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Thursday, October 1, 2020

Town of Alma cancels October 6th meeting - family crisis cited

 


International Day of Older Persons

The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) today commemorates the 30th anniversary of the International Day of Older Persons, passed by the United Nations on December 14, 1990. Each year on October 1, the International Day of Older Persons recognizes the important contributions older adults make to communities across the world, and this year raises awareness of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the health and wellness of the older adult population.

 
“The International Day of Older Persons provides an important opportunity to celebrate the contributions older adults make to their families and communities as volunteers and leaders and to the economic health of our state,” said NYSOFA Acting Director Greg Olsen. “Older individuals remain at greater risk for COVID-19, and we need to continue pandemic-related policies and program interventions to protect their health and safety as well as address the areas of need identified throughout this pandemic, such as social isolation." 
 
The emergence of COVID-19 has caused an upheaval across New York and the world. This year’s International Day of Older Persons theme includes a strong focus on the special health needs of older persons and of their contributions to their own health and to the societies in which they live; and increasing understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on older people and its effect on health care policy, planning, and attitudes.
 
New York State’s total population is over 19 million individuals, and 4.6 million people are age 60 and older. An additional 3.7 million people in the state are between 45-59 years old. Older adults are the backbone of our communities, and their social, economic, intellectual, and civic contributions are essential to making our state a great place to live for people of all ages.

During the pandemic, NYSOFA, in partnership with its 59 area agencies on aging and almost 1,200 community-based partners have continued to deliver essential core services. Because New Yorkers have taken seriously the guidance to stay at home and practice social distancing to slow the spread of the virus, the network of aging services professionals has been providing many more enhanced services such as home delivered meals, groceries and supply deliveries; medication deliveries; transportation to critical services such as dialysis, cancer treatments, etc., combating social isolation, identifying and addressing elder abuse and scams, and much more.
 
NYSOFA and the aging services network serve as sources of trusted information, continuously providing facts and ongoing updates about the deadliness of the virus, as well as federal and state issued guidance and protocols to ensure the health and safety of all New Yorkers, particularly high-risk individuals, including older adults and those with underlying health conditions.
 
Access to timely, accurate information about the risks and impact of COVID-19 is critical for all New Yorkers to protect themselves and others.
 
NYSOFA in partnership with BellAge, Inc., and the Association on Aging in New York recently announced the launch of CV19 CheckUp in New York State, a free, anonymous, personalized online tool that evaluates an individual’s risks associated with COVID-19 based on their life situation and individual behavior and provides recommendations and resources to reduce those risks. The tool was developed by BellAge to help people be safer, healthier, and ensure their individual needs are met during the pandemic. CV19 CheckUp fills a critical need for a comprehensive resource that educates, advises, and empowers individuals to help protect themselves from COVID-19: http://newyork.cv19checkup.org/.
 
About the New York State Office for the Aging and Health Across All Policies/Age-Friendly New York
The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) continuously works to help the state’s 4.3 million older adults be as independent as possible for as long as possible through advocacy, development and delivery of person-centered, consumer-oriented, and cost-effective policies, programs, and services that support and empower older adults and their families, in partnership with the network of public and private organizations that serve them.
 
New York is nationally recognized for being the first age-friendly state in the nation. Using the state’s Prevention Agenda as the overarching framework, in 2017, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo launched a Health Across All Policies approach, where public and private partners work together to positively impact population health by marrying health care, preventive health, and community design, in concert with addressing social determinants of health, to improve the lives of all New Yorkers, young and old.
 
Stay connected—download the NYSOFA mobile app for iOS or Android; visit the NYSOFA Facebook page; follow @NYSAGING on Twitter and NYSAging on Instagram; or visit aging.ny.gov.

Cuba: Palmer Opera House program update

CUBA - The Palmer Opera House would like to provide an update.

Our Trivia Nights and Open Mic Nights have been pushed back until 2021. Please stay tuned!

We are ordering more puzzles and they should be in soon!

Bennie & The Jets is RESCHEDULED to MAY 15 due to Covid. All previous tickets sold are being honored for this new date!

The raffle for the Chet Swier is still going on.
Thank you for your on going support!
-The Palmer Opera House

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Getting Down to the Roots

BELMONT, NEW YORK – Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County’s Agriculture Program welcomes you to join us for a zoom presentation, Getting Down to the Roots, led by Allegany County’s Horticultural Educator, Jeremy Baier. The program will be held Tuesday, October 6th, via Zoom, beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Any interest in knowing about the magical kingdom of fungi? So much is unknown about the mycological world, we’ve managed to scrape the surface of life’s underground neural network! We will cover the impact fungi has had on Earth, how life would not exist without it and how fungi can be used to help remediate eroded and dying ecosystems. There will be an opportunity for questions after the presentation has finished.

Pre-registration is required and there is no fee for the program. Please contact Jeremy Baier, Allegany County Cooperative Extension at 585-268-7644 ext. 14, or by email jtb273@cornell.edu for details in order to attend.

 

This zoom presentation is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County (CCE-Allegany). The association is part of the national cooperative extension system, an educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments. As New York’s land grant university Cornell administers the system in this state. For more information, call 525-268-7644 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/allegany. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

UR St. James Primary Care Accepting New Patients

 


October 1, 2020…UR St. James Primary Care is accepting new patients of all ages.  Located at 7309 Seneca Rd., Suite 109 in Hornell, the practice offers complete care for adults, newborns and children.

 

“Our team is comprised of physicians Rhonda Peterson, Adrian Ashdown and Joanne Nazareth, and advanced practitioners Kimberley Betker, Marietta Goodliff, Sharon Smith and Alicia McHale,” said Tammy Criss, practice manager.

 

As part of St. James Hospital, the group provides patients with a proactive approach to primary care.  UR Medicine was the first primary care center in the region to be Level 3 certified by the National Committee for Quality Assurance – the highest rating for this new model of care.

 

“We work proactively to help keep patients healthy, not just treat them once they become sick,” said Criss.  “Our providers are experts in helping patients manage chronic conditions, like diabetes and heart disease, to avoid complications and unnecessary trips to the emergency room.  They work closely with St. James Hospital and specialists at UR Medicine so patients can feel confident they will receive exceptional care for the whole family.”

 

In addition to providing excellent care, St. James Primary Care is supported by the area's most advanced medical records system.

 

“Our system tracks health issues for each patient so that your provider can remind you when you need preventive care, such as a mammogram or colonoscopy,” said Criss.  “This allows us to spend more time with patients, and ultimately have a more positive impact on their health.”

 

UR St. James Primary Care is open weekdays at 8am, with late appointments available on Tuesday and Thursday.  To inquire about becoming a new patient please call (607) 385-3700.

New York State changes the New York Forward Loan fund for businesses

 

NY State Police Blotter

 9/30/20 10pm- State Police arrested Jessie W. Proctor, 37, of Bolivar. He was charged with  criminal mischief. He was released on an appearance ticket for court. The charge stems from September 27th vandalism complaint in the Town of Bolivar.

Important notice to Village of Cuba water customers

From the Village of Cuba:

When our reservoir tank was last inspected, they told us that when the next inspection was due, we would need to totally drain the tank in order to replace the "cathodic protection system". (That is the system that keeps the inside of the tank in great shape.) So, this is the year that we need to get this work completed. We will begin to slowly drain the reservoir on Saturday October 3rd and Sunday October 4th. You may experience a decrease in water pressure on these two days. Once the reservoir is "offline" the well pump will get regular pressure (or close to) back to everyone until the work at the reservoir is complete and is ready to be put back in service. The work at the reservoir should be completed and the reservoir back "online" by Thursday October 8th at the latest.

DPW Superintendent Hall greatly appreciates everyone's patience during this time, and we will work just as quickly and efficiently as possible to get the work completed. If anyone should have any questions regarding this work, please feel free to call the DPW office at 585-968-2487. 

Wellsville Rotary calls off Election Day breakfast

 





Wyoming County COVID-19 update

 


Obituary: Earl L. Eccleston, 81, Tuscarora

Earl L. Eccleston, 81, of Bunker Hill Road, Tuscarora, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 29, 2020.

Born in Greene, NY on February 27, 1939, Earl was the son of the late Martin and Ellen Sprague Eccleston. He attended Addison schools.

On May 1, 1959, he and the former Dora C. “Dolly” Hazen were married at the First Presbyterian Church of Addison. Dolly preceded Earl in death on May 27, 2018.

As a young man Earl was employed by Ingersoll Rand Co. in Painted Post while at the same time he and Dolly operated a small grocery and gas station in Tuscarora. He later worked for Keuka Construction and the Town of Tuscarora Highway Department. Earl eventually found his way to A.L. Blades & Sons in Hornell where he worked for over 35 years as a truck driver, retiring at the age of 72.

Earl served as pit steward at Woodhull Raceway for over 40 years, never missing a race. Dolly worked along with him as a scorer. They were inducted into the Woodhull Raceway Hall of Fame for their contributions there. He was also a long-time member of the Tuscarora Fire Department where he had served as chief and most recently assistant chief under his son Gerry for many years. He never missed a call. If available, he would respond.

Earl raised beef cattle on his farm and enjoyed hunting with his family. The hunting was secondary to the time spent with his sons and grandsons on his hunts. He cherished that time together.

Earl is survived by his children and partners, Gerry and Tammy Eccleston, Earl Calvin Eccleston and Margie Pavlick, Dawn and Tim Vargeson and Michaela “Missy” and Doug Reed, all of Addison, 16 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, his brothers, Larry Eccleston and Al (Susan) Eccleston, his sister, Margie Eccleston, along with several nieces and nephews and his beloved dog, Gizzy.

Besides his wife Dolly and his parents, Earl was predeceased by his infant son, Leroy Eccleston in 1964 and his brother, Gary Eccleston.

Friends may call on Friday, October 2 from 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. at the H.P. Smith & Son Inc. Funeral Home, 1607 Main St. Woodhull, NY. Funeral services will be held there on Saturday at 11 a.m. with Rev. Troy Preston officiating.

Burial will follow in Addison Rural Cemetery.

Memorial donations are suggested for the Tuscarora Fire Department, 1167 Mack Road, Addison, NY 14801.  Current COVID-19 guidelines will be observed.  

Obituary: Harry P. Hardman, 90, Cuba

Harry P. Hardman: Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather

Harry P. Hardman, 90, of 5297 Maple Lane Road, Cuba, passed away Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at Olean General Hospital after a short illness.

Born on February 19, 1930, in Richburg, he was a son of Harry M. and Elga G. Paul Hardman.  On February 14, 1954, in the First Baptist Church, Cuba he married his wife of 66 years the former Esther M. Witter who survives.

Harry was a graduate of Richburg High School.  He then served in the United States Air Force from 1949-1953. 

He had been employed Market Basket in Cuba for 25 years as manager and head of maintenance and later went to work for Empire Cheese of Cuba and worked in the refrigeration and maintenance departments and retiring after ten years of service.

When his children were young, he was active in the Boy Scouts, Eagle Scouts and was Scout Leader for several years in Belfast and Cuba.  He was a 20 plus year member of the Cuba Fire Department and Belfast Fire Department.  He was also a member of the Cuba First Baptist Church, Allegany County Firemen’s Association and Cuba Grange 699.

For many years enjoyed the winter months with his wife in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and the summer months at Sunny Hill Campground in Bolivar.  He enjoyed golfing and camping. 

Surviving in addition to his wife Esther are two sons, David (Ruthanne) Hardman of Cuba and Dale Hardman of Cuba; a daughter Darla Hardman of Cuba; 2 Grandchildren Melissa (Paul) Patanella and Derrick Hardman, and great grandchildren Skylar, Olivia, and Jeremy; two sisters Shirley (Cleo) Brundage of Cuba and Norma (Oliver) Amesbury of Macedon, NY; Several Nieces and Nephews. He was predeceased by his parents.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 3, 2020 from 2-4 p.m. only.  Funeral Services will be private.  The Rev. Alexandra Freer, will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Bolivar, New York. Online condolences may be sent at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com.

Obituary: Regina A. Blamire, 87, of Whitesville

An angel, Regina A. Blamire, 87, of Whitesville, NY, returned to her home in heaven on Tuesday, September 29, 2020. 

Born November 2, 1932, in Upton, MA, she was the daughter of Charles and Winona Waterman Noe. On May 15, 1954, in Upton, she married the love of her life, Gordon “Russ” Blamire, who predeceased her on July 4, 2011. 

Regina is survived by five children: Sherree (Mike) Brownell, Craig (Cyndi) Blamire, Jaimee Vallieres, Peggie Blamire, and Mary “Pickles” Bissett; eleven grandchildren; and twenty great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she will be reunited with her sons John Blamire and Evan Blamire; her two brothers, Charlie Noe and Billy Noe; and her granddaughter, Gina Billings. She also left behind countless others who loved her as their own mother. 

Regina, a/k/a Gina, Mom, Ma, Grandma, Gramma Gina, Reggie, and GiGi, was the light of our lives. Her strength and sense of humor kept all of us going when life got difficult. Her focus in life was always her family and community. When the kids were all grown, she took care of their kids and then her neighbors around town. She truly loved her life and friends in Whitesville. 

Friends may call at First United Methodist Church, 446 Main St., Whitesville, NY on Saturday, October 3, 2020 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., with a Memorial Service following at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Kim Smith will officiate. Burial will be in Whitesville Rural Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Allegany County Office for the Aging, 6085 St. Rt. 19N, Belmont, NY 14813 for the benefit of the Town of Independence group where she attended and enjoyed gathering and visiting with her friends or to the Independence Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 309, Whitesville, NY 14897. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Mulholland-Crowell Funeral Home, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com. 


241 in COVID-19 quarantine in Allegany County

 


15 New Cases of COVID-19 in Steuben

BATH – The Steuben County Public Health Department received notification that 15 Steuben County residents tested positive for COVID-19.  This brings the total to 498 confirmed cases, 146 of which are currently active.  The individuals are residents of the:

·         City of Corning (6)

·         Town of Addison

·         Town of Bath

·         Town of Campbell

·         Town of Cameron (2)

·         Town of Canisteo

·         Town of Caton

·         Town of Rathbone

·         Village of Addison

The individuals are isolated and being monitored by the County Health Department.  Public Health staff investigated and identified close contacts of the confirmed cases and exposure risks.  All those known to have direct contact with the individuals have been notified. 

Per CDC and New York State Department of Health guidance, information is collected beginning 48 hours prior to symptom onset or date of test if asymptomatic through the day of the positive test result to identify any potential exposure risks. 

The investigations indicate:

·         Five individuals are residents of Corning Center

·         Four individuals are employees of Upstate Farms Cheese in Campbell

·         One individual is a student at the BOCES Bush Campus

Public Health worked with the appropriate school contacts, and the impacted staff and students who were found to have direct contact with the positive student at school or on the bus will be quarantined. 

An individual reported visited the following locations within the investigation timeframe, and the churches indicated they were following all protocols. 

·         9/20/20, 9/27/20 – Avoca Baptist Church

·         9/27/20 – Christian Life Baptist Church in Corning

“This round of COVID-19 spread appears to be more aggressive than what we witnessed in the spring,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “The virus is spreading quickly and is reaching everyone from the very young to the very old.  The number of positives in hospitals is rising by the day.  We need everyone to take this very seriously so that there is a chance to slow the spread sooner rather than later.”

All residents should continue to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills or repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell and contact their healthcare provider for instructions if feeling ill.  

Steuben Reports 5 Deaths Related to COVID-19

BATH – The Steuben County Public Health Department received notification Wednesday of the deaths of five individuals who had previously tested positive for COVID-19.  This brings the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Steuben County to 49.  The individuals were all residents of Corning Center and died between September 23 and September 30.  Two females aged 82 and 94 years old and three males aged 72, 78, and 80 years old passed.

“The spike in cases has had us very concerned about the potential for more deaths in Steuben County related to COVID-19,” said Public Health Director, Darlene Smith.  “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family members of those lost at Corning Center.”           

All residents should continue to monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms of fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills or repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell and contact their healthcare provider for instructions if feeling ill. 

For the latest Steuben County updates, visit Steuben County’s website at www.steubencony.org or social media pages: www.facebook.com/SCNYPublicHealth and www.instagram.com/SteubenPublicHealth.

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Wellsville: Lions Club offers free dinner to senior's

 


Potter County Distributes Grants To Businesses, Non-Profit Agencies

(In photo) Terry Gerhart from E&G Auto Plus and Battery Warehouse in Coudersport meets with Ellen Russell to process CARES Act grant paperwork.)

Distribution of nearly $400,000 in financial assistance for small businesses and non-profit organizations reeling from the economic impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic began this week. Potter County Commissioners Nancy Grupp, Barry Hayman and Paul Heimel chose to offer the grant program using federal funds awarded to the county through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Community Development Director Ellen Russell, Chief Clerk Jessica Giebel and Planning/GIS Director Will Hunt assisted the commissioners with the distribution. After an exhaustive review of federal and state guidelines and restrictions on use of the funds, Russell said the team was able to achieve its primary goal. “All Potter County businesses that were deemed eligible based on criteria provided by the Pa. Dept. of Community and Economic Development received funds to help make them whole, up to the cap of $25,000,” she reported.

Primary purpose of the program was to provide immediate relief so that qualifying small businesses and non-profit organizations could retain employees, continue operations, and remain sustainable. The commissioners recognized the need to inject the money into the local economy as quickly as possible, so they fast-tracked the application process. Specifics on the grant program can be found on the county website, pottercountypa.net, clicking on “Help for Small Businesses” in the upper right corner.

NY State Police Blotter

 9/29/20 7:05pm- State Police arrested Nathaniel A. Dejac, 21, of Fillmore. He was charged with aggravated harassment for allegedly communicating threats. He was released on his own recognizance. The charge stems from a September 6th incident in Belfast.

9/28/20 4:06pm- During a traffic stop, Troopers arrested Matthew B. Blank, 31, of Andover. He was charged with driving while intoxicated. He'll be in court at a later date.

9/29/20 1:40pm- State Police arrested Shawna M. Walsh, 31, of Portville. She was charged with seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. She was issued an appearance ticket for court and released.

Belfast and Genesee Valley Schools Discuss Merger of Athletics Programs

Genesee Valley Central School (GVCS) and Belfast Central School are exploring the prospect of merging athletics programs beginning in the 2021-22 school year.

Representatives from both districts have met multiple times over the past year to review current and projected team numbers and to evaluate the feasibility of merging programs.

“Belfast Central School is discussing merging athletic programs to increase opportunities for our students,” said Dr. Wendy Butler, Superintendent at Belfast. “The merger of programs will allow our students to play sports at an appropriate skill and age level throughout their athletic career.”

GVCS Board of Education President Timothy Hand commented: “We have witnessed the decline of athletic participation over the past several years and feel that it is time to look at all options to increase opportunities for student athletes.”

Two meetings have been scheduled to further the conversation and bring other voices to the discussion. On October 1, a joint meeting will be held at Genesee Valley with the Board of Education Athletics Committees and Varsity coaches. A second meeting with community youth sports leaders will convene at Belfast on October 15. Feedback from the communities of each district will be sought throughout the process.

“We are eager to meet with coaches, youth sports organizers, parents, students, and other stakeholders in both communities,” said Butler. “The goal is to determine what steps make the most sense for the students in both districts.”

“We understand there is long standing pride in both communities and that change is never easy,” said Hand. “However, we believe joining forces may be the best way to secure a sustainable athletics program where competitive, age and skill appropriate teams can be built and maintained."