LIFELONG LEARNER: Local resident Alex Freeman dropped by the newsroom recently to share the tale of his great-aunt, Mrs. Jane Ware of Smethport, who was a true lover of learning. Mr. Freeman thought her story would be a good one to share during Women’s History Month. Mrs. Ware is an inspiration to those who may be afraid to take on new challenges in their golden years.

She moved to Columbus, Ohio, at the age of 75 to make a home for her grandson, Jose Masters, who enrolled in Ohio State University.

While there, Mrs. Ware decided she was ready for a new adventure and opted to enroll in the Ohio State University — WPA night adult school.

She pursued classes in philosophy, psychology, current events and eastern history.

At the time, Mrs. Ware was interviewed and asked about her enthusiasm for education. She explained, “I simply cannot sit in a corner and be an old lady piecing quilts.”

In Mrs. Ware’s obituary, she was recognized as the oldest coed in history to attend Ohio State University. It stated she received worldwide acclaim and graduated from a one-year social studies extension course, then opted to return to her native homestead at Bush Hill, near East Smethport.

Mrs. Ware passed away at the age of 97 — on Jan. 21, 1960.

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CLEANUP: Governor Tom Wolf encouraged residents to help reduce litter by joining the statewide “Pick Up Pennsylvania” campaign of community cleanups running through May 31.

”The past year has shown beyond a doubt what we’ve known all along: the outdoors is essential to quality of life for Pennsylvanians,” Gov. Wolf said. It is our collective responsibility to eliminate litter and I urge everyone to take steps to help keep Pennsylvania clean and green.”