Quilt Show

The Smethport Piecemakers held their annual Quilters' Extravaganza recently at Smethport Area High School.  The Extravaganza featured vignettes of quilting scenes.  In addition to the quilts on display, there were demonstrations, vendors, door prizes and raffles.  Cyndee Smith of Port Allegany is pictured showing one of her quilts to Claudia Dinardo of Erie.  Also pictured is Alice Falk, Port Allegany, with her quilt.  Pam Fischer Photos

C&N Bank Meets with Girl Scouts

Nancy Hardes and Peggy Majot from Citizens and Northern Bank worked with local Girl Scouts teaching them how to save money. Helping the ladies was mascot Sammy Saver. 

 

Pictured:  (front row, left to right) Morgan Dowell, Sierra Wiley, Jocelyn Decker; (back row) Peggy Majot, Shannon Curfman,  Kira Bonawitz, Mallory Causer, Sydney Davenport, Halie Higley, Nancy Hardes and Troop Leader Laura Decker.  Pam Fischer Photos

First National to merge with Juniata Valley Financial

MIFFLINTOWN, PA--(BUSINESS WIRE)—Juniata Valley Financial Corp. (“Juniata Valley Financial”) (OTC Pink: JUVF), the bank holding company of The Juniata Valley Bank (”JVB”), and FNBPA Bancorp, Inc. (“FNBPA Bancorp”) (OTC Pink: FNBP), the bank holding company of First National Bank of Port Allegany, have announced the execution of an agreement and plan of merger pursuant to which Juniata Valley Financial will acquire all of the shares of FNBPA Bancorp in a stock and cash transaction. 
 

Under the merger agreement, FNBPA Bancorp shareholders may elect to receive, in exchange for each share of FNBPA Bancorp common stock they own, either cash of $50.34 or 2.7813 shares of Juniata Valley Financial common stock, subject to election and allocation procedures designed to result in the aggregate cash merger consideration representing between 15% and 25% of the total merger consideration issued in the transaction. The transaction is valued at approximately $13.2 million. 
 

As of March 31, 2015, Juniata Valley Financial had consolidated assets of $473 million. Juniata’s wholly-owned banking subsidiary, JVB, is a Pennsylvania state-chartered bank headquartered in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania, which operates 12 community bank offices in the counties of Centre, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, and Perry. First National Bank of Port Allegany, with assets of $96 million as of March 31, 2015, is a national bank headquartered in Port Allegany, Pennsylvania, operating three locations in Potter and McKean counties. After the transaction is completed, the combined organization is projected to have over $580 million in assets and 15 banking locations.  

Following the merger, the former offices of First National Bank of Port Allegany will operate as a division of JVB, under a new local trade name yet to be determined. Joseph Lashway, currently Vice-President of Lending of First National Bank of Port Allegany, will be appointed Senior Vice-President of JVB and will provide leadership in the Northern Tier Region, focusing on lending and business development. Additionally, a director of FNBPA Bancorp is expected to join the boards of Juniata Valley Financial and JVB.
 

The joint announcement was made today by Marcie A. Barber, President and CEO of Juniata Valley Financial, and R. Keith Fortner, Chairman, President and CEO of FNBPA Bancorp.

   

“We are excited to enter the Northern Tier and offer our full-line of banking and wealth management products to the existing and potential customer base of First National Bank of Port Allegany”, stated Ms. Barber. “The combination of our two historic franchises will allow us to grow assets, become more efficient, create more opportunities for employees and increase value to our shareholders.” Ms. Barber added, “We welcome our new team members in the Northern Tier and look forward to building a strong and vibrant franchise together.”
 

Mr. Fortner said, “At its core, the decision by FNBPA Bancorp to join with Juniata Valley Financial was based upon a remarkably similar culture and similar missions of providing unparalleled customer service and superior financial products to our loyal community banking customers, while at the same time providing value to our shareholders in what continues to be a challenging regulatory and interest rate environment. The Board of Directors of FNBPA and I are excited by the potential of the combined organization, not only for our shareholders, but also for our customers and employees.” 
 

The transaction is expected to be accretive to earnings in the first twelve months after closing (including one-time merger costs) and the accretion to earnings in year two is expected to be 13% to 14%. The merger is subject to customary closing conditions enumerated in the merger agreement, including receipt of regulatory approvals and the approval of both Juniata Valley Financial’s and FNBPA Bancorp’s shareholders. Juniata Valley Financial anticipates that the transaction will close by the end of 2015. 
 

Ambassador Financial Group, Inc. served as financial advisor and provided a fairness opinion on the transaction, and Barley Snyder LLP served as legal counsel to Juniata Valley Financial. Boenning & Scattergood, Inc. served as financial advisor and provided a fairness opinion on the transaction and Rhoads & Sinon LLP served as legal counsel to FNBPA Bancorp.

Safe Harbor Statement: Except for historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this release are forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty, including without limitation, the ability to achieve anticipated merger related operational efficiencies, the ability to enhance revenues through increased market penetration, expanded lending capacity and product offerings and other risks detailed from time to time in Juniata Valley Financial’s Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings, including Forms 10-Q and 10-K (copies of which are available from Juniata Valley Financial without charge in hard copy or online at www.sec.gov). Juniata Valley Financial and FNBPA Bancorp disclaim any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
 

Juniata Valley Financial, FNBPA Bancorp and their respective officers and directors may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from FNBPA Bancorp’s shareholders with respect to the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement.
 

Additional Information and Where to Find It: It is expected that Juniata Valley Financial will file a Registration Statement on Form S-4 with the SEC in connection with the merger, which will include a Proxy Statement/Prospectus to be distributed to shareholders of Juniata Valley Financial and FNBPA Bancorp. Investors and security holders are urged to read the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus carefully when they are available. The Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus will contain important information about Juniata Valley Financial, FNBPA Bancorp, the merger, the persons soliciting proxies relating to the merger and their interests in the merger, and other related matters. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of these documents through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Free copies of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus and these other documents may also be obtained from Juniata Valley Financial by directing a request to Danyelle Pannebaker at (717) 436-8211 or from FNBPA Bancorp by directing a request to R. Keith Fortner, Chairman, President & CEO, at 64 Main Street, Port Allegany, Pennsylvania 16743, or by calling (814) 642-2531.

In addition to the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus, Juniata Valley Financial files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any reports, statements or other information at the SEC public reference room in Washington, D.C. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. Juniata Valley Financial’s filings with the SEC are also available to the public from commercial document-retrieval services and at the web site maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.

Race for Education

On Friday, May 15, 2015, Port Allegany Elementary School participated  in their first Race for Education.  Family and friends were invited to join the race to help raise funds for field trips, assemblies, classroom resources, additional iPads for the classrooms, and playground equipment.  Each participant raised funds by asking sponsors to contribute a tax deductible donation to PAES Boosters.  Students walked or jogged around the high school track as many times as they were  able in an hour.  Students and classes  also had an opportunity to receive a number of prizes based on their participation in the Race for Education.  Co-Coordinators for the event are Laura Nelson and Stephanie McNeil. Pictured are Elementary Boosters Holly Triplett, Cari Madison, Kristie  Barber, Carrie Russell, Melanie Rendos, Dawn Stauffer and Laura Nelson.  Pam Fischer Photo

Kimdergarten Tea

Kindergarten students at PAES are pictured as they practiced for their Grandparent's Tea program.  The students will hosted their grandparents Friday, May 8 in the afternoon at the school.  Pam Fischer Photo

Rotary Report

The Port Allegany Rotary Club gathered at the Moose Family Center Thursday, May 2.  There were 19 Rotarians present for a reportable attendance of 70 percent. Guests included Troy Herzog, Pam Davenport,and speakers for the day - CTC students Farrah Fischer and Zach Peters and CTC teacher Michele Jack.  The trio attended the 2015 ROVA Conference.  The Lucky Rotarian of the day was George Baxter. Pictured are Rotarian Lloyd Eastman with ROVA speakers Farrah Fischer, Zach Peters and Michele Jack.  Pam Fischer Photo

Baseball Senior Day

The Gator baseball team honored their seniors May 13 following the first game of their double header with Northern Potter.

Seniors are (front row) Hunter Freer; (back)  Chris Lashway, Chad Gaines and Casey Vollmer.  The game was played at Moose Park.  Pam Fischer Photo

Port vs Smethport H. S. Softball

McKenzie Burr

Brooke Roys

Rikki Rennells

Cory Thomas, Umpire
Kaylee Ernst, Catcher

 

Kaylee Ernst, Catcher

85th Birthday

A surprise 85th birthday celebration was held recently at the Veterans Memorial for Roy Smith.  Roy is pictured here with his wife, Hilda, and five children - (front row) Roy Smith, Jr., Roy Smith, Sr., Hilda Smith; (back row) Michael Smith, Darla Baily, Ramona Follett and Karen Baker.  Roy has 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.  He retired from Pittsburgh Corning after 42 years of service.  Pam Fischer Photo

2015 PAHS Prom Royalty

The Port Alleagny High School Junior - Senior Prom was held Saturday, May 2 at the school.  Highlight of the evening was the introduction of the prom court and the announcement of the King and Queen.  Christopher Lashway and Malari Lapp were selected by their peers to reign over the evening.  Members of their court include (left to right) Hunter Freer, Lynae Delacour, Eli Knapp, Allison Lathrop, (Queen Malari, King Christopher)  Rikki Rennells, Tyler Kaple, Somer Buchsenschutz and Ben Setzer.  This year's theme was the Great Gatsby.  DJ Bob Emerson provided the music. The prom, a gift from the Juniors to the Senior Class were led by Prom Advisor Erin Moran.  Pam Fischer Photos

PAHS Prom 2015

Dylan Bundy, Eli Knapp, Todd VanSickles

Adam Koehler and Laura Fox

Seniors!

Shane Ryder and Farrah Fischer

Lynae Delacour and Hunter Freer

McKaila Daniels and Casey Vollmer

Causer Comments on Basic Education Funding Report

HARRISBURG – A commission established last year to study the formula for funding basic education in the state’s 500 school districts released its report on Thursday, said Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint).

“Education is always a top priority in the General Assembly, and it is important that we fund our schools both adequately and fairly,” Causer said. “I appreciate the work of the commission in studying our existing funding formula and look forward to further review and discussion of the recommendations contained in the report.

“My goal, as always, is to ensure our rural schools have the funding and resources necessary to provide a quality education to our students,” he added.

In its report, the commission recommends a new formula that takes into account several student-based factors, including student population, poverty, English language learners and charter school enrollment. It also includes a “sparsity size adjustment,” which is intended to adjust for the unique challenges facing small rural school districts.

The commission’s report is the result of a year-long study that included input from a wide range of education experts and advocates, as well as parents from urban, suburban and rural school districts. 

To take effect, the recommendations must be adopted by the House and Senate, as well as the governor. Additional information about the recommendations is available at www.pahousegop.com.

Ryan F. Keck, Father

Ryan F. Keck, 26, of, Port Allegany, went to be with his Lord and savior on Wednesday (June 17, 2015) at his home in Port Allegany, surrounded by his loning family.

He was born Sep 3, 1988 in Coudersport, a son of Dennis and Lynn D. Wright Keck. On July 10, 2010 in Hyner Run State Park, Hyner PA, he married Francesca M. Morris, who survives.

Mr. Keck was a 2007 graduate of Port Allegany High School and attended JCC where he received associate degree in criminology.

Mr. Keck was employed as a Correction Officer by the Potter County Sheriff Dept.

Ryan will be remembered as a mighty man of God and a Godly leader as a son, father, husband and friend to many.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by

One son: Douglas F. Keck at home in Port Allegany and a daughter Eliana Ryan who is due in August.

His parents Dennis and Lynn D. Keck of Port Allegany

Grandparents Okla Sweet and Rex and Linda Wright of Port Allegany

A sister Stacy Mendenhall of Lancaster PA

At Ryan request there will be no visitation.

All friends and family are invited to a memorial service will be held Saturday, June 20 at 2:00 pm in the Believers Chapel, 2522 West Five Mile Rd., Allegany, NY with the Pastor Sean Obergfell, officiating, and a celebration of Ryan's salvation that will follow and will be held at 305 Broad St. Port Allegany, PA at 4:30PM

Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Port Allegany.

House Approves Expansion of Vehicle Registration Discount for Retirees, Causer Says

HARRISBURG – The state House today approved Rep. Martin Causer’s (R-Turtlepoint) legislation to increase the income eligibility limit for the state’s reduced-fee vehicle registration program for retirees. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

“Since the income eligibility limit was last changed more than 15 years ago, many senior citizens have received modest cost-of-living increases in their Social Security income, and that has pushed them just beyond the eligibility guidelines for the program,” Causer said. “I am pleased the House passed this legislation to help those seniors who need the benefit the most, and I am hopeful the Senate will take action on it as well.”

The program, which offers vehicle registration at a discount rate of $10, is open to any person who is retired and receiving Social Security or other pension income that does not exceed $19,200 annually. Causer’s House Bill 582 would increase the income eligibility limit to $23,500, the same limit set for the state’s PACENET prescription drug assistance program.

Only one vehicle per person may be registered at the discounted rate. Additional information about the existing program is available at http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/registration/retired.shtml.

Committee OKs Causer Snowmobile-ATV Funding Bill

HARRISBURG – Legislation to bring fairness and accountability to the collection and distribution of funds for ATV- and snowmobile-riding opportunities in the Commonwealth earned the unanimous support of the House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee today, said Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint), sponsor of the measure.

House Bill 970 would direct the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to maintain separate ATV management and snowmobile management accounts to ensure a proportionate distribution of those funds.

“The number of trail miles on public lands for snowmobiles outnumbers those for ATVs by a 10-to-1 ratio,” Causer said. “People paying registration fees for their ATVs expect those funds to be used to maintain and develop trails for their use. Separating the accounts will help to ensure that is happening.”

At a public hearing on the legislation last year, Causer pointed to an example in Cameron County where people are paying their ATV registration fees but have no opportunities to ride on public lands in the county. “On more than 131,000 acres of forests, there is not one single trail on which people can legally ride their ATVs. It simply doesn’t make sense,” he said.

House Bill 970 also would update the membership of the Snowmobile and ATV Advisory Committee and strengthen the audit requirements for the funds.

 

The bill now goes to the full House for consideration.

Judy K. Lowman, PAHS Graduate

 

 

Judy K. Lowman, 71, a lifelong resident of Turtlepoint, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport, after a lengthy illness.

Born May 4, 1944 in Olean, NY, she was a daughter of Chet and Daisy Lowman. She married Russell L. Lowman, who survives.

Judy was a graduate of Port Allegany High School. Her greatest love was her family, especially her grandchildren.

Surviving besides her husband are a son, Chris R. (Leoma) Lowman of Eldred; and four grandchildren, Kristopher E. Lowman, Elizabeth R. Lowman, Mikayla L. Post and Alex L. Post.

Judy was predeceased by her parents.

In keeping with the family’s wishes there will be no public visitation or services.

Judy’s family has entrusted her care to the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of donor’s choice.

To express condolences or share a fond memory of Judy, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com

Community Clean-up Day

Port Allegany Borough will be hosting a Community Clean Up Day on Saturday, June 20, 2015 from 8:00 AM – Noon.  Borough residents will have the opportunity to dispose of unwanted items in a dumpster that will be available at the Borough Offices during this time.  There will be a $20 fee for each car or pick-up truck load a resident wants to dispose of, and the fee must be paid by June 17, 2015.  Paint cans can only be accepted if they are empty, if the paint is dried, or if cat litter is stirred into the paint until dry.  Other items that cannot be disposed of include tires, liquids of any kind, barrels (unless both ends are removed), refrigerators, and AC units.

The borough will also be offering Electronics Disposal during the Community Clean Up Day.  Borough residents can dispose of computers, DVD players, game consoles, and TVs under 27” for $10 each and can dispose of TVs or computer monitors over 27” for $15 each.  The fee for electronics disposal must also be paid by June 17, 2015. 

During the Community Clean Up Day, the Borough is asking community groups or volunteers to consider adopting a street or a park to clean up.  Any group who volunteers to participate in this program can get free garbage bags from the Borough and can dispose of the garbage they collect free of charge at the dumpsters provided for Community Clean Up Day.  Volunteer groups are asked to complete and return an Adopt a Street or Park Volunteer Form to the Borough Office by June 17^th.  Forms are available at the Borough Office or by calling (814) 642-2526 or visiting the Borough website.

The Public Works Crew is asking Borough residents to trim trees or bushes that hang out over the road or block street signs.  Brush that is removed from these trees and/or bushes can be placed on the curb for pick-up and disposal.  In a few weeks, any trees or bushes that haven’t been trimmed by home owners will be trimmed by the public works crew.  When possible, homeowners should try to trim these trees and bushes themselves to ensure they are done the way the homeowner would like. 

Port Allegany Borough has recently launched a new website where residents can get information about the Borough, its departments, and other resources.   The website is still a work in process and we would appreciate your thoughts on how we can make it better.  Visit us at www.portalleganypa.org.  Be sure to check out the News and Events page to learn about upcoming events in town.  A few of the upcoming events include Fun Day on the Square sponsored by the Port Allegany Main Street Committee which starts June 2^nd at 6:00 PM and will run each Tuesday all Summer and Concerts on the Square sponsored by the Port Allegany Women’s Club start June 4^th and will run each Thursday all Summer.

The Borough would also like to thank residents and visitors for their patience and understanding during the bridge construction project and the few temporary detours we have had recently.   Our bridges and roads are key infrastructure, and these types of projects are vital to the future of our community.