Directory — Politics — Blog Details for "Billtown Blog"

Billtown Blog

Billtown Blog
Willamsport, PA - commentary, links, events, news, pics and more for Lycoming County

RSS Feed Homepage

Articles: 1, 2, 3

Articles

Williamsport Internist Diagnoses Tiny Tim
2007-10-30 20:34:00
"What ailed Scrooge's little friend, Tiny Tim? This medical mystery may forever go unanswered, but one Pennsylvania physician has some suggestions on what may have been Tiny Tim's medical situation."So reads the description of this Newswise Pop-Culture article that features the applied expertise of Daniel J. Glunk, M.D., president-elect of the Pennsylvania Medical Society and a practicing internist from Williamsport, PA.In the context of discussing this beloved character from Dickens' story, A Christmas Carol, the good doctor makes important points about both medical practice and the medicine of human kindness. -Dr. Glunk is quoted: “We have many uninsured and underinsured people in our country. They can’t afford healthy food and good medicine. And, often they don’t receive the health care they need.” He encourages physicians and public service volunteers to honor the Spirit of the well-known tale by helping people "like Tiny Tim and the Cratchits.".Comment on this post o...

Faure's Requiem at St. Boniface this Friday
2007-10-29 16:30:00
On Friday , November 2nd at 7:30PM, St. Boniface Roman Catholic Church in Williamsport will celebrate the Feast of All Souls with a special mass featuring the Requiem by Gabriel Fauré.More than seventy musicians from the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra will accompany a chorus -- including the St. Boniface Choir and the singers of the Gesang Verein Harmonia, a German-style singing society founded in Williamsport over one hundred years ago.The Feast of All Souls is an annual commemoration of the all the faithful departed. It is held on the day following the Feast of All Saints on November 1.The stirring words of the Mass for the Dead (Requiem Mass) have inspired many composers over the centuries. Fauré, master of the French art song, composed his Requiem in 1877 following the death of his mother and father. It is a work of profound beauty and consolation, and the Pie Jesu has served as a model for later versions, including those by John Rutter and Andrew Lloyd-Webber.(Listen to a sam...

Who's Got Your Vote?
2007-10-27 18:23:00
OK - It's only 10 days away so here goes.Discuss this Poll on Billtown BoardsGo to www.billtownblog.com to read more commentary on Williamsport, PA (Pennsylvania), and Lycoming County• Email to a friend • Article Search • Related •
More About: Vote

Our "Little Grand Canyon" in GeoTimes
2007-10-27 12:30:00
In the Travels in Geology section, which features "geologically significant places to visit," October's GeoTimes highlight's Pennsylvania's "Little Grand Canyon " or Pine Creek Gorge. The article, written by Kimbra Cutlip - a science writer for the Smithsonian Institution, features fascinating geological information about the gorge, as well as an admonition to take advantage of its' dual beauties during foliage season. Vistas from "Kerrie" punctuate her point.The Tioga County website offers lots more information about the gorge and surrounding wilderness areas, including some creative ways to see it:covered wagonhorsebackmotorcycleraft, canoe, or kayaksnowmobiletrainSome of the better autumn pics I've seen of the canyon, taken by photographer James Fitzpatrick, can be found on the Wellsboro city website. Be sure to check out pictures 2, 3, 20 and 21. Other pics abound on the web at Flickr and WebShots ... but for goodness sake, go take your own!Go to www.billtownblog.com to read...

6 One, 6 Dozen the Other
2007-10-27 04:27:00
We get hit with a lot of words these days. We tend to look at a page full of 'em and skim the headlines. So perhaps regarding the retention of Mike Hudak all you can remember is that someone's claiming he costs the city $300K or something like that. Here's the short course:$85K - Either Wayexcerpt from Tom O'Connor's website:"To correct the record… And hopefully to close the book on the budget impact of our public safety director… The general fund cost of this position is $85K, not $294K; It would cost the city almost exactly the same amount to hire, train and outfit just one rookie officer, an officer with no experience, who will spend half his first year at the police academy; this versus a 30-year FBI veteran."So there it is in a headline. It even rhymes. It's so easy to remember you can share it with your friends at work!85K - Either way.Barney Fife or Brick Davis?Let's get our money's worth.So here's a question:Was money ever at the center of this issue? If not, wh...

Municipal Election Miscellany
2007-10-24 21:35:00
After changing the Billtown Blog comment policy from unmoderated to moderated, in response to what appeared to be a rather bizarre spamming attempt, I have seen a considerable increase in comments delivered by email, as well as by Facebook and MySpace messaging.Quite a few people have suggested I draw more attention to the important City Council elections. Several people who've attended the forums have expressed opinions about what they've seen and heard. And a few have queried about the buzz on the street regarding the projected outcomes of the elections.I agree that the City Council election is also very important. But I don't really have time to do it justice; except perhaps to say that after years of watching J. Marlyne Whaley on the televised meetings; she's an asset to the city I wouldn't want to do without.And for that matter I can barely keep up with the developments in the Mayoral contest: like updates to the contestants websites or references to the excellent coverage...
More About: Election , Municipal , Miscellany

"Salvation" at Rivals
2007-10-24 18:16:00
"Hurdle's salvation came at Rivals Sports Bar in Williamsport, Pa. ..."This line is taken from a hearwarming story, by Jorge Arangure Jr. for ESPN. The story, entitled "Former 'phenom' Hurdle finds true calling as manager" details the life of Clint Hurdle, the once troubled manager of the Williamsport Bills, and the impact his time in Williamsport, (and one local gal in particular) had on his future and his legacy. You don't need to be a baseball fan to appreciate this hearwarming story.Go to www.billtownblog.com to read more commentary on Williamsport, PA (Pennsylvania), and Lycoming County• Email to a friend • Article Search • Related •
More About: Salvation

Good for Your Health!
2007-10-23 08:40:00
Where can you combine all of these salubrious benefits?* Music - alleviates stress, aids relaxation, promotes optimism* Salmon - makes you smart, beautiful, happy, energetic and lowers your cholesterol* Beer - reduces heart attack and stroke risks, improves circulation* Social Interaction - improves immunity, extends longevityBy Wednesday you'll surely need this healthful pick-me-up, so take a mid-week break and go hear Alfonse Ciaccio tomorrow Night at the Bullfrog. Alfonse's invigorating classical jazz with sooth your stress. The Bullfrog's diverse menu offers lots of wholesome options to nutrify your body, and if you bring a friend that makes you laugh you'll stack on another heap of aids to verdure.Give your body and brain some love!Go to www.billtownblog.com to read more commentary on Williamsport, PA (Pennsylvania), and Lycoming County• Email to a friend • Article Search • Related •
More About: Health , Good

Crime Concerns - An Important Consideration
2007-10-22 06:34:00
There were two articles in this weekend's Sun Gazette related to the mayoral race, one of which I found rather compelling reading. The articles, available online at the Sun Gazette site:Political forums this week Will public safety director stay around for year two? The second of these details some of what Michael Hudak has been doing as Williamsport's Director of Public Safety. I don't know Hudak, but I felt a great degree of trust for him after reading the article. He sounds like he knows what he's doing, and that he's both a knowledgeable and respectful leader and co-worker of the experts and professionals working with him.In my opinion, and perhaps more importantly in the opinion of our neighborhood watch leaders like Craig Rowles, keeping him around looks like a sensible move for Williamsport's promising future.If you haven't had a chance to read the article, take a look. Go to www.billtownblog.com to read more commentary on Williamsport, PA (Pennsylvania), and Lycoming ...
More About: Crime , Concerns

Football, Pheasants and the FBI
2007-10-21 15:03:00
This mornings search for Williamsport on the web yielded varied but alliterative results.Football Exciting news about former Millionaire Zane Parr and his future with UVA.PheasantsAn article by Jim Collins about pheasant hunting which refers to his memories of hunting in Lycoming County and family times in Williamsport.Federal Bureau of InvestigationA Philadelphia Inquirer article by John Shiffman about a relatively new and controversial FBI edict, makes note of Mike Hudak's retirement.Go to www.billtownblog.com to read more commentary on Williamsport, PA (Pennsylvania), and Lycoming County• Email to a friend • Article Search • Related •• Email to a friend • Article Search • Related •

Burkey Earns Victory in 200 Free Relay
2007-10-19 01:35:00
A CSTV article entitled "Gold Men Win Annual Blue-Gold Swim Meet" highlights the recent achievement of WAHS grad Andrew Burkey of the University of Pittsburgh's men's swimming and diving team."Dubiel, junior Andrew Burkey (Williamsport, Pa./Williamsport Area), Morgan and Jackson earned the final victory in the meet with a 1:28.56 finish in the 200 free relay for the Gold team."(the picture isn't Andrew I'm afraid, but you can see his photo by clicking on his name)Go to www.billtownblog.com to read more commentary on Williamsport, PA (Pennsylvania), and Lycoming County• Email to a friend • Article Search • Related •• Email to a friend • Article Search • Related •
More About: Victory , Free

The Forums
2007-10-18 06:31:00
I am excited about the forums but I really just haven't had a minute to blog this week ... and I'm not sure I'll be able to anytime soon.However I spoke with a friend tonight who didn't know about this great opportunity to ask questions of municipal candidates for several important offices, as well as to listen to how they answered others. He, like many of us, is busy with many, many things. So for others like him who may have missed out, here at least are some links:Sun Gazette Articles:Back to school: Politically speakingPolitical forums set Oct. 22-24WILQ Radio:Event DetailsBlog Entry on Tom O'Connor's site:First of four mayoral forums tonight at WAHSSpeaking of which, Tom has several other new posts. In the most recent, O'Connor "illuminates" his crime position:City Council President Tom O’Connor’s overview to his public safety policy as mayorRadio, radioInside the 25… More later. I'd love to hear from anyone who attended. Send me an email.Go to www.billtownblog...
More About: Forums

Municipal Election and The Williamsport Guardian
2007-10-09 02:28:00
Today, October 9th, is the last day to register to vote if you're going to participate in the November 6th municipal election. And it's an important election for the city of Williamsport. You will be making a choice on our city's next Mayor.Many people have already made up their minds. But some apparently are still open to considering what the candidates have to say about what they will do. It's worth considering. Because really, this isn't about friendships or loyalties, so much as it is about well-laid plans, resource management and team-building. All of the candidates are outstanding citizens of Williamsport. They really are ~ Exemplary. But which candidate makes the most sense for your vision of the future here in your town?For those of you who are still interested in exploring what exactly each candidate has in mind, the October / November issue of The Williamsport Guardian contains an election guide as well as voting instructions, and will hit the streets Wednesday. Check...
More About: Election , Municipal , Iams

NY Post Story about a Local Baseball Fan Rick Betron
2007-10-07 12:17:00
Today's New York Post features a story entitled Amazin'ly Piti-Phil written by Mike Vaccaro.It tells the story of local baseball fan Rick Betron, Little League headquarters shipping and receiving supervisor.Fun story with some interesting historical perspective. Learn about the Williamsport Grays, and a youth's account of "heaven on earth" at Bowman Field.Go to www.billtownblog.com to read more commentary on Williamsport, PA (Pennsylvania), and Lycoming County• Email to a friend • Article Search • Related •
More About: Story , Baseball , Local

Finish Carpenter Wanted
2007-10-05 18:06:00
A friend of mine needs a Finish Carpenter as soon as possible, but is hoping to find one who comes highly reccomended. She asked me to post her need for references here.Has anyone in the Williamsport area used a finish carpenter with whom they've been very pleased? If so, please email me your reccomendations and I'll forward them to her.Thanks.Go to www.billtownblog.com to read more commentary on Williamsport, PA (Pennsylvania), and Lycoming County• Email to a friend • Article Search • Related •
More About: Wanted , Nish

A Gold Star for Stephanie Mitchell - Open Records Challenge
2007-10-04 17:55:00
Today my search for Williamsport on the Web yielded this interesting find.A blog entitled PASSOPENRECORDS.ORG, with the byline "A Movement to Lift the Lid on Pennsylvania Government," references Williamsport city clerk Stephanie M. Mitchell, calling her "one of Pennsylvania's lone bright spots." Of course, I would argue that Stephanie is not the only good thing going in all of Pennsylvania, but I thought her glittering review would be a nice thing to bring to public attention."Stephanie is apparently one of Pennsylvania lone bright spots. My experience with her was nothing short of pleasant. In the 5 minutes I spent with her, she tried to save me money, offered me coffee and peanut M&M’s and made a joke about a sign hanging on her wall."The PASSOPENRECORDS blog is dedicated to discussion of Open Records reform in Pennsylvania. Apparently blog readers / participants receive a challenge involving the access of public records. I think many who undertake the challenge are expecti...
More About: Gold , Star , Challenge

Broadband in the Greater Williamsport Area
2007-10-02 12:13:00
A press release from Verizon yesterday draws attention to improvements the company has made to its' high-speed wireless broadband network in Williamsport and other cities in PA."Verizon Wireless offers its high-speed Evolution Data Optimized Revision A (EV-DO Rev. A) network in cities throughout Pennsylvania including Harrisburg, Hershey, Lancaster, Lebanon, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Williamsport and York."The release also states, "With the high-speed wireless broadband network, Verizon Wireless customers can download files at speeds approximately ten times faster than customers of wireless service that use different broadly deployed network technologies."I conferred with a tech-savvy colleague regarding whether or not this announcement was meant to apply only to wireless smart-phone service or whether it was suggestive of internet access as well. He identified EvDO (also EV-DO, EVDO and EV) as a broadband (or high-speed) internet access technology.Although I already have high-spee...
More About: Broadband , Area , The G , Broad , Iams

Williamsport - Top Ten Metro for Peace of Mind
2007-09-29 06:53:00
Now this reference is a little older than those I usually quote -- it's from 2003. But 5 years is not a long time in the life of a city so I thought this was still relevant. Besides, now we're even better.Expansion Management, a magazine which helps companies evaluate future locations, published a research study entitled Quality of Life Quotient.An article describing the study addressed the relationship between quality-of-life with turnover and personnel costs, drawing attention to its' significance for companies planning a new site location.The news? Williamsport made Expansion Management's top 10 list in the category for "Peace of Mind ."Go to www.billtownblog.com to read more commentary on Williamsport, PA (Pennsylvania), and Lycoming County• Email to a friend • Article Search • Related •
More About: Metro , Peace of Mind , Iams

Have You Considered an Intern?
2007-09-28 18:18:00
Small Business Owner?Perhaps you need a little help with your business but your need is limited to a particular project and a hire seems inappropriate or unaffordable. A student may already posess the skills you need and may be willing to work on a single project. And finding that student couldn't be easier, with the help of Penn College's online eRecruiting system.Post the details of your opportunity. The career services department can even help you figure out an appropriate amount to offer for the position you have.To register for eRecruiting, contact Career Services, (570) 326-3761, ext. 4502.Go to www.billtownblog.com to read more commentary on Williamsport, PA (Pennsylvania), and Lycoming County• Email to a friend • Article Search • Related •
More About: Intern , Consider

More articles from this author:
1, 2, 3