Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

The Bradford Regional Medical Center Foundation and the Bradford Regional Medical Center Auxiliary which support Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) will hold their Fourth Annual Spring Swing Gala, March 22, 2014 at the Pennhills Club in Bradford, beginning at 5:30 p.m. This unique dinner dance will honor Harry and Kay Halloran of Halloran Philanthropies and the American Refining Group, and Roger R. Laroche, M.D., Medical Director of Behavioral Health Services at BRMC. Harry Halloran purchased the Bradford refinery, American Refining Group (ARG) in 1997. The Halloran story is about entrepreneurship, leadership, social responsibility and impact, corporate good and philanthropy. The ARG refinery is 133 years old and provides a stable influence to its employees, customers and community locally and world-wide. “Through Halloran Philanthropies and ARG, Harry and Kay Halloran have given generously to BRMC and we are most grateful for their generous support,” said Timothy J. Finan, Presi...

American Refining Group, Inc. (ARG), is part of a consortium that was recently awarded a $6.87 million grant funded by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) through the Biomass Research and Development Initiative with the objective of developing an advanced biofuel. FarmBio3 comprises ARG, several universities, biomass-feedstock suppliers and the USDA. The group aims to develop an advanced biofuel or a biobased crude oil that can be used as a refinery feedstock in the way petroleum crude oil is currently used. Materials that do not compete with the food supply, such as forest residues, animal manure, switchgrass and other perennial grasses, are collected on-site and converted into a liquid “bio-oil” that can be further processed into industrial chemicals or fuels. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced the grant Friday at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. The nearly $7 million grant is part of $25 million in funding for projects like Far...

As construction continues on the Ashley Booth Griffin CARE for Children Center, American Refining Group, Inc. has contributed $25,000 to the building fund, and a matching grant of $25,000 was awarded by the Harry R. Halloran, Jr. Fund (a donor advised fund at The Philadelphia Foundation Special Assets Fund). Mr. Halloran (second from right), Chairman of the Board and ARG Chief Executive Officer, along with President and Chief Operating Officer, Jeannine Schoenecker (left), took a tour of the new facility Friday with CARE for Children Executive Director, Tina Martin (second from left), and Board President, Mick Marshall (right). “We are so appreciative of the generosity of Mr. Halloran and American Refining Group,” said Marshall. “They continue to make an impact in our community, and we’re proud to have their continued support as we move forward during this historic time for CARE.” The organization is currently at 71% of the $2.1 million campaign goal. Construction of the facilit...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has received a gift of $250,000 from Harry R. Halloran Jr., board chairman and owner of American Refining Group, in support of the university’s Energy Institute. In recognition of this and previous gifts, it will be named the American Refining Group/Harry R. Halloran Jr. Energy Institute. “The naming of the Energy Institute for Harry Halloran and American Refining Group is one small token of our appreciation not only for Harry’s financial support, but more importantly for his astute guidance and insight as we venture into an area we’ve never pursued before,” said Dr. Livingston Alexander, president of Pitt-Bradford. “There are few people who possess as much knowledge, experience and proven track record in both the oil and gas industry and alternative energy systems as does Harry Halloran. We have great admiration for him.” The gift is part of 50 and Beyond: The Campaign for the University of Pittsb...

The Rev. Leo Gallina, a Bradford native and former pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church, will receive the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s highest honor at this year’s commencement ceremony. Dr. Livingston Alexander, president of Pitt-Bradford, will present the Presidential Medal of Distinction to Gallina at the 2012 Commencement Ceremony scheduled on April 29 at 2 p.m. in the KOA Arena of the Sport and Fitness Center. In commenting on campus sentiment about Gallina, Alexander said, “The university community is thrilled to be able to honor Father Gallina. Many of us, faculty, staff and students alike, have found inspiration in his generosity, commitment and enthusiasm. Through his direct and indirect gifts, he has left a lasting legacy at Pitt-Bradford.” Gallina responded with his trademark humility. “I am most humbled by this award and truly enjoy helping out in a small way so that others may have an education for the future,” he ...

Evening Report Moving to 5 P.M. Remember when the Kendall News Review was the community’s major news of the day? The Bradford refinery sponsored the Kendall News Review for 54 years from its inception on April 5, 1947. The program actually made its debut April 6 as Bradford experienced a major flood April 5 that knocked out power to the entire city, including the new radio station. The final Kendall News Review aired Oct. 21, 2001. At the time it was believed to be the longest continually sponsored radio program in the country. "Because American Refining Group is committed to our community, we will pick up the program’s sponsorship once again," according to a company news release. Remember when, on March 3, 1997, Harry Halloran agreed to buy the Bradford facility? In so doing, he preserved a crucial economic partner and community steward in Northwestern Pennsylvania. American Refining Group, Inc., is pleased to resume sponsorship of the program that delivers the area’s news t...

Harry Halloran, far right, watches on at ARG’s annual Halloween party for employees' children and grandchildren. More than 55 children attended. Below are more pictures provided by Kristina Luzzi. (And I believe that's Preston Weinberg, middle left, in the next picture.) The children and their families decorated pumpkins and cookies, and participated in arts and craft projects, and face painting. Pizza and wings, punch and juice boxes, and definitely candy, were on the menu. Also, each child received a special Halloween Trick or Treat bag filled with goodies. Thanks again to Kristina for sending the pictures!