Potter & McKean County Community Source | 10/5/21

OCTOBER

5 2021

Lumber Heritage Region presented tourism award for unique signage

BY DANIELLA GRIESBAUM

Photo by Daniella Griesbaum Led by Executive Director Holly Komonczi, the Lumber Heritage Region developed a unique wayfinding trail, the Lumber Heritage Trail, which was recently awarded the 2021 Heritage Tourism award. The trail signage is designed to lead visitors to top attractions throughout the Heritage Area to explore the stories, people and places of Pennsylvania’s rich lumber heritage.

EMPORIUM — Community leaders, groups, business owners, county commissioners and state legislators joined the PA Route 6 Alliance virtually on Sept.16, 2021, to celebrate the organization’s 2021 Annual Meeting & “Do 6” Awards, where the Lumber Heritage Region (LHR) was awarded the 2021 Heritage Tourism award.

Award recipients received special recognition from one or more state legislators in the form of a citation, certificate or letter of congratulations from the U.S. House of Representatives, Pa. House of Representatives, Senate and/or County Commissioners Office.

The 2021 Heritage Tourism Award was presented to the Lumber Heritage Trail, represented by Holly Komonczi, Executive Director of the Lumber Heritage Region, which developed the unique wayfinding trail to guide visitors to the top lumber heritage attractions throughout its 15-county Heritage Area, including sites within the counties it

shares with the PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor in Warren, McKean, Potter and Tioga Counties.

Sites hosting the wayfinding trail signage throughout the Corridor are the Penn Brad Oil Museum, Knox and Kane Rail Trail, Pennsylvania Lumber Museum, Warren County Visitors Bureau and the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.

Not only has the Lumber Heritage Trail inspired tourism throughout the region, according to Komonczi, but the creation of its wayfinding signage utilizes regional makers, manufacturers and products.

“The Lumber Heritage Trail is set up to get people to travel from one spot to another,” said Komonczi.

“However, we are hoping to, in the future, add an audio feature that will allow people to learn more about the region as they are visiting these sites. There is a lot more to come with this program as we continue to find ways to fund them.”

Additionally, LHR invites visitors at sign locations to snap a selfie by the signage and share their adventures on social media

— either on the Lumber Heritage Region’s Facebook or Instagram page, @ LumberHeritageRegion, or via hashtag (#)explorelhr.

The Heritage Tourism Award is presented to the organizers of a project or event that furthers economic and tourism development while still respecting the heritage and cultural resources of the corridor.

Komonczi said, “A lot of hard work was put into this trail, from many people. It is such an honor to receive an award to share with all the players in this project. We took the challenges head on and made this trail a reality and it is working.”

The Lumber Heritage Region (LHR) is a 15-county region in North West/North Central Pennsylvania that accentuates the importance of the lumber industry for the past, present and future.

The goal of the heritage region is to market its assets to potential visitors, to serve as a resource to the Pa. hardwood industry and to keep the economic impact of the region in the forefront.

McKean-Potter Farm Bureau approves policy resolutions

BY FRAN DE LANCEY

said, “We don’t have a guest speaker tonight so we can discuss the policy resolutions.”

After citing what some believe is unfair aid practices, the members approved a recommendation that the American Farm Bureau Federation follow policies as stated in the AFBF Policy Book.

Another approved recommendation calls for keeping the “Country

PORT ALLEGANY — During the annual fall meeting of the McKeanPotter Farm Bureau Sept. 28 at the Veterans Memorial Home, members discussed and approved six policy resolutions, which will now advance to the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s annual meeting on Nov. 15-17 in Hershey.

At the beginning of the business meeting, MPFB President Dan Shetler Farm Bureau continued on ..... page 3

Photo by Fran De Lancey Dan Shetler, president, McKean-Potter Farm Bureau; Brendon Reed, Region 7 organization director, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau; and John Painter, PFB District 5 board director from Westfield, participated in discussions at the McKean-Potter Farm Bureau meeting Tuesday in Port Allegany. Approximately 30 people, including McKean County Commissioners Cliff Lane and Tom Kreiner.

Budget-friendly dining room renovation ideas

I

f the kitchen is the heart of the home, then the dining room may be akin to one of its arteries. The mood created in the kitchen spreads to the dining space where family and friends gather to eat and enjoy one another’s company.

Dining rooms can get lost in the home renovation shuffle, as many homeowners tend to focus on renovating kitchens and bathrooms instead.

Homeowners do not have to invest a lot of money in renovations to give their dining spaces awe-inspiring makeovers. Here’s how to do so on a budget.

• Lighten and brighten.

Dining rooms were once very formal spaces. Dark woods, large pieces of furniture, over-the-top chandeliers, and other details could be found in many homes. But now that houses are being built with

open floor plans, dining rooms can blend with other spaces, which have moved to lighter colored walls, flooring and furniture. A fresh coat of vibrant paint can work wonders and it doesn’t cost much. If you can’t remove a floor, cover it with a brightly colored area rug.

• Switch things up with slipcovers. Slipcovers can be changed each season to dramatically alter the look of a dining room for little investment. Slip covers also protect chairs and can be easily laundered after spills.

• Add floating shelving. Floating shelves provide much-needed storage or display space without the need to invest in another piece of furniture.

Depending on the shelving, they can work in modern design schemes or even farmhouse dining spaces.

• Clear out the

clutter. It might be time to say “so long” to that large curio cabinet and the knickknacks within it. Curio and china cabinets used to be de rigueur, but plenty of people now prefer more open and airy dining rooms. For those who want to keep the cabinet, try decluttering inside to only include the very best display pieces and see if the cabinet can be refinished with paint or a lightly colored stain.

• Improve lighting.

Make the chandelier the statement piece of the space. Go for a bold color or an innovative design. Then add accessories throughout the space that coordinate with the chandelier.

• Add bench seating.

Those who need additional seating may not have to get entirely new furniture.

Swap out some chairs for benches, which can fit a couple more guests than chairs.

• Create depth with

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color. HGTV says that using various shades of the same color in a space can add depth. Coordinate drapes, walls, seat fabrics, and accessories for a cohesive design.

Renovating a dining room doesn’t require a large investment of time and money. A few simple steps can give dining spaces a whole new feel without busting homeowners’ budgets.

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OCTOBER 5, 2021

Mileage-based vehicle maintenance intervals

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aintenance is an essential component of responsible vehicle ownership. Routine maintenance can help discover problems before they escalate into potentially costly issues. Maintenance also keeps vehicles running smoothly, making them more enjoyable to drive and extending their life expectancy.

Various factors can help to determine how often drivers should change their vehicles’ fluids and take them in for tuneups. Such variables include how frequently a vehicle is driven, the type of driving (city or rural) drivers do and how many miles are on the car.

However, drivers can still rely on this basic car maintenance schedule, courtesy of Advance Auto Parts, to serve as a guide.

3,000 miles/3 months Advance Auto Parts notes that monthly fluid checks typically are unnecessary with newer vehicles, though older vehicles should be inspected for leaks once a month. Among the fluids to check after every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever comes first, are: • Engine oil level • Windshield washer fluid • Coolant • Brake fluid level • Transmission fluid

• Power steering fluid Drivers also can use 3,000 miles or three months as a benchmark to check tire pressure, hoses and belts.

Many vehicles now display tire pressure for each tire on the dashboard, and drivers should pay attention to those numbers and put air in their tires when necessary. When inspecting hoses, touch them to make sure they’re not leaking and bulging. Hoses should be a little flexible, especially when they are warm.

5,000 miles/6 months Oil and oil filters should be changed at this interval. In addition, this is a good time to rotate tires and inspect lights to make

sure they’re still operating at peak capacity. Drivers also can check their cabin and engine air filters and replace them if need be.

Changing these filters is a simple DIY project, and drivers can find an assortment of YouTube tutorials to help them complete these projects. Wiper blades also can be inspected around this time or whenever drivers suspect the blades aren’t operating at peak capacity.

Replacing wiper blades is another simple DIY project that drivers can complete in a few minutes.

10,000 miles/12 months Advance Auto Parts notes that synthetic oil is typically used in cars made

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since 2010. Each manufacturer is different, and drivers should check their manuals for recommendations.

Synthetic oil and filters in vehicles that use synthetic oil is typically changed every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes

first. Once a year drivers should ask their mechanics to check the alignment on their vehicles and the condition of their brakes.

Routine maintenance can keep vehicles running strong for years on end.

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OCTOBER 5, 2021

Farm Bureau continued from 1

s of Origin” labeling on s food.

In a similar case, members adopted the resolution recommending state e and federal programs that encourage more local meat processing.

Members also recommended that the Natural Resources Conservation Services, a federal agency that works with landowners on conservation projects, use natural geological formation stone and onsite materials that meet or exceed the requirements and purpose of the best management practices being implemented as a first priority, if cost effective.

As amended, the wording, “if cost effective,” was added after discussion.

Also gaining the OK from the members was the recommendation opposing providing benefits to illegal immigrants entering the United States.

In other news, John Painter, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s District 5 Director in Region 7, reported that state membership now stands at about 34,500. Membership with voting privileges is open to anyone who pays the annual dues,, but members of the PFBs various boards must be actively involved in agriculture.

Last year, MPFBs regular membership grew by four percent.

Shetler, Tom Edgreen, Mike Mangan were approved as delegates to the PFBs annual meeting. Melody Shetler is the alternate.

The following county directors were returned to office: Gary Isadore, Richard Kallenborn, Mike Mangan. Dave Peterson and Dave Stratton.

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MCCF awards grants from COVID-19 Assistance Fund The McKean County Community Foundation (MCCF) announced that eleven area non-profit organizations are to receive Covid-19 grants.

The MCCF Covid-19 Grants Committee, appointed by the Foundation’s Board of Directors, reviewed multiple applications and voted to distribute $26,500 from the MCCF COVID-19 Assistance Fund for various projects and programs to benefit local agencies.

The grant funding will support a variety of needs that agencies have

experienced as a result of Covid-19 related issues.

Many have experienced loss of funding that directly affects their operations and programs due to the inability to hold fundraising events. Through their grants, organizations are addressing safety issues, the need for additional staff and volunteers, and new outreach programs to ensure services are available to those in need.

Organizations receiving grants were Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services, Inc.; Bradford Ecumenical Home, Inc.; Bradford

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Learning Center; CARE for Children; CASA of McKean County; CTC Seneca Highlands; The Guidance Center; McKean County Historical Society; No Feline Left Behind in McKean County; YMCA and YWCA. The McKean County Community Foundation (MCCF) established the COVID-19 Assistance Fund in the spring of 2020 to help ease the impact of the pandemic that has affected the community in so many ways. Several rounds of grants have been awarded, now totaling $73,530, that

have been distributed to agencies in McKean County.

The McKean County Community Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides the administrative and investment management services that make it easy for donors to establish funds that accomplish their charitable wishes with their tax deductible donations while improving the quality of life in our communities. For more information, contact MCCF at 844-238-2289 or email mccf@mckeancountyfoundation.org.

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OCTOBER 5, 2021

Bradford receives 2021 Townie Award HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC) announces nine Townie award recipients for 2021. The City of Bradford was awarded in the Physical Improvements & Design category for Public Space Improvement for their “Historic District Streetscape Project.”

The Townie Awards are a festive and esteemed annual tradition designed to recognize the commonwealth’s core communities and individuals for creation and implementation of projects, programs and events that exemplify the goals of PDC’s community revitalization mission. Eligible communities are part of Pennsylvania Downtown Center’s statewide network of nearly 200 organizations, including Main Street and Elm Street programs, making the Townies a competitive award process each year.

PDC’s executive director, Julie Fitzpatrick, said “The annual Townie awards provide an opportunity for us to celebrate these exceptional

and inspiring community revitalization projects throughout our commonwealth. Our Main Street and Elm Street programs, staff, board, and volunteers work tirelessly throughout the year to make impactful change in their business districts and neighborhoods, and the Townies give us a chance to reflect on these success stories.

The work of community revitalization is never done, it is an ever-evolving community effort. PA’s Main Street and Elm Street programs have continued to provide responsive and innovative programming throughout this past year.”

The awards ceremony takes place as part of PDC’s annual statewide conference, held in a different commonwealth community each year highlighting the respective city or town’s accomplishments in community and neighborhood revitalization. 2020 and 2021 Townie Award winners were recognized Tuesday at this year’s conference in downtown Reading.

Bradford, Olean welcome orthopedic surgeon

JoEllen Wankel Well Done Chairman Curtis Shuck is interviewed by a freelance filmmaker from New York City for a segment for the BBC website while standing near the well site at 71 Lang Maid Lane. The well is the first abandoned well in Pennsylvania to be plugged through Well Done Foundation efforts. The foundation currently operates in six other states as well.

Well Done Foundation extends efforts into Pa. with work on Bradford Twp. well

BY JOELLEN WANKEL

Dr. Aubrey Ashie

Bradford Regional Medical Center and Olean General Hospital announce the appointment of Aubrey Ashie, DO, orthopedic surgeon, to Upper Allegheny Health System’s physician network, Bradford Regional Medical Services.

He joins the established orthopedic practice of Shabir Bhayani, MD. “I am excited to be joining this organization and to bring my unique skill set to this community. As a subspecialty trained orthopedic surgeon with unique interests in adult reconstruction and trauma, I am looking forward to bringing world class service to patients in McKean and Cattaraugus counties and its surrounding communities,” Dr. Ashie said. “With new approaches to surgery and unique physical therapy modalities offered at BRMC’s SMART and at OGH, I will be honored to serve the ever increasing needs of this community.

“Since moving here several weeks ago, the community has been incredibly welcoming in helping with our transition. My wife and I are looking forward to integrating and starting our young family here. As we pick up new hobbies in hunting and skiing, please do not hesitate to say ‘hi’ if

you meet us on the trails.”

Dr. Ashie earned a medical degree at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed an orthopedic surgical residency and orthopedic trauma fellowship at Wellspan Hospital in York.

He is experienced in a variety of orthopedic procedures including, total hip and anterior hip replacement, reverse and total shoulder arthroplasty, upper and lower extremity fractures, non-union/ mal-union and revision arthroplasties and hand surgery (wrist and elbow neuroplasty).

“We are very excited to welcome someone with Dr. Ashie’s skill and training to our orthopedic team.

He will be a major asset in broadening our orthopedic scope and allowing even more patients to be cared for right at home in our region,” said Jill Owens, MD, interim chief medical officer, UAHS. Dr. Ashie is currently accepting new patients at 116 Interstate Pkwy., Suite 32, Bradford, and 2420 Constitution Ave., Olean, NY. Appointments can be made by calling 814/3681020 or 716/373-5070.

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BRADFORD — Work began at 7 a.m. Thursday to plug a well located at 71 Lang Maid Lane, on the property owned by Andrew Groce. This work is the start of a new chapter for the Well Done Foundation (WDF), based in Montana, and another page in the longstanding story of the oil industry in Bradford.

The Russell M. Clark Estate #11 well is listed on the Department of Environmental Protection’s orphan and abandoned well list and is the first well in Pennsylvania to be plugged by the WDF. Curtis Shuck, WDF chairman, explained that typically, the process for well-plugging begins with two to six months of monitoring methane levels. Shuck explained this highlights the importance of boots on the ground, to help complete monitoring of the site.

“We figure out a plan to measure and monitor and then roll up our sleeves to plug (the well) using a process that is approved by the state,” Shuck said.

Beau Anderson, the project manager on-site for Dallas-Morris Drilling, explained Thursday’s work was “a bit of a fishing job going on” as the crew continued removing rods and tubing as part of the plugging process.

The hope is for concrete to be put down the well today, maybe Saturday, Shuck explained. The process also includes surface restoration once the well is plugged.

“These wells are so old, you don’t know what can happen subsurface, so there are moments of angst,”

Shuck said. “We hope it goes smoothly so we can move onto the next.”

The well was drilled in the late 1800s and abandoned in the 1970s. The price tag will be $30,000 for plugging and restoration.

Seneca Resources Co. LLC, donated the funds to facilitate WDF’s work in the area.

Seneca Resources geologist Amanda Veazey explained, “We were looking at sustainability projects in Pennsylvania and California and looking to see how to engage in various projects, such as methane mitigation. We were looking for an orphan well project, and I found Curtis online and started a conversation with him. It is a good project. With Seneca Resources being in the area for over 100 years, we still have operations in the area and employees in the area.

Working with a third-party to help them improve the environment was a nobrainer for us.”

The original plan was for WDF to plug a well on the Daugherty family property on Seaward Avenue, but an issue arose.

“For the Daugherty well, we ran into an obstruction and we are working with the state to determine the best approach to make progress on that well,” Shuck said. “With bodies in motion, we wanted to plug a well.”

Shuck explained he was on the Groce property looking at the well site and looking at wells in the area of a nearby creek when he heard of the well on the Daugherty family’s property. It made sense to refocus on the Groce property

when the plan for the well on Seaward Avenue had to be delayed.

Since plans have gotten underway for these wells, in addition to a well in the Fifth Ward off of High Street, Shuck said he has received calls and requests from other area residents to take a look at a well on their property.

“That’s why working with Paul Morris of the Appalachian Legacy Project is so important, it provides local partners and gives us connections and the ability to keep equipment locally and remain connected. We opened an office at Penn State (University) and we are working with the earth and mineral science department to develop field projects. Our presence is only going to grow in PA.” Shuck also indicated that plans include a field office for WDF in Bradford.

The Russell M. Clark Estate alone has nine wells on the orphan and abandoned well list. When this project is finished, eight of those wells will still be awaiting attention. That is a mere drop in the bucket

in regard to the DEP’s list, which was updated at 2 p.m. on Sept. 30 and showed 392 in Bradford Township and 2,896 in McKean County.

“If you look at the problem as a whole, there are more than 3 million wells. We are working in six other states and have some amazing partners, but it’s overwhelming. For so many people in the climate change world, they may feel ‘There’s nothing I can do’ and there might be a feeling of despair,” Shuck said. “We said, we can make a difference, one well at a time. People can feel their support is meaningful.”

This well may be the first in Pennsylvania, but plans are in the works to only continue to work and grow in the state.

“We have a plan to scale up and build awareness of the project and problem.

We have a methodology to provide financing and scale this work up,” Shuck said.

“Whether you are a climate crusader or denyer, this is simply the right thing to do.

We don’t focus on placing blame, we focus on action.”