Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

(News Release) Akron, Ohio – The holiday season is the most popular time for home decoration. FirstEnergy’s (NYSE: FE) utilities hope you will enjoy this festive season with family and friends while also remembering a few tips to ensure your holiday lighting displays remain safe throughout the season. Outdoor Lighting Safety  Check all lights for frayed wires or areas where insulation has pulled away from plugs or sockets. Discard and replace any damaged light strings.  Take extra care using a ladder to install lights – avoid contact with overhead wires and make sure the ladder is placed on solid, level ground that isn’t slippery.  Ensure that tacks or nails used to hold light strings do not pierce any insulation on wires or light sockets.  Use only extension cords that are approved for outdoor use. These cords must meet rigorous safety standards that indoor cords may not meet.  Outdoor lights, inflatables and other decorations should be plugged into outlets protected by gr...

(News Release) WARREN -- Northwest Savings Bank has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Evans Capital Management, Inc. (ECM), an Erie, Pennsylvania based financial advisory firm that manages or administers over $240 million in assets. The transaction is expected to close on January 1, 2014. After that date, ECM will continue to operate under the management of its founder, Jeffrey W. Evans and current Partners Arthur A. Laneve and Steven T. Erhartic as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Northwest Savings Bank from its current location at 4740 Peach Street in Erie. The company’s ten staff members will continue to serve their clients in western Pennsylvania as they have in the past. Mr. Evans stated: “We are pleased to affiliate with Northwest Savings Bank. We look forward to introducing new bank services to our valued clients and to helping to expand the bank’s wealth management and financial planning activities throughout its footprint.” Speaking for Northwest, Gregory C. LaRocc...

(News Release) The Pennsylvania Municipal League (PML) has announced its support of Small Business Saturday, calling on local leaders to participate in the day dedicated to strengthening communities by supporting local small businesses. More than 1,400 communities across America are participating in events on Saturday, November 30 to recognize the contribution local businesses make to create jobs, boost local economies and preserve neighborhoods. In its fourth year, Small Business Saturday serves as the ceremonial kickoff to the holiday shopping season for small businesses including restaurants, shops and markets. Held annually on the day following Black Friday, Small Business Saturday supporters reported spending more than $5.5 billion at independently-owned businesses on that day in 2012. “Small Business Saturday is a day to celebrate and support the small businesses that are the backbone of our...

(News Release) Dr. Karen Robbins, associate professor of history at St. Bonaventure University, will sign copies of her new book on one of America’s forgotten founders Tuesday, Dec. 3, before the men’s basketball game. Robbins, of Olean, will sign copies of “Forgotten Federalist” from 5 to 7 p.m. outside the SBU Bookstore in the Reilly Center. Released Nov. 15, “Forgotten Federalist” is the first modern biography of James McHenry, a Scots-Irish immigrant determined to make something of his life. Trained as a physician, he joined the American Revolution when war broke out. He then switched to a more military role, serving on the staffs of George Washington and Lafayette. He entered government after the war and served in the Maryland Senate and in the Continental Congress. As Maryland’s representative at the Constitutional Convention, McHenry helped to add the ex post facto clause to the Constitution and worked to increase free trade among the states. As secretary of w...

Governor Tom Corbett assists in lighting the Menorah in the Capitol Wednesday evening, and later hands out candy to children who attended the ceremony.Sponsored by Chabad Lubavitch, the Capitol Hanukkah celebration featured music by the children’s choir of Silver Academy, traditional holiday food and activities for the children. Hanukkah runs through December 5. Provided by Commonwealth Media Services The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

City of Bradford Police on Thanksgiving Day investigated a motor vehicle accident at Orchard Place and Vista Avenue and looked into traffic and parking problems on Rockland Avenue. They were also called about a disturbance on Jefferson Street and disorderly conduct on Main Street. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

(News Release) Internationally acclaimed ensemble Spanish Brass will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, in a Holiday Concert at St. Bonaventure University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. The concert, the fourth of the 2013-14 Friends of Good Music season, is among a number of events taking place at the Quick Center over the holidays. Other activities include the second annual campus Crèche Walk, also scheduled for Dec. 13, just prior to the concert; the Dec. 4 lighting of the Quick Center’s giant Christmas tree; and a free concert by the university Music Department on Dec. 5. Spanish Brass, founded in 1989, rose to the top of its genre in 1996 when it won the Narbonne International Brass Quintet Competition, the most prestigious event of its kind in the world. Their music has been called sheer poetry. In the past two decades, Spanish Brass, also known as Spanish Brass Luur Metalls, has established itself as one of the world’s finest brass quintets, often ment...

(News Release) Internationally known organist, composer, and conductor Roland E. Martin of Buffalo, N.Y., will play a recital of “Music for the Advent Season” on the Sarah B. Dorn Organ in the Harriett B. Wick Chapel at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford at noon Dec. 6. The recital is free and open to the public. Selections include a variety of pieces appropriate for the season. Martin is a member of the music faculties of Buffalo Seminary, Canisius College, and the University at Buffalo. He also serves as organist-choirmaster and director of music at St. Joseph University Church, Buffalo, and as artistic director of the Freudig Singers of western New York. As organist, Martin has given recitals throughout the United States, including the Washington National Cathedral, and he has performed in Canada, Spain, France, Germany, Austria, Italy and England, as well as giving annual concerts in Belgium. In 1986, he performed the New York premiere and the third American ...

As you gear up to get your holiday shopping underway an online security expert chats with Anne Holliday about how to keep yourself and your electronic devices safe. Listen here . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Six months ago no one would have been able to tell me I'd be able to come up with anything for this list. I was beyond devastated and depressed and, for the first time in my life, could not see a light at the end of the tunnel. But, day by day, it's getting a little better. I still cry. It still hurts more than I thought was possible. But, I was able to find some things to put on my list. I’m thankful that ~~ our program director has helped me think before I post on Facebook ~~ co-workers bring in cute little treats ( see picture below ) ~~ Scott went to a Bret Michaels concert with me so I can say “Something to Believe In” is much better live and in person ~~ I was blessed with an amazing mother who turned into my best friend ~~ last Thanksgiving I didn’t whine, “I don’t wanna eat Thanksgiving dinner at The Pavilion.” ~~ I have a supportive and strong family and group of friends who helped me get through the last six months ~~ I have awesome cousins ~~ so many people in th...

Graphics & Images The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Hanukkah graphics The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Ruth Virginia Copeland, 79, formerly of 37 Morris Lane, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at the Bradford Ecumenical Home. Born July 25, 1934 in Bradford she was the daughter of the late Charles J. and Virginia (Moulton) Morris, Sr. Mrs. Copeland was graduate of Bradford High School class of 1952. She attended Jamestown Business College, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, and was a graduate of Olean Business Institute. She worked for Dresser Industries and later for her family's business, CJ Morris Oil & Gas. In the 90s, Ruth moved to Cleveland, OH, where she worked as a nurse's assistant in the Christian Scientist Nursing Home before returning to the Bradford area. She was a devout and active member of the Church of Christ Scientist. She was compassionate, gracious, loving and kind, and enjoyed nature, animals, laughing, and most of all, spending time with her children and grandchildren. Surviving is a son, Alan (Margaret) Copeland, ...

If you have a book lover on your holiday shopping list -- or if you love reading holiday books -- or both check out "A Mark Twain Christmas" by Carlo DeVito. I had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. DeVito this morning about the book. Listen here .

(News Release) The exhibition “Memoria: Assisi and the Jews,” constructed by St. Bonaventure University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts, will travel to New York City where it will take up residence from Dec. 5 through Jan. 10, 2014, at New York University’s Kimmel Center for University Life. The exhibition of historical photos and texts, first presented at the Quick Center in 2007, tells the story of a handful of Catholic clergy, private citizens and even a German officer who orchestrated the dramatic rescue of several hundred Jewish refugees in Assisi, Italy, following the city’s German occupation during WWII. St. Bonaventure will host an opening reception in The Kimmell Center’s Stovall Gallery on Dec. 5. Sr. Margaret Carney, O.S.F., S.T.D., university president, will speak about St. Bonaventure’s association with the people of Assisi and with Don Aldo Brunacci, who helped hide the refugees. The exhibition tells the story of the Assisi underground from the perspecti...

(News Release) The staff and Board of Directors of the United Way of the Bradford Area have a great deal to be thankful for this year, especially the current successes of the 2013 campaign, “Life Is Good When You’re UNITED,” which is at 65 percent of goal. “I had set a personal goal of being at 50 percent by Thanksgiving,” said Executive Director Mandi Wilton Davis. “I knew that it was attainable, and I’m so grateful to everyone whose annual contributions are being accounted for in this update. Thanks for Giving!” Davis cautions the community that, although they are pleased with the progress thus far, there is still a ways to go to achieve the $330,000 goal. “We have to stress that we still are going to rely heavily on our community at-large to get us through the next few week,” said Davis. “We have just a couple more workplace presentations to do, then it will be following up with outstanding donors. “Next week, I will be notifying the agencies who have applied for funding w...

To the Editor: Although there are several important issues facing the General Assembly in the fall and winter, I am urging my colleagues to give priority to making sure minors can’t purchase electronic cigarettes. Earlier this year, I introduced Senate Bill 1055. My legislation would make it crystal clear to Pennsylvania residents and retailers that e-cigarettes should not be sold to anyone under the age of 18. Most Pennsylvanians don’t realize that the laws that apply to the sale of traditional cigarettes do not apply to electronic cigarettes. My legislation would fix that. As electronic cigarettes have grown in popularity, particularly among individuals trying to switch from regular cigarettes, I worked on this legislation to make sure that minors cannot get their hands on this product. Right now, many retailers might not know how to monitor and regulate the purchase of e-cigarettes at their stores. This legislation is direct and to the point so that there can be no am...

(News Release) Inspired by the hit TV show “Duck Dynasty”, The First Wesleyan Church of Bradford will be holding a Camo Sunday at 11 a.m. on December 1 in the church at 692 South Kendall Ave. Camo Sunday is a day when hunters, “Duck Dynasty” fans, and the general public come to church wearing their camouflage clothing. Pastor Chris Terbush thought it would be a great idea to have a Camo Sunday with this region big into hunting and fishing. Terbush is also planning a special sermon for this event. The public is invited to come and take part in this unique church service. For safety reasons, people are asked not bring weapons inside the church. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

City taxpayers will not see a tax increase, according to the 2014 budget unveiled by Bradford City Council Tuesday night. Councilman Jim Evans, who oversees accounts and finances, thanked all city employees, especially City Clerk John Peterson, Deputy City Clerk Teri Cannon, Chief Financial Officer Mike Shanks and all the department heads for their work on this budget, and for keeping costs in line for 2013. Specifically, he thanked them for “continuing to live within our budget, looking for new sources of revenue, making sure we leave no stone unturned” in terms of spending and looking for new revenue sources, and watching spending. Evans said the city is “in a very enviable position,” noting that while the city is not “flush with money” it is “running in a very sound manner financially.” After Evans read his letter to the city that declared no property tax increase, Mayor Tom Riel said, “... in the next couple of weeks, as numbers continue to come in, maybe we can lower them a li...

In a continuing effort to help families cover the cost of college education, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has increased the amount of merit aid some in-state and transfer students will receive. The awards are provided to students at the time of their admission based on SAT and ACT scores, high school grades and whether or not they plan to live on campus. These awards are independent of whether they may qualify for additional, need-based aid. In 2014, full-time freshmen who are Pennsylvania residents and plan to live on campus and who meet the academic criteria will receive an award of $6,000 per year, up $500 from the current academic year. If they continue to meet academic criteria and live on campus for four years, they can receive a total of $24,000. Students transferring from the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville who meet the criteria and plan to live on campus will also have their award increased from $5,500 to $6,000 per ye...

The physician’s assistant accused of sexually harassing and having sex with female patients has surrendered his medical license to the New York State Board for Professional Medical Misconduct. Scott Piatt, who had practiced in Salamanca, Olean and Wellsville, admitted that he willfully harassed, abused or intimidated his patients. He had inappropriate contact with a 16-year-old girl and at least seven women between the ages of 21 and 43. He is also accused of saying a male patient was able to drive a commercial vehicle when, in fact, he was on medications that made him unfit for that type of job. You can find more details about the allegations here . PDF The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Harrisburg (News Release) – The Pennsylvania Insurance Department and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner are cautioning consumers to be extra careful if deep frying a turkey is part of your Thanksgiving celebration. While a tasty alternative to the traditional roast-in-the-oven main course, deep frying a turkey, if not careful, can lead to fire and serious injury. The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) reports that nearly 4,300 fires occur on Thanksgiving, causing 15 deaths and almost $27 million in property damage, many of them due to deep frying accidents. Here are some tips to keep you, your guests and your property safe: • Read owner’s manual for proper set up and safety tips. • Completely thaw the bird before frying (hot oil and water do not mix). • Use the correct amount of oil. If overfilled, the oil may spill out of the pot and hit the burner of flames and fire will engulf the entire unit. • Never leave the fryer unattended. Many don’t have thermostat controls to prevent ...

(News Release) The timber industry in Pennsylvania will soon see significant benefits as a result of the Commonwealth’s newly enacted Transportation Funding Plan, according to Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25). The Transportation Funding Plan was signed into law on November 25th, as Act 89 of 2013. The bill provides a comprehensive funding package to address the transportation needs of Pennsylvania, through an investment of over $2.3 billion in PA’s transportation infrastructure over the next decade. “The timber industry is a vital part of my eight county district and is one of the many industries that depend upon a strong transportation infrastructure,” Scarnati stated. “The recently signed Transportation Funding Plan provides for much-needed maintenance, construction and safety upgrades for roads and bridges – all of which are crucial to our state’s future. As a result of this legislation the timber industry will no longer have to face the fiscal uncertainty and risk associated wi...

For people who don't have a flight tracker app yet -- you can check your relatives' flights by going here: http://www.flightview.com/ The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A man was sent to jail for threatening to bring a gun to his doctor’s office. Sheriff’s deputies say 35-year-old Floyd Berry of Brocton, New York, was disorderly during a doctor’s appointment and said he was going to leave and then come back with a shotgun. Deputies were able to take Berry into custody without further incident. He’s charged with harassment and disorderly conduct. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Thousands of people – including law enforcement officers from across New York State – attended the funeral for Trooper Ross Riley this afternoon in the Reilly Center at St. Bonaventure University. During the service State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico said Riley was an outstanding state trooper and marine, but his family meant the world to him. "During his Power Point presentations when he was teaching," D'Amico said, "he'd slip in pictures of his daughters. Some of him holding them. And even one of him and his daughter at the father/daughter dance. Not something a lot of guys would do. But for Ross, family came first and he was proud to show it." His daughters are 10, 8 and 3 years old. Riley died last week during a training exercise at Letchworth State Park. NY State Police photo The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A Bradford man is facing 20 felony charges related to raping a child. 32-year-old Roger Lee Schimp allegedly attempted to sexually assault he girl when she was between 10 and 12 years old. The girl told police Schimp walked in on her when she was in the shower and touched her inappropriately, grabbed a razor and said he was going to shave her. When she grabbed a towel and ran to her bedroom, he followed her, shoved her onto her bed, took his underwear off and tried to rape her, according to court papers. He also made her watch pornographic movies and told her to touch him inappropriately. Court papers say he also picked her up by the throat and held her until she passed out, hit her in the mouth and stomach, punched her in the ribs and shoved her into a wall. Beside attempted rape and attempted rape of a child, he’s charged with attempted statutory sexual assault, attempted aggravated assault of a child, indecent assault, corruption of minors and endangering the welfare of childre...