AASD 1990 Welcomes Second Foreign Exchange Student

AASD Grad Master Sergeant - USMC - Retired - David Warden

David Worden

David Worden graduated from the Austin Area School District, Austin, Pennsylvania, in 1971.

Having a desire to see the world, he joined the United States Marine Corps after graduation.  He served  24 years, seven months, and 14 days attaining the rank of Master Sergeant.  During that period of time David visited many states including Hawaii, North Carolina, California, and Massachusetts.

During his time in the service, David performed work in a variety of occupations, in various locations, excelling at each and every one.  For example, he began his career in the U.S. Marine Corps as a truck driver and when the opportunity came made a lateral move to machinist. Although his specialty was mechanics, as he moved up in rank, he performed the duties of Drill Instructor and Inspector Instructor. and retired as an Ordnance Chief.  David earned his "sea legs" having served twice onboard two (2) U.S. Navy ships.

The most dangerous job David performed in the Marine Corps  was instructing and training Colombian Army Troops in the use, cleaning, service and maintenance of weaponry.  When his team landed in Colombia, they were picked up and driven to the Colombian Army Base in an armored vehicle and warned to keep a low profile during their stay.

One of Master Sergeant Worden's most rewarding experiences was leading the Toys For Tots Program while stationed in Massachusetts.  I could sense the pride in David's voice as he detailed to me the success he had developing relationships with Fisher Price and other organizations in seeking donations for children which the U.S. Marne Corps is noted for each year at Christmas time.  David said their would be tractor trailers delivering donations for this noteworthy endeavor.

Master Sergeant Worden is a Vietnam Era Veteran.  During his service in the U.S. Marine Corps he was awarded the following medals:

• National Defense Service Medal with one (1) Star
• Navy Achievement Medal
• Good Conduct Medal with seven (7) Stars
• Navy Commendation Medal with one (1) Star
• Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal with one (1) Star; and
• Deployment Medal with two (2) Stars

While on active duty David earned a B.S. degree from Cal State in Machine Technology.

On June 21, 1975, David married his wife Leslie.  They have one daughter, Michelle.

David and his wife Leslie

David's daughter Michelle and her husband Pietro

David's granddaughter Gabriella

Michelle, Leslie, Gabriella, and Leslie's mother Jackie

David's hobby is Classic Cars. Pictured above with a First Place Trophy he won.

David returned to the area in 2011 to attend his Austin Area School District Class 40th Annual Reunion hosted by Bob Burgett.

David and Leslie currently reside in Twentynine Palms, California.

Foreign Exchange Students Welcome At AASD

In 1989, Sophia Acevedo from Guatemala became the first Foreign Exchange Student at the Austin Area School District, Austin, Pennsylvania.  Sophia was hosted by Jim and Jackie Dynda.

Front: Sophia and Dundee, Back: Jim and Jackie Dynda

Since 1989 the Community of Austin has hosted Foreign Exchange Students from many countries.

Austin Area Elementary School Honored

The article below appeared in the Saturday, December 6 - Friday, December 12, 2014 issue of the Endeavor News, 29 East Fourth Street, Emporium, PA 15834, (814)486-1400.  The Endeavor News is owned and operated by Robert A. and Britta Bresslin Hooftallen, both graduates of the Austin Area School District, Austin, Pennsylvania.

AASD Grad Freelance Photographer

Kristin Hynds Jackson

Kristin Hynds Jackson graduated from the Austin Area School District, Austin, Pa,  in 1984.    Thereafter attending and graduating from the Rhode Island School of Photography.  Kristin currently lives outside Alfred, New York

She and a friend, Miro, have recently formed a partnership and opened up a shop on Etsy named DragonflyMiroart.  Their shop's online address is:

 https://www.etsy.com/shop/DragonflyMiroart

  Here is their Shop Announcement:

DragonflyMiroart's Shop Announcement

Dragonfly Images and Miroart is a cooperative photographic effort to offer you Fine Art Photography from two Continents. Kristin lives in Alfred, New York in the United States and Miro lives in Vienna, Austria.

Kristin graduated from the Rhode Island School of Photography in Providence, Rhode Island and Miro graduated from the Photography Department of the Film and TV Faculty of the Academy of Arts in Prague. (FAMU)

Both began capturing images as children and photography has always been large part of our lives. There is nothing that compares to seeing something and translating that through the camera to create beauty.

Kristin is a freelance photographer engaged in Portrait, Abstract and Landscape Photography.
Miro is also a freelance photographer engaged in Portrait, Abstract, Scenic and Commercial Photography and Graphic Business Design.

Thank you for visiting our Shop on Etsy.

Dedicated to the Promotion of World Friendship
Through The Universal Language of the Arts.............
Interlochen Center for The Arts Mission Statement

Below are three (3) photographs of her work.  Beautiful aren't they? Would make a great gift.

Taken in Galeton, PA

Taken in Almond, NY

Taken in Sweden Valley, PA

Etsy is a marketplace where people around the world connect to buy and sell unique goods.  Their mission is to re-imagine commerce in ways that build a more fulfilling and lasting world.

It is a Certified B Corporation which is a new kind of company that uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems. This past Giving Tuesday Etsy donated $100,000 to non-profit organizations in the hope of inspiring others to get involved in their communities.

Kristin supported the Austin School Path Lighting Project.

PA Route 6 Regional Management Action Plan Public Meetings

JOIN US PA Route 6 Regional Management Action Plan Public Meetings

Do 6: The Road Ahead The PA Route 6 Alliance is sponsoring the first in a series of Regional Forums to kick-off the update of the Management Action Plan for the Route 6 State Heritage Area, an update that is required every ten (10) years. This update effort has been titled "Do 6: The Road Ahead". A part of this update is to explore the concept of PA Route 6 as a Scenic Byway and to place even greater emphasis on historic preservation as a part of the PA Route 6 experience. The Forums will be localized to the segment of the Corridor in which it is held but all will include the following:  Review and illustrate the six identified themes of the PA Route 6 Corridor, which include: A Warrior's Road Natural Opportunities The Engineers Challenge New Beginnings and Safe Havens Visionaries, Achievers and Social Entrepreneurs Outdoor Enthusiasts Paradise Review major recommendations of the original MAP and progress to date Review changes that have occurred along the Route 6 Corridor in past ten years Identify sites, attractions, experiences or other tourism resources that may still be "best kept secrets" and need more attention Introduce the concepts of Scenic Byways and Historic Preservation as a part of Route 6 heritage planning Reinforce and enlist new partnerships and stakeholders in Route 6 heritage tourism efforts Outline on-going participation efforts during the planning process Each Forum will consist of the following: An Informal Discussion Session with a representative of the planning team between 3:00 - 5:00 (Those interested should RSVP a preferred time to Jennifer Rossman in the PA Route 6 Alliance Office paroute6@verizon.net or at 814-435-7706814-435-7706 prior to December 5th. A Public Session, between 5:00 - 7:00 on each day (RSVP not required) The dates and locations for the Forums are as follows: Monday December 8th: Hawley, PA - Settlers Inn, Undercroft Room, 4 Main Avenue  Tuesday December 9th:                  Towanda, PA - Fairfield Inn & Suites, 1248 Golden Mile Road Wednesday December 10th: Coudersport, PA- Cole Memorial Wellness Center, 1001 East 2nd Street (West Entrance) Thursday December 11th: Corry, PA - Higher Education Building, 221 North Center Street The PA Route 6 Alliance is requesting stakeholders, businesses, organizations and interested citizens to help them get started on The Road Ahead by participating in this Forum and process. These forums are the best way to get useful and useable information on the Corridor, the regions within the Corridor and the diverse communities along what has been called "One of America's most scenic drives". Local involvement will help sustain and enhance heritage tourism efforts in the 11-County PA Route 6 Region and provide the input needed to make sure our tourism efforts are focused and reflect the unique experience offered along PA Route 6. Click here to download a flyer.  The PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor is managed by the PA Route 6 Alliance. The funding for this planning effort has been received by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

AASD Grad Operation's Foreman

Seth and Mary Walker

Seth Walker graduated from the Austin Area School District, Austin, Pennsylvania in 2005.  He is now the Operations Foreman for the Brookville Field National Fuel Supply Company, Brookville, Pennsylvania.

Pictured above is Seth and his wife, Mary Bradley Walker, who is from Bradford, Pennsylvania.