Thomas J. Morris, Sr., 90, of Morris Lane, Bradford, PA.
Thomas J. Morris, Sr., 90, of Morris Lane, Bradford, passed away, Sunday, December 4, 2022, at his home, while in the company of his beloved wife and family.
Above all else, Tom was a family man and a working man. His wife, Ann, of 65 years was his dearest companion and the love of his life. Together, they raised five children, each one blessed to have forged a special relationship with their father – in them, his morals, values, and legacy lives on.
As a grandfather, Tom inspired his grandchildren to work hard, work smart, and be kind. For them, he provided wonderful memories and lessons to live by.
As a working man, Tom learned how to work from his father, an oil field contractor who moved drilling rigs and equipment throughout the region in the 1920’s, 30’s, and 40’s. In 1958 he partnered with his father and brother to expand their services and acquired cable tool drilling rigs. In 1979, Tom and his sons formed Dallas-Morris Drilling, Inc. where he served as president until his death.
Tom was instrumental in the growth and success of his family’s oilfield business which is now four generations strong. Throughout his career, Tom employed many hundreds of hardworking men and woman who were, because of him, able to provide for their families. Tom enjoyed his work and worked until his death.
Tom was a loyal husband, caring father, role-model grandfather, and fair boss. He was a provider all his life.
Born May 9, 1932, in Dallas City, he was a son of the late Charles J. and Lela Virginia (Moulton) Morris, Sr.
Tom graduated from Bradford High School in 1950.
After graduation, Tom enlisted in the United States Air Force and served in Germany. He was honorably discharged with three medals in March of 1955.
On October 12, 1957, in the East End Presbyterian Church, he married Anna Louise (Fraley) Morris who survives.
Surviving in addition to his wife Ann are two daughters, Brenda (and Robert) Wilton of Greenville, SC, and Beverly (and Chuck) Knowlton of Bradford, three sons, Thomas (and Susan) Morris, Jr., Steven (and Martha) Morris, and David Morris (and Sami Placer) all of Bradford, sixteen grandchildren, Paul (and Hannah) Morris, Stuart (and Ruby) Morris, Thomas (and Jessica) Morris III, Katelyn Morris, Caroline Morris, Benjamin Moonan, Julianna Morris, Maxwell (and Nichole) Wilton, Alexa Wilton, McKenzie Wilton, Joseph (and Sarah) Fuoco, Kathryn (Phil) Sell, Nick (Bobbi) Morris, David Morris, Taylor Morris, and Lauren Placer, and seventeen great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, one grandson, Ryan K. Moonan, one brother, Charles J. Morris, Jr., one sister, Ruth Virginia Copeland.
Tom was loved and respected by all who knew him.
Family will receive friends on Wednesday December 7, 2022, from 3-5 pm & 7-9 pm in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. 372 East Main Street. Private services will be held for family with Rev. Fred Zickafoose, Pastor of the Asbury United Methodist Church, officiating. Committal services and burial will follow in McKean Memorial Park Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Richard E. Slaven, 92, of Dairy Lane, Willow Creek
Richard E. Slaven, 92, of Dairy Lane, Willow Creek, passed away, Monday, December 5, 2022, at the Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and under the direction of the
Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
Kane Man Convicted of Megan’s Law Violation
(KANE, Pennsylvania): District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that, following a jury trial on December 5, 2022 at the McKean County Courthouse, Albert Thielges, previously of Kane, was convicted of Failing to Provide Accurate Registration Information as a Transient as required under the law formerly known as Megan’s Law (Felony 1).
The law formerly known as Megan’s Law, now known as the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), requires those convicted of certain offenses to register their address or other area where the offender frequents. Thielges was found to provide the address of a residence in Kane that had been torn down previously.
Officer Derrick Snyder of the Kane Borough Police Department investigated the case. Assistant District Attorney Sarah Dufresne prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. The Judge scheduled sentencing for January 12, 2023 at 10 a.m.
Sally A. Mangel, 72, of 56 Vista Circle, Bradford, PA
Sally A. Mangel, 72, of 56 Vista Circle, Bradford, PA passed away Thursday, December 1, 2022, with her husband by her side.
Born February 27, 1950, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Warren F. and Avanell S. “Abby” (Burkett) Riddle.
Sally was a 1968 graduate of Bradford High School, and later the Continental Beauty School.
On November 1, 1975, in Episcopal Church of Ascension, she married Brad B. Mangel who survives.
Sally worked as a beautician for the Ken Lorch Shop for a year then she purchased the shop which she ran until her retirement in 2003.
She enjoyed bowling in the Koffee Kup League, and the Thursday Night Ladies League. Sally was a member of the Zonta Club.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister Mary Harrington, and two brothers, Major Ronald Riddle and Joseph Riddle.
Private services and entombment will be held in Willow Dale Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Memorial contributions if desired may be made to the Cole Foundation, 1001 East 2nd St., Coudersport, PA 16915, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com
ACCLAIMED ORGANIST TO PLAY ADVENT RECITAL AT PITT-BRADFORD
BRADFORD, Pa. – The Annual Advent and Christmas Organ Recital on the Sarah B. Dorn Organ in Harriett B. Wick Chapel returns this year at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
James Kealey, an internationally acclaimed organist and doctoral candidate at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y., will play at noon Dec. 9.
Winner of the First Prize and Audience Prize at the 2022 American Guild of Organists’ National Young Artists Competition in Organ performance, Kealey is a young artist of great distinction who has appeared in recital in England, the United States and in Europe. Previous engagements include recitals at Westminster Abbey in London, Methuen Memorial Music Hall in Methuen, Mass., the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York, and recitals for guild chapters around the country. Upcoming engagements include concerts across the U.S., including a solo organ recital at the 2024 National Convention of the American Guild of Organists in San Francisco.
A native of Great Britain, Kealey came to the U.S. having held positions at notable English cathedrals. He received his undergraduate degree from Royal Holloway, University of London, and worked as senior organ scholar to the Chapel Choir there in its series of live broadcasts, international tours, recordings, weekly services and concerts.
In the spring of 2020, Kealey completed his Master of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music in organ performance and literature. Last year The Diapason, an international journal devoted to the organ, harpsichord, carillon and church music, named him to its “20 under 30 list, an accolade awarded to the most successful young artists in the field.
This is the 11th year the university has hosted the recital. The Sarah B. Dorn Organ was built by Schantz Organ Co. in Orrville, Ohio, in 2010. The organ contains 1,020 pipes that were voiced and tuned on site in the chapel.
Dorn was a philanthropist who supported Pitt-Bradford and former co-owner of Zippo Manufacturing Co. and W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co.
DEANE CENTER’S HISTORY COMES ALIVE SERIES TO PRESENT ROBERT GLEASON AS THOMAS PAINE ON WEDNESDAY DEC 14
On Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m., Robert Gleason will take the stage as Thomas Paine in the Coolidge Theatre at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro. Following his performance will be a question and answer session with the audience.
This is the fourth of seven History Comes Alive shows being presented by the Deane Center for the Performing Arts during the 2022-2023 series.
Committed to social equality, Paine was outspoken, controversial and articulate. With the help of Benjamin Franklin, he emigrated to the British American colonies in 1774, arriving just in time to participate in the American Revolution. In 1776 Paine helped inspire the Patriots to declare independence from Great Britain.
This English-born American political activist became the revolution’s mouthpiece, writing two influential pamphlets, “Common Sense” and “The American Crisis.” In “Common Sense,” Paine wrote: “These are the times that try men’s souls.” His words inspired a tired and disheartened Colonial army of 4500 to continue fighting against a British army that numbered 30,000.
His radical writings also included “The Rights of Man”, a work urging political rights for all men because of their innate equality, and “The Age of Reason.” The impassioned author championed the causes of the individual and of the mind.
Gleason lives near Lansdale, Pa. with his wife of 35+ years, and a large stock of costumes, props, and books.
He has a degree in Theatre Arts from West Chester University and has performed on stage, screen, television and radio. While serving in the U.S. Army, he toured Europe with the 7th Army Soldiers Chorus.
In 1991, the Bicentennial for the Bill of Rights, Gleason joined the American Historical Theatre in Philadelphia as James Wilson. He had been portraying Wilson, a Founding Father, for the Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge since 1985.
Gleason termed his meeting with AHT’s William and Pamela Sommerfield as a turning point in his personal and professional life. In-depth historical research and interaction with audiences have become hallmarks of his historical portrayals.
He has presented programs featuring nearly 150 historical figures, stretching over 2000 years of history. These programs have taken him to 21 states so far, from Washington D.C. to San Diego, California, and from El Paso, Texas to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Gleason has performed at the White House Visitors Center, The Smithsonian Institution, Constitution Hall, George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Ford’s Theatre, Independence Hall, The National Constitution Center and many others. He has been especially popular at schools, museums, historic sites and libraries throughout the United States.
The remaining History Comes Alive performances are in the Deane Center’s Coolidge Theatre at 7 p.m. on the following Wednesdays in 2023: Feb. 8, Bill Robling as Benjamin Franklin; March 15, Kim Hanley as Betsy Ross; and April 12, Robert Gleason as William Penn.
Tickets for each show are $15. Children 12 and under accompanied by a paying adult are admitted free. For information or tickets, call 570-724-6220 or visit www.deanecenter.com.
Shane M. WEINREBER, 43, of Shongo, NY
Shane M. WEINREBER, 43, of Shongo, NY, died Friday, December 2, 2022 in his home.
Born August 14, 1979, in Wellsville, he was the son of Mark and Linda Skillman Weinreber.
Shane attended Wellsville High School, owned and operated SW Sheetmetal in Shongo, and was employed by Mazza Mechanical Services in Olean, Bill Scott Heating, and Tim Shea Plumbing and Heating.
He was a social member of Shinglehouse American Legion Post #530.
Surviving are: his mother, Linda Weinreber of Belmont; three daughters, Sarah (Ryan Newman) Weinreber of Wellsville, Mackenzie Payne of Sebastian, FL, and Chelsey Payne of Vero Beach; three grandchildren, Olivea, Bentley, and Remington; two sisters, Heather (Melvin) Smith of Circleville, OH and Dawn (Kevin) Scott of Angelica; step-brothers, Matthew (Joanne) Cook of Harrisburg, NC and Olen Cook of Rockwood, TN; the mother of his children, Jeana (Jason) Wood of Sebastian, FL; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was predeceased by his father and both maternal and paternal grandparents.
A gathering to celebrate Shane’s life will be held on a later date. Memorials may be made to the family.
Arrangements are under the direction of OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
Barbara E. BOEKELL, 95, of Wellsville, NY,
Barbara E. BOEKELL, 95, of Wellsville, NY, died Friday, December 2, 2022 in Highland Park Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, Wellsville.
Born January 22, 1927, in Wellsville, she was the daughter of John and Ruth Hann Baldwin.
A graduate of Wellsville High School, she was employed by Reuning’s Bakery and Wellsville Auto Parts. Barbara was a member of Wellsville Country Club and JMH Twig. She was an avid golfer with her husbands and loved to watch it on TV. Barbara enjoyed crocheting, especially for the newborns at Jones Memorial Hospital. She was an avid Buffalo Bills fan.
Surviving are: a daughter, Bonita (David) Sweet of Penfield, NY; a daughter-in-law, Deirdre “Dee” Roeske of Wellsville; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins; and a special friend, Linda Trask of Wellsville.
She was predeceased by her first husband, Eli Roeske; her second husband, Franklin C. Boekell; a son, Randy E. “Rocket” Roeske; an eight-year-old brother; and a sister, Elizabeth E. Johnson.
Private burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellsville.
Arrangements are under the direction of OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.
William Robert “Billy” Dickerson, 36, of Portland, formerly of Shinglehouse, Pa.,
“a free spirit”
PORTLAND, Oregon—William Robert “Billy” Dickerson, 36, of Portland, formerly of Shinglehouse, Pa., passed away in the early morning hours of Thursday, December 1, 2022, in his home in Portland, after many years of opioid addiction that stemmed from chronic pain through the years.
Born on Wednesday, June 11, 1986 in Coudersport, he was a son of Don and Judy Strait Dickerson.
Billy was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School, Class of 2004, in Shinglehouse. He attended Slippery Rock University and furthered his education majoring in Communications, minoring in French, graduating from Buffalo State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. He also was given the opportunity to travel abroad to study in France for a semester.
He was previously employed in technical support for Apple in many cities throughout the country.
Billy enjoyed listening to all genres of music and was often found singing, dancing and living life to the fullest. Traveling was his passion. Everyone who knew Billy, knew that he wanted to live. His family and friends will remember his infectious laugh, love for adventure, and his sensitive soul.
Left to cherish his memory are his parents of Shinglehouse; two sisters, Amy Murray of Farmington, Pa. and Jennie (Eddie) Jackson of Genesee, Pa.; three nephews, Chase, Xavier, and Damion; a niece, Cassandra; his paternal grandfather, William Dickerson of Shinglehouse; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and many friends across the country.
Billy was predeceased by his paternal grandmother, Theo Dickerson; his maternal grandparents, Robert and Dorothy Strait; and several aunts and uncles, who he adored.
Family and friends may call from 5pm to 7pm on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, 118 South Union Street, Shinglehouse, Pa., where a celebration of Billy’s life will follow at 7pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Billy’s family has entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, Pa.
To express condolences, light a candle or share a fond memory of Billy, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.
Beverly J. Higley “memorial service slated”
COUDERSPORT, P a.—Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service for Beverly J. Higley, 90, of Coudersport, at Noon on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at the Coudersport Alliance Church, 7 Alliance Avenue, Coudersport, with the Rev. Josh Dean, pastor, officiating.
Beverly’s family entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
For further information please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com
Timothy Bradybaugh, 75, of N. Fraley St. in Kane, PA
Timothy Bradybaugh, 75, of N. Fraley St. in Kane, PA passed away Friday (Dec. 2) at UPMC-Kane. He was born on Dec. 23, 1946 in Kane, the son of the late Robert and Jessie (Ewing) Bradybaugh.
Tim had worked in the oil fields and also as a carpenter. He also had worked for several years at Kane Screen. He also served as a Marine in the Vietnam War during 1968-1969. He was an avid hunter up until a few years ago and enjoyed the outdoors.
He is survived by one son, Greg Bradybaugh of Kane; one daughter Nicole (Eric) Seelye of St. Marys; three grandsons, Trenton, Chesney and Trey Bradybaugh; one granddaughter, Hannah Seelye and a sister, Sandra Johnson of Kane. Also many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Bud Bradybaugh; four sisters, Connie Dalton, Colleen Taraska, Peggy Davidson and Sue ann Whippo and a grandson, Andrew Scott Bradybaugh.
Friends are invited to attend a visitation which will take place on Tuesday (Dec. 6) from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Cummings Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m., with the Rev. William O’Brien, pastor of St. Callistus Catholic Church, officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to any veteran related charity.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.cummingsfh.com.
Cliff Lane Elected to NACD Executive Board
Cliff Lane was recently elected as the North East Region Representative to the National Association of Conservation District’s (NACD) Executive Board. He will take office in early 2023.
“I look forward to representing Pennsylvania and the entire North East in my new role with the national association,” said Lane. “I know that my experiences here have positioned me to enact change on a national level with this association and I am committed to working with our next generation of leaders.”
Cliff has spent that last 4 years as Pennsylvania’s representative to the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD). For the past 9 years, he has been serving as the Northwest Regional Director of the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts (PACD) and is a member of the PACD executive board. Since 2004, Cliff has been a director for the McKean County Conservation District as the Commissioner Director and Secretary/Treasurer for the District.
USDA Seeks Applications for Grants to Help Rural Businesses
STAKEHOLDER ANNOUNCEMENT
Produce and Market Value-Added Products
WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary
Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to establish and operate
Agriculture Innovation Centers (AIC). AICs provide technical and business development assistance to
agricultural producers seeking to market or produce value-added products.
USDA is making $8 million available under the Agriculture Innovation Center Program. AICs may use the
grants to provide assistance to help agricultural producers develop and market value-added products as follows:
• business development services
• market development services
• financial advisory services
• process development services, such as engineering, production system scale ups, scale production
assessments and systems development
• organizational assistance, including legal and technical advisory services
• value chain coordination
• product development, excluding research and development
• grants of $5,000 or less to agricultural producers for the services listed above
• center start-up and operation
Recipients must provide matching funds of least one-third of the project budget.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, commercial organizations, local governments, state
governments, Indian Tribes, and institutions of higher education. Applications for grants must be submitted
through Grants.gov no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 5, 2023. For more information, see page
74392 of the Dec. 5, 2022 Federal Register.
If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
CHERYL HEIN WALTERS TO PRESENT FREE GOLDEN AFTERNOONS PROGRAM “A HARP HOLIDAY WITH FRIENDS” ON TUESDAY, DEC. 13
Cheryl Hein Walters (shown) will present “A Harp Holiday with Friends” at the free Golden Afternoons program.
At 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13, “A Harp Holiday with Friends” featuring Cheryl Hein Walters, flutist Peggy Morehart and harp students, will be in the lobby at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro.
This one-hour Golden Afternoons program is free for people 55 years old and up. Light refreshments will be provided.
A harpist, singer, poetry and story lover, Walters will intersperse light, classical holiday pieces and audience sing-alongs with her favorite holiday poems and stories. Those attending will be invited to pat, clap, sing or stomp along with gusto.
“I find myself reading aloud a lot,” said Walters. “Poems or stories followed by a harp piece gives your imagination a chance to rest, digest or chew on what you have heard. When I sing or read to others, I try to recreate the same magic of music and story I knew when I was growing up. “
Walters taught elementary music in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas for 11 years before moving to Mansfield in 2007.
For the past 15 years, she has been teaching harp, voice and piano to private students and substitute teaching as well as doing public relations work. Walters is a church musician, playing many Sundays at St. James Episcopal Church in Mansfield. She also plays the harp for dinner parties, weddings, funerals or any special occasion and is the director of Hamilton-Gibson’s Choir, Too.
For more information about this free program, call the Deane Center at 570-724-6220.
PennDOT Details District 2 Construction Season Wrap-Up
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced the many highway improvements that took place across the region during the 2022 construction season, in Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Juniata, McKean, Mifflin, and Potter Counties.
Overall highlights in the 2022 construction season for District 2 included:
- approximately 157 miles of paving
- approximately 49 bridges were repaired or replaced
- approximately 440 miles of roadway were seal coated
District Executive Tom Zurat said, “This year District 2 funded over $112 million on over 80 construction projects in our region.” “We appreciate the patience our customers show us as our staff works hard to maintain, improve, and enhance state-owned roads and bridges across our 9 counties”
Notable projects that have been completed this year include:
- I-80 bridge replacements at the 123/Woodland interchange and reconstruction on SR 970 in Clearfield County, $18 million;
- Route 322 widening, safety improvements, and addition of a turn lane near Philipsburg in Clearfield County, $8.1 million
- I-80 local interchange for SR 26/I-80 in Centre County east of I-80 exit 161, $52 million;
- Safety improvement project for Routes 64/550 intersection realignment in Centre County, $3.7 million;
- Route 150 City of Lock Haven signal upgrades in Clinton County, $2.8 million
- Safety improvement project for Routes 26/45 near State College; $5 million;
- Winslow Hill Local Roadway Paving project/T-520 in Elk County; enhancement of pedestrian movements, emergency vehicle accommodation, drainage, and guide rail through elk viewing area; $2.8 million;
- SR 3023/A03 in Juniata County; bridge replacement over Tuscarora Creek in Lack Township; $2 million; BIL funds directed to other projects made this one possible.
- SR 219/537; Highway restoration in the City of Bradford, Bradford Township, and Foster Township; $5.7 million; $1.3 million came from the BIL;
- SR 22/721; Highway resurfacing in Oliver Township, Granville Township, and McVeytown Borough in Mifflin County; $1.3 million; $1 million coming through BIL;
- SR 144/A03; Bridge replacement over Ives Run in Abbott Township, Potter County; $998,000;
Notable projects that will continue next year are: - SR 3014/153; highway restoration and drainage of Atherton Street in State College; $30 million ($2.5 is BIL);
- SR 322/P50; bridge preservation over Clearfield Creek east of Clearfield; $1.2 million, totally covered by the BIL;
- SR 255/N47; Safety improvement at 11 signal locations in City of DuBois and Sandy Township; $1.2 million;
- SR 120/325; Paul Mack Boulevard Highway lighting improvements to replace existing, deteriorated lighting and incorporate LEDs; $2 million funded by BIL;
- SR 219/ST5/2-22/ST52; Resurfacing in McKean County, stretching from SR 59 intersection north toward Lewis Run (including Lantz Corners intersection); project made possible when BIL funding went to other projects;
- SR 1011/A05; Bridge replacement over Genesee River in Bingham Township, Potter County; $1 million, with more than $837,000 covered by the BIL;
- SR 1005/720 Highway resurfacing/betterment project from Electric Avenue to Market Street in Lewistown Borough, Mifflin County; $5.4 million;
Information about infrastructure in District 2, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D2Results.
Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.
MESSIAH COMMUNITY SING IS SUNDAY, DEC. 11
Hamilton-Gibson Productions is presenting the 18th Annual “Messiah: A Community Sing” Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Pearl Street in Wellsboro.
Composed by George Frideric Handel in 1741, the “Messiah” is the signal work of the Christmas season for millions of people around the world, primarily because of the “Hallelujah” chorus.
Coordinating the community sing is Thomas Putnam, HG artistic director. “It lasts about an hour,” Putnam said. “Handel took text from the Bible to tell the Christmas story. The music is beautiful. There are five choruses that those attending can sing together. Mansfield University choral program students sing the solos. Everyone is welcome to come and sing–or listen,” said Putnam.
Audience members who want to sing the choruses are encouraged to sit in the soprano, alto, tenor and bass vocal sections on Dec. 11. Musical scores will be provided or participants can bring their own.
There will be plenty of room for thoses who choose to listen to all of the music but not sing.
Admission at the door is Pay-What-You-Can. Proceeds will benefit the Hamilton-Gibson Children and Youth Choirs. No reservations are required.
For more information, call Hamilton-Gibson at 570-724-2079 or email hamgib@gmail.com.
Harry James “Jim” Thomas, 75, of Sunrise Acres Rd., Emporium, PA
Harry James “Jim” Thomas, 75, of Sunrise Acres Rd., Emporium, PA passed away at his residence on Saturday morning (December 3, 2022) following a lengthy illness.
He was born July 28, 1947 in St. Marys, PA a son of the late Harry D. and Jean Lingenfelter Thomas. On February 24, 2018 in Emporium he married Beth Berry, who survives.
Jim graduated from Cameron County High School, Class of 1965. He worked for GTE Sylvania right out of high school and through college as a Materials Manager for 20 years before coming back to Emporium in 1985, where he worked for Pennsylvania Pressed Metals for 2 years. In 1987, he owned and operated The Happiness Inn with his then wife, Charli until 1990 when they purchased The Cabin Kitchen. They ran the Cabin together until her death, eventually selling the business in 2009.
His love for his community led him to run for County Commissioner, serving 2 terms from 2012-2019. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter Carmella whom he thought of as a daughter. He was an avid golfer and was a member of the Emporium Country Club for over 52 years. He also enjoyed his weekly poker games and betting on sports with his friend Dick Green.
In addition to his wife Beth he is survived by two daughters, Darlene (Jim) Morton and Anne (Randy) Horning, both of Emporium; a son, Robert (Tracy) Thomas, Tamaqua; two stepsons: Justin Austin of Irvonia and John Legersky of Emporium; one step daughter, Janelle Legersky of Emporium; eight Grandchildren: Christopher and Adam Barnett, of Emporium, Dustin Thomas, of Tamaqua, Kelsey (Tim) Smith of Zebulon, NC, Dylan, Eric, & Gavin Morton; all of Emporium, Carmella Austin of Emporium; Great Grandchildren Jack and Saylor Smith, Zebulon, NC; sister, Becky (Lowell) Fryxell, Emporium; brother, Tim (Ginger) Thomas, Pasadena, MD; sister-in-law, Carol Thomas, of Emporium.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte “Charli” Thomas in 2001; a son, Shannon Thomas in 1980; great granddaughter, Maisie Michelle Smith; and one brother, Arnold “Butch” Thomas.
Visitation with Video Tribute will be at the Barnett Funeral Home, 207 E. Fourth Street, Emporium, PA on Wednesday (December 7, 2022) from 11:00 AM – 1:45 PM. with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 PM with Father Matthew Ryan, officiating.
Burial will be take place in the Thomas-Ryan Cemetery, Emporium, PA.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the charity of the donors choice.
Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net
BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.
Carmen M. Wehler, 79, of Teaberry Road, St. Marys, PA
Carmen M. Wehler, 79, of Teaberry Road, St. Marys, PA passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at her home.
She was born on April 18, 1943 in St. Marys, PA, a daughter of the late George and Rose Cornelio Garbic.
On October 2, 1961, at Sacred Heart Church, she married the late Richard J. Wehler, who preceded her in death on March 20, 2008. Together they shared more than 47 years of love and laughter.
Carmen was a lifelong resident of the area and graduate of St. Marys High School. She was a member of Queen of the World Church and retired from Grotzinger’s Equipment after many years of service. She had also worked at Penn Bank for a number of years.
She was a talented crocheter, always enjoying making blankets for her family. She also enjoyed sewing and swimming, and could often be found cooking for her family. Together with her husband, they were members of the Elk County Cloggers and the North Country Cloggers.
A kind, loving, and generous mother and grandmother, Carmen cherished nothing more than spending time with her family.
She is survived by 3 children; Denise Cheatle and her husband Dan, Richard (Amy Pichler) Wehler, and Keith (Nancy Pistner) Wehler, all of St. Marys, by her 7 grandchildren; Shane Cheatle, Betsy (Edison) LaValle, Nastashya (Richard) Butto, Kyle Wehler, Savannah Wehler, Jordan Wehler and Nash Wehler, as well as by her 9 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother; David Shope of Erie and a sister; Theresa “Sis” Fox of Maryland, as well as by several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Carmen M. Wehler will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Queen of the World Church, 134 Queens Road, St. Marys, PA 15857 with Rev. Jeffery Noble, Pastor, as celebrant. Burial will be in the St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.
There will be no public visitation.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Queen of the World Church or to a charity of choice.
Lynch-Green Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com
