Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

The United Way of the Bradford Area hosted the annual Red Feather Volunteer recognition luncheon on Thursday, honoring Lisa Minich. The event, which took place at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, is held to honor outstanding individuals and/or businesses who have made an impact on the United Way of the Bradford Area, and the local community as a whole, through their day-to-day selfless attitudes and commitment to exemplifying the organization’s mission of enhancing the quality of life in the greater Bradford Area. Minich was presented her award by close friend, Jeannine Schoenecker, and her son, Dan Minich. “Over the last three years, Lisa has been the driving force behind the success of the leadership division, during which time giving in this category went from a little more than $40,000 in 2011 to more than $57,000 in 2013,” said Schoenecker. Dan Minich referenced his grandfather - Lisa’s father - as being her philanthropic inspiration. “My mom would tell me stories ...

Futures Rehabilitation Center clients Tom Miller, Ashley Peterson and Mike Walter have been selected as the United Way of the Bradford Area’s 2014 Excellence in Representation honorees. The trio were part of the Speaker’s Bureau for the 2013 campaign, but have long-been volunteers and advocates for the local United Way. “I am so happy to be able to recognize my three friends with this honor,” said Executive Director Mandi Wilton Davis. “Between them, they spoke at 25% of our workplace presentations, and were able to tell their personal stories to more than 300 people. “Everyone to whom they spoke walked away with a better understanding of not only the relationship between Futures and the United Way, but the importance of continuing to give to the annual campaign to ensure that they and their peers could continue their jobs at the workshop.” Tom, who is a Bradford native, has been at Futures for 44 years, and has been a member of the Speaker’s Bureau for the past five. “A favorite...

Futures Rehabilitation Center will be closed Wednesday, November 27, 2013 due to the winter storm. The closing affects all participants and staff. Futures Rehabilitation Center will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 28th and November 29th for the Thanksgiving Holiday. We will resume our normal work schedule on Monday, December 2, 2013. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The local community continues to show its support for the annual United Way campaign, as 20 percent of the $330,000 goal has been raised to date. “I am so excited to give this update,” said Mandi Wilton Davis, Executive Director. “We are working hard to maintain a strong pace throughout the campaign, and we’re so appreciative of the generosity we’ve seen so far.” Nearly half of the contributions received have come from the leadership/professional division, which is co-chaired by Lisa Minich and Jeannine Schoenecker. “We are excited and pleased with the increases we are seeing at the Leadership Level of giving this year,” said Minich. “With so many individuals in our community facing extremely difficult times, it’s inspiring to see the generosity of giving at this level.” Schoenecker echoed those remarks, adding, “It is during times like these that makes us proud to be part of such a caring community.” With two months remaining in the campaign, United Way staff and agency represe...

Five agencies recently received funding from the United Way of the Bradford Area through funds raised during the Smethport campaign. According to Mandi Wilton Davis, Executive Director, the Hamlin Memorial Library, the McKean County Historical Society, the Smethport Recreation Center/Memorial Pool, Futures Rehabilitation Center and the YWCA of Bradford each received $500 during the first allocation process. “We were pleased to have the requests that we did,” said Davis. “I know that the dollars raised during the Smethport appeal were needed by these agencies, all of which provide direct services in that community.” The United Way of the Bradford Area managed the fundraising efforts for Smethport and the surrounding areas during the 2012 solicitation process, and the nearly-$5,000 which was raised will go directly back to applicable agencies and programs in those zip codes. Pictured, United Way Executive Director, Mandi Wilton Davis (r), and Board Member, Patty Witchen, congratul...

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

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...

CARE for Children and Pat Ryan received the 2012 George G. Blaisdell YMCA Community Service Award this morning. Ryan (right) is director of operations at Futures Rehabilitation Center and heads McKean County’s Special Olympics program. CARE Executive Director Tina Martin and Board President Mick Marshall accepted the award for the agency, which is in the second phase of its fundraising drive to build a new facility on East Main Street. CARE for Children photo

The inaugural named fund at Futures Rehabilitation Center was the highlight of the Donor Recognition Event Thursday night at the Center. The Mary M. Rae Fund was established by Bill Rae to honor and recognize his mother’s life work and to continue his mother’s legacy for years to come within Futures Endowment Trust. Mary Rae was instrumental in the establishment of the Futures Endowment Trust and was present to accept the honor. Futures President/CEO Bill Leven said “The response to the Mary M. Rae fund has been overwhelming. I am pleased to announce that the fund has grown to over $35,000.” Proceeds from the Mary M. Rae Fund support Futures’ services to over 200 adults and students with disabilities. Vocational training, activity services, extended employment and school-to-work transition services are offered at Futures facilities and at community-based sites. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Antonia P. Polucci, 88, formerly of 108 Irving Lane, passed away, Wednesday, March 14, 2012, at the Bradford Ecumenical Home. Born October 16, 1923, in Sarnano, Province of Macerata, Italy, she was a daughter of the late Nazzareno and Maria (Rascioni) Pennesi. On October 11, 1947 in St. Bernard Church she married Albeno J. Polucci who passed away, December 2, 1995. Mrs. Polucci was a 1942 graduate of St. Bernard High School. She was a member of St. Bernard Church, The Catholic Women's Club and the Maceratese Ladies Auxiliary. She was employed as a secretary for Kendall Refining Company and The Bradford Area School District, retiring in 1985. She is survived by two daughters, Elisa (Thomas) Tessena and Mary Anne Polucci (Mark) Sherman, both of Bradford; two grandchildren, Dr. Matthew (Jacqui) Tessena of Rochester, NY and Jennifer Tessena of Bradford; three great grandchildren, Lukan Tessena, Braeleigh Tessena and Kadyn Tessena; two granddogs, Chloe and Thomas and several nieces...

The United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc. has made great gains in recent days, announcing today that the organization has raised 50% of its $325,000 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 level of loyalty of our donors is truly inspirational,” 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 efficiency of one gift to help so many people in need,” continued Reese. “Last year’s campaign allowed our organization to provide funding to 1...

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Richard Dorn was presented with the United Way’s Red Feather Award during a dinner Thursday night. "I know that in this area there a lot of people who have done a heck of lot more than I have done or will do,” Dorn said, “so I’m here, maybe, as their representative more than for myself.” Dorn then went on to tell the community members what they have done in the past 14 years, as documented by the Sunshine Report which was his brainchild. “You have offered nearly 47,000 nights of safe, free shelter to the homeless. … You have offered over 15,000 days and nights of protection to those who have been abused within or outside their homes. You have counseled over 7,000 people in crisis who needed help to change their situation and resume their lives,” he said. The community has also provided more than half a million hot meals – free – to people who needed them, and has delivered more than five tons of groceries, Dorn added. He also mentioned the ...

Erin Fero of Family Group Decision Making welcomes people to her booth at the McKean County Collaborative Resource Fair at the old Ames Store in the Bradford Mall. The event goes on until 6 p.m. today. Other organizations at the fair include the YWCA, Career Link, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, The Friendship Table, McKean County Family Centers, Bradford Regional Medical Center and Futures. Catholic Charities Adoption Services, Life and Independence for Today and the BOCES Practical Nursing Program also have free information for people who attend the fair.

The United Way of the Bradford Area will honor Pat Ryan, Director of Operations at Futures Rehabilitation Center, as this years Excellence in Representation awardee. The creation of this award, deemed as the Excellence in Representation, stems from the involvement displayed (in the United Way’s most recent campaign) from their funded agencies. The recipients commitment and connection to the United Way’s mission was prevalent and remains as such throughout the year. “As we honor Pat (Ryan) this year the definition of the award speaks for itself through Pat’s example. Pat remains a mentor of the United Way speakers bureau and the voice of our collaboration with our funded agencies”, according to Kelly Case, Executive Director of the United Way of the Bradford Area. Futures Rehabilitation has been providing vocational and activity services for over 40 years for persons with disabilities. The longevity and strength of the programs is a tribute to the hardworking participants and employ...

“Special Olympics Thunder Run,” a motorcycle dice run sponsored by God’s Country A.B.A.T.E. and the McKean County American Legion Riders, will be held on September 18 beginning at noon. Proceeds will benefit the McKean County Special Olympics. Registration will be held from 10:00 a.m. to noon at Futures Rehabilitation Center. Cost is $10 per participant, which includes a buffet dinner and door prizes. The run will begin and end at Futures. “We are excited to be working with the Legion Riders to raise funds for the Special Olympics athletes,” said Stevee McGarvey, vice-president of God’s Country A.B.A.T.E. “This is our third year for the Thunder Run and we are expecting over 100 bikes to participate.” Motorcycles and all street legal vehicles are welcome to participate. For more information contact Stevee McGarvey at 642-2138 or Gerry Ford at 887-5439. McKean County Special Olympics is a year-round program of sports training and competition for over 360 mentally and physically chall...

Mike Walter sits on a bench in front of Futures Rehabilitation Center that was dedicated today to the memory of his mother, Jo Ann Walter, a longtime Futures supporter. The bench is on the walkway between the parking lot and the building. Jo Ann Walter died in June after a battle with cancer.

Futures Rehabilitation Center’s vocational and activity programs have once again received the highest possible rating in a review by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW.) Inspectors from the DPW’s western office spent two days reviewing the operation of the Center’s programs and found them to be in 100% compliance with various regulations, including provision of service, fire and safety practices and staffing. The inspectors praised the dedication and professionalism of staff, the quality and variety of programs, satisfaction of participants and recent building improvements. Futures’ president/CEO Bill Leven said, “Credit for such an outstanding licensing review belongs with the staff of Futures for their commitment and dedication to our mission and goals." Futures programs undergo state licensing reviews each year. Compliance with regulations is required to qualify for funding through DPW. Futures provides services to over 170 adults and students with disabilities...