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The annual Veterans Dinner was held at the VMI (Veterans Memorial, Inc.) Saturday night.  Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Wayne Thomas.  During the program, Thomas presented three PAHS grads, Class of 2024, with $1000 scholarships.  Awarded the Roxie Taylor Volunteer Scholarship was Julia Postlewait.  The Paul Maynard Scholarship of Courage was awarded to Anastasia Robbins and Alana Corey.  Guest speaker for the event was PASD Superintendent  and Army Veteran Paula Newell.  

Members of the First Presbyterian Church along with other community volunteers packed shoe boxes  to be sent to children in underdeveloped areas.  Operation Christmas Child is organized by Samaritan’s Purse.  People around the world put together these shoe boxes to be sent to 178 countries.  Children receive them as possibly the only gift they receive in their lives.  With the boxes, they are also given booklets telling about Christ. 

For over five years, the Port Allegany FPC has been giving shoe boxes.  This was the second year the church hosted a packing party for the whole church to participate.  This small church along with the help of several others, prepared 130 boxes.  Once they have been processed, the church will be notified of what country their boxes were delivered.  Last year’s boxes went to the Dominican Republic. 

Members of the PAHS Class of 2025, Aidan Clark and Grace Finn are pictured following their visit to the Port Allegany Rotary Club.   Aidan is the son of Aaron and Jessica Clark and has a sister, Dana. He was introduced by Rotarian Charlie Cox.   Aidan is a member of the Marching Band, Concert Band and plays the trombone and baritone; Drama Club – performing in fall plays and spring musicals; National Honor Society, Port United Soccer team, recently selected as a league all-star, and track.  His hobbies include reading, hiking and soccer.  Aidan’s future plans are to attend the University of Pittsburgh main campus and study Geology. He plans to continue marching band in college.  

Grace is the daughter of Wallace and Diane Finn and has a brother, Daniel.  She was introduced by Rotarian Susan Flint.   In school, she participates in Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Envirothon, Reading Competition, and National Honor Society.  She is also a member of 4-H.  Her future plans are to attend Houghton University  to major in writing and minor in equine/Attend Mt. Aloysius and major in ultrasonography.  Her hobbies include reading, writing and hanging out with family. 

Aidan and Grace represented the local Rotary Club at the 2024 RYLA.   

Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) and incoming House Republican Leader Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton) issued the following joint statement on the recent decision of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in Republican National Committee v. All 67 County Boards of Elections:

“We applaud the decision of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to order counties to not count mail-in and absentee ballots that fail to comply with the Pennsylvania Election Code. This ruling not only upholds the rule of law but is also in line with the clear and plain reading of the Election Code and several past court decisions upholding the validity of the dating requirement for mail-in and absentee ballots.

“A law is not confusing or inconsistent merely because people do not like it. The Pennsylvania Election Code unambiguously states that mail-in and absentee ballots must be correctly dated to be valid. Ballots not complying with the Election Code should not be counted.

“Given this decision of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, it is clear Sen. Bob Casey should concede the election to Sen.-elect Dave McCormick and save Pennsylvania counties and taxpayers the time and expense of a recount and the continued, unwarranted questions about the validity of the election.”

As a rural health physician, I witness firsthand the profound connection between access to quality health care and the overall health of our community. It is a connection we must prioritize if we wish to foster vibrant, resilient rural areas where families can thrive.

When people can access quality care, the benefits extend far beyond the individual. Preventative services, management of chronic illnesses, and timely treatment saves lives and empowers people to live more productive, fulfilling lives. This, in turn, bolsters our local economy, enhances educational outcomes, and creates a stronger sense of community. Unfortunately, across the Commonwealth, access to quality health care is decreasing.

Pennsylvania has the third largest rural population in the country with 48 of our 67 counties considered rural by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. Rural communities face unique challenges. Distance, provider shortages, and financial barriers often prevent residents from getting necessary care. In some cases, people must travel hours for a simple check-up, leading to delays in care that can have devastating consequences. We cannot afford to ignore these disparities.

Come visit us on Friday and Saturday nights from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, beginning November 29th through December 21st. Don’t miss our final night on Christmas Eve as well! Make sure to stop on your way back down the road to say hello and grab a Christmas treat! For everyone’s safety, we ask that you do not exit your vehicle or pull into the driveway. We want everyone to be able to safely enjoy the display and treats!

Located at 523 Bolivar Drive Bradford, PA

Merry Christmas from the Barger’s

Please feel free to share and spread the word!

Grades K-8 are invited to join us for our December After School Discover Days! Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with Festive Ornament Challenges, a Grinch Chimney Challenge and Max’s Christmas Flight that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on design. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

Plus, don’t miss out on our monthly raffle! After completing the after-school exit ticket, your child’s name will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win an Amazon Gift Card!

Check out our new location! We’re now offering After School Discover Days at the Bennett’s Valley Community Center, located at 19073 Bennetts Valley Highway, Weedville, PA 15868.

Event Details:

• December 3rd & 5th, 2024: Cameron County Rec Center – 4H After School Program | 3:30pm – 5:00pm
• December 9th, 2024: Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library | 3:30pm – 5:00pm
• December 16^th, 2024: Bennett’s Valley Community Center I 4:15pm-5:15pm
• December 17th, 2024: Johnsonburg Public Library | 4:30pm – 6:30pm
• December 19th, 2024: Ridgway Public Library | 3:00pm – 4:30pm

We hope to see you there for an afternoon of creative fun and learning!