Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

With just less than one month to go in the United Way of the Bradford Area’s 2014 Be a Champion campaign, officials announced the drive has surpassed 95 percent of its $345,000 goal. While the campaign’s home stretch coincides with an already busy holiday season, 2014 co-chairpersons Lisa Minich and Jeannine Schoenecker are confident the Bradford area’s generous residents won’t forget their neighbors in need. Minich said, “The United Way has been connecting community resources with the needs of individuals since 1925. Together we can ensure that the services provided by our member agencies continue to be available for our friends, families and neighbors who need it most.” Executive Director Mandi Wilton Davis explained UWBA has already received applications from three new agencies and requests for increased funding from three existing agencies. “We set an ambitious goal for 2014, but, year over year, appeals always exceed funding,” Wilton Davis stated. “This year requests just t...

Northwest Savings Bank recently gave $7,500 to the United Way of the Bradford Area. The donation will be added to the United Way’s funds, which are distributed to local community organizations for the purpose of community building and enhancing the quality of life in the greater Bradford area. Twenty-nine agencies and 51 programs and services receive funding from the organization’s annual appeal, which runs from August 15 through December 15. This year’s goal is to raise $345,000. In presenting the donation, Steve Cottillion, manager of the Bradford West Washington Street Office of Northwest Savings Bank and member of the Board of Directors of the United Way of the Bradford Area, said, “We (Northwest) recognize the importance of supporting the United Way because it helps to build a stronger community. It’s a great way to support our town and give back because everyone in the Bradford area has benefited in some way from United Way funds. We’re honored to be able to support the...

The 2014 United Way campaign begins today, and officials are approaching this appeal aggressively, beginning with a goal of $345,000. “We’ve increased the goal this year to accommodate the increase in requests from the local agencies to meet the needs of our community,” said Executive Director Mandi Wilton Davis. “We are currently funding the highest number of agencies and programs we’ve ever done with 29 and 51, respectively. “We’re very confident that this is an attainable goal – although a lot of effort and commitment will be put into it – and we’re looking forward to celebrating with the community at the end of the year,” said Davis. This year’s promotional theme – “Be A Champion” – is a call to action for donors, but also a fitting tie for the campaign co-chairs, Lisa Minich and Jeannine Schoenecker, who say it (theme) represents their personal passion for giving back to a community they’re proud to call home. “Our hope this year is to not only reach the monetary goal, but to...

The United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc. is pleased to announce the hiring of Sonja Bacha as Administrative Assistant. Sonja began her position at the office on Monday. “I am proud to welcome Sonja to our office,” said Executive Director Mandi Wilton Davis. “I know she has a strong passion for our local community, having grown up here and raising her family here, and I feel this is the perfect fit for both sides. “She’s already presented a great deal of knowledge and enthusiasm, and we’re excited to get Campaign 2014 off and running!” In the newly-created position, Bacha will be responsible for helping to maintain the business and financial affairs of the office, as well as preparations for the annual campaign and fundraising efforts. She was previously the Office Manager for SuperUser Technologies in Bradford. Sonja lives in Bradford with her husband, Barry, and children Erika and Andrew. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

4-year old Jimmy Otto shows off the rainbow fish he created Wednesday during the United Way's monthly First Chapter program at the Bradford Area Public Library. 18 kids heard the story "The Rainbow Fish" by Marcus Pfister, and the lesson centered around sharing, friendship and making their own fish. Jimmy is the son of Bill and Kim Otto of Bradford. United Way photo The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

City Parks Director Chip Comilla (center) cuts the ribbon on the Born Learning Trail, installed by volunteers for the United Way of the Bradford Area. The signs along the trail at Callahan Park direct young children and their parents through a variety of activities, including hopscotch, making up songs & stories and looking for wildlife. Comilla says the trail is a great addition to the park. Also pictured are, board members Debbie Curtin and Steve Williams and UWBA Executive Director Mandi Wilton Davis. The project was funded by American Refining Group, the Blaisdell Foundation and the United Way, with several businesses providing in-kind contributions. About two dozen volunteers helped install the trail on Saturday. Davis said Comilla, Mayor Tom Riel and Bradford City Council members have been supporting the project since she first approached them with it. The trail starts at the Bradford High-area entrance to the park, loops around the splash pad, goes past the basketball co...

(News Release) The staff and Board of Directors of the United Way of the Bradford Area have a great deal to be thankful for this year, especially the current successes of the 2013 campaign, “Life Is Good When You’re UNITED,” which is at 65 percent of goal. “I had set a personal goal of being at 50 percent by Thanksgiving,” said Executive Director Mandi Wilton Davis. “I knew that it was attainable, and I’m so grateful to everyone whose annual contributions are being accounted for in this update. Thanks for Giving!” Davis cautions the community that, although they are pleased with the progress thus far, there is still a ways to go to achieve the $330,000 goal. “We have to stress that we still are going to rely heavily on our community at-large to get us through the next few week,” said Davis. “We have just a couple more workplace presentations to do, then it will be following up with outstanding donors. “Next week, I will be notifying the agencies who have applied for funding w...

Destinations-Bradford Holding Blanket Giveaway Winter is here and so is the cold weather. Destinations-Bradford, in an effort to help with issues of the poor and marginalized, is holding a blanket giveaway Saturday, November 16 from noon to 4 pm at the Destinations-Bradford, Community Outreach Center, 1 Main Street. The program is provided in part by the Bradford Area Ministerium, Phi Beta Chi at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and the Salvation Army. Various sized blankets are available in limited supply. Hot beverages and cookies are available. This program is offered along with the general outreach through Community Care program. Walk-ins are welcome and reservations for blankets accepted at Destinations. Reserve thru Friday by calling Destinations-Bradford, (814) 331-4551. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc. announced today that the organization has reached 100% of its $330,000 goal. The local staff, campaign volunteers and board of directors are extremely grateful to the Bradford community. “We are so excited to have reached goal right before Christmas. Local community members, businesses, and corporations showed the true meaning of generosity during this campaign, stepping up to increase their pledges. This is a fantastic gift to the Bradford community and its agencies that rely on United Way funding,” says Cara Costik, Community Relations Specialist. Campaign goal was reached by a record date this year, although any donations received by January 5, 2012 will also count towards this year’s campaign. An announcement detailing the total amount raised will be available in early January for both the Bradford and Smethport campaigns. For questions regarding 2012-2013 Campaign: LIVE UNITED or to make a financial donation, please contact the ...

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...

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 pink pig on the window of the United Way office on Main Street has a name. Campaign co-chairman MaryAnn Quinn made the announcement on today’s LiveLine. And the name is: Spamela Anderson. Nancy Tingley submitted the winning name in the annual name-the-pig contest that precedes the Pig Roast and Clam Bake, which is being held Thursday at the West Branch Community Club. For more information, you can go to http://uwbanews.org

Aside from honoring this year's Red Feather recipients, the United Way of the Bradford Area also introduced its new executive director this morning.Board president Dan Manion made the announcement that longtime United Way volunteer, and former Red Feather recipient Kelly Case will take over on June 1. Current executive director Kris Luther announced her resignation earlier this year. Bob and Mary Galey, and the associates of the Bradford Tops Market received Red Feather awards during this morning's breakfast. United Way to Go awards were presented to Jerry Johnson Jr. and, well, me. Pictured, former United Way board president Bob Marasco accepts the Red Feather Award on behalf of his stepfather and mother, Bob and Mary Galey, while Kelly Case looks on. In the photo provided by the United Way of the Bradford Area (L-R) are Joy Brocious (Tops), Michele Gangloff (Tops), Mandi Davis (United Way), Bob Marasco (Galey family), Mike Kearns (Tops) and Mark Davis (Tops).

Governor Ed Rendell has announced a new panel to oversee use of federal stimulus money in Pennsylvania. Rendell says creation of the Pennsylvania Stimulus Oversight Commission is intended to ensure that stimulus money is spent "wisely, transparently and in a manner that assures accountability." The panel will include members of all four legislative caucuses, the congressional delegation, representatives of the AFL-CIO, United Way and Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry. On Tuesday, Rendell will announce the state's chief accountability officer for federal stimulus funds, then the panel will hold its first meeting in Harrisburg. Senate and House Republicans had planned to introduce resolutions calling for oversight of the stimulus money. Previously, Rendell had said that wouldn't be necessary because the federal government, not the state, has discretion over how the money is spent.

The United Way of the Bradford Area has announced its Red Feather Award recipients for this year. United Way Assistant Director Mandi Wilton Davis says Bob and Mary Galey, who were co-chairs of last year's campaign "went at it full steam ahead." Both have been involved with the United Way for many years, and have passed their feeling of commitment to the United Way on to their families. Tops Markets is also a Red Feather recipient for going "above and beyond" during the past few years. For the past several years, 100 percent of Tops' employees have contributed to the annual appeal. The date hasn't been set yet for the Red Feather breakfast, but we'll let you know when it is.

Although continuing to make strides and coming closer to the $375,000 goal, representatives with the United Way of the Bradford Area are asking the local community for continued support. “We are at 76% of the monetary goal as of right now,” says Assistant Director Mandi Wilton Davis, “but there are still quite a few outstanding pledges we are hoping to include in a final total.” In an effort to relay the importance of the annual campaign and the agencies and programs which stand to benefit from it, Davis tells a story of a local boy in need of food. “I came across this young man at the YWCA Food Pantry this summer, and was drawn to him immediately because of his age – I’d say he was five or six years old. “At one point I glanced at him and noticed he was crying. I heard him turn to the woman with whom he was standing and say that they were too far back in the line and he was afraid they weren’t going to be able to get their food baskets.” The YWCA Food Pantry is just one of sever...

Governor Edward G. Rendell today named George E. Cornelius, the immediate past president and chief executive officer of Arkema Inc., as secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development. In his nearly 13 years with Arkema—the last four of which he held the top executive position—Cornelius led the company to double-digit growth in earnings, increased margins, and tens of millions of dollars in cost savings. “When George took the helm of Arkema, he applied a strong focus on outcomes and turned the chemical company into a competitive player in the Americas,” said the Governor. “George’s experience and track record as a CEO is stellar. While the improved financial condition of the company is evidence of George’s talent, he understood that in order for the bottom line to grow, the company had to function better at all levels. “George is also one of those great CEO’s who takes seriously his responsibility to be a civic leader. He was an active member of United Way of Southea...

The United Way of the Bradford Area has reached 60% of its 2008 campaign goal of $375,000. “This wonderful achievement illustrates the commitment of the Bradford community to care for others,” states Kristen Tate Luther, Executive Director. “The capacity to care for one another is the key concept the founding fathers of the Community Chest were aiming to accomplish back in 1925 and the same level of caring exists within our community today.” Monies raised from the annual appeal are allocated locally to health and human service agencies in Bradford. The 2008 funding cycle benefited 28 programs and 17 local agencies. “We work diligently to ensure donors their contributions DO stay locally, but many misconceptions regarding who is funded and where the monies go oftentimes prevent residents from contributing. The United Way of the Bradford Area operates on the ‘abundance philosophy’ where resources are utilized to their full potential so we can achieve the common good. Other United W...

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director When you think about people being hungry and homeless, you might not think about Bradford. But YWCA Executive Director Amy Pierce says both are problems here. "Our homeless shelter is currently operating at full capacity with a waiting list of about 14 people," Pierce said on Monday's LiveLine on WESB. "As soon as someone finds a place, (the shelter) fills right back up." As for the food pantry, she says, "We had a record week right before Thanksgiving," serving 70 families in two hours. But the problem didn't start with the onset of the holiday season. Mandi Wilton Davis, executive assistant with The United Way of the Bradford Area, says that back in August she saw a 5- or 6-year-old boy standing in the food pantry line. Davis, who has a son that age, says she was struck hard when thinking "someone that small is standing in line at the food pantry." She says she noticed that the boy was crying and...

The students at School Street Elementary concluded their Halloween festivities Friday with a pie-eating contest and a sense of pride and satisfaction from giving back to their community. For the second year, the fifth-graders brought in donations for a read-a-thon, and the entire student body voted in a “favorite baby picture” contest which featured all of the staff. All of the donations benefited three local organizations of the student service league’s choice, with the United Way receiving more than $1,000. “What an absolutely wonderful way to conclude the week,” says Mandi Wilton Davis, Assistant Director. “The pie-eating contest featured Principal Sarah Tingley, the three teachers who won the photo contest, as well as a student drawn at random, and it was a blast!” Although no person was chosen as winner of the pie-eating contest, fifth-grade teacher Keri Baldwin emphasized that the student body, as well as the organizations which received the donations, were the true winners...