VFW Auxiliary Essay Contest

The VFW Auxiliary will be holding an essay contest. Below are the details with age groups. There will be prizes for each age group. This contest is to encourage kids to reach out to veterans and learn. A Veteran is any person who has served for any length of time in Any military branch....if your child is interested handouts are available at the VFW club or we can email them to you just private message us your email address. Any questions please let me know. Essays are due back by January 16th 4:00 p.m. to the VFW club or can be handed into the guidance office at school.

Learn To Quilt

Cameron County Chamber of Commerce & Artisan Center will host quilting classes in January. Quilter Gini Schager will teach the two night class on Monday January 23 and January 30 from 6-8pm focusing on turning t-shirts into quilts.

Each student is to bring a minimum of 12 t-shirts, scissors or rotary cutter and an iron to the first class. The fee of $40 includes the stabilizing material for the back of the t-shirts. On the second night students are asked to bring a portable sewing machine, thread and additional fabric. Students can purchase fabric from Schager for an additional fee.

For more information and to register contact the chamber office at 814-486-4314.

Rotary News, Wine & Cheese Tasting Tickets on Sale

Tom Hayden, President of Emporium Forging, recently rejoins the Emporium Rotary Club. 

Tom had been a past member from 2006-2011.

(Pic- Airman) Rotarian, Dave Guloien, introduced his son, USAF Staff Sergeant, Eirick Guloien.. Eirick is a graduate of CCHS afterwards attending Penn State University. After graduating from Penn State, he entered the United States Air Force where he trained at Lackland AFB,Texas. Afterwards he was stationed at Creech AFB, a command and control facility in Clark County, Nevada, used to engage in daily Overseas Contingency Operations. Eirick was then stationed for 6 months in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Currently, Eirick is stationed at Nellis AFB Weapons School in Las Vegas Valley, Nevada. The Weapons School graduates 240 students per year, mostly pilots, who are the USAF premier MQ-9 warfighting experts. Eirick is a Sensor Operator for a General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper aircraft, formerly know named Predator B, which is an UAV Drone aerial vehicle capable of remote controlled or autonomous flight operations. Eirick explained some of the systems, capabilities and operations. The cost of this aircraft is $11,000,000 and measures 2.5' tall, 36' long, with a 66' wide wing span and weighs 10,500 lbs. fully loaded with weapons. The sophisticated jet is equipped with infer red cameras, chat systems that interface with other agencies and carry weapon AGM-114 Hellfire missile, an air-to-surface missile, which can hit a target from 546 yards-5 miles with a semi-active laser homing millimeter wave radar seeker.

Guests attending the meeting were Sally Guloien, Eiricks mother, and Barb Rogers.

Tickets are now on sale for the 14th annual Rotary Wine & Cheese Fundraiser February 18th. Must be 21 to attend - Ticket cost $30.00. See Becky Pasquinelli or any Rotarian to purchase tickets. See Ryan Magaro to enter your homemade wine in the contest.

Emporium CMA Church

Join us Christmas Eve for a traditional candlelight service at 7:00 PM and join us Christmas morning for a family-oriented time of celebration at 10:30 AM.

 All glory to the newborn King!

Emporium First United Methodist Church

Emporium First United Methodist Church will be holding two Christmas Eve Candlelight Services. 

The first will be at the Moore Hill campus 1466 Moore Hill Road at 4pm. 

The second will be at Emporium First United Methodist Church located at 306 S Spruce St. At 7pm. 

We look forward to seeing you as we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus.

CHRISTMAS DAY WORSHIP

 SUNDAY DECEMBER 25TH WE WILL BE CONDUCTING ONLY ONE WORSHIP SERVICE AT 10 AM 

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD AND KNOW THAT WE SEND THE WARMEST CHRISTMAS GREETINGS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. 

FOR A SAVIOR HAS BEEN BORN HE IS JESUS THE CRIST!

Shippen Township Monthly Meeting Dates

“2017” Monthly Meeting Dates 

All meetings will be held at the Shippen Township building and will begin at 7:00 p.m.

January 3rd 

February 7th 

March 7th 

April 4th 

May 2nd 

June 6th 

July 5th 

August 1st 

September 5th 

October 3rd 

November 8th 

December 5th 

 *Reorganizational Meeting **Wednesday 

Joan Ellen Lyon

Joan Ellen Lyon was born April 27, 1933, in St. Mary’s Hospital and departed from this world with her family surrounding her on December 19, 2016 at the West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh.

 Joan is the daughter of the late Arthur R. (Pete) and Eulala Crawford Smith. On March 28, 1953 she married Alvin C. Lyon at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Emporium. 

Mrs. Lyon graduated from Emporium High School in 1950. She received a Bachelors degree from Penn State University in the field of Medical Technology. She worked as a Medical Technologist in Oakland, CA, St. Louis, MO, Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, Erie, PA and 18 years at Elk County Regional in St. Marys as the Microbiologist. In 1971 she completed additional credits needed to work in social services from Penn State and from 1971-1981 was employed by Cameron County as Director of Children’s Services. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Emporium; VFW Post #6221 Auxiliary and the Loyal Order of Moose International. She served on the Board of Directors of Dickenson Mental Health and as Mental Health delegate for Cameron County for several years. She also served on the Mid Cameron Authority for many years, several of those as Chairperson. For 14 years she owned and operated a Personal Care Home, The Victorian Home, on North Broad St. in Emporium. She was also an EMT and served with the Cameron County Ambulance Service for 5 years. 

Surviving in addition to her husband, Al, are: one daughter, Lorie J. Walker and companion Myron R. Zwally of Ephrata, PA; three sons, David C. Lyon and wife Connie of Emporium, Daniel R. Lyon and wife Lori of Wallkill, NY, and Lieutenant Colonel Darryl W. Lyon and wife Mary of Bangor, ME; 

seven grandchildren, Nicole Lanier of Newnan, GA, Taryn Lyon of MD, Jakob Lyon of Wallkill, NY, David A. Lyon of Emporium, Brandi Lyon of Bangor, ME, Jonathan and Marin Lyon of Bangor, ME; one step grandson, Andrew Marin of Bangor, ME; one great granddaughter, Emilia Jean Lanier of Newnan, GA; 

two brothers, Gary Smith and wife and sister in Christ, Shirley of Lakeland, FL; and Samuel Smith and wife Geraldine of Emporium; and also nieces & nephews. 

A Memorial Service date is to be determined and will be announced. 

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church or the Emporium Senior Center. 

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Coppersmith-Condon Funeral Home, Emporium.

2016 Cameron County Christmas Gift Project Wraps Up

2016 Cameron County Christmas Gift Project Wraps Up

 Many thanks to all those involved in the success of this year’s Cameron County Toy Drive/Christmas Gift Program.

 As a result of the generosity of our community businesses, organizations, and individuals, 83 families were blessed with gifts; hundreds of wish list items were fulfilled for nearly 200 children in our community. What a heart- warming experience to be part of something so miraculous, made possible only by the generosity of our wonderful community.

 Keep up the great work Cameron County. Many thanks for your support. 

 God Bless and Merry Christmas!

House Decorating Contest Winner

House Decorating Contest Winner 

 L& M Lumber and Cameron County Chamber of Commerce house decorating contest winner is John &  Missy Whitcomb from 373 Carson Street. 

 This is the second year in a row that Whitcomb’s have earned the title., this year adding a Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer display. Second and third place winners were newcomers this year. Scott Miglicio & Alexys Goodrow from 114 West Fourth Street finished second, while Natasha & Kasey Macro from 79 Bo Mar Road finished third. All of the finishers take home chamber bucks. 

 The contest continues to grow and chamber officials hope to see more participants next year.

Shippen Township New Years Schedule

Shippen Township will be closed on Monday, January 2nd in observance of New Year’s Day. Monday’s refuse pick-up will be on Tuesday. Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday’s refuse collections will remain the same.  

Have a happy and safe New Year!

Rotary News

Rotarian, Matt Wright, entertained the Emporium Rotary Club members this past Tuesday with his beautiful Christmas piano music & singing voice. 

 Matt plays every Sunday during worship service at the First Presbyterian Church here in Emporium.

St Mark Catholic Church

St Mark Catholic Church

 Christmas Mass schedules:

 Children’s Mass, Christmas Eve, Saturday, Dec. 24th @ 5:00 PM with the Children’s Choir. Christmas Eve Mass, Saturday, Dec. 24th @ 10:00 PM with the St. Mark Choir. 

Christmas Day Mass, Sunday, Dec. 25th @ 10:30 AM with the St. Mark Folk Group.

 All are welcome! May the joy and blessing of this Christmas season be with everyone!

Tire Recycling Decorating Contest Winner Announced

Tire Recycling Decorating Contest Winner Announced

Fox’s Pizza Den in Emporium received the most votes in the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce Tire Recycling Decorating Contest. Two penguins playing hockey using pizza paddles can be found in the windows of the business on East Fourth Street.

“Last year the businesses competed using wreaths, this year the chamber staff stepped up the competition and gave participants 3 tires to decorate,” explains Cameron County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tina Solak. A dozen businesses participated this year. The prize was a 2017 chamber membership.

“The chamber board wishes t thank the participants who took the time to create a unique atmosphere this winter season,” Solak continued. Many of the decorations can stay up through the winter season.

Voting Ends Today

The annual Cameron County Chamber of Commerce House Decorating Contest ends Saturday December 17 at 4pm. The winner will be announced on Monday December 19. L&M Lumber sponsoring the contest which has grown to 9 properties.

Lights at the properties will be turned on from 6-9pm each night. Top place takes home $100.00 in chamber bucks, 2nd place $50.00 in chamber bucks and third place $25.00 in chamber bucks. Chamber bucks can be used like cash at 38 chamber members!

The properties participating include:

 540 Sizerville Road 830 Sizerville Road, 79 Bo Mar Drive ,373 Carson Street, 312 East Third Street, Emporium, 402 East Third Street, Emporium ,368 East Allegheny Avenue, Emporium, 110 West Seventh Street, Emporium 1,14 West Fourth Street, Emporium

Rotary News

Tom Hayden (left) , President of Emporium Forging, the former Pro America, was the guest speaker at the Rotary luncheon December 13th. 

 Tom spoke of the history of the plant from its start up in 1939 by Erskine Enterprises, then Cameron Manufacturing to Pro America and now Emporium Forging. At one time the plant employed 130 people with 3 shifts and had 10 hammers going 7 days a week. Many of the products that were made here are now made cheaper in China. Recently the plant restructured and changed their name to Emporium Forging due to the Affordable Care Act. 

 This June, Tom will be employed at the location 29 years.

 Also pictured is Rotarian Jim Miller.

Dean R. Bender

Dean R. Bender, 72, of 100 Mark Lane., Kersey, PA formerly of Emporium died unexpectedly at Penn Highlands-Elk in St. Marys on Sunday (December 11, 2016) morning. He was born May 18, 1944 in Renovo, PA a son of the late LeRoy E. and Estelle O. Snyder Bender. On October 3, 1964 in First Presbyterian Church, Emporium he married Barbara L. Coppersmith, who survives. 

Dean graduated from Cameron County High School, attend the University of Pittsburgh and graduated from UPMC School of Respiratory Care. He worked in clinical and managerial positions at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and also at Elk Regional Health Center in St. Marys. Dean served as a board member of Community Nurses of Elk and Cameron Counties and the St. Mary Sportsmans Club. He also served as a past president of Elk County Golf Association. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. 

He is survived by his wife Barbara L. Coppersmith Bender; three sons, Brian D. (Angela) Bender, Jeanette, PA; Erik F. Bender, San Diego, CA; and Kevin E. (Mary) Bender, Laurinburg, NC; six grandchildren, Sarah, Grace, Emma, Amelia, Miranda & Delaney; two brothers, Gary L. (Jie) Bender, Huntington Beach, CA; Darrell E. (Beverly) Bender, Indiana, PA and LeRoy E. Bender, Jr., Frederick, MD; one sister, Lorna M. Stewart, South Fork, PA; 

He was preceded in death by his parents, LeRoy and Estelle Snyder Bender; 

one sister, Alice C. Gasrow and one brother, Miles L. Bender, 

There was No Visitation

. A Private Memorial Service was held at the Barnett Funeral Home, 207 E. Fourth Street, Emporium, PA on Friday (December 16, 2016) at 11:00 AM 

 Burial will be in the Newton Cemetery, Emporium, PA

 Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net 

 BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.

Shippen Township Christmas Schedule

Shippen Township will be closed on Monday, December 26th in observance of Christmas.

 Monday’s refuse pick-up will be on Tuesday. 

 Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday’s refuse collections will remain the same. 

 Have a Merry Christmas!

Community Christmas Dance

Community Christmas Dance Sponsored by IUE Local 607 Motor Coils And the Emporium VFW 

Open to the public

 $4 / Single $6/ Couple

The Cameron County Food Pantry

The Cameron County Food Pantry will hold a distribution for people determined eligible on Wednesday, December 21, 2016, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the building located behind the Northern Tier Community Action offices at 135 West Fourth Street in Emporium.

 Call 486-1161, ext. 269, with any questions.

Martha A. Clark

Martha A. Clark, 84, of Guy & Mary Felt Manor, Emporium, PA formerly of 400 Spring St., died at Guy & Mary Felt Manor on Friday morning, December 9, 2016. 

She was born May 10, 1932 in St. Marys, PA a daughter of the late Albert and Nettie Arvona Card. She married the late Herman Clark, Jr. Mrs. Clark loved cooking and playing guitar with her brother Ralph and her nephew Jack. She always enjoyed going to yard sales.

 Survived by two daughters, Debbie (Dale) Catalone and Donna Clark, both of Emporium; 12 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Nettie Arvona Card, her husband, Herman Clark, Jr., two sisters, Mabel Whitehead and Audrey Clark, four brothers, Orville, Forest, Ralph and Albert Card. 

There will be No Visitation.

 A Private Memorial Graveside Service will be held, according to her wishes, at the Newton Cemetery 

Burial will be in the Newton Cemetery, Emporium, PA

Rotary News

Rotarian, Kim Whiting (left) introduced guest speaker Cristy Solveson (middle), a certified holistic nutritionist and owner of FREERANGE Holistic Health, a nutrition counseling service with a whole foods approach for those looking for freedom of health.

Cristy became interested in a healthier lifestyle 7 years ago when her son encountered some health issues, some contributed to his diet. After researching the effect of food versus health, Cristy decided change her families diet and health through the power of nutrition with a plant based diet.

In the United States, genetically modified foods (GMOs) are 95% of the food supply and contribute to many health and gastrointestinal problems. Approximately 62 countries have banned GMOs. Accompanying Cristy, was Lindsey Zucal, Owner of Aroma Café, who has also changed her families diet to plant based food.

Starting January 5th, along with Lindsey Zucal (middle) and Jeanmare Holjencin, a certified holistic life coach, the ladies will be hosting a 5 week workshop series "Simply Nourished" for those looking to optimize health, weight, and energy using whole food nutrition. For more information and to sign up, you can register at Aroma Café, Cameron County Chamber of Commerce or www.freerangeholistichealth.com.

Project Cameron County Christmas Children

Project Cameron County Christmas Children

 A few gingerbread boys and girls remain on trees at various businesses in Emporium.

 The cutouts have suggested gifts from the childs Santa wish list. Unwrapped gifts must be returned with the gingerbread cut out by Friday December 9 to the following locations: Northwest Bank, Citizens & Northern Bank, Emporium post office or Cameron County Chamber of Commerce. 

 Families who registered may pick up the gifts on Thursday December 15 at the 

Presbyterian Church 8am-4pm.

Christmas in the Wilds Set for Saturday December 10

Christmas in the Wilds Set for Saturday December 10

Reindeer, breakfast with Santa, crafters, vendors, sales, open houses all set for Saturday December 10 in Emporium. The annual Christmas in the Wilds begins at 9am with vendors selling food, gifts, Christmas caroling and Santa having breakfast. The parade will step off at noon and judging for the house decorating contest in Cameron County kicks off at dusk. Doors will open at the Cameron County Vets Club for the annual Community Benefit Dance.

Emporium Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary will serve breakfast from 9-11:30am. The guest of honor will be Santa and he will be available for pictures, so bring your cameras. The Emporium Senior Center will host an indoor craft show from 9am-3pm. Aroma Café and Restaurant will host the Merry Music Makers from 9am-1pm. Inside the chamber, wood artist Mahlon Davenport, Helene Norwocki with Bear Mountain Herbs plus Maggie Smith from LuLarRoe will be selling items. Outside, CMA Church will offer smores and Christmas caroling from 9am-1pm, Alpaca Creations will have yarn and hand knitted items for sale, Pap Pap’s Smokehouse will be selling hot sausage and pulled pork sandwiches, Emporium Rotary will have chili for sale, the Cameron County High School Boys Hoop Club will sell soup by the cup or bring a container and take a quart home. Saint Hilda’s Guild will have cookie trays for gift giving and the Cameron County Drama Club will sell mugs filled with mixes, salsa and jams. St Marks CD of A will have coffee and baked goods to warm you up. Crystal Earle will have oysters you can pick and open to find a pearl, Gloria McIsaac will have handmade jewelry for sale.

Cameron County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Tina Solak says the biggest attraction is when Santa Claus brings his reindeer and they will be in Emporium! The parade steps off at noon with the Cameron County Girl Scouts, high school band, emergency responders and St Marks Catholic Church participating.

#DeckedOutHouse Project

Voting underway for the most decorated house in Cameron County. “The contest sponsored by L&M Lumber continues to grow,” according to Cameron County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Tina Solak. This year nine properties are entered and the winner will be determined by votes. Ballots are appearing in the two Cameron County newspapers and at the chamber office in Emporium.

Lights at the properties will be turned on from 6-9pm each night through December 16. Voting ends Saturday December 17 at 4pm. The top 3 winners will be announced, Monday December 19. Top place takes home $100.00 in chamber bucks, 2nd place $50.00 in chamber bucks and third place $25.00 in chamber bucks. Chamber bucks can be used like cash at 38 chamber members!

The properties participating include: 540 Sizerville Road 

830 Sizerville Road 

79 Bo Mar Drive 

373 Carson Street 

312 East Third Street, Emporium 

402 East Third Street, Emporium 

368 East Allegheny Avenue, Emporium

 110 West Seventh Street, Emporium

 114 West Fourth Street, Emporium

Christmas Giving Crib

Christmas Giving Crib 

 The Christmas Crib is scheduled to be set up at St. Mark the weekend after Thanksgiving. If you know anyone in need, please let us know. The names (ages, sizes, gift wish, etc.) can be submitted in an envelope in the collection, by calling the rectory (486-0569) or Louise Cooney (486-3983). 

 Gifts should be returned by December 18th.

Military Banner Program

The Sylvan Heritage Council is excited to announce that we are embarking on the third (and final) round of our military banner program!! We will be accepting photos and applications from now until our firm deadline of January 31, 2017 for banners that will hang from light poles on various side streets (East and West Fifth, East Second, Portage, Howard Circle, to name a few) of Emporium in the late spring of 2017. 

The cost is $275 to place the same image and information on both sides of the banner, or $300 for two different sides. If you have any questions or are interested in sponsoring a banner for your own military hero, please contact Christine Slusarick at 814-486-0583 or by email at christineslusarick@gmail.com or Cindy Ramsey at 814-486-1870 or by 

email at csramsey62@gmail.com. 

We have been overwhelmed by the interest in, and support for, our program honoring Cameron County's veterans and active military personnel. Thank you!!

Vote for Favorite Your Favorite Decoration

Voting Underway 

 Downtown Emporium businesses turned tires into decorations this year. All the recycled decorations that were vandalized, have been rebuilt according to Cameron County Chamber of Commerce officials and are available for purchase. The money raised will be used to offset the price of parking meter decorations and the purchase of surveillance cameras.

 People are invited to stop in the chamber office in Emporium and pick up a ballot and vote for their favorite. The business collecting the most votes will receive a free 2017 chamber membership. “The imagination of business owners shines through the designs,” according to chamber executive director Tina Solak. Penguins, snow scenes, pot belly stoves, chimneys, wishing wells, snowmen, ornaments, wreaths, and faces can all be found downtown. Solak also thanks Singers Auto Service and Reid and Reed for the donation of the tires. 

 Voting and bids for the decorations end Saturday December 10.

Ugly Sweater Contest

COMING SOON @ the Emporium Senior Center: (ALL WELCOME!)  

Thursday, December 22nd—Rummage through the corners of your closet and find your craziest, ugliest Christmas sweater! There will be a contest to decide which sweater is the ugliest around 11:45am, before a yummy lunch of Barbecued Pork Ribs! 

If you would like to join us for yummy ribs, while wearing your favorite crazy sweater, just give us a call by 1pm on Wed the 21st

Demolition in Downtown Emporium

Demolition of the former Admit One video store is under way in downtown Emporium. Last week, high winds brought down a piece of the building and part of the sidewalk had been roped off for safety. Plans are also in motion to remove the old apartment building behind Admit one. 

Some residents are expressing concerns about vacant lots in the downtown area, but there are several organizations in Cameron County focusing on the positive things that can be done and are happening here. As a friend of mine pointed out there are " many old homes being purchased and restored, plants running and employing, deteriorating buildings being torn down with plans for the empty spaces in the works" 

Let all of us " Look for the good, focus on the positive and support our local business"

Give The Gift of Fishing

21st Annual Benefit Dance

Kendyl Shaffer Memorial Blood Drive

Open Enrollment At Jeff Tech

Alcohol & Drug Abuse Meeting In St Marys

Rotary presents a Service Above Self Award

Each year Emporium Rotary presents a Service Above Self Award to a member or group in the community that volunteers their time and effort helping local individuals or with community activities or service. This year's recipient was Roger Neyman who embodies the meaning of "Service Above Self". 

 Roger was recognized for his dedication, sacrifice of numerous hours and commitment to the Cameron County Ambulance Service and to our community for the past 33 years. Roger has served as a volunteer EMS, Crew Chief, Captain, PA DOHEMI Instructor, Exam Evaluator, Volunteer Liaison, Vice President and also President since 2003. 

 Rotary thanks Roger for being an upstanding member of our community.