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Johnstown OH Real Estate Agent / Broker
Johnstown OH Real Estate Agent / Broker
Johnstown OH Real Estate Subdivisions
Liberty Ridge Estates, Wright Farm, Rural-liberty Township, Concord Crossing Village, Raccoon Creek Estates, Forbidden Lakes, Rural, Raccoon Creek Estate, Meadow Haven, Concord Crossing, United States Military Lands, Mill Pond Estates, Leafy Dell, Concord Crossing East, Concord Crossing Estates, Cin-bar Estates, Concord Crossing West, Concord Village, , Wagoner Farms, Liberty Ridge, Avian Estates, Villas At Leafy Dell, Rolling Meadows, Rural-horse Farm, Rural-monroe Twp, Kyber Run, and Johnstown.
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Roundup: UC, State, Tech on road today
The University of Charleston men’s basketball team will look to continue the momentum of its three-game winning streak today at Pitt Johnstown. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. The Golden Eagles (15-5, 10-4 West Virginia Conference) posted a 77-72 road victory Thursday over Shepherd. UPJ (10-7, 8-4) picked up a 93-71 win over Ohio Valley Thursday in Vienna. West Virginia State will hit the road looking to rebound after Thursday’s 67-51 loss at home to Seton Hill. The Yellow Jackets (10-8, 8-6) will visit Shepherd today. The Rams (8-9, 6-7) have dropped four straight games. State downed Shepherd 61-55 on Nov. 19 at Fleming Hall. WVU Tech, winners of six of its last eight contests, will visit Rio Grande at 4 today. The Golden Bears (14-6) defeated Southern Virginia 99-72 Wednesday night in Montgomery, avenging a loss from earlier this season against the Knights. Rio Grande (10-11) has lost its last three and six of its last seven. Tech defeated the Red Storm 92-56 on Dec. 1 at the Baisi Center. nn BOYER SIGNS WITH TECH: Buffalo’s Hannah Boyer signed a letter of intent to play both volleyball and women’s basketball at WVU Tech. Boyer, a three-sport athlete, is a four-year letter winner in volleyball, and averaged 15.1 points and 10.4 rebounds last year as a junior. She is averaging 10.5 points and 7.8 rebounds per game this year. Boyer was also a member of last year’s state champion softball team at Buffalo, and was a Class A first-team all-state selection by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association. nn MARSHALL WOMEN FALL: Jasmine Lee scorched the nets for 21 points and corralled 15 rebounds as Memphis downed Marshall 71-58 in women’s basketball Thursday night at the Elma Roane Fieldhouse in Memphis. The Tigers (15-4, 5-1 Conference USA) overcame a 37-32 [...]
Read More >>Licking County League seeking commissioner
The Licking County League is seeking a commissioner to assist the LCL Board of Control in organizing and administering the league. The 10-school LCL is in the process of re-forming to begin competition in the 2013-14 school year. The league will be comprised of Granville, Heath, Johnstown, Lakewood, Licking Heights, Licking Valley, Newark Catholic, Northridge, Utica and Watkins Memorial high schools and their respective middle schools. The commissioner would start work in August 2012. Desired qualifications include effective communication skills, strong organizational skills and appropriate financial skills including budgeting projections and reconciliation. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of Ohio High School Athletic Association rules and possess experience in athletics and/or school administration. Experience in interscholastic athletic administration is preferred. Interested candidates should send a letter of interest and résumé to ebooth@laca.org or mail their materials to: LCL Board of Control President Ellis E. Booth, Heath High School, 300 Licking View Drive, Heath, OH 43056. Deadline is April 30. Article source: http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20120128/SPORTS/201280347
Read More >>Changes in dress code debated
By Josh Jarman The Columbus Dispatch Saturday January 28, 2012 8:31 AM JOHNSTOWN, Ohio — Vocal opposition to a uniform or restrictive dress-code policy during a recent meeting at Northridge High School is typical of how many such community conversations start, but it doesn’t always mean that a district won’t later adopt such a policy. About 50 parents and students turned out for a forum this week after administrators informed parents that they wanted to have a conversation about the district’s dress code. That’s a euphemism for uniforms, many of the parents who attended the meeting said before blasting the idea during a discussion that lasted more than an hour. “This is something that will polarize the community,” said Catherine Carney, the high-school swimming coach and mother of a 10th-grader. Carney said dress-code violations didn’t seem to be a big deal, and administrators should police the existing code better before they look at implementing something new. Northridge High Principal Amy Anderson reported at the start of the meeting that she had handled between 25 and 30 violations since the start of the school year, but there could have been others that teachers did not refer to her. About 480 students attend the high school. Superintendent John Shepard said the conversation was important because many school districts are looking at possibly changing their dress codes and the district wanted to gather input before making any decisions. He said no one in the district’s administration used the word uniforms in discussing a possible dress-code update, and that administrators had no strong opinions about a restrictive policy. A roomful of angry parents is nothing new to districts that have implemented strict policies, with both the Johnstown-Monroe and Newark city districts serving as nearby examples. Kim Jakeway, principal of Johnstown High School, said the [...]
Read More >>Police: Western Pa. burglary suspect forgot keys
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (AP) – Everyone forgets their keys, now and then, but police say one western Pennsylvania man managed to do so at a most inopportune time: while he was burglarizing a hair salon. Johnstown police tell the Tribune-Democrat newspaper (http://bit.ly/AaMIM4 ) that 27-year-old Charles Nash Gray Jr. left the keys to his public housing apartment behind during the burglary at Cuts and Stuff, a hair and beauty salon, on Jan. 18. Police say Gray stole more than $600 in cash and checks during the break-in. An employee found the keys and police took them to Gray’s apartment, where he was arrested. He’s still in the Cambria County Jail and will stand trial on burglary, theft and other charges after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing on Thursday. Information from: The Tribune-Democrat, http://www.tribune-democrat.com Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Article source: http://www.wfmj.com/story/16615208/police-western-pa-burglary-suspect-forgot-keys
Read More >>Holiday practices paying off for swim team
By SCOTT HENNEN ThisWeek Community Newspapers Saturday January 28, 2012 6:57 AM Winter break usually is a relaxing time for high school students, but not necessarily for those who compete on a swimming team. Those athletes have some of their toughest practices over winter break to prepare them for the grind of January and the postseason in February. It was no different for the Northridge High School boys swimming team, whose winter-break practices are paying off with better performances in the new year. “The boys have started to realize that the hard work that they put in during practice will pay off in meets,” said coach Catherine Carney, whose team consists of one sophomore and eight freshmen. “We had challenging practices over Christmas (break). É We called it ‘death by swimming.’ We told them that if they did those practices, it would be tougher than anything they would see in a meet.” In a tri-meet Jan. 23, the Vikings defeated Newark Catholic 64-15 but lost to host Coshocton 80-13. In a five-team meet Jan. 21 at the Licking County Family YMCA in Newark, Northridge scored 100 points to win the event 10 points ahead of runner-up Heath. On Jan. 7, the Vikings finished third (68) in the 10-team Southeastern Ohio Swim League-South Division meet at Zanesville Rosecrans behind Cambridge (119) and Portsmouth Notre Dame (99) and ahead of Athens (61). Sophomore Brandon Eckstein finished second (1 minute, 10.88 seconds) in the 100-yard butterfly, Mat Scott was third (3:10.65) in the 200 individual medley and Christopher Lindsay was fourth (1:30.1) in the 100 breaststroke. “I have more responsibility and more is expected from me,” Eckstein said of being the eldest participant in the program. “I definitely have to be more mature and be an example for the rest of the team.” [...]
Read More >>In brief: Driver sentenced for 2009 fatal wreck – The Tribune
WINSLOW, N.J. — A New Jersey woman was sentenced Thursday to nine years and two months in jail on her convictions for vehicular homicide and drunken driving in a 2009 wreck in Winslow that killed a Windber woman and injured three Windber residents. Killed was Kathleen Lucas, 44, a passenger in a car driven by Darlene Siska, 53, of Windber. Also in the car were teenagers Vaughn Siska and Tyler Rugg, both of Windber. The three have since recovered. Warren Faulk, Camden County prosecutor, said the defendant, Tiece Riddick, 35, of Sicklerville, was going home from a night out when her vehicle struck the rear of the Siska car. The impact caused the Siska car to spin into the opposite lane, go through the guardrail and travel into a wooded area. Siska and members of Lucas’ family spoke at the sentencing about how much the victim meant to them and how much she was involved in the community. Task force charges 3 in Oakhurst drug probe Three men were arrested Thursday by the Cambria County Drug Task Force as the result of a three-month investigation into crack and powder cocaine distribution throughout the Oakhurst Homes public housing complex. Those arrested were Brian Wimbley, 40, of Carnegie; Chan Scott, 48, of Pittsburgh; and Larry Ressler Jr., 50, of Johnstown. Cocaine with a street value of $10,000, heroin, prescription pills and about $500 cash was seized during the arrests. The men face various drug charges and were placed in Cambria County Prison. The investigation continues and additional arrests are expected, authorities said. Items stolen from vehicles in Carrolltown CARROLLTOWN – Borough police are asking residents to lock their vehicles in the wake of several thefts Wednesday morning. Chief Dave Murphy said items were taken from at least five unlocked vehicles. “But we know for [...]
Read More >>Pet Tales: New Humane Society director brings enthusiasm to tough job
There’s a new executive director at the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society, and he’s just brimming with enthusiasm. “I have the best job in the world!” said David Janusek, 46, of Baldwin Borough. Granted, he’s only been on the job since Jan. 1. I wasn’t trying to rain on his parade when I pointed out that the society founded in 1874 operates “open-door” shelters on the North Side and Elizabeth Township that never turn away any animal. At WPHS, that means taking in more than 14,000 animals per year. The society finds homes for about 80 percent of the dogs, 65 percent of cats and all of the rabbits. That, by the way, is a very good batting average for shelters that have to sometimes euthanize to make room for the never-ending wave of incoming animals. “Yes, it’s a tough mission,” Mr. Janusek said, but he quickly went back to his upbeat mode. “I have worked for nonprofits for over 20 years, and I have never worked with such an enthusiastic staff. Everyone here really cares about the animals,” he said. He also has high praise for the more than 700 volunteers who walk dogs and play with cats and rabbits. The 125 foster families who care for, train and socialize animals in their own homes “are absolute heroes,” Mr. Janusek said. He succeeds former WPHS executive director Lee Nesler, who left in October to become executive director of the Lemur Conservation Foundation in Myakka City, Fla. Mr. Janusek describes himself as a “passionate” animal lover, but he has never worked for a shelter. He has a strong background in fundraising, according to the news release from the board of directors. His last job was seven years as executive director of the Western Pennsylvania chapter of the American Diabetes Association. His [...]
Read More >>Rotary Rockfest: 3 band bash invades Johnstown
Examiner.com is the inside source for everything local. We are powered by Examiners, the largest pool of passionate contributors in the world. Examiners provide unique and original content to enhance life in your local city wherever that may be. Examiners come from all walks of life and contribute original content to entertain, inform, and inspire. Article source: http://www.examiner.com/budget-nightlife-in-johnstown/rotary-rockfest-3-band-bash-invades-johnstown
Read More >>Fundraiser to help Johnstown man with kidney disease
In many ways, Tim Langham is like many other 23-year-olds—still finding his way. Just the other day, he told his parents he has decided to pursue his passion – cooking – rather than to continue studying psychology in college. But battling a kidney disease since he was 7 has taken its toll on him and his family, and daily dialysis has put his college career on hold for now. The community has come together to help the Langham family and Tim’s parents, Vickie and William, of Johnstown. In the midst of their son’s health problems, Mr. Langham is fighting stage 4 colon cancer, and has been undergoing chemotherapy for years. “I didn’t realize how many friends I had until this all came about,” Mrs. Langham said. Friends and family organized a couple fundraisers already to help them cope with expenses such as traveling to North Carolina to prepare for a second kidney transplant for Tim. Seven years ago, Mrs. Langham donated her kidney to her son. This time, Tim’s sister, 33-year-old Lori, will be donating a kidney as soon as he is healthy enough for surgery. Proceeds from an upcoming spaghetti dinner and dessert auction, held annually at Ferndale United Methodist Church, will help the family as they try to pay for travel and health expenses. The dinner is set for 5:30 p.m. Jan. 29 at the church at 701 Vickroy Ave. in Johnstown. Dinner for two people is $6, or take-out meals for two are $8. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Church members have organized the dinner every year since 2000, and they have been able to help 15 families so far. Pastor Len Findley said a parishioner told the church about this family and their ongoing struggle. “We always try to find a family struggling, or who had [...]
Read More >>Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Bridge over the PA turnpike to re-open
Examiner.com is the inside source for everything local. We are powered by Examiners, the largest pool of passionate contributors in the world. Examiners provide unique and original content to enhance life in your local city wherever that may be. Examiners come from all walks of life and contribute original content to entertain, inform, and inspire. Article source: http://www.examiner.com/outdoor-recreation-in-johnstown/laurel-highlands-hiking-trail-bridge-over-the-pa-turnpike-to-re-open
Read More >>My Town: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Hires New Horticulture Manager – Cleveland News
It’s a big job taking care of the plants, flowers and trees on the nearly 200 acres of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. New horticulture manager Christopher Lowe is up for the task and was welcomed to the Zoo this week to oversee the horticulture staff and operations. “A number of things made me want to come to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo,” Lowe said. “The depth of involvement that brings people, animals and plants together here, for one, not to mention the conservation message and the fact that as a horticulturist, you simply want people to see your work.” Lowe was the director of horticulture and facilities at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus. He currently lives in Johnstown, Ohio with his wife and 14-month-old daughter. Article source: http://www.fox8.com/news/wjw-my-town-cleveland-metroparks-zoo-hires-new-horticulture-manager-20120126,0,3878727.story
Read More >>Tributes pour in after Carys’ tragic accident – The Leader
THE family of a 21-year-old woman killed in a car crash have paid tribute to a “fantastic mother”. Carys Ann Wright, from Johnstown, died at the scene of the crash on the B5105 Vicarage Road, Brymbo, on Monday evening. Tragically, it comes after the death of Carys’ twin sister, Amy Wright, 16 months ago. The former student at Ysgol y Grango, Rhos and Yale College, Wrexham, leaves 11-month-old son Noah, partner Adam Hind and parents Michelle and Ian. She was the granddaughter of David, Eileen, Errol and the late Mary. Her family issued a statement yesterday which said: “She was a fun-loving person and a fantastic mother to her little sweetheart. ‘Cazz’, as she was known to her large group of friends, will be dearly missed. “Carys will be sorely missed by everyone, but she will never be forgotten. “Goodnight Princess from Adam and Noah James.” Carys had been a tireless fundraiser following her sister’s death, raising money for three charities in her memory. Her family have asked any donations be made to the same three charities – Macmillan Cancer Support, Nightingale House Hospice and Welsh Warrior – which helps armed forces personnel from Wales. Amy Louise Wright, 19, fell to her death from Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on September 3, 2010. An inquest into her death was held in January last year. Kirit Champaneria, deputy assistant coroner for North East Wales recorded a verdict of suicide. Carys, who lived on Clawdd Offa, Johnstown, attended the same school and college as her twin Amy, and both sisters had worked at Liquid nightclub in Brook Street, Wrexham. Carys also worked at Tenpin in Eagles Meadow. Tributes to Carys have also been left on the Leaderlive website and Facebook page. Paula Pritchard wrote: “Still can’t get this news to sink into my head, two [...]
Read More >>Event brings together volunteers, organizations – The Tribune
— Christine Summits and Jim Burton are eager to make Johnstown a better place. The two were among hundreds of folks who attended an event Thursday that brought together organizations seeking volunteers and people who have time and talents to offer. Called “Project Party” and hosted by Lift Johnstown, the event was held from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in downtown Johnstown. There were about 50 organizations there. Summits, a Johnstown resident, has volunteered in the past, helping to create the colorful mosaic at the Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center in Cambria City and with a project to beautify downtown Johnstown. She signed up as a volunteer Thursday so that she can get more involved with Bottle Works and also help Art Works in Johnstown, also located in Cambria City. Burton, chief meteorologist with WJAC-TV, said he is a volunteer with Special Olympics and other organizations and was looking for additional places to help. “It only takes a few hours of time and a little elbow grease to make it a better place,” he said about why it is important to volunteer in the community. Gretchen Goller of CASA Beginnings Inc., Johnstown, said the organization was at the event to find volunteers to help abused and neglected children. Lyn Meek and Chris Goch of the Cambria County Library were looking for volunteers, with Meek saying that there was plenty of interest. The Rev. Sylvia King, pastor of Christ Centered Community Church in Kernville and president of Greater Prospect Inc., said that by 5:15 p.m., six volunteers had been recruited for both organizations. Brad Clemenson, a leader with Lift Johnstown, said the group is pleased with the turnout. “It has exceeded our expectations,” he said. “There are so many excellent organizations that do great work, and can do even [...]
Read More >>Pitt-Johnstown sweeps Ohio Valley University
Men’s Basketball Pitt-Johnstown 93, Ohio Valley 71 PITT-JOHNSTOWN (10-7, 8-4 WVIAC) Patrick Grubbs 8-11 0-1 16, Nick Novak 6-11 4-6 16, Bill Luther 6-7 0-0 18, Paul Weatherly 3-4 4-4 10, Jordan Miller 6-10 4-4 20, Kevin Byer 0-1 3-4 3, Noah Hartung 1-4 0-0 3, Matt Palo 2-7 2-5 6, Ian Vescovi 0-1 1-2 1; TOTALS: 32-56 18-26 93; 3-point goals: Luther 6-7, Miller 4-6, Hartung 1-2 OHIO VALLEY (5-11, 5-8 WVIAC) Jordan Brooks 2-7 0-0 5, Trey Vaughn 5-13 3-4 18, Kendall Allison 2-9 0-1 4, Austin Cunningham 5-14 3-5 14, Rodney Everage 3-9 0-0 7, Jon Sewell 2-5 0-0 4, Steve White Jr. 1-3 0-0 2, Austin Parker 0-0 0-0 0, Osvaldas Gaizaukas 1-1 0-0 2, Lance Jones 3-4 0-0 6, James Allen 1-1 0-0 3, Mustafa Helal 1-3 0-0 2, Evan Jamison 1-1 2-2 4; TOTALS: 27-70 8-12 71; 3-point goals: Brooks 1-3, Vaughn 5-10, Allison 0-3, Cunningham 1-5, Everage 1-1, White Jr. 0-1, Allen 1-1 Shooting: UP-J 32-56 (57.1%), OVU 27-70 (38.6%); Rebounds: UP-J 44 (Grubbs, Weatherly 9), OVU 22 (Brooks 7); Assists: UP-J 17 (Novak 5), OVU 16 (Jones 6, Cunningham 5); Steals: UP-J 7 (Miller 3), OVU 10 (Jones 3, Brooks 2); Blocks: UP-J 2, OVU 8 (Allison 5); Turnovers: UP-J 19, OVU 11; Halftime score: UP-J 45, OVU 29 Next game: Seton Hill at Ohio Valley 4 p.m. Saturday. Glenville State 80, Fairmont State 59 FAIRMONT STATE (6-11, 4-9 WVIAC) Steve Custis 6-16 5-8 20, Melvin Rhodes 4-7 0-1 9, Chris Thompson 1-5 1-4 3, Isaac Thornton 6-18 5-7 18, Mike Hurd 1-8 2-2 5, Nick Bonnett 0-1 0-0 0, Ty Garrison 0-1 0-2 0, Myles Petretti 0-1 0-0 0, Greg Hunt 0-0 0-0 0, Andrew Gunnooe 1-2 0-0 2, Jay Burke 1-5 0-0 2, Dexter Batts 0-2 0-2 0; TOTALS: 20-66 [...]
Read More >>Police: Suspect in burglary forgets keys – The Tribune
January 26, 2012 Police: Suspect in burglary forgets keys Patrick Buchnowski pbuchnowski@tribdem.com The Tribune-Democrat Thu Jan 26, 2012, 11:20 PM EST — When Charles Nash Gray Jr. allegedly broke into a Johnstown business on Jan. 18, he might have gotten away if not for one hitch in the plan. “He left his keys behind,” city police Officer Gregory Lamantia said. City police said Gray, 27, broke into Cuts and Stuff at 270 Fairfield Ave. Video surveillance showed a male wearing a hooded sweatshirt and black gloves entering the business after breaking the doorknob. He allegedly made off with $461 in cash and two checks worth $200. Employees later found a set of Johnstown Housing Authority keys on the floor near the cash register. Police identified the keys as belonging to Gray and a woman at a Solomon Homes apartment. Police said Gray later was found at the apartment and was charged with burglary, receiving stolen property and criminal mischief. He waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Thursday before District Judge Michael Musulin of Johnstown and was returned to Cambria County Prison on $10,000 bond. Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat print edition. Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat e-edition. Text Only | Photo Reprints Copyright 2012 The Tribune Democrat, Johnstown, PA. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Article source: http://tribune-democrat.com/local/x1456430255/Police-Suspect-in-burglary-forgets-keys
Read More >>Local Child Therapist’s program to Bullyproof Your Child
JOHNSTOWN, Ohio – A local school district is taking on a different approach designed to empower those targeted to come less attractive of a target to those who bully. Johnstown Monroe Local School District Superintendent Damian Bawn said he considers bullying one of the district’s top three issues. Bawn said the district is attempting to respond to the issue by bringing in a child therapist with a program called Bully-Proofing Youth. The program’s founder, Jim Bisenius, said the program transforms kids from fear puppets to cool puppets. “Kids who target are lazy opportunists. They’re looking for someone who is going to feed them the most fear with the least effort,” he said. “When you don’t feed back the reaction of fear, you control the dance.” Bisenius spends a day working with students, teachers and interested parents, encouraging them to practice the head-to-toe body language responses designed to blunt a bully’s verbal attack. “I want them to focus on body language so they don’t let the poison go into their head,” he said. “The head goes up slowly, says, ‘I’m not afraid of you.’ If the head goes down it says, ‘Please keep picking on me.’ Head up, eyes focus on an object. By staring at an object, their eyes won’t move.” “Breaking it down by body part is helpful because so many of our kids are beat down and they don’t have anything left,” said school board member Amy Ramey, a mother of two. From how to walk or sit when bullied from behind, Bisenius stresses the last key element in response is silence. “If you do body language perfectly with silence, you will look cool, mysterious and unpredictable,” he said. The child therapist also demonstrated the wrong way to respond, saying that the cool body language and silent treatment [...]
Read More >>Sacred places get new start – The Tribune
JOHNSTOWN — As bells pealed Wednesday in Cambria City, it must have sounded much as it did 100 years ago as parishioners were called to Sunday worship. The neighborhood, now a National Historic District, once was a bustling community of diverse ethnic groups, each of whom had a church to call their own. Now, only a few of those often-magnificent structures remain open. But an effort to save three of the neighborhood’s historic Roman Catholic churches took a giant step forward in a ceremony that transferred ownership of the former SS. Casimir Emerich, St. Columba and Immaculate Conception to a nonprofit corporation. The churches were closed in July 2009 after a merger with two other churches to form the consolidated Resurrection Parish. At least 100 people gathered in Immaculate Conception Church as the papers were signed to turn the properties over from the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown and Resurrection Parish to 1901 Church Inc. A development campaign called The Steeples Project will oversee the care of the three buildings and raise funds to redevelop the properties. With a goal of raising $265,000 in the next two years, The Steeples Project will be led by a local board of directors. Dave Hurst will serve as project manager. Teresa Stoughton Marafino, president of 1901 Church and producer of Mountain Playhouse in Jennerstown, initially got involved with the closed Cambria City churches when she was brought in as a theater consultant. After learning of her role in saving an old church in Jennerstown, Stoughton Marafino’s nonprofit was chosen to oversee the three Cambria City churches. “Seemed as if it was meant to be,” Stoughton Marafino, who will chair the board, said. “The plans for the three churches are exciting.” Those plans include: • St. Columba will be transformed into a professional theater venue to [...]
Read More >>Program Teaches Kids To Combat Bullying With Body Language
JOHNSTOWN, Ohio – A local school district is taking on a different approach designed to empower those targeted to come less attractive of a target to those who bully. Johnstown Monroe Local School District Superintendent Damian Bawn said he considers bullying one of the district’s top three issues. Bawn said the district is attempting to respond to the issue by bringing in a child therapist with a program called Bully-Proofing Youth. The program’s founder, Jim Bisenius, said the program transforms kids from fear puppets to cool puppets. “Kids who target are lazy opportunists. They’re looking for someone who is going to feed them the most fear with the least effort,” he said. “When you don’t feed back the reaction of fear, you control the dance.” Bisenius spends a day working with students, teachers and interested parents, encouraging them to practice the head-to-toe body language responses designed to blunt a bully’s verbal attack. “I want them to focus on body language so they don’t let the poison go into their head,” he said. “The head goes up slowly, says, ‘I’m not afraid of you.’ If the head goes down it says, ‘Please keep picking on me.’ Head up, eyes focus on an object. By staring at an object, their eyes won’t move.” “Breaking it down by body part is helpful because so many of our kids are beat down and they don’t have anything left,” said school board member Amy Ramey, a mother of two. From how to walk or sit when bullied from behind, Bisenius stresses the last key element in response is silence. “If you do body language perfectly with silence, you will look cool, mysterious and unpredictable,” he said. The child therapist also demonstrated the wrong way to respond, saying that the cool body language and silent treatment [...]
Read More >>Mobile technology makes Johnstown police more efficient
Through a grant obtained by the city of Johnstown police department, laptop computers have been installed in all patrol cars. While Johnstown police officers have radios and cellphones to stay in contact with each other, without mobile devices, they were forced to make frequent trips back to the station. “We were spending a lot of time driving from one end of the city back to the police station to do police reports,” said Officer Erin Kabler. By putting laptops directly inside the patrol cars, officers can now retrieve information on the go. “We’re able to get the information much quicker and that helps in crime prevention,” said Kabler. But the laptops also allow officers to keep track of each other with a program that’s updated by Cambria County 911. “I can see every police call dispatched to the city of Johnstown police officers,” said Kabler. Kabler said the feature is extremely helpful. “I can call him and say, Hey, I dealt with those folks yesterday and this was the situation yesterday just so you’re aware,’” explained Kabler. This feature also allows officers to quickly check the history of a location before walking in. “We’re able to say the officer was just here six hours ago… he gave you a warning about it and you haven’t corrected the problem,” said Kabler. “So again, it makes us much more efficient. ” Kabler said the new additions not only help police, they also benefit the city and the community. “We’re going to be out in the community a lot more, said Kabler. “[We're] saving the city fuel by not driving back and forth. I’m getting my reports done by the end of the day, so I’m not generating overtime trying to paperwork done at the end of the day. It’s definitely a win-win situation.” Article source: http://www.wjactv.com/news/news/mobile-technology-makes-johnstown-police-more-effi/nHHHj/
Read More >>BCK Ministries’ young adults reach out to needy over holidays
Chris Garretson, Christian Masorjak and Dustin Mikolic prayed for guidance when determining where to deliver the final two Christmas gift baskets collected by the young adults group at BCK Ministries in Richland Township. After randomly delivering one to a family in the Windber area who, as it turns out, really needed the food, they stopped at a trailer around the corner. Inside was a woman caring for her two grandchildren. The woman stood by the door, shocked. “I said, ‘This is going to sound weird. I don’t know you; you don’t know me. But we have a Christmas present for you, no strings attached,’” recalled Garretson, the pastor of the Epic Life young adults’ group at BCK. As it turns out, the woman gratefully received the gift and even said she was interested in attending a church service at BCK. “It was a bit overwhelming for us as well,” Garretson said. What began as a Christmas mission will soon spread throughout the year as the group intends to deliver baskets at Easter, Thanksgiving and perhaps other times as well. For Christmas, organizers placed ornaments with the names of items on a tree in the sanctuary. The congregation picked an ornament and brought in a can of food or other staple. Laundry baskets were filled with a frozen ham, canned corn and vegetables, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pie crusts and pumpkin filling. “Everything you need for a Christmas dinner,” Garretson said. A parashioner also donated small gifts to include such as books and picture frames. In all, 12 baskets were delivered to homes in Greater Johnstown and the Windber area. Ten of those were taken to predetermined families. At one of the homes, kids danced around the gift basket, organizers said. “A lot of times, we were greeted with tears,” Garretson said. [...]
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