Obituary: Tage G. Carlsson, 82, of Wellsville UPDATED

Tage G. Carlsson, 82, of Wellsville, NY, died Thursday, March 28, 2019 in Wellsville Manor Care Center.  Born June 23, 1936 in New York, NY, he was the son of Tage and Lena Massero Carlsson.  On November 3, 1962, in Lake Ronkonkoma, NY, he married the former Elaine H. Dacey, who survives.  A US Marine Corps Veteran, he served honorably from 1954 – 1957.  A graduate of SUNY Farmingdale, he was employed by Brookhaven National Laboratories as a grounds supervisor.  Surviving besides his wife, Elaine, are:  two sons, Tage G. (Christa) Carlsson, Jr. of Fort Riley, KS and Terrance G. (Armanda) Carlsson of Pueblo, CO; a daughter, Joellen D. (Michael) Bidzerkowny of Wellsville; 10 grandchildren; a sister, Theresa Rush of Frederick, MD; nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents.  Friends may call at Mulholland-Crowell Funeral Home, Wellsville, NY on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m., Wednesday in Immaculate Conception Church, Wellsville.  The Rev. James Hartwell will be the Celebrant.  Military Rites will be accorded by members of Morrison B. Hayes American Legion Post #702.  Memorials may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America at Buffalo National Service Office, 130 South Elmwood Ave, Suite 621, Buffalo, NY, 14202.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.

Complete Obituary: William G. Potter, 82, of Ulysses, PA

William G. Potter, 82, of Ulysses, PA, died Thursday, March 28, 2019 in Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport, after being stricken in Ulysses.  Born March 15, 1937, in Coudersport, PA, he was the son of Harold and Helen Soskie Potter. A US Navy Veteran, he served honorably from 1958 – 1962.  He was employed by Dresser-Rand in Wellsville, NY for many years.  Bill was an active life member of the Tri-Town Volunteer Fire Company and Tri-Town Volunteer Ambulance and was also a member of the H.U.G. Senior Center in Ulysses.  A Tri-Town member since 1966, he was a vital member of the fire police. He was honored as Ulysses Citizen of the Year in 2013.  Bill was found at Downey’s Restaurant every morning for coffee and to help Sharon open for the day.  He spent a lot of time helping his brothers on Mike’s farm and at Pete’s berry patch.  Surviving are:  a sister, Jane Hilfiger of Harrison Valley, PA; sisters-in-law, Sandra Potter of Ulysses and Joyce Potter Treat of Elkland; nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents; and two brothers, Harold “Mike” Potter and Howard Paul “Pete” Potter.  Friends may call Monday, April 1, 2019 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Olney Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Ulysses, where Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m.  The Rev. Timothy H. Miller will officiate.  Burial will be in Raymond Cemetery, Allegany Township.  Military Rites will be accorded by members of the Potter County Honor Guard.  Memorials may be made to the Tri-Town Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 277, Ulysses, PA 16948 or Ulysses Library, P.O. Box 316, Ulysses, PA 16948.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.olneyfuneralhome.com.

Wellsville: Fahs, Torrey, Embser and Tomah to be honored April 6th

On Saturday April 6th, the Wellsville Elks Lodge will install new officers. It will also hold a member awards ceremony at 6 p.m. These community members will be recognized and honored:
Elk of the Year: Ed Fahs
Officer of the Year: Jody Torrey
Citizen of the Year: John Embser
Lifetime Achievement Award: Ron Tomah
Also being honored with G/L certificates that night will be Shaun Walsh, SVP and Bill Geoppner.

Gov. Cuomo & legislative leaders announce agreement of FY 2020 budget

This lengthy press release was issued at 12:37 a.m. Sunday:
GOVERNOR CUOMO AND LEGISLATIVE LEADERS ANNOUNCE AGREEMENT ON FY 2020 BUDGET

 

Historic Agreement Makes 2% Property Tax Cap Permanent, Includes Landmark Criminal Justice Reforms, and MTA Reform Plan That Includes Central Business District Tolling

 

Increases Education Aid by Over $1 Billion, Bringing Total Education Funding to $27.9 Billion, and Introduces New Education Equity Formula to Ensure Funding for Poorer Schools

 

Agreement to Enact Public Campaign Finance System

 

State Spending Kept at 2% for the Ninth Straight Year

 

 

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today announced an agreement on the FY 2020 Budget. The Budget holds spending growth at 2% for the ninth consecutive year and cuts taxes for the middle class.

 

The Budget includes several landmark policies that will bring sweeping transformation and social justice reform to the state with the passage of the permanent 2% property tax cap that has already saved New Yorkers $25 billion since it was first implemented in 2012; a strategic MTA reform plan and steady revenue stream to fund the next capital plan through Central Business District Tolling; an additional $1 billion to support education, bringing total education funding to $27.9 billion; and landmark criminal justice reforms, including reforming the cash bail system, speedy trial, and the discovery process for a more fair and just New York for all.

 

Spending

 

The budget agreement includes spending in the following categories:

• Total State Operating Funds: $102.1 billion; 2 percent growth
• All Funds spending $175.5 billion for FY 2020
• School Aid: $27.9 billion; 3.8 percent growth
• State Medicaid/Health Spending: $19.6 billion; 3.6 percent growth

 

"From the beginning, I said we will not do a budget that fails to address three major issues that have evaded this state for decades - the permanent property tax cap, criminal justice reform and an MTA overhaul including Central Business District Tolling," Governor Cuomo said. "I also said this budget must be done right - meaning it must be fiscally responsible and protect New York from the federal government's ongoing economic assault on our state. I am proud to announce that together, we got it done. This agreement accomplishes our goals and enacts the transformative policies of our 100-day Justice Agenda, while keeping spending at 2% for the 9th consecutive year.

 

"I thank Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie for their partnership, and look forward to achieving the most productive legislative session in history."

 

"The Senate Majority committed to passing a responsible, effective, and on-time State Budget, and that is what we have achieved. I thank my partner in legislative leadership, Speaker Heastie, as well as Governor Cuomo, and all of my colleagues in the Senate Majority for their hard work and dedication throughout the budget process," Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. "The 2019-2020 State Budget will provide an over $1 billion increase in state education aid, with a focus on struggling school districts. The budget will also provide essential AIM funds for local governments, a permanent property tax cap, and tax relief for Middle Class New Yorkers. Additionally, we have taken historic steps to implement a public financing system, reform our criminal justice system, and ban single-use plastic bags. Our first budget as the Senate Majority will help move New York forward and build a stronger, fairer, more prosperous, and cleaner state for generations to come."

 

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said, "Despite the financial challenges we face, the Assembly Majority fought to defend the needs of our most vulnerable populations in this year's state budget. We did not lose sight of our commitment to students or our pledge to create more affordable pathways to higher education. This budget delivers on our promise to develop sustainable funding for the MTA and addresses critical transportation needs throughout the state. Importantly, we were able to secure landmark criminal justice reforms that will make a difference in the lives of New Yorkers. Since I became speaker in 2015, it has been my personal mission to correct the tilted scales of justice for New Yorkers, and this year's budget agreement makes a giant leap toward realizing these goals: reforming our bail system, ensuring the right to a speedy trial, and making critical changes to New York's discovery process. I want to thank my colleagues in the Assembly Majority for their commitment to delivering New Yorkers a spending plan that puts families first, and our new partners in the Senate Democratic Majority for helping to craft a responsible spending plan to help move our state forward."

 

Budget Highlights Include:

 

Permanent 2% Property Tax Cap: With the passage of this historic legislation, the inclusion of the permanent 2% property tax cap in the FY 2020 Budget will build upon the approximately $25 billion in taxpayer savings since the cap was implemented by the Governor in 2012.

 

Criminal Justice Reform: New York continues its commitment to a fairer criminal justice system with the inclusion of the following reforms in the FY 2020 Enacted Budget:

 

• Reforming Bail and Pretrial Detention Reform: As part of a groundbreaking plan to modernize New York's bail system, cash bail will be eliminated for misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, alongside a new requirement that police officers must issue desk appearance tickets to most people charged with misdemeanors and Class E felonies, rather than making a custodial arrest. Together, these reforms will ensure approximately 90 percent of people charged, but not yet convicted of a crime, are not sitting in jail awaiting trial solely because they do not have the economic resources to meet bail.
• Transforming the Discovery Process: In order to overhaul New York's antiquated discovery process by which prosecutors were able to withhold basic evidence until the day the trial begins, legislation included in the FY 2020 Enacted Budget will require that both prosecutors and defendants share all information in their possession well in advance of trial. Defendants will also be allowed the opportunity to review whatever evidence is in the prosecution's possession prior to pleading guilty to a crime. In addition, the legislation will ensure that victims and witnesses are protected from intimidation and other forms of coercion by providing prosecutors with the ability to petition a court for a protective order, shielding identifying information when necessary to ensure the safety of witnesses and the sanctity of the judicial process.
• Ensuring the Right to a Speedy Trial: Under New York State law, misdemeanors are required to be resolved within 90 days and felonies within 180 days, however, the average length of pretrial detention is far longer. To address this injustice, the FY 2020 Enacted Budget includes legislation that requires courts to take a proactive role in advising litigants on how time will be charged. When appropriate, courts will also inquire into the government's readiness to proceed to trial and require that the government file all appropriate paperwork before a statement of readiness is accepted, ensuring that the government is not able to proceed to trial until the defendant has been provided with all of the information in the case against them.

 

MTA Reform and Funding: The FY 2020 Enacted Budget includes MTA reforms and new dedicated funding streams to the MTA.

 

MTA Reforms

It requires the MTA to develop a reorganization plan by June, modifies MTA Board appointments to align with appointing authority, requires the MTA to undergo an independent forensic audit and efficiency review, calls for a major construction review unit made up of outside experts to review major projects, implements a 20-year capital needs assessment beginning in 2023, increases the competitive procurement threshold from $100,000 to $1 million, establishes a 30-day review notice for comptroller contract approval, and requires public reporting on MTA performance metrics. The budget would require any Capital Program Review Board member who does not approve of the MTA capital plan to issue a written explanation for their veto, and gives the MTA the opportunity to respond and revise the plan so the member may withdraw their veto. The budget will also allow the MTA to debar any contractor that exceeds 10 percent of the contract cost or time on a capital construction project. The Enacted Budget requires any MTA capital project over $25 million to use design-build, saving the MTA time and money.

 

MTA Funding 

• Central Business District Tolling: The MTA funding includes a Central Business District tolling program, the first program of its kind in the nation. This will include the installation of electronic tolling devices on the perimeter of the Central Business District, defined as streets south of 60th Street in Manhattan. The program will be established, operated, and maintained by the TBTA, working closely with the New York City Department of Transportation for installation. A six-member Traffic Mobility Review Board will be established by the TBTA to advise on tolls, exemptions, and credits to ultimately be determined by the TBTA based on recommendations from the Board. Tolls will be variable and passenger vehicles will only be charged once per day. The implementation day will not be before December 31, 2020. This tolling program will leverage $15 billion, which will be dedicated to MTA capital needs.
• The Enacted Budget creates a dedicated lockbox to ensure that 100% of this revenue goes to the MTA capital budget and prohibits the use of these revenues for non-capital spending.  
• Progressive Mansion Tax: To raise resources for the MTA, the Enacted FY 2020 Budget implements a progressive mansion tax on mansions with a combined top rate of 4.15% on the sale of properties valued at $25 million or above. This structure provides for efficient tax administration on high-end properties, raising $365 million that will be deposited into the MTA's Central Business District tolling capital lockbox and will be used to support up to $5 billion in financing for MTA projects. The new rates go into effect on July 1, 2019.
• Internet Sales Tax: The Enacted Budget will provide a consistent framework for the collection of required sales taxes by internet marketplace providers, which is expected to annually generate $160 million in new revenue for local governments and $320 million for the MTA capital plan lockbox, supporting up to $5 billion. Other changes in sales taxes will generate another $48 million in new resources for county governments outside of New York City. 

 

Increases Education Funding and Equity: An increase of over $1 billion in education aid will bring total education funding to a record $27.9 billion, with over 70 percent of the increased funding going to poorer districts. School districts would be required to report how they provide appropriate funding for certain schools.

 

Implements Public Campaign Finance: The FY 2020 Enacted Budget establishes a public financing commission that will have the binding power to implement public campaign financing for legislative and statewide offices, authorizing up to $100 million annually in public funds. The commission will determine specific aspects of the public financing system, including eligibility thresholds, public financing limits, and contribution limits for participating candidates. The commission's findings will be due in a report by December 1, 2019 and will be binding unless modified by law within 20 days.

 

Codifies the Affordable Care Act and Health Exchange into Law: As Washington continues to threaten to roll back the historic progress made with the Affordable Care Act, the codification of key ACA provisions and the New York State Health Exchange into law to ensure that no matter what happens at the federal level, these key provisions are protected in New York State.

 

Prohibits the Use of Plastic Bags: The Enacted Budget includes legislation to ban single-use plastic bags provided to customers and allows counties and cities to opt in to a 5-cent fee on paper bags, with 40 percent of the revenue supporting local programs to buy reusable bags for low and fixed income consumers, and 60 percent of the revenue supporting programs in the State's Environmental Protection Fund.

 

Extends the Women's Agenda: The Enacted Budget mandates coverage for in-vitro fertilization and egg-freezing, establishes rape shield protections for victims of sex trafficking, reforms domestic violence shelter requirements, and invests $26 million in child care to maintain the market rate for districts outside of New York City.

 

Expands Janus Protections: The Enacted Budget provides new safeguards for public sector unions and goes further by extending Janus protections to all local governments in New York and guaranteeing the right to organize and collectively bargain.

 

Enacts the Democracy Agenda: Building upon voting reform passed within the first 10 weeks of the legislative session, additional legislation mandating three hours of paid time off for all New Yorkers to vote on Election Day, enacting online voter registration, funding e-poll books, and expanding upstate voting hours to begin at 6 a.m. are being enacted as part of this year's Budget, and includes $10 million for early voting.

 

Invests in Clean Drinking Water: The FY 2020 Budget will invest an additional $500 million in clean water infrastructure, building on the State's historic $2.5 billion investment.

 

Expands Eligibility for the Excelsior Scholarship Free Tuition Program: As the state's successful free tuition program enters its third year, SUNY and CUNY students whose families make up to $125,000 annually will now be eligible to apply for tuition-free college.

 

Regulates Limos: Enacts new regulations for the limo industry making it a class E felony for knowingly operating a limo where such operation causes the death of another person, creating heightened civil penalties - including higher fines - for operating without State Department of Transportation operating authority or violating DOT safety regulations. Additionally, State Police and DOT will have new authority to retrieve vehicle plates when limos are out of compliance. The Department of Motor Vehicles will be able to refuse and revoke registrations for limos that do not meet federal safety standards. If an unauthorized vehicle seeks an inspection at a licensed inspection station, the inspection station will now be required to report that vehicle to the DMV. Any inspection station found to have improperly issued inspections three times within an 18-month period will have its operating certificate suspended. Stretch limos will be prohibited from making U-turns. Commercial vehicles with a seating capacity of eight or more passengers will be required to carry increased insurance of at least $1.5 million in coverage.

 

Makes the Jose R. Peralta DREAM Act a Reality: First passed by the Legislature earlier this year, the Enacted Budget implements and fully funds the Jose R. Peralta DREAM Act for $27 million.

 

Supports a Complete Census Count: This year's budget authorizes up to $20 million for FY 2020 for outreach and education efforts to ensure all New Yorkers are counted as part of the census. 

 

Ensures Source of Income Protections: New Yorkers who receive some form of lawful source of income including non-wage income or subsidies will now be protected against discrimination in housing. All New Yorkers, including but not limited to, certain domestic violence survivors, veterans, and disabled individuals will be able to file complaints through the New York State Division of Human Rights if they have been discriminated against because of their lawful source of income.

 

Renews Record Funding for the Environmental Protection Fund: The Enacted Budget includes record funding of $300 million, the highest level of funding in the program's history.

NYS - New smoke detector law goes into effect Monday April1, 2019

We all know that properly functioning smoke alarms save lives.

In fact, having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of fatalities in a reported fire in half. It’s no debate that smoke alarms are extremely important when it comes to keeping you and your family safe. That’s why New York State legally requires homeowners to have a smoke alarm in each bedroom, near all sleeping areas and on every level of the home, including the basement.

In late December of 2015, it was announced that New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a new law requiring that all battery-operated smoke alarms sold in New York State be equipped with non-removable, 10-year batteries.

The purpose of this law is simple: if the batteries are sealed in for 10 years, homeowners can’t borrow them for the remote, or forget to change them on an annual basis. That means less non-functional smoke detectors and more early warnings when a fire breaks out. It’s no wonder that this law is being praised by the Fireman’s Association of the State of New York for helping to keep people safe in their homes.

This new law will go into effect on April 1, 2019.

Robert Leonard, public relations chairman of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York, told The Buffalo News “The goal of this legislation is to require all stores in New York to only carry the 10-year, sealed battery smoke alarm.” Retailers have already been stocking and selling 10-year sealed alarms by choice. Traditional non-sealed alarms will not suddenly disappear from your local hardware store, but when they are gone they will not be restocked.

…but it is a good idea to replace your smoke alarms as soon as possible.

There are a number of significant reasons to switch to 10-year sealed smoke alarms. Regardless of your reason, these alarms are considered to be much safer than their non-sealed counterparts by the very folks who would show up to fight a fire in your home. Not only do they help eliminate faulty alarms due to tampering, they drastically reduce the number of false alarms answered by local fire departments due to low battery alert ‘chirping’ sounds. The resources saved from reducing these types of ‘nuisance’ calls help firefighters better serve their communities.

Correctional Officers Union Criticizes Governor and Legislature for Closing Two Prisons

The statement below can be attributed to Michael B. Powers, President of the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association, Inc. (NYSCOPBA):

“The Governor and Legislature have seemingly done the impossible. They’ve made one of the most dangerous prison systems in the country even more dangerous for both incarcerated individuals and correctional officers. The stats don't lie — prison violence is at an all-time high. “By consolidating the incarcerated into other facilities, prisons will be overpopulated and violence will only increase. This does nothing to reduce the prison population and improve prison conditions that certain Legislators and the Governor have been advocating for. If anything, it does the opposite. And the archaic and inhumane practice of double bunking has artificially created open beds, and open beds gives the Administration false justification. “On top of that, closing prisons will undoubtedly devastate two communities and with only 90 days’ notice, despite a law in place mandating one year’s notice. Jobs will be lost, the tax base will suffer and the local economy will be crushed — all because of the Governor and the Legislature. “And if the Administration says there will be no layoffs, we all know that statement is twisting the truth. These closures are going to force families to uproot and move across the state, and that's not a choice that all will make. We demand that the Governor reveal the prisons that will be closed immediately. “Simply put, the Governor and the Legislature have unequivocally turned their backs on the men and women who keep order in our prisons. This is something we won't soon forget.”

Steuben: Mishooks tapped for Tyrtle Beach plunge April 26

BATH – Sometimes jumpers need a little company when they take the plunge into the icy waters of Lake Salubria for a good cause. So – for the first time in its 28-year history – Michael and Tuesday Mishook were tapped for the Tyrtle Beach April 26th fundraiser at the event’s kickoff party Friday at the Bath Country Club. The couple is active in work benefitting youth: Michael Mishook is president of the Bath Central School District Board of Education, and Tuesday Mishook is a Regional Special Education Specialist at GST BOCES. "Tyrtle Beach has done so much for the youth in our area over the years," Michael Mishook said. "Last year (Campbell-Savona principal) Kelley Meade raised $40,000. We hope to do as well this year, if not better." A popular springtime tradition in Steuben County, the fundraiser has raised, in total, more than $700,000 for youth programs in central Steuben in 27 years. Last year 82 youth programs benefited, according to WVIN-FM radio personality Dave Taylor Smith, the event originator and original jumper. "We would love to have the different groups represented here hold their own individual fundraisers to add to our final fund drive at Lake Salubria," he said. All donations are distributed to non-profit grass roots community programs serving young people up to 18 years of age. The groups must be non-discriminatory, and all funds must be used only for the program. The kickoff party Friday drew more 100 supporters and featured the live music of local stars Wendy Owens and Jim Anderson and refreshments, prepared by Restaurant 209, were served by local celebrity waiters. For more information on the April 26 event, call county Youth Bureau Coordinator Bill Caudill at (607) 664-2119 or visit the Tyrtle Beach Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Tyrtle-Beach-471935212855803/.

Obituary: Genevieve Helen Cooper, 89, Wellsville

WELLSVILLE - Genevieve Helen Cooper, 89, of 1939 Stannards Road, passed away at home on Tuesday, March 26, 2019. She was born January 25, 1930 in Titusville, PA the daughter of the late Enjar and Amy (Beebower) Anderson. On May 30, 1963, in Townville, PA, she married Howard G. Cooper who predeceased her on September 7, 2014.

Genevieve graduated from Townville High School and Edinboro College. She was employed as a school teacher for many years in the Wellsville Central School System. She and Howard owned and operated the Style Shop on Main Street in Wellsville, and Herbert Cooper Company in Genesee, PA.

Genevieve is survived by four nephews Bob Anderson, Phil (Leora) Anderson, Bruce (Kathy) Steadman, and Rick Steadman, several great nieces and nephews, and a special friend, Kim Sheets and her family of Wellsville. She was predeceased in addition to her parents by a sister, Carol L. Steadman, a brother Kenneth Anderson, and a brother-in-law Lawrence Steadman.

A private funeral was conducted on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, Inc. in Wellsville with Rev. Greg DeSalvatore presiding. Burial followed in Woodlawn Cemetery. Please consider memorial donations to the SPCA Serving Allegany County. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.

Wellsville: Sons of American Legion to hold Ham & Leek Dinner - tickets limited!

Violent crime in Potter County lands woman in jail

Galeton Boro police on Friday arrested Patricia Eva Belanger, 56, of Westfield, PA. She was charged with felony aggravated assault. Belanger was also charged with the misdemeanor counts of simple assault, engaging in fighting and harassment with physical contact. At 2:30 p.m. Friday, she was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge Christopher Kalacinski who remanded her to Potter County Jail. Bail was set at $50,000. A preliminary hearing will be held April 8th.

Free Community Coffee House Scheduled at Scio Church

SCIO - Area residents will have an opportunity to rejuvenate from winter doldrums Friday night, April 5, when a local church hosts a free coffee house with beverages, refreshments, music, games and other fun activities for children and youth, individuals, couples and families.

This First Friday gathering, which alternates monthly with a free movie night, will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Knights Creek Church, 2987 Knights Creek Road (County Road 9).

The event coincides with the church's growing Friday night children, youth and young adults group for school children and post-school youth which starts at the same times each week.

The church also hosts a number of other community activities, according to Pastor Carl Kemp.

It is offering a six-week series on "What On Earth Am I Here For?," a DVD/discussion study on determining one's purpose in life from teen to elder years.

It is narrated by Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church in California, author of the long-running best-selling book "Purpose Driven Life" which has sold millions of copies and been translated into dozens of languages.  The church also is the developer of Celebrate Recovery, a Saturday night ministry offered weekly at Knights Creek.

A free Community Dinner is offered every Sunday following the church's 11 a.m. worship services, followed by free music lessons for children and adults.  A 6 p.m. evening service follows.

The church offers public prayer for individual, community, county, state, national and world issues from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. each weekday morning.  A weekly Bible study is provided at 6 p.m. Wednesdays.  Knights Creek is joining with the congregation-supported Hope Center in Wellsville during April for a prayer focus on Kids Dangers.

From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays it hosts Celebrate Recovery | Celebrate Victory, an ongoing support for individuals and youth who are struggling with all types of hurts, hangups, habits and negative life issues, with group facilitators also part of the Celebrate Recovery Inside team that offers similar support groups Tuesday nights for men and women in Allegany County Jail.

Further information on these activities is available at www.facebook.com/KnightsCreekChurch or from Casey Jones, church outreach assistance, at bps461@msn.com or (484) 435-0503.

Wellsville - Kids Dangers is April Hope Center Focus

WELLSVILLE - Kids Dangers at all young ages will be the focus during April of the new Hope Center here, identified as a Hub of Hope of Allegany County Churches, as it increases its number of public awareness seminars that also serve as volunteer and church ambassador trainings for its community outreach activities.  Last month's popular seminars on overcoming reading difficulties and helping churches respond well to community and congregational needs also are scheduled.
Required registrations for limited seating are being accepted at bps461@msn.com or (484) 435-0503.  Walk-ins are welcome but only on a space available basis.

April presentations are designed to help equip parents, caregivers, churches, educators and professionals about the ever-increasing pressures being experienced by children and youth and many of the unrecognized dangers that are prevalent both within homes and the community.

     Information will include the impact of childhood trauma on the health of a child, even in adult years, prevalence of drugs, alcohol, vaping, cutting, burning and suicidal thoughts and depression among sixth to 12th grade students in Allegany County, and common dangers that result in over 12,000 unintentional deaths in ages zero to 19 and more than 9.2 million emergency room visits annually in the United States.

     The Hope Center is designed as a drop-in, information and referral and education center for individuals who are seeking information or struggling with all types of life issues.
     It also is developing a Christian lending library, to include free books, and its ongoing education center schedule to help inform the public and churches about current and new community needs and how to receive help and address them.

     The facility is a community outreach ministry of the Mission Genesee Valley coalition of churches, other Christian organizations and individuals that are seeking transformation and revival in all sectors of Allegany County communities and beyond.
     The Hope Center currently is open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays for appointments, assistance, and facility tours and expects to expand its hours as awareness increases and more volunteers are recruited and trained.  Assistance also is available by appointment.

     Currently scheduled April topics, coinciding with several national observances, including Alcohol Awareness Month, National Child Abuse Prevention Month, National Youth Violence Prevention Week, Every Kid Healthy Week, and National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, are.

      -- Childproofing Your Home - Theresa Moore, Allegany County Health Department supervising public health educator, will discuss home situations that can result in sickness, injuries or death, including lead-based paint, radon, food safety, poison control, sunburns and indoor tanning, and more.  Presented at 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday, April 16, and repeated at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 17.

      -- Combating Drugs, Alcohol and Vaping – Ann Weaver, Allegany Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (ACASA) community educator, and Jon Chaffee, Partners for Prevention in Allegany County (PPAC) coalition coordinator, will provide information on children and youth trends for use of alcohol, drugs and dangers of the increasing vaping epidemic.  Ways in which young people disguise substance use in homes, schools, churches and other community settings and responsibilities of parents for such use also will be discussed.  Adult only presentations from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., Thursday, April 11, and repeated at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 16.

      -- Dangers of Early Childhood Trauma as Children Age - Vicki Grant, Allegany County Social Services commissioner.  Learn about lasting impacts of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including a 76 percent chance of developmental delays if a child experiences four ACEs between the ages of zero and three and other negative effects at various life stages, including an average 20 years shorter lifespan if six or more ACEs are experienced without mitigation -1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 18; repeated 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 25.

       -- Facts and Myths About Child Protective Services – Angela Tinder, Allegany County Social Services Department, will discuss how county Child Protective Services works, the services delivery system, and the role of mandated and permissive reporting to the State Central Register - 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, April 29; repeated 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 30.

     In addition, the following popular presentations from last month will be repeated:

      -- Help Struggling Readers Read - Kate Rulison, reading assistance lead at the Hope Center will describe how different types of poor reading skills are impacting thousands of children and adults in Allegany County and the Center's work in helping to overcome this issue – 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday, April 15.

     -- Is It Dyslexia? - Rulison will provide a followup to the reading presentation, highlighting issues specific to identifying and helping those with dyslexia- 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday, April 29.

     -- Developing True Communities of Care in Churches - Hope Center volunteers, church leaders and interested community members will gain insight into a System of Care person-centered approach that assists individuals within congregations and communities and makes a church more attractive to newcomers - 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13.

    In May, the Hope Center's focus will be on mental health as part of national Mental Health Awareness Month. 

     Individuals interested in future Hope Center seminars, workshops, and initiatives can receive advance information by sending names, communities of residence and the word "Subscribe - Hope Center" in the subject line to the information and seminar presentation address at bps461@msn.com.

     Additions and updates to the April and future schedules will be available at www.facebook.com/HopeCenterAlleganyCounty.

  

Allegany County Health Department monthly report

Allegany County Probation Department Report for March 2019

Monthly Report: Allegany County Public Defender - March 2019

March 2019

Allegany County Jail needs to hire Medical Director

The Public Safety will discuss hiring a physician-medical director for the jail when it meets April 3rd: