allegany county
Vietnam veteran from Belmont gets a ‘welcome home’
Several years ago, a group of community members, under the umbrella of the Belmont Legion Family, gathered to start a Wreaths Across America group in the town of Amity.
Wreaths Across America is a national effort, started more than 20 years ago, to provide a wreath for every veteran’s grave on Wreaths Across America Day in December. From the first year, the more than 500 veterans’ graves in the five Belmont/town of Amity cemeteries have had a wreath.
Wreaths Across America also serves as a fundraiser. For every sponsored wreath, a
FILLMORE — Fillmore Central School announced that Mya Keeler is the valedictorian while Jenna Rowley is the salutatorian of the class of 2026.
Keeler is the daughter of Jennifer and Justin Keeler and leads her class with a 97.97 unweighted average. She has taken advantage of college classes offered at Fillmore and will graduate with more than 30 college credits. She is a member of Fillmore’s chapter of the National Honor Society.
In high school, Keeler participated in modified volleyball for one year, JV volleyball for two years, and varsity
portion is returned to the participating group. The Belmont group has chosen to contribute their funds to cover any costs for a guardian for a local veteran going on Honor Flight.
Honor Flight is a national organization that takes American veterans to Washington, D.C. to honor and celebrate them for their service and sacrifice. (www.honorflight.org) In the years that the Belmont group has been active, it has been honored to support three local veterans on Honor Flights, and to sponsor a guardian for each.
A guardian is a volunteer who escorts
for three years, earning recognition as a county All-Star and the Offensive MVP in 2024 and 2025. She spent five years in the high school Drama Club with varying roles in “Cinderella,” “The Addams Family,” “Newsies” and “Hadestown.” She is a long-term member of both choir and band and has participated in NYSMAA Conference All-State in 2024 and 2025 for treble chorus, alto 1 and horn 4.2 in symphonic band. She has been a member of People Promoting Peace for four years, serving as the club president in her senior year.
the veteran on their trip, ensuring their comfort, safety and care.
On April 18, Robert “Bob” Salevsky and his son, Brent, participated in an Honor Flight through the Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight Organization. (www. buffaloniagarahonorflight.org)
Bob joined the Civil Air Patrol in Bucks County, Pa., in 1964. In 1969, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, trained in infantry at Fort Bragg, N.C., and was deployed to Vietnam for three tours. He was dedicated to serving his country.
After leaving the military, he moved to Wellsville, where he married
and raised two children. In 1986, the family moved to Belmont.
He retired in 2015 as administrator for Southern Tier Home Health Services.
When Bob first heard about Honor Flight, he said he was not particularly interested. Like many Vietnam veterans, he was not seeking recognition and had spoken very little about his service to family and friends.
His son Brent describes him as “sadly humble” about that time in his life.
Eventually, at the
Keeler was a Notre Dame Club of Rochester Junior of the Year Award nominee. In the community, she is employed at the Inn at Houghton Creek and volunteers for events at church. She has also volunteered for five years at the spring art show through For
The Love of Art Studios. She has been accepted to and plans to attend Nazareth University of Rochester for art education.
Rowley, daughter of Rebecca and John Rowley, earned the salutatorian honor with a 97.92 unweighted
average. She has taken advantage of numerous college classes offered at Fillmore and will earn 30 college credits by the time she graduates. She is a second-year member of Fillmore’s chapter of the National Honor Society. Throughout her time at Fillmore, Rowley participated in soccer for five years. She has been a member of the Drama Club for 10 years, holding positions of treasurer during sophomore year and vice president during her senior year. She has been a member of Band Club for nine years, holding the position of treasurer during her sophomore year. She
was All State timpanist for 2024 and 2025. She was also part of Choir Club for three years, holding the position of treasurer in her sophomore year and People Promoting Peace for two years. Outside of school, Rowley volunteered and worked at STEPS Dance Studio for five years. She has also volunteered at a local camp for two summers and Fillmore Wesleyan Church children ministry for six years. After graduation, she plans to attend SUNY Oneonta for early education with a concentration in liberal arts.
Photo provided
Vietnam War veteran Robert “Bob” Salevsky of Belmont visited Washington, D.C. in April as an Honor Flight participant. He was accompanied by his son, Brent.
Mya Keeler (left) is valedictorian while Jenna Rowley is salutatorian of Fillmore Central School.
Babcock Theatre group: Puppet-making workshops to enhance Hometown Holidays Parade
WELLSVILLE — The Babcock Theatre Preservation Society is getting ready for Christmas during this month of May and throughout the summer.
The group received a $3,000 grant from the Wyoming County Arts Council to create a series of puppet-making workshops for this year’s Hometown Holidays Parade, which brings Santa Claus to town each year to kick off the holiday season. This year the parade will take place on Nov. 28.
The first puppet workshop is scheduled for May 16.
the Christmas parade. Joyce further explained that participating in and organizing community projects is often a requirement for the grants the BTPS is seeking to provide the funds needed the preservation of the iconic theater.
In a recent program, the Puppet Workshop Project was introduced to the community.
Geotschius presented a video and explained, “These aren’t hand puppets that we’re talking about. These are puppets that people carry like backpacks.”
16. If needed a larger area will be found. Everything to build the puppets will be provided in the workshops.
The organizers hope that some puppets will be ready to make an appearance in the Great Wellsville Balloon Rally Parade on July 11 to garner more interest in the Puppet Workshop Project. The original concept is to create a number of Arctic animal puppets to form a train and incorporating lights — Arctic Animals of Light.
College. She has had numerous exhibitions and her work has been screened in the New York Indie Film Festival, The Buffalo International Film Festival and others and can be seen on her website.
The June 27 Puppet Workshop will feature Betsy Rosen, a puppeteer and actor who performed in the Broadway and touring company version of the “Life of Pi.”
Workshops are also scheduled for Sept. 12 and Oct. 17.
Joyce assured that the Hometown Holidays Parade will not be just a train of puppets.
“While we’re trying to incorporate more of a storytelling element into the parade the fire trucks, floats and other units will still be part of the parade,” she said.
shops and how to participate look for posters featuring the QR code or go to the Babcock Theater Preservation Society or the Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce websites.
The puppets are similar to those introduced in the stage production of “The Lion King” on Broadway.
Professional puppet makers and puppeteers will also be participating in the workshops.
The May 16 workshop will feature Jennie Thwing who teaches animation at Alfred State
The Aug. 8 workshop will feature representatives from Loco7, a dance puppet theater company founded by Frederico Restrepo and which created programs utilizing puppetry, dance, visual arts and music.
“We’re still trying to figure out how Santa will be introduced, but we’re working with him and we know he will be part of the parade.”
To find out more about the Puppet Work-
The Puppet Workshop Project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the governor and the state legislature and administered by the Arts Council for Wyoming County.
Organizers Elissa Goetschius, Heather Joyce and Kate Williams, all members of BTPS, said the Puppet Workshop Project is part of the goal of providing and participating in community programs and outreach.
IMPACT celebrates I Love My Park Day with side improvements
They have teamed with the Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce to create more interest and expand the scope of
“Our goal is to learn and teach others how to make these puppets in a series of workshops and then make them throughout the year for the parade,” she said. Initially, the free workshops will be held in the Monday Club Room at the library on Saturdays, starting May
WEST ALMOND
— IMPACT: Friends
Improving Allegany County Trails, Inc. sponsored a site clean-up and tree planting May 2 at the horse camping area in the Turnpike State Forest as part of I Love My Park Day in New York.
climbed a ladder to remove debris and pine needles from the metal roofs of horse stalls. Glenn Gebhard, president, brought sand donated by Lowe’s of Hornell to level a space to lay down mud slabs, which will give better footing for rider’s mounting from the accessible horse mounting area.
The camping area is part of the West Almond Trail System, managed by the state Department of Environmental Conservation West Almond Forestry Office.
IMPACT members, volunteers from Alfred State College and members of the Allegany County 4-H Stampede Horse Club worked together on various projects at the camping area on Stewart Forest Road, Trail 4 and Trail 7.
The 4H Stampede Horse Club girls marked culverts, planted trees
urging of his family and doctor, Bob agreed to participate.
A week before departure, guardians met with organizers to review medical needs, travel logistics and expectations. Brent shared that from the very beginning, it was clear the organization was exceptionally well run by caring people. He said, from the mission briefing to the itinerary, airport check-ins and bus trans-
and assisted with the placement of mud slabs at the accessible horse mounting ramp. Others assisted with brushing pine needles and debris from horse stall roofs, setting mud slaps and cleaned plexiglass at the kiosk.
Alfred State College volunteers refreshed markers on Trail 7. Nicole Munkwitz, treasurer for IMPACT,
portation, all the “nuts and bolts” of getting his veteran father to Washington and safely back home was handled smoothly and efficiently.
While in Washington, Honor Flight veterans visited Arlington National Cemetery, as well as monuments honoring soldiers and presidents.
A particularly meaningful moment for the Salevskys was their visit to the Vietnam Veterans
is also a DEC-certified chain saw operator. She worked to cut up a tree that had fallen into the new tree plantings, giving the sugar maple and other trees room to grow. The 4H girls planted three red oak trees, installed tree protection, mulch and water to give the trees a good start. Ed Schultz, vice president of IMPACT,
Memorial — something Bob had previously avoided.
Everywhere the group went, they were recognized and applauded. When the plane departed Buffalo, it received a water cannon salute, and another greeted them upon arrival in Baltimore.
At each stop, they were welcomed with flags, handshakes, hugs and cheers. Upon their
IMPACT is a nonprofit organization assisting with the maintenance, improvement, stewardship and promotion of public lands managed by the DEC.
The group is hosting a bird walk May 9 at Palmer’s Pond. Meet at 7 a.m. For more information visit impactfriendsgroup.org or contact impactfriendsgroup@ gmail.com.
return April 19, they were met with music, salutes and what felt like thousands of people-including members of their hometown community holding signs. For the Salevskys, this trip was “magical.” It provided meaningful recognition of veterans and service, and opened pathways for father and son to connect and talk — a true “welcome home.”
➡Vietnam Veteran continued from PAGE 1
Photo provided
Allegany County 4-H Stampede Horse Club members Stella and Addie Billings, 4-H leader Peggie Blamire, Gracie and Mary Billings and Pauline Burnes of IMPACT celebrate planting a red oak tree on I Love My Park Day.
dining & Entertainment
WELLSVILLE — All that makes Wellsville a special place will be celebrated when the Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its Annual Awards Dinner and Community Celebration May 16 at the Wellsville Country Club.
The event has been celebrated for decades with local businesses and individuals lauded for their contributions to the community. It is a chance to recognize the people and businesses that have made the community strong over the years and a great place to live.
A few years ago,
the executive director, Bruce Thomas and the Chamber Board of Directors decided to expand on the number of awards to recognize others in the community who have contributed to its success. Those categories, in addition
to awards recognizing the Business of the Year, New Business awards and the Community Service Award, include the Caregiver Service, Educator of the Year, First Responder, Youth Service and Veteran of the Year awards.
The awards dinner starts with cocktails at 5 p.m. followed by a buffet dinner at 6 p.m. with the presentation of awards after dinner, followed by an evening of music and dancing. Tickets are $40 each and may be purchased at the Chamber office or go to the Chamber’s website.
Of the original awards, the Community Service Award will be presented to Tim Colligan. He is a lifelong resident of Wellsville and attended Immaculate Conception School and graduated from Wellsville High School. He is an alumnus of Alfred State College.
He retired after 40 years from the former Air Preheater Company and most recently worked with Olney-Foust and Embser Funeral Homes and Cremation, LLC. He is in his third service as a Wellsville village trustee, having served under former mayors Robert Gardiner and Susan Goetschius.
He and his wife Sue had two children
— Erin, who has three children and lives in Wellsville, and Shane, who is deceased.
He is a 50-year member and current secretary of the Emerald Hook and Ladder Co., a member of the David A. Howe Public Library Board of Directors and vice chair of the Babcock Theatre Preservation Society. He is one of the founders of the Wellsville Satellite and Phone Center for the Variety Club Telethon., he is a life member of the Wellsville Elks and Wellsville Rod and Gun Club, a charter member of the Sons of the American Legion and Ancient Order of Hibernians. He is also a member of the Wellsville Moose.
The Kent Beer Company, Business of the Year, first opened in February 2020 — while less than a month later, COVID restrictions went into effect and it was required to shut down the taproom.
The brewery was founded on the family farm, Kent Farms, in Andover and is located on Jones Road. Throughout the year its doors are open with special events. Ed Kent, master brewer, had been home-brewing for decades before perfecting his recipes and undertaking the massive project of opening
Wellsville Chamber to celebrate community with awards dinner May 16
a brewery, using local, fresh ingredients he creates unique recipes.
“Navigating the pandemic with months of weekly mandate changes was far from smooth and easy,” Kent said, “but our wonderfully supportive customers kept us motivated to keep the brewery up and running.”
The Solution Hub will receive the New Business Award. Started by Shane Allen in 2024 the Solutions Hub offers modern full- and parttime, work-ready offices
and work spaces, along with resources geared towards the needs of the community. It gives access to emerging technologies which allow for growth in business, personal skills, networking and the sense of community.
“Too often, individuals and businesses need access to technology that might not be viable to purchase themselves. Our goal is to give the Wellsville community access to these technology resources,” Allen said.
Other awards:
• Caregiver Service Award – Dr. Zahi Kassas
• Educator of the Year – Larry Peacock
• First Responder Award – Chris Perkins
• Youth Service Award – Ella Green
• Veteran of the Year –Kris Green
BY KATHRYN ROSS
The Kent Beer Company in Andover.
Tim Colligan
Shane Allen
home improvement
A rundown on roofing projects
No two home renovation projects are the same. Some projects are highly detailed undertakings that take months if not years from start to finish, while others can be tackled by skilled do-it-yourselfers over the course of a single weekend. Though each project is different, categorizing renovations as needs or wants can help homeowners determine when the time is right to go forward.
Roof replacement projects typically fall into the “need” category. A decaying roof can jeopardize the safety and security of a home
cate the average roof replacement project costs $9,500. Asphalt is among the more affordable roofing materials, costing an average of $1 to $1.20 per square foot, according to Nerdwallet. Slate roofs will be more expensive, costing anywhere from $10 to $30 per square foot.
Life expectancy
and lead to additional issues, like water damage. It’s unwise to delay roof replacement projects when signs of a decaying roof start to appear. Homeowners who are starting to see such indicators can look to this rundown of roof replacement projects as they begin the process of replacing their roof.
Cost Roof replacement costs vary considerably depending on a host of variables. Materials, location and the cost of labor, dimensions of the roof, and even choice of contractor all affect the cost of the project. The home renovation experts at Angi indi-
Homeowners may blanch at the cost of a roof replacement project, particularly if they choose a more expensive material. However, it’s important to keep life expectancy in mind when receiving roof estimates. Many homeowners never replace a roof twice, making this a potentially costly but ultimately one-time
expense. Though slate roofs are expensive, homeowners may find it reassuring that estimates from various roofing resources indicate slate roofs come with a life expectancy ranging from 50 to 200 years. By contrast, Nerdwallet estimates an asphalt roof lasts around 10 to 20 years, while others suggest such roofs can last as long as 30 years.
Materials
Choice of materials is arguably the most significant decision homeowners will make when replacing a roof. The experts at This Old House report that materials typically account for 55 to 65 percent of the overall cost of a roof replacement project.
home improvement
Decisions regarding roof materials will be affected by budget, local climate (certain materials are better suited to particular climates than others), aesthetic appeal, and required maintenance. It’s also important that homeowners
consider the material warranty of each roofing product. Some materials offer longer warranties than others, which can provide a measure of security to homeowners investing so much in the project.
A roof replacement
project is not a renovation that can be delayed when signs the roof is fading start to appear.
Homeowners are urged to consider a wide range of variables before committing to a project.
Ghost in the dashboard? The case of the eerie AC
Dear Car Talk:
I have a 2021 Buick Envision. Lately, when I turn the air conditioning on, a low, unearthly moaning sound comes from under the dashboard. It’s the kind of sound that, if you heard walking by a cemetery at night, you might run faster than you ever had before.
It lasts 6-7 seconds, then doesn’t make the noise again until the next time I turn on the air.
The AC and the vehicle otherwise run fine. Do I need a mechanic? An exorcist?
— Jim
I’d get both, Jim. Just to cover all the bases. Let me be clear from the
outset: I don’t know the answer without being able to stick my head under your dashboard and hood and listen for the noise. But I’ll give you three possibilities. One is that it’s due to the initial movement of the coolant when you turn on the air conditioner. When you fire up the AC, your coolant has to be pressurized. And it can make a groaning-hissing sound
when it passes through the expansion valve near the dashboard. This becomes more likely if your refrigerant level is low.
Another possibility is that it’s the sound of the compressor starting up. Particularly in hot weather, the internal valves of the compressor can groan for a couple of seconds as they adjust to the pressure.
And then my final
guess is that you have a noisy blend door. Blend doors are flaps inside the ducts of your heating and cooling system.
Every car since around the Roosevelt administration (Franklin, not Teddy) has had a way of directing the flow of air inside the cabin. When you decide you want more hot air on your feet and less on your face, in this car, you’d go to a screen on your car’s climate display and push a button that has arrows pointing toward the floor.
And the way the car obeys your command is by using blend doors. Once activated, the blend doors move inside the ducts and close off (or partially close off) air
to one set of ducts, and direct it to your preferred set. These flaps are often controlled by little servo motors, powered by electricity or vacuum, and it takes a few seconds for the door to move to its new position.
So, a door could be sticking, a servo could be weak, or a petrified piece of cheddar cheese popcorn could be blocking a door from closing or opening all the way.
But I’m guessing the noise is related to one of the three possibilities I listed, rather than the
restless ghost of David Dunbar Buick.
If you have an extended warranty, you can take it to your dealer and ask them for a positive and definitive diagnosis. If you’re not under warranty, I’d just have your mechanic check your refrigerant level to make sure it’s not low.
And then, as long as the system is working well, and the groaning doesn’t get worse, just use the noise to scare neighborhood kids on Halloween and call it a day, Jim.
Belmont Legion Auxiliary invites community to sponsor Memorial Day flags
BELMONT —
The Belmont American Legion Auxiliary is calling on community members to participate in a meaningful Memorial Day tribute by sponsoring American flags in honor of deceased veterans.
This Memorial Day, the Auxiliary will place sponsored flags throughout Legion Park along the Genesee River, creating a powerful visual display of remembrance and gratitude. Each flag will be personalized with the name of a deceased veteran, their branch of service and the name of the individual or family sponsoring the tribute.
For a donation of just $5 per flag, residents can honor the memory of a loved one who served our country while supporting ongoing veterans’ services.
“This tribute is a simple but deeply meaningful way for our community to come together and remember those who served,” said Shannon Harding, president of the Belmont American Legion Auxiliary. “Each flag represents a life, a story, and a legacy that deserves to be honored.”
Community members interested in sponsoring a flag are encouraged to contact Margie Dunford at (585) 268-7333. Dona-
tions may also be made in person at Belmont American Legion Post 808 or mailed with veteran information to Margie Dunford, 5133 Noble St., Belmont, N.Y., 14813. Checks should be made payable to the Belmont Legion Auxiliary. All proceeds from
donations will directly support veterans’ services.
The Auxiliary welcomes all community members to participate in this Memorial Day display and help ensure that the sacrifices of our nation’s veterans are never forgotten.
health & Wellness
Widespread pain in the muscles and joints can make daily life very difficult. When such pain persists, it may be the byproduct of an illness known as fibromyalgia.
The Mayo Clinic says fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that is often accompanied by fatigue, and may even affect memory, mood and sleep.
People with fibromyalgia usually experience periodic symptoms that are characterized as flare-ups. It can sometimes be overwhelming and exhausting to navigate fibromyalgia, says the Cleveland Clinic. The periods between feeling good and suddenly hav-
ing a flare-up can cause anxiety and despair. Experts aren’t exactly sure what causes fibromyalgia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people ages 30 to 50 are more likely to develop the condition. Women, those with a family history of fibromyalgia, and individuals with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis also are at higher risk of developing fibromyalgia. Doctors know that symptoms tend to follow a triggering event. Triggers may be surgery, infections, injuries, or emotional stress. The Cleveland Clinic says people with fibromyalgia are usually particularly sensitive to pain. It is believed genetic mutations responsible for forming the neurotransmitters in the brain that receive pain signals might cause fibromyalgia, although a direct link has yet to be identified.
Fibromyalgia typically is diagnosed after a physical exam, X-rays, lab tests, and an evaluation of a person’s medical history. There is no cure for fibromyalgia;
health care providers treat and manage symptoms with medication and therapy. People with fibromyalgia may identify ways to manage symptoms on their own. Cognitive behavioral therapy, which changes how people act or think, also can help someone cope with negative thoughts about their symptoms, says the CDC. Researchers continually strive to understand the causes of fibromyalgia and to develop new treatment strategies so individuals can find relief.
What causes fibromyalgia?
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
