PHILIPSBURG — A local emergency service organization and a bowling center were recently beneficiaries of the Moshannon Valley Economic Development Partnership Revolving Loan Program.
Loans were approved to Genna Ice ($100,000) for the purchase of what is now called Philipsburg Super Bowl and to Moshannon Valley Emergency Medical Services ($59,000) for a new ambulance.
MVEMS used the funds to purchase a 2017 Chevy ambulance unit. The vehicle replaced a well-used 2008 Chevy, which was tendered as a trade. According to Shelly Tormey, MVEMS co-director, the emergency service provider responds to about 3,000 calls each year, and with the closest hospitals in State College, Altoona, Tyrone, Clearfield and DuBois, the miles pile on quickly, and so do the maintenance bills.
“Our call numbers are definitely up,” said Tormey. “And, we’re not transporting patients to Philipsburg Hospital anymore. We’re traveling a lot longer distances for our transports, and a unit we used to keep for 10 years now only has a life of about five years. This unit was definitely needed.”
The ambulance joins a fleet of three other units, all Fords. There is also an intercept vehicle, which is predominately used by MVEMS’ paramedics.
“There’s no real reason why we didn’t go with a Ford,” said Tormey. “The Fords have been good to us. But, we just wanted to try something different I suppose. We want to see if a Chevy lasts longer than the Fords.”
The new ambulance came with a price tag of $150,000. That number was slightly offset by the trade-in value of the 2008 unit.
Fortunately, the equipment from the old unit — which has a value of about $125,000 — was transferred into the new vehicle.
“We know that MVEMS leadership is working hard to keep up with their fleet of vehicles and we are pleased to be able to assist them in that effort,” said Tom Scott, chairman of the MVEDP’s Revolving Loan Fund Committee. “We partnered with Juniata Valley Bank on the project and that is important as we always work to partner with area banks.”
MVEMS employs 45 individuals and relies on payments from Medicaid, Medicare and community contributions for its operation.
“We’re in the midst of our annual membership drive now,” said Tormey. “And, of course, we’ll glady accept any and all donations.”
MVEMS is located at 14 W. Locust St., Philipsburg. For more information, call (814) 342-3292.
SUPER BOWL PROPERTY
“The loan to Genna Ice was for the purchase of the Philipsburg Super Bowl property in the (Moshannon Valley Regional Business Park, Rush Township),” said Scott. “Genna Ice officials also secured financing through CNB Bank and the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority. The reopening of the local bowling alley and indoor recreation facility has been terrific for the area.”
The Moshannon Valley Superbowl was built in 2007 by local businessmen Jim Burns and Andy Coleman; however, bankruptcy forced the closure of the business in 2016.
“To be honest, we were looking for more storage space when the bowling alley building was brought to our attention,” said Jake Genna, co-owner of Philipsburg Super Bowl and Genna Ice. Genna and business partner Paul Brimmeier said limited parking space at the Genna Ice building on Centre Street forced the pair to begin looking at other possibilities.
“We weren’t even thinking about buying a bowling alley. It wasn’t even on the radar,” said Genna. “But, after we got to looking at it, we thought we could make it work.”
Brimmeier explained ice businesses in other communities normally have another business to bring in income during the cold winter months when ice isn’t in high demand.
“We know a lot of other ice companies, but I think we are the first to also be involved with bowling,” said Brimmeier.
Genna said since the Philipsburg Super Bowl was reopened in April 2016, business has been growing.
“It was a little tough on us at first because we opened in the spring leading into the summer months,” said Genna. “Summer isn’t a good time for bowling. Bowling gets more popular as the weather gets colder.”
Genna said the business did pick back up in November, and noted the lanes have been quite busy since. He said, though, he knows the warmer months are coming soon so the business has to come up with other ways to bring customers, and their money, into the business.
“We’re offering free bowling for kids throughout the summer,” said Genna. “We have some specials going on for St. Patrick’s Day and there is a Bowl For Kids Sake event in April, as well as the Relay For Life fundraising event on April 1. We have the annual UMI car show scheduled for August, and a cornhole tournament scheduled for June.
‘We’re still coming up with some other ideas. We want to be seen as more of a recreational center rather than just a place to come bowl.”
In addition to 24 lanes for bowling, the center also offers a full-service restaurant and bar, known as Icehouse Bar and Grille.
“We think we have a good variety of food on our menu,” said Brimmeier. “All our food is fresh, and we’re always adding to and changing the menu to accommodate our customers. We’re going to try a few new wing flavors and we recently added a few new burgers to the menu.”
The Philipsburg Super Bowl is also open for breakfast on weekends, from 8 to 11 a.m.
Visitors to the facility can also enjoy a game of billiards on one of two pool tables, play foosball or air-hockey, or spend some time in the center’s arcade. A large banquet facility, which can comfortably seat up to 50 individuals, is also available for birthday parties, baby showers, business meetings, etc. Catering for the banquet facility is available on site.
The Philipsburg Super Bowl is open daily at 11 a.m., and at 8 a.m. on weekends.
For more information, call (814) 342-6312 or visit www.philipsburgbowl.com.
