Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Last winter put words like "snowpocalypse" and "snowmageddon" in our vocabulary and, according to AccuWeather.com's winter forecast, this winter could be just as harsh. Hannah Keeley, host of the PBS series "Hannah Help Me," says you and your kids can still be stylish while staying warm this winter. Listen here . To learn more about Hannah, and get more of her tips, go to HannahKeeley.com .

I'm posting an extra "Book Talk" this week because best-selling author Robyn Carr is hosting an extra special contest. Here's what Robyn says: In response to my desire to honor our men and women who serve and their families, Harlequin Enterprises is hosting a wonderful contest. Between now and December 15 we are asking military families to submit their own homecoming stories for a chance to win amazing prizes. The first place prize will be a family vacation for up to four people, anywhere in North America or the Caribbean, courtesy of Armed Forces Vacation Club; a $500 gift card from Wal-Mart, a family photo session and a signed copy of Bring Me Home for Christmas . The entry form and rules are at www.HoldOutForAHero.com . Winners will be selected by a panel of judges at Harlequin. You can listen to my conversation with Robyn here . Look for tomorrow's "Book Talk" with best-selling author Philippa Gregory.

Andy Rooney, the "60 Minutes" commentator known to generations for his wry, humorous and contentious television essays died today, according to CBS News. He was 92. From CNN: He had been hospitalized after suffering "serious complications" following minor surgery last month. Rooney got his start in journalism during World War II, when he wrote for the Stars and Stripes, and he joined CBS in 1949 as a writer for Arthur Godfrey's radio and television entertainment show. He went on to collaborate between 1962 and 1968 on a series of essays with his friend, the late newsman Harry Reasoner. He joined "60 Minutes" in 1978, according to CBS, beginning decades of show-ending essays on topics as varied as looking for a job ("We need people who can actually do things. We have too many bosses and too few workers. More college graduates ought to become plumbers or electricians, then go home at night and read Shakespeare."); his bushy eyebrows ("I tr...

Police in Potter County are investigating two burglaries in Austin where guns were stolen. Someone entered the home of LouAnn McNally sometime between September 30 and last Friday and took two rifles and a shotgun. Sometime last weekend someone entered the home of Linda Yaras through an unlocked window and stole a handgun and prescription medication. Anyone with information on either of these incidents is asked to contact Coudersport-based state police at 274-8690.

The Kwik Fill on East Main Street in Bradford was robbed Friday night. At just before 9 o’clock two young white males entered the store and told the cashier to give them all the money in the register, and threatened her with what is believed to be a knife. They got away with an undetermined amount of cash. Anyone with information about this incident should call Bradford City Police or use the confidential tipline at City of Bradford Police.com .

A Sherman, New York, man is accused of hitting another man in the head with a glass jar, which fractured his skull and broke a bone in his neck. 22-year-old Kyle Langer and a 21-year-old man were arguing over money on October 19 when the assault happened. The victim had to be taken to UPMC Hamot, where a plate had to be put in his head. Sheriff’s deputies say they have been investigating for the past two weeks and arrested Langer at 9 o’clock this morning, when he allegedly admitted to the assault. He’s in Chautauqua County Jail on $5,000 cash bail.

The following is a statement from Marilyn Heine, MD, president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, regarding Pennsylvania Senate Bill 314, a bill that bans texting while driving. Dr. Heine is an internal medicine specialist who practices both hematology oncology and emergency medicine. The Pennsylvania Medical Society applauds the state legislature for recently passing a bill that would ban drivers from texting while driving. The bill, sponsored by Senator Robert Tomlinson R-Bucks, will help make the roads safer for all of us. Earlier this year, The Patient Poll, a survey of Pennsylvania adults age 21 and older sponsored by the Pennsylvania Medical Society, showed overwhelming public support for a texting ban while driving. Nearly 86 percent of those participating in the poll believed that Pennsylvania should pass a law to make texting while driving a violation for which police can stop a driver and issue a ticket. We’ve all seen stories in the news of horrible automobile acci...

Townships in Pennsylvania will finally see a change in long-outdated bid limit laws thanks to a bill signed today by Gov. Tom Corbett. Act 84 of 2011, effective January 1, will increase the minimum dollar amount that requires townships to advertise and seek bids for purchases and contracts. By upping the current threshold from $10,000 to $18,500, the law means that fewer local purchases will fall under the state’s cumbersome and bureaucratic bidding procedures. It will also mean that more local tax dollars will be invested where they would do the most good: in local services and projects. “PSATS applauds the governor’s swift action in signing this legislation,” PSATS Executive Director David M. Sanko says. “For more than a decade, the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors has been urging lawmakers to pass common-sense legislation that would save municipalities statewide hundreds of thousands of tax dollars a year – money that could be put to better use ...

No one was hurt when a log truck hit a utility pole at about 4 o’clock this afternoon on Route 20 in the Town of Portland. Sheriff’s deputies say the truck driven by 23-year-old Shane Newton of Ripley, New York, went off the road to avoid hitting an oncoming vehicle. The truck then hit a utility pole and a few trees. Newton did not complain of any injuries but was taken to Westfield Hospital as a precaution. No charges are pending.

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA), Chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy, and Forestry today held a public hearing to review Phase II of the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Watershed Implementation Plans and their impact on rural communities. Among the hearing panelists were Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary, Michael Krancer, and Pennsylvania Farm Bureau President, Carl Shaffer. The implementation of the TMDL is complex and far-reaching, affecting communities in six states and the District of Columbia. States are now in the second phase of a three-part process to limit discharge into the Bay and several of them have raised concerns about the cost and the regulatory burden they face in meeting the new limits. Witnesses testified that the process is being driven by flawed scientific modeling, arbitrary deadlines from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) instead of economic a...

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), Chairman of the Joint Economic Committee, today released the following statement in response to the EPA’s announcement of a final plan to study fracking: “This study will go a long way to reassure residents and establish safe practices that will help the industry expand and produce jobs,” said Senator Casey. “There is no doubt that natural gas drilling offers Pennsylvania a critical opportunity to fuel its economy and create jobs. It is imperative that we get this right so that we don’t jeopardize our chances for an economic boom.” EPA previously identified seven case studies to help inform the assessment of potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources. Two of the seven sites were selected as prospective case studies where EPA will monitor key aspects of the hydraulic fracturing process throughout the lifecycle of a well. These areas are located in: Haynesville Shale - DeSoto Parish, La. Marcellus Shale - Washin...

The fifth season of One Book Bradford is the age of enlightenment, so to speak. “Clara and Mr. Tiffany,” written by California-based author Susan Vreeland, invites readers to take a look inside the world where Tiffany leaded-glass lamps were created – and not by whom you may think. The obvious reference of enlightenment lends itself to Tiffany lamps themselves. However, a little known fact is that the concept and design of the masterpieces were that of glass studio manager Clara Driscoll, not Louis Comfort Tiffany. Vreeland delves into a world where Tiffany employs only single females in an effort to shield his business from strikes by an all-male union. These “Tiffany Girls” create the works that he is well known for. In its fifth 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, including a visit from the author in the spring. Vreeland is pleased ...

A Salamanca couple has been charged with welfare fraud for not reporting each other’s incomes on their applications to the Cattaraugus County Department of Social Services. 53-year-old Kathleen Baker and 43-year-old David Bander are also charged with grand larceny for offering the false reports from April to September. They each received more than $1,700 in food stamps they were not entitled to. They are both scheduled to appear in City of Olean Court on November 22.

The Senate approved legislation Tuesday sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati establishing an independent and objective process for nursing homes to appeal cited deficiencies. Currently, the state Department of Health conducts its own informal dispute resolution (IDR) process for long-term care facilities, as required by federal law. Senate Bill 1095 would provide an option for long-term care facilities to either use the department’s IDR process or have a Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) hear the appeal. The QIO would need to be approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and be under contract with the state in order to conduct the IDR. “This legislation will provide an important tool for long-term care facilities by ensuring an independent and objective process is in place in order for them to appeal cited deficiencies,” Scarnati said. “Nursing homes will then be able to utilize the findings and recommendations to improve the quality of services...

A 71-year-old Bradford Township man is accused of threatening to kill another man with a shotgun at his home and outside Marsh’s Bar Wednesday night. Paul Smead is accused of going to the Gates Hollow home of Donald Stoddard at around 8 p.m., pointing a loaded shotgun out of the window of his pickup truck and yelling, “I’ll kill you.” According to papers filed in District Judge Rich Luther’s office, Smead then backed out of the driveway and drove to the parking lot of Marsh’s Bar, and Stoddard followed him. In the parking lot, Stoddard got out of his truck and crouched beside it so Smead couldn’t see him. As Smead continued along the side of Stoddard’s truck with his shotgun, Stoddard was able to tackle him and knock the gun out of his hands. Stoddard held Smead to the ground and secured the gun with his foot. Smead kept yelling that Stoddard was a coward and he would kill him. He also yelled at witnesses, telling them to “shut the **** up” while they attempted to calm him down. Bradfo...

A Chautauqua County man is in jail after smashing a beer can on the hood of a sheriff’s patrol car. 55-year-old Randall Lawergen was found early this morning in the middle of Button Valley Road in Harmony, where he was playing loud music, yelling and swearing. Besides smashing the beer can he also allegedly damaged a portable radio and spit on and kicked the windows of the patrol car while he was being taken to jail, where he’s being held without bail.

The Hotel Holley in Bradford and Jose’s and the LR Roadhouse in Lewis Run have all been cited for liquor law violations. State police say employees at the Holley sold more than the legal amount of malt or brewed beverages to a person to consume off the property on August 12. On August 18 they allegedly served alcohol to two people who were visibly intoxicated. On August 13 Jose’s allegedly let people stay in the bar more than half an hour after last call and allowed them to have alcohol after 2:30 a.m. On April 24 and July 2 the Roadhouse allegedly let people stay in the bar more than half an hour after last call, and allowed them to have alcohol after 2:30 a.m. on those days and on July 30. They also allegedly furnished alcohol between 2 and 7 a.m. on July 2 and July 30. All the charges will be brought before an administrative law judge.

Evening Report Moving to 5 P.M. Remember when the Kendall News Review was the community’s major news of the day? The Bradford refinery sponsored the Kendall News Review for 54 years from its inception on April 5, 1947. The program actually made its debut April 6 as Bradford experienced a major flood April 5 that knocked out power to the entire city, including the new radio station. The final Kendall News Review aired Oct. 21, 2001. At the time it was believed to be the longest continually sponsored radio program in the country. "Because American Refining Group is committed to our community, we will pick up the program’s sponsorship once again," according to a company news release. Remember when, on March 3, 1997, Harry Halloran agreed to buy the Bradford facility? In so doing, he preserved a crucial economic partner and community steward in Northwestern Pennsylvania. American Refining Group, Inc., is pleased to resume sponsorship of the program that delivers the area’s news t...

Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett is pleased to see legislative movement on the Marcellus Shale bill, House Bill 1950, and commends the House Finance Committee on today’s 15-to-10 vote that sent it to the full House of Representatives. “I applaud House Finance Committee members for moving this important measure,’’ Corbett said. “This bill contains many of the provisions contained in our proposal, and I am pleased to see the legislature working toward a final bill.” In early October, Corbett outlined his plans to implement numerous recommendations of the Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission, including changes to enhance environmental standards, an impact fee, and a plan to help move Pennsylvania toward energy independence. Today’s action by the House panel is an important step in the process, Corbett said, adding that he looks forward to continued discussions with the General Assembly that will lead to a strong and sensible Marcellus Shale package. Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarna...

A Brocton woman is facing charges after her car slammed into a bridge barrier early Sunday morning in the Town of Portland. 19-year-old Ashley Barrett was allegedly speeding on Route 5 when her car went out of control and slammed into the bridge, causing heavy damage to the bridge and her car. Sheriff’s deputies say an off-duty Dunkirk Police officer discovered the crash and found Barrett slumped over the wheel. She was taken to Brooks Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Deputies say that at the hospital she refused to cooperate with the investigation and refused a blood test. She’s charged with driving while intoxicated and driving at an unreasonable speed, and more charges are pending.

Charges against a woman accused of stealing a couple thousand dollars from the Car Factory have been bound to court. Renee Gleason is charged with theft by unlawful taking and tampering with records for alleged incidents that happened between April and July when she worked as a secretary at the business. She allegedly took cash payments from customers, did not record the correct amount of the payment in the business’s books and pocketed the money. She’s free on unsecured bail.

A man who took Bradford police on a high-speed chase while he had an infant and a 3-year-old in his van has waived his preliminary hearing. On October 4 police attempted to stop Daryl Robinson but he kept driving at speeds of about 80 miles an hour on South Avenue and, at one point, stopped, put his van in reverse, and backed up toward a police cruiser. When he finally stopped, police held him at gunpoint until he got out of the van and started following their commands, according to papers filed in District Judge Dominic Cercone’s office. Police say a 22-year-old woman in the car and the children were “hysterical, crying and screaming.” Robinson admitted that he drove in a “stupid and erratic manner,” but also tried to say he blacked out during the incident.

State Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) will be hosting a truck drivers’ town hall meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m., at DuBois Area High School, 425 Orient Avenue, DuBois. “We’ve been contacted by a significant number of local truck drivers who have questions about the new United States Department of Transportation regulations,” Gabler said. “As a result, my office is partnering with state and federal officials to provide a forum for area drivers to have their concerns addressed.” Tim Cotter of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Division is scheduled to attend the meeting, along representatives from the Pennsylvania State Police and the Office of Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson. If you have questions about this event or any other legislative issue, please call Gabler’s DuBois district office at (814) 375-4688 or his St. Marys office at (814) 781-6301.

Harrisburg – An economic impact study commissioned by PennDOT reveals that Pennsylvania’s aviation industry is creating jobs and significant revenue that reinforces the impact of airports on local economies. “This study proves that investments we’re making in aviation in Pennsylvania are paying dividends for Pennsylvanians,” said PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch. “Airport access stimulates businesses, supports five percent of the state’s workforce and provides transportation options.” The study found that Pennsylvania’s public-use airports support approximately 304,462 jobs, generate $9.2 million in annual payroll and produce $23.6 billion in annual economic activity. Approximately 1,000 Pennsylvania businesses were surveyed to measure the importance of certain factors when planning relocation or expansion. A sizable majority -- 78 percent -- said having a commercial service airport nearby is an important factor in choosing a business location, while 54 percent said having a general a...

The Kane Area Development Center and the Kane Business Group are currently seeking Kane area businesses and organizations to participate in the 2011 Santa Parade. The parade is scheduled for Saturday, November 26th at 1PM. All participants will be encouraged to exhibit their holiday spirit to prepare the community for the Christmas season. Please remember, this is a great opportunity to promote your business or organization at very little cost. We encourage participants to distribute coupons, menus, candy and samples! To register, please contact the Kane Area Development Center by calling 814-837-6565. The registration deadline is Wednesday, November 16th.

The Kiwanis Club of Bradford is pleased to present its 54th annual show Extrem eMakeover: Kapers Edition. This year’s cast numbers more than 100 performers and the show’s varied repertoire includes song and dance numbers as well as comedy skits, percussion numbers and guest stars. More than a dozen artists from the community are also participating by painting scenery depicting some of the area businesses and organizations. In keeping with the theme, the businesses will get a makeover look to their existing “storefronts.” Show chair is Michele McCann. Co-directors are Kristin Asinger, Barb Pedersen, and ShelleyWright, who is also the musical director. Producers are Karen Buchheit and Candy Tingley. choreographers are Felicia Lively Munday and Brittany Rose. Extreme Makeover: Kapers Edition will be performed November 10, 11, and 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Bradford Area High School. Advance tickets are on sale at Graham Florist on Kennedy Street, all Northwest Savings Bank locations i...

The United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc. announced today that the organization has raised 27% of its $325,000 goal. With roughly six weeks left in the United Way’s annual fundraising drive, officials of the organization are asking for the community’s help in achieving its goal. Executive Director Megan Minich stated that “This year the United Way provided critical funding to 17 agencies and 38 programs in the Bradford area. Without United Way funding, many of these agencies will not be able to continue providing key services to those less fortunate. The need for these funds is greater than ever due to state budget cuts to many of our partner agencies, as well as the tough economic challenges that we face as a society. We are already seeing an increase in the number of agencies requesting support and in the amount they are requesting.” United Way Board of Directors President Vonda Reese added that “We are fortunate to live in a community that has been very caring and generous. I am hop...

This year's talent competition for First Night's Got Talent will be changing directions this year-- and will feature social media as it's main venue. With voting scheduled to start in ten days, organizers are extending the invitation for regional talent to submit their videos for the competition this week! "We're really hoping to change things up this year, and do things in a new and innovative way," says Josh Hatcher, "We are hoping to get all kinds of talent to audition. We don't want just singers, but we want people who can do all kinds of things to give it a shot." For the first round of competition, contestants can submit a youtube video through the First Night's Got Talent website: www.firstnighttalent.com , or they can attend one of the taping sessions to have their audition recorded and uploaded for them. Recording sessions will be held: Bradford Library – Community Room Thursday November 3rd 11AM-1PM Open Arms Community Church – Audi...

Derrick City won’t be losing its Post Office after all. Darlene Lyons is a retired postmaster from East Smethport and she said she got the good news about Derrick City this morning. She tells WESB and The Hero that, as a retired postmaster, she is allowed to work to keep other post offices open if they’re in jeopardy of closing. And, she says, that’s exactly what she’s been doing for the past two weeks. A meeting had been scheduled for tonight at the Model T Inn to discuss the possible closing of the post office. That meeting has been cancelled, but that doesn’t mean people can’t go to the Model T to celebrate.

The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking volunteers to assist with putting up the holiday lighting in Veterans’ Square in downtown Bradford. The lighting project is scheduled for Saturday, November 12th, at 10:00 am. Volunteers interested in helping to put the lights up should contact the BACC office at 814-368-7115 or e-mail ed@bradfordchamber.com . New holiday lighting for downtown Bradford has been provided through the generous support of many individuals and organizations, including Sarah Dorn, Harriett B. Wick, and American Refining Group, Inc. BACC would like to thank everyone who has been a part of the new holiday lighting project for their continued support. Come help us make the holiday season brighter for everyone. Let’s light up Veterans’ Square for the holidays!

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives unanimously adopted a condolence resolution on Tuesday, sponsored by Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-Warren/Forest/McKean), in honor of Pennsylvania Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Kenneth VanGiesen. “Neither words nor countless medals can adequately account for the deep sorrow those who knew and love Sergeant VanGiesen must consistently endure due to his loss,” said Rapp during her official House floor remarks in support of House Resolution 439. “I wish his family and loved ones the comfort of knowing that his sacrifices will never be forgotten. Ken was a true hero and we will forever be in his debt.” A 1999 graduate of Kane Area High School, VanGiesen died in the Ghanzi province of Afghanistan on July 20, 2011, from wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his convoy with an improvised explosive device. Serving on his fourth active tour of overseas duty during his 12th consecutive year of service as a heavy-vehicle driver, light-wh...

Four people were hurt in a two-car crash Tuesday morning on Route 417 in the Town of Carrollton. Sheriff’s deputies say 21-year-old Samantha Schwab of Olean was traveling west when a car driven by 87-year-old Margaret Wolfe of Allegany pulled out of a driveway and into Schwab’s path and the cars collided. Schwab suffered a broken foot and a bruise on her head. Her two passengers suffered minor injuries. Wolfe complained of pain on the left side of her body. All four people were taken by ambulance to Olean General Hospital. Wolfe was cited for failing to yield the right-of-way. Schwab was cited for driving with a suspended license.

A Gowanda woman is facing charges afer allegedly hitting a dog with her car and leaving the scene of the accident. Sheriff’s deputies say 41-year-old Minnie Hansen hit the dog at around 10:30 a.m. on Friday on Route 62 in the Town of Dayton. She was charged on Monday with aggravated cruelty to animals, leaving the scene of an accident and criminal mischief. She’s scheduled to appear in Town of Dayton Court on November 17.

A Forestville man has been cited for letting a 15-year-old drive his car during trick-or-treating Monday night, when she lost control of the vehicle and hit a pedestrian. 27-year-old Jonathan Thompson is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and permitting unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, according to sheriff’s deputies. The trick-or-treater was taken to Lake Shore Hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries. Deputies did not say how old the trick-or-treater is.

Two Buffalo men who stole more than $3,000 worth of property from a Town of Conewango building after they had to ask for directions to get there were sentenced today in Cattaraugus County Court. Michael Cruz and Adam Ford stole the items in the early morning hours of September 13, 2010, and a jury found them both guilty of grand larceny. Ford was also found guilty of burglary. Cruz was sentenced to six months in Cattaraugus County Jail. Ford was sentenced to one to three years in state prison. Before committing the crimes, the men asked plain clothes detectives for directions to the building. The detectives were doing surveillance in the area because it had been targeted by burglars.

The State Senate today approved legislation (46-4) that would help non-profit organizations, including volunteer fire companies and veterans clubs, raise more money for community activities and keep their operations running, according to State Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson), who strongly supported the measure. Senate Bill 444 amends the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act to provide for increased prize limits. The bill would increase the daily cash payout from $500 to $1,000, and weekly payouts from $5,000 to $20,000. Under an amendment Scarnati voted for, clubs would be allowed to keep 30 percent of the proceeds for operating expenses. Scarnati said that payouts for small games of chance have not increased since 1988, and many organizations and social clubs are struggling to make ends meet as a result. Expanding the prize limits and allowing them to keep a portion of the proceeds would help them raise money and pay general operating expenses. “These volunteer organizati...