Potter & McKean County Community Source 1/11/22

community

JANUARY

11 2022

p o t t e r m c k e a n

county

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

Fire at Smethport Senior Center

Bradford Era photo

Provided Frank Kemick, Meals on Wheels Program Coordinator (at left), receives a check in support of the program from Mother Stacey Fussell of the Church of the Ascension in Bradford.

Longtime Meals on Wheels program helped

by Bradford church

BY KATE DAY SAGER For more than 50 years, the Meals on Wheels program has provided nutritious meals to the elderly and disabled in their homes throughout McKean County.

When the program, which has been operated by Bradford Regional Medical Center (BRMC) for the past several years,

didn’t receive a muchneeded grant to cover the cost of operation, coordinators were not sure what to do next.

Fortunately, help came from the Church of Ascension in Bradford which has been “known for feeding the community both spiritually and physically” for a number of years.

“When we heard that

Meals on Wheels had a budget deficit due to a grant falling through, it was a no-brainer that Ascension would want to help out” said Rev. Stacey Fussell, Rector.

“Making sure folks are fed physically as well as spiritually is a big part of what we do. The fact that we learned of the need

Meals on Wheels continued on. page 2

Smethport volunteer firefighters battled a fire at the Smethport Senior Center located at 119 W. Main Street Sunday afternoon. The fire was dispatched at 2:38 p.m. as a reported kitchen fire. After arriving on scene, a second alarm was requested bringing Star Hose Company of Port Allegany, Hilltop, Norwich Township, Roulette and Coudersport volunteer fire departments to the scene. Apartments on the second floor were reported to be smoke-filled.

McKean County to replace paging, radio systems SMETHPORT — The McKean County Commissioners have locked in rates for replacing the public safety paging and radio systems for the county.

“The commissioners have been involved with MCM Consulting to upgrade our radio system which is 20-plus years old,” Chairman Tom Kreiner said late last month.

He noted there was still work to be done, but the agreements were made to secure 2021 pricing.

The commissioners

contracted with MCM Consulting Group Inc. in April of 2021 to evaluate the existing public safety paging and radio system, identifying the needs, improvements, and opportunities for replacement of the infrastructure.

“The goal is to increase coverage and reliability for our public safety partners,” said Kreiner in a prepared release.

According to information from the commissioners, McKean County began dispatching emergency services with only a single

tower site, slowly expanding paging and radio system coverage through the years. Although improvements and additions have been made to the infrastructure, the current systems are in differing stages of their lifecycle and have varying technologies, and providing consistent coverage remains challenging.

MCM Consulting has been working with the county project team to identify the current system needs and design a public

County Commissioners ............ page 2

From local vendors and venues to the ultimate countdown checklist and darling do-it-yourself decor, here comes the guide to help with every aspect of your big day.

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Your wedding timeline guide

edding planning involves many movable pieces that ultimately need to come together on the big day. Planning is typically a months-long process, and adhering to certain monthly benchmarks can help couples stay the course.

Brides magazine offers that the perfect engagement period is 12 to 14 months, which affords ample time to get organized and work with vendors. With that in mind, here’s a 12-month timeline for couples getting ready to say “I do.”

12 months out At the start of the planning process, establish your budget, hire a wedding planner (optional), choose the wedding party, pick a date, and start to assemble a cursory guest list. This also is a great time to begin touring venues to get a feel for potential ceremony and reception locales.

11 months out

Now is the time to get a firm handle on the theme and scope of the wedding. Start picking wedding colors and overall design. Also, interview and hire vendors, such as photographers, bands and videographers. These vendors tend to book up quickly as wedding season draws near, so it’s never too early to book them.

10 months out This is a good time to start shopping for a wedding gown because it might take some trial and error to find the perfect dress.

You also can start shopping for wedding party attire at this time.

Check with formalwear vendors to see how long it will take for the gowns to arrive in the shop for alterations. If you haven’t already done so, be sure to book the wedding venue.

8 months out Reception halls may have their own schedules, but you should think about setting your menu at this time, including deciding if you will host a seated dinner, a

buffet or something else.

Eight months out also is a good time to finalize the guest list and send save-the-date cards.

hire an officiant at this time.

4 months out

Grooms traditionally arrange the honeymoon, so this is a fine This also is a good time to visit time to get those travel plans in stores to create registry gift lists. order. If you need passports, you should secure them as early as 6 months out possible, and no later than four Meet with potential florists months prior to the wedding to and other vendors, like transpor- ensure processing times. Book tation companies and hotels, to cake tastings and order the cake secure these arrangements. Your if it is not part of the venue food place of worship also may require and beverage package. If you certain classes or preparatory haven’t already done so, the meetings, so be sure to inquire bride should have an initial gown about these. fitting, and wedding invitations should be ordered at this time.

Meet with a makeup and hair 2 months out stylist and book a trial. Choose attire for groomsmen and give Secure your wedding license them a deadline for fittings and and buy wedding party gifts. orders. If you will not be getting Address and mail the wedding married in a place of worship,

invitations. Undergo a second gown fitting and work with the seamstress for the final fitting date just before the wedding.

Finalize any song selections with the DJ or band.

The final details will occur in the last

weeks before the wedding. Buy all the small accessories and items, undergo final fittings and check in with all vendors for final payments and to ensure they are on schedule. Notify the reception hall of the final guest count.

Once the wedding day arrives, couples who have done their best to stay on schedule can relax and have a great time with family and friends.

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JANUARY 11, 2022

Potter County Artisan Co-op conducts ‘Warm it Forward’ program COUDERSPORT — The Potter County Artisan Center Co-op is conducting a “Warm it Forward” program.

The Center is collecting gloves, mittens, scarves, gloves and hats for any individual who may be in need of them.

The items are hung outside the Center at 227 N. Main Street in Coudersport with a sign telling passers by to take one or to leave one.

Community members are invited to put items in clear storage bags and hang them on the line in front of the Center. The program is anticipated to run through February.

County Commissioners continued from 1 safety paging and radio system network capable of expanding coverage and reliability while maintaining fiscal responsibility to the residents of McKean County, according to the commissioners.

“We are pleased at the opportunity to provide recommendations for vital paging and radio system improvements to the public safety infrastructure,” said Michael McGrady, CEO, MCM Consulting, in a prepared statement.

The replacement system design meets public safety standards for reliability and performance and will

Meals on Wheels continued from 1

provide a robust public safety communications network for a considerable time to come.

Through careful design and pre-contract pricing negotiations, McKean County will realize significant financial savings by committing to 2021 pricing for subscriber units as they look ahead with the muchneeded project and finalize negotiations with vendors on the infrastructure.

The recommended design leverages existing tower site paging equipment and infrastructure as well as bolsters the additional elements of a new public safety paging and radio system network for the county.

“We have carefully considered the options and costs to optimize our coverage while being good stewards of the taxpayer dollars,” said Commissioner Carol Duffy. “We are

confident that moving forward will better leverage the county as a whole.”

The commissioners held a brief meeting Jan. 3 for reorganizational purposes.

Chief clerk Pam Burlingame explained, “Typically the reorganizational meeting is only every four years or if a new commissioner comes in to change the chair. However, with the new Sunshine Act requirement, they held the meeting to adopt the meeting conduct document as a matter of course and to emphasize those changes.”

The limited agenda held few actions, including the adoption of rules and regulations for conduct and order of business. The resolution stated that all meetings shall be held in the commissioners’ meeting rooms at the McKean County Courthouse unless otherwise noted, and that meetings will be at 10 a.m.

on the second and fourth Tuesdays of a month unless otherwise noted.

The resolution also noted that the commissioner chairman maintains the right to limit the length of time of an individual’s public comment in the interest of expediency. The chairman may also rule someone out of order if they cause a public disturbance or disrupt the orderly conduct of the meeting. The chairman may also expel anyone who is causing such a disruption, the resolution indicated.

Meeting dates and times for retirement board and salary board were set in the resolution as well. The retirement board will meet at 1 p.m. the second Tuesday of every quarter. The salary board will meet at 1:15 p.m. the second Tuesday of every quarter.

shortly after the death of our beloved parishioner, Bill Walb, made it especially meaningful to be able to honor his memory by helping the program he was part of for over 40 years.”

Fussell said Walb not only drove and delivered meals, but also recruited drivers, served on the board and followed the program from its operations at the American Red Cross to the YWCA Bradford and finally to BRMC. She said the gift is also given in honor of Walb’s Meals on Wheels partner and wife, Marlene, and Ascension’s Senior Warden and longtime BRMC Volunteer Coordinator, Stacy Shotts Williams.

Fussell noted that Ascension, which was financially able to cover the funds needed for Meals on Wheels, is thankful to the generosity of church leaders.

“The church’s investments did very well this past year and we chose to pass that blessing along. I was so thrilled and proud

that the church’s leadership (vestry) decided to cover the entire $30,000 shortfall for the Meals on Wheels 2021 program,” Fussell explained.

Williams said Meals on Wheels promotes the dignity and independence of older adults, persons with disabilities and other homebound persons throughout McKean County through the delivery of nutritious hot and cold meals as well as coordinating needed services.

“The program relies on grants to cover the cost of serving individuals who qualify for free and discounted meals,” Williams added. “The program experienced a shortfall as one of the granting organizations made the decision to hold funding and restructure their grant program.”

She added, “The Vestry of the Church voted to pass on their blessings to the Meals on Wheels program in order to feed those in need throughout the county.”

For his part, Frank Kemick, program coordinator for Meals on Wheels, is also grateful for the help from the church.

“We are so appreciative of Ascension’s generosity and support of our program and the community members in need,” Kemick remarked.

NewYear, NewYou

Tips for realizing goals in the year ahead?

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he dawn of a new year represents a chance to start anew and set goals for the months ahead. New Year’s resolutions are often made to provide the motivation people need to improve their lives and make a new year as productive and happy as possible.

While people who make New Year’s resolutions fully intend to realize those goals, few actually stick to the game plan.

According to researchers at the University of Scranton, just 8 percent of people who make their New Year’s resolutions actually achieve those resolutions. While that might make it seem like the odds are against men and women who have resolved to improve their lives in the year ahead, the following tips can help adults realize their goals for the new year and beyond.

Emphasize time management. Hectic schedules can quickly derail resolutions. Many people want to eat healthier and exercise more but find their time is stretched pretty thin, which can make it difficult to get to the gym or prepare

healthy meals at home.

Finding ways to manage time more effectively can make it easier to stay committed to New Year’s resolutions. Right down your daily schedule and look for ways to free up time. If you routinely take an hour for lunch each day, use that time to exercise and eat at your desk when you return from your walk, workout or jog. Try to wake up 30 to 60 minutes earlier each morning to exercise, and make use of time before bed by preparing a healthy lunch for the following day.

Make your goals public. By publicly declaring your intention to improve your life, you’re putting some positive pressure on yourself to fully commit to your goal. Friends and loved ones can be great sources of support, and once they’re aware of your efforts, you likely won’t want to let them down. Once you have decided on a resolution, post your short-term and long-term goals to your Facebook page or let your immediate family and closest friends know of your goals in

person. Their encouragement can help you stay on track, and they may even offer to help you realize your goals.

Keep track of your progress. Keep a resolutions journal or start a blog that allows you to write about your efforts. If your goal is to pay down debt, make a spreadsheet that tracks your progress.

That spreadsheet might be more motivational than simply seeing a loan or credit card balance

gradually reduce on your monthly statement.

Writing about your trials and errors can help others and also provide a great way for you to explore your approach and tinker with it to ensure your ultimate success.

Expect setbacks. If realizing resolutions was easy, the success rate would be greater than 8 percent. Setbacks are inevitable, so don’t allow them to derail your efforts.

Even if setbacks occur when you’re well on your

way to success, regroup and get back on track without getting down on yourself.

Reward yourself.

Don’t hesitate to reward yourself as you realize your short-term goals and draw closer to making your long-term goal a reality. For example, if

weight loss is your goal and you’ve adhered to your diet and lost some weight, reward yourself with a favorite meal eaten in moderation.

New Year’s resolutions may be difficult to realize, but a few simple strategies can help you achieve your goals and enjoy the fruits of your hard work.

JANUARY 11, 2022

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JANUARY 11, 2022

Conservation District directors sworn in

Photo Provided From left, Greg Bell, commissioners Tom Kreiner and Cliff Lane after being sworn-in as directors for the McKean County Conservation District.

Pa. sees steep increase in COVID The Pennsylvania Department of Health provided a weekly COVID-19 update as of the first week in January, which showed that approximately 28% of all staffed adult ICU beds were COVID-19 patients and 32% of all ventilators statewide were in use.

“Pennsylvania, like the rest of the nation, is experiencing a steep increase in the number of COVID-19 cases,” Acting Secretary of Health Keara Klinepeter said. “This should not cause panic, but it should be a call to immediate action.”

In McKean County, as of Jan. 3, there were 5,044 total cases of coronavirus reported since the beginning of the pandemic. There have been 115 deaths.

Elk County has reported 2,894 total cases.

There have been 77 deaths.

In Potter County, there have been 2,327 total cases of COVID-19. There have been 79 deaths.

Cameron County has reported 437 cases, with two reported Monday.

There have been 13 deaths.

Klinepeter advised Pennsylvanians to get vaccinated to help prevent serious illness and hospitalization, get a booster dose because it is proven to substantially increase one’s level of protection, wear a mask in public indoor spaces regardless of one’s vaccination status and get tested if they are exposed or develop symptoms and then follow the latest isolation and quarantine guidance.

In terms of vaccines, McKean County had 16,910 residents fully covered and 4,161 partially covered.

There have been 5,728 people who had received an additional dose since Aug. 13.

In Elk County, 15,944 residents were fully covered and 1,736 were partially covered. According to the state health department dashboard, 6,832 residents have received an

additional dose of the vaccine since Aug. 13.

In Potter County, 5,729 individuals were fully covered and 1,210 were partially covered. Data shows that 2,126 individuals had received an additional dose of vaccine since Aug. 13.

In Cameron County, 2,371 residents were fully covered and 234 partially covered, with 1,058 individuals receiving an extra dose of vaccine since Aug. 13.

“The Wolf administration continues working to increase testing opportunities and ensure that vaccines are readily available to everyone five and older,” Klinepeter added.

“Meanwhile, wash your hands frequently, avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces and maintain physical distance to help reduce spreading the virus over the winter months.”

According to the CDC, as of the end of 2021, 74.1% of Pennsylvanians age 18 and older are fully vaccinated. This percentage reflects all 67 counties in Pennsylvania.

The first week of January, the Department of Health analyzed the following vaccine data within its 66-county vaccine jurisdiction (Philadelphia is a separate vaccine jurisdiction): 269,488 vaccine doses were administered in the past week, including 131,793 booster doses administered in the past week and 12,270 pediatric doses administered in the past week. That is a 3.8% decrease in vaccines administered from the previous week, largely attributed to the New Year holiday.

On Jan. 2, the daily average number of cases was 18,344 in Pennsylvania.

The number of people currently hospitalized with COVID-19 on Monday, Jan. 3 was 22.6 percent higher than on Dec. 27. The percent of available adult and pediatric ICU beds in the state fell to 16% and 11%, respectively.

SMETHPORT — Commissioner Tom Kreiner swore in McKean County Conservation directors on Jan. 4.

Commissioner Cliff Lane will serve a one-year term as a commissioner director. Lane has served on the Board for 17 years.

Newly appointed Greg Bell will serve a four-year term as a public director.

Bell, who is from Eldred, is the owner of Heritage Surveys and is a licensed professional land surveyor.

He is also a forest land owner. He was a previous member and chairman of the McKean County

Planning Commission and past president of the NorthCentral Chapter of PA Society of Land Surveyors.

A member of the board of directors of a county conservation district has the responsibility for assuring that conservation district policies and practices enhance the natural resources in his/her county. This requires the identification of local natural resource needs and issues, development of management strategies, development and setting of local policy, and coordination of local, state and federal resources.

UPMC adds nurse practitioner serving Potter, Tioga counties COUDERSPORT — UPMC has added certified registered nurse practitioner Taryn Boden to the UPMC Primary Care teams of Northern Potter Health Center, Ulysses, and Westfield Health Center, Westfield.

She earned her associate degree in nursing from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford and completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.

“I’m very excited to provide care at a new level to our communities,” said Boden. “I look forward to

getting to know my patients and helping them through whatever health care needs come their way.”

A certified registered nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has advanced education and clinical training in a health care specialty area.

As a CRNP with UPMC, Boden specializes in family medicine

and works with people of all ages. She is accepting new patients and referrals at UPMC Primary Care centers of Northern Potter Health Center, 511 Academy St., Ulysses, and Westfield Health Center, 222 Church St., Westfield.

For more information about Primary Care services at UPMC, visit UPMC.com/ PrimaryCareNCPA.

Photo provided (Left)Taryn Boden

United Way announces community impact recipients The United Way of the Bradford Area Inc. has made decisions on the local 501 C 3 non-profit organizations that will be receiving grants from the current “All In” campaign for the 2022 calendar year.

“This is not an easy process for the Board of Directors,” said Executive Director Sarah Lonzi. “We received upwards of forty applications across our three served communities.

All of these applications were worthy and we are confident in our decisions on how to allocate the

dollars raised for the next year. It is important to note that if the campaign falls short each agency will have a deduction of that percentage from what they are expected to receive.”

The 2022 recipients of the Community Impact grants are: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, CARE for Children, CASA, Catholic Charities, Destinations – Bradford, Bradford Hospital Foundation Meals on Wheels, Evergreen Elm, Friendship Table, Greater Bradford Senior Activity Center, Growing

with Grace, A Partnership in Housing, The Salvation Army, YMCA, YWCA, Port Allegany Area Recreation, S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library, Port Allegany Fire Department, Hamlin Memorial Library, McKean County Historical Society, Smethport Memorial Recreation Center, Smethport Senior Center, and The United Methodist Church PreSchool (Smethport) .

It is the community’s generous donations that will allow for these organizations to continue their

quality programming in 2021 to our family, friends and neighbors. The United Way campaigns currently stand at: Bradford – 66%, Smethport – 80% and Port Allegany – 34% — it is clear there is a ways to go with only a few weeks left in the campaign. Anyone considering a pledge to the United Way, contact the office at 814-368-6181 or at admin@uwbanews.org and we will be happy to help you be “All In For Your Community”!