 | 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. |
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 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."   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. "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.  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.  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.”
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.
“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. 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.
"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.
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. 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.
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