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Young Allegany County reenactor

10 inducted into Allegany County Sports Hall of Fame

BY KATHRYN ROSS

ANDOVER — Ten people were inducted into the Allegany County Sports Hall of Fame this past weekend in the new Sports Banquet Center in Andover.

The county Sports HOF was established in 2003 and has added the names of between 10 and 15 athletes to its roll each year. This year, the 22nd induction banquet at the new Sports Banquet Center featured banners from every school in the county and the banquet hall tablecloths featured each school’s mascot.

The HOF inductees

BY KATHRYN ROSS

WELLSVILLE — The village has renamed the new Madison Street bridge in honor of the late Daniel H. Whitford, who died in February 2024 in an accident on Cuba Lake.

During the recent regular meeting of the Wellsville Village Board — after adjourning to an executive session called to discuss legal matters — the board approved the new name for the bridge, in large part to acknowledge The L.C. Whitford Co.’s presence in the Wellsville community. Daniel Whitford, 46 when he passed away, was a vice

are Steve Bedwell for Belfast, Craig Burdick for Richburg, Susan Roorbach Hellings for Houghton Academy, Sally Kus for Cuba-Rushford, Aaron Martin for Fillmore, Doreen Martin for Scio, Frank Russell for Andover, Peg Roorbach Shrum for Houghton, Sean Smith for Genesee Valley and Jamie “Fuzzy” McLaughlin for Wellsville.

McLaughlin, who said she was “a little overwhelmed” with the honor, admitted she didn’t like having to make a small speech upon receiving her plaque. But during the

president of the company.

Mayor Ed Fahs explained that village board members believed the honor was appropriate because L.C. Whitford has been an integral part of the

speech, she said, “I feel blessed to be part of this association,” and then adding, “I want to thank all of the trailblazers who made this possible.”

That drew applause from the women in the audience, especially those who played sports before Title IX was enacted in 1972, giving high school girls equal access to sports opportunities. This year, five women were inducted into the Hall of Fame. A 1995 WELLSVILLE GRADUATE , McLaughlin excelled in soccer,

community for more than 100 years and is one of the area’s largest employers. It has led the construction of several important local projects, such as the David A. Howe Library, the original village wastewater treatment plant, including a recent upgrade, and the development of Riverwalk Plaza.

Whitford coordinates bridge, railroad and construction jobs in several states including New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Virginia, Fahs added, while it continues to be headquartered in Wellsville.

Wellsville

Whitesville

Photo by Kathryn Ross

The 2026 Allegany County Sports Hall of Fame inductees are (from left, seated) Peg Roorbach Shrum, Susan Roorbach Hellings, Sally Kus, Doreen Martin, Frank Russell, (standing, from left)

Steve Bedwell, Aaron Martin, Sean Smith, Jaime McLaughlin and Craig Burdick.

Daniel H. Whitford

Daniel H. Whitford continued on PAGE 4

Photo by Kathryn Ross The recently completed Madison Street bridge in the village of Wellsville.

Young Allegany County reenactor offers British perspective on Revolution

Editor’s

States.

BY AMANDA ZAMBRANO

What do you do as a bright-eyed, eager 12-year-old with a love of history and visions of 18th century muskets and fancy costumes?

The answer, if you’re Silas Miller, is to pick up a fife and join His Majesty’s 64th Regiment of Foot Grenadier Company based out of Rochester.

Miller, 18, of Houghton, has been fifing with the regiment since late 2020 after learning about becoming a reenactor at an event at Old Fort Niagara.

Given the option of a continental post or a British post, Miller took the road less traveled.

“I wanted to learn more about a part of the war I didn’t already know,” he said. “We spend a lot of time in school learning about the American forces, and I wanted the opportunity to learn the other side.”

Miller wasn’t a fifer when he signed up

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with HM 64th — but as a 12-year-old, a combat position wasn’t a realistic possibility. So, he picked up the small grenadilla wood instrument, without any keys, and began to learn.

In the 18th century, a young man could have started his military career as a fifer and then graduate to a combat role at age 16 or older. So, while Miller could have moved into a combat role a couple years ago, he found he loved fifing so much, he stuck with it.

And who can blame him? He wears an impressively tall bearskin hat — which he made himself from original materials and original 18th century blueprints — and his striking black uniform boasts brilliant red lace made on the same English looms that made the lace of the uniforms of his 18th century predecessors.

Besides, Miller remarked, “Fifers were paid better than privates. So, your dad as a private made only 8 pence a day as a private and you as the fifer made 10 pence a day.”

When in uniform, Miller doesn’t represent one specific historic

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TERMS: Cash or check w/ ID. LUNCHSTAND: To benefit local Amish School. Chicken BBQ by Cuba Firemans Park

member of HM 64th, unlike many of his fellow reenactors.

“We know that in 1776 the regiment had 17 drummers, which included the fifers, but the muster roles don’t include their names,” he said. “Instead, I speak as an historian representing the fifers of HM 64th.”

Miller doesn’t carry a musket, although he does have the privilege of a basket-hilted hanger (a small sword), which is really more a show of status than a functional weapon. A fifer’s primary role was to communicate the commands of the officers.

The reenacting regiment has its roots in the years leading up to America’s Bicentennial in 1976, and as a part of its formal formation was required to obtain permission from the British crown. In the 1970s, the regiment was inspected by Queen Elizabeth II and Charles III, then the prince of Wales.’

The inspection granted permission for the regiment to represent HM forces as a reenacting regiment. They’ve been appearing at reenacting events ever since.

The 64th was a busy company during the American Revolution, making appearances in New York City and at the Battle of Brandywine (Sept. 11, 1777, at Chadd’s Ford, Pa.), the Siege of Charleston, S.C., (March 29-May 12, 1780) and the Siege of Yorktown, Va. (Sept. 28, 1781-Oct. 19, 1781).

Miller loves the opportunity to bring history to life and takes

his responsibility to honor the memory of those who served seriously.

“They were real people, involved in disturbingly horrific events,” he said.

In June 2025, Miller and his regiment participated in a large-scale reenactment for the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill. More than 1,200 reenactors participated in recreating the defense of the Americans’ fortifications and the multiple British uphill, frontal assaults.

Miller describes the feeling of seeing the hill scattered with still, silent red-coated figures and knowing that — for the third time — his comrades would be charging uphill through those figures. He reflected on how that gave him only the smallest taste of what those men felt 250 years ago.

“Our lives aren’t on the line. Theirs were,” he said.

Miller’s schedule is packed full in the coming years as America 250 events play out up and down the East Coast. He’s looking forward to being at Old Fort Niagara this summer, in Saratoga in 2027 and — some years from now — in Yorktown to commemorate the British surrender.

Miller said this is perfect time to start reenacting, if anyone is interested in joining up. HM 64th is always recruiting, and often has kit to loan to newcomers. Learn more about HM 64th and becoming a reenactor at blackknots.org.

Photo provided

Silas Miller of Houghton is a fifer in the His Majesty’s 64th Regiment of Foot Grenadier Company, a Rochester-based reenactor unit.

dining & Entertainment

OLEAN — The Wolfinger Family Donor Advised Fund, established in 2019 by Connie and Harold “Sandy” Wolfinger, recently awarded $7,354 in grants to local school districts to support special projects and educational enrichment programs.

The Coudersport (Pa.) Area School District received $1,000 for the Challenger Learning Center Tip. This field trip offers students hands-on, space-themed STEAM activities that develop communication and teamwork abilities.

Houghton Area Homeschoolers was granted $1,000 for gym equipment and Lego Robotics Club expansion.

Northern Potter School District (Pa.) was awarded $1,000 for flexible seating. This project will allow students to sit or stand at desks, tables or the floor via the purchase of adjustable height round tables and adjustable stools.

Smethport (Pa.) Area School District received $700 for the PA Elk Endeavors and Oswayo Valley Fish Culture Center visit.

The students will take a field trip to the St. Mary’s Elk Visi-

tors Center to provide students with a unique and immersive learning experience focused on conservation and management of Pennsylvania’s elk population. The trip aims to enhance their understanding of wildlife ecology, habitat preservation and the role of human intervention in sustaining healthy elk populations.

The visit to the Oswayo Fish and Culture Station will provide students with a learning experience focused on the conservation and management of Pennsylvania’s trout population. The excursion aims to enhance the students’ knowledge of stream ecology, habitat preservation and human roles in sustaining healthy trout populations in Pennsylvania streams.

“This funding is more than just a travel budget — it provides a

unique window into the natural world for many students who would otherwise never have the opportunity to visit these local landmarks” said Christine Lightner, Smethport Central School teacher. “These experiences turn abstract classroom lessons into tangible, lifelong memories, fostering a genuine respect for our state’s conservation efforts.”

Ellicottville Central School was granted $494 for Exploring the Cosmos: Hands-on STEM Learning About Outer Space.

This project will equip the Ellicottville Central School STEM lab with interactive, hands-on materials that allow students to explore concepts related to space science, astronomy and engineering. Students will deepen their understanding

provided

of the universe while strengthening critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration skills aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

Wolfinger Family Fund gives area schools a boost

Additionally Belvidere Central School in Belvidere, N.J., received three grants: $1,300 for a life skills room; $1,060 for agricultural biology aquaculture test kits; $800 for drama club organizations and consolidation/clothing closet. This school holds personal significance to the Wolfinger family, as Sandy’s mother, Dorothy, and sister, Alice Wilhelm, were lifelong residents and alumnae. Alice also taught kindergarten there for many years. Donations to the Wolfinger Family Donor Advised Fund can be made at CRCF, 301 North Union St., or online at cattfoundation. org.

Photo

Fifth-graders at Ellicottville Central School

the Cosmos: Hands-on STEM Learning About Outer Space.

basketball and softball. She was the goalkeeper on the 1993 girls’ soccer team and was chosen as the Section V Class B Defensive Player of the Year. She was team captain her senior year in soccer, basketball and softball. That same year she was selected to the Expressway Conference Basketball All-Star Team.

McLaughlin played second base for a Wellsville softball team that won back-toback Section V Class B championships in 1994 and 1995 and she was an Expressway Conference All-Star. In her senior year, she was Second-Team All-State in Class C and at the end of her high school career, she was selected to try out for the 1996 U.S. Olympics softball team. After graduation from Wellsville, she played second base for four years at Gannon University of Erie, Pa., where she earned undergraduate and master’s degrees.

Returning to Wellsville, she has served as a teacher and coach, starting her coaching career as a softball assistant to

her former coach, Frank Cady, a 2008 inductee into the county HOF. In 2024, she coached the Lady Lions to the New York State Class B championship. She also coached softball and soccer at Alfred University.

• FRANK RUSSELL is a 1954 graduate of Hornell High School. A graduate of Cornell University with a major in agriculture, he returned to the area and taught in Friendship and Scio before joining the staff of Andover Central School. There he coached soccer and JV basketball. He also started a track team and initiated a cross country team in 1965.

“The most important lesson I learned while coaching was how amazing your words and actions affect each individual and their memories of events and teamwork,” he said. “Most coaches that I have had the pleasure of knowing gained as much pleasure and memories as the athletes they were coaching.”

• STEVE BEDWELL played basketball for the Belfast Bulldogs from the late 1960s into the early 1970s and was named to the Allegany County Class D All-Star Team three times. After graduating from Belfast, he continued his basketball career at SUNY Morrisville, where he was captain of the team. He earned an associate degree in criminal justice from the U.S. Air Force. Currently, Bedwell volunteers for the Office of the Aging and has recently been elected to the Belfast Town Council.

• CRAIG BURDICK played soccer for four years for the Richburg Bearcats. During that time, he set an Allegany County scoring record in 1972. He also had one of the highest goal totals in New York state his senior year as he led the team to a Section V Class D title. However, it was his desire to play golf for the Bearcats that is his greatest accomplishment. Prior to his school career, he won several golf championships at local golf courses. In high school he was integral in getting the school to start a golf team. He was a medalist at the Allegany County Golf Tournament for three years. After graduating Richburg, Burdick attended SUNY Brockport where he won the SUNY Athletic Conference Medal in 1977. He continues to play golf and has

won many Wellsville Country Club tournaments.

• SALLY KUS is one of the preeminent volleyball coaches in the United States. Her high school coaching career spanned more than 20 years at Sweet Home High School, where her teams won 21 consecutive Erie County Interscholastic Conference championships, 20 consecutive Section VI Class A championships and six consecutive New York State Class A Championships. An article published in Volleyball Magazine honored her with the title “Best prep program ever in the history of the sport.” However, she has been the backbone of the Cuba-Rushford volleyball program since the 1990s, coaching Cuba-Rushford officially and unofficially for nearly 20 years. Twice her Rebel teams finished as Section V Class D champions and twice more as Section V Class D1 champions. Over the past few years, she has coached JV and modified volleyball. She also serves on the Cuba-Rushford Board of Education and is the community parent representative for special education.

• AARON MARTIN of Fillmore was a dominant player for the Eagles in soccer and basketball during his high school career. His senior year he was the most prolific scorer in Allegany County and sixth in Section 5

with 30 goals. He was awarded the Section 5 Ted Woods Scholarship and the Expressway Conference Scholarship Athlete of the Year.

• DOREEN MARTIN , representing Scio, was inducted due to the extraordinary dedication and excellence in three areas related to sports: her playing and coaching careers and for her service as an athletic administrator. A graduate of Caledonia-Mumford Central, she was a four-sport athlete while in school and after graduation she attended Slippery Rock University, where she played three years of soccer. She has been a health teacher at Scio Central for 28 years and she has served as athletic director for 26 years. Her coaching career included both girls and boys sports. She coached volleyball for the boys and soccer, basketball and softball for girls and, later, modified track. She was awarded the Allegany County Athletic Association Service Award twice and the New York State Athletic Administrators Association Award in 2015 and 2025.

• SEAN SMITH , a 1993 graduate of Belmont, was a standout in basketball and baseball. He was twice selected to the Section 5 All-Tournament Team his senior year and helped lead Belmont to its only Section 5 boys title in basketball. In baseball, he

made the Allegany County All-Stars and was twice chosen as the team MVP. After graduation, he attended St. John Fisher University, where he played basketball for four years. And where he ranks second in all time games played at Fisher and 8th on the all-time list for three-point field goals made.

Two sisters, Susan Roorbach Hellings and Peg Roorbach Shrum, were inducted into the HOF for their prowess on the athletic fields and gyms floors of Houghton Academy and Houghton College.

The Sports Banquet Center is the latest project of Teresa and Dick Joyce. For the past several years, the Joyce family of Andover has been putting their efforts into preserving, renovating and bringing back Andover’s Main Street. About seven years ago, they turned their attention to the old Blarney Stone bar. They have since worked to not only preserve the location, but to also turn it into a bar, restaurant and banquet facility.

While emcee Kelly Lounsberry and speakers all thanked the Joyces for their work and generosity, it was Teresa Joyce who said, “This was my brother’s dream and we are really proud of it.”

Dick Joyce said his hope is that the facility becomes a fun place for locals and visitors to recall their athletic accomplishments — and just have a fun place to go to.

“Starting a successful business is hard enough, but continuing to grow and adapt for over 100 years is remarkable,” Fahs said. “We appreciate The L.C. Whitford Co.’s continued efforts to stay at the cutting edge of their respective industry and for maintaining their bond with the village of Wellsville.”

In 1916, Langford Clinton Whitford founded the company in Wellsville, specializing in residential and commercial construction. Over the years, the business has expanded. In the 1970s its primary focus shifted to buildings and bridges.

started his career in the family business, working his way up to VP.

Also during the recent village board meeting, Barry Glickstein, chairman of the Babcock Theatre Preservation Society, gave a brief update on the project.

“Many people have expressed interest in what is happening with the theater,” he said before launching into a description of the project so far.

been the committee’s focal point.

Glickstein told the board that the Flexlume Sign Company of Lakawanna, which might have constructed the original nose-style marquee, has been contacted to examine the current structure and is evaluating the cost of its repair. He said the group is looking at restoring the marquee lights and replacing the “Babcock” letters.

“It’s nice to see some progress,” Fahs replied, adding that it “only” took two years.

“You are doing a great job,” Fahs told Glickstein.

Born in Olean, Daniel Whitford grew up on Cuba Lake and was a graduate of Cuba-Rushford High School, Class of 1995. He graduated from Gannon University of Erie, Pa., and then

The BTPS has celebrated its first full year, during which it has submitted and received its official nonprofit status, cleaned and explored the theater building, partially restored the marquee and applied for both local and state grants. While waiting for grant approval for the project pegged at a cost exceeding $2 million, the marquee has

Resident Cassie Hawley was happy to tell the board that the house at 63 Seneca St. was being torn down by the Allegany County Land Bank Corp., which owns the property.

“It took a long time, but thanks for getting it done,” she told the board.

Department of Public Works Superintendent Dean Arnold, who will be retiring in June, notified the board of an emergency purchase that was made to repair a piece of equipment that deals with sewer sludge. The $100,000 piece of equipment will cost less than $22,000 to repair and has been sent to Batavia.

“This is a necessary piece of equipment used to move sludge,” Arnold said. At the request of Treasurer Melissa Mullen, the board also set a public hearing date on the proposed 2026-27 village budget for 5:30 p.m. April 13, prior to the regular board meeting.

Photos by Kathryn Ross Teresa Joyce and Dick Joyce are champions of Andover both in school district athletics and on Main Street.

All the county’s schools are represented with banners hanging in the entryway of the new Andover Sports Banquet Center.

➡Daniel H. Whitford continued from PAGE 1 automotive

home improvement

Italian modernism makes a comeback in today’s home interiors

(BPT) — Homeowners and designers alike are rethinking what it means for a home to feel modern. Instead of extreme precision or fast-moving trends, there’s a growing desire for spaces that feel calm, expressive and built to last. People want rooms that look intentional, but still feel lived-in, resulting in a renewed appreciation for materials crafted with quality and investment in statement pieces. This shift brings renewed attention to a design movement that has never truly gone out of style: Italian modernism. Known for its expressive geome-

try, sculptural silhouettes and architectural structure, this influential aesthetic is shaping today’s interiors in fresh, contemporary ways. A return to expressive geometry Italian modernism has always celebrated

geometry - not as a rigid system, but as a source of emotion and movement. Today’s homeowners are gravitating toward these shapes for their ability to soften a space while still feeling architectural.

The Roccesco™ Bath Collection by Brizo® is a recent example of this approach. Its name is derived from rocchetto, the Italian word for spool, a reference reflected in the collection’s sculptural forms. Looping arcs, circular forms and silhouettes embody this phi-

losophy, creating a look that feels both timeless and forward-looking.

Customizable craftmanship

A renewed appreci-

ation for craftsmanship is shaping how kitchens and baths are being designed. Natural elements such as stone, metal, glass and wood are increasingly favored not

only for their durability, but for the character they bring to a space. Italian modernism has always valued precision, materiality and the idea that everyday objects should be beautiful enough to stand alone as art.

Functional beauty

One of the defining traits of Italian modernism is the belief that beauty and function should support each other. Today’s designers are applying that approach to fixtures that serve as both visual anchors and everyday tools.

The Roccesco™ Halo shower head exemplifies this balance, with precisely angled nozzles that create a funnel-like water flow for a fully immersive experience. Its circular form plays with positive and negative space, resulting in a minimalist profile

that remains distinctly sculptural. The Sconce shower head offers a complementary interpretation, blending circular and linear elements to create a silhouette that feels more like a piece of artwork than a traditional fixture.

At a time when interiors are moving away from quick trends, designers are rediscovering the Italian approach to modernism. New collections illustrate how the style continues to evolve, translating historic design ideals into contemporary spaces that prioritize personality, form and function. As homeowners continue to seek interiors that feel personal, sculptural and serene, this style movement shows no sign of fading. Its blend of geometry, craftsmanship and emotional resonance makes it uniquely suited to modern living.

BELMONT — The Allegany County Board of Legislators unanimously passed a resolution opposing state legislation that would allow development of solar and wind projects on state forest lands.

Lawmakers in Allegany County, which is home to more than 46,000 acres of state forest land, note that New York State Senate Bill S.4408 and Assembly Bill A.10483 would allow the state to provide leases or easements for siting or connecting renewable energy instal-

lations on reforestation areas, measures that run “directly counter to the State Legislature’s purported goals as stated within the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.”

A resolution passed by the legislature on March 25 states that Environmental Conservation Law Section 9-0501

(1) defines the purpose of state forest lands as “…for watershed protection, the production of timber and other forest products, and for recreation and kindred purposes,” while the

state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is charged with the stewardship, sustainable forestry certification and maintenance of state-owned forest areas.

DEC’s mission is to “…conserve, improve and protect New York’s natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state and their overall economic and social well-being,”

the resolution continues. Senate Bill S.4408, sponsored by Sen. Rachel May, D-Syracuse, passed Feb. 26 with a final floor vote of 42-15. Assembly Bill A.10483, sponsored by Assembly member Jennifer Lunsford, a Monroe County Democrat, was introduced on March 6 and is currently pending in the Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee.

Key provisions in the companion bills include authorizing the DEC to enter agreements for renewable energy

infrastructure on stateowned reforestation areas, with mandates that installations must not interfere with the primary, constitutional purposes of the land, including watershed protection and timber production.

All approved agreements for projects would have to be recorded with the Office of General Services (OGS) and made available to the public.

Allegany County lawmakers point out that more than 800,000 acres of New York

Allegany County lawmakers oppose solar, wind projects on state forest lands

state-controlled forests act as natural air filters, carbon sinks and climate regulators while absorbing carbon dioxide, producing oxygen, mitigating stormwater runoff and preventing soil erosion. The lands also provide habitats for more than 10,000 species of wildlife.

“(T)hose lands are of great benefit to the residents of New York state through opportunities for recreation and access to activities that

health & Wellness

What seniors should know about red meat

As people age, their dietary habits may need to be modified in protection of their long-term health. Seniors may be advised to avoid certain foods, including red meat.

The consensus regarding seniors and red meat now emphasizes balance. Red meat, which consists of beef, lamb and pork, offers bioavailable nutrients that are difficult to get

from plants alone. Red meat contains vitamin B12, which is crucial for cognitive function and nerve health. Since absorption of B12 often declines with age, according to UCLA Health, it

can be challenging to get enough.

Red meat contains heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body than the non-heme iron found in beans or spinach. Iron helps ward off age-related anemia, according to UMass Memorial Health. High-quality protein also is essential to combat age-related muscle loss, a condition known as sarcopenia.

Despite the benefits of red meat, the American Heart Association and the World Cancer Research Fund suggest moderation because of the impact it may have on cardiovascular health. Many cuts of red meat are high in saturated fats, which have the potential to elevate LDL (bad) cholesterol. For seniors with a history

of elevated lipid panels or heart disease, leaner cuts of red meat are key. Alternative protein sources also should be chosen more often than red meat.

Limiting read meat also can help combat digestive system concerns.

As a person ages, the digestive system produces less stomach acid, says Cary Gastroenterology

Associates. That makes it harder to break down heavy proteins like red meat. This can lead to bloating or discomfort if too much is consumed. Certain studies have explored the link between high red meat consumption and systemic inflammation that can aggravate conditions like arthritis. Baylor College of Medicine says high levels of saturated fat and omega-6 fatty acids could elevate inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein, exacerbating autoimmune conditions and other health issues. Best practices for seniors concerning red meat involve looking for cuts with “loin” or “round” in the name, as they have the highest protein-to-fat ratios. Seniors also should discuss the newest federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans with their doctors or nutritionists, as the 2026 guidelines represent a significant shift that promotes higher consumption of red meat, full-fat dairy and animal proteins, rather than restricting them to one to two times per week, despite advising limiting saturated fat intake. These contradictory messages may confuse the average person.

As with all dietary recommendations, advice will vary depending

one’s specific needs and underlying medical conditions.

Alfred State earns Military Friendly® School designation

ALFRED — Alfred

State has been named a silver level public school in 2026-27 Military Friendly® School ranking recognizing the college’s commitment to supporting veterans, service members, and their families.

Institutions earning the Military Friendly Schools® designation were evaluated using both public data sources

and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 3,200 companies participated in the Military Friendly® survey. Methodology, criteria and weightings were determined by Military Friendly®, in consultation with the Military Friendly® Advisory Council, a group of independent leaders in the military community. Final ratings were

Annual meeting of Black Creek Cemetery Association set for April 11

BLACK CREEK — The annual meeting of the Black Creek Cemetery Association will be held at the New Hudson Town Hall, Black Creek, on Saturday, April 11, at 9 a.m.

Election of officers and discussion of any old and new business will take place. The Association would like to encourage all that are interested to attend.

determined by combining an organization’s survey score, public data and an assessment of the institution’s ability to meet and exceed thresholds for student recruitment, retention, academic progress, graduation rates, career placement, and support services for veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses.

In addition to earning a silver ranking in the small public school category, Alfred State was recognized as a Military Friendly® spouse school. As part of its commitment to serving student veterans, Alfred State offers a veterans’ lounge, supports the Veterans United club, offers exemptions on parking fees for student veterans, and honors academic achievement with the SALUTE honor society.

“We are proud to be recognized for our work with our veterans and their families,” commented Veterans Advisory Committee Chair Joann Bloxsom. “Working with this student population is very rewarding and we continue to try to add services to help the transition from military to student life as seamless and easy as possible.”

Kayla Lopez, vice president of memberships at Military Friendly®, said, “Earning the Military Friendly® designation is more than a badge of honor; it is a reflection of an institution’s deep-rooted values and strategic commitment to those who served. These schools don’t just open doors for veterans and military spouses, they build sustainable pathways for academic success and long-term impact. Their support is transformative, proving that investing in mili-

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Solar, Wind Projects

tary-connected students is both a moral imperative and a standard for educational excellence.”

Alfred State will be showcased in the 20262027 Guide to Military Friendly Schools® in the April issue of G.I. Jobs ® magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com.

promote and improve physical and mental well-being,” the resolution states, while also noting the county

legislature “recognizes that wild lands and the recreational opportunities they provide support overall eco-

nomic growth through nature-based tourism and quality of life improvements, which are necessary to attract new residents and businesses.”

Allegany County lawmakers said they continue to advocate for “responsible” siting of renewable energy projects through the protection of prime agricultural lands and reforestation areas” and they urge Gov. Kathy Hochul and Democrats who control the state Senate and Assembly to prioritize marginal lands such as brownfields and rooftops in citing processes. The lawmakers also noted they continue to advocate for local and county government participation in renewable energy project siting and development.