Sharing Your Family and Home with ‘Fresh Air Kids’ Punx’y’s Celine Tersine Makes it Happen
On the cover: “Princess Pine” Cover photo by Ron Juliette
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By Marsha Lavelle of Hometown magazine unxsutawney native, Celine Tersine, chairperson for the Fresh Air Fund, has been helping to add joy to the lives of children for about 25
years. Tersine arranges for kids from the inner city to visit local host families each summer. For many children, it is the first time they have ever been outside of New York City; or seen a star-filled night sky; or gone fishing; or harvested fresh vegetables; or seen cows in a pasture. And the list of first-time experiences goes on. And, at the same time, the kids and host families form lifelong friendships. Tersine, maiden name, Poydock, grew up in Adrian and then went to elementary school in Numine and Yatesboro. Her family moved back to Adrian where she lived until she married William, who most folks know as Terry Tersine. Yes, she admits she did get some ribbing about her married
Art Director Melissa Salsgiver Graphic Artists Melissa Salsgiver Carol Smouse Nicole McGee All material submitted becomes the property of Punxsutawney Hometown magazine.
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Celine Tersine, of Punxsutawney, has been Fresh Air Fund chairperson for the past 15 years and volunteered 10 years prior to that. She is urging local families to invite a Fresh Air Kid to their home this summer. (Photo by Marsha Lavelle)
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The Plyler children of Knoxdale and Saphire, a ‘Fresh Air Kid’ from New York City, clown around with the stuffed bears at Cabela's last summer. They are (from left) Saphire, 8, Sarah, 8, Sadie, 10, and Steven, 4. Saphire is coming back again this summer for another visit. (Submitted photo)
name rhyming with her first name. The Tersines raised four children. Celine would later realize that it was her own children that helped to inspire her to become involved with the Fresh Air Fund. "Before me, Dorothy Kachmar was the chairperson and fund representative for Fresh Air for more than 30 years. She would call occasionally and ask me to go with her for a home visit."(Fresh Air host families are required to have a home visit prior to hosting children among other stipulations.) "One day Dorothy said to me, 'Being fund rep and chairperson is too much work you're going to be chairperson from now on.' That's how I became chairperson," Tersine explained. Dorothy Kachmar passed away September, 2006, but according to Tersine, while Kachmar was still chairperson for Fresh Air, she was honored by the New York Times with an article about her and her endeavors with the organization in a special
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Mother's Day tribute. Kachmar passed the proverbial torch to Tersine and after ten years of volunteering and fifteen years of chairing, Tersine was asked, of all charities for children, why Fresh Air Kids? "Actually, I think it was because I have four children of my own, and I thought city kids would enjoy coming to the country, and also because Dorothy was my good friend," Tersine said. Tersine said she hasn't taken on Fresh Air Kids for their entire vacation time, but on occasion she has had to take them for short periods like when one child arrived here before the host family was back from vacation, and in another instance, the host family had a funeral to attend. These things happen on occasion, Tersine said. A large part of what Tersine does for the organization is paperwork. "You must fill out and refill the paperwork, Tersine said, "You have a lot of phone calls, the host - Continued on page 4
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Community Happenings
F
rom the Community Calendar at Punxsutawney.com, here are some of the upcoming events in the Punxsutawney area.
n Wine and Food Tasting at the Pantall Hotel at 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 27. Food selections carefully paired with local wines. Menu by Executive Chef Tara Tyger. Reservations can be made by calling the Pantall Hotel at 814938-6600 or tollfree 800-872-6825.
day, February 28. After that, local stores will only be redeeming the new Punxsutawney Gift Checks. If you have questions, please call the Chamber office at 938-7700 x2. The Chamber office is no longer a drop-off/shipping site from FedEx Ground shipments. FedEx Express packages that are labeled and ready to ship will still be accepted for pick up by FedEx. Please note the distinction between Ground and Express. If your group or organization has an event it would like the community to know about, please visit www.punxsutawney.com/calendar to submit your event for publication. Punxsutawney.com is maintained by the Chamber of Commerce.
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n The Punxsutawney Concert Association presents Nube, a contemporary Latin music quartet, on Wednesday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Punxsutawney High School Auditorium. For subscription or ticket information, contact Bessie Depp at 814-938-5333. n Mayor’s Drug Task Force invites concerned area citizens to attend its monthly meetings, which are the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. The mission of the Drug Task Force is to abolish drugs in Punxsutawney. Be proactive! The meetings are held in council chambers at the Mahoning East Civic Complex.
“House for Sale,” a comedy/drama in two acts by Ron Hill and presented by the Punxsutawney Theater Arts Guild, explores the problems that arise when an aging parent may not be able to safely live alone. Performances are set for 7:30 on Friday, Feb. 26, and Saturday, Feb. 27; March 5 and 6. A matinee has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28. All shows are at the Punxsutawney Area Middle School Auditorium. Tickets are available at the door: $7 adults; $6 seniors; and $3.00 students. For more information call director Terry A. Fye at 938-6928 or contact him at catfye@comcast. net. n
n Rotary Radio Auction hosted annually by the Punxsutawney Rotary Club will be held Saturday, March 20 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on WPXZ-FM 104.1. Merchandise and services donated by area businesses are auctioned live over the radio. Items to be auctioned are listed the week prior to the auction in The Punxsutawney Spirit. n 5K Race hosted by IUP-Punxsutawney will take place Sunday, March 21. Registration begins at 12:30, race start at 2 p.m. The public is invited. Lunch and t-shirts to all runners. Entry fee is $10. Race applications are available online at Runpunxsyrun.org or at the Chamber of Commerce office.
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Continued from page 2 families have a lot of questions, and I have a lot of paperwork." This summer, there are two buses arriving in Punxsutawney with Fresh Air Kids aboard. The buses will unload at SS.C.D. parking lot July 5 and pick up kids on July 19. The second bus comes on August 10 and returns to take kids home August 19. "When the bus is coming, they keep me informed as to exactly when it's going to arrive," Tersine said, "and if they're running late." "When kids first get here," Tersine said, "just like any kid, they like to play with video games, but once they're here awhile, they want to stay outside."
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4 – Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2010
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Saphire, 8, (left) a Fresh Air Kid, cozies up with two host family siblings, Steven, 4, and Sarah Plyler, 8, in a hammock. This was a special summer evening in the Plyler's backyard in Knoxdale, especially for Saphire who had never seen a campfire before this night. (Submitted photo)
One boy, Tersine recalled, would get up each morning much earlier than the host family just so he could go swimming, he loved to swim. "Host families take the kids to all kinds of places: Idlewild Park, Kennywood, Pittsburgh Zoo, Pirates baseball games, and a lot of host families go camping." "The kids love to fish, they love to pick blueberries," Tersine said, often it's things that inner city kids love to do that rural children take for granted. "And a garden is a wonderful thing for these kids," Tersine said, "One boy was picking green beans with his host family. At dinner time that evening, the boy said, 'These beans are different, ours come out of a can.'" "It's amazing what city kids don't know about the country," Tersine said. Host families may choose the age and gender of the Fresh Air Kid. According to Tersine, often, kids stay in touch with their host families long after they've become adults. "More than one family has been involved with a Fresh Air Kid's wedding after they Expedite and Trailer Load Services Call for a Rate!
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grew up," she said. One man who had visited with a host family in years prior, now worked in New York and received a call at his job from the Smart Shop, a clothing store formerly located in downtown Punx’y. He told the caller he had been to Punxsutawney as a Fresh Air Kid and that his host family had put him on the right path and changed his life. The Fresh Air Fund was founded in 1877 and was geared so that New York City children could experience a little of summer life away from the crowded and sometimes dangerous city streets. Most families find the hosting experience extremely rewarding and invite their visitor back again the following summer. Many host children become lifelong friends with their Fresh Air buddies. If you would like to share the beauty of your rural home and community this summer by hosting a child, ages six to 12, July 5-19 or August 10-19, or for more information about the Fresh Air Fund, contact Celine Tersine at 814-938-8416. •••
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Hungry for spring By Sharon Randall Scripps Howard News Service
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oday I stood at a window and watched as another storm rolled in from the west bringing snow to the mountains, rain to the desert and a little ray of hope to my heart. I was smartly dressed in my favorite Eskimo-matron attire: Sheepskin boots, inchthick sweatpants and a Polar Fleece pullover I gave my husband for Christmas, which is not only big enough to double as a cover for an RV, but warm enough to withstand sub-zero conditions, lest I'm ever asked to lead an expedition to the South Pole.
reminded me to call my brother in South Carolina to see how he was holding up. As usual, he took his time about answering the phone. "Hey, sister, it's good to hear your voice!" "Good to hear yours, too," I said. "How's your weather?" Because Joe is blind, he can't see what the weather looks like, so he likes to go out and check it firsthand. Last night, when he started down the steps, tapping his cane side to side, his hand froze to the banister, he said, so he swung around and tapped right back inside. "It's been bad here, sister," he said, in a tone he reserves for big trouble, "bad, bad, bad!" How bad? They had to cancel church, of all things, a rarity in the Bible Belt, the kind of thing that only happens when hell freezes over, which, he added laughing, it
rumbled over the mountains, pawing the air like a herd of wild horses, casting shadows, dappling the ridges with long fingers of light. Then the fingers closed and all went dark, except for one dazzling beacon shining on a valley like a spotlight, like a visible promise of spring. For a moment, I thought I saw a town in the valley, all lit up and glittering in the sun, in the midst of the gathering storm. Did the people in that town know how lucky they were? Did they remember to bask in the moment and give thanks? Or were they looking back across the desert at my house, asking the same about me? (Sharon Randall can be contacted at P.O. Box 777394, Henderson NV 89077, or at www.sharonrandall.com) •••
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Somehow, I still felt cold. I'm sorry, but cold is cold. Three years ago, when we moved to Las Vegas, people joked that summers in Sin City would be hotter than Satan's toenails. Nobody mentioned that winters would be colder than the ice in his beer chest. I remember our first year here, the first time it snowed. It was barely an inch, but it covered the desert like icing on an apple cake, smoothed all the rocks, dusted the palm trees and even clung to the spines on the cactus. I've seen bigger snowfalls, but never one so incongruous and surprising. The second winter it snowed twice, a couple of inches each time, turning my husband's usual 15-minute drive home from work into an hourlong demolition derby. No snow so far this winter. I suspect it's as my mother used to say: too dang cold to snow. I know I shouldn't complain, especially when other parts of the country are hipdeep in ice. Thinking about other parts of the country
probably had. "How's the weather in Las Vegas of all places?" he asked. “Not as bad as yours," I said, "but I am hungry for spring." "I am, too," he said. "I miss sitting out on the swing." I pictured him in the lawn swing outside his apartment, where last summer I sat beside him pushing the swing with my toe while he smoked his pipe. "Spring will come soon," I said, "I promise." His voice brightened. "Oh, I know. It always does." Then he added, "They're calling for more snow this week." "Stay warm," I said, "and be careful on those icy steps." We said our goodbyes and I went back to watching clouds. I wish you could have seen them. They
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Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2010 – 5
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By S. Thomas Curry of Hometown magazine n the early 20th century, when the town was becoming a booming new city on the “grow,” Punxsutawney was a favorite stop for celebrities, lecturers, and
Chief Justice of the United States. Any mention of these celebrities will have little meaning or impact to most readers. But perhaps John Philip Sousa, who visited Punxsutawney in 1924, will be a celebrity name that will leave an impression. John Philip Sousa was a popular American
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composer. He became a superstar of music at the beginning of the 20th century. As a band conductor, he became known as the “March King” in the early 1900s. His famous band toured the country from 1892 to 1931. During that time, many young people were learning to sing or play a variety of instruments before any formal education was present in the local school systems. School-age students in the early years of that time, and their parents, would have been influenced by his music. In 1892, after leaving the U. S. Marines at age 37, Sousa organized his band and began to tour the country and parts of Europe, Africa, and Australia before World War I. These travels with his band are considered to
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entertainers. Famous people, as mentioned in earlier Hometown magazine articles, included: • Elbert Hubbard, an eccentric and colorful poet and philosopher in the early 1900s, who visited the 1906 summer Groundhog Hunt conducted by the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. • Carrie Nation, who was a leader of a national temperance movement against alcohol use in the late 19th century into the 20th century, carried her campaign to Punxsutawney (and the area) in June 1908, speaking at the Jefferson Theatre. • After a term as the 27th U. S. President, exPresident William H. Taft lectured about world peace in the Jefferson Theatre to Punxsutawney area people. That was in January 1919, just two years before he would become
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6 – Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2010
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By Steve Bucci bankrate.com ebt Adviser, My husband died of cancer and I am raising my three children. My youngest is 16, and in August I learned that I would no longer get her Social Security benefits. Therefore, I'll have $2,100 less per month in income. I was trying to pay my credit card off, but I still have a debt of $18,000. My income will not be enough to pay my credit card and provide me enough to live on. My house and car are paid for. Should I go to a debt consolidator and pay $285 a month for 44 months, borrow on my retirement to pay the debt off (at least I will be paying back myself), or sell my house and pay all my debt and start over? I also heard there is a new tax credit if you buy a house. Should I sell and then re-buy my house to free up some money? This has been very hard, and trying to know which is the right way to go is very stressful. I pray every night and every morning that somehow I can pay and continue to help support my kids until they are able to be on their own. All three have jobs and are sharing one car. Thank you so much. -- Michele Dear Michele, Losing $2,100 in income would be a shock for most everyone. However, from what you have written, it sounds like you may be able to meet your monthly debt obligations other than your credit-card debt. With no mortgage and no car payment, you have an advantage that many do not. I can see from your letter that you are the foundation upon which your family relies, so it is very important that you remain financially strong and a safe harbor for them until they can become independent and perhaps then can help you in return. Below I have several alternatives for you to consider. It may be that any one solution won't prove to be enough. However, a combination may. Here goes: The first thing I would recommend you do is to call your credit-card company and ask for a hardship program. Many lenders are more sensitive to such requests now than they were before the recession. You may need to ask for a manager to get the help you need. I also suggest that you have a payment amount ready that you feel comfortable you can meet. If they offer a sixmonth or a year break, take it. I'm a firm believer that things can change for the better in the future. Second, increase your income and/or lower your expenses. What you need is about $400 a month (depending on the interest rate of your card) to continue to pay down your credit-card debt. That's $13.33 a day. Or you could add $6.67 a day to income and cut expenses $6.67 a day to get to the same place. I find that if you break a big number down into a daily or weekly target, it becomes more doable. One of my favorite ways to boost income is to look at your tax withholding. If you are getting more than $600 a year back, I suggest that
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you increase your deductions so you'll have more in your paycheck each pay period. Third, debt consolidation through a legitimate nonprofit credit-counseling agency may help. Before you sign on, be sure you understand any and all fees associated with the program and that you are comfortable with the process. Fourth, selling the homestead doesn't
work for you. Although you might qualify for a $6,500 tax credit as a repeat homebuyer, I believe a much better option may be a home equity loan, or HELOC. A HELOC will give you a low interest rate and a longer payback period. This might take some strain off your finances, but be sure you can afford the payments before you decide. Defaulting on a HELOC can
cost you your home. This is a less-ideal solution because you are trading unsecured credit-card debt for secured debt. The only option that you mentioned that I would not recommend unless you have no other choice is to borrow from your retirement. With four other viable options to solve your current problem, there is no need to put your financial future in jeopardy for today's financial setback. Good luck! (Steve Bucci is president of Money Management International Financial Education Foundation. Visit www.moneymanagement.org for additional debt advice. If you have a question for Steve, e-mail debtadviser@bankrate.com. The Debt Adviser is a weekly feature of bankrate.com. For more stories visit scrippsnews.com.) •••
Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2010 – 7
Chamber’s Public Service to Non Profits
Serving the community. pUNXSUtaWNeY MeDIcaL aSSOcIateS Joseph J. Kernich, M.D. Jay E. Elder, M.D. Lisa Witherite-Rieg, D.O. Dawn Cekovsky, PA-C Evan Kennedy, PA-C
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Listings” on the “Living” page at PunxBy Marty Armstrong sutawney.com. of Hometown magazine This service was made known to the genhe Punxsutawney Chamber of eral public and I saw how easy it was for Commerce performs a valuable any group not able to have its own website public service to local non-profit organizations. Not long after her April 1999 appointment as Executive Director, Marlene Lellock sought information from local organizations as to how best the Chamber could help those groups get their message out, both to area residents and visitors seeking information about life in Punxsutawney. The result Living page on Punxsutawney.com, Punxsutawney Area Chamber of Commerce of those discussions (and the happy coincidence that the Pumxto still have a web presence. I quickly sutawney.com domain name had recently signed up my church and a few other become available) was that the Chamber groups with which I was associated. Then began to allow any local organization a free the fun began. mini-webpage of information where a misYou see, once signed up, the group mansion statement, contact information, and ages its own page, so the designated volunevent schedules could be listed. One only teer needs a bit of computer literacy. I’d had to ask. This goes far beyond mailing spent a long time out of the computer loop, lists and phone numbers of clubs, churches, as I’d learned when punched holes in cards and government offices, though those certainly are posted under the “Civic Group - Continued on page 17
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‘Stars and Stripes’ Continued from page 6
have contributed to the development of music education in the United States. A fact of Punxsutawney history is the introduction of the teaching of music in the public schools in 1902 (Punxsutawney Spirit August 3, 1902). The local citizenry was supportive of the move by the Punxsutawney School Board to hire a young lady to be the first music instructor of children so they “will at least increase their faculties for its enjoyment.” Within a few years, there were organized vocal groups in the high school, a school orchestra, and in 1923-24 there was organized the first high school band. There were community bands, too, and the many styles of ethnic music integrated into culture by immigrant groups who arrived into the area for work. In the years before radio and modern recording, history tells us that the one person who had the biggest influence on American music was John Philip Sousa, who introduced Americans everywhere to a wide range of serious and entertaining music with his band. Young people were inspired and influenced by the music of Sousa. Among musicians, Sousa is mentioned as the first American musical superstar. Music that was played in parks by community bands, in community parades for the Fourth of July or Memorial Day, or by firemen’s bands would include many familiar Sousa arrangements that became identified with the two-step dance of the late 19th century. At the same time, he developed a type of bass tuba that would eventually be called the “sousaphone” in his honor. His popularity and that of his band music led to feet-tapping patriotism. After World War I, he resumed his national and world tours with a program advertised as “Sousa and His Band,” a group larger than the usual 15-20 member community bands or school orchestras of small towns. He became a sensation in towns and cities, touring with an advertised band of nearly 100 members. In early October of 1924, the Sousa Band made an appearance in the Jefferson Theatre in Punxsutawney in what was to be advertised as “The Greatest Musical Event in the History of This City” (Spirit, October 2, 1924). The performance in Punxsutawney was a stop along the route of the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh Railroad between a show in Rochester, New York and one in Pittsburgh. The tour of 1924, his 32nd annual tour, was subtitled “Sousa’s Novelties of 1924,” and it introduced to the public “syncopated music” played by his band. While before then the whole world had listened, tapped, or danced to his march arrangements, his new program was presenting a new jazz sound and fox trot selections. The standing-room audience for the evening performance on Friday, October 3, 1924 by the popular band of “The March King” was reported as “immense.” With a program to meet the music interests of every taste, the newspaper report claimed “Peerless Leader Shows Audience Difference Between Jazz and Music.” Sousa was 69 years old when he led his band in a program of marches, classical numbers, “jazz fantasies,” and his arrangements from musical comedies. Among his marches was his most popular march, the “Stars and Stripes of America.” Sousa died in March 1932. Of interest, in reporting the fame and popularity of Sousa and his visit to Punxsutawney, is a local connection to Sousa and his music.
In the early 20th century, Punxsutawney entertained many prominent Americans at the Jefferson Theatre on North Findley Street. The theatre, the marquee in the center of this c.1918 photo, was located near the B. R. & P. Railroad passenger station and the street car station.
In the decade of 1900-1910, a young Punxsutawney man was a song writer who had gained some prominence for his compositions and lyrics. As a graduate of Princeton University, Kenneth S. Clark had won a contest at Ohio University in 1915 to create an alma mater song. As a student, he had written songs in 1905 that were used at the college or sung by alumni at dinners across the country; one was named “Princeton Forward March.” He also wrote songs for Broadway musicals in New York City, and he collaborated with Sousa in writing lyrics for many of Sousa’s band performances. One of the songs was “Vesper Bells,” created in 1909 as the result of a request to Sousa for a “spirited march” number to pep up the musical-comedy production. Kenneth Clark often visited his parents Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Clark, on Rockland Avenue in - Continued on page 17
Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2010 – 9
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Winter Got You Down? Things to do Around Town
By Shirley Sharp for Hometown magazine hil saw his shadow. Now we are waiting out the remainder of six more weeks of winter. There are more hours of daylight as we approach the spring equinox. The temperature is becoming more moderate making it a great time to enjoy the last of winter. This can be a dreary time or a time of opportunity. There are plenty of things to do in the Punxsutawney Area to keep the winter blues at bay. Here are some things to make the rest of winter fly by:
P
new skill or interest. Go: Visit the recreational sites in Punxsutawney and see what our community has to offer. Here are some low cost and no cost suggestions: Any day of the week you can pull out the cross country skis or your boots and hike the Mahoning Shadow Trail. It is a beautiful place to enjoy nature with the snow in the woods and the Mahoning Creek wending its way through. Take your camera along and get some great winter shots to use on your holiday cards for next year. No admission fee. M o n d a y through Saturday: Stop by the Punxsutawney Memorial Library and borrow a
Visit: Pull out the old fashioned board games (checkers, chess, Monopoly, Scrabble, or even a deck of cards) invite some friends over and have a great evening of fun. You could even add popcorn and beverages to make it a great time. Or, spend time with someone you have not visited in a while. It is (above) Festival Costumes, amazing how an hour or hand knit sweaters, lace work, two spent “just visiting” Vikings and Viking Ships were with a friend or family among the item of Norwegian member can boost one’s Culture the children, who participated in “From the Heart” spirits. the February Heritage ExploLearn: Take up a new ration. (right)Norwegian Rose dehobby or craft. Check out signs and dolls in festival costhe new merchants in town tume from the collection of where you may create won- Marie Jenks, whose parents derful stained glass items, were born in Norway. learn needle arts such as movie, go on-line, browse miwhittling, quilting, crocheting or knitting. crofilm, read out of town newspapers, and Or, if you are already a skilled craftsperson, time travel through books. Check out teach someone a new hobby. Passing on a “Story Time” for children, ages 3 to 5 special skill to a child, grandchild, neighyears, which will begin in March. Call the bor or friend will create a lasting bond. library at 938-5020 for more information The library is free to use for all who hold a Give: Volunteer with one of our many orcard from the Punxsutawney Memorial Liganizations in the area. The Community brary, a library in Jefferson County or a liCenter, Weather Discovery Center, Punxbrary that participates in Access PA. Cards sutawney Memorial Library, the Museums are free for residents. of PAHGS, the Hospital and Human Service Agencies welcome those who are lookFebruary 26, 27 & 28 and March 5 & ing for interesting ways to invest their time 6: The Punxsutawney Theater Arts Guild while giving back to the community. And, will present Ron Hill’s comedy/drama volunteering is a great way to develop a - Continued on page 25
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Climate-control debate heats up in offices By Tim Grant Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
I
s the thermostat so low at your office your teeth rattle while you talk on the telephone? Or is it so hot you've had to meet important clients with your armpits soaked in sweat? Climate control in the workplace can turn friends into foes if co-workers cannot find common ground. It affects what workers wear, how they feel and even could have an impact on their ability to get the job done. "When (people are) consistently uncomfortable, they are likely to feel their basic needs are not being listened to or respected," said Diane Gottsman, a nationally recognized etiquette expert and owner of The Protocol School of Texas, based in San Antonio. A survey by New CareerBuilder, one of the nation's largest online job sites, concluded that 27 percent of workers described the temperature at their workplace as "too hot," while 19 percent of workers said their office was "too cold," and 54 percent reported the thermal reading at work was "just right." As temperatures have plunged across the nation this winter and more companies have been inclined to either turn up or turn down the heat, managers might need to consider how the indoor climate might be affecting worker morale. "If it's something that impacts a worker's ability to perform, it can be taken to a higher level, but most times it can be resolved among colleagues," said Allison Nawoj, a career adviser at New CareerBuilder in Chicago. Instead of co-workers secretly changing the thermostat behind each other's backs, there are other ways to deal with the problem. Some ideas workplace experts suggest are
to send an e-mail to your colleagues or directly discuss a compromise on temperature with them. Another approach would be to wear layers of clothing that can be either removed or added as needed. Also, talk to your manager about finding an alternative such as changing your work hours, moving to a warmer area of the building or telecommuting. One office worker who asked that her name or her company not be identified said her office was generally kept so cold people run space heaters underneath their desks, walk around with blankets on their shoulders and wear fingerless gloves on their hands to keep them warm. "It slows down our typing," she said. "And, yes, it affects productivity quite a bit." Personal heaters are frequently used in office environments, but it is often against company policy because of the fire hazard they create. Space heaters also sometimes cause power outages that require maintenance staff to continually reset breakers. According to the International Facility Management Association, complaints about the temperature at work being too hot or too cold always top the list of common grievances, which also include high noise levels, limited space and unusual odors. The organization conducted a survey of 452 people in North America in July 2009 to see when most thermal complaints occur. Among the key findings uncovered in the study were that many facility managers have begun to adjust the thermostat to higher settings in the summer and lower settings in the winter to reduce energy cost and consumption. (Tim Grant can be reached at tgrant@post-gazette.com.) (Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.) •••
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Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2010 – 11
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"HOUSE FOR SALE" By Ron Hill
7:30 p.m. February 26, 27 March 5 and 6 And at a special 2 p.m. Matinee Sunday, February 28
Theatre Arts Guild to Present Heartwarming Comedy/Drama
T
o launch their 35th anniversary season, members of the Punxsutawney Theatre Arts Guild will explore the many dimensions of growing older that affect the characters depicted in The two-act “House for Sale.” comedy/drama by Ron Hill will be staged at 7:30 on February 26, 27 and March 5, 6, in the auditorium of the Punxsutawney Area Middle School. A special Sunday matinee will take place at 2 p.m. February 28. Tickets are available at the door. Directed by Guild veteran, Terry A. Fye, this production is sure to create laughter and merriment, even as it touches the heart. The plot centers around the plight of an elderly widower in failing health, who stubbornly resists his daughter¹s attempts to get him to sell his home and move in with her and her husband. In his search for a solution to remaining in his home, Glen Martin advertises for a roommate, pulling in a variety of interesting and colorful characters. The would-be tenants are such a wacky group that the older man loses control of the situation, making his problems go from bad to worse. Max, Glen’s pal and next-door neighbor, tries to help, but an accident causes Glen to realize that old age is making both of them vulnerable to problems beyond their control. Still, Glen wants to stay in his own home, which overflows with memories of his beloved wife and their wonderful years together raising their daughter. How can the issue be resolved? Commenting upon the show, Fye said, “Focusing as it does upon the universal problem of determining the best way to help aging parents, this play brims with chuckles, laced with a few tears. Area audiences will be able to identify with both generations as father and daughter strive to reach a satisfactory solution. This is a play that will reverberate with anyone who is dealing with these kinds of situations.” The cast spotlights two seasoned per-
formers in the leading roles. S. Thomas Curry will portray Glen Martin, while Kathy S. Dinsmore interprets the role of Helen, the loving daughter. In a major supporting role is Terry A. Fye as Max, the neighbor who gets carried away in his attempts to help his friend. Karen Duffell returns to the Guild as Mrs. Goodsell, the real estate agent. Dolores Veitz, who appeared in a number of early Guild shows, is featured in the pivotal role of Faye.
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The ensemble roles have been assigned to a varied group of newcomers and veterans. The zany, would-be tenants include Tracey Young as Fanny, a widow who is eagerly looking for a new husband; Angela Gomola as Kate, who just wants to trying living on her own; Tim Cooper as the Apostle, who ends up in the middle of the confusion; Matthew Steffy as Chuck, who is seeking a refuge from his wife; and Lynn Duncan as Sylvia, whose tongue is as much a weapon as the cane she carries. Kevin Beatty plays Gary, a delivery-boy who is befuddled by the whole situation. Matthew Dinsmore will again serve as the head of the construction crew and the sound and lights technician. Kathy S. Dinsmore is working on the set design and costumes. Production assistants include Tim Cooper and Terry Studebaker. Uli Battestilli and Jeff Kuntz will head the lobby staff. Anyone desiring more information about the play or the Guild should call the Fyes at (814) 938-6928. •••
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George Washington First president 1789-1797 State Represented: Virginia party affiliation: Federalist Fact(s): In May 1775, Washington, one of Virginia's delegates, was elected commander in chief of the continental army.
thomas Jefferson third president 1801-1809 State Represented: Virginia party affiliation: Democratic-Republican Fact(s): at age 33, he drafted the Declaration of Independence. he constructed his mountain top home, Monticello.
John adams Second president 1797-1801 State Represented: Massachussets party affiliation: Federalist Fact(s): his son, John Quincy, became president. he was the first Vice president.
William henry harrison Ninth president 1841 State Represented: Ohio party affiliation: Whig Fact(s): he was the first president to die in office.
abraham Lincoln Sixteenth president 1861-1865 State Represented: Illinois party affiliation: Republican Fact(s): he had to struggle for a living. Lincoln's mom died when he was 9.
James Madison Fourth president 1809-1817 State Represented: Virginia party affiliation: Democratic-Republican Fact(s): Louisiana and Indiana became states during his term. he helped form the Bill of Rights.
Martin Van Buren eighth president 1837-1841 State Represented: New York party affiliation: Democratic-Republican Fact(s): he gave us the word "OK" or "Okay" which was an abbreviation for the name of his New York home "Old Kinderhook."
We Pledge Allegiance to Our Presidents On the Job Working For You.
Sam Smith - State Representative Paid for by Citizens for Sam Smith
James Monroe Fifth president 1817-1825 State Represented: Virginia party affiliation: Democratic-Republican Fact(s): he was the first president to ride a steamboat. he made the Monroe Doctrine.
John Q. adams Sixth president1825-1829 State Represented: Massachussets party affiliation: Democratic-Republican Fact(s): his father was president.
andrew Jackson Seventh president 1829-1837 State Represented: tennessee party affiliation: Democratic-Republican Fact(s): he was in the war of 1812. he studied law.
John tyler
James K. polk
Zachery taylor
tenth president 1841-1845 State Represented: Virginia party affiliation: Whig Fact(s): Loved to play the violin. his first wife died while he was president.
eleventh president 1845-1849 State Represented: tennessee party affiliation: Democrat Fact(s): he died from exhaustion and hard work soon after he left office.
twelfth president 1849-1850 State Represented: Louisiana party affiliation: Whig Fact(s): he served in the Mexican War. he died while president.
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Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2010 – 13
Celebrating
OuR PRESIDENTS
Millard Fillmore
Franklin pierce
James Buchanan
thirteenth president 1850-1853 State Represented: New York party affiliation: Whig Fact(s): he had eight brothers and sisters. his wife started the White house library collection.
Fourteenth president 1853-1857 State Represented: New hampshire party affiliation: Democrat Fact(s): Served in Mexican War.
Fifteenth president 1857-1861 State Represented: pennsylvania party affiliation: Democrat Fact(s): he was elected five times to the house of Representatives.
andrew Johnson Seventeenth president 1865-1869 State Represented: tennessee party affiliation: Democrat Fact(s): his wife taught him to read.
Richard L. Fait James “moon” Vansteenberg
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Rutherford B. hayes Nineteenth president 1877-1881 State Represented: Ohio party affiliation: Republican Fact(s): Was wounded in civil War, became a General.
James a. Garfield twentieth president 1881 State Represented: Ohio party affiliation: Republican Fact(s): Died in office.
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Founding Fathers
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chester a. arthur twenty-First president 1881-1885 State Represented: New York party affiliation: Republican Fact(s): Was a General in the civil War.
Grover cleveland twenty-Second & twenty-Fourth president 1885-1889 & 1893-1897 State Represented: New York party affiliation: Democrat Fact(s): angered the railroads by ordering an investigation.
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14 – Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2010
Benjamin harrison twenty-third president 1889-1893 State Represented: Indiana party affiliation: Republican Fact(s): he was the same height as James Madison. his grandfather was president.
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Ulysses S. Grant eighteenth president 1869-1877 State Represented: Illinois party affiliation: Republican Fact(s): he was a civil War General. Fought in the Mexican War.
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William McKinley twenty-Fifth president 1897-1901 State Represented: Ohio party affiliation: Republican Fact(s): he became the leading Republican tariff expert in congress. he died in office.
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calvin coolidge thirtieth president 1923-1929 State Represented: Massachusetts party affiliation: Republican Fact(s): his name was "Silent cal."
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theodore Roosevelt twenty-Sixth president 1901-1909 State Represented: New York party affiliation: Republican Fact(s): Born and died in New York. First president to ride in a car while president.
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twenty-Seventh president 1909-1913 State Represented: Ohio party affiliation: Republican Fact(s): he was the son of a distinguished judge. he preferred law to politics.
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thirty-First president 1929-1933 State Represented: california party affiliation: Republican Fact(s): he was a member of the Supreme economic council and head of the american Relief administration.
Franklin D. Roosevelt thirty-Second president 1933-1945 State Represented: New York party affiliation: Democrat Fact(s): First president to ride in an airplane while president.
Woodrow Wilson
Warren G. harding
twenty-eighth president 1913-1921 State Represented: New Jersey party affiliation: Democrat Fact(s): he was a good student in college. his first wife died while he was president.
twenty-Ninth president 1921-1923 State Represented: Ohio party affiliation: Republican Fact(s): he had gray hair. he died of a heart attack while president.
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harry S. truman thirty-third president 1945-1953 State Represented: Missouri party affiliation: Democrat Fact(s): he was a captain in World War I. he was Vice president for Franklin Roosevelt.
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Dwight D. eisenhower thirty-Fourth president 1953-1961 State Represented: New York party affiliation: Republican Fact(s): he was the first president to ride in a helicopter while president.
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AMeRiCAN legiON advertisement paid for by the Punxsutawney american Legion Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2010 – 15
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OuR PRESIDENTS
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Gerald R. Ford
thirty-Fifth president 1961-1963 State Represented: Massachusetts party affiliation: Democrat Fact(s): he liked to swim. he represented Massachusetts in the house of Representatives and the Senate.
thirty-Sixth president 1963-1969 State Represented: texas party affiliation: Democrat Fact(s): he signed a civil rights bill, established Great Society programs.
thirty-Seventh president 1969-1974 State Represented: New York party affiliation: Republican Fact(s): he was president at the end of the Vietnam War.
thirty-eighth president 1974-1977 State Represented: Michigan party affiliation: Republican Fact(s): he starred on the University of Michigan football team.
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Fortieth president 1981-1989 State Represented: california party affiliation: Republican Fact(s): he was shot by a would-be assassin and quickly recovered and returned to office.
Forty-First president 1989-1993 State Represented: texas party affiliation: Republican Fact(s): When he was 18, he joined the armed forces. he represented texas in congress.
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Forty-third president 2001- 2009 State Represented: texas party affiliation: Republican Fact(s): Likes baseball. First president to begin serving in the 21st century.
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Jimmy carter thirty-Ninth president 1977-1981 State Represented: Georgia party affiliation: Democrat Fact(s): he has four children. he recently won the Nobel peace prize.
938-2555 punxsyhistory@groundhog.net www.punxsyhistory.org
Chamber’s Public “Stars and Stripes’ Continued from page 8
Continued from page 9
and mainframe computers were the norm. I didn’t have to use a computer at the office in the early years and relied on typewriters to handle necessary documents for preparing tests and things for class. Slowly, I had replaced my typewriter with a laptop in an attempt to speed up word processing chores. When I discovered the joy of spreadsheets, putting complex formulae in cells similar to Battleship™ coordinates, I launched my new and ongoing hobby, learning computer applications for all sorts of needs. By 1999, I figured I could put a few organizations on the (web) map pretty easily.
Punxsutawney, and while here would sing many of his songs as solos on the stage of the Jefferson Theatre or the Majestic Theatre, both on North Findley Street. While visits to Punxsutawney long ago by special people, and in some cases distinguished Americans, is extensively recorded in the local newspaper reports, it is obvious too that Punxsutawney has contributed the talents of its own citizens to American culture. Unfortunately, little else is known about Kenneth S. Clark or his family, as a young man, but research can continue if any reader has additional information about the career of the local composer/lyricist. •••
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And it IS easy. 1. Call or email the Chamber. 2. Give them the name of your organization, the name of whoever will be in contact with them regarding the site and a password. 3. Within a short time your group will be listed with others on the “Living” page in the “Community Group Pages” drop-down menu for all to see. To get the basics of your contact information to show and to put in additional information, you will be given a web address to use where you enter your password. Special areas are provided to put in information about your group, upcoming events, and contact persons. 4. Anyone having trouble getting started can call the Chamber. Linda will walk you through the first steps and send you a few basic instructions on formatting. 5. There’s even a place to type in yourgroup’s own website if you have one. You may think if you have your own site, you don’t need to be listed here. It seems, however, that the more links you have around the internet, the more high-profile your site is. Now, even though St. John’s Reformed Church has its own site, a search on the internet just using the organization’s name (being sure to include Punxsutawney as a keyword) brings up the Punxsutawney.com listing very quickly, but main site, not so much. Having a link from one to the other helps everyone. The takeaway here is that with limited resources, non-profit organizations have to be creative in reaching the public. Any additional means available is worth considering. I recently looked at some our surrounding towns via the internet and have so far seen nothing to equal what Punxsutawney groups have available to them in the way of web exposure through Punxsutawney.com. It is something we can be proud of and it is something we can all capitalize on. The Chamber welcomes new organizational users. As for this latest iteration of my computer mania, I did discover that special formatting would be my challenge. I wanted color, special type fonts and sizes, moving marquee banners, different ways of presenting information. That’s all possible through html coding, something new to learn—joy! I did say it was a hobby, after all. Marty Armstrong, President Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society, Inc. •••
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Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2010 – 17
Personal • Consistent • Friendly • Knowledgeable
St. John’s Reformed Church: 175 Years By Marty Armstrong for Hometown magazine
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very generation, a special anniversary can be celebrated by those congregations having long histories.
maining evidence of the location of the old log church is the little cemetery which lies close by. In 1849, this St. John’s congregation made application for a charter of Incorporation under the name, style, and title of “St. John’s Congregation of the German Reformed & Lutheran Church in Perry Township. This is the first church congre-
“The history of St. John’s Congregation dates back to the year 1835, when the first Lutheran Congregation in the county was organized. This group met in the barn (where Communion was celebrated) on the farm of Abraham Hoch, about one mile south of Sprankle Mills (in what is now oliver Township). In 1838 a young theology St. John’s Church as it appeared c.1868 student, J.G. (George) Young, assisted by the families in the neighborhood, erected a small log church about one mile distant from the Hoch farm and located on the property of Boaz Blose. This church was known as St. John’s Lutheran Church of the General Synod. After ten years, this log building was used for a school house, as Petition for Incorporation St. Johns Congregation of the German Reformed & in 1848 a large Lutheran Church, signed 1857 church was built about one half-mile farther up the hill, the gation to be incorporated in Jefferson present site of the church. The only re- Continued on next page
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18 – Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2010
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St. John’s Continued from previous page
County, as recorded in the office of the Register and Recorder, Brookville, Pennsylvania. The Judge’s decree granting the Congregation their petition for incorporation is dated February 11, 1857, and is signed by J.S. McCalmont, President Judge. Members whose names appear on the petition are: Benjamin, Samuel, Simon, David and Solomon Shaffer; Jacob H., Philip, Peter and Christopher Hetrick; George Ledig; Samuel and John Shoffner; Andrew,William Jesse, E.H. and Conrad Geist; Elias and George Miller; John, Amos and Joel Reits; Andrew Harp; Solomon Hoch; Henry Doverspike, both senior and junior; Adam and Simon Rabuck; Peter Seiler; William Eisenhart and Daniel Falk.” So reads a portion of the summary history of my church, printed in a 1942 dedication service booklet and anniversary booklets in 1935 and 1985, celebrating 100 and 150 years of our congregation’s history, respectively. Parenthetical additions are from Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, McKnight, 1917. A photocopy of the Articles of Incorporation filed in 1857 with Jefferson County reveals that the transcriber then had trouble reading certain German names and simply recorded each indecipherable name as such or “do” (meaning “ditto”). Ten names are thus lost which should have been included in the above summary history. Many names are recognizable among local families today, though spellings may have changed. Changes in spelling were taking
place even then as we see the modern Doverspike already replacing the original Daubenspek. Some years ago the Historical Society had a program based on an exploration of where the ancestors of each person present had originated. In preparation for the program, we found census information from the year 2000 which reported that two-third of Jefferson County residents claimed German ancestry. This was, but should not have been, unexpected for me. Early founders of my church (sometimes written as the Johannes Church) were German. Many later church families had German names. My own grandmother spoke German at home until she went to school, and we’ve all heard of the German influence on our Groundhog Day traditions. We all know that it’s the people which make up the church, not the building, but those details of a building’s past continue to fascinate. Would that we could see that barn or early log church down near the Mauk Tunnel. We do have an 1868 picture of the current structure, built in 1848. That building has undergone many changes. We no longer have two main entrances, men’s and ladies’—did they sit on separate sides while within? After Route 536 took its final form (many changes were made in the 1920s), the building was lifted off its foundation, shifted around to front on the new road and positioned atop a newly-excavated basement. This work, begun in 1940, was dedicated in 1942. Leaders at that time included the Rev. Eli R. Fabian, Elders D.P. Caylor, Paul Raybuck, Charles Plyler; Deacons Amon Raybuck, Mrs. Elder Caylor, Glenn Caylor and Trustees Burton Hinderliter, Mrs. David Lukehart, and Miller - Continued on page 25
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Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2010 – 19
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side of North Findley had been rebuilt folBy S. Thomas Curry lowing a destructive fire in 1903, and the of Hometown magazine rebuilding included a city-type opera he end of the first decade of the house, the Jefferson Theatre, in 1905. That 20th century found Punxsutawney section is now demolished waiting for anwith a population of about 12,000, other “rebuilding.” and growing. At the time, Punxsutawney was boasting itself as the largest town in its section of western Pennsylvania. There was pride with its successes, expressed especially by the new construction over those ten years. The new Y. M. C. A. building on North Findley Street had just been completed, and LauderbachBarber had announced construction of a four-story building for its wholesale grocery business at the bottom of Cherry Street, near the railroad line. In 1905, the new Weber Block at the corner of North Findley Street and Mahoning Street had been coonstructed, joining the Eberhart Building on the opposite corner as an anchor for the downtown business life. The old Spirit Building continues to maintain prominence, standing in the downtown on North Findley Street, where it was built in The new High School on tall 1909-1910 adjacent to the former Y. M. C. A. (built 1909). (photo by North Jefferson Street was S. Thomas Curry) opened in 1907 to accommodate the larger population That economic renaissance would be created by the consolidation of Clayville strengthened by the construction in 1909 of into the borough. In 1909, city officials had the seven-story Punxsutawney Spirit newsreceived word that a new U. S. Post Office paper building on a lot behind the Weber for the corner of North Findley and Pine Block and next to the Y. M. C. A. From its Street had been approved. “Spirit Building,” publisher/editor W. O. Earlier in the decade, a portion of the east - Continued on next page
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Spirit Building Continued from previous page
1908 from the Y. M. C. A. directors. Construction was started in April 1909. The firm began moving into its new location in March 1910, and expanded its business from publishing a newspaper to all types of publishing and book-binding concerns. It had prepared to compete with sim-
Smith, under the incorporation of the newspaper as The Spirit Publishing Co., began a new adventure, to be the spirit of the area it served. The new landmark buffbrick building, as it reached into the sky like a city skyscraper, was recognized as the tallest building in the five counties surrounding Jefferson County, and perhaps the highest in any town between Pittsburgh and Buffalo, the proud owners would claim when it was opened in June 1910. With its seven stories it could be seen from any point in the valley. With its height and many windows, a big asset was the The former Spirit Building towers above Punxsutawney in the valley natural light, unobstructed today. It was a symbol of Punxsutawney’s prosperity in the early by any other buildings, as 1900s. (photo by S. Thomas Curry) well as the excellent view of the length of ilar printing companies in New York City, the town in the vast valley of the MahonPhiladelphia, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and other ing Creek. cities. Its printing work expanded to inBeyond that clude class yearbooks for high schools and fact, to many colleges, school tablets, “loose leaf and perpeople, it was manently bound blank books, lithographed a strong statebank checks, calendars,” among many ment about items. Punx’y’s Unlike any other building of three or four prosperity. stories built in the decade, the Spirit BuildB e f o r e ing was up-to-date and modern for the time, 1900, the with its own power and water plant in the newspaper basement. From its “double-panel slate was pubswitchboard,” electricity could be sent to lished from the various parts of the building for light the first floor and energy. Especially beneficial for the of a building new tenants of the building was the wise west of the decision to install an elevator that reached Pantall Hotel. lodge rooms, business offices, editorial By 1906, rooms, and press rooms at the different levwith the town els. growing at On the seventh floor were lodge rooms for “fast speed,” the Improved Order of Red Men and its the daily auxiliary, the Pocahontas Council. A gathSpirit was - Continued on page 27 begun and in 1907 the idea of a new building was Auto, Boat & ATV Registration – income Tax Preparation introduced, Now issuing over the counter leading to the registration cards and stickers. Built in 1910, the seven-story purchase of Spirit Building was the tallest Big Run Area • 25 Daisy Lane building in any town in western the land on Kathy D. Wymer Punxsutawney, PA 15767 Pennsylvania between Buffalo North FindFax: 814-427-5291 and Pittsburgh. ley Street in 8 1 4 -4 2 7 -2 3 6 1
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Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2010 – 21
Big Run
(Editor’s Note: ‘From Our Past,’ researched by S. Thomas Curry, features items of interest from past editions of Punxsutawney and area newspapers.) February 3, 1897 — Mr. Groundhog, the great American weather prognosticator, has had his day again. He may have seen better days for shadows than yesterday. So, with all due regard for his hogship’s mission, you had better prepare to accept the weather just as it is sorted out to you. (Punxsutawney Spirit) February 15, 1899 — A large mining town will be built at the new coal work of the R. & P. Company between Adrian and Eleanora which will be known as Florence. It will be the largest mining town in the county, and within a year or two it is expected that there will be a population of 10,000 or more from Adrian to Eleanora. There is a movement on foot to extend the street railway into that region, which ought to make it profitable and be a great benefit to Punxsutawney. (Punxsutawney Spirit) February 15, 1907 — While returning from the show at Punxsutawney Wednesday night, a sleigh with G. I. Davis and E. P. Weber, with their wives, was overturned while passing another sleigh, near Cloe. Beyond a general shaking up no serious injury was sus-
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tained by any of the party. (Big Run Tribune) February 24, 1870 — ABATING. The scarlet fever in our town, should the present state of the atmosphere continue a few days longer, we think it will leave us entirely. Since the appearance of the disease here some weeks ago five deaths have occurred. (Punxsutawney Plaindealer) February 29, 1888 — An alarm of fire was raised early this morning, and from the din we thought that one half the town was ablaze. It was learned that R. C. Winslow’s house on the hill, occupied by Mr. Parks, was afire, but a few buckets of water soon dashed the blaze out. [Note: The house on the hill was Winslow’s first home. Still in existence, it is remembered by any folk as the Lyle House.] (Punxsutawney News)
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22 – Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2010
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the legend of the Big Run peepers By Bill Anderson of Hometown magazine fter Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction, area residents braced themselves for another six weeks of winter. But even as the most diehard Phil fans in Punxsutawney know, the season hasn’t officially sprung until the spring peepers trill in the Big Run swamp. “That means spring is official,” said John London, Big Run Frog Man. “The peepers are always accurate.” The legend of the Big Run peepers began in 1972, when London took notice of the peep from the peepers for the first time. There were and still are thousands of them in the swamp or to be politically correct, the wetlands located behind his then Big Run Carpet business. He charted the date on the back door of his shop and hasn’t missed a spring since. But few in Big Run knew of his records. The legend of the Big Run peepers all came to light in the spring of 1993, when Bill Graff, a reporter from the Indiana (PA) Gazette was talking to London about several fires in the Big Run area. They got to shooting the breeze about hunting, fishing, and the weather, of course, and London mentioned the peepers. “In this area, we’re all born with nature in
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mind,” London said, referring to his conversation with Graff. Graff saw that a good story was lurking in the swamp. The Gazette reporter’s tongue-in-cheek tale appeared in the March 17 edition of his newspaper. And it didn’t take long for the media to jump on it. The Associated Press picked up the Big Run frog dispatch and transmitted it nation and worldwide. Within a day, Big Run was on the map. According to London’s records, March 20 seems to be the date the peepers are expected to emerge. They have trilled as early as March 2 and as late as April 2 . The frogs — the official ones located in the swamp behind Big Run Carpet — burrow into the mud in the fall, spend the winter in a dormant state, then emerge and start their peeping when spring temperatures are suitable. As weather lore goes and legend dictates, the frogs are in their homes waiting for the ice to melt. They will not come out until they can see through the glass (ice) three times. “The first time they come up, it’s a good first starting of spring,” London explains. “The next two cold spells send the frogs back down. After the third freeze, the frogs emerge and spring is really here. - Continued on page 25
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Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2010 – 23
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Helpmat, Inc. Reiv Home care Licens Helpmates, Inc. is proud to announce that remains located in Ridgway where the they have met the requirements for licensure agency had its beginnings. Over the past 23 set forth by the PA Dept. of Health and are years the need for the type of services Helpnow licensed to provide home care services mates, Inc. provides led to the current 22 ofat all of their office locations. The local office fice locations that serve 38 counties. During the past ten which serves Jefferson and Indiyears many ana County is new agencies located in have been crePunxsutawney ated in hopes at Station of caring for Square North, the baby Suite 1. For the boomer genpast 3 years the eration in their Pa Dept. of retirement Health has years. been working Licensure on the legislawill assist in tion that requires ensuring that all non–medical all agencies, home care including notagencies and Coordinator vice Ser nt ista Ass le, (left to right) Barb Poo for-profit, forregistries in PA ator rdin Coo vice Ser er, Laurie Mill Manager profit and to be licensed Marty Booth, Regional franchise agencies and registered. Home Care agencies with more than one of- are in compliance with the consumer protecfice must have a license for each location tion set forth by the Dept. of Health. and Helpmates, Inc. has received a license For more information on all of the servfor all of their 22 office locations. The PA ices provided by Helpmates, Inc. please Dept. of Health’s requirement that all non- call 814-772-6850 or the toll free number medical home care agencies and registries 1-866-226-2788. For services provided in be licensed ensures the public that the Jefferson or Indiana County please call agency is in compliance with the policies and our Punxsutawney office at 938-3554 or our Brookville office at 849-2503 or visit procedures mandated by the Dept. Since 1987 Helpmates, Inc. Home Care our website at www.helpmatesinc.com. Agency has been providing non-medical services in the home to assist people so they may live independently. The corporate office
24 – Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2010
Being in stress from snowy mess is normal By Michael A. Fuoco Pittsburgh Post-Gazette n early-morning glance through the window, a sinking feeling in the stomach. No, no, no, not again! Really? More snow???!!! Again with the cumbersome boots, the bulky coat, the sigh of resignation. Again with the backbreaking shoveling, the white-knuckle driving, the unplowed streets and downed power lines. After the weekend's historic snowstorm, who would have thought it could get worse? But it did on Wednesday. All reasons enough to feel down in the dumps, or, more accurately, in the snowdrifts. But if it's any comfort, that's a perfectly normal reaction to such perfectly abnormal weather, said Dr. Ellen Frank, distinguished professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh. Frustration at the situation is to be expected, said Frank, whose specialty is mood disorders. "And not knowing how long we're going to be in this mess is very stress-inducing." She said for some people, who like her have heat and food and can work from home during such a weather emergency, "this actually can be a nice break from the everyday routine." But, she said, "this can be a horribly stressful time" for people without electricity or are snowbound, or health-care employees, business owners and others who must trudge through the elements to get to work. In fact, she said, anyone who has to travel will likely worry about being in an accident or getting stuck during their journey, "and when you get to Point B, worrying about being able to get back home again. Uncertainty is very stress-inducing." Moreover, she said, the storms impact us by knocking us out of our life rhythms. "Our normal routines are very important psychologically. They are important in a cognitive sense and also in a biological sense," Frank said. "This kind of situation inevitably throws us out of our regular rou-
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tines. It is stressful to all body organs, including our psyche. "One thing we can try to do is to maintain normal routines as much as possible -get up at the normal wake time, go to bed at the regular time, eat meals at regular mealtimes. This may help more than people would think." Dr. Kathryn A. Roecklein, assistant psyc h o l o g y professor at the University of Pittsburgh, agreed. Maintaining routine would help both adults and children. In that way, she said, people "can minimize disruptions in the schedule of - Continued on page 27
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“House for sale,” which explores the challenges when an aging parent may not be able to safely live alone. Performances are set for 7:30 on Friday, Feb. 26, and Saturday, Feb. 27; March 5 and 6. A matinee has been scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28. All shows are at the Punxsutawney Area Middle School Auditorium. Tickets are available at the door: $7 adults; $6 seniors; and $3.00 students. For more information call director Terry A. Fye at 938-6928 or at catfye@comcast. net. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m: visit the Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center. . Check out the “Weather Wizard,” the newest interactive weather exhibit at the center — Admission $4 per person Thursday through Sunday; 1-4 p.m.: Visit the “sports Rocks exhibit” at the Bennis House of PAHGS (401 W. Mahoning Street). Find out which Punxsutawney area athletes made it to the major leagues, how the Women’s Baseball League filled in when the men were at war. Check out uniforms worn by early teams. Learn about the Trolley League. See how artifacts from Punxsutawney’s “Sport of Kings.” And much, much more. Admission is free; donations welcome. Thursday and Sunday at 1:30 pm and 3 pm at the Lattimer House of PAHGS (400 W. Mahoning Street) tour the “objects of Costume” exhibit in the Highland’s Invitational Gallery. This 45 minute tour covers clothing and other wearing apparel from the Civil War through present day. Clothing, shoes, hats, jewelry, uniforms and other items worn and used by children and adults are included in the exhibit. Admission is $5 per person. Thursday & Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Friday & Sunday 1-4 p.m.: “Find Your Roots” in the Genealogy Department of PAHGS in the Lattimer House. Volunteers are on hand to get you started with your search for ancestors. ($5 Research fee for non-members; no charge for members.) Second Saturday’s from 10 am to Noon: Attend “Heritage Exploration” for young explorers ages 6 through 12 take place at the Lattimer House of PAHGS. The 2010 series focuses on the cultural heritage of Punxsutawney. Children will learn about the culture of the countries from which our ancestors came, and complete a project appropriate to that culture. Upcoming programs include “From the nest,” Ukrainian Heritage, March 13; “From the earth,” Welsh Heritage: April 18, and “From the Kitchen,” Italian Heritage, May 8. Admission is $5 per non-member and $3 for members. Discounts are available for multiple children in a family. Call PAHGS at 938-2555 for more information. Fourth Tuesday’s from 7 to 9 pm, at the Punxsutawney Area Historical Society, are special interest workshops. February 23 will be “Preserving Family Mementos and Photographs through scrap Booking” at the Lattimer House; March 23 will be “learning to Play the Player Piano” at the Bennis House. Call PAHGS at 938-2555 for more information. ••• We deliver to every home in Punx’y. shouldn’t your advertising message be in Hometown magazine?
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The Punxsutawney Brewing Company, on the South Side across the Mahoning Creek near the Mahoning Valley Milling Co., began operation in 1897. The new brewery, with its popular "Punxsutawney Special" amber beer, was opened by two German brewers, Joseph Baumgartner and Edward Schneider. The brewery closed in 1919 at the beginning of the U.S. Prohibition years. (Photo courtesy of the Punxsutawney Area Historical and Genealogical Society.)
St. John’s
Big Run Peepers
Continued from page 19
Continued from page 23
Stoops. A bell tower was also added, but when struck by lightning in 1977, it was removed and replaced by a steeple. Early colored glass windows of red and gold were replaced with a cloud-effect green in the 1940s renovation, and then updated in recent years with designs carried out by stained glass artist Debbie Gilson. Inside, we once had a mural (it’s still there under the paneling) of Jesus on the front wall painted by an itinerant artist. It is partially visible in the accompanying picture taken in 1951 of the St. John’s Band. Last fall, when we realized that 2010 would mark 175 years, we decided to make every event in 2010 celebratory. The first such event takes advantage of the fact that St. John’s men take turns with others in the area to host a monthly Saturday morning prayer breakfast. Our first turn at this event in 2010 is February 27 at 7:30 a.m. All men and boys of the area are welcome, and our pastor, the Rev. Glenn C. McQuown, is planning a special discussion of pioneer times. Call Darl (938-5751) or Lorrain (938-4948) for information or to let us know you are coming. Other events include a March 20 “Meet and Greet” time with Heidi and Jim Mohney, whose mission is in support of making Bible translations available worldwide; a June 13 afternoon remembrance in honor of our forbears, many of whom were part of our church’s early years; a July 18 afternoon with music from our own Kevin Raybuck and Laura Armstrong Schiaffino, and other events later in the year for which dates have not yet been scheduled. Please check our page on Punxsutawney.com for information. Marty Armstrong, Secretary St. John’s Reformed Church •••
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“The saying is ‘they’ve got to see through glass three times,’ ” adding the process could take a day or even weeks. According to London, frog watching has been around for quite a long time. “I’ve had quite a number of farmers call me and say they have been watching frogs for years,” London acknowledged. Longer than you think, John. In fact, just as long as neighboring weather king, Punxsutawney Phil. In 1886 (the year the local newspaper first acknowledged the Groundhog in Punxsutawney), editor W.O. Smith, who went on to become one of the foremost and original Punx’y groundhog boosters, wrote in the Feb. 17 edition, “A large bull-frog came out of his lair in the swamp adjacent to our residence last Sunday and bellowed, ‘Gurrr-r-roun-hog, gurr-r-r-roun-hog.’ Then the cold-hearted rana, thinking he had ruined the reputation of the wood-chuck forever, dodged back into his hole with a broad grin on his face and a merry twinkle in his eye.” Had W.O. Smith taken a different path at the crossroads of Jefferson County weather myth, Phil may well have been a frog. However, during the springtime in Big Run nearly a century later, London’s frogs have taken the lead. Like a chorus of peepers responding to the first warm night of spring, the citizens of Big Run, riding the wave of that first national media attention, petitioned their borough council to hop on board to proclaim a “National Peeper Week.” A committee was formed that first year and the town featured a “Peeper Weekend.” The tradition continues annually in March, allowing everyone in the community to band together, hop along and promote their town, have a good time and pay tribute to each other. •••
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Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2010 – 25
Conquering clutter can give you more with less By Kim Palmer Minneapolis Star Tribune ver wonder if you'd enjoy your home more if there were less in it? Rita Stollman-Levin doesn't have to wonder. She knows. Since clearing her clutter and rethinking her space with the help of a professional organizer, she's loved living in her centuryold Victorian home in St. Paul, Minn. "It's so pleasant to walk in the door, and that wasn't the case before," she said.
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She and her husband entertain more often, enjoy it more and even have a more harmonious relationship now that they're no longer sharing one crowded office. "I was driving him nuts," she recalled. Now she has an orderly, functional home, with a place for everything. "It's empowered me to do more with my life and still have a more leisurely lifestyle." A fresh start like Levin's is appealing, especially this time of year, when many of us resolve to pare down and spruce up. But this year, the economy has put a different
spin on that annual ritual. "People are really nervous and emotional; there's a lot of instability and fear," said designer Cy Winship (www.cywinship.com). Many homeowners seem reluctant to part with items they think they might need in lean times ahead, noted Lisa Wendt (www.homesthatwork.net), the organizer who transformed Levin's house. "When I say, 'Let's start donating,' you can tell they're thinking twice," she said. Wendt said she's fielding more questions about refinishing furniture. "People say, 'It's not so bad -- maybe I'll hang onto it a little longer.' " And more of those who do pare down their belongings are interested in getting cash for them, she said, or donating them to benefit someone in need, rather than merely getting rid of them. While most retail sales are down or flat, consignment-store business appears brisk.
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Rita Levin's bought furniture to organize her silver and china, and also was able to use it as a bar when entertaining. This dresser was setup in her diningroom. (SHNS photo by Joel Koyama / Minneapolis Star Tribune)
At Hope Chest, which sells upscale secondhand furniture, home accessories and clothing, sales rose by 20 percent last year, said Susanna Franklin, manager of the St. Paul store. "People are working on stretching their dollars." Clothes Mentor, a national consignmentstore chain that pays cash for women's clothing and accessories, saw a 28 percent rise in sales last year, according to Chad Olson, chief operating officer and owner of the Minnetonka, Minn., store. (There are five in Minnesota, with two more opening this spring.) "Honestly, the economy has been a huge positive factor for us," he said. More people also appear to be selling secondhand goods themselves; Craigslist reported a 20 percent increase in furniture postings for 2009, according to spokeswoman Susan MacTavish Best. Even those who do have money for homeimprovement projects appear to be watching their wallets, according to Winship, who sees a new practicality emerging. And that's not all bad. It's contributing to better, smarter design. "People are interested in new green products, and they want quality," he said. "They don't want to waste money on (junk). They're asking better and more questions. That's been really heartening to see." Homeowners also appear less drawn to high-priced trophy gadgets and materials, he said. They're more interested in comfort and function. "It's not just adding pretentious things but thinking about how we use things. Rather than trying to impress, people are putting their money into things that work better for them." (kpalmer@startribune.com.) (Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.) •••
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26 – Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2010
leaders were active in seeking new industries to take advantage of its assets. When the Spirit moved into its new building, the number of employees on the payroll varied from 35 to 45, making it a small industry for the town. A century later, the new landmark building of 1910 is now the “old Spirit Building.” The daily paper continues, operating since January 1994 from a location on Pine Street. •••
Being in stress Continued from page 24
the New Orleans saints defeated the indianapolis Colts in this year’s super Bowl game by the score of 31 to 17 Crystal Gomola and Nick Lantz both selected the New Orleans Saints to win and both penned in 45 points for the final score. Crystal Lantz’s entry was drawn to receive the $25 contest prize, which she will redeem at Fezell’s County Market.
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ering of 230 men and ladies had a grand opening for the new rooms with a banquet, followed by dancing and card playing. Sharing the lodge room would be the Lincoln Commandery of the Knights of Malta. The sixth floor would be the rooms for the bookbinding and ruling department. The fourth floor rooms would be occupied by the editor’s office, the office of Dr. Davies, an osteopath, the International Correspondence School, a real estate office and the Mask and Wig Club, an all-male theatrical group that performed satirical musical comedies. When the directory for building was published in 1910 the fifth floor remained unfinished. The Berwind-White Coal Mining Company had offices on the third floor. Other tenants were Dr. John H. Murray, who, having graduated in 1907 as a specialist in “diseases of the stomach and digestive systems,” came to Punxsutawney from his practice in Reynoldsville. Dr. Murray opened his Punxsutawney Sanitarium in 1911 in the East End section. A manufacturer of pennants occupied another room, and yet another was rented to the local organizers of the Independent International Order of Owls (IOOF), a group related to the Masons. The city editor had a room on the second
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Continued from page 21
floor, along with other news offices and the composing room, with its presses for job printing. In the two store rooms on the first floor of the building would be the company’s business office and the newly organized County National Bank. After the bank was purchased by the Punxsutawney National Bank in 1937, the room was a retail store for business equipment and school supplies. Behind those rooms was the pressroom and ad composing room. The Spirit Building, with its imposing height, was the culmination (or “highest point”) in the story of Punxsutawney’s emergence from a small country village into a major commercial, manufacturing, and industrial city. It all began in the early 1880s in a small shop, with one editor who, besides writing the news and editorials, and helping in the make-up, frequently helped set type before going to press. That man was also business manager, who would often barter with others for produce and goods in exchange for a newspaper subscription, and hustle for cash to meet the payroll and other expenses. It could be expected that he also washed the ink off the old presses and didn’t hesitate at sweeping out the office if the apprentice was busy. The newspaper managed to move on from its beginning as the weekly Mahoning Valley Spirit to a daily newspaper in a section of western Pennsylvania that was rich in mineral and agricultural resources. As the decade of the 1910s began, community
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Free services provided to infants/toddlers birth to three years and pregnant women In home and group child development/family learning for low-income families operating year-round Services also provided to children with disabilities
HEAD START ttt ttt
One advantage of Punxsutawney’s “skyscraper” was the view it offered photographers in different directions in the valley along the Mahoning Creek. This view north, c. 1915, is toward the North Findley Street cemetery and trolley station (top) and shows the Jefferson Theatre (bottom right) with recently demolished brick buildings.
their lives due to cancellations, increased travel time and closings. "Also, give yourself a moment to recognize the possible effects of additional stress and do whatever you normally do to recover from stress," said Roecklein, a mood-disorder specialist and colleague of Frank's at Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic. "This can include getting enough rest and enough sleep and keeping up with a healthy diet and exercise schedule if at all possible within the travel limitations." If dealing with the weather seems overwhelming, it would be a good time to let other people help with such tasks as snow removal or trips to the store, Roecklein said. While people may be feeling blue about all of the white, "it is very unlikely this situation is going to produce clinical depression," Frank said. "I think it is much more likely people will be having anxiety and that anxiety is likely to remain until we get some relief or when we say to ourselves 'The situation is beyond my control so I have to make the best of it.' "
And, Roecklein added, people need to remember the inevitable, even as difficult as it is to imagine now. "It will end, it will all melt, it will all go away," she said. "It is not going to be like this forever." (Contact Michael A. Fuoco at mfuoco@post-gazette.com.) (Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.) •••
PRE-K COUNTS
Free services provided to children ages three to five years Curriculum-based educational activities daily Services also provided to children with disabilities Qualified and experience staff Head Start—services for low-income families Pre-K Counts—services to those above Head Start income guidelines
ACCEPtINg APPlICAtIoNS Now foR 2010-2011! Request an application or further information by calling: EARLY HEAD START and HEAD START: 814-849-3660 or Toll Free at 1-800-628-6150 PRE-K COUNTS: 814-849-6758 or Toll Free at 1-888-623-7735 VISIT OUR WEBSITE & DOWNLOAD YOUR APPLICATION www.jcheadstart.com E-MAIL: info@jcheadstart.com
DOWNLOAD YOUR APPLICATION FROM OUR WEBSITE! Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2010 – 27
Feeling Right at Home! Christ The King Manor has been making a difference in caring for almost a half century in the Clearfield and Jefferson County areas. Now, Christ The King At Home continues the tradition of excellence by bringing greater comfort to those who are at home. From companion services to housekeeping and from financial management services to medication assistance, Christ The King At Home provides safe and effective care in the comfort and security of your own home. If you are having difficulties caring for yourself, your family or your home because of health reasons, the first answer is Christ The King At Home. We will be happy to explain all of the services available on an hourly, daily, weekly basis and how cost effective home care is to hospitalization or nursing home placement.
For more information please call CHRIST THE KING AT HOME 1-800-419-2779 or 1-814-371-3180
Christ The King At Home 1100 West Long Ave • DuBois, Pennsylvania
814-371-3180
Visit our website www.christthekingmanor.org (Services provided through the Pennsylvania Waiver Program or Department of Aging Options Program. Check your local agency on Aging and tell them you want Christ The King At Home to provide your home care services.)
28 – Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2010