Photos by Tim McBride
Town Crier Phil Waber will greet visitors and ring his bell at the Victorian marketplace during Wellsboro’s Dickens of a Christmas celebration.
Hamilton-Gibson Productions will present A Dickens of a Concert Friday night at 7:30 p.m. and six performances of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at the Deane Center’s two theaters on Saturday and one performance on Sunday.
The 14-day Dickens of a Book Sale will be indoors at the Green Free Library at 134 Main Street in Wellsboro beginning Monday, Dec. 2 and continuing through Wellsboro’s Dickens of A Christmas on Dec. 6, 7 and 8 and ending on Sunday, Dec. 15 of Wellsboro’s Christmas on Main Street with the $5 a bag sale. For more information, call the library at 570-724-4876.
Gently used, gift-worthy books for Christmas will be available every day. “We will have books for all ages, including new fiction, nonfiction, coffee table and Christmas books, older books at special prices, audio books and DVDs, and special items for sale as gifts,” said Leslie Wishard, Green Free Library director. Proceeds support the library. “We do accept cash and credit card payments,” she added.
Book sale hours are: Monday, Dec. 2 through Thursday, Dec. 5, 9am to 6pm; Friday and Saturday, Dec 6 and 7, 10am to 4pm; Sunday, Dec. 8, 10am to 2pm; Monday, Dec. 9 through Thursday, Dec. 12, 9am to 6pm; Friday, Dec. 13, 10am to 4pm; and Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 14 and 15, 10am to 2pm.
For more information, call the library at 570-724-4876.
Tickets are available for purchase now through Saturday, Dec. 7 for chances to win one of five Dickens of a Christmas Raffle Baskets, the Friends of the Green Free Library’s annual fundraiser.
Basket #1 is the Gourmet Food Basket; Basket #2, Tioga Basket; Basket #3, Fenton Christmas Basket; Basket #4, Home for Christmas Basket; and Basket #5, Spa Basket. The baskets and their full list of contents can be seen at the library in the display case. Photos of all five raffle baskets are also on The Friends of the Green Free Library Facebook Page.
Tickets are $2 each or three for $5 and can be purchased at the library at 134 Main Street in Wellsboro, or from members of the Friends of the Library. Purchasers must be at least 18 years old and those purchasing tickets for raffle basket #5 that includes wine must be 21 or older.
The drawing for the baskets will be at 2pm Saturday, Dec. 7, in the library’s Pennsylvania Room, immediately following the Friends’ Dickens of a Christmas Reception being held there from 11am to 2pm with light refreshments. The Friends ask that winners pick up their baskets at the library or make other arrangements.
The purpose of The Friends of the Green Free Library is to raise money to provide needed funds for the library. This is done through the Friends’ Annual Book Sale, its biggest fundraiser, the raffle baskets at Dickens, and with memberships and other donations. The library has used these funds to purchase new books, provide reading programs, assistance with grants, building repairs, and other needs.
Local residents making cookies for the Dec. 7 reception should package three per resealable bags and drop them off at the library between 9am and 7pm Thursday, Dec. 5, and 10am and 5pm Friday, Dec. 6.
This Friday, Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the Coolidge Theatre at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro, Stage Fright and nine guest musicians will perform selections from The Last Waltz, the famous “farewell” concert given on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, 1976 by the Canadian-American roots rock group known as The Band.
One of the most spectacular events in rock history, The Last Waltz was presented in the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco, California, the same venue where The Band debuted in 1968.
Joseph Patrick Price, Sr., 81, of West Winfield, NY, died on November 21, 2024.
Joe was born on March 4, 1943, in Olean, NY. He graduated from the Port Allegany Union High School in 1961. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico. He received his master’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of New Mexico in Alburquerque, New Mexico.
He worked for the Oneida County Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) for 34 years. He served as the Director of Information and Technology Services until his retirement in 2001. He was also Head Coach for the Northern Community Golden Knights Pop Warner football team in Holland Patent, NY from 1973-1986.
Lynn K. Greenawalt, 74, of Ridgway passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024 at her home surrounded by her family.
She was born on October 14, 1950 in Sandusky, Ohio, a daughter of the late Andrew and Betty Henry Reigle.
Lynn worked at St. Marys Carbon and then worked at Motion Control in Ridgway for many years until its closure. She enjoyed collecting Fenton glassware and going antiquing. Lynn also enjoyed spending time at the Hazen Fleamarket. More than anything she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren.
Krista Chiaravalloti, 46, of Bradford passed away Friday, November 22, 2024, at Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Born on April 9, 1978, in Warren, to Elizabeth (Rodgers) Woodward and the late John Chiaravalloti.
Krista graduated High School in 1996 from Poteet High School in Mesquite, Texas where she played violin and enjoyed spending time with her friends and family. She loved spending time with her nephew (DJ) and her niece (Kelsey) and was so excited when her great nephew was born and could not wait to spoil him.
Krista showed compassion and love to everyone she met. Her smile and laugh were contagious, as her one goal each day was to make people smile. To know her was to love her, as she truly had a heart of gold and she will be deeply missed by many.
Robert A. Curcio, 71, of 21 Kloss Lane, Bradford, passed away Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Bradford Manor.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Richard “Dick” Zimmerman, 84, of Russell, Pa, died on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, in the John and Orpha Blair Hospice House, after an extended illness.
Family will receive friends on Friday, November 29, 2024, from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 pm, at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home Inc., 304 East St, Warren, Pa.
A complete obituary will be published when it’s available.
Stuart Joseph Myers, 80, of Hazel Hurst, passed away Monday (November 25, 2024) at his residence.
A full obituary will be announced by the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
Hunters Have Opportunity for Popular Buck and Doe Raffle
Bradford, Pa.: The Kinzua Quality Deer Cooperative (KQDC) announces that they will once again offer their popular buck and antlerless deer raffle at their TWO DEER CHECK STATIONS this year on SR 59 and SR 346. All deer will be weighed, measured, and aged for FREE for hunters. Each hunter bringing in a deer for checking will also receive a ticket on a cash raffle. Hunters bringing in antlerless deer will be eligible for a $500 raffle. Hunters bringing in an antlered deer will be eligible for a $250 raffle.
The days of operation will be Saturday, Sunday, Monday, November 30-December 2 and Saturday, December 7. Hours of operation will be 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. all four days. Hunters will receive a fluorescent orange KQDC hat for bringing their deer to the check station.
One KQDC deer check station will be in Marshburg along SR 59 again this year. The check station will be 0.4 miles east of Timberdoodle Flats at the John Perkins Parking Lot. Wooden signs on sawhorses will be placed along SR 59 and at Timberdoodle Flats to direct hunters to the check station.
The second KQDC deer check station will be at the Willows Restaurant on SR 346 along Willow Creek in Corydon Township about four miles east of the Willow Bay Recreation Area. The GPS address is 2669 West Washington Street.
The KQDC is managed for Quality Deer and a Quality Forest Ecosystem to provide a Quality Hunting experience. Other goals are to provide quality forests for landowners to manage for timber products, local employment, numerous outdoor recreation activities, and quality habitat for all wildlife.
The Kinzua Quality Deer Cooperative is an on-going demonstration, begun in 2000, of how hunting can be used to meet the goals of multiple publics for managing deer. A partnership of forest landowners, forest managers, biologists, hunters, and local businesses developed the program which relies on hunters to manage deer density on a representative forested area. The program is conducted on a 74,000-acre forested demonstration area in northwestern Pennsylvania.
On November 25, at 7:54 Shinglehouse Ambulance was dispatched to N. Oswayo St. to transport a woman to Coudersport Hospital
Bradford Area Public Library, Executive Director, Rebecca Feightner has taken a leadership role at the state level with her election to the position of Chair for the Pennsylvania Northwest Chapter of the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLa). She will assume her role of Chair beginning in January 2025. During 2024, she served as Vice Chair for the chapter.
Founded in 1901, the Pennsylvania Library Association is the state’s oldest professional library organization serving libraries, library employees, library trustees, and Friends of the Library groups. PaLa represents more than 1,300 personal, institutional, and commercial members affiliated with public, academic, special, and school libraries throughout the commonwealth. The association represents the profession in Harrisburg with the state legislature and provides opportunities for professional growth, leadership development and continuing education for librarians.
The Northwest chapter consists of Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties. Membership in each of the eight PaLa chapters is a mix of library type (i.e. school, public, archival, academic, etc.) and professional interests. Each chapter consists of an executive committee that is comprised of several positions. In her new role, Feightner will preside over two formal annual meetings, as well as monthly virtual gatherings.
John W. “Jack” Bauer, 90, of 130 Dove Road, St. Marys, passed away peacefully with his family by his side, Monday, November 25, 2024 at his residence.
He was born December 15, 1933, in St. Marys, son of the late Frank and Eleanor Nissel Bauer. He was a lifelong resident of the area, a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1952, and spent his working career at Stackpole Carbon for over forty years.
On July 25, 1959, in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Jack married Lois Hacherl, who survives. They were blessed to share sixty-five years of marriage.
Shirley A. McDowell
Port Allegany — Shirley A. McDowell, 88, of Port Allegany passed away Monday (November 25, 2024) at Sweden Valley Manor, following a brief illness.
She was born April 16, 1936, in Port Allegany, a daughter of Clifford and Neva McNeil Grimes. She was married to Llewellyn “Pick” McDowell, who died in 1991.
Mrs. McDowell attended Port Allegany schools. She was a member of the Class of 1954.
Throughout her life she was employed at several area manufacturing facilities, including Viko Furniture in Eldred, Jaguar Manufacturing in Smethport, and Ball Foster (Ardagh) Glass in Port Allegany, retiring in 1997 after 12 years of service. She was a skilled seamstress, sewing doll clothes for the Cameo Doll Company when it operated in Port Allegany. She operated her own fabric store for a time. She was also employed by the Market Basket, Kantar’s Department Store, and Georgie’s Fabric Center of Port Allegany.
On November 25, at 3:06 pm Wellsboro Fire Dept. was dispatched to Muck Rd. near Corky Rd. for trees down across the roadway with wires down. Chief one has ordered all units to hold in quarters. The tree is removed and the road is open
Anthony P. Magnetti, 81, formerly of Gates Hollow passed away Wednesday November 20, 2024 at the Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born December 2, 1942 in Berkley, CA he was a son of the late Anthony L. Magnetti and Helen (Allen) Fairbanks.
Tony was a 1961 graduate of Bradford High School and later graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford with a bachelor’s degree in public relations.
On January 9, 1961 Tony enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served until his honorable discharge on January 8, 1965.
Tony worked at Corning Glass Works, as an auto mechanic at Bell Telephone and Star Garage and at the Oil Production Department at Bradford High School. He was an accomplished taxidermist who worked out of his home. He retired to Florida and worked as a Sales Associate at Home Depot and a handyman in his community
Port Allegany, PA – The students and staff of the Seneca Highlands Career and Technical Center (SHCTC) came together in the spirit of giving this Thanksgiving season, completing a highly successful food drive that showcased the generosity and community spirit of the SHCTC family.
The drive, led by the dedicated students in the Networking program, collected an impressive total of nearly 800 non-perishable food items. These donations were distributed to members of the SHCTC family in need, ensuring they could celebrate the holiday with nourishment.
“Our students worked tirelessly to organize and promote this initiative, and the response was incredible,” said Mr. Bryant, the Networking shop instructor. “This project exemplifies what makes our community so special – the willingness to step up and support one another.”
The food drive is one of many ways SHCTC prepares students for the future, teaching not only technical skills but also the importance of leadership, collaboration, and community service.
To everyone who donated or helped in any way, the SHCTC students and staff extend their heartfelt gratitude. This Thanksgiving, the SHCTC family proved that when a community comes together, it can make a meaningful difference.
For more updates and news, follow SHCTC on social media and at iu9ctc.org
Cherry Springs and Lyman Run State Parks are pleased to offer the following winter programs for December 2024 and January 2025. Come out to stargaze, walk, or learn about animals in winter! All programs listed are free. Registration isn’t required for in-person activities, but you can sign up to receive a weather update a few days before the program. Register using the links below. Email Susan at sschenck@pa.gov or call 814-435-5010 ext. 2 with any further questions.
Cherry Springs State Park Programs – December 2024
In-person programs –Registration optional
Saturday, December 14 – Full Moon Walk or Snowshoe
7 PM – 8 PM – Park in the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field Lot
Take a moonlit evening stroll along crisp, wintery landscape. Join a park educator for a 1.5 mile walk along level ground on the Overnight Astronomy Observation Field. Snowshoes will be available as conditions and attendance allow. Learn about winter constellations and folklore along the way with a laser-guided tour of the night sky. Telescopes available if conditions are favorable. After the hike, sip on warm hot chocolate or tea by a fire in the historic CCC pavilion.
Saturday, December 21 – Nature Journaling and Tea
10 AM – 11:30 AM – Historic CCC Pavilion
Unwind from a stressful December by spending time in nature. Go on a short walk for inspiration, then return to the fireside to practice nature journaling while sipping on warm tea and hot chocolate. No experience or artistic talent needed. Materials provided or bring your own. Intended for adults and teens. Note that program takes place in a historic pavilion, while there are walls and a cozy fireplace, there is no central heat.
Saturday, December 28 – Year End Stargazing Stroll
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM – Night Sky Public Viewing Area
Wrap up 2024 with a starry evening stroll along crisp, wintery landscape. Join the park educator for a 1.5 mile walk along level ground in the Night Sky Public Viewing Area. Snowshoes will be available as conditions allow. Telescopes available if conditions are favorable. Learn about winter constellations and folklore along the way with a laser-guided tour of the night sky. Program will end by 7:30 PM, leaving time for all your Saturday night plans. All ages. Please wear warm clothes and sturdy winter boots. No pre-registration required, all ages.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s annual statewide holiday donation drive to benefit families in need is underway, and the Allegany County Democratic Committee is leading the effort in our area.
Donations of new unwrapped toys, new and gently used coats, and new school supplies are being sought to assist community-based organizations during the holiday giving season.
“Together, we can spread joy and hope this holiday season by supporting our community-based organizations through New York’s statewide Toy, Coat and School Supply Drive,” Governor Hochul said. “Every item collected is a reminder that kindness and generosity can brighten the lives of our children and families in need.”
Northern Potter Royalty teamed up with the Office Of Veteran’s Affairs Representative Rene Kicklighter and NPSD to bring joy to troops currently deployed this holiday season. Potter County Fair Queen Kayla Hyde and Maple Ambassador Alternate Marian Hamilton visited the 7th grade classroom to talk to kids about service, sacrifice, and supporting our troops. Students throughout the district were invited to bring goodies in to send overseas and create cards and pictures.
Original Post HERE
Everyone has off days. Maybe you feel reluctant to get out of bed because it’s still dark out, or you turn down invitations you’d usually accept. You might find yourself endlessly flipping through TV channels because it’s too cold to enjoy the outdoors. But are these just winter blues, or something more?
Many people notice changes in mood or routines during the winter. If these feelings come and go within a few days or affect only part of the day, it’s likely just a temporary dip. You may even recognize a trigger, such as stress at work, a recent loss, or significant life changes.
However, when these feelings persist for two weeks or more, it may be time to take action. Depression, if untreated, can disrupt work, relationships, and overall health. Common signs of depression include:
For about 5% of people in the U.S., especially in northern states, these symptoms may appear each winter and ease up in the spring. This is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression tied to seasonal changes. SAD often comes with cravings for sweets or starches, and people with SAD may find themselves sleeping up to 2.5 hours more each winter. When these symptoms arrive and depart around the same time each year, it’s a strong indicator of SAD.
BRADFORD, PA—Open Arms Community Church is thrilled to announce the launch of its Church for All capital campaign, an inspiring initiative to ensure their new building becomes fully accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. With the church’s anticipated move to its new location in downtown Bradford in the spring of 2025, this project demonstrates a profound commitment to creating a welcoming space where every individual feels they are included and valued.
The Church for All campaign aims to raise $200,000 to fund critical accessibility improvements for the Congress Street building. Key upgrades include: a Handicap-Accessible Ramp at the main entrance, involving adjustments to the doorframe to accommodate the proper ramp length, an Elevator System to provide access to all three floors for individuals unable to walk or navigate stairs, and handicap-Accessible Restrooms on the main floor, designed for comfort and convenience. Currently, the Congress Street building lacks adequate accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. The Church for All project is a step forward in creating an environment that reflects the inclusive love of God.
“This year, we’re rallying together to build something truly special—a Church for All,” said Zoe Hatcher, lead pastor of Open Arms Community Church. “Our dream is to show God’s love by creating a space where no one is left out.”
On November 25, at 9:25 am Ulysses Ambulance was dispatched to N. Brooklyn Rd. for a man fallen
Donald J. Crosby
Donald J. “Donnie” Crosby, 74, of Coudersport, formerly of Austin, passed away unexpectedly in his home on Sunday, November 24, 2024.
Funeral arrangements, entrusted to the care of Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, are incomplete and will be announced with a full obituary.
Deborah L. Ryan, 76, of Coudersport, PA, was surrounded by love when she transitioned to eternal life on Thursday, November 21, at UPMC-Cole Memorial Hospital, after a heroic 6-year battle with Frontal Temporal Dementia.
Debbie was born September 3, 1948, in St. Marys, PA., to the late Patrick and Dorothy Lewis of Emporium, PA. She enjoyed childhood adventures in Cameron County with her bestie, Judy Boyer. As a teenager, Debbie worked at her family’s store (Pat’s Grocery), led children’s activities at the recreational park, and was a highly-sought-after babysitter. She was on the cheerleading squad, the gymnastics club, and proudly accepted the title of “Class Clown” of 1966. She attended Clarion State Teachers College, where she was a resident assistant and honed her Canasta skills while earning a B.S. degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Physical Education. On June 27, 1970, one day after taking her final college exams, she married her high school sweetheart, best friend, and love of her life, Pete Ryan, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Emporium. Their marriage of 54 years was an example of resiliency, as they showed each other grace, love and support, even in the most difficult times. Debbie found great joy in being the mother of three children, whom she adored.
