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Sweet anticipation
Amanda Nichols photo Jennifer Feidt, assistant director of Bradford Creative and Performing Arts Center, shows the window display advertising the center’s 2015-16 season. The shows are being announced one at a time, with the rest of the season still a mystery.
BCPAC making changes and also building excitement for next season By MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER
BRADFORD, Pa. — Excitement is building for Bradford Creative and Performing Arts Center’s (BCPAC’) next season — and it doesn’t even start until September. BCPAC’s new executive director, David Fillenwarth, is trying some new approaches to build on the arts organization’s 30-plus years of success. Nine shows are scheduled for the season, along with six concerts for the summer of 2016. And instead of announcing the entire season over Labor Day weekend, BCPAC has been announcing one show each week. So far, audiences know to expect world-famous impressionist Rich Little and Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot, a Billy Joel tribute band. The slow reveal of the upcoming season is building anticipation. “I think it’s beneficial,” Fillenwarth said. “And it’s kind of fun. It’s stir-
ring up quite a bit of interest.” Just about every day someone is stopping at the office on Marilyn Horne Way to ask about tickets for next season, which aren’t on sale until later this summer. This buildup, and the expansion of the season, are “part of the plan for me coming here,” Fillenwarth said. “Through the hiring process, I shared my vision. I was surprised the seasons were five or six shows to begin with.” Shane Oschman, BCPAC board president, added, “It was time to try new things.” Both men lauded the work done by Jim Guelfi, who served as BCPAC’s director since the organization began. The agency is strong, has a solid place in the community and has tremendous support from audiences and corporate sponsors. Now it’s time to build on that success. “We’ve taken an extremely conservative, calculated risk in the coming season in order to expand our season,” Oschman said. “David is able to do
that because he is a full-time employee. “Our hope now is that it’s supported,” he added. “Bradford has asked for a very diverse group of shows. Many have asked for year-round shows, and we’re picking things up in the summer. “We’re doing what we were asked to do,” he said. “We’re hoping this will draw from outside the area, to get people to start spending money in our community.” Fillenwarth said assistant director Jennifer Feidt is “working on putting some packages together with buses. The marketing will be very aggressive.” He’s looking to draw people in from Erie and from places in New York such as Buffalo and Rochester. “We want to educate them on what’s going on in Bradford,” he said. Please see BCPAC, page 3
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‘On Golden Pond’ play begins tonight OLEAN, N.Y. — Olean Theatre Workshop, located on the corner of Washington and Sixth Street, announced its next production will be the renowned drama “On Golden Pond.” The dates for the performances are Thursday, April 30, Friday, May 1, Saturday, May 2, all at 7:30 p.m.; and a Sunday matinee, May 3, at 2:30 p.m. All tickets are $10 and they may be bought online at the theatre’s website at www.oleantheatreworkshop.org. (There is no handling fee or extra charge for purchasing them in this manner.) Tickets may also be reserved by calling the workshop at 373-SHOW (373-7469). The last several productions have been sold out, so to avoid disappointment, please reserve your ticket now. “On Golden Pond” by Ernest Thompson was written in 1979, and has been presented many times over the years. It was also a film vehicle for Henry and Jane Fonda and Katharine Hepburn in 1981. It proved to be Jane’s gift to her father as it was his last film. It tells the very basic stories of life — love, misunderstanding, unfulfilled expectations, and joy. The main characters, Ethel and Norman Thayer, played by Sandy Mulryan and John Stengel, an older couple, have returned to their cottage on Golden Pond where they have summered for years. Norman is in failing health but Ethel maintains the brave stance that they are simply “middle-aged.” Norman is going to be 80, with a bit of a failing memory and cardiac problems, but Ethel is insistent they are still young and vital — he is her “knight in shining armor.” Their daughter, Chelsea, played by Alicia Bockmier, who has had a difficult relationship with her father, comes to Golden Pond with her fiance, Billy Ray, played by Chris Clow, and his son, Billy Ray Jr., played by Shane Burke. Completing the cast is Jake Riggs playing Charlie, a local delivery-byboat mailman. The couple is traveling to Europe and Chelsea is hoping her parents can watch the boy. They agree and the play tells the story of healing and reconciliation. It also reminds Please see Golden, page 4
Photo submitted
Ethel and Norman Thayer, played by Sandy Mulryan and John Stengel, rehearse a scene from the play.
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Realistically, Fillenwarth said, that will take a few years to build. Yet he’s hitting the ground running. “We’re bringing in a couple of big names that we think will be a draw,” he said, calling it a “litmus test” for what the future could hold for BCPAC. Fillenwarth explained a bit about the added shows as well. “We’re going to try to make it a year-round destination,” he said. “We’re going to have nine performances during the course of the season, which is an increase from the five that are normally held. It will be a little more variety and a few more choices. “We’re going to have a series of concerts next summer,” Fillenwarth said. “Summer 2016 is when we’ll start the programming. It will carry us through the summer into next season.” It will be a series of tribute concerts, he said, and will be held Tuesday evenings at the Bromeley
Family Theater at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. “We’re going to have it priced really affordably,” he added. “That’s the whole reason we’re going to do it. It’s great for a family.” So far, Fillenwarth said, the response to the added shows and weekly announcements has been overwhelmingly positive. And
Oschman said the BCPAC board is excited as well. “We want to create some buzz, advertise the shows a little sooner,” Oschman said, “and get people excited.” (Contact associate editor Marcie Schellhammer at marcie@bradfordera. com)
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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015
Multiple sclerosis benefit event slated for May 9 ...
It’s for a very good cause By ALEX DAVIS
BRADFORD, Pa. — About 100 individuals are expected to lace up their walking shoes next month at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford in support of those suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS), an unpredictable and often disabling disease. The fourth annual Walk MS is scheduled for May 9, hosted by the Pennsylvania Keystone Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. “The event itself creates a hopefilled and fun atmosphere for everyone affected by multiple sclerosis while generating a greater awareness of MS in the public at-large,” spokeswoman Colleen Szymczak-Gross said. “Families are drawn closer together, co-workers are united for a greater good, and people gain a better understanding of what MS is and how close we are coming to achieving a world free of this disease.” Multiple sclerosis is defined as an unpredictable and often disabling disease of the central nervous system that interrupts the flow of information within the brain and between the brain and body. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The Bradford-area Walk MS
includes a 1-mile or 3-mile walking route on the Richard E. McDowell Trail at the campus. Officials said people can participate as teams or individually and walk as much or as little as they like. Registration starts at 11 a.m. at Blaisdell Hall, and the walk kicks off at 11:30 a.m. After the trek, there will be refreshments and music. Officials are hoping to raise at least $8,000, which will benefit those in the McKean and Elk county areas. The event planned for Bradford Township is one of 23 walks scheduled across the state, involving more than 14,000 walkers and volunteers. “We serve over 14,500 people
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the audience to embrace each moment of life for what it is — be it filled with pain or delight. Billy is exactly what Norman needs. They fish, talk, and walk the area, listening to the loons that live on the lake. Ethel rejoices in the fact that, for a time, she has not just her memories but the present to enjoy. Her Norman, though feisty, has sweeter, less caustic moments. Norman, perhaps, becomes young again — if not young, “middle-
aged.” When Chelsea and her nowhusband return, it is far easier for Norman and Chelsea to have a reconciliation after many years, as the boy, Billy, has reminded Norman of what is important in life — love, understanding, joy in little things. This production, directed by DB Busan, is one that will bring a tear to the eye — perhaps quite a few tears, but they are good tears — and tears about life, love and forgiveness. Plan on attending this touching and true-to-life drama.
with MS and their families in Pennsylvania,” Szymczak-Gross said. “The MS Society offers client programs and services which provide emergency financial assistance, respite care program, care management services, education and referral services, and physical wellness programs.” Szymczak-Gross said the event is more than a fundraiser. It’s “a celebration for the entire community,” she said. “All parts of the event are my favorite part. I love what I do. We help people and I see firsthand what our fundraising events do to support and help those who struggle with MS,” she said. “Walk MS is a rally-
ing point for friends and family to be there for their loved ones. It’s a fun and festive day for an important cause.” The Pennsylvania Keystone Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society provides a wide range of vital services that include counseling, education, information and referral, advocacy and financial assistance. The organization serves 56 counties in the Commonwealth. Those interested in walking or volunteering at the local event should visit the website www. WalkMS.org. (Contact reporter Alex Davis at a.davis@bradfordera.com)
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Ron White, pictured here in his performance at the Seneca Allegany Casino in 2013, returns to the resort in May. The Charlie Daniels Band, a musical favorite, will play at the Seneca Allegany Casino in Salamanca.
Casino attracting popular performers By RICH PLACE
Events Center. Tickets start at $25. Following a successful event last autumn, the ALAMANCA, N.Y. — A pretty good fiddle casino will again host Carving at the Casino, an player, a collection of talented chainsaw art- event for chainsaw carvers, on May 22-24. Nearly ists and a comedian three dozen carvers are with a soft spot for “tater scheduled to appear at the salad” will all be making event, which will include appearances at the Seneca auctions on May 23 at 6 Allegany Casino and Hotel p.m. and May 24 at 4 p.m. in May. “It’s an art movement, The devil may have chainsaw art or power art gone down to Georgia, but as some call it, and it’s revThe Charlie Daniels Band olutionizing sculpture makwill be coming up to New ing,” said Elizabeth Boni, of York for a visit to the casiAppalachian Art Studio and no on May 2. At the age of an event organizer, prior to 78, Charlie Daniels shows the previous Carving at the no signs of slowing down. Casino event. He performed a wide variThe event is free and ety of his classics with a open to the public. Times mix of commentary and are May 22 from 10 a.m. to storytelling during a show 8 p.m., May 23 from 10 a.m. at the casino in 2013. to 6 p.m. and May 24 from Perhaps best known for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. “The Devil Went Down On Saturday, May 30, the to Georgia,” Daniels is a Thunder Mountain Buffet full-fledged member of won’t be the only place visithe Grand Ole Opry and Christa Nianiatus photo tors to the casino can find has earned numerous a helping of “tater salad.” A carver works on a wooden sculpture awards throughout his Comedian Ron White, a during Carving at the Casino when the 50-year career, includformer member of the Blue event was held last autumn. This year’s ing a Grammy Award Collar Comedy Tour, will event is May 22-24. for Best Country Vocal be making an appearance at Performance. 7 p.m. Tickets start at $30. The Charlie Daniels Band is scheduled to During a previous interview with local media, perform at 7 p.m. May 2 at the Seneca Allegany White told the story of his well-known “tater
S
salad” catchphrase. “We were having a party because we could bring our family on the ship. It only happened once a year,” White recalled. “The cook just happened to make potato salad that was just like my mother’s. I loved it. “I noticed it was out there for a picnic and I was on bridge watch and my relief was out there scooping up the potato salad. So I yelled, ‘Come relieve me before they eat all that tater salad.’ That’s the story.” After his big break joining the Blue Collar Comedy Tour in 2000, White toured with Jeff Foxworthy, Bill Engvall and Larry the Cable Guy for more than three years. White bowed out of the group after three specials before the three remaining members launched The WB series Blue Collar TV. White himself boasts four solo video releases: 2004’s “They Call Me Tater Salad,” 2006’s “You Can’t Fix Stupid,” 2009’s “Behavioral Problems” and 2012’s “A Little Unprofessional.” Rounding out the entertainment lineup at the casino in May is a public meet-and-greet with Nate Berkus, an interior design expert. The host and judge of “American Dream Builders” will be on-hand to chat with fans. The event, which is being held at the casino, will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. on May 31. Admission is free and open to the public. For additional information on any upcoming casino event, visit senecaalleganycasino. com. Tickets for all casino shows are available at select Seneca Resort and Casino retail outlets, Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by phone at (800) 745-3000.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015
Tenth annual GeoBash to be held at State Park A 1,000 or more expected to participate in event By RICH PLACE
RED HOUSE, N.Y. — Technology and nature are not always part of the same conversation. After all, heading to a park or going for a hike is often used as a great excuse to get away from the ringing of cell phones and the glare of computer screens. But that doesn’t mean they can’t co-exist and, in the case of geocachers, embraced. This year marks the 10th anniversary since the first GeoBash was held at Allegany State Park, and plans continue for ASP GeoBash X to take place Saturday, May 16. Past events have drawn nearly 1,000 people to celebrate geocaching, a high-tech treasure hunt that combines technology and nature. Participants known as geocachers search for “caches,” which can range
in size, by plugging coordinates into a handheld GPS unit or smartphone. Contents of a cache range from just a logbook in smaller caches to tradeable trinkets and toys in larger ones. Where are these geocaches? Well, they’re just about everywhere. There’s nearly 24,000 within a 100-mile radius of Salamanca, according to a search on geocaching.com. A GeoBash, like the one being held in May at Allegany State Park, is an event that celebrates the hobby and brings together enthusiasts for a weekend of themed activities. “I’m an outdoors person,” explained John Maier, who is again serving as coordinator of this year’s GeoBash. “I was at one time much more into the hunting and fishing aspect of it, and I bought a handheld GPS to help me with those endeavours ... someone asked, ‘Well, how
Participants known as geocachers search for “caches,” which can range in size, by plugging coordinates into a handheld GPS unit or smartphone.
about geocaching?’ “I did a little research on it, went out and found a couple cache locations and I’ve been hooked ever since. It’s been another reason for me to get outside.” This year’s GeoBash actually kicks off on Friday with two flash mobs — one in Salamanca early in
the morning and another outside of Bradford, Pa., during the afternoon. Participants can find the exact location by retrieving coordinates on geocaching.com. A meet-and-greet bonfire Friday night is the first GeoBash event held Please see GeoBash, page 7
Miles for Smiles event set for May 17 in Bradford BRADFORD, Pa. — There is a local event that goes the extra mile to put smiles on some very deserving people. Registration is underway for the fourth annual Miles for Smiles 5K Run/2 Mile Walk. This year’s event will be held May 17. To request a registration form, email bradfordmilesforsmiles@ gmail.com or download one at milesforsmilesrun.weebly.com. Organizer Rhonda Race said a new component has been added to this year’s event. “We now have a two-person
10K relay team division,” she said. “Each year, we strive to do something a little different to entice new participants and allow the event to grow and become bigger and better.” There is also a Kids Fun Run and, like last year, participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero. “We want to make this event as fun as we can for all involved,” Race said. “And to be honest, all those who take part in this race are superheroes in our eyes so they might as well dress the part.”
Another new facet to this year’s race is one of the groups that will benefit from it. “We are very excited that in addition to the McKean County Special Olympics, part of the proceeds will go to the Oncology Department at Bradford Regional Medical Center,” Race said. “One hundred percent of the money we raise will stay local. “That means these funds will likely benefit someone you know, whether it is a family member, friend or acquaintance.” The registration fee is $15 per
person; $30 per relay team. The Kids Fun Run is free for those age 14 and under. And those who want to leave a lasting impression in another way can purchase a footprint in memory or honor of someone for $5. These footprints will be on display the day of the race. The event will start at 9 a.m. at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s Tom McDowell Field House on Campus Drive. The Kids Fun Run will begin at 9:45 a.m. Registration starts at 8 a.m. Last year’s event raised $6,300.
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The Arts Can Make a Difference By DAVID FILLENWARTH
The two hours on stage is often accompanied with 22 hours of solitude. How one spends this BRADFORD, Pa. — It brings a smile to my time is truly a measure of their happiness and face upon learning of Bradford’s own Aiden willingness to make a difference. Davis recently having the Scott Thompson is one of opportunity to meet David the people who made a lastCopperfield in Las Vegas. ing impression in my memory. This was quite a moment We know him as Carrot Top, for a courageous boy and the comedian with orange his family. It brought back a hair and a weird assortment memory of a similar meeting I of props that he uses to unite witnessed first-hand earlier in audiences in laughter and my career. applause. I think all of us have Carrot Top was to perform a favorite artist that we at the Majestic Theater on a would someday like to meet. warm summer night. You may Somewhere on that “Bucket remember the Majestic Theater List” is the name of a musias the old Melody Fair in cian, an actor, an actress, a North Tonawanda, N.Y. comedian, a magician or a What is important was dancer. We idolize these celebwhat transpired that afternoon rities who have fame and forbefore the show. There was tune. They seemingly have the a young boy (whose name world at their disposal with a unfortunately escapes me) life of luxury. who loved Carrot Top. He While some of that is true, idolized the comedian. His the demand of being in the world was one that needed public spotlight brings a hard laughter and hope. His wish David Fillenwarth reality that very little of your was to meet his idol. life is private. Through the Make-A-Wish I’ve had the chance to witFoundation his dream was ness how celebrities cope with the stress of realized when a private meeting was set up being on the road. Some of these artists travel the afternoon before the show. Carrot Top was over 300 days a year. The bus and the hotel are more than agreeable to meet the young boy. their homes. The wide eyes of the youngster were only
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at the park during the weekend. This year, the Allegheny Rangers — a group of Native American storytellers — will present. The bonfire gets underway at 7 p.m. The schedule for Saturday includes an array of activities, ranging from seminars and GeoBingo to raffles and vendors. An “ammo can toss” pays homage to the ammo can, the most classic geocache container, and a group photo will be taken at the event as well. The event wraps up Sunday with a free pancake breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. and a CITO (Cache In, Trash Out) event to help clean up the park. The GeoBash is open to the entire public, not just geocachers.
The park itself is host to several geocaches, and some additional ones are expected to be placed during the weekend. The state park system regulates how many can be placed, where they can be located and how long they can be in a position. Although the hobby of geocaching is relatively young — it started in 2000 after GPS technology was made available to the public — there are now more than 2.5 million geocaches worldwide. For additional information on Allegany State Park GeoBash X, including more specific times and information as the event nears, visit aspgeobash.org. Additional information on geocaching can be found at its online home, geocaching.com.
dwarfed by the smile on his face. The boy could barely control his emotions as he ran into the outstretched arms of his idol. Carrot Top quickly embraced that boy, holding on for a moment … possibly to compose himself. Then the magic happened. Carrot Top took the boy by the hand and asked for some time alone with him. He walked him up on stage and the two of them sat with their legs crossed and played with all of the props. They joked and laughed together. The boy mimicked his idol and pretended he was doing all of the jokes. Carrot Top was giving his best performance to date, to an audience of one. He made a difference — not for a few minutes — but for an hour and a half. I’ll repeat it, an hour and a half. When the meeting was over, a couple of tears were shed. The boy’s mother, Carrot Top, and myself realized the importance of the moment. The only one not crying was the boy. His conquest had become a reality. We often hear of the greed and stereotypical diva persona that embodies celebrities of today. I think it’s important to realize that there are some celebrities who make a difference. Often, they don’t seek the positive publicity for their good doings. Here’s to the David Copperfields and the Carrot Tops out there in this world. The arts do make a difference. (David Fillenwarth is the Bradford Creative and Performing Arts Center’s executive director.)
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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015
State Park hosting spring fishing tournament All types of fishing styles are welcome; clinics will be offered By CHRISTA NIANIATUS
RED HOUSE, N.Y. — In its inaugural year, Allegany State Park will be hosting a spring fishing tournament May 9 at Red House Lake. The event will begin at 6 a.m., culminating with a final weigh-in at 5 p.m. All age ranges are welcome at the tournament, which will be comprised of four divisions: youth ages 2 to 12; a men’s and women’s division ages 13 to 54; and seniors 55 and over. And even for the non-anglers, there will be several activities throughout the day including face painting at 1 p.m., a water balloon toss at 2 p.m. and frisbee horseshoes at 3 p.m. All kinds of fishing styles are welcome, with a casting competition at 1 p.m. highlighting the fly fishermen and a 2 p.m. fly fishing demonstration for those who would like to learn more about the technique. Jordan Luzier, event director, said it was his fond memories of fishing as a child with his grandmother that inspired him to help provide this opportunity for others. “If one kid goes fishing for the first time, then I’ll be happy,” said Luzier. “Maybe they’ll even catch a fish and learn to love it.” For those anglers in training, some could even receive a fishing kit for first-timers. Organizers will also be giving out T-shirts and goody bags to early arrivers. “We have received a lot of donated merchandise for this event, so the first 200 or so to arrive will get a Red House T-shirt, gift certificates and vouchers,” said Luzier. Additional prizes will also be given out to the winners of each division, with plenty to go around. “We especially wanted to focus on prizes for the youth division because this is all about the kids,” he said.
A fisherman tries his luck as the sun sets in Allegany State Park.
Luzier also wanted to add that many area individuals and businesses have made this day possible. “It took a lot of help for me to go forward with this and people really opened the door for me this going,” he said. “Those people
know who they are and I just wanted to say thank you and let them know I appreciate it, and I know the kids will, too.” Presale tickets for the event are available now at Kennedy Enterprises and Parkview
Supermarket in Salamanca. Youth and senior presale tickets are $10, and $20 for adults. Tickets on the day of the event will be $25. For more information, call Jordan Luzier at 716-244-6890 or email jluzier@kennedymgt.com.
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Local author
‘The Real Thing: Lessons on Love and Life from a Wedding Reporter’s Notebook’ By KATE DAY SAGER
On the very day Ellen McCarthy Rosenthal began writing about weddings and relationships for the Washington Post, she broke up with her longtime boyfriend. While the personal setback for the Allegany native was difficult, hundreds of interviews with other people and their relationships helped shape her approach to love and dating. The insights McCarthy Rosenthal gained as a wedding reporter provided the foundation for her first book, “The Real Thing: Lessons on Love and Life from a Wedding Reporter’s Notebook,” which will be released Tuesday by Ballantine Books. A review by Amazon.com describes the book as “... a warm, witty, and wise book about relationships — the mystery, the science, and the secrets of how we find love and make it last.” McCarthy Rosenthal is scheduled to be interviewed on the CBS Morning Show April 27 as well as on National Public Radio’s On Point program in the near future. A 1997 graduate of Allegany-Limestone Central School District and a 2000 graduate of SUNY Albany, McCarthy Rosenthal has worked at the Washington Post since 2000. “I started out as an editorial aide here and worked my way up to staff writer,” McCarthy Rosenthal said in email correspondence. Her beats included writing for the business section, followed by feature writing for arts and entertainment for four years. “In that role, I had the chance to interview a lot of celebrities, which was interesting and fun,” she said. “Some of my favorites were Jack Nicholson, Sylvester Stallone, Lauren Bacall and Queen Latifah.” When the Post editors created a new page dedicated to covering weddings, McCarthy Rosenthal applied for the beat. Instead of the traditional wedding reports, however, she wanted to write stories that looked at relationships, in general. “Ironically, on the day I was hired for this new job, I went through a breakup with a long-term boyfriend. I was 30 at the time,” she said.
Photo submitted
Allegany, N.Y., native Ellen McCarthy Rosenthal’s book “The Real Thing: Lessons on Love and Life from a Wedding Reporter’s Notebook” has been released by Ballantine Books.
“So, as I was just starting out interviewing other people about their relationships, I was grieving the loss of my own.” After talking with hundreds of couples and
relationship experts, she realized their stories were shaping her attitudes and views. “During my time covering weddings, I recovered from my breakup, got back on the dating scene, eventually met the right guy and got married,” she said. The insights I collected on the job proved incredibly valuable to me during that process, and I began to feel like I had an obligation to pass that gift along. “That’s why I wrote the book, and I hope that these lessons will be as helpful to others as they were to me,” she added. In commenting on her family and growing up in Allegany, McCarthy Rosenthal said she is “profoundly lucky to have been born into a really fun, funny, loving family” and beautiful community. “I feel like I got a huge headstart in life, having awesome parents and siblings who provided this incredible foundation,” she said of her parents Judi and Pat McCarthy of Allegany. She said her teachers at AlleganyLimestone, as well as at St. Bonaventure University where she took classes during high school and summers, were also beneficial to her. “I transferred around a bit during college, and at none of the schools did I find the caliber of wisdom, knowledge and care that I found at (Allegany-Limestone) and Bona’s,” she said. Judy McCarthy said through humor and a humanistic approach, her daughter “is able to reach her readers and leave them thinking long after finishing the text.” She said her daughter’s current bi-weekly column in the Post is titled “THIS LIFE” and shares stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. “We’re very proud of Ellen,” Judy McCarthy added. McCarthy Rosenthal said she would like to write more books in the future, but doesn’t have any immediate plans. Currently, she and her husband, Aaron, are quite busy because they have a 16-month-old child at home and are expecting their second child in June. (Contact reporter Kate Day Sager at kates_th@ yahoo.com)
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Pennsy Trail work may start this year Parties to be moving ahead with design phase By CHRISTA NIANIATUS
SALAMANCA, N.Y. — Since receipt of a $482,206 grant from the New York state Department of Transportation (DOT) for the Pennsy Trail improvement project, the Seneca Nation says shovels may finally hit the ground later this year. In January of last year, the Nation received the grant as part of more than $67 million in funding statewide for bicycle, pedestrian and multi-use trails. The funding will enable the Nation’s Community Planning and Development Department to work with the city’s Department of Public Works to extend, widen and likely pave the existing trail. The grant will also fund safety updates such as the installation of lighting, bollards (vertical posts), signage and emergency call boxes. “The announcement of the grant award came last year but we weren’t given the official go-ahead
until late summer,” said Jody Clark, transportation manager for the Nation. “Once we had a chance to look at the specific requirements of the DOT, we were prevented from progressing with the work until other agreements were in place.” Barring state delays in the project’s ultimate timeline, the Seneca Nation will soon get the go-ahead for the next phase. “Nation attorneys and DOT attorneys have the agreement between us and the state right now, which will allow us to move ahead with the design of the project,” said Clark. “In the meantime, we are hoping to meet with the city to discuss details about who can obligate what for in-kind contributions for the project.” Clark said the grant required a minimum 20 percent match in local contributions. The additional funding will be primarily in-kind contributions and the partnership between the Nation and city for materials, equipment and man-
Rendering submitted
This artist’s rendering provided by the Seneca Nation depicts what the Pennsy Trail will look like following a rehabilitation project funded mostly by a $482,206 grant from the state awarded last year.
power. “The project will require no additional funding from the city except for these in-kind contributions in those three areas, and we anticipate little to no additional funding from the Nation the way things are structured,” said Clark. The Pennsy Trail is expected to connect with the new walkway near where the old Exit 20 off-ramp was removed, essentially creating a two-trail network that spans the
length of the city. That network is also connected via sidewalks to the Pat McGee Trail, which runs from the north end of Salamanca to Cattaraugus. Clark said the Nation also hopes to work out the sharing of maintenance and safety services with the city in the coming weeks, before the project is finalized. “We want to make sure that once this is built that it is being taken care of,” she added.
New Franciscan quarterly appeals to a new generation of adults By CASANDRA NGUYEN
P
eople who have been on campus for several years still have trouble grasping an understanding of what it truly means to be Franciscan. A new quarterly publication, Franciscan Connections, builds off of a previous journal, The Cord. The magazine is meant for a new generation of adults who want to see how the Franciscan vision connects to the lives they lead at home, church and at work. Pope Francis has indicated that people want to know about the Franciscan vision and want to see how it further relates to challenges we face daily. The content will relate to education, science, literature, theology, business and health care. The main goal is to connect, communicate and convey the best of Franciscan learning that is suitable for the 21stcentury. By making new portals accessible, the editorial team hopes that
it will be used by those who lead Franciscan institutions such as: colleges, schools, parishes, social service agencies, hospitals or anyone who wants to run their business with attention to Franciscan ethics. “We want to provide a magazine that is accessible to people on campus,” said Fr. David Couturier, O.F.M., dean of School of Franciscan Studies at St. Bonaventure University (SBU). “The Franciscan imagination is an exciting world view and we want to reintroduce it to people.” Students in classes can learn a lot about the alternative Franciscan world view just from reading the new magazine. “The new magazine is designed for the millennial generation in mind,” said Couturier. “Our goal is to reach out to those young adults who want to know what the Franciscan vision is all about and the relevance it has to their daily lives. We want to show the impact that it has.” Past journals have targeted mostly religious
men, women and Franciscan scholars, while this magazine hopes to broaden its audience to educated readers interested in learning more about the Franciscan vision. With an upgrade in color and design, there has been an increase in Franciscan art throughout the pages. One longtime reader of The Cord commented that “the new format is exciting.” To make the magazine more appealing to the millennial generation, the board has paired up with the English Department at SBU. The master’s-level students had the expertise to make the magazine new and insightful. “St. Bonaventure can be proud of the education we are giving,” said Couturier. “We want to broaden the inclusion of students from other departments and majors. Anyone who wants to help and learn the art of publishing is encouraged to sign up.” Those interested in subscribing or contributing to the magazine, contact Fr. David at dcouturi@sbu.edu.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2015