Punx’y Boy’s Veggie Stand Helps Those in Need On the cover: Welcome Autumn Cover photo by Tracey Young
‘Punxsutawney Hometown’ magazine © Copyright 2011 — All Rights Reserved.
Schedule Your Advertising In Our November Edition! We reach 100% of the local and area homes and businesses! - Concentrated Circulation -
8,400+ copies of Punxsutawney Hometown magazine are direct-mailed to homes in Punxsutawney and surrounding towns and areas, giving our advertisers nearly 100% coverage . . . we deliver to every home and business! (As always — our circulation is verified — mailing and printing statements available.)
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 S. Thomas Curry Marty Armstrong Jade Emhoff Marsha Lavelle Bill Anderson
A
By Jade Emhoff of Hometown magazine
s fall is upon us and gardens are picked clean, Jaden’s Veggies, a vegetable stand run by Punxsutawney’s seven-year-old Jaden Schidlmeier, closes with another successful year. Because of Jaden’s generous spirit, he will spread this summer’s profits from his Church Street location all year long to those in need. With the help of his mother, Jessica Schidlmeier, and his grandparents, Bill and Donna Ranft, Jaden has been growing, picking, and selling vegetables since he was three years old. While he first began selling veggies to earn a little extra money to buy things he wanted, he soon wanted to do more with his profits — to help other children and people around the world who were not as fortunate as he is. Jaden said one of his favorite organizations to give to is “Nothing But Nets,” which he first heard about through his church, First United Methodist. “I want to give money to the Nets so kids don’t get sick and are safe from malaria,” He said. “I give to my church and to the Nets all year long with my money from my veggie stand.” Nothing but Nets is a global, grass roots
Art Director Melissa Salsgiver Graphic Artists Melissa Salsgiver Carol Smouse Nicole McGee All material submitted becomes the property of Punxsutawney Hometown magazine.
How to Get In Contact With Us: 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 Our email address: hometown@mail.com
www.punxsutawneymagazine.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
campaign to raise awareness and funding to combat malaria, one of the leading causes of death of children in Africa. Every $10 contribution covers the cost of purchasing a long-lasting insecticide-treated bed net, distributeducating and it, ing communities on its use (nothingbutnets.net). Along with giving to Nothing But Nets and to his church, Jaden said he has also given part of his profits to Heifer International, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending hunger permanently by providing families with livestock and the training to raise them (heifer.org), and to Youth With a Mission which is an international volunteer movement of Christians from many backgrounds, cultures and Chris- Young Jaden Schidlmeier serves one of his customers at his tian traditions, dedicated to serv- Church Street vegetable stand. (Submitted photo) ing Jesus throughout the world and to know God and make him know to Jaden’s mom said she wanted to instill a others (ywam.org). good work ethic and responsibility in him Jaden’s grandpa said, “Ever since he was when he was young so he could carry that little he enjoyed helping me with the vegthroughout his future. etables so I thought selling them would be “I believe that it’s important for Jaden to a good way for him to get his own ‘buy know that you have to work for things and me’ money. It has really taught him a lot.” that everything is not just handed to you, so as soon as he got to be old enough to begin asking for things and saying ‘buy me this, buy me that’ he began working for his money,” she said. “He is now very appreciative of the money and is careful about what he spends it on.” Not only has Jaden learned about working for things and about giving to others, his mom said his math skills are great. “I add everything up and give the change back myself,” Jaden said. “Math is my favorite subject.” Over the past four years, Jaden has attracted many customers, some of which have become regulars, visiting week after week throughout the summer. Jaden’s grandmother said, “Because this was a bad summer with all the heat and then all the rain, it was his regulars that kept him going.” “He gets very excited when customers come, and he likes to take them out back to
Jaden tends to his Church Street vegetable stand, his last day of selling this summer.
- Continued on page 4
Thank you Punxsutawney we appreciate your support and business. R.D. Brown Memorials 314 N. Findley Street • Punxsutawney • 938-2100
We have a full line of monuments, decorative stones, benches and more!
2 – Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2011 – Issue #132
SHIELDS 938.5291 INSURANCE 221 W. Mahoning St. AGENCY PUNXSUTAWNEY
Oliver and Perry Townships:
‘We have met the enemy, and they are ours.’
to promote disaster prevention & introduce you to your Volunteer Firefighters
pIZZa & pREVENTION 10th Annual
Saturday, Oct. 1st 11 am to 8 pm BIG DaDDY only $
at Fox’s Pizza Den in Punxsutawney
pEppERONI pIZZa
SPONSORED BY:
By S. Thomas Curry of Hometown magazine
T
raveling to Ringgold Township from Punxsutawney, a visitor to that area in southern Jefferson County would pass through a portion of Oliver Township and through the northern section of Perry Township. Rich in their own history, little could be said about these townships in a previous writing. The emphasis before was in the discovery of Mexican War history that played a part in the naming of the villages of Ringgold and Worthville by that area’s earliest settlers. As before, with the vast written histories from Dr. McKnight and Kate Scott, whose own lives covered the living history of those years, more information can be shared about “origins” of additional areas of Jefferson County. When Perry Township was formed in 1818, the Many sources explain the origin of the name honored Oliver Hazard Perry for his victory on Lake Erie, the surrender of the British navy surname Perry. A family name for cenand the words “We have met the enemy, and turies, it is reported to be English or they are ours.” Welsh. An old English claim is that it refers to “one who dwells by a pear tree,” was called the “Mason, Dixon Line of Jefor it could be a derivation of Welsh for ferson County.” “Herry” (Harry or Henry). There are Until 1826, Perry Township had Pine some, too, who have “Perry” Creek Township as its border for a first name. Many peoon the north, Armstrong ple in the Punxsutawney County to the west, Clearfield area with family roots to County to the east, and IndiPerry Township in Jefferson ana County as its southern County, also have the family border. name of Perry. When Clayville was settled For the name “Perry Townin 1814 and Punxsutawney in ship,” none of that informa1818, the little hamlets were tion will apply. The a part of Perry Township. It township was organized in was in 1826 that a portion of 1818 as the second township Perry Twp. was taken to form in the county. By taking a Young Township. part of Pine Creek TownThe formation of Perry ship, the new district south Township in 1818 was a few of Little Sandy (creek) was In the early 1800s, newcomers years after the battle on Lake formed as the complete to the land that is now Perry Erie during the War of 1812, southern section of Jefferson Township brought with them which was fought from June the stories about the national County. For a long time Lit- heroism of Oliver Hazard Perry 1812 to January 1815. The tle Sandy, running near during the War of 1812 (1812- hero of the battle was an - Continued on page 6 Coolspring and Worthville, 1815).
Costumes • Masks • Accessories Adults - Children - Plus Sizes - Pets
opEN YEAr roUND!
Costume & Theatrical Needs
• The Costume Shop • 33 north 6th St., Indiana, PA
724-465-2260 www.tcsindiana.com
October Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10-8 Sat. 10-5; Sun. Noon-4
KengersKy Insurance agency
eVenTs: TOucH THe TrucK while waiting for your order, see punx’y’s fire-fighting equipment on south findley street.
9.11
A volunteer firefighter can deliver your pizza and check your smoke detector.* Pizzas may also be picked up. Coupon cards available to purchase for a later date. Coupon cards never expire! *Limit one smoke detector per househoLd. smoke detectors provided by the kengersky Agency for ALL those in need.
Mahoning Physical Therapy Twolick Valley P.T. • Medicare Certified • Aquatic Therapy • Office Hours by Appointment
Mahoning Physical Therapy Medical Center, Marion Center, PA
thank you for your support!
WISE
VeterInArY ClInIC
Bill Wise, VMD Ben Wise, VMD
(724) 397-9100
Veterinarian • Animal Care
(724) 254-1010
3460 Rt. 410 • Punxsutawney
427-2424
405 Franklin St., Clymer, PA
IIntroducing ntroduccing Our New IIndiana ndiana Community nity Office And Headquarters adquarterss 1271 Indian Springs Road, P.O. Box 130, Indiana, PA 15701
724.464.2265 MaRiOn CenteR Big Run 501 Main St., Marion Center 326 E. Main St., Big Run 814.427.2051 Big Big Run Run Marion Marion Center Cent724.397.5582 er
326 E. Main St.
501 Main St.
Punxsutawney ClyMeR Run, P A 15715 Marion514 Cente P A 15759 15 PA Center, PA W.r,Mahoning St., Punxsutawney 750 Big Franklin St., Clymer P. P . 724.397.5582 P. P . 814.427.2051 814.938.0271 724.254.4315 willOw sPRings DaytOn unxs162 utawRt. ne119 y Hwy. N., Indiana Clymer C lym er Dayton PPunxsutawney 106 W. Main St., 814.257.8213 St. 514 W W.. Mahoning724.465.7921 750 Franklin St.
Punxsutawney, PA PA 1576724 Hour Punxsutawney, P. 814.938.0271 Star ATM P.. 724.254.4315 P DrivE-Up P.
Clymer,r, PA Clyme PA 157 15728 Punxsutawney HOuRs:
Mon.-Thur. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fri. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m. to Noon
Extended
Hours Willow Willow Springs SpringBanking s Dayton D aytoLoBBY n
Hwy. N. For Your Rt. 119 Hwy. Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m. to162 4 p.m. 106 W. W. Main St. Fri.Dayton, 9 a.m. toPA p.m.; Sat. 9 Indiana, a.m. to Noon PA5 16222 PA 15701 Convenience PA P P.. 814.257.8213
P. 724.465.7921 P.
1.800.556.6262
www.marioncenterbank.com ww w..marioncenterbank.com .mari
ThaNk YOu PuNx’Y!
Proud Sponsor Of The PUNXSUTAWNEY GROUNDHOG FESTIVAL
We’re Branching Out
Grow with us, today and tomorrow. Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2011 – Issue #132 – 3
Confessions of a Hopeful Romantic
Providing: • assistance in Daily living • short & long term care • 24 Hour care • activities • Physician On call • special Diets • safety Bells in each room • Physical, Occupational & speech therapy available • Independent apartments available
Welcome Fall!
I the finest in living for the golden years
There is not a more pleasing exercise of the mind than gratitude. It is accompanied with such an inward satisfaction that the duty is sufficiently rewarded by the performance. ~Joseph addison
One Park ave., Punx'y
• 938-3100
AuTO • HOME • BuSINESS • LIFE
JACquE PERRY INSuRANCE call for a free quote today!
938-7110
Sherriff Carl Gotwald Sr.
31 universal drive, punxsutawney pA
By Barton Goldsmith Scripps Howard News Service
admit to being a hopeless romantic, with all its ups and downs. I may be setting myself up for heartache, but no matter the cost, as the song says, my heart will go on. I will forever believe in and nurture my relationships. Yes, there are rough patches — sometimes it seems like you just jump from one to another. Sex always has its own set of issues, and sometimes it’s even used as a weapon to garner power with a partner. But a committed couple can work through these problems. Yes, love and commitment can be scary, and I don’t even go to scary movies. So why on Earth would I pursue something that, according to numerous statistics, half the time doesn’t work? If your car wouldn’t start, you would have it towed to the shop, right? But if it wouldn’t start 50 percent of the time, you’d probably dump the car. I get why it makes sense (for some) to avoid getting involved, because too many relationships don’t work out for the long term. Still millions of others (myself included) are not down on love. We slog through differing bodily changes, financial insecurities, miscommunications and inappropriate moods just so that we can rest in the comfort of each other’s arms. And I firmly believe it’s worth the sacrifice. I would not consider “settling,” but I do think that one needs to accept what could be called a “good enough” relationship instead of looking for perfection. You will never find it in another human being. You have to be willing to compromise or even let go of whatever is causing you to be too picky. If not, love will pass you by. Remember, there is more than one soul mate for each of us. If you meet a really nice person, one who cares for you, is attractive enough, smart enough and works hard enough, then you can stop looking. I know too many people who face each day with sadness because they can’t hook up with a rock star or a supermodel. People who must have these characteristics in a mate usually end up alone or constantly dissatisfied. So here’s my advice. Be sure that the qual-
ities you seek are ones that will stand the test of time. Looks fade, money evaporates and you don’t really want to party as much as you think you do. Look for someone who shares your values and communicates well and who will have your back. I don’t think you can expect to find one person to meet all your needs. You must learn to take care of yourself in some ways. Burdening your partner with having to fulfill your every desire will burn him or her out. If you want a relationship, finding it will be much easier if you keep your expectations in line and focus on finding someone who shares your desire for peace and harmony. When someone touches your heart and also has goodness inside — now that could be relationship material. (Dr. Barton Goldsmith, a psychotherapist in Westlake Village, Calif., is the author, most recently, of “100 Ways to Boost Your Self-Confidence — Believe in Yourself and Others Will Too.” Email him at Barton(at)BartonGoldsmith.com. Follow his insights daily on Twitter (at)bartongoldsmith.) (Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, http://www.scrippsnews.com) • • •
Vegetables
Continued from page 2 see the garden,” Mr. Ranft said. “It’s not something we make him do, but he enjoys the people and has fun doing it.” Although Jaden won’t begin selling his veggies again until the spring, he begins the process in February when he and his grandpa plant their tomatoes and begin growing them inside until the weather breaks in April. Along with tomatoes they grow and sell a variety of other vegetables including corn, peppers, lettuce, cabbage, onions, cucumbers and zucchinis as well as fresh raspberries. “Everything is organic, and we try to sell it for half of what the stores are asking,” Mr. Ranft said. While Jaden’s vegetable stand is closed for the season, he will begin again next summer on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays at his Church Street location. • • •
D.E. LIMITED FAMILY PARTNERSHIP
Del 1406 n. Main St., Punx’y 4 – Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2011 – Issue #132
DevelOPers anD PrODucers Of natural gas
814-938-0800
Dog’s storm phobia can put bite on household budget W
By Bill McAuliffe Minneapolis Star Tribune hen Beth Styrbicki came home from work earlier this month, she was shocked at what she found: Wood splinters were strewn across the floor, and a door had been torn to pieces, its skeletal structure exposed. "At first I thought somebody had broken into the house," said Styrbicki, who lives in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. It was an inside job, carried out by Louie, aka Sweet Louie, Styrbicki's 90-pound yellow lab retriever. Spooked by lightning, thunder and heavy
Beth Styrbicki discovered her yellow lab, Sweet Louie, had extensively damaged her home while stressed by a passing thunderstorm. (SHNS photo by Marlin Levison / Minneapolis Star Tribune)
rain, Louie had aimed his bulk at Styrbicki's office door in a severe episode of what pet behaviorists call thunderstorm phobia. When storms strike, dogs with the phobia tremble and try to crawl into a tight space, pace or pant, or even jump through a window or doors to get close to their owners. It's a common phenomenon in thunderstorm country, especially in the summer. Though there hasn't been a spike in complaints, "a lot of people will probably be glad when storm season is over," said Paula Zukoff, behavior and training manager for the Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley, Minn., a Twin Cities suburb. It's not entirely clear why some dogs have the phobia and others don't. Thunder and flashes of lighting are obvious triggers. But many dogs seem to react instead to changes in atmospheric pressure or static electricity, said Linda Brodzik, a dog behavior specialist in Minnesota's Twin Cities. Some will even curl around a toilet, pipe or in a bathtub in an apparent attempt to ground themselves as storms approach, she said. Some dogs that get nervous with thunderstorms seem to shrug off fireworks, and vice versa, Zukoff and Brodzik said. The phobia affects all breeds, none more than others. It may even be a result of domestication, Brodzik said. Frantic responses to storms take so much energy that dogs or other animals in the wild wouldn't survive them. "Owners can reinforce a dog's startle reflex," Brodzik said. "I have clients that are very afraid of thunderstorms, and their pets are, too." Thunderstorm phobia can catch pet owners off guard. For unknown reasons, it seems to manifest itself in older dogs -- 7 is the average age of onset, Zukoff said. There are several strategies for dealing with the phobia: --Medication. A vet can prescribe drugs ap-
propriate to a dog's size, age, temperament and degree of anxiety. Melatonin and Benadryl are commonly prescribed. So is DAP (dog appeasing pheromone), which can be sprayed on a bandana, then tied around the dog's neck, or impregnated in a dog collar. The substance is secreted by nursing dogs
and can have a relaxing effect, Zukoff said. --Confinement. Dogs can be put in a cage or crate, presuming they're already familiar with the space. Or they can be closed in the basement or another space with a radio, music or fan to mask storm noise. --Training. Owners can work with dogs to comfort them during storms. It's essential that owners don't transfer their own storm anxiety to their pet. --The wrap. A dog jacket known as a Thundershirt (www. thundershirt.com), which exerts gentle pressure on dogs and relaxes them, has proven to be effective, Zukoff and Brodsik said. All those methods require owners to invest more time with their dog, or to have the flexibility to respond quickly when the sky darkens. The strategies don't always wipe out thunderstorm phobia.
"Sometimes you just have to live with it, or try not to leave the dog alone so it doesn't create thousands of dollars of damage in your home," Zukoff said. "Some dogs are more easily treated than others." Styrbicki's dog was a rescue animal that she bought when he was about a year old. He seemed to develop his phobia only recently, and Styrbicki has been advised to give him drugs. Louie wasn't punished when Styrbicki found the damage he'd done. "Sometimes I'll give him The Look," she said. "But I didn't do it this time. I sang him the Daniel Powter song 'Bad Day.' He wagged his tail. It was after the fact, and there was nothing he could do about it." (Contact Bill McAuliffe at mcaul(at)startribune.com.) (Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.) • • •
WITH THANKS FOR YOUR TRUST For over 100 years, Community First Bank has worked hard to earn your trust. And we guarantee that will never change. It is an honor and privilege to provide the best in banking services to the residents and businesses of our area.
with grateful appreciation OFFICES IN: Punxsutawney ~ Reynoldsville Sykesville ~ Clarion
Catch The Community Spirit! www.cf-bank.com Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2011 – Issue #132 – 5
fuLL service opticAL & compLete Line of contAct Lens options
Dr. Nathan C.
Stebbins
comprehensive eye cAre
PERRY TWP. Oliver and Perry FIRE DEPARTMENT BOOK US NOW! eddings, for all yournsW rties Receptio n,qPuaets and Ba AMPLE OFF STREET PARKING
Air Conditioned • Smoke Eaters • Large Coolers
Seats Up To
350!
Call to Reserve:
Dan Coleman 952-1777
Serving the Community.
neWLy remodeLed •contact specialist •infant eye care •special needs patients •pediatrics •developmental vision •ocular disease •diabetic eye care •eye emergencies
Most Insurances Accepted
mon., tues., Wed. & fri. 8 to 5; thur. 8 to noon; Wed. evening & sat. by Appt.
st. 814-938-5920 s. findLey punX’y
PUNXSUTAWNEY MEDICAL ASSOCIATES Joseph J. Kernich, M.D. Jay E. Elder, M.D. Lisa Witherite-Rieg, D.O. Evan Kennedy, PA-C Cecilia Groman, PA-C Medical arts Building, Punx’y
938-3310
JeFFerSOn MAnOr HeAltH Center
Specialty Care Unit
clInIcal sPecIaltIes: • cardiac/vascular recovery • Pulmonary management OtHer jeffersOn • Iv therapy and ManOr relateD management servIces: • surgical recovery • alzheimer’s • Oncology care specialty unit • Orthopedic recovery • Hospice/Palliative care • stroke recovery • short-term • Wound management rehabilitative care • Physical therapy • Diabetic/Wound • speech therapy Management care • Occupational therapy • assisted living • Medically complex care • respite care • Independent living • Outpatient therapy
Continued from page 3 American naval officer, Oliver Hazard Perry. The commissioners who organized the new county honored Perry’s brilliant victory then by naming the county for him. When another township was formed in 1851 — by taking the northern portion of Perry Township — Perry’s first name, his Christian name, was used for the name of Oliver Township. With his ancestors recognized as accomplished naval men and as a boy in Rhode Island, Oliver Hazard Perry had it in his mind to be an officer in the U. S. Navy. As midshipman in the Navy. he experienced many small “wars” during the first decade of the 19th century to refine his naval skills. When the war of 1812 began, Perry requested service with forces on Lake Erie against the British Royal Navy. He was appointed chief naval officer of the American fleet on Presque Isle Bay at Erie. With local carpenters, he had nine ships constructed, including the flagship USS Lawrence and the Niagara the most familiar ones by name. He gathered up about 500 men to serve under him for his naval unit. In September 1813, Commodore Oliver H. Perry and his men set out to meet the British fleet. With their bombardment of heavy gunfire, the British Naval force overwhelmed the young American sailors on the waters. The British commander would ask for Perry’s surrender. The USS Lawrence was destroyed and Perry, with his men, escaped by rowboat to the USS Niagara carrying the rescued American flag that bore the words “DON’T GIVE UP THE SHIP.” With the Niagara as the flagship, Perry regrouped the remaining ships of the fleet for action against the British. Led by Perry, with heavy cannon fire and rifle marksmanship by his sailors, the battle on Lake Erie began to turn in favor of the Americans. By the end of the day on September 10, 1813 the British had surrendered to the 27-year-old Perry. In Perry’s end-of-the-battle report to
6 – Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2011 – Issue #132
- Continued on page 8
windgate
Cay & Dan enerSon, Proprietors
vineyards & winery
Banquet Room • Private Parties • The Shop aT The Winery Seminars • Weddings 1998 Hemlock Acres Rd., Smicksburg
smicksburg Old Fashioned open Daily 12-5 • (814) 257-8797 Country Christmas Open House • inDiana Mall Oakland Ave., Indiana • piTTSburgh MillS november 4, 5 and 6
Blueberry and Red Raspberry Wines are Back! 417 rt. 28 north of Brookville • exit 81, I-80 • 814-849-8026 Caring for you...today, tomorrow and always
General William Henry Harrison, he wrote the now famous words, “We have met the enemy, and they are ours.” The victory, which gave the U. S. control of Lake Erie, would make Perry a national hero. On January 6, 1814 Perry was honored with a Congressional Gold Medal and a promotion to the rank of Captain. General Harrison would later become the ninth President of the United States. Following the War of 1812, Captain Perry would continue to serve his country, commanding ships in the Mediterranean and the West Indies. While in the West Indies he was afflicted with yellow fever. He died in August 1819 in Venezuela while on a diplomatic mission. It was in 1809 that 39year old John Bell — with “axe and rifle” — broke through the timber and growth of the county’s wilderness to be the first settler on land in what is now Perry Township. There were no neighbors for miles. In 1812, Archibald Hadden would settle a mile away from Bell. Then came Hugh McKee. John Postlewaite and John Young came in 1818. Reuben Hickox was another pioneer in that area, coming in 1822. Among many, these men came as hunters and trappers at first, their energy given to clearing land for their family farms and hunting game. The land they settled would later be identified as one of the best farming districts in the county. It is possible that some of these men knew each other from experiences in war or travels to settle in land of the new frontier. Nearly all the land of what is now Perry (and Oliver) Township belonged to the Holland Land Company from which these settlers purchased property through local agents. Old cemeteries in the area have burial plots marked for those men who fought in the War of 1812 (and Revolutionary War) though records and documents are unavailable, except for family histories. Records for the old North Findley Street Cemetery in Punxsutawney identify seven veterans of the War of 1812. One of those was Hugh McKee, mentioned earlier, a Revolutionary War veteran who had also fought in the War of 1812. Following his discharge he came to Jefferson County in
open Mall hourS • (724) 274-5901 • The CounTry CupboarD Downtown Smicksburg (814) 257-9831 • riDgWay 29 N. Broad St. (814) 335-8570
New Wine Releases: strawberry, Cranberry Catawba & nocturne are Back! & as always, eye of the shadow www.windgatevineyards.com 814-257-8797 Fax: 257-8616
Corner Mailboxes Getting Quiet Sendoff as Usage Drops
C
By Carolyn Jones San Francisco Chronicle
halk up another casualty of the digital revolution: the blue corner mailbox. Because of steeply declining use, the U.S. Postal Service has removed more than 60 percent of the blue boxes, once as common on the American streetscape as lampposts and ice cream trucks. "Nothing says you're on an American street more than the blue mailbox," said Nancy Pope, postal historian at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. "It's part of a neighborhood identity, it's reassurance, it represents our ability to communicate with one another. When you take this away, something is lost." In 1985, nearly 400,000 blue mailboxes graced American streets. Now only 160,000 remain, and more are vanishing every day. The chief culprit is the Internet. More people are paying bills, sending invitations and writing personal letters online. The volume of mail dropped into mailboxes has dropped 35 percent since 2006, said Sue Brennan, a U.S. Postal Service spokeswoman. If a mailbox gets fewer than 25 pieces of mail per day over a six-to-eight-week period, it gets targeted for removal. The Postal Service posts a 30-day warning notice on the box, during which time people can complain to the postmaster. Then it's off to the great dead-letter office in the sky. "To be honest, we don't get a lot of complaints," said James Wigdel, a spokesman for the U.S. Postal Service's San Francisco office. "The younger generation is moving everything online." The defunct mailboxes are stored for spare parts or sent to the scrap heap. Before mailboxes were introduced in the 1850s, people dropped off mail at a post office — miles away, in most cases. Or, they had to wait for the mailman to come to their homes, not always a reliable event. Mailboxes allowed people to drop off mail 24 hours a day. The pickup times coordinated with local train schedules, so people knew exactly when their letter would be
shipped and had a decent idea when it would arrive. In a rapidly expanding country, this was revolutionary, Pope said. Speedy communication was good for commerce, journalism and personal relationships, and was an overall boon for democracy, she said. "The ability to communicate with each other, it's in our Constitution," she said, referring to the First Amendment. "If people don't know what's going on, they can't make informed decisions. The Postal Service — including mailboxes — helped make all that possible." The first mailboxes were mounted on lampposts. By World War I, as mail volume increased, the boxes became four-legged, stand-alone objects. The "snorkel" — the jutting drop-slot designed to keep out rain and snow — was added in the 1930s, and the modern mailbox was born. The mailbox has been olive drab, fire-engine red, baby blue and multicolored. In the 1960s, the post office adopted the businesslike, dark blue model, and not much has changed since then. What has changed is us. In the 1970s, when women entered the workforce in earnest, letter writing began to decline because women — who had been the primary letter writers — had less spare time. At the same time, long-distance phone calls became cheaper. The Internet was the death knell. With online banking and e-mail, the only letters left in the big blue boxes are wedding invitations and the occasional birthday card from Grandma. Still, the mailbox isn't likely to vanish entirely. Even in the age of instant communication, nothing is quite as reliable as the U.S. Postal Service, Wigdel said. "We're the most trusted federal agency. We have an extremely high regard for customers' privacy and the sanctity of the mail — something you don't always find on the Internet," he said. "People tend to trust us." (Contact Carolyn Jones at carolynjones(at)sfchronicle.com. Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.) • • •
new Autumn spice milkshake caramel Apple sundaes and parfaits Thank you to all our customers we appreciate you each and every day!
Downtown Punx’y Open til 1 a.m. every day
Monopoly Starts September 27th!
7:30 saturday, Oct. 22 2:00 sunday, Oct. 23 7:30 thursday-saturday Oct. 27, 28, 29
presents
"SHOWTIME AT FIRST BAPTIST"
Punxsutawney area Middle school auditorium
(A comedy-drama in two acts)
tickets at door
BY RON OBSORNE
Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.
Floral Arrangements for any Occasion F lorist “Floral Designs the Way nature haD in MinD.” Rt. 310 • 865 Harmony Rd. PUNXSUTAWNEY
938.8564 www.decemberroseflorist.net
Fezell’s
938-2820
dhoG Groun Pl aza ,
Punx’y
oPen 24 hours 7 days a week
punxsutawney area Community Center • movies Weekly at the Jackson Theater • Fitness Center & Gym • Gymnastics, Fitness Classes, Cycling, Dance, aerobics • Facility Rentals for meetings or parties
220 N. Jefferson St. • 938-1008
County Market
Appreciation Day
Saturday, September 24 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. only 5% off all purchases excluding tobacco and milk
PumPkIN DECORaTING CONTEST SPONSORED BY COuNTY maRkET children 11 years and under First come rst serve. Limited pumpkins provided. Following the talent show at 1pm at SSCD auditorium. Pumpkins Donated by Pine Vall
Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2011 – Issue #132 – 7
SHORT TERM CARE . . .
Oliver and Perry Continued from page 6
◆ physical therapy ◆ occupational therapy ◆ speech therapy 411-1/2 West Mahoning St., Punxsutawney, PA 15767
814.938.6020
More than the Care you Expect, the Care you Deserve
Food & Craft Vendors
WANTeD
Primitive & Vintage Home Decor
Thank You for Your Business Over the Past Year!
for Cresson Area Heritage Days
October 8&9 2011
Check us out on Facebook E-Mail: backtosimplertimes@comcast.net Mon. thru. Thur. 9 to 5; Fri. 9 to 7; Sat. 11 to 3; Closed Sun. 210 W. Mahoning St., Punx’y
(814) 939-9350
Call Veronica
(814) 886-5751 or go to www.cressonarea.com (click the link for Heritage Days)
Asphalt Paving Grading Line Painting Topsoil & Compost Sealcoating Chip Sealing Crack Filling
FREE Estimates! Quality, Integrity and Professionalism... Making Life Smoother. Phone: 849-8838 or Toll-Free (877) 4-PAVING www.JeffersonPaving.com
An early settler to Perry Township was Hugh McKee, a veteran of the War of 1812, who had helped to construct Perry’s fleet at Erie and fought on Lake Erie. McKee is buried in the historic North Findley Street Cemetery in Punxsutawney.
1815. This was a year after Jacob Hoover settled in what is now Punxsutawney’s West End (formerly Clayville) and before Dr. John Jenks and Rev. David Barclay arrived in 1818 to buy land for what is now Punxsutawney. Captain McKee, as he was known, located in a settlement that would be named Perrysville, also for the inspirational heroism of Captain Oliver Hazard Perry on Lake Erie. Perrysville was renamed Hamilton in 1852 when a post office was established. Typically, as other settlers, McKee came to Jefferson County from Westmoreland County following a trail along the southern portion of Pennsylvania. The published history of Hugh McKee states that in the summer of 1812, he had organized a company of riflemen in Westmoreland County and was elected its captain. The papers claim the military company was called to Lake Erie “to help construct the Perry Fleet at Lake Erie.” [Refer to a previous paragraph: “With local carpenters, he had nine ships constructed ... He gathered up about 500 men to serve under him to be a naval unit.”] When McKee died in 1821, he was buried in a grave outside of Punxsutawney under oak trees on land donated by Dr. John W. Jenks. That land is the historic
Aluminum
North Findley Street Cemetery, where other veterans of earlier wars have been buried. The cemetery then was considered to be in Perry Township. Another veteran of the War of 1812 is buried in the old cemetery. Joseph Andrew Long had served in the War of 1812 while in Centre County, before he had emigrated to this area in 1824. He died in 1832. A historic note credited to him is: “He built the 16th house that was erected in Punxsutawney, which still stands at the southeast corner of the public park.” The house still exists and has since been relocated to South Penn Street. As the land of Perry Township was developed, other villages were formed for dwellings and activity for the new arrivals. In addition to Hamilton (Perrysville) there would come Frostburg, Valier (Whitesville) and Grange. Their histories in Perry Township will be explored in future writings. • • •
Custom • Glass Enclosure • Screen Rooms Made • Florida Rooms Commercial • Door Hoods • Patio Covers & Residential • Awnings
100% U.S. Mail
& Postage Statements to Prove It!
The Best Choice for Advertising!
Hometown Punxsutawney 938-0312 or 938-9084
Canvas • Backlite • Retractable • Awnings • Patio Cover • Many More Styles
126 Good St., Curwensville 16833 Call us today for a FREE estimate.
814-236-7450 or 1-800-611-3908 “Serving Your Area For over 60 Years”
8 – Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2011 – Issue #132
FREE LIFETImE SERVICE Over 300 alianc on Display Top of Fairview Hill, One Mile South of Punx'y on Rt. 36
938-7420
Mon. & Fri. 9-8; Daily 9-5
alianc • Sal • Service
FREE LIFETImE SERVICE
Estate
Gas Dryer super Capacity, 2 auto Dries, 3 temps, side swing Door
$
52995
Whirlpool
Estate
1.7 cu. ft., 1,000 watts of Power, auto Cook, Cooking Rack, stoppable sunken glass turntable
Electric Dryer
Amana Dishwasher
2 auto Dries, 3 temperatures, Reversible side swing Door
3 Cycles, 4 Hour Delay, Hi temp Option
1.5 cu. ft., 1,200 watts of Power, Recessed glass turntable,
MO. EED4400WQ
MO. ADB1400AWB
MO. MT4155SPQ
MO. ETW4400XQ
Frigidaire
Whirlpool
Over the Range Microwave
$
34995
$
44995
$
39995
MO. EGD4400WQ
MO. WMH2175XVQ
Whirlpool
Whirlpool
Maytag 30” Gas Range
Whirlpool Dishwasher
2 wire shelves Full width, 2 Crispers, Reversible Door swing, Full width Freezer shelf, Rollers
energy star, 15 cu. ft., 2 Baskets
5.0 Cu. ft., self-Cleaning, Center grate, Delay Bake, waist High Broiler
Quiet Partner ii sound Package, energy star, super Capacity tall tub
MO. W4TXNWFWQ
MO. EH151FXTQ
MO. MGR7662WQ
14 cu. ft. Refrigerator
$
589
95
Chest Freezer $
529 95
$
78995
$
49995
MO. DU1055XTVQ
n e D r A W & r e t S A M W O l
Whirlpool Microwave $
169 95
Dehumidifiers NOW IN STOCK 25 Pint 50 Pint
Estate Toploading Washer super Capacity, 4 water levels, 4 Cycles, Porcelain Basket
$
449 95
Self-Cleaning 30” Gas Range
5.0 cu. ft. Oven, Cast iron grates, Power Burner, simmer Burner, waist High Broiler
$
73995
MO. WFG361LVQ
FREE Delivery Within 30 mil Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2011 – Issue #132 – 9
Jefferson County Housing Authority
Income Based Rental Apartments PuNxSuTAwNey ReyNOLDSvILLe SykeSvILLe BROCkwAy BROOkvILLe eQuAL HOuSING
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
800-585-5303 TTY/TDD #711
OPPORTuNITy
201 N. Jefferson Street PuNxSuTAwNey • 938-7140 1039 Grant Street ReyNOLDSvILLe • 653-7804 JeffCoHA.com
ank you remen! Family Home Care Since 1972
Pisano’s Personal Care Home
24 Hour Care Licensed Under Labor & Industry Rehabilitation Services Nurse on Staff 24 Hours a Day
“Home Away From Home” rD 1 - 756 Stonetown rd. rossiter • 938-7407
We Salute our Local Firefighters!
Are YOU Protected? “We salute our firefighters during Fire Prevention Awareness Month and all year long! Thank you for helping us protect the families of the Punxsutawney area!
We’ll keep you protected!
SHiElDS iNSURANCE 221. W. Mahoning St., Punx’y
938-5291
The Firemen’s Prayer When I am called to duty, God, whenever flames may rage; Give me the strength to save some life, whatever be its age. Help me embrace a little child before it is too late Or save an older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout, And quickly and efficiently put the fire out. I want to feel my calling and give the best in me, To guard my every neighbor and protect his property.
On behalf of Acme Machine and Welding Co., We would like to salute our employees that volunteer their time keeping our community safe, along with all of the other local fire departments.
Acme Machine 46 Anchor Inn Road Punx’y • 938-6702
A hometown bank you can count on . . . both today and in the future!
And if, according to my fate, I am to lose my life; Please bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife.
sCHeDule yOuR snOw PlOwing nOw!
Proud supporter of our Firefighters
The pool Guys pOOLS • SpaS • aCCESSORIES Service & Installation
Layaway your pool in the FALL, so you can swim in the SPRING!
938-9396
JAWCo Fire, Inc.
fire extinguishers fire suppression systems commercial kitchen exhaust systems
(814)
938-8600
Thank You To All The Fireman For What You Do. We Appreciate Your Dedication.
Amen!
October is Fire Prevention Month, Please Support Your Local Fire Departments
Richard L. Fait Funeral Home
Big Run Dayton • ClymeR maRion CenteR Punxsutawney willow sPRings inDiana
Old Man winter is right around the corner...
Sheriff Carl Gotwald Sr. Jefferson County
E.M.S. Providing Advanced Life Support Care to the residents of Jefferson County
◆
MEMBER FDIC
1-800-556-6262
www.marioncenterbank.com
“We Serve As We Would Be Served. . . Because We Care”
1-800-414-7222 938-4119
117 n. Jefferson Street Punxsutawney 938-8200
EMERGENCY: 911
10 – Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2011 – Issue #132
Coal Brings Punx’y Adult Education A
By PRIDE auditing, and personnel management. for Hometown magazine At the same time a large number of immigrants were coming to the Punxsutawney dult education was not a common area to work in the coal mines. Many of phrase in the 1880’s when the coal these immigrants were recruited from Euboom began in the Punxsutawney ropean countries which had policies that area. School was for children. kept the lower classes and minority popuHigher education was for those who were lations from having even basic education. going to teach, preach or enter the profesCountries such as Hungary and sions of law or medicine. Lithuania maintained an unedReading, writing and arithucated serf or farming class. metic were enough for the avItaly had a class of laborers erage person to have a who worked as itinerants in productive career and a good throughout the Mediterranean life. and Adriatic countries. These Adults, continuing their eduwere the men who were recation did so through attending cruited for manual labor in teachers’ or farmers’ institutes, America’s factories and mines. community lectures, or particWhen they arrived in the ipating in organized lyceums. United States, many of them The demands of the railroad they could not read or write in and coal industries for higher levels of technical and admin- Abraham Light, a graduate their native language. The first institution to adistrative skills created a need to of Peterson Business Colhave some way to upgrade the lege, used his education to dress the need for basic adult his business ca- education was the church. Faskills in Punxsutawney’s avail- advance reer and become a sucther Joseph Zubrycki, the able labor force. New technol- cessful entrepreneur. ogy including the telegraph, (Photo courtesy of Light priest at St. Adrian’s Roman Catholic Church, saw as his telephone, and electricity Family Archive) social mission the transformneeded skilled technicians and ing of these immigrants into Americans. engineers. Financial institution, payroll deHe worked diligently to help the residents partments and administrative offices reof Adrian navigate the intricacies of their quired skills in bookkeeping, accounting,
In 1908, Peterson Business College opened its new facility on the third floor of the Weber Building in Punxsutawney. Today the building is the home of Fairlady & Company. (Photo from the collection S.J.Sharp)
new country. He insisted they learn to read and write in English and that they be able to solve arithmetic problems. To assist in this mission, the Sisters of Mercy conducted night school for miners from 1897 through 1901. Miners, who after working all day in the mines, some of whom walked three miles from Sprucedale (North of Anita) to St. Adrian’s, where they attended night school and learned to read and write in English, and to do basic arithmetic problems. In Punxsutawney, the Young Men’s Christian Association (Y.M.C.A.) which had just begun to organize and had opened rooms for their organization over Weber’s store. This building was located at the corner of Jefferson and Mahoning Streets where Fairlady & Company is located today.
They undertook an educational program to broaden the skills of working people with weekly classes. The 1892, the November 30th issue of the Punxsutawney News reported that Y.M.C.A. class offerings included: Monday evening, 8:15 to 9:15 Workers’ Training Class; Wednesday evening 8:30 to 9:30; Writing Class and Friday evening, 8:30 to 9:30, Music Class. These classes were designed to expand the skills of the “Y” members as well as people from the community. As the businesses in the Punxsutawney Area continued to expand and new equipment including typewriters came into vogue there was an increased demand for trained typists, stenographers and other office workers. In February 1898, the - Continued on page 14
Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2011 – Issue #132 – 11
A.J. Parise Cheerleaders
seniOR CHeeRleaDeRs (front row) Caitlyn Rodgers, Kristen Mack (Senior Project), Madison Mills; (2nd row) Cararose Butler, Taylor Reed, Devynn Shaffer, Hailey States; (3rd row) Dorothy Stear, Chanda Scott, McKenzie Ferrent, Sheyenne Watson, Hailee Meyers; (4th row) Coaches Kim Roy & Barbara Falgout.
JuniOR CHeeRleaDeRs (front row) Alexa Bailey, Baylee Richey,Madison Lorelli; (2nd row) Courtney Ohler, Trisha Reesman, Jezabel Frantz; (3rd row) Mackenzie Waltman, Ivy Fisher, Charlee Howell, Makoma Ishman; (4th row) Coaches Piper Lauren Liberman, Bobbie States, Darriene London
Photos by Images in Motion by Kelly • www.sportspicsbykelly.com
Hemlock View Golf Course
Supporting athletes of all ages!
814-938-9294 3706 Sprankles Mills Rd. Punxsutawney, PA
BantaM CHeeRleaDeRs (front row) Abbey Stello, Nicole Phillips; (2nd row) Laura Rittenhouse, Elizabeth Stello, Alyssa Campbell, Jayden Hyde; (3rd row) Lauren Molinari, Kristina Beichner, Miranda Beane, Savannah Welder; (4th row) Coaches Emily Travis, Jessica Waltman, Kassidy Vizza
Ammo
Arms “Complete Gunsmith Service”
Expedite and Trailer Load Services from 1 lb. to 45,000 lb. Call us for a Rate
Brian A. Smith president
2311 Rt. 310, Reynoldsville brian@fastrakpa.com
(814) 939-8999 Fax: (814) 939-8990 Cell: (814) 591-5244
MATT’S AUTO DETAILING if you don’t have the time give me a call and i’ll make it shine Matt Martin owner/detailer
Punxsutawney
567-241-6045 or 814-952-2510
Rugh Farm & Supply
• Hunting 1798 St. Jacobs Church Rd. supplies Punx’y, PA • Hydraulic 814-938-7831 Hoses Fax 814-938-1074 • Muck Boots Hours: Mon.-Thur. 9-5 Fri. 9-7; Sat. 9-2 • Feed & More Harv Read, Gunsmith Billy & Bev Rugh
indiana Street, punx’y OwNER
Independent Auto Parts of America
LESA wALkER
STroehMann bakery outlet 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 12 – Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2011 – Issue #132
Mon.-Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Sat. 7:30 a.m. - Noon
Walston Club
2509 Walston Rd., Punx’y
938-5368
Punx’y Merchants Show Appreciation to their Customers C
ustomers make our business is the sentiment of Punxsutawney’s downtown merchants. Locally owned and operated, downtown businesses provide a variety of goods and services to meet their customers’ needs and desires. The ultimate reason stores, shops, and services are available in Punxsutawney is the customer. Customers come in all sizes. The youngsters come downtown to learn to dance. They are among the smallest and the youngest customers. The members of the beginning dance classes assert their influence on the classes which are offered and as they progress they can find new outfits and shoes as they are needed. Customers have different tastes. At the coffee shop there are many flavors to choose from. Each day there is a special flavor of coffee, a delightfully flavored desert, and a special sandwich which should satisfy just about any taste. Customers are individuals. Each customer has his or her own sense of design. Creative customers gravitate to businesses which provide them with an opportunity to express themselves. Whether the customer is young or old, male or female, there is a place to spend time creating unbelievably beautiful designs in glass. And in the same block there is a place where other customers who are artists, photographers or hand stitchers, assert their sense of design in choosing the perfect matting and frames for their latest creations. Customers need quick service. Whether the need is a washer for the faucet, food for your pets, furnace filters, pavers for the patio, a firearm for sportsmen or hunters, mulch for the yard, paint for the barn, sealer for the driveway, tools or wood, the local feed store or hardware is Johnny-on-the-spot with thousands of items. Customers want beauty. Beauty comes in many forms. Sparkling glass, scented candles, unique jewelry and wonderful antiques, are but a few of the many items a customer will find at the corner gift
shop which makes it their mission to have many beautiful things in stock. At the jewelers customers find fine jewelry, clocks, and gift items. Beautiful flowers and gifts are at the florist shop. Customers can also find all means of making their home beautiful including paint, wall paper and the necessary tools. Customers seek treasures. Antique dealer or junk shop, these are merchants who specialize in the old, the homespun, and the antique. Nothing thrills them more than the joy of a customer who finds an early Madeline pan or that solid wood paneled door they have been seeking. Customers like to browse. The second-hand book store provides the perfect place to browse among thousands of books. The relaxed atmosphere in this store, and finding the exact book they were seeking quickly satisfies their customers. Another great place to browse is the souvenir shop. If it is groundhog they will surely have it. Customers enjoy relaxing. Specialists in chiropractic can help customers relax with therapeutic massage and the local furniture store provides the perfect furniture for relaxation. Whether it is a recliner in which to sit and watch a ball game or a good mattress on which sleep, it can be found downtown. Customers want to be pampered. Four downtown shops specialize in making people beautiful. These shops are open to provide cuts, curls, manicures, and other personal services which pamper their customers. When a pet needs pampered there is a shop that specializes in clipping, shampooing. Downtown Punxsutawney businesses show their appreciation for their customers throughout the year by keeping them supplied with their desired products and services. They also show appreciation through their support of our schools, our youth sports teams, our service organizations, special benefits, and community events. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to - Continued on page 22
Punxsutawney Area Historical and Genealogical Society Group and family tours welcome. gallery tours of Objects of Costume Thurs. & Sun. 1:30 & 3
Genealogy, Children’s Workshops, Exhibits and Photography, Gift Shop
Hours
Bennis House
1 to 4 p.m. Thurs. - Sun.
lattimer House
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday & Saturday 1 to 4 p.m. Friday & Sunday Other times, contact
938-2555 (general) or 938-5536 (genealogy)
5th Annual
Celtic Festival October 1, 2011 Saturday • 10 - 5
Held at:
Thistle & Pine
v Live - Piper / Fiddler – Terry Greene v Harpist & Fiddlers v ARAN - Irish Band v Celtic Spirit Highland Dancers v Free Gaelic Speaking Workshop by “Buidhean Obrach Ghaidhlig Chranberry” v “Best Legs in a Kilt” Contest v Children’s Storytelling v Food & Vendors v Laurel Highlanders Pipe Band v Civil War Re-enactors – Crawford Camp #43 v LIVE! Meet Punxsutawney Phil and the Inner Circle
7570 Rt. 119, Marion Center
724-397-2442 * Wear your tartan - Bring your lawn chair * Admission - $3.00 (12 & under free) For updates go to:
www.ThistleAndPine.com ~ The Clans are gathering ~
P. Timothy Smatlak
Amy Peace Gigliotti
DMD
DMD New Patients Welcome!
Family Dentistry 938-8554 203 CLEARFIELD AVE., PUNX’Y
938-5800
VOTe TO re-eLecT carl gotwald sr. for Jefferson county sheriff TuesDay, nOVeMBer 8TH
i promise to stand against violence in our area. i promise to help fight our areas drug problems. i promise to stay focused on success of every mission. I PrOMIse TO serVe yOu THe cITIZens OF JeFFersOn cOunTy wITH THe eXPerIence yOu DeserVe. 4 years as sheriff 3 years chief Deputy 12 years Deputy Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2011 – Issue #132 – 13
Bring the Whole Family Providing Superior Waste & Recycling Services
25
$
Neale’s Pumpkin Farm Pumpkins, Gourds, Indian Corn & Much More Open Now thru Oct. 31 Mon.-Fri. 3-7 p.m. Sat. & Sun. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Discount
Sprankle Mills Rd., Punx’y
938-9040
when you order any size temporary container
The Sisters of Mercy taught English, reading, writing and arithmetic to miners at night school in Adrian. (Photo courtesy of SSCD Archives
Adult Education
Gilson Stained Glass & More
Senior Citizen Discounts Visa, Mastercard & American Express accepted
the talents of local artists & more! CLASSES: Stained Glass • Mosaics • Kaleidoscopes THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATRONAGE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR IT IS GREATY APPRECIATED! CONSIGNMENT SHOP Featuring Local Artists
CUSTOM STAINED GLASS WORK AND REPAIRS
Located in the new IUP Fairman Centre 101 W. Mahoning St., Punx’y 938-8570
814-265-1975 or 800-338-8971 SAvE MoNEY...sign up for Auto pay Today!
www.billonline.com/ veoliaenvironmental
Darlene Stuchell year-round service
TAX PRACTITIONER
Electronic Filing • Notary Public Bookkeeping • Accounting 76 Harvest Lane ~ Punx’y Please call for appointment:
938-7070
Fax Temporary Tags Available 939-7070
Punxsutawney Area Historical and Genealogical Society Genealogy, Children’s Discovery, Exhibits & Photography, Gift Shop
Bennis House 1 to 4 p.m. Thurs. - Sun. other times, contact Lattimer House 938-2555 (general) 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday & Saturday 1 to 4 p.m. Friday & Sunday
938-5536
(genealogy)
— Saturday September 24 — Open House at snyder Hill schoolhouse 10-4 in collaboration with Museum Day 2011. Activities throughout day.
— Saturday and Sunday October 1 and 2 — Vintage textile/Fiber arts show (quilts, crocheted, knitted, tatted work, etc.) Pick up forms at Lattimer House to let us know what you plan to display.
— Saturday October 8 —
Children's Discovery "Settling In: Fields and Hearth" 1 p.m. Children ages 6-12. Call 938-2555 to register.
— Sunday October 9 —
Fall tea featuring settler era food selections. RSVP forms available at Lattimer House ($15 per person) seatings at 1:30 and 3 p.m.
— Friday evening October 21 — 3rd annual spirit walk featuring Barclay Square. Join us as we meet some of our town's early residents.
Continued from page 11 Warner’s Business College of Elmira, N.Y., opened the Punxsutawney Business and Shorthand College in the Knights of Pythias Hall. They trained adult students in the new skills needed for all types of clerical positions. In 1904, Peterson Business College advertised in the December 21st issue of the Punxsutawney Spirit for students to attend their classes. They were opening the business college in the Winslow block on January 2, 1905 and would offer courses which would help young people prepare themselves for jobs in business. The advertisement stated, “It matters not whether you desire to prepare for bookkeepers or stenographers, where your services will be in demand, or whether you desire to prepare yourselves to successfully manage your own business, you will find just what you need here.” By February 8, 1905 Peterson Business College had twenty-four students enrolled, and more applications coming in. By June, 1905, Peterson’s Business College pronounced their first term in Punxsutawney a success. The instructors at Peterson’s were Professor Dillman who taught bookkeeping and business courses and Miss Sarah Russell, who taught shorthand and typewriting. They felt the prospects for continuing the school were very good. Their September 1905 term would be in new, larger rooms on the second floor of the Record Building. The Peterson Business College continued in the Record Building until January 1908 when it moved to the third floor of the Weber Building, where Bookkeeping and Shorthand courses were being offered.
Attendees at Peterson Business College in Punxsutawney were able to use their training to advance in their careers. On graduate, Charles H. Wachob, who had worked in a bakery, decided to further his knowledge of business by taking a course at Peterson Business College in Punxsutawney. His new skills enabled him to obtain a job with Eureka Supply Company at Winber and then a position with the Cost Department of Berwind-White Coal Mining Company. By 1915, he had moved up to the position of pay-master with the Rock Hill Coal and Iron Company in Robertsdale, Pennsylvania. He also qualified to become an insurance representative with an agency in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, Another Peterson Business College attendee, Abraham Light, used the knowledge and skills he obtained to build a successful family business. A native of Lithuanian, he came to America and found a job peddling clothes in New York. He was offered an opportunity to sell clothing and other goods to the miners in the Punxsutawney area. In 1892, he arrived in Punxsutawney, and with his ability to speak many languages, he was soon successful in his work. When Peterson Business College opened, he enrolled and gained his understanding of business management. When he was offered an opportunity to sell scrap metal from the Berwind-White Coal Company on a commission basis, he took it. Mr. Light was a prudent businessman and invested in the local coal industry. He used modern business practices including paying his employees by check. He established the Light Coal Companies which included the Lindsey Coal Mining Company, Graceton Coal Company, and the Francis Mines, and employed over 2,000 people. In 1934 he purchased the assets of the Punx- Continued on page 20
Dave’s Metal roofing llC Manufacturer of Roofing & Accessories
Commercial & Residential • 40 Year Lynx • 21 Colors • 25 Yr. Bare Galvalume Great Service with Next Day Pick-Up COntRaCtORs welCOMe
DeliVeRies aVailaBle leave Message: 814-427-2921
444 Rt. 410, Punx’y
Open: Mon.-Fri. 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.; sat. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Closed sun. & Holidays
14 – Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2011 – Issue #132
Printed 09-11
Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2011 – Issue #132 – 15
Groundhog Club Welcomes New Groundhog Day Coordinator
K
atie Bullers, a 2005 graduate of Punxsutawney High School and 2008 graduate of Clarion University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, has recently stepped into the position of the Groundhog Day Event Coordinator. Katie’s responsibilities include continuing annual events such as B re a k f a s t with Phil, Autograph Sessions, The Celebration Tent, Kids Korner, and many of the other interactive elements that surround Groundhog day, as well as rejuvenating past events. Katie is looking forward to working with other groups and also to continue the craft show, art show, hay rides, Phantastic Phil Walks, and the Chili Cook Off. Katie is enjoying her position and is passionate about her work. “I believe in the possibilities that Groundhog Day can offer community members as well as tourists,” she said. “We as a community have something special. Most small towns don’t have the opportunity of having a fantastic tradition, the world famous Punxsutawney Phil, and I feel that I can successfully bring diverse types of people to celebrate Groundhog Day with events for all ages and personalities.” Katie is the daughter of Mark and Jill Bullers and will be marrying her fiancé Shaun Donald in December. She is a member of the Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Punx’y and is also employed at Children’s Behavior Health as Therapeutic Support Staff. If interested in being a volunteer, sponsor, or vendor, you can contact Katie at or 814938-7700 Ext. 3 • • •
Here we go, Steelers !
Winning last month’s “Here we go, steelers” football contest is Dorothy Painter of rossiter. Dorothy correctly predicted the ravens to defeat the steelers in the game and also came closest to predicting the total number of points scored in the game. the ravens won, 35-7. Dorothy selected to redeem her $25 gift certificate prize at West end comet Market. You, too, can be a winner. complete and clip the coupon on page 23 inside today. Here we go, steelers!
Customers Find Quality Service at Punxsy Hometown Pharmacy “Teamwork and quality customer service “In addition to the usual health, household By PRIDE are the underlying principles in the store,” and beauty supplies, we have school supfor Hometown magazine said Kernich. “We don’t just fill prescripplies, greeting cards, seasonal items, Yanhen you open the door to the tions; we strive to provide the full range of kee Candles® and Swan Creek Candles®, lobby of the Hometown Phar- services needed. We help customers unglass designs by Joan Baker®, wind chimes macy in Groundhog Plaza on derstand their medications and assist them by Majesty Bell®, and Grandville Hollow Hampton Avenue in Punx- with their insurance questions and we proPottery®. It is a special line of hand made sutawney, you are welcomed by a display vide delivery service for our customers. pottery from mugs to jars which can be speof seasonal merchandise and the lovely We also provide special packaging to assist cial ordered and personalized to your likscent of candles. ing,” Pitel pointed out. Stepping on into the store, Punxsutawney Hometown you are greeted by displays of Pharmacy also provides speunique items. There are praccial services including tical, interesting and unusual overnight delivery. They often items from which you will have customers who need a surely find that special gift for particular item which is not a birthday, anniversary or available in the area. Since “just because I thought of you they receive deliveries everytoday.” day except Saturday, they are The Hometown Pharmacy, able contact their next day dewhich opened in March 2009, livery supplier to find out if is owned and operated by the item is in stock. If it is, Nickolas Kernich, who gradthey can have it delivered and uated from the University of available in the store the next Pittsburgh School of Pharday. macy. While persuing his Another service available at studies, he worked during the the store is UPS®. As a summers at local pharmacies United Parcel Service pick-up in Punxsutawney where he got The friendly faces of Punxsy Hometown Pharmacy Team will greet you, fill your pre- point Hometown Pharmacy to know the customers and the scriptions and help you find items in their store. provides a convenience to people in the community. customers, with knowing when to take each customers in the Punxsutawney area, savHe was able to build upon those relation- prescription. When a customer comes in ing them the need to travel out of town to ships when he returned and established the with a health concern and asks for help, we send a package. Punxsutawney Hometown Pharmacy. He function as a medical liaison. We provide Shopping at the Hometown Pharmacy, has put together a well-qualified team to what we can in the way of assistance and you have the assurance that the staff is there
W
The well stocked pharmacy section of the store provides efficient service as well as a waiting area designed to occupy the children, who accompany customers to the store.
serve customers in the pharmacy and the store. “I may have been able to start my career elsewhere,” he said, “but the opportunity to open a store where I already had built relationships with people in the community was one I couldn’t pass up.”
At the Punxsutawney Hometown Pharmacy, customers will find attractive displays of gift merchandise in addition to the items usually found in a pharmacy.
refer those needing more intensive medical care to the appropriate health care providers in the area.” Stella Pitel, who manages the front section of the store, echoed Kernich’s principle of teamwork and quality customer service, as she listed items available.
to assist you with your prescription needs and to help you find the other items you may be seeking. They will handle your requests efficiently and will go the extra steps to special order items you may need. And, their “glad to see you welcome” gives a special hometown feeling. • • •
Hometown Magazine ... Online All The Time...
www.punxsutawneymagazine.com
16 – Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2011 – Issue #132
1909 ~ OVER 100 YEaRS IN BuSINESS ~ 2011
MaHOnIng VaLLey MILLIng cO. Buy a Thompson/center Venture rifle for $399.99 after the $50.00 Mail-in rebate (scope not included)
new LIne OF unDer arMOr BOOTs
Roseman's Florist COOBIE BRAS
rifles, shotguns, Handguns, Muzzleloaders, Paramilitary
Pure Comfort, Absolutely Amazing
Buy•seLL•TraDe OPeN DAILy 8 TO 5 FRI. 8 TO 7, SAT. 8 TO 3
Speedfreak Trail Boot
The H.A.w. Rubber Boot
Stop by and see them for yourself. Downtown Punx’y ◆ 938-7364
57 gILPIn sT. PunX’y•938-8850 • Prescriptions • OtCs • Prescription Bubble Packs • Vitamins & Minerals • Delivery service • Pa lOtteRy • uPs shipping Center
• gift shop with FRee gift wrap or Bags 203 N. Hampton Ave. - Groundhog Plaza • yankee Candles • Home Decor • Cards • Joan Baker FRee & Convenient Parking stained glass art M-F 9-7, Sat 9-3, Closed Sundays • Personalized Crocks
938-9150
Stop in and meet JaY, the New mattress man!
TRAIlhEAD
Gallery
WE FEATURE LOCAL ARTISTS’ WORKS
CUSTOM FRAMING
Let us frame that special keepsake or photo
124 West Mahoning St. Downtown Punxsutawney GIFT CERTIFICATE SALE For every $50.00 you get an additional $10.00. Example: Get a $60.00 Gift Certificate for $50.00 or Get a $120.00 Gift Certificate for $100.00
938-1004
DR. RICk BISHOP 115 WEST MAHONING STREET PuNxSuTAWNEY, PA 15767
(814) 938-3111
www.drrickbishop.com
PREMIUM 2-SIDED BEDDING
Punxsutawney’s oldest and finest name in furniture Jay Philliber
- Owner
Furniture • Carpeting • Bedding and More
Twin .......$59995 Queen..$84995 Full ...........$69995 King ........$1,19995 938-7160 • N. Findley St., Punx’y • 939-SOFA
SUMMER HOURS: Mon-Tues-Thu 9am to 5pm • Wed 9am to 4pm • Fri 9am to 8pm • Sat 9am to 4pm • Call for Appt.
DECOMPRESSION MAy BE THE ANSWER TO yOuR BACk OR NECk PAIN. TO LEARN MORE VISIT CORNERSTONE CHIROPRACTIC AND DR RICk BISHOP TO SEE IF yOu’RE A CANDIDATE *We also offer traction therapy
THE kENNEDy DECOMPRESSION TABLE IS SPECIFICALLy DESIGNED TO GET yOu BETTER FASTER...
Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2011 – Issue #132 – 17
(Editor’s Note: ‘From Our Past,’ researched by S. Thomas Curry, features items of interest from past editions of Punxsutawney and area newspapers.) September 20, 1899 — Word has been received at Eleanora, Jefferson County, that Col. Henry Cooper, who had been traveling with the Wallace Bros’ show, “as the large man” had died suddenly on Vancouver Island, in British Columbia. Word was sent from Eleanora to have the body sent home for burial ... it would cost $200 to send it. The reply sent was to have it shipped home no difference what the expense might be. The next word was to the effect the body had been stolen. Col. Cooper was 37 years of age, 7 feet 10 inches high, and weighed 330 pounds. (Punxsutawney Spirit) September 21, 1898 — The cutting down of several shade trees on Mahoning street disfigures the town considerably by exposing some very unsightly old frame buildings, which were heretofore decently veiled by a profusion of green leaves. It is
to be hoped that these little old frame structures will soon be replaced by fine brick blocks, and the probability is that they will be, as they occupy the choice business locations of the town. (Punxsutawney Spirit) October 6, 1886 — Punxsutawney has now a gas light on a few of her public crossings. We should have one at every street crossing in town. (Valley News) October 8, 1868 — At a meeting of the School Board of this Borough, on Tuesday last, the following persons were selected as teachers for the Punxsutawney schools for the winter term: No. 1, J. A. Lowry; No. 2, J. M. Rifenberick; No. 3, Mary A. Wilson. When the schools will commence has not yet been determined. (Punxsutawney Plaindealer) October 11, 1887 — The amount of profanity that can be heard on our streets is not very pleasant to delicate ears. Even ladies are not permitted to go along the streets without having to listen to foul language. (Punxsutawney News) • • •
Kyle Lingenfelter, MD FACS Providing all aspects of generAL & VASCuLAr SurgiCAL CAre. Please call for details
814-938-4121 • 814-938-4158 (FAX) 81 Hillcrest Drive, Suite 2600, Punxsutawney OFFICe HOuRS: weekDAyS 8-5
NEW!
Photos from the Past
The crowd in front of the Lindsey House, located at the corner of Main and Foundry Streets, in what was then Clayville, now West End. The boys in this picture are dressed in the standard wear for the time: knickers, shirts, and straw hats. Shoes were optional. Apparently the preferred activity of the day was shinning up the poles at the hotel. Photograph courtesy of the Punxsutawney Historical and Genealogical Society.
tanning packages available
SPRinG HillS SHeltieS
The pool Guys
“Committed to Caring for Your Pets As Though They Are Our Own”
We now have covered screened topsoil!
EarthWorx 849-WORx
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 18 – Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2011 – Issue #132
pOOLS • SpaS aCCESSORIES
Service & Installation
938-9396
HOuRs: Mon.-Fri. 9-6 sat. 9-? • sun. Closed
Thank You punxsutawney!
Dog & Cat Boarding & Grooming
Cindy Barrett, Assistant Groomer, Michele Wachob, Owner Just Minutes from Town - 370 Big W. Dr., Punx’y
724-286-9355
We thank Our Human & Furry Friends for their business throughout the year!
Your Most Precious Possession
Taking care of your most precious possession your family - is a daily challenge. That can be particularly true when family members have grown older. Christ The King At Home offers dependable and caring service for those who want reliability for loved ones at home. Christ the King has over a quarter century of experience and an enviable reputation well earned and deserved in the field. For more information please call CHRIST THE KING AT HOME 1-800-419-2779 or 1-814-371-3180
For information call
Charlene Volansky Director of Operations
814-371-3180
Christ The King At Home Visit our website www.christthekingmanor.org 1100 West Long Ave DuBois, Pennsylvania
814-371-3180 Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2011 – Issue #132 – 19
Bring your “Dear” family, to visit our “Deer” family. Open Daily May 1 tO Dec. 1 10 a.M. tO Dusk
rt. 36, 3 Miles sOuth Of cOOk fOrest state park
Glow In The dark Indoor Mini Golf (summer season)
SaNDY'S Beverages
See Us For all Your Beverages! Indiana Hill, punx'y
938-4990
Distributor of many Fine products
When you want to reach ALL the people in the Punxsutawney area... Put your ad in the publication that is read by everyone!
To place your advertising in a quality publication that is looked-forward to and read by your local customers...
Mary Roberts or Tracey Young 938-0312 938-9141 hometown@mail.com www.punxsutawneymagazine.com
Punxsutawney Hometown magazine 100% direct-mail circulation with USPS statements to prove it! 20 – Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2011 – Issue #132
Guild to Present Heartwarming Dramatic Comedy P
unxsutawney Theatre Arts Guild, Inc. brings down the curtain on its 36th season with the award-winning production of Ron Osborne's Showtime at First Baptist. The two-act play combines equal amounts of drama with rib-tickling humor in the depiction of six women's attempts to raise funds to restore their church's sanctuary following a fire after lightning has struck. Performances will take place at 7:30 S a t u r d a y, October 22 and 2 p.m. Sunday, October 23. Three additional shows are slated for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, October 27, 28, 29, at the auditorium of the Punxsutawney Area Middle School.. Tickets are sold at the door. Under the direction of Guild veteran, Terry A. Fye, the play features a sextet of local actresses, each of whom portrays a memorable character from the First Baptist Church of Ivy Gap, Tennessee. Sandy Hill Gearhart has been cast as Edith Ellington, the pastor's take-charge wife who enlists the help of her friends to find a way "to raise money and to raise spirits" following the disaster at the church. Advising her is Vera Reynolds (Kathy S. Dinsmore) a witty, sharp-tongued woman who seems "to have declared war on men." Opposing her is Lucille Spears (Krystol Elkin), an outspoken conservative quick to judge and to condemn others. One of Lucille's primary targets is Olene Wiffer (Tracey Young) whose return to the
town after a 25 year career as a showgirl in Las Vegas has tongues wagging from morning till night. Adding to the mixture of temperaments and ages is Annie Spears (Mallory Croasman), Lucille's young daughter-in-law, a girl from the North who is having trouble adjusting to life in the South while she tries to meet her motherin-law's expectations. Brenda Cooper, as Mae Ellen, adds another element of fun as the church organist who is used to playing music her own way as she longs for a stage career and romance. Set in the spring of 1970, the production takes the audience back to a time when the war in Vietnam was dividing the country and women were aspiring for equality and respect for their contributions to society. Change is in the air as these six women challenge institutions as well as each other. Along the way, they will share laughs, fight a few battles, pursue love, grieve their losses, and mend their relationships. The Bristol Herald Courier declared that Showtime at First Baptist has "good-natured religious jokes aplenty and drama…but the real meat is a gentle, warm story about six good women and how they come together despite times that are 'a-changing'…a serious play and a delightful comedy." Anyone desiring more information about the show may contact the director at (814) 938-6928. • • •
Adult Education
residents move up the ladder to new careers. (Editor’s Note: The resources used in the preparation of this article are available the Punxsutawney Memorial Library, the Punxsutawney Area Historical and Genealogical Society and through on-line resources. This article has been prepared by PRIDE – Punxsutawney Revitalization: Investing, Developing, Enhancing. PRIDE is a nonprofit organization which brings together residents, business people, community leaders and civic organizations, to improve the business districts in Punxsutawney. PRIDE is working to develop a Coal Memorial for the Punxsutawney Area. Persons interested in making a donation or purchasing a commemorative tile may contact PRIDE at 814-938-2493. A volunteer will return your call. Comments on this article may be directed to PRIDE, P.O. Box 298, Punxsutawney, PA 15767) • • •
Continued from page 14
sutawney Iron Furnace and used the Office Building as the Light Coal Company Office. The coal boom era in Punxsutawney brought a demand for new skills among workers. It was an era when formal classroom education was seen as the way to train the workers needed. The church helped the workers by teaching English as their second language, and business colleges taught the specialized skills. The Punxsutawney High School would eventually replace Peterson Business College as the educational facility providing a business curriculum for young people in the area. Business management would soon be listed among the offerings at colleges. However at the dawning of the 20th Century, it was community based adult education which helped many Punxsutawney
Community Happenings
F
rom the Chamber of Commerce and the Community Calendar at Punxsutawney.com, here is a list of events and happenings coming up in our area. n Punxsutawney Appreciation Day sponsored by the Punxsutawney Spirit will be September 24 from 9AM – 3PM. Some of the highlights include a Pumpkin Decorating Contest and the “Punxsy’s Got Talent” Show. Crafters and food will be available.For information or to be a participant, contact the Spirit at 814-938-8740. n 2011 Punxsutawney Christian Women’s Conference “Meet Me at the Well” with author and conference speaker Virelle Kidder, worship leader and songwriter Lisa Troyer, and Bible study teacher Jocelyn Hamsher. Friday, Sept. 30 & Saturday, Oct. 1. Friday night Bible study session free. Saturday conference $20 if registered by Sept 15, after Sept. 15, $25. Lunch included. Punxsutawney First Church of God. Visit conference blog for more information or to download registration http://punxsycwc.blogspot.com/ or call Punxsutawney Christian School at 814938-2295. n 10th Annual Pizza & Prevention community event is October 1, 2011 at Fox’s Pizza Den. The event is supports our hometown heroes and promotes disaster prevention. Fox’s Pizza Den will be selling Big Daddy pizzas for $9.11 with 100% of the money donated to the Punxsutawney Fire Department. Co-Sponsor of the event nationwide, the Kengersky Insurance Agency will provide smoke detectors free of charge to families in need. The Touch the Truck program will be held on South Gilpin Street to acquaint residents with the equipment used by first responders. n Mahoning Shadow Shuffle Half Marathon, 10k, 5k and 1 mile Youth Run will be held on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011 beginning at the Punx’y Little League Fields. 8 a.m. registration with a 9 a.m. start. Beautiful matted photographs of the trail awarded to top three male and female placers in adult races, as well as top three male and female placers in age groups. Race applications are available at Punxsutawney.com/trail. n Legislative Breakfast with Congressman Glenn Thompson will be held on Friday, October 28 from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Punx’y Country Club. Reservations must be made by calling the Chamber of Commerce at 814-938-7700x2 by Friday, Oct. 21. The cost to attend is $15. The public is welcome. n Punxsutawney Theatre Arts Guild, Inc. brings down the curtain on its 36th season with the award-winning production of Ron Osborne's Showtime at First Baptist. The two act comedy-drama depicts six Southern women's attempts to raise funds to restore their church's sanctuary following a fire after lightning has struck. Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, October 22 and 2 p.m. Sunday, October 23. Three additional shows are slated for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, October 27, 28, 29 at the auditorium of the Punxsutawney Area Middle School.. Tickets are sold at the door.
n First English Lutheran Church will be hosting a concert by the professional handbell duo “Bell a deux” from Lancaster on Saturday, October 15 at 7 p.m. This duo rings more than 70 handbells and 45 chimes to perform a variety of music. They teach and perform concerts around the country. For more information, call the church at 938-5980 or Judy at 939-9723. Punxsutawney.com is maintained by the Chamber of Commerce for the community. Any area business or organization is invited to become a member of the Chamber of Commerce for as little as $65 for the year. For more information, visit Punxsutawney.com/chamber or call 938-7700. To submit an event for the calendar, visit Punxsutawney.com/calendar and fill out the form. • • •
Ted’s
meat market
Quality roofing since 1896.
Package Deals Large Selection Available
• Party Trays • Meat & Cheese • Fresh & Lean Meat • Our Own Old-Fashioned Sugar-Cured Hickory Smoked Semi-Boneless Ham Owned & Operated by Ted Palumbo & Sons
GAF Master Elite Contractor • Quality Roofing Since 1896
Hours: Mon-Wed 8 to 5; Thurs 8 to 6 Fri 8 to 8; Sat 8 to Noon Located 1 1/4 mile East of Reynoldsville on 4th St. or 6 miles West of DuBois on Wayne Road
653-2147 938-9520 • Punxsutawney
eASt AMerICAn MOtOrSPOrt
2 miles south of Punxsutawney on Rt. 119
814-938-4230 or 888-322-3997 www.eastamericanmotorsport.com
Offers good on new and unregistered units purchased between 7/27/11–9/30/11. *On select models. See your dealer for details. **Rates as low as 2.99% for 36 months. Offers only available at participating Polaris® dealers. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. Other finance offers are available. Applies to the purchase of all new ATv and RANGeR® models made on the Polaris Installment Program from 7/27/11–9/30/11. Fixed APR of 2.99%, 6.99%, or 9.99% will be assigned based on credit approval criteria. warning: ATvs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Avoid operating Polaris ATvs or RANGeRs on paved surfaces or public roads. Riders and passengers should always wear a helmet, eye protection, protective clothing, and a seat belt and always use cab nets (on RANGeR vehicles). Never engage in stunt driving, and avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns. Polaris adult ATv models are for riders age 16 and older. Drivers of RANGeR vehicles must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license. All ATv riders should take a safety training course. For ATv safety and training information, call the SvIA at (800) 887-2887, see your dealer, or call Polaris at (800) 342-3764. ©2011 Polaris Industries Inc. Printed 09-11
Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2011 – Issue #132 – 21
Steelers BIG RUN CARPET Neko’s "The Store for hope to avoid Your Floors with Super Bowl SaNDY'S Working Family Prices! loser jinx Beverages OPEN FOR
FAMilY RESTAURANT
By Ed Bouchette Pittsburgh Post-Gazette he only team the past 20 years who had that Super Bowl loser thing down right was Buffalo. They lost the Super Bowl in the 1990 season, returned to lose in ‘91, returned to lose in ‘92 and returned to lose in ‘93. The Bills have not returned to the Super Bowl since, and no losing team since then has returned to try again the next year. Next up: The Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers do not have a good record after winning Super Bowls — they failed to make the playoffs the past three times they won, in the seasons of 1980, 2006 and ‘09. That falls in line with most Super Bowl losers the past two decades; not only do they generally not make the playoffs, but many also went downhill the following year. Take Atlanta. The Falcons reached their first Super Bowl in the 1998 season, lost and then went 5-11 in ‘99. Oakland beat that, reaching the Super Bowl in the 2002 season, then went 4-12 in ‘03. In fact, starting with the New York Giants (7-9) in ‘01, five consecutive Super Bowl losing teams had losing records the next season — the Rams (7-9), Raiders, Panthers (7-9) and Eagles (6-10). The 2000 Tennessee Titans were the best at rebounding in their regular season after a Super Bowl loss since the Buffalo years. The Titans went 13-3, but then were upset at home by Baltimore after a playoff bye. Lately, the Super Bowl losers have improved. New England went 11-5 in ‘08 but missed a playoff spot. Arizona went 10-6 in ‘09 and won a playoff game. Indianapolis went 10-6 and won the AFC South last season, losing its first playoff game to the New York Jets. What path might the Steelers follow and can they break the streak and become the first Super Bowl loser to return to play in the championship game? “I hope so. I hope we’re not a .500 team or subpar team,” defensive end Brett Keisel
T
Indiana Hill, punx'y
BUSINESS!
Our specialty... serving you! take Out aVailaBle Full Menu • HOMeMaDe FOOD Pizza • FResH BakeD gOODs
938-4990
202 Thompson St., Big Run
206 Elk Run Avenue, Punx’y
See Us For all Your Beverages!
Distributor of many Fine products
Every sunday during football season wings are just 50¢ each.
WingStreet® Wings Wal-Mart Plaza Rt. 119 North Punxsutawney
938-2400 So thick and juicy, you’re gonna need an extra napkin. Maybe three.
angus
third pounders
Punx’y Appreciation have successful businesses: customers, students, artists, audiences, advocates, and dedicated hard working business owners. In reflecting on customer appreciation, one downtown merchant said, “Our store is new to the downtown and the response to our first year has been awesome. We wouldn’t have made it this far without our customers.” Another downtown merchant in expressing appreciation for customers said, “I may complain every now and then, but when I am coming back, from an out of town visit, and see the sign that says ‘Punxsutawney 20 Miles,’ my heart is happy.” • • •
938-0338
HOURS: Mon-Sat 11am-9pm • Closed Sundays
2011 SteelerS SCHedule sunday, sept. 11 ......at Ravens ......l 35-7 sunday, sept. 18......seaHawks....1:00 p.m. sunday, sept. 25......at Colts ..........8:20 p.m. sunday, Oct. 2..........at texans ........1:00 p.m. sunday, Oct. 9..........titans............1:00 p.m. sunday, Oct. 16........JaguaRs ......1:00 p.m. sunday, Oct. 23........at Cardinals....4:05 p.m. sunday, Oct. 30........PatRiOts ......4:15 p.m. sunday, nov. 6 ........RaVens..........8:20 p.m. sunday, nov. 13 ......at Bengals ......1:00 p.m. sunday, nov. 20 ......Bye - no game sunday, nov. 27 ......at Chiefs ........8:20 p.m. sunday, Dec. 4 ........Bengals ......1:00 p.m. thursday, Dec. 8......BROwns ........8:20 p.m. Monday, Dec. 19 ......at 49ers ..........8:30 p.m. saturday, Dec. 24 ....RaMs..............1:00 p.m. sunday, Jan. 1 ........at Browns ......1:00 p.m.
Downtown Punxsutawney
- Continued on next page
Continued from page 13
427-2041
AMPLE PARKING
Pizza town
pizza • Sandwiches Salads • Dinners & more Come eat with us before or after the games.
Sun.-Thur. 11 am to 11 pm Fri. & Sat. 11am til Midnight
W. Mahoning St., Punxsy Plaza
938-2380
22 – Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2011 – Issue #132
Camoflauge Inn
burkett’s p.A.W.s.
gOOD FOOD & gOOD Fun Home of Steeler Country
242 north findLey st. punXsutAWney
entertainment On The weekends
Free food during Steeler games Free giveaways thru the regular season of Steeler football casH PrIZes each week and a remington 30-06 will be given away on november 26th stop by and see us - rt. 119 stump creek (between big run & sykesville) 427-5010
All breeds dog & cat grooming
814-938-3974
Laska’s pizza Casteel Chiropractic
BONELESS WINGS... Wednesday real chicken not pressed... Delivery to baked not fried... Businesses 11-2 with a sweet tangy sauce. BLACK AND GOLD WINGS. ADDED To oUr MENU: • pierogie pizza YoU ASKED For iT • Buffalo Chicken pizza WE HAvE iT! • italian Steak & Cheese pizza • Margarita pizza • Meatball Sub pizza • Chicken Bacon ranch pizza Open 7 Days A Week Now Offering • Spinach Artichoke at 11 a.m.
405 N. Main St., Punx’y
938-4647
Gluten Free Crust! Outside Dining available!
STroMBoLi • CALZoNES • SiDE SALADS
CoMiNG SooN THiS FALL Lattes, Coffee, Cappuccinos
To restore function you need to restore posture.
DR. IAN CASTEEL Our job is to keep your spine in line for a better, healthier you!
938-4400
410 East Mahoning St. "We address the cause, not the symptom" NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS X-Rays (on your first visit) Accepts Most Insurance
NEW HOURS: mON., WED. & FRI. 9-1 & 3-8 CLOSED TUE. & THUR.
West End
Price ★Quality ★Selection ★Service ★
the Perfect Football Party Game Plan Baked Goods Deli Snacks ~
West Mahoning St. punxsutawney 938-6961
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. Titans Game and enter the guesses in the spaces provided on the coupon.
Michael Horner, Kim Horner Joe Presloid & Jennifer Moore (missing from photo) local registered Pharmacists Mon.- Fri 9 to 7 Sat. 9 to 2
938-3077 132 West Mahoning Street Punxsutawney
“Square Deals on round Tires”
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.
Hometown magazine ‘Steelers Football Contest’:
4. Clip and forward the coupon to: ‘Steelers Football Contest,’ c/o Hometown magazine, P.O. Box 197, Punxsutawney, PA 15767.
Name ________________________________ Address ______________________________ Zip __________________________________ Phone ______________________________ Coupon for Game of oct. 9 Step 1: Guess the Winning Team: __ Steelers vs. __ Titans 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) _____________________
5. All entries must be received at the Hometown magazine post office box by 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6. 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.
Complete, Clip, Drop off or Mail to: Steelers Football Contest c/o Hometown magazine, P.O. Box 197, Punxsutawney, PA 15767
Your Steeler Fan Headquarters!
CaROL’S CaRpET WORLD Juneau, pa • 814-938-8687 D.A. Schaffron, Proprietor
YoUr CoopEr TirE HEADqUArTErS now located behind Mahoning Valley Milling Co.
We have a great assortment of Steeler gear and accessories for that fanatic football fan!
Brian Horner - Owner
203 N. Hampton Ave. • 938-9150 M-F 9-7, Sat. 9-3, Closed Sun.
939-7660
OTCs • Lottery • Gifts unique Gifts • yankee Candles
Go CHUCKS!
www.punxsyhometown.com
• HomeCrest Cabinets • Floating Floors • Hardwood Floors • Vinyl • laminate • Mohawk • Ceramic tile
Steelers
Continued from previous page said. “I hope we can get right back into things. We definitely have the athletes. I think we have more starters coming back than anybody. It’s on our shoulders. We all just need to play together at the right time and, hopefully, we can.” Depending on how you count tackles Willie Colon and Jonathan Scott, the Steelers return all 22 starters. Colon started at right tackle for three years before he missed last season with an Achilles tendon injury. Scott moved in at left tackle after Max Starks’ neck surgery in November. There will be a new starting right guard, though, as Doug Legursky will replace Ramon Foster. The only other time the Steelers lost a Super Bowl, after the 1995 season, they followed with a playoff year in ‘96 despite losing starting quarterback Neil O’Donnell to free agency. Nose tackle Chris Hoke, entering his 11th season, believes some of the failures by the Super Bowl losers are mere coincidence. But he thinks the winner and loser of that game bring out the best in opponents the following season. “Everybody sees you as a barometer for where they are,” Hoke said. “I guarantee you if you listen to coaches’ meetings the night before a game, 90 percent of the coaches would say ‘We’re going to see how good we are.’ You get everybody’s best shot when you’re the Super bowl champ or a team that played in the Super Bowl.” If there were ever a year to play in a Super Bowl and have success the following season, this might be it. Super Bowl teams practice and play into February and can get worn down mentally and physically. Because of the lockout, the Steelers and champion Green Bay Packers had plenty of rest and may have an advantage over others because they played into February. “We’ve been rested,” Keisel said. “As a veteran, the lockout was great, you could rest, get off our feet, hang out with the family, do anything you wanted. “Hopefully, it does turn out to be an advantage for us.” He also said the Steelers have an even bigger advantage going for them. “We have a good team. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t win games this year.” (Contact Ed Bouchette at ebouchette@post-gazette.com and Twitter @EdBouchette. Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.scrippsnews.com.) • • •
FULL-CoLoR
Restaurant Placemats Your Business Ad Can Run on our Full-Color Restaurant Placemats For As Low As $64.
Why Pay More? CoMPARe!
Monday thru Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
BrAND NAMES AT LoW priCES
Call Mary, Tracey or at 938-0312 or 938-9141 to Schedule Your Placemat Ad in Area Restaurants!
Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2011 – Issue #132 – 23
Debbie Walker, Chad Davis, Alex Cressley, Jay Philliber-owner
Thank you. At Johnston Furniture, you’re not just customers . . . you’re friends. That’s why we want to say how much we appreciate your trust in choosing us for all your furnishing needs. Because while we take pride in providing the highest quality products and the utmost in service and reliability, we know what’s really important. And that’s people. At Johnston Furniture, you’re part of our family. And we wouldn’t have it any other way. Thanks again.
PuNxSuTaWNEY’S OLDEST aND FINEST NamE IN FuRNITuRE 938-7160
N. Findley St., Punx’y
939-SOFA
Mon-Tues-Thu 9am to 5pm • Wed 9am to 4pm • Fri 9am to 8pm • Sat 9am to 4pm • Call for Appt. 24 – Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2011 – Issue #132