Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

CASA of McKean County Executive Director Kristen Tim and Board President Bob Esch show that the organization has reached 80 percent of its $150,000 goal so far. The funds have come from private and corporate donations, as well as a grant from the United Way of the Bradford Area. The money will be used for the next three years to operate the program, which provides much-needed stability and support for neglected and abused children in McKean County. To make a tax-deductible contribution to the campaign, contact Tim at 887-4020 or casa@mckeancountypa.org or visit CASA’s website at www.mckeancountypa.org/casa.aspx. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Representatives from CASA of McKean County have launched a fundraising campaign to raise money to provide much-needed stability and support for neglected and abused children in the county. Officials with CASA of McKean County, which stands for court-appointed special advocates, hope to raise $150,000, which will be used for the next three years to operate the program. CASA of McKean County representatives will be sending letters and making personal contacts to raise the funds in the hopes of reaching their goal by the end of November. While a CASA program is new to McKean County, it’s not new to other counties in Pennsylvania or other states in the nation. CASA programs are comprised of trained community volunteer members who are appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children during a dependency case. Children in placement often experience significant and potentially disruptive changes. They may...

Bob Esch, the Bradford Area School District and Lisa Minich were among the people honored this morning during the annual Bradford Family YMCA Community Awards breakfast. Minich was named Volunteer of the Year. Hannah Schutz was recognized as Youth Volunteer of the Year. Esch and the school district received community service awards. Also, five high school students received Ray C. Uhler Outstanding Youth Awards. They are Allyson Marasco from Bradford, Brittany Kowatch from Kane, Margaret Decker from Otto-Eldred, Logan Hutton from Port Allegany and Emily Housler from Smethport. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The need for a community college in an 11-county rural region – including McKean, Warren, Elk, Cameron and Potter counties – was the topic of a Senate Education Committee hearing this afternoon in Harrisburg. American Refining Group’s Bob Esch told the panel what a community college would mean to the area. "This regional community college will provide our business and industries a sustainable workforce with the necessary skills to support profitable business growth and contribute to the economic well-being of our communities," Esch said. The legislation that would help to create a community college initiative in the region was introduced by Senator Joe Scarnati. State Rep. Marty Causer has introduced a similar bill in the house. The 11-county region also includes Crawford, Venango, Forest, Clarion, Jefferson, Clearfield, counties. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Futures Rehabilitation Center, Inc. held its annual meeting at the Center on Dec. 11 during which time board members reviewed the Agency’s 2011/2012 fiscal year operations. During the meeting, several board members were reappointed to serve three-year terms beginning January 2013. Those included, Sara Andrews, Susan Evans, Nancy Leonard, Katharine Pude and George Duke. Officers for the coming year are: Ron Orris, chairman; Richard Johnson, vice chairman; Marcia Avey, treasurer; Ross Neidich, secretary and Robert Esch, past chairman. Management team members gave a power point presentation to the board on their service areas. President and CEO William Leven provided an overview of the Agency along with program and fiscal results for the last fiscal year. The agency’s annual report, detailing program and financial results of the fiscal year was distributed to the board of directors. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

David Ray is new BAHS principal; Coffman named Dean of Students By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Current Bradford Area High School assistant principal David Ray will be the school’s new principal and current principal Ken Coffman will hold the newly created position of Dean of Students at the school. The moves were made during Monday’s Bradford Area School Board meeting are effective July 1. Both positions have an annual salary of $85,662. Also during Monday’s meeting the board officially approved the 2012-13 general fund budget. “This is our 11th year without a tax increase,” said business manager Kathy Boyd. “I think that’s pretty nice.” She said putting the budget together did not come without its challenges from the state because the basic instruction subsidy is the equal to the amount the district received in 2008-09; this is the second year there is no reimbursement for charter school students (the district has 51); this is the fifth year special education has been level...