Progress 2023: Muncy, Hughesville, Montgomery

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent

Pictured below left, technician Samuel Benamati works on customers’ Chromebooks at KVS Computers. The computer business in Hughesville was started by CEO/owner Cherif Ammar-Khodja, at left, in his basement 15 years ago and specializes in computer repair, recycling, and new builds to suit customers’ orders.

KVS launches computer brand

By LORENA BENIQUEZ lbeniquez@sungazette.com

KVS Computers in Hughesville embodies the word “progress” with the launch of their own computer line and an online auction site.

KVS, 71 W. Water St., has been serving the area for over 15 years.

“We have introduced our own brand of computers and laptops. You can come here and buy a KVS brand computer with a one-year warranty. Our famous one we have been selling is called ‘Dreamer,’” said Cherif Ammar-Khodja, owner of KVS Computers.

The Dreamer is a personal computer used to browse the web or manage a small business. It was named after Ammar-Khodja’s love for the “American dream.”

Originally from Algeria, Ammar-Khodja has a deep fondness for his new country. He said of his business’ birthplace in his basement, “You can always do things like that in a country like America. You can reach so many customers from your basement.”

And the business owner just keeps reaching.

“We started an online auction website called kvsauctions.com. It is for certified used electronics and surplus computers. We are just building it up now,” Ammar-Khodja said.

Because of the new online business, changes had to be made to the warehouse and more people were added to the 10-person staff.

KVS is hiring. Applications can be submitted to sales@kvscomputers. com.

In addition to their new offerings, KVS continues to service, refurbish and recycle computers.

MARK NANCE/Sun-Gazette Correspondent KVS staff includes, from left: Nicole Wettlaufer, president; Tara Buebendorf, director of sales; Jayden Stugart, technician; Cherif Ammar-Khodja, CEO and owner; Samuel Benamati, technician; and Shane Fiester, CIO.

AUTO PARTS

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Freezer’s Auto Parts opened for business in 1923 and is now celebrating its 100th anniversary. Cousins George W. Freezer III, Dick Freezer and Harry Freezer started the business together. Later on, George W. and his wife Bertha took over. Then in 1968, George W. Freezer IV and wife Barbara became owners until 1990, when they retired. Located at 141 N. Main St., Hughesville, the business remains owned and operated by the Freezer family. The business will have monthly prize drawings and customer appreciation days to celebrate the anniversary throughout the year.

Trio of boroughs has rich past, bright future

By MIKE REUTHER Sun-Gazette Correspondent

Williamsport and its bedroom communities comprise much of the population and commerce of Lycoming County.

However, other municipalities in the county away from its more concentrated urban center are part of its fabric.

The boroughs of Muncy, Hughesville and Montgomery, each with its own distinct character, are much alike in their smaller, slow-paced way of life.

Each features downtown centers of main streets with shops and businesses as well as local governments and school districts that help guide the communities.

While none of the municipalities boasts of populations surpassing 3,000 people, they are more than dots on the map that exist merely to “get somewhere else.”

Montgomery lies along the Susquehanna River, a community of 1,570 residents, according to the U.S. Census.

Its beginnings can be traced to 1783 when John Lawson established a homestead.

Nicholas Shaffer built a mill in 1795 but the community failed to sustain growth.

According to John F. Meginnes in “The History of Lycoming County,” a sawmill owned and operated by Jonathan Bower was the only building in Montgomery in the mid-1850s.

Growth came to the borough with the machine shop industry.

Montgomery was finally incorporated as a borough in 1887.

For many years through 1975, Montgomery Mills was a thriving manufacturing industry in the borough, providing jobs for families within the community and elsewhere.

Among its products were fabric, tassels, drapes, blinds, and carpeting supplies.

The mill reportedly employed as

many as 1,600 people.

Montgomery is served by the Montgomery Area School District, a fire department, and volunteer groups such as the Montgomery Lions.

The Montgomery Red Raider high school football team each year plays against the rival Muncy High School Indians in a game known as the Battle of the Shoe.

Donna Miller, borough coordinator, noted the more recent infrastructure improvements in Montgomery, which have included replacement of a waterline on Brooke Street as well as repaving work there.

“I am applying for grants to do the same thing on Wagner Ave and Broad Street,” she said. “Our Little League bridge was replaced last fall.”

Other improvements have included the replacement of pavilions in the community park.

Miller noted that a mural will be displayed at the Little League building recognizing Montgomery as the second community in the U.S. to charter a Little League.

Annual events in Montgomery include Easter Egg hunts at the town park, a kids’ fishing derby at Heritage Park in May sponsored by the borough, a firemen’s carnival in May, and the Riverfest in the community park in June.

The community also holds a July 4th fireworks display.

“We are working again this year to have cleanup week May 22 to May 27,” Miller said. Community yard sales are set for May 20.

A Memorial Day parade and a Halloween parade are held each year in the borough.

Located along the Susquehanna River between Mongomery and Hughesville can be found Muncy, a borough of 2,663 residents.

The name Muncy comes from Mun-

see, a Native American tribe that lived in the area.

The borough can trace its origins to 1787 when four brothers, Silas, William, Benjamin, and Isaac McCarty, came from Bucks County.

Ten years later, the borough was laid out by brothers William and Benjamin, according to the Muncy Historical Society.

In the early years of the community, Muncy was known as Pennsborough in honor of William Penn.

Early industries which helped the community thrive included lumbering. A canal and later a railroad brought additional commerce to the borough.

Among the major employers in the community are UPMC Muncy, the Muncy School District, and Andritz, Inc., a foundry and manufacturing facility for Durametal refiner plates used in the pulp and paper industries.

Parts of Muncy lie within flood-prone areas, including the borough’s downtown.

Some property owners victimized by flooding have agreed to Federal Emergency Management Agency buyouts.

Borough officials are working with the Army Corps of Engineers for ways to minimize flooding in the future, according to Council President Bill Scott. Muncy is served by a volunteer fire company and various civic groups and organizations.

“We are building a new fire department building right outside of town,” Scott said.

Scott said the borough is using grant funding for community improvements.

Plans are under way to use $129,300 in funding to repurpose space at Crossroads Corner at Water and Main streets, $162,000 from PennDOT for school crosswalk upgrades, and $25,000 to refurbish basketball courts at the Ward L. Myers Elementary School.

“A lot of people in town want a dog park,” Scott said.

STATION HOUSE RESTAURANT & CATERING

Muncy held a Memorial Day Parade last year, a traditional event in the borough which had been canceled for a couple of years due to COVID-19.

“It was a huge success,” Scott said. “We are very proud and excited to have successfully brought back to life the Muncy Memorial Day Parade and look forward to building into it an annual tradition, bigger each year.”

Each September, The Corvettes on Main Street Car Show brings numerous visitors to Muncy for the one-day event.

Some of the newer businesses in Muncy include Rich Port Adventure Company, a canoe and kayak rental service at 50 Angletown Road; Axe of Faith, 10 S. Market St., and Basil Wood Fired Kitchen and Lounge, 213 N. Main St. Jeptha Hughes is credited with laying out the borough of Hughesville in 1816.

The town began to slowly grow with the construction of a grist mill by Jacob Clayton. A tavern built and a school built between 1820 and 1830 further grew the community but it was not until 1852 when Hughesville was incorporated as a community.

Among the early industries were a chair factory, a wagon shop, distilleries, a sawmill, and a planing mill. Hughesville is served by the East Lycoming School District, the Hughesville Vol. Fire Department, and various civic and volunteer organizations such as the Rotary of Hughesville.

A Halloween parade and Memorial Day parade are annual events in the community.

Each year in July, the Lycoming Fair is held at the fairgrounds in Hughesville, attracting thousands of people to the more than weeklong event.

The 2,000 U.S. Census lists Hughesville as home to 2,155 residents. At its peak in 1960, 2,218 people lived in the community.

Corral clutter with a mudroom

(Family Features) — Often positioned near the primary point of entry, mudrooms are a popular addition to many family homes. These organizational dynamos are the perfect place to catch muddy boots, backpacks, sports equipment and dirty paws before they make it all the way into the main living areas.

Luxurious mudrooms in high-end homes can sometimes boast custom cabinetry, full bathrooms, laundry facilities, showers for pets and direct pantry access.

Regardless of whether your mudroom is an actual room or just a small space near the front door to hang bags and jackets, the organizational basics are the same:

Corral Clutter: One of the most important items in any mudroom is storage for shoes, pet supplies, backpacks, sporting equipment and other items. If built-in storage isn’t in your budget, put up a sturdy shelving unit with a bin or basket for each family member.

Get Hooked: Securely anchor a row of strong hooks along the wall for coats, hats, scarves or other seasonal accessories that may otherwise find themselves dropped on the floor upon arriving home.

The Station House, 44 Montgomery St., Montgomery, is your stop for a friendly atmosphere and a taste of old-fashioned, hometown cooking. In addition to its restaurant, Station House also caters and is willing to work with customers to create the perfect menu. From soups and salads, sandwiches to entrees and a variety of breakfast options, Station House has something for everyone.

COLE’S COFFEE, CRAFTS AND CONSIGNMENT

Mud Happens: Mudrooms are meant to handle dirt so nix the carpet and lay down tile or hardwood flooring. Pick a stylish rug to catch dirt in its tracks while also adding a design element to the space.

Shoe Space: Place a wooden bench or sturdy coffee table near the door so everyone has a place to sit while removing shoes. Slide a few baskets or bins underneath as an alternate location for storing backpacks and other gear when not in use.

Take Command: Create a family command center by adding a small cabinet or desk with a corkboard above. It makes for a perfect spot to stash keys, charge cell phones, open mail, sort school papers and post the family calendar.

Find more organization tips and tricks at eLivingtoday.com.

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PHOTO PROVIDED

Cole’s Coffee, Crafts and Consignment, 10 S. Main St., Montgomery, offers coffee, specialty drinks, breakfast and lunch served daily in a relaxed atmosphere with a children’s play area.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

CENTURY 21 Colonial Real Estate has served a five-county area for 40 years, including Lycoming, Montour, Union, Northumberland and Sullivan counties. The firm’s website says their experience and negotiation skills can help sellers and buyers accomplish their moves in a timely and professional manner. CENTURY’s highly-trained staff can help with customers with all their real estate needs, even beyond buying and selling.

Chores to tackle to get your home ready for spring

(Family Features) — After months spent largely indoors while harsh elements battered your home’s exterior, many homeowners are throwing open the windows and embracing spring’s arrival.

Every home requires ongoing maintenance to ensure it’s living up to its aesthetic and functional best. This checklist can help you create a comfortable home setting for enjoying the warmer months.

Check gutters — During the colder months, debris can accumulate in the gutters, which can be problematic when spring rains arrive. Clogged gutters prevent water from flowing efficiently away from the roof and house. When they’re backed up, they can cause water damage in a short amount of time. Faulty guttering can also cause slow leaks that lead to damage you may not discover until major repair work is needed. Properly functioning gutters are clear of debris, flow freely and are securely attached to the home.

Inspect the roof — Your roof takes a real beating in all kinds of weather conditions. Making it a common practice to carefully inspect the roof with the change of seasons can help you identify potential problems while they’re still in early stages, before a big storm hits and major damage occurs. Some roof issues can be addressed with simple repairs you can do yourself while others may require a professional. A roofing expert can help you determine whether any trouble areas can be patched or if a more complete restoration is in order.

Replace the dryer vent — Upgrading your dryer vent is an opportunity to conserve energy and prevent flammable lint build-up in your dryers. One option for updating the exhaust system is a paintable version of InoVate’s Prime DryerWallVent. Engineered for both vent replacement and new construction, the vent includes features such as a gravity-assist damper, integrated magnets and a drip edge to provide extra protection from the elements as well as pests. A large, clean opening and lightweight angled damper promote exceptional airflow efficiency.

Service air conditioning units — Your heating and cooling system works hard to keep your indoor climate comfortable when extreme temperatures make the outdoors unbearable. That’s why it’s important to have your systems serviced by a professional, and spring is a smart time to do so before they’re hard at work throughout the warmer months. Service can correct problems and ensure everything is operating efficiently, which can lead to money savings as well. Repair window screens — Throughout the winter, your home’s window screens can accumulate a layer of dirt and grime that isn’t just unsightly; it blows indoors when you open the windows to welcome a fresh breeze. What’s more, if your screens have rips and tears, pesky bugs and other critters can make their way into your home more easily. Cleaning and repairing your screens can make your home more secure and help protect your indoor air quality. Find

WOLF RUN VETERANARY CLINIC AND ANIMAL HOSPITAL

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Wolf Run Veterinary Clinic, 279 Route 220 near Pennsdale, offers comprehensive diagnostic testing, vaccinations, a 24-hour hotline, pet surgery, boarding services and more. “We are here to serve your pets’ health needs, from veterinary services to grooming. We are your family-owned veterinarian center and would like to welcome you to the Wolf Run family,” the website proudly proclaims. Wolf Run is owned and managed by Dr. Amy Phillips, D.V.M., and her husband Josh. The clinic is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to noon.

One word that is synonymous with CENTURY 21 Colonial Real Estate is growth. CENTURY 21 Colonial has put up another recordbreaking year by shattering all sales and listing milestones from the past 43 years. Some of these highly sought-after records include total sales volume, total listings taken, and least amount of time on the market before sold.

We’ve been awarded CENTURY 21’s Quality Service Pinnacle Award every year since the programs start in 2002. Our office has seen a lot of growth internally; more local, professional, full time, real estate agents have been added to our team from our surrounding area to service our community needs better. We’ve added agents to fill needed areas that help us in serving the following sectors of real estate: commercial sales & leasing, active farm & ranch sales, land, and residential sales.

CENTURY 21 Colonial Real Estate is well aligned to handle all our clients’ needs for the 2023 year. We are proud of being a generational family-owned company for so many years and allied with a franchise that has been in the real estate business for so long. CENTURY 21 Colonial Realtors strive to conduct business at a high level while giving our customers 121% satisfaction and customer service.

“We are grateful to have served our neighbors for 43 years and we look forward to building upon our relationships with our past, present, and future clients. Thank you for allowing our family to serve yours.” ~ Devin O’Rourke, Broker/Owner of CENTURY 21 Colonial Real Estate.

Keep your car safer and on the road longer

(Family Features) — For many families, cars are huge, long-term investments second only to homes. Many are looking for ways to keep their cars on the road longer and make them safer to continue to serve their needs for years to come.

No matter what or where you drive, you can keep your current vehicle looking and performing its best — and even update it to make it safer – with these tips inspired by eBay Motors’ Parts of America tour, a cross-country tour exploring unique car cultures across America.

Choose the Right Tires

If it’s time to trade your tires in, take the time to learn what options are available for your vehicle. For those in fair weather states, summer performance tires offer the best possible fuel efficiency all year round.

Families living in milder states with occasional snow may consider all-season tires that trade efficiency for safety on a variety of surfaces. Finally, when it comes to driving in a winter wonderland, there is no substitute for specialized rubber and tread patterns — purchase a dedicated set of snow tires to ensure you’re safe all winter long. No matter your situation, a new set of tires can maximize safety and extend the life of your car.

New Look, New Ride

One way to breathe new life into your ride is to take it to the next level aesthetically. With enthusiast communities growing around nearly every make and model of vehicle, it’s easy to find parts to make your vision a reality.

One of the most eye-catching additions is a new set of wheels, and there are thousands of brands, styles and sizes to choose from for every car.

The addition of front, side and rear aerodynamics kits, such as front splitters or rear spoilers, can give any ride that athletic look. Upgrading stock headlight and taillight units — many fitted with high-visibility LEDs — has never been easier.

Upgrade Your Tech

Safety and creature comforts alike can add to your enjoyment of your vehicle, even if you’ve been driving it for several years.

Many cars can be updated with the latest and greatest features available in new rides, including high-tech infotainment equipped with digital assistants, front and rear cameras, parking sensors, blind spot warning and even collision avoidance systems. As families look to extend their cars’ lifespans, these technology upgrades can make driving comfortable and safer.

Power and Performance

While looks and tech can bring new experiences to your car, no change has quite the same impact as improving its performance. Options abound for those looking to improve the power and handling of their ride, such as replacing the exhaust system, lowering springs, adding a coilover kit or conducting a full suspension replacement.

Find Purpose-Built Parts

Whether you’re an amateur DIY-er looking to maintain and make small upgrades to your vehicle or an expert looking to make bigger modifications, finding parts and accessories that fit your vehicle is crucial.

From hard-to-find performance modifications to made-to-fit cosmetic accessories, eBay Motors offers parts and accessories for nearly any vehicle, skillset and project. The app offers an entire catalog of inventory with 122 million live parts listings at any given time, giving auto enthusiasts the ability to purchase from an expansive inventory from the convenience of a smartphone.

What’s more, features like Buy It Now, My Garage and Fitment Finder enable users to easily search parts and accessories, verify the items fit their vehicle and make immediate purchases.

Skip the Wait

The global supply chain continues to recover from disruptions that have stretched back several years, and many customers are feeling the strain when it comes time to upgrade, maintain or repair their vehicles. Some shops around the country are quoting waiting times of several months just to have the right part delivered for service.

However, families can find relief and get their car back on the road quicker by looking online to source their much-needed parts. In fact, many technicians work with customers to have parts delivered directly to their shop from online sources to expedite and simplify the process.