Biomass Project Building Up Steam
March 24, 2009
Smethport Web – by Nathan Muller
The Smethport Woody Biomass Demonstration Project is on course to identify a qualified person to do the feasibility study that will lead to a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) facility for the area. Earlier this month, the project team issued a Request for Qualifications to 65 companies, plus international associations in Canada and Europe that distributed the document to their members.
According to Ross Porter, co-chairman of the Smethport Woody Biomass Leadership Team (SWBLT), “Responses from world class people are being received — some with 10 and 20 years of experience are applying for the position.” Read more
Library holds 22nd annual dinner and auction
March 22, 2009
Smethport Web – by Nathan Muller
Amid a festive setting at the Smethport fire house, the Hamlin Memorial Library held its annual dinner and auction on Saturday, raising $10,871 for its operating budget.
The silent auction drew 116 items donated by area residents and businesses. Another 39 items were given away through bucket raffles. Cash donations to the library came from a dozen individuals, businesses and organizations. The highlight of the evening was the live auction conducted by Ross Porter. Read more
A military funeral in Smethport
March 19, 2009
The Bradford Era
“The sun shined a little brighter in Smethport on Friday the 13th. I participated in a military funeral for a Smethport veteran as part of the color guard. We were facing the lake as a large group of geese flew in.”
So writes Joe Orlandi of Smethport. He continues:
“There was three kids playing about a block away, they were between 5 and 9 years old and quite boisterous in the morning sun, doing what kids do when they play together, and probably oblivious to what was happening just down the street.
“I tried to remember what it was like to be that carefree.
“It was time for the rifle salute to honor the dead. The sound echoed through the valley on that brisk spring morning. Then something astonishing happened! The three young kids lined up and saluted as taps echoed over the lake.
“I got a tear in my eye, maybe things are not so bad with the world. I do not know if it was the parents, teachers, or Scouting that taught these kids that level of respect so early in their young lives, but something good is happening in Smethport.”
Reprinted with permission from The Bradford Era.
Wooly Willy enters the digital age
March 11, 2009
Smethport Web – by Nathan Muller
If you’re still drawn to the traditional Wooly Willy magnetic toy, you’ll appreciate its digital counterpart in the form of a downloadable application or “app” for your iTouch or iPhone.
You can have this classic toy, invented here in Smethport, at your fingertips wherever you go for only 99 cents. Take a peak!.
The app allows you to draw ‘magnetic shaving’ mustaches and other hair on either the traditional Wooly Willy and Hairdo Harriet images, or any image of your own. Don’t like the results? Just shake it up and start again!
Since the 1950s, Wooly Willy has been providing hours of fun. Now you can re-live those moments anytime, anywhere. You can get the Wooly Willy app right here!
Regional Computer Fair Draws 44 Students, 35 Projects
March 10, 2009
Smethport Web– by Nathan Muller
Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit #9 hosted the PA Regional Computer Fair for middle and high school students of Cameron, Elk, McKean, and Potter Counties on Thursday, March 5 and Tuesday, March 10.
The middle school event drew 31 students who entered 20 projects in the categories of digital movie, web page design, graphic design, computer fair logo design, multimedia, and desktop publishing. Read more
Make-A-Wish makes Smethport girl’s wish come true
March 7, 2009
The Bradford Era – by Marcie Schellhammer
“If you could wish for any one thing — to go anywhere, do anything, meet anyone — what would you pick?”
The Make-A-Wish Foundation poses that question to children who face a significant medical hurdle in their lives. There are criteria to meet, and the child’s treating physician needs to verify the problems and agree that the child can participate.
Emily Schellhammer, 10, of Smethport, decided she wanted to go on a Disney Cruise. Read more »
Charles Cole Opens Bowman Health Center
March 6, 2009
Charles Cole Memorial Hospital has announced the reopening of the Bowman Health Center in Smethport, effective Monday. New and returning patients can schedule appointments by calling 814/887-5395.
Dr. Amit Khanna, Dr. Nirav Patel, Dr. Seth Shifrin, and Judy Flynn, CRNP will continue to see patients until April 20, when CCMH will welcome Dr. David Kulling to the Bowman Health Center. Read more
Pennsylvania town to become energy self-sufficient
March 6, 2009
BIOMASS Magazine - By Erin Voegele
The borough of Smethport, Pa., plans to implement a community-wide woody-biomass powered combined heat and power (CHP) system. On March 5 the Smethport Board of Trade announced that the Pittsburgh-based Richard King Mellon Foundation had awarded the community a $50,000 planning and engineering grant to support the Smethport Woody Biomass Demonstration Project.
In addition, the borough is in the process of hiring a project engineer consultant to oversee the planning phase of the project. To fill this position the community is seeking Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from engineering consultants and other professional organizations with experience in the design of district heating distribution and wood-fired combined heat and power systems. The deadline for submitting SOQs is March 25. Read more »
Richard King Mellon Foundation Funds Smethport’s Green Biomass Project
March 4, 2009
Smethport Web – Smethport Board of Trade
The Smethport Board of Trade announced today that the Borough of Smethport is the recipient of a $50,000 planning and engineering grant for the Smethport Woody Biomass Demonstration Project from the Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh.
Smethport is seeking to be the first community in the nation that is renewable energy self-sufficient. The project seeks to co-generate residential and commercial district heat and electricity using waste wood and low value wood harvested from the region including the Allegheny National Forest. Energy money will be re-circulated within the local economy instead of being shipped out of state. Wood fired district heating systems are widely deployed in many European countries and have generated a track record of reliable, green heat and power. Read more
Former Smethport resident and veterinarian active with humanitarian efforts
March 3, 2009
The Bradford Era – by Fran De Lancey
When veterinarian and former Smethport resident Dr. Joe Raught sees a need, he rolls up his sleeves and gets involved.
The valedictorian of the Class of 1952 at Smethport High School, Raught lives by the philosophy that “when you see a problem, you want to do something about it.” He certainly is proof that one man can indeed make a difference by changing things for the better.
Read more »
HAMLIN MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Fly-Tying Class
Mondays: Jan. 23 to Feb 27 at 7 pm - 9:00 pm
Place: Library Meeting Room
Fee: $25 covers instruction and materials
The sessions are funded in part by a PPA grant from the PA Council on the Arts. Call the Hamlin Library 887-5326 or stop in to register.
Join the fun! Bring your friends!
SMETHPORT SENIOR CENTER
Amish Tour - Lancaster, PA - May 8th & 9th
Package: 2 Days - 1 Night, May 8 - May 9
Transportation: RT Motor Coach
Accommodations: Deluxe - Lancaster, PA area
Breakfast: Fantastic Full Amish style
Dinner: Family Style - Amish Restaurant
Theater: All new "JONAH" Show
Guided Tour: 3-Hour Amishland tour
Visit: Wilbur Chocolate Company & Museum
Shopping: Kitchen Kettle Village (optional)
Cost: $209.00 per person/double occupancy
For more information and reservations, contact Barbara Ness at 814-887-5630.
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Upcoming Events
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Smethport Weather
THE DAILY PLANET
Visit us every day on Facebook and see what’s happening in the exploration of Smethport, Pennsylvania’s rich history.
– Planet Smethport Team
Timeless Home - Buy it Online!
This book is an historical record of Smethport’s growth from its birth as a tiny hamlet to a modern borough.
Containing a wealth of historical photos, this is the most comprehensive record of Smethport ever published. It was funded by the Smethport Sesquicentennial Committee through the Smethport Area Chamber of Commerce.
Book size: 8-1/2” x 11”
Soft Cover $20.00
Shipping and Handling: $5.00 per order.
Spread the word !
Let your friends and family know about this website, so they can stay informed about news and events around the Borough.
Send an email now ...Christian J. Howard, OD
ALLEGHENY EYE CARE
- Thorough tests for Eye diseases and disorders - glaucoma/cataracts
- Lasik pre and post correction care
- Designer frame gallery including Calvin Klein and Nike
- Guaranteed contact lens success program
- Medicare and Insurances welcome
422 W. Main Street
Smethport, PA 16749
887-2920
FREE FITNESS EQUIPMENT
Costa's Ace Hardware Store
Two grants - Get Active and WalkWorks – support Smethport residents in their efforts to stay or get fit.
In this spirit, 2 bikes with helmets and 2 pairs of snow shoes with poles are available to be checked out FREE of CHARGE from Costa’s Ace Hardware Store on 323 East Water Street in Smethport (887-5542).
Some restrictions apply. For more information contact Claudia Caminite at 362-5066 or clc209@pitt.edu.
