The Sentinel
Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022
Lewistown, PA—1
JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE
Grandparents – and grandchildren – bring memories of life, to life
‘My baby’s baby’
H
Jeff Fishbein
ere and there, I’ve written about members of my family, but for the most part, I’ve kept my storytelling to other people’s children and grandchildren. For this year’s edition of Juniata Valley magazine, we asked readers to tell their grandparent stories. As in years past, some of the stories are told by our writers, and several by our staff, about their own grandparents.
We asked area schools to encourage their students to write; one group in particular — Brooke Vinyard’s sophomores at Juniata High School — turned out in droves. It’s been a joy to read their stories, to become, at least for the moment, part of their families. I’ve been acquainted with both some of the contributors and some of the subjects over the years. Among those is Ron Hart, whose story is
told by his granddaughter, one of Brooke’s students, in this issue. Ron was Juniata’s wrestling coach well before I came along. But I covered teams coached by his son Bob, and got to meet the elder Hart at wrestling matches. Two of Hart’s other grandchildren are profiled in another story in this issue — Bob’s kids, Fletcher and Marnie, whom I covered as athletes. Sports tends to bring out
the grandparents, and I’ve met quite a few in the course of my previous post at The Sentinel. One of them has a grandson in journalism — (Sunbury) Daily Item sports editor Kurt Ritzman, whom I see when I occasionally help our sports department (and whose granddad is a fixture at East Juniata sports events). Most people my age are grandparents, a fact of which I am often reminded when I am out and about with my
son, who is 15. Of course, that has been the case since he was an infant — my hair started to gray in my 30s, and I stopped having it colored it years ago. (Seriously — at one point in the 1990s I was designing advertising for a salon supply distributor, and was invited to their shows to play male model as a means of helping their customers learn a way to drum up more business. The folks here never knew See Fishbein / Page 2
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2—Lewistown, PA
Fishbein
Continued from Page 1
me any other way; the first time Managing Editor Brian Cox saw me in my, um, natural color, he exclaimed, “What is that — a helmet?!”) My son, like me, knew three of his grandparents. My father passed away four years before the lad came along; my mother’s father died when she was a teen. I don’t recall ever meeting any great-grandparents, while my son got to know his mother’s grandmother. My paternal grandmother — Grammy — did not produce any exceptional stories, although she made a leg of lamb that melted in your mouth, and a cucumber and onion salad that was to die for. I’d share the recipes, but like many in her generation, there weren’t any — she would just wing it. Back in December, introducing this year’s edition, I told the story of my grandfather Fishbein — Poppa, as we knew him. I promised a second story
Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022
JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE for the magazine; this time, it’s my mom’s mom, Melissa Berg (“Gramelissa”). My maternal grandmother was, in the vernacular, a tough old broad. She raised six children — five of them girls — almost single-handedly after her husband died. They began on a farm near Butler, but moved to State College after a fire destroyed their home and all their belongings. My best memories of Gramelissa are from the holidays. We would gather — initially at her apartment, but as more cousins came along, at the largest family home. She was in the kitchen early in those days, making homemade sticky buns (sorry, Ye Olde College Diner, but way better than your grilled ones). She, too, taught me little kitchen tricks, like seasoning the wooden bowl with a clove of garlic before making the salad. She always had dishes of ribbon candy around the house, and the grandkids would hunt and peck through drawers to find where she had hidden her
favorite, the cordial cherries that we grew up loving with her. I’m sure she always had another box hidden in a better place, or she wouldn’t have gotten any. After my parents’ divorce, she lived with us for two years in State College’s College Heights neighborhood, making sure we got off to school each morning (yes, I’m old enough to have attended in that ancient building that still stands, walking back to my aunt’s house for lunch each day because there was no cafeteria). Gramelissa worked in the athletic office at Penn State, a secretary in Rec Hall. She typed theses for grad students on the side; I learned to write on her old IBM electric typewriter — so old it preceded the Selectric models with the fancy type ball in place of individual keys. Oh, the mess when the keys got stuck or the ribbon had to be changed. She wasn’t like today’s Penn State fans — well, no My grandmother, Melissa Berg, with the first three of her 11 grandchildren. Cousin See Fishbein / Page 6
Gary, the eldest, is on the left; Chris, the youngest when this was taken, on the right. I’m the handsome lad in the middle.
Juniata Valley an annual publication of
The Sentinel
Ruth Eddy .......................................................................................... Publisher Matthew Bolich ............................................................... Advertising Director Jeff Fishbein .............................................................................. Lifestyles Editor 352 Sixth St., PO Box 588, Lewistown, PA 17044 www.lewistownsentinel.com Phone: (717) 248-6741 • Fax: (717) 248-3481 living@lewistownsentinel.com Juniata Valley magazine is published by Ogden Newspapers of Pennsylvania. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.
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Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022
Lewistown, PA—3
JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE
Life changes for the better
Sally Brown and Rhemi On March 1, 2019, I became a Grammy to Rhemi Brown, and my life hasn’t been the same! My son Tanner came to the waiting room and asked if I wanted to meet my granddaughter. It was like being in the delivery
room 25 years ago. She looked just like him and I fell in love immediately. It was the most incredible feeling holding my baby’s baby. Watching her grow and become her own stubborn, bossy, sweet self has been amaz-
ing. She brings so much joy to my life — I can be having the worst day and seeing her turns it right around. Bring a Grammy to Rhemi means many things. It means singing loud even though I can’t
sing. Saying “Dance with your Grammy” while holding her and swinging her around. Acting crazy, and she tells me, “Grammy crazy.” Putting together the same puzzles together over and over again. Jumping on
the trampoline and feeling I can’t jump one more time, and she says “Jump, Grammy.” We make trips to Chuck E. Cheese, Lake Tobias and the park, sitting along the river throwing rocks. I take her to the pool in Mifflin County just like I did
with her Daddy and Uncle Hunter, teaching her to dunk her head and swim. There are ice cream trips. Just sitting at home reading books, coloring, watching the same movie over and over again. See Brown / Page 5
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Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022
Lewistown, PA—5
JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE
The granddaughter he never knew
Gary Gonsar This story is about the lost chance of being a grandfather. I’m a grandfather, but never got the chance to know her. Let me start in the beginning. Donna and I were married young and like most 19- and 20-year-olds we thought we were mature adults and just like most, we were wrong! On Nov. 3, 1966, Donna and I were blessed with a beautiful baby boy, Todd William Gonsar. What an experience — I just wish I could have it to do over again and realize the miracle of the birth of our son. Also, like so many
Brown
Continued from Page 3
Wrapping every stuffed animal in a blanket and laying them in just the right place. Snuggling and giggling. Her smiles, hugs, kisses and snuggles melt my heart every time. The way she lights up when she sees me and says “Grammy!” and comes running is truly the best feeling in the world. Scheduling a day off work just to spend the day with her is the best. One of my funniest memories is when I bought her a brand new baby doll and within minutes the baby doll as well as her were covered in dirt.
young marriages, we were divorced and at the age of 4 years old, Todd and Donna moved to California. We kept contact over the early years of Todd’s life through mail, phone calls and visits when Donna came back to Pennsylvania. Todd even stayed with me on a visit. Pictures, cards and letters got fewer as Todd got older and had a life of his own. I did get a picture of him and his girlfriend Debbie. In the fall of 1985 I had a surprise visit from Donna’s mother and she told
me I was a grandfather to a beautiful 9-pound, 11-ounce baby girl by the name of Christina Lynn Gonsar. I’m just not sure what happened between Todd and Debbie, but I was told he wanted to come back to Pennsylvania and she did not want to leave her family, which is understandable. I have tried to make contact with my granddaughter with no response, but I found out 22 years after Christina’s birth she had a son, Robert, in July 2007. On Sept. 5, 2007, I had a
It truly is the most rewarding relationship. It’s the same unconditional love you feel for your children but with less struggles and a lot more fun because you’re the Grammy and not the parent. I miss her even after one day of not seeing her. I think about her all the time. I am so thankful for her every day and would move Heaven and Earth
for her. Miss Rhemi, I hope you continue to grow into the sweet, loving and kind girl that you are now! They say a grandparent holds our grandchildren’s hands for a little while but their hearts forever. I only hope that as she grows older she still loves her Grammy as much as she does today and always remembers our special bond.
son, Gary William Gonsar Jr. — two months younger than my great-grandson. I tell people when they say about me being a father at 61 years old that it’s a shame it took me 61 years to grow up! I only hope Todd gets to know his daughter and grandson Robert. I still wish to this day I could make contact with my granddaughter and great-grandson and tell them that I missed so very much.
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one was back then — but we were friends with and neighbors of the Paternos, and she raised a bevy of Nittany Lion backers. One year, her Christmas present to all the male cousins was to buy a season pass to the football games, taking each of us to one. It was through her job that the best Gramelissa story came to be. It was not long after the family moved to State College; most of her kids were still in high school or lower. Penn State had a notable defense even back then,
Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022
JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE under Paterno’s predecessor, Rip Engle. Among the players was a young Rosey Grier. Rosey, grandma used to tell us, would come in the week after a win — which, even then, was most of the time — pick her up and carry her around the office. We never knew if it was true or not, but it made for a great story. Flash forward three dozen years or so, and Grier is now an ordained minister and inspirational speaker. He was making a visit to the Susquehanna Valley; I was on night shift doing sports for The Daily Item. Rosey was to give
an interview to one of our reporters the night before he spoke. When he called the office, the reporter was finishing an obituary, and I was lucky enough to take the call. Rather than putting Rosey on hold, I asked him: Is my grandma’s story true? “I’m sure it is,” he admitted. “I did some crazy things back then.” And so, one of my lasting memories of my grandmother is one that I never saw — never could have seen. The Gentle Giant, once a member of the NFL’s Fearsome Foursome, carrying her around Rec Hall.
A few more of us with Gramelissa, seated, but still a small number — I recall her favorite chair in her apartment in State College. By now her brood included girls (the first three were boys); I’m on the right.
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JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE
My first win
Carter Hosler Finally it was Saturday, which means it is race day, my favorite day of the week. I can’t wait to race tonight. My Pap and I will be going to Penns Creek Raceway Park. It is a beautiful day out and a good day to race. I need to make sure I have everything in the trailer and ready to go before my Pap gets here to hook up the trailer. When 2 p.m. rolls around Pap shows up and hooked up the trailer. Then, we headed out the road. We had a 45-minute drive to get to the track. We first had to stop for gas for the truck and ice for the cooler. We pulled into the store parking lot, and Pap said, “Go get us a couple drinks.” I said “Okay, I will.” I got back to the truck and we were ready to go. We finally rolled into the track at 3 p.m. Hot laps started at 5. Pap and I unloaded the trailer, put the canopy up and hooked up the generator. Pap said “Better go get registered for your class.” So I went up to the registration building and entered in the class Predator 410, and pulled pill 5, a pretty good number to start up in the heat race. I went back to the trailer and told Pap the good news. He replied “Great, now all you have to do is win this race.” I said, “I’m gonna try,
222
“I saw my Pap giving me hand signals to get going. I knew I had to go. I saw five laps to go and I was slowly catching him. I knew I could get to him.” Carter Hosler Describing the race he won at Penns Creek Raceway Park 222
Pap.” I knew the pressure was on to try and win this race. It was hot lap time and I had to make five good laps to get some data for the heat race. I ran hot laps and the cart felt good. It handled well. I came off and Pap said, “You looked better and better every lap out there. That cart was moving.” I was happy the cart was good for the heat race. I went to the lineup board and I saw I started second in my heat race. I was thrilled. Alright, it was time to get ready for the heat race. I got it all ready, got to the grid and put the cart down, got my helmet and jacket on and got in my cart. I was ready to race. Pap said “Good luck! Go get them.” They called my class to the track and I got to the outside for the start. The green flag was waving. It was time to go racing for 10 laps. I fell into second and rode beside the leader until the last lap. I tried to pass and he got me by a nose at the line.
It was a close race but I wasn’t happy with second. I wanted to win. I told myself I was gonna win this feature. Pap was proud with a second-place finish. He knew we could win the feature. It was feature time at the Theater of Speed. I was making sure the cart was in tip-top shape and ready to race. Pap was putting the tires on as we were chatting. He said, “Go out here and show these boys how it’s done.” I said, “Will do, Pap.” I know he really wanted me to win this race. He wanted to be standing in victory lane and getting pictures taken. I pushed the cart up the grid to get ready for the feature. Pap and I were talking. He said, “Go out there and have fun and try to win this thing.” He fired up the motor and I headed for the track. I rolled and I started second. The green was out. I was on the outside and I got passed by everyone and fell back to last. I only
had 14 laps to get back to the front. I passed three carts and I was back to third. I was pushing second place around the track and with seven laps to go, I passed him. The leader was a straight away ahead of me. I knew I had some work to do to catch up to him. I knew I had the faster cart. I just had to use my head and stay calm. I saw my Pap giving me hand signals to get going. I knew I had to go. I saw five
laps to go and I was slowly catching him. I knew I could get to him. Three laps to go and I was on his bumper. I just had to wait for the right time to pass him. Two laps to go and I knew I had to pass him the next lap. Coming to the white flag the guy left the bottom and I knew this was my chance. I stuck my nose underneath him coming into the corner. I had him and then I knew it was over. I knew I had won the race.
I came around to the checkered flag and my Pap’s hands in the air clapping. I knew he was happy. I came off the track and he came over to me and he said “That, there was some driving.” He kept hugging me. He said “Let s get to victory lane.” I said, “Let’s go!” We got pictures and called it a night. It was a good day at the track with Pap. Time for next week at the track.
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The Sentinel
8—Lewistown, PA
Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022
JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE
A granddaughter and grandmother
Doris Miller I have been blessed with great-grandparents and grandparents. My great-grandma, Ida Miller, lived close to my home. Every day I rode my bike to her farm. She made everything fun. She cooked on a cook stove, always had a garden and raised animals. I used to enjoy going to her house and gathering eggs with her. No modern convenience! If she wanted water, we went to the porch and hand pumped a pitcher of water. And of course, the little white house covered in flowers in the corner of the yard, the outhouse. Lots of reading material there (ha, ha!). She instilled strong beliefs of faith in me. She got me started going to church. She didn’t drive, she walked to church,
down the cow path, across the creek and up a hill to Pine Glen Church of the Brethren. She asked me to go with her and if I did she would have a little surprise for me! I was about 5 years old. I did. We went in and sat near the front. After a little while she got in her purse and said, “Here is something for you.” She pulled out a clean cloth hankie and she had two corners tied up. Inside the corners were two pink lozenges, one for her and one for me. Every Sunday she had a pink lozenge for me and for her during the sermon. I still attend Pine Glen and I often think of her on Sunday mornings. And yes, I still carry some peppermints in a zipper bag in my purse for the sermon! My other grandmother,
Dorothy Yoder, lived nearby too. I often rode my bike to her home or just stopped in on my way to Longfellow Playground during the summer. She always had Popsicles for us kids. It was a lot of fun just sitting on her porch and talking about anything. Also, every Sunday afternoon we would go to Grandma Yoder’s and visits with aunts, uncles and cousins. As supper time came around Grandma got bread, lunch meat, cheese and chips for all of us. I think lunch meat was the only thing she didn’t put sugar on. Grandma put sugar on everything! She kept the sugar bowl on her stove. There were many good family times there. See Miller / Page 9
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JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE Share your engagement, wedding, anniversary and birth announcements! Send them to living@lewistownsentinel.com, or pick up a form at our office
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Doris Miller fulfills the role of grandmother today to her grandson, above. On the facing page, Doris stands between her grandmothers, Dorothy Yoder, left, and Ida Miller.
Miller
Continued from Page 8
Looking back I can say I was so fortunate to have my grandparents in my life. Now, 65-plus years later, I am a grandmother. My heart is so full of love for my grandson. They don’t live around here but thanks to mod-
ern technology we talk on Facetime every morning. I always read him one or two stories, talk a little bit about our day and what “memories” he made. Sometimes he shows me his block towers or how fast his race cars go. I was so blessed to be a great-granddaughter, a granddaughter but best of all is being a grandmother.
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Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022
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Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022
Lewistown, PA—11
JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE
Grandfather was a sports legend
Alex Ufema
By GREG WILLIAMS Sentinel correspondent The name still rings a bell after all these years, not to mention the face. Then there’s the game ball from an infamous victory over a former arch rival that forever changed the lore of Lewistown Area High School football and saved its legendary coach’s job. “I have the game ball from that third game against Huntingdon (in
1958) on display at Shy Bear Brewing because of what has concreted my family’s legacy in Mifflin County going forward of trying to do better and be better every day,” says Jason Ufema, who owns the brewery. “It’s strange to think what may never have happened to our family if he lost that game,” he said. Ufema, of course, is the grandson of Alex Ufema, who guided the Panthers through the Golden Age
of Lewistown football. His record was a sparkling 121-51-6 from 1946 to 1963. Included in that magical run were three perfect seasons —1951 and 1957-58 — as well as a string of Western Conference and Susquehanna League championships. There was one thing Coach Ufema heard more than any other when he was hired as Lewistown High’s head football coach in 1946. The one thing the local school
board wanted more than anything. “From day one, beat Huntingdon! You’ve got three years to do it or else,” so the story goes. In year one, the Panthers suffered through the agony of defeat, year two they forged a tie and finally, year three brought the thrill of victory. Lewistown reeled off 24 straight wins from 1957 to 1959 and had two players named to the All-State first team: Fred
Stoicheff in 1958 and Jack “Gytch” Searer in 1959. Ufema’s 1956 to 1959 teams were the most dominant. Lewistown went 36-3, losing to Tyrone and Huntingdon in 1956 and Lock Haven in 1959. The 1957 Panthers went a perfect 9-0, allowing only 13 points all season. The 1958 squad amassed 455 points in 10 games. Seven regulars received full scholarships
to Division I schools: Ralph Baker (Penn State), Harold “Junior” Powell (Penn State), Jack Searer (Iowa), Gary Sprout (Colorado), Stoicheff (Penn), William Swineford (Bucknell) and Jack Henderson (Maryland, for wrestling). Coach Ufema stepped down after the 1963 gridiron campaign. He also was a successful basketball coach during his tenure at Lewistown, See Ufema / Page 12
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Alex Ufema, right, with Penn State coach Joe Paterno at a banquet honoring Ralph Baker in 1969. Both coached Baker, who went on to win a Super Bowl with the New York Jets. 1 1 Please carefully proof your document before saving in cart
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Ufema
Continued from Page 11
winning consecutive Mountain League titles in 1954 and 1955. Ufema, who also coached at Beaver Falls and Bentleyville, made a name for himself at Lewistown and was beloved by the community. “Every time, we went out he always ran into someone that played football for him,” says Alex, who proudly shares his grandfather’s first name. “There was always a sense of awe, respect and appreciation from
JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE everyone he came in contact with.” One of the most respected scholastic coaches in the state, Ufema was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 1989. His career record was 274-96, according to the Hall’s website. This past fall, he also was posthumously inducted into the new Mifflin County Sports Hall of Fame. “My grandfather had a presence that was undeniable,” Jason adds. “His former students tell me that he could simply walk in the room, and they would pipe down.”
222
The 1958 squad amassed 455 points in 10 games. Seven regulars received full scholarships to Division I schools: Ralph Baker (Penn State), Harold “Junior” Powell (Penn State), Jack Searer (Iowa), Gary Sprout (Colorado), Fred Stoicheff (Penn), William Swineford (Bucknell) and Jack Henderson (Maryland, for wrestling). Alex Ufema’s coaching legacy 222
Ufema played college ball at Waynesburg, which played the top teams in the country. In 1932, Waynesburg defeated Penn State 7-6. Ufema died in 1994, but his memory lives on
through the Alex Ufema Award, which is presented annually to Mifflin County’s top scholastic football player as chosen by members of local media, coaches and other school officials.
Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022
The Sentinel
Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022
JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE
My best friend
Abigaile Berrier My Gram was my favorite person in the world. Each time I needed someone she would always be right there with me. When I needed a shoulder to cry on she was there, when I needed a buddy she was there. I was an evil child when I was younger. I would do anything really to be with her. I would pretend I don’t feel good to get out of school so my parents would
have to drop me off over at her house. She would always be a sweetheart and ask if I wanted any breakfast or if I wanted to play teacher or babysitter. She had this neighbor named Poewee and she was a nice lady. We all would play teacher together in the laundry room and I would always make them do work. After that I would go into Gram’s and I would always get out all her dishcloths and would grab the
stuffed animals and toys she had for me and would play babysitter. I would always have towels on the floor and blankets for them like if it were a real-life scenario. She always told me to make sure I put those away or I would never be able to play with them again so I did just that. Gram and I would always go sit out at the gazebo and sit and talk to one another while looking at the flower newwindows4me.com
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beds she had and the trees going back and forth. Me and Gram also used to walk around the butterfly trees and would catch beautiful butterflies. She was the person that made me love butterflies. I always had a blast over at Gram’s. She was my best friend in the whole wide world and I could never have ever asked for a better friend than her. I will forever miss you Gram!
Lewistown, PA—13
14—Lewistown, PA
The Sentinel
Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022
Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022
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Lewistown, PA—15
JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE
Her family’s history
Mordine Beers Editor’s note: One of the most unique contributions we received is a booklet provided by Mordine Beers, her grandfather’s diary from the early 20th century. After her introduction is the author’s introduction and initial entry in the diary, and then the final entry, along with closing notes from the author. In the name of preserving history, no changes have been made to the diary’s wording, which may differ from language as we use it today.
munity with family and friends, he shared his Moses journey, surviving the best way he could. There’s no end to our lives if we had learned from our relatives as I have. This diary made me proud to know about him and to cherish the memories. Can say this should be a part of our history’s recorded life of those pioneers here in Pennsylvania. I’m proud to share his story for all those who know of the freedoms we hold dear here in the Great USA, never forget those before you. As my Grandmother would say “Oh, everything will be alright tomorrow!”
ship, Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. The house in which he was born was a stone house along the Juniata river. In the days of the stagecoach it was known as the Java Inn. The house was at that time owned by Grandpap’s Grandfather, David Henry Fisher. This house as it turns out, was the same inn where years earlier a man who had robbed a bank in Bedford, chose to stay, as he had been shot during the robbery. This is where the police had cornered him. So as the story goes, when my Grandfather’s mother, Mertie said she was afraid to stay there because she heard noises at night and said the place was haunted, David moved them into what was known as the white See Beers / Page 16
First I will give most credit to my cousin’s wonderful compiling of our Grandpap Charles Henry Fisher’s “Memorandum” of Huntington, Chapter 1 Pa., where he lived, farmMy Grandfather, ing around what is now Charles Henry Fisher Raystown Dam, the year was born October 27th 1918 through 1927. 1895 in Lincoln TownIt was not good farming country, but he made do! Here is a generous gift that came from Grandmother’s minding her way of telling the story of his entries into this diary as a way of keeping his finances and businesses in order. He was tax collector, school deacon, was an undertaker’s helper and paid the preacher his dues whenever possible collection provided. In Fresh Flower Arrangements his community he raised hogs, sheep and beef to Gifts for Any Occasion share! He even shared a mule, plowed friends’ 129 S. Main St., Ste 200 fields. I could go on and Lewistown, Pa 17044 • 717-248-9683 on how in this small com-
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Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022
JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE
Beers
Grandpap didn’t call his book a diary but a memorandum. For the Continued from Page 15 most part, he tells of what he did that day and how house. This is where Mer- much he made or owed. tie stayed till the day of He did on occasion, give her death. a personal comment, Grandpap was one of however brief. four children born to Sam SEPTEMBER 1918 Houston Fisher and Minnie Mertie Cunningham. Sun 1 At home all day. He had a younger brother Mon 2 Went to Sam and two sisters, Elsie Huntingdon in forenoon and Ada. and picked apples for ciGrandpap’s diary be- der in afternoon gins in 1918. At this time Tues 3 Made cider and he was married to my got enough seed wheat Grandmother Minnie from Ruben Hall to sow Mae Brindle, born No- 10 acres vember 25th 1897. She Wed 4 Made apple buthad already given birth ter to two daughters, Martha Thurs 5 Sowed 7 1/2 and Helen. acres of wheat rained in When they had mar- afternoon ried, their parents set Fri 6 Cut buckwheat 9 them up on a ridge farm acres on what is now the Lake Sat 7 Went to spruce Raystown Resort. They creek wife and me finish rented it from the water sowing wheat 10 acres company. Like so many Sun 8 Went from at that time, he worked Spruce Creek to Altoona at whatever he could find. and back to Spruce Creek Farming on the dirt poor Mon 9 Came home ridges just couldn’t supTues 10 Cut buckwheat port a family alone. and harrowed
Wed 11 Cut buckwheat with binder Thurs 12 Cut buckwheat all day Fri 13 Set up buckwheat in forenoon harrowed in afternoon Sat 14 Drilled wheat 5 1/2 acres Sun 15 At home all day Mon 16 Drilled on island for S.H. Fisher seven hours Tues 17 Set up buckwheat and cut wood Wed 18 Thrashed at Ketterman’s and delivered share of oats to mill Thurs 19 Cut corn Fri 20 Rained all day Sat 21 Cut corn Sun 22 Went out to Harry Brindle’s Mon 23 Plowed for S.H. Fisher with his team eight hours Tues 24 Finished plowing for him drilled four acres for him Wed 25 Drilled 1 1/4 acres for S.H. Fisher Grant Crum and me hauled in buckwheat in afternoon for myself Thurs 26 Drilled 1 1/3 See Beers / Page 17
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Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022
Lewistown, PA—17
JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE
Beers
Thurs 9 – – – – Fri 10 Plowed Sat 11 plowed Continued from Page 16 Sun 12 Went to Church and Sunday school acres of rye and husked Mon 13 Sowed clover corn seed 8 acres went down to Entriken got ten bags So that pretty much of fertilizer Hauled it in shows the flow of Grand- car in two trips pap’s diary. When he speaks of working for That is all he wrote. S.H. Fisher, that would be He has Oct 1927, 21 got his brother. Samuel Hous- Dearborn tire from Sears ton was the third born to Roebuck $5.98. UnderSam and Mertie. When neath, in large writing he speaks of Harry Brin- “Move 1927”. And that is dle, of course he’s talking how he ends it. about Grandmom’s faI’m assuming this was ther. Grant Crum was the time they moved married to his sister Ada, to Hesston for whatevor as he always referred er reason. Aunt Helen to her, Ade. We’ll be told me she had gone to hearing about other fam- school for a time at Redily members and neigh- stone Ridge school. That bors, but usually only as school is still standing, in reference to work. though unused for anyI won’t venture to write thing, but still in good every entry, just the high- shape. It, like the Enlights, but I do want to trekin school is brick. do most of it as he wrote He didn’t sell the Ridge it, so the reader can feel farm, for they moved somewhat his thoughts. back there and were At this time he owned living there when they no car. He did his plowing moved down to the last and so forth, with mules. homestead in 1942. We will learn their names, There are some other but he never speaks of his entries throughout the children, nor does he call book, but they are ledgers Grandma anything but he kept which he titled the wife. If they wanted In Account With. A lot of to go very far, his father the entries dealt with his Sam would take them in sister Ada. Some were his car. for coal some for calves ••• some Milk check, most just simply “By Cash”. APRIL 1925 What that all means I Wed 1 Plowed for oats couldn’t begin to say, but Thurs 2 Rained Albert across each is written “ Brindle came up helped Settled”. out put in set of transmisWell it’s been an insion liners Father came teresting journey. I feel up after wagon got Bu I know Grandpap a little of potatoes sawed some better. He worked hard, wood Wed 8 Grip See Beers / Page 19
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18—Lewistown, PA
Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022
JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE
Memories of our great-grandmother
Blanche Esther Carson Peachey We three sisters are happy to share some memories of our great-grandmother. “Great-Grandma” was a mouthful for a child to say, so we just called her Gugga. The photo we’ve provided is one of the last photos taken of her in her home. She’s holding her first great-great-grandchild, Brian. This is how we remember her: sitting in her favorite chair, wearing a dress with a bib apron over top. Gugga loved God with her whole heart. We’d often overhear her whispering prayers to God throughout the day. And she cherished her family and church. She was one of those dear old ladies who always wore a hat to church. She never gossiped and was soft spoken. We never heard her raise her voice; even her laughter was quiet. She didn’t watch much television, but she did enjoy watching her Yankees play baseball. She never missed watching the Triple Crown of horse racing, the Lawrence Welk show, and the Billy Graham crusades. Witnessing all the people coming forward at the end of the services while listening to the hymn “Just as I am” left quite an impression on us all. We were young kids during the Vietnam war years, but old enough to remember our pastor bringing Gugga the names and addresses of soldiers from
our church so she could send them news from home. She always used a quill pen that she dipped into an ink well (she never owned a ballpoint pen). Her handwriting was exquisite. The day before each Memorial Day, she would buy flowers to decorate the graves. (Our family continues that tradition today, at the Lutheran cemetery in Belleville.) Gugga was a wonderful cook and pie maker. She made the world’s best pot pie. One thing she made especially for us girls was chocolate rice pudding that she served as dessert at suppers we ate at her table. Included with the place settings was a beverage cup in each of our favorite color. Another memory we have is that on the night before a holiday meal, Gugga would set the dining room table for the next day and would lay another tablecloth over top of everything to keep the place settings clean. Included beside each dinner plate was a little crystal salt dip. Her favorite game was Scrabble and she made braided rugs. She also custom designed and made hooked rugs. Her rug frame was setup in a little outbuilding that in times past was her wash house. She enjoyed music: on warm summer evenings we’d often gather on her front porch and sing songs like “Down in the Valley.”
Another thing that stands out in our memories is watching her wind her clocks: a pendulum wall clock in the living room and a mantle clock in her kitchen. The mantle clock was her first Christmas gift from her husband as a new bride in 1911. Before she married, Gugga was a schoolteacher in a one-room schoolhouse. When she would reminisce about her teaching days, she’d inevitably sing the song, “Twenty Froggies Went to School.” We can still remember the tune to that little song from so long, long ago! As a schoolteacher, she had a special bell that she rang to call the children back inside after recess. Over the years people would gift her with bells, most little, some quite tiny, and she wound up with a nice-sized bell collection. Family thought it was quite appropriate that she collected bells, because she was from Belleville, after all. Gugga never learn to drive. She never needed to — there were plenty of other drivers in the family. But she really enjoyed car rides and reminiscing. Her daughter (our grandmother) would take Gugga and us girls on drives around the valley. Our great-grandma would point out places of interest. She showed us many places that were significant to our family like where her grandmother
lived during the American Civil War, where her daughters were born, etc. These trips gave us girls a sense that our roots run deep since at least six generations of our family has lived their lives in and around the Belleville area. She also pointed out various one-room schoolhouses that in her time were public schools where English and Amish all attended classes together. We rarely slept overnight at her house, but when we did, we’d watch See Peachey / Page 21
One of the last photos taken of great-grandmother Peachey, holding her first great-great-grandchild, Brian.
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Beers
Continued from Page 17
was social, got his spiritual life together, strived to provide for his family, but I get the feeling he wasn’t all that involved with his wife or his chil-
Lewistown, PA—19
JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE dren. My father, I know, felt he learned a lot from him, and yet never really felt a closeness with him. But perhaps, as was the case so often in those days, there just wasn’t the time or the energy left to invest in the children. I remember a story
Grandma told me about Uncle Bud. When he was still a baby in dresses, she just couldn’t keep track of him. After all, she also had a great deal of work to do. She said he was always wandering off, sometimes as far as the neighbors, and believe
me they weren’t close. So one day she got so disgusted with him, she set the bed leg down on his dress. She said that worked real good cause the bed was too heavy for him to pull away from. Grandpap and Grandma both left a legacy, I think
they would be proud of. Was it all sugar and spice, by no means, but lessons were taught and passed down. The legacy of a strong faith in God, a strong sense of family and a strong sense of pride in work and a pride in the country we call home. I
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for one am happy Pap left us his Memorandum, it too is a legacy we can be proud of.
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Lewistown, PA—21
JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE
Peachey
He was my superhero
Continued from Page 18
Brian Carson Brian Carson was a member of The Sentinel‘s sports staff and continues to write as a correspondent. On Page 57, he tells the story of his wife Maria‘s grandparents, who inspired her as she was groing up in Italy. LEWISTOWN — My grandfather wasn’t a famous athlete, a world-renowned celebrity, or a billionaire business owner. No, my grandfather wasn’t any of these. He was so much more. William Edward Price, my mother’s father, was my superhero. A real-life Superman ripped from the pages of the comics. He was everything in my eyes and still is, even though he’s been gone for 40 years. His legacy is lasting in my heart. He couldn’t leap tall buildings in a single bound, and he, most assuredly, wasn’t faster than a speeding bullet. His abilities were far more significant. His superpowers were his passion for living, his gift for storytelling, and the love he had for his family. My grandfather was my father figure, mentor and role model. My dad died in 1969 when I was only 2 1/2 years old, and grandpa took his place. He moved in with us after he retired from Standard Steel. He gave advice throughout my formative
years, taught me lessons by example, and was there for me whenever I needed him. His wealth of experience and richness of knowledge was invaluable, even though I didn’t appreciate it until I got older. He lived through the depression, two World Wars, and saw man land on the moon. Incredible. My favorite memories are sitting on his lap while he weaved stories from his rich imagination. Tales of snakes bigger than houses, adventures on the high seas, and chapters from his own life were daily occurrences. No one could tell a story like my grandfather. Because of him, I became a writer and a lover of books. He was an avid reader, and so am I. He loved life. I never remember hearing a depressing word come from his mouth. Every day was
a rich tapestry of delight for him. He stayed young at heart, even playing football with us in the backyard into his mid-seventies. I can close my eyes and picture it like it was yesterday, my Saturday jaunts with Pap. I would get an allowance of one dollar a week for doing chores, and we would walk, hand-in-hand, either to Havice’s store, where I would get a Wible Red Cream Soda and a Marathon candy bar. God, I miss those Marathon bars. Or we’d head over to Abie Walker’s in Burnham, where I would buy four comic books. They were only a quarter each back in the ’70s. I would devour them over the weekend. Fun times and glorious memories for me to have. Eventually, time and ar-
thritis took away the vigor of my grandfather. He lost mobility and spent his last five years confined to a chair. He may have lost freedom of movement, but not his enthusiasm and love of life. The latter years of his life and how he handled it taught me many lessons. The dignity and grace he carried himself, his cheerful spirit through times of adversity, and his undying love of family. He died in his sleep, at peace with the world and himself, in 1982. My grandfather’s favorite saying was, “There is only one success ... to be able to spend your life in your own way.” William Edward Price lived and embodied those words for 85 years. He was a genuine success in every sense of the word. And I am proud to call him my grandfather.
her take the bun out of her hair and make two little braids before she climbed into bed. This was her nightly ritual for more than 90 years.
We have so many precious memories. This was a fun trip down memory lane. Thanks for joining us on this journey! Blanche Esther Carson Peachey, 1888 to 1985. Sincerely, Blanche’s great-granddaughters: Melody, Betsy and Nancy.
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Just a big kid
Brian Heckert By GREG WILLIAMS Sentinel correspondent Brian Heckert might have just turned the big 6-0, but his grandchildren certainly make him feel like a kid again. “I have fun with them and let them know they are important,” Heckert says of his three grandchildren: Jailyn Dixon, 12; Kolt Dixon, 10; and Brooks Heckert, 1 1/2. “I ask about their day and the sports they participate in as well as their school activities,” he says. Does “Pappy Heck” have a secret for connecting with the youngsters? “Not really, I just act like a big kid with them.” Family time is very special for Brian and his grandkids, especially during this difficult period. He cherishes the time spent with each of them. “We have games that I played as a kid and we now play those with the grandkids — vintage games,” Brian explains of games like Tip-It, Park and Shop, Aurora Derby, Battling Tops and Skittle Score Ball. Those also have epic battles on the foosball table, with Kolt and Brian’s fiancee, Tina Walls, teaming up against Jailyn and Brian. “It got real intense,” Brian says. “I guess they did get their competitiveness from me.”
Of course, he never sees them as much as he’d like, especially Brooks, who lives in Hanover, Md, with Brian’s son Sean and his wife Morgan. “I don’t see them near enough for me, but as they get older they are very busy,” Brian says. “I see Jailyn about once or twice a week. I see Kolt everyday when he gets off the school bus, which is the greatest part of my day. He comes running to the house. “I thought he was just excited to see me ... only to find out it was for the Reese’s (Peanut Butter) Cups in the fridge,” he adds. “Brooks, I see every six weeks, but we Facetime every week with him. He remembers when we see him. He comes right over for a horse ride on both Pap and Grammy’s knee. He’s tries to make the clicking (horseshoe sound) with his tongue.” The current health situation also delayed Brian’s first meeting with young Brooks. One other interest Brian shares with his grandkids is his love of sports, especially Penn State football. A former basketball and football coach, Brian was thrilled that the oldest two have taken a liking to athletics. “Jailyn plays field hockey and loves to See Heckert / Page 23
From left, Brooks Heckert, Jailyn Dixon and Kolt Dixon. Grandfather Brian Heckert says family time is very special for Brian and his grandkids, especially during this difficult period. He cherishes the time spent with each of them. Facing page, Heckert and Kolt.
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Heckert
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read,” Brian says. “Kolt lives and breathes soccer 24-7. Brooks likes to play with blocks and knows as many words and numbers in Spanish as he does in English.” No matter how hard he’s tried, “Pappy Heck” cannot get Kolt to touch a football. “It’s all soccer,” Brian says. “Trust me, he did not get that from me. I tease him he could be a football kicker.” Brian and Tina try to help with grandkid sitting whenever possible.
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“I just act like a big kid with them.” Brian Heckert On how his grandchildren make him feel young again. 222
“The first year (of pandemic) was difficult, but we helped out with remote learning, so (daughter) Jamie and Garrett could work,” he says. Brian’s daughter, Jamie Dixon, lives in Lewistown, along with Jailyn, Kolt and husband Garrett. He says it’s nice having Jailyn and Kolt living in
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Mifflin County. Needless to say, Brian is equally proud of all three of the grandkids. “Obviously, I am very proud of them in everything they do,” he says. “I hope they continue on the right path and have a very bright future to look forward to.” He always tries to make each one feel just as special as the other. “I have fun with them and let them know they are important and ask
about their day and the sports they participate in as well as school activities,” he says. No matter how hard he tries, though, his grandkids always seem to put “Pappy Heck” in his place. “The one thing I do with my grandson, Kolt, is when they are leaving after school he rolls down the window and yells, ‘See ya, old man!’” Brian just laughs. It warms a grandfather’s heart.
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Ron Hart (holding plaque) when he was named a Melvin Jones Fellow by the Lions Clubs International Foundation. Granddaughter Lexie Gilson is fourth from the right in the front row.
What her grandfather gave her
Lexie Gilson Many people inherit things from their family members. Some inherit their eye color or face shape, but what I inherited from my grandfather, Ronald Hart, isn’t something that can be seen. I inherited his stubbornness, determination, and refusal to give up. As a child, my grandfather did not have an easy life. He grew up on a farm and after his father went to war he decided to drop out of high school to help take care of it. However, when his grandfather found out he was furious and told him he needed to go back to school. My grandfather agreed and ended up attending
Shippensburg University as a first-generation college student. There, he wrestled from freshman to his senior year. After college, my grandfather got a job teaching at Tuscarora Valley High School. He taught there for many years, coaching basketball, baseball and soccer before it closed. He then got a job at Juniata High School, where he taught for the remainder of his career. At Juniata, he coached the wrestling team. He coached for 34 years, helping multiple wrestlers take home district championships, and guiding numerous wrestlers
to states as well. While teaching at Juniata he also coached the boys’ basketball team for seven years. After retirement, my grandfather remains an active member of the community. He has been a member of the Blairs Mills Lions Club for 61
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a little girl. Most people with Cerebellar Ataxia are not able to walk, however, he refuses to accept not walking, so every day he walks on the treadmill and up and down the stairs to get to his room. Some call my grandfather a medical phenomenon, however, I call him determined.
The Sentinel Ron Hart (back, fourth from left) with one of his Juniata wrestling teams.
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Gilson
Continued from Page 24
Ada Carson
You were the most amazing grandmother ever. You were so loving and caring and always made me laugh. I love and miss you so much. —Brittany Hagan
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My favorite person
Alyvia Risban My Gram was my favorite person in the world. Each time I needed someone she would always be right there with me. When I needed a shoulder to cry on she was there, when I needed a buddy she was there. I was an evil child when I was younger. I would do anything really to be with her. I would pretend I don’t feel good to get out of school so my parents would have to drop me off over at her house. She would always be a sweetheart and ask if I wanted any breakfast or if I wanted to play teacher or babysitter. She had this neighbor named Poewee and she was a nice lady. We all would play teacher together in the laundry room and I would always make them do work. After that I would go into Gram’s and I would always get out all her dishcloths and would grab the stuffed animals
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and toys she had for me and would play babysitter. I would always have towels on the floor and blankets for them like if it were a real-life scenario. She always told me to make sure I put those away or I would never be able to play with them again so I did just that. Gram and I would always go sit out at the gazebo and sit and talk to one another while looking at the flower beds she had
and the trees going back and forth. Me and Gram also used to walk around the butterfly trees and would catch beautiful butterflies. She was the person that made me love butterflies. I always had a blast over at Gram’s. She was my best friend in the whole wide world and I could never have ever asked for a better friend than her. I will forever miss you Gram!
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Fortunate to have known them
Ruth Eddy
Ruth Eddy is publisher of quite an adventure that we enjoyed. The Sentinel. I could tell you stories As I think about my about how my Gram took grandparents, I was fortu- care of her family despite circumstances, nate to know three of mine difficult about how she owned and very well. My maternal grand- operated two restaurants, mother was “Grammy about how she took in a Davis” or “Gram” to her nephew when he didn’t 18 grandchildren. Gram’s have a place to stay, and house was always filled about how sweet and kind with fun, laughter, love she was. As for me, I will aland the best aromas of ways remember how wonfood. I think there was al- derful it was to spend time ways something cooking with her. As for my paternal or baking in her house ... homemade bread, cakes, grandparents, we moved pies, and complete meals. in beside them when I was It didn’t matter if she was just 4 years old. Gram and using an old ceramic stove Pap Shearer lived there at her cabin or the regular until I was in college. They stove in her kitchen, every- had a farm in Juniata County prior to that. They had a thing always tasted great. I remember many Sun- very large garden between day afternoons spent en- our house and theirs. One whole section of joying a marvelous meal at Grammy’s house. One the garden was plantof my favorite dishes was ed with strawberries. My stuffed beef flank and she brother and I picked a lot would often make it for me of strawberries over the years. A ripe strawberry, on my birthday. Grammy and I shared a fresh off of the vine, has love for shopping. There such a sweet taste. We were many trips to stores would make homemade where we would shop for strawberry ice cream and clothes. Gram and my strawberry shortcake. We mother would take turns would also cut and freeze a entertaining my brother lot of strawberries. Despite who wasn’t fond of shop- eating them nearly every day in my youth, I still love ping. We would usually end up strawberries. Gram and Pap Shearer eating a pretzel or popcorn along the way. I just loved also had a lot of flowers being with her. I remember planted around their house. traveling to State College to One of my jobs was to washop and going to a restau- ter them. I still enjoy the rant known for its burgers beauty of flowers around and milk shakes. The wait- my own home. Gramma Shearer and I resses came to your car to get your order. That was worked on a lot of projects.
I painted ceramic plaques, made jewelry, canned food and learned how to sew there. She had worked in a sewing factory and could sew about anything. In fact, she made beautiful wedding and bridesmaid’s dresses. I never became that proficient at it, but I did make a sun dress in 4-H. Pap was a quiet man, who worked hard. He taught himself how to play an organ/piano without reading music, or as some might say, “to play by ear.” I loved to hear him play. He and my grandmother would sing at church. Given that he wasn’t outgoing, I know it must have been difficult for him to sing in front of people, but he had a pleasing deep voice. I didn’t inherit the ability to sing, but I did take a few Ruth, center, sharing a moment with her brother and her Grammy Davis. piano lessons and I could muddle through some basic songs on a piano. I always enjoyed going to Gram and Pap Shearer’s house and all of the projects we would get into. It was fun to hear about stories from their childhoods and the farm. I knew how much they loved us and that they were always there for us. It is interesting to see Stephen D. King-Supervisor, Director how each of the three grandparents helped to Roger G. Barr, Director shape my life. I feel so very fortunate to have had each of them play a significant role in my life. If I am ever 120 Logan Street, Lewistown PA a grandparent, I hope I am 717-248-5486 • kingbarrfuneralhome@yahoo.com able to be that close with my grandchildren. I would Serving Central PA families since 1841 love for them to have those treasured memories of me.
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Passion for music shared
Natalie Popp
One particular thing that made Ronald S. Koot himself was his passion for music. It was his way to de-stress during his busy life. My grandfather had worked hard since the beginning, for his family was very poor when they lived in Windber so long ago.
He was born on June 26, 1937, and had been working his whole life toward his goals. The town of Windber was based on coal mining and brought together many different European cultures, including Polish, which was his culture. He had to strive and work
hard for everything that he had, and his smarts were unimaginable. Not only did he work hard in school, but he worked hard to earn money through music as well. He would play instruments on the weekends at clubs and weddings such as the trumpet, accordion, vibes and the piano, for which he took lessons. All the money he earned, he put straight into his family’s account to help his family. When he graduated from high school in 1955, he continued this love of music into the Marine Corps band when he was Sergeant he was dedicated to music as a way of life.
However, when he started to work on his studies to become a professor at Penn State, he was forced to drop his music career to focus on his studies, and would only listen to music, specifically jazz, but not play. He researched heavily at the Penn State campus in State College and was able to tell you almost anything that you wanted to know. He was especially intelligent when it came to predicting what would happen in politics, and with the stock market, and it almost seemed as though he was all knowing. See Popp / Page 31
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However, when he retired from his job as a professor, he decided that listening to jazz music was not enough for him. Music had been such a big part of his life, and he wanted to bring it back. He started to attend piano lessons from the Music Academy in State College, and even bought a piano to go in the basement of their house. He began to practice his piano regularly and was able to enjoy creating music again, rather than just listening to it. I would sometimes hear my grandfather practicing, and listen in amazement from the top of the staircase. One day, when I was
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JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE visiting, my grandfather offered to teach me some music after finding my young self exploring the piano keys. I was overjoyed because I hoped that I would be just as skilled as him. He sat down on the bench beside me and slowly taught me the notes of the tune, “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” It took me a few tries to get it, but I was incredibly proud of myself once I had finally been able to play the whole song with no mistakes. I still remember the smile he had on his face as he looked at me, revealing that he was pleased that I had been so interested in his passion. He went on to play the tune with both hands on two octaves. This completely blew my mind, for
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I could not fathom how he was able to play two things at once. After I saw this, I got the urge to pursue music with the same admiration and hard work as him. His dedication to what created his joy was the most admirable thing. I began to realize that I could
not live without music either. I wanted to put as much effort into my music as he did. I ended up joining the band as a percussionist as soon as I entered the fifth grade, and have stuck with it ever since. In middle school, I even decided to
join my school’s jazz band to play the bass keyboard, and I am still in it to this day. Even though I might never be as good as my grandfather while playing, I still strive to do my best and work on my passion for music as well, whether it be through dancing,
singing, or playing an instrument. My grandfather, Ronald S. Koot was the most talented, dedicated, and the most admirable person that I had ever known. He passed away at the age of 79 on Feb. 17, 2017, after battling cancer.
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this would be the last family vacation they are going on. My grandma had leukemia at the time and she was not feeling the best. Due to my grandpa’s back it would be hard for him to sit in a car for at least eight hours. My grandma made sure that I understood that I would still be able to see them. Since I have to work in the summers I do not have much time to see them. Little did I know my grandma and I spent most of the week together since we knew it was going to be our last time at the beach together.
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Precious memories can’t be taken
Mary Lou Spade
My name is Mary Lou Spade. Some people might know me as “The Hot Dog Lady.” I once was married to Gary Spade — now deceased — with two surviving children, Antoinette Spade and Moses Spade, and four surviving grandchildren. Two belonging to each child. Owen Spade is 16 years old; he was the first grandchild born into our family. Belonging to our only son Moses and his wife Kendra. I was able to witness his birth coming into this world. I named him “Little Lovey” and Gary called him “Oee.” As a baby, I remember my Little Lovey laughing and kicking his little legs a lot. Owen is a very special grown grandson that means so much to me, he is always willing to help me, especially in time of need. When Owen was a few years younger, just learning to operate the riding mower, I asked him to mow the lawn. Missing spots here and there which caused me to chuckle. Recently, I needed help to get a bedroom suit into the house and I asked him to come down to help. With no hesitation he was willing to assist me. He now has his driver’s license and a parttime job, and also makes me chuckle by changing his hair color to blue. This generation is so different than what I was
born into. Boys would have gotten made fun of if they colored their hair blue. Cora Spade is 14 years old; the second grandchild born, Owen’s sister, who Gary named “Tinkerbell” as well as “Pappy’s ‘Little Angel,” and I named “Little Darlin.’” At very young age Cora was a very sensitive little sweetheart. Life isn’t always filled with happy, happy, joy, joy experiences. So much that when I had asked a little boy to get rid of a turtle, which I thought was a snapping turtle, Cora continued to say no, no. Cora did not want that turtle to get hurt. Of course, I being her Granny making the adult decision to prevent injury to any of the other children, the little one obeyed my decision. That was the most devastating thing that I ever had to witness. The unintentional hurt that I caused my Little Darlin’. She ran somewhere cried and cried. I thought I was doing the right thing to protect. Not Cora, she cried so hard that I had to seek forgiveness from her, in which she accepted my apology and forgave me. At a young age Cora was always outgoing, fun, thoughtful, extra sweet personality, very kind, never had a thought of unkindness in her being. She also offered to mow the lawn when I was not
physically able. Of course, she had to be taught and she did a good job. Now she is able to more things on her own. Christmas of 2021 Cora made me a pot holder which had the Holy Bible with an overlapping cross stitched on it, which really touched my heart. She knows how important Jesus is to me and it was a wonderful heartfelt gift to receive from a grandchild. Unexpectedly she takes the time to wrap her arms behind me around my neck to give me a special hug, in which I will never take for granted. She is my very special Little Darlin’! Jairemiee Kipp is 13-years-old, the third grandchild born belonging to our only daughter, Antoinette (Spade) Kipp and her recently ex-husband, Jeremy Kipp. Gary named him “Jumper” and I “Little Delightful.” I continue to call him Jumper Jairemiee to be able to distinguish between he and his father. It was totally different when their children were born. Antoinette needed help with raising the children, and she wanted her children to build a special relationship with us. Therefore, they visited with us a great deal more than Moses’ children, and the bonding of the children was much closer. Since our family had interest in playing
games Jumper was taught around 3-years-old to play, whether it be cards or board games. As Jumper became of an age to be creative — being 4- or 5-years-old (not sure), he would make things with whatever he thought of creating. The date was not applied on these inventions. For example, he gathered up toothpicks, glued them together in a square shape and made a trinket box, in which I have yet.
He enjoyed collecting knives and tinkering around. At approximately 7 years of age he tried to create a wishing well or a bird house, which is placed under a large elm tree in the yard. He used extra pieces of pre-treated cut lumber that I kept for crafts. He would also draw unique pictures freehand. When he learned to print he was very neat with the letters and numbers. I was so impressed! Jumper also enjoyed
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playing with balls, whether it be Wiffle ball, kickball or softball. He had this special stanza about him, the way he would move or stand. It reminded me of how the professionals do and how they go after the ball and not waiting for the ball to come to them. I felt he should have had a private professional ball player to take the time to train him. Near the same age he found two sturdy strong See Spade / Page 33
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Spade
Continued from Page 32
weed stems and twiddled them into a shape of a sword. He used black electrical tape to keep it together and used a piece of thin foam at the end where the arrow head was to be placed, so when used no one would get hurt. I being the concerned Nana said, “This looks too dangerous to play with,” so I placed it in the car and now use it to clean the dash where I am not able to reach. Back in the day on our travels through McAlisterville, as we passed by Cocolamus Creek Disposal’s metal junk pile he would say, “I sure would like to have a day to go through that pile.” I said, “Why would you like to do that?” He said, “So I can make stuff.” I had a notion to speak to the owners to see if he could do that. But of course, with today’s liability laws, I didn’t take the time to ask anyone. In the 2013 he went with me to set up the concession stand to sell food. I allowed him to reach into the pockets of the money bag, which was like an apron. He would assist me by giving the correct change to the customers. He also helped me to create a water pond for the neighbor’s ducks, wild animals or birds to use. Jumper enjoyed the outdoors like myself. He was a delight to have around. When Jumper was 11 years old I bought a table
Lewistown, PA—33
JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE that needed assembled and he indicated that he could assemble it. We decided to do this together. He placed all the pieces where they needed to be and we both tightened the hardware. I was so impressed! God designed and created Jumper very uniquely and is another very special grandson. He is a very studious student, earning a 96.5 GPA at East Juniata High School and is planning to join the National Honor Society. He races RC cars, enjoys playing Fortnight, and plays soccer and basketball. He is my Little Delightful! Amos-John Foster Paul Kipp is 9 years old, the fourth grandchild born, which Gary named “The Beef” and I named “Little Dumplin.’” Jumper Jairemiee’s brother. He was the chunkiest grandchild we had. As Amos-John was growing we found him to be the cuddliest one. At approximately 1or 2-years-old he would get all the toys from the toy box, would not play with them, but had them scattered all around the floor. I would say to Gary, “I don’t understand why Amos-John has to have the toys lay around and do something else.” Gary said, “He probably thinks that’s the way they should look.” He would play, and as he would play, he would take time to go to his mother or myself to give little kisses. Whether it be on our cheeks or arm wherever he could reach and go on his way again. We found that he was the
more lovable, huggy type. He also learned to play cards at a young age. I believe he was 4-years-old when he learned to play SKIPPO. Amos-John enjoyed building puzzles and coloring. It didn’t matter to him whether he stayed in the lines or not until he became a little older. In 2020 he was 7-years-old and he did not enjoy playing Fortnight nor did he like battle. He had a more sensitive heart. In 2021 their parents parted. Amos-John, his brother and mother came to live with me temporarily. He shared with me that he had nightmares each night and had a difficult time going to sleep. Each night he and I would take turns reading the Holy Bible for children, before going to sleep as well as, singing gospel songs. Amos-John enjoys driving the golf cart. We dug young trees from the forest and planted them together. The trees are surviving, yay! This year we had severe storms and high waters. He enjoys being out in the rain. He takes his shoes off to walk on the water-top grass to the creek and to enjoys the different water temperatures between his toes. He insists on carrying items to the house and he helps shoveling snow. He really enjoys assisting me. Amos-John continues to enjoy building puzzles, playing Yahtzee and card games, and he is not as cuddly. We went shopping and he chose to get two children’s ties, with
dress shirts, T-shirts and hats with color coordination. I was chuckling inside, but very impressed with his choice of designs. On Jan. 31, Stony Run Mission Church had a hymn sing event and he wanted to sing a song with me. He wore an outfit to church with the tie. He chose a song entitled, “Love Can Build a Bond” with The Judds’ music and revised lyrics. Before we sang he said, “Nana I need to go to the bathroom.” Well, when he came back I noticed he wet his hair to style it better. I just chuckled inside. Amos-John does not always want to keep his hair styled nicely — he seems to amaze me by times. He is my Dumplin’! With Owen being my Little Lovey, Cora being my Little Darlin’, Jairemiee being my Little Delightful and Amos-John being my Little Dumplin’, I just want to thank Jesus for giving me the special time and physical ability with wonderful memories to enjoy each grandchild with their own special Mary Lou Spade holds a family photo, which shows her personalities. four grandchildren.
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JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE
Snapshots
My favorite things
Dawson Meily
Nancy Dimmig This photo will always makes me smile. While I was on maternity leave we went to a few coffee shops! At this coffee shop they offered coffee flights, we did not realize we would each be getting four full size beverages! We ended up with eight cups on our table and we shared some good laughs about this. Such a wonderful memory! —Megan Sheehan
This story is about my wonderful grandma. Ever since I was little I always spent a lot of time with my grandma alongside my cousin. We always would be at her house in the summer to go swimming. I more or less lived at her house in the summer just because I loved being down there. She always would find stuff for me and my cousin to do. She even had a tree house built in her backyard for us to play on. We also went down for her food. Man, she is one
of the best cooks I’ve ever seen. We just didn’t go down to her house in the summer, we went to tons of places each year. We would always try to go somewhere or do something each summer. One year we rented out a cabin right on a lake. It was amazing. Me and my cousin would fish down at the lake while my grandma was up at the cabin making some food for us. It was one of my favorite vacations that we ever had.
One thing my cousin and my Gram and I always did was go to a store for our birthdays and pick out something we wanted for our birthdays. Then after we would go to the store we would always go to this restaurant called Shady Maple down in Lancaster. We still go out to eat for our birthdays but we don’t go shopping anymore. We more or less grew out of picking out a toy thing. And those are some of my favorite things me and my Gram did together.
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JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE
My own fairyland
Crystal Snook Fishbein
Crystal, raised just across the Mifflin County line in Bannerville, is married to Sentinel Lifestyles Editor Jeff Fishbein. Going to visit my Great Gram and Pap Snook (Hattie Vina and Jay Leroy) was like visiting my own personal fairyland. I can still hear the creak of the screen door as I entered what I think was referred to as the summer kitchen. It wasn’t the scary creak from horror movie soundtracks, but rather the creak of coming home—a sound of belonging and love. From the summer kitchen you entered the house through the back door to the kitchen. (There was a front door, but no one ever really used it. Only strangers or guests entered through that door. Family came right through the kitchen door.) Entering that kitchen was like stepping through time. The chrome edged, Formica-topped kitchen table always gleamed. The antique appliances sparkled. Immediately you would get the sense of being wrapped in love, warmth and belonging, totally safe from the outside world. The memories of my Gram Snook are somewhat sparse. I can see her in my mind’s eye as a tall thin woman with snow-white hair. She never had much to say that I can remember. She was always there and always present, but more of a supporting char-
Pappy Jay and Gram Snook. If you look behind him, you can see portraits of Crystal and her brother.
acter on my life stage. The magic that she brought to my fairyland was one of bright colors, needles and thread. She made the most beautiful quilts, mostly by hand. She probably had a sewing machine, most likely a treadle machine, but I don’t have a clear memory of a machine. I can almost see her sitting in the living room bringing scraps of fabric together with a needle in hand. I know she made quilts in various patterns. I can’t remember them all, but I do know she worked on a Sunbonnet Sue. She brought the fabrics, the pattern, and some of cut pieces to the kitchen table and showed us her vision of how it would all come together. One of her goals was to present each of her children
with a handmade quilt, then perhaps move through some of the generations. The quilt she gifted to my grandfather is a cherished heirloom. My grandparents never used it, but rather kept it in a cedar-lined chest. After they both passed, it was a scavenger hunt to find that quilt. Both my father and uncle were sure that it no longer existed. The day the quilt was located and found to be in pristine condition was one of the happiest. That quilt is now in use in my father’s home. It’s far too important to both of us to have it put away and never seen. I love to snuggle into its folds. I can close my eyes and almost feel the sense of family and love that was used to create it. Once the adults caught
up and chatted a bit, my true adventures would begin. Pappy Jay would take me out exploring. I remember an old brown and white cow with big brown eyes and a soft nose. It didn’t take much convincing to have me believe that pulling on some udders gave white milk, while others produced chocolate milk. Next stop was the hen house. I was always excited to find an egg — even though it wasn’t the golden one that I had hoped to find. All the while, Pappy Jay would tell me stories about the mundane business of keeping the hens safe. He did this in a way that made it sound like the most glorious adventure. If it was a hot summer day, we would wade in the creek to see what animal life could be found. He taught me how to find the veins of clay in the creek bed. We’d gather the clay and head to the house to turn it into animals. The most famous of these clay animals were frogs. To this day, there is a blob of dried creek clay that was fashioned into something that resembled a frog created by the hands of a small child, that resides in the attic of my father’s home. Returning to the house was not the end of the adventures. If I were very lucky, I’d get to visit the cellar. It was the most magical place of all (truth be told, it probably wasn’t much
more than an old root cellar). In that space, dandelion flowers were turned into the sweetest wine. I’d be taught how to layer the crocks, what to add to the flower heads, and how to tend the brew until it was time to start straining it. My grandfather would very
methodically and patiently strain it daily until I could see right through it. Samples of the wine would be collected and taken to the kitchen. While the adults sipped their wine, the story telling would begin anew. See Snook / Page 36
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Snook
Buffalo Mountain
Continued from Page 35
Maison Wolfe
I was 13 years old. I just took my hunter’s safety course last year. My grandfather called me on the phone, he told me that I was ready to hunt. That day I was ready. I would go with my grandfather and harvest a deer! A little after my birthday I went up to his house and he said, “I have something for you.” I waited a minute and then my mind was blown. My grandfather brought this .243 with a wood stock and told me, “This is yours to use now.” Later that day we went to the range. At first I was scared of the noise the gun made but I swiftly got the hang of shooting. I left that day and would return on the first day of rifle season. It was a Sunday night in November. The next day would be my first time really going out to hunt. I spent all week prepping for this day. When I got to my grandfather’s house we were both so excited. But I had to rest, I had to get up at 3 a.m. to climb
Maison Wolfe remembers his first time hunting, with his grandfather, and the deer he harvested.
the mountain. That morning my nerves hit. I woke up early and got dressed before my grandfather even got up. My Pap was very surprised I was ready. He
told me to go eat while he got changed. I ate super fast! That bowl of cereal was gone in seconds. We drove up to the game lands parking lot while listening to some
Hank Jr. and it was quite fun! The mountain was very dark and ominous. All I could see was tall dark figures. I got out and followed the trail. I started to sweat, which would foreshadow my later actions. It took a whole hour to get to the top. I was exhausted. I tried to get comfortable and sat. Daylight started, the sun started to creep over the trees. I saw shadows and my heart raced. My pap told me to hold my gun up. I started to see brown. Does started to come one after one. A dozen passed, but no buck! I sat for another two hours and saw nothing. I was shivering, so we decided to climb down. I started tripping down the mountain and I heard crumbling. I saw another shadow and not my Pap’s. It was a deer. I followed it in my scope and BANG! I got it. The rest of the day was a blur because of my pure excitement!
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Pappy Jay wrote all manner of rhymes. When a cousin joined the Navy, I remember Pappy Jay writing out pages of a rhyme just for him. I don’t remember the entire thing, but it started with “What’s that noise a drivin’ me crazy? Well I believe it’s the boys in the U.S. Navy!” Bits from other little ditties float through my mind such as “I drive an old-timer and she’s mighty slick. I steer her down the road with a big ol’ stick.” Of course, there’s also the Bannerville Song. Somewhere I have the entire thing transcribed, but I remember lines like “They
grow their taters small and they dig them in the fall,” and “They chew their tobacco thin until the juice ran down the chin.” Those times were simple, but probably taught me more about life than almost anything else. I learned practical skills throughout the magical adventures. I learned about a time before there were very many motor vehicles, when wages were 27 cents an hour and the highest level of education offered at the public school was contained in eighth-grade textbooks. More than anything, I learned about family, about love and the importance of simply spending time interacting. I treasure those times and the memories that I hold.
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JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE
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JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE
Memories of Mifflin County
Greg Williams
Greg Williams was a member of The Sentinel‘s sports staff and continues to write as a correspondent. Grandparents are some of the most important people in our lives. They are loving and wise, often viewed as superheroes in the eyes of young grandchildren. I remember spending my summers as a kid with my grandparents, the late Raymond and Florence Farran of Burnham. Pap, as I called him, took me into the old Chief Logan High School, where my Gram worked as a secretary in the office. I helped her with collating and filing. One of my favorite activities was typing on her electric typewriter, writing short stories. I also asked if I could wander about, exploring the hallowed halls to see what mysteries I could find. When her school day was over, we drove home, and she cooked an amazing dinner. There were other summer highlights as she arranged clarinet lessons for me when I got into grade and high school; Pap used to take me to Arthur Treacher’s and Long John Silver’s for battered hot dogs on a stick (Krunch Pups); and there were plenty of other fun times spent at the Seven Mountains Scout Camp and swimming with other family members
and close friends. When my vacation hit the dog days of summer, we packed up the car so my grandparents could take me home to Maine. Usually, it was late July or early August because we — parents, grandparents and cousins) spent the last few weeks at Sebago Lake in southern Maine. We rented cabins on the shores and my entire family spent a few weeks there vacationing. I always felt special because I was there twice as much time there as everyone else — one week with my grandparents and one with my parents. There was swimming and playing on the beach, heading into Portland for hoagies (“Italians” as we called them) or fried clams or clam cakes at one of the seasonal restaurants. There weren’t any phones or television sets, so it was truly quality family time. During rainy weather, we played board games or put puzzles together. We took nature hikes or walked to a nearby quarry to look for recyclable cans. We’d cash them in (five cents a can) and bought treats at the nearby general store. I usually had just enough to buy a comic book, which sold for 25 cents in those days. One year, we even arranged a reunion where more than 80 family members converged on Sebago. I was awfully shy in those
days, and I don’t think I left the cabin much for all the hoopla. I know I was the only one not pictured in the reunion photo. I miss those days. If there was one thing that Gram loved as much as her grandchildren, it was Penn State football. She was fixated on the game from the opening kickoff to the final horn whether her beloved Nittany Lions were winning or losing. Every Saturday in the fall, nothing could interfere with her watching or listening to the game. Sometimes we could even hear the radio broadcasts before we walked through her front door. Just after Penn State won the national championship against Georgia in 1982, she was hospitalized. Gram was so excited to learn her roommate was none other than legendary Penn State football coach Joe Paterno’s mother. I remember she got JoePa to sign our Sugar Bowl souvenir caps. That proved to be the best medicine for her. She always dreamed of going to a game in person. I asked her if she wanted to go if I could arrange it. I got tickets for the Michigan State game at Beaver Stadium in the early 2000s. It was so cold that day, but we bundled up at made it through three quarters. She was in heaven. Penn State raced to a big lead and won easily. I don’t
Former Sentinel staff member Greg Williams, right, and his grandmother. Williams continues to write for the paper, including several stories in this edition.
remember much about the game, more so how excited she was to be there. It will always be one of my most treasured memories. After graduating from the University of Maine in the spring of 1991, my plan was to attend grad school at Penn State. Those plans got derailed because Penn State reorganized its sports management program, and I couldn’t enroll right away. Thankfully — since I was an unemployed college kid — I had planned to live with my grandparents and commute to Penn State. I took one class, but it was an ill-chosen elective class in politics, and I lost interest quickly. I got a part-time job at Jamesway and eventually started working for The Sentinel. Gram and Pap were so
proud when they saw my byline. They always made certain they saved copies of the papers. Gram wanted to put together a scrapbook for me, but I said I’d do it (of course, I never did). I stayed in Mifflin County for nine years before leaving for good in 1999 for a job in Pottstown. I was so excited, and I thought the grass was greener in a bigger city. I learned that wasn’t always been the case. Fortunately, when I experienced those tough life lessons, Gram and Pap helped me pick up the pieces. I often wondered what life would have been like if I
had stayed in Mifflin County, especially after Pap died in 1995. I tried to go back to visit as much as I could, but it was never the same. Shortly after going fulltime at The Sentinel, I decided to get my own apartment in the West End of Lewistown. One day, I remember sitting in my recliner and seeing something scamper behind my couch. Of course, I called Pap, who came up with a mouse trap and set it behind the couch. That tiny little creature had the appearance of Godzilla in my mind. Pap set the trap, visited
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JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE for a bit then headed back home. He no more than turned the corner out of the parking lot then I heard a snap and freaked out. The minutes seemed like hours for him to get home — remember there were no cell phones back in those days. He no more than walked in the door then headed right back to my apartment to remove the trap and the dead mouse. He did it – without complaint. That’s just the way
he was. We discovered that the dryer vent was loose, and any creature could just wander in from the outside. He did something to it to prevent that and I never had another unwanted pest. Gram worked as a secretary at Chief Logan for 34 years, and she had the “Legend” yearbooks to prove it. I don’t know why I was so infatuated with those books. I would scour those the
pages for hours on end. Reading the captions and being mesmerized by the photos. I felt like I got to know all the faces — teachers and students alike — as if I had gone to Chief Logan. And I knew them to the point if we saw someone out and about, I knew who they were from the yearbook. Those books sparked my interest in working on the yearbook staff at UMaine and Penn State. It might
have also piqued my interest in journalism as well. When Gram passed in 2010, I wanted those books but we opted to donate them to the Mifflin County Historical Society. Hopefully, others enjoy them as much as I did. Journalism school taught me to be objective. This story is an exception: call it a mulligan; put an asterisk next to it; I’ll take the hit. My grandparents had a major influence on my life,
and I would give anything to have 10 more minutes with them. You think grandparents are timeless, but they are not. You don’t want to think that one day they might not be there. You realize it too late when they’re gone. It’s been a decade since my Gram died, but it seems like just yesterday. She was undeniably my best friend. We talked for hours on the phone every day without fail. She made
me mad at times with what I considered to be nosy questions. Years later, I realized how much she loved me and wanted to be more involved with my life. That’s just what grandparents do. My grandparents loved me the same when I was three or 33, when I lived in their upstairs or in my first apartment. I wish I could turn back the hands of time because I think about them every day.
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Grandparents on the go
Gary and Linda Klingensmith By GREG WILLIAMS Sentinel correspondent
After speaking to Gary and Linda Klingensmith for this story, their grandchildren asked to tell their story from their point of view. Both stories are presented here; this is from the grandparents. Whether Friday night lights or Sunday soccer matches, Gary and Linda Klingensmith have seen it all over the past three decades. Linda’s head spins as she rattles off the list of events in an average week that “Grandpap” and “Nana” attend. There seems to be something on their agenda almost every night. Don’t think for a second that she’s complaining — each minute of every opportunity she spends with each of her seven grandchildren is truly a blessing. Nonetheless, having seven grandchildren at different stages of their lives in different parts of the state means the Klingensmiths are definitely grandparents on the go. “They’re always on my mind,” Linda says. “They’re all pretty active in athletics and in other areas too. I’m much happier sitting in a warm auditorium or gymnasium then outside on the cold bleachers. Whatever they
do, we support them. We try to do the best we can.” And that’s where life can get crazy for the Klingensmiths. It wasn’t uncommon for them to spend Fridays watching a high school football game, then traveling to college games on the weekend for football on Saturday and onto soccer on Sunday. Thankfully, most of their grandchildren are spaced in age, which has given each one their moment in the spotlight. There were still a few times where some creative scheduling came into play. Daughter Kim had the first two grandkids with Marnie (Hart) Plesce, now 27 and a registered nurse; and Fletcher Hart, 23 and a graduate of Ju- Gary and Linda Klingensmith, back center, and their grandchildren, from left, front, Henry Curry, Ryan Klinniata College now at the gensmith, Rory Klingensmith and Grady Curry; back, Zak and Marnie Plesce, Fletcher Hart and Max Klingensmith. Pennsylvania State Police Academy. OUNTAIN IDE HOE HOP Marnie was a threeQuality Shoes and Repair Service • Footwear for the Family sport athlete at Juniata High School, competing in soccer, basketball, and • Hunting and Western Boots track and field. Fletcher excelled in football, play• Children’s Boots & Shoes ing in high school and • Irish Setter,Wolverine, Rocky, college. Muck, Red Wing, Carolina, “Luckily it just worked Double-H, Keen, & Georgia out,” Linda recalls of • Shoe Repair & more seeing most of her el• Propane Tank dest grandkids’ athletic Filled Here events. “When Marnie Hot & Cold Sandwiches • Soft Serve • Bulk Foods • Deli and Fletcher were in high Mon. - Thurs. 7-5 • Fri. 7-7 • Sat. 7-5 school, the other kids 864 Greenwood Road 717-483-0121 weren’t playing anything, 1-6/10 miles west of Belleville on Route 305
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Ryan, Rory and Max Klingensmith
Henry and Grady Curry
They set the example Klingensmith grandkids By GREG WILLIAMS Sentinel correspondent
After speaking to Gary and Linda Klingensmith for this story, their grandchildren asked to tell their story from their point of view. Both stories are presented here; this is from the grandchildren. The greatest gift grandparents can give their grandchildren is unconditional love and support. The bond between a grandparent and grandchild is second only to the bond between a parent and a child, and this special bond persists into adulthood. Marnie (Hart) Plesce
and Fletcher Hart don’t need studies to prove this. They’ve had more than two decades of life lessons and love from their grandparents, Gary and Linda Klingensmith of Mifflintown. “Our Nana and Grandpap have always been on the go and have been there for all of us for as much as they could with intertwining sports and activity schedules, for everything,” Marnie says. “For me personally, and I know my brother and my cousins, they never missed any of my sporting activities and I played three sports in high school. “They were there for every game, for every award, achievement, ceremony, graduation from
high school and college, you name it,” she adds. “They never missed a milestone.”” That’s certainly a lot for one or two grandchildren. Gary and Linda have seven. “Fletcher and I grew up in Mifflintown, so they were always a five-minute drive away,” Marnie explains. “We went there for supper most nights, we spend our summers with them, and they were always a part of every special occasion. “They always show immense love and they have always been there for guidance over the years,” she adds. “Some of my favorite memories with See Grandkids / Page 44
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Continued from Page 40
so they didn’t have to share the time with any other kids.” Fletcher played for his grandfather near the end of his 50 years leading Juniata’s football team. When Fletcher was playing football at Juniata College, 21-year-old Rory was taking the soccer field as a four-year starter for Division I Drexel University. That meant plenty of Sunday trips to Philadelphia. “Rory and Fletcher were only a year apart in school, so we did have to balance their events because Fletcher also ran track and field,” Linda says. The Klingensmiths traveled caravan style, with son Donnie and his wife, Jenn, who live in the Harrisburg area. “They always arranged a nice, quaint meal or unusual eating place on the way or after the games home or away.” It didn’t stop there. “We’d watch Fletcher play Saturday at Juniata College then Sunday we would be Drexel,” Linda says. Of course, 18-year-old Maxwell also played football at Lower Dauphin High School. “The last few years have been pretty hectic,” Linda says. Max, a senior at Lower Dauphin, has wrapped up football and now is wrestling. Donnie and Jenn have three children, Rory, Max and Ryan, who played alongside her sister on
Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022
Lower Dauphin’s soccer and track and field teams. Ryan is attending Temple University but is not playing sports. The Klingensmith’s youngest daughter, Susie (Klingensmith) Curry, has two boys: Grady, 16, and Henry, 10. Both grandsons attend Central Dauphin, with Grady in high school and Henry in elementary school. “We attended Grady’s JV football games on Mondays this past year, with two more years to go for him,” Linda says. They wouldn’t think of missing a game no matter when it is scheduled. “They’re made our lives pretty exciting,” Gary says proudly of his grandchildren. “When I quit coaching, it made it much easier to retire knowing I had the grandchildren’s events to go to. “We’ve told them that we will support them in whatever they do,” he adds. Grady plays football, while Henry seems more interested in the arts, with music and theater. Henry did play flag football last spring. “I don’t think we ever had to miss one (game or event) because of the other,” Linda says. The Klingensmith clan would meet at the games on most occasions. “Everybody tried to support each other as much as possible,” she adds. There were times with
the current health situation where they had to get creative. A wrestling mom recorded matches and streamed them live, so they could watch — so they haven’t missed anything, even when they couldn’t be in the building. With more than half of their grandkids off the playing field, Gary and Linda will have fewer events to travel to, but they will still have plenty of interest in their grandkids’ lives. There will be plays, proms and graduations among other things, along with a few athletic events mixed in. “It has been a great journey,” Linda says. “To be blessed with seven grandchildren who are academically and athletically inclined is a wonderful gift from God! It makes us so proud that they will be productive citizens. We know they will continue to keep our lives full of activity and we love every moment spent with them and Gary and Linda Klingensmith their parents.”
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The war bride
Matthew Bolich Matthew Bolich is ad- hard in postwar Germavertising director of The ny, when Elizabeth met an Sentinel. American soldier, Mahlon, who was stationed near My grandmother Eliz- her town. They fell in abeth was born in Bad love, but when Mahlon’s Konig, Germany in 1928. tour ended, they had to She was a teenager as part, with my grandfather World War II raged across leaving to go back to the Europe. She was only 15 United States and my when her only sibling, grandmother left behind Franz, a soldier of only 19 in Germany. It was arranged that years of age, perished in the Ukraine during clash- the couple would reunite es between German forc- in America, with Elizabeth flying to New York es and the Red Army. Life was undoubtedly in 1947. There were many
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war brides on that plane, all leaving behind everything they knew, including their families, to start a new life. When my grandmother arrived at the airport, many of the brides were met by their husbands or fiances. My grandmother and another girl waited. And waited. No one was there to meet them. They were told they would have to go back if no one showed
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Grandkids Continued from Page 41
them would have to be summers by their pool, going on beach trips and visiting their hometowns to get an insight of their life growing up.” Younger brother Fletcher shares many of the same sentiments. “They are a definition of ‘grandparents on the go,’ and never once have been selfish with anything in their lives,” Fletcher says. “They have always taken us with them whether it is going to the beach or going out to eat on a random night or afternoon. “They have always been hands down the most generous people I know,” he adds. “They have given me life lessons that I will never forget – from small things to the big things. They have helped shape me into the person I am today.” When Fletcher’s home, he makes a concerted effort to stop in to see his grandparents. Fletcher also was thrilled to play football for his grandfather, the football coach at Juniata High School for half a century. “Personally, for me my best memories with my grandfather weren’t just playing football for him but sitting in the living room loving life and just having a great time,” Fletcher explains. “My favorite memories with my Nana aren’t the big parties or anything, but just sitting at the kitchen table talking about life
Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022
JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE and learning lessons from her and my grandfather whether they realized it or not. “They have always taught us to be humble and kind to everyone we come across,” he adds. “The high standards and morals they represent have inherently been instilled into all of us and we can never thank them enough for that.” Cousin Rory Klingensmith shares those same feelings. The eldest daughter of Donnie, Gary and Linda’s only son, Rory says her grandparents have spread their love of sports throughout the entire family. “Not only have they expressed it through their endless support of our games and ceremonies, but also through their support of each other,” Rory says. “Their relationship with each other is one I aspire to match with a partner when I am older.” She saw how Linda and Gary were a team while he was coaching them. “My Nana has never ceased to support him through that; she was always in the home stands rooting for him and his team, traveling to away games, or at home hosting postgame celebrations,” Rory says. Rory admires how willing and patient her grandmother was to give her grandfather lots of extra help in situations where his hearing might have been lacking. “In turn, my Grandpap has always vocally expressed his gratitude
for Nana’s loyalty and love,” Rory says. “He has been acknowledged many times for his years in coaching, but never once has he taken all the credit. I’ve always heard him speak so highly and enthusiastically of his wife for being his rock.” Nothing could keep the Gary and Linda away from seeing their grandchildren shine, not even the current health situation. “I graduated high school and entered college in the midst of the initial strike of COVID,” Ryan Klingensmith says, reflecting to the pandemic in 2020. “Nana and Grandpap never missed a milestone. Despite the fact that they possibly could have contracted the virus, they chose to spend these moments with our family. “They were both present for virtual senior awards, virtual graduation and eventually, my grad party,” she adds. “It was a unique year to say the least, but nonetheless they were there every step of the way. We really hit the lottery with them as our grandparents.” Like his sisters, Rory and Ryan, Maxwell Klingensmith has always felt the love of his grandparents whether it was a big victory or even a forfeit. “Everybody in our family is extremely active and is involved in many different things,” Max says. “Our branch of the family is a little scattered from the others. That has never stopped Nana and Grandpap. In any of these situations, whether it be football, wrestling, soccer,
concerts, etc., I’ve almost never not seen them present in the crowd. “For example, the other day I had a wrestling match in which I received a forfeit,” he adds. “Despite the boring outcome, Nana and Grandpap were still ecstatic to see me, and the latter even sarcastically added that they ‘drove halfway across the state just to see that happen!’” Having his grandparents’ backing means the world to Max. “They’re constant presence in everything has not only encouraged me, but taught me how important support is,” Max says. “That support from our grandparents is always greatly appreciated in our family.” Ever since Grady Curry started playing sports, his grandparents were always his No. 1 fans in the stands. “Whether it was a wrestling tournament an hour away on a Saturday morning or a football game on a weekday afternoon, they were always there,” Grady says. “I think it says a lot about them taking time out of their day to drive and watch not only my games, but my cousins as well.” Ten-year-old Henry Curry might be the youngest of the grandchildren, but he certainly gets equal billing as far as his grandparents are concerned. “They’re a very big part of my life,” Henry says. “They’re always there for me whether it’s talent shows or plays, maybe flag football. I can always seem them.”
While his older cousins have gotten married or graduated, Henry is just getting into extracurricular activities. “It’s like everyone got their turn in the spotlight with our grandparents and now it’s my turn. It’s really nice that they are always there.” Having Grandpap and Nana watching makes him want to give his very, very best. “They’re my grandparents and they’re a big part of my life, and I want to do something special for them,” Henry explains. “When we won the flag football team championship, I was really proud of them to see that.” His grandparents have come to see his school talent shows starting in kindergarten and running through third grade. In kindergarten, Henry sang “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” followed by “The Candy Man” in first grade.
In second grade, he chose “Maybe” from Annie Then “Sweet Caroline” in third grade. Henry also was in a local theater performance of Into The Woods, singing songs from the musical. “I’m really, really glad they were there for me,” he adds. “It’s important when I’m going through something hard or even when it’s something special.” The kids agree — their grandparents are role models. “Everyone usually has some regrets in life, but I truly believe that someday when they reach the end, they should feel no regrets,” Marnie says. “Because they were always there for their family, whether it was in person, a phone call, or a text message. And they lived their life fully! They never missed going to do things for one another, for their kids, or their grandkids.”
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Bolich
Continued from Page 43
up to vouch for them. The stipulation of the War Bride Act was that a foreign fiancee had to marry within three months of arrival in America, so someone had to claim them at the airport. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to wonder if the person you had committed your life to was actually now abandoning you. Perhaps Elizabeth wondered if Mahlon had decided he didn’t really want to marry a German girl. Or maybe she imagined that he had found an American bride instead. Elizabeth was a 19-year-old who didn’t speak much English, had seen war, devastation and death in her home country and was now faced with getting back on that jumbo airliner to go back to Germany. As it turned out, my grandfather wasn’t a noshow. He simply was late getting to the airport. Two
girls waited, but only one stayed in America, as the other young woman waiting with Elizabeth had to return to Germany when her fiance never arrived. My grandparents’ love had stood the test of time and distance, as well as language and cultural barriers. They remained devoted to one another until my grandfather’s death in 1995. They had two daughters and five grandchildren. We called my grandparents “Oma” and “Opa” as a nod to my grandmother’s German roots. I’m deeply grateful that my dear Oma was able to go back to Germany in the early 1960s and see her parents again, and introduce my mom to her grandparents that she’d only heard stories about previously. My Oma passed away in 2013 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. But I’ll never forget the unbreakable bond that my grandparents had. And I’m grateful that my grandfather made it to the airport in time.
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Snapshots Trixie Adair Being a grandparents to seven with one coming soon. My husband and I love being grandparents. Love spending as much time as we can. We Love You Deacin, William, Geneva, Kingston, Donald, Sebastian and Little Lizzie Jane. Hugs and kisses. — Grammy and Pappy Adair
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Snapshots More memories, more grandkids
The smartest man
Mariska Beward This is the story of my grandfather one my mother’s side of the family, James Ernest, the smartest man that I know. My grandfather went to high school at Juniata High School. When he graduated he went right into the Army with his high school sweetheart, my grandmother. While he was in the Army he was told that he was going to go to Vietnam. He had to learn Vietnamese to go to Vietnam. Still to this day he does remember some of the Vietnamese. After learning all of this he then found out that he did not have to go and
learned all of that Vietnamese. After the Army my grandfather went to college and got a certificate of completion for turfgrass management from Penn State. My grandfather worked all of his life in all different ways. He was even a janitor at Juniata High School. My grandfather had three kids and worked at their high school. He is very smart in all different ways. He knows so many cool things and many good stories about him growing up. When he was learning Vietnamese he had to remember all of it so that he could use it when he had to go to
Vietnam. Fixing mowers, fighting in the Army, janitoring and many other things kept him very busy on top of three kids, a wife and now seven grandchildren. My grandfather has always been someone to look up to because he always thinks about others and not just himself. My grandfather, now 70 years old, is still living life to its fullest. FIND WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR
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An awesome day
Mason Nipple About two years ago It was a very cold day outside that day but that day was really fun, the day before we got some snow. I asked my mom if we could go somewhere to sled ride and my mom said sure, but it’s cold outside. I asked if we can go up to Gram’s to sled ride and she said yes, so me and my other sibling went to my grandparents’ house. I helped my Gram make these cookies then after that I helped my Pap carry some wood in we had covered up outside so it wouldn’t get wet. Once I was done helping them my Gram said, “What would like to do?,” and my response was, “Could we go sled riding and you could pull us?” She said yes, of course, so she said, “I’m going to go up and get changed you go get changed as well.” So I went and got
dressed from the clothes I had brought up. Once all of us had gotten dressed we went outside. I grabbed one of my sleds and I grabbed some rope and along with my brother and sister tied it to my Gram and Pap’s Ranger. Once they first started pulling us the snow was a little deep but we still went so the first time we started the rope broke. I said to my Gram that’s not good, she said yea that wasn’t so we retied it and kept going. The rope I tied wasn’t tied on good enough so after my Gram pulled me and my other sibling for about two hours we said it’s a little too cold outside. Our faces were frozen so we all said let’s go in the house to get warmed up. We finally got back to the garage and put the stuff away and I said to my gram we should go into the house and get some hot chocolate and
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Macaroni and cheese memory
Lynn Fohringer Macaroni & Cheese Food Memory with my grandma Ever since I can remember, I’ve been cooking with my grandma Betty Dressler. She’s the greatest cook I know. Every Sunday, since I was a toddler, I have been cooking, baking and harvesting food with my grandma. We have made cupcakes and brownies, to deer burgers and spaghetti and meatballs. My favorite recipe that I’ve made with her is baked homemade macaroni and cheese. The reason why I like making baked macaroni and cheese with her is because cooking is my passion, and cooking with someone I truly adore makes the experience 10
times better. My family absolutely loves her macaroni and cheese because just the way she makes it, everyone falls in love with it. She takes smoked Cheddar cheese and adds it into buttered bow tie noodles and bakes it to perfection! I absolutely adore my grandma. My favorite dessert to bake with my grandma is coconut cream pie. The reason why I love baking and cooking with my grandma is because she doesn’t measure anything. She always says, “It’s about the love you put into it, not the measurements.” Everything my grandma makes tastes absolutely amazing! E v e n when my family shoots a
one stick of butter to butter the dish you’ll be using. Lather it all around the bottom, edges and sides. But leave about 1/2 inch of space for baking. Then, slice six pieces of butter off that first butter stick you used, and The recipe for her lay them on the bothomemade baked maca- tom of the dish. Cook roni and cheese: your macaroni. Once that’s done, drain and 1 1/2 sticks unsalted get a bowl and toss butter 1/2 cup milk 2 1/2 cups smoked Cheddar cheese Salt Pepper Parsley deer or bear, my grandma is always there to help clean, skin, gut and can the deer meat. So, these are the main reasons why I absolutely adore cooking and baking with my grandma, because she’s an amazing cook!
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Start by using
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A lasting love
Larry and Rosie McNitt Submitted by their grandchildren Bud and Rosie McNitt are the best Mimi and Pap. They have four grandchildren, four great grandchildren and seven granddogs. Zane was stationed in Japan with the Navy, Jenna lived in California and Florida for the past 15 years, Stevie now lives in Florida and Luke has given them four amazing great-grandchildren. Even through all these big life events and changes, we’ve always kept in touch with Mim and Pap. As their grandchildren, we spent so much time together with them and each other when we were younger, they even took each of us to Disney World on our own separate trips. We were all very close growing up because of Mim and Pap. And they literally would do anything for any of us. Now that everyone is older and the majority of us are back in Central PA, we still enjoy spending time with Mim and Pap and the cousins have gotten close again, just like old times. Only now we have Happy Hours at their
constantly comparing everyone to her and joke that no one is quite like her, I mean, God love her. She says that so much that we have all started saying it, like it’s an inside joke. But seriously, she is a gem — rare and one of a kind. In April 2022, they will
be married for 64 years. This picture of them is from Luke’s wedding. They won the “longest couple married” dance and we were so proud, they got a standing ovation from all of us. This picture and these two are relationship AND family goals.
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Winning the ‘Longest Couple Married’ dance at their grandson’s wedding. In April, the McNitts will be 64 years married.
house, reminiscing and laughing about our lives with an adult beverage in hand. They’ve taught us the
importance of family and continue to show up for any of us in need. Pap will build you anything — from a bar at your college house
for eight girls, to shelves, wine coasters and even a doggy ramp for your bed. Mimi is one hell of a woman — in fact, we are
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1,000 steps
Lily Adamire I never thought we were going to get to the top. It looked so high up and so steep. It was a workout in itself. One-thousand steps made of huge rocks. It was a pretty hot day in May. We were driving up what seemed like a mountain and there was a huge pull off filled with cars. We pulled off and started walking up to the trail where it said 1,000 steps. It looked like it had rained the night before. We started our way up to the top. We were very shocked because of how steep they really were. The scenery was so pretty. The trees were just getting green again. My grandparents were a little behind me. We saw the numbers written on the rocks every 100 steps and it seemed to motivate them. My grandfather saw another trail that was flatter and proceeded to take us that way. He and my brother went but it just
My mother tripped on a root and I thought she was going to fall down the bank but my grandmother grabbed hold of her. We were almost at the top and my grandmother said her chest was hurting which made me worry, so she stayed back and took a rest. My grandfather later said he was starting to get tired so he will wait till we come back down. I kept going and I finally got to the top which had a ton of trails you could use. There were tons of pine trees everywhere and a magnificent view of the valley. I kept going and came across an old building that had a sign which said it was used for mining. I stayed there for a while and all of a sudden I saw my grandmother The Thousand Steps, part of Pennsylvania’s Standing Stone Trail. walking toward me. I was kept leading along the Most said hard but one grandmother and mother got very crowded at one so happy she made it and road so they came back. person told us they saw wanted to do and it was point and we got to the got to see everything and My grandparents said a snake, which made me Mother’s Day. The trail side. so was she. hello to almost everyone not want to keep going. on their way down and I kept going, though, asked them how it was. because this is what my
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Stinging trail adventure
Xane Whitesel When I was about 5 or 6 years old I had an interesting day with my grandparents, Roger and Grace Whitesel. I remember that the day was sometime during the summer months when it was warm, the air smelled of flowers and pollen, and the bees were out. My grandparents were going to take my sister Kennedi and I on a hike up the Whitesel Trail, which is located right around Guss Park back on Licking Creek Road. Now I do have a little sister named Mariska, but at the time she was too little to be doing any hiking, so my older sister Kennedi
who was about eight years old at the time and I went with my grandparents on the hike. I remember my grandparents pulling up to our house. My sister and I gave my mom a kiss, and then were off with my grandparents to Guss Park. Once we arrived and got out of the car I could feel the warm sun on my skin. It was a beautiful day. I vividly remember walking to the trail, and seeing the sign that boldly said “Whitesel Trail.” After looking at the sign for a minute we all began our journey up the trail. Now the trail was up a mountain so we were
all walking uphill to start. While we were walking uphill I felt a sharp pain under my shirt on my chest. I lifted up my shirt and saw a yellow jacket crawling on my skin. I screamed and instantly told my grandparent what had happened. Then we all started getting stung. Every one of us, so we bolted up the trail and got out of there as quickly as possible. It appeared that there were yellow jacket nests all throughout the ground of the trail about half way up. We were all stung and hurting at that point. Every little thing I felt on me like a branch touching
my back, to a mini gust of wind I assumed was a yellow jacket. Now we still had to get back down the trail to the car. The one problem was that we had to get past the yellowjacket nests once again. My grandparents came up with a plan. My Pappy would carry and run each one of us down past the yellowjackets and to the car. My sister went first. My Pappy picked her up and
ran her down. After a little bit they disappeared out of sight. My grandma waited with me at the top for my grandfather to return. I remember lifting my shirt up and seeing another yellowjacket. I swatted it off and ran closer to my grandma. A few minutes later my pappy returned. He
grabbed me, then ran me down with my grandmother following behind. Once we got to the car we all drove home. I will never forget this story for as long as I’m alive. Although we got stung a lot that day overall it was a good day, because I got to spend time with my grandparents.
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My special friend
Nevaeh Sheeler I’m going to tell a story about my great-grandma who was a very special person to me. Ever since I was a little girl my Nan Nan meant a lot to me. She would always watch me when I was little and always take care of me. She used to always make me laugh and make me happy, she was a very funny lady. She lived in this apartment building with all of these little old ladies around her age and they were the sweetest people ever. I remember every evening my Nan Nan and I would go out and sit on the big porch that the apartment building had and we would sit out there together for hours and talk to the other people that were sitting with us. Then when we would go back into my Nan Nan’s apart-
ment we would cook dinner together. I remember that she taught me how to cut up potatoes and they make them into mashed potatoes. My Nan Nan was the funniest person when it came to people always calling her. I could remember the one time someone called her while she was making dinner and she would always get so frustrated when someone called her while she was doing something. When I was about 12 years old I remember going to her house to tell her I finally got braces on and show her my teeth. She was so excited for me that I had finally got them. The next day my mom got a call from her cousin saying that she needed me to come and stay with my Nan Nan to make sure that she would take her
medicine. She had gotten really sick and we didn’t know what was wrong with her. Then the next day she had gotten worse and I was worried about her. She ended up passing away unexpectedly while I was there. 911 had to be called and it was one of the hardest things I have ever had to deal with. I still think about her every day and I miss her a lot.
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Our trip to New York City
Ava Shearer This is a story about my grandma, Jane Shearer, and our wonderful trip to New York City. This story took place in December before everything shut down due to the pandemic. My grandma is one of the most adventurous people I have ever met. She has been to too many places to count. She often likes to include her grandchildren in her adventures. We left from Mifflintown on a bus to head to New York at 5 a.m., and boy was it a trip. After long hours on a bus talking and playing games we arrived. As we were entering New York we were greeted by an amazing view of New York’s skyline. Once we were dropped off we headed to Time Square. We shopped, ate and tried not to get run over. After viewing most of Times Square we decided we would head to Central Park.
We started walking 10 or so minutes before we realized we were going in the wrong direction. Once we got flipped around and made it to Central Park, it was beautiful. It’s hard to think that there could be a spot like that in the middle of a big city. Of course we took lots of pictures and headed to Rockefeller Center where we would watch the Rockettes’ amazing performance. By the time we were done with it, it was almost time to go. On the way back we stopped to look at the Christmas tree, which was not yet full up. We made it back to the bus all in one piece. The ride home consisted of lots of laughs and fun times. The fact that my grandmother took the timeout of her schedule to take her Ava Shearer’s adventurous grandmother took her four oldest granddaughters grandchildren to New York City. to New York will forever be a great memory for me.
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he was getting gas at my pap’s service station in that same truck and my pap came out with a check for $75. He insisted on paying for half the transmission. The man said after that, he and his family bought all of their vehicles from my Pap and his brother until they went out of business.
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Sideline fixture
Haley Mummah Some of my favorite memories with my grandparents include coming to my soccer and basketball games. When I was younger I was on a Mifflintown soccer and a basketball team with the high schoolers. Every game my grandparents would be there to cheer me on. One time I swore my Grammy was trying to run to get to her favorite spot just to the right of center field so she could get the perfect view. My Grammy especially loved sitting at the same spot, so I could easily
look at them in the front row during any game. During the game you can always hear her yell, “Go Red! Get the ball!” Then my Pappy would tell her to be quiet because people were looking. My Grammy never really understood what to say for soccer or basketball, but she always was there to support me and my Pappy could help her get the right words out. Even to this day they come to all my games and they sit in the same spot. My Pappy even makes
sure to wear his Juniata pride sweatshirt to every game. Anytime we make eye contact, before the game, he gives me a big smile and unzips his jacket to show me the “J” on his sweatshirt. Those are times where I’ve never seen him smile any bigger. Whenever I make eye contact with my Grammy she always gives me a smile and small wave to follow. It may not be for very long or any big gesture, but I can count on their support and love. Sentinel files
Haley Mummah, center in photos, celebrates with her teammates after scoring a game-winning, overtime goal in a 2021 soccer game.
I want to be like her
Michelle Carter My story is going to be about my mother, who was the best grandmother I can ever imagine. She came from a family of 16 so helping out with children was never a hard task for her. She helped with her 15 younger brothers and sisters. She went on to raise three girls. She was detected with ovarian cancer at 49 years old and passed away at 54 years old. He was wonderful
with our children, who were her grand boys. They were pretty young when she passed away but I remember her being sick and even still taking them out sled riding out to play out biking walking on to the bus stop helping them with their homework. She was actually more than a grandmother to my boys. Without her I would have never made it to where I am today
and I only wish she could still be around to see her great-grandchildren because she always wanted a little granddaughter and she finally would have had that. But I want to tell you
something I keep my mother’s memories alive I talked about her a lot to my grandchildren. This is one of the strongest women I have ever known and I can only hope I can be half the woman she was.
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Cassie Martinez Both my grandparents have passed away but I cherish all the memories growing up with them. We always held our family reunion at their house and everyone in the family went to their house Christmas Eve every year. They both were into coon hunting they just loved those coon dogs and riding in the mountains. Miss and love you both. — Jodi Goss
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My grandparents have been there for me since day one. No matter what they stuck by my side even at my lowest point in life. They never gave up on me even when I messed
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up and my whole life was a wreck and I was in prison. I was always at their house when they lived up here in Pennsylvania. They took me to swim practice and church camp
when I was little. Always took me on vacation with them. They are my world and now they have six great-grandchildren from me. I would give them the world if I could. We love them so much.
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Cheering them on By GREG WILLIAMS Sentinel correspondent As teenagers, Marissa and Maelyn Gingrich have a lot of things on their minds. Wondering if their grandparents are in the stands watching their games doesn’t make the list. “We are lucky to have all four of our grandparents active in our activities because some of our friends don’t have that,” 17-year-old Marissa says. They are the daughters of Aaron and Shauna Gingrich of Lewistown; Aaron is their varsity basketball coach. Both Gingrich girls play basketball for Mifflin County High School. They know when they take the hardwoods that at least four sets of eyes will be watching — Dick and Joanne Gingrich of Lewistown and Scott and Linda Parchey of McVeytown. Dick, or “Dickey” as he is affectionately called, has even served on the Huskies’ coaching staff, while Joanne, known as “Nana,” keeps statistics. They have been attending games for as long as they can remember as Aaron and his sister Krista excelled at the sport for Lewistown during their heydays. “Dickey has always been part of us playing
basketball,” Marissa adds. “He always supports us, and is there during stressful game situations. I think he has developed a different bond for us. “But our other grandparents are always there as well, cheering us on, which is equally important,” she adds. The girls agree that Dickey might be the toughest on them as well because of that basketball bond. “A funny story that I have of Dickey is when I tore my ACL during practice,” 15-year-old Maelyn says. “Before I knew what I had done to my knee, Dickey told me to, ‘Get up, Maelyn, you’re fine!’ I knew then how old school Penn State football players dealt with injuries. Dick was a standout football player at Chief Logan High School who went on to shine at Penn State. “We have always had a very close relationship with all of our grandparents,” Marissa says. “They are all very supportive and involved in our activities, athletic or otherwise. “Our dad’s father has been involved in basketball since we started playing. He has helped coach us, and all of our friends. Our dad’s mom goes to every game and keeps stats for all of the girls. My mom’s family comes to every game, and usu-
Dick Gingrich
From left, Dick Gingrich, Mya Aumiller, Marissa Gingrich and Bri Bodtorf in 2014. Dick Gingrich coached the girls, now varsity teammates, from an early age.
ally brings 15 people! But mom’s mother and dad — “Mammaw” and “Pap” — are always there to support us.” The memories go way back, too — and so do the memorable moments. “The funniest story I have of Dickey is when we were in an elementary basketball tournament at the Philipsburg YMCA,” Marissa recalls. “The tournament organizer changed
the rules in the middle of the game because we were winning. Dickey said, ‘Girls, get your coats, we’re leaving!’” They share their grandparents’ competitive spirit. “We are told that we may be the only people who have ever been allowed to call him Dickey,” Maelyn says of her grandfather. See Gingrich / Page 58
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Coming to America
Concetta Maria Amato
By BRIAN CARSON Sentinel correspondent Both of my wife’s grandfathers were fishermen, so was her dad. The sea was their livelihood. It brought the family not only income but fresh seafood to the dinner table regularly. My wife, Concetta Maria Amato, was born in Carini, Sicily, 30 minutes west of Palermo. Some may know her for her years working at the OIP downtown or Maria’s Restaurant on the corner of Main and Water streets.
Her growth and development go back to those days in Italy, learning the lessons taught to her by her grandfathers — Croce Russo and Rosario Amato. They instilled in her the importance of hard work — the keystone value of most Italian families. “They would go out to sea early in the morning with their tiny boats and fish until night, and then the buyers would come to the shore and sell to them,” Amato said. “We had fresh seafood every day. Even if we had red meat for dinner, my father wanted
some fish every day. They taught me early on about working hard and being kind to people.” Croce was soft-spoken but a disciplinarian when he needed to be. He was the first of the family to live in the United States. “My mom’s dad (Croce) was a very quiet man, but oh boy, if you did something wrong, his look would terrify you. He went to America for a while to work and returned to Italy to start fishing again,” she said. Rosario was kind, generous, with a heart of gold.
“My grandpa Rosario was a wonderful man with a big heart. He worked hard to support his family,” Amato said. “Anything we wanted, he would give to us.” Maria inherited their work ethic. She started working as a teenager in Italy — one of the first women to hold down a job in Carini. “Both inspired me to work hard, be honest, and be kind to people. I’ve tried to live my life that way, and it’s thanks to them I started working at a young age,” Amato said. “Women didn’t work when I was
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growing up in Italy, but both my grandfathers encouraged it. They inspired me to work hard. I started working at a beauty shop when I was 15, and when I got my first paycheck, it was a feast. I was so happy. I came to America when I was 17, and I worked until I retired.” Another essential quality she picked up from both her grandfathers was the importance of saving for the inevitable rainy day. “They taught me to save and think about tomorrow. To think of the future,
put money aside, and not spend recklessly,” Amato said. Even though they’ve been gone a long time, their memories remain strong in her mind and heart. “It was a devastating time for me when they passed away because I was here in America and didn’t get to see them,” Amato said. “But not a day goes by where I don’t think of them and how loving and kind they were to me. They were very wonderful and loving people. They inspired me in so many ways.”
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It doesn’t get any better
Keith and Kathy Clark
By GREG WILLIAMS Sentinel correspondent
After speaking to Keith and Kathy Clark for this story, their grandchildren asked to tell their story from their point of view. Both stories are presented here; this is from the grandparents.
change a thing. Kristen and husband Matt had the Clarks other two grandchildren. The next one and lone granddaughter, Paige Ritzman, was born Feb, 7, 2003, “Paige knew what she wanted from day one,” Kathy recalls. “This little gal has always been true to herself, and we marvel at her beauty and self-confidence. “Paige and I had many little tea parties during summer visits,” she adds. “How does it get any better than that? And little miss used to like to fix my
hair and apply make-up. What fun!” The Clarks can’t say “no.” The word just isn’t in their vocabulary. “At one point in time Paige asked Pappy if she could have his soda bottle collection when he died,” Kathy says. “Keith just laughed and told her she could have them now. “We had the opportunity to watch this little girl grow into a wonderful young lady, who will be getting married in September. And I had the opportunity to accompany Paige and her mother
to choose her wedding gown.” The grandparents are also looking to gain a grandson-in-law, Lance Brubaker. And last but certainly not least, grandson Clark, Paige’s brother, was born on March 7, 2006. “Clark has kept us all laughing and entertained for almost 16 years,” Kathy says. “He has a way of coming up with just the right statement to lighten the day. The little guy is now the tallest of
Keith and Kathy Clark are like most grandparents: They would do about anything for their grandchildren. And like most, they See Clark / Page 60 thank their lucky stars that they have each one of them. “I can remember dreaming about having my own family,” Kathy says. “When God blessed Keith and I with our babies, Scott and then later Kris (Clark Ritzman), our lives were complete.” So, Kathy thought. That notion changed when first-born grandchild Tyler Clark arrived on April 14, 1998. “He stole our hearts immediately,” Kathy says. “As we reveled in the joy of watching him grow, another gift from heaven came to be – Tyler’s brother, Bryson.” Bryson was born on Nov. 16, 2000, to Scott and his former wife, April. Two boys, two different personalities, but “Pappy” and “Mammie,” as the Clarks are called by Bryson (33) and Tyler (Clark) remained football teammates in college. Their grandtheir grandkids, wouldn’t parents, Kathy and Keith, right, and father Scott join them at a game.
Maelyn, left and Marissa Gingrich with their grandfather Dick.
Gingrich
Continued from Page 56
Born and raised in Lewistown, Marissa and Maelyn have traveled far and wide, with their grandparents always in tow. “COVID did not affect our relationship in any way,” Marissa says. “We interacted with all of our
relatives — in person — the same exact way we did before the pandemic.” Marissa and Maelyn believe that close relationship with both sides of their family has helped them in all that they do. “We hope to have that same relationship with all of our families in the future,” Maelyn says. “To us, family is everything.”
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Cookies and more By GREG WILLIAMS Sentinel correspondent
After speaking to Keith and Kathy Clark for this story, their grandchildren asked to tell their story from their point of view. Both stories are presented here; this is from the grandchildren. Kathy “Mammie” Clark’s chocolate chip cookies are famous around Juniata County. Whether it’s a school bus headed to an athletic event filled with athletes and coaches. Even school teachers have come to love them. Kathy doesn’t make them any special ingredient or family recipe; she just adds a touch of love. That makes them delicious. “They are at every event and there have been a lot of sporting events,” says daughter Kristen (Clark) Ritzman of her parents, Keith and Kathy Clark. Along with the cookies, their grandchildren, Tyler and Bryson Clark and Paige and Clark Ritzman, were showered with love. Admittedly, “Pappy” Keith and Kathy had to be careful when crossing school lines, as one set of grandkids went to Juniata High School and the other two attended rival East Juniata. For the kids, there
Clark grandkids
are many, many special memories: Driving to proms in Pappy Keith’s red classic car; lake vacations in the Poconos with Pappy’s fishing boat; and even a special trip to Walt Disney World in Florida. “My brother and I were always fortunate enough to have plenty of family in the stands for basketball and football games,” says Tyler, now 23. “Of those family members were my grandparents, who never missed a game no matter how far the distance and were always waiting to talk after games. “I can’t remember a game they missed from elementary basketball and Little Indians football, all the way through high school and even into college as Bryson and I played football at Juniata College,” he adds.
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“I can remember being a freshman at Juniata College, being the fourth quarterback on the depth chart with little chance of stepping on the field during in-game action, and my grandparents, along with my dad and brother, were always the first ones into the stadium to watch warmups.” Tyler coached junior high basketball this year, and you can guess who was there supporting him in the stands. “Overall, I was very lucky to have grandparents to be so supportive through the years,” Tyler says. “Now that Bryson and I have finished our The Clark grandchildren, from left, Paige Ritzman, Tyler Clark, Bryson Clark and athletic careers, they Clark Ritzman. (Keith and Kathy) still have other grandchildren (Paige and Clark) with sporting events. See Grandkids / Page 61
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Clark
Continued from Page 58
the four. “We love how he is a little Matt (Clark’s father), has Pappy Sam’s gift of being at ease with talking with people and strikes a similarity to some of his Pappy George’s body build with wide shoulders and long arms and legs.” “Pappy Sam” is Paige’s maternal grandfather Sam Ritzman, while “Pappy George” is George Slautterback, Kathy’s father. His paternal grandmother is Sharon Ritzman. The only thing bigger than their love for their grandchildren might be the countless number of stories they have to share. “One summer we went to Ocean Downs for a horse racing adventure,” Kathy says. “Tyler was lucky enough to place a bet and win something. Little brother, Bryson, was not finding that luck. “Pappy and I decided we were staying until
Bryson won something,” she adds. “On the way to the car, the boys were so joyful with their winnings. Pap asked, ‘Yeah, well how much did we spend to win?’ and Tyler answered, ‘Well Pappy, sometimes you have to spend money to have fun!” The Clarks would do anything for these kids, which leads into another tale. “Just last spring, Paige asked if Pappy could make her a greenhouse,” Kathy says. “And he did!” Pappy wore the construction foreman’s hardhat when it was time for Clark’s basketball hoop installation and enjoyed helping Clark dig the post holes by hand. Keith also spent years working on the pit crew for Tyler and Bryson’s go-kart racing. “He really enjoyed that,” Kathy says. “The four have provided us with countless entertainment as we attended their various activities from racing, football,
these kids, and they are so much fun,” Keith says. When Scott and his fiancee, Brenda Jones, marry in August, they will officially welcome two more grandsons to the family in Dachoda and Colton Jones. “We love them and have welcomed them to our fold already,” Kathy says. “Then there is our soon to be granddaughter-in-law, Chelsea Ehrenzeller’s brother Asher.” Tyler and fiancee Chel-
sea are scheduled to be married this July. “While we can’t claim him as ours, we like to think of him as another grandchild,” Kathy adds of Asher. “He calls us ‘Mammie’ and ‘Pappy Keith.’ Keith and I feel very fortunate to have all these young people very close to us and to be able to share special occasions or just regular time with them.” The Clarks certainly have plenty of love to go around.
There are many ways to contact The Sentinel: Keith and Kathy Clark.
soccer, baseball, softball, Every visit is a new advolleyball, basketball to venture that the Clarks school plays and dance have come to cherish. recitals.” “We are so proud of
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Grandkids
JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE football coaches used to use the phrase, ‘Find Your Why,’” Bryson says. “These family members made it extremely easy to find my why and give my athletic career a purpose. Know that they’d be sitting in the end zone of Dietrick Field ready to erupt in cheers after a hard-earned touchdown, to listening to them plead for calls from the refs while on the basketball court, my why was also in the form of my family and that will never change going forward.” Nineteen-year-old Paige’s memories about her grandparents surround the cookies — the
Continued from Page 59
They have traveled a lot of miles over the years and logged a lot of time on the road, in gymnasiums and in the bleachers through all elements. I am very thankful.” Growing up as an athlete, Bryson Clark feels blessed to be surrounded by so many influential people, including his maternal and paternal grandparents — especially Pappy Keith and Mammie, who handled many pregame meal duties. “Whether this was picking up bagged lunches and delivering them for the football team, cooking plentiful amounts of spaghetti for a pregame meal for the basketball team or even hosting a team bonding meal at their own house the night before a game, these efforts made them feel not only like my grandparents, but also an important part to the team for all athletes,” the 21-year-old explains. Bryson also cherishes the coaching he received from grandfather Lowell Kratzer, who coaches at various youth levels. “Having the opportunity to attend practices and games coached by my grandfather was always an opportunity for my brother and I to be around the competitive environment and see what it took to be disciplined and how he drove his players to give 110 percent effort at all times. “Having this knowl-
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edge of sports in the family was a huge addition,” Bryson adds. “Lowell’s wife Chris was always very supportive of his interest in sports as well as for his grandkids’ interests. This support meant a lot to me as I knew that I had many people pulling for me and my teammates no matter the outcome that occurred.” Grandmother Becky Kratzer was “always extremely supportive of
whatever sport and team might have been in season,” Bryson adds. For the Juniata High School and Juniata College graduate, many memories were created while playing high school and a short portion of college sports; however, many of them would be nonexistent if it wasn’t for the support of his grandparents and other family members. “One of my college
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warm chocolate chip cookies. But there were also Oreos and milk for breakfast. With Pappy Keith and Mammie, it was truly a “Breakfast of Champions.” They were good times, Paige recalls. Something of which their parents would not necessarily approve. She recalls “older cousin Bryson hiding his eating of cookies with his back to everyone and eating them over the kitchen sink, so no one would see (him) or see the crumbs.” It was just another day at their grandparent’s house. The choco-
late chip cookies, so the stories go, “were everywhere.” Trips to the orthodontist were not much fun for 15-year-old Clark. It was easy to convince him to go; however, with a stop at Whispering Pines Fruit Farm and Market for baked good on the way home. “His last appointment was this week,” says Clark’s mom, Kristen. “So, they are going to miss their Whispering Pines.” Clark’s favorite memories also focused on food with “the full breakfast at their house after sleepovers,” he says.
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JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE
Voices
We asked grandchildren of all ages to share a memory ...
Colt “One time we went to the zoo and it was fun. We got to ride one of those big buses and got to pet big turtles and a spider.”
Sienna “I went to Pappy’s house to play with the puppies. Pappy pushes me on the swing.”
Elliet “I like going shopping with Nana for boots.”
Aiden “I went to the trampoline park with my Nana and jumped really high.”
Audreianna Hunter “Nana took me to the playground and I got to play with “My nana and I play with the toys that are there and we also watch TV.” other people.”
Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022
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JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE
Voices
We asked grandchildren of all ages to share a memory ...
Conner Heckman Iva Book Keith Goss “My Pap and I always go hunting together on the first day of “I have memories of seeing my grandmother Junk, but she “My grandparents would always take me, my brother and rifle season.” passed away when I was about 5. She was from my dad’s side my cousins for Sunday drives. We would always stop at the of the family. She came here from Ireland when she was 18.” custard stand for some ice cream. I really enjoyed those rides.”
Stan Ehrisman “Both my grandfathers were farmers so we would do different things on the farm. My one grandfather would pick us up in the morning to help pick berries and collect eggs. My grandpa VanHorn had a crop farm. I remember him driving with his arm out the window. He had a route that he would drive to sell his produce.”
Connie Wagner “I remember my grandmother would be washing dishes at the sink and talking to herself. When I was a child I often wondered why she was doing this but now I catch myself doing the same thing. My grandparents lived for many years on their farm and eventually moved down to Millerstown. They were together for many years and really loved each other. When my grandfather died she died a month after.”
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The Sentinel
Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022
JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE
Voices
We asked grandchildren of all ages to share a memory ... Victoria Searer “My mom’s parents lived on a farm so I remember doing all kinds of things like collecting eggs and riding 4-wheelers. I made lots of memories on that farm. My dad’s dad was from Scranton so I remember being part of that big Scranton Italian family and all the Italian traditions.”
Vinie Graybill “When we went to my grandmother’s house she would always have fresh bread and jelly waiting for us in the kitchen. I really looked forward to it. I remember one time my mom said, ‘We have bread and jelly at home and I said. ‘I know but it tastes better here.’”
Mary Ehrisman “I remember as a kid making bread with my grandmother. Her kneading it and working it with her hands. My grandfather on my dad’s side of the family always had a garden out in his yard. I remember he always grew onions and would bunch them up for us kids. We would go around the neighborhood selling the onions and produce that he grew in his garden.”
Beverly Grenig “My grandparents were named Lantz. They lived in Altoona and then moved to Washington, DC, and I remember visiting their row house with all the stoops lined up. I always loved my grandma. She was a very nice, happy person. When we’d visit she’d take me into the kitchen to eat an apple. My grandpa Lantz worked in Washington as a metal worker in the naval department. He wasn’t a big man and he had no hair on his head. I remember he was holding my sister and she was messing with his nose and his ear. She said. ‘No wonder you don’t have any hair on your head, it’s all in your nose and ears.’”
