Allegany County Community Source 2/4/22

Catholic Schools Week ON PAGE ...7

Nurse practictioner honored ON PAGE ...4

FEBRUARY

4 2022

Kathryn Ross

Catharine M. Young

A new housing proposal was presented by Alfred State College Monday evening at the Wellsville Village Board meeting.

Jeff Stevens (right), dean of the School of Applied Technology, introduces the proposal with architect Jeff Ashlive.

U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney

New 23rd District map retains mostly So. Tier aspect

BY RICK MILLER New congressional district lines proposed by state legislature Democrats retain much of the existing 23rd District of Southern Tier towns along the Pennsylvania border.

Rep. Chris Jacobs, R-Orchard Park, who lives in the 23rd District on the new maps drawn by Democrats to include several Southern Erie County towns, announced plans Monday to run in the new 24th District that would require him to move out of Orchard Park. Much of Jacobs’ existing district was incorporated into the 24th District that stretches from the outskirts of the city of Buffalo to Watertown, wrapping around Rochester.

Incumbent 23rd District Rep. Tom Reed, R-Corning, will retire from Congress at the end of this term.

The district, as proposed by legislature Democrats,

would have six full counties: Ca araugus, Allegany, Chautauqua, Steuben, Chemung and Tioga. Parts of the following counties are included: Erie, Wyoming, Livingston, Chenango, Cortland, Schuyler, Yates, Chenango and Broome.

On the heels of Jacobs’ announcement Monday, Rep. Claudia Tenney, R-Utica, announced she would run for re-election to Congress in the new 23rd District, one in which she does not now reside. The new 15-county district includes parts of four counties she currently represents in Central New York’s 22nd District.

Tenney’s decision to run in the new 23rd District means former state Sen. Catharine M. Young of Olean has a big decision to make, said Ca araugus County Republican Party Chairman Robert C. Keis Sr., who backs Young’s candidacy.

Her candidacy would set up a Republican primary in the new district The redistricting resulted because the 2020 Census showed the state would lose one of its 27 seats in Congress.

Since Reed isn’t running for reelection, many feared the Southern Tier District would be cut up to provide population to neighboring congressional districts.

The new districts prepared

by Democrats in Albany and announced over the weekend, come a¢er members of the state’s Independent Redistricting Commission were unable to agree on new district lines.

The commission prepared two sets of maps that were rejected by state lawmakers. The commissioners remained deadlocked along party lines on maps when it went back for a second try and declined to produce any

new maps. Under state law, that le¢ it up to the state legislature, which released its choices over the weekend.

The effect of the new congressional map would be to reduce the existing number of Republican-leaning seats from eight to three or four — including the new 23rd and 24th districts.

State Republican Party Chairman Nick Langworthy of Erie County quickly condemned the Democrats’ maps as unconstitutional and “textbook fi lthy, partisan gerrymandering.” He threatened to sue over the district lines if they are enacted.

Young undecided Keis said Young is undecided about making a run.

“She’s considering her options. If Claudia Tenney wasn’t running it would be an easier decision.” He said

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WELLSVILLE — As Alfred State nears completion of its 58th house on Meservy Hill, it looks to sites in the village for its future.

Jeff Stevens, dean of the college’s School of Applied Technology in Wellsville, approached the village board Monday night with a plan for the future that will impact local housing. Along with his was George Goetschius, president of the Alfred Educational Foundation, and Jeff Ashlive of Mossien Associates architectural fi rm of Rochester.

The trio presented a plan for the future of its students that involves building 14 housing units in the village and town. The proposed site is between the Trapping Brook Road and the Proctor Road on land that is located in both the village and town.

Stevens explained that the school is nearing the end of

its almost 25-year building project located on Meservy Hill. Next year the program is due to complete a 58th home. The homes are upscale residences, each located on 3 acres, and once completed by students in the Building and Trades curriculum are sold to the public.

“We’re looking toward the future of our students,” Stevens explained, noting that the project of students doing a complete homebuilding project has been a staple at the school for more than 50 years. It started in Riverview Heights in Stannards.

While a site in the village and town is under consideration for a new building project, Stevens said that it is just one of many that they are considering. The project will require input and help from both the village and town

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New District continued from 1 earlier that Young was unlikely to challenge Jacobs in a Republican primary.

Tenney has more than twice as much campaign money on hand as Young and stands to add another $1 million next month, Keis said.

“At this point in time, Cathy is still my fi rst choice,” he said. “She hasn’t announced yet. She has to decide if she wants to submit herself and her family to this (primary).”

Keis suggested that despite being a si ing member of Congress, Tenney may present an image as a carpetbagger to much of the existing 23rd District.

Tenney, Keis noted, won her last election by eight votes. “The problem for us down here” is that she has more than $1 million in the bank and is looking at raising another million this month, Keis said. “It’s very difficult to compete with that. Cathay has to make a decision on what she wants to do. She’s considering it at this time.”

While state Sen. George Borrello of Chautauqua County, who succeeded Young in the Senate, has considered running for Congress, Keis said he “can’t imagine he would want to primary a si ing congresswoman.”

Keis said he’ll support Young to succeed Reed “all I can, right up to the end.”

He said he’d consider changing his endorsement to Joe Sempolinski, the Steuben County Republican chairman and a former aide to Reed, if Young is not a candidate.

Giglio not surprised Assemblyman Joseph Giglio, R-Gowanda, said he wasn’t surprised over the lines of the congressional

FEBRUARY 4, 2022 district. “We knew there would be alterations” from the fi rst maps from the Independent Redistricting Commission.

Giglio said the map “does a pre y good job of keeping us complete” as the Southern Tier District. “I don’t think it is terrible. It’s be er than being split up north-south” like they could have done. Giglio, who lives in Gowanda, said Southern Erie County, which was added to the district, “is similar economically and with agriculture” to the existing 23rd District.

“The negative is that it is so big,” Giglio said of the district. “The sheer distance is going to make it difficult to represent. There’s a lot of time traveling.”

There’s a lot of Republican votes packed into those 15 counties.

“They packed them in on purpose,” Giglio said. The district siphoned Republicanleaning areas from surrounding districts to help create more safe Democratic districts.

Giglio expected the Senate and Assembly bills to adopt the new congressional district lines to be fi led later Monday and sit for the necessary three days before they are voted on Thursday.

“It’s not done yet,” Giglio said. “This is going to end up in court,” where judges may redraw the district lines.

New Senate and Assembly lines are expected soon, Giglio said.

Reed response Reed, the retiring congressman, has endorsed Sempolinski, his former district manager, for the congressional seat. Asked to comment on the latest lines, Reed replied, “As expected this is Democrat hypocrisy on full display. This is an outrageous example of Democrats using their control of Albany to produce gerrymandered district maps. This is not what New York voters wanted in the redistricting process, but unfortunately, it is exactly what they got.”

Reed added: “Democrats have been very vocal that they would have no problem playing politics to further their agenda of padding their House of Representative numbers and that is what we see here. In the end, this ultimately hurts the voter. As for the 23rd Congressional District, these maps show that our area will continue to remain solidly in Republican Hands and will be represented by a strong Republican member of Congress.”

Borrello, who has expressed interest in the Southern Tier seat, was unavailable to comment before press time.

Democrats running?

Frank Puglisi, Ca araugus County Democratic Party chairman, said he expects some Democrats will be announcing their candidacies now that the district boundaries are about to be voted on later this week.

Puglisi said he has not heard from any Ca araugus County Democrats about plans to seek Reed’s open congressional seat.

“We haven’t met on the congressional seat yet,” Puglisi said of county chairmen in the 23rd. “The reality was that most Democrats were shying away from commi ing to a race before they knew what the district lines would be.”

Puglisi said the new district is “pre y massive. It’s going to be tough for just about anyone to run there. There are counties that never used to be part of this district.”

Puglisi said he would have preferred north-south districts. He feels a Democratic candidate may emerge from Erie County or elsewhere among the westernmost counties. “I haven’t heard of any interest from Ca araugus County,” Puglisi added.

The Cook Political Report said the redrawn 23rd Congressional District was one of three or four Republican-leaning district

Photo provided

Paint & Sip a Huge Success WELLSVILLE,NYThe Wellsville Creative Arts Center hosted its January Paint & Sip night with great success. Over 20 participants came for the 2nd Thursday of every month event. Each participant took home an original work of art, drank some great local wine and had a really fun time. “It was such an enjoyable evening and I learned so much.” said Nancy Reuning, one of the Paint & Sip participants. “Excellent instructor and was very pleasant and supportive, she gave us helpful suggestions, and was very good at explaining the process”, describes another past partaker.

Due to popular demand

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event will be held just before Valentine’s Day. Family & friends are invited to uncork a bo le of red or white and get creative. A great date night too.

Paint & Sip is open to those of all skill levels, beginner to advanced. Individuals as well as larger groups may take part. This month’s featured painting will be a snow-covered evergreen tree, nestled amidst a northern lights night sky background.

Doors will open at 5pm.

The Paint & Sip event will be held from 6pm-8pm.

The cost is $35 per person, with a 10% discount on all wine and beer. Tickets may be purchased online.

S

Say “I love you” with Music Music can express many emotions, be a source of comfort and encouragement or simply induce a peaceful state of mind. For those looking to express their love for a special someone, songs with or without lyrics can help convey such feelings.

Music lovers may greatly appreciate songs chosen especially for them in honor of Valentine’s Day. Therefore, as a heart-warming gift, curate a special selection of songs that can be gifted to

R

and success, the WCAC will once again be hosting another fun fi lled Paint & Sip night on Thursday, February 10th. Corinn Mario will be this month’s featured guest painter, guiding participants through the painting process in order to create their own one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Students will be painting with acrylic paint on a stretched 11”x14” canvas. All supplies, materials, easels, brushes, paint and instruction is included in the cost.

The WCAC will be offering a variety of wine, cra£ beer and cider by the glass or bottle at a 10% discount. An assortment of tasty snacks will also be available. The upcoming February 10th Paint & Sip

a loved one. Even though it’s an inexpensive way to show you care, the meaning behind the gift can be profound. While “mix tapes” of the 1990s may have fallen out of favor, individuals who subscribe to streaming music services can do something similar by establishing custom playlists. Look to options such as Pandora, Amazon Music, and Spotify for inspiration.

For those who want to

go a little further, upload audio versions of several songs and create a YouTube video montage featuring meaningful photos.

When considering which songs to include, think about “Endless Love,” which Billboard places in the No. 1 spot on its list of the top 50 love songs. This song remained at the top of the charts for nine weeks in 1981 and features the vocal talents of Lionel Richie and Diana Ross.

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

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FEBRUARY 4, 2022

Wellsville Building continued from 1 governments, he said.

The majority of the new project is to be constructed on vacant land that was once owned by the town, located behind the apartment building of Trapping Brook and between Trapping Brook

and Proctor Road. Fourteen buildings are planned with two housing units, complete with garage in each structure.

“These units will be something smaller and scaled back for one or two people,” Stevens said, explaining that the homes will be geared for retired or empty nesters or individuals who just want to scale down and not deal with the maintenance of a larger home. The proposed units will be three bedroom or two bedrooms and a den.

“We’re doing our research on the needs of the housing market, but we need to think of the needs of our students,” he said. The proposed project is expected to take several years; students have routinely completed a house per year at the Meservy Hill project.

He went on to explain that coming before the village board was precipitated by the fact that the fi rst four units will be constructed within the village, while the remaining 10 will be located in the town. The village’s water,

electric and sewer services will also need to be discussed.

“We’re looking for input from the village board,” Stevens said, adding that they will be a ending the next town board meeting to present the same proposal.

Mayor Randy Shayler commented, “We’re willing to support this project any way we can short of paying for it. ... As we get an older population this is the kind of development we need.”

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Allegany County reports 1 COVID death BELMONT — Another death and 126 COVID-19 cases were reported over the past weekend as area case counts begin to decline.

The Allegany County Department of Health reported Jan. 31 that a 78-yearold man is the 91st recorded COVID-19-related death in the county. State officials reported another death on Jan. 29, bringing the state’s tally of residents who died in statelicensed facilities — inside or beyond the county’s borders — to 143.

State officials generally only report fatalities at statelicensed facilities, while county health officials only report deaths occurring inside the county’s borders — and typically with a delay of several days compared to state figures.

County health officials,

using both lab-reported and at-home test results, reported that 64 cases were reported Jan. 28, 44 were reported Jan. 29, and 28 were reported Jan. 30. To date, 9,524 cases have been reported by county authorities. Meanwhile, state officials, using only labreported tests, reported 8,319 cases to date.

The rate of positive tests over the previous week was 10.6% on Jan. 31, according to the state Department of Health. The county has averaged 75.4 cases per 100,000 people over the past seven days.

The state reported that Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville averaged a 24% bed availability rate over the past seven days, and a 46% vacancy rate on Jan. 31. Four of six ICU beds were reported as available, averaging a 55%

availability rate over the past seven days. By comparison, the state reported Jan. 25 that the hospital reported an average of 16% availability over the previous seven days.

State Department of Health officials reported 49.2% of county residents have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, compared to 80.1% of New Yorkers as a whole. Also reported was a rate of 56.6% of adults in Allegany County with at least one dose, compared to 90.9% of New Yorkers. Among county residents, 45.5% have received a completed vaccine series, compared to 71.8% of all New Yorkers.

The Allegany County Department of Health reported that a series of COVID-19 vaccination clinics will be held through February.

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Clinics will be held on Feb. 8, 9, 15, 22, 23 and 26. To fi nd and register for a clinic, visit www.alleganyco.com or www.vaccinefi nder.org.

Those seeking vaccines are also encouraged to contact their local pharmacy or health care provider.

Clinics will offer different vaccines, as well as booster doses, depending on the day and availability. The Pfi zer vaccine has been granted authorization for youth as young as five years old, with all vaccines available for those age 18 and over.

All vaccines are free at the county clinics, officials said, and insurance will only be billed an administrative fee.

Bring insurance cards and photo IDs to the clinic.

For more help, call (585) 268-9250.

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The different ways to repair a driveway Asphalt driveways do not last forever. Over time, weather and general usage can degrade the driveway surface, resulting in cracks, pi ing and more. Ultraviolet rays, salt and automotive fluids also can affect the appearance and functionality of a driveway. An unsightly driveway can adversely affect curb appeal and resale potential.

Homeowners have to consider various factors when it comes to repairing driveways. They may have the option of ge ing the driveway resurfaced, resealed or repaved, and each project is unique.

Resurfacing According to the home improvement price comparison site Kompare It, resurfacing is simpler and faster than installing a new asphalt driveway. With resurfacing, any cracks are fi lled in to create an even base. Then a new layer of asphalt is applied over the existing one. That new layer can range in thickness from 1.5 to 3 inches. A heavy rolling machine will then smooth and fla en the layers together. If the driveway has minor pi ing or cracking, then resurfacing can be a cost-effective strategy, as it may be a $3,000 to $6,000 job as opposed to $5,000 to $10,000 with repaving.

Resealing Resealing a driveway, also called sealcoating, is another repair strategy. HGTV says resealing can be a do-it-yourself project. Resealing helps the driveway last longer.

The driveway needs to be clean and dry, with holes and cracks fi lled prior to sealcoating. Start at the far edge of the driveway and seal that area by “cu ing-in” by hand for a neat edge. A erward the rest of the driveway can be sealed using a squeegee or broom.

This project can be completed within two or three days if no precipitation is forecast.

Repaving

A project best le to profes- application or an aggregate sionals, repaving typically base is practical. involves the removal of an Assessing the condition of existing driveway and the installation of a new one. The sub-grade layer is essential in the process for a smooth look.

Contractors also will assess soil and grading when doing work. The construction blog Main Infrastructure says the new asphalt driveway can vary in thickness between two and six inches, depending on budget and need. The contractor also can advise if full-depth asphalt

driveway can give homeowners a be er idea about which type of repair project best suits their property.

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ARTICLES FOR SALE Unfortunately, Winter is not over yet, the coldest temperatures are on the way. Get a Remote Car Starter installed starting at $329.95, call The Sound Track, 59 West Main Street, Allegany NY, at 716-373-2328.

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Betty White Challenge leads to thousands for local SPCAs

BY CINDY WAGNER Animal shelters across the country were helped this month with dollars donated through the Be y White Challenge, and local animal rescue and shelter organizations were no exception.

If you’re one of the rare people who may not have heard of the challenge, due to Be y

White’s love of animals, people were urged to donate $5 to an animal shelter on the event of what would have been her 100th birthday, Jan. 17.

Since her passing on Dec. 31, a viral social media campaign has been making its way around the internet to donate to local shelters in honor of the entertainment

icon.

Both the SPCA Serving Allegany County and the SPCA in Ca araugus County took that challenge to heart and raised thousands of operating dollars for their organizations, passing on the word of the fundraiser on their Facebook page and other social media sites. Friends challenged other friends and

Nurse practitioner, Andover native honored with scholarship BELMONT — The family of retired nurse practitioner Janet Burger Appier, who passed away Nov. 18 after several years of medical hardships, has established a scholarship in her honor and memory through the Allegany County Area Foundation.

This annually-funded award is available to students this year and is a precursor to a formal full endowment that will enable these awards to be available to the Andover and/or other area students every year from now on.

For this fi rst year there will be two separate $1,000 awards to support students aspiring to become a nurse, or possibly go into some other medically related position.

Priority will be to graduating seniors from Andover Central School, although in the absence of an applicant it will be opened to students from other schools.

Students can apply through the regular ACAF online application process (accessible through the ACAF website). They also can get additional information from their school guidance counselor.

A similar fund, also offering two $1,000 awards, is being established with the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes in Horseheads for students in that area that are going into nursing at Corning Community College, Elmira College or Arnot Ogden School of Nursing.

For more information, go to the Foundation website or contact them at at (607) 7393900 or cmm@communityfund.org.

As the application deadlines are approaching for both programs students are urged to apply soon.

Appier became the second member of her family to go into nursing through St. James School of Nursing in Hornell — her older sister, Phyllis Burger Wilson, being the fi rst. Family members said Appier always cherished her time at St. James and definitely was saddened when the school ultimately closed.

For about a year a er graduating from St. James,

“She literally touched hundreds of lives over her lifelong career with her dedication and willingness to go above and beyond to help care for and heal her patients,” the family stated.

For information about contributing to the Janet Appier Memorial Scholarship or establishing a new fund, contact Bruce Campbell at ACAF via director@acafny.org or (585) 296-5616.

Appier worked at two area hospitals and then married James Appier (also an Andover native) in 1967. The couple ultimately moved to the Corning/Elmira area where she worked in various longterm positions over the years and ultimately went on to earn her nurse practitioner’s license.

She was licensed as both a registered nurse and nurse practitioner in both New York and Pennsylvania, while she taught clinical studies at Elmira College for a couple of years.

family members to donate and shared the page on their sites.

Donations were still coming in at the SPCA Serving Allegany County in Belmont.

“It did very well for us,” said Lynda Pruski, executive director, of the Challenge.

“The 15th was our radiothon and I was talking about it there. Some people pledged then. We’re still ge ing some in the mail.”

More than 100 supporters have donated approximately $3,500 through the Challenge. While the average donation was about $35, Pruski said two checks for $99 were received and it took a minute to figure out the odd amount — White was 99 when she passed away. Not only fi nancial contributions were received, but dog and cat food were also donated.

“It goes to our cats and dogs and other animals. We don’t just have cats and dogs,” said Pruski. “Food, treats, medical care, we spay and neuter, microchip, vaccines.”

To donate via PayPal, visit

spcaallegany.org or mail to P.O. Box 181, Belmont, NY 14813.

The SPCA in Ca araugus County was also happy with the success of their fundraising challenge. “(We raised) just a li le over $5,000,” said Jason Berube, shelter manager.

“For a late notice posting we had a lot of donors … approximately over 120, which is helping us out significantly.

Donors have been generous and they like the direction we’re going in.”

Berube said they haven’t quite decided how the bonus funds will be spent.

“We have just upgraded our water so ener system so it would cover the cost of that,” he said. “It will pay for flea and tick medicine, antibiotics for the four months of usual time (the animals are sheltered.) It would pay for 50 spay or neutering, but we prioritize medical a ention.”

To donate, visit h ps://spcaca co.org/donate/ or mail to 2944 Route 16, Olean, NY 14760.

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585-928-1708

34 South Main Street, Andover, NY 14806

PH: 607.478.5411

www.gaylordgunsandammo.com

Fillmore Shop ‘n Save 44 Genesee Street, Fillmore, NY 14735 585.567.2701 Monday - Sunday 7am -9pm

R.G. Mason Auctions

10795 Rt. 19, Fillmore, NY 14735-9651 W W W. R G M A S O N AU C T I O N S .C O M 585.567.8844 | Rich 585.721.8844 James 585.261.8844

Lumber Inc.

• fassettlanelumber.com

4271 Fassett Lane • Wellsville, NY 14895 585-593-2596

585.216.3213

WellsvilleTechnologies.com

Riverwalk Plaza 139 Bolivar Rd Wellsville 585-593-4063

Wellsville Location

4269 Bolivar Rd STE 3 Wellsville, NY 14895

3947 MAIN STREET SCIO, NY 14880 585-296-3700

www.mikesonthecorner.com

For Kids Auto Repair & Towing LLC

61 Greenwich St. • Belmont, NY 14813 (585) 268-5161 • www.facebook.com/forkidsauto Owner: Harold Mitchell

“100 Years of Business!”

132 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY 585.593.1400

585-593-2775

Historic Downtown Wellsville |WWW.HARTSJEWELRY.COM

PETERSON STOVES

Eric Peterson • Eddie Peterson Coal & Gas Stoves • Installation Available 1755 Route 305 • Portville NY • 585-933-7277

PETERSON STOVES

Eric Peterson • Eddie Peterson Coal & Gas Stoves • Installation Available 1755 Route 305 • Portville NY • 585-933-7277

Shop ‘n Save

455 Main St., Bolivar, NY 14715

585-928-1708

34 South Main Street, Andover, NY 14806

PH: 607.478.5411

www.gaylordgunsandammo.com

Fillmore Shop ‘n Save

44 Genesee Street, Fillmore, NY 14735 585.567.2701 Monday - Sunday 7am -9pm

R.G. Mason Auctions

10795 Rt. 19, Fillmore, NY 14735-9651 W W W. R G M A S O N AU C T I O N S .C O M 585.567.8844 | Rich 585.721.8844 James 585.261.8844

Lumber Inc.

• fassettlanelumber.com

4271 Fassett Lane • Wellsville, NY 14895

585-593-2596

Riverwalk Plaza 139 Bolivar Rd Wellsville 585-593-4063

Wellsville Location

4269 Bolivar Rd STE 3 Wellsville, NY 14895

WellsvilleTechnologies.com

585.216.3213

3947 MAIN STREET SCIO, NY 14880 585-296-3700

www.mikesonthecorner.com

For Kids Auto Repair & Towing LLC

61 Greenwich St. • Belmont, NY 14813 (585) 268-5161 • www.facebook.com/forkidsauto Owner: Harold Mitchell

“100 Years of Business!”

132 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY 585.593.1400

585-593-2775

Historic Downtown Wellsville |WWW.HARTSJEWELRY.COM

PETERSON STOVES

Eric Peterson • Eddie Peterson Coal & Gas Stoves • Installation Available 1755 Route 305 • Portville NY • 585-933-7277

Shop ‘n Save

455 Main St., Bolivar, NY 14715

585-928-1708

34 South Main Street, Andover, NY 14806

PH: 607.478.5411

www.gaylordgunsandammo.com

Fillmore Shop ‘n Save

44 Genesee Street, Fillmore, NY 14735 585.567.2701 Monday - Sunday 7am -9pm

R.G. Mason Auctions

10795 Rt. 19, Fillmore, NY 14735-9651 W W W. R G M A S O N AU C T I O N S .C O M 585.567.8844 | Rich 585.721.8844 James 585.261.8844

Lumber Inc.

• fassettlanelumber.com

4271 Fassett Lane • Wellsville, NY 14895

585-593-2596

585.216.3213

WellsvilleTechnologies.com

Riverwalk Plaza 139 Bolivar Rd Wellsville 585-593-4063

Wellsville Location

4269 Bolivar Rd STE 3 Wellsville, NY 14895

3947 MAIN STREET SCIO, NY 14880 585-296-3700

www.mikesonthecorner.com

For Kids Auto Repair & Towing LLC

61 Greenwich St. • Belmont, NY 14813 (585) 268-5161 • www.facebook.com/forkidsauto Owner: Harold Mitchell

“100 Years of Business!”

132 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY 585.593.1400

585-593-2775

Historic Downtown Wellsville |WWW.HARTSJEWELRY.COM

PETERSON STOVES

Eric Peterson • Eddie Peterson Coal & Gas Stoves • Installation Available 1755 Route 305 • Portville NY • 585-933-7277

Shop ‘n Save

455 Main St., Bolivar, NY 14715

585-928-1708

www.gaylordgunsandammo.com

PH: 607.478.5411

34 South Main Street, Andover, NY 14806

Fillmore Shop ‘n Save

44 Genesee Street, Fillmore, NY 14735 585.567.2701 Monday - Sunday 7am -9pm

R.G. Mason Auctions

10795 Rt. 19, Fillmore, NY 14735-9651 W W W. R G M A S O N AU C T I O N S .C O M 585.567.8844 | Rich 585.721.8844 James 585.261.8844

Lumber Inc.

• fassettlanelumber.com

4271 Fassett Lane • Wellsville, NY 14895

585-593-2596

585.216.3213

WellsvilleTechnologies.com

Riverwalk Plaza 139 Bolivar Rd Wellsville 585-593-4063

Wellsville Location

4269 Bolivar Rd STE 3 Wellsville, NY 14895

3947 MAIN STREET SCIO, NY 14880 585-296-3700

www.mikesonthecorner.com

For Kids Auto Repair & Towing LLC

61 Greenwich St. • Belmont, NY 14813 (585) 268-5161 • www.facebook.com/forkidsauto Owner: Harold Mitchell

“100 Years of Business!”

132 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY 585.593.1400

585-593-2775

Historic Downtown Wellsville |WWW.HARTSJEWELRY.COM

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

7

Photo by Kathryn Ross Immaculate Conception School of Wellsville looks to guide students morally and educationally for another 125 years.

Immaculate Conception celebrating Catholic Schools Week

BY KATHRYN ROSS WELLSVILLE — The Immaculate Conception School is celebrating Catholic Schools Week (Jan. 31-Feb. 4) highlighting the school’s pursuit of excellence in education and raising funds to ensure the tradition continues.

There has been a Catholic school in Wellsville since the Sisters of Mercy founded Sacred Heart school in 1876.

At the turn of the 20th century the original school morphed into Immaculate Conception School, and the cornerstone for the school as it’s known today was set in 1912. Thousands of students have a ended the school, which offers classes from preschool to the eighth grade, in its 147 years.

With familiar names such as Walsh, Hart, Colligan and many more, alumni have taken the lessons they learned in the classrooms of ICS and gone on to serve the village and town in government, in business and in society.

The celebration of Catholic Schools Week began with Sunday’s service and continues throughout

the week with in-school celebrations and programs at the Wellsville library.

On Wednesday, Bishop Michael Fisher of the Diocese of Buffalo was to visit and tour the school. At 9:10 a.m. there was to be a program in the Nancy Howe Auditorium in the David A. Howe Library.

At 12:45 p.m. Wednesday Mayor Randy Shayler was to present a Catholic Schools Week proclamation. At 7 p.m. Thursday there will be a Christmas play at the Nancy Howe Auditorium that had to be cancelled during the Christmas season due to COVID. Rev. James Hartwell, pastor of Immaculate Conception parish, says community service, a moral background and the manners taught at ICS are as important as the science, technology, English and math skills that are part of the curriculum. Christian values are taught to each student and the students a end religious services.

“Routinely, the Buffalo publication Business First ranks the ICS K-5 curriculum in the top five across the eight counties of Western New York and the secondary or the grade six through eighth

grade curriculum at ICS in the top 10,” he said. “Our class sizes are small allowing our dedicated teaching staff the chance to work one on one with our students.”

He pointed out that because of the class size during the pandemic, when other schools in the area were forced to rely on remote learning, ICS students were able to a end classes.

Yet, while the school is able to teach some 300 students, its current number is under 100. Students of any faith and from across the area are welcome to enroll in the school. Tuition is $4,000 per year for the first in a family and reduced for succeeding students. Tuition cost can be offset by local and diocesan scholarships, with almost every student receiving tuition assistance.

In a recent appeal, the school administration states, “To continue its excellence in education, ICS is asking for financial support due to loss of funds. Circumstances beyond our control, have caused financial hardships to the school and our surrounding communities. We are seeking donations to cover the tuition of students and operational costs due to loss of

Diocesan funding, employment opportunities moving out of our area, inflation cutting into household incomes, and loss of revenue from parishes due to COVID-19.

“We believe it is our responsibility to assist families

in the education and growth of their children academically, spiritually, emotionally, socially and physically,” a Catholic schools mission statement reads. “Our approach to education is to empower each child to make responsible and appropriate

decisions, perform to the best of their ability in all endeavors and gain the confidence and knowledge for success in the next stage of their education.”

To learn more about the school visit www.icc-ics.org.

8

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

B LO C K ( B A R N ) PA R T Y F O R J O S H A L L E N

Photo byBob Clark Visitors take pictures of a snow sculpture honoring Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen on Jan. 20 at Empire City Farms in Cuba. The sculpture is the latest work by Eric Jones, a local artist known for his sand and snow sculptures — a number of which have been created in front of the farm’s famous block barn.

Without a functioning engine, a car is just an expensive driveway ornament. Engines keep vehicles moving, much in the same way the heart provides oxygen and blood to keep the human body running strong.

Modern engines are a mixture of mechanical moveable parts and complex computerized systems. Many different parts work in unison to keep a vehicle moving. Engines can be challenging for experienced mechanics, not to mention downright confusing for people who are unfamiliar with what’s under the hood of their vehicle. But any vehicle owner can learn to recognize certain signs that an engine may be on its last legs.

Engine shaking An engine that is shaking while running may just have bad spark plugs or loose or damaged hoses, offers Sturtevant Used Auto Parts in Wisconsin. However, if those fixes don’t work, it could be an indication of a deeper problem that requires a mechanic, such as fuel intake system issues, compromised motor mounts or timing belt problems.

Excessive smoke An engine in trouble typically has to work harder.

That results in heating up more quickly, which can lead to overheating. Smoke may be white, blue or black (each color indicates a separate problem). Any sign of excessive smoke is a reason to

Signs of engine trouble consult a mechanic.

Warning lights The dashboard tends to light up when the car is started, and one by one those lights diminish as the car’s computer checks that all systems are working correctly.

If the “check engine” light remains on, it is notifying the driver of a problem. The issue could be a faulty sensor or something more ominous.

Mechanics can hook the vehicle up to a scanning tool that runs diagnostics to “speak” to the car’s computer helping to diagnose the issue, advises How Stuff Works.

Strange noises Popping or tapping noises may suggest that gasoline is igniting prematurely in the combustion chambers of the cylinders. Grinding noises may tell you that the starter

motor needs to be changed or replaced. Transmission issues also can produce grinding sounds. Generally speaking, if the car is making sounds it does not normally make, schedule a service appointment.

Poor fuel efficiency Engine trouble may cause the car or truck to consume gas faster than normal, according to the car information site Carsoid. The engine or one of its components may be faulty. Problems could arise in the spark plugs, oxygen sensor or fuel injector.

Metal flakes If you change your own oil, check to see if the oil has metal flakes, or ask the technician if he or she sees flakes when you bring it in for service. Flakes indicate the engine is creating too much

friction and slowly chipping away at the components.

Trouble starting Failure to turn over is a clear indicator of engine troubles. It could be the ba ery,

but if the ba ery is new, look for other causes.

Engine trouble does not generally come out of nowhere. Certain signs can warn drivers their vehicles need servicing.

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

9

How to contribute to the Red Cross The American Red Cross and the Canadian Red Cross help communities in their own countries and across the globe every day. The Red Cross is perhaps most visible in the a ermath of natural disasters. However, the American Red Cross and the Canadian Red Cross are active year-round, and there are plenty of ways for individuals to contribute to both organizations throughout the year.

• Receive training from the Red Cross. The Red Cross notes that many professions require individuals to master lifesaving skills such as CPR and fi rst aid. But millions of people are not required to learn such skills, even though they’re useful for anyone. The Red Cross offers an array of courses, including lifeguarding, caregiving and babysi ing, swimming and water safety, that train individuals about how to effectively prepare to respond to emergencies. Enrolling in these courses contributes to the mission of the Red Cross by building its potential base of qualified volunteers who can pitch in when natural di• Pitch in with disaster resasters or other emergencies work with school officials and organize blood drives in their local Red Cross chapters to school communities. lief.

The American Red Cross occur. notes that it responds to an • Donate blood. Blood donations are uniquely valuable to the Red Cross at any time, but the organization noted in early 2022 that it was experiencing its worst blood shortage in more than a decade.

The Red Cross notes that the pandemic contributed to a 62 percent decline in college and high school blood drives. So while student donors made up roughly 25 percent of all donors in 2019, they now make up just 10 percent of the donor population. Eligible adults, including students, can contribute to the Red Cross by donating as o en as possible.

Students back on campus can

emergency every eight minutes. Perhaps most remarkable is that 95 percent of the organization’s disaster relief workers are volunteers. The American Red Cross and the Canadian Red Cross rely on volunteers from all walks of life, and each organization has plenty of opportunities for individuals willing to give back. Learn more about volunteering at www.redcross.org and www.redcross. ca.

• Contribute fi nancially.

The work of the Red Cross continues a er the emergency phase of a response has

ended. The Red Cross provides emergency fi nancial assistance in the immediate a ermath of a disaster, but also offers such aid to households that need extra help in the long-term. The fi nancial contributions of donors help make that assistance possible and both the American Red Cross and the Canadian Red Cross have made it easy to donate funds via their respective websites.

Individuals who want to assist the American Red Cross and Canadian Red Cross help those in need can do so in myriad ways.

10

BOCES animation program making impact in regional schools

Since fall 2021, school districts in the Ca araugusAllegany BOCES region have been seeing world-class animations come to life in their school hallways thanks to new programming offered through the Information Technology Department at CA BOCES. Through a unique partnership with Rochester Institute of Technology’s MAGIC Spell Studios, the team at BOCES has been offering customized animation offerings to component school districts in the region.

Michael Graf, BOCES Information Technology director, said he has been pleased with program development.

“Our newly-created animation department and our partnership with MAGIC Spell Studios has allowed us to offer animation on a

broader scale to our component districts at a reasonable price through existing CoSer structures,” he said.

MAGIC Spell Studios, LLC, is the entrepreneurial and commercial heart of MAGIC at RIT. Encompassing a fully functional film sound stage, sound mix and color correction post-production studios, a 4K Dolby Atmos theater, and several working media laboratories, MAGIC Spell Studios and their student and faculty talent have been working on various projects in local districts.

BOCES is currently working with several regional school districts on various projects that include animated versions of administrators and mascots, character education animated storylines, 2D/3D creations for use in sensory rooms and hallways and custom athletic animations for digital scoreboards.

A llegany-Limestone Central School District is one district that has utilized animation programming this year. Superintendent Tony Giannicchi said that he has been most pleased with the opportunity to include staff and students in the process.

“With project storylines and scripts created by staff and students, it was a great opportunity to include them in the animation process,” he said. “This increased overall engagement.”

Belfast Central School District has used animation to promote relationshipbuilding between staff and students.

Superintendent Wendy Butler said that students and the community have responded well to these new messages.

“Our animated pieces have been a nice way to encourage students and bring positivity

to our building – which is so important, especially now,” she said.

Randolph Central School District has also seen increased engagement with the inclusion of animation pieces. Superintendent Kaine Kelly said that the animated messages they created were aimed to help in student comprehension for a variety of messages.

“In today’s environment, our students are asked to understand so many messages and instructions,” he said.

“Our animations featuring familiar administrators and staff, and even our service dog, has helped so en messaging and bring a new sort of energy and understanding to those messages.”

For more information on the animation programming at CA BOCES contact Michael Graf at 716-376-8218.

How Candelmas Day turned into Groundhog Day “If Candlemas be fair and bright, come winter, have another flight. If Candlemas bring clouds and rain, go winter, and come not again.”

- English folk song If a day to predict the arrival of spring weather sounds familiar, it probably calls to mind Groundhog Day. However, for centuries, February 2nd was celebrated as a Christian Feast Day known as Candlemas. The day also bore significance outside of Christianity, marking the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. It was celebrated as an ancient Roman festival of light.

The name “Candlemas” refers to the traditional processions and blessing of candles that came to characterize the

feast day. It also is called the Feast of the Presentation, because it honors the day that Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus at the Temple according to Mosaic law.

Candlemas Day was always celebrated on February 2, exactly 40 days a er Christmas on December 25th.

Mosaic law

Alzheimer’s Association seeks volunteers BUFFALO — Tens of thousands of individuals are impacted by dementia every day across Western New York, including those living with a diagnosis, their care partners, and their families and friends.

Adult volunteers from all backgrounds and abilities are encouraged to learn more about the fulfilling volunteer positions offered with the Alzheimer’s Association WNY. Among the roles is advocate. Mary Kruszynski of Clarence Center, who was named the New York State Advocate of the Month in December 2021, joined the chapter as an ambassador one year ago.

“I felt it was important to advocate a er losing my mom to Alzheimer’s disease in 2020,” she said. “Please consider joining me, so we can celebrate the first survivor of Alzheimer’s. I can’t do it alone.”

Volunteers also help spread awareness of the chapter and its resources in every community in Allegany, Ca araugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties.

The WNY Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association® offers dozens of free education programs focusing on research, healthy living and social activities for those living with the disease as well as support groups to provide opportunities for care partners to support and lean-on others in the same situation.

The chapter also offers a number of social programs aimed at eliminating the isolation of those living with dementia. All of these programs are free but rely on crucial support from volunteers.

For additional information, visit volunteer.alz.org or contact Courtney Sipes at CLSipes@alz.org or (716) 271-9255.

stated that 40 days was the period of purification time a er the birth of a child.

Candlemas also presented an opportunity to predict weather. According to the New England Historical Society, New Englanders who once lived in old houses looked at how far the sun would shine in through cracks in the structure to determine how far the snow would continue to blow in through to the month of May. Like many religious celebrations, Candlemas has a secular alternative in Groundhog Day. Groundhog Day was first recog nized

in the United States during the late 1800s and was popularized in Pennsylvania

by German se lers who had their own Candlemas Day rhymes related to the weather. The Germans connected weather prognostication to the local hedgehog.

When German immigrants arrived in America, there were no hedgehogs, so they used the groundhog, the closest representative animal they could find. The tradition grew so popular it was eventually commercialized.

Thousands began to flock to Punxsutawney, PA, to watch Punxsutawney Phil make his prediction.

Today Groundhog Day is anticipated each year as millions of people eagerly await to see if winter will last six more weeks or if spring warmth will arrive sooner rather than later.

FEBRUARY 4, 2022

Tips for buying jewelry this Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day is rife with tradition. Couples may have their own unique traditions, but others, like Valentine’s Day date nights, are widely popular.

One Valentine’s Day tradition many couples embrace is the exchange of gi s.

Shoppers might not need much advice when purchasing heart-shaped boxes of chocolates or flowers for their sweethearts. However, when shopping for jewelry, Valentine’s Day celebrants may feel as though they’re in over their heads. The following tips, courtesy of the Be er Business Bureau®, can help shoppers as they navigate the potentially confusing process of buying jewelry.

Diamonds The BBB notes that diamonds’ value is based on color, cut, clarity, and carat.

O en referred to as the “4 Cs,” this criteria refers to the grade of the color (color), the way the diamond is finished (cut), how flawless the diamond is (clarity), and its weight (carat). When shopping for diamonds, the BBB advises asking jewelers if they have the most up-todate testing equipment, which makes it easier for them to distinguish between diamonds and lab-created gemstones. That’s important, as lab-created gemstones resemble diamonds and may not be detectable if jewelers are using testing equipment designed to identify cubic zirconia.

Colored gemstones Colored gemstones are very popular, and the BBB notes that various new stone treatments have been developed to improve their

appearance and durability.

However, the BBB also notes that such treatments may adversely affect the value of the gem and necessitate special care in order to maintain the gem’s appearance. When shopping for colored gemstones, ask the jeweler if an item has been treated and if there’s any special maintenance required. Imitation or assembled stones may look like natural stones, so shoppers should ask if a stone is natural, synthetic or imitation before purchasing anything.

Gold When used alone, the word gold implies an item is all gold or 24 karat gold.

But the BBB notes that gold is naturally so and, as a result, is typically mixed with other metals to improve its hardness and durability.

The karat-quality marking indicates what proportion of gold is mixed with other metals. For example, the most common mark for gold jewelry is 18K of 750, which signifies an item is 75 percent gold. Lower-karat gold jewelry may include copper, silver, zinc, or other metals.

Consumers should ask about these alloys and determine if the item’s ultimate recipient is allergic to certain metals or if he or she has a high acid content in their bodies.

People with high acid content in their bodies may have their jewelry turn black as a result.

Buying jewelry can be intimidating. However, jewelry buyers can work with their jewelers to find a beautiful piece their sweethearts will be proud to wear this Valentine’s Day. More information on buying jewelry can be found at www.bbb. org.