Relieve stress with songs that make you smile: Roger Pettengill to perform April 24
BY KATHRYN ROSS
WELLSVILLE — In these stressful times, it is important to smile and be kind to others, sit back, listen to music and stress out, so believes Roger Pettengill.
Pettengill will be doing just that when he offers his program, “Songs and Smiles” to the public at 7 p.m. April 24 in the auditorium at the David A. Howe Library. The program is free of charge and open to the public.
Pettengill, who turns 70 in a few months, has been performing locally since 2010 after overcoming his stage fright. He was a machinist at Dresser-Rand in Olean for 42 years and retired at age 59. At 55, he’d decided to follow the
advice of bestselling author and life coach John Acuff: “Be brave enough to be bad at something new.”
“I’ve always loved music, but didn’t have the courage to play in front of people,” Pettengill said. “After I read Acuff I decided that it was time to overcome my fear and do what I’d always wanted to do. This was a late in life endeavor for me, but it is never too late to try something new.”
He got his first paying gig, a wedding, after running into a fellow tourist from Olean in the pool at a Jamaican resort and striking up a conversation. He first performed at the Palmer House in Cuba. Since then, he has put together a program
using video to accompany his musical stylings on guitar and harmonica. Some of the music in the show is his original compositions. The rest of the songs are covers from music by artists John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot and Neil Young as well as Hank Williams and Jimmy Buffett.
The unique part of Pettengill’s “Songs and
Smiles” program are the short videos he films to accompany the music.
“I’ve filmed videos that run in the background while I perform,” he said. “They’re simple videos that illustrate the songs. Whenever I go into a town, I take a video of the area, so people can relate to the songs with scenes from their own hometowns. So, in the
Wellsville concert scenes from Wellsville will be running in the background.”
However, Pettengill regrets that the Wellsville concert may be the last of his video performances because it is getting more and more difficult to find appropriate venues.
That doesn’t mean he is hanging up his guitar or putting down his harmonica. He will continue to perform in local bars, restaurants and at park concerts and for benefits to raise funds for ALS, Alzheimer’s and cancer research and heart health and at nursing homes, assisted living facilities and the occasional wedding.
For Pettengill, his programs are a way of allowing his audience a
chance to kick back and stress out.
“Music is such a great way to get people together and to get their minds off their daily woes,” he said.
“My show stresses the importance of having and sharing a smile and that whenever given a chance, you should choose to show kindness.”
The smiles, corny jokes and beloved songs like “What a Wonderful World,” “Puff the Magic Dragon,” “I Believe in Magic” and “The City of New Orleans” are appropriate for all ages and will take place in the restored Nancy Howe Auditorium.
Take some time to stress out and enjoy the music of Roger Pettengill.
Genesee Valley/Belfast baseball coach sets all-time
Genesee Valley/ Belfast won 5-1 over Eldred Central of Sullivan County on April 14 in the Bronx to start 5-0 on the season.
Coach Dennis Miles passed Craig Phillips to be the winningest coach in New York state high school baseball history with 807 victories. GVB scored two
wins mark for NYS
in the second, one in the third and got two insurance runs in the sixth to break the game open. Ethan Davenport improved his record on the mound to 3-0, allowing two hits with 14 strikeouts and four walks. Ryan Daciw pitched the last two innings with three strikeouts.
Leading hitters were Ethan Davenport going 2-4, Nolan Hunter was 2-3 with two RBIs and Jacob Tice went 2-3. The former longtime Wellsville baseball coach, Miles was inducted into the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame’s Class of 2021. Inductees included former Yankees Bernie
Williams and Bobby Richardson, Mets Cleon Jones and Mookie Wilson, famed documentarian Ken Burns, former Mets public relations director Jay Horowitz and a former Yankees bullpen coach, Dom Scala.
Miles coached at Wellsville for more than four decades, retiring
from his longtime post as athletic director and coach in 2018. Unable to stay away from the game, he accepted a position in Avoca and won a 2019 Section 5 championship. Miles returned to coaching in Allegany County in 2024 when he took over the Genesee Valley/Belfast team.
Dennis Miles
Photo provided Roger Pettengill during his last “Songs and Smiles” concert in Wellsville.
Parking, appointments and events approved by Wellsville Village Board
BY KATHRYN ROSS
WELLSVILLE — The village board heard a parking request, dealt with special events, approved delegates and new hires and moved $100,000 from the revolving loan fund during Monday night’s meeting.
The busy meeting started with an East Genesee Street resident asking the board to do something about the congested parking on his street. The street runs perpendicular to North Main Street and is across the street from Jones Memorial Hospital. It was alleged that hospital employees fill up the street parking and sometimes block driveways, making it difficult for residents to park or access driveways.
The resident suggested that parking be restricted to one side of the street for part of the week and the other side for the rest of the week.
Hospital parking is available across the
street in a parking lot off Loder Street, and in the recently built parking lot adjacent to Johnson Cemetery, but hospital employees allegedly park on East Genesee Street and behind the library on Park Avenue.
“We are going to take this on,” Shayler assured the resident.
Grant. The funds will be used to help recipients with costs associated with their projects prior to reimbursement from grant funding. The motion was approved with the hope that it will help projects get underway faster.
Treasurer Melissa Mullen was approved as the village’s delegate to the Municipal Electric Utilities Association for the May 21 annual meet-
ing, while she was also approved as the delegate to the New York Municipal Power Authority (NYMPA).
The board also proved Mullen’s twoyear appointment as a voting member of the NYMPA board. Mullen explained her participation on the board will give the village more
Easter egg hunts April 19 in Allegany County
Children throughout the area will again have the chance to hunt for Easter eggs on April 19 in Allegany County.
• The Cuba American Legion and Auxiliary will host their Easter egg hunt at 11 a.m. in Fireman’s Park. For ages 1 to 10.
While board members said they believe it’s the hospital’s responsibility to oversee its employees, Department of Public Works head Dean Arnold said the hospital administration has tried to direct parking habits, but to no avail, because the hospital has no jurisdiction over public streets.
No parking, alternate parking, temporary no parking, and the installation of parking meters were among the suggestions for a solution. Mayor Randy Shayler said he will soon speak with hospital CEO Jim Helms and would address the parking situation with him.
Moving into regular session, the board approved a special event permit for the third annual Club Crawl between the American Legion, Elks Club, Moose Club and VFW, from noon to 8 p.m. May 17. Waiving the open container law for participants was also approved.
Noting that the annual Greater Wellsville Trout Derby is a “big deal” for the Lions Club, the board approved a special event permit for the 35th Annual Greater Wellsville Trout Derby for April 26-27 in Island Park.
• The Belmont Literary & Historical Society Free Library, 2 Willets Ave., will host a hunt beginning at 10 a.m. Children will be divided into two age groups, ages 3-6 and 7-12. Each group will have their own designated area to search for colorful eggs filled with surprises.
• Rushford Lake Conservation Club will host a hunt 1 to 3 p.m. at 8725 County Road 49. There will be two different areas based on age group, the Easter Bunny will be on hand and there will be hot cocoa.
The mayor also made a motion to appropriate $100,000 from the Community Development Revolving Loan Fund to help provide loans to those businesses that are awarded funds from the $449,000 Small Business Project Fund, part of the New York Forward
Photo by Kathryn Ross
Recently elected Wellsville Fire Department officials were congratulated by Mayor Randy Shayler Monday night. From left are First Assistant Chief Andy Havens, Shayler, Chief Greg Day and Second Assistant Chief Kevin Fleischman.
Wellsville Village continued on PAGE 6
ALFRED — Thirty-three Alfred State students participated in the 2025 Showmanship Day held at the college farm. The contest featured dairy, beef, sheep, and goat competitions.
Most of the students that participated are part of the Small Ruminant Management or the Dairy Cattle Production One classes. Charles Susick II, ’18, and Christian Lewis judged the contests.
Mulligan Palmerton earned the master dairy showman honor to start the day while Henry Winters was the reserve master showman. Four dairy classes were shown and the first and second place finishers in each class returned to compete in the master finals.
A total of 26 students competed in the dairy contest.
Alyssa West took the top spot in the beef showmanship compe-
BELMONT — Cornell Cooperative Extension Allegany County will be hosting Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention session on Monday, April 21 at the Cooperative Extension Center in Belmont from noon to 1 p.m. Presented by Audrey McDougal, family consultant with NY FarmNet, Talk Saves Lives provides participants with a clear understanding of this leading cause of death, including the most up-to-date research on suicide prevention, and what people can do in their communities to save lives. Participants will learn common risk factors and warning signs associated with suicide, and how to keep themselves and others safe. This event is free to attend and lunch will be provided. Please contact Lynn Bliven at (585) 268-7644 ext. 18 or lao3@cornell.edu to register to attend by April 18.
Talk Saves Lives, a
tition. Alysa Williams finished as the reserve master showman.
After the completion of the dairy and beef competitions, the New York State Beef Producers of Region 4 present-
Cornell Cooperative Extension will host a suicide prevention talk
program developed by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension Allegany County (CCE-Allegany). The association is part of the national cooperative extension system, an educational partnership between county, state and federal governments. As New York’s land grant university Cornell administers the system in this state. For more information, call (585) 268-7644 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/ allegany.
ed free memberships to Palmerton, West, Wilson, Lexy Wilson, and Rhiana Jones. All five won their individual class in the dairy or beef competitions.
Alfred State hosts livestock Showmanship Day
Thirteen students in three classes competed in the sheep showmanship contest. Taylor Tait took home the top honors as master showman while Patience Batterson took reserve honors.
Fourteen students battled in three classes in the goat competition. Alysa Williams took home master goat showman while Dean Jackson was the reserve master.
To conclude the day the four winners of their respective species returned to the ring to determine the Overall Grand Champion. Mulligan Palmerton (dairy) took home overall grand champion honors while Alysa Williams was reserve champion (goat).
Photo provided by Alfred State College
Thirty-three Alfred State students competed in the annual Showmanship Day. Pictured are the four winners of their respective contests with the judges of the event. Mulligan Palmerton (fourth from left) took home top honors.
home improvement
Three Essential Questions to Ask Your Contractor for a Successful Staining Project
Weather Conditions:
er areas like furniture or trim.
(BPT) — It won’t be long before spring has sprung, bringing ideal weather for tackling outdoor home improvement projects. One of the top ways to elevate the look of outdoor wooden surfaces is with a fresh coat of stain. Here are must-ask questions for your professional contractor before getting started:
Type of Stain: Different stains (oil-based, water-based, gel stains) have varying application and drying times. With FLOOD® EASY
SEAL™ Premium OilBased Stain and Sealer, only one coat needs to be applied to achieve a beautiful, flawless finish.
Weather can impact drying times. High humidity or low temperatures can extend the time needed for the stain to dry.
Application Method: The method of application (brush, roller, or spray) can affect the time required.
Preparation: Surfaces that require cleaning, sanding, or stripping old finishes can add time to the project.
1. How long will the project take? Once temperatures start rising and days start getting longer, there is no better place to be than outside. Before you start your staining project, work on a realistic timeline for completion. There are several factors that will determine how long a project will take to finish including:
According to Arlivonne Vélez, associate marketing manager, Flood wood finishes,
Size of Area: Larger surfaces, such as decks or fences, will take more time to stain than small-
products like Flood Easy Seal premium stain and sealer enables professionals to work smarter, not harder, on outdoor projects, in turn completing your project faster.
“With easy-to-apply, one-coat application features and no back brushing required, it gives pros the power to save time and allows homeowners to enjoy their outdoor spaces sooner,” Vélez said.
2. What stain products will work best for my project?
Choosing the best stain product for your project depends on
several factors, including the type of surface you are staining and the desired finish. Consider:
Type of Surface - Outdoor fences, decks and furniture made of wood are ideal for staining. Desired Finish - To maintain a natural appearance, opt for a clear or semi-transparent stain that provides color while allowing the natural wood grain to show.
If you want a deeper, rich finish, select a product like Flood Easy Seal premium stain and sealer; it is semi-transparent and fortified with PENETROL® technology for excellent,
even penetration. Environmental conditions - For outdoor projects, choose stains that are specifically formulated for exterior use, as they offer UV-blocking protection and moisture resistance.
3. How do I select a stain color?
With seemingly endless options, selecting a stain color can be overwhelming, especially if you are not sure what final look you want to create for your outdoor space. With Flood Easy
Seal premium stain and sealer, it’s easy to narrow down your options by selecting one of the eight ready-mixed colors for your project.
Wood type and age
Wood has different characteristics based on type and age. For example, pine typically takes on a lighter, softer hue while oak gives a more vibrant and deep finish. For new, clean wood, show off the natural grain with a transparent or semi-transparent stain. Aged wood is
a good candidate for deeper coverage and protection. And regardless of the type or age of wood, it’s recommended to test a small area before you fully commit.
Location of project
Whether your backdrop consists of a lot of open space, or is submerged in earthy, lush greenery, consider your project’s location when choosing a stain color. Select a color that complements your existing exterior elements
to create a seamless atmosphere of comfort and beauty.
Lighter stains like Flood Easy Seal premium stain and sealer in Natural, generates an illusion of openness and more space while dark, earthy tones like Flood Easy Seal premium stain and sealer in Dark Walnut can produce contrast when paired with bright, lush greens and florals. For more outdoor stain project tips and inspiration, visit Flood. com.
Op-Ed: New York government only knows how to spend
BY SEN. TOM O’MARA
Gov. Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature’s all-Democrat majorities still can’t agree on a new state budget, but they’ve shown where they’re headed time after time over the past several years.
Back in April 2021, when former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the Democrat-led Legislature were putting the finishing touches on their massive $212 billion state spending
plan, it was a budget, we now know, that accelerated the irresponsible fiscal actions that have brought this state to where we are today.
That budget four years ago raised state spending by a whopping $18 billion while still finding a way, shamelessly, to raise taxes by more than $4 billion. Most significantly, it continued to set the stage for what has been cemented as the defining action of this era in state government: outof-control spending. New York dstate’s budget in 2018, the last year that Republicans held the majority in the state Senate, totaled $170 billion. This year, while Gov. Hochul proposed a $252 billion spending plan, the Democrat majorities in the Legislature are looking to go well beyond that and are eyeing a final budget of at least $260 billion — a budget that, if enacted, would represent an increase in state spending of $90 billion, or nearly 53%, over the last six years. It’s overwhelming and it’s outrageous.
Another way to look at this outrageous growth in spending is that the more than $90 billion increase alone is larger than most of the state budgets in America.
Four years ago, after the enactment of the final 2021-22 budget, I said, “We had an opportunity and a responsibility to enact a fiscally responsible, short- and long-term strategy for the post-COVID rebuilding, restoring, and resetting of local communities, economies, and governments for
the long term. Equally important, we needed to recognize the fiscal challenges New York will face for the foreseeable future and steer clear of any massive new taxing and spending. That’s not what this budget represents. It sets up an economic and fiscal disaster.”
Fast forward to today, with the adoption of a 2025-26 state budget going on two weeks late, and we all know what’s coming: Higher spending and more taxing.
Albany Democrats are clearly on their way to enacting the largest-ever state budget, by a wide margin, and they’re already on the lookout for their next tax hike opportunities, both short- and longterm.
New York is already recognized as one of America’s highest taxed, least affordable, least business friendly, least free states. We are one of the most debt-ridden states. We lead the nation in population losses. We have been singled out as one of the most undesirable places for retirees. We’re overregulated and impose one of the heaviest burdens of unfunded state mandates to boot.
New York’s business tax climate has long been noted by the Tax Foundation and others as one of the nation’s worst.
Despite it all, Gov. Hochul and the Legislature’s Democrats remain determined to be the biggest spenders of all, ignoring the warnings of numerous fiscal watchdogs that New
York state government keeps moving all of us in the wrong direction.
Once they decide to get around to it, Gov. Hochul and New York’s Democrat supermajorities will enact a new state budget that, as I’ve said more than once over the past several years, will spend the roof off the state Capitol.
It will continue to be an unending search for more tax dollars to afford an irrational spending spree. The ongoing implementation of regressive taxes will leave middle-income families and workers, motorists, truckers, farmers, small businesses, manufacturers and other industries, and seniors among the hardest hit.
In a state long known as one of the highest-taxed, highest-spending states in America, the continually evolving Albany Democrat vision for New York keeps running the risk of setting new standards of recklessness — at great cost and devastating consequences for far too many New Yorkers and the local economies they depend on.
(State Sen. Tom O’Mara, R-Big Flats, represents the 58th Senate District of the Southern Tier, which includes the eastern portion of Allegany County.)
information concerning power markets and a voice in the authority’s actions. Mullen was invited to join the board.
Pertaining to the fire department, Heidi Metro was approved to join the roll of Dyke Street Engine Company #2.
The village board
also learned that the 2025 fire contract was approved by the town board, pending approval by the five fire companies that are reviewing the contract. Once approved, the details will be released and the village board, which has given its tentative
approval, will formally approve the contract.
It has been seven years since there was a fully approved fire contract.
The board also learned that early this month the fire department elected Greg Day asd the chief, Andy Havens as first assistant chief and former chief Kevin Fleischman as second assistant chief.
For the police department, the board accepted and approved Chief Tim O’Grady’s request to promote Bryant Hughes to lieutenant and the hiring of Chad Green as a part-time officer.
Before adjourning, the board also accepted with “thanks and regret” a notice of retirement from 26-year employee Steve Allen in the DPW, effective Aug. 27.
The next meeting of the board is scheduled for 6 p.m. April 26. On May 3-4, from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., there will be a village-wide power outage while the electric department replaces equipment.
The next public hearing pertaining to the keeping of chickens within the village limits will take place at 5 p.m. May 28. The public is invited to attend.
New nurse practitioner joins JMH’s Andover office
WELLSVILLE —
Jones Memorial Hospital announced nurse practitioner Crystal Stevens has joined the health care team at Andover Primary Care. Stevens received her Master of Science as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Utica University and her
BSN from Alfred State College.
Julie Seaman, director of JMH’s Medical Practices, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Crystal to the team in Andover. Her dedication to patient care will be invaluable as we continue to provide high-quality, compassionate health-
care to our community. We look forward to the positive impact she will make in supporting our patients and advancing our mission.”
A native of Wellsville, Stevens said she is proud to be serving her local community.
“I’m excited to be working in my home-
town region and I look forward to providing quality care with the team in Andover to improve the health of our community,” she said. Stevens lives in Scio with her family. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, reading and baking. Andover Primary
Care offers comprehensive, patient-centered care, focusing on preventative health, chronic disease management, and overall well-being. To make an appointment at the Andover office, call (607) 478-8421 or visit jones.urmc.edu/ appointments.
Sempolinski: ‘This is why people lose faith in government’ Borrello assails ‘early release’ bills
BY JIM ECKSTROM
Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski said the lack of a state budget and meaningful progress toward cutting a more than $250 billion spending plan offered by Democrats in Albany are emblematic of why hard-working New Yorkers “lose faith” in state government.
“The governor and the Democrats in the Legislature want taxpayers to foot the bill for a budget of more than a quarter-trillion dollars,” the assemblyman, R-Canisteo, said April 9. “It’s out of control spending and out of control taxes. Instead of doing the responsible thing and finding ways to cut that and save taxpayers money, the governor is failing at the basic functions of government.”
Sempolinski said school districts, cities, towns and villages are facing budget deadlines and they can’t move forward without a state budget in place.
“This is the fourth late state budget in a row,” he said. “Gov. Hochul said a few days ago that she’s not ‘in any rush’ to get a budget passed. That’s irresponsible and it leaves people twisting in the wind. This is why people lose faith in government.”
Meanwhile, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, D-Bronx, pushed a bill April 9 to curtail Hochul’s leverage in the stalled budget talks — as disagreements over her policy demands stymie the negotiations, the New York Post reported.
Heastie introduced a bill that would allow lawmakers to continue getting paid if talks continue to drag on — lawmakers are already past the annual April 1 deadline for passing a new budget. The NY Post reported tensions among Democrats were growing over Hochul’s demands concerning involuntary commitment of mentally ill individuals and reforms of an evidentiary discovery law that was passed in 2019.
Hochul delivered a $252 billion executive budget proposal in January, the largest in state history. In March, Assembly Democrats proposed adding $4.5 billion to that number, with a $256.5 billion spending plan. The bud-
get has ballooned more than $82 billion since one-party Democrat rule took over in Albany, Sempolinski said, characterizing the process as the Democrats “negotiating with themselves.”
Hochul said earlier this month she would hold up budget talks for months unless lawmakers fall in line with her demands. The Post reported that a Hochul’s spokesperson insisted that the tougher-oncrime and mental health measures have overwhelming support from New Yorkers.
Sempolinski said the focus should be attracting more people and businesses to New York, starting with a “responsible” state budget that cuts spending and keeps more money in people’s pockets.
“People are mad at the dysfunction in Albany and have every right to be,” he said.
Meanwhile, Assembly and Senate Republicans highlighted the need for action on involuntary commitment following a knife attack earlier in April in Brooklyn that left four young girls seriously wounded.
Police received a call from an 11-year-old victim, who reported that she and her siblings had been stabbed by their uncle, a man with a history of mental health issues. Authorities reported all four girls are expected to survive.
Republican lawmakers insisted the episode underscores the need to expand the invol-
untary mental health commitments Hochul is demanding as part of budget negotiations.
“How many tragedies is it going to take before Democrats stop blocking the path toward improved public safety? The horrific attack in Brooklyn needs to be a wake-up call that more needs to be done, and now is the time,” said Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, R-Pulaski, Wednesday.
BORRELLO BLASTS ‘EARLY RELEASE’ MEASURES
State Sen. George Borrello, R-Chautauqua County, assailed Senate Democrats’ pieces of legislation he says would fast-track the release of criminals from prison.
The so-called “Earned Time Act” (S.342) and the “Fair and Timely Parole” bill (S.159) moved forward April 8 through the Senate Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Committee.
“This isn’t about justice, nor is it about rehabilitation — it’s about dismantling accountability and rewriting the rules to benefit violent offenders, all while making innocent victims and law-abiding New Yorkers pay the price,” Borrello stated.
S159 would weaken the parole process by requiring a presumption of release unless the Parole Board can prove the individual poses a “current and unmanageable
Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski (left) and State Sen. George Borrello.
Sempolinski/ Borrello continued on PAGE 8
Crystal Stevens
Allegany County Area Foundation grants aid several organizations
BELMONT — The Allegany County Area Foundation has approved more $15,000 in grants to support several organizations and programs. The following organizations received grants:
• Salvation Army — Support for programs (Charles and Lorraine Joyce Family Fund).
• Powerhouse Youth Center (Fillmore) — Support for tutoring and summer recreation programs (Carter-Windus Family Fund).
• Genesee Valley Rotary Camp — For the purchase of musical equipment (Car-
risk” to public safety.
Borrello said the board would no longer be able to consider the inmate’s original crime — no matter how vicious or brutal — or the scope of the inmate’s full criminal record, victim impact statements or other factors in making decisions.
• S342 would allow inmates to reduce
ter-Windus Family Fund).
• Fountain Arts Center — For a license needed to acquire music for the Center’s growing youth choir and community orchestra programs (Carter-Windus Family Fund).
• Allegany County Land Bank — Funding to enable the ACLB, working with Genesee Valley Central School’s building trade students, to construct a shed for tool storage at the site of a home renewal project (Carter-Windus Family Fund).
• Town of Friendship
their sentences by up to 75% through good time and merit allowances, regardless of the severity of their crimes. Unlike the current system, Borrello noted, the bill would also prevent revocation of the credits, even if an inmate engages in misconduct in prison.
The senator noted the
— Support for Main Street beautification (Carter-Windus Family Fund and Walter Taber Fund).
• Bolivar Free Library — For the furnishing of a new community room (Joseph Bucher Fund).
• Rushford Free Library — For passes to regional attractions (Joseph Bucher Fund).
• Leadership Allegany — Scholarship for the 2025 Leadership Allegany program (Allegany Fund).
• Allegany County Department of Health — Funds for the purchase of radon test
kits (Peter Sprague Fund, Shear Fund, Allegany Fund).
The ACAF Grant Committee meets in person quarterly, in September, December, March, and June. Applications for emergency needs can be reviewed in between these dates via email. The next grant application deadline is June 12.
The Allegany County Area Foundation manages 98 grant and scholarship funds that support local students and non-profits. To learn more about the foundation, contact Bruce Campbell at (585) 2965616 or director@acafny. org.
FRIDAY 4/18
changes would apply retroactively to all current inmates.
“These bills aren’t just a step backwards — they are the next nail in the coffin of public safety in New York,” Borrello said.
Supporters argue the new measures would replace discretionary decisions made by corrections staff by using transparent, precise
health & Wellness
formulas for a more consistent process. The reforms will lower prison populations, correctional costs, and recidivism, they add.
The Center for Community Alternatives argues that New York’s current sentencing laws have led to mass incarceration and disproportionately affected Black and brown communities.
Making your health plan work for you:
Five ways to simplify your healthcare experience
(BPT) — In today’s fast-paced world, consumers are more motivated than ever to choose healthcare options that offer a better experience, higher quality of care, and greater value. According to a recent survey by McKinsey, 58% of U.S. consumers prioritize their personal health and wellness more now than a year ago. Yet, despite high levels of engagement in health and wellness activities, many consumers are not satisfied with their overall healthcare experiences. Here are five ways to maximize your health plan.
1. Get the most of your mental health benefits
You might be surprised to learn that your health insurance plan includes mental health benefits, which may cover employee assistance programs, virtual therapy sessions, virtual behavioral coaching, or digital self-help tools such as Calm Health. These options make it easy to access the support you need in different ways. If you
have mild behavioral health concerns, digital self-help tools and virtual behavioral coaching may be a great place to begin. If you have any questions or need more details, simply call the number on your insurance card for assistance.
2. Use resources that help you shop for care Price transparency has long been an issue in American health care. Prices often vary by hundreds or thousands of dollars for the same services within the same city, and up until recently, consumers had virtually no way to know that. Without an easy way to look up the price of a procedure or surgery, people may choose a provider based on factors other than price and overall value. To help members compare care options and costs more easily, some modernized health plans, like Surest from UnitedHealthcare, offer members the information they need to shop for care. Unlike traditional plans, Surest eliminates deductibles and coinsur-
ance. Instead, members pay only a copay, which may vary depending on the service and provider they choose. All providers in the network are evaluated based on historical performance data, including criteria like effectiveness and cost-efficiency. Those that performed better are deemed higher value. Members can use the Surest website or app to see available care options, network providers and the cost of the service or procedure they need, with lower copays for higher-value care providers. Ultimately, this means Surest members may save money when they choose care providers who have historically delivered effective, cost-efficient care.
3. Simplify your journey before a medical procedure
Preparing for a medical procedure can feel overwhelming. That’s why some health plans are doing some of the homework for you by proactively supporting you through some of the most common knee procedures. For
example, with select UnitedHealthcare plans, members receive alerts as soon as 24 hours of prior authorization approval to access details about their upcoming procedure, questions to ask their doctor, and cost estimates. This support helps members feel more informed and confident about their upcoming procedure.
4. Personalize how you search for providers
Consumers are increasingly researching providers before making an appointment. According to recent data, 44% of patients research providers before scheduling a visit, and on average, they look at two to three providers before making a choice. This highlights the growing trend of consumers taking a more active role in their healthcare decisions. To make this process easier, UnitedHealthcare’s side-by-side provider comparison tool lets you compare providers based on your preferences, such as language spoken or patient reviews. These enhance-
ments help you find the right care, schedule appointments online, and understand potential costs for services they provide, making the provider search process more efficient and tailored to your needs.
5. Access expert guidance at your fingertips Navigating your health plan can feel complex, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Insurance companies are emphasizing the role of advocates who may help consumers navigate their health plans, resolve issues,
and maximize their benefits. According to a survey by Deloitte, 70% of consumers who used a healthcare advocate reported higher satisfaction with their healthcare experience. UnitedHealthcare’s Advocacy program connects members with specially trained advocates who may help with a wide range of personalized needs-including clinical care, behavioral health, pharmacy, special needs, healthcare costs, and medical plan benefits-to help members understand their coverage and make more informed healthcare decisions.
Sempolinski/ Borrello
Tropical Fruit, Tomato Bisque Soup, Tuna Salad, WG Bread, Glazed Carrots, Warm Brownie
Kielbasa, Potato & Cheese Pierogies, Sauerkraut, WG Rye Bread, Applesauce
Mandarin Oranges, Hamburger w/ WG Bun, Ketchup, Spinach, Baked Beans, Fruited Gelatin
Pineapple, Ham & Scalloped Potatoes, Corn, Warmed WG Roll, Bran Bread w/ Vanilla Frosting