Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

  Buffalo Bills van Gogh  by Cu Hung  You can purchase the painting here:  https://pixels.com/featured/buffalo-bills-van-gogh-cu-hung.html

A Lake Effect Snow Advisory will go into effect late this afternoon and go through Friday afternoon. The National Weather Service in State College says we can expect the snow to start at around 5 o’clock and end at around 3 o’clock tomorrow afternoon, but the heaviest snow is likely between 8 o’clock tonight and 10 o’clock tomorrow morning. The northwest part of McKean County – including Bradford, Lewis Run and Ludlow – could see between 4 and 7 inches of snow. The southeastern part of the county will see 2 or 3 inches. A Lake Effect Snow Warning will be in effect in Warren County during the same time period. Parts of that county could get up to 10 inches of snow. The warning remains in effect in Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties until noon tomorrow. In Lake Effect Snow storms the weather can vary from locally heavy snow in narrow bands to clear skies just a few miles away. If you’re traveling across the region, be prepared for quick changes in road conditions, as well as visibil...

Expands Newborn Screening Requirements in PA Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett signed House Bill 1654 into law at an event in the Capitol today, expanding newborn screening requirements to assist in early detection measures that will help to improve care for children diagnosed with certain rare disorders. Corbett was joined by prime sponsor of the bill, Rep. Angel Cruz (D-Philadelphia); other members of the General Assembly; Secretary of Health Michael Wolf; and Physician General Dr. Carrie DeLone. “It is an honor to sign this bill, which will help to improve and hopefully save the lives of some of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable population – our children,” Gov. Corbett said. Currently, Pennsylvania’s birthing facilities test for 6 mandated conditions and 23 follow-up conditions – everything from cystic fibrosis to congenital heart disease. The new law will require physicians, hospitals and other institutions to add certain lysosomal storage dis...

NFL Owners today have approved the bid from the Terry and Kim Pegula to buy the Buffalo Bills. Read more at WGRZ TV.com . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The process for the sale of the Buffalo Bills has taken a significant step forward today as a definitive agreement has been reached between the trust of the late Pro Football Hall of Famer Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. and the Pegula family, owners of the Buffalo Sabres and lead developers of Buffalo’s HarborCenter. Subject to the approval of the NFL owners and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, the definitive agreement calls for the Pegula family to acquire all of the interest in the Buffalo Bills franchise from the Wilson trust. The parties intend to submit the agreement for approval by the NFL owners at their meeting in New York City on October 8. Buffalo Bills Controlling Owner Mary Wilson said, “This is a very important day in the history of the Buffalo Bills franchise. Ralph brought professional football to Buffalo in 1959 and it was his life’s passion. He loved his team and he cherished the fans and his legacy will remain for all-time. Ralph would have been pleased with...

The New York Head & Neck Institute at Lenox Hospital in Manhattan, the hospital spearheading Jim Kelly’s cancer treatments and evaluation, released this statement today: Jim Kelly was evaluated yesterday at the New York Head & Neck Institute at Lenox Hospital in Manhattan, three months after having completed the radiation and chemotherapy protocol designed to treat his recurrent sinus cancer. Dr. Peter Constantino, Executive Director of the Institute, stated that, “The treatments so far have completely eliminated Mr. Kelly’s pain, and his level of function has essentially returned to normal. Further, on physical examination, there is no evidence of cancer.” Over the coming week, a series of tests will be performed to determine if any further treatment will be necessary. Constantino added, “It is possible that no further treatment will be required, and the testing over the next week will define this issue.” Buffalo Bills photo The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... sinc...

The founders of the Buffalo Bills fan support group Bills Fan Thunder will be delivering 13,000 letters to the team from fans pledging strong support for an ownership group committed to keeping the Bills in Buffalo, but vowing to never support the team again if it’s moved to Toronto. Bills Fan Thunder will deliver a dozen U.S mailbags with letters at 2 o’clock tomorrow afternoon during Bills training camp at St. John Fisher College in Rochester. When Jon Bon Jovi announced he wanted to buy the team and suggested he may move it to Toronto, the group's Bon Jovi Boycott was written up in Sports Illustrated, USA Today, the New York Times and 300 other media outlets. Also on hand will be Bills Superfans featured in the article “Jon Bon Jovi is the Most Hated Man in Buffalo” that appeared in the July issue of New York magazine. Photo provided by Bills Fan Thunder The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly has been on TV a lot lately, but one place on television you won't see him anytime soon is on “Dancing with the Stars.” Erin Kelly, the daughter of the former Buffalo Bills star, tweeted that her father turned down an offer to appear on the hit show because he needs to continue to recover from cancer treatment. Erin did suggest, however, that Dancing with the Stars should go for newly inducted Hall of Famer Andre Reed. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Private funeral services for Buffalo Bills founder Ralph Wilson will be held in his hometown of Detroit on Saturday. The team made the announcement today. The 95-year-old Hall of Fame owner died in his Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, home on Tuesday. The Bills are planning to hold a public celebration and remembrance honoring Wilson, but haven’t set a date yet. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Ralph Wilson Jr., the founder and owner of the Buffalo Bills, has died. He was 95. Team president Russ Brandon made the announcement at the NFL Annual Meeting today. Wilson was one of the original founders of the American Football League and was instrumental in the early days of the league. He was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009. Governor Andrew Cuomo: “Today we lost a legendary member of the New York family. Ralph Wilson Jr., the last remaining original team owner of an AFL franchise, member of the NFL Hall of Fame, and founder of the Buffalo Bills, gave us a team that has been the pride of Western New York for the past 54 years. The Bills remain, to this day, an economic engine for the region, generating revenue and providing jobs at a stadium that will bear Mr. Wilson’s name for years to come. From his military service during World War II, to his ownership of the Bills, Mr. Wilson left a legacy of leadership that helped keep the team in Buffalo for mo...

Former Buffalo Bill Thurman Thomas has been appointed vice chairman of the New York State Tourism Advisory Council. Governor Andrew Cuomo made the appointment earlier today, saying Thomas has shown a commitment to New York on and off the field, and will be using his experience to help make upstate New York a premier destination for visitors from around the globe. The Hall of Fame running back said he knows how important it is to Cuomo that Buffalo and Western New York receive the proper representation and promotion, and he’s looking forward to making that happen. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Two men were hurt after one fell from the upper deck of Ralph Wilson Stadium and fell onto a group of people below. The man in the upper deck was sliding on a railing at the edge of the 300 Level of the stadium when he fell off, and onto a group of people in the 200 Level. The Bills organization says the man who fell, and another man, were taken to a hospital for observation. The incident happened during the second quarter of the Bills/Jets game, which the Bills won. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Something special will be happening before tonight’s Karns City High School football game. Hall of Fame and former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly will be recognized as part of the hall’s effort to honor the hometown roots of its members. Kelly will take part in the coin toss before the game, present the school with a check, and be honored with a plaque that will stay at the school. Signs will be erected throughout East Brady, where Kelly went to school, and Karns City, welcoming visitors to the home of Jim Kelly. The events are taking place in Karns City because East Brady High School closed about 20 years ago. On a side note, Karns City beat Franklin last week 62-7. Franklin is visiting the Owls tonight. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly is announcing he is battling squamous-cell cancer of the upper jaw. Treatment, prognosis and recovery look encouraging. Kelly's statement: “This past couple of weeks has been difficult for me and because of the nature of social media I thought it would be best to share with everyone what has been going on with my health. I was recently diagnosed with Squamous-cell carcinoma (cancer) of the upper jaw bone. I have undergone tests which have shown that the cancer is isolated to my upper jaw and has not spread to other parts of my body. Surgery is scheduled for June 7th and doctors have told me that the prognosis for my recovery is very good. With the excellent medical care that I will be receiving and the loving care of my wife Jill and my daughters Erin and Camryn and the support of my entire family and friends, I am extremely confident in my road to recovery. I plan to tackle this challenge head on, as we Kelly’s always do, with tough...

Governor Andrew Cuomo today proposed a $137 billion state budget that would increase spending by about 2 percent, but would not increase taxes. The budget proposal provides 4.4 percent more aid to schools and would fund his proposal to improve instruction, including longer school days and school years. Cuomo also mentioned the $60 million deal the state made to keep the Buffalo Bills in New York. The state will contribute to renovating Ralph Wilson Stadium and to annual support for the operation. “All I can tell you is that for $60 million the Bills better win this year, my friends,” Cuomo said, smiling. “Talk about performance funding.” The proposal now goes to the Legislature, where hearings will be held on many of the items in the budget. Cuomo and Legislative leaders will then try to negotiate a final budget plan by the April 1 start of the fiscal year. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the Buffalo Bills have committed to remain in Western New York for at least the next seven years. The Agreement signed today by the Governor, the Buffalo Bills, and Erie County includes a commitment from the Bills to stay in Buffalo for at least the next seven years, and $130 million in upgrades to Ralph Wilson Stadium. The agreement also includes the creation of a New Stadium Working Group and Fund to explore the potential for constructing a future new professional sports stadium in Western New York. "The Buffalo Bills are a central part of the cultural, economic, and of the entire Western part of New York State, and the state has never wavered in our commitment to keeping the Bills a thriving part of the Buffalo community," Governor Cuomo said. "With a fan-base as diverse, passionate, and energetic as any professional sports team in the nation, the Buffalo Bills account for hundreds of millions of dollars in eco...

If you’re headed to the Bills game Thursday, expect some changes before you get inside the stadium. Security officers will inspect all fans with hand-held metal detectors before they enter the stadium. Fans are being asked to hold their keys and cell phones in their hands to keep the process moving. And, a reminder that Abbott Road will be closed to all vehicle traffic between the south entrance of Lot B and the north entrance of Lot C starting at 4:15 on Thursday. You can hear the Bills/Redskins game on 100.1 The Hero starting with the pre-game show at 5:30 p.m. Steelers fans can listen to the Steelers and Eagles on 1490 WESB starting at 5:30 p.m. as well. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Buffalo Bills announced today that season ticket prices will not increase for the coming season, and tickets in two sections will actually be cheaper than they were last season. According to BuffaloBills.com , Tops Family Corner ticket prices dropped $10 from last season, to $30 per game. The Coors Light Rockpile prices will be $25 per game, $15 less than last season. The team also announced that the preseason game previously scheduled to be played at the Rogers Centre in Toronto will now be played at Ralph Wilson Stadium, due to a scheduling conflict in Toronto. The Bills will still play one regular season game in Toronto. You can listen to the Buffalo Bills all season long on 100.1 The Hero. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Senator Cathy Young and Senator Joe Robach greet Buffalo Bills Hall of Famer and former NFL MVP running back Thurman Thomas during his visit to the Capitol on Monday. Thomas has been involved with many worthwhile charitable endeavors over the years, including former Bills' star quarterback Jim Kelly's Celebrity Auction that he held to raise funds for children with disabilities served by The ReHabilitation Center when the Bills held their training camp at St. Bonaventure University. Young, who worked with Jim Kelly on the auction, thanked Thomas for his generosity and kindness.

When New York Governor Andrew Cuomo gives his budget address this afternoon he will call for millions of dollars in state funding to keep the Buffalo Bills in Western New York. Cuomo's listing of "critical economic development investments" includes keeping the team in the region. The team would be eligible for part of an $84 million fund to be shared by several economic development interests. The Bills want upgrades to Ralph Wilson stadium and, if that doesn’t happen, the team could move from Orchard Park when their lease expires next year. http://www.governor.ny.gov/ The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947