Ben Hahn Urges Smethport Area High School Graduates to Question Traditional Mindset

Bradford Era — by Fran De Lancey Ben Hahn, a 2007 graduate of Smethport Area High School who returned home to deliver the commencement address Friday, posed a challenge to the Class of 2017. He encouraged the class to question the traditional mindset, which is characterized by the attitudes of “this is the way it has always been done” when confronted by new ideas. The response often is “no…

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Smethport Audience Learns True Meaning of Memorial Day

Bradford Era — by Fran De Lancey Zach Pearson, McKean County director of Veteran Affairs, spoke about two misconceptions the public has about veterans during his address Monday at the Memorial Day program in Smethport. Speaking on the steps of the courthouse, Pearson said, “Most of us are familiar with the old adage, ‘Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.’ That saying is grossly untrue on two accounts….

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Ceremony Held at McKean County Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Smethport

Bradford Era — by Fran De Lancey Local veterans paid tribute Saturday afternoon to those 19 McKean County servicemen whose names are inscribed on the McKean County Vietnam Veterans Memorial, a permanent marker located in Smethport’s Hamlin Lake Park. The brief, but emotional, ceremony began at the conclusion of the 11th annual Ride of Pride that is held in recognition of the of the original Ride that accompanied the…

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Fallen Heroes Remembered in McKean-Cameron Memorial Day Program

Bradford Era — by Fran De Lancey Pat Miesowitz, commander of the Bucktail Post #128, Smethport American Legion, spoke Sunday afternoon at the McKean-Cameron Bi-County American Legion’s Memorial Day program at the McKean County Courthouse. Urging the audience not to forget the fallen heroes, their families and their sacrifices, Miesowitz referred to the Preamble of the Constitution of the American Legion, Auxiliary and Sons that states: “Preserve the memories…

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Jay E. Chapman Honored for 70 Years of Membership in Free and Accepted Masons

Smethport Web — by McKean Lodge #388 The Free and Accepted Masons in Smethport, McKean Lodge #388, has recognized Jay E. Chapman for 70 years of membership. Ronald A. Aungst Sr., Right Worshipful Past Grand Master of Pennsylvania, presented Chapman with a gold lapel membership pin and a certificate at the lodge’s 150th anniversary banquet May 12 at The Court of Angels in Smethport. Chapman, who was born in…

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Northwest Names Smethport’s Raymond Learn Corporate Vice President

Smethport Web — by Northwest Bank Raymond R. Learn II of Smethport has been named corporate vice president, fair banking officer and regulatory counsel for Northwest Bank. Ronald Andzelik, chief compliance officer, made the announcement. In his role, Learn will focus on Northwest’s compliance with fair lending and consumer protection laws. This newly-developed role is designed to enhance Northwest’s commitment to fair and responsible banking and educate Northwest employees…

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Northwest Bank Names Graham Manager of Smethport Branch

Smethport Web — by Northwest Bank Christy L. Graham has been named manager of the Northwest Bank office located at 428 West Main St. in Smethport. Julie Marasco, region president, made the announcement. As manager, Graham will be responsible for customer service, administration, lending and business development. She will work with the commercial lending, business services, investment management and insurance areas of the bank to provide customers a full…

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Glenn Church of Smethport Selected for World War II Veterans Honor Flight to DC

Bradford Era — by Fran De Lancy Glenn Church of Smethport has been selected to join fellow World War II veterans on the Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight on May 6 to Washington, D.C., where they will visit the World War II Monument and other war memorials. A native of McKean County, Church served in the Army from early 1945 to late 1946. After basic training, Church was attached to…

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Smethport Lions Club Donates $1000 for Community Pool Repairs

Smethport Web — by Jack Pierotti The Smethport Lions Club has donated a check for $1,000 to the Smethport Memorial Recreation Center for use in repairs required for the community pool. The repairs will allow the pool to open for the 2017 summer season around June 1st. Left to right in the photo: Kerry Fetter, Smethport Lions Club special accounts representative; Brenda Young, MRC Co-President; and Ward Baun –…

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Officer Kyle Day Featured Speaker at Smethport Fire Department’s Annual Dinner

Bradford Era — by Fran De Lancey “Firefighters define courage,” said Kyle Day in remarks prepared for the Smethport Fire Department’s 135th annual Appreciation Dinner on Saturday evening at the firehall. “It’s easy to sit back and criticize, but the public must be appreciative of the volunteers in emergency services,” said Day, who has an extensive career in law enforcement before joining the Smethport Borough Police Department about a…

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