Causer to Offer Property Tax/Rent Rebate Assistance at Kane Senior Center
The annual Property Tax/Rent Rebate Clinics hosted by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) get underway next week in Kane.
Causer’s office will be stationed at the Kane Senior Center, 100 N. Fraley St., on Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 1-3 p.m. No appointment is necessary, and the service is free.
“The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is a big help for many of our senior citizens and people with disabilities. This year even more people are eligible, and the maximum rebate is higher,” Causer said. “I encourage anyone who qualifies to apply.”
A new state law increased income eligibility limits to $45,000 for both homeowners and renters, and residents should exclude 50% of Social Security when calculating income. The maximum rebate was also increased from $650 to $1,000. The program benefits eligible residents 65 years and older; widows and widowers 50 years and older; and people with disabilities 18 years and older.
Additional clinics are planned in Emporium, Eldred, Galeton, Smethport, Austin, Ulysses, Port Allegany, Bradford, Mt. Jewett, Shinglehouse and Coudersport. For a full schedule of events, visit www.RepCauser.com.
To file for the rebate, residents must have the following documentation to allow claims to be processed:
- Renters will need a 2023 PA Rent Certificate, completed by their landlord, or statement from HUD office; 2023 proof of income, such as Social Security/Disability Form 1099, employment W-2, Pension/Retirement Form 1099 and Interest/Dividends Form 1099; and a driver’s license or photo identification. Some may also need to bring a death certificate, life lease or deed.
- Homeowners will need proof of 2023 paid property taxes to their county, municipality and school district; 2023 proof of income, such as Social Security/Disability Form 1099, employment W-2, Pension/Retirement Form 1099 and Interest/Dividends Form 1099; and a driver’s license or photo identification. Some may also need to bring a death certificate, life lease or deed.
Applicants who wish to receive their rebates through direct deposit should bring a check for account information. If not, paper checks will be mailed. Disbursements should begin after July 1.
Assistance is also available at Causer’s offices in Bradford (78 Main St., 814-362-4400), Coudersport (107 S. Main St., 814-274-9769) or Kane (54 Fraley St., 814-837-0880). Residents may also apply online at mypath.pa.gov.
The Hamilton-Gibson Treble Choir Hosts Area Musicians SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18
The Music of Peter, Paul & Mary
The Hamilton-Gibson Treble Choir hosts area musicians to sing songs recorded by the beloved folk trio Peter Yarrow, Paul Stookey, and Mary Travers
Songs will be performed by the Hamilton-Gibson Treble Choir consisting of singers in grades 5-8 from all over Tioga County. The event is a benefit for the group’s performance tour to the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay in May. This year the group is exploring songs about water (in all its forms) as well as spirituals sung by African-American slaves. The trip will explore the unique shore culture of the Eastern Shore as well as visiting a number of sites related to the heroic efforts of Harriet Tubman.
Other groups singing in the event will be the Gmeiner Cultural Center Open Mic group. This group consists of musicians and singers who have come together bi-weekly in an informal setting to sing songs for and with each other. Also singing is the local acappella group Pine Pitch. The group sings without accompaniment. Also singing is Chris Eckert who is becoming more and more familiar in the past few years as he sings in a variety of civic and religious venues.
The nature of the folk music Peter, Paul and Mary sang lends itself to a relaxed gathering of people to both listen and to join in with familiar lyrics. All ages can enjoy this event which features songs as familiar as “Puff the Magic Dragon” to songs of social justice. Most grandparents will know many of the lyrics to the songs and this will be a great way to introduce this group and genre to their grandchildren.
Refreshments will be available for purchase, as well as a number of games of chance. All proceeds will go toward the HG Treble Choirs’ tour in May.
The Deane Center, located at 104 Main Street, Wellsboro, is easily handicapped accessible with safe entrances both in the front (Main Street) and the rear entrances. Restrooms are all on the same level.
The event is at 2:30PM on Sunday, February 18. Cost is $10 for adults, and $5 for children 18 and under. Opportunities will be available to make a donation to the choir’s tour. General seating tickets are available at the door, by calling 570.724.2079, or on-line at hgp.booktix.org.
Other thoughts:
Last year the choir hosted a concert entirely of music made famous by the Beatles. We loved the collaboration with local singer Penny Eckman and Houston Baker and his band. The choir members were exposed to some new tunes and explored the genius songwriting of the Fab Four. This year I thought a different genre of music would be fun, and settled on PP&M with whom I grew up. I had all of their albums (remember them?) and knew most of the lyrics to all of their songs. When I proposed the group to this young choir I found that most of them had never heard of them. One of HG’s missions is to introduce classic plays and musicals as well as a wide variety of musical styles to young—and not so young—audiences.
New Scholarships Available From The McKean Coounty Community Foundation
New MCCF scholarship funds offer more opportunities for students
Several new scholarship funds were established this past year at the McKean County Community Foundation (MCCF). MCCF offers donors the opportunity to create funds to make their own philanthropic impact in the community. Donors can choose from a variety of fund types including scholarship, donor advised, designated, and agency endowment. MCCF administers a total of 56 scholarship funds in McKean County. These seven scholarships funds are among those newly created in 2023-24.
The Staff Sgt. Carl Enis Military Scholarship Fund honors Carl Enis who died at the age of thirty-one in a helicopter incident on the Syrian Iraq border and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. With generational ties to the McKean County area, Enis visited family often and was passionate about the outdoors in Pennsylvania. After college he enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Pararescueman, an Elite team of Guardian Angel Airmen. He lived by the Pararescue Creed: “These things we do, that others may live.” This scholarship honoring his memory will be awarded to a high school senior or adult learner involved in the military.
Basic Sign Language and Intermediate Sign Language Offered This Spring!
How many times do we encounter hearing-impaired people and wish that we could communicate with them? As we age, we gradually lose some of our hearing. Sign language can help. Also, mothers of pre-lingual children can use sign language as a tool with their little ones. Here is your opportunity to learn basic sign language that could help you or someone you care about.
.WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED……WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT
URGENT – WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service State College PA
215 PM EST Mon Feb 12 2024
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO
11 AM EST TUESDAY…
…WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED…
* WHAT…Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches,
with the least amount of snow expected along the New York border.
* WHERE…Potter, Cameron and Tioga Counties.
* WHEN…From midnight tonight to 11 AM EST Tuesday.
* IMPACTS…Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous
conditions could impact the morning commute.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…The exact track of the storm has trended
south by 50 to 75 miles. There will be a sharp gradient of snow
from north to south across the counties.
Dolores I. “Lois” Gordon, 86, of Roulette, PA
Dolores I. “Lois” Gordon, 86, of Roulette, PA passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at Sweden Valley Manor.
Lois was born on April 21, 1937, in Coudersport, the daughter of the late Willard Peet and Pauline Beazer. She married Erdmund D. “Dewey” Gordon on October 25, 1956 in Roulette and celebrated 36 years of marriage until his passing on November 11, 1992.
Lois was of Baptist faith, worked for Truck Lite for a short time, and mostly loved spending time with her family.
Paul E. Conn, 79, of Smethport, PA.
Paul E. Conn, 79, of Smethport, passed away Thursday (February 8, 2024) at The Pavilion at BRMC, Bradford.
He was born January 2, 1945 in Bradford, the son of Richard and Marie (Anderson) Conn. On October 13, 1973, in St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Smethport, he married Marlene D. Austin, who died January 4, 2022.
Paul was a graduate of Smethport Area High School class of 1963. He served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam, serving from 1965 to 1967. He earned a Purple Heart while in action in Vietnam.
Mr. Conn was a fork lift operator employed by Pittsburgh Corning of Port Allegany, PA. After his time working at PC, he worked for many years delivering pizza for Fox’s Pizza in Smethport.
Paul was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Smethport and the American Legion; Bucktail Post #138 of Smethport.
He is survived by:
One son: Casey P. (Kimberley) Conn of Smethport
One granddaughter: Chloe Conn of Smethport
One sister: Barbara “Sue” Atkins of Bradford
And several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife, Paul was preceded in death by one brother, Richard “Butch” Conn.
A joint memorial service for Paul and his wife, Marlene, will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Smethport, on a date to be announced. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Smethport.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
Eleanor Mary Montgomery, 78, of Smethport, PA.
Eleanor Mary Montgomery, 78, of Smethport, passed away Saturday (February 10, 2024) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport.
She was born December 4, 1945 in Bradford, the daughter of Richard U. Ford and Doris (Scofield) Ford Ordiway.
Eleanor was a 1963 graduate of Smethport Area High School and attended Spokane Community College of Spokane, Washington and also attended Whitworth College, obtaining her Master’s Degree in education. She was an English Professor teaching English Language at University abroad in Korea.
Eleanor was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Smethport, where she loved to sing in the choir, and she attended the Smethport Senior Center. She loved to crochet. She crocheted many blankets and items to be donated to Veterans organizations, along with items for Sena Kean Manor residents as well.
She is survived by:
One daughter: Christine L. (Raymond) Nelson of Napa, CA
Two sons: Kevin R. (Coco) Montgomery of Priest River, ID and Richard M. Montgomery of Spokane Valley, WA
Eleven grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren
Two brothers: William (Sandra) Ford and Gerald (Cheryl Razey) Ford, both of Smethport
Two sisters: Patricia (Bruce) Moses of Port Allegany and Phyllis (Chuck) Richardson of Olean, NY
And several nieces and nephews
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one grandson, Jacob Israel Montgomery, and her step father, Lionel “Skip” Ordiway.
A memorial service will be scheduled and announced in the near future at the Trinity Lutheran Church of Smethport. Burial will be in Bells Run Cemetery, Shinglehouse.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church of Smethport, the Veterans Home or Sena Kean Manor Activities. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.
David A. Corio, 75, of Two Mile Rd., Port Allegany, PA
PORT ALLEGANY- David A. Corio, 75, of Two Mile Rd., passed away Tuesday (Feb. 6, 2024) in his home.
Born August 29, 1948, in Lanesborough, MA, he was a son of George and Elizabeth Frey Corio. On Sept. 15, 2000, in Port Allegany, he married Virginia Rhodes, who died Mar. 28, 2022.
David was a resident of the area for over 23 years. He was employed with Adelphia Cable Co. (now Zito Media) of Coudersport, in the marketing department, before his retirement.
He was a member of the Association of Retired Persons and the Port Allegany Senior Center 50-plus club.
Patrick J. Cronmiller, of Youngsville, PA
Patrick J. Cronmiller, of Youngsville, PA, turned 80 on Saturday, February 10, 2024, and died peacefully Sunday morning, February 11, 2024, at John and Orpha Blair Hospice Home, Warren, PA., after a courageous battle with cancer.
A complete obituary will be announced when available through the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., Warren, PA.
Peggy Sitarchuk-Price, 61, of South Kendall Avenue, Bradford, PA
Peggy Sitarchuk-Price, 61, of South Kendall Avenue, Bradford, PA went to join her mother and father, Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at Bradford Ecumenical Home.
Born May 7, 1962, in Philadelphia, she was a daughter of the late Barbara (Cuneen) Price and Tom Price. She was a 1982 graduate of Bradford Area High School.
Peggy was employed at Futures Inc. for over 38 years.
Peggy participated in the local and state Special Olympics, and was awarded gold medals for events including bowling, swimming, gymnastics, track and field.
She was a member of St. Bernard Church.
Theodore M. “Ted” Barrett, 85, of 68 East Warren Road, Custer City, PA
Theodore M. “Ted” Barrett, 85, of 68 East Warren Road, Custer City, PA passed away Thursday, February 8, 2024, at the Sena Kean Manor.
Born February 1, 1939, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Paul L. and Margaret (Beckwith) Barrett. He was a 1957 graduate of Bradford High School.
On June 18, 1960, at the Hill Memorial United Methodist Church, he married Carol Sue (Byham) Barrett who survives.
Ted was manager of the autobody shop at Fairway Ford from 1960 to 1990. In 1990 he started Barrett’s Autobody Shop along with his wife. He retired in 2007, and turned the business over to his son Doug who continues to operate the company.
He was an active member of Hill Memorial United Methodist Church for many years, and the Street Dreams Car Club. Ted and Carol enjoyed going to car shows with his 1950 Chevy and her 1968 Mustang convertible.
Surviving in addition to his wife Carol of 63 years, is one daughter, Amy (Jim) Sage, of Pittsburgh, three sons, Jeffrey Barrett, of Orlando FL, Douglas (Kim) Barrett, and Sean Barrett, of Bradford, two grandchildren, Casey Sage and Kylie Sage, and several nieces and nephews.
Joanne C. Reese, 87, St. Marys, PA
Joanne C. Reese, 87, passed away at Elk Haven Nursing Home on Thursday, February 8, 2024, following a short illness.
She was born on May 9, 1936 in Warren, PA, a daughter of the late Nels and Agnes Hagstrom Carlson.
Joanne was a graduate of Warren High School, class of 1954. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Warren, where she enjoyed attending and found solace in her faith. She retired in 1998, having spent a long career working for many years at Bell Telephone Company and then several years in the office at New Process Company and then Blair Company. Always enjoying reading and exercising, Joanne loved nothing more than spending time with her family and grandchildren. A sweet, smart, loving, and precious mother and grandmother, she will be missed dearly by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
