Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

I just finished an interview with my friend, author Ann McCauley, about her brand new book, "Pressure Cooker Christmas." (It is not cookbook.) It's been getting great reviews, and I'm so happy for her! She's doing a book signing Friday at On the Side Books on Kennedy Street, and then another December 9 at the Main Street Mercantile. You can hear the interview here: http://wesb.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/LiveLine-11-30-17-Author-Ann-McCauley-on-Pressure-Cooker-Christmas-not-a-cookbook.mp3

FINALLY: The interviews are finally uploaded! You can listen here . UPDATE: Spoke too soon on that. No one is more frustrated than I am. Believe me. (See what I did there?) We've been having problems with our website all summer and I have been able to upload interviews sporadically at best. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, however. I was able to upload the show featuring Linda Fairstein and Ace Atkins, but the page it's on -- http://wesb.com/liveline-ondemand -- won't load. Baby steps, I suppose. Baby steps. Other interviews coming up include T. Jefferson Parker, Katherine Nouri Hughes, Augustus Rose. Stay tuned!

Imagine Jackie Kennedy before she married Jack. Pretty, sophisticated with her own interests and career goals. Then she gets caught up in the Kennedy mystique and gives up everything to live the Camelot dream. Add some dirty little secrets, a wild sister and a brief but intense affair with a cousin. Sound like delicious fun? You bet it is. Replace Jackie with Tiny Schuyler Hardcastle and you've got "Tiny Little Thing," the latest must-read-this-summer novel by Beatriz Williams. Not that this is a veiled biography of Jackie Kennedy. This just gives you an idea of the era, and the kind of people who are in the book. Williams makes you root for Tiny as she comes into her own and realizes she may not want to be part of the Hardcastle dream after all. The chapters go back and forth from 1964 (pre-marriage) to "present day" 1966, when Tiny's husband Frank is running for Congress. We were briefly introduced to Tiny in last summer's "The Secret Life of...

I don't think it would be possible for me to like "Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands" more than I do. A reactor at a nuclear power plant in Vermont has exploded, killing Bill and Mira Shepherd, leaving their teenage daughter Emily an orphan. What's worse is that the townspeople -- and eventually everyone else -- are blaming Bill for the catastrophe. It doesn't take long for Emily to decide she can't let people know who she is because she would be a pariah-by-association. She becomes a street kid, with everything you would imagine that entails. At one point she meets a 9-year-old homeless boy and becomes somewhat of a surrogate mother to him. The rest of the story deals with how Emily decides to get on with her life, and I don't want to give any of that away. I should also add that this book is so compelling that I read it in one day. You can listen to my talk with Chris Bohjalian here . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Thank you, Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce for including me in the newsletter (and Don Fredeen for letting them know.). The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The Friends of Hanley Library at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford will present its 22nd annual “Season’s Readings” on WESB’s LiveLine program next week. The show, which can be heard at 1490 AM, will be broadcast at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Following up on his reading two years ago of the first half of Truman Capote’s short story, “A Christmas Memory,” Dr. Donald Ulin will read the conclusion of the story, in which the narrator, Buddy, is enrolled in military school. This poignant and evocative short story is based on Capote’s autobiographical recollection of his last Christmas spent with an elderly woman who was his distant cousin and best friend. The narrative, as told through the eyes of a 7-year-old boy, touches on friendship, family, loneliness and loss. The annual radio readings on WESB began with the late Dr. Robert C. Laing, Jr., professor emeritus at Pitt-Bradford. Since 2001, Dr. Donald Ulin, associate professor of English, has carried on this treasured B...

You can find a list of trick-or-treating times and other Halloween activities on our community calendar at http://www.wesb.com/news/comcal/ . You can also listen to some safety tips for your pets by going to WESB.com/listen , clicking on the "Local Programs" tab and scrolling down to today's LiveLine and "Halloween and Your Pets." The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s student literary magazine, Baily’s Beads, and the Bradford YWCA are sponsoring a poetry contest to spotlight Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The contest is open to students, faculty, staff and community members. Those wishing to participate may sign up Oct. 28 in the Harriett B. Wick Chapel on campus at 6 p.m., at which time a reading of the poems will take place. Contestants may also pre-register by calling the YWCA at 368-4235, ext. 116. Former members of the writing faculty at Pitt-Bradford will serve as judges, and prizes will be awarded for first, second and third. Poems should deal with domestic violence themes. For disability needs related to the event, contact the Pitt-Bradford Office of Disability Services at 814-362-7609 or clh71@pitt.edu. To hear more about the poetry contest you can listen to today's LiveLine or last Tuesday's (10/14) by going to WESB.com/listen and clicking on th...

The annual Crook Farm Country Fair is being held Saturday and Sunday at the historic Crook Farm on Seaward Avenue. 100.1 The Hero's Igor will be broadcasting live at Crook Farm from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Organizers are bringing back the popular Sunday breakfast this year. It will start at 9:30 a.m. Only 100 tickets are available. You can buy them at the Bradford Landmark Society, Tin Ceiling Gift Shoppe or Ott & McHenry Pharmacy. To hear more about the Crook Farm Country Fair listen to today's LiveLine: http://www.wesb.com/listen/ . Click on the "Local Programs" tab and then scroll down to today's date (8-19-14). The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

The final “Lunch in the Square” of the season will be held on Wednesday, August 13 at Veterans’ Square from 11:30 until 1 pm. Entertainment will be provided by local favorite band “Clean Slate”. Participating restaurants include, The Aud Restaurant, Chu Lee Gardens, John Williams European Pastry Shop, Montes, Kabob’s at the Option, Gabriel’s Bistro, Dairy Queen and Dawg Gone It. Items available will include a salad bar (with homemade dressings), chicken curry, chicken souvlaki, croissant sandwiches, Chinese, beef on weck, meatballs, hot dogs and Philly cheesesteak sandwiches and ice cream sundaes. “This event is always a summer favorite for our community and this is the final one,” said Main Street Manager, Anita Dolan. “Area restaurants have been very supportive of this program. It is a nice way for restaurants to reach new customers and attendees can enjoy the break in the work week, sample some great food, and enjoy the entertainment!” Dolan added. Additionally, WESB/WB...

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Former WESB News Director/Program Director Bill Winn has passed away. He was 94. After serving as an intelligence specialist in the 44th Troop Carrier Squadron of the Army Air Force, where he attained the rank of staff sergeant, he worked at radio stations in Williamsport, Batavia, Indiana and Hawaii, before coming to Bradford and WESB. He retired at age 64, and then volunteered for the American Red Cross for 17 years. Mr. Winn is survived by his wife, Anna, and a son, David, by his first wife, Shirley, who preceded him in death. He is also survived by family and friends in the Bradford, Rochester and Williamsport areas. This picture was taken in the WESB newsroom on July 5 by current news director Anne Holliday. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

We had a very special visitor at our studios today: Former news director/program director (and a whole lot more) Bill Winn. And, yes, I figured as long as I had him here I'd put him to work ;) The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Think you know how and why the Statue of Liberty made it to her current home. You might want to think again. Elizabeth's Mitchell's book "Liberty's Torch: The Great Adventure to Build the Statue of Liberty" takes you from the black waters of the Nile, to the revolution-torn boulevards of Paris, to the muddy streets of New York, while telling the story of an artist, entrepreneur, and inventor who fought against all odds to create one of the greatest wonders of the modern world. You can listen to Anne Holliday's conversation with Elizabeth Mitchell by going to http://www.wesb.com/listen/ , clicking on the "Local Programs" tab and scrolling to #120. Then you can astound your friends and family with all of your Statue of Liberty trivia. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Elk County has been approved for a federal Small Business Administration loan to help people rebuild after the May 21 flooding wreaked havoc on the area. State Rep. Matt Gabler says Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson gave him the word about the disaster declaration. County officials are still waiting for word form FEMA about more assistance. Jason Bange of the American Red Cross has been spending time in Ridgway helping people put their lives back together. On today's LiveLine he talked about one business that lent a helping hand – and more – to Ridgway residents. Listen here . (12 seconds) You can listen to the entire show by going to WESB.com/listen and clicking on the Local Programs tab. If you’d like to help the Red Cross – there’s a delicious way you can do it. By Tuesday, contact the chapter house on Congress and order a strawberry shortcake for 5 bucks. All proceeds go to help pay for services the Red Cross provides.

It's not very often that a reporter from Bradford, PA, gets a chance to interview the wife of a former vice president of the United States, so I was thrilled and honored to speak with Lynne Cheney earlier this week about her new biography of the fourth president of the US. You can listen to our conversation by going to WESB.com/listen , clicking on the "Local Programs" tab, and scrolling down to today's date (05-15-14).

Eliminating property tax has been an issue in Harrisburg for years. Tomorrow, the Senate Finance Committee will be holding a hearing on a bill that would do that. Senator Joe Scarnati says the big issue in eliminating property tax is where to get money for school districts if that revenue stream is dried up. He says the Senate will probably move some kind of bill, but he’s not sure what the final product will look like yet. To hear what Scarnati has to say on this issue and others go to http://www.wesb.com/listen/ , click on the "Local Programs" tab and scroll down to #11. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

A book chronicling the rich 50-year history of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has been published, and current president Dr. Livingston Alexander and former president Dr. Richard E. McDowell will autograph copies at a book signing next week on campus. The book-signing event, being held to mark the release of the book, “A History of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford,” will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, April 25, in the Frame-Westerberg Commons. The event will begin with brief remarks by Alexander and McDowell in the Commons’ first-floor lobby. Following the remarks, Alexander and McDowell will move to the Panther Shop, where they will sign books. The book is currently available for pre-order at the Panther Shop’s online store at http://thepanthershop.com . Anyone pre-ordering the book will receive a 10 percent discount. Books also will be available for purchase beginning April 25 at the Panther Shop. The book signing, which is b...

Mary Elizabeth (Tootie) Smith, 97, formerly of 1454 South Avenue, Lewis Run, passed away Monday, April 7, 2014 at the residence of her daughter. Born March 19, 1917, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Norman and Madeline (Kearney) Foster. On August 22, 1940 in Olean, NY, she married Galen A. Smith, who passed away May 24, 2010. Mrs. Smith had worked as a recepitionist and secretary for various doctor's offices in the late 30's and 40's. She had been employed by the United States Bureau of Census, doing monthly labor surveys. She had also worked at WESB as a hostess for the program entitled "What's Cooking" from 1961-1966. From 1967 to 1971, she was a travel agent for Emery Travel Service and Trailway's Bus Line. Mrs. Smith attended Evans Memorial United Methodist Church in Lewis Run all of her life. She held a variety of positions to serve her church and the local district of Methodist Churches. Serving in her life's passio...

He talked about a number of issues including the local community college initiative, game commission concerns -- including deer management -- Payment in Lieu of Taxes, and more. Listen here . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947