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

Mother's Day has come and gone.  I spent the day with Kacie and her family.  We went to church, had a nice dinner out, did a little shopping and came back to Kacie's and we each had a few gifts to open.  It was a great day.  I was sad to not be with my Port Allegany family, but we will celebrate when I return home.  

Coming home...it's hard for me to get ready to leave town.  I am having a hard time getting ready to come home.  We will miss Kacie and her family just as we've missed our PA family all week long.  I'm the last one up.  I wanted to finish this column before leaving.  I have sandwiches to make to take with us on the road, I'll need to shower and set my hair tonight so it doesn't take us so long to get ready in the morning and I have to wait for the dryer to stop so I have clean pjs for tonight and we don't have to haul dirty clothes home.

By the time this issue of the Reporter Argus hits newsstands, we will have been home for 24 hours and will have taken in two Senior Day celebrations and a choral concert.  The town-wide yard sales will be held in just a couple of days and the list goes on and on.  

I have only "heard" about the PASD production of Beauty and the Beast, but everything I have "heard" has been wonderful!  Congrats to all involved!

Since I've been a little out of the loop, I don't have a lot to share in this column.  I wanted to mention the banners that are hanging up downtown.  The springy theme was created by local artist Brenda Freeman Sawyer.  They are beautiful.  She is also responsible for a few of the glass block designs being sold by Serenity Glass Garden. Brenda is an amazing artist.  Check out the designer blocks!

I guess the dryer has stopped and the pb&j is calling my name.  It's time to pack Mike's laptop up and get ready for bed.  

Be kind to one another!

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

The month of May is always crazy...and this year is no exception.  We have a lot of family stuff going on in addition to many community activities. 

It's a busy month for family birthdays...and special milestone birthdays at that! Our number four grandchild will celebrate her 21st birthday. She shares a birthday with her grandpa!  The very next day, our youngest grandchild will celebrate his first birthday! Later in the month, our next to the youngest grandson will turn 2 and his great-grandpa (my dad) is just 90 years older.  My two younger brothers and their wives celebrate anniversaries in May and then there is Mother's Day! I also have a couple of dear friends with birthdays this month. And last, but certainly not least, we are expecting a new great-grandson before the end of the month. So, Happy 21st Sasha! Happy 1st birthday Kobe!

Coming up...and there is a lot!  May 8 and 9 -spring musical!  Beauty and the Beast! It will be phenomenal...I know our church is having a Mother/Daughter Tea and I imagine other churches are celebrating Mother's Day in a variety of ways. There is a Leek Dinner at the Veterans Memorial on Saturday, May 9.  I'm not fond of leeks, but you don't have to be to enjoy this dinner. It will be delicious!  Senior Day celebrations will take place for PAHS baseball and softball on May 13.  Both teams playing double headers and the ceremonies will take place between games.  Also on the 13th is a spring concert - with the younger musicians - 4th grade to 9th, I believe.  A Race for Education, sponsored by the PAES Boosters, will take place on Friday ,May 15th. The following day will be the Town Wide Yard Sales.  If I get organized, we will have a garage sale at my mom's house.  Stop by and see how I made out.

I have to share about the Character Breakfast held last weekend at the school.  While others are often shaking their heads at "kids these days"...I shake my head in awe of them and wonder just how they do it all. After a week full of school, sporting events, musical practices and more, the main characters from Beauty and the Beast were up and ready to go at 8 a.m    Did I mention it was prom night?  We honestly have some pretty amazing kids! Everyone has been talking about how great it was for all of the children. I found quite a few adults who were equally as excited about the event. Over 250 people attended.

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

This column may not be sweet, but it is going to be short.  I'm tired.  

I learned something today - I may have noticed it before, but it finally sunk in.  I keep typing names for photo captions or whatever  - names like Talkington...and then I re-read my captions before emailing them.  I see the name is not correct, so I fix it.  Where did that Tarkenton come from anyway?  The next thing you know, I am reading the paper and the name is spelled wrong - it says Tarkington or Tarkenton or something.  Same thing happened with Metzler.  I type Metzger, it says Metzler.  I send the names to the coach to be sure everything is right before passing it on to the Argus office.  The coach writes back that everything is fine, but it's not Metzler, it's Metzger.  I fix it and go to send the email and notice that it has mysteriously changed back.  Apparently I have some sort of spell check that is screwing up all of these names I type.  I will ask for forgiveness in advance until I can figure to how to disable these "corrections".  

I hit the Youth Counselor's Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday morning.  It once again was held on a freezing cold morning and the egg search was done in the snow.  The Easter Bunny sure was cute, though!

I enjoyed the Wrestling Banquet.  Our school is  lucky to have wonderful booster groups... and wonderful banquets!

Sunday morning we met at the Veterans Memorial for the all-you-can-eat breakfast with the Easter Bunny.  We used to have breakfast at the church and invited the Easter Bunny to attend, but this way, the Sons of the Legion do all the work and we get to help the kids and do a little lesson or craft.  I think they had fun.  A big thank you to the Sons of the Legion!

It's Holy Week. I'm trying very hard to get a head a little so I can enjoy, relax and reflect instead of running circles around myself and forgetting what this week is all about.  

Have a happy and safe Easter...and be kind to one another!

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

Well, as always happens, Kacie's time here was way too short.  It was so great to have her here...and the whole family.   They have safely returned home to Florida.   

Last week was also production week for Showcase 2015.  I'm not sure what it is about these shows, but they just make me happy!  Happy?  Sometimes I am in tears!  But the tears come because the music is so beautiful and the kids are working so hard and some of the little ones were just so excited...their faces sparkled!  I was very proud of each and every one  of them.  

There is a reason why the kids do so well.  They have some pretty amazing directors.  We all know that.  The show was amazing.  Thank you to everyone involved!

The Lenten Services continue - Wednesdays ....services followed by lunch!  There have been some pretty great messages so far.  We are down to the last couple services.    This Lenten season has gone by so fast.  I always have a plan in my head - how I'm going to improve myself during Lent - pray more, read the Bible more, do better SS lessons and more.  The time seems to slip by before I accomplish any of my goals.  I had better get on the ball. 

Coming up - the annual Night of Games will be March 31.   Doors open at 5:30  Activities begin at 6 p.m.  Jill Stuckey sent me info about the night's activities which include performances from students of the Sandy Johnson School of Dance, a return of the Gym Show and the traditional seniors vs. the faculty and friends in volleyball and basketball.  I put all of this info in the caption. 

 

I forgot to say that the Basketball Boosters will be using a portion of the proceeds to purchase a new parachute for the elementary students.  Jill explained,   "They were in need of a new one, and the boosters recognize that this event would not be possible without the volunteers of students and staff." 

She also went on to say, "I want to give a shout out to Sandy Johnson who has declined a donation to her studio the past few years as she said "My kids enjoyed the basketball program when they were in school and this is my way of being able to return the gratitude."

The Night of Games is a major fund raiser for the Basketball Boosters.  The funds raised provide Senior Nights for Boys and Girls Basketball, Senior Gifts, Coaches Gifts, and The Banquet.  We give each Varsity Coach $500.00 for their summer programs annually.  The cheerleaders received new pom-poms this year as a gift from the Basketball Boosters.  Thank you for supporting all we do and stand for with a goal of keeping sports a positive influence in our community. 

Anyone wishing to join us please contact me!

On behalf of the Basketball Boosters,  I thank you."

If you're looking for something to do on the last day o the month, take a trip to PAHS!  I was told there was going to be a Dodge Ball Tournament sponsored by the Youth Counselors on April 1st, but I have no details.  It was a lot of fun last year!  I guess I have a week to figure it out!

Be kind to one another!

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

If you wanted to see something pretty adorable, you should have gone to the library Saturday morning.  There were a bunch of little princesses and one charming little prince in attendance at the Princess Tea Party.  There were crafts and reading, snacks and friends, prizes and fun!  A wonderful way to kick-off National Library Week at S. W. Smith.

If you don't use the library, you should!  I have gone in a few times lately with one of my granddaughters.  We will read a book, she will color while I read a newspaper or magazine...the computers are there...it is just a nice, comfortable place to be.  Check it out!

Things around my house need to change...I, a once very organized person, need to return to those days.  It is tax time again - how did that year go by so fast? - and I, of course, don't have the necessary paperwork needed to do our taxes.  It's here!  In one of about 50 containers, notebooks or piles.  I have a couple days to get it together.  Good thing we have a great tax guy!  

I got to my first softball game Monday.  The weather was perfect....any warmer and it would  be too much for me!  I didn't get to stay for the whole thing because I had a meeting to get to and an errand to run for my parents before the meeting.  They boys had to play baseball at Otto-Eldred instead of home due to the field conditions.  Community t-ball, baseball and softball are starting as well as track season and also community soccer.    There are plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and watch some seasoned athletes and those who are just starting. 

I had a wonderful time at the Women's Club meeting.  The food and fellowship were great!  Tony Edgell stopped by to give us the scoop on renovating the pool.  He did a good job.  I didn't get to stay for the whole thing as I had another photo to take, but it was very informative. 

May is going to be a busy month - the prom will take place the first weekend of the month, followed by the spring musical the next weekend which is also Mother's Day weekend.  There will be senior days, banquets, spring concerts and as I've said, sports!

Sunday afternoon we said goodbye to a member of our church family.  The women, called "an angel" by her children...she had five...was an active member of our church and our community.  Her name is Marge Petzold.  The last pictures I have of Marge are from the Hanging of the Greens celebration at church.  She was putting mittens and socks on the Christmas tree that would be given to those in need.  She was visiting in California with her husband, Jim, at the time of her death.  She will surely be missed.

Be kind to one another.  

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

 

 

It's getting that time - spring sports teams are practicing, banquets, bazaars and musical productions are fast approaching.  

My parents and I went to Jazz and Java Friday night at the elementary school.  It was fabulous!  Great music, great treats and great fellowship...what more could you ask?  Saturday night, my husband and I went to the annual banquet for the Port Allegany Fire Department - Star Hose Co. #1.  It sure was nice to see the dedicated volunteers we have in Port Allegany honored.  Andrew Johnson did a great job keeping things moving along...the guest speaker was very interesting...and Bucko Roys received an award for 50 years of active service with the department.  Fifty years!!!  Isn't that amazing?  I have taught Sunday school for 40 years or so...but that is sitting with kids not running into burning buildings, dragging hoses, or getting someone out of a wrecked vehicle.  Pretty amazing, Bucko!  I'm sure everyone knows this,  but he is also famous for his French Fries...I hope the food trailer comes out of storage sometime!

I took a picture today of Penny Neely putting the final touches on the sign promoting the "spring" bazaar at the fire hall.  Is it ironic that she had to climb a hill of snow to get close to the sign?  In any case, this event will take place on Saturday, March 14.  

The Lenten Services continue Wednesdays at noon.  There has been pretty good attendance, especially with the weather we have been having.  All are very welcome to come....Wednesdays at noon at the First Presbyterian Church.

We have a couple of family birthdays this week - our daughter, Cathleen, will celebrate on Thursday, the 12th...I guess you're never supposed to tell a woman's age, so I won't.  Our nephew, however, will celebrate his 30th birthday on Friday.  Happy Birthday to both of them!

Sunday will be a history making day with the Big 30 Basketball Classic.  Port has three players on the roster - Somer Buchsenschutz, Lynae Delacour and Brooke Roys.  Congrats and good luck to them.  

Another Fischer's Law story ... I had all day to get ready to take JH girls Basketball pics after school on Friday.  I had worked on a CD of pictures for the Boosters for hours and thought I'd better get something to eat because i wasn't sure between pics and Jazz and Java if i would have a chance to get dinner.  As I am sitting at my desk, eating some soup, I looked at the clock and thought it said quarter to two...I wasn't exactly taking my time, but I wasn't hurrying much either.  I put my glasses on (they were off after taking my shower) and realized it was quarter to three.  I had to pick up Lilly at 3 and be at the high school around 3:15 and here I sat...not dressed, soaking wet hair, etc.  Well, needless to say, I couldn't get Lilly and made it to the high school by 3:18.  There was no where to park.  I typically park around the circle when I have cameras and bags and other things (this time it was Girl Scout cookies) to carry, but now there are "no parking" notices painted on the parking lot.  I went around the circle a couple of times trying to find a space and almost got hit not once, but twice!  FINALLY, I get a space, grab all my stuff and head for the door.  Somehow, I hit my flash off the door casing and knocked if off the extension. It was just hanging by the connecting cord and bouncing off the floor as I walked.   It was broken...just minutes before taking memory mate pictures of the girls.  Lovely! 

 

It's the way things go for me.  I worried about taking the Jazz and Java pics without the extension, but that went ok.  Lucky for me, Jazz and Java helped me to relax and enjoy my evening after having such a horrible afternoon.  

Looking ahead - Showcase 2015 will be March 20 and 21 at the high school.  I look forward to Showcase every year and missed it for the first time in 2014.  I am happy I am able to go this time around.  

Be kind to one another!

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

 

 

This will probably be a fairly short column this week as I have company as well as several places I need to be tonight ...all at the same time!  

On top of that, I'm not feeling very well.  I almost never do a "status" on Facebook, but for some reason, today I did.  I said I wasn't feeling particularly well today.  I later turned to Facebook to check the spelling of a name and saw several well-wishes for me when I'm not quite up to par.  People are wondering, especially those people who have or are just getting over the flu, if I, too, have the flu.  At this moment, I don't think it is, but never say never.  I think it's just one of those things that when you burn the candle at both ends for so long, it takes its toll and something has to give.  

It's been an emotional and draining week for our family as my Uncle Bob had surgery in Buffalo and our great-grandson had surgery in Pittsburgh...on the same day.  Both surgeries went well, but there is still a healing process.  There are lots of negative things to find on Facebook, but when you ask for prayer, there are some mighty prayer warriors out there who love to help out!  Thanks to everyone for the prayers for our family this week. 

By the time the R-A hits newsstands, it will almost be time for Kacie and her family to leave.  She and Jered have two adorable boys and thinking about them leaving in just a few days makes me sad.  

Mike and I went to the Basketball Banquet Thursday night - that event was a lot of fun - good food, catered by Foxes!  Honoring the kids for their efforts over the past six years is a nice thing the Boosters do...just one of the nice things.  They donate money to summer programs...I'm not sure I knew that before.  They are also sponsoring the Night of Games to be held on March 31 at the school.  As I type that, I remember I promised to take a picture to promote that event.  I better get on the ball!

The Girl Scouts were on hand to help out with morning worship Sunday as part of their Girl Scout Sunday activities.  They did a good job!  

Showcase 2015 will take place this weekend - Friday and Saturday nights, 8 p.m. at the school.  Advanced tickets are available at the school district office and at the door.  You won't want to miss it!  

Last, but certainly not least...the Big 30 Basketball Classic honoring area seniors and allowing them to play one last game in their high school career took place Sunday afternoon in Portville.  It was a lot of fun.  Port had three girls playing - Some Buchsenschutz, Lynae Delacour and Brooke Roys.  Former PAHS Lady Gator Coaches Bob Raudenbush and Beth Scanlon coached and Port Allegany's Jamie Evens was one of the officials.  It was a fun afternoon and organizers hope for it to grow bigger and better each year.  Congrats to Jim Melaro, Brian Green and anyone else involved in organizing this event.  

Better get moving or I may miss a couple of events tonight.  Be kind to one another!

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

 

 

It's getting that time - spring sports teams are practicing, banquets, bazaars and musical productions are fast approaching.  

My parents and I went to Jazz and Java Friday night at the elementary school.  It was fabulous!  Great music, great treats and great fellowship...what more could you ask?  Saturday night, my husband and I went to the annual banquet for the Port Allegany Fire Department - Star Hose Co. #1.  It sure was nice to see the dedicated volunteers we have in Port Allegany honored.  Andrew Johnson did a great job keeping things moving along...the guest speaker was very interesting...and Bucko Roys received an award for 50 years of active service with the department.  Fifty years!!!  Isn't that amazing?  I have taught Sunday school for 40 years or so...but that is sitting with kids not running into burning buildings, dragging hoses, or getting someone out of a wrecked vehicle.  Pretty amazing, Bucko!  I'm sure everyone knows this,  but he is also famous for his French Fries...I hope the food trailer comes out of storage sometime!  

I took a picture today of Penny Neely putting the final touches on the sign promoting the "spring" bazaar at the fire hall.  Is it ironic that she had to climb a hill of snow to get close to the sign?  In any case, this event took place on Saturday, March 14.  

The Lenten Services continue Wednesdays at noon.  There has been pretty good attendance, especially with the weather we have been having.  All are very welcome to come....Wednesdays at noon at the First Presbyterian Church.

We have a couple of family birthdays this week - our daughter, Cathleen, will celebrate on Thursday, the 12th...I guess you're never supposed to tell a woman's age, so I won't.  Our nephew, however, will celebrate his 30th birthday on Friday.  Happy Birthday to both of them!

Sunday will be a history making day with the Big 30 Basketball Classic.  Port has three players on the roster - Somer Buchsenschutz, Lynae Delacour and Brooke Roys.  Congrats and good luck to them.  

Another Fischer's Law story ... I had all day to get ready to take JH girls Basketball pics after school on Friday.  I had worked on a CD of pictures for the Boosters for hours and thought I'd better get something to eat because i wasn't sure between pics and Jazz and Java if i would have a chance to get dinner.  As I am sitting at my desk, eating some soup, I looked at the clock and thought it said quarter to two...I wasn't exactly taking my time, but I wasn't hurrying much either.  I put my glasses on (they were off after taking my shower) and realized it was quarter to three.  I had to pick up Lilly at 3 and be at the high school around 3:15 and here I sat...not dressed, soaking wet hair, etc.  Well, needless to say, I couldn't get Lilly and made it to the high school by 3:18.  There was no where to park.  I typically park around the circle when I have cameras and bags and other things (this time it was Girl Scout cookies) to carry, but now there are "no parking" notices painted on the parking lot.  I went around the circle a couple of times trying to find a space and almost got hit not once, but twice!  FINALLY, I get a space, grab all my stuff and head for the door.  Somehow, I hit my flash off the door casing and knocked if off the extension. It was just hanging by the connecting cord and bouncing off the floor as I walked.   It was broken...just minutes before taking memory mate pictures of the girls.  Lovely! 

 

It's the way things go for me.  I worried about taking the Jazz and Java pics without the extension, but that went ok.  Lucky for me, Jazz and Java helped me to relax and enjoy my evening after having such a horrible afternoon.  

Looking ahead - Showcase 2015 will be March 20 and 21 at the high school.  I look forward to Showcase every year and missed it for the first time in 2014.  I am happy I am able to go this time around.  

Be kind to one another!

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

It's been another amazing week in PAPA.  The Junior High basketball teams have started their season.  I didn't make it to the games last week, but plan to get to one of their games very soon.

We had a nice Lenten Service Wednesday afternoon.  Some people call them Lenten Luncheons probably because that sounds pretty good...but they are short worship services followed by a light lunch giving people, even those who work during the day, an opportunity to attend and get back to work in a timely fashion.

Thursday there was another wonderfully-organized event sponsored by the Elementary Boosters and co-chaired by Stephanie McNeil and Carrie Russell.  It was the third annual Academic Fair.  The Fair gives students an opportunity to do a project and share it with others.  There was magic mud, growing beans, benefits of dance, making snow ice cream, rock candy, volcanoes, lava lamps and much more.  The students were especially pleased to have their teachers and principal, Mr. Kio, asking about their projects and complimenting them on their efforts.  I saw some little faces that were beaming as they were called to the stage to receive their medals for participating in the event.  This was what I call another "feel good" moment thanks to the Port Allegany School District and in this instance, the Elementary Boosters.

Earlier in the day, at the Rotary meeting, Anniek Zengerink gave a program on her homeland.  It was nice to learn a little more about this delightful young woman.

Saturday I went to a 90th birthday party for the mother of my friend, Peggy.  Jeanette Hugill's life was celebrated by family and friends from near and far.  A very good turnout, especially due to the uncooperative weather.  We took a 5-generation photo at the party...you don't see those too often.  Happy Birthday, Jeanette.

Sunday night, we went to a Valentine Dinner that had been postponed from last week due to illness and weather.  It was great!  Mike and I, along with Lexi and her husband, Matt, joined others from our church family and enjoyed a relaxing evening in a beautifully decorated room with delicious food catered by Ed Vicic and the Port Freeze.  We even had a little friendly competition at the end of the evening.  Thanks to the Nurture committee and those who were on the committee.  I may miss someone but I know the Burrs, Andersons, Frontinos and Headleys were involved.  To anyone I missed, please forgive me.  Thanks for a lovely evening.

Earlier Sunday was another one of those "feel good" moments from the PASD as the 2105 National Honor Society Induction Ceremony was held at the school.  What a nice bunch of kids to spend a Sunday afternoon with.  They were all very cooperative during the long photo shoot following the ceremony...everyone, naturally, wanted photos.  Vince Berrettini was the guest speaker.  He did a nice job as I knew he would.  I took pictures of Vince when he was inducted into the NHS.  I told him it seemed like yesterday.  He said it was 15 years ago.  He is an amazing young man.  PAHS is lucky to have him as one of their teachers. Congrats to Loren Ferguson who had her first induction ceremony as the NHS advisor.  Every thing went smoothly.

Before I end, I would like to wish our baby girl (now in her 30’s) a very Happy Birthday.  She doesn't have a real birthday this year, but will celebrate on February 28th.  I like to be with her on her "pretend" special day, but it just didn't work out this year.  Somehow, I will work it out next year when she celebrates her 8th "real" birthday.  Happy Birthday, Kacie Lynne!

Be kind to one another!