Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Leadership McKean honored the graduates of its 2013-14 class on Friday at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Throughout the year, program participants focused on issues affecting McKean County in areas like health and human services, economic development, education and tourism. To end the year, participants developed presentations that were inspired by the year’s topics and presenters. This year’s class developed the following presentations, many of which will be implemented in the future: Bradford Ecumenical Home, Inc.—Residents on the Go! Financial Literacy Volunteer McKean Facebook Site Mobile Library Bradford Area High School Career Awareness and Workplace Readiness Program Mike Glesk, a member of the Leadership McKean Steering Committee said that with 24 graduates, this is the largest Leadership McKean class in the program's eight-year history. To date, 142 participants completed the program. During the graduation ceremony, Dan Minich a...

United Way of the Bradford Area held a First Chapter program Wednesday, spending time with 28 children at the Bradford Area Public Library. UWBA Community Relations Specialist Cara Costik read themed stories to the children before they took time to make special Valentine crowns. First Chapter is an early childhood reading and literacy program held on the second Wednesday of every month at the BAPL at 10:30am. United Way photo The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc. announced today that the organization has reached 100% of its $330,000 goal. The local staff, campaign volunteers and board of directors are extremely grateful to the Bradford community. “We are so excited to have reached goal right before Christmas. Local community members, businesses, and corporations showed the true meaning of generosity during this campaign, stepping up to increase their pledges. This is a fantastic gift to the Bradford community and its agencies that rely on United Way funding,” says Cara Costik, Community Relations Specialist. Campaign goal was reached by a record date this year, although any donations received by January 5, 2012 will also count towards this year’s campaign. An announcement detailing the total amount raised will be available in early January for both the Bradford and Smethport campaigns. For questions regarding 2012-2013 Campaign: LIVE UNITED or to make a financial donation, please contact the ...

Mandi Wilton Davis has been named Executive Director for the United Way of the Bradford Area, according to Vonda Reese, president of the United Way board of directors. The announcement was made on Tuesday December 18, 2012. “The Personnel Committee, as well the members of the Executive Board, have spent the past several weeks in performing a search, conducting interviews, and ultimately arriving at this decision regarding the new Executive Director,” states Reese. “The Board has full confidence in Mandi’s ability to lead the United Way of the Bradford Area, hopefully for many years to come.” Davis, who previously worked for the United Way from 2004 to 2010, will serve as chief executive officer in organizing the annual fundraising campaign, including the development of a plan with a campaign budget, goal, procedures and timeline; implementing the operational budget and policies; maintaining strong relationships with community leaders, agency representatives and donors; developing...

The United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc. has made great gains in recent days, announcing today that the organization has raised 50 percent of its $330,000 goal. “We couldn’t be more excited about this,” says Executive Director Megan Minich. “We are so grateful for the community’s generosity. In the past two weeks, we have received a substantial amount of pledges in response to our appeal. Donations have come in large and small, from individual community members to larger corporate gifts, and they all add up. We still have a lot of work to do with less than a month remaining.” “The support from our community members, professionals, businesses, corporations and their employees is astounding. We have had a great response to our employee presentations,” says United Way Board President Vonda Reese. “People in this community know what we are trying to accomplish and really get behind the mission of the United Way.” “The greatest aspect of a donation to United Way is the efficien...

Cara Costik has been selected as the Community Relations Specialist for the United Way of the Bradford area, according to Vonda Reese, president of the United Way’s board of directors. “The Board of Directors is excited to welcome Cara to the United Way organization,” says Reese. “Her qualifications, education and commitment to the area will be an asset to the organization as we move into the 2012 - 2013 campaign.” United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc. is a non-profit organization with the mission of raising and distributing funds for the purpose of community building and enhancing the quality of life in the greater Bradford area. “I am honored to have been chosen to represent the United Way and very excited to continue strengthening the Bradford community through the work of this wonderful organization,” says Costik. “The United Way is vital to enhancing the well-being of the Bradford community.” Costik will manage external communications, fundraising, community involvement and volun...