Carol Elaine Rigby Keller

Carol Elaine Rigby Keller, 85, of 2253 South Queen Street, York, PA formerly of Meadow Rd., Emporium, PA died at Senior Commons at Powder Mill Road, York, PA early Thursday morning following a courageous battle with heart failure. She was born December 11, 1931 in Mooresville, Huntingdon County, PA a daughter of the late Rev. Joseph G. and Dorothy Pauline Rupp Rigby. On April 22, 1955 in Emporium, PA she married Donald I. Keller, who survives.

Carol graduated from Polyclinic Hospital School of Nursing in Harrisburg, PA as a Registered Nurse in 1952. She worked as a school nurse at the Cameron County Elementary School from 1954-1957. She then worked at the office of the late Dr. George Dorman and later for Dr. Joseph Blackburn. She was a very active member of the First United Methodist Church in Emporium where she taught Sunday School from 1956-2017 and was a member of the Susanna Wesley group. She was very dedicated to the church and wanted to make sure everyone she loved knew Jesus. She enjoyed cooking, canning, gardening, sewing, playing the piano, spending time with her family, attending church functions and picnics in the beautiful local state parks. Most of all she loved children.

Carol is survived by her husband Donald I. Keller, York, PA; daughter, Kay Sullivan, York, PA; son, Donald (Karen) Keller, Glen Arm, MD; six grandchildren: Mandy Lynn (Sean) Arnold, York; Sean Ryan (Gina) Sullivan, York; David R. Keller, Emporium; Cassandra Dawn (Jacob) Moate, Emporium; Jack R. Keller, Raleigh, NC; Haley S. Keller, Elizabethtown, NC; three great grandchildren: Allison Carol Keller, Emporium; Colin Michael Patrick Sullivan, York; Axel David Moate, Emporium, PA; one brother, Joseph Gordon Rigby, Hollidaysburg, PA; one sister, Dorothy Jean Pletcher, Quincy, PA.

 She was preceded in death by her parents Rev. Joseph and Dorothy Rupp Rigby, son, David Keller who died Jan. 29, 2017

Visitation with a Video Tribute will be at the Barnett Funeral Home, 207 E. fourth St., Emporium, PA on Friday (9/29/17) from 4-7 PM.

 Funeral Service will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 306 S Spruce St, Emporium, PA on Saturday at 11:00 AM with Rev. Joseph Short, Pastor, officiating. 

Burial will follow in the Gilmore Cemetery, Austin, PA.

 Memorial Contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 306 S. Spruce Street., Emporium, PA 15834, or to American Cancer Society, Cameron Unit, P.O. Box 62, 135 W. Fourth St., Emporium, PA 15834 or to Community Nurses Inc., 757 Johnsonburg Rd., Suite 200, St. Marys, PA 15857 or Gilmore Cemetery, c/o: Eleanor Klees, 409 E. Sheriden Ave., DuBois, PA 15801. 

Sympathy cards may be mailed to her husband Donald Keller, 1765 Powder Mill Rd., Apt 104, York, PA 17403

 Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net 

BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.

Rotary News

STEM was the topic at the Rotary luncheon September 20th. STEM stands for the academic disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Rotarian, Jessica Herzing introduced District Principal, Amy Schwab, and Bonnie Burgess, current biology and STEM class teacher, who spoke about the journey of researching STEM curriculums and implementing a STEM focused class at the Woodland Elementary School.

The goal has been to provide students K-12 the opportunity to grow and explore through the use of a STEM lab in each building. The district has been diligent in their efforts, and are very close to seeing their goal come to fruition with the addition of a STEM SmartLab at the elementary school. Currently once every 6 days for a 40 minute period second through 6th grades work on various skills. Second graders start with establishing a foundation of learning, how to type and use a computer. Students in each grade up to 6th grade learn new skills and actually work on various projects such as building and writing directions to build virtual bridges and airplanes.

SmartLab learning resources are organized around seven areas of core technological competency: Computer Graphics Scientific Data and Analysis, Circuitry, Robotics and Control Technology, Software Engineering, Digital Communications, and Mechanics and Structures. STEM skills help students to be self-motivated, solve problems, become creative and collaborate together.

The cost of the SmartLab is $119,145.00. The school district has been seeking funding and has acquired a large part of the funding from a $75,000.00 grant from the Mee Foundation along with a $9,000.00 grant from Title IV, and $15,000.00 from The First Community Foundation Partnership (Venture Grant Award). The district contribution will be $18,621.00. The school district is pursuing additional funding of $2,524.00 to secure the balance to move forward. If the funding can be secured by November, the lab should be set up sometime in the spring.

Cameron County Project

By Jessica Herzing

 Fellow Cameron County Residents. This is my Post Card Home Survey -- It is the cornerstone of this project. We cannot change our community for the better, without first hearing What you LOVE, What you Miss, and What you'd like to see GO. This is about finding those answers, in order to see what unites us. Please take a moment to take this anonymous survey. 

 Click on this link to find the survey page

CamCoProject

You may follow this page on FB

https://www.facebook.com/CamCoProject

Christmas House Tour Planned for the Holiday Season

Christmas House Tour Planned for the Holiday Season

Cameron County Fireworks Committee resurrecting a popular event during Christmas in the Wilds weekend December 8 & 9. The Christmas House tour this year will include discounts at select restaurants and businesses. The proceeds will benefit the Cameron County Fireworks held each July.

The Holiday House Tours and Light Decorating Contest add a fun element to Christmas in the Wilds. The Cameron County Chamber of Commerce is coordinating the events and has begun signing up participants. There is no fee to participate in the house tour. “Be willing to show off the inside of your home is the only requirement,” according to chamber director Tina Solak. There is a $5.00 fee to enter the house decorating contest. That puts your house on the widely distributed map and gives you eligibility to win cash prizes.

Anyone wanting more information on either event is urged to contact the chamber office

 at 814-486-4314.

Quackers Now Available for Duck Derby

Quackers Now Available for Duck Derby 

 A major fundraiser for the fireworks that light up the sky in Cameron County set for Saturday October 14 in conjunction with the First Fork Festival at Sinnemahoning State Park. The Firequacker Duck Derby will be held at Forty Maples Day Use Area starting at 2:00 Saturday. The sale of ducks begins this week at the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce and on Saturday September 16 8:30-11:00 at Emporium Shur Fine. The ducks can be adopted for $2 each or a 6-quack for $10. The first, second and third place ducks that paddle the fastest on the First Fork win cash prizes.

Cameron County Food Pantry

Cameron County Food Pantry 

 The Cameron County Food Pantry will hold a distribution for people determined eligible on Wednesday, September 27, 2017, 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.

Local Participant Ready to Compete in Sinnemahone 50k

Local Participant Ready to Compete in Sinnemahone 50k

Saul Solveson entered the 2013 Sinnemahone 50k with no experience in trail running. “I wanted to challenge myself,” says Solveson who has competed in mountain bike races for 10 years. He says the Sinnemahone Ultra Trail Run October 21 is unique that it includes, West Creek Rails Trail, paved and dirt roads plus single track side hill trails. Many races just include one element.

On race day there are three distances, 10K, 25K and 50k. This allows all levels of participants to spend a day in the heart of the PA Wilds. Solveson says the most spectacular portion of the 50k race is from Ridge Road to Rock Run on DCNR trails of the Elk State Forest. Deer, grouse, turkey and beavers are a common site on the trail

The race is called an ultra-trail run, but that is misnomer. “The best strategy for me has been to run the level and downhill while hiking inclines,” shares Solveson. He has been successful taking home the coveted Caldwell Corporation Cup which is given to the top male and female finisher in all the race distances.

This year the 50k is a sanctioned state championship race for Road Runners Club of America. Top finishers in the 50k will receive custom medals. All finishers in each of the distances receive a wooden medallion created by Wennin Creations.

New this year will be an award ceremony at 2pm. All participants will be entered into a drawing to take home prizes including a 2 night stay in the newest bed and breakfast in Emporium (set to open in 2018), CamelBak hydration system, Eno singlenest hammock and other items.

The deadline to register and guarantee a t-shirt is October 7. Registrations can be done online at www.ultrasignup.com or print a form at www.sinnemahone.org.

Join Team Spartan @ the CCHS September 27

By Todd Parisi

 On Wednesday the 27th of September I will brief the Cameron County High School on the NEW Cameron County Team Spartan Chapter. Then on Monday, October 2d at 6 p.m. a Parent/Student Team Spartan Brief will occur at the Cameron County High School Auditorium followed by sign ups. There will be Flyers for this meeting sent home at the Elementary School (personally passed out by Former Marine and Pennsylvania State Trooper Matt Salisbury at the School) on 28th September. Revolution 2017 Continues... BOOOOM!!!!

AMERICA’S FASTEST GROWING YOUTH GROUP My name is Todd M. Parisi and I am a hometown retired 28-year United States Marine, former high school teacher and Leadership based/Motivational Speaker and originally from Emporium. Team Spartan is a 501c3 and is currently at 325 members. The Mission of Team Spartan is to be an active and engaging youth volunteer force in the community while encouraging our youth to be their absolute best.

We will focus on community volunteerism, recreational activities, leadership, teambuilding, self-confidence. We will do this while promoting the personal and collective growth and success of our Spartan members and the organization. We will stick together and work as a team always. It is a group that supports one another while breaking down social barriers, builds trusting alliances and accumulate service hours.

Some things we have done up to this point: Raised $20,000.00 for local causes, organizations, events and individuals in need. We have participated in the Brain Aneurysm Awareness Walk, Super Hero Bowling, Physical Training, Youth Center Dance, Relay for Life, Community Clean-up, We have served in the Elk Haven/Silver Creek, Pinecrest Nursing Homes along with the Fox Township and Saint Marys Senior Day Center, Supported the Vietnam Veterans Welcome Home Event, First Responders Appreciation Day, assisted with the Disability and Senior Resource Expo, huge event at the Elk Viewing Center honoring Team Spartan and their Families, The Day of Action in Support of the United Way, Tag Day’s at Walmart for the Humane Society, the Walk for Apraxia, Massive Team Spartan Picnic, Carried the Flags in the Saint Marys Parade, and walking at the Apraxia Awareness Walk along with many powerful Humanitarian type actions that have changed lives...

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED TO HEAR ABOUT TEAM SPARTAN: A Meeting will take place at the High School Auditorium on Monday the 2d of October at 6pm. Come check out how can together, get our youth engaged, excited and involved in the Community and with each other while being a positive force. Contact the Founder Todd Parisi on Face Book (Leadership/Motivational Speaker Page) or on email at parisitodd@hotmail.com.

WWW.TODDPARISI.COM

INDIVIDUALLY WE ARE A DROP, COMBINED WE ARE AN OCEAN!!!

Sizerville State Park's Annual Autumn Festival

PA Career Link Open House

Art Classes fill up the calendar in October

Art Classes fill up the calendar in October

The Cameron County Chamber of Commerce & Artisan Center kick off October with classes in quilting, painting, repurposing and faux finishes. The events can be viewed on the chamber Facebook page or online at www.cameroncountychamber.org.

Answering a request by residents, the artisan center is hosting 3 Sunday afternoon classes. October 1 will be a reversible pumpkin/snowman painted sign. All materials are included and the cost is $40.00. On Sunday October 15 Sally Azatto will teach a sign lettering class. The one hour class will start at 2pm and cost $29.00. Sunday October 29 a $15.00 class will be offered using paint to create a faux metal finish. Participants can bring 2 small items to the class.

October 5, 12 and 19 focus on quilting. Gini Schager will teach the log cabin pattern on a Christmas table runner Thursday mornings. Participants must bring their own sewing machine. The cost for that class is $40.00.

Seats are limited in some of the classes. Call the chamber office for details at 814-486-4314.

Fired Up and Kickin Ash BBQ Contest

All Fired Up 

 All Fired Up and Kickin Ash BBQ Contest expanding to 2 days. The Allegheny Mountain Chapter of Nam Knights hosting entertainment and beverages Friday night September 22 following the Cameron County Football home football game. This will be an opportunity for people to mingle with the competitors as they fire up their grills.

Those competing this year include Aharrah’s Smoke’n from Smethport, Pappapssmokehouse representing My Place in Emporium, Crazy Eyes BBQ from Emporium, Phartin Bart’s BBQ &; Beans from Washington, PaPa’s Smoke Shack from Emporium, and Smokey B’s BBQ from Clarion. “There is plenty of room for more competitors,” says Cameron County Chamber of Commerce director Tina Johns Solak. The fee is $50 and competitors can sell their items in addition to competing for a trophy and bragging rights. Food and beverages will be available at noon on Saturday.

Music will begin at noon. At 2pm Saturday a hand sewn queen size quilt will be raffled off. All the proceeds of the Harley t-shirt quilt will be given to Make a Wish. Judging in seven categories ends at 3pm followed by awards.

Rotary News

Mary Kay McLean, Emporium Rocks On, was the guest speaker at the Rotary luncheon September 12th. Emporium Rocks On was created for the painting and hiding of rocks in Emporium. The aim of this project is to create unity within our community by having residents paint rocks to hid around town for others to find. When a rock is found, post a picture on their FB page or post on FB or Instagram with hashtag: #emporiumrockson. People can keep the rocks or rehide them. If you paint a rock, they ask that you put “Emporium Rocks On” on the bottom to help spread the word of this family fun filled project. Mary Kay stated” without community participation, the project would not have gotten off the ground and she thanks everyone in the community who has helped make this project successful”. Some of the rocks, such as the Northwest Bank rock have a reward. Children and adults can be seen many nights throughout town picking up rocks.

Sinnemahone Ultra Run Announces Changes for 2017

Sinnemahone Ultra Run Announces Changes for 2017

The Sinnemahone Ultra Trail Run races will feature an awards ceremony on Saturday October 21. “In the past we have awarded trophies and finishing medals to participants at the finish line, but wanting to make it more of a celebration a ceremony will be held this year,” explains race director Craig Hudson. The event is set for 3pm and will utilize the new portable stage.

All finishers for the three events within the ten-hour time limit will receive a wooden finisher medal. The top male and female finishers in each of the races will receive a large engraved wooden tree cookie. The 50k race is a state championship race and the top finishers in the masters (40+, grand masters (50+) and senior grand masters (60+) will receive state awards. Age group first place trophies will also be handed out. The top Cameron County male and female finishers in each race will take home the Caldwell Cup.

This year participants will receive a ticket with their entrance into a race for prizes. Additional tickets can be purchased by participants during packet pickup Friday night. Those prizes include a 2 night stay at the Hygrade Inn, CamelBak hydration system, an Eno singlenest hammock, and other items provided by Country Squirrel Outfitters.

The deadline to register for the 10k, 25k, or 50k is October 1. Registration forms are available online at www.sinnemahone.org.

Making Cameron County a Better Place One Stone at a Time

Making Cameron County a Better Place One Stone at a Time

Cameron County High School art teacher Tashine Groeger gathering stones from the base of the trees in downtown Emporium. Her plan is to host an event at the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce & Artisan Center mimicking activities happening at schools across the United States. The project is based on a book written by Linda Kranz called, Only 1 You.

Schools have encouraged students to decorate a stone reflecting their own uniqueness and place it in a public location. This project is different from Emporium Rocks On because you do not pick up and hide the rocks, they are in plain view.

The free event is Saturday September 30 starting at 10 in the morning. Groeger and Cameron County art students will seal the stones and place them in the community with a tag to distinguish them from Emporium Rocks On.

Kenneth Paul Dudley, Jr

Kenneth Paul Dudley, Jr., age 69, passed away on Thursday, August 31 at his home in Potter County, PA after a lengthy illness. He was born January 7, 1948 in Columbia, PA to the late Kenneth P. Dudley, Sr. and Doris (Reisinger) Dudley. In 1999 in Potter County he married Gwen Miley who survives. A veteran of the Vietnam War, Ken served in the US Navy until 1971. Following his honorable discharge, he served as a Merchant Seaman and later on was a self-employed electrician. 

He will be missed by: his loving wife Gwen; daughter Kira Dudley and Christoph; and sister Donna (Harry) Lowe. He is also survived by four stepchildren, numerous relatives and friends, and special friend Otto Matthes.

 Ken was an avid reader, movie buff and truth seeker. He had a feisty spirit, was a good friend and respected by many

. A memorial service will be held at a later date by the immediate family. 

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

Rotary News

Kasey Macro (left) and Scott Hockenberry, owners and operators of Emporium’s newest business, Rich Valley Burners, LLC, were the guest speakers at the Rotary luncheon September 5th. The gentlemen have been friends since the 3rd grade and came up with their business idea one night around a campfire. 

 They established their business in March of this year which is located at 4787 Rich Valley Road here in Emporium. They operate a CNC Plasma Cutter which cuts steel and any other metal that conducts electricity to produce a variety of items. Their files includes 5000 designs covering a variety of subjects, or you can provide your own design and they will program and cut it. Both Kasey and Scott learned to use CAD programs under the direction of Mr. Lee Sines at the Cameron County High School. Kasey went on to earn a BS degree in Computer Aided Product Design/Engineering at Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport. Scott earned an Associate Degree in Welding and Metal Fabrication at Triangle Tech in Falls Creek, PA. 

 Check them out on FB - @richvalleyburners. Also pictured is Rotarian Karen Jiang. Guests at the meeting included John Gresimer II, son of former DA, John Gresimer and Rotarian, Rick Custer, of Hot Springs Village, AR

Free Mammography Screenings

Cole Memorial's Women's Health Center is offering free mammography screenings for uninsured and underinsured  women 40 and over funded by the Twin Tiers Affilate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. 

For more information or to register call 814-274-8200. 

Location: Cole Memorial Women's Health Center

 Type: Screening 

Preregistration: Required

 Phone: 814-274-8200 

Cost: FREE

Smethport Comprehensive Blood Analysis- September 9, 2017

Smethport Comprehensive Blood Analysis- September 9, 2017

Cole Memorial Hospital and the Smethport Rotary have teamed up to host a Comprehensive Blood Analysis on September 9, 2017 from 6-10 a.m. at the Smethport Fire Hall on 109 S Nelson Street in Smethport. The screening will include over 30 commonly requested blood tests including CBC, comprehensive, coronary risk, and liver function profiles. 

The cost for the screening is $45.

 A 12-hour fast is recommended. Optional tests include prostate specific antigen (PSA), $25, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), $15, and A1C ($35).

Appointments are required and can be made by calling Cole Memorial's Centralized Scheduling 

Department at 274-8200 or submit the online form.

 Location: Smethport Fire Hall

 Type: Screening 

Preregistration: Required

 Phone: 814-274-8200 

Cameron County Community Chest 2017 Fund Drive Will End September 30th

Cameron County Community Chest 2017 Fund Drive Will End September 30th

As of August 31, 2017 we have collected $18,731.50 toward our $20,500 goal. The Cameron County Community Chest Board of Directors would like to thank all who have contributed. We are $1,768.50 short of our goal. The 2017 Fund Drive will be open until September 30, 2017.

No donation/memorial is too small. Please send your tax-deductible contribution to: Cameron County Community Chest, PO Box 134, Emporium, PA. 15834, Attn: Judd Schager. Help to support the Recreation Board, Community Nurses, Red Cross, Friends of the Library, the Package Team, and the Garden Club.