Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Special Olympics athletes from throughout McKean County will travel to Kane Area High School on Wednesday, May 6, to compete in the annual Special Olympics/Zippo Track & Field Meet. Over 230 special athletes, ranging from 5 to 71 years of age, are registered to participate at the 40th annual event. Starting time is 10:00 a.m. In case of rain, the meet will be postponed to May 7. Event director is Ashley Komidar, teacher at Kane Elementary School. Up to six athletes can qualify to represent McKean County at the Pennsylvania Special Olympics State Games at Penn State, June 4-6. McKean Special Olympics coordinator Pat Ryan noted, “The track meet is our biggest competition of the year and our athletes have been working hard in training for this event.” Volunteers are needed to help with the meet. They should call 368-9310 or register at the concession stand on Wednesday morning. McKean County Special Olympics is a year-round program of sports training and competition for ment...

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 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

For the 12th year in a row, the Bradford Area School Board will not be raising taxes. The preliminary budget was introduced and approved during last night’s board meeting. It will be on display in the district office until it’s adopted at next month’s meeting. Also during last night’s meeting, the board tabled a proposal that would hire a second school resource officer for the next school year. Assistant Superintendent Sam Johnson asked the board to put the measure on hold because Bradford City Police Chief Chris Lucco is trying to get grant money to pay the officer’s salary. Current school resource officer Butch Bartlett was at last night’s meeting, and introduced some of the members of the high school’s Criminal Justice Club who recently traveled to Washington, D.C. The students presented a slide show and talked about the highlights of their trip. For more pictures, and video, of the trip you can go to the club's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/BAHS-Criminal-Ju...

Special Olympics athletes from throughout McKean County will travel to Kane Area High School on Wednesday, May 1, to compete in the annual Special Olympics/Zippo Track & Field Meet. More than 220 special athletes, ranging from 5 to 69 years of age, are registered to participate at the 38th annual event. Starting time is 10:00 a.m. In case of rain, the meet will be postponed to May 2. Ashley Komidar and Nancy Germano, teachers at Kane Middle School, will serve as event directors. Up to six athletes can qualify to represent McKean County at the Pennsylvania Special Olympics State Games at Penn State, June 6-8. McKean County Special Olympics coordinator Pat Ryan noted, “The track meet is our biggest competition of the year and our athletes have been working hard in training for this event.” Volunteers are needed to help with the meet. They should call 368-9310 or register at the concession stand on Wednesday morning. McKean County Special Olympics is a year-round program of ...

More than 100 special athletes from McKean, Potter, Elk and Cameron counties gathered at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Sport and Fitness Center pool Friday for the annual Special Olympics Swimming Invitational. The invitational is the culmination of the swimming season for most of the athletes, who have been in training for several months for this event. Seven swimmers, whose names will be announced, will advance to the Pennsylvania Special Olympics Summer Games at Penn State, June 6-8. Gold medal winners were: 15yd Walk: Matt Latshaw, John Sandlin, Joe Cook, Jr., Ian Guras, Mercedes Buckins, Kia Jefferds 10yd Assisted : Alex Rakieski, Tristan Carney, Noah Gausman, Ian Guras, Christofer Swedenhelm, Lauren Loveland, Kia Jefferds 15yd Unassisted: Matt Latshaw, Keith Myers, Lesadi Crust 15yd Float: Tyler Dubeck, John Sandlin, Ian Guras, Brody Briggs, Luke Squires, Jenna Gerhart, Paricia Nelson 25yd Float: Matt Latshaw, Tristan Carney, Tyler Dubeck, Jenna Gerhart ...

More than 100 special athletes are registered to compete in the annual McKean County Special Olympics Swimming Invitational, which will be held at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Sport and Fitness Center on Friday, March 1, starting at 10 a.m. Special Olympians from McKean, Potter, Elk and Cameron counties have been in training for several months in preparation for the competition, according to meet director Jan Knight. They will be competing for medals in individual and team events. “The swimming invitational is one of the biggest Special Olympics events of the year and we expect the level of competition to be the best ever,” said Knight. Up to seven swimmers will qualify to compete at the Pennsylvania Special Olympics Summer Games at Penn State, June 6-8. McKean County Special Olympics is a year-round program of sports training and competition for over 370 mentally and physically challenged athletes. In addition to swimming, programs are offered in softball, track an...

The United Way of the Bradford Area has awarded $6,560 to six local organizations through community innovations grant funding for the first quarter of 2013. The recipients are: the YWCA’s art program; CARE for Children’s pediatric therapy; McKean County Special Olympics aquatic program; Dickinson Mental Health holiday events; Bradford Ecumenical Home lending library; and McKean County Habitat for Humanity housing production. Local non-profit, 501(c)3, health and human service agencies may submit a request for up to $1,500 per quarter. This category supports programs, independent of those benefiting from monthly, that have the potential to impact the local community, encourage innovative approaches to meeting health and human service needs, and produce specific and measurable outcomes. The deadline for 2nd quarter Community Innovation grant applications is April 1, 2013. Applications may be received by visiting United Way’s website at www.uwbanews.org , the United Way office, or b...

Indianapolis, Indiana - Captain Steve Nigrelli of the New York State Police has been awarded the 2012 John Carion "Unsung Hero" award at the International Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Conference. This award recognizes outstanding individuals who have contributed to the success of their local and state Special Olympics programs. Nigrelli has been involved with Special Olympics New York and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for more than 19 years. He is the current New York State Torch Run Director (2010 to present), a volunteer based position, elected by his peers and served before this as the Western Regional Director from 2006 to 2010. He is the Chairman of the WNY Polar Plunge (December 1, 2012 at Woodlawn State Park) which has raised nearly half a million dollars in six years. He is also a member of numerous LETR event committees such as the Over the Edge, Applebee's Law & Orders, he plans and implements more than 10 Torch Run Legs across WNY and is a part o...

By Kimberly Marcott Weinberg Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing Over the past year, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford students have contributed 7,771 community service hours and $10,337 in donations to various causes locally and globally. The hours and donations were compiled by Tonya Ackley, coordinator of community engagement, a position created a year ago at Pitt-Bradford to match Pitt-Bradford students with opportunities for service in the Bradford community and beyond. Alpha Phi Omega, a co-educational service fraternity, provided the most hours of service with 1,444. APO worked with Red Cross and Community Blood Bank Blood Drives, Adopt-a-Highway, Empty Bowls project to benefit the Friendship Table, Bradford Ecumenical Home, Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems, Bowl for Kids’ Sake, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Friendship Table, George G. Blaisdell Elementary School and Special Olympics. Students in Free Enterprise provided 827 hours of service teaching at...

CARE for Children and Pat Ryan received the 2012 George G. Blaisdell YMCA Community Service Award this morning. Ryan (right) is director of operations at Futures Rehabilitation Center and heads McKean County’s Special Olympics program. CARE Executive Director Tina Martin and Board President Mick Marshall accepted the award for the agency, which is in the second phase of its fundraising drive to build a new facility on East Main Street. CARE for Children photo

More than 220 Special Olympics athletes from throughout McKean County met at Kane Area High School on Wed., May 2, to compete in the 37th annual Special Olympics/Zippo Track & Field Meet. Seven athletes, whose names will be released soon, qualified to represent McKean County at the Pennsylvania Special Olympics State Games at Penn State, June 7-9. First place winners were: Standing Jump: Taryn Thomas, Shauna Bailey, Julia Coy, Kayla Furman, Selena Wackwitz, Jaime Leonhart, Loretta Esh, Zara Ellis, Kim Langworthy, Judy Yerger, Dylan Haskins, John Hilyer, Aaron Mathewson, Tristan Carney, Devon Smith, Elton Courson, Nakoa Walker, Derek Hottel, Harry Gardner, Calvin Teeter, Mike Stine, Nathanyeal Akers, Eric Baxter, Dustin Tinblin, Jay Furman, Ryan Ogata, Long Jump: Douglas McIntyre, Issiah Mathewson, Keith App, Cletis Kusnierz, Alex Quintero, Mitchell Ostrander, Robert Crowl, Jon Bardo., Bryan Williams, Matt Bond, Andrew Anderson, Joe Lee, Kayla Grimm, Sierra Jackson, Sierra S...

Special Olympics athletes from throughout McKean County will travel to Kane Area High School on Wednesday, May 2, to compete in the annual Special Olympics/Zippo Track & Field Meet. Over 220 special athletes, ranging from 5 to 66 years of age, are registered to participate at the 37th annual event. Starting time is 10:00 a.m. In case of rain, the meet will be postponed to May 3. Ashley Komidar, teacher at Kane Middle School, will serve as event director. Up to six athletes can qualify to represent McKean County at the Pennsylvania Special Olympics State Games at Penn State, June 7-9. McKean Special Olympics coordinator Pat Ryan noted, “The track meet is our biggest event of the year. Our numbers are up and our athletes have been working hard in preparation.” Volunteers are needed to help with the meet. They should call 368-9310 or register at the concession stand on Wednesday morning. McKean County Special Olympics is a year-round program of sports training and c...

By Kait Laubscher SBU '12 Members of St. Bonaventure University's men's and women's basketball teams gave back on Saturday, April 21, to the communities that cheered them through their 2012 NCAA runs. They joined with SIFE and the SBU School of Education in welcoming 10 New York Special Olympics basketball teams to St. Bonaventure for a day of play and learning. Following registration and opening remarks, the Special Olympians worked with members of the St. Bonaventure men's and women's basketball teams to sharpen their passing, shooting and dribbling skills. SIFE members volunteered to supervise and help the Special Olympics athletes while their coaches attended their own clinic. Led by Bonaventure basketball coaches, the coaching clinic discussed strengthening and conditioning techniques basketball players should employ, with a focus on implementing these exercises in a Special Olympics program. After a lunch break, the Bonaventure and Special Olympics athlete...

More than 100 special athletes from McKean, Potter, Elk and Cameron counties gathered at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Sport and Fitness Center pool Friday for the annual Special Olympics Swimming Invitational. The invitational is the culmination of the swimming season for most of the athletes, who have been in training for several months for this event. Seven swimmers, whose names will be announced, will advance to the Pennsylvania Special Olympics Summer Games at Penn State, June 7-9. Gold medal winners were: 15yd Walk: Veronica Harris, Adam Rakieski, Art Garcia, Michael Samick 10yd Assisted: Kia Jefferds, Adam Rakieski, Evan Smith, Alex Rakieski, Rodney Meyer, Lauren Loveland 15yd Unassisted: Kim Langworthy, Evan Smith, Matt Latshaw 15yd Float: Kia Jefferds, Tristan Carney, John Sandlin, Zack Asti 25yd Float: Steph Schlopy, Tristan Carney, George Burton 25yd Freestyle: Andrew Wilson, Karen Smith, Vicky Nichols, Emily Dunkle, Chelsea Ogden, Ashley Peterson, Mitchell Rakie...

“Special Olympics Thunder Run,” a motorcycle dice run sponsored by God’s Country A.B.A.T.E. and the McKean County American Legion Riders, will be held on September 17 beginning at noon. Proceeds will benefit the McKean County Special Olympics. Registration will be held from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Moose Lodge #460 in Port Allegany. Cost is $15 per participant, which includes a buffet dinner, Chinese auction and door prizes. The run will begin at the Moose Lodge and travel approximately 120 miles, ending at Foster Township Park in Bradford. “We are excited to be working with the Legion Riders to raise funds for the Special Olympics athletes,” said Stevee McGarvey, vice-president of God’s Country A.B.A.T.E. “This is our fourth year for the Thunder Run and we are expecting over 100 bikes to participate.” Motorcycles and all street legal vehicles are welcome to participate. For more information contact Stevee McGarvey at 814 642-2138 or Zach Ball at 814 558-1301. McK...

The United Way of the Bradford Area will honor Pat Ryan, Director of Operations at Futures Rehabilitation Center, as this years Excellence in Representation awardee. The creation of this award, deemed as the Excellence in Representation, stems from the involvement displayed (in the United Way’s most recent campaign) from their funded agencies. The recipients commitment and connection to the United Way’s mission was prevalent and remains as such throughout the year. “As we honor Pat (Ryan) this year the definition of the award speaks for itself through Pat’s example. Pat remains a mentor of the United Way speakers bureau and the voice of our collaboration with our funded agencies”, according to Kelly Case, Executive Director of the United Way of the Bradford Area. Futures Rehabilitation has been providing vocational and activity services for over 40 years for persons with disabilities. The longevity and strength of the programs is a tribute to the hardworking participants and employ...

Eight bowlers from McKean County Special Olympics were among over 300 special athletes who competed at the Western Pennsylvania Special Olympics Bowling Tournament held in Pittsburgh recently. Tom Day and George Burton won gold medals. Their names will go into the competition pool and be considered for selection to the Pennsylvania Summer Games at Penn State in June. Silver medalists included Renee Chittester, Jackie Wolfe and Glenn Lee, while Janet Pressler and Donna Dallary won bronze medals. Randy Johnson won a fourth place ribbon. McKean County Special Olympics is a year-round program of sports training and competition for individuals with disabilities. In addition to bowling, programs are offered in swimming, track and field, basketball, golf, skiing and softball.

John H. Yerdon, 65, of 648 East Main Street, passed away Thursday, September 23rd, 2010 at Hamot Medical Center in Erie. Born September 27, 1944, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Harold J. and Dorothy (Sprout) Yerdon. On August 20, 1988 in the First Presbyterian Church in Bradford he married Valerie Kilhofer who survives. He was a 1962 graduate of Bradford High School. He worked at various businesses in the Bradford area, including Kendall Refining Company and also worked for Prudential Insurance Company. For the last 25 years, he worked in the sales department at Fairway Ford. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, The Jaycees, The Fraternal Order of the Eagles and The Italian American Progressive Club. He also volunteered his time with Special Olympics, the Disabled Veterans Triathlon and was a member and past president of the Don Raabe Big 30 All Star Charities Classic. In addition to his wife of 22 years, he is survived by a daughter, Tammy (Eric) Mersing of Oakdale; a ...

“Special Olympics Thunder Run,” a motorcycle dice run sponsored by God’s Country A.B.A.T.E. and the McKean County American Legion Riders, will be held on September 18 beginning at noon. Proceeds will benefit the McKean County Special Olympics. Registration will be held from 10:00 a.m. to noon at Futures Rehabilitation Center. Cost is $10 per participant, which includes a buffet dinner and door prizes. The run will begin and end at Futures. “We are excited to be working with the Legion Riders to raise funds for the Special Olympics athletes,” said Stevee McGarvey, vice-president of God’s Country A.B.A.T.E. “This is our third year for the Thunder Run and we are expecting over 100 bikes to participate.” Motorcycles and all street legal vehicles are welcome to participate. For more information contact Stevee McGarvey at 642-2138 or Gerry Ford at 887-5439. McKean County Special Olympics is a year-round program of sports training and competition for over 360 mentally and physically chall...