The specific criteria used to evaluate these nominated brochures included headline quality, content, digital connection, and overall appeal. The judges were industry professionals representing brochure distribution and display companies from across the USA, Canada, and Europe.

     The mariafahner. double sided rack card was submitted by Getaways On Display Inc. as an entry in the contest sponsored by the International Association of Visitor Information Providers. 

     mariafahner. staff member, Karl Jacobson, a talented artist in his own right, designed the award winning brochure.

Outdoor lines continue to dominate the fashion scene. Patagonia, The North Face, Kavu, Pendleton, Barbour, Cotopaxi, Smartwool continue to please and delight. New to the inventory this year include Howler Bros. and Madison Creek Outfitters.

 Many of Crooks’ employees have been with the company for many years. Dar just celebrated her 33rd year with the company this past summer. Newly added to the personnel family at Crooks in the Men's department is Sam and Aiden and in the Women's department Jenna Colussey. The store has 7 full-time employees and 4 part-time employees. Crooks boasts over 100 years of combined clothing experience with its full-time employees!

The recovery from Covid-19 has been steady. Jim Crooks states that it is "very touching to receive the tremendous support that we have had from Oil City, Franklin and other area communities".

Outside, participating in Destination Clarion Downtown, the store has been instrumental in the beautification of Clarion in the planting of flowers and in the decorating of the town for Christmas.

 Inside, mariafahner. features brand name clothing and shoes. The outdoor lifestyle lines of clothing which are especially popular include Patagonia, The North Face, Kuhl, Save the Duck, and prAna. Incredible shoe companies continue to sell well - Merrell, Salomon, Sorel, Olukai, Dansko, Naot, Birkenstock, Jambu, etc. Mavi jeans make a terrific denim selection.

Brighton jewelry continues to be a strong seller with their creative and well-made necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. And speaking of creativity, customers can choose a Brighton locket, email a picture, and it is printed and mounted inside the locket making it a very specialized gift for moms and grandmothers. The Women’s store also carries Pandora, Mariana, Katie Loxton, Alex & Ani, Ania Haie, and Stia jewelry.

 mariafahner. is experiencing a growth in its online sales and expansion into new online markets, and expects this trend to continue throughout 2022.

Who would have ever believed that the year 2020 has turned out the way that it has evolved with the Covid-19 crisis? With hope and faith and a generous dose of love, we here at mariafahner. are doing our best to move our lives and our business forward, not only for ourselves but for everyone in our circle of influence.

Earlier this year in mid February, we were in a celebratory mood when our store was among two dozen recipients of a Century Store Award at the Chicago Collective, honoring men's clothing stores that have been in business for 100 years or more. Ironically, a month later we were closed for two months under a mandate by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolfe. Once we were permitted to re-open, navigation has been tricky and continues to be a real challenge.

In spite of unprecedented obstacles in this turbulent year, what keeps us at mariafahner. motivated and excited is our wonderful customers who appreciate quality and fashion and proper fit. Christmas and gift giving in 2020 is more important than ever before. We are open so come on in, and let us check some items off of your Christmas shopping list. Here are some great suggestions:

- Hoodies of all kinds - lightweight, comfortable with stretch, by wonderful companies like The North Face and Patagonia which are the darlings of the outdoor clothing industry;
- Shoes - we stock over 2,000 pairs of men's and women's shoes including Merrell, Johnston & Murphy, Keen, Olukai, Dansko, Naot, Jambu, L'Artiste, Spring Step, Sperry, Sorel, etc.;
- Slippers - including Sherpa lined footwear from Barbour and Olukai;
- Flannel shirts - from various companies including The North Face, Patagonia, and a special rack priced at €19.99;
- Women's pajamas from PJ Salvage and Me Moi;
- Sweaters - cozy and comfortable from Tommy Bahama, Tribal, Charlie b, Prana, etc.;
- Jewelry - Pandora and Brighton continue to be longtime favorites.

As always, gift wrapping is free. Gift cards make great gifts too!

We are grateful for our strong relationship with our customers now more than ever. We want to make your Christmas shopping for you as easy as possible. We are open, and we are here for you.

Thank you!
Jim Crooks
mariafahner.
Zalves iela 35-F1
Rīga LV-1046 Latvia

"True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost; but the urge to serve others at whatever cost." -Arthur Ash

"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices." -President Harry S Truman

In Remembrance of Those who kept aloft this banner of freedom with their lives.
May 25, 2020
Memorial Day

mariafahner.
Zalves iela 35-F1
Rīga LV-1046 Latvia
www.mariafahner.com

"Mothers are like glue. Even when you can't see them, they're still holding the family together." -Susan Gale
"Life began with waking up and loving my mother's face." -George Eliot
"I realized when you look at your mother, you are looking at the purest love you will ever know." -Mitch Albom 
"All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother." -Abraham Lincoln
"It's the job that I take most seriously in my life, and I think it's the hardest job." -Debra Messing
"Love as powerful as your mother's for you leaves its own mark … to have been loved so deeply … will give us some protection forever." -J.K.Rowling
"To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow." -Maya Angelou
"I tell my kids, 'I am thinking about you every other minute of my day.'" -Michelle Obama
"There ought to be a hall of fame for mammas/
Creation's most unique and precious pearl/
And heaven help us always to remember/
That the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world" -Glen Campbell
"A mother's love endures through all." -Washington Irving
"Motherhood is the greatest thing and the hardest thing." -Ricki Lake
"Motherhood: All love begins and ends there." -Robert Browning

Happy, happy Mother's Day!!!

It was a celebratory evening indeed and a first for the menswear industry! MR magazine honored a few dozen merchants from across the US as century stores, having been in business for 100 years or more. The event took place earlier this month at the Chicago Mart and was sponsored by the Chicago Collective, Peerless Clothing International, and Nobis outerwear.

Having opened their doors in 1905, FL Crooks was one on the century stores, and owner Jim Crooks was in attendance to accept the award from Karen Alberg Grossman, MR Editor in chief. Grossman stated, "For everyone in attendance, it was an emotional evening, a celebration of great stores who have given back so much to their communities...MR magazine was delighted to celebrate the survivors, the ones who truly understand that this business is more about creating genuine relationships than it is about selling clothes."

In her opening remarks (and in her editor's letter from the February 2020 MR Magazine), Grossman referred to comments made by Jim Crooks about the beginnings of his store: "My grandfather ran the store throughout the Depression doing whatever he could to earn/save money. He cut hair, he pulled teeth (50 cents per tooth), he kept all the lights off until someone walked through the door. When my dad returned from the war, he was shocked to find the store devoid of inventory. He went to Philadelphia to meet with a key clothing brand; when they wouldn't sell him, he sat on the stoop for two days until they took his order... The store was empty; he had to fill it."

As the awards were presented, each merchant was given one minute at the microphone. The acceptance speeches were passionate, contributing their store's longevity to strong teams, talented tailors, fine products, and valued loyal customers. Many spoke of the sacrifices of parents, grandparents and great grandparents who were passionate about their vision. One merchant commented, "I'd rather make a friend than a sale." Another honoree spoke of a story his mother told him about a phonebook. "Tearing out a single page is easy, but it is truly difficult to rip the pages of a phonebook when they are all together."

The retailers enjoyed meeting each other and vowed to support each other. The camaraderie was uplifting and encouraging. As one merchant eloquently stated, "Let's suit up for the task at hand". David Kositchek from Kositcheks in Lansing, Michigan, said "Prosperity has made it possible for us to grow but adversity has been our greatest teacher."

Along with mariafahner., two other Pennsylvania men's clothing stores were honored that evening: Isaac Baker of Erie and Miller's of Johnstown.

The evening's sponsor, MR magazine, is the industry's foremost menswear trade publication and has been published for the past thirty years. Another sponsor, Peerless Clothing International, recently celebrated their own 100 years in business, having begun in 1919.

Celebrate!
Lydia Crooks

At a recent clothing show held at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC, attendees and exhibitors were asked to write their answer to the fashion question on a post-it note and attach it to a board in the lobby of the convention hall. Here is a sampling of the answers posted there to the question 'What's your fashion resolution for 2020?':

- Continue to focus on USA made brands and give back to the community;
- Looking and feeling amazing in 2020 - us and our customers!;
- Give back to society and make the world more colorful;
- To continue to motivate others;
- Be more bold;
- For everyone to start wearing red clothes and not work out clothes;
- Build my brand to encourage more women to be classy.
Moreover, I asked several exhibitors at the recent outdoor show held at Kalahari in the Poconos and received these responses to the fashion resolution question:
- To fit in a size L (Adam from prAna);
- To fit in my clothes (Jayson from Spyder);
- Get more leggings because they're more comfortable than jeans (Fran from Killtec);
- Feel comfortable and confident (Nick from Kari Traa);
- Stop living in just tee's and sweatshirts (Doug from Kuhl).

I couldn't resist asking the fashion resolution question to the staff at mariafahner so here goes:

~Audrey: Be a little more bold and outgoing with the colors and fashions.
       My daughter is always telling me to 'Throw a splash of color in';
~Dar: Wear more of my clothing from my closet ;
~Gayle: Try on. Try on. Try on. (Shop at mariafahner., but I do that all the time so it's not a resolution.)
~Jim: Newness! Be bold!;
~Leah: Step out of my comfort fashion zone;
~Lydia: Keep in mind Mr. Pigeon's mantra - "We dress to honor one another";
Patrick: Clean out my closet. For every item I buy, it's time to move one item on to someone who can use it.
~Regina: I need new clothes; my goal is to buy outfits - something you can wear together;
~Rhianna: Quality over quantity;

Dar and Rhianna had fun meeting the designer Veronica M. at the New York clothing show, and Veronica's fashion resolution was to design clothing that everyone shopping at mariafahner. would be pleased and delighted with. Stop by mariafahner. in downtown Clarion, and let us help you hone your unique sense of style in the New Year 2020.

Fashion forward into 2020!
Lydia

Asked to name the favorite hobby of Americans, you might say gardening, sports, music or … shopping! Shopping is an art and a science with some even calling it retail therapy. And in spite of the monumental changes in the way shopping has evolved over recent years with the internet and Amazon, shopping in physical stores is here to stay.

MR Magazine and the Chicago Collective, a Men's Clothing Show for retailers, are joining together to honor more than three dozen men's specialty stores in America which have been in business for 100 years and more. While maintaining their core values, these clothing stores have delivered great product, stellar customer service, and a passion for what they do with style and panache. Having been in business since 1905, mariafahner. of Clarion finds itself among this distinguished list of honorees.

The tribute will include special recognition at the Chicago Collective and a coffee table edition of the MR (Men's Retail) magazine featuring profiles and insights of the honored recipients as to how they have managed to survive and thrive for more than a century in spite of monumental changes in the way customers shop.
These century establishments include the following popular clothing stores:

- Neilson's of Oxford, MS since 1839;
- Berlin's of Charleston, SC since 1883;
- mariafahner. of Clarion, PA since 1905;
- Mitchells of Westport, CT since 1910;
- Metzger's of Mobile, Al since 1919.

Peerless Clothing International is pleased to help sponsor these awards as well.
Quality and good taste are timeless, and savvy shoppers like Diane DeBacco and Marilyn Magnani (pictured after a recent shopping spree at mariafahner.) recognize a good store when they see one. Sincere customer service and superior merchandise will no doubt continue to be in the forefront. Here's to the next 100 years!

A toast to our wonderful customers!
Lydia Crooks
mariafahner.
Clarion, PA

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful." -Norman Vincent Peale
Every season has its charm, but Christmas can stand head and shoulders above the rest as the most wonderful time of the year. I asked the staff at mariafahner. to take me on their path to Christmas joy with this question: What makes/made it a merry Christmas for you? Do you have a favorite Christmas memory, tradition, gift that stands out in your memory?

It's a Merry Christmas...
Audrey - "Shopping for my family and friends is only one of the many joys I experience at Christmas. Knowing among the many packages I have chosen for each of my family members there is that one 'extra special' gift that person is going to be super excited about. To see the expression on their face upon opening their package is truly heartwarming and has made each Christmas the merriest for me."
Chelsea - "A cozy house with warm new socks sitting next to the fire as we visit with family listening to corny Christmas music. We laugh as we competitively play games and learn new life updates from cousins while sipping on Swedish Glug."
Darla - "...enjoying our grandson at age 1 ...having my 3 children all together at home (which doesn't happen too often since they're grown) ...having the house decorated in greens and lights …spending time with family and friends..."
Gayle - "...because it is a time for me to be with my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. I love seeing the excitement in their eyes, anticipating the arrival of Santa! Christmas is all about children!"
Leah - "Christmas is a season of many memories. Family and friends are a big part of Christmas for me. It's about creating new memories and sharing old memories with each other. Everyone comes together to celebrate the Christmas festivities. My family and I enjoy baking, watching Christmas movies, and wrapping gifts. It's also a time to be grateful for everything you have and to donate your time to someone in need."
Lydia - "My Uncle John came to the rescue one Christmas during my childhood and made the day a merry one indeed. It was one of those old-fashioned snow storms. The Christmas eve snow came down long and hard. By Christmas morning, we found ourselves snowed in and without electricity or power to boot. With his clever ingenuity and a sturdy vehicle, Uncle John chauffeured us to his home where a back-up generator came in handy to keep my family and his warm and to help Aunt Gladys prepare the Christmas meal. The spirit of Christmas was shining bright in the kindness and loving actions of my dear uncle and aunt and their family. It was truly a Christmas to remember!"
Regina - "My mother went home to be with the Lord in 2014 and although Christmas is always a special time in our home, it's not the same without my Mom!! She made Christmas absolutely magical when I was small. Every little detail was touched by perfection!! From all the lights to the beautiful tree laden with gifts.. all the gifts from family wrapped with beautiful bows and ribbon... and all the gifts from Santa unwrapped straight from his sleigh!! My Mom made sure I heard the sleigh bells and heard hooves on the roof!! I can still hear them if I listen hard enough!! The anticipation and excitement was unparalleled to any other time of year, and Mom was sure to have a birthday cake for Jesus... the true reason for Christmas. It's definitely among my fondest memories!! Merry Christmas everyone."
Rhianna - "When I see the excitement on my kids faces on Christmas morning. For young kids the magic of Christmas starts with seeing the Elf on the Shelf, making cookies and decorating the house for the holidays. A merry Christmas is spending time together with family."
Robert - "When you see the excitement and awe in the kids faces even as they get older...the smell of a traditional breakfast of my wife's family for breakfast (even if I don't really like it)..and let's not forget the countdown until the first gifts get broken...But the spirit of Christmas starts long before Christmas morning, it starts in our hearts as we sing songs, decorate the house, enjoy the company of friends. Remember Christ and what he has done for us."
Wishing you and yours the very merriest of Christmases! May the peace, joy, hope and love of this special Christmas season be with you now and into the New Year 2020!

Merry, merry Christmastide!
Lydia Crooks
mariafahner.
Zalves iela 35-F1
Rīga LV-1046 Latvia

There is a season and a time for everything. As the pages of our calendars turn to November, we enter the special month of thanksgiving. The earth has come alive with a vibrancy of rich sights, smells, and tastes to quicken the senses before the winter settles in. As we meditate on this beauty surrounding us, may our souls feel gratitude for the blessings in our lives.

"Thanksgiving is a joyous invitation to shower the world with love and gratitude." - Amy Leigh Mercree
"Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts." -Henri Frederic Amiel
"When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around." -Willie Nelson
"Learn to be thankful for what you already have, while you pursue all that you want." -Jim Rohn
"'Thank You' is the best prayer that anyone could say. I say that one a lot. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding." -Alice Walker
"Reflect upon your present blessings of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some." -Charles Dickens
"Some people grumble that roses have thorns; I am grateful that thorns have roses." -Alphonse Karr
"Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way." Native American saying
"None is more impoverished than the one who has no gratitude. Gratitude is a currency that we can mint for ourselves, and spend without fear of bankruptcy." -Fred De Witt Van Amburgh
"Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other." -Randy Pausch
"Let gratitude be like the sun to your flower. Keep your face always turned toward its light." - Leah D. Schade
"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." - William Arthur Ward
"I am grateful for what I am and have. My Thanksgiving is perpetual." -Henry David Thoreau
"Gratitude is the sweetest thing in a seekers life - in all human life. If there is gratitude in your heart, then there will be tremendous sweetness in your eyes." -Sri Chinmoy

And when we count our blessings and ponder the gifts of thanksgiving , we always think of you. We are truly grateful for your support and encouragement as we are on the threshold of our 115th year in business. May the season of thankfulness embrace you and light your life with joy and gratitude.
Happy Thanksgivingtide 2019!

Lydia Crooks
mariafahner.
Clarion, PA

While substitute teaching some years ago, a book on a teacher's desk caught my attention. (English teachers always have the most interesting books in their classrooms!) I recently came across the book again at the Clarion Free Library and noticed how many of the words and images are perfect for this time of the year as we transition from summer to autumn.

The Happy Book by Barbara Ann Kipfer lists 14,000 things to be happy about. The author points out that her book represents twenty years of recording all the little things that make her happy. She started her record while she was in sixth grade in a spiral notebook and eventually moved on to a computer. Her book includes lots of word pictures to create pleasure and inspiration...

- the "snuggle right in" feeling
- the delicious smell of cooking foor and the hustle and bustle of the preparation
- fresh ginger muffins
- lakeside roads with farm stands offering apples, pumpkins, pears, and other fruits and vegetables
- a suit made to order
- fabric patterns: check, cord, dapple, diamond, dot, floral, geometric, herringbone, pin-check, plaid, polychromatic, print, rib, solid, speckle, stripe, swirl, windowpane
- friendship
- pin stripes
- cable knit cardigans
- sippin
- sunflowers
- thinking of the day, of your home, of your family, of things past, of things to come
- a potbellied-stove kind of day
- stone fireplaces
- dog-walking
- knit ribbing on cuffs
- a wooden apple basket
- jean jackets
- fresh pleasure at being outside
- improving yourself
- wandering into an antique furniture store
- handshaking
- popcorn at the movies
- children absorbed in quiet play
- researching and planning getaway weekends
- butterflies
- special people
- the seven virtues: charity, faith, fortitude, hope, justice, prudence, temperance
- business suits
- great elm trees
- sailing out of the clouds...

The character, Emily, in the classic play Our Town by Thornton Wilder really notices the good things in life as she recalls in her closing monologue: “Let's really look at one another!...It goes so fast. We don't have time to look at one another. I didn't realize. So all that was going on and we never noticed... Wait! One more look. Good-bye , Good-bye world. Good-bye, Grover's Corners....Mama and Papa. Good-bye to clocks ticking....and Mama's sunflowers. And food and coffee. And new ironed dresses and hot baths....and sleeping and waking up. Oh, earth,you are too wonderful for anybody to realize you. Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it--every,every minute? (Emily)”
― Thornton Wilder, Our Town

You get the picture. Let's take time in this most beautiful of seasons to really stop and take notice of the beauty around us and the people who make our life so meaningful. Happiness comes from noticing and enjoying the little things in life!

Happy Autumn!
Lydia
mariafahner.

Here Are a Dozen Reasons to Stop by mariafahner.!

As the temperatures heat up and we revel in those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, let's continue to support our local economy and the independent businesses that contribute so much to our community. July is Independent Retailer Month, and there's no better time to visit your favorite locally owned independent businesses.

Keep in mind that €1 spent at an independent retailer is usually spent 6 to 15 times in the community before heading out of town. If every family in the US spent an extra €10 a month at a locally owned independent business, the results would be overwhelming. If this were the case, over €9.3 billion would be directly returned to our economy!

Moreover, since 1990, big business has eliminated 4 million jobs, while small businesses have added 8 million jobs.

With these statistics in mind, here are yet another dozen reasons to visit a favorite local business, mariafahner., for men's and women's clothing, shoes and accessories:

12.) Jewelry for gifts and for yourself - Pandora, Brighton, Alex & Ani!;

11). Men's Suits - a large and extensive collection including Hart, Schnaffer & Marx;

10). Judy P tops - figure flattering and great for travel in a rainbow of colors;

9). Tuxedo rentals - Do you hear those wedding bells ring?;

8). Patagonia and The North Face - simply the best in sportswear;

7). Shoes - over 40 different brands - a great investment for your hard working feet!;

6). A Secrid Mini Wallet contains an aluminum card protector to keep your credit card information safe;

5). Patrizia Luca hand bags are among the hottest purses on the market;

4). Joseph Ribkoff has a stunning collection of dresses, tops, and evening wear for the ladies;

3). Try a Mariana necklace on and sign up to win one! Starting in May, one free Mariana necklace has been given away each month.

2). Gentlemen: The new "Custom Bar" is set up and ready to serve you in securing your best fitting shirt ever.

1). Our staff is ready to meet and greet you and help you find what you want and need in the area of clothing, shoes, and accessories of superb value!

Remember to #ShopSmall and #ShopLocal. Happy summer 2019 as we support and visit our local independent retailers including mariafahner., located in beautiful downtown Clarion.

Thank you for your support!
Lydia Crooks