Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

The official fireworks at Bemus Point apparently weren’t enough for these guys – they were both charged for unlawfully dealing with fireworks last night. 51-year-old Bruce Stockton was allegedly setting off fireworks at about 9:40 p.m. on South Everett Avenue. 19-year-old Peter Trathen of Lakewood was allegedly setting them off at about 11:50 p.m. on South Oriental Avenue. Sheriff’s deputies issued both of them appearance tickets for Town of Ellery Court. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Image Courtesy of ZingerBug.com To find what's going on this weekend go to WESB.com/news/comcal The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

U.S. Representative Glenn 'GT' Thompson (PA-5) issued the following statement in celebration of Independence Day: "On Independence Day we honor a group of early revolutionaries, including our Founding Fathers, for pledging their lives and fortunes in the name of liberty. We also give praise to the generations of Americans who have made our country what it is today and most especially the countless men and women of our military who sacrifice on our nation’s behalf. Today as we celebrate with picnics, parades and fireworks, let’s always give thanks for the cherished blessings bestowed upon us by our forefathers. My wife, Penny, and I wish all Americans a happy and safe July 4th.” Thompson will attend the annual 4th of July Parade in Warren (along with State Rep. Kathy Rapp), the Lawrence Park Township Independence Day Parade in Erie, and the Central Pennsylvania 4th Fest in Centre County. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

As you watch fireworks this July 4th, remember that the colors that are splashed across the sky are the direct result of mined minerals and metals. The components of fireworks—when heated to specific temperatures—give off a colorful glow. Metals like aluminum, magnesium, and titanium burn very brightly—and are useful for increasing a firework’s temperature. Barium is combined to create green colors. Copper is used at lower temperatures to create blue colors. Red colors are created with either lithium or strontium. White colors are made from either magnesium or aluminum. Yellow colors require sodium. Other colors—such as orange, silver, and lavender—can be created by mixing compounds. And, special effects are created by yet other mineral products. The American Pyrotechnics Association reports that more than 186-million pounds of fireworks were consumed in the U.S. last year—with more than 163-million pounds of that figure involving consumer fireworks. More ...

The gazebo in Veterans Square was re-dedicated this afternoon after being repainted and refurbished to look more like the original gazebo that was in the town square more than 135 years ago. Chamber of Commerce Director Ron Orris spearheaded the project, and Mayor Tom Riel congratulated Orris on yet another job well done. He added that a lot of people could learn from Orris, a shining example of someone who is dedicated to Bradford. In his remarks, Orris said he wanted to make sure the gazebo was finished for the upcoming Kinzua Walleye Weekend. Later, he decided the days prior to the Fourth of July would be fitting to re-dedicate a structure in a park dedicated to veterans. After the brief ceremony Orris told WESB that the red-white-and-blue bunting on the gazebo was hand-stitched by workers at Quinn Flags in Hanover, Pa. Pictured, Main Street Manager Anita Dolan, Ron Orris, Tom Riel WESB photo The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

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A 73-year-old Florida man and a 43-year-old Ohio man have the honor of being the first people we tell you about this July who are charged with unlawfully dealing with fireworks in the area. Sheriff’s deputies stopped a vehicle on Route 430 in the Town of Chautauqua at around 12:30 this afternoon and learned that Bertram Kennedy of Tequesta, Florida, and Todd Kennedy of Gates Mills, Ohio, had about $2,500 worth of fireworks. They were both cited and are scheduled to appear in Town of Chautauqua Court. Deputies are continuing their investigation. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

SALAMANCA, N.Y. – Seneca Casinos will host some of the most extravagant fireworks displays in Western New York to celebrate the upcoming Independence Day holiday. Each of the two Seneca Casino resort hotels, in Niagara Falls and Salamanca, will host these exciting and memorable events, which are free and open to the public. The first display takes place Wednesday, July 3, outside Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel in Salamanca, and begins at approximately 9:30 p.m. near the outdoor parking lot. A rain date is slated for Thursday, July 4. A second fabulous fireworks display takes place Friday, July 5, outside Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel in Niagara Falls, and begins at approximately 9:40 p.m. near the 6th St. outdoor parking lot. A rain date is slated for Saturday, July 6. Both displays will last approximately 20 minutes. The public is welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets, and also is encouraged to allow ample time for nearby parking. In addition, three excit...

With Independence Day coming up on Wednesday people’s thoughts turn to fireworks and if you’re really in the mood for them now, you’re in luck. There’s a show tonight. At Ellicottville’s Summer Festival of the Arts, which started on Friday, the Buffalo Philharmonic will perform starting at 8 o’clock tonight, and that will be followed by a fireworks display to "The 1812 Overture" and "Stars and Stripes Forever." Fireworks, parades, concerts and baseball games continue through the 4th of July across the region. For a list of all the area celebrations visit our community calendar . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Harrisburg – State and local police, along with PennDOT, will take part in a national enforcement effort through July 8 targeting motorists who drive under the influence. The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement effort will focus on keeping Pennsylvania’s roads safe during the Independence Day travel period. “Many people will celebrate and travel for the Independence Day holiday,” PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch said. “Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs puts your life and the lives of those around you in danger. Designate a driver ahead of time or arrange for a ride home – just don’t drive unless you’re sober.” Over last year’s Independence Day holiday travel period (July 1-4), there were 897 crashes and 14 fatalities. Of those, according to PennDOT, 146 crashes and six fatalities were alcohol-related. During 2011 there were 11,778 alcohol-related crashes in Pennsylvania, according to PennDOT data, in which 425 people were killed. In 2010, there were 11,682 alcoh...

The Community Blood Bank is expecting next week to be one of the worst weeks of the year for the local blood supply. The July 4 holiday falling on a Wednesday means instead of dealing with just a long weekend, there is a 9-day period of heavy use combined with much lighter donor turnout. People can help stock the blood bank before the holiday week by donating today in the BRMC outpatient lab in Union Square. The blood bank is open from 3:30 to 7:30 today, and again on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Tonawanda, New York, man is facing charges for shooting off an M-80 firecracker at the Sunset Bay Beach Club parking lot. Sheriff’s deputies were on patrol when they saw 24-year-old Kevin Mayer light fireworks near parked cars. After they heard an explosion, they stopped Mayer and found out he set off the M-80. He was cited for unlawfully dealing with fireworks and will appear in Town of Hanover Court at a later date.

During a trip to the Middle East, U.S. Senator Bob Casey, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs, spent July 4th with Pennsylvania troops based at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait where they are working on an effort to refurbish equipment coming out of Iraq for return back to the U.S. or to use in Afghanistan. Photo courtesy of Senator Casey's office

Happy Indpendence Day! Happy Birthday to Bob Onuffer!

John Schneider, probably best known for playing "Bo Duke" on The Dukes of Hazzard , will be performing during the annual "A Capitol Fourth" on PBS. I had the pleasure of speaking with him this morning about the show. You can listen here . Fore more information about "A Capitol Fourth," go here .

Allegany State Park, Ellicottville, Salamanca, Little Valley, Warren and Dunkirk are just a few of the places holding a fireworks show this weekend. The annual Pennhills Club fireworks will be at dusk on July 4. For a list of all the fireworks shows, go to our community calendar .