Evening at the Museum

It only takes a few minutes to discover that the Corry Area Historical Museum on Mead Avenue treasures tradition and the preservation of memories of the fascinating past of the City of Corry as well as the surrounding area. In fact, the items at the museum document much of the way of life of people within a 250 square mile area.  Recently I was able to tour the museum as part of an event sponsored by Village Friends, Inc. As museum volunteer, Ann Clark, said in her introductory remarks of the tour, “People have done a great deal of work before us to preserve the record of our heritage, and we are working hard to continue that tradition.  That hard work and dedication, past and present, is evident to all who were able to attend. Many of us were even able to explore the record of our own families.  Now that is an amazing and emotional experience.  

The museum is a most “welcoming” place to visit.  Housing 15,000 artifacts arranged in creative ways, it also contains a large archive where newspaper clippings dating as far back as 1880 are organized and stored in a climate-controlled environment.   In addition to clippings is information not only on families from all walks of life, businesses, churches, and schools throughout time, but also many photographs that still need to be identified…just in case you are interested in doing a little detective work. 

Important point -- the museum can always use volunteers to catalog and to arrange new bits of history, to provide tours and to answer questions for the people who visit each year – over 3000 last year alone – 800 of whom came to do research on site.  It is a “happening” place to be sure.  Serious work is being done there and….  it is fun to visit.  Where else can you find such a variety – everything from yardsticks of local businesses to industrial machinery -- including a Climax Engine? 

No doubt about it. The Corry Area Historical Museum is a gift to Corry and the surrounding area.  It is open Thursdays 10-2 and Sundays 2-4 or by appointment.  Check out www.corryareahistoricalsociety.org for more details.

It Takes a Village...

Attention Boomers as young as 60 who reside within the Corry Area School District...

• Want to stay in your own home for as long as you can?
• Need some help with a project now and then?
• Have trouble rearranging furniture, finding last minute transportation to an appointment, or with flipping your mattress?
• Is your computer stressing you out?
• Does your smartphone make you feel stupid?  
• Looking to hire a contractor, a lawn care service, an electrician, or a service provider of any sort who has been vetted and may offer you a discount?   

Becoming a member of Village Friends may be the perfect answer for you -- or for someone you know.

Check out the Village Friends, Inc. Facebook page or visit their website at www.villagefriendsinc.org for more details.  If you think that you want to consider becoming a member or a volunteer, you can call the Program Director, Jackie Haines at (814) 964-2767 or download an application from the website and mail it to 45 East Washington Street, Corry, PA 16407.

I recently joined as a member but also hope to do a bit of volunteering as well once I figure out where I might be able to help. I am thinking that we are most fortunate to have a Village Friends here that is a part of an important nationwide movement to help older citizens live independently and to participate in social, cultural and educational activities.  A lot is going on  -- many opportunities to just plain have fun.  There are, for example several  "Day Tripping" outings planned to visit and explore a variety of interesting places nearby and also the chance to participate in the "Coffee Club" that meets once a month to plan events and outings. 

A village can do more than raise a child - although that is certainly important. A village of friends can make everyone's life better - no matter what age they may happen to be.  You may want to think about volunteering, joining or perhaps -- donating to this organization.