Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

PORTVILLE, N.Y. - A program sponsored by the Pfeiffer Nature Center will bring everything into focus - camera wise that is. Professional photographer Tom Martin will facilitate "Picture This" from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, at the Portville Free Library. "Picture This" will take participants on a fascinating journey into nature photography. "Tom believes there are two sides to good photography, the technical side and the seeing side, said Chris Walden, executive director of the Nature Center. "Using diagrams and lots of images, Tom will address knowing your camera, exposing properly, finding the right light, composing for impact, using depth of field, equipment and filters." Participants will learn by doing and will leave with tips and suggestions to take home and try on their own to bring their pictures to life. "The Pfeiffer Nature center is truly where science, art and nature come together," Walden said. "And this ...

By Sandy Rhodes A perfect storm of events -- including an arid financial stream and rising costs -- have forced the One Book Bradford committee to postpone its eighth season. OBB is a community-wide reading initiative in which a book is selected by the committee and recommended to the community to read. The season consists of ancillary events which have culminated with a visit by the author. However, this year, the committee found itself with limited finances and a publishing industry which controls author visits and charge more. "We decided to postpone this season when we realized that we would not be able to bring the quality of programming the community enjoyed in the past and had rightfully come to expect," a committee spokesperson said. "We tried to choose a book but the obstacles Generally, the selection is announced the beginning of November and the author visit is held in May. The regrouping process will include Lacey Love, the executive director for ...

Usually I don’t have trouble coming up with things I’m thankful for. This year, though, I’m having a hard time. But, here are a few, in no particular order: All of my “Bona Girls” Pat & Sandy All of the people who think I do a good job Downtown Bradford coming back to life Netflix Wireless Internet at home TSA Precheck Brad Christman Seeing Clarence Clemons live and in person James Patterson and “Alex Cross” Random Acts of Kindness The Beatles What are you thankful for? Let us know in the comments. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

By SANDY RHODES When Micah Irwin crossed the finish line of Saturday's Willow Creek Triathlon, he was not alone. Actually far from it. There was the announcement over the PA system, "Welcome to Willow Creek." There were the two lines of veterans clapping and eagerly waiting to shake his hand. And then there was the image of Irwin's grandfather on the front of the 24-year-old's T-shirt. "I did this in memory of my grandfather (Ralph French) who was a World War II veteran," the Bradford man said. "He passed away a few years ago. Irwin was one of 290 who participated in the ninth annual triathlon that this year raised $40,139 for the transportation funds of the Disabled American Veterans of Mckean and Warren counties. This year's event surpassed last year's donation by more than $10,000. The nine-year total is more than $151,000. All of the proceeds help local veterans. The funds are earmarked to help with transportation - making su...

One Book Bradford’s season will end on a high note Tuesday when author Melanie Benjamin comes to town. Benjamin, the author of “The Aviator’s Wife,” this year’s OBB book, will offer her perspective as an author of the book, a fictional account of Anne Morrow Lindbergh, the wife of famed aviator Charles Lindbergh. Benjamin’s talk will start at 7:30 p.m. in the Mukaiyama Room of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. The program, the culmination of each OBB season, is free and open to the public. A book signing and refreshments will follow. Benjamin will also hold a writers’ workshop from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Bradford Area Public Library. The workshop is limited to 15 participants; reservations must be made in advance at the library. One Book Bradford is a community-wide reading initiative. One book is selected and area readers are encouraged to read the book and take part in a variety of events. The season has traditionally ended with a visit by the book’s offer. Often overshadow...

Have you ever wonder why there are so few females in such fields as science, technology, engineering and mathematics? What does that stem from? The American Association of University Women-Bradford Branch is hosting meeting that will tackle that issue. The public is invited to attend a presentation at 10 a.m. Saturday in Room 218 in the Frame-Westerberg Commons at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. The program will include two speakers from Pitt-Bradford – Dr. Mary Mulcahy, associate professor of biology and division chairwoman for the biological and health sciences, and Dr. Denise Piechnik, assistant professor of biology. Saturday’s discussion will center on the low number of women in those (STEM) fields with suggestions on how to encourage more girls to take an interest in the sciences. Part of AAUW’s mission is to promote equality for women. “We feel this is an important topic that should be discussed,” said co-presidents Sharie Radzavich and Sandy Rhodes. “We want to t...

By SANDRA RHODES Marty Gregoire has taken life one step at a time, but his steps are not like most. The Western New York native was born with cerebral palsy and has not let this slow him down. One big step will be done this week. On Saturday, Gregoire will compete in his first outdoor triathlon. He chose the Willow Creek Triathlon. “My sister Eileen told me about the Willow Creek Triathlon. She competed in her 100th Triathlon last summer and encouraged me to challenge myself as she often does,” Gregoire said. “Once read about the event and its support for disabled veterans, I knew it was an event I wanted to do.” The Willow Creek Triathlon is a sprint triathlon that starts in Quaker Lake in Allegany State Park in New York State. Following a 300-yard swim in the lake, participants will bicycle 15 miles to the Corydon Hotel then run three miles to the finish line at the Willows Restaurant. In the past, Gregoire has done indoor triathlons or “try a tri” which are 15-minute timed ...

By SANDRA RHODES Most people can’t imagine life without the slightest of conveniences – the smartphone, a television or car. Just think of what your life would be like without your limbs. But that is life day in and day out for David W. Riley, National 4th Jr. vice commander of the 1.2 million-member Disabled American Veterans. Riley will speak about his abilities, as well as his disability, at the Eighth Annual Willow Creek Triathlon set for Saturday. Proceeds from the triathlon benefit the Disabled American Veterans of McKean and Warren counties. The day is set to begin at 7 a.m. with day-of registrations, if spots are available, at Quaker Lake in Allegany State Park in New York State. Registration has been capped at 400 participants. A rules meeting will take place at 9 a.m. with the start of the competition at 9:30 a.m. Competitors swim 300 yards in Quaker Lake, followed by a 15-mile bicycle ride to the Corydon Hotel, then a three-mile run to the Willows. The fastest compe...

By SANDRA RHODES The Willow Creek Triathlon committee is expecting this year’s event will be grand - one hundred thousand grand to be exact. That is the amount the committee is expected to surpass in donations to the Disabled American Veterans of McKean and Warren counties. “Our event has grown in participation and in money raised for this worthy cause,” said Gregg Reynolds, the new race director. “We are very proud of what we have accomplished in a relatively short amount of time. This is something we could not do without the support of this community.” This sprint triathlon, in its eighth year, will be held on Saturday, Aug. 3, starting with a 300-yard swim at Quaker Lake in Allegany State Park in New York State. That is followed by a 15-mile bicycle ride to the Corydon Hotel on Route 346. Runners complete the with a three-mile run to the Willows Restaurant. “One of the best things about our triathlon is the course was laid out by Mother Nature herself,” Reynolds said. “F...

BY SANDRA RHODES The purchase of a Derby Gala ticket is a sure thing - an evening of fun, food and friends all to benefit a great cause. The Bradford Area Public Library’s Derby Gala is set for 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the Pennhills Club in Bradford. The Gala, in its fifth year, coincides with the running of the famous Kentucky Derby. Big screen TVs allow spectators to watch the “greatest two minutes in sports” as they root for their favorite horse, whether it be Overanalyze or Will Take Charge. It will be a lucky day for three of these people as cash prizes are awarded for win, place and show. And the winning doesn’t stop there. Ticketholders can actually parlay the cost of their ticket into a trip to Las Vegas to the casino. “Since the casino has been so popular in the past few years, we have expanded it to include more slot machines,” said Karen Costello-Pecht, co-chairwoman. “The best part of the casino is that you don’t have to pony up any of your own money. We give y...

By SANDRA RHODES Activities that appeal to all ages are on tap for this year’s National Library Week at the Bradford Area Public Library. Tapping on the theme “Communities Matter,” the BAPL is gearing up for a week of exciting activities that run from April 14-April 20. “We are very excited to be offering these events to the community,” said Ed Pecht, president and chief executive officer of the Library. “We want to celebrate what the Library has to offer all our patrons.” Some of the featured happenings at the Library have an emphasis on art. There will be a display of art done by students from CARE for Children. Bradford Little Theater will also display the entries from their recent art contest. Sandy Caparotta will lead a Kids Intro to Art Class 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Library. Preschool Story Hour is set for 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 19. Throughout the week, accumulated artwork from the Library will be sold. With the wide variety of artwork available, there is something fo...

The American Association of University Women - Bradford Branch is holding a Candidate Forum for the upcoming Primary Election. This Forum, featuring those running for McKean County sheriff and Bradford City Council, will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18, in the community room of the Bradford Area Public Library. Dr. Stephen Robar, associate professor of political science at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, will moderate the forum. There are three Republican candidates running for sheriff – Brad Mason, the current sheriff, Steve Caskey and Brian Gustafson. There are also three candidates running for three seats on city council. They are incumbent Fred Proper, Brad Mangel, who was appointed to fill the unexpired seat of Rick Benton and newcomer Tim Pecora, all Republicans. “Our group is excited to be able to bring this forum to the voters of McKean County,” said Sandy Rhodes, co-president of AAUW. “We are hopeful that this will give voters the information they...

An upcoming event at the Bradford Area Public Library is sure to be a un-tea-niable good time. The annual Derby Chapeau Tea is set for 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 7, at the Bradford Area Public Library. This is when the library is transformed into a tea house full of treats for all to enjoy. The Derby Chapeau Tea is the kick-off event to the library’s Triple Crown, which also includes a Kids Derby and the Derby Gala. All events either raise money or awareness for the library. Attendees will be treated to tea sandwiches, delectable desserts plus tea. Ann Fesenmyer and Kelly Case, co-chairwomen for the event, said there are new features to this year’s tea. “We want women and girls of all ages to come and enjoy an afternoon with us,” Fesenmyer said. As such, tickets are also available for girls ages 12 and under. “Our vision is to offer a chance for moms, grandmas and little ladies to get dressed up and enjoy an afternoon together in a relaxing environment.” C...

By SANDRA RHODES Racing enthusiasts will be able to enjoy life in the fast lane Saturday at the Bradford Area Public Library. That is when two racing simulators from Watkins Glen International will be set up for tests drives from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This "Day at the Races" event is part of this year's One Book Bradford season. The NASCAR simulators, brought to Bradford through assistance by Zippo Manufacturing Co., challenge drivers with the twists and turns of The Glen that they can experience first hand. The day will also include a variety of children's activities, such as scooter races, and a showing of "Senna," an award-winning documentary about Ayrton Senna da Silva, a Formula One racing champion from Brazil, who died in during a race in 1994 and is featured prominently in this year's OBB book, "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein. The documentary will begin at 12:30 p.m. Popcorn will be available. Weather permitting, a...

By SANDRA RHODES The new season One Book Bradford has gone to the dogs. The OBB committee has chosen "The Art of Racing in the Rain," a New York Times bestseller by Garth Stein for its 2013 season. The book is a poignant tale told from the perspective of a dog, Enzo, whose owner - race car driver - endures a multitude of hardships. "We feel this book will appeal to a wide array of people," said OBB chairperson Pat Shinaberger. "There's something for animal lovers as well as racing fans. Most of all, this is a great book that we are excited to share with all of Bradford and beyond." OBB is community-wide reading initiative where one book is chosen for community to read. The season includes several activities based on the book. Each year, the highlight of the season is a visit by the author. Stein will be in Bradford to discuss "The Art of Racing in the Rain" at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, in auditorium of Bradford Area High Sc...

Attention, ladies! Are you sick of spending your Sunday afternoons watching football games? Are you ready to enjoy some girl time? Well, the Bradford Area Public Library has just the thing for you. Girls Afternoon Out will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, at the library at 67 W. Washington St. “We wanted to pull together a fun afternoon for ladies to enjoy,” said Stephanie Smeal Parsons, event organizer. The afternoon is packed with a runway fashion show by Melissa’s Bridal Boutique & Tuxedos, mini-manicures by Lisa’s Hairport, hairstyles by Sheer Designs, beauty tips by Mary Kay Cosmetics and photo opportunities courtesy of Shawn Murray Photography. Representatives from Premier Design Jewelry, Thirty-One and Tastefully Simple will be on hand to take orders for your holiday shopping. There will also be door prizes and hors d’oeuvre. Proceeds from the afternoon will benefit the Derby Gala and Chapeau Tea. For more informration on the Girls Afternoon Out, listen to We...

By SANDRA RHODES The work the Bradford Area Public Library does is deeply rooted in the community. That fact is apparent in the new logo design unveiled by the library earlier this month. The new logo, approved by the library’s board of trustees, features a tree growing out of the pages of a book. Inside the tree are all the things that bring the library to life – books, computers, and even Whispurr, the library’s resident cat. The new logo was designed by Allison Ambrose of Bradford. “Allison took the very best parts of the library, worked her magic and delivered the perfect logo to us,” said BAPL President and CEO Tamara McIntyre. “We have already started to incorporate this new look in our material such as our Facebook page, our new website, which has not been unveiled yet, and stationary. When people see this logo, they will think of the Bradford Area Public Library.” Ambrose said she was inspired after doing some research and stumbling across knowledge. That developed into ...

By SANDRA RHODES When the Bradford Area Public Library opened its doors on West Washington Street more than two decades ago, some believed it would not stay open. Now, 21 years later, the library is not only open, but thriving in the Bradford community. To celebrate this distinction, as well as taking time to say thank you to those who have donated to the library, the public is invited to attend a reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the library, located at 67 W. Washington St. “We wanted to take this time to say thank you and tell our donors how much we appreciate their generosity,” said library President and CEO Tamara McIntyre. “Then, when we realized that we opened at our currently location in October, we decided to turn it into a real celebration.” The library had currently been located on Congress Street after a $25,000 donation from Andrew Carnegie. Since then, donors have helped fund the library for more than a century, bringing it into the 21st Century with comput...

4-year-old Kayla Keck was mesmerized by the popcorn machine during the Bradford Area Public Library's Fall Festival on Saturday. Photo by Sandra Rhodes For more photos visit our Facebook page. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Imagine all that the Bradford Area Public Library does. Now imagine all the library encompasses in a one-inch logo. That’s just what library officials want – a logo for multimedia use – and has started an open call for those interested to submit what logo they feel best represents the library. The open call is just that – open for anyone whether they are a student or professional graphic artist. The logo may be in color or black and white and must be applicable to a graphic design. All entries must be the artist’s original work and be accompanied by release giving the library permission to use the work as its own. If any professional is seeking reimbursement for his or her work, a cost should be indicated when the design is turned in. Entries must be received by Tamara McIntyre, library president and chief executive officer, no later than Sept. 10 and must be accompanied by a signed authorization form that gives the library the permission to use the logo. Logos can either be e-mailed o...