The Five (5) Can Challenge

Kaylee Brooks of Austin has put together “The 5 Can Challenge” to challenge residents of the Austin Community to purchase and donate non-perishable items for

five weeks (November 10 through December 13).  Kaylee noted it’s simple and easy to do. Every week when you go to the grocery

store, purchase one or more items; collect them each week and then drop items off at one of the donation boxes located at Northwest

Savings Bank in Austin, Austin Post Office or Austin Area School. Items can be dropped off weekly or at the end of the five weeks.

Soups, vegetables, gravy, beans, jelly, peanut butter, spaghetti, noodles, macaroni, sauces, pancake mix, syrup, cereal, sugar,  tuna, canned

meats, ketchup, mustard, salad dressing, stuffing, rice, brownie mixes, fruit snacks, granola bars, bottled water, bottled juices, tea, and

coffee are some of the non-perishable foods that are being collected.  At the end of the program, all items will be donated to the Austin

Food Pantry.

As a volunteer in her community and past volunteer at Cole Memorial Hospital, Kaylee knows the holidays can be a time of sadness for many.

Kaylee hopes to change this for some by collecting food items to help these families put food on their table especially during the holidays.

Kaylee says “many people take for granted the meals on their tables while many people go without. We take it for granted that our refrigerators

will hold an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables, that if we run out, we can buy more. That isn’t always the case.” “It makes me feel good

to be able to put a smile on the faces of people who do not have the basic necessities of life, such as food and water.”

Kaylee is a Senior at the Austin Area School, a Junior Member of the Austin Volunteer Fire Company and a Certified Nursing Assistant at Cole

Memorial Hospital. She is the daughter of Bruce & Kathy Brooks. Her future plans are to attend Mercyhurst University-The North East Campus

for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program so she will be able to continue helping others. In her spare times, she enjoys four wheeling,

playing softball, volleyball, and basketball and spending time with her family and friends.

"Every day of your life is a page of your history." - Arabian Proverb

Non-Skid Safety Tape Applied to School Path Bridge

During the brush clearing on the school path, a number of citizens mentioned how slippery the bridge was during the winter months.  So, we have purchased and applied two (2) inch wide, 3M Safety Walk Outdoor Tread Non-Skid Tape to the bridge.  Hopefully, this will provide some traction when walking across the bridge this winter.  If not, let me know. Suggestions are encouraged.

Pictured below is my wife and best friend, Angie:

Community Service Recognition - Fred "Joe" Fowler

Fred "Joe" Fowler has overseen the project of painting the School Path Bridge which crosses the Freeman Run Creek and connects to the Austin Area School District property.

He was responsible for the entire project, from clearing the brush around the bridge in preparation for the painting, to finding an individual willing to perform the job, acting as a working supervisor and assisting in the completion of the project, which included brushing and sandblasting the rust on the bridge, and, painting the bridge.

Although, the School Path Initiative paid the wages for the one employee, Joe did not charge for his time spent on the project, which encompassed all day Saturday, Sunday, and part of Monday.

Thank you very much Joe for seeing this project through from start to finish and donating your time for a very worthwhile cause.

Community Service Recognition - Jamie Buzzard McFall

Jamie Buzzard McFall

Although Jamie does not reside in Austin, she is an active, dedicated member of the E.O. Austin Home/Historical Society serving as the Museum Curator.  She works every Monday afternoon at the museum located at One Town Square, performs research, attends meetings, participates in museum functions, such as, The Annual History and Pride Days, and, prepared the latest E.O. Austin Home/Historical Society newsletter.  She is, indeed, the museum's Girl Friday.

The Leightley Family Halloween Tradition

If you are in Austin, Pennsylvania tonight, a must-see is the Curt and Jennifer Family Holloween Tradition display on their front lawn on Turner Street.

Leightley Residence on Turner Street

Jen and Curt Leightley

Note the catchy phrases on the tombstones:

This is a real must-see after dark with the lighting and special effects. Well worth the drive to Awesome Austin PA.

Thanks Jen and Curt for all the work you have done to make Halloween in Austin a very memorable occasion.

Tip-of-the-Cap to Mayor Setzer

Mayor Jimmy Setzer

Mayor Jimmy Setzer patrolled the streets in our Community  throughout the Halloween hours this evening ensuring the safety of all.

He does not get paid for this.

We owe Mayor Setzer a heartfelt Thank You!

New Sign At St. Augustine Catholic Church

Photo credit: Colleen Duffee 

The beautiful new sign at the St. Augustine Catholic Church on Tunrer Street, Austin, Pennsylvania, was purchased by Stanley Swank in memory of his parents, Harold and Anna Swank.

Note that there are two sides to the sign which was created by Lubera Design.

Thank you very much Stanley for this beautiful work of art.