Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Members of the "Will's Warriors" Relay for Life team are some of the hundreds of people raising money for the American Cancer Society today during the annual relay at Pitt-Bradford. Anyone can stop by to partake of the food court, enter to win prizes or just support the participants. As for Will's Warriors -- They are relaying for 10-year-old Will Cross Jr., who is battling cancer. A benefit for Will and his family starts at noon Sunday at the American Legion in Limestone. It includes a chicken barbecue dinner with baked beans, salad, roll, salt potatoes for $8. Take outs are available. They will also have live bands all day, drawings and more. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

It’s not too late to be superhero. At least as far as organizers for Miles for Smiles go. “Everyone who participates in our event is a superhero in our eyes,” said event coordinator Rhonda Race. “And this year, we’d like all participants to dress as their favorite superhero, if they are so inclined. We wanted to add another element of fun to our race.” In its third year, Miles for Smiles is a 5K, two-mile walk and Kids Fun Run. Registration will start at the McDowell Fitness Center at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford at 8 a.m. Sunday. The race begins at 9 a.m. The entry fee is $15; kids can do the Kids Fun Run for free if accompanied by an adult. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the event will benefit McKean County Special Olympics and the McKean Unit of the American Cancer Society. Bill Walb from the American Cancer Society explained that the proceeds from this event goes to the Road to Recovery. This program provides rides for cancer patients whether it’s in Bra...

The Shults Auto Group launched their Heroes program earlier this year in an effort to strengthen their commitment to the communities where they have dealerships. Donation objectives were established at all dealerships who would retain a portion of each vehicle sale to support the various local charities and organizations in their community. Customers purchasing a vehicle were given a choice of several organizations that they could support and their donations were accumulated for the various organizations during the four month long program. As a result, twenty one different organizations and charities, as selected by Shults dealerships, will share a portion of a substantial amount in donations. Shults Toyota, Edmond Chevrolet and their customers have enjoyed participating in the Shults Heroes program. Pictured is Steve Hopkins, General Manager, presenting checks to Kurt Wallace, Bradford Rotary Club; Shane Launer, American Cancer Society; Dorie Meabon, American Cancer Society;...

The American Cancer Society is still looking for people in the area to participate in a new research study that will help them better understand the genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors that cause or prevent cancer. Anyone between the ages of 30 and 65 who has never had cancer is eligible. Sign-up dates are October 22 and 23. You can go to http://www.McKeanCPS3.org  to make an appointment. To learn more about the study and, maybe, answer some of the questions you may have, listen to today's LiveLine with Shane and Kelsey from the local ACS chapter. http://www.wesb.com/listen/ Click on the "Local Programs" tab and scroll down to #49. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

By KIMBERLY MARCOTT WEINBURG Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford is hosting “Power Within” an art show of work by Smethport artist Julie Mader depicting cancer-fighting plants. The exhibition of 29 paintings will be on display in the KOA Art Gallery in Blaisdell Hall on campus through July 3. The gallery is open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and will also be open during the McKean County Unit of the American Cancer Society’s 24-hour Relay for Life held on campus from noon June 28 through noon June 29. “I’m very excited about the show being on campus during the Relay for Life event and hope that the guest sheet in the gallery will be overflowing with visitor signatures after the weekend,” Mader said. Mader said she first had the idea of the traveling exhibition, which is now on its fifth stop in the region, more than a decade ago. “The idea came from witnessing the extreme love an...

Brenda L. Dunn, 64, of Rew, passed away, Thursday, June 20, 2013 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. Born March 18, 1949, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Robert E. and Eugenia (Bell) Gorton, Sr. On August 2, 1969, at Evans Memorial United Methodist Church she married Larry W. Dunn who survives. Mrs. Dunn was a 1967 graduate of Smethport High School. She had worked as an executive secretary to the plant manager at Hanley Brick, then for the American Cancer Society and currently as a Legislative Assistant for State Representative Martin Causer. She was a member of the Zonta Club, member and treasurer for the McKean County Republican Committee. She loved spending time with her family and grandchildren. She was her granddaughter's biggest fan and followed them throughout their school sports programs. In addition to her husband she is survived by a daughter, Kelly J. (Jeff) Andreano, of Olean, two grandchildren Kaitlyn Jo Andreano and Kylea Joelle Andreano bo...

The second annual Miles for Smiles 5K Run and 2 Mile Walk in Bradford raised $4,800 this year – that’s $1,900 more than last year. The organization presented McKean County Special Olympics and the American Cancer Society checks of $2,400 each. 143 walkers and 49 runners participated in Sunday’s event – that’s 52 more than last year. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Sean Perry created this inspiring video about Brenda's journey with cancer. Please take the time to check it out. One of Brenda's dreams is to be on the Ellen DeGeneres Show so she can share her survival story with the world. Help make her dream come true: https://www.facebook.com/getbrendaonellen The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Richard L. Rovito Sr., 83, of 46 Melvin Ave., Bradford, passed away peacefully, Sunday July 15, 2012 at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hamot in Erie. Born Jan. 10, 1929, in Bradford, he was the son of Fiore and Rose Marie (Nepher) Rovito. On May 11, 1963, in Bradford, he married Mary Ethlyn Morton, who survives. A 1947 graduate of Bradford Area High School, Mr. Rovito worked at Bovaird & Seyfang Manufacturing Co. in Bradford and Dresser-Clark and Dresser-Rand in Olean, N.Y., for more than 40 years combined. He worked as a machinist and later as a raw material analyst. He enlisted in the United States Army on November 13, 1950 and served in Germany until he was honorably discharged on October 28, 1952. Upon retirement, he and his wife operated a home day-care center and have been adored by many area children. He was highly active in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life program. He was a fan of St. Bonaventure University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams and ...

The 2012 McKean County Relay for Life not only met its goal -- it went over it by $6,250. At the end of today's relay co-chair Brian Abers told the teams they raised $91,000. The goal set by the regional office was $84,750. "We blew that total away," Abers said. Oh, and by the way, they did it with eight fewer active teams than they had last year when they raised $75,000. “You guys did it because your hearts are in the right places,” Abers said. “We are here to find a cure for cancer. You guys keep working hard like that, keep raising money like that – that cure’s coming. We’re just a few steps away.” The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Relay for Life co-chair Brian Abers and his wife Val walk the Survivors Lap hand-in-hand Friday during the annual American Cancer Society event. Later today Abers, a cancer survivor, will announce the grand total raised for this year's relay. (We have it on good authority that they will surpass their goal. We'll let you know.) "Michelle" Walter, a Miss Relay contestant, checks out the motorcycle being raffled off by Kids and Cancer. The bike winner will be announced after the annual Kids and Cancer Motorcyle Run next month. A couple more Miss Relay contestants, along with Scooby Doo, walk the loop at Pitt-Bradford.

This lovely "lady" is just one of the "gals" that will be competing for the title of Miss Relay tonight during the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Frank Williams will be broadcasting live from the relay on 100.1 The Hero from 3 to 6 p.m. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Yesterday four of our resident St. Francis Drive ducks checked out the grounds of Fretz Middle School. Today ... ...Fretz students are holding their third annual Mini Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will play host to two dozen camps, gatherings and other events this summer. The camps and other events take place in May through August and are open to the public. Events are sponsored by the Pitt-Bradford Division of Continuing Education and Regional Development unless otherwise noted. Contact the division at (814)362-5078 or contined@pitt.edu for more information or reservations. Outdoor adventures begin with Kinzua Fly Fishing School May 5 and 6 and May 18 to 20. The two-day school is taught by the staff of the Kinzua Fly Fishing School. The three-day school includes two days of instruction by master angler Joe Humphreys. Class begins at 7:30 a.m. and dismisses the last day at 7 p.m. Both resident and commuter rates are available. The price for the two-day camp is $305 for residents and $285 for commuters; the price for the three-day camp is $445 for residents and $420 for commuters. ...

Still trying to find that perfect Christmas gift? Why get a light for the American Cancer Society's Tree(s) of Hope. It's only $5 and it's a perfect way to honor and memoralize a friend or family member. Listen to the LiveLine with Dorie Meabon and Katie Dupree and learn more about Love Lights a Tree of Hope and where your donation goes. Listen here . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking volunteers to assist with putting up the holiday lighting in Veterans’ Square in downtown Bradford. The lighting project is scheduled for Saturday, November 12th, at 10:00 am. Volunteers interested in helping to put the lights up should contact the BACC office at 814-368-7115 or e-mail ed@bradfordchamber.com . New holiday lighting for downtown Bradford has been provided through the generous support of many individuals and organizations, including Sarah Dorn, Harriett B. Wick, and American Refining Group, Inc. BACC would like to thank everyone who has been a part of the new holiday lighting project for their continued support. Come help us make the holiday season brighter for everyone. Let’s light up Veterans’ Square for the holidays!

BUFFALO, NY — Clinical and administrative leaders at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) commend the New York State Legislature for taking steps to remove a barrier that has prevented many New Yorkers from accessing needed chemotherapy drugs. Both houses of the Legislature voted this week to approve legislation removing cost as a barrier for high-quality, targeted cancer care. The bill, which now awaits the signature of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, seeks to eliminate a cost disparity that has left countless cancer patients unable to afford oral chemotherapies. “This is outstanding news for people with cancer, who now have dramatically improved access to some of the most advanced and promising therapies,” said Alex Adjei, MD, PhD, Chairman of the Department of Medicine and Senior Vice President of Clinical Research at RPCI. “Discovery and innovation are constantly changing the way we treat cancer, and the bill just passed by the New York State Senate and Assembly is an appropriate and crucially ...

Guinevere (sometimes known as Mark Brien) wins the Miss Relay contest. "She" and the second place contestant alone raised more than $1,000.

One of the most emotional parts of the American Cancer Society's annual Relay for Life is the Survivor Ceremony. Friday was no exception. Following his speech that didn't leave a dry eye in the tent, 16-year-old cancer survivor Tyler Johnson accepts a check from fellow survivor Dorie Meabon of Kids and Cancer. Kids and Cancer helps families defray the costs of cancer and other illnesses. Their benefit motorcyle (and all street vehicle) run is July 16. Here, some other survivors and their caregivers take a lap around the track. Brenda Dunn Brian and Val Abers and Jon and Dorie Meabon Melanie Luther-Shay, Tom Shay, Tony Danias, Christy Danias During the Fretz Mini Relay the Shays' daughter Kathleen was the top money-raiser with more than $500. Tyler's sister Samantha won an essay contest, writing about how her brother is her hero. center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuaiwYc6TUApcv9QYDiZx3dkZANVqH7wEyC2ih1T...

The Little Mermaid and Rapunzel were just a couple of the fictional characters who made an appearance at Thursday's American Cancer Society "Fight Back Parade," which has become the kick-off event for the annual Relay for Life. Also on hand were local police and fire departments, many of the teams, Kids and Canccer, and the Street Dreams Car Club. And ... the Miss Relay contestants. The relay gets underway at noon Friday at Pitt-Bradford. Plenty of fun and food will be available -- even if you don't have a team -- as the community fights back against cancer and remembers those who fought the good fight.