Table of Contents

6 Welcome

8 Board of Directors & Staff

10 Chamber moves to new location

12  Leader in Me program helps keeps students focused on their goals

14  New building part of Pitt-Bradford’s celebration of 60 years in supportive community

18  Marilyn Horne Museum honors famed opera singer, Bradford native

20  Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition helps local businesses to survive and thrive

24  Evergreen Elm allows residents to lead full lives as part of a ‘family’

26  Futures Rehabilitation Center continues to grow while serving the Bradford-area community

28  Local Parks & Trails

30  McCourt Label has been enhancing its products and service for more than 125 years in the Bradford area

32  Pumpkin Fest is a great way to spend a fall day

34  Annual Christmas Parade a Tradition in Bradford

36  Membership Benefits

37  Llistings

Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce

62 Main Street, Suite 1 • Bradford, PA 16701

814-368-7115

BradfordChamber.com

This publication was created and produced by
Town Square Publications for the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce

Copyright © 2024 Town Square Publications

P.O. Box 280, Arlington Heights, IL 60006

(847) 427-4905 | tbusby@tspubsdigital.com

www.TownSquarePublications.com

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The Chamber and Town Square assume no responsibility for misinformation. Please contact the Chamber with any additions or corrections. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the Chamber and Town Square is prohibited.

Chairman, CEO and Publisher | Douglas K. Ray

President and Chief Operating Officer | Scott Stone

Vice President / Director | Scott Ray

Managing Director | David Small

Director of Production | Ryan Moore

Director of Operations | Joseph Nugara

Sales Executive | Tammie Easson

Editor | Bob Oswald

Project Manager | Mike Nickells

WELCOME

On behalf of the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce I would like to welcome you to Bradford, our community with a big heart.

Bradford is a wonderful place to build a business, make friends and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding our community. Whether you are a visitor, a new resident or a past resident returning, you will find the same long standing community spirit always present in Bradford.

The Chamber started in Bradford, more than 140 years ago, to help support a new community thriving off new found oil, and to advocate for the businesses growing as a result. The Chamber has continued to play that important role.

This past year was a year of celebrations. We performed over 25 ribbon cuttings, a big year for Bradford. Those ribbon cuttings varied from celebrating a restaurant in business for 50 years, opening a new building to support Futures Rehabilitation Center and of course promoting new businesses opening up right here in our quaint town.

The stories of these ribbon cuttings tell you many things about our community. We have grown, we have taken chances and we always support one another. When you ask people why they live in Bradford, it is the sense of community that we find so important.

Most importantly don’t forget to support our Chamber Members. You will find a directory of our members in the back of this book. And always feel free to reach out to the Chamber with any questions about our great community.

We invite you to visit our community. You could shop in our quaint downtown that was voted top 12 Main Streets in PA that look like a Hallmark Movie. Stop at the Zippo Case Flagship Store and Museum, Marilyn Horne Museum or Penn Brad Oil Museum. You could hike on our amazing trails scattered in the Allegheny National Forest or fish in our Marilla trail or the Allegheny Waterway. Take a drive to the Kinzua Bridge or to go skiing, which are both just 20 minutes away.

Heidi Scrivo

Executive Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sarah Lonzi

President

Rev. Stacey Fussell

Vice President

Eric Marasco

Treasurer

Dave Monroe

Secretary

Barb Kervin

Past President

Heidi Blatchley

Christine Tyler

Christy Reffner

Jennifer Douglas

Lisa Pecora

John Pantuso

Kerry Christie

Nathan Lawyer

Leader in Me program helps keeps students focused on their goals

By Mike Danahey

radford Area School District students at all levels are involved in an effort where they build skills to support one another and the community as they learn about leadership.

That program, called Leader in Me, is based on Stephen R. Covey’s best-selling book, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.”

Leader in Me schools are located in more than 50 countries, according to the program’s website, www.leaderinme.org. It’s offered through Salt Lake City, Utah-based FranklinCovey Education.

In Bradford, School Street Elementary School Principal Sarah Tingley said Leader in Me looks different at the various grade spans.

“At the elementary level, there are direct lessons where students are taught the habits and how they manifest in our daily lives,” Tingley said.

As an example, Tingley said elementary students learn about being proactive, which is Covey’s “Habit 1.”

“This includes setting goals and tracking the goals so they can be successful. Then, these practices are just naturally integrated into our school and personal lives,” Tingley said.

The program is not designed to be a separate “thing” or an added subject. Rather, it involves teaching students how to use effective interpersonal and intrapersonal skills to be a productive citizen, Tingley said.

At the secondary level, students may not spend so much time on the direct lessons, but they discuss scenarios that may occur in their lives and how they could respond.

The Bradford Area School District started using the program in the classroom with the 2016-17 school year. It came about after some staff from its two elementary schools attended a symposium in Columbus, Ohio about Leader in Me.

Upon their return from the event, the educators decided they wanted to look into implementing the process at the elementary level. They met with staff from both elementary schools to share what they learned.

Shortly after their presentation, the organizers started a book club around the book, “The Leader in Me: How Schools Around the World are Inspiring Greatness, One Child at a Time,” by Stephen Covey, Sean Covey, Muriel Summers and David Hatch. The book club allowed staff to glean a better understanding of the process.

“We had several days of professional development in the first two years of the implementation. Initially, the training focused on the adults, and then we moved into discussing how we could integrate the process into the school setting,” Tingley said.

At the elementary schools, students are directly taught the habits and the deep understandings associated with each one. Past students gaining a strong understanding of those habits, the focus is on having them track their personal and academic goals.

“We have them plan and lead school activities,” Tingley said. “They also have club time every month for one hour where they focus on their personal interests.”

Many of the clubs focus on service to others:

•  The baking club may bake treats for the area SPCA.

•  Another club focuses on cheering up residents at a local nursing home.

•  A K-Kids Club (Kiwanis) reads to younger students and does community service projects in and around the district.

•  A career club takes students to local businesses and industries to expose them to the many opportunities available to them as they become older.

•  Student Lighthouse teams at all district buildings are integral to the school community. They meet with their advisor to plan service projects and provide input into school activities including the curriculum.

•  Parent Lighthouse teams in the buildings do similar tasks. They also focus on academics, culture, and leadership by having action teams that work with fellow parents, students and school staff.

The district conducts Leadership Days once a year, inviting members of the community into the schools to see the various components of the Leader in Me process.

“We also have assemblies that students plan and run where we honor and celebrate the achievements of our Wildly Important Goals (WIGS),” Tingley said.

And every year, the district conducts a survey of family members, school staff and students on the Measurable Results Assessment, that focuses on three areas – academics, culture and leadership. The information from its results is used to set goals for the next school year.

As the School Street Elementary’s building administrator, Tingley said her part in Leader In Me includes training for families, students and teachers. That can involve finding time in schedules to have club meetings and reaching out to the school’s Leader in Me coach for more information.

“My role is just to make sure everyone has the resources they need to be successful,” she said.

For more information on the Bradford Area School District, visit www.bradfordareaschools.org.

New building part of Pitt-Bradford’s celebration of 60 years in supportive community

By Mike Danahey

or 60 years the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has provided a welcoming, friendly and personalized college experience for students from the local region and throughout the United States and the world.

Pitt-Bradford, which marked its 60th anniversary on Sept. 3, 2023, was established in 1963 by a group of forward-thinking individuals who advocated for a campus because there wasn’t a college or university in this region of Pennsylvania.

“The community wholeheartedly rallied behind that idea and provided tremendous support so that a Pitt campus could be established in our community,” Pitt-Bradford spokesperson Pat Frantz Cercone said.

The first day of classes at Pitt-Bradford was held on Sept. 3, 1963, when 143 full-time and 145 part-time students were enrolled. The initial student body had a mix of young men and women from all over Pennsylvania, as well as New Jersey, New York and other states.

At that time, the newly established campus was a hodgepodge of buildings in Bradford. Students were housed in the Emery Hotel, which is now Emery Towers. They attended class in the Emery Hardware building on Main Street and Hamsher House, which had been located near Bradford Hospital.

Sixty years later, there are more than 1,000 students enrolled, of which 78% are full time and live on campus. More than two-thirds of its students – 68.2% – are from Pennsylvania and 15.8% are from neighboring New York state. Another 16% of Pitt-Bradford students come from other states and territories, including Arizona, California, Oregon, Puerto Rico and Washington D.C., and several countries, including Armenia, Brazil, Georgia, Italy, Korea, Nigeria, China, Germany, India and Uzbekistan.

The university also has grown programmatically and physically.

Pitt-Bradford, on a campus that now totals 491 acres and 38 buildings, offers more than 40 majors, including biology, nursing, business management, criminal justice, engineering technology, education, psychology, computer information systems and technology.

Its newest building is the George B. Duke Engineering and Information Technologies Building, which opened in January 2023 and was named for George B. Duke, chairman and owner of Zippo Manufacturing Co., who has been a longtime and very generous supporter of the Pitt-Bradford campus.

The new building is home to several academic programs, including two new four-year engineering technology majors – mechanical engineering technology and energy engineering technology – that were developed to help meet the workforce needs of the region.

The Duke Building also houses a makerspace featuring 3D printing and scanning for rapid prototyping, a machine shop, a virtual reality lab, a sensors and automation lab, an electronics lab, a fluid mechanics lab, a large atrium and several study rooms.

The building includes a roof-top solar array, which is expected to produce about 113,000 kWh/year and is currently the largest in the University of Pittsburgh system.

Additionally, the Duke Building meets Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) standards, and it is anticipated that the U.S. Green Building Council will certify it at least at the silver level. Once certified, the Duke Building will join Livingston Alexander House as the second LEED-certified building on campus and the third LEED-certified building in all of McKean County.

For the past two years, Pitt-Bradford was named one of the nation's most environmentally responsible colleges by The Princeton Review 2024 Guide to Green Colleges.

The university also has received many other national recognitions:

•  U.S. News & World Report ranked Pitt-Bradford 20th overall among regional colleges in the North.

•  The Princeton Review ranked it a Best Regional College for the 20th consecutive year.

•  Washington Monthly Magazine ranked Pitt-Bradford among the best baccalaureate colleges in the country and a “Best Bang for the Buck” in the Northeast.

•  GI Jobs named the campus a Military Friendly School for the 13th year in a row and a Military Friendly Spouse School for the second year.

Over its 60-year history, Pitt-Bradford has graduated alumni who have made a positive impact in their workplaces and their communities. Some of those graduates include:

•  George Repchick, a 1982 graduate who is CEO of Embassy Healthcare

•  Dr. John Androsavich, who graduated in 2007 and is global head, RNA medicine lead at Pfizer

•  Dr. Yvon Woappi, a 2011 graduate, who teaches at Harvard Medical School

•  Jennifer Lewke, who graduated in 2005 and is an investigative reporter with WHEC-TV News 10 in Rochester, N.Y.

•  Clayton Johnson, a 2016 graduate who works as a U.S. Secret Service Uniformed Division Officer assigned to The White House

•  Divia Thani, a 2001 graduate who is the global editorial director for Conde Nast Traveller

•  Shatara Murphy, a 2008 graduate who is the assistant vice chancellor for anchor initiatives within the Office of Engagement and Community Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh

•  Thomas Neilly, who graduated in 2018 and is the principal site reliability engineer at Yahoo

•  Joel Austin, a 2019 graduate who works as a front-end software engineer with Meta

•  Courtney Shade, who graduated in 2019 and is a veterinarian at VAC Bakerstown (PA) Animal Hospital

“Pitt-Bradford students have the advantage of living and learning on a campus where faculty and staff are committed to their success while also having access to the vast resources of the University of Pittsburgh and earning the prestigious Pitt degree,” Cercone added.

Pitt-Bradford’s 60th anniversary celebration continues into 2024 with additional free events that are open to the public.

To commemorate the anniversary, Pitt-Bradford established a free monthly film series. Each film, which is shown in Bromeley Family Theater in Blaisdell Hall, was selected by a faculty member who introduces the film then leads a discussion following the showing.

Several films will be shown during the remainder of the anniversary year, including Awakenings” and “Casablanca.” The anniversary year will conclude on Sept. 3, 2024, when the university will hold its annual Founders’ Day event.

For information, go to https://www.upb.pitt.edu/posts/news/free-film-fest-celebrate-60-years

Marilyn Horne Museum honors famed opera singer, Bradford native

By Mike Danahey

egendary opera singer and Bradford native Marilyn Horne turns 90 in early 2024, making it a fine time to celebrate by visiting the museum that bears her name.

Located in Bradford’s historic downtown district, the Marilyn Horne Museum & Exhibit Center, Café & Gift Shoppe is part of the six-story Marilyn Horne Hall, formerly known as the Seneca Building. The hall is part of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and also holds office and meeting space.

The building was constructed by a local chapter of the Odd Fellows in 1931, three years before Horne was born. However, its Art Deco details reflect the time in which she lived in Bradford.

“Marilyn has always thought of Bradford as her hometown. She has maintained ties to the city throughout her life including life-long friendships,” said Museum Director Matthew Hileman.

Hileman noted that Horne gave a performance in Bradford in 1979 for the town’s centennial celebration. The mezzo-soprano sang in her hometown again in 2000, when the town named a street for her, Marilyn Horne Way, which runs directly in front of Marilyn Horne Hall.

Horne’s relationship with Pitt-Bradford goes back many years, Hileman said. Singers from her vocal competition have performed at the university. Horne also served as the honorary chairwoman of the fundraising committee to raise the money to create Pitt-Bradford’s 500-seat Bromeley Family Theater.

“Marilyn was also extremely fond of the university’s third president, Dr. Livingston Alexander, and he was the one who approached her with the idea of creating a museum to celebrate Marilyn’s life and work,” Hileman said.

Horne agreed to give her entire archive to the university. It took about five years of planning, fundraising and construction to complete the project, with the museum opening in 2017.

“Marilyn felt that her legacy belonged in her hometown,” Hileman said.

Hileman said the building’s first floor has always had businesses open to the public, while the upper floors were used by the Odd Fellows for meetings and ceremonies.

The building was designed by a local architect Thomas Hendryx to replace the original Victorian structure that was on the same site. It was gifted to the university in 2005 by Dr. and Mrs. Robert Weiss in memory of Dr. Paul and Dr. Andrew Keverline, father and son who were killed in separate tragic accidents.

The area near the museum holds ties to Horne’s time in Bradford.

“Directly in front of Marilyn Horne Hall is Veteran’s Square, where Marilyn and her sister Gloria sang in the gazebo when they were little girls, at World War II bond rallies,” Hileman said. “A block west of the building is Church of the Ascension where Marilyn sang as part of the choir, so this location has a lot of history and is significant to Marilyn’s life.”

Visitors to the museum can see some of Marilyn’s notable awards on display, including her Kennedy Center Honor, one of her 15 Grammy nomination medallions, her knighthood from the Republic of Italy and her National Medal of Arts, which was presented to her by former President George H.W. Bush.

The museum shows a beautiful film that was professionally produced by a group that has done major work for other museums, including the Smithsonian, Hileman said.

It also includes The Society for Museum Explorers, a program geared toward the public and the Pitt-Bradford community, especially students. It is designed to offer opportunities to explore other museums and see grand opera performances in cities such as New York or Pittsburgh.

“It is a way to engage our community on a deeper level, and we’ve had a very successful program of Sunday afternoon art activities that have been extremely popular,” Hileman said. “Overall The Society for Museum Explorers is a way for us to offer a broad range of engaging programming that is not necessarily directly related to opera.”

As such, the museum averages nearly 1,500 visitors a year. Almost double that number attend the various events the museum hosts, including free chamber music performances and family activities.

The free-to-visit museum has an ever-changing calendar of events. including film screenings, classical performances, activities and participation in town-wide events.

With Horne turning 90 in January, 2024 is going to be the museums’ Marilyn Birthday Celebration Year. There will be a number of special programs taking place, including a lecture by an international Verdi scholar, and a film screening of a full production of one of Marilyn’s performances from the late 1980s.

“There is always something exciting happening at the museum. We encourage people to follow our newsletters, which they can sign up for on our website. And there is a calendar of events also on the website that is updated as we add new things,” Hileman said.

The Marilyn Horne Museum, 2 Marilyn Horne Way, Bradford, PA1

Phone: 814-362-7990, Email: info@marilynhorne.org, Website: https://www.marilynhorne.org/

Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition helps local businesses to survive and thrive

By Mike Danahey

taged annually since 2020 by the Bradford Area Alliance, the annual Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition provides the spark needed for local entrepreneurs to fuel their businesses.

“The strength of our community is in the number of family-owned businesses in our community. Our goal is simply to support and grow that entrepreneurial spirit that already exists in our community,” said Bradford Area Alliance Executive Director Caroyln Boser Newhouse.

The competition is for new startups, new ventures of existing businesses and new owners of existing businesses. In 2023, it awarded $20,000 to 1st place; $3,000 to 2nd; $2,000 to 3rd; and $500 to an audience-voted fan favorite.

Since its inception, the Alliance has received more than 130 applicants for the competition. Over the years, the event has received applicants from diverse industries including agriculture, artisans, automotive, child care, construction, eCommerce, education, food services, hospitality, manufacturing, outdoor recreation, pet care, retail, services, tourism, technology and wellness.

Taking first place in 2023 were Petra Stana and Garrett Raney, co-owners of Allegheny Store Fixtures in Bradford.

The company has been in business since 1996. Stana and Raney acquired the firm in recent years and moved from Texas to continue its operation. Their store specializes in crafting tailored interiors and fixtures such as shelving, tables, cabinetry, displays, counters and various millwork.

They will be using the prize money to invest in new equipment, including a case clamp and dowel machine. These additions will enhance casework capabilities and enable the development of new products, ultimately diversifying the customer base.

Another recent winner, Helen Schuster, with HMS Scientific, put her 2021 winnings toward creating a contract laboratory in the Bradford area to develop and test new products and/or optimize formulations for the mining industry. She used the prize money for equipment purchases, lab improvements and working capital.

After winning the Alliance’s competition and also receiving funding from the Bright Bradford Innovation Fund, Schuster established a national test lab, expanded staff and developed a proprietary system to restore land after mining, construction, and oil and gas extraction. The system results in the permanent restoration of vegetation and decreased corrosion and run-off.

Each year, finalists compete during a pitch event that is open to the public and hosted by the Alliance at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.

A panel of judges assesses submitted business plans, effectiveness of pitches and responses to their questions.

To add levity to the pitch event and to show that the entrepreneurial spirit starts early, the 2023 finals also featured a group of youngsters bringing their new take to an old-fashioned startup.

“They were amazing in up-selling me their lemonade, so we added them into our program,” Newhouse said.

Newhouse said the competition is one of many strategies created and supported by the Bradford Area Alliance to grow a wealth-building entrepreneurial ecosystem. It is named after the man who is credited with helping to save Bradford’s oil refinery. Philanthropic contributions made to the McKean County Community Foundation fund the competition in perpetuity.

The Bradford Area Alliance is a 16-member board of CEOs and leaders focused on advancing prosperity in business and our citizens in and around Bradford that is locally focused, regionally connected and global in view.

The competition also serves as a gateway, introducing applicants to a spectrum of resources and services available to them through local resources that include the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce and the Pennsylvania “PREP” network established by the Pennsylvania Department of Economic and Community Development.

The Alliance also enhances support for both new and existing entrepreneurs through various programs and resources. Notable among these is the established $1 million Bright Bradford Fund, along with the Entrepreneur Leadership Mission (ELM) accelerator program, which is focused on helping existing business owners in achieving both business success and a harmonious life balance.

For more information and to apply for the 2024 Harvey L. Golubock Business Competition, go to www.bradfordareaalliance.com/competition.

•  Applicants are encouraged to apply early. All business plan outlines must be submitted by Friday, Sept. 6

•  Judging of those plans will be done by Monday, Sept. 16, and finalists will be announced.

•  The deadline for all finalists to submit a complete business plan is Thursday, Oct. 3.

•  The pitch event will be held Thursday, Oct. 17.

Evergreen Elm allows residents to
lead full lives as part of a ‘family’

By Mike Danahey

Jay Furman will be turning 80 this coming March.

He’s lived most of this life living in residences operated by Evergreen Elm Inc. (EGE) in Bradford – more than 43 years in fact.

Direct Support Professionals Supervisor Angel Gustafson recently asked Furman what he likes about Evergreen Elm.

“At first, Jay said, ‘Why?’ I told him because he has known us for so long, we wanted his opinion,” Gustafson said. “He said he loves his new house and the staff are good to him. There's no stairs and he saw a big deer out back.”

Furman also told Gustafson that he feels like he has a big family.

“He said he gets new clothes, especially socks, and we do his laundry and make his bed. I asked Jay if he wants to stay at Evergreen Elm forever and he said yes, he doesn't want to live alone, and Evergreen Elm is his family,” Gustafson said.

Added CEO, Brandi Buck, “Jay is an absolute joy to know, and we are fortunate to be a part of his life.”

Helping people like Furman lead full lives has been the goal of Evergreen Elm for its 50 years. It was established in 1974 as Evergreen Highlands by the Mental Health Association of McKean County with one home, run as a transitional home, an alternative to institutionalized living.

Its mission statement reads, "Evergreen Elm provides quality living arrangements and life programs for mentally challenged and intellectually disabled adults in McKean and surrounding counties."

Today, the organization serves 115 people across three programs: Residential, Mental Health Supportive Living and In-Home and Community services. Eligible Individuals are referred by The Guidance Center and Supports Coordination and Case Management and County Administrative Entities.

“There are many ways we can provide support. We are in the field of helping people live quality lives,” Buck said. “We have amazing Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) that have found a way to maintain their home life while providing quality care to the individuals we serve.”

Buck said Evergreen Elm’s residential program provides 24-hour care utilizing a unique block shift pattern that creates a family living environment.

Supportive Living Services are based on assisting Individuals in settings they may otherwise struggle with, whether it be household care, medical appointment, medication administration or picking up groceries.

“The DSPs work with a person-centered mind frame that promotes quality and stability for the people we serve,” Buck said.

Evergreen Elm also offers a unique program, the Evergreen Elm Garden, which began in 1993 under the direction of Mary Williams and was run by the late Master Gardener Larry Rotheraine.

“The nutritional value of homegrown vegetables in the low funded atmosphere was a means to create quality,” Buck said. “The mental and physical health benefits of working in the garden are so grand that the horticulture program became invaluable.”

Some dedicated gardeners have been involved with the garden since it started and some new gardeners that have found their niche there.

“It is an educational, therapeutic program, and we are so very proud of it,” Buck said.

The patience needed by gardeners most likely helped Evergreen Elm make through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We were able to find an appreciation for slowing down and enjoying the moments. We are an active agency. The Individuals we serve are active community members, and we just run all the time,” Buck said. “We realize it isn't about how many places you go, but how much you enjoy the place that you are at.”

And while Evergreen Elm received federal COVID relief money, its leaders knew it was temporary, so were able to accept the relief without becoming dependent on it.

“EGE prepared wisely and spent the funding on sustainable things like recruitment efforts and retention practices,” Buck said.

In December, EGE sent out its annual holiday letter. to celebrate the year it had and also to prepare for the year ahead.

“This year we strived for $50,000 in donations as we celebrate 50 years of service,” Buck said.

Of being CEO of the organization, Buck said there is never a dull moment.

“Perception is individualized. I find it exciting and humbling to assist people in living what they consider their best everyday life,” Buck said. “The Human Services field is forever evolving. There are many aspects of the field that have a long road to travel. I am thankful for the amazing DSPs and administrative staff that work daily to clear the path.”

Evergreen Elm Inc., 50 Main St., Bradford, PA

Phone: 814-362-6853, Website: https://evergreenelm.org/

Futures Rehabilitation Center continues to grow while serving the Bradford-area community

By Mike Danahey

ore than 55 years ago, the notion that people with disabilities could do more led to the development of Futures Rehabilitation Center, an agency that would evolve into a life-changing resource for Bradford and the whole of McKean County.

In September, Futures Rehabilitation Center took another step in that evolution with the opening of the Blaisdell Center, 615 East Main St. in Bradford.

“The open house was a huge success,” said the Center’s vice-president of human resources Brittany Keck.

More than 90 community members attended the event, where they heard congratulatory speeches from local officials. Key donors were able to tour the facility and learn more about the services and programming the agency intends to provide.

The new facility was constructed with functionality in mind, Keck said. It replaces the BRAD Center, 150 Kennedy St., which was graciously donated decades ago to the nonprofit by the Blaisdell Foundation. As time went on, the three-story building required more and more upgrades to provide high quality services to the people Futures Rehabilitation Center supports.

“Constructing a one-story building with adequate spacing, lavatory facilities, and programming area was a necessity,” Keck said. “We were fully supported by our community in this construction and could not have done it without their support.”

It’s the next step for Futures, which was founded in 1968 under the Bradford Area School District with the aim of providing people with disabilities a place for activities and sheltered employment.

The organization started out in the former Blaisdell Foundation School at 150 Kennedy St., but it soon separated from the school district and became a private, nonprofit corporation.

“At the time, many individuals with disabilities were returning from institutions to live in their home communities, and many others were choosing to stay at home because more services were becoming available locally,” Keck said.

So, as Futures’ programs expanded to meet the community’s growing needs, larger facilities were needed.

In 1970, Futures rented space at the current Eagles Club on E. Main St., and in 1975, it purchased the former ButterKrust Bakery Building in East Bradford on what is now Futures Way.

“Since opening, our daily service has grown from serving eight people at the start, to currently serving over 150 people each day,” Keck said.

Providing those daily services met a challenge with this decade’s COVID-19 pandemic. Getting through it was a matter of resilience, not only from individuals who use Futures’ services, but also from its staff, Keck said.

Staff members stepped into different programs and roles to help cover the vacancies the organization experienced. The individuals Futures serves did not stop coming to programming. Whenever things needed to shut down due to increased COVID levels, they were the first ones to ask when operations would open again.

“COVID taught Futures a lot of lessons, but we came out stronger and confident we can handle whatever comes our way,” Keck said.

Whatever does come its way, Futures Rehabilitation Center exists to meet the needs of people with disabilities within the McKean County community. As such, it provides a wide variety of services and programming. Those offerings include pre-vocational training, life skills and social support, in-home and community support.

Individuals interested in joining one of Futures Rehabilitation Center’s programs must go through support coordination at The Guidance Center, 110 Campus Drive, Bradford. From that point, a team discussion takes place to determine appropriate programs and supports.

Questions about the services Futures provides, its wait list, or about the process can be answered by calling directly and asking for Patti Lewis.

To fund its operations, Futures gets 70% of its revenue from state sources. Its primary fundraiser is an annual appeal that is sent out along with an annual report during the December holiday season.

As for what Keck enjoys about working for Futures Rehabilitation Center, it's the people.

“As a staff person you don’t come into the human services field to make a hefty paycheck. You come because you truly want to make a difference in people’s lives,” Keck said. “I genuinely believe we do that each and every day. Each individual is different and unique, and we try to make sure to individualize our approach for clear success.”

And for 2024, Futures Rehabilitation Center plans to maintain and improve its relationships with the community, support the movement toward competitive employment for those on the employment track, continue to improve the quality of our services and continue to develop and improve an already-outstanding team of dedicated employees, Keck said.

Futures Rehabilitation Center, One Futures Way, Bradford, PA

Phone: 814-368-4101, Email:info@futuresinc.net, Website: https://futuresinc.net/

Local Parks & Trails

Natural beauty abounds in Allegheny National Forest

Written by Oisín Ó Ruacháinn

ith the Allegheny National Forest so close by, the options for great hiking in and around Bradford are nearly endless — but where should one start? Located in the heart of Bradford, the Tuna Valley Trail Association (TVTA) is responsible for the management of the Tuna Valley trails and can help provide guidance on which trails to take, what to see, and what to expect along the way.

“The full experience of all four seasons makes Bradford interesting for outdoor activities,” said TVTA Board Member CJ Mackey. “[There is also] a small-town atmosphere, and a partnership with local government and business which creates a vibrant recreational experience.”

Along with the surrounding opportunities for hiking, there are four main trail systems in the Bradford area that the TVTA is responsible for managing: the Crook Farm Trail, the R.E. McDowell Trail, the Blaisdell-Emery Trail and the newly-formed Community Parks Trail.

The Crook Farm Trail is a three-mile loop on crushed limestone, set at an easy grade for relaxed walking along the Tuna Creek. At the northern end of the trail rests the Crook Farm historical site, with a number of historical buildings, including the Crook Farmhouse, which was built in 1874. According to TVTA officials, keen-eyed hikers can spot waterfowl and eagles along the way.

Just to the southwest of the Crook Farm Trail lies the Community Parks Trail, which helps to provide connections to other trails within the area. Completed in 2016, the Community Parks Trail is the newest of the local trails, and also features access to Hanley Park, a place in which more than 23 trees have been removed to make way for an open-space park with two new playgrounds for 2–5-year-old and 5–12-year-old children. Another new feature of the park and trail is the addition of a new eight-station adult fitness area and eight-station balance & climbing fun center for children.

“The city of Bradford has several parks connected with the Community Parks Trail,” said Mackey. “Callahan Park, Kessel Athletic Complex, Hanley Park, and Jan Hamilton Park [all connect there]. We also have quick access to Allegany State Park in New York, as well as the Allegheny National Forest and the numerous activities in both locations.”

Near to the Community Park Trail is the Richard E. McDowell Trail, which runs beside the Tunungwant Creek, featuring three bridges and five raised walkways, all with easy, walkable grades. The entrance to the trail is near the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, making it an ideal trail for students and families.

The last of the main four Bradford-area trails is the Blaisdell-Emery Trail, a 3.8-mile hike along an abandoned railroad grade, which also offers access to the Penn-Brad Oil Museum near the trail’s midpoint.

The Blaisdell-Emery Trail has a few interesting changes along its path, including using an abandoned railway grade, changing to paving to cross underneath US-219, and even featuring a derrick of a wooden oil drilling rig, also known as a “standard rig,” near Custer City. The trail eventually terminates at Main Street in Lewis Run, where tired hikers can have plenty of opportunity to get some rest.

Another collection of Tuna Valley trails, located only five miles from Bradford, is the Marilla Springs Trail System. This trail system features the Marilla Bridges Trail, a scenic 1-mile loop trail with a wooden covered bridge, and also connects to the rest of the 3.5-mile Marilla Springs Trail.

The Allegheny National Forest is, of course, a central destination for hikers, and features “over 600 miles of all season trails,” according to Linda Devlin, executive director of the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau.

One other park that should be noted is the Kinzua Bridge State Park. According to Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau officials, “the skywalk was constructed on six of the historic Kinzua Viaduct massive steel towers remaining after the tornado of 2003, and the Kinzua Viaduct was once the highest and longest railroad viaduct in the world. The Kinzua Sky Walk extends out 624 feet into the Kinzua Gorge offering panoramic views. The skywalk features a walkway with a set of railroad tracks leading to the end of the overlook which has a partial glass floor.” For more information on the Kinzua Sky Walk, visit visitanf.com/history-of-the-kinzua-viaduct.

Parks in Bradford are spread out across the area and include (from west to east): the Callahan Park & Pool, the Kessel Athletic Complex at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, the John Hamilton Park, Veterans Square, Hanley Park, and Foster Brook Park.

For more information about the Tuna Valley Trail Association and its trails, visit tunavalleytrail.com.

McCourt Label has been enhancing its products and service for more than 125 years in the Bradford area

cCourt Label stands as a resilient pillar in the Bradford-area business community, with a legacy spanning over 125 years.

The company's enduring success is rooted in a steadfast dedication to evolving alongside the dynamic needs of its customer base, coupled with a commitment to incorporating cutting-edge printing technologies. This steadfast commitment has been the defining characteristic of McCourt Label throughout its extensive history.

Specializing in the production of high-quality pressure-sensitive labels, McCourt Label has established itself as a trusted converter and printer. Serving a diverse range of industries and markets, the company goes beyond mere label printing, offering expertise in adhesives, face stocks and liners to deliver tailor-made labeling solutions. Its focus extends to providing comprehensive labeling solutions that align seamlessly with the unique requirements of its customers.

As a union shop, McCourt Label achieved ISO 9001 quality standard registration in 1998, emphasizing continuous improvement, defect prevention, and supply chain efficiency. The company’s quality policy underscores its commitment to exceeding customer expectations by continually enhancing quality, service, delivery and product value. McCourt Label attained the prestigious ISO 14001 accreditation in 2008, showcasing a dedication to environmentally conscious practices and employee involvement in maintaining eco-friendly processes.

Valuing customer relationships above all, McCourt Label collaborates closely with clients, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and techniques to ensure successful label and print solutions. Beyond a conventional customer-supplier dynamic, the company fosters genuine partnerships, as evidenced by its collaboration with renowned brands such as Zippo, Case Cutlery, ARG, Dresser, Pepperell, LabelPack Automation, Bradford Forest, Cooper, and Beacon Light. Local craft beverage businesses, including Flickerwood Wine Cellars, Twisted Vine, Logyard Brewing, Bradford Brew Station, Little Mountain Winery, and CJ Spirits, entrust McCourt Label for high-end labels and rely on their swift turnaround times.

Boasting an impressive 80% repeat business rate, McCourt Label's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has cultivated a loyal client base. As a family-owned enterprise, the company takes immense pride in fostering strong relationships with both employees and customers. Clients working with McCourt Label can anticipate personalized service, meticulous attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Pumpkin Fest is a great way to spend
a fall day

any, many years ago the idea of Pumpkin Fest in downtown Main Street became a reality. One Saturday in September you will find Main Street packed with vendors, children’s activities, food trucks, service organizations and many volunteers. Over the years Pumpkin Fest has grown and become an event that packs Main Street and draws in thousands of people.

The focus of this event has always been family. There are many children’s blow-ups and games scattered through-out Main Street. The local University, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford hosts a Kids Zone with 25 different fun kid activities. The volunteers for this are all Pitt Bradford students supporting the Bradford Community. The local greenhouse, Graham’s Greenhouse and Landscaping, along with McCracken Energy and Parkside Equestrian Center, provide hay wagon rides all day down Main Street. Local vendors line up along the street, providing a fun shopping and stroll for the day. And you can’t miss Food Row loaded with a variety of food, popcorn, cotton candy and, of course, cider. And live entertainment is provided by local musicians.

Pumpkin Fest has become a fall tradition in Bradford and it is worth the trip on a fall day.

Annual Christmas Parade
a Tradition in Bradford

very year, on the first Friday night in December, you will catch the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade. It is an annual tradition, which has been happening for 15 years, and a variety of community groups participate.

For many years, the Chamber has offered a prize in four categories: Best Non-Profit float; Best Business float; Best Entertainment group; and Best Emergency Vehicle. However, in 2020 they added a category.

There is no fee for entering the parade because of the gracious support of CNB Bank, the annual sponsor. Instead, the Chamber asks each float to make donations for the local Bradford Friendship Table. The Friendship Table provides dinner free for all food insecure people Monday through Friday and also helps with food they can eat on the weekend. To entice those groups even more, the chamber added a fifth prize category for the group that donates the most food items.

As always, the Bradford Community accepted the challenge and provided boxes and boxes of food donations.