Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch attended a forum in Bradford this morning concerning transportation issues in the state. Other issues were discussed as well with Senators Joe Scarnati and John Rafferty, Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, and State Representative Marty Causer. ARG Resources President Harvey Golubock said, although it’s federally funded, he wanted to hear their thoughts about the Essential Air Service Program. “We struggle here at the airport trying to maintain the Essential Air Service,” Golubock said. “I’d like to know what your thoughts are on the support and how we can ensure continued EAS for our Bradford airport because it’s critical to the growth of our infrastructure here.” Scarnati said nothing irks him more than having to play a “game” with the federal government on whether they are going to continue funding the EAS program. “I think that whether it’s airports, whether it’s hospitals, whether it’s schools – if the federal government’s intent is to ...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has received a gift of $250,000 from Harry R. Halloran Jr., board chairman and owner of American Refining Group, in support of the university’s Energy Institute. In recognition of this and previous gifts, it will be named the American Refining Group/Harry R. Halloran Jr. Energy Institute. “The naming of the Energy Institute for Harry Halloran and American Refining Group is one small token of our appreciation not only for Harry’s financial support, but more importantly for his astute guidance and insight as we venture into an area we’ve never pursued before,” said Dr. Livingston Alexander, president of Pitt-Bradford. “There are few people who possess as much knowledge, experience and proven track record in both the oil and gas industry and alternative energy systems as does Harry Halloran. We have great admiration for him.” The gift is part of 50 and Beyond: The Campaign for the University of Pittsb...

Marilyn Horne Archive Part of Plans The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford launched a fundraising campaign Friday to raise $17.5 million by the end of its 50th anniversary year in 2014. Dr. Livingston Alexander, president, announced that 60 percent of the goal, which will benefit scholarships, academics, technology, capital projects and athletics, has already been raised. The event included a brief program to introduce the campaign’s goals, which includes $6.5 million for scholarships and $1.25 million for the emerging American Refining Group/Harry R. Halloran Jr. Energy Institute. “There is a great deal at stake,” Alexander said in his remarks to those gathered for the launch celebration in Blaisdell Hall. “We have come a long way and achieved a position of prominence in the northeast. We envision that Pitt-Bradford will become a top-of-mind institution among high school students. … Students will benefit from these … gifts for the next 50 years a...

The Bradford Hospital Auxiliary and The Bradford Hospital Foundation are pleased to announce the second annual “Spring Swing Gala” slated for March 24, 2012 at the Pennhills Club in Bradford, PA. The event is to support the renovation of the Labor and Delivery unit at Bradford Regional Medical Center. Admission is $125 per person and includes hors d'oeuvres, complimentary wine and a cash bar. The event starts at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. The Gala is a black tie optional evening. This unique dinner dance will honor community members, M. Javed Akhtar, M.D. and Zenaide S. Still. “Dr. Akhtar and Zenaide have given tirelessly to their chosen vocations. As dedicated and devoted members of the Bradford community, each has truly embraced humanity,” said Francie Ambuske, Bradford Hospital Foundation Director of Development. Sponsors of the 2012 Spring Swing Gala include Halloran Philanthropies/American Refining Group Inc., Minard Run Oil Co., North...

The Rev. Leo Gallina, a Bradford native and former pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church, will receive the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s highest honor at this year’s commencement ceremony. Dr. Livingston Alexander, president of Pitt-Bradford, will present the Presidential Medal of Distinction to Gallina at the 2012 Commencement Ceremony scheduled on April 29 at 2 p.m. in the KOA Arena of the Sport and Fitness Center. In commenting on campus sentiment about Gallina, Alexander said, “The university community is thrilled to be able to honor Father Gallina. Many of us, faculty, staff and students alike, have found inspiration in his generosity, commitment and enthusiasm. Through his direct and indirect gifts, he has left a lasting legacy at Pitt-Bradford.” Gallina responded with his trademark humility. “I am most humbled by this award and truly enjoy helping out in a small way so that others may have an education for the future,” he ...

Harvey Golubock, president of ARG Resources Inc., will speak on Feb. 6 at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford as part of its Executive Speaker Series. Golubock will speak from 11 a.m. to noon in the Mukaiyama University Room of the Frame-Westerberg Commons. The event is free and open to the public. A year ago, Golubock retired as president and chief operating officer of American Refining Group in Bradford, but he continues his relationship with the company as president of ARG Resources Inc. and as vice chairman of the board of directors at ARG. American Refining Group Inc. purchased the Bradford refinery in 1997 from Witco Corp. The transition was led by Golubock, who was an executive with Witco before becoming president at ARG. Golubock will speak about how he was able to turn around the company while at the same time convince employees that the new owner could be trusted and lead them to greater days. Golubock was with...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has named an advisory committee for its developing Energy Institute. The appointments were announced by Dr. Livingston Alexander, president, and Dr. Matt Kropf, director of the Energy Institute. Kropf said the committee will help advise the institute on matters such as strengthening the petroleum technology program, developing a curriculum for a bachelor’s degree program in energy studies and fostering partnerships between the institute and the region’s energy industry. “The Energy Institute’s agenda and vision are very ambitious and complex,” Alexander said. “The individuals electing to serve on the advisory committee are among the most highly respected and well-regarded executives in the oil and gas industry. We’re thrilled they’ve chosen to lend their support and guidance.” Harvey Golubock, former president and chief operating officer of the American Refining Group, will serve as chairman. In ad...

By Sandra Rhodes Calling all oil aficionados. Now is your chance to hold a piece of oil history right in your hands – a book signed by one of the key players that brought this masterpiece to you. Ed Bernik, the award-winning photographer for “Pennsylvania Crude: Boomtowns and Oil Barons,” will be in Bradford for a book signing from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, at the Main Street Mercantile. “Pennsylvania Crude: Boomtowns and Oil Barons” is a 116-page coffee table-style book that takes the reader on a pictorial tour of the oil industry in the Pennsylvania Field from discovery and boom eras through the resurgence occurring today. The book is divided into six sections: Seeps and Pits, Discovery, Boomtowns, From Mud to Market, A Second Boom and The Next Well. Several local people, stories and places are featured in this book that includes 201 photos – both current and historical. There stories of how the Tuna Valley, Tarport and Music Mountain came into existence. There are portraits of ...

Remember the days when oil derricks dotted the landscape? Or perhaps it’s the stories told by a grandfather, brother, or uncle who worked on a “lease.” You can relive those days through a new book titled Pennsylvania Crude: Boomtowns and Oil Barons. The 116-page coffee table-style book, published by Forest Press, a division of the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, takes the reader on a pictorial tour of the oil industry in the Pennsylvania Field from discovery and boom eras through the resurgence occurring today. The book details the oil stories from within the counties of McKean, Warren, Crawford, Venango, Butler in Pennsylvania and Allegany County in New York. Pennsylvania Crude: Boomtowns and Oil Barons features present-day fine art photography from the region along with a wide selection of historic photos. The book is divided into six sections: Seeps and Pits, Discovery, Boomtowns, From Mud to Market, A Second Boom and The Next Well. It’s a trip back in time where words li...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford announced it has received more than $100,000 in additional gifts for the Harriett B. Wick Chapel, which will soon be completed on campus. The largest of the gifts is $50,000 from the Philo and Sarah Blaisdell Foundation, which was established by Zippo Manufacturing Co. founder George G. Blaisdell in honor of his parents. Harriett Wick is the daughter of George Blaisdell. “We are very pleased to be able to do this in support of Harriett, who has been a member of our board,” said Howard Fesenmyer, executive secretary of the Blaisdell Foundation. In addition to the gift from the Blaisdell Foundation, a $25,000 gift was received from American Refining Group. “ARG is proud to be a participant in this project,” said Harvey Golubock, president and chief operating officer of ARG. “It is a project that has been discussed for many years, and it is exciting to see it finally becoming a reality. “It is a major piece of the puzzle to complete the campus. It ...

Harvey Golubock is retiring as president and chief operating officers of American Refining Group, and will be replaced by Jeannine Schoenecker, current chief financial officer, the board of directors announced Monday. Golubock’s retirement as president and COO is effective March 31, but he will still be president of ARG Resources Inc. and will be vice chairman of ARG’s board of directors. Also, the board announced that Tim Brown will be responsible for all marketing related activities. Golubock joined ARG as the President and Chief Operating Officer in 1997 when the Company purchased the Bradford refinery. Prior to joining ARG, Golubock spent 28 years with Witco Corporation and held many senior positions including Vice President of Witco's Lubricant Group. Prior to Witco, Golubock worked at Gulton Industries and Permutit Company. Golubock served for seven years as Chairman of the Board of Beacon Light Behavioral Health Systems and still serves as a member of the Board of Directors;...

American Refining Group, Inc. recently completed a $1.5MM bio-fuels project that will supply 2% bio-diesel to the Western Pennsylvania area. The project involved the construction of several new tanks and a new computer controlled injection system. This project was completed with a $609K Alternative and Clean Energy Grant from the PA Commonwealth Financing Authority. ARG is grateful to Sen. Joe Scarnati and Rep. Martin Causer both of whom were instrumental in assisting the company in obtaining this grant. ARG expects to make a 2% Bio-diesel blend available May 1st to comply with Pennsylvania’s Act 78 which requires the use of bio-fuel for all on road vehicles. In addition this project will allow ARG to supply ethanol blended gasoline later this year. Harvey Golubock, President and COO of ARG said, “Renewable fuels are a step toward a sustainable energy source that will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases. We are pleased to be able to make this product available within our...