Discovering My Roots Through Relativitrees
September 22, 2025
Have you ever been curious about your family history? I often wondered what my ancestors were like, who they really were. What did they experience? What were their struggles and passions? What did they look like? I didn’t care if I uncovered horse thieves, bootleggers, patriots, lawmen, deserters, or even royalty, I just wanted to know their stories. Years ago, I tried to do the research myself, but quickly gave up, assuming I’d never really learn where I came from. Yet something inside me kept tugging. I wanted those stories preserved so future generations wouldn’t lose them to the turning pages of time. And, truth be told, I was curious about just what sort of blood runs through my veins. That curiosity led me to the Mifflin County Historical Society’s genealogy program, Relativitrees. Their dedicated staff does the digging for you and then presents your family history in a beautifully organized way. When I heard about the program, it took me all of 30 seconds to decide—I was in. And trust me, they did not disappoint. What I discovered sent me on an incredible journey of self-discovery. One of the first surprises was that my grandfather, Charles Kelley, was the first in our family to spell our name with the second “e.” Generations before him were recorded as “Kelly.” Why the change? I may never know, but I was fascinated to see the distinction. Learn More
My Favorite Unsung Holiday
September 22, 2025
Can I get a hip, hip, hooray from all my fellow thrift shoppers? This Sunday, August 17th, is National Thrift Shop Day! While thrifting has recently become the “in” thing to do, I’ve been at it for as long as I can remember, not because it was cool or trendy, but out of pure necessity. Growing up, my father worked hard but never made a lot of money. My ever-resourceful mother found countless ways to stretch our dollars, and secondhand shopping was one of her favorite secret weapons. Back then, we didn’t call them “thrift stores.” They were “rummage sales,” and to my younger self, they were places I dreaded being seen. But looking back now, I’m grateful. Those humble Saturday mornings taught me one of life’s most valuable lessons: sometimes you have to swallow your pride and do what’s necessary for the greater good of your family. Sure, I wished I could stroll into Danks or Bon Ton and pick whatever I wanted off the rack, but that wasn’t my reality. Our purchases weren’t always the latest style, but I learned to make them my own. I got creative, learning to alter hems, add embellishments, and even reworking entire garments. I once bought a dress that was too snug in the middle, took it apart, added a matching fabric panel, and voilà, it became one of my favorites. Nobody knew my “fashion choice” to always wear a vest over it was actually to hide my novice attempt at alterations. Learn More
Our Juniata County Adventure
August 11, 2025
Recently, I promised two of my grandchildren, Oliver, age five, and Sloan, age six, that we’d go on an adventure. I was barely out the door when Oliver exclaimed with an impatient grin, “Nana, hurry up, you are taking for ages!” With that gentle nudge, I picked up the pace and off we went. I expected a day filled with laughter and discoveries. What I didn’t expect was to come home feeling more grateful than ever to live in a place where kindness is a way of life and people go the extra mile. Our first stop was Asher’s Chocolates, where the kids took their time choosing the perfect treat. As they pondered their options, the friendly woman behind the counter stepped out and offered each of them a lollipop. It was such a simple act, but one that put a smile on their faces, and set the tone for the day which turned out to be generosity without expectation. Next, we visited the Pomeroy Academia Covered Bridge, a picturesque, historic covered bridge tucked in the heart of Juniata County. At first, they weren’t exactly thrilled about seeing “just a bridge,” especially after the excitement of a candy store, but the moment they caught sight of the enormous wooden structure, their eyes lit up. They took off running across the uneven floorboards, giggling and leaping with joy. I stood there watching them, my heart full, knowing these small moments were becoming big memories. Learn More
From Forgotten to Forever: Restoring a Sacred Place
August 11, 2025
Four years ago, a friend mentioned a community project grant being offered by a local box store. That sparked a conversation within the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau about how we might use such an opportunity to make a lasting impact. As we explored ideas, one kept returning to my mind, something I had passed by countless times on my walks through Victory Park with my dogs: the African American Memorial Cemetery near the boat launch. Although the Lewistown Borough was faithfully maintaining the grass, the cemetery itself had fallen into quiet neglect. Gravestones had sunk or broken, weeds were overtaking the site, and there was nothing to identify it as a place of historical or cultural importance. Most passersby had no idea they were driving past sacred ground, a resting place for members of our African American community, including veterans of the United States Colored Troops who fought bravely in the Civil War. Learn More
