Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will mark Darwin Day, a celebration of science and scientific discovery, on Friday, February 11, in the Mukaiyama University Room in the Frame-Westerberg Commons. Pitt-Bradford’s celebration is one of hundreds across the United States and the globe marking the 202nd anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, the man who famously described biological evolution via natural selection. The Pitt-Bradford celebration will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a birthday cake being served at noon. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Numerous science exhibits and activities all day will feature physics, chemistry, biology, anthropology, forensic science and more. Activities include a science trivia game with prizes. At 1:30 p.m. Dr. Linda Ordiway, instructor of environmental studies and local ornithologist, will lead a nature walk. The “Origin of Species” presented the scientific theory that populations evolve over generations through natural...

Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett today nominated Linda L. Kelly to succeed him as Pennsylvania’s new Attorney General. Kelly has been a prosecutor for more than 30 years, serving as both an assistant district attorney in Allegheny County and most recently as senior litigation counsel as Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “I know from my personal experience that throughout her career she has consistently demonstrated good judgment, common sense and has the experience to successfully lead the Attorney General’s office,” Corbett said. The attorney general is the state’s top law enforcement officer, with civil and criminal court responsibilities as well as consumer protection. The office has about 750 employees with 20 offices across the commonwealth. “I am excited about the opportunity to continue my service to the people of Pennsylvania in this new and challenging endeavor,’’ Kelly said. “I am honored and humbled by Governor Corbett’s confidence in me and ...

A Marine from Jamestown has died in Afghanistan. 21-year-old Lance Cpl. Aaron Swanson died Monday during combat operations in Helmand Province. He was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, Buffalo, N.Y. http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14254

UPDATE: All charges have been bound to court. 41-year-old Romaine McGraw is led into District Judge Dominic Cercone's office this morning for her preliminary hearing on charges of attempted homicide, aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person. McGraw is accused of stabbing James Hannon several times in the neck and left side of his body. He was taken to Bradford Regional Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries. The alleged incident happened on New Year's Eve. McGraw is jailed on $250,000 bail.

There’s no better way to beat the winter doldrums than to tackle the great outdoors. That’s exactly what the Tuna Valley Trail Association members had in mind when they created the Marilla Winter Trek. In its second year, the Marilla Winter Trek provides an outlet for those who want to hit the trails. This year’s event will be held Feb. 13 from noon to 4 p.m. on the trails surrounding the Marilla Reservoir. That’s when people can explore any of the five trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or hiking. This year, there will also be three new activities - ice skating on the reservoir, ice fishing and a geocache contest. There’s also plenty to do off the ice. For the novices out there, the association will provide cross-country skiing and snowshoeing equipment plus instruction to get you started. Event organizers wanted to provide people with an outlet to enjoy the outdoors as well as utilize the trail system. Free refreshments and a bon fire will be provided by the trail associati...

Bradford City Police had their hands full over the weekend. They looked into a report of an assault on East Main Street and criminal mischief on West Washington Street, according to the complaint report and request sheet faxed to WESB and The HERO by the police department. They were also called to motor vehicle accidents on Route 219 and on Euclid Avenue and a fight on Mechanic Street. Officers got reports of blocked driveways on Park and Jefferson streets and someone who was possibly driving under the influence on West Washington Street. Officers checked out a burglary alarm on Chautauqua Place, a suspicious person on South Avenue and a suspicious vehicle on High Street.

Internationally renowned opera legend and Bradford native Marilyn Horne will address the graduating class of 2011 at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford at the May commencement ceremony. Horne, whose foundation sponsored a series of recitals by rising opera singers at Pitt-Bradford and who served as honorary chairwoman of the campaign to build Blaisdell Hall, will deliver the keynote address during commencement exercises at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, in the KOA Arena of the Sport and Fitness Center. “Marilyn Horne’s legendary journey from rural Pennsylvania to international renown in the world of opera makes her the perfect choice to give the commencement address this year, especially as our graduates prepare to face a much more competitive and economically challenging environment,” said Dr. Livingston Alexander, Pitt-Bradford president. “Throughout her magnificent career, Ms. Horne has inspired young men and women to discover their talents in the...

Senator Joe Scarnati and Representative Matt Gabler announced today that they have recently been in contact with the Public Utility Commission (PUC) in regard to proposed changes to the 814 area code coverage. With the recent rise in cell phone usage, the PUC is studying options to address a potential shortage in phone numbers for the 814 area code. One plan being reviewed would create a new 582 area code for use in some parts of Northwestern Pennsylvania. Another option would be an “overlay” plan which would allow those now using a phone number with an 814 area code to keep their current number, while assigning the new 582 area code to new phones throughout the region. Both men have asked the PUC to hold a public hearing on the issue in DuBois within the next few months. The PUC has agreed to hold such a hearing and is currently coordinating the logistics. “This is an issue of vital importance to residents and businesses located within the 25th Senatorial District,” said Scarnati. “...

Nine St. Bonaventure students and a faculty member spent five days immersed in theater productions and workshops during the 43rd annual Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (Region II) at Towson University in Maryland Jan. 11-15, 2011. They joined 1,200 college students and faculty from across Ohio, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and New York at the festival, where they saw student work in acting, directing, dramaturgy, playwriting and design; had the opportunity to audition to rehearse and perform in new 10-minute plays and student directing institute scenes; and participated in various competitions. They saw student work in acting, directing, dramaturgy, playwriting and design; had the opportunity to audition to rehearse and perform in new 10-minute plays and student directing institute scenes; and participated in various competitions. Becky Misenheimer, assistant professor of theater in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts and a theater desi...

Allegany-Limestone students earned top individual and team honors in the regional MATHCOUNTS competition, hosted by St. Bonaventure University on Saturday, Feb. 5. MATHCOUNTS is a national contest for sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students. Contestants worked both individually and in four-person school teams on questions designed by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), the main sponsoring organization. The three schools competing, along with their coaches, were: Allegany-Limestone Middle School (Kathy Stamets), Cheektowaga Central School (David Guzzino), and Tapestry Charter School from Buffalo (Garett Farrugia). Other organizations providing financial support for the contest at the national level include CNA Foundation, National Defense Education Program, Northrup Grumman Foundation, Raytheon Company, Texas Instruments, 3M Foundation, ThinkFun, and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Locally, the contest was financially supported by St. Bonaven...

Saturday was the first-ever Tortugas Binge Bowl presented by 100.1 The HERO. Igor took on challenger Zach Ruth to see who could eat the most tacos in 15 minutes. Here, Igor gets pumped up before the contest. Igor greets a young fan. Zach gives Igor the evil eye. Zach flexes his muscles as Tortugas owner Jeremy Callinan looks on. Jeremy was a judge, too. Zach, holding his Binge Bowl trophy, gets congratulations from a fan. Yes, he beat Igor by eating 10 tacos to Igor's 7. Video to follow ... and you won't want to miss it! Photos by Amanda Kleps and Anne Holliday

BUFFALO, NY — The nation’s first FDA-approved cancer treatment vaccine, Provenge (sipuleucel-T), is being offered for the first time in Western New York at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI). The vaccine is designed for men with advanced prostate cancer who have limited treatment options and who meet eligibility requirements. “It’s the first time we are able to offer immunotherapy with an FDA-approved product,” says Roberto Pili, MD, Chief of the Genitourinary Section in RPCI’s Department of Medicine. Provenge represents a new approach to cancer treatment — using vaccines to trigger the patient’s own immune system to attack cancer cells. RPCI patients who receive Provenge will have immune cells purified from their blood; this process will take place at the American Red Cross headquarters in Buffalo. The immune cells will then be shipped to a central lab, where they will be combined with a specific protein (an antigen) that stimulates the immune cells to recognize and kill prostate ca...

Number is for state roads only, not local Harrisburg – With the freeze-thaw cycle taking its annual toll on pavement, PennDOT urges motorists to call 1-800-FIX-ROAD (1-800-349-7623) to report the location of potholes on state roads. Callers are asked to be as specific as possible when reporting pothole locations. For state routes, callers must report the county, municipality, street name, or preferably the state route (SR) number found on small, black-and-white signs posted along state roadways. Callers should also offer a description of any familiar landmarks that will help PennDOT find the problem area. The hotline may be used to report any maintenance concern on state roads such as potholes, deer removal or signage issues. Once notified, PennDOT will work expeditiously to address concerns when weather permits; however, winter services remain the primary focus of maintenance crews at this time of year.To report potholes on local roads, motorists should contact the municipality in whi...

Holiday Valley Resort announces the third annual Boarding for Breast Cancer event on February 12, 2011. Boarding for Breast Cancer is a non-profit fundraising foundation that focuses on education, especially in the areas of early detection and the value of an active lifestyle. The B4BC foundation seeks to engage youths by partnering with snow communities like Holiday Valley to raise awareness about breast cancer among young people. The Boardroom Board Shop in Ellicottville is Holiday Valley’s partner in presenting this event, and sponsors are Holiday Valley Realty/ Rental Management and Buffalo MRI. Events during the day include women’s only snowboard clinics on learning to snowboard, riding the parks, or freeriding, a ‘Breast Trick’ rail park event open to men and women, a silent auction (featuring a Danny Kass autographed snowboard), Chinese auction, music and bar specials. Participants may register for the event between 11 AM and noon in the Overlook rooms at upstairs in the Clubhou...

Zippo celebrates the Green Bay Packers with the release of two limited edition, NFL Super Bowl XLV Champions lighters. Commemorating the Packers' historic win at the new Cowboys Stadium in North Texas, the Zippo Super Bowl XLV Champions windproof pocket lighters will be available in high-polish chrome with either a color imaged or luster etched design. Both lighters will feature the logos of the Packers and Super Bowl XLV. "We're proud of our longstanding partnership with the National Football League and to have the opportunity to offer football fans around the world these limited edition Super Bowl XLV Champions lighters," said Gregory Booth, CEO and President, Zippo Manufacturing Company. "With Zippo's superior craftsmanship, and designs which are sure to impress, these are a must have for any Green Bay Packers fan looking to celebrate with their team on last night's win." The color imaged and luster etched NFL Super Bowl XLV Champions Zippo windpr...

By Sandra Rhodes The suspense is over – or perhaps just beginning – as the activities for this year’s One Book Bradford season have been set “Still Life” by Louise Penny of Quebec, Canada, was chosen for this One Book Bradford season. In its fourth year, One Book Bradford is a community-wide reading initiative in which a book is picked and the community is encouraged to read it. Several activities are held throughout the season, which culminates with a visit from the author. “We sought activities that would interest people as well as encourage local residents to read our One Book Bradford selection,” said chairperson Pat Shinaberger. The first One Book Bradford activity for this year is book club meeting open to the public, which will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, in the community room at the Bradford Area Public Library. Dr. Anita Herbert will lead the discussion. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Bradford Area Public Library. Admission is free. The next e...

Listen here . Find more information at Pamela Callow.com