Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

A new endowment funded by its namesake will ensure the upkeep of the Bromeley Family Theater at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. The university received the $250,000 gift from the Pembroke Foundation and Jean H. and Thomas R. Bromeley and their children, Pamela B. and Donald J. Fredeen, and Amy B. and Daniel P. McCune, for the maintenance of the university’s theater, which is also named for the Bromeley family. The Pembroke Foundation is a family foundation originally established by Jean Bromeley’s parents, Corliss R. and Mary S. Hostetler. “It’s a lovely facility,” Thomas Bromeley said of the theater. “I think it is a good idea to develop a fund that can maintain and help keep it first class. It’s very easy to postpone maintenance when budgets are tight.” The Bromeley Family Theater is a 500-seat theater that opened in 2004 and has hosted performances ranging from intimate opera recitals to the Russian National Ballet Theat...

Tina Wood shows off the one-of-a-kind Case knife she won in WESB's 65th Anniversary Celebration Contest. Pictured with Tina is WESB General Manager Don Fredeen. The knife -- the 47 Model -- is engraved with the current WESB logo on one blade, the original logo on another blade, and "65" on the third. Congratulations to Tina and thank you to W.R. Case & Sons Cutlery Co. for the beautiful knife! The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

100.1 The Hero's Frank Williams (center) donates blood at the Community Blood Bank in Union Square, but that doesn't keep him from working. He's still interviewing CBB's Dan Desrochers during a live broadcast while Steph monitors his blood. Frank will be at the blood bank until 5:30. Stop by, say hello to Frank and donate blood -- which gives you a chance to win a $100 gas card from Country Fair. Photo by Don Fredeen Because of power outage, the blood bank had to close up shop early today. They'll be open again from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has named 10 new members to its Advisory Board and reappointed 15 members. Newly elected to the board are Gregory P. Bauer, JoAnne Ryan, Stacy Sorokes Wallace, Max Brady, Timothy J. Asinger, Stephen P. Grillo, Douglas E. Kuntz, Julie A. Marasco, James M. McDonough and John W. Seltzer. Christopher Luke, president of the Pitt-Bradford Alumni Association, was appointed an ex officio member of the board. All of the appointments were made by University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Mark Nordenberg upon recommendation by Dr. Livingston Alexander, president of Pitt-Bradford. Asinger is vice president of Kessel Construction Inc. in Bradford. His early professional background was spent in the food industry, and he became involved with Kessel in 1997 in Erie. He has been with the Bradford corporate office since 2007 and is very involved in the community with social, cultural, civic and fundraising efforts. Bauer is the president and chief executive officer of ...

Scott Douglas talks with Mandi Wilton Davis and Kelly Zurat Case during the United Way of the Bradford Area Tailgate Party Sunday at Byllye Lanes. The party was inside (at Lane 25) and outside. Inside, people watched the Steelers beat the Browns, the Bills beat the Jets and other games. Outside, partygoers enjoyed the blue skies and sunshine while playing the football toss game participating in the cornhole tournament and listening to the games on 1490 WESB and 100.1 The HERO. Don Fredeen and Mandi Davis (She's there. Really.) try their hands at tossing bean bags ... ... while Mark Davis tries his hand at the football toss as Steve Cotillion and Scott Douglas look on.

During a break in the action Frank Williams chats with Diane Sheeley, executive director of the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce. Summer Hannold from Maryland was visiting her grandfather Bob and, it seems, she's practicing for when she's old enough to compete. Considering the sweltering heat, she was also smart enough to get a drink of water from Grandpa. WESB/WBRR Sales Rep Jessica Gilbert introduced her little one to Scott Douglas, Don Fredeen and Igor.

The Bradford Regional Flood Control Authority has received an award from teh US Army Corps of Engineers for "Outstanding Flood Reduction Project." The award is in recognition of the authority's commitment and dedication to the community's flood protection program in 2008, and the effort and pride taken in the operation and maintenance of the Bradford Flood Reduction Project. Pictured are, from left, Chuck Benninger and Don Fredeen of the flood control authority, Rick Oleniacz of the Corps of Engineers, and authority chairman Bruce Foote.

Pictured are Richard Castina, President and CEO George Leonhardt and Kerry Payne of Bradford Regional Medical Center, YMCA CEO Jake Steger, Don Fredeen and Dr. Jafar Hamidi. BRMC and Hamidi, received George G. Blaisdell Community Service Awards during Thursday's annual awards breakfast. Fredeen, who is also president of the Olean-Bradford Area YMCA, received the Volunteer of the Year Award. By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Don Fredeen received the volunteer of the year award during the 16th Annual Bradford Family YMCA Community Awards Breakfast – and second annual meeting of the Olean-Bradford Area YMCA Norman Moore, vice president of the Y said picking this year's recipient was easy. "We're really saluting him today for the activities that he has performed and the stature with which he has handled a very difficult situation and that is, of course, the time we were conceiving the idea of a merger between the two Ys," Moore said. Fredeen is the first presid...

The Olean-Bradford Area YMCA has announced its community service, youth and volunteer of the year award winners. This year's George G. Blaisdell Community Service Award Honorees are Dr. Jafar Hamidi and Bradford Regional Medical Center. The Ray C. Uhler Outstanding Youth Award honorees are Jenn Lau of Bradford Area High School; Tawnee Cunningham of Kane Area High School; Jessica and Reba Higley of Otto-Eldred High School; Jordan Stehle of Port Allegany High School; and Kayla Carr of Smethport Area Junior-Senior High School. The YMCA Volunteer of the Year Award is going to Don Fredeen. The honorees will be recognized during the Bradford Community Awards Breakfast on May 28.

Pam Fredeen, Don Fredeen (no, I'm not sucking up. They really are nice!), Jeannie Satterwhite, Mike McAvoy, Paula at the Jackson Avenue Crosby's, Kimberly Weinberg. I know someone already mentioned Father Gallina, but he's on my list, too. And since the mayor mentioned my uncle, George Bove (and I totally agree with that), I'm going to add his daughters -- Kathy, Karen, Kris and Karla. I'm sure I'll add more later. You can add yours HERE .

The Olean-Bradford Area YMCA has announced Jake Steger as its new CEO. Steger is a career YMCA professional, most recently serving as branch executive for the Central Florida YMCA in Orlando, now the ninth largest association in North America and one of the fastest growing in the country. His experience and work as a branch executive has been instrumental in the success of two YMCA family centers in Brevard County, Florida. His professional experience working for an independent association and a large metro association has prepared him for the opportunity to be the next leader of the Olean-Bradford Area YMCA. Steger has worked with YMCA organizations for 10 years in Texas and Florida -- four as a branch executive. He began his career as a sports and fitness director, then as a membership director in Corpus Christi, Texas. He is a strong fiscal manager with significant membership development experience and has a passion for community and financial development, as well as donor cultivati...

The American Cancer Society's Relay for life started at 3 p.m. Friday at Callahan Park. During the opening ceremony, event chair and cancer survivor Dorie Meabon said "Your involvement contributes to empowering people to fight back against cancer. A cancer survivor's recovery involves much more than medical treatment. It takes hope to heal. By participating in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life those touched by cancer can feel empowered to fight back against this disease." The Relay continues until 3 p.m. today and includes a variety of musical entertainment until noon and a final lap at 1:30 p.m. As of 10 p.m. Friday, the relay had taken in more than $70,000. Balloons are released during opening cermonies of the American Cancer Society's 14th Annual Relay for Life in Bradford. The purple is for "Celebrate," the the blue is for "Remember," and the red is for "Fight Back." Don Fredeen, President and General Manager of WESB/WBRR...

Three members of the Bradford Rotary Club have been honored as Paul Harris Fellows, Rotary's highest honor that recognizes "Service Above Self." The Rotarians honored were Susan Evans, Richard Johnson and Garry Pugrant. Also during Tuesday's annual dinner, officers were installed. They are Barb Kervin, incoming president; Dr. Kimberly Young O'Mara, president-elect; Debbie Price, vice president; Susan Evans, secretary; Richard Johnson, treasurer; and Don Fredeen, sergeant at arms.