WELLSVILLE — The community was the big winner again as the 36th Annual Greater Wellsville Trout Derby sponsored by the Lions Club drew to a sunny close Sunday, April 26. Out of the 450 sponsored fish, it was the Community Fish that remained in the river and netted Carl Saph of Niagara Falls $4,346. The other half of the prize money goes to the Lions Club to be spent on community-related projects such as helping individuals, local events, providing eyeglasses and medical care, supporting the Jones Memorial Hospital Diabetic Clinic, David A. Howe Library, the Allegany Eye Association, families in need and providing scholarships for graduating seniors.
Lion Al Mosher, a past president, first suggested a Community Fish to the club in 1996. This year ticket sales reached the highest total since 2016. Tickets cost $1.
According to organizers, it was an average year for registrations with some coming in from as far away as Florida and Wisconsin to participate. There was a little over 600 preregistered with that same number registering on
Friday and Saturday and more than 30 coming in on Sunday. A total of 1,230 registered for the 2026 fishing derby.
Ken Dideon said $31,508 in prize money was still swimming in the Genesee at the end of the event. “We had a lot of support from the community,” he said, adding that more than 85 sponsors were generous with their contributions.
This year, $18,492 was paid out to 109 fishermen, said Don Carless, who was writing the checks for the Lions Club.
While the 53 members of the club do most of the work, the
Lions do get some help from the Elks Club and the Wellsville Rod and Gun Club on the derby. Support is also provided by LaForge Disposal, Fassett Lane Lumber, Brand Name Appliance, Runnings, Tractor Supply, Wellsville Hardware, Shorts Propane, the Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce and communities throughout Western New York and Northern Pennsylvania.
Lions Club President Mike Raptis said the fishing derby is the club’s biggest fundraiser each year, and he said thanks to all who help.
The days prior to the derby are a marathon
for the club members working on the event 12 hours a day. They stock the river in several places, and set up tables, booths, and the kitchen
at headquarters in Island Park. That follows months of planning.
This year it got started on a rain-drenched Saturday. Carless said it was slow with a few payouts, but participants were catching fish, he said — 53 by the end of the first day.
Sunday started slow, but soon picked up when the sun came out. About a half dozen fishermen waited until 3 p.m. to bring in their catch. The derby ended at 3 p.m., but contestants had until 3:15 p.m. to check in their tagged fish at headquarters.
After the last fish was checked in and the check written for the payout, the drawings began.
The community fish was drawn by 8-yearold Dylan Root, son of Josh and Taylor from
Any winners who weren’t present at the time of the drawings will be contacted by phone.
While they endured cold temperatures, rain and cloudy skies, the fishermen and women drove home under sunny skies after calling out to others, “See you next year,” as they waved goodbye.
Wellsville. It was the second time he has been tapped for the job. Afterwards came drawings for a handmade hunting knife donated by Seth Boehnke and won by Justin Heinz; the gun raffle won by Kevin Hunt; the crossbow won by Mike Farr; a $200 Runnings gift certificate won by Tom Cerrelli; a BBQ grill won by Chris Strope and a $200 gift certificate won by Chuck Button.
Photos by Kathryn Ross Fishing on the bank of the Genesee River during the Greater Wellsville Trout Derby.
Jones Memorial to celebrate Hospital Week, honor staff
WELLSVILLE —
Hospital Week returns to Jones Memorial Hospital this year May 1016. In partnership with the American Hospital Association, Hospital Week is a way to highlight hospitals, health
systems and health care workers and the innovative ways they are supporting and connecting to the community.
JMH has much to celebrate this year after being named to the FORBES Top Hospitals
list for 2026 and subsequently earning recognition by Chartis as a Top 100 Rural Community Hospital and an NRHA Top 20 Rural Community Hospital.
Jones has also maintained a 4-Star CMS
Jones Memorial Hospital, Legion Riders to present Field of Flags
WELLSVILLE — Jones Memorial Hospital and the Legion Riders will present the 13th Annual Field of Flags this May.
The installation will start on Armed Forces Day - Saturday, May 16 on the front lawn of Jones Memorial Hospital. The flags, each one flying in memory of a deceased veteran, will remain in place through Memorial Day on Monday, May 25th. Community members are welcome to attend this ceremony.
Since 2014, members of the Wellsville American Legion Riders and volunteers from the hospital have spent Armed Forces Day putting up memorial flags on the front lawn of the hospital. Since that first year, The Field of Flags has expanded to include other service organizations. “This is a community-wide effort that gives the friends and families of deceased veterans a way to honor them and
thank them for their service,” said Jim Helms, CEO at Jones and a member of the Wellsville American Legion. Those looking to be part of the tribute may stop at one of these Wellsville locations and complete a sponsorship tag:
• Jones Memorial Hospital, 191 N. Main St.
• Wellsville American Legion, 23 Jefferson St.
• Wellsville Elks Lodge, 77 E. Pearl St.
• Wellsville VFW, 250 Maple Ave.
• Wellsville Chamber of Commerce, 114 N. Main St.
• Wellsville Moose Club, 242 Maple Ave.
Cards are just $5 suggested donation and all cards should be turned in by May 15th to ensure inclusion in this year’s field. The proceeds of the Field of Flags are donated to veterans services.
7TH ANNUAL
William O. Smith
Quality rating for the past three years in a row.
But Jim Helms, president and CEO, said Jones isn’t stopping with these recognitions.
“We are truly honored to celebrate Hospital Week this year and recognize the incredible achievements of our medical staff and associates who have brought advanced healthcare to this community,” he said. “As we look toward the future of healthcare in Allegany County and the surrounding region, I’m inspired by this staff who choose to make a difference every single day.
“We’re excited to continue our work of bringing access to advanced healthcare close to home,” Helms added. “So, if you have the opportunity to see one of your hospital’s associates this week, be sure to join me and thank them for what they do.”
JMH will soon open a new outpatient laboratory with increased capacity and reduced wait times in addition to the newly renovated sleep lab and oncology
and infusion suite were unveiled in December.
During Hospital Week, Jones will honor associates at the Employee Awards Dinner, which will take place on Wednesday, May 13. This event recognizes associates who have reached service milestones of five years or more. This year, the hospital is proud to recognize 54 associates, celebrating a combined total of 525 years of dedicated service to this community. For more information about the hospital or services offered, please visit jones.urmc.edu or call (585) 593-1100.
ARTS & CRAFT SHOW
dining & Entertainment
Concerts by Rupert Wates, After Jack in May at Howe Library
WELLSVILLE —
The David A. Howe Library will present two concerts this May in the Nancy Howe Auditorium.
On Thursday, May 7, at 7 p.m., Rupert Wates, a London-born songwriter, will present his unique blend of acoustic folk infused with elements of jazz, vaudeville and cabaret. Wates has released 12 solo albums, each earning critical acclaim and international
home improvement
regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and admin-
istered in Wyoming and Allegany counties by the Arts Council for Wyoming County and through the support of the Wellsville community.
airplay. His songs have been covered by artists across the UK, Canada and the U.S. Though British by birth, Wates has been hailed as gifted and “a prime figure in American music” by Folk and Acoustic Music Exchange. Audiences respond to the haunting, melodic quality of his songs — music that rings true.
inspired by, the rich musical traditions of the region.
Both of these concerts are free and open to the public, which is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a
Two weeks later, on Thursday, May 21, at 7 p.m., After Jack will return to the Nancy Howe Auditorium stage for the first time in 10 years. Rachel and Emily Blankenship-Tucker team up with songwriter Catherine Backus to bring together beloved musical memories, a foot-stomping string band and harmonies that spring straight from the soul of the mountains.
Hailing from the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the all-female trio performs music from, and
Rupert Wates
After Jack
home improvement
Electrical safety strategies to emphasize throughout your home
Electrical fires at home may not be foremost on the minds of homeowners, but they’re a notable threat that should not be overlooked. The Electrical Safety Foundation International reports that home electrical fires account for an estimated 51,000 fires each year. Such fires result in hundreds of deaths and $1.3 billion in annual property damage. Many electrical fires are preventable. Various preventive measures can be taken to reduce the risk of electrical fires and safeguard a home’s residents should such fires occur. The ESFI urges homeowners to
take these tips to heart.
• Audit your home electrical system. A thorough inspection conducted by a qualified electrician to ensure that all electrical work in the home meets the safety provisions in the NEC can uncover any potential issues that might increase the risk of an electrical fire. Homeowners also can periodically conduct a basic assessment of your home electrical system, electrical cords, extension cords, power plugs, and outlets.
• Install smoke detectors on every level of
the home. The ESFI recommends installing smoke detectors inside each bedroom and outside each sleeping area.
• Consider electrical upgrades. Ask a qualified electrician if your home would benefit from AFCI protection, especially during inspections of older homes or upgrades to electrical systems. These advanced new safety devices recognize dangerous conditions that are not detected by standard breakers.
• Routinely inspect fire
continued on PAGE 5
Alstom to establish engineering technology endowed scholarship at Alfred State
ALFRED — Al-
fred State College has received a $50,000 donation from Alstom to establish an endowed scholarship to support engineering technology students.
The investment is the latest chapter in a long-standing partnership between the college and the company.
Alstom’s rail manufacturing campus, located in Hornell, is about 12 miles from Alfred State’s campus
The scholarship fund will be available to juniors and seniors in mechanical and electrical engineering technology majors, helping remove financial barriers so that the region’s students may follow their dreams and enter engineering and related fields.
Alstom’s donation will be distributed over five years, with the endowed scholarship existing in perpetuity.
“We are excited to continue our longstanding partnership with Alstom with this endowed scholarship,”
commented Alfred State President Dr. Steven Mauro. “The scholarships that will result from this endowment will support our engineering technology students as they near completion of their degrees and prepare to join the workforce. We look forward to future collaborations and strengthening the connection between our organizations, the region and beyond.”
Sylvain Bouthière, Alstom Hornell’s site managing director, said Alfred State has long been a source of exceptional engineering talent for Hornell. The col-
automotive
lege’s graduates bring curiosity, drive and a spirit of innovation that strengthens Alstom’s teams and shapes the future of the site.
“This endowed scholarship reflects our commitment not only to expanding access to well-paying careers in advanced manufacturing, but also to empowering the next generation of thinkers and builders who will define the future of mobility,” Bouthière added.
Dani Simons, vice president for public affairs, Alstom Americas, said as mass transit continues to grow across North America, Alstom has been investing in partnerships with colleges and universities in the region to ensure that we will have the talent we need to continue to grow and thrive.
campus consists of four manufacturing plants and constitutes the largest rail manufacturing facility in the United States. Recent and ongoing projects include 28 high-speed trainsets for Amtrak, 130 streetcars for the Philadelphia-area transit system, and propulsion for 1,165 subway cars for New York City Transit. More than 520 people — including many Alfred State alumni — work there.
Alstom is the leading rolling stock and rail services company in the U.S., having delivered more than 12,000 new or renovated vehicles for domestic rail agencies and automated people movers (APM) for airports. Alstom is also the number one private rail operator in the country, where it operates and/ or maintains more than 10 APM and commuter rail systems.
“Alfred State is a great example of an institution with a clear mission to prepare students for exciting careers,” Simons said. “We are thrilled to build on our long-standing partnership with them and support their efforts to give more students access to engineering degrees.”
Alstom has had a long relationship with Alfred State, from offering applied learning experiences across engineering, business and construction management programs to hosting students for tours and demonstrations. Alstom leaders also serve on college advisory boards to ensure that academic programs remain aligned with evolving industry expectations.
Alstom partnered with Alfred State in 2021 to bring nearly $1.5 million in federal workforce development funding to the area from the U.S. Department of Labor and the Appalachian Regional Commission. The grant supported a training program that took place on-site at Alstom and continues today, even after the timing of the grant funding ended.
Alstom’s Hornell
Photo provided by Alfred State College Alstom Hornell’s Site Managing Director Sylvain Bouthière (third from the left) presents Alfred State President Steven Mauro with a check to establish an endowed scholarship for Engineering Technology upperclassmen.
The many hats worn by ER nurses
Emergency rooms are fast-paced environments. ER nurses are right in the thick of things, performing a range of tasks that illustrate the value and talent of these highly skilled professionals.
Though many things attract people to a career as an ER nurse, the spontaneity of the job undoubtedly merits consideration. No two shifts are the same for ER nurses, whose ability to thrive despite that lack of routine is remarkable. Individuals curious about what a day in the life of an ER nurse might be like should know that the following are just some of the many tasks these invaluable professionals may be asked to perform in a given shift.
Triage: ER nurses helps with the preliminary assessment of patients in order to determine the urgency of their needs. Often referred to as “triage,” this part of the job underscores the depth of medical knowledge ER nurses must have, as assessing a patient’s needs often requires quick thinking and recognition of details that patients themselves may not have identified or communicated.
Vital signs: ER nurses are typically tasked with taking and monitoring patients’ vital signs. This may include taking and document-
ing pulse rate, blood pressure and body temperature, among other signs. This information is essential for keeping patients safe and ensuring assessments are accurate.
Medication administration: ER nurses also routinely administer medication prescribed by a doctor as well as any medications patients were taking prior to being admitted to the ER. Nurses’ experience and knowledge is vital when performing this task, as they can consult with physicians about patients’ existing medications, which may dictate what the doctor can and cannot prescribe to treat the condition that brought the individual to the ER. When tasked with administering medication, ER nurses may prepare intravenous infusion of medications and may need to
contact the patient’s family or pharmacist to confirm which medications the patient was taking to treat preexisting conditions.
• Medical procedures: ER nurses sometimes assist physicians as they perform certain medical procedures. For example, nurses may intubate patients and suture wounds during procedures.
Monitor patients: ER nurses are often the face of a hospital for patients and their families. Much of these interactions occur while nurses are monitoring patients before they see a physician and after a physician has ordered tests or treatments. In this regard, ER nurses must excel at comforting patients and their families until a diagnosis is delivered or confirmed via testing.
Dear Mom,
If only we could have a little more time to spend together. It’s been 31 years since you left us and I still miss you dearly and wish I could pick up the phone and talk to you. You have always been my inspiration and still are. As I grew up, you were always working, always helping others, always putting other before yourself. You were the strongest person I have ever known. You never complained and now as an adult, I understand and know how hard some things must have been for you. Beautiful inside and out. You always wore your hair in a ponytail or up in a bun and looked so put together and confident. I try very hard to be like that. Again, you were and still are my inspiration. Thank you for all you did for me. Love you more than ever.
Deb
Letters to
Mom, I know we have our good and bad days but I wouldn't be here without you. Thank you for all you do. I appreciate all the help you give me and I hope you have a good Mother’s Day.
Dawn Teeter
On this Mother's Day, the memories of our mothers remain etched in our hearts, and even though they are no longer physically with us, their love and influence continue to shape our lives. Richard & I honor and remember our moms who are watching over us from heaven . . . Elsie Louise Tompkins REISINGER (1927-1999) and Ida Marie Felio STEVENSON (1938-2021). Our mothers’ legacies live on through the love they shared and the impact they had on our lives. Today, we find comfort in remembering our dear moms and celebrating the incredible bond as sons we shared with them, even as they watch over us from above.
Robert J. Reisinger & Richard O. Stevenson-Reisinger
