Elderton Honors Living and Dead in Parade/Ceremony

Flag bearers followed by the Elderton High School Marching Band parade down the streets of Elderton yesterday morning in their annual Memorial Day rememberance.

In Elderton, the community turned out yesterday for a parade that began at 10:30 AM. It began at the Presbyterian Church and processed down to the school, stopping for a flag-raising ceremony at Elderton State Bank. The Elderton High School Marching Band played the National Anthem as the flag was raised.

The parade then continued to the high school gymnasium for a special Memorial Day Ceremony at 11AM led by resident Connie Marr.

The Elderton Band played and high school senior Brittany Byrd, an accomplished vocalist, sang the Star Spangled Banner at beginning of ceremony. Pennsylvania State Representative Donna Oberlander (R-63) led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Reverend Paul Price, pastor of Cornerstone Worship Center, was the keynote speaker. The father of two Iraqi veteran sons, Price spoke about things communities can do to support families and loved ones currently serving.

New Bakery in Elderton Serves Up Sweet Treats

by David Croyle

Paula's Pies and Pastries in Elderton is open for business!

A new bakery has moved in to the Main Street location of the former Griddles Restaurant in Elderton.

Paula’s Pies and Pastries opened one week ago and was a major hit with travelers, truckers, and the home folk of Elderton.

“We have different types of donuts, bagels, pies, and eventually have some bread in here,” Manager Paula McKee said. “We will get some Italian bread, Italian rolls, that kind of thing, to have something different for the community in this area.”

McKee said that they surveyed the area and felt a bakery would do well in Elderton.

“You have enough eateries around here with the Sandwich Shop down the street and Tina’s Log Cabin down on (Route) 422. There’s really nothing close in this area that has a bakery. The closest I believe it out at NuMine.”

The bakery intends to create pastries that have the texture and taste of home-prepared items.

“When you get things in a grocery store, a lot of those things are not handmade or hand-mixed. Those things come in already frozen. They may have a good taste, but they just don’t taste like your Mama used to make. We do use recipes like grandma used to do. You just have to work with it for awhile to make sure you are getting the right taste and the right quality with it.”

McKee should know because she used to work in supermarket bakeries.

“I worked at Giant Eagle for awhile in their deli and in their bakery. In the Bi-Lo in Indiana, I managed their bakery and deli departments over there.”

McKee said that the trick is to balancing price and quality. “We will have to work at that and try to figure that out in the long run.”

McKee grew up in the Shelocta area but lives in Indiana. It is owned by Thomas J. Smith and is part of his business ventures that range from trucking to real estate development.

Although primarily designed for takeout, the bakery accommodates customers with some tables and seating.

The bakery opens at 5:30 AM until 6PM Monday through Friday and from 6:30 AM until 3PM on Saturdays.