Thursday, October 31, 2019

Flooding in Cameron County

Cameron County received heavy amounts of rain last evening. These photos in downtown Emporium are a small sampling of what many dealt with throughout the county. Thanks to the quick thinking of the young girls in the photo, Josh Zucal and an unknown gentleman helping him, the storm drains on 4th &  Chestnut were cleared of leaves and debris allowing the rain water to drain away. The fire department was busy pumping out cellars. Reports of water across roadways were noted in some parts of the county.
 click on photo to enlarge view

Rotary News - The Bear Den


Food was the topic at the Rotary luncheon meeting October 29th. John Guisto III, owner of the Bear Den, a family friendly restaurant/bar was the guest speaker.

 John grew up in Northern Virginia, but at age 16 moved back to Emporium with his family and attended CCHS in his 11th and 12th year. After graduating moved out of the area and has worked in many fine restaurants in Virginia, Florida and Pittsburgh but returned to Emporium in 2010 and cooked at the Cabin Kitchen. In 2012, John decided to attend Culinary School at IUP, Punxsutawney where he found his love for food, cooking and serving. After culinary school and working in Pittsburgh for several years, John moved back to Emporium where he loves the small town atmosphere and to bring his knowledge of cooking to our area. The Bear Den employs 10 people and seats approximately 65 people. John has many plans on renovating the building and improving the menu. Daily specials can be found on The Bear Den FB page.

Halloween in Emporium Has Been Changed

According to a recent announcement from Emporium Mayor Justin Zimmer, Emporium trick or treat will be postponed due to tornado watch until Friday November 1st 6-8pm.


The Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library will still host their program tonight!

Emporium Country Club Closes November 4th


The Emporium Country Club will be closing for the season on Monday November 4th 2019, we will be having our last scramble on Sunday at 9:30AM. 
Thank you everyone for a great season!!!
 See you in the SPRING!!!

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

On The Spot Notary & Registration Services



If you cannot find a Notary in Cameron County, I recommend this place. 
The St. Mary's Triple AAA office is now closed.

 For all your Notary, Titling, Registration needs, please visit Shelly at ON THE SPOT at 572B S. St. Marys Rd. St. Marys, PA. Phone# is (814) 245-2900.

Donnell's Holiday Open House


Donnell's Gift Shop 
 13697 Route 555 
Benezette 15821
 (814) 787-5834

4-H Teens Wanted


For any Elk and Cameron 4-Hers! It’s a great opportunity for teens in the local 4-H program! 
The county program offers scholarships! 
Email me for more information! Nla11@psu.edu

Successful Archery Hunt


Sharing this photo of Hunter Bardo and a 9 point buck he took down during archery season in Cameron County. Hunter used a compound bow and this buck was hunted on state land.
 Thank you Hunter for allowing me to share this.

Vote for Phil Jones Co. Commissioner

Vote for Phil Jones Co. Commissioner


Holding taxes down for 11 years 
Property tax collection rate near 98% 
Fought in Harrisburg for an increase to the state PILT rate.
 Supported Emporium Hardwoods and Embassy Powdered Metals to save jobs.
 Cleaning up unsightly and unsafe blight 
 Experienced leadership that’s working for all of Cameron County

Emporium Food Mart Closed Tuesday, Oct. 29

According to an in store flyer, the Emporium Food Mart will be closed on Tuesday, October 29th for inventory. and will re-open Wednesday, October 30th. Senior citizen discount will be honored on Wednesday, October 30th. 

The Parents As Teachers Program


The Family Center is actively looking for willing families with any children under kindergarten age, to participate in the Parents as Teacher program! The Parents As Teachers program is, just as it sounds. We come into the home to help parents teach their kids WHILE playing and interacting with them. The ultimate goal is school readiness ideally starting when the child is born until the age they are enrolled in kindergarten, but any age in-between are welcome! Prenatal visits are also offered. This is a totally free program that also provides screenings on children that are done with parents to ensure development and can make referrals to outside sources if necessary. Our families are first to know about events we hold like the father daughter dance, bingo for books etc. If you are interested, want more information, or you know someone who could be interested, please feel free to message the Family Center or call us at 486-4000 ext. 2042.

Michael S. Smith

Michael S. Smith, 55, of 608 Woodland Ave., Emporium, PA died on Saturday (October 26, 2019) morning along Route 120 west of Emporium following a motor vehicle accident. He was born July 22, 1964 in St. Marys, PA the son of the late Barbara DeLozier Smith.

Michael was a dedicated employee for Tioga County Human Services for 20+ years. He greatly loved spending time with his family, especially his daughter and granddaughter. He was an avid outdoorsman, specifically hunting white-tail deer. He loved camping in the summer months with friends and family for many years. He was always the chef for any event as he was a wonderful cook.

He is survived by his daughter, Ashley Smith Galindo, Covington, PA; Granddaughter, Olivia Galindo; Grandmother, Jean Dunkelberger, Emporium; Special Aunts, Beverly Walker and Terry Jablonski, both of St. Marys and several other aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara DeLozier Smith.

Private Graveside Service will be held at the St. Mark Cemetery Chapel, Emporium, PA. There will be No Visitation. Burial will be in the St. Mark Catholic Cemetery, Emporium, PA

Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net

Jesse R. Szemes

Jesse R. Szemes, age 43, of Ross Township, PA, passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2019.

Born December 27, 1975 in St. Marys, PA, he was the son of the late Stephen P. and
 Estelle (Lewis) Szemes, Sr.

Jesse loved sports and worked in Marketing for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He had played baseball in North Penn High School in Lansdale, PA. He also loved movies and enjoyed collecting them.

He is survived by his brother, Stephen Szemes Jr., of Pittsburgh; four sisters, Karen (David) McManigle, Tracy (Daryl) Richardson and Debra (Scott) Belin, all of Emporium and Christine Williams, of Bloomfield Hills, MI. Jesse loved spending time with his all his nieces and nephews.

Jesse’s family will welcome friends from 2-4 P.M. on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at King Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 2841 Woodland Circle in Allison Park, PA.

A Blessing service will immediately follow at 4 P.M. on Wednesday, October 30, 
at King Funeral Home.

The family suggests Memorial Donations may be sent to National Foundation for Transplants, 5350 Poplar Avenue, Suite 850, Memphis, TN 38119 www.transplants.org. To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Jesse R. Szemes, please visit our Tribute Store.

Veterans Day Dinner @ CC VFW


Open to ALL VETERANS. 
Please call 486-3078 to sign up so we have an idea of how many.

Vote ANN LOSEY For the position of FULL TIME COMMISSIONER


Vote ANN LOSEY For the position of FULL TIME COMMISSIONER

 A fresh start, a new vision, a new voice for CAMERON COUNTY.

 22+ years state agency employment. 


 Submitted by the candidate.

Photography by David Woodring mcrvlife.com

I wanted to share this beautiful video.
Shown is a ride from Grant, PA to Driftwood, Pa.

Composed by David Woodring.
https://youtu.be/06OZS_gv74w

 Photography has been a passion of Davids all his life. 
He is available for weddings and other photography inquiries. 
 I would like to thank David for allowing me to share this video.

You can visit David's photography site here-  https://photos.mcrvlife.com

Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library


The Sylvan Heritage Council is pleased to donate a chalkboard to the Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library for its use. Pictured in the photo is Yelana Yelena Kisler, Librarian Visitors are always welcome at our local library. You may also visit them on Facebook or their website.


Halloween Party Update

The Bear Den in Sterling Run will host a Halloween Dance on Saturday night. Show  your costumes...enjoy some great music from Randy A and Jerry! 

SEE YA AT THE DEN!!

Actor Tom Mix

Clearfield Community Lifelong Learning Institute to hold course on actor Tom Mix

CLEARFIELD, Pa. — Lock Haven University Clearfield and the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging will again offer courses as part of the Clearfield Community Lifelong Learning Institute (CCLLI). The next course on American actor, Tom Mix, will be held at from 1-2:30 p.m. in the Clearfield academic building, room A131.

WHAT: Clearfield Community Lifelong Learning Institute – Tom Mix, American actor

WHEN: 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29

WHERE: LHU Clearfield academic building, room A131

WHO: Area Agency on Aging, 814-765-2696

Tom Mix was a DuBois (Mix Run) Nickelodeon cowboy, who loved making movies. Mix appeared in 291 films between 1909 and 1935 and only nine of them were talkies. Attendees will learn more about this local man who also produced 88 films, wrote the script for 75 films and directed 117.

Presenter: Todd Thompson, retired school teacher and adjunct professor

Mountain Melodies @ the Emporium Senior Center


Stop in at the Emporium Senior Center and enjoy some lovely music entertainment with the Mountain Melodies! The Mountain Melodies will be playing at the senior center on Wednesday, October 30th from 11:15am until Noon.
 Anyone is welcome!

CCCD 2019 Project Tour


********************


Want to know what project was being constructed along the creek on Route 120 South? 

Join us on Friday November 1, starting at 11:30 a.m. as District Manager, Todd Deluccia gives a guided tour of projects completed by the District in 2019. 
This event is FREE and all are welcome to attend.

 Lunch will be provided. Meeting at the District office at 74 East 3rd Street.

 RSVP to the District 814-486-2244 or e-mail Jenn at jdixon@cameroncd.org

Chamber News Release

News Release
from Cameron County Chamber of Commerce

 Cameron County political parties sponsoring an election forum on Wednesday, October 30 at 6pm. The event will highlight those running for the offices of Emporium Tax Collector, Shippen Township Tax Collector, and Cameron County Commissioner. The forum will be broadcast live on WLEM-AM, WQKY-FM and online at www.theriver989.com. 

 Voters are asked to submit questions for commissioner candidate via email at theriver989@yahoo.com or in person at the studios for WLEM at 27 East Fourth Street.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Lori J. Reed, Republican , Seeks Re-Election


Lori J. Reed, Republican Cameron County Commissioner Chair, is seeking re-election. “Looking back over my first term, I feel that much has been accomplished. By keeping the budget in check, and meeting quarterly with Department heads, we have been able to keep County taxes from increasing. Working with the Governor’s Action Team, Embassy Powdered Metals was able to purchase the former American Sintered Technologies and save jobs. Helping Rossi Lumber obtain permitting, they were able to rebuild after their horrific fire and keep jobs in Cameron County. The process of inter governmental cooperation has benefited not only County Government, but also the citizens of each Borough and Township. I am very proud of these accomplishments and more.”

Commissioner Reed is the past President of the Emporium Rotary Club, Vice President of the Emporium Foundation, a member of the Sylvan Heritage Council and the Citizens and Northern Bank Advisory Board. She also sits on the Boards of the Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library and Cameron County Recreation.

Commissioner Reed is also a member of the Northwest County Commissioner’s Association, County Commissioner’s Association of Pennsylvania, Cameron County Salary and Retirement Board, Cameron/Elk Behavior and Development, Discover Partnership, North Central Full Board, Collaborative Board and LEPC, to name a few.

Prior to being County Commissioner, she was the President of Pennsylvania Title and Abstract for 21 years. Lori and husband David J. Reed have 2 sons; Robert who resides in Lancaster, PA and Matthew, wife Laura and son Benjamin, living in Portland, Oregon.

I would be honored to continue as your full time Commissioner, as there is still much work to 
be done.

Shippen Township Election & Veterans Day Hours

Shippen Township will be closed on Tuesday, November 5th for Election Day and Monday November 11th for Veteran’s Day.

 Tuesday November 5th refuse pick-up will be on Monday and Monday November 11ths pick-up will be on Tuesday. All other refuse collections will remain the same. 

Thank you!

CCOYA Annual Doe Hunt

CameronCounty OutdoorYouth Activites


Coming up this weekend is our CCOYA annual Youth Doe hunt. This is the group that is participating in this years hunt. There is also another young lady that was not able to attend our sight in event held Sunday at the Andrews Farm. We are very excited for all of these young people as we try to do our best to make this event safe, educational, rewarding, exciting and fun in hopes to develop lifelong hunters. Hunters also have the opportunity to donate their harvest to Cameron County’s Hunters Sharing the Harvest (HSH) program. The venison is ground into hamburger by Rich Valley Meats an authorized HSH Butcher. The ground meat is then donated to Cameron County Food Pantry and given out to those more in need. We will keep you posted. Good Luck to all!

"The Ghost Walk" Book is for Sale


Cameron County Historical Society's latest book "The Ghost Walk" has finally arrived! The pre-order sales were so significant we were able to purchase extra to sell for those of you who missed out or would like another copy. The Ghost Walk - Legacy Behind Cameron County's Civilian Conservation Corp Camps is the first book ever created exclusively about the camps that were here.

The book focuses on the thousands of starving young men who joined the Civilian Conservation Corp who came to Cameron County from the cities of Pennsylvania during the depression to help feed their families. Many were unskilled with limited education many didn't even know how to read or write.

Countless photos are included of the men planting hundreds of thousands of trees to restore our forests that had been desecrated by the lumber barons of past. They surveyed and built many of our forestry roads, built fire towers, created the Sizerville Park Recreation Area, they even built a ferry after the 1936 flood to perform flood relief in nearby communities. Our "first telephone lines" in the county were installed by the camps opening communications for us to the world. The Corp created MEN who were able to send home money to their starving families, gain multiple skill sets, education and most of all regain their dignity. Many who married and stayed here afterwards. Discover who they were plus so much more.

You can pick up your copy at the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce or at the Cameron County Historical Society for the donation of $20. We'd be happy to send one directly in the mail if you'd like for $25. Checks can be made out to the "Cameron County Historical Society" and sent to PO Box 433 Emporium, PA 15834 please add your address and phone number.

Emporium Businesses Open for Trick or Treat

Emporium Businesses Open for Trick or Treat

Repeating last years success more businesses in Emporium planning to stay open Thursday October 31 for Trick or Treat. The fun begins at 5pm with a spooky story at the Barbara Brown Memorial Library. Trick or Treat begins at 6pm. “The number of businesses keeping their doors open and handing out candy has doubled since the inaugural year in 2018,” says Cameron County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tina Solak.

The businesses include L&M Lumber along with many lining East and West Fourth Street including: Fuel On, Pizza Palace Plus, Cameron’s Beauty Salon, Sarah Jane’s, CDH Design, Wlem-AM, Fox’s Pizza Den, Flowers N Things, Aroma Café, Emporium Moose Lodge 368, Guy and Mary Felt Manor, Randy’s Penny Pincher, Cameron County Chamber of Commerce, Harrier Insurance, and Twisted Sisters. Solak says more businesses may be added.

Trick or Treat runs from 6-8pm.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Jesse M. McKimm

Jesse M. McKimm, 93, of Gastonia, North Carolina formerly of North Tonawanda, NY died in Gastonia on Monday morning (October 21, 2019). He was born March 13, 1926 in Cameron, PA a son of the late Jess and Mae Hugar McKimm. He married the late Maxine Housler McKimm. Jesse served with the US Army during WW II. He lived mostly in New York and a few years ago made his home with his daughter in North Carolina.

He is survived by one daughter, Deborah Toth, Gastonia, North Carolina

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jess and Mae Hugar McKimm; wife, Maxine Housler McKimm and a grandson, Michael Andrew Toth. 

There will be no Visitation. 
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Graveside Service at Castle Garden Cemetery, Rt. 555, Driftwood, PA on Friday (November 1, 2019) at 12:00 PM with Father Matthew Ryan, officiating followed by a Military Service by the Cameron County Memorial Detail.

 Burial will be in the Castle Garden Cemetery, Driftwood, PA 

 Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Rotary News

The Rotary Club of Emporium donates $500.00 to PolioPlus during The World’s Greatest Meal to Help End Polio. Polio known as Poliomyelitis or Infants Paralysis is transmitted through contaminated water & food or contact with an infected person, can be fatal and there is no cure. In 1985 Rotary launched its Polio Plus Campaign. Rotary has contributed more than $1.7 billion & countless hours to immunize more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries. Rotary will raise $50 million a year for the next 3 years with every dollar to be matched with $2 additional dollars by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. More than one million Rotarians have donated their time & personal resources to end polio. Today only 3 countries in the world have never stopped the transmission of the polio virus; Pakistan, Afghanistan & Nigeria.

Monday, October 21, 2019

Halloween Weekend in Cameron County


Halloween Parties in Cameron County

Driftwood Saloon - Oct 26 @ 9pm
Emporium Moose - Friday, Oct 25 9pm-1am
Macks Rhythm & Blues Bar - Oct. 26
My Place - Oct. 26   DJ from 10-2 am
Sinnemahoning Sportsman's Club - November 2nd 8pm
The Bear Den - to be announced this week 

*
 Halloween Events in Cameron County Saturday, Oct 26

The Haunted Trail and All Hallows Eve Celebration Sinnemahoning State Park,
 Saturday, Oct 26, 2019, 4:30-8:30 PM.
 Held at the Park Office and Wildlife Center

Annual Community Trunk or Treat Saturday, Oct 26 2:30 -6pm -
 at the Emporium Fire Hall

Trick or Treat in Emporium - Thursday, October 31 6-8pm 
Please visit houses that have their porch light on

These businesses will also be open to Trick or Treaters!

Sarah Janes, Twisted Sisters, Chamber, CDH Design ,Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library, Pizza Palace Plus ,Cameron's Salon, WLEM-TheRiver, Randy's Penny Pincher, Flowers N Things, Fox's Pizza Den, Harrier Insurance, Aroma Cafe, Guy & Mary Felt Manor,  The Emporium Arms and possibly more!

This years Trick or Treaters may be carrying blue pumpkins. The blue pumpkins signify autism awareness. The parents of children with autism hope to convey the message to homes passing out candy in an effort to not have to explain their child’s situation, especially in the cases of being non-verbal.

**
Halloween Science Night 
Wednesday, October 30th, 2019 from 5-7 pm 
 Sizerville State Park
click on photo to enlarge view

CC Fair Association Meeting Tonight


The monthly meeting of the Cameron County Fair Association is @ 6pm Monday, October 21st at the Cameron County Fair Grounds. Suggestions and volunteers welcome.
 Dress for the weather as Beaver Hall is not heated.

Vote for Paint the Plow !


PLEASE LOGON AND VOTE!!! 

Online "Fan Favorite" voting for the "Paint the Plow" program begins today, October 21, and runs through 11:59 PM on Sunday, October 27. Please logon to the PennDOT website at www.penndot.gov/District2 and select the "Paint the Plow" icon. 
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PaintThePlowD2

Your vote counts!

CC Red Raider Flags for Sale


Back by Popular Demand!!

The Sylvan Heritage Council has restocked their Red Raider flags in time for holiday gifts!

Flags are 30" x 48" and are double sided with a pole pocket binding to use with your own flag pole.
Each flag is $45. We will ship to out-of-towners for an additional $5
If you would like one of these please contact Cindy Ramsey @ 814-512-7095

Sinnemahone Ultra Trail Run -Triple Crown Success


Triple Crown Success 

 Saturday, October 19 marked the final race of the Inaugural Sinnemahone Triple Crown. The events including a canoe/kayak race in April, gravel bike race in September and trail run. The events brought more than 200 people to Cameron County, which according to organizers was the goal. “We wanted something unique to attract people to the county that would not only show off the DCNR Elk State Forest, but also expose people to our wonderful businesses,” says Cameron County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Tina Solak. Participants from 10 states and 3 countries (Canada, Germany and Belgium) stayed in the county.

Eleven people participated in all the events earning them the triple crown. Three of those are members of one family. “Having events that encourage family members to compete together is a bonus of the Triple Crown”, continued Solak. Saul Solveson, his wife, Cristy and their 14 year old son Eastyn took home the pins. Others from Emporium include: Toni Flament, Garrett Hornung, Dave McManigle, and Dustin Burgoon. Randy Bailey from Driftwood joined Stephen Spinda from Kersey, Adam Reed from State College and Corrie Amick from Fairview. Corrie made headlines on the Sinnemahone Gravel Race when she ran over a rattlesnake on the course. Several of the individuals never competed in running or biking events according to Solak.

On Saturday two records in the six year old Sinnemahone Ultra Trail Run were broken in the 12K race. Andrew Mitcheltree from North Carolina completed the event in 57:33, while Eugenia Recendez-Clark from Emporium smashed the women’s record by finishing in 1:18:15. A total of 73 registered for the races which began at 7:30am and finished at 5:15pm when the final contestant crossed the finish line on the West Creek Recreational Trail in Emporium.

Plans are already underway to continue the series in 2020 which will begin with the
canoe/kayak race on April 4.

Race results of the 12k, 25K, 50 k
Additional photos from the race
click on photo to enlarge view

Friday, October 18, 2019

Schedule Announced for Haunted Trail at Sinnemahoning State Park

Schedule Announced for Haunted Trail at Sinnemahoning State Park

It’s back! The Haunted Trail and All Hallows Eve Celebration returns to Sinnemahoning State Park on Saturday, October 26, 2019, from 4:30-8:30 PM.

Cost
With activities for younger kids and frights for the adults and older kids, this popular Halloween event is a spook-tacular deal at just $10.00 per carload. Admission fee includes haunted trail, hayride, bonfire and more.

4:30-6:00 PM
The evening of fun begins with activities and games for younger children from 4:30-6:00 PM. Children and their families can create make-and-take crafts, play fun games for prizes, or take a walk through the less-scary daytime version of the trail.

6:00-7:00 PM
Bwana Jim’s Wildlife Show begins at 6:00 PM in the classroom of the Wildlife Center. Bwana Jim, from Shinglehouse, PA, will bring an assortment of exotic animals including armadillos, wallabies, snakes, and birds, and share his knowledge of these animals in a fun, witty, and entertaining show for all ages.

7:00-8:30 PM
At 7:00 PM, the “Full-Terror” version of the Haunted Trail opens for older children and adults. Spiders, ghosts, zombies, and the chainsaw guy have all returned, plus other creepy characters that are sure to stir up the Halloween spirit.

Throughout the event

Hayrides and a bonfire will run from 4:30-6:00 PM and from 7:00-8:30 PM, with a break from 6:00-7:00 for families to attend the wildlife show. Refreshments will be sold by the students of Austin School throughout the event.

Other Details

The Haunted Trail and All Hallows Eve Celebration event will be held, rain or shine, at the Park Office and Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park, just off Route 872 in Grove Township, on Saturday, October 26, from 4:30-8:30 PM. Trail covers about one-half mile over uneven ground. Participants should wear sturdy shoes, dress for the outdoors, and be prepared to be scared. For more information about the Haunted Trail or other programs at Sinnemahoning State Park, please contact the park office at 814-647-8401 or email SinnemahoningSP@pa.gov.

For more information about programs at Sinnemahoning State Park, please visit the online DCNR Calendar of Events at http://events.dcnr.pa.gov

Volunteers Needed for All Hallows Eve Celebration and Haunted Trail


Volunteers are still needed for the final All Hallows Eve Celebration and Haunted Trail event on Saturday, October 26, 2019 from 4:30-8:30 PM. Approximately 20 volunteers are still need to help with program sign-in, trail leaders, trail actors, set-up and event clean up on Sunday. 

 Please email sinnemahoningsp@pa.gov or call the Park Office 814-647-8401 for more 
information or to sign up.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

The Little Red Barn Airbnb



A local Airbnb in Cameron County, the Little Red Barn, has just been recognized by the The Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania. Described as a " wonderful escape in The PA Wilds offers their guests an off grid #farmstay experience in a solar powered upstairs apartment that sleeps 6. Guests have the opportunity to interact with the farm's animals and nature"

 Congratulations to Robin and Mike Kuleck on their latest successful business venture!

Congratulations Pinellas Computers!

I'd like to give a shout out to my hardworking nephew and congratulate him on celebrating 10 years in business as Pinellas Computers! Here is his timeline. I sure wish he was in PA, but he often solves that problem by logging into our computers to fix any problems.



2006-2009 [Serious Practice] Various odd-jobs for friend’s family, family friends’, and some ‘less-documented’ jobs for for some “OG” clients… (@Kr.Greene, @J&BPortman, @JHoman, @JLoudermilk, @George.Schffr, @authorRJSmith, @sHatfield, @captGGammon, + too.many.more!)

2009.10 [Make IT Legit] You can’t be a “real” business without Documentation, Insurances, Taxes, Banking, Credit, Legal, Real-World-Experience… (@ASendrowski, @DavidRose, @GJoyner, @StephenDaniels, @WaltBurgess’ @TaxTheresa)

2009.10.16 [Incorporated AF] “But what do we call it?” …Various reject names, ludicrous brainstorming – Pinellas Computers & Repair, LLC #waytoolong #shortenit … (@SpiderDad, @UncleJohn, @MadBchClub)

2010 [Build a Base] Fix computers full-time, college part-time, bartend part-time. Build and create 24/7, sleep 6/7 - dream all the time. Don’t forget to eat! Talk to people, find a spot, learn to make it magic! …(@WMTdeuce, @ExtremeTony, @ParadiseNancy, @LizardJuiceGary, @PurpleOnion)

2011 [Get Help] 100% of the best person is still only 1 person - Find great talent and potential. Learn together and create, trial and error, go fight win! Learn from pros with other smart people… (@SMaloney, @RPDemers, @CSizelove, @TommyGibbs, @iCureRafal)

2012 [Combine Forces] People like us. If only we could clone our process, staff, inventory, location, knowledge, etc. Wait, we can do that(?). Do we - #doit (@realCMallory, @RickMalloryJr, @WreckanizeMike, @AppleMCortez, @AlaskaMike, @FCinellaTax, @TDeCarlo, @patDaly)

2013 [Hub + Spoke] Grab unbelievable third spot in St. Pete now, figure out continuity later. Add new payment solutions, unified VoIP phones, remote support software, custom designed workspace… (@IT4SmallBiz, @D$olaris, @Trung, @Breezy, @LesPadleyDesigns)

2014 [Refine & Polish] Implement helpdesk ticketing and inventory system, purchase first company car #spark, create dispatch support system, rack-mount AD/WDS servers, move OG store into larger suite in Seminole, added employee benefits… (@ezitChuck, @JoshR, @D-Lock, @BenefitsBlaine)

2015 [Duplicate Simplicity] Migrate Walsingham strip-center into Barclay Square Largo, extend Tyrone repair workshop area, add WSUS deployment automations, begin selling new and refurbished laptops, find more great people… (@OwenRA, @LCohen, @n00bLucas)

2016 [Program Clouds] Implement fully-hosted email with MS 365, communications with Slack, taxes and accounting with Xero, credentials with LastPass, security with Vipre, cellular (staff perk) with T-Mobile… (@StuartB)

2017 [Innovate Scalability] Adopted all-in-one tooling for Diagnostics, purchased two more fleet vehicles #fiat500s, introduced security+support membership packages (VIP plans), extended hours on Saturdays. (@DKim)

2018 [Optimize, Agile] Automate talent screening and testing with ATS, enhance HR benefits with Gusto, document processes with Confluence, partner with OEM vendor for RAM/SSD’s, build-out infrastructure for Managed Services (MSP) partnership… (@AntMachalek, @escuVictor, @JEF)

2019 [Make Moves] Launched Clearwater Mall office, relocated admin/billing headquarters to DT Clearwater, added BirdEye QC surveys, smart documentation with Trainual, endpoint infrastructure support management with ConnectWise/NinjaRMM… (@Dalton, @Josh)

Current [Newer Faster Better] Renovate retail fixtures and product offerings, implement MS Teams messaging, add performance appraisal tooling, add 2-stage support chain for faster diagnostic turn-around, add employee breakrooms + QoL amenities. Welcome new team members! (@Haidyn, @AAron)

And, here we are now! We’re still working smart, learning constantly, and innovating all the time. Now we’re studying client survey feedback and raw analytic data, so we better cater our services to the desires of what our clients want: Fast answers, clear expectations, and transparent pricing. Pinellas Computers doesn't exist to be just "another computer shop". We’re here to deliver best-in-class technology solutions with IT Expert human service - We want you to love your IT!

We’re simplifying our most popular software + service offerings into convenient/affordable subscription packages to give you everything you need for a great computing experience, along with complete peace-of-mind for your device investment. As of this week, we’re specializing staff roles in our workflow to speed-up turn-around times for repairs and deployments. Next, we'll be working on developing a next-generation online experience for requesting support and accessing membership benefits/portals (with exclusive grandfathered pricing for pre-2020 members).

Here’s to another decade of technological innovation and IT magic – 2020 is going to be ROCKIN!

With Heartfelt Regards,

-Ryan Malize Founder / CTO / Beef Jerky Connoisseur

Artisan of the Year Award Winner: Rich Valley Apiary

Congratulations goes out to Rich Valley Apiary as they were chosen to receive this year's PAWilds Artisan of the Year award!


 Artisan of the Year Award Winner: Rich Valley Apiary – Cameron County 

 The Magaro family at Rich Valley Apiary will be honored with the Artisan of the Year Award. Rich Valley Apiary, a juried artisan member of the Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania, a network of 300 place-based businesses and artisans across the Pennsylvania Wilds, produces honey-based products including soap, lotions, beard products, candles, pet care items, and cleaning products. What began as a beekeeping hobby soon turned into a family-operated business. The Magaros recently purchased a building in Emporium to expand, and they continue to offer one-of-a-kind products, some of which are featured at the PA Wilds Conservation Shop at Kinzua Bridge State Park. They’ve been featured in several statewide publications. As noted in their award nomination, “The enthusiasm for beekeeping and growing entrepreneurship in their hometown of Emporium is contagious.”

Looking for Homes

Looking for Homes

Cameron County Fireworks Committee looking for one more property to be added to this years Cameron County House Tour planned for Friday December 13. Visitors to the homes will be treated to a downtown business (Christmas Time at Sarah Janes Studio), a stately Victorian home on East Fourth Street, and a step back to the 1950’s and 60’s when they visit a home in the Sylvan Heights area. Organizers are working with the owners of The Hive for a gathering following the event.

The property owner is asked to show groups of 15 through their decorated home. Light refreshments are optional. Anyone interested in participating should call the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce office at 814-486-4314.

Quilt Class

Quilt Class


Cameron County Quilter member, Gini Schager offering a quilt class at the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce & Artisan Center. Students will have the opportunity to bring cherished t-shirts and create a once in a lifetime piece of art, or select their own color pallet for a piece quilt.

On Monday, October 21 at 6:30 pm Schager will meet with those interested in the classes. Students wishing to create a t-shirt quilt will be responsible for bringing the t-shirts and pay $40 to cover the cost of the backing material. Those wishing to create the ‘Trip Around the World’ quilt will be responsible for providing all material and pay $30 for the class. Schager expects each class to take four sessions. The sample quilt can be seen at the Cameron County Chamber of Commerce & Artisan Center. Registration for each class is limited. Register online via Facebook, Eventbrite or in person at the chamber office.