News & Events
Kittanning Rotary Club Buys Library Books for ASD Elementary Schools
posted March 10, 2010Jack Bauer has been an active member of the Kittanning Rotary Club for many years. The Club’s fundraising activities throughout the year secured an annual event for the purchase of new library books for the Armstrong School District’s elementary schools. A highlight for the Club is to personally deliver and read the new book to the second grade students. On Tuesday, March 9, 2010, many Rotary Club members and stand in volunteers were on hand when the books and new pencils were personally delivered to the schools. Sandy Mikita, Community Relations Manager at Bauer Family Funeral Homes was one of the stand-in volunteers to be a guest reader. She was assigned to visit Jennifer Hill’s second grade class at Shannock Valley Elementary School. The children were excited to hear the story of the “Marshmallow Incident”. In addition to such a fun opportunity, Sandy brought in figurines she had constructed out of toothpicks and marshmallows that the kids thought was really funny. This was a great class, eager to learn and full of lots of participation. Along with the pencils and new book for the library, she gave each student a snack bag filled with marshmallows. As she was leaving, the students and teacher expressed much appreciation to the Kittanning Rotary Club. The class was then ready to be creative and make their own marshmallow figurines.
Bauer Funeral Home Welcomes Sister Mary Hall as a Funeral Service Associate
posted March 03, 2010Bauer Funeral Home is pleased to announce that Sister Mary Hall has recently joined our staff as a Funeral Service Associate. You will now find Sister Mary welcoming the community that visits the funeral home during a family visitation. She is very excited to still be involved continuing to provide good will within our community. Sister Mary has lived in the Kittanning area for over 10 years. She retired in February 2010 from the Greensburg Diocese where she was the Pastor Associate and Director of Faith Formation at St. Mary Our Lady of Guadalupe Church of Kittanning.
Bauer Funeral Home Donates Services for Proper Disposition of AC's Museum's Unidentified Skeleton
posted March 01, 2010To read the full story as it appeared in the Leader Times newspaper follow the link below:
www.pittsburghlive.com/x/leadertimes/news/s_669088.html
ACCC Awards Honorable Mention Certificate to Bobbi Ruth Blinn for Community Volunteerism
posted February 26, 2010At the annual Armstrong County Chamber of Commerce member’s luncheon, recognition was awarded to Volunteer Citizen of the Year – Twila Williams; Junior Volunteer Citizen of the Year – a shared award went to Brandon Harriger who is a student at Lenape Technical School and Tarah Stewart who is a student at West Shamokin High School; and Business of the Year – Farmers and Merchants Bank of Kittanning. Several Bauer Family Funeral Homes’ staff members were in attendance at the luncheon that was held at the Kittanning Country Club on Feb. 24, 2010. We congratulate all volunteers in our community and especially those that received this award for 2010.
Miss Bobbi Ruth Blinn, a funeral service employee at Bauer Family Funeral Homes was also invited to the luncheon as a special guest where she was awarded a certificate as an honorable mention for her volunteer work throughout the Kittanning area. Bobbi Ruth is not only an exceptional employee at Bauer’s; she is admired by our staff for her volunteerism. That is why the Bauer Family Funeral Homes submitted a letter of consideration to the ACCC for this year’s award.
Bobbi Ruth Blinn is a lifetime resident of Kittanning, Armstrong County. She serves countless hours every years volunteering in our community and reaching out to those in need where her lifetime skills and talent can be of service. All along she is never looking for any recognition nor does she accept any payment for her volunteer services.
Bobbi Ruth came to work at the Bauer Family Funeral Homes as a funeral service associate after her formal retirement in May 1998. She was a former administrator of the Presbyterian Homes’ branch in Kittanning where she worked from 1983 until her retirement. Previously to 1983 she had been a registered nurse employed with the Children’s Home of Pittsburgh Adoption Agency and the Parental Stress Parents Rehabilitation program of abused babies.
Since her formal retirement Bobbi Ruth has voluntarily stepped in and shared her nursing skills with many people that she finds in need. Her kindness and thoughtfulness has provided taking of food for those in need, transportation for medical services to many and simply applying her nursing skills to those that may be ill.
Those that know Bobbi Ruth know that she has an exceptional talent and is known for her singing in addition to her musical abilities of playing the piano and organ. These skills have given her the ability to volunteer and provide entertainment to various groups. Every week she provides the piano music and leads in singing for the church services Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings at two local Armstrong County high-rises. She also provides the church service music on Wednesday mornings for a local assisted living home. When asked, she provides musical entertainment programs for various civic organizations, church groups, senior citizen groups and various banquets. These musical programs not only encompass her time providing the entertainment, but also may take her hours to develop just the right venue for each group. The church organists in the community know that they can count on her when asked to fill in for Sunday church services where she would play the piano or the organ for the church. As one of the Strolling Singers, she dresses the occasion and sings while walking through local stores during the Christmas season which provides holiday cheer to shoppers. The Strolling singers are also seen walking through the Kittanning Park during the Antiquing Along the Allegheny event.
Bobbi Ruth has an exceptional ability to provide entertainment to all ages. It’s been over twenty five years since she created and still dresses up to play the clown character Po-z. Over the years she has provided entertainment for many festivals and other events going on in the area. More recently Po-z appeared at the Octoberfest celebration at the Renshaw Farms and several ice cream festivals.
Bobbi Ruth is known to be a very civic minded citizen. She has served on the Armstrong County Penn State Cooperative Extension Board for four terms. She has been a member of the Armstrong County Historical Museum and Genealogical Society, Inc. for many years where she served as a board member for twelve of those years. She was also the coordinator for the musical programs during the Museum’s Christmas open house and was the co-editor of the quarterly newsletter. She is currently serving on the nomination committee. Bobbi Ruth has also served on the Family Counseling Center of Armstrong County board of directors for twelve years.
She was the originator of the Red Hats movement all around this area. An article that appeared in the Leader Times newspaper in September 2002 told of her hearing about this movement from a friend and she thus began making phone calls to start a Red Hats organization here. The Red Hats movement expanded to organize many ladies in and around the Kittanning area. You now can find numerous groups of Red Hats that enjoy the afternoon socializing from her initiative to bring this type of ladies group to this area.
Bobbi Ruth as well as all the Volunteers of the Year for 2010 will continue to be admired for their volunteerism, kindness, talent and their ability to express it in our community.
Jennifer Bauer Eroh Participates in NextGen Seminar
posted February 23, 2010Jennifer Bauer Eroh was among the many young professionals attending the Selected Independent Funeral Homes’ NextGen Seminar. Eroh is a Funeral Director of Bauer Family Funeral Homes, Inc. located in Kittanning, PA, with branches in Elderton and Dayton.
“This is a very energetic group, and it is always a wonderful experience to get together with my colleagues for a few days,” said Eroh. “This meeting provided an excellent opportunity to explore and discuss leadership principles as well as share ideas and challenges with each other.”
NextGen Seminars are conducted annually by Selected Independent Funeral Homes to encourage networking among its young professionals and those new to funeral service. This year, participants learned specific tactics to employ that will ensure a better chance of turning a strategic plan into a functioning reality. This interactive session was presented by Buz Buzogany, Buzogany Associates, IL, and sparked renewed energy among participants to implement new ideas into the daily operation of their firms. Participants also gained insight from Selected members Mark McCrockline, Vice President of Sales/General Manager, and Tony Lloyd, Executive Vice President/COO, of Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Centers, IN, on specific initiatives the firm has undertaken in recent years. They shared the steps involved to make them successful as well as some of the trials that were unproductive.
Bauer Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. has been a member of Selected Independent Funeral Homes since 1963. The association was founded in 1917 and is the world’s oldest and largest association of independently owned funeral homes. Its members represent the finest and most caring funeral professionals in North America and around the world. Selected Independent Funeral Homes actively promotes the use of best practices by its members in order to provide consumers with the finest care possible.
“One of the ways our members demonstrate commitment to providing quality funeral services is through adherence to the association’s ‘Code of Good Practice’,” said Robert J. Paterkiewicz, Executive Director of Selected Independent Funeral Homes. “They understand the enormous responsibility they have to the families and communities they serve. We are pleased that Jennifer Bauer Eroh is following this long tradition by participating with her fellow NextGen funeral directors.”
The Unspoken Event
posted January 28, 2010The Bauer Funeral Home of Kittanning was honored to have been able to offer professional but compassionate guidance to the Gould family when they planned for the funeral of their beloved father, Dr. Eugene Gould who died Dec. 19, 2010. He was a well known eye doctor in Kittanning and the family wanted to design an event, his funeral to be a loving tribute to his life. Claire Gould, Dr. Gould’s daughter who is also a columnist and event planner, writes of staying focused on the positive aspect when planning a funeral for a loved one. Read “The Unspoken Event” by going to the web site link: www.planyourmeetings.com/advice/2010/01/the-unspoken-event%C2%A0january-2009-morsel/
Remodeling Project at Bauer Funeral Home Provides Recycling of Interior Furnishings
posted January 28, 2010Many changes have taken place over the generations at the Bauer Funeral Home in Kittanning which also included maintaining our outstanding facilities. The latest update to the facilities took place in 2009 when the Bauer Funeral Home of Kittanning took on a full remodeling interior makeover. This was completed to insure the maximum comfort of the families we serve and to be more accommodating to our community. The remodeling was overseen under the watchful guidance of Jack Bauer, president and Jennifer B. Eroh, third generation funeral director at Bauer Family Funeral Homes.
Among the many improvements that were made, this also included replacing the carpeting and draperies throughout the funeral home. We were pleased that almost one hundred percent of the carpeting that was removed was able to be generously donated to be again used in area churches. Three churches in Kittanning; the First United Methodist Church, The First Baptist Church and Grace Presbyterian Church were the recipient of this carpeting. Some of the draperies were also donated to the Armstrong Community Theater at their home theater in Worthington. “With emphasis on how important that recycling is; we were pleased to have found a new use for these interior furnishings.”
Deana R. Turner Selected President of Butler County Funeral Directors Association
posted December 22, 2009On Nov. 10, 2009, the Butler County Funeral Directors Association selected its new president. Deana R. Turner, FD and licensed insurance agent will assume the responsibilities of the association in 2010.
Turner is a lifelong native of Butler County and is a graduate with honors from Carlow College and the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. She has studied throughout the state, accumulating valuable hours learning techniques and strategies pertinent to funeral service and has attended many seminars studying industry specific topics, including round table discussions with the Center for Organ Recovery and Education.
In addition to her professional memberships in Selected Independent Funeral Homes, the National Funeral Directors Association, the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association and the Butler County Funeral Directors Association, she actively volunteers with the Chicora Volunteer Fire Department and the Chicora Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization. She is a Board member with the Karns City Youth Football Association, acting as Treasurer for 2010, a member of the Technology Committee for the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association, and an adjunct instructor for the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science.
Turner is a funeral director and licensed insurance agent with the family owned and operated Bauer Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., in Kittanning as well as the branch locations in Elderton and Dayton. The Bauer family and staff are dedicated to caring for the deceased with respect and dignity and the living with compassion and understanding- and to accomplish this goal with the highest professional ethics. Deana will aggressively pursue the ideals of the Butler County Funeral Directors Association in her upcoming term and will be looking forward to working with her colleagues; joining the newly elected President are Vice President Jim Travalio and Secretary/Treasurer Keri Rasely-Hays.
Bauer Makes New Sign For Jerusalem Lutheran Church
posted December 09, 2009The lettering on the old rusty road sign directing visitors and the congregation to Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Wayne Township, Armstrong County was barely recognizable. Jack Bauer, president of Bauer Family Funeral Homes along with Deana Turner, supervisor of Bauer-Bly Funeral Home, first noticed that the church was in need of a new sign when they were traveling to the church for a funeral service. On that day Jack decided to take on the project of making a new road sign himself. He knew that the small country churches have limited funds for maintenance and a new sign was probably just not in the church’s budget. Overseeing the project, Jack contracted Custom Design Monuments of Kittanning to produce the lettering and bought the material for the new sign. The staff members at Bauer Family Funeral Homes were eager to help lay out the lettering and install the new sign as soon as possible. It was installed the day before two funeral services were to take place at the small country church.
Jack Bauer accompanied by his wife Sue was invited to attend the following Sunday’s service at Jerusalem Lutheran Church and were honored by a special appreciation recognition by the minister, Messenger Ralph Kilgore, Jr. and the congregation. Jack was also asked to speak at the Sunday service. He continued to honor the church by dedicating the new sign in memory of three members of the Church whose funerals were all held this year; Virginia Rupp, Ida Maxine Ferkan, and Robert Galbraith.
Community Activities
posted November 22, 2009DINNER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Fish Buffet
Kittanning Township Fire Hall, 4 miles east of Kittanning, Rt. 422
Friday, Mar. 12, 2010 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Cost: Adults-$9.50; Children 6-12-$5.50; Under 6-free
Menu: Baked and fried fish, chicken strips, parsley potatoes, green bean casserole, macaroni and cheese, haluski, soup, coleslaw, rolls, salad, dessert, beverage. Takeouts available. For more information or questions contact 724-548-7290
Fish Dinner
First United Methodist Church Covenant Center, 332 N. Water St., Kittanning
Friday's during Lent-through March 26 4:30 - 6:30PM
Cost: Adults-$6.00 Children-$3.00 Takeouts available
Menu: Baked or fried fish or sloppy joe sandwich, curly fries or baked potato, coleslaw or applesauce, beverage and homemade pie.
Fish Dinner
St. Mary Parish Hall, Kittanning
Friday's during Lent-through March 26 4:00 - 6:30PM
Cost: Adults-$7.50 Children-$4.00 Takeouts-$8.00
Menu:Baked or fried fish, coleslaw, roll/butter, and beverage. Desert will be sold for an extra charge. For takeouts call 724-543-5151.
A GREAT WAY TO GET SOME EXERCISE THIS WINTER: The Armstrong School District continues its program offering walking in the school district buildings to residents of Armstrong County. Residents are permitted to walk in the buildings from 6 – 8 PM beginning Nov. 16, 2009 and concludes April 23, 2010. Walking in the schools will not be possible on holidays or when schools are closed due to inclement weather. Adults and children interested in participating are asked to register in the office of their community’s school prior to the beginning of the program. Children are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Registrants will be issued a pass permitting access to the building at that time.
