Mya Keeler of Fillmore a Big 30 Academic Scholarship winner
BY KELLEN QUIGLEY
OLEAN — Mya Keeler of Fillmore Central School was one of six soon-to-graduate high school seniors to receive a Big 30 Academic Scholarship as announced May 21 during the 35th annual Big 30 Academic Scholarship Banquet.
High school seniors from 30 New York and Pennsylvania districts gathered with their parents and school officials for the banquet.
Students received congratulations and advice for the future at the banquet, which recognizes a senior “academic all-star” from each school district in the Olean Times Herald’s Twin Tiers sports coverage area, known as the Big 30.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been 35 years,” said Eric Talbot, principal at Fillmore Central School
BY KATHRYN ROSS
WELLSVILLE — Fifty
years ago local singers under the direction of John Molinari formed the Genesee Valley Chorus to celebrate with song the bicentennial of the United States. In 2026, just like in a musical score, the group is repeating itself. There are few remaining singers from the original Genesee Valley Chorus, and there have been several directors since Molinari raised his baton, but patriotism and the celebration of the nation’s anniversary are still there. The members of the GVC have been rehearsing
since March for a 3 p.m., June 14 concert at Trinity Lutheran Church to celebrate America’s 250th with song.
The 35-voice choir is under the direction of Wellsville’s Middle and High School music ddirector Matthew Purks-Morris. Liz Crawford of Houghton is the accompanist. They and the current choristers are planning to make this concert memorable in more ways than one.
“We got our start with the bicentennial and we thought it would be appropriate to recognize those original members and give them the opportunity to sing with us again,” said cho-
and one of this year’s banquet emcees. “We’re happy that you’re all here tonight.”
Each year, the principals from the schools have formulated a nomination process for a student from each school to be a participant in the Big 30 Academic Team, Talbot explained.
“All students will be honored with the Principal’s Plaque for their incredible high school academic accomplishments,” he said. “Then, there will be six different scholarship winners who are selected.”
Sponsored by the Times Herald and Big 30-area principals, the event has bestowed
rus spokesperson Nicole Davis.
She explained that any former GVC members are invited to come to a special rehearsal at 3 p.m. June 13 at Grace United Church (the day before the concert) to sing two of the chorus’ old favorites, “Let There Be Peace On Earth” and “Why We Sing.” There will be a dinner provided and a chance to reminisce.
The next day during the concert, Purks-Morris will ask the former members to sing the two numbers with the chorus.
“We’re still working on the specific details. Because we have such a
nearly $80,000 in scholarships over the last three decades, and another six students received $500 Big 30 scholarships Thursday at the Woodside Tavern. The other five students to receive scholarships were Elizabeth Moate of Austin, Pa., Cecily Bell of Bradford, Joanna Chen of Coudersport, Aidan DeFazio of Portville and Annabelle Proseus of West Valley.
Allegany County seniors honored at the banquet included James Miller-Young of Andover, Rachel Merriam of Belfast, Danika Loucks of Bolivar-Richburg, Lauryn Radomski of Cuba-Rushford, Madi-
long history we thought this would be fun,” Davis said. Any of the former members wishing to participate in this event should contact Davis at (585) 610-8704.
The June 14 concert will feature many of the choir members’ favorite songs. Davis said the members got together and voted on their favorite numbers. As a result the concert will include ‘Shenandoah,” “The Ashokan Farewell,” “Putting on the Ritz,” “Thank You Lord” (a song written by two members of the chorus), a Broadway spectacular featuring songs from “Annie” and “The Sound of Music,” “New York,
son Rondeau of Friendship, Nolan Hunter of Genesee Valley, Nathan Black of Scio and Kennedy Ewing of Wellsville.
Guest speaker Joe Racalto, a restaurant owner from Hornell who worked for 25 years as a Congressional aide in Washington, D.C., congratulated the students on their accomplishments, saying their achievements reflect the discipline, character, resilience and willingness to work hard even if no one is watching.
“Those qualities will carry you much farther than any title or award could ever do,” he said.
“Trust me when I say this: life has a remark-
able way of surprising you.”
Racalto, who was a senior advisor to Civil Rights champions Sen. Ted Kennedy and Congressman Barney Frank, said he was hardly someone to consider “mostly likely to succeed” when growing up in Hornell. However, even with no road map for big dreams, he said he learned that change does not happen to people who wait for it. After graduating, he was in Boston attending an event that Frank attended.
“But after the event,
Mya Keeler
Photo provided
The Genesee Valley Chorus, which was originally formed in 1976 to celebrate the United States’ bicentennial, will
Remembering America’s fallen on Memorial Day
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday directed New York state landmarks to be illuminated red, white and blue on Monday evening in observance of Memorial Day.
Seventeen new York landmarks — from One World Trade Center and Empire State Plaza to State Fairgrounds’ Main Gate and Expo Center to Niagara Falls — were to be illuminated.
“Today, we remember and honor the New Yorkers who served in the armed forces and made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of
their state and country,” Hochul said in a statement. The governor attended a Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony at City Hall in Albany to honor fallen service members.
“It takes courage, strength and bravery to serve in the military, and in New York, we reflect on the incredible valor and willingness of those who fought and died for our freedoms to put the safety of their fellow citizens ahead of their own,” she said.
• U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy: “The sacred mission of those who live today is to honor
the brave souls who gave everything for our freedom,” he said. “Their sacrifice lives on in us, in every flag that waves, and in every liberty we cherish. We remember. We honor. We will never forget their sacrifice for our great nation.”
• Bruce Blakeman, the Nassau County executive and Republican candidate for governor in New York: “Today, we pause to honor the men and women who gave everything so we could have everything. Their sacrifice is the foundation of every freedom we enjoy, every family we hold close, every community we call home.
“I am grateful beyond words for their service. On behalf of my family and the people of New York, we remember them today and every day. God bless our fallen heroes. God bless their families. And God bless America.”
• Aaron Gies, a Democratic and Working Families Party candidate who is seeking to challenge Langworthy in the
fall election for the 23rd Congressional District seat: “Memorial Day reminds us that serving others is a sign of strength, not weakness. The brave men and women who wear our country’s uniform know that the common good we all share — our safety, our freedom and opportunity — is worth defending even if we don’t personally live to see it.
“We are grateful for their sacrifice and we honor it by working to protect and expand that common good.”
• Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski, R-Canisteo: “Wishing you and yours a meaningful and safe Memorial Day. Today we remember and honor all our fallen patriots who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our nation so that we can live in freedom. May God grant them eternal rest and God bless the Unites States of America.”
• State Sen. George Borrello, R-Sunset Bay: “This Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service
to our nation. Their courage, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms will never be forgotten. Because of them, we enjoy the liberties that define the American spirit.
“As we gather with family and friends, let us take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of this day and remember those who gave everything for our country. We are forever grateful.”
• U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y.: “Today, we honor the sacrifices of our fallen service members and their families. As we pause to reflect on their service today, I’m saying a prayer for our Gold Star families in New York. Their courage will never be forgotten.”
• U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.:
“This Memorial Day, we remember America’s brave service members who sacrificed their lives to keep us safe. Our hearts are with Gold Star families across America — today and everyday.”
Jones Memorial, Legion Riders donate $2,000 to Dwyer Program
WELLSVILLE —
Despite a late start this year, Jones Memorial Hospital and the Legion Riders donated $2,000 to Allegany County Veteran’s Dwyer Program.
The Field of Flags started more than 10 years ago as a community event hosted by Jones Memorial and created in collaboration with the Legion Riders as a way to honor our veterans.
While the program has always supported veterans’ services, this year, funds were kept local and donated directly to the Allega-
ny County Veteran’s Dwyer Program, which honors the memory of PFC Joseph P. Dwyer and his legacy of service through empowering veterans to connect with each other.
Jim Helms, CEO at Jones and a retired command sergeant major,
said, “It is our honor and privilege to partner with the Allegany County Dwyer Program to support such a worthy cause. Every year we are proud to honor the veterans lost in our region and by connecting the funds from the Field of Flags to the Dwyer Pro-
gram this year, we are able to close the loop on both honoring our loved ones lost and working to restore community and confidence to those who need our support.”
The flags will continue to fly on the front lawn at JMH through Memorial Day.
The Dwyer Peer Support Program brings U.S. Armed Forces veterans, service members and their families together through free programs that are veteran-centered, peerto-peer collaborative services, social activities and involve community service.
Photo provided
Members of the Legion Riders are shown at the Jones Memorial Hospital Field of Flags.
Photo by John Tucker
Eric Jones created this sand sculpture in Belmont’s Park Circle for Memorial Day. American Legion Post 1155 hosted the Memorial Day parade Monday morning, which helped cap off several activities held throughout the holiday weekend.
BY KATHRYN ROSS
This summer marks the 250th signing of the Declaration of Independence, and communities and organizations across the county are planning celebrations.
dining & Entertainment
Starting in June there are events in Wellsville, Angelica, and Andover celebrating the 250th Anniversary of these United States. The Declaration of Independence was introduced to the Continental Congress on July 4th, 1776, and several delegates signed it right then and there, but some of the representatives waited until they received permission from the governments of the colonies they represented. In the end it was signed by 56 representatives of 13 colonies.
England’s King George learned about it within a few days of its initial release and declared that the colonies were officially in rebellion. The Revolutionary War took place over the
next eight years, culminating in 1783 with the Treaty of Paris with England. At the time Allegany County was the western wilderness occupied by tribes of Indigenous people guarding the Western Door of the Iroquois Federation. A line of demarcation separating colonies from the Indian Nation stretched from Lake Ontario into Pennsylvania. Settlers were forbidden to cross the line. It ran on the western boundary of
Andover. As a result, only a few early settlers had made their way up the Canisteo River or down the Genesee River or cross country from Bath into the area, but no Allegany County natives fought in the War for Independence. They came to settle in the area after the war.
Nevertheless, communities in Allegany County will celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the nation this summer.
• July 4 — The coun-
250th celebrations planned in Allegany County
ty’s largest 4th of July Parade will take place in Andover. While the parade will offer displays and floats from local businesses, clubs and organizations; it will also have a patriotic theme.
• July 11 – Angelica, the oldest village in the county, founded by Philip Church in 1805, has organized a special 250th celebration. The Town and Village will be hosting an event that will include: a parade, fireworks, and a street dance to be held in the park featuring Southbound and the Johnson Boys. In the afternoon there will be family centered activities and music in the gazebo. There will be food vendors in park, and a beer tent. There will be special historical presentations, and a time capsule will be buried.
mined. The five-foottall center monolith will feature a bronze plaque. Wings leading into it will honor both known and unknown patriots who settled in Allegany County.
The monument will face into the park and there will be a flag installation.
• Aug. 15 - Wellsville will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the country on August 15th on the lawn at the David A. Howe Library. The celebration is planned to take place from 11:00 to 4:00 PM and is still in the planning stages. The 250th Anniversary Committee is looking at offering colonial activities for kids, historical figures and historical programs based on the Declaration of Independence. They are also planning to serve historical foods, show patriotic movies and feature historical displays and crafts as part of the celebration.
• Aug. 1 - As part of Angelica Heritage Days, on Aug. 1st the Catherine Schuyler Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will dedicate its America 250th Patriot Monument at the east end of Park Circle. The ceremony will take place in the late morning at a time yet to be deter-
The committee has put out a call for makers, fakers and candlestick makers to make this event educational and historical. Those interested in becoming part of the celebration may respond by calling 585-610-5343.
nervous, I walked up and asked him for a job,” Racalto said. “I had no political connections, no influence and honestly no reason to believe anything would come from that.”
But a week or two later, Racalto was asked to meet Frank at the Logan Airport in Boston and drive him to an event. The only problem was he didn’t have a car or a suit. After asking a friend to co-sign a loan with him, Racalto was able to get a car and a suit and showed up to
transport the congressman. “That single moment — that willingness to take a chance on myself — changed my life forever,” he said. “What began as driving around the congressman led me to become a senior policy advisor in Congress and eventually a chief of staff.”
During his career in politics, Racalto said he learned that leadership is not about holding titles or recognition but about service with a purpose for the people.
Now owning Racalto’s restaurant in Hornell with his husband, Jay Huang, he said that the sense of service continued, making the restaurant a place rooted in community, kindness, dignity and connection.
“We serve meals, yes, but we also serve purpose. We remind everyone who walks through that door that they matter,” he said. “Service does not always happen from a podium or an office in Washington. Sometimes it happens through a
conversation, through compassion, through simply showing up and choosing to care.”
Racalto also acknowledged the parents, extended family members, teachers and other school personnel for their roles in help-
ing the students get where they are. In his closing remarks, Racalto challenged the students to live a life that matters and to be someone who asks questions, who steps forward, who lifts others up and who chooses kindness.
➡Genesee Valley Chorus
New York” and more.
There will be an intermission during the 90-minute, free concert and donations are welcome. A reception featuring a display of artifacts and photos of the chorus’s last 50 years will follow the concert.
Anyone with memorabilia they would like to display should call Davis at (585) 610-8704.
Under Molinari, the group performed in competitions across the
state. His leadership marked the beginning of a long tradition of annual performances, with the group meeting and singing every year since its beginning. Over the decades, the chorus has had only a few directors and accompanists, but about the same number of singers, 35 to 40.
Molinari’s direction was followed by Jack Darr and David Dunbar.
Norma Bartlett with accompanist Carole Al-
“Your story is only beginning, so lead with your heart, speak with courage, serve with humility and never forget your greatest impact in life will always come from how you make others feel,” he said.
BY RAY MAGLIOZZI
Dear Car Talk:
A snowbird question!
We don’t want to drive back up to Michigan from Florida later this spring, so we’re thinking of leaving our 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid in the garage for six months. Should we arrange for someone to drive it periodically or can we just leave it? In either case, how full should the gas tank be, and at what level should the electric battery be charged while not actively used?
— Scott
The fuel level is relatively unimportant, Scott. Gasoline won’t degrade in six months, so that doesn’t really matter.
For the traction battery, you’ll want to run that down to zero miles. That’s what Toyota recommends for longterm storage. When your RAV gets to zero EV miles remaining, it switches to normal “hybrid vehicle” (HV) mode. And even with zero miles available in
drich led the group for decades. When Bartlett unexpectedly passed away in late 2022, others stepped in, including Joann Brown, Norene Ferris, Amanda Robbins and Dave Toot. Throughout its history GVC has maintained an excellence in musical performance, performing with orchestras and other vocal groups to provide musical entertainment to Wellsville and the surrounding area. They will also perform as part of Wellsville’s 250th Celebration on Aug. 15.
EV-only mode, the big battery maintains a reserve charge of 15-20% for hybrid operation. Toyota says that’s the ideal battery chemistry for long-term storage and stability.
A bigger concern, Scott, is the 12-volt starter battery. That’s much more likely to cause you to be stranded when you get back to Florida next winter.
So, one option is to just disconnect the negative terminal of
Snowbird storage tips for plug-in hybrids — cats optional
the battery. Or you could leave the battery connected and set up a trickle charger (also known as a battery tender) to keep the battery charged while you’re gone. I suppose you could also just let the battery run down over the summer, and have a 12V
battery charger standing by to throw on it when you arrive. But that will delay your crucial first trip outside the house, a run for mojito makings. And then there’s my biggest concern of all, Scott: mice. So in addition to all that, be sure to leave a cat in your garage, too.
automotive
home improvement
HVAC maintenance tips to keep your cooling unit running strong
Upon the arrival of the dog days of summer, few things can be as welcoming as a cool home. Air conditioned interior spaces offer a much-needed respite from summer heat, but that relief is not guaranteed. Indeed, a summer heat wave can be just as taxing on an HVAC
unit as it can be on people. But some simple pre- and in-season maintenance tips can go a long way toward ensuring an HVAC unit
provides ample relief once the mercury rises.
• Replace the air filter. Prior to summer, replace the filter on your HVAC unit. Doing so ensures dust, dirt, and allergens won’t affect the efficiency of the unit. An inefficient HVAC unit will make it harder to cool the home, and that may force the unit to work harder, which in turn can lead to a higher energy bill.
routine checkups and removal of debris can ensure that the buildup is not excessive.
• Lend a hand inside.
For people who live in areas where summer can get especially hot, there may
• Don’t forget the condenser. The condenser is the unit on the outside of your home. Over time, debris from the landscape, including dirt, grass, and leaves, can get inside the condenser and potentially affect the performance of the unit. While it’s inevitable that some landscape debris will get into the condenser,
‘Teachable moment’: Artist Eric Jones will have young vandals assist on next project
BY SARA FURLONG
BRADFORD, Pa.
— When renowned area artist Eric Jones was commissioned by Bradford Brew Station to craft one of his iconic sculptures at its Chestnut Street location, he took extra measures to make the piece last.
“I designed it in a way that it would shed water and last a lot longer,” Jones said May 20. “The only thing that was going to take it down would be an incredibly hard rain or vandalism.”
It was vandalism, unfortunately, that ruined “Sandy” — the 10-ton sand Sasquatch that Jones indicated on his Facebook page is “maybe my favorite sculpture ever!?”
“It was one of my favorites,” Jones admitted, “but I’m not that
connected to these. Once it’s done I don’t really care about it anymore. I’m far more interested in the process than the product.”
Now, the three teenagers who ruined
Outdoors
Jones’ sculpture will get an up-close look at that process, as Jones has advocated for a bit of remediation in lieu of criminal charges.
The culprits were identified after surveillance video was shared widely online.
“I talked to the Brew Station, said let’s not press charges,” Jones said of his decision to choose mercy. “They’re minors, anyway; it wouldn’t go anywhere. Let’s make this a teachable moment.”
Jones shared the news that Sandy had been vandalized on his Facebook page, piling up nearly a quarter of a million views.
“I knew it would get a lot of public feedback,” Jones said, “and it did. I was really entertained by some of the comments — ‘smack these kids,’ whatever.
This goes in a totally different direction, which I think will be more effective.”
Part of the feedback included contact from the wayward teens’ guardians.
“They’re in rough situations, as you can imagine,” Jones said. “(Their guardians) were apologetic, very remorseful, asked what they could do to fix this, said it was OK to press charges, and on and on.”
Jones said, “I’m going to come pick these kids up, take them to my next sculpture, buy them lunch and I’m going to befriend these kids. They’ll help me do my next sculpture so they can feel like they’re a part of something. Not a punishment — an opportunity.
“We’re going to do something fun, hang out and work on something together,” he continued. “I think it shows there’s a different approach with something like this.”
The youths were to assist the artist with a patriotic sculpture for a Memorial Day celebration in Belmont, N.Y., shoveling sand and carrying buckets of water, forms and molds.
“They’ll get to be a part of the labor side of it, the molding process that helps build up the sand before I sculpt it.”
Jones said via his Facebook page that he is “not angry with these kids. I want an opportunity to teach them.”
He said he understands “kids can’t not touch things. That’s why they don’t go to a lot of art galleries,” he joked.
The artist explained that he usually tries to talk with kids riding their bikes or playing near where he is working, charging them with looking after his creations and letting him know if anyone disturbs it.
“I know once I leave they’re gonna mess with
it, touch it, climb on it, vandalize it,” Jones said. “I give them some responsibility for policing it so they can take part ownership of it. They appreciate that, and they always step up and protect it.
“It’s really an amazing process.”
Jones often observes that his artwork is temporary by its very nature — and he likes it that way — but the lessons remain.
Outdoors: Someone to look up to
BY WADE ROBERTSON
As the years stretch out and the view in the rearview mirror appears considerably longer than the road you see stretching ahead, one becomes more introspective.
Looking back, turning points leap out, moments when someone touches your young life, changes you, points the way, gives direction. Of those many teaching moments I was fortunate to experience, two stand out clearly.
The steel, waist-high brace kept polio from twisting my legs, bending them into bows as it contracted muscle with an inexorable force that devastated the lives of so many. Life before the braces was impossible to remember, polio striking me at the age of 3.
Now, at 8, Dad had me on a hike. Up the hill behind the house onto the old railroad grade, continuing on around the point, where he turned up a steep, 400-yard lease road. I’d followed eagerly; he’d promised once on the ridge top, we’d shoot the .22, which I loved passionately. Halfway up the hill my side and leg cramped violently, the exertion of swinging, lifting the heavy brace taking its toll. I collapsed on the ground and looked up at Dad through the pain. “Can’t walk anymore, Dad.” “Oh, well, then run!”
He smiled encouragingly, turned and trotted up the hill till he vanished at the top. Well, that certainly wasn’t the response expected. After all, just reaching this point had drained almost all my strength. That effort apparently wasn’t appreciated or even noticed. A spurt of anger sprouted, burned, then fizzled. After a few minutes the cramps abated and slowly, determinedly, a step at a time, I trudged to the hilltop, brace clanking, and collapsed exhausted.
Dad was sitting on a log. When I appeared, the pride on his face radiated like the sun. When I finally sat up,
then stood, he motioned to sit beside him. Putting his arm around me he spoke. “Son, always remember your mind rules your muscles, they wanted to quit, but you didn’t. Always remember that, you can always reach your goal, keep going, you’ve got that strength deep inside of you!”
We shot some cans and when finished he swung me up upon his shoulders and carried me home, running down the point as I frantically grasped his forehead, desperately hanging on, perched precariously onto those bouncing shoulders, my clutching hands half blinding him in the ecstasy of that
wild ride. I may be a lot of things, but I’ve never been a quitter, some lessons stick.
Granddad was a fighter. He risked all to escape the dirt, danger and drudgery of the St. Mary’s/Kersey coal mines, taking his wife and 3 children to live in a tent while the CCC built the fire road from Willow Creek to Sugar Run. Grandma killed a rattlesnake outside the tent one morning, but fortunately never saw another. With three small children running amok that summer, one can only imagine her concerns.
With money in his pocket, Gramps moved to town, bought a home, found a job, eventually becoming superintendent of Bradford Motorworks. He was a born leader, a man even doctors, lawyers, company executives instinctively turned to. Smart, organized, personable, humorous, others naturally followed. If Gramps was visibly upset with your behavior even grown men felt ashamed.
His goodness, example and moral compass set him apart, you wanted him to like you.
When invited to hunt or fish with his camp buddies, the youngest, me, washed dishes, carried firewood and swept the floor. When asked to perform these chores something in Grandpa’s eyes made me swallow my resentment and
cheerfully perform those essential jobs. Unknown to me, camp members were watching closely. Suddenly, their watchful attitudes shifted and I became an accepted member of camp, the older men joking with me, teasing, but assisting me in every chore I was asked to perform. Grandad took me aside one evening and asked me what I knew about respect. I didn’t know anything, never thought about it. Pop fired up his pipe, he loved to build up the suspense, and eyed me through a cloud of smoke. “Respect, is when another man sees something admirable about you. It may be big or even little, but it means essentially you are doing something right, something perhaps others don’t care to do. It means you stand out in a good way.” I nodded; it made sense. Leaning his head back his eyes suddenly became shrewd. “Do you think these men here respect you?”
These men, almost Gods in my eyes, respect me? I shook my head no, I’m just a boy desperately trying to fit in, only here because of Grandpa’s influence, nothing else. Grandpa’s somber, searching eyes looked straight into mine and saw what he’d hoped to see. He smiled; “Well, they do. They see a young man willing to do his share and more of the camp chores. They see someone with manners, who tries to please when he can and doesn’t think being my grandson gives him any special status. In short, you’re not a problem, you’ve become an asset and because of that you’ve become part of the crew. There are many grown men with money who wish they stood in your shoes. You’re in high society grandson, keep it that way.”
Grandpa, Dad, are gone now, but when they look down, I hope they see a grandson and son they helped to form and are proud of.
Photos provided
Three juveniles vandalized renowned West Clarksville, N.Y., artist Eric Jones’ sand sculpture he created for the Bradford Brew Station on Chestnut Street in Bradford, Pa.
“Sandy,” the 10-ton sand sasquatch, Eric Jones was commissioned to create at Bradford Brew Station on Chestnut Street in early April.
Wellsville, B-R/C-R win, set up all-Big 30 semifinal
WELLSVILLE
Trenton Green hit a home run and earned the pitching victory, striking out eight over five innings, to key the Wellsville baseball team to a 7-5 victory over Bishop Kearney in a Section 5 Class B2 quarterfinal on May 25.
Bishop Kearney held a 5-3 lead in the fifth inning when Green hit a solo home run. Paul Giovanniello then drilled a three-run double to give the second-seeded Lions a 7-5 lead and, eventually, the victory.
Matt Ritter, Andrew
Ordiway and Ty Rahr all collected a hit and an RBI while Brennen Geffers also drove in a run and Drew Coburn and Green both scored twice for Wellsville (12-7).
“Bishop Kearney is a good hitting team 1-9 in the lineup and their coaching staff had them ready today,” Wellsville coach John Anderson said. “It was tough for them to turn around and play us on two days’ rest, but their pitchers did a nice job and they made some tremendous plays in the field.” The triumph set up
an all-Allegany County semifinal matchup between the Lions and No. 7 Bolivar-Richburg/ Cuba-Rushford on May 27 in Wellsville.
“This is going to be very exciting for fans of both communities who are used to driving 90 minutes for semifinal games,” Anderson said.
“It’s a strange one for (B-R/C-R coach) Dustin Allen and I because we are always helping each other win sectionals in our respective classes.
One year, Wellsville, B-R and C-R all won sectionals the same year. With
their merge, they are in our class, and we played one game this season and needed to score in the bottom of the seventh to beat them 4-3.”
He added, “They have great coaches, our players all know each other and it’s going to be one of the biggest crowds at Wellsville in a long time.”
Henry Collins had two hits while Anthony Ortiz doubled for No. 7 Bishop Kearney.
CLASS B2 QUARTERFINALS
Bolivar-Richburg/CubaRushford 13, Marcus Whitman 5
CANANDAIGUA —
Kingston Loucks went 2-for-4 with a pair of triples and an RBI and No. 6 Bolivar-Richburg/ Cuba-Rushford used a late outburst to knock off third-seeded Marcus Whitman.
MW scored a run in the fifth to tie the game 4-4. But B-R/C-R erupted for nine runs across the sixth and seventh innings to win it.
Connor Margeson (double) and Lucas
Haskins also went 2-for4 with an RBI while Ryan Iantorno singled and drove in two runs and Braxton Clark (RBI) singled and scored three times for the Wolverines, who capitalized on seven Wildcat errors. Mason Baldwin allowed just one unearned run (2 total) on two hits in five strong relief innings for B-R/C-R.
Aiden Marin went 2-for-3 with two RBI and Daniel Smith finished 2-for-4 with three runs scored for Marcus Whitman.
Voters in Cuba-Rushford district reject budget, all others pass in Allegany County
BY KELLEN QUIGLEY
CUBA — Cuba-Rushford Central School District voters rejected a $26.94 million budget, 144-278, on May 19.
However, a proposition to purchase three school buses for no more than $466,744 passed, 229-190. Tax levies for the Cuba Circulating Library for $302,884 was OK’d, 276-142, and $90,558 for the Rushford Free Library also passed, 306-115.
In the election for one open seat on the school board, Joe Haskins received 343 votes.
By law, if a budget failed in the vote, an altered budget has to be completed by June 2 with a new budget hearing within a week, though a district isn’t required to hold a re-vote. The vote on all amended budgets in the state is set for June 16. If voters reject a school budget twice, the school board must adopt the contingency budget, though districts may also choose to immediately implement one. The
contingency budget features zero growth in the local tax levy compared to the prior year, limits administrative costs and restricts spending to teacher salaries and ordinary contingent expenses needed for daily operations, safety and legal requirements. In voting in other districts in Allegany County, all proposed budgets passed.
Alfred-Almond
Voters approved a $17.53 million budget with a 513-129 tally. The purchase of two school buses — one with wheelchair access — for no more than $380,000 also passed, 501-143. Mark Bloxsom (365 votes) was elected to a five-year term on the school board. Jason Burdick (276 votes) was also on the ballot.
Andover
Voters approved the $12.5 million budget by a 105-25 tally. Also on the ballot, a bus purchase for up to $145,000 was OK’d, 110-21, and a second vehicle purchase for no more than $75,000 was
passed, 106-23. The establishment of a bus purchase reserve fund for up to $1.5 million was also approved by a 107-24 tally. A tax levy increase for the Andover Free Library from $25,000 to $60,000 passed, 86-45. In the school board race, Mary J. Nevol and Jessica Hutchison were each elected to serve three-year terms.
Belfast
Voters approved a $12.76 million budget with an 89-24 tally. A tax levy to the Belfast Public Library was also OK’d, 89-23.
Randa Harrington (98 votes) and Marc Smithers (84 votes) were elected to seats on the school board. Rosanna Wilson was elected to the Belfast Public Library Board of Trustees with 84 votes.
Bolivar-Richburg Bolivar-Richburg voters approved the $25.38 million budget, 73-46. Providing an additional $1,983 to the Bolivar Free Library passed, 75-42; providing an additional $5,706.90 to the Richburg Colonial Library was
approved, 76-41; and providing an additional $7,624 to the Genesee Library was given the OK, 70-49. The purchase of school buses not to exceed $543,110 was approved, 75-43, and the purchase of a van using $43,802 in reserve funds passed, 80-39.
Aaron Duell (100 votes) and Donielle Champlin (92 votes) were elected to the school board.
Friendship
Friendship voters approved the $11.85 million budget, 48-14. A $220,000 school bus proposition was approved, 44-29. A proposition to name the Special Education/504 Office in honor of Sandra Golden was passed by a 53-9 tally, and a proposition to name the gymnasium in honor of Dennis Amore was OK’d, 47-14. Edna Elling and Craig Plaisted were each re-elected to the school board.
Genesee Valley
The $22 million budget was passed, 113-41. The purchase of a bus for up to 190,000
was approved, 127-26. Allocating $58,000 for the Angelica Free Library and $68,269 to the Belmont Free Library was also OK’d, 123-31.
Michelle Kelley (132 votes), Jeremy Marsh (119 votes) and Jamie Willson (119 votes) were each elected to open seats on the school board.
Scio
Scio voters approved a $13.01 million budget by a 72-33 tally. The purchase of a school bus for no more than $191,500 also passed, 80-22; and an allocation of $48,509 for the Scio Memorial Library was OK’d, 62-43. In the election of one school board seat, Adam Wiech received 92 votes for a five-year term.
Wellsville Voters approved a $40.8 million budget with a 234-111 tally. A proposition to purchase three buses for no more than $607,000 was OK’d, 248-99, and a tax levy to the David A Howe Public Library was approved, 263-84.
Michael Chaffee (269 votes) and Heather Gill (247) were each elected to three-year terms on the school board.
Whitesville
The $6.62 million budget was passed, 73-16. A tax levy of $67,307.34 for the Whitesville Public Library was also approved, 59-31. Tammy Ellison (68 votes) and Ruthie Jacobs (49 votes) were elected to the school board.
health & Wellness
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia affect millions of people across the globe. The organization Alzheimer’s Disease International reports that more than 55 million people worldwide were living with dementia in 2020. ADI also estimates that dementia cases are expected to reach 78 million by 2030 and 139 million by 2050.
Alzheimer’s disease affects those diagnosed
with the disease and also their families. Family members often assume a caregiving role when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Such a diagnosis is life-changing for both patients and their families, and it can be helpful for all affected to learn what to expect after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
• Alzheimer’s disease has stages, so a diagnosis does not
mean immediate loss of independence.
The Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation notes a guideline exists to determine the stages of Alzheimer’s at any given point. That guideline is known as the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), which identifies seven distinct stages, the first three of which are pre-dementia. The Fisher Center notes
Tips to manage life after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis
that a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can be made with considerable accuracy in stage 4, which is characterized by moderate cognitive decline. When a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, he or she or their family can ask the diagnosing physician about the stage of the disease. Such information can give families an idea of what to expect. If the
diagnosing physician indicates the disease is stage 4 or earlier, then patients can maintain some level of independence.
• Stage 5 is marked by an inability to live independently. The Fisher Center notes that the changes that occur in stage 5 prevent patients from managing life on their own. Patients may wear the same clothing day after day unless they are reminded to change, and they may not be able to pick appropriate clothing for weather or other circumstances. Potential caregivers should know that by stage 5 a patient will need assistance with their finances, including paying bills and rent. Patients in stage 5 also may not recall details of their own lives, including their address. But the Fisher Center notes that
such knowledge is loosely held in stage 5, meaning a person may recall their address at certain times, but not others.
• Caregiving is often a team effort. Individuals with stage 5 or late-stage Alzheimer’s will require caregiving. The Alzheimer’s Association notes that caring for a person with Alzheimer’s often involves a team of people as opposed to a single person. A greater level of care will be required as the disease progresses, and providing that care can be taxing and present its own unique set of challenges that can affect caregivers’ physical and mental well-being. Families that approach caregiving as a team may manage the side effects of providing that care more effectively.