July 2024

Penn State Extension educators will lead a training, “Question, Persuade and Refer,” developed by the QPR Institute. Participants can learn to recognize warning signs of suicide in friends, coworkers, family members or neighbors in need.

This in-person workshop will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 14, 2024, at the Wilcox Community Building, 320 Faries St., Wilcox, PA.

Designed for all people, regardless of profession, who are concerned about helping others, QPR is an emergency mental health intervention intended to interrupt a crisis and direct someone to proper care. Attendees will discuss potential scenarios and engage in active listening and persuasion techniques.

Faith and Fear

by

Pastor B.J. Knefley 

Faith and fear, are they distant cousins or twins? Are they similar or polar opposites? Interestingly, they both require faith in the unseen. Fear will keep us stuck and immobilized whereas faith moves us toward trusting the unknown. One binds us up while the other frees us up.

Fear is disempowering. In fear we become paralyzed by what we project as being our reality. We worry and project scenarios as if they were going to happen and respond accordingly. The more we follow this line of thinking, anxiety, horror and dread become our emotional diet. The more we focus upon what we fear, the deeper we go into the abyss of helplessness and paranoia. We find ourselves responding to not what is true but what we think is true and just like that we’ve swallowed the lie that ensnares so many. Helpless and paralyzed we succumb to what we believe will happen and by faith we accept it as our life.

According to Hebrews 11:1, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see,” It is in this faith that one has hope, not fear. It is based upon the testimony of others, not the inner thoughts of an individual. It is about promises that have stood the test of time and shown to be true and faithful. It is not about irrational thoughts but rather thoughts that are built upon the building blocks of others who have gone before us. The testing of faith shows to the individual that it is trustworthy and with each passing test of faith, it continues to grow. We trust because we see others walking before us with calm certainty and peace.

Fear and faith require one to look into the unknown, the unseen. They both represent choice. I choose to trust, or I don’t. I can’t straddle the fence. If I do, I will probably succumb to whichever voice I feed. Interestingly, God often beckons us to test Him to see if He is faithful. Those that do walk away satisfied. Think about it.

The Potter County Farmers Market will be outdoors on the square across from the county jail, every Friday (weather permitting) from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The next market will be this Friday, July 19th. Below is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:

[NOTICES: 

*  The outdoor market is held each Friday from May through October (weather permitting; on very rainy days, we will relocate into the Riley Gallery (if available)).  In November, the Farmers  Market goes indoors for the winter market.

 *  Market times have been established after many trial times over the years.  If you are not able to visit us and would like something particular from one of the vendors, please contact them directly.  They are willing to try to accommodate your request.

 *  If you are interested in joining the market this year or have any questions please contact …. Netra Baker, 814-544-7313 netrabaker@hughes.net]

QUIET ACRES will be at market Friday, weather permitting, with our selection of Haldeman Mills products – NEW Stauffer’s cornmeal,Teff Flour (African Ivory and Dark) and buckwheat flour for the gluten sensitive, Buttermilk and Buckwheat Pancake Mixes, Shortcake/Cobbler Mix, Funnel Cake  and Soft Pretzel Mixes as well as Brinser’s Best Cornmeal.  On the craft side: NEW rope coasters, trivets, trinket bowls and baskets. We will also have upcycled braided rugs/runners/mug rugs of all sizes as well as aprons for all occasions, for kids and adults including summer sports teams.  Orders are welcome – you can choose your fabric, color, size and shape. We accept cash payments. You can contact us at QuietAcresPortAllegany@gmail.com 

MIKE THOMPSON will be a vender at the Market this week. ACCEPTING  FMNP CHECKS.   Bringing Yellow Squash, Zucchini Squash, Candy Onions, Leeks, Hungarian Hot peppers & Sugar Snap Peas.     KNIFE SHARPENING WHILE YOU SHOP OTHER VENDERS.

JULIE BENNETT will be attending this week. I will have dish scrubbies, washcloths, cute crochet animals, slippers, and handmade earrings. I accept cash. Questions or special orders, you can contact me by call/text 814-989-0413,  or by email julieb3440@gmail.com.  Thank you!

JOANIE’S APIARY plans on setting up at market this week. I will have all Raw local honey. Some will be unfiltered, just fresh honey. I will have beeswax products, including my hand creams, wood polish and candles. I will also have my corn heating pads. Cash, checks or credit cards accepted. TOM AND LUCY HOPPE will have their creamed honey and cinnamon creamed honey at the same table as Joanie’s Apiary. 

FOX & FERN CO. will be attending the market this week. We will have unique and common potted houseplants for sale along with ready-to-plant succulents. We will also be offering ceramic pot drainage hole drilling on site. Snake plants are 25% off this week while supplies last! We accept cash, checks or credit cards. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555867491704&mibextid=LQQJ4d 

DIXON DESIGNS will be there with handcrafted jewelry.  Earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings.  Stuff for the little ones also.  Most jewelry $5.00 each and children’s items $1.00.  Accepting cash only.

CARING CRAFTS will be attending this week’s Market! Weather Permitting! We will be bring a variety of Homemade Travel Pillows! Along with our Plastic Canvas Magnets/Ornaments! Our selection of both is very wide and unique! Don’t forget to like us Facebook! If your not able to stop by or would like to place an order please contact Jess at 814 203 2482! Caring Crafts excepts Cash or PayPal (cowgirl_jess16915@yahoo.com) payment! Hope to see everyone there! 

CARD CREEK BAKERY will be at the Farmers Market on July 19. A variety of artisan and loaf breads will be available. Sweet treats choices will also be on the table for you as well as jams and jellies made from local fruit. If you ever have any requests please message or text me. netrabaker2@gmail.com Or 814-598-0649 text or call. Stop at the market to meet all vendors.

BLUE MARBLE FARM will be at the market with local, organically grown beautiful produce and plants.  We will have Romaine Lettuce, Rainbow Swiss Chard, Cabbage, Beets, Snap Peas, Dragon’s Tongues Beans, and Haricot Verts and Velour (French Green and Purple Beans).  And we will have Basil plants. We accept cash, checks, FMNP and credit cards. For more information, contact Lisa at bluemarblefarm@outlook.com, 814-320-1308 or bluemarblefarm.weebly.com 

ALPACA CREATIONS will be a vender this week, bringing a new collection of hand woven alpaca scarves, hand knit hats, mitts, headbands and assorted alpaca apparel.   Variety and sizes of alpaca socks, beautiful variety of yarns and rovings.  Gather supplies for winter projects now or select one of a kind alpaca gifts for Christmas.  Accepting credit cards. https://alpacas75.wixsite.com/website Alpaca Creations, follow on Facebook

Jean M. Burfield, 92, of Emporium, PA passed away at her residence, Emporium, PA on Wednesday evening (July 17, 2024) following a brief illness. She was born February 10, 1932 in Emporium, PA a daughter of the late Joseph and Margaret Stewart Schreffler. She married the late James Burfield with whom she shared many years of marriage together before his death.

In Jean’s younger years she worked at Sylvania, Northern Tier and at RaCoh. She was an avid hunter having hunted from age 12 until she was 72. She also enjoyed watching all types of wildlife in her yard. She was a longtime member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Emporium Fire Department and the Driftwood Senior Center.

Jean is survived by a son, James Burfield, Jr. (Shannon), Emporium; daughter, Lona Klase (Danny), Duncannon; son, Jeffrey Burfield, Emporium and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

​Montoursville, PA – Motorists are advised a two-year construction project continues on Route 6 and Main Street (Route 2005) in Tioga County.

The Week of Monday, July 22
The contractor will continue rehabilitation work on the bridge that carries Route 6 over the Tioga River. Work includes repair of the sub-structure, deck repairs, and epoxy overlay.

Long-Term Detour
Route 6 will remain closed to westbound traffic at the intersection of Main Street.

Photo provided
Stephen Gunzenhauser (shown) is the founder and producer of the Endless Mountain Music Festival and is conducting the orchestra for the first three performances of the 2024 Season.

Maestro Stephen Gunzenhauser and the Festival Orchestra are opening the Endless Mountain Music Festival’s 2024 17-Day Season with three performances this weekend.

The orchestra and pianist Jeffrey Biegel are performing the Pennsylvania premiere of Peter Boyer’s new “Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue” at 7 p.m. this Friday, July 19 in Steadman Theatre at Commonwealth University in Mansfield and the iconic “Rhapsody in Blue” written 100 years ago in 1924 by George Gershwin at 7 p.m. this Saturday, July 20 at the Corning Museum of Glass Auditorium.

In celebration of the 100th birthday of “Rhapsody in Blue,” Biegel created the Rhapsody National Initiative project and titled the new work a “Rhapsody in Red, White & Blue” for Peter Boyer to compose. Inspired by Gershwin’s masterpiece, Boyer wrote the new work for piano and orchestra. Over the next three years, Biegel will be performing it with orchestras in all 50 states.

Opening night at Mansfield, the orchestra will also play Bach’s “Suite No. 3” Creston’s “Dance Overture” and Cowell’s “Symphony No. 13, Madras,”  

At the Corning concert, “Happy Birthday, Gershwin,” the orchestra will also perform Brahms’ “Symphony No. 2” and Tsontakis’ “Laconika.”

At 2:30 p.m. this Sunday, July 21, the EMMF orchestra will present the Neil Diamond to Funk Pops Concert at the Wellsboro High School Auditorium at 227 Nichols Street in Wellsboro. It’s free. Featured will be a selection of popular favorites from “East St. Louis Blues” and “Also Funk Zarathustra” to “Sweet Caroline,” “What a Wonderful World” and “YMCA.” Clarinetist Trina Gross and the orchestra will perform John Williams’ “Viktor’s Tale.”

At 8 p.m. this Sunday, July 21 is the free “EMMF Brass under the Stars!” concert at Cherry Springs State Park’s Astronomy Observation Field by the telescope domes. The concert will be a mix of traditional brass quintet music followed by arrangements by pop artists, including Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, and Freddie Mercury. Performing will be Rebecca Dodson-Webster on French horn; Brian Strawley, Josh Carr and Brian Rodriguez on trumpet; Kevin Ladd on tuba; Alexander Walden on trombone; and Jason Mathena on percussion. Stargazing with telescopes and a laser-guided Night Sky Tour will follow. Bring lawn chairs, blankets and coats as it gets chilly after dark. Preregister online for this free program at http://events.dcnr.pa.gov/cherry_springs_state_park/calendar or call 814-435-1037 or email cherryspringsee@pa.gov.  

Members of the 2024 Endless Mountain Music Festival Orchestra are presenting five free interactive EMMF Inspiration Concerts for children and adults, families and senior citizens, according to Coordinator Melanie Mashner. 

The musicians will share special performances of recognizable tunes from movies, video games and written by popular artists; demonstrate the instruments they play and talk about the different sections of the orchestra, including strings — violins, violas, cellos, double basses and harp; woodwinds — flutes, clarinets, oboes, and bassoons; and brass — trumpets, French horns, trombones, and tubas.