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Mini Book Review: The Seamstress of New Orleans by Diane C. McPhail

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I'm actually giving it a 3.5. I liked the book, just not as much as I wanted to. It centers around two women at the turn of the century who have each just lost their husbands, in different circumstances, as well as their infant sons, in similar circumstances. When Alice finds herself pregnant and alone in Chicago she tries to find her husband and ends up in New Orleans where, she is introduced to the wealthy Constance who is an emotional wreck after the loss of her husband. Dorthea, another strong female character, thinks Alice creating a gown for Constance to wear during Mardi Gras, as part of the first all-female krewe, is exactly what both women need. The mystery of the disappearances of the husbands keeps the story moving more than the Mardi Gras aspect, although some of the history was interesting. I would recommend the book with the caveat that it falls just short of being great. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Seagirt Lighthouse

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  Abraham Wolfe, First “Keep” of the Sea Girt Lighthouse The keepers assigned to Sea Girt Lighthouse were a colorful and diverse group. Major Abraham Wolf, a former Union Army major, was Sea Girt’s first keeper, posted in 1896. With a military bearing and a striking impression in his sharp uniform, coupled with a no-nonsense approach toward his duties, he served as one of the finest in the Lighthouse service. Wolfe served seven years at Sea Girt Lighthouse and by the end of his tenure was in his early 70s, making him the oldest keeper on active duty. Sea Girt Lighthouse is the last live-in lighthouse built on the Atlantic Coast. Being a lighthouse keeper was not a 9-to-5 job. It was anything but. A typical tour of duty began before dusk and continued well past dawn. The keeper tended to routine but essential duties, made repairs as needed, and was always prepared to respond to any emergency, including shipwrecks. And at any time, “It shall be the duty of light keepers and their assista

Mini Book Review: Piece of My Heart by Mary Higgins Clark & Alafair Burke

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  When the 7-year-old soon-to-be nephew of TV show producer Laurie Moran goes missing the families and police (including Laurie's) father manage to come up with several reasons the little boy could have been kidnapped, and several suspects who could have done the deed. While pursuing one of the leads related to Laurie's father they uncover more than they ever expected, which may help clear the father's name in a case in which a convict has accused him of lying about a confession. The story includes many twists and turns, even after the kidnapper's identity is revealed. It's been a long time since I read a book that I just couldn't put down, and it sure felt good. Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke made such a good team on the Under Suspicion series. It's sad to think they can't work together anymore. But we still have Alafair.

Mini Book Review: Grounds for Murder by Tara Lush

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  This is a quick read with interesting, likable and quirky characters in a fun setting. The main character, Lana Lewis, is funny and relatable. The mystery of the murder of a barista at a popular coffee shop kept me guessing right up until the killer was revealed. Grounds for Murder would be a good beach read. The next two books in the series will be going onto my to-read list.

Mini Book Review: Until We Meet

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  This book is as close to perfect as they come. I've been reading a lot of World War II-era fiction lately and Until We Meet is, by far, the best. The characters are so well-developed that I grew to love them all -- even with their faults and missteps. I felt their pain and joy and every other emotion right along with them. The suspenseful part of the story -- which goes through about 2/3 of the book -- kept me turning pages and hoping that it turned out the way I wanted it to. And, although I'm not a big romance fan, this one was intriguing as it was all through letters between a soldier and a girl he'd never met in person. The suspenseful part was that he was keeping some secrets from her that could change everything. When I tell you I cried almost all the way through the last 20 pages I am not going to tell you if they were happy or sad tears. Read it for yourself. You won't regret it. I

Mini Book Review: Absolute Fear by Lisa Jackson

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  I love when I think I have the mystery all figured out and then learn that I don't. Not only was I wrong about who the killer was, there were several twists that I did not see coming. The main character, Eve, is fairly likable. I'm chalking up the qualities I don't like to the trauma she suffered in the beginning of the book. I assume we'll be seeing her in future New Orleans books, but I don't want to say why because I'd be giving something away. Part of the reason I like the book so much is that one of the major themes is mental health and mental health treatment, and how far the medical community has advanced in the last several decades. Although it is still hard to believe some of the cruel and inhumane practices of the past were not all that far in the past. Absolute Fear is a thrilling page-turner from beginning to end with plenty of Oh-my-gosh moments.

Art in the Garden

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  https://www.bcpac.com/art-in-the-garden?fbclid=IwAR12aPVcsODlZv_97END_NidCjqwbnHTbVZrEFwTj6GldVqm3f4-OWD0RcA

Book Review: What Happened to the Bennetts by Lisa Scottoline

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  Lisa Scottoline is one of my favorite authors so it pains me to say I didn't like this book and found it tedious and annoying at times. The story started out interesting ... as a family is driving home one of the family members is shot and killed and the rest of the family is put into the witness protection program. But then it gets boring with way too much about the mourning and how unfair the whole situation is. And let's not even get into the excruciating detail in which she describes everything from the house to putting away groceries. As I said, I like the author, so I'm not saying this to be mean, but she must have gotten paid for product placement. I don't remember so many brand names being mentioned unnecessarily in any book I've ever read. I found the first half of the book, simply, boring, but stuck with it because Scottoline has never disappointed me before. As the second half started I had high hopes but then it just got stupid. The twist

James Caan, 82, Has Died

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Fun in the Sun Days

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  The Bradford Brew Station is happy to announce the return of Fun In the Sun-Days! This 6-week, live music series features local talent, and some new faces making their Bradford debut! Join us on Sundays, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., this summer for an unforgettable lineup of musicians on our patio. This year's music series has been made even better thanks to support from the American Refining Group. The 2022 Fun In The Sun-Days Line Up: July 17th - Mick and Lisa July 24th - Smilo and the Ghost * July 31st - Brianna Blankenship August 7th - Dave Gates August 14th - Marshmellow Overcoat August 21st - Mutant Beach Boys (JD Casper, Dave McGarry, Rick Griesbaum, Jared Roswell Hill) *=Making their Bradford Debut Make your Reservations Today!

Food Truck Festival

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Mini Book Review: Fear Thy Neighbors by Fern Michaels

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 It was good but not as good as I wanted it to be. The characters were developed fairly well but the story dragged until the last couple of chapters when everything seemed rushed. The ending of the book was OK, although the reveal about the big mysteries left me unsatisfied.  I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Auditions for "Drinking Habits"

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  Event by Bradford Little Theatre Togi's Playhouse Duration: 2 hr Public   · Anyone on or off Facebook Auditions for Tom Smith's "Drinking Habits" are now open!    "Drinking Habits" is a farce in two acts featuring an ensemble cast. About the show, from the publisher, "Accusations, mistaken identities, and romances run wild in this traditional, laugh-out-loud farce. Two nuns at the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing have been secretly making wine to keep the convent's doors open, but Paul and Sally, reporters and former fiancees, are hot on their trail. They go undercover as a nun and priest, but their presence, combined with the addition of a new nun, spurs paranoia throughout the convent that spies have been sent from Rome to shut them down. Wine and secrets are inevitably spilled as everyone tries to preserve the convent and reconnect with lost loves." The cast calls for 5 women and 3 men, 18+.   For more information and a full cast list

Rick Springfield at Seneca Allegany

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  From “Jessie’s Girl” to “Don’t Talk to Strangers”, Rick Springfield’s career erupted in the 1980s and has continued to flourish through the decades. Now an accomplished author and partner in the rum business, Rick Springfield brings classic hits as well as some new sounds to the stage in one incredible show.       Saturday, June 25 • 8 PM   Seneca Allegany Event Center   Tickets | $25, $45, $65 Public On-sale: Fri, March 18 at 12 PM

Friday Film Flashback: A Few Good Men

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  In my opinion this is pretty close to a perfect movie.  The writing and directing are perfect and every actor gives a flawless performance. What more can you ask for?

Cast Announced for "Assassins"

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  We are so excited to announce the cast list for our upcoming production of the Tony Award winning musical "Assassins." Balladeer - Camaron Pratt John Wilkes Booth - Joe Fitz Leon Czologosz - David Merwine Charles Guiteau - Chris Borland Giuseppe Zangara - Austin Reese Samuel Byck - Al Bernstein Sara Jane Moore - Angie Emley John Hinckley - Brandon Milanowski Lynette "squeaky" Fromme - Rhayne Smith Lee Harvey Oswald - Darrel Klute Proprietor -  Eric Van Druff Emma Goldman - Ana Stahlman David Herold - Luke papke Billy - Caroline Todd Ensemble: (Bystanders; Tourists; Reporters; Photographers) Mia Pavone, Tristan Defiore, Luke Papke, Ana Stahlman,Robbie Martini   The show will take place May 6th-8th & May 13th-15th The show will be directed by Jake Rigg and produced by the Cattaraugus County Living Arts Association Mature audiences; ages 18+ recommended   A brief description: Using the framing device of an all-American, yet sinister, carnival game, the semi-revu

Oscar Winner William Hurt Has Passed Away

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  Actor William Hurt passed away March 13, at the age of 71. His death comes after a public battle with prostate cancer. Mr. Hurt was a versatile performer who performed regularly Off Broadway between stints as a successful character actor in Hollywood. From 1977 to to 1989, he was a member of the Circle Repertory Company. While a member of the company, Mr. Hurt received an Obie Award for his appearance in Corinne Jacker's My Life , and won a 1978 Theatre World Award for his collective performances in Fifth of July, Ulysses in Traction , and Lulu . In 1979, Mr. Hurt played Hamlet  opposite Lindsay Crouse and Beatrice Straight , before finding film stardom in the neo-noir film Body Heat .  Read more here:  https://www.playbill.com/article/actor-william-hurt-passes-away-at-71?fbclid=IwAR23VGaw2rz9oiwx-JEN8S3tlrmbLUY1hptrPIsngugzRsQo-J2a2L71P7k

Art in the Garden Tour & Gala

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  Take a tour of the beautiful gardens around Bradford and then join us for an evening of music and food. Tickets will go on sale later this spring.   Each garden will be unique and wonderfully crafted by its owner. At each location there will also be art of some kind, whether it be visual or performing, there will be something at each location for everyone to enjoy!    We will end our event with a special Gala at Graham’s Greenhouse and Landscaping. The gala will include complimentary wine and dessert along with a food truck and music from Jim Ronan and Dana Jared.

Friday Film Flashback: Philadelphia

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  Nearly 30 years after its release, “Philadelphia” is still one of the most powerful films I've ever seen. Tom Hanks plays Andy, the high-powered lawyer who gets fired because he has AIDS, although the law firm's partners deny that, and claim he was fired because of poor performance and almost loosing a big client. His character doesn't go through a lot of emotional or mental changes, but the physical transformation from a fairly healthy-looking man to a man literally on his death bed is remarkable. Denzel Washington's character, Joe, changes the most, going from someone who was scared after learning he shook the hand of someone (Andy) who had AIDS, and being disgusted by gay men, to developing an affection and respect for Andy. Andy hires Joe, an “ambulance chaser,” to represent him in a lawsuit against the law firm when every other lawyer he contacted turned him down. The supporting cast is phenomenal. Among them, Jason Robards as a law firm partner, Joan

Art in the Wilds Accepting Applications

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Art in the Wilds.org photo Art in the Wilds is currently accepting applications for this year's event. This juried art show will be held rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 25 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 26 at Evergreen Park in Kane, PA. For more information: http://www.artinthewilds.org/artist-info.html  

Sally Kellerman Has Passed Away

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  Actress Sally Kellerman has died. She was the original ”Hot Lips” Houlihan in the movie M*A*S*H in 1970. Kellerman was 84.

George Harrison ...

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 would have been 79 today.