Eight & 322/Eight & 27 - News From You

Venango Dems offering free Christmas dinner

12/5/2022

The Venango County Democratic Party and the Venango-Clarion Chapter of the NWPA Area Labor Federation will be providing free Christmas dinners to area residents. Up to 500 meals will be delivered by volunteers between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Christmas Day.

The traditional Christmas dinner will include ham, potatoes, vegetables, a freshly baked roll and cookies. "The meals are ideal for those who cannot be with their families this holiday, residents of housing developments such as those operated by area housing authorities, and anyone else in the county who needs them," the Venango County Democrats said through a press release. "In response to the overwhelmingly positive response to environmentally friendly packaging last year, all meals will once again be packaged in reusable microwave and dishwasher safe containers."

Meals must be reserved in advance by filling out the form at VenangoDems.org, or by calling 814-657-3108 and leaving a message.

Volunteers are needed to bake cookies and pack meals. Contact Venango County Democratic chairman John Kluck at 814-657-3108 to volunteer. All requests must be received by December 18.

This effort is made possible by generous donations from supporters of the Venango County Democratic Party and the Venango-Clarion Chapter of the NWPA ALF.

Titusville-based bike event wins business contest

12/3/2022

Adam Diem of Oil Valley Gravel, LLC. was awarded first place and $10,000 from the Oil Region Alliance Outdoor Recreation Business Plan Contest. Diem will use the funds to expand the Roughneck Gravel Roubaix bike race based in Titusville over Memorial Day Weekend.

The first race was held in 2022 and offered four races along some of the gravel roads in the Titusville area. Described on its website as an "epic gravel grinder," cyclists ride throughout the oil region. "On every route, you will get to experience some of the same gravel roads that the Roughnecks working in the oil fields experienced then and now," the website says. The 2023 event is scheduled to take place on May 27, 2023.

Additional information on the race is available online at https://roughneckgravelroubaix.com/.

Second place and $5,000 went to Erin Wanninger and Marcy Hall of Woods and River Coffee in Oil City for outdoor seating, bike parking, bike fix-it station, and an overlook of the Allegheny River at their coffee shop. Hannah Gamble of Iron Furnace Coffee and Theresa McQuaide of Ziibi Fins and Floats were also finalists in the contest.

The finalists were judged based on their concept papers and business plan presentations. Winners were announced on December 2 as part of Oil City’s Christmas Past tree lighting in Town Square. A $200 gift card from Outdoor Allegheny River Services (OARS) for kayak rentals or ax throwing was won by Danny Delong. A bike from 4 Season Cycle was won by Brady Cubitt.

Abramovic named advisor to CMU robotics program

12/2/2022

Venango County Commissioner Albert "Chip" Abramovic joined Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute Summer Scholars program as a special advisor. The appointment was effective as of December 1.

"I really hope it will be a way to drive industry here,” Abramovic said of his involvement with the robotics program. As a special advisor, he aims to bridge gaps between education and critical workforce needs and return Pennsylvania's students to take on more leadership roles in the innovation economy.

"One thing I strongly believe in is continuing education. Whether that is higher education or the trades, we need to work together to create opportunities to help strengthen and grow the future of Pennsylvania's workforce," he said.

"At CMU we look forward to deeper interaction with community, educational, and commercial organizations throughout western PA, and Chip is a great partner to help make that happen," said program director John Dolan said.

The Robotics Institute Summer Scholars program provides undergraduate students from over 50 countries around the world with opportunities to participate in an 11-week research immersion. They explore robotics labs and topics, meet with leaders in the field, attend workshops, are coached and mentored, present and publish research, and grow as scholars.

"Chip's experience working across sectors with policymakers in economic development, education, and industry make him a tremendous asset to the team," program co-director Rachel Burcin added.

"I am honored to help one of the nation's top universities and experts in robotics and artificial intelligence create an innovative STEM workforce model for the nation," Abramovic said.

Meadville Community Theatre performing holiday classic

11/29/2022

Meadville Community Theatre brings to life the holiday classic “It’s A Wonderful Life” as a 1940s radio broadcast.

"It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" runs at 7:30 p.m. December 2 and 3 and 9 and 10, and 2 p.m. December 4 and 11 at the Odd Fellows building on Allegheny College’s campus, 400 N. Main Street in Meadville. Tickets are $11 to 13 and may be purchased at the door, at www.mctbackstage.com/tickets or at 814-333-1773.

“In their day, radio performances relied on the imaginations of writers, actors, sound technicians, musicians and the audience itself," said director Tom Hall. "Without relying on visuals, a 300-pound man could play a little girl, a box of cornflakes could become cracking ice and one actor could create 10 characters. All done without costumes, makeup or computer-generated images.”

"This radio show production is such a unique way to experience this story in a way that our audience may not have before,” said Alicia Greathouse, who plays Hatch Bailey.

She is one of 12 people that will bring the magic "It's a Wonderful Life," which was inspired by Philip Van Doren Stern’s “The Greatest Gift.” Greathouse is joined by Jason Sakal, Kelly Perrett, Geoff Hall, Glen Holland, Glenn Tuttle, Adam Leute, Scarlett Shepard and Hilletje Moller Bashew. They are voicing 44 characters between them. Music and auditory effects are created by Dave Allen, Becky Hall and Debbie Ormston.

Help Associated Charities help the community this holiday

11/29/2022

Associated Charities will hold a Christmas for Kids fundraiser from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, December 4, at Titusville Iron Works.

The event will include a silent auction, raffles, special vendors, food and live music. A bidding auction will start at 4 p.m. The Women of the Moose will also be selling rip-off tickets.

"As you come out next Sunday for a day filled with fun, great prizes, talented entertainment and good food and drink, we thank you for opening your hearts and wallets so that we can help those struggling to make ends meet during these challenging times," the organization posted online.

Admission is $10, which includes a chance to win a designer purse. Attendees should also bring an unwrapped gift or toy for a child. For those needing suggestions as to which toy to donate, Associate Charities suggests any of the following:
Squishmallows, Legos for boys and girls, Barbies and Barbie clothes, Play-doh sets, play make-up sets, Hot Wheel sets, Skipbo, Sequence, Baby Alive, Mini Brands, fast food gift cards for teens.

All the proceeds will benefit children in the Titusville community through the Associated Charities efforts.

Find out more on the organization's Facebook page.

In 2022 Associated Charities has provided :

50 to 60 families each month visit the Thrift Store to receive free clothing, household and personal hygiene items.
$27,000 paid toward utilities.
130 families are fed each month through our food pantry
120 kids received new school clothes,
49 students received back-to-school haircuts.

Karma series on the move again

11/27/2022

The Karma concert series has a new home again. Rebranded "Billy's Has Karma", the December performances will be held at Billy's on Seneca Street in Oil City. Along with the music, there will be a full menu and drinks available to purchase. "It’s gonna be a good thing," said organizer Kay Woods.

Concerts will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursdays. Performers will be the following:

December 1 - Brandon-Rae
December 8 - Memphis Honey Blues Band
December 15 - In Harmony
December 29 - Better on the Drums.

Admission to the concerts is $5 with proceeds going to the Lyric Theatre Restoration Project.

Sam Breene and the Oil City Arts Council are sponsoring the month of music.

The series, which has raised $20,000 in four years, originated at the now-closed Karma Coffee and was recently at the Tipsy Chef.

Titusville hosting holiday kick off Friday night

11/24/2022

Titusville will be in full holiday mode Friday night.

The Santa parade will kick off at 6 p.m. on North Perry Street near the train station. The jolly man will make his way through the downtown by way of Spring Street, Franklin Street and Central Avenue. He will end at Scheide Park where he will be available to meet with visitors in the gazebo. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available.

Across town, the Take Pride in Titusville’s Holiday at Burgess drive-thru display will also open at 6 p.m. It will be open every night from 6 to 9 p.m.

Santa will be at Burgess park every Friday and Saturday in December and most Saturdays will have a special event. December 3 will feature ice sculptures, December 10 will be sled dogs and December 17 will be live reindeer.

The display is free to visit, though donations are accepted through the Titusville Chamber of Commerce.

Titusville and Franklin businesses among ORA contest finalists

11/21/2022

This year's Outdoor Recreation Business Plan Contest announcement will have a few extra winners.

Along with revealing the winner of the annual business competition, organized by the Oil Region Alliance, the evening will include awarding prizes to two ceremony attendees. The announcement and the giveaways are slated to happen at 7:15 p.m. Friday, December 2 at Town Square in connection conjunction with Oil City's 22nd annual Christmas Past tree lighting.

The finalists for the business competition include

Adam Diem of Oil Valley Gravel, LLC. for the Roughneck Gravel Roubaix bike race based in Titusville over Memorial Day Weekend;
Hannah Gamble of Iron Furnace Coffee to expand the business with a coffee trailer to take to events, parks, and other offsite locations;
Theresa McQuaide of Ziibi Fins and Floats for overnight camping along the Allegheny River and pedal kayak rentals; and
Erin Wanninger and Marcy Hall for outdoor seating, bike parking, a bike fix-it station, and an overlook of Allegheny River at Woods and Rivers Coffee Shop in Oil City.

Ideas were judged based on a submitted business plan and an in-person presentation. The competition winner received $10,000 and the runner-up gets $5,000. Support for the contest is provided by Venango County Act 13 funds.

As for the prizes for attendees, those aged 5 to 12 can enter a free drawing for a bike donated by 4 Season Cycle of Franklin. Adults can enter a free drawing for a chance to win a $200 gift certificate for equipment rental or ax throwing at Outdoors Allegheny River Services of Franklin. Winners must be present to collect their prizes.

The prize announcements will cap off an evening of festive events in Oil City's Town Square park. On December 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. there will be live music and performances, sleigh rides, visits with Santa, and concessions. The festival continues through Sunday at various locations around town. Go to the calendar page for a complete Christmas Past schedule.

Christmas workshop gives child a chance to craft holiday gifts

11/20/2022

Two Mile Run County Park will be turned into the North Pole of sorts as it hosts a Christmas Workshop for children.

Christmas craft stations will be set up from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at the park office. Children will be able to create gifts for their family and friends and well as enjoy cookies and hot chocolate.

The event is open to ages 5 to 12 and costs $10 per child. Space is limited. Pre-registration for a time slot is required and can be done online.

Additional refreshments can be purchased for donations. Proceeds from the event will go toward events and activities at the park.

Greenways block grant funding available

11/17/2022

The Northwest Commission is accepting applications for Round B of the 2022 Greenways Block Grant Program.

The intent of the program is to implement the greenway recommendations contained in the Northwest Pennsylvania Greenways Plan as well as advance the recreation, conservation, and heritage initiatives throughout the region. Eligible projects must be within the Northwest Pennsylvania Greenways Region of Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties.

The Greenways Block Grant has funded 100 projects regionally since its inception including but not limited to reforestation projects, trail initiatives, creek restorations and preservations. For more information about the GBG program, please visit northwestpa.org. Guidelines and applications are available on the website or contact Jennifer Feehan at jenniferf@northwestpa.org or by phone at 814- 677-4800 x 106.

Applications must be signed and received at the Northwest Commission office in Oil City by 4 p.m. on January 20, either by digital or hard copy to be considered. Proposed projects must be completed by October 2024.