A few weeks ago, a handful of Sunday School kids put their faith in action, and that action is motivating others at Open Arms Community Church in Bradford to do the same.
"Before church, they were selling rocks for a dollar," said Josh Hatcher, Outreach Coordinator at Open Arms. He said the kids had handwritten a little sign that said, "Rocks 4 Sale to help the Africa 'Mishuns' (Missions) Trip."
Open Arms has been planning a trip to the city of Conakry in Guinea, Africa in the Spring of 2009 to do humanitarian work.
After church, while the some of the adults were in a leadership meeting, the kids took their passion to the streets, putting together a makeshift lemonade stand and attempting to hawk their wares to passing cars.
Children's Ministry Coordinator Michelle Mahaney said, "I was really moved by what those kids did! They had that burning desire in their hearts; they were on a mission! They wanted to help and they did it the only way the knew. They had one hour to work with, and it got me thinking about how much they did in one hour."
Mahaney was inspired to launch what she calls "Mission Lemonade." She will work with all the kids from the Open Arms Children's Ministry to put up a lemonade stand at the church this weekend. All of the money raised will go to fund the upcoming missions trip. "It's really the idea of a handful of elementary aged kids. I just want all of the kids to see that they can help make a difference. I want them to have a sense of accomplishment. If it works out well, we may sell lemonade once a month," said Mahaney.
Hatcher said that the church's trip to Guinea will be to help out a church and school comprised largely of refugees from Sierra Leone. "These are the refugees that you see in the movie 'Blood Diamond'. Guinea is one of the poorest countries in the world. We've been in a close relationship with this church and school for about a year now, and we're excited about meeting our friends there face to face."
The "Mission Lemonade" stand will be open this Saturday, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM and Sunday form 10:30 to 12:00 PM in front of Open Arms Community Church on East Main Street.
I had to travel to Batavia, NY to visit Northgate Church ( http://www.northgatefmc.com )
On the way home, my friend took me out to eat at Alex's Place ( http://www.alexsribs.com ) near the Batavia Downs Race Track.
I had the Half Rack Lunch Special - Garlic Ribs with BBQ on the side, coleslaw, fries, and a bowl of Cheesy Pepperoni Soup.
These were by far, the best ribs I've ever tasted in my life, and perhaps the best restaurant I've ever been to in my life.
The establishment looks like an old speak-easy, and it was a little darker inside than I prefer, but again, the food was ABSOLUTELY amazing, and if any of you are in the neighborhood, I highly recommend getting ya' some ribs!
I had to travel to Batavia, NY to visit Northgate Church ( http://www.northgatefmc.com )
On the way home, my friend took me out to eat at Alex's Place ( http://www.alexsribs.com ) near the Batavia Downs Race Track.
I had the Half Rack Lunch Special - Garlic Ribs with BBQ on the side, coleslaw, fries, and a bowl of Cheesy Pepperoni Soup.
These were by far, the best ribs I've ever tasted in my life, and perhaps the best restaurant I've ever been to in my life.
The establishment looks like an old speak-easy, and it was a little darker inside than I prefer, but again, the food was ABSOLUTELY amazing, and if any of you are in the neighborhood, I highly recommend getting ya' some ribs!
News: 08/28/07 - Council Passes Parks Smoking BanIt's almost official – no smoking in three city parks. Bradford City Council Tuesday night amended a resolution that will ban smoking in Veterans Square, Callahan and Hanley parks. Mayor Michele Corignani voted against the resolution, only because she says doesn't address enforcement of the ban. Councilman Tom Riel, however, says enforcement is already built into the existing regulations. Riel says he introduced the amendment because city employees are spending too much time cleaning up cigarette butts in the parks. Riel the ban is a step forward for to make Bradford a better place. The amendment will go into effect after it's posted, and a legal notice is in the paper. Riel says everyone he's talked to is overwhelmingly in favor of the smoking ban.
The following is a memo from City Clerk John Peterson to Mayor Michele Corignani and Bradford City Council.
Following the devastating storm on Saturday evening, August 25, the city's unofficial motto "Cool Town, Warm Hearts" was never more evident. Scenario after scenario unfolded over the weekend with neighbor helping neighbor, business owners helping city work crews, adn the list goes on and on. To try to thank everyone would be virtually impossible, but some deserve special recognition.
Penelec for the coordinated response. More than 85 lineman plus supervisors and mechanics were on site from as far away as Erie, Meadville, Clearfield, Johnstown and Cleveland. They worked around the clock to restore all power by 12 p.m. Sunday. Davey Tree Service for their invaluable assistance to electrical crews and our residents. Verizon for all of the necessary pole replacements. Country Fair and Store Manage Melinda Haynes and Her Staff for keeping city emergency vehicles fueled while power was out at our normal facility. In addition, Country Fair fed and supplied coffee for city crews and special police. Bradford Sub Shop for feeding City Fire Department emergency workers. Bradford Special Police for their dedication and countless hours of work this past weekend. They provided coverage for the Crook Farm Country Fair as well as emergency storm coverage, and returned to provide coverage of Crook Farm again on Sunday. Chief Lloyd Huntoon and his staff deserve a round of applause and a sincere thank-you. City Fire, Police, DPW and Parks Employees for their tireless efforts in all areas of the city as they reopened roadways, tended to emergency needs of our residents and their continuing efforts to restore our city to its nomal condition. Bradford Water Authority, Sanitary Authority, Flood Control Authority and Adjoining Municipalities both local as well as Kane Borough and Wetmore Township for their assistance as the cleanup effort continues. McKean County Emergency Management Agency for their response to the Bradford area. Bona Responds for hearing about the storm and respondng from St. Bonaventure University to our community.
I am certain that this is just a very short list of people and agencies that have stepped up to help. I apologize to everyone that may have provided assistance that were not mentioned; these are only the ones that I have been made aware of.
Finally, perhaps the biggest thank you should go to all of our community for whatever assistance you may have provided during the storm. Whether it was cutting up trees, hauling branches, sharing generators or tools, cleaning off storm grates, etc., etc., etc.. In 35 years of government service I don't think I have every been more proud of our city residents and workers.
WFRM.net reports: A McKean County man was sentenced this week in federal court on charges relating to the Ralph “Bucky” Phillips case from last summer. Todd Nelson, 31, of Ludlow was ordered to spend 23 months and 27 days for receiving, possessing and concealing 35 guns which authorities believe Phillips stole from a Chautauqua County New York gun dealer. Nelson is currently serving time in a Pennsylvania State prison after pleading guilty early this year top hindering apprehension of Phillips who stayed at his home from August 17-28 last summer while hiding from police. Phillips escaped from a New York State prison in early April 2006 and zig zagged across the border for about five months. He shot and wounded a New York State Trooper in June near Corning and Elmira and then in late August shot two more troopers near his girlfriend’s home in Chautauqua County. One of the officers, Joseph Longobardo died a few days later from his wounds. Phillips who was captured following a massive two-state manhunt in early September near Warren, PA, was sentenced recently in New York State to two life terms without parole and a 40 year to life term for the three shootings. He’s believed to have been responsible for numerous thefts and burglaries in both Pennsylvania and New York while on the run, in fact, Kane-based state police recovered a vehicle stolen by Phillips on a forestry road near Nelson’s home in late August.
WESB.com reports:We've received reports that there was an incident involving a gun in Kane early this afternoon. Reports indicate that a police stopped a vehicle on Hacker Street near the baseball field, and the person inside the vehicle pulled out a gun. We can't confirm reports that shots were fired by either the driver or police. We'll have more information as it becomes available.
WESB.com reports: Environmental Protection has put Rustic LLC on notice after several radiation violations. The DEP says that employees of the company haven’t been following procedures properly after radiation levels were found above reasonable levels. The agency found seven incidents this year where DEP inspectors observed employees of Rustic LLC not following proper procedures. There was also an incident where an employee tore a liner that prevents leachate from draining into the ground. The DEP is monitoring the groundwater for any contamination.
WESB.com reports:The three candidates for Bradford Mayor participated in a forum Thursday night at the Bradford Area Public Library. They were asked about the negative perception of the city.
Tom Riel believes the city's image can change if a number of issues are addressed. Listen to Tom Riel
Bob Onuffer figured that he pays 91 cents a day in city taxes, and says what he gets for the money is a positive thing. Listen to Bob Onuffer
Dan Costello says that, while working on the negative issues, we need to concentrate on the positive. Listen to Dan Costello
The candidates also discussed blight, streets and sidewalks, the Main Street Manager program and the police and fire departments. All three are in favor of keeping a full-time, paid fire department. The forum was sponsored by WESB and The HERO, along with The Bradford Era.
Name: Josh Hatcher Home: Roulette, PA, Bradford, PA About Me: I love music, graphic design, and of course NEWS. I'm a father of four beautiful kids, and husband to the prettiest woman in the world. See my complete profile
