An Exciting New Tradition Begins
Jay Philliber Steps In as Owner of Johnston Furniture By Bill Anderson of Hometown magazine
On the cover: Historic North Findley Street Cemetery Cover photo by: Mary Roberts
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ensures its success.” And why wouldn’t he? Jay became an Eagle Scout at the age of 16 and is known as a “doer” around the town. A 2009 graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, he is the past Exulted Ruler of the local Elks Club, a member of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Festival Com-
Punxsutawney families. “He will be greatly missed,” owner Bill Deeley said of Jay. “He was always very professional, kind and considerate to people of all ages.” Philliber is following in the footsteps of Mike Johnston, who retired after 28 years.
t is not often that a young person makes the decision and commitment to invest his future in the small town where he was born and raised, but that is exactly what Jay Philliber, one of Punxsutawney's most likeable residents, did this week, officially taking over ownership of Johnston Furniture. “I didn’t want to leave Punx’y, and I wanted to stay here and make the town my home,” Jay emphasized. Even though the store has been around for as long as any generation in town, Punxsutawneyites can’t help but root for anything but great things for Jay in his newfound commitment. “It is absolutely commendable that there is a young man who is staking his future in his hometown,” Mary Ann Nitsche, another well-known Punx’y business owner commented. “Jay is always promoting Punx’y, always giving to his community. I hope everyone gives him the opportunity to allow him to give them a very positive shopping experience.” The 24-year-old son of Harry “Butch” and Sandy Philliber, and grandson of Betty Philliber, Punxsutawney’s most-respected lady, Jay is a familiar and trusted face in Johnston (left) officially turns over his long-time Punx’y furniture business to Jay Philliber. ‘His youth and enPunxsutawney and, simply put, his Mike thusiasm are a huge asset to the store,’ Johnston said of Jay. ‘He is a perfect fit for the store and Punx’y.’ reputation has preceded him. Byrt Smathers, popular retired director of Mahoning Towers agreed. “I mittee, a former Gaskill Township Com“Mike Johnston, his family and Johnthink it is wonderful Jay is having the mittee person, a member of the ston's Furniture have always supported store. Jay has so much integrity, a great Punxsutawney Historical Society, and — our town and provided a great hometown personality and he is so kind and friendly. even at his young age — an elder in the business. I see the same potential in Jay As soon as you meet him, you will know Punxsutawney Presbyterian Church. Philliber!” Dave London, PAHS princihe is an honest person. With his personNotwithstanding his community service, pal said. “I think that it's great to have our ality, he has honesty written all over Jay was crowned Prom King his senior own young people and PHS graduates as him.” year at Punx’y High School. the future businessmen and leaders of “He will be good for the town and busi“Along with Corrie Anderson as Punxsutawney." ness,” Oral “Bob” Roberts added. “I’ve queen,” he added. “His youth and enthusiasm are a huge known Jay his entire life. He is a personFor the past eight years, Jay has been asset to the store,” Johnston said of Jay. able and energetic young man who, when working with Deeley Funeral Home, “He is a perfect fit for the store and he takes on a challenge in the community, where he has become familiar with many - Continued on next page
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2 – Punxsutawney Hometown – June 2010 – Issue #116
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