I just heard the news that former President, Bill Clinton will be in my hometown of St. Marys, PA today (Thursday)!  This is EXCITING news for my itty bitty home city!  After speaking with more people about his visit, I  realize why the Clinton party may be heading into our pretty little city and the surrounding cities and towns, possibly because of a few remarks that Barack Obama made in San Francisco the other day?  Now, I’ve been in my own little world these days, what with starting a full-time job and whatnot, but I have searched around and found this post over at Politico.com that has captured, in full, Obama’s remarks on small towns in PA and the Midwest.

Ok, Mr. former President of the United States of America, let me welcome you to St. Marys, Pennsylvania,  population somewhere around 15,000.  We are located in a scenic little area nestled snug down inside of the Allegheny Mountains (LOVE saying that).  I was born and raised in St. Marys, which was founded in 1842, by the way.  We are a city full of people who enjoy being surrounded by nature and wildlife.  St. Marys is in Elk County, if you weren’t already aware.  Yes, we do have Elk!  I spent many a starry night going “spotting” with friends and family.  No, spotting doesn’t mean that we stood behind someone while they were lifting weights or doing gymnastics; spotting is when you drive around aimlessly through the woods, in the dark with a huge spotlight, looking for white-tailed deer and Elk.  Don’t get too close though, those suckers will charge!  If you’d like to experience spotting while you’re in the area, let me know and I will hook you up.

The main industry in town is carbon and powdered metal. Morgan AM&T, where three out of my seven brothers are employed, makes the powder for part of the bullet proof vests worn by the military.  They make parts for space shuttles, tanks and airplanes, as well.  Pretty impressive stuff!  I’d be happy to pass along my brother’s numbers if you’d like to chat it up a bit with them while you’re in town.  I’m sure they would talk your ear off.

But wait, you’re going to need that ear to listen to what the residents of my quaint little city have to say!  Hillary wants their votes, right?  Well, then, pay very close attention because what the people in St. Marys have to say to you will be extremely important.  One reason I moved away is because of the lack of employment opportunities in town.  Sure, we have our own beer brewed at the Straub Brewery (no sugar, salt or preservatives added) but I can’t see myself bottling beer all day.  You’d probably just find me hanging out by the brewery’s “eternal tap“.  You might want to plan a tour during your visit, I’m sure they’d be happy to oblige.

Looks like you’re going to be in the area in the early afternoon.  If you need to grab a quick bite to eat, my favorite place has always been Rick’s Dough Boys.  Rick is a HUGE car fanatic.  I believe he even has a couple of his beauty’s showcased in the window…that’s right!  Right inside of his restaurant!  Dough Boys is known for their pizza but I’ve always been a big fan of their salads and sub sandwiches.  If you’re looking for a tasty Hoagie, you might want to head over to Johnson’s Grocery on So. Michael St.  Some will argue that Vito’s Hoagies are better than Johnson’s but in my opinion, they’re both pretty darn good and we always load up on a couple dozen when we’re visiting.

You can even take a peak at our local newspaper, The Daily Press, online.  We are THAT with the times!  Also, in case you decide you need some professional photos taken, stop by my friend’s photography studio (the best in town), I’m willing to bet they’d give you a hefty discount.

Well, I hope you have the Chicago Mom’s Blog feed in your Google Reader and are able to access it from your BlackBerry or iPhone.  I want to make sure you are down with what’s cool in town.  If you need a personal tour of the city, you could always call my mom.  Hey, Katie Couric did!

Ah, Bill, I kid, I kid.  I just want you to make yourself at home in St. Marys.  We’re a proud little town and I’m sure you’ll be welcomed by many open arms.

*One of my original Chicago Moms Blog posts