Allegany County lauded for strong cash-management practices
BELMONT — Allegany County, through the county treasurer’s office, has received a 90+ cashVest Award for 2024 in recognition of its management of public funds.
This honor is given through a collaboration between the National Association of Counties (NACo) and three+one, a national financial-technology firm that specializes in evaluating cash-management practices in the public sector. The award underscores the organization’s commitment to utilizing data-driven insights to maximize taxpayer dollars, delivering enhanced benefits
A longtime nurse from Little Genesee has released her second children’s book, a charming and humorous tale that follows the adventures of a rescue dog as he embarks on a journey across America exploring national parks and landmarks.
Pamela Colerick’s “Homer, Cross-Country Trip: Book 2” is a followup to her first book, “Homer: A Constant Companion, Book One.” The series is a creation of the dedicated wife, mother and grandmother as a way to remember her deceased son-in-law, a San Diego, Calif. resident who passed away in 2020.
to communities nationwide.
A press release on the award states that Allegany County demonstrated its commitment to effective cash management, improving financial stability and ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources by maintaining a cashVest score of 90 or above for nine consecutive quarters.
“Allegany County is fortunate to have a strong fiscal team in place that ensures that taxpayer dollars are working to limit future liabilities,” Brooke Harris, chairman of the Allegany County Board of Legislators said. “This
“‘Homer, Cross Country Trip,’ is a true story (from Homer’s perspective) of the adventurous trek from San Diego to Little Genesee,” Pamela says. “Homer takes the reader on a comical (and educational) journey through America’s beautiful countryside with stops at some of the most well-known national parks and landmarks along the way.”
On his journey, Homer roams with buffalo, witnesses a blowing geyser and shares his idea for an addition to Mount Rushmore. With his owners in tow (and poop bags ready to go) Homer experiences the
award demonstrates the expertise of Treasurer Terri Ross and Deputy Treasurer Jenna Kelley, as well as their commitment to careful stewardship of county resources.”
Matthew Chase, CEO/executive director of NACo, said award winner demonstrate “outstanding leadership in liquidity management.”
“We applaud these public finance leaders for helping to maximize the value of their taxpayers’ dollars, optimize cash flow, lower borrowing costs and strengthen protections for public resources,” he said.
grandest of quests on his cross-country road trip.
“Homer was a rescue dog from a shelter in San Diego,” Pamela adds. “He had many great adventures during his life and this book series is meant to share them.”
Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Pamela’s new book captures the essence of adventure and the bond between a dog and his owners. Pamela explains that Homer is based on her sonin-law Steve Barrey’s real-life dog. She says Steve adopted the dog from a shelter the night before the dog was to be euthanized.
Pamela says she has been gratified by the response to the books and she has been invited to read it to classes at her grandchildren’s school in Florida as well as in classes in Buffalo and Canaseraga in Allegany County. She’s been invited to read to Bolivar-Richburg schoolchildren in the spring as well.
“Homer, Cross-Country Trip: Book 2” as well as the first “Homer” story can be found at traditional brick and mortar bookstores or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store or Barnes and Noble.
Photo provided
Allegany County Treasurer Terri Ross (center) and Deputy County Treasurer Jenna Kelley (right) are shown with Tyler Frame, a three+one senior relationship specialist.
Jones Memorial GLOW 5K set for May 2 in Wellsville
WELLSVILLE — The Jones Memorial Hospital GLOW 5K Run & Walk will be back for a 10th edition in 2025, with the family event set for May 2 at the Wellsville Municipal Airport, 2600 Tarantine Drive.
Started in 2013 as a nighttime trail run/ walk in Island Park, the GLOW moved to the Wellsville Municipal Airport in 2019 (and was on hiatus for a couple years due to COVID). The 5K route uses paved roads around the runway, which is much easier for those pushing strollers, organizers said.
Registration and
awards take place in the hangar where a DJ will provide music.
Carrie Walker and Mandy Sibble of JMH co-chair the event each year.
“We are thrilled to oversee this event
again this year and look forward to seeing even more new faces,” Walker said. The event returned in 2023 and has grown steadily each year, with nearly 300 participants in 2024.
“We hope to continue that growth and bring even more families out for an evening of fun and wellness,” Walker said.
Proceeds from the GLOW run and other wellness activities hosted by JMH are donated to the wellness fund at the hospital, which supports initiatives such as wellness fairs in the community, the free blood pressure station at the hospital and walking trail upgrades throughout Wellsville. In 2023, $10,000 was donated to area food banks in Allegany County during the holiday season.
Registration is $35 and children 12 and under are free to participate. Register by April 13 to receive a free GLOW 5K t-shirt and a finisher’s medal. For more information and to register, visit jones.urmc.edu/ glow.
Photo provided by Jones Memorial Hospital
The annual Jones Memorial Hospital GLOW 5K Run & Walk is set for May 2 at the Wellsville Municipal Airport.
BY BOB CLARK
BELMONT — Those looking to upgrade vacant properties and create homes for low- and moderate-income renters have until March 4 to apply for aid through ACCORD.
The county’s nonprofit Community Action Agency is accepting applications to tap into a $750,000 state Housing Trust Fund Corporation’s Office of Community Renewal Vacant Rental Improvement Program.
The focus is on
The Tri-County Arts Council announced the appointment of Megan Davis as the new executive director.
With a deep commitment to the arts and community engagement, Davis has more than 10 years of experience in non-profit management.
affordable housing for households earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income. Renovations include fixing issues related to safety, accessibility, code violation correction and environmental remediation for toxic substances like lead and asbestos. In return for the aid, property owners will ensure the units will remain affordable for at least 10 years, with a focus on longterm stability for tenants. Up to $75,000 is available per unit. Work may include health and safety
Davis is the former executive director of Interfaith Caregivers, where she led a volunteer transportation program for the elderly and a community gift-giving program, The Gift Tree. More recently, Davis served as trust specialist at Nottingham Trust, a division of Community Bank N.A.
Known to the council for previously serving as assistant to the former executive director Mikel Wintermantel before his retirement in 2022, Davis has been instrumental in fostering the collaboration of community mural projects such as the Meg Saligman mural on the SUNY Jamestown Community College Cattaraugus County Campus in Olean. “I’m excited to be joining the Tri-County Arts Council team where I hope to continue its mission of advocating
improvements, correction of code violations, updating spaces to meet residential standards, accessibility modifications, environmental remediation, and other repairs as necessary. For properties aimed at tenant household income of 80% of the Area Median Income, up to $50,000 per unit is available through the Standard V-RIP. Enhanced V-RIP — for up to $75,000 per unit — is available for housing aimed at tenants at 60% of the Area Median Income or lower.
for the creation and appreciation of the arts in Cattaraugus, Allegany and Chautauqua counties, furthering its work of supporting artists and enriching our communities,” she said.
Paula Bernstein stepped down this month as TCAC executive director; she’s the new assistant director of The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at St. Bonaventure University.
TCAC, established in 1997, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting, promoting and sustaining the arts. Through a variety of programs, grants and initiatives, the council strives to provide access to the arts for all members of the community, foster creativity and enrich the cultural landscape of the region.
“We are happy to welcome Megan Davis
Funds are available for residential properties with up to five residential units, mixed-use buildings with up to five housing units, or buildings that will be converted into those categories. The awards are not available to properties including mobile and manufactured homes, properties in foreclosure, and detached accessory structures unless previously used as a legal housing unit. Priority will be given to landlords who live within Allegany County, have two or more years’
as our new executive director,” said Scott Reed, president of the TCAC board. “With her experience and passion for the arts, we are confident that she will continue to elevate the council’s mission and lead us into an exciting new chapter.”
Davis will lead the council’s strategic vision and continue to build on its strong foundation. Among priorities are enhancing programming, expanding community outreach, recruiting volunteers and diversifying funding.
For more information about the Tri-County Arts Council please visit www.tricountyartscouncil.org, or visit the gallery and artisan market in person at 110 West State St Olean, Wednesday-Friday 10:00 AM-5:00PM, Saturday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
ACCORD applications for vacant rental property rehab funds open in Allegany County
experience as a landlord, have participated in a rental assistance program for at least a year of the last three years, those with fewer than 20 rental units, landlords that submit a completed application with necessary backup documents when applying.
For more information on the program, visit htps://hcr.ny.gov/ vrp; or contact Jeff Stager at (585) 268-7605 ext. 1125 or jstager@accordcorp.org.
The grant, announced in November, was among several statewide allocating $40 million. Other recipients in the region include $2 million for the city of Jamestown, $953,460 for the city of Elmira, and over $10.6 million to assist several governments and nonprofits in Erie and Niagara counties.
Once work is done, owners must commit to a 10-year regulatory period, signing a rental covenant that will subject units to rent limits, tenant income restrictions, and other requirements. Applications can be picked up at the ACCORD office, 84 Schuyler St. or found online at www.accordcorp. org. Applications will be accepted until 3:30 p.m. March 4.
home improvement
A health checklist
(BPT) — If you’re like most people, you spend up to 90% of your life indoors. That means you are constantly affected by indoor air quality - including the air in your home. While you may not give much thought to the various parts that make up a home’s HVAC system,
condition and operation of various components that can contribute to an issue.
Assessing your home’s heating and cooling system
each component plays a critical role in enhancing your comfort. Some components are not immediately obvious. For example, an insufficient amount of attic insulation or holes and leaks in attic ductwork can adversely affect your home’s air quality and energy efficiency. When a home isn’t being optimally heated or cooled, homeowners often blame the heating and cooling equipment. But other parts of the HVAC system may be the root cause of reduced comfort or higher utility bills. It is important to go “beyond the box” and assess the
Beyond the obvious signs - a home that is persistently too hot or too cold - what are some signs that your home’s HVAC system may not be delivering its full value? Here are seven questions to consider:
• Have you noticed a musty smell or an increase in allergy symptoms?
• Have you noticed mold or mildew
around the vents?
• Is there more dust in your home?
• Does your HVAC system seem to be cycling frequently?
• Are there hot or cold spots throughout your home?
• Can you see any damage to visible ductwork?
System Health Check.
• Have you experienced an unusual spike in your home’s energy bills?
A check performed by an Owens Corning Air Care® professional will evaluate 11 key factors. The checklist will provide information to help you properly maintain your home’s air system and alert the technician to trouble spots that need attention.
A ductwork checklist
If you answered yes to any of these questions, your ductwork may need attention. One way to help protect your indoor environment is to schedule an HVAC
The HVAC System Health Check brings a “whole home” approach
to caring for your home’s indoor air. It includes 11 checkpoints that allow the technician to evaluate your HVAC system - including the ductwork - to determine how well it is functioning and whether attention is needed to any of its components.
These are the 11 measures in the HVAC System Health Check and what the contractor will look for:
• System Design
- Properly sized
ducts and adequate number of returns
• Exterior Duct Condition - No holes, sagging or other damage
• Interior Duct Condition - Free from excess dust, mold and other particulates
• Duct InsulationNot torn or damaged. Properly installed and sealed.
• Sealing Around Joints - Properly
sealed to help prevent leakage
• Indoor Air Quality - Ducts properly sealed to avoid pulling in contaminants from unconditioned spaces
• Attic Insulation
- Helps avoid overworking the HVAC system
• AC and Furnace
Units - Installed and maintained properly, operating efficiently
Air Filter - Properly sized and replaced on a schedule
• Output Efficiency
- Actual airflow matches capacity of unit
• Thermostat - Suits household living patterns
AirCare® contractors take a whole home approach to understanding how your home’s HVAC system componentslike ductwork and attic
insulation - work as part of the air distribution system, helping them to care for your home environment. To find an AirCare® professional, visit the online locator at https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/insulation/find-hvac-contractor.
Allegany, Cattaraugus counties gear up for Community Health Assessments
BY BOB CLARK
BELMONT — Local counties are gearing up for projects to look at the state of local health and target improvement.
Officials from the Allegany County and
Cattaraugus County departments of health reported they are working on state-mandated Community Health Assessments this spring, partnering with local hospitals and surveying the community to com-
plete the assessments.
Allegany County Department of Health officials said they are seeking input through May 2. “Our Community Health Assessment survey is now open for those who reside in Allegany County,” said Allegany County Public Health Director Tyler Shaw. “This survey is a crucial step in understanding the health needs and concerns of our community. Your participation will help us identify key areas for improvement and develop programs that better serve everyone.”
There are three ways to access the survey. To fill out the survey online, visit: https://form.jotform. com/250014735668155 Paper copies of the survey are available at the ground floor of the Allegany County Office Building and entrance to the Allegany County Courthouse, 7 Court St., Belmont; UR Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville; at the UCC Registration area and switchboard inside Cuba Memorial Hospital; the David A. Howe Public Library in Wellsville, and the main lobby at the Allegany County Office for
the Aging in Belvidere. To take the survey over the phone, call (585) 268-9250 and select Option 4. Participants may also register to win one of several gift cards in a drawing May 7.
CATTARAUGUS COUNTY is nearing the release of its survey to the public.
Dr. Kevin Watkins, speaking to the county’s board of health on Feb. 7, noted the county is partnering again with Olean General Hospital, but due to changes in leadership at the hospital, officials are working through the survey and it will be released shortly.
ments, tapped to support the effort. Once the data is compiled, officials will look at selecting two specific areas to focus attention. Watkins said the health department will use the state Department of Health’s 2025-2030 Prevention Agenda to guide the effort, which focuses on five domains — economic stability, social and community context, neighborhood and built environment, health care access and quality, and education access and quality.
Watkins noted the assessments are required by state law, and must be done at least two years apart. Cattaraugus County undertakes them every three years. The last document was 200 pages long, and “one of the best Community Health Assessments submitted to the state Department of Health,” he said.
After the survey is completed, “we’re going to contract with an agency to come in and help us compile our data,” Watkins said, with Strategy Solutions, a firm which has helped with the last three assess-
The document includes two dozen priorities ranging in scope from drug overdose and suicide prevention to healthy eating and counseling for schoolage children.
“It is with the state’s Prevention Agenda that we will select our priorities,” Watkins said, based on data provided by the survey and other sources.
Traditionally, from the position as a medical doctor, “we look at a health problem, we try to solve it, and we get you out the door,” he said, with the Prevention Agenda points having medical officials thinking in a more holistic manner. “We don’t look at your poverty, your education level… we’re not wired that way.”
