April - Juniata River Valley

Inside the view...
Place to Visit
1
Schedule of Events
2
Member Spotlight
4
New Members
5
After Hours
6
Jim‟s Corner
8
We would like to invite you to become a
sponsor of the 5th Annual Juniata RiverFEST, held this
3rd of July. Your sponsorship will help make this year
another huge success, and allows you to get the best
“BANG” for your buck! RiverFEST is our all-day 4th
of July Independence celebration held in Victory Park
along the Juniata River featuring the Juniata River Raft
Regatta, Community Float, River Rampage 5k, Rockin’
by the River Live Entertainment, Vendors, Activities, and of course, FIREWORKS!
RiverFEST is a community effort and our sponsors will play a huge role. Without sponsors, we cannot produce
the high quality, exciting event we are striving for. We have many different levels of sponsorship available. Sponsorship
opportunities will give your organization/business the chance to support our annual 4th of July Juniata RiveFEST Event!
Want to help? Give the office a call!
PLACE TO VISIT FOR APRIL!
The buzz words of the future are energy efficiency,
greening and organic. We are all searching for ways to streamline our energy use, be it
electricity, natural gas, propane or fuel oil. “Energy Star” logos, “Pink Panther” insulation, solar and wind power…the list goes on and on. One business in the Juniata River
Valley has made a significant investment in increasing efficiency and reducing long term
costs. Carpet and Furniture World on Electric Avenue between Lewistown and Burnham is making major energy saving changes that will pay huge returns over both the
short and long term.
President/Manager Lydia Cramer read a story in the paper dealing with a competitive energy grant being administered by
Penn State Small Development Center and pursued the opportunity. She had a new highly efficient heating system designed
and invested many man hours preparing the grant paperwork with the assistance of SBDC personnel. She also applied for a
grant from First Energy (Penelec) for assistance with installing all new light fixtures and new bulbs throughout both floors of
the business. Both grants were for a percentage of the total cost up to a capped total available for each applicant. She was
successful in both cases and now has the lighting and heating systems installed and is enjoying reduced energy costs and uniform heat and much enhanced lighting distribution. Stop by to see and discuss her projects and spend some time discovering
the exciting selection of home furnishings and floor coverings available in the huge retail establishment.
Lydia is justly proud of the evolution of her late Father‟s business since she became a part of it 21 years ago. Walter Felmlee
not only founded the business, but he worked along side the construction workers building the store,
fashioned from salvaged insulated commercial doors. He was “green” long before it became
popular. Lydia‟s creed of always treating the customer the way she likes to be treated applies to
her approach to selling, taking care of problems after the sale and fairness in offering competitive
prices. She is proud of the quality products she stocks and points out the many “Made in the
U.S.A.” tags hanging on the merchandise. She offers a wide
assortment of custom made country and primitive accessoCarpet & Furniture world
ries as well. Stop by soon, you’ll find a lot of pleasant 625 Electric Avenue - Lewistown, PA 17044
Phone: 717.248.1267
surprises.
Page
2
APRIL
2010
Schedule of Events
RECURRING EVENTS
Wine and the Economy
Pennsylvania’s moderate
climate and rolling terrain provides some of the best growing
conditions for raising wine grapes on the East Coast. Over
100 of Pa’s wineries produce a delightful array of wine varieties… perhaps more kinds than any other wine region.
Pa’s wine industry is growing rapidly in both production and
reputation. At the very heart of it all rests the passion of the
winery owners. These family owned agricultural operations
create not only a unique offering of wines, but have also developed a special brand of hospitality which is offered to the
hundreds of thousands who visit their wineries each year.
PA WINE FACTS (from the Pennsylvania Wine Association):
The industry contributes over $ 900 million to the Pa
economy
There are over 150 licensed wineries in the state
One million gallons of wine produced annually
Over one million visits to wineries annually
There is a winery within 45 minutes of every home in the
state
Vineyards and wineries are good for Pennsylvania in
many ways. They help rural areas by protecting valuable historic farmland. Grapes are one of the few crops to offer
enough financial return to fend off developers. Every winery
and vineyard in the state is family owned and operated, helping to protect the tradition of small family farms in the commonwealth. Vineyards and wineries also help provide stable
jobs and tax inputs into rural economies. In the tradition of
Napa Valley and the Finger Lakes, they are a boom to tourism.
Eight successful wine trails attract city folks looking for a
country experience that only the view and taste at a winery
can deliver.
We highly encourage you to make it a day trip and tour
our fine winery member’s facilities:
Brookmere Winery and Vineyard Inn - Route 655, Belleville (717-935-5380)
Seven Mountains Wine Cellars - Exit Route 322 West
just before Potters Mills (814) 364-1000
Shade Mountain Winery - Route 104 between Middleburg and Mifflinburg (570-837-3644)
This is the perfect month of the year to enjoy a drive
through the countryside and meet the wonderful families that
own and operate these fine wineries. Be sure to pack a camera.
Belleville Sale & Livestock Auction - Wednesdays – All year (unless a
holiday) in Belleville 7am-3pm. Amish & Mennonite baked goods, produce,
quilts, antiques, livestock, and wares. Large Flea Market and food
vendors. 717-935-2146
Dairyland Flea Market - March through December on Wednesdays
(weather permitting) Beside the Dairyland Complex in Reedsville, PA
Golden Mile Farmer’s Market - June through October on Tuesday & Friday
Mornings at the Derry Township Community Park in Lewistown, PA
Historic Pennsylvania Canal Boat Ride – Locust Campground in
Lewistown, PA. Departure time and dates on: www.locustcampground.com
or (717) 248-3974
April Events
Spring Rally in Big Valley - visit: www.visitbigvalley.com
April 3rd @ 1pm - Community Easter Event by Briar Rose. Held at the IV
Middle School Football Field. Bring your own basket! Prizes—WCHX Live
broadcast - IKE the Spike - 717.667.6795
April 10th - 13th Annual Big Brothers Big Sisters - Spring Fling Rummage
Sale - 7:30 am—1:00 pm at the Penn State Ag Arena.
April 16 Belleville Mennonite School Benefit Auction. Held at the Belleville
Mennonite School in Belleville, PA. 717-935-2575.
www.bellevillemennoniteschool.org
Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting - APRIL 14th
@ Lewistown Country Club at 7:30-9:30am. Chamber Awards will be
presented, featured speaker is from Kardex. Members $15. RSVP by
April 9th.
April 20 - Business Basics Workshop by SCORE - 9am—Noon.
Registration required: www.scorecpa.org . 814-234-9415. Held at the
Historic Courthouse conference room in Lewistown, PA.
April 24 Kid Connection. Free Fun and Activities for Children. Activities and
Entertainment all day in Downtown Lewistown, PA. 717-247-5255
Sacred Heart - More Than An Auction: A Family Fun Fest at the Youth
Park in Reedsville. More than an Auction is an annual event that is always
held the last Sunday in April.
APRIL 28TH - BUSINESS AFTER HOURS EXPO - 5:30-7:30PM held at
Brookmere Vineyard Inn Pavilion. Focus on: Home & Office Savvy 717.248.6713
May Events
Penn State Small Business Development Center Seminar - Doing
Business with the Commonwealth - Government Contracting MBE/ WBE.
Thurs, May 6 (9am-Noon), 253 Transfer Road, Bellefonte (FREE)
Mifflin County Christian Academy - Annual Benefit Auction Friday &
w w w . j u n i a t a r i v e r v a l l e y . o r g
Page
3
APRIL
2010
Business and Education
Committee Tour
The Chamber's Business and Education Committee sponsored a tour on March 8 for students from
the Mifflin Juniata Career and Technology Center. The students are participants in the Health Sciences curriculum, led by CTC teacher and health professional, Chelsea Boyer. The 55 students were given
an opportunity to tour the state of the art health and
science lab at the Penn State Learning Center in
downtown Lewistown. Dr. Kirk Gilbert demonstrated
many of the tools that students are able to utilize to
simulate real patient experiences. Students also participated in discussions with Learning Center staff
about career choices and post-secondary education
options.
The second stage of the tour was a trip to Lewistown Hospital, where students were provided with
behind the scenes tours of various departments. They
were able to select the area of their interest at the hospital, and were led on the tours by
various department heads.
To cap off the day, all students were treated to a fabulous lunch at Birch Hill, catered by
Ewing and Company. During lunch, Kay Hamilton, President and CEO of Lewistown Hospital, provided a keynote address. Her message was that healthcare is a great career choice,
but not for everyone. She shared her personal career journey and provided many thought
provoking questions for the students to consider as they move forward in the healthcare
field.
Many thanks go to the South-central Workforce Investment Board, who provided
the funding for this event. As always, the Business and Education Committee welcomes
new members and new ideas. Contact the Chamber office for meeting information.
Frequently Asked Questions About S.C.O.R.E.
1. Who are SCORE's business counselors?
SCORE is a non-profit association with 12,400 volunteers. Our
volunteers are successful entrepreneurs and executives who give back by sharing their expert business advice with
you. You can take advantage of their expertise through in-person and online counseling. Learn more about SCORE
volunteers.
2. Why is SCORE advice free and confidential?
SCORE advice is free because our counselors donate their
time. They enjoy sharing their knowledge and want to see you succeed in business, too.
3. What is "Ask SCORE" online?
Ask SCORE is a convenient and fast way to get your business questions anwered. Go to our Ask SCORE page and enter keywords or a biz topic. Then, choose a mentor from the list who best
matches your business needs, and send him/her your questions. You wil receive a personal email reply within 48
hours. You can also meet in person. Find SCORE to contact your local SCORE office.
4. Is there a limit to how many times I can use "Ask SCORE"?
Talk to SCORE again and again. There's no
limit to any of SCORE's services. Long-term mentoring is a great help. And, specialty experts can help as you request
answers to specific questions.
5. Is SCORE for start-ups and companies already in-business?
Yes. Whether you're just forming a business idea or planning to sell, we can answer all your business questions. Try Ask SCORE today. You might be their
next success story.
w w w . j u n i a t a r i v e r v a l l e y . o r g
Page
4
Schedule of Events
APRIL
2010
(contd.
From
pg
2)
Saturday 9:00 am at the Mifflin County Youth Park, Reedsville, PA
May 10-17th - Creekside Hearth & Patio Customer Appreciation Days.
Food, Door Prizes, & Great Deals! 220 West Freedom Avenue, Burnham
PA. 717.248.9984
Mention the name “Geisinger” and we immediately think of the medical center in Danville with
its acres and acres of parking, 404 patient beds and
incredible life saving services. However, we all know
Geisinger means so much more. A quick trip to their
web-site, www.geisinger.org, will provide you with
all the information you could ever want.
Today we are going to focus on the two Geisinger Clinics in the Juniata River Valley; Lewistown
and Mifflin. For the past 27 years Geisinger has had
a presence in the Lewistown area. For most of those
years they were headquartered within the Lewistown Hospital. Seven years ago they built a beautiful, bright, modern building off of Green Avenue
next to the new Blossom Hills development (former
Mifflin County farm), serving 25,000 area patients.
They also supply the Hospitalists who provide the
inpatient care at the Lewistown Hospital, a new concept freeing up family practioners to spend more of
their valuable time in their offices.
Whether you are looking for quality primary
care or need the focused treatment of a skilled specialist, Lewistown Clinic can take care of your needs.
The physicians provide every kind of service from
family medicine, pediatrics and women’s health to
rheumatology, medical oncology and neurology. The
site also offers lab services, ultrasound, radiology services and a pharmacy.
Two exciting innovations are electronic check
-in (with a swipe of a driver’s license) and Proven
Health Navigator, whereby you are assigned to a case
worker who supervises your entire health care plan.
Electronic service enhancements are never at the cost
of quality care, but rather for the added convenience
and service to the patient. This goes hand in hand
with their Electronic Health Record that allows access to each patient’s medical records, whenever and
wherever needed within the Geisinger medical community.
Geisinger-Juniata, located in Mifflin, is
housed in a modern, free standing facility offering
Family Practice through two physicians and a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner, CRNP.
The
May 15-16 Kish Creek Trout Tournament. Tagged trout tournament along
the Kish Creek. Registration at Mifflin County Youth Park in Reedsville, PA.
717-667-6110 or www.kishcreektrouttournament.com.
18th Annual Children’s Miracle Network Event will be held in the Lawn &
Garden Department of Wal-mart on May 22nd at 5:00 pm.
May 22-23 Mifflin-Juniata Arts Festival. Held at Lewistown Rec Park in
Lewistown, PA. www.mifflinjuniataartsfest.com or (717) 248-0582
MAY 25 - Juniata Valley EAC Seminar - UNEMPLOYMENT
COMPENSATION DENISE KERR, UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION,
HARRISBURG BRYAN DIEHL, UC BOARD OF REVIEW, HARRISBURG
~ Unemployment Compensation Updates and Mock Hearings with
audience participation
Touring Friends Downtown Lewistown Cruize-In. www.touringfriends.com
June Events
Mifflin County Green Expo - Saturday, June 19, 2010 from 10:00 am - 5pm
at the Mifflin County Youth Fair Grounds in Reedsville, PA. Email
[email protected] or (717)899-6701
Rally In The Park at Derry Park – Touring Friends- www.touringfriends.com
July Events
Juniata RiverFEST – July 3rd Noon - 11pm @ Victory Park, Lewistown PA
Raft Regatta - Rockin’ by the River - 5k Race
Touring Friends Downtown Lewistown Cruize-In. www.touringfriends.com
JULY 27– Juniata Valley EAC Seminar - EMPLOYMENT LAW UPDATES
with BRUCE BAGLEY, and JOHN BAKER - BOTH ATTORNEYS FROM
MCKNEES WALLACE & NURICK LAW FIRM IN HARRISBURG ~ This
could include EFCA, ERISA, Discrimination ETC.
clinic also provides in house laboratory and radiology
services. Both clinics have full access to the staff and
services of the nationally renowned Geisinger Medical Center in Danville.
The good news for the 75,000 residents of the
Mifflin/Juniata region is the excellent health care
opportunities that the Geisinger Clinics, the Lewistown Hospital and the Mifflin County Community
Surgical Center provide right here at home.
Member Since 2001!
w w w . j u n i a t a r i v e r v a l l e y . o r g
Page
5
APRIL
2010
Please join us in welcoming our new Chamber Member
by patronizing their businesses! Their membership
reflects their integrity as a responsible business owner and demonstrates their
commitment to the community.
R Cubed Networks, LLC
Ryan Ritchey
Spring House PA 19477
(215)948-2843
(877)508-3796
www.rcubednetworks.com
[email protected]
Molly Maid of Mifflin / Juniata
Louis A. Grose
169 Gerald Street
State College PA 16801
(717)248-8330
www.mollymaid.com
[email protected]
UCT
Lisa Snyder
MCIDC Plaza Building 10
6395 State Route 103 N.
Lewistown PA 17044
(800)541-0559
(717)247-0109
www.unitedchem.com
10 Duguesneway
Lewistown PA 17044
Emily Royer
(717)247-2787
www.nittanypapermills.com
[email protected]
Lost Creek Golf Course
Shawn Burchfield
28983 RT 35 N
Oakland Mills PA 17076
(717)463-8336
www.lostcreekgolfpa.com
[email protected]
AM PM Mini Mart
Dhanji Mistry
230 Electric Avenue
Lewistown PA 17044
(717)248-0050
[email protected]
Rittenhouse Busing
Tina & Keith Rittenhouse
460 Mountain Lane
McVeytown PA 17051
(717)348-0985
[email protected]
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
Frey Motors Chrysler
Dodge Jeep, Inc.
Juniata Valley YMCA
Norlin Warehousing
Service Inc.
Kish Printing Inc.
Royal Green Golf
Center, Inc.
Juniata County
Commissioners Office
The Bierhaus
One-Stop
Communications
DaVita, Inc. (Lewistown
Dialysis)
Nittany Label &
Printing, Inc.
Goss Auto Parts, Inc.
Dex, Publisher of the
EMBARQ (tm) Yellow
Pages
Hoag's Celebration Hall
By Hoag's Catering
Budget Inn
Nittany Office
Equipment, Inc.
w w w . j u n i a t a r i v e r v a l l e y . o r g
DS Building Products
Forever Broadcasting
La Colombiana
Chief William Herkert
Penn's Cave & Wildlife
Park
Seven Oaks Press
Ye Old Dog House &
Dog House Sales
Advanced Color
Graphics
Hammer Mill Bar &
Grill
Iron Horse Bed &
Breakfast
NE Distribution
Heritage Home Rentals
Northern Litho, Inc.
Jane Miller &
Associates
L. Karl Sangrey Builder
John P. Mertz
J.A.E. Designs
UCP Central PA
Finders Keepers
Page
6
APRIL
2010
You would think you were
in Williamsburg, Virginia when you
enter the home to Squire Brown‟s
retail establishment in Reedsville,
next door to the Honey Creek Inn
Restaurant.
For years Michelle Logan
was the proprietress of the Sugarbox gift and home décor shop in the Dairyland
complex at the 322/655 intersection (Belleville Exit). Two years ago she built the current building and
changed her business name to Squire Brown‟s, LLC. (Squire Brown, namesake for Brown Township).
Every room in the two story shop presents a feeling of being in a beautiful colonial home. The
furniture and accessories are all period pieces and her seasonal merchandise enhances the atmosphere. One large room is dedicated to the Vera Bradley line exclusively for which she is the only area
dealer.
The store was exquisitely decorated with exciting Easter and spring décor which heralded the first week of spring.
Close to one hundred members enjoyed the networking and partook of the appetizers from Reedsville Sea Food Company.
Colby Guyer won the door prize of a large gift basket of goodies from the store.
UPCOMING AFTER HOURS:
2010 After Hours:
2011 After Hours:
April 28th - After Hours January - Hoss’s Steak &
EXPO at Brookmere
Sea House
May 26th - Metzler
February - Goin’ Postal
Forest Products
March - Sacred Heart of
June - Central PA Dock & Jesus Parish and School
Door
April - After Hours EXPO
July 28 - South Hills
May - Belleville
Business School of
Mennonite School
Lewistown
June - OPEN
August - OPEN
September - Walnut
Springs Racquet Club and
Ed’s Train Repairs & Sales
October - Paint OUR
Town Pink with Mary Kay
November - Rich Coast
Coffee
December - Holiday
Gathering hosted by
Lewistown Country Club
July - OPEN
August - OPEN
September - One-Stop
Communications
October - Keystone
Complex
November - OPEN
December - Holiday
Gathering hosted by
Quillas Creek
EXPO
APRIL 28TH, 2010
Focus on
on:: Home & Office Savvy
Held at the...
Brookmere Winery & Vineyard Inn Pavilion
All the exhibitors have something in common…
They can help make our homes and offices more
inviting, energy efficient & functional as well as
beautiful; both inside and out!
BRING A GUEST and Get Connected!
Cost: $5 per Attendee. Please email, fax, or phone-in your
reservation by Friday, April 23rd.
w w w . j u n i a t a r i v e r v a l l e y . o r g
Page
7
APRIL
2010
Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kid’s Sake
The Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitors
Bureau teamed up with some other Chamber Members to participate in this annual fund raising event. Jill Haubrick & Rhonda
Walters represented the Chamber & Visitors Bureau while Jim
Zubler with Downtown Lewistown Inc, Mike Tate with GME
Communications, John Walters with Home Nursing Agency &
Bible Baptist Church with friend Joe Fiore rounded out this
“highly skilled” team.
The group may not have had perfect bowling form or even
gotten remotely close to the pins on most rolls, but everyone had a
great time and most importantly money was raised for a worthy
organization doing great things in our community. By the way, if
you see Jim Zubler around town, you may want to congratulate
him since he did roll the highest score on the team (which wasn’t
all that difficult of a feat!) Congratulations to Cher Harpster and
her staff for a wonderful event!
Miller Cinemas 6 Adds 3-D Projector
Wow! „3-D‟ movies are right here and right now.
That‟s right, Millers Cinema 6 now has a brand new Real D
„3-D‟ Christie Digital Projection System. The new addition to
the largest stadium seating auditorium of the six screens at
the Miller cost in excess of $70,000.
In the 29 years Lou
Silverman has been the owner
of the property he has continually upgraded the theaters
and has added stadium seating, wall treatments, new carpeting, new screens and a refurbished classic marquee.
Watch for the release
of the Dreamworks Studios
new animated family feature,
“How to Train Your Dragon”
in brand new „3-D‟, right here
in the Juniata River Valley.
See you at the movies!
The 503 registered participants of the “first ever”
Mifflin County Meltdown had lost a net 2,699.7 pounds
as of April Fools Day. With one week remaining, the
odds of loosing over 3,000 pounds are very attainable.
The meltdown focused the community’s attention on healthy living issues in so many areas. Speakers
addressed hypertension, diabetes, diet (including vegetarian and vegan) nutrition, high cholesterol and exercise.
May “View” will contain a full report on the
Meltdown and focus on the possibility of a six month
tune-up in early fall and a second annual meltdown in the
spring of 2011.
From the Daily Sentinel. June 10th,
1919: “It was the bravery of these men,
and other American boys like them, that
safeguarded our liberty, made possible
the freedom we are now enjoying.
Their sacrifices were our gain...” “Our
boys stood shoulder to shoulder... It’s
up to us to stand shoulder to shoulder
for the boys.”
The Victory Park Veterans Mural is underway. In April, tree removal and light sandblasting of the mural sight will take
place. Our muralist, Dwight Kirkland of Blackleaf Studios (www.blackleafstudio.com), will then take the reins and prime and
paint the background color on the wall. If you would like to help with this part of the mural give us a call. Extra hands will be
needed!
Over the next couple of months, Victory Park will be given a lasting piece of art in honor of those… “who responded to
the colors.” We are so pleased that this project is finally in motion and cannot wait for it to be finished. Unveiling and dedication is set to happen at Juniata RiverFEST on July 3rd!
w w w . j u n i a t a r i v e r v a l l e y . o r g
Page
8
Jim’s Corner
APRIL
2010
Does everyone have a “first car” story? I imagine they do. It is such a right
of passage in life. First you turn sixteen, apply for a driver‟s permit, sign up for driver‟s
education and challenge a family member to take you out on the open road for driving
practice. It certainly must be every teenager‟s greatest thrill.
It was in April those many years ago that I was able to convince Uncle Evert to
take me out driving in preparation for the test. I had turned sixteen in January but in
Kane the snow lingers until April most every year. He agreed to help if I waited until
snow free roadways in April. I did. April 1st I had permit in hand and was enrolled in
driver‟s Ed at Kane High School. The Driver‟s Ed car was a 1961 Nash Rambler, stick shift
on the column.
Now I need to make it clear that we did not have a family automobile
and Mom never learned to drive. Uncle Evert lived on the street behind Mom. He
and his sister, Aunt Elsa, never married and resided together in the family homestead
with Grandma. Aunt Elsa hadn‟t learned to drive; however, she had tried and failed
many years ago.
Every evening following dinner we would all load into Uncle‟s 1952 Pontiac, automatic transmission, two door grey
sedan, the ladies in the back seat and we men in the front. We drove on the open roads; we drove on every street in town, we
parallel parked, we backed up, we turned, we u-turned, we three point turned and we parked on hills. Each and every evening was an adventure. Mom and Aunt barked commands from the back seat and laughed until they almost cried every
time I made a mistake. The bottom line: the Pontiac and all four of us survived unscathed. It turned out to be one of the
greatest times I have ever had with my family.
Finally, after weeks of “intensive training” and following graduation from driver‟s Ed, I was ready for the dreaded
test. I worked every weekend at a shoe store so we decided the test should take place before the store opened on a Saturday
morning. I was primed and knew all the questions inside and out. The experience was positive and I passed with flying colors.
The last time I drove Uncle‟s Pontiac was the three block trip from the state police station to the shoe store that morning.
During the next three years I hinted many times around Uncle, but
he never offered the use of the car. Even at prom time my discussions
about certain girls and a night at the dance fell on deaf ears. Years later he
asked me why I never wanted to drive after I passed the test. I learned a
lesson: If you don‟t ask the question you won‟t get the answer.
Every penny I could save for the three years after acquiring my license went into my car fund. Finally the day came when I had $500.00 in
the account and convinced Mom that I absolutely needed transportation.
She envisioned rides to and from her job, leisurely excursions on Sunday afternoons and evening deer spotting trips through the rural forests. I pictured cruisin‟ with the guys, picking up carloads of girls and “parking” on
some back-road hideaway. Nevertheless the search was on.
I explored every used car lot in the area, that is, as many as Uncle
would agree to drive me to. Finally, in Mt. Jewett, some 16 miles from Kane, I spotted “her”. She was a gorgeous 1956 DeSoto,
pink and white, with incredible long pointed fins and a huge muscular V-8 motor. I named her “Olga” The price tag was
$400.00, right in line with my budget. The extra $100.00 would easily take car of the tax, insurance and title transfer.
Uncle negotiated the price down to $375.00 with a full tank of gas included. I was the proud owner of Olga the auto.
I couldn‟t wait to load all my friends up and cruise the next Saturday night. After countless trips up and down Main Street
one of the guys suggested we take Olga out on the open road and see what she had. As we quickly hit 85 miles per hour, one
of the Jim‟s, my very closest friends, shouted, “pop her in low and squeal the wheels”. Olga was a push button automatic, button pad located to the left of the steering wheel. I popped and she squealed alright! Then she squawked! Then she locked
up and skidded abruptly off the road. Yep, I blew a rod through the engine.
The repair took three weeks and cost $250.00 which I had to borrow. I can still hear
uncle telling the owner of the car lot that he sold me a lemon. The dealer just smiled and said
there was no guarantee. I borrowed the money realizing how totally stupid I had acted. I
would like to say I never did anything foolish behind the wheel of an automobile the rest of my
life, but that would be false, I will say that I learned a valuable life lesson that I shall pass along
to my daughter as she reaches her sixteenth birthday next year. May it fall on open ears!
Contact Us: Historic Courthouse - One West Market Street - Lewistown, PA 17044
Hours: Monday through Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Phone: 717.248.6713 Fax: 717.248-6714
Email: [email protected] Web: www.juniatarivervalley.org