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

Why is the Chamber an Important Part of the Community?

December 8, 2023

October has been declared by Governor Josh Shapiro as Local Chamber of Commerce month in Pennsylvania. October 18 is National Chamber of Commerce Day. This month and particularly day, have been set aside to shed some much-appreciated light on the crucial roll local chambers play in the economic stability of our communities. We do so by advocating, supporting, encouraging, as well as educating, the businesses, industries, and organizations in our communities. I am thankful for a governor who sees the value of local chambers and is supportive of what we do. To quote Governor Shapiro, “I am grateful for our local chambers of commerce for the invaluable role that they play in ensuring that businesses new and old can continue to prosper in Pennsylvania. I commend Pennsylvania’s local chambers of commerce for representing thousands of businesses, and I am certain their efforts to enhance our communities will serve as an inspiration across the Commonwealth for years to come.” Learn More

Once a Mingo, Always a Mingo

December 8, 2023

Once a Mingo, always a Mingo I was an anomaly of sorts as one of the few people my age who had never gone to a high school reunion. There is no particular reason for my absence, I just never quite made it there. Recently, however, that changed. I discovered that the planning committee for the Chief Logan graduating class of 1978 (so very, very long ago) could use some assistance in planning this year’s event and I was anxious to serve. We began our planning a year in advance. As we worked to set the date and book the venue and caterer, we meticulously checked the Penn State schedule to be sure we avoided any home games. Much to our chagrin, our best laid plans were foiled as Penn State adjusted their schedule in the meantime and our event fell smack dab on the first white out, home game of the season! This did not dampen our resolve, however, to make this a memorable event. One of the highlights for me was reconnecting with one of my very best high school friends who I hadn’t seen since graduation. We met for lunch and time passed quickly as we caught up with each other’s lives. Our journeys had taken us to different ends of the country, and as we talked, we quickly discovered that we had both experienced many bumps, twists, and a plethora of turns in our lives. It was amazing to experience just how quickly our comfortable friendship returned. We exchanged pictures of our children and grandchildren and shared both our triumphs and disappointments. Learn More