Borough News

McKean County and Smethport Borough Recognized for Government Leadership

Smethport Web

More than 160 business and community leaders from across the Pennsylvania Wilds region gathered Wednesday evening at the Red Fern in St. Marys for an update on the PA Wilds Initiative and to honor 14 local organizations and individuals for outstanding work in sustainable tourism development.

The event included comments by Rick Allan, Secretary of the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; and Carolyn Newhouse, Dep. Sec. for Innovation & Investment at the Department of Community & Economic Development. The effort to grow the region’s nature and heritage tourism industry has spanned three governors; DCNR and DCED are the two main state partners involved in the effort.

The evening ended with 14 individuals, businesses and organizations being named 2012 Champions of the Pennsylvania Wilds. The winners were given plaques, citations by their state senators and certificates of recognition by Congressman Glenn Thompson, a longtime supporter of the PA Wilds. Read more »

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Around the Forest Region

There Are Plenty of Good Trout Waters to be Found

I have written extensively over the years, including last week, about trout fishing in Sugar Creek in Venango County.

But I would be remiss if I did not write about another trout water that I have frequented over the years.

There is a cabin in McKean County where my family spent many hours fishing and enjoying doing nothing. We often traveled the 40 miles to the Kinzua Dam and the large impoundment behind it.

This deep, cold lake has shorelines that go almost straight down, creating habitat for not only muskie and smallmouth bass, but trout as well.   Read More »

Smethport Residents

Chuck McKiernan Honored with Engraved Gold Watch

Smethport Web

Long time area resident Chuck McKiernan received an engraved gold watch from Smethport Mayor Ross Porter last week during a meeting of the Smethport Lions. McKiernan was honored for his years of service in organizing and assisting in Smethport’s annual Wheel Around the Hub Cycling race.

The cycling race was originally started during the early 1890s and died off with the advent of the automobile. The race was started up again during 2005 by the Smethport Lions Club and has been reorganized by the Smethport Fire Department.

McKiernan has remained an active Wheel Race Committeeman over the years and has participated in dozens of other community activities.

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Business After Hours Held at Northwest Savings Bank

Smethport Web

The Smethport Area Chamber of Commerce held its second “Business After Hours” event Wednesday evening at Northwest Savings Bank. The event, which drew about 20 people, was hosted by branch manager Mike Montecalvo and his team.

The monthly BAH parties offer a networking opportunity for Chamber members and provide a way to catch up with other local business people and stay informed of various community issues. Hosts provide a brief presentation about their business.

Christy Andrulonis, vice president of Colonial Radio Group, keeps the BAH calendar. If you want to host an event for your business, contact Christy at 570-447-2186 or christy@andrulonis.com.

The next BAH event will be held at Corner Pizza on Tuesday, May 22, at 5:30 pm. This will be a good opportunity to meet owner Riki Tanaka.

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Historical Society’s Civil War Dinner Theater a Huge Success

Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller

Nearly 200 people attended the Civil War Dinner Theater held Thursday at the Court of Angels restaurant in Smethport. The event was organized by the McKean County Historical Society and featured Ardyth VanScoy as Maria Isabella “Belle” Boyd, a confederate spy who operated in the Shenandoah Valley.

VanScoy of Limestone, New York told the fascinating story of Belle Boyd through diary readings and period songs with music provided by flutist Diane Smith of Port Allegany. Many attendees wore period clothing, which added elegance to the special evening.

Boyd was very successful as a spy, relaying information on Union troop strengths and movements to Confederate commanders in the field. Confederate general Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson credited Boyd with helping him win victories in the Shenandoah Valley Campaign of 1862.   Read more »

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Smethport Borough Community Reforestation Project Near Completion

Smethport Web — by Jovanna Porter

Residents of Smethport are witnessing the finishing touches of the third phase of Smethport’s community reforestation project. The project is a joint venture between the Borough, the Smethport Shade Tree Commission, and McKean County Redevelopment Authority Community Development Block Grant funds.

Kane Lawn and Garden, as the successful bidder, is currently planting the final 86 trees throughout Smethport Borough.

Borough residents applied for trees through the Borough last year. The Shade Tree Commission made home visits to inspect possible tree planting sites and offered suggestions for appropriate tree species for the various locations.

It is very important that the newly planted trees are kept hydrated, and home-owners are asked to make sure their tree is watered frequently. The first year after transplant is critical for young trees. Water is necessary to ensure their survival.

Call 814-598-7403 with any questions.

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Chamber Names “Team Andrulonis” Volunteer of the Year

Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller

The Smethport Area Chamber of Commerce named Jeff and Christy Andrulonis as Volunteer of the Year for 2011 during the Chamber’s 11th Annual business dinner Wednesday.

This award usually recognizes one person who has made a significant impact on our community with their time, commitment and generosity in helping others. This year, the Chamber deviated slightly by recognizing two individuals to share the same “Volunteer of the Year” award for their contribution to the quality of life in Smethport.

Since arriving here three years ago, the inseparable team of Jeff and Christy Andrulonis has been immersed in all aspects our community. We know them as the owners and operators of Colonial Radio Group, one of the region’s fastest growing media companies, which continues to thrive in today’s slow economy. While this is an incredible achievement by itself, more incredible is the time and energy they devote to making our community a better place for all of us and more inviting to visitors.   Read more »

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Charles Leasure Discusses Business and Education Challenges at Chamber’s Annual Dinner

Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller

The Smethport Area Chamber of Commerce held its 11th annual business dinner Wednesday at the American Legion hall. The event drew 38 attendees who enjoyed drinks and appetizers during the social hour, while country singer Kaitlyn Hallock from Bradford provided the evening’s entertainment.

Following a fabulous dinner prepared by volunteers from the American Legion Auxiliary, Charles Leasure, Superintendent of the Smethport Area School District, gave an insightful presentation on “Connecting Business with Education.”

Leasure noted how unprepared today’s young people are for achieving the American Dream and how poorly the U.S. fares in relation to other countries competing with us in the global economy. In terms of high school and college graduation rates, as well as employment, we have allowed ourselves to fall behind, he said.   Read more »

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Thank You from Big Brothers Big Sisters of McKean County

Smethport Web — by Erin Vassallo

Big Brothers Big Sisters of McKean County would like to thank the businesses and individuals who participated in Bowl For Kids’ Sake 2012. Bowl For Kids’ Sake is our largest annual fundraiser that took place on March 31, 2012 at Byllye Lanes in Bradford. These funds raised will support the one on one youth mentoring program throughout McKean County.

More than 250 bowlers participated in this year’s Bowl For Kids’ Sake event in McKean County. Between bowler donations and business sponsorships, the 2012 Bowl For Kids’ Sake event raised almost $18,000 to support mentoring for McKean County youth in the coming year. Each bowler raised at least $35.

Individually, the top fundraising participants were awarded; Stacey Gallegher raising the most for first place, Brenda Bloomgren at second, and Scott Bloomgren at third. Brenda and Scott Bloomgren explain that they have been participating in Bowl For Kids’ Sake for 15 years. Brenda, unable to bowl because of a cast on her leg says, “They just wouldn’t miss this event.”    Read more »

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Hamlin Memorial Library Holds 25th Annual Dinner & Auction

Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller

Hamlin Memorial Library held its 25th Annual Dinner & Auction last evening at the Smethport Fire Department, drawing 110 attendees who enjoyed dinner and entertainment.

Dinner was prepared under the direction of Rose Campbell. Karen Howard, who recently opened the School of Fine Arts in Smethport, played a selection of pieces on the violin. Ross Porter was the auctioneer and was assisted by guests recruited from the audience. Over 200 items were donated for auction.

The highest bid in the silent auction was $200 for a Kinzua Afternoon Cruise, donated by Ron and Joncine Willis.

Highest bid in the competitive auction was $450 for a bookcase handcrafted by Karl Fitzsimmons. An original “Rt 6” watercolor by juried artist Julie Mader went for $300. Read more »

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Chamber of Commerce “Business After Hours” Event a Huge Success

Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller

The Chamber of Commerce held its first “Business After Hours” event Thursday evening. Hosted at the Mansion District Inn B&B by innkeepers Jovanna and Ross Porter, the event drew over 30 people, some coming from Bradford and New York.

The purpose of the monthly BAH event is to provide an informal venue for where Chamber members can get together and build relationships and network with other businesspeople they would not normally have the opportunity to meet.

“The turn-out was beyond expectation, I met new people, everyone was in good spirits, and the refreshment spread was amazing,” said Chamber president Wayne Foltz. “Thanks go to Inn owners Ross and Jovanna Porter for such a great party and their amazing hospitality.”

The festivities were punctuated with a couple of raffles, with one having cosmic implications: Smethport’s Jim Herzog, inventor of the Wooly Willy magnetic game, actually won a Wooly Willy T-shirt. Claudia Caminite won a gift basket.

“The BAH is off to a good start,” noted Ross Porter. “It will gain momentum and just keep getting better.”

Christy Andrulonis, vice president of Colonial Radio Group, organized the BAH calendar with all the participating businesses for 2012. A few slots are still open for those who want to host an event and provide a brief presentation about their business. Christy can be reached at 570-447-2186 or christy@andrulonis.com.

The next BAH event will be held at Northwest Savings Bank on Wednesday, April 25th at 5:30 pm. The bank has been a fixture on Main Street since 1999 when it replaced The Grange National Bank. NSB branch manager Mark Montecalvo will be the host. This will be a good opportunity to meet Mark and the rest of the bank staff.

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Allegheny National Forest Region Springs to Life in March

Spring is in the air in the Allegheny National Forest Region -– a time when the birds return from the south and the native wildflowers peek their way to the surface.

Located in northwestern Pennsylvania, this region is ripe with opportunities to see your favorite feathered friends as returning songbirds fill the air with sweet melodies. A variety of trails, both on land and water, provide unique opportunities to experience the thrill of springtime in the forest.   Read More »

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Top Ten Signs Spring Has Arrived in Smethport

Smethport Web — by Nathan Muller

Last year on this day, the temperature ranged from 32 to 39 degrees throughout the day. Today, the temperature hit 78 degrees, according to the digital readout over Hamlin Bank.

Even without a temperature gauge, you know Spring has arrived in Smethport when…

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Pennsylvania’s State Parks Generate $1 Billion in Local Economic Activity, Support Jobs

Smethport Web

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan today released a new analysis showing visitors to Pennsylvania’s State Parks generate more than $1 billion in economic activity in nearby communities and support almost 13,000 related jobs.

“Pennsylvanians get a great return on the investment they make in state parks. The report shows for every dollar invested, more than $12 is returned to Pennsylvania’s economy,” Allan said. “Connecting communities to our natural resources through their state parks generates significant local economic activity and helps build sustainable local economies.” Read more »

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