Moneysaver 4-14-22

12 2022

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Austin • Coudersport • Crosby • Eldred • Gifford • Kane • Lewis Run • Mt. Jewett • Otto Eldred • Port Allegany Ridgway • Roulette • Smethport • Turtlepoint

Photo Provided Mike Wolfe travels the United States looking for unique collections of items, along with the unique stories that accompany them for The History Channel’s American Pickers television series.

American Pickers seek unique items and people for their summer visit

BY DANIELLA GRIESBAUM Mike Wolfe, his brother Robbie, and Danielle Colby of The History Channel’s television show American Pickers will be returning to Pennsylvania with a plan to film episodes throughout the McKean County area in June 2022.

American Pickers is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking.” The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for

America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find sizable, unique collections and learn the interesting stories behind them.

According to The History Channel’s website, the show “isn’t your grandmother’s antiquing.

The American Pickers are on a mission to recycle America, even if it means diving into countless piles of grimy junk or getting chased off a gun-wielding homeowner’s land. Hitting back roads from coast to

coast, the Pickers earn a living by restoring forgotten relics to their former glory, transforming one person’s trash into another’s treasure. The show follows the team as they scour the country for hidden gems in junkyards, basements, garages and barns, meeting quirky characters and hearing their amazing stories.”

According to Associate Producer Meredith Ball, the Pickers are looking for different, unusual and unique items — something they’ve never seen before with an

extraordinary story.

“We’re looking for leads throughout the state, specifically interesting characters with fascinating items and lots of them,” explained Ball. “The way we find people and collections for our show is through spreading the word far and wide so that people know we’re coming to town.”

As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, they want to meet

Pitt-Bradford recognizes employees for years of service The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford recognized members of its faculty and staff celebrating milestone anniversaries last week at a special recognition dinner. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, recognition of employees during 2021 was postponed until this year.

Dr. Michael Klausner, associate professor of sociology and longest-serving member of the faculty, was recognized for 45 years of service. He teaches a variety of sociology classes, including Deviance, Introduction to Sociology, Socialization, Organizational Behavior and Sociological theory.

He enjoys spending time in his native New York City, where he volunteers tutoring homeless children. On campus, he enjoys spending time in the fitness center and is a member of the Pitt-Bradford Athletic Hall of Fame for his support of Pitt-Bradford athletics.

Kathy Moonan, the newly promoted director of business affairs, was recognized for more than 43 years of service. She is the longest-serving member of the staff. In addition to directing the day-to-day operations of the office of business affairs, she volunteers fundraising for Panthers’ athletic teams, cheering for the wrestling

team she helped found and coordinating food concessions at the Kessel Athletic Complex.

Dr. Warren Fass, associate professor of psychology, who was honored for 40 years of service, is director of the sociology program, leads undergraduate research and is a devoted fan of the Panthers’ Hockey Club.

Those recognized for 35 years of service were Karen L. Strotman, enrollment services assistant, and Jeffrey Guterman, associate professor of broadcast communications.

Employees recognized for 30 years were Dr. Shailendra Gajanan, professor of economics, and Pam Krepps, administrative assistant for athletics and recreational sports.

Those honored for 20 years were Susan Gleason, interim assistant dean of student support services; Dr. James Baldwin, vice president of enrollment management; Tad Haight, assistant director of admissions; Pat Frantz Cercone, executive director of communications and marketing; Steve Ellison, technical analyst II; Dr. ‘BioDun Ogundayo, associate professor of French and comparative literature; Karen Branch, enrollment services assistant; Jody Randolph, program and

database coordinator for the Division of Education and Management; Dr. Nancy McCabe, professor of writing; Dr. Kira Leck, associate professor of psychology; and John McGriff, maintenance worker III. Being recognized for 15 years were Steve Williams, senior accountant; Laurie Dennis, administrative assistant in the Division of Biological and Health Services; Stacey Colosimo, administrative assistant in the Academic Advising and Academic Coaching and Tutoring centers; Carma Horner, disability resources and services coordinator; Dr. Charles Choo, assistant professor of physics; Mary Boser, director of the radiological science program; Dr. Tony Gaskew, associate dean of academic affairs; Dr. Robin Choo, assistant professor of biology; and Kim Boyer, academic advisor.

Employees reaching the 10 years of service mark were Jim Pascarella Jr., web manager; Sgt. Amber Black, campus police officer; Alan Hancock, technical analyst II; Dr. Matthew Kropf, associate professor of natural sciences and petroleum technology; Nancy Kloss, administrative assistant for the Division of Management and Education; Martha Stuchen-Dibble, assistant

professor of nursing; Kimberly Masone, conference services manager; and Dr. David Fitz, interim vice president and dean of academic affairs.

Finally, those marking five years of service were Jonathan Prosser, maintenance worker III; Melissa Odorisio, laboratory administrator; Chief Richard Harsen, director of campus police and safety; Laurie Dufford, administrative assistant of communications and marketing; Dr. Tracee Howell, director of the composition program; Dr. Ovidiu Frantescu, associate professor of environmental science; Christy Clark Ruffner, executive director of philanthropy and strategic partnerships; Matthew Foerstner, maintenance worker II; Anne McDonald, financial assistant and office manager in the office of academic affairs; Nathan Whitehurst, men’s head soccer coach; Dr. Jonathan Chitiyo, associate professor of special education; Doug Graham, instructor of athletic training/clinical coordinator; Zachary Stark, instructor of exercise science; Megan Uscinski, technical analyst II; Hallie Kleiner, director of the mathematics center; and Dr. Rebecca McHugh, assistant professor psychology.

characters with remarkable and exceptional items.

They hope to give historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way.

Collectors (with a large private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through) interested in being considered for the show should reach out to the show’s Pickers by phone at (646) 493-2184 or email AmericanPickers@ cineflix.com. Also, note that the Pickers only pick private collections, so no stores, malls, flea markets, museums, auctions, businesses or anything open to the public will be accepted.

Applicants must be sure

to include their full name, city/state, contact information and a brief description of their collection, explained Ball.

To preview previous episodes of American Pickers or for more information about the show visit https://www.history.com/ shows/american-pickers or their Facebook page @ GotAPick.

“We at American Pickers continue to take the pandemic very seriously and will be following all guidelines and protocols for safe filming outlined by the state and CDC.” said Ball. “Nevertheless, we are excited to continue reaching the many collectors in the area to discuss their years of picking and are eager to hear their memorable stories!”

Great blue herons on Barnum Road

Photo By Dan Jordan Olean, N.Y. photographer Dan Jordan took this photo of a pair of great blue herons at the Barnum Road swamp near Eldred. The sun was hidden behind the clouds and light snow was falling as the pair perched on their tiny nest, which needs reinforcing.

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Study suggests Red-backed salamanders struggle to adjust to warming climate UNIVERSITY PARK — If average temperatures rise as projected in eastern North America in coming decades, at least one widespread amphibian species likely will be unable to adjust, and its range may shift northward, according to a new study led by Penn State scientists.

In a novel experiment, researchers devised a method to measure the metabolic rate of red-backed salamanders from different regions exposed to warmer temperatures — analyzing how much more energy the small, hardy woodland amphibians would expend to survive in the forests they now inhabit from Quebec south to North Carolina, and west to Missouri and Minnesota.

To stay cool and not burn energy, salamanders have evolved strategies such as burrowing under rocks and logs, explained study co-author David Miller, associate professor of wildlife population ecology. But if they are hiding to stay cool for much longer periods, they are not foraging and eating, and at the end of a long summer their condition is deteriorated.

“Because these salamanders are ectotherms, cold-blooded animals, essentially what happens is when it is cold, they quit burning energy — as long as they don’t freeze, they can go long periods without food,” said Miller, who’s research group in the College of Agricultural Science has

been studying the demise of amphibians for the last decade. “Conversely, in the summer, when it’s really warm, their body temperature is elevated, and that raises how much energy they consume. So, during the warmest part of the year, if they’re not eating, they’re experiencing an energy deficit.”

Depending on atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations and associated level of warming, global climate is very likely to warm by 2.16 to 3.42 degrees Fahrenheit from now to 2040, according to the United Nations. That will affect red-backed salamanders, Miller predicted, and may result in at least the southern end of their range moving northward.

“Ectotherms’ fitness is strongly governed by thermal conditions,” he said.

“Temperature directly impacts their ecology. Thermal conditions affect energy acquisition and allocation.”

To assess the energy expenditure of red-backed salamanders, and to determine whether their metabolic rates differed at the warmer and cooler parts of their range, lead researcher David Muñoz conducted an innovative study. Researchers collected salamanders from four populations in April and May of 2017 near Richmond, Va; Millmont, Pa; Ithaca, NY; and Turners Falls, Mass.

To test for life-stage differences, researchers captured 18–20 juveniles

and 18–20 adult male salamanders at each site.

They brought all specimens to a laboratory in the Department of Entomology, where they conducted tests using ultra-sensitive equipment.

Muñoz, who was then a doctoral researcher in Miller’s lab and is now an analyst with The New Teacher Project, modified small refrigerators to serve as thermal chambers to subject the salamanders to warmer conditions.

“Then the salamanders were placed in a small tube, and we measured how much oxygen was consumed by the salamander over two hours and how much carbon dioxide it emitted,” he said. “We repeated the process multiple times, at different temperatures.”

In findings recently published in Ecology and Evolution, the researchers reported that they examined relationships between higher temperature and metabolic rate across four, widespread populations of salamanders to determine if they vary in metabolic response, and if their metabolic rates adjust to seasonal thermal cues. Salamanders from warmer climates lowered metabolic rates when acclimating to summer temperatures.

These depressed metabolic rates may act as an energy-saving mechanism during the warmest time of the year, the researchers suggested, adding that no such adjustability was

evident in populations from cooler climates. Both juvenile and adult salamanders exhibited metabolic “plasticity,” they pointed out.

Although some populations responded to historic climate thermal cues, Miller said, no populations showed adjusted metabolic rate responses sufficient to deal with projected future climate temperatures, indicating there are constraints on salamanders’ responses to climate change.

The research is important, Miller contends, because predicted changes in global temperature are expected to increase extinction risk for ectotherms such as red-backed salamanders, primarily through increased metabolic rates. “We expect that warming will impact the energy budgets of salamanders, potentially affecting individual growth and reproductive success,” he said.

Rudolf Schilder, associate professor of entomology and biology at Penn State, and Evan Campbell Grant, biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey’s Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, S.O. Conte Anadromous Fish Research Lab, Turners Falls, Massachusetts, contributed to the research.

The Department of the Interior Northeast Climate Science Center funded this study, which was based on research supported by the National Science Foundation.

Otto-Eldred principal to leave after school year DUKE CENTER, Pa. — The principal at OttoEldred Junior/Senior High School is leaving the district to take another position.

The school district posted an “Anticipated Vacancy Notice” via its social media accounts late last month for the position of

high school principal starting July 1.

The district is in search of a candidate “who has strong instructional leadership and interpersonal skills, as well as demonstrated experience in data-driven instruction, assessment, supervision,

special education process, developing community partnerships and parent engagement.”

The vacancy notice stated all applications for the position are due to the district before 3 p.m.

Friday.

When asked why she is

leaving the principal position, Kaci Daniels, said, “I couldn’t pass up an opportunity that became available. Unfortunately, I cannot speak to it until everything becomes official in the coming months.”

Daniels’ last day at Otto-Eldred will be June 30.

Hummingbird migration into Pa. prompts questions HARRISBURG — While a few ruby-throated hummingbirds have shown up in New Jersey this week, the leading edge of northward migration approaching Pennsylvania is now sweeping across Virginia, according to Hummingbird Central, one of the organizations that track the migration.

The first hummers likely will cross the Mason-Dixon Line into Pennsylvania next week.

Anyone wanting to attract the attention of the maximum number of the tiny birds this spring will want to have their hummingbird feeders filled with nectar and hanging in the backyard by the end of next week.

My previous report on the progress of the migration generated questions for several readers. Here are those questions and my answers.

Reader: Should I add red dye to my hummingbird nectar to attract more of them to my feeders?

Answer: While the color red is an attractant for hummingbirds, it’s best to have the color offered by parts of your feeder rather than the nectar inside. With their incredibly high metabolism, hummingbirds do not need extra chemicals, such as red dye, added to their food.

One part white sugar to four parts water is all they need.

Reader: What is the best feeder for these adorable birds?

Answer: The five qualities that make up an optimum feeder for hummingbirds are a large area of red in its materials, ease of cleaning, multiple feeding ports, durability of materials, strength of the hanging mechanism and deterrents to insects, in that order.

As I noted above, you want the plastic or glass materials of your feeder to incorporate as much red coloring, which is a strong attractant for hummingbirds. You might even want to add additional red to the array, but not in the form of red dye in the nectar.

It’s essential that we maintain a clean source of nectar for the hummers.

Sugar water can grow a lot of nastiness, especially in the heat of summer. A feeder with parts that hold securely while in use but then detach easily for cleaning makes that a simpler chore that you will be more inclined to do regularly.

But you also want a feeder with strong connections between all components.

Multiple feeding ports, which will accommodate more than one hummingbird at a time, can be

provided by one feeder with several ports or several one-port feeders.

Look for feeders made with strong materials and constructions that will provide long-lived service in your backyard.

The hanging mechanism of the feeder will be a big determinant of how well the feeder will function and how long it will last. Again, look for a strong mechanism with secure connections.

Nectar feeders attract ants, bees, wasps and others, in addition to the hummingbird. Bee guards at the feeding ports and ant moats to block crawling-type access to the ports will work to thwart unwanted users.

Reader: I live in Clearfield County, and I was told once to put the feeders out May 1. After reading your article I wonder if that is early enough. When would you recommend?

Answer: Hummingbird

Central, one of the national organizations that track the migration that reports by the public, places the arrival of that leading front of the bulk of the northward migration in southern Pennsylvania around April 20 and northern Pennsylvania around May 1.

Operation Rubythroat, another hummingbird research and tracking organization, places the normal arrival date for southern Pennsylvania at April 10 and for northern Pennsylvania at April 20.

Considering those statistics, for most years I would recommend April 20 as a date that should allow you to get your feeders in place before many hummers have arrived in Clearfield County. But the birds seem to be approaching earlier this year, and I would probably move that date ahead to April 15 for your location.

Pitt Chancellor Gallagher to step down in summer 2023 PITTSBURGH — University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Patrick Gallagher announced Thursday that he intends to step down as the institution’s 18th chancellor in the summer of 2023, following nine years in office. He will remain at the University as a full-time faculty member in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Physics and Astronomy. The Board of Trustees is expected to kick off a national search process with the expectation of naming Gallagher’s successor prior to his departure.

“Serving as chancellor at one of the greatest public research universities in the nation is deeply fulfilling and rewarding,” Gallagher wrote in a message to the University community. “I am very proud of where Pitt is today, and I think the University is well positioned for a new leader to take the helm and thrive.”

Gallagher, 59, has led the University since he succeeded Chancellor Emeritus Mark Nordenberg in summer 2014. During his time in office, he has launched a suite of groundbreaking student access and affordability programs; raised the University’s reputational profile in academic excellence and research; advanced Pitt’s partnerships and priorities in neighboring communities; added academic offices in sustainability, equity and diversity, and community engagement; founded the School of Computing and Information; and steered the institution through both a pandemic and national recession—all while sparking economic innovation and opportunities in the region, including through initiatives such as Pitt BioForge, an innovative, one-of- a-kind biomanufacturing facility slated for Hazelwood Green.

Pitt is one of 66 members of the Association of American Universities, and Gallagher chairs the organization’s board of directors.

His other active leadership appointments include serving on the Cybersecurity Advisory Committee for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Before joining Pitt, Gallagher spent more than two decades in public service, including serving as director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology and acting deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

In his community message, Gallagher discussed making the leap from the public sector to the helm of one of the greatest public universities in the nation. “When I first assumed this role, following many years of senior leadership positions in government, I made a commitment to myself that I would remain in this role for only as long as I believed that I could carry it out to the fullest of my abilities. When next summer arrives, I will have served as your chancellor for nine amazing years.

This is both long enough to have accomplished some great things together, but not so long that I have worn out either myself or my welcome.”

Gallagher holds a bachelor’s degree in physics and philosophy from Benedictine College in Kansas and a Ph.D. in physics from Pitt. His upcoming move keeps him at an institution he knows very well, in a city he calls home, and in a profession that he loves: teaching.

In his community message, Gallagher described his next chapter at Pitt as “a dream come true.” He also notes that his current reality and many responsibilities won’t be disappearing anytime soon. “While change can be uncomfortable, we are facing it together—from a position of amazing strength,” he wrote. “Meanwhile, 2023 is still a way off, and we have plenty of things to do — together.”

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Fish and Boat Commission greet fishermen on opening day Deputy Waterways Conservation Officer Jim Hillman, Waterways Conservation Officer Tom Mcmann and District Attorney Stephanie L. Vettenburg-Shaffer greeted fishermen on the opening day of Trout Season on Saturday, April 2, 2022.

Fishermen from McKean County, other

parts of Pennsylvania, and from as far away as Michigan and Tennessee came to McKean County waterways on the first day of trout season this year.

Area waterways were ready for the fishermen as they were recently stocked by the Commission and volunteers.

“We had a great

opening day and had the opportunity to meet a lot of great people,” said Officer Hillman. “The weather and people made the opening day of trout season a huge success.”

For more information on area fishing, visit the Fish and Boat Commission’s website at fishandboat.com.

Photo Provided District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer and Waterways Conservation Officers greeted fishermen on the opening day of Trout Season on Saturday.

Early Intervention helps assure healthy start for children

BY MARCIE SCHELLHAMMER The first few years of a child’s life are crucial for early learning and positive development.

During National Week of the Young Child, April 2 through 8, the McKean County Child Find Committee is working to remind parents and caregivers to provide those important opportunities for a healthy start in life.

The early identification of delays in babies and toddlers, and subsequent assessment and treatment, assure the best outcomes for the children as they grow.

The American Academy of Pediatrics reported that as many as 1 in 4 children are at risk for developmental delay, and that “universal early childhood screening provides an opportunity to identify delays early and intervene during the most critical period of development.”

The Child Find Committee — made up of members of McKean County Department of Human Services, Early Intervention Service Coordination and Early Intervention providers like CARE for Children — reminds that early intervention services guide families through these critical times, and are there to answer questions for parents and caregivers,

too.

Cindy Wright, lead service coordinator for the McKean County Infant/Toddler Early Intervention Program, said, “Early Intervention services focus on skills that babies and toddlers typically develop during the first three years of life. We can assist children who are not meeting their milestones due to a delay in one or more areas of development including cognition, motor, social-emotional, self-help or communication.”

According to the committee, developmental screenings are an important component in identifying children who may need services, and also provide a snapshot of a child’s development.

Pediatrician’s offices provide developmental monitoring by asking parents questions about their child’s development. A missed milestone may signal a problem, triggering a more in-depth evaluation and possibly a referral to Early Intervention.

Screenings and more formal evaluations are an extension of that monitoring and provide an additional safety net for families.

In certain instances, screenings become imperative. According to the Center for Disease Control, “If a child is at higher risk for developmental

problems due to preterm birth, low birthweight, environmental risks like lead exposure, or other factors, the child’s healthcare provider may also discuss additional screenings. If a child has an existing long-lasting health problem or a diagnosed condition, the child should have developmental monitoring and screening in all areas of development, just like those without special healthcare needs.”

Wright explained, “If families with young children have concerns, parents can call and request a screening. The good news: most families find out that their child is right on track developmentally.

If the family has a concern or one is found during the screening, it can be addressed immediately.

Early Intervention has a network of pediatric specialists, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, special instructors and social workers.”

The McKean County Infant/Toddler Early Intervention office can be reached at (814) 975-1221.

Information for other counties can be found by calling the CONNECT Help Line at 1 (800) 6927288. This is a nationwide hotline that can connect parents to their county Early Intervention office.

Signs of electrical problems in a home

Homeowners know that all sorts of issues can affect a home. Issues can run the gamut from the merely annoying to the unsafe. Electrical issues fall into the latter category, posing a significant safety hazard if left unchecked.

According to the home safety experts at UL (formerly known as Underwriters Laboratories), learning to recognize warning signs of electrical wiring issues can greatly lower the risk

of house fires. House fires pose a significant threat, as the Electrical Safety Foundation International notes that electrical malfunctions cause more than 50,000 house fires each year. UL indicates that the majority of those house fires can be prevented, and learning to recognize signs of a electrical problems in a home is a key component of home fire prevention.

• Dimming or flickering lights: The UL notes that light fixtures do not

typically draw a substantial amount of power, so dimming or flickering lights is not often indicative of an issue with a fixture. Dimming or flickering lights could indicate that the circuit the lights are on is overburdened, most likely by large appliances sharing the circuit

with the lights. If dimming and flickering lights are a problem, homeowners can speak to an electrician about moving the fixtures to another circuit or installing a new line specifically for major appliances.

• Odors: Odor emanating from an outlet, fuse box or breaker panel should be reported to an electrician immediately. The odor, which some homeowners indicate smells like fish, could be a result of an overheated circuit. Odor coming from an outlet, fuse box or breaker panel could indicate a significant electrical issue, so homeowners should not hesitate to report this problem to an electrician. Odors can sometimes travel through HVAC systems as well, so homeowners should take note and call an electrician even if their outlets do not smell.

• Hot outlets/switch plates: Outlets and/or switch plates that are hot to the touch are another

indicator of an electrical issue. UL notes that outlets that become hot even when nothing is plugged into them could be wired incorrectly. In such instances, an electrician will need to fix the issue, and in the meantime it may be best for homeowners to flip the breaker or remove the fuse for the outlet.

• Frequently blown fuses or tripped breakers: According to UL, circuit breakers and fuses have a built-in fail-safe that is designed to prevent overloading.

Sometimes a tripped breaker is a result

of an aging appliance. One way to detect that is to plug in the product to more than one outlet in the house. If each breaker trips, then the appliance is likely to blame. However, if using the same outlet continues to trip the breaker regardless of what’s plugged into it, then the circuit requires the attention of an electrician.

Electrical issues increase the risk for home fires. Fortunately, such issues are generally preventable and often easily remedied by a qualified electrician.

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