Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

UPDATE: DC mayor says 12 fatalities ~~~ UPDATE: A man brandishing an assault rifle, shotgun and handgun opened fire Monday inside a building at the Washington Navy Yard — killing at least seven people and wounding at least five more, including two police officers, military officials and other authorities said. ~~~ UPDATE: Two suspected shooters "are down" at the Washington Navy Yard, according to Ed Zeigler, director of public affairs for Naval District Washington. Zeigler was not able to confirm whether the suspected gunmen had been taken into custody or killed. He also said there have been "multiple deaths" at the Navy Yard. ~~~ Four people are reportedly dead and several others are injured after a person opened fire at the U.S. Naval Yard in Washington, D.C. For continuing coverage go to NBCNews.com . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The U.S. Defense Department today indentified the SEAL killed during a successful raid to free a captive doctor in Afghanistan. Petty Officer 1st Class Nicolas D. Checque, 28, of Monroeville, Pennsylvania, died Saturday during the effort to free Dr. Dilip Joseph, the Navy said. NATO commanders believed Joseph was in imminent danger from his captors when the raid took place. While the Defense Department announcement says only that Checque belonged to an "East Coast-based Special Warfare Unit," NBC News is reporting that he was a member of SEAL Team Six, the elite group that took part in the raid that killed Osama bin Laden. It's unclear whether Checque was involved in that operation. Read more at NBCNews.com NBC News photo The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Megan Totino Consedine was unanimously confirmed today as the Secretary/Parliamentarian for the Pennsylvania State Senate. Totino Consedine is the first woman to serve as Secretary/Parliamentarian of the Pennsylvania State Senate, according to Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson). As an elected officer of the Senate, the Secretary/Parliamentarian supervises an extensive array of offices and services essential to the day-to-day operations of the Senate, including overseeing numerous legislative, financial and administrative functions. The Senate Secretary is also integral to the process of Senate Session and oversees a staff of approximately 80 Senate employees, including those in the Secretary's Office, Senate Library, bill room and page room. "In Megan Consedine, I feel confident that we have found the right individual who will serve with integrity, independence and a commitment to excellence," Scarnati said. "Serving as Secretary of the Senate...

Navy Seaman Joel A. Godfrey, son of David K. Godfrey, of Bradford, Pa., recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. During the eight-week program, Godfrey completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness. The capstone event of boot camp is "Battle Stations". This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. "Battle Stations" is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Its distinctly ''Navy'' flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a Sailor. Godfrey is a 2003 graduate of Brad...

BOLIVAR, NY –Boatswain’s Mate (BM), Third Class Daniel Little is proud of his decision to volunteer for service in the U.S. Navy, and considers the medals he earned as chapters in a story that he will never forget. During a special meeting at Heritage Aflame on Friday, Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – 57th District) presented Petty Officer Little with the United States Navy “E” Ribbon, United States Navy Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze service stars, New York State Medal for Merit, and the New York State Conspicuous Service Star. “There is no greater honor than to present our veterans with long-overdue medals, which they earned by serving our country. Petty Officer Little was the first in his family to join the military, and he came to the decision on his own. I am inspired by his conviction, dedication and courage, as I am grateful for the opportunity to recognize Petty Officer Little,” said Senator Young. Pe...

For continuing coverage go to CNN.com . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Navy Seaman Apprentice Devin Zelko, son of Tammi C. Vennard of Derrick City, Pa. and Ted D. Zelko, of Bradford, Pa., recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. During the eight-week program, Zelko completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness. The capstone event of boot camp is "Battle Stations". This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. "Battle Stations" is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. Its distinctly ''Navy'' flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a...