Hoodie-Hoo Day: Scaring winter away in Allegany County
BY KATHRYN ROSS
SHONGO — Close to 200 people faced into the sun Saturday and shouted “Hoodie-Hoo!” to scare winter away.
Hoodie-Hoo Day has been an annual event celebrated here for the past 15 years thanks to the organizing efforts of former County Legislator Bill Dibble, president of Allegany Trails Inc., but it was a first time for the 2 Sisters and a Smoker restaurant in Shongo — formerly Mama’s Smokin’ Barbecue. Mamas was the site of the seasonal celebration for several years, halting only when the establishment had a fire that closed the business for several months.
And, like everything else, the celebration also went on hiatus during the COVID-19 andemic.
The owners of 2 Sisters and a Smoker, Robin Gatch and Shelly Brown, who purchased Mama’s nearly a year ago, opened the doors earlier in the day and cooked up a huge vat of chili and pans of cornbread to serve to celebrants, who started arriving at 11 a.m.
Hoodie-Hoo Day was created in 1986 by Thomas Roy of Wellcat Holidays of central Pennsylvania. The idea was to give winter-weary people the chance to celebrate the eventual coming of spring, so the date of the holiday was set for a month before
spring — Feb. 20 this year. Hoodie-Hoo Day is celebrated throughout the Northern Hemisphere, mostly in the north, and in New Zealand. It is celebrated in the Southern Hemisphere in August.
Not long after the holiday was created, Betty Tomack, who at the time owned the General Store in Gold, Potter County, Pa., found the holiday on a calendar she had received for Christmas. Always looking for something fun to do at the store, she organized the celebration, setting the standard for free food, noisemakers and fun that is part of
Cyr fighting his removal from Allegany County Legislature seat
BY JIM ECKSTROM
Adam B. Cyr, a declared candidate for Allegany County treasurer, is fighting back after his removal from a County Board of Legislators seat representing District III. In a statement Feb. 21, Cyr said a judge has ordered the county to explain why he was stripped of his elected position on the legislature. Allegany County Supreme Court Judge Frank Caruso ordered Board of Legislators Chairman Brooke Harris to show cause on March 5.
“The public has
also seen the vendetta against me,” Cyr said. “This all started when I announced my intention to run for Allegany County treasurer. Since
then, I was stripped of all committee seats. I am the only legislator not on a sub-committee.
“At the public hearing for the budget, I was
told by Harris in open session I was not qualified to be treasurer as I warned the board about the consequences of a $10 million increase in the budget for 2025,” he continued. “My support for volunteer firefighters and public safety was ignored and then ridiculed in public sessions.”
Harris, asked to comment on Cyr’s claims, issued a statement Feb. 21: “It is the county’s position that the law requires us to treat Mr. Cyr’s legislative seat as vacant. Mr. Cyr has commenced litigation challenging that de-
termination, but the county’s determination remains in effect.
“The county will respond at a proceeding to be held on March 5th at 2 p.m. in Allegany County Supreme Court. Considering the pending litigation, it would be inappropriate to discuss Mr. Cyr’s status further.”
Harris announced in early February that the seat was vacated “as a result of Mr. Cyr’s self-reported change of both legal address and voter registration from the town of Wirt to the town of Andover.”
In announcing his run for treasurer in
August, Cyr indicated he lived in Bolivar, which is in District III. A Republican — as are all members of the 15-seat county legislature — Cyr was elected in 2021, representing the towns of Alma, Bolivar, Genesee, Independence, Scio, Willing and Wirt.
The county’s statement earlier this month noted that Andover is in District IV, and under Section 30 of the New York State Public Officer’s Law and an Allegany County local law, legislators who change their addresses to out-
Photo provided
Adam B. Cyr, a declared candidate for Allegany County treasurer, is fighting his removal from his elected county legislature seat.
Photo by Kathryn Ross
A crowd gathered outside 2 Sisters and A Smoker in Shongo Saturday to shout “Hoodie-Hoo!” and scare winter away.
Allegany County Democrats donate to Cuba food pantry
The Allegany County Democrats collected 20 bags/boxes of non-perishable food and personal care items, which were donated to the food pantry operated by the Cuba Council of Churches.
The churches include Our Lady of Angels Roman Catholic, Christ Episcopal, First Baptist, Cuba Methodist and North Park Wesleyan.
“The Cuba community never ceases to provide and amaze me,” said Claudia Little, food pantry director. “When a need arises, they provide for their neighbors.
“The Cuba-Rushford School District is
so blessed to have the support of so many,” she added. “Cuba Council of Churches Food Pantry is ready to meet the needs of those facing difficult times: offering food and gas vouchers for medical trips or job interviews, and lodging in emergency situations.” She added that the holiday assistance program allows many families to enjoy a happier holiday season.
The pantry is located at First Baptist Church, 17 South St. and is open by appointment. Those needing assistance can call (585) 968-2347 or (585) 968-1531 for more
information or to schedule an appointment. Join AC Democrats on March 8 in Almond for coffee and to support the community’s local food pantry. Email for details at info@alleganycountydemocrats. org, call (585) 610-4321 or visit www.facebook. com/alleganycodems.
MORE THAN 1,000 COOKIES FOR ‘HEALTH CARE HEROES’
The Allegany County Democratic Committee delivered homemade cookies to more than 1,000 “Health Care Heroes” at Allegany County’s medical facilities
earlier in February.
Cookies were donated at Wellsville Manor, Manor Hills, Highland Park Rehabilitation, Jones Memorial Hospital and Clarity Wellness Community in Wellsville; Cuba Memorial Hospital; and the Houghton Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Houghton.
This is ACDC’s fifth year organizing the project, with those involved showing support for health care workers.
More than 50 volunteers from all corners of the county baked and donated 175 dozen cookies, which were packed into individual bags at locations around the county. Each bag had a tag that read, “To the Superhero receiving this gift: Thank you for
caring for our loved ones. We are very grateful! Allegany County Democratic Committee 2025.”
“Words can never fully express our appreciation, but we believe that cookies are able to say what words cannot,” organizer Martha Sabato said. “With this project, we recognize and honor the commitment and dedication of our local health care workers as they attend to our loved ones, our dearest friends, and our neighbors.”
The Allegany County Democratic Committee donated more than 1,000 cookies on Friday at several health care facilities throughout the county.
Photos provided
Allegany County Democrats donated 20 bags of food and other items to the food pantry in Cuba. From left are Brenda Bradley, food pantry director Claudia Little and Jackie Kelly.
the local celebration.
At noon, the celebrants traditionally go outside and shout their “Hoodie-Hoo” to scare away winter.
After the Gold General Store closed, Dibble brought the celebration north, trying it first in Wellsville. He then moved it to Shongo and for the year
side a legislative district vacate their positions.
“It’s disappointing that Legislator Cyr is unable to complete his full term on the Board,” Harris stated then. “While it’s frustrating that the Board has no influence or recourse in the matter, we understand and respect the laws that dictate vacancies. Our job now is to ensure that the residents of District III have qualified and legal representation as soon as possible. I want to thank Mr. Cyr for his service to Allegany County and wish him well.”
Cyr did not answer
Mama’s was closed, celebrated the holiday in Whitesville. It came back to Shongo in 2023 and has been growing in popularity each year, drawing fans from throughout Allegany and Cattaraugus counties as well as Pennsylvania. This year, as in the past, the country and
western/blue grass band Gold In Them Hills entertained throughout the celebration. For Saturday’s performance veteran musicians John Stilson and Rick Ordway were joined by Stilson’s 16-yearold granddaughter, Cassidy Lynn Peffer, who played guitar
a specific question from the Times Herald Friday asking if he had moved.
He stated he voted against a 40% increase for the legislators, which included his own pay, while he voted against a 42% increase in the salary for the county administrator to $155,000 a year.
“There were several other non-mandated increases to salaries that I voted no to in the resolution,” he said. “There are some salaries the state mandates like the judge and district attorney. As legislators, we can control the spending, but instead, they are out of control with the spending.”
Cyr was then told he could no longer be a legislator.
He said Harris hired outside counsel “to try to remove me and now he will continue to do so. I am paying for a lawyer out of my own pocket against him because it’s the right thing to do. ... The Supreme Court papers show 15 instances to back up my claim that I should be a
legislator.”
and soloed on several songs. Whether or not shouting “Hoodie-Hoo!” scared winter away, after several days of temperatures well below freezing, Saturday’s thermometer registered in the 30s and spring-like weather was forecasted this week.
His court paperwork also mentions Allegany County Attorney Allison Carrow, stating, “Cyr’s attempted removal from The Board was done without any due process whatsoever at the judicial administrative level, but occurred based on the unilateral determination of Ms. Carrow. Harris, and political allies on The Board, upon information and belief, took this action against Cyr as political retribution.”
Cyr said he is a successful businessman in Allegany County and he works with businesses and residents across the county.
“They want to see change in Belmont,” he said, adding he’s used his own money for radio spots to educate the public on elections.
“I took out several radio ads to let the public know what it takes to run for legislature as all 15 seats are up,” he said. “I let them know where to pick up petitions and that they can start gathering signatures on Feb. 25. I am proud to see several people have done that and are running for the board.”
The county GOP was seeking nominees for appointment to Cyr’s seat for the remainder of the term.
Photo by Kathryn Ross Gold in Them Hills played during Hoodie-Hoo Day. From left are John Stilson, Cassidy Lynn Peffer and Rick Ordway.
home improvement
Common questions and answers about carpeting
No two homeowners are the same, and that’s perhaps most evident in the design decisions individuals make when decorating their homes. Flooring is among the first things a person notices when entering a home, and the array of options consumers have when choosing flooring
materials underscores how unique each homeowner is.
carpet padding costs on their estimate and won-
Carpeting is a popular flooring option. Many homeowners prefer carpeting because they feel it helps to create a cozy, welcoming vibe in a home. Consumers considering carpet for their homes may have some common questions, and answers to those inquiries can help homeowners determine if carpeting is for them.
Is carpeting expensive?
range illustrates how much the cost of the project will be affected by variables unique to each project. However, even homeowners who come in around or above the high end of that estimate may find carpet installation is among the more affordable ways to give the interior of a home an entirely new look and feel.
How different are carpeting materials?
Home renovations are expensive, and the cost of a project is often the first question homeowners have. The cost of carpeting varies widely and is contingent on an array of variables unique to each home and homeowner, including square footage, materials chosen by the homeowner and the cost of labor associated with installation, which can vary significantly between locations. According to the online renovation resource HomeAdvisor, the average cost to install or replace carpet is between $782 and $2,812. That wide
Carpeting materials differ in their look, feel and function. The home renovation experts at Angi.com note that
some carpet fibers are better suited to areas in a home that attract a lot of foot traffic, while others make for better options in areas with less use, such as a bedroom or home office. For example, Angi.com notes that polyester has a luxurious, soft feel, making it a strong option for bedroom floors. Nylon carpet fiber is resistant to stains and damage and maintains its height under heavy weight, making this a good option in heavily trafficked rooms. Homeowners can discuss each carpeting material with their flooring retailer to
determine which suits their budget and which is best in each room of their homes.
Is carpet padding a must?
Carpet padding is one of the costs associated with carpeting. When shopping for carpeting for the first time, homeowners may notice
der what it is and if it’s truly necessary. Carpet padding is necessary, as Flooring101.com notes that it keeps the underside of the carpet from wearing against the subfloor while absorbing the impact of foot traffic and furniture. That absorption helps to reduce stress on the carpet and thus extend its life expectancy. Carpet padding also can have an insulating effect and help to reduce sound in a room. So while carpet padding might be a costly expense on an itemized estimate, it’s well worth the investment.
Carpeting can help make a home feel more cozy and welcoming. Homeowners can work with a local carpeting retailer to find a carpet that meets their needs and fits their budget.
Popular types of lighting that can complete home decor
Many components come together to create a home interior that is welcoming and comfortable. Lighting is an important part of any design and plays a key role in home decor. Lighting can change the atmosphere of a room with the flip of a switch. Through lighting, one can make a space seem more cozy, or even make small spaces seem more expansive.
Homeowners should not underestimate the power of lighting in their homes. In addition to making spaces functional and more attractive, lighting can affect personal well-being, as a well-lit room can benefit mental health. The following are various types of lighting and how they can work best in a home.
Ambient
Ambient lighting is blanket lighting that is used to evenly illuminate a room. Lowes Home Improvement says this is the general lighting that every home needs. Fixtures like overhead lights, floor lamps and more provide enough light for people to function safely indoors. Ambient lighting is the foundation for every interior lighting
scenario, and ambient lighting fixtures should be featured toward the center of the room and closer to the ceiling to disperse light more efficiently.
Task lighting The home improvement firm Hiller describes task lighting as lighting directed toward a specific area to give more detail to objects. Close-range work such as crafting, reading, cooking, and desk work requires task lighting so projects are effectively illuminated. Task lighting can be installed anywhere a person requires direct, intense light to see details. This means lights can be under cabinetry or on a desk for reading mail or homework.
Accent lighting
Lowes indicates that accent lighting balances
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Allegany County Legislator Steven Havey to seek re-election
— Al-
WELLSVILLE
legany County Legislator
Steven Havey formally announced that he will seek re-election in District IV in this year’s fall election.
Havey, a Republican, is in his second term representing the towns and villages of Andover and Wellsville and, beginning in January, the town of Ward. During his time as Legislator, Havey has served on various committees in-
cluding Human Services, Planning and Economic Development and Ways and Means. He has also chaired the Personnel Committee and currently chairs the Public Safety Committee. During his service, Havey was instrumental in passing many beneficial changes including:
• Creating a new Office of Economic Development that he said is already reaping benefits for new and
existing businesses.
• Restructuring the Office of Emergency Management and creating the office of director of emergency services. He said the restructured department will better support all fire and EMS agencies. The county will pursue a Municipal Certificate of Need to help stabilize and support all county ambulance services.
• Supported the creation of a budget that has continued to lower county property tax rates per thousand dollars of assessed value for the 15th year in a row, helping save taxpayer dollars.
Havey has also served on many local committees and is a member of the Wellsville Village Economic Development Board. Havey, who said he
believes in “integrity, experience and common sense,” brings a diverse skill set to the legislature. He served on the Wellsville Town Board for six years, with two years as deputy supervisor. He also has 35 years of retail management experience combined with 16 years of nonprofit Chamber of Commerce leadership duty. He retired from all his private endeavors in June 2021.
“I believe that I have made a positive contribution to our county but there is more to do to make Allegany County safer and more prosperous,” Havey said. “I am grateful for the support that I have enjoyed and ask for your support in the November election”.
Havey is a 37-year member of the Wellsville
Club and lives in Wellsville with his wife Roxyanne.
Still Water Pizza & Grill reopens in Wellsville
BY KATHRYN ROSS
Corner,” the restaurant sits across Gabby Hayes Lane from the venerable Pizza King and across Main Street from the seasonal Sugar Daddy’s — all owned by entrepreneur Shane Vogel.
Vogel has been serving pizza to Wellsville for 25 years at Pizza
King and, for nearly a decade, ice cream at Sugar Daddys. He was elected late last year to sit on the board of education.
Vogel, with a teenage son and daughter in the school system, is wellknown to the youth of Wellsville, having also coached Little League and high school baseball. He also owns Steam Valley Sports, a facility where softball and baseball athletes can train.
“I think this will be a real asset to Wellsville,” he said.
Mac N’ More menu.
Still Water’s Feb. 19 soft opening came after the facility hosted a family night where they garnered tips and suggestions. Vogel said, later in the spring, “after they get their feet under them,” they will have more happening at the location.
Vogel, who purchased the building after it had been on the market for a couple of years, said he was always intrigued with the possibilities it offered, especially with the outdoor seating available overlooking Main Street.
Little has changed inside the establishment except for the menu, which highlights more and exotic pizzas including pan pizza, as well as an expanded offering of fresh chicken wings and hand-dipped chicken tenders. New to the menu is an extended variety of homemade macaroni and cheese dishes with Stilly Philly, Buffalo Mac, Texas Mac and Nashville Hot on the
On the lighter side, several salads including a Harvest Salad with both fruits and vegetables and a Buffalo Salad and more are offered.
One of the main attractions in Still Water is the bar, which offers a variety of beers on tap, wine and stronger pourings.
“People can sit down and have a drink with their meal and relax,” Vogel said.
The restaurant also offers several televisions where patrons can view
different sporting events while dining or relaxing at the bar. With March Madness around the corner expectations are that the site will be jumping with each rebound and jump shot.
“I wanted to give Wellsville a true sports bar,” Vogel said. For now, Still Water Pizza & Grill is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Takeouts are also available by calling (585) 596-1022.
lighting and spotlights certain points in a space. For example, accent lighting can be utilized to highlight collectibles or artwork. Accent lighting may call attention to entryways, plants, fireplaces, or other points. Accent lighting typically adds character
to a room and is not necessarily bright enough to sufficiently illuminate a space.
Decorative lighting
Decorative lighting is used exclusively for aesthetic purposes, according to BLOCC House of Interiors. It adds style and drama to spaces. Decorative lighting fixtures include pendants, sconces, chandeliers, and more. Decorative lighting also may be whimsical, such as fairy lights strung in a child’s bedroom or neon lights in a home bar or sports room.
Separately, these lighting options may not be enough to suit your needs. But when combined, these types of lighting help to establish an interesting and functional home interior design that fits with a person’s lifestyle and needs.
Lions
Photo provided
Still Water Pizza & Grill in Wellsville has reopened for business, Wednesday through Sunday.
Wellsville village plans another hearing to discuss chicken law
BY KATHRYN ROSS
WELLSVILLE — No chickens came home to roost after the village board called yet another hearing concerning the keeping of chickens within the village of Wellsville.
The controversy, ongoing since last fall, involves changing the existing village law pertaining to the keeping of chickens within the village limits. Current law
prohibits the keeping of chickens and has been in effect since at least the 1970s. However, according to the police dsepartment, there are several village residents who are breaking the law and keeping “backyard chickens.”
At the Feb. 24 regular board meeting, Deputy Mayor Ed Fahs informed those attending that the board is calling yet another chicken hearing to take place. Standing
in for Mayor Randy Shayler, Fahs said the new hearing, the fourth, will be scheduled for May or before. Each hearing new information has been brought up for the board to consider and causing members to make changes to the proposed law. At the most recent hearing, ongoing avian flu concerns were raised after several dead geese and other birds had been reported in the Central and Mid-Hudson regions of New York. Scientists with Cornell University confirmed that the birds had died from avian flu.
Information that avian flu is passed to backyard chickens by migratory birds and that cats are now also becoming infected, according to the federal Center for
Decease Control and Prevention, was also brought forward. One woman inquired as to whether the village was prepared for such an outbreak and asked who would be held libel in the case of an outbreak should the existing law be changed at this time?
“The last hearing caused us to make material changes in the proposed law that necessitates another hearing,” Fahs told the crowd that expected to hear the board’s decision on the new law. “We’ll get the law together and call another public hearing for some time later, probably in May. That’s where we’re at.”
Fahs confirmed that the board will make a decision at its first regular meeting in March as to when to schedule
the next chicken hearing and that the information will be announced on the village’s website. As in the cases of the past proposed laws, when completed, the new proposal will also be listed on the website. In addition to board members and department heads, about a dozen people were on hand to hear the board’s decision. There were both those in support of housing chickens in the village and those against housing chickens within the village limits.
health & Wellness
FRIDAY 2/28
MONDAY 3/3
Coronary Artery Disease: Get ready for American Heart Month and get screened with the latest technology
(BPT) — Your heart beats about 100,000 times daily, bringing oxygen and nutrients to every cell to keep your body working its best. Just as an engine keeps a car moving, your heart is the driving force that keeps your body healthy and active. And, much like you’d maintain your car’s engine, healthy habits are vital to keeping your heart functioning properly and preventing heart disease - the leading cause of death in the United States. What is Coronary Artery Disease?
The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease (CAD), a condition where plaque builds up in the heart’s arteries and decreases blood flow. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 21 million American adults have CAD. CAD is known as the “silent killer,” meaning it can progress slowly in patients with no symptoms until it causes a heart attack or other complications. Ginger Bierdeman, 58 years old, a nurse, avid football fan, and doting aunt, knew she was at greater risk of CAD because of her family history after losing her father to a heart attack. She enrolled in a heart health program through her local hospital and received a standard coronary CT scan of her heart (also known as CCTA). The technology - which studies multiple variables that the human eye can easily miss - uses AI to analyze X-rays to build a 3D model of the heart high-
lighting areas where CAD is present. The analysis identified areas of concern, specifically a build-up of plaque, which helped her doctor develop her personalized treatment plan. Using what she learned from this analysis, Ginger has started choosing healthier meals, exercising regularly, and taking prescribed medications from her doctor. Now she encourages all her family and friends to get screened so they can also see the full picture of their heart health.
“I think it’s important for everyone to take control of their health,” said Ginger. “If you do have a history of family heart disease, it is especially important that you get all the information you need to make good decisions for your life and lifestyle.”
How do I get screened?
February is American Heart Month, making it the perfect time to take the first step toward improving your heart health. Talk to your doctor about your screening options. In the past, tests to diagnose CAD were often limited to ones that were invasive
or not precise enough, which meant extra testing could be required to confirm disease severity and treatment options. One of these, called stress tests, are not always accurate and cannot assess plaque buildup. Fortunately, newer technologies have become available that allow doctors to detect issues earlier, diagnose CAD more accurately, and develop customized treatment plans that help slow the progression of the disease. CCTA is the #1 test recommended in guidelines by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology.
HeartFlow Analysis is an AI-powered technology applied after a CCTA test that creates a color-coded 3D model of the heart’s arteries showing the impact of plaque, narrowings and blockages. This enables your doctor to better understand the potential effect on blood flow to your heart - information that otherwise would only be available with a riskier, more invasive procedure.
“Advancements in diagnostic technology are making it easier for us to uncover heart issues before they become life-threatening,” said Malissa Wood, MD, Vice President and Chief Physician Executive at Lee Health Heart Institute. “If you have a family history of heart disease, are experiencing symptoms, or want to have a better understanding of your heart health, talk to your doctor about your options.” To learn more about HeartFlow Analysis, go to: https://www.heartflow.com/learn.
Mandarin Oranges, Tuna Noodle Casserole, Mixed Vegetables, Harvard Beets, WG Roll, Vanilla Pudding
Chickpea Salad,
Roll, Fruit Cocktail, Warm Pineapple Cake
Albany has never kept its promise on mandate relief
A newly proposed state mandate causes yet more consternation out of Albany under which the state Fire Prevention and Building Code Council would require automatic sprinkler systems in every new home construction.
The New York State Builders Association (NYSBA) estimates the mandate would increase the cost of building a home by up to $20,000$30,000 at a time when skyrocketing construction costs already drive up historically prohibitive costs for homebuyers.
When this proposed mandate first came to light, I wondered what Albany Democrats could possibly be thinking in a state that already ranks as one of
the most unaffordable in America. What can they be thinking in a state where, for as long as I’ve been in office, Albany’s appetite for imposing unfunded state mandates has been insatiable and where the consequences result in nothing short of a mass exodus from New York? Our state has seen the largest population loss of any in the nation.
In fact, New York state received its worst ranking in a decade in U-Haul’s recently released annual migration report. It’ll cost you four times as much to rent a one-way U-Haul truck from Upstate New York to South Carolina than it does to go from South Carolina to New York.
At last week’s state budget hearing on local government, we were again left to wonder: What are Albany Democrats thinking? We were reminded that unfunded state mandates continue to be an enormous burden on affordability in New York state.
It’s an old story out of Albany.
One of the panels we convened at last week’s hearing consisted of representatives of the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC), the
Association of Towns of New York State, and the New York State Conference of Mayors. The talk inevitably turned to the impact of unfunded state mandates on local governments and property taxpayers.
NYSAC reminded us that the total amount of unfunded mandates that counties currently carry is $14 billion, with the local share of Medicaid accounting for approximately $8 billion of that total amount. County costs for Medicaid have grown from $20 million in 1966, when the program was created, to nearly $8 billion today. And there’s no end in sight.
According to NYSAC, up to 80% of a county’s total budget can be dedicated to paying for state and federal mandates. Eighty percent. These mandates run the gamut from Medicaid to public assistance for adults and families, indigent criminal defense legal services, child welfare, preschool special education and numerous others. (Read more in NYSAC’s report on the NYSAC website.)
Keep in mind that it’s not just counties that are impacted, it extends to cities, towns and school districts too.
At last week’s hearing, I directly asked if
any future mandate relief provided by the state would be met by counties, dollar for dollar, with property tax reductions. The answer was yes. That’s a significant commitment. It would be life-changing for property taxpayers and it’s time for this Legislature to finally take it more seriously.
For as long as I’ve been serving, and long before that, many of us have railed against Albany’s appetite for continually imposing unfunded state mandates on localities and school districts — in other words, on local property taxpayers — to pay for programs and services being dictated out of Albany. It’s been unfair, it’s been wrong and it’s been egregious — and we can never truly transform the state-local partnership and finally make it work in favor of local property taxpayers, like it should, until we address it.
In 2011, then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo made it his top priority to enact a local property tax cap. As part of that push, he made a promise to localities and school districts to roll back one of the nation’s heaviest burdens of unfunded state mandates. That promise was never kept. It was ignored and it has continued to undermine
Allegany County Office For the Aging serves seniors
BY KATHRYN ROSS
Just about one quarter of the population in Allegany County is over 60 years old. It is the second fastest growing population in the county. The local Office For the Aging offers a multitude of programs to keep older adults active and safe.
Director Anita Madison explains that the programs are geared to allow older adults to remain healthy and independent and to age with dignity.
The OFA offers programs based on nutrition, home care and home safety, which includes the services of a handyman who can help with minor home maintenance issues, such as replacing a mailbox knocked down by the snowplow. In addition to offering Meals on Wheels for those having trouble preparing meals, the OFA sponsors 9 congregate meal sites throughout the county, where the over 60 crowd can play cards, work puzzles, hear speakers, live music or just social-
ize. The sites take place from two to four days a week and seniors can attend any or all sites. The sites are located in Alfred, Belmont, Bolivar, Caneadea, Cuba, Fillmore, Whitesville, Wellsville and Friendship which is currently on hold.
The OFA has also organized a Go and Dine Program which allows participants to dine at Aces in Belfast, Dawnie Jeans in Belmont, The Copper Keg in Cuba and TC’s Diner in Friendship on a reduced-price voucher
program. Diners can choose from a special menu or dine ala carte for an extra fee. Sign up with the OFA at 585268-9390 for detailed information.
Through Ardent Solutions, the OFA sponsors Growing Stronger exercise programs in Wellsville, Whitesville, Belfast, Fillmore, Andover, Bolivar, Belmont and Cuba taught by older, certified instructors at no cost, although small donations are appreciated. The program focuses on strengthening and maintenance exercises for both the beginner and advanced patrons.
A Tai Chi program starts in March at the Cuba Fire Department, call the OFA to sign up.
The OFA also sponsors tax preparation programs and programs that offer financial planning and clarifies insurance questions and it provides legal consultation. There are also nutrition programs for diabetes prevention and control. The OFA offers information about scams and provides a quarterly, free newsletter called Silver Linings which offers information on upcoming programs, health and other topics.
Jobs up to 20 hours a week are also available through the OFA for those wanting to supplement their income or just keep active.
New at the OFA are
the ultimate purpose of the tax cap, which was to reduce property taxes, not just limit their growth.
We can’t keep turning our backs on the fact that more needs to be done. Mandate relief has to become a state priority. Localities and school districts facing tough fiscal challenges still have their hands tied by too many unfunded state mandates and yet Albany just keeps loading on more. As I’ve highlighted over the past several years, right now Gov. Hochul and the Democrat legislative majorities in charge of this state have a barrel full of energy mandates hitting ratepayers’ monthly utility bills and many more are in the pipeline, including an all-electric school bus mandate that school districts warn could be the heaviest unfunded mandate hit that they have ever faced.
If the spending increases Hochul has proposed for Medicaid in her 2025-26 proposed budget are enacted, state Medicaid spending will have increased by nearly 60% across the four budgets she has overseen as the governor. As of last September, nearly 45% of the state’s population was enrolled in some form of state-sponsored Medicaid. Forty-five percent, or nearly 8 million New Yorkers. This state under one-party control just keeps moving in the wrong direction, especially for taxpayers.
(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.)
two unique programs to get the creative juices flowing or to provide companionship. Through the New York State Office of the Aging, the local OFA has started a Life Bio Program that offers the opportunity for seniors to write down or record their life stories. The program provides guidance and expertise.
For those seniors missing the companionship of pets but can no longer care for them or are prohibited from having them, the OFA now offers Animatronic Pets. There are electronic birds that sing, cats that purr and dogs that bark to help alleviate that alone feeling and offer companionship.
Madison also advises
seniors not to miss the annual OFA Summer Picnic for fun, socialization, information and a good meal. This year’s picnic will be in August. To find out more about the myriad programs available at the OFA concerning health and welfare and other opportunities contact the office.
Throughout the area, local libraries offer book clubs, arts and crafts programs, speakers, entertainment and other opportunities for seniors to get involved. In Wellsville you can borrow a ukelele or a fishing pole. Call your local library to find out more about these free and interesting programs.
Photo provided
Animatronic pets are available through the Allegany County Office for the Aging to provide companionship for seniors.