Pam's Corner... comments, questions and other stuff by Port's Famous Photographer

"Only the good die young"...not in this case!  The man pictured in this column is 96-year old John Borowski who passed away Sunday afternoon while picking blueberries at Bozberry Farm.  He was my neighbor from the time I was four years old until I left Chestnut Street when I was 24...the father of my childhood friends...Nancy, Janice, Teresa and Steve...but in more recent years, he's the friend my parents I run into while at Dr. Shelley's office...appointments often scheduled for the same days and times...he's been my favorite subject at Veterans' events mainly because he likes to have his picture taken and also because I thought it was amazing that at his age, he put on that uniform and participated in ceremonies on Veterans Day and Memorial Day when he could have easily said he's done his share and sat home relaxing instead!  Beginning when he was turning 90 or maybe even before, John would tell me that his birthday was coming up - i should be able to remember because his birthday was on Valentine's Day - and he wanted me to mention it in my column....which I would.  I think one time I forgot or didn't mention it until the column after his birthday...and I heard about it... knew I would!

He was funny!  I loved his sayings...and all of the nicknames for everyone. 

Anyone who didn't know him personally would never believe his age.  The last time I saw him was last week in front of his house.  I think it was Thursday or Friday.  He was standing by a little cart that I’m assuming was put out for the boro to pick up.  I slowed down, waved and said Hi...but didn't stop to chat.  I saw a ladder propped up against the house.  That scared me!

He was very active his whole life and volunteered at his church and in the community.  We will miss him!  Rest in Peace!

*****

Fall sports practices are in full swing...along with Marching Band and Cheerleading.  I've been around taking returning lettermen photos and watching a lot of wonderful kids working very hard to better themselves and their teams.  I admire the adults that work with the kids.  They are pretty amazing people!   Community Soccer practices have also begun.  The little ones are so much fun to watch!  We'll turn around and they will be on the varsity teams.  The older I get...the faster time goes! 

Good luck to Miss Port Allegany, Hannah Ernst, as she represents PAHS and our community at the McKean County Far.  The Queen Coronation takes place Saturday night. 

Also coming up is the Sixth annual 2014 Festival of Choirs USA located at 807 Skinner Creek Road on August 16, 2014.  The schedule for the day is as follows:

Noon - 1:00 Food, drinks and choir check in.
1:00 - 2:00 C.R.O.W.N. Singing group
2:00 - 2:15 First Baptist church choir of Port Allegany, Pa.
2:15 - 3:15 Simple Faith Singing group
3:15 - 3:30 UCC’S church choir of Arcade New York
3:30 - 4:00 C.R.O.W.N Singing group
4:00 - 4:30 Simple Faith
4:30 - 5:00 Guest singer
5:00 - 5:30 Break
5:30 Finale with Jerry Goochee and the Awards presentations

There will be food available all day long.

There will also be a small yard sale from noon until 3:00 for the Festival.

Our weather once again feels more like spring or fall than summer.  I wouldn't care, except for the pool.  I love to get in the pool.  I'm ashamed to say, it's about the only exercise I am getting these days.  When it's cold or rainy, I don't get in the pool which means I don't exercise.  Guess I'll have to take up something else. 

Be kind to one another!