News Updates
East End Hot Spot Opens
Oil City Weed and Seed has recently opened a second Hot Spot location at the Free Methodist Church, 206 Wilson Avenue in the East End. The first Hot Spot site was opened in August in the Siverly Neighborhood at the FMC Fellowship Hall on the corner of Plum and Willow Streets.
The Hot Spot is designed to be a safe place for neighborhood residents to gather and build a sense of community. While there, children and adult residents can access the internet through a free wireless connection via their own laptops or desktop computers that have been donated by the Oil City School District. Americorps Volunteers are on staff to assist with homework and help with computer use. They guide activities such as games and crafts for elementary age children and are planning activities for teens. Adults can enjoy a cup of coffee and good conversation with neighbors, as well as participate in informational programs and workshops.
Special programs, workshops and community activities are being planned for spring. The first community event will be a Family Movie Night on March 30, 6:00pm. Venango County Safe Kids Network will be there as well to talk to parents about poison prevention.
The new East End Hot Spot will be open Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30-8:00pm. The Siverly Hot Spot operates on Tuesday and Thursdays from 3:30-8:00pm. For more information contact Oil City Weed and Seed, 814-516-0335.
Home Improvement Workshops
Oil City Weed and Seed hosted a series of home improvement workshops during February at the Siverly Hot Spot. Topics included Drywall/window repair, basic electric, basic plumbing, and home safety. A special thank you to Dena and the experts from Home Depot for sharing their knowledge with us!
Holiday Breakfast
Weed and Seed hosted a free holiday breakfast at the Siverly Hot Spot on Thursday, December 23rd. Approximately 45 people attended and enjoyed pancakes and sausage as well as a visit from Santa Claus.
Building Strong Families Classes
Child Development Centers in Franklin will host a series of parenting and family relationship building classes at their office throughout 2011. Click here for a full schedule
BUilding Strong Families 2011.doc.
Fall Festival at the Hot Spot
In spite of the drizzling, cold conditions, over 100 people turned out for the Fall Fest at the Siverly Hot-Spot on November 4th. The box maze, bonfire, and hayride were a huge hit with the kids and the adults too! Homemade chili and chicken soup, hot dogs and popcorn topped off a successful night! Weed and Seed would like to thank Schake Industries, Shaffer's Pumpkin Patch, Agway, and Thorne's Market for their kind donations of food and supplies! A big thank you also to Bud and Sandy Ritchey, Larry and Deana Beach, Dave Riley, Leah Gesing, Terri Felmlee, and the Ladies from the Siverly Apartments for all their hard work and support!
Bike Rodeo a Success!
A second bicycle safety rodeo was held on September 29th in the East End of Oil City. 18 children received bicycle helmets and participated in the obstacle course. In all, over 50 people attended the event. A special thank you goes out to Venango Safe Kids Network, the Southside Neighborhood Association and the OIl City Police Department for their support!
Drug Endangered Child-- Training for Professionals
On September 2nd, approximately 85 professionals from law enforcement, social services, schools and healthcare participated in training from Elaine Surma, Senior Agent for the Attorney General's Office. The training focused on the Drug Endangered Child and covered safety issues as well as the effect that being in a drug house can have on children.
Bicycle Safety Rodeo Held In Siverly
Oil City Weed and Seed partnered with Venango County Safe Kids, the Siverly Neighborhood Association and the Oil City Police Department to hold a Bicycle Safety Rodeo at the Free Methodist Fellowship Hall on August 24, 2010. Fifteen children participated in the rodeo which included helmet fittings, bike safety inspections. Officers from the OCPD guided the children through a multi-stage obstacle course to learn safe bike riding methods. Children also participated in games and demonstrations to reinforce bicycle safety and enjoyed snacks and door prizes.
A second Bike Rodeo is being planned for the East End Neighborhood.
Siverly Hot-Spot Hours Expanded
Beginning August 31st, the Siverly Wi-Fi Hot Spot will be open to the public every Tuesday and Thursday from 4:00-8:00pm. The increased hours will provide additional opportunities for students to do research and homework via their school provided laptop computers. Residents of all ages can make use of the desktop computer lab at the Hot-Spot or just drop by to relax and talk with neighbors. The site is staffed by Weed and Seed personnel and neighborhood volunteers who can provide assistance and referral to resources.
The Siverly Hot-Spot will host special programs and activities every Tuesday at 6:00pm. Activities will be provided for young children to allow parents to participate in the programming. Upcoming events include:
August 31 Back to School Celebration
September 7 Program Topic: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
And Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
September 14 Program Topic: Fair Housing and the Landlord/Tenant Relationship
Creation of the Hot-Spot is a joint effort of Oil City Weed and Seed, the Oil City Area School District, the Free Methodist Church, and the Siverly Neighborhood Association. The Siverly Hot-Spot is located at the Free Methodist Fellowship Hall on the corner of Plum and Willow Streets. A second Hot-Spot location is expected to open at the Free Methodist Church on Wilson Avenue in October.
Siverly Neighborhood Association Dedicates Playground
The Pierce Avenue Playground was officially renamed the "Jim Shaughnessy" Playground on Friday, June 23, in honor of a local sports legend. Approximately 30 people turned out for the dedication ceremony. Mr. Shaughnessy grew up in Siverly and spent many hours on the playgrounds of the community. He went on to excel in football at Oil City High School and Arizona State University. In his honor a plaque was placed at the park along with a bell that formerly hung in the local elementary school.
The Siverly Neighborhood Association adopted the playground and has spent many hours cleaning it up and making improvements including removing vines from the fence, clearing paths, and adding a picnic table and benches.
Oil CIty Weed and Seed opens their first Wi-Fi Hot Spot in Siverly Neighborhood
July 20th marked the opening of the Weed and Seed wi-fi-hot spot at the Free Methodist Fellowship Hall on the corner of Plum and Willow Streets in Siverly. Through support from the Oil City School District and USA Choice, free wireless internet access is available at the site for those who have laptops. The school district also provided 3 desk-top computers for individuals who do not have a computer at home.
A representative from Family Services and Children's Aid Society will be on hand each week to talk with residents who are in need of services or referral to program opportunities. Weed and Seed will be bringing in special guests each week to provide information, classes, programs or projects. These may range from social service agencies, job search, arts, small home repairs, etc.
The site will be open from 1:00-5:00pm on Tuesdays through the remainder of the summer. Additional hours or days may be initiated once school starts.
PA Weed and Seed Day at the Capitol - June 9, 2010
Weed and Seed Sites from across Pennsylvania spent Wednesday at the Capitol in Harrisburg meeting with legislators and urging them to keep funding for Weed and Seed in the state budget. Representatives from Oil City included Mayor Sonja Hawkins, Chief Robert Wenner, Kristin Arendash-Site Coordinator, and Katie Ragon-former City Council Youth Liaison. Over 140 letters of support from Oil City community members and businesses were hand delivered to Senator Mary Jo White and Representative Scott Hutchinson.
Basket Raffle to be Held
The Southside Neighborhood Association will hold a basket raffle on June 8th in front of Thorne's Market from 10am-2pm and 4pm-8pm. Three baskets will be given away: a Father's Day Basket, a July 4th Basket and a Tea Basket. All proceeds support the Laugh and Play Playground on the East End.
Internet Safety Presentation - May 25, 2010
59 people turned out on May 25th to learn about ways to keep our children safe while using the internet and social media. Elaine Surma from the PA Attorney General's Office talked about the very real risks from cyber bullying, sexting and on-line harrassment. Thank you to the Southside Neighborhood Association, the Free Methodist Church, and Brenda Carll for pulling the event together.