Belmont and Friendship Rotary Clubs Honored for Commitment and Service to Allegany County

Belmont, NY – At the Allegany County Legislative Board meeting held at the Fair on July 17, the Board adopted resolutions recognizing the Belmont Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Friendship, New York, Inc., for their commitment and service to their community and Allegany County.

The first Rotary Club was formed 120 years ago on February 23, 1905, by Paul P. Harris and is one of the largest service organizations in the world.  The Friendship Rotary Club was formed in 1955, and the Belmont Club was formed in 1959.  Both clubs serve as pillars of community service, leadership, and fellowship, embodying the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.”

The Belmont Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Friendship, New York, Inc., have consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others through countless acts of generosity, volunteerism, and civic engagement.

The Belmont Rotary Club has implemented, sponsored, or supported local initiatives including the GVCS Interact Club, Belmont Rotary Basketball Tip-Off Tournament, annual 200 Club, Rotary Foundation Dinner, Genesee Valley Rotary Camp for Children with Disabilities, community flower pots, has financed senior citizens meals each month, Belmont Fire Department Gun Raffle with a lottery board, Christmas trees in Rotary Park and decorations in the Village of Belmont, Wreaths Across America, has provided food for Wellspring Ministries holiday dinners,  Allegany County National Honor Society Scholarship Fund, Amity Daze, scholarships to GVCS Seniors, and Corning Rotary Scripps National Spelling Bee Regional Competition.

The Rotary Club of Friendship, New York, Inc., has implemented and supported local initiatives including providing snacks and beverages for travelers at the Friendship I-86 rest stop and using donations from those events to help finance sending children with disabilities to summer camp, Community Christmas Sparkle, care of Island Park picnic tables and pavilion, and scholarships for two Friendship graduating seniors each year.

Both groups were recognized for exceptional service, unwavering dedication, and profound impact on the lives of others and commitment to “Service Above Self.”

UR Jones Memorial spotlight

This week, our associate spotlight shines on Angel Veley, Supply Cart Aide - Purchasing for the past 10 months. 

“Angel joined Jones Memorial in August 2024. Coming from the manufacturing-sector, Angel brought with her much experience in both inventory and warehouse management. Her experience, as well as her sense of urgency (she’s always hustling), have been great assets to our department, and the hospital. Angel also has a great sense-of-humor and likes to laugh. Given the serious nature of what goes on in a hospital most days, the opportunity to laugh is always welcome. Angel does a great job of keeping day-to-day activities “light,” while making sure the hospital departments get what they need.” - Mark Brophy, Director of Materials Management

What is your favorite part of working at Jones Memorial?

-Meeting people from all departments

What inspired you to pursue working in healthcare?

-The desire to help others

What's the best piece of advice you have ever received?

-Never give up.

Do you have a favorite song, playlist or podcast to get you through your day?

-Upchurch Radio

What is your favorite hobby?

-Spending time with my grandchildren

What's a book, movie or TV show you would recommend to everyone?

-Gift of Valor

What's your dream vacation destination?

-Alaska

What's your favorite quote?

-Live every moment, laugh every day, love beyond words

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?

-The ability to take cancer and other sickness away so everyone could be healthy and happy.

Chuck Mangione - Feels So Good -performed at SUNY Geneseo, dies at 84

Jazz legend Chuck Mangione, known for 'Feels So Good,' dies at 84

NEW YORK (AP) — Two-time Grammy Award-winning musician Chuck Mangione, who achieved international success in 1977 with his jazz-flavored single “Feels So Good” and later became a voice actor on the animated TV comedy “King of the Hill,” has died. He was 84.

Mangione died at his home in Rochester, New York, on Tuesday in his sleep, said his attorney, Peter S. Matorin of Beldock Levine & Hoffman LLP. The musician had been retired since 2015.

Perhaps his biggest hit — “Feels So Good” — is a staple on most smooth-jazz radio stations and has been called one of the most recognized melodies since “Michelle” by the Beatles. It hit No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the top of the Billboard adult contemporary chart.

“It identified for a lot of people a song with an artist, even though I had a pretty strong base audience that kept us out there touring as often as we wanted to, that song just topped out there and took it to a whole other level,” Mangione told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in 2008.

He followed that hit with “Give It All You Got,” commissioned for the 1980 Winter Olympics at Lake Placid, and he performed it at the closing ceremony.

Mangione, a flugelhorn and trumpet player and jazz composer, released more than 30 albums during a career in which he built a sizable following after recording several albums, doing all the writing.

He won his first Grammy Award in 1977 for his album “Bellavia,” which was named in honor of his mother. Another album, “Friends and Love,” was also Grammy-nominated, and he earned a best original score Golden Globe nomination and a second Grammy for the movie “The Children of Sanchez.”

Mangione introduced himself to a new audience when he appeared on the first several seasons of “King of the Hill,” appearing as a commercial spokesman for Mega Lo Mart, where “shopping feels so good.”

Mangione, brother of jazz pianist Gap Mangione, with whom he partnered in The Jazz Brothers, started his career as a bebop jazz musician heavily inspired by Dizzy Gillespie.

“He also was one of the first musicians I saw who had a rapport with the audience by just telling the audience what he was going to play and who was in his band,” Mangione told the Post-Gazette.

Mangione earned a bachelor's degree from the Eastman School of Music — where he would eventually return as director of the school’s jazz ensemble — and left home to play with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers.

He donated his signature brown felt hat and the score of his Grammy-winning single “Feels So Good,” as well as albums, songbooks and other ephemera from his long and illustrious career to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in 2009.

Six graduate from Peace Officer Academy

The Alfred State Police Academy celebrated the graduation of six Peace Officers at a ceremony held recently. The group included Wendy Clemons, Nicholas Gudyka, Thomas Sellers, Jr., Janet St. George, Dominic Lucarelli, and Cody Schneider.

A peace officer enforces laws and ordinances. They may also investigate crimes. They can make arrests, conduct investigations, issue citations for traffic violations, and respond to emergency calls such as domestic violence incidents or fires.

The Peace Officer Academy mirrors the first six weeks of the Alfred State Police Academy where cadets learn the powers of a Peace Officer, NYS Penal Law, NYS Criminal Procedure Law, De-escalation (where they will learn ways to defuse a tense situations), ethics and professionalism, defensive tactics, how to use minimal force to gain compliance without causing injury to either party involved, and use of force. Cadets will also receive instruction on Laws of arrest, interview and interrogation, discretionary powers, use of Narcan for opioid overdoses, fundamental crisis intervention skills, report writing, and professional communications.

All six of the graduates have secured positions:
Wendy Clemons: Cattaraugus County Probation
Nicholas Gudyka: NYS Department of Health
Thomas Sellers, Jr.: NYS Department of Motor Vehicles
Janet St. George: Steuben County Probation
Dominic Lucarelli: Chemung County Probation
Cody Schneider: Allegany County Probation
Scott Richardson was proud of the cadets, “These students excelled in the program, and they have gained the knowledge and tools needed to be successful in their positions. I am proud of their efforts and wish them the best in their endeavors.”

The graduation featured opening remarks by Richardson and Vice President for Student and Employee Affairs Dr. Greg Sammons before Probation Supervisors Jessica McKnight and Carey Brown, delivered a keynote address. Richardson recognized each of the graduates and delivered the closing remarks.

Potter County Fair in Millport begins July 27th

Celebrate the county’s agricultural heritage and join the community when the annual Potter County Fair opens on July 27th!

The entire family will enjoy fun features including children’s activities, entertainment, music, commercial vendors selling their wares, crafts, amusement rides, special arena shows, livestock competitions and exhibits, a wide variety of food and attractions.

Press Release - Fraud, Wyoming County Sheriff

 

Cooling Centers in Allegany County

 

Cooling Centers in Allegany County

Facility Name	Street Address	Phone Number	Days and Hours of Operation
Allegany County Office for the Aging	6085 State Route 19, Belmont, NY 14813	585-268-9390	Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Almond 20th Century Club Library	42 N Main Street Almond NY 14804	607-276-6311	Tues-Fri: 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM Sat: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Andover Free Library	40 Main Street Andover NY 14806	607-478-8442	Tues: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Wed: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Thurs: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Angelica Free Library ( Fan cooled environment	55 W Main St, Angelica, NY	585- 466-7860	Tues: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Wed: 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM Thurs: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Fri: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Sat: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Belfast Public Library	75 Main Street Belfast NY 14711	585-365-2072	Mon: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Tues: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Wed: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Thurs: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Sat: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Belmont Literacy and Historical Library	2 Willetts Avenue Belmont NY 14813	585-268-5308	Mon: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Tues: 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM Thurs: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Fri: 1:00 PM - 5:00PM
Bolivar Shop 'N Save	455 Main St, Bolivar, NY 14715	585-928-1708	Mon-Sun: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Cuba Circulating Library	39 E Main Street Cuba NY 14727	585-968-1668	Mon-Thurs: 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM Sat: 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
David A Howe Public Library (Fan cooled environment)	155 North Main Street Wellsville NY 14895	585-593-3410	Mon-Thurs: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Fri: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sat: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Fillmore Shop 'N Save	44 S Genesee St, Fillmore, NY 14735	585-567-2701	Mon-Sun: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friendship Free Library (Fan cooled environment)	44 W Main St, Friendship, NY 14739	585-973-7724	Tues-Sat: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Genesee Library	8351 State Rte 417 Genesee NY 14754	585-928-1915	July-August: Mon: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Tues: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Wed: 12:00 - 7:00 PM Thurs: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Richburg Colonial Library	160 Main Street Richburg NY 14774	585-928-2694	Mon: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Tues: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Wed: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Thurs: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Rushford Free Library	9012 Main St, Rushford, NY 14777	585 437-2533	Mon: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Tues: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM Wed: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Thurs: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM Fri: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Sat: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Scio Memorial Library	3980 Main Street Scio NY 14880	585-593-4816	Tues: 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM Thurs: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Fri: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Sat: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Whitesville Public Library (Fan cooled environment)	500 Main Street Whitesville NY 14897	607-356-3645	Mon: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Tues: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Wed: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Thurs: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Fri: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Sat: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Wide Awake Club Library	22 N Genesee Street Fillmore NY 14735	585-567-8301	Mon: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Tues: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Wed: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Thurs: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Fri: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sat: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

New York State Police Blotter – July 23/24, 2025

New York State Police Blotter – July 23/24, 2025

7/24/25 12:48 a.m.- After investigating a menacing complaint in the town of Hume, Amity-based state police arrested Todd W. Herring, 61, of Fillmore. He was charged with second-degree menacing with a weapon, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon with intent to use, criminal mischief and reckless endangerment f property. He was taken to the Allegany County Jail for Central arraignment.

Obituary: Wilma F. Johnson, age 96, of North Hornell

NORTH HORNELL - Wilma F. Johnson, age 96, of North Hornell, New York, passed away on July 19, 2025 at Houghton Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

Born on October 13, 1928 in Jasper, New York to Hannah and Lyman Fuhrman, Wilma grew up in Dansville, New York and graduated from Dansville High School

Wilma married John L. Johnson of Hornell, New York, in 1947. In 1963, they bought Waldorf Jeweler’s on Main Street in Hornell, operating it until their retirement in 1990. John and Wilma were active members of the community throughout their lives. Wilma served as the President of the Bethesda Hospital Women’s Auxiliary where she was an active fundraiser for Bethesda Hospital. She was appointed to and served on the Advisory Board to the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANY). Wilma played an important role in the decision to build the new Bethesda Hospital and continued her service on HANY’s Advisory Board concerning the delivery of healthcare to Hornell and other municipalities. 

The Hornell Republican Committee honored Wilma with the Lincoln Award for exemplary service. Wilma also served as the President of the Women’s Republican Club.

The Johnson Family belonged to the United Presbyterian Church. Wilma was an Elder on The Session. She served as Treasurer, chaired the Evangelism and Parish Life Committee, and was on the Church’s 150th Anniversary Committee.

Wilma was known for her fashionable style and sharp dress. She was also an accomplished home cook, hosting regular gourmet dinner parties at her home on Seneca Road. She loved to travel, and together with John, drove across the United States. They traveled to England as part of an exchange through Rotary International and hosted exchange students through the Rotary Youth Exchange. Wilma was an avid reader with an interest in American history. She instilled her love of reading in those around her, especially her granddaughter, Sara, treating the completion of each book as a cause for celebration and excuse to get a new book immediately! Wilma, above all, was a patient listener, always making time for anyone who needed an ear and offering sound, impartial advice.

Wilma will be missed by her surviving relatives: her daughter, Pamela Johnson-Koch, of Canisteo, New York; granddaughter, Sara A. Johnson, and great-granddaughter, Charlotte P. Johnson, both of New Orleans, Louisiana; brother, Robert Fuhrman, of Wake Forest, North Carolina; sister-in-law, Ingrid Fuhrman, of Fairport, New York; a niece and four nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, John L. Johnson; son, Charles P. Johnson; brother, William Fuhrman; and son-in-law, Jack Koch.

There will be no calling hours. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 27, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. at the United Presbyterian Church, 150 Main Street, Hornell, New York. Private interment will be at Rogersville Forest Lawn Cemetery, South Dansville. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org) or Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 N. Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607 (www.shrinerschildren.org) or your cause of choice. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Yvonne Hunt, Faith Rice, Lilli Carpenter, and Deb Hunt for their excellent care of Wilma at home. A special thank you to Beth Tremblay for adopting and caring for Wilma’s cat, George, who passed days after Wilma. Also, to the staff at Houghton Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for their wonderful care during Wilma’s final two months.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main St., Hornell is honored to assist Wilma’s family with the arrangements.

KEEPING KIDS SAFE: GOVERNOR HOCHUL SIGNS LEGISLATION AT BUFFALO BILLS TRAINING CAMP REQUIRING PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO HAVE CARDIAC EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANS

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed Desha’s Law (S.5539A/A.785A), a bill requiring every public school in NY to have a cardiac emergency response plan in place. The Governor was joined by the bill’s sponsor, Senator April Baskin, and is named after Senator Baskin’s late cousin, who tragically passed away at school.The bill signing took place at the Buffalo Bills Training Camp where the Governor was joined by Desha’s family, and leaders from the NFL and Buffalo Bills. Bills Safety Damar Hamlin, the Bills, and NFL have been powerful advocates for heart health and implementing critical training and resources in schools and youth sports following Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest in January 2023 in which he had to be resuscitated on the field during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Governor Hochul previously signed legislation requiring camps and youth sports programs to establish automated external defibrillator, or AED, implementation plans and to have at least one person trained to properly use the AED at camps, games and practice.

“Today is an important day in New York as we take a major step to protect our kids and school communities in the moments that matter most,” Governor Hochul said. “No family should have to experience the heartbreak of losing a child when a life could have been saved. Desha’s Law will ensure our schools are prepared to respond in an emergency, giving every student a better chance at a healthy, active life. It is also another testament to New York’s commitment to getting kids off their phones and outside to play sports, have fun with their friends and experience life to the fullest.”

Desha’s Law (S.5539A/A.785A) requires schools safety plans to include a cardiac emergency response plan that addresses the use of appropriate personnel and measures to respond to incidents involving any individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or similar life-threatening emergency on any school site owned or operated by a school or at a location of a school sponsored event.

State Senator April N.M. Baskin said, “With the implementation of Desha's Law, a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP), a detailed outline on what steps to take in a cardiac emergency, will be in place at every public school across the state. Thank you again Governor Hochul for signing this vital legislation into law today. May Desha's memory save the lives of future student athletes and continue to live in all of our hearts forever.”

Mother of Desha, Anika Florence-Hall said, “Our grief is deep, but knowing Desha inspired this legislation means so much. My family and I are grateful for the passage of this law. Desha will help so many others who I hope will never face the same kind of tragedy.”

Assemblymember Michaelle Solages said, “Desha's Law is a vital bill that will enable our schools to proactively plan and safeguard our student-athletes. This bill is about preparation, not panic, and about empowering health officials and athletic staff to save lives. We have seen how instances of cardiac arrest impact families from all backgrounds—whether on the national level or right here in our local school districts. I am ecstatic that we have passed this bill and appreciate the partnership of Senator April Baskin, the American Heart Association, and Governor Kathy Hochul.”

Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin said, “To know that my experience is leading to real change — not just for people I know, but for lives I may never meet — means the world to me. This is bigger than football. We’re putting the right systems in place to save lives, and that’s a legacy I’m proud to be part of.”

National Football League Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs Kenneth Edmonds said, “On behalf of the National Football League and the more than 40 organizations that make up the Smart Heart Sports Coalition, I applaud Governor Hochul for signing this common-sense, life-saving measure. With this bill crossing the goal line and into law, New York’s school communities and scholastic athletic venues will be better prepared with a plan and the practice to swing into action and respond effectively to a cardiac emergency if it occurs. This is a victory for student safety.”

President of the American Red Cross Training Services Jack McMaster said, “This bill is a step towards making schools and communities across the country safer by ensuring access to AEDs, providing CPR training and creating emergency response plans, we are excited to be a part of the NFL Smart Heart Sports Coalition which has advocated for this lifesaving legislation. We look forward to working with schools nationwide as they train for the moments that matter.”

City of Hornell recognizes lifesavers

Photo(from left): Firefighter Justin Morse, Paramedic Chad Hancock, Paramedic Mark Joy, Fire Chief Frank Brzozowski, Mayor John Buckley, and Lyndsey McCoy.

The City of Hornell is excited to recognize Lyndsey McCoy and Josh Sikorski for their swift and decisive actions during a recent Hornell Steamers baseball game where an umpire collapsed. 

McCoy, an assistant athletic trainer at Alfred University and current trainer for the Hornell Steamers, quickly recognized the seriousness of the situation and was at the umpire’s side within seconds with a defibrillator. Sikorski, the athletic trainer for the visiting Olean Oilers, also quickly responded, and the two worked together to provide aid until an ambulance from the City of Hornell’s Fire Department, including paramedic Mark Joy and Firefighter Justin Morse, arrived on scene. Also assisting was paramedic Chad Hancock who was in attendance. 

Thanks to the care provided on the field, in the ambulance, and at UR Medicine St. James Hospital, the umpire made a full recovery and was discharged later that evening. 

The City of Hornell would like to recognize McCoy and Sikorski for their knowledge, professionalism, and calm response under pressure, which helped lead to the best possible outcome. 

Olean - Traffic Stop Drug Arrest

 

Cattaraugus Deputies make arrest in Belfast

 

Cuba Police Blotter

*** Press Release ***

On July 22nd, 2025, at approximately 6:21PM, Cuba Police arrested Skyanne Carpenter, 27, of Wellsville, NY. Carpenter was arrested on an active bench warrant. Carpenter was sent to the Allegany County Jail to await arraignment. Carpenter is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of Law. The Cuba Police Department was assisted by the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office.

*** Press Release ***

On July 22nd, 2025, at approximately 10:00PM, Cuba Police arrested Jessie M. Tarr, 50, of Cuba, NY. Tarr was arrested on charges of forgery 3rd (Misdemeanor) and grand larceny 3rd (Felony). Tarr was processed and sent to the Allegany County Jail. These charges stem from a 6 month investigation in which Tarr allegedly forged documents and stole from a local business. Tarr is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of Law.

Job Opportunities at Andover Central School District for 2025-2026

 

Job Opportunities at Andover Central School District for 2025-2026!

The Andover Central School District is excited to announce immediate job vacancies for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year.

We are currently seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our team in the following positions:

Cook/Manager

Speech Pathologist/Therapist

Professional Development/Curriculum Coordinator (through CA BOCES)

If you're interested in making a meaningful impact in our school community, please apply online today! We look forward to welcoming new members to our dynamic team.

Links to apply can be found here:

https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/54083843