Hiding in plain view – that is what has been said about AMEIA (Allegheny Mountain Engine and Implement Association) by locals who did not even realize that the organization exists.

A change in leadership and the embracing of new ideas and new members has started to change that. There are now displays that change periodically to draw attention from the road. While the grounds have always been well-maintained, focus has been placed on improving the grounds to being used more regularly.

AMEIA is a 501c3. It is a family oriented organization that is always looking for a way to give back to the community. If you are looking for a low cost event to take the family to this summer, the AMEIA directors cordially invite you to attend the 46th annual show July 26-28.

This is a free event. Donations are accepted to offset costs, but there is no entrance fee.  Anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to stop by any time the gate is open.  AMEIA offers many opportunities for community-minded individuals and families to volunteer.  Little ones can even volunteer alongside an adult.

  Please consider helping this organization grow and give back to the community. 

Email alleghenymeia@gmail.com for more information or with questions.  AMEIA website and Facebook page will be functional in the near future.   

Leave the details to us! Join the Bradford Area Public Library on a bus trip to the Chautauqua Institution to hear author, Geraldine Brooks speak on Thursday, July 25.   The library will handle the tickets, driving and parking; enabling attendees to thoroughly enjoy the outing. 

Brooks has written nine books, with five of them – Horse, The Secret Chord, Caleb’s Crossing, Year of Wonders, and March – selected as Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle (CLSC) book picks. The novel March earned Brooks the Pulitzer Prize in fiction. Brooks began her career as a journalist in Sydney before becoming a correspondent for the Wall Street Journal, reporting on conflicts in Bosnia, Somalia, and the Middle East. In 1990, she and her husband Tony Horwitz were honored with the Overseas Press Club Award for their outstanding coverage of the Gulf War. The next year, they were recognized with a citation for excellence for their series “War and Peace.” In 2016, she was named an Officer in the Order of Australia.  She now lives on Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts. 

BRADFORD, PA (May 9, 2024)— Beacon Light Behavioral Health System, Beacon Light Adult Residential Services and Journey Health System, held their annual board and donor appreciation event with nearly 70 people on May 9 at the Pennhills Club in Bradford. Agency leaders thanked board members for volunteering and the donors in the community for providing philanthropic support toward the agency’s mission.

The program commenced with a prayer by Father Leo Gallina. Gregory LaRocca, Journey Health System’s Board Chair, delivered a warm welcome message, followed by an introduction of all of the Board members. Their Boards’ combined total of 319 years of service was applauded, along with the longest tenure of 49 years held by Bob Saunders.

Years of Service milestone awards were presented to: Craig Hartburg for 35 years; Richard Esch and David Ferguson for 20 years; Anne Albright, Dee Baxter, Maurice (Maury) Cashman, Jean Hvizdzak and Gregory LaRocca for 15 years; Bill Chapman, Karen Costello-Pecht and Cindy Zembryki for 10 years; and Norm Strotman for five years of service.

The 11^th Annual B.E.A.C.O.N. Award was presented to Maurice Cashman. B.E.A.C.O.N. stands for Being an Enthusiastic Advocate for Community and Organizational Needs and is awarded each year to an individual who exemplifies service to the Beacon Light companies.

“Whether he is at work, with his family, or in the community, Maury is passionate,” said Guy Signor, president and CEO. “Maury is an enthusiastic advocate not only for Beacon Light, but the entire community of Warren.”

With 15 years of dedicated service, Cashman currently serves as Chair on the Board of Directors for Beacon Light Behavioral Health System.  Additionally, he serves as a member of the Journey Health System Board of Directors, contributing his expertise to various committees including Executive, Corporate               Governance, Development, Strategic Plan Oversight, and Finance. Maury’s extensive involvement underscores his profound dedication to fostering excellence and driving positive change within both Beacon Light and Journey Health System.

“I wish to thank Maury for his dedication to Beacon Light and Journey Health System”, added Jennifer Gesing, executive director of Beacon Light Behavioral Health System. “He’s always been available to me to offer advice, help establish relationships in the Warren community and make Beacon Light better a place.”

Cashman stated, “I did not set out to win this award 15 years ago. However, my goal was to be the best board member that I could be by bringing my strengths in finance and my business background to the organization. This continues to me goal going forward.”

The evening closed with a live video with Beacon Light Behavioral Health System’s children’s programs.

Signor thanked HUB International for co-sponsoring the event, all of the agency’s staff, donors and honorees for their continued support. He also noted the thousands of children and adults who received treatment throughout Beacon Light’s over 120 years of service.  Each day, their programs touch more than a 1,100 individuals in some way, and whether it’s in a family therapy session, a structured group home setting, a peer-led mental illness recovery journey, or alternative classrooms teaching life skills.

“It is through your efforts and commitment that our future caring for the most vulnerable members of our community is secure. So, this night is about thanking all of you,” added Signor.

For more information about career opportunities or donating to Beacon Light Behavioral Health System and Beacon Light Adult Residential Services, please visit www.beacon-light.org.

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Journey Health System supports the following behavioral health affiliates: Beacon Light Behavioral Health System, Beacon Light Adult Residential Services, Deerfield Behavioral Health, Dickinson Center, Forest-Warren Mental Wellness Association, and Stairways Behavioral Health. The Journey Health System Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from each organization which deliver mental health care to 21 counties across Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.journeyhealth.org.

BRADFORD, PA / OLEAN, NY- Upper Allegheny Health System (UAHS), which is comprised of Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) and Olean General Hospital (OGH), honored numerous nurses across both hospital campuses throughout nurse’s week which ran from May 6 through May 10.

On Wednesday, May 8 there was a nurse award reception hosted in the main lobby of BRMC. The event was sponsored by longtime physician, Dr. Luis Gonzalez, general surgery. The ceremony was well attended by hospital leaders, staff, and community members who were served refreshments after the awards were presented.

Improvements planned for Kinzua Bridge State Park Skywalk over multiple years, starting after fall foliage season

PA Wilds Conservation Shop and Visitor Center to remain open

Mount Jewett, PA – The Skywalk at Kinzua Bridge State Park in the Pennsylvania Wilds will be undergoing a multi-year rehabilitation and renovation, starting after the 2024 fall foliage season, the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has announced. The park, visitor center, and the visitor center’s exhibits and retail offerings, will remain open.  

A star attraction in McKean County and the Pennsylvania Wilds region, the Skywalk’s temporary closure is anticipated to impact visitation to the park and nearby rural communities that rely on visitor dollars to support local small businesses. 

   The summer reading program is free to children ages 5 and older.  This year’s program will consist of storytelling, fireside ghost stories, and more.  

Exciting news is additional programs which will be conducted by the Bloomsburg Children’s Museum.  They have received funding to provide monthly programs through the end of 2025.  The Museum will provide all materials and instructors for the events. The class size is limited to 16 students.

 The Museum will be hosting three of the summer reading events – on June 29 the program will be a “Turtle Encounter” – live turtles will be there and participants will create an ecosystem in a bottle, July 27 will be Codes and Ciphers which will include a critical thinking challenge, and August 15 will be on forensic science – “Molly the Turtle has been Kidnapped”.   Come to the kick-of party on June 20 to get more information on the additional programs – to name a few… build a walking robot, soapbox derby, leather tooling, and more!

On June 3 starting at 3 PM, come to the library to welcome Sierra as she starts her career at the library as well as celebrating the retirement of former librarian Darlen Jackson.   

Residents of Potter County have been generous with donations to provide access to over 400 free swim lessons to the children in the county over the past 3 years.  The individual swim lesson fee is $45 per child.  While this is a reasonable price, some families with children may not be able to afford this fee.  So we are requesting donations to ensure swim lessons this summer remain free or low cost for everyone.

It is our hope that you will consider donating to this local cause. Your generosity can help teach a child to swim and potentially save lives. Coudersport has the only public pool in Potter County able to provide this service. Swim season begins soon and we respectfully ask for your help to keep lessons free or low cost.

Many thanks from Friends of the Coudersport Pool

Mail or drop off donations to:

Coudersport Borough Swim Lesson Fund                

201 S West St., Coudersport, PA 16915                   

Website: https://coudersportborough.org/services/recreation/

Borough Office Phone: 814-274-9776