Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

CARE for Children’s Building Campaign for the Future of Children of all Abilities kicked off with a bang with a lead gift from Zippo Manufacturing of $1,000,000 with naming rights for the building. Deborah Price and Karen Gelston will serve as co-chairs for the campaign, to support the construction and operation of the Ashley Booth Griffin CARE for Children Center, to be located at 723 East Main Street in Bradford. The fundraising campaign is the largest in CARE’s history and has so far been in a quiet phase, bringing in more than $1,225,000 since December 2011. The agency is kicking of the public phase Monday, May 7th which includes an estimated goal of $1,500,000 for construction and related costs which CARE is optimistic of raising over the next year. After the construction phase is completed, the organization will work to raise an additional $500,000 over the next five years to pay back the $175,000 expended for the property purchase and $250,000 for additional parking, and playgro...

The National Weather Service in State College has confirmed that a small tornado touched down near Ayers Hill in Potter County on Wednesday. A team from the National Weather Service and Potter County Emergency Management Agency surveyed the wind damage in the Ayers Hill area on Friday. The tornado, an EF0, began near the intersection of Cherry Tree Lane and First Fork Road just west of Ayers Hill. The tornado then moved east northeast intermittently touching down for about a half mile before lifting near Gates Hill Road. A large trailer was turned over by the wind, damaging two vehicles. Four homes had minor roof damage, with two of those roofs partially torn off. About 30 trees were downed or damaged. Several witnesses saw a funnel cloud prior to the tornado and there was report of a vehicle blown off the road. http://www.erh.noaa.gov/ctp/oldnews_frame.php The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Lewis Run Borough Council President Frank Langianese has passed away. He was 90 years old. Langianese and Lewis Run Mayor Albert “Abbie” Montecalvo made news last year as the longest serving political team in the country, having held their positions for more than 50 years. Langianese was in his 56th year as council president. Langianese died Friday, May 4, 2012, in The Pavilion at BRMC. He was born on December 10, 1921, in Lewis Run, a son of Michael and Josephine Benedict Langianese. On June 1, 1946 in Lewis Run he married Esther M. Doriguzzi who preceded him in death on March 12, 2003. He was a 1940 graduate of St. Bernard School where he played for the school football team. He was a United States Army Air Corps. Veteran of World War II; having served in the European Theater. Langianese was a member of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Lewis Run where he was on the financial board. He had also worked on the books for the former Italian Mutual Aid Society. He was a Grand...

One of the largest drug seizures in Warren County has led to charges against three men are accused of conspiring to distribute and sell cocaine in northwestern Pennsylvania. Attorney General Linda Kelly says the arrests of 54-year-old Richard Cieslak Sr. of Pittsfield (pictured); along with 42-year-old Timothy Soliwoda and 56-year-old Thomas Lindstrom Sr., both of Spartansburg, are the result of an extensive grand jury investigation focusing on drug trafficking in the region. According to the criminal charges, Cieslak coordinated the sale of large quantities of cocaine to drug dealers and users throughout the region, including sales to Soliwoda and Lindstrom - who allegedly resold smaller quantities to other users. An August 2011 search of Cieslak's home, authorized by the grand jury, resulted in the seizure of about one kilo of cocaine - one of the largest drug seizures in Warren County. Agents also seized real estate belonging to Cieslak along with more than $8,000 in cash, three...

twitter backgrounds And, if you're going to Stinkfest -- Happy Stinko de Mayo! The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Ashley Booth Griffin CARE for Children Center to be established When Ashley Booth Griffin died in a tragic car accident nearly four years ago, out of the grief, shock, and utter devastation that followed came the hope that she would not be forgotten. Her parents, Greg and Cherie Booth, wanted to keep her memory alive for her two young daughters and all whose lives she had touched. George Duke, owner and chairman of Zippo Manufacturing Company, has secured that dream with a $1 million donation to CARE for Children to establish the Ashley Booth Griffin CARE for Children Center. “The generosity of Zippo, George Duke and the Blaisdell family is astounding. This donation is not just an investment in CARE for Children’s building project, but will ensure that CARE can continue to positively impact and change local children’s lives,” said Mick Marshall, president CARE for Children board of directors. Since 1924 - first as the McKean County Society for Crippled Children, later as McKean County...

A 17-year-old inmate at the Chautauqua County Jail is facing more charges after being found with marijuana in his cell this morning. Sheriff’s deputies say the pot was found in Kyle Senear’s cell at just after 8 o’clock this morning. He’s charged with promoting prison contraband, unlawful possession of marijuana and obstructing governmental administration. He was originally put behind bars on charges of burglary, menacing, resisting arrest and criminal possession of stolen property for an incident in Jamestown. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A mechanical failure, and not a criminal act, appears to the be the reason a set of rear wheels fell off a Johnsonburg school bus Thursday as it was taking students on a field trip to Pittsburgh. In a news release this morning state police say that, from the beginning, they treated the incident as a criminal investigation and had the bus analyzed by their motor carrier safety assistance program, and by forensic service unit troopers. Public Information Officer Trooper Bruce Morris says, “At this point in the investigation the cause of the wheel loss does not appear to be related to a criminal act and may be the result of a mechanical failure.” A review of the remaining fleet of buses by the bus contractor showed no other problems or damages. The investigation is continuing. About 25 elementary school students were on board the bus when the set of wheels fell off, but no one was hurt. After the bus lost the wheels, the driver lost control, but did manage to pull the bus over. Traffic in...

Olean, NY — Olean General Hospital and the family of the late Frank W. Higgins, former Governor of New York State joined in a ceremony today to recognize the philanthropy of Higgins family on the one-hundred year anniversary of family’s original land and financial donation to the hospital. “At a time when building a hospital in a rural community seemed a daunting undertaking, community leaders rose to the challenge and expanded the hospital for Olean, so that it would adequately meet the healthcare needs of the community. The Higgins family philanthropy helped make this dream come true”, said Timothy J. Finan, president and CEO of Olean General Hospital. Frank Wayland Higgins, born August 18, 1856, in Rushford, NY was the 35th Governor of New York State. A delegate to the 1888 Republican National Convention, and a member of the New York State Senate from 1894 to 1902, Higgins was Lieutenant Governor of New York from 1903 to 1904, elected in 1902; and Governor of New York from 1905 t...

The St. Bonaventure Department of Athletics held its annual senior banquet on Wednesday evening to celebrate and honor all of its graduating student-athletes and support staff. Each year, four awards are presented: Service Award, Ray Dee Leadership Award, Merit Award (male and female) and Letterwinner Award (male and female). Below is a description of each award and the winner(s) for this year. Service Award – Matt Moretti The Service Award is presented annually to a graduating senior for outstanding service, dedication and commitment to the Department of Athletics. It may go to either a student-athlete or to a non-athlete. Moretti made an impact in the Athletics Department although he was not a student-athlete. He interned in the Sports Information Office while also working as a manager for the women’s basketball team, attending all practices and games. He served as the event coordinator for Brown and White Night in October to kick off the basketball seasons, and also was responsible ...

State police are trying to determine whether someone loosened lug nuts on a Johnsonburg school bus that lost its back wheels as it was taking students on a field trip to Pittsburgh Thursday morning. About 25 elementary school students were on board the bus, but no one was hurt. After the bus lost the wheels, the drive lost control, but did manage to pull the bus over. Traffic in the area of Route 28 was backed up while crews worked to remove the bus from the road. The students were transferred to another bus and continued on their way to the Carnegie Science Center. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Bradford man is accused of assaulting a police officer who found him hiding in a church following an alleged robbery. Police got a called about a robbery and were flagged down on Festival Way by a person who said a man dressed in black and wearing sunglasses robbed him and then ran into St. Bernard Church. When police went into the church they found 45-year-old Michael Campbell sitting in a pew. When they started to arrest him, he allegedly punched a police officer in the face. Campbell is charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. He’s in jail on $25,000 bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Lois B. Morehouse, 84, devoted wife, and loving mother and grandmother of 33 Walker Ave, passed away Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at her residence. Born in Shawnee, OK, on July 11, 1927, she was a daughter of the late Clara (Sicart) and Edgar Burger. In Ellicottville, NY, she married Lee D. Morehouse, who survives. Mrs. Morehouse graduated from high school in Memphis, TN. She was a longtime and active member of Grace Lutheran Church. Mrs. Morehouse was a secretary for State Representative William Mackowski for many years as well as working for the McKean County Board of Elections for numerous years. She was known for her birthday and wedding cakes and also belonged to many bridge clubs and bowling leagues in the Bradford community. In addition to her husband, she is survived by three sons Gary (Laurie) Morehouse, of Charlotte, NC, Mark (Midge) Morehouse, of Brewer, ME, and Craig (Cindy) Morehouse, of Houston, TX; two daughters, Amy (Lynn) Neely, of Olean, NY and Laura (Mark) Shade, o...

WILLIAMSPORT -- The Department of Environmental Protection has fined RW Products LLC of Wheeling, W. Va., $21,029 for the illegal disposal of a reported 800 gallons of waste drilling mud on State Game Lands 219 in Warren Township, Bradford County, in December 2011. “A driver for RW Products admitted that he intentionally dumped a load of oil-based waste drilling mud onto the ground,” North-central Waste Management Program Manager Patrick Brennan said. “This violated the Pennsylvania Solid Waste Management Act and the department’s penalty reflects this blatant disregard for the environment.” The drilling mud was transported about 2.3 miles from Talisman Energy USA’s Strope gas well pad to Reagan Hill Road, where it was illegally dumped. Talisman conducted the cleanup of the mud and contaminated soil, which was properly disposed at the Hyland Landfill in Angelica, New York. The fine has been paid to the state’s Solid Waste Abatement Fund. The driver was arrested by the Pennsylvania State...

One man is dead after driving his vehicle into Chautauqua Lake this morning. Sheriff’s deputies got a call at around 5:45 a.m. reporting the vehicle in the lake. They found it about 40 feet beyond the Bemus Point-Stow Ferry Launch submerged in about 4 feet of water. The driver, 64-year-old Mark Swanson of Stow was removed from the vehicle and taken to WCA Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. They say it appears Swanson may have suffered from a medical condition prior to the accident, which is still under investigation. Ashville FD, Bemus Point FD and the county's Water Emergency Team also responded to the scene. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Warren -- For the third consecutive year, Northwest Savings Bank ranks highest in customer satisfaction in the Mid-Atlantic Region, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Retail Banking Customer Satisfaction Study. The study, conducted in January, analyzes the overall satisfaction customers have with their retail banking experience based on account activities, account information, facility, fees, problem resolution, and product offering. Northwest received the highest satisfaction score in the Mid-Atlantic Region, which includes Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. “Earning our third consecutive award from J.D. Power and Associates for being highest ranked in our six-state region is an amazing honor,” said Steven G. Fisher, Executive Vice President, Banking Services of Northwest Savings Bank. “It is both humbling and exhilarating. This award comes from the people we serve, the people who are the reason our company exists. Ever...

By SANDRA RHODES Given its track record, odds are the Derby Gala will deliver a night of fun for a great cause. This year's gala is set to start at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the Pennhills Club. The Derby Gala, set to coincide with the running of the Kentucky Derby, benefits the Endowment Fund for the Bradford Area Public Library. "You will enjoy an evening of great food, wonderful company and exciting fun, said Karen Pecht, co-chairwoman of the event. This includes watching the Kentucky Derby on large-screen TVs, a hat parade and the auction of an exclusive Zippo lighter, which is actually a set of four lighters set together as a puzzle to depict a horse race scene. "Once again Zippo has gone above and beyond to support the BAPL Endowment Fund and this fund raiser ... every part of these lighters screams Kentucky Derby," Pecht said. Bides for the lighter set, which includes a framed autographed photograph of George Duke, owner of Zippo and chairman of the board, with the...

One of the top-ranking lawmakers in Harrisburg is panning the newly proposed redistricting maps. Radio PA's Matt Paul reported on Wednesday's hearing: "Few lawmakers are as powerful as the four legislative leaders who sit on the redistricting panel... but Senate President Pro Tem Joe Scarnati is. He complains the new plan would emphasize members' retirements over population shifts in the west. The Legislative Reapportionment Commission is working to approve new boundaries for Pennsylvania's House and Senate districts, after their previous effort was thrown out by the state Supreme Court in January. The public hearing will spill over into a second session on Monday." During his testimony, State Representative John Maher told the commission they should know something is wrong when Scarnati and Senator Daylin Leach -- who are on opposite ends of the political spectrum idealogically -- agree that the district maps are not right. You can read Scarnati's re...

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...

The Friends of Good Music concert season at St. Bonaventure University closes Friday, May 11, with a 7:30 p.m. performance by the chamber music ensemble Panoramicos at the university’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. Panoramicos is a prize-winning, internationally acclaimed mixed chamber music ensemble whose innovative programs feature commissions and collaborations with composers from the worlds of theater, jazz, contemporary, classical and world music. The ensemble is in residence at the historic St. Peter Church in Cleveland. The group’s latest CD was praised by Gramophone magazine, which described it as “eclectic in the best sense of the word ... a top North American pick.” This performance is supported in part by the New York State Council on the Arts. For tickets and information, call the Quick Center at (716) 375-2494. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Representatives from Safe Kids McKean County are promoting youth safety and injury prevention with presentations to more than 200 sixth- and seventh-grade students in the Health and Wellness classes at Fretz Middle School. "Our students had the wonderful opportunity to have a great presentation on many imperative safety topics,” said Health and Physical Education Educator Judy Abbey, B.S. M.Ed. “It is important to use our community resources to help explain the importance of safety and awareness to all youth in our school district. CARE for Children staff spoke to students about bike safety and the importance of wearing a helmet, demonstrating through the use of a coconut crusher the potential damage that could be sustained in the case of an accident without the use of a helmet; youth sports safety including concussions, hydration and proper rest and training techniques. The students played a Safe Kids Sports Safety bean bag toss game, which the McKean County chapter rec...

Governor Tom Corbett today announced that Highmark and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have reached an agreement through the end of 2014, promising continuity of coverage for patients and their families throughout western Pennsylvania. The agreement will provide in-network access to all UPMC hospitals and physicians for Highmark Commercial and Medicare Advantage members. Provided by Commonwealth Media Services

Former NFL linebacker Junior Seau has died, according to the San Diego Chargers website. He was 43. "Everyone at the Chargers is in complete shock and disbelief right now," the team's statement said. "We ask everyone to stop what they're doing and send their prayers to Junior and his family." Seau played 20 seasons in the NFL from 1990-2009, the first 13 with the Chargers. He was selected to 12 consecutive Pro Bowls. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A woman is accused of stealing property from Bradford Regional Medical Center and then, apparently, abandoning the plan when her getaway vehicle got stuck in the road. The stolen property and the getaway vehicle are one and the same – a wheelchair. 27-year-old Mikki Stuckey waived her preliminary hearing today on charges of theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and disorderly conduct. At around 5:30 a.m. on March 3 Stuckey was discharged from the emergency room after being evaluated for a shoulder injury and allegedly left with the wheelchair, according to papers filed in District Judge Dominic Cercone’s office. She “began wheeling herself south on Interstate Parkway” until the wheelchair got stuck in a patch of gravel in the road in front of the hospital. She left the wheelchair in the road and started to walk home. Stuckey is free on unsecured bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Louis Vigliotta, 75, of 247 East Main Street, passed away Wednesday, May 2nd, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Born in Cervino, Italy on May 14, 1936, he was a son of the late Pasquale and Margaret (Pascarella) Vigliotta. On August 26, 1973, in Cerino, Italy, he married Rosa Campognuplo who survives. Mr. Vigliotta attended schools in Italy. He had worked as a machine operator at W. R. Case & Sons Cutlery for many years. He was a member of St. Bernard Church, the International Association of Machinist & Aerospace, Workers, a member of the Italian Club, the LaStella Lodge, a longtime dedicated volunteer for the Italian Festival and a member of the Eagles Club. For many years he enjoyed bowling in the Friday Night Men's League. In addition to his wife Rosa he is survived by a daughter, Nancy Vigliotta of Pittsburgh, a sister, Mary Telese, of Bradford, a brother, Michael (Teresa) Vigliotta, of Bradford, and several nieces and nephews. ...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will play host to two dozen camps, gatherings and other events this summer. The camps and other events take place in May through August and are open to the public. Events are sponsored by the Pitt-Bradford Division of Continuing Education and Regional Development unless otherwise noted. Contact the division at (814)362-5078 or contined@pitt.edu for more information or reservations. Outdoor adventures begin with Kinzua Fly Fishing School May 5 and 6 and May 18 to 20. The two-day school is taught by the staff of the Kinzua Fly Fishing School. The three-day school includes two days of instruction by master angler Joe Humphreys. Class begins at 7:30 a.m. and dismisses the last day at 7 p.m. Both resident and commuter rates are available. The price for the two-day camp is $305 for residents and $285 for commuters; the price for the three-day camp is $445 for residents and $420 for commuters. ...

From WETM-TV , Elmira-Corning: The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Fran Runyon (standing) chats with author Susan Vreeland during the finale of the One Book Bradford season of events. Vreeland spoke about her book "Clara and Mr. Tiffany" and presented a slide show featuring pictures of Tiffany Studios and several of Clara Driscoll's Tiffany lamps. She also talked about how the lamps were made, her inspiration for writing the book and Clara Driscoll herself. Other One Book Bradford events related to "Clara and Mr. Tiffany" included a public book club discussion, a Glass Heritage Luncheon and tours of stained glass windows at three local churches, and a bus trip to Buffalo and East Aurora to see real Tiffany windows. Nearly 200 people attended Tuesday's author visit at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. WESB photo The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Sheriff’s deputies have released more information about the tractor-trailer accident that blocked both lanes of Route 219 near Limestone Tuesday morning. At just before 6 a.m. a semi hauling a full load of mulch left the northbound lane of 219 and the trailer went down over an embankment. Traffic was rerouted for several hours while the scene was cleaned up and the tractor-trailer was removed. The driver, 35-year-old Michael Dreiger of St. Marys, was cited for failure to maintain his lane. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A 65-year-old Otto, New York, man is accused of having sexual contact with a 10-year-old girl. Sheriff’s deputies say Harold Snay Jr. had contact with the child once during the week of August 22. Snay is charged with sex abuse and endangering the welfare of a child. He has been issued an appearance ticket for Town of Otto Court. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A 16-year-old Coudersport girl has been sentenced to 10 to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to third-degree murder in the killing of an Eldred teenager last June. Kaylynn Benson helped lure 18-year-old Samuel Miller to a secluded area, and then held a spotlight while 20-year-old Jonothan Prather and 26-year-old Avery Buckingham dumped his body into Prouty Creek after Prather shot him eight times in the head and chest. Prosecutors believe Prather shot Miller because he believed Miller was going to tell police about his involvement in a burglary. Prather has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Buckingham will be sentenced May 22, and could get up to 40 years in prison. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947