SPECIAL TRIP: Don’t forget to turn on your outside Christmas
lights tomorrow night.

Bradford area senior citizens will be treated to a tour of the
holiday lights followed by a Christmas party at Pitt-Bradford,
part of the ELF Fund. We are proud to be part of this annual
Festival of Lights, a highlight of the Christmas season for many of
our older friends and relatives.

OLD BOOK: Some out-of-town relatives of the author Philip Tome
are looking for an original copy of his book, “Pioneer Life, Thirty
Years a Hunter.” The book carries an 1854 copyright and is said to
be the writings of the first white settler in this region. While
the book has been reprinted, these family members are interested in
purchasing a first edition. If you have one available, please let
us know.

GAS PAIN: When you’re filling up your car with gas the next
time, here’s something to ponder: United Refinery Co. of Warren has
reported record profits for the latest fiscal year.

The Erie Times-News reported that United’s operating income for
the 2007 fiscal year was ,170.3 million, up ,38.2 million, or 28.9
percent, from the ,132.1 million in operating income it experienced
in the year that ended Aug. 31, 2006.

“Net income – or profit – for the fiscal year that ended Aug.
31, 2007, was ,85.7 million. That was ,21.7 million, or 33.9
percent, higher than the ,64 million in net income the company
recorded in the previous fiscal year that ended Aug. 31, 2006,”
according to the Times-News.

United’s refinery produces 70,000 barrel a day, providing
gasoline for the company’s 371 Kwik Fill and Country Fair outlets
in western Pennsylvania and New York and also sells to other gas
outlets in the region.

So, merry Christmas to them!

FIVE DAYS: We were told after Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day that
it is one of only five days a year that the U.S. flag is to fly
half-staff. A reader tells us the other four are Peace Officers
Memorial Day on May 15; Memorial Day; Korean War Vets Day on July
27; and Patriots Day, Sept. 11.