Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

If your kids want to know exactly where Santa is, they can find out by using the NORAD Santa Tracker .

Lew Temple Featured in Johnny Depp Movie Listen to Temple talk about his characters here . (From a visit to The Morning Buzz)

The Center for Rural Health Practice at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has received a $175,000 grant to train public health employees in nine counties. The grant will be paid over five years to train the public health workforce across the north central portion of the state -- including school nurses, county health department staff and state health improvement partners on topics of public health and safety. “Issues that could affect the health of many individuals within our target counties will be identified, prioritized and addressed from a prevention and intervention perspective through education, said Dr. Youmasu Siewe, director of the Center for Rural Health Practice. The grant will be used to hire a part-time staff member to coordinate the program and train workers, and also support a paid student worker. The coordinator will be trained before beginning to train workers in the target counties of McKean, Warren, Potter, For...

To celebrate the 15-year anniversary of his reading of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" on WESB, Chris Mackowski worked with Dan Griffin to produce a very special show. You can hear it at 12:35 p.m. on 1490 WESB or at WESB.com .

Bradford City Police looked into a number of thefts over the last couple of days. They received reports of a theft and burglary on York Street, thefts from vehicles on Brennan and Rochester streets, and a stolen debit card on North Center Street, according to the complaint report and request sheet faxed to WESB and The HERO by the police department. Officers also got reports of harassment at a Main Street business, criminal mischief on Interstate Parkway, a vehicle complaint on Route 219 and an animal complaint on West Corydon Street. Police also investigated a motor vehicle accident on Boylston Street, hit and runs on Jackson Avenue, Chestnut and Williams streets, and reports of a suspicious vehicle on Cottage Row and a suspicious person on Main Street.

Pizza Napoli in Bradford and the Midtown Bar are facing liquor law violations. State police say Pizza Napoli sold alcoholic beverages after their liquor license expired on July 31, and had not been renewed and/or validated on September 11 and October 7. Police say on October 1 the Midtown Bar still had customers in the bar more than half an hour after closing. Also on October 1, they allegedly interfered with police officers in the performance of their duties. The charges against both businesses will be brought before an administrative law judge.

ALBANY - Senator Catharine Young (R,C, I-Olean) today said new outdoor wood boiler regulations hurriedly forced by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) without public scrutiny is a travesty that may be illegal. “This is one of the most egregious and appalling regulatory action by a state agency that I have ever witnessed. DEC’s actions are another blow to the upstate economy that hits people and small businesses at a time when they cannot afford more expenses,” Senator Young added. “It's another example of big government gone wild, failing to follow through promises and shoving another expensive mandate down the throats of our struggling taxpayers,” Senator Young added. On Sunday December 19th, the New York State Environmental Board announced a last minute Board meeting on Wednesday to vote on regulations for outdoor wood boilers. Senator Young said the vote took place on a few days notice and just before the Christmas holiday so it would not ...

ALBANY, NY -- The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that the Environmental Board today approved a new regulation that sets stringent performance standards for new outdoor wood boilers (OWBs) sold in the state. The regulation will go into effect 30 days after it is filed with the Secretary of State. The stricter guidelines will ensure that new OWBs burn at least 90% cleaner than older models. "This is about ensuring that new outdoor wood boilers burn cleaner -- not only for people who buy OWBs and their families, but also for their neighbors. It's not unlike the switch to cleaner cars," said Acting DEC Commissioner Peter Iwanowicz. "It's also to ensure that OWB stacks are high enough to disperse emissions rather than having them blow directly into houses and other dwellings. That's important for public health. Also, we have listened to the agricultural community and made appropriate exceptions for farming operations....

Representatives from the Cameron County Family Center’s Share the Love program visited Charles Cole Memorial Hospital’s Skilled Nursing and Rehab residents to deliver holiday cards this week. Program organizers Kris Fapore and Sissy Miller deliver holiday cards throughout the year and also visit residents at the Guy and Mary Felt Manor, Grove House, and Elk Regional Medical Center. Pictured, from left, are Sissy Miller and Janice Green. Photo courtesy of CCMH

The Center for Rural Health Practice at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has received a $15,700 grant to identify walking routes including trails in McKean County. The grant will fund a program called “WalkWorks,” which will identify and promote walking routes in four communities: Bradford, Kane, Port Allegany and Smethport. “The overall goal is to increase physical activity for young people and adults through community-based walking programs, reap the benefits of physical activity and improve the overall health of our communities,” said Dr. Youmasu Siewe, director of the center. The walkways must be no more than two miles long and accessible to the community. The project will be ongoing through February 2012 and will allow the center to hire a part-time coordinator to administer the grant. The grant is part of a larger grant awarded by the Centers for Disease Control and the Pennsylvania Department of Health to the Pitt Graduate ...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has named Brian Sansom, an alumnus who led the Lady Panthers to the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference tournament final last year, as the interim men’s basketball coach. The appointment will take effect Dec. 29, and Sansom will lead practice sessions over the holiday break. Sansom will leave his position as coach of the boys’ basketball team for the Archbishop Walsh Eagles, which had a 7-2 record so far this season. Last year Sansom led the Lady Panthers basketball team to the AMCC tournament final against Medaille while serving as interim coach. Sansom replaces former head men’s basketball coach Andy Moore. “We are very thankful for Brian’s willingness to step in during this time,” said Lori Mazza, director of athletics. “Over the years, he has progressed as a head coach, and his experience with the men’s basketball program at Archbishop Walsh made him a good choice to lead the Panthers.” ...

Due to structural damage caused by heavy snowfall earlier this month, Maplevale Farms will be moving its Clymer, New York, food distribution center. The roof of the loading dock at Maplevale Farms collapsed under the weight of several feet of snow on the afternoon of December 15. The operations will move to a formerly unoccupied warehouse in Falconer. Maplevale plans to resume deliveries from the new facility on January 3, 2011. Maplevale distributes to restaurants, healthcare provicders, schools and colleges throughout Western New York, Northwestern Pennsylvania and Northeastern Ohio. The company will host a luncheon and tour of the new facility for its 145 employees at noon Thursday, according to a news release sent by Maplevale Farms.

The Hancock Timber Resource Group recently initiated cooperative habitat improvement projects with the Ruffed Grouse Society to benefit wildlife on forests the company manages in northern Pennsylvania. The cooperative projects include: · recommendations for Aspen management to benefit wildlife; · use of wildlife friendly recommendations for food plots; · development of revegetation recommendations for Marcellus Shale well pads to benefit wildlife and; · completion of a long range habitat improvement plan for a portion of Hancock Timber-managed lands open for public use. John Levavasseur, Hancock Timber’s Area Manager in Smethport, worked closely with and, provided a contribution to, Chris Yeager, President of the Allegheny Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society, to develop the partnership. The funds will be used for habitat work on lands managed by Hancock Timber. “We are very pleased to establish this partnership with Allegheny Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society,” Mr. Levavasseur sa...

Terrie Ann Gigliotti-Piller, 64, of 56 Congress Street, passed away, Tuesday, December 21st, 2010 at the Bradford Regional Medical Center. Born August 1, 1946, in Bradford, she was a daughter of Jeri (Smith) Minor and George Gigliotti. Ms. Piller attended Bradford Area Schools, then moved to Arizona in 1963 and graduated in 1965 from Phoenix Central High School. She had worked at Fashion Bug in Bradford and also in the Warren store as an assistant manager. Later at John Williams Pastry Shop, She was a member of the Eagles Club, Bradford Moose Lodge, VFW Post #212 and the American Legion. She is survived by her mother Jeri Minor, her father George (Mary) Gigliotti all of Bradford, two daughters, Helen Michele (Michael J. Reynolds) Stoddard of Bradford, and Kimberly L. (Daniel) Daugherty of Vandergrift, two sons Timothy L. (Amanda Coy) Piller and Jonathan G. (Kelly Clark) Piller both of Bradford, twelve grandchildren; Justin Conklin, Kayla Ann Marie Stidd, Kayla Marie Lyons, Aaron Stodda...

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today learned from House Agriculture Committee Chairman-Elect Frank Lucas that he will lead the Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy & Forestry for the upcoming 112th Congress, beginning January 5th, 2011. Last week, Thompson was made aware, that in total he will have three committee assignments for the 112th Congress. He had retained seats on the House Agriculture and the House Education & Labor Committees, in addition to a new appointment on the House Natural Resources Committee. In response to the news that he was named Chairman for the Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy & Forestry, Thompson said, “I am honored that Chairman Lucas and my colleagues on the House Agriculture Committee have recognized my commitment to our nation’s farmers and agricultural sector. This appointment will be great for the people of the 5th District and Pennsylvania, as I will have more input toward the issues affecting ou...

Three out of five Pennsylvanians are already very or somewhat aware of the controversy about hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") drilling used to tap cheap natural gas supplies in the state, according to a new Infogroup/Opinion Research Corporation (Infogroup/ORC) survey of 403 state residents conducted for the nonprofit Civil Society Institute (CSI). Among Pennsylvanians who already are aware of "fracking," more than four out of five are concerned about the drilling technique's possible threat to clean drinking water. The Pennsylvania fracking survey conducted by CSI was released today along with two separate survey reports, one of which is national in scope and the other of which focuses on New York State/New York City residents. All three full survey reports are available online at http://www.CivilSocietyInstitute.org . Key findings of the Pennsylvania survey include the following findings: * More than four out of five Pennsylvania residents (81 percent) who ar...

Marine Corps Pfc. Danielle M. Cuthbertson, daughter of Charlotte and Daniel Cuthbertson of Bradford, Pa., recently completed the Basic Electrician's Course. During the course at Marine Corps Engineer School, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, N. C. , students receive instruction on the repair and maintenance of generators, transformers and power lines. In addition to the mechanical skills involved, studies also include circuitry, electrical theory and related safety procedures. Cuthbertson is a 2005 graduate of Archbishop Walsh High School of Olean, NY.

WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement after the release of U.S. Census Bureau population figures that show Pennsylvania will lose a congressional seat: “The census data released today is unwelcome news that continues the long string of Pennsylvania losing congressional seats. “The loss of a congressional seat increases the importance of the federal delegation working together along with the Governor-elect Corbett to make sure Pennsylvania’s interests are well represented. I look forward to working with Senator-elect Toomey and my colleagues in the House to make Pennsylvania’s voice heard.”

Richard W. Mutzabaugh, 77, of 732 East Main Street, passed away, Monday, December 20th, 2010, in Bradford Regional Medical Center. Born August 21, 1933, in Kane, he was a son of the late R.T. and Isabel (Watson) Mutzabaugh. On September 21, 1957, in Bradford he married Donna G. (Griffin) Mutzabaugh who survives. Mr. Mutzabaugh was a 1960 graduate of Dickinson Law School where he was on the Law Review. He practiced law for 50 years in McKean County and was a partner in Mutzabaugh & Saunders Law Firm. He was a member of the McKean County Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. He was admitted to practice before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. He was a past member of the Pennsylvania Board of Governors, Board of Continuing Legal Education, a member of the Inns of Court and was awarded the highest level of Peer Review for excellence in the practice of law for 30 consecutive years by Martindale Hubbell. He was lifetime member and served as treasu...

HARRISBURG - Farmers in Cameron, McKean and Potter counties may be contacted early next year when the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in cooperation with the state Department of Agriculture, begins the process of conducting its Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS). "This study gives farmers the opportunity to provide data and information that will be used to guide the state and federal governments in addressing the issues affecting the agriculture industry," said State Representative Marty Causer. "Participation is optional for anyone who is contacted for the survey." The survey will be conducted between Jan. 28 and April 14, 2011, and will include input from nearly 35,000 farmers nationwide, of which 673 will be randomly selected from Pennsylvania. Producers will be asked to provide data on their operating expenditures, production costs and household characteristics. Causer also noted that the Pennsylvania Field Office of the National Agricultural Statist...

HARRISBURG – The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that as a result of the 2010 U.S. Census statewide population totals, Pennsylvania will lose one Congressional seat. The state currently has 19 members in the U.S. House of Representatives; that number will decrease to 18 for the 2012 elections. "Although it is disappointing, this result was expected," said Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9). "It is one of the consequences of the fact that Pennsylvania's population growth has not kept pace with other states. "I will work with Governor-elect Corbett and my colleagues in the General Assembly to reverse that trend by enacting policies to foster job creation and overall economic growth. We must focus on attracting people to Pennsylvania and allowing the next generation of graduates to find family-sustaining jobs here in the Commonwealth." Following the 1920 U.S. Census, Pennsylvania had 36 members in the U.S. House of Representatives. The number of C...

Pennsylvania will lose one congressional seat in 2012 as a result of new 2010 Census figures released this morning by the U.S. Department of Commerce. That means the state's delegation to the House of Representatives will drop from 19 to 18. That’s the fewest number of seats the state has dropped since 1940, when the number fell by one to 33. In the 1910s and 1920s Pennsylvania had 36 congressmen. In every census since 1950, Pennsylvania has lost either two or three of its representatives in Washington. The state Legislature and governor will have to decide over the coming year how to redraw the lines of the state's congressional districts. Senator Joe Scarnati has been through the redistricting process before – right after he first took office on January 2, 2001. “I was not in office very long and my whole senate district changed because of population changes,” he said. “We get some criticism over how it’s done but certainly it’s a very public process and one that involves bot...

Washington , D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (D-Pa.), delivered the final floor statement of his Senate career. The following are his comments as prepared: “This is not a farewell address, but rather a closing argument to a jury of my colleagues and the American people outlining my views on how the Senate – and with it, the Federal Government -- arrived at its current condition of partisan gridlock, and my suggestions of where we go from here on that pressing problem and key issues of national and international importance. To make a final floor statement is a challenge. The Washington Post noted the poor attendance at my colleagues’ farewell speeches earlier this month. That is really not surprising since there is hardly anyone ever on the Senate floor. The days of lively debate with many members on the floor are long gone. Abuse of Senate rules has pretty much stripped senators of the right to offer amendments. The modern filibuster requires only a threat and no talking...

The number for our new area code has been selected. Northwestern Pennsylvania will switch to the 582 area code beginning in 2012. The North American Numbering Plan Administrator assigned the new area code to McKean, Warren, Jefferson, Elk, Erie, Crawford, Venango, Forest and Clarion counties, and parts of Clearfield, Armstrong, Mercer and Indiana counties. The new area code goes into effect February 1, 2012. Phone callers will still be able to dial the 814 area code and reach their intended number until August 1, 2012. http://www.puc.state.pa.us/General/press_releases/Press_Releases.aspx?ShowPR=2685

Bradford City Police answered a variety of calls over the last few days. They removed unwanted people from Thompson Avenue and from a Boylston Street business, got reports of disturbances and a theft on Bushnell Street, and a theft from a vehicle on Rochester Street. Officers also received reports of an open car door on Maplewood Avenue, an alarm at a High Street business, a parking problem on Avenue B, and a crash at Elm and Chestnut streets, according to the complaint report and request sheet faxed to WESB and The HERO by the police department.

Richard W. Mutzabaugh, 77, of 732 East Main Street, Bradford, passed away Monday, December 20th, 2010, in Bradford Regional Medical Center. Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc. Online condolences may be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

The New York State Commission on Public Integrity has fined Gov. David Paterson $62,000 for accepting five tickets to the first game of the 2009 World Series at Yankee Stadium. Paterson testified that he always intended to pay for the tickets. The commission says that is "false" and contradicts his staff, the Yankees and common sense. He paid for four of the tickets several days later. Paterson has said it was his duty to attend the opening series game at the new Bronx stadium.

A Belmont, New York, man has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a child seven years ago. 32-year-old Michael Harp Sr. tried to have sex with a child younger than 11 on May 1, 2003, in the City of Olean. Harp will be sentenced March 28.

A Jamestown woman has pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of a fatal accident on the Fourth of July. 20-year-old Christina Head was driving while intoxicated when the accident happened in the Town of Coldspring. Cattaraugus County District Attorney Lori Rieman says she knew her passenger was dead and left the accident scene without reporting it. 49-year-old Alfred Jones, one of the passengers, died as a result the accident. The other passenger, Randy Harrington, was also injured. Head will be sentenced on March 28. Head is currently in Chautauqua County Jail for breaking into someone’s house.

A Coudersport man is facing charges after an incident early this morning in the borough. State police say they got a call about man smashing items in a Main Street apartment. When police arrived 21-year-old Blair Heimel disobeyed verbal commands and physically resisted arrest. Charges of criminal mischief, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia will be field with District Judge Annette Easton.

CUBA, NY – Two area veterans who answered their Country’s call to military service before graduating from high school received long overdue diplomas during a special ceremony Monday at Cuba-Rushford High School. Senator Catharine Young (R,I,C – Olean) was joined by Cuba-Rushford Superintendent Kevin Shanley and Belfast Central Superintendent Judy May to present high school diplomas through New York State’s Operation Recognition in honor of Marine Corps Sergeant Lester Baker, West Clarksville, and deceased Army Air Forces Corporal June E. Lockwood, who was a Cuba native. “The dedication displayed by these two patriots is exemplary. The experiences and skills they learned in the defense of our freedom have given them, and all of our veterans, unique knowledge and special insights that most others never could attain. These diplomas reflect our pride and gratitude for their sacrifice and bravery,” said Senator Young. Sgt. Baker was a senior at Belfast Central School in 1962 when h...

First Night Bradford revelers can start the New Year right by participating in a number of First Night Firsts. There are a variety of sites around the Bradford area that feature family-oriented activities. An adult must accompany youths. Admission is free with a First Night button, which are currently on sale. The day starts on Friday, Dec. 31 with a First Movie at the Main Street Movie House. Toy Story 3 will be shown starting at 10 a.m. Take the plunge into the New Year with a First Night Swim from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Bradford Family YMCA. For those looking to be bowled over, there’s a First Night Bowl from 2 to 5 p.m. at Byllye Lanes on Seaward Avenue. There is an extra charge for bowling shoes; the limit is one game. Lace on your ice skates at Callahan Ice Rink from 2 to 5 p.m. for the First Night Skate. There is an extra charge for skate rentals. If art is more your style, we have you covered there, too. The talents of local artists will be highlighted for the First Night Art Show ...

Zumba, local talent, a bounce carnival and, of course, fireworks at midnight are all on tap for First Night Bradford. Activities for First Night Bradford, which promotes an alcohol-free safe environment to usher in the New Year, include something for everyone. While these activities throughout the day and evening on Friday, Dec. 31, will take place throughout the city, the place to be starting at 11:15 p.m. is Veterans Square. At that time the winners of the First Night’s Got Talent competition will be announced. Then, under the leadership of WESB/WBRR’s Scott Douglas, there will be a countdown to midnight with a fireworks finale by Young Explosives. People can see the talent in the First Night’s Got Talent competition first hand from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church. Singers, dance groups and jugglers are all welcome to still try out for the competition. The final night of auditions will be at 6 p.m. today at the First United Methodist Church. Bob Teesdale, a s...