Progress 2023: Northern Tier

Creek Road communities ‘blessed’ with longstanding families, businesses

By SETH NOLAN Sun-Gazette Correspondent

The townships that contribute to Lycoming Creek Road have invested in long-term family-owned business and industry, making the road one of the most important commercial destinations in the county.

The largest township on the road, Old Lycoming Township originally extended to the Susquehanna River and included Newberry and Jaysburg. Today, the township’s boundaries are Daughertys Run Road stretching west, Beautys Run Road to the north, Lycoming Creek to the east and Short Street to the south.

According to the township’s history, available online at oldlycomingtwp.org/, one of the major assets they all share are the residents. “Old Lycoming Township is blessed with a wide variety of people, most of whom have been exceedingly loyal to their township.”

That loyalty extends down the Creek Road, to residents and businesses that have often been there for generations representing any commodity needed. “Just about everything we need is available in our township (and the creek road). No need to drive for miles if we don’t have to or haven’t the time. Most of the industries we have in the township have been here for quite a while.”

The commercial center of Downtown Gardenview has been the most recent and largest project in the township the past few years. “It seems to add a new feature every year. Most of the changes from our past

have been gradual, and we have grown gracefully and learned a lot about development. We have learned how important it is to plan carefully for the future, no matter what aspect of township growth we are dealing with including housing, public services, and recreation.”

One of the largest changes in the past year was the creation of the Lycoming County Regional Police Department, of which the townships on the Creek Road are a part.

Regionalization talks first began in 2019, slowly moving toward more formal plans and studies since then.

“There were some initial deal breakers toward regionalization that we established right off the bat,” said Nathan DeRemer, Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police chief at the initial meeting in September.

“We knew we needed to provide the same level of service for less money … or the same amount of money,” DeRemer said. “And we knew we wanted a station in both places.”

Under the plan, both of those conditions are met with an overall cost savings, according to the presentation.

There will be physical locations that are manned in both Jersey Shore and Old Lycoming Township. While officers at those locations can assist each other on bigger calls, the departments typically will respond to incidents closest to them, eliminating the worry that the two locations are too far away from each other, DeRemer

OVERHEAD DOOR OF LYCOMING COUNTY

Overhead Door wins local and national awards

By LORENA BENIQUEZ lbeniquez@sungazette.com

When Jack Schrader, owner of Overhead Door of Lycoming County, received the 2022 Dealer of the Year award from the International Door Association, he knew his team deserved the credit.

“I am really proud of our team to be recognized like that. It represents great service and you are recognized by your peers for integrity in business practices,” said Schrader.

Located at 633 W. Third St., Williamsport, Overhead Door of Lycoming County has been serving residential and commercial customers since 1965.

Additional accolades were garnered in 2022, when Overhead Door of Lycoming County was chosen by the readers of the Sun-Gazette to receive the Best Garage Door Sales award.

“We have gotten the Reader’s Choice Award ever since they started [giving them out]. That says a lot about our employees,” said Schrader.

Staying up to date on new products has always been Overhead’s goal.

Schrader said, “The biggest thing is product development. We have launched a lot of products residentially and commercially.”

He is particularly proud of a new residential garage door opener, called the Infinity, which has a side mount operator for use in minimal headroom conditions.

On the commercial side, Schrader has added a line of high-performance and high-speed garage doors.

Schrader invites customers to visit the showroom to see the varied options they offer.

“We always keep the showroom fresh and rotate out old products,” Schrader said. “We have samples of different profiles of doors and the customer can come in and we can answer their questions and they can see how things work.”

said.

The law enforcement benefit of regionalization is the ability to become a bigger department and share resources, according to the presentation.

“That’s what regionalization is,” DeRemer said. “It’s managing your resources based on where you need them most to optimize coverage.”

By regionalizing, the strain put on understaffed and overburdened departments is alleviated, DeRemer said.

The Lycoming County Regional Police Department officially started work the first few days of 2023.

Overhead Door of Lycoming County continues to be awarded nationally and locally for its customer service. The company invites the public to stop in to see and touch their products at 633 W. Third St., Williamsport.

LORENA BENIQUEZ/ Sun-Gazette

Bill’s Appliance Center dependable since 1960

Bill’s Appliance Center is a family-owned and operated major home appliance store servicing the Williamsport area since 1960.

The business was based on selling and servicing appliances at a fair price and offering good service after the sale and this continues today.

Bill’s Appliance is an authorized dealer and servicer of Whirlpool Corporation major appliance brands, including Amana, KitchenAid, Maytag and Whirlpool.

They are a member of America’s largest retail buying and marketing group with 5,500 members operating more than 14,000 storefronts. The buying power of this group gives Bill’s Appliance a competitive edge with “big box” stores.

At Bill’s Appliance they specialize in working with local builders, kitchen designers, and consumers desiring quality appliances for their “dream” kitchen or

laundry area, which also adds value to their home.

Product knowledge, along with expert delivery and service by their own service department separates Bill’s Appliance from the competition.

Bill’s also has a parts department available for those who prefer to fix their own appliances.

Quality products and customer satisfaction is the reason for their success for over 58 years, thus their motto:

“People and products you can depend on.”

Bill’s Appliance Center is a member of the West Branch-Susquehanna Builders Association.

DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Isaac Harris, left, warehouse manager, and Jeff Morgan, store technician, pose outside of Bill’s Appliance on Lycoming Creek Road. Below, Mandi Westphal, secretary, talks with customer Madison Shaffer about a new washer.

M+M founder credits Jesus for his successful business

By MARK MARONEY mmaroney@sungazette.com

When Edgar Miller was in high school, his first paving job was done with a pick, shovel and half rake.

That was over 50 years ago, and Miller, founder of M+M Paving and Excavating, continues the tradition of excellence today, but with far larger tools and equipment at his disposal.

The family-run business at 2715 McCoy Ave. has a busy spring and summer ahead.

One can’t miss the familiar orange and black lettering on the equipment along with the Biblical reference of II Corinthians 4 and 5, in which the Apostle Paul describes being unable to do anything without the power of Jesus Christ.

“I take no credit,” Miller said of his successful business, giving the glory to God.

The paving and excavating business seeks employees with varied backgrounds, from skilled laborers to novices with good work ethics. Miller says he’d rather have a “newbie” who wants to learn than a big shot who thinks he knows it all.

“We teach them,” he said.

Of course, Miller has kept key personnel for decades — operators, drivers and sweep up employees.

For 2023, he anticipates steady growth and continued need for the niche in this business.

The challenge will be to see if the prices of materials will drop a bit lower, he added. A new triaxle truck for example was $198,000 last spring and goes for closer to $300,000 now. Thankfully, much of M+M’s equipment is up to date.

“It’s a blessing,” Miller said of the new and likenew machinery, property and service truck.

Miller expects the business will celebrate its 100th anniversary and beyond.

DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

M+M Paving & Excavating has been in business since 1970, founded by Edgar Miller, shown at right in the left photo. Miller operates the business with his son, Eddie, left. Above, M+M helped bring the Muncy Burger King to fruition with a newly paved parking lot and drive-thru.

Corter’s Flooring America to celebrate 50th anniversary with 50 random acts of kindness

Filling someone’s gas tank. Picking up a stranger’s grocery tab.

These are the acts of kindnesses Corter’s Flooring America plans to take in celebration of its 50th anniversary, said owners Jim Fink and Shane Corter.

The Corter’s family, 2005 Lycoming Creek Road, Old Lycoming Township, wants to celebrate their success by giving back to the community that helped them achieve it.

“We are excited and eager at Corter’s Flooring America to get to know you and help you with all of your floor covering needs,” the website for Corter’s Flooring America, 2005 Lycoming Creek Road, Old Lycoming Township, says. “We offer in-home service and are very experienced in the commercial area.”

The business boasts of a staff with over 115 years of experience and has grown to be Lycoming County’s largest

dealer of flooring. The store is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Corter’s Flooring America offers a wide selection of products including hardwood flooring, carpeting, laminate, tile and vinyl.

There are several options for guarantees as well.

The website also offers guides and glossaries to assist potential customers in finding the product that best suits them.

Reviews shared on the website say that from beginning to end, purchasing from Corter’s Flooring America “was a great experience” and say the staff was “very helpful and professional.”

“Thank you for your continued business throughout the years,” the website says to past customers.

ROAN INC. AUCTIONEERS

PHOTO PROVIDED

The Original Roan Inc. Auctioneers & Appraisers, 3530 Lycoming Creek Road, Cogan Station, is a four-generation family business established in 1945. Current owners and auctioneers, Ron and Rod Roan, are happy to continue the family tradition of offering “an honest, straightforward and fair business approach.” Roan Inc. specializes in real estate, firearms, estates and specialty collections, and hosts the highly anticipated annual pre-Memorial Day and pre-Christmas auctions. Voted the 2022 Sun-Gazette Reader’s Choice for best auctioneer, Roan Inc. is a member of the state Auctioneer Association. General hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed on Saturdays and Sundays except for scheduled auctions. The next auction is slated for 9 a.m. Saturday, March

call

DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Pictured above is Corter’s Flooring America staff: Steve Myers, Shane Corter, Bill Fishel, Jen Folk, Cody Fink, Jim Fink, Hunter Pfirman and Colten Corter.

At top, owners Jim Fink, left, and Shane Corter are seen on the sales floor of their store.

Pudgie’s of Williamsport has been a Lycoming Creek Road staple for mroe than four decades and looks forward to serving the area for decades more.

Pudgie’s grateful for loving relationship with community

Pudgie’s of Williamsport, 2028 Lycoming Creek Road, started as many pizza parlours do — with a New Yorker who had a dream.

Anthony Venieris left his home in Rochester, New York, with his daughter Kathy in 1981 to start a new life in Williamsport, according to Pudgie’s website. The father-daughter duo opened a Pudgie’s Pizza franchise on Lycoming Creek Road.

Venieris “brought his life’s experience as a cook and restauranteur into what was uncharted territory for him ... pizza! He and Kathy together spent almost every waking hour over the next few years learning, adjusting, and perfecting” their craft, the website said.

The rest of his family followed a few months later and Williamsport

3 tips to pick the perfect home

(Family Features) —

For those beginning the process of home buying, there are many factors to consider. Keep these ideas in mind as you conduct your search — whether it’s online or at a series of open houses.

Because life is always evolving, it’s important to move into a home that has enough space for your family’s anticipated changes. While features and space are always prime considerations, don’t forget to, look into the area schools, day care options, parks and other kid-friendly amenities if you plan to grow your family in your next home.

Seek homes that offer rooms with multiple functions. For example, an office area may be suitable for a small child’s room, or a sunroom may be converted to a laundry area down the road. Unfinished basements are also blank canvases that can be customized to meet your family’s wants and needs.

The purchase of a home goes beyond the property line. Be sure to examine the neighborhood, from the condition of the neighbors’ houses to highway access and the proximity of necessities like grocery stores and gas stations.

became their home.

The original franchise became an independently owned restuarant just three years later, in 1984. After serving the community for over 30 years, Pudgie’s took on “the name that fully embodies what we have become: Pudgie’s of Williamsport” in 2018, according to the website.

“It’s not just that we love Williamsport, it’s that Williamsport loves us and we are so appreciative of that relationship with the entire community,” the website says. “Kathy is still at the restaurant almost every day, and though Anthony retired a few years back he still drops in once in awhile to see all that it has become.”

Although a haven for pizza lovers, Pudgie’s also offers wings,

pasta, strombolis, subs and salads.

Eat in, take out, call or order online — Pudgie’s on the Creek Road is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Pudgie’s also serves the community from a second location at 920 Plaza Drive, suite 1, Montoursville. That store’s hours are 11 a.m. to 8p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.

For more information or to place an order, visit pudgiesofwilliamsport.com, call Pudgie’s on Lycoming Creek Road at 570-3220300, or call Pudgie’s Montoursville at 570-980-9875.

FORSBURG FURNACE

PHOTO PROVIDED

Edgar Miller Jr. and Edgar Miller III would like to thank you for continuing to make us your paving, excavating,

sealcoating contractor. Without you it wouldn’t be possible, and we truly appreciate it. We thank you for our

Four home improvement ideas

(Family Features) — Whether you’re thinking about a bathroom update, kitchen overhaul or any other type of home improvement project, these tips from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and eLivingtoday.com can help you get started.

Improving your home can be one of the most exciting projects to undertake. Start by setting realistic expectations, determining your goals and needs, finding inspiration and, perhaps most importantly, setting a budget.

You can improve your home’s usability and increase its value with bathroom updates or a full renovation. Before you get started, think about these factors: the amount of space and storage you need, features that are important to you, sustainability concerns and accessibility considerations.

The kitchen serves as command-central for most homes, and you can get the most enjoyment out of yours by making purposeful changes, reconsidering the physical space, re-evaluating your shopping style and choosing appliances with care.

If it’s time for a serious undertaking, a full-blown remodel may be necessary (or simply desired). Remodeling typically calls for hiring a professional contractor, a process you can go about by gathering local recommendations, asking for licensing and insurance, checking references and comparing bids. Find more home improvement ideas and solutions at remodelingdoneright.com and eLivingtoday.com.

‘Neighbors help neighbors’: Sense of community strong in the north

By D. EVERETT SMITH Sun-Gazette Correspondent

Mansfield is a unique town that has developed a reputation for compassion. Town Manager Chris McGann sees this firsthand.

“I previously lived in Mansfield for 15 years between college and working professionally. I left for a while and have been back for a little over three years now. The thing that has always struck me about Mansfield and Tioga County is the strong sense of community. Neighbors help neighbors,” McGann said. “For example, when a family experiences a loss or tragedy, there is typically an outpouring of support with things like spaghetti benefit dinners and GoFund-Me campaigns.”

McGann said there had been talks of closing Mansfield University, however, consolidating it as part of the system of Commonwealth University colleges, gave the school a new life.

“The college is very important to us,” McGann said. “The students and professors are important to our community. At one point there was talk about closing the Mansfield campus, but we are glad they did not.”

McGann said he is excited for the community as some much needed improvements are coming to Mansfield.

“I think this is a very exciting recreation system and we are going to develop a walking trail in the community. Construction should be underway in autumn,” the manager said. He explained that thanks to grants from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources along with money from the state’s Department of Community and Economic Development.

He said that in the 1970s, the Army Corps of Engineers put Corey Creek in Mansfield. The town government received permission to build a walking trail upon and connect it with the other trails. He said that the levees in the north end of town would also be developed into a walking trail. He compared it to the River Walk in Williamsport. The ultimate goal is to connect them all.

As for town infrastructure, McGann shared that in a presentation to the governing council, in early February, that money from PENNVEST would “be used to replace the water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer facilities on St. James Street.” The finding would also help “utility mains and laterals to the curbs, hydrant replacement, ADA [compliant] curb cuts and utility cut repair.”

The money from PENNVEST will also “will fund the restoration of drainage facilities on Ninth Street.”

UPMC offers full-service care for general surgery in one convenient location at 1 Main St., Wellsboro.

Using the latest diagnostic and surgical technologies, surgeons Darius Abadi, M.D., Michael Haraschak, M.D., Timothy Horsky, D.O., and Emily Solow, M.D., and their team of nurses and support staff provide comprehensive care ranging from diagnostic testing to minimally invasive and complex open surgical procedures. They diagnose and treat an expansive list of conditions and diseases from benign to emergent including stomach pain, hemorrhoids, appendicitis, hernia, thyroid irregularities, and gall bladder issues. To schedule an appointment with the team, call 570-723-0716. For more information on general surgery services available from UPMC in North Central Pa., visit UPMC.com/GeneralSurgeryNCPA.

Dealing with flooding issues in town has become a priority. McGann said that funding the remediation projects in the south side of town will be helped from the Growing Greener Department. McGann said, in that early February presentation, the money from Growing Greener would specifically fund “upstream work on (the) tributary” as well as a “water quality improvement project” which would help with flood control.

Thanks to the council, work is scheduled to begin.

“We have effective leadership from our Borough Council, appointed boards and commissions and local non-profit organizations,” McGann said. “There seems to be a shared vision of making our community better for everyone.”

The town of Wellsboro, the county seat of Tioga County, continues moving forward. The town’s website offers residents an app to keep the residents connected. The app explains the borough government, officers information about parking, permits and a map of the town as well as a calendar of upcoming events.

The Grand Canyon Airport, located on the aptly named Runway Road, is reaching out to the next generation of aeronautical enthusiasts. According

4 steps to live in the present every day

(Family Features) —

Living in the present means celebrating each moment as it happens without worries about the past or anxiety for what the future holds and enjoying life to the fullest. Many people find themselves thinking about what happened yesterday or what might happen tomorrow, making living in the now a challenge. You can overcome those hurdles and live each day more fully by adopting habits that promote physical and mental well-being, including these suggestions from the experts at Natrol, the No. 1 drug-free sleep aid brand, according to data from Nielsen.

Regular Exercise

You’ll find exercise on virtually every list of self-care advice, and for good reason. Exercise stimulates your body in numerous beneficial ways, not the least of which is getting your heart pumping and oxygen flowing throughout your body, including your brain. Exercise also pairs well with meditation or mindfulness activities, which allow you to align your body’s movement with your thoughts and focus on the act of nurturing your body while freeing your mind.

Quality Sleep

Getting quality sleep is linked to improved concentration and productivity, consciously managing your sleep habits can help you be more present each day. Creating a bedtime routine and establishing a comfortable, quiet sleeping environment are important steps. In addition, drugfree sleep aids like Natrol Melatonin products are designed to work with the body’s natural cycles and help users fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer

and wake up revitalized with a clearer, calmer mind. Made with clean ingredients and no artificial flavors, sweeteners or preservatives, the line of melatonin products may help you rethink your relationship between sleep and living life to the fullest.

Deep Breathing

Focusing on the here and now can be easier said than done. However, it’s possible to train your body and mind to concentrate on specific thoughts and tasks.

Deep breathing exercises are an example of physically focusing yourself. Initiating a slow, steady breathing pattern and paying close attention to that rhythm can be an effective way to ward off negativity, whether it’s fear, anxiety or another undesirable emotion. Managing your breathing gives you a degree of control that can help you navigate a tricky situation or establish a deeper connection between your body and mind.

Time Management

For many people, the modern world’s frenetic

lifestyle often demands constant multitasking. However, that continual juggling act makes it virtually impossible to give your full attention to any one aspect of your life. While a full stop to your multitasking tendencies may be impractical, you can carve out time to dedicate your mind more intentionally and completely. You may be surprised by how much joy you derive from simply being present. Explore more advice and products to help you stay present at Natrol. com.

Develop Healthy Sleep Habits

Healthy sleep begins with 7-9 hours of sleep a night, but there’s more you need to know to achieve the sleep you deserve. By getting the recommended amount of sleep and hitting all your sleep stages, you can wake up feeling more refreshed and ready to own the day.

Create healthy sleep habits. Establishing a consistent sleep-wake schedule helps regulate your circadian rhythms and increases your quality of sleep. Avoid bright screens

to their website, “Through the years they have been responsible for providing aviation scholarships to prospective students in north central Pennsylvania.”

The Wellsboro Green Free Library mentioned on its Facebook page recent programs such as Lego times for kids, book clubs, and storytimes for children (which can be found on YouTube). The library hosted a Q/A event dealing with the legal issues associated with divorce, such as custody, the possible need for certain protections.

At the beginning of February, members of the library and community helped raise funds for the renovation of the World War II Memorial, near Main Street, in conjunction with the Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center, KC101 Country Radio Station and Timeless Destination.

60 minutes before bedtime. Exposure to bright LED lights such as smartphones, laptops and TV screens before bed can interfere with your body’s natural release of melatonin.

Consider taking a melatonin supplement. When you need a little extra nudge toward dreamland, melatonin may help you fall asleep and stay asleep so you wake up refreshed.

Create a calm and dark bedroom oasis. A dark, noise-free bedroom can help you sleep better throughout the night. Mask noise pollution with calming sounds and block out disruptive light with darkening curtains or a sleep mask.

Walk or exercise daily. Walking as little as 10 minutes a day can help improve sleep quality.

PHOTO PROVIDED

DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Bridgette Callahan, manager of the Rialto Theater in downtown Canton, is pictured at the concession stand there.

Get away without going away

5familystaycationideasthat won’tbreakyourbudget

(eLivingtoday.com) — Family vacations are a great way to bond and take a step back from the hectic schedules that accompany everyday life, but sometimes time or money (or both) make planning an elaborate trip a non-starter.

However, a staycation — a vacation you take right in your hometown (or nearby) — can be much less expensive and fit into nearly any amount of available time with the added bonus of skipping out on potentially stressful travel.

Consider these staycation ideas to take advantage of your local area’s attractions and prove you don’t have to go far to spend quality time together.

Visit local landmarks. Just because it’s not a traditional vacation doesn’t mean you can’t pretend to be tourists. Start by visiting the places you recommend to friends and family from out of town or pick up a city guidebook to uncover hidden spots you may not even know exist. Make a plan to seek out historic sites, visit local landmarks like museums or try an out-of-the-way restaurant (or two) you’ve never eaten at before.

Camp out in the backyard. Camping doesn’t have to be done far from home. In fact, it can be done right in your own backyard. Pitch a tent to sleep under the stars and plan a night full of traditional camping activities like roasting s’mores, telling spooky stories by flashlight and trying to identify stars and constellations.

Set up a picnic in the park. Pack a basket with sandwiches, fruit and other treats and head to the park. You can enjoy a casual meal then take advantage of the open space for a family walk or game of tag before retreating to the playground to let the little ones expel any leftover energy.

Have a home spa day. If you’re looking for some relaxation but don’t want to splurge on the full spa treatment, plan an at-home oasis instead. Light some candles, run a bubble bath and break out the facial masks and fingernail polish.

Visit an amusement park. No matter where you live, there’s probably an amusement or water park within driving distance. A quick online search before you arrive can help prepare a strategy for hitting the most popular thrill rides and waterslides while skipping those that may not provide quite the same entertainment value.

Find more tips and tricks for enjoying family time together at eLivingtoday.com.

in 1994 after being renovated and now shows movies as well as hosts live performances.