The Grand Union located at route 17c in Owego after only a few years has closed their doors for good. There has been a grocery store at this location since 1967 (see page 7). Poor sales and the building of the new Aldi grocery store across the street are the most likely factors in their decision to close. Aldi should be opening some time in April of this year.
Shoppers don’t have to go far to get their groceries since there are several other markets in the local area. In Owego on North Ave there are John’s Fine Foods and the Community Shop, and in Apalachin there is Sweeney’s Market on route 434.
The Historic Owego Marketplace has announced that the Owego Strawberry Festival will return to the streets of Downtown Owego to celebrate the festival’s 43rd anniversary on Friday and Saturday, June 20th & 21st.
Monte Carlo Night Fundraiser set for March 8th
Owego VFW Post 1371 with its Auxiliary and Owego Hose Teams, Inc. will host Monte Carlo Night on Saturday, March 8th from 7 PM to 11 PM. The event takes place at the Owego VFW Post 1371 Hall, 207 Main Street, Owego. A donation is asked at the door but $10 is recommended. Proceeds will be split by the hosting organizations. The Hose Team will use funds to support its 1866 Amoskeag Steam Fire Engine restoration and Steamer House project. The VFW uses funding for a varietyof community programs to include its annual Christmas party and movie for area children.
Games will include Black Jack with four (4) tables, Big Six Wheel, Beat the Dealer, Money Wheel, Chuck-of-Luck, 50/50, and Turkey/Ham Raffle. Food, drink and entertainment will be provided to include hamburgers, hotdogs, soup with all you can drink draft beer and soda. DJ Tom Donovan, Jr. of Flat Rats Adventures will be spinning your favorite tunes of today and yesteryear. The Hose Team, VFW, and VFW Auxiliary host two (2) Monte Carlos each year in the Spring and Fall.
At the Apalachin Library
719 Main St. Apalachin, NY 607-625-3333
Open Mon, Tues, Thurs: 10am-7pm; Fri & Sat: 10am-2pm www.apalachinlibrary.org
Programs for March
Storytime: Tuesdays and Thursdays | 10:30am Join Miss Wendy for read alouds, singing, playing, dancing, and crafts! Tuesday and Thursday each week are the same theme. No registration required.
Mahjong: Mondays | 2pm-4pm No experience or registration required.
Tech Time with Tina: Tuesdays By Appointment Sign up for some oneon-one help with any tech topic!
Zen Before Zzzzzs: Tuesdays | 6pm Grab your yoga mat and join yoga instructor Sheehan Shotwell for an inspiring yoga practice each week. No registration required.
Euchre: Thursdays | 2pm-4pm No experience or registration required.
Belva Lockwood Local History
Talk: Thursday, March 6 | 6pm See left for details! No registration required.
Senior First FridayProgram Classic Movie and Lunch Friday, March 7 | 11am-1pm See next page for details! Registration is required. See next page for details! Registration is required.
FamilyMindfulness&YogaSeries for Autistic Youth: Saturday, March 8 | 11am
Evening Book Club: Thursday, March 13 | 6:30pm How to Read a Book by Monica Wood No registration required. The April book will be The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown.
Afternoon Book Club: Thursday, March 20 | 1pm Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow No registration required. The April book will be The Library Book by Susan Orlean.
Dog Man Meets Nola: Saturday, March 22 | 11am See next page for details! No registration required.
Apalachin Lions Club Scholarships 2025
The Apalachin Lions Club 38th Annual Scholarship program will award $4500 in scholarships to deserving students from the class of 2025 who live in the 13732, and 13760, 18830 zip codes. This covers Apalachin, Campville east to the Broome County line, and Little Meadows, PA. The scholarships are awarded to students who have made outstanding contributions in service to their community and school.
Distribution of scholarships will be as follows: One $1500 scholarship will be awarded to students who attend Owego Free Academy and Vestal High School .And one $1500 scholarship will be awarded to a stu-
dent who attends either of the following schools: Broome Tioga BOCES, Montrose Junior-Senior High, Seton Catholic Central High School, Ross Corners Christian Academy, Northeast Bradford Hight School and Home Schooling (LEAH). The distribution of scholarships is based on the relative numbers of students from Apalachin, Campville and Little Meadows attending each of the schools.
Information and applications may be obtained at the schools Guidance Office, or Vestal LEAH. Please return the complete application to the Guidance office or Vestal LEAH on or before: March 27, 2025
Tioga County Legislative Meeting
The Third Regular Meeting of 2025 will be held at 12:00 P.M., Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in the Edward D. Hubbard Auditorium of the Ronald E. Dougherty County Office Building at 56 Main Street, Owego, New York 13827.
All Committee Meetings and Legislative Worksessions will be held in the Legislative Conference Room of the
Ronald E. Dougherty County Office Building at 56 Main Street, Owego, NY 13827.
Individuals requiring any accommodation or auxiliary aid may contact the Legislative Office at (607) 687-8240. With advance notice, necessary auxiliary aids will be provided at no cost to the person requesting assistance.
AES Craft Fair
The Apalachin Elementary School Parent Group is hosting a craft fair on Saturday, April 12th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm! The event will take place at Apalachin Elementary School (405 Pennsylvania Ave. Apalachin). There are lots of great vendors signed up so
come ready to shop! The AESPG will have a bake sale during the event and refreshments to sip while you shop! If you are interested in being a vendor, please reach out to the aesparentgroup405@gmail.com.
Tioga County Nonprofit Spotlight
The Tioga County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to shine the spotlight on Shady Strong ALS Awareness this month! From humble beginnings in 2019, this incredible organization has grown into a beacon of hope and support for families affected by ALS. Whether it’s providing financial assistance, donating life-changing equipment,
offering caregiver support, or hosting community events, Shady Strong is making a meaningful difference in the lives of so many. They’re dedicated to connecting young caregivers to mentorship programs, providing crucial help to families in need, and walking alongside individuals on their journey with ALS.
Community Service Board Meeting
The Community Services Board will hold their March meeting on Thursday, 3/20/25 at 9:30am at the Health & Human Services Building, 1062 State Rt. 38, Owego, New York 13827.
This meeting is also available via Zoom for guests and the public. Members are required to attend in person. Meeting ID: 817 6357 0512
Passcode: 134238
Coughlin & Gerhart Welcomes Michael C. Whittaker
Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP is pleased to announce Michael C. Whittaker has joined the firm as special counsel. Based in the firm’s Cortland office, Whittaker brings a wealth of experience in real estate, trusts & estates, landlord-tenant matters, municipal law, and energy law.
Whittaker earned his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law in 2019 and was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2020. Before joining Coughlin & Gerhart, he practiced at Barclay Damon LLP in Syracuse, NY, where he focused on contract negotiation, real estate transactions, and renewable energy projects, including wind, solar, and hydroelectric developments. He also represented clients in
commercial and residential eviction proceedings.
Prior to that, Whittaker was an attorney with Pomeroy, Armstrong, Casullo, LLP, where he gained extensive experience in municipal law, advising and representing towns, fire districts, and other local entities. Whittaker is a CNY native and is a member of the New York State Bar Association and the Cortland County Bar Association.
“Michael’s diverse experience and deep knowledge of real estate, municipal law, and energy make him a tremendous asset to our firm and our clients,” said Rachel Abbott, Managing Partner of Coughlin & Gerhart. “We are excited to welcome him to our team and look forward to the impact he will have, particularly in our Cortland office where he has strong local ties said Abbott.”
Coughlin & Gerhart is proud to have Whittaker on its team and looks forward to the experience and dedication he brings to clients.
Michael Roberts to Run for Re-Election
Michael Roberts of Apalachin, announces his candidacy for Re-election as Town of Owego Highway Superintendent. Married 43 years with 3 grown children and 7 grandchildren. He served as a Tioga County Legislator for 18 years. Mike is an active 20-year Republican Committee member. He also served as Republican Majority Leader during his term on the County Legislature. Past owner of Apalachin Auto and Truck Repair for 25 years. He is a member of the Vestal Elks.
“I am asking for your continued support in my re-election as your Town of Owego Highway Superintendent. During my first term I have completed many of the objectives I promised when elected. Such as the appointment of Hank Hines as my Deputy. He is a great asset to the highway department and to all our residents. His work ethic is second to none. Next, I am in the office everyday all day with a hands-on management style. All Town Board Meetings are attended, all phone calls, emails and texts are responded to. Instituted GPS on all trucks and equipment, resulting in productivity and accountability. Developed a 5- and 10-year paving plan with yearly a spreadsheet for projects and tracking. Hired 2 expert mechanics, keeping the repairs of highway trucks and equipment in house resulting in over a hundred thousand dollars in savings in the first year alone, then repeated years thereafter. All purchases are reviewed by me or Deputy Hank Hines for best value. The first Highway Superintendent to develop a Town of Owego culvert inventory. I have created a 5-, 10- and 15-year plan
for culvert replacement in house by the Highway Department, resulting in huge savings for future budgets. I was able to research and submit a request for a bridge funding grant through the BMTS (Binghamton Metropolitan Transporation Study Region 7 includes Tioga County.). The Town of Owego was awarded in over 3 million dollars in bridge grants. Being an active member on this committee for 20 years keeps me apprised of funding opportunities. Under my leadership highway department is now paving over 20 miles of road per year. Achieving the formula for the tenyear road cycle. The highway department now completes all targeted yearly projects. An in-house CDL driver training was instituted resulting in 9 CDL graduates for our highway work force. Introduced 2 leaf vac trailers for town leaf pick-up, streamlining the process. Currently attending trainings and actively researching grants for a future compost facility at the shared service building for residents. I requested PESH (Public Employee Safety and Health) inspection for the safety, health, and training for our employees. I have shown I am able to produce results and move the Highway Department in the Right Direction. I have come in under budget for the last 3 years and have been able to do so with a measurable performance scale. Going forward I will continue to serve the taxpayers to the best of my ability. I appreciate and thank you for your support.”
Barbara Roberts ofApalachin, Announces Candidacy for Tioga County Treasurer.
Barbara Roberts of Apalachin, Announces Candidacy for Tioga County Treasurer. Married for 43 years with 3 grown children and 7 grandchildren. Owned and operated a successful business in Apalachin for 24 years. Past Councilwomen for the Town of Owego for 11 years. Currently serves a second term as a Tioga County Legislator for District 3. Tioga County Republican Committee member. Member of the Apalachin Lions Club.
“My business background in both the public and private financial sector makes me the ideal candidate for this position. As one of nine Legislators for the County that come together to make the financial decisions for Tioga County, we remain on solid financial footing. I have served on many committees such as Economic Development and Planning, Tioga County Agricultural & Farmland Protection Board, Southern Tier 8 Regional Board, Public Safety, and Public Works. I am familiar with the County policies and procedures. I have vast customer service experience in both the public and private sector. I will always strive to provide good stewardship and customer service to all residents.
I humbly ask for your support.”
Barbara Roberts
Michael Roberts (left) and Hank Hines, Deputy Superintendent (right)
50 Years Ago by
It's March 1975. Comedian Charlie Chaplin, 86, is granted a knighthood by Queen Elizabeth.
The latest trend in men's fashion is leisure suits. Made of nylon or quiana fabric, the suits are worn with open color shirts or turtlenecks.
Actress Susan Hayward, 56, dies in Beverly Hills, California.
Aristotle Onassis, 69, dies in Paris of a lung infection.
Mariner 10 makes a third pass at the planet Mercury.
The Viet Cong and North Vietnamese control eight South Vietnamese provinces. Almost a million troops and refugees jam the highways as South Vietnam abandons its territory.
An early morning tornado touches down eight times in Atlanta, killing three people and leaving 1,000 homeless.
King Faisal of Saui Arabia, 69, is shot down in his palace during a religious ceremony by his nephew.
President Ford predicts trouble for the US economy. If transfer paymentsmoney for unemployment insurance payments, Social Security, Medicare, and general welfare payments - continue to grow at their current rates, Ford says, "by the year 2000, 50 per cent of the people will be living off the other 50 per cent."
The American Lung Association says that second-hand smoke exposes non-smokers to unsafe amounts of carbon monoxide.
The recently remodeled Tioga County Sheriff's Office holds an open house.
Unemployment in Pennsylvania is at 8.4%, the worst in 14 years.
The community pool at Owego's Marvin Park requires a new concrete deck and hot & cold showers in order to meet state health and safety regulations.
A state court in Pennsylvania orders the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association to allow girls to com-
Beverly Brown
pete with boys in all high school sports, including wrestling and football.
The first day of spring brings wintery winds, rain, and flooding.
The Tioga County Planning Board disapproves of building a McDonald's on Hikories Park Road in Owego because they fear the narrow road cannot handled the traffic.
Grand Union Supermarkets discontinue giving away Triple S Blue Stamps. The Triple S Redemption Center on Main Street in Johnson City will stay open through June so people can redeem their stamp books. Victory Markets in Apalachin still give away S&H Green Stamps; the Victory Markets in Binghamton and Vestal do not.
Johnson City's Oakdale and Westover Elementary Schools will close at the end of this school year.
Clifford D. Clark, 50, of Owego becomes president of SUNY Binghamton. The position pays $45,570 a year and includes the use of the president's mansion on Vestal Avenue in Binghamton.
Movies at local theaters include Funny Lady with Barbra Streisand, Report to the Commissioner, On Any Sunday, The Four Musketeers, Escape to Witch Mountain, and Shampoo starring Warren Beatty and Goldie Hawn, Sunday night TV shows include Kojak, Columbo, Cher, Mannix, The Wonderful World of Disney, and The Six Million Dollar Man.
And at the Grammy Awards, I Honestly Love You by Olivia Newton John is chosen Record of the Year, Stevie Wonder wins Best Pop Male Vocal Performance for Fulfillingness' First Final and Best Rhythm & Blues Male Vocal Performance for Boogie on Reggae Woman, and Marvin Hamlisch wins Best New Artist of the Year and Best Pop Instrumental for The Entertainer.
It was October 1967, the P&C Food Market was getting ready for their grand opening in Owego. In later years it became TOPS and then the Grand Union. And now the Grand Union has closed their doors, Time will tell who will take over this prime location now.
25 Years Ago March 4, 2000
There was a live, radio broadcast from 105.7 FM, give-a-ways, and free samples of Dunkin' Donuts new “Omwich”.
Jo Ann LaPorta (left), Dunkin' Donuts Field Marketing Specialist, and Bill Nolis (right), owner of Dunkin' Donuts in Apalachin and Owego, present a donation for $250 to Jan Nolis (center), President of the Owego Rotary as Phillip Stevens, 3, of Apalachin looks on. Donations for $250 were also given the Apalachin Fire Department, Tioga County Council on the Arts, and the Apalachin Lions Club.
Town of Owego Donald Castellucci, Jr. (left) congratulates Bill Nolis (right), owner of the Apalachin Dunkin' Donuts, on his successful Grand Opening.
Customers are welcomed to the new Dunkin' Donuts on Route 434 in Apalachin by the Dunkin' Donuts Coffee Cup
The Grand Opening of the Apalachin Dunkin' Donuts
Mascot.
