Pay it Forward by Shopping Local

December 8, 2023

Pay it Forward by Shopping Local It is that time of year, the time when I pull out my soapbox, (to be honest it is never truly stowed away) and beg everyone to consider shopping locally. I know it is easy and convenient to sit in the comfort of your own home or office, (although I am sure none of you EVER shop during work hours, especially during those long, sometimes coma inducing, ZOOM meetings!) click a few keys, and magically your gifts show up at your door, but is that the best option? I argue, it is not. When your money goes to those online retailers, a whopping zero percent of that money stays in your community. So, what is the big deal you might ask, do my dollars really make that much of a difference? The answer is a resounding yes! Stay with me as I provide you with some startling statistics. For instance, did you know that for every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $73 remains in the local economy? Think of the negative collective impact that has on our community when we choose to pull those dollars from our local economy and instead, spend them online. A similar thing is taking place in the world of food service. The statistics for choosing to eat at a locally owned restaurant over a chain are also quite eye opening. For every dollar spent at a locally owned restaurant, 79 percent stays local compared to just 30 percent for chain restaurants. My point is this, our purchasing decisions do matter. Their effects are far reaching and produce a rippling effect. Learn More

A Visit from the Ghost of Christmases Past

December 8, 2023

A Visit from the Ghost of Christmases Past “City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style. In the air there’s a feeling of Christmas.” This is what I see in my mind’s eye as I remember Christmases past. I remember the excitement of “heading to town” during the holidays. Mom would dress me up in my Sunday best, complete with my scarlet red wool coat with matching hat and black velvet trim. On the lapel was my treasured Santa pin. It was extra special since Santa’s red nose lit up when you pulled the string. Then we all piled into our woody station wagon and were off. As we drove into downtown Lewistown, we craned our necks to catch a glimpse of the store windows and the outdoor decorations that lined the streets. It was the culmination of every child’s dream. One of the highlights of our holiday excursions was the Christmas parade. Our first stop was Murphy’s Five and Ten where we would wait in line to receive our free live goldfish, handed to us in a water-filled plastic bag. The streets and sidewalks were packed several people deep with everyone jockeying for a good position so they wouldn’t miss the free candy canes or any of the excitement. There were marching bands, elaborate floats, decorated horses, and finally, bringing up the rear, was Santa and his elves. Santa always looked very regal sitting on his oversized golden throne with the red velvet seat, or some years in his sleigh pulled by nine reindeer, including Rudolph of course. Learn More

Hauntings and Sightings, Very, Very Frightening!

December 8, 2023

Hauntings and Sightings, Very, Very Frightening Halloween, also known as All Hallows’ Eve, is just around the corner and who can resist a good spine-tingling, hair-raising, ghost story? Especially when it is a local one! Draw the shades, pull your blanket up a little tighter, and read on if you dare! Our spooky tale takes place in the sleepy little village of Academia in the heart of Juniata County, not far from the historic Pomeroy Academia Covered Bridge. There you will find, just beyond the Lower Tuscarora Presbyterian Church and cemetery, the now vacant spot where once stood a striking, 1800s, Gothic style building. This stately edifice housed the Tuscarora Female Seminary. I am sure it was quite the talk of the town in its day, since there had never been anything like it built in Juniata County. It was a large, symmetrically designed structure constructed of limestone with a stunning cupola and a sprawling veranda. It boasted sweeping views of the Tuscarora Valley, Tuscarora Creek, and neighboring farms. Learn More