New Christian Business Forum Introduced in Allegany County on Small Business Saturday
New, free opportunities for Allegany County entrepreneurs and organizations to help improve their businesses were introduced on Small Business Saturday today by an area nonprofit organization.
Allegany Hope is forming a Christian Business Forum, with some services available immediately and additional connections starting after the first of the year.
Small Business Saturday is a national effort to promote a focus on shopping at small businesses due to their major economic significance to hometown communities.
The Allegany County Christian organization, which is focused on Building Healthy Communities Through Healthy FamiliesTM, currently is offering free internet access to more than 20,000 online videos through the national RightNow Media @Work, which include individual sessions and film series on helping to grow businesses.
These include video presentations by former executives of a variety of well-known organizations, including HP, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Walmart, Chick-fil-A, Hobby Lobby, Tyson and more.
Related subjects include leadership, professional development, communication and teamwork, conflict resolution, mental health and wellness, character, ethics and integrity, values and culture, diversity and inclusion, best business practices and others.
Personal series on couples in business, marriage and family, parenting, finances, and studies for men, women, teens and children also are available for both business owners and organization managers and the general public.
Casey Jones, Allegany Hope executive director, says that successful businesses and organizations which provide products and services which are focused on benefiting the public reflect the Christian principle of serving others.
Individuals of all faith backgrounds are welcome to join the Forum.
Jones, who has served in leadership capacities in several business and service organizations from local to state, national and international, became an entrepreneur at the age of 10 when he started selling greeting cards, formally entered business at 16 as a news reporter and photographer, and then graduated into main street retailing and providing services in both nonprofit organization and government management advisor positions.
After the first of the year, he will be facilitating video training opportunities and discussion groups for the Forum, which first will be provided online to enable maximum participation throughout the county without travel requirements and, then, depending on geographical response, may move in the future into local in-person gatherings in various areas.
The organization leader said that providing current and potential entrepreneurs with resources to help them focus, maintain and grow their operations is critical, noting that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nearly one out of five new businesses close their doors within the first year of operation.
This, he said, is followed by a nearly 40 percent failure rate by the third year, over half by the fifth, and nearly two-thirds within 10 years.
The Forum, which Jones said has received positive response from organization leaders he has talked with, particularly after closure of the Greater Allegany County Chamber of Commerce several months ago, is designed to bring together business and nonprofit leaders to obtain training, realize support from each other, and exchange ideas and resources which encourage success.
Further information and registration for the free online access to business, organization and related videos, along with details about startup of the January online gatherings, are available by sending one’s name, name and type of organization or business, community, email and telephone number to Jones at AlleganyHopeWNY@outlook.com or (484) 435-0503.
Galeton, Pike Township Back in 67th Legislative District, Causer Says
COUDERSPORT – Effective Dec. 1, the Potter County communities of Galeton and Pike Township will again be part of the 67th Legislative District served by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter).
A decade ago, these communities were shifted into the 68th Legislative District. However, due to population changes identified in the 2020 U.S. Census, they were moved back into the 67th District as part of the recent redistricting process.
“I am pleased to welcome back the residents of these two municipalities and to now represent all residents of Cameron, McKean and Potter counties,” Causer said.
He noted his offices in Bradford, Coudersport and Kane, as well as Harrisburg, stand ready to help residents with services such as:
- PennDOT paperwork, including driver’s license and vehicle registration applications and renewals.
- Information and applications for senior citizen benefit programs, including Property Tax/Rent Rebate and PACE/PACENET prescription drug programs.
- Information and applications for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
- Help with securing birth and death certificates (photo identification required).
- Information about legislation.
- Assistance with resolving matters relating to state agencies.
The offices can be reached as follows:
- Bradford – 78 Main St., first floor, 814-362-4400.
- Coudersport – 107 S. Main St., Room 1, 814-274-9769.
- Kane – 54 Fraley St., Suite 2, 814-837-0880.
- Harrisburg – 147 Main Capitol, PO Box 202067, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2067, 717-787-5075.
Causer’s office can also be reached online at www.RepCauser.com. Residents are also encouraged to follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
Coudersport Dispatched to Crash on North Hollow Road
At 6:39 PM on Saturday, Coudersport Fire & EMS have been dispatched to 354 North Hollow Road for a vehicle off the road into a tree. One injury is reported.
Reported driver struck a deer and went off the road into a tree. Possibly facial injuries, truck off the road
Car vs Motorcycle Crash With Injuries Near Coudersport
Potter-Tioga County Fire Wire
Homer Township, Box 48-06, Intersection of Dividing Ridge Road and Dutch Hill Road, Motor Vehicle Accident reported car vs motorcycle with injuries.
Departments 48, 49, Coudersport ALS. Called in by the driver of the motorcycle. Stated he was rear ended by a car and he had his juvenile daughter on the back of the bike. Reporting injuries. Roadway reported blocked at the intersection. Requesting Medevac. Rescue 48-8 to the scene. Engine 48-3 to establish the Landing Zone.
Tioga 911 on phone with Air Medical. Closest helicopter has a 35 minute eta. Cancelling the helicopter.
All units returning. Ambulance 49-17 enroute to UPMC Cole.
PennDOT Discusses Winter Preparations and Situational Awareness at Regional Traffic Management Center
Officials from four Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) districts held a combined media event today to discuss winter preparations and how the central Regional Transportation Management Center (RTMC) assists with situational awareness for the traveling public.
Jason Powell, District 2 Maintenance Operations Manager, provided an overview of the center, which provides coverage services to 26 counties in the region. Powell noted, “The tools and technology we use allows us to respond quickly, make changes quickly, and share information quickly. The service we provide through the RTMC helps keep motorists safe as they travel through the region”.
RTMC services include 24/7 monitoring and posting of road and bridge restrictions/closures, managing traffic related and weather-related incidents, and oversight of the Intelligent Transportation System, which includes traffic cameras, message boards, and Highway Advisory Radio.
In discussing traffic safety, Powell explained that–as part of a signage pilot project– the department has [BM1] deployed variable speed limit, or VSL, signs at 63 total locations:
- 21 locations along I-80 in Clearfield (mile marker (MM) 100-133) and Clinton (MM 182-193) counties;
- Six locations on I-80 in Clarion and Jefferson counties on the approaches to Emlenton Bridge (MM 42-45), North Fork Bridge (MM 78-81), and Kyle Lake Bridge (MM 92-95); and
- 36 locations along I-81 from I-78 to I-80 in Lebanon (five locations), Luzerne (seven locations), and Schuylkill (24 locations) counties.
When visibility or roadway conditions call for lower speeds, the VSLs help to quickly reduce speed limits—displaying the lower speed limit vividly for motorists. When speed limits are reduced, a yellow light at the top and bottom of the VSL will be flashing to further ensure motorists are aware of the change.
While the VSLs are in place through April, permanent speed limit signs will be covered, and the normal posted speed limit will be displayed on the VSL unless visibility or winter weather conditions call for slower speeds.
Earlier this year, the program was active in 12 locations along I-80 in Clearfield County. Preliminary results show this low-cost innovative solution effectively slowed traffic when needed and reduced or eliminated crashes. Locations were chosen based on crash and weather data, such as frequent wintry conditions and where crashes caused by whiteout conditions led to roadway closures of more than three hours.
With more than $212 million budgeted for this winter’s statewide operations, PennDOT deploys about 4,700 on-the-road workers, has more than 636,000 tons of salt on hand across the state and will take salt deliveries throughout the winter.
Ken Bair, Assistant District Executive – Maintenance with District 3 reported that PennDOT is prepared for the winter season.
“Our preparation for the winter season starts the prior spring,” said Bair. “Across our regions counties have adequate materials on hand, equipment has been prepped and personnel have reviewed their snow routes for the winter.”
If motorists encounter snow or ice-covered roads, they should slow down, increase their following distance and avoid distractions. Last winter in Pennsylvania, preliminary statewide data shows that there were 266 crashes resulting in two fatalities and 116 injuries on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways where aggressive-driving behaviors such as speeding or making careless lane changes were factors.
Motorists should prepare for potential wintry weather by ensuring they have supplies in their vehicles before heading out: food, water, blankets, extra gloves and hats, cell phone charger, hand or foot warmers, windshield brush and scraper, and any specialized items like medications or baby and pet supplies.
In addition, snow squalls can often produce dangerous and deadly travel hazards on otherwise clear winter days. The National Weather Service now issues “Snow Squall Warnings” which alert drivers of whiteout conditions and slippery roadways, so motorists can avoid traveling directly into these dangerous squalls.
Joan L. Leviski, 87, a resident of Silver Creek Terrace and formerly of Beech Road, St. Marys, PA
Joan L. Leviski, 87, a resident of Silver Creek Terrace and formerly of Beech Road, St. Marys, PA passed away on Thursday, November 24, 2022 in DuBois following a brief illness.
She was born on June 9, 1935 in St. Marys, PA, a daughter of the late Ivan and Genevieve DeGroat Snyder.
On November 12, 1960, in Queen of the World Church, she married the late Vincent M. Leviski, who preceded her in death on November 24, 2011. Together they shared more than 51 years of marriage, and Joan joined him in Heaven exactly 11 years later.
Joan was a graduate of Central High School and was a member of Queen of the World Church. Over the years, she was employed at Loblaw’s and Bell’s. In her free time, Joan enjoyed crossword puzzles, reading, and spending time with her family.
She is survived by 3 children; David (Diane) Leviski of Ellicott City, MD, Stacey (Dave Pisani) Iorfida of Johnsonburg, and Amy (Rick) Hoyt of Johnsonburg. She is also survived by six grandchildren; Laura (Matt) Hyde, Michael (Shirley) Leviski, Miranda (Kyle) Fauls, Ryan Hoyt, Zach Iorfida, and Edward Pisani, and by three great-grandchildren; Harlyn, Louie. and Andrew, and was anticipating the birth of her fourth great-grandchild.
In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by a sister; Miriam “Jean” Elmquist.
Funeral Services for Joan L. Leviski will be held on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Lynch-Green Funeral Home.
Burial will follow in Parklawn Memorial Gardens in Ridgway.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Elk County Humane Society.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael St., St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com
DICKENS OF A BOOK SALE STARTS MONDAY, NOV. 28 AND ENDS ON SUNDAY, DEC. 11
The Dickens of a Book Sale is being held indoors for two weeks, starting Monday, Nov. 28 and ending on Sunday, Dec. 11 in the main area at the Green Free Library at 134 Main Street in Wellsboro.
Staff members are conducting the sale. Proceeds will be used to support the library.
Included will be gently used books, coffee table books, audio books and DVDs for Christmas gift giving. “We will be restocking throughout the sale,” said Director Leslie Wishard.
Hours the first week, which includes Dickens of a Christmas weekend, Friday, Dec. 2 to Sunday, Dec. 4, are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28 through Thursday, Dec. 1; from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2; from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3;and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4.
Hours the second week, which includes Christmas on Main Street Thursday, Dec. 8 to Sunday, Dec. 11, are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5 through Thursday, Dec. 8; from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9; and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10 and 11.
EMMF EARLY BIRD SEASON PASS IS AVAILABLE UNTIL WEDNESDAY, NOV. 30 FOR $150
A $150 early bird season pass to attend 13 Endless Mountain Music Festival concerts featuring world-class musicians is available only through next Wednesday, Nov. 30.
On Thursday, Dec. 1, the price will increase to $199throughSaturday, Dec 31 and will increase to $250 onJan. 1, 2023.
“The early bird season pass is an opportunity to give a music lover a great gift for Christmas, a birthday, anniversary or just because,” said Cindy Long, EMMF executive director.
The 17-day festival will offer a menu of music from Friday, July 21 through Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023 at venues in Pennsylvania and New York.
Admission to six of the eight symphony orchestra concerts on Fridays in Mansfield and Saturdays in Corning, N.Y. is $39 each or $234 and to eight of the 10 chamber concerts is $30 each or $240.
Two of the eight symphony orchestra concerts are free with one in Wellsboro on July 23 at 2:30 p.m. and the other in Corning on Aug. 6 at 2:30 p.m.
Two of the 10 chamber concerts are free and will be in Pennsylvania, one outdoors under the stars at Cherry Springs State Park near Galeton in Potter County at 8 p.m. and the other indoors at the Yoked Church in Knoxville in Tioga County at 7 p.m.
The total price to attend the 13 concerts is $474. Those who purchase a $150 early bird season pass will save $324 off the price of admission. For more information about the early bird season pass, call 570-787-7800.
Legion Auxiliary of Port Allegany VMI (Vets Club) Winter Coat Distribution Today
On Saturday, November 26, the Legion Auxiliary in the Port Allegany VMI (Vets Club) will have a distribution of the winter coats they received during a very successful coat drive. If you’re in need of a coat or know someone who is, stop by between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Pictured is Legion Auxiliary President, Kathy Link.
All of November through the week before Christmas, the Potter County Farmers Market will move indoors to the Riley Gallery
All of November through the week before Christmas, the Potter County Farmers Market will move indoors to the Riley Gallery, next to the Crittenden, on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The next market will be this Saturday, November 26th. Here is a list of who plans to be there and what they plan on bringing to the Market:
The LONG FAMILY will be in the Riley Gallery on Saturday with Handmade Birdseed Wreaths and Ornaments. Adorned with a beautiful ribbon, these make the perfect gift and the birds love them!
ME AND MY BOYS SOAP will be in the Riley Gallery on Saturday. We will have a selection of soap bars, shampoo bars, lotions, and bath bombs. We have also put together some gift boxes and have decorative jars filled with bath bombs. We accept cash or card payments. For more information you can email meandmyboyssoap@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page.
KELLY’S QUILTS & CRAFT is planning on attending this week with quilt & Christmas items
BLACK CATS AND PAPERCRAFTS is planning on being there with charms, quilled paper light boxes, wall hangings, hair accessories, paper and resin jewelry and other assorted paper crafts. We also have cards, gift tags and gift boxes for the holidays and are taking a few more commissions to be done by Christmas. For more information, or to make a custom order contact Leon at blackcatsandpapercrafts@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page to see sneak peeks of the new things we’re making at https://facebook.com/blackcatsandpapercrafts
David B. Gutowski, 79, of Greenbriar Drive, Kersey, PA.
David B. Gutowski, 79, of Greenbriar Drive, Kersey, passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at Penn Highlands DuBois, surrounded by his loving family.
Dave was born May 10, 1943, in Force, PA, son of the late John P. and Irene Benini Gutowski, Sr. He was a lifelong resident of the area and attended St. Boniface Grade School and Fox Township High School which consolidated to St. Marys Area High School, where he graduated in 1961. He attended DuBois Business College, where he earned a degree in Accounting and Business Administration.
On October 27, 1962, in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Jo Rigard, who survives.
Dave was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, having served during the Cuban Crisis and the Vietnam Era. While in the Air Force, he was assigned to bases in San Antonio, TX, Biloxi, MS, and Syracuse, NY. He was assigned temporary duty in Watertown, NY and a year at Sparrevohn, AK in the Alaskan Air Command. His duty was in the Aircraft Control and Warning Field where he assisted officers with the control of fighter aircraft to secure the safety of U.S. Northern borders. He served four years active duty and two years inactive reserve. He was discharged honorably as a Staff Sargent.
He worked at several businesses related to computers and management, retiring in 2013 from Eastern Sintered Alloys as sales manager after 25 years of service. He also worked part-time at Riverside/BiLo for 10 years.
Dave had a true love for his country and his community where he was a faithful parishioner of the St. Boniface Church and former member of the St. Boniface Parish Council. He also was a former member of the Fox Township Sewer Authority and past member of the APMI Board of Directors. He was a member of the CMF and American Legion Post 511.
He enjoyed going to his grandchildren’s activities and loved being outdoors. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed hunting and fishing when he was younger. He particularly enjoyed the family vacations to Myrtle Beach and the adventures with his wife driving across the country.
In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by two daughters: Sharon Barbazzeni and Pamela Smith (Timothy), both of St. Marys; two sons: Dean A. Gutowski and David M. Gutowski (Marjorie), both of St. Marys; seven grandchildren: Adam Barbazzeni (Jessica), Joel Barbazzeni (Katie), Andrew Smith (Gennavieve), Marcella Smith, Alexander Smith, Allison Gutowski, and Luke Gutowski; three great-grandchildren: Angelo Barbazzeni, Mayzee Barbazzeni, and Theodora Smith; two sisters: Veronica Sterbank (John) of Kersey and Mary Carbonara (Ronald) of State College; a brother Michael Gutowski (Catherine) of Mercer, PA; a sister-in-law, Kathleen Gutowski of Rochester, NY; and by many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by a brother, John Gutowski.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the St. Boniface Church on Monday, November 28, 2022, at 11:00 AM, with the Rev. Kevin Holland, Pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Full military rites will be accorded by the Fox Township Servicemen’s Burial Detail.
Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Sunday, November 27, 2022 from 5:00PM until 7:00PM.
In honor of Dave’s brother John, memorials, if desired, may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL, 33131 or to the St. Boniface Parish, 355 Main Street, Kersey, PA 15846.
Online condolences may be offered at www.lynch-radkowski.com.
