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Laurynn’s Matching Challenge sets goal for Babcock Theater effort
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Sen. Borrello honors retired Brigadier Gen. Austin in Veterans Hall of Fame celebration CUBA — Sen. George Borrello joined retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Arthur G. Austin Jr., along with his family, friends, fellow veterans and area leaders to honor him Saturday as the 57th Senate District’s 2025 inductee into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame. The program celebrated a life of service that began nearly five decades ago and has continued well beyond Austin’s military retirement. The ceremony concluded with a luncheon at Moonwinks
Restaurant and Lounge highlighting cuisines from the regions where he served — including Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, New Orleans, La., Japan and the Middle East — a nod to his diverse deployments and the cultures he experienced in uniform. “Arthur Austin has worn our nation’s uniform with distinction and, in retirement, has continued to wear the mantle of service with the same pride and purpose,” Borrello said. “From commanding troops in wartime to mentoring veterans here
at home, his life’s work reflects an unwavering devotion to others. Today is about saying ‘thank you’ for his courage, his leadership, and the example he sets for all of us.” Austin, who gdrew up in Detroit, began his service in 1977 as a Military Police soldier in the Michigan Army National Guard. After earning his commission from Michigan State University in 1982, he rose through the ranks in the U.S. Army, culminating Brigadier Gen. Austin continued on PAGE 4
Photo provided Retired Brigadier Gen. Arthur G. Austin Jr. (center) with his wife, Karen, and state Sen. George Borrello.
SUNY chancellor at Alfred State for ribbon-cutting at Collegiate
Photo provided by Alfred State College SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. (center) joined Dr. Steven Mauro (right) and Alfred Mayor Jim Ninos to cut the ribbon to signify the reopening of The Collegiate Restaurant on Main Street.
ALFRED — State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. joined Alfred State College and local officials at a ribbon-cutting event at the historic Collegiate Restaurant. “Since 1924, The Collegiate has been a beloved attraction in Alfred,” said Alfred State’s president, Dr. Steven Mauro. “The Ninos family has welcomed generations of visitors to this restaurant with warmth, flavor, and community spirit and we are grateful to them for providing the opportunity to continue this tradition.” Affectionately known as “The Jet,” the restaurant will also be a
“learning lab” that will extend education and student opportunities beyond the classroom and into the real-world. In addition to allowing for expansion of our Culinary Arts program, the location will also serve as a hub for internships for all our academic programs, where students in business, marketing, architecture, science or the trades will have opportunities to learn about running a business or maintaining a facility. Alfred State plans to expand the campus food pantry into the restaurant as well. In addition to providing shelved goods to our students in need, they also can have
a warm meal when the need arises. “It is especially wonderful to be at a ribbon cutting that perfectly reflects our commitment at SUNY to internships and on-the-job training for all of our students,” King said. “One of our goals at SUNY is to make sure that every undergraduate has an internship experience. “Hands-on learning is such a valuable part of a student’s higher education experience, and we want to make sure that students not only graduate with a meaningful degree or credential, but actually ready Alfred State Ribbon-Cutting continued on PAGE 4
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Laurynn’s Matching Challenge sets goal for Babcock Theater effort BY KATHRYN ROSS
WELLSVILLE — Like dribbling a ball toward the goal a young soccer player has kicked the fundraising efforts of the Babcock Movie Theater Preservation Society into high gear. Earlier this month, 11-year-old Laurynn Flamini donated $118 to the group, which is working to renovate and reopen the more than 100-year-old theater located on the village’s Main Street. Along with being an avid soccer player, the girl is a talented crafter, a hobby that is encouraged by her grandmother, Jessica Fahs, who owns Small Town Crafts By Jess. Fahs, who is also an employee of the local Tops Friendly Market, solicited her employer’s sponsorship to create and decorate the preservation society’s float for the Great Wellsville Balloon Rally Parade in July. Laurynn helped and was even part of the float. The following weekend, at the Main Street Festival, the youngster helped in her grandmother’s booth selling woven cord bracelets
Laurynn Flamini
that she had fashioned over several weeks to earn some money. But, Laurynn, headed for middle school this fall and the daughter of Danielle Marsh and Tyler Flamini, chose not to spend her hard-earned cash to buy a new backpack or soccer cleats. Instead, she donated the funds to the BMTPS because, she said, “I want to see movies in Wellsville and not have
to travel out of town.” The sentiment struck a chord with members of the BMPTS board, particularly treasurer Kate Williams and newcomer to Wellsville Chaz LaGreca, who at the meeting was talking with Benjamin Evans, the new curator of the Alfred Ceramic Art Museum. Evans was so impressed by Laurynn’s generosity that he made a matching donation to the project on the spot. That put the ball in motion. Like a couple of forwards on the soccer pitch, Williams and LaGreca made the assist and organized Laurynn’s Matching Challenge, the second official fundraiser for
the Babcock theater project. “Now we’re challenging the community to match Laurynn’s spirit,” Williams said. “Our goal is for 1,000 people to each give $118 — just like Laurynn — to raise $118,000 to restore the Babcock as a space for movies, educational programs and community events. Every dollar raised through Laurynn’s Matching Challenge will go directly toward the preservation and reopening of The Babcock Theater in Wellsville.” To participate in Laurynn’s Matching Challenge, donate $118 (or any amount you can give) to match Laurynn’s gift; share the campaign with friends, family and on social media to help spread the word; and leave a message for Laurynn in donation comments — BMPTS will make sure she sees it. “If one young person can rally her talents for the cause, imagine what our whole community can accomplish together,” Williams said. Donations to Laurynn’s Matching Challenge can be made through Venmo at @ babcocktheater, GoFundMe at gofund.me/ e16dce98 or via mail to Babcock Movie Theater Preservation Society, c/o Barry Glickstein, 126 Maple Ave., Wellsville, N.Y., 14895.
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allegany county Community Source
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August 29, 2025
Wellsville village going high-tech with camera system at key locations WELLSVILLE — The village board has approved the purchase of a high-tech camera system to be installed at seven village sites. Treasurer Melissa Mullen and Department of Public Works Superintendent Dean Arnold — due to the absence of Police Chief Tim O’Grady, who was occupied at an accident scene — explained during the village meeting Aug. 25 that the police department has been looking into the purchase of a camera system. The system will be monitored by police and includes seven cameras to be placed at village facilities — the police station, fuel depot, water and light depart-
ment, village hall and at power substations, including the Niles Hill substation. The camera system is in color and includes face and license plate recognition capabilities and an alarm system. Mayor Randy Shayler said the installation of the system is justified because of break-ins at the substations and because of individuals “helping themselves” to fuel at the village’s fuel depot. “The Niles Hill substation is a Homeland Security situation and that scares the heck out of me,” he added. The cost of the web-based system with professional installation is $28,470 and will re-
Photo provided Members of the Wellsville Dawgs softball team pose for a photo following their tournament win in Erie, Pa.
Diamond Dawgs win Erie tourney and Metro League Wellsville’s Diamond Dawgs finished their season winning the Rock the Diamond tournament in Erie, Pa. on Aug 8-10. The Dawgs went 5-0 on the weekend and defeated the Oil City Lightning in the finals. In addition, the Dawgs went undefeated (11-0) in the Metro League (Buffalo) this season. The Dawgs finished their season with a record of 39-7-2 and a USSSA 16U National Championship. Dawgs coach Matt Burke said, “A big thank you goes out to all our sponsors and supporters. We have a great group of parents that go the extra mile to give their daughter the opportunity to play travel softball. It takes a lot of work to be successful and this team exemplifies that.”
quire the installation of Wi-Fi capability at each location. Arnold said it is the same system currently being used in county facilities. “It’s a great start,” he said, adding that the system may be expanded as needed. Trustee Gary Pearson moved to approve the purchase of the camera system from Landtech of Rochester, and it was unanimously approved by the board. Meanwhile, the meeting started off on a congratulatory note. Stacy Cretekos, who has been routinely visiting the meetings, caught the attention of the board when she spoke up at the beginning of the meeting, saying, “I want to say thank you to the 911 services. Everyone was there within three minutes. I was very proud to be a resident of Wellsville that day.” Cretekos, an Early Street resident, recently called 911 because of a suspected fire. Upon investigation by the fire department, it turned out, as she said, “to be nothing.” Still, the prompt response left her very appreciative, so much so, that she wanted the board to know what a fine job the police and fire department are doing. The board itself also did some quick action. To expediate licensing processes, the board approved a request for a waiver of the 30-day municipal notification for an application for an on-premise liquor license to serve liquor, wine, beer and cider for the new owners of Bowl-M-Over. The 64 E. Dyke St. facility will be reopen-
Photo by Kathryn Ross A surveillance camera will be placed at the village of Wellsville’s fuel depot, where unauthorized individuals have been “helping themselves,” according to a village official.
ing shortly under new management. “It’s been bought by a group who own another bowling alley, so it should be successful,” Shayler said after the request was approved. The trustees also approved several applications for special event permits. • A client appreciation lunch for Cedarwood Financial Partners from noon to 3 p.m., Sept. 20, at the
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Before adjourning, Shayler complimented the DPW on the paving of Williams Avenue saying, “It looks lovely and it’s very smooth.” The next meeting of the board is at 6 p.m. Sept. 8 in the village hall.
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allegany county Community Source
Photos provided The Wellsville BPW Club awarded its 2025 $500 adult-learner scholarship to Sabrena Beaton (center). Representing BPW are Elizabeth Billings (left) and Priscilla Brown.
The BPW Club awarded its 2025 Healthcare Scholarships. Pictured (from left) are Elizabeth Billings, recipients Shaeleigh Fisk and Cloey Middaugh and Priscilla Brown.
Wellsville BPW Club presents scholarships WELLSVILLE — The Wellsville Business and Professional Women Club awarded a $500 adult learner Scholarship to Sabrena Beaton, the prekindergarten through grade 12 library media specialist at Scio
Central School. Beaton, of Scio, has a Master of Education in Reading Education; she is married and has two children. The $500 scholarship was awarded for her work on completing her second master’s de-
gree from St. John Fisher University — a Master of Science in Library Media. Two $500 scholarships each were also awarded to Wellsville High School graduates Shaeleigh Fisk and Clo-
ey Middaugh. Fisk is attending Duquesne University of Pittsburgh as a health science major with plans to become a pediatrician. Middaugh is attending Alfred State in
the Individual Studies Program. She wants to become a dental hygienist. The BPW Club was started in 1924 by four women and today it has about 30 active members from Wellsville
and surrounding towns. The club consists of the Olive Twig of the Jones Memorial Hospital. BPW scholarships have been given every year since 1969 to help high school graduates attend college.
St. Bonaventure to serve as director of Army ROTC and professor of Military Science in 2016, Gen. Austin immediately took me — and, by extension, about 80 ROTC cadets — under his wing, making it clear he was 100% on our team and determined to continue the mission of leading troops and mentoring leaders that he began decades ago as an ROTC cadet in Michigan.” Remarks by retired U.S. Army Maj. Curtis Belen were also read during the ceremony. “Brigadier Gen. Austin’s Hall of Fame induction honors a leader whose legacy is defined by empowering growth through accountability and care,” Belen said. “His leadership gave us the freedom to thrive within clear parameters. He didn’t just lead missions, he made them better, and he made us better.” Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski, R-Canisteo, who was unable to attend the ceremony, also sent remarks.
“I want to offer Brigadier Gen. Austin my heartfelt and warm congratulations on being inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame by Sen. Borrello. This honor is well-deserved. Gen. Austin embodies respect, duty and honor of service to our nation in every aspect of his life. He’s an inspiration and it’s my honor to be his representative in the New York State Assembly.” Austin noted that while he was inducted into the NYS Senate Hall of Fame over the Memorial Day holiday in Albany, Saturday’s event in Cuba was his opportunity to acknowledge the support he has received from his wife, Karen, as well as from friends and supporters throughout the area. Although I’m standing here, it’s you,” he said. “Each and everyone of you has, in some way, impacted this day. Almost to a person, we heard from you, ‘It would be an honor to attend.’ Well, folks, the
honor is mine.” Reflecting on his life of service, from the battlefield to his community, Austin said, “I may not be able to change the entire world, but I can have a positive effect on the world around me.” “Arthur Austin’s record of service is long, impressive, and filled with hard-earned honors,” Borrello said. “But what speaks most to his character is that, after decades of serving his country, he chose to dedicate his retirement to serving his fellow veterans. That choice reflects a deep sense of duty and compassion that no medal can capture, and it’s why we are proud to honor him in the Veterans’ Hall of Fame.” The New York State Senate Veterans’ Hall of Fame was created in 2005 to honor outstanding veterans from across the state who have distinguished themselves both in military service and through exemplary community involvement.
➡Brigadier Gen. Austin continued from PAGE 1 in his role as Deputy Commanding General of the 46th Military Police Command. His military career included deployments to the Cuban Refugee Crisis, Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Hurricane Katrina recovery operations and combat theaters in Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Following his 2014 retirement, Austin made Cuba his home. He has
since become a driving force in multiple veterans’ initiatives, from suicide prevention and Veterans Administration outreach to outdoor programs that foster healing and camaraderie among veterans. He has lent his expertise and leadership to organizations including the Veterans Outdoors Experience, Community Veterans Outreach and the Enchanted Moun-
automotive
tain Veteran Coalition. His community work also includes organizing youth fishing derbies, supporting honor guard services and speaking to students about service and leadership. In 2024, his commitment was recognized nationally when the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) honored him as the Outstanding Veteran Volunteer of the Year — an award presented at the local, state and national levels. Austin’s influence reaches into the classroom as well. Through guest lectures at Cuba-Rushford High School and St. Bonaventure University, he challenges young people to be “part of the solution, not part of the problem” — a motto that guides both his military legacy and his civilian life. Recalling Austin’s impact on the next generation of military leaders, retired Lt. Col. Sean Coulter, director of Army ROTC at St. Bonaventure University, said: “When I arrived at
➡Alfred State Ribbon-Cutting continued from PAGE 1 for success post-graduation in the economy,” the chancellor added. The Main Street restaurant will feature a handful of “Jet” classic options along with a variety of new items. The restaurant will operate 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day except Mondays. State Sen. Thomas O’Mara, Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski and Allegany County’s director of economic development, Ashley Smith, joined King, Mauro and Alfred Mayor Jim Ninos for the ribbon-cutting. King met with Culinary Arts students along with local students who completed intern-
ships. He also toured the restaurant and saw the classroom that will allow instructors to work with students in the facility. Prior to attending the ribbon-cutting, King toured ASC’s Applied Technology campus in Wellsville. He learned about the EV technology taught in the automotive department, toured a new electrical teaching lab, and saw progress on the Heavy Equipment Truck and Diesel expansion.
ALFRED STATE SEES RECORD INTEREST FROM STUDENTS
Approximately 1,500 new students were
welcomed on campus this week at Alfred State College after more than 11,000 applied this year, showing record-breaking interest. Increased recruitment and advertising brought in higher numbers of transfer students, recent high school graduates and out-of-state students from as far away as Alaska, along with international students, ASC reported. They join a campus community totaling more than 3,500 students. Carrie Cokely, vice president for academic affairs, welcomed the newest Pioneers
along with ASC President Steve Mauro and Student Senate President Jalon Rainey. Each spoke on the value of engaging in activities, making new friends, learning from experienced faculty, enjoying hands-on learning for career skills and tapping into support from Alfred State’s caring community. “All of us here today are pleased to welcome you officially to Alfred State,” Cokely said. “We celebrate the beginning of your college career and encourage you to come to any of us with questions throughout your time here.”
allegany county Community Source
August 29, 2025
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home improvement
How to spot a mold infestation in your home Homeowners know the work related to their homes is never done. Tasks ranging from routine maintenance to minor tweaks to large projects are part of homeownership. Some of the work related to a home focuses on functionality, while other tasks might be all about aesthetic appeal. Potential health concerns related to a home also merit homeowners’ attention. Mold is one such issue. Though it’s impossible to pinpoint how much mold poses a health problem to a home’s inhabitants, it’s fair to suggest homeowners feel that no mold is ideal. According
to the New York State Department of Health, exposure to indoor mold can cause nasal and sinus congestion; eye irritation marked by itchy, red and watery eyes; wheezing and difficulty breathing; cough and other types of throat irritation; skin irritation, including rash; and headache. The potentially harmful consequences of a mold infestation inside a home underscore how important it can be for homeowners to learn to identify when they have a mold issue at home. • Learn what mold looks like. Mold patches increase in size the longer an infestation goes unchecked, so it might be easier to stop an issue after it’s been around awhile. The NYSDOH notes that mold typically appears as fuzzy patches that may be discolored or even slimy. • Recognize that mold also can be malodorous. Mold produces a distinct musty smell continued on PAGE 6
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allegany county Community Source
home improvement that is often the first symptom people recognize when they have n infestation at home. If a musty smell is present in a room, try to follow it to its source. That may involve some trial and error, as mold can grow behind and even
underneath surfaces, including carpets, wallpaper and cabinets. Mold also can grow behind walls, a situation that may necessitate working with a remediation professional. • Know where to look. Though mold can
grow anywhere in a home, certain areas in a home are more vulnerable to an infestation than others. Rooms affected by moisture are susceptible to mold growth. In bathrooms, mold may grow around sinks, shower stalls and curtains, and
tiles. In kitchens, mold can grow on tiles and even on the seal around a refrigerator door. Mold also can grow on and around window air conditioner units. The NYSDOH notes that certain people may be more vulnerable to
mold-related health problems than others. Such individuals include people with existing respiratory conditions and those with compromised immune systems. Homeowners can prioritize safeguarding their homes from mold infestations and, when necessary,
work with remediation professionals to eliminate existing issues and reduce infestation risks going forward. Protecting a home against a mold infestation is a simple yet important task homeowners can look to in an effort to keep their homes safe and healthy.
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health & Wellness
Why walking is a perfect exericse for seniors Aging changes the human body in myriad ways. But even with those changes, seniors’ bodies have many of the same needs as the bodies of their younger counterparts. Exercise is one thing the human body needs regardless of how old it is. But some exercises are better suited for particular demographics than others. Walking, for example, is an ideal activity for seniors, some of whom may be surprised to learn just how beneficial a daily stroll can be. • Walking strengthens bones and muscles. The Mayo Clinic notes that regular brisk walking strengthens bones and muscles. Intensity is important when looking to walking
to improve muscle strength. A 2015 study published in the journal Exercises and Sports Sciences Reviews found that achieving a 70 to 80 percent heart rate reserve during workouts lasting at least 40 minutes four to five days per week can help build muscle strength. GoodRx defines heart rate reserve as the difference between your resting and maximum heart rate, so it’s important that seniors looking to walking to build muscle strength exhibit more intensity during a workout walk than they might during a recreational stroll. • Walking helps seniors maintain
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a healthy weight. Overweight and obesity are risk factors for a host of chronic illnesses, including diabetes and heart disease. The Mayo Clinic notes walking can help seniors keep pounds off and maintain a healthy weight. In fact, SilverSneakers® reports that a 155-pound person burns around 133 calories walking for 30 minutes at a 17-minutes-per-mile pace. A slight increase in intensity to 15 minutes per mile can help that same person burn an additional 42 calories. • Walking lowers seniors’ risk for various diseases. It’s long been known that walking is a great way for seniors
to reduce their risk for cardiovascular disease. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society noted in 1996 that walking more than four hours per week was associated with a significantly
reduced risk of being hospitalized for cardiovascular disease. How significant is that reduction? A 2023 report from the American Heart Association indicated people age 70 and older who walked an additional 500 steps per day had a 14 percent lower risk for heart disease, stroke or heart failure. In addition, the Department of Health with the Victoria State Government in Australia reports walking also helps seniors reduce their risk for colon cancer and diabetes. • Walking boosts mental health. Researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health note that replacing one hour of sitting with
one hour of a moderate activity like brisk walking can have a measureable and positive effect on mental health. The researchers behind the study, which was published in the journal Psychiatry in 2019, saw a 26 percent decrease in odds for becoming depressed with each major increase in objectively measured physical activity. Walking can benefit all people, but might be uniquely beneficial for seniors. Walking is free, which undoubtedly appeals to seniors living on fixed incomes, and it’s also a moderate intensity activity that won’t tax seniors’ bodies. Such benefits suggest walking and seniors are a perfect match.