentsy Wickless Candles provide the light and ambiance of traditional

candles without the smoke, soot or an open flame. With more than 80 fragrances to choose from and 100 styles of warmers available, there's a fit for every fragrance personality and home decor style. Avoid outlet overload Don't overload electrical outlets and extension cords with holiday lights or other electronics. Plug only one heat-producing appliance, such as electric blankets, irons, toasters or coffee makers, into a receptacle outlet at a time. Consider avoiding outlet overload by choosing battery-powered options when they're available. cook with care Unattended cooking is the leading cause of U.S. home fire injuries, according to the NFPA. Don't stray too far from the kitchen if you're frying, grilling or broiling food. If you're boiling, baking, or roasting, be sure to check it regularly and use a timer to remind you when it's finished. Plug microwave ovens and other cooking appliances directly into an outlet. Never use an extension cord for a cooking appliance, as it can overload the circuit and cause a fire. Be prepared Establish a fire-safe home by installing fire extinguishers and smoke alarms. Use a portable fire extinguisher to save lives and property by putting out or containing small fires. Store extinguishers where they can be quickly accessed in areas with great fire

risk, such as in the kitchen or near the garage door. Smoke alarms should be installed in every room of the home, except for the kitchen, and should be tested once each month. Have a plan Establish a fire escape plan with the members of your household, and practice it often. You should always have two ways to exit each room, typically a door and a window. Practicing in a casual environment

will help children feel confident in executing your plan in an emergency. Choose a landmark outside, such as a tree in the neighbor's yard or the mailbox, as a meeting location for your family.Following these fire safety tips will help ensure your memories of this fall and winter season are full of friends and family, not flames. •••

SEASON’S GREEtINGS

Sending Out Sincere thanks and Happy Holidays!

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Box 11 Mahoning St. VALIER

We Know You’ve Been Nice . . . Merry Christmas!

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From Your Friends At Christ the King Manor the Holidays are a time for family and friends celebrating being together. Please remember those who are a part of our lives even though they may not be with us in person. Visit hospitals, skilled nursing centers, rehabilitation and physical therapy facilities. those folks will appreciate knowing you haven’t forgotton them.

Christ the King Manor 1100 West Long Ave., DuBois, PA 15801 814-371-3180 Visit our website www.christthekingmanor.org Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147 – 21

Reagle's NOTARY See Us for Your Registration Needs. Auto, Boat & ATV LET US DO YOUR

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1971 Sugarhill Rd. Brockway 814-328-2125

great gift basket

forest mules

Continued from page 20

Continued from page 18

tools. Arranging items Once you've chosen the perfect container, think about how you'll arrange the items that go in it. First, add some decorative shredding (available in craft stores, or make your own with colored paper and a paper shredder) to help stabilize items in the container and make it look even more attractive. Then, follow these rules of thumb for arranging items: • Place tallest items in the back. If you're using a round container, choose a side to serve as a visual "back." • Moving forward, stair step the rest of your items from tall to short. It's OK if the rows are not perfectly straight or even. In fact, a little variance in the arrangement will make the basket look even more appealing. • Be sure to place packaged items with the most interesting side facing forward so it's immediately visible. For example, if you've included a bag of the recipient's favorite coffee, make sure the brand name is showing so he or she will be able to tell at a glance what's in the basket. • Be careful not to completely hide any items. It's fine to have things peeping through here or there, but avoid burying anything on the bottom. Buried items could potentially get lost and tossed out with the shredding. • If you need to hold items in place, secure them using some glue lines or glue dots (also available in craft stores.) Fitting everything snugly is the key. the finishing touches Once your basket is artfully filled, place the entire container in a large cellophane bag. Gather the bag above the contents of the basket, then tie a bow at the narrowest part of the gathered bag. For smaller containers, pull the corners of the bag under the container and tape them. Trim any excess bag at the top. You can either hand-deliver your gift basket - which gives you the instant gratification of seeing the surprise and happiness on your loved one's face - or ship it if that's more convenient and practical. When shipping, be sure to package your basket securely. If you purchase a gift basket at Cracker Barrel, they will pack it for you at no extra cost and you just pay the actual shipping fee. If creating a gift basket yourself is not your cup of tea - or if you prefer to have an expert handle the job - the gift gurus at Cracker Barrel can do it for you based on your specifications. Visit shop.crackerbarrel.com to learn more. •••

crews build and maintain hiking trails and do other work where trucks and motorized equipment aren’t allowed, McFadin said. Along with volunteer help from the Backcountry Horsemen who lead the animals into and out of the wilderness, the pack animals do the work a lot more cheaply than if the Forest Service had to contract out the work, McFadin said. “These animals leverage hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of work,” McFadin said. In addition to the Forest Service mules, the Backcountry Horsemen supply up to 40 mules and horses to haul supplies for the CCC crews and carry in fish to be planted in high-country lakes. Alan Hill of Redding, a board member for the horsemen, said his group has been donating time and stock to the Forest Service for 20 years. (Contact Damon Arthur of the Redding Record Searchlight in California at DArthur@redding.com) •••

Happy Holidays

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22 – Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147

Pizza

Sundaes • Milkshakes Banana Splits

Rt. 119, Punx’y 427-2924 (Beside Biggie’s Meats)

chestnut trees Continued from page 19

ing a height of 16 feet at the end of the third year. "So far, the seedlings are competing well," Clark said. "We haven't had to worry about them getting shaded out by other species." Researchers say they'll be in a better position to evaluate the effects of exotic insects on the chestnuts once the trees start flowering at eight to 10 years of age. Similarly, they'll know more about the level of blight resistance as the hybrids mature. Scott Schlarbaum, director of the University of Tennessee's tree improvement program and longtime chestnut researcher, said that given that chestnuts face six exotic pests from other countries, he doubts the tree will ever dominate the Appalachian forest as it did before the blight. "The general public tends to think that if we get blight resistance, it's a done deal," Schlarbaum said. "In a real-life forest situation, there are all kinds of considerations. Where chestnuts grew in high densities, I'm not sure we can recreate that. I'd say we're looking more at occasional chestnut trees as opposed to groves." (Contact Morgan Simmons of The Knoxville News Sentinel in Tennessee at Simmonsm@knoxnews.com) •••

nicholas

LoRenzo Attorney at Law 40 Years Experience

• Accidents • Wills & Estates • Real Estate 410 W. Mahoning St., Punx’y

938-6390

Season's Greetings

Baking and cooking tips for the holidays Food Network Kitchens Scripps Howard News Service ith the holidays in full swing, here are some baking and cooking tips to help you out: • Give a boxed brownie mix a holiday makeover: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the brownies straight from the oven. Let sit for a few minutes, then spread the melted chocolate. Sprinkle immediately with crushed peppermint candies, pressing in the candies to adhere. Let cool completely before cutting and serving. •Drop-cookie dough is great for freezing (and thus, baking a cookie when a craving

wedge to keep them soft. The apple will need to be changed daily. • For a shiny, glossy crust, brush dough with an egg wash made from an egg beaten with water. • For extra-crisp latkes, wrap the shredded potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and wring out as much water as possible. (For more information, visit www.foodnetwork.com. Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service.) •••

WACHOB’S Market

100 W. Main St.• Big Run

427-4211

our warmest wishes to you this holiday season. we really appreciate your business and look forward to serving you again soon!

Made-to-Order, Homemade

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GROCERIES LOTTERY

Mon.-Fri. 7am - 9pm • Sat. & Sun. 8am - 9 pm

strikes!). Portion out the dough onto a parchment-paper-lined baking sheet, freeze, then transfer to a covered container and refreeze. When you’re ready, bake as usual, tacking on an extra minute or two as needed. • When separating eggs, do them individually before adding the separated white and yolk to the other ingredients. Consider this a quick and easy measure worth taking to avoid contamination of the bowls due to a yolk accident. • Cool baking sheets in between baking batches of cookies by running cold water over the underside of each sheet — placing raw cookie dough on a hot baking sheet will lead to uneven baking. • For recipes that call for melted butter, try browning the butter for a nuttier flavor: Melt the butter and cook until it turns a hazelnut brown, then pour into a heatproof bowl immediately to stop the cooking. Use while still in liquid form. • Store soft and crisp cookies separately as softer cookies will leach moisture from crisp cookies, causing them to become soft, too. Store soft cookies with an orange peel or apple

Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147 – 23

Happy Holidays from DuBois Continuum of Care Community. May peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through! VILLAGe VIeW InDePenDent LIVInG

DuBOIS VILLAGe PeRSOnAL CARe

DuBOIS nuRSInG HOMe & COntInuuM CROSSInG

814-375-9100

814-375-5483

814-375-9100

A Not-for-Profit Community

DCCCI subscribes to a nondiscrimination policy.

www.duboisccci.com

KELLY

Crazy Horse

Saloon & Grill NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION! King Crab Legs • Lobster Tail

DJ Digital Thunder Karaoke - 10pm No Cover • ID Required Reservations Appreciated

427-2025

Rt. 119 between Big Run & Sykesville

12211 Route 36 Clarington, PA 15828 (3 Miles South of Cook Forest State Park)

Dustin Brooks Sales Manager Come see Me For Your next Vehicle

(814) 952-0234 or 877-893-7227 dustin.kellycjd@yahoo.com

wishing everyone a Very Mey Chriﬆmas!

Double Diamond Deer Ranch 814-752-6334

wwwdoublediamonddeerranch.com

5 perfect presents make gift-giving easy

he holidays are a special time of year to show the important people in our lives how much we appreciate them; and that means gift-giving. If picking out holiday gifts is painless for you, you're one of the lucky ones. More often than not, people have a tough time finding the perfect present for friends and family, particularly if you have someone on your list who already seems to have everything. So, if you're stumped as to what to get that impossible-to-buy-for person, consider these five gift ideas that are sure to brighten anyone's holiday: 1. gift your services Rather than giving a tangible item, give your services; it's the perfectly practical gift for the person on your list who may be short on space, lacking financial resources or would just appreciate a little extra help. Love kids? Offer free child care so the recipient can enjoy an evening out on the town without worrying about the little ones. Have a knack for cooking? Gift a weeknight meal that you deliver to the recipient's doorstep. Known for your organization? Offer your skills to help the recipient organize a closet, office or other cluttered space. 2. Make a miracle happen Positively impacting others by giving a charitable gift in the recipient's name embraces the true meaning of the season. The new Give Miracles Holiday Catalog from national nonprofit Children's Miracle Network Hospitals features in-demand pediatric items and services that local children's hospitals need ; anything from comforting teddy bears ($30) to a case of extra-small preemie diapers smaller than the palm of your hand ($170)! For high-impact gifts like a physical therapy toy kit ($375) or a pediatric wheelchair ($970), funds can be collectively raised by numerous gift-givers. This option is ideal for extended families looking to do something more meaningful than the typical gift exchange. And to make that "do-good" feeling for the recipient last long after the holidays are over, Give Miracles donors receive ongoing com-

neW!

munication from Children's Miracle Network Hospitals throughout the year about how their gift is making an impact at their local hospital. 3. purchase a membership to a monthly club Rather than wasting money on a new gadget that will quickly be forgotten, give a gift that benefits the recipient all year long. Monthly clubs provide fun deliveries to a loved one's address, an ongoing reminder of your generosity. Monthly gift clubs are available for just about anything, from wine and beer, to jams and cheese, to bacon and fruit. 4. give a gift that grows Potted plants are a fantastic gift idea because they represent how your love continues to grow for that special someone. Plus, plants are a wonderful addition to interior decor and help clean the air. With so many houseplants readily available, you're sure to find the perfect one for the person who has everything. Does he gravitate toward decor with vivid color? Choose a flowering plant that provides delightful blooms. Does she love Asian culture? How about gifting a bonsai tree or a bamboo plant? 5. provide an experience Often, it's not what's in the box, it's the memory that stays with so many people after the holidays have passed. That's why giving a special experience can make a truly meaningful gift. Think about what really interests the recipient or an activity they've had on their bucket list. Perhaps it's a hot air balloon ride or a white water rafting daytrip. If the person really loves to shop, hire a personal shopper for the day and let them see what it's like to live like a star. If the recipient loves gourmet food, purchase a spot in a class taught by your town's hottest chef. Any one of these ideas is sure to show that hard-to-shop-for person on your list that you've put some real thought into their gift. And ultimately, isn't it the thought that counts? •••

We now have covered screened topsoil!

earthWorx 849-WoRx

Dean Dairy Found at Your Local Grocery Store Products, Inc. 1-800-851-5902 24 – Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147

Delivery Available Let us help you spruce up your lawn! Screened TopSoil • limeSTone & Gravel • reTaininG WallS pavinG BrickS • Bark mulch • landScapinG SupplieS 435 Rt. 36, Allegheny Blvd., Brookville • 849-9679 • www.earthworx.biz

Happy Holidays

GiMMiCKs Ridge Ave. • 938-7100

Ridge Ave. • 938-0200 Extending Warm Wishes to Everyone for a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

give your Christmas a country feel

hristmas decorations can range from grandiose lighting displays to more subtle adornments. Some families may prefer more traditional holiday decor, while others might like the look of modern trimmings. Holiday decorations can also be used to create an atmosphere reminiscent of a certain type of locale, giving a home a holiday in the city vibe or a more rustic feel. For those who prefer a rustic look reminiscent of a country Christmas, consider the following tips: • Start with the tree. The Christmas tree is the center of many a home's holiday decor, and those who want to create a country Christmas can start with their tree. Instead of traditional holiday lights, choose lights that look like candles while adorning the tree with wooden ornaments and strands of popcorn. • Forgo traditional wrapping paper. Instead of flashy, store-bought wrapping paper, wrap presents in brown paper and put presents under the tree as early as possible. Instead of store-bought gift tags, create your own and attach a candy cane or another candy to the gift. • Think nature with decorations. Items gathered from nature can give a home a rustic appeal during the holidays. Hang a

homemade wreath on the front door and include pine cones and clippings from evergreen trees when adding decorative accents around the house. Tuck a few decorative woven baskets in corners to further emphasize a rustic look. • Create homemade ornaments. Homemade ornaments can also give a home a more rustic look come the holiday season. Spend an afternoon creating holiday crafts with the kids and use these instead of storebought ornaments. For those who are especially gifted craftsmen, put your woodworking skills to the test to create decorative wooden stockings that, if not functional, can be replaced with more traditional stockings come Christmas Eve. • Don't forget the music. Another way to create a country Christmas is to play country Christmas albums instead of classical or more traditional Christmas records. Nearly every country music star of the past and present has recorded a Christmas song or album, so create a master playlist of country Christmas songs on your digital music player and play it throughout the season to set the holiday mood in your household. ••• Hometown magazine is delivered to 100% of Punx’y and area homes!

SuPeR MARKet A Local Hometown Grocery Store All Types of Holiday meat, Cheese and Cookie Trays made fresh here Gift Cards Available Any size Fruit Basket

53 Taylor St. BrookviLLE

849-8395 Bakery & Deli 849-2742

www.mikessupermarket.com

merry ChriSTmaS Find Something for everyone on your list Jim Shore heartwood Creek Collection Precious moments • Cherished Teddies Boxed Christmas Cards • Ornaments Children's Books Lots of other great gift ideas

Christian Book & Gift Shop 191 Main St., Brookville

849-7800

Merry Christmas

Serving the Drilling Industry 257 Caroline St., Punxsutawney

814-427-2555

Christmas trees Fresh Cut Daily! Largest Grower of Fraser Fir in the Area Wreaths, Roping, Swags, Poinsettias, Lilies GRAVe BLAnKetS AnD CenteRPIeCeS

Free Baling & Loading

Happy Holidays!

mUSSEr GArDEN CENTEr

Open Daily

8-6 Sunday

10-5

Rt. 119, 6 Miles North of Indiana • Indiana, PA 15701 email:gc@musserﬂorists.com

Phone: 724-465-5684 • Fax: 724-465-9893 Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147 – 25

26 – Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147

We’d like to join our neighbors in spreading His message of peace and love this Christmas.

PiSAno’S

Personal Care Home

Family Home Care Since 1970

756 Stonetowne Road, Rossiter 938-7407 “Licensed Under Labor & Industry Rehabilitation Services”

Take your holiday celebration to impressive new heights with a stunning 18-layer cake.

Food and drink recipes make your gatherings sizzle

hristmas is almost here, and if you're not sure how you're going to wow your friends and family this year, Betty Crocker offers up these ideas - inspired by the hottest food trends of the season. "Our team of food lovers at the Betty Crocker Kitchens selected what we think will be the season's most popular food trends. Using these trends as inspiration, we created new recipes perfect for holiday get-togethers, family-time baking and gift giving," says Kristen Olson, food editor at Betty Crocker. From cooking and baking with craft beer to families making memories with playful recipes there is something for everyone: Sweet surprises Alfajores Hidden Surprise Cookies: This year, secret ingredients, hidden surprises and revealing colors are on the menu. Put a new twist on an old classic by stacking these Argentinean sandwich cookies triple high and adding a secret pocket filled with sweet surprises. Layers. Layers. Layers. 18 Layer Red Velvet Cake: This year has been all about layers, in everything from food to fashion. Take your holiday celebration to impressive new heights with a stunning 18-layer cake that guests will go gaga over.

gluten free for all Gluten Free Chocolate Truffle Cakes: Gluten free baking has come a long way. These indulgent mini cakes are filled and topped with ganache and sprinkled with crystallized ginger, pistachios and cacao nibs. Beer craft Chocolate Stout Caramel Corn: Craft breweries are enjoying a resurgence, and building community one pint at a time. Home brewers and food lovers alike are getting in on this trend too, as more are brewing, cooking and baking at home with beer. Stout beer, roasted almonds and plenty of milk chocolate chunks make this caramel popcorn an irresistible snack. Family kitchen Elf Food: Families are getting creative in the kitchen, with adults and kids using playful recipes as a way to connect over food and craft. Together, they are making so much more than food – they're making memories. A surefire way to lure elves from their hiding spots: combine candy sprinkles, maple syrup and tiny doughnuts (made from Cheerios!) for an irresistible mix. Try the 18 Layer Red Velvet Cake to wow your guests, or the Craft Beer Caramel Corn for a great food gift. Find - Continued on page 31

PunxSutawney area MuSeuM

Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc.Group and

Genealogy, Children’s Discovery,family tours Exhibits and Photography, Gift Shopwelcome. Other times, contact

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday & Saturday 1-4 p.m. Fri. & Sun.

punxsyhistory@verizon.net

Closed on Christmas

Kipp Lukehart, Jeffrey Lundy & Jay Lundy

from

Attorneys at Law

Punxsutawney, PA

(814) 938-8110

merry ChriSTmaS

and best wishes for a holiday trimmed with lots of love, laughter and delight!

JAWCo Fire, Inc.

938-8600

“Behold a virgin shall conceive and shall bring forth a son and shall call his name Immanuel.” isaiah the prophet 750 years before Jesus’ birth “For unto you is born this day in the city of David - a Savior which is Christ the Lord.” “But they cried...’Crucify Him, Crucify Him’.” “Jesus cried with a loud voice... and gave up His Spirit.” Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is Risen!” Luke the physician recounting eyewitnesses shortly after Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection

He was born to live. He lived to die. He died to live again. He lives again so we may also. A reminder to remember the rest of His story

Merry Christmas from the office of

938-2555 (general) or 938-5536 (genealogy) Lattimer House 400 W. Mahoning St.

Happy Holidays

Dr. Delroy M. Moore Bennis House 401 W. Mahoning St.

521 W. Mahoning St., Punx’y 938-6333

1-4 p.m. Thurs. - Sun.

Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147 – 27

Massage Give the Gift of

gwen D. Miller

Gift Certificates Available

Licensed Massage Therapist

not sure what to buy someone? Give them the Gift of Massage with a gift certificate. Tired of baking, cooking, cleaning, decorating, shopping, entertaining & the stress that comes with the holidays? Give YOuRSeLF the Gift of Massage. Providing Massage at the office of Dr. Rick Bishop (Chiropractor)

Call 814-590-1812

J.B. Horseshoeing All Horses Treated with Patience

• Corrective Shoeing • Show Horses • Race Horses • Barrel Racing • All Breeds • Teeth Floating • Reasonable Rates Correct trimming for balance and performance 10 years Experience 431 Willow Dr., Punxsutawney

Call Joe Byler at

814-427-2586 ext. 6

"Christmas is a glorious time of the year, simple in origin, deep in meaning, beautiful in tradition and custom, rich in memories, and charitable in spirit. It is Love" - Thomas S. Monson Nick & Barb Gresock

Happy Holidays & Heartfelt Thanks nick’s Corner Lunch 265 N. Findley St., Punx’y • 938-4020 Mon.-Sat. 11-7; Fri. 11-10

Happy Holidays DEL D.E. LiMiTED FAMiLY PARTNERSHiP Developers and producers of natural gas 1406 n. Main St., Punx’y, PA 15767 •

814-938-0800

wishing you the Merriest Holiday season ever. Kyle Lingenfelter, MD FACS

Providing all aspects of GenerAL & VASCuLAr SurGICAL CAre. Please call for details. 814-938-4121 • (FAX) 814-938-4158 81 Hillcrest Drive, Suite 2600, Punxsutawney Office Hours: Weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

28 – Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147

nick-of-time tips to make your home holiday ready

s you prepare to celebrate the holidays, welcoming loved ones into your home is a highlight of the festivities. You may eagerly look forward to gathering with family and friends, but is your house holiday and houseguest ready? Preparing your home for holiday guests doesn't have to be time consuming or costly. By focusing on areas that receive the most guest traffic, you can create a fresh, welcoming environment within budget. The home improvement experts at Lowe's recommend updating five key spaces: 1. Entryways Start by making a great first impression and setting the mood by enhancing the entryway and improving curb appeal. By adding a new doormat and painting the front door an inviting, rich jewel tone,

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we recount our many blessings and your kind friendship is at the top of the list!

Merry Christmas to all!

gRoUnDHog AUTo PARTS AUTo & TRUCk PARTS

110 South Gilpin St., Punx’y • 938-6363

you'll be sure to make a statement yearround about the personalities inside your home. Next, step inside and consider lighting upgrades. The foyer is the perfect spot to add a dramatic pendant light or chandelier to welcome guests with a warm glow. Add some festive holiday decor by layering a centerpiece of paperwhites - a fragrant, fast-growing seasonal flower -- paired with pinecones on a foyer table to create a look that combines two popular seasonal standbys. Roomier entryways can benefit from a decorative urn filled with a variety of greens. Heap allen + roth ornaments on top to create a "holiday topiary." 2. kitchens The kitchen is the hub of the home, especially during the holidays. Giving this room - Continued on page 36

Free Estimates • Fully Insured REFEREnCES AvAILABLE

Complete Interior & Exterior Remodeling rubber & metal roofing wiring & Plumbing Expert Dry wall Finishing

938-8422

1554 Kachmar Rd., Punx’y, PA

www.bugsysroofing.com

Holiday greetings!

holiday spending Continued from page 17

Either way, when it’s time for the inevitable post-holiday returns, you’ve got easy access to all your receipts. 7. Shop thrifty Be creative and check out local thrift shops that sell “gently used” goods to benefit various charities. It’s a very “green” way to pick up bargain gifts, many of which are new and unused, from sports equipment to fine china to appliances. 8. gift card trading Want to buy or sell your gift cards? Sites like Cardpool.com or GiftCardRescue.com or PlasticJungle.com let you sell unwanted gift cards for cash or buy other people’s cards at a discount. The gift cards are from hundreds of well-known brands. Say you want to unload a $100 gift card from American Eagle Outfitters. Cardpool will pay you $79 -- by check - if you mail in the card; for a $100 Babies R Us card, they’ll pay $82. If you want to buy gift cards, they’re sold at discounts of up to 30 percent off. At GiftCardRescue, for example, you’ll pay $22.50 for a $25 Sunglass Hut card or $45 for a Pottery Barn $50 card. 9. Embrace technology A number of new tech tools make it easier than ever to snag holiday bargains, said Jake Gibson, chief operating officer of consumer finance site NerdWallet.com in San Francisco.

One of his favorites: “Passbook,” an iPhone app through which you gather all your gift cards, boarding passes, digital tickets, rewards cards and coupons on your smartphone. “It’s a pop-up notification on your phone ... . If you walk into Sears or Old Navy, it’ll alert you that coupons are available,” said Gibson. “I use it every day to buy my coffee because my Starbucks’ gift card is loaded onto Passbook.” Another bit of shopper tech, he noted: Target’s mobile shopping tool for topselling kids’ toys. In a Target store, you scan the toy’s QR code and it can be purchased and shipped via your mobile phone. 10. play it safe One of the worst ways to lose money during the holidays is theft. When out shopping, follow these common-sense reminders: Don’t carry more than one credit card, in case your wallet or purse is lost or stolen. Don’t leave packages, laptops or cellphones visible in your back or front seat; if you don’t have a trunk, bring a blanket to throw over valuables. Keep your purse tucked under an arm and strapped across your torso; stick your wallet in a front pocket. Don’t pull out a wad of cash at the register. Always be aware of your surroundings and park in well-lit areas. (Contact Claudia Buck at cbuck@sacbee.com. Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.shns.com.) •••

Merry Christmas!

Blessings of the

GRaMpIan haRDWaRE your headquarters for

Maytag, GE & Crosley Appliances and Tvs

Season

WE STOCk APPLIAnCE PARTS FOR ALL BRAnDS

tHE MAttERHORN CO. Providers of Local Housing Since 1946

BUy • sell • Rent 402 W. Mahoning St., Punx’y • 938-6566

at the light in

GRaMpIan, pa

Serving the Community for Over 35 Years

814-236-2670 or 1-800-834-1615

it doesn’t take a special occasion like the holidays to remind us how much we value our loyal customers. at indiana First bank, we celebrate our customers every day with a commitment to exceptional service. We value your business, and we wish you and yours the happiest of holidays!

Happy Holidays!

Member FDIC

Punxsutawney Office: 8 Beyer Rd. Wal-Mart Plaza Punxsutawney, PA 15767 • Phone 814-938-2355

from

JeFFeRSon CoUnTY RePUBLiCAn PARTY

JOE SCARNAtI - SENATOR SAM SMItH - REPRESENTATIVE PAUL CORBIN - COMMISSIONER JIM MCINtYRE - COMMISSIONER BERNARD SNYDER - CORONER JEFF BURkEtt - DISTRICT ATTORNEY DIANE MAIHLE kIEHL - REGISTER & RECORDER CARL GOtWALD, SR. - SHERIFF JIM “MOON” vANStEENBERG - TREASURER MAxINE ZIMMERMAN - COUNTY AUDITOR ROGER RICHARDS - COUNTY AUDITOR MABEL DUNkLE - JURY COMMISSIONER

PaID For by JeFFerSon CounTy rePublICan ParTy • Troy J. HarPer eSq. - CHaIrMan

Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147 – 29

windgate

vINEYARdS & wINERY

holiday Wine Specials now through the end of December...

Concord, niagara, Catawba, Cranberry and Strawberry at a special price!

Windgate wines, gift baskets, wine-making supplies, wine-related books & merchandise • The Shop aT The Winery 1998 Hemlock Acres Rd., Smicksburg open Daily 12-5 • (814) 257-8797 • inDiana mall Oakland Ave., Indiana • piTTSburgh millS open mall hourS • (724) 274-5901 • The CounTry CupboarD Downtown Smicksburg (814) 257-9831 • riDgWay 29 N. Broad St. (814) 335-8570

www.windgatevineyards.com

HaPPy

HOlIDays!

Greetings of the season

Ingham & Sons Automotive Services

Serving the area since 1976

imported & Domestic Cars Repaired 22368 Rt. 119 indiana Hill

Formerly Kelly Auto Sales

938-4291

thANk YOU for your patronage from the last year & your continued patronage for the years to come.

Merry Christmas and best wishes for health, happiness and success in the New Year.

May you and your loved ones draw strength and inspiration from the miracle that is Christmas, and its message of faith, goodwill and peace on earth. Noel.

Family Dentistry P. Timothy Smatlak, DMD Amy Peace Gigliotti, DMD ronald j. walker III, DMD 203 Clearfield Ave., Punx’y

938-8554 • 938-5800

EvEn “You Know who” SToPS hErE!

Big DinneR Box

1999

• Two Medium 1-Topping Pizzas • Five Bread Sticks and your choice of

• Tuscani Pasta, Pizza Rollers or eight Wings Walmart Plaza Rt. 119 North Punx’y

938-2400

WingStreet® Wings

Few changes in employer-based health care next year by Liz Freeman Scripps Howard News Service hen it comes to health insurance, 2013 is expected to be the calm before the storm. Several provisions of the national Affordable Care Act, also called “Obamacare”, are due to take effect in 2014, so businesses are sticking with existing plans for employer-based coverage for next year, according to insurance representatives. “We look at 2013 as a wait-and-see year. They are not making a lot of changes in 2013 because they know there will be a lot of changes in the next year,” said Jon Urbanek, senior vice president of the employer market for Florida Blue, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida. Another reason for sticking with current plans is that the cost of providing insurance isn’t going up as much from one year to the next as it did five to seven years ago, when double-digit spikes were the norm. An annual study by Mercer, a global consulting firm, shows that the average total health-care cost increase was 4.1 percent this year and that’s expected to be the case again next year. For large companies with 500 or more employees, the cost increase was higher at 5.4 percent. The average cost of health coverage this year for each worker was $11,003 at

large companies and $9,913 at smaller companies with 10 to 499 employees. Mercer surveyed 2,809 employers, both public and private, with 10 or more workers. A separate study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, a health policy organization, found the average cost increase this year was 4 percent. The slowdown in annual cost increases has occurred for the past two years, and that’s because insurers are working better with hospitals and doctors to improve quality and there has been a shift toward making the consumer, the employee, more responsible by paying more out of her pocket, Urbanek said. “People are asking, ‘Is the care I’m getting necessary?’ “ he said, adding that consumers are looking around for the best price when they need tests or other medical attention. Consumers are engaged now because of the increased use of high-deductible health plans, said Jerry F. Nichols, executive vice president of Brown & Brown Benefits in Southwest Florida. He said the average highdeductible plan is $2,500, whereas a few years ago it was $1,500. “There’s no question that employers are migrating to high-deductible health plans,” Nichols said, adding that is the case for 70 percent of his clients. The Kaiser foundation study found 34 per-

STroehmann bakery outlet

www.hillsdalenursingandrehab.com

383 Mountain view Dr. Hillsdale, PA 15746

814-743-6613

Thrift Store • Bread • Rolls • Cakes • Candy • Chips • Drink Mix • Much More Great Buys! Super Values Every Day

S. Main St. Ext., Punx’y • 938-7430

30 – Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147

May PeaCe & HaPPiNess be youRs aT CHRisTMas & THRouGHouT THe New yeaR.

HaPPy HoliDays FRoM ouR FaMily To youRs!

- Continued on page 36

Merry Christmas

it’s wiNTeR!!! Get out

The Flannel sheets & Don’t Forget The House Coal!

Merry Christmas

Chocolate Stout Caramel Corn is a sweet play on the craft beer trend.

food and drink Continued from page 27

all the red hot holiday trends and recipes at www.BettyCrocker.com/redhot. 18 Layer Red velvet Cake With just a little effort on your part, this cake manages to create maximum "wow" factor for guests. Ingredients White Cake - 1 box Betty Crocker SuperMoist white cake mix 1 1/4 cups water 1/3 cup vegetable oil 3 eggs Red Velvet Cake - 1 box Betty Crocker Super Moist German chocolate cake mix1 cup water 1/2 cup vegetable oil 3 eggs 2 tablespoons unsweetened baking cocoa 1 bottle (1 ounce) red liquid food color (about 2 tablespoons) Frosting 2 1/2 cups marshmallow creme (from two 7-ounce jars) 1 1/2 cups butter, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 to 2 tablespoons milk

4 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1. Heat oven to 350 F. Spray 3 (8-inch) round cake pans with cooking spray. Line bottom of each pan with cooking parchment paper. Spray parchment paper with cooking spray.2. In large bowl, beat White Cake ingredients on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. Loosely cover and refrigerate. 3. In another large bowl, beat Red Velvet Cake ingredients on low speed 30 seconds, then on medium speed 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally. 4. Spread 1/2 cup red velvet batter in bottom of each pan. Loosely cover and refrigerate remaining batter. Place all 3 pans on oven rack positioned in center of oven. Bake about 8 minutes or until cake is set when lightly touched in center. 5. For next cake layer, spread 1/2 cup white batter evenly over each baked red velvet layer. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until cake is set when lightly touched in center. 6. Repeat steps 4 and 5, twice, baking 9 to 12 minutes per layer or until top of cake layer is set when lightly touched in center. 7. Cool 10 minutes. Remove cakes from pans; remove parchment paper from bottoms of cakes. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

SALLACK

Well Services Co. 938-9593

P& N

Coal 240 W. Mahoning St. Punxsutawney

call 427-2821

304 Hidden Hollow Lane Punx’y

good old PA house coal

Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sat. 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

106 Gilpin Street Ext., PUNx’Y (behind Mahoning Valley Milling Co.)

70 00 /Ton

- Continued on page 39

a Perfect Christmas Gift for the young ones or the young ones at Heart!

Ertl M Tractor

Western Ranch Set

Hetrick’s 814-275-3507 Farm supply, inc. 772 Olean trail, New Bethlehem

©CASE CORPORATION Visit Case’s Web Site at http://www.casecorp.com Case IH and Case Credit are registered trademarks of Case Corporation.

Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147 – 31

Punx’y Area Community Center offers enjoyable Activities for everyone

(Editor’s Note: ‘From Our Past,’ researched by S. Thomas Curry, features items of interest from past editions of Punxsutawney and area newspapers.) December 6, 1893 — The latest improvement in bicycles is one with a sail attachment. When spread before a stiff breeze the bicycle and rider travel with the speed of an express train. (Punxsutawney News) December 16, 1869 — MR. WHITNEY, whose exhibitions were to have commenced on Monday evening, the 7th, has postponed until this evening [Thursday], on account of the severe weather and impossibility of keeping a beaten road to his place of business. He will open to-night in the old School House which has been comfortably fitted for the occasion. He has been before the public for many years ... and will give an interesting performance. (Punxsutawney Plaindealer) December 29, 1897 — The iron works, with their tall iron stacks, from which the red flames burst, and which are beautifully besprinkled with electric lights, make a pretty picture at night. And the mighty throb of the great engines, and the stream of liquid lava running toward the Mahoning, add greatly to the effect. This industry has never stopped for a minute, night or day, since it started. (Punxsutawney Spirit) [Note: The Punxsutawney Iron Furnace began operation on September 20, 1897 where is now the Punxsutawney Plaza on West Mahoning Street.] December 29, 1903 — The postmastergeneral has decided to permit pictures, views, designs, or other advertising matter to be printed on the face of postal cards so long as sufficient space is left to allow of the address being written or printed so that it can be easily deciphered. (Punxsutawney News) January 5, 1871 — LARGE GRAPEVINE - Mr. Geo. S. Campbell of this borough informs us that he found recently a grape-vine on land of Henry Brown, in Henderson township, which measures 18 inches in circumference four feet from the root, and 17 inches at twenty-four feet from the root. This vine is surely one of the early settlers of this country. (Punxsutawney Plaindealer) •••

Hometown Magazine... Online All The Time... www.punxsutawneymagazine.com

Other opportunities for using the Center facility include room rental for meetings and auditorium rental for concerts or he name, Punxsutawney Area plays. The Center has hosted a variety of Community Center, certainly suits activities from cake decorating and art the building at 220 North Jefferclasses to Diva Day. son Street. It is a place where peo“Punxsutawney is fortunate to have such ple of all ages can find activities ranging a convenient meeting facility in the town from pure entertainment to intensive center,” remarked McCoy. “Most rephysical fitness. The facility cently, we hosted a sellout is an excellent example of concert of the Oak Ridge how Punxsutawney has reBoys, and we are looking purposed a historic building forward to another concert for use. The building, foron February 2, 2013 with the merly the F.S. Jackson Little River Band. We feel School Building, now acts as these events bring people to a recreation and entertainPunxsutawney and help ment hub for downtown stimulate our economy.” Punxsutawney. The weekly movie at the The facility has been upJackson Theater has been a dated with newer seating in successful activity at the the auditorium, and, most reCenter. The volunteers who cently, murals painted by the coordinate and operate this high school Art Club along activity take pride in bringthe hallway and in the Fiting the newest possible reness Center. The Cycling leases to town at a very Center sports a new look, as affordable price. For less do the meeting and Head than $25, a family of four Start rooms. can enjoy a night out at the According to director Rob movies, including admission McCoy, the Center opens and popcorn. early in the morning and Throughout the year, staff stays open late into the and volunteers work to bring evening to meet the needs of programs and activities to the public. The earliest arthe Punxsutawney Commurivals are the participants in nity Center. During GroundAM Men’s Basketball, who hog Day, the Center serves start the Center’s day at 6 as an activity hub for the a.m. The action doesn’t stop thousands of visitors to the until 9 p.m. when the Fitness town. On Groundhog Day Center and Jackson Theater 2013 they will again host the doors close. Classes range Annual Craft Show-n-Sale, from gymnastics to Silver “Groundhog Day” the Sneakers for participants movie, and a special Pizza from ages 3 to 93. Behind the doors of the Punx’y Community Center (top to bottom) visitors will find the Show. They will also offer a The types of activities most active place in Punxsutawney, including Silver Sneakers Classes participating in low cost Crash Pad for visiavailable at the Center are aerobics, cyclists persuing cardiovascular health, as well as enjoying the company of tors, where they can stretch and the Community Center equipment, along with bright and invigorating murals, limited only by the interest others out with their sleeping bags. painted by the Punxsutawney Area High School Art Club, which tout the benefits of of the participants. Popular physical fitness at the Center. The Punxsutawney Area programs include fall and Community Center is operwinter sessions of basketball, and spring ated by and on behalf of the residents of rented by individuals or groups and with and summer T-ball for boys and girls, in the Punxsutawney area. or without set-ups for sports activities. addition to cheerleading, gymnastics, “Activities are limited only by our imag“The gymnasium is a great place for yoga, belly dancing, cycling and the ination, interests, resources, volunteers holding a birthday party or a class party fully-equipped fitness center. Other acand staff. We are very fortunate to have a for youngsters through young adults,” tivities available by reservation are the number of our High School Seniors said McCoy. “Party packages include exbatting cage and virtual golf. The Center choose to do projects at the Center,” said clusive use of the gym and equipment.” McCoy. “Each of these activities has expanded the offerings of the center and reached residents. The more residents interact at the Center, the more they become involved in activities. This is our success.” To find an up-to-date schedule of activities at the Punxsutawney Area Community Center, visit their website at www.punxsutawneycommunitycenter.org. To offer suggestions or reserve one of the available facilities contact the center staff at punxsyaccenter@gmail.com or 814938-1008. ••• The Jackson Theater, located at the Punxsutawney Area Community Center. offers the best movies and

By PRIDE for Hometown magazine

popcorn in town.

32 – Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147

has also become an attraction for people who want to keep fit while visiting Punxsutawney. Day passes as well as monthly memberships for use of the facilities are available. In addition to structured classes and programs, the center offers an open gym. Open gym is available when activities are not pre-scheduled. The facility may be

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Merry Christmas

Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147 – 33

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randma gives Johnny wool socks. Susie delivers ear buds to Grandpa, who thinks an MP3 player is a character in a James Bond movie. When it comes to the gaps between generations, gift-giving can cast into stark relief the differences between age groups. But it is possible to find gifts that spring from common ground - and that can help close the generation gap. Sports-related gifts are one area where the generations can meet. Many children idolize current sports figures, but are unaware of the legends that played before today's stars. From boxing to gymnastics, and the four major professional leagues, every sport is loaded with history. Taking the young person in your life to a sporting event is a great way to share your stories while enjoying the way the game is played today. Sitting in a crowded ballpark or arena, cheering with other fans can create unforgettable childhood memories that will be cherished and passed along to the next generation. Other ways to create a bond using sports-related gifts include retro jerseys, hats and gear, all of which have become increasingly popular among the younger generations.

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Sports aren't the only pop culture phenomenon with time-tested tradition and history. Certain super heroes, like Spider-Man, and movie characters, such as James Bond, have maintained high popularity and long-lasting - Continued on next page

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34 – Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147

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BrAND NAmES AT LoW PriCES Contest 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 Steelers vs. Giants Game and enter the guesses in the spaces provided on the coupon. 3. Enter one of the participating advertisers on these contest pages in the space provided to redeem your coupon should you be the contest winner. 4. Clip and forward the coupon to: ‘Steelers Football Contest,’ c/o Hometown magazine, P.O. Box 197, Punxsutawney, PA 15767. 5. All entries must be received at the Hometown magazine post office box by 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27.. 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 $25 certificate. Each issue we will give one $25 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. 9. Please write winning team & total score guess on the bottom left corner of the envelope.

Christmas Greetings!

Hometown magazine ‘Steelers Football Contest’: Complete, Clip, Drop off or Mail to: Steelers Football Contest c/o Hometown magazine, P.O. Box 197, Punxsutawney, PA 15767

Name ________________________________ Address______________________________ Zip __________________________________ Phone ______________________________ Coupon for Game of Dec. 30 step 1: Guess the Winning Team: __ Steelers vs. __ Browns step 2: Guess the Total Points that will be Scored in that Game: _______ Total Points step 3: Should I win, I would like to redeem my merchandise certificate at: (List business from these pages) _____________________

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generation gap Continued from previous page success. This is a special year for both characters, as they are celebrating their 50th anniversaries. In celebration, Activision has released two brand new video games that honor the characters' history and include classic scenes and characters from the movies and comic books. Video games are extremely popular with the younger generation; 25 percent of all people who play video games are 18 or younger, according to the Entertainment Software Association. And 190 million households own a nextgeneration gaming console. The Spider-Man franchise debuted in 1962 as a comic book. The tales of Peter Parker growing up as a teenage high school super hero have transformed into TV shows, multiple comic strips and a series of films. The latest video game shares the same name as this summer's blockbuster and the original comic book - The Amazing Spider-Man. The game is an epilogue to the most recent film, and brings Spider-Man back to his natural habitat, protecting the streets of Manhattan. To celebrate this year's-50th anniversary, additional downloadable content can be purchased that allows fans to play as Spider-Man co-creator and comic legend Stan Lee himself. The James Bond franchise is celebrating its-50th year, too, making it the longest continually running and second highest-grossing film franchise in history. Dr. No, the first James Bond film, debuted in 1962. The 23rd installment of James Bond films - SKYFALL - is set to hit theaters this holiday season. The latest video game portrayal of the illustrious Bond, titled 007 Legends, includes an overarching storyline tying together five classic Bond movies Goldfinger, On Her Majesty's Secret Service, Moonraker, Licence to Kill and Die Another Day along with a downloadable mission from the latest movie. Throughout the game, Bond's past antagonists, like Jaws, Hugo Drax and Oddjob, are up to their old tricks. From the classic villains to the famous Aston Martin, 007 Legends is a great way to assimilate with the younger generation and tie back the past generations' recollection of the Bond franchise. Grandpa was able to read the Spider-Man comics when Peter Parker was a shy teenager and watch classic Sean Connery James Bond films and will now be able to enjoy watching his grandchildren interact with the same characters and storylines that he grew up with and loved. Gift giving should be an experience that both the recipient and giver enjoy. Relive your childhood through holiday gifts and create a new memory for the young person in your life. •••

Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147 – 35

Looking for the Perfect Gift? Punxsutawney Hometown Gift Subscription hometown@mail.com 814-938-0312

Happy Holidays! Zuhdi M. Dajani, M.D.

720 W. Mahoning St., Punxsutawney, PA 15767 • (814) 938-2000 Specialty: Cardiology/internal Medicine Medical School: College of Medicine/university of Baghdad, iraq Residency: Georgetown university Hospital, Washington, D.C. Punxsutawney Area Hospital

nick-of-time tips Continued from page 28

a refresh can be quick and easy, regardless of budget. Painting is one of the simplest, most costeffective ways to completely change the look of a space. Experiment with rich, food- and spice-inspired hues that will provide an appealing backdrop for holiday decor and remain relevant when the seasons change. It's easier than ever to change the look of countertops and cabinets. While you're swapping out knobs and drawer pulls, consider giving tired laminate countertops a coat of paint. Add a new backsplash in ceramic tile or natural stone, or go quick and easy with peel-and-stick metal tile that evokes the look of classic tin. 3. guest bath/powder room After the kitchen, the guest bath or powder room will likely see the most holiday traffic. These rooms - usually smaller than master baths - will benefit from a simple de-cluttering. Quick updates like adding new cabinet hardware and coordinating accessories like soap dishes, lotion dispensers, toothbrush holders, shower curtains and towels are easy ways to refresh these small but important areas. The holidays are also a great time to update items you can enjoy for the rest of the year, such as lighting and faucets, new mir-

rors, paint or wallpaper. 4. guest bedroom After days filled with festivities, your guests will appreciate a comfortable place to rest. Get guest bedrooms ready for visitors by clearing out closet space, adding freshly laundered blankets and providing plenty of pillows. Keep in mind the importance of a variety of lighting options in this room. A bedside table lamp may be great for night-time reading but overhead lighting will be helpful when dressing, applying makeup or wrapping last-minute gifts. Simple decor projects like new area rugs and window treatments can have a big impact on the room. If the guestroom is small, adding some decorative mirrors can help the area feel more expansive. Updating the old ceiling fan can dramatically alter the look of any space, plus aid in airflow. Finally, polish off the holiday look with inseason flowers or plants&mdash;they're welcoming and warm and make a great gift to send guests home with once their visits end. 5. Living room Guests will also congregate in the living room. Fortunately, some simple cosmetic changes go a long way toward making this room warm, comfortable and inviting. Changing accent pillows, throws and window treatments to seasonal patterns and colors are a great way to start. A decorated mantel is also a classic holiday decor touch. For a fast and easy festive look, place loose evergreen branches along the mantel and intersperse with brightly colored Christmas ornaments. Don't overlook the Christmas tree. Positioning a tree in front of a window allows your holiday spirit to shine through to the outdoors. Just remember to keep trees away from the fireplace and other heat sources. With some creativity and planning, you can get your home ready to welcome holiday guests - just in the nick of time. •••

few changes Continued from page 30 cent of consumers enrolled in employersponsored plans have a deductible of $1,000 or more, and 14 percent have deductibles of $2,000 or more. When it comes to 2014 when key provisions of the Affordable Care Act are scheduled to take effect, insurance agencies like Brown & Brown are preparing to help clients understand all the changes, Nichols said. He and his staff have devoted countless hours to learning about the provisions. It is good that 30 million to 40 million more Americans will gain coverage but businesses are trying to figure out how to deal with increased costs of about 5 percent on top of the normal inflationary increases, he said. At the same time, Nichols said he doesn’t anticipate many businesses deciding to drop coverage or move to more part-time workers as a way to avoid penalties. No company is required to provide insurance coverage but starting in 2014, employers with 50 or more workers that don’t provide coverage and have at least one fulltime worker who receives subsidized coverage in an insurance exchange will have to pay a penalty of $2,000 for every full-time employee. The company’s first 30 workers would be excluded. Small companies with 50 or fewer workers won’t face penalties. (Contact Liz Freeman of the Naples Daily News in Florida at LFreeman@naplesnews.com. •••

36 – Hometown Punxsutawney –Christmas 2012 - Issue #147

Cheap and fun gift exchange party ideas 4. The re-gift giving. This is a great activity to have just after Christmas. Everyone gets gifts they won’t use or don’t need, so this is the perfect time to repackage those gifts up and give them to someone else. 5. The ugly-sweater exchange. Ask everyone to bring an ugly Christmas sweater they already have in their closet (most people own at least one). Play Dirty Santa and trade the sweaters between all participants. Put them on and then take a great picture of all the participants. Frame the photo and it will bring lasting memories to everyone. 6. Edible exchange. Invite everyone to bring a yummy edible gift to the party. They can make these themselves or buy something. It can be sweet or savory. After exchanging gifts, everyone can share in their goodies. 7. The book exchange. Who doesn’t like to read? Who wouldn’t love to swap a book they’ve already read for a new one? Book-exchange parties are a perennial favorite, although as people shift their libraries to digital versions, this type of party may become obsolete. So host one before it’s too late! You could even choose a special theme and ask participants to bring books related to the theme. 8. The crafty gift. Hold a gift-giving party where the participants actually roll up their sleeves and make something each attendee would want to give as a gift to someone not at the party. You can make interesting Christmas-tree ornaments, figurines or other decorative items. Just be sure to have the materials on hand and a printout of the assembly instructions. These are just a few fun gift-giving events you can hold with friends, kids or family. All of them are a wonderful reminder that the holidays are all about sharing your time, not your wallet. Have you ever had a creative gift exchange? What did you do? (The writers are co-founders of Buttoned Up, a company dedicated to helping stressed women get organized. Send ideas and questions to yourlife@getbuttonedup.com.) •••

By Sarah Welch and Alicia Rockmore getbuttonedup.com hen you are on a budget, the holiday gift-giving season can be a seriously stressful time of year, especially if you are the type of person who loves getting together with others to swap gifts. Don’t despair. If your wallet is feeling the pinch this year, there are wonderful ways to organize gift-giving gatherings that cost next to nothing, are loads of fun and create lasting memories for all involved. Don’t believe us? We’ve got more than just a few ideas for you below -- and there are many other inexpensive ways to throw a holiday gift exchange. All it takes is a little creativity. All of the gifts brought to the various exchanges below can be handed out via Secret Santa draws, or by playing a game such as Dirty Santa (http://dirtysantarules.blogspot.com/) or bingo or even a variation on musical chairs. 1. The dollar gift exchange. This is perfect for the office, where everyone feels obligated to buy a gift for colleagues, but most have no idea where to start and can’t afford anything big. Invite everyone to a gift-giving event but specify on the invitation that no one is allowed to bring a gift costing more than a dollar. Tell everyone to visit a thrift store or dollar store and find a fun gag or useful gift. Place all the gifts on a table and, at a certain time, have everyone grab a gift (not their own) from the pile and open it. The resulting laughter and conversation are often legendary. 2. The home wrap-up. Ask participants to bring something fun from home. They can make a music mix, gently used DVDs, a pack of light bulbs, crafts or just about anything they already own or made at home. The only requirement is that it be something people want. 3. The beverage exchange. Invite participants to bring their favorite alcoholic or other beverage to trade. When you play Dirty Santa or Bingo with this gift, people will get a variety of options -beer, wine, peppermint schnapps, tequila, scotch, hot chocolate mix and more.

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Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147 – 37

Warm Wishes to Everyone This Holiday Season

Bernard P.

Christmas Greetings from your neighborhood

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Visit our shop for many unique gifts. or Join one of our four weekly classes where you can make your own gifts.

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Happy Holidays! Compliments of

Dr. Harry E. KunSElMan

Merry Christmas! Not sure what to buy? Then, purchase a

Gift Certificate. 333 W. Main St., Reynoldsville

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www.doublemceramics.com

38 – Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147

Happy Holidays! 473 Main St., Reynoldsville

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food and drink Continued from page 31

8. Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat marshmallow creme, butter, vanilla and 1 tablespoon milk with electric mixer on medium speed until blended. Beat in powdered sugar until fluffy. If necessary, beat in more milk, a few drops at a time until spreading consistency. 9. To assemble, stack cake layers, spreading 1/2 cup frosting between each layer. Spread remaining frosting on side and top of cake. Chocolate Stout Caramel Corn For a sweet treat that's all grown up, try this rich-tasting play on the craft beer trend. 8 cups popped popcorn 1 cup roasted salted almonds 1/2 cup stout beer 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 cup brown rice syrup or corn syrup 3 tablespoons butter 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup chopped premium milk chocolate (6 ounces)

1. Heat oven to 300 F. Line two 15x10x1-inch pans with foil. Spray foil with cooking spray.2. In large bowl, place popcorn and almonds; set aside. 3. In 2-quart saucepan, heat beer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until reduced to 1/4 cup, about 6 minutes. Pour into glass liquid measuring cup to confirm measure. Add back to saucepan. Stir in brown sugar, syrup and butter. Cook over medium heat until bubbly around edges, stirring occasionally. 4. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook about 5 minutes longer, stirring occasionally, until thickened and syrupy. Remove from heat; carefully stir in salt. Pour over popcorn mix in bowl; toss until evenly coated. Spread popcorn mixture in pans.5. Bake 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, to caramelize mixture. Cool completely, about 1 hour. Break into pieces; stir in chocolate. Store in airtight container. • • •

‘here we go, SteelerS’ football conteSt winner Alice Humble of Rossiter predicted the Steelers to stun the Ravens, 23 to 20, on December 2. She also penned in the closest number of points scored in the game to win Hometown magazine's "Here we go, Steelers" contest. Alice will redeem her winning gift certificate at Pizza Hut. You, too, can be a winner. Just clip, complete and return the coupon entry form found in this issue, and, as always, root for the Steelers. •••

Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147 – 39

40 – Hometown Punxsutawney – Christmas 2012 - Issue #147