https://michaelbuffington.com/blog Notes from Lewistown, Pennsylvania: downtown restoration, broadband and business. en-us https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/downtown-lewistown-solar-projects https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/downtown-lewistown-solar-projects Fri, 14 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT We're nearing completion of two more commercial solar projects in downtown Lewistown. Once these systems are operational, we'll be generating enough… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/one-stop-and-boost-mobile https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/one-stop-and-boost-mobile Mon, 24 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT One-Stop Communications is back in the wireless phone business and is now an Authorized Retailer for Boost Mobile! I've personally been involved in the… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/presenting-properties-pre-renovation https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/presenting-properties-pre-renovation Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT Showcasing the potential of neglected buildings can be challenging. When presenting commercial properties pre-renovation, it's often difficult for some… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/january-21st-2025 https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/january-21st-2025 Tue, 21 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT I feel incredibly lucky to work with such a dedicated and talented team! We weren't all able to make it for this photo, but I want to acknowledge that… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/on-the-home-stretch https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/on-the-home-stretch Thu, 31 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT The 19 South Brown Street renovation project is finally on the home stretch! All four apartments are now occupied, and the first-floor commercial space… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/get-to-know-one-stop https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/get-to-know-one-stop Tue, 30 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT While our products and services at One-Stop Communications change as technology evolves, our focus on connecting our community to the world has… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/improving-connectivity-in-our-communities https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/improving-connectivity-in-our-communities Tue, 09 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT Recently, I was asked what government program funded the fiber-to-home internet project on the Juniata Terrace completed by One-Stop Communications.… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/juniata-terrace-fiber-project https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/juniata-terrace-fiber-project Thu, 27 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT The Juniata Terrace is like home to me. My mother's family moved here shortly after the American Viscose built these homes to escape the dangers of the… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/my-sons-graduation-speech https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/my-sons-graduation-speech Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT My son graduated from high school yesterday with honors and gave the following speech. I may be biased, but I think he nailed it and had a great… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/welcome-to-downtown-lewistown-geisinger https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/welcome-to-downtown-lewistown-geisinger Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT Welcome to downtown Lewistown Geisinger, and thank you for investing in our community! I've been watching and listening to the sounds of construction… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/huge-thanks-to-our-incredible-construction-team https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/huge-thanks-to-our-incredible-construction-team Fri, 17 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT Before-and-after photos of the latest apartment at 19 South Bronw Street! We can finally see an end to this renovation project. While this apartment is… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/extremely-difficult-to-believe https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/extremely-difficult-to-believe Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT I find it extremely difficult to believe I've been doing this for over 27 years! What a fun ride it has been. I'm grateful for all the relationships… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/10-most-vibrant-towns-in-pennsylvania https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/10-most-vibrant-towns-in-pennsylvania Mon, 12 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT Lewistown is one of the 10 Most Vibrant Towns In Pennsylvania, according to World Atlas! Anyone involved in our community knows this, but it sure feels… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/incredible-transformation-of-19-south-brown-street https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/incredible-transformation-of-19-south-brown-street Tue, 30 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT Then and now photos of 19 South Brown Street in downtown Lewistown (2024 & ca 1968). We can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel for our… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/thank-you-for-being-a-community-supporter-rhonda https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/thank-you-for-being-a-community-supporter-rhonda Sat, 20 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT As consumer and business demands change, our community is constantly adapting, just as it has in the past. Today will never be the same as yesterday.… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/i-will-miss-seeing-our-friends-at-the-cricket-store-on-a-daily-basis https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/i-will-miss-seeing-our-friends-at-the-cricket-store-on-a-daily-basis Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT Have you seen the transformation of the new Cricket Wireless store on Electic Avenue? They have moved to their new location at 815 Electric Avenue, and… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/one-stop-communications-moves-to-downtown-lewistown https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/one-stop-communications-moves-to-downtown-lewistown Mon, 08 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT Earlier this year, One-Stop Communications announced it was merging with Mifflin County Wireless and Telecentive to serve their customers better, which… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/one-stop-mifflin-county-wireless-and-telecentive-announce-merger https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/one-stop-mifflin-county-wireless-and-telecentive-announce-merger Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT Our three companies have been sharing resources for years. We have talented and experienced people working on similar projects. It only made sense to… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/we-are-just-waiting-for-the-sun-to-shine-again https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/we-are-just-waiting-for-the-sun-to-shine-again Thu, 28 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT Permission to operate was issued this week for the newly commissioned solar system at 19 South Brown Street, and it is now producing electricity, even… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/renovations-at-19-south-brown-street https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/renovations-at-19-south-brown-street Sat, 16 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT 19 South Brown Street in Lewistown has been vacant for many years. The building was in good structural condition. However, it was in need of major… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/new-day-new-project-new-things-to-come https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/new-day-new-project-new-things-to-come Thu, 13 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT New day. New project. New things to come.. https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/mifflin-county-wireless-offices-relocate-to-downtown-lewistown https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/mifflin-county-wireless-offices-relocate-to-downtown-lewistown Wed, 17 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT Come see the new Mifflin County Wireless offices for yourself! A few weeks ago, Mifflin County Wireless and GBTCloud moved to their new home in… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/biking-adventure-from-pittsburgh-to-dc https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/biking-adventure-from-pittsburgh-to-dc Fri, 08 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT Last week I took a 330+ mile journey on two wheels biking from Pittsburgh, PA to Washington, DC, with my longtime friend, which oversees the day-to-day… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/incredible-colors-in-the-sky https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/incredible-colors-in-the-sky Fri, 10 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT I couldn't resist the urge to fly the drone and take a few photos last night on a quick run to take care of recyclables. The colors in the sky looked… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/yes-im-a-sucker-for-blue-skies-clouds-and-green-landscapes https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/yes-im-a-sucker-for-blue-skies-clouds-and-green-landscapes Wed, 01 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT Yes. I'm a sucker for blue skies, clouds, and green landscapes. https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/direct-lightning-strike https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/direct-lightning-strike Sat, 28 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT I am grateful for those that worked last night and this morning to complete repairs as needed! I love watching lightning storms, but they make me… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/valley-view-retirement-community https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/valley-view-retirement-community Wed, 25 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT I've had the pleasure of working with Valley View on several different projects over the years. Plus, several family members and people I care about… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/highlighting-mifflin-county https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/highlighting-mifflin-county Wed, 18 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT A few weeks ago, my son and I started taking drone photos and videos highlighting Mifflin County and local businesses. Not only are we having a blast… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/you-will-find-many-different-things-in-this-video-and-post-that-i-am-passionate-about https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/you-will-find-many-different-things-in-this-video-and-post-that-i-am-passionate-about Fri, 06 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT You will find many different things in this video and post that I am passionate about! Any guesses? https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/keeping-the-mifflin-county-youth-fair-connected https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/keeping-the-mifflin-county-youth-fair-connected Wed, 04 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT I would like to thank Cody Wian and his team at Mifflin County Wireless and GBT Cloud for jumping in to make this project happen. Being involved and… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/the-views-after-a-storm https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/the-views-after-a-storm Mon, 02 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT When you are involved with an internet service provider you never want to see an outage for your customers. Unfortunately, mother nature can cause… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/high-speed-internet-expansion-for-mifflin-county https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/high-speed-internet-expansion-for-mifflin-county Fri, 25 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT One of the projects keeping me busy this year, but I must admit there are those working much harder than me to make this happen. Seeing this… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/partnering-to-bring-high-speed-internet-to-mifflin-county https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/partnering-to-bring-high-speed-internet-to-mifflin-county Thu, 08 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMT What happens when two businesses and their founders have similar missions to help keep the world connected and create value for others? They partner to… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/change-is-the-one-constant https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/change-is-the-one-constant Wed, 24 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMT After more than 26 years, there is one thing I know for sure about managing a business: it is going to change. Change is the one constant that I have… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/leaving-tracks-in-two-states https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/leaving-tracks-in-two-states Sat, 27 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMT It has been over a month since I've had a chance to ride my bike. Today's adventure crossed a state line leaving tracks in North Carolina and Virginia.… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/we-will-miss-you-captain https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/we-will-miss-you-captain Sat, 23 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT John Kirk II started working at One-Stop Communications almost 15 years ago. To be honest, I had my reservations about how long he would last at our… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/sometimes-we-get-to-pick-which-direction-we-go https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/sometimes-we-get-to-pick-which-direction-we-go Thu, 21 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT This photo represents the end of 2020 for me in so many different ways! Sometimes we get to pick which direction we go, and other times we may be… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/i-wish-all-my-friends-and-family-success-happiness-and-joy-in-2021 https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/i-wish-all-my-friends-and-family-success-happiness-and-joy-in-2021 Wed, 13 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT For the last couple of weeks, I have been decompressing from the world. After having an unusual and somewhat hectic end to 2020, I must admit I was… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/greenwood-furnace-state-park https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/greenwood-furnace-state-park Sun, 06 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMT I found some white patches of stuff on the ground biking around Greenwood Furnace State Park today. It was a little chilly but still felt good to get… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/happy-belated-thanksgiving https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/happy-belated-thanksgiving Tue, 01 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMT This year has been one crazy year, and I certainly wish some things were different. Although the craziness of 2020 has only made me more thankful and… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/happy-veterans-day-and-thank-you-to-all-those-who-have-served-and-those-who-continue-to-serve https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/happy-veterans-day-and-thank-you-to-all-those-who-have-served-and-those-who-continue-to-serve Wed, 11 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT Happy Veterans Day, and thank you to all those who have served and those who continue to serve! I am grateful for your service! Did you know the… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/it-always-looks-a-little-different https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/it-always-looks-a-little-different Wed, 11 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT I've walked this road and along this creek countless times over the last 18 years. It always looks a little different. https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/100-years-old-today https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/100-years-old-today Sun, 25 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT My grandfather William E. Buffington would have been 100 years old today. (10/25/1920 - 8/31/2002) I like to think I inherited his entrepreneurial… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/fall-colors-of-central-pennsylvania https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/fall-colors-of-central-pennsylvania Sun, 25 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT You just never know where a Sunday bike ride may take you. Enjoying the fall colors of central Pennsylvania. Have a wonderful week! https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/what-are-you-fascinated-and-curious-about https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/what-are-you-fascinated-and-curious-about Sat, 24 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT Since I was a kid, I have always been fascinated and curious about anything that flies. Everything from birds, planes, helicopters, kites, rockets… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/please-be-kind-calm-and-patient-with-others https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/please-be-kind-calm-and-patient-with-others Wed, 21 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT I feel like someone put life into hyper gear this year. Normally life is always busy for me, and I never have a shortage of things to do, but this year… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/downtown-lewistown https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/downtown-lewistown Sat, 17 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT A few weeks ago, I tried to recreate an aerial photo of downtown Lewistown taken in the 70s and failed. For some reason, I could not get the same… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/ask-for-your-copy https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/ask-for-your-copy Thu, 15 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT Asking the right questions is a skill I wish I could go back and teach my younger self and I am still trying to perfect to this day. When we ask the… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/success-habits-of-super-achiever-1-in-30-categories https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/success-habits-of-super-achiever-1-in-30-categories Fri, 02 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT Thank you to everyone that supported the book launch of Success Habits of Super Achiever! We hit number #1 in 30 categories during the Amazon launch… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/local-businesses-find-silver-lining https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/local-businesses-find-silver-lining Sat, 26 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT Thank you, Rhonda, for supporting local businesses! The ability to pivot, make changes, and adapt is not always easy. Having a community and chamber… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/success-habits-of-super-achievers-new-book-released-this-morning https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/success-habits-of-super-achievers-new-book-released-this-morning Tue, 22 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT I am incredibly excited to share some big news with the release of *Success Habits of Super Achievers.* This new book I co-authored is being released… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/true-stories-of-big-dreamers https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/true-stories-of-big-dreamers Fri, 17 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT I am extremely excited for Sophia Stavron! She is a friend of mine who co-produced, DREAMER, a new documentary. This movie features true stories of big… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/im-right-and-you-are-wrong https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/im-right-and-you-are-wrong Thu, 25 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMT I'm right and you are wrong! Maybe -- you are right and I am wrong! Or maybe -- neither one of us are right and we are both wrong! We all know there… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/what-the-goose-is-going-on-around-here https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/what-the-goose-is-going-on-around-here Tue, 02 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMT In my Pennsylvania hometown communities of Mifflin and Juniata counties, new geese are migrating to the area. These are not the typical geese you will… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/i-wish-all-my-friends-and-family-a-happy-memorial-day https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/i-wish-all-my-friends-and-family-a-happy-memorial-day Mon, 25 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT The other day I was accused of being too happy and told I better be careful someone may end up shooting me. Don't get excited - this was not a real… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/our-downtown-is-transforming-our-downtown-is-a-wonderful-place-to-be https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/our-downtown-is-transforming-our-downtown-is-a-wonderful-place-to-be Mon, 18 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT It is hard to believe it has been 4 years since the big CVS construction project in downtown Lewistown. Recently someone shared my time-lapse video of… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/have-you-tried-on-a-new-pair-of-lenses-recently https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/have-you-tried-on-a-new-pair-of-lenses-recently Sat, 16 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT Last year I was struggling to see things clearly when reading anything right in front of me. You see, my eyes have been slowly changing as I get older… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/you-are-in-charge-of-your-attitude https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/you-are-in-charge-of-your-attitude Mon, 20 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT As a business owner, the last four weeks have been challenging, to say the least. I'm even having a hard time believing we have been dealing with all… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/loyal-raving-fan-hungry-run-distillery https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/loyal-raving-fan-hungry-run-distillery Wed, 15 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT I am incredibly grateful Hungry Run Distillery helped One-Stop Communications with hand sanitizer for our employees and customers. I was already a… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/how-are-you-adapting-and-changing https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/how-are-you-adapting-and-changing Sat, 11 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT I need to apologize to all my local central Pennsylvania friends for being MIA, including everyone I usually see regularly in all my favorite… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/be-kind-calm-and-patient https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/be-kind-calm-and-patient Wed, 08 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT Today I have a heavy heart. Yesterday I received news that someone I worked and communicated with regularly for the last seven years passed away in a… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/change-and-adapt-to-the-current-conditions-to-survive-and-thrive https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/change-and-adapt-to-the-current-conditions-to-survive-and-thrive Mon, 06 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT Shout out to my entrepreneurial friends or anyone else that finds this helpful. Are you looking for tangible action items to do for your business right… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/wild-roller-coaster-ride https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/wild-roller-coaster-ride Sat, 04 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT To all my entrepreneurial friends and anyone else that finds this helpful! The last couple of weeks have been a wild roller coaster ride for everyone!… https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/crazy-couple-of-weeks https://michaelbuffington.com/blog/crazy-couple-of-weeks Fri, 03 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT Shout out to all my entrepreneurial friends! It has been a crazy couple of weeks making the necessary changes to keep things operational. Business has…