August 2025

BRADFORD, Pa. — The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has planned a year of family-friendly arts programming highlighted by an illusionist, music and “The Nutcracker.”

All performances will be held in the Bromeley Family Theater in Blaisdell Hall on the Pitt-Bradford campus. Tickets for mainstage events are $20 for the public and are $5-$10 for all students (preK-college). The full schedule and ticketing information can be found at www.upb.pitt.edu/theARTS.

The season opens at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 with “Magic Rocks,” featuring internationally known illusionist Leon Etienne. Etienne, who has wowed audiences on “America’s Got Talent,” “Penn & Teller: Fool Us,” and “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” brings a high-energy mix of grand illusions, sleight of hand and rock music to the stage. The show is a fast-paced, fun and interactive experience for kids, teens and adults alike.

At 3 p.m. on Dec. 7, Pitt-Bradford welcomes back New York Theatre Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker Ballet,” a one-hour, family-friendly reimagining of the holiday classic.

The Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation is now accepting grant applications for the Wagner Family Library Fund.

The Wagner Family Library Fund, which made its first grant awards in 2023, is open to applications from libraries in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties.

Grants will be made to support educational programming and new activities for youth and adults. Grants will typically range between $100 and $200 and are not intended to fund ongoing, annual needs.

Mitch Gruver, owner of Papa’s Patties, was presented with the Matthew E. Baker Community Servant Award Tuesday by Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford).

Gruver was honored for his quick action to provide food to people devastated by flooding in the wake of Hurricane Debby.

“On what was one of the worst days for our community, we also saw the best from so many people who wanted to do whatever they could to help their neighbors in need,” Owlett said. “Mitch and his food truck crew were having a busy week at the Tioga County Fair when the flooding hit, but they didn’t hesitate to pack up and head over to the valley with 200 pounds of burgers and a whole lot of heart for the people who lost so much.”

Gruver and his team worked tirelessly, preparing and serving thousands of meals to the community. The time, skills and food he provided truly made a difference, not only by feeding those who were hungry but also by showing them compassion. He credited the many businesses and individuals who readily donated food and supplies he needed to continue serving others.

“I’m proud to be part of a community that pulled together during this time, but also proud to be a business owner and in a position to help others,” Gruver said. “I encourage all of us to see the need around us and don’t be afraid to step in to help.”

“The first step to leadership is servanthood. Mitch helped unite our community to address the needs of those who lost so much,” Owlett added. “We are grateful for Mitch’s leadership and for all those who came together to serve our community.”

The Matthew E. Baker Community Servant Award was created by Owlett and is presented annually in honor of his predecessor, former Rep. Matt Baker, who served in the state House from 1992-2018.

Five Cattaraugus-Little Valley graduates were recently awarded scholarships through funds managed by the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation.

Bailey Cannon, Hannah Dorman and Zoe Whitmore received the May C. Carroll Scholarship for $1,000.

The May C. Carroll Scholarship is given to a graduating senior of the Cattaraugus-Little Valley School District. Recipients must demonstrate academic promise and be active in extracurricular activities and community service. The scholarship was established at CRCF through the May C. Carroll Trust.

For Kathy Torrey of Austin, Pa., horseback riding has been a lifelong passion. At 74, she still rides for hours through the scenic trails of north central Pennsylvania with friends. But in early 2024, a troubling numbness in her legs began to interfere with her ability to walk—let alone ride.

“It was constant,” Kathy says. “There was no relief, no matter what I did.”

Encouraged by friends, Kathy visited her primary care provider and was referred to Weizhen Wang, M.D., a neurologist at UPMC Neurological Institute in Williamsport. Dr. Wang ordered an MRI, which revealed a tumor compressing Kathy’s thoracic spine.

“Dr. Wang was extremely kind,” Kathy says. “She explained everything and got the ball rolling.”

To reduce travel before surgery, Kathy underwent a full-body MRI closer to home at UPMC Cole in Coudersport. The experience was unexpectedly comforting—she listened to music during the scan, and the final song reminded her of her late mother. “It was like a sign,” she says. “I knew everything was going to be OK.”

Kathy was quickly referred to the neurosurgery team at UPMC, where Holly Shadle, C.R.N.P., helped fast-track her for surgery. On July 29, 2024, Fadi Sweiss, M.D., neurosurgeon, performed a laminectomy at UPMC Williamsport to remove the tumor and relieve pressure on her spinal cord.

“Dr. Sweiss was so kind and gentle,” Kathy says. “It was evident he knew what he was doing.”

After four days in the hospital and a careful recovery at home with help from family and friends, Kathy was back on her feet—and back in the saddle by fall.

“I have absolutely no tingling in my legs,” she says. “It was just amazing.”

Today, Kathy rides several times a week and continues to care for her three horses. In May 2025, she joined friends for a multi-day trip to Benezette, riding four hours a day, over multiple days.

“I was sore, but after a hot shower, I felt great,” she says. “It’s just a matter of getting the muscles and my stamina back.”

Grateful for her care team and the support of her friends, Kathy says, “It was meant to be. I was exactly where I needed to be.”

Galeton Police National Night Out – Galeton held its first Police Night Out on August 5, 2025 at the John J. Collins Park.  What is National Night Out?  It’s a nationwide event that brings police, first responders, and community members together to build strong relationships and promote safer neighborhoods. When we know each other, we work better together – and that makes our community stronger and safer. 

Photo On The Left Is PA State Representative Martin Causer, Galeton Police Chief Joe Cimino, Jr. and PA State Trooper Maze.

Photo On The Right Is the PA State Police helicopter which came to the event from Franklin, PA.  This is one of six helicopters in their fleet which also includes two airplanes.  In the photo are the pilots of the unit, Trooper Ed Kiser and Trooper Don Watters.  We want to thank them for taking the time to visit Galeton for this event.   

Photos by Andy Lychalk, Jr.

Come join the fun at our 8th annual Back to School Block Party on August 9th from 11-3. We’ll have FREE bounce houses, inflatable slides, cotton candy, popcorn, and soooo much more

Professor Orin James instructs a participant on his dissection during a past Dissection Mini-Camp event at the Barbara Moscato Brown Library in Emporium. Registration is now open for this year’s Mini-Camp scheduled for August 12, & Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 1-2:30 PM. This free program is open to all area youth ages 12-18.

Teens explore dissecting an eyeball at a past Dissection Mini-Camp event at the Barbara Moscato Brown Library in Emporium. Registration is now open for this year’s Mini-Camp scheduled for August 12, & Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 1-2:30 PM. This free program is open to all area youth ages 12-18.

The Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library is excited to bring back our popular Dissection Mini-Camp, with Pitt-Bradford Professor, Orin James on August 12, & Thursday, August 14, 2025^, both from 1-2:30 PM. This program, open to youth ages 12-18, is a very special REAL DISSECTION program where you will get the chance to dissect a brain and an eyeball. 

You MUST register for each program session separately! The Library will cover the cost of this special program for anyone who wants to attend.

Space is limited so register now by calling 814-486-8011, or in-person at the Barbara Moscato Brown Library at 27 W. 4^th Street, Emporium, or by going to https://barbaramoscatobrownlibrary.org/library-programs/ and completing the online registration form.

 Tuesday, August 12 — Cardiovascular System:

Students will learn about the parts and structure of the Cardiovascular System. They’ll also get to dissect an animal heart!

 Thursday, August 14 — Visual System:

Students will learn about the form and function of the Visual System. They’ll get to dissect an animal eyeball!

Stello Foods Inc. has partnered with the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship to release a line of Pennsylvania Wilds-themed pasta sauces.

The pasta sauces will be labeled the PA Wilds Wild Game Sauce and PA Wilds Wild Game Pasta Sauce. These sauces will be perfect for meals including spaghetti, stews, roasts or crockpot recipes. The PA Wilds Game Meat Sauces are an excellent addition to your camping gear or to add flavor to a meal at home.

“In the Pennsylvania Wilds, hunting is one of the most popular activities for both residents and visitors,” said Ta Enos, PA Wilds Center’s Founder & CEO. “Sauces and rubs help perfect the plates made from a day’s harvest! We’re excited to be teaming up with Stello Foods to bring some new options to the market that reflect our region’s culture, connection to local wildlife, and pride of place.”

Potter County PennDOT Retirees yearly picnic is to be held August 14th at 12:00 o’clock, noon at Frosty Hollow. (Joe and Gail Ayers)! Please bring your own table service, beverage, and a dish to pass!! Spouses invited also!

During the month of August, Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), Kaleida Health facilities, are offering a variety of classes and support groups designed to provide health education, encouragement and community connection.

If you are scheduled for total joint replacement surgery, join our Total Joint Care Class. This class provides an overview of your procedure, the recovery process and the rehabilitation you will need. It is led by an experienced member of our outpatient rehabilitation team. This month, the class will be held on Wednesday, August 20, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the OGH Education Center on the first floor. To register, call (716) 375-7481.

For the 11th consecutive year, the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has been named a College of Distinction for helping its students learn, grow and succeed, and was recognized in eight individual areas.

Colleges of Distinction is an online guide for college-bound students that recognizes student-centered schools that traditional rankings may often overlook.

In addition to the general 2025-2026 recognition, Colleges of Distinction recognized Pitt-Bradford in the areas of public colleges and Pennsylvania colleges and for its programs in business, education, nursing, career development, and equity and inclusion.

Emporium, PA — The Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library is proud to announce the successful completion of a major technology upgrade project, made possible through the generous support of both the Emporium Foundation and the George & Margaret Mee Foundation. With a combined investment of over $32,000, the project has significantly modernized the library’s digital infrastructure and expanded public access to essential technology resources throughout Cameron County.

The comprehensive upgrade included the replacement of outdated public and staff computers, the installation of a new server and networking hardware, enhanced software for public use, and new equipment for in-library programming. All computers are now compatible with current operating systems and offer patrons access to tools for video conferencing, photo and video editing, and professional document creation.

The 25th Austin Education Foundations Golf Tournament was held on Sunday, July 20, 2025 at the Emporium Country Club.  The event had 24 teams participate. The tournament is an annual fundraiser for the Austin Education Foundation Scholarship program.

This year’s winners are as follows:

1st place– Fowler’s Garage – Ron Stuckey, Tom Wardel, John Frank, & Kade Logue

2nd place–Cooneys “Mountain Mustard” – Denny Cooney, Kal Logue, Zach Jeffers, & Jamer Cooney

3rd place–Team Burgett – Dave Burgett, Rick Vassalo, Dillon Gallagher, & Jim Jones

Longest drive (male) – Scott Haman

Longest drive (female) – Mary Jo Kahnell

Longest putt – Harry Jones

$500 Visa gift card raffle – Billy Sue Glover

Congratulations to all the winners!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all who participated in the tournament and raffles.  Your support allows our organization to continue to raise funds to provide scholarships for graduating students from Austin Area High School.  We appreciate your continued support.

A special “thank you” to Jan and David Eubanks, Austin, PA and to Ed and Sandra Stuart, Emporium, PA for your generous donations to our Foundation.

And finally, “thank you” to Mike Keefer and the entire staff at Emporium Country Club for helping to make this event a huge success.

Robert D. Porter, 62, of Ridgway, died unexpectedly on Friday, August 1, 2025.

He was born on October 14, 1962, in Johnstown, a son of the late John and Patricia Reynolds Porter.

Bob dedicated 45 years of his life to American Axle, where he was known for his unwavering work ethic and commitment. Upon his retirement in April, he focused on his passions, enjoying a round of golf and his unwavering support for Pittsburgh sports teams. Bob was a proud father whose love for his children knew no bounds. He thought highly of them and would do anything to ensure their happiness and well-being.