SEPTEMBER
allegany county community
Alfred State’s Wellsville campus remembers 9/11
WELLSVILLE —
Between 600 and 700 students from the Wellsville campus of Alfred State College gathered at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 11 to remember the terrorist attack on this country 24 years ago.
“Most of the students on this campus today don’t remember the terrorist attack on 9/11 (2001) because they weren’t even born, but it is important that they know,” said Brad Smith, head of the automotive department, who organized the event. “Nearly 3,000 people died in the attack, and some are still dying today from the attack.”
The annual ceremony was first started on the Wellsville campus in 2002. Lending their support to the event for the second year was the Wellsville Fire Department, the Emerald Hook and Ladder Fire Department, Dyke Street Hose Company and the Willing Fire Department. Members of the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office also took part. They hoisted a 30-foot-by-50-foot flag over the entrance to the college campus, where the students gathered to mark the memorial.
BELMONT — Allegany County Legislature
Chairman Brooke Harris issued four proclamations recently, including one proclaiming Sept. 17-23 as Sheriff’s Week in the county.
According to Harris’ proclamation, “the Office of Sheriff has been an integral part of the criminal justice system in New York state and in Allegany County throughout our history, having been established in the State’s first Constitution in 1777 and continued in every
succeeding Constitution, and having been one of our original Constitutional offices upon the founding of our County.”
Despite changes in its function, status and powers during its long history, the sheriff’s office has maintained a continuous existence, preserved its heritage and continued to be an essential component of the criminal justice community, the proclamation stated.
“The office has evolved into a modern,
professional, full-service law enforcement agency, manned by fully trained police officers, using state-of-the-art technology and applying the latest and most advanced theories and practices in the criminal justice field,” the proclamation stated.
“(The) office is unique in the community and the duties of the office go far beyond the traditional role of ‘Keeper of the Peace,’ and extend into many facets of public service, including maintaining the county jail,
providing court security, dispatching emergency services and serving and executing civil process for the courts.”
Three other proclamations included declaring the week of Sept. 17-23 Constitution Week in Allegany County, declaring September as Library Card Sign-Up Month in the county and declaring this month Preparedness Month in the county.
Harris noted that Sept. 17 marks the
Photo by Kathryn Ross
Students on the Wellsville campus of Alfred State College gathered under a giant United States flag Thursday morning to remember the terrorist attack on 9/11.
Local entrepreneur brings unique wellness therapies to Cuba
CUBA — Local entrepreneur Marika Burke of Angelica is introducing a groundbreaking wellness destination to the Southern Tier with the official opening of Halo Day Spa, located inside the newly renovated Acme Business Center at 38 Water St. At the heart of Halo Day Spa’s offerings is Vibroacoustic Therapy (VAT), an advanced, sound-based treatment unlike anything cur-
rently available in the surrounding region. As the only certified VAT Practitioner in the area, Burke brings this therapy to the community, offering clients an opportunity to experience a scientifically designed system that uses low-frequency sound waves delivered through a specially engineered lounger. VAT has been shown
to calm the nervous system, promote better sleep, support stress relief and restorative balance, often leaving clients in such deep relaxation that they may drift into sleep while still receiving the full therapeutic benefit.
Complementing VAT, Halo Day Spa also offers:
• Halotherapy (dry salt therapy): A natural respiratory and skin treatment using finely dispersed salt particles to support lung function, ease irritation, and promote clearer breathing.
• Infrared/red-light sauna: The mPulse sauna combines soothing infrared heat with red-light wavelengths to encourage detoxification, improve circulation, and enhance overall wellness.
“VAT is not available within a six-hour radius,
and offering these three therapies together creates the perfect trifecta of touchless treatments for balancing the body,” said Burke. “Our goal is to create an atmosphere of mindful relaxation where self-care becomes a priority — and all of it is now close to home.”
Halo Day Spa is designed to serve individuals, couples, and groups of friends seeking holistic self-care, as well as corporate wellness programs for businesses looking to invest in employee well-being. Beyond its core therapies, Halo will regularly host daily specials, guest workshops and pop-up events featuring visiting holistic practitioners, ensuring fresh opportunities for
Alfred State continued from PAGE 1
Mike Ronan was the emcee for the event. He is the former head of the automotive department. In a brief speech to the students, Ronan emphasized the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives on 9/11 when terrorists crashed planes into both towers of the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and were forced to crash in a rural field in Shanksville, Pa., by passengers aboard Flight 93.
For a 2-minute moment of silence, Ronan encouraged the students to ponder their future service to others, their community and the nation. Ronan
emphasized using the moment of silence to ask themselves what they can do to help others because, “We are Wellsville, so we do not fail. We have people on this campus who have come from all across this country, but we are all Americans.”
Ronan also asked the students and all those present to support their local fire departments and let them know they care.
Ronan read a brief message from college President Dr. Steven Mauro, who wrote, “We pay tribute to the first responders who ran toward danger that day. They are our inspiration.”
community engagement and education.
The grand opening open house on Sept. 20–21, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will feature:
• Complimentary trial sessions of Halo’s therapies. Exclusive membership promotions, including a chance to win an “Angel” membership providing one year of spa benefits.
• Special guests from Enchanted Mountain Chocolates, Falling Leaves Reflexology, and Mystic Spirit Holistic Healing Services, offering tastings, demonstrations, and introductory experiences.
Smith said that the fire departments first came on the scene last year when he found out just two days before the event was scheduled, that the rope on the main flagpole where the program was to take place, was broken. He called for help, asking for the hook and ladder truck to display a flag.
“I wasn’t sure what they were going to do, but they came in with their hook and ladder trucks and hung this giant flag. This event gets bigger every year,” he said.
He also noted that they are already beginning to make plans for next year’s 9/11 memorial which will mark the 25th year since the terrorist attack and coincides with the 250th anniversary of the country.
Photo provided
Marika Burke, an entrepreneur and certified vibroacoustic therapy practitioner, has opened Halo Day Spa, which is dedicated to offering holistic, touchless, science-based therapies, in Cuba.
The latest on Medicaid spending in New York comes from the state comptroller, who came out with an audit that “found close to $1.2 billion in managed care premiums that were paid for members who may have resided outside of New York.
Auditors found that the state Department
238th anniversary of the framing of the Constitution of the United States by the Constitutional Convention and that it is “fitting and proper to commemorate the signing of this historic document and to recognize the enduring importance of the U.S. Constitution and the rights, responsibilities and freedoms it guarantees.”
He noted the Daughters of the American
of Health (DOH) did not properly check to confirm that Medicaid members were New York residents and waited too long to recoup improper payments. According to state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, “Medicaid is a vital program and the single biggest expense in the state budget. We cannot afford any wasteful spending. If a person is enrolled in more than one state at the same time, both states may end up paying premiums to his or her managed care plans. Responsibility for preventing enrollment in more than one state lies at both the federal and state levels, and stronger coordination is needed to reduce improper payments, protect the
Revolution and other civic organizations across the country “encourage the observance of Constitution Week as a means to inform and inspire all Americans to protect and defend this foundational document.”
On Library Card Sign-Up Month, Harris noted libraries play a vital role in fostering lifelong learning, literacy and community engagement while “a library
program’s integrity, and ensure New York is only paying Medicaid costs for its residents.”
It simply remains outrageous and inexcusable. It’s not like fiscal watchdogs inside and outside of the state Legislature haven’t been banging the drum on abuse, fraud and waste within New York’s hugely expensive (and expansive) Medicaid system for as long as I can recall, yet year after year brings additional reports of ongoing fraud and waste.
Keep in mind the recent report from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which I’ve highlighted before, revealing that per-resident Medicaid spending in New York was
card opens the door to a world of knowledge, technology and resources by providing access to a goldmine of books, magazines, CDs, videos, computers, the Internet and more.”
He added that “children who have library cards and use the library perform better in school.”
With a 2025 theme of “Preparedness Starts at Home,” Preparedness Month encourages taking proactive steps to prepare for emergencies by knowing their risks, making a plan, building a kit and getting involved.
“(E)mergencies such as floods, wildfires, severe storms and health-related incidents can occur at any time, often without warning, and may result in significant loss of life and
nearly 25% higher than any other state and 77% above the national average.
That report pinpointed what can only be called explosive growth in Medicaid spending in New York state, especially over the past several years. It’s also worthwhile to recall here the summary of that federal report from the Albany-based Empire Center for Public Policy showing that while New York accounts for less than 6% of the nation’s population, our state’s more than $100 billion Medicaid budget is more than 10% of national spending on the program. On a per-resident basis, New York’s Medicaid spending was by far the highest of
property,” Harris stated. “Allegany County is committed to enhancing community resilience through education, outreach and collaboration with local emergency management agencies, fire departments, law enforcement and volunteer organizations.”
He said the Allegany County Office of Emergency Management works to prepare communities for hazards and encourages all residents to register for local emergency alert systems and maintain a two-week emergency supply kit.
“(P)reparedness is a shared responsibility and every resident is encouraged to take steps to ensure their safety and the safety of their families, neighbors and pets,” the proclamation stated.
Op-Ed: A system that keeps failing to put taxpayers first
any state at $4,942. The national average was $2,791 per resident.
Furthermore, the findings of an Empire Center report last November, “Medicaid Overdose” (read the full report here: empirecenter.org/publications/ medicaid-overdose/), remain noteworthy, including that:
• Forty-four percent of the state’s population, including 60% of New York City residents, were enrolled in state-sponsored coverage through Medicaid or the Essential Plan as of September 2024.
• New York’s 44% coverage rate was seven points higher than any other state, and 20 points higher than the national average.
• More than 3 million enrollees appear to have incomes above the eligibility limits for either Medicaid or the Essential Plan, based on analysis of census data.
• For every one person who stopped being counted as uninsured over the past decade, the state added more than three people to either Medicaid or the Essential Plan.
• New York offers zero-premium health coverage to residents up to 250 percent of the poverty level, the highest eligibility threshold in the United States.
• Over the past decade, total spending on Medicaid and the Essential Plan has nearly doubled, from $60 billion in fiscal 2015 to a projected $113 billion in fiscal 2025.
Many of us in the Legislature have long warned about this outof-control spending which, for many years, has been the heaviest burden of all for counties and local property taxpayers. But equally
BY SEN. TOM O’MARA
O’Mara Op-Ed continued on PAGE 6
➡Brooke Harris continued from PAGE 1
Night of Science and Arts coming to Alfred University
ALFRED — Alfred University will host the third annual Night of Science and Arts on Thursday, Oct. 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. The event welcomes members of the campus and local communities for fun events and demonstrations focused on science, engineering, and the arts.
The Night of Science and Arts is a one-night, free event hosted by students and faculty from Alfred University’s science, engineering, and arts programs. It is sponsored by the Alfred University and its chapter of the Society of Women Engineers. Families of all ages
are welcome to visit the McMahon Engineering Building and Harder Hall Lobby and take in their choices of more than 50 live demonstrations. The demonstrations — focusing on areas ranging from physics and chemistry to mechanical, glass, and ceramic engineering — will generally last five to 10 minutes. They include exploding thermite reactions, liquid nitrogen ice cream, elephant toothpaste and flaming gummy bears. There will also be interactive demonstrations from Alfred University’s School of Art and Design and Performing Arts Division.
Alzheimer’s Association consultant to be in Belmont
BELMONT — The Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will offer Allegany County citizens the opportunity to meet with a trained care consultant Sept. 25 at the Allegany County Office for the Aging, 6085 Route 19 The Coffee with a Care Consultant event will allow for free, confidential discussions about concerns relating to Alzheimer’s and dementia for individuals and their loved ones. The Alzheimer’s Association care consultant will be able to answer questions about diagnosis, treatment options and helpful resources for caregivers.
Private appointments will be available from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and can be reserved online at bit.ly/AlzAOFASep25 or by calling (800) 2723900.
This program is supported in part by a grant from the New York State Department of Health.
automotive
Visitors will have a chance to create sugar glass and fiber, watch fire dance to music, watch gummy bears catch on fire, learn about explosions, and eat cotton candy and liquid nitrogen ice cream. A buffet dinner will be served at Ade Dining Hall at a discounted family rate; kids 12 years and under eat free.
All faculty, staff, and student parking lots will be open to the public for the event. The university will have volunteers directing traffic and assisting with parking. Students will also be directing families to the demonstration locations and the dining hall.
For more information, email Rebecca Welch at welchr@alfred.edu.
health & Wellness
Getting to know chiropractic care
manipulation therapy was associated with modest improvements in pain and function for patients with acute low back pain.
Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to health that focuses on the musculoskeletal system, with a particular emphasis on the spine. The core of chiropractic care is the premise that a healthy, properly aligned spine can support not only the body itself, but its natural healing abilities. Chiropractors are licensed health care professionals are often referred to as doctors of chiropractic (D.C.)
According to data from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, approximately 11 percent of adults in the United States sought chiropractic care in 2022. It is a popular form of treatment in the United States as well as Canada, where the Canadian Chiropractic Association says about 16 percent of the adult population utilizes chiropractic care annually. A significant majority
use chiropractic care for pain management, including neck and back pain.
The NCCIH reports that there is a growing body of evidence supporting the benefits of chiropractic care. They note it is “generally considered a safe and effective treatment for back pain.” A 2018 study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that spinal
The hallmark of chiropractic care is chiropractic adjustment, which uses the hands or a small instrument to apply a controlled, specific force to a joint. The goal is to improve spinal motion, restore joint function and alleviate pain. Beyond spinal adjustments, chiropractors may use a variety of treatments, including massage, soft tissue therapy and corrective exercises. Some chiropractors also may provide nutritional counseling and lifestyle advice to help patients achieve overall wellness. This is common of holistic approaches, which address the root causes of patients’ pain instead of just treating symptoms.
Chiropractic care is a form of treatment that aims to address many issues that can affect the body.
Photo provided by Alfred University
Collin Wilkinson (right), assistant professor of glass science and engineering, gives a demonstration using liquid nitrogen to create ice cream during Alfred University’s Night of Science and Arts event in 2024.
home improvement
5 simple ways to personalize your bathroom
(BPT) — Your bathroom doesn’t have to solely be a utilitarian space. With just a few easy changes, you can turn your no-frill bathroom into a relaxing space with a personalized feel.
Don’t know where to
start? Check out these five simple tips that can help you enhance your existing aesthetic or completely update the vibes of your bathroom.
1. Hang artwork that reflects your taste Hanging artwork
in the bathroom is the easiest way to quickly add personality. If you’re looking to change the room’s theme from a minimalist black-andwhite color scheme to a maximalist tropical theme, find photos and prints with plants and trees in bright greens, reds and yellows.
Or, if you’ve been having a hard time finding a spot to hang art you’ve either purchased or been gifted by a friend, these pieces may look right at home in your bathroom!
Pro tip: Choose waterproof frames that can protect your art from humidity.
2. Update hardware to express your style
The hardware you choose sets the tone and style of a bathroom. If you currently have cool silver drawer pulls, faucets, towel bars and other fixtures with a polished finish, consider switching to warm gold
or bronze hardware with a brushed finish.
to life and can soften a bathroom’s hard, clean lines. There are many plants you can choose from, but it’s best to choose ones that thrive in humidity, like calatheas, monsteras, pothos, orchids or ferns.
Once you’ve chosen your plants, look for
decorative planters that match your aesthetic or the bathroom’s color scheme. If you’re short on space, consider hanging planters. No matter what you choose, the plants you care for can make the bathroom more inviting.
Keep in mind that you can mix and match colors, materials and finishes to create a bathroom with hardware tailored to your taste. For example, if you want to upgrade your faucet, check out Kohler’s Mix & Match Faucet options. Three faucet collections provide you with the freedom to choose the spout style, handle and finish.
If you’re looking to inject turn-of-the-century charm into your bathroom, choose the Artifacts collection. For a high-fashion, effortless glamour of the Golden Age of Hollywood, opt for the Occasion line of faucet sets. Want to lean into minimalism? Take a look at the Components collection. Each line offers faucet fixtures in several finishes and colors, so you can find what suits your style best.
3. Add a spa-like feel with plants
Turn your bathroom into a tranquil retreat with bathroom-friendly plants. Adding natural, organic elements like plants can bring an otherwise sterile room
4. Control the ambiance with lighting Changing the lighting in your bathroom allows you to effortlessly control the ambiance.
For example, dimmable white light bulbs create a cozy atmosphere, but still offer enough illumination for grooming tasks like shaving and applying makeup. Installing a dimmer switch allows you to adjust brightness to create a sunlike daytime mood or a soothing evening glow for a relaxing bath after a long day. For flexibility, install smart lighting that allows you to change the color and brightness depending on your mood and needs.
Pro tip: Choose lighting elements that match or complement other bathroom hardware. If you’re considering
installing a faucet from Kohler’s Artifacts, Components and Occasion collections, you’re in luck. Each collection also offers customizable lighting fixtures.
5. Add color and texture with paint and wallpaper
Finally, a new coat of paint or wallpaper can do wonders for a bathroom. With so many colors and patterns to choose from, you can easily find the combination that suits your style.
Tired of the sterile white or beige of your bathroom walls? Grab a can of baby blue or sage green to create a serene setting or use warm reds and pinks for a homey ambiance.
If you want to add textures and patterns, look for wallpaper that reflects the theme of
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the bathroom or that shows off your hobbies or interests. From florals to faux stone to geometric shapes and more, wallpaper offers endless possibilities to express yourself in this space.
Pro tip: The type of paint and wallpaper you choose matters. Acrylic and latex paints are popular bathroom choices because they can prevent mold and mildew that can flourish in humid conditions. Similarly, vinyl wallpaper is best for the humid bathroom environment.
Are you ready to restyle your bathroom? Using these five tips, you can turn a basic room into a retreat personalized to your heart’s content. To find more bathroom makeover tips and get inspired, visit Kohler.com.
ALFRED — Alfred State College will use a National Science Foundation grant to help boost a project to train
robotics specialists for agriculture jobs. The $474,019 award will support a project led by Assistant Professor
Allegany Co. Democrats to benefit Wellsville Food Pantry
When the Allegany County Democratic Committee convenes its monthly “Coffee with Democrats” on Saturday, members will collect non-perishable food and personal care items to be donated to the Catholic Charities/Joyce Family Pantry, 67 E. Pearl St., Wellsville.
They’ll also be collecting yarn and crochet hooks to donate to a student project at Alfred University. The event runs from 10 a.m. to noon at Reeni’s House in Andover and is open to all registered Democrats and friends of the committee. Coffee and light snacks will be served. Please bring a lawn chair and a friend.
To get a map with directions, you must sign up here no later than Friday. Visit acdcny.org, call (585) 610-4321, email info@acdcny.org or check out Facebook at facebook.com/alleganycodems.
Jessica Hutchison titled “Developing a Robotics and Automation Technician Pathway for the Agricultural and Industrial Sectors,” according to U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-Pendleton, who announced the grant on Friday.
“I am proud to see Alfred State College remain a leader in cutting-edge research and innovation, particularly in the devel-
troublesome are these repeated reports of abuse, fraud, and waste within the system.
From the comptroller’s most recent investigation: “The audit found that DOH (Department of Health) did not start submitting NYSOH’s (New York State of Health) member data for matching in the federal Public Assistance Reporting Information System (PARIS), which matches enrollment data of public assistance programs like Medicaid across all 50 states, until May 2017, nearly three years after NYSOH started. DOH did not start reviews of the NYSOH PARIS match results
opment and use of robotic technology” said Langworthy. “This grant is an investment that will prepare students in our rural communities for high-demand, good-paying jobs while giving local businesses the workforce they need to stay competitive in a world with greater automation.”
“Alfred State is excited about the momentum this funding will bring
National Science Foundation awards $474K to Alfred State robotics tech research
to assist our students as they enter the workforce,” said Alfred State College President Steven Mauro. “We are appreciative of all the help and support we’ve seen from Congressman Langworthy to make this possible.”
until two years later, in October 2019. The audit identified $1.5 billion in premium payments that were made from 2017 to 2019 for unreviewed NYSOH members.
Auditors identified an additional $1.2 billion in managed care premiums paid for members that potentially resided outside New York.”
DOH officials generally concurred with the findings, according to the comptroller. Go back to the opening lines from the comptroller’s audit, specifically the following: “Auditors found that the state Department of Health (DOH) did not properly check to confirm that Medic-
aid members were New York residents and waited too long to recoup improper payments.”
Checking that Medicaid recipients are, in fact, eligible state residents before providing the benefit seems like the most fundamental step to take to ensure the program’s effectiveness and integrity. The same goes for not waiting “too long to recoup improper payments.”
Ensuring residency and immediately fixing mistakes seem like the very least we can do for state and local taxpayers and if it’s not being done, routinely and steadfastly, it sends the wrong message to our taxpayers. It tells them
The award is the 13th from the NSF since 1978 to Alfred State, according to the agency’s awards database. The last award was made in 2004.
The project is to develop a new educational pipeline to instruct students for careers in robotics and automation, specifically targeting agriculture and industry. Officials said the program will help address the growing shortage of skilled technicians, while equipping local businesses to compete in an increasingly automated economy.
that state government doesn’t care. Out-of-control, wasteful Medicaid spending will never be brought back under control through a system that apparently fails, far too often, to take the first, basic steps.
We’re talking about billions of taxpayer dollars being lost to apparent carelessness in a state where taxpayers, at every level, are already overtaxed and overburdened, and have been for a long time.
It needs to be stop.
(State Sen. Tom O’Mara, R-Big Flats, represents New York’s 58th Senatorial District, which includes the eastern portion of Allegany County.)