Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

An upcoming event at the Bradford Area Public Library is sure to be a un-tea-niable good time. The annual Derby Chapeau Tea is set for 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 7, at the Bradford Area Public Library. This is when the library is transformed into a tea house full of treats for all to enjoy. The Derby Chapeau Tea is the kick-off event to the library’s Triple Crown, which also includes a Kids Derby and the Derby Gala. All events either raise money or awareness for the library. Attendees will be treated to tea sandwiches, delectable desserts plus tea. Ann Fesenmyer and Kelly Case, co-chairwomen for the event, said there are new features to this year’s tea. “We want women and girls of all ages to come and enjoy an afternoon with us,” Fesenmyer said. As such, tickets are also available for girls ages 12 and under. “Our vision is to offer a chance for moms, grandmas and little ladies to get dressed up and enjoy an afternoon together in a relaxing environment.” C...

Attention, ladies! Are you sick of spending your Sunday afternoons watching football games? Are you ready to enjoy some girl time? Well, the Bradford Area Public Library has just the thing for you. Girls Afternoon Out will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, at the library at 67 W. Washington St. “We wanted to pull together a fun afternoon for ladies to enjoy,” said Stephanie Smeal Parsons, event organizer. The afternoon is packed with a runway fashion show by Melissa’s Bridal Boutique & Tuxedos, mini-manicures by Lisa’s Hairport, hairstyles by Sheer Designs, beauty tips by Mary Kay Cosmetics and photo opportunities courtesy of Shawn Murray Photography. Representatives from Premier Design Jewelry, Thirty-One and Tastefully Simple will be on hand to take orders for your holiday shopping. There will also be door prizes and hors d’oeuvre. Proceeds from the afternoon will benefit the Derby Gala and Chapeau Tea. For more informration on the Girls Afternoon Out, listen to We...

She challenges others to blaze their own trails Bradford YWCA Executive Director Amy Pierce says some of her favorite women are known to many by just one name: Oprah, Beyonce, Hillary and (her daughter) Bird – and Harrijane. Harrijane Hannon Moore was presented with the YWCA’s first-ever Trailblazer Award during the agency’s annual Leader Luncheon this afternoon. Moore said receiving the award from the YWCA is particulary special to her because the organization – both locally and nationally – has left us with a rich legacy. The legacy, she said, “is not simply that we can vote, or own property or work outside of the home. Their legacy is that women can change their communities, their countries, their worlds. “Trailblazing,” she added, “happens when you do what is right; when you do what needs to be done.” Moore challenged the women who attended the luncheon– especially the young women – to blaze their own trails. Also honored this afternoon were Kelly Zurat Case and Marlene Kijowski as...

The United Way of the Bradford Area held its second annual Grocery Grab Wednesday evening at Tops Friendly Market, which donated $425 worth of grocery and gas cards to the three contestants. The women had 3 minutes to race through the store and fill their carts with the most expensive items. In all they got more than $3,000 worth of groceries in those 3 minutes. (All the groceries went back on the shelves. The women can go back to Tops later and shop for what they really want -- not just expensive dog food and "Shake Weights.") ... and their off! Brenda and Mary Lou try to maneuver their full carts without hitting customers. Kelly Case lets the shoppers know how much time they have left. Heading for the checkout ... and checking out ... Megan Minich announces the winner ... ... Deb!

Megan R. Minich has been named Executive Director for the United Way of the Bradford Area, according to John Peterson, president of the United Way board of directors. The announcement was made on Wednesday June 8, 2011. “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. Megan’s job performance in her previous role as Community Relations and Marketing Specialist has been outstanding, and she has fully lived up to the Board of Director’s expectations in her performance of duties and responsibilities that accompanied that position,” states Peterson. “The Board has full confidence in Megan’s ability to lead the United Way of the Bradford Area, hopefully for many years to come.” The United Way of the Bradford Area is a non-profit organization with the mission of raising and distributing funds for the purpose of co...

Will Continue to Volunteer for the Organization United Way executive director Kelly Case is resigning effective in June. Case has been associated with the organization since 1991, when she was Ms. United Way. She has also served as campaign chair and vice chair, board member and board president. Case is also a past recipient of the United Way’s Red Feather Award. “Being involved with the United Way, both as a volunteer and as an employee, has been a major factor in my life and has granted me with treasured memories,” Case said in prepared statement. The friendships, experiences and knowledge I have gained will remain with me forever. I have been involved for over 17 years and that will certainly not end with this change.” “I look forward to being a volunteer for many years to come,” Case continued. “My sincere congratulations and thank you goes out to the Bradford area for supporting the United Way for over 85 years. A huge thank you goes to all the people I have worked with, the agenc...

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...

The United Way of the Bradford Area held its first Spring Arts Gala Thursday at The Lodge at Glendorn. The event was sold out three weeks prior and raised over $8,000. “We were astounded with the responses we received from our local community,” says Executive Director, Kelly Z. Case. “We had a great turnout of artists and attendees and know everyone is looking forward to next year.” The gala featured items from local artisans and craftsmen. The scope of talent was immense. The United Way was pleased to be able to auction several paintings, wood pieces, and pieces made of ceramic, glass, floral arrangements, and hand stitched creations. “There were a total of 28 auction packages,” says Community Relations and Marketing Specialist, Megan Minich. “When we were in the planning process our goal was to secure 15 auction items. We were so appreciative to receive 28 items.” “We could not have accomplished such a successful event without the support of our volunteers and the local comm...

With only a couple of loose ends to tie up, the United Way of the Bradford Area is at 90% of its $325,000 goal, and the local staff remains very optimistic that they will soon close out the 2010 campaign at 100%. “Last year at this time, the appeal was at 83%,” says Megan R. Mangini, Community Relations & Marketing Specialist. “As it stands right now, there are a couple of outstanding accounts that are annual contributors, but we are reaching out to new community contributors to help us raise the last $32,000.” The United Way is extremely pleased to say they have realized over 50 new donors during the 2010 campaign. “I can honestly say that gratitude is truly a gift. No one has to donate, they choose to,” says campaign co-chair Mary Ann Quinn. “We greatly appreciate the hard-earned dollars that this community chooses to contribute.” The campaign appeal process ended yesterday, however the United Way accepts pledges for the 2010 campaign until January 5, 2011. “If the campaign falls...

With only 9 days left the United Way needs your help. “We are currently at 70% of our $325,000 goal” and “it’s the best news I’ve heard in a long time”, says Megan Mangini, Community Relations and Marketing Specialist. The 2010 campaign, “A Lifetime of Gratitude”, officially closes on December 15th, but the organization’s staff will continue to accept donations until January 5, 2011. “We started off the campaign with a wonderful pacesetting drive – but things tend to slow down after employee presentations are conducted and pledges have been received,” says Kelly Case, Executive Director. ”We shift into overdrive in December and rely heavily on community members to help close our campaign and reach goal.” As always, the United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc. is stressing to the entire community the policy and practice of keeping 100% of the donations local. The mission of the UWBA is and always has been to raise and distribute funds locally in the Bradford community. “That belief is the ...

Local parents, child care providers, and educators now have a consolidated venue to turn to for information on child development, parenting, and issues specific to children with delays and disabilities with the unveiling of the Parent Resource Center at the Bradford Area Public Library. CARE for Children initially developed a collection of materials following a Children First Priority One grant that the agency received from the Kiwanis Club of Bradford in 2001. The number of resources has grown considerably over the years, with continued funding from the Kiwanis Club and the United Way of Bradford. Donations of books were also received by the March of Dimes, the Bradford Area School District and local individuals. “CARE had all these great resources for parents but they were underutilized,” stated Tina Martin, Executive Director. “We decided to collaborate with the library, and Director Linda Newman graciously set aside a prominent space next to the circulation desk to house the col...

The United Way of the Bradford Area has made great gains in recent days, announcing today that the organization has to date raised 51% of its $325,000 goal. “We couldn’t be more excited about this,” says Executive Director Kelly Case. “We knew we had received a substantial amount of pledges in, but were honestly shocked to be able to make such a leap. We still have a lot of work to do with only 22 days remaining. We need the entire community to embrace our mission and help us reach the necessary $325,000.” “It’s always inspirational to see the generosity in this community during the United Way campaign,” says Megan Mangini, Community Relations and Marketing Specialist. “We still have a long way to go; $158,300 is a large amount to raise in less than a month. The United Way needs the support of the community to realize their goal. Each and every community member makes a difference and we cannot express our gratitude enough for all that everyone does. The organization is continuing this ...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, along with two of its student groups, is working with the United Way of the Bradford Area to gather food next month for area food banks. The food drive, which is being organized by Pitt-Bradford’s Students in Free Enterprise, will gather non-perishable items from Nov. 1 through 19. Items will be split between the Bradford YWCA food pantry, the Bradford Salvation Army food pantry and The Friendship Table, which provides evening meals for those who are hungry. On campus, the Student Nurse Organization will be collecting at several sites: Frame-Westerberg Commons, Hanley Library, Fisher Hall, Swarts Hall, Blaisdell Hall and the Sport and Fitness Center. Off-campus drop points for individuals or organizations to make donations are Bradford branches of Northwest Savings Bank and the lobby of Pitt-Bradford’s Seneca Building on Marilyn Horne Way downtown. Non-perishable food and hygiene items are welcome...

The United Way of the Bradford Area has completed the first steps of campaign 2010, announcing the campaign chairs, Scott and MaryAnn Quinn, and conducting the 2010 Speakers Bureau Training. The Speakers Bureau Training was held on Tuesday, July 20 at Fretz Middle School. The United Way campaign speakers are representatives from CARE for Children, McKean County Family Center, Bradford Ecumenical Home, Futures, CNB, YWCA, Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services and Red Cross to just name a few. “A successful annual campaign is the key to a successful United Way,” said Executive Director Kelly Case. “We depend heavily on our volunteer speakers bureau; without them we would not be this successful at conveying our message.” During the training session, the individuals received a booklet of information detailing the history of the United Way, agencies the United Way currently provides for, and tips and tricks to be successful speakers. “Although we provided the speakers with tips and tricks, the ...

Scott and MaryAnn Quinn gained insight into their new roles as chairs of the 2010 campaign during a training session held Tuesday. Executive Director Kelly Case and Community Relations & Marketing Specialist Megan Mangini provided information regarding responsibilities and time lines for the coming appeal, noting that the effort will be one that is supported heavily by the United Way staff and Board of Directors. "The Quinns are veterans when it comes to the United Way," says Case. "They have been involved with the Untied Way for more than 15 year." MaryAnn has been a board member, campaign division chair, & 2008 Red feather recipient. Both Scott & MaryAnn have been volunteers in every sense of the definition. "We're proud and honored to take on the role of chairpersons," says Scott Quinn. "This campaign has such a rewarding goal." For their part, the dedicated campaign volunteers are looking forward to the task at hand and taking...