Western Bradford News Digest 11/24

Western Bradford News Digest

Canton passes resolution

As it begins preparations for the new budget, the Canton Area School Board recently passed a resolution stating that it will not raise any millage above its index.

The school district's index is 4.3%, which equates to about .82 mills in real estate taxes, Mark Jannone, district business manager, said.

He noted that the state Department of Education sets every school district's Act 1 Index each year. If a district intends to raise any millage by more than its index, it has to file for exceptions from the department of education, he said.

The board's action allows it to follow the pre-Act 1 budget timeline. A final budget must be passed by June 30 and there must be 30 days between the passage of the final and a tentative budget.

Canton chamber to hold Light Night, raffle

Light Night will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27 in the Town Square in Canton, according to a news release.

In the news release, Canton Area Chamber of Commerce president Jodi Wesneski said, "Light Night has been a tradition for several years now and once again we look forward to bringing holiday cheer to the town by welcoming Santa to light our tree. We will have carolers, refreshments and kazoos for all. The kids will have a chance to make a Christmas craft and will have the opportunity to talk with Santa and give him a heads up on their wish list."

The chamber is also holding the 2009 Canton Chamber Christmas Raffle. There are 38 prizes with a $425 cash grand prize and a first prize of a Wii, which is a $200 value, according to a flier. People do not need to be present to win. A drawing will be held at the chamber's Santa Breakfast on Dec. 14.

Tickets can be purchased at the Canton Pharmacy, Canton Borough office, Gannon Associates in Canton, Chemung Canal Trust in Canton, and First Citizens Bank in Canton, or call the chamber at (570) 364-2600 or send an e-mail to cantonareachamberofcommerce@yahoo.com; the complete prize listing can be found at www.cantonareachamberofcommerce.com on the Internet.

Concerts set in Mansfield, Troy

The Mansfield University Music Department is inviting the public to celebrate the holiday season in a concert of choral music with the theme, "Love Came Down." Nearly 200 musicians will perform, under the direction of Peggy Dettwiler, at 7:30 pm on Saturday, Dec. 5, in Mansfield University's Steadman Theatre in Mansfield, and at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6, in the Troy High School Memorial Auditorium in Troy, according to a news release.

The news release continues:

The concerts will feature a wonderful mixture of classical and popular pieces sung at times under the magic of candlelight. Selections by Bach, Mendelssohn, Bruckner, Howells, and Hogan as well as other familiar holiday favorites for men's, women's, and mixed choirs from the Renaissance period to the 21st century that describe love in the sacred and secular world will resound from Mansfield University's Steadman Theatre and Troy's auditorium. Familiar carols and hymns for audience participation will add to the holiday spirit. The choirs will combine for a celebratory finale, titled "Rejoice," written for voices, brass, organ, and percussion by Gwyneth Walker.

Tickets will be $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens, and $5 for students and children and may be purchased online through the Mansfield University Web site at http://music.mansfield.edu or reserved by calling (570) 662-4710.

Patrons are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes before concert time to get preferred seating. Campus police will provide parking assistance, and shuttle service will be available from the lower east parking lots.