OCT 2013 #156

www.kuntzmotors.com

Chevrolet

BuiCk

ChrySler

DoDge

Jeep

ram

Hazards of Working on the Railroad

Newspapers Detail Railroader Fatalities On the cover: (front) Kilyn Haag (back, l. to r.) Madison Mahan and Kenlee Briggs

Photo by Courtney Katherine Photography

‘Punxsutawney Hometown’ magazine © Copyright 2013 — All Rights Reserved.

Schedule Your Advertising In Our Next Edition! We reach 100% of the local and area homes and businesses!

By PRIDE for Hometown magazine he railroad was the key to making success possible during the Punx’y area coal boom. Transporting Punxsutawney coal to market was an essential component of the industry.

The original charter for the railroad — under the Pittsburgh & New York Railroad — was for the road to be built from Brock-

T

- Concentrated Circulation 8,200+ copies of Punxsutawney Hometown magazine are direct-mailed to homes in Punxsutawney and surrounding towns and areas, giving our advertisers nearly 100% coverage . . . we deliver to every home and business! (As always — our circulation is verified — mailing and printing statements available.)

We are the only Punxsutawney-owned media!

Punx’y Proud — Boosting our Hometown!

when Adrian Iselin rescued the company from bankruptcy, it owned 60 locomotives. These locomotives, behemoths of the rails, were the work horses, which carried Punxsutawney coal to market.

Work as a railroader in the early days was hazardous.

The November 18, 1885 issue of the Punxsutawney Spirit reported two incidents of injuries when men were near railroad equipment:

Publishers William C. Anderson, Mary L. Roberts Advertising Mary L. Roberts Tracey Young Contributing Writers S. Thomas Curry Shirley Sharp Art Director Melissa Salsgiver Graphic Artists Melissa Salsgiver Joanna McConnell Nicole McGee All material submitted becomes the property of Punxsutawney Hometown magazine.

Mary Roberts ................................(814) 938-0312 Bill Anderson ................................(814) 472-4110 Tracey Young ................................(814) 938-9084 Our Office......................................(814) 938-9141 Our Fax ..........................................(800) 763-4118 hometown@punxsutawneymagazine.com Our business mailing address: P.O. Box 197, Punxsutawney, PA 15767 With our office located in: Railroad Building, Suite 100 North Penn St., Punxsutawney, PA 15767 Yearly Subscriptions: $36 — First Class Mail

www.punxsutawneymagazine.com

The shaded area is a coal field known as the Reynoldsville Coal Basin, Grove Summit. It is located at the north end of the basin. (Excerpt of map from Buffalo Rochester & Pittsburg Railway by Paul Petrick.)

wayville to Brookville, where it would connect with the Allegheny Valley Road. This road was planned along the route over which a railroad was built years later, known as the Brookville and Mahoning, which eventually became the Shawmut Railroad.

Walston Brown, who purchased the Rochester and Pittsburg Railway, was part of a syndicate, which also owned the Rochester & Pittsburg Coal & Iron Company. When he purchased the road, the plans from Brockway to Brookville were changed. Instead the road was built to reach the syndicate’s properties at Beech Tree and Walston mines. At that time, the Rochester and Pittsburgh Railway owned 16 locomotives. In 1882, when the new road was being built, the company owned 21 locomotives.

In 1883, when the Beech Tree and Walston mines opened the company had more than doubled its locomotives to 48. In 1885,

Trainmen gather on the rear of a caboose. The man seated top right turns the wheel, which that was used to apply the brakes on the caboose. (Photograph courtesy of the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Ge-

A plank fell off of a railroad car, nealogical Society) which were first made of wood, and landed on Will Milligan’s foot causing it to swell up with rage and mortification.

And, John Fanly, a section hand on the R. & P. railroad, had his foot crushed under the pony wheels of a locomotive. Mr. Fanning had left his dinner bucket on the front platform of the locomo-

Our job is to keep your spine in line for a better, healthier you!

410 East Mahoning St.

938-4400

2 – Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2013 - Issue #156

Without a doubt the position of brakeman - Continued on page 4

DAN’S itEmS PRO SHOP SummEr rEduCEd nEW fAll invEntory in StoCk

Dan Pisarchick - GOLF PROFESSIONAL Located at the

PunXSutAWnEy Country Club

938-9760 or 246-9872 North Main St., Punx’y

Casteel Chiropractic DR. Ian CasTeel

tive. When it was time to eat, he stepped up on the track and reached out for the dinner pail. As he did so the guide wheel of the locomotive, which was moving slowly, ground his foot off at the instep. The railroad surgeon amputated the foot three inches above the ankle.

10% DISCOUNT

WHEN YOU BRING IN OR MENTION THIS AD Expires Dec. 31, 2013

To restore function you need to restore posture.

"We address the cause, not the symptom"

Now AccEptiNg NEw pAtiENtS X-Rays (on your first visit) Highmark, UpMc, Medicare, Access & More Regular Hours: Mon., Wed., & Fri. 9-1 & 3-8; Closed Tuesday & Thursday

Fox’s ‘Pizza and Prevention Day’ Fundraiser Ready to go for Oct. 5 Support your local Hometown Heroes

By Scott Anthony for Hometown magazine n September 11, 2001 I arrived at my pizza shop, as usual, and went about my morning preparation work.

Abruptly, a customer popped his head in the door to tell me of a plane crashing into the World Trade Center. I tuned into the news and listened intently as the situation worsened in New York City, and hitting closer to home in Shanksville.

Customers and employees alike shared only one topic of conversation that day. I impatiently anticipated for my shift to end so I could be at home with my family.

Arriving home, I could finally see for myself the images others had been describing to me. A day of horror unfolded before my eyes, and left me with apprehension and anxiety. As time went by, the reality of 9/11 set in.

None of us are exempt from unforeseen circumstances. We are living in critical times that are hard to deal with. Faith, family and friends give us the strength to deal with trials and tribulations in life.

The tragedy of 9-11-2001 has made all of us more conscious of the service and sacrifice displayed by firemen. Our volunteer firemen are a valuable asset to our community, one that we can’t do without. As the first anniversary of 9/11 approached, I began to consider ways to show my respect for first responders. With the help of my friend Tony Gianvito, the concept of “Pizza and Prevention” was born.

“Of all the ‘attitudes”’we can acquire, surely the attitude of gratitude is the most important and by far the most life changing,” stated Zig Ziglar.

These words reinforce to me that a small town with an ‘attitude’ can make a differ-

O

ence. Over the past few years this concept has grown into a community event. It has generated over $160,000 for the Punxsutawney Fire Department and has equipped over 3,300 homes in our community with working smoke detectors.

The event has been replicated many times throughout the United States and accredited by many. It has been an amazing experi-

ence to be part of this event and to see what can be accomplished when businesses and community pull together for a common cause – showing gratitude for our hometown heroes.

Please join us, October 5, 2013 for the 12th annual “Pizza and Prevention” event.

•••

Food, Crafts, and Free Entertainment for all ages For a complete schedule of events, wisit our website: www.cressonarea.com

Neale’s Pumpkin Farm Pumpkins, Gourds, Indian Corn & Much More Open Now thru Oct. 31 Mon.-Fri. 3-7 p.m. Sat. & Sun. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sprankle Mills Rd., Punx’y

938-9040

BLOWOUT SALE ON BRAND NAME FURNITURE!

20,000 SQ. FT. OF FURNITURE • CARPETING • BEDDING SOFAS MANY VARIETIES starting at

COMPLETE BEDROOM SETS starting at

$49900 starting at 00

$299

n. Findley st., Punxy 938-7160 or 939-SOFA FINANCING AVAILABLE 90 DAYS SAME AS CASH

Out of the way...Less to Pay!

2-SIDED BEDDING starting at

$109900

GENUINE LA-Z-BOY RECLINERS October 5 & 6, 2013 On Front Street in Cresson

Bring the Whole Family

$17800 3 AND 5 PIECE DINETTES starting at

10% OFF

$29900

Mattresses when you mention “Hometown”

Jay Philliber owner

FREE

DELIVERY SET-UP DISPOSAL

Mon., Tues., Thur. 9 to 5 Wed. 9 to 4 • Fri. 9 to 6 • Sat. 9 to 2 Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2013 - Issue #156 – 3

Accepting neW pAtients!SES E liNE OF cONTAcT lEN Full SErvicE OPTicAl & cOMPlET

Dr. Nathan Stebbins cOMPrEhENSivE EyE cArE

200 S. FiNdlEy ST. PuNxSuTAWNEy

814-938-5920

MOST iNSurANcES AccEPTEd

Mon., Tues., Wed. & Fri. 8 to 5; Thur. 8 to Noon; Wed. Evening & Sat. by Appt.

Nicholas Gianvito Attorney at Law

314R West Mahoning Street Punxsutawney nickg@nglawoffice.com www.nglawoffice.com

Embracing Excellence in Healthcare

Punxsutawney Community Health Center Drs. Elder & Kernich Medical Arts Building Punxsutawney

814-938-1776

ingham & Sons Automotive Services

Serving the area since 1976

iMPOrteD AnD DOMeStiC CArS rePAireD 2236 Rt. 119 (Indiana Hill)

814-938-3310

www.primary-health.net

938-4291

Become our fan on Facebook

IIntroducing ntroducing Our New IIndiana ndiana Community Office And Headquarters

Come Grow With Us.

1271 Indian Springs Road, P.O. Box 130, Indiana, PA 15701

724.464.2265 BIG RuN 326 E. Main St., Big Run 814.427.2051

Big Big Run Run

MARION CeNTeR 501 Main St., Marion Center Marion Marion Center Ce724.397.5582 nter

501 Main St. 326ClyMeR E. Main St. PuNxSuTAwNey 750Big Franklin Clymer PASt., Marion Cente r, P AW.15759 Run, PA 15715 Center, PA 514 Mahoning St., 724.254.4315 P. 724.397.5582 P. P.. 814.427.2051 P Punxsutawney DAyTON 814.938.0271 106 W. Main St., Dayton Punxsutawney Punxsutawney Clymer C lymer 814.257.8213 wIllOw SPRINGS 514 W W.. Mahoning St. 750 Franklin St. HASTINGS 162 Rt. 119 Hwy. N., Indiana Punxsutawney, Punxsutawney, PA P724.465.7921 A 15767 15728 Clyme r, PA PASt., 304Clymer, Beaver Big Run P P.. 814.938.0271 P 724.254.4315 P..814.247.5013

24 Hour

PuNxSuTAwNey HOuRS:

Willow Willow Springs Springs Star ATM Dayton D aytDrivE-Up on

8 a.m. to162 5 p.m.

Hwy. N. Rt. 119 Hwy. W.. Main St. 106Mon.-Thur.

W Fri. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m. to Noon

Extended

Dayton, PA PA 16222 Indiana, PA PA 15701Banking Hours LoBBY P For Your P.. Mon.-Thurs.

P 814.257.8213 724.465.7921 9 a.m. to P. 4. p.m.

Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. to Noon

Convenience

1.800.556.6262

www.marioncenterbank.com ww w.marioncenterbank.com www.marioncenterbank.com

tHank YOu Punx’Y!

Proud Sponsor Of The PUNXSUTAWNEY GROUNDHOG FESTIVAL

We’re Branching Out

Grow with us, today and tomorrow.

4 – Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2013 - Issue #156

Smaller locomotives, known as shifters, were used to haul coal cars from the mines to the railroad sidings where they would be formed into coal trains. larger locomotives known as road engines would haul the coal trains to market. (Photographs courtesy of the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society.)

Hazards of working Continued from page 2 was the most hazardous job on the early railroads. The job of the brakeman, similar to the spragger in the mine, was to apply the brakes on the train cars when the conductor signaled for the train to slow down. A brakeman also made sure the couplings between cars were properly set, aligned switches, and signaled train operators while performing switching operations.

The brakemen was stationed in the caboose where he could apply the brakes of the caboose to help slow the train. In some situations, such as descending a long, steep grade, the brakemen was required to operate the brakes from on top the individual cars while the train was moving. Brakemen also watched the train for signs of overheating on axle bearings, and the shifting of cargo, notifing the engineer so the train could be stopped and the problem corrected. Brakemen were policemen of sorts, watching for people trying to ride the train for free.

All of these were very hazardous duties.

The newspapers of the day recorded the experiences of brakemen and other railroaders. On August 19, 1891, it was reported that McCurdy Aul, a brakeman on the shifter on the Pennsylvania & Northwestern Railroad, fell from the train at Horatio. He dislocated his right arm at the elbow.

Near Kramer, on October 5, 1892 a southbound coal train telescoped a local freight, which was stopped near the station. The flagman tried to flag down the oncoming train, however it was too close, and it smashed the caboose into kindling and derailed the locomotive. No one was hurt.

However, the collision delayed the six

o’clock passenger train for three hours.

At Big Run on September 1, 1900, a north bound coal train ran into the rear end of another coal train throwing the caboose from the track and badly damaging the rear car of the first train. The locomotive of the second train was also badly damaged. The cause of this accident was determined to be the dark and foggy night, which caused the first train to stop further down the track than was customary. Fortunately no serious injuries resulted from this train wreck.

The March 13, 1901 Spirit contained two articles on railway brakemen: Brakeman George Bonnett was killed instantly while dropping cars on the Eleanora branch railroad. He had been standing on the front end of a train of eight flats, which had been detached from the engine, when he fell off. Two cars passed over him. The third car stopped on his body, and he was dead before it could be removed. .

At Empire on the B., R. & P. Railway there was a head on collision between a northbound coal train and a southbound freight.

The reason given for the collision was that a telegraph operator had not noticed the departure of a train from his station and had taken a new train order after it had left. Although it was a serious collision, only one trainman, a brakeman by the name of Law was injured. His left leg was broken between the knee and ankle. The other members of the crew avoided injury by jumping from the train.

These were relatively minor injuries in the annals of railroading in the Punxsutawney Area.

There was a grade on the Buffalo, - Continued on page 8

Young visitors to the Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center make thunder. The hands-on exhibits enable visitors to understand the dynamics of weather phenomena.

Weather Discovery Center attracts more visitors to Punx’y every year a special community feature will also have free time to spend at exfor Hometown magazine hibits of their choice.

In conjunction with the Punxsutawney hat began in 2000 as an effort Memorial Library, the Center is planning to repurpose the former post a program on weather preparedness. This office building into a weather program will be museum held at the Library has become a vital in late October. In part of tourism in November, the P u n x s u t a w n e y.

Center will be The Punxsutawney working with The Weather Discovery Weather Channel Center is a firston special proclass facility with gramming in honor professionally preof Veterans. Plans pared displays, are also in the providing an unworks on a proderstanding of the gram in partnership dynamics of with the Punxweather from a vasutawney Memoriety of aspects. rial Library.

“We will be takIn addition to ing the mission of tourism, the Punxthe Center forward sutawney Weather in the coming year Center has become with several new a field trip destinaprogrammatic and tion for schools and promotional offerclasses. According ings,” said Marlene to Amanda HorLellock, Executive nack, Director of Director. “In some of these new activi- The ‘Twist & Slide’ exhibit gives young visitors a Education and Pro327 ties we will be part- way to experience what it would be like to be gramming, field trips from renering with caught up in the winds of a tornado. gional schools and community organiclasses visited the Weather Discovery zations.”

Center during the 2012-13 school year, The first of these, Free-for-Fall, will and she is expecting more during the offer free admission on Saturdays — coming school year. from September 21 through October 12 For more information on new programs — to encourage people from Punxand activities at the Punxsutawney sutawney and the surrounding region to Weather Discovery Center visit come to the Weather Discovery Center. www.weatherdiscovery.org and the Those taking advantage of this offering Weather Discovery Center page on Facewill discover an additional “must see” book. place to bring visiting family and friends.

••• On the first Saturday of each month (except in October, when it will be held on the third Saturday), the Center will We have all your offer a “Weathercize” program for favorite ice cream treats! youngsters ages 5-10 years from 10 a.m. over 35 Different flavors to noon. For the regular admission, of Hard & soft ice cream & Yogurt youngsters will participate in a guided try our apple Dumplings exercise circuit using the exhibits in the and Pumpkin ice cream Center. When participants complete the circuit, they will receive snacks provided Rt. 36N 938-2058 courtesy of McDonalds. Participants

W

Whirlpool 14 cu. ft. refrigerator Adjustable Shelves

$

65995

W4TXNWFWQ

Whirlpool 18 cu. ft. refrigerator Glass Shelves

$

72995 W8TXNGZBQ

maytag 21 cu. ft. refrigerator

$

Ice Maker

98995

M1TXEGMYW

Whirlpool chest freezer

$

2 Baskets

61995 EH151FXTQ

CouNtRy CoNe

Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2013 - Issue #156 – 5

Family lineup of fun-filled events highlight Sept. 28 Appreciation Day a special community feature for Hometown magazine his year’s all new and exciting Punxsutawney Appreciation Day 2013 — coordinated by Eagle Aerie number 1231 Punxsutawney, and the Punxsutawney Area Chamber of Commerce and Pride (Punxsutawney Revitalization: Investing, Developing, Enhancing) — will be a huge day of family fun, including activities for all ages, and special events for the younger set in Barclay Square and throughout the town on Saturday, September 28.

T

Barclay Square will be the main site for the town’s Appreciation Day community organization exhibits and events. There will also be events throughout the community, as business and organizations show their appreciation through special activities, events and sales.

Appreciation Day activities will get underway at 10 a.m. when exhibitors open their displays to the public. Tables or displays from community service and community non-profit organizations will be in Barclay Square from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entertainment will be provided throughout the day.

thank you Punxsutawney.

We appreciate your support and business.

SHIELDS 938.5291 INSURANCE 221 W. Mahoning St. AGENCY PUNXSUTAWNEY

At 10 a.m. the events will begin with a youth pumpkin decorating contest for children ages 5 through 12, in the Cannon Court near the cannons in the Square. Pumpkins will be provided. Youngsters are to bring their own decorations. Prizes will be awarded in several categories.

Registration for the Talent Contest will begin at 10 a.m. with the performances beginning at 1 p.m. The contest is for amateurs, who are honing their entertainment skills. All budding musicians, dancers, actors, magicians, singers, comedians, etc., are welcome to participate.

Contestants will have a maximum of five minutes for their performance. All material must be rated for general audience. The prizes for the talent contest winners will be $100 for first place, $50 for second place, and $25 for third place. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the talent being developed in the Punxsutawney area.

Judging for the adult pumpkin carving contest will be held at noon. Contestants for this event must have their pumpkin to the judging tables in the Cannon Court by 11:30 a.m.

Prizes will be awarded in two categories: stencil design and original design, and in two age categories 13 through 18, and 19 and older. Contestants will be asked to leave their pumpkins on display until 4:00 p.m. for the public to enjoy their handiwork.

Pie baking contests featuring the favorite fall flavors, apple and pumpkin, take place at 11 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. respectively. Persons

wishing to enter either of these contests must have their pie to the judges table no later than 30 minutes before each of the contests. All pies must be accompanied by an entry form, and each entry must conform to the rules for the contest, which are available at Miller Brothers Furniture and the Chamber of Commerce.

In case of inclement weather, Appreciation Day activities planned for Barclay Square will be moved to the second floor of the Eagles at East Mahoning Street.

Appreciation Day activities will also take place throughout the community: • The Ladies Auxiliary of Eagle Aerie number 1231 will sponsor a craft sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the first floor ballroom of the Eagles on East Mahoning Street. • The Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center, at 120 North Findley will offer free admission on Appreciation Day as part of their Free for Fall promotion. • The Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society will host a story walk for youngsters, and will have new exhibits open on the Decades of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, in the Lattimer House at 400 West Mahoning Street. • Punxsutawney retailers will be offering Appreciation Day specials. • At 9 p.m, Appreciation Day will continue with a dance at the Eagles featuring “Ridin Shot Gun,â€? a country and soft rock band. This dance will be for those age 21 years of age and over and be hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and PRIDE. There will be a $5 cover charge per person.

All-in-all, Punxsutawney Appreciation Day 2013, Saturday, Sept. 28, looks like a great day to enjoy the many things Punxsutawney has to offer. •••

.BS D

.BTM PW

.% + VM J B #PS EFM M

1" $ www.entnwpa.com

6 – Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2013 - Issue #156

$M BS J PO

4FOFD B

(S PWF $J U Z

Residents in the Punxsutawney area became ‘aviation mad’ with the arrival in town of the new ‘aeroplane’ machine of Earl Sandt, a young Brookville aviator, leaving Brookville earlier in the day. With a band playing, he arrived at the Punxsutawney Fairgrounds (below) in late June 1912, and was greeted by a crowd of people.

We welcome and appreciate your business.

SpRiNg HillS SHeltieS

Dog & Cat Boarding & Grooming

Clyde Kelly: “The Father of Air Mail”

Punxsutawney Becomes ‘Aviation Mad’

By S. Thomas Curry of Hometown magazine decade ago, with a fascination with aviation history in the Punxsutawney area, Hometown magazine published an article entitled: “Up in the Air Over Punx’y.”

That feature began with a brief history of aviation in the United States in the early 20th century at the time Orville and Wilbur Wright made their first flight in 1903 at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, improvising their first powered flight in a heavier-than-air “aero plane.”

Included were brief glimpses of Punxsutawney area young men and their fascination with air flight in those developing years of flying aviation.

Beginning in 1912, there were many ex-

A

windgate

hibitions of flying that featured daring young men of the area in their small “aero planes.” For the flight exhibitions, the Punxsutawney school hours were altered to accommodate children and youth to witness those scheduled flights.

In reporting some of the events, the Punxsutawney Spirit would declare, “Punxsutawney is aviation mad.”

Among the crowds of people witnessing these events would be curious young boys and girls who would grow to maturity with memories of their early experiences.

In 1929, twenty young men from Punxsutawney, Brookville, Dayton and Indiana met in Punxsutawney and organized the “Punxsutawney Aero Club.” Their - Continued on page 10

vineyards & winery

Wines, gift baskets, wine-making supplies, books & merchandise Have your Private Party Fall Festival ..........................October 4,5,6 in our Banquet Facility Potter's Tour ........................October 19,20

Old Fashioned Country Christmas Open House ....November 1,2,3 Cookie Tour ............................November 9

www.windgatevineyards.com www.windgateantiques.com

• tHe SHoP at tHe Winery 1998 Hemlock Acres Rd., Smicksburg oPen Daily 12-5 • (814) 257-8797 • inDiana Mall Oakland Ave., Indiana • PittSBurgH MillS oPen Mall HourS • (724) 274-5901 • tHe country cuPBoarD Downtown Smicksburg (814) 257-9831

Michele Wachob, Owner with Chance and Cindy Hoover, Assistant Groomer with Jewels “Committed to Caring for Your Pets As Though They Are Our Own”

Just Minutes from Town - 370 Big W. Dr., Punx’y

724-286-9355

Thistle & Pine Celtic & Country Collectibles Distinctive Home Decor Celtic Accents & Jewelry “Make your home a haven”

oPEn houSE

SAt.,oCtobEr 5th •10-5

ComE Enjoy A bAgPiPEr & CEltiC fiddlEr throughout thE dAy. rEfrEShmEntS And SPECiAlS.

ChriStmAS oPEn houSE

SAt. - nov. 16th •10 - 5

Gift Cards

724-397-2442

7570 Rt. 119 Marion Center REG. Hours: Tues. - Sat. 10-5

www.ThistleAndPine.com

Fezell’s

County Market PumPkin decOrating cOntest sPOnsOred bY cOuntY market

Children 11 years and under. First come first serve.

Following the talent show at 1 p.m. at SSCD auditorium.

PuMPKiNS DONATeD By PiNe VAlley FARMS limited pumpkins provided.

Appreciation Day

Sat., September 28 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. only 5% off All PuRCHASeS excluding tobacco and milk

oPen 24 hours Punx’y 938-2820 7 days a week GroundhoG GroundhoG Plaza Plaza

Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2013 - Issue #156 – 7

Hazards of working Continued from page 4

www.jeffburkettfordistrictattorney.com

Fall In Love With Autumn Trollbead Trunk Show

Rochester & Pittsburg Railroad which gained a reputation for being one of the most hazardous stretches of the railroad.

Railroads worked best when the grade of the road was minimal and inertia could assist in carrying trains up grades and not too much effort was needed to control the train on a down grade. Unfortunately, the hills to the east and north of Punxsutawney presented difficulty when constructing the railroads. One of the hazardous places was north of Falls Creek near the JeffersonClearfield county line in Washington Township, called Grove Summit or just the “Summit”. The grade was so steep on the ascending side that an extra locomotive was often needed to assist trains to climb the grade.

In October 1892, the Brockwayville Record carried an article entitled “An Unlucky Locality”. The article recounted a number of fatalities which occurred over the mile of track, built ten years before, on Archie McCullough’s Washington Township property.

The fatalities included: • In 1882, Harry Roof, who was part of the construction crew, was killed by a rock thrown when blasting that part of the road.

After the road opened, on October 9, 1886, F.A. Tripp, a train hand, was caught in front of an engine near Grove Summit. He had been riding on the pilot engine and as the train slowed, he stepped off to run ahead and tend the switch. His foot slipped, he fell and was pushed along the track by the engine. He was taken to DuBois where he was treated, however he never recovered from his injuries.

• William Irvin, only son of John Irvin, a disabled Civil War veteran, had recently been promoted to the position of brakeman.

Irvin, age 18, had maintained the pumphouse of the Rochester, & Pittsburg Railroad at Punxsutawney for about six months before his promotion. He was assigned to Conductor Burrell’s freight train. On Saturday morning, October 23, 1886, Brakeman Irvin left Punxsutawney about seven o’clock. The train was composed of thirtyfour gondolas loaded with coal and coke, and had a locomotive at the head of the train and one in the center. The train had crested the Summit and was starting down the equally steep grade on the north side, requiring the brakes on the cars to be activated. Irvin ran rear-ward over the cars and was quickly turning the brakes. As he jumped from one car to another, Irvin

slipped on a piece of coke which rolled under his foot, causing him to lose his balance and fell between the cars.

The engineer on the rear locomotive saw him fall, and gave the signal to stop. By the time the train was brought to a stop, several cars had passed over his body severing it in two. His legs were lying inside the track, under the car, while his trunk was on the outside.

• In September 1890, Engineer Pete Fraser, on Train 48, was coming down the grade from Grove Summit when he heard agonizing shrieks beneath the wheels of his engine. By heroic effort he stopped his heavy train on the steep grade within three car lengths. The train men found a mangled form of a man, Daniel Thyne, of Coal Glen, and took him down to Beechtree Junction, where he died soon after. Thyne had been returning from the DuBois Fair and supposedly met his death by attempting to jump on the freight train in the dark.

• On October 26, 1890, a collision occurred at Grove Summit when a coal train broke in two and a portion of it ran into an engine. Engineer J.J. Casey, of Bradford, and Sylvester Laird, were caught in the wreck and fatally injured.

• Then in October, 1892, shortly after midnight, Engineer Levi Wise, and Fireman Charles Flynn, both of DuBois had been ordered out, with Engine 75, to assist in taking a coal train up the grade at the Summit.

They had completed the job and were waiting on the side-track for orders to return to DuBois when an explosion blew the locomotive to pieces and the men with it.

This made eight men killed in a one mile stretch of railroad in ten years. Enough to create a superstitious myth.

As technology improved, safety in railroading improved. Redesigning the brake controls on the cars, and reducing the grade, made it less likely that accidents such as these would continue to occur. With safer railroads, Punxsutawney Coal could continue to make it to market and maintain the economy of the area.

(Editor’s Note: The resources used in the preparation of this article are available the Punxsutawney Memorial Library, The Punxsutawney Spirit at accesspadr.org, the Reynoldsville Public Library and the Punxsutawney Area Historical and Genealogical Society. This article has been prepared by PRIDE–Punxsutawney Revitalization: Investing, Developing, Enhancing. PRIDE is a nonprofit organization which brings together residents, business people, community leaders and civic organizations, to improve the business districts in Punxsutawney. Contributions to support the develop a Coal Memorial for the Punxsutawney Area may be made to PRIDE, P.O. Box 298, Punxsutawney, PA 15767)

•••

Wednesday September 25 thru Saturday, September 28 at

FREE FOR FALL! FREE Admission on Saturdays Sept. 28 - Oct. 12 201 N. FiNdlEy St., PuNxSutAwNEy

814-938-1255

100 W. Mahoning St., Punxsutawney www.fairladycompany.com 8 – Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2013 - Issue #156

Open MOn.-Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

CLOSeD WeD. & Sun.

www.weatherdiscovery.org

Winslow

lawn & garden, llc.

Sales & Service

814-618-5696

14253 rt. 36 South Punxsutawney, PA 15767 Approx. 5 miles South of Punxsutawney full SErviCE of All mAkES And modElS Zero-turn mowers Conventional mowers rototillers • Weed Eaters Chainsaws • oil • Accessories

Saving money on gas

By Kasey Trenum Time2Saveworkshops.com How do I save money on gas?

A: The cost of gas may continue to rise, but, luckily, there are many tips and tricks you can try in order to save a few pennies at the pump. Here are six simple steps to help fuel your car for less.

1. Keep vehicle properly maintained.

You can do this when you follow the guidelines for oil changes and proper maintenance. By maintaining your vehicle, it will run more efficiently and therefore save you gas.

2. Think about weight.

Q:

If you use your trunk or the back of your SUV for storage, you will burn more gas.

The lighter you keep your car, the better.

Try to avoid carrying too much cargo with you, or at least unload large items as soon as you can. Keep your trunk empty except for essentials you need.

3. Buy discounted gas cards.

When you buy discounted gas cards, you are indeed saving some serious cash. If you can even find a $10 gas card for $8, any amount of savings adds up. Check these sites out and see what sort of gas gift cards you can score.

4. Use apps to find the best price on gas.

recreation

Punx’y "Halloween Fest" Saturday, Oct. 26th Events & Vendors in the Park

Noon - 8:00 p.m.

recreation

art sUPPlies & classes

Punxsutawney area Community Center

La Bottega classes

• FaCility rentals

25 years experience

• Fitness Center

220 n. Jefferson st.

Full Variety of Sides & Desserts On or off site cooking of

Pigs, Ribs, Steam Ship Rounds (Beef), Chicken & more!

Call Joe or Sandy at

call 814-938 -2965

814-939-9098 or 814-939-9433

monUments

dininG

beveraGes

Chill Out with...

sandy's

• iced Coffees, Mochas & Frappes • Smoothies • Shakes • Chillers • Frozen Strawberry lemonade • Chocolate dipped Cones and MORE

All Cemetery Needs

314 N. Findley St.,Punx’y • 938-2100 Daily 9 to 5; Sat 9-12 • Sun & Evenings by Appt.

www.fairladycompany.com

caterinG

route 536, Punxsutawney

R.D. Brown Memorials

Gift Wrapping 814-938-1255

Online All the Time... www.punxsutawneymagazine.com

938-1008

100 W. Mahoning St., Punx’y

Gift Certificates

shoppers save at the pump and, in turn, earn their business. My local grocery store offers a great program. By purchasing participating items (that I would purchase anyway), I earn a certain amount off at the pump. Next time I fill up, I’ll enjoy $1.05 off per gallon.

Don’t forget that you can stack savings!

I can redeem “fuelperks” and still pay with a discounted gas card, or use my credit card and earn points.

(For more tips on saving money, go to time2saveworkshops.com.Email time2saveblogger@gmail.com. Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.shns.com) •••

- The Artists’ Workshop -

• Movies Weekly

Sponsored by Punxsy Dental

UniqUe Gifts

There are so many free and inexpensive apps out there designed to save you money on gas. Use them! On a recent family vacation to Disney World, we were able to save on average $0.20 to $0.30 per gallon by downloading Gas Buddy to our smartphone.

5. Consider using a credit card that earns rewards or points just for gas.

There are many of them out there, so be sure you are shopping with a card that rewards you. To avoid racking up interest charges, make sure to pay the card off each month. Otherwise, you’ll be paying more, and really digging yourself into a bigger hole instead of helping yourself out.

6. Check for savings at your grocery store.

Many grocers are trying to help their

Large Indoor & Outdoor Display “Carved in Stone”

history and GeneaoloGy

Downtown Punxsutawney

Try one of our

McWraps

banKinG

punxSutawney area muSeum

Beverages see Us for all Your Beverages! indiana Hill, Punx'y

938-4990

mUzzleloadinG sUPPlies

Barto’s

historical and genealogical Society, inc.

Black Powder & Muzzleloader Supplies 3524 Gipsy Rd. Glen Campbell

814-845-7557

Mon. - Fri. Noon-9 p.m.; Sat. 12-6 p.m.

938-2555 Bennis house 401 W. Mahoning St. 1-4 p.m. Thurs. - Sun.

lattimer house 400 W. Mahoning St.

102 Indiana St., Punx’y • 814-938-5770

www.cf-bank.com

Member FDIC

Possible & Rifle Bags, leather Goods, Knives, Tomahawks, Fire Starting Kits, Flint, Tinder Boxes Down N Dirty Outdoors Turkey, Deer, Owl & Crow Calls Traps & Trapping Supplies • Bait and Tackle Dog Supplies and More!!!!

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday & Saturday 1-4 p.m. Fri. & Sun.

yoUr ad is always online:

www.PUnxsUtawneymaGazine.com Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2013 - Issue #156 – 9

+DPSWRQ $YHQXH ‡ 0DKRQLQJ ‡ www.stbank.com VWEDQN FRP ‡ MEMBER FDIC u. S. Congressman Clyde Kelly, from the Pittsburgh area, also had a summer home in the Marchand area and was well-known in Punxsutawney. Rep. Kelly, with the passage of his Air Mail Act in 1925, became known as the “Father of Air Mail.� Following his death in 1935, he was buried in the Mahoning union Cemetery in Marchand. an error on the plaque has his date of death as 1934.

NeW!

We now have covered screened topsoil!

earthWorx

+DPSWRQ $YHQXH ‡ 849-WORx 0DKRQLQJ ‡ VWEDQN FRP ‡ MEMBER FDIC

Delivery Available

let us help you spruce up your lawn!

435 Rt. 36, Allegheny Blvd., Brookville • 849-9679 Screened TopSoil • limeSTone & Gravel • reTaininG WallS pavinG BrickS • Bark mulch • landScapinG SupplieS www.earthworx.biz

AGinG AGinG SeRViceS SeRViceS,, inc. inc.

Free Monthly blood pressure Screenings Flu SHOtS (no reservation needed) Fri., Sept. 27th from 10 a.m. until 12 noon

exercise class • Monday breakfast nutrition education computer class with internet Access Games • card Making class Health and Wellness Speakers parties • trips • bowling • Fun Open tO public

Clyde Kelly Continued from page 7

goal was to create a landing field in the area, with hangars, “for the pleasure of flying and the idea of putting Punxsutawney on the air map.�

With a cost of $1,500 dollars in mind, they selected a large field between Covode and Marchand for the airfield and “airdrome.� It would be near where a “pleasure resort� called Brae breeze Park was located.

Upon learning about this action by the young men, Clyde Kelly, a U. S. Congressman from the Pittsburgh area, and a summer resident in his home at Marchand, sent a congratulatory letter to the leaders of the group, which read: “I was greatly pleased to notice in the Punxsutawney Spirit the determination on the part of your city to have a place on the air map. I want to congratulate you. ... The fact that your spirited citizens are interested convinces me that Punxsutawney will have its place.�

Clyde Kelly, a Braddock newspaper publisher early in his life, was a popular political figure in the Punxsutawney area

in the late 1920s and early 1930s until his untimely death in 1935.

In August 1930, he appeared in Punxsutawney as guest speaker at a banquet sponsored by business interests. He spoke on behalf of legislation he had introduced in the 71st Congress in 1929 that would deal with “the jungle warfare between business interests,� as he stated in his remarks.

He argued for standardizing goods and prices to protect small business interests against larger buyers. The Kelly-Clapper Bill would not pass in the first effort, but his concept of “fair trade� would be passed in a subsequent Congressional session.

It is not Rep. Kelly’s effort for fair trade that would be his most prominent accomplishment. In aviation history books, it was his legislation in the 68th U. S. Congress, simply called “The Kelly Act,� but historically named “The Air Mail Act of 1925.�

Adopted on February 2, 1925, it was a major piece of legislation that would affect aviation industry. And for that Rep. Kelly would be dubbed “The Father of Air Mail.�

Need insurance?

We can help.

Call or e-mail us.

Jacque Perry Insurance jacque@jacqueperry.com

938-7110

Acoustic Jam Sessions!

S1272G Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states.

Not all products are offered in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory information.

10 – Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2013 - Issue #156

- Continued on page 12

Retirement coming earlier than workers may expect

By Patricia Sabatini of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette any people expect to make up for skimpy nest eggs by working longer into their retirement years.

Unfortunately, those plans often don’t hatch, a new survey has found.

Nearly 60 percent of recently retired Americans ended up leaving the work force sooner than planned, primarily because of poor health or because they were laid off or forced into early retirement by their employer, according to PNC Financial Serv-

M

ices Group’s latest Perspectives on Retirement survey. “The survey clearly shows that the age at which people expect to retire is not always in their control,� said Celandra DeaneBess, senior wealth planner at PNC, the financial services group based in Pittsburgh. “Economic uncertainty, employer actions and unexpected health issues often force individuals to retire earlier than they planned, which puts a premium on sound financial habits early.�

On average, workers who aren’t retired

expect to stop working at age 67, according to the survey. People who consider themselves on track with their retirement savings on average expect to retire earlier, at 65.7 years. Those who acknowledge they aren’t saving enough expect to retire at 68.2.

The survey, conducted by telephone in July, also found that women have more doubt than men about their ability to afford retirement. Just over half of women polled, 51 percent, agreed with the statement, “I’m afraid I may not be able to retire.� That compares with 48 percent of men who responded that way.

Other key survey findings: — Workers, who on average plan to retire at age 67, expect they’ll need enough savings to fund retirement for 21.5 years — or until they are 88.5 years old. Average life

expectancy in the U.S. is about 10 years younger than that at 78.6 years, although some statistics show that among couples, there’s a 50 percent chance one of them will live to be 92. — The most frequently named “burning question� about retirement savings was how much to set aside for health care expenses. — Among retirees, 64 percent reported receiving a pension, while among those still working, only 43 percent said they were covered by a pension.

(Contact Patricia Sabatini at psabatini@post-gazette.com. Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.shns.com.) ••• Hometown magazine is delivered to 100% of Punx’y and area homes!

local shops.

big savings!

aUto Parts

doG/cat GroominG/boardinG

windows & doors

SpRiNg HillS SHeltieS

Storm • Replacement • New Construction

Dog & Cat Boarding & Grooming

Mon.-Fri. 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Sat. 7:30 a.m. - Noon

Michele Wachob, Owner with Chance and Cindy Hoover, Assistant Groomer with Jewels

indiana Street, punx’y OWNER

Independent Auto Parts of America

LESA WALkER

Just Minutes from Town - 370 Big W. Dr., Punx’y

724-286-9355

Pharmacy

Physical theraPy

Mahoning

Physical TheraPy Twolick Valley P.T. 203 N. Hampton Ave. • 938-9150 www.punxsyhometown.com M-F 9 to 7; Sat. 9 to 3; closed Sundays Pharmacist Nickolas A. Kernich, PharmD Accepting Most Insurances OTCs • Lottery • Gifts • Swan Creek Candles • Yankee Candle

aquatic therapy • Medicare certified Office Hours By Appointment

Mahoning Physical TheraPy Medical cenTer Marion Center

banKinG A hometown bank you can count on . . . both today and in the future!

Clymer

724-397-9100 724-254-1010

2311 Rt. 310, Reynoldsville

FREE Estimates • Financing Now Available

since 1976

insUrance

Sweet Secrets Desserts

AuTO • HOME • BuSINESS • LIFE

â—†

yoUr ad is always online:

www.burke-sons.com

JACquE PERRY INSuRANCE

Watch For Us Opening at our Location, Former Rossiter Presbyterian Church We Will Be Closed Til We Reopen at our new location Patty Dean, Owner

www.jacqueperry.com

938-7110 938-6263

31 universal dr.

Punxsutawney PA

sweetsecretsdesserts.com

PhotoGraPhy

coroner

Bernard p.

SnYDEr

Punxsutawney

MEMBER FDIC

(814) 939-8999

desserts

ClyMeR

1-800-556-6262

938-7303

Brian A. Smith - president Fax: 814-939-8990 • Cell: 814-591-5244 e-mail: brian@fastrakpa.com

MaRion CenteR

www.marioncenterbank.com

110 Gaskill Ave., Punx’y

PA8019

Dayton

inDiana Hastings

Expedite and Trailer Load Services Call for a Rate!

Serving the manufacturing & gas drilling industries.

Local Products, Local People

Window & door Products

Big Run

willow sPRings

trUcKinG

WEBSITE: www.CourtneyKatherinePhotography.com BLOG: www.CourtneyKatherinePhotography.com/blog EMAIL: CourtneyKatherinePhotography@hotmail.com

Coroner of Jefferson County

www.PUnxsUtawneymaGazine.com Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2013 - Issue #156 – 11

tangled Starrs

a PaUl Mitchell focUS Salon Gift certificateS

• UniqUe GiftS • fUll line of PaUl Mitchell hair ProdUctS

109 East Union St. Punx’y

938-3444

Melanie (Villella) Starr

StroeHMann Bakery outlet

Punxsutawney Country Club

Thrift Store

• Bread • Rolls • Cakes • Candy • Chips • Drink Mix • Much More

Call now to book your Wedding or Party with caterer of choice

Luigi's ristorante Mary's Place Shannon's Catering

Great Buys!

Super Values Every Day

N. Main St., Punx’y

S. Main St. Ext., Punx’y • 938-7430

814-938-8243

the Pool guys Products and Services: • Sales, Installation and Service of both Inground and Above Ground Pools • Polymer, Sport Pools, All Sizes • Sales, Installation, and Service of Spas / Hot Tubs all shapes and sizes • Pool Openings and Closings • Chemicals • leak Detection • Salt Systems • Heaters and Heat Pumps • Pool Pumps • Performance and Automatic Covers • Filters • TIGeRSHARK Automatic Pool Cleaners • SuNSeTTeR AwNINGS of all Shapes and Sizes StOP by Our SHOwrOOm NOw rENtiNg Our Or giVE uS a call tODay!

Dolphin m4

119 roberts st., Punx’y automatic Pool

938-9396

Mon., - Fri., 9 to 6; Sat. 9 to 1

cleaner!

call for details!

call to scHeDUle YoUr

snoW PloWinG 938-9396 12 – Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2013 - Issue #156

The delivery of mail by air in u. S. aviation history began in 1918. Prior to air pickup locally, mail was shipped from Punxsutawney to Pittsburgh to be transferred to an airmail plane. The first airmail carried out of Punxsutawney by airplane was in 1929 with the opening of the Grube Airport, which is now the site of the Punxsutawney Municipal Airport in Bell Township.

Clyde Kelly Continued from page 10

Though not born in the Punxsutawney area, nor elected to represent the area in Congress, we will be remembered as having his summer home in Marchand, the home of the landing field of the Punxsutawney Aero Club and many air shows of that time.

The delivery of mail by air in U. S. aviation history had its beginning in 1918, but with a rocky start, especially in Pennsylvania when the air operations were to be extended with service to link the east coast and centers of Washington, D. C. and New York City with Chicago. Flying over the Allegheny Mountains became a treacherous flight in the old open-air airplanes. In its first year, that run would be named the “graveyard run.”

One example would be that of an airmail plane in September 1920. With a stop at Bellefonte, it was enroute to

Cleveland for “service,” when the pilot experienced engine trouble about 20 miles from Punx’y. He started hunting for a landing place. Approaching Punxsutawney, he spotted a farm field of Clarence Bargerstock in Bell Township and made the landing. The pilot telephoned to Bellefonte for his mechanic who arrived by motorcycle the next day.

A crowd of people gathered to see the two-engine plane.

The field would later be owned by O. P. Grube and would become known as the Grube Landing Field. In the summer of 1929, it would be made a permanent “Airport” with a dedication in October as a part of an elaborate air show.

Nearly 100 acres of the field were available for landing and take-off. A circle of limestone whitewash, 100-foot in diameter, was placed in the center. Painted on the roof of the farm’s barn would be “GRUBE AIR FIELD.” Pilots who had - Continued on page 24

DEvElopERS AND pRoDUcERS oF NAtURAl gAS

Del

D.E. LIMITED FAMILY PARTNERSHIP

1406 n. Main St., Punx’y

814-938-0800

frigidaire freezer

9 cu. ft., Power On Light, Drain, Two Removable Baskets

The Apple Orchard: Remembering the Old Apple Barn

By Mary Ellen Raneri for Hometown magazine y mom was always the Ebenezer Scrooge of apples. I would beg her on bended knee to buy the big juicy red apples that sat so glossy and polished in the produce department of the old A & P store on North Findley Street. I wanted one of those precious apples so bad. I wanted an apple from the plastic bag. I wanted an apple from the bin there, where the produce guy loaded all the fruit in the display cases.

“They’re too much, Mary! I’m not paying that price for six apples,” she proclaimed.

Usually, we left appleless from the little supermarket. As my dad wheeled our blue Mercury station wagon past the Jefferson Theatre and old Punxsutawney post office on our trek home, I dreamed of biting into the shiny fruit.

Instead of purchasing apples at a regular store in town like the Quaker Market on East Mahoning Street or that A&P, Mom insisted on heading to the apple orchard on a fall day, after Sunday morning church. The fruit store itself was nestled near a small Amish village located outside of Punxsutawney.

The place was a deep, open barn – real dark with a cold dirty damp cement floor decorated with apple stains, renegade leaves and stem parts. Sometimes a rotten apple curled up in the corner, making me contemplate about its past life as a fresh new piece of fruit. A single metal, old fashioned cash register sat alone near the middle of the place. Deep bins, lined up in military fashion along the length of the floor, were bursting to the brim with apples of all sorts.

There, dirty frayed bushel baskets held more apples on the cement along side the bins. That fruit was picked right off the tree, grown without the use of any pesticides or sprays. There were all kinds of apples cuddled toe to toe, arm to arm, nose to nose and stem to stem in those baskets and bins, including McIntosh, Red Delicious, some bruised or pitted and freckled, some with a little worm inside. No charge for the extra meat.

We would load up the baskets of apples that Mom carefully selected after she tasted munched, critiqued, spewed seeds and digested the candidates for her pies, applesauce, or just plain eating.

“Now what kind is this?” she inquired to the clerk with a bit of urgency to her

family Dentistry

Mahoning Physical Therapy Twolick Valley P.T.

M

P. Timothy Smatlak, DMD Amy Peace Gigliotti, DMD ronald j. walker III, DMD Michele Stossel, DMD

$

39995 FFC0923DW

frigidaire freezer

5 cu. ft., Manual Defrost, One Removable Basket

$

24995

frigidaire freezer

FFFC05M4NW

7 cu. ft., Manual Defrost, One Removable Basket

$

29995

FFFC07M4NW

frigidaire refrigerator 12 cu. ft., Adj. Glass Shelves, No Frost

$

58995

FFPT12F3NW

frigidaire refrigerator 2 full adj. Glass Shelves, 2 Clear Deli Drawers, Color Coordinated Textured Cabinet

$

73995 NFTR18X4LB

- Continued on page 16

• Medicare certified • aquatic Therapy • office hours by appointment

203 Clearfield Ave., Punx’y New Patients welcome

Mahoning Physical Therapy Medical center, Marion center, Pa

938-8554 938-5800

405 Franklin st., clymer, Pa

(724) 397-9100 (724) 254-1010

Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2013 - Issue #156 – 13

A hometown bank you can count on. . . both today and in the future!

• indiana • Big run • Dayton • Marion Center • Clymer • Punxsutawney • Willow Springs • Hastings

1-800-556-6262

are you Protected?

“We salute our firefighters during Fire Prevention Awareness Month and all year long! Thank you for helping us protect the families of the Punxsutawney area!

We’ll keep you protected!

Member

FDiC

www.marioncenterbank.com

ShieldS inSurance 221. W. Mahoning St., Punx’y

938-5291 Old Man winter is right around the corner...

JAWCo Fire, inc.

SCHeDule yOuR SNOw PlOwING NOw!

Proud Supporter of our Firefighters

fire extinguishers fire suppression systems commercial kitchen exhaust systems

the Pool Guys Pools • sPas • accessories service & installation

Layaway your pool in the FALL, so you can swim in the SPRING!

(814)

938-8600

938-9396

Richard l. Fait

On behalf of Acme Machine and Welding Co., We would like to salute our employees that volunteer their time keeping our community safe, along with all of the other local fire departments.

Funeral Home

Acme Machine

“We Serve As We Would Be Served. . .

Because We Care” 117 n. Jefferson Street Punxsutawney 938-8200 www.faitfuneralhome.com

46 Anchor Inn Road Punx’y • 938-6702

Thank you fire fighters!

Sam Smith State Representative Commemorating our Local Firefighters for serving our Community PAID FOR BY THE CITIZENS FOR SAM SMITH

14 – Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2013 - Issue #156

to promote disaster prevention & introduce you to your Volunteer Firefighters

PiZZa & Prevention 12th Annual

at Fox’s Pizza Den in Punxsutawney KengersKy Insurance agency

saturday, october 5 • 11am to 8Pm BiG DaDDY for $ only PiZZa

9.11

with Fox’s donating 100% to the Punxsutawney Fire Department A volunteer firefighter can deliver your pizza and check your smoke detector.*

Pizzas may also be picked up. Coupon Cards available to purchase for a later date. *liMiT ONE SMOkE dETEcTOr PEr hOuSEhOld. SMOkE dETEcTOrS PrOvidEd by ThE kENgErSky AgENcy FOr All ThOSE iN NEEd.

Around Town

F

for Hometown magazine

From staff of Hometown magazine and the Chamber of Commerce and the Community Calendar at Punxsutawney.com, here is a list of events and happenings coming up in our area: n The Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center is offering free admission on Saturdays during “FREE for Fall “ beginning Saturday, September 21 and running through Saturday, October 12. You can enjoy the interactive exhibits and displays at the Discovery Center at no charge — “become” a tornado, “make” a thunderstorm, try your hand at being a TV weather fore-

caster and learn how leeches were once used to predict the weather! All this and more, free at the Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center, 201 N. Findley St. Call 9381000 for hours and directions. n punxsutawney Appreciation Day will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday September 28. This will be a great time to offer something special at your business for the day, choose to volunteer a little of your time to help with the festivities, or just come down and support your local non-profits that do so much for our community. If you would like to volunteer call the Chamber at 938-7700. n St. peters church of christ indoor

yard and bake sale - from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Corner of Orchard and Graffius Avenue and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, September 27, and Sat., September 28. Everyone welcome.

Donations of items to sell are being accepted, all monies raised will go to improvement of church facilities. For info or to make a donation call 938-4021 or email Pastor Jennifer Fair at: jfair_10@yahoo.com n the Mahoning Hills center, located beside Longview Elementary School, on Route 119, near Punxsutawney, has a lot of fun activities planned this month. An oKtoBERFESt on Thursday, October 3 promises to be a day of fun for only $3; Breakfast and Music for Monday, October 7. Breakfast will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at a cost of $2, and the Jam Session will be held from 10 a.m. until Noon. No reserva-

tion is needed for either the Breakfast or the Jam Session. For more information, (724) 286-3099; FREE BiNgo with Senior Life on Thursday, October 10 is planned for 10:30 a.m.; cARD MAKiNg clASS is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 11 at 11 a.m.; ANNUAl ApplE BUttER MAKiNg will start early on Tuesday, October 15. Volunteers are needed to help stir the Apple Butter, Jar the Apple Butter once cooked and to assist with clean up. If you’d like to help with the Apple Butter Fundraiser, or get involved in any of the other activities listed, please call the center at (724) 286-3099. n punxsutawney Airport Awareness Day, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, October 6. Airplane rides, Introductory flight lessons, Food available for purchase at Punxsutawney Airport.

- Continued on next page

local shops.

big savings! fencinG

Fye Fencing

fUneral services

well services

boots & clothinG

"Serving the community we live in."

full line of

work clothes also in stock now

Commercial & Residential • Chainlink • Vinyl • Wood • Aluminum

Now UNDER NEw owNERSHip

www.fyefencing.com

qUality meats tHe Place WHere great meals BeGin

• PackaGe Deals availaBle • DailY sPecials We accept Visa, Mastercard and Access Card

427-2363

health care A true feeling of home...

• new Chapel • Beautiful countryside location • Continuing Care retirement Community • Personal Care • two Dementia Care Units Private rooms/suites • Adult Day Care Home Support Services

Dedicated to a Life filled with Purpose and Happiness

1100 West Long Ave., DuBois

814-371-3180

www.christthekingmanor.org

(724) 465-8241

33 Hillcrest Dr., Punxsutawney

mon-fri 9-7; sat 9-2

(814) 938-5400

1845 Philadelphia st., indiana

doG & cat GroominG

natUral Gas

burkETT’S P.A.W.S.

D.E. LIMITED FAMILY PARTNERSHIP

242 NOrTh FiNdlEy ST. PuNxSuTAWNEy

All breeds dog & cat grooming

814-938-3974

Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

metatarsal boots & fire retardant clothing

variety store

Owner, Funeral Director Supervisor

6036 Rt. 119, Punx’y Fri. 8 a.m. -7 p.m. Sat. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

John Biggie, Jr. North of Big Run

full line of camo clothing for your hunting needs

white’s

Alex J. park

814-952-1504

specializing in the finest quality Beef, Pork, chicken & smoked meats

lacrosse highwall 8” boot

Pool service/sUPPly

1406 n. Main St. Punx’y

Del 938-0800 • DEVELOPERS AND PRODUCERS OF NATURAL GAS

dininG

winery

windgate

vineyards & winery

Gift baskets, wine-making supplies, books giFt cERtiFicAtES

Fall Festival ............................October 4,5,6 Potter's Tour..........................October 19,20 Old Fashioned Country Christmas Open House ....November 1,2,3 Cookie Tour ..............................November 9

tHe SHoP at tHe Winery oPen Daily 12-5 1998 Hemlock Acres Rd., Smicksburg • (814) 257-8797 tHe country cuPBoarD, SMickSBurg inDiana Mall • PittSBurgH MillS www.windgatevineyards.com www.windgateantiques.com

banKinG

Tanning packages available

the Pool Guys Pools • sPas accessories HOuRS: Mon.-Fri. 9-6 Sat. 9-1 • Sun. Closed

service & installation

938-9396

yoUr ad is always online:

the

Homestead

restaurant & Discount grocery grandma's Homestyle cooking 20079 Rt. 954/Hwy N.

SmickSbuRg

www.stbank.com

814-257-8609

www.PUnxsUtawneymaGazine.com Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2013 - Issue #156 – 15

ted’s

Quality roofing Since 1896.

meat market Package Deals Large Selection Available

• Party Trays • Meat & Cheese • Fresh & Lean Meat • Our Own Old-Fashioned Sugar-Cured Hickory Smoked Semi-Boneless Ham Owned & Operated by Ted Palumbo & Sons

938-9520 ◆ Punxsutawney

Hours: Mon-Wed 8 to 5; Thurs 8 to 6 Fri 8 to 8; Sat 8 to Noon Located 1 1/4 mile East of Reynoldsville on 4th St. or 6 miles West of DuBois on Wayne Road

653-2147 GAF Master Elite Contractor

PERRY TWP.

FIRE DEPARTMENT Bo o K u S noW! for all your Weddings, Receptions, Parties and Banquets AMPLE OFF STREET PARKING

Air Conditioned • Smoke Eaters • Large Coolers

Seats Up To

350!

Call to Reserve:

John cochran 952-7303

Apple Orchard Continued from page 13 voice.

It was very important that Mom made the right choice, the perfect choice; she always made the right choice, especially with apples.

Then she would declare her decision with authority, because she was an apple aficionado.

“You know? Yellow Delicious are simply the best pie apples; we will get a bushel of these. McIntosh just moosh up too much when you cook ‘em; they’re better for applesauce.”

And, Mom would continue to dicker with the apple guy about the price of the bushel, always careful not to get “ripped off” by a price that might be higher than a regular grocery store.

She always bought some, though.

The greatest part of the visit, however, was getting the apple cider that the owners made right there at the farm. It had lots of foggy stuff floating in the bottom — some debris from the apples, but it was good anyway. The owners kept it in a big picnic cooler, ice cold for customers. They even had little Dixie cups there that you could use to taste the autumn brew.

We always went to that orchard on Sundays and it was like a family outing. On the way home, we ate the apples and commented on the fresh taste of them.

All the way, Mom plotted and planned all of the different kinds of things she could make with them: applesauce, cakes, pies and little apple dumplings.

Even though the trip was kind of fun, I knew, though, that tons of work lay ahead of us, peeling and coring our new

Around Town Continued from previous page tunes for tots this year will be held Saturday, October 12 at the Punxsutawney Moose with three local bands: Riding Shot Gun, Head On and American Stew - $5 donation! Main Event with five acoustic bands, silent auction and good eats will be at the Punxsutawney Eagles on Nov. 23 - $10 donation. Accepting toy donations at the door at both events. All proceeds go to Helping local children at Christmas. n Mahoning Shadow Shuffle Half Marathon, 10K, 5K will be Saturday, October 12 beginning at the Punxsutawney Litn

2 miles south of Punxsutawney on Rt. 119 eASt AMeriCAn 814-938-4230 or 888-322-3997 MOtOrSPOrt www.eastamericanmotorsport.com

Offers good on new and unregistered units purchased between 7/30/13-9/30/13. *On select models. See your dealer for details. Rates as low as 2.99% for 36 months. Approval, and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness.

Fixed APR of 2.99%, 6.99%, or 9.99% will be assigned based on credit approval criteria. Other financing offers are available. See your local dealer for details. Minimum Amount Financed $1,500; Maximum Amount Financed $50,000. Other qualifications and restrictions may apply. Financing promotions void where prohibited. Offer effective on all new and unused 2008-2014 Polaris ATV, RANGER, and RZR models purchased from a participating Polaris dealer between 7/30/2013 and9/30/2013.

Offer subject to change without notice. Warning: The Polaris RANGER® and RZR® are not intended for on-road use. Driver must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license to operate. Passengers must be at least 12 years old and tall enough to grasp the hand holds and plant feet firmly on the fl oor. All SxS drivers should take a safety training course. Contact ROHVA at www.rohva.org or (949) 255-2560 for additional information. Drivers and passengers should always wear helmets, eye protection, protective clothing, and seat belts. Always use cab nets or doors (as equipped). Be particularly careful on diffi cult terrain. Never drive on public roads or paved surfaces. Never engage in stunt driving, and avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. Check local laws before riding on trails. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. Polaris adult models are for riders 16 and older. For your safety, always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing, and be sure to take a safety training course. For safety and training information in the U.S., call the SVIA at (800) 887-2887. You may also contact your Polaris dealer or call Polaris at (800) 342-3764. ©2013 Polaris Industries Inc.

acquisitions. It was like being in apple boot camp with my mother at the helm as the supreme apple commandant.

Sigh.

Usually, Mom would get out the huge, black, enamel kettle with white speckles and a large round metal handle; she loaded it with peeled apples for applesauce. Then, of course, she would gather all the other apple peeling accoutrements: the special knives and the corer.

I especially liked the job of coring the apples; it was fun and much easier than the dreaded peeling. I liked the feeling of digging into the soft juicy flesh with my little pointy apple spear and pulling out a chunk of black and brown shelled seeds.

Sometimes in the fall, I still think of those warm Sundays at the orchard and try to remember the smell of that dark damp barn with all those wonderful apples that I just didn’t appreciate at the time.

I long to see the speckled greens and reds and browns of their autumn skin, free from plastic and wax from today’s shelves. I want to drink tart apple cider from the little white Dixie cups.

I want to stand at the enamel sink helping my mom peel her favorite: the big yellow ones.

I want to see glass jars of applesauce and crusty pies on the kitchen counter.

Most of all, I want to see my mom’s big ear-to-ear smile at the end of that day, proud of herself and the goodies she made ... thanks to the apple orchard.

(Editor’s note: Mary Ellen Raneri can be reached at: Mary Ellen Raneri, 1162 Elm Drive, Latrobe, PA 15650.

(724)532-1776, weinerpaws@aol.com.)

•••

tle League Field on Route 119. Registration is at 8 a.m., the race begins at 9 a.m.

For the race registration form go to www.punxsutawney.com/files/13raceapp.pdf n punx’y “Halloween Fest” Sponsored

by Punx’y Dental will be held from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, october 26. Schedule of Events is as follows: • Noon to 6 p.m. Vendors in the Park; • 3 to 7 p.m. there will be a D.J.; • 5 to 6 p.m. will be Trick or Treat for the Kids Courtesy of Vendors in the Park; • 6 to 7 p.m. Parade of kids throughout the park with prizes to be awarded for costumes; • 7 to 8 p.m. live band “Radio Days.” Many other “SURPRISE” festivities that day too!

•••

punxSutawney area muSeum historical and genealogical Society, inc.

938-2555 Bennis house 401 W. Mahoning St. 1-4 p.m. Thurs. - Sun.

16 – Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2013 - Issue #156

Printed 09/13

lattimer house 400 W. Mahoning St.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday & Saturday 1-4 p.m. Fri. & Sun.

Folks step up to save Main Street movie theaters

By Jenna Ross Minneapolis Star Tribune or eight months, it sat empty. No blockbusters, no popcorn, no Saturday matinees.

In the movie industry’s massive switch from film to digital, it looked like the little State Theater was yet another casualty.

F

But then residents came to its rescue.

This month, its classic, red marquee will rise again.

People in small cities are rallying around their Main Street movie theaters, helping them pay for the pricey new digital projectors needed as 35-millimeter film is phased out. Sick of seeing businesses shutter their downtown store-

fronts, they’re writing checks, throwing fundraising galas and convincing city councils to chip in.

The State Theater, now a nonprofit, switched out its whirring projector for a digital behemoth in May. The Historic Comet Theater in Cook, Minn., raised $81,000 for new gear via the Kickstarter fundraising website. This weekend in Luverne, Minn., volunteers hosted a speakeasy-style party, with classic cars and live music, to help pay for the Palace Theatre’s upgrade.

“If people are going to want to move back to small-town, rural Minnesota, there’s gotta be a reason to come back,” said Dianne Ossenfort, president of the Palace’s board. “And a downtown theater is one of the reasons.”

As film gets more difficult to find,

celtic Gifts

fUneral services

monUments

Oliver T. KOrb & SOnS inC.

Thistle & Pine

—— Bui lders of Better ——

MOnUMenTS

Celtic & Country Collectibles

Julie & Frank Mondi

Distinctive Home Decor Celtic Accents & Jewelry

814.938.6119 Office 814.952.1939 OR 814.952.6486 Cell 444 South Main St., Punx’y

Authentic Celtic Merchandise

DuBois Office

814.371.4545 Office Toll Free: 800.752.1601 Fax: 814.371.5813

Gift Cards

- Continued on page 26

PlUmbinG/heatinG/ac

richard L. Fait HOPKinS Plumbing, Heating Funeral Home

“We Serve As We Would Be Served. . .

Because We Care”

& Air Conditioning of Punxsutawney Certified in Testing & Installation of Backflow Prevention Assembly

117 n. Jefferson St. Punxsutawney

7570 Rt. 119, Marion Center Hours: Tues. - Sat. 10-5

724-397-2442

movie lovers have worried most about small-town theaters. The expense of buying a new digital projector - plus upping ventilation and retrofitting a booth - often exceeds $60,000. That’s a big figure for a single-screen theater, some of which are open only on weekends. A year ago, industry groups predicted that thousands of theaters would close rather than convert.

Some have.

But many little theaters are provoking passion. Across the country, residents are helping pay for the digital equipment, via county grants and online fundraising.

“In a lot of cases, it’s the only entertainment for miles around,” said Patrick Corcoran, vice president of the National Association of Theatre Owners.

The movie industry’s conversion has no

938-8200

(814) 938-9207 or (814) 939-9999

www.korbmonuments.com korbmonuments@verizon.net

www.ThistleAndPine.com

www.faitfuneralhome.com

social center

motorcycles/lawn eqUiPment

dUct cleaninG

Pharmacy

EVERy dAy is a celebration!

new aUthorized toro dealer

The John McCall - Clarion, PA

LOCAL reGiStereD PHArMACiStS

sales & service

exercise class - Wii nutrition education - Games computer class with internet Access Health & Wellness Speakers parties - trips - Fun

Duct Cleaning Specialist

Best Kawasaki Parts & accessories

fox & thor aPParel 20% off

Free Quotes ~ Fully Insured

2, 3 and 4 wheels!

724-286-3099 • 19298 Rt. 119 Hwy North PuNxSuTAWNEy (Located beside Longview Elementary School)

Promoting & Preserving Independence & Healthy Living for Older Adults

big run, Pa

TODAy - TOMORROw - AlwAyS

hoUsinG

Residential • Commercial • Air Duct Decontamination • Air Purification Systems • Indoor Air Testing • Certified Mold Inspector

yoUr one stoP shoP for

Aging Services, Inc.

MAHONING HILLS SOCIAL CENTER

814-427-2068

attorneys

KIM HORNeR

PA#033966

“55 & Older” Call now for your tour and to experience the luxury you Deserve!

407 east Mahoning Street Punxsutawney • (814) 938-5474

www.graystonecourt.com

JeNNIFeR MOORe

MICHAel HORNeR

Mon.- Fri 9 to 7; Sat. 9 to 2

JOe PReSlOID

938-3077

Toll Free: 866-382-2536 local: 814-764-3644

132 West Mahoning Street, Punxsutawney

aUto sales/service

Pizza

Big DiNNeR BOx

ATTORNEYS AT LAW The Ultimate retirement Community One & Two Bedroom Luxury Apartments

PA#039563

JEFFREY LUNDY JAY P. LUNDY • • • •

Personal Injury Real Estate Oil, Gas & Coal Businesses, Partnerships & Corporations

• • • •

Civil Litigation Criminal Law Municipalities Wills, Trusts & Estates

219 East Union Street P.O. Box 74 Punxsutawney, PA 15767

Phone: (814) 938-8110

www.lundylawpa.com

yoUr ad is always online:

938-9584

$

588 W. Mahoning St. Punxsutawney

Carulli auto SaleS & ServiCe Let us take care of your vehicle.

We offer a full line of

transmission Work & auto repairs.

1999

Two Medium Pizzas • Five Bread Sticks • eight Wings WalMart Plaza rt. 119 north Punx’y

938-2400

WingStreet® Wings

www.PUnxsUtawneymaGazine.com Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2013 - Issue #156 – 17

Family Owned & Operated

2056 Route 310, Reynoldsville

310 lAwN & GARDeN

814-938-4443

pressure Washers & Generators

Mon. - Fri. 8 to 5 Sat. 8 to Noon Closed Sundays

SaleS & Service ®

BILL’S ARCHERY Bear Archery Sales & Service Center

724-397-8710 5465 Rt. 85 Home, PA

Intersection of 85 & 210 in Plumville

A l &

WE SEll RENT FIx

Sports fans feel their team’s losses, e h t AUTO lENDER physically and mentally AUTO SALES 938-6780 923 n. main street

FULL SERVICE NOTARY

938-3124 925 n. main street

NOTAry•vEhiclE rENTAl•dirEcT bill iNSurANcE 4 WhEEl AligNMENTS•TirES MOuNTEd & bAlANcEd rOTOrS TurNEd•Oil chANgES•iNSPEcTiONS TrANSMiSSiON SErvicE cAMPEr/TrAilEr iNSPEcTiONS www.alautosales.com

ABC

HeAtinG, COOLinG & PLUMBinG, inC. Alway the Best Choice

ridential • commercial

FRee estimates

P

By Amy Schaarsmith of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

ositive thinking. A brisk walk.

Crunchy snacks.

When the home team wins, everything comes up roses.

But when fans lose, keeping the faith takes training.

“Just keep your mind on positive thoughts and say, ‘That was just one bad day,’ and don’t panic,” said sports psychologist George Pappas of Pittsburgh.

Fandom, he said, begins when people use sports or other entertainment as an escape from daily stress — if a team succeeds, fans feel as if they succeeded, too, even though they didn’t do anything but watch. But a loss? For fans, that can feel like their loss, too.

But those fans, experts say, can insulate themselves from the debilitating effects of a losing team: crabbiness, hopelessness, twitchiness, overconsumption of fatty foods and general feelings of outrage and shame.

After venting to a trusted friend — step one of feeling better, Pappas said — it’s

Lindsey Water Company PA002409

We service all brands  Heating & cooling stems.

We are Just a PHOne caLL aWaY tO serVice aLL YOur needs.

24 Hour Service 845-7633 856-3211 849-0849 abcHeatingCooling.com 18 – Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2013 - Issue #156

reynoldsville, pa

800-633-4335

time to take action. Stress and anger prompt a fight-or-flight reaction during which lactic acid builds inside the body’s muscles unless they are moved, releasing it. That buildup causes “partial muscle reactions” that show themselves as tenseness and twitchiness. The only way to get rid of that feeling is to put the body through its total range of motion with 10 to 15 minutes of walking or other aerobic exercise.

“The stress won’t be up around 10,” Pappas said. “It will be lower and then you’ll start to think more clearly.”

But when losing one game becomes two, and two become three, and three make you start drowning your sorrows in buckets of chicken wings and gallons of cookie dough ice cream? Well, then it’s time to think about some healthy alternatives, the experts say.

French researchers reported in the August issue of the journal Psychological Science that fans of losing NFL teams gorge themselves on 25 percent more sweet and fatty junk food — bacon-and- Continued on page 24

Tickets to the gun Show: Hands on with a culture of handguns

By Justin Eger for Hometown magazine nsurprisingly, there’s a lot more that goes into buying a gun than just going to the store and picking something out. You need to know what you’re looking at, what you’re looking for, and how much you’re willing to spend to get it. Thankfully, we have this thing called the internet, and it can help you out by giving you all sorts of information about all sorts of things, including guns.

Granted, looking up a variety of information about guns and ammunition probably gets you put onto some sort of watch list somewhere, but it’s still nice to know that there are people out there willing to share their time and experience in talking about things that go “Bang!”

u

aUto sales

Unfortunately, there’s only so far you can go with just basic information. Whatever research you end up doing, there’s always the possibility that what you think you want isn’t what you really need, or even what you like when you see it up close. That’s where, you would think, a gun shop or sporting goods store would be helpful.

It was not.

The problem for me was, since I didn’t know exactly what I wanted, there were very few people willing to invest any time in educating me more about the subject. I went to several stores in my area, and asked a few salespeople about what was available. Not one of them was interested enough to give me many details at all, let alone take any of the several guns I was interested in out of

clothinG & footwear

llC

east main st., Brookville

#1 Hotline 1-800-927-6167 or 814-849-8313 www.brookvillegmdealer.com

Great selection of Athletic Shoes, Carhartt Clothing for Men & Women, Work & Hunting Boots by Rocky, Wolverine, Georgia, Danner, Red Wing & Muck

814-845-7853 3802 Gipsy Road Gipsy, PA 15741

We really will save you money!

PUblication

Thurs. - Fri. Noon to 8 pm, Sat. 10 am to 6 pm, Sun. Noon to 5 pm

water

About

YoU!

send us your story ideas. email: hometown@mail.com or call: 938-0312 it’s all about Punxsutawney Hometown YoU!

better water. pure and simple.®

• Home & Industry • Reverse Osmosis • Salt Delivery Service sales • Sales-Rental-Service • Culligan Preferred Credit rental • FREE Water Analysis service

114 Horatio St., Punx’y

938-2240 or 1-800-828-4267

yoUr ad is always online:

the case for me to examine.

Which was a big thing for me. Years of being a keyboard jockey have left me with skinny wrists but strong hands and long fingers. As such, I have a slightly awkward grip for handguns, and depending on the weight of the firearm, I have problems with drawing the gun itself or dropping the sights when I’m aiming. It’s nothing that can’t be overcome with more practice, but it would still be nice to be able to compensate for that with what amounts to my first handgun purchase.

Recently, the Blair County Convention Center hosted a gun and knife show, which you may have seen advertised.

After some debate, my wife and I picked up some of the coupons from our local papers and headed to the show. Initially, I simply held out hope that I would find a kerambit (a specialty knife that has long fascinated and eluded me), but I also thought that, if anywhere, a gun show would be the place to learn what kind of firearm I really wanted.

No luck on the kerambit, but I did end up getting some great information about several handguns, some of which I had never even heard of before. That, and as I worked my way around the show, plenty of folks were quick to open up their cases and pass over their firearms, helping me rule out several I had once considered to be on my short list of guns-

to-buy. One Pittsburgh dealer, though, really went the extra mile and spent a good deal of time chatting with us about their selection, our needs, and what they recommended.

They were our first and last stop over the two days of the show, and we couldn’t be happier. My wife came away with a low-cost, easy-to-use piece that she feels comfortable enough with, and she actually wants to go to a firing range . I came away with a solid mid-range piece that fits in my hand like it was made for it, and we both learned a lot, to boot.

As for the stereotype I admittedly expected to find at the show, there was only one angry, president-hating Republican, and no one really wanted him around.

Everyone else was there because they like their product, and wanted more people to like their product, just like any other kind of convention I’ve ever been to.

All in all, an interesting experience that, if I ever save up enough money again, I would like to repeat.

Now, if only I could find some ammo.

(Justin Eger is an editor, columnist, reporter and feature writer with Mainline Newspapers in upper Cambria County.)

•••

chiroPractor

framinG & Gifts

Casteel

Chiropractic DR. Ian CasTeel • X-Rays • 410 East Mahoning St.

938-4400

Now Accepting Highmark, UpMc, Medicare, Access & More Mon., wed., & Fri. 9-1 & 3-8 closed tuesday & thursday

Hometown Magazine...

Online All the Time... www.punxsutawneymagazine.com

TRAIlhEAD Gallery

WE FEATURE LOCAL ARTISTS’ WORKS

CUSTOM FRAMING

Let us frame that special keepsake or photo 124 West Mahoning St. Downtown Punxsutawney

938-1004

tax PreParer

dentist

DARleNe STuCHell

FAMILY DENTISTRY

• Registered Tax Return Preparer • Electronic Filing • Notary Public • Bookkeeping & Accounting

TeMPORARy TAgS AVAilABle

We Offer Year-round Service Please call for an appointment 938-7070 Fax: 939-7070 76 Harvest lane, Punx’y

Jon J. Johnston, dmd PDA MEMBER

caLL Our OFFice tOdaY! 106 W. Mahoning St.

938-4210 With the

Whitening System, you can have the perfect smile for your perfect day.

www.PUnxsUtawneymaGazine.com Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2013 - Issue #156 – 19

For seniors, online world presents new opportunities

YOU STILL MATTER Help is only a phone call away

www.cjsuicidepreventionteam.org

1-800-341-5040

HaWk

construction New Construction Ditchwich & Bobcat Services ● Roofing, Siding, Soffit/Fascia ● General Remodeling ● Additions ● ●

814.938.2565 Bill Hawk, Owner

YESHWAnT G. pHADKE M.D., F.A.C.S., ABPh., RPhs

Certified by The American Board of Venous and lymphatic Medicine; Certified General Surgeon; Member American College of Phlebology

724.349.6677

Over 20 Years Experience in Treating Varicose Veins

1265 wayne Ave. Suite 106, Indiana www.vein-doc.com FrEE vein Screening

September 26, 2013 ...Call For Details

on Your Feet ALL DAY? Do you experience discomfort, swelling and varicose veins?

If so, you may be suffering from superficial venous reflux disease.

Put an end to the pain and appearance of varicose... give us a call!

20 – Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2013 - Issue #156

J

By Anita Creamer for Hometown magazine

ean Davis is a wired senior. Now 86, she came to the digital world 14 years ago when a son decided she should have a personal computer.

Now she not only surfs the Internet for several hours a day, she also helps teach classes for SeniorNet, a nonprofit that trains older adults around the country in computer skills.

“We didn’t even have television in the olden days,” said Davis, who lives in Carmichael, Calif.

“But now older people are getting on computers because their children and grandchildren want them online.”

“We’re long past the threshold where it’s novel for older people to be online.

More and more, it’s a necessity to stay connected in life,” said Mark Beach, AARP California communications director.

The Pew Internet & American Life Project has found that slightly more than half of people age 65 and older use the Internet — and 43 percent of them regularly connect with family members and friends on social networking sites.

Those numbers drop significantly past age 75. Little more than a third of people in that age group are digitally connected, according to Pew. The 26 million older adults who remain offline are not making the increasingly crucial transition to using technology as a lifestyle resource, said Tom Kamber, chief executive officer of Older Adults

Technology Services, which teaches older New York residents to use the computer.

“As time passes, a smaller proportion of older adults is being left on the sidelines,” he said. “Meanwhile, more and more core daily activities are online every year.”

The list of routine online activities continues growing: Banking. Paying bills.

Receiving receipts and discounts from retailers. Making purchases. Tracking health expenses and ordering medications.

Staying in touch with the doctor.

Confirming appointments. Making travel arrangements.

Researchers hope that online connections also can help with one of the thorniest issues of old age: isolation and its resulting spiral of depression, mobility problems and chronic physical ailments.

It’s a problem made more difficult by the fact that older adults in huge numbers prefer to remain living independently, in their own homes, even when doing so slowly becomes unhealthy for them.

Although Pew figures show that only 40 percent of people 65 and older have access to high-speed Internet at home, aging experts see technology as a major potential resource to help seniors continue aging in place.

Video conferencing via the Internet can - Continued on page 25

~ the finest in living for the golden years ~

Wellington Heights pERSoNAl cARE HoME

One Park Ave., Punxsutawney

• 938-3100

• Assistance in Daily Living • Short & Long Term Care • 24 Hour Care • Activities • Physician On Call • Special Diets • Safety Bells in Each Room • Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy Available • Independent Apartments Available

We Offer a

Hands On Approach to Short-term Rehab at Christ The King!

The Short Term Rehab Therapy Unit at Christ The King believes in a ‘hands on’ approach to making the transition from hospital to home as easy and comfortable as possible. Our therapy department features highly trained physical therapists, occupational and speech therapists.

Other amenities include: Private Rooms with Mini-Kitchens & Private Bathrooms Country Kitchen • Separate Dining Facilities • Spa

Christ The King Manor 1100 West Long Ave • DuBois, Pennsylvania

814-371-3180 w w w. c h r i s t t h e k i n g m a n o r. o r g www.christthekingmanor.org

For more information and a tour of our Rehab Therapy facilities call 814-371-3180.

Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2013 - Issue #156 – 21

Dedicated to Punx’y from Memorials to ‘Carved in Stone’

(Editor’s Note: ‘From Our Past,’ researched by S. Thomas Curry, features items of interest from past editions of Punxsutawney and area newspapers.)

September 2, 1903 — Three sections of passenger coaches, 33 cars in all, passed through here Saturday and Saturday night over the B., R. & P. railroad to Niagara Falls. The excursion was from Pittsburgh and there were over 2,000 persons aboard, constituting the biggest crowd which ever passed from one end of the line to the other as a body. (Punxsutawney Spirit) September 9, 1892 — This is a cider year and the first one for many seasons. All the old cider presses in the country are being put into condition and the amount of apple juice promises to be immense. Trees area breaking down under the weight of heavy crops of apples and already much of the fruit has been converted into cider. (Punxsutawney News) September 16, 1869 — We are requested to state that posts for repairing the fence around the Cemetery will be on the grounds a week from Saturday next; a gentleman having kindly volunteered to contribute that much toward making the necessary repairs. He wishes our citizens to turn out on that day and put them up. [Note: The cemetery referred to is the North Findley Street Cemetery, at that time outside of Punxsutawney’s borough limit]. (Punxsutawney Plaindealer) September 21, 1887 — A Punxsutawney youth paid his monthly cigarette bill the other day, which amounted to $4.80. It is right to pay your honest debts, but a point we want to make is this, that, according to the latest medical research, that youth has damaged his constitution with an investment that in later years, one hundred times the amount, would not bring back to him.

The sum of $4.80 invested every month would amount in one year to $57.60. We leave our readers to draw a conclusion.

(Punxsutawney News) September 21, 1898 —S. E. Roach, a coal miner residing at Anita, besides being an enthusiastic sportsman and violinist of considerable skill, is an expert violin maker. He has made a number of violins and mandolins which musicians pronounce to be of very superior quality.

Mr. Roach will travel a hundred miles to get a piece of wood to suit him. The wood in a violin was taken from the interior of an old house, built 96 years ago, and the wood used in a mandolin has been seasoning for 107 years. (Punxsutawney Spirit) •••

In addition to providing memorials and stones, R.D. Brown offers a number of services at cemeteries, including the opening and closing of graves. As a service to edication may just be the best word local funeral directors, they operate a creto describe the services that the staff matory, which enables families to have at R.D. Brown Memorials provides more timely services for deceased loved to Punxsutawney. They dedicate ones. each day to the quality of work they do, the The team at R.D. Brown Memorials is an products they sell, and to the team of emactive member of ployees, which works the community, together to deliver the hosting a booth at products they offer to the Groundhog Festheir customers. tival and the Dayton As they celebrate 25 Fair, both displaying years in business, Bevtheir monuments erly Brown remembers and Carved in Stone how R.D. Brown Merocks. morials started the “This provides a business. Her husband, way for people to Richard Brown, was in meet the family, see the concrete business the quality products and would prepare conand get personal crete foundations for service,” said Bevveterans’ memorial erly. plaques that were being As the Browns placed in cemeteries. have learned, it They discussed the takes hard work and idea as to how they long hours to have a could create a family successful business. business, which could provide service to oth- The staff of R.D. Brown Memorials includes (l. to r): Richard D. “Rich” Brown, II, Beverly Brown, They are already ers in their time of Christie Brown, Denise Brown and Lori Sherry; (Back) Reese Brown, Randon Brown, Jake grooming the third Sherry, Richard D. ‘Richie’ Brown III, Michele Reinhart, and Susan Hite. generation of the need, in addition to family in what it provide a legacy for takes to operate a their sons, who were successful business. teenagers at the time.

Members of the Before making the younger generation commitment to start have jobs that they the business, Richard, do in support of the and his son, Richard business, such as Brown II, (age 16 at mowing the lawn, the time) made a trip to assisting with cemeVermont where most of tery maintenance, the granite for memorials was cut. They found Memorial stones for pets are popular. and various tasks These can be customized to reflect the suiting thier skills a dealer, C.R. Davidimage of the pet, and placed on the grave and abilities. son, who would supply or in a flower garden as a rembrance.

The staff at R.D. the stones. Mr. DavidBrown Memorials, son delivered their first located at 314 North ten memorial stones in Findley Street, wel1988. They displayed comes you into a them in their front warm and compasyard, and, from that sionate atmosphere. date, R.D. Brown MeThe Brown family morials was in operamembers are thortion, serving its oughly versed in the community. products and servIt didn’t take long for ices they offer. the display and the Owner, Richard D. “Dick” Brown prepares a monu- Memorials and stones can be customized Whether a local or business to grow. in any shape and for any purpose. area family is seekThrough the years, ment for installation. ing to replace a the Brown family has cemetery marker for an ancestor, purchasneral director at Liebegott-Brown Funeral added a number of new products and serving a marker for a departed loved one, or Home in Duncansville, but continues to be ices. After graduating from high school, looking for a custom stone to identify the a part of the business by selling R.D. Rich went to Vermont to learn how to sandentry to a home, it can be found at Brown Memorials monuments at the fublast granite memorials, enabling them to R.D.Brown Memorials. neral home. offer shaped and custom carving to their ••• customers.

D

By PRIDE for Hometown magazine

In 1990, they added “Carved in Stone,” a product line described as yard stones for all occasions. Michele Reinhart, an art graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, joined the R.D. Brown team and assists in designing and creating custom etched memorials and stones. Bev and Richard’s younger son, Randy, after working a number of years in the family business, chose to become a fu-

Hometown Magazine...Online All the time...

www.punxsutawneymagazine.com 22 – Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2013 - Issue #156

Serving Punxsutawney since 1925 FReSH, DeliCiOuS PiZZA AND WiNgS

R.D. Brown Memorials 314 N. Findley Street • Punxsutawney • 938-2100

We have a full line of monuments, decorative stones, benches and more!

PLeASe StOP AnD See OUr neW reStAUrAnt, AnD MenU

route 310 elk run Ave.

938-8060

MeeTING ROOM AvAIlABle

TRAIlhEAD

Gallery

WE FEATURE LOCAL ARTISTS’ WORKS

CUSTOM FRAMING

Let us frame that special keepsake or photo 124 West Mahoning St. Downtown Punxsutawney

938-1004

25 % OFF ALL HALLOWEEN (Some Exclusions Do Apply) Expires 10-28-13

Open 7 Days A Week at 11 a.m.

Laska’s pizza

Summer Specialty: Cheeseburger Pizza NeW APPeTiZeR Mini pierogies with a side of marinara or pesto — eAT iN OR TAKe OuT —

Wings • Strombolis • Pizzas • Calzones StOP aND SEE Our Full mENu DiNE iN Or OutSiDE ON Our PatiO 405 N. Main St., Punx’y

938-4647

CoLD Six pACKS To Go

meeting room available with a Special menu for up to 25 People

Richard l. Fait Funeral Home “We Serve As We Would Be Served. . .

Because We Care”

117 n. Jefferson Street Punxsutawney Richard L. Fait Funeral Director

www.faitfuneralhome.com 814-938-8200 • e-mail: lease45@comcast.net Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2013 - Issue #156 – 23

Clyde Kelly

Sports Fans

Continued from page 10 landed there declared it “the best natural landing field in the East”.

When Air Mail began in 1918, contracts were awarded through the U. S. Postal Service. Between 1918 and 1925, the Post Office lost money on the service.

Rep. Clyde Kelly’s Air Mail Act would authorize transferring airmail operations to private companies, and help create the commercial aviation industry.

Air Mail secured its place in Punxsutawney area history. The first airmail to be carried out of Punxsutawney by airplane was during the dedication of the Grube Air Field in October 1929. Special envelope cachets with airmail stamps were sold. Many of these traveled around the world, not merely in the continental U.S. Airmail delivery is one matter, airmail pickup is another. Prior to 1940, airmail service was made by shipping the mail to Pittsburgh to be transferred to an airmail plane. It was felt a pickup service for airmail would cut delivery time from Punxsutawney by many hours.

Early in 1940, pickup service for Punxsutawney was announced. However, pickup would require the purchase and installation of special equipment, and a proper location. Considered at first for a landing field was “the armory plot,” by some older residents called “the old fairgrounds,” and by a new generation known as “the former carnival grounds.”

Selected, though, was the Grube Airport in Bell Township. Air Mail was also picked up at the former Brae breeze Airport in Marchand. All-American Aviation, Inc. offered five routes based on Pittsburgh.

Punxsutawney was on an authorized route from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg by way of Pitcairn, Indiana, Punxsutawney, and to points east.

In 1944, Air Mail pickup from Punxsutawney was moved from the Grube field to a field on the Earl North farm off Route 119, located south of town. Some readers may have memories of the pickup and delivery exchange of mail by air in the decade of the 1940s.

After a decade, in 1949 airmail service to Punxsutawney ended. Airmail letters and packages from Punx’y would be shipped by train and highway to Clearfield for flight connections.

Rep. Clyde Kelly, the “Father of Air Mail, “ died at age 51, shot accidentally in 1935 while cleaning his .22 caliber rifle. He died in the Adrian Hospital in Punxsutawney. His body would “lie in state” in the Punxsutawney Presbyterian Church where services were held with many local residents attending, along with many political figures of the U. S. Congress, as well as officials of the U. S. Postal Service.

He would be buried in the Mahoning Union Cemetery at Marchand, where a large sandstone boulder is placed with a bronze plaque marker to note his place in airmail and postal history.

After the formation of the Punxsutawney Airport Authority in 1957, the former “Grube Airport” in Bell Township became the Punxsutawney Municipal Airport, operated by dedicated aviators of this time to maintain the airport and continue to keep Punxsutawney on the air map.

•••

Continued from page 18

maple-glazed donuts, anyone? — than fans of winning NFL teams. Similar results were found among French soccer fans, for whatever that’s worth.

But if fans focus on positive thoughts and self-affirmation — I am good enough, I am smart enough, people like me and so on — they are more likely to reach for the carrot sticks, researchers found.

And crunchy foods such as carrot sticks actually help calm anxious fans, said Leslie Bonci, director of sports nutrition at the UPMC Center for Sports Medicine.

“If you can get something crunchy, it doesn’t have to be a bag of Cheetos, and we can get the frustrations out so that when you’re gnashing your teeth you’re not consuming a million calories,” said Bonci, a nutritional consultant for the Steelers, the Pirates, the Pittsburgh Penguins and sports dietitian for the University of Pittsburgh Athletics Department and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.

Fans can dip those carrot sticks into plain Greek yogurt flavored with vegetable dip seasoning, for the same creamy taste as sour cream without the calories, she said. And for comfort food, think soup.

“Food is comforting anyway — it doesn’t talk back and you want the food to sort of wrap its arms around you like marshmallow cream,” she said.

“It’s damage control. Chicken noodle soup could be very comforting and not over the top calorically.”

In place of ice cream, Bonci said, football fans can blend frozen watermelon and strawberries with a splash of orange juice for a fruit slushy, “and then put it against your head because you just watched another fumble.”

(Contact Amy McConnell Schaarsmith at aschaarsmith@post-gazette.com.Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.shns.com.)

•••

100% u.S. mail

& Postage Statements to Prove it!

the best choice for advertising!

Hometown Punxsutawney 938-0312 or 938-9084

Laska’s pizza

FOR All yOuR gAMe DAy eATiNgS — eAT iN OR TAKe OuT —

Wings • Strombolis • Pizzas • Calzones

StOP aND SEE Our Full mENu DiNE iN Or OutSiDE ON Our PatiO CoLD Six pACKS To Go - fall beer varieties in stock

Open 7 Days A Week at 11 a.m.

• HomeCrest Cabinets • Hardwood Floors • Vinyl • laminate • Mohawk • Ceramic Tile Monday thru Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

BrAnD nAMES AT LoW priCES

24 – Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2013 - Issue #156

Get One FREE! Present this coupon when you buy any medium Frappe or Smoothie and receive a second one of equal or lesser value free. limit one food item per coupon, per customer, per visit. Not valid with any other offer.

meeting room available

with a Special menu takeouts fast and easy for up to 25 People call 938-4647 405 N. Main St.

Punx’y

938-4647

Valid in Punxsutawney Expires Sept. 30, 2013

Downtown Punxsutawney oPen Til 1 a.M. eVeryday

2013 SteelerS Schedule

Sun., Sept. 8........TeNNeSSee ..............9-6L Mon., Sept. 16 ....at Cincinnati ................10-20L Sun., Sept. 22......CHICAGO ..................8:30 p.m.

Sun., Sept. 29......at Minnesota ..............1:00 p.m.

Sun., Oct. 6 ........ByE Sun., Oct. 13 ......at New york Jets ........1:00 p.m.

Sun., Oct. 20 ......BAlTIMORe ..............4:25 p.m.

Sun., Oct. 27 ......at Oakland ..................4:05 p.m.

Sun., Nov. 3 ........at New England ..........4:25 p.m.

Sun., Nov. 10 ......BuFFAlO ..................1:00 p.m.

Sun., Nov. 17 ......DeTROIT ....................1:00 p.m.

Sun., Nov. 24 ......at Cleveland ................1:00 p.m.

Thurs., Nov. 28 ....at Baltimore ................8:30 p.m.

Sun., Dec. 8 ........MIAMI ........................1:00 p.m.

Sun., Dec. 15 ......CINCINNATI ..............8:30 p.m.

Sun., Dec. 22 ......at Green Bay ..............4:25 p.m.

Sun., Dec. 29 ......CleVelAND ..............1:00 p.m.

carol’s carPet WorlD

Juneau, Pa • 814-938-8687 D.a. Schaffron, Proprietor

Buy One Medium Frappe or Smoothie,

fresh Homemade Dough & sauce made onsite Daily for all our Dinners & Pizza!

West end tire Center Tony Fallara & Eddy Vanderpool Invite you to their GrAnD opEninG Sat. Sept. 28 from 9 to 3.

Free Hot Dogs, Snacks, Giveaways and prizes.

814-938-3126

805 West Mahoning St. Punxsutawney (Formerly West End Sunoco)

We will be carrying all major brands.

pizza town

Great QUalitY • larGe Portions reasonaBle Prices We treat you like one of the family with fast, friendly service.

FREE DELIVERY EVERY DAY Sun.-Thurs., 5 to 10:30, Fri. & Sat. 4 to 11:30 Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 11 to 11 Fri & Sat 11 to Midnight

w. Mahoning St. punxsy plaza

938-2380

’s o k e N faMily reSTauranT TAkE OuT AvAILABLE FuLL MENu • PIzzA HOMEMADE FOOD FRESH BAkED GOODS hourS: Mon-Sat 11am-9 pm • Closed Sundays

938-0338 206 Elk Run Ave. Punx’y

AMPLE PARKING

The Short term Rehab therapy Unit is Christ The King’s latest addition to making the transition from hospital to home as easy and comfortable as possible. Our therapy department features highly trained physical therapists, occupational and speech therapists.

For more information and a tour of our Rehab Therapy facilities call 814-371-3180.

Christ the King Manor 814-371-3180

1100 West Long Ave., DuBois

burkETT’S P.A.W.S.

Contest Rules

1. Complete the coupon on this page.

2. Guess the winning team and the total number of points you think will be scored in the Steelers vs.

Jets Game and enter the guesses in the spaces provided on the coupon.

3. Enter one of the participating advertisers on these contest pages in the space provided to redeem your coupon should you be the contest winner.

Hometown magazine ‘Steelers Football Contest’:

4. Clip and forward the coupon to:‘Steelers Football Contest,’ c/o Hometown magazine, P.O. Box 197, Punxsutawney, PA 15767.

5. All entries must be received at the Hometown magazine post office box by 4 p.m. Thursday, oct. 10.

6. 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 $25 certificate. Each issue we will give one $25 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.

242 NOrTh FiNdlEy ST. PuNxSuTAWNEy

Complete, Clip, Drop off or Mail to: Steelers Football Contest c/o Hometown magazine, P.O. Box 197, Punxsutawney, PA 15767

Name ________________________________ Address ______________________________ Zip __________________________________ Phone ______________________________ Coupon for Game of Sun., oct. 13 step 1: Guess the Winning Team: __ Steelers vs. __ Jets step 2: Guess the Total Points that will be Scored in that Game: _______ Total Points step 3: Should I win, I would like to redeem my merchandise certificate at: (List business from these pages) _____________________

All breeds dog & cat grooming

814-938-3974

BrinG tHe familY 938-2400 Michael Horner, Kim Horner Joe Presloid & Jennifer Moore

Wal-Mart Plaza Rt. 119 North Punxsutawney

to serve every taste

(missing from photo) Local registered Pharmacists

Punx’y’s family favorite always Was, always Will Be!

Mon.- Fri 9 to 7 Sat. 9 to 2

938-3077 132 West Mahoning Street Punxsutawney

to the new anchor inn a new menu

WingStreet Wings ®

Rt. 310 • elk Ave. Punx’y 938-8060

For Seniors Continued from page 20

connect them with medical providers and loved ones. Remote home health monitoring can track their blood pressure and record what — or whether — they’ve eaten.

More than that, older adults can reach out to others, even when they’re alone.

“It’s obvious that staying connected with loved ones and others really shapes your quality of life as you age,” said AARP’s Beach. “The ability to stay connected to the world is especially important to people who are not as mobile.”

Jean Davis had never used a computer before she received one from her son 14 years ago. So she took a computer basics class through SeniorNet, and one class led to another and another.

Tim Bresnehan, a 70-year-old retiree who lives in east Sacramento, didn’t even know how to type when he bought an iPad two years ago. After breaking a femur in a bad spill off his bike, he decided during his recuperation that it was time he enter the online age.

“Having been born during World War II, something like this is astonishing,” he said. “The first television set I saw was in 1950. The rapid transition of a lot of these things is amazing.”

Without age-appropriate instruction that takes into account their unfamiliarity with the terminology and technology, older adults can grow frustrated with the computer and embarrassed at feeling out of touch, said Kamber.

“We spend two weeks teaching people to learn the mouse and keyboard,” he said. “If you take it slow, they’re voracious once they’re online.

“Every day we hear stories about someone who went online and discovered an old Army buddy. Once they’ve joined the Internet age, it’s like they’ve discovered Oz.” (Contact Sacramento Bee reporter Anita Creamer at acreamer@sacbee.com. Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service at www.shns.com.)

•••

Hometown Magazine...

Online All the Time... www.punxsutawneymagazine.com

‘here we go, SteelerS’ football conteSt winner Winning last month’s Hometown magazine’s “Here we go, Steelers” football contest was Dorothy Painter of Rossiter.

Dorothy picked the Bengals to win and came closest to the total number of points scored in the 1020 loss to the Bengals in Hometown magazine’s football contest. She will redeem her “Here we go, Steelers” $25 winning prize at Laska’s Pizza.

Play to win. Clip, complete, and return the Steelers coupon appearing in Hometown magazine. And, as always, “Here we go, Steelers.”

•••

Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2013 - Issue #156 – 25

Costumes • Masks • Accessories Adults - Children - Plus Sizes - Pets

opEn YEAr roUnD!

Costume & Theatrical needs

• The Costume Shop • 33 north 6th St., indiana, PA

724-465-2260 www.tcsindiana.com

October Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10-8 Sat. 10-5; Sun. Noon-4

Folks step up Continued from page 17 hard deadline, but film versions of the latest flicks will be tough to procure by the end of the year. So far, about 75 percent of theaters nationwide have made the switch, Corcoran said. Drive-ins are lagging — about half have yet to switch.

Many might be waiting until this season’s end, he said.

“It’s an enormous changeover of the industry in a very short period of time,” Corcoran said.

The State Theater’s marquee sits in 19 pieces, dusty and dented, on the floor of a construction shop in Windom. But volunteers hope it will be welded, painted and mounted by late September — just in time for an anniversary party.

A year ago, residents in this southwestern city of 4,600 formed a nonprofit, raised $13,000 and bought the State through a contract-for-deed. Then they cleaned. Friends brought brooms, buckets and bleach.

“We scraped up gum that had two coats of paint on it,” said Buckwheat Johnson, president of Windom Theater Inc. “Two different colors!”

Their little theater up and running, the volunteers then began raising money again — this time for a digital projector.

Thanks to a couple of big checks, one from a woman who grew up going to the theater, they brought in $20,000. The

county contributed a low-interest loan.

Then a guy called: He had a used digital projector, much cheaper than new.

“Our theater is looking good and running good,” Jean Fast, secretary of the nonprofit, said with pride.

The movies themselves look better — sharp and clear, showing after showing.

They sound better, too, thanks to new socalled surround sound. Plus, now the film doesn’t start on fire, as “Kung Fu Panda” once did. Johnson used to get those calls.

“They’d yell, ‘Buckwheat! The film’s on fire!’?” he said.

Attendance skews older.

“We have what we call the ‘Lincoln’ crowd,” Johnson said, referring to the most popular film they’ve shown, so far.

Johnson and Fast believe that the theater has survived because of older donors’ nostalgia.

“Most of these individuals grew up with the theater,” Johnson said. “Mom and Dad dropped them off for Saturday matinees, they went on a Friday night with their high school girlfriend. It’s part of their history.”

“They’d like to see it continue for their kids and grandkids.”

(Contact Minneapolis Star Tribune reporter Jenna Ross at jross@startribune.com. Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service, www.shns.com.)

••• Hometown magazine is delivered to 100% of Punx’y and area homes!

SuPER MARkEt A Local Hometown Grocery Store introducing...

Mike’s GAS CASH and you’ll only find it at Mike’s Eastside Express and Mike’s Super Market!

www.primary-health.net

purchase groceries with your nEW Gold Card and Earn cents off per gallon discounts at Mike’s Eastside Express Sunoco.

MikE’S SuPER MARkEt 53 Taylor St. BrooKviLLE

26 – Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2013 - Issue #156

849-8395 849-2742

Bakery & Deli

www.mikessupermarket.com

Start today and let your savings grow every week!

MikE’S EAStSidE ExPRESS 8 Taylor St., BrooKviLLE

849-1923

Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2013 - Issue #156 – 27

Two locations

SAVe Big ON BRAND NAMe BeDDiNg

30% to 50% OFF ANNIvERSARy EDITION

699

$

Twin Set Full Set Queen King Set Set

FIRM • PLuSH • PILLOWS

OxyGEN - ATMOSPHERE

QueeN SeTS

Twin Set Queen Full Set King Set Set

$1700 $1900 $2700

$1099 $1499 $2100

Starting at Just

398

$

Superior comfort & pressure reduction.

Compare to Sale

1599

$

FACTORy SELECT “PREMIuM”

Compare to Sale

$1000 $549 $1100 $649 $1700 $999

NOBODy BeATS OuR MATTReSS PRiCeS

­T WIN,­FULL­&­KING­SETS ALSO­SALE­PRICED!

599

$

Twin Set

Queen Full Set Set King Set

Compare to Sale

$600 $349 $900 $549 $1400 $849

LIFETIME 6000HD “FIRM” features lumbar memory foam and exclusive “Smart-Core” technology. 20 year warranty.

999

$

Twin Set

Queen Full Set Set King Set

Compare to Sale

$1500 $1800 $2400

$749 $949 $1299

FRee Financing • FRee Set-up • FRee Removal with $699 or more minimum bedding purchase

30 day satisfaction Guarantee

*all models may not be available at both locations.

www.millerbrothersfurniture.com 28 – Punxsutawney Hometown – October 2013 - Issue #156

133 W. Mahoning Street Downtown Punxsutawney

814-938-0850

Mon., Thur. & Fri. 10-8; Tues., Wed. & Sat. 10-5

Exit 97 I-80 (Behind Sheetz) 1 mi. North of DuBois Falls Creek, PA 15840

814-371-5920 Monday-Saturday 10-8