Eight & 322/Eight & 27
8and322@gmail.com
  • Front Page
  • Eight & 322
  • Eight & 27
  • News From You
  • Calendar
  • Sports
  • The Nature of Things
  • Editorial
  • Arts
  • The Photo Dude
  • Folk
    • About Folk
  • About

Billy's got Karma

12/24/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
The on-going fundraiser for the Lyric Theatre restoration project announces it's January shows. 

The Karma Concert series didn't stop after its host location closed its door last year, it just re-tooled and shifted focus.

​No longer a BYOB event, but it will still offer a variety of local bands at Billy's in Oil City with the cover proceeds still going to the theater project.

​Billy's offers a full bar and menu.
0 Comments

Venango's Citizen of the Year

12/24/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Denise Jones has been named the 2022 Citizen of the Year by the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce.

Jones served over 20 years as the 
Chief Clerk/County Administrator of Venango County, until her retirement in 2016. She also came back after retirement to help her replacements with the board of elections.
​
"While she demonstrated (an) outstanding work ethic that won her the respect of generations of local leadership, she also stepped out of her daily work to serve as a leader throughout the community," the chamber's press release stated. "It is clear from the letters in support of her nomination that Denise has a heart for community service."

She has served many community organizations over several decades: League of Women Voters, Community Action Advisory Board, the American Red Cross, Family Service and Children's Aid Society, UPMC Northwest, The Northwest Hospital Foundation, Child Development Centers, Inc., The Venango County STOP Violence Against Women Coalition, Together We Can, Bridge Builders Community Foundation, Franklin Area School District Community Engagement Committee, New Life Family Worship Center, and the Williams Family Caregivers Foundation.

According to the chamber press release letters from the community nominating her stated "Denise is a person to admire for her respect among friends, neighbors, and associates." And "... as a strong leader she has consistently made effective decisions, communicated well, and had a strategic vision for the community." And "...Denise is the person you want on your board or committee as she is the person
who says ‘Sure, I'll help - what do we need to do?’ and then does it.”

Denise is a 1972 graduate of Oil City High School and was chosen as the class of 2022 commencement speaker. She has resided in Franklin for 40 years and was recently appointed as one of the Honorable Knights by the Franklin Area School Board, a program of mentorship and community engagement within the schools with a goal to help curb bullying and giving further resources to students.

"She, along with her siblings, founded the George and Marjorie Williams Foundation, which gives aid to
caregivers. She has remained active and is involved in several civic organizations, currently serving as the
Administrative Assistant at the New Life Family Worship Center. Denise is the “go-to person” for all church business matters. At present, she is helping to form a non-profit organization, Together We Can, to promote acceptance and diversity in the community."

Denise and her husband, Russ, have two adult children, Charles and Michelle, and a large extended family, deeply rooted over multiple generations in Venango County.

"Denise Jones continues to dedicate her life to making a positive difference in the well-being of others. Her
strong moral character is abundantly evident to all who know her as she works tirelessly to improve and
preserve our community."

Picture
0 Comments

Family friendly First (or last) Night in Oil City

12/24/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
Oil City Arts Council’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration, First Night ® Oil City, will take place on Saturday, December 31, 2022 from 6 to 11 p.m. The theme for this year’s gala event is “The Roaring 20s.” 

"This fun-filled, family-oriented, non-alcoholic New Year’s Eve festivity will again offer an array of wonderful live entertainment at multiple venues about town," the Oil City Arts Council press release stated.

The event will feature a 7 p.m. fireworks display, outdoor bonfires, hat-making, a drum circle, 1920’s era photo ops with a photo booth, figurines and a large constructed replica of a Gatsby Car. There will also be  a variety of children’s events including life-sized puppets, balloon art, clowns, face-painting, a train layout, radio-controlled cars and a magic show.

Admission requires the purchase of a $10 First Night button for everyone over 10 years old. The organizers increased the age from five to 10  this year for free admission. 

Buttons can be purchased at the Oil City Public Library, Transit Arts Gallery & Gifts, Venango Museum and the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce. 

0 Comments

Franklin grad gets big-time coaching job at Stanford

12/23/2022

1 Comment

 
"Nate will be a rock star for that staff"
Check out these two stories from our friends at Route 8 Rivalry and D9 and 10 Sports on former Franklin Knight Nate Byham's being named a tight end coach at Stanford.
Route 8 Rivalry
D9 and 10 Sports
Picture
1 Comment

Roads may not be the friendliest place to be this weekend

12/22/2022

0 Comments

 
Folks with last minute shopping to do or planning to travel over the next few days might want to consider the best options for being safe out on the roads. A wicked winter storm is expected to bring with it some heavy snow in places, frigid temperatures everywhere , high winds and the possibility of icy roadways.
Picture
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has issued travel warnings and may impose vehicle restrictions if and when necessary. But mostly they want motorists to use caution and avoid traveling whenever possible during severe weather.

“Our preparations for the storm include plans to shift resources and crews as needed to handle the changing weather conditions throughout the region, which includes Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties,” said Doug Schofield, PennDOT Assistant District Executive - Maintenance. “Salt, anti-skid and other materials are in good supply and crews will work around the clock, even on the holidays, to keep the roads safe and passable.”
PennDOT is planning to place a Tier 1 vehicle restriction on the entire length of Interstate 90 in Erie County starting at 4 a.m. Friday. This is to help ensure the interstate remain open during the most challenging conditions of the winter storm. When conditions improve, PennDOT says they will remove the restrictions. 
​
"Motorists are reminded that roadways will not be free of snow while precipitation is falling. Although PennDOT crews will be treating roadways, the department’s primary goal is to keep roads passable, not completely free of ice and snow," a press release explained. "PennDOT will continue to treat roadways throughout the storm until precipitation stops and roads are clear."

They also emphasize that with freezing temperatures, roads that look wet may actually be icy and bridges especially should be approached with caution.
​" Drivers should leave plenty of space – six car lengths – when following a truck that is plowing or spreading winter materials."

They also offer the following advice for traveling 
safely:

  • Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits the conditions.
  • Turn on your headlights.
  • Stay in your lane.
  • Increase your following distance.
  • Stay alert, keep looking as far ahead as possible and be patient.
  • Reduce in-car distractions since your full attention is required.
  • Use defroster and wipers.
  • Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice.
  • During whiteouts, come to a complete stop only when you can safely get as far off the road as possible or when there is a safe area to do so.
  • Do not stop in the flow of traffic since this could create a chain-reaction collision.
  • Do not pass a vehicle moving slowly or speed up to get away from a vehicle that is following too closely.
  • Give ample room for plow truck drivers to treat the roadways and never pass between two trucks operating in a plow line. 
  • Always buckle up and never drink and drive.
Picture
What vehicles are not permitted under Tier 1 Restrictions
  • Tractors without trailers;
  • Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers or tank trailers;
  • Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers;
  • Enclosed unloaded or lightly loaded cargo delivery trucks/box trucks that meet the definition of a CMV;
  • Passenger vehicles (cars, SUV’s, pickup trucks, etc.) towing trailers;
  • Recreational vehicles/motorhomes;
  • School buses, commercial buses and motor coaches; and
  • motorcycles.​

​Do you know about 511 or other ways to stay informed about roadway conditions?
Vehicle restrictions will be communicated via variable message boards, the 511PA traveler information website at www.511PA.com and smartphone apps. Motorists can also sign up for alerts on the website. 
​
While PennDOT recommends not traveling during winter storms, motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com.

511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.  

511PA is also available through a free smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts.

Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties at www.penndot.gov/District1.
​
Follow PennDOT’s northwest region on Twitter or Facebook.
​​
Picture
0 Comments

E-bikes permitted on certain state park trails

12/17/2022

0 Comments

 
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has implemented guidelines for the usage of electric bicycles in state parks and forests.

"(The DCNR) 
will now move forward allowing e-bikes on trails already open to traditional bicycle usage on the lands managed by the department, as long as users follow some guidelines," said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. ​
The Pennsylvania Vehicle Code defines an e-bike as weighing no more than 100 pounds, cannot exceed 20 miles per hour when using the motor, has motors that do not exceed 750 watts; and has fully functional, operable pedals.

The updated policy allows e-bikes to be used on DCNR-managed trails where traditional bikes are allowed, such as the Oil Creek State Park bike trail. 
E-bikes are prohibited on state forest roads and trails that are not open to biking, such as the Gerard Hiking Trails​. Additional rules regarding e-bikes include:
  • Users must propel their e-bikes by pedaling on non-motorized trails. 
  • Use of the throttle-only functionality is not permitted on non-motorized trails managed by DCNR.
  • Riders under the age of 16 are not permitted to ride e-bikes on state or local highways.
Picture
Picture
“We ask all riders -- traditional and e-bikes -- to practice trail etiquette and ride safely, including adhering to safe speeds,” Dunn said.

"E-bikes make Pennsylvania state parks and forests accessible to more people, such as older individuals and those with physical limitations or medical conditions," the DCNR said in a press release. "The policy expands such opportunities for healthful outdoor recreation activity while at the same time managing impacts on other visitors and on natural places."

​An
 E-bike Policy Frequently Asked Questions document (PDF) on the DCNR website has more information about the e-bike policy.
0 Comments

Barrow brings back theater workshop series

12/16/2022

0 Comments

 
The Barrow-Civic Theatre will restart its Barrow Theatre Institute education series with an English Dialect Workshop taught by Shawn Clerkin at 10 a.m. January 14. 

​"With 'Pride and Prejudice' right around the corner, the BTI thought it would be both educational and fun to learn about English dialects," the theatre posted online. 
​The workshop will cover two primary English dialects: Standard British (spoken by privileged gentry professionals) and Cockney (spoken by the service, working-class). Tea and crumpets will be served. The cost is $10 and the class is open to ages 15 and older. Sign up online. 

​Clerkin was a theatre professor at Gannon University for more than three decades and taught courses in theatre and communication arts majors on voice and articulation. He studied in London and Oxford and has led dozens of educational trips to the UK, Ireland, and Scotland, picking up nuances in language and culture.
Picture
0 Comments

Entries Wanted for 7th annual Nature Art Showcase & Sale

12/13/2022

2 Comments

 
Council on Greenways and Trails, in coordination with the Penn Soil RC&D Council, is accepting artist registrations for the seventh annual Nature Art Showcase & Sale, scheduled to take place February 3 and 4 at the Barrow-Civic Theatre in Franklin. 

Artists may register one or two pieces representing the natural and recreational assets of northwestern Pennsylvania, including 2-D and 3-D items such as paintings, sculptures, metal fabrications, fabric arts, jewelry, wearable art, photography, pottery, drawings, wood carving and watercolor. The registration form is available online at www.nwpagreenways.org/​. ​
Picture
"Northwestern Pennsylvania is blessed with an abundance of natural and scenic resources which have contributed greatly to the regional growth and prosperity. In addition, a large portion of the area's land, water, forest, and wildlife resources has a primary or a secondary use for recreational activities and also serves as inspiration for a vibrant artist community. Let our natural and recreational assets inspire you as an artisan, then share your inspiration with others," the groups posted online.

Artist registration is free and those who sign up by January 18 are eligible for inclusion in the annual printed booklet. Later entries will be accepted, but will not be included in the booklet. Artists will receive 85% of the price of any items sold. The other 15% will be donated to the Council on Greenways and Trails and the Penn Soil RC&D Council. Artists can determine if the pieces are for sale or display only. 


The show and sale will be held in connection with the annual Franklin on Ice festival. An opening reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, February 3. The main show will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, February 4. Admission to both is free. Attendees will be given the opportunity to vote for their favorite piece to be named the People's Choice winner. 
2 Comments

Library hosting clothing winter clothing swap

12/9/2022

0 Comments

 
The Benson Memorial Library has a question for you - "Do you have spare winter clothing you no longer wear?" The library is offering residents a chance to update or switch out their winter wardrobes.

They will hold a winter clothing swap during regular business hours on December 14, 15, 16 and 17. ​To participate, simply visit the library and check out the items and bring some items to leave, if you have them. 

"We will only be accepting winter-appropriate clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, gloves, scarves, etc," the library posted online. Items must be clean and without tears or holes. 
Picture
The library's regular hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.  

The clothing swap is being done in ccooperation with Associated Charities. ​
0 Comments

New year offers several ways to get involved in theatre

12/7/2022

0 Comments

 
If getting involved with the local theatre or trying something new is on your list for upcoming New Year's resolutions, you're in luck. The Barrow-Civic has several opportunities in January.​
​Celebration of Talent
​The theatre is accepting submissions for the 6th annual Celebration of Talent through January 2. 
Celebration of Talent is a variety talent competition where winners are determined by audience vote Talent categories include vocal, instrumental, dance/movement, magician, or other. Individual and group acts of all ages are welcome. The event, which is organized in collaboration with the Franklin Rotary Club, will be held on February 4. ​

Pride and Prejudice

Auditions for the Franklin Civic Operetta Association's first main stage show - "Pride and Prejudice" - will be held at 2 p.m. January 7 and 6 p.m. January 8 p.m. 

Adapted from Jane Austen's book of the same name, the play takes place i
n a time when being married is considered a success in life for a young lady. Mrs. Bennet’s daughters are all of age to marry. When two of the three find eligible suitors, it is Elizabeth that still needs to settle down. Travel back to the early 1800s for the duel between Elizabeth and her pride and Mr. Darcy, whom she secretly adores, and his prejudice.

Those auditioning must be 16 or older and should prepare a 90-second memorized monologue of their choice (from the show or from a period piece that fits the style of this show.) They may also be asked to cold-read from the script. 

Hannah Faraone will direct the FCOA show and Laura Ordaz and Jenn Fox will be the producers. Show dates are March 17, 18, 19 24, 25 and 26. 

Rainbow Fish
Aspiring actors can dip their toes into the theatre experience with the FOCA's youth theatre production of "The Rainbow Fish Musical." Acting and ensemble parts are available for those aged 8 to 16. Technical jobs are open to ages 10 to 18. Everyone interested in participating must attend auditions at 2 p.m. January 7. Those wanting to be in the cast should be prepared to read, sing and dance. Martha Heise is the director, Kelly Zerbe is the choreographer and Jessica Rodriguez is the technical lead. Performance dates are February 16, 17 and 18.

Shows 
January's schedule also includes a show by Elvis impersonator Richie Santa on the main stage and two weekends of Liberty Cabaret: Soundtrack in the Little Theatre. 

Richie captures the voice, the charisma, the music, the look, the excitement, the love and the true essence of The Kind of Rock 'n Roll, according to the Barrow-Civic website. "Audiences will leave feeling exhilarated by his riveting portrayal of the one and only Elvis." 

The 10th production in the ​Liberty Cabaret series focuses on the "hits that came from the screen to your stereo." The show will include music and comedy by local performers Suzi Beach, Casey Beightol, Matt Beightol, Ian Best, Hannah Faraone, Jake Gallows, Wendall Holmes, Brooke Lawrie and Derek Stewart with special guest Donnie Baughman. The show will be run on January 13, 14, 20, and 21.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Information on the auditions and tickets are available at www.barrowtheatre.org.
0 Comments
<<Previous
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly