Allegany County Source 05-02-2025 by Community Source

allegany county

Jones Memorial donates $20,000 to area food pantries

WELLSVILLE — Representatives from Jones Memorial Hospital toured the county and delivered monetary donations recently to 17 area food pantries.

The road tour was part of an initiative to re-invest wellness dollars raised through the Ridgewalk & Run and the GLOW Run 5K back into the community, Jones officials said.

In 2023, $10,000 was donated to area food pantries in time for the holidays. This year, after raising more than $27,000 at the 2024 Ridgewalk event, the

wellness committee at Jones Memorial earmarked $20,000 for food pantries again — double last year’s landmark donation.

Brenda Mong-Szabo, vice president of specialty services and chairman of the Wellness Committee, expressed her gratitude to the community.

“It’s because of the incredible support of community and our event partners that we are able to give back in such a direct and meaningful way,” she said. “We realize that something as basic as

putting food on the table is a struggle for many right in our own neighborhoods and we wanted to help alleviate that burden.”

Jim Helms, president and CEO of the hospital, further expressed the hospital’s commitment to the initiative.

“We are honored and humbled at the trust placed in us by the community,” he said. “We don’t take this responsibility lightly. Food insecurity is a leading concern identified in our community health

Cold, wind and some prize fish at the 35th Greater Wellsville Trout Derby

WELLSVILLE — The big winners at the Lions Club’s 35th Greater Wellsville Trout Derby are an Angelica woman and the Wellsville community.

Once again, by the end of the event, the Community Fish was not hooked. Its value had climbed to $6,304 by the time the ticket sales came to an end April 27, just prior to the end of the Derby.

Laura Stafford’s name was drawn from the bin stuffed with 6,304 entries. The Angelica woman won half of

the total — $3,152. She was not present for the drawing and will pick up her prize later this week.

The other half of the prize money goes to the Lions Club and will help finance the many local projects and charities it supports for the benefit of the community.

“It was a good Derby,” said the Lions Club’s Dean Arnold, who co-chaired the event with Bruce Hand. Both are longtime veterans of the event.

Hand said five or six put the event together each year and volunteers from the club man

it over the weekend. Lions member Al Mosher said it is an exhausting event for volunteers starting at 4 a.m. in the morning and not ending until early evening Saturday and late afternoon Sunday.

Ken Didion, who compiles statistics for the event, reported:

• 1,292 anglers registered (30 on Sunday).

• 97 fish were caught (450 tagged fish were stocked).

• $4,900 was paid out ($50,000 was sponsored).

The majority of the payouts were for $25

and $50 sponsorships. Few $100 or $250 fish were caught and no $1,000 fish were caught. While the majority of

Photo provided by Jones Memorial Hospital

Brenda Mong-Szabo (left) delivers a check to Luke Granger, pastor of the Cuba First Baptist Church, and Claudia Little, lay pastor and director of the Food Pantry in Cuba that supports and delivers food through the Cuba First Baptist Church, North Park Wesleyan, United Cuba Methodist, Our Lady of Angels and Christ Episcopal.

Photos by Kathryn Ross what warmer during the 35th Annual Lions Club Trout Derby along the Genesee River in the Wellsville area — but the wind was still chilly.

Alfred U team wins AHA! Allegany County Startup Competition

ALFRED — Decayse, eco-friendly phone cases developed by four Alfred University students, took home top honors at the fifth annual AHA!

Allegany County Startup Collegiate Competition hosted at Alfred State.

Decayse was pitched by students Matthew Bittel of Wellsville, Ryan Haggerty of Alfred, Mike Pinney of Wellsville and Artem Kolisnychenko of Alfred.

DeCayse is focused on creating biodegradable phone cases, Haggerty said. “We want to offer eco-friendly alternatives that reduce plastic waste and address the need for more sustainable solutions.”

Jason Morrison, assistant professor of finance, was the group’s academic mentor while Jack McGowan, project manager at Insyte Con-

sulting, served as the industry mentor.

The group took home the competition’s $5,000 prize.

Saxon Shield featuring Alfred University students Jessica Matson, Peyton McInnis, Paige Stansfield, Zoe Zimmerman, and Carlos Gonzalez earned second place and the $2,500 prize.

The group pitched their eco-friendly product that can be used to get rid of unwanted odors in locker rooms, gym bags, and shoes.

Jean Ellefson, assistant professor of analytics, was the academic mentor, and Bob Forness, president and executive director of the Olean Business Development Corporation, was their industry mentor.

Award. The team of Crysta LaCrosse, Marth Waindim, and Yaoxing Qian were mentored by Elissa Tyrell, adjunct professor of business administration, and John Carmen, owner of Bright Web Consulting, LLC.

Alfred State’s Josh Heafey and Jazz Jarbeck, both of Hornell, finished third with their business pitch for J&J’s Indoor Putt Putt Golf. They shared the need for more recreational entertainment options for residents of Hornell.

OmniReq (Preston Thomas, Shiloh Jobst, and Job Theobald) from Houghton and Allegany Adornment, (Idalia Paula, Sekoiu Camara, Phillip Peterson, and Kayce Crawford) from Alfred University also competed.

With the third place finish the team won $1,000. The duo was mentored by Jarrad Childs, assistant professor of marketing, and Mark Bloxsom, senior financial planner with John G. Ullman & Associates, Inc.

Houghton University’s Thrive Together won the Viewers Choice

Photo provided

Kimberly Barres (left), Incubator Works program manager, presented the top team in the AHA! Allegany County Startup Collegiate Competition with $5,000. Continued from left are Alfred University students Mike Pinney, Artem Kolisnychenko and Ryan Haggerty. Matthew Bittel is not pictured.

Alfred U Wins AHA! continued on PAGE 5

BY BRIAN MCCLELLAN

CUBA — “CRCS Outdoors” is back for a 14th season with an array of televised adventures, from marlin fishing in Mexico, musk ox hunting in Greenland to working with rhinos in Africa.

Featured each week on the Pursuit Channel — Dish 393, Direct 604 — at 6 a.m. Mondays and at 6 p.m. Fridays, the show follows Scott Jordan, a retired science and technology teacher from Cuba-Rushford Central School, and his students.

Episodes can also be found on the Pursuit Up App, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and the YouTube page for “CRCS Outdoors.”

assessment. Every dollar raised by our wellness events is re-invested back into our region.

“We hope to be able to make lasting and

Viewers can subscribe for free and as new content loads you will be notified.

Shows this season include 13 episodes covering several different adventures, usually with a couple of episodes focusing on each location.

“Something really important for our show, to me, is variety. We do local turkey and deer hunt, but we started taking people to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, for marlin fishing ... then we took some kids to Africa, hunting and doing conservation work with rhinos, and then we’ve got a deer hunt in Colorado, and two episodes on hunting musk ox in Greenland,” said Jordan.

positive change through the work we do here,” Helms added. Approximately 19% of children in the United States lacked reliable

Jordan expressed gratitude to the KABAR Knife Company, whose sponsorship of the show allows it to be

access to adequate food in 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This number has risen almost 50% since 2021.

New season of ‘CRCS Outdoors’ airing on Pursuit Channel

broadcast nationally. CRCS Outdoors will also be receiving an ac-

In Allegany County, the annual food budget shortfall amounts to more than $5 million. This shows the real need for well funded and supported food pantries in the area, JMH officials stated.

The hospital’s wellness fund is maintained through fundraising events including the annual RidgeWalk & Run and 5K Glow Walk & Run. For information or to register for any of these events, visit jones. urmc.edu.

Residents are also asked to consider donating to any of the following area food banks and programs: Alfred Area Food Pantry – Unity Meth-

odist Church, Almond Community Church, Andover Central School, Angelica Food Pantry, Gospel Fellowship Church, Belmont Access Center, Bolivar Community Food Pantry, Larger Parish Church, Masters Tabernacle Pantry, Cuba First Baptist Church, Fillmore Church Center, Mission Agape-Friendship Church of God in Christ, Houghton Wesleyan Church, Portville Community Food Pantry, Rushford Food Pantry, Wellsville Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and Wellsville Community Kitchen.

Photo provided

Scott Jordan (right) is with Tom Washburn on a musk ox hunt in Greenland, featured in the 14th season of “CRCS Outdoors,” airing on the Pursuit Channel.

CRCS Outdoors continued on PAGE 5

home improvement

Low-maintenance landscaping tips to keep your yard looking great all season

(BPT) — Choosing the right materials and incorporating wellplanned design features can enhance the appearance of your landscape while reducing the effort needed for maintenance.

“Adding mulched areas around shrubs, plants and trees, as well as creating access pathways, are key design elements we use to enhance the beauty of a landscape,” says Lavonne Thompson, owner of Gabby’s Gardens in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin.

• Create distinctive borders for garden beds, tree rings and other landscaped areas using natural stone, concrete pavers or edging. It will make it easier to mow around plus add definition, texture and color.

• Construct paths using natural stone steppers, concrete pavers, mulch or landscape rock. Not only do these materials create visual interest and define walkways, but they also improve accessibility.

• Use mulch, landscape rock or gravel to give landscaped areas a finished look. “Mulch adds interest and gives a clean, finished appear-

Many materials can help keep your landscape looking beautiful, such as mulch, landscape rock, flagstone steppers, concrete pavers and natural stone. To create and maintain a professional look for your landscaped areas, Thompson recommends these elements:

ance that enhances curb appeal,” says Thompson. Maintenance of mulched areas can be a challenge with thunderstorms, critters, traffic and falling leaves. To keep landscaped areas looking beautiful and minimize seasonal maintenance, Thompson uses NorthRock® Land-

scape Loc Mulch & Rock Bond, an environmentally friendly compound that can be applied to keep mulch and landscape rock locked in place.

Landscape Loc helps to prevent mulch movement from rain, wind, critters, mowers and blowers, while allowing the treated area to freely drain and breathe. It is

safe for soil, groundwater, wildlife, people, pets and plants.

“Landscape Loc is a great product for when we are refreshing clients’ projects in the spring,” says Thompson. “It is essential in sloped areas and gardens to prevent mulch from moving out of place.”

Landscape Loc can be used on landscape

rocks that are 1/2” or smaller. It can also be used to control dust from gravel, sand, pebbles and light rock on walkways and driveways as well as to control erosion around those areas. The more porous the rock, the better Landscape Loc will bond. For denser rock, a heavier application is required.

Using a fan tip sprayer, apply Landscape Loc when refreshing and cleaning up landscape areas. It lays down white and dries clear, enhancing the look of mulch and other ground cover. Landscape Loc is available at Amazon and local retailers in one- and five-gallon containers or as a concentrate to mix with

water. Watch an application of Landscape Loc Concentrate at https:// www.youtube.com/ watch?v=zOdssqFrQVY.

“It’s great that Landscape Loc goes down white before drying clear,” says Thompson. “That way if you are called away for a moment, you can pick right up where you left off.”

Casey Joyce, former president of Minnesota Services and an energy and construction professional; Jeff Staiger, director of business and community development at ACCORD Corp., and Ethan Ruot, senior business development officer/AVP at Pursuit Lending, served as judges.

“This year’s ideas were not only creatively executed, but also deeply rooted in community impact and environmen-

➡Alfred U Wins AHA! continued from PAGE 2

tal awareness,” Ashleigh Madison, executive director of IncubatorWorks, said. “The level of thoughtfulness and heart displayed by each team was inspiring.” This competition is made possible through grant funding, partnerships, and sponsors from Alfred University, Alfred State College, Allegany County, ACCORD Corp., the Western New York Incubator Network, Western NY Wilds, The Center

for Advanced Ceramic Technology (CACT) at Alfred University, and Sealing Devices Inc. IncubatorWorks provides programming and services to ceramics and glass science startups as well as Main Street businesses. IW plays a role in fostering growth of entrepreneurial enterprises and small businesses in the surrounding areas with a focus on Allegany, Chemung, Steuben and Schuyler counties.

➡CRCS Outdoors

colade, as Jordan will be traveling to Canastota in early May to receive the Educational Award from the New York State Outdoorsman Hall of Fame (NYSOHOF). The NYSOHOF honors those who have made significant contributions to the heritage of outdoor sports. The Educational Award is designed to recognize youth or youth programs related to conservation programs. Recipients will

continued from PAGE 3

have a wooden plaque and displayed on the wall of the NYSOHOF Museum in Amsterdam. CRCS Outdoors will be the fifth recipient of the award, and the first since 2023. Even as this season’s episodes are airing, filming for next year is already underway.

“We’re filming our 15th season, so we’ve been to, already this year, we’ve been to Cabo and Europe and New Zealand and Ne-

braska. We’ve got a bear hunt coming up in Canada,” Jordan explained, adding that the trips are not just for Cuba-Rushford students.

“They’re open to anybody, so if people are interested they can get ahold of us,” he said.

Those interested in tagging along on one of the CRCS Outdoors adventures can contact Jordan at sjordan@mycrcs.org.

Jones Memorial, OGH to honor veterans with US flags

Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville and Olean General Hospital urge family members and friends to honor veterans by sponsoring United States flags that will be displayed in May.

Installation of the 2025 Field of Flags at Jones Memorial will take place at 9 a.m. May 17. The flags, each one flying in memory of a deceased veteran, will remain in place through Memorial Day, May 26. Community members are welcome to attend the ceremony.

Since 2014, members of the Wellsville American Legion Riders and volunteers from JMH have spent Armed Forces Day putting up memorial flags on the front lawn of the hospi-

the registered fishermen and women came from Western New York and Pennsylvania, Didion said registrations were received from residents

tal. 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

of Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.

The two-day event

thank them for their service,” says Jim Helms, CEO at Jones and a member of the Wellsville American Legion.

To sponsor a flag, stop at these locations:

• Jones Memorial Hos-

was marred by wet and cold weather Saturday, with only around 50 fish caught by the end of the day. Sunday dawned sunny and warmer, topping out 20 degrees warmer than the day before, but steady winds with gusts greater than 13 mph prevailed.

pital, 191 N. Main St., Wellsville.

• Wellsville American Legion, 23 Jefferson St.

• Wellsville Brewing Company, 104 N. Main St.

• Wellsville Elks Lodge, 77 E. Pearl St.

• Wellsville VFW, 250 Maple Ave.

• 2 Sisters and a Smoker, 605 Route 19.

• Wellsville Chamber of Commerce, 114 N. Main St Flags can also be sponsored at wellsvilleflags.org.

All cards should be turned in by May 16 to ensure inclusion in this year’s field.

Each year, the proceeds of the Field of Flags are donated to LEEK Veteran Hunting & Mountain Preserve, located in Potter County, Pa. LEEK provides veterans with a friendly, accessible camp environment and therapeutic outdoor activities like hunting and fishing.

For the Olean General Hospital Flags of Honor tribute organized by the OGH Auxiliary,

supply the name of the veteran, along with rank, the branch of military, and dates of service, if they are known. Flags will be placed on the OGH front lawn in their honor from May 16 until May 27, observing Armed Forces and Memorial days.

Bradford Regional Medical Center also takes part in a Flags of

Honor tribute in May. Names will also be placed on the banner hanging in the hospital hallway, listed on Facebook, and they will appear in the Olean Times Herald.

To purchase a flag for $5, go to oghgiftshop. com. For more information, email edreher@ ogh.org or call (716) 375-7377.

One experienced Derby participant said, “The cold impacted the fishermen on Saturday. On Sunday the only impact the wind had was in getting your line to stay put after casting. I don’t think wind affects the fish at all.”

As the event drew to a close Sunday, Hand, who was writing out checks to the last of the winners, said as he handed over the check, “Come back next year.”

File photo

The Field of Flags at Jones Memorial Hospital.

Another power outage for maintenance this weekend in Wellsville

WELLSVILLE — The lights are going out in the village again, but this time there’s a promise that they will be back on in time for church services.

The Wellsville Department of Public Works will shut off electrical power to the village this weekend.

The outage will start at 11 p.m. May 3 and will end by 7 a.m. May 4. The outage is projected to last no longer than eight hours. Dean Arnold, director of the village’s Department of Public Works, told the village board at Monday night’s meeting, “I promise it will be back on by 7 a.m. We have several backup plans.”

by National Grid lasted several hours longer than was predicted, causing consternation throughout the village. Although there were promises of an explanation as to why the power was out for so long, one was never reported.

In November, a routine maintenance power outage conducted

The Saturday night through Sunday morning outage this weekend is needed to perform maintenance on the

switching tower that supplies the village with electricity. The DPW crew will be responsible for the work.

Several precautions have been taken and those requiring electrical power for medical reasons have been contacted. Letters were sent out in recent bills from the Water and Light Department. Residents who were not contacted

may call the DPW if they need assistance. Some precautions to take or to remember:

• In the event of an emergency, call 911.

• If you are on oxygen or have other special medical needs, contact your medical provider for additional battery-operated apparatus.

• Charge cell phones, computers and other battery operated devices prior to the blackout.

• Remember ATM’s and elevators may not be working. In the event that something stops the scheduled outage from taking place, the contingency date is May 10 and 11 at the same hours.