
Paul Burdick Sports Images
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Paul Burdick Sports Images
http://pburdick.smugmug.com
www.maxpreps.com
Columnist Amber Woods shares her experience volunteering during a week-long trip for wounded veterans in Pennsylvania.
Sometimes a seemingly simple experience becomes something that makes you reassess every single thing that's important in your life.
As I write this, I'm sitting at a table with a group of injured American soldiers, who are hunting and fishing at a nonprofit volunteer-driven preserve in Potter County, Pennsylvania.
I wrote about this place, leekpreserve.org, in a previous column.
This is a vacation. Or at least, that's what I consider it.
What else would you call four days of baiting hooks or spending time "shooting the bull" with men who have survived one or more tours of duty in war-ridden countries?
While it's true that some of them barely lived to tell about it, they don't have to utter a word for outsiders to know something extremely traumatic has happened to them.
You can see it in each of their faces, some of them are marked by scars surrounding their entire heads, others missing one or more limbs.
You don't have to believe in the politics of this war, or the multitude of reasons we are in yet another conflict, to be touched by the lives of the people who are sacrificing everything in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Last night I ate dinner across from a young military police officer who lost both of his legs three years ago when an explosive device came through the vehicle he was driving in Iraq.
As you can imagine, his life has changed drastically since then.
He told me that his wife, who was eight months pregnant at the time, came to visit him in a military hospital to announce she couldn't handle the severity of his injuries.
He hasn't seen her since that day.
Despite that, he has a positive outlook on life, never mentioning the obstacles he now has to overcome to do even the simplest thing—like getting out of bed each the morning, a task which requires assistance of others and a crane-type lift that was (after three years) finally provided to him by the government.
7/9/2011 | 4:00 PM | FIRE / WILDFIRE | 2731 RIDGE RD | MIDDLEBURY TWP |
Port Allegany Gators Alumni vs. Coudersport Falcons Alumni
Saturday, July 9, 2011 at
The Swamp, Port Allegany, PA Lineups announced at 1:30, kickoff at 2:00
Proceeds will benefit local charities in both towns including PACS, SW Smith Library Building Fund, Youth Football, S.O.A.P. (Save Our Area Pool).
Price of admission: $5 per person. If you bring two canned goods to the game to donate to the local food pantry, you will save $1 off the price of your admission.
LITTLE VALLEY — Cattaraugus County lawmakers would have to cut an estimated $7.3 million from the 2012 county budget in order to meet the state’s new 2 percent property tax cap.
Most members of the County Legislature’s Finance Committee were in shock after meeting in special session with County Administrator Jack Searles Thursday to hear a report on the impact of the property tax cap recently signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. More...
Thompson Joint Subcommittee Hearing
Highlights Need for Increased American Natural Gas Production, Job Creation
"Marcellus Has Created 100,000 + Jobs Just In Pennsylvania"
Washington, D.C. – Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy & Forestry Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson today held a Joint Oversight Hearing, “Challenges facing Domestic Oil and Gas Development: Review of Bureau of Land Management/U.S. Forest Service Ban on Horizontal Drilling on Federal Lands.” The hearing was held in conjunction with the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources. The panel received testimony from a number of experts regarding the U.S. Forest Service’s proposed ban on horizontal drilling in the George Washington National Forest, as well as the Interior Department’s possible regulation of hydraulic fracturing on federal lands. Horizontal drilling provides significant benefits by reducing the footprint of oil and gas production and allowing for directional drilling in order to leave areas of environmental concern undisturbed.
“Through effective management practices, these resources have been successfully produced for decades and these technologies have the ability to enhance environmental stewardship. Recognizing the national need for affordable and reliable energy, I am extremely concerned about the Forest Service’s proposal to ban horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing in the George Washington National Forest,” said Thompson.
The Obama Administration has actively taken steps to block or delay American energy production, which has negatively impacted job creation and efforts to reduce America’s reliance on unstable foreign energy. These efforts are continued by the Administration’s attempt at blocking horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing on the Marcellus Shale, partially located in the George Washington National Forest.
“This proposal undermines the Forest Service’s mission of multiple-use and it comes at a time when we are increasingly dependent on foreign sources. Despite these terrible facts, the Administration continues in their attempts to stymie development of our own natural resources,” said Thompson.
According to economists and industry experts at the Pennsylvania State University, the development of the Marcellus Shale has the potential to be the second largest natural gas field in the world. A recent study estimates that in 2009 alone, the development of this resource added over 44,000 new jobs in Pennsylvania, $389 million in state and local tax revenue, over $1 billion in federal tax revenue, and nearly $4 billion in value-added to the state’s economy.
“Make no mistake, predictable and affordable natural gas prices have been a direct result of horizontal drilling and hydro fracturing,” added Thompson. “The Marcellus has brought upwards of 100,000 new jobs to Pennsylvania alone, significant new tax revenues to the state, over $200 million to build new roads, and an unimaginable amount of natural gas for the country.”
The Marcellus Shale underlies 50% of the George Washington National Forest. Witnesses testified about the safety of hydraulic fracturing when paired with horizontal drilling and the job creation associated with natural gas production on our public lands:
· Maureen Matsen, Deputy Director of Natural Resources and Senior Advisor on Energy for the Commonwealth of Virginia reminded the panel that Virginia’s “natural gas production has meant more than $2 billion in capital investment, $360 million in royalties, $150 million in severance taxes paid…and more than 3000 jobs.” She went on to note that while “there have been no documented instances of surface water or groundwater degradation from facing in Virginia,” the proposed Forest Service ban would “harm Virginia, and Virginians by burdening businesses and preventing job growth” and “undermine the nation’s energy security by placing domestic resources out of reach at a time when the global competition for energy resources is rapidly increasing.”
· Pennsylvania General Energy’s General Counsel, Craig L. Mayer testified about a 2009 Settlement Agreement between the Forest Service and the Sierra Club that would have blocked 513,000 acres in the Allegheny National Forest. The Settlement was later overturned by a judge but Mayer said, “if it remained in force, it would have had an irrevocable, profound, massive, and devastating adverse impact on oil and gas production activity in the ANF and upon the economy, communities, and people of the surrounding region dependent on this development activity.”
· Lee Fuller, Vice President of Government Relations with the Independent Petroleum Association of America commented on the on the proven safety of hydraulic fracturing noting, “with about one million operating oil and natural gas wells in the United States, tens of thousands being drilled annually and only a small number of problem incidents, it is clear that the process is sound and effective.”
· David Miller, Standards Director of the American Petroleum Institute reminded the panel that “the great majority of hydraulic fracturing activities take place at depths far below existing groundwater sources that could reasonable be considered underground sources of drinking water.”
A Survey of the NY and PA Border Between the Allegheny National Forest and the Allegany State Park
Port Allegany / Coudersport Alumni Football Game DVD’s
$15 plus shipping and handling
$20 plus shipping and handling
Port Allegany Gators Alumni vs. Coudersport Falcons Alumni
Saturday, July 9, 2011 at
The Swamp, Port Allegany, PA Lineups announced at 1:30, kickoff at 2:00
Proceeds will benefit local charities in both towns including PACS, SW Smith Library Building Fund, Youth Football, S.O.A.P. (Save Our Area Pool).
Price of admission: $5 per person. If you bring two canned goods to the game to donate to the local food pantry, you will save $1 off the price of your admission.
Potter County Commissioners Doug Morley, Paul Heimel and Susan Kefover have become actively involved in a lobbying effort to restore county conservation districts’ role in reviewing erosion and sedimentation plans for gas and oil drilling operations. With the support of Potter County, birthplace of the first conservation district in the state, a resolution will be presented to the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) next month.
Assuming it draws majority support, the measure will authorize CCAP to push for legislative approval. That resolution seeks reversal of a 2009 DEP policy that stripped conservation districts of their long-held erosion and sedimentation permitting authority for oil and gas drilling sites. DEP moved to centralize permit review for drilling with its regional oil and gas offices. At the same time, this move took review authority for those plans away from county conservation districts, whose staffs are more familiar with local environmental issues and trained to deal with issues encountered in the field.
The Public Education Committee from the Potter County Natural Gas Task has investigated the level of DEP staffing for natural gas drilling sites in the region. According to Bruce Jankura, DEP’s oil and gas inspector supervisor, the Mansfield office is staffed with two inspectors who are responsible for the oversight of drilling sites — existing and new — for all of Potter, Tioga and Cameron counties and the western section of Bradford County.
Jankura said that although there are 13 steps in the drilling process that could be inspected, all of them cannot possibly be monitored, so DEP attempts to monitor a limited number of steps at each well. He said there is no requirement that an inspector be present during hydrofracturing. The same two inspectors responsible for the compliance monitoring responsibilities during drilling are also charged with responding to complaints in those four counties, Jankura said.
Commissioner Heimel introduced the conservation district resolution to CCAP’s Energy, Environment and Land Use Committee, on which he serves. A companion resolution, which will be considered by the CCAP statewide membership next month, supports state regulation and registration of local natural gas “gathering lines” (pipelines), which are currently not subject to regulation.
Elkland Jubilee July 8-10
The Elkland area Chamber of Commerce (and Community Association) is proud to announce the upcoming 17th Annual Elkland Jubilee from Friday, July 8 – Sunday, July 10th. Join us for the following events:
Friday – July 8th –
Jubilee Little Mr./Miss Crowning will be held at 7pm at the Elkland Fire Hall. Come on out to see who is crowned Little Mr./Miss and Mr./Miss Jubilee 2011. There are two age categories for each 5-8 and 9-12. Both a girl and boy will be crowned in each category and get to ride as “parade marshall’s” in the upcoming Jubilee Parade. Stop by the C&N bank in Elkland and vote for your favorite “Little Mr./Miss” through July 7th. All monies collected will be used for the Jubilee fundraiser.
Saturday, July 9th
Jubilee Parade – The parade will start the day’s activities begin at 10 a.m. The parade will form on Oak Avenue, come down Main Street and will end on Coates Avenue. Judging will again be on Coates Avenue.
Jubilee Event: This year’s event will begin at 10 a.m. and run until 4 p.m. at the old high school field in Elkland. Everything from vendors to food to to inflatable bouncers and so much more will be going on the WHOLE day. We have a variety of vendors from jewelry to furniture and everything in between along with some of the best vendor foods available. The Chamber will be snow cones for the kid in all of us. There will be Gopher the clown doing balloon animals for the kids, along with several kids inflatable bouncers, fire engine rides and more. For $5 donation, kids will receive a “Julibee 2011” silicone bracelet and will be able to get unlimited rides on the fire trucks, pony rides, and the bounce in the inflatables. The Osceola Fire Company will be doing a chicken barbeque that day with halves available. The Elkland Fire Department will also be doing quarter bingo all day long. So for some good old fashioned family fun – come on out and join us!!!!!
Jubilee 2nd Annual Open Car Show will be held on the Coates Avenue grounds during the Jubilee festival. There will be 1st and 2nd place trophies for the best of several categories. During the car show there will be DJ music and lots of fun. If you are interested in bringing your car to the show, call 814.258.5055.
Jubilee Vintage Snowmobile and Swap Show will be coming back to the area due to popular demand. We will have several vintage snowmobiles on display. Come on out and see this ever popular show.
Jubilee Block Dance will be held at 7p.m. to round out the days activities in front of the fire hall. Scott Tanner’s band the Party Dogs will be providing the music for the evening. We will also be having an Ice Cream Eating Contest for the kiddos and a Hot Dog Eating Contest for the adults. Food will be available for purchase.
Sunday, July 10th
Free Community Chicken Barbeque, Music and JoJo the Clown. Join us for the first free community chicken bbq and music fest. We are having this at Jerome Park and will have a day filled with local Christian music and JoJo the clown for the kids. Festivities will begin at 3p.m. Please join us for a great afternoon.
Elkland Jubilee 2010 Seeking Vendors & Parade Entrants
The Elkland Area Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring Elkland Jubilee 2011. This year we are bringing Jubilee back bigger and better with a weekend filled with fun family events for kids of all ages. We are currently seeking vendors and parade entrants for our Saturday, July 9, 2011 day of events. Booth space cost is $25 for new vendors and $20 for returning vendors and will include electric, if needed. Informational booths that will not be selling anything will be a fee of $5. Parade entrants are free of charge. If you are interesting in becoming a vendor or entering in the parade at the Jubilee contact Deanna Sherman at 814-258-5055 or email her at dsherman69@gmail.com.
Jubilee 1st Annual Open Car Show Seeking Entrants
The 2nd annual Jubilee Open Car Show will be held on the Coates Avenue grounds during the Jubilee festival. There will be 1st and 2nd place trophies for the best of several categories, including Ford, Chevy, Mopar and Best of Show. Goodie bags will be given to the first 25 entrants. A commemorative dash plaque will be given to the first 100 cars entering the show. During the car show there will be DJ music and lots of fun. If you are interested in bringing your car to the show, call 814.258.5055.
BG's Engine Clinic is pleased to announce one of the area's first Briggs & Stratton Master Certified Technicians on staff to service your power equipment needs.
The Briggs & Stratton Master Certification coursework and testing is some of the most rigorous in the industry, and achieving Master Certification status is quite an accomplishment- Even the Plaque is hand-delivered by a company representative, and photos taken for the company's website. In order to maintain the MST Status, an MST technician must complete 8 educational credits each and every year, complete all required certification testing, and keep up on the latest in modern small engine technology as used on generators, water pumps, lawn & Garden Equipment, Diesels, and more. When you have your equipment serviced by a Master Service Technician, you can rest assured that the job will be done right!
BG's Engine Clinic is an Authorized Servicing Dealer for all Briggs & Stratton Outdoor Power Equipment and Engines, with a fully equipped repair facility and the latest technology available, at a very affordable price. For More information about BG's Engine Clinic, just visit http://bgsengineclinic.com/ , and to see a selection of many of our popular parts and products, visit our online store at http://shop.bgsengineclinic.com/
Thompson Announces Informational Webinar on Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program
Urges Emergency Responder Participation as Grant Application Period Approaches
Washington, D.C.—The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host a Live Webinar Workshop to help emergency responders with applications for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), according to U.S. Representative Glenn `GT’ Thompson, R-Howard.
“With the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Application Period soon approaching, I urge interested first responders to participate in the workshop and begin preparing for the application process,” said Thompson, who is a long-time volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician.
The AFG Program Live Webinar will be held for all emergency responders located in Pennsylvania on Monday, July 11th at 6:00 p.m. In order to register, participants must contact Pennsylvania’s AFG Regional Representative Lori Bainbridge, by email at Lori.Bainbridge@dhs.gov or by calling (215)-931-5586.
“This webinar is designed to shed light on the details of the application process, which is very competitive in nature and demands thorough preparation,” added Thompson. “Even if folks aren’t able to attend the webinar, it’s important for organizations to begin to familiarize themselves with the application process and program guidance, now available on the FEMA website.”
Guidance for submissions and the 2011 AFG Get Ready Guide can be accessed and downloaded at http://www.fema.gov/firegrants
The primary goal of the AFG Program, which is administered by the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA in coordination with the U.S. Fire Administration, is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical services organizations.