#267 CHRISTMAS 2022

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Mary L. Roberts

Tracey Young Art Director Melissa Salsgiver

Hometown Writers James Lauffer, Editor S. Thomas Curry Shirley Sharp Mary Ellen Pollock-Raneri Marty Armstrong Dr. Gloria Kerr Danielle Merrow

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Hometown Family Shares Christmas Memories

hen I was a boy, Christmas was all about the gifts. I knew the story of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus from a young age, and I understood – as well as any kid, I suppose – the eternal significance of that story. Nonetheless, Chrisrmas remained largely about creating my wishlist and opening the gifts that I found under the tree on Christmas morning. During my boyhood, Dad and Mom and Santa left more than a few memorable gifts: the Erector Set, much coveted, that exposed my mechanical ineptitude at a young age; the .22 caliber pellet rifle, circled in the J.C. Penney catalog, that often accompanied me into the woods behind the house; and the green plastic, portable eight-track player, complete with Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” that provided countless hours of listening pleasure – all great gifts and the sources of many memories!

At some point in my life, however, Christmas became less about the gifts received and more about those who gave the gifts. As the years of my life accumulated, the beloved gift-givers of my boyhood, my teenage years, and my adulthood began passing away: my father, my grandparents, and many aunts and uncles. Gone from the earth, they live in memories of Christmases past – memories tinged with sadness, for certain, but memories that ought to be cherished and relished and shared. How can I ignore the memory of my dad emerging from the basement, carrying the red Mustang pedal car (assembly required) – a gift for my brother – that he proudly parked by the tree! How can I not share the memories of my maternal grandfather and his homemade

fudge and his perfectly decorated tree with its blue lights and hundreds of shimmering, silver “icicles,” draped over branches one at a time by Pap himself!

Our Christmas memories – both of gifts and gift-givers – enable us not only to engage our past, but also to invigorate our present. Members of the Hometown family wish each reader the most blessed of holiday seasons –

a beautiful Christmas cactus, a gift from my elderly neighbor.” Mary also recalls a gift and gift-giver from elementary school. “A boy in my second-grade class gave me a piece of costume jewelry for the Christmas gift exchange. It was a two-piece pin set of ‘Mary and Her Little Lamb’ made of diamonds and pearls.” Like the silver dollar and the Christmas cactus gifts, Mary still has the pin. “It’s probably in my first jewelry box at my parents’ home.”

Mary Ellen Pollock-Raneri

My mom had this little wooden manger that she bought at Murphy’s Five and Ten Cent Store. It had star-shaped hole in the front of the roof where she put a blue little Christmas bulb. Small pieces of chopped-up straw were glued on the wood of the manger, too. Some of the figurines were plastic, but she had more painted, chalky ceramic ones like Mary, Joseph, an angel, and the Wise Men. Baby Jesus was on clay hay. The camel was made of some chalky clay.

My favorite was this plastic peasant carrying a dish of eggs. He had a green robe and sandals, and he carried the eggs in this white plastic bowl. It fascinated me.

Above all, I was driven to arrange and to rearrange the manger scene. I remember my mom laughing because she would set the figures out in a certain position, and a few moments later, the Wise Men and the camel were all facing different directions.

Shirley Sharp

Happy Hanukkah!

Mary Roberts

“The first memory that popped into my head was a gift that my Uncle Joe gave me –a shiny, brand new silver dollar that was accompanied by a large candy cane stick. I still have the coin, but the candy cane is long gone! Another gift that my family still has is

“A Christmas remembered: It was shortly after WWII ended. We had moved back to the farm near Big Run, Pennsylvania, after having lived in Niagara Falls, New York, where my Dad worked in the defense industry during the war. We were readjusting to a home without electricity and indoor plumbing. Dad was laid off from Kramer Mine. We three children, ages 5, 7, and 9, had come down with the measles. We were quarantined. It did not appear Christmas would be merry.

“On Christmas Eve, we snuggled under knitted afghans on the sofa near the coal stove in the living room, listened to

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! – and would like to share with you a few of their Christmas memories!

Christmas music from KDKA Pittsburgh on our battery-operated radio, and dreamed of the delights Santa would bring. I, being the eldest, was not sure that he would come this year. I had overheard our parents counting their pennies and talking about affording groceries. I do not remember going to sleep that Christmas Eve. I do remember waking up on Christmas morning and finding that Santa had come. He had brought a new toy airplane for my brother. And surprisingly, the dolls my little sister and I treasured were sitting under the Christmas tree, dressed in new finery, and looking for all the world like brand new dolls. They had hand-knit sweaters and hats, new outfits made from scraps of fabric from dresses Mom had made for us. We had a grand time dressing our dolls in their new outfits. For some, this would not have been much of a Christmas. For us, it was one of the best Christmases. It was truly a home-made Christmas. It was this Christmas where I learned that it is not the gift, it is the love behind the gift that makes Christmas.”

Tracey Young

“I remember the year I was like 8 or 9 when my sister and I both received a Miss Beasley Doll from Santa. It was magical. We just could not believe we were good enough the whole year to receive these dolls.”

S. Thomas Curry

“A significant Christmas tradition in the Curry family, remembered since a teenager years ago, was the Christmas Eve Candlelight service. There was always the singing of ‘O Holy Night,’ usually a moving solo. There were the familiar Christmas carols. But the most meaningful was the lighting of the individual candles. For every Christmas Eve, worshippers were given small individual candles and at the end of the service, when the sanctuary lights were dimmed, the pastor lit a candle from the larger candle called the Christ Candle. He

passed his candle flame to Deacons who then moved from pew to pew to light the small candles in the hand of worshippers throughout the church. Magnificent visual effect. The darkness was filled with light! The worshippers exited the sanctuary with their lit candles singing ‘Silent Night, Holy Night,’ taking their light into a dark night as an example of Jesus, the Light of the world, good over evil.

“Also remembered from some of those Christmas Eve services was the 1980s, I think, when women practiced ‘teasing’ their hair to get more volume and applying hair spray to keep the style in shape. I remember then when the pastor informed worshippers to keep their candle flames from women’s hair for fear of catching their hair on fire. I can’t remember that that ever happened but there was always a possibility it could happen.”

Wendy Veitz

“My favorite Christmas memories involve both my churches, First English Lutheran in Punxsutawney, and Sons of Zebedee Lutheran in Saltsburg. Christmas Eve service includes a time of worship by candlelight. Amid the hustle and bustle of preparing for the holidays, this time of joining together with my church families in singing ‘Silent Night’ by candlelight was so beautiful. At my childhood church, the congregation would take the candles and walk outside and sing outside on the sidewalk in the darkness. And years later, taking my son to worship with our church family in Punx’y, was more meaningful than I could have ever imagined. It filled my heart with joy to see him taking part in worship and holding his own candle with wide eyes, at a time when I’m sure part of his mind was occupied with hoping Santa would come in the night.”

Marty Armstrong

“The first Christmas memory which comes to mind is actually my mother’s memory, relayed to me many years ago. Mamma was born in 1914 and grew up in the big farmhouse near Oliveburg her parents shared with her Grandpa Jordan. She told me about the happy Christmastime trips of her early childhood to visit her mother’s family, the Galbraiths, in Stanton. They traveled the eight miles or so of hilly, snow-covered roads in the family’s horse-drawn sleigh, protected from the cold by snuggling close together under her grandpa’s raccoon fur robes. It’s really the iconic image verbalized in two familiar tunes: ‘Over the river and through the woods, / To grandfather’s house we go; / The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh, / Through the white and drifted snow, oh!’ (This was written as a Thanksgiving poem but most think of it as a Christmas tune.)

Then there are the ‘Jingle Bells’ lyrics (of

By Mary Ellen Pollock-Raneri for Hometown magazine

om and Dad ran a tight ship when I was a kid. I always asked permission to use the phone before I called someone. I never walked across a neighbor’s lawn to take a short cut through their property or petunia bed. I said, “Please” and “Thank you.” I took my shoes off when I went into someone’s house. I flushed the toilet after I used it, and I would never go to my friend’s house at suppertime. I wanted to make sure I didn’t get coal in my stocking at Christmas. But really, how much wrong could a kid do? I guess that, occasionally, I might have stretched the truth or accidentally slipped up, but, for the most part, I was a good kid and always thought I could never be on the naughty list.

There were, however, times when I messed up. I prefer to think of them as “kid goof-ups.” You know how it goes: You didn’t mean to get in trouble, but somehow everything took a turn for the worse, and you were caught holding the smoking cap gun. Admittedly, there were a few occasions where I “screwed up the works,” as my dad called it, and it always seemed to happen around Christmas.

For instance, I recall a brand-new set of

paints Santa brought me. Presto Paints! I wanted them so bad that I could almost taste all the delicious colors in the box. They were in long narrow plastic tubes, and the advertisement said that kids could paint without water or brushes. I think there was water mixed with a thick paste in each little cylinder. I was so excited when I got them for Christmas because the colors were brilliant, and they went on the paper so smoothly. It was like drawing with lipstick (which I wasn’t allowed to do). There I lay, a few days after the holiday, sprawled out on the new swirly green living room carpeting with my paper and my paints. The problem was as follows: I decided to paint the rug too. Mom’s new carpet was too monochromatic for my 5-year-old taste, so I tried to jazz up the carpeting with my new paint set. By the way, there was a disclaimer on the paint box that read, Covers LARGE areas quickly LARGE was actually in big letters. It was the answer to my artistic dreams!

My mom, Lucy, was less than thrilled with my artistic creations. In fact, I remember she looked like her head was going to blow off her body. One thing about my mother – her bark was always much worse than her bite. That day was no exception. Plus, she took my paints away. The good part of the story is the paints were water soluble, and my mother (expert stain remover extraordinaire) got every speck of

A portrait of the young artist using presto-paints! (original painting by Mary Ellen Pollock-Raneri)

Another great kid Christmas present caper I got myself into was the “Great Darning Needle Incident of 1961.” I couldn’t help myself. I distinctly remember that Paul Shannon was on channel 4 around dusk that day. I felt sad that he was no longer loading the rocket ship with letters to Santa. My

thing that I had made with my new Hasbro red spinning wheel that Santa brought me for Christmas. It was just a long piece of knitted braid, but I was proud of it.

All of a sudden, Dad stormed in the kitchen and grilled me about the new carvings in the living room. His eyes bugged out of his head, his front teeth bugged out too, and he yelled a lot. Then, Dad ordered me back to the scene of the crime. I remember standing there thinking that the work looked pretty decent, but by this time, I knew that I had done something really wrong.

grandmother’s big, thick, shiny darning needle smiled up at me from the pin cushion in her sewing box by her rocking chair. It was a perfect distraction to take away my sadness. I remember picking it up and thinking how fun it would be to draw with it, but I didn’t have paper. Plus, the needle certainly wasn’t a pencil. Then, I spied the freshly polished wood top of Gram’s console television set. The wood just glistened and beckoned me to write on that silky smooth surface. I couldn’t resist. Hearts, flowers, “I love Grandma,” and (gasp) my name spilled out of that darning needle, as I created my masterpiece. There was nothing better than etching while watching your favorite television show!

Sadly, signing your name on a crime is pretty dumb, but for some reason I didn’t think carving up Gram’s television was that bad. So, I continued my work on my grandmother’s rocking chair arm and another end table. One thing about me – I would always go whole hog, so to speak. Nothing halfway for me. Consequently, I continued to sign my name, lest someone not recognize me for the artist that I was. My artwork deserved proper credit.

Later that day, my dad definitely gave my work the credit it deserved. While I was in the kitchen after a hard day at the carving table, I showed my Gram and Mom some-

My aunt giggled and said she liked the part where I wrote, “I love Gram.” That only served to tick my dad off even more because he was trying to make a point and be the disciplinarian, so he yelled a little louder to make sure that he was understood. In the meantime, my mom tried to rub the scratches out of the top of the television with olive oil and iodine, but my artwork was not to be changed.

Fortunately, later, everyone agreed that the wood could be repaired, and I’m pretty sure Mom and Dad got it fixed.

“Why did you do that?” Dad asked over and over on the way home in the car. I always replied with the same answer.

“I dunno.” I mumbled. “I think ’cause it felt so good when I was doing it.”

Then, dad would scratch his head and just continue to drive. I have the feeling he was trying to understand, but really didn’t get it. Mom didn’t say much because she was figuring out who to call to do the repairs.

All in all (and I hate to admit it), I still can remember the feel of that darning needle as I dug it into that soft wood. But I feel bad that I did something that damaged Gram’s rocker and television. Plus, I feel even worse that I made my father so angry.

Funny, though: I wish I could return back to Gram’s living room in the light of the late afternoon on that winter day. I miss watching Paul Shannon, too, with Nosmo King, the Three Stooges, Popeye cartoons, and the big Christmas rocket ship loaded with Santa mail. Most of all, I wish I could look at those drawings just one more time, look at the hearts and flowers, and think about how I will always love my gram, my aunt (who spared me), and Mom and Dad.

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Presto-paints! – easy to use and water soluble, too! (submitted image)

Trapp Family Singers & “The Sound of Music”

By S. Thomas Curry of Hometown magazine

The hills (and valleys) are filled with the sound of music, and the season offers a number of popular songs to sing, listen to, and enjoy. The songs have been sung for hundreds of years. In December the songs are most likely Christmas carols or other seasonal songs of winter.

For many residents, the familiar words “The hills are alive with the sound of music” bring to mind the popular Broadway musical of November 1959, or later the film adaptation with the same title in 1965.

“The Sound of Music” was the lead song in the stage and film productions, with music by Richard Rodgers to the words by Oscar Hammerstein. The song ended with the words “My heart will be blessed with the sound of music.”

Among the nearly dozen songs of the production, in addition to the title song, several have tunes easily remembered. They are “Do-Re-Mi,” “My Favorite Things,” and “Climb Every Mountain.” Maybe it’s the tune of “Edelweiss” that is remembered. For the young people, it might be “Sixteen Going

On Seventeen.” With the story for the musical about the Von Trapp family, and the inspiring music, the 1959 musical became popular worldwide. And the 1965 Academy Awardwinning “The Sound of Music,” has been shown around the world in many countries.

Whether as a musical or a movie, the story was appealing as family-oriented entertainment, fact-based about a courageous Austrian family in years prior to World War II in Europe who escaped from their native Austria in 1938. In that year, Adolf Hitler annexed Austria into the Nazi German empire and the family decided to leave, first to Italy, then to Netherlands, London, England, and to the United States.

The Von Trapp Family

The family was led by Georg von Trapp, a retired Naval officer. With his first wife, Agathe, he had seven children; the first was born in 1911. Upon the death of his wife in 1925, the widowed naval commander attempted to rear the children in a stern military style. In addition to a housekeeper for the private home, a caring teacher for the children, a “governess,” was sought.

As a musical family, after World War II the Von Trapp family toured Europe and the United States. In 1947 the famous Trapp Family Singers visited Punxsutawney for a concert. The photo was used to promote the visit in the Punxsutawney Spirit. (copy online in public domain)

The Broadway stage musical “The Sound of Music” of 1959 and the movie version released in 1965 became popular around the world. Inspired by the real life story of the Von Trapp family, the musical included many enjoyable songs. (photo courtesy of S. Thomas Curry)

Trapp Family

Continued from page 8

Captain Von Trapp requested assistance from the nearby monastery Nonnberg Abbey.

The family story continues when a young Maria Rainer, who was dreaming about becoming a nun, was hired on a trial basis to become the governess to the seven children. Her stay with the family was to be for less than a year, and then she would return to the convent to become a nun. The youngest of the children was age 6, three were teenagers. With her love of music, her love for the children, and her sense of fun, the lives of the children and father were changed when she brought music into their lives. Though at an age of 22 when she began, during the daily interactions as a family, the children sensed their widowed father was falling in love with Maria. Maria would admit the same to Mother Abbess at the convent. Twenty-five years younger than Georg von Trapp, Maria married him in 1927.

From tutoring the seven children and teaching them to sing and play instruments familiar to the culture, the Trapp family achieved fame in their native Austria and parts of western Europe. However, with the situation in Europe deteriorating by Adolf Hitler’s aggressive raiding and annexing countries in pre-World War II, the family eventually emigrated to the United States for security. In 1941 they made their permanent home in Vermont, purchasing a farm in 1942.

The Trapp Family Singers Appear in Punxsutawney

For two decades the family performed concerts in the United States and other countries that were a mixture of liturgical and folk music and instrumentals. Those moments in a community’s cultural life were to be remembered for years.

It happened in Punxsutawney. A headline in early May 1947 in the Punxsutawney Spirit announced, “Renowned Concert Group to be Heard in City Thursday.” In a brief news arti-

cle, it was announced to subscribers to the Punxsutawney Community Concert Association and other interested residents that the celebrated Trapp Family Singers would present their concert in the Frank S. Jackson Auditorium. (The building is now the Punxsutawney Community Center.) In this tour in 1947, the young family portrayed in “The Sound of Music” were young adults in their late 20s and mid 30s.

Sponsored by the local concert association, the visit was one of its three series of concerts in 1947. But it was one of six tours across the U.S. by the Trapp Family Singers. Visiting Punxsutawney, it was reported, would be “Baroness Maria von Trapp” and her family of son Werner and daughters Johanna, Agathe, Hedwig, Maria, Martina, Rosemarie, and Eleanore. Rosemarie and Eleanore were children born after Maria’s marriage to Captain von Trapp.

The review of the concert on May 8, 1947, presented in the Spirit, indicated the community’s admiration and acceptance of this world-renowned group of musicians who appeared in Punxsutawney. One indication was at the conclusion of the evening’s planned program when three encores were applauded by the audience before the Trapp Family Singers could leave the stage to close the evening’s experience.

For their folk songs and liturgical choruses, the musical family sang a cappella. As reported in the review “faultless in musical pitch.” A series of yodels was reviewed as “receiving a tremendous ovation.”

The second portion of the evening program was devoted to musical numbers on ancient instruments of “bass recorders or block flutes and the spinet viola da gamba.” For this portion the performers wore traditional German attire, the young women in Tyrolean dirndls reminding many in the audience of Hansel and Gretel.

To the disappointment of the audience, - Continued on next page

In 1984 and 1995, the Punxsutawney Theatre Arts Guild presented “The Sound of Music” to local audiences. Pictured are local performers as Captain Georg and Maria Von Trapp and seven Von Trapp children in the “Edelweiss” musical scene in 1984. (photo courtesy of the Punxsutawney Theatre Arts Guild)

Trapp Family

For the concert, presented to a capacity audience in the auditorium, the Spirit reporter concluded that it was “a recital of choral and instrumental music unique in the musical annals of this city.” Sadly, Captain Georg Von Trapp died in late May 1947. A widow for 40 years, Maria died in 1987.

“The Sound of Music” Popular in Punxsutawney

Readers will recall that the 1959 Broadway musical of “The Sound of Music” and the 1965 film version were inspired by the real life story of the von Trapp family in Austria during years preceding World War II and the German aggression. Primarily, the story in each was focused on the role of the young Maria in the family and the escape to freedom, giving up family wealth in favor of a happier, free life elsewhere.

Undoubtedly aware of the popularity of the film and its story, in 1984 the veteran theater performers in the local Punxsutawney Theatre Arts Guild felt “The Sound of Music” would also be a winner for a major musical production by an amateur theater group, such as it was in its ninth year. The year 1984 was the 25th anniversary of the Broadway musical. In 1995, by popular request from many who saw the earlier performance of 11 years before, PTAG celebrated its 20th anniversary with a return of the musical to the auditorium of the Punxsutawney Area High School. Although “The Sound of Music” was not intended to be a holiday production, both musicals were presented in early November of those years.

Without the benefit of beautiful Austrian

mountain views as seen in the film, a budget to afford a variety of costumes and scenery, and experienced, professional theater voices, the Punxsutawney Theatre Arts Guild in cooperation with the Punxsutawney Area High School choir and orchestra, took on the challenge. For area residents who witnessed the local productions and have memories of those years, it could be said PTAG and the choir met the challenge and gave a first-rate production.

For a cast of 65 in the expanded 1995 local version of the popular musical, nearly 100 children and adults auditioned for parts. There would also be 50 behind the scene workers to be considered. Among them were set designers, designers, and seamstresses for nearly 100 costumes to be made, makeup and hair stylists for the cast, choreographers to teach members the appropriate dancers, musicians to support a 25-piece pit orchestra, and a stage crew to change scenes in the two-act production.

Between 1984 and 1995, separated by 11 years, there are many memories of the presentations. It was a blend of community residents, experienced theater performers of the Punxsutawney Theatre Arts Guild, and elementary and high school students. Each contributed to Punxsutawney’s “Sound of Music” experience that overflowed with familiar songs, a story of a musical family, drama, and bits of humor. The talent and effort deserved the standing ovations after each performance, offered by residents who were treated to the theater experience – Punxsutawney-style of a Broadway and film classic.

With special recognition to the late Terry A. Fye, stage director, and Ginger Momyer, vocal music director, many residents say, I can “simply remember my favorite things and then I don’t feel so bad.” (“The Sound of Music” song “My Favorite Things.) •

Pictured above in the 1995 Punxsutawney Theatre Arts Guild prroduction of “The Sound of Music” are local performers in the “Edelweiss” musical scene as Captain Georg and Maria Von Trapp and seven Von Trapp children. (photo courtesy of the Punxsutawney Theatre Arts Guild)

“Baroness Maria” could not make the trip with the family due to the illness of Captain Von Trapp at their Vermont home.

uch like money, time does not grow on trees. That reality is all too familiar to busy adults juggling multiple responsibilities at work, at home and other places where they spend their time.

established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend that adults perform at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorousintensity aerobic activity each week. That might seem like a lot, but it can be combined with other leisure activities you already engage in. For example, a sports fan can watch the big game while on a treadmill or elliptical, while readers can swap the couch with an exercise bike as their go-to reading spot. Doing so for as little as a half hour per day can help you get the recommended amount of daily exercise without taking up a large chunk of your time.

A time crunch can make it hard to commit to a New Year’s resolution. But resolutions, which are often focused on self-improvement, can be worthwhile endeavors. So what are busy adults to do? Perhaps the best approach is to choose resolutions that don’t necessarily require much time.

• Exercise more: A commitment to getting fit and being more physically active is a popular New Year’s resolution. Though choosing such a path may seem like it requires a significant time commitment, the Physical Activity Guidelines

• Read more: Adults across the globe lament a lack of time to curl up with a good book. But some brief reading before bed each night can help adults achieve this goal and can even improve their quality of sleep. In fact, a 2021 study published in the peer-reviewed medical journal Trials found that reading in bed before going to sleep improved sleep quality compared to not reading a book in bed.

• Journaling: Journaling is another worthy resolution that won’t take up much time. Individuals can take 15 minutes out of their day to write down their thoughts and feelings and reflect on the day’s comings and goings. That simple activity can produce profound results, as the University of Rochester Medical Center notes that journaling helps people prioritize their problems, fears and concerns; reduce stress; cope with depression; and identify negative thoughts and behaviors.

• Become more organized: This resolution won’t take up much of your time. In fact, becoming more organized should free up time. A lack of organization can make it harder to meet work deadlines, keep a house clean, tackle everyday tasks, and keep a clear mind. By taking steps to be more organized, whether that’s through using a daily organizer, avoiding procrastinating in regard to cleaning up around the house or other means, individuals will gradually discover they have more free time to use as they see fit. New Year’s resolutions need not take much time. Busy individuals can keep that in mind as they look for ways to improve their lives in the year ahead. • • •

When Did Christmas Lights Become so Popular?

Holiday lights are now everywhere come the holiday season. Private homeowners tend to hang the holiday lights outside their homes around Thanksgiving weekend and keep them up through New Year’s Day. Though it might seem like a tradition without a deep history, decorating a Christmas tree with electric lights can be traced all the way back to the nineteenth century. In 1882, Edward Johnson, who was a friend and colleague of the man who invented light bulbs, Thomas Edison, replaced candles, which had traditionally been used to briefly light Christmas trees, with light bulbs. But at the time of Johnson’s innovation, the high cost and relative infancy of light bulbs ensured the idea did not catch on. And though United States

From the Editor’s

Continued from page 4

course the horse had bells): ‘Dashing through the snow / In a one-horse open sleigh / Over the fields we go / Laughing all the way / Jingle bells, jingle bells / Jingle all the way / Oh, what fun it is to ride / In a one-horse open sleigh.’”

Danielle Merrow

“I don’t know if I can narrow down a single favorite Christmas memory. Rather, Christmas to me is embodied in a generational love of the whole season and the spirit of love, giving, and gathering it embodies.

“Probably my love of decorating and Christmas preparations began with my maternal grandparents (which they passed on to my mom before me), because they allowed me free rein to deck their halls in whatever way I saw fit when I was younger. My Granny and I began a tradition of decorating together, and my Pappy (a jolly, Christmasloving bear of a man) encouraged us to go as far as we dared with holly, garland, lights, and my grandmother’s beloved Dickens’s Christmas Village. Pappy was always so content to sit and watch us do our thing. Later, Granny and I would attend The Living Christmas Tree at the First Church of God –

President Grover Cleveland used electric lights to illuminate a Christmas tree in the White House in 1895, it would be another eight years before General Electric would begin selling Christmas light kits. Those kits cost $12 in 1903, which equates to several hundred dollars today. The first outdoor Christmas light shows started to become popular in the 1920s, and this is the same time when commercial sales of Christmas lights picked up. In the 1960s, GE’s decision to begin manufacturing Christmas lights overseas helped reduce the price of outdoor lights even further, thus paving the way for the tradition of decorating home exteriors with string lights during the holiday season to take a firm hold. And that tradition remains wildly popular today.

• • •

a tradition we would continue for as long as we could.

“Christmas day for our family was always a loud, exciting affair. Us kids were allowed to open our stockings while Dad went to collect both sets of grandparents. Mom’s delicious homemade nut rolls were always on the breakfast menu, and the video camera was at the ready: battery fully charged and Mom –perfectly put together in a festive top,with her hair and makeup on point – always behind it, capturing every moment. As I grew older, I came to realize that my favorite parts of Christmas came from watching my younger siblings experience the magic of the whole season.

“A parent now with three little boys of my own, I’m experiencing Christmas in a whole different way through their eyes, and we have developed many of our own traditions, but also incorporated my favorite parts of my own Christmas memories. One of our favorite traditions is Christmas movie nights, featuring classics like ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ ‘Miracle on 34th Street,’ and all of the ‘Home Alone’ and ‘The Santa Clause’’ movies. These are among the most nostalgic moments to share with my husband and sons, snuggled in our matching Christmas PJs with steaming mugs of cocoa and a big bowl of popcorn.”

• • •

Jacob

T. d’Argy OWNER / FUNERAL DIRECTOR Kelsey E. Makin SUPERVISOR / FUNERAL DIRECTOR

GIRLS BASKETBALL

(front, left to right) Caydance Zampini, Elma Yoder, Harlie Test, Maddi Kriebel, Vanessa Sweeney, Danielle Griebel, Emily McMahan; (back row) Caleigh Smelko, Emily Wisnesky, Jolena Wintermyer, Riley Doverspike, Chloe Presloid, Emily Dobbins, Avary Powell, Samantha Griebel, Olivia Burkett. Not pictured: Camryn Hall & Brynn Hicks.

WRESTLING (front, left to right) Nick Motter, Zeke Bennett, Grant Miller, Dysen Gould, Jordan Rutan; (middle row) Brice Rowan, Joel Mehalic, David Kunselman, Brett Dean, Ryan Kanouff, Jael Miller, Nina Twigg; (back row) John Elick, Austin Fischer, Landon Martz, Aiden Shaffer, Jared Meeks. Not pictured: Nina Twigg & Hunter Dobson

BASKETBALL (front, left to right) Ethan Booher, Brody Stoffer, Griffin White, Maddox Hetrick, Porter Wood, Cole Brooks; (middle row) Charles Connell, A.J. Hewitt, Noah Weaver, Mason Nesbitt, Cooper Hallman, Zackary Presloid, Alex Shumaker; (back row) Beau Thomas, Ryen Heigley, James Neese, Noah Kengersky, Tysen Leasure, Kolton Koppenhaver, Ethan Wright.

CHEERLEADING (left to right) Eve Bennett, Kylee Smith, Audrey Johnson, Madison Kanouff, Brianna Fronk-Sunderlin; (middle row) Riley Schaffer, Abagail Blair, Kaitlin Shaffer, Ava Greenblatt, Piper Petroff; (back row) Rylee Agnello, Makenzie Clontz, Mackenzie Greene, Arraya Getch, Kirsten Morrow.

Oil and Lube Express West Main St., Brookville Our Average Oil Change Only Takes 10 Minutes! No Appointment Necessary Open 8 to 5 Mon.-Fri.; 8 to Noon Sat. 814-849-4712

BOYS

sports photos by Jacinda Gigliotti

GIRLS INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD (front, left to right) Abby Smith, Claire Skarbek, Jordan Hicks, Lydia Miller, Hannah Surkala, Beth Vallies (middle row) Jillian Blews, Abby McAdoo, Olivia Toven, Maggie Guidice, Taylor Bair, Mary Grusky, Riley Miller; (back row) Madison Rudolph, Jacinda Gigliotti, Catherine Fuller, Reagan Houk, Isabella Bartlebaugh, Emma Burkett, Chalice Gervasoni, Rebeka Miller, Emily Bussard, Madison Momyer.

BOYS INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD (front, left to right) Evan Mohney, Christopher Setree, Adin Bish, Aiden Cameron, Michael Clemmer; (middle row) Kaden Heigley, Garrett Bartlebaugh, Daniel Lenze, Evan Groce, Ethan Curry, Samuel Hindman; (back row) Bryce Horne, Issac Greenblatt, Alex Momyer, Mattew Grusky, Sawyer Hall, Adam Manners, Jack Rentko.

Hometown sports photos by Jacinda Gigliotti

By Marty Armstrong for Hometown magazine

family tree evergreen? Does it last from season to season – adding new people as time goes on, helping to build relationships and memories? At the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society, family trees can be found in books and letters, photographs and artifacts, in wall art in the Tibby Library, and, sometimes, in the decorated holiday trees grac-

s

ing the Reschini Room. As part of the Punxsutawney family, the Society lined five trees up along the windows facing Mahoning Street just in time last year for the Home for the Holidays parade, using a different color for each to highlight five aspects of the Society’s focus on family and local connections.

For 2022, the five trees, now in place, represent five aspects of service and the communities of those who serve. Rather than use the multi-color approach employed last year (red, blue, green, gold, and magenta), four of the trees have intense blue lights while a fifth special tree in the center is purposefully different.

3 The first objective was to get the trees in place, the lights strung, and the timers working in time for the November 26 parade. Done.

3 With individual visitors and groups expected in the Lattimer House this year over the holiday season, the next step was to trim the inward-facing portions on the trees with past and present imagery corresponding to the five broad categories of service being honored by the first full week in December. Done.

3 Finally, signage was developed to more fully express the theme of service to, from, and within our community. Done.

“HATS OFF!” sets the tone for military

service with a few military uniform caps and hats, a salute to the “Hero Banners” project and pictures representing different times of conflict. The connection to families is made with photographs from several “Siblings in Service” articles published in Hometown magazine over 2021 and 2022.

“SPREAD THE WORD!” highlights several known examples of missionary service undertaken by individuals and families of faith both to and from our region. These range from the 1500s to the present time, and the details of each story featured are the subject of a brochure currently in development.

“HELP IS ON THE WAY!” features the police, fire, and rescue service providers who help to protect our community’s families. Postcard-like photographs of past and present facilities, people and events help to celebrate hardworking and brave police, fire, and rescue personnel.

“PATIENTS FIRST!” explores the history of area medical facilities over time and the selfless service of health and wellbeing staff under difficult circumstances.

“HELPING HANDS & HEARTS OF GOLD!” for the tree that is not blue, recognizes all persons involved in some form of community service. This ranges from individuals who independently do volunteer work, clubs and societies who have a narrow or broad focus on specific addressable community needs, public service-provider entities, and the sometimes thankless jobs performed by local, county, state and federal staff members and elected officials who do what needs to be done for all our families. They are symbolically represented by the centrally placed, sparkling gold tree. It has the added bonus effect, viewed from the outside, of evoking the colors of the Ukrainian flag, a reminder how families around the world can support one another.

As the tree placement does not impede the use of the Society’s Reschini Room for group events and activities such as the December 17 Volunteer Appreciation Tea or detract from the native, settler, and coal and rail artifact displays, they will stay in place through the extended Christmas season for all to enjoy. The lights, then, will be turned off until Groundhog Day festivities light up our community in February.

Best wishes to all over the holiday season.

• • •

Macaroni! A Pasta’s Place in Local History

By Coal Memorial Committee for Hometown magazine

In 1882, immigrant workers from Italy began arriving in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania. They were recruited to work at opening the railroads and in the rapidly expanding coal mining industry. They brought with them their culinary preference for macaroni, a food they had enjoyed in their home country.

The first indication of manufacturing macaroni in the local area appeared as a cryptic note in the Brookville Jeffersonian Democrat of April 24, 1889: “According to the Spirit a son of sunny Italy with a musical name is going to establish a macaroni factory in Clayville.” There is no doubt that a macaroni factory was established and operated. An article in the Punxsutawney Spirit on October 23, 1889, documents the sale of the equipment of the macaroni factory at Clayville. In another notice in the Spirit on June 24, 1891, Caesar Formini offered a reward, for the return of a mare, which strayed from the macaroni factory at Clayville, thus confirming the presence of

the factory. The 1912 obituary of Joseph Margiotti, a resident of Walston and later Punxsutawney, states that he was formerly the proprietor of the West End macaroni factory. And, the Punxsutawney News asked, in an item on May 5, 1931, “Do You Remember When Lindsey, Pa., now our own West End, was the home of a busy macaroni factory, located on the old Walston Road?”

Enterprising Italians, seeing the growing demand for ethnic food, opened mercantile facilities near mining communities, which specialized in imported Italian foods. In 1890 the Mercantile Appraisers list for Young Township listed stores in Young Township: Berwind White’s Eureka Supply Company, at Horatio and Anita, and the Rochester & Pittsburg Coal & Iron Company’s Mahoning Supply Co. Stores at Walston and Adrian. It also listed the owner names of other mercantile facilities in the same area as the included: G.A. Winegrove, J.A. Ender, L. Mambuca, Walston, M.L. Smith, Mrs. Caretta Massini, Demani Narcrtic, and Tony Pemarince. The 1900 Census listed the following grocers in the Young Township North Precinct #2: Antonio Sperneeale (Spinelli), Antonio Pal-

Advertisement for Jefferson Macaroni Company from the Reynoldsville Star. (photo courtesy of the Library of Congress)

The store of Anthony Spinelli near Walston. Immigrant entrepreneurs operated small stores that catered to the desire of ethnic minorities for food items that reminded them of their home countries. (photo courtesy of the Spinelli Family, Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society)

mareno, Antonio, Lewis Mambuca, Antonio Cesario, Antonio Gilotte (Gigliotti), and Job Morgan. Italian surnames outnumbered the others on these lists.

In March 1892, the local grocery Gibson & Witherell advertisement in the Punxsutawney News stated: “We place in stock this week A.N. & Co’s Spaghetti Macaroni Monarch Brand. The finest Macaroni ever offered to the trade.” By February 28, 1894, Gibson & Witherell were advertising themselves as Jobbers & Retailers, which indicated they were supplying imported food items to smaller vendors.

The June 13, 1894, issue of the Punxsutawney News reported on the actions of the 53rd Congress of the United States on their 143rd day, when the Senate, taking up the tariff bill, fixed the duty on macaroni, vermicelli, and other similar preparations at 20 percent ad valorem. This meant that it would cost 20 percent more to purchase macaroni products imported from Italy when this tariff was implemented. The local reaction was quickly seen in the movement to create macaroni factories.

At Reynoldsville, Joseph Macro was considering starting a macaroni factory. His plans were for a modest establishment that would employ six men, and could be expanded as business demanded. The Reynoldsville Star, commented on March 6, 1895, that, “Every manufacturing enterprise helps the town even if it is on a small scale.”

In 1901, an effort to promote American wheat in the manufacture of Italian macaroni was underway. An article in the Punx-

sutawney News on August 11, 1901, sums the situation: “American macaroni made from American wheat by Americans and by an American process is to be one of the slogans of the industrial battle upon which the United States is now entering. If the American people must have the funny little tubes of glutinous paste there is no reason why we should continue to import them from Italy.

All doubt about the adaptability of American wheat for manufacture of macaroni has been removed by recent tests made by one of the largest manufacturers in Italy, the details of which have been forwarded to the State Department at Washington by Consul Hayden at Casellamare di Stabia. This manufacture was made from American wheat macaroni of much richer quality.”

Businessmen who served the coal communities began planning to meet the challenge of higher costs to import macaroni. Carmine Marinano and his brother Joseph, of Soldier Run, a mining community near Reynoldsville, shared their plans in the December 4, 1901, issue of the Reynoldsville Star. They were organizing a stock company to erect a brick building for a large macaroni factory near the glass plant at Reynoldsville. It would employ 100 men.

At the start up 30 men would be employed, and more would be added as business increased. Their plan was to begin building in the spring of 1902. The building of the plant was delayed several times. The macaroni factory was finally dedicated on Sunday, August 14, 1904, and the making of macaroni began on August 15. By 1910 the Jefferson Macaroni Factory at Reynoldsville was turning out 5,000 pounds of product per day. The Marinaros expanded their opera-

tions by creating macaroni factories in other coal towns and eventually opened a macaroni factory in Canada.

At Brockwayville, general merchant Benigni Stanislao, announcing a clearance sale of his merchandise, stated, “I have decided to sell out my entire stock at reduced prices, being connected with the new macaroni factory. I will devote my whole time to the factory.” The August 12, 1904, issue of the Brockwayville Record reported an American-Italian macaroni factory at Brockwayville, started by Max Dancsi and Ernest Onetti, had the capacity to produce 500 boxes of macaroni a day. The factory had received several large orders for macaroni that had reduced their stock on hand, and with new orders they could be guaranteed steady work that fall. By the summer of

of funds to continue.

A group of Brockway businessmen, who knew very little about manufacturing macaroni, joined together and leased the macaroni factory from Stanislao. H. B. McCullough, B.E. Taylor, C. R. McCauley, and I. L. Bond understood business and took over the factory in September. They changed the name to the Brockway Macaroni Company, put experienced workers in charge and restarted the manufacture of all grades of macaroni and were able to turn out a considerable amount of macaroni the first week. In a short time the new operators demonstrated the plant could be operated at a fair profit and took its place as one of the permanent industries of the town.

By early1906, the Brockway Macaroni Factory was in great shape and making

Did you know?

Public health agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advocate for annual flu shots as an effective way to avoid potentially serious complications that can arise when individuals get the influenza virus. But why the need for annual vaccinations? According to the CDC, flu viruses are constantly changing, so a vaccination that might have been effective one year will not necessarily provide significant protection in the following year. In addition, the protection provided by the flu vaccine wanes over time, so people won’t necessarily be well fortified against the flu if they aren’t vaccinated each year. Researchers work to determine which flu viruses are likely to be common in a given year. The vaccinations administered in that year reflect that research and provide the greatest protection against the viruses that are likely to be circulating throughout flu season.

• • •

“Jesus cried with a loud voice... and gave up His Spirit.”

Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is Risen!” Luke the physician recounting eyewitnesses shortly after Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection

He was born to live. He lived to die.

He died to live again. He lives again so we may also. A reminder to remember the rest of His story Merry Christmas from the office of Dr. Delroy M. Moore

1464 N. Main St., Ste 9 Punxsutawney 938-6333

Just Around the Corner, Groundhog Day! Submit Your Events to Hometown

In the land of Punxsutawney, the November and December holidays are followed closely by another traditional and monumental holiday – Groundhog Day on February 2. Thousands will make the pilgrimage to Punxsutawney, the Weather Capital of the World, to hear the world’s most famous weather prognosticator proclaim whether spring will arrive early or winter will continue for six more weeks. Throngs will fill the streets of

Macaroni! A Pasta’s

Continued from previous page

plans to expand its facility. That fall L.M. Groves, originally from Brockway, who was living and working in Punxsutawney, purchased an interest in the factory and assumed active management of the plant. The factory continued to prosper until January 1908 when it was destroyed by fire. The first inclination of the owners was to rebuild. However after due consideration, they decided to relocate the business to the facilities of the Jefferson Macaroni Company at Reynoldsville. In August 1910, the Hunter Brothers, J.W. and E.W. and Joseph Marinaro closed a deal to become the owners of the Jefferson Macaroni Factory at Reynoldsville. E.W. Hunter was the general manager of the plant and business, while Joseph Marinaro traveled over the trade territory of the company after new business. They made several large additions to the plant increasing the production capacity to 5,000 pounds per day. They shipped to customers as far west as Tennessee, and to retailers in Ohio, New York, eastern Pennsylvania, and Maryland. The Jefferson Macaroni Factory at Reynoldsville continued producing macaroni until it was sold by a trustee in 1943 to National Foods, Inc., of Pittsburgh.

In 1922, the Brockway Macaroni and Supply Company was organized with a purpose of manufacturing and selling macaroni and olives, olive oil, and kindred supplies. The plant was located on the same location as the old Brockway Macaroni Factory. The officers of the new enterprise

Punxsutawney, and merriment and good cheer will fill the air.

Hometown magazine wants to include your event in its Groundhog Day issue and asks all vendors, businesses, civic organizations – anyone participating in the Groundhog Day festivities – to submit their events to Hometown by Friday, December 31. Events – including location, dates, and times – may be submitted to [need this information] by 5 p.m. December 31. • • •

were president J.L. Bond, vice president Samuel Pedare, secretary-treasurer William Mays, and the stockholders in addition to the above officers were, A.R. Chapin, Ivan Sibley, Robert Warren, Wendell August, Fred Humphreys, and Carlo Martini, who also was the manager in charge of the factory. The company specialized in supplying institutional customers with macaroni and is listed with the Commonwealth as a business operation today, 101 years after its founding.

Macaroni manufacturing began as a way to satisfy a yen for a taste of home, became a way to provide an affordable product for local residents, and evolved into an industry providing jobs for local residents.

This article has been prepared by the Coal Memorial Committee of the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society. Resources used in preparing this article are from PAHGS, Punxsutawney News@ Newspapers.com., and the Library of Congress. Direct comments to PAHGS, P.O. Box 286, Punxsutawney, PA 15767. A dedication for the 2023 Memorial Tile additions to the Punxsutawney Area Coal Memorial will take place on Sunday, September 3, 2023. Individuals desiring to honor a coal or coal-related industry worker in 2023 are encouraged to purchase their tile by June 30, 2023. A Coal Memorial tile may honor persons who worked in any aspect of the coal industry, including railroads and ancillary services. Additional information and forms may be found online at www.punxsyhistory.org or may be requested by an email to punxsyhistory@outlook.com or by calling (814) 938-2555 and leaving a message. • • •

First Christmas Baby Contest

e at Hometown – and the sponsors of the First Christmas Baby of 20212 will welcome the first baby of the Christmas season to the Punxsutawney Area Hospital in a very special way! In addition to wishing one and all the merriest of Christmases and the happiest of New Years, Hometown will recognize the first baby born on Christmas or the closest date after Christmas. The “winning” newborn will be the first baby born after 12 p.m. midnight on Dec. 24, 2022 and must be a resident of the Hometown delivery area. The first baby will be announced on our facebook page and in the next issue of Punxsutawney Hometown magazine. • • •

The Little Drummer Boy

Originally titled “Carol of the Drum,” the song eventually known as “The Little Drummer Boy” was written in 1941 by Katherine Kennicott Davis, who was a classical music composer and teacher. It first was recorded by the Trapp Family Singers and tells the story of a poor boy who had no gift to offer the Baby Jesus. Mary agrees to let him play his drum as a gift. One of the more notable recordings of the song was a collaboration by David Bowie and Bing Crosby for a 1977 television special, which interwove “The Little Drummer Boy” with “Peace on Earth.”

“The Little Drummer Boy” Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum, A newborn King to see, pa rum pum pum pum.

Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum, To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum.

So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum, When we come.

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum, I am a poor boy, too, pa rum pum pum pum.

I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum, That’s fit to give our King, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum.

Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum, On my drum.

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum, The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum.

I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum.

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum, Me and my drum.

Written by Katherine K. Davis

Lyrics courtesy of Christmassongs.net • • •

Punxsutawney Area Hospital Receives ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade

Punxsutawney Area Hospital received an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog eGroup. This national distinction celebrates PAH’s achievements in protecting hospital patients from preventable harm and errors.

“As the leader of the medical and clinical staff, we are ecstatic to receive this distinction. The entire PAH staff works diligently to provide our patients with the best care, in the safest environment possible,” said Clark Simpson, M.D., Director of Medical Staff Affairs.

The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization with a 10year history of assigning letter grades to general hospitals throughout the United States, based on a hospital’s ability to prevent medical errors and harm to patients. The grading system is peer-

reviewed, fully transparent, and free to the public. Hospital Safety Grade results are based on more than 30 national performance measures and are updated each fall and spring.

“I applaud the hospital leadership and workforce for their strong commitment to safety and transparency,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “An ‘A’ Safety Grade is a sign that hospitals are continuously evaluating their performance, so that they can best protect patients. Your hospital team should be extremely proud of their dedication and achievement.”

To see PAH’s full grade details, as well as regional facilities, and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org and follow The Leapfrog Group on Twitter, Facebook, and via its newsletter.

• • •

Clark Simpson, MD; Robin Moran, Quality and Patient Safety Manager; and Jack Sisk, President of Punxsutawney Area Hospital, celebrate the “A” Hospital Safety Grade that PAH received from The Leapfrog eGroup. (submitted photo)

Enjoy Irish Coffee at Home

are often the cause of much frustration. However, one timely storm nearly 80 years might just have paved the way for a beloved

In 1943, Joe Sheridan was working as a chef at the Shannon Airport in Ireland.

his newly minted creation was “Irish coffee.” And thus a legendary beverage was born.

This recipe, courtesy of the Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum, can be great for anyone who wants warm up with their own batch of Irish coffee at home.

Step One

Preheat your Foynes Irish coffee glass by filling it with boiling water for 5 seconds, then pour the water out. .

Step Two

Add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar and a good measure of Irish whiskey into the warmed glass.

Step Three

According to the Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum, on one fateful night, a flight bound for Newfoundland was forced to return to the airport in Foynes due to inclement weather. Sheridan was called back to work that night and asked to create a warm beverage for the suddenly stranded passengers. Quick on his feet, Sheridan brewed some coffee but decided to add a little whiskey. Asked if the beverage was Brazilian coffee, Sheridan shook his head before indicating

Fill the glass to within 1 centimeter of the brim with hot, strong black coffee. Stir well to dissolve all the brown sugar.

Step Four

Carefully pour lightly whipped cream over the back of a spoon so that it floats on top of the coffee.

Step Five

Do not stir after adding the cream; optimal flavor comes from drinking the coffee and Irish whiskey through the cream.

• • •

They might not garner as much attention as apples, oranges or bananas, but pears pack a nutritional punch that puts them on par with other popular fruits. A medium-sized pear provides roughly 21 percent of the daily recommended value of fiber, an essential component of a healthy diet that helps keep hunger and blood sugar levels in check. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, pears are loaded with antioxidants that can help people reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease and cancer. In addition, one study from researchers at

Harvard University found that individuals who consume fruits like pears that are rich anthocyanin, which is a flavonoid with antioxidant-like effects, have a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

• • •

he late-night revelry of New Year’s Eve has made New Year’s Day brunch a go-to tradition for millions of people. Staying up until the calendar officially turns from one year to the next

1. For the Mushroom Sauté: Place the dried mushrooms in a medium bowl and cover with the boiling water. Let stand until softened, 20 minutes. Strain in a sieve lined with a double thickness of paper towels and reserve the soaking liquid. Coarsely chop the mushrooms.

2. Heat the olive oil in a medium, heavy frying pan set over medium heat. When hot, add the brown mushrooms and sauté, stirring often, for 6 minutes. Add the reserved mushrooms, garlic, rosemary, and 1⁄2 teaspoon salt; stir for 1 minute. Add the mushroom liquid and cook, stirring, until it has evaporated, 4 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and several grinds of pepper. Remove the frying pan from the heat and cover with foil to keep warm. (The mushrooms can be prepared 1 day ahead; cool, cover and refrigerate. Reheat, stirring, over medium heat.)

•

at the stroke of midnight can make it harder to get out of bed on the morning of January 1, so there may be no better day to plan a brunch than the first day of the calendar year.

Many restaurants offer brunch specials on New Year’s Day, but people need not leave home to ensure their first meal of the new year is delicious. This recipe for “Pan-Fried Eggs and Mixed Mushroom Sauté on Toasted Sourdough Slices” from “Sunday Brunch” (Chronicle Books) by Betty Rosbottom can be just the dish to begin a new year.

Pan-Fried Eggs and Mixed Mushroom Sauté on Toasted Sourdough Slices Serves 4

Mushroom Sauté

1 1/4 ounces mixed dried mushrooms

1 1/2 cups boiling water

3 tablespoons olive oil

8 ounces sliced brown mushrooms

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 tsp. dried crushed rosemary (see tip)

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Toast and Eggs

4 - 1/2-inch thick sourdough slices Olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 eggs

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)

3. For the toast and eggs: Brush both sides of the bread slices generously with olive oil. Set a 10- to 11-inch nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat, and, when hot, add the bread and cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the toast and cover loosely with foil. When pan is cool enough to handle, wipe it out with clean paper towels.

4. Add the butter to the frying pan and set it over medium heat. When the butter starts to foam, break an egg into a saucer, being careful to remove any shell fragments., and gently slide it into the frying pan. Repeat with the remaining eggs. Immediately reduce the heat to low and cook, basting the eggs with some of the butter in the pan frequently, until the whites are firm and the yolks are still soft and runny, 3 minutes.

5. While the eggs are cooking, arrange a toasted bread slice on each of four plates. Mound the mushrooms evenly over the toast.

6. Remove each egg with a spatula and arrange on top of the mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper and, if desired, garnish each serving with a rosemary sprig. Serve immediately.

Tip: If you can’t find dried crushed rosemary, crush regular dried rosemary in an electic spice mill, or place it in a self-sealing plastic bag and roll over it with a rolling pin. •

(“From Our Past,” researched by S. Thomas Curry, features items of interest from past editions of Punxsutawney and area newspapers.

December 16, 1869 — HOUSE AND SIGN PAINTING

Theophilis Brodt would respectfully inform the citizens of the Borough of Punxsutawney and vicinity, that he is prepared to execute all business in his line with neatness and dispatch. All orders directed to him, at Isaac Keck’s Hotel, Punxsutawney, Pa. (Punxsutawney Plaindealer)

December 24, 1902 — Dr. J. G. Bethuyne is now the owner of “Punx’y,” the race horse for which $2,000 was paid as a twoyear-old. The horse’s name was at first “McKinley,” for the late U. S. President. Dr. Bethuyne has changed his name back to the original one, thinking that “Punx’y” might be a sort of hoodoo, as it never realized the expectations of the owners. (Punxsutawney Spirit)

Note: Dr. Bethuyne was a veterinarian who came to Punxsutawney in 1893 and practiced here for 46 years, retiring in 1939. “Hoodoo” is commonly thought of as behavior affected by a curse or possessed by an evil spirit.

January 6, 1886 — Walston Mines will hereafter be a post office as soon as the proper documents are received. Mr. D. H. McIntyre got the appointment. (Valley News)

January 10, 1899 — While there was ice on the creek, the game of “shinny” figured prominently in the amusements of the boys. A more modern form of the game is hockey. While you are apt to get kicked with a skate runner, and still more apt to measure your length on the ice with an accompanying milky way of imaginary stars, the game is nevertheless a fine one. A swipe over the cranium with a hockey club is but a rare occurrence while the fun and exercise is the most desirable nature. (Punxsutawney News)

Note: The weekly Valley News changed its name to Punxsutawney News on June 8, 1887.

January 12, 1887 — Coasting is fine sport; but then there is much danger connected with it. A number of youthful lives have been lost already this winter by the

too reckless manner of coasting. When a boy lies flat down upon a sled and uses his head for a “bumper” he must look out for the consequences. Don’t be reckless, boys. (Valley News)

January 15, 1890 — While the Washington Hotel ‘bus was backing up to receive passengers at the B. R. & P. railroad station last Saturday at noon, the horses became unmanageable and started on a run. When turning the corner of Findley and Mahoning street the horses fell. Considerable excitement was occasioned among pedestrians. The team dashed around the corner and fell in a heap on the street, but they were soon got on their feet again. No further difficulty was experienced. (Punxsutawney Spirit)

• •

•

Hometown Community Happenings

From the staff of Hometown magazine and the Community Calendar at Punxsutawney.com, here is a list of events coming up in our area: At press time, Coronavirus restrictions and mask requirements were changing. Please check with the host organization’s website or Facebook page for up-to-date information.

n Hometown Steelers Football contest winner: Brian Davis of Punxsutawney is the most recent winner in Hometown’s Pittsburgh Steelers Contest. Brian correctly predicted that 35 total points would be scored in the December 4 game between the Steelers and the Atlanta Falcons, a game in which the Black and Gold prevailed 19-16. Brian plans to redeem his certificate at Shop ’n Save. Congratulations, Brian!

n Dec. 17: Breakfast with Santa, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Big Run Event Center, sponsored by the Big Run Area Vol. Fire Co. Cost is by donation and bring in-date canned food items for the B.R.A.N.C.H.H. food bank.

n Dec. 17: Lunch with the Grinch, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Punx’y McDonalds.

n Dec. 17: Santa will ride around Rossiter at noon, then kids can meet him at 12:30 p.m. for a treat bag at the Rossiter Vol. Fire Hall.

n Dec. 17: Visit with Santa in the Park, 1 to 2:30 p.m., at Barclay Square, sponsored by CRW Home Center and Punx’y Rotary.

n Dec. 18: Breakfast with Santa, 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., Santa arrives at 9 a.m., at McCalmont Township Vol. Fire Co., Anita. Adults, $10; kids 5-12, $5; Kids 4 & under, free.

n Dec. 18: Santa & Mrs. Claus, 2 to 6 p.m., hosted by Unity Rises Assn., 400 Walnut St. Bring your own camera. n Dec. 18 & 22: Punx’y Theatre Arts Guild will be caroling in various parts of town, from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday.

n Dec. 18: Hanukkah begins.

n Dec. 19: Adult Coloring Club, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., at Punx’y Memorial Library. Bring your own supplies or borrow some from the library. For those over age 18. n Dec. 20: Blood Drive, 12 to 6 p.m., at Punx’y VFW. Benefits the American Red Cross.

n Dec. 21: First Day of Winter! n Dec. 21: Drive-Through Community Dinner, begins at 4:30 p.m., at Punx’y

Presbyterian Church. Enter the alley off East Mahoning St beside the Pantall and drive toward Union St. Meals will be handed to the driver. The meal will include an entrée to heat at home and a dessert.

n Dec. 21: White Elephant Auction, 6 to 9 p.m., at Unity Rises Assn., online & in-person.

n Dec. 21: Advent Midweek Service, 6:30 p.m., at First English Lutheran Church.

n Dec. 23 & 30: Read to a Therapy Dog, 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. at the Punx’y Memorial Library. All ages welcome.

n Dec. 24, 25, & 26: Punx’y Memorial Library closed.

n Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Worship Services:

• 4 & 8 p.m. candlelight services, First United Methodist Church.

• 4:30 p.m. Vigil Mass & 9 p.m. Evening Mass, preceded by hymns and carols, beginning at 8:30 p.m. Ss. Cosmas and Damian Church, 616 W. Mahoning St. 9 p.m. Mass will be simulcast.

• 6:45 p.m. Worship service & cantata: “Believe - The Truth of Christmas,” Chestnut Grove Church, 342 Lipp Rd., Punx’y. Cantata is presented by the church choir.

• 7 p.m. Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Airport

• 9 p.m. First English Lutheran Church.

n Dec. 25: Christmas Day!

• 8 a.m. & 10 a.m. Masses. SSCD, 616 W. Mahoning St. 10 a.m. Mass will be simulcast.

•10 a.m. Worship at First English Lutheran Church. This is a combined service for First English and Mt. Zion Lutheran churches.

n Dec. 28: Book donations accepted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Punx’y Memorial Library. Limit 2 boxes or bags per person.

n Dec. 29: Winter Wonders, 12:30-3 p.m., at Punx’y Weather Discovery Center. $12 per child. Pre-register by Dec. 26 at 938-1000 or email educator@weatherdiscovery.org.

n Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve! The staff at Punxsutawney Hometown magazine wishes you a happy & healthy 2023. Ring in the new year safely.

n Jan. 1 & 2: Punx’y Memorial Library closed.

n Jan. 3 & 31: Used book sale at the Punx’y Memorial Library. Bag of books, $2 suggested donation.

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n Jan. 6 & 7: Grange’s Helping Hands free clothing, Friday, noon to 4 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Grange Church of God.

n Jan. 6, 13, 20, & 27: Read to a Therapy Dog, 3:45 p.m., at Punx’y Memorial Library.

n Jan. 7, 11, 21, & 25: Book donations accepted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Punx’y Memorial Library. Limit 2 boxes or bags per person.

n Jan. 7: Rummage Sale, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Unity Rises Assn. Half the proceeds will benefit Ty’s Make A Wish Fund. n Jan. 9: Spring Literacy Programs’ registration opens at Punx’y Memorial Library. Register in person at the library for these free programs. Programs begin the week of Feb. 6: Tweens & Teens (7th to 12th grades) Mondays at 5 p.m.; WeeRead! (18 months to 35 months) Tuesdays at 11 a.m.; Pre-K Rocks! (3 years to 5 years) Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m.; It’s Elementary 1 (K to 3rd grade) Wednesdays at 4 p.m.; and It’s Elementary 2 (4th to 6th grades) Wednesdays at 5 p.m.

n Jan. 9, 16, 23, & 30: Adult Coloring Club, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., at Punx’y Memorial Library. Bring your own supplies or borrow some from the library.

n Jan. 10: Blood Drive, 12:30 to 6 p.m., at St. Mary’s Church, Reynoldsville. Benefits the American Red Cross.

n Jan. 12: Catastrophic Book Club, 5:30 p.m., at Punx’y Memorial Library. Bring a list of suggested readings for the new year.

n Jan. 18: Drive-Through Community Dinner, begins at 4:30 p.m., at Punx’y Presbyterian Church. Enter the alley off East Mahoning St beside the Pantall and drive toward Union St. Meals will be handed to the driver. The meal will include an entrée to heat at home and a dessert.

n Jan. 21: Handgun Bingo, 4 p.m., at Perry Township Vol. Fire Co., $50 per ticket.

n Jan. 28: Lindsey Fire Co.’s Gun & Cash DJ Bingo at Punx’y Eagles upstairs. Doors open at 3 p.m., games start at 4 p.m. Ticket donation, $30. Only 200 tickets are available. Must be 21 or older. See any fire company member, the hall, or Walker Auto Parts for ticket information.

n Feb. 2: Military Share Program of

Second Harvest Food Bank, 3 p.m., at Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Call 814459-3663 ext. 117 for more information. There are income requirements. This program is for individuals or families with at least one member who has served or is serving in the Armed Forces or the National Guard.

n Watch Hometown magazine for the official Feb. 2 Groundhog Day schedule of events!

n 2023 Dog Licenses are available at various locations around Punx’y.

n 2023 Fishing Licenses are available now.

n Solid Rock Community Church in Big Run offers “Bundles of Blessings Free Clothing Ministry” on the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the parsonage next to the church at 102 Church St., Big Run. Donations accepted by pre-arrangement only.

n The Big Run Fire Co. holds Honey Badger Bingo every first and third Wednesday of the month at the Big Run Event Center. Doors open at 4 p.m., early bird games start at 6 p.m. and regular games start at 6:30 p.m. Food & beverages available.

n The Perry Township Vol. Fire Co holds an All You Can Eat breakfast on the 2nd Sunday of every month at the fire hall, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Adults, $8.

n The Punx’y Salvation Army’s Club 3:16 is on hold for January but will restart in February. Call 938-5530 to register your child or for more information.

n The Salvation Army & First United Methodist Church are offering “Wild – a ministry for teenagers,” from 5 to 7 p.m. Sundays, at the Salvation Army. Call 9385530 for information.

n Starting Jan. 1, the Punx’y Memorial Library will waive late fines on patron accounts. The library expects borrowed materials to be returned on time. Materials that have not been returned on time should be returned as soon as possible in usable condition. If an item is not returned within 30 days of the due date, the cost of replacement and a $5 fee will be placed on the patron account. If the item is returned within 90 days of the due date, the library will waive the replacement cost, but the patron will be responsible for the $5 fee.

Questions about this new procedure should be directed to the front desk. • • •

Jan. 24, 25 & 26 — Turkey Chowder!

Oil and Lube Express

Daisy Jo Lange of Punxsutawney

November 16, 1974 - November 16, 2022

Daisy was a High School Graduate of Southwestern High School in New York. She loved her son, family, and her dogs. She was a caring and compassionate individual. She enjoyed camping and being outdoors.

In addition to her parents, Susan (Kay) Lange and William “Bill” Lange, she is survived by her son, Austin Shafer; stepfather, Rick VanHorn; stepmother, Missy Myers; sister, Ashley VanHorn (Jay) Smith; brother, Sam (Jackie) VanHorn; several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews; best friend, Donna Welder; and ex-boyfriend, Donnie Bouch.

Daisy was preceded in death by her paternal and maternal grandparents; sister Elizabeth “Libby” Lange; brother Mason Lange; brother Rich VanHorn; and her dogs Sage and Minnie.

Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. www.deeleyfuneralhome.com u

Kathryn P. “Kate” Forrest of Punxsutawney

August 30, 1932 - November 16, 2022

Kate was a graduate of Punxsutawney Area High School. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Punxsutawney. In her younger years Kate worked at Pramco and Hour Glass Cleaners in Punx’y. Her favorite things to do were going for walks with her dog, Barney, reading, cooking, and spending time with her family.

pictures. Betty is survived by three children, Larry (Diane) Miles, Celia (Kevin) Watts, and Donna Ford, and three siblings, Barb Beatty, Darrell Smith, and Karen Verdill. Betty is also survived by five grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren.

In addition to her husband, the Rev. Donald G. Miles, and parents, Joseph and Mildred (Cox) Smith, Betty is preceded in passing by four siblings, Jack Smith, Paul Smith, Gary Smith, and Wanda Radford, and one grandson, Erik Ford.

Fait - d’Argy Funeral Home www.dargyfh.com u

Margaret M. “Marge” Kippert of Rochester Mills

April 17, 1926 - November 18, 2022

Marge was a 1944 Graduate of Punxsutawney Area High School. She enjoyed being a homemaker and would often help her husband, Joe, during his teaching career.

Marge was a faithful member of Saint Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church. She was also employed as a file clerk for Sylvania in Brookville.

Marge was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Some of her other hobbies included reading, gardening, and animal watching. Her favorites were deer and hummingbirds, which she referred to as “God’s Little Jewels.” More than anything else; however, Marge loved spending time with her family. She often enjoyed going out for wings (and a beer or two) with all of those closest to her.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

She is survived by her children, David “Crockett” Forrest, Jeanne (Eric) M. Story, Mark “Woody” (Ann) Forrest; five grandchildren, Eric (Deb) Story, Heath (Sarah) Story, Markie (David) Burkett, Emily Forrest and Mike Mohr, and Ashley Curry; eight great-grandchildren; Adelyn and Finley Story, Milo Burkett, Felix Burkett, Archer Burkett, Ethan Curry, Hunter Greeley, and Julie Greeley.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James W. and Myrtle (Bish) Johnson; her husband, David H. Forrest; two children, Lynn Forrest and Dennis Forrest; three brothers, Wilbur, Edward, and James Johnson; and four sisters, Vonnie Eckman, Jackie Rippin, Nancy Scheuerman, and Anna Hohwald.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

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Hazel “Betty” Elizabeth (Smith) Miles of Punxsutawney

December 18, 1931 - November 18, 2022

Betty graduated from Seneca Hills High School. Betty worked for Paul Beatty Jewelers in Punxsutawney for many years but was mainly known for being the Pastor’s wife in various Alliance Churches. In her free time, Betty loved to hunt and fish with her husband. She was also an amazing artist and painted great

Although Marge and Joe had no children of their own, she was a dear aunt to many, including, more locally, Carolyn Kippert McQuown, Michael, Fred, and Paul Dienes, Dianne Trebel, Jack Havrilla, Annette Caldwell, Lisa Matts, Rita Jennings, Tina Kuntz, and Dave, Frank, and Dan Havrilla.

Her family will remember her for her kind, generous, and understanding nature. She was a wonderful reflection of God’s love. Marge was always on your team praying for your success and offering her support. Her family fondly recalls taking road-trips, whether it was cruising around town in her cherry-red Mustang, a trip to the doctor’s office, or making the long drive to Michigan to visit her brothers, she always made these trips exciting and memorable.

The family would like to express their gratitude to all her amazing healthcare providers, with special thanks to Dr. Jay Elder, Nurse Betsy, CRNP Amy Vezza, and Julie, whose help Marge truly appreciated over the years.

In addition to her parents, John and Mary (Bzinak) Havrilla, and husband, Joseph F. Kippert, she was also preceded in death by six brothers, George, John, Fred, Bill, Burt, and Richard “Dick” Havrilla; a sister, Ann Dienes; and a nephew, Rick “Decent” Havrilla.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com) u

Samuel J. Ishman of Punxsutawney

April 12, 1940 - November 21, 2022 Sam was a peacetime veteran, serving with the United States Army as a second lieutenant. He was employed by T.W. Phillips for 42 years as an equipment operator and serving as the Union Secretary for 21 of those years. He was a member of the Farmers Union and the Jefferson County Farm Bureau. Sam loved farming, his farm has been in the family for over 150 years. If he wasn’t farming you could find him tinkering around in his shed. He always had a ruler, soap stone, and a pocket knife with him.

He is survived by his wife, Carole (Peace) Ishman; his daughter, Joanne (Keith) C. Stamler; his two sons, Michael (Robin) J. Ishman, Brian (Colleen) C. Ishman; five grandchildren, Ashley Klohr, Allison, Dylan, Derek and Brandon Ishman; three brothers and two sisters: David A. Ishman, Edna (David) M. Wray, Catherine C. Ondo, Jacob A. Ishman, Philip I. Ishman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael R. Ishman, and parents, Walter D. and Ruth E. (Cochran) Ishman.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com) u

Edward Lyle Kennedy of Mayport

September 13, 1932 - November 25, 2022

Lyle was the owner of Kennedy Welding, which he operated for over 40 years. He enjoyed hunting, farming, and helping his family.

He is survived by his wife, Frances “Sally” (Hinderliter) Kennedy. In addition to his wife, surviving are his three sons: John (Colleen) P., Russel Helen) C., Brian (Gaylene) L.; five grandchildren: Evan Kennedy, Tyson (Emily) Kennedy, Erica and Brad Kennedy, Shaylee (Robert) Raybuck; two step-grandchildren: Jamie Kunselman and Shannon (April) Kunselman; eight great-grandchildren, six step-great-grandchildren, and a great-great grandson; a sister, Jean Barrett of Stanton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward A. and Bertha (Blose) Kennedy; a brother, Samuel; and six sisters: Twila, Margaret, Louise, Lorraine, Annabelle, and June.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com) u

R.

“Skip”

Knipple of Timblin

April 19, 1937 - November 27, 2022

Skip was a veteran of the United States Army where he served as an Artilleryman. He worked as the Vice President of Operations of P.J. Casanave Land Clearing and Excavation for nearly 40 years.

He enjoyed watching westerns, working outside, taking care of his lawn, hunting, fishing, and history. He was courted for a spot on the Philadelphia Phillies but fulfilled his obligation to his country by

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joining the United States Army. Skip really enjoyed living in the area and the many friendships he formed.

Skip was the last remaining member of his immediate family. In addition to his wife, Joy, surviving relatives include a daughter, Brenda L. Haber and Gary Held; and son, Chad R. Stiteler, and wife, Christine Payne; two granddaughters, Courtney Haber and Cameon (Jackson) Reynolds; and four great-grandsons, Hayden, Greyson, Charlee, and Garin.

In addition to his parents, Anna E. (Topper) and William E. Knipple, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Charles, Larry, Kermit, and Loretta “Susie” Knipple.

Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. www.deeleyfuneralhome.com

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Gladys M. Thomas of Punxsutawney

July 27, 1924 - November 27, 2022

Gladys graduated from Punxsutawney Area High School and went on to work for Sylvania in Lock Haven. After her father was killed in an accident, she returned home to care for and support her mother, brother, and sister. She went to work at Sylvania in Brookville. Later she worked at Rola Jensen and at the Punxsutawney Area High School cafeteria. She also worked in the Punxsutawney area schools in the libraries as well as at the Punxsutawney Memorial Library. Gladys loved her Lord and her church, the First United Methodist Church in Punxsutawney, serving as a trustee, Sunday school teacher, and past president of the United Methodist Women. She was a member of Lydia Circle and a former board member of the Salvation Army.

She is survived by her children, Keith (Anne) R. Miller, Diane (Kevin) M. Kerr, Brian (Karen) E. Miller, and her stepchildren; Loretta (Herbert) Kennedy and Elaine (Thomas) Newton. Also surviving are her eight grandchildren: Greg Miller, Andrew Miller, Scott (Katie) Kerr, Steve Kerr, Nicole (Nicholas) Carroll, Joshua (Dakota) Miller, Matthew (Marianna) Miller, and Linley Millera; three stepgrandchildren, Tim Kennedy, Russ Kennedy, and Andy Newton. She had seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, Ambrose R. and Marguerite (Wooley) Nichols; her first husband, Robert G. Miller in 1978; her second husband, Jacob D. Thomas in 1998; a brother, Mervin E. Nichols; and a sister, Pauline Herzog.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

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Mary Jean Johnston

1948 - November 28, 2022

Mary Jean was a member of Ss. Cosmas & Damian Parish and was actively involved with Friends of the Library and the Punxsutawney Garden Club. Her

hobbies included traveling, cooking, gardening, shopping, and planning garage sales. She got the most joy from spending as much time as possible with her grandchildren. She was a “bingo master” and “the best seashell finder.” They also enjoyed when she made them her “world famous mashed potatoes.”

After graduating from Elizabeth Seton High School in Pittsburgh, she attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. She went on to teach Home Economics for 33 years at Punxsutawney Area High School and formed lasting bonds with many of her students. After her retirement from teaching, she spent seven years as the Director of the Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center.

She is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Michael J. Johnston; her children, Christopher (Jessica) Johnston and Kelly (Josh) Grant; and her five grandchildren, Rosemary, Evelyn, Julia, Jake, and Ben.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John E. and Regina E. (Dizbal) Mishlan.

McCabe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.mccabewaldronfh.com)

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Theresa Frances (Tronzo) Uvena of Punxsutawney March 27, 1927 - December 1, 2022

Theresa graduated from Punxsutawney Area High School. She worked for Tronzo’s Market and was produce manager at Comet Market.

She was a member of the Ss. Cosmas & Damian Roman Catholic Church in Punxsutawney where she often volunteered for SSCD school lunches and bingo. She enjoyed seamstress work and baking. Theresa is survived by one daughter, Sandra (Jeffery) Anderson; one grandson, Philip (Kristi) Anderson; and two greatgrandchildren, Brooks O. F. Anderson and Andi L. Anderson. She is also survived by numerous nephews and one niece, Louis Tronzo, Alfred Tronzo, Thomas Tronzo, Les Tronzo, Craig Tronzo, and Yvonne Grace. Theresa was the last surviving member of her family and is preceded in passing by her parents, Gasper and Bellina (Martino) Tronzo, husband Orlando Angelo Uvena, and all her siblings.

Fait - d’Argy Funeral Home www.dargyfh.com u

Please visit the websites of the funeral homes listed to view the complete obituary, sign their guestbooks, plant a tree, and offer your condolences. u

If you have a loved one who has passed away and would like to publish the obituary in Punxsutawney Hometown magazine, please contact us at hometown@punxsutawneymagazine.com or call (814) 952-3668. uuu

Health Resolutions Doctors Encourage

he New Year represents a fresh start and is the perfect time to invest in your health. However, you may be unsure what resolutions will have the biggest impact. Doctors say that the easy, tangible actions you take are some of the most important. “Many people kick off the start of each new year with big-picture health resolutions,” says Jack Resneck, Jr., M.D., president of the American Medical Association (AMA). “The good news is that small, positive health choices made right now can have long-lasting effects.”

Want to get started today? Here are the 10 resolutions the AMA recommends top your list this year:

1. Exercise is essential for your physical and mental health, so get moving today. A good rule of thumb for adults is at least 150 minutes a week of moderateintensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity.

2. Vaccination is the best protection against a number of serious illnesses. To protect yourself and your family, get up to date on your vaccines, including the annual flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. Your doctor can let you know if you’re due for a COVID booster. If you have questions, speak with your physician and review trusted resources, including getvaccineanswers.org.

3. Get screened. Estimates based on statistical models show that since April 2020, millions of screenings for breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer diagnoses may have been missed due to pandemic-related care disruptions. Check in with your physician. If you’re due for preventive care, tests or screenings, make an appointment. These measures are designed to keep you healthy and help your doctor spot certain conditions before they become more serious.

4. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, and it affects millions of Americans. Visit ManageYourBP.org to understand what your blood pressure numbers mean and what you can do to get your blood pressure under control.

5. One in 3 American adults has prediabetes,

to Make Today

a condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes if left unmanaged. However, there are steps you can take that can help delay or even prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Learn your risk by taking a simple 2-minute self-screening test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org. This resource also features helpful lifestyle tips that can help you reverse prediabetes.

6. Whenever possible, drink water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages and replace processed foods -- especially those with added sodium and sugar -- with nutritious, whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, herbs and spices.

7. If consuming alcohol, drink only in moderation. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans defines that as up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men, and only by adults of legal drinking age.

8. Speak with your doctor or health care professional about quitting tobacco and nicotine use. Declare your home and car smokefree to eliminate secondhand smoke exposure.

9. Follow your doctor’s instructions when taking prescription drugs – especially opioids. Always store and dispose of these medications safely to prevent misuse. Whenever prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as directed. Not taking the full course can lead to antibiotic resistance, a serious public health problem, and will not make you feel better if you have a virus, such as a cold or flu.

10. Invest in your mental health by managing stress, getting sufficient sleep, exercising and seeking help from a mental health professional when you need it.

If you don’t have health insurance, the AMA encourages you to sign up for coverage at healthcare.gov, which has new, affordable options. The enrollment deadline for 2023 coverage is Jan. 15, 2023. Find more health resources at ama-assn.org. For a healthy 2023 and beyond, invest in your wellness with these doctor-recommended New Year’s resolutions.

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No purchase necessary to participate. All entries must be original magazine coupon (no photocopies).

7. In the event two or more contestants correctly pick the winning team and total number of points, one winner will be randomly selected and awarded the winning prize. In event two or more contestants tie for closest to the total score, one winner will be randomly selected to win the $20 certificate. Each issue we will give one $20 certificate.

8. Hometown magazine retains the right to make any final decisions regarding the contest, and by submitting an entry, contestants agree to abide by the rules of the contest.