Kids Can Call Santa 625-HOHO
Although he is very busy this time of year, the Apalachin Lions Club has persuaded Santa Claus to take phone calls for three nights in early December. Santa has been happy to do this for the children in the area for many years and is looking forward to talking with his many young friends so he will know what they want for Christmas.
To talk to Santa call 607-625-HOHO (607-625-4646) between 6 PM and 8 PM on December 8th, 9th, or 10th.
The Tioga County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting last month for the new Villaggio Italian Market at 173 Front Street in Owego.
Bringing a touch of Italy to the heart of Owego, Villaggio blends the charm of a European marketplace with the comfort of a neighborhood gathering place. Guests can explore shelves filled with imported Italian specialties, local artisan goods, handcrafted charcuterie boards, and take-
and-bake favorites all thoughtfully curated to highlight authentic flavor and community connection.
“Our vision for Villaggio has always been to create a warm, inviting space where people can slow down, share good food, and feel at home,” said Jessica Miller-Cice, partner at Villaggio Italian Market & Bistro.
“This ribbon cutting marks not just our opening, but the beginning of a place built for and by the community.”
719 Main St. Apalachin, NY 607-625-3333
Open Mon, Tues, Thurs: 10am-7pm; Fri & Sat: 10am-2pm www.apalachinlibrary.org
Programs for December
Storytime: Tuesdays and Thursdays | 10:30am Join Miss Wendy for read alouds, singing, playing, dancing, and crafts! Tuesday and Thursday each week are the same theme. No registration required. Please note we will not have Storytime from Tuesday, December 23 through Thursday, January 1. Storytime will resume on Tuesday, January 6.
Mahjong: Mondays | 2pm-4pm No experience or registration required.
Tech Time with Tina: Tuesdays By Appointment Sign up for some one-on-one help with any tech topic!
Zen Before Zzzzzs: Tuesdays | 6pm Grab your yoga mat and join yoga instructor Sheehan Shotwell for an inspiring yoga practice each week. No experience or registration required.
Euchre: Thursdays | 2pm-4pm No experience or registration required.
Senior First Friday Program Lunch and Rick Pedro Piano Concert Friday, December 5 | 11am1pm
Pokémon Club: Saturday, December 6 | 11am1pm See next page for details. No registration required.
Jane Austen’s Birthday Party: Saturday, December 13 | 1pm-3pm See left for details. Registration is required.
Combined Book Club: Thursday, December 18 | 1pm Marple: Twelve New Stories by “Agatha Christie” The Evening and Afternoon Book Clubs will combine this month to discuss the same book over refreshments. No registration required. See next page for details. The January book for the Evening Book Club will be The Book of Lost and Found by Lucy Foley, and the January book for the Afternoon Book Club will be Too Old for This by Samantha Downing.
From Area Falls to Fallingwater
On December 13th, the Waterman Center is hosting a visual presentation by regional artist, Karen Kucharski, on her interpretive paintings of Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic masterpiece that created a modern vision for American architecture. Karen will show how her art developed from area landscapes into her recent project, Fallingwater 3.0, with the approval of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy that oversees the site. The WCEC supports this project in its significance to the area’s landscapes and how its interpretive approach echoes the WCEC ‘s outlook on balancing nature with human activity.
Following the visual part of the
program will be an art lesson on sketching architecture meaningful to the sketcher, with an introduction to perspective. No prior sketching experience is needed. The event will be held on Saturday, 12/13, from 11:00am to 12:15pm. The event is free and open to all.
“This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program (SCR), a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes.”
The Community Foundation for South Central New York (CFSCNY) announces a new partnership with the Tioga County Senior Citizens Foundation (TCSCF), a locally rooted organization that has supported older adults and community programs across Tioga County for more than 40 years.
Since its founding in 1982, TCSCF has awarded more than $2 million in grants to programs that enhance quality of life for senior citizens. Its support has strengthened food pantries, health and safety initiatives, transportation and housing programs, and community activities ranging from libraries to the arts.
“Since its inception, TCSCF functioned as an independent charitable organization, providing significant financial support to many activities and organizations in Tioga County, NY,” said Dr. Keith Nichols, a member of the Tioga County NY Senior Citizens Advisory Board.
“The focus and mission of TCSCF has been to promote the well-being of senior citizens within our county. After several years of research and deliberation, we have decided to partner with the Community Foundation for South Central New York to enhance our management position and ensure the continued ability to distribute this funding well into the future.” TCSCF’s vol-
unteer board brings together leaders from medicine, education, banking, law, finance, insurance, local government, and faith-based service people deeply invested in the wellbeing of their community Their deep understanding of community needs and commitment to collaboration make this partnership a natural fit.
CFSCNY will continue to advance TCSCF’s mission. The Tioga County Senior Citizens Advisory Board will oversee future grant decisions, with details about the next grant cycle expected in 2026. The Community Foundation for South Central New York is a nonprofit organization founded in 1997 and headquartered in Binghamton.
The Foundation encourages and facilitates personal and institutional philanthropy throughout the region by working with local donors and organizations. From their $51 million assets under management, the Foundation has awarded over $30 million in grants to the area’s nonprofits to help address community concerns and improve the quality of life in the region through their 170 plus funds. The Community Foundation serves donors and nonprofits in five New York counties: Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego and Tioga. More information about the Foundation can be found on its website at donorswhocare.org.
Pet Photos with Santa’returns at The Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park
This year’s photo shoot will take place on Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the dog park, located within Hickories Park in Owego; watch for the signs. For a $5 donation, have your pet’s photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a.k.a. Wally and Mary.
There will also be refreshments, a small gift for your pup (while supplies last), and information on the dog park and how you can get involved. The dog park will also be accepting donations of pet food to be given to a local shelter.
Also, at approximately 11 a.m., the outgoing Town of Owego Supervisor, Don Castellucci, will be presenting the park’s volunteers with a proclamation recognizing the group for their hard work and volunteerism.
The Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park is 100% volunteer-run and operates as a nonprofit to provide a safe location for exercise for both canines and their owners. The agility area provides an opportunity for athlete dogs to advance their skills. The organization’s board works hard to secure funding to keep the park operational for everyone to use. Please consider throwing them a bone this holiday season; the furry friends will appreciate it. To learn more, follow The Rebecca Weitsman Dog Park on Facebook. To help out directly, click on PayPal.Me/OwegoDogs.
An Homage to Moondog: Mural Ceremony & Ribbon Cutting
Tioga Arts Council (TAC), Michelle Schleider, Mural Artist, and its project partners are honored to announce the official unveiling of An Homage to Moondog. To mark this momentous occasion, a small Ceremony & Ribbon Cutting was held on Thursday, November 20, at 11:00 a.m. at the alley/parking lot located at 72 North Avenue, Owego.
About Moondog: Street musician, instrument maker, and avant-garde composer, Louis T. Hardin (19161999), known as Moondog, inspired musicians as varied as Charlie Parker, Frank Zappa, and Igor Stravinsky. Known to perform his original compositions on Sixth Avenue in full Viking regalia, Moondog also maintained a home upstate in Candor, New York, and had many connections to Downtown Owego. He is a true American original, whose contributions to jazz, classical, indie, folk, and rock music are incalculable.
Tioga County Legislative Meeting
The Twelfth Regular Meeting of 2025 will be held at 12:00 P.M., Tuesday, December 9, 2025, in the Edward D. Hubbard Auditorium of the Ronald E. Dougherty County Office Building at 56 Main Street, Owego, New York 13827.
All Committee Meetings and Legislative Worksessions will be held in the Legislative Conference
Room of the Ronald E. Dougherty County Office Building at 56 Main Street, Owego, NY 13827.
Individuals requiring any accommodation or auxiliary aid may contact the Legislative Office at (607) 687-8240. With advance notice, necessary auxiliary aids will be provided at no cost to the person requesting assistance.
Tioga County Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Foundation Launch New Start Up Incubator in Historic Downtown Owego
The Tioga County Chamber of Commerce and Tioga County Chamber Foundation proudly announce the launch of a new pilot start up incubator located in the heart of downtown Owego, a major milestone in the County’s economic development vision and a long-awaited resource for emerging entrepreneurs.
The incubator will be housed in a historically significant building purchased in early 2025 by Les Wagner, local business leader and member of the Tioga County Chamber Board of Directors. The building, constructed in 1851, originally served as the Tioga County Jail and the jailer’s resi-
dence, standing today as a rare surviving example of mid nineteenth century government architecture.
Over its 170 year history, the building has undergone several transformations:
1851: Constructed as the county jail and jailers residence
1884: The adjacent jail structure was removed; the main building remained
Late 1800s through 2000s: Reused for multiple municipal purposes
Most recently: Served as the seat of local government for both the Village and Town of Owego
50 Years Ago by:
Beverly Brown
ETCHED GLASS
GOLD LEAF
~ ONLY 6 MILES SOUTH OF ROUTE 434 ~ LITTLE MEADOWS, PA. 570-623-3508 Open: 7 Days A Week 10:00 am till closing
SERVING LUNCH & DINNER
HOMEMADE SOUPS
HAPPY HOUR ~ 3:30 – 5:30 Mon–Fri CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY
TURKEY TUESDAY FRIDAY Beer Battered Haddock WEDNESDAY WING NIGHT
LIONS CLUB HOLIDAY TOY COLLECTION Planning for the Holidays Call us for your catering needs
It's December 1975. President Ford visits China and discusses world issues with Mao Tse-tung.
Arthur Treacher, 81, dies in New York City. The English born actor was famous for his chain of fish 'n' chips restaurants.
Thornton Wilder, author of "Our Town," dies.
In Norway, the wife of Russian dissident Andrei Sakharov accepts the Nobel Peace Prize for her husband who was denied an exit visa.
The Senate approves a bill to accept meters, liters, and grams as the predominant unit of measure. It is hoped that the metric system will be in general use by 1985.
Cher and husband Greg Allman reconcile after filing for divorce last month.
Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, 27, is sentenced to life in prison for attempting to kill President Ford in Sacramento on September 5.
Sara Jane Moore, 45, is also sentenced to life in prison for attempting to kill Ford in San Francisco on September 22.
A bomb explodes at the TWA baggage area at LaGuardia Airport in New York City. Fourteen people are killed and seventy are wounded.
The price of a first class stamp will increase from ten cents to thirteen cents.
Instead of "Man of the Year," Time magazine names twelve women of the year including First Lady Betty Ford and Billie Jean King.
Tioga County agrees to buy the old Central Elementary School on Main Street.
The Kampai Japanese Steak House in Vestal celebrates their Grand Opening
Apalachin merchants complain that the sewer construction project is hurting business - the sewage pipes are blocking their stores' entrances, and "Road Closed" signs, detours, mud, and holes are keeping customers away.
Grant's Store at the River Plaza in Johnson City is among the 841Grant's stores nationwide that will close.
Endicott Johnson's Imperial Factory in Owego will close until February 2, 1976. The factory makes approximately three million pairs of sneakers each year and Grants is their biggest customer.
New York is one of nine states that file a petition with the Consumer Product Safety Commission asking that spray cans be taken off the market because the fluorocarbons are damaging the ozone layer.
Wednesday night TV shows include Little House on the Prairie, Tony Orlando & Dawn, WhenThingsWereRotten, That's My Momma, Cannon, Baretta, Starksy andHutch, and TheBlueKnight
Movies playing at local theaters include The Hindenburg, The Man Who Would be King, Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Dog Day Afternoon with Al Pacino, LuckyLady with Gene Hackman, Liza Minnelli, and Burt Reynolds, and Hustle starring Burt Reynolds.
The Hess toy truck costs $1.99 (including Eveready batteries), and a Pet Rock costs $4.00 (including instruction booklet).
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Leadership Tioga 2026
Enrollment Now Open: Leadership Tioga 2026 The Tioga County Chamber is excited to announce that Leadership Tioga 2026 enrollment is officially open! This year’s program will be facilitated by Jackson Bailey, County Administrator, Tioga County Legislature, bringing dynamic leadership development expertise to one of Tioga County’s most respected professional programs.
Leadership Tioga runs from February through October, offering participants immersive learning experiences designed to build community awareness, leadership skills, and long-term civic engagement. Early registration is encouraged, as the class fills quickly each year. www.tiogachamber.com
Non-Smoking Facility
One and two bedroom units available for rent Available for qualifying low-income families, elderly and disabled persons of any age. Rent is based on income. Heat, hot water and garbage included. Laundry room on-site.
19 Orchard Street, Spencer, N. Y. 14883 Office: 607-589-4630 TDD 800-662-1220
INCOME OPPORTUNITY:
Income opportunity for an individual to take over an established long term business with many B2B links. Perfect for part-time or instantly expandable. Options are great should a major business approach or supplemental income approach be undertaken. Skills for mechanical and electrical work and the use of software, or fulfill these needs with the right people and training. Current Owners will work toward mutual success and an agreeable arrangement. Can be parttime or expanded to add related segments and in either case extensive coverage of the market already exist. Reply to mydeadleter@gmail.com in confidence for us both. 12/25
FOR SALE: 2008 Country Coach Inspire
360 36’ Diesel Pusher 425HP Cummings 6ps Allison Trans. 50 Amp 60,038 mi. Onan generator 4 slides norcold ref/F, Electric Awning Luxary Coach Apalachin 607-743-7101
Advertise your garage, yard or other sales, events, or items wanted or for sale here in the Community Press, the paper with the largest distribution (by US Mail) in the Owego market area. The same low rate for both commercial or personal family ads. Only $7.50 for the first 25 words. (add $1 for each 4 additional words) Community Press 7830 Rt. 434 Apalachin, N.Y. 13732
