Williamsport YMCA Twisters Tryouts!

One Day Tryouts:

JUNE 7th

Ages 5-8: 10 am

Ages 9-11: 11:30 am

Ages 12-18: 1 pm

Go to the Twisters MySpace Profile or their GeoCities site for more information.

The Target is July

Both on the boards and in private email requests, people have been asking "when?" concerning the opening of the new Target at Lycoming Crossing. So I called target and asked -- and I've got two important dates for you.

First of all, the Grand Opening date:

July 27th, 2008

Secondly, the "quiet opening"

July 23rd "Shhhhh"

The store will be open from 8a to 10p, Monday thru Saturdays, and from 8a to 9p on Sundays. Just in time for back to school shopping.

Bowlapalooza!

This afternoon we enjoyed bowling at Faxon Lanes in Loyalsock. Three moms and six kids was just the right number for two games on 2 lanes in 2 hours ... although we did take our time! Even my three year old can bowl easily without assistance with the bumpers. The staff was friendly and helpful and it was a great time. Check out the Bowlapalooza deal on the Faxon lanes website to try this fun for your family.

Public Comment Invited Tomorrow on Pennsylvania's 2009 Combined Agency State Plan

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --

The Department of Labor & Industry's Office of Vocational Rehabilitation is soliciting public comment on Pennsylvania's 2009 Combined Agency State Plan during meetings throughout the commonwealth through April 17.

These public meetings provide opportunities for Pennsylvanians to present their ideas and recommendations on the Combined Agency State Plan, and suggestions on how the commonwealth can better serve people with disabilities. A variety of topics will be discussed, including Governor Edward G.Rendell's goals and priorities for disability issues; the estimated number of individuals to be served and the cost of the services; the comprehensive system of personnel development; and supported employment services.

A copy of the Combined Agency State Plan and other vocational rehabilitation information is available by contacting Office of Vocational Rehabilitation or Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services local offices and online at the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry website.

Following are the details for the public comment meeting for Williamsport and the surrounding Area.

WILLIAMSPORT OFFICE OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION DISTRICT OFFICE (Clinton, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Tioga andUnion Counties)

The Grit Building, 208 W. Third St., Suite 102, Conference Room, Williamsport

Thursday, March 27, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Musicians to Play Farewell Tributes to Rockstation

Arts & Entertainment News Release 3/5/08

Musicians to Play Farewell Tributes to Rockstation

A bevy of local performers artists will give a pair of free "farewell concerts" to Rockstation Records, 357 Pine Street in Williamsport. The first event, "Shut Up and Play Already," starts 3PM, Saturday, March 15th. The second event, "Been There Rocked That," starts 1PM on Monday, March 17th. Rockstation, the last independent music store for compacts discs, vinyl and memorabilia in downtown Williamsport, is closing its doors that day on March 17th.

"Store closings are part of a music industry meltdown," said city-based "Singer at Large" Johnny J. Blair (http://www.johnnyjblair.com/), who will play a set on the "Shut Up" Saturday concert with Ron Fleeger & the Stranger, Fletcher Kaufman and Hugh Ross. Blair added, "It's unfortunate, because record stores have always been like a community outpost for sharing music. Going online has advantages, but there's nothing like using all your senses and going into a store to rave about music with real people.

"Urban humor, romantic abstraction and bittersweet spirituality inform Blair's music. With a blend of relentless r'n'b and sunny pop, his recordings have charted around the world. Goldmine magazine wrote, "Blair delivers pop music with a conscience, framed by gospel, jazz, punk and techno." Spotlight Magazine called him "the Harry Houdini of music." "Ax" at Rockstation called Blair "The 'Tasmanian Devil' of the coffee house set." Blair's current CD, GRATEFUL, (Foldback/Wampus Records) has been described as "if Ziggy Stardust made a crash landing with 'Pet Sounds.'"

The Monday "Been There Rocked That" event will be headlined by Key of V (myspace.com/keyofv), the "strange folk" duo of Erin LaCerra (viola, vocals) and Val LaCerra (guitar, lead vocals). Their sound is described as "acoustic, indie, psychedelic, earthy, whimsical, with a splash of Irish jig." They will be joined by Antares J. Barr and band members from Pillbelly and Black Marble. Key of V members said this is their way of showing appreciation to Rockstation for their thirteen years of service to the area.

There is no cover charge for either event. Rockstation is offering substantial discounts. Call (570) 321-8280 for information.

Ethnic Cuisine, Barbarian Beer and Podium Seals

Williamsport area residents have something to say. And they're saying it on Billtown Boards - Williamsport's still new v-bulletin community forum.

Recently some Billtown Board members gathered for a tour of the Bavarian Barbarian Brewery. Another member (thecatskinner) made his first visit to Otto's. The fiesty onemoretaxpayer expounded some of his views on local politics. The honorable Treyp advocated the Williamsport High School's upcoming Le Mis production. The literate Keepin'itREAL reccomended yet another book. The talented imacrispyeskimo showed off his stunning photography and invited new patrons. Aleeshia agreed to join me for Indian dining as soon as a local venue shows up. Chuggs extolled Maseto's Deli & Six Pack . And much more ...

What have YOU got to say?

Susquehanna Technology Association

This morning I attended my first meeting of the Susquehanna Technology Association or STA. Wow! I was impressed. This is a group of movers and shakers from local technology companies who, among other things, put together events providing technology education for local businesses and consumers. But it's more than that. It's also a great networking experience, an opportunity to learn from and benefit from the experience of some brilliant and energetic individuals.

This morning's list of savvy attenders included Dan Rockwell (group founder and chair), Lauri Moon, Bill Nestel, Pete Codespodie, Dave Bartlett, Scott Reed, Matt Hoppes, Matt Kiessling, Tim Glass, David Steele ... and many more, just as impressive.

If you're involved with technology in the Greater Williamsport Area, consider checking out the STA by attending their next event:

The Geek Dinner at Valley Inn
February 21, 2008 @ 5:30 PM

The following description of the event is posted on STA's website:
"It's wing night or you can order off the menu. Meet in the back room at 5:30. Both Tech Futures and Young Professionals breakfast club have been invited. Please let Tim Glass know you plan to attend tcglass@weic.com "

Williamsport Area School Closings Today

pic shot with camera phone from my front porch

These school closings found on WNEP 16

• East Lycoming ~ CLOSED Today / OFFICES OPEN NOON
• Jersey Shore Area ~ CLOSED Today
• Keystone Christian ~ 2 HR DELAY
• Loyalsock School District ~ 2 HR DELAY
• Lycoming CTC ~ 2 HR DELAY
• Lycoming/Clinton H. Start ~ CLOSED Today
• Montgomery ~ CLOSED Today
• Montoursville Area ~ CLOSED Today
• Muncy ~ CLOSED Today
• Newport Bus. Inst. ~ 2 HR DELAY
• PA College of Tech ~ 2 HR DELAY
• S. Williamsport Area ~ 2 HR DELAY
• St. John Neumann/Williamsport ~ 2 HR DELAY
• Walnut St. Christian ~ 2 HR DELAY
• Williamsport Area ~ CLOSED Today
• Williamsport Christian Sch. ~ 2 HR DELAY

Williamsport Area School Closings Today

These school closings found on WNEP 16

• East LycomingLycoming County (05:32 am) -- CLOSED Today
• Jersey Shore AreaLycoming County (06:11 am) -- CLOSED Today
• Keystone ChristianLycoming County (05:49 am) -- CLOSED Today
• Loyalsock School DistrictLycoming County (05:35 am) -- CLOSED Today
• Lycoming CTCLycoming County (05:46 am) -- CLOSED Today
• Lycoming/Clinton H. StartLycoming County (05:51 am) -- CLOSED Today
• MontgomeryLycoming County (05:31 am) -- CLOSED Today
• Montoursville AreaLycoming County (05:29 am) -- CLOSED Today
• MuncyLycoming County (05:23 am) -- CLOSED Today
• PA College of TechLycoming County (07:30 am) -- CLOSED Today
• S. Williamsport AreaLycoming County (05:33 am) -- CLOSED Today
• St. John Neumann/WilliamsportLycoming County (05:37 am) -- CLOSED Today
• Walnut St. ChristianLycoming County (05:50 am) -- CLOSED Today
• Williamsport Christian Sch.Lycoming County (06:10 am) -- CLOSED Today
  

Billtown Blog's Birthday

This post is about the one year anniversay of Billtown Blog: Williamsport, PA's City Blog.

One year ago I wrote my first post on Billtown Blog: "Williamsport, PA: I love it Here!"

Since then almost 3000 Pennsylvania visitors; most from Lycoming County, have read the blog ~ and most of those repeatedly.

Every month when I look at the reports, I am surpised to see that this post: "3 Things about Williamsport, I’m Thankful For" shows up among the top 50. It's almost Thanksgiving. Let's do this one again!

Tomorrow I'll post some new reasons why I'm still thankful to live in Williamsport. Please join me to "ice the cake" by adding the best part - your comments.

Comment on this post on Billtown Boards

A Passion for Williamsport

When I began blogging the mayoral election, I did so with a little trepidation. But my passion for the subject motivated my pen. I was not alone. There was a lot of emotion surrounding this election. And judging by the ongoing comments on my last election post and the boards, that emotion has not abated.

To those who were dissapointed by the election's outcome, of which I was one, may I tenderly make a suggestion? We once argued with a purpose - to support our candidate of preference. There's no purpose in it now. Let go of your dissapointment without letting go of your passion for our city

Gabe Campana will be mayor. Gabe Campana is NOT a villain. He's young - and his vision, his ideas and opinions loom larger than life. That's not an "all-bad" quality. And who among us hasn't shared it? Additional experience will temper him. Give him a chance. Whether or not you like how he did it, the fact is - He did EARN that chance.

Let's try suspending our disbelief and cynicism. Let's give the man the benefit of the doubt. Dare I say we offer him our support? Well I'm going to. I hated his campaign rhetoric - but I don't doubt for a minute that he wants to bring improvement to this city. Whatever motives you think inspire him, let's at least not pretend that this isn't one of them.

I hope that while Gabe is in office, crime is curtailed. I hope that while Gabe is in office, businesses thrive. I hope that while Gabe is in office that citizens enjoy higher salaries and lower taxes. I hope I can participate in making those things a reality. I hope you can too. I don't want to see Gabe fail so I can say, "I told you so." I want to see Gabe succeed, because I live here and I love it - with a passion!

Comment on this post on Billtown Boards

Calling All Citizens Interested in the Future of Williamsport

What would you like Downtown Williamsport to look like ... to be like? Someone really wants to know

• What: Williamsport Main Street Program's Visioning Session
• When: November 8th, at 3 PM
• Where: in the Community Theatre, on the first floor of the Trade & Transit Centre, 100 West Third Street, in downtown Williamsport
• Who: All Citizens Interested in the Future of Wiiliamsport's Downtown

Here's an excerpt of a letter from Cindy Robbins of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce:

"What would you like Downtown Williamsport to look like in 5, 10, or 15 years? That's exactly the topic of discussion on November 8th at the Williamsport Main Street Program's Visioning Session. This event will begin at 3 PM in the Community Theatre, on the first floor of the Trade & Transit Centre, 100 West Third Street, in downtown Williamsport. The visioning session will be conducted by Geoff Brace, Eastern Regional Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, a revitalization organization charged with overseeing Main Street Programs across the state. The purpose of this visioning event is to get input from all facets of the community regarding what people would like to have happen in the downtown. Your input is valued in the formation of goals and strategies for the future.

While at this session, you will also have a chance to learn about the Main Street program and its initiatives and activities and how you could get involved in Main Street. Please don't miss out on this crucial opportunity to be involved in your community. After all, the health and well-being of the future of Downtown Williamsport affects us all."

An attached flyer offers the following additions:
In 2006, Williamsport was officially designated as a Main Street Community by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

At this public meeting, you will have the opportunity to:
• Learn about the Main Street Program
• Have your ideas & concerns heard about the future of downtown
• Contribute to the overall goal of revitalizing Williamsport

For more information visit: http://www.ot2010.org/ or call Josh Trego at 570-320-4211.

o

Discuss this event, before or after attending, here!

Election Results

For those of us who have already returned from the polls, it's all done but the waiting.

Here's an election results link.
(Too bad it doesn't work yet, eh?)

In the meanwhile tell us where you'll be when the results start coming in. Or if you'd like to take your mind off of it for a spell, chat about something else.

Billtown Boards Quote:

Radspinner will be:
"Downtown with friends from different campaigns.
Should be a blast."

Good man Radspinner. That's what it's all about.

Discovery Machine Inc. Aids Winner of $600,000 NASA Grant

Complex 3D simulations are a powerful tool for training, e-Learning, and real-time operations support. Fortunately, with a new tool under development using Hypercosm's 3D Software suite, they will soon be easier and more economical to create as well.

After a successful prototype demonstration of a new web-based 3D simulation authoring platform, PLANET LLC was awarded a $600,000 Small Business Innovative Research Phase II Grant from NASA to deliver an authoring tool that will allow subject matter experts or graphic designers, and not high-level programmers, to create the logic behind a complex simulation.

NASA is looking to use the Hypercosm 3D simulation platform for web-based astronaut training and just-in-time operations support for tasks like repairs or maintenance. As NASA continues their path toward long-duration space missions, critical simulation tools like Hypercosm will be a requirement for future crews that may have to perform tasks months or years after they received their training.

The two year contract was awarded by the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. PLANET LLC will use their web-based Hypercosm 3D software partnered with software tools from their knowledge partner, Discovery Machine Inc. of Williamsport, PA, to complete the tool development. Discovery Machine Inc. specializes in software approaches to knowledge acquisition and engineering, and building tools to make this knowledge easily accessible to non-technical experts.

"This project will result in a very powerful but user-friendly tool for developers of 3D training and operations," said Thomas Crabb, President of PLANET LLC. "Web-based simulation will soon be the basis for most training on complex systems, and when they can be authored quickly and cost effectively - and still contain a high level of artificial intelligence - they will become the training option of choice."

About Discovery Machine, Inc.
Todd W. Griffith, Ph.D., is the president and co-founder of Discovery Machine Inc., located in the historic Old City Hall on Pine Street in downtown Williamsport.

Their mission is to enable experts to easily and affordably harness human knowledge in a manner never before achievable. They achieve this through the development of revolutionary products and services which move beyond traditional knowledge acquisition and engineering, to enable strategists, scientists and researchers to build working models and simulations without writing code.

Comment on this post on Billtown Boards

Billtown Buzz

What's Williamsport Talking About?

o

Find out for yourself on Billtown Boards - a community discussion site powered with the most popular forum engine vBulletin.

* Mayoral Election

With the municipal election only days away, the mayoral candidates are a hot topic.

onemoretaxpayer says:

"I also think Chief Whiteman and Mr Hudack are doing a fantastic job. Things get better every day, and Mayor Wolf is responsible for that."

o

Read these threads for more on this topic:

Williamsport Mayor Election Issues, Who's Got Your Vote?, 2007 Municipal Election, Times split for mayoral forum Monday, Campana responds to criticism of Web site

* The New Sun-Gazette Site

The Williamsport Sun-Gazette has launched a new website which among other things allows comments on articles.

radspinner says:
"I think it looks sharp, but you can't comment on every story. The comments on the election stories are really over the top."

o

Read these threads for more on this topic:
The Sun's new site, Williamsport Sun Gazette

* Bringing the "Wish You Were Here" Hometown Focus Show to Williamsport

Ellen DeGeneres will be traveling to a hometown, selected from those submitted on her Wish You Were Here site, to film and feature that town on her show.

truthseeker says:
"Williamsport is listed already. But we need greater participation to
get Ellen to come to our neck of the woods."

0

Read this thread for more on this topic:
Ellen in Williamsport?

Dozens of Other Topics

Read and make comments on dozens of other topics too: Comment on every article or show from all the local media, tell us where you like to shop, commend your favourite dish or waitress, palaver core town issues, link to and tell us about your business ... and more! Much more.

What Do You Have to Say?

Now it's your turn to be heard.