Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

A week-long series of lectures, performances and discussions on Olean native Robert Lax will take place from March 4 to 8 at St. Bonaventure University. Lax spent his early years in Olean and went on to become a well-known poet, artist and spiritual thinker. He spent more than 30 years of his later life on the Greek islands of Kalymnos and Patmos. St. Bonaventure is home to the Robert Lax Archives. Dr. Steve Georgiou of the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, Calif., will give three lectures open to the public: at 4:30 p.m. on March 4 and 5 in the Walsh Science Center Auditorium; and at 7 p.m. March 6 at the Olean Public Library. At 7:30 p.m. on March 8, an original composition inspired by Lax’s poetry by Gwyneth Walker will be performed in the Regina Quick Arts Center, with a short documentary to follow. The show is free and open to the public. Throughout the week, exhibits mounted by Friedsam Memorial Library director Paul Spaeth will be displayed at the lib...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will host its annual One World Cultural Festival on Saturday, Feb. 23, to celebrate the many different cultures represented by the Pitt-Bradford student body, faculty and staff, and the surrounding community. The event, which is open to the public, will be held at 6:30 p.m. on the first floor of the Frame-Westerberg Commons. This year’s focus is on West African culture, but the event celebrates the contributions of all cultures and countries during this annual festival of food, music, dance and costume. Entertainment will include the Pitt-Bradford Dance Team in a high-energy performance with a West African flair, the Pitt-Bradford Diamond Steppers performing a distinctive style of rhythmic dancing and the Dance and Drum Performance Company from the African American Cultural Center in Buffalo, N.Y. The company has developed under the direction of West African cultural artists and the influence of African Am...

An East Otto, New York, man is facing charges following a domestic incident that happened in the road Sunday night. Sheriff’s deputies say 25-year-old Evan Barber was in his vehicle in a snowbank along Marek Road at just before 11 p.m. He reportedly hit another vehicle that was stopped in the road, and almost hit the occupant. Deputies determined that Barber was intoxicated and had a prior DWI conviction. He was charged with felony DWI, assault and reckless endangerment. He was sent to jail on $250 bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

City of Bradford Police on Friday looked into a case of possible drug possession on West Washington Street. They also looked into traffic-related complaints on West Washington Street, Constitution Avenue and on Route 219. They got a report of a theft on Bushnell Street, a disturbance in a Main Street restaurant and a domestic incident on Walker Avenue. Officers also looked into reports of harassment at Main and Davis streets and on High Street. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Sherman, New York, man was hurt when he was thrown from his snowmobile Friday night. Sheriff’s deputies say 54-year-old James Weise was on a trail between Hannum Road and Route 430 in the Town of Chautauqua at around 8:20 p.m. when the machine went out of controlled and hit several trees. Weise was taken to WCA Hospital for treatment of arm injuries. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Portville man was picked up on an arrest warrant after being released from Olean General Hospital Friday. The warrant against 28-year-old Michael Wright charged him with assault and criminal contempt in connection to a domestic incident that happened Monday. Wright was sent to Cattaraugus County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail and will appear in Village of Portville Court at a later date. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Charges pending against mother of teen Seven people were left homeless after a fire in a Johnsonburg apartment building Friday morning. State Police fire marshal Greg Agosti says the building at 503 Penn Street contained four apartments, but two additional families were also displaced. No one was hurt. He says the fire started in the kitchen near a gas range in an apartment occupied by Tyler Magnusson and Barb Dilley and two children. The fire was reported at about 11:50 a.m. The cause is still under investigation. Damage is estimated at $300,000 and the building has been deemed a total loss. The owner is Bradley Hauber of St. Marys. Earlier in the day in Johnsonburg, fire damaged an apartment at 426 Water Street. Agosti says a 13-year-old boy was smoking in bed, and careless smoking is the cause of the fire that did minimal damage. An 8-year-old boy suffered minor burns to his hand during the fire, and was treated at Elk Regional Health Center, then released. Charges are pend...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will name its sport and fitness center in honor of President Emeritus Dr. Richard McDowell and his wife, Ruth. The University of Pittsburgh Board of Trustees approved the naming of the Dr. Richard and Ruth McDowell Sport and Fitness Center at its meeting today in Pittsburgh. The sport and fitness center opened in the fall of 2002 and includes the KOA Arena, the Kenneth M. Jadlowiec Fitness Center, an exercise studio, the Tom L. McDowell Fieldhouse (named in honor of McDowell’s father), the Paul C. Duke III Aquatic Center, offices, classrooms and athletic training facilities. “I am tremendously pleased that one of the most vibrant buildings on campus will carry the name of a vibrant leader,” said Dr. Livingston Alexander, Pitt-Bradford’s president. “Dr. McDowell’s unrelenting enthusiasm, optimism and dedication carried Pitt-Bradford into the 21st century, well poised for the national recognition we’re seeing...

Six organizations in the 25th Senatorial District have been awarded a total of $972,997 in state Growing Greener grants to reduce pollution and improve water quality, according to Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson). Scarnati said these grants are made available through the Growing Greener Program, which is funded by the Pennsylvania Environmental Stewardship Fund. Across the commonwealth, Growing Greener has awarded over $13.2 million to fund 78 water protection projects through this round of funding. Grants were awarded to reduce causes of nonpoint source pollution, reclaim abandoned mine lands and restore aquatic life to streams that were polluted as a result of acid mine drainage. “The Growing Greener funds provided for these projects will play a significant role in helping local groups to complete important plans to clean up mine drainage, improve agricultural practices and restore wetlands and to improve stormwater systems,” Scarnati said. “Each of these projects not only pro...

Thompson, Reed on Leadership Team Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA), Gene Green (D-TX), Tom Reed (R-NY) and Jim Costa (D-CA) today announced an expanded, four-member leadership team for the Congressional Natural Gas Caucus, a bipartisan effort to educate Members of Congress and the American people about the importance of natural gas as a domestic energy resource, its role in meeting the nation's energy demand and in attaining energy security. U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA): “The United States is witnessing an energy revolution through which natural gas development and production is offering economic growth, lower energy costs, and a vastly expanded energy resource base. The Congressional Natural Gas Caucus will serve as a forum to educate Members of Congress and the public on the growing importance of natural gas in meeting the nation’s energy needs and explore the policy challenges that must be leveraged for American consumer...

A St. Marys man is charged with more than 300 counts of child pornography, and related felony offenses for allegedly sharing computer files online with members of the state police computer crimes unit. Donald Blessel, who turns 35 tomorrow, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing April 9 in front of District Judge Mark Jacob. Besides the 311 counts of child pornography, Blessel is charged with five counts of disseminating photographs or film of child sex acts, five counts of displaying obscene and/or sexual materials and one count of criminal use of a communication facility. He is also charged with several misdemeanor counts of invasion of privacy. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Two Chautauqua County residents are facing charges for harassing each other. 20-year-old Adrianna Samlock of Clymer and 19-year-old Keith Tilyou of Ripley called state police several times saying they were each being contacted excessively by the other person. Neither person wanted the other arrested so police gave them each a verbal warning to stop contacting each other. But they ignored the warning and "continued to contact and annoy each other." They are both charged with harassment and scheduled to appear in Town of French Creek Court. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The grandson of Seneca Nation President Barry Snyder Sr. has been picked up for violating his parole. 32-year-old Barry Snyder III of Salamanca was arrested by sheriff’s deputies early Sunday morning while he was walking along Old Route 17 in the Town of Salamanca following an incident at his home. He was sent to Cattaraugus County Jail without bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Bradford native and venture capitalist George J. Still Jr. will address the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford graduating class of 2013 at the April commencement ceremony. Still, who is the son of Zenaide Still of Bradford and the late Dr. George Still, will deliver the keynote address during commencement exercises at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, in the KOA Arena of the Sport and Fitness Center. “Students at undergraduate colleges rarely gain personal exposure to individuals who are clearly at the top of their game in the business world,” said Dr. Livingston Alexander, president of Pitt-Bradford. “What makes Mr. Still so special and unique is his willingness to dedicate time, energy and resources to worthy causes in this country and throughout the world. That wonderful combination of boundless success and humanitarian spirit makes him the ideal role model for our students.” Still was born and raised in Bradford and graduated from the Pennsylvania State Uni...

A South Dayton, New York, woman is accused of stealing another woman’s purse at a store in Jamestown. State police say a customer at the Sweet Repeats consignment shop told them a woman she had been talking to in the store stole her purse, which contained credit cards and personal items. Their investigation led them to 34-year-old Brittany Merrill, who is charged with grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property and petit larceny. Merrill was released on her own recognizance and will appear in court on a later date. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Bradford man has been cited after a two-car crash Tuesday in Warren. Police say 19-year-old Noah Hurrle attempted to stop at the intersection of Hickory and Fourth streets, but couldn’t stop because of slippery road conditions and hit another car. He was cited for not obeying a traffic control device. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

State Senator Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) announced the distribution of $361,165 in Marcellus Shale impact fee revenue to county conservation districts in the 25th Senatorial District. The revenue distributed to the 25th Senatorial District is part of the $2.5 million in Marcellus Shale impact fees designated for county conservation districts. The $2.5 million was collected statewide for calendar year 2011 and distributed to conservation districts by the Public Utility Commission in 2012-2013. Under the impact fee legislation which was spearheaded by Senator Scarnati, the funds allocated for county conservation districts were split evenly, with $1.25 million in block grants of $18,939 for each of the 66 conservation districts across the commonwealth. The remaining $1.25 million was awarded in supplemental grants for administrative costs and well-impact costs. According to Scarnati, eligible expenses for the use of these funds can include providing technical assistance and advice ...

Cheryl T. Cohen Greene, who was portrayed in the movie "The Sessions" by Helen Hunt, talks about her memoir, "an intimate life: sex, love and my journey as a surrogate partner." She talks about how and why she decided to become a surrogate partner, the reaction of her family to her career choice, and many other issues. She also discusses how it felt to have Oscar winner Helen Hunt play her in the movie. Greene will, by the way, be at the Academy Awards Sunday to root for Hunt, who is nominated for an Oscar. Listen here . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-Warren/Forest/McKean) sent a letter to Acting Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Secretary Beverly Mackereth today to request her cooperation in caring for the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens by increasing the total patient capacity at Warren State Hospital. “The state has set a bed cap of 196 for Warren State Hospital,” said Rapp. “With total bed usage at the hospital continuing to move closer to maximum capacity, there is widespread concern throughout our communities that many people are needlessly languishing on a waiting list, or if left untreated, incarcerated in our overcrowded prison system, while the hospital has the capacity to serve more individuals.” According to Rapp’s letter, the Department of Public Welfare’s December 2010 decision to close the forensic unit at Warren State Hospital has created a financial burden on county budgets, and specifically, the county criminal justice system. This decision has also created a financia...

Mary L. Hayden, 59, of 1040 W. Washington St., lost her courageous, three year battle with pancreatic cancer on Tuesday, February 19, 2013, surrounded by her loving family, at the Bradford Regional Medical Center. Born in Hoersel, Belgium on March 31, 1953, she was a daughter of the late Gennaro and Adriana (Miles) Lombardi. She migrated to the United States in 1958. On April 6, 1974 in St. Bernard Church she married Timothy A. Hayden who survives. She was a 1971 graduate of Bradford High School. She had been employed as a clerk for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for 32 years retiring in 2004. She was a member of St. Bernard Church and volunteered for the Big Brothers & Big Sisters organization. Her greatest joy in life was spending time with her loving family, especially taking her grandchildren to Disney World. She loved going to the beach, shopping, and walking. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two children, a daughter, Erica (Jamie) Ferdarko, o...

Jeanette S. Norris, 66, of Droney Road, Gifford, passed away Tuesday, February 19, 2013, at The Pavilion at BRMC. Born August 24, 1946, in Kane, she was a daughter of the late Walter S. "Jack" and Margaret (Gault) Hartle. On February 16, 1968, she married Edward V. Edmonds, III who passed away December 21, 1974. She was then married to Richard N. Norris. She was a 1964 graduate of Bradford High School. She had been employed at Zippo Manufacturing, The Briar Patch, McKean County Head Start and later at W.R. Case and Sons, from where she retired in 2007. She enjoyed knitting, crossword puzzles, being outdoors and spending time with family at outings and picnics. Surviving are four children, Susan Edmonds of Erie, David (Jennifer) Edmonds of Gibsonia, Sara Edmonds of Erie and Eric Norris of Bradford; two grandchildren, Ryan Siggins and Chloe Edmonds; three sisters, her twin, Jennifer Hartle, Sheila (the late Daniel) Potter and Eve Hartle, all of Brad...

A 98-year-old woman is dead after a two-car crash Wednesday afternoon in the Town of Rushford. State troopers say 74-year-old Betty Pollock was on Route 243 and attempting to make a left turn when her car hit a vehicle driven by 75-year-old Albert Holtzborn. Holzborn’s passenger, Mildred Holzborn was taken to Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville, where she was pronounced dead. Pollock was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester for treatment of her injuries. Police are continuing their investigation. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Starting tomorrow, drivers on Route 219 (Center Street) in Johnsonburg will be reminded to slow down and watch for pedestrians. PennDOT will place variable message signs along Route 219 urging motorists to adhere to the posted 35 mph speed limit and watch for people crossing the road in the area of Route 4007 (Main Street). Southbound and northbound traffic on Route 219 will see the lit boards for the next several weeks. The signs will alternate messages including “Pedestrian Crossing Ahead” and “Reduce Speed.” The signs will remain in place until warmer weather allows Ridgway Township to install signs and a painted crosswalk at the intersection. A Pedestrian Channelizing Device will also be placed at the intersection as a visual reminder of the state’s pedestrian crossing law. Pennsylvania’s law requires that drivers yield the right of way to a pedestrian crossing a roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection where there are no traffic...

Although there is still a moratorium on fracking in New York State, the Department of Environmental Conservation has updated the list of drilling companies it may issue permits to if and when the ban is lifted. In Cattaraugus County, Vertical Resources of Sugar Grove intends to drill a Marcellus Shale well in Knapp Creek. Pan Energy Company of Orchard Park intends to drill a Marcellus well in Cherry Creek in the Town of Dayton. DEC says these notices pertain to well spacing requirements only and do not necessarily mean that permits are ready to be issued. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Jerry Sandusky is appealing Judge John Cleland’s decision denying him a new trial. Last month, Cleland rejected arguments that defense attorneys didn't have enough time to prepare for the trial that ended in the former Penn State assistant football coach’s conviction on 45 charges of child sex abuse. Cleland also rejected post-sentencing motions regarding jury instructions and hearsay testimony. In documents filed Wednesday in Centre County Court, and released to the media today, Sandusky lawyer Joe Amendola did not say what issues he plans to argue in his appeal to the Superior Court. Sandusky is serving a 30- to 60-year state prison sentence. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Ripley, New York, man is accused of stealing a van at Peak ‘n’ Peek. State police say they were called to the ski resort in Clymer on Sunday for a report of a missing van, and while they were interviewing the staff, an employee saw the van pull into a parking lot near the maintenance building. 22-year-old Trent Johnston was arraigned for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, and then sent to Chautauqua County Jail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

More than 100 special athletes are registered to compete in the annual McKean County Special Olympics Swimming Invitational, which will be held at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Sport and Fitness Center on Friday, March 1, starting at 10 a.m. Special Olympians from McKean, Potter, Elk and Cameron counties have been in training for several months in preparation for the competition, according to meet director Jan Knight. They will be competing for medals in individual and team events. “The swimming invitational is one of the biggest Special Olympics events of the year and we expect the level of competition to be the best ever,” said Knight. Up to seven swimmers will qualify to compete at the Pennsylvania Special Olympics Summer Games at Penn State, June 6-8. McKean County Special Olympics is a year-round program of sports training and competition for over 370 mentally and physically challenged athletes. In addition to swimming, programs are offered in softball, track an...

A Cattaraugus County woman is in jail for punching another person in the face. Sheriff’s deputies say 28-year-old Samantha Lilley of East Otto got into a fight with the other person at her home Saturday afternoon, punched the person in the face, splitting both the upper and lower lips and causing bleeding and swelling. Lilley was charged with assault and sent to jail on $2,500 bail. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947