Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Local community members and businesses have shown their support for the Smethport Campaign for United Way, having raised nearly 50% of the $15,000 goal. This is the third year that solicitation efforts have been managed by the United Way of the Bradford Area. “I am pleased with the status of the Smethport campaign to-date,” said Executive Director Mandi Wilton Davis. “We’ve seen a positive response from our existing donors, but we’ve seen a significant increase in new donors, which has contributed greatly to the success so far.” Davis says that although they have raised the fundraising goal for the second year in a row, she anticipates reaching the $15,000 mark. “The residents of Smethport and the surrounding communities have shown how generous they are over the past several years,” said Davis, “and we know they feel very strongly about impacting the lives of their family, friends and neighbors through the agencies funded from our annual appeal.” 12 agencies located in or servin...

Anne Gingerich, Pennsylvania Association of NonProfit Organizations (PANO) New Executive Director, visited with Leaders from Local-Nonprofit Organizations on Wednesday at the Ashley Booth Griffin CARE for Children Center in Bradford. When Gingerich became the new Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO) in December of 2013, she immediately started reaching out to people in communities around Pennsylvania to listen and learn about their strengths, resources and needs. The event was hosted by The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce, CARE for Children and The United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc; and also attended by representatives from the YMCA of the Twin Tiers, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, Evergreen Elm, The Bradford Area Public Library, McKean County Department of Human Services, The Nonprofit Partnership of Erie, PA and board members from area non-profits. According to PANO officials, the event was part of PANO’s Listening Tour, wh...

CARE for Children was honored for achieving the Seal of Excellence by successfully completing the Standards for Excellence® recertification program through the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO) during a special recognition ceremony at PANO’s Annual Conference. Standards certification represents that CARE has demonstrated a deep commitment to organizational wellness and a high standard of accountability throughout their operations and governance. Executive Director Tina M. Martin and Pediatric Therapy Services Director Ashley Carlson, MOT, OTR/L, accepted the certificate, where CARE was honored in a lunchtime ceremony along with five other Pennsylvania Community Benefit Organizations achieving the Seal of Excellence. Allen Kukovich, Chair of Smart Growth, served as Master of Ceremonies. Allen also served in the PA General Assembly for 27 years representing Westmoreland County. Ms. Martin served as the peer speaker during the luncheon at the conference, a...

Moments to Remember, CARE for Children and Jeannine Schoenecker were recognized during Thursday's annual Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting. Moments to Remember received the Exemplary Business Award, CARE for Children received the Community & Spirit Award. Schoenecker received the Director's Award and talked about the importance of paying it forward. Pictured, from left, BACC Executive Director Ron Orris, Chamber President Ann Robinson, Moments to Remember owner Laurie Pritz Lindstrom, American Refining Group President Jeannine Schoenecker, CARE for Children Executive Director Tina Martin and Chamber First Vice President Tim Asinger. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Stoney Greenberg, President of the Exchange Club of Bradford, dropped by CARE for Children on Tuesday to drop off proceeds from the 10th Annual Exchange Club Child Abuse Prevention Bowling Tournament. The contribution to CARE will benefit the organization’s child safety and injury prevention program through the organization’s leadership of Safe Kids McKean County. Other recipients from the tournament include the McKean County Family Centers, The Guidance Center, Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems, The Children's Advocacy Center, Children and Youth Services, YWCA, and the Bradford Regional Medical Center Emergency Room. Sponsors for the 2013 tournament were Northwest Savings Bank and Shults Toyota. Over the past ten years the Exchange Club Tournament has raised $50,000.00 to support local child abuse prevention services; and children and youth organizations. Pictured from left to right in CARE’s Rainbow Corner Preschool: Vanessa Merrick, 4, daughter of Yuri and Buffy Merri...

Jaden and Tayga Griffin, with help from their grandfather Greg Booth, cut the ribbon on the Ashley Booth Griffin CARE for Children Center this afternoon. Looking on are CARE Executive Director Tina Martin, Zippo owner George Duke, Aaron Griffin, Cherie Booth and CARE board president Mick Marshall. Duke donated $1 million to CARE, which expedited the building project, which had been in the works for several years. Booth is president and CEO of Zippo and W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery. It was Duke's idea to name the building in honor of Booth's daughter, who died in a car accident in 2008. In his remarks today, Booth said although his daughter was physically at the dedication, she was there in spirit. You can see more pictures of today's dedication on WESB's Facebook page . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Tyler Wilber and Anthony Zimbardi, senior varsity basketball players at Bradford Area High School, held a three-on-three co-ed basketball tournament on Sunday to benefit therapeutic recreation activities for children with disabilities. Twelve teams comprised of 48 student players participated in the round robin tournament. The winning team was Dave & the Foxy Ladies. Over $600 has been raised to date and will be donated to CARE for Children. The three-on-three tournament was part of Wilber and Zimbardi's Senior Project. Pictured from left to right: Tyler Wilber , event co-chair, with winning team 'Dave and the Foxy Ladies' comprised of seniors Montgomery Burgoon, David Ackerman, Alex Vinelli, Kassera Owens, and event co-chair, Anthony Zimbardi Photo provided by CARE for Children

CARE for Children will hold its fourth annual Rock and Win fundraiser on Saturday, April 13th at 7p.m. at the Pennhills Club on Minard Run in Bradford. There is a charge for the event and limited tickets are available at the door. The band Bad Influence with Mick Marshall and Chuck Sirko are the headline performers with special guest percussionist Jimmy Copeland. The event has drawings, auctions, and specials throughout the evening. Rock & Win benefits CARE for Children’s community outreach services for local children. Services include child safety & injury prevention initiatives, disability awareness programs, and therapeutic recreation activities and also supports early learning at Rainbow Corner Preschool. CARE for Children is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of children of all abilities. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

By SANDRA RHODES Activities that appeal to all ages are on tap for this year’s National Library Week at the Bradford Area Public Library. Tapping on the theme “Communities Matter,” the BAPL is gearing up for a week of exciting activities that run from April 14-April 20. “We are very excited to be offering these events to the community,” said Ed Pecht, president and chief executive officer of the Library. “We want to celebrate what the Library has to offer all our patrons.” Some of the featured happenings at the Library have an emphasis on art. There will be a display of art done by students from CARE for Children. Bradford Little Theater will also display the entries from their recent art contest. Sandy Caparotta will lead a Kids Intro to Art Class 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Library. Preschool Story Hour is set for 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 19. Throughout the week, accumulated artwork from the Library will be sold. With the wide variety of artwork available, there is something fo...

Mick Marshall, president of CARE for Children’s board of directors, announced that Leslie Kallenborn has been hired as development and marketing coordinator for the not- for-profit organization. Kallenborn will manage external communications, fund and business development, fundraising, marketing, and special events for the agency. “With the construction of the Ashley Booth Griffin CARE for Children Center, the board is pleased that Leslie will help lead the marketing and development efforts at CARE during this exciting and historic period in the agency’s long history. She joins the staff at a time when her skills will be sorely needed to help CARE reach its fundraising goals for the center and to help us move forward with the expansion and addition of needed services for the local pediatric population,” stated Marshall. Kallenborn spent five years at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford where she held the position of assistant director of annual giving. In that role she deve...

Tickets available at the CARE for Children Office, 20 Russell Boulevard or by calling the office at 362-4621. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The United Way of the Bradford Area has awarded $6,560 to six local organizations through community innovations grant funding for the first quarter of 2013. The recipients are: the YWCA’s art program; CARE for Children’s pediatric therapy; McKean County Special Olympics aquatic program; Dickinson Mental Health holiday events; Bradford Ecumenical Home lending library; and McKean County Habitat for Humanity housing production. Local non-profit, 501(c)3, health and human service agencies may submit a request for up to $1,500 per quarter. This category supports programs, independent of those benefiting from monthly, that have the potential to impact the local community, encourage innovative approaches to meeting health and human service needs, and produce specific and measurable outcomes. The deadline for 2nd quarter Community Innovation grant applications is April 1, 2013. Applications may be received by visiting United Way’s website at www.uwbanews.org , the United Way office, or b...

Michael McLanahan, a senior at Bradford Area High School, served as the keynote speaker for the annual meeting of the CARE for Children Board of Directors held Thursday evening at the Bradford Club. The CARE for Children Board of Directors honored Zippo Manufacturing Company with the organization’s Community CARE Award and Mr. Howard Fesenmyer, Dr. Richard E. McDowell and Mr. Pete Buchheit with the CARE Volunteer Award. Mick Marshall, President of the CARE Board of Directors, presented Mr. Greg Booth, Zippo President and CEO, with the company’s award. “The board chose to honor Zippo Manufacturing Company for their long history of investing in CARE for Children, which we accept as a seal of approval,” said Marshall. “Whether it be the overall tournament sponsor for the CARE ‘fore’ Children Golf Tournament, the in-kind donations of product, the employee participation at special events and through memorial giving, or their support of the United Way, which benefits CARE.” Marshall wen...

Northwest Charitable Foundation, Inc has made an investment to help build the future for children of all abilities, supporting CARE for Children with a $50,000 grant, which will directly support the construction of the Ashley Booth Griffin CARE for Children Center. “Northwest Savings Bank is proud to be part of this initiative,” stated Julie Marasco, Northwest Region President. “CARE is vital to our community, and we support the organization’s initiatives, and the commitment to the new facility.” The center will enhance the organization’s delivery of early learning programs, pediatric therapy services, and child safety and injury prevention initiatives and provide a permanent home for the 89 year old non-profit. “Northwest Savings Bank is a long time investor in programs and services that make our community stronger,” said Debbie Price, CARE Building Campaign Co-Chair. “We are grateful for their investment in CARE’s future and the future of local children that need the organizat...

As construction continues on the Ashley Booth Griffin CARE for Children Center, American Refining Group, Inc. has contributed $25,000 to the building fund, and a matching grant of $25,000 was awarded by the Harry R. Halloran, Jr. Fund (a donor advised fund at The Philadelphia Foundation Special Assets Fund). Mr. Halloran (second from right), Chairman of the Board and ARG Chief Executive Officer, along with President and Chief Operating Officer, Jeannine Schoenecker (left), took a tour of the new facility Friday with CARE for Children Executive Director, Tina Martin (second from left), and Board President, Mick Marshall (right). “We are so appreciative of the generosity of Mr. Halloran and American Refining Group,” said Marshall. “They continue to make an impact in our community, and we’re proud to have their continued support as we move forward during this historic time for CARE.” The organization is currently at 71% of the $2.1 million campaign goal. Construction of the facilit...

The Kiwanis Club of Bradford has pledged $10,000 to the Ashley Booth Griffin CARE for Children Center, continuing its collaborative efforts with the organization to support early learning and literacy initiatives. The contribution will fund a child-friendly reading area in the preschool classroom in the new facility, which will include a reading loft and an age-appropriate library. Members of Kiwanis, visited students at Rainbow Corner’s Preschool Fun Camp on Tuesday, taking some time to read to the kids, as well as present CARE with payment for half of the campaign pledge. Pictured are preschool campers Jake Whitlow and Ianna Schoonover with Kiwanis Board Members Gene Carll and Kathy Durner, and President Shane Oschman. Whitlow, 3, is the son of Jay and Krista Whitlow of Lewis Run. Schoonover, 3, is the daughter of Kari Schoonover of Limestone, NY. Photo provided by CARE for Children The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

heavy metal thunder ..." Only the heavy metal variety of thunder and lightning was in Downtown Bradford Friday for the Inaugural CARE for Children Motorcycle Show ... and the few sprinkles of rain didn't dampen anyone's spirits. Frank Williams talks with Bruce Chandler of Red Dragon Racing during 100.1 The Hero's live broadcast from the show. Co-chair of the event Lisa Duke is sitting pretty on this pink and black Harley. Frank Williams and Kim Benjamin; Jack Armstrong, Don Fredeen, Jimmy Copeland; CARE for Children's Kim Murphey and Tina Martin Event co-chair Steve Cavallaro chats with Dorie Meabon, who was selling tickets for a chance to win the Kids and Cancer Harley of Hope. The winner of the Harley will be announced Saturday night during the block party on Mechanic Street following the Kids and Cancer Motorcycle Run. You can hear more about Kids and Cancer here: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/24123327 and read more here: http://kidsandcancerbenefitrun.com/ T...

No need to worry about a little rain washing out all the events scheduled for this weekend. They’re all going on rain or shine. Frank Williams is at the Case Collectors Reunion and will give us live updates all morning. Later, he’ll be at the CARE for Children Motorcycle Show in downtown Bradford. Tomorrow is the annual Kids and Cancer Benefit Motorcycle Run, which is also going on rain or shine. You can hear more about that on a special Friday edition of 1490 WESB’s LiveLine at 12:35 p.m. Tomorrow is also the F-O-P craft and vendor fair, which includes the world famous Bradford Township Lions Club chicken barbecue. That’s also going on rain or shine. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The tents are up and W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co. is ready for this year's Case Collectors Reunion. Frank Williams will be broadcasting live from Case on The Morning Buzz on Friday, and later on 100.1 The Hero. The Collectors Reunion is just one of many events in Bradford this weekend. Others include the CARE for Children Motorcycle Show, Kids and Cancer Benefit Motorcycle Run, William Hanley Sr. Lodge 67 FOP Vendor & Craft Fair, Habitat for Humanity Spaghetti Dinner and Lewis Run Fire Department Chicken Barbecue. For details: http://www.wesb.com/news/comcal/ The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

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