Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Barbara Abbey was one of the many lovely ladies who got into the Derby spirit by donning a hat during Saturday's Derby Gala at the Pennhills Club. Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ron Orris took bids by phone on a Zippo lighter package made especially for the Derby Gala. Ron's phone friend, from Pueblo, Colorado, won the set for $3,500. Ryan Race deals cards to Fran Runyon (green hat) and Emily Zinsner during the Casino Night part of the Derby Gala as Bill Runyon looks over his wife's shoulder. Kristin Asinger and Candy Graham take part in the annual hat parade. Asinger won a prize for most creative hat. Hat parade judge Zach Ruth calls one of the finalists over so people can get another look at her hat. 160 people attended the event, which raises money for the Bradford Area Public Library's Endowment Fund. This is the biggest crowd that's ever attended. The event also included an auction of a variety of items including a package from Janet's...

A performance by Dueling Pianos International and a block party will highlight the annual Alumni and Family Weekend on Sept. 30 through Oct. 2 at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. Events are open to the public. The weekend begins with free “Classes Without Quizzes” offered during the day on Friday, Sept. 30. Dr. Warren Fass, associate professor of psychology, will teach “Human Learning” from 10 to 10:50 a.m. in 161 Swarts Hall. Dr. Helene Lawson, professor of sociology, will teach “Sociology of Gender” from 3 to 3:50 p.m. in 107 Swarts. At 4:30 p.m. Friday, a career networking reception will take place in the Mukaiyama University Room. Speakers will be Jeanine Vento ’10, agent broker for Patrick A. Reilly Insurance Co.; Dr. Tim O’Brien ’77-’78, ophthalmologist and managing partner for Seneca Eye Surgeons; Rachel Thayer ’10, events coordinator and executive assistant for Serena Group; and Chris Luke ’94, senior vice president and director of marketing for PNC investments. Reserv...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Alumni Association will honor Dr. Shailendra Gajanan with its Teaching Excellence Award and Ryan Race ’07 as its Distinguished Volunteer as part of Alumni and Family Weekend. Gajanan was nominated by Danielle Graves ’00, who was an economics minor at Pitt-Bradford, in large part due to Gajanan’s teachings. “Economics can be a rather uninteresting subject for some,” she wrote in her nomination. “While attending classes with Dr. Gajanan, however, I never felt that he lost anyone’s attention. He used humor and really taught the subject on a level that related to all of the students, such as using examples with beer and pretzels.” Mark Byrne ’98 also nominated Gajanan. “As a former student, I can say, without hesitation, that Dr. Gajanan played a major role in my development at Pitt-Bradford. His intellect, subtle wit and keen sense of how to connect with students furthered my educational experience at...

Ryan Race, a member of the Willow Creek Triathlon committee, and Kelly Platko from Roseart Co. in Bradford, look over one of the Zippo Manufacturing Co. lighters that were produced for the triathlon, which will be held on Saturday. The numbered, limited edition lighter will be available for purchase at the triathlon. Roseart donates the proceeds from the lighter sales to the triathlon. Only 50 lighters were produced; # 50 of the series will be raffled off at the event. The triathlon benefits the Disabled American Veterans of McKean and Warren counties. Those interested may still register for the triathlon via the website - willowcreektriathlon.org - or at the day of the event. The triathlon starts at 9:30 a.m. with a swim at Quaker Lake in Allegany State Park, N.Y., and continues with a bicycle ride to the Corydon Hotel on Route 346 in Bradford and ends after a run to the Willows Restaurant. Photo provided by Sandra Rhodes