Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

The portrait of Pennsylvania’s 31st lieutenant governor will be unveiled Wednesday in the state Capitol. Current Senate President Pro Tem Joe Scarnati became lieutenant governor on November 12, 2008, when Catherine Baker Knoll died of cancer. The Republican lawmaker served through 2011 and made history by being the state's first lieutenant governor to be paired with a governor of another party, Democrat Ed Rendell. Lewisburg artist Tom Wise of Open Door Gallery painted the portrait for free with the understanding that Scarnati wanted to raise money to donate to Geisinger Health System in memory of Wise's wife who received cancer treatment there, according Scarnati's chief of staff Drew Crompton. He said at least $10,000 will be donated in her name. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Pennsylvania state senators are not only supporting a reduction in the size of the state Legislature, they are looking to reduce the size of the Executive and Judicial branches as well. The Senate State Government Committee today approved bills that would reduce the size of the House from 203 to 153 seats, and the Senate from 50 to 45. An amendment to the bills sponsored by Senator Joe Scarnati would do away with two of the seven Supreme Court justices and eliminate the position of lieutenant governor. Scarnati, who as Senate President Pro Tempore, served as lieutenant governor upon the death of Catherine Baker Knoll, says reductions in all three branches of government would show taxpayers Harrisburg is serious about reform. “Making these changes, I think, sends a very strong message at a time when we are having difficulty balancing budgets,” Scarnati said. Eliminating the post of lieutenant governor would put the Senate president pro tem in line to temporarily succeed a governor w...

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Joe Scarnati says he’s enjoyed serving as lieutenant governor, but now he’s looking forward to spending more time in his senate district. Scarnati has been serving as senator, Senate President as well as Lt. Governor since the death of Catherine Baker Knoll in November of 2008. The current lieutenant governor’s term ends January 18, 2011, at 11:45 a.m. when Jim Cawley is sworn in. “It’s been a very difficult last several years,” Scarnati said of holding all three jobs, as well as dealing with difficult budget issues. “I hope to be back in somewhat of a routine to get around a lot more often (in the district) than I’ve been able to in the last two years.” “It’s been a pleasure serving as lieutenant governor,” he said, then added with a smile, “maybe not as lieutenant governor to Ed Rendell -- but it’s been a pleasure and an honor to serve the Commonwealth in that capacity. But I like being the state senator from the 25th District.” He does plan ...

Harrisburg – Governor Edward G. Rendell today released the following statement recognizing the first anniversary of the death of Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll: “One year ago today, Pennsylvania lost one of its most beloved daughters, a trailblazer who inspired other women to pursue elected office, my friend Catherine Baker Knoll. “She fought for all Pennsylvanians throughout her decades of public service, as she fought her illness to the very end. Her partnership was invaluable, and she is deeply missed. “When Pennsylvania finally elects its first female Governor, she will owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the women who paved the way – chief among them, Catherine Baker Knoll.”

HARRISBURG, February 9, 2009 – State Senator Wayne D-Fontana today provided the following floor remarks during a state Senate ceremony honoring the late Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll: “I am very honored today to offer this resolution and to pay tribute to former Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll. Catherine was my constituent, my supporter, and my friend. I was blessed to be on the receiving end of her generous and giving nature and count myself lucky to have known her. There are so many words that could be used to describe Catherine, but a handful truly speak to the woman she was – the first being loyalty. No one that I know could serve as a better example of loyalty. Catherine was true to her friends, her ideals, her hometown, her party and her commonwealth. She loved her hometown of Mckees Rocks and still called the Rox home. And she loved her party. We don’t talk much about partisan politics on the senate floor, but Catherine was an unapologetic Democrat –...

Joe Scarnati has been sworn into office as lieutenant governor to replace Catherine Baker Knoll. The ceremony in the Senate chamber was witnessed by Gov. Ed Rendell and a few dozen family members and Senate officials. No news photographers, tape recorders or television cameras were allowed in. Superior Court Judge John Cleland administered the oath of office. Knoll died Nov. 12 after being diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer in July. She was 78. “I am honored to have been sworn in as Lieutenant Governor, but given the circumstances surrounding the ascension, this certainly is not a celebration,” Scarnati stated. “Catherine was a tremendous public servant and will be sorely missed. However, know that I respectfully accept this responsibility and will carry out the duties of this office with dignity and integrity. Scarnati becomes Pennsylvania's 31st lieutenant governor. He will also retain his senate seat. “I look forward to serving in both capacities and am prepared for the many...

Joe Scarnati's formal swearing-in as Pennsylvania's next lieutenant governor is scheduled for 11 a.m. tomorrow. Superior Court Judge John Cleland will administer the oath of office in a private ceremony for family and staff members. Scarnati is assuming the office following the November 12 death of Catherine Baker Knoll. Scarnati will also keep his senate seat.

~~ Adam, Alex and Aaryn – the three best nephews any aunt could hope for ~~ The rest of my family ~~ A job I love, love, love. (I'd say more but it's never good to let your boss know you're that happy. So don't tell him, ok? And don't tell Scott, Frank, Dan, Stefan, Peg and Clara either.) ~~Tom Riel, who I'm proud to call my friend (and whose wife created the best salad in the world. Thanks Janel!) ~~ City Council meetings or, as I think of them, my twice-a-month night of entertainment ~~ A state government with a plethora of entertaining figures ~~ Friends who appreciate the use of the word "plethora" ~~Drivers who use turn signals ~~People who tell me they appreciate the work I do (This means you, Bob Onuffer) ~~The United Way ~~The Kiwanis Club ~~Mike Walter ~~Mike Cejka ~~Diane, Becky and Maria ~~Everybody who appreciates community theater (I hope that includes everyone I may inadvertently leave off this list.) ~~Joe Scarnati for trusting me and sa...

"Catherine, as her family knows, when she had an idea that she wanted to get across, she was relentless. Relentless. It's been nine days now since Catherine passed, and my guess is that Catherine has been relentless with St. Peter." — Governor Ed Rendell. "One of her great passions was encouraging and helping women to participate in politics. She shattered glass ceilings and she wanted to others do that as well." — Senator Hillary Clinton. "I'll always remember her for her smile on her face, the compassion in her eyes and her ability to forget about party affiliation when we're in the Senate. She just wanted us to get along and Catherine was a person who wanted to see results." — Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati. For more, go to pennlive.com .

HARRISBURG – During a memorial service in the Capitol Rotunda, Governor Edward G. Rendell today remembered Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll as a lifelong teacher, an important partner in public service, and a tireless advocate for the people of Pennsylvania. “As the first woman elected lieutenant governor, Catherine was a noted and storied public servant,” said Governor Rendell. “Her family and her faith were driving forces in her life and, until the time of her illness, she was a passionate advocate for everyone, especially children, who she loved to teach. “Catherine worked hard because she wanted you to know that she was for you and that she wanted to help you. She was one of the most enthusiastic, passionate, caring and compassionate people to ever serve Pennsylvania in elected office. She will be missed in this building and throughout the commonwealth.” Governor Rendell extended condolences to Knoll’s many family and friends, who were joined by members of Congress, the P...

HARRISBURG -- Gov. Ed Rendell, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, U.S. Rep. John Murtha and Lt. Gov. Joe Scarnati today praised former Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll as a woman who was a pioneer in Pennsylvania politics, "a woman of steel but also a woman of compassion." For the full story, go to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette .

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati told reporters that he would consider taking away the cost-of-living raises for legislators in discussions about cutting spending to offset a deepening budget deficit. "Nothing is off the table," Scarnati said. "It's all on the table and we need to work as four caucuses and the governor to come up with a solution." Scarnati is taking over for the late Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll, who died Nov. 12 after a four-month battle with cancer. He will also take the higher salary of her office, which rises to nearly $147,000 on Jan. 1. For the full story, go to pennlive.com .

Governor Edward G. Rendell, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, U.S. Rep. John Murtha and Lt. Governor Joseph Scarnati III will address a memorial service in the Capitol Rotunda at noon on Friday, Nov. 21, to honor Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll, who died Nov. 12. Most Rev. Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of Harrisburg, will lead the invocation and benediction. The service will include performances by the Keystone Christian Education Association All-State Choir, which is made up of 150 students from across the state. An Honor Guard that will include representatives of the Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania State Capitol Police and members of the Pennsylvania National Guard will serve as pallbearers. The program is as follows: Performance by Keystone Christian Education Association All-State Choir Honor Guard carries Lt. Gov. Baker Knoll’s casket to Rotunda Invocation - Bishop Kevin Rhoades, Diocese of Harrisburg Governor Edward G. Rendell U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton, New York Lt. Gov. Joseph S...

Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced plans for a memorial service in the Capitol Rotunda at noon on Friday, Nov. 21, to honor Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll, who died Nov. 12. The service will include tributes from public officials and performances by the Keystone Christian Education Association All-State Choir, which is made up of 150 students from across the state. An Honor Guard including representatives of the Pennsylvania State Police, State Capitol Police and members of the Pennsylvania National Guard will serve as pallbearers. Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of Harrisburg, will participate. For reasons of security and crowd control, the Capitol Rotunda will temporarily close to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday. During this period, visitors to the Capitol should use the East Wing entrance on Commonwealth Avenue. The Rotunda will reopen at 2 p.m. to allow the public to pay final respects to the Lt. Governor, who will lie in repose until 2 p.m. on Satur...

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The death of Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll has catapulted a former northwestern Pennsylvania restaurant owner who is fond of his small town roots into the state's second-highest elected post. Sen. Joe Scarnati will pull double duty as Pennsylvania's lieutenant governor and the Senate's president pro tempore, his present job — forcing him to balance not only the demands of two branches of government, but the often-conflicting interests of Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell and the Republican Senate majority that he leads. For the full story, go to pennlive.com .

WARREN- Due to the unfortunate passing of Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll, Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati will be the next Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The swearing-in and transition of Senator Scarnati will be determined in the near future. Under the state constitution Scarnati is required to hold both Lieutenant Governor and State Senate positions at the same time. “While I am proud to serve as the next Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth, my emotions are significantly tempered due to the passing of Catherine Baker Knoll,” Scarnati said. “She was a champion for working families and a true leader for Pennsylvania. Her presence and commitment will be sorely missed.” Scarnati also mentioned that he sees very little conflict in being from a different political party than the Governor. In fact numerous other states currently have Governor and Lt. Governors of differing parties. “I realize that my role in the executive branch may...

HARRISBURG - Attorney General Tom Corbett released the following statement on the death of Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll: "Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll embodied the spirit of the people of Pennsylvania. Throughout her public career she demonstrated determination and resiliency which was a tribute to her southwestern Pennsylvania roots. "Lt. Governor Knoll was a role model of what a public servant should be, overcoming personal and political setbacks she persevered to become our state's first female Lt. Governor. "I had the honor of serving with Lt. Governor Knoll for the past four years on the Board of Pardons, where she showed firmness, fairness and compassion to those who came before the board. "We have lost an inspirational and great leader. We are all better off for having the honor of knowing her and being in her presence. "On behalf of all the employees of the Office of Attorney General, our prayers and sympathy are with her family at...

Senator Arlen Specter today made the following statement on the passing of Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll: “Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll’s passing is a great loss to Pennsylvania and the nation. She had an exemplary record in public and community service, including serving as State Treasurer. She was a pioneer, being the first woman to hold many key positions. I knew her very well and considered her a friend and extend condolences to her family.”

If you would like to send thoughts and condolences to the family of Catherine Baker Knoll, you can go to the Lieutenant Governor's Web Site .

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati issued the following statement regarding the death of Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll: “My thoughts and prayers are with Catherine’s family and friends during this difficult time,” Scarnati stated. “She was a tremendous leader for the Commonwealth and embodied the type of character expected of true, effective public servants. Her passion and commitment to bettering the lives of Pennsylvanians will be sorely missed, as it was certainly a staple of her public service.”